Irritable bowel syndrome is a frequent gastrointestinal disorder of unknown etiology. The serotonin transporter regulates the intensity and duration of serotonin signaling in the gut and is,...Full Text Available
Serotonin is an important signaling molecule involved in the control of feeding in flies and other animals. In this study, a potential neurohemal release site for serotonin and the effects of exogenous serotonin on protein feeding were examined in the black blow fly, Phormia regina. A dense network of varicose neural processes exhibiting serotonin-like immunoreactivity was identified on the dorsal region of the thoracico-abdominal ganglion in P. regina. This dorsal region of the central nervous system is a likely site for the release of serotonin into the hemolymph. Circulating serotonin may have multiple systemic effects on fly physiology, including modulating or regulating feeding related processes and diuresis. Injections of exogenous serotonin reduced protein meal size in female flies ...
An actuating mechanism of a mine combine is proposed. It includes a rotating platform in a vertical plane on which by hinges with the possibility of rotation parallel to the plane of the platform there are handles with cutting drums and a mechanism for extension of the handle which has hydraulic cylinders. With a decrease in load on the hinges of the handles from bending forces, on the platform between the front edge of the platform and the site of attachment of the handle hinges there are openings. Each handle has a support projection which is placed in this opening with the possibility of movement. A clamp plank is installed on it which covers the opening. The distance from the center of the projection support to the axis of the corresponding hinge is greater than the height of embedding of this hinge into the platform.
ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to identify patterns of brain activation elicited by erotic visual stimuli in patients treated with either Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors...Full Text Available
The length polymorphism of the serotonin (5-HT) transporter gene promoter region has been implicated in altered 5-HT function and, in turn, neuropsychiatric illnesses, such as anxiety and depression....Full Text Available
Background and aims: Serotonin (5-hydroxtryptamine, 5-HT) is an important factor in gut function, playing key roles in intestinal peristalsis and secretion, and in sensory...Full Text Available
Abstract -Lactoglobulin (-LG) is a lipocalin, which is the major whey protein of cow's milk and the milk of other mammals. However, it is absent from human milk. The biological function of -LG is not clear, but its potential role in carrying fatty acids through the digestive tract has been suggested. -LG has been found in complexes with lipids such as butyric and oleic acids and has a high affinity for a wide variety of compounds. Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT), an important compound found in animals and plants, has various functions, including the regulation of mood, appetite, sleep, muscle contraction, and some cognitive functions such as memory and learning. In this study, the interaction of serotonin and one of its derivatives, arachidonyl serotonin (AA-5HT), with -LG was invest...
OBJECTIVES: To assess the suitability of analyzing functional images of brain serotonin (5-HT) synthesis with statistical parametric mapping (SPM), and to investigate further possible sex-related regional...Full Text Available
Background & AimsData are conflicting on the benefit of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS);...Full Text Available
OBJECTIVES: Although the tricyclic antidepressant amitriptyline is extensively used in the prophylactic treatment of chronic tension-type headache, only few studies have investigated the efficacy of...Full Text Available
Magnolia bark and ginger rhizome is a drug pair in many prescriptions for treatment of mental disorders in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). However, compatibility and synergism mechanism of two herbs on antidepressant actions have not been reported. The aim of this study was to approach the rationale of the drug pair in TCM. We evaluated antidepressant-like effects of mixture of honokiol and magnolol (HMM), polysaccharides (PMB) from magnolia bark, essential oil (OGR) and polysaccharides (PGR) from ginger rhizome alone, and the possibility of synergistic interactions in their combinations in the mouse forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST). Serotonin (5-HT) and noradrenaline (NE) levels in prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and striatum were also examined. 30 mg/kg HMM decreased immobility in the FST and TST in mice after one- and two-week treatment. OGR (19.5 or 39 mg/kg) alone was ineffective. The combination of an ...
Breast cancer represents today more than 30% of all cancers and is responsible for about 20% of deaths due to cancer. The potentialities of mammography have increased in recent years through improvements in equipment and methodologies. In this paper the conventional mammography using film and image intensifiers is compared with digital mammography. Digital mammography presents clear advantages in storage and handling of information. Also its higher sensitivity will lead to an earlier detection of anomalies and a decrease in the number of invasive exams and surgeries
Serotonin is one of the neurotransmitters found in the brain and mediates brain functions. It is very well known that serotonin related brain abnormalities are exerted mainly via serotonin receptors in a similar manner to other neurotransmitters found in the brain. Recently, it has also been found that serotonin is involved in Alzheimer's disease either directly or indirectly by its actions on serotonergic neurons. To understand and treat the diseases caused by abnormalities in the serotonergic system in the brain, it is certain that its mechanism of function has to be well investigated. So far several 5-HT receptors and receptor subtypes have been well characterized. Moreover, serotonin agonists and antagonists acting on specific receptors are chemically synthesized and are now available for the prevention or treatment of serotonergic related diseases. In recent years, a great ...
Main results are summarised for a project carried out with the aim of increasing the knowledge of relations between handling characeristics and properties such as moisture content, particle size and shape etc. Handling characteristics that were studied: angle of repose, friction between fuel and different surfaces, the fuel`s tendency to bridge across openings, and its freezing characteristics. Some forty solid biomass fuels were studied, mainly wood fuels, with particle sized from 1 to 200 mm. New methods were developed for measurement of bridging across openings and freezing characeristics. The angle of repose varied between 25 and 55 deg. The particle shape had a significant influence, a high ratio of length/thickness gave a high angle of repose. When the fuel moisture content was increased the angle of repose first increased, then decreased, and finally increased again. The particle size had no influence. The friction ...
This report investigates acute changes in the sensitivity of 5-HT1A receptors in dorsal raphe (dr) neurons in response to elevated serotonin. DR neurons were isolated from adult rats...Full Text Available
A device is presented with handle containing hinges and work support arm, a flexible pin with supports and extra weights. The flexible pin is equipped with cantilevered sergments and weights. The bracket hinges on the handle are perpendicular to the axis of the flexible pin. To reduce handle vibration during drilling hard rock, the handle and brackets are joined to allow relative movement on the surface perpendicular to the hinges of the work support arm. The handle is joined to the work support arm parallel to the sides and the work support arm has holes to accomodate this. Elastic bushings are located between the lateral sides of the work support arm where it is joined to the handle.
A report on the Canadian Nuclear Society Conference on robotics and remote handling in the nuclear industry, September 1984. Remote handling in reactor operations, particularly in the Candu reactors is discussed, and the costs and benefits of use of remote handling equipment are considered. Steam generator inspection and repair is an area in which practical application of robotic technology has made a major advance. (U.K.).
Development of selective serotonin transporter (SERT) tracers for single-photon emission tomography (SPET) is important for studying the underlying pharmacology and interaction of specific serotonin reuptake site inhibitors, commonly used antidepressants, at the SERT sites in the human brain. In search of a new tracer for imaging SERT, IDAM (5-iodo-2-[[2-2-[(dimethylamino)methyl]phenyl]thio]benzyl alcohol) was developed. In vitro characterization of IDAM was carried out with binding studies in cell lines and rat tissue homogenates. In vivo binding of [[sup 125]I]IDAM was evaluated in rats by comparing the uptakes in different brain regions through tissue dissections and ex vivo autoradiography. In vitro binding study showed that IDAM displayed an excellent affinity to SERT sites (K[sub i]=0.097 nM, using membrane preparations of LLC-PK[sub 1] cells expressing the specific transporter) and showed more than 1000-fold of selectivity for SERT over ...
Several materials, lenses, dry bearings and cables were exposed to a tritiated moisture environment to study the behavior of tritium contamination on candidate materials for ITER remote handling equipment. To optimize the tritium removal procedure, decontamination experiments using a gas purge with three different moisture concentrations were also performed. The surface tritium concentrations of CeO{sub 2} containing alkaline barium glass (NB), CeO{sub 2} containing lead glass (LX) and synthetic quartz (Quartz) after the exposure experiments were 7.80, 10.94 and 0.67 Bq/cm{sup 2}, respectively. It was found that the tritium concentration was influenced by the compositions of the materials. The concentrations of tritium on type 831 (solid lubrication material: graphite) and type 237 (solid lubrication material: tungsten disulfate) dry bearings after the exposure experiments were 89.80 and 31.78 Bq/cm{sup 2}, respectively. The tritium concentration in an electric ...
Several materials, lenses, dry bearings and cables were exposed to a tritiated moisture environment to study the behavior of tritium contamination on candidate materials for ITER remote handling equipment. To optimize the tritium removal procedure, decontamination experiments using a gas purge with three different moisture concentrations were also performed. The surface tritium concentrations of CeO_2 containing alkaline barium glass (NB), CeO_2 containing lead glass (LX) and synthetic quartz (Quartz) after the exposure experiments were 7.80, 10.94 and 0.67 Bq/cm"2, respectively. It was found that the tritium concentration was influenced by the compositions of the materials. The concentrations of tritium on type 831 (solid lubrication material: graphite) and type 237 (solid lubrication material: tungsten disulfate) dry bearings after the exposure experiments were 89.80 and 31.78 Bq/cm"2, respectively. The tritium concentration in an electric cable tested was 5014 ...
Apricot fruits usually harvested relatively mature but hard enough to withstand-post harvest handling through the marketing chain. These fruits have considerably lower edible quality than tree-ripened fruit. Fruit quality can be improved by delaying harvest least until physiological maturation is completed on the tree (Bonghi et al. 1999) Apricots containing 11% soluble solids concentration, or higher are in high demand by consumers, as fruit have developed considerable taste, aroma and handling for long distance markets. (Kader, 1999). These fruit will be highly perishable, so rapid cold storage to the lowest safe temperature and supplementary treatments (Mc Donald et al, 1999) such as irradiation with the recommend doses (Sillano et al, 1994) or pre-storage heat treatments will be necessary to retard ripening (mainly softening) during 1-2 weeks post harvest life necessary for distribution to distant markets (Mc Donald et al 1999). Therefore, ...
With an objective to learn mechanisms in low-rank coal reformation processes, change of properties on coal surface was discussed. Difficulty in handling low-rank coal is attributed to large intrinsic water content. Since it contains highly volatile components, it has a danger of spontaneous ignition. The hot water drying (HWD) method was used for reformation. Coal which has been dry-pulverized to a grain size of 1 mm or smaller was mixed with water to make slurry, heated in an autoclave, cooled, filtered, and dried in vacuum. The HWD applied to Loy Yang and Yallourn coals resulted in rapid rise in pressure starting from about 250{degree}C. Water content (ANA value) absorbed into the coal has decreased largely, with the surface made hydrophobic effectively due to high temperature and pressure. Hydroxyl group and carbonyl group contents in the coal have decreased largely with rising reformation treatment temperature ...
Comparative analyses of neuroanatomical characters can make valuable contributions to the inference of phylogenetic relationships. Whereas investigations in this field are numerous for arthropods, in-depth studies on other protostomes are sparse. Here, we provide a survey of the internal neuroarchitecture of the brain of the aciculate ragworm Nereis diversicolor (Polychaeta, Annelida). Descriptions are based on confocal laser scanning microscope analyses of brain sections labeled with the nuclear marker DAPI and antibodies raised against FMRF-amide, serotonin, and histamine. Autofluorescence of the nervous tissue has been utilized to further elucidate the anatomical structures of the brain. The architecture of two major brain compartments, i.e., the paired mushroom bodies and the central o...
This paper describes the graphical simulation of a traffic environment. The environment includes streets leading to an intersection, the intersection, vehicle traffic, and signal lights in the intersection controlled by different methods. The simulation allows for the study of parameters affecting traffic environments and the study of different control strategies for traffic signal lights, including conventional, fuzzy, and adaptive control methods. Realistic traffic environments are simulated including a cross intersection, with one or more lanes of traffic in each direction, with and without turn lanes. Vehicle traffic patterns are a mixture of cars going straight and making right or left turns. The free velocities of vehicles follow a normal distribution with a mean of the ``posted`` speed limit. Actual velocities depend on such factors as the proximity and velocity of surrounding traffic, approaches to intersections, and human response time. The simulation proves the be a useful ...
Ethylen and, recently, butadiene can be epoxidized directly with oxygen and for the epoxidation of propylene, the use of heterogeneous transition metals and organic peroxides (Halcon-Process) is the major player. But, beside from those notable exceptions, all other epoxidations, including large ones like the epoxidation of plant oils as PVC-stabilizers (about 200.000 t/year), are carried out with peroxy acids. Because mcpba is far to expensive for most applications, short chain peracids like peracetic acid are used. Being much less stable than mcpba and thus risky handled in large amounts and high concentrations, these peroxy acids were preferably prepared in-situ. However, conventional in-situ formation of peracids has the serious drawback, that a strong acid is necessary to catalyze peroxy acid formation from the carboxylic acid and hydrogen peroxide. The presence of a strong acid in the reaction mixture often results in decreased selectivity ...
In this paper author deals with the regulation of electricity prices in the Slovak Republic. Author contests the social policy of the government through doped prices of electricity. Two thirds of electricity is generated in nuclear power plants in Slovakia. Hence, it is necessary to focus on the solution of problem of nuclear waste. In 2004 Ministry of Economy stated, that the deficit in nuclear fund, from which the country have to fully cover the costs of liquidation and final disposal of nuclear waste, is estimated in the amount of around 89 billion Slovak crowns (? 3.7 billion $). From it, so called historical deficit, which originated because of late foundation of fund, represents officially 15 billion Slovak crowns (? 0.62 billion $). In Slovakia exists the real risk, that by maintenance of present state by creation and draw of the fund, it will be possible to ensure only 39 per cent of financial sources necessary for full financial handling of the back part ...
This guide describes an acceptable method of complying with the Commission's regulations with regard to the quality assurance requirements for the packaging, shipping, receiving, storage, and handling of items for water-cooled nuclear power plants.
This plan describes the Quality Assurance Program which will be applied to spent fuel handling and packaging tests conducted at the Area 25 E-MAD facility, Nevada Test Site (NTS).
The purpose of the present study was to determine whether exposure to exogenous physiological concentrations of caffeine influence contractility, Ca2+handling, and fatigue development...Full Text Available
... a way to model a munition's terminal effects in a ... following attributes are handled in a stochastic fashion ... be improved by managing a queue of buffers ...
This is a continuation of research that started in July 2007 at the Deep River Science Academy. The research was related to the effects of endplate thickness and misalignment of fuel bundles in the fuel channel on pressure losses of reactor coolant. Based on this research, a new approach to refueling of the CANDU reactor has been developed. It greatly simplifies fuel handling equipment and increases its reliability. It also reduces required staffing, as well as operating and maintenance costs associated with fuel handling. (author)
Radioactive waste shipping and receiving facilities presently planned for commercial and defence high level nuclear waste will handle waste packages at frequencies far in excess of those in common practice today. If current limits for radiation levels at the cask surface and current handling methods are used, high cumulative personnel exposure to ionizing radiation is projected to occur. To reduce these exposure levels, alternate handling methods are being developed and demonstrated. The production nature of cask receiving operations suggests commercial robotics be incorporated into a remote handling system to reduce predicted worker exposure to acceptable levels while maintaining or increasing throughput. The first phase of cask handling system development culminated in a proof-of-principle test demonstrating the feasibility of performing cask receiving and unloading operations in ...
Radioactive waste shipping and receiving facilities presently planned for commercial and defense high-level nuclear waste will handle waste packages at frequencies far in excess of those in common practice today. If current limits for radiation levels at the cask surface and current handling methods are used, high cumulative personnel exposure to ionizing radiation is projected to occur. To reduce these exposure levels, alternate handling methods are being developed and demonstrated. The production nature of cask receiving operations, suggests commercial robotics be incorporated into a remote handling system to reduce predicted worker exposure to acceptable levels while maintaining or increasing throughput. The first phase of cask handling system development culminated in a proof-of-principle test demonstrating the feasibility of performing cask receiving and unloading operations in ...
Radioactive waste shipping and receiving facilities presently planned for commercial and defense nuclear waste will handle waste packages at frequencies far in excess of those in common practice today. Unacceptable personnel exposure to ionizing radiation is projected to occur if current limits for radiation levels at the cask surface and current handling methods are used. To reduce these exposure levels, alternate handling methods are being developed and demonstrated. The production nature of cask receiving operations suggests commercial robotics be incorporated into a remote handling system to reduce predicted worker exposure to acceptable levels, while maintaining or increasing throughput. The first phase of cask handling system development culminated in a proof-of-principle test demonstrating the feasibility of performing cask receiving and unloading operations in a remote and ...
Many hoarding rodents use burrows not only for dwelling and protection from natural enemies, but also for food storage. However, little is known how burrows used by scatter-hoarding animals influence their foraging behaviors. In addition, handling time for a given food item has a fundamental impact on hoarding strategies of these hoarding animals: food items with longer handling time are more likely to be hoarded due to increasing predation risk because the animals spend more time outside their burrows if they consumed such food. By providing with two types of artificial burrows (aboveground vs. underground) and two types of food items (i.e. seeds) with contrasting handling times, we investigated how burrow condition and handling time co-influence hoarding strategies of a key scatter-hoard...
Aims: Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine 3; 5-HT3) receptors are involved in chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV), and 5-HT3 antagonists are part of the `gold standard' antiemetic treatment during chemotherapy. We investigated the correlation of common variants in 5-HT3 receptor subunit genes with the occurrence of CINV. Materials & methods: A total of 110 previously characterized chemotherapy-naive women with primary breast cancer treated with anthracycline-containing chemotherapy served as a study group for mutational analysis by direct sequencing. Eight common SNPs in the 5-HT3 receptor genes, HTR3A, HTR3B, HTR3D and HTR3E, were selected for association analysis. Results: A nonsynonymous variant in HTR3D, p.G36A (rs6443930), was found to be over-represented in nonresponders, assu...
Several examples of agonist-directed trafficking of receptor signalling at 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors have been reported that involve independent downstream transduction pathways. We now report the functional selectivity of a series of chemically diverse agonists at human (h)5-HT2A, h5-HT2B and h5-HT2C-VSV by examining two related responses, the upstream activation of Gq/11 proteins in comparison with its associated cascade of calcium mobilisation. At the h5-HT2A receptor, d-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and the antiparkinsonian agents lisuride, bromocriptine and pergolide exhibit a higher potency for Gq/11 activation than calcium release in contrast with all the other tested ligands such as 5-HT, mCPP and BW723C86, that show an opposite preference of signalling pathway. Comparable observations are made at h5-HT2B and h5-HT2C-VSV receptors, suggesting a similar mechanism of functional selectivity for the three serotonin receptors. Interestingly, the ...
This study is a contribution to the growing body of work on the influence of changes in the composition of an acrylic bone cement on various properties of the curing and cured material. The focus is on one commercially-available acrylic bone cement brand, Surgical Simplex P, and three variants of it and a series of properties, namely, setting time, maximum exotherm temperature, activation energy and frequency factor for the polymerization reaction, diffusion coefficient for the uptake of phosphate buffered saline, at 37 degrees C, ultimate compressive strength (UCS), plane-strain fracture toughness, fatigue life (under fully-reversed tension-compression stress), hardness (H) and elastic modulus (both determined using quasi-static nanoindentation), and the variation of the storage and loss moduli with frequency of the applied force in a dynamic nanoindentation test. It was found that (a) a 68% reduction in the volume of the activator, N,N dimethyl-4-toluidine, relative to the total ...
The paper describes the production of highly enriched isotopes of uranium, plutonium, americium and curium by electromagnetic separation for scientific and applied researches in physics, chemistry, geology, medicine, biology and other fields. Using the equipment described, the isotopes are produced in quantities sufficient to set up nuclear physical experiments, to produce nuclear reference materials and standard sources for calibration of radiometrical and mass spectrometrical equipment, in radionuclide metrology, etc. For the following isotopes the indicated degrees of isotopic enrichment were achieved: "2"3"3U-99.97%; "2"3"5U-99.97%; "2"3"6U-98.0%; "2"3"8U-99.997%; "2"3"8Pu-99.6%; "2"3"9Pu-99.9977%; "2"4"0Pu-99.9-100%; "2"4"1Pu-96.998%; "2"4"2Pu-97.8-99.96%; "2"4"4Pu-96.7%; "2"4"1Am-99.6%; "2"4"2"mAm-73.6%; "2"4"3Am-99.2-99.94%; "2"4"3Cm-99.99%; "2"4"5Cm-99.998%; "2"4"6Cm-99.8%; "2"4"7Cm-90%, "2"4"8Cm-97%. Methods for preparing layers of highly enriched isotopes on various ...
Two methods, a traditional emulsion technique and a high voltage electrostatically modified encapsulation system, were used to fabricate degradable chitosan/beta -tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) microspheres. The two distinct kinds of microspheres both exhibited good sphericity and the beta-TCP was trapped well inside the chitosan gel. The microspheres prepared by high voltage electrostatic system exhibited a rougher outer surface and narrower size distribution. These microspheres were then used as an added constituent to commercially available PMMA bone cement. Four modified cement composites that were prepared with different composition ratios of the two kinds of chitosan/beta-TCP microspheres that were made from emulsion technique (C1P1 and C2P1) and from a process by a high voltage electrostatic system (EC1P1 and EC2P1) were compared with the PMMA cement (Pure P). The characteristics of these materials indicate that with the addition of chitosan/beta-TCP microspheres as a ...
The present study was carried out during two successive seasons of 2005 and 2006 seasons on"Montakhab El-Kanater"guavas and"Hachiya"persimmons.two different experiments were studied, the first one for pre harvest and second post harvest. Regarding pre harvest experiment,hand or chemical flower thinning by urea or ethrel and date of fruit picking (maturity) were evaluated on both guavas and persimmons.All flower thinning treatments increased fruit set,total yield,average fruit weight and decreased fruit abscission.However,a great effect on fruit quality and chemical compositions were also found with flower thinning treatments. Chemical flower thinning was more effective than hand thinning in improving yield and quality in "Montakhab El-Kanater"guavas and "Hachiya"persimmons. However,early maturation(120 and 150 days for guava and persimmon respect.) produced poor fruit quality.Whereas, medium maturity(130 and 180 days for guava and persimmon respect.) produced fruit ...
Various kinds of decontaminations are carried out in atomic power plant. Here current decontamination technologies such as chemical decontamination with chemical solution or blast decontamination have a problem of reduction of secondary radioactive waste generated in the decontamination process. On the other hand, a low pressure arc plasma can remove metal oxide film on the metal substrate without heavy damage on the metal substrate when the object to be treated was set as a cathode. Dry surface decontamination technology with using low-pressure arc plasma can decrease secondary radioactive waste because low-pressure arc plasma does not need any chemical solution. In addition, the time required for treatment can be shorter, so it is possible for the low-pressure arc plasma decontamination technology to interpolate the current decontamination technologies such as spot decontamination technology etc. Therefore we have been investigating the dependence of removal of ...
Although the intracellular ultrastructural processing of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its receptor have been described in cell culture systems, very few studies have examined this phenomenon in intact tissues. We have examined the ultrastructural and biochemical handling of ["1"2"5I]EGF in the epidermis and hair follicle bulb of intact, viable, 3- to 5-day-old rat skin the EGF receptor distribution of which has already been documented and in which EGF has been shown to be biologically active. After incubation of explants with 10 nM ["1"2"5I]EGF for 2.5 h at 25 degrees or 37 degrees C, radiolabel was detected over the basal cells of the epidermis and hair follicle outer root sheath, confirming previous light microscope observations. More specifically, silver grains were observed near coated and uncoated plasma membrane and coated membrane invaginations, Golgi apparatus, lysosomal structures, and nuclei. Sodium azide inhibited internalization of label, whereas a ...
Although the intracellular ultrastructural processing of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its receptor have been described in cell culture systems, very few studies have examined this phenomenon in intact tissues. We have examined the ultrastructural and biochemical handling of (/sup 125/I)EGF in the epidermis and hair follicle bulb of intact, viable, 3- to 5-day-old rat skin the EGF receptor distribution of which has already been documented and in which EGF has been shown to be biologically active. After incubation of explants with 10 nM (/sup 125/I)EGF for 2.5 h at 25 degrees or 37 degrees C, radiolabel was detected over the basal cells of the epidermis and hair follicle outer root sheath, confirming previous light microscope observations. More specifically, silver grains were observed near coated and uncoated plasma membrane and coated membrane invaginations, Golgi apparatus, lysosomal structures, and nuclei. Sodium azide inhibited internalization of label, ...
In the future, the demand for energy is predicted to grow and more countries plan to utilize nuclear energy as their source of electric energy. This gives rise to many important issues connected to nuclear energy, such as finding methods that can verify that the spent nuclear fuel has been handled safely and used in ordinary power producing cycles as stated by the operators. Gamma ray spectroscopy is one method used for identification and verification of spent nuclear fuel. In the specific gamma ray spectroscopy method called gamma scanning the gamma radiation from the fission products Cs-137, Cs-134 and Eu-154 are measured in a spent fuel assembly. From the results, conclusions can be drawn about the fuels characteristics. This degree project examines the possibilities of using alternative measuring approaches when using the gamma scanning method. The focus is on examining how to increase the quality of the measured data. How to decrease the ...
In the future, the demand for energy is predicted to grow and more countries plan to utilize nuclear energy as their source of electric energy. This gives rise to many important issues connected to nuclear energy, such as finding methods that can verify that the spent nuclear fuel has been handled safely and used in ordinary power producing cycles as stated by the operators. Gamma ray spectroscopy is one method used for identification and verification of spent nuclear fuel. In the specific gamma ray spectroscopy method called gamma scanning the gamma radiation from the fission products Cs-137, Cs-134 and Eu-154 are measured in a spent fuel assembly. From the results, conclusions can be drawn about the fuels characteristics. This degree project examines the possibilities of using alternative measuring approaches when using the gamma scanning method. The focus is on examining how to increase the quality of the measured data. How to decrease the ...
The objective of this study is to develop a method to aid in the selection of an overburden handling system in surface coal mining. The selection procedure consists of three major parts. The first part is aimed at rating the equipment's potential to perform the environmental protection related activities and then integrating this rating into the system selection process. The second part is an engineering analysis of the design of pit layouts and the operation of alternative overburden handling systems. The third part consists of a cost and sensitivity analysis of alternative systems on different mining situations. Specifically, the work includes: (1) a Delphi study to determine the magnitude of the environmental impacts and to quantify the relationship between mining practices and environmental remedies, (2) a scoring model to set up an index of the relative capability of equipment to do the environmental protection related jobs, (3) ...
There are two major distinct activities involved with reprocessing of nuclear fuel. They are: a) Mechanical handling of the fuel in the head end plants; and b) chemical dissolution and separation of unused fuel, useful by-products and waste products. Plants and facilities associated with the former include significant remote handling equipment that is designed for handling of fuel for normal production processes. These equipment are selected and designed to meet the design throughput of the plant taking into consideration ease of their operation and maintenance in conjunction with statutory regulations on safety and operator dose uptake. Nevertheless, during the life of the plant, there are instances when special equipment is called for to access part of the plant and undertake tasks such as inspection, maintenance and modification to improve the existing process. BNFL has much experience in the design and application of ...
An improved lockout assembly for locking a circuit breaker in a selected off or on position is provided. The lockout assembly includes a lock block and a lock pin. The lock block has a hollow interior which fits over the free end of a switch handle of the circuit breaker. The lock block includes at least one hole that is placed in registration with a hole in the free end of the switch handle. A lock tab on the lock block serves to align and register the respective holes on the lock block and switch handle. A lock pin is inserted through the registered holes and serves to connect the lock block to the switch handle. Once the lock block and the switch handle are connected, the position of the switch handle is prevented from being changed by the lock tab bumping up against a stationary housing portion of the circuit breaker. When the lock pin installed, an ...
This document presents a detailed schedule for the implementation of the strategy for managing defense remote-handled (RH) transuranic (TRU) waste. The baseline management strategy was defined in the Defense Remote-Handled Transuranic Waste Cost/Schedule Optimization Study and is summarized in this document. Also included are revised RH TRU waste inventory projections, current site management plans, a list of key decision points and milestones, and a discussion of uncertainties associated with management of RH TRU waste. The plans are summarized in a detailed schedule diagram and in an RH TRU waste work off diagram. 9 refs., 5 figs., 4 tabs.
In order to improve the working conditions for the operators of drilling rigs, the work area for handling of pipes and tubes is arranged on a main deck convered by a drill deck, which has openings closable by hatch cover panels. The derrick is enclosed in a cover, from which tunnels extend out over the drill deck and comprises lifting means for handling of pipes and tubes between the decks. The tunnels are connected to the cover of the derrick by raised enclosures permitting the swinging of pipes from a horizontal position in the tunnel to a vertical position in the derrick, and vice versa. There is a door, at least at one of the enclosures, permitting handling of especially long objects. Basically, the handling of pipes and tubes can be performed within areas fully protected from the weather.
D-11. The Contractor shall pack and mark all hardware deliverable under this ... Handling, and Transportation, and/or MIL-STD-2073-1 and MIL-STD 2073-2, ...
Approximately 65% of PSI structures report some type of ligand(s) that is bound in the crystal structure. Here, a description is given of how such ligands are handled and analyzed at the JCSG and a...Full Text Available
We present interactive computer programs for the analysis of nucleic acid sequences. In order to handle these programs, minimum computer experience is sufficient. The nucleotide sequence of the human...Full Text Available
The National Food and Nutrient Analysis Program (NFNAP) was implemented in 1997 to update and improve the quality of food composition data maintained by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). NFNAP was designed to sample and analyze frequently consumed foods in the U.S. food supply using statistically rigorous sampling plans, established sample handling procedures, and qualified analytical laboratories. Methods for careful handling of food samples from acquisition to analysis were developed to ensure the integrity of the samples and subsequent generation of accurate nutrient values. The infrastructure of NFNAP, under which over 1500 foods have been sampled, mandates tested sample handling protocols for a wide variety of foods. The majority of these foods were categorized into ...
