Environmental Research Database

DescriptionM291272: Annex A: Project specification Introduction Lowland grassland habitats host a wide range of rare, scarce and declining flowering plants, some of which are afforded protection under UK and EU legislation, as well as qualifying for Red Data lists and Biodiversity Action Plan priority lists. Other scarce species while not qualifying for the above designations are still of conservation significance and should help inform our priorities for lowland grassland habitat management. At prese [continued...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The goal of the Fifteenmile Creek Habitat Improvement project is to improve wild winter steelhead habitat in the Fifteenmile Creek Basin. This goal was addressed under the Columbia River Basin Fish and Wildlife Program, Measure 703 (c) (1) - Action Item 4.2. Construction of fish habitat structures was completed on approximately 3.5 miles of Eightmile Creek and on approximately 8.5 miles of Fifteenmile Creek. A total of 15,435 yds of rock was placed to improve rearing and spawning habitat, and to improve water quality and reduce siltation. Riparian protection fencing was completed on 1.8 miles of Dry Creek, approximately 1.75 miles on Eightmile Creek, and 4.75 miles on Fifteenmile Creek. Approximately 10 miles of stream will receive protection from the 8 miles of new fencing installed and 6.5 miles of abandoned fence repaired. Irrigation withdrawal screens were installed at six ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Managing sites contaminated with munitions constituents is an international challenge. Although the choice of approach and the use of Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA) tools may vary from country to country, the assurance of quality and the direction of ecotoxicological research are universally recognized as shared concerns. Drawing on a multidisciplinary team of contributors, 'Ecotoxicology of Explosives' provides comprehensive and critical reviews available to date on fate, transport, and effects of explosives. The book delineates the state of the science of the ecotoxicology of explosives, past, present, and recently developed. It reviews the accessible fate and ecotoxicological data for energetic materials (EMs) and the methods for their development. The chapters characterize the fate of explosives in the environment, then provide information on their ecological effects in key environmental media, including aquatic, sedimentary, and terrestrial ...

International Science & Technology Center (ISTC)

Investigation of Destruction Mechanisms in Reactor Steels and Alloys under Cycling Deformation

Science.gov (United States)

This coverage describes forest practices and habitat conditions in the Hoh Usual and Accustomed Areas....

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Changes in physical and chemical characteristics of aquatic habitats made to reduce or eliminate ecological risks can sometimes have unforeseen consequences. Environmental management activities on the U.S. Dept. of Energy reservation in Oak Ridge, Tennessee,have succeeded in improving water quality in streams impacted by discharges fi-om industrial facilities and waste disposal sites. The diversity and abundance of pollution-sensitive components of the benthic macroinvertebrate communities of three streams improved after new waste treatment systems or remedial actions reduced inputs of various toxic chemicals. Two of the streams were known to be mercury-contaminated from historical spills and waste disposal practices. Waterborne mercury concentrations in the third were typical of uncontaminated systems. In each case, concentrations of mercury in fish, or the apparent biological availability of mercury increased over the period during which ecological metrics ...

Science.gov (United States)

... preferentially settled in habitats with supplemental food, only male meadow voles showed a settlement pattern significantly different from that ... ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability to enhance distribution of eelgrass (Zostera marina) in the Columbia River Estuary to serve as refuge and feeding habitat for juvenile salmon, Dungeness crab, and other fish and wildlife. We strongly suspected that limited eelgrass seed dispersal has resulted in the present distribution of eelgrass meadows, and that there are other suitable places for eelgrass to survive and form functional meadows. Funded as part of the Bonneville Power Administration's call for Innovative Projects, we initiated a multistage study in 2008 that combined modeling, remote sensing, and field experimentation to: (1) Spatially predict habitat quality for eelgrass; (2) Conduct experimental plantings; and (3) Evaluate restoration potential. Baseline in-situ measurements and remote satellite observations were acquired for locations in the Lower Columbia River Estuary (LCRE) to determine ambient ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Integrated Status and Effectiveness Monitoring Program (ISEMP - BPA project No.2003-0017) has been created as a cost effective means of developing protocols and new technologies, novel indicators, sample designs, analytical, data management and communication tools and skills, and restoration experiments that support the development of a region-wide Research, Monitoring and Evaluation (RME) program to assess the status of anadromous salmonid populations, their tributary habitat and restoration and management actions. The most straightforward approach to developing a regional-scale monitoring and evaluation program would be to increase standardization among status and trend monitoring programs. However, the diversity of species and their habitat, as well as the overwhelming uncertainty surrounding indicators, metrics, and data interpretation methods, requires the testing of multiple approaches. Thus, the approach ISEMP has adopted is to ...

KoreaScience (Korea)

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British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The results of the thermal dissolution of Barzas sapromyxite coal in benzene under supercritical conditions in a flow system are reported. It was found that the mechanical pretreatment of coal under intense impact bending conditions resulted in an increase in the yield and a change in the group composition of the liquid products: in the high-temperature region of the process, the concentration of high-molecular-weight components (preasphaltenes, asphaltenes, and resins) increased.

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

A large group of diseases, termed protein misfolding disorders, share the common feature of the accumulation of misfolded proteins. The possibility of a common mechanism underlying either the pathogenesis...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The rapidly emerging science of epigenetics and epigenomic medicine promises to reveal novel insights into the susceptibility to and the onset and progression of epileptic disorders. Epigenetic...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The pleiotropic actions of neuromodulators on pre- and postsynaptic targets present challenges to disentangling the mechanisms underlying regulation of synaptic transmission. Within the striatum,...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The decline in immune function with aging, known as immunosenescence, has been implicated in evolutionarily diverse species, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are not understood. During aging...Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Metastable austenitic steels show excellent mechanical properties, such as high strength combined with excellent ductility and toughness due to martensitic transformation under mechanical loading (transformation induced plasticity effect). A good energy consumption, and, in the case of high-alloyed metastable austenitic steels, a high corrosion resistance, increase the potential of these materials for diverse applications, also in regard of safety requirements. Up to now, numerous wrought alloys were investigated concerning mechanical behaviour, TRIP-effect, martensitic transformation behaviour and modelling of transformation kinetics or stress-strain behaviour. New high alloyed cast CrMnNi-steels, developed at Technical University Bergakademie Freiberg, provide the chance to reduce processing steps, production time and costs. In order to understand the influence of temperature on the martensitic phase ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Papers are presented under the following topics: machine control and automation; rock drilling; cutting and fragmentation; rock characterization, remote sensing and interface detection; artificial intelligence and mine monitoring systems; computer applications; mechanical excavators; material handling; surface and underground mining; innovative mining systems; new developments in mechanical miners; ground hazard detection and control; ground support; and extraterrestrial mining.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Surveys for interior wetland birds at mine-associated emergent wetlands on coal surface mines in southern Illinois detected one state threatened and two state endangered species. Breeding by least bittern (Ixobrychus exilis) and common moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) was confirmed. Regional assessment of potential wetland bird habitat south of Illinois Interstate 64 identified a total of 8,109 ha of emergent stable water wetlands; 10% were associated with mining. Mine-associated wetlands with persistent hydrology and large expanses of emergent vegetation provide habitat that could potentially compensate for loss of natural wetlands in Illinois.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Seasonal and habitat calliphorid abundance and distribution were examined weekly for two years (2001-2003) in Santa Clara County, California, using sentinel traps baited with bovine liver. Of the 34,389 flies examined in three defined habitats (rural, urban, and riparian), 38% of the total catch represented Compsomyiops callipes (Bigot) and 23% represented Phormia regina (Meigen). Other flies collected in this survey included Calliphora vomitoria (Linnaeus), Calliphora latifrons (Hough), Lucilia sericata (Meigen), Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann), and Lucilia mexicana (Macquart), which is a new record for the area. Multivariate MANOVA and ANOVA (P 0.05) analysis indicate significant seasonal habitat preference for all fly species examined. This information may be used to identify potentially fo...

Science.gov (United States)

Jun 16, 2011 ... Title: Chapter 21: Oceanographic Processes and Marine Productivity in Waters Offshore of Marbled Murrelet Breeding Habitat ...

Science.gov (United States)

... will utilize man-made habitats, including artificial wetlands, waste water ponds, water hazards on golf courses, and an abandoned ... ...

Science.gov (United States)

... Tech. Rep. SE-22.423 pp. 1982. Servo Hanebrink, E.L., A.F.Posey, and K. Sutton. ... ...

Science.gov (United States)

... the area covered by the point-count grid, stopping approximately every 100 m, stepping away from the vehicle, and scanning with binoculars for mountain plovers. Once ... ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Nest locations of breeding birds are often spatially clustered. This tendency to nest together has generally been related to a patchy distribution of nesting habitat in landscape studies, but behavioral studies of species with clustered breeding patterns draw attention to the importance of social and biotic factors. Indeed, it is becoming increasingly apparent that the breeding system of many territorial, migrant birds may be semi-colonial. The reasons for, and extent of, spatial clustering in their breeding systems are not well understood. Our goal was to tease apart the influence of habitat availability and social drivers of clustered breeding in a neotropical migrant species, the hooded warbler (Wilsonia citrina). To test alternative hypotheses related to clustered habitat or conspecifi...

Science.gov (United States)

... Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, the University of Hawaii, BAE Systems Spectral Solutions and Analytical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLC. ... ...

Science.gov (United States)

... Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, the University of Hawaii, BAE Systems Spectral Solutions and Analytical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLC. ... ...

Science.gov (United States)

... surveys, and increasing interest in both developing an oyster aquaculture industry and scaling up restoration efforts by federal, ... ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

We present modeling, simulation, and characterization for the dynamic response of clamped-clamped microbeams under mechanical shock. A Galerkin-based reduced-order model is utilized and its results are verified by comparing to finite-element results. The results indicate that the response of a microbeam to mechanical shock is inherently non-linear because of the dominating effect of mid-plane stretching. The effect of the shock pulse shape is investigated. It is concluded that the shape of the shock pulse can result in significant dynamic amplification in the response of the microbeam even in cases where the shock load is considered quasi-static.The combined effect of the electrostatic force and mechanical shock is investigated. The results show that this combined effect can lead to early ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Rotary screw traps, located at four sites in the Grande Ronde River basin, were used to characterize aspects of early life history exhibited by juvenile Onchorhychus mykiss during migration years 1995-99. The Lostine, Catherine Creek and upper Grande Ronde traps captured fish as they migrated out of spawning areas into valley rearing habitats. The Grande Ronde Valley trap captured fish as they left valley habitats downstream of Catherine Creek and upper Grande Ronde River rearing habitats. Dispersal downstream of spawning areas was most evident in fall and spring, but movement occurred during all seasons that the traps were fished. Seaward migration occurred primarily in spring when O. mykiss smolts left overwintering area located in both spawning area and valley habitats. Migration patterns exhibited by O. mykiss suggest that Grande Ronde Valley habitats are used for overwintering ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This document contains summary reports of stream habitat surveys, conducted in the Cowlitz River basin, by the Bureau of Fisheries (BOF, now National Marine Fisheries Service) from 1938-1942. These surveys were part of a larger project to survey streams in the Columbia River basin that provided, or had provided, spawning and rearing habitat for salmon and steelhead. The purpose of the survey was, as described by Rich, [open quotes]to determine the present condition of the various tributaries with respect to their availability and usefulness for the migration, breeding, and rearing of migratory fishes[close quotes]. Current estimates of the loss of anadromous fish habitat in the Columbia River Basin are based on a series of reports published from 1949-1952 by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The reports were brief, qualitative accounts of over 5000 miles of stream surveys conducted by the BOF from 1934-1946. Despite their ...

