UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

SUMMARYHomeostatic synaptic plasticity is a negative feedback mechanism neurons use to offset excessive excitation or inhibition by adjusting their synaptic strengths. Recent...Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A heuristic algorithm that employs fuzzy logic is proposed to the power system transmission expansion planning problem. The algorithm is based on the divide to conquer strategy, which is controlled by the fuzzy system. The algorithm provides high quality solutions with the use of fuzzy decision making, which is based on nondeterministic criteria to guide the search. The fuzzy system provides a self-adjusting mechanism that eliminates the manual adjustment of parameters to each system being solved. (author)

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Using disaggregated data from the Brazilian stock market, we calculate default probabilities for 30 different economic sectors. Empirical results suggest that domestic macroeconomic factors can explain these default probabilities. In addition, we construct the Minimum Spanning Tree (MST) and the ultrametric hierarchical tree with the MST based on default probabilities to disclose common trends, which reveals that some sectors form clusters. The results of this paper imply that macroeconomic variables have distinct effects on default probabilities, which is important to take into account in credit risk modeling and the generation of stress test scenarios.

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Using a unique high-frequency futures dataset, we characterize the response of U.S., German and British stock, bond and foreign exchange markets to real-time U.S. macroeconomic news. We find that news produces conditional mean jumps; hence high-frequency stock, bond and exchange rate dynamics are linked to fundamentals. Equity markets, moreover, react differently to news depending on the stage of the business cycle, which explains the low correlation between stock and bond returns when averaged over the cycle. Hence our results qualify earlier work suggesting that bond markets react most strongly to macroeconomic news; in particular, when conditioning on the state of the economy, the equity and foreign exchange markets appear equally responsive. Finally, we also document important contemporaneous links across all markets and countries, even after controlling for the effects of macroeconomic news.

KoreaScience (Korea)

Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A novel method to detect and correct inaccuracies in a set of unconstrained dense correspondences between two images is presented. Starting with a robust, general-purpose dense correspondence algorithm, an initial pose estimate and dense 3D scene reconstruction are obtained and bundle-adjusted. Reprojection errors are then computed for each correspondence pair, which is used as a metric to distinguish high and low-error correspondences. An affine neighborhood-based coarse-to-fine iterative search algorithm is then applied only on the high-error correspondences to correct their positions. Such an error detection and correction mechanism is novel for unconstrained dense correspondences, for example not obtained through epipolar geometry-based guided matching. Results indicate that correspondences in regions with issues such as occlusions, repetitive patterns and moving objects can be identified and corrected, such that a more accurate set of ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

By means of an analogous simulator, which can simulate a power supply system, a method to determine the transfer function of a Power System Stabilizer (PSS) is developed. The purpose of the PSS is to damp unwanted electro-mechanical oscillations. The method is very systematic and there is no need for specified values of the parameters used in the system. It is assumed that the power generator system is linear for small variations. The system can be considered to be a black box. Measurements executed by means of this method are completely controlled by the person who enforces the measurement. By applying this method carefully, irregularities are almost out of the question. The equipment necessary are a PC with two AD-ports and an adjustable sinus-generator. A comparison is made with a more traditional method, in which a spectrum analyzer is used. 4 figs., 7 refs.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Purpose - The purpose of this research is to investigate the influence of psychological contracts on the adjustment and organisational commitment of expatriates during international business assignments. The study also aims to investigate the influence of psychological barriers to expatriate adjustment. Design/methodology/approach - A unique survey questionnaire was developed to collect data from 219 Taiwanese business expatriates during the first quarter of 2007. A LISREL analysis is used to test the hypotheses of the research framework. Findings - The study finds that: perceived fulfilment of the psychological contracts of expatriates significantly influences both their adjustment to foreign situations and their organisational commitment; psychological barriers to adjustment have a negat...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The possibility of improving the cold formability of wrought magnesium alloys is considered in light of their good hot forming characteristics. Magnesium alloy AZ31B sheet is selected as a model system. Parameters affecting formability, such as strain hardening rate, strain rate sensitivity, and the degree of anisotropy are examined systematically by conducting tensile tests over a range of temperatures (room temperature to 250 C) and strain rates (1 x 10{sup -5} to 0.1 s{sup -1}). The plastic anisotropy and deformation texture evolution are examined in samples aligned with the sheet rolling and transverse directions. Polycrystal plasticity simulations using a viscoplastic self-consistent (VPSC) formulation are used to model the observed anisotropy and texture evolution. The adjustable parameters in the model are the relative critical resolved shear stresses of the dislocation mechanisms known to operate within magnesium. The experimental ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

SummaryProcesses of upgrading and the promotion of industrial "clusters," which encompass multiple policies, institutions, and actors, necessarily vary from place to place. Based on the evidence from Morocco and Tunisia, this article contends that different patterns of business-government relations facilitate different elements of industrial upgrading and cluster promotion. State-dominated political economies may be more amenable to implementing macroeconomic and infrastructure-related measures, which are critical in the initial stages of upgrading. Political economies with more organized business communities may be better equipped to pursue the kinds of inter-firm linkages traditionally associated with later phases of upgrading, when the focus is on boosting innovation.

Science.gov (United States)

Two branches of research are conducted in this thesis. The first deals with nonlinear combustion response as a mechanism for triggering combustion instabilities in solid rocket motors. A nonlinear wave equation is developed to study a wide class of combustion response functions to second-order in fluctuation amplitude. Conditions for triggering are derived from analysis of limit cycles, and regions of triggering are found in parametric space. Introduction of linear cross-coupling and quadratic self-coupling among the acoustic modes appears to be how the nonlinear combustion response produces triggering to a stable limit cycle. Regions of initial conditions corresponding to stable pulses were found, suggesting that stability depends on initial phase angle and harmonic content, as well as the composite amplitude, of the pulse. Also, dependence of nonlinear stability upon system parameters is considered. The second part of this thesis presents research for a ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A fireplace door assembly having doors pivotally mounted on a frame to be mounted on the opening of a fireplace. The doors are mounted on hinges that provide adjustment along a vertical axis of rotation and the front of the frame. An adjustable fire resistant gasket is used for an air seal. A gravity operated latch is provided to maintain the door in a closed position.

Science.gov (United States)

In application, there is also a little filtering of the tie points with RANSAC .... Sets the multiplier that is used to adjust the sigma (or uncertainty) of ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

An important component of the overall program to validate WIMS-AECL for use with RFSP in the analysis of CANDU-6 reactors for design and safety analysis calculations is the validation of calculations of incremental cross sections used to represent reactivity devices. A method has been developed for the calculation of the three-dimensional neutron flux distribution in and around CANDU reactor fuel channels and reactivity control devices. The methods is based on one- and two dimensional transport calculations with the WIMS-AECL lattice cell code, SPH homogenization, and three-dimensional flux calculations with finite-difference diffusion theory using the MULTICELL code. Simulations of Wolsung 1 Phase-B commissioning measurements and Point Lepreau restart tests have been performed, as a part of the program to validate WIMS-AECL lattice cell calculations for application to CANDU reactor simulations in RFSP. The incremental cross section properties of the Wolsung 1 and Point Lepreau ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The Ti-6Al-4V alloy was treated by inductively coupled rf plasma nitriding. The effects of plasma-processing time in the range of 5-35 min on the microstructure and the mechanical properties of the plasma-nitrided Ti-6Al-4V samples were studied. The plasma power input was adjusted at 450 W and pure N_2 gas was introduced to establish a treatment pressure of 8.0-8.4 x 10"-"2 mbar. The characteristics of the nitrided layers have been investigated by microhardness testing, surface roughness measurements, optical microscopy, and x-ray diffraction. The results show that the surface microhardness increases as the plasma-processing time increases to reach 2000 HV0.1 at a plasma-processing time of 35 min. A high nitriding rate of 2.81 #mu#m"2 s"-"1 at a plasma-processing time of 25 min was achieved. The formation of the hard phases TiN, Ti_2N, and Ti(N) in the Ti-6Al-4V surfaces are found to be the reason for the increased microhardness. Surface ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Radio frequency (RF) plasma nitriding using different input plasma processing powers (250-600 W) improves the surface of titanium by forming hard phases of TiN, Ti_2N, and Ti (N) into the surface. The characteristics of the compound layer have been investigated by optical microscopy, microhardness measurements, and X-ray diffraction. The effect of plasma power on the sample temperature, electron temperature, and plasma density was studied using Langmuir double probe. The measured surface hardness value of the compound layer is 2190 HV 0.1 for treated sample at plasma power 500 W. The compound thickness continuously increases as the plasma power increases. The highest nitriding rate of 5.88 #mu#m"2/s was recorded when the input plasma power was adjusted at 550 W. This high nitriding rate of treated titanium samples is ascribed to the high concentration of active nitrogen species in the plasma atmosphere and the formed microcracks near to the surface of the sample ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The microstructural development inside the stress induced martensite (SIM) variants in Ti-Ni-Nb alloy with various degrees of deformation have been revealed by electron microscopic observations. The orientation relationship between the SIM and the parent phase has been found: [1{bar 1}0]{sub M}{parallel}[11{bar 1}]{sub B2}, (001){sub M} 5{degree} away from (101){sub B2}. The lattice invariant shear of the SIM variants at the slightly deformed stage is dominantly (11{bar 1}) Type I twin. Besides the ordinary slip, the adjustment and development of the internal secondary twinning from (11{bar 1}) Type I twin to {l_angle}011{r_angle} Type II/ or (011) Type I twin, (001)compound twin and (111) Type I twin happen concurrently or in combination inside the SIM variants with the further deformation. The corresponding deformation mechanisms include stress induced reorientation of SIM substructural bands by the most favorably oriented twin system, stress ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The design of a gaging head for a portable radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analyzer is described. The gaging head is designed as a construction unit system which enables the application of lateral reflexion geometry as well as of coaxial geometry. It is designed so that adjustment from one geometry to the other is labour and time saving. The selection of characteristic radiation is performed by a couple of Ross' differential filters. These filters are prepared by a novel technique developed by our laboratory. The filter exchange is effected by the longitudinal move of the couple of filters encapsulated in a holder. The shift of the filters is controlled by means of a triggering mechanism situated in the body of the gaging head handle. This design makes is possible to handle the gaging head during measurements with one hand. A simple interchange of the absorption filter for the transmissive filter allows the operator to avoid any unwanted shift ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A carbon-bonded carbon fiber (CBCF) insulation developed for a radioisotope heat source is made from chopped rayon fiber about 10..mu..m long, which is carbonized and bonded with phenolic resin particles. The CBCF is an excellent lightweight insulating material with a nominal density of 0.2 Mg/m/sup 3/ and a thermal conductivity of 0.24 W/(m-K) in vacuum at 2000/sup 0/C. (Several attributes that make CBCF particularly suitable for the heat source application have been identified.) These include light weight, low thermal conductivity, chemical compatibility, and hightemperature capabilities. The mechanical strength of CBCF insulation is satisfactory for the application. The basic fabrication technique was refined to eliminate undesirable large pores and cracks often present in materials fabricated by earlier techniques. Also, processing was scaled up to increase the fabrication rate by a factor of 10. The specific properties of the CBCF were tailored by ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The devised radionuclide analyzer for the determination of total sulfur in coal includes two radionuclide sources with different energies, which are accommodated in collimators fitted with adjustable diaphramgs. The sample compartment is located between the two sources. Moreover, an X-ray fluorescence standard can be slid into the sample compartment. A proportional detector for X-ray fluorescence and scattered gamma radiation is located off the sample compartment. The input of the proportional detector is interfaced to the output of a high-voltage supply, the output, to the information input of a control-and-evaluation unit. One of the control outputs of the control-and-evaluation unit is connected to the input of the sliding mechanism for the X-ray fluorescence standard. This arrangement enables automatic energy calibration of the analyzer. The analyzer can measure not only total sulfur in coal by radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis but ...

