International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Target materials for inertial fusion energy (IFE) power plant designs might be selected for a wide variety of reasons including wall absorption of driver energy, material opacity, cost and ease of fabrication. While each of these issues are of great importance, target materials should also be selected based upon their safety and environmental (S and E) characteristics. The present work focuses on the recycling, waste management and accident dose characteristics of potential target materials. If target materials are recycled so that the quantity is small, isotopic separation may be economically viable. Therefore, calculations have been completed for all stable isotopes for all elements from lithium to polonium. The results of these calculations are used to identify specific isotopes and elements that are most likely to be offensive as well as those most likely to be acceptable in terms of their S and E ...

Science.gov (United States)

... east. The two most important offensives, Operation EPSOM (25 June to 1 July 1944) and Operation GOODWOOD (18 to ...

Science.gov (United States)

... (v) Import onto or keep on Wake Island any plant or animal not indigenous to the island, other than military working dogs or a guide dog for the blind or visually-impaired accompanying its owner; or (w) Import or bring onto or...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A method for the determination of different ''bare'' characteristics of the one-particle motion and one-particle basis in magic nuclei is described. The method is based on separating out the mixing with phonons from the phenomenological one-particle characteristics. By means of a generalization of the procedure for localization of the mass operator, relations linking the bare and phenomenological characteristics are obtained. The radial dependence of these characteristics in finite nuclei and the influence of the quasiparticle--phonon interaction on the phenomenological characteristics are studied. Calculations are performed for the neutrons in /sup 208/Pb.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A tutorial account is given of the main characteristics and distinctive features of conceptual magnetic fusion systems employing the magnetic mirror principle. These features are related to the potential advantages that mirror-based fusion systems may exhibit for the generation of economic fusion power.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The author attempts to calculate the absolute characteristics of explosives unrelated to the effects of environment, particularly for that part of the work of the explosion done by the expansion of the detonation products. Setting forth his equations and noting their agreement with experimental data, he concludes that for a complete characterization of the relative effectiveness of explosives it is necessary to know the pressure, mass velocity, and polytropic index of the detonation products, but that developed considerations of the relation between performance and detonation characteristics permit a more exact evaluation of various explosives and unification of the nomenclature of explosives and methods of testing them.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This report documents an analytical prediction of some of the characteristics which presently undiscovered faster-than-light sub-atomic particles (called tachyons) must possess if they are to exist without violating the Theory of Special Relativity. A brief review of necessary concepts from the Special Theory is included so that the reader might more readily understand the reasoning as it is developed. Necessary, but not all, characteristics of tachyons are then identified and presented. Finally, an interesting potential relationship between tachyons and anti-gravity is discussed.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Analytical relations are obtained for estimating how the distributions of temperature and heat flux vary along a steam-generating tube and how the steam-generator power output reduces due to formation and accumulation of deposits.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Various characteristics of F stars are described. The spectra of F stars are analyzed, and it is determined that the spectral types are based on ionization levels. The CNO cycle and rotation speeds of the stars are examined. The period-luminosity relation of pulsators is studied, and specific examples of unstable pulsators are presented.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A theoretical derivation of the intershell mass--core mass relation of Paczynski is attempted. Formulae developed by Sugimoto and Fujimoto are extended to less massive (m/sub c/< or approx. =1) cores.

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Part one of this study investigated the effect of aging on social-cognitive characteristics related to physical activity (PA) among adults in the baseline phase of a health promotion...Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In-situ compaction method is an alternative technology for the construction of a buffer at HLW final disposal. Understanding of the compaction characteristics of the proposed material is important for this method of construction. In this report, paying attention to the relation between compaction energy and the achieved maximum dry density, dynamic compaction characteristic of bentonite and silica sand mixture material is examined. (author)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A system and a related method for non-destructive evaluation of the surface characteristics of a magnetic material. The sample is excited by an alternating magnetic field. The field frequency, amplitude and offset are controlled according to a predetermined protocol. The Barkhausen response of the sample is detected for the various fields and offsets and is analyzed. The system produces information relating to the frequency content, the amplitude content, the average or RMS energy content, as well as count rate information, for each of the Barkhausen responses at each of the excitation levels applied during the protocol. That information provides a contiguous body of data, heretofore unavailable, which can be analyzed to deduce information about the surface characteristics of the material at various depths below the surface.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

RODbaffle heat exchanger is a kind of shell-and-tube heat exchanger with eminent performance. Because of the characteristics of tube bundle support structure, fluid flow on shellside is longitudinal and periodical, and fluid flow is of symmetry in landscape orientation. According to the fluid flow characteristics on shellside and ignoring the impact of inlet, outlet and shell wall, a periodic flow unit duct was taken as the simplified model of the shellside to perform numerical simulation by using CFD code, FLUENT. It was found that the both errors in magnitude of the main fluid velocities and heat transfer coefficients between results of simulation and that of experiment or correlations are less than 10%, and the errors of pressure drop between simulation and correlation are no more than 20%. The detailed characteristics and relation of fluid flow and heat transfer on shellside of the RODbaffle heat ...

CERN Document Server

Three dimensional rotatory modes of oscillations in a one-dimensional chain of rodlike charged particles or dust grains in a plasma are investigated. The dispersion characteristics of the modes are analyzed. The stability of different equilibrium orientations of the rods, phase transitions between the different equilibria, and a critical dependence on the relative strength of the confining potential are analyzed. The relations of these processes with liquid crystals, nanotubing, and plasma coating are discussed.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

An electrochemistry model was developed to analyse the J-V characteristics of a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) water electrolyzer for hydrogen production. The Butler-Volmer equation and water transport characteristics through electrolyte membrane were employed to simulate the electrode activation over-potential and membrane ohmic over-potential, respectively. The modeling results are found to agree reasonably well with experimental data published in the literature. The parametric simulations show that the ohmic over-potential is relatively small with typical water content in the membrane. Compared with the cathode over-potential, the anode over-potential is more significant and constitutes the major source of voltage loss. The high anode over-potential is due to the relatively slow oxidation kinetics, which is related to anode material property and microstructure. This model can be ...

Science.gov (United States)

This study examined the atmospheric pollution created by some waste treatment and disposal facilities in the State of Kuwait. Air monitoring was conducted in a municipal wastewater treatment plant, an industrial wastewater treatment plant established in a petroleum refinery, and at a landfill site used for disposal of solid wastes. Such plants were selected as models for waste treatment and disposal facilities in the Arabian Gulf region and elsewhere. Air measurements were made over a period of 6 months and included levels of gaseous emissions as well as concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Samples of gas and bioaerosols were collected from ambient air surrounding the treatment facilities. The results obtained from this study have indicated the presence of VOCs and other gaseous pollutants such as methane, ammonia, and hydrogen sulphide in air surrounding the waste treatment and disposal facilities. In some cases the levels exceeded the concentration limits specified by ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The fluorescence properties of protopine and allocryptopine in aqueous and organic environments are described for the first time. The fluorescence of alkaloids and their pH-dependent interconversion to cationic forms (transannular interaction) were studied using steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence techniques. For the analysis of tricyclic base and cis/trans tetracyclic cations of the alkaloids, NMR and X-ray crystallography were used. - Highlights: ? We describe fundamental fluorescence characteristics of alkaloids protopine and allocryptopine. ? We analyzed the pH-dependent transitions and cis/trans isomerization. ? These two alkaloids can be better distinguished by their fluorescence decay characteristics. ? The fluorescence parameters are related to the NMR and crystallographic structural data.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Control of pressure transients in a hydraulic system may be important and necessary to avoid failures and to improve the efficiency of operation. Flow restricting devices can result in a decrease in the peak pressure, but may change the response time. The response time has an important effect on both operator and operator perceived smoothness. The response time should correspond to how fast a system responds to a given disturbance at the system boundary. Occasionally the appropriate response time is not easily determined. This study is on the response time characteristics in the hydraulic system studied for the control of response time.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The relationship between coal properties and liquefaction or gasification characteristics was analyzed by using the analysis and test results and liquefaction characteristics in the coal data base. On liquefaction reaction, the close relation between an oil yield and coal constituent composition or a coal rank is well-known. Various multivariable regression analyses were conducted by using 6 factors as variables such as calorific value, volatile component, O/C and H/C atomic ratios, exinite+vitrinite content and vitrinite reflectance, and liquefaction characteristics as variate. On liquefaction characteristics, the oil yield of dehydrated and deashed coals, asphaltene yield, hydrogen consumption, produced water and gas quantities, and oil+asphaltene yield were predicted. The theoretical gasification efficiency of each specimen was calculated to evaluate the liquefaction reaction ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

In the United States, approximately 20% of all workers who died on the job in 2007 were foreign-born. The objective of this study was to describe trends in occupational fatalities among foreign-born workers. An analysis of fatal injuries among foreign-born workers in the US occurring from 1992 through 2007 was conducted using the Bureau of Labor Statistics? Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries. Individual characteristics, employment characteristics, injury events and industry employment were summarized and evaluated for trends. Both the number and proportion of foreign-born workers who died from a traumatic work-related injury increased substantially over the time period studied. The proportion who were men, aged 25?44?years, Hispanic, non self-employed, employed by business establishment...

Science.gov (United States)

This instructional unit is one of 10 developed by students on various energy-related areas that deals specifically with fireplaces and fuels. Its objective is for the student to be able to discuss the structural design, operation, and efficiency of fireplaces and characteristics of different fireplace fuels. Some topics covered are fuels, elements of the fire triangle, factors relating to high efficiency of masonry fireplaces, uses of grates and chimney, heat recovery, and prefabricated and free standing fireplaces. Materials in each unit may include some or all of the following: terminal and specific objectives, list of references, information sheet with terms and definitions, informative materials, transparency masters, assignment sheet(s), and unit test with answers. (YLB)

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The thermodynamic characteristics of adsorption on the surface of graphitized thermal carbon black at 300 K were determined by the molecular statistical method for three phenylalklylamines. The influence of the intramolecular H-bond on the conformation of the molecules compared with structurally related n-alkyl-benzenes was considered. It was shown that the conformations of the molecules could influence chromatographic retention. Conformational isomers stabilized by intramolecular H-bonds were found to retain their structure in adsorption on graphitized thermal carbon black.

Science.gov (United States)

An original method is proposed for ensuring time-invariant (stationary) interior ballistic parameters in the postprojectile space of a gun barrel. Stationarity of the parameters is achieved by investing the solid-propellant charge with highly original structures that produce the required pressure condition and linear growth of the projectile velocity. Simple relations are obtained for calculating the principal characteristics.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This book comprises an up-to-date description of the astrophysical characteristics of the sun, including modern techniques used in solar research. Provides an historical background of solar research and techniques and covers the necessary astrophysics for solar studies, energy generation in the interior, the convection zone, the non- thermally heated layers, and solar wind are described in detail. Also considers the sun in relation to other stars, including information on its variable outputs of light, charged particles, and fields.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Stylized numerical models of the tooth are usually employed in qualification procedure related to Electronic Paramagnetic Resonance in long-term accidental contamination dose reconstruction. In this work a voxel model was developed from the microCT image data set of a human non contaminated molar tooth. A stylized model, reproducing the characteristics of the voxel model, was also created in order to investigate the level of accuracy that can be obtained in this kind of study.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A model of heterogeneous mechanism of nucleation on impurity particles in a fluid volume is proposed. The particle spectrum is reproduced by solving the ''inverse'' problems on stationary outflow of a boiling parahydrogen with the use of experimental data of authors. A relation for a closure of the equation system describing a non-equilibrium outflow is obtained. It is shown that within the investigated parameter range one manages to calculate the characteristics of a stationary outflow with a satisfactory accuracy.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper shows the characteristics of the fertilizer production park of the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, mainly in the aspects of energy consumption and energy sources used in the production process of the various kinds of fertilizers and by-products. A scenario including the fertilizer production evolution was made, relating this future production with the future energy consumption of this sector. 7 figs., 2 tabs.