Science.gov (United States)

Anthropogenic nitrogen (N) deposition affects many natural processes, including forest litter decomposition. Saprotrophic fungi are the only organisms capable of completely decomposing lignocellulosic (woody) litter in temperate ecosystems, and therefore the responses of fungi to N deposition are critical in understanding the effects of global change on the forest carbon cycle. Plant litter decomposition under elevated N has been intensively studied, with varying results. The complexity of forest floor biota and variability in litter quality have obscured N-elevation effects on decomposers. Field experiments often utilize standardized substrates and N-levels, but few studies have controlled the decay organisms. Decomposition of beech (Fagus sylvatica) blocks inoculated with two cord-forming basidiomycete fungi, Hypholoma fasciculare and Phanerochaete velutina, was compared experimentally under realistic levels of simulated N deposition at ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundTobacco smokers are more susceptible to periodontitis than non-smokers but exhibit reduced signs of clinical inflammation. The underlying mechanisms are unknown. We have...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundEpidemiological studies have shown a J- or U-shaped relation between alcohol and type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease (CHD). The underlying mechanisms are not clear....Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Disorders of mitochondrial fat metabolism lead to sudden death in infants and children. Although survival is possible, the underlying molecular mechanisms which enable this outcome have not yet been...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Previous studies in several different trigeminal nerve injury/inflammation models indicated that the hyperexcitability of primary afferent neurons contributes to the pain pathway underlying mechanical...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundDysregulation of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system, a common consequence of adiposity-induced insulin resistance, may be a key underlying mechanism...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundTo better understand the underlying mechanisms involved in trunk motion during a tennis serve, this study aimed to examine the (1) relative motion of the middle and lower...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Mechanisms underlying cold hypersensitivity in neuropathic states are unclear. Recent data indicate both TRPM8 and TRPA1 play a role. In relation to TRPA1, there are reported increases in mRNA....Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Calorie restriction (CR) induces a metabolic shift towards mitochondrial respiration; however, molecular mechanisms underlying CR remain unclear. Recent studies suggest that CR-induced mitochondrial...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Larvae of an anhydrobiotic insect, Polypedilum vanderplanki, accumulate very large amounts of trehalose as a compatible solute on desiccation, but the molecular mechanisms underlying...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Heart failure affects nearly 6 million Americans, with a half-million new cases emerging each year. Whereas up to 50% of heart failure patients die of arrhythmia, the diverse mechanisms underlying...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

SUMMARYEstrogen has an important role in the reconstruction of a new vascular network in the endometrium during each menstrual cycle; however, the underlying mechanisms...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Failure of bone under monotonic and cyclic loading is related to the bone mineral density, the quality of the bone matrix and the evolution of microcracks. The theory of linear elastic fracture...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Biological membranes are lamellar structures composed of two leaflets capable of supporting different mechanical stresses. Stress differences between leaflets were generated during micromechanical experiments...Full Text Available

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

A detailed chemical kinetic reaction mechanism is developed for primary reference fuel mixtures of n-hexadecane and 2,2,4,4,6,8,8-heptamethyl nonane for diesel cetane ratings. The mechanisms are constructed using existing rules for reaction pathways and rate expressions developed previously for the primary reference fuels for gasoline octane ratings, n-heptane and iso-octane. These reaction mechanisms are validated by comparisons between computed and experimental results for shock tube ignition and for oxidation under jet-stirred reactor conditions. The combined kinetic reaction mechanism contains the submechanisms for the primary reference fuels for diesel cetane ratings and submechanisms for the primary reference fuels for gasoline octane ratings, all in one integrated large kinetic reac...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The physics and technology of a new class of efficient composite piezoelectrics are described. This material combines nanostructured and micropiezoelectric matrix composites. They consist of a polymer matrix, an insulating nanodimensional phase, and a microdimensional piezoelectric phase. It is shown that the nanostructuring of the near-surface region of polymer-PZT piezoelectric composites greatly improves their piezoelectric, mechanical, and electromechanical characteristics. A plausible mechanism underlying this effect is suggested.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A cellular membrane exchanges substances into and from the cell and protects the cell interior by maintaining semi-fluidity rather than be being solid. It is known that microorganisms maintain the fluidity in correspondence with varying environmental temperatures by changing and adjusting the composition of fatty acids which constitute the cellular membrane lipids. As part of the studies to elucidate the pressure withstanding mechanism in deep-sea bacteria, this paper investigates what variations the fatty acid composition, which constitutes cellular membranes of the DSS12 strain, a pressure withstanding bacterium growing well under either normal pressure or high pressures, will show under different culturing temperatures and pressures. Culture under low temperatures and culture under high pressures increase content of unsaturated fatty acids including icosapentanoic acid. Culture ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The relative risk model (RRM) was applied in regional ecological risk assessments successfully. In this study, the RRM was developed through increasing the data of risk source and introducing the source?stressor?habitat exposure filter (SSH), the endpoint?habitat exposure filter (EH) and the stressor?endpoint effect filter (SE) to reflect the meaning of exposure and effect more explicit. Water environment which include water quality, water quantity and aquatic ecosystems was selected as the ecological risk assessment endpoints. The Luanhe River Basin located in the North China was selected as model case. The results showed that there were three low risk regions, one medium risk region and two high risk regions in the Luanhe River Basin. The results also indicated habitat destruction was th...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The fundamental mechanisms underlying the chemical degradation of polymers can change as a function of environmental stress level. When this occurs, it greatly complicates any attempt to use accelerated tests for predicting long-term material degradation behaviors. Understanding how degradation mechanisms can change at different stress levels facilitates both the design and the interpretation of aging tests. Oxidative degradation is a predominant mechanism for many polymers exposed to a variety of different environments in the presence of air, and there are two mechanistic considerations which are widely applicable to material oxidation. One involves a physical process, oxygen diffusion, as a rate-limiting step. This mechanism can predominate at high stress levels. The second is a chemical process, the time-dependent decomposition of peroxide species. This leads to chain branching ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

It is hypothesized that the good performance of Alloy 800 in steam generator service is due to its relative immunity to two distinct mechanisms of stress corrosion cracking; the argument also applies to intergranular corrosion. One mechanism operates in the high-nickel region (Alloy 600 and nearby model alloys) and is due to internal intergranular oxidation. The other operates in the low-nickel (stainless steel) region and is due to de-alloying of Fe and/or Cr. This latter mechanism may, under special conditions, operate in high-Ni, high-Cr alloys such as 690. Some essential features of the de-alloying mechanism are demonstrated using strong caustic solutions, and the prospect of extending this approach to dilute high-temperature environments is discussed. (author)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The combustin of chloroethane is modeled as a stirred reactor so that we can study critical emission characteristics of the reactor as a function of residence time. We examine important operating conditions such as pressure, temperature, and equivalence ratio and their influence on destructive efficiency of chloroethane and production of other chlorinated products. The model uses a detailed chemical kinetic mechanism that we have developed previously for C{sub 3} hydrocarbons. We have added to this mechanism the chemical kinetic mechanism for C{sub 2} chlorinated hydrocarbons developed by Senkan and coworkers. Some reactions have been added to Senkan's mechanism and some of the reaction-rate expressions have been updated to reflect recent developments in the literature. In the modeling calculations, sensitivity coefficients are determined to find which reaction-rate constants have the largest ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

This study was undertaken to determine which rodent species serve as primary reservoirs for the Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi in commonly occurring woodland types...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Patient-centered interdisciplinary health care for children with chronic medical disorders represents an evolution from the traditional “stop and go” treatment for acute illnesses. This...Full Text Available

Science.gov (United States)

... recognized in the genus in which one inhabits forest litter and the other inhabits streams (Verdade, 2005). The forest litter species deposit their eggs in humid habitats, with ... ...

Science.gov (United States)

... describe the relationship (Peake and Quinn, 1993). The power model was considered best if the R2 from this ... when stone abundance was low (Fig. 2). The power model best described the nonlinear relations...

Science.gov (United States)

... trees, data showing a better fit to a power model than to a negative exponential model. Invading Pinus ... power law models were significantly negative. The inverse power model accounted for a considerabl...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundPopulation densities of many species throughout the world are changing due to direct persecution as well as anthropogenic habitat modification. These changes may induce...Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

No abstract prepared.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The 2,860-acre Conforth Ranch near Umatilla, Oregon is being considered for acquisition and management to partially mitigate wildlife losses associated with McNary Hydroelectric Project. The Habitat Evaluation Procedures (HEP) estimated that management for wildlife would result in habitat unit gains of 519 for meadowlark, 420 for quail, 431 for mallard, 466 for Canada goose, 405 for mink, 49 for downy woodpecker, 172 for yellow warbler, and 34 for spotted sandpiper. This amounts to a total combined gain of 2,495 habitat units -- a 110 percent increase over the existing values for these species combined of 2,274 habitat units. Current water delivery costs, estimated at $50,000 per year, are expected to increase to $125,000 per year. A survey of local interest indicated a majority of respondents favored the concept with a minority opposed. No contaminants that would preclude the Fish and Wildlife Service ...

Science.gov (United States)

... relative suitability of areas for production of commercial timber was determined based on considerations of operability, proximity ... habitats, and an ecologically-based estimate of sustainable timber pr...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Industrial utilization of reaction mechanisms of microorganisms under anaerobic condition permits structuring energy saving type production processes. The present survey has investigated features of new microorganisms under anaerobic condition and the status of researches thereon inside and outside the country, and discussed their future applications. Chapter 1 compares anaerobic microorganisms and functions of microorganism under anaerobic condition with those aerobic to describe their general features, and describes the purpose of this survey and the summary of the investigations. Chapter 2 surveys the current status of technologies to utilize microorganisms under anaerobic condition. Chapter 3 outlines metabolic characteristics of the anaerobic microorganisms, and extracts functions effective for material production by different anaerobic microorganisms to describe their ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Diverse and productive wetlands have resulted from coal mining in the midwest. The trend from surface to underground mining has increased the potential for subsidence. Planned subsidence of longwall mining areas provides increased opportunities for wetland habitat establishment. Planned subsidence over a 180 meter (590 foot) deep longwall mine in southern Illinois during 1984 to 1986 produced three subsidence wetlands totaling 15 hectares (38 acres). The resulting palustrine emergent wetlands enhanced habitat diversity within the surrounding palustrine forested unsubsided area. Habitat assessments and evaluations of avian utilization of the subsidence wetlands were conducted during February 1990 through October 1991. Avian utilization was greatest within the subsided wetlands. Fifty-three bird species representing seven foraging guilds utilized the subsidence wetlands. Wading/fishing, dabbling waterfowl, and insectivorous ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Fisheries co-managers of U.S. v Oregon supported and directed the construction and operation of acclimation and release facilities for Snake River fall Chinook from Lyons Ferry Hatchery at three sites above Lower Granite Dam. In 1996, Congress instructed the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USCOE) to construct, under the Lower Snake River Compensation Plan (LSRCP), final rearing and acclimation facilities for fall Chinook in the Snake River basin to complement their activities and efforts in compensating for fish lost due to construction of the lower Snake River dams. The Nez Perce Tribe (NPT) played a key role in securing funding and selecting acclimation sites, then assumed responsibility for operation and maintenance of the facilities. In 1997, Bonneville Power Administrative (BPA) was directed to fund operations and maintenance (O&M) for the facilities. Two acclimation facilities, Captain John Rapids and Pittsburg Landing, are located on the Snake River ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The PERMCAT process chosen for the final clean-up stage of the Tokamak Exhaust Processing system of the ITER tritium plant combines in a single component a catalytic reactor and a permeator using Pd/Ag membranes. This study covers the mechanical behaviour of a Pd/Ag membrane under different operating conditions. The consequences of hydrogen uptake by the membrane during nominal operation but also during off-normal events are presented. Depending on the operating conditions, expansions around 2% and significant deformations are observed. Different mechanical designs of PERMCAT reactors are then discussed. The first generation comprises finger-type membranes and two new mechanical designs use either additional edge welded bellows or a special corrugated Pd/Ag membrane. These upgraded designs improve the robustness and simplify the geometry of the component. The experimental validation of these new units ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The design of high level radioactive waste (HLW) repositories in deep geological media in which bentonite clay is proposed as a sealing material leads to the need of further studying the behaviour of highly compacted expansive soils when subjected to mechanical, hydraulic and thermal changes. Laboratory tests may help to understand the processes that take place in the clay barrier under simple and controlled conditions and to develop the governing equations. The laboratory tests enable to isolate the different processes, making their interpretation easier, and provide with fundamental data concerning the parameters to be used in the models. The extremely low permeability of these materials, their avidity for water (high suction) and their high swelling capacity make necessary the modification of the conventional laboratory techniques and procedures to determine basic physical parameters. The main hydraulic properties of the barrier to be ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Accelerated aging tests have been conducted to evaluate the long-term durability of cementitious material against aggressive ions. In tests, cementitious specimens were immersed in the solutions containing concentrated aggressive ions at high temperature and it promoted diffusion of the ions in the specimen. This method would be suitable for the evaluation on the aging as the alteration of the specimen would be expected to resemble the natural behavior. This paper presents a classification of alteration mechanism in the immersion tests using MgCl{sub 2} and Na{sub 2}SO{sub 4} solution. This classification was done by relating the changes of compressive strength to microscopic and mineralogical changes.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The paper outlines the underlying physical mechanisms by which electric and magnetic fields exist, with particular reference to high voltage transmission lines. Epidemiological and laboratory studies are the two approaches used in research into the subject and the shortcomings and inconstancies in the results are mentioned. Recent epidemiological results are presented together with possible mechanisms between fields and the human body. Attention is drawn to the work of certain international and national bodies concerning the alleged association between electromagnetic fields and ill-health, and their conclusions are reported. Finally, the policy of the Electricity Supply Board in Ireland is outlined. 2 figs.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

