ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of volume-rendered helical computerized tomography (CT) angiography focusing tracheostomy tube and innominate artery for...Full Text Available
Fuji Computed Radiography (FCR) utilizes imaging plates of scanning lazer stimulated luminescence. FCR can be used for intravenous digital subtraction angiography (IVDSA) and for intraarterial studies because of tis high contrast and spatial resolution. Pixel size of the imaging plates for angiography is 0.2 mm. Experimentally, it could demonstrate a vessel 1 mm in diameter with a contrast of 0.1, when opacified with a contrast medium of 3 % iodine concentration, and could image a vessel 3 mm in diameter with contrast of 0.1, when opacified with 1 % contrast medium. A 20 % stenosed portion of a vessel 3 mm in diameter was identified when opacified with 3 % contrast medium, and a 20 % stenosed portion of a vessel 2 mm in diameter was identified when opacified with 10 % contrast medium. In 105 IVDSA examinations of 75 patients, FCR was superior to Digital Fluorography (DF) in spatial resolution, size of examination field, ...
The EXAFS-study (Fe, Sn and Ge K-edges) of disordered by mechanical activation binary supersaturated nanocrystalline solid solutions Fe-Al, Fe-Ge, Fe-Sn and Fe-Si is presented. The EXAFS-spectra are processed by solving the inverse binary problem, using the EXAFS-spectrum of the Fe K-edge only or combining the EXAFS-spectra on two K-edges, Fe and Ge or Fe and Sn. The parameters of partial correlation functions indicate chemical short-range ordering, high local static distortions in the lattice, increasing with metalloid content. The macrostructure of other type is forming through an initial, 'local' stage within the bcc lattice.
CT scans were performed on 25 patients suspected of sustaining ranal trauma. The utility of CT in both detecting renal damage and appraising the gravity of injuries was assessed. Nowadays, in fact, nephrectomy or reserved for lesions devastanting the kidney parenchyma or rupturing the renal pedicle; so it is very important to identyfy both the purposes of a better planned therapeutic approach. CT does both, being more accurate than urography in the detection of renal fractures, intra or extraparenchymal hematomas and contrast media extravasation. Urography very often shows aspecific lesion patterns and sometimes it is also falsely negative. In the present series CT was more reliable than angiography itself, particulary in the diagnosis of extra-renal hematic collections, contrast media extravasation and injuries to the other abdominal organs. Although CT may arouse the suspicion of and sometimes correctly diagnose vascular lesions, such as ...
ObjectiveAngiography remains a critical component for diagnostic imaging and therapeutic intervention in peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The goal of this study...Full Text Available
Intra-arterial subtraction angiography(IADSA) using Fuji computed radiography(FCR) was performed on 130 patients with cervical, pelvic, peripheral and abdominal diseases. It was compared with conventional angiography(radiographs produced by combining photographic film with an intensifying screen) performed on same patients. Radiographs produced by FCR were better than conventional radiographs in cervical, pelvic and peripheral angiography. In the abdominal angiography using FCR, there was misregistration artifact in some cases, but in hepatic angiography, the new radiographs under the injection of small amount of contrast medium(about 10ml) and the short exposure duration(about 10 seconds) were excellent. It was as valuable as conventional angiography (infusion hepatic angiography) for diagnosing hepatic neoplasms. (author).
Eighty-seven subtraction images of FCR were compared with subtraction images of conventional angiography. Although FCR images with reduced exposure dose (25 % of regular dose) and with diluted contrast material (150 mgI/ml, 50 % of usual concentration) were slightly inferior to the images of conventional angiography, most clinically important vessels were adequately visualized. As FCR has wider dynamic range and higher contrast resolution than conventional angiography, FCR may take over conventional angiography. (author).
We have measured K-edge X-ray absorption spectra of argon in sputtered aluminum films at a synchrotron radiation facility (the Photon Factory). We found that the energy and shape of white line change when the film is annealed at 500 C and the spectrum becomes resembling that of argon implanted in silicon. From the analyses of the X-ray absorption spectra and TEM observation we concluded that argon exists as very small atom clusters with a diameter less than 1 nm or exist as isolated atoms in the as-sputtered aluminum film, and that the size of the clusters become as big as 10 nm diameter when the film is heated. (Copyright (c) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam. All rights reserved.)
The application of 3D rotational angiography marks a breakthrough in endovascular treatment of aneurysmas of the brain. 3D images are produced based on image series obtained by rotational angiography, so that the anatomic details of interest can be visualized from any requested angle. (orig./CB)
Forty-seven subtraction images of FCR were compared with subtraction images of conventional angiography of the head. Quality of the FCR images were equal or superior to that of conventional angiography. Antero-posterior projection of external carotid arteriography by FCR was most useful because of its wide dynamic range. As contrast resolution of FCR is superior to that of conventional angiography, only half diluted contrast media was needed. As for spacial resolution, FCR is slightly inferior to conventional angiography. However, most vessels which are clinically important were adequately demonstrated. A weak point of FCR which should be improved is relatively long time to process the images after radiation exposure. (author).
The local environment of Ca dopants in barium titanate, BaTiO_3, is investigated by Ca K-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy. In conjunction with experiments, first-principles calculations by two methods are systematically made. The projector-augmented wave (PAW) method is used to optimize the local structure and obtain the formation energy. The augmented plane wave plus local orbitals method is adopted to obtain theoretical XANES spectra. A comparison between experimental and theoretical XANES spectra shows that Ca dopants are located at the Ba"2"+ sites forming Ca"2"+. Formation energy calculations of Ca doped BaTiO_3 by the PAW method also give the same results. The Ca atom in BaTiO_3 is off-centering in comparison with the Ba site in BaTiO_3. The off-centering of Ca atom is newly revealed by the combination of XANES spectroscopy and first-principles DFT calculations.
We present an x-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) study performed on both Ho{sub 6}Fe{sub 23} and Y{sub 6}Fe{sub 23} compounds as a function of the temperature. The combined analysis of both Fe K-edge and Ho L{sub 2,3}-edge XMCD spectra recorded through the magnetic compensation transition allows us to disentangle the thermal dependence of both Fe and Ho magnetic moments in Ho{sub 6}Fe{sub 23}. In addition, contributions from Ho ions to the Fe K-edge XMCD signals and, conversely, from Fe ions to the Ho L{sub 2,3}-edge XMCD spectra have been clearly identified. These extra contributions, arising from the strong Fe(3d)-Ho(5d) hybridization, have been isolated from the spectra and correlated with the magnetic state of both Ho and Fe ions surrounding the absorbing site. The influence of these contributions to the values of the orbital and spin moments derived by using sum rule analysis is also shown.
Measurements on laser shock compressed aluminium using the EXAFS (Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure) technique on the Al K-edge are described. Two methods of analysis of this data were used for the determination of density: the standard EXAFS technique using Fourier transforms and curve fitting, and a method based on a bandstructure calculation of the absorption spectra as a function of compression. These two techniques give results which are in fairly good agreement with each other and also with a hydrodynamic simulation of the experiment. The ion correlation parameter is estimated and shows that two-sided laser irradiation of aluminium foils produces a dense plasma which is strongly coupled. (author).
The magnetic and electronic properties of non-Fermi liquid UCu{sub 4Pd} depend on annealing conditions. Local structural changes due to this annealing are reported from UL{sub III}- and Pd K-edge x-ray absorption fine-structure measurements. In particular, annealing decreases the fraction of Pd atoms on nominally Cu 16e sites and the U-Cu pair-distance distribution width. This study provides quantitative information on the amount of disorder in UCu{sub 4Pd} and allows an assessment of its possible importance to the observed non-Fermi liquid behavior.
Fluorescein angiography of the iris was performed on patients with plastic lens implants with cystoid oedema of the macula, and the nature of the vascular changes was compared with controls provided...Full Text Available
27 cases including 7 outpatients, underwent intraarterial DSA using 4-F nylon catheter, by transbrachial arterial approach. Much of DSAs were performed in Fuji Computed Radiography (FCR), which has high spatial resolution. In all cases, image quality satisfied clinical demands. No major complication occured in this series. Transbrachial arterial digital subtraction angiography is excellent and safe method for screening of vascular disease. (author).
Intravenous digital subtraction angiography using Fuji computed radiography system (FCR-DSA) was used to evaluate 57 preoperative patients with clinical manifestations of peripheral vascular disease of lower extremity. With its high contrast resolution and good special resolution, image of FCR-DSA could offer optimal information of vascular abnormality in lower extremity distal to midfoot for the diagnosis and the choice of management.
Intravenous digital subtraction angiography using Fuji computed radiography system (FCR-DSA) was used to evaluate 57 preoperative patients with clinical manifestations of peripheral vascular disease of lower extremity. With its high contrast resolution and good special resolution, image of FCR-DSA could offer optimal information of vascular abnormality in lower extremity distal to midfoot for the diagnosis and the choice of management. (orig.).
Angiography plays a vital role in the investigation of the patient suffering from multiple trauma. The commonest injuries have been rupture of the thoracic aorta, renal lacerations, arterial bleeding associated with fractures and soft-tissue injuries to the pelvis, and occlusions of the arteries supplying the limbs. Transcatheter arterial embolization may be the definitive therapeutic procedure in pelvic bleeding.
The frequency of peripheral pulmonary artery stenosis in patients after surgical repair of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) ranges from 20 to 40%. This can be either primary or secondary to the surgical intervention. The influence of resulting lung perfusion alterations on the life quality of patients is difficult to predict. The aim of this study was to compare the utility of the diagnostic procedures in this group of patients, with particular focus on lung perfusion scintigraphy. This study comprised 104 patients who underwent repair of TOF at ages from 5 months to 25 years. The patients have been followed up for from 4.2 to 25 years. On the basis of chest X-ray peripheral pulmonary artery stenosis was suspected in 11 patients, in 12 on the basis of echocardiography examination. Lung perfusion scintigraphy has been performed on 87 patients. The disturbances in lung perfusion (mostly in the left lung) were show by means of lung perfusion scintigraphy in 43 (49%) of ...
The aim of this study was to evaluate imaging features of different coronary artery stents during multislice CT Angiography (MSCTA). Nineteen stents made of varying material (steel, nitinol, tantalum) and of varying stent design were implanted in plastic tubes with an inner diameter of 3 mm to simulate a coronary artery. The tubes were filled with iodinated contrast material diluted to 200 Hounsfield units (HU), closed at both ends and positioned in a plastic container filled with oil (-70 HU). The MSCT scans were obtained perpendicular to the stent axes (detector collimation 4 x 1 mm, table feed 2 mm/rotation, 300 mAs, 120 kV). Axial images and multiplanar reformations were evaluated regarding artifact size, lumen visibility, and intraluminal attenuation values. Artifacts characterized by artifactual thickening of the stent struts leading to apparent reduction in the lumen diameter and increased intraluminal attenuation values were observed in all cases. The stent ...
Purpose: Three-dimensional rotational angiography (3DRA) is a new technique based on a rotational angiographic acquisition able to display arterial vessels in a 3D rendering mode. The system was mainly developed for neuroradiological evaluations but preliminary extracranial experiences have also been reported. The aim of our work was to compare the results of three-dimensional angiography of the carotid arteries done with high-flow injection of contrast medium from the aortic arch with the results of selective angiography. Materials and methods: Twenty patients underwent digital angiography of the supra-aortic vessels in order to quantify a stenosis of the carotid bifurcations previously detected at Doppler Ultrasound. Examinations were performed with the Philips Integris Allura system provided with the rotational angiography (RA) tool connected to a workstation for ...
We obtain x-ray absorption near-edge structures (XANES) by solving the equation of motion for the two-particle Green's function for the electron-hole pair, the Bethe-Salpeter equation (BSE), within the all-electron full-potential linearized augmented plane wave method (FPLAPW). The excited states are calculated for the Li K-edge in the insulating solids LiF, Li_2O and Li_2S, and absorption spectra are compared with independent particle results using the random phase approximation (RPA), as well as supercell calculations using the core-hole approximation within density functional theory (DFT). The binding energies of strongly bound excitations are determined in the materials, and core-exciton wavefunctions are demonstrated for LiF.
Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death specially among elderly. Coronary angiography is the best diagnostic method in the patients, but is unfortunately an invasive procedure with its inherent risks. Myocardial perfusion scan is a noninvasive and sensitive method for evaluation of Coronary artery disease and is suggested by many investigators in recent years. In this study, 64 patients who had a Tc99m-MIBI SPECT myocardial perfusion study at our department, underwent coronary angiography within 4 months. Correlation of the methods revealed that SPECT Tc99m -MIBI had a high sensitivity and specificity in our hand, which is comparable with international findings.
MRT is able to demonstrate arteries while MR angiography can quantify blood flow by a non-invasive method. In the present paper blood flow measurements were carried out in four selected cases on the basis of phase mapping. In 3 patients with lesions in the pelvis or thigh, angiography was performed in order to localise the stenosis or occlusion and this was followed by qantitative blood flow measurements. The results showed that angiography may not always provide all necessary information concerning a haemodynamically significant stenosis. The method may also be used for quantifying blood flow in the renal arteries and that it has significant advantages over the colour Doppler method. (orig.).
BackgroundPatients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with fibrinolysis are increasingly, and ever earlier, referred for routine coronary angiography and where...Full Text Available
ObjectivesWe have developed an image-guided surgery system based on invisible near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent light. Presently, the only clinically-available NIR...Full Text Available
Background With the increasing use of cineless diagnostic angiography laboratories, modern telecommunication networks provide an excellent opportunity to transfer dynamic cardiac...Full Text Available
A case of severe intractable angina pectoris with normal angiography is presented. Following video assisted thoracic sympathectomy the patient died of heart failure. Microvascular cardiac amyloidosis...Full Text Available
The compound semiconductor system InGaAsN exhibits many intriguing properties which are particularly useful for the development of innovative high efficiency thin film solar cells and long wavelength lasers. The bandgap in these semiconductors can be varied by controlling the content of N and In and the thin films can yet be lattice-matched to GaAs. In the present work, x-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) and grazing incidence x-ray scattering (GIXS) techniques have been employed to probe the local environment surrounding both N and In atoms as well as the interface morphology of InGaAsN thin films epitaxially grown on GaAs. The soft x-ray XAFS results around nitrogen K-edge reveal that N is in the sp{sup 3} hybridized bonding configuration in InGaAsN and GaAsN, suggesting that N impurities most likely substitute for As sites in these two compounds. The results of In K-edge XAFS suggest a possible trend of a slightly larger coordination ...
X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) was used to probe the existence of induced magnetic moments in yttrium iron garnet (YIG) films in which yttrium is partly substituted with lanthanum, lutetium or bismuth. Spin polarization of the 4d states of yttrium and of the 5d states of lanthanum or lutetium was clearly demonstrated. Angular momentum resolved d-DOS of yttrium and lanthanun was shown to be split by the crystal field, the two resolved substructures having opposite magnetic polarization. The existence of a weak orbital moment involving the 6p states of bismuth was definitely established with the detection of a small XMCD signal at the Bi M{sub 1}-edge. Difference spectra also enhanced the visibility of subtle changes in the Fe K-edge XMCD spectra of YIG and {l_brace}Y, Bi{r_brace}IG films. Weak natural X-ray linear dichroism signatures were systematically observed with all iron garnet films and with a bulk YIG single crystal cut parallel to the (1 1 1) ...
To evaluate the usefulness of three-dimensional (3D) rotational angiography, cervical carotid or cerebral angiography was done without catheterizing the branches of the thoracic aorta. A 5-Fr pig-tail type catheter was passed into the ascending aorta via the radial artery or the femoral artery. Optimal carotid angiogram views were obtained using approximately 45 ml of contrast medium at a flow rate of 15 ml/sec. Optimal cerebral angiogram views were obtained using approximately 70 ml of contrast medium at a flow rate of 20 ml/sec. The contrast medium concentration was 300 to 350 mgI/ml. A satisfactory view could be obtained in 5 of 8 (63%) cases on cervical carotid 3D angiography and in 8 of 14 (57%) cases on cerebral 3D angiography. In all cases, no complications were noted. This method offers the advantages of requiring a relatively short procedure time and a decrease in radiation exposure. Further ...
The shell integrity near peak compression of spherical implosions using the 60-beam, 30-kJ UV OMEGA laser system [Opt. Commun. 133, 495 (1997)] has been measured. Hot core emission backlights a shell with a thin titanium-doped layer that is imaged at x-ray photon energies above and below the titanium Kedge. The x-ray intensity ratio between the two images is related to perturbations in the cold, or absorbing, part of the shell. The measured cold-shell areal-density modulations, integrated over the time of peak compression, are of the order of 25% to 50% with nonuniformity spectra peaked at spatial wavelengths of 30 to 50 #mu#m and with the smallest detectable nonuniformity features extending down to spatial wavelengths of 12 to 15 #mu#m. Hot-shell areal-density modulations of the emitting part of the shell (inner edge) are of the order of 13% to 20%. The measured shell modulations are in agreement with the results of two-dimensional ...
We report the experimental and theoretical results on the anisotropies in the magnetic properties and x-ray absorption spectra of single-crystal LiFePO4. A mean-field theory is developed to explain the observed strong anisotropies in Lande g-factor, paramagnetic Curie temperature, and effective moment for LiFePO4 single crystals. The values of the in-plane nearest- and next-nearest-neighbor spin exchange (J1 and J2), interplane spin exchange (J{perpendicular}), and single-ion anisotropy (D), obtained recently from neutron scattering measurements, are used for calculating the Curie temperatures with the formulas derived from the mean-field Hamiltonian. It is found that the calculated Curie temperatures match well with that obtained by fitting the magnetic susceptibility curves to the modified Curie-Weiss law. For the polarized Fe K-edge x-ray absorption spectra of single-crystal LiFePO4, a different feature assignment for the 1s4p transition features is proposed and ...
In interventional radiology (IVR) of cerebral aneurysms, it is important to understand the form and physical relationships between the cerebral aneurysm and the surrounding vessels. However, because the vessels in the head area are highly complex, it can be difficult to comprehend the structure using conventional angiography. Therefore, three-dimensional rotational angiography (3D-RA) has been used in recent years. This article discusses studies of the spatial resolution of 3D-RA. We reconstructed 3D-RA of an acrylic slit phantom (slit widths: 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.5 mm) and examined spatial resolution by visual evaluation and profile curves. When the slit phantom was arranged to avoid the effect of beam hardening, the spatial resolution of 3D-RA was found to be as high as 0.75 mm. When the slit phantom was placed orthogonal to the rotational axis of the C-arm, the spatial resolution of 3D-RA was decreased because of the cone angle effect of ...
We report a patient who developed occlusion of the intracranial major arteries induced by radiation therapy for craniopharyngioma. The patient, a 9-year-old boy, presented with deterioration of vision, nausea and vomiting. He underwent a right ventriculo-peritoneal shunt operation, and the tumor was partially removed. Postoperatively, he received focal radiation therapy with total of 60 Gy. Preoperative cerebral angiography, cerebral vessels had no sigh of occlusive lesion or stenosis. One year after irradiation, he started to have repeated cerebral ischemic attacks. But no regrowth of the tumor was detected on CT scans. Two years and 8 months after irradiation, he suddenly had right hemiparesis. Cerebral angiography revealed severe stenosis of the right anterior cerebral artery (precommunicating segment), middle cerebral artery (horizontal portion) and terminal portion of the right carotid artery. Left carotid angiography ...
We report a patient who developed occlusion of the intracranial major arteries induced by radiation therapy for craniopharyngioma. The patient, a 9-year-old boy, presented with deterioration of vision, nausea and vomiting. He underwent a right ventriculo-peritoneal shunt operation, and the tumor was partially removed. Postoperatively, he received focal radiation therapy with total of 60 Gy. Preoperative cerebral angiography, cerebral vessels had no sigh of occlusive lesion or stenosis. One year after irradiation, he started to have repeated cerebral ischemic attacks. But no regrowth of the tumor was detected on CT scans. Two years and 8 months after irradiation, he suddenly had right hemiparesis. Cerebral angiography revealed severe stenosis of the right anterior cerebral artery (precommunicating segment), middle cerebral artery (horizontal portion) and terminal portion of the right carotid artery. Left carotid angiography ...
The somatic and genetic radiation exposure of patients undergoing Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) and traditional Film Arteriography (FA) of cranial, cervical, thoracic and abdominal vascular territories are compared. The radiation doses absorbed within the critical organs - red bone marrow, lung, thyroid gland and female breast - and in the gonads were measured using an anthropomorphic Alderson phantom. A Somatic Dose Index was calculated in order to estimate the somatic radiation risk. The somatic radiation exposure depends upon the location of the critical organs with respect to the entrance site of the x-ray beam, and can be reduced by an appropriate choice of the angiographic projection. Under this condition, the radiation exposure of the patient during DSA can be lower than during FA. For renal DSA an a.p. projection, the use of an abdominal compression device and careful caudal shielding of the field are advocated. (orig.).
Purpose: An animal model is used to investigate whether MR angiography combined with super-paramagnetic particles of iron oxide (SPIO) is suitable for detecting thromboses. Methods: 42 rats in groups of 7 each were examined on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11, respectively, after mechanical/chemical thrombus induction in a 1.5 Tesla magnet with a FISP sequence (TR/TE/FA 50 ms/6 ms/40 ). Imaging was performed before and up to 90 minutes after intravenous injection of 30 {mu}mol FE/kg BW of the experimental SPIO (hydrodynamic diameter, 34{+-}17 nm LLS; R1 and R2 relaxivity at 0.47 T, 31 and 57 L/(mmol*s)). MIP reconstructions of MR angiographies were submitted to consensus assessment by two examiners using histology as the gold standard. Results: The image quality of MIP reconstructions was rated as good in 38 of 42 cases. With regard to thrombotic vessel occlusion, MR angiography coincided with histology in 17 of 42 cases and ...
Comparative analysis of diagnostic accuracy (dignity determination) in CT-guided fine-needle biopsy (141 patients), CT (141), ultrasonography (89), angiography (50), and cholegraphy (ERCP, 55), was carried out in suspected space-occupying lesions of the pancreas. With accuracy of 86%, sensitivity of 37% and specificity of 92% fine-needle biopsy was superior to imaging procedures. Additional comparison of the results concerning the patients and Roc curves confirm the statements. For reduction of the number of imaging investigations a diagnostic algorithm is proposed, that starts with diagnostic CT and subsequent fine-needle biopsy controlled by CT. This would result in a more adequate use of angiography and ERCP and in the elimination of ultrasonography. (author).
Purpose We evaluated low-contrast injection protocols for coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) using a 64-detector scanner and the test bolus technique. Materials and methods We randomly assigned 60 patients undergoing coronary CTA to one of two contrast material (CM) injection protocols. For the lowcontrast dose protocol (Plow), the patients received injections of iohexol-350 [0.7 ml/kg body weight (BW)] during 9 s, and the test-bolus technique was used. Under the conventional protocol (Pconv), they received iohexol-350 (1.0 ml/kg BW) during 15 s, and bolus tracking was used. We compared the protocols for attenuation values in the ascending aorta and coronary arteries and for the amount of CM required. Results There was no significant difference in the mean CT attenuation of the...
Coronary angiography has provided an unrivalled appreciation of coronary anatomy fostering a far greater appreciation of the extent of atherosclerotic disease. However, the subjectivity of coronary angiography at determining the extent of plaque has been exposed with IVUS. Indices of coronary physiology have provided valuable adjunctive information as to the physiological importance of specific lesions. Fractional flow reserve is an established method for evaluating the significance of epicardial stenoses. Fractional flow reserve guided percutaneous coronary intervention is associated with improved outcomes when compared to a conventional angiographic guided strategy, particularly in intermediate lesions. The use of coronary physiology in the cath lab represents a new avenue to guide appro...
The objective of this study was to compare contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE MRA) and multislice computed tomographic angiography (MS CTA) in the follow-up of thoracic stent-graft placement. The CE MRA and MS CTA were performed following nitinol stent-graft treatment due to thoracic aneurysm (n=4), intramural bleeding (n=2) and type-B aortic dissection (n=5). Corresponding evaluation of arterial-phase imaging characteristics focused on the stent-graft morphology and leakage assessment. Stent-graft and aneurysm extensions were comparable between both techniques. Complete exclusion (aneurysm, n=4; dissection, n=2) was assessed with high confidence with CE MRA and MS CTA. Incomplete exclusion (intramural bleeding, n=2; dissection, n=3) was assigned to lower confidence scores on CE MRA compared with MS CTA. On CE MRA the stent-graft lumen demonstrated an inhomogeneous signal, the stent struts could not be assessed. The CE MRA can ...
This study mainly concerns medical explorations by radioisotopes. Detectors with medical exams and applications are described. Ionisation chambers, semiconductor detectors and scintillation counters are also presented. Uses of radioisotopes in medicine in vivo and in vitro techniques are explained. Examples of scintiscanning are given like: angiography, nuclear cardiography and thyroid scintiscanning. The importance of the study is to present a panorama of nuclear medicine laboratories -at the time- in hospitals in Lebanon.
This opinion presents an overview of recent developments in the diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Japan. The use of Ethiodol (iodized ethyl ester of the fatty acid of poppyseed oil) for hepatic angiography in diagnosing and treating (combined with chemotherapeutic agents) HCC has been reported. Ethiodol has been found to localize in HCC and remain there for long periods. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Objective: To investigate transcutaneous oximetry as parameter of the microcirculation is correlated to ankle-brachial-index as parameter of the macrocirculation after peripheral angioplasty procedures. Design: Prospective study. Materials and methods: 60 patients suffering from intermittent claudication were scheduled for angioplasty treatment. 45 patients were considered as eligible for angioplasty after angiographic evaluation, 15 patients underwent angiography only. Transcutaneous oximetry measurements were performed before the procedure, at the end of intervention, 24 h as well as 2 and 4 weeks after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty. Ankle-brachial-indices were obtained before intervention, 24 h as well as 2 and 4 weeks later. Results: Ankle-brachial-indices increased significantly at 24 h after angioplasty in patients being treated with angioplasty. Transcutaneous oximetry values dropped significantly at the end of the procedure and returned close to the ...