CERN Document Server

Nonequilibrium statistical mechanics

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper examines the global impacts of a policy that internalizes the external costs (related to air pollution damage, excluding climate costs) of electricity generation using a combined energy systems and macroeconomic model. Starting point are estimates of the monetary damage costs for SO{sub 2}, NOX, and PM per kWh electricity generated, taking into account the fuel type, sulfur content, removal technology, generation efficiency, and population density. Internalizing these externalities implies that clean and advanced technologies increase their share in global electricity production. Particularly, advanced coal power plants, natural gas combined cycles, natural gas fuel cells, wind and biomass technologies gain significant market shares at the expense of traditional coal- and gas-fired plants. Global carbon dioxide emissions are lowered by 3% to 5%. Sulfur dioxide emissions drop significantly below the already low level. The policy increases the costs of ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Neutron spectra measured in the FFTF In-Reactor Thimble (IRT) by proton recoil proportional counters, proton recoil emulsions, and passive dosimeters have been evaluated and compared with each other and with three-dimensionl diffusion theory calculated spectra for the purpose of validating the passive dosimeter spectrum adjustment technique. The least squares data adjustment code, FERRET, was used to combine measured reaction rates, calculated spectra, and dosimeter cross sections, resulting in adjusted spectra and cross sections with uncertainties and correlations that properly account for uncertainties and correlations on the input parameters.

Science.gov (United States)

The propeller governor model adjusts propeller pitch, p, in order to provide constant shaft RPM. ... Block Diagram of Propeller Governor Model ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This report summarizes preliminary 2-D reactive-transport simulations on the injection, storage and transport of supercritical CO{sub 2} in dolostone formations in the Ordos Basin in China. The purpose of the simulations was to evaluate the role that basin heterogeneity, permeability, CO{sub 2} flux, and geochemical reactions between the carbonate geology and the CO{sub 2} equilibrated brines have on the evolution of porosity and permeability in the storage reservoir. The 2-D simulation of CO{sub 2} injection at 10{sup 3} ton/year corresponds to CO{sub 2} injection at a rate of 3 x 10{sup 5} ton/year in a 3-D, low permeable rock. An average permeability of 10 md was used in the simulation and reflects the upper range of permeability reported for the Ordos Basin Majiagou Group. Transport and distribution of CO{sub 2} between in the gas, aqueous, and solid phases were followed during a 10-year injection phase and a 10-year post injection phase. Our results show that CO{sub 2} flux and ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The General-Purpose Heat Source (GPHS), an improved radioisotope heat source, employs a unique thermal insulation material, carbon-bonded carbon fiber (CBCF), to protect the fuel capsule and to help achieve the highest possible specific power. The CBCF insulation is made from chopped rayon fiber about 10 ..mu..m in diameter and 250 ..mu..m long, which is carbonized and bonded with phenolic resin particles. The CBCF shapes, both tubes and plates, are formed in a multiple molding facility by vacuum molding a water slurry of the carbonized chopped-rayon fiber (54 wt %) and phenolic resin (46 wt %). The molded shapes are subsequently dried and cured. Final carbonization of the resin is at 1600/sup 0/C. Machining to close tolerances (+-0.08 mm) is accomplished by conventional tooling and fixturing. The resulting material is an excellent lightweight insulation with a nominal density of 0.2 Mg/m/sup 3/ and a thermal conductivity of 0.24 W(m.K) in vacuum at 2000/sup 0/C. Several attributes ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Hydrogen Program at Sandia National Laboratories is developing internal combustion engine generators for application in series hybrid vehicles and stationary power units. The program consists of two approaches: investigating the utilization of hydrogen in a conventional crankshaft driven engine and in an advanced free piston configuration. The conventional engine program has taken the direction of utilizing the unique ability to spark ignite homogeneous fuel/air mixtures of hydrogen at low equivalence ratios to achieve low NO{sub x} emissions and high thermal efficiency. The goal is to translate the indicated thermal efficiency of single-cylinder engines into multicylinder configurations achieving at least 40% brake thermal efficiency. When coupled to an electrical generator, the fuel to electricity conversion efficiency would be approximately 37%. A modified Perkins 3.152 Diesel engine is currently being tested and has achieved an indicated thermal efficiency of 45% in preliminary ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Whereas in part 1 and 2 the detailed observation equations of terrestrial type for an integrated geodetic model are presented this paper will outline how the theory is transferred in an operational program. The main lines of functions of the FORTRAN IV program are discussed. Since the input specifications as well as the data requirements are described in detail and illustrated by example of input and output part 3 can serve as an user-guide for OPERA. OPERA is an acronym for operational adjustment. Besides the integrated determination of 3D-geocentric coordinates and the gravity disturbing potential the program can handle all cases of traditional geodesy (in total 13 variants of solution are provided) equivalent also with adjustments in ellipsoidal coordinates B, L or H, as well as constrained adjustments, pure prediction of the gravity disturbing field, etc.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract Objective:- This study explored 12-month outcome and its associations to social adjustment-related variables in patients with first-episode non-affective psychosis in Finland and Spain. Methods:- Forty-nine Finnish and 37 Spanish patients were evaluated at admission on various characteristics of social adjustment. Outcome was measured for 68 (79%) patients by the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, Global Assessment Scale, and Grip on Life. Results:- One-fourth of the patients experienced psychotic symptoms at follow-up. Sixty per-cent of the patients showed good global functioning and Grip on Life. In both patient groups, poor earlier global functioning, weak social network, poor Grip on Life, and psychological dependence on family of origin were associated with poor outcome. In the ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

While research has shown that patients’ beliefs about their pain are related to pain adjustment and treatment outcomes, little is known about the beliefs of their significant others....Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Listeners use lipread information to adjust the phonetic boundary between two speech categories (phonetic recalibration, Bertelson et al. 2003). Here, we examined...Full Text Available

Wastenet

operating at the maximal setting of speed control dials used to control their ...evaluates their energy performance when the speed control dial used ...FFUs when the speed control dial used for adjusting fan wheel speeds in each FFU was

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

ObjectiveThis study was conducted to evaluate a computer-imaging program called HAAIR (Help with Adjustment to Alopecia by Image Recovery) that was developed to provide...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to determine the contribution of distance to hospitals with cardiac interventional services (CIS) to county age-adjusted myocardial infarction...Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The assessment of greenhouse gas impacts in the US shows that against a baseline gasoline vehicle, the impact of including the full fuel cycle generally reduces the relative advantages of alternative transportation fuels. While a switch to diesel is estimated to save 30% as compared to gasoline, the savings from natural gas/LPG are (around 20%), for ethanol from corn (8%) and for battery electricity vehicles using power from coal (6%) are much smaller. This is largely due to the use of LCA rather than end-use comparisons. However, the results also show that there would be large savings from the use of ethanol from fuel cells using methanol (39%) or natural gas (50%), while ethanol from wood in a conventional engine appears to have the greatest savings (63%). In external costs of motor vehicle use, analysis results were presented for both air pollution and energy security impacts (including SPR, military expenditures, macro-economic costs and pecuniary costs) as ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In the construction work for the Unit No.5 Turbine Building at Hamaoka Nuclear Power Station, the collaboration work for the planning and the coordination of the building construction and the machinery installation was carried out utilizing three-dimensional computer aided design (3D CAD) information. It was the first time in Japan for a building constructor and a plant manufacturer to work together, exchanging 3D CAD data of the whole building and adjusting the construction schedule. It was made possible to confirm the correspondence concerning the planning of both companies from the primary stage of the project by the total process simulation and to adjust on-going work precisely by the partial process simulation.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In a future power system with a high proportion of distributed and intermittent generation, it will be difficult and costly to ensure short-term security of supply if demand is unable to react to fluctuations on the supply side. At present, most power consumers in the EU, with the exception of the largest consumers such as energy intensive industries, buy their power on fixed tariffs. Fixed tariffs provide no incentives for consumers to alter their patterns of power consumption. This calls for more interaction between the supply and demand sides, which in turn would allow better matching of demand to intermittent supply. The development of cheap and reliable electronic communication technologies has made this a realistic option, so we are left with the general question of how the demand side can become more active in the future power market. Liberalisation of the wholesale power markets has introduced market-based pricing for the marginal electricity supply. Prices are set hourly, or ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This report describes the results from acoustic emission (AE) and ultrasonic monitoring of the Aespoe Pillar Stability Experiment (APSE) at SKB's Hard Rock Laboratory (HRL), Sweden. The APSE is being undertaken to demonstrate the current capability to predict spalling in a fractured rock mass using numerical modelling techniques, and to demonstrate the effect of backfill and confining pressure on the propagation of micro-cracks in rock adjacent to deposition holes within a repository. An ultrasonic acquisition system has provided acoustic emission and ultrasonic survey monitoring throughout the various phases of the experiment. Results from the entire data set are provided with this document so that they can be effectively compared to several numerical modelling studies, and to mechanical and thermal measurements conducted around the pillar volume, in an 'integrated analysis' performed by SKB staff. This document provides an in-depth ...

International Science & Technology Center (ISTC)

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

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

It is not clear whether males in all mammalian species adjust their copulatory behavior when faced with risk of sperm competition (RSC). Previous work on meadow voles, Microtus pennsylvanicus, indicated that males increase their sperm expenditure but not the number of ejaculations in the presence of odors of a conspecific male. The present study follows up on this work and asks whether male meadow voles modify any aspect of their copulatory behavior when they face a RSC. We examined 46 variables of copulatory behavior and found that the presence of odors from a conspecific male did not affect any of these variables. Thus, male meadow voles, unlike some other species of mammals, do not adjust their copulatory behavior when exposed to cues associated with an elevated RSC.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Exposure control at the operating Nuclear Power Station is a major concern. The challenging task of meeting the International standards in the field of radiation protection is the calibration of the radiation monitoring instruments and interpretation of personnel and area monitoring results. Correct interpretation is based on accurate calibration of radiation measuring instruments. The reliability and accuracy of the measurements are also partly based on the procedures applied in calibration. Inadequate calibration can cause large errors in dose estimation in complete dose rate range and energy range. Semiautomatic calibration facility established at TAPS 3 and 4 for radiation monitoring instruments. Objective of calibration facility is (a) Ensure instruments are working properly (b) calibration adjustment and (c) in case without calibration adjustment to reveal the error involved. The calibration facility and calibration techniques established ...

CERN Document Server

Targeting always the best achievable bit error rate (BER) performance in iterative receivers operating over multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) channels may result in significant waste of resources, especially when the achievable BER is orders of magnitude better than the target performance (e.g., under good channel conditions and at high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)). In contrast to the typical iterative schemes, a practical iterative decoding framework that approximates the soft-information exchange is proposed which allows reduced complexity sphere and channel decoding, adjustable to the transmission conditions and the required bit error rate. With the proposed approximate soft information exchange the performance of the exact soft information can still be reached with significant complexity gains.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

S-120 white oils are used to impregnate insulation and fill high voltage wires. Cooling oil flows of specified viscosities can increase the load capacity of wires. White oils are studied for viscosities and dielectric properties. To meet requirements, S-220 type oils of different medium or low viscosities are tested. Capacity can be increased by viscosity adjustment. Tests were also made to select optimum stabilizing additives to keep low-viscosity.

Science.gov (United States)

Described herein is a system for the co-generation of hydrogen gas and electricity, wherein the proportion of hydrogen to electricity can be adjusted from 0% to 100%. The system integrates fuel cell technology for power generation with fuel-assisted steam-electrolysis. A hydrocarbon fuel, a reformed hydrocarbon fuel, or a partially reformed hydrocarbon fuel can be fed into the system.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

For the Convolution, Superposition and Monte Carlo methods, energy spectrum data is an essential parameter. Especially, by using Monte Carlo method, if the adequate properties of electrons are set, complex energy spectrum data can be calculated by simple input. However, adjustment of the property of electrons incident on the target of linear accelerator is time-consuming procedure. To cover the difference of many accelerators, it is important how we obtain accurate energy spectrum by simple methods. Especially, the total accuracy of dose calculation depends on the agreement of measured and calculated percentage depth dose (PDD) and off-axis ratio (OAR). Thus, a simple method for the determination of the simulation parameters was considered. To reduce the adjustment procedure, we selected values of important three parameters, which were the mean energy of the input electron beam, the energy distribution of the input electron beam and the radial ...