This book discusses the procedures applied for the clinical nuclear medicine laboratory. The procedures are presented as proven guidelines. The chapters are included on quality assurance, radionuclide handling, and radiation safety.
allowed an initial assessment of ADS-33 handling quality requirements for an aircraft of this ...... then executing 180 or 360 degree turns in an attempt to ...
Clicking on the picture will download the highest resolution version available. Whirlpool Galaxy Deep Field Credit & Copyright: Jon Christensen Explanation: Follow the handle...
on the picture will download the highest resolution version available. M51: Cosmic Whirlpool Credit & Copyright: Tony and Daphne Hallas Explanation: Follow the handle of the Big...
Sep 19, 2005 ... within a sealed tube to control the environment to which a sample mounts are better suited to handling the very small crystal is exposed. ...
such as public utilities, waste disposal sites, large energy dependent facilities including factories, institutions ( ...provides immediate identification of PCB wastes, informs company officials of any special handling or disposal techniques ...provides immediate identification of PCB wastes, informs company officials of any special handling or disposal techniques
This Radioactive and Mixed Waste Management Plan for the Hazardous Waste Handling Facility at Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory is written to meet the requirements for an annual report of radioactive and mixed waste management activities outlined in DOE Order 5820.2A. Radioactive and mixed waste management activities during FY 1994 listed here include principal regulatory and environmental issues and the degree to which planned activities were accomplished.
This book contains the proceedings of the International Topical Meeting on Remote Systems and Robotics in Hostile Environments. It is organized under the following sessions: Worldwide Applications Overview; Operating Mobile Systems; Sensors and Control Systems; Space Applications; Reactor Operations and Surveillance; Remote Equipment for Hazardous Operations; Future Mobile System; Mining and Construction Operations; Special Applications; Hot Cell Applications; Processing; Reactor Operations and Maintenance; Decontamination and Waste Handling; Remote Handling Development and Demonstration.
The periodic mode is analyzed together with two conventional boundary handling modes for particle swarm. By providing an infinite space that comprises periodic copies of original search space, it avoids possible disorganizing of particle swarm that is induced by the undesired mutations at the boundary. The results on benchmark functions show that particle swarm with periodic mode is capable of improving the search performance significantly, by compared with that of conventional modes and other algorithms.
This paper describes a method for preparing the sample handling and inlet system of a mass spectrometer for analysis of a subsequent sample following analysis of a previous sample comprising the flushing of the system interior with supercritical CO{sub 2} and venting the interior. The method eliminates the effect of system ``memory`` on the subsequent analysis, especially following persistent samples such as xenon and krypton.
A lock out assembly for a circuit breaker which consists of a generally step-shaped unitary base with an aperture in the small portion of the step-shaped base and a roughly S shaped retaining pin which loops through the large portion of the step-shaped base. The lock out assembly is adapted to fit over a circuit breaker with the handle switch projecting through the aperture, and the retaining pin projecting into an opening of the handle switch, preventing removal.
The Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) reactor characterization by the Hanford Engineering Development Laboratory (HEDL) includes extensive neutronic measurements during startup and initial operation. To aid in the handling and counting of the thousands of passive dosimeters used as part of this effort, an automated dosimetry specimen handling, positioning, and counting system was designed and developed by Westinghouse Hanford for the Department of Energy.
An outline of the instrumentation and control systems associated with fuelling machines is given. The control systems such as hydraulic system, oil hydraulic system, electric control system and the remote control systems have been discussed in detail. The difference between RAPP and MAPP fuel handling control systems has been explained. A computer based system for the Narora fuel handling control system is also discussed. (S.K.K.).
The objective of the ''Waste Handling Building Conceptual Study'' is to develop proposed design requirements for the repository Waste Handling System in sufficient detail to allow the surface facility design to proceed to the License Application effort if the proposed requirements are approved by DOE. Proposed requirements were developed to further refine waste handling facility performance characteristics and design constraints with an emphasis on supporting modular construction, minimizing fuel inventory, and optimizing facility maintainability and dry handling operations. To meet this objective, this study attempts to provide an alternative design to the Site Recommendation design that is flexible, simple, reliable, and can be constructed in phases. The design concept will be input to the ''Modular Design/Construction and Operation Options ...
The main problems arising in decommissioning nuclear-powered submarines (NPS) relate to choosing a concept of handling reactor compartments followed by handling technology development. Reactor compartments (RC) are characterized with extremely space-saving or integral layout of large-size power equipment and systems, restricted access for dismantling, high radiation dose rates in a number of bays of RC. The above RC features pose a problem to find optimum option of RC utilization which on the one hand would be the most cost efficient, and the safest as possible on the other, i.e. dose commitments of personnel involved should be minimum, and effect on population and environment should be negligible. The main radiation factors specifying safety in RC handling at any decommissioning stage are as follows: (1) total radioactivity integrated in reactor facility (RF); (2) distribution of this radioactivity through RF equipment and ...
Interest in finding out passive ways to keep the variation in the indoor climate within the comfort zone is gaining in popularity. One possible solution is the use of the moisture-buffering property of materials. In this study, the effects of the ventilation system and moisture-buffering properties of the building fabric on the stability of the indoor temperature and humidity are analysed by means of long-term field measurements. Indoor climate measurements were carried out in 170 detached houses (248 rooms). Temperature and relative humidity were measured continuously in bedrooms and living rooms at one-hour intervals over a one-year period. In general, it may be concluded that in this study, the ventilation had a greater effect on the indoor climate than the properties of the building fabric. The dampening effect of hygroscopic materials was remarkably less in the field measurements than it was in simulations in different studies. This indicates that completely non-hygroscopic and ...
During a number of years research and development projects have been made to present methods of monitoring the grate in a grate fired boiler. The monitoring is interesting in order to be able to increase efficiency, increase burn-out of ash, improve the status of emissions, improve transportation of ash and fuel through the furnace, reduce costs for operation and maintenance, handle greater loads etc. Improvement of the combustion has been concentrated to the development of the gas phase combustion. In the past few years the computer development has progressed rapidly and the use of optical monitoring methods have been made possible for monitoring grates. To analyse state of the art of optical grate monitoring systems three different methods have been used, literature search, inquiry where plant owners were asked if they have used grate monitoring systems and if so what experiences they have, and interviews with scientists and users. The inquiry investigation was ...
The mechanism of action of Clostridium difficile enterotoxin A (CA), of Escherichia coli enterotoxin (STa) and of cholera toxin (CT), which are known to cause severe diarrhea, were studied in a preparation of ligated jejunal loops of anesthetized rats in vivo. The toxins were administered intraluminally. Pharmacological agents, which were tested for their potency to influence toxin-related effects, were administered subcutaneously. Net fluid transport was determined gravimetrically, prostaglandin (PG) E_2-output into the lumen, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) contents in the mucosa were measured by radioimmunoassay, serotonin-(5-HT)-output into the lumen was determined by high performance liquid chromatography. The histopathological effects of CA and CT were examined by light- and scanning electron microscopy. All three toxins caused net fluid secretion (FS). 5-HT_2-(ketanserin) and 5-HT_3-receptor antagonists ...
Analysis of the use of information sources by family physicians is important for both practical and theoretical reasons. First, analysis of the ways in which family physicians handle information may...Full Text Available
BackgroundIn prognostic studies model instability and missing data can be troubling factors. Proposed methods for handling these situations are bootstrapping (B) and Multiple imputation...Full Text Available
The astronomical number of letters handled by the Post Office makes automatic sorting technology essential. Key roles are played by the postcode system and an ink-jet printer that has been developed to use phosphorescent inks.
The Brain Database is an information tool designed to aid in the integration of clinical and research results in neuroanatomy and regional biochemistry. It can handle a wide range of data types including...Full Text Available
VACUTAINER PPT plasma preparation tubes were evaluated to determine the effects of various handling and shipping conditions on plasma human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) load determinations. Plasmas...Full Text Available
...same sort of handle ? religious that we have on global warming or energy policy or ...other words my claim is that we need to study religion the way we study global warming and all the other really serious phenomena on this planet ...
Mar 2, 2011 ... CCT's software is capable of simultaneously handling incoming ... has been using CCTK to automate its remote control rocket cryogenic fueling systems. ... seismic, infrared, and proximity sensor data with auto-tracking ...
With the exception of some minerals, the specific activity of natural radioactive material is below 370 Bq/g, their handling thus not being subject to authorization or the duty of reporting according to section 4 para. 2 of the Radiological Protection Ordinance. Moreover, there is required no handling license for prospecting, mining and processing of radioactive minerals; they are subject to the procedures for the plans of operation of the mining laws of the Federal States. License-free handling of natural radioactive material may result in the production of radioactive waste, the disposal of which must be authorized according to sect. 47 of the Radiological Protection Ordinance if the specific activity exceeds the free amounts of column 4 in Table IV of Appendix IV by a factor of 10"-"4/g. This inconsistency is discussed by means of the following examples: (1) fly ash and slag from coal power plants, (2) flue dust from ...
Organophosphates and carbamates (OPs/CMs) are known for their acetylcholinesterase inhibiting character. A cross-sectional study of pesticide handling practices and self-perceived symptoms of acute...Full Text Available
... the provisions of NASA Handbook (NHB) 6000.1, Requirements for Packaging, Handling, and Transportation, and/or MIL-STD-2073-1 and MIL-STD-2073-2, ...
Outpatient practice after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is gaining momentum due to constantly optimizing results. Furthermore, the availability of limited beds to handle the large volume...Full Text Available
Policies and regulations in the current health care environment have impacted the manner in which patient data - especially protected health information (PHI) - are handled in the clinical and...Full Text Available
Optimal sample handling techniques for tissue preparation and storage, RNA extraction and quantification, and target gene detection are crucial for reliable gene expression analysis. Methods...Full Text Available
The Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF)is a 400 MW (th) sodium-cooled fast flux test reactor located on the Hanford Site in southeastern Washington State. The FFTF is operated by the Westinghouse Hanford Company for the United States Department of Energy. The FFTF is a three loop plant designed primarily for the purpose of testing full-scale core components in an environment prototypic of future liquid metal reactors. The plant design emphasizes features to enhance this test capability, especially in the area of the core, reactor vessel, and refueling system. Eight special test positions are provided in the vessel head to permit contact instrumented experiments to be installed and irradiated. These test positions effectively divide the core into three sectors. Each sector requires its own In-Vessel Handling Machine (IVHM) to access all the core positions. Since the core and the in-vessel refueling components are submerged under sodium, all handling ...
During the operation of the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF), radioactive gases, primarily xenon and krypton, will be produced which will require processing and storing. Two systems have been installed in the FFTF for handling these gases: (1) one to handle, primarily, the reactor cover gas system, and (2) a second to handle the cells and cover gas systems, other than the reactor, whose atmosphere may become contaminated. The system that processes the reactor cover gas, which is argon, is called the Radioactive Argon Processing System (RAPS). The effluent argon from RAPS will normally be sufficiently decontaminated to allow its reuse as the reactor cover gas. If the radioactive level in the RAPS becomes too high, the exhaust stream will be diverted to the Cell Atmosphere Processing System (CAPS), a system which can function as a backup to RAPS. The design and operation of the RAPS and CAPS systems are described and certain ...
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
BackgroundThe search for cluster structure in microarray datasets is a base problem for the so-called "-omic sciences". A difficult problem in clustering is how to handle data with...Full Text Available
subject to a learning curve which should help to lessen the user's time at KSC. An MMSE Payload Handling Fixture has ...... (F4.I ASSlUN IASILlM.ny.CTC I ...
Secretariat of the Basel Convention United Nations Office at Geneva ...such as public utilities, waste disposal sites, large energy dependent facilities including factories, institutions (hospitals, ...it provides immediate identification of PCB wastes, informs company officials of any special handling or disposal techniques
Recent health care policies and regulations have impacted the manner in which patient data – especially protected health information (PHI) – are handled in both the clinical...Full Text Available
To estimate the waste management needs of a fusion power reactor, a scheme for handling radioactive waste from a fusion plant has been devised. The handling scheme proceeds with radioactive waste, primarily from blanket replacement, being stored on-site; waste in cooled and shielded casks is then isolated off-site; finally, the materials are recycled. Using activities and component lifetimes supplied by designers, several conceptual fusion power reactors have been analyzed and their waste streams compared to fission reactors with regard to total activity, specific activity, and lifetimes of activity.
To estimate the waste management needs of a fusion power reactor, a scheme for handling radioactive waste from a fusion plant has been devised. The handling scheme proceeds with radioactive waste, primarily from blanket replacement, being stored on-site; waste in cooled and shielded casks is then isolated off-site; finally, the materials are recycled. Using activities and component lifetimes supplied by designers, several conceptual fusion power reactors have been analyzed and their waste streams compared to fission reactors with regard to total activity, specific activity, and lifetimes of activity.
A review of the literature was undertaken to determine the potential for development of instrumentation for on-board remote sensing of coal quality. This review report acts as an inventory of commercially available techniques being tested or under development, particularly in the areas of the cutting horizon measurement methods associated with longwall mining equipment and coal/waste monitoring techniques in coal handling systems. While technology is available which can discriminate rocks from coal on a conveyor belt, the literature indicates that this hardware has yet to be adapted to continuous surface mining machines. 23 refs., 18 figs.
As a direct result of its interest in the use of robotics within active plants, British Nuclear Fuels Ltd. (BNFL) has adopted a positive attitude toward both national and European initiatives in this area. During the early operation of the Sellafield reprocessing plant, the process vessels and cell voids were monitored using simple pole and camera combinations. In 1985, BNFL embarked on the provision of a series of machines intended to satisfy the advancing needs for inspection while increasing the level of expertise within the company in this important area. DIMAN 1, DIMAN 2, RODMAN, REPMAN, and RAFFMAN remote handling and robotic machines are described.
The product of several advanced physical coal cleaning processes is a dry, ultrafine coal (DUC), in the order of 10 microns mean mass diameter. To utilize this fuel commercially, cost-effective, environmentally safe systems must be provided for the storage, transport, and handling of this finely divided form of fuel. The objective of the project described herein is the development of total logistics systems for DUC, including experimental verification of key features. The systems to be developed will provide for safe, economic, and environmentally protective storage and delivery of DUC for residential, commercial, and industrial uses. 20 figs.
Based on the High Temperature Sodium Facility (HTSF) experience and the extensive design efforts for FFTF, procedures are in place for the unloading of the tank cars and for the fill of the FFTF reactor. Special precautions have been taken to provide safe handling and to accommodate contingencies in operation. These contingencies include special protective suits allowing personnel to enter and correct conditions arising from fill operations in the course of moving 7.71 x 10/sup 5/ kg (1.7 x 10/sup 6/ lbs) of sodium from the tank cars into the reactor vessel and its loop system.
The Fast Flux Test Facility near Richland, Washington, utilizes computer control for reactor refueling and other related core component handling and processing tasks. The computer controlled tasks described in this paper include core component transfers within the reactor vessel, core component transfers into and out of the reactor vessel, remote duct measurements of irradiated core components, remote duct cutting, and finally, transferring irradiated components out of the reactor containment building for off-site shipments or to long term storage. 3 refs., 16 figs.
There have been many recent explosive advances in both IR and Raman spectroscopy which have developed in response to industrial problems of increasing complexity. Probably the biggest factor in these advances has been computerization, which has contributed not only to substantial improvements in data handling but to enormous gains in sensitivities of analyses as well. In this paper numerous examples of Raman and IR applications in industry are given using many of these recent advances, including in-situ techniques, microprobe analyses, unusual combinations of instruments - i.e., hyphenated methods - and new sample handling techniques. The bright future of FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy is also briefly discussed.
Since Src kinase inhibitors decrease brain injury produced by intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and thrombin is activated following ICH, this study determined whether Src kinase inhibitors decrease...Full Text Available
Objective: To evaluate the treatment of malignant biliary stenoses and occlusions using a new stent. Methods: In a prospective study, 25 patients with malignant obstructive jaundice were treated with SMART stents. The handling and the quality of stent expansion were documented. Stent function was assessed 2-4 days after intervention by cholangiography and laboratory tests. A follow-up was performed three months, after stent placement. Results: All lesions were treated successfully, with a total of 35 stents implanted. In 14 patients a further balloon dilatation was performed after stent placement (8-10 mm diameter/40-80 mm length). The mean serum bilirubin level decreased significantly from 11.6 mg/dl to 4.6 mg/dl after intervention (p<0.05). The follow-up showed a mean serum bilirubin level at 4.0 mg/dl. In 4 cases (16%) a further intervention (PTCD or stent) was performed. Six patients died due to tumor progression. The stents proved ...
This document describes the development testing phase associated with the OTA Shear activity and defines the controls to be in place throughout the testing. The purpose of the OTA Shear Program was to provide equipment that is needed for the processing of 40 foot long, sodium wetted, irradiated core components previously used in the FFTF reactor to monitor fuel and materials tests. There are currently 15 of these OTA test stalks located in the Test Assembly Conditioning Station (TACS) inerted vault. These need to be dispositioned for a shutdown mission to eliminate this highly activated, high dose inventory prior to turnover to the ERC since they must be handled by remote operations. These would also need to be dispositioned for a restart mission to free up the vault they currently reside in. The waste handling and cleaning equipment in the J33M Cell was designed and built for the handling of reactor components up to the ...
At Tarapur Atomic Power Station 3 and 4, 540 MWe Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors, core being large in size requires a continuous in core monitoring for local flux disturbances. Nearly 200 Self Powered Neutron Detectors (SPNDs) of the Straight Individually Replaceable (SIR) type are distributed in the reactor core. For purpose of reactor regulation and protection, cobalt SPNDs that have a prompt response for changes in power is used for in-core flux mapping, vanadium SPNDs that provide accurate measure of neutron flux, even though having slow response is used In core SPNDs are placed in Vertical Flux Units (VFU) and Horizontal Flux Units (HFUs). These SPNDs were to be replaced at regular intervals to meet the design intent. Cobalt SPNDs have dose rates of the order of 1000 Gy/h and the Mineral Insulated (MI) cables of Vanadium SPNDs have dose rates of the order of 100 Gy/h. So far 3 Cobalt SPNDs were removed from HFUs and are being stored in lead shielding inside spent fuel storage ...
The Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is developing a treatment process for remote-handled (RH) liquid transuranic mixed waste governed by the concept of minimizing the volume of waste requiring disposal. This task is to be accomplished by decontaminating the bulk components so the process effluent can be disposed with less risk and expense. Practical processes have been demonstrated on the laboratory scale for removing cesium 137 and strontium 90 isotopes from the waste, generating a concentrated waste volume, and rendering the bulk of the waste nearly radiation free for downstream processing. The process is projected to give decontamination factors of 10{sup 4} for cesium and 10{sup 3} for strontium. Because of the extent of decontamination, downstream processing will be contact handled. The transuranic, radioactive fraction of the mixed waste stream will be solidified using a thin-film evaporator and/or microwave solidification system. ...
The relative roles of glomerular filtration, tubular reabsorption and tubular secretion in lead handling were evaluated using renal clearance technique, stop-flow analysis, and renal lead accumulation. In addition, the effect of altering acid-base status on renal handling of Pb was determined. Clearance of ultrafilterable lead was measured in anesthetized dogs during infusion of "2"0"3Pb with small doses of carrier Pb(0.5 to 50 #mu#g/kg/h). Filterable lead concentration was estimated by in vitro ultrafiltration of non-anticoagulated plasma. Fractional excretion of Pb was calculated using creatinine clearance to estimate glomerular filtration rate. Dogs in acute metabolic acidosis had the lowest fractional excretion of ultrafilterable Pb (< 0.1); those in alkalosis had high fractional Pb excretion (0.75 to 2.5) while normal dogs were intermediate (0.1 to .4). The fractional excretion of Pb during metabolic alkalosis varied with the dose of Pb ...
The adaption of the Muster-VAwS (model ordinance on the handling of water endangering substances in plants and specialized facilities) in the ordinances of the different German states, means that the legislator has laid down concrete - technical and organizational - requirements concerning the handling of water-endangering substances for all plants. The present example of the systematic stocktaking of all environmentally relevant substances in the context of the operation of the pumped storage plants of Schluchseewerk AG, Freiburg, an the application of the model operating instructions for hydropower plants shall serve to illustrate two important aspects for the implementation of this extensive ordinance. (orig.) [Deutsch] Durch Umsetzung der Muster-VAwS (Muster-Verordnung ueber Anlagen zum Umgang mit wassergefaehrdenden Stoffen und Fachbetriebe) in entsprechende Laenderverordnungen wurden durch den Gesetzgeber konkrete Anforderungen, technisch ...
Users of pesticides may have waste or surplus quantities or spills for disposal. One alternative is to deactivate the pesticide at the handling site by using a straightforward chemical reaction. This option can be practical for those who use relatively small quantities of a large variety of pesticides, for example, greenhouse workers, small farmers, and agricultural researchers. This paper describes practical on-site methods for the disposal of spills or small waste quantities of five commonly used pesticides, Diazinon, Chlorpyrifos, Iprodione, 2,4-D, and Captan. These have been tested in the laboratory for the rate of disappearance of the pesticide, the degree of conversion to nontoxic products, the nature and identity of the products, the practicality of the method, and the ease of reproducibility. Methods selected were shown to be safe for the operator, reliable, and reproducible. Greater than 99% of the starting material had to be reacted under reasonable ...
An analysis is made of the basic principles and methods of construction of integrated optical circuits (IOC) for data processing, which are optical waveguide processors in the integrated form. A classification is provided of IOC in accordance with the nature of the input connections to optical components and in accordance with their intended function. An analysis is made of the current status of research and development of analog IOC for handling analog and digital signals, IOC for computing technology, and switching IOC. A detailed analysis is made of IOC with different functions in data processing: spectrum analyzers and correlators, analog-digital converters, circuits for identification of data sets and for encoding of signals, threshold and multistable circuits, logic and arithmetic units, and switching arrays. Descriptions are given of IOC for optically controlled data handling: bistable purely optical logic circuits, multivibrators, ...
The Real-Time Specification for Java (RTSJ) is silent on multiprocessor issues. It attempts not to preclude multiprocessor implementations but provides no direct support. Many areas of the RTSJ leave an implementation considerable freedom on how it provides the defined functionality. One such area is the asynchronous event handling (AEH) model. Events are fired and associated handlers are scheduled for execution in response; handlers have defined scheduling parameters and deadlines. The primary goal of the AEH model is to support a lightweight real-time concurrency model. Hence handlers, in general, do not have dedicated threads. Rather, the implementation is responsible for ensuring that all handlers meet their deadlines. Typically real-time threads are assigned to execute handlers by the...
Liquid radioactive waste treatment method of using evaporator was widely used from Kori 1 to Uljin 3 and 4, but a liquid radioactive waste treatment equipment that uses an ion exchange method instead of an evaporator was adopted aiming to minimize amount of radioactive waste and radiation exposure. However, the same equipment was introduced and applied for the first time in Korea and had experienced difficulties in securing credibility for the equipment and handling of liquid radioactive waste with inadequate data about performance and experience in operation and maintenance. In this study, examination, application and effect analysis was performed on the optimization measure for handling liquid radioactive waste of Yonggwang Nuclear Power Unit 5 and 6(YGN 5 and 6) that applies an ion exchange method
Conversion of Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory radioactive sodium-bearing waste into a single solid waste form by evaporation was demonstrated in both flask-scale and pilot-scale agitated thin film evaporator tests. A sodium-bearing waste simulant was adjusted to represent an evaporator feed in which the acid from the distillate is concentrated, neutralized, and recycled back through the evaporator. The advantage to this flowsheet is that a single remote-handled transuranic waste form is produced in the evaporator bottoms without the generation of any low-level mixed secondary waste. However, use of a recycle flowsheet in sodium-bearing waste evaporation results in a 50% increase in remote-handled transuranic volume in comparison to a non-recycle flowsheet.
WELLOG is a system of programs developed at the Earth Science Laboratory to be used to digitize well logs and perform some analysis and plotting of the data. Multiple logs can be plotted side by side for correlation analysis and up to three logs can be plotted in a cross plot. Data entry and editing functions are also provided by the programs. This system of well log interpretation programs is presently operating on the University of Utah UNIVAC 1108 computer. Digitizing of well logs is accomplished by an old model CALMA (off-line) digitizer. Those parts of WELLOG that handle the digitized data tapes are extremely machine dependent. The parts of WELLOG that produce the plots and handle the data beyond the digitized data tape are more portable.
In this paper, we propose a method based on the Laplacian in the frequency domain for video text detection. Unlike many other approaches which assume that text is horizontally-oriented, our method is able to handle text of arbitrary orientation. The input image is first filtered with Fourier-Laplacian. K-means clustering is then used to identify candidate text regions based on the maximum difference. The skeleton of each connected component helps to separate the different text strings from each other. Finally, text string straightness and edge density are used for false positive elimination. Experimental results show that the proposed method is able to handle graphics text and scene text of both horizontal and nonhorizontal orientation. PMID:20733217
In the paper, the effect of Ni content, WC grain size and Mo2C addition on WC-6.25wt%TiC-9.3wt%Ni cemented carbide were investigated to improve the properties of Ni-bonded cemented carbides. The results show that the decrease of Ni content will result in the decrease of transverse rupture strength and increase of hardness; with the decrease of WC particle size, hardness increases due to the refinement of WC grains, however, the transverse rupture strength decrease due to the decrease of Ni binder thickness; Mo2C proves to be an effective grain growth inhibitor. With the increase of Mo2C content, the WC grains are refined and the hardness and transverse rupture strength are improved. Generally, when the Ni content is decreased to 8.4wt%, 13.45mm WC is used and 1.2wt% Mo2C is added, a higher...
A monolithic micromachined waveguide device or devices with low-loss, high-power handling, and near-optical frequency ranges is set forth. The waveguide and integrated devices are capable of transmitting near-optical frequencies due to optical-quality sidewall roughness. The device or devices are fabricated in parallel, may be mass produced using a LIGA manufacturing process, and may include a passive component such as a diplexer and/or an active capping layer capable of particularized signal processing of the waveforms propagated by the waveguide.
Current European and the US experiences in waste management are reviewed in the perspective of sustainable development. This publication questions the validity of the current approach taken by the Germany at ``closing the loop`` based on the example of packaging and packaging waste. The product item focus of current German legislation is compared with Danish and US approaches that are based on an integrated policy which covers the whole of waste generation and handling and is not product/item oriented. 1 fig., 2 tabs.
This article describes the state-of-the-art HVAC system at the Philadelphia Marriott Hotel. Thermal comfort and indoor air quality are emphasized. The system uses a hybrid gas absorption/electric centrifugal chilled water plant, variable flow pumping, water-side economizers to provide free cooling, central air handling units with air-side economizers and flow monitoring equipment.
Various diagnostics techniques for condition monitoring and life prediction of fluid power components and system are discussed. Though some of the techniques are very promising but may not be accepted because of increase in the instrumentation, it is planned to implement these techniques on various circuits of Fluid Power Lab for further improving and developing these for direct implementation in various fluid power circuits of power reactors. (author). 6 figs.
High and ultra-high strength steels for pipelines are produced by properly handling the steel microstructure. The metallurgical principles involved in the microstructure control are presented, with emphasis on TMCP processing, that comprises conventional controlled rolling followed by accelerated cooling. (author)
Provided the user interface is well designed, extended relational algebra can be a powerful tool for handling scientific data. Its utility is greatly enhanced by the addition of attribute algebra to allow mathematical manipulation of field values. The paper reports on a development which, motivated by practical requirements, integrates features such as functions, vector data types, iteration, and conditional-attribute values into a relational data-base management system.
The use of robots in powerplants is an option that can no longer be ignored. Robots can reduce worker exposure to harmful environments and minimize downtime. As a result, electric utilities are using them more than ever. As robots become more widely accepted, more are being developed to handle an expanding variety of applications. This report begins with an overview of the use of robotics in the electric-utility industry; following that are sections detailing applications for nuclear plants, fossil-fired stations, and transmission and distribution facilities.
... MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTES (MANAGEMENT AND HANDLING) RULES, 2000 Plastic Bag ban in Dhaka City, Bangladesh Private Sector Participation in Municipal Solid Waste Management SKAT 2000 TECHNICAL GUIDELINES ON MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT Hazardous Waste Management Unit, Environmental Pollution Control Division, Central Environmental Authority, Sri Lanka 2004 Subregional ...
The alumina industry is facing worldwide a growing disposal problem. Red mud creates increasingly technical, economic and environmental problems. Available solutions are reviewed and an old idea using a new approach with pressurized disc or drum filters for red mud is herewith presented and submitted for consideration as a potential and prospective solution to the problem.
This standard describes requirements and provides guidelines for the control of activities to be exercised during procurement of items and services which affect the quality of nuclear power plants. These requirements and guidelines apply to procurement activities for items and services such as designing, purchasing, fabricating, handling, shipping, storage, cleaning, constructing, erecting, installing, inspecting, testing, maintaining, repairing, initial fueling, refueling, and modifying.
Requirements and guidelines are provided for the control of activities to be exercised during procurement of items and services which affect the quality of nuclear facilities. These requirements and guidelines apply to procurement activities for items and services such as designing, purchasing, fabricating, handling, shipping, storing, cleaning, constructing, erecting, installing, inspecting, texting, maintaining and modifying.
Papers are presented under the following topics: machine control and automation; rock drilling; cutting and fragmentation; rock characterization, remote sensing and interface detection; artificial intelligence and mine monitoring systems; computer applications; mechanical excavators; material handling; surface and underground mining; innovative mining systems; new developments in mechanical miners; ground hazard detection and control; ground support; and extraterrestrial mining.
