As an engineered barrier system in the geological disposal of high-level waste, multibarrier system is considered. Multibarrier system consists of the vitrified waste, the overpack and the buffer. Bentonite is one of the potential material as the buffer because of its low water permeability, self-sealing properties, radionuclides adsorption and retardation properties, thermal conductivity, chemical buffering properties, overpack supporting properties, stress buffering properties, etc. As the construction technology of the buffer, the block installation method and in-situ compaction method, etc, are being investigated. The block installation method is to emplace the buffer blocks manufactured in advance at the ground facility, and construction processes of the block installation method at the underground will be simplified compared with the in-situ compaction method. However, the block joints of buffer might be a mechanical weak portion or might be a preferential ...
AZ31 magnesium alloy was friction-welded to AM60 and the microstructures and the friction welding process were studied. The microstructures changed near the weld interface. The AZ31 was refined to a grain size of several {mu}m near the weld interface. The nucleation occurred in the shear bands that were introduced during the welding process. On the other hand, the eutectic structure was deformed and the lamellar structure which was composed of {alpha}-Mg and Mg{sub 17}Al{sub 12} was formed near the weld interface in AM60 alloy. In the friction process, the adhesion and peel off occurred alternately between AZ31 and AM60. Eventually, bonding was completed during upset process. (orig.)
... CJCSI 3141.01C, Responsibilities for the Management and ... of a multivolume set of CJCS unclassified and ... (1) CJCSM 3122.01A, Joint Operation ...
... directed the transformation of designated Service operational headquarters into effective and scalable Joint Task Force headquarters capable of ...
Full text of publication follows: As SiCf/SiC composites are very low activation materials, their use as structural material for the reactor blanket and first wall components appears essential to demonstrate the potential of D-T fusion power reactor. Positive features of SiCf/SiC are their high performances at elevated operating temperature and the ability to produce a specific component. Critical issues of SiCf/SiC are the mechanical properties, radiation stability and, with regard to technological issues, their hermeticity and joining processes. Improvement of joining processes for SiC/SiC components is also needed. Recently, several blanket designs have been studied: the TAURO blanket concept in the European Union, the ARIESAT concept in the US and the DREAM concept in Japan. In those reactors, hermetic SiCf/SiC or self-sealing coatings are mandatory. The basic idea of self sealing concept is to manufacture a coating with specific requirements (CTE and wettability suitable for ...
An assessment of the joint shear strength of exterior concrete beam-column joints reinforced internally with Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) reinforcements under monotonically increasing load on beams keeping constant load on columns is carried out in this study. Totally eighteen numbers of specimens are cast and tested for different parametric conditions like beam longitudinal reinforcement ratio, concrete strength, column reinforcement ratio, joint aspect ratio and influence of the joint stirrups at the joint. Also finite element analysis is performed to simulate the behaviour of the beam-column joints under various parametric conditions. Based on this study, a modified design equation is proposed for assessing the joint shear strength of the GFRP reinforced beam-column specimens b...
BackgroundSensory information from mechanoreceptors in the skin, muscles, tendons, and joint structures plays an important role in joint stability. A joint injury can lead to disruption...Full Text Available
Hyaluronan (HA) is important for joint cavitation, lubrication, volume regulation and synovial fluid drainage but little is known about the regulation of joint HA synthesis/secretion in vivo....Full Text Available
This monograph explores an alternative way of providing a JSOTF headquarters to the Joint Force Commander. Beginning with a history of joint SOF doctrine, the monograph outlines the evolution of special operations command and control and the subsequent ne...
Special Operations Forces (SOF) within a Joint Task Force are controlled by a Joint Special Operations Task Force (JSOTF). Presently, JSOTF headquarters are formed around the core of the Theater Special Operations Command (TSOC), a service SOF headquarter...
Conceptual documents like Joint Vision 2010 (JV 2010), the Concept for Future Joint Operations (CFJO), and the Revolution in Military Affairs (RMA) postulate that advances in technology and information superiority will revolutionize the way military force...
Information superiority provides the Joint force a competitive ... Information Grid (GIG) as it matures and fills the needs of the Joint Task Force ... representatives from The Army Secretariat, Headquarters Department of Army ...
... We assume that A is chosen so that the claim in question meets whatever are the conventional requirements for confidence in the context at hand. ...
...Oster | Best sexual wellness info Best sexual wellness info Home Posts Tagged Oster Oster Professional 103 Stim-U-Lax Massager Reviews Made of 100% ball bearing construction Traditional frame design with special frame contour to fit hand and reduce hand fatigue Chrome housing and rubber hand pad Heavy-duty, single speed UL approved 120v This lightweight therapeutic massager combines the advantages of hand and mechanical massage. Its special contoured design reduces hand fatigue and its universal ...
The production of heavy crude oils increased in the last years in the world. Crude oils with high density, viscosity, acidity and sulfur, nitrogen, metals and asphaltenes contents, by the others hand, low stability and low product quality. The challenger of many refiners is find solutions to refine the heavy crude oils, and produce fuels with certify quality, such as Jet Fuel. The principal aviation technique on the world work with gas turbines engines feted for jet fuel (JET A1). The quality specifications of this fuel are establish by International Norms: ASTM-1655, DEF STAN 91-91-3 (DERD 2494) and joint Fuelling System Check List. The world technologies to obtain jet fuel from mixtures of heavy crude oil with middle crude oils are: Atmospheric distillation, with a posterior hydrogenation and finally the additivation. Studies carried out have demonstrates that the Cubans heavy crude oils is characterized for having API less than 10, raised ...
The design of a 345-kV prefabricated capacitive-graded joint for oil-filled cables and the manufacture and testing of prototype joints are described. Tests on prototype No. 4 demonstrated the adequacy of the printed circuit design. It was not possible to consistently obtain high-quality capacitive sheets and substantial effort is required to remedy this problem. Advantages of these prefabricated joints are summarized, and specific recommendations are made for further development of the concept.
The Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management is the first legal instrument to directly address the safety of spent fuel and radioactive waste management on a global scale. The Joint Convention entered into force in 2001. This paper describes its process and its main achievements to date. The perspectives to establish of a Global Waste Safety Regime based on the Joint Convention are also discussed. (authors)
This paper reports on a flexible dimensionaly flush joint for 500kV aluminum-sheathed oil-filled cables capable of being assembled, pulled an installed in a similar manner to cables at site which has been developed. This joint is intended for use at intermediate points on long bridges or tunnels where local assembly and installation of conventional joints would be difficult. In developing the joint various novel and original techniques have been employed, including the flexible flush jointing of segmental conductors, the flexible jointing of paper insulation by a combination of wrapping-back and stepping methods, plus on-site aluminum sheath corrugating and sealing methods.
The effect of aging on the microstructure and tensile properties of a type 316LN stainless steel/Alloy 800 joint, welded with 16-8-2 stainless steel consumable, has been studied to characterize and evaluate the joint for long-term elevated temperature service. The joint was subjected to accelerated againg heat treatments at 873 K up to 5000 h to simulate long-term service exposures. Analysis of the results from this investigation shows that this joint has adequate stability of microstructure and tensile properties even after prolonged exposure at elevated temperatures. (orig.)
We have developed a playmate robot system for playing the rock-paper-scissors game with humans. The playmate robot recognizes the hand motions of a human using image processing without attaching any additional units to the human. The playmate robot system consists of three parts: a game management part, a hand motion recognition part, and a robot hand control part. The system functions as follows. (1) Before the game is played, the game management part decides on the motion of the robot hand from amongst rock, paper, and scissors. After the game is played, the robot develops a reaction using speech and facial expressions depending on the result of the game. (2) The hand motion recognition part recognizes the hand motion of the human. It does not use any additional units on the human?s body...
To study the topographical organization of mu and beta band event-related desynchronization (ERD) associated with voluntary hand and foot movements, we used magnetoencephalographic (MEG) recordings...Full Text Available
PURPOSETo compare hand-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy and pure laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy techniques in live donor nephrectomy.METHODSIn...Full Text Available
This experimental study investigates the effectiveness of crossed inclined bars (X-bars) as joint shear reinforcement in exterior reinforced concrete beam-column connections under cyclic deformations. Test results of 20 joint subassemblages with various reinforcement ratios and arrangements including X-bars in the joint area are presented. The X-type, non-conventional reinforcement is examined as the only joint reinforcement and in combination with common stirrups or vertical bars. The experimental results reported herein include full loading cycle curves, energy dissipation values and a categorization of the observed damage modes. Based on the comparisons between the overall hysteretic responses of the tested specimens, it is deduced that joints with X-bars exhibited enhanced cyclic perfo...
An effective rehabilitation strategy is proposed to enhance the strength and stiffness of the beam-column joint in this study. An analytical model is proposed to predict the column shear of the joints strengthened with carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP). Three full scale interior beam-column joints, including two specimens strengthened with CFRP and one prototype specimen, are tested in this study. The specimens are designed to represent the pre-seismic code design construction in which there is no transverse reinforcement. A new optical non-contact technique, digital image correlation (DIC), which can measure the full strain field of specimen, is used to measure and observe the full strain field of the joint. The experimental results show that the beam-column joints strengthened with ...
The critical part of the trimetallic transition joint (type 304 stainless steel/Alloy 800/2.25 Cr-1 Mo steel), the Alloy 800/2.25 Cr-1 Mo steel joint welded with Inconel 182, was subjected to thermal cycling between room temperature and 873 K. The thermal cycling test procedure used produces accelerated failures in transition joints similar to those observed in steam generators of operating power plants. On thermal cycling, precipitation at the weld/ferritic steel interface decreased on post-weld heat treatment. This precipitation increased with increased prior ageing and applied stress. The results of these tests indicated a considerable improvement in performance of the trimetallic transition joint compared to the direct (bimetallic) transition joint. (orig.).
Objectives To test the hypotheses that, compared with conventional outpatient consultations, joint teleconsultation (virtual outreach) would incur no increased costs to the NHS, reduce...Full Text Available
AIM: To evaluate the effects of percutaneous ozone injection via the posterior-lateral route and inner margin of the facet joint in the treatment of large lumbar disc herniation.METHODS:...Full Text Available
The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals (JCAH) has continuously emphasized improvement in the quality of care provided in hospitals as the central purpose of the accreditation process. In...Full Text Available
Exact anatomic knowledge about the location of the gonads and the application of corresponding measures of radiation protection are the preconditions for an efficient reduction of the danger of a possible genetic damage as a result of radiation exposition during X-ray examination of the hip joint of newborns. (VJ).
The purpose of the Joint Task Force Headquarters Master Training Guide (JTF HQ MTG) is to provide a descriptive, performance-oriented training guide to assist leaders in training their units. It also serves as a guide for the JTF Headquarters in actual op...
We studied multi-joint coordination during tasks of transporting real and imaginary objects with two arms. One of the arms was unexpectedly arrested in one third of trials performed. In the...Full Text Available
Objective:To assess the efficacy of facet joint infiltrations for pain relief in 44 selected patients with chronic nonradicular low back pain (LBP).Materials...Full Text Available
Examination of a painful hip is fairly concise and reliable at detecting the presence of a hip joint problem. Hip joint disorders often go undetected, leading to the development of secondary disorders....Full Text Available
This joint statement was developed by the CMA and the Canadian Pharmaceutical Association, a national association of pharmacists, and includes the goal of drug therapy, strategies for collaboration...Full Text Available
The structure of a demountable vacuum joint designed for operation from -120 to +120 deg C is developed and tested. Requirements of especially low gas release from the materials used have been fulfilled; the same concerns low sealing efforts, repeated action and keeping tightness under loads, indium being used as a sealant. Experimental studies of demountable vacuum joints, dia 100,125,140,160,180 and 200 mm, with an indium sealant permit to make the following conclusions: 1. The joints are sealed at sealing specific efforts of 0.4 kg/mm (without considering atmospheric pressure). 2. The joints retain tightness at opening and closing a cover five times and under +-120 deg C. 3. To ensure repeated operation of the joint with continued stable sealing effort, one should make sure the sealed surfaces coincide at repeated sealing. 4. When operating demountable vaccum ...
...COMCAM forces document Air Force and air component activities...supported unified command or joint task force commander, through the...Force COMCAM forces in a joint environment. If an...share of Unified Command headquarters COMCAM and visual...
Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute (JAERI) and the High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK) are promoting the joint project integrating both the Neutron Science Project (NSP) of JAERI and the Japan Hadron Facility Project (JHF) of KEK for comprehensive studies on basic science and technology using high-intensity proton accelerator. This document describes the joint project prepared by the Joint Project Team of JAERI and KEK to construct accelerators and research facilities necessary both for the NSP and the JHF at the site of JAERI Tokai Establishment. It was originally written in English and translated into Japanese with some corrections. (author)
... The pharmacologist/toxicologist and the statistician will jointly determine if a statistical review is needed and when the review should be done. ...
... from theory to practice will be significantly reduced while intrinsically revolutionizing the approach to engineering network security architectures. ...
runs are necessary, provision shall be made for expansion joints, motion of the units, or similar compensation to ensure that no excessive strains are ...
... to integrate and synchronize SC efforts and capabilities, as noted in the SC Roadmap, the joint community needs to publish SC policy and expand ...
Authors obtained T1-weighted MRI images of the femoral head after fracture of the femoral neck and classified the signals into four patterns to investigate the sequential changes of the femoral head. The T1-weighted MRI images obtained initially after femoral neck fracture showed a normal pattern in 10 of the 15 hip joints studied. MRI images obtained subsequently still showed the normal signal pattern in eight of the 10 hip joints which had shown the normal pattern in the first MRI, while two of the 10 joints subsequently showed a band pattern. The joint with the homogeneous pattern in the first MRI subsequently showed a band pattern. Of the three joints with an inhomogeneous pattern in the first MRI, two joints showed a subsequent band pattern, and the other a normal pattern. The joints which showed a band pattern continued to show a ...
The objective of the project was to develop a welded tubular joint database to assess the fatigue design curves (X and X{prime}) in the American Petroleum Institute design code (API RP2A). Changes in the curve-fitting method and screening criteria (primarily the exclusion of the very thin tubular joints) produced results different from those reported previously. The current results show that the X and X{prime} curves are too conservative and that a new curve should be adopted. The Department of Energy T{prime} curve was found to be consistent with the screened tubular joint air data and is recommended for use in API RP2A. The weldment size effect exponent (n) of 0.25 in the current version of API RP2A was found to be too small, and a higher value of 0.30 consistent with the Department of Energy recommendations is recommended. The fatigue test results for tubular joints tested in air and tubular ...
Measurements of human joint motion frequently involve the use of opto-electronic and other motion analysis systems where some type of makers are used to establish joint motion within a global reference coordinate frame. Typically, this global reference coordinate frame is chosen to be most convenient for the person carrying out the experiment in which the joint motion is measured, and Euler angles are chosen as the measure of joint motion. Results, however, may be quite arbitrary and therefore rendered meaningless if the reference frame is not properly chosen with respect to the physical joint axis. In order to make a proper choice of coordinate axes in the reference frame, one must take into consideration both the location and the orientation of die physical joint axis relative to the reference frame`s axes. In nature, joint axes can exist ...
Snakebites are common among the rural population of developing countries. The severity of venomous snakebites depends on several factors, including the location of the bite, the amount of venom injected,...Full Text Available
The radiographic features of Ewing's sarcoma of the bones of the hands and feet are reviewed utilizing cases obtained from the Mayo Clinic patient files and the consultation files of Drs. D.C. Dahlin and K.K. Unni. This series consists of a total of 43 cases of pathologically proven Ewing's sarcoma involving the small bones of the hands and feet. The classic radiographic features of Ewing's sarcoma in the long bones, including lytic, permeative destruction, aggressive periosteal reaction, cortical violation, and a soft tissue mass, are also seen in the bones of the hands and feet, with similar frequency. These classic features are most commonly present in lesions affecting the short tubular bones. Lesions affecting the tarsal bones more often demonstrate atypical radiographic features. These atypical radiographic appearances may play a role in the reported delay in diagnosis of Ewing's sarcoma within the tarsal bones. ...
Background:Percutaneous tracheostomy (PT) has gained an increasing acceptance as an alternative to the conventional surgical tracheostomy (ST). In experienced hands, and with...Full Text Available
Background: The nail gun is a commonly utilized tool in carpentry and construction. When used properly with appropriate safety precautions, it can facilitate production and boost efficiency;...Full Text Available
Sep 19, 2011 ... (The whispering voice, on the other hand, was the latest in ultrasound directed audio technology from the firm Audio Spotlight.) The NASA ...
BackgroundThe function of a cylinder allowing simultaneous measurements of the opposition axis of the index finger and thumb of the hand and the magnitude of pinch force is described.Full Text Available
The ecological approach to perception, as developed by James Gibson, is described and applied to how one knows, by means of the haptic perceptual system, various properties of hand-held objects. Four...Full Text Available
One of the most challenging problems in Opportunistic Spectrum Access (OSA) is to design channel sensing-based protocol in multi secondary users (SUs) network. Quality of Service (QoS) requirements for SUs have significant implications on this protocol design. In this paper, we propose a new method to find joint policies for SUs which not only guarantees QoS requirements but also maximizes network throughput. We use Decentralized Partially Observable Markov Decision Process (Dec-POMDP) to formulate interactions between SUs. Meanwhile, a tractable approach for Dec-POMDP is utilized to extract sub-optimum joint policies for large horizons. Among these policies, the joint policy which guarantees QoS requirements is selected as the joint sensing strategy for SUs. To show the efficiency of the proposed method, we consider two SUs trying to access two-channel primary users (PUs) network modeled by discrete ...
The mixed structure of a nuclear reactor building is composed of SC-columns, S-beams, S-joints and PCa-panels. Following the last report (Part 7)[1], the main test results of the mixed structure, that is, the deformation mode, strain distribution and shear strength, are described. The S-joints using ultrahigh strength materials had no buckling nor shear slipping. The proposed mixed structure resisted the external horizontal forces under integrated uniformity among SC-columns, S-joints and PCa-panels. It could be confirmed that the mixed structure can be established. (author)
Twenty-seven patients with symptoms or clinical findings suggesting joint or bone disorders of the anterior chest wall (ACW) were evaluated by spiral CT with 3-dimensional (3-D) and multiplanar reconstructions. Preceding conventional ACW tomography was performed in 10 patients. ACW joint and bone changes were visualized more adequately by coronal 2-D reconstructions based on spiral CT than by conventional tomography. In addition, nonossified costal cartilages and soft tissue lesions were demonstrated. 3-D reconstructions sometimes added information, especially in patients with fracture and dislocation. (orig.).
Studied are the mechanical properties of welded joints and heat affected zones of the Kh8N10T steel and OT4 and VT1-2 titanium alloys on welding in Ar+deltaF_6 and Ar+CCl_2F_2 mixtures contributed to a decrease of porosity. Tensile and impact tests of welded joints have revealed that additions of sulfur hexafluoride into argon causes a decrease of impact strength in titanium alloy when the tensile strength does not depend on the composition of a halogen-containing atmosphere. Freon (CCl_2F_2) additions decrease only slightly the impact strength of the investigated alloys.
Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and histopathology were used to diagnose an articular process synovial myxoma in a dog. On MR images, the tumor was characterized by distortion of the left L1-L2 articular process, widening of the articular process joint, and the presence of a mass contiguous with the synovium of the articular process that displaced the spinal cord. The tumor was T2-hyperintense, T1-hypointense, relative to muscle, and had mild contrast enhancement. The MR features of articular process synovial myxoma may be distinct from other diseases of the articular process joint.
Subcommittee of the Joint Committee on Atomic Energy of the United States, Outer Space Propulsion by Nuclear Energy, hearings, 85th Cong., 2d sess., 22, ...
Microscopy and chemotaxonomy from HPLC analysis of phytoplankton pigments initiated in 2003 suggest that Noctiluca miliaris blooms are becoming more intense ...
... Headquarters Element, Defense Logistics Agency, Support Detachment 3 ... Joint Task Force, Team 6 ... 19th Special Forces Group, Support Element 1 ...
... 7th Joint Task Force Augmentation Team Schwetzingen ... Headquarters 85th Division Training Support, Detach 2 ... 20th Special Forces Company A ...
... WHS- Washington Headquarters Service. ... US Military (ie, Army, Navy, Air Force) service publications ... Strike Group to Fight in the Joint Task Force. ...
ObjectivesTo determine what biodiversity data is held by record centres for the South Downs Lifescapes pilot area and the format in which it is stored.
... WHS- Washington Headquarters Service. ... ie, Army, Navy, Air Force) service publications ... The Case of the Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force. ...
This paper summarizes the main features of four current REDD proposals: Compensated Reduction, Papua New Guinea et al; Joint Research Center; and Brazil. ... ...
of Earth Science data and information management capabilities. Dale Schulz/400 . For your exceptional achievement in leading the joint LaRC/GSFC team in ...
... WHS- Washington Headquarters Service ... but also with respect to other Joint, National and ... unit of action (UA) combat team or task force is organized ...
... Joint Meritorious Award to DLA," Dimnsions Vol. ... recently the Defense Finance Accounting Services (DFAS ... gmbAt Service SUoDort Field Manual. ...
... In this manner, a JBI-enabled COI would have the full suite of JBI information management capabilities, but would still be based on and have full ...
... Joint Staff and other US Military (ie, Army, Navy, Air ... The major products of this work are significant advances in ... Keywords: Dogs; Laboratory animals ...
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the interobserver agreement of ultrasonographic assessment of finger and toe joints in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by 2 investigators with different medical backgrounds. METHODS: Ultrasonography and clinical examination were performed on 150 small joints of 30 patients with active RA. A General Electric LOGIQ 500 ultrasound unit with a 7-13-MHz linear array transducer was used. In each patient, 5 preselected small joints (second and third metacarpophalangeal, second proximal interphalangeal, first and second metatarsophalangeal) were examined independently on the same day by 2 ultrasound investigators (an experienced musculoskeletal radiologist and a rheumatologist with limited ultrasound training). Joint effusion, synovial thickening, bone erosions, and power Doppler signal were evaluated in accordance with an introduced 4-grade semiquantitative scoring system, on ...
... Experts ( Appendix 5 ), and the NMFS-Sea Grant Joint Graduate Fellowship Program ( Appendix 6) . The Task Force consisted of one representative from NMFS Headquarters and 1-2 rep...
Jan 14, 2004 ... presented to the nation at NASA Headquarters, Washington, D.C., ...... Board/Air Force Scientific Advisory Board Joint Task Force on ...
Feb 6, 2003 ... Director, Plans and Programs, Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command, .... Commander of the Joint Task Force Southwest Asia at Prince ...
... (l0)6o). 316. Statf,'ent. In Hearings before the Subcommittee on Research, Do'v,-Iopment, and Radiation of the Joint Committee on Atomic Energy. ...
...QUALIFICATION AND CERTIFICATION OF LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEERS Implementation of the Certification...operations and certifies locomotive engineers from a different railroad...designated supervisor of locomotive engineers or a certified train...
joint task force (JTF), division (OIV) and regimental combat team (RCT) with ..... Headquarters, Department of the Army. (HQOA), (2010). Field Manual 2-0 ...
Pumping is one of the means for storing vast quantities of energy. This article analyses its principles and ways of implementation with emphasis on its double aspect, e.g., on the one hand, off-peak power is transferred to the periods of heaviest load and is thus valorized, even when taking into account losses due to poor efficiency of operations in the pumping and turbine modes, and on the other hand, plants have great flexibility in operation, faciliting the permanent fitting of generation to demand.
The examples discussed demonstrate that in order to improve further the high-temperature strength properties of (monocrystalline) nickel-base superalloys, it is expedient to follow two parallel routes, namely alloy development, on the one hand, and suitable modifications of the microstructure by appropriate thermal and mechanical treatments, on the other hand. (orig.)
The purpose of the Air Force Health Study is to determine whether those individuals involved in the spraying of herbicides in Vietnam during the Ranch Hand operation have experienced any adverse health effects as a result of their participation in that program. The study is designed to evaluate both the mortality (death) and morbidity (disease) in these individuals over a 20-year beginning in 1982. The Baseline Mortality Report was released in June 1983, the Baseline Morbidity Report in February 1984. Follow-up mortality reports were released in 1984, 1985, and 1986. This study has not demonstrated health effects which can be conclusively attributed to herbicide or dioxin exposure. This report contains analyses of cumulative deaths occurring up to 31 December 1987. The overall cumulative mortality of the Ranch Hands remains statistically indistinguishable from that of both their matched Comparisons and the entire Comparison, population, ...
A joint experimental and theoretical analyses based on the grounds of DFT anharmonic potential and the use of a variational method allow us to revisit and assign the gas phase spectra of vinylarsine in the mid-IR area until 6300cm-1. Several weak and very weak bands corresponding to overtones and combinations are newly observed and assigned in complement to the fundamental bands.
Resistance exercise has been widely reported to have positive rehabilitation effects for patients with neuromuscular and orthopaedic conditions. This paper presents an optimal design of magneto-rheological fluid dampers for variable resistance exercise devices. Adaptive controls for regulating the resistive force or torque of the device as well as the joint motion are presented. The device provides both isometric and isokinetic strength training for various human joints.
Through a comprehensive and aggressive research program Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc. (Con Edison) has designed, developed, and installed several new products to address the environmental impact of dielectric fluid from pipe-type cable systems. These include: On Line Leak Detection, Leak Location, Retractable Flow Direction Indicator, Full Stop Joints, and Transition Joints. This paper describes the application of the aforementioned products on the Con Edison underground transmission system.
In recent years there has been a renewed interest in the treatment of quantum mechanics in terms of joint distribution functions, i.e. functions of momentum and position coordinates p and q. The author considers j.d.f. in the sense of classical probability theory of a stochastic variable. The j.d.f. is then interpreted as the probability that the variables p and q have certain values, the variables being considered as a property possessed by the object system. This formalism is used to provide a unified description of bradyons and tachyons. (Auth.).
According to the present invention, a joined product is at least two ceramic parts, specifically bi-element carbide parts with a bond joint therebetween, wherein the bond joint has a metal silicon phase. The bi-element carbide refers to compounds of MC, M.sub.2 C, M.sub.4 C and combinations thereof, where M is a first element and C is carbon. The metal silicon phase may be a metal silicon carbide ternary phase, or a metal silicide.