MRI, ultrasonography and angiography were performed on 24 cases with small renal cell carcinoma, and data were compared with pathological architecture type. An average diameter of cancer was 20.8 mm (10-30 mm). Each tumor was pathologically classified into four architecture types: alveolar type (15 cases), papillary type (5 cases), tubular type (3 cases) and cystic type (1 case). In comparison with renal cortex alveolar type renal cell carcinoma showed equal or low signal in T1-weighted images and equal or high signal in T2-weighted images. Papillary and tubular types showed high signal in T1-weighted images, and low signal in T2-weighted images. In alveolar type, many cases showed equal echo in ultrasonography and hypervascularity in angiography, and in papillary and tubular types, many cases showed high echo and hypovascularity. There were many cases with papillary type small cell carcinoma which showed low signal intensity of T2-weighted ...
Ten patients with suspected islet cell tumors (seven with possible gastrinomas, three with insulinomas) underwent diagnostic evaluation with dynamic CT scanning, routine CT scanning, angiography, and sonography. Venous sampling was also performed in selected instances. Nine sites of gastrinoma and three insulinomas were confirmed surgically in eight patients. Two patients had negative surgical explorations. Routine CT demonstrated five of the nine gastrinomas and one of two insulinomas. Angiography was positive in six of nine gastrinomas and all three insulinomas. Sonography showed only two of the nine gastrinomas and two of the three insulinomas. Dynamic CT scanning demonstrated three additional lesions (two gastrinomas, on insulinoma) not visible on routine CT scanning. Although most of these lesions were visible arteriographically, dynamic CT scans at the appropriate level localized the pathology in the transverse plane and greatly aided in ...
This study concerns our experiences with abdominal gamma imaging using Tc-99m colloid and with abdominal angiography using Tc-99m-pyrophosphate labelled erythrocytes ''in vivo'' based on the modified technique described by Callahan. The dynamic or perfusion phase was first performed, then the static phase during which for the first two hours scans were taken every 15 minutes and thereafter every 4-6 hours. The routine image corresponds to the first, although it was necessary at times to take oblique projections. The study was felt to be accomplished after 48 hours upon observing no extravasation of radioactive material in the abdominal region, or upon detecting a bleeding site. The investigation was performed on 11 patients, 8 having positive scans of abdominal extravasation, later confirmed in 6 by endoscopy and by surgery. In 2, the presence of salmonelosis was shown by laboratory analysis. Endoscopy and angiography XR are both invasor ...
Forty resected cases of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma were classified into four types according to the gross appearance; type I: mass forming type (n=8), type II: mass forming with periductal infiltrating type (n=20), type III: periductal infiltrating type (n=9) and type IV: intraductal growth type (n=3). Diagnostic features of these four types were studied. Peripheral enhancement was a common angiographic feature and tumor stains were recognized in 88%, 20%, 0%, 33%, respectively. Angiography and dynamic computed tomography (D-CT) were useful in differential diagnosis with hepatocellular carcinoma. Accuracy rate in diagnosis of portal vein involvement by angiography and D-CT was 82% and 91%, respectively. MRI was more useful in tumor detection than D-CT in cases with attenuation difference, in 55% of type II and in 75% of type III. Increase of arterial involvement, biliary tract involvement and portal vein involvement, incidence of lymph ...
Purpose: To describe the clinical aspects and evaluate optical coherence tomography of macular microholes. Methods: Seven patients were assessed (8 eyes) with microholes of the macula. All patients underwent complete eye examination, fundus photography, fluorescent angiography and OCT-3 imaging. Results: Ages ranged from 26 to 69 years. Six patients were female (85.7%) and five of them had microhole in the right eye. The presenting symptom was decrease in visual acuity (71.3%) and central scotoma in (14.3%). Five eyes (71.4%) had no defects shown by fluorescent angiography. A defect in the outer retina was demonstrated in all eyes on optical coherence tomography. The lesions were nonprogressive. Conclusion: Macular microholes are small lamellar defects in the outer retina. The condition is nonprogressive, generally unilateral and compatible with good visual acuity. Fundus biomicroscopy associated with an optical coherence tomography are the ...
The aim of this study was to assess the body weight-tailored contrast material injection protocol for 64-detector computed tomography (CT) to maintain optimal coronary CT attenuation. A total of 60 patients who underwent CT coronary angiography were assigned to one of three groups: protocol A, total of 0.7 ml kg"-"1 with 300 mg I/ml iodine concentration; protocol B, total of 0.6 ml kg"-"1 with 350 mg I/ml; protocol C, total of 0.7 ml kg"-"1 with 350 mg I/ml. The injection duration was 10 s in all patients. The proportion of intracoronary attenuation values >325 Hounsfield unit (HU) was compared on a per-vessel and per-patient basis. The attenuation value was significantly more likely to exceed 325 HU with protocol C (95% for reader 1 and 90% for reader 2) than with protocol A or B on the per-vessel analysis (P325 HU) with 64-detector CT when using an injection duration of 10 s. (author)
The objective of this study was to develop a method for 3D subtraction CT angiography and to optimize the visualization after semiautomatic segmentation. Ten patients with aneurysms of the abdominal aorta were examined using spiral CT. To reconstruct the vessels, as well as adjacent organs such as the liver and kidneys, one image data volume was acquired before and after injection of the contrast agent. The CT scans were obtained with a Siemens Somatom Plus 4. To improve the results of automatic segmentation, as well as visualization by maximum intensity projection (i.e. removal of bony structures), subtraction of both image volumes is necessary. However, small translation shifts disturb the subtraction process and produce artificial contours. To calculate the disparities along the three coordinate axes of two corresponding image volumes, a cepstrum filter is applied to a pair of image volumes. After detection of the disparities, which manifest as bright spots, the ...
Manganese model complexes, relevant to the oxygen-evolving complex (OEC) in photosynthesis, were studied with Mn K-edge X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES), Mn Kb X-ray emission spectroscopy (XES), and vibrational spectroscopy. A more detailed understanding was obtained of the influence of nuclearity, overall structure, oxidation state, and ligand environment of the Mn atoms on the spectra from these methods. This refined understanding is necessary for improving the interpretation of spectra of the OEC. Mn XANES and Kb XES were used to study a di-(mu)-oxo and a mono-(mu)-oxo di-nuclear Mn compound in the (III,III), (III,IV), and (IV,IV) oxidation states. XANES spectra show energy shifts of 0.8 - 2.2 eV for 1-electron oxidation-state changes and 0.4 - 1.8 eV for ligand-environment changes. The shifts observed for Mn XES spectra were approximately 0.21 eV for oxidation state-changes and only approximately 0.04 eV for ligand-environment changes. This ...
Sulfur K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy is a powerful in situ probe of sulfur biochemistry in intact cells and tissues. Under favorable circumstances the technique can provide quantitative information on the chemical identify of the sulfur species that are present in a sample. Prange et al. have recently reported an X-ray absorption spectroscopic study of bacterial sulfur storage globules. Unfortunately there are substantial problems with the experimental technique employed that, they contend, lead to completely erroneous conclusions. In the more recent of their two papers Prange et al. employed a curve-fitting method similar to that used by us (for more than 10 years). In essence, the method employs simply fitting a linear combination of the spectra of standard compounds to that of the unknown, in this case cultures of bacterial cells. This type of analysis can provide quantitative estimates of the individual sulfur types in the sample, but is critically ...
A new iron phosphate (NH4)4Fe3(OH)2F2[H3(PO4)4] has been synthesized hydrothermally at HF concentrations from 0.5 to 1.2 mL. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals its three-dimensional open-framework structure (monoclinic, space group P21/n (No. 14), a=6.2614(13) A, b=9.844(2) A, c=14.271(3) A, ?=92.11(1)o, V=879.0(3) A3). This structure is built from isolated linear trimers of corner-sharing Fe(III) octahedra, which are linked by (PO4) groups to form ten-membered-ring channels along [1 0 0]. This isolated, linear trimer of corner-sharing Fe(III) octahedra, [(FeO4)3(OH)2F2], is new and adds to the diverse linkages of Fe polyhedra as secondary building units in iron phosphates. The trivalent iron at octahedral sites for the title compound has been confirmed by synchrotron Fe K-edge XANES spectra and magnetic measurements. Magnetic measurements also show that this compound exhibit a strong antiferromagnetic exchange below TN=17 K, consistent with ...
In order to understand the chemistry of altermetal dopants in antimony oxide, the detailed structural characterization of two ..beta..-Sb/sub 2/O/sub 4/ compounds is reported, Mo-doped ..beta..-Sb/sub 2/O/sub 4/ (1.5 metal%) and V-doped ..beta..-Sb/sub 2/O/sub 4/ (5 metal%). The methods used to characterize these materials are X-ray and neutron diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Mo K-edge extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. The atomic position of each of these dopants in Sb/sub 2/O/sub 4/ is radically different as is the overall effect on the host structure. Molybdenum does not substitute for Sb atoms, rather the Mo atoms are found in channels of electron density formed by Sb/sup 3 +/ lone pairs. The two nearest Sb/sup 3 +/ are absent and the oxygen stoichiometry is preserved. The formula is Sb/sub 1.97/Mo/sub 0.015/O/sub 4/. Vanadium incorporates substitutionally for the Sb/sup 3 +/ atoms and there are random ...
The structures of bromocopper(II) complexes in methanolic (M1, M2, M3, M4), ethanolic (E), and aqueous (H) solutions were determined by the analyses of the Cu K- and Br K-edge EXAFS spectra using a curve-fitting method. The molar concentrations of Cu and Br in these solutions prepared by CuBr_2 and LiBr are 0.996 and 1.992 (M1), 1.015 and 5.381 (M2), 0.493 and 4.525 (M3), 0.260 and 4.073 (M4), 1.031 and 4.313 (E), and 0.982 and 5.426 (H). In M1 solution the interatomic distances for the Cu-O_e_q, Br_e_q-Cu, and Br_e_q-O_e_q (_e_q = equatorial) were 2.00A, 2.35A, and 3.15A respectively, and the Br_e_q-Cu-O_e_q angle was estimated as about 92 deg. Therefore, trans-dibromo bis(methanol)copper(II) complex with a slightly distorted planar structure was proposed to be dominant complex species in M1 solution. The interatomic distances in M2, M3, M4 and E solutions were 2.37A and 3.45A (average) for the Br_e_q-Cu and Br_e_q-Br_e_q respectively. The Br_e_q-Cu-Br_e_q angle, ...
The results of the examination of 23 children with Ewing's sarcoma of the rib were analyzed: panoramic chest X-rays in 4 projections, spot radiographs of the robs, superexposed pictures, laterograms, urography, angiography, computerized tomography, and scanning of the skeleton. Causes of diagnostic errors made at the first consultation by a physician, were identified. Peculiarities of X-ray signs of tumors of this site in children were studied. Diagnostic difficulties in tumors complicated by pleurisy and in tumors of small sizes with extrapleural growth were shown. Inclusions in the extraoseous tumor component were noted in 8.7% of the cases.
Surface doses received by patients and operators were measured during 30 interventional radiological procedures (ten percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainages, ten percutaneous nephrostomies, ten percutaneous transluminal angioplasties). In addition, organ doses to the patient were determined using an Alderson-Rando phantom. These served as a basis for calculating the so-called somatic dose indices. It was found that the somatic radiation risk to the patient is relatively small despite prolonged periods of fluoroscopy. However, exposure of the hands and lenses of the operator could easily reach the limits thought acceptable while carrying out these procedures with additional angiography. (orig).
Coronary angiography provides anatomical information whereas thellium myocardial scintigraphy measures resistive tissue perfusion. Because of this fundamental difference. The authors question the validity of using coronary angiography as the gold standard to judge thellium myocardial scintigraphy. The authors studied 20 patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary angioplasty who fulfilled the following criteria: (1) history of chest pain; (2) angiographically significant single vessel disease (>50% stenosis); (3) no prior myocardial infarction. All patients underwent maximal exercise thallium single photon emission computed tomography (T1-SPECT). Tl-SPECT was scored visually according to a 0 to 3 scale (0=absent uptake; 1=markedly decreased uptake; 2=minimally decreased uptake; 3=normal uptake). Translesional gradient and percent stenosis were measured before and after angioplasty. The authors found that significant linear ...
The aim of this study was to determine sensitivity and specificity of magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) for the assessment of durable occlusion of intracranial aneurysms with Guglielmi detachable coils (GDC) and to point out the influence of MRA results in re-intervention strategies. Forty-five patients with 54 aneurysms that were previously treated by endovascular occlusion with GDC were selected for this study. All patients underwent digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and MRA examinations on the same day. The time-of-flight MRA studies were performed on a 1-T scanner. The MRA images were first read by radiologists who were not aware of the DSA results. In a second consensus reading by the neuroradiologists who had performed all interventional procedures of this series, the decision was made as to whether re-treatment was necessary. The distribution of aneurysm sizes, configurations and treatment results were sufficient for an unbiased ...
This article addresses the connection of cogeneration plants to the utility system. The article provides examples for use in illustrating the problems that must be overcome and the solution chosen. These illustrations include high voltage utility connection, multiple connections to the utility at one location, and dealing with losses and obstructions.
Legal aspects of using natural gas as boiler fuel for electric utilities are reviewed through one utility's challenges to the Power Plant and Industrial Fuel Use implementation. ASARCO vs. FPC, 1973, and City of Willcox vs. FPC are discussed. (PSB)
The report, generated by a computerized data base system, presents a survey of operational and planned domestic utility flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems, operational domestic particle scrubbers, and Japanese coal-fired utility FGD installations. It ...
Lobar emphysema is an uncommon cause of respiratory distress in infancy. Congenital heart disease is seen in about 20% of the patients with infantile (congenital) lobar emphysema. We described six infants with lobar emphysema. In three of them a congenital heart disease was demonstrated by cardiac catheterization and cineangiography; two had a tetralogy of Fallot with right aortic arch and the third infant a ventricular septal defect. The pulmonary angiography showed stretching of the arteries with very poor filling of the peripheral arteries and a characteristic smaller pulmonary vein in the affected lobe. In all the six patients the pulmonary artery pressure was normal. All the patients underwent lobectomy with good results. We feel that a preoperative cardiac catheterization and cineangiography is of value in this very sick group of infants. (orig.).
The main goal of local drug delivery is to increase the concentration of a specific therapeutic agent in a target tissue with minimal nontarget distribution. Compared to systemic therapy, local drug delivery provides a high level of therapeutic efficacy with minimal systemic effects. The current primary imaging modality for drug delivery has been x-ray angiography, but it has major limitations including anatomical ambiguity and inability to visualize the targeted tissues. Due to these inherent problems, MR guidance has been explored as an alternative imaging modality for guiding and monitoring of drug therapy. Recently, interventional MR (XMR) systems have been implemented that have both dual x-ray and MRI capabilities in a single suite and allow for real-time interventional procedures to ...
Serious complications due to coronary artery fistulae have been described. Most authors recommend early intervention at the time of diagnosis. We present a case of a fistula originating from a dilated left coronary artery and draining into the right atrium, which was diagnosed prenatally by color Doppler echocardiography. During pregnancy, the echocardiographic findings remained unchanged, and there were no signs of heart failure. After birth, the fistula was confirmed by angiography. Additionally, a persistent left superior vena cava draining into the coronary sinus and a very small ventricular septal defect were detected. The fistula was closed successfully by transcatheter coil embolization. At 17 months old the child was in good clinical condition. Prenatal diagnosis of coronary artery fistulae may be possible and may improve perinatal management and outcome. PMID:12047543
Iopentol (350 mg I/ml) has been compared with iohixol (350 mg I/ml) in a double-blind randomized parallel group trial with 32 and 35 patients receiving iopentol and iohexol, respectively. Coronary angiography and left ventriculography were performed, and the mean total volume injected was 124 ml of iopentol and 135 ml of iohexol . There were no statistically significant differences regarding changes in heart rate and frequency of adverse advents, which were the primary parameters, between the two groups of patients. Blood pressure and ECG parameters revealed only minor fluctuations which were of no clinical relevance. The visualization of the coronary arteries and the left ventricle were the same with both contrast media, as was the diagnostic quality. The results support the use of iopentol in cardioangiography. (author). 1 ref.; 5 tabs.
Rotatostereoradiographic (RSRG) images are displayed in an oscillating, rotational manner. While reviewing these rotating images, the radiologist may become psychologically irritated by the rotation. A rapidly rotating display of linear subjects gives one three-dimensional depth information. This three-dimensional sense is lost if the rotation speed is too slow. The authors of this paper determined the slowest possible rotating display speed that allows perception of three-dimensional depth information minimizing psychological irritation. In the RSRG device (Shimadzu ROTATO-360), an x-ray tube coupled with an image intensifier rotates through a 180 degrees arc in 1.8 or 2.25 seconds. Both rotation times could be doubled. The images were displayed at four different speeds, covering the 180 degrees arc in 1.8, 2.25, 3.6, and 4.5 seconds.
Bowel infarction is a rare and typical condition of the elderly; despite improvements in diagnostic imaging and vascular surgery, bowel infarction remains a major cause of acute abdomen, with mortality rates ranging 70-80%. Diagnosis on often late because clinical sings, laboratory data and radiologic findings are a specific. The authors investigated radiographic and particular CT patterns of intestinal infraction in 56 patients submitted to surgery within 12 hours of admission. We also report the CT findings of 5 of these patients who had reversible mesenteric ischemia. CT is more sensitive than radiography and does not exhibit the limitations of angiography (i.e., invasiveness, radiation exposure an complex organization. Therefore CT can presently be considered the method of choice in patients with suspected bowel infarction.
Ten patients with traumatic femoral neck fracture were studied with MR imaging (0.5 T, Magnetom, Siemens): unenhanced (multiecho, TR/TE = 1,600/30--240 [repetition time/echo time, msec]; gradient echo, TR/TE = 315/14, #theta# = 90 degrees) and Gd-DTPA enhanced (0.1 mM/kg body weight, Magnevist, Schering; gradient echo, TR/TE = 315/14, #theta# = 90 degrees). MR images were compared with clinical-radiographic findings. Digital subtraction angiography of the femoral head (FH) in five patients showed complete interruption of blood supply to the FH in three patients (signal intensity of FH did not increase on postcontrast images) and intact FH arteries in two patients (FH signal increased on postcontrast images, as did the healthy-side signal).
A method for the determination of stereotaxic coordinates in radiography, e.g. angiography, pneumoencephalography or digital vascular radiography, is described. A special localization frame containing radiopaque structures and scales defines a diagnostic coordinate system. This frame is fixed to the X-ray-table prior to the radiographic procedure and two projections are obtained at arbitrary angles to each other. The focus-film distances do not have to be fixed. The target coordinates are then determined either by a simple graphical procedure or with the use of a digitizing x-y-table, by a computer. With the computer method the films are placed on the digitizing table and the target and a few reference points are marked using a cursor. From the relative positions the computer calculates the coordinates. With the special head fixation system, coordinates of structures visualized in radiographic examinations can be transferred to various therapeutic or diagnostic ...
PurposeTo investigate the utility of consistency metrics, such as inverse consistency, in contour based deformable registration error analysis.Full Text Available
Four questions are posed: (1) Is knowledge utilization a rhetorical evocation? (2) Is the conjunction of knowledge with utility part of a cultural system of common sense? (3) Is utility a normative or a descriptive concept? and (4) How does the concept of knowledge utilization figure in the specialized discourse of social scientists? This paper analyzes the concept of knowledge utilization from the perspective of philosophy of language and philosophy of science. Knowledge utilization is a rhetorical evocation that implies concepts of action and knowledge. It is supported by two conceptual fusions. The fusion of value and utility draws on common sense, but does not exhaust colloquial understandings about knowledge and action. The conceptual fusion of knowledge and truth is consistent with common sense but disregards scientific criticism. ...
This issue is the collection of the papers on progress of researches by common utilization of JAERI nuclear facilities. The 43 of the papers are indexed individually. (J.P.N.)
Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic value of 64 multidetector-row CT angiography for internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis and the application in the follow-up of carotid endarterectomy and percutaneous transluminal stenting. Methods: Forty transient ischemic attack (TIA) patients with interpretable CTA and DSA of the cervical carotid arteries were selected from May 2005 to December 2005. This yielded a total of 80 vessels. The CTA curved planar reformations (CPR) and DSA images referenced to the distal cervical internal carotid were graded by two senior neuroradiologists blindly, according to the North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial (NASCET) guidelines. The paired-t test was used to verify the statistical significant difference between pre-operating and post-operating of carotid endarterectomy or percutaneous transluminal stenting in measuring the vascular diameter and area of cross section using CTA. Results: When the 70% stenosis was used ...
Purpose: To quantify left ventricular function derived from retrospectively ECG-gated multislice spiral CT (MSCT) data sets in comparison to MRI. Materials and Methods: In 16 patients (14 males, 2 females, mean age 56.8 #+-# 11.5 years), retrospectively ECG-gated MSCT angiography of the coronary arteries and breath-hold steady state free precession cine MRI were performed. From MSCT data-sets, 20 axial image series were reconstructed every 5% of the RR interval. Multiplanar images were reformatted in the short axis orientation from axial images. End-systolic and end-diastolic images were selected. From these images end-systolic volume (ESV), end-diastolic volume (EDV) and stroke volume (SV) as well as the ejection fraction (EF) and myocardial mass (MM) were determined using the Simpson's method and compared with MRI. Furthermore, image quality was assessed for both imaging modalities using a four point grading scale. Results: All parameters were found to have an ...
To determine the effectiveness and patency of percutaneous intervention in insufficient native arteriovenous hemodialysis fistulae (AVFs). Between March 1997 and September 2001, 67 cases of insufficient native AVFs resulted from central vein lesion, PTA was performed in 48 cases, and thrombolytic therapy with or without PTA in 11. In eight of the cases, in which central vein stenosis had led to the insufficency, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) was performed, and in three of the eight, a stent was inserted. Angiography findings and complications, as well as success and patency rates in the non-thrombosis and thrombosis group, were evaluated; the central vein lesion group was analysed separately. Among 84 lesions observed at angiography, three were 54 cases of stenosis, 17 of occlusion, and 13 of combined thrombosis. The lesions were located in a proximal vein (n=51), distal vein (n=14), artery (n=6), and at the site of anastomosis ...
The standard protocol in multislice spiral CT (MSCT) angiography for coronary arteries with fixed tube current-time settings leads to an overexposure and thus to an unnecessary high radiation dose in patients with lower weight when compared to heavier patients. The purpose of this study was to estimate the effect of reducing the radiation dose by adapting the tube current-time settings individually. Fifty patients underwent retrospectively ECG-gated MSCT of the heart. In 25 patients (group A{sub 1}) a standard protocol with constant tube current-time settings was used (4 x 1-mm collimation, 120 kV, 400 mAs{sub eff}). Subsequently, artificial image noise was added to the data of these patients simulating a directive for weight-adapted tube current-time settings (group A{sub 2}). In the other 25 patients (group B) an alternative protocol with individually weight-adapted tube current-time settings was applied. The data of all groups were evaluated by a regression ...
The standard protocol in multislice spiral CT (MSCT) angiography for coronary arteries with fixed tube current-time settings leads to an overexposure and thus to an unnecessary high radiation dose in patients with lower weight when compared to heavier patients. The purpose of this study was to estimate the effect of reducing the radiation dose by adapting the tube current-time settings individually. Fifty patients underwent retrospectively ECG-gated MSCT of the heart. In 25 patients (group A_1) a standard protocol with constant tube current-time settings was used (4 x 1-mm collimation, 120 kV, 400 mAs_e_f_f). Subsequently, artificial image noise was added to the data of these patients simulating a directive for weight-adapted tube current-time settings (group A_2). In the other 25 patients (group B) an alternative protocol with individually weight-adapted tube current-time settings was applied. The data of all groups were evaluated by a regression analysis. The ...
In rare cases, large adrenal masses with a suspicion of malignancy exhibit tumor extension into the adrenal vein and inferior vena cava. When planning surgery, the relationship of the extension to the inferior vena cava is of decisive improtance. We describe in two cases on the detection of a tumor thrombus in the inferior vena cava arising from a malignant adrenal mass by means of MR angiography (TOF, coronary 2D GRE images [FLASH], 3 slices acquired during 15 second apnea). The angiograms correlated well with the results of DSA venacavography and with the intraoperative findings. Thus, MRA has been demonstrated to be suitable for the certain proof of a venous tumor thrombus not only in cases of renal cell carcinomas but also in cases of malignant adrenal masses. The method should be applied whenever there is evidence of a venous involvement in the adrenal MR images. (orig.) [Deutsch] Grosse malignomverdaechtige Nebennierentumoren zeigen in seltenen Faellen eine ...
The purpose of this study was to assess experimentally and clinically the usefulness of Fuji Computed Radiography (FCR) in angiographic examinations. FCR had a spatial resolution with much lower X-ray exposure doses, although the resolution of FCR was generally inferior to conventional films. When a contrast medium of 1% iodine concentration was used, FCR pinpointed a mass 1.5 mm in diameter; and conventional film could detect a mass 2.2 mm in diameter. The contrast of iodine in FCR examinations was stable. A high sensitivity of imaging plate allowed a wide range of visualization. In 148 selective angiographic examinatinons for 138 patients, FCR-subtraction images were superior to conventional film angiography for contrast resolution; it had a high sensitivity in detecting areas, such as the mediastimun and left lobe of the liver, and tumor stains in capillary phase. The capability of FCR arteriogram was as good as film arteriogram even with a half concentration of ...
The purpose of this study was to assess experimentally and clinically the usefulness of Fuji Computed Radiography (FCR) in angiographic examinations. FCR had a spatial resolution with much lower X-ray exposure doses, although the resolution of FCR was generally inferior to conventional films. When a contrast medium of 1% iodine concentration was used, FCR pinpointed a mass 1.5 mm in diameter; and conventional film could detect a mass 2.2 mm in diameter. The contrast of iodine in FCR examinations was stable. A high sensitivity of imaging plate allowed a wide range of visualization. In 148 selective angiographic examinatinons for 138 patients, FCR-subtraction images were superior to conventional film angiography for contrast resolution; it had a high sensitivity in detecting areas, such as the mediastimun and left lobe of the liver, and tumor stains in capillary phase. The capability of FCR arteriogram was as good as film arteriogram even with a half concentration of ...