Papers are presented under the session headings: research in mechanical fragmentation; rock characterization, remote sensing and interface detection; monitoring, data transmission and communications; tunnel boring machines; minewide monitoring and expert systems for ground control; machine guidance; shaft and raise boring; automation of drilling equipment; machine automation and control; new developments in mechanical miners; materials handling; innovative mining systems; general minewide monitoring and expert systems; ground support; human factors; and extraterrestrial mining.
Overloaded transmission lines are only part of the problem. The ability of the network to carry power is also limited by the supply of reactive power and by frequency stability. Reactive power problems must be corrected in minutes, frequency stability problems in seconds. There is no way that market forces can handle these problems. Reactive power must be supplied to all long transmission and distribution lines to compensate for the loss of reactive volt-amperes - and resulting voltage drop - in the reactance along the line`s length. 7 figs.
A decision must be made regarding whether the United State`s stockpile of neptunium should be discarded into the waste stream or kept for the production of Pu-238. Although the cost of long term storage is not inconsequential, to dispose of the material means the closing of our option to maintain control over our Pu-238 stockpile. Within the Fuels and Materials Examination Facility at Hanford there exists a remotely operated facility that can be converted for neptunium storage. This paper describes the facility and the anticipated handling requirements.
Elastic depth imaging of both P-wave and S-wave prestack seismic reflection data is formulated as a degraded form of Kirchhoff migration known as Wavepath Migration (WM). Applications to the SEG/EAGE salt model show that the method is sufficiently versatile anti relaitively inexpensive. It handles S-wave data with at least the same accuracy as Pwave data when local mode conversions are removed. WM also provides an understanding of multi-mode illumination.
Following the management buy out (MBO) at British Coal`s Hatfield Colliery, a member of the Solicitors involved looks at some of the issues to be considered in coal industry MBO`s. British Coal should be notified, a business plan will be needed for handling venture capital and other issues, and warranties need negotiating.
In 1996 Jespers and Wang classified finite semigroups whose integral semigroup ring has finitely many units. In a recent paper, Iwaki-Juriaans-Souza Filho continued this line of research by partially classifying the finite semigroups whose rational semigroup algebra %over a field of characteristic zero, contains a ${\\mathbb{Z}}$-order with hyperbolic unit group. In this paper we complete this classification by handling the case in which the semigroup is semi-simple.
On handling nitric solutions in the glove box nitrous gases are formed that are sucked off via a heated activated charcoal filter and a catalyst cartridge containing e.g. the FG 590 H catalist (Degussa). By the activated charcoal the nitrous gases are reduced to N/sub 2/ and CO gas; the catalyst will oxidize CO to CO/sub 2/. The CO/sub 2/ obtained is discharged through an exhaust air filter in the glove box.
The optimization of ethylene furnace operations using cfd-based simulations has been addressed. The optimization problems have been cast into various formulations: the Multidisciplinary feasible (MDF) approach, the All-At-Once (AAO) approach and the Individual discipline feasible (IDF) approach. These approaches mainly differ in their handling of the state equations as constraints, and hence some of the formulations place restrictions on the methods used to solve the state equations.
The issues of the geothermal resource at Brady's Hot Springs are dealt with: the prospective supply of feedstocks to the ethanol plant, the markets for the spent grain by-products of the plant, the storage, handling and transshipment requirements for the feedstocks and by-products from a rail siding facility at Fernley, the probable market for fuel ethanol in the region, and an assessment of the economic viability of the entire undertaking.
The paper describes a way to control methane that is almost self-sufficient. The Methane Buster extracts methane from longwall mines. The machinery can run virtually unattended and is fuelled by a small proportion of the methane that it extracts. The most popular model is the size of a car and weighs 3000 lbs. With pump inlet sizes varying from 6 to 24 ins. The pumps can handle up to 30,000 CFM. 3 photos.
The Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) bottom-loading transfer cask (BLTC) system is designed to provide ex-vessel fuel transfers of irradiated reactor components between the reactor containment building and the LMFBR shipping cask in the reactor service building. This system is being procured from National Lead Industries, Wilmington, Delaware, under management of Aerojet Manufacturing Company.
The report gives results of a study of sintering and leaching mechanisms of fly ash/spent sodium sorbent mixtures from a dry injection flue gas desulfurization (FGD) process. It includes an estimate of the economics of pelletizing and sintering to handle the fly ash and spent sor...
This paper describes New York State Electric and Gas Corporation`s concept for a comprehensive, centrally located data system for management of their continuous emission monitoring systems (CEMS) data. The topics of the paper include the power system`s mix of generating units; data reporting requirements; data base management; nitrogen oxides compliance tracking; sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide and flow monitoring; and allowance tracking.
This thesaurus contains the vocabulary used to index the Biomass Database maintained by the IEA Biomass Conversion Technical Information Service. The database, which is used to produce Biomass Abstracts, contains indexed and abstracted references to the published literature relating to biomass energy including cultivations, harvesting, materials handling, conversion techniques, environmental aspects and economics.
Large-scale decommissioning of Russian nuclear-powered submarines (NPS) and their utilization prospects gave rise to numerous complicated scientific and technical, as well as economic, problems. Problems of handling of radioactive equipment from the reactor compartments (RC) are among the vital ones, arousing a growing concern with the public. Without solution of the problems the processes of NPS utilization can not be considered completed. It involves potential hazard, for the environment both from NPS being paid up (temporal on-float storage) with unloaded spent nuclear fuel (SNF), and RC, cut from submarine hull, containing highly radioactive equipment and materials but no SNF. Diverse variations of the concept of reactor compartment handling of NPS subject to, utilization are possible, but, in principle, there are essentially two variants: (1) RC utilization directly in the course of NPS utilization, envisaging removal of radioactive ...
Resistance to the extended-spectrum cephalosporins can occur in Salmonella species via the production of extended-spectrum and AmpC β-lactamases. We describe human infections...Full Text Available
A description of LOOP covers the single point mooring (SPM) system; the offshore pipelines connecting each SPM to the pumping platform; the offshore platform complex, a pumping platform and a control platform; the onshore pipelines; and the Clovelly Dome storage terminal.
This paper demonstrates how maglev technology solves the classic problem of integrating two airports in a metropolitan area. So far, this has never been attempted because the mode of transportation that could handle this challenge effectively had not been invented yet. This also means that maglev technology is no longer 'the solution in search of a problem'. (orig.)
Total and net energies used harvesting 30-cm billets at 8 t/h were 1 and 0.3 kW x h/t, respectively. Harvested crop had 4% leaves, a 70% mass fraction of billets 30-40 cm long, and a 49/sup 0/ angle of repose. A self-unloading forage wagon with beaters and controls metered billets at 1.5 t/h to feed a juice-expression mill.
The line width of atom, situated near ideally conducting point or inside cone cavity in ideal conductor is analyzed. It is shown that the effect of point is decreased according to decreasing of its aperture angle
INTRODUCTION:Gynura procumbens has been shown to decrease blood pressure via inhibition of the angiotensin‐converting enzyme. However, other mechanisms that...Full Text Available
We have previously shown that a T to G transversion at the second T of the conalbumin "TATA" box drastically decreases specific initiation of transcription by RNA polymerase B (1). We now report that...Full Text Available
Major stellar-wind emission features in the spectrum of Eta Car have recently decreased by factors of order 2 relative to the continuum. This is unprecedented in the modern observational record. The simplest, but unproven, explanation is a rapid decrease in the wind density.
By the methods of small-angle X-ray scattering and translucent electron microscopy the existence of inhomogeneity of electron density in hydrogenated films of amorphous silicon is confirmed. The decreased density regions are extended and form a branched network of channels oriented mostly by the normal direction to the films surface. The typical size of the decreased density regions network constitutes 10 nm in the 100-800 nm films thickness range. The increase of hydrogen total partial pressure in gas mixture in case of films growth results at first in the decrease of extension of these regions and than to micropores generation in the network nodal points of the decreased electron density regions.
The effect of protein malnutrition on the metabolism of collagen in bone was studied in young female albino rats after a single injection of "3H-proline. Both specific and total radioactivities of hydroxyproline in the total collagen of the bone were found to decrease in the protein-deficient animals, indicating decreased rate of collagen synthesis. In the urine the amount of hydroxyproline excreted and total radioactivity of "3H-hydroxyproline were greatly decreased. The results of the present investigation therefore clearly indicate decreased synthesis and catabolism of collagen in bones of protein deficient animals compared to controls. (auth.).
The possible long-term effects of chronic radiation exposure have been studied. Rats were given tritiated drinking water (3 #mu#Ci/ml) before and during pregnancy and thereafter continuously through five generations. The brains were studied at 30 and 120 days postnatally. Significant decreases in weight and DNA and protein contents of specific parts of the brain were found, the most pronounced decreases being in the diencephalon. The decrease in protein content were more pronounced than the decreases in DNA content; the decreases were also more pronounced at 30 days than at 120 days, and more pronounced in the fith generation than in previous generations.
The possible long term effects of chronic radiation exposure have been studied. Rats were given tritiated drinking water (3#mu#Ci/ml) before pregnancy, during pregnancy and threafter, continuously through 5 generations. The brains were studied at 30 and 120 days postnatally. Significant decreases in weight, DNA and protein contents of specific parts of the brain were found, the most pronounced decreases being in the diencephalon. The decreases in protein content were more pronounced than the decreases in DNA content; the decreases were also more pronounced at 30 days than at 120 days, and more pronounced in the fifth generation than in previous generations. An attempt was made to explain these complex phenomena on the basis of known periods of proliferation of various brain cells, damage to mothers themselves in each generation, and damage and repair of nucleic acids caused by ...
Fission track analysis (FTA) technique for the determination of "2"3"9Pu excreted through urine has been standardized using blank samples, tracer and "2"3"9Pu spikes. Double stage anion exchange separation protocol has been applied and an average radiochemical recovery of "2"3"9Pu of 18% was obtained. An average track registration efficiency of 11 tracks per #mu#Bq of "2"3"9Pu, irradiated to 0.35x10"1"7 neutron fluence was established. Reagent blank urine samples from 11 controlled subjects were analyzed by FTA and an average of 149#+-#14 tracks was obtained. Minimum detectable activity of 34 #mu#Bq L"-"1 of urine sample was obtained and will be useful for monitoring chronic exposure cases handling MOX fuel.
The ALICE heavy-ion particle physics experiment is currently being built at CERN near Geneva. It will use a PC cluster of 900 dual-processor machines for the last stages of the data readout process and a network of 400 microcomputers for the configuration and control of the cluster nodes. One of the most important objectives to be achieved in such experiments is to guarantee the utilized devices are running correctly during the experiment life-time. A second aspect is the extremely high availability and reliability requirements of the applications being run, the so called high level trigger (HLT). The SysMES framework is a scalable, decentralized, fault tolerant, dynamic, rule based tool set for the monitoring of networks of target systems and applications. The management algorithms consist of the following steps: system and application monitoring, recognition of undesirable states, event (message) generation, local event handling on the target, event forwarding to ...
Material related to routine as well as sensitive aspects of parent/day care center relationships is presented in this training module, one of a series providing staff development information for programs operated for dependents of military personnel. The module offers a brief discussion of ways caregivers can help parents feel at ease about leaving their children in child care and presents a set of multiple-choice skill-building exercises for effectively working with parents. Exercises focus on various topics, including how parents can be approached when their child may have a health problem, when child abuse or neglect is suspected, and when parental cooperation is needed to stop a child's undesirable or disruptive behavior. Exercises are also devoted to the questions of whether or not caregivers should act as advisors to parents or tell parents about their child's behavior at the center. Concluding exercises indicate how caregivers can handle parent requests for ...
A variety of special regulations exist in Costa Rica for registration and transport of hazardous substances; these set the requirements for entry into the country and the security of transport units. However, the regulations mentioned no specific rules for storing hazardous substances. Tax deposits have been the initial place where are stored the substances that enter the country.The creation of basic rules that would be regulating the storage of hazardous substances has taken place through the analysis of regulations and national and international laws governing hazardous substances. The regulatory domain that currently exists will be established with a field research in fiscal deposits in the metropolitan area. The storage and security measures that have been used by the personnel handling the substances will be identified to be putting the reality with that the hazardous substances have been handled in tax deposits. A rule base for the ...
The US Department of Energy is currently constructing the Waste Isolation Pilot near Carlsbad, New Mexico. The full-scale pilot plant will demonstrate the feasibility of the safe disposal of defense-related nuclear waste in a bedded salt formation at a depth of 2160 feet below the surface. WIPP will provide for the permanent storage of 25,000 cu ft of remote-handled (RH) transuranic waste and 6,000,000 cu ft of contact-handled (CH) transuranic waste. This paper covers the major mechanical/structural design considerations for the waste hoist and its hoist tower structure. The design of the hoist system and safety features incorporates state-of-the-art technology developed in the hoist and mining industry to ensure safe operation for transporting nuclear waste underground. Also included are design specifications for VOC-10 monitoring system.
This work describes a combinatorial model for estimating the reliability of the embedded digital system by means of multi-state function. This model includes a coverage model for fault-handling techniques implemented in digital systems. The fault-handling techniques make it difficult for many types of components in digital system to be treated as binary state, good or bad. The multi-state function provides a complete analysis of multi-state systems as which the digital systems can be regarded. Through adaptation of software operational profile flow to multi-state function, the HW/SW interaction is also considered for estimation of the reliability of digital system. Using this model, we evaluate the reliability of one board controller in a digital system, Interposing Logic System (ILS), which is installed in YGN nuclear power units 3 and 4. Since the proposed model is a generalized combinatorial model, the simplification of this model becomes ...
The improvement in the functions of the viscous flow calculation method VEGA-SHIP around a ship and the expansion of application range were described as the numerical flow simulation in ship and ocean engineering and at the same time application examples to the ocean engineering by the general-purpose flow simulation code FLOW-3D handling the non-steady flow with a free surface were introduced as the numerical simulation regarding such products as a water gate and a dam. In the VEGA-SHIP, water surface was handled as a fixed wall so that wave could not be calculated. Therefore, an algorithm for calculating wave on the water surface was added to the VEGA-SHIP and a calculation method simultaneously considering the creation of wave around the ship and viscosity was developed. The FLOW-3D was used to calculate the phenomenon where inside liquid moved greatly due to the oscillation of a tank and hit against and damaged the tank ceiling in the tank, ...
Under the auspices of the DOE and private industry, considerable progress has been made in: preparation of coal-water fuels; combustion of low-ash coal-based fuel forms; processes to provide deeply-cleaned coal. Developments in advanced beneficiation of coal to meet stringent requirements for low ash and low sulfur can be anticipated to further complicate the problem areas associated with this product. This is attributable to the beneficiated coal being procured in very fine particles with high surface areas, modified surface characteristics, reduced particle size distribution range, and high inherent moisture. Experience in the storage, handling, and transport of highly beneficiated coal has been limited. This is understandable, as quantities of such product are only now becoming available in meaningful quantities. During this reporting period the authors have: developed a suite of empirical tests covering water retention, rewetting, mull stability, angle of ...
The design of a gaging head for a portable radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analyzer is described. The gaging head is designed as a construction unit system which enables the application of lateral reflexion geometry as well as of coaxial geometry. It is designed so that adjustment from one geometry to the other is labour and time saving. The selection of characteristic radiation is performed by a couple of Ross' differential filters. These filters are prepared by a novel technique developed by our laboratory. The filter exchange is effected by the longitudinal move of the couple of filters encapsulated in a holder. The shift of the filters is controlled by means of a triggering mechanism situated in the body of the gaging head handle. This design makes is possible to handle the gaging head during measurements with one hand. A simple interchange of the absorption filter for the transmissive filter allows the operator to avoid any unwanted shift ...
The LHC magnet tests operation team developed various innovative techniques, particularly since early 2004, to complete the superconductor magnet tests by Feb. 2007. Overall and cryogenic priority handling, rapid on-bench thermal cycling, rule-based goodness evaluation on round-the-clock basis, multiple, mashed web systems are some of these techniques applied with rigour for successful tests completion in time. This paper highlights these operation empowerment tools which had a pivotal role for success. A priority handling method was put in place to enable maximum throughput from twelve test benches, having many different constraints. For the cryogenics infrastructure, it implied judicious allocation of limited resources to the benches. Rapid On-Bench Thermal Cycle was a key strategy to accelerate magnets tests throughput, saving time and simplifying logistics. First level magnet appraisal was developed for 24 hr decision making so as to ...
The study presented in this thesis is a contribution toward improving the reliability of Metallized Polypropylene Film (MPPF) capacitors achieved by a better design. A temperature distribution in the roll is assumed with the aim of optimizing its thermal performance. It appears that the heating of long capacitor is higher than that of equivalent flat capacitor subjected to the same electric stresses. Standard accelerated aging tests (temperature and voltage) of MPPF capacitors have been performed with the aim to evaluate the dielectric performance and thus the capacitor lifetime. The statistical approach showed that the failure mode may be represented by two parameter Weibull distribution and the experimental approach proved that long capacitor deteriorates faster than a plate-shaped having the same features. Although capacitors with long geometry seem to have a poor pulse handling performance, we found that the quality of the, end-edge contact is strongly ...
The criterion the study is based on in evaluating environmental risks is the possibility of harmful changes in air, water and soils rather than the harmful environmental impacts these changes are caused by. The two significant criteria, i.e. the evaluated environmental hazards potentials or 'value parameters', and the evaluated damage-to-the-environment probabilities or 'safety parameters', reveal the respective environmental risks or 'risk factors'. These risk factors are classified by 23 environmental risk parameters for differentiation between low-risk and high-aid for pollution abatement measures provided that one fixes acceptance limits for the environmental parameters. As a rule the environmental risks of technical facilities which handle hazardous materials can be evaluated appropriately and the results can be compared. (orig./HSCH).
This paper evaluates activities from 1981 to 1985 of the Donetskgormash association which develops and manufactures equipment for coal mining. The association has manufactured 1,410 hoists, 274 blowers and 26 bucket wheel excavators. Sixteen experimental units of new mining equipment have been developed, among others the RPM 3600-42.5/90 bucket wheel excavator (with a capacity of 3,600 m/sup 3//h for coal handling in storage yards of large power plants), the bucket wheel system used in the EhR 630-10.5/0.5 excavator and the PZ 1600-17/20 materials handling system. Among 20 equipment types manufactured from 1981 to 1985, 4 types were manufactured in the USSR for the first time (e.g. the MPP shaft sinking system and the VOD-50 mine blower). Use of new types of equipment manufactured by the association economized about 46 million rubles in coal mines. From 1986 to 1990 production of mining equipment in the association should increase by 133%; ...
This report describes accomplishment of simulations of Pyrochemical Process Operation by using virtual engineering models. The pyrochemical process using molten salt electrorefining would introduce new technologies for new fuels of particle oxide, particle nitride and metallic fuels. This system is a batch treatment system of reprocessing and re-fabrication, which transports products of solid form from a process to next process. As a results, this system needs automated transport system for process operations by robotics. In this study, a simulation code system has been prepared, which provides virtual engineering environment to evaluate the pyrochemical process operation of a batch treatment system using handling robots. And the simulation study has been conducted to evaluate the required system functions, which are the function of handling robots, the interactions between robot and process equipment, and the time schedule of process, in the ...
The Coal Quality Engineering Analysis (CQEA) program developed by the New York State Electric and Gas Company (NYSEC) calculates the as-burned cost of burning a specific coal in a specific generation unit. These costs include: maintenance costs for coal and ash handling equipment; ash disposal costs; cost of oil (if required for flame stability and/or derating because of pulverizer capacity limitation); flue gas desulfurization costs; cost of replacement power caused by pulverizer, precipitator fly ash collection and bottom ash capacity limitation; boiler losses due to moisture, hydrogen, dry gas and unburned carbon; power for coal and ash handling equipment; power for coal pulverizers; cost of using excess air to prevent slagging of coal with low ash softening temperatures; and effect of heat rate on coal tonnage required for a desired generation. The use of CQEA to identify areas in which plant operations may be improved is discussed. 7 ...
The objective of this task was to obtain powder property data on candidate glass former materials, sufficient to guide conceptual design and estimate the cost of glass former handling facilities as requested under Part B1 of BNFL Technical and Development Support. Twenty-nine glass forming materials were selected and obtained from vendors for the characterization of their physical properties, durability in caustic solution, and powder flow characteristics. A glass former was selected based on the characterization for each of the ten oxide classes required for Envelope A, B, and C mixtures. Three blends (A, B, and C) were prepared based on formulations provided by Vitreous State Laboratory and evaluated with the same methods employed for the glass formers. The properties obtained are presented in a series of attached Tables. It was determined that five of the ten glass formers, (kyanite, iron oxide, titania, zircon, and zinc oxide) have the potential to cause some ...
The Savannah River Site (SRS) is currently developing a new facility, the Actinide Packaging and Storage Facility (APSF), to process and store legacy materials from the United States nuclear stockpile. A variety of materials, with a variety of properties, packaging and handling/storage requirements, will be processed and stored at the facility. Since these materials are hazardous and radioactive, automation will be used to minimize worker exposure. Other benefits derived from automation of the facility include increased throughput capacity and enhanced security. The diversity of materials and packaging geometries to be handled poses challenges to the automation of facility processes. In addition, the nature of the materials to be processed underscores the need for safety, reliability and serviceability. The application of automation in this facility must, therefore, be accomplished in a rational and disciplined manner to satisfy the strict ...
This report describes the work performed during FY 1995 by Pacific Northwest Laboratory in developing and optimizing analysis techniques for identifying organics present in Hanford waste tanks. The main focus was to provide a means for rapidly obtaining the most useful information concerning the organics present in tank waste, with minimal sample handling and with minimal waste generation. One major focus has been to optimize analytical methods for organic speciation. Select methods, such as atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry, were developed to increase the speciation capabilities, while minimizing sample handling. A capillary electrophoresis method was developed to improve separation capabilities while minimizing additional waste generation. In addition, considerable emphasis has been placed on developing a rapid screening tool, based on Raman and ...
The Fuel Handling(F/H) System in existing CANDU 6 nuclear power plants was designed in the early 1960`s, utilizing the technology available at that time. The design for the F/H control system has been proven to be excellent in meeting the functional requirements through more than 20 CANDU units in service or under construction. The significant advance in electrical and electronic engineering area in a few decades motivates the design changes to reduce costs for engineering, construction and operation as well as to improve performance, reliability and safety based on the latest technology. This report outlines the current design of the F/H system, especially for the F/H control system, introduces some topics in research and development projects being carried out by AECL or other institutes, and presents several potential design improvement items for the better CANDU system with brief explanation about implementation. 29 figs., 2 tabs., 27 refs. (Author).
Concerning high performance composite solid propellant BAMO and BAMO-based copolymers, synthetic method and properties of them were studied. Comparison graph of theoretical specific impulse for various propellants were shown, by that, reason why highest specific impulse BAMO was selected as direction of the study. As the orientation of synthesis, those were indicated that radicals at both ends should be hydroxyl so as urethane bonding was available, that liquid at normal temperature was required for easy handling, and that glass transition temperature is required to be low enough. Synthesis was conducted by ring-opening polymerization of ring ether detail procedures of which were explained. Measurements of properties was performed for thermochemical properties, thermal decomposition, combution heat, and friction sensitivity test to confirm safety. As the result, those were understood that thermal decomposition was divided into two phases, rapid exothermal ...
The Waste Management Project manages and integrates (non-TWRS) waste management activities at the site. Activities include management of Hanford wastes as well as waste transferred to Hanford from other DOE, Department of Defense, or other facilities. This work includes handling, treatment, storage, and disposal of radioactive, nonradioactive, hazardous, and mixed solid and liquid wastes. Major Waste Management Projects are the Solid Waste Project, Liquid Effluents Project, and Analytical Services. Existing facilities (e.g., grout vaults and canyons) shall be evaluated for reuse for these purposes to the maximum extent possible.
Forced vibration experiment has been conducted for the reactor building of Sendai Unit 1 nuclear power plant. The beam vibrational behaviors of the outer shielding building and the internal concrete structure have been observed by using a 50 tf vibration for low frequency region, and a 10 tf vibration for high frequency region, respectively. The outline of the experimental methods, the data handling system and the major results of experiment are described. The experimental results were simulated by an analytical model. The proper vibrational frequency and the vibration modes obtained by the analysis were compared with those obtained by the experiment. By these comparisons, the adequacy of the analytical method employed for the design was confirmed.
This study investigates spent fuel cask handling experience at existing nuclear facilities to determine appropriate cask decontamination and maintenance operations at the potential Yucca Mountain repository. These operations are categorized as either routine or nonroutine. Routine cask decontamination and maintenance tasks are performed in the cask preparation area at the repository. Casks are taken offline to a separate cask maintenance area for major nonroutine tasks. The study develops conceptual designs of the cask preparation area and cask maintenance area. The functions, layouts, and major features of these areas are also described.
As there are many efforts devoted in order to manage the cancer, here the researcher handle one of these efforts that play a major part in treating the cancer internationally, it is a brachytherapy system. Brachytherapy was carried out mostly with radium sources, but recently some artificial sources are incorporated in this mode of treatment such as Cs-137, Ir-192, Au-198, P-32, Sr-90 and I-125. The research cover history of brachytherapy and radioactive sources used in, techniques of implementation, radiation protection and methods of brachytherapy dose calculation, as well as brachytherapy in radiation and isotopes centre in Khartoum.
Enhanced recovery by chemical flooding using surfactant and/or polymers simultaneously implies the following: (1) a fundamental knowledge of the physical chemistry of micellar systems and interfaces; (2) the proper formulation of mathematic models handling the basic mechanisms of oil recovery; and (3) the use of field-scale pilot units to test the validity of the models and to acquire technical knowledge. Efforts have been made by the French in these directions, and the main results are described. Special attention is paid to the search for new products and the improvement of manufacturing processes. 10 references.
The primary purpose of the Waste Management Program Plan is to provide an annual report of how Waste Management's operations are conducted, what facilities are being used to manage wastes, what forces are acting to change current waste management systems, and what plans are in store for the coming fiscal year. In addition, this document projects activities for several years beyond the coming fiscal year in order to adequately plan for safe handling, storage, and disposal of radioactive wastes generated at the Savannah River Site and for developing technology for improved management of wastes. In this document, work descriptions and milestone schedules are current as of December 1991.
Repair and maintenance for equipment used in the Belchatow brown coal mine and organizational models of repair services in the mine are discussed. Maintenance of earthmoving equipment, spreaders, bucket wheel excavators, loaders and other coal handling equipment, belt conveyors and drive systems for belt conveyors is discussed. Repair shops in the mine also manufacture about 35% of spare parts and elements for equipment used in the mine. Reliability of mining equipment, repairs and repair capacity of the shops are discussed. Organizational models of repair services, equipment used by these services and repair personnel are described. Effects of repair services on operation of the mine are evaluated.
The theme of the conference was recent developments in airborne remote sensing and their applications. The proceedings contain the papers presented at 14 general sessions and 13 interactive sessions covering airborne platforms, sensor systems, airborne/spaceborne synergy, atmospheric and oceanic measurements, land cover/land use, emergency response and reconnaissance, data handling, forestry, agriculture, water resources, geospatial reference, system calibration, environmental monitoring and planning, and information product advancements. Two papers are abstracted separately.
The symposium covers papers under different sections namely, (i) Core physics and Fuel management, (ii) Commissioning of facilities and systems, (iii) Operational experience and Human resource development, (iv) Fuel handling, Maintenance management and Surveillance, (v) Instrumentation and Control and Power supply systems, (vi) Analysis, modifications and developments for enhancing operational safety, (vii) Chemistry control and Effluent management, (viii) Radiation and industrial safety and (ix) Steam generators, Turbo-generators and other auxiliaries. Papers relevant to INIS are indexed separately. (author)
Drell-Yan pair production is investigated. We reexamine a model where the quark momentum fraction is defined as the ratio of the corresponding light-cone components of the quark and parent nucleon in a naive parton-model approach. It is shown that the results differ from the standard parton model. This is due to unphysical solutions for the momentum fractions within the naive approach which are not present in the standard parton model. In a calculation employing full quark kinematics, i.e., including primordial quark transverse momentum, these solutions also appear. A prescription is given to handle these solutions in order to avoid incorrect results. The impact of these solutions in the full kinematical approach is demonstrated and compared to the modified result.
This document establishes the minimum training requirements for the Plutonium Finishing Plant (PFP) personnel who are responsible for management of dangerous waste. The training plan outlines training requirements for handling of solid dangerous waste during generator accumulation and liquid dangerous waste during treatment and storage operations. The implementation of this training plan will ensure the PFP facility compliance with the training plan requirements of Dangerous Waste Regulation. Chapter 173-303-330. Washington Administrative Code (WAC). The requirements for such compliance is described in Section 11.0 of WHC-CM-7-5 Environmental Compliance Manual.