Wastenet

... The short residence time ensures that no temperature increase occurs. The pattern of entrainment, along with natural currents results in oxygenation of the entire hypolimnion. Figure 4 is a simplified schematic of the Lake LungTM. Built in circulators allow the lake manager to adjust the depth of the epilimnion, and to elect whether or not to destratify the lake to prolong the spring and autumn turnover. ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Biased above threshold (VT), pulsed photocurrent (u) measurements on windowed silicon Pd gate MOS capacitors are shifted (DV) negatively by H2/N2, whereas Au gates shift positively under NO2/air. Below VT, the shifts are reversed by adjustments of interface state population. Minor temperature increases may coax the device from inversion to depletion, inducing sign reversal of the chemical response.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Results are presented from analyzing indicators for efficient operation of the fleet of production equipment under conditions of the ''Tsentral'naya'' mine of the production association ''Krasnoarmeyskugol'.'' Measures are presented which make it possible to increase the operating efficiency with minimum adjusted outlays.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The chain of eddy current probes and a film cassette probe, which responds to radiation from a radio-active source in one of the heat exchanger pipes is examined. The probes are moved by nylon pipes on both ends of the chain through the pipe to be examined. The nylon pipes are bent off load. In this way the probes on the chain will adjust near to the plane of bending of the pipes to be tested.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

No abstract prepared.

KoreaScience (Korea)

Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

No abstract prepared.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Historically the organizational models have followed an evolution that has underlined a parallel trend to the complexity of the market, introducing as different mechanisms of coordination. Up to yesterday the winning model it was that hierarchical that however it is not certainly immune from limits. Beginning from eight hundred and especially in the nine hundred experts of organization have studied an alternative or supplementary model to that hierarchical: the bureaucratic model. This last entrusts the organization of the firm to the norms and the procedures considering them like the best integrating mechanism of development of the organizations. Today it is not made that to speak of the model to net, but it would be a serious error if this had to a substitutive model thought of the precedents, that can work then without hierarchy and without alone procedures entirely thanks to the use of Internet. In the present job are individualized new ...

Science.gov (United States)

... wherever possible. The primary interface for mechanical modeling is through PATRAN, a ... PATRAN Neutral File. PATRAN ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The latest inclined mine winder started operation in April, 1995 at the Kushiro Mining Station of Taiheiyo Coal Mining Co. A permanent magnet synchronous motor, a cycloconverter, and H{sub {infinity}} control are employed to complete the latest inclined mine winder. The winder is the world`s longest and fastest inclined mine winder, and the torque of the permanent magnet synchronous motor is the largest in the world. A report is made on the driving system placing emphasis on the points considered in the design. The gallery has the length of world`s longest 6,626m and the average gentle inclination of 6 degree. The worker transport car runs at the world`s fastest speed of 420m/min from the mouth to the bottom of the pit, making a round trip in 40 minutes. Speed is adjusted smoothly by the cycloconverter, and the car arrives at the destination safely in a short time due H{sub {infinity}} controlling. By the application of H{sub {infinity}} control, the tension of the ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A homogeneous turbulent mixing of coolant flows with different temperatures at the fuel assembly inlets is an important requirement to minimize hot spots in a fuel assembly of a High Performance Light Water Reactor (HPLWR). Therefore, the mixing chamber between lower core plate, flow adjuster and the mixing chamber within the cluster foot piece diffuser have been investigated using the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)-code Fluent 6.1 and its implemented k-#epsilon# model. The previously presented 3D-CAD-geometry has been simplified using Gambit 2.1.2 and consists of various inlet and outlet tubes or channels in the foot piece bottom plate, the lower core plate and the flow adjuster establishing the boundaries of two consecutive mixing chambers. The temperature distribution at the inlet of the sub-channels of the cluster fuel assemblies is presented. It reveals temperature variations at the coolant inlet of the nine fuel assemblies which are ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

ABB Industrietechnik AG recently has introduced an augmented version of its Cyldeyt cylinder pressure monitoring system aimed at spark-ignited and diesel/gas, dual-fuel engines. In addition to recording and evaluating cylinder pressure as a means of assessing engine condition, the new Cyldet version now evaluates the cylinder pressure signals to provide protection against pre-ignition related damage. When pre-ignition reaches critical levels, the Cyldet computer relays alarm signals in two stages to the overriding engine control system of the power plant. On receiving the first-stage alarm signal, the engine control system is programmed to adjust one or more engine settings to eliminate preignition - a typical adjustment is to lower charge-air temperature, for example. If such measures fail to eliminate pre-ignition, in the case of a dual-fuel engine, a second alarm signal triggers a reduction in engine load or, as last resort, changeover of ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The fuel composition heterogeneity effect on reactor performance parameters was assessed by refueling simulations for three DUPIC fuel options of fuel composition heterogeneity control: the fissile content adjustment, the reactivity control by slightly enriched and depleted uranium, and the reactivity control by natural uranium. For each DUPIC fuel option, the simulations were performed using 30 heterogeneous fuel types which were determined by the agglomerative hierarchical clustering method. The heterogeneity effect was considered during the refueling simulation by randomly selecting fuel types for the refueling operation. The refueling simulations of the heterogeneous core have shown that the key performance parameters such as the maximum channel power (MCP), maximum bundle power (MBP), and channel power peaking factor (CPPF) are close to those of the core that has single fuel type. For the three DUPIC fuel options, the uncertainties of MCP, MBP, and CPPF due to ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A sensitivity study has been done to determine the composition of DUPIC fuel from the viewpoint of neutronics fuel design. The spent PWR fuel compositions were generated and fissile contents adjusted by blending fresh uranium after mixing two spent PWR fuel assemblies. The {sup 239}Pu and {sup 235}U enrichments of DUPIC fuel were adjusted by controlling the amount of fresh uranium feed and the ratio of slightly enriched and depleted uranium in the feed uranium. Based on the material balance calculation, it is recommended that DUPIC fuel composition be such that spent PWR fuel utilization is more than 90%. A sensitivity study on the temperature reactivity coefficient of DUPIC fuel and shown that it is desirable to increase the {sup 239}Pu and {sup 235}U contents to reduce both the fuel and coolant temperature coefficients. On the other hand, refueling simulations of the DUPIC core have shown that the channel power peaking factor, which is a ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A variable-dispersion electron spectrometer is being installed for use by the Stanford Superconducting Accelerator in conjunction with its Free Electron Laser program. The system has been designed to operate with electron beam energies from 20 MeV to 200 MeV, with a maximum energy resolution of 0.01% FWHM. The maximum energy acceptance is approximately #+-# 5%, as determined by the bending magnet aperture. Resolution is controlled by adjusting the focal conditions at the entrance to a 90 degree bending magnet, while the dispersion is controlled by changing the magnitude and polarity of the field in a quadrupole magnet which immediately follows the bending magnet. 4 refs., 5 figs.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The Atomic Energy commission of Syria (AECS) is nominated by Syrian legislation as the regulatory authority in respect of radiation protection and safety and security of radioactive sources. In addition AECS is providing a wide range of Technical Services (TS) through its various departments. In this paper, the cooperation and coordination between the regulatory authority and the providers of technical services in Syria are described. The adjustment of the regulatory programme as to make maximal use of the available technical resources is presented. It was shown that this relationship does not jeopardize the effective independency of the regulatory authority which is maintained by keeping the regulatory decisions based on pure regulatory considerations. (author)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The invention concerns a solar power station with a hollow solar heater, which has reflected radiation coming in, focussed by a mirror through the inlet opening. To match the differing solar radiation during the day, the inlet opening can be adjusted by changing its cross-section. This is done by at least two thick flat circular parts which can move relative to each other which are preferably movable relative to each other in pairs on a common rail and which are cooled by a coolant which is the working medium for absorbing solar energy.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The Risk Evaluation System (RES) is an integrated approach to determining safeguards and security effectiveness and risk. RES combines the planning and technical analysis into a format that promotes an orderly development of protection strategies, planning assumptions, facility targets, vulnerability and risk determination, enhancement planning, and implementation. In addition, the RES computer database program enhances the capability of the analyst to perform a risk evaluation of the facility. The computer database is menu driven using data input screens and contains an algorithm for determining the probability of adversary defeat and risk. Also, base case and adjusted risk data records can be maintained and accessed easily.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper has the objective of presenting the philosophy of Static Var Compensator (SVC) Control as well the necessary adjustments in the project of control system to guarantee suitable performance under different operating conditions. The verification on the performance of the SVC control has been done by Transient Network Analyzer (TNA/CEPEL) studies, commissioning tests and a factory tests. The SVC is the type of Thyristor Controlled Reactor (TCR) and Thyristor Switched Capacitor (TSC). (author) 3 refs., 12 figs.

CERN Document Server

This paper presents prefix codes which minimize various criteria constructed as a convex combination of maximum codeword length and average codeword length or maximum redundancy and average redundancy, including a convex combination of the average of an exponential function of the codeword length and the average redundancy. This framework encompasses as a special case several criteria previously investigated in the literature, while relations to universal coding is discussed. The coding algorithm derived is parametric resulting in re-adjusting the initial source probabilities via a weighted probability vector according to a merging rule. The level of desirable merging has implication in applications where the maximum codeword length is bounded.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Actinides other than the main uranium or plutonium isotopes take a growing part in the different stages of the nuclear cycle. For the French nuclear power program based on the development of light water reactors and fast breeders, many evaluations of the secondary actinides build up are made for the both reactor types using mainly the existing reactor codes. The comparison of these foreseen compositions with experimental results allows to perform some adjustments of the neutronic data. The secondary actinide compositions are given for some typical fuels and their consequences on the nuclear cycle are discussed. An hypothetical burning of these wastes in fast reactors has been studied and the main conclusions are reported.

CERN Document Server

The tips and tools in Excel Hacks include little known backdoor" adjustments for everything from reducing workbook and worksheet frustration to hacking built-in features such as pivot tables, charts, formulas and functions, and even the macro language. This resourceful, roll-up-your-sleeves guide shows you new ways to make Excel do things--from data analysis to worksheet management to import/export--that you never thought possible. Excel Hacks increases productivity with Excel and gives you hours of "hacking" enjoyment along the way. "

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The ZnO nanorods were used as a template to fabricate nickel nanoclusters by electrodeposition. The ZnO nanorod arrays act as a nano-semiconductor electrode for depositing metallic and magnetic nickel nanoclusters. The growth sites of Ni nanoclusters could be controlled by adjusting the applied potential. Under -1.15 V the Ni nanoclusters could be grown on the tips of ZnO nanorods. On increasing the potential to be more negative the ZnO nanorods were covered by Ni nanoclusters. The magnetic properties of the electrodeposited Ni nanoclusters also evolved with the applied potentials.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

As an application of ART2 neural networks, computer aided monitoring of pump efficiency is successfully examined for an industrial waste-liquid treatment process with measured data of valve openness and liquid flow rates. By running the neural networks in parallel, we confirm that accuracy to detect system changes is good, and the adjustment of classifier parameters is relatively easy. Investigating the resulting classes carefully, frequency of each class is correlated with pump efficiency. The relative amount of variables are also related to the classes. (author)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Historically the Los Alamos Spallation Radiation Effects Facility (LASREF) has used manual methods to control the position of the 800 kW, 800 MeV proton beam on targets. New experiments, however, require more stringent position control more frequently than can be done manually for long periods of time. Data from an existing harp is used to automatically adjust steering magnets to maintain beam position to required tolerances.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

During Phase 2 of our study of the CIXS conceptual design we have tackled additional important issues that are unique to the ITER environment. These include the thermal control of the crystal and detector enclosures located in an environment with a 100-250 C ambient temperature, tritium containment, and the range of crystal and detector movement based on the need for spectral adjustments and the desire to make measurements of colder plasmas. In addressing these issues we have selected a ''Dewar''-type enclosure for the crystals and detectors. Applying realistic view factors for radiant heat and making allowance for conduction we have made engineering studies of this enclosure and showed that the cooling requirements can be solved and the temperature can be kept sufficiently constant without compromising the specification parameters of the CIXS. We have chosen a minimum 3 mm combined thickness of the six beryllium windows needed in a Dewar-type enclosure and showed ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The mechanical properties of laminated window profiles manufactured using two types of adhesives were determined. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of heat treatment on some mechanical...Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1973. 27 p. United States Anon. American Society of Mechanical

CERN Document Server

This mechanical version was soon after changed into a hydraulic jack one (the reason being a number of serious constructional defects).