A vessel phantom suitable for evaluation of spatial and contrast resolution of FCRDSA (Fuji Computed Radiography, digital subtraction angiography) has been developed and used for determining resolution. The effects of iodine concentration, low dose exposure, and acryl thickness on the resolution were evaluated in FCRDSA, and FCRDSA images were compared with film substraction with use of this phantom. It has been proven that limitation of resolution of FCRDSA was 5 % 1 mm and about 1/4 dose exposure compared with conventional film exposure was clinically acceptable. Dye dilution method was useful to determine a program of IVDSA with imaging plate. It has been proven that time to appearance and time to peak of time-concentration curve of dye dilution method closely correlate to time to appropriate image of DSA in the neck, the chest, and the abdomen. 106 cases of IVDSA and 130 cases of IADSA using FCR in Tohoku University Hospital from January through December 1984 ...
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized by tumor vascularization from the hepatic artery. The objective of our work was to compare color Doppler ultrasonography (CDU), including power Doppler ultrasonography (PDU) with radiographic imagings with contrast medium in regard to the detection of the arterial tumor vascularity of small hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC). We examined 42 small HCC lesions 2 cm or less in diameter in 37 patients for arterial tumor vascularity by conventional CDU, PDU, dynamic computed tomography (dCT), digital subtraction angiography (DSA), and CT hepatic arteriography (CTA). Color images were detected in 25 (59.5%) and 28 (66.7%) of the 42 lesions with conventional CDU and PDU, respectively, and tumor vascularity was detected in 26 (61.9%) by dCT, 23 (54.8%) by DSA, and 29 (69.0%) by CTA. Tumor vascularity could be detected in 51.9% by PDU and CTA, more than by conventional CDU, dCT, and DSA (44.4, 44.4, and 33.3%, respectively) in ...
The aim of this study is three folds: to compare the eight-channel phased-array and standard circularly polarized (CP) head coils in visualiazation of the intracranial vessels, to compare the three-dimentional (3D) time-of-flight (TOF) MR angiography (MRA) techniques, and to define the effects of parallel imaging in 3D TOF MRA. Fifteen healthy volunteers underwent 3D TOF MRA of the intracranial vessels using eight-channel phased-array and CP standard head coils. The following MRA techniques were obtained on each volunteer: (1) conventional 3D TOF MRA with magnetization transfer; (2) 3D TOF MRA with water excitation for background suppression; and (3) low-dose (0.5 ml) gadolinium-enhanced 3D TOF MRA with water excitation. Results are demonstrating that water excitation is a valuable background suppression technique, especially when applied with an eight-channel phased-array head coil. For central and proximal portions of the intracranial arteries, unenhanced TOF MRA ...
Sandia National Laboratories, New Mexico, conducts the Utility Battery Storage Systems Program, which is sponsored by the US Department of Energy`s Office of Energy Management. The goal of this program is to assist industry in developing cost-effective battery systems as a utility resource option by 2000. Sandia is responsible for the engineering analyses, contracted development, and testing of rechargeable batteries and systems for utility energy storage applications. This report details the technical achievements realized during fiscal year 1994.
Increasingly, utility organizations recognize the value of sharing data and applications among their computing environments. A typical utility`s computing environment may consist of disparate computer platforms. The focus of this paper is to highlight importance of a documented information technology architecture for identifying business perspectives for interoperability, and to brief utility management about the Electric Power Research Institute`s (EPRI) accomplishment along these same lines.
The key to the future for electric utilities will not be found in legislation or regulation. Title VII of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 will prove to be just as ineffectual in improving the industry's position as was the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978. These legislative palliatives, which produced so much commotion and so many reams of heated commentary, are largely irrelevant to a successful future for electric utilities. The key will be found in economics, not in law, and the future will lie in completing Thomas A. Edison's century-old vision for the industry, half of which the industry has heretofore ignored. The industry must embrace the complete vision and evolve from electric utilities into [open quotes]end-use energy utilities.[close quotes
From out of the numerous technical alternatives the manual develops a waste management concept with emphasis on methods which can be coordinated for maximum ecological use and minimum economic costs. A clear-cut analysis of the present state of waste utilization and waste disposal in the Federal Republic of Germany (chapter 1) is followed by a detailed description of conventional and modern state-of-the-art waste utilization methods based on ecological evaluation criteria (chapter 3). An optimum waste utilization concept for defined quantities of wastes is derived from the ecological and economic comparison of waste utilization techniques given in chapter 3. Chapter 4 points out different variants of waste utilization and waste disposal methods and shows how to determine the optimum variant of the optimum concept for a particular area or community. (orig.).
In diabetic patients with autonomic neuropathy, it is suggested that there is a reduced uptake of [sup 123]I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) in the heart. We compared the difference of myocardial [sup 123]I-MIBG accumulation between 4 diabetic patients with triopathy and 6 patients without it. In all 10 patients, coronary angiography and [sup 201]Tl imaging (rest and 4 hours later) were performed. [sup 123]I-MIBG (111 MBq) was administered intravenously and its imaging was recorded on 15 minutes and 4 hours after injection. In all 4 cases with triopathy, [sup 123]I-MIBG imaging showed defect in apical and inferior region. In 2 out of 6 cases without triopathy, rapid clearance was noticed in apical and inferior region. There was no significant stenosis in right coronary artery and no defect in initial and delayed [sup 201]Tl images in all cases. We concluded that diabetic autonomic neuropathy in the heart was prominent in apical and inferior region and [sup ...
{sup 99m}Tc-N-pyridoxyl-5-methyl-tryptophan (PMT) scintigraphy, which exhibits highly specific for the diagnosis of primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), was performed for recurrent HCC following non-surgical treatment. Eighty-four patients (total 351 examinations) were selected for the study. The ability of PMT scintigraphy to diagnose recurrent HCC after treatment was compared with that of computed tomography, ultrasonography and angiography. The results showed that sixty-three (75%) of 84 cases demonstrated positive findings during our follow-up period, most of the tumors initially showing positive findings remained PMT positive when they recurred and PMT studies shortly after treatment demonstrated wider tracer uptake rather than the actual tumor area. In conclusion, PMT scintigraphy for patients with HCC after non-surgical treatment exhibited high accuracy in identifying viable HCC only for tumors indicating positive findings. (author)
Ectopically located parathyroid adenomas may be difficult to find during initial neck exploration. They account for over 70 percent of missed adenomas found at reexploration. Preoperative localization of parathyroid adenomas would reduce unnecessary dissection and possibly reduce the number of negative results of initial neck exploration. Before reoperative parathyroid surgery is performed, some means of localization is mandatory to detect ectopic adenomas in the neck and mediastinum. Computed tomography and ultrasonography cannot effectively evaluate the mediastinum. Angiography and venous parathyroid hormone sampling are invasive, costly, and tedious to perform. We have shown that thallium-201 will accurately localize ectopic parathyroid adenomas. All 10 adenomas found in positions not immediately adjacent to the thyroid gland were detected by thallium-201 scintigraphy. One was a mediastinal adenoma resected with a median sternotomy. Our results suggest that ...
Early diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (hepatoma) along with surgical resection is the most appropriate therapeutic modality. For this purpose, there have been many reports concerning the diagnostic value of Lipiodol-CT scan. The authors selected 45 patients with hepatoma during the period of Feb.1986 to Jan. 1988 who received a conventional CT scan, hepatic angiography and a Lipiodol-CT scan. The results were as follows: 1. There was no statistical significant between serum AFP level and mass size, morphology and amount of necrosis. 2. Tumor necrosis was observed in a single massive and multinodular type when the tumor size exceeded 5 cm. 3. Pattern II on Lipiodol-CT, homogenous accumulation of Lipiodol except for the area of inner necrosis, was most frequently demonstrated, which means that a tumor mass with hypervascularity and increased blood flow will attract Lipiodol better. 4. Lipiodol-CT was superior to conventional CT in detecting small, daughter ...
Purpose. To evaluate injection-associated pain, safety, and efficacy with the isotonic contrast medium iodixanol (Visipaque 270 mg I/ml) compared with iopromide (Ultravist 300 mg I/ml) in femoral arteriography. Methods. A multicenter, double-blind, randomized, parallel-group clinical investigation was carried out in 54 hospitals in Europe. Of the patients evaluated, 1225 received iodixanol and 1227 iopromide in conventional and/or digital subtraction angiography. Results. The iodixanol group reported statistically significantly less injection-associated pain (0.9%) than the iopromide group (9.5%) (p<0.001). Further, 4.1% in the iodixanol group experienced pain and/or severe heat sensation vs 19.8% in the iopromide group (p<0.001). In the iodixanol group, 1.8% of the patients experienced contrast-related adverse events vs 2.4% in the iopromide group (p=NS). Overall diagnostic information was optimal for 94.1% in the iodixanol group and 95.3% in the iopromide ...
Described is the diagnosis for the cancer extension of cholangiocarcinoma by various imaging techniques and processes to support the current surgical procedure based on preoperative biliary drainage. The cancer tends to locally extend horizontally and/or vertically and its diagnosis is important for surgical indication. For the indication, multi-detector raw CT (MDCT) and MR cholangio-pancreatography (MRCP) are useful and particularly, the former can give multi-phase (arterial, portal and delayed) images to reconstruct multiplanar (MPR) and CT angiographic 3D images, which have made the previous invasive examinations like angiography and percutaneous transportal contrasting unnecessary. MDCT and MRCP can almost complete the diagnosis of the extension. The operative procedure is decided dependently on the site of the lesion, and of which diagnosis, whether it is hepatic hilar/on upper bile duct or middle/lower ductal, is different. MDCT-MPR and MRCP are virtually ...
We compared the values of the myocardial thickness and the left ventricle diameters measured with MRI and echocardiography. The ejection fraction was compared in MRI and ventriculography. 34 patients with different heart dysfunctions were examined with MRI (FISP 2D sequence). 26 of them were also studied by echocardiography and 20 by biplane cine-ventriculography. The enddiastolic thicknesses of the left ventricular postero-lateral wall and of the septum interventriculare were measured on short axis images. An ellipsoidal modell was used for volume calculation and ejection fraction. Correlation of MRI values of thickness and ejection fraction with echocardiographi and angiographi showed r>0,8. As known for 1.56 T Imagers, the myocardial thickness in MRI was underestimated compared to echocardiography (1.4 mm#+-#1.7). The ejection fraction was underevaluated compared to ventriculography (4.5%#+-#10.1). MRI (1.0 T) accurately measures ventricular wall thickness ...
Cerebral angiography, pneumoencephalography, and radioisotope brain scan with their differing diagnostic abilities have provided the neurologist and neurosurgeon with extremely valuable diagnostic techniques. It is doubtful, however, if any of these now conventional methods had the enormous impact on the practice of neurology that computer assisted axial tomography (C.A.T.) is beginning to have. Here, for the first time, is a test which, without significant risk or discomfort, can demonstrate some normal intracranial (and intraorbital) structures, can demonstrate some normal intracranial pathology and, in many cases, can make the potentially dangerous contrast studies unnecessary. After only a few months experience with C.A.T. in a clinical setting, it has become obvious that there will have to be a reappraisal of the accepted investigative work-up of many conditions. While it is too early to have formulated strict criteria for the use of C.A.T., this paper is an ...
Objective: To determine the optimal contrast injection protocol for 64-MDCT coronary angiography. Materials and methods: One hundred and fifty consecutive patients scheduled to undergo retrospectively electrocardiographically gated 64-MDCT. Each 30 patients were assigned to use a different contrast protocol: group 1: uniphasic protocol (contrast injection without saline flush); group 2: biphasic protocol (contrast injection with saline flush); group 3A, 3B and 3C: triphasic protocol (contrast media + different saline diluted contrast media + saline flush). Image quality scores and artifacts were compared and evaluated on both transaxial and three-dimensional coronary artery images among each contrast protocol. Results: Among the triphasic protocol groups, group 3A (30%:70% contrast media-saline mixture was used in second phase) used the least contrast media and had the least frequency of streak artifacts, but there were no significant differences in coronary artery ...
The objective of this study was to explore the role of three-dimensional (3-D) rotational angiography (RA) of the inferior vena cava (IVC; 3-D CV) before filter retrieval and its impact on treatment planning compared with standard anteroposterior cavography (sCV). Thirty patients underwent sCV and 3-D CV before IVC filter retrieval. Parameters assessed were: projection of filter arms or legs beyond the caval lumen, thrombus burden within the filter and IVC, and orientation of the filter within IVC. Skin and effective radiation doses were calculated. Statistical analysis was performed using paired Student t test and nonparametric McNemar's test. Standard anteroposterior cavography detected 49 filter arms or legs projecting beyond the caval lumen in 25 patients. Three-dimensional CV demonstrated 89 filter arms or legs projecting beyond the caval lumen in 28 patients. Twenty-two patients had additional filter arms or legs projecting beyond the caval lumen detected on ...
The aim of the paper is to review the role of interventional radiology in the management of hemodialysis vascular access and complications in renal transplantation. The evaluation of patients with hemodialysis vascular access is complex. It includes the radiology/ultrasound (US) evaluation of the peripheral veins of the upper extremities with venous mapping and the evaluation of the central vein prior to the access placement and radiological detection and treatment of the stenosis and thrombosis in misfunctional dialysis fistulas. Preoperative screening enables the identification of a suitable vessel to create a hemodynamically-sound dialysis fistula. Clinical and radiological detection of the hemodynamically significant stenosis or occlusion demands fistulography and endovascular treatment. Endovascular prophylactic dilatation of stenosis greater than 50% with associated clinical abnormalities such as flow-rate reduction is warranted to prolong access patency. The technical success ...
Purpose: To determine the value of MRI in the postoperativ evaluation of a singular ventricle compared to echocardiography and cardiac catheterization. Materials and methods: Thirty-one patients (range: 6 months to 30 years) with a functional single ventricle following palliative corrective operations. Five patients had a Blalock-Taussig-Shunt, 8 patients a Glenn-Anastomosis and 18 a cavopulmonary shunt (6 with classic Fontan-Circulation, 12 with modified cavopulmonary anastomosis). The results in terms of postoperative morphologic changes were compared to percutaneous echocardiography (31/31) and cardiac catheterization (6/31). Results: Echocardiography, which was performed on all patients, could not visualize the entire length of the tunnel, the Glenn-Anastomosis or the central pulmonary arteries in 70% of the patients due to an inadequate acoustic window. MRI was able to show the entire tunnel in 11/12 patients and the central pulmonary arteries in 30/31 patients. The exact anatomy ...
The purpose of this study was to test a large sample of different coronary artery stents using four image reconstruction approaches with respect to lumen visualization, lumen attenuation, and image noise in 64-slice multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) in vitro and to provide a catalogue of currently used coronary artery stents when imaged with state-of the-art MDCT. We examined 68 different coronary artery stents (57 stainless steel, four cobalt-chromium, one cobalt-alloy, two nitinol, four tantalum) in a coronary artery phantom (vessel diameter 3 mm, intravascular attenuation 250 HU, extravascular density -70). Stents were imaged in axial orientation with standard parameters: 32x0.6 collimation, pitch 0.24, 680 mAs, 120 kV, rotation time 0.37 s. Four different image reconstructions were obtained with varying convolution kernels and section thicknesses: (1) soft, 0.6 mm, (2) soft, 0.75, (3) medium soft, 0.6, and (4) stent-optimized sharp, 0.6. To evaluate visualization ...
In this study the technical and economical possibilities of burning carbon monoxide (CO) of the flue gas and utilizing of the released heat in hot air cupola furnace used for melting have been studied. As basis for examining was burning of cleaned furnace...
The paper is an overview of utility flue gas desulfurization (FGD) technology and costs. The two commercially offered throwaway and salable product systems that are considered to be the most important for near-term (through 1990) SO2 control are: throwawa...
This paper describes how a computerized MIS is used to assist HMO management to conduct utilization and quality of care review activities in a prepaid medical care network. The HMO is a ‘network’...Full Text Available
CSIRO is Australia's one and only federal government research organization. After a description of Australian coal resources and coal-related research, accounts are given of the selection of research topics at CSIRO and of the coal utilization and coal liquefaction research which is being undertaken.
1. Rates and rate coefficients of glucose utilization and replacement were determined with [5-3H]- and [U-14C]-glucose in rats starved for 24h, either conscious or under halothane anaesthesia, in a...Full Text Available
This article explores the effects of reimbursement and utilization control policies on utilization patterns and spending for physician and hospital outpatient services under state Medicaid programs....Full Text Available
The aim of this project was to develop an understanding of the dynamical processes that evolve within an electric utility firm, and without it. This volume covers organizational dynamics and control, and planning under uncertainty. (DLC)
This plan details the methods and procedures necessary to ensure a safe transition in the operation of the Light Duty Utility Arm (LDUA) System. The steps identified here outline the work scope and identify responsibilities to complete startup, and turnover of the LDUA to Characterization Project Operations (CPO).
The electric power consumption of electric cars and the demand they will pose on electric utilities are considered. The increased amount of travel will require more electric power in summer, while space heating makes larger demands in winter. This leads to nearly flat demand on electric utilities throughout the year. 5 refs.
This article describes the processes for the treatment of plastic waste: sampling, sorting, comminution. The requirements for the different processes for waste treatment (as recycling, utilization as raw material, energy recovery, combustion) are listed. (SR)
OBJECTIVES--This case cohort study examines whether there is an association between exposure to electric and magnetic fields and suicide in a population of 21,744 male electrical utility workers from...Full Text Available
... of the utility of the terminal outcomes, ... Other stochastic topics, such as random walks, branching ... find special uses, particularly in queueing theory ...
Customer knowledge has become an important topic for both academicians and practitioners in recent years. However, there has been little academic research on the utilization of customer-specific knowledge. This study adds to our understanding in focusing on the relationships between various intra-organizational factors and customer knowledge utilization in the context of key account management. The results of the study show, that the use of teams, top management involvement, KAM formalization and CRM technology enhance the utilization of customer knowledge in the management of large industrial key account customers.
Geothermal heat pump systems are a promising new energy technology that has shown rapid increase in usage over the past 10 years in the United States. These systems offer substantial benefits to consumers and utilities in energy (kWh) and demand (kW) savings. The purpose of this study was to determine what existing monitored data were available mainly from electric utilities on heat pump performance, energy savings, and demand reduction for residential, school, and commercial building applications. Information was developed on the status of electric utility marketing programs, barriers to market entry, incentive programs, and benefits.
Data on various aspects of the electric power industry in Germany is presented in this article. A map of high voltage transmission lines used by the public utilities is included, which indicates the fuel used at each power station. Data on power generated by fuel used from 1991 to 1996 is given, and additional or new capacity for 1995 to 1999 is also noted. Other tables detail capital investment in public utilities energy input by fuel source, power capacity by utility or private power stations by energy source, utility ownership and electricity demand by consumer. (UK)
This article describes the utilization of plastic wastes in a blast furnace. The plastic waste is a substitution for petroleum and coal as a raw material for synthesis gas production. The synthesis gas is the reducing agent in the blast furnace for the reduction of iron ores. You can find here an ecological and economical analysis of this process in comparison to the utilization of petroleum and coal. (SR)
Sandia National Laboratories, New Mexico, conducts the Utility Battery Storage Systems Program, which is sponsored by the US Department of Energy`s Office of Energy Management. In this capacity, Sandia is responsible for the engineering analyses, contract development, and testing of rechargeable batteries and systems for utility-energy-storage applications. This report details the technical achievements realized during fiscal year 1993.
The production, principal applications, characteristics and properties, advantages of the gas natural is showed. A sectorial overview of the ceramic industry and the utilization of the natural gas in the ceramic industry is presented. The expectations are systematized and the impact of the natural gas utilization in the ceramic industry is evaluated. Some conclusions are withdrawn and recommendations suggested.
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.
This publication presents 5 years (1990--94) of summary financial data and current year detailed financial data on the major publicly owned electric utilities. Generator and nongenerator summaries are presented. Composite tables present: Aggregates of income statement and balance sheet data, financial indicators, electric operation and maintenance expenses, electric utility plant, number of consumers, sales of electricity, and operating revenue, and electric energy account data.
Past and current development of coal utilization technology in the Japanese steel industry is reviewed and some projects currently under research and development briefly described. These include DIOS, an iron making process which directly utilizes both iron ore and coal without a sintering plant or a coke oven; and the development of a new generation coke oven. 15 figs.
This paper reports on the mathematical model developed by Sunu and Bennion that has been extended to include the separator, precipitation of both solid ZnO and K{sub 2}Zn(OH){sub 4}, and the air electrode, and has been used to investigate the behavior of a primary Zn-Air battery with respect to battery design features. Predictions obtained from the model indicate that anode material utilization is predominantly limited by depletion of the concentration of hydroxide ions. The effect of electrode thickness on anode material utilization is insignificant, whereas material loading per unit volume has a great effect on anode material utilization; a higher loading lowers both the anode material utilization and delivered capacity. Use of a thick separator will increase the anode material utilization, but may reduce the cell voltage.
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 ...
The purpose of the Utility Applications Program is to provide information and assistance to interested utilities on central station energy storage systems. Compressed air and underground pumped hydroelectric energy storage are the primary technical focus. Smaller utilities are the primary targets of this program, as they may not have resources to track and utilize new energy conservation developments. The program, initiated during this year-long period, consists of a series of tasks integrating and supporting energy storage implementation. Program management and technical coordination activities monitor the wide range of research ongoing both under government support and in industry and provide a locus for dissemination of results. Recently completed DOE demonstration studies provide the central data base and the DOE CAES and UPH Technology Program activities provide another major resource. In addition ...
In China, the conventional utilization of oil shale is concentrated mainly on retorting oil shale to produce shale oil and fuel gas, and burning oil shale to generate electricity. The growth of petroleum price, and the development in heavy industry, make these conventional utilization facilities become unavailable on the energy market. In this paper, a new comprehensive utilization system is recommended for the future use of Huadian oil shale, based on the current status of energy and the characteristics of oil shale. The system involves three subsystems: retort subsystem, where coarse oil shale (8-80 mm) is retorted to shale oil, hydrocarbon gases and oil shale semicoke; combustion subsystem, where the mixture fuel of oil-shale semicoke and fine oil shale (0-8 mm) is fed to a circulating fluidized bed (CFB) furnace to burn, in order to generate high-pressure steam which is used to supply heat and generate electricity via a ...
The primary objectives of this study were to test two utility analysis models, the Cascio-Ramos Estimate of Performance in Dollars (CREPID) model and Godkewitsch financial utility analysis model and to determine their appropriateness as tools for evaluating training. This study was conducted in conjunction with Philadelphia Electric Company's Nuclear Training Group. Job performance of nuclear maintenance workers was assessed to document the impact of the training program. Assessment of job performance covered six job performance themes. Additionally, front-line nuclear maintenance supervisors were interviewed to determine their perceptions of the nuclear maintenance training. A comparison of supervisor's perceptions and outcomes of the utility analysis models was made to determine the appropriateness of utility analysis as quantitative tools for evaluating the nuclear maintenance ...
For over 50 years, electron beams have been an important modality for providing an accurate dose of radiation to superficial cancers and disease and for limiting the dose to underlying normal tissues and structures. This review looks at many of the important contributions of physics and dosimetry to the development and utilization of electron beam therapy, including electron treatment machines, dose specification and calibration, dose measurement, electron transport calculations, treatment and treatment-planning tools, and clinical utilization, including special procedures. Also, future changes in the practice of electron therapy resulting from challenges to its utilization and from potential future technology are discussed. (review)
While there is growing interest in Real Time Pricing as a competitive tool, its adoption to date has been constrained by wariness on the part of many utilities and many of their customers. That wariness is not misplaced, for Real Time Pricing is not for everyone. In order for both utilities and their customers to benefit, the pricing system must be properly tailored for, and offered to, the appropriate audience. This paper discusses needs for identifying targets, implications of targeting of Real Time Pricing to various types of customers, and implications for design and marketing of such pricing systems. Examples from utility experiences are provided, and recommendations are offered for development of improved targeting of Real Time Pricing.
Huntsville, Alabama Utilities has successfully provided services for over 53 years. However, the quality of service demands from customers are changing every day! Part of this demand is due to updated digital appliances, home and business computers, and automated systems. A quality program was initiated in 1992 as a result of an internal assessment. The Malcolm Baldrige approach was selected which includes seven areas: (1) Leadership; (2) Information and Analysis; (3) Strategic Planning; (4) Human Resource Utilization; (5) Quality Assurance of Products and Services: (6) Quality Results: (7) Customer Satisfaction. Training for and implementation of the Quality program is discussed in detail.
Geothermal heat pump systems are a promising new energy technology that has shown rapid increase in usage over the past ten years in the United States. These systems offer substantial benefits to customers and utilities in energy (kWh) and demand (kW) savings. The purpose of this study was to determine what existing monitored data was available mainly from electric utilities on heat pump performance, energy savings and demand reduction for residential, school, and commercial building applications. Information was developed on the status of electric utility marketing programs, barriers to market penetration, incentive programs, and benefits.
Due mainly to competitive pressures, the practice of offering electric and telephone service under contracts or special tariffs negotiated individually between a utility and its customers has increased in importance in recent years. Moreover, the practice is likely to become still more widespread in the future. This creates questions of public policy that are of interest to regulators and ratepayers alike such as how to supervise the practice, how to encourage utilities to compete while preventing cross-subsidization and anticompetitive behavior, and how the practice will ultimately affect utilities and ratepayers. This report sheds light on the topic by describing approaches that have been taken by the various regulatory commissions and by providing a framework for analyzing such contractors.
The author says ''barehand'' methods, where specially trained utility workers are called in conductive suits to equalize voltage over their bodies, to maintain high-voltage transmission lines are on the rise. Utilities are building lines at higher voltages and selling more power to other utilities, making it highly inconvenient to take the lines out of service. However, some unions view the barehand work with less than enthusiasm. Touching lines energized at hundreds of thousands of volts demands flawless equipment and rigid work procedures followed to the letter. Some local unions contend that adequate safety procedures and training, and appropriate penalties for workplace negligence, should be in place before utilities may do barehand work. The author discusses some of the methods of barehand work and the equipment used, i.e. steel-mesh lineman's suit, bucket truck's boom, helicopters, and robots.
Washington's geothermal potential is discussed. The following topics are covered: exploration, drilling, utilization, legal and institutional setting, and economic factors of direct use projects. (MHR)
ObjectiveTo achieve osteochondral regeneration utilizing transplantation of cartilage-lineage cells and adequate scaffolds, it is essential to characterize the behavior of transplanted...Full Text Available
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 effective lifetime of the excited states against spontaneous radiation is only a fe- times the natural lifetime and collisional destruction by ...