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

A field study was conducted under commercial feedlot conditions at 2 sites in western Canada to determine the relative effects of a univalent viral vaccine (MLV 1) program versus a multivalent viral...Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In this work we present the electrical characterization of non self-aligned p-channel thin film transistors fabricated by using laser doping technique for source/drain contact formation and gate oxide deposited at room temperature by Electron Cyclotron Resonance Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapour Deposition. These techniques are suitable for a very low temperature process for TFT fabrication. The output characteristics show a current increase at high drain voltage ('kink' effect) rather moderate, if compared to self aligned polysilicon TFTs, probably due to the gradual doping profile induced by laser doping process. After bias stress at low gate voltage and high drain voltage condition a strong reduction of kink current has been observed in the output characteristics at high drain voltage, whereas minor changes has been observed in the transfer characteristics. This behaviour is similar to what observed in ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The passive films formed on iron metal, alloys or stainless steel are extremely thin oxides or hydroxides and possess the properties of high chemical stability in the environment. These films show characteristics interested both electrical as well as electrochemical point of view due to the thin thickness of the films. Auger Electron Spectroscopy, X-ray Photoelectron spectroscopy and so on which are the conventional electrochemical measurement methods or the surface analysis methods are used for the analysis and evaluation of these films, however, at present, the application of research technique focusing the superconductor characteristics of the films are tried. Although, the potential modulation reflection spectroscopy method has merits like possibility of in-situ measurement, high precision, possibility of stable analysis even for extremely thin film and so forth, it has also demerits like difficulty to response the potential modulation of ...

Science.gov (United States)

This study was performed to assess the possibility that patient age may independently affect improvements in health-related quality of life following percutaneous coronary intervention. One hundred five patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention at a single tertiary referral center between January 10, 2001 and January 6, 2002 were enrolled and prospectively evaluated. Health-related quality of life was assessed before and 1 year following percutaneous coronary intervention using Short Form-12 and the Seattle Angina Questionnaire. For the purpose of analysis, patients were divided according to age (younger than 60, 60-70, and older than 70 years). One hundred patients (95%) completed both questionnaires. Baseline characteristics among the age groups were similar in terms of gender, cardiac risk factors, and procedural details. All health-related quality-of-life indices demonstrated ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Summary The aim of this cross-sectional study was to find possible relationships between insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), adipocytokines (leptin and adiponectin) and twitch contraction (TC) characteristics of the knee extensor (KE) muscles in healthy physically active postmenopausal women (n = 28, 64-78 years old). We hypothesized that IGF-1 is related at least to isometric TC peak torque (Pt) as the highest value of isometric torque production and maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) torque, and there will not be any relationships between TC characteristics and leptin and adiponectin. During the measurement of MVC torque and twitch contractile properties of KE muscles, the subjects sat in a custom-made dynamometric chair with the knee and hip angles equal to 90degree and 100degree, re...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nanometer Ce-W composite materials have been prepared by the method of freeze-drying. Microstructure and surface properties of materials were investigated by SEM and 'in situ' AES and emission characteristics have been determined. It is found that the nanometer materials have relatively small crystal particles with average dimensions in the order of 50 nm. Due to the results of matrix analysis, the cerium in the materials is uniformly distributed on submicron scale, which proves that the diffusion ability of cerium has been increased. Under high temperature, the active layer on the surface thickens simultaneously with the increase of cerium and oxygen. As a result, nanometer Ce-W materials exhibit excellent emission characteristics compared with those of micron-sized Ce-W materials.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The behaviour of the wave function of the universe under the barrier for the anisotropic cosmological Bianchi type-IX model taking account of the scalar field is explored. In view of the known difficulties with the interpretation of multidimensional ones is offered. For this purpose in the frameworks of the semiclassical approach the system of characteristics equations relative to one variable is written out. This system describes a bundle of the characteristics along which the multidimensional problem is reduced to a one-dimensional one that allows to utilize the standard interpretation of the wave function as well as the usual Schroedinger equation. The obtained results for the Bianchi type-IX model are reduced to the following statement: the universe tunnels through the barrier from an isotropic state with small anisotropy that is necessary for providing a ling-lived inflation to derive the universe.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

A new stem cell-scaffold construct based on poly-l-lactide (PLLA) nanofibers grafted with collagen (PLLA-COL) and cord blood-derived unrestricted somatic stem cells (USSC) were proposed to hold promising characteristics for bone tissue engineering. Fabricated nanofibers were characterized using SEM, ATR-FTIR, tensile and contact angle measurements. The capacity of PLLA, plasma-treated PLLA (PLLA-pl) and PLLA-COL scaffolds to support proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of USSC was evaluated using MTT assay and common osteogenic markers such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, calcium mineral deposition and bone-related genes. All three scaffolds showed nanofibrous and porous structure with suitable physical characteristics. Higher proliferation and viability of USSC was observe...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Plasma Technologies in Institute of Plasma Physics of the NSC KIPT are recently developed in the following directions. Material surfaces modification under their irradiation with pulsed plasma streams of different working gases. Besides traditional analysis of improvements of tribological characteristics and structural-phase changes of the modified layers recently we started investigations of material corrosions characteristic improvement under influence of pulsed plasma on the material surfaces. As to the surface coatings in arc discharges of Bulat type devices, new trends are related with multi-layers coatings, using Ti-AI-N coatings in cutting tools, using high frequency discharges or combined HF- and arc discharges for increasing the nomenclature of goods to be coated. Development of ozonators is respectively new area for IPP NSC KIPT. On the base of barrier high-frequency discharge there were developed a number of high ...

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

This paper analyses the relationship between production subsidies and firms" export performance using a very comprehensive and recent firm-level database and controlling for the endogeneity of subsidies. It documents robust evidence that production subsidies stimulate export activity at the intensive margin, although this effect is conditional on firm characteristics. In particular, the positive relationship between subsidies and the intensive margin of exports is strongest among profit-making firms, firms in capital-intensive industries, and those located in non-coastal regions. Compared to firm characteristics, the extent of heterogeneity across ownership structure (SOEs, collectives, and privately owned firms) proves to be relatively less important

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The published literature is reviewed and supplemented by current information from the author's laboratory, to show the influence of various compositional, heat treatment and thermomechanical factors on the structural characteristics of Alloy 800. The features discussed include carbon, aluminium, titanium and boron, solution treatment, ageing treatments with and without applied strain, and cold working. Examples of the aspects reviewed include the effect of heat treatment and service or testing temperature on the austenite grain size, and the relative importance of M_2_3C_6 and TiC, the influence of carbon level on gamma prime, the effect of residual or steady stress combined with time at temperature on changes in carbide or gamma prime morphology, and on the appearance of sigma or other intermetallic phases. The questions posed by these features are discussed generally, in terms of their effect on the mechanical properties at ambient and ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The augmentation of the heat transfer by inserting different type turbulators into the channels is the conventional passive enhancement method. The coiled wire is one of the common heat transfer enhancement devices. These turbulators generate almost-periodic vortices into the flow while increasing the heat transfer rate. In this study, the properties of these vortices (i.e. the vortex shedding frequency and amplitudes of the pressure fluctuations of the vortices), flow (vortex)-acoustic coupling and the relation between entropy generation and vortex characteristics were investigated experimentally. Strouhal-Re-N_s_,_a and P_r_m_s-Re-N_s_,_a variations were presented graphically. It was observed that as the pitch increases, the vortex shedding frequencies decrease and the maximum amplitudes of pressure fluctuation of vortices produced by coiled wire turbulators occur with small pitches. In addition, the effects of the turbulators on the heat ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nine coals from Spanish, British, German and American mining basins were hydrogenated using Fe catalyst precursors (red mud and FeSO{sub 4}), without solvent at 300, 350, and 400 {degree}C and 10 MPa of H{sub 2}. Overall conversion and product distribution are related to the textural characteristics of the original coals and are studies throughout the distinct hydrogenation processes. Results reveal that with FeSO{sub 4} as a catalyst precursor, conversions increase with coal surface area. However, when red mud (RM) is used, conversions are independent of coal textural characteristics. Higher conversions are obtained with FeSO{sub 4} than with RM at 300 and 350 {degree}C whereas at 400 {degree}C higher conversions are obtained with RM. This different catalytic activity is also reflected in the changes of the textural characteristics observed in each case. Up to 350 {degree}C, the residues from FeSO{sub ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The dosimetric characteristics for a new brachytherapy seed source (I-Plant"T"M model 3600) were measured using LiF thermoluminescent dosimeters and appropriate phantom materials in conformance with the methodology and guidance provided by the AAPM Task Group 43. The I-Plant"T"M model 3600 is the successor to the I-Plant"T"M model 3500. The major difference between these sources is that the model 3600 contains a leaded-glass core to provide radio-opacity (while the model 3500 contains a silver core), which does not produce spectral contamination upon neutron activation. The dose rate constant #LAMBDA# for the model 3600 was determined to be 1.00 Gy h"-"1 U"-"1 (with a 6% overall relative standard deviation), compared to 1.01 cGy h"-"1 U"-"1 reported for the model 3500 in previous studies. The remaining dosimetric characteristics also are similar for both sources.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This report discusses the development of transition metal oxide semiconductors for photoelectrolysis of water. More specifically, it involves preparation of TiO/sub 2/ films by sputtering and evaluating their physicochemical characteristics primarily as they relate to the behaviour of the films as photoanodes. Impedance, photoelectrochemical, and photoconduction properties of TiO/sub 2/ films sputtered in pure O/sub 2/ onto heated substrates have been determined as a function of O/sub 2/ pressure during sputtering, film thickness, Pt overcoating, and cathodic treatment. The capacitance data before cathodic treatment are of the form expected. The capacitance is essentially independent of potential, while for potentials increasingly cathodic of this value, the capacitance increases very rapidly. Cathodic treatment alters the impedance characteristics of the films but leads to either no detectible change in their ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hemodynamic characteristics were studied by using in vivo vascular imaging techniques in 17 resected early stage hepatocellular carcinoma (e-HCC) by comparing them with 49 resected advanced HCCs (ad-HCC) less than 3 cm in diameter. In this study, e-HCC was defined as the nodule being uniformly composed of well-differentiated HCC or adenomatous hyperplastic nodule containing well-differentiated HCC foci within the nodule. In vivo vascular imaging techniques are as follows; US angiography with intraarterial CO{sub 2} microbubbles were performed to assess the tumor arterial vascularity, and CT during arterial portography (CTAP) was performed to assess the portal perfusion within the nodule. Of 17 e-HCC nodules 5 were hypervascular, 5 were isovascular, 4 were hypovascular, and 3 were vascular spot in hypovascular pattern in contrast to 49 ad-HCC nodules, 43 of which were hypervascular and 6 were isovascular. Of 14 e-HCCs, 9 nodules showed perfusion defect and 5 did not ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors that affect the adoption of cloud computing by firms belonging to the high-tech industry. The eight factors examined in this study are relative advantage, complexity, compatibility, top management support, firm size, technology readiness, competitive pressure, and trading partner pressure. Design/methodology/approach - A questionnaire-based survey was used to collect data from 111 firms belonging to the high-tech industry in Taiwan. Relevant hypotheses were derived and tested by logistic regression analysis. Findings - The findings revealed that relative advantage, top management support, firm size, competitive pressure, and trading partner pressure characteristics have a significant effect on the adoption of cloud computing...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The possibilities of using both selective heavy ion induced X-ray emission and secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS), for the identification of impurities present at low concentrations in cadmium telluride are examined. The relative concentrations of the impurities along CdTe crystals have been determined by exciting the X-ray emission of the elements in several slices with Ar and Kr ions and by comparing the relative characteristic X-ray emission yields. As a consequence of the quasimolecular inner shell ionization mechanism in heavy ion-atom collisions, Ar and Kr ions allow a strong excitation of the main impurities seen by SIMS namely Si, Cl and Ge, As, with only a minor contribution of Cd and Te. From the changes of the concentrations of the various impurities along the crystal, informations about segregation coefficients and compensation can be obtained.