To evaluate injury patterns of facet joints and associated soft tissue injuries in patients with acute traumatic cervical facet joint injuries. From among patients with cervical spine trauma, 27 with facet joint injuries, as seen on CT and MRI, were chosen for this study. CT scans were analyzed with regard to the location of facet joint injury, the presence or absence of facet dislocation or fracture, and other associated fractures. MR images were analyzed with regard to ligament injury, intervertebral disc injury, intervertebral disc herniation, and spinal cord injury. The most common location of facet joint injury was C6-7 level(n=10), followed by C5-6(n=8). Among these 27 patients with facet joint injuries, 12(44%) had bilateral injuries and 15(56%) unilateral injuries. Facet fractures were present in 17 cases(63%) and the fracture of inferior facet was more ...
A report is presented of a hearing conducted before the Joint Committee on Atomic Energy on August 27, 1976, to discuss the legal implications for reactor licensing resulting from court challenges to procedures for assessing the environmental impact of radioactive waste disposal. (DG)
Recently, weight reduction of vehicles has been of great interest, and consequently, the use of low-density materials in the automotive industry is increasing every year. Materials should not be substituted such a way that material of component parts is simply changed because there is a problem in achieving stiffness and strength. To achieve these requirements, the automobile should be redesigned totally. Aluminum spaceframe is rapidly being adopted as a body structure for accommodating lightness, stiffness and strength requirement. In aluminum spaceframe manufacturing, it is often required to join aluminum tube. But there are few suitable methods for joining aluminum tube, so that much interest has been focused on testing suitable joining methods. Joining by electromagnetic forming(EMF) can be useful method in joining aluminum tube, which offers some advantages compared with the conventional joining method. In this paper, joining by EMF was investigated as a pre-study for applying an ...
Transition joints in power plants between ferritic steels and austenitic stainless steels suffer from a mismatch in coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) and the migration of carbon during service from the ferritic to the austenitic steel. To overcome these, nickel-based consumables are commonly used. The use of a trimetallic combination with an insert piece of intermediate CTE provides for a more effective lowering of thermal stresses. The current work envisages a trimetallic joint involving modified 9Cr-1Mo steel and 316LN austenitic stainless steel as the base materials and Alloy 800 as the intermediate piece. Of the two joints involved, this paper describes the choice of welding consumables for the joint between Alloy 800 and 316LN. Four consumables were examined: 316, 16-8-2, Inconel 82 and Inconel 182. The comparative evaluation was based on hot cracking tests and estimation of mechanical ...
To investigate the effect of external loads arising from differential thermal expansion between a substrate and a surface-mount component during thermomechanical cycling, specimens with a nickel surface-mount component on a copper substrate were prepared. Specimens consisted of two 100 #mu#m thick 1 mm"2 solder joints about 9 mm apart, with two designs. In one specimen (denoted 'dual-shear'), the as-fabricated joints were not stressed due to differential contraction during solidification and cool down. In the other specimen (denoted 'component'), a continuous copper substrate between the joints caused the nickel component to be put in compression during cool down, which imposed shear on the joints. To impose differential thermal shear strains, the 'dual-shear' specimen was clamped to a copper block to cause a significant reversal in sign of the shear imposed on the solder joint ...
During 1993 and 1994 a working group of biologists operating in Region Lombardia has carried out a study to evaluate the reliability of artificial substrates in the assessment of water quality by the Extended Biotic Index. Macroinvertebrate samples were collected by means of hand net and artificial substrates (up to 3 replicates) in 22 sampling sites of 15 watercourses of different typology (river, stream, irrigation channel) and water quality. Sampling efficiency and reliability in the calculation of E.B.I. and Quality Class by 1, 2 and 3 artificial substrates with respect to hand net have been evaluated. Influence of water quality, typology and original prevailing substrate in watercourses on the performance of artificial substrates has also been investigated. Results show a good agreement with other Authors' papers, confirming that artificial substrates represent a valid alternative macroinvertebrate sampling technique when traditional ...
On June 2, 1992, Landers` earthquake struck the Solar Electric Generating System II, located in Daggett, California. The 30 megawatt power station, operated by the Daggett Leasing Corporation (DLC), suffered substantial damage due to structural failures in the solar farm. These failures consisted of the separation of sliding joints supporting a distribution of parabolic glass mirrors. At separation, the mirrors fell to the ground and broke. It was the desire of the DLC and the Solar Thermal Design Assistance Center (STDAC) of Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) and to redesign these joints so that, in the event of future quakes, costly breakage will be avoided. To accomplish this task, drawings of collector components were developed by the STDAC, from which a detailed finite element computer model of a solar collector was produced. This nonlinear dynamic model, which consisted of over 8,560 degrees of freedom, underwent model reduction to form a ...
Under the current design philosophy, reactor structures are to be designed to withstand large inelastic deformation caused by strong and severe ground motion. The design of the main structural elements and their connections are to be such that they always fail in ductile mode. This will ensure large energy absorption capacity of the structures under seismic excitation and avoid sudden and brittle failure of the structure. Over the years, a number of experimental investigations have been carried out on RC beam- column joints to study their behaviour and strength. However, these studies mostly pertain to small scale joints of moment resisting frame of residential buildings and commercial complexes. Information on full scale joints existing in NPP structures are scanty. Therefore, experimental programme was planned in the laboratory to construct identical large sized joints with the same reinforcement ...
Most standard accounts of human anatomy and physiology are designed to meet the requirements of medical education and therefore consider their subject matter from the standpoint of typical rather than...Full Text Available
What has been accomplished does not die, but too often, alas, the personality of those who have handed the torch from one generation to another soon fades into oblivion.—...Full Text Available
A survey is given on the results in hand on the natural radioactivity of building materials. It is shown that only a small percentage of building materials has an increased content of radioactive materials. The results are compared with approximate values given in a Russian publication. (orig./AK).
The effects of response effort on safe behaviors (i.e., glove wearing, hand sanitizing, and electrical outlet replacement) exhibited by therapists at an autism treatment center were examined. Participants...Full Text Available
BackgroundSurface electromyography (sEMG) signals have been used in numerous studies for the classification of hand gestures and movements and successfully implemented in the position...Full Text Available
The contribution of the parietal cortex to episodic memory is a fascinating scientific puzzle. On one hand, parietal lesions do not normally yield severe episodic memory deficits, but on the...Full Text Available
Ten subjects balanced their own body or a mechanically equivalent unstable inverted pendulum by hand, through a compliant spring linkage. Their balancing process was always characterized by repeated...Full Text Available
1. Nitric oxide generation is important in the regulation of resistance vessel tone. Until now, however, there has been no evidence of such a role for basal generation of nitric oxide in the skin microcirculation...Full Text Available
In the Archaea only a handful of ribonucleases involved in RNA processing and degradation have been characterized. One potential group of archaeal ribonucleases are homologues of the bacterial RNase...Full Text Available
The conformation of d (CG)n oligomers with n = 2,3 has been studied in aqueous solution in the presence of high salt concentration. A minimum n value of three is necessary to obtain a left-handed Z-helix....Full Text Available
A nucleic acid extraction system that can handle small numbers of specimens with a short test turnaround time and short hands-on time is desirable for emergent testing. We performed a comparative validation...Full Text Available
BackgroundEvent-related potentials (ERPs) may be used as a highly sensitive way of detecting subtle degrees of cognitive dysfunction. On the other hand, impairment of cognitive skills...Full Text Available
Magnetic resonance imaging has proven an invaluable method in the diagnosis of joint diseases associated with osteonecrotic, inflammatory, traumatic and degenerative processes. At the clinical level, it has an important role in decisions about the method of treatment and evaluations of the therapeutic success. When the merits of MRT are balanced against those of conventional radiography including tomography and CT, which both ensure better spatial resolution in the visualisation of cortical and spongy bone structures, it becomes quite evident that MRT must not be regarded as an alternative method of imaging but as one that can be used additionally to obtain the most information for the diagnosis of arthropathy. The question as to whether new pulse sequences (snap shots) or invasive techniques like intra-articular injection of paramagnetic substances (MR arthrography) are likely to become routine procedures in the detection of joint diseases ...
Magnetic pulse welding is a solid state impact welding process, similar to explosive welding, which produces metallurgical bond by oblique high-speed impact between two metal bodies. This violent impact removes the metal surface oxide layers and then joins the two atomic level clean metal surfaces together by the incidental compression pressure. The impact velocity is at 200?400?m/s and the being welded metal surface undergoes severe plastic deformation with strain rate in the order of 106?107?s?1. The ultrafine-grained structure was observed on the welded interface. This article studied two types of similar material lap joint interfaces and the base metals were aluminum alloy 6061 and copper alloy 110. Nano-indentation testing shows that the welded interfaces have significantly greater ha...
In this paper, for an acceleration of utilization of magnesium alloy which is being interested in recent years, friction welding of AZ31 magnesium alloy was carried out, and the joint performance was discussed in relation to the deformation heat input in the upset stage and upset loss as a evaluation factor. Where, the deformation heat input in the upset stage is mechanical work represented by the product of upset speed and axial pressure. As a result, it was made clear that the friction welding of AZ31 magnesium alloy was easy in the atmosphere, and good welded joints without a non- adhesion area at the weld interface could de obtained. Moreover, the evaluation factors discussed were possible to evaluate to joint performance. (orig.)
Glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) reinforcing bars were used recently as main reinforcement for concrete structures. The noncorrodible GFRP material exhibits linear-elastic stress-strain characteristics up to failure with relatively low modulus of elasticity compared to steel. This raises concerns on GFRP performance in structures where energy dissipation, through plastic behavior, is required. The objective of this research project is to assess the seismic behavior of concrete beam-column joints reinforced with GFRP bars and stirrups. Two full-scale exterior T-shaped beam-column joint prototypes are constructed and tested under simulated seismic load conditions. One prototype is totally reinforced with GFRP bars and stirrups, while the other one is reinforced with steel. The experimen...
The VNC2 and VNC5 steel tests on endurance were carried out in order to determine the capacity for work of large welded samples and to investigate the methods of welding. The samples made by the arc welding demonstrated the most high endurance at low frequencies of loading during the test of welded joints made of the VNC2 steel. The application of the VNC2 steel interlayers together with intermediate heat treatment allows one to increase the static and fatigue strength of welded joints at corresponding decrease of the construction weight during welding of the VNC5 steel as well as its combination with the VNC2 steels. The gas protection deterioration during steel welding leads to considerable diversity of values of endurance.
During sporting events, injured athletes often return to competition after icing because of the reduction in pain. Although some controversy exists, several studies suggest that cryotherapy causes a decrease in muscle activity, which may lead to a higher risk of injury upon return to play. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a 20-min knee joint cryotherapy application on the electromyographic activity of leg muscles during a single-leg drop jump in twenty healthy subjects, randomly assigned to an experimental and a control group. After the pre-tests, a crushed-ice bag was applied to the knee joint of the experimental group subjects for 20min, while the control group subjects rested for 20min. All subjects were retested immediately after this period and retested again...
Considering beryllium as plasma facing armour this paper presents recent results obtained in Russia. A special process of joining beryllium to a Cu-alloy material structure is described and recent results of thermal cycling tests of such joints are presented. Summarizing the results, the authors show that a Cu-alloy heat sink structure armoured with beryllium can survive high heat fluxes ({>=}10 MW/m{sup 2}) during 1000 heating/cooling cycles without serious damage to the armour material and its joint. The principal feasibility of thermal cycling of beryllium grades and their joints directly in the core of a nuclear reactor is demonstrated and the main results of this test are presented. The paper also describes the thermal cycling of different beryllium grades having cracks initiated by previously applied high heat loads simulating plasma disruptions. (orig.)
The progression of hip dysplasia was investigated in 116 military working dogs. Serial pelvic radiographs were graded for degree of dysplasia and degenerative joint disease (DJD). Norberg angles, angles of inclination, and joint space widths were measured. There was a significant correlation between the Norberg angle and the degree of dysplasia (p less than 0.0001). Angles of inclination and joint space width measurements did not demonstrate a correlation to canine hip dysplasia. Dysplastic dogs had a significant estimated risk for development of DJD compared to normal dogs (p less than 0.0001; odds ratio of 70.2). Dogs with normal hip conformation at 24 months of age or older did not develop moderate nor severe DJD. PMID:8875357
In the early days of Moessbauer spectroscopy, it was demonstrated that coherent scattering of photons emitted by a Moessbauer source can be observed. In spite of the fact that scattering experiments could give information not accessible by the absorption method, they are not widely used. The reasons for this are, on the one hand, experimental difficulties, and on the other hand, the form of the samples, which should be large single crystals in most cases. In this work, we present a Moessbauer diffraction measurement on polycrystalline bcc iron where these problems have been overcome. We demonstrate that using the kinematical theory of gamma-ray diffraction, useful information on the relative orientation of the crystallographic axis to the hyperfine field directions can be subtracted. (orig.)
Two hypotheses are in the centre of this investigation, on the one hand the question, whether microwaves as exogenous fields alone are able to stimulate human muscle cells above-threshold, and on the other hand, whether microwaves as conditioning to cathodical electrical pulses can modify the excitation threshold and form. No excitation through the application of microwaves alone can be introduced at any subject. The conditioning of above-threshold cathodical electrical pulses with UMTS-microwaves leads not to a transgression of the threshold or the electrical muscle response (EMG) depending on the amplitude, the duration or the dose rate. (orig.)
Energy conservation presents major opportunities to industry, both to improve its energy efficiency (hence its competitiveness and profitability) and to supply services and equipment. There are vast markets, both in the United Kingdom and overseas, but there are also barriers. There is reluctance on one hand to make new investment on the scale required. On the other hand, the problems of meeting a fragmented new demand are complicated by the fragmentation of the conservation supply industry. This calls for a new coherent, and innovative approach by both the conservation supply industry and the financial institutions. 3 tables.
The global demand for platinum has consistently outgrown supply in the past decade. This trend likely will continue and the imbalance may possibly escalate into a crisis. Platinum plays pivotal roles in both conventional automobile emissions control and the envisioned hydrogen economy. A platinum crisis would have profound implications on energy and environment. On the one hand, inadequate platinum supply will prevent widespread commercialization of hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles. On the other hand, expensive platinum may enhance the competitiveness of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery-powered electric cars. Policymakers should weigh the potential impacts of a platinum crisis in energy policy.
To date few reports have provided direct comparison of psychosocial vulnerability and resources among youth with victimization and perpetration histories. Within a racially diverse, high-risk...Full Text Available
... Headquarters 5th Brugade 78th Division (Ts) ... 2nd Battalion 20th Special Forces Company B ... 29th Corps Personnel Serves Hq Joint Task Force Aug ...
... NE Mall Room B-607, EPA Headquarters, 401 M ... formally adopted and initiated a joint strategy for ... CLI kick-off Partner and Task Force meeting. ...
Isokinetic training and assessment of the knee joint has been the mainstay of rehabilitation, especially in patients with anterior cruciate ligament deficiency. Besides the original shin pad used, the...Full Text Available
The Space Task Group in its study of future directions in space, with ..... almost $6 billion and a peak civil service and contractor work force of 420000 people. ..... space organizations permitting assumptions of primary or joint responsibility for ...
Washington, DC -07/24/09 Photo: Secretary Clinton and Iraqi Prime Minister al-Maliki at HCC Bilateral; Washington, DC -07/24/09 Photo: Secretary Clinton at Joint Press...
Haemophilia, the commonest hereditary bleeding disorder, arises because of the absence of, decrease in, or deficient functioning of plasma coagulation factor VIII or factor IX. With rare exceptions,...Full Text Available
The corrosion behaviour of friction stir welded (FSW) joints of AA 5083 has been compared to that of MIG welded joints. Pitting and stress corrosion cracking (SCC) resistance in 3.5% NaCl + 0.3 g/l H{sub 2}O{sub 2} and in EXCO (4 M KCl + 0.5 M KNO{sub 3} + 0.1 M HNO{sub 3}) solutions has been determined at 25 C. SCC susceptibility was evaluated by slow strain rate tests (SSRT), at a strain rate of 1 x 10{sup -6}s{sup -1}. Welds obtained by FSW technique showed a higher corrosion resistance in EXCO solution and a lower pitting tendency than the base alloy. Electrochemical measurements (corrosion potential measurements, polarization curves recording) evidenced that FSW weld was cathodic to base alloy. FSW joints were not susceptible to SCC in both test solutions, whereas MIG joints cracked in both solutions. (orig.)
This report is designed to cover the overall Operation Castle radiological safety matters from the viewpoint of those issues of direct concern to Headquarters, Joint Task Force Seven. It was written for the express purpose of assisting in the development ...
This report is designed to cover the overall Operation Castle radiological safety matters from the viewpoint of those issues of direct concern to Headquarters, Joint Task Force Seven. It was written for the express purpose of assisting in the development ...
A study of the joint evolution of the normal- and neutron-star components of massive binaries opens with a classification scheme and the analytic expressions to be applied in Paper II for computer simulation of the observable properties of such systems.
The relationships between muscle tensions, jaw motions, bite and joint forces, and craniofacial morphology are not fully understood. Three-dimensional (3-D) computer models are able to combine anatomical...Full Text Available
Metallic O-ring or Helicoflex seals can prevent relaxation and provide greater resilience than composite seals, helping to keep joints leaktight. Their characteristics and applications in the nuclear industry are outlined. (Author).
... We also toured a Trident submarine at Kings Bay, Ga. "During the weekend at the Joint Interagency Task Force Headquarters in Key West, Fla., we ...
... The high resolution imagery , collected over Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, included a mixture of large commercial buildings and private houses, as well as the airport and some community parks. 10/08/11 Read more Top EU R&D companies expect a 5% ...
The article reviews the Rothschild First Interim Report on the future of the British Coal Industry and British Coal Corporation. The report incorporates work undertaken by the Joint Working Groups set up with British Coal. The article points out various errors in the report and criticizes its conclusions.
Cytokine regulation of synovial fluid (SF) lubricants, hyaluronan (HA), and proteoglycan 4 (PRG4) is important in health, injury, and disease of synovial joints, and may also provide powerful regulation...Full Text Available
We describe two cases of septic arthritis occurring in association with lower urinary tract infection in elderly men. In both cases the organism isolated from both the joint and the urine was Staphylococcus...Full Text Available
In view of the situation that aging of boiler components proceeds and some `Type IV` cracking incidents are reported recently, the development of an accurate remaining life evaluation method for boiler weldment parts is an important subject for the utilities. In this study, simulated materials with coarse and fine grain microstructures in a weldment heat affected zone were produced, and their high temperature strength properties were evaluated. The strength property of the weld joint was also discussed based on the experimental and analytical results. It was found that the creep rupture strength of the fine grain material was as low as 1/2 of the base metal and as 1/5 of the coarse grain material, and the weld joint ruptured at the fine grain region in a shorter period than the base metal as the applied stress level decreased. Many grainboundary creep cavities were also observed in the fine grain region. A creep deformation analysis by FEM ...
Tendon reconstruction using grafts often results in adhesions that limit joint flexion. These adhesions are precipitated by inflammation, fibrosis, and paucity of tendon differentiation signals...Full Text Available
Officers receive service-specific education and undergo experiences within their components that provide the expert knowledge that enables them to operate in their respective military departments. Given the Department of Defense (DoD) emphasis on service ...
Static task intensity–endurance time (ET) relationships (e.g. Rohmert's curve) were first reported decades ago. However, a comprehensive meta-analysis to compare experimentally-observed...Full Text Available
Prophylactic knee braces are designed to prevent and reduce the severity of ligamentous injuries to the knee. Conflicting evidence is reported concerning their efficacy. The purpose of this study was...Full Text Available
The goal of this study was to evaluate topics used to troubleshoot circuit boards with known or suspected thermally intermittent components. Failure modes for thermally intermittent components are typically mechanical defects, such as cracks in solder paths or joints, or broken b...
Seventy seven patients with soft tissue shoulder lesions including adhesive capsulitis and disorders of the rotator cuff and acromioclavicular joint were admitted to a trial comparing two different...Full Text Available
This study investigates the doctrinal guidance available to a corps headquarters if required to serve as ajoint task force headquarters and simultaneously be required to warfight the corps. The study contends that a corps being required to simultaneously ...
ObjectiveTo estimate the joint effect of a multifaceted access intervention on primary care physician (PCP) productivity in a large, integrated prepaid group practice.Data...Full Text Available
...undertake missions and tasks (on either a...Secretary of Defense to task the DoD Components...the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff any commitment of military forces assigned to the Unified... (9) Military forces employed in MSCA...approval from higher headquarters, local military...
(General Stafford) was selected as chair for the Task Force based on his expertise .... a large foreign customer base that includes joint working agreements with Russia, the .... NASA Headquarters management advocates the Jorge Scientific ...
The results of an investigation into the behavior of adhesively bonded doubler splices of two composite material sandwich panels are presented. The splices are studied from three approaches: analytical; numerical (finite elements); and experimental. Several parameters that characterize the splice are developed to determine their influence upon joint strength. These parameters are: doubler overlap length; core stiffness; laminate bending stiffness; the size of the gap between the spliced sandwich panels; and room and elevated temperatures. Similarities and contrasts between these splices and the physically similar single and double lap joints are discussed. The results of this investigation suggest several possible approaches to improving the strength of the sandwich splices.
We report a case of stress fracture of the clavicle associated with sternocostoclavicular hyperostosis. A 60-year-old man sustained a stress fracture of the right clavicle with no history of trauma. On radiography, hyperostosis of the anterior chest wall and ankylosis of the sternoclavicular joint were evident in addition to the fracture. Fracture healing was uneventful after 2.5 months. Ankylosis of the sternoclavicular joint may have caused increased stress at the midshaft of the clavicle by daily activity or minor trauma. Such a fracture is a rare complication of sternocostoclavicular hyperostosis. (orig.)
In the last 40 years, significant advances have been made in the understanding of the neurophysiologic processes involved in the experience of trauma and pain. This knowledge, together with the rapid growth and understanding in the behavioral health sciences, has expanded to include a much better appreciation of how these fields are converging and contribute to a process called neuroplasticity. These basic mechanisms common to all patients have important implications for clinical outcome and for improving clinical practice. This article is written for clinicians who manage patients with sacroiliac joint dysfunction, a specific type of nonspecific low back pain.
The utilization of nuclear medicine bone scanning examinations early in the diagnostic process allows physicians to render prompt and correct treatment in urgent or difficult athletic cases. Bone scanning should be performed for athletic injuries whenever (1) x-rays are normal but bone or joint pain persists; (2) x-rays are positive but it cannot be determined if the findings are acute or chronic; (3) soft-tissue injuries present and x-rays are not useful; and (4) bone pain or joint impairment present without a history of trauma.89 references.
The activities and results of a Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project entitled ''Rapid Tools for Joint Inversion and Imaging'' are presented. Research and development on three-dimensional methods to recover distributions of material property values from sparse data are reported. Innovations using artificial neural networks and extended Kalman filtering are described. The report also covers investigations on upscaling and downscaling, segmentation for data processing, and applications to ground penetrating radar and geohydraulic tomography.
The integrity of helium circulation loop flanged joints has been attracting recent attention as a design problem, in the development of high-temperature facilities incorporating helium loops (e.g., the VRG-50 pilot nuclear facility). Elevated temperatures and pressures, and the radiation environment, impose additional requirements on sealant materials. This applies first and foremost to rubber seals, which have found widespread favor on account of its excellent elasticity, its ability to spontaneously conform to possible changes in the clearance in the seal assembly, and the low compressive stresses developed in the flange joint assembly.
Proposed ductile fracture toughness parameters from tensile tests have been successfully used to determine the post-weld heat treatment temperature for an alloy 800/(9Cr-1Mo) steel dissimilar metal weld joint that is optimum with respect to accelerated aging, which simulates service conditions. This approach proved superior to using microstructural analysis, microhardness profiles, and conventional tensile properties. (author).
It has become necessary to investigate the feasibility and desirability of joint coking of residues from the processing of petroleum and shale oil. Experiments have been performed on different types of feedstocks: a shale oil residue (SO) with an initial boiling point of 350/sup 0/C, obtained by thermal destruction of Bulgarian shales with a solid heat-carrier; a pyrolysis tar from the production of ethylene; extracts obtained in solvent treatment of petroleum oils, namely extracts from medium-viscosity lube distillate, viscous distillate, and residual lube stock; and asphalt obtained in deasphalting. Each of the petroleum products was blended with the SO in a 1/1 ratio.
ObjectivesObjectives Not AvailableDescriptionThis proposal seeks to extend what is currently the most comprehensive offshore environmental data collection programme at a platform on the UKGS involving continuous collection of wave height and direction, wind speed and direction, current and wave particle kinematics. Data has been collected with this system since 1994 and the proposal is to extend this until 1999 thus providing an extensive set of storm data collected at 5Hz which will allow examination of the joint behaviour of wave, wind [continued...
The authors measured the absorption of CO{sub 2} in alkaline 0.5 M/0.5 M sodium carbonate/bicarbonate buffers containing either saccharose and sodium arsenite or saccharose and formaldehyde. Absorption enhancement increased upon increasing the concentration of either of the catalysts, but the joint action of the two was always less than the sum of their individual effects, the difference being a function of the acidities and concentrations of the catalysts and the pH of the carbonate/bicarbonate buffer solution
The magnetoresistance in an FeNi submicron-structure comprising two wires of 80 and 200 nm in width connected in series was measured at 77 K. When the external magnetic field was applied parallel to the wire axis, two switching fields corresponding to the distinct coercive force of the two wires were observed. When the external magnetic field was applied at an angle of {theta}>30 deg. to the wire axis one switching field was observed, indicating simultaneous magnetization reversal in both wires. This indicates that the domain-wall trapping around the joint can be controlled systematically in terms of the direction of the external magnetic field.
The integrity of a pipeline system is determined by its weakest links which may be the joints. Heat fusion is the most common method for joining gas distribution polyethylene (PE) piping. There are procedural, thermal, and mechanical aspects of making fusion joints. Acceptable procedural aspects, such as heater calibration and cleanliness, can be assured by rigorous training and certification of the operators. Thermal and mechanical aspects consist of specifying joining conditions such as the heater temperature, heating time, and joining pressure. In the absence of procedural errors, the strength of a fusion joint should depend on the pipe material, pipe dimensions, and the thermal and mechanical joining conditions. Socket heat fusion was studied both experimentally and analytically to determine how the strength of the joint varied with the conditions under which it was made. The standard tensile impact ...