During the first phase of this project, significant progress was made in several of the connected issues that make up the objectives of this grant. The central thrust or theme of this work under the DOE/ERIP grant is to carry out prototype testing of the concept of tribopolymerization as a novel mechanism of boundary lubrication--under more severe, high-load, high-speed conditions that are most likely to exist in field applications. The authors see this as an important step in attracting industries to license and market the results of this new technology. In addition, they have began to explore other potential, energy-saving applications of the concept of tribopolymerization. These exploratory studies are quite promising; they are likely to open new doors in industrial applications. To carry out the experimental part of this program, a new device has been built. Highlights of these and other developments are given.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The mechanical stability of diamond-like carbon (DLC) films coated on nitinol vascular stents was investigated under cyclic loading condition by employing a stent crimping system. DLC films were coated on the vascular stent of a three dimensional structure by using a hybrid ion beam system with rotating jig. The cracking or delamination of the DLC coating occurred dominantly near the hinge connecting the V-shaped segments of the stent where the maximum strain was induced by a cyclic loading of contraction and extension. However the failures were significantly suppressed as the amorphous Si (a-Si) buffer layer thickness increased. Interfacial adhesion strength was estimated from the spalled crack size in the DLC coating for various values of the a-Si buffer layer thickness.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Machines and structures, such as automobiles are usually subjected to biaxial or three-axial stresses instead of uniaxial stress. However, research on a fatigue failure under multi-axial stress has not been fully presented because such experiments are difficult. To solve this problem, we developed the servo biaxial fatigue-testing machine. In this research, we performed the biaxial fatigue tests of a magnesium alloy in order to clarify the effects from different heat treatments. Magnesium alloy is the lightest in weight among metal materials for structural use. The fatigue characteristics of a magnesium alloy are indispensable in order to create the design which ensures the reliability and the safety of the vehicles especially in long-distance run. The main conclusions are summarized as follows; (1) The mechanical property of magnesium alloy AZ31B falls by heat treatment at low temperature. (2) The crack progress speed becomes quick by the fall ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The objective of this paper is to analyze the implications of varying degrees of financial openness for the impact of technology shocks on a real, small open economy with financial and informational frictions. Aggregate fluctuations and propagation mechanisms under increasing financial openness are investigated in a dynamic, stochastic, general equilibrium framework in the case of positive technology shocks. The imperfections in the economy in the form of informational asymmetries among the agents and uncertainty in the production process necessitate financial intermediation and collateralized borrowing in the economy. The reason to abstract from money in the setup of the framework is to be able to concentrate on the real implications of increasing financial openness for the effect of tech...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Doped ultrafine silicon dioxide powder with a narrow particle size distribution was obtained by RF discharge-stimulated dichlorosilane (SiH2C) oxidation at a low pressure using isobutylene as the combustion inhibitor and chromium hexacarbonyl (Cr(CO)6) as the dopant. The formation and morphology of the ultrafine particles are governed by the parameters of the RF discharge and by the chemical mechanism of the combustion reaction yielding the aerosol. Submicron-sized filamentous carbon structures can be obtained by isobutylene decomposition under spark discharge conditions in the presence of a molybdenum metal catalyst.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Two analytical methods were proposed in this research, coupled electro-thermal finite element (FE) analysis and thermal-mechanical FE analysis, to analyze the mechanical behavior of bonding wire of power module under cyclic power loads, and the International Electrotechnical Commission standard is adopted in conducting a power cycling test. The exterior temperature distribution was measured by an infrared thermometer. Moreover, the junction temperature is calculated from the given thermal impedance of the semiconductor chip, chip power loss, and case temperature. Subsequently, the simulated temperature distribution via electro-thermal FE analysis is compared with experimental results to validate the methodology used in the aforementioned analysis. The analysis shows compressive stress at t...

Science.gov (United States)

Repetitively Q-switched operation of an end-pumped Nd:YAG laser over the range of 200 Hz to 3 kHz using an intracavity chopper is demonstrated. Performance is shown to be comparable to that achieved with an acousto-optic Q switch under similar conditions. The advantages and limitations of the mechanical Q switch are described. Parametric variations of output coupling and pump power lead to an extended empirical description of repetitively Q-switched laser operation. The insertion loss as a function of aperture-edge penetration into the resonator is reported, and a definition of the mechanical Q-switch opening time is provided. Q-switched pulsewidths as short as 35 ns were obtained for the Nd:YAG laser, with a peak power-enhancement factor in excess of 300. PMID:20862099

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The thermal properties (thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, thermoelectric power, thermal dilatation, etc.) and the mechanical properties (Young's modulus, strength, hardness, fracture toughness, etc.) have been measured at low temperatures (4-300K) and under a high magnetic field (0-10T) for about 50 REBaCuO bulks (RE=Y, Gd, Nd, Sm, Dy, etc.). We have constructed the database of these properties and opened it on the Web site (thermal properties: http://ikebehp.mat.iwate-u.ac.jp/database.html and mechanical properties: http://paris.mech.iwate-u.ac.jp/sc-bulk/database.html). The influence of the species of RE ions, the content, size and dispersion of the RE211 (or Nd422) phase and Ag particles and the defects distribution on these properties is characterized.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Issues regarding the development of mechanisms to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the electricity sector are discussed. Environmental groups have proposed mechanisms such as carbon taxes. Three other mechanisms have also been proposed under the Framework Convention on Climate Change (FCCC). These include the Clean Development Mechanism, Joint Implementation and carbon trading. A pilot emission reduction trading project began in Ontario in 1996 as an initiative to control smog and ozone in the southern provincial airshed. Substances of interest include NO{sub x}, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), SO{sub x}, carbon monoxide and other greenhouse gases. Ontario Hydro alone has conducted 10 trades, five with companies in the U.S., two of those for carbon emissions. An analysis of the pilot trade deals will provide an idea of the value of this mechanism. In ...

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The nucleation of microdamage under dynamic loading was investigated through planar impact experiments accomplished with a light gas gun. The microscopic observation of recovered and sectioned specimens showed that microcracks were nucleated only by cracking of brittle particles inside material. However, for comparison the in situ static tensile tests on the same material conducted with a scanning electron microscope showed that the microcracks were nucleated by many forms those were fracture of ductile matrix, debonding particles from matrix and cracking of brittle particles. The quantitative metallographic observations of the specimens subjected to impact loading showed that most of the cracked particles were situated on grain boundaries of the aluminum matrix. These facts suggested the concept of critical size and incubation time of submicroscopic cavities in the dynamic case and the mechanism of embryo-damage induced nucleation by fracture ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

We present here for the first time the tele-robotics system for hot-cells MT200-TAO (TAO stands for Teleoperation Assistee par Ordinateur or Computer Assisted Tele-robotics), able to replace a conventional telescopic medium tele-manipulator (extension 4 m; capacity 20 kg). The system is currently under evaluation in COGEMA/AREVA- La Hague hot-cells. (authors)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The radiation life time of reactor pressure vessel (RPV) is the most important limiting factor for the term of exploitation of the whole power unit. The main degradation mechanism of RPV metal is the neutron induced embrittlement. Processes of radiation ageing running in RPV metal lead to fracture toughness decrease and to increased probability of brittle fracture of the vessel under thermal shocks. This explains the importance of RPV integrity assessment and rest life time management

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Mechanisms underlying the release of paclitaxel (PTX) from poly(ethylene glycol)/poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PEG/PLGA) blends were investigated by coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS)...Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This bibliography includes over 600 references (with abstracts) on all aspects of waterjet cutting and cleaning. The references are listed under the following chapter headings: fluid mechanics of jets; jet impact; equipment; jet cleaning; jet cutting; civil engineering; mining and tunnelling; precision cutting; underwater; safety; and bibliographies. Separate author and corporate source indexes are provided.

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

IntroductionThe major risk factor for osteoarthritis (OA) is aging, but the mechanisms underlying this risk are only partly understood. Age-related accumulation of advanced glycation...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Environmental and occupational exposures to heavy metals such as methylmercury (MeHg) and cadmium (Cd) pose significant health risks to humans, including neurotoxicity. The underlying mechanisms of...Full Text Available

CERN Document Server

Koide's mass formula is an empirical relation among the charged lepton masses which holds with a striking precision. We present a model of charged lepton sector based on U(3)\\times SU(2) family gauge symmetry, which predicts Koide's formula within the present experimental accuracy. Radiative corrections as well as other corrections to Koide's mass formula are kept under control. We adopt a known mechanism, through which the charged lepton spectrum is determined by the vacuum expectation value of a 9-component scalar field \\Phi. On the basis of this mechanism, we implement the following mechanisms into our model: (1) The radiative correction induced by family gauge interaction cancels the QED radiative correction to Koide's mass formula, assuming a scenario in which the U(3) family gauge symmetry and SU(2)_L weak gauge symmetry are unified at 10^2-10^3 TeV scale; (2) A simple potential of \\Phi ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A highly reliable control rod drive mechanism (CRDM) installed inside the reactor vessel has developed for use of an advanced marine reactor. This CRDM contributes to compactness and simplicity of the reactor system, and it can eliminate the possibility of a rod ejection accident. The CRDM works in the high temperature and high pressure water - 310degC and 12 MPa, the same atmosphere as the primary loop. Driving force is produced by a synchronous motor with the rotor of a permanent magnet, which has been developed. An innovative latch mechanism using separable ball nuts can latch driving shaft connecting the control rod and de-latch it for scram. The rod position detector using a magnetostrictive wire type sensor on the principle of Wiedeman effect has been developed, accuracy of which is verified to have a detecting error within 1.2 mm. Ball bearings for thrust and radial supports in rotation have been developed to be capable of working ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The sliding friction and wear behaviour of different steel qualities were investigated with and without lubrication conditions. Steel qualities tested are normally used in the overhead conveyor system of many industrial fields, like the automotive sector. Sliding wear tests have been conducted by means of a pin-on-disk machine. A 100Cr6 steel similar to that used within the overhead conveyor trolleys has been employed as a pin. Friction coefficient values obtained under lubrication conditions were three times smaller than those obtained without lubrication. The mechanism that controls wear behaviour under lubrication conditions is an abrasive one and the wear values obtained are almost worthless. On the other hand, mechanism controlling wear during non lubrication tests, was a combination of abrasion and adhesion. (Author) 20 refs.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Impacts of gas pipeline rights-of-way (ROWs) through wetlands depend on types of habitat, construction techniques, final elevations, ROW maintenance practices, soil composition, and local climate. In some instances factors unrelated to the presence of the pipeline may have greater impacts on wetland modification than does the pipeline itself. At one site, the required seeding program inhibited natural reestablishment of wetland plants; at another, downstream construction resulted in a major disruption to the adjacent wetland habitat. This paper discusses observation from 13 study sites, each zero to 30 years old, that are located in seven Eastern States.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

This study concerns the thermotolerance of spores of mesophilic fungi isolated from a tropical semi-arid habitat subject to dry season fire in the Western Ghats, southern India. Among 25 species of Ascomycota isolated from leaf litter, nine were able to grow after incubation in a drying oven for 2h at 100degreeC; the spores of two of these species survived 2h incubation at 110degreeC, and one survived exposure to 115degreeC for 2h. The range of thermotolerance among mesophilic fungi isolated from the leaf litter was surprising: filamentous fungi from other habitats, including species that colonize scorched vegetation after fires and thermophilic forms occurring in self-heating plant composts, cannot survive even brief exposure to such high temperatures. It is possible that the exceptional ...

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 ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In the VEGA program on radionuclide release from irradiated fuel under severe accident conditions, 10 tests in total were performed at JAEA from 1999 to 2004 under inert and steam atmospheres including the highest pressure or temperature conditions. These tests showed the increase in release rate above 2,800 K or at the fuel liquefaction and the decrease in release rate under elevated pressure, which was a first observation in the world. The data on low-volatility radionuclide release, release from MOX fuel, effect of fuel oxidation, and eutectic reaction with cladding on release were obtained from the tests. The mechanism of pressure effect on release was examined and a new release model with pressure effect was proposed. In addition, the pressure effect on source term evaluation and effectiveness of accident management measures were investigated. This article summarizes the major outcomes described ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The texture influence on tensile tests of AZ31, one of the common Mg alloys, has been studied. Starting material was a rectangular extruded bar, which has a strong texture. Due to the preparation of three tensile samples with 0 , 45 , 90 to the extrusion direction, the initial bar texture influences differently on the mechanical behaviour under tensile load. This results in a variation of the yield strength (90 MPa and 175 MPa) the ultimate tensile strength (250 MPa - 278 MPa) and the final texture. Experimental texture analysis was completed by texture simulations using the VPSC-model (visco plastic self-consistent). The good agreement between experimental and simulated pole figures allows the determination of the activated deformation modes related to the initial texture. (orig.)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Titanium oxides were grown anodically to selected final potentials on grade II polycrystalline titanium under different anodization rates. XPS and RBS results show that the oxide consists of primarily TiO2 with a non-stoichiometric oxide/metal interface, with the slower growth rate associated with a thicker layer at the interface. Characterization using TEM reveals that the structure of the oxide evolves from a primarily amorphous phase to islands of crystallites in an amorphous matrix, to an entirely crystalline phase by increasing the polarization potential. Slower growth rates tend to remain crystalline at higher potentials. The mechanical strength of oxide films extracted from load-depth data by nanoindentation varies dramatically for oxide films grown by different rates at 9.4 V, and to a lesser extent at lower potentials. The variation of film strength is associated with both compositional and structural characteristics.