The purpose of the Ocean FUSRAP Program, which began in March 1981, is to assess the technical, environmental, and institutional feasibility of disposing, in the ocean and on the ocean floor, of FUSRAP waste which contains traces of natural radioactive materials. The initial planning has focused on the Middlesex, New Jersey, Sampling Plant site and surrounding properties, which contain on the order of 100,000 metric tons of material. The Belgian Congo uranium ore and other uranium ores used by the United States were handled at the sampling plant site and have since been removed.
nsive neutron-absorbing bricks from commercially available CaB/sub 6/ powder. The bricks are 2 x 3 x 5 in., and are strong enough to withstand normal handling. They last indefinitely; the ones described are now 7 years old, used and stored under normal room temperatures and humidities. The procedure is to make a thick, dry mud with the powder and water, followed by compression in a mold at pressures of about 1 ton/in./sup 2/ or more. The bricks are then baked for 2 hours or longer at a temperature of about 750 deg C. (auth)
This study illustrates the way to perform protocols, collect samples, and conduct laboratory analyses in order to characterize the physical properties of wood used in the industrial sector of the Valle de Aburra metropalitan area and the gains obtained by characterizing the properties of the most frequently used woods. In this investigation some of the most important sampling parameters are presented, such as taking samples in piles or accumulations of waste, handling of these samples in the laboratory and others of great importance such as the ignition point. the proposed methodology is based upon some of the international astm coal norms, for the similarity it has with wood and for the lack of information on sampling this type in wood
In order to improve the handling capability of red mud, it is mixed with fine-grain coal material such as brown coal or lignite in dust form, in a ratio by weight of between 0.5-10:1. The liquid present in the red mud is bound by the very fine coal admixed therewith so that the resulting mixture can be stored in a silo and even pneumatically conveyed, and the oily properties of the red mud are removed by the treatment. The mixture is particularly suitable for use in connection with the hydrogenating liquefaction of coal in which the red mud is used as a catalyst.
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.
A 2D matrix allows a fairly rapid verification of irradiation parameters transferred on computer processing equipment without expanding the dosimetry means to implement. Associated to 'Multicheck and Verisoft' software it will handle some of the regulatory recommendations of the A.F.S.S.A.P.S. for quality control of accelerators and ensure the traceability of testing carried out. (N.C.)
This plan outlines the procedures and operations used at LLNL's Site 300 for the management of the hazardous waste generated. This waste consists primarily of depleted uranium (a by-product of U-235 enrichment), beryllium, small quantities of analytical chemicals, industrial type waste such as solvents, cleaning acids, photographic chemicals, etc., and explosives. This plan details the operations generating this waste, the proper handling of this material and the procedures used to treat or dispose of the hazardous waste. A considerable amount of information found in this plan was extracted from the Site 300 Safety and Operational Manual written by Site 300 Facility personnel and the Hazards Control Department.
This paper describes the safety system and training for personnel on board the floating production storage and offloading (FPSO II) currently working in the Cadlao Field, offshore Palawan in the Philippine Islands. (See Figure 1). The crude oil being produced has wellstream hydrogen sulfide concentrations up to 6000 PPM. Concentrations of hydrogen sulfide at 700 PPM or higher can be immediately dangerous to life and every effort must be made to ensure personnel safety.
The document represents a guide for the external decontamination of persons accidentally radio contaminated due to the use, production or transport of radioactive materials. The general conditions, from the medical point of view, to be kept in mind, in the event of accidental overexposures as decontamination treatment and the handling of samples are detailed throughout report. The external contamination without injury in skin or with wound its considered. The distribution of measures and responsibilities for the therapy of the irradiated patients with radioactive materials are enumerated. The preparations of decontaminate solutions are detailed in this work. Moreover, forms for the reception, physical evaluation of the patient and external contamination are presented. (author)
This book discusses the progress and problems of current interest in gaseous dielectrics and their use, with special emphasis on insulation in high-voltage transmission lines and substations. Topics covered include: basic physics of gaseous dielectrics; basic mechanisms; gas decomposition, reactions and toxicity; diagnostics and field probes; gases and mixtures for GIS transformers and circuit breakers; gaseous media for discharge chemistry and etching/corona; gas engineering for pulsed power and switching; gas breakdown under steep-fronted voltages; new developments in gas-insulated equipment and gas handling; gas/insulator interface/flashover; and quality control in testing gas-insulated equipment. Contains approximately 85 papers.
Division of Remote Handling and Robotics (DRHR) at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) has been working on design and development of Reactivity Control Mechanisms for Nuclear Research Reactors (Dhruva, KAMINI and recently Critical Facility of Advanced Heavy Water Reactor (AHWR)) as well as Power Reactors in India (Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors of 220 MWe at Narora and recently India's first 540 MWe PHWR Unit -1 and 2 at Tarapur). This paper gives a brief account of evolution of reactivity control mechanisms for nuclear research and power reactors in India. (author)
Biomass can provide a substantial energy source. Liquids are preferred for use as transportation fuels because of their high energy density and handling ease and safety. Liquid fuel production from biomass can be accomplished by any of several different processes including hydrolysis and fermentation of the carbohydrates to alcohol fuels, thermal gasification and synthesis of alcohol or hydrocarbon fuels, direct extraction of biologically produced hydrocarbons such as seed oils or algae lipids, or direct thermochemical conversion of the biomass to liquids and catalytic upgrading to hydrocarbon fuels. This report discusses direct thermochemical conversion to achieve biomass liquefaction and the requirements for wastewater treatment inherent in such processing. 21 refs.
As part of the start up of Los Alamos National Laboratory's new tritium-handling facility, the efficiency of a catalytic oxidation tritium decontamination system was investigated using deuterated methane. The tests were performed during the start up of the facility to confirm the operability of the system before introducing tritium and to provide a baseline for comparison. Techniques and instruments normally used for atmospheric tracer experiments using deuterated methane were applied virtually without modification. The sensitivity of this method allowed preliminary checks at the sub-ppm (v/v) level.
The notion of hardened systems can be found in several applications (nuclear power plants, alarm systems, research installations..). Their development correspond to the functional necessity to take into account a specific radiative environment. The starting point of each hardening study is the definition of the radiative environmental constraints representative of the application. In addition to these external constraints, the specific functional characteristics of each system are considered: control or interface systems in nuclear industry, in-board control systems, remote handling systems, etc. This paper summarizes the methodology followed according to the experience gained in previous studies and anticipating the future needs. (J.S.). 6 refs., 5 figs.
In the experimental fast Reactor JOYO, gripper of Fuel Handling Machine and Ex-Vessel Transfer Machine that the sodium adhered is being washed with alcohol. This radioactive alcohol waste that was used to the washing is stored to the tank. If it is able to separate the alcohol and sodium in the alcohol waste it becomes possible to dispose of the alcohol waste. Japan Nuclear Institute and Fuji Electric Systems CO., LTD. Developed the device that adds carbonic acid gas to the alcohol waste and cause the sodium in the alcohol waste separated as carbonate and remove this carbonate by using the thin film evaporator. (author)
Remote-controlled handling systems are required for work to be done in the decommissioning and dismantling of nuclear facilities. These systems are equipped with electronic devices suitable for use in working environments affected by ionizing radiation. The publication explains the step-wise progress achieved for improving the radiation resistance of electronic devices with the example of a four-quadrant controlling device for the motors of a manipulator. The radiation resistance of the device could be enhanced to radiation energies of 5.500 Gy. This means that a manipulator vehicle equipped with this controlling device can take up to approx. 15 kGy all in all, taking into account its own shielding properties. (DG).
Computer software for risks assessment of transportation of important freight has been developed. It incorporates models of transport accidents, including terrorist attacks. These models use, among the others, unput data of cartographic character. Geographical information system technology and electronic maps of an area are involved as an instrument for handling this kind of data. Fuzzy set theory methods as well as standard methods of probability theory have been used for quantitative risk assessment. Fuzzy algebraic operations and their computer realisation are discussed. One preliminary example of risk assessment is described. (authors)
The goal of this research program has been to add to our understanding of the breakup of molten fuel jets penetrating reactor coolant. Easily handled working fluids are used to simulate fuel jet breakup, so that detailed observations may be obtained from a relatively large number of experiments. The tools used for observing this behavior are high speed notion picture photography, Flash X-radiography, and X-ray cine. Jet breakup lengths are determined from motion pictures; the mechanisms by which the jets are fragmented may be inferred from radiographs.
Robotics technology is successfully being transitioned from space to terrestrial applications. It is being modified and enhanced to help in the US DOE's Environmental Restoration and Waste Management Program. Some examples of these applications, ranging from large multijointed manipulators to autonomously navigated remote vehicles, are outlined in this article. They include the following: underground storage tank technology demonstration; light-duty utility arm system; remotely controlled material-handling system; remotely operated excavator; self-guided transfer vehicle. 10 figs.
The role of robotics and remote handling equipment in future nuclear power plant maintenance activities is discussed in the context of artificial intelligence applications. Special requirements manipulators, control systems, and man-machine interfaces for nuclear applications are noted. Tasks might include inspection with cameras, eddy current probes, and leak detectors; the collection of material samples; radiation monitoring; and the disassembly, repair and reassembly of a variety of system components. A robot with vision and force sensing and an intelligent control system that can access a knowledge base is schematically described. Recent advances in image interpretation systems are also discussed.
The role of robotics and remote handling equipment in future nuclear power plant maintenance activities is discussed in the context of artificial intelligence applications. Special requirements manipulators, control systems, and man-machine interfaces for nuclear applications are noted. Tasks might include inspection with cameras, eddy current probes, and leak detectors; the collection of material samples; radiation monitoring; and the disassembly, repair and reassembly of a variety of system components. A robot with vision and force sensing and an intelligent control system that can access a knowledge base is schematically described. Recent advances in image interpretation systems are also discussed.
The Fuels Material Examination Facility/Fuel Assembly Area is proposed to be used for fabrication of mixed oxide fuel to support the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) tritium/medical isotope mission. The plutonium isotope mix for the new mission is different than that analyzed in the FMEF safety analysis report. A reanalysis was performed of three representative accidents for the revised plutonium mix to determine the impact on the safety analysis. Current versions computer codes and meterology data files were used for the analysis. The revised accidents were a criticality, an explosion in a glovebox, and a tornado. The analysis concluded that risk guidelines were met with the revised plutonium mix.
The first biogas plant using the Plauen method has been operated without failures in the Saxon Vogtland since May 1987. This large scale anaerob treatment plant which is the first one in Germany handles besides agricultural recidual substance both municipal and industrial organic residues. The results show clearly that fermentation is a real alternative to composting, combusting and deponing. (orig.)
During one year more than 40,000 items of information on radiation exposure of personnel involved in the handling of radiation sources and more than 5,000,000 items on irradiation of other people are collected in the authors' laboratory. Considerable progress in assessment of mean annual gonad dose of genetically sifnificant dose was attained by means of an algorithm for a personal computer. This simple and inexpensive system has led to a higher accuracy in the application of protective measures. (author).
A fast production scheduling algorithm suitable for generation expansion studies is described in this paper. It can handle several independent rivers, thermal plants, pumped storage plants, import, export, and internal non-firm markets. Inflows and load are deterministic and a one-reservoir limit is imposed on each river. The scheduling problem is formulated as a generalized network problem which is efficiently solved by an adaption of the simplex method. The algorithm is part of a program developed by Hydro-Quebec to conduct preliminary evaluations of alternative expansion plans. The program and the scheduling algorithm are presented.
A fast production scheduling algorithm suitable for generation expansion studies is described in this paper. It can handle several independent rivers, thermal plants, pumped storage plants, import, export, and internal non-firm markets. Inflows and load are deterministic and a one-reservoir limit is imposed on each river. The scheduling problem is formulated as a generalized network problem which is efficiently solved by an adaption of the simplex method. The algorithm is part of a program developed by Hydro-Quebec to conduct preliminary evaluations of alternative expansion plans. The program and the scheduling algorithm are presented.
The primary function of the Waste Handling Shaft (WHS) at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) is to permit the transfer of radioactive waste from the surface waste handling building to the underground storage area. It also serves as an intake shaft for small volumes of air during normal storage operations and as an emergency escape route. Part of the construction was the placement of a concrete liner and steel reinforced key in 1984. During a routine shaft inspection in May 1990, some degradation of the WHS concrete liner was observed between the depths of 800 and 900 feet below the ground surface. Detailed investigations of the liner had been carried out by Sandia National Laboratories and by Westinghouse Electric Corporation Waste Isolation Division (WID) through Lankard Materials Laboratory. Observations, reports, and data support the conclusion that the concrete degradation, resulting from attack by chemically aggressive brine, is a ...
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.
The extraction of magnesium by tributyl phosphate from KI solutions was investigated. With increasing KI and TBP concentrations, the extraction increased. The maximum extraction (82%) was attained at pH 4, and it did not decrease with a further pH increase. With decreasing pH, the extraction decreased because of HI extraction. The magnesium was extracted as the compound MgI/sub 2/ x 4TBP. Complexone III (at pH 3-4) does not affect the extraction of magnesium, which makes it possible to use it to mask other metals.
We estimate the optimum electric field at the sheath edge and the minimum interval among the nanotubes to promote the growth of armchair-type nanotubes (metallic character) as a function of the tube length. On the basis of the electric charge distribution in a nanotube and the optimum electric filed E*_1 at the tip of a nanotube evaluated using the Hueckel-Poisson method, we calculate the structure of the electric field lines outside a nanotube in the sheath region. As the tube length increases, the E*_1 decreases. To maintain the chemical activity at the tip, the sheath electric field must be decreased. We show the decreasing rate of the sheath field to the tube length.
Addition of a vasoconstrictor to a local anesthetic may have several beneficial effects: a decrease in the peak plasma concentration of the local anesthetic agent, increase in the duration and the quality...Full Text Available
Three new phases with compositions, LaSr_2FeTiO_7, NdSr_2FeTiO_7 and GdSr_2FeTiO_7, were prepared by the traditional ceramic method. Lazy-Pulverix analysis of the X-ray diffraction data suggests that the phases crystallize in the RP-type (n = 2) structure in the space group, I4/mmm. The cell dimensions along the c-axis decrease with decrease in size of the rare earth ions. Electrical resistivity, as a function of temperature, shows that the materials are insulators and the resistivity decreases with decrease in the size of the rare earth ion, which is attributed to increase in the three-dimensional character. (author)
Strain embrittlement in Ti base alloys during tensile testing was investigated. Results show that in an #alpha#-#beta# titanium alloy the local activity of H in alpha phase (#alpha#/sub H//sup #alpha#) increases and activity of H in beta phase (#alpha#/sub H//sup #beta#) decreases as the equiaxed #alpha# particle size decreases at constant volume fraction of phases. Thus with decreasing particle size there would be a tendency for H to move from #alpha# to #beta#, decreasing the H content of #alpha#. Also whether H tended to move from #beta# to #alpha# or from #alpha# interiors to the #alpha#-#beta# interface this tendency would be reduced by surface tension effects, making the alloy less susceptible to embrittlement.
Decreased membrane rigidity is one of the characteristics of malignant cells, resulting in part from the desaturation of stearic acid into oleic acid. In this study we investigated the influence of...Full Text Available
Radiosensitization by lactate, pyruvate, nalidixic acid and novobiocin was studied in exponentially growing SH-18L human lung fibroblasts. All the chemicals had a slight radiosensitizing effect at a low concentration and a definite effect at a higher one. Decreases in the D_0 and/or Dq values were present in each dose survival curve. Fibroblasts incubated with the low concentration of each chemical for 24 hrs after X irradiation showed no reduction in intracellular ATP content, whereas, the higher concentration produced a significant decrease. These observations suggest that the decrease in the ATP content may be involved in the radiosensitization of human fibroblasts at high concentrations of these chemicals. In contrast, radiosensitization at a low concentration is not explained by a relationship to ATP content. Different mechanisms may be involved in radiosensitization at low and high concentrations of these chemicals. ...
Concentrations of ammonia and the chlorine stabilizer, cyanuric acid, which could be expected in swimming pools decreased the rate of kill by chlorine of the potential pathogen, Pseudomonas...Full Text Available
Schizophrenia is a heterogeneous psychiatric disorder in which multiple neurotransmitter systems have been implicated. Increased and decreased dopamine transmission in the subcortical meso-limbic and...Full Text Available
heat transfer augmentation was found to increase with decreasing length scale but no optimum length scale was found. Heat transfer augmentation due to turbu- ...
Previous experimental data and theoretical analysis have demonstrated that ... products of a technological process) but also other contaminants. ..... Thorough outgassing of solar array surfaces may result in significant decrease of arc ...
Objective:To determine the influence of a two-week course of lopinavir-ritonavir on the pharmacokinetics of the triglyceride-lowering agent, gemfibrozil.Full Text Available
Improving employees' posture may decrease the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. The current paper is a systematic replication and extension of Sigurdsson...Full Text Available
In this research, the interactive effect of grain and specimen sizes on the flow stress of sheet metal in microforming is investigated via the tensile test of pure copper and numerical modeling. Models based on different assumptions are proposed to analyze the size effect phenomenon. It is found that the flow stress decreases linearly with the decrease of the ratio of specimen to grain sizes. The grain boundary thickness decreases and its volume fraction increases with the decrease of grain size. The variation of grain boundary thickness is not proportional to the variation of grain size. Furthermore, the fraction of grain boundary increases with the strain and the ratio of specimen to grain sizes. Based on the FE simulation, it is found that the simulated flow stress, which is modeled bas...
BackgroundAutofluorescence bronchoscopy is more sensitive than conventional bronchoscopy for detecting early airway mucosal lesions. Decreased specificity can lead...Full Text Available
The effects of gamma irradiation at 0.2#approx#0.4 Mrad and condition for processing of buckwheat noodles on sensory quality and physical properties were investigated. The results were as follows: (1) Sensory evaluation of buckwheat noodles, prepared with the 70 % ratio of buckwheat flour, was decreased according to an increase of irradiation dose of buckwheat flour. Hardness and adhesiveness of buckwheat noodles caused by irradiation should be given large effect to the texture. Elasticity of buckwheat noodles was linearly decreased with increasing of irradiation dose of buckwheat flour, and elasticity of buckwheat noodles was decreased about 15 % by an increase of irradiation dose at 0.3 Mrad. (2) Maximum torque in Farinograph test was linearly decreased with increasing of irradiation dose of buckwheat flour, and maximum torque was decreased about 3 % by increasing of irradiation ...
Metabotropic glutamate receptor 2/3 (mGluR2/3) agonists were shown previously to nonselectively decrease both cocaine- and food-maintained responding in rats. mGluR2 positive allosteric modulators (PAMs)...Full Text Available
Design layout of horizontal steam generator (SJ) with a special feedwater heating surface (by a surface water economizer), designated for NPPs with WWER-1000 reactors, is suggested. The design enables to decrease sharply the difference between the temperatures of saturation and feedwater. Blowdown outlet is organized against PG face, which increases the efficiency of flowing. The suggested layout enables to decrease thermal stresses in structural units and PG metal content, as compared to the PGV-1000 steam generator.
Experimentally it is found that at constant temperature the order-parameter relaxation time, tausub(..delta..), decreases with increasing power of the microwaves, coupled into a superconducting strip. If the same increase in critical current, that corresponds with a given power of the microwaves, is obtained by lowering the temperature, the decrease in tausub(..delta..) is smaller. This reflects the fact that quasiparticles are removed more efficiently from the gap edge by microwaves than by lowering the temperature in equilibrium. A modified time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau equation is shown to describe these results adequately.
The purpose of this study was to reveal the mechanism of wafer touch polishing using a high purity colloidal silica slurry containing organic surfactants such as hydroxyl-ethyl cellulose. The effect of the surfactant concentration on wafer touch polishing was studied to improve the roughness of wafer surfaces after polishing. The haze level and the micro-roughness decreased with decreasing surfactant concentration.
1 The decreased binding of drugs and dyes to plasma proteins from male and female rats with acute renal failure has been investigated using equilibrium dialysis at 37 degrees C. 2 Acute renal failure...Full Text Available
Intracervical application of prostaglandin E2 in the late first trimester induces (1) softening of the cervix tissue; (2) increase in sulfated glycosaminoglycans (18 +/- 12%, mean +/- SEM); (3) no change in hyaluronic acid and water; (4) decrease in pepsin-extractable collagen, and (5) apparent decrease in collagenase. A high activity of collagenase in combination with a replacement of collagen with sulfated glycosaminoglycans may be of importance for the ripening process.
Tetracycline resistance of fecal coliforms isolated from swine decreased from 82 to 42%, a decrease of less than 50%, after the use of all forms of antimicrobial agents were discontinued in the herd...Full Text Available
The conditions for the production of activated charcoal having a decolorization power (DP) of less than 160 mL/g for methylene blue solutions from the wood of rubber plants were activation temperature of 1000 degrees, rentention time of 30 minutes, and steam-char-ratio of approximately 1.7. The installation of a side-burner around the rotary kiln to decrease the temperature gradient increased the DP of the activated charcoal to 190-200 mL/g without a decrease in yield.
Early effects of 100 Kilorads of X-rays on muscle cell membrane properties have been measured in sartorius muscles from Leptodactylus ocellatus. Threshold strength for rectangular current pulses increased 10% after irradiation, and action potential propagation velocity decreased 10%. Passive membrane parameters were calculated from potential responses to sub-threshold current pulses, assuming conventional cable theory. Specific membrane conductance increased to 18% after irradiation, membrane capacitance increased 14%, and length constant decreased 10% but membrane time constant was unchanged. Cell diameter decreased 5%, and resting membrane potential decreased 8%. Membrane parameters during an action potential were also evaluated by the phase-plane and current-voltage plot techniques. Irradiation significantly decreased the action potential amplitude, the excitation potential, and ...
In isolated rat adipocytes, insulin inhibits lipolysis to a greater extent than would be predicted by the decrease in (-/+)cAMP activity ratio of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (A-kinase), from which it was speculated that insulin promotes the dephosphorylation of hormone-sensitive lipase. They have examined the phosphorylation state of cellular proteins under conditions of varying A-kinase activities in the presence and absence of insulin. Protein phosphorylation was determined by SDS-PAGE electrophoresis of extracts from /sup 32/P-loaded cells; glycerol and A-kinase activity ratios were measured in the cytosolic extracts from control, non-radioactive cells. Increased protein phosphorylation in general occurred over the same range of A-kinase activity ratios, 0.1-0.3, associated with increased glycerol release. The insulin-induced decrease in lipolysis was associated with a decrease in the /sup 32/P content of several ...
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)-Carlsbad Field Office (CBFO) has developed draft documentation to present the proposed Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) remote-handled (RH-) transuranic (TRU) waste characterization program to its regulators, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the New Mexico Environment Department. Compliance with Title 40, Code of Federal Regulations, Parts 191 and 194; the WIPP Land Withdrawal Act (PL 102-579); and the WIPP Hazardous Waste Facility Permit, as well as the Certificates of Compliance for the 72-B and 10-160B Casks, requires that specific waste parameter limits be imposed on DOE sites disposing of TRU waste at WIPP. The DOE-CBFO must control the sites' compliance with the limits by specifying allowable characterization methods. As with the established WIPP contact handled TRU waste characterization program, the DOE-CBFO has proposed a Remote-Handled TRU Waste Acceptance ...
The Savannah River Site (SRS) is a key installation for the production and research of nuclear materials for national defense and peace time applications and has been operating a full nuclear fuel cycle since the early 1950s. Wastes generated include high level radioactive, transuranic, low level radioactive, hazardous, mixed, sanitary, and aqueous wastes. Much progress has been made during the last several years to reduce these wastes including management systems, characterization, and technology programs. The reduction of wastes generated and the proper handling of the wastes have always been a part of the Site's operation. This paper summarizes the current status and future plans with respect to waste reduction to waste reduction and reviews some specific examples of successful activities.
The Savannah River Site (SRS) is a key installation for the production and research of nuclear materials for national defense and peace time applications and has been operating a full nuclear fuel cycle since the early 1950s. Wastes generated include high level radioactive, transuranic, low level radioactive, hazardous, mixed, sanitary, and aqueous wastes. Much progress has been made during the last several years to reduce these wastes including management systems, characterization, and technology programs. The reduction of wastes generated and the proper handling of the wastes have always been a part of the Site`s operation. This paper summarizes the current status and future plans with respect to waste reduction to waste reduction and reviews some specific examples of successful activities.
This ACDR was performed following completed of the Conceptual Design Report in July 1992; the work encompassed August 1992 to January 1994. Mission of the WRAP Module 2A facility is to receive, process, package, certify, and ship for permanent burial at the Hanford site disposal facilities the Category 1 and 3 contact handled low-level radioactive mixed wastes that are currently in retrievable storage at Hanford and are forecast to be generated over the next 30 years by Hanford, and waste to be shipped to Hanford from about DOE sites. This volume provides an introduction to the ACDR process and the scope of the task along with a project summary of the facility, treatment technologies, cost, and schedule. Major areas of departure from the CDR are highlighted. Descriptions of the facility layout and operations are included.
Forced vibration experiment has been conducted for the reactor building of Sendai Unit 1 nuclear power plant. The beam vibrational behaviors of the outer shielding building and the internal concrete structure have been observed by using a 50 tf vibration for low frequency region, and a 10 tf vibration for high frequency region, respectively. The outline of the experimental methods, the data handling system and the major results of experiment are described. The experimental results were simulated by an analytical model. The proper vibrational frequency and the vibration modes obtained by the analysis were compared with those obtained by the experiment. By these comparison, the adequacy of the analytical method employed for the design was confirmed. (Aoki, K.).
Studies on the effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF)on human health have been conducted for more than 20 years. None have categorically established or eliminated any connection between EMF and adverse health effects. Nonetheless, 96% of the risk managers working in the utility sector view EMF as an over-riding concern. Public concern over EMF has erupted into legal, as well as regulatory, actions. To date, some utilities have had lawsuits brought against them by customers who claim they developed cancer as a result of nearby high-voltage transmission lines. What`s more, a small handfull of cities have adopted ordinances that specifically limit where and how utilities handle the placement of their transmission lines.
The NIS-6 group at Los Alamos National Laboratory pioneered the development of Tomographic Gamma Scanning and continue to improve its utility in real measurement situations. Building on this experience we report the development of a state of the art TGS system suitable for industrial applications. The image reconstruction and visualization software has been integrated into the familiar Canberra NDA2000 software suite which also handles all other aspects of the data acquisition and management. In this paper we describe the salient design and performance parameters of the system. The application of gamma-ray tomography to safeguards for improved assay accuracy and knowledge confirmation is discussed. In particular we compare and contrast the relative merits of this TGS and a traditional Segmented Gamma Scanner and illustrate how the 3-D visualization of the TGS image can provide valuable additional information.
Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and clinical application of two stents insertion via single tract for treatment of hepatic hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Methods: Eighteen patients with hepatic hilar cholangiocarcinoma who had left and right bile duct obstruction were treated with stents insertion via right bile duct puncturing routeway. These two stents were implanted between right and left bile duct, and between right bile duct and common bile duct. Results: Eighteen patients obtained successful two stents placement by right bile duct puncturing tract and succeeded with internal drainage for all biliary tree jaundice subsided distinctly. Conclusions: The technique of two stents insertion via single tract could predigest interventional drainage procedure of high bile duct obstruction, reduce operation trauma, shorten handling time and possess promising application value
As competition in the service industry grows, delivering high-quality service to meet customers' needs and expectations becomes paramount. In order to achieve a thorough understanding of customers, companies are increasingly adopting Customer Relationship Management (CRM) initiatives. However, CRM does not have the process vision necessary to cope with complex and cross-functional processes. This problem is better handled by Business Process Management (BPM) initiatives, which, by their turn, struggle to built-in customer intelligence in their systems. Based upon systems theory, we discuss the roles of CRM and BPM in an integrated approach to deliver customer fulfillment. As the evolution of service-oriented approaches requires us to consider both customer interactions and experiences as k...
Scanning electron microscope (SEM) is necessary to demonstrate presence or absence of pit membranes in possible perforations or the type of pit membrane remnants in perforations in vessel element end-walls of angiosperms, but it was unconfirmed and questionable whether pit membrane absence in pits was affected by the processing and handling before SEM observations. To solve this question, the secondary xylem of four woody species from primitive angiosperms, Illicium henryi Diels. (Illiciaceae), Schisandra rubriflora (Franch.) Rehd. et Wils. (Schisandraceae), Tetracentron sinensis Oliv. and Trochodendron aralioides Sieb. & Zucc. (Trochodendraceae) was chosen and the following techniques were used: (1) fresh materials were examined in low-vacuum with ESEM. (2) Air-dried materials were examin...
Background The 2003 outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) infected over 8000 people and killed 774. Transmission of SARS occurred through direct and indirect contact and large droplet nuclei. The World Health Organization recommended the use of household disinfectants, which have not been previously tested against SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV), to disinfect potentially contaminated environmental surfaces. There is a need for a surrogate test system given the limited availability of the SARS-CoV for testing and biosafety requirements necessary to safely handle it. In this study, the antiviral activity of standard household products was assayed against murine hepatitis virus (MHV), as a potential surrogate for SARS-CoV. Methods A surface test method, which involves drying an amo...
Technology transfer is an integral part of Framatome's general approach to its Chinese partners for the Daya Bay, Ling Ao, and Qinshan phase 2 nuclear power plant projects. It has been the subject of major operations covering all activities relevant to project management, design and engineering, manufacturing, and maintenance know-how. This presentation is more particularly devoted to nuclear island maintenance knowledge, which has been extensively transferred by Framatome to the Daya Bay plant owner over a period of four years, through a program including the constitution of mixed Franco-Chinese teams to handle plant maintenance, shadow training of Chinese specialists in the maintenance work performed by Framatome or its subcontractors in France, and theoretical training sessions on equipment mockups in China and France. (author)
The Chernobylsk-1 reactor, operational in september 1977 has been stopped in november 1996; the Chernobylsk-2 reactor started in november 1978 is out of order since 1991 following a fire. The Chernobylsk-3 reactor began in 1981. During the last three years it occurs several maintenance operations that stop it. In june 2000, the Ukrainian authorities decided to stop it definitively on the 15. of december (2000). This file handles the subject. it is divided in four chapters: the first one gives the general context of the plant shutdown, the second chapter studies the supporting projects to stop definitively the nuclear plant, the third chapter treats the question of the sarcophagus, and the fourth and final chapter studies the consequences of the accident and the contaminated territories. (N.C.)