The integrity of a pipeline system is determined by its weakest links which may be the joints. Heat fusion is the most common method for joining gas distribution polyethylene (PE) piping. There are procedural, thermal, and mechanical aspects of making fusion joints. Acceptable procedural aspects, such as heater calibration and cleanliness, can be assured by rigorous training and certification of the operators. Thermal and mechanical aspects consist of specifying joining conditions such as the heater temperature, heating time, and joining pressure. In the absence of procedural errors, the strength of a fusion joint should depend on the pipe material, pipe dimensions, and the thermal and mechanical joining conditions. Socket heat fusion was studied both experimentally and analytically to determine how the strength of the joint varied with the conditions under which it was made. The standard tensile impact ...
In the feasibility study on commercialized FBR systems, the application of 12Cr steel, with its physical properties and high-temperature strength properties, as structural material is considered in order to greatly reduce construction costs by compacted instruments and structures. In this report, creep, fatigue and the creep-fatigue properties of Mod.9Cr-1Mo steel forging (thickness 550mm) weld, representing conventional steels, were evaluated in order to obtain the needed basic data for the evaluation of the high-temperature strength of 12Cr steel weld. The results obtained are as follows: (1) Metal suitable for HAZ was made by applying thermal treatment to simulate the thermal hysteresis during welding to clearly define creep and fatigue properties in a HAZ softened zone. (2) Creep strength of the weld metal and the welded joint was equal to that of the base metal. However, the welded joint ruptured in the HAZ softened zone and its ductility ...
A distinguishing design feature of CANDU nuclear reactors is the use of horizontal fuel channels housed in a horizontal vessel called a calandria, which is made of stainless steel 304L. Each channel consists of a Zr-2.5%Nb alloy pressure tube and an externally concentric Zr-2 calandria tube. The calandria tubes are joined to the end plates (tubesheets) of the calandria vessel by joints formed by roller expansion. The bores in the tubesheets are grooved. Roller expanded joints provide a cost effective means of joining dissimilar materials, require minimal space and no maintenance. The quality of these roller expanded joints is important from a sealing, strength and stress corrosion point of view. The roller expansion process consists of expanding the calandria tubes to deform them plastically against the bores and into the grooves of the tubesheets. Therefore, understanding the effect of the number, geometry and the pitch of ...
We make a complete analysis of the Yukawa coupling unification in SU(5) extensions of the MSSM in the framework of the radiative symmetry breaking scenario. Both logarithmic and finite threshold corrections of sparticles have been included in the determination of the gauge and Yukawa couplings at M_Z. The effect of the heavy masses of each model in the renormalization group equations is also included. We find that in the minimal SU(5) model b-tau Yukawa unification can be achieved for too large a value of alpha_s. On the other hand the Peccei-Quinn version of the Missing Doublet model, with the effect of the right handed neutrino also included, exhibits b-tau unification in excellent agreement with all low energy experimental data. Unification of all Yukawa couplings is also discussed.
The Systems Analysis Programs for Hands-on Integrated Reliability Evaluations (SAPHIRE) refers to a set of several microcomputer programs that were developed to create and analyze probabilistic risk assessments (PRAs), primarily for nuclear power plants. The Fault Tree, Event Tree, and Piping and Instrumentation Diagram (FEP) editors allow the user to graphically build and edit fault trees, and event trees, and piping and instrumentation diagrams (P and IDs). The software is designed to enable the independent use of the graphical-based editors found in the Integrated Reliability and Risk Assessment System (IRRAS). FEP is comprised of three separate editors (Fault Tree, Event Tree, and Piping and Instrumentation Diagram) and a utility module. This reference manual provides a screen-by-screen guide of the entire FEP System.
The key factors of enzymatic lysis of cells are the interaction between the enzyme and the cell - catalytic and non-catalytic adsorption of enzyme on cell surface. Here, the studies of lysis of intact Escherichia coli cells by chicken egg white lysozyme were performed. It was found that the ionic strength has a dual effect onto the system. On the one hand, the desorption constant of the enzyme increases with the increase of the solution ionic strength, which results in a better enzyme performance. On the other hand, due to the higher osmosis, the cell lysis rate decreases with the increasing of ionic strength of the system. It was found that pH 8.6 and 30mM NaCl are optimal conditions for lysis of E. coli cells by lysozyme.
The program introduced here for determining and describing the multi-axial creep of pipes is based, on the one hand, on the results of the nuclear process heat prototype plant material program and, on the other hand, on the possible load conditions which arise for evaluating accidents or extreme working situations. The basis of a theoretical description of multi-axial creep is the invariant theory in which both the von Mises configuration change hypothesis and the Norton creep law are included. Combined tension and torsion are also considered in detail, the superimposition of cyclic stresses in the tensile threshold area is discussed and cases of partial relaxation are explained. Experimental results for the discussed loads are introduced, which have led to satisfactory agreement between theory and experiment. (orig./MM).
The program introduced here for determining and describing the multi-axial creep of pipes is based, on the one hand, on the results of the nuclear process heat prototype plant material program and, on the other hand, on the possible load conditions which arise for evaluating accidents or extreme working situations. The basis of a theoretical description of multi-axial creep is the invariant theory in which both the von Mises configuration change hypothesis and the Norton creep law are included. Combined tension and torsion are also considered in detail, the superimposition of cyclic stresses in the tensile threshold area is discussed and cases of partial relaxation are explained. Experimental results for the discussed loads are introduced, which have led to satisfactory agreement between theory and experiment. (orig./MM).
Two grades of WC-10wt.%Co cemented carbide with or without addition of Cr3C2/VC grain growth inhibitor during liquid phase sintering were produced with the goal to investigate their reciprocating sliding friction and wear behaviour against WC-6wt.%Co cemented carbide under unlubricated conditions. The tribological characteristics were obtained on a Plint TE77 tribometer using distinctive normal contact loads. The generated wear tracks were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and quantified topographically using surface scanning equipment. The post-mortem obtained wear volumes were compared to the online assessed wear. Correlations between wear volume, wear rate and coefficient of friction on the one hand and sliding distance and microstructural properties on the other hand were determ...
The automotive industry desires to optimize safety and lightweight construction for the production of cars and trucks. The resulting task for steel suppliers is to make steel grades available that can fulfil these requirements. Different projects have shown optimistic outlooks for optimization of safety and reduction of the weight of automobile bodies by using different high strength and ultra high strength steels. In the last group the dual phase steels play the lead. In recent years different steel grades have been developed and optimized for these applications. On one hand developing the mechanical properties as well as joining and forming of dual phase steels is one of the first steps. On the other hand different coated surfaces for various applications of dual phase steels is another step. Starting with characteristic production conditions for cold rolled hot dip galvanised dual phase steels, the mechanical properties for joining and ...
Using EAS data from the EAS-EXC group (EAS plus hadronic calorimeter and nuclear emulsion-X chamber hybrid experiment) on Mount Chacaltaya during the 1990's the fractal properties of the energetic cosmic ray fluxes was investigated. A discrimination in the hadron content of the energetic primaries furnishes two different data samples, the total EAS fluxes and the hadron-less fluxes. The sidereal diurnal variation of the hadron-less EAS time variation shows values of 0.5% with a phase at about 2.29 hr sidereal time. With the help of the Crassberger Procaccia algorithm the fractal dimensions have been investigated of, on the one hand, the differences in arrival times of the hadron-less showers and on the other hand the EAS fluxes time series with an integration time of five min. The obtained fractal dimensions show inconclusive evidence of continuous chaotic component in the data samples investigated.
This evaluation has for object to inform about the levels in carbon 14 in the environment of the factories of La Hague. Two sectors were differentiated on one hand the terrestrial environment, and on the other hand the marine environment. The investigations concerned first and foremost food products stemming as the vegetable culture (vegetables) or individual breeding (milk, eggs) but also foodstuffs stemming from the local agriculture (cereal). In touch with the second sector, the marine environment, the sampling concerned the accessible products of the sea by all and those locally marketed (fishes, molluscs, shellfishes). The different results are presented in tables. (N.C.)
Applied science may once again play a decisive role in changing the face of armed conflict, and the rest of human affairs, by shifting the battlefield to our very brains. The national-security establishment--and particularly the Pentagon's Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)--supports research at the intersection of neuroscience and national security that could ultimately enable authorities to do things like enhance (or muddle, or erase) memory, monitor crowds for individuals whose brain patterns correlate with aggressive behaviors, or control weapons from afar merely with thoughts. What are the dangers of such information falling into "the wrong hands," and are there any "right hands" for this kind of knowledge? Is any extension of human abilities justified by the need for government to protect its society? PMID:15986543
Brain CT images were reviewed of 98 schizophrenic patients and 90 healthy persons in relation to handedness and aging. CT images were further reconstructed to examine morphologically subtle changes in each region. Schizophrenic patients had progressive brain atrophy and dilated lateral ventricles, especially on the left side and in the posterior part of the lateral ventricle. These findings were more marked in left-handed than in right-handed schizophrenic patients. According to age groups, there were significant differences between schizophrenic and normal persons over the age of 40. The incidence of left handedness was significantly higher in schizophrenic patients in their fourties than the age-matched normal persons (31.4% vs 15.1%). Morphological abnormality and laterality might be due to the same pathologic consequences. (N.K.).
A new evaluation of the 1% time strain limit for creep strength and the isochronous stress/strain relationship was to be undertaken for the type 800 alloy, based on up to date experimental data. After the evaluation of the 1% time strain limit curves and time fracture curves of individual melts, multilinear regression analyses were made to clear up the relationship between parameters of the creep behaviour such as creep strength, 1% time strain limit and time fracture strain on the one hand and metallurgical parameters such as C, Ti, Al, Ni, Cr contents or grain size and type of manufacture, on the other hand. Based on the knowledge gained from these calculations, new limits were determined for HTR material specifications for variants of the 800 alloy of the Rk, NT, DE, and HT type. (orig./DG).
Heat fusion is the most common joining method for polyethylene gas distribution piping. Butt fusion was studied with the intent of relating the quality of the joint to the joining conditions. A semi-empirical approach was used. The thermofluid consequences of joining conditions such as heater temperature, heating time and joining parameter were calculated using a computer model. The model was validated by instrumented tests. The strength of the joints was gauged by destructive mechanical testing. Tensile and tensile impact tests were used. Over 150 joints were fabricated using four different polyethylene resins. Most of the data are given in GRI Report No. 88/0276.2 -- Volume 2: Technical Reference on Butt Heat Fusion Joining of Polyethylene Gas Pipes. A parameter, termed the Joining Parameter, was found to characterize the joining conditions. Of the mechanical tests parameters, the impact energy was found to have the best ...
The effect of accelerated thermal cycling on a joint between modified 9Cr-1Mo steel (Grade 91) and Alloy 800 welded with Inconel 82 and 182 filler material is discussed. This is part of a trimetallic transition joint involving Grade 91-Alloy 800-316LN austenitic stainless steel for steam generator application. It has been shown that, during thermal cycling following the typical post-weld tempering treatment at 760 deg. C for 2 h, no carbon diffusion occurs from the ferritic steel towards the weld metal. There is, in fact, a hardness increase at the ferritic steel/weld metal interface which is probably a result of work hardening. Carbon migration sets in only after unusually long post-weld heat treatments for 20 and 50 h at 760 deg. C followed by thermal cycling. Significantly, even under the most severe thermal cycling test conditions imposed, no cracking or oxide notching could be detected, thus demonstrating the superior performance potential ...
Heat fusion is the most common joining method for polyethylene gas distribution piping. Butt fusion was studied with the intent of relating the quality of the joint to the joining conditions. A semi-empirical approach was used. The thermofluid consequences of joining conditions such as heater temperature, heating time and joining parameter were calculated using a computer model. The model was validated by instrumented tests. The strength of the joints was gauged by destructive mechanical testing. Tensile and tensile impact tests were used. Over 150 joints were fabricated using four different polyethylene resins. Most of the data are given in GRI Report No. 88/0276.2 -- Volume 2: Technical Reference on Butt Heat Fusion Joining of Polyethylene Gas Pipes. A parameter, termed the Joining Parameter, was found to characterize the joining conditions. Of the mechanical tests parameters, the impact energy was found to have the best ...
We report on the spectral cross-calibration results of the Konus-Wind, the Suzaku/WAM, and the Swift/BAT instruments using simultaneously observed gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). This is the first attempt to use simultaneously observed GRBs as a spectral calibration source to understand systematic problems among the instruments. Based on these joint spectral fits, we find that 1) although a constant factor (a normalization factor) agrees within 20% among the instruments, the BAT constant factor shows a systematically smaller value by 10-20% compared to that of Konus-Wind, 2) there is a systematic trend that the low-energy photon index becomes steeper by 0.1-0.2 and Epeak becomes systematically higher by 10-20% when including the BAT data in the joint fits, and 3) the high-energy photon index agrees within 0.2 among the instruments. Our results show that cross-calibration based on joint spectral analysis is an important step to ...
For the purpose of digging up themes of the joint research which develop the R and D in the industrial technology field in Japan to a new stage, researchers were sent to the world representing research institutes to conduct the research survey of 'Nano-structured carbon and hydrogen absorption' and 'Development of the creation technology of nano-porous materials.' As to the former, an experiment on electrochemical hydrogen absorption of carbon materials including nanotubes was conducted by researchers dispatched, but the large absorption amount was not observed. As to the latter, visits were paid to Fraunhofer Institute and the related facilities in Germany, Princeton University, MIT, GIT and Naval Research Laboratories in the U.S., Orleans University in France, AO Research Institute (bone repair study) in Switzerland, Cambridge University and University of Bristol in the U.K., etc., and the research survey was made on the ...
Quantitative assessment of bone scintigraphy was performed in fifty-six patients with hip joint disease including femoral neck fracture, aseptic necrosis of the femoral head, traumatic dislocation of the hip, Perthes disease, and transient synovitis of the hip. In the static study, bone scintigraphy was obtained 3 hours after injection of sup(99m)Tc-MDP by gamma camera equipped with a computer and uptake ratios were calculated. In the dynamic study, bone scintigraphy was performed in one, 3 and 5 hours after injection of radionuclide. Femoral head uptake ratio was markedly decreased in osteonecrosis following femoral neck fracture and characteristically increased in aseptic necrosis of the femoral head but prolonged retention of sup(99m)Tc-MDP could be observed. Uptake ratios of epiphysis were decreased in Perthes disease but normal in transient synovitis of the hip. Static and dynamic study of bone scintigraphy may be useful for early diagnosis and treatment in ...
Accomplishments for the quarter are presented for the following areas of research: oil shale, tar sand, coal, advanced exploratory process technology, and jointly sponsored research. Oil shale research includes; oil shale process studies, environmental base studies for oil shale, and miscellaneous basic concept studies. Tar sand research covers process development. Coal research includes; underground coal gasification, coal combustion, integrated coal processing concepts, and solid waste management. Advanced exploratory process technology includes; advanced process concepts, advanced mitigation concepts, and oil and gas technology. Jointly sponsored research includes: organic and inorganic hazardous waste stabilization; development and validation of a standard test method for sequential batch extraction fluid; operation and evaluation of the CO[sub 2] HUFF-N-PUFF Process; fly ash binder for unsurfaced road aggregates; solid state NMR analysis ...
The extraction of cosmological parameters from microwave background observations relies on specific assumptions about the statistical properties of the data, in particular that the p-point distributions of temperature fluctuations are jointly-normal. Using a battery of statistical tests, we assess the multivariate Gaussian nature of the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) 1st year data. The statistics we use fall into three classes which test different aspects of joint-normality: the first set assess the normality of marginal (one-point) distributions using familiar univariate methods; the second involves statistics that directly assess joint-normality; and the third explores the evidence of non-linearity in the relationship between variates. We applied these tests to frequency maps, `foreground-cleaned' assembly maps and all-sky CMB-only maps. The assembly maps are of particular interest as when combined with the ...
Microstructural evolution due to thermal effects was studied in micro solder joints (55 {+-} 5 {micro}m). The composition of the Sn/Pb solder studied was found to be hypereutectic with a tin content of 65--70 wt%.This was determined by Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis and confirmed with quantitative stereology. The quantitative stereological value of the surface-to-volume ratio was used to characterize and compare the coarsening during thermal cycling from 0--160 C to the coarsening during annealing at 160 C. The initial coarsening of the annealed samples was more rapid than the cycled samples, but tapered off as time to the one-half as expected. Because the substrates to which the solder was bonded have different thermal expansion coefficients, the cycled samples experienced a mechanical strain with thermal cycling. The low-strain cycled samples had a 2.8% strain imposed on the solder and failed by 1,000 cycles, despite undergoing less coarsening than the annealed ...
Understanding the influence of interfacial structures on the nanoarchitecture mechanical properties is of particular importance for its mechanical applications. Due to a small size of constituting nanostructural units and a consequently high volume ratio of such interfacial regions, this question becomes crucial for the overall mechanical performance. Boron nitride bamboo-like nanotubes, called hereafter boron nitride nanobamboos (BNNBs), are composed of short BN nanotubular segments with specific interfaces at the bamboo-shaped joints. In this work, the mechanical properties of such structures are investigated by using direct in situ transmission electron microscopy tensile tests and molecular dynamics simulations. The mechanical properties and deformation behaviors are correlated with the interfacial structure under atomic resolution, and a geometry strengthening effect is clearly demonstrated. Due to the interlocked joint interfacial ...
We consider relay selection technique in a cooperative cellular network where user terminals act as mobile relays to help the communications between base station (BS) and mobile station (MS). A novel relay selection scheme, called Joint Uplink and Downlink Relay Selection (JUDRS), is proposed in this paper. Specifically, we generalize JUDRS in two key aspects: (i) relay is selected jointly for uplink and downlink, so that the relay selection overhead can be reduced, and (ii) we consider to minimize the weighted total energy consumption of MS, relay and BS by taking into account channel quality and traffic load condition of uplink and downlink. Information theoretic analysis of the diversity-multiplexing tradeoff demonstrates that the proposed scheme achieves full spatial diversity in the quantity of cooperating terminals in this network. And numerical results are provided to further confirm a significant energy efficiency gain of the proposed ...
Despite their high medical relevance, the principles of lubrication in natural joints are still unclear. It is generally accepted, that the presence of hyaluronic acid (HA), the main component of the synovial liquid, plays an important role for the low friction observed. Furthermore, it is assumed that surface active lipids participate in the lubrication. Using a model system of lipid bilayers deposited on a polyelectrolyte (PE) cushion and in contact with HA solution, we started to investigate the effects of pressure and shear forces, as experienced by natural joints, on the internal structure of the SiO{sub 2}/PE/lipid/HA interface and the bulk HA solution by neutron reflectometry (NR), complemented by in situ ellipsometry and quartz crystal microbalance (QCM-D) measurements. Only on positively charged polyelectrolyte surfaces, the successful build-up of the model system could be demonstrated. By NR, the existence of an irreversibly absorbed, ...
This paper proposes a new pattern recognition system employing optical joint transform correlation (JTC) technique which offers a great number of advantages over similar digital techniques, including very fast operation, simple architecture and capability of updating the reference image in real time. The proposed JTC technique incorporates a synthetic discriminant function (SDF) of the target image estimated from different training images to make the pattern recognition performance invariant to noise and distortion. It then involves four different phase-shifted versions of the same target SDF reference image, which are individually joint transform correlated with the given input scene. When the correlation signals are combined, it produces a single cross-correlation peak corresponding to each potential target present in the given input scene. The proposed technique also includes a fringe-adjusted filter to generate a delta-like correlation peak ...
In 576 patients quantitative scintigraphy of the sacroiliac joints and the spinal cord with "9"9"mTc-pyrophosphate was performed. 328 were patients with proven ankylosing spondylitis according to the New York criteria. 120 were patients with a clinically and roentgenologically suspected ankylosing spondylitis and 128 persons formed a healthy control group. The count rate in small regions of interest (ROI) in the sacroiliac joints, the spinal cord and the os sacrum were compared on the basis of indexes. The scintigraphic data of patients with ankylosing spondylitis were compared with the healthy control group and with the radiographic findings and radiologic staging of the disease. In a longitudinal follow-up study during 1 to 6 years these investigations were continued together with clinical and roentgenological checks. Quantitative bone scintigraphy provides characteristic indexes for ankylosing spondylitis, indicating the increased mineral ...
In 620 patients quantitative bone scintigraphy with "9"9"mTc pyrophosphate of the sacroiliac joints and of the spine was performed: 365 patients with confirmed ankylosing spondylitis, 125 patients with clinical radiological suspicion for ankylosing spondylitis (probable Bechterev) and control group of 130 healthy individuals. By comparison of the activity in zones of interest of the sacroiliac joints, the spine and sacrum, the following indices were determined: sacroiliac (separately for the left and right sacroiliac joints), index D_1_0/sacrum, index L_4/sacrum and index C_7/sacrum. The scintigraphic finding was compared to the X-ray one and to the radiological stage of the disease. A long-term follow-up of the patients was carried out during 1-6 years with scintigraphic, X-ray and clinical investigations. Emphasis was laid upon the posibilities for quantitative scintigraphy for early diagnostics of ankylosing spondylitis. ...
The clinical courses of heterotopic ossification (HO) as a consequence of trauma and central nervous system insults have many similarities as well as dissimilarities. Detection is commonly noted at two months. The incidence of clinically significant HO is 10%-20%. Approximately 10% of the HO is massive and causes severe restriction in joint motion or ankylosis. The most common sign and symptom are decreased range of motion and pain. The locations are the proximal limbs and joints. Sites of HO about a joint may vary according to the etiology of the HO. Roentgenographic evolution of HO occurs during a six-month period in the majority of patients. Treatment modalities include diphosphonates, indomethacin, radiation, range of motion exercises, and surgical excision. Surgical timing differs according to etiology: traumatic HO may be resected at six months; spinal cord injury HO is excised at one year; and traumatic brain injury ...
The clinical courses of heterotopic ossification (HO) as a consequence of trauma and central nervous system insults have many similarities as well as dissimilarities. Detection is commonly noted at two months. The incidence of clinically significant HO is 10%-20%. Approximately 10% of the HO is massive and causes severe restriction in joint motion or ankylosis. The most common sign and symptom are decreased range of motion and pain. The locations are the proximal limbs and joints. Sites of HO about a joint may vary according to the etiology of the HO. Roentgenographic evolution of HO occurs during a six-month period in the majority of patients. Treatment modalities include diphosphonates, indomethacin, radiation, range of motion exercises, and surgical excision. Surgical timing differs according to etiology: traumatic HO may be resected at six months; spinal cord injury HO is excised at one year; and traumatic brain injury ...
Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) and the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) have taken the unprecedented step of creating a collaborative, multi-disciplinary graduate education program and associated research agenda called the Engineering Institute. The mission of the Engineering Institute is to develop a comprehensive approach for conducting LANL mission-driven, multidisciplinary engineering research and to improve recruiting, revitalization, and retention of the current and future staff necessary to support the LANL' s national security responsibilities. The components of the Engineering Institute are (1) a joint LANL/UCSD degree program, (2) joint LANL/UCSD research projects, (3) the Los Alamos Dynamic Summer School, (4) an annual workshop, and (5) industry short courses. This program is a possible model for future industry/government interactions with university partners.
Larsen syndrome is an autosomal-dominant disorder characterized by multiple joint dislocations, vertebral anomalies and dysmorphic facies. Both autosomal-dominant and autosomal-recessive forms of the disorder have been proposed. Individuals with autosomal-dominant Larsen syndrome have characteristic ''cylindrical-shape'' thumbs caused by broad, shortened phalanges. Autosomal-dominant Larsen syndrome results from heterozygosity for mutations in filamin B, a cytoskeletal protein involved in multicellular processes. We report here a patient with a duplicated or accessory distal thumb phalanx and multiple large joint dislocations who was shown to be heterozygous for a filamin B mutation predicting the amino acid substitution G1691S. This adds a new radiographic finding, duplicated or accessory distal phalanx, to the radiographic abnormalities seen in this rare dominant disorder. (orig.)
A novel adhesive for carbon materials composed of phenol-formaldehyde resin, boron carbide and fumed silica, was prepared. The adhesive property of graphite joints bonded by the above adhesive treated at high-temperatures was tested. Results showed that the adhesive was found to have outstanding high-temperature bonding properties for graphite. The adhesive structure was dense and uniform even after the graphite joints were heat-treated at 1500 deg. C. Bonding strength was 17.1 MPa. The evolution of adhesive structure was investigated. The results indicated that the addition of the secondary additive, fumed silica, improved the bonding performance greatly. Borosilicate phase with better stability was formed during the heat-treatment process, and the volume shrinkage was restrained effectively, which was responsible for the satisfactory high-temperature bonding performance of graphite.
Polyethylene (UHMWPE) wear in current knee prosthesis causes prosthesis loosening after no more than 15 years. In this work, a steady state one-dimensional lubrication model with non- Newtonian fluid, porous elastic layer on tibial component, ultra-filtration mechanism of fluid and some features of the surface roughness is studied through a numerical technique based on the Finite Element Method. The results show that the UHMWPE stiffness makes difficult the lubrication mechanism of the artificial joint and promotes abrasive and fatigue wear. Nevertheless, the use of compliant porous materials on the tibial component could reduce friction and wear. Moreover, the ultra-filtration mechanism promotes efficiency on the joint.
The paper discusses the aspects of repair and retrofitting technique adopted for a damaged reinforced concrete beam-column joint specimen under cyclic loading. A specimen designed based on Indian Standard specifications with consideration of seismic load but without adopting ductile detailing (NonDuctile) was investigated under reverse cyclic loading. Then, the damaged nonductile specimen was repaired with epoxy mortar and grouted using low viscous polymer, and retrofitted using fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) wrapping in beam and column components and steel plate jacketing in joint region. The experimental results showed that the retrofitted specimen not only regained its original strength and stiffness but also has overcome the deficiencies of nonductile detailing. The present study shows...
Cache locking technique is often utilized to guarantee a tighter prediction of Worst-Case Execution Time (WCET) which is one of the most important performance metrics for embedded systems. However, in Multi-Processor Systems-on-Chip (MPSoC) systems with multi-tasks, Level 2 (L2) cache is often shared among different tasks and cores, which leads to extended unpredictability of cache. Task assignment has inherent relevancy for cache behavior, while cache behavior also affects the efficiency of task assignment. Task assignment and cache behavior have dramatic influences on the overall WCET of MPSoC. This paper proposes joint task assignment and cache partitioning techniques to minimize the overall WCET for MPSoC systems. Cache locking is applied to each task to guarantee a precise WCET. We pr...
The EU-home team is in charge of the R and D related to the ITER baffle first wall. Five small-scale mock-ups, using Be, CFC and W tiles and different armour/heat-sink material joints under development, have been fabricated and thermomechanically tested in FE200 (Le Creusot) and JUDITH (Juelich) electron beam facilities. The small-scale mock-ups have been submitted to thermo-mechanical fatigue tests (up to failure using accelerating techniques). The objective was to determine the performances of the armour material joints under high heat flux cycles. (orig.)