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The mechanism of hyaluronan biosynthesis in vertebrates had been proposed to occur at the reducing end of growing chains. This mechanism was questioned because a recombinant synthase appeared to add...Full Text Available

International Science & Technology Center (ISTC)

The New Titanium Alloys With Increased Mechanical Properties and Corrosion Resistance for Medical Instruments and their Coatings

Science.gov (United States)

No Abstract Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

No abstract prepared.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

In this study, a novel compliant mechanism, ''partially compliant spatial slider-crank (RSSP)'' is proposed. All possible configurations of compliant RSSP mechanisms are classified and discussed. A method is derived to determine deflection of the multiple-axis flexural hinge for all positions of the crank. A design procedure for partially compliant RSSP mechanisms is introduced. In order to prove the feasibility of the proposed mathematical model, a real model is built and it is shown that results are consistent.

KoreaScience (Korea)

Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Short note.

Science.gov (United States)

Not Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

... Abstract only 1063-7869 v. 44(10) CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS,

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Cell biology, clathrin, endocytosis, dynamin, caveolae, cholera toxin

Science.gov (United States)

Not Available

KoreaScience (Korea)

Full Text Available

KoreaScience (Korea)

Full Text Available

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Udgivelsesdato: 2005-Jan-25

KoreaScience (Korea)

Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Abstract not provided

Science.gov (United States)

A new method of administration of an opioid was recently registered: fentanyl transdermal (brand name: Durogesic), intended particularly for the indication range 'pain in cancer'. Fentanyl is lipid-soluble so that deposition in the skin takes place and the biological half-life is approximately 20 hours after removal of the plaster. It is safe to start on a basis of an equianalgesic conversion of 100:1 in relation to oral morphine, although this may entail some risk of fentanyl under dosage. The dose adjustment time is 12-24 hours before a constant fentanyl level is reached; therefore, after attaching the first sticking plaster, the original morphine dose should be continued for another 12 hours. In addition, the patient may, if necessary, be given supplementary morphine preferably as a short-acting drug. There seems to be no clear indication for transdermal fentanyl either in neuropathic pain or in chronic benign pain. PMID:9221362

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The lateral bearing device is made of 7 lateral supports, each positioned to allow the displacement of the steam generator due to thermal or seismic effects. Each support includes a buffer plate that can be positioned on the steam generator using a position control assembly. This control assembly consists of a screw jack arrangement where the nut is fastened via an energy absorbing layer to a footplate that is fixed to the concrete wall of the steam generator enclosure. 4 figs.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In general, the tickover speed of a car engine is made sufficiently high, in order to permit an assumed maximum load to be taken from the engine at tickover. This setting of the tickover speed is usually done by stops in the fuel supply. Matching the actual load would lead to lower fuel consumption, without any danger of the engine stalling. The purpose of the invention is to provide a tickover speed controller, so that the tickover speed is adjusted by electronic control equipment, independently of the machine load. The fuel consumption on tickover is reduced and the emission of noxious substances is decreased. The electro-magnetic control of the throttle valve tickover setting is explained by extensive section drawings of the system. This process dispenses with the special tickover cams for a cold start.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The ROP margin in a CANDU reactor is decreasing over time due to the Primary Heat-Transport System (PHTS) aging effect. Adjustment of the ROP trip setpoint is required to maintain a high trip-probability and ROP trip effectiveness. Especially, for Wolsong-1, which is scheduled to change the old pressure tubes in 2009, the trend of ROPT after the retubing should be reevaluated. Before setting a ROPT, the main thermal characteristics including Critical Channel Power (CCP) should be calculated by the NUCIRC code. In this paper, the thermalhydraulic evaluation for Wolsung-1 was conducted with the updated Wolsung-1 PHTS data. Specifically, for the case of 0 EFPY (Effective Full Power Year) and 11 EFPY after the retubing, the distribution of the channel flow rate, channel exit quality, critical channel power, and critical power ratio (CPR) of the Wolsong-1 aged plant are calculated

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract Aims: The aim of this study was to examine whether metabolic syndrome (MS) is associated with periodontitis in a representative sample of Korean adults, who were involved in the Fourth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Materials and Methods: A total of 7178 subjects over the age of 19 years who participated in KNHANES were examined. MS was defined as the definition proposed by the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III and the abdominal obesity cut-off line based on Korean Society for the Study of Obesity. The periodontal status was assessed by the Community Periodontal Index. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was carried out adjusting for the sociodemographics, oral health behaviours and status, and health behaviou...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Background Previous reports in adults have suggested that the effects experienced after cannabis use can be described in terms of positive and negative subtypes that are heritable and are associated with abuse and dependence. This study extends existing research by inclusion of adolescents and young adults in an offspring of twins design which makes it possible to take into account genetic and environmental risks for substance use disorder. Methods Data were collected from 725 twin members of the Vietnam Era Twin Registry, 839 of their 12-32 year old biological offspring and 427 mothers. Offspring who had ever used cannabis (n=464) were asked the degree to which they typically experienced 13 subjective effects shortly after using cannabis. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to derive sub...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Studies on the separation of Ag(I) during the recovery of Pu from analytical waste generated during potentiometric determination of Pu using AgO as oxidant, by precipitation of Pu as ammonium plutonium (III) oxalate have shown that most of the Ag(I) is separated during the reduction of Pu to Pu(III) state by ascorbic acid. A decontamination factor of 54 was obtained. Additional a decontamination factor of 5.8 was obtained during the precipitation of Pu as ammonium plutonium (III) oxalate. The Ag content was determined by gamma spectrometry, using "1"1"1Ag as a tracer (T_1_/_2 7.45 d, #gamma# 342.1 keV) and HPGe as detector. The studies indicate that Ag is preferentially separated almost quantitatively during the recovery of plutonium, when acidity adjustment is done with NaOH instead of NH_3. (author)

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Mate choice copying was mostly described as a strategy employed by females to assess the quality of potential mates, but also males can copy other males? mate choice. An open question in this context is whether and how copying males evaluate sperm competition risk, as mating with a female that has already copulated with another male obviously sets the stage for intense sperm competition (i.e., in species with internal fertilization). Using the livebearing Atlantic molly (Poecilia mexicana) as a model, we asked (a) whether males of that species indeed copy other males? choices, and if they do so, (b) whether copying males strategically adjust their behavior to sperm competition risk. We used an approach where focal males could first choose to associate with a large or a small stimulus femal...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

An uncomfortable thermal climate, draft complaints and a bad airquality are often related to the climate installation. To avoid badfunctioning of the system a number of preconditions has to be fulfilledwith regard to design, planning and execution, adjustments, completion,control, maintenance and management of the installations. First threetypes of health problems in buildings are shortly discussed: buildingrelated illness, sick building syndrome and building or installationrelated complaints. Then some functions of the climate installationsare described: air filtration, filter classes and filter quality, aswell as investment costs for better filters. Next the causes for thecomplaints are dealt with: air conditioning, ventilation, air quality,and temperatures. Subsequently health affecting aspects in relation tothe climate systems are discussed: outdoor air pollution,microorganisms, bacteria (legionella pneumophila), allergies, ionneutralization and performance of ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A solar energy collection and conversion system is disclosed in which a cassegrain mirror system is rotated about a diurnal axis, which axis is adjusted for seasonal variations in the incidence of the sun's rays on the earth's surface. A black body absorption cavity filled with translucent or transparent fluid material is used for direct absorption of the sun's rays. The incident solar energy is absorbed directly by the fluid medium. The fluid within the cavity may be maintained under extremely high pressures and temperatures in order to utilize this fluid as a heat storage medium. Such heat storage is facilitated by apparatus which permits a change in the volume of the reflective cavity in response to the temperature or pressure of the fluid within the cavity.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

We examine the short-term price behaviour of three, size-conditioned Indian stock market indices, in response to informational shocks. A standard mean-adjusted returns model as well as the GJR-GARCH specification point towards underreaction to negative events in the medium and small capitalization indices. Also, the pre-event coefficients are generally negative and statistically significant, regardless of the sign of the shock, thus ruling out information leaks. We uncover a stable abnormal volatility pattern which increases monotonically a few days before the shock before suddenly decreasing in magnitude on the event day and beyond. We suggest uncertainty avoidance as a potential explanation of these features. The results are fairly robust across alternative event selection procedures, ti...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In this paper, research on pass schedule of tandem cold mill (TCM) is carried out. According to load (reduction, rolling force, motor power) balance, non-linear equations set with variables of inter-stand thickness is constructed. The pass schedule optimization is carried out by solving the non-linear equations set. As the traditional method, the Newton-Raphson method is used for solving the non-linear equations set. In this paper a new simple method is brought up. On basis of the monotone relations between thickness and load, the inter-stands thickness is adjusted dynamically. The solution of non-linear equations set can be converged by iterative calculation. This method can avoid the derivative calculation used by traditional method. So, this method is simple and calculation speed is high. It is suitable for on-line control. (author)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The paper gives an introduction to reliability assessment of reliquefaction systems for boil-off gas (BOG) on LNG carriers with focus on redundancy optimization and maintenance strategies. The reliability modeling is based on a time-dependent Markov approach. Four different system options are studied, with varying degree of redundancy. Failures in the reliquefaction system may require flaring of the BOG, and the associated cost is compared with the cost of introducing redundancy and the cost of onboard maintenance. A model for maintenance optimization is developed and exemplified on a main unit of the reliquefaction system. Reliability and maintenance cost data for reliquefaction systems on LNG ships are very scarce. The input data have been collected from the best available data sources and adjusted by expert judgement. A tailor-made computer program has been developed and may be supplied to interested readers.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The redistribution of implanted As and Sb following metal-silicide formation of Pt, Pd, and Ni has been studied. The phases of the silicides used were PtSi, Pd_2Si, and NiSi. Investigations with Rutherford backscattering analysis showed that after the formation of the silicides, the Sb was always found in the silicide layer near the surface of the samples, whereas PtSi and Pd_2Si caused a partial rejection of As for implanted doses of 2 x 10"1"5 cm"-"2 and higher. No rejection of As was found after the formation of NiSi. The results are discussed in terms of solid solubilities and impurity-metal compound formation. The data presented has implications in the fabrication of Ohmic contacts and the adjustments of the heights of Schottky barriers on silicon.

Science.gov (United States)

An approximate method of calculating the radius of thawing around an injection well is presented. The method is based on the assumption that for a cylindrical system the position of the phase interface in the Stefan problem can be approximated through two functions: one function determines the position of the melting-temperature isotherm in the problem without phase transitions and the second function does not depend on time. The adjusted heating time concept was used to describe the first function. The second function is a known analytical relationship and is expressed in terms of ice content, thermal properties of thawed/frozen formations, formation temperature and the temperature of the injected fluid. Simple approximate formulae are suggested to estimate the duration of the freezeback period. To verify the proposed formulae, the results of numerical solutions were used. An example which shows that the duration of the 'safety period' (free from freezing of water ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract Background- Pemphigus vulgaris is a chronic disease not currently curable. Physical involvement and the impact of chronic therapies can lead patients to changes in psychological and relational areas. Objectives- To provide a measure of psychological distress, dysfunctional investment in one's appearance, and their relationship. Methods- Self-administered questionnaires (ASI, HADS) were given to 74 pemphigus inpatients. Results- Strong associations between psychological distress and dysfunctional investment in one's appearance were observed [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 7.36, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.20-45.11; OR 5.38, 95% CI 0.81-35.87, respectively, for appearance stereotyping and body-image vulnerability], together with a perceived high disease severity (OR 6.03, 95% CI 1.9...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The recent acceleration of effort to elucidate and explore the coordination chemistry of technetium has been prompted mainly by the need for a new generation of radiotracers in nuclear medicine, preferentially for tomograhic studies. Current approaches and their limitations in designing "9"9"mTc complexes capable of penetrating cell membranes of the target organs, and remaining there sufficiently long, are reviewed. With the predominance of Tc(V) oxo compounds, especially for brain imaging agents, new N4 and N2S2 coordinate complexes have been developed by shifting from bidentate to tetradentate ligands with a variable side chain or other adjustable reactivity. The search for myocardial imaging agents has focused on a variety of mixed ligand complexes of Tc(III) and most promising [Tc(CNR)_6]"+ complexes of Tc(I). 64 refs. (author).