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The dual characteristics in the performance of polymers in wood-polymer composites systems have been pursued with regard to the resolution of mechanical anisotropy of wood and the improvement in dimensional stability. The objective of the present study is to pursue the polymerization mechanism in wood under electron beam irradiation and the temperature dependence of polymer-wood interactions induced at various levels of higher order structure of wood in order to understand the polymer performance. Veneers used in the study were of rotary-cut beech (Fagus crenata Blume) 0.65 mm thick. All samples were oven-dried in vacuo at 80/sup 0/C for 30 hr. The monomers used in the study were methyl methacrylate, styrene, acrylic acid, acrylonitrile, and unsaturated polyester. Experimental details are given. Results are given and discussed.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Modern commercial alloys are not suited for future steam turbines of operating temperatures beyond 700 C. #gamma#'-hardened alloys like Waspaloy have good mechanical characteristics but have defects when large batches are melted. #gamma#'/#gamma#''-hardened alloys like Inconel 706, on the other hand, are easy to produce but have insufficient microstructural long-term stability and insufficient creep strength. Mixed crystal solidified alloys like Inconel 617 have excessive yield stress at forging temperatures. Two new alloys were therefore developed. Results so far show that they have good production characteristics but insufficient mechanical characteristics. The reasons for this are currently under investigation. (orig.)

CERN Document Server

substrate). Within each group of simulations, three lubricant film thicknesses are studied to examine the effect of varying lubricant thickness. Statistical data are collected from each simulation and presented in this work. Via these data, together with the evolution, of atomic and molecular configurations, a very detailed picture of the properties of this thin film interface is presented. In particular, we conclude that perfluoropolyether lubricant forms distinct molecular layers when confined between two substrates, the rate of heat generation under shearing conditions typical of those in a head-disk interface is insufficient for thermal mechanisms to result directly in lubricant degradation, and mechanical stresses attained in the head-disk interface are unlikely to result in any significant degree of lubricant degradation. This thesis examines the tribology of a head-disk interface in an operating hard disk drive via ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The PERMCAT is a membrane reactor proposed for processing fusion reactor plasma exhaust gas: tritium removal is obtained by isotopic swamping operating in counter-current mode. In this work, a membrane reactor using a permeator tube of length about 500 mm produced via diffusion welding of Pd-Ag thin foils is described. An appropriate mechanical design of the membrane module has been developed in order to avoid any significant compressive and bending stresses on the very long and thin wall permeator tube: two expanded bellows have been applied to the Pd-Ag tube, so that it has been pre-tensioned before operating. The elongation of the metal permeator under hydrogenation has been theoretically estimated and experimentally verified for properly designing the membrane reactor.

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Ability to predict mechanical response of rock in three dimensions over the spatial and time scales of geologic interest would give the oil and gas industry the ability to reduce risk on prospects, improve pre-project initial reserve estimates, and lower operating costs. A program has recently been initiated, under the auspices of the Advanced Computational Technology Initiative (ACTI), to achieve such a computational technology breakthrough by adapting the unique advanced quasistatic finite element technology developed by Sandia to the mechanics applications important to exploration and production activities within the oil and gas industry. As a precursor to that program, in an effort to evaluate the feasibility of the approach, several complex geologic structures of interest were analyzed with the existing two-dimensional quasistatic finite element code, SANTOS, developed at Sandia. Examples are presented and discussed.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

ABSTRACT Introduction. Significant progress has been made in the understanding of physiological and pharmacological mechanisms of human sexual functioning through preclinical research in animal models. Aim. To provide an evidence-based documentation of the experimental models evaluating male and female sexual function for useful clinical translation. Methods. Consensus discussion over the past 18 months leading to summarized views of seven experts from six countries. Main Outcome Measure. Report was based on the critical analysis of scientific information available in literature and subcommittee presentations, discussions, and exchanges of ideas and feedback. Results. Fundamental research in animal models has led to considerable understanding of the physiological mechanisms underlying desi...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A scheme for controlling multimanipulator systems is presented. The control objective is to coordinate the manipulators to perform parts-matching tasks such as screwing a nut onto a bolt. The task of moving a rigid object can be treated as a special case. Two secondary control objectives internal force control and load distribution can be accomplished within the structure of the control law. The internal force control mechanism keeps the internal forces on the object being manipulated at a desirable level. The load distribution mechanism distributes control effort to each manipulator according to a weighting factor. It is also shown that the control algorithm has a modular structure which facilitates its implementation on a multiprocessor computer. The scheme was tested on a planar scara type dual-manipulator system. A series of experimental results is included to demonstrate the system performance under various conditions.

Science.gov (United States)

Objectives of the program are to understand the mechanisms of coal liquefaction, to determine the role of catalysts in the direct conversion of coal to liquids, to determine the mechanism of catalyst deactivation and to explore slurry phase catalyst systems. Specific projects include: short-contact time coal liquefaction, mineral matter effects and catalyst studies. During this period, work was performed on: (1) the stability, at reaction temperature, of a recycle solvent obtained from the Lummus Two Stage Liquefaction facility, (2) reactions of preasphaltenes and asphaltenes prepared under various reaction severities, (3) the evaluation of the catalyst level detector installed at the H-Coal facility, (4) the characterization of oil soluble metal compounds with respect to hydrogenation activity, and (5) characterization, deactivation and regeneration of catalysts obtained from both the H-Coal and Lummus facilities.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract One of the most significant problems in industrial bioprocessing of recombinant proteins using engineered mammalian cells is the phenomenon of cell line instability, where a production cell line suffers a loss of specific productivity (qP). This phenomenon occurs with unpredictable kinetics and has been widely observed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell lines and with all commonly used gene expression systems. The underlying causes (both genetic and physiological) and the precise molecular mechanisms underpinning cell line instability have yet to be fully elucidated, although recombinant gene silencing and loss of recombinant gene copies have been shown to cause qP loss. In this work we have investigated the molecular mechanisms underpinning qP instability over long-term sub-cult...

Science.gov (United States)

Given here are the proceedings of the 3rd Space Exploration Initiative (SEI) Technical Interchange. Topics covered include the First Lunar Outpost (FLO), the Lunar Resource Mapper, lunar rovers, lunar habitat concepts, lunar shelter construction analysis, thermoelectric nuclear power systems for SEI, cryogenic storage, a space network for lunar communications, the moon as a solar power satellite, and off-the-shelf avionics for future SEI missions.

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Saba Bank is a large submerged platform (∼2200 km²), average depth 30 m, located 4 km southwest of Saba Island in Netherlands Antilles, Caribbean Sea. Ships traveling to and from...Full Text Available

Environmental Research Database

DescriptionM291272: Annex A - Electronic data capture of woodland survey records (baseline for studying change and variation in woods) Rationale During the 1980s and 1990s, particularly, much woodland survey was undertaken in England by the Nature Conservancy Council and its successor English Nature. Most of the records are only in paper form and the species data they contain has not been available for further analysis or use in wider context such as species and habitat recording schemes. The aims o [continued...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

A total of 6360 mud samples were obtained, in 62 collections made with an exhaustive sampling device, from banana drains on the West Indian island of St Lucia during fortnightly samplings over a 2½-year...Full Text Available

Science.gov (United States)

During the past 12,000 years agricultural systems have transitioned from natural habitats to conventional agricultural regions, and recently to large areas of genetically- engineered (GE) croplands. This GE revolution occurred for cotton in a span of slightly more than a decade w...

Science.gov (United States)

...ER14AU08.000 (6) Unit 2: North Baldwin Meadow, San Bernardino County, California...and ARUR 12. Gold Mountain and North Baldwin Lake, San Bernardino County, California...ER26DE07.007(13) Unit ARUR 15. South Baldwin Ridge/Erwin Lake, San Bernardino...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The light-emitting properties of cubic silicon carbide films grown by vacuum vapor phase epitaxy on Si(100) and Si(111) substrates under conditions of decreased growth temperatures (T gr ? 900?700?C) have been discussed. Structural investigations have revealed a nanocrystalline structure and, simultaneously, a homogeneity of the phase composition of the grown 3C-SiC films. Photoluminescence spectra of these structures under excitation of the electronic subsystem by a helium-cadmium laser (?excit = 325 nm) are characterized by a rather intense luminescence band with the maximum shifted toward the ultraviolet (?3 eV) region of the spectral range. It has been found that the integral curve of photoluminescence at low temperatures of measurements is split into a set of Lorentzian components. Th...

Science.gov (United States)

A method for determining the critical debond size between the facesheet and the core in composite sandwich panels under in-plane compression is described. The approach uses fracture mechanics together with a buckling criterion for a debonded faceskin. The technique yields predictions for the critical in-plane compressive load for debond propagation as a function of core-to-faceskin debond size, faceskin thickness, lay-up, composite material properties, and honeycomb properties and geometry. A computer program, developed in this work, calculates the critical buckling load and facesheet deformed shape by solving an eigenvalue problem. The output predicts, for several cases, critical initial debond lengths comparable to those that have been observed on tests on sandwich panels.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Regularities in the radiation cross-linking of low-density polyethylene under various conditions of ..gamma..-irradiation were studied. It is shown that at the 0.5 GPa pressure and 450 K the gel formation is initiated at doses of about 1 kGy, i.e. at doses 10 times as low as compared to normal conditions. Abnormally high rate of radiation cross-linking at high temperature and high pressure is an evidence of changes in the mechanism of polyethylene, radiation cross-linking, i.e. of the process transition from nonchain to chain conditions. Decrease in the potential barriers of macroradical reactions with macromolecules is the most probable reason of change in the polymer cross-linking nature.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Kyoto Protocol is often described as a good first step towards reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions into the atmosphere. The Protocol endorses emissions trading, joint implementation including 'bubbling' between Annex 1 Parties, and a clean development mechanism that allows Annex 1 and non-Annex 1 Parties to act together to reduce emissions. However, the anticipated permit market will not function if uncertainties are not rigorously assessed and considered in any compliance process. With no reliable verification tool, it is impossible to effectively assess the different mechanisms and activities mentioned under the Protocol. Thus, it is very important to study the uncertainties underlying the Kyoto relevant GHGs, here with reference to Poland, because without the consideration of uncertainty robust verification can not occur. This paper presents information about the data used ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The optical, electromagnetic and mechanical properties of thin films (TFs) are directly correlated to their morphology at the nanoscale. This, in concert with the fact that new deposition techniques are enabling the growth of thin films with very complex morphologies, there is an increasing interest in model-based simulation (MBS) for the design of engineering structures (including nanostructures), and increasing computer speeds are beginning to make MBS an effective design tool capable of bridging the nanoscale with the continuum scale, has made it increasingly important to understand how the nanostructure of a thin film impacts its properties at all length scales. The authors have developed the capability to determine the mechanical properties of thin films with amorphous nanostructure by combining molecular dynamics, i.e., position of particles (e.g., atoms or molecules) and their interatomic potential(s), with continuum ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Generally, Hardening and irradiated brominating phenomena are occurred in the reactor vessel under operation conditions by atomic cavities and creation of impurity atoms which are led by high fast neutron flux. To assure the mechanical integrity of pressure vessel until the end of power plant life after monitoring the sample specimens on the vessel inside, a series of tests is performed over the retrieved surveillance capsule to examine the changes according to the plant operation in accordance with regulations. Monitoring surveillance capsules attached to neutron shield wall of outer core are consists of impact sample, tensile sample and temperature monitor

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The color centers, which are generated in yttrium-aluminium perovskite (YAP):Nd(1 at.%) and YAP:Er(50 at.%) crystals under the influence of ultraviolet and #gamma#-irradiation, have been studied by absorption spectroscopy. The generated color centers are both stable and transient at room temperature. It is shown that the transient color centers are mainly responsible for the decrease of laser generation efficiency of Nd:YAP and YAP:Er irradiated crystals, although physical mechanisms leading to efficiency decrease are different in these materials. (orig.)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Cesium recovery from the polluted layers in the 1/3 scale hydrogen negative ion source for LHD-NBI system has tested. It was found, that the cesium recovery can be produced by additional discharges as from the cesium layer, aged by tungsten and residual gas, so as from the cesium layers, polluted by an occasional water leak. The highest cesium recovery to NI production was produced by a xenon arc, while glow discharge and arcing in hydrogen were less effective. The mechanism of recovery is the ejection of cesium from the underlying enriched layer by the arc and its transport to the surface. (author)

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The details of pulsating stochastic flows accompanying the interaction of a microwave filament (regarded as a heated rarefied channel) and an aerodynamic body in supersonic flow are examined numerically using the Euler equations. Symmetrical and asymmetrical filament locations relative to the aerodynamic body are considered. The flowfields are characterized by large scale pulsations and small scale stochastic fluctuations. The mechanisms of the formation of these flow structures are discussed. Two qualitatively different kinds of flowfields are observed depending on the magnitude of the filament radius, with domination of the pulsations of flow parameters or stochastic phenomena. Flow instabilities inherent to the problems under interest are described. The problems are considered in both p...