A diffuse-reflectance capability for the Fourier transform infrared spectrometer at the Y-12 Plant Laboratory has been implemented. A sample cell with a 25 to 400/sup 0/C temperature-controlled sample stage and an ultrahigh-vacuum-to-atmospheric pressure gas-handling capability has been developed. Absorbance of light from the spectrometer beam, resulting from the beam being scattered from a powder sample, can be measured. This capability of detecting molecular species on and in powders is to be used to study chemisorption on actinide and rare-earth metals, alloys, and compounds. Cell design is described along with experiments demonstrating its performance in detecting moisture absorption on uranium oxide, moisture and carbon dioxide absorption on the lithium hydride/hydroxide system, and carbon dioxide absorption on potassium borohydride. 13 figures.
When Congress passed the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986 (EPCRA), it created a number of new reporting requirements for companies that handle toxic chemicals and products containing toxic chemicals. Section 313 of EPCRA requires that certain manufacturers report annual releases to the environment of listed toxic chemicals and chemical categories. Because these manufacturers must know the toxic chemical composition of the products they use to be able to calculate releases accurately, EPA requires some suppliers of mixtures or trade name products containing one or more of the listed section 313 toxic chemicals to notify their customers. The pamphlet explains which suppliers must notify their customers, who must be notified, what form the notice must take, and when it must be sent.
As organizations merge or collaborate closely, an important question is how their existing software assets should be handled. If these previously separate organizations are in the same business domain - they might even have been competitors - it is likely that they have developed similar software systems. To rationalize, these existing software assets should be integrated, in the sense that similar features should be implemented only once. The integration can be achieved in different ways. Success of it involves properly managing challenges such as making as well founded decisions as early as possible, maintaining commitment within the organization, managing the complexities of distributed teams, and synchronizing the integration efforts with concurrent evolution of the existing systems.Th...
A simple method is presented for the separation of lead-203 from copper-backed thallium cyclotron targets. The procedure involves cation-exchange chromatography in hydrochloric acid and hydrochloric acid-acetone mixtures. Further purification involves anion-exchange chromatography in nitric acid-hydrobromic acid mixtures. A cation-exchange column containing 3.0 g of resin can handle as much as 15 g of thallium and 160 mg of copper. An anion-exchange column containing 3.0 g of resin can separate lead from up to 200 mg of thallium and 10 mg of copper. Separations are extremely sharp and less than 0.1 ..mu..g of thallium and less than 0.1 ..mu..g of copper remain in the lead-203 fraction.
A simple method is presented for the separation of lead-203 from copper-backed thallium cyclotron targets. The procedure involves cation-exchange chromatography in hydrochloric acid and hydrochloric acid-acetone mixtures. Further purification involves anion-exchange chromatography in nitric acid-hydrobromic acid mixtures. A cation-exchange column containing 3.0 g of resin can handle as much as 15 g of thallium and 160 mg of copper. An anion-exchange column containing 3.0 g of resin can separate lead from up to 200 mg of thallium and 10 mg of copper. Separations are extremely sharp and less than 0.1 #mu#g of thallium and less than 0.1 #mu#g of copper remain in the lead-203 fraction. (author).
This paper addresses the unique related aspects of the LMFBR concept which are of significance to containment design and structural analysis. Topics covered include: Primary boundary integrity assurance; Effects of sodium spills on integrity of structures; Provisions being considered for containment of melted cores; Fuel handling accidents. Specific reference is made to the FFTF and the Clinch River Breeder Reactor Project designs and methods of treatment of the above problems. In particular, the part played by tests, such as those carried out on a simulated FFTF model, and the planned structural reliability and related programs are considered. Where practicable, these topics are addressed in a manner which places FFTF and CRBR in context with other LMFBR's and point to a possible direction for future American LMFBR designs. (Auth.).
This paper will adress the unique safety related aspects of the LMFBR concept which are of significance to containment design and structural analyses. Topics to be covered will include: primary boundary integrity assurance; effects of sodium spills on integrity of structures; provisions being considered for containment of melted cores; and fuel handling accidents. Specific reference will be made to the FFTF and the Clinch River Breeder Reactor Project designs and methods of treatment of the above problems. In particular, the part played by tests, such as those carried out on a simulated FFTF model, and the planned structural reliability and related programs will be considered. Where practicable, these topics will be addressed in a manner which places FFTF and CRBR in context with other LMFBR's, and will point to a possible direction for future American LMFBR designs.
The goal of this three-year project was to improve the production systems in use by steel foundries in the United States. Improvements in the production systems result in less rework, less scrap, and less material handling, all of which would significantly reduce the energy demands of the process. Furthermore, these improvements would allow the companies to be more competitive, more responsive to customers' needs, deliver products with less lead time and require less capital. The ultimate result is a stronger domestic steel casting industry, which uses less energy. A major portion of this research involved the deployment of student researchers at steel foundries, to study their production systems and collect data.
This study was developed as part of the project ?Studies for Environmental and Cultural Sustainability of the Fulni-? Medical System: Office on handling medicinal plants?. The Fulni-? people are located in Pernambuco State, Northeastern Brazil. One of the components of this project was an ethnobotanical diagnosis of the indigenous land, where a phytosociological survey was performed in an area of Caatinga vegetation, located at Ouricuri settlement. Based on these ethnobotanical data, we calculated a conservation priority index aiming to rank species that should receive immediate attention from the Fulni-? people. We identified 44 woody plants, 50% of which have a medicinal use. Among these, six plants were considered highly vulnerable and in need of immediate conservationist attention, in ...
Pilot-plant irradiation began in Hungary in 1969 with the construction of a high-activity multi-purpose /sup 60/Co facility. Technologies for radiation sterilization, food handling, plastics irradiation as well as chemical dosimetry, semiconductor instrumental dosimetry, computer-based construction and control methods have been developed. Our chlorobenzene dose-meter system is used in Hungary and abroad; as a result of an IAEA-organized dosimetric intercomparison the system was adopted as a reference system. The institute has developed into a basic institute for the reconstruction and re-load of old ..gamma..-facilities as well as it serves for the planning, construction and launching of new ones in Hungary.
We report on the implementation of an interface between the SANC generator framework for Drell-Yan hard processes, which includes next-to-leading order electroweak (NLO EW) corrections, and the Herwig++ and Pythia8 QCD parton shower Monte Carlos. A special aspect of this implementation is that the initial-state shower evolution in both shower generators has been augmented to handle the case of an incoming photon-in-a-proton, diagrams for which appear at the NLO EW level. The difference between shower algorithms leads to residual differences in the relative corrections of 2-3% in the p_T(mu) distributions at p_T(mu)>~50 GeV (where the NLO EW correction itself is of order 10%).
The point-splitting regularization technique for composite operators is discussed in connection with anomaly calculation. We present a pedagogical and self-contained review of the topic with an emphasis on the technical details. We also develop simple algebraic tools to handle the path ordered exponential insertions used within the covariant and non-covariant version of the point-splitting method. The method is then applied to the calculation of the chiral, vector, trace, translation and Lorentz anomalies within diverse versions of the point-splitting regularization and a connection between the results is described. As an alternative to the standard approach we use the idea of deformed point-split transformation and corresponding Ward-Takahashi identities rather than an application of the equation of motion, which seems to save the complexity of the calculations.
The logic named Piccolo for a picture database computer and its implementation is presented. The logic is shown to have three major advantages. One advantage is that the computer design based on this logic can handle a universal variety of pictorial data structures. Another advantage is that a set of data generated by rules such as texture distribution rules is stored in the picture computer efficiently. The third advantage is that this logic can serve as the basis of a logic for parallel processing machines. For implementation of the logic, a new methodology named architecture engineering is introduced as an architecture/design oriented methodology. Implementation case studies show the usefulness of the methodolgy. Two implementations on an abstract machine that are also on a parallel LISP machine are reported. 19 references.
One of the most important aspects of security organization is to establish a framework to identify security significant points where policies and procedures are declared. The (information) security infrastructure comprises entities, processes, and technology. All are participants in handling information, which is the item that needs to be protected. Privacy and security information technology is a critical and unmet need in the management of personal information. This paper proposes concepts and technologies for management of personal information. Two different types of information can be distinguished: personal information and nonpersonal information. Personal information can be either personal identifiable information (PII), or nonidentifiable information (NII). Security, policy, and technical requirements can be based on this distinction. At the conceptual level, PII is defined and formalized by propositions over infons (discrete pieces of information) that ...
Advances in nuclear reactor technology and the use of gas-cooled fast reactors require the development of new materials that can operate at the higher temperatures expected in these systems. These include refractory alloys base on Nb, Zr, Ta, Mo, W, and Re; ceramics and composites such as those based on silicon carbide (SiCf-SiC); carbon-carbon composites; and advanced coatings. Besides the ability to handle higher expected temperatures, effective heat transfer between reactor componets is necessary for improved efficiency. Improving thermal conductivity of the materials used in nuclear fuels and other temperature critical components can lower the center-line fuel temperature and thereby enhance durability and reduce the risk of premature failure.
Because the state of a free-floating space robot model is uncertain and sudden changes in the model parameters might undermine the stability of the system, this paper proposes a control strategy based on a variable structure neural integrated controller. This scheme does not need a precise space robot model, making use of the radial basis function neural network ability approach to learn about an uncertain model. The network weights are adjusted online in real-time. During the early period of the control phase and parameter changes, the variable structure controller compensates for the uncertain model which the neural network could not learn well. It also creates global asymptotic stability for the whole closed-loop system. Simulation results show that the controller can handle bad changea...
Level set method based segmentation provides an efficient tool for topological and geometrical shape handling. Conventional level set surfaces are only $C^0$ continuous since the level set evolution involves linear interpolation to compute derivatives. Bajaj et al. present a higher order method to evaluate level set surfaces that are $C^2$ continuous, but are slow due to high computational burden. In this paper, we provide a higher order GPU based solver for fast and efficient segmentation of large volumetric images. We also extend the higher order method to multi-domain segmentation. Our streaming solver is efficient in memory usage.
Energy International is developing a technology that will create a staged formulation with the first coal form (Mulled Coal) that can be stored, transported, and pumped. Just prior to combustion, the Mulled Coal (MC) would be modified to provide the properties needed for proper atomization. This concept is an alternative to the expensive and energy intensive thermal drying processing of fine coal wet cakes. The material is suitable for both direct feed use in conventional and fluid bed combustors as well as on-site conversion to combustible slurries. By maintaining the coal form relatively close to the feed wet cake, only minor processing with low additive levels and low energy blending needed at the point of production. Its conversion to slurry or other use-feed form is made near the time of use and thus the requirements for stability, climatic control, and other storage, transport, and handling requirements are much less severe.
A method of modeling freeze-thaw cycles of naturally deposited snowpacks is presented. The model involves the Stefan condition as an independent governing equation on the exterior moving boundary to calculate snowpack thinning, flow of water through a variably saturated layered porous medium as described by the Richards equation, and heat conduction with a phase change. The heat conduction problem was treated in two ways. Local heat conduction between a snow grain and its surrounding water film was treated by using a simple energy balance. Global heat conduction with a phase change (the Stefan problem) was introduced to calculate the space-time temperature distribution. In order to handle multiple interior moving boundaries, a specific form of the enthalpy formulation was used for heat conduction with a phase change. Changing material properties were considered according to the calculated meltwater refreezing. 48 refs., 11 figs., 2 tabs.
A study, based on a literature review was made to examine currently recommended meteorological measurement programs and diffusion prediction methods for nuclear power plants to determine their adequacy for plants located in coastal zones. Although procedures for handling the near-worst case (stable, light-wind situation) were judged adequately conservative, deficiencies in guidelines and procedures were found with respect to the following: failure to consider the role of coastal internal boundary layers; specifications for tower locations and instrument heights; methods of classifying atmospheric stability; methods of allowing credit for plume meander, and models specified for diffusion calculations. Recommendations were made for changes in the guidelines applicable to these topics. Areas in which additional research is needed were identified.
Mass and charge distributions of products from fission of sup(242m)Am induced by thermal neutrons have been investigated by means of the semiconductor spectrometry of ..gamma.. radiation from a mixture of non-separated fragment nuclei. Specimens of the fissible material have been irradiated in the vertical experimental channel of the research reactor then the measurements have been performed with calibrated semiconductor detectors. Three experiments with substantially different irradiation times have been performed to expand the nomenclature of the investigated fission products. The spectra of ..gamma.. radiation from the mixture of fission products, and time dependences of the counting rates at the total absorption peaks have been handled with computers. The obtained yields are compared with data of previous investigations performed with different experimental methods, as well as with the calculated one.
In January of 1977 the Paraho Development Company under contract with the United States Navy began a semi-works project to produce and refine up to 100,000 barrels of crude shale oil. Although the primary objective of the project was to produce specification turbine and diesel transportation fuels for field testing by the military field testing, the full-scale refinery run also produced a substantial quantity of hydrotreated shale oil residue. In 1978 the Electric Power Research Institute, recognizing the utilization potential of this material as a fuel for utility combustion turbines, obtained 4300 barrels of the residual shale oil product for future field testing. This report describes the processes involved in producing, handling, and storing the residual shale oil test material. The report also includes detailed chemical and physical analyses of the test material. In addition, guidelines which can be applied to future work with this type of synthetic fuel are ...
Electronic structure calculations frequently invoke periodic boundary conditions to solve for electrostatic potentials. For systems that are electronically charged, or contain dipole (or higher) moments, this artifice introduces spurious potentials due to the interactions between the system and multipole moments of its periodic images in aperiodic directions. I describe a method to properly handle the multipole moments of the electron density in electronic structure calculations using periodic boundary conditions. The density for which an electrostatic potential is to be evaluated is divided into two pieces. A local density is constructed that matches the desired moments of the full density, and its potential computed treating this density as isolated. With the density of this local moment countercharge removed from the full density, the remainder density lacks the troublesome moments and its electrostatic potential can be evaluated accurately using periodic ...
Vignon, M. (2011) Inference in morphological taxonomy using collinear data and small sample sizes: Monogenean sclerites (Platyhelminthes) as a case study. -Zoologica Scripta, 40, 306-316. Taxonomists and evolutionary biologists frequently use a combination of morphological measurements to distinguish between species and investigate local adaptation. However, the entire set of characters often displays various degrees of collinearity. This paper discusses the effect of using collinear data in morphological taxonomy and ways to handle multicollinearity in a classification context, with special consideration for small sample size. In addition, I propose a robust and easy-to-use combination of dimension reduction using partial least squares (PLS) with traditional discriminant methods for morph...
Hydrogenation residue is the product left over when petroleum residue feedstocks (or coal) are treated by, e.g. the Veba Combi Cracking (VCC) process. Many tests in semitechnical and full-sized coke ovens were carried out with hydrogenation residue (HR) as an additive in coking coal blends for the production of blast furnace coke or foundry coke. The results of the investigations reported in this paper demonstrate that HR is a very promising alternative for enlarging the coking coal basis compared to other processes or the use of other additives. The application of HR on an industrial scale did not indicate any negative impact on the handling of the hydrogenation residue or on the operation of the coke oven battery.
Studies continued on organic tracers for use as hydrologic tracers as part of the Yucca Mountain Site Characterization project. This subject report for the quarter 01/01/93 through 03/31/93 discusses the following issues: project organization and responsibilities; quality assurance program; design control; procurement document control; instructions, procedures, and drawings; document control; control of purchased items and services; identification and control of items; control of processes; inspection; test control; control of measuring and test equipment; handling, storage, and shipping; inspection, test, and operating status; control of nonconforming items and conditions; corrective action; quality assurance records; audits; software quality assurance; and scientific investigation.
This report is a description of the West Valley Demonstration Project`s radioactive waste storage facility, the Chemical Process Cell (CPC). This facility is currently being used to temporarily store vitrified waste in stainless steel canisters. These canisters are stacked two-high in a seismically designed rack system within the cell. Approximately 300 canisters will be produced during the Project`s vitrification campaign which began in June 1996. Following the completion of waste vitrification and solidification, these canisters will be transferred via rail or truck to a federal repository (when available) for permanent storage. All operations in the CPC are conducted remotely using various handling systems and equipment. Areas adjacent to or surrounding the cell provide capabilities for viewing, ventilation, and equipment/component access.
Through the dedicated collaborative efforts of many individuals interested in supporting local education, computer laboratories were established at two urban high schools. The purchasing and implementation of the project was handled by the Alliance for Education, a local non-profit education advocate. Funds were supplied by the Air Force as part of a 3-year research activity utilizing artificial intelligence technology to tutor 9th grade students. NCR (now AT7T Global Information Solutions) corporate leaders provided the computers and network equipment at a considerable savings to the project. Each lab is a state-of-the-art facility with air-conditioning, carpeting, special computer tables, computer projection screens, and on-site technical support. Student and teacher enthusiasm toward the project has been gratifying and quantitative results are currently being evaluated for both attitude, skills, and state proficiency tests.
A well-known diffuse interface model consists of the Navier-Stokes equations nonlinearly coupled with a convective Cahn-Hilliard type equation. This system describes the evolution of an incompressible isothermal mixture of binary-fluids and it has been investigated by many authors. Here we consider a variant of this model where the standard Cahn-Hilliard equation is replaced by its nonlocal version. More precisely, the gradient term in the free energy functional is replaced by a spatial con- volution operator acting on the order parameter phi. Therefore the coupling with the Navier-Stokes equations is difficult to handle even in two spatial dimensions because of the lack of regularity of phi. We establish the global existence of a weak solution.
ATLAS Experiment is an international collaboration where more than 37 countries, 172 institutes and laboratories, 2900 physicists, engineers, and computer scientists plus 700 students participate. The management of this teamwork involves several aspects such as institute contribution, employment records, members' appointment, authors' list, preparation and publication of papers and speakers nomination. Previously, most of the information was accessible by a limited group of people and the system used was not designed to handle new requirements easily. Moreover, developers had to face problems such as different terminology, diverse data modeling, heterogeneous databases and unlike users needs. Besides that, the maintenance has to be an easy task considering the long lifetime experiment and professionals turnover. The Glance system, a generic mechanism for accessing any database, acts as an intermediate layer isolating the user from the particularities of each ...
The nucleation and propagation of hydrofractures by injection of over pressured fluids in an elastic and isotropic medium are studied experimentally. Non-Newtonian fluids are injected inside a gelatine whose mechanical properties are assumed isotropic at the experimental strain rates. Linear elastic theory predicts that plastic deformation associated to breakage of gelatin bonds is limited to a small zone ahead of the tip of the propagating fracture and that propagation will be maintained while the fluid pressure exceeds the normal stress to the fracture walls (Ch\\'avez-\\'Alvarez,2008) (i.e., the minimum compressive stress), resulting in a single mode I fracture geometry. However, we observed the propagation of fractures type II and III as well as nucleation of secondary fractures, with oblique to perpendicular trajectories with respect to the initial fracture. In the Video (http://hdl.handle.net/1813/14122) experimental evidence shows that the fracture shape ...
Reactive chemical transport models developed over the past decade have generally relied on the assumption that local thermodynamic equilibrium is achieved at all times between aqueous species in a given system. Consequently, homogeneous aqueous systems characterized by a number of kinetically slow reactions, particularly problems involving organic species, cannot be satisfactorily modeled. In this study, we present a prototype computer model, KINETRAN, which is designed to handle kinetically-controlled homogeneous reactions in the aqueous phase, along with the transport of the various species involved, through geologic media. 31 refs., 53 figs., 10 tabs.
Fires and explosions have been identified as major potential hazards for Oil and Gas Floating Production Storage Offloading (FPSO) installations and pose risk to personnel, assets, and the environment. Current fire and explosion assessment (FEA) tools require physical effect modeling software and follows standards from API, ISO, and engineering practices. However, the tools are not specific to any particular system such as an FPSO, and do not provide comprehensive guidance for safety engineers to perform FEA. This paper discusses the development of a screening and comparison tool for FEA on FPSOs and the incorporation of an expert system into the tool. The results are computerized using MS Excel/VBA to provide a structured and comprehensive assessment on each equipment and module handling ...
The loss of seal of the H9 channel in vacuum, freeing the entire cross section of the front part, leads to a fast leak that progresses rapidly. The effect of depressurizing the reflector can leads to shutdown of the shutdown rod pumps. The source changer associated with the channel fills completely before the valve closes. All of the leak water remains contained within the source changer containment. After the valves open, cooling of the fuel element is handled by natural convection, requiring a reversal of the flow between the plates. This changeover, which takes place at a relatively low pressure level, could lead to local boiling in the fuel element. Consequently, irreversible transformations cannot be excluded as possibilities for the fuel element and even for the control rod. Subsequently, the can is refilled with heavy water with establishment of the usual pressure levels.
A major deficiency of current photon calculation methods that are based on the concept of primary and scatter separation is their inability to handle the condition of electronic disequilibrium. This deficiency is examined and it is shown that the limitation is not inherent in the algorithms themselves but is, at least in part, in the data which the algorithms use. A new concept of primary and scatter separation is developed to cover the condition of electronic disequilibrium. This new concept requires little change to the existing algorithms and only additional data are required, which are generated using Monte Carlo calculation methods. The new concept is tested using programs in the Theratronics Theraplan treatment-planning system, and two calculation examples illustrate the ability to model electron transport and also the improvement over the existing algorithms. Close analogy of the extended concept with the convolution/superposition method of dose calculation ...
Due to the ever-increasing demand for electric power in India, the production of steam (non-coking) coal will continuously increase. Since most Indian coals contain high ash-forming minerals which result in the increased costs of transportation, boiler maintenance and refuse handling, the use of pre-combustion washing becomes a viable concept. However, many professionals in the Indian mining industry have debated on which of the many benefication techniques is the most appropriate for the pre-combustion cleaning. Through the comprehensive study presented herein, it is found that heavy media separation is more suitable than the jig process for most of the Indian coals. A discussion and flowsheet for the state-of-the-art plant design called the High Capacity Processor (HCP) using advanced coal cleaning techniques are presented.
Degradation of blast furnace coke during handling and transport can produce up to 5% of -10 mm size and so reduce the +80 mm component to less than 2-4%. In shatter tests the action is one of crushing, creating smaller pieces out of a large piece and so, in effect, increasing uniformity and strength. Different size cokes differ in strength and physico-chemical properties, and are also affected by the quenching method (wet or dry) used. The most important parameter as far as blast furnace coke is concerned, in the interests of uniform size and sustained strength, is the M10 index, showing the yield of -10 mm fines, as it is these which detract from furnace performance. (9 refs.)
The introduction of tolerance to radiation (''radiation-hardness'') into large electronic systems is one of the major tasks to which this Handbook will be put. The practices recommended here for inculcating radiation-tolerance in equipment require advanced physical modeling techniques, precise engineering procedures, and firm assurance procedures. The degree to which these procedures should be used in an equipment project can be measured by the severity of the raw radiation environment, the desired reliability of the system, and the requirement of that project for radiation-sensitive technologies. The balance of device/circuit design versus shielding will depend on whether the radiation is highly penetrating -- as in isotope handling or military environments -- or readily attenuated, as in space. In this chapter the authors have attempted to summarize the essential features of the radiation hardening of large assemblies of equipment and how effective control of ...
Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) provides mechanisms for reliable data communications. Although it works well in wired networks, it fails to offer satisfactory performance in lossy and wireless environments. And in the multi-hop wireless infrastructure, packet delivery suffers high cumulative loss rate if traveling over multiple wireless hops. The Selective acknowledgment (SACK) is one header option that might be used to combat segment corruptions in air channels. In this paper, an alternative set of flow control mechanisms is proposed to handle high packet loss rate in a wireless medium. Using a measurement-based mechanism, sustainable segment delivery is achievable through a novel size-reduction method. Multiple segment retransmission mechanisms are introduced to reduce successive tim...
This paper discusses the application of L1-regularized maximum entropy modeling or SL1-Max [9] to multiclass categorization problems. A new modification to the SL1-Max fast sequential learning algorithm is proposed to handle conditional distributions. Furthermore, unlike most previous studies, the present research goes beyond a single type of conditional distribution. It describes and compares a variety of modeling assumptions about the class distribution (independent or exclusive) and various types of joint or conditional distributions. It results in a new methodology for combining binary regularized classifiers to achieve multiclass categorization. In this context, Maximum Entropy can be considered as a generic and efficient regularized classification tool that matches or outperforms the state-of-the art represented by AdaBoost and SVMs.
Dislocation priming measurements were performed in the kHz range in ASARCO copper. The samples and irradiation facilities are constructed so as to allow successive irradiation of samples both with electrons and gamma rays. The gamma rays were produced by stopping 2.8-MeV electrons in a gold target. The change of the type of irradiation could be achieved without any handling of the sample. Thus it is possible to detect rather small differences between the two types of irradiation. Recovery experiments at 400 deg K after 75 deg K irradiation and pinning rates during irradiation at 400 deg K and 75 deg K were made. (GE)
A new interest in magnesium alloys has arisen since light-weight constructions have become more and more attractive. Products that are currently available are mostly cast, forged, and extruded. A cost-effective production of sheet metals will render new perspectives in the design of light-weight constructions. The development of new casting technologies like thin slab casting or strip casting with an in-line rolling process is expected to result in a shorter processing time featuring a high potential of saving energy, time, and cost. Particular attention is paid to the casting process parameters such as casting speed and solidification speed. This article deals with some aspects of a magnesium-adapted single-belt caster. Results of casting experiments and material examination are shown as well as some advices given concerning safety and handling of liquid magnesium. (orig.)
A pipeless batch plant is a batch processing production system using mobile vessels. The plant performances depend on both hardware of equipment and software of operation. So the plant includes many design factors such as number of vessels, stations and AGVS, layout of stations, vessel moving rules, job scheduling and so on. In this paper, the characteristics of pipeless batch plant design are considered to handle the problem by the systems engineering approach. Then, a practical design method known as design-by-analysis is applied to solve such a complex design problem. Based on this concept, a design support system composed of modeling, simulation and evaluation subsystems is developed. This system enables rational decision making through performance evaluation for proposed design of a pipeless batch plant. The usefulness of the system is illustrated by industrial examples. 12 refs., 8 figs., 6 tabs.
The present paper describes the development of a radon standard source for use in establishing the traceability of radon concentration measurements in air. Previously, radon generated by bubbling air through a radium salt solution was widely used for calibration of radon measurement equipment; however, the handling of a solid-phase radon source is easier. In the present study, the radioactivity of radon released in a vapor phase was determined from the difference between the radioactivity of the radium and the residual radon progenies in the source. A germanium detector, calibrated using gamma reference sources, was used for these radioactivity measurements. Under equilibrium conditions the radioactivity of the radon released from the radium source was found to be 988 Bq. The source was sealed in a stainless-steel container having a nominal capacity of 6 l to produce a radon standard source of density of 167.5 [Bq/l].
To investigate the 2D/1D fusion core analysis method, a 1D neutron transport problem solver, PEACH-ID, is developed. It is a code of method of characteristics (MOC), both the usual fiat-source step characteristics (SC) scheme and linear source (LS) approximation scheme are adopted for tracking calculation along the neutron flying trajectory. Exponential function interpolation table and fission source extrapolation are adopted as two major methods to accelerate the computational process. Numerical results demonstrate that PEACH-1D is accurate and efficient, and the proposed LS scheme is able to handle quite larger mesh division and deserves much more application in the MOC codes. (authors)
We present the recent results of our research on the high power ultra-fast silicon RF switches. This switch is composed of a group of PIN diodes on a high purity silicon wafer. The wafer is inserted into a cylindrical waveguide under TE{sub 01} mode, performing switching by injecting carriers into the bulk silicon. Our current design uses a CMOS compatible process and the device was fabricated at SNF (Stanford Nanofabrication Facility). 300 ns switching time has been observed, while the switching speed can be improved further with 3-D device structure and faster driving circuit. Power handling capacity of the switch is at the level of 10 MW. The switch was designed for active X-band RF pulse compression systems--especially for NLC, but it is also possible to be modified for other applications and other frequencies.
The Reliability Data Management System (RDMS) for safety systems of PHWR type plants has been developed and utilized in the reliability analysis of the special safety systems of Wolsong Unit 1 with plant overhaul period lengthened. The RDMS is developed for the periodic efficient reliability analysis of the safety systems of Wolsong Unit 1. In addition, this system provides the function of analyzing the effects on safety system unavailability if the test period of a test procedure changes as well as the function of optimizing the test periods of safety-related test procedures. The RDMS can be utilized in handling the requests of the regulatory institute actively with regard to the reliability validation of safety systems.
The report gives background design data for a specific copper smelter. The data is sufficiently detailed to allow air pollution control system engineering studies to be conducted. These studies will be concerned primarily with lean SO/sub 2/ streams that currently are not being captured. Physical layout of the smelter and the surrounding area is presented, along with existing control equipment. Ductwork that would be considered for future system tie-in is defined. Emissions from operating equipment, gas flow rates, temperatures, sulfur balance, and a process flow sheet are included. Utilities, stack dimensions, footing requirements, and solid waste handling are defined. Available area for new control equipment, gas characteristic variation, and potential new control equipment installation problems are discussed. Portions of this document are not fully legible. (GRA)
The report gives background design data for a specific copper smelter. The data is sufficiently detailed to allow air pollution control system engineering studies to be conducted. These studies will be concerned primarily with lean SO/sub 2/ streams that currently are not being captured. Physical layout of the smelter and the surrounding area is presented, along with existing control equipment. Ductwork that would be considered for future system tie-in is defined. Emissions from operating equipment, gas flow rates, temperatures, sulfur balance, and a process flow sheet are included. Utilities, stack dimensions, footing requirements, and solid waste handling are defined. Available area for new control equipment, gas characteristic variation, and potential new control equipment installation problems are discussed. (GRA)
Multi-criteria group decision making (MCGDM) aims to support preference-based decision over the available alternatives that are characterized by multiple criteria in a group. To increase the level of overall satisfaction for the final decision across the group and deal with uncertainty in decision process, a fuzzy MCGDM process (FMP) model is established in this study. This FMP model can also aggregate both subjective and objective information under multi-level hierarchies of criteria and evaluators. Based on the FMP model, a fuzzy MCGDM decision support system (called Decider) is developed, which can handle information expressed in linguistic terms, boolean values, as well as numeric values to assess and rank a set of alternatives within a group of decision makers. Real applications indic...