This paper discusses the restructure of the Milstar communication satellite program. The resulting system is substantially streamlined, and will provide better utilization by tactical forces without compromising strategic nuclear communications requirements.
Most analyses of the alternative strategies used by utilities to comply with Title IV requirements have focused on factors directly related to controlling sulfur dioxide (SO{sub 2}) emissions. However, utilities must meet a number of additional environmental requirements at the same tune they comply with the acid rain program. To illuminate the potential synergies and conflicts that might exist between the other regulatory mandates and the acid rain program, a thorough examination of all the various programs and their interrelationships must be conducted. This paper reviews the environmental mandates that utilities will have to plan to meet in the next decade concurrently with the acid rain program, and it analyzes the interactions among the various programs to identify potential synergies and conflicts.
A rapid and highly reproducible chromatographic technique has been developed for analysis and purification of complex mixtures of oligoribonucleotides. The method utilizes a column of microparticulate...Full Text Available
Municipal power systems developed early in the Pacific Northwest, but a new dimension was added in the 1930s when the public utility district (PUD) concept combining urban and rural areas encited vigorous debate and the public rejected private-utility candidates. A favorable national climate developed for consumer-owned systems during the 1920s and 30s encouraging the passage of the Federal Water Power Act, the creation of the Tennessee Valley Authority, the building of Hoover Dam, and the establishment of the Bonneville Power Administration. This article reviews developments following the Public Utility Act of 1935, which authorized the Federal Power Commission and the uniform system of accounts. After tracing the record of investigations and policy trends during the Roosevelt era, it concludes that utilities benefited from accounting regulations. (DCK)
... information about, utilized, or discussed these subjects: basic topics: overview materials and material types: ti-6al-4v, ti1100, ti17 , ti6242, imi 550 ...
... for duty as Naval Gunfire Liaison Officers in Marine Corps Divisions. ... Regiment, the 82nd Airborne Division, the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault ...
Background: The nail gun is a commonly utilized tool in carpentry and construction. When used properly with appropriate safety precautions, it can facilitate production and boost efficiency;...Full Text Available
COATINGS FOR THE METAL-SEMICONDUCTOR SOLAR CELLS 3S GIVEN. THIS METHOD UTILIZES THE MEASURED EQUIVALENT INDEX OF. REFRACTION OBTAINED FROM ELLIPSOMETRY ...
The invention relates to a method for purifying a gas mixture containing at least one undesirable gas compound utilizing certain sulfonamide or sulfamide solvents.
alloy (Ti6242 or T i l 100) was utilized. Parametric studies were performed to investigate variations of displacements and stresses with sandwich and ...
Purpose:This study investigated the penetration of lidocaine around and through a sutured incision following the application of iontophoretic and passive patches...Full Text Available
ObjectiveTo assess the utility of gracilis muscle transposition in the treatment of iatrogenic rectourethral fistula.Summary Background DataIatrogenic...Full Text Available
Space Network Ku-band service. ... Completed GLAST mission schedule and budget assessment .... Utilize Ku band SN link (TDRSS) for science data return ...
Apparatus and method are described for the vaporization of liquid fuel oils to produce a gaseous mixture suitable for burning in a burner normally designed for operation utilizing natural gas.
... six major international terrorist attacks are considered ... Tanzania and Kenya), the USS COLE bombing of ... the September 11th terrorist attack on the ...
was deemed adequate and a cooling system designed utilizing the Melcor CP2-15- 10B thermoelectric module. Wall temperature achieved with this system was - 36 ...
Utilities are evaluating several electric generation and storage (G ampersand S) technologies for distributed utility (DU) applications. Attributes of leading DU technologies and implications for photovoltaics (PV) are described. Included is a survey of present and projected cost and performance for: (1) small, advanced combustion turbines (CTs); (2) advanced, natural gas-fired, diesel engines (diesel engines); and (3) advanced lead-acid battery systems (batteries). Technology drivers and relative qualitative benefits are described. A levelized energy cost-based cost target for PV for DU applications is provided. The analysis addresses only relative cost, for PV and for three selected alternative DU technologies. Comparable size, utility, and benefits are assumed, although relative value is application-specific and often technology- and site-specific.
... and Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (UUV) communities as well. ... utilizes the Multi-Robot Operator Control ... Extending Mobile Security Robots to Force ...
... is a standard in the utility industry which is used to study switching transients on power distribution networks and high-voltage transmission lines. ...
... view on the utility of such attacks, see JH Rothschild, Tomorrow's Weapons ... Aum Shinrikyo may have had a stolen vaccine anthrax strain incapable ...
Introduction:The purpose of this study was to utilize an in vitro biofilm model of subgingival plaque to investigate resistances in subgingival biofilm...Full Text Available
Following a brief overview of the terrestrial distribution of boron in rocks, soil, and water, the history of the discovery, early utilization, and geologic origin of borate minerals is summarized....Full Text Available
Training of health professionals commonly involves multiple sites in order to best utilize the available clinical material. However, this makes it difficult to achieve continuity in the presentation...Full Text Available
BACKGROUNDOpen carpal tunnel release (OCTR) is the standard procedure for the surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. With the advent of minimally invasive surgery, endoscopic...Full Text Available
The aim of this study was to document vascular complications that occurred following cadaveric and living donor kidney transplants in order to assess the overall incidence of these complications at our center as well as to identify possible risk factors. In a retrospective cohort study, 1500 consecutive renal transplant recipients who received a living or cadaveric donor kidney between December 1988 and July 2006 were evaluated. The study was performed at the Nemazee Hospital, Shiraz, Iran. The assessment of the anatomy and number of renal arteries as well as the incidence of vascular complications was made by color doppler ultrasonography, angiography, and/or surgical exploration. Clinically apparent vascular complications were seen in 8.86% of all study patients (n = 133) with the most frequent being hemorrhage (n = 91; 6.1%) followed by allograft renal artery stenosis (n = 26; 1.7%), renal artery thrombosis (n = 9; 0.6%), and renal vein thrombosis (n = 7; 0.5%). ...
Problems and solutions in the diagnosis and operative treatment were clarified by retrospective evaluation of cases of intramedullary tumor in which MRI and surgery had been performed. The subjects were 16 patients (21-75 years old, mean age: 45 years) whose tumor was surgically removed between 1991 and 1998. MRI was performed preoperatively, and T1-weighted images, T2-weighted images, and enhanced images were obtained. Angiography was also performed in some cases. The histological diagnosis based on the MRI findings before surgery were compared with the pathological diagnosis after the operation. In 9/16 cases (56%), the preoperative histological diagnosis based on the MR images was the same as the pathological diagnosis after the operation. In 8 of the 11 cases (73%) whose images showed clear tumor margins and well shaped the tumor, the tumors were completely removed. The concordance rate between the pathological diagnosis during and after the operation was 67%. ...
The aim of the study was the attempt to evaluate the influence of two different methods of cardiac perfusion SPECT reconstruction (FBP and ITW) on clinical efficacy in diagnosing the coronary artery disease as well as the cardiac ischemia detection in three areas of heart vascularized by main coronary arteries: LAD, LCX and RCA with the use of artificial neural networks (ANN). The study was performed retrospectively with the use of the diagnostic image records as well as clinical dataset of 43 patients. Myocardial perfusion stress/rest SPECT study and X-ray coronarography data were evaluated for each patient. The results of coronary angiography were considered the reference method. The cardiac SPECT data were reconstructed using the two different methods: filtered backprojection (FBP) and iterative Wallis method (ITW). The local perfusion deficits denominated in stress and rest study in three main vessel cardiac segments were the main input values for the ANN. The ...
We wanted to evaluate the status of self-expandable nitinol stents implanted in the P2 and P3 segments of the popliteal artery in Korean patients. We retrospectively analyzed 189 consecutive patients who underwent endovascular treatment for steno occlusive lesions in the femoropopliteal artery from July 2003 to March 2009, and 18 patients who underwent stent placement in popliteal arterial P2 and P3 segments were finally enrolled. Lesion patency was evaluated by ultrasound or CT angiography, and stent fracture was assessed by plain X-rays at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months and annually thereafter. At the 1-month follow-up, stent fracture (Type 2) was seen in one limb (up to P3, 1 of 18, 6%) and it was identified in seven limbs at the 3-month follow-up (Type 2, Type 3, Type 4) (n = 1: up to P2: n = 6: P3). At the 6-month follow-up, one more fracture (Type 1) (up to P3) was noted. At the 1-year follow-up, there were no additional stent fractures. Just four limbs (up to P2) at ...
To evaluate the radiological patterns of vascular invasion in peripheral cholangiocarcinomas. Hepatic arteriography and portography in 20 cases with cholangiocarcinoma including 12 cases with angiographic CT were retrospectively analyzed. The arteriography showed no arterioportal shunt, hypertrophy of tumor vessel, or tumor staining extending to central portion of the mass in all cases. However, doughnut shaped peripheral tumor staining was seen until late hepatogram phase in 12 cases and compensatory hyperperfusion around the mass was seen in six cases (eight cases if include arterial CT). Encasement of tumor vessel was seen in 12 cases, and hypertrophy of feeding vessel in nine cases. On portography, the filling defect on segmental portal branch could be demonstrated only in 11 cases. Shape of the portal defect was tapered narrowing in six cases, abrupt narrowing in two cases but intraluminal nodular filling defect was not seen. Remaining three cases were difficult to define the ...
The purpose of this study was to evaluate time management and workflow for multidetector-row helical CT (MDCT). Time for patient and data handling of at total of 580 patients were evaluated at two different time periods (December 1999, August 2000), each for the following baseline measurements: (a) change of clothes/instruction; (b) patient placement on the CT table/i.v. catheter; (c) CT planning and programming; (d) CT data acquisition; (e) CT data reconstruction; (f) CT data storage/printing. All imaging was performed on a Somatom Volume Zoom (Siemens, Erlangen, Germany). Time measurements summarized for different CT protocols revealed the following: (a) 5:01 min (#+-#2.06 min); (b) 4:36 min (#+-#2.43 min); (c) 4:11 min (#+-#2.55 min); (d) 0:43 min (#+-#0.15 min); (e) 6:59 min (#+-#2.39 min); (f) 09:51 min (#+-#3.51 min). Planning and programming was most time-consuming for CT angiography, whereas chest and abdominal CT needed only 3:26 and 3:30 min, ...
Hemodynamic characteristics were studied by using in vivo vascular imaging techniques in 17 resected early stage hepatocellular carcinoma (e-HCC) by comparing them with 49 resected advanced HCCs (ad-HCC) less than 3 cm in diameter. In this study, e-HCC was defined as the nodule being uniformly composed of well-differentiated HCC or adenomatous hyperplastic nodule containing well-differentiated HCC foci within the nodule. In vivo vascular imaging techniques are as follows; US angiography with intraarterial CO{sub 2} microbubbles were performed to assess the tumor arterial vascularity, and CT during arterial portography (CTAP) was performed to assess the portal perfusion within the nodule. Of 17 e-HCC nodules 5 were hypervascular, 5 were isovascular, 4 were hypovascular, and 3 were vascular spot in hypovascular pattern in contrast to 49 ad-HCC nodules, 43 of which were hypervascular and 6 were isovascular. Of 14 e-HCCs, 9 nodules showed perfusion defect and 5 did not ...
The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of adenosine-triphosphate (ATP) on hemodynamics and left ventricular (LV) function, and to examine the value of ATP radionuclide-ventriculography (RNVG) for detecting coronary artery disease (CAD) in comparison with standard exercise RNVG. Thirty-eight consecutive patients with suspected CAD underwent ATP (0.18 mg/Kg/min) RNVG and symptom-limited exercise RNVG. Coronary angiography revealed 27 patients with CAD (Group S) and 11 without CAD (Group N). In group S, exercise induced an increase in LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) and LV end-systolic volume (LVESV), and a decrease in LV ejection fraction (LVEF). In contrast, ATP infusion caused LVESV to decrease in both groups, improving LVEF. Only 14 of 39 segments whose wall motion was deteriorated by exercise showed worsening regional wall motion during ATP infusion. The sensitivity and specificity of ATP RNVG for detecting CAD were 22. 2% and 100%, while those of ...
Bowel infarction is a rare and typical condition of the elderly; despite improvements in diagnostic imaging and vascular surgery, bowel infarction remains a major cause of acute abdomen, with mortality rates ranging 70-80%. Diagnosis on often late because clinical signs, laboratory data and radiologic findings are a specific. The authors investigated radiographic and particular CT patterns of intestinal infraction in 56 patients submitted to surgery within 12 hours of admission. We also report the CT findings of 5 of these patients who had reversible mesenteric ischemia. CT is more sensitive than radiography and does not exhibit the limitations of angiography (i.e., invasiveness, radiation exposure and complex organization). Therefore CT can presently be considered the method of choice in patients with suspected bowel infarction. [Italian] L'infarto intestinale rappresenta una malattia rara e tipica del soggeto anziano; nonostante il notevole ...
In 1991 the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) continued it efforts to restructure the electric utility industry, emphasizing market-based pricing of wholesale power transactions and transmission access and pricing. Other issues covered in this report include pricing and policy initiatives, filing procedures, the generic rate of return on common equity, the price squeeze, contract interpretation, and legislative developments.
The objectives of this R and D project are as follows : First, transferring developed technologies to outside companies and operating technology market to vitalize technology transactions, Second, developing commercial application projects to transfer technologies for commercial purposes and to solve interface problems in commercial applications, Third, enhancing commercial utilizations of developed accelerator and beam utilization technologies, Finally. preparing infra-structures for the development of over 30 venture- businesses based on achieved technologies through the Proton Engineering Frontier Project.
A phosphorus-containing low alkali metal content zeolitic catalyst made from a clay starting material is provided. The catalyst is obtained by contacting a partially cation exchanged calcined zeolite-containing catalyst with a dihydrogen phosphate anion or a dihydrogen phosphite anion. A hydrocarbon catalytic cracking process utilizing the phosphorus-containing catalyst is also provided.
A phosphorus-containing low alkali metal content zeolitic catalyst made from a clay starting material is provided. The catalyst is obtained by contacting a partially cation exchanged calcined zeolite-containing catalyst with an anion such as a dihydrogen phosphate anion or a dihydrogen phosphite anion and additionally with an ammonium salt other than a salt of an inorganic acid of phosphorus. A hydrocarbon catalytic cracking process utilizing the phosphorus-containing catalyst is also provided.
China is continuing to extract oil from kerogen shale despite having a crude production capacity of 100 Mt a year. Among the reasons for this policy are the country's rich oil shale resources, comparatively mature extraction techniques, and a comprehensive utilization of the shale that has proved to be economically profitable. China has oil shale deposits of 340 Gt, equivalent to 24.5 Gt of shale oil, to rank fourth in the world after the U.S., Brazil, and the Soviet Union.
The Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program (FUSRAP) is to evaluate the radiological conditions at former MED-US AEC sites. Purpose of the Ocean FUSRAP program is to assess the feasibility of ocean disposal of FUSRAP waste which contains trace natural radioactive materials. This paper presents soil characterization information on the Middlesex, NJ, Sampling Plant site, and reports preliminary ocean dispersion calculations. (DLC)
This investigation involves a study of the influence of key processing parameters on the heating of materials using microwave energy. Selective and localized heating characteristics of microwaves will be utilized in the sintering of ceramics without hydrostatic pressure. In addition, combustion synthesis will be studied for the production of powders, carbides, and nitrides by combining two or more solids or a solid and a gas to form new materials. The insight gained from the interaction of microwaves with various materials will be utilized in the mobilization and subsequent redeposition of uranium.
A process for the removal of H/sub 2/S from sour gas streams is disclosed, the process being characterized by the utilization of washing solutions containing oxidizing metal chelates of nitrilotriacetic acid, and by the electrolytic regeneration of the spent solutions.
The paper describes the Integrated Air Pollution Control System (IAPCS), a computerized program that can be used to estimate the cost and performance of pre-combustion, in situ, and post-combustion air pollution control configurations in pulverized-coal-fired utility boilers of 1...
Based on a literature study an actual summary of the risk-utility problems in X-ray diagnosis is outlined due to the Recommendations of the International Commission for Radiation Protection (ICRP publication 26/1977). Papers demonstrating quantitative assessment of the somatic and genetical risk in X-ray examination are preferably cited and evaluated. It is concluded that the somatic and genetical risk is low in diagnostic ratiology. However, it must not be neglected and has always to be compared to the utility of an examination as well as to other risks of the examination. (author).
The oxidation of sulfur dioxide in gas diffusion electrodes (GDE) in the presence of a homogeneous catalyst, potassium iodide, is investigated. The influence of this catalyst on the voltage-current (V-I) characteristics of the electrodes and the utilization of sulfur dioxide is determined. It is shown that when using the homogeneous catalyst potassium iodide, the utilization can reach 95-100%.
The history of explosives vapor detection includes almost every detection strategy known to man. Initial attempts to utilize these techniques were dismal failures. However, with the development of the Electron Capture Detector (ECD), the first promising detection of explosives vapors became possible. The present commercial explosives detectors detect the higher vapor pressure materials but not the whole spectrum. This paper describes the basic properties of explosives molecules and our research to utilize these properties for increased detection sensitivity.
The study concludes that while the diversification into nonutility activities by the Rural Electric Cooperatives and the Rural Telephone Cooperatives has been expanding, the regulatory activities by the Rural Electrification Administration and the state public utility commissions have been inadequate to guard against cross-subsidization. In fact, there generally exist no data to identify and investigate illegal cross-subsidization activities of cooperatives. Increasing the regulatory functions of state public utility commissions and the REA was recommended.
A dual-boiling isobutane cycle was selected for the present 5-megawatt (5MW) Raft River Pilot Plant to utilize the lower-temperature geothermal resources (near 300F). This study represents a second effort directed toward the design of an improved binary geothermal electric plant suitable for utilization of the lower temperature resources. 7 refs.
Pollutant emissions due to fossil fuel and biomass energy utilization in Turkey have been estimated. Standard emission factors were used for estimating the levels of particulate matter, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, and aldehydes. The results are presented for different fuels and energy-consuming sectors for the reference year 1987. Total Turkish emissions vs energy consumption are presented for every fifth year since. 1960. (author).
Proceeding from commercially available instruments, a simple measuring system has been established, which renders possible fast and simple discontinuous analysis of individual elements. This measuring system is described, giving some examples of utilization in nonferrous metallurgy (mining, ore dressing, metallurgical treatment), and specific details, such as error of measurement, ranges of measurement and limits of utilization. (author).
This presentation describes a method for analyzing, quantifying, and minimizing the total cost of fossil, combined cycle, and pumped hydro power plant cycling operation. The method has been developed, refined, and applied during engineering studies at some 160 units in the United States and 8 units at the Irish Electric Supply Board (ESB) generating system. The basic premise of these studies was that utilities are underestimating the cost of cycling operation. The studies showed that the cost of cycling conventional boiler/turbine fossil power plants can range from between $2,500 and $500,000 per start-stop cycle. It was found that utilities typically estimate these costs by factors of 3 to 30 below actual costs and, thus, often significantly underestimate their true cycling costs. Knowledge of the actual, or total, cost of cycling will reduce power production costs by enabling utilities to more accurately dispatch their ...
There are many factors contributing to the changes taking place within the electric utility industry. The environmental pressures on the industry are substantial and include the global warming issue, hazardous and nuclear waste challenges, air toxicities, and the electromagnetic field controversy. An issue of special concern is deregulation of the industry, which brought with it retail wheeling, wholesale wheeling, transmission access, and market-based pricing, all of which have greatly shaken the industry. The changes are expected to happen quickly. This is quite different from the 31 years it took to deregulate the telecommunications industry, the 15 to 20 years for railroads, the 9 years for the natural gas industry, and the 2 years for the airline industry. Historically there has been a general willingness among the utilites to share information through collaborative research. Research and development is viewed as a cost and not an investment in the electric ...
An overview is presented of the US heating and space conditioning market, with specific emphasis on the type of fuel used. The author highlights he drive of electric utilities to increase their penetration in the space heating markets, and showed how geothermal heat pumps (GHPs) were recognized by utilities as an electrotechnology for all seasons; beneficial for customers, electric utilities and the environment. Then he focused on the utility driven National Earth Comfort Program (officially Geothermal Heat Pump Technology Demonstration and Market Mobilization Program) is a collaborative effort with the US Department of Energy and other public and private sector organizations. It will be implemented by the Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium, Inc. (GHPC), and is designed for the utility industry`s Climate Challenge under the President`s Climate Change Action Plan. The program has a ...
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 ...
This paper reports that at present geothermal energy is utilized in the USSR mostly for district heating, and for industrial and agricultural purposes. The populations of 7 towns have district heating that is supplied by thermal waters. The population supplied totals about 125,000 people. The total area of greenhouses is 850,000 m"2. Electric energy generated at geothermal power stations still remains negligible with the installed capacity of the single Pauzhetka station (Kamchatka) being 11 MW. another station at Mutnovka is currently under construction and is expected to be producing 50 MW by 1992 and 200 MW by 1998. The proven geothermal resources in the USSR provide hope for a significant increase in the utilization of the earth's deep heat in the near future.
Effective integration of nonproliferation management into the design process is key to the broad deployment of advanced nuclear energy systems, and is an explicit goal of the Laser Inertial Fusion Energy (LIFE) project at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. The nuclear explosives utility of a nuclear material to a state (proliferator) or sub-state (terrorist) is a critical factor to be assessed and is one aspect of material attractiveness. In this work, we approached nuclear explosives utility through the calculation of a ''figure of merit'' (FOM) that has recently been developed to capture the relative viability and difficulty of constructing nuclear explosives starting from various nuclear material forms and compositions. We discuss the integration of the figure of merit into an asse...
The network utility maximization (NUM) problem for multi-path is a problem which is non-strictly convex and non-separable. Using Jensen's inequality, we approximate the NUM to a strictly convex and separable problem which can be solved efficiently by the dual decomposition method. After a series of approximations, the result of the approximation problem converges to the globally optimal solution of the original NUM. Moreover, because of the separable and dual-based natures of the proposed algorithm, we utilize the reverse engineering frameworks of the current TCPs to develop a series of multi-path TCPs which are totally compatible with current TCPs. The multi-path users using our protocols can run simultaneously with the single-path users using the current TCPs. The simulations of our Multi-path Reno on ns-2 show the compatibility and the fairness among multi-path and single-path users.
The Heat Cycle Research Program, which is conducted for the Department of Energy, has as its objective the development of the technology for effecting the improved utilization of moderate temperature geothermal resources. The current testing involves the investigation of the performance of binary power cycles utilizing mixtures of non-adjacent hydrocarbons as the working fluids, with supercritical vaporization and in-tube condensation. The utilization of these concepts will improve the net geofluid effectiveness (net plant output per unit mass of geofluid) about 20% over that of a conventional binary power plant. The major prerequisite for this improvement is the achievement of integral, countercurrent condensation. Results are presented for testing of the performance of the condenser at different tube inclinations. The performance in the vertical orientation is better than in either the horizontal or inclined orientations. ...
The results of a study assessing natural-gas-fired combined-cycle (GFCC) power generation in the electric-utility sector are presented. This study quantified the economic benefits attributable to GFCC generation and examined the characteristics of GFCC technology that produce these benefits and the ways that these benefits vary among regions in the country. The impacts of changes in important economic parameters (capital cost, fuel price, etc.) as well as the impact of advances in GFCC technology were considered. Use of GFCC technology in the electric-utility sector could play an important role in a least-cost planning strategy and thereby provide significant benefits to the utilities and their customers. Potential benefits include reduced capital and operating costs, more effective matching of load growth and capacity additions, and greater system reliability. 8 refs., 3 tabs.
Wheeling electric power, the transmission of electricity not owned by an electric utility over its transmission lines, is a term not generally recognized outside the electric utility industry. Investigation of the term`s origin is intriguing. For centuries, wheel has been used to describe an entire machine, not just individual wheels within a machine. Thus we have waterwheel, spinning wheel, potter`s wheel and, for an automobile, wheels. Wheel as a verb connotes transmission or modification of forces and motion in machinery. With the advent of an understanding of electricity, use of the word wheel was extended to be transmission of electric power as well as mechanical power. Today, use of the term wheeling electric power is restricted to utility transmission of power that it doesn`t own. Cogeneration refers to simultaneous production of electric and thermal power from an energy source. This is more efficient than separate ...
The historical back ground of free electron laser (FEL) and the present status of development and utilization research of FEL facilities in the world are explained. Eight facilities such as Stanford Univ., UCSB, Duke Univ., Vanderbilt Univ., LANL AFEL (USA), FOM FELIX (Netherlands), N-lands LURE CLIO (France) and FELI (Japan) can be used. The principle of FEL generation process is that free electrons move in a zigzag direction to generate radio waves which interfere with each other to become monochromatic light and then free electron laser. The benefits of FEL, quality of electron beam, limit of wave length of FEL, problems and development of utilization technologies of FEL are explained. (S.Y.)
A micromachined vertical actuator utilizing a levitational force, such as in electrostatic comb drives, provides vertical actuation that is relatively linear in actuation for control, and can be readily combined with parallel plate capacitive position sensing for position control. The micromachined electrostatic vertical actuator provides accurate movement in the sub-micron to micron ranges which is desirable in the phase modulation instrument, such as optical phase shifting. For example, compact, inexpensive, and position controllable micromirrors utilizing an electrostatic vertical actuator can replace the large, expensive, and difficult-to-maintain piezoelectric actuators. A thirty pound piezoelectric actuator with corner cube reflectors, as utilized in a phase shifting diffraction interferometer can be replaced with a micromirror and a lens. For any very precise and small amplitudes of motion` micromachined ...
The Heat Cycle Research Program, which is conducted for the Department of Energy, has as its objective the development of the technology for effecting the improved utilization of moderate temperature geothermal resources. The current testing involves the investigation of binary power cycle performance utilizing mixtures of non-adjacent hydrocarbons as the working fluids, with supercritical vaporization and in-tube condensation of the working fluid. The utilization of these concepts verified here will improve the net geofluid effectiveness (net watt hours plant output per pound of geofluid) about 20% over that of a conventional binary power plant. The major effect in this improvement is the ability to achieve integral, countercurrent condensation. Results are presented for the recent testing including those tests examining the performance of the countercurrent condenser at different tube inclinations and comparison with new ...