Science.gov (United States)

Titanium metal-matrix composites (MMC) are prime candidate materials for aerospace applications be-cause of their excellent high-temperature longitudinal strength and stiffness and low density compared with nickel- and steel-base materials. This article examines the steps GE Aircraft Engines (GEAE) has taken to develop an induction plasma deposition (IPD) processing method for the fabrication of Ti6242/SiC MMC material. Information regarding process methodology, microstructures, and mechani-cal properties of consolidated MMC structures will be presented. The work presented was funded under the GE-Aircraft Engine IR & D program.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The aim of this study was to investigate the photodegradation of the antiemetic drug metoclopramide. Metoclopramide aqueous solutions were photoirradiated at 254nm under argon atmosphere. Irradiated metoclopramide solutions were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography-ion trap mass spectrometry in order to characterize photolysis products. Rapid decrease in metoclopramide purity, following first-order kinetic, was observed following irradiation. The structures of 18 photolysis products were tentatively identified based on their mass spectra and fragmentation. The main degradation mechanism was scission of the chlorine which could be followed by polymerization of the resulting products since dimeric and trimeric products were observed.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Remote Teaching Assistant (RTA) software currently under development at UC Davis allows students and Teaching Assistants (TA`s) to interact through multimedia communication via the Internet. To resolve the problem of TA unavailability and limited knowledge, an Expert Teaching Assistant (ETA) module is being developed. When TA`s are not on-line, students in need of help consult ETA. The focus of this research is the development and integration of ETA with RTA, the establishment of an architecture suitable for use with education (the domain) in any sub-domain (course), and the creation of a mechanism usable by non-technical personnel to maintain knowledge bases.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Experimental data on the material characteristics of structures subjected to thermal and mechanical cycling are needed for designing structural parts for creep and creep-fatigue interaction. Moreover, high-temperature low-cycle fatigue data are not sufficient to predict the fatigue creep lifetime. In order to check the reliability of steam generators, tests on pipe materials are conducted under cyclic thermal loading. The tests have been performed on an iron-nickel chromium alloy (alloy 800). Isothermal low-cycle fatigue tests have been conducted at 550 C. 15 refs.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This book discusses the progress and problems of current interest in gaseous dielectrics and their use, with special emphasis on insulation in high-voltage transmission lines and substations. Topics covered include: basic physics of gaseous dielectrics; basic mechanisms; gas decomposition, reactions and toxicity; diagnostics and field probes; gases and mixtures for GIS transformers and circuit breakers; gaseous media for discharge chemistry and etching/corona; gas engineering for pulsed power and switching; gas breakdown under steep-fronted voltages; new developments in gas-insulated equipment and gas handling; gas/insulator interface/flashover; and quality control in testing gas-insulated equipment. Contains approximately 85 papers.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The cathodic electrode process of Y(3+) ions on the Mo electrode in the LICl-KCl molten salt with YCl3(3wt%) in the temperature range of 450 - 530 deg. C has been investigated using cyclic voltammetry and chronopotentiometry. The convolution technique has been applied to the treatment of cyclic voltammogram. The results show that the reduction mechanism of Y(3+) ion is Y(3+) + 3e = Y, a simple one-step process. The cathodic process is very close to a reversible process under lower scanning rates, and is diffusion-controlled. The cathodic product is an insoluble product.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

An Al-5%Mg-0.18%Mn-0.2%Sc-0.08%Zr-0.002%Be was subjected to equal-channel angular extrusion up to true strains of #approx#3 and #approx#8, that resulted in the formation of partially recrystallized and fully recrystallized structure, respectively. It was shown that the alloy with partially recrystallized structure exhibits highest strength and ductility. The material with fully recrystallized structure showed lowest fatigue crack growth rate and highest value of fracture toughness. Reasons of this unusual effect of microstructure on crack propagation resistance under fatigue are discussed.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In the scope of the nuclear plants lifetime study, the behavior of the cooling towers is discussed. The main geometrical characteristics of the cooling towers in the French nuclear power plants, are presented. The surveyance program, the risks of accident, the research and development actions are considered. The results of the investigations of the cooling tower structure show that it is a multidiciplinary problem and needs the development of experimental and theoretical methods. Concerning the regenerators, the surveyance actions under operating conditions, the accelerated aging tests, and some aspects of the mechanical resistance, are underlined. It is shown that mainly the creep tests will allow the lifetime estimation of the materials developed for the regenerators.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The theoretical principles underlying the formation of oxide and, in particular, anodic oxide coatings on metals produced by chemical oxidation, anodizing in solutions, and anodizing in cold plasmas are reviewed. The mechanisms and conditions of anodic oxidation are described, and the structure of anodic oxide coatings on aluminum, magnesium, beryllium, zinc, cadmium, iron, cobalt, nickel, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, and chromium alloys is examined. Attention is also given to various applictins of anodized coatings. 54 references.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This report reviews the published literature on the anaerobic oxidation of iron in aqueous solutions which are of particular relevance to Swedish granitic groundwaters. The thermodynamics of iron corrosion in water are briefly considered. Following this the experimental data found in the literature are presented and discussed. Results were found for corrosion of iron in both pure water and solutions containing mineral salts. The literature work in the nature of the films formed on iron surfaces under anaerobic conditions is reviewed and the possible mechanisms of film formation are discussed. Conclusions are drawn on the factors most likely to influence and control film growth. 32 refs.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In 1998, in the frame of the ITER EDA phase, an European R and D Programme for the Blanket Design was implemented for developing and selecting the materials and the relevant fabrication procedures for manufacturing the shielding modules of the ITER Primary Wall. The fabrication of several Beryllium armored small scale mock-ups, reproducing representative portions of a Primary Wall panels, was also launched (Fusion Technol. (1998) 195). Further experimental activities were also programmed for investigating the thermal-mechanical behavior of these mock-ups at high heat flux and under thermal fatigue tests. In 2001, the ITER European Home Team decided to assign to ENEA a contract for the thermal fatigue testing of six mock-ups aiming at verifying the reliability of the Beryllium/Dispersion Strengthened Copper alloy/Stainless Steel and Beryllium/Precipitation hardened Copper alloy/Stainless Steel joints manufactured by solid Hot Isostatic Pressing ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A dipole magnet based on the common coil design, using prereacted Nb{sub 3}Sn superconductor, is under development at Fermilab, for a future Very Large Hadron Collider. This magnet has some innovative design and technological features such as single layer coils, a 22 mm wide 60-strand Rutherford type cable and stainless steel collars reinforced by horizontal bridges inserted between coil blocks. Both left and right coils are wound simultaneously into the collar structure and then impregnated with epoxy. In order to optimize the design and fabrication techniques an R&D program is underway. The production of cables with the required characteristics was shown possible. Collar laminations were produced, assembled and tested in order to check the effectiveness of the bridges and the validity of the mechanical design. A mechanical model consisting of a 165 mm long section of the magnet straight section was assembled and ...

Science.gov (United States)

Low-frequency current noise and current-voltage (I-V) characteristics have been studied in InAs/GaAs self-assembled Quantum Dot Infrared Photodetectors in dark conditions and under illumination, at T = 77K and T = 5K. The noise behavior is consistent with a generation-recombination fluctuation process mainly related to thermally excited charge carriers at T = 77K. At T = 5K the current noise is consistent with a mechanism of fluctuations driven by the electric field, related to tunneling rather than emission-capture of charge carriers from the Quantum Dots. A very effective noise suppression mechanism, related to the tunneling regime, determines a decrease of fluctuation intensity as a function of the voltage. At T = 5K, an interesting behavior is observed in the current-voltage and noise power spectra for some of nominally identical QDIP structures in the presence of irradiation. Some devices indeed exhibit (i) a very high ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Obtained experimental data on integral cross sections (ICS) of inelastic scattering of 50.5 MeV #alpha# particles with the excitation of "6","7Li, "9Be, "1"2","1"3C, "1"4C, "1"4N, "2"0Ne, "2"4Mg, "2"8Si nucleus low-lying energy levels are discussed. Regularities, detected in the behaviour of ICS forward scattering for 20-90 deg angles and backscattering for 90-160 deg angles for the target-nucleus under investigation are considered. Effect of reaction open channel number on #alpha#-particle scattering ICS where n,p,d- and #alpha#-channels were considered as the main channels for all the target-nuclei, is discussed. Dependence of #alpha#-particle scattering ICS on the target-nucleus level excitation energy and dependences of reaction open channel number on the channel spin, calculated for 50.5 MeV #alpha# particles and different target nuclei are shown in the diagrams. It is noted that the observed regularities in the #alpha#-particle inelastic scattering ICS are ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The accurate prediction of local hot spot during normal operation is important to ensure core thermal margin in a very high temperature gas-cooled reactor because of production of its high temperature output. The active cooling of the reactor core determining local hot spot is strongly affected by core bypass flows through the inter-column gaps between graphite blocks and the cross gaps between two stacked fuel blocks. The bypass gap sizes vary during core life cycle by the thermal expansion at the elevated temperature and the shrinkage/swelling by fast neutron irradiation. This study is to investigate the impacts of the variation of bypass gaps during core life cycle as well as core restraint mechanism on the amount of bypass flow and thus maximum fuel temperature. The core thermo fluid analysis is performed using the GAMMA+ code for the PMR200 block-core design. For the analysis not only are some modeling features, developed for solid conduction and bypass flow, ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Internal combustion engines with mechanically driven superchargers are known for good performance at low engine speeds and fast response times under fluctuating loads. Application engineers can choose between superchargers with and without internal compression - the familiar roots (blower) type or true compressors - for supercharging an internal combustion engine. This article by DaimlerChrysler describes two options for improving the partial load behaviour of mechanically supercharged internal combustion engines with compressors. (orig.) [German] Die Aufladung mit mechanisch angetriebenen Verdraengerladern zeichnet sich durch guten Druckaufbau bei niedrigen Drehzahlen und gute Dynamik bei Lastwechseln aus. Fuer die Applikation am Verbrennungsmotor koennen Maschinen ohne innere Verdichtung - wie die bekannten Roots-Geblaese - oder Maschinen mit innerer Verdichtung - Kompressoren im eigentlichen Sinne - zum Einsatz kommen. ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Detailed chemical kinetic reaction mechanisms are developed for combustion of all nine isomers of heptane (C{sub 7}H{sub 16}), and these mechanisms are tested by simulating autoignition of each isomer under rapid compression machine conditions. The reaction mechanisms focus on the manner in which the molecular structure of each isomer determines the rates and product distributions of possible classes of reactions. The reaction pathways emphasize the importance of alkylperoxy radical isomerizations and addition reactions of molecular oxygen to alkyl and hydroperoxyalkyl radicals. A new reaction group has been added to past models, in which hydroperoxyalkyl radicals that originated with abstraction of an H atom from a tertiary site in the parent heptane molecule are assigned new reaction sequences involving additional internal H atom abstractions not previously allowed. This process accelerates ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hole mobility changes under uniaxial and combinational stress in different directions are characterized and analyzed by applying additive mechanical uniaxial stress to bulk Si and SiGe-virtual-substrate-induced strained-Si (s-Si) p-MOSFETs (metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors) along (110) and (100) channel directions. In bulk Si, a mobility enhancement peak is found under uniaxial compressive strain in the low vertical field. The combination of (100) direction uniaxial tensile strain and substrate-induced biaxial tensile strain provides a higher mobility relative to the (110) direction, opposite to the situation in bulk Si. But the combinational strain experiences a gain loss at high field, which means that uniaxial compressive strain may still be a better choice. The mobility enhancement of SiGe-induced strained p-MOSFETs along the (110) direction under additive uniaxial tension is ...