This operation plan covers the period of operations from the time major elements of the joint task force are deployed in the forward area until the completion of on-site operations. It was published for planning purposes only, always subject to periodic revision and refinement as more detailed information became available. ENIWETOK-BIKINI Danger Area, as the term is used in this plan, is that area encompassing ENIWETOK and BIKINI ATOLLS and bounded by the meridians 160 deg 35' - 166 deg 16' east longitude, and by the parallels 10 deg 15' - 12 deg 45' north latitude (an area of 150 by 350 miles).
Competitive bidding for ancillary services (A/S), in addition to bidding for energy, is increasingly recognized as an important part of electricity markets. In this paper, an LP-based approach is presented for solving the multi-product (i.e. energy and A/S products), multi-zone/area physical market dispatch problem. The approach can explicitly represent various constraints, such as reserve requirement constraints, network security limits, and sharing of constrained resource capacity (e.g. maximum unit generation) between energy and reserve. The joint dispatch method, which dispatches energy and reserve market concurrently, is extended to allow inter-zonal reserve trading in multi-zone competitive pool. Numerical examples are included to demonstrate the salient characteristics of the joint dispatch solution.
Young rats were given a single irradiation dose (0.5, 2, 5 or 8 Gy) to the left knee-joint. The right unexposed knee-joint served as control. The animals were decapitated 1.5, 3, 7, 14 or 30 days after the irradiation. Longitudinal bone growth in the tibial epiphysis was established using tetracycline as an intravital marker. During the first 1.5 days after irradiation with 5 and 8 Gy, the growth was slightly inhibited (6-7%). Maximum growth retardation (20%) was found 7 to 14 days after irradiation with 5 and 8 Gy. No consistent effect occurred after 0.5 and 2 Gy. Between 14 to 30 days following irradiation growth was normalized.
Summary The steadily growing epidemic of diabetes mellitus poses a threat for global tuberculosis (TB) control. Previous studies have identified an important association between diabetes mellitus and TB. However, these studies have limitations: very few were carried out in low-income countries, with none in Africa, raising uncertainty about the strength of the diabetes mellitus-TB association in these settings, and many critical questions remain unanswered. An expert meeting was held in November 2009 to discuss where there was sufficient evidence to make firm recommendations about joint management of both diseases, to address research gaps and to develop a research agenda. Ten key research questions were identified, of which 4 were selected as high priority: (i) whether, when and how to sc...
The alloy type 'alloy 800' with its different variants is used for numerous components in high-temperature reactor (HTR) plants, e.g. for hot-gas conductors, the high-pressure part of steam generators, superheaters, steam collecting vessels and live steam conductors. This study deals with the evaluation of creep rupture tests on 28 welded joints of alloy 800 with an accumulated test duration of 410 years, with the objective to obtain quantitative information on a possible loss of strength in comparison with the unwelded material. The longest test period of an individual test amounted to 98,000 h and the analyzed test temperature range lay between 550"0 and 1000"0C. (orig./MM).
The GASPAR module utilized in MAXIGASP and POPGASP has been verified by hand calculations. The program operates as documented by the NRC [Eckerman et. al. 1980]. Equations used in the code to calculate downwind deposition rates, concentrations in air, on ground surfaces, and in vegetables, meat, and milk are provided in this report.
A new multigrid algorithm based on the method of self-correction for the solution of elliptic problems is described. The method exploits information contained in the residual to dynamically modify the source term (right-hand side) of the elliptic problem. It is shown that the self-correcting solver is more efficient at damping the short wavelength modes of the algebraic error than its standard equivalent. When used in conjunction with a multigrid method, the resulting solver displays an improved convergence rate with no additional computational work.
The relativistic motion of an electron is numerically analyzed in a tokamak having macroscopic magnetic turbulence. Stochasticity induced by the relativistic motion overwhelms the phase averaging effect, which provides a tokamak with an effective loss mechanism for the avoidance/suppression of runaway electron generation at a major disruption. On the other hand, electrons in the KAM (Kolmogorov-Arnold-Moser) region will be observed as a runaway snake. (author)
Only two years ago, plastic film recycling was considered an onerous task. Different resins had to be identified, colors had to be separated, and minute contaminants had to be weeded out almost by hand to produce a quality material. But the tide of plastic film recycling is changing now that new technologies have emerged and more organized collection infrastructure have been developed. Today, plastic film recycling maintains a lucrative market for those with the right combination of equipment and know-how.
The paper abstracted gives a tabular survey of the suppliers and applications of measuring equipment. Equipment is available for the following fields of application: Continuous measuring instruments for stationary operation, laboratory equipment for sampling and hand equipment for mobile measurement, sampling equipment for examining emissions and gases, detectors, storage and evaluation equipment and meteorological instruments. (PW).
The paper shortly recapitulates the background to and the importance of the principle of channeling of liability to the operator, contained in the international Conventions in the field of nuclear liability. It tries to outline the main problems involved in the process of backfitting in some more detail and to describe part of the work that has been done in Sweden and elsewhere to try to solve them. Finally, the paper contains some concluding remarks indicating that no entirely satisfactory solution to the problem is presently at hand. (orig./HP)
Computed radiography (CR) systems use a photostimulable phosphor plate enclosed in a cassette. In CR, image acquisition is a two-stage process wherein image capture and image read out are done separately. Direct digital radiography (DR) systems, on the other hand, use detectors that have a combined image capture and image read out capability. DR systems are also called as DDR or ddR systems by some vendors. This article focuses on DR systems
Various physics applications involve the computation of the standard hypergeometric function {sub 2}F{sub 1} and its derivatives. Because it is not an intrinsic in the common programming languages, automatic differentiation tools will either differentiate through the code that computes {sub 2}F{sub 1} if that code is available or require the user to provide a hand-written derivative code. We present options for the derivative computation in the context of an ionization problem and compare the approach implemented in the Diamant library to standard methods.
Climate change is not only dangerous but also expensive. On the other hand, air pollution abatement measures are costly as well. Scientists of the Microeconomics Department investigated how air pollution abatement and cost efficiency can best be combined. (orig.)
This book provides an analysis of pathophysiologic concepts of trauma and reviews the effectiveness of the available imaging modalities in acute trauma of various organ system. Topics covered are chest injuries; abdominal trauma; fractures of long bones; the foot and ankle; the knee; hand and wrist; the elbow; the shoulder; the pelvis hips; the spine; the skull and facial trauma and the clinical assessment of multiple injuries patients. Comparative evaluation of diagnostic techniques of radiography is discussed. Normal anatomy and bone fractures along with soft-tissue injuries are described.
In the framework of a global analysis of the various available sources of energy, Japan has reserved a prominent place to the nuclear energy, and in the long-term view, to the breeder reactor which will be due for commercial deployment in 2010. To achieve these objectives, three stages are envisaged, one of the experimental reactor Joyo (in service), one of the demonstration reactor Monju (its construction has been decided), and one of the pre-commercial reactor (due to be taken in hand at the beginning of the Nineties). Efforts will be made in parallel concerning the fuel cycle.
This book contains nomographs for analysis and design of signalized intersections and thoroughly explains how to use them. The nomographs simplify and reduce the work that otherwise would have to be done by hand. The nomograph method for computing capacity has a significant advantage over computerized methods: it provides insight into the interaction between the various factors in the solution process for design analysis.
The asymptotic functions are a new type of generalized functions. But they are not functionals on some space of test-functions as the distributions of Schwartz. They are mappings of the set denoted by A into A, where A is the set of the asymptotic numbers introduced by Christov. On its part A is a totally-ordered set of generalized numbers including the system of real numbers R as well as infinitesimals and infinitely large numbers. Every two asymptotic functions can be multiplied. On the other hand, the distributions have realizations as asymptotic functions in a certain sense. (author).
This is an account of the initial struggles and subsequently successful career of a young woman growing up in prewar Australia with the overriding desire to become a physicist despite various problems and prejudices. The book provides first-hand accounts of wartime radar research and development in Australia; the immediately post-war era in nuclear physics at the Cavendish Laboratory, Cambridge; and work in the Nuclear Physics Division at AERE Harwell in the period from the 1950s onwards. (UK).
... This course is jointly taught between the School of Civil Engineering and the Environment and the School of Ocean and Earth Sciences. Scholarships 2 UK/EU fees only Scholarships are available for the academic year 2010/11. Awards will be given on the basis of merit. Flexible part-time study route available Back to top Home | About Us | Prospective Students |...
Energy Related Inventions Program Number 613 was a two year program to commercialize a unique new wear material, Metal Reinforced Carbon Composite, MRCC. The program was designed to manufacture sample components of MRCC for evaluation by potential users and manufacturers. As a result of the program Burton Technologies Inc. and Rotary Power International are forming a joint company to manufacture, market and license MRCC materials to a wide range of industries.
Secretary Cheney's 1990 Annual Report to the President and the Congress established the requirement for the Unified Commanders in Chief to be prepared for Third World conflict involving roles and missions requiring, 'mobile, highly ready, well equipped fo...
We derive the explicit formula for the joint Laplace transform of the Wishart process and its time integral which extends the original approach of Bru. We compare our methodology with the alternative results given by the variation of constants method, the linearization of the Matrix Riccati ODE's and the Runge-Kutta algorithm. The new formula turns out to be fast, accurate and very useful for applications when dealing with stochastic volatility and stochastic correlation modelling.
A new multipellet long-pulse plasma fueling system is in operation on JET. In the initial experimental phase, a variety of plasma density profile shapes have been produced with peak to average values ranging up to 2.5 and peak plasma density up to 1.2 )times) 10/sup 20/m/sup )minus/3). 7 refs., 4 figs
The International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics reports on activities undertaken in the study of global climate change. Some of these activities are a part of the overall International Geosphere Biosphere Program but others predate that program. The organization has been solely responsible for five of ten permanent global data services and jointly responsible for three others. Workshops and meetings devoted to issues of global change are also reported.
The approach estimating the leak probability of flanged joint due to the destruction of fastening studs is described. The mentioned approach consists of two stages. The probability of destroying one stud is calculated at the first stage, and the probability of different combination interpositions of intact and destroyed studs is calculated at the second one. The probability calculation of leak in the area of collector cover of steam generator PGV-1000 is used as an example of developed approach
A summary of the topics covered in papers presented at the 1995 Brookhaven joint conference on production, neutralization, and application of negative ion beams is given. The conference topics covered included plasma ion sources, plasma seeding of these sources for increased ion production, beam extraction and transport, computer simulation and design studies, and operation of existing and experimental ion source facilities. Application of the sources to accelerator, tokamak, and thin film deposition are discussed. (AIP) {copyright} {ital 1996 American Institute of Physics.}
This paper dealt with the identification of possible damaging mechanism of the collector of the WWER 440 steam generator, cracking of primary collectors, corrosion damage of the protective coat of the primary collector circumferential weld, cracking of breathing space in the region of blinding effect by corrosion and strain, leaking of disassembling joint of the primary collector lid and with the integrity of heat exchanging tubes.
A detailed definitive cost estimate is given for an ethanol/gasohol storage and blending terminal serving a planned distillery at a Louisiana sugar factory. Included are an analysis of the accuracy of the estimate, labor rates efficiency, materials and labor escalation, as well as detailed calculations for each account of the project. (LEW)
The document, based on European guidelines, was jointly developed by radiation oncologists, radiation physicists and radiation technologists. It contains the aims of the guidelines, professional profiles, roles and responsibilities, personnel and equipment requirements, procedures.
This book is organized under the following headings: Electrohydrodynamic heat transfer augmentation; Forced convection augmentation and heat transfer control; Turbulent heat transfer; Thermal problems in the environment; Energy conversion systems; Measurement, visualization, and imaging; Thermal problems in space technology; and Thermal properties.
The tendency of welded joints from 10Kh14AG15 and 10Kh14AG9 steels to pitting corrosion under the conditions of operating blast-furnace gas purification scrubbers has been investigated. Water in scrubbers contains various quantities of chlorides and sulfates, has pH from 6 to 9 and temperature 65-75 deg. The laboratory corrosion tests have been carried out also on samples turned from the heat-affected zone (h.a.z.) of welded plates at 20 and 65 deg. Anode polarization curves have been read from the Vk corrosion potential at potential shifting rate 0.01 V/min. It is established that in most rigid conditions of scrubbers operating pitting corrosion (PC) rate of chrome-manganese nitrogen-containing steel can reach 2.5 mm/year. At high content of chlorides in water the elevated temperature and external tensile stresses intensify PC. The resistance of welded joints to PC when using welding materials on chromonickel molybdenum base is determined in ...
...as agro forestry subject matter specialist, eastern supervisor, conservation and GIS officer with the Ministry of Agriculture and WWF-Korup national park project, respectively, in south west Cameroon . Peter holds joint Honours BSc in Forestry & Soil Science (WALES-UK) and MSc Resource Management (Edinburgh-UK)....
This report forms part of a joint study on a PEFC propulsion system for surface ships, summarized in a presentation to this Seminar, entitled {open_quotes}Study on a Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell (PEFC) Propulsion System for Surface Ships{close_quotes}, and which envisages application to a 1,500 DWT cargo vessel. The aspect treated here concerns an experiment in reducing by methanation to a level below 10 ppm the CO that is contained to around 1% in reformate gas.
The IAEA Department of Safeguards established a project in 1996 for the year 2000 (Y2K) conversion activities. This project covered assessment, conversion and testing of the software applications, instrument evaluation software, embedded systems and Personal Computer (PC) hardware attached to various equipment. Significant progress has been made in converting the applications and instruments to be year 2000 compliant. At the same time Member states have made an effort as well in converting the systems used jointly at the facilities
This report is designed to cover the overall Operation Castle radiological safety matters from the viewpoint of those issues of direct concern to Headquarters, Joint Task Force Seven. It was written for the express purpose of assisting in the development of future radiological safety plans by presenting detailed discussion of the problems and solutions arising during Operation Castle.
This report is designed to cover the overall Operation Castle radiological safety matters from the viewpoint of those issues of direct concern to Headquarters, Joint Task Force Seven. It was written for the express purpose of assisting in the development of future radiological safety plans by presenting detailed discussion of the problems and solutions arising during Operation Castle. Included is a discussion of fallout forecasting techniques.
Already, MR Imaging is superior in diagnostic imaging of joints in many cases; however, there have been recent developments, which are the subjects of this paper. With gradient-echo sequences acquired in 3D technique, it is possible to produce high-resolution images of joints in acceptable scantime, because gradient-echo sequences are less time-consuming than convential SE sequences. With the acquisition of two echoes, phase difference between water and fat protons have to be considered. 3D Imaging is capable of displaying complex pathology in a superior way, which should be useful in preoperative planning. Tissue contrast is altered by fat saturation or magnetization transfer in order to achieve better conspicuity of lesions. Although diagnostic value of some of these options is not yet clear and further clinical studies are needed, they are a promising possibility for improving MR Imaging of the joints. (orig.) [Deutsch] ...
The importance of neutron measurements both as a succinct measure of the progress to fusion ignition using the magnetic confinement route and also as a diagnostic of plasma conditions is discussed. The various neutron diagnostic systems that have been or are being constructed by AERE Harwell for JET are described. The properties to be measured by such diagnostics are clearly identified and some results obtained with the installed diagnostics during d-d plasmas are presented.
... This study catalysed  a more comprehensive collaborative research programme, Assessment of the durability and engineering properties of lesser known hardwood timber species for use in marine and freshwater construction, jointly funded by the Environment Agency and TRADA, and managed by H R Wallingford. Additional funding was provided by British Waterways, The Crown Estate, CETMEF (Centre d'Etudes Techniques Maritimes et Fluviales) and VolkerStevin Ltd. Timber ...
Monte Carlo calculations performed to validate observed capture reaction rates of "1"2"9I and "2"3"7Np were in a reasonable agreement with experimental data obtained by the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research. The most significant discrepancy between the measurements and calculations (within a factor of 3) was observed for the NpO_2 sample and Pb target at 3.7 GeV proton energy
Are you interested in beam dynamics? Do you work on the LHC injectors or CLIC or maybe feasibility studies fornew machines? Then this is for youJAS'2000: Joint CERN-Japan-JINR-Russia-US SchoolFrontiers of Accelerator Technology: High Quality Beams to be held on a river boat between St. Petersburg and Moscow 1 to 14 July 2000. For further information see eitherhttp://schools.web.cern.ch/Schools/CAS/ orhttp://www.indiana.edu/~uspas/programs/js/jas2000.html
In a joint study conducted by the University Clinic of Radiology, Graz, and the Medical University Clinic, Innsbruck, the results of computer tomography examinations of the abdomen and pelvis in 23 cases of tumours in children are discussed. In children computer tomography resents special difficulties on account of the very poorly developed fatty layers between the organs and the increased incidence of movement artifacts. The importance of computer tomography for the diagnosis of abdominal and pelvic tumours is discussed.
Daya Bay Nuclear Power Station is the largest joint-venture project which is also the largest commercial nuclear power plant currently under construction in China mainland. Organized and executed strictly in accordance with international standards, the Daya Bay project is seen as the first step taken by China in the development programme of large-capacity commercial nuclear power units.
DescriptionThe initiative on risk assessment and toxicology arose in 1995 when the limitations of current methods of risk assessment and the possibilities offered by new options were identified. Government Departments agreed to explore with the Research Councils how a joint strategy could be focused on the Departments' policy needs. In October 2002 the Steering Committee reviewed the work of IGHRC and recommended that the Initiative should continue for a further three years (October 2003 - September 2006 [continued...
The question about expanding the boundaries of the open pit mining method is examined. The use of methods which consider the advantages of open and underground mining operations with their joint use in horizontal and evenly dipping deposits will make it possible to objectively select the mining method, to expand the range of use of open pit mining operations in the deposits of the Far North and provide an improvement in the technical and economic indicators of mineral extraction.
The motivation for this design study has been to identify magnet designs for useful magnetic fusion experiments which minimize capital cost. Some possibly useful novel design features have been identified. 5 refs., 6 figs., 3 tabs.
DescriptionThis project continues DEFRA's commitment to the International Programme on Chemical Safety, a joint WHO/ILO/UNEP programme. DEFRA's contribution involves preparing Environmental Health Criteira Documents (EHCs), Concise International Chemical Assessments Documents (CICADS) and input to the OECD test Guidelines Programme and gneral risk assessment guidance. Peer reviews of documents prepared through other research in the IPCS network have also been carried out,as well as attending and hosting ta [continued...
A centering device for casing tubings is proposed. It includes a housing, collar made of copper linings, return springs and pusher with centering pins placed in it. In order to simplify the design of the centering device it is equipped with levers installed on the pusher rod and connected by hinges to one another. The centering device assures coaxial placement of tubes over the mouth of wells and installation of butt joints during welding of tubes.
One of the main requirements to use Be as a candidate for plasma facing component in ITER is providing a reliable joint between Be and Cu-alloy heat sink structure. In this work authors present the results of recent activity on this way. To create Be/CuCrZr joints the unique fast e-beam brazing technology was developed in Russia. The numbers of Be/CuCrZr mock-ups were manufactured in Efremov Institute by fast e-beam brazing using Cu-Sn-In-Ni brazing alloy. These mock-ups were tested by Sandia Laboratory at the EBTS electron beam facility. The goals of the tests were to define the allowable dimensions of the armour tiles for the heat loads of more than 10 MW/m{sup 2}, to find the limit of bond strength for the Be/CuCrZr joint and response to heat loads and to estimate the life time of the brazed tiles by thermo-cyclic testing. The screening and thermal fatigue results are presented. With the aim to check the applicability of ...
IntroductionMeniscal injury is a risk factor for the development and progression of knee osteoarthritis, yet little is known about risk factors for meniscal pathology. Joint loading...Full Text Available
The paper will report the experience gained in the implementation of the national assistance projects, including the detailed assessment of the national situation compared to the ITWG Model Action Plan, the upgrading of the technical skills, the training of national experts and the joint analysis of nuclear material at ITU. The status of the work with the 13 future Member States to the European Union will also be reported on during the conference
... Boreal Forest and Climate Change Pertti Hari, Liisa Kulmala, 160.45 EUR; 209.00 USD; 135.00 GBP... More Journals » MAGAZINES & JOURNALS Journal of Water and Health The journal represents a joint commitment to pr... Environmental Quarterly - 2009 Fall Trinity`s Environmental Quarterly (EQ) magazine co... ...
The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) is establishing a local chapter of the University of California Energy Institute (UCEI). In order to most effectively contribute to the Institute, LLNL sponsored a workshop on energy and environmental issues in transportation. This workshop took place in Livermore on August 10 and brought together researchers from throughout the UC systems in order to establish a joint LLNL-UC research program in transportation, with a focus on energy and environmental impacts.
In this study, a range of joining technologies has been investigated for creating attachments between refractory metal and Ni-based superalloys. Refractory materials of interest include Mo-47%Re, T-111, and Ta-10%W. The Ni-based superalloys include Hastelloy X and MarM 247. During joining with conventional processes, these materials have potential for a range of solidification and intermetallic formation-related defects. For this study, three non-conventional joining technologies were evaluated. These included inertia welding, electro-spark deposition (ESD) welding, and magnetic pulse welding (MPW). The developed inertia welding practice closely paralleled that typically used for the refractory metals alloys. Metallographic investigations showed that forging during inertia welding occurred predominantly on the refractory metal side. It was also noted that at least some degree of forging on the Ni-based superalloy side of the joint was necessary to achieve ...
This is the second revision of the ETDE/INIS Joint Thesaurus, including all updates up to September 2006. It contains 21 147 valid descriptors and 9 114 forbidden terms. The Joint Thesaurus contains the controlled terminology for indexing all information within the subject scopes of the International Nuclear Information System (INIS) and the Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDE). The terminology is intended for use in subject descriptions for input or retrieval of information in these systems. The thesaurus is a terminological control device used in translating from the natural language of documents, indexers or users into a more constrained system language It is also a controlled and dynamic vocabulary of semantically and generically related terms which covers a specific domain of knowledge. The basic terminology in this thesaurus goes back to the 1969 edition of the EURATOM Thesaurus. The structure subsequently given to that terminology was ...
In light of the recent measurements of the top quark forward-backward asymmetry at the Fermilab Tevatron experiment, which in some regions of the parameter space shows a discrepancy of 3$\\sigma$ compared to the SM prediction, we analyze top quark pair production and asymmetry in the context of left-right models both at the Tevatron and LHC. We use the minimal manifest left-right model and an asymmetric left-right model where gauge couplings and flavor mixing in the right-handed sector are allowed to differ from those in the left-handed sector. We explore the consequences of including effects from $W_R$ and $Z_R$ gauge bosons, consistent with phenomenological constraints from meson mixing and new bounds from ATLAS and CMS, for the $t \\bar{t}$ cross section, invariant mass distribution and forward-backward asymmetry at the Tevatron, and predict their values at the LHC. We show that, varying the parameters of the model while preserving agreement ...
The matter spectrum of the MSSM, including three right-handed neutrino supermultiplets and one pair of Higgs-Higgs conjugate superfields, can be obtained by compactifying the E_{8} x E_{8} heterotic string and M-theory on Calabi-Yau manifolds with specific SU(4) vector bundles. These theories have the standard model gauge group augmented by an additional gauged U(1)_{B-L}. Their minimal content requires that the B-L gauge symmetry be spontaneously broken by a vacuum expectation value of at least one right-handed sneutrino. In previous papers, we presented the results of a quasi-analytic renormalization group analysis showing that B-L gauge symmetry is indeed radiatively broken with an appropriate B-L/electroweak hierarchy. In this paper, we extend these results by 1) enlarging the initial parameter space and 2) explicitly calculating all renormalization group equations numerically, without approximation. The regions of the initial parameter ...
E8 X E8 heterotic string and M-theory, when appropriately compactified, can give rise to realistic, N=1 supersymmetric particle physics. In particular, the exact matter spectrum of the MSSM, including three right-handed neutrino supermultiplets, one per family, and one pair of Higgs-Higgs conjugate superfields is obtained by compactifying on Calabi-Yau manifolds admitting specific SU(4) vector bundles. These "heterotic standard models" have the SU(3)_{C} X SU(2)_{L} X U(1)_{Y} gauge group of the standard model augmented by an additional gauged U(1)_{B-L}. Their minimal content requires that the B-L gauge symmetry be spontaneously broken by a vacuum expectation value of at least one right-handed sneutrino. In a previous paper, we presented the results of a renormalization group analysis showing that B-L gauge symmetry is indeed radiatively broken with a B-L/electroweak hierarchy of O(10) to O(10^{2}). In this paper, we present the details of ...
A new exhaust cleaning system is introduced, aiming to remarkably reduce NOx emission using a type of EGR method (hybrid EGR) of feeding back the exhaust from an exhaust cleaning ternary catalyst provided gasoline engine to the Diesel engine intake on one hand and, on the other hand, aiming to reduce even the emitted particulates using an exhaust supplying gasoline engine driven supercharger for an enhanced Diesel engine supercharging. The hybrid EGR system used here can uniformly reduce the emitted NOx under any load conditions and, as compared with the conventional type, is two to three times more effective, with the EGR rate kept constant. The exhaust concentration is approximately 10%. An sample of the hybrid EGR was simulated, and it was shown, as compared with the original non-supercharged Diesel engine, that the emitted NOx decreased to 1/3 or 1/4, that the exhaust concentration was approximately the same, and that the total fuel ...
The aim of this study was to evaluate typical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in early rheumatic diseases manifesting at the soft tissues of the hand using a retrospective analysis. A total of 186 MRI examinations of patients with clinical suspicion of a rheumatic disease were evaluated in a consensus reading by two experienced radiologists. All imaging patterns were assessed with respect to their type and localization. Under blinded and non-blinded conditions diagnoses were correlated with final clinical diagnosis. The most frequent diagnoses were rheumatoid arthritis (RA, 45.7%) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA, 15.6%). The mean correlation between clinical and MRI diagnosis (r) was 0.75 in blinded and 0.853 in non-blinded reading (p <0.001). The following extra-articular imaging patterns were found: synovitis (59.1%), tendovaginitis (91.4%), dactylitis (14.5%), and bone marrow edema (18.3%). Only dactylitis was specific for a particular rheumatic ...