Science.gov (United States)

A theory for the mass transfer process was developed. It was assumed that the largest convective motions in the flow control the rate of mass transfer. Measurements of mass transfer coefficients for the absorption of oxygen by water films were made for concurrent flows in a horizontal rectangular channel, and for concurrent and free-falling downflow in a one-inch pipe. The measured values of the Sherwood number for concurrent flows were up to three times as great as would be predicted from this relation. This increase in Sherwood number was correlated with a dimensionless group similar to a Martinelli parameter which is characteristic of two phase flows. An explanation for this effect is given in terms of the way that the scales of the convective motions are related to bulk flow parameters.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The passive films formed on 316L stainless steel in various NaCl solutions have been investigated by capacitance measurements (Mott-Schottky). Pitting parameters have been determined using the galvano-kinetic polarisation method. The obtained results reveal the existence of a shallow and a deep donor level localised in the band gap of the semiconducting oxide film. These energy levels are due to iron ions in the tetrahedral and octahedral positions. It also appears that the participation of the deep donor level effects the electric field. The study developed allows us to compare characteristic parameters of the electronic structure of the passive film to those related to pitting susceptibility. (authors) 25 refs.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Up to 90% of the life time of cyclically loaded components is determined by short crack initiation and propagation. This stage of the fatigue damage process is strongly influenced by microstructural features, e.g. grain boundaries and crystallographic grain orientation. Therefore LEFM can not be applied in a reasonable manner explaining the demand for a mechanism-related modelling method. The present study deals with mechanical testing and microstructural examinations applied to the relatively new #beta#-titanium alloy LCB. The results are used as data base to develop a new short crack model that is based on the model of Navarro and de los Rios. By using various techniques such as electron back-scattered diffraction and finite-element calculations the origin of crack initiation is revealed and the characteristics of crack propagation is determined. (orig.)

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Data were collected on 154 adoptive families with gay/lesbian and straight adoptive parents (154 parent respondents and 210 adolescent respondents). This study was principally interested in factors affecting adolescent attachment including parent sexual orientation, adolescent and parent life satisfaction, and parent level of relationship satisfaction with their adopted child as well as other key parent, child and adoption characteristics. The results suggest that higher level of adopted adolescent attachment to parents is not related to adoptive parent sexual orientation. Adolescent attachment to parents is related to adolescent life satisfaction; parent level of relationship satisfaction with their adopted child, number of placements prior to adoption, and adolescent's current age. Adole...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This paper shows how molecular theory paves the way for accelerated aging tests of safety-related equipment in nuclear power plants, as required by NRC qualification programs. Arrhenius' model, based on an equation, provides useful information regarding the extent of molecular change as a function of time and temperature. Critical to determining the aging characteristics and qualified life of organic materials is the activation energy concept, which is derived from information gathered when the molecular reaction of the material is documented over the entire life cycle. In accelerated-aging applications, the importance of the model lies in characterizing the chemical related reactions of materials. The problem with the Arrhenius approach is that, in generating a testing period of reasonable duration, a rather high test temperature must be selected which may lead to an added and unrelated environmental effect.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A brief overview is given of the geological characteristics of each region of the state as they relate to potential geothermal development. Those exploration methods which can lead to the siting of a deep exploration well are described. Requirements and techniques needed for drilling deeper higher temperature exploration and production wells are presented. Electrical generation, direct utilization, and indirect utilization are reviewed. Economic factors of direct use projects are presented. A general guide to the regulatory framework affecting geothermal energy development is provided. The general steps necessary to gain access to explore, develop, distribute, and use geothermal resources are outlined. (MHR)

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision is the terminal degree in the field of counselor education within the U.S. The authors surveyed CACREP-accredited doctoral programs to assess department characteristics, clinical experience and credentials, research experience, and the admission, retention, and evaluation of students. Results indicated that the PhD was a preferable degree to other degree offerings. Programs were found to be diverse in their policies and procedures relating to admissions and retention, time to complete the program, and student expectations. International students and faculty representation was found to be sparse in CACREP-doctoral programs. Implications for future research and practice are offered.

Science.gov (United States)

A previous paper introduced the use of wave digital filters as a basic building block for power system simulation, particularly suitable for real-time applications. This paper stresses the simulation of non-linear and switching elements, emphasizing the advantages of the wave filters implementation. The digital structure is maintained even when non-linear components change their characteristics or power electronic devices switch their states. As a very important by-product, the suppression of numerical oscillations related to the trapezoidal rule is achieved in a rather simple way, with no effects on simulation results.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Indoor radon is a potential health hazard for the general public, especially in buildings with poor ventilation. A variety of dosemeters have been developed and used in surveys of radon concentration measurements. In this article the passive dosemeters which are based on solid state nuclear track detectors are reviewed. The principle of passive dosimetry and the factors affecting their performance are discussed. The characteristics of SSNTD materials in relation to their behaviour under different environmental conditions are tabulated and discussed. Results of radon surveys from selected studies are also presented. (Author).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The problem of thermal instability of compressible, electrically conducting couple-stress fluids in the presence of a uniform magnetic field is considered. Following the linearized stability theory and normal mode analysis, the dispersion relation is obtained. For stationary convection, the compressibility, couple-stress, and magnetic field postpone the onset of convection. Graphs have been plotted by giving numerical values of the parameters to depict the stability characteristics. The principle of exchange of stabilities is found to be satisfied. The magnetic field introduces oscillatory modes in the system that were non-existent in its absence. The case of overstability is also studied wherein a sufficient condition for the non-existence of overstability is obtained. (orig.)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The report is divided into three sections. The first section contains a general introduction to ion exchange resins used in various processes, the second section describes characteristic properties of the polymer materials and the inter relation between them. This will, in turn, be useful to interpret the data obtained from the various tests carried out on the resins in the laboratory. In the third section of the report, are given the details of each method used for a particular test to be carried out on a routine basis. Each method describes the principle involved, the reagents and apparatus used in the experiment, the actual procedure and calculations and recording of the data. 3 refs. (author).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We describe a position-sensitive event-counting microchannel plate detector with a quadrant anode readout system that combines the advantages of several centroid-finding readout techniques. The relative amount of charge collected by each quadrant of the anode mounted behind the output side of the microchannel plate is used to localize each event. The position-sensitive area is about 80% of the active microchannel plate surface. By changing a single voltage a remote-controlled image magnification can be achieved. Due to a correction function that minimizes image distortions the imaging characteristics of this low-cost readout system are similar to those of expensive resistive anodes.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The formation of the ions charge and energy distributions of the ions slowed down or randomly changing their charge in the collisions with the medium particles are studied. The effect of the ions dispersion by the charge on the Bragg curve form is investigated. The proposed diffusion approximation for the heavy ions kinetic equation makes it possible to determine simply the parameters of the ions distribution by charge and energy on the whole way of the ions motion. The relation between the ions charge distribution characteristics and the cross sections of the ionization-recombination processes is indicated. The ions distributions, calculated in the proposed analytical model, are compared with the results of the numerical calculations. Good agreement between the analytical, numerical and experimental results is obtained

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The bibliography contains citations concerning the properties, industrial uses and federal regulation of asbestos. The references explore advantages and disadvantages associated with use of industrial robots in areas containing high concentrations of asbestos dust, the use of water as a cutting tool to control the generation of asbestos dust, and governmental policies and attitudes relative to the health and welfare of workers subjected to asbestos. Thermal insulation properties, wear characteristics, high temperature capabilities, use as a reinforcement in composite materials, and asbestos substitutes are included. (Contains a minimum of 69 citations and includes a subject term index and title list.)

Science.gov (United States)

We describe a position-sensitive event-counting microchannel plate detector with a quadrant anode readout system that combines the advantages of several centroid-finding readout techniques. The relative amount of charge collected by each quadrant of the anode mounted behind the output side of the microchannel plate is used to localize each event. The position-sensitive area is about 80% of the active microchannel plate surface. By changing a single voltage a remote-controlled image magnification can be achieved. Due to a correction function that minimizes image distortions the imaging characteristics of this low-cost readout system are similar to those of expensive resistive anodes.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The scope and contents investigate and reviewed are as follows : establishment of study plan and references survey, review of related problems and inservice test standards of safety injection pump in use nuclear power plant, review of the study results in laboratory, the theoretical investigation of temperature rise according to mini-flow rate of pump, mini-flow rate working characteristics of high and low pressure injection pumps at nuclear power plants, setup of testing equipment for measuring ampere, discharge pressure and vibration, selection and behaviors analysis of major parameters concerning pump degradation.

Science.gov (United States)

Delusional beliefs are characteristic of psychosis and, of the delusions, the paranoid delusion is the single most common type associated with psychosis. The many years of research focused on neurocognition in schizophrenia, using standardized neurocognitive tests, have failed to find conclusive cognitive deficits in relation to positive symptoms. However, UK-based psychological research has identified sociocognitive anomalies in relation to paranoid thinking in the form of theory of mind (ToM), causal reasoning and threat-related processing anomalies. Drawing from recent neuroscientific research on the default mode network, this paper asserts that the common theme running through the psychological tests that are sensitive to the cognitive impairment of paranoia is the need to cognitively project the self through time, referred to as mental time travel. Such an understanding of the cognitive roots of ...