Science.gov (United States)

Boron (B) is an essential plant micronutrient that is toxic at higher levels. NIP5;1 is a boric acid channel required for B uptake and growth under B deficiency. Accumulation of the NIP5;1 transcript is upregulated under B deficiency in Arabidopsis thaliana roots. To elucidate the mechanism of regulation, the 5' untranslated region (UTR) of NIP5;1 was tested for its ability to confer B-dependent regulation using ?-glucuronidase and green fluorescent protein as reporters. This analysis showed that the 5' UTR was involved in NIP5;1 transcript accumulation in response to B conditions. We also found that high-B conditions trigger NIP5;1 mRNA degradation and that the sequence from +182 to +200 bp in the 5' UTR is required for this mRNA destabilization. In the nip5;1-1 mutant background, a NIP5;1 complementation construct without the 5' UTR produced high levels of mRNA accumulation, increased B concentrations in tissues, and ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The high rate of deforestation over the Andean forests has generated a large proportion of fragmented landscapes in the country. The distribution of oak groves in the country was determined based on ecosystem maps. Charala and Encino oak groves patches are the largest ones found at the east Andes and like others, due to the unfair use of these resources, have suffered a fragmentation process. Fifty-five species of mammals included in 10 orders and 14 families were found in these forests. Chiroptera and Rodentia were the most representative groups. Anthropic processes had produced a 68.1% loss of the habitat and constitute the main threat for these forests. The sizes of the patches were evaluated for three mammal species categories. The patches' area are not favorable for large-size species, intermediately to favorable to medium-size species and are favorable for small-size species. It is suggested that patches' area effect over mammal species could relate to the ...

Wastenet

... For example, one study used aerial photographs and on-ground observation to determine that Kenai Peninsula in Alaska has been losing wetlands to a dryer, wooded landscape since at least 1950, which has also meant a reduction in habitat for migratory birds, many of which are favorites for birdwatchers (National Research Council of Canada, 2005). In the Arctic, important breeding and nesting areas for migratory birds may be lost, affecting bird watching opportunities at various latitudes in the U.S. (Arctic Climate Impact Assessment, ...

Wastenet

... Cameron; Lowell A. Miller; Miller, Lowell A. CSIRO PUBLISHING - Wildlife Research Books Journals Multimedia About Us Shopping Cart You are here: Journals Wildlife Research Ecology, Management and Conservation in Natural and Modified Habitats Search ... Cameron and Lowell A. Miller Abstract Context. Contraception is increasingly used as a management technique to reduce fertility in wildlife populations; however, the feasibility of contraceptive formulations has been limited until recently because they have required multiple treatments to achieve prolonged infertility. ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The potential application of radioisotopes are not discussed in this review of trypanosome pathogenesis in cattle. Initially, structural changes in the lymphoid system are characterized by marked proliferation and germinal centre formation, whereas in long-standing infections the lymphoid organs become depleted. These changes appear associated with immunodepression. Anaemia dominates the clinical disease syndrome in bovine trypanosomiasis. It develops with the onset of parasitaemia and is largely haemolytic, resulting from increased red blood cell destruction by phagocytosis. Several factors may be involved in this process including haemolysins produced by the trypanosome, immunological mechanisms, fever, disseminated intravascular coagulation and an expanded and active mononuclear phagocytic system. During this phase of the disease, cattle respond well to chemotherapy. However, in later phases of the disease, when trypanosomes cannot be detected, the anaemia ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We examined a catalytic effect of niobium oxide (Nb{sub 2}O{sub 5}) on the hydrogen storage properties of MgH{sub 2} prepared by mechanical ball milling method. The MgH{sub 2} composite doped with 1 mol% Nb{sub 2}O{sub 5} by ball milling for 20 h desorbed hydrogen up to {approx}6 mass% in the temperature range from 200 to 250 {sup o}C at the heating rate of 5 {sup o}C/min under a purified helium flow. After dehydrogenation at 200 {sup o}C, the product showed remarkable hydrogen absorption kinetics. A large amount of gaseous hydrogen up to {approx}4.5 mass% was absorbed even at room temperature under 1 MPa hydrogen pressure within 15 s and finally its capacity reached up to 5 mass%. Furthermore, the valence state of Nb{sub 2}O{sub 5} doped in MgH{sub 2} was examined by X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) measurement. The results indicated that additive Nb{sub 2}O{sub 5} was reduced by MgH{sub 2} during ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

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

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The topics of these short lectures on the subject of cyclic stress were: Microstructural mechanisms of damage accumulation under a multistage cyclic stress until incipient cracking; influence of surface decarbonizing phenomena on the failure behaviour of steel construction parts subjected to cyclic stress; thermocyclic fatigue of pipe samples of austenitic steel 1.4436; studies on surface structuring, microstructure and fatigue in LCF area. The short lectures on effects of quasi-static and creep stress were: Shear fracture in AlMg alloys as a result of local plastic instability; study of formation and growth of pores for an early recognition of damage and the course of damage in heat-resistant steels under creep test; experimental and numeric studies of the infuence of the microstructure on the course of damage during shear fractures of steel; numerical modelling of ductile fractures on the basis of micromechanical models. ...

CERN Document Server

The most striking feature of quantum mechanics is the existence of superposition states, where an object appears to be in different situations at the same time. Up to now, the existence of such states has been tested with small objects, like atoms, ions, electrons and photons, and even with molecules. Recently, it has been even possible to create superpositions of collections of photons, atoms, or Cooper pairs. Current progress in optomechanical systems may soon allow us to create superpositions of even larger objects, like micro-sized mirrors or cantilevers, and thus to test quantum mechanical phenomena at larger scales. Here we propose a method to cool down and create quantum superpositions of the motion of sub-wavelength, arbitrarily shaped dielectric objects trapped inside a high--finesse cavity at a very low pressure. Our method is ideally suited for the smallest living organisms, such as viruses, which survive under ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Over the last year-and-a-half, several 4-cm-aperture, 17-m-long dipole magnet prototypes were built by Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) under contract with the Superconducting Super Collider (SSC) Laboratory. These prototypes are the last phase of a half-decade-long R D program, carried out in collaboration with Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, and aimed at demonstrating the feasibility of the SSC main ring dipole magnets. They also prepare the way of the 5-cm-aperture dipole magnet program to be started soon. In this paper, we analyze the mechanical behavior of the BNL prototypes during cool-down and excitation, and we attempt to relate this behavior to the magnet features. The data reveal that the mechanical behavior is sensitive to the vertical collar-yoke interference, and that the magnets exhibited somewhat erratic changes in coil end-loading during cool-down. 9 refs., 6 figs.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Crystalline MnMoO{sub 4} was synthesized using a conventional solid reaction method and investigated for its physical and electrochemical properties as an anode material for Li secondary battery. The reversible amount of Li insertion/removal of MnMoO{sub 4} anode during the first cycle was about 800 mA h/g, accompanied by irreversible structural transformation into amorphous material. The amorphization during the first Li insertion was investigated by structural analysis using XRD of electrode. The charge compensation during Li insertion/removal was examined by measurement of X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure (XANES) spectroscopy. Despite its irreversible structural transformation to amorphous during the first lithiation, subsequent cycles showed a reasonable cyclability. This paper presents the electrochemical properties of MnMoO{sub 4} and discusses the mechanism underlying the Li insertion/removal process.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In the present work the hydrogen desorption properties of nanostructured magnesium hydride (MgH2) synthesized by controlled reactive mechanical milling (CRMM) of elemental Mg powder under hydrogen are investigated. A profound effect of the particle size of synthesized MgH2 hydride on its hydrogen desorption characteristics measured by differential scanning calorimetery (DSC) has been found. All synthesized MgH2 powders are characterized by a double hydrogen desorption peak. Furthermore, below a certain threshold particle size the DSC desorption temperature of the peak doublet starts decreasing rapidly with decreasing of the mean hydride powder particle size (expressed as equivalent circle diameter-ECD). In contrast, the nanograin (crystallite) size of MgH2 does not seem to have apparent effect on the DSC desorption temperature. It is also observed that for powder particles smaller than some threshold value, X-ray diffraction shows the presence ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A theory has been developed for the mechano-catalytic water-splitting, which is the system of simultaneous H{sub 2} and O{sub 2} evolution by stirring the powder of an oxide semiconductor in pure water under the condition that the stirring rod must be kept in contact with the surface of the glass vessel. The kinetic equations and the coupling strength of the frictional energy conversion between mechanical and electrical systems are calculated . The total system composed of the formation of the dangling bonds on the glass surface, the trapping of the semiconductor particles at the microcrevice of the glass surface, the strong field inside the fine particles due to the frictional electricity, the mechanism of charge transfer from the semiconductor to the stirring rod, the hopping conduction of positive hole, the electric current density injected into water from the semiconductors, and the tunnel chemical reaction for ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

High surface ozone concentration is increasingly being recognized as a factor that negatively affects crop yields in Asia. However, little progress has been made in developing ozone-tolerant genotypes of rice-Asias major staple crop. This study aimed to identify possible tolerance mechanisms by characterizing two quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that were previously shown to influence visible leaf symptoms under ozone exposure (120 nl l-1, 7 h d-1, 13 d). Two chromosome segment substitution lines (SL15 and SL41) that carried introgressions of the QTLs OzT3 and OzT9, respectively, were exposed to ozone at 120 nl l-1 along with their parent Nipponbare. In accordance with the expected QTL effect, SL15 showed stronger visible symptoms of ozone damage than Nipponbare, whereas SL41 had fewer sympt...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Clay-based materials can be cold-stabilized using binder and formed by extrusion. This paper deals with the properties of such materials under the influence of silico-aluminous flying ashes addition. Flying ashes are solid industrial wastes produced by coal combustion. Characteristics of ashes bearing clay-based products, such as dimensional stability, water and mechanical resistance, accelerated aging, are considerably improved with respect to simple clay-binder mixtures. This is principally due to a better hydration of the binder in ashes-bearing mixtures because of: a higher free-water availability as a consequence of the smaller specific surface of ash grains, the filler effect of ash grains which do not participate to the reactions, the specific property of silico-aluminous ashes that can fix the lime in presence of water to produce hydrated compounds. These ashes-bearing clay based materials can have the same qualities as classical ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ti-15Mo-2.7Nb-3Al-0.2Si (Timetal-21S), a metastable #beta#-titanium alloy, is a candidate material for titanium matrix composite structures in hydrogen-fueled hypersonic planes because of its excellent formability and adequate mechanical properties in the 500--800 C temperature range. The alloy is strengthened through the precipitation of fine #alpha# particles in the #beta# matrix. The mechanical properties and microstructures are controlled by a solutionizing/aging heat treatment. A major concern in using titanium alloys in hydrogen service is the embrittlement caused by the precipitation of hydrides. It is believed that the large solubility of hydrogen in the #beta#-phase would preclude the precipitation of hydrides in Beta titanium alloys, especially at low hydrogen pressures. However, depending on the hydrogen content, a shift in the ductile/brittle transition temperatures to levels much higher than room temperature has been reported for ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Substantial roles of precipitates such as Zr-Fe-Cr type intermetallic compounds on uniform corrosion and hydrogen pickup of zirconium alloys in pure water autoclave tests were investigated from an electrochemical point of view. In the previous paper, corrosion mechanism was elucidated by the anodic protection-precipitates degradation model. This paper describes the roles on hydrogen pickup. 633 K pure water autoclave test was performed on high purity zirconium, Zr-0.2Fe, Zr-0.2Cr, and Zr-0.1Fe-0.1Cr alloys. Hydrogen analysis after the corrosion test showed that hydrogen pickup ratio of Zr-0.2Fe alloy was about 80%. It was much higher than about 30% of pure Zr and about 10% of both Zr-0.2Cr and Zr-0.1Fe-0.1Cr alloys. Larger hydrogen content was introduced into Zr-0.2Fe alloy than the other ones by the cathodic hydrogen charging under coulombic equivalence. The precipitates at metal-oxide interface could act not only as cathodic sites in the ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

4.82 wt% AIN and 2.98 wt% Y_2O_3 were added to Si_3N_4 as sintering agents in order to have #alpha#_Sialon composition of x=0.15 and monoclinic ZrO_2 between 0 to 10 wt% was admixed with Si_3N_4 based ceramics were fabricated by hot-pressing at 1,750 deg C for 90 min under 30 MPa in argon and nitrogen atmospheres effects of sintering atmospheres and addition of ZrO_2 on mechanical properties of Si_3N_4 based ceramics were investigated. As ZrO_2 content increased, the fraction of #alpha#-Sialon tended to decrease and the amount of cubic ZrO_2 increased because Y_2O_3 acted as the stabilizer of ZrO_2. The sintering atmospheres didn't affect on the sintering behavior and the product phases in hot-pressing of Si_3N_4. Bending strength increased when ZrO_2 content. ZrO_2 didn't contribute to the increase of fracture toughness because stabilized cubic ZrO_2 was produced by the added Y_2O_3. (Author).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Three abiotic systems are described that catalyze the reductive dehalogenation of heavily halogenated environmental pollutants, including carbon tetrachloride, trichloroethene, and perchloroethene. These systems include (a) an electrolytic reactor in which the potential on the working electrode (cathode) is fixed by using a potentiostat, (b) a light-driven system consisting of a semiconductor and (covalently attached) macrocycle that can accept light transmitted via an optical fiber, and a light-driven, two-solvent (isopropanol/acetone) system that promotes dehalogenation reactions via an unknown mechanism. Each is capable of accelerating reductive dehalogenation reactions to very high rates under laboratory conditions. Typically, millimolar concentrations of aqueous-phase targets can be dehalogenated in minutes to hours. The description of each system includes the elements of reaction mechanism (to the extent known), ...