We analyse the issues involved in the management and mining of astrophysical data. The traditional approach to data management in the astrophysical field is not able to keep up with the increasing size of the data gathered by modern detectors. An essential role in the astrophysical research will be assumed by automatic tools for information extraction from large datasets, i.e. data mining techniques, such as clustering and classification algorithms. This asks for an approach to data management based on data warehousing, emphasizing the efficiency and simplicity of data access; efficiency is obtained using multidimensional access methods and simplicity is achieved by properly handling metadata. Clustering and classification techniques, on large datasets, pose additional requirements: computational and memory scalability with respect to the data size, interpretability and objectivity of clustering or classification results. In this study we address some possible ...
The Department of Energy (DOE) policy requires that all DOE activities be conducted in a manner that protects the safety of the public and provides a safe and healthful workplace for employees. DOE has also prescribed that all personnel be protected in any explosives operation undertaken. The level of safety provided shall be at least equivalent to that of the best industrial practice. The risk of death or serious injury shall be limited to the lowest practicable minimum. DOE and contractors shall continually review their explosives operations with the aim of achieving further refinements and improvements in safety practices and protective features. This manual describes the Department's explosive safety requirements applicable to operations involving the development, testing, handling, and processing of explosives or assemblies containing explosives. It is intended to reflect the state-of-the-art in explosives safety. In addition, it is essential that ...
A state-of-the-art review and assessment of storage effects on crude oil and product quality was undertaken through a literature search by computer accessing several data base sources. Pertinent citations from that literature search are tabulated for the years 1980 to the present. This 1990 revision supplements earlier reviews by Brinkman and others which covered stability publications through 1979 and an update in 1983 by Goetzinger and others that covered the period 1952--1982. For purposes of organization, citations are listed in the current revision chronologically starting with the earliest 1980 publications. The citations have also been divided according to primary subject matter. Consequently 11 sections appear including: alternate fuels, gasoline, distillate fuel, jet fuel, residual fuel, crude oil, biodegradation, analyses, reaction mechanisms, containment, and handling and storage. Each section contains a brief narrative followed by all the citations for ...
In equipment industries, the equipments handling industrial water and pure water are numerous. In power generation including nuclear power generation, water serves as a working medium. Review is made on the experiences in the corrosion of iron and nickel base alloys in high temperature, high pressure water and the results of researches derived from them. Under high temperature and high pressure, carbon steel, low alloy steel, stainless steel and high nickel alloy cause corrosion even in pure water. But in the case of serious corrosion, chlorine, oxygen, alkali and others in water take part. The following matters are described: corrosion by steam; stress corrosion cracking in pure water; corrosion by impurities in high temperature, high pressure pure water, i.e. chlorine ions, dissolved oxygen, and alkali; corrosion under radiation. (J.P.N.).
Whereas in part 1 and 2 the detailed observation equations of terrestrial type for an integrated geodetic model are presented this paper will outline how the theory is transferred in an operational program. The main lines of functions of the FORTRAN IV program are discussed. Since the input specifications as well as the data requirements are described in detail and illustrated by example of input and output part 3 can serve as an user-guide for OPERA. OPERA is an acronym for operational adjustment. Besides the integrated determination of 3D-geocentric coordinates and the gravity disturbing potential the program can handle all cases of traditional geodesy (in total 13 variants of solution are provided) equivalent also with adjustments in ellipsoidal coordinates B, L or H, as well as constrained adjustments, pure prediction of the gravity disturbing field, etc.
Computer software for risk assessment of transportation of important freight has been developed. It incorporates models of transport accidents, including terrorist attacks. These models use, among the others, input data of cartographic character. Geographic information system technology and electronic maps of a geographic area are involved as an instrument for handling this kind of data. Fuzzy set theory methods as well as standard methods of probability theory have been used for quantitative risk assessment. Fuzzy algebraic operations and their computer realization are discussed. Risk assessment for one particular route of railway transportation is given as an example. (author)
The present emphasis on inherent safety for LMR designs has resulted in a need to represent the various reactivity feedback mechanisms as accurately as possible. The dominant negative reactivity feedback has been found to result from radial expansion of the core for most postulated ATWS events. For this reason, a more detailed model for calculating the reactivity feedback from radial core expansion has been recently developed for use with the SASSYS/SAS4A Code System. The purpose of this summary is to present an extension to the model so that it is more suitable for handling a core restraint design as used in FFTF, and to compare the SASSYS/SAS4A results using this model to the empirical correlation presently being used to account for radial core expansion reactivity feedback to FFTF.
A total of 48 papers were presented, and covered the following topics: the current situation in Pakistan with respect to development and utilization of coal resources; the policies that have been responsible for the development and utilization of coal resources in Pakistan; coal development and utilization in other developing nations e.g. Indonesia, Greece, Philippines, China, Thailand and Haiti; and technological developments in coal exploration; extraction, handling, transport and utilization which could accelerate future development of Pakistan's coal resources. Specific subjects covered include the use of coal in the cement industry of Pakistan; the production of briquettes for domestic use, development and training of personnel for the coal industry; and sources of finance for coal development projects. Particular emphasis is given throughout the conference to the Lakhra coal mine/power plant project which aims to develop and effectively utilize the ...
Anti-reflective coatings made with Teflon AF2400 had the highest damage thresholds recorded for physical vapor deposited coatings at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory damage facility. Physical vapor deposited layers of Teflon AF2400, a perfluorinated amorphous polymer, maintained the bulk optical properties of a high transmittance from 200 nm to 1600 nm, and a low refractive index. In addition, the refractive index can be intentionally reduced by control of two common deposition parameters, deposition rate and substrate temperature. Scanning electron microscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance observations indicated that morphological changes caused the variations in the refractive index rather than compositional changes. The coatings adhered to fused silica and silicon wafers under normal laboratory handling conditions.
The facilities in the Institute for Nuclear Research at Pitesti allow the testing, handling and examination of nuclear fuel and irradiated materials. The most important facilities are the TRIGA Steady State Research and Material Test Reactor and the Post-Irradiation Examination Laboratory (PIEL). The purpose of this work is to determine by post-irradiation examination, the behavior of CANDU fuel, irradiated in 14 MW TRIGA reactor. The fuel was irradiated in power ramp conditions. The results of post-irradiation examination are: - Visual inspection and photography of the outer appearance of sheath; - Profilometry (diameter, bending, ovality) and length measuring; - Determination of axial and radial distribution of the fusion products activity by gamma scanning and tomography; - Microstructural characterization by metallographic and ceramographic analyzes; - Mechanical properties determination. The data obtained from the post-irradiation examination are used to ...
The prototype Bragg Curve Counter (BCC) has been tested by {alpha}-source ({sup 241}Am) with a continuous gas flow system (P-10: 90% Ar+10% CH{sub 4}, at 300Torr). Two types of the Frisch grid were prepared for the BCC. One was made of expanded metal meshes, which consist of 175 meshes/inch{sup 2} with a 100{mu}m{sup t} nickel sheet. The other was made of a 1mm pitch wire with {phi} 50 {mu}m of the tungsten. The shape of Bragg peak signal was compared each other. It was found that the energy spectrum obtained by the wire grid is a little sharper than that obtained by the meshes grid. However the meshes grid is superior than the wire grid so far as handling and durability are concerned. (author).
Microbonding of the CMS Tracker Inner Barrel (TIB) and Tracker Inner Disks (TID) modules was shared among six different Italian Institutes. The organization devised and the infrastructure deployed to handle this task is illustrated. Microbonding specifications and procedures for the different types of TIB and TID modules are given. The tooling specially designed and developed for these types of modules is described. Experience of production is presented. Attained production rates are given. An analysis of the microbonding quality achieved is presented, based on bond strengths measured in sample bond pull tests as well as on rates of bonding failures. Italian Bonding Centers routinely performed well above minimum specifications and a very low global introduced failure rate, at the strip level, of only $\\sim$0.015 \\% is observed.
Summary Large body size hinders locomotor performance in ways that may lead to trade-offs in predator foraging ability that limit the net predatory benefit of larger size. For example, size-related improvements in handling prey may come at the expense of pursuing prey and thus negate any enhancement in overall predatory performance due to increasing size. This hypothesis was tested with longitudinal data from repeated observations of 94 individually known wolves (Canis lupus) hunting elk (Cervus elaphus) in Yellowstone National Park, USA. Wolf size was estimated from an individually based sex-specific growth model derived from body mass measurements of 304 wolves. Larger size granted individual wolves a net predatory advantage despite substantial variation in its effect on the performance ...
Kawasaki Steel started the construction of an automatic steel strip coil transportation system in the 1980's. Presently, most of the in-plant transportation of hot-rolled or cold-rolled coils are automated. For establishing the automatic transportation, there were developed various technologies, such as, the optimum handling technology using artificial intelligence, the technology of preventing additional piling of coils on existing coils by using an ultrasonic wave and a laser beam. Through the improvements of these technologies, a full-automated transportation system has been achieved and the system has contributed substantially toward product quality assurance and cost reduction. This paper gives the changes in the automation technology of coil transportation in the automation of No. 3 finishing hot rolling mill, now having the latest automatic system, in Chiba Works. (author)
The overall aim is to develope programme modules for a Danish integrated computer system for projecting buildings and to ensure that Danish programmes are compatible with international systems. The programmes to be integrated here were AutoCAD and SCRIBE-Models and the simulation programme tsbi3 for the calculation of indoor climate conditions, power demand and energy consumption in buildings. For the calculation of humidity and temperature conditions in constructions a certain amount of integration is carried out with the MATCH programme (Moisture And Temperature calculations for Constructions of Hygroscopic materials). The activities embodied in the pilot projects are described in this working report in addition to individual computer programmes and prototypes, and examples and diagrams are presented. The programmes described deal with handling design elements in relation to AutoCAD designs, and the formatting of a building`s data from AutoCAD to tsbi3 format. ...
In the analysis of power systems security, recently a new concern related to possible malicious attacks caught much attention. Coordination among different transmission system operators (TSO) in an interconnected power system to counteract such attacks has become an important problem. This paper presents a general framework for describing the physical, cyber and decision-making aspects of the problem and their interrelations; within this framework, an analytic tool for the assessment of information impacts in handling on-line security after a malicious attack is proposed and discussed. The model is based on the socially rational multi-agent systems and the equilibrium of a fictitious play is considered to analyze the impacts of various levels of information available to the interconnected system operators on the outcomes of the decision-making process under attack. A 34-buses test system, with 3 systems interconnected by tie-lines, is presented to illustrate the ...
The assessment and control of fetal exposure to radiation in the workplace is an issue that is complicated by both biological and political/social ramifications. As a result of the dramatic increase in the number of women employed as radiation workers during the past 10 years, many facilities using radioactive materials have instituted fetal protection programs with special requirements for female radiation workers. It is necessary, however, to ensure that any fetal protection program be developed in such a way as to be nondiscriminatory. A study has been initiated whose purpose is to balance the political/social and the biological ramifications associated with occupational protection of the developing embryo/fetus. Several considerations are involved in properly balancing these factors. These considerations include appropriate methods of declaring the pregnancy, training workers, controlling the dose to the embryo/fetus, measuring and calculating the dose to the embryo/fetus, and ...
Dryout predictions using a multi-flood model for the annular two-phase flow regime are compared against dryout data obtained for BWR condition. The multifluid model treats two-phase flow as composed of distinct fluid regions (fluids) and individual conservation equations are applied to each fluid. Dryout is assumed to occur when flow rate of one of the liquid films becomes zero. The factor is extended to cover dryout data for very short boiling lengths. The present study involves wide ranges in geometries, heat flux distributions, and fluid concentrations. The accuracy of dryout power prediction is found to be as good as that of empirical correlations. It is confirmed that within a single analytical framework, the model can handle various classes of dryout analyses whereas the existing equilibrium models cannot.
During FY1997, the JMTR was operated for 3 complete cycles (120th, 121st and 122nd cycles) and was utilized for the research and development programs on the technology of LWRs and fusion reactor, as well as for fundamental research of fuels and materials, and for radioisotope productions. The improvement of evaluation technique in a local neutron spectrum for irradiation utilization and development of capsule having the vertical migration, the reinstrumentation and loading mechanism have been carried out. Development of a new oxygen potential sensor for oxide fuel pellets has been done as an elemental technology of irradiation for high burn-up fuels. As for post irradiation examination, the techniques for measuring of crack length using an alternating current potential drop method and machining of miniaturized specimen by the remote handling have been developed. A research on the blanket materials and components for thermonuclear fusion reactor were also ...
The handling of physical-nuclear techniques for the analysis of archaeological pieces it was carried out by first time in 1956 by the doctors Oppenheimer and Dodsom (in the United States); who wrote about the wide utilities of the neutron activation analysis (NAA), this technique requires of a nuclear reactor that could be considered like one a factory of thermal neutrons necessary to carry out this analysis. The first experiments in that were applied the NAA were on ceramic coming from the Mediterranean, in those that the relationships of the elements of sodium and manganese were determined to know their elementary composition and to identify the origin of their manufacture. Later on other study techniques were applied in archaeological materials, as the X-ray fluorescence, Moessbauer spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, PIXE analysis (particle induced x-ray emission), among other, this last is the matter that we will present in this work. (Author)
An analytical model is proposed for the design and simulation of in-situ fracture of deep oil sand formations. This model is based on the finite element variational principle in conjunction with special empirical modules to characterize in-situ oil sands behavior. A computer code by the name of SANFRAC was developed to handle the dynamic fracture of formations induced by explosives. Simulation of hydraulic fracture processes can be treated by the same code as special cases using the quasi-static analysis. Numerical case studies by the SANFRAC code indicate that extensive horizontal fracture can be achieved by dynamic loads with proper fracture starters configured at the injection well. The unique advantage of the dynamic fracturing technique over the hydraulic fracture methods is also demonstrated by these studies.
A robust adaptive Power System Stabilizer algorithm using a Generalized Multivariable Pole Shifting (GMPS) technique is presented in this paper. The algorithm handles systems with equal or unequal numbers of inputs and outputs, therefore both shaft speed as well as the generator power are used to derive the stabilizing control. The technique also provides a simple scheme of on-line self-searching pole shifting factor to meet the excitation control limits. The application of the proposed stabilizer to a simulated generator excitation control under a wide range of operating and disturbance conditions demonstrates that the new control strategy is superior to conventional Power System Stabilizer (PSS) and the widely accepted Minimum Variance Self-Tuning Controller (MVSTC).
The 5-th International conference 'Nuclear and Radiation Physics' was held in Almaty (Kazakhstan) 26-29 September 2005. Besides basic problems of nuclear and solid state physics the conference paid considerable attention to applied topics important for industry and science in Kazakhstan; they include fuel and construction materials for nuclear power production, new technologies and materials for their production, materials for hydrogen power production, handling and utilization of radioactive waste, analytical methods for combating with illicit trafficking of nuclear and radioactive materials, technologies for reduction and assessment of environmental risk from radiation-hazardous materials and sites, production and application of isotopes, application of nuclear technologies in medicine and industry. On the conference more than 300 papers were presented by participants from 20 countries.
We present ANAPPRES V1.0, the first version of a computerized expert system capable of analyzing constant- and variable-flowrate interference tests, in which there is one active well and an arbitrary number of observation wells, in liquid-saturated homogeneous reservoirs. ANAPPRES successfully couples mathematical models, optimization techniques, heuristic knowledge and computerized graphics, a combination not often found in published expert systems. Its main advantages are that it is user friendly, requires essentially no experience on the part of the analyst, eliminates subjectivity associated with earlier techniques of analysis, can handle complex cases and large data sets, completes the analysis of even the most complex cases (including plotting the results) in one run, and is significantly faster than a human expert.
The six-axes industrial robot MANUTEC r15 UW was modified to work underwater and successfully tested down to the simulated water depth of 1100 m. Next step in the program was to use this robot as a handling tool for inspection tasks at the welding seam of an underwater structure conducted with CCD-cameras and distance sensors. This was also to demonstrate the possibility to assist and later on to replace divers from this work. Additional research was focussed on the stiffness and rigidity of the robot during the precise guiding of tools and workpieces under current water conditions up to a flow velocity of 1.1 m/s. Present work is concentrated on the application of this subsea robot on a maintenance task at the Brazilian underwater template OCTOS-1000. For this experiments the robot is integrated in a large mock-up which simulates a quarter section of this template. (orig.)
ObjectivesThe development of novel formulations of nanoparticles in the nanotechnology industry and their increasing importance and use in industry means there is certainty of human environmental exposures in both the workplace and the general environment. The pulmonary route of exposure to airborne nanoparticles is a major one, as nanoparticles are handled in industry, escape from workplaces and products containing nanoparticles undergo attrition in the environment. There is a substantial problem for ris [continued...]DescriptionNanoparticles are extremely small particles, each individual particlel being less than one ten millionth of a metre in size. We are exposed to nanoparticles in busy streets as they are present in traffic exhaust produced from combustion of fuel and such nanoparticles are considered to be important in causing the harmful effects associated with exposure to air pollution. There are other situations where nanoparticles are found in the air, ...
This paper presents a patient specific deformable heart model that involves the known electrical and mechanical properties of the cardiac cells and tissue. The whole heart model comprises ten Tusscher's ventricular and Nygren's atrial cell models, the anatomical and electrophysiological model descriptions of the atria (introduced by Harrild et al.) and ventricle (given by Winslow et al.), and the mechanical model of the periodical cardiac contraction and resting phenomena proposed by Moireau et al. During the propagation of the depolarization wave, the kinetic, compositional and rotational anisotropy is handled by the tissue, organ and torso model. The applied patient specific parameters were determined by an evolutionary computation method. An intensive parameter reduction was performed u...
Event generators that handle neutrino-nucleon interaction have been developed for the FLUKA code [1]. In earlier FLUKA versions only quasi-elastic (QEL) interactions were included, and the code relied on external event generators for the resonance (RES) and deep inelastic scattering (DIS). The new DIS+RES event generator is fully integrated in FLUKA and uses the same hadronization routines as those used for simulating hadron-nucleon interactions. Nuclear effects in neutrino-nucleus interactions are simulated within the same framework as in the FLUKA hadron-nucleus interaction model (PEANUT), thus profiting from its detailed physics modelling and longstanding benchmarking. The generators are available in the standard FLUKA distribution. They are presently under development and several improvements are planned to be implemented. The physics relevant to the neutrino-nucleon interactions and the results of comparisons with experimental data are discussed.
This paper proposes a framework based completely on Java technology. The advantages brought about by the use of Java in network management answer some critical problems existing in current systems. With this work we address several factors concerning interoperability and security in heterogeneous network environments. Specifically, we present a manager application and a multithreaded agent engine that make use of a lightweight communication mechanism for message exchange. A MIB parser is introduced to accelerate handling of incoming management requests, and the RSA public-key cryptosystem is implemented to provide both encryption and authentication features. Results, measured in terms of response time, compare favourably with other published work and standard management frameworks.
The effect of ion implantation on the aqueous corrosion resistance of Zr-4 in deaerated 1N H_2SO_4 was studied with the potentiokinetic technique. The Zr-4 alloy was bombarded with 5x10"1"4-2x10"1"6 Ar/cm"2 of 190 keV. It was found that the passive current density of Zr-4 decreases with increasing implantation dose. Photoelectrochemical results show that the ion implantation of Ar in Zr-4 raises the flatband potential of its passive film. AES was employed to analyze the surface of the passive film of Zr-4. The decrease in passive current density may be attributed to a thickening oxide layer on Zr-4 and a decrease in concentration of oxygen vacancies in its passive film. ((orig.)).
The dependence of melting temperature T m on the size and shape of an n -dimensional nanocrystal of elementary single-component substance is studied. The nanocrystal has the form of an n-dimensional parallelepiped with a square base. The ratio of the length of side rib to the length of base rib (which is equal to f) defines the form of the system. It is demonstrated that, if the surface pressure is ignored, the value of T m decreases with isomorphic (f = const) decrease in the size of nanocrystal. In so doing, the more the value of form parameter f deviates from unity, the more appreciable the size dependence of T m will be. However, if the surface pressure (?Laplace pressure??) is taken into account in the case of decrease in size, the value of T m may vary significantly. In so doing, if ...
Magnesium alloys are ideal candidates to benefit from equal channel angular extrusion (ECAE) because of their poor forming characteristics due to a hcp structure. In this study, ECAE processing was applied to ZK31 and AZ31 magnesium alloys under various conditions. The grain size of as-ECAE specimens decreases with decreasing the processing temperature, however, the grain size decreases slightly with increasing number of repetitive processing. Both the tensile strength and 0.2% proof stress of as-ECAE specimens are high when processed at low temperature, but the elongation is high when processed at high temperature. Crystal orientation is different in the two alloys and it also varies according to the processing temperature for the two alloys. The difference of the crystal orientation influences the tensile properties, especially 0.2% proof stress. (orig.)
The present study was designed with an aim to analyze the effect of acute aluminium phosphide (ALP) exposure (10mg/kg b.wt, intragastrically) on the kinetic characteristics of cytochrome oxidase and energy metabolism in male Wistar rat liver mitochondria. Liver mitochondrial preparations from ALP-treated rats exhibited significant decrease (66%) in the activity of cytochrome oxidase suggesting that there was a decrease in the catalytic efficiency of the active oxidase molecules on ALP treatment. The decreased activity of cytochrome oxidase with altered NADH and succinic dehydrogenase activities might have contributed towards a significant decline in state 3 and state 4 respiration as observed. These alterations in the electron transport chain complexes in turn adversely affected the ATP sy...
Mutations in sclerostin function or expression cause sclerosing bone dysplasias, involving decreased antagonism of Wnt/Lrp5 signaling. Conversely, deletion of the VHL tumor suppressor in osteoblasts, which stabilize HIF-a isoforms and thereby enables HIF-a/b-driven gene transcription, increases bone mineral content and cross-sectional area compared to wild-type controls. We examined the influence of cellular hypoxia (1% oxygen) upon sclerostin expression and canonical Wnt signaling. Osteoblasts and osteocytes cultured under hypoxia revealed decreased sclerostin transcript and protein, and increased expression and nuclear localization of activated b-catenin. Similarly, both hypoxia and the hypoxia mimetic DFO increased b-catenin gene reporter activity. Hypoxia and its mimetics increased exp...
A series of SiAlON materials with a cordierite-based matrix were annealed for different lengths of time to cause crystallization of the glass phase. Their fracture toughness, hardness, and elastic modulus were measured from room temperature up to 1100"0C. The fracture toughness generally decreased with temperature. Short time annealing raised toughness at lower temperatures, while further annealing lowered it back to the value for as-hot pressed materials. At higher test temperatures annealing had no effect on toughness. This annealing behavior is significantly different from that previously reported in the system SaAlON-YAG. Hardness decreased monotonically with temperature for all samples. Both hardness and the elastic modulus were not affected by the annealing treatment. At elevated temperatures appreciable scatter of modulus results allowed only a rough trend of decrease with temperature to be observed.
Deferoxamine (DFA) (250 mg/kg), orally administered to rats, decreased Pu absorption from orally administered "2"3"8Pu(NO_3)_4 by about 1/3. The calcium salt of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Ca-DTPA), given orally 5 to 10 min after the Pu, increased absorption about four times. DFA given 10 min before the DTPA decreased the effect of the latter by a factor of two. Deferoxamine administration prior to inhalation treatment of man with DTPA may be one way to decrease possible DTPA-enhanced gut absorption of Pu.
Heavily doped emitters with low saturation current density are of particular interest for selective emitter solar cells. These emitters can be obtained by laser doping through the phosphosilicate glass layer formed after thermal diffusion from POCl3 gas. The experimental results show that in contrast to purely POCl3 furnace-diffused emitters, the saturation current density of laser-doped emitters does not increase linearly as sheet resistance decreases, but rather features two distinct regimes. In one of these regimes, the saturation current density is found to decrease as the sheet resistance decreases, reaching values lower than those of furnace emitters. This peculiar behaviour was explained by both qualitative analysis and numerical simulations.
Bent specimens of A533B steel (0.16wt% Cu) were irradiated at 290degreeC to 1dpa with 6.4MeV Fe3+ ions. Calculated tensile stresses at the irradiated surface were set to 0, 250, 500 and 750MPa. The specimens were subjected to hardness measurements, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations and three-dimensional atom probe (3DAP) analysis. The radiation-induced hardening decreased with increasing stress to 500MPa which was near the yield strength. TEM and 3DAP results showed that well-defined dislocation loops and solute clusters were formed. The diameter of dislocation loops increased and the number density decreased when the stress was applied, whereas the diameter and number density of solute clusters decreased. The hardening was mainly attributed to solute cluster formation. A...
Fyn is a Src-family tyrosine kinase that affects long term potentiation (LTP), synapse formation, and learning and memory. Fyn is also implicated in dendritic spine formation both in vitro and in vivo. However, whether Fyn's regulation of dendritic spine formation is brain-region specific and age-dependent is unknown. In the present study, we systematically examined whether Fyn altered dendritic spine density and morphology in the cortex and hippocampus and if these effects were age-dependent. We found that Fyn knockout mice trended toward a decrease in dendritic spine density in cortical layers II/III, but not in the hippocampus, at 1month of age. Additionally, Fyn knockout mice had significantly decreased dendritic spine density in both the cortex and hippocampus at 3months and 1year, an...
In the dehydrodesulfurization of ethanethiol at 400/sup 0/C, the activities of sodium X, Y, and A zeolites decreased in the order given as did the activities of nickel, cobalt, zinc, cadmium, copper, silver, lead, manganese, barium, calcium, sodium, and iron Y zeolite catalysts. A volcano-shape order was observed between the catalytic activity and the electronegativity of the metal ions. The changes in the activity of hydrogen Y zeolite catalyst in ethanethiol dehydrodesulfurization and cumene dealkylation by calcination agreed with the decrease in the Broensted acidity but were independent of Lewis acidity. For hydrodesulfurization of thiophene, the activities of nickel, cobalt, copper, and silver Y zeolite catalysts decreased in the order given and were greater than for a commercial hydrodesulfurization catalyst; reduced and presulfided catalysts showed selective hydrodesulfurization activity. Addition of 5% of nickel or ...
The report presents an integrated software system developed at the Norwegian Electric Power Research Institute (EFI), for production scheduling, maintenance handling, network security analysis, inflow forecasting, and load forecasting. The integrated software is being developed with focus on hydro-dominated power supply systems. In specific terms it is expected that application of the software will improve the operational decisions, and make the planning process more effective. The optimal scheduling of hydro resources poses severe computational problems in system operations planning. This necessitates problem decomposition. In the EFI approach, planning is split into three main levels: long-term, mid-term and short-term planning. The long-term planning aims at evaluating the seasonal and pluriannual handling of regional storages in view of firm power supply obligations, inflow statistics, main hydraulic and electric transit limitations, and ...
This report documents a one-dimensional numerical model, SAMFT1D, developed to simulate single-phase and multiphase fluid flow and solute transport in variably saturated porous media. The formulation of the governing equations and the numerical procedures used in the code for single-phase and multiphase flow and transport are presented. The code is constructed to handle single-phase as well as two or three-phase flow conditions using two integrated sets of computational modules. The fully implicit scheme is used in the code for both single-phase and multiphase flow simulations. Either the Crank-Nicholson scheme or the fully implicit scheme may be used in the transport simulation. The single-phase modules employ the Galerkin and upstream weighted residual finite element techniques to model flow and transport of water (aqueous phase) containing dissolved single-species contaminants concurrently or sequentially, and include the treatment of various boundary conditions ...
The first essential before embarking on the radiation-hardening of electrical insulation - mostly magnet coils - in any beam line application is to obtain a reliable estimate of the dose to the components. These are examples ( switchyards at SLAC and LAMPF) where the degree of hardness specified was much higher than was required. Although experience shows that the cost premium for substantial radiation - hardening is of the order of 10%, it has also become clear that well - designed beam line have negligible losses: hardening is required only in the vicinity of targets, collimators or other beam - intercepting devices. Where the beam is deliberately scraped, local shielding will minimize the associated radiation in the surroundings. Electron machines have their own special problems due to synchrotron radiation, so certainly coils and other electrical equipment should be kept away from the beam bend - plane. Because proton beams interact with thick targets in the meson factories, ...
The activity concentrations of potassium, uranium and thorium in minerals and soil samples from a mining site in Ibadan, Southwestern Nigeria were measured using gamma ray spectroscopy method. Effective dose per annum has been calculated from the activity concentrations of dominant gamma-emitting natural radionuclides, potassium, uranium and thorium. Samples collected include minerals (beryl, quartz and feldspar), soil samples from the mining pits, heaps and undisturbed land around the mining site. The activity concentrations of "4"0K, "2"3"8U and "2"3"2Th, respectively in Bq kg-1 in the mineral samples were as follows: 1985 #+-# 16, 4.8 #+-# 0.9 and 11.8 #+-# 5.8 for beryl sample, 115.1 #+-# 27.9, 5.0 #+-# 1.3 and 6.3 #+-# 5.0 for feldspar samples and 1421 #+-# 122, <4.8 and 20.1 #+-# 3.5 for quartz samples. For the soil samples, the mean activity concentrations of "4"0K, "2"3"8U and "2"3"2Th, respectively, were 314.2 #+-# 5.7, 27.7 #+-# 2.6 and 11.5 #+-# 5.9 Bq kg-1 for soil ...