Science.gov (United States)

Background: In order to reconceptualize somatoform disorders (SFDs), the psychological characteristics of SFD patients are increasingly investigated. The cognitive style of magical thinking (MT) has not been studied so far in patients with SFDs. Sampling and Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 201 allergy workup patients were interviewed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV; they answered a set of self-report questionnaires including the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire subscale for MT and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ). The expression of MT was explored in 61 patients with SFDs compared to 140 patients without SFDs. Results: Patients with SFDs reached higher scores of MT, also when controlled for gender, depression, and anxiety. In particular, they stated more frequently that they were believers in telepathy (64 vs. 44%) and clairvoyance (43 vs. 16%). MT correlated only weakly with somatization/somatic symptom severity, depression, and ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The genetic type, source and charging history of natural gas in the Yulin gas field in the Ordos Basin have been studied by combining the carbon isotopic composition of natural gas and geochemical characteristics of light hydrocarbons with carbon isotope fractionation model results and fluid inclusion analysis. The carbon isotopic composition of methane and ethane in the Yulin gas field is relatively enriched in ^1^3C with d^1^3C1 values ranging from -35.3%% to -29.8%% (average value=-32.4%%) and d^1^3C2 ranging from -26.3%% to -23.5%% (average value=-24.8%%). The C7 light hydrocarbons are predominated by methylcyclohexane, accounting for 65.8% to 80.9% (average value=71.6%), which is characteristic of coal-derived gas. Furthermore, the gas geochemistry indicates that, although marine lime...

CERN Document Server

Context. Study of open clusters is important not only for learning properties of these objects but also for understanding the process of formation and evolution of stars and the Milky Way. Aims. The paper contains determination of the global (geometrical and physical) characteristics of a large sample of Galactic open clusters from homogeneous near-infrared photometric data and analysis of mutual relations between those characteristics. Methods. The near-infrared JHK photometric data from the 2-Micron All Sky Survey were used to determine new coordinates of the centres, angular sizes and radial density profiles of 849 open clusters in the MilkyWay. Additionally, for 754 of these clusters age, reddening, distance and linear sizes were also derived. The sample contains 140 open clusters which have not been studied before. Results. The analysed sample contains open clusters with ages in the range from 7 Myr to 10 Gyr. The ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The characteristic space-time scales of surface solar radiation fields measured by the 111-instrument ME-SONET in Oklahoma are estimated after removal of the diurnal cycle. These estimates of {open_quotes}within-day{close_quotes} are used to deduce the representativeness of surface solar radiation measurements measurement site as a function of time-averaging interval. Nomograms of the relation between point measurements and area averages are given for different space-time-averaging intervals. Examples from the nomograms show, for instance, that under conditions of low mean radiation (cloudy days), the central site point measurements are representative of a spatial area the size of a T42 GCM grid box (280 km X 280 km) if one uses hourly averages and is willing to accept a correlation of 0.45 between area average and point measurement. The point data represent a 60 km X 60 km region at a 0.90 correlation level if a 5-min time average is used. The ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The humidification dehumidification desalination process is viewed as a promising technique for small capacity production plants. The process has several attractive features, which include operation at low temperature, ability to utilize sustainable energy sources, i.e. solar and geothermal, and requirements of low technology level. This paper evaluates the characteristics of the humidification dehumidification desalination process as a function of operating conditions. A small capacity experimental system is used to evaluate the process characteristics as a function of the flow rate of the water and air streams, the temperature of the water stream and the temperature of the cooling water stream. The experimental system includes a packed humidification column, a double pipe glass condenser, a constant temperature water circulation tank and a chiller for cooling water. The water production is found to depend strongly on the hot water ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Engineering materials for use in low heat rejection engines are required to function under stringent tribological conditions. Severe wear damage and high friction between the components of the tribosystem limit the number of potential materials suitable for such application conditions. The superalloys X-750 and 188 are composed of alloying elements that not only promote a high mechanical and chemical stability but may also result in a reduced wear rate and friction coefficient at elevated temperatures. As a part of the DOE-ECUT Tribology program at Argonne, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the tribological characteristics of these alloys that will also be utilized as the substrates for ion beam deposited lubricous coatings. A wear test rig that crudely simulated the sliding conditions between a piston ring and a cylinder liner in an operating engine was utilized for friction and wear studies. The test results indicated that the wear and friction ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In the framework of the development of burnup calculation method for commercial fast reactors, a sensitivity analysis was carried out to clarify the dependence of fuel burnup characteristics on nuclear data libraries (NDLs). The following NDLs were compared: JEF-2.2, ENDF/B-VI Release 5, JENDL-3.2 and JENDL-3.3. The NDL-dependence of material balance for main heavy metal nuclides ("2"3"5U, "2"3"8U, "2"3"9Pu, "2"4"0Pu and "2"4"1Pu) was small, since the number densities at the end of one-cycle burnup did not change over 1 or 2% among the above-mentioned libraries. Relatively large differences were found for minor actinide nuclides, especially for "2"3"6U, "2"3"7Np, "2"4"2"mAm, "2"4"3Am and curium isotopes. The number densities for these nuclides after burning up showed remarkable NDL-dependence over 5% through 50%. A burnup sensitivity analysis system based on the generalized perturbation theory enabled us to find out quantitatively the causative ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Summary - Hydraulic traits were studied in temperate, woody evergreens in a high-elevation heath community to test for trade-offs between the delivery of water to canopies at rates sufficient to sustain photosynthesis and protection against disruption to vascular transport caused by freeze-thaw-induced embolism. - Freeze-thaw-induced loss in hydraulic conductivity was studied in relation to xylem anatomy, leaf- and sapwood-specific hydraulic conductivity and gas exchange characteristics of leaves. - We found evidence that a trade-off between xylem transport capacity and safety from freeze-thaw-induced embolism affects photosynthetic activity in overwintering evergreens. The mean hydraulically weighted xylem vessel diameter and sapwood-specific conductivity correlated with susceptibility to...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Climate change and limited primary energy resources require indigenous renewable electricity generation options to change the current coal-dominated power source matrix in China. The wind power is such a solution for the above challenges, and it still has large space for improvement in China. In this paper several critical factors related to Chinese wind power were studied in details, including the wind resources, the wind turbine industry and the policies from the Chinese government. Based on the study, the perspective of wind power in China was discussed. With outstanding advantages, the offshore wind power has a bright future in China, so its main characteristics are discussed. Based on the discussions, suggestions were given to improve the development of Chinese wind power, and the government's further measures are also recommended. (author)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A series of six transient tests was performed on FFTF irradiated fuel pins to demonstrate their transient performance capability. The tests were performed in the TREAT reactor using sodium loops and instrumented test trains. The TEMECH computer code was used to design overpower transients which would simulate FFTF fuel pin thermal conditions during slow and fast unprotected transients. Some tests were run to substantial overpower levels but terminated prior to fuel pin failure, while other tests were intentionally extended to fuel failure to establish failure thresholds and characteristics. Post-test examination data provided significant cladding strain and fuel melting information used for performance code calibration and validation. These data showed that cladding damage caused by fuel melting is related to the steady state condition of the fuel.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Reactor Power Measurement is an essential part of the Reactor Power Control Loop in PHWRs. None of the available power measuring sensor offers characteristics which allow their direct use in the Reactor Power Control Loop. Thermal power, which is considered as relatively accurate, suffers from measurement delays and is used only as reference. Neutronic power sensors like Ion Chambers and Self Powered Neutron Detectors (SPNDs) which sense instantaneous power suffer from inaccuracies. A technique is required which makes use of both types-reference power and instantaneous power to extract real power information from the signals. This paper describes techniques to calibrate (correct) neutronic power that with the thermal reference power signals. The paper also brings out limitation of the calibration technique. (author)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

We report on the discovery of kinematic shock signatures associated with a localized radio jet interaction in the merging Seyfert galaxy NGC 5929. We explore the velocity-dependent ionization structure of the gas and find that low-ionization gas at the interaction site is significantly more disturbed than high-ionization gas, which we attribute to a local enhancement of shock ionization due to the influence of the jet. The characteristic width of the broad low-ionization emission is consistent with shock velocities predicted from the ionization conditions of the gas. We interpret the relative prominence of shocks to the high density of gas in the nuclear environment of the galaxy and place some constraints of their importance as feedback mechanisms in Seyferts.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The influence of 3d-transition metal impurities on the superconducting properties of the A-15 compounds V_3Si and V_3Ga have been investigated. In the case of V_3Si, the Fe impurities replacing V were found to have a local moment. A compensation effect was found in this case, resulting in a 20KOe increase in the upper critical field at dilute concentrations of Fe. It was demonstrated that long range order V_3Ga possessed higher transition temperature and upper critical field than found hitherto. Investigations on Nb_3Ge/sub 1-x/Ga/sub x/ films obtained by chemical vapor deposition has clearly shown the relation between the transition temperature and structural characteristics. The influence of generalized defects on the superconducting properties in A-15 type Nb_3X compounds has been discussed.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A sialon sintering product of the present invention comprises #beta#'-sialon grains and less than 2vol% of a grain boundary phase, and a relative density of the sintering product is greater than 98%. It exhibits a high temperature strength of greater than 500Mpa at 650degC and shows such high corrosion resistances that the reduction of the volume due to corrosion is less than 0.5mg/cm"2 in a liquid sodium immersion test, and the corrosion of the grain boundary is not observed. Accordingly, there can be provided a sialon sintering product excellent in corrosion resistance in a liquid sodium circumstance while keeping the high temperature strength as an excellent characteristic of the sialon sintering product. (T.M.).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Currently the construction of small-scale hydroelectric and pumped storage plants is booming in the USA. The technology is attractive because of its relatively cheap construction methods and operation. Electric utilities are seeing it as a viable source of peaking power and a means of system regulation. Two schemes are described. One is a high-head/small flow river project designed to generate 3.5 MW and is about to come on line having overcome tight environmental and commercial constraints. The second is a pumped-storage project using two man-made reservoirs with an average elevation difference of 1280 ft. It is deemed to be of minimum environmental impact construction and good physical characteristics. Completion is hoped for by 1995 and the plant will deliver 1000 MW. (UK)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Developing models for the electrical behavior of exploding bridgewire circuits requires high-quality data of a type not usually generated in routine tests of detonator hardware. To obtain a precise measurement of the time of bridgewire burst relative to current start, one must simultaneously record the current, i, and either di/dt or the voltage across the bridgewire. To fully develop and test a model it is also necessary to vary the bridgewire cross sections and geometry, firing circuit characteristics and charging voltage for the firing circuits over as wide a range as possible. As a part of developing an electrical model for aluminum and copper bridgewires, we have conducted parameter studies on some flat copper and aluminum bridgewires. Most of the work was done on aluminum bridgewires, with a few experiments on copper. We will report the experimental results from these studies and compare them with model predictions.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The factors influencing premixed burning and the importance of premixed burning on the exhaust emissions from a small high-speed direct-injection diesel engine were investigated. The characteristics of premixed and diffusion burning were examined using a single-zone heat-release analysis. The mass of fuel burned in premixed combustion was found to be linearly related to the product of engine speed and ignition-delay time and to be essentially independent of the total amount of fuel injected. Accordingly, the premixed-burned fraction increased with increasing engine speed, with decreasing fuel-air ratio and with retarding injection timing. The hydrocarbon emissions did not correlate well with the premixed-burned fraction. In contrast, the oxides of nitrogen emissions were found to increase with decreasing premixed-burned fraction, indicating that diffusion burning, and not premixed burning, is the primary source of oxides of nitrogen emissions.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A composite material consisting of WC-Co particles in a steel matrix was fabricated by sintering mixtures of WC-Co particles and a steel powder and infiltrating the sintered pieces with a copper alloy. Its wear resistance and mechanical properties were studied as a function of the content in WC-Co particles and other characteristics of the composite material microstructure. Infiltration provided a simple means to obtain a strong cohesion between WC-Co particles and the steel matrix. An effective matrix protection against wear is obtained with relatively low additions of particles especially with a silica abrasive which is soft with respect to cemented carbide. The experimental results show that this material has good mechanical properties and wear resistance. Depending upon abrasion resistance, wear losses are reduced up to 10 times by a 30 vol% addition of cemented carbide particles.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

This work presents the results of a combined study on the beach morphology and the evolution at short- and medium-term of the littoral between Ceuta and Cabo Negro (Morocco). It is an interesting sector showing a great increase of human occupation and coastal structures. The monitoring program allowed for the reconstruction of the beach morphological behavior and the seasonal changes. The studied beaches presented reflective profiles recording little seasonality, with the most notable morphological changes being strictly related to storms. Surf Similarity and Surf Scaling parameters highlighted the existence of intermediate and reflective beach states, characterized by plunging breakers. Aerial photographs and a satellite image have been geo-referenced and elaborated with GIS tools to reco...