Science.gov (United States)

The authors made peritoneal dialisis with 5% of glucose (7 ml/kg of body weight) in 11 dogs under the conditions of an acute experiments. They examined cortiosl and ADH activity, hematocrite and plasma protein in the samples of blood, obtained on the 20th and 50th minute. ADH was titrated biologicaly by a new method, proposed by Nacev. The results were compared with the changes in the circulatory and renal indices, obtained at the same procedure in the preceding investigations. There was an increase in the cortisol and ADH activity, which could be explained by the total hypovolemia, induced by peritoneal dialisis. The increase of the cortisol level is described as a separate link in a more complex mechanism, assuring metabolic homeostasis. PMID:1222705

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The gravitational torque applied on the Earth by the other celestial bodies generates periodic variations in the orientation of the Earth's rotation axis in space which are called nutations. Observations of Earth's nutations allow for insights into the physical properties of the inner core because of the presence of a normal mode, the Free Inner Core Nutation (FICN), which is characterized by a tilt of the inner core figure and rotation axes with respect to the mantle and outer core. The frequency of the FICN is controlled by the strength of the mechanical coupling acting at the inner core boundary (ICB) and by the ability of the inner core to deform under the action of centrifugal and gravitational forces. Attenuation of the FICN reflects energy dissipated by electromagnetic (EM) and visc...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Nano- and microstructured surfaces are known to impact on the binding and differentiation of cells, but the detailed basic understanding of the underlying regulatory mechanisms is still scarce, which impedes the rational design of smart biomaterials. Towards a comprehensive analysis of the interplay between topographical parameters such as feature design and lateral and vertical dimensions we here report on a combinatorial screening approach, BioSurface Structure Array (BSSA) of test squares each with a distinct topography. Using such BSSA libraries of 504 topographically distinct surface structures, we have identified combinations of size, gap and height of structures which enhance mineralization as well as the expression of osteogenic markers of a preosteoblastic murine cell line. This g...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The fossil fuel consumption and pollutant emissions in a coal fired fluidized bed boiler could be reduced by biomass pyrolysis gas reburning. The influence of three kinds of biomass pyrolysis gases on the emission of N2O in a laboratory scale fluidized bed was investigated using the mechanism of GRI3.0 in this paper. The results showed that: the effect of sawdust pyrolysis gas reburning on N2O was more significant than that of rice husk and orange peel under the same conditions; the increase of initial oxygen content from 1% to 8% in flue gas would restrain the decomposition of N2O; the N2O decomposition was enhanced by increasing reaction temperature from 1073.15 K to 1323.15 K, and the decomposition rate may reach 99% at 1223.15 K.

CERN Document Server

Theory of quantum games is relatively new to the literature and its applications to various areas of research are being explored. It is a novel interpretation of strategies and decisions in quantum domain. In the earlier work on quantum games considerable attention was given to the resolution of dilemmas present in corresponding classical games. Two separate quantum schemes were presented by Eisert et al. and Marinatto and Weber to resolve dilemmas in Prisoners' Dilemma and Battle of Sexes games respectively. However for the latter scheme it was argued that dilemma was not resolved. We have modified the quantization scheme of Marinatto and Weber to resolve the dilemma. We have developed a generalized quantization scheme for two person non-zero sum games which reduces to the existing schemes under certain conditions. Applications of this generalized quantization scheme to quantum information theory are studied. Measurement being ubiquitous in quantum ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

This study describes the chemical composition of the essential oil of Artemisia maritima (Am.Oil) and the pharmacological basis for its medicinal use in gut and airways disorders. Twenty five compounds, composing 93.7% of the oil, were identified; among these, chrysanthenyl propionate and elixene were identified for the first time from any Artemisia species. The Am.Oil (0.3?1.0 mg/mL) suppressed spontaneous and high K+ (80 mM)-induced contractions in isolated rabbit jejunum, suggestive of an antispasmodic effect mediated possibly through calcium channel blockade. The calcium channel blockade activity was confirmed when pre-treatment of the tissue with Am.Oil (0.01?0.03 mg/mL) shifted the Ca++ concentration-response curves to the right, similar to verapamil and papaverine. In isolated trach...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Development of a comprehensive and effective global clean technology cooperation framework will require years of experimenting and evaluation with new instruments and institutional arrangements before it is clear what works on which scale and in which region or country. In presenting concrete examples, this paper aims to set the first step in that process by highlighting successful models and innovative approaches that can inform efforts to ramp up clean energy technology cooperation. This paper reviews current mechanisms and international frameworks for global cooperation on clean energy technologies, both within and outside of the UNFCCC, and provides selected concrete options for scaling up global cooperation on clean energy technology RD&D, enabling environment, and financing.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Background: Mechanisms underlying the association between myocardial bridge (MB)-stenting and in-stent restenosis (ISR) are still unclear. Objective: To assess the impact of MB on ISR using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). Methods: In the Harmonizing Outcomes with Revascularization and Stents in Acute Myocardial Infarction (HORIZONS-AMI) trial, 100 left anterior descending artery (LAD) culprit lesions (79 treated with paclitaxel-eluting stents [PES] and 21 treated with bare metal stents) were imaged with serial IVUS immediately postprocedure and at 13 months. Results: At baseline the LAD stent extended into the MB segment beyond the culprit lesion in seven patients (MB-stent group). In the remaining 93 patients the LAD stent was implanted only in the culprit lesion without extending into t...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wood plastic composites are prepared under radiation of "6"0Co gamma source with simul, a low grade wood of Bangladesh using a water soluble monomer acrylamide (AM) mixed with a swelling solvent methanol, water or methanol/water (1:1) at different compositions in the presence of a number of additives and co-additives such as NVP (N-vinylpyrrolidone), TPGDA (tripropylene glycol diacrylate), TMPTA (trimethylol propane triacrylate), sulfuric acid, urea and copper sulfate. Polymer loading (PL) and tensile strength (TS) of the composites are measured. The role of these additives on the composites is also discussed. It is observed that nitrogen-atom containing-materials like urea, NVP and AM produce composites with the highest mechanical strength, and incorporation of copper into this system provides additional property of protection and preservation of the composites against attacks by insects and microbes. (author).

CERN Document Server

To understand dynamic developmental processes, living tissues must be imaged frequently and for extended periods of time. Root development is extensively studied at cellular resolution to understand basic mechanisms underlying pattern formation and maintenance in plants. Unfortunately, ensuring continuous specimen access, while preserving physiological conditions and preventing photo-damage, poses major barriers to measurements of cellular dynamics in indeterminately growing organs such as plant roots. We present a system that integrates optical sectioning through light sheet fluorescence microscopy with hydroponic culture that enables us to image at cellular resolution a vertically growing Arabidopsis root every few minutes and for several consecutive days. We describe novel automated routines to track the root tip as it grows, track cellular nuclei and identify cell divisions. We demonstrate the system's capabilities by collecting data on ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

A novel continuous laminar shear structuring crystallizer with a suitable cooling system was designed and built. This is a new method to continuously crystallize edible fat in the desirable polymorphic form from the melt while being uniformly sheared.The machine consists of four main sections: Feed unit, shearing mechanism, cooling system and power unit. In each of these sections specific design considerations are taken into account which makes the process controllable and continuous. The shearing unit is made of two concentric cylinders. The internal cylinder is stationary and has a cooling system inside for temperature control. The outer cylinder rotates to produce a uniform shear in the sample fluid placed in the 1.5mm gap between the cylinders. The sample's feed rate is controlled whil...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The structural stability, electronic and elastic properties of ScN under high pressure were investigated by using full-potential linearized augmented plane-wave (FP-LAPW) method. Our calculations indicate that there exists a pressure-induced structural phase transformation from the ambient rock-salt (B1) phase to CsCl-type (B2) phase above 335 GPa. The origin of moderate high bulk modulus, mechanical and high melting point was analyzed by electronic properties. The variations of elastic constants (C_i_j) with volume and pressure have been investigated. Moreover, the volume dependencies of Debye temperature, the longitudinal and transverse elastic wave velocities have been presented.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Although cognitive performance in humans and experimental animals can be improved by administering omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the neurochemical mechanisms underlying this effect remain uncertain. In general, nutrients or drugs that modify brain function or behavior do so by affecting synaptic transmission, usually by changing the quantities of particular neurotransmitters present within synaptic clefts or by acting directly on neurotransmitter receptors or signal-transduction molecules. We find that DHA also affects synaptic transmission in mammalian brain. Brain cells of gerbils or rats receiving this fatty acid manifest increased levels of phosphatides and of specific presynaptic or postsynaptic proteins. They also exhibit increased numbers of dendritic spines on post...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

When operating a nuclear power plant the necessity arise to eliminate various defects of building constructions, to seal joints and transitional elements. The authors present data concerning the production of a sealing composition made of epoxy resin and used for NPP premises of emergency location. Analytical relations are presented between the properties of the composition (adhesion strength, water absorption and others) and its structure. Physical, mechanical and thermal properties and structural peculiarities are determined in the process of interaction between the filling and binding agents. The composition sustains sealing properties under environmental conditions at he presence of an air - vapour mixture with 160 degrees C"o temperature and 0.3 MPa surplus pressure. (author).

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The aim of this study was to develop a nanostructured Nb2O5-natural hydroxyapatite bulk composite to serve as an alternative biocompatible bulk material for implants. A set of samples of hydroxyapatite from fish bones with different concentrations of Nb2O5 were designed. They were prepared through a milling process, compacted under different pressures (350, 450, 550 and 650MPa) and sintered in air atmosphere at 1000^oC for 1h. The results revealed that the prepared composites presented strong interactions between the two elements and showed improvement in the sinterability with significant densification and microstructure changes, suggesting that they are promising for implants meant to replace bone tissues.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The advance in laser-plasma acceleration techniques pushes the regime of the resulting accelerated particles to higher energies and intensities. In particular the upcoming experiments with the FLAME laser at LNF will enter the GeV regime with almost 1nC of electrons. From the current status of understanding of the acceleration mechanism, relatively large angular and energy spreads are expected. There is therefore the need to develop a device capable to measure the energy of electrons over three orders of magnitude (few MeV to few GeV) under still unknown angular divergences. Within the PlasmonX experiment at LNF a spectrometer is being constructed to perform these measurements. It is made of an electro-magnet and a screen made of scintillating fibers for the measurement of the trajectories of the particles. The large range of operation, the huge number of particles and the need to focus the divergence present unprecedented challenges in the ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract Although photosynthetic thermotolerance has been investigated extensively in cotton leaves, reports on the biochemical influence of the pistil in promoting fertilization thermostability are limited. To evaluate the effect of temperature, genotype, and exogenous calcium application on fertilization and pistil biochemistry in cotton, thermosensitive (cv. ST4554 B2RF) and thermotolerant (cv. VH260) plants were grown under control (30/20-C) or high-temperature (38/20-C) conditions during flowering, and exogenous CaCl2 was applied to flowers 1-day prior to anthesis. Measured pistil parameters included fertilization efficiency; protein concentration; glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and NADPH oxidase activities; and ATP and calcium levels. Exogenous calcium had no effec...