The Anisotropic Analytical Algorithm (AAA) is a new pencil beam convolution/superposition algorithm proposed by Varian for photon dose calculations. The configuration of AAA depends on linear accelerator design and specifications. The purpose of this study was to investigate the accuracy of AAA for an Elekta SL25 linear accelerator for small fields and intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) treatments in inhomogeneous media. The accuracy of AAA was evaluated in two studies. First, AAA was compared both with Monte Carlo (MC) and the measurements in an inhomogeneous phantom simulating lung equivalent tissues and bone ribs. The algorithm was tested under lateral electronic disequilibrium conditions, using small fields (2x2 cm"2). Good agreement was generally achieved for depth dose and profiles, with deviations generally below 3% in lung inhomogeneities and below 5% at interfaces. However, the effects of attenuation and scattering close to the bone ribs were not fully taken into ...
Purpose: To evaluate the initial and mid-term results of a new self-expanding low strut profile nitinol stent for treatment of atherosclerotic lesions stenoses and occlusions in the superficial femoral artery (SFA). Materials and Methods: In 8 patients (4 male, 4 female, mean age 74.8 {+-} 8.8 years) with SFA lesions and non-satisfying results after PTA treatment alone, 10 self-expanding nitinol Xpert stents were deployed via a 4 F sheath. Stent characteristics and handling were graded by the interventionalist. Fontaine classification, duplex flow measurements and ankle brachial index (ABI) at rest and stress were taken prior and one day after stent placement. Patients were followed 3, 6 and 12 months after the procedure obtaining the same parameters at each appointment. Results: Initial stent treatment was successful in all patients. Stent handling and positioning were rated very good and safe. All patients improved clinically by at least one ...
The Nuclear Assurance Corporation (NAC) owns and operates four NAC-1 truck casks. These casks are used to ship spent reactor fuel assemblies and radioactive reactor-core components. The casks have been loaded or unloaded at a total of fifteen nuclear facilities in the United States. In addition, NAC has used another large, overweight-truck cask to ship radioactive reactor core components from a reactor to a waste burial site. There are many individual differences in the cask handling facilities at each of the reactor stations, nuclear research facilities and the storage and burial sites serviced. Various types of auxiliary lifting and handling devices for on-site cask operations have been required. The quality assurance requirements for the equipment used in interfacing casks with nuclear power plant facilities have become more stringent. This paper presents details on the type of special equipment being employed, the quality assurance ...
US Department of Energy methods used for characterization of contact-handled transuranic (CH-TRU) waste prior to shipment to the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) are described and listed by contractor site. The methods described are part of the certification process. All CH-TRU waste must be assayed for determination of fissile material content and decay heat values prior to shipment and prior to storage on-site. Both nondestructive assay (NDA) and destructive assay methods are discussed, and new NDA developments such as passive-action neutron (PAN) crate counter improvements and neutron imaging are detailed. Specifically addressed are assay method physics; applicability to CH-TRU wastes; calibration standards and implementation; operator training requirements and practices; assay procedures; assay precision, bias, and limit of detection; and assay limitation. While PAN is a new technique and does not yet have established American Society for Testing and ...
US Department of Energy methods used for characterization of contact-handled transuranic (CH-TRU) waste prior to shipment to the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) are described and listed by contractor site. The methods described are part of the certification process. All CH-TRU waste must be assayed for determination of fissile material content and decay heat values prior to shipment and prior to storage on-site. Both nondestructive assay (NDA) and destructive assay methods are discussed, and new NDA developments such as passive-action neutron (PAN) crate counter improvements and neutron imaging are detailed. Specifically addressed are assay method physics; applicability to CH-TRU wastes; calibration standards and implementation; operator training requirements and practices; assay procedures; assay precision, bias, and limit of detection; and assay limitation. While PAN is a new technique and does not yet have established American Society for Testing and ...
As a part of the compatibility analysis of DUPIC fuel in CANDU reactors, the radiation physics calculations have been performed for the CANDU primary shielding system, thermal shield, radiation damage, transportation cask and storage. At first, the primary shield system was assessed for the DUPIC fuel core, which has shown that the dose rates and heat deposition rates through the primary shield of the DUPIC fuel core are not much different from those of natural uranium core because the power levels on the core periphery are similar for both cores. Secondly, the radiation effects on the critical components and the themal shields were assessed when the DUPIC fuel is loaded in CANDU reactors. Compared with the displacement per atom (DPA) of the critical component for natural uranium core, that for the DUPIC fuel core was increased by -30% for the innermost groove and the weld points and by -10% for the corner of the calandria subshells and annular plates in the calandria, respectivdely. ...
The aim of this work is to compile an inventory of the main characteristics (chemical, morphological, mineralogical and grain size parameters) of the bulk cargo materials and of the material emitted during different port operations for possible use as tracers of the fugitive PM emission sources. For all cases, the tracer characteristics determined for each bulk material were also identified in the corresponding PM material emitted. This inventory could assist the harbour authorities to identify the origin of high PM events recorded by air quality monitoring networks in harbour areas, and could also help modellers to predict the impact of harbour activities on ambient PM levels. The harbour of Tarragona (north-east Spain) was selected for this study given the high volume of solids in bulk handled. To this end, 12 handling operations of selected materials (clinker, phosphate, pyrite ash, Mn mineral, fine Si-Mn, coke (coal), bituminous coal, ...
Steam generators (SG) are among the most critical components of pressurized water Nuclear Power Plants (NPP). SG tubes must provide a reliable pressure boundary between the primary and secondary cooling water. It is because that any leakage from tube defects could result in the release of radioactivity to the environment. Thus degradations of steam generators tubes should be monitored and inspected periodically under nuclear regulatory. In-service inspections of SG tubes are carried out using eddy current test (ECT) and the defected tubes are usually plugged. Because the radioactivity in the internal of SG chambers limits free access of human worker, remote manipulators are required. In South Korea, Manipulators such as the Zetec SM series and the Westinghouse ROSA series have been used. Such manipulators are rigidly mounted to manways or tube sheets of SG. Confusions for the inspected tubes may occur from deflection of the manipulators. To reduce the deflections of the manipulators ...
Global acetylation of histone H4 is a mark of gene transcriptional activation. The c-Myc transcription factor binds to specific DNA sites in cellular chromatin and induces the acetylation of...Full Text Available
It is shown that the interaction of a class of positive energy tachyons decreases the area of the horizon of the T-S, delta = 3 metric even in the case of a reversible transformation (Msub(ir) = constant). This is a violation of the second law of black hole physics.
It is shown that the interaction of a class of positive energy tachyons decreases the area of the horizon of the T-S, delta = 3 metric even in the case of a reversible transformation (Msub(ir) = constant). This is a violation of the second law of black hole physics. (author).
Variability in motor performance decreases with practice but is never entirely eliminated, due in part to inherent motor noise. The present study develops a method that quantifies how performers...Full Text Available
Research reported here reveals that the reduction of CO{sub 2} emissions into the atmosphere, is mainly dependent on the decrease of the use of fossil fuels, but also on the development of environment-friendly technology and greening of the environment. 2 refs.
Uterine sarcomas are a rare group of neoplasms with aggressive clinical course and poor prognosis. They are classified into four main histological subtypes in order of decreasing incidence: carcinosarcomas,...Full Text Available
Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) is used to demonstrate the presence of density fluctuations in ambient water on a physical length-scale of ≈1 nm; this is retained with decreasing temperature...Full Text Available
Peri-prosthetic infections are notoriously difficult to treat as the biomaterial implant is ideal for bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation, resulting in decreased antibiotic sensitivity....Full Text Available
Yield stress elevations (#DELTA##sigma#_y) in pressure vessel steels irradiated at intermediate flux and fluence systematically decreased with increasing temperature and decreasing copper and nickel content. Lower stress relief temperature also decreased #DELTA##sigma#_y at bulk copper concentrations greater than about 0.3%. The dependence of #DELTA##sigma#_y on irradiation temperature between 260 and 316 C increased with copper and nickel content and decreased with phosphorus content. When normalized by the average #DELTA##sigma#_y, the fractional temperature dependence correlates with a simple empirical chemistry factor of copper and phosphorus. The correlation predicts data on the irradiation temperature dependence of #DELTA##sigma#_y found in the literature within a standard error of about 0.3 MPa/degree C and is consistent with current understanding of hardening mechanisms. However, questions ...
Ingestion of HTO during oocyte maturation and continued during pre-implantation time was found to depress decidual response. At birth these offspring also showed a decrease in brain cell number. When HTO was given during pregnancy only, the offspring at birth showed a similar deficit in brain cell number. Even so, we could not demonstrate a gross deficit in oocyte maturation when HTO was ingested during sexual maturity only; however, when further continued during pregnancy, the measured newborn parameters were most severely affected. In this group, cell-multiplication in the cerebrum was severely decreased, protein synthesis was decreased, and somatic growth was also highly significantly decreased. These experiments indicate that even a short-term exposure to HTO during early pregnancy (pre-implantation) alters normal development to such an extent that it is still observable at birth. During embryonic ...
Many of the gene products that participate in nitrogen metabolism are sensitive to nitrogen catabolite repression (NCR), i.e., their expression is decreased to low levels when readily used nitrogen...Full Text Available
In the labellar chemosensory hairs of the blowfly, Phormia regina Meigen, stationary amplitudes of the slow potentials induced by salt and sugar stimulations were decreased to 50–80%...Full Text Available
PurposeDutasteride and finasteride are 5α-reductase inhibitors that dramatically decrease serum levels of dihydrotestosterone. Because androgens...Full Text Available
It is shown that the usual proof of the second law of black hole physics breaks down if there are tachyons present in the vicinity of a black hole. Explicit cases are discussed where a tachyon of positive energy falling into the Kerr singularity actually decreases the area of the Kerr black hole. (author).
A 750 J plasma coaxial accelerator is used to produce plasma using air at 0.2 torr pressure and 8 kv charging voltage. The discharge current and voltage traces showed that the total circuit inductance was about 1750 ?H. The experimental results showed that the plasma sheath reached the muzzle after 6 ?s with velocity equal to 4 cm/?s, after then it decreased, while the simulation model showed that the plasma sheath reaches the muzzle with velocity of 3 cm/?s and after one microsecond it increases to reach about 4 cm/?s after 12 ?s then it decreased. The plasma temperature measurements showed that the plasma sheath reached the muzzle with temperature of about 9 eV and increase to reach about 12 eV after 8.5 ?s then after it decrease. The simulation model showed that the plasma temperature at the muzzle is about 10.5 eV and continue to increase to reach 17.5 eV after 12 ?s then it decrease.
High blood pressure (BP) is a major public health problem in India and its prevalence is rapidly increasing among urban and rural populations. Reducing systolic and diastolic BP can decrease cardiovascular...Full Text Available
Sperm competition theory predicts that when males are certain of sperm competition, they should decrease sperm investment in matings with an increasing number of competing ejaculates. How males should...Full Text Available
The objectives of this study were to select and initially characterize mutants of soybean (Glycine max L. Merr. cv Williams) with decreased ability to reduce nitrate. Selection involved...Full Text Available
Exposure of albumin to Cu(II) (10-100 microM) and ascorbate (0.1-2 mM) results in extensive molecular modifications, indicated by decreased fluorescence and chain breaks. The rate of utilization of...Full Text Available
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
BackgroundMost maternal deaths in developing countries can be prevented. China is among the 13 countries with the most maternal deaths; however, there has been a marked decrease...Full Text Available
The objective of this study was to determine if inflammatory tolerance and enhancement of innate immune function could be induced by the gram-positive cell wall component peptidoglycan (PGN)....Full Text Available
Hypoxia, or reduced oxygen, occurs in a variety of clinical and environmental situations. Hypoxic exposure is associated with decreased muscle mass and a concomitant reduction in exercise capacity,...Full Text Available
Polyandrous mating is common, but the benefits for females of polyandry remain controversial. To test whether mating with multiple males affects female fitness, we compared lifetime components of fitness...Full Text Available
Increased oxidative stress is associated with perinatal asphyxia and respiratory distress in the newborn period. Induction of nuclear factor erythroid 2 p45-related factor (Nrf2) has been shown to decrease...Full Text Available
In laboratory studies, hamsters (Mesocricetus spp.) exhibit intense male-male aggression, thus making them an excellent model system for studies of the functional and mechanistic...Full Text Available
The response of the dissimilatory metal-reducing bacterium Shewanella alga BrY to carbon and nitrogen starvation was examined. Starvation resulted in a gradual decrease in the mean cell volume from...Full Text Available
Eurobarometer 67, carried out in Spring 2007 ...fallen somewhat compared to the peak seen in Spring 2007.However, in the main this ...decrease of 9 points from the +26 score seen in Spring 2007 (where
Over the last three to four decades, it has been observed that the average total hours of sleep have decreased to less than seven hours per person per night. Concomitantly, global figures relating to...Full Text Available
BackgroundMacrophages (MΦs) utilize macropinocytosis to integrate immune and metabolic signals in order to initiate an effective immune response. Diabetes is characterized...Full Text Available
BackgroundGrapevine is subjected to numerous pests and diseases resulting in the use of phytochemicals in large quantities. The will to decrease the use of phytochemicals leads to...Full Text Available
BackgroundApolipoprotein E (ApoE), a cholesterol carrier associated with atherosclerosis, is a major risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). The low-density lipoprotein receptor...Full Text Available
Kin form important political groups, which change in size and relative inequality with demographic shifts. Increases in the rate of population growth increase the size of kin groups but decrease their...Full Text Available
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of fetal tracheal occlusion on sodium and chloride concentrations in amniotic and tracheal fluid. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Intrauterine tracheal occlusion has been...Full Text Available
The beneficial effect of improving yeast redox response by increasing thioredoxin levels has been shown. Decreased lipid and protein oxidation is reflected in an increased biomass yield. In addition,...Full Text Available
Increased clouds and precipitation normally decrease the diurnal temperature range (DTR) and thus have commonly been offered as explanation for the trend of reduced DTR observed for many land areas...Full Text Available
BackgroundDespite concerns that facilitating informed choice would decrease diabetes screening uptake, 'informed choice' invitations that increased knowledge did not affect attendance...Full Text Available
Hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia accelerate both aging and cancer. Antidiabetic biguanides such as metformin decrease glucose, insulin and IGF-1 level. Metformin increases lifespan and prevents cancer...Full Text Available
Exposure of animals to hyperoxia decreases lung VEGF mRNA expression concomitant with an acute increase in VEGF protein within the epithelial lining fluid (ELF). The VEGF concentration in ELF...Full Text Available
Ethylene at 1.0 and 10.0 cubic centimeters per cubic meter decreased the rate of gravitropic bending in stems of cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium L.) and tomato (Lycopersicon...Full Text Available
The torque-velocity relationship is known to be affected by ageing, decreasing its protective role in the prevention of falls. Interindividual variability in this torque-velocity relationship is partly...Full Text Available
retrieve detailed aerosol and cloud particle size distribution and shape ...... but on rain types, and hydrometeor characteristics. ..... of ice streams, decreasing sea ice cover in the Arctic, poleward movement of forest cover, and ...
A method for recycling laser flashlamp radiation in selected wavelength ranges to decrease thermal loading of the solid state laser matrix while substantially maintaining the pumping efficiency of the flashlamp.
To successfully grow, neurons need to overcome the effects of hostile environments, such as the inhibitory action of myelin. We have evaluated the potential of exercise to overcome the intrinsic...Full Text Available
Obesity is a risk factor for stroke and neurodegenerative disease. Excess body fat has been linked to impaired glucose metabolism, insulin resistance, and impulsivity and may be a precursor to decline...Full Text Available
The effects of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide on the physical and biochemical properties of the claw horn of Holstein cows were evaluated. Significant (P < 0.05, 0.01) decreases...Full Text Available
The hypothesis, that a decrease in metabolic rate mediates the life span prolonging effect of caloric restriction (CR), was tested using two strains of mice, one of which, C57BL/6, exhibits...Full Text Available
In the wide range from brown coal to anthracite, an investigation was made of effects of heat treatment on physical/chemical properties and of coal rank dependence. For the experiment, 12 kinds of coal samples were used, and for heat treatment, the fluidized bed heated by the electric furnace and the infrared-ray gold image furnace were used. To examine characteristics of the heat-treated coal char, conducted were oxygen gasification, TPD measurement, XRD measurement, alkali metal measurement, and pore distribution measurement. The following were obtained from the experiment. The gasification reaction rate of the char heat-treated in the temperature range between 900{degree}C to 1700{degree}C decreases with a rise of the temperature of heat treatment, and the degree of decrease in the rate depends on coal rank. The order of gasification rate between coal ranks depends on the temperature of heat treatment, and the lower the heat treatment ...
In order to decrease tritium exposure to workers, the ratio of which is up to 40% of total exposure, tritium removal facility is getting to be one of the considerable parameters in Korea, due to the next CANDUs to be operated at Wolsung NPP. For investiga...
A methodology for assessing the impact of subacute concentrations of organometallic agents on bioenergetic and oxidative damage processes in animals, cells and energy transducing subcellular organelles is being developed. Several of the assays are noninvasive and thus lend themselves to human tests. At the whole-animal level we utilize a treadmill chamber where physiological parameters of exercising animals are monitored. These include parameters of whole animals' work performance such as oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide evolution and endurance. Oxidative damage can be monitored in experiments by analyzing expired air of the animals for ethane and n-pentane. These alkanes correlate with lipid peroxidation in vivo. At the cellular and subcellular levels, respiratory activity, lipid peroxidation and free radical species are assayed. Respiratory activity is measured in muscle homogenates and isolated mitochondria using substrates which feed into different segments of the ...
Lymphocytes from patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), a chronic autoimmune disease, have recently been shown to have decreased surface expression of MHC class I antigens. Since...Full Text Available
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship of respiratory quotient (RQ), a surrogate marker of substrate oxidation, as well as body composition and dietary intake to resting...Full Text Available
Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob-disease (sCJD) is a fatal neurodegenerative condition that escapes detection until autopsy. Recently, brain iron dyshomeostasis accompanied by increased transferrin (Tf) was...Full Text Available
Results are presented of analysis of the dust content of air and the resources for removing sludge at the mines of the Kuzbass during drilling of ascending shafts. A design is proposed for sludge removing devices with automatic opening and closing of the valve hinges.
It was recently reported that the proportion of dark-coloured Soay sheep (Ovis aries) in the Hebrides has decreased, despite the fact that dark sheep tend to be larger than lighter...Full Text Available
The binding interactions of four ligands differing in acid-base properties with human serum albumin (HSA) were examined as a function of temperature. Binding to HSA decreased with increasing temperature...Full Text Available
Carotid artery stenosis is a major risk factor for stroke, and treatments for this condition to decrease the risk of stroke include medical therapy, carotid endarterectomy (CEA), and, more recently,...Full Text Available
tumors make up two-thirds of all adult brain tumors and one-third of childhood brain tumors. Cancer Among Men, 2003-2007 Incidence rates decreased for lung, colorectal,...
Low bone mineral density (BMD) is prevalent in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–infected subjects. Initiation of antiretroviral therapy is associated with a 2%–6% decrease...Full Text Available
Recent studies suggest that calcium influx via L-type calcium channels is necessary for psychostimulant-induced behavioral sensitization. In addition, chronic amphetamine upregulates subtype...Full Text Available
BackgroundLymph node metastasis in endometrial cancer significantly decreases survival rate. Few data on the influence of intratumoral lymphatic microvessel density (LMVD) on survival...Full Text Available
Jun 16, 2011 ... Results indicated that fuel loadings averaged 24.05 Mg ha 1 in 2004–2006. Forest litter decreased from wetter to drier forest life zones. ...
Decreased cognitive performance reduces independence and quality of life for aging individuals. Healthy brain aging does not involve significant neuronal loss, but little is known about the...Full Text Available
The soluble pool of alpha hemoglobin chains present in blood or bone marrow cells was measured with a new affinity method using a specific probe, beta A hemoglobin chain labeled with ["3H]N-ethylmaleimide. This pool of soluble alpha chains was 0.067 #+-# 0.017% of hemoglobin in blood of normal adult, 0.11 #+-# 0.03% in heterozygous beta thalassemia and ranged from 0.26 to 1.30% in homozygous beta thalassemia intermedia. This elevated pool of soluble alpha chains observed in human beta thalassemia intermedia decreased 33-fold from a value of 10% of total hemoglobin in bone marrow cells to 0.3% in the most dense red blood cells. The amount of insoluble alpha chains was measured by using the polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in urea and Triton X-100. In beta thalassemia intermedia the amount of insoluble alpha chains was correlated with the decreased spectrin content of red cell membrane and was associated with a decrease in ...
This work deals with a rational vision of stratospheric ozone including the threats on ozone layer, the verifications and the fears. After a recalling on the ozone layer history, the authors treats the question of the ultraviolets particularly the beneficial effects. Then an explanation of the ozone layer decrease is given. (O.L.). 29 refs., 6 figs.
1. To explore mechanisms of urinary obstruction in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), the features of contraction and relaxation in human hyperplastic and non-hyperplastic (control) prostatic tissues...Full Text Available
Seven mutants of Escherichia coli were isolated that are sensitive to methyl methane sulfonate but not to UV light. They exhibited decreased host cell reactivation capacity for methyl methane sulfonate-treated...Full Text Available
PurposeHyperglycemia and hypertension contribute to the development of diabetic retinopathy, and this may involve alterations in the normal retinal cell cycle. In this work, we examined...Full Text Available
BackgroundInsurance coverage of tobacco cessation medications increases their use and reduces smoking prevalence in a population. However, uncertainty about the impact of this coverage...Full Text Available
OBJECTIVESTo examine the association between α-blocker use and sexual dysfunction among men participating in a population-based cohort of...Full Text Available
The color centers, which are generated in yttrium-aluminium perovskite (YAP):Nd(1 at.%) and YAP:Er(50 at.%) crystals under the influence of ultraviolet and #gamma#-irradiation, have been studied by absorption spectroscopy. The generated color centers are both stable and transient at room temperature. It is shown that the transient color centers are mainly responsible for the decrease of laser generation efficiency of Nd:YAP and YAP:Er irradiated crystals, although physical mechanisms leading to efficiency decrease are different in these materials. (orig.)
The major feed-water line break accident is re-analyzed, which is based on Guangdong Daya Bay nuclear power station final safety analysis report, to justify the impacts of the decreasing of auxiliary feed-water flow rate on the safety margin in Daya Bay. The results showed that the accident analysis can meet the demands of acceptance criteria with the auxiliary feed-water flowrate decreasing from 45 m"3/h to 41.8 m"3/h, and enough safety margin is still retained
A line-to-plate reactor was set-up in the experimental study on the application of nanosecond pulsed corona discharge plasma technology in environmental pollution control. Investigation on the attenuation and distortion of the amplitude of the pulse wave front and the discharge image as well as the waveform along the corona wire was conducted. The results show that the wave front decreases sharply during the corona discharge along the corona wire. The higher the amplitude of the applied pulse is, the more the amplitude of the wave front decreased. The wave attenuation responds in a lower corona discharge inversely. To get a higher efficiency of the line-to-plate reactor a sharp attenuation of the corona has to be considered in practical design.
Iodine-131 MIBG, a radiolabeled adrenergic neuron-blocking agent, decreased rapidly from the heart and liver of patients with adrenergic dysfunction and pheochromocytoma when compared with eight controls. However, there was no significant difference in the rate of (/sup 131/I)MIBG decrease in these organs between controls and patients in the intervals subsequent to 4 hr. These findings suggest that adrenergic neuronal uptake of (/sup 131/I)MIBG in these organs is smaller in the patients than in the controls. Measurements of time-activity relationships of radioiodinated MIBG may be useful for assessment of adrenergic function of these organs and thus of generalized disorders of adrenergic innervation.
This study was conducted to investigate the decomposition of three {gamma}-irradiated antibiotics (e.g., tetracycline, sulfamethazine, and lincomycin) and to compare the toxic effects on Daphnia magna, Vibrio fischeri, and Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata. The median cell growth inhibition concentrations (IC{sub 50}) of tetracycline, lincomycin, and sulfamethazine for P. subcapitata dramatically increased (e.g., toxicity decreased) after radiolysis. The results demonstrated that {gamma}-radiation treatment was efficient to decompose antibiotics and thereby their toxicity on P. subcaptitata remarkably decreased due to reduced parent compounds.
The intensity of the orthopositronium component and its lifetime have been measured in liquid nitrogen as a function of electric field. While the lifetime remains constant at about 12.5 ns, the fraction of positronium formed is about 20% at zero field and decreases monotonically to an asymptotic value near 6% as the field is raised to 3.2 MV m"-"1. The decrease is roughly exponential with a drop off rate of 2.0 MV m"-"1. The results are a further indication of the importance of Mogensen's spur mechanism in the positronium formation process. (author).
A nitrogen oxides decreasing combustion method comprising: mixing a fuel and air with each other; bringing the mixture obtained into contact with a packed catalyst; and adding a fresh supply of the fuel to the stream obtained to form a mixed gas and causing the mixed gas to undergo non-catalytic thermal combustion, characterized in that only a catalytic reaction or combustion occurs at the packed catalyst; the temperature of the packed catalyst is kept lower than the ignition temperature of the mixture; the adiabatic flame temperature which is reached by the non-catalytic thermal combustion of the mixed gas is lower than the temperature at which the nitrogen oxides occur. 39 figs.
This patent describes a nitrogen oxides decreasing combustion method which comprises: a first step of mixing a fuel and air with each other; a second step of bringing the mixture obtained in the first step into contact with a packed catalyst such that only catalytic combustion occurs; and a third step of adding a fresh supply of the fuel to a stream obtained from the second step to form a mixed gas and causing the mixed gas to undergo non-catalytic thermal combustion. The temperature of the packed catalyst is lower than the ignition temperature of the mixture and the adiabatic flame temperature of the mixed gas is lower than a temperature at which the nitrogen oxides occur.
The signature of the negative snakes from the soft X-ray cameras is very similar to the more usual snakes except that the localised region of the snake has, compared with its surroundings, decreased rather than increased emission. Circumstances where negative snakes have been seen are reviewed. The negative snake appears as a region of increased resistance and of increased impurity density. The relationship between the shear and the current perturbation is shown, and it seem probable that the magnetic shear is reversed at the point of the negative snake, i.e. that q is decreasing with radius. 6 refs., 6 figs.
We have successfully grown single crystalline Formula Not Shown with the range of Formula Not Shown using the floating-zone method. All compounds show orthorhombic symmetry in this substitution range, but the difference between lattice constants a and b decreases with increasing Sr concentration and becomes almost zero at Formula Not Shown . Characteristic temperatures, which correspond to antiferromagnetic ordering and structural transition, decrease with increasing Sr concentration. The value of the magnetic susceptibility below 30K increases with increasing Sr concentration. The temperature dependence of the electrical resistivity revealed that Sr substitution significantly suppresses the highly anisotropic electric structure of Formula Not Shown .
An improved ion funnel design is disclosed that decreases the axial RF (parasite) fields at the ion funnel exit. This is achieved by addition of one or more compensation electrodes after the conductance limit electrode. Various RF voltage profiles may be applied to the various electrodes minimizing the parasite axial potential wells. The smallest RF aperture that serves as the conductance limiting electrode is further reduced over standard designs. Overall, the ion funnel improves transmission ranges of both low m/z and high m/z ions, reducing RF activation of ions and decreasing the gas load to subsequent differential pumping stages.
A significant asymmetry in baryon/antibaryon yields in the central region of high energy collisions is observed when the initial state has non-zero baryon charge. This asymmetry is connected with the possibility of a baryon charge diffusion in rapidity space. Evidently, such a diffusion should decrease the baryon charge in the fragmentation region leading to the corresponding decrease of the multiplicity of leading baryons. As a result, a new mechanism for Feynman scaling violation in the fragmentation region is obtained. We present the quantitative predictions for the Feynman scaling violation at LHC energies and even at highier energies that can be important for cosmic ray physics.
Injection of pregnant rats with monomeric "2"3"9Pu after 9 days of gestation decreased their leukocyte and reticulocyte counts at 5 and 10 days postexposure. Most of the fetal hematologic enumerative values were unaffected by injection of monomeric "2"3"9Pu. There was, however, a major change in the maturation of the cells of the erythroid series, as indicated by a difference in the distribution between cell types. The weight of the yolk sac and fetal liver, and the cellularity of the fetal spleen were decreased.
A radial-flow type internally oil-cooled oil-filled cable has been developed. This system is characterized in that the oil flows radially through the paper insulation. The thermal resistance of the insulation is equivalently decreased by the radial-flow. The decreased thermal resistance as well as the cooling effect of the oil flow in the central oil duct and the outer oil duct under an aluminum sheath increase the current capacity. A calculation method of cooling characteristics is introduced. The stability of the cable and accessories was confirmed through initial electrical tests and a long-term field test.
The Northwest Foster Care Alumni Study examined the relation between experiences in foster care and depression among young adults who spent at least a year in foster care as adolescents. Results indicate that preparation for leaving foster care, nurturing supports from the foster family, school stability, access to tutoring, access to therapeutic service and support, and a shorter and more stable placement history were associated with a lower probability of depression in young adulthood. Results provide evidence that suggest ways to improve practice to decrease rates of depression among alumni of care. (Contains 2 tables.)