A class-V myosin, myosin V, one of 18 known classes of actin-based motor proteins, plays a role in transporting organelles within a cell. Unlike myosin-II, which functions as an assembly in the thick filaments of muscle, myosin V is a two-headed processive motor protein, which functions as a single molecule: myosin V performs many consecutive steps before it detaches from an actin filament accompanied by catalytic cycles of ATP (adenosine 5'-triphosphate) ase. The mechanism of such chemomechanical steps is explained by a 'Hand-over-hand model' in which two heads of myosin V alternately repeat single-headed and double-headed bindings with an actin filament. To investigate the binding state of myosin V at several key nucleotide states during ATP hydrolysis, we measured the mechanical properties of a single myosin V - actin complex by applying an external load with optical trap.
Semiconductor properties of passive films formed on the Fe-18Cr alloy in a borate buffer solution (pH = 8.4) and 0.1 M H{sub 2}SO{sub 4} solution were examined using a photoelectrochemical spectroscopy and an electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Photo current reveals two photo action spectra that derived from outer hydroxide and inner oxide layers. A typical n-type semiconductor behaviour is observed by both photo current and impedance for the passive films formed in the borate buffer solution. On the other hand, a negative photo current generated, the absolute value of which decreased as applied potential increased in the sulfuric acid solution. This indicates that the passive film behaves as a p-type semiconductor. However, Mott-Schottky plot revealed the typical n-type semiconductor property. It is concluded that the passive film on the Fe-18Cr alloy formed in the borate buffer solution is composed of both n-type outer hydroxide and inner oxide layers. On the ...
Semiconductor properties of passive films formed on the Fe-18Cr alloy in a borate buffer solution (pH = 8.4) and 0.1 M H_2SO_4 solution were examined using a photoelectrochemical spectroscopy and an electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Photo current reveals two photo action spectra that derived from outer hydroxide and inner oxide layers. A typical n-type semiconductor behaviour is observed by both photo current and impedance for the passive films formed in the borate buffer solution. On the other hand, a negative photo current generated, the absolute value of which decreased as applied potential increased in the sulfuric acid solution. This indicates that the passive film behaves as a p-type semiconductor. However, Mott-Schottky plot revealed the typical n-type semiconductor property. It is concluded that the passive film on the Fe-18Cr alloy formed in the borate buffer solution is composed of both n-type outer hydroxide and inner oxide layers. On the other ...
In the context of the research project, the physical basis of the direct decoupling of highly concentrated solar radiation in materials without the detour via absorbing heat exchanger walls was examined. Also, the first chemical processes suitable for the effective long-term storage of solar energy were analysed, relevant experiments were carried out and the necessary receiver techniques for high temperature applications were provided. The principle of direct coupling was examined on fluidized beds on the one hand and on cavity receivers, on the other hand. The contribution shows the results achieved in detail. It is recorded that first processes for storing solar energy in chemical reactions were able to be examined. Alkaline earth hydroxides accommodated in ceramic honeycomb structures seem to be possible as stores for medium temperature ranges around 500deg C. Investigations on receiver structure materials are also making progress. Highly ...
Today`s industrial processes generate many types of waste products that constitute risks to human health and the surrounding environment. While proper waste management procedures can lower this risk, prevention of the waste`s generation will eliminate the risk. For this reason, the United States has established pollution prevention as a national objective, through the passage of its Pollution Prevention Act of 1990. Pollution prevention involves a wide range of approaches, all with the same objective: to reduce or eliminate the creation of waste at its source in other words, within the process that generates it. This objective, so beneficial to the environment, also coincides with industrial economic interests. Pollution prevention measures and greater process efficiency go hand in hand, and typically result in lower operating costs as well as greatly reduced waste management expenses. The US Environmental Protection Agency defines pollution ...
In the Assel'skiy and Sakmarskiy time of the lower Permian epoch, on the territory of the modern Dnieper and Donets, and Pripyatskiy Basins, there was a gulf which stretched in a northwest direction. The latter connected to the open sea in the east through the CisDonets trough. Transverse tectonic elevations divided the gulf into 5 semi-isolated reservoirs. In the Assel'skiy time, in the period of carbonate sedimentation, the development of algae, crinoids, corals and other organisms occurred. They created reef, bioherm and biostroma reconstructions. The most favorable sections for their settlement were the coastal zones of the gulf, consedimentation positive structures and transverse tectonic elevations. It is assumed that the formation of reefs, bioherms and biostromas, on the one hand, and sedimentation of evaporites on the other hand, are interrelated processes. The first after the next marine transgression during their ...
A considerable amount of chemical knowledge of marine sediments has been acquired in recent years but has not yet been utilized by paleomagnetists. On the other hand, geochemists are often unaware of the usefulness of numerous magnetic techniques. In this review we try to bridge this gap, and in particular, we outline many of the chemical and magnetic principles that should allow paleomagnetists to better identify and undertand chemical changes that affect the magnetic properties of marine sediments. The chemical principles include those for distinguishing the four major sources of sediments (continental, biological, authigenic/hydrogenous, volcanic/hydrothermal) from one another by determining elemental abundance distributions, as well as for investigating the stabilities of mineral phases relative to changes in pE and pH. The magnetic principles include the effects of authigenesis and diagenesis on magnetic properties, particularly on the direction and intensity ...
MRI provides a non-invasive diagnostic tool complementing echocardiography on one hand, and showing advantages over echocardiography, on the other hand, especially after corrective procedures. The multiple different MRI sequences need to be adapted to examinations of children and patients with congenital heart disease (CHD), and can be used to detect morphologic changes, blood-flow in the heart and thoracic vessels and diastolic or systolic function of myocardium. Several factors determine the success of the examination of a complex congenital heart disease or a postoperative situs. Pediatric radiologists and radiologists experienced in congenital heart diseases have to work in close cooperation. Echocardiography should be performed before MRI. The results of prior examinations and the clinical history of the patients, including possible palliative or reconstructive operations, must be available before MRI to guide the planning of the ...
In this work trailing edge noise levels of a research aerofoil have been computed and compared to aeroacoustic measurements using two different approaches. On the other hand, aerodynamic and aeroacoustic calculations were performed with the full Navier-Stokes CFD code Fluent [Fluent Inc 2005 Fluent 6.2 Users Guide, Lebanon, NH, USA] on the basis of a steady RANS simulation. Aerodynamic characteristics were computed by the aid of various turbulence models. By the combined usage of implemented broadband noise source models, it was tried to isolate and determine the trailing edge noise level. Throughout this work two methods of different computational cost have been tested and quantitative and qualitative results obtained. On the one hand, the semi-empirical noise prediction tool NAFNoise [Moriarty P 2005 NAFNoise User's Guide. Golden, Colorado, July. http://wind.nrel.gov/designcodes/ simulators/NAFNoise] was used to directly predict trailing edge ...
The size of the market for pulverized activated charcoal and particulate activated charcoal prepared by the Association of Inorganic Chemicals of Japan is 55,000t/y (1987) in total. Individually, some fields showed the expansion such as water purification, water treatment and gas treatment on the one hand, but on the other hand, several fields showed the decline such as sugar refining, dextrin sugar and soda glutamate. As a whole, the market showed no marked fluctuations or a very slight increase. Many of the above usages are traditional in the chemical industry and the food industry, etc., and the new usages developed in the past several years have not grown to influence the statistics as yet. Selection of raw material is the key for determining the character of activated charcoal. And the factors of determining the characteristic features are fine pore, surface area and surface activity (catalystic activity). Furthermore, the function ...
The ep{yields}e'p{rho}{sup 0} reaction has been measured using the 5.754 GeV electron beam of Jefferson Lab and the CLAS detector. This represents the largest ever set of data for this reaction in the valence region. Integrated and differential cross-sections are presented. The W, Q{sup 2} and t dependences of the cross-section are compared to theoretical calculations based on the t-channel meson-exchange Regge theory, on the one hand, and on quark handbag diagrams related to Generalized Parton Distributions (GPDs) on the other hand. The Regge approach can describe at the {approx}30% level most of the features of the present data while the two GPD calculations that are presented in this article which succesfully reproduce the high-energy data strongly underestimate the present data. The question is then raised whether this discrepancy originates from an incomplete or inexact way of modelling the GPDs or the associated hard scattering ...
The $e p\\to e^\\prime p \\rho^0$ reaction has been measured, using the 5.754 GeV electron beam of Jefferson Lab and the CLAS detector. This represents the largest ever set of data for this reaction in the valence region. Integrated and differential cross sections are presented. The $W$, $Q^2$ and $t$ dependences of the cross section are compared to theoretical calculations based on $t$-channel meson-exchange Regge theory on the one hand and on quark handbag diagrams related to Generalized Parton Distributions (GPDs) on the other hand. The Regge approach can describe at the $\\approx$ 30% level most of the features of the present data while the two GPD calculations that are presented in this article which succesfully reproduce the high energy data strongly underestimate the present data. The question is then raised whether this discrepancy originates from an incomplete or inexact way of modelling the GPDs or the associated hard scattering ...
Although the primary mission of the Southeastern Fish Culture Laboratory is to conduct scientific research on the problems facing the aquaculture industry, other goals are technology transfer and education. Over the past two years, a successful educational outreach program has been established with a local middle school. After a letter extending educational support to the public schools was written to the Superintendent, one teacher with her many science students began making monthly trips to the facility in order to gain hands-on experience in aquaculture science. The county supports the effort by providing the bus transport of thirty miles round trip. Students conduct a long-term experiment in fish growth while also learning about waterfowl, the environment, and the aquaculture industry. They are engaged in projects involving some hands-on experience. This program was judged to be successful doe to: (a) participant number increased from fifty ...
Electron elastic and collisional excitation cross sections from the ground state of potassium are calculated using the noniterative integral-equation method of Henry, Rountree, and Smith [Comput. Phys. Commun. 23, 233 (1981)] in the electron energy range 4#<=#E#<=#200 eV. Configuration-interaction target wave functions that take account of correlation and polarization effects are used to represent the ground state and the six lowest excited states 4p "2P degree, 5s "2S, 3d "2D, 5p "2P degree, 4d "2D, and 6s "2S. Elastic and discrete excitation cross sections are obtained in a seven-state close-coupling (7CC) approximation. The 7CC elastic and excitation cross sections are compared and contrasted. Near threshold the elastic cross section dominates the resonance, 4s "2S#->#4p "2P degree, and the sum of the other remaining excitation cross sections. Comparison of our total cross sections with some available experimental and theoretical data is also effected. The discrepancy ...
Recently the D{\\O} Collaboration reported an observation of like-sign charge asymmetry (CA), which is about $3.2 \\sigma$ deviation from the standard model (SM) prediction. Inspired by the observation we investigate the scalar unparticle effects, under the color charge of $SU(3)_c$ symmetry, in the CP violation in neutral B meson oscillations as well as the dispersive and absorptive parts of $\\bar B_q\\leftrightarrow B_q$ transition, which can be related to the CA directly. In order to illustrate the peculiar properties of unparticle, our analysis is carried out in two scenarios for the right-handed section: (I) $\\lambda_R=\\lambda_L$ and $U_D^R=U_D^L$, where $\\lambda_{L,R}$ and $U_D^{L,R}$ are the couplings and flavor mixing matrix of left- and right-handed section, respectively; (II) $\\lambda_R >> \\lambda_L$ and $U_D^R$ is completely a free parameter. In scenario I we found that the wrong- and like-sign CA cannot be changed ...
Integration of positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance (MR) has become a topic of increasing interest to the imaging community over the past two years. In this text, the authors attempt to distinguish facts from fiction concerning such integrated systems. Analysis of existing information of combined imaging on existing brain PET/MR systems and imaging experience with PET-computed tomography (CT) is reviewed. Various types of system integration of PET and MR are discussed with completely independent systems on one hand and completely integrated systems with the possibility of simultaneous data acquisition on the other hand. Furthermore, it is discussed, what simultaneous data acquisition with nuclear imaging systems combined with MR or CT really means, as technical simultaneity may not be relevant in light of the pharmacokinetics of the nuclear tracers used. The authors conclude that combining PET/MR is an interesting research ...
An overview is given of the interest of the Dutch government, several organizations and consumers in the quality of the indoor environment. Main aspects, sub-aspects and indicators for the indoor environment of dwellings are listed: site selection, thermal comfort, air quality, light, view, privacy, noise, safety, and radiation. [Dutch] In het veld wordt onvoldoende aandacht en prioriteit gegeven aan de kwaliteit van het binnenmilieu. Het ligt voor de hand de kennis over de relatie gezondheid en binnenmilieu bij professionele partijen te vergroten. In dit kader is het Binnenmilieuprofiel voor de kantooromgeving geintroduceerd. Aan de hand hiervan kan de discussie worden gevoerd tussen vrager en aanbieder over de kwaliteit van het binnenmilieu. Het zou de basis kunnen zijn voor een keurmerk Gezond Gebouw. Dezelide binnenmilieuproblematiek doet zich natuurlijk ook voor bij woningen. In dit artikel wordt een introductie gegeven van het ...
The refrigerant two-phase flows in a distributor and a simulated plate heat exchanger with a single passage used in a compression-type refrigerator were visualized by real-time neutron radiography. For a distributor, the liquid fraction in the each tube was measured by some image processing method. On the other hand, for a plate heat exchanger, the two-dimensional distribution of void fraction was measured quantitatively by the umbra method. As a result, it was shown that the dynamic behaviors of refrigerant at the inlet of the section strongly affected on the performance, that is, a distribution performance of a distributor and a liquid distribution in a plate heat exchanger. (author)
This report describes the design, fabrication, installation and testing of a small variable-speed vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT). This VAWT is unique in its installation using hand tools only; unconventional and simple support system; and variable speed operation under microprocessor control. Initial testing confirmed that the turbine can be controlled by commanded alternator field modulation. Further studies will be directed toward determination of an optimum control algorithm.
Summary DNA topoisomerases are the key enzymes involved in carrying out high precision DNA transactions inside the cells. However, they are detrimental to the cell when a wide variety of topoisomerase-targeted drugs generate cytotoxic lesions by trapping the enzymes in covalent complexes on the DNA. The discovery of unusual heterodimeric topoisomerase I in kinetoplastid family added a new twist in topoisomerase research related to evolution, functional conservation and their preferential sensitivity to Camptothecin. On the other hand, structural and mechanistic studies on kinetoplastid topoisomerase II delineate some distinguishing features that differentiate the parasitic enzyme from its prokaryotic and eukaryotic counterparts. This review summarizes the recent advances in research in kin...
We revisit the case of a light neutralino LSP in the framework of the MSSM. We consider a model with eleven free parameters. We show that all scenarios where the annihilation of light neutralinos rely mainly on the exchange of a light pseudoscalar are excluded by direct detection searches and by Fermi measurements of the gamma-flux from dwarf spheroidal galaxies. On the other hand, we find scenarios with light sleptons that satisfy all collider and astroparticle physics constraints. In this case, the lower limit on the LSP mass is 12.6 GeV. We discuss how the parameter space of the model will be further probed by new physics searches at the LHC.
Natural rubber latexes were vulcanized by ..gamma..-rays with two polyfunctional monomers, neopentylglycol diacrylate (A-NPG) and dimethacrylate (NPG). In comparison with A-NPG, NPG was more soluble in rubber particles, but it was less effective as an accelerating agent for the vulcanization because of the smaller rate of polymerization. On the other hand, the colloidal stability of the latex containing A-NPG was low because it was localized on the surface of rubber particles due to its poor solubility to the particles. The solubility of A-NPG was improved by adding A-NPG with solvents. The maximum tensile strength of the irradiated latex film was 350 kg/cm/sup 2/ at 3 Mrad.
Natural rubber latexes were vulcanized by #gamma#-rays with two polyfunctional monomers, neopentylglycol diacrylate (A-NPG) and dimethacrylate (NPG). In comparison with A-NPG, NPG was more soluble in rubber particles, but it was less effective as an accelerating agent for the vulcanization because of the smaller rate of polymerization. On the other hand, the colloidal stability of the latex containing A-NPG was low because it was localized on the surface of rubber particles due to its poor solubility to the particles. The solubility of A-NPG was improved by adding A-NPG with solvents. The maximum tensile strength of the irradiated latex film was 350 kg/cm"2 at 3 Mrad. (author).
Surface doses received by patients and operators were measured during 30 interventional radiological procedures (ten percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainages, ten percutaneous nephrostomies, ten percutaneous transluminal angioplasties). In addition, organ doses to the patient were determined using an Alderson-Rando phantom. These served as a basis for calculating the so-called somatic dose indices. It was found that the somatic radiation risk to the patient is relatively small despite prolonged periods of fluoroscopy. However, exposure of the hands and lenses of the operator could easily reach the limits thought acceptable while carrying out these procedures with additional angiography. (orig).
Taboada et al. have recently developed a computer model to predict gamma radiation doses to aircrews flying through nuclear-debris clouds. Although the model has the advantages of taking a large number of parameters into account and using the benchmark DELFIC code to model cloud dynamics, it takes up to 20 min for a single run on a mainframe computer. Results from a number of runs have been generalized into empirical formulae. From these results it is possible to estimate worst case gamma radiation doses for complex scenarios using a hand calculator.
The theory of spontaneous decay is studied using both quantum electrodynamics (QED) and semiclassical theories of radiation. There are qualitative differences between the theories in the prediction of interference phenomena. In QED, systems which were excited with pulsed laser light do not exhibit quantum interference effects associated with lower state splittings. On the other hand, semiclassical treatments of spontaneous decay do indicate the existence of interference effects not present in QED. In addition to this, differences are found between the predictions of fluorescence intensity in the presence of lower-state level crossings under continuous excitation. (U.S.).
In this paper, the authors use free field techniques in D = 2 string theory t calculate the perturbation of the special state algebras when the cosmological constant is turned on. In particular, the authors find that the 'ground cone' preserved by the ring structure is promoted to a three-dimensional hyperboloid as conjectured by Witten. On the other hand, the perturbed (1,1) current algebra of moduli deformations is computed completely, and no simple geometrical interpretation is found. The authors also quote some facts concerning the Liouville matrix a model dictionary in this class of theories.
Several commercially available capacitors were evaluated at the liquid nitrogen temperature (77 K). Our primary interest was their performance under a bias voltage when used as DC link capacitors in cryogenic power electronics. In general, the performance of polymer capacitors and certain ceramic capacitors is almost independent of the temperature, DC bias, and frequency. On the other hand, ceramic capacitors based on high dielectric constant materials showed a strong dependence on the boundary conditions. Aluminum electrolytic capacitors showed a dramatic decrease of capacitance at 77 K, possibly due to the electrolyte being frozen and therefore losing its conductivity.
Iron alloys and aluminum were nitrogen implanted in a controlled oxygen atmosphere and the role of hydrogen on the surface etching mechanisms studied. The surface composition was analyzed by in situ photoemission electron spectroscopy (XPS). In iron alloys, hydrogen strongly etches oxygen, improving nitrogen retention on the surface. On the other hand, hydrogen removes nitrogen from aluminum surfaces, with a deleterious effect on the nitriding effectiveness. The oxygen removal in iron alloys is associated with the catalytic effect of electrons in d-orbitals and the nitrogen removal in aluminum is associated with a steric effect.
In radiation risk assessment it must be differentiated between somatic and genetic effect on the one hand as well as between stochastic and non-stochastic effect on the other. According to definitions of the ICRP report 26 the limit for the dose equivalent of all tissues prevents non-stochastic radiation effects. With stochastic radiation effects probably exist no threshold doses; therefore the ALARA principle must be applied concerning radiation protection. The individual risk by stochastic radiation effects in its linear, linear-quadratic and quadratic extrapolations, respectively, is discussed in detail. The effective stochastic dose equivalent (H/sub eff/) as well as collective dose and collective damage are outlined.
In this study we consider relations between companies in Poland taking into account common branches they belong to. It is clear that companies belonging to the same branch compete for similar customers, so the market induces correlations between them. On the other hand two branches can be related by companies acting in both of them. To remove weak, accidental links we shall use a concept of threshold filtering for weighted networks where a link weight corresponds to a number of existing connections (common companies or branches) between a pair of nodes.
A nonlinear dynamic transient analysis merging hand calculations and the NASTRAN structural analysis computer code was conducted for a Fast Flux Test Facility in-reactor test assembly during an extremely unlikely design basis accidental event which is considered a Hypothetical Core Disruptive Accident (HCDA). The finite element modeling of the problem took advantage of NASTRAN's versatility to create loads and nonlinear elements not previously found in NASTRAN's library. The structural criteria for the test assembly to withstand an HCDA stipulates that the test assembly and its spoolpiece shall remain integral with the reactor head such that missiles are not generated.
The author investigates the effects of 529 mergers in the European and North American power industries between 1990 and 2002. The focus is on the effects on the capital market and the changes in the utilities' performance in successive years. It is assumed that as a rule mergers resulted in a lower value of the companies concerned. On the other hand, the target businesses appear to have obtained added value in the same period. Apart from the fight for market power, the author identifies especially financial synergies as an important motive. (orig.)
Many analytical chemistry methods normally used at the Savannah River site require repetitive procedures and handling of radioactive and other hazardous solutions. Robotics is being investigated as a method of reducing personnel fatigue and radiation exposure and also increasing product quality. Several applications of various commercially available robot systems are discussed involving cold (nonradioactive) and hot (radioactive) sample preparations and glovebox waste removal. Problems encountered in robot programming, parts fixturing, design of special robot hands and other support equipment, glovebox operation, and operator-system interaction are discussed. A typical robot system cost analysis for one application is given.
The aim of this paper is to survey the potential of knowledge systems for the management and modelling of energy systems. The paper starts with a short introduction to knowledge systems. The essence of knowledge systems is summarized and described in terms of modelling. Additionally the application of knowledge systems is compared with the use of conventional software on the one hand and human reasoning on the other. Next, research topics which are important in connection with technological applications of knowledge systems are reviewed. This paper follows with a review of knowledge system applications in the field of energy systems and ends with conclusions on the state of the art and required research and development.
The ionization, excitation, and radiative recombination rates for highly stripped ions are cal- culated with Maxwellian and non-Maxwellian electron distribution functions of the type Cmexp(-vm/wm) (2<=m<=5) as encountered in laser-heated plasmas and certain types of turbulent plasmas. The direct-radiative-recombination rates are found to decrease by at most 30% as m is increased from 2 to 5. On the other hand, the ionization and excitation rates are found to be strongly reduced if the transition energy ? exceeds twice the local temperature kBTe. The effect of this on the distribution of energy levels and degrees of ionization in laser-produced plasmas could be important.
The total area (s m) of Voronoi-Dirichlet polyhedron faces corresponding to all intermolecular contacts of one molecule in the structure of crystals and the total volume of pyramids (V m) built on such faces and containing the nuclei of atoms participating in intermolecular contacts in their vertices were determined for 19 unsaturated hydrocarbons. The differential molar heat of adsorption of the hydrocarbons on graphitized thermal carbon black was found to be linearly related to the s m or V m integral parameters of their Voronoi-Dirichlet polyhedra. Aromatic hydrocarbons on the one hand and saturated hydrocarbons, olefins, and acetylene on the other are characterized by different dependences because of the special shapes of their molecular Voronoi-Dirichlet polyhedra.
The total area ( s m) of Voronoi-Dirichlet polyhedron faces corresponding to all intermolecular contacts of one molecule in the structure of crystals and the total volume of pyramids ( V m) built on such faces and containing the nuclei of atoms participating in intermolecular contacts in their vertices were determined for 19 unsaturated hydrocarbons. The differential molar heat of adsorption of the hydrocarbons on graphitized thermal carbon black was found to be linearly related to the s m or V m integral parameters of their Voronoi-Dirichlet polyhedra. Aromatic hydrocarbons on the one hand and saturated hydrocarbons, olefins, and acetylene on the other are characterized by different dependences because of the special shapes of their molecular Voronoi-Dirichlet polyhedra.
Equivalent circuit and electrical parameters for H-doped NH_4UO_2PO_4.3H_2O self supported membranes have been determined by impedance spectroscopy. The measurements were carried out with a dry membrane, at different temperatures, and a wet membrane in contact with different electrolyte solutions. Resistance values for the dry membrane decrease with temperature increase, which agrees with the weak protonic character of the H-doped ammonium uranylphosphate. On the other hand, differences in the electrical parameters, depending on the electrolyte considered were also obtained and are attributed to different conduction mechanisms. (Author).
Microcomputers are beginning to be used for energy analysis in many developing countries, and have the potential for making a significant contribution to the resolution of difficult analytical and data problems, and to improving communications between analyst and decision maker. Successful introduction of a microcomputer based on analytical capability, however, requires attention to several important factors in order to avoid the mistakes of the earlier mainframe computer era. This paper reviews the key issues of matching models to staff capabilities, of training, and of the operating environment, based on the author's first-hand experience with microcomputer projects in Uruguay, Haiti and Sri Lanka. 3 figures, 3 tables.
The work reported included workshop-style, hands-on training sessions to reach three hundred residents of the Detroit area. The training was for teaching low-cost weatherization applications; teaching/constructing/installing thermal shades; and teaching/constructing/installing vertical wall solar air panels. All activities under the grant are summarized, including number and type of workshops, number of participants trained, etc. The organizations which actively supported and contributed to the program are identified, and the program's efforts and accomplishments are evaluated. (LEW)
This study compares the effectiveness of potassium chloride with guanidine chlorhydrate in the prevention of clay swelling. The results given on various swelling tests on calcic montmorillonite led to the conclusions that (1) guanidine chlorhydrate is more effective than potassium chloride, especially in low concentrations, and (2) water immersion of samples treated by both solutions shows the permanent feature of the inhibitive action of guanidine chlorhydrate in swelling on one hand and the important increase in swelling of immersed samples treated by potassium chloride on the other. The viscosity measure of montmorillonite suspensions, before and after solution ion elimination by dialysis, confirms these observations.
Direct nuclear reactions are commonly understood in terms of distorted wave (DW) formalisms. In the case of a single nucleon knockout or transfer reaction the DW analysis provides a reasonable understanding of the observed data. On the other hand the predictions based on different available information inputs have been verified with the observations consistently. In the case of direct reactions involving nuclear clusters however, the DW predictions have been found to disagree with the observations in most cases. The outcome of these and other improvements in the intermediate energy nuclear phenomena involving direct reactions are highlighted. (author). 13 refs., 18 figs.
An analytical model is presented which enables the estimation of convective losses from cavity receivers. Evidence from solar experiments is used to test the hypothesized mechanisms. The analytical results and experimental evidence indicate that the convective loss from cavity receivers is appreciable. The model indicates that the influences of the wind on the convective loss at normal operating conditions are minimal. It also shows that the internal thermal resistance, i.e. the ability to heat the air inside the cavity, are of importance. Buoyancy induced flows are, on the other hand, effective in transferring energy across the aperture. 8 refs.