CERN Document Server

Finding interesting rule in the sixth strategy step about threshold control on generalized relations in attribute oriented induction, there is possibility to select candidate attribute for further generalization and merging of identical tuples until the number of tuples is no greater than the threshold value, as implemented in basic attribute oriented induction algorithm. At this strategy step there is possibility the number of tuples in final generalization result still greater than threshold value. In order to get the final generalization result which only small number of tuples and can be easy to transfer into simple logical formula, the seventh strategy step about rule transformation is evolved where there will be simplification by unioning or grouping the identical attribute. Our approach to measure interesting rule is opposite with heuristic measurement approach by Fudger and Hamilton where the more complex concept hierarchies, more interesting results are ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A set of 35 uranium ore and 10 yellow cake samples, collected worldwide from different mines and production sites, were analyzed for their impurity spectrum by ICP-MS. Pattern recognition techniques such as cluster analysis were applied to the data set in order to characterize samples with relation to their geographical origin. The results obtained show a clear relationship between samples taken from the same geological origin and constitute a satisfactory fingerprint for establishing the origin of the material. In addition to the impurity data, data on the isotopic composition of radiogenic lead is used to resolve ambiguity when impurity cluster analysis fails to deliver unambiguous origin data. (author)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the role of the strain-relaxation processes on the leakage current of embedded SiGe S/D junctions. Current-voltage (I-V) and capacitance-voltage (C-V) characteristics were measured to further investigate the relaxation degree of embedded SiGe S/D junctions in the regime where partial relaxation by misfits dislocations is assumed, yielding a reduction of the leakage current density. Further, the impact of the ion implantation-related defects on the electrical performance is discussed. The analysis is complemented with structural characterization based on High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) and Nomarski microscopy. (copyright 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim) (orig.)

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

ObjectiveTo address the characteristics of hearing loss in patients with Turner syndrome (TS), we evaluated hearing levels of patients with TS and analyzed causative factors.Study designThirty-three patients with TS (8 to 40 years of age) were studied through the use of audiological measurements, and causative factors were explored.ResultsTwenty cases (35 of 66 ears tested) showed high-frequency (8 kHz) sensory neural hearing loss (HFQ-SNHL). Fifteen cases (26 ears) and 15 cases (24 ears) of the impaired 20 cases were unresponsive to distortion-product otoacoustic emissions and transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions, respectively. HFQ-SNHL showed little relation to the history of middle ear infection and puberty, although middle ear infections were seen in 11 of the 20 cases. The hearing t...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A method is described for controlling fuel injection in a diesel engine having a fuel injection nozzle, comprising the steps of: detecting an idling state of the diesel engine and pressure in a combustion chamber; obtaining a pressure increment rate from the pressure detected by the detecting step; selecting a valve opening pressure of the fuel injection nozzle at a relatively low level when the idling state is detected by the detecting step, thereby setting a two peaks characteristics of a fuel injection rate; and controlling the fuel injection nozzle in response to the pressure increment rate so that the pressure increment rate in the combustion chamber is maintained within a predetermined value by changing a fuel injection quantity of a pilot injection from the fuel injection nozzle.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A series of Model Tests of Embedment Effect on Reactor Buildings has been carried out by the Nuclear Power Engineering Corporation (NUPEC), under the sponsorship of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) of Japan. Sinusoidal forced vibration tests were carried out on three types of large-scale models to study the embedment effect on dynamic soil-structure interaction. The differences in the resonance curves and the impedance functions were discussed in relation to the vibration characteristics of the respective structures. The embedment effects on the structural responses vary according to the stiffness of the structure. The responses of the structures can be evaluated by the Axisymmetric FEM analyses. (author)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper describes the dielectric and accelerated aging tests on prototype {plus minus}500 kV dc oil-filled self-contained cables. The extensive test program was required to evaluate the High-Voltage cables for the St. Lawrence river crossing of the {plus minus}500 kV Quebec-New England HVDC power transmission system. The paper relates the main elements of the test program. It describes the required insulation levels, the characteristics of the cables supplied by three different manufacturers, as well as the cables' installation for the type tests and accelerated aging tests. Details of the test program and procedures followed to carry out the tests are given. Findings of the tests are also reported.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Problems relating to electromagnetic compatibility and power quality were discussed, combined with a discussion of the role that consulting engineers can play in resolving them. The need for the consulting engineer to be aware of design specifications of equipment was considered essential. Similarly, the interrelationship between installations using variable speed drives, halogenous lighting systems, capacitor banks, high-voltage power lines, power transformers, etc., and the need for familiarity with the operating characteristics of different types of power systems were stressed as key ingredients to success in ascertaining events and causes of equipment failure or power system problems on the network. The main sources of disturbances, impact of voltage variations, the importance of controlling voltage imbalance, and system protection were summarized. 4 figs.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Two years old self-rooted Koroneiki olive trees (Olea europaea L.) were subjected to two irrigation regimes, i.e. the fully irrigated and the severely water stressed trees, while they were treated with three alleviating products of different mode of action. The products used were the osmolyte glycine betaine, the antioxidant Ambiol and the heat and irradiance reflecting kaolin clay particles. The effects of product application and water regime on leaf characteristics, shoot and root growth, photosynthesis, leaf compatible solids (carbohydrates) concentration and yield were evaluated. All products applied, exhibited significant alleviating action, based on the relative alleviation index. Irrigated trees exhibited greater growth than drought stressed ones, while the ameliorating products mai...

Science.gov (United States)

The class of vertical axis wind turbines (VAWT) investigated use curved, fixed-pitch blades of constant section rigidly attached to a vertical rotating tower. Qualitatively, the main advantages of the VAWT over more conventional, propeller-type machines are the elimination of yaw controls, the placement of mechanical equipment at ground level, its amenability to simple, low-cost blade fabrication techniques, and aerodynamic stall characteristics which eliminate the need for active pitch control devices. The main disadvantages relative to modern propeller machines are a somewhat lower aerodynamic efficiency (about 10 percent lower), the limited ability of the rotor to self-start, and generally lower rotor operating RPM's, which leads to higher torque capacity requirements for the drive train.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A previous analysis aimed at underlining the importance of the relativistic electron beam quality for the performances of a Free Electron Laser (FEL) is continued in the paper by the study of the influence of the undulator field (wiggler) parameters and of the optical beam (and/or optical cavity) quality on the operation of a FEL. The importance of parameters such as K, #lambda#_u, g of the undulator, F, P_L, #nu#_c of the optical beam, and L, L_o_p_t and L_c_r of the optical cavity for the characteristics of the input radiation as P_o_u_t, G_o_p_t, and #eta# are analyzed and some relations between these parameters that will give the possibility to estimate the corresponding values are given. Some proposal for the design of a compact FEL in IR-spectral region, with #lambda# #approx# 230 #mu#m are given. (Author).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This paper describes the study of particles' dispersion in an isotropic turbulent flow. The particle's motion and the turbulent flow characteristics are calculated independently. While the particles' displacement is computed by the author's code, the flow is simulated with a commercial code : PowerFLOW. The particles and the flow are coupled through the relative velocity component of the aerodynamic force. When the simulated flow is turbulent, a turbulence regeneration model is used in order to get the flow instantaneous velocity. Validation of the method is done by comparing the particles' dispersion obtained with experimental results from literature and with the results calculated by FLUENT. Good accordance is found between numerical studies and experimental results. However, comparison between results of PowerFLOW coupled to the author's code and results from FLUENT shows differences when the particle's path goes through the turbulent ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The purpose of the present study is to develop a new method for chemical state analysis by means of EPMA(Electron probe microanalyser). The measured X-ray intensity of Si-K#beta# characteristic X-ray spectra were read-out by a 16 bit microcomputer with a RS-232C interface. And using the curve fitting method the quantitative analysis of chemical compositions in a ternary compound that constituted of the same element has been established. The present method was applied to analyse of the friction and wear properties of Si-base ceramics sliding materials. It was found that the wear debris contains both the compositions of the sliding materials and SiO_2, and the SiO_2 contents in wear debris was changed with relative humidity. The results clearly showed that the proposed method is very useful for determing the compositions in the ternary compound. (author).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The properties of a new commercial thermoluminescent dosimeter, CaSO4:Dy without a LiF binder (TLD-900) was studied for low-exposure measurements in diagnostic radiology. The former TLD-900 had a LiF binder (herein referred to as ''TLD-900/LiF''). The principle features of this dosimeter are its high sensitivity to low-energy radiation and its relatively low fading which permits measurements down to less than 2.6 X 10(-8) C kg (0.1 mR) with an accuracy better than 20%. The characteristics, annealing procedures, light sensitivity, energy response, reproducibility, and fading, of TLD-900 are discussed and compared with TLD-900/LiF. When the precautions presented in this paper are used, the dosimeters can be used for the measurement of x-ray exposures.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Three geothermal direct heat applications were examined to derive a set of cost estimates from which one could determine the effect of changes in system parameters (temperature, flow, load, etc.) on the cost of heat. For each application, a set of resource characteristics and system inputs were chosen to best represent a site specific baseline condition. The baseline estimated cost of heat was calculated along with other cost estimates representing optimistic and pessimistic conditions, bracketing the range any input variable might reasonably take. Regression equations based upon these cost estimates were developed for each application to quantitatively relate changes in cost to changes in the input variables. These three equations and their accompanying nomographs serve as easily understandable planning tools for direct heat geothermal energy projects.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

One of the requirements for uniform field quality in the SSC dipole magnets is the consistency in the superconducting strand characteristics from start to finish to the production phase. As full scale production of strand and cable approaches, the consistency in performance of the early batches of conductor needs to be examined. A number of 300 mm billets have been manufactured at IGC with tight process controls. The performance of the final conductor in terms of piece lengths, current density, Cu/Sc ratio and wire diameter has been evaluated. The data are analyzed in order to understand the variations that are related to the conductor design and processing. In this paper the current density of the strand is examined over the length of the billet to determine inherent variability in the Nb/Ti alloy itself.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A large area Bragg curve spectroscopy (BCS) detector and a position sensitive parallel grid avalanche counter have been developed to study heavy ion reactions, such as inelastic excitations and few nucleon transfer reactions near the Coulomb barrier. Reasonably good resolutions have been achieved for energy, atomic number and angle. A theoretical investigation on the mass dependence of the Bragg peak signal from the BCS detector, shows that there is a negligible mass dependence related to the geometry of the detector. The mass number of the heavy ions which cannot be obtained by the above method, has been identified by detecting the corresponding characteristic gamma rays from the product nuclei with two large solid angle gamma ray detectors. (orig.).