Science.gov (United States)

The change in the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the course of its decomposition was shown, catalyzed by 0.02 M PbI/sub 2/, 0.03 M CuI, 0.02 M KI, 0.02 M FeSo/sub 4/, 6 M HCl, and 1 M HCL + 2 M H/sub 2/SO/sub 4/ at 25 C. It was suggested that in the process of the catalytic decomposition at the initial stage of the reaction, the formation of an intermediate active species containing positively charged halogen occurs; depending on the oxidative power of the counterion, the relative proportions of the hydrogen peroxide decomposing under the action of either the cation or the anion varied.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The switching behavior of magnetic patterns prepared by ion irradiation was investigated. Co/Pt multilayers with perpendicular anisotropy and large out-of-plane coercivities 5-6 kOe were grown on electron transparent SiN windows. Regularly spaced 1 micron sized regions, were magnetically pattered via ion beam irradiation through a stencil mask. Lorentz TEM was used to observe in-situ magnetization reversal processes of irradiated regions under well-defined applied magnetic fields. When the in-plane field was increased, domain wall motion was observed, resulting in the alignment of the patterns with the direction of the applied field. The switching mechanism of the in-plane patterns was by domain wall motion.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract Objectives: This investigation reviewed experimental studies of laser irradiation of wound healing in mice and rats published from 2003 to August 2008, respectively, to assess putative stimulatory effects of this treatment. Background: Animal models, including rodents, attempt to reflect human wound healing and associated problems such as dehiscence, ischemia, ulceration, infection, and scarring. They have played a key role in furthering understanding of underlying mechanisms involved in impaired wound healing, and in testing new therapeutic strategies including laser irradiation. Method: Original research papers investigating effects of laser or monochromatic light therapy on wound healing in mice and rats and published from January 2003 to August 2008 were retrieved from library...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The microstructure of the interphase in semicrystalline polymer matrix composites has a dramatic influence on their mechanical properties. Studies have been performed to alter this region and to correlate various interphase morphologies with changes in fiber-matrix adhesion. A reinforced nylon 66 composite, when subjected to specific thermal histories, contains an interphase composed of transcrystallinity. This region has been altered by coating fibers with a diluent, poly(vinyl pyrrolidone), and/or adding the diluent to the matrix material in very small quantities. Interphase morphology was investigated with optical microscopy, and adhesion was measured using a modified fiber pull-out test. It was found that transcrystallinity increases the interfacial shear strength. The effect different interphase morphologies have on the durability of bulk composite samples is currently under investigation.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Approximately 95% of the world`s integrated chips are packaged using a hot, high pressure transfer molding process. The stress created by the flow of silica powder loaded epoxy can displace the fine bonding wires and can even distort the metalization patterns under the protective chip passivation layer. In this study the authors developed a technique to measure the mechanical stress over the surface of an integrated circuit during the molding process. A CMOS test chip with 25 diffused resistor stress sensors was applied to a commercial lead frame. Both compression and shear stresses were measured at all 25 locations on the surface of the chip every 50 milliseconds during molding. These measurements have a fine time and stress resolution which should allow comparison with computer simulation of the molding process, thus allowing optimization of both the manufacturing process and mold geometry.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract Alkali tolerance and the mechanism of microcystin (MC) degradation were investigated in the MC-degrading bacterial species, Sphingopyxis sp. C-1, to better understand the increased MC degradation under the alkaline conditions that arise during the disappearance of water blooms. MC-degrading bacteria harbour mlrA, mlrB and mlrC that encode MC-degrading enzymes. Sphingopyxis sp. C-1 also possesses these genes, as well as the mlrD gene that has been assumed to encode MC and its degradation transporter. This study demonstrated that MC degradation activity was promoted by the intermittent addition of microcystin-LR (MCLR) to cultures of strain C-1. That the expression of mlrA, mlrB and mlrC is induced by MCLR also was indicated, whereas that of mlrA and mlrB is induced by the MCLR degr...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Computer simulations of two-junction, concentrator tandem solar cell performance show that IR-sensitive bottom cells are required to achieve high efficiencies. Based on this conclusion, two novel concentrator tandem designs are under investigations: (1) a mechanically stacked, four-terminal GaAs/GaInAsP (0.95 eV) tandem, and (2) a monolithic, lattice-matched, three-terminal InP/GaInAs tandem. In preliminary experiments, terrestrial concentrator efficiencies exceeding 30% have been achieved with each of the above tandem designs. Methods for improving the efficiency of each tandem type are discussed. (orig.).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

UO/sub 2/ definitely leaked past the O-ring in three of the tests confirming the major results of the previous work. Continuous leakage at these levels may require additional precautions under present regulatory policies. The mechanism and the time and particle size dependence for the leakage are not known, but there is some indication leakage is more likely at low temperatures. It is possible leakage is due to movement of the O-ring during temperature or pressure cycling at the beginning or end of a test. The radiotracer method involves less labor and is much less susceptible to contamination than the previous method. Future work will investigate leakage past lubricated O-rings and time dependence of leakage. 1 reference, 1 table.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract Green tea extract showed false-negative results in the determination of glucose via glucose oxidase (GOD) test. This investigation was undertaken to verify and find out the precise mechanism underlying this interference by determining the reaction kinetics of production and reduction of end-point chromophore. The peroxidase step of the GOD test was found to be interfered and phenols of the green tea were the interfering compounds. Green tea interfered and exerted its influence in a dual fashion. A part of the interference was observed as a result of the reduction of the finally formed chromophore, whereas the other form of interference was due to its hydrogen peroxide/free radical-scavenging activity. Reducing potential and the free radical-scavenging activity of the phenols in th...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Smooth and notched specimens of the bearing steel 100Cr6 (SAE 52100) in a bainitic condition were used to determine the S-N curves under tensile, torsional and combined in- and out-of-phase loading. In the area of high-cycle fatigue, crack initiation was most likely caused by inclusions like Titanium Carbon nitrides or Aluminium Oxides. A micro mechanical model for the crack initiation by inclusions was developed. Another model was developed to describe the influence of these inclusions on the lifetime. A weakest-link model, using the statistical distribution of inclusions and surface flaws, was used to describe the endurance limit. (orig.)

Science.gov (United States)

Thirteen summaries of exploratory development work carried out under a grant to the Naval Postgraduate School Research Foundation are included. This research was carried out in the areas of electrical engineering (slot lines; phase lock loops), aeronautics (aircraft survivability; composite materials for structures), material sciences (relation between high temperature compressive behavior and microstructure), mechanical engineering (fatigue life of ferrocement hull structures; flow fields), economics (hazardous employment incentives for DoD personnel), operations research (missile allocation modeling; combat dynamics; shipboard tank designs), oceanography breakwater construction effects on ecology), and physics (evaluation of an underwater acoustic parametric source).

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Experiments of highly subcooled nucleate pool boiling of FC-72 with dissolved air were studied both in short-term microgravity condition utilizing the drop tower Beijing and in normal gravity conditions. The bubble behavior and heat transfer of air-dissolved FC-72 on a small scale silicon chip (10 ? 10 ? 0.5?mm3) were obtained at the bulk liquid subcooling of 41?K and nominal pressure of 102?kPa. The boiling heat transfer performance in low heat flux region in microgravity is similar to that in normal gravity condition, while vapor bubbles increase in size but little coalescence occurs among bubbles, and then forms a large bubble remains attached to the heater surface during the whole microgravity period. Thermocapillary convection may be an important mechanism of boiling heat transfer in ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Proposed features of the competitive electricity market in Ontario were reviewed. The speaker predicted that demand for renewable energy in Ontario`s competitive electricity market will be affected by green power, emissions trading, labelling, and renewables portfolio standard. Under current regulations retailers can charge customers a premium for purchasing electricity generated by `green` sources. The existing limits on emissions of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxides will remain in place, but an emissions cap and trading program for all Ontario-based generation is an option to consider. Ontario`s Market Design Committee (MDC) has recommended the implementation of emissions trading for electricity-related air pollutants for all generators located in Ontario. The complex mechanics of emission trading are explained. The MDC recommendation of the use of standard labels to disclose the mix of energy sources used by sellers of ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The phase transformations and properties of a precipitation-hardened Ni-Cr-based alloy are investigated as a function of C, B, Nb, and Cr contents. It is found that the primary role of Nb consists in the formation of an independent phase, delta-Ni3Nb, a part of a gamma/gamma-prime-delta eutectoid (for high C and B concentrations) and in stimulating the gamma-sigma reaction consecutively with the gamma double prime-delta reaction (for low C and B concentrations). In both cases, the long-term strength characteristics of the Nb-alloyed system are relatively low. The substitution of boron for carbon contributes to a reduction in the number of nucleation sites for topologically close-packed phases and to the formation of more stable (with respect to excess compounds) M3B2 and MB2 borides. The high-boron material exhibits better properties and phase stability under mechanical and thermal loading. 13 references.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The dynamics of planktonic cyanobacteria in eutrophicated freshwaters play an important role in formation of annual summer blooms, yet overwintering mechanisms of these water bloom forming cyanobacteria remain unknown. The responses to darkness and low temperature of three strains (unicellular Microcystis aeruginosa FACHB-905, colonial M.?aeruginosa FACHB-938, and a green alga Scenedesmus quadricauda FACHB-45) were investigated in the present study. After a 30-day incubation under darkness and low temperature, cell morphology, cell numbers, chlorophyll a, photosynthetic activity (ETRmax and I k), and malodialdehyde (MDA) content exhibited significant changes in Scenedesmus. In contrast, Microcystis aeruginosa cells did not change markedly in morphology, chlorophyll a, photosynthetic activi...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Formation kinetics and composition of products of interaction of binary and ternary tungsten-molybdenum-rhenium alloys containing 30#+-#3 at.% (27-47 weight %) Re with products of thermal dissociation of ammonia and nitrogen-oxygeneous mixtures are studied. Mo-45% Re-10%W ternary alloy occupies intermediate position between W-27%Re and Mo-47%Re binary alloys, while its corrosion resistance and corrosion nature are close to those of W-Re and mechanical features - to those of Mo-Re alloy. It is explained by the fact, that the variation of W and Mo ration occurs in thin surface layer of ternary alloys in contrast to the initial state and the enrichment of near-the-surface layer with tungsten occurs under hot and cold deformation, at aging in the air, and during oxidation-reduction treatment. 4 refs.; 7 figs.

CERN Document Server

Silicon sensors have about ten times improved radiation hardness around 130 K temperature, compared with the state-of-art sensors close to room temperature. This is based on the Lazarus effect studied by the RD39 Collaboration of CERN. Other benefits of low temperatures will also be discussed. We shall describe the conceptual design of low-mass detector modules cooled using two-phase flow of argon in miniature cooling pipes integrated in the module structure between the sensors and the readout hybrid circuit. The main engineering features of the cooling system and mechanical support structures are discussed, as well as the benefits arising from the operation of the tracker under cryogenic vacuum. 4 Refs.

Science.gov (United States)

Course website from Cambridge on ceramic materials. This site contains eight lectures in PDF format (Adobe Reader required), two question sheets, five practicals (including answers), digital movies and further useful links. "There is a strong relationship between the structure of a material and its physical properties. The properties of a material whether mechanical, electrical, optical or magnetic, determine how it can be used in practical applications. In this course, the focus is on the structure / property relationship for ionic materials with electrical properties utilised in various transducer devices. The materials considered include perovskites, which have special polarisation properties exploited in ferroelectric, pyroelectric and piezoelectric devices. Other oxides, such as zirconia, have structures permitting rapid diffusion of ions, making them suitable for use in sensors, fuel cells and batteries. The scientific principles ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The possible corrosion damage is discussed of the CrNi and CrNiMo types steels used as structural materials in WWER type nuclear power plants. It includes point and slot corrosion, corrosion cracking and corrosion fatigue as well as corrosion denting. Also discussed are test procedures that simulate operating conditions and are used for assessing the properties of metallurgical products (sheets and tubes) used in nuclear power engineering. Briefly described is a system for testing the said products in an aqueous medium while keeping the test parameters in a narrow range for a long time. Under the defined temperature, pressure and corrosion medium composition, the test specimens in this system can mechanically be loaded, both statically and dynamically or a temperature gradient can be produced at the tube-tube plate joint. (Z.M.). 1 fig., 1 tab., 10 refs.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

In the parametric regression model, the covariate missing problem under missing at random is considered. It is often desirable to use flexible parametric or semiparametric models for the covariate distribution, which can reduce a potential misspecification problem. Recently, a completely nonparametric approach was developed by [H.Y. Chen, Nonparametric and semiparametric models for missing covariates in parameter regression, J. Amer. Statist. Assoc. 99 (2004), pp. 1176-1189; Z. Zhang and H.E. Rockette, On maximum likelihood estimation in parametric regression with missing covariates, J. Statist. Plann. Inference 47 (2005), pp. 206-223]. Although it does not require a model for the covariate distribution or the missing data mechanism, the proposed method assumes that the covariate distribut...