This paper described experiments on the adsorption of radon gas on surfaces of various materials. The experiments were carried out on three kinds of materials: Poly(vinyl chloride), polyethylene and stainless steel. On stainless steel, adsorption was not detectable. On the other hand, there was clearly adsorption on poly(vinyl chloride) and polyethylene. A poly(vinyl chloride) sheet of one square meter surface in a 5.3 L container absorbed approximately 20% of the radon. Radon adsorption has to be taken into account when radon concentration measurements in the air. (author)
We propose that a search for extra-terrestrial life can be approached as a Search for Extra-Terrestrial Homochirality{emdash}SETH. Homochirality is probably a pre-condition for life, so a chiral influence may be required to get life started. We explain how the weak force mediated by the {ital Z}{sup 0} boson gives rise to a small parity-violating energy difference (PVED) between enantiomers, and discuss how the resulting small excess of the more stable enantiomer may be amplified to homochirality. Titan and comets are good places to test for emerging pre-biotic homochirality, while on Mars there may be traces of homochirality as a relic of extinct life. Our calculations of the PVED show that the natural L-amino acids are indeed more stable than their enantiomers, as are several key D-sugars and right-hand helical DNA. Thiosubstituted DNA analogues show particularly large PVEDs. L-quartz is also more stable than D-quartz, and we believe that further crystal counts ...
Single-crystalline nanostructures often exhibit gradients of surface (and/or interface) curvature that emerge from fabrication and growth processes or from thermal fluctuations. Thus, the system-inherent capillary force can initiate morphological transformations during further processing steps or during operation at elevated temperature. Therefore and because of the ongoing miniaturization of functional structures which causes a general rise in surface-to-volume ratios, solid-state capillary phenomena will become increasingly important: On the one hand diffusion-mediated capillary processes can be of practical use in view of non-conventional nanostructure fabrication methods based on self-organization mechanisms, on the other hand they can destroy the integrity of nanostructures which can go along with the failure of functionality. Additionally, capillarity-induced shape transformations are effected and can thereby be controlled by applied ...
Alcaptonuria is a rare autosomal recessive metabolic disease, due to the lack of homogentisic acid oxidase. The following accumulation of homogentisic acid brings about a black discoloration of both the urine alcaptonuria) and connective tissue (ochronosis). The ochronotic alterations into joint cartilages cause degenerative arthropathy and osteopenia. The radiological features of three unrelated cases of alcaptonuria are reported. Radiographic abnormalities of ochconotic arthropathy are found in both the spine and the extraspinal joints. In the spine, the progressive calcification and ''vacuum'' phenomenon of disc spaces are the most characteristic findings. Disc space narrowing is associated with calcification and marginal sclerosis of vertebral bodies and is accentuated by osteopenia. Osteophytes are usually absent or of small size; neverthless progressive formation of marginal intervertebral bridges and obliteration of disc spaces at ...
There is no possibility to check any inner part at real welded joint at nuclear power station (NPS) during operation because any destructive test cannot be used. In practice there is checked surface of weld. There are used four methodical instructions for the check of real welds: 1. The visual inspection, 2. The measurement of hardness, 3. The chemical composition checking and 4. The microstructure replica analysis. It is necessary to know how these information of weld surface are in accordance with characteristics of inner parts of weld. If there is not any difference between surface weld microstructure and internal weld microstructure of experimental weld it is supposed to that there is not any difference in other measured properties of welds. If is changed structural characteristics of microstructure, it is changed also hardness, chemical analysis etc. It was observed that the microstructure of real welds is almost the same with simulated weld and also the ...
We report on recent inter-calibration studies featuring Swift's Burst Alert Telescope (BAT) and Fermi's Gamma-ray Burst Monitor (GBM) based upon correlated observations of GRBs 080804 and 080810, via their resultant joint spectral analysis. Swift's intrinsic multi-wavelength instrumentation and dynamical response complement Fermi's superior energy range. The addition of BAT's spectral response will (i) facilitate in-orbit GBM detector response calibration, (ii) augment Fermi's low energy sensitivity, (iii) enable ground-based follow-up efforts of Fermi GRBs, and (iv) help identify a subset of GRBs discovered via off-line GBM data analysis, for an annual estimate of ~30 GRBs. The synergy of BAT and GBM augments previous successful joint spectral fit efforts by enabling the study of peak photon energies (Epeak), while leveraging the over eleven energy decades afforded by Fermi's Large Area Telescope (LAT), in conjunction with Swift's X-Ray (XRT) ...
The behavior of MEMS devices is limited by the strength of critical features such as thin ligaments, oxide cuts joining layers, pin joints and hinges. Devices fabricated at Sandia's Microelectronic Development Laboratory have been successfully tested to investigate these features. A series of measurements were performed on samples with gage lengths of 15 to 1000 microns, using conventional and tungsten coated samples as well as samples that include the critical features of standard components in the test section. Specimens have a freely moving pin joint on one end that anchors the sample to the silicon die to allow rotation to reduce effects of bending. Each sample is loaded in uniaxial tension by pulling laterally with a flat tipped diamond in a computer-controlled Nanoindenter. Load is calculated by resolving the measured lateral and normal forces into the applied tensile force and frictional losses. The specimen cross section and ...
In this study, the bend properties of the single-crystalline molybdenum brazed by using Mo-40%Ru alloys containing boron of 1-6 mass%Ru alloy for the improvement of the joint strength was determined. (orig.) [Deutsch] Durchgefuehrt wurde die Herstellung von Verbindungen aus einkristallinem Molybdaen. Hierbei kamen Mo-40%Ru-Legierungen mit 1 bis 6 Gew.-% Bor als Lotmaterialien zum Einsatz. Festigkeit und Duktilitaet der Verbindungen wurden mittels 3-Punkt-Biegepruefung bei Raumtemperatur und unter fluessigem Stickstoff ermittelt. Die Bruchflaechen der Proben wurden mit Hilfe eines Rasterelektronenmikroskopes untersucht. Die Ergebnisse lassen sich wie folgt zusammenfassen: Der optimale Borgehalt bezueglich Festigkeit und Duktilitaet der geloeteten Verbindung liegt bei 2 Gew.-%. Die entsprechende Probe hat bei einem Biegewinkel von 100 bei Raumtemperatur nicht versagt. Auch unter fluessigem Stickstoff zeigte diese Probe eine Festigkeit in der Groessenordnung des ...
Analyses of the roles of cement-based barriers in radioactive waste isolation show that models used to estimate their characteristics during the lifetime of the repository must consider the alteration of material properties with time due to degradation processes. Reinforced concrete barriers at repositories shall be designed in such manner that they fulfil besides isolative capabilities also the required functions of mechanical resistance and stability. Key elements of safety evaluation are mainly the correct selection of materials for mineral composites with cement binder (cements, aggregates, mineral additives and chemical admixtures) and their design, execution of construction works and production of precast concrete containers (continuous casting of concrete - no cold joints, limited number of construction joints, proper placing and consolidation, finishing and curing), strict control of used materials and inspection of works, as well as ...
The recent attempt to degassify a self contained liquid filled (SCLF) cable in Ontario Hydro is described. In September 1989, there was a high pressure alarm on one phase of a SCLF 115 kV cable circuit. The direct buried cable circuit is about 1,890 m long with two joints and was installed in 1968. Oil samples from the cable had 10 to 12% gas content with high levels of hydrogen, methane, and ethane, and very low levels of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and acetylene. From these results it was concluded that the gas was generated by low energy electrical discharges and the paper insulation was not degraded. Various utilities and cable manufacturers were contacted to find if they had experienced similar problems. The cable duct oil was flushed and gasified and the successive oil samples were analyzed in order to locate the gassing site. The joints were examined and oil samples were taken through holes drilled in the cable sheath. From the test ...
The main LHC superconducting magnets (dipoles and quadrupoles) use Rutherford type cables, stabilized electrically and thermally with copper profiles. The portions of cables are connected to each other by a soft soldering technique (Sn96Ag4) with an overlapping length corresponding to one pitch of the superconducting strands. The splice constitutes a "composite" structure with the interchanging layers of Sn96Ag4 and NbTi superconductor, located inside a Cu cage. In order to ensure a high level of reliability (failure probability not exceeding 10-8) for some 10000 connections in the LHC, a non-destructive technique to check the quantity of solder in the joint is foreseen. The technique is based on a gamma ray source (241Am) and the detection is position-sensitive in the transmission mode. Scintillating detectors of gamma rays are used and their accumulated length corresponds to the length of the radioactive source (120 mm). The method can be used in-situ, the ...
In this study, dissimilar welds between HP heat-resistant steel and Incoloy 800 were made with four different filler materials including: 309 stainless steel and nickel-based Inconel 82, 182 and 617. The microstructure of the base metals, weld metals and their interfaces were characterized by utilizing optical and scanning electron microscopy. Grain boundaries migration in the weld metals was studied. It was found that the migration of grain boundaries in the Inconel 82 weld metal was very extensive. Precipitates of TiC and M_2_3C_6 (M = Cr and Mo) in the Inconel 617 weld metal are identified. The necessary conditions for the formation of cracks close to the fusion line of the 309-HP joints are described. Furthermore unmixed zone near the fusion line between HP steel base metal and Inconel 82 weld metal is discussed. An epitaxial growth is characterized at the fusion line of the 309-Alloy 800 and Inconel 617-Alloy 800 joints.
Alumina (94 and 99.8% grade compositions) was brazed directly to itself with gold-based active brazing alloys (ABA's) containing vanadium additions of 1,2 and 3 weight percent. The effects of brazing conditions on the joint properties were investigated. Wetting behavior, interfacial reactions, microstructure, hermeticity and tensile strength were determined. Wetting was fair to good for the ABA and base material combinations. Microanalysis identified a discontinuous Al-V-O spinel reaction product at the alumina-braze interface. Tensile strength results for 94% alumina were uniformly good and generally not sensitive to the vanadium concentration, with tensile values of 85-105 MPa. There was more variability in the 99.8% alumina strength results, with values ranging from 25-95 MPa. The highest vanadium concentration (3 wt. %) yielded the highest joint strength for the brazed 99.8% alumina. Failures in the 99.8% alumina samples occurred ...
Dissimilar metal welds between ferritic low-alloy and austenitic stainless steels commonly occur in power plant application. In order to overcome some of the problems encountered here, a trimetallic configuration using an intermediate piece (such as Alloy 800) between the austenitic and ferritic steels has been suggested. This paper describes some features of the joints between modified 9Cr-1Mo steel and Alloy 800, produced with Inconel 82/182 filler material. The joints require heat-treatment after welding and the results have shown that a treatment at 760 C for 2 h would be optimal. Although most tensile failures occurred in the weld metal the welds were found to exhibit strength properties that are at least equal to those of Alloy 800, with a tensile elongation lying between those of the two base materials. Similarly, while the weld metals are slightly less tough than the two base materials, the weld metal toughness at 120 J is still quite ...
This paper focuses on the cross-layer issue of joint multiuser detection and resource allocation for energy efficiency in wireless CDMA networks. In particular, assuming that a linear multiuser detector is adopted in the uplink receiver, the case considered is that in which each terminal is allowed to vary its transmit power, spreading code, and uplink receiver in order to maximize its own utility, which is defined as the ratio of data throughput to transmit power. Resorting to a game-theoretic formulation, a non-cooperative game for utility maximization is formulated, and it is proved that a unique Nash equilibrium exists, which, under certain conditions, is also Pareto-optimal. Theoretical results concerning the relationship between the problems of SINR maximization and MSE minimization are given, and, resorting to the tools of large system analysis, a new distributed power control algorithm is implemented, based on very little prior information about the user of ...
Comprised of seven persons with extensive experience in the issues of nuclear waste, the Independent Review Committee (IRC) provides independent and objective review of Defense Transuranic Waste Program (DTWP) activities managed by the Joint Integration Office (JIO), formerly the Defense Transuranic Waste Lead Organization (TLO). The Committee is ensured a broad, interdisciplinary perspective since its membership includes representatives from the fields of nuclear engineering, nuclear waste transportation, industrial quality control, systems and environmental engineering and state and local government. The scope of IRC activities includes overall review of specific TLO plans, projects and activities, and technical review of particular research and development projects. The Committee makes specific suggestions and recommendations based upon expertise in the field of TRU Waste Management. The IRC operates as a consulting group, under an independent charter providing ...
Carbide ceramics such as boron carbide due to their unique properties such as low density, high refractoriness, and high strength to weight ratio have many applications in different industries. This study focuses on direct bonding of boron carbide for high temperature applications using nickel interlayer. The process variables such as bonding time, temperature, and pressure have been investigated. The microstructure of the joint area was studied using electron scanning microscope technique. At all the bonding temperatures ranging from 1150 to 1300degC a reaction layer formed across the ceramic/metal interface. The thickness of the reaction layer increased by increasing temperature. The strength of the bonded samples was measured using shear testing method. The highest strength value obtained was about 100 MPa and belonged to the samples bonded at 1250 for 75 min bonding time. The strength of the joints decreased by increasing the bonding ...
In the case of injuries of the ankle joint, an imaging technique is expected to reveal the state of the bones, ligaments, and articular cartilage. Irrespective of novel imaging techniques, a plain radiography will be made in order to obtain a first picture of the injury. Examples are given, showing that further orientation along the Lauge-Hansen classification scheme of this type of injury helps to completely ascertain the damage to the Articulatio talocruralis. Further examinations applying specific methods such as arthrography will detect possible, isolated syndesmosis ruptures; lesions of the ligaments can also be directly detected by CT or MRT. The articular cartilage and its lesions can be visualized by a combination of CT and arthrography, but are better shown by the completely non-invasive MRT. This latter method also gives insight into pathological processes with the bone. It allows to detect necrotic bone regions and their re-vitalisation in patients with ...
The 105-KE and 105-KW Fuel Storage Basins were constructed more than 35 years ago as repositories for irradiated fuel from the K East and K West Reactors. Currently, the basins contain irradiated fuel from the N Reactor. To continue to use the basins as desired, seismic adequacy in accordance with current US Department of Energy facility requirements must be demonstrated. The 105-KE and 105-KW Basins are reinforced concrete, belowground reservoirs with a 16-ft water depth. The entire water retention boundary, which currently includes a portion of the adjacent reactor buildings, must be qualified for the Hanford Site design basis earthquake. The reactor building interface joints are sealed against leakage with rubber water stops. Demonstration of the seismic adequacy of these interface joints was initially identified as a key issue in the seismic qualification effort. The issue of water leakage through seismicly induced cracks was also ...
Objective. To examine the incidence, radiographic and histologic findings of medial femoral neck buttressing in a consecutive group of patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty.Design. Biomechanical parameters were evaluated on standard anteroposterior pelvic radiographs of 113 patients prior to hip replacement surgery. Demographic information on all patients was reviewed and histologic evaluation was performed on specimens obtained at the time of surgery.Results. The incidence of medial femoral neck buttressing was found to be 50% in a consecutive series of patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty. The incidence was slightly higher in women (56% vs 41%). Patients with buttressing had increased neck-shaft angles and smaller femoral neck diameters than were seen in patients without buttressing. Histologic evaluation demonstrated that the buttress resulted from deposition bone by the periosteum on the femoral neck in the absence of any evidence of femoral neck fracture.Conclusion. It ...
A joint US/Russia program is being conducted to develop, fabricate, launch, and operate a solar dynamic demonstration system on Space Station Mir. The goal of the program is to demonstrate and confirm that solar dynamic power systems are viable for future space applications such as the International Space Station Alpha. The major components of the system include a heat receiver, a closed Brayton cycle power conversion unit, a power conditioning and control unit, a concentrator, a radiator, a thermal control system, and a Space Shuttle carrier. This paper discusses the design of the heat receiver component. The receiver comprises a cylindrical cavity, the walls of which are lined with a series of tubes running the length of the cavity. The engine working fluid, a mixture of xenon and helium, is heated by the concentrated sunlight incident on these tubes. The receiver incorporates integral thermal storage, using a eutectic mixture of lithium fluoride and calcium ...
Transmission terminations available today are very reliable, but they need to be. In the field, they are continually exposed to pollution and extremes of ambient temperature. In many cases, they are in the rifle sights of vandals. In contrast, cable joints - often cited as the weakest links from an electrical viewpoint - are generally protected from physical damage underground and many of the short cable systems being installed in the US today can be built without joints. All cable systems need terminations - mostly to air-insulated equipment. At 69 through 138 kV, there is intense competition among manufacturers to supply terminations for solid-dielectric cable that are low in cost, reliable, and require a minimum of skill to install. Some utilities are looking also for terminations that fit a range of cable sizes; terminations that do not contain liquid that can leak out; and terminations that are shatter-proof. All of these improvements are ...
Over 300 cases of femoral neck fractures following radiotherapy for intrapelvic malignant tumor have been reported in various countries since Baensch reported this disease in 1927. In Japan, 40 cases or so have been reported, and cases of bilateral femoral neck fractures have not reached to ten cases. The authors experienced a case of 75 year-old female who received radiotherapy for cancer of the uterus, and suffered from right femoral neck fracture 3 months after and left femoral neck fracture one year and half after. As clinical symptoms, she had not previous history of trauma in bilateral femurs, but she complained of a pain in a hip joint and of gait disturbance. The pain in left femoral neck continued for about one month before fracture was recognized with roentgenogram. As histopathological findings, increase of fat marrow, decrease of bone trabeculae, and its marked degeneration were recognized. Proliferation of some blood vessels was found out, but ...
Implementation of Noble Metal Chemical Application (NMCA) in a Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) requires injection of a noble metal compound while the reactor is idle at hot shutdown conditions. In order to minimize outage time, utilities are very pro-actively finding ways to reduce the number of critical path tasks. One of these tasks is to remove some containment vessel drywell head bolts during the NMCA idle time. This, thereby, saves the utilities outage time, or they can perform other tasks as desired. Using design basis conditions and state-of-the-art analytical techniques, detailed finite element stress analyses of the closure region are performed. Two acceptance criteria are evaluated. The first is that contained within Section III of the ASME Code for allowable stresses. The second relates to leak tightness, i.e., with bolt removal the joint must still remain leak tight. This paper describes the activities performed to justify bolt removal during the noble ...
This work concerns the development of a methodology the objective of which is to characterize and diagnose two-phase flow regime transitions. The approach is based on the fundamental assumption that a transition flow is less stationary than a flow with an established regime. During the first time, the efforts focused on: (1) the design and construction of an experimental loop, allowing to reproduce the main horizontal two-phase flow patterns, in a stable and controlled way; (2) the design and construction of an electrical impedance probe, providing an imaged information of the spatial phase distribution in the pipe; and (3) the systematic study of the joint time-frequency and time-scale analysis methods, which permitted to define an adequate parameter quantifying the unstationarity degree. During the second time, in order to verify the fundamental assumption, a series of experiments were conducted, the objective of which was to demonstrate the correlation between ...
This work concerns the development of a methodology the objective of which is to characterize and diagnose two-phase flow regime transitions. The approach is based on the fundamental assumption that a transition flow is less stationary than a flow with an established regime. During the first time, the efforts focused on: (1) the design and construction of an experimental loop, allowing to reproduce the main horizontal two-phase flow patterns, in a stable and controlled way; (2) the design and construction of an electrical impedance probe, providing an imaged information of the spatial phase distribution in the pipe; and (3) the systematic study of the joint time-frequency and time-scale analysis methods, which permitted to define an adequate parameter quantifying the unstationarity degree. During the second time, in order to verify the fundamental assumption, a series of experiments were conducted, the objective of which was to demonstrate the correlation between ...
The aim of this study was to evaluate typical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in early rheumatic diseases manifesting at the soft tissues of the hand using a retrospective analysis. A total of 186 MRI examinations of patients with clinical suspicion of a rheumatic disease were evaluated in a consensus reading by two experienced radiologists. All imaging patterns were assessed with respect to their type and localization. Under blinded and non-blinded conditions diagnoses were correlated with final clinical diagnosis. The most frequent diagnoses were rheumatoid arthritis (RA, 45.7%) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA, 15.6%). The mean correlation between clinical and MRI diagnosis (r) was 0.75 in blinded and 0.853 in non-blinded reading (p <0.001). The following extra-articular imaging patterns were found: synovitis (59.1%), tendovaginitis (91.4%), dactylitis (14.5%), and bone marrow edema (18.3%). Only dactylitis was specific for a particular rheumatic ...
Results of an evaluation of 18 different products that can be used as waterstops in hydraulic dams to minimize or eliminate leaks at construction joints, were discussed. The materials were tested for permeability and adherence at 23, 15 and 5 degrees C. A two-component polyurethane resin product was found to be the one that best fulfilled the evaluation criteria. It was also found that the successful injection of a borehole depends not only on selecting the product with the best performance characteristics, but also on the technique used. Hence the preparation of the resin and the pressure at which it is injected are important performance criteria. 5 refs., 6 photos, 4 figs.
An automatic loading roller for transmitting torque in traction drive devices in manipulator arm joints includes a two-part camming device having a first cam portion rotatable in place on a shaft by an input torque and a second cam portion coaxially rotatable and translatable having a rotating drive surface thereon for engaging the driven surface of an output roller with a resultant force proportional to the torque transmitted. Complementary helical grooves in the respective cam portions interconnected through ball bearings interacting with those grooves effect the rotation and translation of the second cam portion in response to rotation of the first. 14 figs.
This patent describes an automatic loading roller for transmitting torque in traction drive devices in manipulator arm joints includes a two-part camming device having a first cam portion rotatable in place on a shaft by an input torque and a second cam portion coaxially rotatable and translatable having a rotating drive surface thereon for engaging the driven surface of an output roller with a resultant force proportional to the torque transmitted. Complementary helical grooves on the respective cam portions interconnected through ball bearings interacting with those grooves effect the rotation and translation of the second cam portion in response to rotation of the first.
ObjectivesObjectives Not AvailableDescriptionThe Cambridge University Engineering Department has granted the PI sabbatical leave in the academic year 2000/2001. Dr. T. Illangasekare from the Colorado School of Mines (CSM), USA has invited the PI to participate in his research during the period of December 2000 to September 2001. Recently, the Geotechnical and Environmental Geotechnics Group at Cambridge was successful in obtaining the Joint Infrastructure Fund to build a new laboratory/facilities to study geotechnical processes in constru [continued...
This paper summarizes the U.S. Department of Energy R&D program in crystalline-silicon photovoltaic technology, which is jointly managed by Sandia National Laboratories and National Renewable Energy Laboratory. This program features a balance of basic an d applied R&D, and of university, industry, and national laboratory R&D. The goal of the crystalline-silicon R&D program is to accelerate the commercial growth of crystalline-silicon photovoltaic technology, and four strategic objectives were identified to address this program goal. Technical progress towards meeting these objectives is reviewed.
The survey of radiation protection programmes for transport has been jointly performed by three scientific organisations I.P.S.N. (France), G.R.S. ( Germany), and N.R.P.B. (United kingdom) on behalf of the European Commission and the pertaining documentation summarises the findings and conclusions of the work that was undertaken with the principal objectives to provide guidance on the establishment, implementation and application of radiation protection programmes for the transport of radioactive materials by operators and the assessment and evaluation of such programmes by the competent authority and to review currently existing radiation protection programmes for the transport of radioactive materials. (N.C.)
Various remedial measures have been tried to lower radon levels in buildings in Uranium City. The methods used are source material removal, passive ventilation of crawl spaces, sub-floor ventilation, complete epoxy coating of the entire basement, sealants for floor-wall joints and cracks in basements, electrostatic precipitators, mechanical ventilation, and sealing and grouting concrete block plenums in basement walls. The type and condition of structures encountered in Uranium City as well as the relative isolation of the town indicate that mechanical ventilation is the most long-term cost-effective method.
The power industry is moving toward the use of high-voltage transmission lines on tall, flexible towers. These towers are designed for heavier loadings than were previous towers, but the secondary effects of tower displacement tend to be ignored in the present day tower analysis. This paper examines the secondary effects from the large displacement of flexible towers, reviews the secondary stresses arising from joint rigidity and member continuity, and examines the reliability of tower strength predicted by the ASCE design guidelines. More realistic tower test acceptance criteria and a more reliable tower design methodology are suggested.
Roentgenological analysis of the anterior chest wall was performed in twenty six patients with sternocostoclavicular hyperostosis. Initial hyperostotic change was seen at the first costosternal junction with ventral protrusion. Hyperostosis gradually developed around the first ribs, and irregular hyperostotic changes were also seen along the costoclavicular ligaments. Even in the final stage, however, sternoclavicular joint spaces were well preserved. These findings suggest that sternocostoclavicular hyperostosis is a disorder initiated around the costal cartilage including the periosteum and perichondrium, and that arthritis is not a condition stemming from that disorder.
At the importance increase of UT (ultrasonic testing) with the application of rules on fitness-for-service for nuclear power plants, JAPEIC (Japan power engineering and inspection corporation) started education training for defect detection and sizing technique. Weld joints specimen with EDM (Electro-Discharged Machining) notches, fatigue cracks and intergranular stress corrosion cracks were tested and practiced repeatedly based on a modified ultrasonic method and the defect size measuring accuracy of the trainees was surely improved. Results of the blind test confirmed effectiveness of education training. (T. Tanaka)
The Joint Work Session of the ITER CDA (Conceptual Design Activities) by four parties, (eg. Japan, USA, USSR and EC), which has continued during 3 years from May 1988 to December 1990 was completed successfully. During the CDA, overall diagnostic systems for the next generation machine was performed for the first time and the principal tasks of Diagnostic research and development (R and D) are identified. In this paper, radiation hardening problems, which should be solved for the period 1991 through 1996 of the ITER EDA (Engineering Design Activities), are described. (author).
This paper presents a decision approach, and associated computer software tools, for prioritizing and selecting among technology development activities. The approach elicits and then summarizes technology development preferences from stakeholders, and then integrates preferences into a set of funding recommendations. By formalizing the technology review process, the decision approach builds consensus and clarifies the basis for final budget decisions. The software development was conducted jointly by Pacific Northwest Laboratory and Decisions Science Associates, Incorporated. The Underground Storage Tank Integrated Demonstration funded the task; however, the approach should also be valuable to the US Department of Energy Office of Technology Development, the Office of Waste Management, and the Office of Environmental Restoration.