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Science.gov (United States)

... Accession Number : ADA350829. Title : Operational Characteristics of a Liquid Nitrogen Powered Automobile. Descriptive Note : Master's thesis. ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In the convolution/superposition method of photon beam dose calculations, inhomogeneities are usually handled by using some form of scaling involving the relative electron densities of the inhomogeneities. In this paper the accuracy of density scaling as applied to primary electrons generated in photon interactions is examined. Monte Carlo calculations are compared with density scaling calculations for air and cork slab inhomogeneities. For individual primary photon kernels as well as for photon interactions restricted to a thin layer, the results can differ significantly, by up to 50%, between the two calculations. However, for realistic photon beams where interactions occur throughout the whole irradiated volume, the discrepancies are much less severe. The discrepancies for the kernel calculation are attributed to the scattering characteristics of the electrons and the consequent oversimplified modeling used in the density scaling method. A ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Long-term disposal and management of low and intermediate-level radioactive waste is a major project of the nuclear power industry. Therefore, the selection of an underground waste repository has to be a geologically and seismologically stable storage. Easy transportation and emplacement is essential. The Wolsung nuclear power plant (NPP) of unit no. 1/2/ 3/ 4, which is responsible for the future of the energy industry, has already been constructed at the Wolsung site and a New NPP has recently been created at the Sinwolsung site. Radioactive waste used in the plant facilities, has piled up increasingly every year, but it should be taken to be managed at long-term underground storage disposal facilities. The Wolsung site for radioactivity waste repository was known to be relatively stable through various geological surveys, earthquakes, groundwater, engineering testing and analysis, but still more research related to the stability of the ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

During the past 2 yr, significant progress has been made in several areas related to the safety and environmental (S and E) aspects of inertial fusion energy (IFE). An updated methodology has been developed, and accident analyses have been performed for two IFE conceptual power plants and a target fabrication facility. Parallel to the consequence analyses of different accident scenarios, ongoing studies of accident initiating events are being used to support safety assessment and create a basic framework of types of events to consider in future risk characterization of new plant designs. Target designers/fabrication specialists have been provided with ranking information related to the S and E characteristics of candidate target materials. We have revisited waste management options for IFE, introducing the concept of clearance versus the traditional shallow land burial. A brief summary of results in each of these activities ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Micronutrient deficiencies in flooded rice have been recognized with increasing frequency in recent years. Zinc deficiency is the most widespread disorder, followed by Fe, Mn, and Cu deficiencies. Boron and Mo deficiencies have not been reported in field culture. The peculiar characteristics of a flooded soil are: 1) a layer of standing water; 2) absence of oxygen; 3) a soil profile largely in a reduced chemical state; 4) the presence of large biological carbon dioxide excesses; 5) the presence of high concentrations of soluble Fe"+"+ and Mn"+"+; 6) alteration of soil pH; 7) the presence of toxic substances; 8) increased soluble Na"+, K"+, Ca"+"+, Mg"+"+, NH_4"+, HCO_3"-, H_2PO_4"-, and Si(OH)_4 in the soil solution. Micronutrient availability in flooded soils is affected by: 1) increased solubility of relatively insoluble minerals due to dilution effects; 2) pH changes in relation to solubility and plant availability; 3) ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper analyses the complex, non-linear effects of spot price drivers in wholesale electricity markets: their intra-day dynamics and transient irregularities. The context is the UK market, after the reforms introduced in March 2001, analysed with an original set of price drivers reflecting economic, technical, strategic, risk, behavioural and market design effects. Models are estimated separately as daily time-series of the 48 half-hourly trading periods. All coefficients exhibit substantial intra-day variation, relating to the heterogeneity of operating plants and market design aspects. This reveals a market responding to economic fundamentals and plant operating properties, with learning and emergent financial characteristics, as well as some strategic manipulation of capacity, most effectively exercised by the more flexible plants. Using regime-switching parameters, the effects of capacity margin and inter-day capacity adjustment are ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The dynamical signals of sound pressure oscillation in natural convective subcooled boiling system are obtained by using computer data acquisition technique. Through frequency-domain analysis of typical dynamical data, combined with study on the acquired time series of sound pressure, are observed and explained. The time-frequency phenomena, such as the onset of shock wave, frequency doubling relation of sound pressure, combination of sound frequency spectrum peaks etc., which describe the characteristics of natural convective subcooled boiling system are presented. Furthermore, based on frequency spectra of sound pressure, related eigen vectors are defined and established and with dynamical clustering method, regime recognition for the dynamical process of system is carried out. Results of recognition are consistent with that of qualitative analysis of time series, which is of great significance for automatic monitoring ...

Science.gov (United States)

This report describes an investigation of the factors affecting disintegration time in the mouth (DTM) of rapidly disintegrating tablets. The relation between DTM and stationary time of upper punch displacement (STP) was examined using a tableting process analyzer (TabAll). Results indicated that the bulk density of mixed excipient powder used for tablet preparation affects both DTM and STP. As the value of bulk density increased, STP became longer and DTM shorter. The results of a combination of granules and powder with or without a drug showed liner relation between apparent volume (reciprocal of bulk density) and DTM (r(2)=0.7332). For a DTM less than 60 s, a formulation with a bulk density greater 0.5 g/mL should be chosen with a compression force of 5 kN. The hardness of tablets could be greater than 3 kg if at least one high-compressibility excipient was used in the formulation. PMID:18804156

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Discordant U-Pb zircon isotopic data from amphibolite facies orthogneisses of the Charleston Metamorphic Group, western South Island, New Zealand, define a lower intercept age of 114#+-#18 m.y. that is interpreted as the crystallization age of the orthogneiss magmas. The upper intercept age of 1026#+-#97 m.y. reflects inherited components of Precambrian zircon derived from the source region of the magmas. The age, and whole rock chemical characteristics, indicate that the orthogneisses are part of the same phase of Early cretaceous magmatic activity that produced voluminous arc-related calc-alkaline plutonic rocks throughout western South Island. Previously published K-Ar and Rb-Sr mineral ages indicate uplift and cooling of the Charleston Metamorphic Group to less than 400deg C by 110-90 m.y. This uplift occurred as a consequence of low-angle normal faulting related to the Late Cretaceous breakup of Gondwana, and suggests ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sodium benzene sulfonate (BS) was decomposed in aqueous TiO_2 dispersions under highly concentrated solar light illumination to examine the photocatalytic characteristics of a parabolic round concentrator (PRC) reactor to degrade the pollutant without visible light absorption. The effects of such operational parameters as initial concentration, volume of the aqueous BS solution, oxygen purging, and TiO_2 loading on the kinetics of decomposition of BS were investigated. An effective photodegradation necessitates a suitable combination of initial volume and concentration of BS solution. Relative to atmospheric air, oxygen purging significantly accelerates the degradation process at high initial concentrations of BS (0.40 mM or 1.0 mM). Optimal TiO_2 loading was 9 gl "-"1, greater than previously reported. Elimination of TOC (total organic carbon) followed pseudo first-order kinetics in the initial stages of the photodegradation process. The ...

Science.gov (United States)

Divided into three sections, this paper briefly presents Kohlberg's theory of moral reasoning; surveys some key research relating childrearing practices to adolescents' social competence, including moral reasoning; and reports research findings concerning the value systems adolescents develop. The first section characterizes preconventional, conventional, and postconventional morality and explores ways of promoting the development of a mature concept of justice, which includes role taking and living in a "just community." The second section focuses on aspects of social learning, which include authoritative parenting, inductive discipline, argumentative discourse, and tradition-based upbringing. In addition, this section explores socialization practices that hinder the development of mature moral reasoning. Focusing initially on characteristics of alienated youth and parental influences on such youth, the third section describes studies ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The genetic type, source and charging history of natural gas in the Yulin gas field in the Ordos Basin have been studied by combining the carbon isotopic composition of natural gas and geochemical characteristics of light hydrocarbons with carbon isotope fractionation model results and fluid inclusion analysis. The carbon isotopic composition of methane and ethane in the Yulin gas field is relatively enriched in {sup 13}C with {delta}{sup 13}C{sub 1} values ranging from - 35.3 permille to - 29.8 permille (average value = - 32.4 permille) and {delta}{sup 13}C{sub 2} ranging from - 26.3 permille to - 23.5 permille (average value = - 24.8 permille). The C{sub 7} light hydrocarbons are predominated by methylcyclohexane, accounting for 65.8% to 80.9% (average value = 71.6%), which is characteristic of coal-derived gas. Furthermore, the gas geochemistry indicates that, although marine limestone source rocks are present in the ...

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Main results are summarised for a project carried out with the aim of increasing the knowledge of relations between handling characeristics and properties such as moisture content, particle size and shape etc. Handling characteristics that were studied: angle of repose, friction between fuel and different surfaces, the fuel`s tendency to bridge across openings, and its freezing characteristics. Some forty solid biomass fuels were studied, mainly wood fuels, with particle sized from 1 to 200 mm. New methods were developed for measurement of bridging across openings and freezing characeristics. The angle of repose varied between 25 and 55 deg. The particle shape had a significant influence, a high ratio of length/thickness gave a high angle of repose. When the fuel moisture content was increased the angle of repose first increased, then decreased, and finally increased again. The particle size had no influence. The friction ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The bobbin probe technique is basically one of the important ECT methods for the steam generator tube integrity assessment that is practiced during each plant outage. The bobbin probe also is the essential component which consists of the whole ECT examination system, and provides a decisive data for the evaluation of tube integrity in compliance with acceptance criteria described in specific procedures. The selection of probe is especially important because the quality of acquired ECT data is determined by the probe design characteristics, such as geometry and operation frequency, and has an important effect on examination results. The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) has recently defined the procedures for the qualification of eddy current hardware and technique. These procedures provide two basic methods for qualification. Flawed tube removed from operation, or artificial flaw is required for the original qualification of technique combined with ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The development of rechargeable lithium batteries with a high mass capacity, made with non-toxic and low cost materials is an important industrial challenge. Morphological and structural modifications occurring in the electrode materials during charge-output cycles should not lower the electrochemical characteristics and the cycling properties of the battery. Thus the structure of electrode materials must be sufficiently deformable and stable to support the constraints linked with lithium intercalation and de-intercalation (ions and electrons absorption/extraction). The aim of this work is to explain some characteristics (mass capacity, ions and electrons mobility, cycling) using the relation between some mechanisms of lithium insertion (sites occupation, lattice reduction mods) and the nature of atoms and chemical bonds (covalence, ionicity). This approach is developed on 2-D models of crystallized and vitreous sulfur ...