Science.gov (United States)

A process is described for the recovery of uranium values from phosphoric acid utilizing an alkyl pyrophosphoric acid (Appa) primary extractant. After extracting the uranium from the phosphoric acid, the appa extractant is deactivated by heating and the uranium values stripped into a phosphoric acid strip solution containing ferric ion as a salting agent. The uranium values may then be re-extracted directly from this stripping solution without adjustment of its concentration into a dialkyl phosphoric acid trialkyl phosphine oxide synergistic extractant from which a relatively pure yellow cake is precipitated. A new procedure for preparing the requisite appa primary extractants is also disclosed.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract The electrochemical properties of a perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) membrane are estimated using a combination of molecular dynamics simulation and statistical thermodynamic model. We obtain all parameters in an ionic conductivity model from an atomistic simulation and remove all adjusted model parameters. From a microscopic point of view, the hydrated PFSA membrane shows micro-phase segregation which separated into hydrophilic and hydrophobic phases. Our present work originates with this phenomenon and we treat this phase segregation as if it is a continuous phase for each of which the proton (H+) is transported inside the PFSA membrane/solvent (water and alcohols) mixture. The chemical potential for a given system is estimated using a molecular simulation technique to predict the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We continue the study of the hole coupling resonator for free electron laser (FEL) application. The previous resonator code is further developed to include the effects of the azimutally asymmetric modes and the FEL gain. The implication of the additional higher order modes is that there are more degeneracies to be avoided in tuning the FEL wavelengths. The FEL interaction is modeled by constructing a transfer map in the small signal regime and incorporating it into the resonator code. The FEL gain is found to be very effective in selecting a dominant mode from the azimuthally symmetric class of modes. Schemes for broad wavelength tuning based on passive mode control via adjustable apertures are discussed. 12 refs., 7 figs., 1 tab.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We studied the effects of small, <20 {micro}m, Te inclusions on the energy resolution of CdZnTe gamma-ray detectors using a highly collimated X-ray beam and gamma-rays, and modeled them via a simplified geometrical approach. Previous reports demonstrated that Te inclusions of about a few microns in diameter degraded the charge-transport properties and uniformity of CdZnTe detectors. The goal of this work was to understand the extent to which randomly distributed Te-rich inclusions affect the energy resolution of CZT detectors, and to define new steps to overcome their deleterious effects. We used a phenomenological model, which depends on several adjustable parameters, to reproduce the experimentally measured effects of inclusions on energy resolution. We also were able to hound the materials-related problem and predict the enhancement in performance expected by reducing the size and number of Te inclusions within the crystals.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

One-step synthesis of Pt-loaded carbon nanoparticles including single-wall carbon nanohorns (SWNHs) by arc plasma in liquid nitrogen was demonstrated using Pt-contained graphite anode. The size distribution of Pt particles can be controlled by adjusting the concentration of Pt in the graphite anode. In the observation by transmission electron microscope, the diameter of less than 5 nm of Pt particles were observed as approximately 90% among the Pt particles when Pt was contained in the anode at 1.3 at.%. When Pt concentration in the anode was decreased to 0.4 at.%, the percentage of Pt particles whose diameter is less than 5 nm decreased to approximately 60%. It was verified that the as-grown Pt-loaded products produced by this method can be useful for the power generation by polymer electrolyte fuel cell.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This patent describes an oil-filled electric cable and a manufacturing method for said cable, in which the solid insulation is formed, at least in part, by separately applied, alternate layers of cellulose paper tape and of film tapes made of plastic. Prior to application of the tapes around the cable conductor, the moisture content of the paper tape is selected and the swelling of the plastic tape by the oil after application is adjusted, if necessary, such as by immersing the plastic tape in the oil prior to application, so that the swelling of the plastic tape by the oil in the formed cable is offset by the shrinkage of the paper tape during drying of the cable. Also, an apparatus for pre-swelling the plastic tape is described. 4 figs.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Measurements of neutron and gamma-ray penetrations in an iron shield were performed up to a 60-cm depth in a tightly coupled source shield configuration with the fast-neutron reactor YAYOI as a source. Rates of neutron reactions and gamma-ray dose rates in the iron shield were obtained using activation foils and thermoluminescent dosimeters. Analyses of the experiments were made by using the DOT-III code with coupled neutron and gamma-ray cross sections from ENDF/B-IV and POPOP4 libraries. To obtain the source condition for the iron shield analyses, the calculated spectrum was adjusted to the measured reaction rates at the reactor shield boundary. The calculated neutron and gamma-ray distributions in the iron shield show fairly good agreement with the experiments. The effect of difference in Bondarenko-type self-shielding factors on the analyses of the iron shield is also shown.

CERN Document Server

This paper proposes an adaptive morphological dilation image coding with context weights prediction. The new dilation method is not to use fixed models, but to decide whether a coefficient needs to be dilated or not according to the coefficient's predicted significance degree. It includes two key dilation technologies: 1) controlling dilation process with context weights to reduce the output of insignificant coefficients, and 2) using variable-length group test coding with context weights to adjust the coding order and cost as few bits as possible to present the events with large probability. Moreover, we also propose a novel context weight strategy to predict coefficient's significance degree more accurately, which serves for two dilation technologies. Experimental results show that our proposed method outperforms the state of the art image coding algorithms available today.

Science.gov (United States)

Blast furnace coke containing low grade coal in a high blending ratio is manufactured by a method which comprises blending not less than 60% of a blended coal having an adjusted total moisture content of not more than 4% with not more than 40% of briquettes and carbonizing the resultant mixture. The blended coal consists essentially of not less than 80% of coking coal and not more than 20% of low grade coal. When coking coal of a kind which has its coking property segregated according to its grain size distribution is pulverized and classified by sifting and the portion of fine particles is used as mixed with the coking coal, the blending ratio of the low grade coal in the blended coal can be increased to up to 35%. The briquettes consist essentially of not less than 10% of coking coal and not more than 90% of low grade coal.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The perceptual center (P-center) is fundamental to the timing of heterogeneous event sequences, including music and speech. Unfortunately, there is currently no comprehensive and reliable model of P-centers in acoustic events, so P-centers must instead be measured empirically. This study reviews existing measurement methods and evaluates two methods in detail?the rhythm adjustment method and a new method based on the phase correction response (PCR) in a synchronous tapping task. The two methods yielded consistent P-center estimates and showed no evidence of P-center context dependence. The PCR method appears promising because it is accurate and efficient and does not require explicit perceptual judgments. As a secondary result, the magnitude of the PCR is shown to vary systematically with ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

There are 2 models of male adjustment of sperm investment in the ejaculate in relation to sperm competition. The "risk model" predicts that as "risk" of sperm competition increases, sperm investment also increases. This prediction has been supported in many species, including mammals. The "intensity model" involves the number of competing males copulating with the same female and predicts that males will allocate the highest sperm investment at low sperm competition intensity (SCI) and then decreasing sperm investments as SCI increases. Two alternative outcomes are that sperm investment is unaffected by SCI and that sperm investment increases as SCI increases. There are studies supporting all 3 possible outcomes in relation to SCI but no data on mammals. The present paper presents the firs...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The bandwidth of LIGO-like terrestrial interferometric gravitational wave detectors is set by the pole of the Fabry-Perot cavities within the arms of the Michelson interferometer. This constraint arises because the gain of gravitational wave-induced signal sidebands is limited to frequencies within the linewidth of the cavities. The nature of standard Fabry-Perot cavities is such that one cannot independently adjust for increased gain without suffering a loss of bandwidth. If these quantities could be decoupled, the resulting improvement in bandwidth may lead to viable high frequency detectors. A pair of anti-parallel diffraction gratings within a Fabry-Perot cavity can increase the bandwidth of a LIGO-scale detector by a factor of #approx#1000.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Spherical nano-sized YSZ (yttria stabilized ZrO2) powders were successfully synthesized via a reverse microemulsion system. The water droplets in the microemulsion system of yclohexane/water/span85/Triton X-100/hexyl alcohol can act as the nano-reactors which solubilize zirconium oxychloride and ammonia water separately. The minute original reactors are favor to the formation of nano-sized spherical YSZ powders and the dispersibility of the powders can be controlled effectually by adjusting the weight ratio of the LiNO3 molten salt to the precursor. The phase transformation from cubic to monoclinic starts at and 500??C and finally monoclinic and cubic phase with increased crytallinity coexist at 800??C. The effect of LiNO3 molten salt in the formation of YSZ powders was also discussed.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Medical Science Liaison (MSL) teams are a well-recognized function within the pharmaceutical and medical products industries. While in most organizations, MSLs have focused on the development of relationships with individual Key Opinion Leaders, progressive companies have realized the value that MSLs can also bring to Key Account Management (KAM). This article discusses the five steps that should be followed in order to successfully integrate the support of Key Accounts into an MSL function. These include understanding the business approach to KAM, identifying what MSL resources are available, developing a comprehensive strategic plan, implementing the plan, and evaluating and making any necessary adjustments. Finally, a case example outlining the experience of a small pharmaceutical compa...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In order to match the output capacity of a geothermal heat pump system (GHPS) with the actual load requirement, research has been carried out in finding the influence of two systematic parameters, the water flow rate inside the condenser and the compressor input frequency on the GHPS operation. Experiments are done on a small-scale GHPS at the water flow rate ranging from 0.054 kg/s to 0.174 kg/s and the frequency from 30 Hz to 55 Hz. The analysis of the experimental data reveals the relationships among the compressor frequency, the water flow rate and other important parameters such as coefficient of performance (COP), heat capacity and compressor power input. The conclusions in the paper can serve as some guidance to the load adjustment of GHPS. (author)

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Analysis reproducibility and detection sensitivity of capillary electrophoresis (CE) are often questioned by applied scientists, which has hindered its application as a routine method. To address these issues, a simple, precise, and reproducible dynamic coating method was developed by applying carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) dynamic coating on fused silica capillary. The proposed coating was accomplished by simply rinsing the capillary with CMC solution for 1?min in between runs, with no regeneration procedure or buffer additives needed. Electroosmotic flow could be well controlled by adjusting the pH of background electrolyte, and the adsorption of analytes onto the capillary inner wall was effectively eliminated. The main parameters of the coating condition were optimized, and extensive app...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This report discusses the procedures that establish the configuration control processes for the Hanford Environmental Information System (HEIS) software. The procedures also provide the charter and function of the HEIS Configuration Control Board (CCB) for maintaining software. The software configuration control items covered under these procedures include the HEIS software and database structure. The configuration control processes include both administrative and audit functions. The administrative role includes maintaining the overall change schedule, ensuring consistency of proposed changes, negotiating change plan adjustments, setting priorities, and tracking the status of changes. The configuration control process audits to ensure that changes are performed to applicable standards.

CERN Document Server

Limiters are nonlinear hybridization techniques that are used to preserve positivity and monotonicity when numerically solving hyperbolic conservation laws. Unfortunately, the original methods suffer from the truncation-error being first-order accurate at all extrema despite the accuracy of the higher-order method. To remedy this problem, higher-order extensions were proposed that relied on elaborate analytic and geometric constructions. Since extremum-preserving limiters are applied only at extrema, additional computational cost is negligible. Therefore, extremum-preserving limiters ensure higher-order spatial accuracy while maintaining simplicity. This report presents higher-order limiting for (i) computing van Leer slopes and (ii) adjusting parabolic profiles. This limiting preserves monotonicity and accuracy at smooth extrema, maintains stability in the presence of discontinuities and under-resolved gradients, and is based on constraining the interpolated ...