Article. In Norway, a project is planned to evaluate the upgrading potential of the hydroelectric power sector. The article criticizes the authorities for not supporting the upgrading of hydroelectric power plants in their eager to promote the development of wind power. An important contribution of the planned project will be a book from which the utilities may get advice on measures of upgrading. Generators and control systems account for 80% of the faults and interruptions in the power utilities. The turbine technology has made important progress in the 1990s. By pure upgrading measures alone, the turbine efficiencies may be increased enough for an additional 3 TWh to be taken out from the Norwegian hydroelectric power system. Today, the price of imported carbon-based Danish power determines whether the utilities find it profitable to rehabilitate the hydroelectric plants. The energy potential of upgrading is estimated to ...
Part 1 of the Electric Utility Engineer`s Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) Manual emphasizes the chemical and physical processes that form the basis for design and operation of lime- and limestone-based FGD systems applied to coal- or oil-fired steam electric generating stations. The objectives of Part 1 are: to provide a description of the chemical and physical design basis for lime- and limestone-based wet FGD systems; to identify and discuss the various process design parameters and process options that must be considered in developing a specification for a new FGD system; and to provide utility engineers with process knowledge useful for operating and optimizing a lime- or limestone-based wet FGD system.
Nuclear generation operators are facing a challenging business environment at the beginning of the new millennium. Evolving changes in business context, competitive commercial pressures, and changes in technology have dictated recurring evaluation of operational practices and the adequacy of supporting tools, and the pursuit of opportunities for operational improvement. A key area of utility operations that has been impacted by these changes is the nuclear plant control centre. Changes to workspace layout, equipment provisions, staffing, and work organization are examples of some of the adjustments being introduced to improve operational and safety effectiveness. This paper discusses some of the key factors influencing these changes and identifies additional design principles for CANDU control centres that will enable new control centre designs and retrofits of existing control centres to remain relevant and responsive to utility needs. ...
This article examines reported willingness to pay for electric utility investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency resources using the results of Deliberative Polls conducted by electric utilities in Texas. Age, education, and salary tend to affect reported willingness to pay for utility investments in these resources. Intensive exposure to information about energy resource issues led to an increase in the number of respondents interested in paying a modest premium to support investments in both renewable energy resources and energy efficiency. However, average reported premiums actually declined following the Polls, as very high outlier responses moved to more reasonable values following the Polls. These results support the contention that informed dialogue about energy alternatives will result in broader interest in providing a modest level of support for these resources. (author)
With the introduction of competition and diversification into retail utility services, rate-making methods are being rethought. Rates that are strictly cost-based may be too slow in responding to changes within the utility industry. And the advent of independent power production as a significant source of energy calls for greater flexibility in pricing of wholesale utility services as well. Various deregulation or reregulation plans have been formulated, including both price cap and price floor proposals. Some regulatory authorities have embraced market-based pricing over cost-based methods as the best solution to pricing problems. This article addresses Federal Energy Regulatory Commission response to market-based rates.
This paper reports on hydroelectric pumped storage which is the only proven and most efficient technology available for energy storage. It is used by utilities to provide peak and intermediate power and to optimize overall system performance. Because of increased environmental and regulatory constraints, few acceptable sites, long schedules, and huge financial commitments, large conventional pumped storage plants, are now virtually impossible to build. As an alternative, small modular pumped storage, with project sizes ranging from 25 MW to 200 MW, was created to overcome the difficulties of conventional projects. The modular approach involves standardizing the elements of a pumped storage plant by utilizing specialized siting techniques and optimizing design, equipment, and construction. Compared with conventional pumped storage, the modular design can reduce cost and expedite schedule; reduce environmental concerns and permitting obstacles; ...
The factors which must be considered in the process of adapting United States nuclear utility training programs to the needs of a European utility are discussed. Following a review of the present situation and drawing up of a new training program, the management commitments in terms of personnel and finance must be considered. Short term, medium and long term programs are outlined. The long term objectives should include the establishment of a total training centre. This facility should be capable of providing all the training necessary to operate a power plant safely. This would include specific simulator training, classroom training for operators, technician training, staff training, management training etc. In addition to a simulator, it should include an emergency response facility to train personnel. (U.K.).
Generated annually from the Edison Electric Institute's POWER STATISTICS Data Base, the EEI Power Directory provides state-by-state data on all utility-owned steam-electric plants in the US. The 1988 directory contains the following information for approximately 2500 units located at 1000 generating sites around the country: unit age, capacity, fuel type, and operating status. In addition, solid waste disposal methods for fly ash, bottom ash, and sludge are covered for approximately 1500 US coal-fired units. The directory contains a listing of more than 800 environmental managers and key environmental staff at over 300 utilities, with names, addresses, and telephone numbers. Special indices list plants and utility owner-operators.
Progress made during the first phase effort of the Solar-Thermal Full-System Experiment is summarized. This is one of a number of projects in the Solar-Thermal Subprogram involved with the development of solar central receiver hardware and systems for future use by utilities. The main emphasis is on systems that use Brayton-Cycle (gas turbine) equipment. The project summarized involves the planning and design of a complete Brayton-Cycle solar central receiver experimental system that would include all components of a commercial-size electric utility solar power plant. The objective of the overall project is to demonstrate the technical feasibility of a complete Brayton-Cycle, solar-fossil hybrid central receiver system. Major objectives of the Phase I effort summarized are to plan and design the experiment in detail and to organize a utility Test and Operating Group that would be directly involved in the development and ...
Purpose: To evaluate the success rates of the implantation of stent grafts in the treatment of peripheral aneurysms. Materials and methods: in 13 patients with 15 aneurysms at the common iliac artery (n = 6), external iliac artery (n = 1), hypogastric artery (n = 2), femoral artery (n = 2) or popliteal artery (n = 4), implantation of dacron-covered nitinol stents was performed. The patients were followed up for three to 20 months (mean, 8.8 months) with intravenous digital subtraction angiography, CT or colour-coded Doppler sonography. Results: In all cases, the aneurysm was successfully occluded after stent implantation. In one case with a popliteal aneurysm, kinking of the vessel caused thrombosis of the stent. The stent was successfully reopened. The aneurysm however, had to be surgically treated 9 months later. The primary and secondary patency rates at 6 months were 93% and 100%, respectively. Conclusion: The method described might be an alternative therapy to ...
Penetrating liver wounds are related to many causes and rank second after blunt abdominal and liver trauma. In this report are examined the clinical and radiological findings of personal series of patients with penetrating trauma, especially by firearms and stab and cut wounds. It will also tried to define the diagnostic workup of these traumas, which is especially based on CT signs of liver damage and associated changes and which is of basic importance for following treatment, both surgical or conservative. In the last seven years it was retrospectively reviewed 31 cases of penetrating liver trauma. The patients were 19 men and 12 women, ranging in age 18 to 73 (mean 42), with penetrating liver injuries from firearms (16 patients) and stab (9 cases) wounds; 6 patients had injuries from different cases. Abdominal CT was carried out in emergency with the CT Angiography (CTA) technique in all patients. In the patients with suspected chest and abdomen involvement CT ...
The evaluate the signs of aortic intramural hematoma with helical CT and the diagnostic role of this technique in patients with this condition. It was reviewed the CT findings of 396 patients submitted to emergency examinations for suspected aortic dissection from 1995 to 1999. Only 18 patients (6 women and 12 men) had CT signs of aortic intramural hematoma. Helical CT studies were carried out with the following parameters: slice thickness 10 mm, reconstruction index 10, feed 1.5 mm, conventional algorithm with minimum values of 130 kV and 125mA. All patients were examined with dynamic contrast-enhanced CT, before and after a power injection of 130 mL ionic contrast material. It was studied: hematoma localization and longitudinal extension; thickness and density of aortic wall; presence and location of intimal calcifications; integrity of intimal wall; hemo mediastinum and/or hemo thorax. Aortic wall thickening appeared as a high density crescent-shaped area at baseline CT and had low ...
Over the last decade, the use of the zebrafish as a genetic model has moved beyond the proof-of-concept for the analysis of vertebrate embryonic development to demonstrated utility as a mainstream...Full Text Available
Genetic studies of nicotine addiction in mice have utilized the oral self-administration model. However, it is unclear if strain differences in nicotine consumption are influenced by variation in bitter...Full Text Available
The composition and physicochemical properties of Gorlovsk Basin anthracite are studied, with a view to expanding its metallurgical use. In industrial tests, anthracite is employed in smelting hot metal in cupola furnaces, in the production of carbonized products and briquets, in ferroalloy production, in sintering iron ore, and in batch for foundry coke.
The study examines the question of whether or not civilian marketing practices and principles can be applied in the military care setting. Using the NRMC Great Lakes as a basis, the answer is yes--consumers of military medical care are ready to be the rec...
Background: Differentiation between reactive, but morphologically atypical, mesothelial cells and adenocarcinoma in effusions can be problematic. Elaborate immunohistochemical...Full Text Available
Animal facilities generate a large amount of used bedding containing excrement as medical waste. We developed a recycling system for used bedding that involves soft hydrothermal processing. In this...Full Text Available
A 65-year-old woman who was diagnosed as having psoitis by CT findings, which disclosed non-symmetrical dilation of the psoas muscle and gaseous image. Pus from the psoas muscle seen at surgery corresponded to CT findings. Preoperative CT examination was useful in the establishment of diagnosis. (Namekawa, K.).
ObjectiveThis report provides updated estimates on use of electronic medical records (EMRs) in US home health and hospice (HHH) agencies, describes utilization of EMR functionalities,...Full Text Available
BackgroundExisting studies concerning the health care use of homeless people describe higher utilisation rates for hospital-based care and emergency care, and lower rates for primary...Full Text Available
PURPOSECost-sharing, intended to control the “over-use” of healthcare resources, may also reduce utilization of necessary services. The influence...Full Text Available
The Utility PhotoVoltaic Group (UPVG), supported by member dues and a grant from the US Department of Energy, has as its mission the acceleration of the use of cost-effective small-scale and emerging large-scale applications of photovoltaics for the benefit of electric utilities and their customers. Formed in October, 1992, with the support of the American Public Power Association, Edison Electric Institute, and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the UPVG currently has 90 members from all sectors of the electric utility industry. The UPVG's efforts as conceived were divided into four phases: Phase 0--program plan; Phase 1--organization and strategy development; Phase 2--creating market assurance; and Phase 3--higher volume purchases. The Phase 0 effort developed the program plan and was completed early in 1993. The Phase 1 goal was to develop the necessary background information and analysis to lead to a ...
The DOE-Utility Nuclear Power Engineering Education Matching Grant Program has been established to support the education of students in Nuclear Engineering Programs to maintain a knowledgeable workforce in the United States in order to keep nuclear power as a viable component in a mix of energy sources for the country. The involvement of the utility industry ensures that this grant program satisfies the needs and requirements of local nuclear energy producers and at the same time establishes a strong linkage between education and day-to-day nuclear power generation. As of 1997, seventeen pairs of university-utility partners existed. UMCP was never a member of that group of universities, but applied for the first time with a proposal to Baltimore Gas and Electric Company in January 1999 [1]. This proposal was generously granted by BG&E [2,3] in the form of a gift in the amount of $25,000 from BG&E's ...
BackgroundAttention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common condition that often results in child and family functional impairments. Although there are evidence-based treatment...Full Text Available
Examines the effects of computer-based manufacturing technologies on employment opportunities and job skills. Describes the establishment of the Industrial Technology Institute in Michigan to develop and utilize advanced manufacturing technologies, and the institute's relationship to the state's community colleges. Reviews lessons learned from interinstitutional cooperation. Highlights future challenges. (DMM)
This paper examines the utility of restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) for paternity analysis. While, on the average, 99% of falsely accused males can be excluded with the standard battery...Full Text Available
Opinions on factors affecting public power systems are presented. Social, economic, and political factors are discussed in terms of their impact on public power. Competition with investor-owned utilities is the primary focus of the paper. Privatization and regulations are other issues discussed.
Many healthcare organizations utilize network "firewalls" to protect their networks from being accessed by unauthorized external entities. These same firewalls are also often configured to deny access...Full Text Available
OBJECTIVE. This study examines variations in the efficient use of hospital resources across individual physicians. DATA SOURCES AND SETTING. The study is conducted over a two-year period (1989-1990)...Full Text Available
The central nervous system (CNS) utilizes anticipatory (APAs) and compensatory (CPAs) postural adjustments to maintain equilibrium while standing. It is known that these postural adjustments...Full Text Available
ATP-binding cassette transporters (ABC transporters) utilize the energy of ATP hydrolysis to translocate an unusually diverse set of substrates across cellular membranes. ABCA4, also known as...Full Text Available
This report gives the results of a survey of operational flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems on coal-fired utility boilers in the United States. The FGD systems installed on Units 1 and 2 at the Bruce Mansfield Station of the Pennsylvania Power Company...
Genetically identical rhesus monkeys would have tremendous utility as models for the study of human disease and would be particularly valuable for vaccine trials and tissue transplantation studies where...Full Text Available
Three agricultural applications in a specially designed greenhouse solar system functioning as a multi-purpose solar air collector for crop production and curing/drying processes are examined. An automated hydroponic crop production system is proposed for the greenhouse solar system. Design criteria of the proposed system and its utilization of solar energy for root-zone warming are presented and discussed. Based upon limited testing of the hydroponic system considered, hydroponic production of greenhouse crops is believed reasonable to complement the year-round use of the greenhouse solar system. The hardware/software design features of a microcomputer-based control system applied in the greenhouse solar barn are presented and discussed. On-line management and utilization of incident solar energy by the microcomputer system are investigated for both the greenhouse and tobacco curing/drying modes of operation. The design approach considered for ...
A brief overview of the conceptual design of a solar central receiver system integrated with an existing cogeneration facility is provided. A synopsis of the performance and economic evaluation, and an assessment of the concept from the site owner's perspective are given.
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
A procedure was developed to monitor boundaries within which secondary mining operations can be applied. Principal techniques include instrument and operative-remote observations of earth shifts and aerial photography of displacements on the surface of the trough.
This paper describes the safety gas management system utilizing public telephone cables. Buyo Gas Co., Ltd. has installed about 100 governors for exclusive-use or use in the districts to control the gas supply to the consumers. A gas safety management system has been developed. This system consists of a pressure sensor, the terminals of gas leak alarms, and their masters. The features lie in that the system can utilize public cables, is operative at interruption of power service, can correspond to emergency situations, serves to save the cost, and can display the data constantly. For electric facilities in a governor room and the NTT cable service work, sufficient agreement with the possessor is required. In the case of non-utility electric facilities, some restrictions are imposed on the cable work for laying from privately-owned transformers, etc. Insurance for the facilities is necessary to prepare for lightning ...
A roller bearing hot box sensor utilizing a metallic temperature sensitive elongated wire element. The wire element contacts at temperatures in the range of about 125 F to about 225 F so that when the contraction movement of the wire is attached to a conn...
The ruminal selenomonad strain H18 grew rapidly (mu = 0.50 h-1) in a defined medium containing glucose, ammonia, purified amino acids, and sodium (95 mM); little if any ammonia was utilized as a nitrogen...Full Text Available
Motivated by the observation that a retinal fundus image may contain some unique geometric structures within its vascular trees which can be utilized for feature matching, in this paper, we proposed...Full Text Available
Industrial utilization of reaction mechanisms of microorganisms under anaerobic condition permits structuring energy saving type production processes. The present survey has investigated features of new microorganisms under anaerobic condition and the status of researches thereon inside and outside the country, and discussed their future applications. Chapter 1 compares anaerobic microorganisms and functions of microorganism under anaerobic condition with those aerobic to describe their general features, and describes the purpose of this survey and the summary of the investigations. Chapter 2 surveys the current status of technologies to utilize microorganisms under anaerobic condition. Chapter 3 outlines metabolic characteristics of the anaerobic microorganisms, and extracts functions effective for material production by different anaerobic microorganisms to describe their applicability. Chapter 4 evaluates the system classification for the ...
BackgroundFunctional Near-Infrared Spectroscope (fNIRs) is one of the latest technologies which utilize light in the near-infrared range to determine brain activities. Near-infrared...Full Text Available
A single radial hemolysis test was developed for quantitation of specific antibody to non-hemagglutinating viruses. With the human coronaviruses as models, this test utilizes the binding properties...Full Text Available
Technologies for materials, processes, and manufacturing that will provide safe, .... advanced energy conversion techniques, and pulsed inductive and ... duration antimatter storage and transportation, and methods for utilizing ...... EVA systems can be found in the EVA Technology Roadmap of the EVA Project Plan. ...
Military working dogs are rapidly becoming integral to military operations. While they bring many valuable capabilities to the battlefield, it is important that Special Operations leaders consider canine team capabilities and requirements when planning mi...
In order to efficiently utilize natural cellulose materials to produce ethylene, three expression vectors containing the ethylene-forming enzyme (efe) gene from Pseudomonas...Full Text Available
Mice and rats are important mammalian models in biomedical research. In contrast to other biomedical fields, work on sexual differentiation of brain and behavior has traditionally utilized comparative...Full Text Available
Since its establishment in 1945, the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC) has predominately adhered to a Diversified model of chiropractic technique in the core curriculum; however, many students...Full Text Available
The report gives results of a project conducted to create a file containing comprehensive data on all electric utilities in the US. The National Acid Precipitation Assessment Program's (NAPAP's) emissions inventory activities focus on the estimation of emissions from pollutants that contribute to acid deposition. Electric utilities, which emit a large share of total acid deposition precursor emissions, are important for modeling analyses. Data reported by states to the National Emissions Data System (NEDS) for the 1985 NAPAP Emissions Inventory and data reported to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) on EIA Form 759, EIA Form 767, FERC Form 423, and the Integrated Data Base System (IDBS) were matched and combined. The resulting 1985 National Utility Reference File (NURF) contains detailed unit level data for nearly 10,000 electricity generating plants.
Aluminium (Al) toxicity, affecting around half of the world¿s arable land, severely hinders the ability of crop plants to utilize moisture and nutrients by restricting root growth and function. Among the cultivated cereals, rye is the most Al-tolerant and represents an important potential source of ...
Both DOE and DOD use water and/or steam in the process of removing high explosives, resulting in large quantities of contaminated water, which is then run through activated carbon, which then has to be decontaminated. Research has been underway to utilize microorganisms to degrade RDX and HMX.
BackgroundObtaining comprehensive health outcomes and health services utilization data on stroke patients has been difficult. This research grew out of a memorandum...Full Text Available
Background/Objective:To determine the utility of certain instruments to assess sexuality and fertility after SCI, an expert panel identified key areas to study and evaluated...Full Text Available
Two manufacturing processes have been developed for fabricating PLZT bonded lens assemblies (BLA's) for the USAF EEU-2/P Thermal/Flash Protective Goggle. One process utilizes thin Sylgard spacers which remain in the BLA to establish bond thickness between...
BackgroundMacrophages (MΦs) utilize macropinocytosis to integrate immune and metabolic signals in order to initiate an effective immune response. Diabetes is characterized...Full Text Available
A novel approach to the Bragg curve spectroscopy is utilized to construct a charged particle detector which makes fragment elemental identification and energy measurement possible. The advantage of the construction includes good timing and spectroscopic properties with a very low energy threshold. ((orig.))
All ceramic fixed partial dentures (FPD)s exhibit enhanced biocompatibility and esthetics as compared to metal-ceramic restorations. However, framework fractures are frequently reported especially when...Full Text Available
Gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR), a member of the G protein-coupled receptor superfamily, has been utilized for receptor-mediated targeting of imaging and therapeutic agents; here we extend...Full Text Available
Background/AimsTo explore different definitions of intra-individual variability (IIV) to summarize performance on commonly utilized cognitive tests (Mini Mental State Exam; Clock...Full Text Available
The cytokine interleukin-7 (IL-7) has essential growth activities that maintain the homeostatic balance of the immune system. Little is known of the mechanism by which IL-7 signaling regulates metabolic...Full Text Available
The development of a computational intelligent tools based on neural network to identify commercial losses or fraud (theft energy), considering information from a database electric utility, is presented.
In the information age, information utilities like libraries are as sensitive to the stresses of change as any other organization. This article is a case study of a small, specialized medical library...Full Text Available
The induction of voltages on pipelines and railroad signal wires can be a problem when high-voltage transmission lines share the right of way. A handbook and two computer programs provide the analytic tools for utilities to avoid the problem.
Baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) has been genetically engineered to ferment the pentose sugar xylose present in lignocellulose biomass. One of the reactions controlling the...Full Text Available
ObjectiveMany hospitals utilize antimicrobial management teams (AMTs) to improve patient care. However, most function with minimal computer support. We evaluated the effectiveness...Full Text Available
Stem cells of the human prostate gland have not yet been identified utilizing a structural biomarker. We have discovered a new prostatic epithelial cell phenotype-expressing cytokeratin 6a (Ck6a+...Full Text Available
A mutation in a new gene, molR, prevented the synthesis in Escherichia coli of molybdoenzymes, including the two formate dehydrogenase isoenzymes, nitrate reductase and trimethylamine-N-oxide reductase....Full Text Available
In this review we attempt to reconstruct the evolutionary history of hominin life history from extant and fossil evidence. We utilize demographic life history theory and distinguish life history variables,...Full Text Available
Heating and cooling by impinging jets is widely used in various engineering applications, due to the high heat transfer rates prevailing in the vicinity of the stagnation point. The authors have been able to utilize acoustically excited turbulence for the...
Place fields of hippocampal pyramidal cells expand asymmetrically when adult rats repeatedly follow the same route. This behaviorally-induced expression of neuronal plasticity utilizes an NMDAR-dependent,...Full Text Available
1. Rates and rate coefficients of glucose utilization and replacement in post-absorptive rats, either conscious or under halothane anaesthesia, were determined in a thermoneutral environment by using...Full Text Available
Vegetable oils such as soybean oil will be converted to novel polymers using hydroformylation and other catalytic processes. These polymers can be used in the construction, automotive, packaging, and electronic sectors.
... of Viscous Liquids, Glasses, and Crystalline Materials Under Extremes of Pressure and Temperature ... Materials 9624724 ENG AZ U of Arizona Gervay Jacquelyn Synthesis of Novel Materials Utilizing Sialic ...
Ceramic antifriction bearings were introduced in excellent characterics and application. In main shaft use bearings of the machine tool, to be heightened in efficiency and accuracy by the heightening in speed, centrifugal load to the outer ring is not negligible to shorten the bearing in life. Also ball bearings with a contact angle are easily corroded by a very strong revolution slide due to the gyromoment. The use of such light weight material as silicon nitride's can design the lengthening in life. Also the utilization of high rigidity can prevent the inner ring from expanding by centrifugal force and enable the machining to be with a high accuracy. Ceramic rolling element is excellent also in backing resistant property and effective on the oily film cut. With heat resistant property, it maintains hardness even at high temperature. Such excellent characteristics being utilized, the fine ceramic antifriction bearing is used for the ...
A monensin-sensitive ruminal peptostreptococcus was able to grow rapidly (growth rate of 0.5/h) on an enzymatic hydrolysate of casein, but less than 23% of the amino acid nitrogen was ever utilized....Full Text Available
Rodent models have been extensively utilized to identify putative human immunotoxicants; however, even when immunotoxicity is established, uncertainty remains whether the effects are predictive of human...Full Text Available
Protective innate immunity to the nematode Strongyloides stercoralis requires eosinophils in the parasite killing process. Experiments were performed to determine if an extract of S....Full Text Available
Proline accumulation in NaCl-treated excised barley (Hordeum vulgare var Larker) leaves was studied. Leaves were treated by placing the cut end in NaCl solutions and allowing the salt...Full Text Available
By using EPR measurements of radiation-induced radicals it is possible to utilize human fingernails to estimate radiation dose after-the-fact. One of the potentially limiting factors in this...Full Text Available
The utility of a two-photon optical fiber fluorescence probe (TPOFF) for sensing and quantifying tumor fluorescent signals was tested in vivo. Xenograft tumors were developed in athymic mice using MCA207...Full Text Available
A small-sample survey of consumer preferences for a second car - featuring both conventional and electric vehicle choices - indicates a proelectric bias. The potential of electric cars in the utility market largely depends on dramatic improvements in battery technology and the right mix of electricity and gasoline prices.
Potential uses of foliage and bark wastes of E. ('Mysore') hybrid in southern India for the production of cineole and oxalic acid respectively are discussed. Only certain strains are cineole-rich and these are being successfully propagated vegetatively at the authors' laboratory.
We report on a high resolution, monolithic crystal PET detector design concept that provides depth of interaction (DOI) positioning within the crystal. Our design utilizes a novel sensor on...Full Text Available
The potential for oxidation of ammonia in anoxic marine sediments exists through anaerobic oxidation by Nitrosomonas-like organisms, utilizing nitrogen dioxide, coupling of nitrification,...Full Text Available
Sphingomonas (formerly Pseudomonas) paucimobilis UT26 utilizes γ-hexachlorocyclohexane (γ-HCH), a halogenated organic insecticide,...Full Text Available
Sphingomonas (formerly Pseudomonas) paucimobilis UT26 utilizes γ-hexachlorocyclohexane (γ-HCH), a halogenated organic insecticide,...Full Text Available
BackgroundEchocardiography is widely used in the management of patients with cardiogenic shock (CS). Left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) has been shown to be an independent predictor...Full Text Available
Although remarkable progress has been made in developing technologies for the clean and efficient utilization of coal, the biggest challenge in the utilization of coal is still the protection of the environment. Specifically, electric utilities face increasingly stringent restriction on the emissions of NO{sub x} and SO{sub x}, new mercury emission standards, and mounting pressure for the mitigation of CO{sub 2} emissions, an environmental challenge that is greater than any they have previously faced. The Utah Clean Coal Program addressed issues related to innovations for existing power plants including retrofit technologies for carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) or green field plants with CCS. The Program focused on the following areas: simulation, mercury control, oxycoal combustion, gasification, sequestration, chemical looping combustion, materials investigations and student research experiences. The goal of this ...
Introduction:Although radical prostatectomy (RP) is an effective treatment for prostate cancer, it has potentially deleterious effects on health-related quality of life (HRQoL)....Full Text Available
... catheter ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation procedure utilizing 3-D mapping and rotational intracardiac echocardiography. This program is ... of the MRI scan and then there's the 3-D image, which is generated from the pixels chosen ...
The objective of this work is to develop regenerable sorbents that have high selectivity, efficient regenerability, and high adsorption capacity for CO2 over wide temperature ranges. These properties are critical for the success of the PSA/PSS and TSA/TSS processes.
The malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum utilizes molecules present on the surface of uninfected red blood cells (RBC) for rosette formation, and a dependency on ABO antigens has...Full Text Available
Cytokinesis in animal and fungal cells utilizes a contractile actomyosin ring (AMR). However, how myosin II is targeted to the division site and promotes AMR assembly, and how the AMR coordinates with...Full Text Available
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
Inclusion of environmental externality costs in the selection of utility resources has become a reality in New York, Massachusetts, Nevada and California. Soon several other jurisdictions are likely to join these states in using environmental externality costs in decision-making. The consideration of environmental externalities are bound to profoundly affect utility decision-making in the future. So far attention has focused largely on air emission externalities of SO_2, NO_x and CO_2. However, the recent Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA) will reduce SO_2 emissions from utilities by about 50 percent. With such a large reduction in SO_2 loading, the question has been raised as to the need to further consider SO_2 externality costs in decision-making. This paper comments on this issue. By using generation and emission data from New York utilities, the paper shows that SO_2 emission externalities exist even ...
Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), acting for the US Department of Energy (DOE), contracts for and administers programs for the purpose of promoting the development and commercialization of large scale, transportable battery energy storage systems. Under DOE Co-Op Agreement No. DE-FC04-94AL99852, SNL has contracted for the development and delivery of an initial prototype 250 kW bridge that becomes an integral subsystem of a 2 MW/10 Second System that can be used by utility customers to protect power sensitive equipment from power disturbances. Development work includes field installation and testing of the prototype unit at a participating utility site for extended product testing with subsequent relocation to an industrial or commercial participating utility customer site for additional evaluation. The program described by the referenced document calls for cost sharing with the successful bidder and eventual title ...
BackgroundGenomics has substantially changed our approach to cancer research. Gene expression profiling, for example, has been utilized to delineate subtypes of cancer, and facilitated...Full Text Available
ContextWhile opioids are increasingly used for chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP), we know little about opioid dosing patterns among individuals with CNCP in usual care...Full Text Available
The disclosure is directed to an active magnetic regenerator apparatus and method. Brayton, Stirling, Ericsson, and Carnot cycles and the like may be utilized in an active magnetic regenerator to provide efficient refrigeration over relatively large temperature ranges.
Solid polymer fuel cell (SPFC) systems are compared to spark ignition (SI) engine power systems for utility vehicle applications. Utility vehicles provide crew and payload transport and electrical power at work sites lacking grid supply. The methodology emphasizes comparison on an equal service basis. Using power system component models and numerical analysis, power systems are designed using SI engine and SPFC technologies. The power systems are compared on the basis of fuel energy consumed and life cycle cost (LCC). Gasoline is the fuel for the SI engines, while liquid hydrogen is used for the SPFC. Three types of SPFC power system configurations are studied. The superior SPFC in terms of LCC is a fuel cell/battery hybrid where the fuel cell is sized to provide average driving power. Using today's technology, SPFC power systems have a lower fuel consumption but have higher capital costs and consequently lose to SI engine power ...
A generalized Fisher equation (GFE) relates the time derivative of the average of the intrinsic rate of growth to its variance. The GFE is an exact mathematical result that has been widely used in population...Full Text Available
BackgroundTraffic injuries can cause physical, psychological, and economical impairment, and affected individuals may also experience shortcomings in their post-accident care and...Full Text Available
Here we describe a Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposition system that utilizes a conditional SB transposase allele, which can be activated by Cre...Full Text Available
The biosynthetic costs of phenylpropanoid-derived condensed tannins (CTs) and phenolic glycosides (PGs) are substantial. However, despite reports of negative correlations between leaf phenolic content...Full Text Available
Several widely recognized sources of nomenclature regarding the bovine external digit were reviewed, compared, and utilized in a clinical survey of bovine digital disease. During this process, some...Full Text Available
BackgroundThe relationships between worker health and productivity are becoming clearer. However, few large scale studies have measured the direct and indirect cost...Full Text Available
BackgroundBacillus thuringiensis is a bacterium known for producing protein crystals with insecticidal properties. These toxins are widely sought after for controlling...Full Text Available
A brief overview is given of the geological characteristics of each region of the state as they relate to potential geothermal development. Those exploration methods which can lead to the siting of a deep exploration well are described. Requirements and techniques needed for drilling deeper higher temperature exploration and production wells are presented. Electrical generation, direct utilization, and indirect utilization are reviewed. Economic factors of direct use projects are presented. A general guide to the regulatory framework affecting geothermal energy development is provided. The general steps necessary to gain access to explore, develop, distribute, and use geothermal resources are outlined. (MHR)
The reduction of emission from power plants of the public power industry inevitably leads to more and more residual products being obtained which require utilization. Traditionally, the building and building materials industry as well as, for a number of years, the gypsum industry have been the main customers processing these residual materials. To avoid having to tip them at landfills that are in short supply already, further uses are sought; so, for instance, in farming to ameliorate soil and fertilize plants. Relative to this subject, proposals are already available which are presented as lectures at the conference and discussed, together with practical knowledge and new investigation results. (BBR).
A report is given of investigations into the possibility of utilizing red mud from the Bayer process for producing Ferrari cements. On repeated burning at 1450deg C suitable mixtures of red mud with silica and lime form a clinker with a low free lime content from which Ferrari cement can be produced. The average 28-day compressive strengths of cements produced from this clinker are so encouraging that further investigations are appropriate. (orig.).
Electric utilities are actively seeking ways of optimizing the economics of their operations by improving productivity and reducing time and money spent on maintenance. Iberdrola, a Spanish utility, is using advanced machine condition-monitoring technology to centralize control and maintenance of its hydropower projects as a means of achieving those goals. The company is using a blend of technologies to supervise their projects from a regional control center. The monitoring scheme makes use of data from on-line, machine-condition monitors, displays from in-plant audio asnd video equipment, and analysis from the control center`s SCADA system.
Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy has been utilized during high rate E-beam evaporation/deposition of YBa2Cu3O7 (YBCO). The results demonstrate the great utility of FTIR as an in situ monitor of YBCO deposition and processing. We detect different (amorphous/fine polycrystalline) insulating pre-existing phases to the high Tc superconducting phase which appear to have distinct reflectivity fingerprints dominated by thin film interference effects, as a function of temperature and oxygen pressure. These fingerprints reveal some of the kinetic and thermodynamic pathways during the growth of YBCO.
This article addresses the possibility that electric utilities may not have enough generating capacity to meet the demands on their systems at some future date as a result of a recent spate of plant-construction cancellations, especially of nuclear facilities. It emphasizes that, when that time arrives, utilities will be willing to try every conceivable possibility for preserving the integrity of their systems, and offers differential pricing of electricity as one such possibility. The article also offers a regional analysis of the effect of plant cancellations and of the potential for differential pricing as a preventative of power shortages. 5 tables.
The section on environmental impacts covers global environmental concerns and air pollution. Energy systems includes the following: alternative fuels; co-generation; fossil fuels; mechanical thermal storage; fission/fusion; thermal management; electric and hybrid vehicles. The section on renewable energy sources includes biomass, hydrogen, and solar. This volume also contains separate sections for stirling cycles, policy issues, and new technologies for energy utilization. Separate abstracts were prepared for 150 papers of this volume.
Advances in the development of several electrooptic shutter devices utilizing the quadratic electrooptic effect of lead lanthanum zirconate titanate (PLZT) ceramic wafers are described. Aperture sizes utilized in these PLZT devices ranged from 25 ..mu..m to 0.25 m. Practical applications of the shutters discussed in this paper include eye protection in military and industrial applications, a goggle-type device with dual synchronously operated PLZT shutters for use in a stereoscopic three-dimensional TV display, an electrically controlled variable density filter for use with vidicon tubes, a large-aperture photographic shutter for image motion compensation cameras, and a page composer for use in a holographic memory system.
Initial design parameters and early operational results of a 50 MeV high brightness electron linear accelerator are described. The system utilizes a radio frequency electron gun operating at a frequency of 2.856 GHz and a nominal output energy of 4.5 MeV followed by two, 2#pi#/3 mode, disc loaded, traveling wave accelerating sections. The gun cathode is photo excited with short (6 psec) laser pulses giving design peak currents of a few hundred amperes. The system will be utilized to carry out infra-red FEL studies and investigation of new high gradient accelerating structures.
Papers in this book illustrate the utility of mineral biotechnology with respect to biobeneficiation, bioleaching, bioremediation and biomineralization. Papers of particular interest to the coal industry include: depression of pyrite flotation by yeast and bacteris (S.K. Kawatra and T.C. Eisele); desulfurization of coal by microbial flotation in a semicontinuous system (T. Nagaoka and others); biochemical removal of HAP precursors from coal - INEEL slurry column testing (K.S. Noah and G.J. Olson); microorganisms, biotechnology and acid rock drainage - emphasis on passive-biological control and treatment methods (N. Kuyucak); and utility of bioreagents in mineral processing (P. Somasundaran and others).
The most important and difficult part of materials research for fusion reactor is realized to be irradiation studies of fusion reactor materials. Irradiation studies of fusion reactor materials utilizing FFTF/MOTA, as one of Japan/U.S.A. Fusion Collaboration Programs, have important role to establish fundamental understanding of heavy irradiation effects on materials behavior and properties and to develop methods and technologies for advanced irradiation studies under fusion reactor environment. This paper briefly reviews the history, the state of the art, and the future of the FFTF/MOTA program. (author).
Almost every electric utility company involved in nuclear plant construction has experienced difficulty as a result of the deteriorating condition of the nuclear industry as a whole. The thrust of a growing number of lawsuits brought against electric companies for alleged violations of federal securities laws is that the companies failed to reveal cost overruns, delays, and the risk of cancellation and write-off of nuclear plants in their annual reports and registration statements. A review of several suits and the disclosure requirements of securities statutes concludes that, although investors have known about utility problems, they have just become aware this year that the entire financial viability of the electric companies is threatened.
The utilization of the Ellis-formula for the determination of the tolerance of normal connective tissue is described. Beyond this, the formula is adapted to so-called critical organs. The individual suppositions implicated by the Ellis-formula are commented. Because of the verifyable congruency of the Ellis-formula with data obtained in clinical practice also by other authors, this conception is presented for the provisional determination of the limits of tolerance of normal tissue together with a computerized programme elaborated for use in different therapeutic techniques. (orig.).
The first objective is to utilize reservoir characterization and advanced technologies to optimize the design of a carbon dioxide (CO{sub 2}) project for the South Cowden Unit (SCU) located in Ector County, Texas. The SCU is a mature, relatively small, shallow shelf carbonate unit nearing, waterflood depletion. The second objective is to demonstrate the performance and economic viability of the project in the field. This report includes work on the reservoir characterization and project design objective and the demonstration project objective.
A brief overview is given of the geological characteristics of each region of the state as they relate to potential geothermal development. Those exploration methods which can lead to the siting of a deep exploration well are described. Requirements and techniques needed for drilling deeper higher temperature exploration and production wells are presented. Electrical generation, direct utilization, and indirect utilization are reviewed. Economic factors of direct use projects are presented. A general guide to the regulatory framework affecting geothermal energy development is provided. The general steps necessary to gain access to explore, develop, distribute, and use geothermal resources are outlined. (MHR)
The technical development of electric cables in the history of the Berlin electric utilities looks back on more than one century of continuous progress from jute-insulated direct-voltage cables, to 30 kV paper-insulated mass-impregnated cables, 110 kV plastic-insulated cables, 380 kV oil-filled cables, and 380 kV XLPE cables which are increasingly used today. A brief review informs about the major stages of power cable development. (orig.).
The beneficial effect of compost application to the sandy soil on dry matter production of shoots and fruits as well as its effect on l5N-uptake and nitrogen utilization percent of cucumber plant (Cucumis sativus L.) were studied under field conditions. Two types of natural compost (i.e. sugar cane bagasse (SC) and beet compost (BC)) with three levels (2, 4, 6 ton/fed) in addition to check treatment for each kind of compost (sheep manure with rate of 20 in/fed) combined with three rates of nitrogen fertilizer rates (50, 75, 100% from the recommended rate, i.e. 75 kg /fed) were used. The bagasse compost in both seasons gave a significantly higher response than the beet compost. There was a greet reduction in cucumber dry weight, N yield, Ndff%, FN yield and N utilization % of shoots and fruits as the level of compost application decreased. However, cucumber plants grown on high compost application level (6 ton/fed) were similar in their ...
The Geothermal Energy Association ({open_quotes}GEA{close_quotes}) will create and manage a Geothermal Heat Pump ({open_quotes}GHP{close_quotes}) Training Center to deliver GHP and HVAC courses throughout California in response to imminent demand driven by national promotion. GEA services include providing management structure, cadre, curricula, promotion and physical equipment. The Center is dedicated to infrastructure strengthening goals of the Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium, Inc. ({open_quotes}GHPC{close_quotes}), the California Energy Commission ({open_quotes}CEC{close_quotes}) and Interagency Geothermal Heat Pump Task Force, and Geothermal Energy Association ({open_quotes}GEA{close_quotes}). Second-half 1996 start-up is co-funded by GHPC, CEC, GEA and three California utilities. Initial support is to five utilities representing 70 percent of California power users. Goals include becoming market driven by year No. 3 and self-finding by ...
Diverse and productive wetlands have resulted from coal mining in the midwest. The trend from surface to underground mining has increased the potential for subsidence. Planned subsidence of longwall mining areas provides increased opportunities for wetland habitat establishment. Planned subsidence over a 180 meter (590 foot) deep longwall mine in southern Illinois during 1984 to 1986 produced three subsidence wetlands totaling 15 hectares (38 acres). The resulting palustrine emergent wetlands enhanced habitat diversity within the surrounding palustrine forested unsubsided area. Habitat assessments and evaluations of avian utilization of the subsidence wetlands were conducted during February 1990 through October 1991. Avian utilization was greatest within the subsided wetlands. Fifty-three bird species representing seven foraging guilds utilized the subsidence wetlands. Wading/fishing, dabbling waterfowl, and insectivorous ...
Gone are the days when utilities would boast how many new customers were being added to their system annually-regardless of whether they were in fact profitable to serve or not-as if bigger was always better. In a not too distant future, and with the liberalization of the business environment, some utilities may no longer wish to serve certain customers on their systems, while at the same time aggressively wooing other customers. With the anticipated arrival of competition and erosion of utility franchise service areas, the electric power industry will gradually evolve into a mode where customers will be segmented into finer groups and evaluated based on their expected profit margins-theoretically the difference between the revenues expected from them and the cost of serving them. Understanding this basic concept, and the mastery of the art of arriving at the correct profit margin for each market segment, will be essential ...
Investigations and studies are conducted seeking for a CO2 fixation method improved by utilizing the photosynthesizing function of higher vegetation. Details of higher vegetation genes are being disclosed thanks to the rapid progress of studies making use of molecular biological techniques, and the application of the genetic mechanism to scientific and technological fields is becoming increasingly feasible. In particular, the role of the CO2 fixation enzyme RuBisCO has been elucidated almost completely. It has been learned that, in terms of photosynthesizing capability, the C{sub 4} plants (corn etc.) are 2-3 times higher than the C{sub 3} plants (rice, wheat, etc.), and 5-10 times higher than the CAM plants (cactuses etc.). Studies are also under way about the rice genome so that a photosynthesizing capability so high as that of the C{sub 4} plants may be endowed the rice plant. The metabolism and control of useful substances produced in the CO2 fixation process ...
An update of Toronto Hydro's smart metering program was presented. Electricity demand is expected to keep increasing, and there is presently insufficient generation to match supply needs in Ontario. The smart metering program was introduced to aid in the Ontario government's energy conservation strategy, as well as to address peak supply problems that have led to power outages. It is expected that the smart metering program will reduce provincial peak supply by 5 per cent, as the meters support both time-of-use rates and critical peak pricing. Over 800,000 smart meters will be supplied to customers by 2007, and all 4.3 million homes in Toronto will have a smart meter by 2010. In order to meet targets for 2010, the utility will continue to install more 15,000 meters each month for the next 4 years. While the Ontario government has planned and coordinated the rollout and developed smart metering specifications and standards, Toronto Hydro is ...
Utilities looking to thrive in increasingly competitive markets are reexamining their approach to pricing. To compete effectively, utilities will need to both control costs and offer customers pricing options that are competitive and reflect the diversity in their customer base. These price structures must reflect two key factors -- marginal costs, which will increasingly reflect market prices, and consumers` responsiveness to those price structures. To accomplish this requires the capability to forecast customers` response to price structures that often provide complex signals to customers about how changes in their energy consumption and maximum power demand affect their bill, and to calculate corresponding changes in utility profits and customer net benefits. Much discussion of competitive pricing focuses on innovative new rate structures. However, significant opportunities are present to improve matters by simply ...
The object of this survey of small US electric utility systems was to determine the potential utilization of small, fuel-flexible, advanced-cycle combustion turbines for power generation. Three prototype concepts were evaluated. Concept A: a 2.5 MWe externally fired, closed-cycle combustion turbine, with fluidized-bed combustor, burning solid fuels. Concept B: an open 3.8 MWe, indirect-fired, combined-cycle turbine system using solid, liquid or gaseous fuels, with downstream stack cleanup. Concept C: 11.6 MWe, utilizing an open, direct-fired, combined-cycle turbine arrangement, gas or oil fueled employing components of advanced development. It was presumed such units might be commercially available circa 1985 to 1990. Fifty-three utilities, encompassing a variety of ownerships, geographical distribution and system sizes, were interviewed on-site. Questions covered the probable use of such generating ...
In Europe, MOX fuel has been supplied by AREVA for more than 30 years, to 36 reactors: 21 in France, 10 in Germany, 3 in Switzerland, 2 in Belgium. For the present and future, recycling is compulsory in the frame of sustainable development of nuclear energy. By 2030 the overall volume of used fuel will reach about 400 000 t worldwide. Their plutonium and uranium content represents a huge resource of energy to recycle. That is the reason why, the European Utilities issued an EUR (European Utilities Requirement) demanding new builds reactors to be able of using MOX Fuel Assemblies in up to 50 % of the core. AREVA GEN3+ reactors, like EPR"T"M or ATMEA"T"M designed with MHI partnership, are designed to answer any utility need of MOX recycling. The example of the EPR"T"M reactor operated with 100 % MOX core optimized for MOX recycling will be presented. A standard EPR"T"M can be operated with 100 % MOX core using an advanced ...
This report presents findings from the first year of a two-year study of interactive efforts involving utilities and non-utility parties (NUPS) working together to prepare plans, develop Demand-Side Management (DSM) programs, or otherwise promote integrated planning and the use of cost-effective DSM measures. Of the ten cases covered in the current study, seven involved the collaborative approach to NUP involvement, which generally is marked by intensive utility-NUP interactions designed to reach consensus on a broad range of important issues; in collaboratives, outside consultants often are provided to enhance the technical capabilities of the NUPS. Another of the cases in this study involved a cooperative arrangement,'' whereby a utility and a NLT worked together in a focused short-term effort to develop a single DSM program. The intense interaction involved in this approach makes it ...
This report presents findings from the first year of a two-year study of interactive efforts involving utilities and non-utility parties (NUPS) working together to prepare plans, develop Demand-Side Management (DSM) programs, or otherwise promote integrated planning and the use of cost-effective DSM measures. Of the ten cases covered in the current study, seven involved the collaborative approach to NUP involvement, which generally is marked by intensive utility-NUP interactions designed to reach consensus on a broad range of important issues; in collaboratives, outside consultants often are provided to enhance the technical capabilities of the NUPS. Another of the cases in this study involved a ``cooperative arrangement,`` whereby a utility and a NLT worked together in a focused short-term effort to develop a single DSM program. The intense interaction involved in this approach makes it very similar to ...
Part 2 of this manual provides the electric utility engineer with detailed technical information on some of the major mechanical equipment used in the FGD system. The objectives of Part 2 are the following: to provide the electric utility engineer with information on equipment that may be unfamiliar to him, including ball mills, vacuum filters, and mist eliminators; and to identify the unique technique considerations imposed by an FGD system on more familiar electric utility equipment such as fans, gas dampers, piping, valves, and pumps. Part 3 provides an overview of the recommended procedures for evaluating proposals received from FGD system vendors. The objectives are to provide procedures for evaluating the technical aspects of proposals, and to provide procedures for determining the total costs of proposals considering both initial capital costs and annual operating and maintenance costs. The primary objective of Part ...
A century ago--in the year J.J. Thomson discovered the electron--electricity, gas and traction companies battled for markets, and corrupt city councils demanded their fair share of the take. One tycoon became so disgusted with the confusion and dishonesty that he decided to bribe the legislature to set up an honest, state-run regulatory agency that would bring order to chaos. But he was found out. The scandal set back the cause of regulation until 1907, the year in which the electric washing machine and the vacuum cleaner were invented. By then, electricity sales had septupled from 1897 levels, and three states had established utility regulation. In the coming decade, 1997 to 2007, the utility business could undergo similar dramatic change, but it will move toward less regulation and more competition during a period of slow growth. Management will have to work harder to achieve success, however, because much of the profits will have to come not ...
Superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) is an emerging technology with features that are potentially attractive in electric utility applications. This study evaluates the potential for SMES technology in the generation, transmission, distribution, and use of electric energy; the time frame of the assessment is through the year 2030. Comparisons are made with other technology options, including both commercially available and advanced systems such as various peaking generation technologies, transmission stability improvement technologies, and power quality enhancement devices. The methodology used for this study focused on the needs of the market place, the capabilities of S and the characteristics of the competing technologies. There is widespread interest within utilities for the development of SMES technology, but there is no general consensus regarding the most attractive size. Considerable uncertainty exists regarding the eventual ...
This paper reports on pumped storage plants which have become an effective way for some utility companies that derive power from hydroelectric facilities to economically store baseload energy during off-peak hours for use during peak hourly demands. According to the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) in Palo Alto, Calif., 36 of these plants provide approximately 20 gigawatts, or about 3 percent of U.S. generating capacity. During peak-demand periods, utilities are often stretched beyond their capacity to provide power and must therefore purchase it from neighboring utilities. Building new baseload power plants, typically nuclear or coal-fired facilities that run 24 hours per day seven days a week, is expensive, about $1500 per kilowatt, according to Robert Schainker, program manager for energy storage at the EPRI. Schainker the that building peaking plants at $400 per kilowatt, which run a few hours a day on gas or ...
This paper reports on pumped storage plants which have become an effective way for some utility companies that derive power from hydroelectric facilities to economically store baseload energy during off-peak hours for use during peak hourly demands. According to the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) in Palo Alto, Calif., 36 of these plants provide approximately 20 gigawatts, or about 3 percent of U.S. generating capacity. During peak-demand periods, utilities are often stretched beyond their capacity to provide power and must therefore purchase it from neighboring utilities. Building new baseload power plants, typically nuclear or coal-fired facilities that run 24 hours per day seven days a week, is expensive, about $1500 per kilowatt, according to Robert Schainker, program manager for energy storage at the EPRI. Schainker the that building peaking plants at $400 per kilowatt, which run a few hours a day on gas or ...
The subfornical organ is a major receptor area for one of the principal stimuli of thirst, the octapeptide, angiotensin II. In conscious water-sated rats, the authors examined the effects of intravenous infusion of angiotensin II on the rate of glucose utilization in the subfornical organ and in structures anatomically and functionally connected with it. Angiotensin II produced pressor and drinking responses and increased glucose utilization selectively in the subfornical organ and pituitary neural lobe and in no other brain structure. Treatment with the angiotensin II antagonist, sar1-leu8-angiotensin II, before intravenous administration of angiotensin II prevented metabolic stimulation of the subfornical organ and neural lobe. Captopril, an inhibitor of angiotensin-converting enzyme, reduced subfornical organ glucose metabolism to a level similar to that found in control animals. These results demonstrate that peripheral angiotensin II ...
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 ...
Use of gas-fired combined-cycle technology (GFCC) in the electric-utility sector could play an important role in a least-cost planning strategy and thereby provide significant benefits to the utilities and their customers. Potential benefits include reduced capital and operating costs, more-effective matching of load growth and capacity additions, greater system reliability, and reduced environmental emissions. GFCC technology was examined in eight utility systems in six geographic regions to estimate the potential benefits of its use. In all systems, GFCC technology was shown to have the potential to reduce the cumulative capital costs for adding new capacity. The overall conclusion of the study is that GFCC technology offers the potential for significant savings in many regions of the United States and that these benefits would appear over a wide range of economic conditions. The study provides insight into the important ...
Features particular to the technology of using a blast furnace for the recycling of plastic waste are reported, and the behavior of plastic waste injected into a blast furnace is described. The plastic waste is injected into the furnace borne on a 1200degC hot blast through the tuyere. The plastic is converted into a reducing gas in the furnace, and the gas on its way up in the furnace is utilized as a reducing agent in the iron ore reducing reaction. The process is described below. All kinds of plastic waste may be utilized in this fashion, with the exception of polyvinyl chloride. As for polyvinyl chloride, efforts are under way to develop a technology to recycle this plastic. The method using the blast furnace tolerates a wide range of impurities, and the plastic waste is only to be crushed and granulated before use in the furnace. Plastic waste coarsely granulated but not pulverized may be completely gasified when the blast furnace raceway ...
Aminocyclopropane 1-carboxylic acid (ACC) synthase, a pyridoxal phosphate utilizing enzyme, catalyzes the conversion of S-adenosylmethionine to ACC, the rate limiting step in the biosynthesis of the plant hormone, ethylene. Ethylene, besides being involved in normal plant growth processes, is also produced in response to stress, e.g. wounding, pathogen infection, etc. The authors report the partial purification (400 fold) of ACC synthase from wounded pink tomato pericarp by classical techniques including ammonium sulfate precipitation, ion exchange and phenyl sepharose chromatography. Further purification results in a decrease in specific activity apparently due to the instability of the enzyme and the low levels present in plant tissue. Radiolabeling of a pyridoxal phosphate-utilizing protein in the ACC synthase enriched fraction was achieved. Evidence that this radiolabeled protein is ACC synthase will be presented. Amino acid sequence ...