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The two-phase flows involve interfacial interactions which modify significantly the structure of the mean and fluctuating flow fields. The design of the two-fluid models adapted to industrial flows requires the taking into account of the effect of these interactions in the closure relations adopted. The work developed in this thesis concerns the development of first order two-fluid models deduced by reduction of second order closures. The adopted reasoning, based on the principle of decomposition of the Reynolds stress tensor into two statistically independent contributions turbulent and pseudo-turbulent parts, allows to preserve the physical contents of the second order relations closure. Analysis of the turbulence structure in two basic flows: homogeneous bubbly flows uniform and with a constant shear allows to deduce a formulation of the two-phase turbulent viscosity involving the characteristic scales of bubbly ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In this thesis a study is made of the of voltage characteristics and reactive power control in the transmission network of the Electric Power Systems (EPS) with static compensators of VARs (SCVs). The necessity of voltage and reactive power control and the application of SCVs as a solution means for three representative operation stages of the EPS, considering balanced operation conditions and fundamental frequency is analyzed: Operation in the presence of incremental voltage changes, quasi-stationary operation or steady state and behavior at the occurrence of big disturbances. The application of SCVs to systems of integral transmission is in general a closed loop control system, reason why the analysis of the interaction of the system EPS-SCV is considered as an essential part of the voltage and reactive power control study. Firstly, the response analysis of the control loop is made for incremental voltage changes, representing the power system by means of its ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The ceramic composite armor has been lucubrated in the past 40 years. Ceramic can provide the same protection as metal, but it has lighter weight than metal. Ceramic has excellent ability of resisting kinetic energy projectile, because it can transfer energy to a large range by its fragmented cone and has higher ability of eroding the projectile than metal. But the researches indicated the full potential of the ceramic hard face has not been achieved because the significant interface between ceramic and metal has the unfavorable impedance effects and would induce tensile failure. FGM is a new type composite with continuous transition from ceramic to metal; it has no significant discrete materials interfaces between ceramic and metal. This paper deals with the impact response of Ceramic/FGM/Metal armor by numerical and theoretical methods. Firstly, the ability of TiB{sub 2}/FGM/Metal armor resisting KE projectile is analyzed by Dytran FEM program. The comparison between TiB{sub 2}/Metal ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tl(InS_2)_1_-_x(FeSe_2)_x single crystals (where x=0; 0.001; 0.005; 0.01 and 0.015) were grown by the Bridgman-Stockbarger method. Obtained single crystals were crystallized in monoclinic structure. The present paper deals with experimental results relative to X-ray dosimetric characteristics of the Tl(InS_2)_1_-_x(FeSe_2)_x solid solutions at 300 K. Installation URS-55a was the source of radiation. X-ray radiation dose (E) falling on the crystals is measured by the crystalline X-ray dosimeter DRGZ-02. The value of X-ray conductivity coefficient K_#sigma# characterising X-ray sensitivity is defined as K_#sigma#= (#sigma#_E-#sigma#_0)/E#sigma#_0. where #sigma#_E is conductivity under the effect of X-ray radiation by intensity E, #sigma#_0 is conductivity in the lack of radiation. Comparing X-ray dosimetric characteristics of TlInS_2 and Tl(InS_2)_1_-_x(FeSe_2)_x crystals notes that because of partial substitution of [InS_2]- ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Low temperature Nonphotochemical Hole Burning (NPHB) Spectroscopy of the dye rhodamine 800 (MF680) was applied for the purpose of discerning differences between cultured normal and carcinoma ovarian surface epithelial (OSE) cells. Both the cell lines were developed and characterized at the Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN), with the normal cell line having been transfected with a strain of temperature sensitive Simian Virus 40 Large T Antigen (SV40) for the purpose of extending the life of the cell culture without inducing permanent changes in the characteristics of the cell line. The cationic lipophilic fluorophore rhodamine 800 preferentially locates in in situ mitochondria due to the high lipid composition of mitochondria and the generation of a large negative membrane potential (relative to the cellular cytoplasm) for oxidative phosphorylation. Results presented for NPHB of MF680 located in the cells show significant differences between the two ...

Science.gov (United States)

This case study, conducted from an interpretive paradigm, illuminates contextual factors related to the tutor experience when senior undergraduate dental hygiene students served as tutors for beginning undergraduate dental hygiene students, or sophomores, in a 1-semester, 2-hour long problem-based learning (PBL) course in a Baccalaureate Dental Hygiene (BDH) curriculum during the spring semester of 2008. Data were collected using various sources and methods. Six tutors and three administrators were interviewed, tutees completed an anonymous questionnaire, the tutorial process and tutor training sessions were observed, and related documents were examined. Data analysis included open and axial coding, creation of tutor profiles, and identification of patterns. Tutor behaviors varied with respect to the nature of intervention (e.g., telling, asking, clarifying, acknowledging), emphasis (process, content, social), and facilitation style (directive, ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Purpose: The predictive potential of tumor cell kinetic parameters may be improved when they are studied in relation to other microenvironmental parameters. The purpose of this investigation was to quantitatively categorize human tumor samples according to proliferation patterns. Second, it was examined whether these characteristics are retained after xenotransplantation. Methods and Materials: Fifty tumor samples from head-and-neck cancer patients were immunohistochemically stained for Ki-67 and vessels. Also, parts of the samples were transplanted into nude mice. Tumors were categorized according to previously described patterns of proliferation. Vascular and proliferation patterns were analyzed using an image processing system. Results: The 50 tumors were categorized into four patterns of proliferation by visual assessment: marginal (6), intermediate (10), random (21), and mixed (12). One tumor could not be classified. These patterns were ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Vacuum insulation panels (VIP) offer excellent thermal resistance properties that can enhance the energy efficiency of insulating systems, save space and contribute to energy consumption reductions. However, VIPs are not used much in Canada, and new commitments to carbon dioxide reductions has created the need to study the prospect of using VIPs in various components of a building envelope. For that reason, assessment methods for the applicability and sustainability of VIPs for use in building envelope construction were developed. There are practical aspects regarding the long-term performance and application of VIPs in building construction. Air molecules and water molecules can permeate through the foil and seams of the VIPs, causing a reduction in thermal resistance. This paper addresses some of the test methods that may accelerate long term changes in thermal resistance. Results were presented from tests using elevated pressure, relative humidity and ...

Science.gov (United States)

VORTEX VALVE FLOW CHARACTERISTICS. 49. VENTED VORTEX VALVE. 50. VORTEX DIVERTER VALVE- ... 46 AND VORTEX MIXING VALVE FLOW CHARACTERISTICS ...

Science.gov (United States)

The hydraulic characteristics of flow control multiorifice plate assemblies designed for the FFTF reactor were investigated. The pressure drop flowrate characteristics determined in the test are presented. (JWR)

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

PurposeTo evaluate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of cataract surgery in highly myopic Korean subjects.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed...Full Text Available

Science.gov (United States)

Nanosized particles are important because of their unique properties, different from the bulk, which leads to their enhanced catalytic, photocatalytic and electronic properties. This work has dealt with three different nanoparticle systems in the context of three different aspects of nanoparticle properties: (a) photocatalytis (TiO2/metal) system, (b) luminescence (CdSe) (c) alloying (Pt-Ag and Pd-Ag). The initial photocatalytic enhancement obtained by adding noble metal on semiconductor nanoparticles, degrades as fast as in 15 minutes and questions their long-term performance. XANES measurements on such irradiated systems like TiO2/Au, TiO2/Pt, TiO2/Ir indicates a positive oxidation state of these noble metals which renders them as recombination centers for photo-excited electrons and explains the decreased photocurrent. The oxidation is caused by holes. The EXAFS results also indicate a change of the interfacial structure under the effect of UV-irradiation, thus affecting the ...

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This analysis report is one of a series of technical reports that document the Environmental Radiation Model for Yucca Mountain, Nevada (ERMYN), a biosphere model supporting the total system performance assessment (TSPA) for the geologic repository at Yucca Mountain. This report is one of the five biosphere reports that develop input parameter values for the biosphere model. The ''Biosphere Model Report'' (BSC 2004 [DIRS 169460]) describes the conceptual model, as well as the mathematical model and its input parameters. Figure 1-1 is a graphical representation of the documentation hierarchy for the ERMYN. This figure shows relationships among the products (i.e., scientific analyses and model reports) developed for biosphere modeling and biosphere abstraction products for TSPA, as identified in the ''Technical Work Plan for Biosphere Modeling and Expert Support'' (BSC 2005 [DIRS 172782]). The purpose of this ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This thesis is devoted to the study and development of Heterojunction Bipolar Transistors (HBTs) designed for high voltage operation. The work concentrates on the use of wide bandgap III-V semiconductor materials as the collector material and their associated properties influencing breakdown, such as impact ionisation coefficients. The work deals with issues related to incorporating a wide bandgap collector into double heterojunction structures such as conduction band discontinuities at the base-collector junction and results are presented which detail, a number of methods designed to eliminate the effects of such discontinuities. In particular the use of AlGaAs as the base material has been successful in eliminating the conduction band spike at this interface. A method of electrically injecting electrons into the collector has been employed to investigate impact ionisation in GaAs, GaInP and AlInP which has used the intrinsic gain of the devices to extract impact ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Estuaries and coastal regions are highly variable in the physical and hydrographic conditions. As a result of heavy urbanization and industrialization of the head waters of most estuaries, there are substantial localized inputs of contaminants to the estuary. These factors combined with the flushing characteristics of individual estuaries to create relatively unique features that result in variation in the typical levels of trace metals for these systems. This makes intercomparison of the estuaries difficult. Comparability among estuaries becomes even more difficult when metals analyses are conducted without proper control of field and laboratory contamination, now firmly established in the trace metal analytical literature as a prerequisite for reliable marine trace metals analysis. This paper compares the concentrations of selected trace metal (Ag, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) concentrations in the waters of several major estuaries of the United ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tremendous progress in the science of extrasolar planets has been achieved since the discovery of a Jupiter orbiting the nearby Sun-like star 51 Pegasi in 1995. Theoretical models have now reached enough maturity to predict the characteristic properties of these new worlds, mass, radius, atmospheric signatures, and can be confronted with available observations. We review our current knowledge of the physical properties of exoplanets, internal structure and composition, atmospheric signatures, including expected biosignatures for exo-Earth planets, evolution, and the impact of tidal interaction and stellar irradiation on these properties for the short-period planets. We discuss the most recent theoretical achievements in the field and the still pending questions. We critically analyze the different solutions suggested to explain abnormally large radii of a significant fraction of transiting exoplanets. Special attention is devoted to the recently discovered ...