CERN Document Server

In this paper, we investigate the epidemic spreading for SIR model in weighted scale-free networks with nonlinear infectivity, where the transmission rate in our analytical model is weighted. Concretely, we introduce the infectivity exponent $\\alpha$ and the weight exponent $\\beta$ into the analytical SIR model, then examine the combination effects of $\\alpha$ and $\\beta$ on the epidemic threshold and phase transition. We show that one can adjust the values of $\\alpha$ and $\\beta$ to rebuild the epidemic threshold to a finite value, and it is observed that the steady epidemic prevalence $R$ grows in an exponential form in the early stage, then follows hierarchical dynamics. Furthermore, we find $\\alpha$ is more sensitive than $\\beta$ in the transformation of the epidemic threshold and epidemic prevalence, which might deliver some useful information or new insights in the epidemic spreading and the correlative immunization schemes.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

This paper demonstrates a proof-of-concept approach for encapsulating the insulin and Fe3O4 nanoparticles into size-controllable alginate microcapsules utilizing the electrostatic droplets (ESD) technique. We have established that the combination of ESD and external gelation is quite effective in producing uniform-sized polymer particles. In addition, using the external gelation technique, the droplets containing a sodium-alginate were gelled in situ by immersion in Ca2+, Ba2+, or Cu2+ ions for a few minutes. The results show that different-type divalent cations caused various surface features to appear on the microcapsules (e.g., cracking, orange peel, pitting, splitting, wrinkling, etc.). The particle size can be adjusted from a few micrometers to ca. 1,000??m by electrostatic force. The...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) is an X-ray free-electron laser (FEL) project based on the SLAC linac [1]. With its nominal set of electron beam, focusing and undulator parameters, it is designed to achieve SASE saturation at an undulator length of about 100 m with an average power of 10 GW. In order to keep the electron beam focused in the undulators, a FODO lattice is integrated along the entire length of the undulators. Nominally, the quadrupole strengths are chosen to produce nearly constant betafunction and beam size along the undulator, optimized for the FEL interaction in the exponential growth regime. Since these quadrupoles are electromagnetic, it is possible to adjust the individual quadrupole strength to vary the betafunction and the beam size along the undulator, tailoring the FEL interaction in the start-up and the saturation regimes. In this paper, we present simulation studies of the tapered betafunction in the LCLS undulator and discuss the ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Background Little is known about the role of diet in the development of venous thromboembolism (VTE). We explored the prospective relation of dietary patterns, food groups, and nutrients to incident VTE in older women. Methods In 1986, Iowa women aged 55 to 69 years completed a mailed survey, including a 127-item food frequency questionnaire. These data were linked to Medicare data from 1986 to 2004, and International Classification of Diseases discharge codes were used to identify hospitalized VTE cases. Cox regression analyses evaluated relations of 2 principal components?derived dietary patterns, 11 food groups, and 6 nutrients to VTE, adjusted for age, education, smoking status, physical activity, and energy intake. Results Over 19 years of follow-up, 1,950 of the 37,393 women develope...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A dielectric-wall linear accelerator is improved by a high-voltage, fast rise-time switch that includes a pair of electrodes between which are laminated alternating layers of isolated conductors and insulators. A high voltage is placed between the electrodes sufficient to stress the voltage breakdown of the insulator on command. A light trigger, such as a laser, is focused along at least one line along the edge surface of the laminated alternating layers of isolated conductors and insulators extending between the electrodes. The laser is energized to initiate a surface breakdown by a fluence of photons, thus causing the electrical switch to close very promptly. Such insulators and lasers are incorporated in a dielectric wall linear accelerator with Blumlein modules, and phasing is controlled by adjusting the length of fiber optic cables that carry the laser light to the insulator surface. 12 figs.

Science.gov (United States)

Phenomena in power systems tend to exhibit higher nonlinearity, because efficient operation accompanies severer power transfer. In such cases, there might exist some limitation to the use of conventional linear control design scheme due to the nonlinearity. As for consideration to the nonlinearity, we have developed a nonlinear analysis method based on normal form theory. In this paper, we develop a new control design scheme based on the nonlinear analysis method. The developed method is effective in a case when oscillatory instability occurs. In the developed method, the parameters of control devices are adjusted so as to enlarge the stability limit against the oscillatory instability, unless each eigenvalue exceed its allowable threshold. We verify the effectiveness of the developed method in the IEEJ 10-machine System Model by applying to PSS (Power System Stabilizer). We show that the power transfer limit increases by a few percent.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

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

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A radiation hard low power, low voltage dynamic memory is obtained by the use of a dummy cell concept. Compared to conventional dummy cell concepts, this concept applies a fully sized dummy cell. By optimizing the dummy cell precharge voltage for 5 V and 3 V operation and the timing of the dummy word-line, the overall soft error rate (SER) of the chip is improved by 2 orders of magnitude. An additional improvement of 1 order of magnitude is possible for 3 V operation by adjusting substrate bias and cell plate voltage. The results are verified by an accelerated SER measurement with a radium 226 source and an additional field soft error study.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

This paper proposes a panel threshold cointegration approach to investigate the relationship between crude oil shocks and stock markets for the OECD and non-OECD panel from January 1995 to December 2009. Nonlinear cointegration is confirmed for the oil-stock nexus in the panel. Because threshold cointegration is found, the threshold vector error correction models can be run to investigate the presence of asymmetric dynamic adjustment. The Granger causality tests demonstrate the existence of bidirectional long-run Granger causality between crude oil shocks and stock markets for these OECD and non-OECD countries. However, the short-run Granger causality between them is bidirectional under positive changes in the deviation and unidirectional under negative ones. Moreover, the speed of adjustm...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Conversion of Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory radioactive sodium-bearing waste into a single solid waste form by evaporation was demonstrated in both flask-scale and pilot-scale agitated thin film evaporator tests. A sodium-bearing waste simulant was adjusted to represent an evaporator feed in which the acid from the distillate is concentrated, neutralized, and recycled back through the evaporator. The advantage to this flowsheet is that a single remote-handled transuranic waste form is produced in the evaporator bottoms without the generation of any low-level mixed secondary waste. However, use of a recycle flowsheet in sodium-bearing waste evaporation results in a 50% increase in remote-handled transuranic volume in comparison to a non-recycle flowsheet.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In order to investigate the behaviour of the turbine control system during strong pendulum motions, an analysis is carried out using a digital computer program by which the reactor, the turbine, the generator and, in a simplified way, the network can be simulated to the necessary degree. Plotter pictures can show the main physical quantities. In all cases, the turbine control system should be able to distinguish between strong pendulum amplitude with acceleration of the rotational angles and sudden release criteria. This demand can be satisfied by a simple adjustment in the Kraftwerk Union turbine control system. Only a few seconds after shut-off of a severe network failure, the turbines are back to their rated power, thus contributing to reliability of supply in this critical network situation. (orig.).

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

AbstractBACKGROUND: Disparities in treatment and mortality for colorectal cancer (CRC) may reflect differences in access to specialized care or other characteristics of the area where an individual lives. METHODS: Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program-Medicare data for seniors diagnosed with CRC were linked to area measures of the sociodemographic characteristics and the capacity of surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists. Outcomes included receipt of stage-appropriate CRC care and mortality. RESULTS: After adjustment, blacks and Hispanics were less likely than whites to undergo surgery (odds ratio [OR] 0.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.52-0.63 and OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.70-0.95, respectively). Individuals who lived in areas with the highest tertile of surgeon c...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

We report on characterization of a set of AlGaN/GaN multiple-quantum-well (MQW) photodetectors. The model structure used in the calculation is the p-i-n heterojunction with 20 AlGaN/GaN MQW structures in i-region. The MQW structures have 2nm GaN quantum well width and 15nm AlxGa1-xN barrier width. The cutoff wavelength of the MQW photodetectors can be tuned by adjusting the well width and barrier height. Including the polarization field effects, on increasing Al mole fraction, the transition energy decreases, the total noise increases, and the responsivity has a red shift, and so the detectivity decreases and has a red shift.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract Sperm competition theory predicts that under high risk of sperm competition, males will increase the number of sperm that they allocate to a female. This prediction has been supported by some experimental studies but not by others. Here, I conducted a meta-analysis to determine whether the increase in sperm allocation under high risk of sperm competition is a generalized response across taxa. I collected data from 39 studies and 37 species. Across taxa, males under a high risk of sperm competition respond by increasing their sperm allocation (mean effect size-=-0.32). Number of offspring did not explain a significant portion of the variation in effect sizes. A traditional meta-analysis (i.e. without phylogenetic information) described the variation among effect sizes better than a...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Computed tomography (CT) has been incorporated in an industrial Diode-Array Digital Radiography (DADR) system. An input data size of 512 pixel points x 400 projections yielded a 400x400 output image matrix. Reconstruction algorithms used are the filtered backprojection (FBP) and the direct Fourier reconstruction (DFR). Various filters were used in the FBP reconstruction process and their effects on image quality were evaluated. A spatial resolution of 100 {mu}m was measured with a block of plates and a minimum detectable feature size in the range of 10-100 {mu}m was measured using thin wires. Industrial specimens imaged have included ceramic samples, ball bearings and integrated circuits. A number of engineering problems have been solved, such as adjustment of the X-ray source, centering of the rotator spindle in the view field and beam-hardening corrections. (orig.).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The real parts of the optical model potentials for 104 MeV alpha-particle and 156 MeV "6Li ion scattering from "4"0,"4"8Ca are calculated in terms of folding model approaches. The validity of different procedures is tested by comparing the differential cross section predictions with experimental data measured with high angular accuracy. It is found that a refined folding potential accounting for density dependence of an effective nucleon-nucleon interaction is appropriate for alpha particle scattering without any parameter adjustment. However, for "6Li ion scattering renormalization of the depth of the real potentials is necessary. (orig.).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Detailed chemical kinetic reaction mechanisms have been developed to describe the pyrolysis and oxidation of nine n-alkanes larger than n-heptane, including n-octane (n-C{sub 8}H{sub 18}), n-nonane (n-C{sub 9}H{sub 20}), n-decane (n-C{sub 10}H{sub 22}), n-undecane (n-C{sub 11}H{sub 24}), n-dodecane (n-C{sub 12}H{sub 26}), n-tridecane (n-C{sub 13}H{sub 28}), n-tetradecane (n-C{sub 14}H{sub 30}), n-pentadecane (n-C{sub 15}H{sub 32}), and n-hexadecane (n-C{sub 16}H{sub 34}). These mechanisms include both high temperature and low temperature reaction pathways. The mechanisms are based on our previous mechanisms for the primary reference fuels n-heptane and iso-octane, using the reaction class mechanism construction first developed for n-heptane. Individual reaction class rules are as simple as possible in order to focus on the parallelism between all of the n-alkane fuels included in ...

Science.gov (United States)

PURPOSE: To investigate differences in cost of endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) using a top-down approach derived from the Annual Report versus a clinically orientated, bottom-up approach at a single hospital. METHODS: Information was obtained from: the day-case activity Service Line Report (SLR) income statement for general surgery, comparative data from the National Audit Commission, reference costs from the hospital finance department on 69 patients and calculations on individual treatment times and session slots (2 EVLT's per 3.5 hr session) on 37 consecutive patients. Duration of treatment, consumables (over #3) and staff pay were also recorded. Overheads were estimated at 15% and adjustments were made based on location and length of stay. RESULTS: Using a top-down approach with SLR data the total cost of EVLT was estimated at #963.78 per treatment after adjustments for services and consumables. This compares with #1,073.34 using national ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

For a given linac design, the dosimetric characteristics of a photon beam are determined uniquely by the energy and radial distributions of the electron beam striking the x-ray target. However, in the usual commissioning of a beam from measured data, a large number of variables can be independently tuned, making it difficult to derive a unique and self-consistent beam model. For example, the measured dosimetric penumbra in water may be attributed in various proportions to the lateral secondary electron range, the focal spot size and the transmission through the tips of a non-divergent collimator; the head-scatter component in the tails of the transverse profiles may not be easy to resolve from phantom scatter and head leakage; and the head-scatter tails corresponding to a certain extra-focal source model may not agree self-consistently with in-air output factors measured on the central axis. To reduce the number of adjustable variables in beam modelling, we replace ...