A quantum secure direct communication scheme using dense coding is proposed. At first, the sender (Alice) prepares four-particle genuine entangled states and shares them with the receiver (Bob) by sending two particles in each entangled state to him. Secondly, Alice encodes secret information by performing the unitary transformations on her particles and transmits them to Bob. Finally, Bob performs the joint measurements on his particles to decode the secret information. The two-step security test guarantees the security of communication.
An advanced video system has been assembled from commercially available equipment to support the real-time neutron radiography facility established jointly by the University of Virginia Department of Nuclear Engineering and Engineering Physics, and the Philip Morris Research Center. A schematic diagram of the equipment used for real-time neutron radiography is presented. To obtain quantitative density measurements with this system, several modifications of both hardware and image processing software were required. After implementation of these changes, the system was capable of determining material densities by measuring the degree of neutron attenuation.
An advanced video system has been assembled from commercially available equipment to support the real-time neutron radiography facility established jointly by the University of Virginia Department of Nuclear Engineering and Engineering Physics, and the Philip Morris Research Center. A schematic diagram of the equipment used for real-time neutron radiography is presented. To obtain quantitative density measurements with this system, several modifications of both hardware and image processing software were required. After implementation of these changes, the system was capable of determining material densities by measuring the degree of neutron attenuation.
The JUPITER-II Program is the Joint Physics Large Heterogeneous Core Critical Experiments Program between the U.S. Department of Energy (US DOE) and PNC, Japan. The experiments began in May 1982 and ended in April 1984, as a part of the ZPPR-13 program. The ZPPR-13 is a series of critical assemblies designed to study the fundamental neutronic behavior of large, radially-heterogeneous LMFBR cores. This report describes the results of analysis of ZPPR-13A and preliminary analysis of ZPPR-13B, and some topics of recent activities in fast reactor physics.
A possible novel application of hard x-ray emitted during laser-plasma interaction was discussed. The authors established an Optical Transform Function to study the joint effect of the spectral distribution and temporal profile of the laser-produced x-ray on x-ray phase imaging. Though the laser-produced x-ray pulse duration is short and incoherent, the analysis confirms that the current x-ray phase imaging theory still holds for laser-produced x-ray phase imaging
The grain boundary crystallographic misorientations of magnetic-pulse-welded (MPW) aluminum alloy (AA) 6061-T6 in linear and tubular configurations were examined using the electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) technique. A refined structure of heavily deformed grains with higher grain boundary angles was observed in linear welds. Significant spalling was observed away from the joints, in the interior of tubular welds. The results show the complex interaction of shock waves with the materials during this impact welding process.
A reduced-form model including nonlinearities is estimated from pooled data from nine European countries during 1982-2004 to show the effects of macroeconomic shocks and financial fragility on bank loan losses. The main ingredients of the model are unanticipated-output and interest-rate shocks estimated from published macroeconomic and naive forecasts. The model fits the data well, capturing the extremely high levels of loan losses witnessed in different financial crises.
The Joint European Torus (JET) fusion machine is the only device capable of operation with tritium (as fuel) and Be (as plasma facing component), what makes it best suited to study ITER relevant issues. A large variety of activities are performed within the JET Fusion Technology Task Force. In this paper, some topics such as erosion/deposition and material transport, flakes characterization and detritiation techniques are highlighted. Recent results obtained using a pumping cryo-panel and on plasma facing component characterisation are given. Finally, issues that will be addressed in the forthcoming JET work-programme are presented, such as a beryllium main wall for JET and in-situ laser detritiation. (authors)
ObjectivesNot EnteredDescriptionMethane hydrate in an ice-like substance consisting of molecules of methane gas combined chemically with water. It is stable at high pressures and low temperatures. Since the ocean floor is normally cold, but temperatures increase with depth inside the Earth, such conditions normally prevail for a few hundred meters below the seafloor where the ocean depth is more than a few hundred metres. Methane beneath the ocean floor is formed by the decomposition of organic material. At the edges of the co [continued...
The shot peening of the outer surface of Alloy 800 is proposed by the steam generator supplier in order to increase the stress corrosion cracking resistance of the tubes. The benefits and drawbacks of such a treatment are evaluated, focusing on the main concern i.e. a possible enhanced tendency of stress corrosion cracking at the transition of the expanded tube-to-tubesheet joint. Stress corrosion tests as well as residual stresses measurements demonstrate no significant difference between peened and unpeened tubes at that location. The other concerns such as stability of the compressive stresses, increased risk of pitting or intergranular attack and pollution of the secondary circuit by fragmented beads appear the as minor concerns.
Marginal fractures of the tibial plateau are associated with a high incidence of soft tissue injuries to the stabilising structures of the knee joint. Injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament are associated with the Segond fracture and impingement fractures of the posteromedial tibial plateau. Recognition of these fractures aids diagnosis of these injuries. Marginal fractures of the tibial plateau associated with posterior cruciate ligament injuries are less common, though recently a ''reverse'' Segond fracture has been recognised. We describe a fracture of the anteromedial tibial plateau associated with complete disruption of the posterior cruciate ligament and posterolateral complex. (orig.)
Friction stir welding of dissimilar formed Mg alloys(AZ31/AZ91) was successfully carried out at the limited welding conditions. In a sound joint, SZ was mainly consisted of AZ31 Mg alloy which was located the retreating side. Dynamic recrystallization and grain growth occurred and {beta} intermetallic compounds of AZ 91 Mg alloy was not observed in SZ. BM had a higher hardness than that of the weld zone. The fracture location was not weld zone but BM of the AZ91 Mg alloy in tensile test. (orig.)
Lumbar epidural anesthesia is useful in a variety of chronic benign pain syndromes, including lumbar radiculopathy, low back pain syndrome, spinal stenosis, and vertebral compression fractures. Given the increased number of epidural nerve blocks being performed, some have reported unexplained complications of a transient or permanent nature and with varying degrees of severity. However, no case has been reported of a broken epidural needle tip retained in the lumbar facet joint area. This represents the first reported case presentation of foraminal stenosis developing in a patient after a retained epidural needle tip. PMID:21286465
The authors trace the early history of nuclear power regulation in the US. Focusing on the Atomic Energy Commission, they describe the role of other groups that figured in the development of regulatory policies, including the Congressional Joint Committee on Atomic Energy, other federal agencies, state governments, the nuclear industry, and scientific organizations. They consider changes in public perceptions of and attitudes toward atomic energy and the dangers of radiation exposure. The basic purpose of the book is to provide the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the general public with information on the historical antecedents and background of regulatory issues so that there will be continuity in policy decisions. The book concludes with an annotated bibliography of selected references. 19 figures.
A complex network approach on a rough fracture is developed. In this manner, some hidden metric spaces (similarity measurements) between apertures profiles are set up and a general evolutionary network in two directions (in parallel and perpendicular to the shear direction) is constructed. Also, an algorithm (COmplex Networks on Apertures: CONA) is proposed in which evolving of a network is accomplished using preferential detachments and attachments of edges (based on a competition and game manner) while the number of nodes is fixed. Also, evolving of clustering coefficients and number of edges display similar patterns as well as are appeared in shear stress, hydraulic conductivity and dilation changes, which can be engaged to estimate shear strength distribution of asperities.
ObjectivesObjectives Not AvailableDescriptionTo determine the effects of water penetration on the burst strength of filament wound composite pipes which have been damaged by impact and then subjected to long term pressurisation with sea water. ~%~ To monitor and characterise the damage and effects of sea water penetration using ultrasonic NDT. To determine the burst strength of bonded composite pipe joints with and without defects and to see whether the defects can be detected using ultrasonic NDT. [continued...
Many power apparatus and underground cable systems have been constructed since 1970 in korea. Recently, as the needs for underground T and D systems increase rapidly, any fault on the systems causes enormous economic losses in our society. Thus, this paper described. (1) Survey on the amount and the increasing rates of the underground cable systems at home and abroad. (2) Survey on fault data for the underground cables and joints at home and abroad.From the analysis on fault data, we analyzed the cause of fault and classified the typical fault mode for the underground cable systems. (author). 5 refs., 3 figs., 11 tabs.
The susceptibility of CHN35VT-VD and 08CH18N10T stainless steels to stress corrosion cracking in water environment, simulating water solution found in threaded holes, was investigated using rising load line displacement tests of precracked C(T) specimens. To judge the role of oxidant on stress corrosion cracking of both stainless steels, the effect of dissolved oxygen content (fully deaerated water, water aerated at the beginning of the test) was studied. 7 refs.
In 2009, the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Program and the Climate Change Prediction Program (CCPP) have been asked to produce joint science metrics. For CCPP, the second quarter metrics are reported in Evaluation of Simulated Precipitation in CCSM3: Annual Cycle Performance Metrics at Watershed Scales. For ARM, the metrics will produce and make available new continuous time series of radiative fluxes based on one year of observations from Barrow, Alaska, during the International Polar Year and report on comparisons of observations with baseline simulations of the Community Climate System Model (CCSM).
The UK fully supports the objective of the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management to achieve and maintain a high level of safety worldwide in spent fuel and radioactive waste management, through the enhancement of national measures and international co-operation, including where appropriate, safety-related co-operation. The UK's Health and Safety Executive, through its Nuclear Safety Directorate (NSD), has been committed to the Convention since the initial negotiations to set up the Convention and provided the president of the first review meeting in 2003. It would be wrong of any nation to believe that they have all the best solutions to managing spent fuel and radioactive waste. The process of compiling reports for the Convention review meetings provides a structured process through which every contracting party can review its provisions against a common set of standards and identify for itself ...
The structure of newly synthesized proteoglycans from explant cultures of cartilage from joints subjected to transection of the anterior cruciate ligament (osteoarthritic) and from normal (non- or sham-operated) joints was examined. The structure of the products of proteoglycan turnover was also examined using explants of normal and osteoarthritic cartilage maintained in culture for a 48 h chase period. The findings were as follows: Newly synthesized (/sup 35/S)-proteoglycans extracted from cartilage explants from osteoarthritic joints whether examined 3 weeks, 3 months, or 6 months after surgery were larger than those from corresponding normal cartilage. This can be explained by the synthesis in osteoarthritic cartilage of abnormally long chondroitin sulfate chains on newly synthesised proteoglycans. The extracts also contained a newly formed small proteoglycan species that was unable to interact with hyaluronic acid. The ...
Accomplishments for the quarter are presented for the following areas of research: oil shale, tar sand, coal, advanced exploratory process technology, and jointly sponsored research. Oil shale research includes; oil shale process studies, environmental base studies for oil shale, and miscellaneous basic concept studies. Tar sand research covers process development. Coal research includes; underground coal gasification, coal combustion, integrated coal processing concepts, and solid waste management. Advanced exploratory process technology includes; advanced process concepts, advanced mitigation concepts, and oil and gas technology. Jointly sponsored research includes: organic and inorganic hazardous waste stabilization; development and validation of a standard test method for sequential batch extraction fluid; operation and evaluation of the CO{sub 2} HUFF-N-PUFF Process; fly ash binder for unsurfaced road aggregates; solid state NMR analysis ...
Purpose: to compare several morphometric parameters in MRI with the functional status of the articular disc in a large patient group suffering from internal derangement (ID) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Materials and methods: in a retrospective study, 320 analyzable high resolution MRI examinations of the TMJs obtained in a 1.5 T unit were evaluated in 184 patients with clinically suspected ID. The analysis included the anatomical structures and a number of morphometric parameters previously described in the literature. The parameters were compared with the position of the articular disc. Results: the disc position was categorized as ''normal'' (NDP, 21.9%, n = 70), ''anterior displacement with reduction on opening'' (AMR, 51.6%, n = 165) and ''anterior displacement without reduction on opening'' (AOR, 26.6%, n = 85). With increasing disc ...
This is the 1st revision of the INIS/ETDE Joint Thesaurus. It contains 20 953 valid descriptors and 8 600 forbidden terms. It was last updated in December 2003. The Joint Thesaurus contains the controlled terminology for indexing all information within the subject scope of both INIS (International Nuclear Information System) and ETDE (Energy Technology Data Exchange) information systems. The terminology is intended for use in subject description for input or retrieval of information in those systems. The thesaurus is a terminological control device used in translating from the natural language of documents, indexers or users into a more constrained system language It is also a controlled and dynamic vocabulary of semantically and generically related terms which covers a specific domain of knowledge. The domain of knowledge covered by this Thesaurus includes physics (in particular, plasma physics, atomic and molecular physics, and especially ...
International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project is the international collaboration one for the commercialization of nuclear fusion energy through the technical and engineering verification. In ITER project, we plan to procure the blanket systems which has the risk of technology and cost when it is newly developed. We are developing the manufacturing process and joining technology for the ITER blanket to complete the procurement with qualified blanket system. To evaluate the soundness of manufacturing process, specimen and mock-up tests are being prepared. Finally, we can obtain the key technology of nuclear fusion reactor especially on the blanket design, joining and manufacturing technology through the present project and these technologies will help the construction of Korea fusion DEMO reactor and the development of commercial nuclear fusion reactor in Korea. In 1st year, through the fabrication of the Cu/SS and Be/Cu joint specimen, fabrication ...
Ion neoclassical transport with finite orbit width dynamics is calculated over whole poloidal cross section by using accurate {delta}f method which employs an improved like-particle collision operator and an accurate weighting scheme to solve drift kinetic equation. Ion thermal transport near magnetic axis shows a great reduction from its conventional neoclassical level due to non-standard orbit topology, like that of previous {delta}f simulation. On other hand, the direct particle loss from confinement region may strongly increase ion energy transport near the edge. It is found that ion parallel flow near the axis is also largely reduced due to non-standard orbit topology. In the presence of steep density gradient, ion thermal conductivity is significantly reduced, and an ion particle flux is driven by self-collision alone. (author)
Intermittent sun exposure and sunburn are strong predictors of cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM). On the other hand, melanomas may arise also in non-sun-exposed areas such as the vulva. However, little is known about a possible relationship between sun exposure and vulvar melanoma. Temporal and latitudinal dependencies of the incidence rates of vulvar melanoma were studied in comparison with those of CMM among Caucasians in Sweden, East Germany, USA and Victoria (Australia). The ratios of vulvar melanoma incidence rates to those of CMM tend to decrease with increasing CMM rates. The incidence rates of CMM have increased with time until recently, while those of vulvar melanoma have either decreased or remain constant. In USA vulvar melanoma incidence rates seem to increase from south to no...
A new class of (not necessarily bounded) operators related to (mainly infinite) directed trees is introduced and investigated. Operators in question are to be considered as a generalization of classical weighted shifts, on the one hand, and of weighted adjacency operators, on the other; they are called weighted shifts on directed trees. The basic properties of such operators, including closedness, adjoints, polar decomposition and moduli are studied. Circularity and the Fredholmness of weighted shifts on directed trees are discussed. The relationships between domains of a weighted shift on a directed tree and its adjoint are described. Hyponormality, cohyponormality, subnormality and complete hyperexpansivity of such operators are entirely characterized in terms of their weights. Related questions that arose during the study of the topic are solved as well. Particular trees with one branching vertex are intensively studied mostly in the context of subnormality and ...
This article presents a hands-on web-based activity motivated by the relation between human health and ozone pollution in California. This case study is based on multivariate data collected monthly at 20 locations in California between 1980 and 2006. Several strategies and tools for data interrogation and exploratory data analysis, model fitting and statistical inference on these data are presented. All components of this case study (data, tools, activity) are freely available online at: http://wiki.stat.ucla.edu/socr/index.php/SOCR_MotionCharts_CAOzoneData. Several types of exploratory (motion charts, box-and-whisker plots, spider charts) and quantitative (inference, regression, analysis of variance (ANOVA)) data analyses tools are demonstrated. Two specific human health related questions...
Background. To determine total upper limb function following selective neck dissection over a mean follow-up of 1.6 years. Methods. A retrospective questionnaire study in a tertiary head and neck surgical unit. One hundred forty-eight patients who underwent selective neck dissection for head and neck cancer from January 2000 to December 2005 were invited to participate. The main outcome measure was ipsilateral upper limb dysfunction as measured by the Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. Results. Sixty-five patients responded to the invitation to join the study from 148 invited. Despite accessory nerve conserving surgery for all the selective neck dissections studied, 23% reported no upper limb dysfunction, 54% reported mild upper limb dysfunction, 15% reported modera...
Energy in general is essential for economic and social development, prosperity, health and security of citizens. of the other hand, world population over the last 10 years has increased by more than 12%, and now it is exactly about 6.4 billion people and it means more demand for energy. Meanwhile, global primary energy consumption has seen an increase of 20%. Energy supply has some sources and unfortunately most of them have impact on life cycle in biosphere. However, the developed countries, that are only 16% in the population in 2000, consume the energy of 80%. This article deals with the threat of global climate change and its implications throughout the world.
In this study, we investigate the relationship between income and environmental quality for Turkey at two levels. First, the relationship between the CO2 emissions and per capita income is examined by the help of a time series model using cointegration techniques. In the second stage, the relationship between income and air pollution is investigated by using PM10 and SO2 measurements in Turkish provinces. In this part of the study panel data estimation techniques are utilized. The time series model covers 1968-2003, and the panel data model covers 1992-2001 including observations from 58 provinces. A monotonically increasing relationship between CO2 and income is found in the long-run according to time series analysis. On the other hand, panel data analysis indicates an N-shape relationshi...
Abstract Absence of the palmaris longus muscle has been well documented in several populations at a prevalence rate ranging between 2.2 and 63.9% which varies according to race, sex, and side of the body. There is little documentation of the prevalence of absence of this muscle from populations in the Arabian Gulf region. We examined 1,043 subjects, 3 85 years old, from the Kingdom of Bahrain for the presence or absence of the palmaris longus muscle using the conventional test for the presence of this muscle. Statistical analyses investigated the association of muscle absence with sex, hand dominance, and laterality. The palmaris longus muscle was absent in 36.8% of subjects. Bilateral absence (19%) was more common than unilateral absence (17.9%) with preponderance in female subjects. The ...
A first-hand account of developments in the Soviet rocket industry is presented. The organization and leadership of the rocket and missile industry are traced from its beginning in the 1920s. The development of the Glushko Experimental Design Bureau, where the majority of Soviet rocket engines were created, is related. The evolution of Soviet rocket engines is traced in regard to both their technical improvement and their application in missiles and space vehicles. Improved Glushko engines and specialized Isaev and Kosberg engines are discussed. The difficulties faced by the Soviet missile and space program, such as the pre-Sputnik failures, the oscillation problem of 1965/1966, which exposed a weakness in Soviet ICBM missiles, and the Nedelin disaster of 1960, which cost the lives of more than 200 scientists and engineers, as well as the Commander-in-Chief of the Strategic Rocket Forces, Marshall Nedelin, are examined. 122 refs.
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder of the elderly accounting for the vast majority of dementia. Recently, many studies have implicated the role of inflammatory response, especially neuroinflammatory response in the development and progression of AD. However, the underlying mechanism of how inflammatory response induces AD is unknown. Kynurenine pathway is a major route of the amino acid tryptophan catabolism, resulting in the production of nicotine adenine dinucleotide and other neuroactive intermediates: quinolinic acid (QA) and kynurenic acid (KA). QA exerts different toxic effects, including over-activation of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor and excitotoxicity, synaptic dysfunction and neuronal death. On the other hand, KA is identified as the only...
The Working Group reviewed the revised Who guidance and the information published since 1991 on the risks of thyroid cancer in children from radioiodine and the risks of side effects from stable iodine. In particular, it reviewed data compiled on the incidence of thyroid cancers in children following the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in 1986. It considered whether the NRPB Earls were still appropriate, in the light of the new data. It also reviewed a range of other recommendations given by the 1st Working Group, concerning the chemical form of stable iodine tablets and practical issues concerning implementation of stable iodine prophylaxis. Finally, it reviewed the Patient Information Leaflet that is required, by law, to be included in each box of tablets and provided suggestions for information to be included in a separate information leaflet to be handed out to the public when stable iodine tablets are distributed
The spectrum, angular distribution, polarization and coherence properties of the radiation emitted by relativistic electrons undulating through a quasiperiodic tapered magnetic field are studied. Tapering the wavelength and/or field strength along the undulator's axis has the effect of spreading the spectral line to higher frequencies; interference over this broader spectral range results in a more complex line shape. The angular dependence, on the other hand, is not affected by the amount of taper. The polarization of the radiation in the forward direction is determined by the transverse polarization of the undulator, but the polarization changes off axis. The radiation patterns predicted here are distinct from those of untapered undulators, and their detection is now feasible. They will provide useful diagnostics of electron trajectories and threshold behavior in free-electron-laser oscillators using tapered undulators.
We have at hand the tools for development of both a single amino acid substitution and a gene loss type assay for somatic cell mutations in human red cells. We are close to being able to assess the assays as possible means for screening the human population for individuals who may be a risk of acquiring abnormally high frequencies of mutant cells. The cause for such a high frequency of mutant cells could be a prior exposure of the individual to large amount of mutagen, or it could indicate a member of a vulnerable subpopulation that may have poor DNA repair systems. Either of these cases could well be an indication that the particular individual is at high risk that exposure to mutagens could lead to potential pathology. In the near future we expect to determine the reliability of the assays and to perform experiments to confirm the validity of flow cytometry in measuring real somatic mutagenic events that occur in vivo. (orig./AJ).
In recent years, slightly acid formulas for cosmetics which remove follicular infundibulum obstruction of the hair follicle, have been devised. Therefore, few acne patients experience a problem with cosmetics use. On the other hand, cosmetics use differs from person to person. Thus, an investigation of actual conditions of cosmetics use was done among acne patients. Compared with healthy people, acne patients used more facial wash products more. It has been understood that treatment and skincare instruction are important for the improvement and prevention of acne. We examined skin physiology function and patient's QOL by using a skin care product for women for two months with skincare instruction from a dermatologist for 31 female patients this time. As a result, it was able to be confirme...
Background Stimulated by the concept of Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES), minimizing the access even further has become a new trend in minimally invasive surgery. We compare our recently described new method of endoscopic single-access adrenalectomy with the conventional retroperitoneoscopic approach in a matched-pairs study. Methods Fifty single-access retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomies (SARA) were performed in 47 selected patients suffering from Conn?s adenomas (n?=?20), pheochromocytomas (n?=?15), Cushing?s adenomas (n?=?6), and other diseases (n?=?6). For SARA, a single 2-cm skin incision beneath the 12th rib was used. Following creation of the retroperitoneal space with the rigid endoscope, dissection was carried out single-handed. Another 47 patients served a...
The authors review two types of simulators for the analysis of cosmic ray neutron-induced soft errors (SE's). One of them is the neutron-induced soft error simulator (NISES). A recently proposed nuclear reaction theory forms the foundation for the nuclear reaction database used in NISES. The other simulator, the simplified simulator MBGR, is based on a modified version of the burst generation rate (BGR) model. Both simulators accurately simulate neutron-induced SE rates (SER's). MBGR actually provides an easier and quicker estimation of neutron-induced SER's than NISES. On the other hand, NISES covers more applications; it simulates neutron-induced charge collection, multiple-bit SE, and [alpha]-induced SE analysis.
The authors review two types of simulators for the analysis of cosmic ray neutron-induced soft errors (SE's). One of them is the neutron-induced soft error simulator (NISES). A recently proposed nuclear reaction theory forms the foundation for the nuclear reaction database used in NISES. The other simulator, the simplified simulator MBGR, is based on a modified version of the burst generation rate (BGR) model. Both simulators accurately simulate neutron-induced SE rates (SER's). MBGR actually provides an easier and quicker estimation of neutron-induced SER's than NISES. On the other hand, NISES covers more applications; it simulates neutron-induced charge collection, multiple-bit SE, and #alpha#-induced SE analysis
The effect of counter-ion species on the local conformation of fully-charged poly(L-glutamate) in added-salt aqueous solutions were studied by small-angle X-ray scattering(SAXS). In the case of presence of monovalent counter-ion, the scattering behaviour could be explained by taking into consideration the excluded volume effect and intermolecular-interface interaction on the scattering function of wormlike chain. On the other hand, since SAXS profile of the solution in the presence of divalent counter-ion well fitted to the scattering function of dendrimer, it suggested that the conformation of polymer chain in such solution would be more compact conformation than that of presence of monovalent ion.
We have developed a chitosan/polyglycolic acid (PGA) artificial nerve graft which was previously used for bridge implantation of dog sciatic nerves across 30-mm long defects. Here we describe a clinical trial of this graft for repairing a 35-mm-long median nerve defect at elbow of a human patient. During the 3-year follow-up period, functional recovery of the injured median nerve was assessed by pinch gauge test, hydraulic hand dynamometry, static two-point discrimination and touch test with monofilaments, in couple with electrophysiological examinations. The motor and sensory function of the median nerve demonstrated an ongoing recovery postimplantation, reaching M4 and S3+ levels during the follow-up period. The results indicate that the chitosan/PGA artificial nerve graft could be used ...
The radiation hardening studies started in the mid decade 1960-1970. To survive the different military or space radiative environment, a new engineering science was born, to understand the degradation of electronics components. The different solutions to improve the electronic behavior in such environments have been named 'radiation hardening' of the technologies. Improvement of existing technologies, and qualification methods have been widely studied. However, on the other hand, specific technologies were developed: the Silicon On Insulator technologies for CMOS or Bipolar. The HSOI3HD technology offers today the highest hardening level for the integration density of hundreds of thousand transistors on the same silicon. Full complex systems could be produced on a single die with a technological radiation hardening and no more system hardening.
Although managing fisheries is complex, policymakers must make decisions daily that affect the future of aquatic resources. To make these decisions, they often combine a mental model with lessons learned from formal models such as computer models. While such computer models are frequently interpreted as predictors of the future, they are often more valuable when used as tools for learning about fisheries and options for management. This approach, looking at computer simulations as learning laboratories, is what this study is all about since its objective is to investigate by means of a microworld if policymakers in Belgian fisheries have the policy instruments at hand to align the real fisheries world with their often completely different desired fisheries worlds. This study illustrates ba...
Summary This third paper, in a three-part CE series on the preventions of infection in patients with chronic kidney disease, focuses on surveillance and auditing of healthcare-associated infections within the renal care environment. The last decade has seen an increased awareness of the threat to patient safety from healthcare-associated infection (HCAI) and the emergence of multi-drug resistance organisms. Effective HCAI prevention strategies include adequate governance structures, access to expert advice, adherence to standard and transmission-based precautions, minimising the use of invasive medical devices, and surveillance. Surveillance data can be collected using outcome (e.g. infection) and/or process (e.g. hand hygiene compliance audit) measures. Establishing a surveillance program...