Local cardiac glucose utilization (LCarGU) was quantified in the rat heart according to the Sokoloff model and local cardiac blood flow (LCarBF) according to the /sup 14/C-iodoantipyrine method. For quantitative autoradiography calibration curves for heart slices were performed. They differed from the brain calibration curves by 8%. The lumped constant was 0.377 in isolated working hearts. LCarGU and LCarBF could then be quantified in awake rats. At different locations mean LCarGU of different hearts varied from 85 to 200 ..mu..moles/100g/min and mean LCarBF from 390 to 831 ml/100g/min. The ratio subendocardial/subepicardial glucose utilization or blood flow was not systematically different from 1. The results indicate that glucose can be an important fuel in the heart of the awake rat, although its contribution to overall metabolism varies from animal to animal.
A workshop on radioactivity in coal use was held on September 15 through 17, 1981, under the auspices of the US Department of Energy, Office of Environmental Programs, and the Los Alamos National Laboratory. The purpose of the workshop was to identify research issues associated with radioactivity resulting from the use of coal for electric power generation. The concensus of the 10 scientists participating in the workshop was that a moderate to strong need exists for research in solubility of fly ash in different fluids and for determination of radioactivity in construction materials. Several additional research issues were identified but were given a lower priority. Summaries of each presentation are included. Titles are: some effects of coal combustion on the radiation environment; radionuclides in western coal at Mound; low-level radiation in coals utilized and ashes produced at New York State electric utilities; radioactivity from coal use - ...
Grid connected photovoltaic systems is one of the most promising applications of photovoltaic systems. These systems are employed in applications where utility service is already available. In this case, there is no need for battery storage because grid power may be used to supplement photovoltaic systems (PV) when the load exceeds available PV generation. The load receives electricity from both the photovoltaic array and the utility grid. In this system, the load is the total electrical energy consumption. The main objective of the present work is to optimize the electrical load pattern in Kuwait using grid connected PV systems. In this situation, the electric load demand can be satisfied from both the photovoltaic array and the utility grid. The performance of grid connected photovoltaic systems in the Kuwait climate has been evaluated. It was found that the peak load matches the maximum incident solar radiation in ...
Current hydrocarbon-based energy systems, current energy consumption and the push towards the utilization of renewable energy sources, fuelled by global warming and the need to reduce atmospheric pollution are discussed. The consequences of climatic change and the obligation of Annex B countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions in terms of the Kyoto Protocols are reviewed. The role that renewable energy sources such as hydrogen, solar and wind energy could play in avoiding the most catastrophic consequences of rapidly growing energy consumption and atmospheric pollution in the face of diminishing conventional fossil fuel resources are examined. The focus is on hydrogen energy as a means of storing and transporting primary energy. Some favorable characteristics of hydrogen is its abundance, the fact that it can be produced utilizing renewable or non-renewable sources, and the further fact that its combustion produces three times more ...
This paper focuses on the cross-layer issue of joint multiuser detection and resource allocation for energy efficiency in wireless CDMA networks. In particular, assuming that a linear multiuser detector is adopted in the uplink receiver, the case considered is that in which each terminal is allowed to vary its transmit power, spreading code, and uplink receiver in order to maximize its own utility, which is defined as the ratio of data throughput to transmit power. Resorting to a game-theoretic formulation, a non-cooperative game for utility maximization is formulated, and it is proved that a unique Nash equilibrium exists, which, under certain conditions, is also Pareto-optimal. Theoretical results concerning the relationship between the problems of SINR maximization and MSE minimization are given, and, resorting to the tools of large system analysis, a new distributed power control algorithm is implemented, based on very little prior ...
In this paper, we present the work carried out within the framework of the FEVER project (Fuel cell Electric Vehicle for Efficiency and Range), an European project coordinated by Renault, joining Ecole des Mines de Paris, Ansaldo, De Nora, Air Liquide and Volvo. For the FEVER project, where an electrical air compressor is used for oxidant supply, there is no need for hydrogen spill over, meaning that the hydrogen stoichiometry has to be as close to one as possible. To determine the optimum hydrogen utilization efficiency for a 10 kW Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) fed with pure hydrogen, a 4 kW prototype fuel cell was tested with and without a hydrogen recirculator at the test facility of Ecole des Mines de Paris. Nitrogen cross over from the cathodic compartment to the anodic compartment limits the hydrogen utilization of the fuel cell without recirculator to 97.4 % whereas 100% is feasible when a recirculator is used. 5 refs.
The gross calorific value (H{sub o}) is the amount of heat which is generated by total combustion of a type of fuel. It also includes that part of heat which is generated by steam from evaporated water contained in heating gas. In conventional heating boilers, this heat portion is not being utilized at all. To utilize the gross calorific value, it is necessary to extract from the exhaust gas the evaporation heat bound in steam and to return this to the heating system. This means that the exhaust gas has to be chilled by the return water of the heating system and condensed in suitable heat exchangers to well below the dew point. (orig.) [Deutsch] Waermelieferanten im Bereich der Nahwaermeversorgung koennen durch die Anwendung verfuegbarer und bewaehrter Brennwerttechnik ihre Kosten senken und einen zusaetzlichen Beitrag zum Umweltschutz leisten. Mit dem richtigen Brennwertkessel amortisieren sich Mehrkosten in weniger als 2 Jahren. (orig.)
The staring point of the project was to design and construct, by taking the silvicultural point of view into account, a harvesting and processing system especially for energy-wood, containing manually driven bundling harvester, automatizing of the harvester, and automatized loading. The equipment forms an ideal method for entrepreneur`s-line harvesting. The target is to apply the system also for owner`s-line harvesting. The profitability of the system promotes the utilization of the system in both cases. The objectives of the project were: to construct a test equipment and prototypes for all the project stages, to carry out terrain and strain tests in order to examine the usability and durability, as well as the capacity of the machine, to test the applicability of the Eko-Log system in simultaneous harvesting of energy and pulp woods, and to start the marketing and manufacturing of the products. The basic problems of the construction of the bundling harvester have ...
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 ...
As part of developing efforts for physical exploration technologies for oil reservoirs, this paper describes development of an active seismic while drilling (SWD). The SWD is a seismic exploration method to acquire records equivalent to VSP using seismic waves generated from a bit executing excavation, and is capable of detection and control on a real time basis during the excavation. However, the drawback is that it is subjected to a limitation in the bit. To eliminate this limitation, an artificial seismic source method was devised. In other words, this is an SWD utilizing an artificial seismic source. The contrivance is such that a shot sub containing a magnetic distortion oscillator is attached directly above a bit to generate vibration artificially, and try to utilize larger seismic energy by combining this vibration with that generated from the excavating bit. Frequency band in the seismic source is as narrow as nearly a single frequency ...
In response to European operating experience regarding Alloy 800 steam generator (SG) tube cracking, New Brunswick Power Nuclear (NBPN) recognized two important shortcomings in the industry SG technical support framework. First, information exchange networks between utilities with Alloy 800 SG tubing should be strengthened. Second and more importantly, there is a need for consistent industry guidance for Alloy 800 SG tubing degradation management, supported by clear technical bases. It is NBPN's perspective that this guidance can be improved immediately using the extensive amount of laboratory and field data that is available for Alloys 600, 690, and 800, and EPRI methodology developed to predict the performance of Alloy 690. NBPN has initiated the development of a performance-based inspection plan. This effort is based on demonstrated improvement factors for Alloy 800, defined by the EPRI approach, and described in this paper. This approach is expected to ...
In response to European operating experience regarding Alloy 800 steam generator (SG) tube cracking, New Brunswick Power Nuclear (NBPN) recognized two important shortcomings in the industry SG technical support framework. First, information exchange networks between utilities with Alloy 800 SG tubing should be strengthened. Second and more importantly, there is a need for consistent industry guidance for Alloy 800 SG tubing degradation management, supported by clear technical bases. It is NBPN's perspective that this guidance can be improved immediately using the extensive amount of laboratory and field data that is available for Alloys 600, 690, and 800, and EPRI methodology developed to predict the performance of Alloy 690. NBPN has initiated the development of a performance-based inspection plan. This effort is based on demonstrated improvement factors for Alloy 800, defined by the EPRI approach, and described in this paper. This approach is expected to assist ...
Purpose: The aim of this study was to test the feasibility of iliac artery stent placement under MR guidance with real-time MR radial scanning in an animal model. Materials and methods: The experiments were performed on three pigs in a 1.5 T scanner. Radial scanning with a gradient echo technique (T{sub R} 8.4 ms, T{sub E} 3.6 ms, flip angle 10 ) was used. A dedicated backprojector performed the reconstruction of the raw data in real-time. The resulting MR-images were displayed on LCD screens beside the magnet. The sliding window reconstruction technique allowed image acquistion at a frame rate of 16 images per second. MR-compatible self-expanding stents with a diameter of 8 mm and a length of 3 cm were placed into the left iliac artery. Their positions were verified by digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and compared to MRI. Results: All stents were successfully placed. Stent positions as monitored by real-time MR were identical to those seen on DSA images. The ...
Poly-Lactic-Acid (PLA) was evaluated for coating of vascular endoprotheses in the treatment of experimental arterio-venous-fistulae (AVF). Bilateral carotid-external jugular AVF were created in 5 adult dogs. 7 PLA coated nitinol stents were placed via a transfemoral approach covering 5 AVF. The contralateral AVF remained untreated. Angiography was performed immediately after stent placement, at weeks 1 and 3 and at months 3, 6 and 9. All grafts were removed and underwent histologic examination. In 2 cases the occlusion of the AVF was successful, while misplacement occurred in 3 cases. Occlusion of the parent vessel was disclosed in 3 cases. Histologic examination revealed a mild inflammatory reaction with the presence of macrophages. There was no foreign-body reaction or fragmentation of the arterial vessel wall. PLA, which is a well-known biodegradable material, showed a good mid-term biocompatibility. Elastic mismatch of the non-elastic coating and the ...
Utilization of microwaves for heating purposes began in the 1940`s. This new form of energy transfer offers many distinct advantages over conventional heating, such as volumetric, fast, direct, selective, instantaneous, and controllable heating. Studies of microwave processing of polymeric materials in the early 1960`s led to a successful industrial application in the rubber industry. Since the mid-1980`s, there has been a great deal of interest in microwave processing of polymeric materials. Technical issues, such as temperature uniformity and control of thermal runaway during processing, were investigated and many successful laboratory scale results were obtained from both fundamental and processing studies. This paper presents a historical perspective of microwave heating in the processing of polymer composites and discusses possible future directions for technology commercialization.
The objective of the current MITRE study is to estimate the cost of the coal derived liquid products that result from processing low rank coals in the Wilsonville and HRI CTSL configurations. The resultant cost of liquids is then compared to liquids produced from bituminous coals. The methodology used to accomplish the above objective was to utilize the MITRE coal liquefaction cost model to assess the overall technical and economic performance of low rank coals in both the Wilsonville and HRI configurations. Actual test data from Wilsonville and HRI was used as the basis for these analyses. This test data is modified to simulate complete resid recycle extinction and to standardize the operating performance of the deashing unit. This corrected yield data is then used in the simulation models to predict the overall performance and economics of a conceptual commercial coal liquefaction facility. 9 refs., 7 figs.
This article describes how a natural gas-fired combined cycle with increased firing temperature, reduced cooling air usage, improved component efficiencies, and cycle enhancements could achieve a lower heating value plant efficiency of greater than 60%. Today's gas turbine systems feature high fuel-to-electricity efficiencies. Efficiencies, on a lower-heating-value (LHV) basis, for large natural gas-fired combined-cycle systems for the utility market have been demonstrated at 54%. Even though manufacturers will make improvements in the 1990s, efficiency levels will reach a plateau. Cycle innovations and gas turbine design changes will achieve LHV efficiencies in the 60% range for natural gas-fired utility machines.
A solar energy desalination process utilizing solar radiation directly for the evaporation of salt water is described. Ambient air takes on water vapor as the air passes through an evaporative medium. It is then directed between a saline water-covered, solar absorbing surface and a solar collecting housing. The resulting heated and moisture-saturated air is cooled in a heat exchange means where condensation of fresh water occurs. Simultaneously, cool salt water is utilized as the cooling water in the heat exchange means, and takes on the heat of condensation given up by the condensing vapor. The heated salt water from the heat exchange means is partially directed over the solar absorbing surface, and at least a portion of it is also directed to wet the evaporative medium. Several optional sub-processes are described for operation of the system during periods of reduced insolation, and an alternative process is described for operation of the ...
Integrated resource planning is rapidly emerging as the preferred planning process for electric utilities. Under IRP, planners project the initial and annual operating costs of different resource options and compare them using the revenue-requirements method (RRM)- a project-evaluation technique that discounts future costs (i.e., revenue requirements) into present values. The discount rate used for these computations is usually the firm's weighted-average cost of capital (WACC)-the weighted-average cost of the firm's equity and debt. The project alternative with the lowest present-value revenue requirement (PVRR) (i.e., lowest costs) emerges as the economic choice.
A pin hole camera assembly for use in viewing an object having a relatively large light intensity range, for example a crucible containing molten metal in an atomic vapor laser isotope separation (AVLIS) system is disclosed herein. The assembly includes means for optically compressing the light intensity range appearing at its input sufficient to make it receivable and decipherable by a standard video camera. To accomplish this, the assembly utilizes the combination of interference filter and a liquid crystal notch filter. The latter which preferably includes a cholesteric liquid crystal arrangement is configured to pass light at all wavelengths, except a relatively narrow wavelength band which defines the filter's notch, and includes means for causing the notch to vary to at least a limited extent with the intensity of light at its light incidence surface.
This paper outlines an approach to develop estimates of individual customer contestability using a combined statistical and engineering analysis. The approach is targeted for use for mid-size commercial and industrial customers who are not being considered for individual flexible pricing contracts. Contestability is defined as the potential lost revenue associated with customers leaving the utility or significantly reducing electricity purchases. Contestability is modeled from the customer`s perspective using a two-stage decision process. In the first stage, the customer decides if he will continue to purchase electricity from the utility (referred to as customer retention), and in the second stage, the customer determines the amount of electricity purchased (referred to as load retention). Measures of individual customer contestability will be key factors in developing market segments and new rate offerings in future energy markets.
BC Hydro has been assessing and upgrading its facilities and implementing response alternatives to potential damage resulting from a major earthquake. This paper reviews the utility`s seismic evaluation of its overhead transmission system, focusing on the Lower Mainland area where most of the tall critical river-crossing towers are located. The paper gives an overview of the geologic environment of the Lower Mainland and outlines the criteria used for assessing existing structures for their ability to withstand design seismic loads. It then describes the investigation and analysis methods used in the assessment, including geotechnical field tests, ground response analysis, determination of soil liquefaction potential, and dynamic analysis of structures and piles. Options for seismic upgrades are discussed and illustrated by the case of the Pitt River crossing, where tower foundations were reinforced with steel pipe piles.
This paper is focused on TLP and Spar technology as applied to floating production applications. In particular, safety considerations as related to classification and certification requirements are addressed. This covers hull structures, marine systems, production facilities and the relevant mooring systems for each platform type from design approval on through construction, installation and ultimately the ongoing maintenance of the platform to acceptable standards throughout its operating life. The experience of the American Bureau of Shipping with these platforms will be utilized in supporting the practical application of classification and regulatory standards to ensure safe operations and concluding that use of such standards in conjunction with an experienced classification society provides a substantial benefit to companies utilizing these technologies. (author)
Buses, operating within a Florence (Italy) municipal transportation system, and equipped with Otto cycle engines, were selected for retrofitting taking into account the suitability of each vehicle`s specific routing and service requirements. Cost benefit analyses indicated that it wouldn`t be economically feasible to retrofit buses equipped with diesel engines. A computerized refuelling system was set up at the fleet`s central service station which was hooked up to the natural gas utility`s supply line. This paper tables the cost benefit analysis data comparing gasoline and methane operation and reflecting the cost savings which are expected to be accrued through this methanization program over a span of 14 years.
This paper proves that it is practicable to build a new power model which can work efficiently at night by using a type of fluorescence material. The utilization efficiency of photovoltaic cell is improved by prolonging the actual working hours of the cell within 24 hours. Both theoretical analysis and experiment on this model are carried out, and base on which the current-time curve (I-t curve) is depicted. It shows that the model which applies the fluorescence material to photovoltaic system is available. According to the analysis and comparison between the attenuating curve of the material and I-t curve of the power system, we can conclude that the weak illumination and the mismatch on wavelength are primary reasons for the low current. Finally, several improved measures of this power model for practical application are given, and it is expected to provide a new thought for photovoltaic study. (orig.)
Simple frameworks have been developed for estimating the utilization potential of: (a) solar photovoltaic (SPV) pumps; (b) windmill pumps; (c) producer gas based dual fuel engine pumps; and (d) biogas based dual fuel engine pumps for irrigation water pumping in India. The approach takes into account factors such as: solar radiation intensity, wind speed, availability of bovine dung and agri-residues, and their alternative uses, ground water requirements for irrigation and its availability, affordability, and propensity of the users to invest in renewable energy devices, etc. SPV pumps are estimated to have the maximum utilization potential in India, followed by windmill pumps. (author)
Although state estimation is a mature technique which is widely available in the EMS industry, experience with practical implementation and use of state estimation and network security analysis functions at electric power utilities over the last two decades indicates recurring difficulties and problems attributable to inadequate external network modeling detail and data. This paper addresses the development of a set of guidelines for external network modeling and data exchange, based on the results of a recent project sponsored by EPRI. A general methodology is developed based on the results of a survey of a representative set of utilities and EMS suppliers, supplemented by subsequent analysis and simulation studies. Distinction is made between guidelines pertaining to external network topology, analog measurements, data exchange, and implementation procedures. A philosophy and approach for constructing and testing external models is also ...
In Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell (PEFC) technology the reducing of volume and mass of the fuel cell stack and the improvement of catalyst utilization are of great interest. These parameters affect applicability and system cost. In this work we present an alternative way for reducing the stack volume by combining gas distribution and catalytic active area in one plate. Micro machined glassy carbon electrodes serve as support material for the platinum catalyst, as well as gas distributor at the same time. A comparison of these electrodes with conventional platinum-black gas diffusion electrodes under fuel cell conditions shows that the new system is a promising electrode type for enhanced power density and catalyst utilization. (author) 3 figs., 5 refs.
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 ...
Two classes of convergent algorithms for learning continuous functions (and also regression functions) that are represented by feedforward networks, are discussed. The first class of algorithms, applicable to networks with unknown weights located only in the output layer, is obtained by utilizing the potential function methods of Aizerman et al. The second class, applicable to general feedforward networks, is obtained by utilizing the classical Robbins-Monro style stochastic approximation methods. Conditions relating the sample sizes to the error bounds are derived for both classes of algorithms using martingale-type inequalities. For concreteness, the discussion is presented in terms of neural networks, but the results are applicable to general feedforward networks, in particular to wavelet networks. The algorithms can be directly adapted to concept learning problems.
Under 10CFR50 Appendix B, utilities have a commitment to establish and maintain material control programs to assure the safety and reliability of their power plants. The guidelines in this report discuss methods of establishing, maintaining, and extending the shelf life of limited life items. In addition, these guidelines establish justifiable shelf lives for a sample of 70 items and review the effects of environmental conditions. Moreover, the guidelines are consistent with utility qualification test documentation and provide for evaluation of items with expired shelf lives. These guidelines set precedent by indicating that the shelf life is greater than previously available for many items. This increase in shelf life has been established through natural and accelerated aging tests.
The commercialization of geothermal energy resources consists of a sequence of exploration, development, and utilization activities. Each of these activities are beset by both generic and project specific technical, environmental, and institutional constraints which must be adequately resolved before geothermal operations can be conducted. This report presents a summary of selected environmental activities conducted during the early planning stages of geothermal resource commercialization. Three representative activities are elaborated upon. These include preliminary environmental planning for geothermal energy development in the Medicine Lake Highlands of California; potential alternatives for non-electric use of the geothermal resource at East Mesa in Imperial County, California; and site specific studies of the impacts from using East Mesa geothermal fluids to irrigate selected crops and indigenous climax vegetation.
An energy saving self-powered industrial dehumidifier for use in a building having a tap water conduit leading from a source of supply to utilization points is described comprising: a dehumidifying apparatus positioned in a stream of air to be dehumidified in the building. The dehumidifying apparatus comprising conduit means for diverting at least a portion of a relatively continuously moving stream of tap water from the tap water conduit through a heat exchanger positioned in a stream of air and returning the diverted portion to the tap water stream upstream of the utilization points. Water vapor in the stream of air will condense onto the heat exchanger when the tap water has a temperature below a dew point temperature of the air stream, thereby dehumidifying the air stream.
This paper reports that there are four combustion technologies upon which U.S. electric utilities are expected to rely for the majority of their future power generating needs. These technologies are pulverized coal- fired combustion (PC); coal-fired fluidized bed combustion (AFBC); coal gasification, combined cycle systems (CGCC); and natural gas-fired combined cycle systems (NGCC). The engineering and economic parameters which affect the choice of a technology include capital costs, operating and maintenance costs, fuel costs, construction schedule, process risk, environmental and site impacts, fuel efficiency and flexibility, plant availability, capacity factors, timing of startup, and the importance of utility economic and financial factors.
Current decisions on greenhouse gas emissions may have effects on human well being for centuries. This project has aimed to extend the economic models designed for analyzing this particular issue. A closely related topic follows from the fact that emitting CO{sub 2} can be interpreted as a utilization of a free access resource, i.e., when countries gain from utilizing cheap fossil fuels (relative to noncarbon energy sources), the possible loss any country suffers from climate change is only a negligible fraction of the total loss of all countries. Thus, from a global point of view, the incentives for an individual country to abate emissions is low. Economic understanding of these problems calls for dynamic game-theoretical models
The neutron radiography facility was installed at the tangential beam port of the 3 MW TRIGA MARK-II research reactor. In the facility only direct film neutron radiography method is being used. The project involves development of electronic imaging system for real time neutron radiography in the existing facility with the aim of utilizing it for research and industrial applications. In establishing the electronic imaging system for real time neutron radiography the improvements of existing facility were almost done during this period. In parallel, the former facility was used for the research: (a) A study of wood and wood plastic composites with and without additive by using film neutron radiography and (b) A study of jute reinforced polymer composites by using film neutron radiography technique. (author)
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.
Electric utilities have been surprised by recent opposition to the construction of very-high-voltage transmission lines, which met with little resistance in the past. Concerns over health and safety factors are associated with the increase in the number of such lines, although their presence has always been an inconvenience and a hazard for those living and working in the immediate vicinity. The new lines present additional hazards due to the continuous flow of small electric currents and the charges that build up in the area of the towers and lines. The lines are also a threat to persons wearing cardiac pacemakers. There is experimental evidence from the Soviet Union and the U.S. that electric and magnetic fields at the frequencies of such power lines can have serious biological effects on growth rates and the functioning of the central nervous system. Full disclosure that possible risks are involved and the opportunity to avoid these risks is a public ...
The rapid pace of competitive change in the generation sector has pushed electric utilities to rethink the concept of being obligated to serve all customers and with this change, the notion of measuring customer profitability is also being redefined. Traditionally, uniform services were provided to all customers. Rates were based on each customer classes` contribution to average costs, and consequently return was equally allocated across all customer segments. Profitability was defined strictly on an aggregate basis. The increasing demand for choice by electric customers will require electricity providers to redefine if not who they serve, than certainly how they provide differentiated services tailored to specific customer segments. Utilities are beginning to analyze the value, or profitability, of offering these services. Aggregate data no longer provides an accurate assessment of how resources should be allocated most efficiently. As ...
Synthetic chemistry originally developed for the manufacture of chemically stable silica polyamine composites was adapted for the modification of fused silica capillaries for application in CE. Polyethyleneimine (PEI) and polyallylamine (PAA) were covalently bonded to the interior surface of fused silica capillaries utilizing 3-chloropropyltrichlorosilane (CPTCS) or 3-glycidoxypropyl-trimethoxysilane (GPTMS) to anchor the polymers to the surface. The surface-bound polymers were subsequently quaternized using methyl iodide (MeI). The resulting modified capillaries were studied using CE, and were shown to provide reproducible, stable, and robust anodic EOF throughout the pH range of 2-10. Surface modifications utilizing CPTCS could be rinsed with up to 6 M HCL or 1 M NaOH without significant...
Hydrate addition at low temperature (or the HALT process) is a retrofit option for moderate SO/sub 2/ removal efficiency in coal burning utility plants. This dry FGD process involves injecting calcium based dry hydrate particles into flue gas ducting downstream of the air preheater where the flue gas temperature is typically in the range of 280-325/degree/F. This report is comprised of the conceptual scaleup design of the HALT process to a 180 MW and a 500 MW coal fired utility station followed by detailed capital and operating cost estimates. A cost sensitivity analysis of major process variables for the 500 MW unit is also included. 1 fig.
The primary goal of this study was to assess the association between the full birth weight distribution and prevalence of specific developmental disabilities and related measures of health and special education services utilization in US children. Using data from the 1997?2005 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) Sample Child Core, we identified 87,578 children 3?17?years of age with parent-reported information on birth weight. We estimated the prevalences of DDs (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder [ADHD], autism, cerebral palsy, hearing impairment, learning disability without mental retardation, mental retardation, seizures, stuttering/stammering, and other developmental delay) and several indicators of health services utilization within a range of birth weight categories. We cal...
The aim of this report is to describe the present situation regarding biomass utilization in small power plants, 0.5 - 20 MW fuel power. Also discussed are the most important technical, economical and environmental conditions which may prevent a fast expansion of small biomass fueled power plants for generation of district heating in smaller networks and also for electric power generation. Biofuels means a reduction of the net emission of carbon dioxide, but emission of other compounds are not very well known for this size of power plants. There are only a few biofueled power plants in Sweden and only a couple with less than 20 MW power supplied. New concepts are under development but not much have been achieved during the most recent years. 25 refs, 10 figs, 9 tabs.
Activated charcoal was produced from sawdust of Pinus caribaea var. caribaea, pinus caribaea var. honduenais and pinus cocarpa, with the objective of studying a alternative of more economic uses for forest residues and the products of the first thinning. A chemical process was utilized based on Zn Cl{sub 2} at temperature of 700 deg C and 450 deg C. It was concluded that the temperature of 700 Celsius produced a activated charcoal with better quality and greater adsorption capacity. The temperature of 450 deg C produced a material with adsorption properties for utilization where greater adsorption capacity is not needed. The production of activated charcoal is possible from the three species of tropical pinus studied. (author). 16 refs., 5 tabs
At Super-LHC luminosity it is expected that the standard suite of L1 triggers for CMS will saturate. Information from the tracker will be needed to reduce trigger rates to satisfy the L1 bandwidth. Tracking trigger modules which correlate information from closely-spaced sensor layers to form an on-detector momentum filter are being developed by several groups. We report on a trigger module design which utilizes three dimensional IC technology to incorporate chips which are connected both to the top and bottom sensor, providing the ability to filter information locally. A demonstration chip, the VICTR, has been submitted to the Chartered/Tezzaron two-tier 3D run coordinated by Fermilab. We report on the 3D design concept, the status of the VICTR chip and associated sensor integration utilizing oxide bonding.