Science.gov (United States)

Sperm competition occurs when 2 or more males copulate with a particular female during the same reproductive cycle, and their sperm compete to fertilize the female's available eggs. One strategy that male voles use to assess the risk and intensity of sperm competition involves responding to the presence of scent marks of conspecific males found near a sexually receptive female. Previously, we have shown that if a male vole copulated with a female while he was in the presence of the odors of another male he increased his sperm investment relative to his investment if another male's odors were not present. The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that males assess differences in the relative quality of competing males and adjust their sperm investment accordingly. We did so by allowing males to copulate when they were exposed to the scent mark of a 24-h food-deprived male (low-quality male) or the scent mark of a male that was not food deprived ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

It is not known whether body weight alone can adjust for the volume of liver in the calculation of the chelating dose in {beta}-thalassaemia major patients, who frequently have iron overload and hepatitis. The hypothesis is that liver volume in children and adolescents suffering from {beta}-thalassaemia major is affected by ferritin level and liver function. Thirty-five {beta}-thalassaemia major patients aged 7-18 years and 35 age- and sex-matched controls had liver volume measured by MRI. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and ferritin levels were obtained in the thalassaemia major patients. Body weight explained 65 and 86% of the change in liver volume in {beta}-thalassaemia major patients and age-matched control subjects, respectively. Liver volume/kilogram body weight was significantly higher (P<0.001) in thalassaemia major patients than in control subjects. There was a significant correlation between ALT level and liver volume/kilogram body weight ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The primary methodology that is used for disposal of municipal solid waste is the use of land fills; 80--85% of the municipal solid waste (MSW) produced in the country currently is land filled. The two other disposal alternatives used are recycling and incineration. Waste-to-energy technology (WTE) which incinerates MSW to produce electricity and/or steam is attractive in other cases since it reduces landfill volume, reduces the consumption of fossil and other fuels, and produces a revenue stream from the sale of the electricity or steam. The gaseous effluents from landfills can also be used to fuel power plants. Recycling and material separation programs can have a substantial impact on the throughput and heating value of MSW collected and thus impact WTE plant economics; the magnitude of the impact will depend upon a number of factors such as what materials and what fraction are separated and recycled, the design of the WTE plant itself (its operating window); the contractual ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of femoral marrow MR imaging as predictor of outcome for hemopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in beta-thalassemia major. MR imaging of the proximal femur, including T1- and T2-weighted spin echo and short-tau inversion recovery and in-phase and out-of-phase fast field echo images, was prospectively performed in 27 thalassemia major patients being prepared for HSCT. The area of red marrow and its percentage of the proximal femur were measured, and the presence of marrow hemosiderosis was assessed. Age-adjusted multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between red marrow area percentage and marrow hemosiderosis and HSCT outcome. Red area percentage were less in patients with successful (90.25{+-}4.14%) compared to unsuccessful transplants (94.54% {+-}2.93%; p=0.01). Red marrow area percentage correlated positively with duration of symptoms(r=0.428, p=0.026) and serum ferritin ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The realization that there existed a G-protein coupled signal transduction mechanism developed gradually and was initially the result of an ill fated quest for uncovering the mechanism of action...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

AbstractWe combined atomistic molecular-dynamics simulations with quantum-mechanical calculations to investigate the sequence dependence of the stretching behavior of duplex DNA. Our...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

In all mammals, tissue inflammation leads to pain and behavioral sensitization to thermal and mechanical stimuli called hyperalgesia. We studied pain mechanisms in the African naked mole-rat, an unusual...Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Using a new approach to quaternion mechanics based on De Broglie waves, it is shown that such a theory describes tachyons and that the quantum theory of tachyons should be a quaternionic one. (U.K.).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The guide describes a method acceptable to the NRC staff for complying with the Commission's regulations with regard to quality assurance requirements for installation, inspection, and testing of mechanical equipment and systems for water-cooled and high-temperature gas-cooled nuclear power plants.

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Ion-channels can be activated (gated) by a variety of stimuli including chemicals, voltage, mechanical force or temperature. Whereas molecular mechanisms of ion-channel gating by chemicals and...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Most mechanical forces acting on the skeleton are generated either through impact with the ground (i.e., gravitational loading) or through muscle contractions (i.e., muscle loading). If one...Full Text Available

Science.gov (United States)

Investigation of memory effects in air at 0.7 mbar pressure in the presence of vacuum electrical breakdown mechanism has been performed in this paper. The memory effect has been followed using the time delay method.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

In this work, coals of various ranks were dissolved in an acid melange. With the use of IR spectroscopy, it was found that the mechanism of coal dissolution consists in the grafting of polar groups to the peripheral benzene rings of graphite-like systems.

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

DNA interstrand cross-links (ICLs) are critical cytotoxic lesions produced by cancer chemotherapeutic agents such as the nitrogen mustards and platinum drugs; however, the exact mechanism of ICL-induced...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Catch is a mechanical state occurring in some invertebrate smooth muscles characterized by high force maintenance and resistance to stretch during extremely slow relaxation. During catch, intracellular...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

1. The mechanical power spent to accelerate the limbs relative to the trunk in level walking and running, Ẇ_int, has been measured at various `constant' speeds (3-33...Full Text Available

Science.gov (United States)

This dissertation presents the development of the novel mechanical testing technique of in situ nanoindentation in a transmission electron microscope (TEM). This technique makes it possible to simultaneously observe and quantify the mechanical behavior of nano-scale volumes of solids.

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Methylation of the arginine residues of histones by methyltransferases has important consequences for chromatin structure and gene regulation; however, the molecular mechanism(s) of methyltransferase...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The mechanism by which mechanical force regulates the kinetics of a chemical reaction is unknown. Here, we use single-molecule force–clamp spectroscopy and protein engineering to study the effect...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundNeuropathic pain (NP) is partially mediated by neuroinflammatory mechanisms, and also modulates local neurogenic inflammation. Dietary lipids, in particular the total amount...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Mechanism-based inhibition of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 is characterized by NADPH-, time-, and concentration-dependent enzyme inactivation, occurring when some drugs are converted by CYPs to reactive...Full Text Available

Science.gov (United States)

Understanding the detailed mechanics of these systems and their place in the general picture of binary star evolution are the dual objectives of this ...

CERN Document Server

we report an ultrafast synchrotron x-ray phase contrast imaging study of the primary breakup mechanism of a coaxial air-assisted water jet. We demonstrate that there exist great similarities in the phenomenology of primary breakup with that of the secondary breakup. Especially, a membrane-mediated breakup mechanism dominates the breakup process for a wide range of air speeds. This finding reveals the intrinsic connections of these two breakup regimes and has deep implications on the unified theoretical approach in treating the breakup mechanism of high speed liquid jet.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1974. 19 p. United States Anon. American Society of Mechanical Engineers.;

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

... carbon 14 cholera gels labelling membranes molecules proteins receptors

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

High-T/sub c/ superconductivity is due to the action of two mechanisms: (1) plasmon mechanism, i.e., exchange of two-dimensional (2-D) plasmons and (2) strong electron--phonon coupling. The low dimensionality and the small value of the carrier concentration make the plasmon mechanism favorable. The small value of the coherence length leads to a unique opportunity to observe a multigap structure. The proximity effect can be used in order to increase T/sub c/ of A-15 compounds.

Science.gov (United States)

... 31 5.4 FACTORIAL DESIGN STATISTICAL ANALYSIS..... ... resistance. o Factorial design statistical analysis gave the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The crack growth behavior and fracture toughness of two laminated metal composites (6090/SiC/25p laminated with 5182 and ultrahigh-carbon steel laminated with brass) have been studied in both ``crack arrester`` and ``crack divider`` orientations. The mechanisms of crack growth were analyzed and extrinsic toughening mechanisms were found to contribute significantly to the toughness. The influence of laminate architecture (layer thickness and component volume function), component material properties and residual stress on these mechanisms and the resulting crack growth resistance are discussed.

Science.gov (United States)

... hydrostatic pressures up to 700 MPa. The effect of pressure on the ultimate compressive strength is shown. The effect of size on ...

International Science & Technology Center (ISTC)

Research on Diffusion Zinc Cladding of Structural Steels, as Well as Their Mechanical and Corrosion Properties to Replace Their Cyanic Cadmium Plating

Science.gov (United States)

... Descriptors : *Combustible cartridge cases, *Polymers, *Test equipment, *Patents, Combustion chambers, Breech mechanisms, Gas generating ...

Science.gov (United States)

FEP polyethylene mechanical properties affected by UV. " Siloxane-modified materials resist AO. " Nonsilicone polymers attacked by AO ...

Science.gov (United States)

Some aspects of molecular mechanisms common to radiation and chemical carcinogenesis are discussed, particularly the DNA damage done by these agents. Emphasis is placed on epidemiological considerations and on dose-response models used in risk assessment to extrapolate from experimental data obtained at high doses to the effects from long-term, low-level exposures. 3 references, 6 figures. (ACR)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Papers are presented under the session headings: research in mechanical fragmentation; rock characterization, remote sensing and interface detection; monitoring, data transmission and communications; tunnel boring machines; minewide monitoring and expert systems for ground control; machine guidance; shaft and raise boring; automation of drilling equipment; machine automation and control; new developments in mechanical miners; materials handling; innovative mining systems; general minewide monitoring and expert systems; ground support; human factors; and extraterrestrial mining.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Purpose: To improve the reliability of control rod drive mechanisms for use in BWR type reactors by preventing erroneous insertion of control rods caused by the increase in the coolant pressure. Constitution: A pressure-releaf valve mechanism is provided which opens its valve when a detected difference between the pressure of the coolants flowing through coolant pipeways and the reactor pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure difference. If the coolant pressure increases abnormally, coolants in the coolant pipeway are released to lower the pressure. (Aizawa, K.).

CERN Document Server

We propose a scheme able to generate stationary continuous variable entanglement between an optical and a microwave cavity mode by means of their common interaction with a micro-mechanical resonator. We show that when both cavities are intensely driven one can generate bipartite entanglement between any pair of the tripartite system, and that, due to entanglement sharing, optical-microwave entanglement is efficiently generated at the expense of microwave-mechanical and opto-mechanical entanglement.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We propose an extension of Gaussian mixture models in the statistical-mechanical point of view. The conventional Gaussian mixture models are formulated to divide all points in given data to some kinds of classes. We introduce some quantum states constructed by superposing conventional classes in linear combinations. Our extension can provide a new algorithm in classifications of data by means of linear response formulas in the statistical mechanics.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This paper discusses the mechanisms of gas breakdown at low values of pressure and inter-electrode gap, i.e. in the vicinity of the Paschen minimum. In this area of pressure and inter-electrode gap values, breakdown occurs either through gas or vacuum mechanisms, and also the so called anomalous Paschen effect appears. Electrical breakdown of electropositive, electronegative and noble gases has been investigated theoretically, experimentally and numerically. Based on the results obtained, regions in which particular breakdown mechanisms appear have been demarcated. Special attention has been devoted to the anomalous Paschen effect as well as to the avalanche vacuum breakdown mechanism.