Author.The geochemical and isotopic study, based on the analysis of twenty water samples from well in the coastal plain of Sarafand (South-Lebanon), permit to eliminate the hypothesis of marine intrusion in this aquifer. The increase of salinity observed in certain wells is due to the contamination of cretaceous aquifer water by the quaternary formations. The two poles of mixing are respectively characterized: by weak tritium contents (between 2 and 3 UT) and a value of stable isotopes (-5,9<0,18<-5,5) corresponding to the appearance of cretaceous formation area; by the high tritium contents and enrichment relative to heavy isotope in the mineralized water of superficial formations. On the other hand, the isotope contents permit the set a rapid renewal of the cretaceous aquifer water due to quick circulation in the Karstic system
SummaryPurposeWomen with epilepsy have increased frequency of reproductive health problems compared to women without epilepsy. In puberty, reproductive hormonal changes during sexual maturation may affect epilepsy and induce the debut of seizures as indicated in some studies. On the other hand, epileptic activity affects sex hormone function, which may induce alterations in pubertal endocrine maturation and thereby menarche age. We wanted to investigate the relation between epilepsy and menarche age in a larger population of female epilepsy patients.MethodsA retrospective, questionnaire study of a cohort of 265 female outpatients from three Norwegian hospitals and 142 controls, aged 18-45 years was conducted. Parameters regarding epilepsy and reproductive health issues were registered. Per...
It is suggested that the model of a neutrino ball described in terms of the standard model extended by adding right-handed neutrinos and the Majorana scalar field can be presented in order to explain a body of weak interacting neutrinos. Neutrino interaction with the scalar Majorana field violates the lepton number and produces the mass splitting of neutrino due to the sea-saw mechanism. In this model a neutrino ball is an object which appears as a result of a first order cosmological phase transition. It can be regarded as a ball filled with Dirac neutrinos and can be treated as a remnant of the phase transition with unbroken global lepton symmetry. In this paper we study the macroscopic parameters of such a configuration. In the result the mass-radius curve M(R) for this object is obtained. (orig.).
General relativity postulates the Minkowski space-time to be the standard flat geometry against which we compare all curved space-times and the gravitational ground state where particles, quantum fields and their vacuum states are primarily conceived. On the other hand, experimental evidences show that there exists a non-zero cosmological constant, which implies in a deSitter space-time, not compatible with the assumed Minkowski structure. Such inconsistency is shown to be a consequence of the lack of a application independent curvature standard in Riemann's geometry, leading eventually to the cosmological constant problem in general relativity. We show how the curvature standard in Riemann's geometry can be fixed by Nash's theorem on locally embedded Riemannian geometries, which imply in the existence of extra dimensions. The resulting gravitational theory is more general than general relativity, similar to brane-world gravity, but where the propagation of the ...
A series of branched alkylbenzene ranging from C15 to C19 with several isomers (2?5) at each carbon number were identified in sediments from the Dongsheng sedimentary uranium ore deposits, Ordos Basin, China. The distribution patterns of the branched alkylbenzenes show significant differences in the sample extracts. The branched alkylbenzenes from organic-rich argillites and coals range from C15 to C19 homologues, in which the C17 or C18 dominated. On the other hand, the C19 branched alkylbenzenes dominated in the sandstone/siltstone extracts. The obvious differences of the branched alkylbenzene distributions between the uranium-host sandstones/siltstones and the interbedded barren organic-rich mudstones/coals probably indicate their potential use as biological markers associated with part...
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.)
The history of the North German Mission Society (established 1836 in Hamburg) and its activity on the West African coast (from 1847 onwards among the Ewe, in what is now Ghana and Togo where it was and still is known as the 'Bremen Mission') mirrors neatly the various phases of the idea of 'mission': its composite motivation (Enlightenment, humanism and Pietism); the rejection of a narrow denominationalism (though the management of the mission was from 1850 onwards in the hands of the society's Bremen branch which belonged to the Reformed tradition); the entanglement of mission and overseas trade; the ambivalent attitude towards imperialism; the shaping of the missionary process as a profoundly educational one; the growing independence of the African church when the German missionaries wer...
Welded Ni-base alloys and Alloy 800 were exposed under metal dusting conditions at 600 C and 650 C for up to 6000 hours. Alloy 800 was attacked very strongly already in the first days and Alloy 600 also rather soon and widespread, on both materials attack started mainly in the heat affected zone. Several surface states of Alloy 600: brushed, ground, sand-blasted and pickled were tried only grinding caused a modest delay and decrease of metal dusting attack. Generally the attack was less widespread but deeper at 650 C than at 600 C, also for Alloy 601 and 602. The latter alloys show minor, mainly local attack, but especially the welds are affected. TIG welding led to better resistance than hand-welding. (Abstract Copyright [2003], Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)
Mechanical properties of P-LDHA and V-ROL N steels of the Czech production are compared with other ultra-high strength steels produced in the world. The most important results can be summarized into following points: 1. Optimally heat treated P-LDHA steel exhibits substantially better strength characteristics then the V-ROL N steel. 2. Optimal tempering temperature of the P-LDHA steel is 300 C. 3. Basic mechanical properties of P-LDHA steel belong to the top of the UHS steels ranking and are well comparable with those of American 300 M steel. 4. In the low-cycle fatigue region, the P-LDHA steel exhibits slightly better fatigue resistance then the 300 M steel. On the other hand, the high-cycle fatigue resistance of 300 M steel is slightly better then that of the P-LDHA steel. (orig.)
Background: Measurements from pressure biofeedback units (PBUs) can be used to evaluate the activity of the transversus abdominis (TrA) muscle indirectly. These measurements can classify patients or monitor the progress of treatment programmes for people with low back pain. Objective: To systematically review studies on the measurement properties of PBUs for the assessment of TrA activity. Data sources: Eligible studies were identified through searches of PUBMED, CINAHL and BIREME (1990 to 2009). In addition, hand searches of journals and citation tracking were performed. Study selection: Full-text studies involving any type of clinimetric tests of PBU measurement for the assessment of TrA activity were selected. Data extraction: Two independent reviewers selected the studies, extracted th...
Neutron-induced soft error rates (SER`s) of subhalf-micron CMOS SRAM and Latch circuits were studied both experimentally and analytically to investigate cosmic ray neutron-induced soft errors (SE`s). Because the neutron beam used in the measurement has an energy spectrum similar to that of sea-level atmospheric neutrons, the SER data corresponds to those induced by cosmic ray neutrons. The {alpha}-particle induced SER`s were also measured for comparison with the neutron-induced SER`s. Neutron-induced SE`s occurred in both circuits. On the other hand, {alpha}-induced SE`s occurred in SRAM, but not in the Latch circuit. The measured SER`s agreed with simulated results. The authors discussed the significance of how cosmic ray neutrons affects CMOS circuits at ground level.
Mine rescue teams frequently must fight fires and guard against the propagation of fires or explosions during a rescue and recovery operation. The team's ability to fight fires depends a great deal on hands-on experience with different fire fighting agents and equipment. The team's work includes an assessment of fire conditions, mine fire gases and other potential hazards associated with fire fighting activity. This training module covers the underlying principles of the fire triangle and the different methods for controlling, containing and extinguishing fires in a mine. The manual also covers fire-fighting equipment, considerations involved in a sealing operation and the cause-effect of explosions.
We present the results of the low-temperature specific heat of Kondo compound Ce{sub 3-x}La{sub x}Pd{sub 20}Si{sub 6} (x=0, 1, 2 and 2.7) and its magnetic-field dependence for x=0. The magnetic part of specific heat divided by temperature, C{sub m}/T, for x=0 makes a peak as high as 9 J/mol Ce K{sup 2} at 0.2 K. On the other hand, C{sub m}/T for the other x`s keeps increasing monotonically below 0.2 K and the Fermi-liquid ground state is not realized even in diluted samples. It was found that the magnetic field strongly depresses C{sub m}/T at low temperatures. (orig.).
We present the results of the low-temperature specific heat of Kondo compound Ce_3_-_xLa_xPd_2_0Si_6 (x=0, 1, 2 and 2.7) and its magnetic-field dependence for x=0. The magnetic part of specific heat divided by temperature, C_m/T, for x=0 makes a peak as high as 9 J/mol Ce K"2 at 0.2 K. On the other hand, C_m/T for the other x's keeps increasing monotonically below 0.2 K and the Fermi-liquid ground state is not realized even in diluted samples. It was found that the magnetic field strongly depresses C_m/T at low temperatures. (orig.).
In this paper we focus on appearance features describing the manual component of Sign Language particularly the Local Binary Patterns. We compare the performance of these features with geometric moments describing the trajectory and shape of hands. Since the non-manual component is also very important for sign recognition we localize facial landmarks via Active Shape Model combined with Landmark detector that increases the robustness of model fitting. We test the recognition performance of individual features and their combinations on a database consisting of 11 signers and 23 signs with several repetitions. Local Binary Patterns outperform the geometric moments. When the features are combined we achieve a recognition rate up to 99.75% for signer dependent tests and 57.54% for signer indep...
The finite element method and dimensional analysis have been applied in the present paper to study a hydraulic impact, which is utilized in a non-explosive rock breaking technology in mining industry. The impact process of a high speed piston on liquid water, previously introduced in a borehole drilled in rock, is numerically simulated. The research is focused on the influences of all the parameters involved in the technology on the largest principal stress in the rock, which is considered as one of the key factors to break the rock. Our detailed parametric investigation reveals that the variation of the isotropic rock material properties, especially its density, has no significant influence on the largest principal stress. The influences of the depth of the hole and the depth of the water column are also very small. On the other hand, increasing the initial kinetic energy of the piston can dramatically increase the largest principal stress and the best way to ...
Perceptions of sensation and pain in healthy people are believed to be the net result of sensory input and descending modulation from brainstem and cortical regions depending on emotional and cognitive factors. Here, the influence of attention on neural activity in the spinal cord during thermal sensory stimulation of the hand was investigated with functional magnetic resonance imaging by systematically varying the participants' attention focus across and within repeated studies. Attention states included (1) attention to the stimulus by rating the sensation and (2) attention away from the stimulus by performing various mental tasks of watching a movie and identifying characters, detecting the direction of coherently moving dots within a randomly moving visual field and answering mentally-...
Equivalent circuit and electrical parameters for H-doped NH{sub 4}UO{sub 2}PO{sub 4}.3H{sub 2}O self supported membranes have been determined by impedance spectroscopy. The measurements were carried out with a dry membrane, at different temperatures, and a wet membrane in contact with different electrolyte solutions. Resistance values for the dry membrane decrease with temperature increase, which agrees with the weak protonic character of the H-doped ammonium uranylphosphate. On the other hand, differences in the electrical parameters, depending on the electrolyte considered were also obtained and are attributed to different conduction mechanisms. (Author).
The recent literature in the field of supply chain management emphasizes the role of inter-organizational networks and the integration of vertical reproduction networks (supply chains) in particular as a key factor for value creation. However, the literature includes little empirical evidence. This situation suggests the need to appraise investments in such networks or supply chains carefully. How can a decision maker reliably assess the effect of investing in inter-organizational network arrangements on firm value? This article takes up this issue and suggests a framework consisting of five components to help answer the question. The task of the framework is to support the structuring and revelation of the causal chain between investments in the network on the one hand and the effect of t...
In this work, we present results of a systematic study of optical properties of Er{sup 3+} ions in 6H SiC. The role of N-donors played in activation of photoluminescence (PL) of erbium at 1.5 {mu}m was investigated. We have confirmed that N-donors are necessary for activation of the Er PL on one hand, whereas on the other we present evidence that N-donors compete for excitation with Er centres. The high-resolution measurements of the Er{sup 3+} PL were performed aiming at determination of crystal field split levels of the {sup 4}I{sub 15/2} ground and {sup 4}I{sub 13/2} first excited multiplet of Er{sup 3+} ions. Careful analysis of temperature evolution of individual PL lines allowed proposing energy level schemes for the ground and first excited states.
In this work, we present results of a systematic study of optical properties of Er"3"+ ions in 6H SiC. The role of N-donors played in activation of photoluminescence (PL) of erbium at 1.5 #mu#m was investigated. We have confirmed that N-donors are necessary for activation of the Er PL on one hand, whereas on the other we present evidence that N-donors compete for excitation with Er centres. The high-resolution measurements of the Er"3"+ PL were performed aiming at determination of crystal field split levels of the "4I_1_5_/_2 ground and "4I_1_3_/_2 first excited multiplet of Er"3"+ ions. Careful analysis of temperature evolution of individual PL lines allowed proposing energy level schemes for the ground and first excited states.
Abstract Few butterflies are pests of economic significance, but some may be locally destructive, such as the papilionid Graphium agamemnon Linnaeus, which is known to feed on the commercially important soursop (Annona muricata Linnaeus) in Vietnam. This paper documents the life history and ecology ofG. agamemnon and investigates commonly used control measures in south-east Vietnam. A novel method of controlling G. agamemnon infestation is described. If soursop basal rootstock (Annona glabra Linnaeus) is encouraged to shoot during times of peak butterfly activity, ovipositing G. agamemnon females are preferentially attracted to the new growth where the resulting early stages may be easily detected and removed by hand.
A large portion of world?s natural gas reserves are ?stranded?? resources, the drive to monetize these resources leads to the development of gas-to-liquids (GTL) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) technologies. LNG has the advantage of having been developed for the past 40 years and having an excellent safety record. GTL on the other hand is another option with substantial benefits, but its development stage and commercial viability are far behind LNG. This paper presents a techno-economic comparison of GTL with LNG, including technical development, plant efficiency, market potential for the products, and capital cost for the infrastructure. The aim is to give an overall view on both LNG and GTL and provide a perspective on the profitability of these two technologies.
A practical hands-on course encompassing enzyme purification, biochemical characterization, and crystallization that completed the course work of 350 second-year bachelor students enrolled in molecular biology/biochemistry was given at the Universite Louis Pasteur of Strasbourg (France). The experimental part of the practical dealt entirely with the model protein lysozyme isolated from hen egg-white. It was designed as a research project to give students the possibility to practice biochemical methods such as chromatography, electrophoresis, and spectrophotometry. It also included enzyme activity assay and protein crystal growth that are usually taught in master-level courses. The organization of the practical work and the related experimental procedures are described and discussed.
We investigate Fermi liquid in the single-channel U-infinite N fold degenerate Anderson lattice with use of the expansion from the large limit of the spin-orbital degeneracy N. By collecting all diagrams up to O(N{sup -2}) of the imaginary part of the self-energy of the conduction electrons, the sum of those is shown to be given by a form proportional to {omega}{sup 2} + {pi}{sup 2}T{sup 2} up to O(N{sup -2}) in the single-channel model. On the other hand, the imaginary part of the self-energy of O(N{sup -1}) in the multichannel model has more singular frequency-/temperature-dependence, so the system is regarded as non-Fermi liquid. (author)
Sentinel node (SN) scintigraphy for cervical and vulvar cancer guides the gynaecological oncologist in finding the metastatic lymph nodes during lymphadenectomy. The role of the surgical gamma probe in the sentinel node concept in gynaecological oncology is to localise (SN) both intra-operatively and transcutaneously. Intra-operative hand-held collimated gamma probes are increasingly used for detection of the sentinel lymph node. A comparative evaluation of handheld gamma probes: Neoprobe 1500, Europrobe, Gamma Finder, Gamma Ray Prospector GRP1 and GPR2 was performed using different detection methods. Laboratory tests were performed in which sensitivity, spatial resolution and angular sensitivity were evaluated. The results for each gamma probe were summarised and discussed. Awareness of a gamma probes capabilities and limitations should be considered in the appropriate selection of a device. (author)
Water and soil samples from the area were therefore analyzed for their lead and zinc content. Computation of pollution statuses of lead and zinc revealed topsoil lead geoaccumulation indices of ?0.143 and ?0.069 and zinc geoaccumulation indices of 1.168 and 0.713 for Ishiagu and Uburu respectively. The pollution indices were determined to be 0.499 and 0.3564 for soil in Ishiagu and Uburu respectively and also 5.11 and 2.42 for water in Ishiagu and Uburu communities respectively. Water/soil concentration ratio were found to be 0.0018 and 0.0014 for lead in Ishiagu and Uburu respectively. On the other hand, the water/soil concentration ratio for zinc was computed to be 0.001 and 0.0008 for Ishiagu and Uburu respectively. These results seem to suggest that the pollution of the environment by ...
The MAP model was introduced in information system engineering in order to model processes on a flexible way. The intentional level of this model helps an engineer to execute a process with a strong relationship to the situation of the project at hand. In the literature, attempts for having a practical use of maps are not numerous. Our aim is to enhance the guidance mechanisms of the process execution by reusing graph algorithms. After clarifying the existing relationship between graphs and maps, we improve the MAP model by adding qualitative criteria. We then offer a way to express maps with graphs and propose to use Graph theory algorithms to offer an automatic guidance of the map. We illustrate our proposal by an example and discuss its limitations.
The mass asymmetry of fragments from nuclear fission of heavy nuclei is reviewed. While mass asymmetry is a common and well-known phenomenon for low-energy fission of the lighter actinides, more recent experiments have demonstrated that, for the heaviest actinides, the mass distribution switches to a symmetric one. On the other hand, it has been discovered that, though for fissioning nuclei with mass numbers A< or [approx]225 the mass distribution is basically symmetric, an asymmetric component is clearly to be identified for nuclei down to the Pb-region. In the absence of a generally accepted dynamical theory of fission, the above experimental findings are discussed in terms of static energy considerations. Triggered from the outset by the structure of the potential energy surface at the saddlepoint, the energy balance at the scission point between the available energy (Q-value) of the reaction and the Coulomb and deformation energy of the nascent fragments is ...
The mass asymmetry of fragments from nuclear fission of heavy nuclei is reviewed. While mass asymmetry is a common and well-known phenomenon for low-energy fission of the lighter actinides, more recent experiments have demonstrated that, for the heaviest actinides, the mass distribution switches to a symmetric one. On the other hand, it has been discovered that, though for fissioning nuclei with mass numbers A< or #approx#225 the mass distribution is basically symmetric, an asymmetric component is clearly to be identified for nuclei down to the Pb-region. In the absence of a generally accepted dynamical theory of fission, the above experimental findings are discussed in terms of static energy considerations. Triggered from the outset by the structure of the potential energy surface at the saddlepoint, the energy balance at the scission point between the available energy (Q-value) of the reaction and the Coulomb and deformation energy of the nascent fragments is ...
Microcrystalline silicon carbide ({mu}c-SiC) was prepared at low substrate temperatures using Hot Wire chemical vapor deposition (HWCVD). High crystalline volume fractions were achieved at high hydrogen dilution and high deposition pressure. Without intentional doping, such material shows high dark conductivity and high optical absorption below the band gap. The material prepared at low deposition pressure or low hydrogen dilution, on the other hand, shows much lower conductivity and sub-gap absorption, but high spin densities up to 5 x 10{sup 19} cm{sup -3}. This high absorption can be attributed to free carriers, different to {mu}c-Si:H where a correlation between the sub-gap absorption and the spin density is observed.
The effects of modification with Ti and Nb, heat treatment and solute segregation on void suppression in 316 stainless steel were studied using HVEM in the temperature range of 623-873 K after solution treatment at 1323-1473 K. Post-irradiation compositional analysis was performed by an energy dispersive X-ray analyzer. In Ti-modified stainless steel, void swelling peaks appeared at 723 K and 823 K. On the other hand, when the stainless steels modified by both Ti and Nb were irradiated, the void swelling was effectively suppressed, particularly the growth rate of a void was remarkedly retarded. This void suppression effect was easily recognized with increasing Nb concentration. Compositions such as Mo, Cr, Ti and Ni changed during irradiation and Ni, Si and Ti enriched around voids, whereas Cr and Mo depleted. (orig.).
Oils, tars, and degraded oils of varying degrees of biodegradation occur in the Permian Phosphoria Formation along the eastern flank of the Wind River mountains, Wyoming, US. Biodegradation has altered the isomer distributions of steranes, the hopanes, and the mono- and triaromatised steroids in these oils. The conventional maturity parameters based on these biomarkers are of limited use in estimating their maturity. On the other hand, even in severely biodegraded oils the vanadylporphyrin distributions are unaltered. Because of this, the Porphyrin Maturity Parameter (PMP) derived from the vanadylporphyrin distribution is an ideal parameter for estimating the maturity of these oils. This study also confirms the previous observation that T[sub s] and T[sub m] are unaffected by even severe biodegradation. 14 refs., 5 figs., 2 tabs.
Purpose. The paper introduces a novel design of air-core inductive sensors in printed circuit board (PCB) technology for a tongue control system. The tongue control system provides a quadriplegic person with a keyboard and a joystick type of mouse for interaction with a computer or for control of an assistive device. Method. Activation of inductive sensors was performed with a cylindrical, soft ferromagnetic material (activation unit). Comparative analysis of inductive sensors in PCB technology with existing hand-made inductive sensors was performed with respect to inductance, resistance, and sensitivity to activation when the activation unit was placed in the center of the sensor. Optimisation of the activation unit was performed in a finite element model. Results. PCBs with air-core indu...
Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death specially among elderly. Coronary angiography is the best diagnostic method in the patients, but is unfortunately an invasive procedure with its inherent risks. Myocardial perfusion scan is a noninvasive and sensitive method for evaluation of Coronary artery disease and is suggested by many investigators in recent years. In this study, 64 patients who had a Tc99m-MIBI SPECT myocardial perfusion study at our department, underwent coronary angiography within 4 months. Correlation of the methods revealed that SPECT Tc99m -MIBI had a high sensitivity and specificity in our hand, which is comparable with international findings.
It was recognized from the early days of commissioning of Bruce B that Control Maintenance staff would require a level of expertise to be able to maintain Special Safety Systems in proper running order. In the early 80's this was achieved through hands on experience during the original commissioning, troubleshooting and placing of the various systems in service. Control maintenance procedures were developed and implemented as the new systems came available for commissioning, as were operating manuals,training manuals etc. Under the development of the Maintenance Manager, a Conduct of Maintenance section was organized. One of the responsibilities of this section was to develop a series of Maintenance Administrative Procedures (MAPs) that set the standards for maintenance activities including training.
Particle simulation studies of collisionless driven reconnection in an open system are presented. Collisionless reconnection evolves in two steps in accordance with the formation of two current layers, i.e., an ion current layer in the early ion phase and an electron current layer in the late electron phase. After the electron current layer is formed inside the ion current layer, the system relaxes gradually to a steady state when convergent plasma flow is driven by an external electric field with a narrow input window. On the other hand, when the convergent plasma flow is driven from the wide input window, magnetic reconnection takes place in an intermittent manner, due to the frequent formation of magnetic islands in the vicinity of neutral sheet. (author)
The Interim Examination and Maintenance (IEM) Cell is located within the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) Reactor Containment Building. This cell is a complex vertical hot cell whose purpose is to process reactor experiments and to perform maintenance on reactor and refueling components. Because access to this very complex cell is limited, a mock-up called the IEM Training Facility (IEMTF) has been developed. The IEMTF provides the IEM cell with many valuable benefits. Four of these benefits are: (1) development of alternate processing methods; (2) hands-on evaluation of equipment problems; (3) a ready source of verified parts, and (4) training facilities for IEM Cell technicians.
The intercalation reaction of some layered transition metal disulfides with alkali metals, alkali metal hydroxides, and tetraalkylammonium hydroxides were investigated. The alkali metal intercalates were prepared in the respective metal-hexamethylphosphoric triamide solutions in vaccuo, and the hydroxide intercalates in aqueous hydroxide solutions. According to the intercalation reaction, the c-lattice parameter was increased, and the increase indicated the expansion of the interlayer distance. In the case of alkali metal intercalates, the expansion of the interlayer distance increased continuously, corresponding to the atomic radius of the alkali metal. On the other hand, the hydroxide intercalates showed discrete expansion corresponding to the effective ionic radius of the intercalated cation. All intercalates of TaS_2 amd NbS_2 were superconductors. The expansion of the interlayer distance tended to increase the superconducting transition temperature in the ...
Stimulated bremsstrahlung in an undulating electric field in the lasing beam direction (electric wiggler) was shown to be possible from the quantum- mechanical viewpoint. Herein, this possibility is scrutinized from the viewpoint of classical electrodynamics. It is found that if stimulated bremsstrahlung in a transverse undulating magnetic field (magnetic wiggler) occurs, stimulated bremsstrahlung in the electric wiggler must also occur. We further show that a free electron laser (FEL) using a magnetic wiggler to provide a catalyzer field for stimulated bremsstrahlung cannot serve as a practical FEL operating in the soft x-ray region from both theoretical and experimental viewpoints. On the other hand, the authors demonstrate that the FEL using a traveling wake field in a two-beam elliptical pill-box cavity is well suited as a source of coherent radiation in the soft x-ray region.
In the present scenario of market driven business, power supply has become more like a commodity. Reliable and quality power need to be ensured to meet customer requirements. In such a situation, it is extremely important that transmission line faults be identified accurately, reliably and in quick time. Advanced signal processing tools such as discrete wavelet transform (DWT) can be used very effectively for parameterisation and characterization of the fault signals. On the other hand, properly configured neural network (NN) can be utilized for classification of the faults based on the DWT signal. The present contribution uses electromagnetic transient program (EMTP) for modeling of a real transmission system and MATLAB for DWT and NN. Various types of faults have been simulated at different locations along the transmission line and an attempt has been made to correctly identify and locate the fault. (author)
In the present scenario of market driven business, power supply has become more like a commodity. Reliable and quality power need to be ensured to meet customer requirements. In such a situation, it is extremely important that transmission line faults be identified accurately, reliably and in quick time. Advanced signal processing tools such as discrete wavelet transform (DWT) can be used very effectively for parameterisation and characterization of the fault signals. On the other hand, properly configured neural network (NN) can be utilized for classification of the faults based on the DWT signal. The present contribution uses electromagnetic transient program (EMTP) for modeling of a real transmission system and MATLAB for DWT and NN. Various types of faults have been simulated at differ...
This final report for the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) describes the 23.5 kW photovoltaic installation on the Customs House in Kreuzlingen, Switzerland. The objective of the 'Zollhof' photovoltaic solar power plant is to provide the local population with a 'hands-on' solar cell experience, that, according to the authors, should lead to better understanding of renewable energy technology. The commissioning and initial operation of the installation is commented on, as are the above-average production figures of the plant. The power produced is sold by the local utility to its customers as electricity from renewable resources.