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 ...
Breaker failure relaying has been generally achieved through the use of a current monitoring relay to determine whether current continues to flow into a fault after a breaker has been instructed to interrupt the circuit. If current continues to flow after a predefined period of time, the circuit breaker is considered to have failed. Steps must then be taken to trip the next set of upstream breakers in the power system to remove the faulted circuit and prevent system damage. However, with industrial power systems, this may be the utility`s breakers on the feeding transmission line. Regardless, breaker failure schemes must be designed to isolate both the faulted circuit and the failed circuit breaker. This paper discusses a new and innovative method of protecting a circuit breaker from the failure described above, plus other failures that go unprotected with conventional schemes, this providing total breaker failure protection.
A gas core fission reactor that utilizes americium in place of uranium is examined for potential utilization as a nuclear rocket for space propulsion. The isomer [sup 242m]Am with a half life of 141 years is obtained from an (n, [gamma]) capture reaction with [sup 241]Am, and has the highest known thermal fission cross section. We consider a 7500 MW reactor, whose propulsion characteristics with [sup 235]U have already been established, and re-examine it using americium. We find that the same performance can be achieved at a comparable fuel density, and a radial size reduction (of both core and moderator/reflector) of about 70%.
It is described a process of production of celulignin from biomass through acid pre-hydrolysis in continuous reactor made of advanced materials such as niobium, titanium and monel. The celulignin is a fuel of 28.50 MJ/kg of heating power. The utilization of this technology together with eucalyptus reforestation by vegetative propagation and high efficiency thermoelectric plant (triple cycle of steam turbine, gas turbine and MHD electrical generation) allow electric power production with competitive cost when compared to hydroelectric power. (author). 1 ref. 5 figs., 2 tabs
The objective of the present investigation was to develop a Bayesian framework for updating and integrating covariate information into key parameters of metabolizable energy (ME) systems for dairy cows. The study addressed specifically the effects of genetic improvements and feed quality on key parameters in current ME systems. These are net and metabolizable energy for maintenance (NEM and MEM, respectively), efficiency of utilization of ME for milk production (kL) and growth (kG), and efficiency of utilization of body stores for milk production (kT). Data were collated from 38 studies, yielding 701 individual cow observations on milk energy, ME intake, and tissue gain and loss. A function based on a linear relationship between milk energy and ME intake and correcting for tissue energy lo...
s. Manufacturing Yes No. t. Renewable Energy Yes No ...... Computational software is sought to simulate of the response of advanced composite fan ...... Thermal energy storage and utilization using bulk or processed regolith ...... scale up roadmap to 1 to 2+ meter class space qualifiable flight optics systems. ...
Efficient and economical utilization of wind power will require the ability to measure and ultimately predict the effects fluctuations in the incident wind will have on a wind turbine. In order to quantitatively assesss these effects, experimental techniques have been developed which allow analysis of full-scale performance of wind turbines with particular emphasis on the effects caused by turbulence in the incident wind. Examples of these techniques are presented using data from the DOE/Sandia Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) program.
The integrated-gasification combined-cycle (IGCC) process is an emerging technology that utilizes coal for power generation and production of chemical feedstocks. However, the process generates large amounts of solid waste, consisting of vitrified ash (slag) and some unconverted carbon. In previous projects, Praxis investigated the utilization of {open_quotes}as-generated{close_quotes} slags for a wide variety of applications in road construction, cement and concrete production, agricultural applications, and as a landfill material. From these studies, we found that it would be extremely difficult for {open_quotes}as-generated{close_quotes} slag to find large-scale acceptance in the marketplace even at no cost because the materials it could replace were abundantly available at very low cost. It was further determined that the unconverted carbon, or char, in the slag is detrimental to its utilization as sand or fine ...
Fluorescent microspheres were applied in a novel fashion during subsurface drilling of permafrost and ground ice in the Canadian High Arctic to monitor the exogenous microbiological contamination of...Full Text Available
The results of the investigations show that magnetic treatment is a quite practical and effective method of intensifying certain technological processes in the coking industry. Magnetic treatment was utilized for improving the production of ammonium sulfate, refining of the naphthalene fraction, removal of sludge from wash oil in the benzol division, and the treatment of tar before fractionation. 2 references, 3 tables.
In the present study an estimate is made of the malignancy significant dose from external beam radiotherapy in New Zealand utilizing data obtained in a survey conducted in 1975. This survey had been designed to assess genetically significant dose. A weighted effective dose equivalent is derived from the malignancy significant dose for direct comparison with mean per capita effective dose equivalents arising from other sources of radiation. 14 refs., 1 fig., 8 tabs.
This document presents the integrated reactors concepts by a presentation of four reactors: PIUS, SIR, IRIS and CAREM. The core conception, the operating, the safety, the economical aspects and the possible users are detailed. From the performance of the classical integrated PWR, the necessity of new innovative fuels utilization, the research of a simplified design to make easier the safety and the KWh cost decrease, a new integrated reactor is presented: SCAR 600. (A.L.B.)
Overview Package  Class Use Tree Deprecated Index Help  PREV CLASS  NEXT CLASS FRAMES   NO FRAMES SUMMARY:  INNER | FIELD | CONSTR | METHOD DETAIL:  FIELD | CONSTR | METHOD gov.nih.nci.dc.bean Class ImageIDParseBean java.lang.Object | +--java.util.Dictionary
The report gives results of a survey of the flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems at Kansas Power and Light Co.'s Lawrence Power Station. The systems utilize boiler injection of pulverized limestone, followed by tail-end wet scrubbing: unit 4, with a net...
This paper reports that the excess of U.S. electrical generating capacity which has existed for the past 15 years is coming to an end as we enter the 1990s. Environmental and energy security issues associated with fossil fuels are kindling renewed interest in the nuclear option. The importance of these issues are underscored by the National Energy Strategy (NES) which calls for actions which are designed to ensure that the nuclear power option is available to utilities. Utilities, utility associations, and nuclear suppliers, under the leadership of the Nuclear Power Oversight Committee (NPOC), have jointly developed a 14 point strategic plan aimed at establishing a predictable regulatory environment, standardized and pre-licensed Advanced Light Water Reactor (ALWR) nuclear plants, resolving the long-term waste management issue, and other enabling conditions. GE is participating in this national effort and GE's family of ...
This paper focuses on potential effects of solar phenomena on communication systems used by the electric utility industry. It begins with a discussion of solar phenomena fundamentals and discussion of the interaction between solar emissions and the earth's ionosphere and magnetosphere. It continues with a discussion of the resulting impacts on communication systems including radio, satellite, wireline, fiber optic, and powerline systems and concludes with a discussion of mitigation techniques and a call for observers to report suspected solar impact experiencexperiences.
Involving effects of media, opinion leader and other agents on the opinion of individuals of market society, a trader based model is developed and utilized to simulate price via supply and demand. Pronounced effects are considered with several weights and some personal differences between traders are taken into account. Resulting time series and probabilty distribution function involving a power law for price come out similar to the real ones.
Smart electricity and gas supply grids are a prerequiste for full-scale utilization of the potential of modern energy-saving appliances and equipment. Direct exchange of information between the supplier and the consumer is indispensable for reducing costly and energy-intensive peak loads. (orig.)
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.
Coal solids (SRC) and distillate oils are combined to afford single-phase blends of residual oils which have utility as fuel oils substitutes. The components are combined on the basis of their respective polarities, that is, on the basis of their heteroatom content, to assure complete solubilization of SRC. The resulting composition is a fuel oil blend which retains its stability and homogeneity over the long term.
The heterogeneous solid catalyst, mercaptopropylsilica (MPS), has been prepared by a modified procedure in water and its structure confirmed by solid state carbon-13 CP-MAS NMR spectrum. This catalyst has been efficiently utilized for the synthesis of a wide variety of tri-, tetrasubstituted imidazoles and their bis-analogues at room temperature. The protocol was further explored for the synthesis of the drug trifenagrel.
As competition dramatically reshapes power markets, electric utilities strive to increase flexibility in their commitments and limit exposure to market risks. This paper provides an overview of a promising tool called option valuation which is useful for analyzing and managing risks. The paper demonstrates an application of these techniques for developing new pricing products tailored to meet customers` risk preference.
Research investigating applicability of lithium salts for solid electrolyte batteries was described. The studies included determinations of lithium ion conductivities in solid electrolyte systems based on Li4SiO4, LiTi2(PO4)3, and ceramic materials. Research on all solid state lithium cells utilizing TiS2 NiPS3 electrodes was also reported.
Infiltration of radon from the ground is usually the primary source of indoor radon pollution. A uniform method for radon risk classification of foundation soils based on soil-gas radon concentration measurements and on the determination of soil porosity, permeability and structure was proposed in 1990. Results of assessment of some areas in Czechoslovakia, containing more than 5000 radon concentration measurements, demonstrate the utility of the technique and confirm the link between geology and radon potential of the soil. (author)
... Zahra-Kingrsquo;s practice utilizes a range of media including textiles, metal casting, glass, sound, film and photography. Qualifications English Major from BA (Social Science) 1991; BA(Visual Arts) 1991; Grad. Dip. (Fine Art - Printmaking) 1993; Candidate for MFA 2001; Ph.D 2005. School of Art Research Clusters Art and Environmental Sustainability Art, ...
The use of Chelex resin for the synthesis of radioactive lead complexes has been explored. The process involved immobilization of {sup 203}Pb on the resin and subsequent elution of complexed lead by chelating agents. {sup 203}Pb complexes derived from meso- and racemic dimercaptosuccinic acid (meso-DMSA, rac-DMSA) were prepared and assessed for stability in vitro.
The use of Chelex resin for the synthesis of radioactive lead complexes has been explored. The process involved immobilization of "2"0"3Pb on the resin and subsequent elution of complexed lead by chelating agents. "2"0"3Pb complexes derived from meso- and racemic dimercaptosuccinic acid (meso-DMSA, rac-DMSA) were prepared and assessed for stability in vitro.
Discusses alternative futures for distributing future personal computers, via data communications networks. The author scans and extrapolates some of the advances for impacting the emerging future of information utilities now sprouting up thoroughout the world. In particular he looks at the future of personal computers in the field of artificial intelligence,, for expert knowledge-based systems.
Due to the cyclical human life, utility loads appear to be cyclical too. During daytime when most factories are in operation, the electricity demand is very high. On the contrary, when most people are sleeping from midnight to daybreak, the electric load is very low, usually only half of the peak load amount. To meet this large gap between peak load and light load, utilities must idle many generation plants during light load period while operating all generation plants during peak load period no matter how expensive they are. This low utilization factor of generation plants and uneconomical operation have sparked utilities to invest in energy storage devices such as pumped storage plants, compressed air energy storage plants, battery energy storage systems (BES) and superconducting magnetic energy storage systems (SMES) etc. Among these, pumped storage is already commercialized and is the most widely ...
SummaryThe transcriptional co-repressor SMRT utilizes two major receptor interacting domains (RID1 and RID2) to mediate nuclear receptor (NR) signaling through epigenetic modification....Full Text Available
As part of a handbook on the efficient use of energy a chapter is included which is intended to give an appreciation of the principles and problems involved in the generation of nuclear power. The subject is discussed under the following headings: introductory nuclear physics; basic reactor physics; thermal reactors; fast reactors; fuel reserves and utilization; environmental considerations; nuclear fusion. (U.K.).
A new external-PIXE system utilizing a differential pumping technique, which can completely protect the accelerator and vacuum pumps when the exit foil breaks down, has been developed. Applications to analyses of liquid and heavily-outgassing samples were successfully achieved. Also, experiments for evaluating the efficiency of the system were performed and results will be presented. (author)
Channel plasmon polaritons (CPPs) propagating along the bottom of subwavelength grooves cut into a metal surface were recently shown to exhibit strong confinement combined with low propagation loss, a feature that makes this guiding configuration very promising for the realisation of ultra-compact photonic components. Here, the results of our investigations of CPP guiding by V-grooves cut into gold are presented, demonstrating efficient large-angle bending and splitting of radiation as well as waveguide-ring resonators and Bragg grating filters.
The invention relates to a pulsed laser ablation method of metals and/or dielectric films from the surface of a wafer, printed circuit board or a hybrid substrate. By utilizing a high-energy ultra-short pulses of laser light, such a method can be used to manufacture electronic circuits and/or electro-mechanical assemblies without affecting the material adjacent to the ablation zone.
One of the supporting elements of the Advanced Turbine Systems (ATS) Program is the materials/manufacturing technologies task. The objective of this element is to address critical materials issues for both industrial and utility gas turbines. DOE Oak Ridge Operations Office (ORO) will manage this element of the program, and a team from DOE-ORO and Oak Ridge National Laboratory is coordinating the planning for the materials/manufacturing effort. This paper describes that planning activity which is in the early stages.
A consortium has been formed to undertake the design and development work necessary to establish a comprehensive machine condition monitoring (MCM) and diagnostic system for hydroelectric generating units. By working closely with participating utilities and interested manufacturers, the consortium is initiating the integration of existing and developing technologies into a comprehensive, modular, on- and off-line hydroelectric MCM system.
Characteristics of basal and insulin-stimulated glucose utilization by perifused adipocytes have been investigated by measuring the formation of "3HOH from D-(5-"3H) glucose. At a glucose concentration of 0.55 mmol/L, basal glucose utilization ranged from 0.5 to 1.0 nmol/min/10(6) cells. Perifused adipocytes showed a maximal response to insulin of a threefold to fourfold increase in the conversion of (5-"3H) glucose to "3HOH with a half-maximal response at an insulin concentration of 20 microU/mL. The response to insulin was blocked by phlorizin and cytochalasin B, competitive inhibitors of glucose transport, consistent with an effect of insulin on glucose transport. Insulin increased the Vmax for glucose metabolism but had no effect on the apparent affinity for glucose utilization. The characteristics of glucose utilization and the stimulation of glucose metabolism by insulin in the perifused adipocyte ...
The bibliography contains citations concerning Federal and state laws and management programs for the protection and use of inland wetlands. Utilization of wetlands to control highway runoff and community wastewater is discussed. Wetlands protection programs, restoration projects, resource planning, and wetlands identification methods are cited. References to coastal and salt water wetlands are not included in this bibliography. (Contains 250 citations and includes a subject term index and title list.)
Lead lanthanum zirconate titanate (PLZT) nanopowders with chemical compositions x/65/35 PLZT (x = 6 - 10 mol%) were prepared by sol-gel method. PLZT ceramics was obtained by the conventional sintering method and utilizing the hot pressing method. The investigations of dielectric and ferroelectric measurements of as obtained PLZT ceramics have revealed the influence of lanthanum concentration on the properties of PLZT electroceramics. (author)
The existence of enterobacterial common antigen in Yersinia enterocolitica and its absence in Brucella abortus were utilized in an attempt to provide a method to distinguish Brucella infections from...Full Text Available
Six genotypes of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) differing in grain protein concentration were grown on a nutrient solution containing low concentrations of NO3−...Full Text Available
A new study identifies and ranks the 10 security gaps responsible for most outsider attacks on college computer networks. The list is intended to help campus system administrators establish priorities as they work to increase security. One network security expert urges that institutions utilize multiple security layers. (DB)
This patent describes a catalyst comprising: (a) a non-zeolitic inorganic oxide matrix, and (b) an ultrastable Y-type crystalline zeolite, the ziolite having been pretreated by contacting the zeolite with a phosphorus compound selected from the group consisting of phosphoric acid, phosphorous acid, a salt of phosphoric acid, a salt of phosphorous acid, and mixtures thereof for a time sufficient to composite an effective amount of phosphorus with the zeolite.
In this third, and concluding, article of the series the emission limits set by the US Clean Air Act and its amendements are set out. A number of flue gas desulfurization processes that have been developed for the utility and industrial markets are evaluated. Annual operating costs are indicated.
This report describes a high explosives test facility that makes efficient use of equipment and combines utility, convenience, and safety in a modest amount of space. It is a dedicated facility for exploratory development efforts that previously were conducted in a single room having very limited capabilities. Two explosives testing areas are now available and several projects are supported concurrently.
To seek for a promising concept of a heavy liquid metal coolant (HLMC) fast reactor plant, Japan Nuclear Cycle Development Institute (JNC) and the electric utilities conducted conceptual design study on various types of plant concepts and compared these concepts based on technical feasibility and economical perspective. The Pb-Bi cooled complete natural circulation reactor concept may attain high safety level and construction cost goal (Yen 200,000/kWe) (authors)
The excess of US electrical generating capacity which has existed for the past 15 years is coming to an end as we enter the 1990s. Environmental and energy security issues associated with fossil fuels are kindling renewed interest in the nuclear option. The importance of these issues are underscored by the National Energy Strategy (NES) which calls for actions which open-quotes are designed to ensure that the nuclear power option is available to utilities.close quotes Utilities, utility associations, and nuclear suppliers, under the leadership of the Nuclear Power Oversight Committee (NPOC), have jointly developed a 14-point strategic plan aimed at establishing a predictable regulatory environment, standardized and pre-licensed Advanced Light Water Reactor (ALWR) nuclear plants, resolving the long-term waste management issue, and other open-quotes enabling conditions.close quotes GE is participating in this national effort ...
In an effort to accelerate deployment of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) such as wind, solar, and conventional backup generators to our nation's electrical grid, Northern Power Systems (NPS), the California Energy Commission (CEC), and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) collaborated to create a prototype universal interconnect device called the DER Switch.
BackgroundType 2 Diabetes mellitus (T2DM) affects persons of all ages, while also placing heavy economic burdens on national economies and healthcare systems. The study aims to investigate...Full Text Available
A lytic lesion with softtissue extension in the sacrum of a 47-year old man was needle-biopsied under computed tomographic (CT) guidance using an 18-gauge cutting needle. The cytologic appearance of the lesion and immunohistochemical staining were diagnostic of Ewing's sarcoma. Specifically, a new marker (O13) for the presence of glycoprotein p30/32 mic2 in Ewing's sarcoma was utilized. (orig.).
Sandia National Laboratories, New Mexico, conducts the Energy Storage Systems Program, which is sponsored by the US Department of Energy`s Office of Utility Technologies. The goal of this program is to assist industry in developing cost-effective energy storage systems as a resource option by 2000. Sandia is responsible for the engineering analyses, contracted development, and testing of energy storage systems for stationary applications. This report details the technical achievements realized during fiscal year 1996.
Contains Executive Summary and Chapters on: Energy and the Internet; Internet Developments; Search Guide; Oil and Gas Industry; Electricity and Utilities; Nuclear Energy; Coal Industry; Alternative Energy; Government and Supranational Agencies; Research Institutions and Universities; Energy Statistics; Commodity Pricing and financial Markets; Company Information; Country Information; Associations; Engineering; Environment; Patents, Trademarks and Standards; News; Industry Events; Miscellaneous. (Author)
A series of speeches is presented which cover political aspects of ocean energy, legislation, the status of the DOE Ocean Energy Program, the Maritime Administration OTEC Support Program. Six workshop reports are given covering ocean energy technology and systems concepts, power systems concepts, environmental developments, energy transfer and utilization, construction and test capabilities, and industry development. (LEW)
This retrospective bibliography contains citations concerning economic analysis of the techniques and technology for cogeneration and the effects of government policies and industrial attitudes toward cogeneration. Combined energy systems and combined manufacturing/energy systems which utilize waste heat and waste products as well as traditional fuels are included. (Contains 71 citations, fully indexed and including a table of contents.)
Summaries of the highlights of programs in the Earth Sciences Division are presented under four headings; Geosciences, Geothermal Energy Development, Nuclear Waste Isolation, and Marine Sciences. Utilizing both basic and applied research in a wide spectrum of topics, these programs are providing results that will be of value in helping to secure the nation's energy future. Separate abstracts have been prepared for each project for inclusion in the Energy Data Base. (DMC)
BackgroundTroponin is the preferred biomarker for risk stratification in non-ST-elevation ACS. The incremental prognostic utility of the initial magnitude of troponin...Full Text Available
The report is the first full compilation (not a supplement) since the October-December 1980 report (PB81-187783). Because the next three reports are to be supplements, this issue should be retained for reference throughout the year. The report, generated by a computerized data ba...
A simplified stormwater management model has been developed to provide an inexpensive, flexible tool for planning and preliminary sizing of stormwater facilities. The model was developed to be part of a methodology for use in the management of stormwater that utilizes both simple...
In the paper, a potential of solar energy for drying of medicinal plants in Polish conditions is estimated and development of solar drying technologies is presented. The results of economic assessment of flat-plate solar collectors applied for drying of medicinal plants on a farm are promising. In some specific conditions, e.g. drying of wild grown medicinal plants in remote areas, even application of photovoltaic modules for driving of a fan of a solar dryer is a profitable option and enables easy control of the drying air temperature.
The Sacramento Municipal Utility District is developing a number of demonstration projects using geothermal heat pumps. This paper discusses some of the barriers and issues that have emerged over the past two years. The most important barriers are: regulatory impediments; high first cost; and a lack of local design and installation infrastructure.
Loss-of-function mutations in the regulatory gene areA of Aspergillus nidulans prevent the utilization of a wide variety of nitrogen sources. The phenotypes of nit-2 mutants of Neurospora crassa suggest...Full Text Available
Objective was to develop a glass utilizing the silica waste material from geothermal energy production, and to supply local artists with this glass to make artistic objects. A glass composed of 93% indigenous Hawaiian materials was developed; 24 artists made 110 objects from this glass. A market was found for art objects made from this material.
This quarterly report covers the period from January 1, 2005 through March 31, 2005. It covers: technical development, permitting status, engineering status, construction status, operations summary and marketing support activities for this period. Plant startup is still continuing. Testing of admixtures to enhance extrusion and SDA wetting is continuing. Efforts are underway to improve plant availability.
1. It is not possible to give a threshold value for the dose - nor for genetic neither for somatic late effects. 2. The linear dose-effect exprapolation is not conservative in the sense of 'fying on the safe side'. 3. There has been found no relative reduction of the effects at chronic radiation exposure in man. 4 The numbers given by authorities and utilities for damage rates per rem received, that are called upper limits, are by far too low. (orig./HP).
Atlantic Richfield Company, together with Bechtel Group, Inc. and Combustion Engineering, have conducted a study since August 1979 for the Electric Power Research Institute to: (1) develop guidelines for the electric utility industry to assess the technical and economic applicability of coal-oil mixtures (COM) to existing fossil fuel plants, and (2) assess the market potential and cost of preparation for a commercially produced COM fuel suitable for use by electric utility entities. This report is the compilation of work done for the second task. Results from Task 1 are reported separately. Reported here is a methodology for the estimation of coal-oil mixture pricing. Components included in the pricing estimate are raw materials costs, transportation and manufacturing cost components, with capital recovery treated according to both public (utility) and private financing guidelines. A detailed base case using a specific ...
The diagnostic value of the portable chest radiography obtained with Fuji computed radiography (FCR) was evaluated in comparison with conventional images in 23 patients who were admitted to ICU in Yokohama City University Hospital. On the whole , FCR produced more exellent images than conventional screen-film radiographs. Especially the evaluation for the demonstration of the catheters, the endotracheal tubes and the tracheal shadows obtained high score. We discuss the clinically utility of FCR for the portable chest radiographs in ICU. (author).
The diagnostic value of the portable chest radiography obtained with Fuji computed radiography (FCR) was evaluated in comparison with conventional images in 23 patients who were admitted to ICU in Yokohama City University Hospital. On the whole , FCR produced more exellent images than conventional screen-film radiographs. Especially the evaluation for the demonstration of the catheters, the endotracheal tubes and the tracheal shadows obtained high score. We discuss the clinically utility of FCR for the portable chest radiographs in ICU. (author).
This apper discusses whether health risks are associated with exposure to electromagnetic fields that exist beneath high-voltage transmission lines. This is a question receiving increasing attention as the electric utility industry prepares to supply its customers with increased amounts of electric power. 26 refs.
Mitsubishi Research Institute has analyzed the energy demand of a typical Japanese city, Yokohama, as well as the distribution of fossil-energy flow, and the final consumption by sectors. It has evaluated the effectiveness of various energy conservation measures, (e.g., cogeneration, electric cars, insulation,...) in countering the global warming trend. This study defines a viable methodology which may be utilized, in the future, in examining the effectiveness of environmental policies. (TEC). 1 tab., 4 figs.
A method for the hydroconversion of coal by solvent treatment at elevated temperatures and pressure wherein an alcohol having an alpha -hydrogen atom, particularly a secondary alcohol such as isopropanol, is utilized as a hydrogen donor solvent. In a particular embodiment, a base capable of providing a catalytically effective amount of the corresponding alcoholate anion under the solvent treatment conditions is added to catalyze the alcohol-coal reaction.
This bibliography contains citations concerning theoretical aspects and industrial applications of activated charcoal. Topics include absorption capacity and mechanism studies, kinetic and thermodynamic aspects, and properties descriptions and evaluations. Applications include utilization in water analyses and waste treatment, air pollution control and measurement, and in nuclear facilities. (This updated bibliography contains 150 citations, 14 of which are new entries to the previous edition.)
In May 1995, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) released two proposals for restructuring the state`s electric power industry. The two proposals follow more than a year of testimony and public comment after the CPUC issued the ``Blue Book`` (CPUC 1994a) on April 20, 1994, which called for retail wheeling to be phased in to all customers over 5 years. The majority proposal, supported by three of the four CPUC commissioners (one seat was vacant when the proposals were released), calls for creating a central pool, or ``poolco``; setting electric prices to reflect true costs of service, or ``real-time pricing``; and allowing parties to negotiate ``contracts for differences`` between the pool price and the contract price. The minority proposal, sponsored by Commissioner Jesse Knight, calls for retail wheeling, or ``direct access,`` and for utilities to divest or spin off their generating assets. This paper presents a summary of the ...