Science.gov (United States)

A device is described for transporting loads, especially for moving belt driving stations in open pit mining operations with a propelling mechanism which for lifting a respective load is operable to move into a free space formed by the load with the ground. The device comprises a plurality of lifting mechanisms, by means of which, a lifting platform can be brought into engagement with a supporting surface of the load. The device comprises at least one supporting member which is so designed that it prevents the lifting platform from lifting off lifting mechanisms. Furthermore, means are provided which permit a turning of the lifting platform relative to the lifting mechanisms about a vertical axis which is arranged in a certain relationship to the propelling mechanism.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The mechanism of the IndolPhos-Rh-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of prochiral olefins has been investigated by means of X-ray crystal structure determination, kinetic measurements, high-pressure NMR spectroscopy, and DFT calculations. The mechanistic study indicates that the reaction follows an unsaturate/dihydride mechanism according to Michaelis-Menten kinetics. A large value of KM (KM=5.01+-0.16 M) is obtained, which indicates that the Rh-solvate complex is the catalyst resting state, which has been observed by high-pressure NMR spectroscopy. DFT calculations on the substrate-catalyst complexes, which are undetectable by experimental means, suggest that the major substrate-catalyst complex leads to the product. Such a mechanism is in accordance with previous studies on the mechanism...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The primary objective of this task was to perform a variability study of the high activity waste (HAW) acidic feed to determine the impact of feed variability on the quality of the final grout and on the mixability of the salt solution into the dry powders. The HAW acidic feeds were processed through the neutralization/pH process, targeting a final pH of 12. These fluids were then blended with the dry materials to make the final waste forms. A secondary objective was to determine if elemental substitution for cost prohibitive or toxic elements in the simulant affects the mixing response, thus providing a more economical simulant for use in full scale tests. Though not an objective, the HAW simulant used in the full scale tests was also tested and compared to the results from this task. A statistically designed test matrix was developed based on the maximum molarity inputs used to make the acidic solutions. The maximum molarity inputs were: 7.39 HNO{sub 3}, 0.11618 gallium, 0.5423 ...

Science.gov (United States)

Understanding the influence of interfacial structures on the nanoarchitecture mechanical properties is of particular importance for its mechanical applications. Due to a small size of constituting nanostructural units and a consequently high volume ratio of such interfacial regions, this question becomes crucial for the overall mechanical performance. Boron nitride bamboo-like nanotubes, called hereafter boron nitride nanobamboos (BNNBs), are composed of short BN nanotubular segments with specific interfaces at the bamboo-shaped joints. In this work, the mechanical properties of such structures are investigated by using direct in situ transmission electron microscopy tensile tests and molecular dynamics simulations. The mechanical properties and deformation behaviors are correlated with the interfacial structure under atomic resolution, and a geometry strengthening effect is clearly ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The control problem associated to a class of horizontal-axis fixed-pitch variable-speed low-power wind energy conversion systems, working in the partial load region, consisting in the energy conversion maximization, is approached here under the assumption that the wind turbine model and its parameters are poorly known. Using a new approach derived from the optimum seeking methods category, generically called Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT), the proposed control solution aims at driving the average position of the operating point near to optimality. Instead of inducing sinusoidal search signals, the wind turbulence is here used as search disturbance. The high-speed shaft's average rotational speed is slowly adjusted using the Fast Fourier Transform processing of some available measures from the system as an estimate of the operating point's position/distance to optimality. Numerical simulations are used for preliminary checking the control law ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) consists of horizontal calandria vessel containing a large number of pressure tubes (fuel channels) connected to the reactor inlet and outlet headers by individual feeders. Coolant flow distribution among the pressure tubes play a vital role in extraction of thermal power. For these reactors one of the design objectives is to achieve uniform coolant outlet temperatures by providing coolant flows according to the channel power. This is achieved by the design process known as feeder sizing. This basically consists of accounting for the individual channel power and centre line geometry of individual feeder and iteratively adjusting the feeder hydraulic resistances within the design constraints such as limiting flow velocities, channel flows. Recently, the first unit of 540 MWe i.e Tarapur Atomic Power Project (unit 4) has been commissioned. This paper discusses the verification of the coolant flow distribution in the core ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Energy savings performance contracting (ESPC) is now receiving greater attention as a means of implementing large-scale energy conservation projects in housing. Opportunities for such projects exist for military housing, federally subsidized low-income housing, and planned communities (condominiums, townhomes, senior centers), to name a few. Accurate prior (to construction) estimates of the energy savings in these projects reduce risk, decrease financing costs, and help avoid post-construction disputes over performance contract baseline adjustments. This paper demonstrates an improved method of estimating energy savings before construction takes place. Using an engineering model calibrated to pre-construction energy-use data collected in the field, this method is able to predict actual energy savings to a high degree of accuracy. This is verified with post-construction energy-use data from a geothermal heat pump ESPC at Fort Polk, Louisiana. This method also allows ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The topic of supervised learning within the conceptual framework of artificial neural network (ANN) models is addressed. An ANN is a parallel distributed processing system that consists of many computationally simple processing elements interconnected through uni-directional weighted connections. Such networks, which are roughly patterned after biological nervous systems, have been proposed for use in areas in which the traditional von Neumann computer architecture has been relatively unsuccessful. Learning in these networks is accomplished through the use of algorithms that adjust the values of the connection weights. The work presented here addresses the issue of improving the rate at which ANNs can learn to achieve the mapping of an input pattern to a desired output pattern. The most successful learning algorithms for accomplishing this task are based on gradient descent error minimization techniques. However, the large amount of training time that such ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A brief overview is given of the developments with regard to the ease of operation of water heaters in houses, in particular the option to use remote control (e.g. the telephone) to adjust the temperature. [Dutch] Woonkwaliteit betekent voor de meeste mensen een combinatie van luxe, comfort en gemak. Vertaald naar ons vakgebied, houdt dat onder andere in: luxe badkamers met bijvoorbeeld massagedouches, waarvoor grote volumestromen warmtapwater benodigd zijn, een comfortabel binnenklimaat en een stuk bedieningsgemak om een en ander te realiseren. Nu is Nederland een uitgesproken combiketel land, waarbij de ketel over het algemeen met behulp van eenvoudige (klok)thermostaten wordt geregeld. Onze Oosterburen kiezen veel vaker voor separate ketel-boilercombinaties voor een groot warmtapwater comfort en uitgebreide regelapparatuur voor de (ruimte)temperatuurregeling. Maar ook in Nederland neernt de vraag naar meer warmwater toe en worden steeds hogere eisen gesteld aan ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Since membrane structures such as domes have been constructed in snowy regions, how to dispose snow on the roof has become a big problem. In the case of disposing snow on the roof by sliding off, it is required to know the distance and range of snow dispersion after the fall from the roof from the aspect of disaster prevention. This paper describes the experimental study on the effects of snow depth, sliding distance and angle on the distance and range of snow dispersion using an outdoor apparatus to slide the snow off which can adjust the conditions for sliding. As a result, the distance of snow dispersion was influenced not only by the sliding distance and angle but also the depth (as well as the weight) of the snow. When the snow was sliding on the membrane structure, it was neccesary to consider viscostic resisting force of water between the snow and the membrane in addition to kinetic friction force. After the fall from the roof, the distance of snow ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A process and apparatus for solidifying radioactive waste liquid containing dissolved and/or suspended solids is disclosed. The process includes chemically treating for pH adjustement and precipitation of solids, concentrating solids with a thin-film evaporator to provide liquid concentrate containing about 50% solids, and drying the concentrate with heated mixing apparatus. The heated mixing apparatus includes a heated wall and working means for shearing dried concentrate from internal surfaces and subdividing dry concentrate into dry, powdery particles. The working means includes a rotor and helical means for positively advancing the concentrate and resulting dry particles from inlet to outlet of the mixing apparatus. The dry particles may also be encapsulated in a matrix material. Entrained particles in the vapor stream from the evaporator and mixer are removed in an integral particle separator and the vapor is subsequently condensed and may be recycled upstream ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper examined the potential of steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) technology for increasing productivity in the Orinoco heavy oilfields of Venezuela. A computerized simulation tool was used to generate a matrix of parameters needed to compare SAGD processes with cold production techniques in the Carabobo region of the Orinoco belt. Parameters included vertical connectivity, oil saturation, and net pay. Monte Carlo simulations and uncertainty assessments were used to generate cold production scenarios. Optimized SAGD scenarios were then designed for each case. Results of the study suggested that vertical local connectivity was an important parameter for the identification of suitable areas for EOR and SAGD. Unfavorable conditions for the application of SAGD during early production stages were identified. SAGD behaviour improved through the adjustment of injection rates during different stages of the process. It was concluded that the simulation run times ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Pattern and model makers are skilled tradespersons who may be exposed to hardwoods, softwoods, phenol-formaldehyde resin-impregnated woods, epoxy and polyester/styrene resin systems, and welding and metal-casting fumes. The relationship of respiratory symptoms (wheezing, chronic bronchitis, dyspnea) and pulmonary function (FVC% predicted, FEV1% predicted, FEV1/FVC% predicted) with interview-derived cumulative exposure estimates to specific workplace agents and to all work with wood, plastic, or metal products was investigated in 751 pattern and model makers in southeast Michigan. In stratified analyses and age- and smoking-adjusted linear and logistic regression models, measures of cumulative wood exposures were associated with decrements in pulmonary function and dyspnea, but not with other symptoms. In similar analyses, measures of cumulative plastic exposures were associated with wheezing, chronic bronchitis, and dyspnea, but not with decrements in pulmonary ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the use of local poultry by-product meal (PBM) in replacement of imported fishmeal in the diets of cobia, Rachycentron canadum. Six isolipidic (12%) and isoproteic (45%) experimental diets were formulated using PBM to replace fishmeal at 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100% dietary protein. Eleven juvenile cobia (initial mean weight of 30.7???0.78?g) were randomly stocked in 300-L circular fibreglass tanks and hand-fed based on the total biomass of each tank, twice a day at 0900?h and 1500?h. The fish were group weighed at 2-week intervals to monitor their growth performance in order to adjust the feeding ratio. At the end of the feeding trial, weight gains (WGs) ranging from 221 to 322% were obtained. The specific growth rate (SGR), WG and protein effi...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The adsorption capacity of radionuclides onto suspended sediment was experimented on each of the coastal seawater sampled around the Kori and the Wolsung nuclear power plant. During the experiment the quantity and size fraction of suspended sediment were adjusted and the seawater and sediment chemistry is approximated to the expected field condition. Because the sorption capacity depends on the specific minerals, ocean chemistry and radionuclide involved, it is necessary to analyze sediment mineralogy. Clay mineral is dominant in seabed mineral and suspended sediment as the result of x-ray diffraction. Radionuclide sorbed to silty-clay mineral can be rather transported to ocean than scavenged to seabed because of low quantity and fine grained suspended sediment in the coast around the Kori and the Wolsung. The result of adsorption examinations shows that "1"3"9Ce and "5"1Cr and "1"1"0"mAg are strongly sorbed to suspended particle, while "1"3"7Cs is less sorbed and ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A 'Laboratory of Quantitative Methods in Monument Research' is being built at the CTU Prague. Its primary orientation is the investigation of historic architecture, although other objects of art can also be investigated. In the first phase, two radiation methods are being established, but it is set up in such a way, that various other methods can readily be added in its future development. The radiation methods chosen for the initial development of the laboratory are: thermoluminescence dating and X-ray fluorescence analysis. The design of the automated TL-reader, built in our laboratories, is adjusted for the purpose of dating of historic brick architecture (which, of course, does not exclude applications for ceramics and other materials). The investigation of renaissance architecture in southern Bohemia and Moravia is under preparation as the first large campaign of this kind in the Czech Republic. Radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis has been chosen as the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The use of excitation system controls, specifically the Power System Stabilizer (PSS), to improve damping of power system oscillations and thus extend steady-state stability limits has been a subject of great interest in recent years. The desire to more fully utilize transmission capacity led to the installation of PSS controls on greater numbers of generating units to maintain stability margins. This paper addresses the tuning and adjustment of PSS controls in a two unit power plant. Both analytical studies and field test confirmations are presented. The practical difficulties of verifying the PSS control loop gain margin by testing are explored. A simplified procedure is outlined. The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), Fayette Power Project (FPP) consists of two 683.7 MVA tandem compound steam turbine driven generators. The excitation systems are of the alternator rectifier type and the PSS control utilizes shaft speed as an input signal. The units must ...