The validity is given to the newly proposed two {delta}f method for neoclassical transport calculation, which can be solve the drift kinetic equation considering effects of steep plasma gradients, large radial electric field, finite banana width, and an orbit topology near the axis. The new method is applied to the study of ion transport with steep plasma gradients. It is found that the ion thermal diffusivity decreases as the scale length of density gradient decreases, while the ion particle flux due to ion-ion self collisions increases with increasing gradient. (author)
A selected series of 24 patients with displaced medial femoral neck fracture, treated with closed reduction and osteosynthesis with cancellous bone screws (ASIF), were investigated. During an observation period of 6 to 26 months, serial hip joint scintigraphies were performed and compared with serial X-ray examinations. At the first scintigraphic examination performed on average 5-6 weeks after the fracture, two separate investigators found a decreased amount of activity or no activity in the femoral head of 10 and 8 patients, respectively. At the second scintigraphic examination performed on average 11.1 weeks after the fracture both investigators found no activity or a decreased amount of activity in 8 patients. This figure declined to 7 during the following period, because one patient with decreased activity was recorded as having normal activity 15 months after the fracture. These 7 patients all developed radiological ...
This report summarizes work performed on this project from October 2004 through March 2005. In previous work, a surfactant modified zeolite (SMZ) was shown to be an effective system for removing BTEX contaminants from produced water. Additional work on this project demonstrated that a compost-based biofilter could biodegrade the BTEX contaminants found in the SMZ regeneration waste gas stream. However, it was also determined that the BTEX concentrations in the waste gas stream varied significantly during the regeneration period and the initial BTEX concentrations were too high for the biofilter to handle effectively. A series of experiments were conducted to determine the feasibility of using a passive adsorption column placed upstream of the biofilter to attenuate the peak gas-phase VOC concentrations delivered to the biofilter during the SMZ regeneration process. In preparation for the field test of the SMZ/VPB treatment system in New Mexico, a pilot-scale SMZ ...
The waterjet technique enables precise tissue dissection without thermal damage and with preservation of vessels in general surgery. In neurosurgery, these qualities could help to avoid damage of intact brain parenchyma in tumour resections. The present study reports our first results with this technique in brain metastases. Ten patients with intracranial metastases underwent surgery with the aid of the waterjet. Resection was performed in combination with conventional neurosurgical methods. The follow-up consisted of neurological examination and MRI studies. Intraoperatively, the device was easy to handle. No complications due to the device were observed. Vessels were preserved at pressures below 20 bars. Six of the tumours consisted of soft tissue which was poorly demarcated from the surrounding brain. In these tumours, the waterjet was very helpful. It enabled tumour debulking by aspiration and - more important - precise separation of tumour and brain ...
In developing severe accident management strategies, an engineering decision would be made based on the available data and information that are vague, imprecise and uncertain by nature. These sorts of vagueness and uncertainty are due to lack of knowledge for the severe accident sequences of interest. The fuzzy set theory offers a possibility of handling these sorts of data and information. In this paper, the possibility to apply the decision-making method based on fuzzy set theory to the evaluation of the accident management strategies at a nuclear power plant is scrutinized. The fuzzy decision-making method uses linguistic variables and fuzzy numbers to represent the decision-maker's subjective assessments for the decision alternatives according to the decision criteria. The fuzzy mean operator is used to aggregate the decision-maker's subjective assessments, while the total integral value method is used to rank the decision alternatives. As a ...
Control of thermal expansion is often necessary in the design and selection of electronic packages. In some instances, it is desirable to have a coefficient of thermal expansion intermediate between values readily attainable with single or two phase materials. The addition of a third phase in the form of fillers, whiskers, or fibers can be used to attain intermediate expansions. To help design the thermal expansion of multiphase materials for specific applications, a closed form model has been developed that accurately predicts the effective elastic properties of isotropic filled materials and transversely isotropic lamina. Properties of filled matrix materials are used as inputs to the lamina model to obtain the composite elastic properties as a function of the volume fraction of each phase. Hybrid composites with two or more fiber types are easily handled with this model. This paper reports that results for glass, quartz, and Kevlar fibers with beta-eucryptite ...
Silica and bridged polysilsesquioxane aerogels are low-density materials that are attractive for applications such as thermal insulation, porous separation media or catalyst supports, adsorbents, and cometary dust capture agents. However, aerogels are notoriously weak and brittle making it difficult to handle and machine monoliths into desired forms. This complication prevents the development of many applications that would otherwise benefit from the use of the low-density materials. Here, we will describe our efforts to chemically modify and mechanically enhance silica-based aerogels using chemical vapor techniques without sacrificing their characteristic low densities. Monolithic silica and organic-bridged polysilsesquioxane aerogels were prepared by sol-gel polymerization of the respective methoxysilane monomers followed by supercritical carbon dioxide drying of the gels. Then the gels were reactively modified with silylating agents to demonstrate the viability ...
Studies are made on coal in terms of its effective utilization, coal cleaning, fluidization and production of new fuel, and issues globally raised. Coal is abundant in reserves and high in supply stability and economic efficiency. However, it is much in CO2 emission per calorific value. To control as much CO2 emission as possible, effective utilization such as increasing of power generation efficiency has been proceeded with. In addition to ultra supercritical pressure and fluidized bed combustion, cited are coal gasification combined cycle power generation and high temperature type fuel cell. Coal has 5-20% ash and impurities like sulfur/nitrogen. Coal should be used clean by pollution abatement measures such as dust collecting, desulfurization and denitrification. Japan is at a world top level of these technologies. Coal is solid, and therefore, is more difficult to handle than liquid fuel. To use it easily, coal is liquefied into slurry such as COM and CWM, and ...
Recent developments in solid-state radio frequency (RF) power technologies allow for the practical consideration of RF heated plasmas for space propulsion. These technologies permit the use of any electrical power source, de-couple the power and propellant sources, and allow for the effcient use of both the propellant mass and power. Effcient use of the propellant is obtained by expelling the rocket exhaust at the highest possible velocity, which can be orders of magnitude higher than those achieved in chemical rockets. Handling the hot plasma exhaust requires the use of magnetic nozzles, and the basic physics of ion detachment from the magnetic eld is discussed. The plasma can be generated by RF using helicon waves to heat electrons. Further direct heating of the ions helps to reduce the line radiation losses, and the magnetic geometry is tailored to allow ion cyclotron resonance heating. RF eld and ion trajectory calculations are presented to give a reasonably ...
The 3001 Storage Canal is located under portions of Buildings 3001 and 3019 at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and has a capacity of approximately 62,000 gallons of water. The term canal has historically been used to identify this structure, however, the canal is an in-ground reinforced concrete structure satisfying the regulatory definition of a tank. From 1943 through 1963, the canal in Building 3001 was designed to be an integral part of the system for handling irradiated fuel from the Oak Ridge Graphite Reactor. Because one of the main initial purposes of the reactor was to produce plutonium for the chemical processing pilot plant in Building 3019, the canal was designed to be the connecting link between the reactor and the pilot plant. During the war years, natural uranium slugs were irradiated in the reactor and then pushed out of the graphite matrix into the system of diversion plates and chutes which directed the fuel into the deep pit of the canal. ...
This study describes the mechanical compatibility of the direct use of spent pressurized water reactor (PWR) fuel in Canada deuterium uranium (CANDU) reactors (DUPIC) fuel, when it is loaded into a CANDU reactor. The mechanical compatibility can be assessed for the fuel management, primary heat transport system, fuel channel, and the fuel handling system in the reactor core by both the experimental and analytic methods. Because the physical dimensions of the DUPIC fuel bundle adopt the CANDU flexible (CANFLEX) fuel bundle design which has already been demonstrated for a commercial use in CANDU reactors, the experimental compatibility analyses focused on the generation of material property data and the irradiation tests of the DUPIC fuel, which are used for the computational analysis. The intermediate results of the mechanical compatibility analysis have shown that the integrity of the DUPIC fuel is mostly maintained under the high power and high burnup conditions ...
In support of technology development to utilize coal for efficient, affordable, and environmentally clean power generation, the Power Systems Development Facility (PSDF) located in Wilsonville, Alabama, routinely demonstrates gasification technologies using various types of coals. The PSDF is an engineering scale demonstration of key features of advanced coal-fired power systems, including a KBR (formerly Kellogg Brown & Root) Transport Gasifier, a hot gas particulate control device, advanced syngas cleanup systems, and high-pressure solids handling systems. This report summarizes the results gasification operation with Illinois Basin bituminous coal in PSDF test campaign TC17. The test campaign was completed from October 25, 2004, to November 18, 2004. System startup and initial operation was accomplished with Powder River Basin (PRB) subbituminous coal, and then the system was transitioned to Illinois Basin coal operation. The major objective for this test ...
Current advanced CMOS source/drain engineering involves the use of amorphizing implants with 3D geometry. Upon annealing, the induced transient enhanced diffusion (TED) can only be accurately predicted if the amorphized region is correctly modeled, as well as the formation and evolution of extended defects, particularly 3 1 1's and dislocation loops. In addition to the extended defects, already modeled in the atomistic kinetic Monte-Carlo simulator DADOS, we have developed a physically based modeling approach for the implant-induced damage build-up, amorphization and recrystallization, suitable to handle device-size process simulation. It is based on amorphous pockets (3D, irregular shape agglomerates of an arbitrary number of interstitials and vacancies, plus trapped impurities) with a size-dependent activation energy for recombination. The model is able to reproduce experimental aspects like the crystal-amorphous transition temperature and the super ...
Current advanced CMOS source/drain engineering involves the use of amorphizing implants with 3D geometry. Upon annealing, the induced transient enhanced diffusion (TED) can only be accurately predicted if the amorphized region is correctly modeled, as well as the formation and evolution of extended defects, particularly 3 1 1's and dislocation loops. In addition to the extended defects, already modeled in the atomistic kinetic Monte-Carlo simulator DADOS, we have developed a physically based modeling approach for the implant-induced damage build-up, amorphization and recrystallization, suitable to handle device-size process simulation. It is based on amorphous pockets (3D, irregular shape agglomerates of an arbitrary number of interstitials and vacancies, plus trapped impurities) with a size-dependent activation energy for recombination. The model is able to reproduce experimental aspects like the crystal-amorphous transition temperature and the super linear ...
This report is organized in a fashion that is intended to explain the legal duties imposed on officials responsible for hazardous waste at each stage of its existence. Section 2 describes federal hazardous waste laws, explaining the legal meaning of hazardous waste and the protective measures that are required to be taken by its generators, transporters, and storers. In addition, penalties for violation of the standards are summarized, and a special discussion is presented of so-called imminent hazard provisions for handling hazardous waste that immediately threatens public health and safety. Although the focus of Sec. 2 is on RCRA, which is the principal federal law regulating hazardous waste, other federal statutes are discussed as appropriate. Section 3 covers state regulation of hazardous waste. First, Sec. 3 explains the system of state enforcement of the federal RCRA requirements on hazardous waste within their borders. Second, Sec. 3 discusses two peculiar ...
Demands for electric power system, which include not only minimization of generation cost but also protection of environmental condition and maintenance of transmission security, have been diversified The priority of these objectives may change according to load change, weather, and other conditions. Since these objectives are usually in a trade-off relationship and generally non-commensurable, it is difficult to handle by conventional optimization of a single objective function. This report describes multi-objective scheduling of thermal power system. The adaptability of three performance indicies, such as economic efficiency, NO{sub x} emission, and transmission security, to operators are defined by membership functions in fuzzy set theory. coordinated solution in which the adaptability of operators is maximized can be obtained by maximizing the fuzzy decision-making function composed of the adaptability index for each objective. Because this coordinated solution ...
Use of hydrogen in large scale applications is more usual than public is mentioning normally. Nevertheless reserve against hydrogen can be observed up to highest level decision-makers. Possibly a main reason can be found and eliminated by fixing: Some spectacular accidents happened in the past and found great interest. The publication of impressive accidents and the follow up of the events course was very carefully. The research in finding causalities in former decisions and follow up was not in the interest of some people or institutions. Important facts are even not noticed by insiders, but would have been very important for future decision makings and public acceptance of new applications. It will be demonstrated in three historical examples. Much more examples would be available and each one could help to find new applications for a saver and effective use of hydrogen in power supply. Awaking from new reserves could be avoided. Additional a safer handling would ...
The construction and use of a portable, microprocessor controlled anodic stripping voltameter for on-site simultaneous metal analysis of copper, lead and cadmium in tap water is discussed. The instrumental system is comprised of a programmable controller which permits keying in analytical parameters such as sparge time and plating time: a rotating cell for efficient oxygen removal and amalgam formation; and, data handling via a minicomputer or analog pen recorder. Plating and stripping potentials are controlled by a digital potentiostat; stripping is done using a staircase waveform with measurement of the current after a one msec delay. In this way charging current effects are minimized. Results of tap water analysis showed 3 +- 1 ..mu..g/L lead, 22 +- 0.3 ..mu..g/L copper, and less than 0.2 ..mu..g/L cadmium for a Berkeley, California tap water, and 1-1000 ..mu..g/L Cu, 1 -2 ..mu..g/L Pb for ten samples of Seattle, Washington tap water. Recommendations are given ...
This paper presents a summary of the first phase of the EPA project, which encompasses surveys of residues from industrial sources in Alexandria. Studies to date indicate that wastes from various industries can be recovered economically. Wastes such as tin cans, glass, wastepaper, and food residues from processing of fruits, starch, and beer are examples of reusable industrial wastes in Egypt. The results of experimental studies for reuse of residues from oil refining, starch and yeast processing, and steel pickling are presented. Spent clay from edible oil refining is currently discarded, causing both handling and disposal problems. This clay contains as much as 40% oil; 90% can be recovered by extraction. The recovered oil can be successfully used in soap production, and the spent clay can be reused in oil bleaching. Other examples include starch and yeast wastes, which can be used for animal feed, and spent pickling liquor, which can be used as a coagulant aid ...
During the phases of separation, treatment, conditioning and storage of radioactive waste, destructive and nondestructive methods for their characterization are needed. In order to satisfy this necessity, in the frame of the National Program of Research and Development, the 'Laboratory for characterization of spent nuclear fuel and high/medium level radioactive waste- LABORAD' was created. The purpose of the project was to accredit the analysis methods available in the laboratory, and also to develop new methods for the characterization of the radioactive waste. A special attention was paid to the high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel characterization that require special facilities for handling. These facilities (e.g. hot cells, remote handlers, transport container) are already available in our institute. Experimental results and performances obtained during validation of the methods are presented in this paper. The laboratory (LABORAD) is notified ...
A field study (1993-96) assessed the benefits of applying unusually high rates of coal fly ash from power plants as a soil amendment to enhance water retention of soils without adversely affecting growth and marketability of the turf species, centipedegrass (Eremochloa ophiuroides (Munro) Hack.) A Latin Square plot design was employed that included 0 (control, no fly ash applied), 280, 560 and 1120 MgHa {sup -1} application rates of unweathered precipitator fly ash. The fly ash was spread evenly over each plot area, rototilled, and allowed to weather under natural conditions for 8 months before seeding. High levels of soluble salts, indicated by the electrical conductivity of soil extracts, in tandem with an apparent phytotoxic effect from boron, apparently inhibited initial plant establishment as shown by substantially lower germination counts in treated soil. However, plant height and rooting depth were not adversely affected, as were the dry matter yields throughout the study ...
The purpose of this paper is to assess a new local air coolers model in ISAAC 2.0, as ISAAC 1.0 could model local air coolers only at two locations. In the new model, local air coolers up to twelve locations could be handled. Large LOCA and loss of feed water sequences were selected for the model comparison. Two cases were analyzed with ISAAC 2.0: one with 6 local air coolers in one of the fueling machine room and in the steam generator room, respectively, and the other with 3 local air coolers at both fueling machine room and 6 local air coolers in the steam generator room. The study assumes that the safety systems such as emergency core cooling system, shield cooling system and moderator cooling system are unavailable. According to the ISAAC 2.0 results, the new local air coolers model showed almost no difference between two cases. Also it was found that as the location of LACs increased, the new model worked properly and the effect of LACs was consistent ...
Fermilab's Advanced Computer Program (ACP) has been developing highly cost effective, yet practical, parallel computers for high energy physics since 1984. The ACP's latest developments are proceeding in two directions. A Second Generation ACP Multiprocessor System for experiments will include $3500 RISC processors each with performance over 15 VAX MIPS. To support such high performance, the new system allows parallel I/O, parallel interprocess communication, and parallel host processes. The ACP Multi-Array Processor, has been developed for theoretical physics. Each $4000 node is a FORTRAN or C programmable pipelined 20 MFlops (peak), 10 MByte single board computer. These are plugged into a 16 port crossbar switch crate which handles both inter and intra crate communication. The crates are connected in a hypercube. Site oriented applications like lattice gauge theory are supported by system software called CANOPY, which makes the hardware ...
The authors apply the nonlinear WENO (Weighted Essentially Nonoscillatory) scheme to the spatial discretization of the Boltzmann Transport Equation modeling linear particle transport. The method is a finite volume scheme which ensures not only conservation, but also provides for a more natural handling of boundary conditions, material properties and source terms, as well as an easier parallel implementation and post processing. It is nonlinear in the sense that the stencil depends on the solution at each time step or iteration level. By biasing the gradient calculation towards the stencil with smaller derivatives, the scheme eliminates the Gibb's phenomenon with oscillations of size O(1) and reduces them to O(h{sup r}), where h is the mesh size and r is the order of accuracy. The current implementation is three-dimensional, generalized for unequally spaced meshes, fully parallelized, and up to fifth order accurate (WENO5) in space. For unsteady problems, ...
This report describes in detail the First Generation Duct Injection Model developed for the analysis of the fundamental processes of flue gas desulfurization by sorbent injection. The model is a two- and three-dimensional, multiphase reacting flow analyzer using computational fluid dynamics methods. The gaseous phase is solved in an Eulerian frame while the droplets or particles are tracked in a Lagrangian frame. The model has an associated preprocessor which allow easy problem set up by the use without in-depth knowledge of computational fluid dynamics. The aerodynamics of the First Generation Duct Injection Model have been successfully validated with a number of test cases for which experimental data are available. Data from the Meredosia pilot plant humidification tests have been used to validate the gas and droplet dynamics of the model with good agreement. Comparison of SO{sub 2} removal results using the present model (with one injector) and the one-dimensional model previously ...
The object of this Regulation is to provide for those matters that may be, or that are required to be, the subject of regulations under the Explosives Act 2003, The Regulation deals with the following maters: a) a register of authorised and prohibited explosives (Part. 2), b) the classification of explosives (Part. 3), c) matters related to licences under the Explosives Act 2003, including the types of licences, requirements for obtaining licences, certain prescribed licence conditions and certain exemptions from the requirement to have a licences (Part. 4), d) specific control measures relating to the handling of explosives (Part. 5), e) matters of a savings, transitional or administrative nature (Part. 1 and 6). This Regulation refers to the following documents: a) AS 2187, Explosives-storage, transport and use, as published by Standards Australia and in force from time to time, b) the Australian Code for the Transport of Explosives by Road and Rail, as published ...
This paper reported on a study that evaluated the energy consumption of cotton gins used in Australia. The average electricity use is 52.3 kWh per bale. In practicality, the electricity consumption for different gins is correlated linearly with the bale numbers produced. The cost of electricity is therefore important in cotton ginning operations. The power factor in all the gins monitored in this study was greater than 0.85. The study showed that the use of gas dryers was highly influenced by the cotton moisture and regulated drying temperature. In general, electricity and gas consumption comprised 61 and 39 per cent of total energy use respectively. The study showed that 60.38 kg of carbon dioxide are emitted for ginning each bale of cotton. This paper described a newly developed method for monitoring the energy performance in cotton gins. Detailed monitoring and analysis carried out at 2 gin sites revealed that electricity consumption is not influenced much by changes in trash ...
The DYMAC Communications System is part of a nuclear safeguards system called DYMAC - short for DYnamic Materials ACcountability - that gathers accountability information at the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory (LASL) Plutonium Processing Facility. The communications system handles transmissions between data-entry terminals and nondestructive assay (NDA) instruments located in the facility, and a computer located in an adjacent building. System design emphasizes reliability rather than high speed to ensure the integrity of data transmissions. This manual is directed toward the person responsible for maintaining the DYMAC Communication System. It describes the components that make up the communications network, explains how they operate, and gives detailed information about all of the connections. Many of the system components are commercially available; some have been modified at LASL for DYMAC purposes; others were designed and fabricated at LASL. This manual ...
The Department of Energy (DOE) policy requires that all activities be conducted in a manner that protects the safety of the public and provides a safe and healthful workplace for employees. DOE has also prescribed that all personnel be protected in any explosives operation undertaken. The level of safety provided shall be at least equivalent to that of the best industrial practice. The risk of death or serious injury shall be limited to the lowest practicable minimum. DOE and contractors shall continually review their explosives operations with the aim of achieving further refinements and improvements in safety practices and protective features. This manual describes the Department's explosive safety requirements applicable to operations involving the development, testing, handling, and processing of explosives or assemblies containing explosives. It is intended to reflect the state-of-the-art in explosives safety. In addition, it is essential that ...
The newly developed techniques by the Hot Laboratory (JMTR HL) have provided for us the key information on behavior of specimens due to mechanical / physical / chemical / synergistic effects of radiation, stress and water for fission and fusion reactor environment. These techniques are focused on several topics as follows; (1) miniaturized specimen test for the development of fusion reactor materials, (2) slow strain rate tensile testing (SSRT) and crack propagation measuring tests for the study of Irradiation Assisted Stress Corrosion Cracking (IASCC) of core internals of LWR, (3) handling technique on specimens including tritium for the research and development of tritium breeders and neutron multiplier as fusion blanket materials, (4) joining method using the Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding technique for re-assembling of capsule and re-fabrication of specimen and (5) nondestructive evaluation using ultrasonic wave and infrared thermography for the quantitative ...
GAO's review of the H-Coal and Exxon projects showed inadequacies in DOE's contracting practices and a failure by DOE to properly plan, manage, and monitor, especially the H-Coal project. The initial Government-industry H-Coal agreements regarding the level of investment by private sponsors and the ceilings imposed on sharing in cost growth were imbalanced. Larger investments by private sponsors and sharing of cost growth provides an incentive to private sponsors to control costs and helps to assure that each party is fully committed to the success of the project. DOE started the H-Coal project prematurely before sufficiently detailed designs were available and without adequate project planning for functions such as construction scheduling, materials handling, inventory systems, and quality control. DOE staffing was inadequate at both projects to effectively monitor progress and contribute to timely decisions. Its contracts for the H-Coal plants ...
Power system operating conditions vary with system configurations and loading conditions. Coefficients in nominal system model change in a complex manner with different operating point and so does system dynamic behavior. With the aid of unstructured and structured uncertainty descriptions, the worst system variations can be estimated and formulated into two different uncertainty models in frequency domain; multiplicative unstructured uncertainty in the form of transfer function and structured uncertainty with the parametric uncertainty description. The uncertainty descriptions are then incorporated into system nominal model to perform H{sub {infinity}} and {mu} based robust power system stabilizer (PSS) design. Both approaches to the PSS design enable the power system to remain stable over a wide range of system operating conditions but the different performance can be observed due to the inheritance of the ways to handle the system uncertainty. 8 refs, 8 figs, 1 ...
The Synthesis Gas From Manure (SGFM) pilot plant was constructed at Texas Tech University to evaluate the gasification of cattle feedlot manure. A study of gas yield and composition as a function of operating conditions was performed. This report presents the results of a comparison of feedstocks other than manure in the pilot plant. Oak sawdust was the superior feedstock tested in terms of both gas yield and operability. Corn stover and mesquite were comparable and presented some handling problems. Cotton gin trash was unacceptable due to low-temperature ash fusion in the reactor. The gas yield from oak sawdust varied from 0.8 to 1.7 1/gm DAF feed at average temperatures of 650 to 770/sup 0/C. The gas contained approximately 15% hydrogen and 40% carbon monoxide by volume. It also contained 5 to 8% methane and 2 to 5% ethylene. All of these results were obtained using steam and air as the gasifying medium.
One purpose of this article is to alert state utility commissions involved in restructuring electric utilities to pay special attention to proposals that would fragment the utility's billing and metering (B and M) operations. Such fragmentation would essentially foreclose an important future option for handling all levels of retail deregulation. A fusing of B and M could become the linchpin for transitioning retail electricity from its present cost-based fixed rates to a market-based pricing regime fully exploiting the high economic efficiencies that are characteristic of most commodity pricing regimes. Realizing such economic efficiencies requires self enforcing economic discipline that makes and keeps retail pricing of electricity responsive to: imbalances in supply and demand (S and D), tensions between potential customers and competing suppliers, the need to meet a return-on-investment (ROI) objective, and the relative quality of product demanded. In ...
An air conditioner intakes open-air from an open-air intake port to remove sands and sea salt particles by air filters. Then, natural and artificial radioactive particles of less than 1 {mu}m are removed by high performance particulate filters. After controlling the temperature by an air heater or an air cooler, air is sent to each of chambers in a facility under pressure elevation by a blower. In this case, glass fibers are used as the filter material for the high performance particulate filter, which has a performance of more than 99.97% for the particles of 0.3 {mu}m grain size. Since this can sufficiently remove the natural radioactive materials intruded from the outside, a detection limit value in each of the chambers of the facility can be set 10{sup -13} to 10{sup -14} {mu}ci/cm{sup 3} in respect of radiation control. Accordingly, radiation control can be conducted smoothly and appropriately. (I.N.).
The AFGD process as demonstrated by Pure Air at the Bailly Station offers a reliable and cost-effective means of achieving a high degree of SO{sub 2} emissions reduction when burning high-sulfur coals. Many innovative features have been successfully incorporated in this process, and it is ready for widespread commercial use. The system uses a single-loop cocurrent scrubbing process with in-situ oxidation to produce wallboard-grade gypsum instead of wet sludge. A novel wastewater evaporation system minimizes effluents. The advanced scrubbing process uses a common absorber to serve multiple boilers, thereby saving on capital through economies of scale. Major results of the project are: (1) SO{sub 2} removal of over 94 percent was achieved over the three-year demonstration period, with a system availability exceeding 99.5 percent; (2) a large, single absorber handled the combined flue gas of boilers generating 528 MWe of power, and no spares were required; (3) direct ...
Activation has been used for many kinds of useful applications, such as use of the radioisotopes for diagnosis and treatment of cancer, and wear (or corrosion) investigation for using thin layer activation (TLA) technique, etc. But activation also has severe problems for the post-processing of the samples; such as time-loss, inconvenience of sample handling, personal radiation safety, etc. For in-vitro experiments, we observed death of tumor cells by proton irradiation. The use of large activated container material can cause erroneous results in this case. To solve these problems, we studied why the samples were activated and how the level of the activation could be reduced. In proton beam irradiation experiments, the target materials could be defined as the container and sample itself. We could easily reduce activation of container material comparing to activation of sample itself. Therefore, we tried to find less activated container material by irradiating proton ...
A technique for delivering genes carried by recombinant retroviruses into specific cell types could have numerous applications in oncology, developmental biology, and gene therapy. As a first step toward this remote goal the authors designed a procedure allowing in vitro cell targeting by retroviruses. Biotinylated antibodies against the viral envelope protein on one side, and against specific cell membrane markers on the other side, were bridged by streptavidin and used to link the virus to the host. The method was successfully used to infect human cells with ecotropic murine retroviruses by means of major histocompatibility complex class I and class II antigens and appears easily adaptable to other cell, membrane markers. Moreover, the sequential protocol they design, although allowing infection of human cells, requires less stringent safety constraints than would handling of amphotropic virus stocks.
This paper describes the derivation of a new equation that can be used to model the permeability behavior of a fractured, sorptive-elastic media, such as coal, under variable stress conditions commonly used during measurement of permeability data in the laboratory. The model is derived for cubic geometry under biaxial or hydrostatic confining pressures. The model is also designed to handle changes in permeability caused by adsorption and desorption of gases from the matrix blocks. The model equations can be used to calculate permeability changes caused by the production of methane from coal as well as the injection of gases, such as carbon dioxide, for sequestration in coal. Sensitivity analysis of the model found that each of the input variables can have a significant impact on the outcome of the permeability forecast as a function of changing pore pressure; thus, accurate input data are essential. The permeability model can also be used as a tool to determine ...
The purpose of the trip was to visit Nobel Chemicals in Sweden and to confer with the Department of Transportation personnel in Sweden and in England on the technical and regulatory problems in the bulk shipping of the high explosives RDX and HMX. It is customary in the United States (US) to add isopropyl alcohol to the bulk shipment of water-wet high explosives RDX and HMX. The explosives are packed in cloth bags which are placed in plastic-lined fiber drums. The addition of alcohol presumably prevents mildewing of cloth bags and freezing of the wet explosives in cold weather. In Europe, however, these explosives are shipped in polyethylene-lined fiber drums with not less than 15% water only, even in cold weather. Water-wet frozen explosives have not proved to be any more sensitive than its unfrozen counterpart and no mildew problem has been encountered. It looks promising that the US Department of Transportation regulations can be changed to permit the bulk shipment of these ...
Overhead persistent surveillance systems are becoming more capable at acquiring wide-field image sequences for long time-spans. The need to exploit this data is becoming ever greater. The ability to track a single vehicle of interest or to track all the observable vehicles, which may number in the thousands, over large, cluttered regions while they persist in the imagery is very desirable. Typically, this imagery has many thousands of pixels on a side and is characterized by lower resolutions (e.g. {approx}0.5 meters/pixel to {approx}2.0 meters/pixel) and lower frame rates (e.g. {approx} sub-Hz to several Hz). We describe our ultra-scale capable implementation of a multiple-vehicle tracking algorithm for overhead persistent surveillance imagery. This work builds upon an earlier report, where now the algorithm has been modified for improved performance and has been substantially improved to handle much larger datasets in a much shorter time.