CERN Document Server

The Sunyaev-Zeldovich (SZ) effect gives a measure of the thermal energy and electron pressure in groups and clusters of galaxies. In the near future SZ surveys will map hundreds of systems, shedding light on the pressure distribution in the systems. The thermal energy is related to the total mass of a system of galaxies, but it is only a projection that is observed through the SZ effect. A model for the 3D distribution of pressure is needed to link the SZ signal to the total mass of the system. In this work we construct an empirical model for the 2D and 3D SZ profile, and compare it to a set of realistic high resolution SPH simulations of galaxy clusters and groups, and to a stacked SZ profile for massive clusters derived from WMAP data. Furthermore, we combine observed temperature profiles with dark matter potentials to yield an additional constraint, under the assumption of hydrostatic equilibrium. We find a very tight correlation between the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Selection of suitable species, which will survive the severe environment of low light, cool temperatures, and high winds, poses serious problems to revegetation programs in the Aleutian Islands. Selection must be based on adaptability of plants to the extremes of the Aleutian climate and, as realized more recently, on lack of disruption of the natural ecosystem. This places the emphasis on use of native species in revegetation. Elymus mollis Trin., American dunegrass, a dominant of the Aleutian dune community, was studied to better understand its potential for use in reclamation work. As the species occupies both beach and inland sites, an emphasis was placed on documenting its wide latitude of habitat occurrence. Community composition, dispersal, growth response, ecotypic variation, and nutrient relations were studied at two beach sites and two inland sites on Adak Island in the central Aleutian Islands in the 1977 and 1978 growing seasons. Test plantings of ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In this study, SnO2 thin films have been grown using spray pyrolysis technique on glass substrates under a substrate temperature (Ts = 440 oC). The precursors were methanol CH4O and anhydrous tin tetrachloride. XRD analyses yielded strong (1 1 0)-(1 0 1)-(2 0 0) X-ray diffraction peaks which are characteristics to tetragonal crystals. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) analyses showed the existence of clusters with particular pyramidal shapes. The main part of this study concerns the optical measurements of transmittance T(?) and reflectance R(?) spectra inside 250-1800 nm domain. Conjoint optical and thermal properties were deduced using the Amlouk-Boubaker Opto-Thermal Expansivity ?AB. The obtained value: ?AB ? 23.4 m3 s-1 helped situating the performance of the as-grown SnO2 compound among most known PV-T oxides like ZnO and TiO2.

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Ice jamming, known to cause high water levels at even moderate river flows, is described as both the main and least understood source of ice-related bridge damages. This paper describes a joint study by the New Brunswick Department of Transportation, the Department of the Environment, local governments, and the National Water Research Institute, designed to address problems associated with the interaction of ice jams and bridges. The study consists of collecting information at each of four sites in New Brunswick including: historical data on ice jam locations, causes, and water levels; channel bathymetry, width and slope within each study centred at the respective bridge; and documentation of ice conditions throughout the ice season, including measurement of ice cover thickness, observation of breakup mechanisms, times, causes, characteristics and possible impacts of ice jam release. Data analysis will include determination of high stages due ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lithium isotopes are used as the raw material of tritium which is the fuel for fusion power generation and the material for fusion reactors, accordingly those are indispensable for future nuclear fusion power generation. As for boron isotopes, the neutron absorption corss section is very large, therefore, they are used for shielding neutrons and controlling fast neutron reactors. In order to further develop the utilization of nuclear power, it is important to develop the technology for separating and refining light element isotopes in large amount. In fiscal year 1995, the relation of the ion sieve characteristics of inorganic ion exchanger and the behavior of lithium isotope separation was examined. The behavior of forming boron complex of polyol amine was examined by B-11 NMR. These experiments and the results are reported. It was shown to be feasible that lithium is adsorbed from seawater, and isotopes are concentrated. Titanium phosphate ...

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A characteristic trait of Francis turbines operating at low-head is pressure pulsations that occur during certain load levels of the generator. These stem from pressure variations across the turbine due to pulsating flow in the draft-tube. This surging action of the water column is related to draft-tube geometry and flow-rate of water in the penstock. The pressure pulsations cause torque variations on the turbine and corresponding electric power pulsations. If electric power is used as a feedback signal to the Power System Stabilizer (PSS), then Mvar and terminal voltage pulsations will occur when the generator is operating in the ``rough zone``. This paper describes field test results for investigating feedforward control from the penstock, draft tube and spiral case pressure to reduce the effects of Mw pulsations on PSS output signals. This investigation involved a PSS with generator power as the feedback signal and the PSS tuned for local ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A 1984 American Association of the Academy of Sciences study of more than 150 successful science in-service programs developed a list of their characteristics, which included: Strong academic component in mathematics, science, and communications, focused on enrichment rather than remediation; academic subjects taught by teachers who are highly competent in the subject matter and believe that students can learn the materials; heavy emphasis on the applications of science and mathematics and careers in these fields; integrative approach to teaching that incorporates all subject areas, hands-on opportunities, and computers; multiyear involvement with students; recruitment of participants from all relevant target populations; opportunities for in-school and out-of-school learning experiences; parental involvement and development of base of community support; specific attention to removing educational inequalities related to race and gender; ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Inexpensive activated carbon assembly(ACA) was prepared with glass fabrics coated by 10 wt%, 25 wt%, 50 wt% phenolic resin solution, followed by activation at 700{sup o} C under N{sub 2} atmosphere and subsequent surface modification with N{sub 2}, NH{sub 3}, CO{sub 2} gas, respectively. The conversion chemistry of resin to carbon was analyzed by using FT-IR, TGA, SEM, XPS, and the SO{sub 2} adsorption characteristics of the ACA were compared to that of commercial activated carbon fabrics(ACF). The ACA modified by NH{sub 3} showed the best SO{sub 2} adsorption behavior due to the presence of basic functional groups such as amine on the surface, confirmed by XPS. The ACA modified by NH{sub 3} displayed relatively high adsorption capacity of 116.5 mg/g carbon, which is corresponding to 75% adsorption of the commercial ACF(153.4 mg/g) treated with the same method. 14 refs., 6 figs., 2 tabs.

Science.gov (United States)

The papers contained in this volume provide an overview of recent theoretical and experimental research related to the fracture toughness and fatigue crack growth characteristics of titanium alloys. Topics discussed include room temperature fatigue crack propagation in beta-titanium alloys, fatigue crack growth rate acceleration in alpha+beta Ti alloys, influence of transformed beta microstructures on fatigue crack growth rates in Ti-6Al-4V, and the role of inclusion and pore content on the fracture toughness of powder processed blended elemental Ti-10V-2Fe-3Al. Papers are also presented on fatigue crack growth measurements in an alpha-beta titanium alloy, the effects of thermal processing variation on the properties of Ti-6Al-4V, and the effect of microstructure on ductility and fracture toughness of alpha+beta titanium alloys.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

An axisymmetric unit cell model based on a regular array of second-phase particles arranged on a BCC lattice is used to study deformation mechanisms of ferrite-pearlite structural steels. Microstructural characteristics of the steels were parameterized by the pearlite volume fraction, the aspect ratio of the pearlite particles, and the neighboring factor, which represents the ratio of interparticle spacing in the longitudinal direction to that in the transverse direction. FE analyses were carried out to investigate the macroscopic and microscopic response of unit cells with morphological features based on idealizations of the microstructures of the actual steels. Tensile properties of each constituent phase were obtained experimentally and used in the analyses. As compared to traditional axisymmetric models, the BCC tell model appears to be able to capture more realistically the behavior of the materials, and it accurately estimates the tensile behavior of the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The metal dependence of mesoporous activated carbons with various metal acetylacetonate (acac) particles prepared from Morwell coal was studied. In experiment, the mixture of Morwell coal and acac metal complexes were dissipated into tetrahydrofuran, and after agitation in Ar atmosphere, the solvent was removed by vacuum distillation. Coal specimens with Fe(acac)3, Ni(acac)2 and Co(acac)2 as acac complexes were activated by exchanging flow gas with water vapor after heat treatment in N2 gas flow at 900{degree}C. The pore sizes of the specimens were obtained from N2 adsorption isotherms by BET method and BJH method. Conditions of pores and metals in the specimens were examined by XRD measurement and TEM observation. The relation between the above conditions and pore characteristics obtained from adsorption experiment was also examined. As a result, the difference in mesopore ratio between the specimens and blank specimens was larger in the order ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In VHTGR (Very High Temperature Gas-cooled Reactor), the radiation plays an important role in heat transfer through the cavity in RCCS (Reactor Cavity Cooling System). We performed the series of experiments to measure the emissivity using the infrared thermometer with wavelength range of 8#approx#14 #mu#m. As the first step, the transmittance of Zinc Selenide (ZnSe) window was measured to estimate the emissivity that can compensate the attenuation effect of window. The kind of gas with various concentrations in the cavity will be released during postulated accidents to the coolant type, so it is essential to estimate the effects of gas on the measurement of emissivity. In this manner we measured the emissivity with the air, the helium and the steam inside chamber. The results represent that the concentration of the air and the helium do not affect the emissivity significantly while the steam decreases the measured emissivity relatively. It means that the air and ...

Science.gov (United States)

Locomotive engineers (train drivers) on irregular work schedules reported a general coffee consumption rate higher than that reported by a comparison sample of permanent shift factory workers. The present study examines the impact of this consumption on workday and non-workday sleep behaviour and mood ratings. Twenty-seven engineers and their spouses each completed daily logs for 30 consecutive days. Daily logs were then sorted into workday and non-workday categories. Workday sleep length was significantly shorter than non-workday sleep length for both engineers and spouses. For the engineers only, coffee consumption on workdays was higher than on non-workdays. This increased coffee consumption was correlated with longer sleep latency, increased negative mood, and decreased positive mood on both work and non-workdays. This was not true for spouses. These results may be related to a days-off carry-over effect of caffeine or a general consumption behaviour ...

Science.gov (United States)

Recent cognitive psychological research has argued that involuntary mental time travel is an important individual difference variable that has the potential to affect an individual's motivation. However, this issue has not been empirically investigated in educational settings such as teacher education. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the possible effect of involuntary mental time travel on prospective teachers' situational intrinsic motivations in the classrooms during the period of a class hour. A total of 274 prospective teachers voluntarily participated in the study. Results showed that involuntary mental time travel into the past and into the future occurred in the classrooms even during the period of a class hour. The characteristics of the prospective teachers' involuntary memories/future images were evident. Most importantly, results revealed that the teaching-related positive future images significantly and positively affected ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The effect of nutrition on reproductive performance was studied in a series of experiments using two models. Increased supply of nutrients was based on feeding lupin grain as a supplement and measurements of testicular growth or ovulation rates were used to measure reproductive characteristics. Purified sources of protein and energy were provided to determine the macronutrient(s), supplied with lupin feeding, responsible for initiating increases in testicular growth and ovulation rate. Increases in both of these parameters were closely related to the supply of additional energy but not protein. The production of acetate and glucose resulting from supplementary feeding with 750 g lupins/d was measured using infusions of "1"4C tracers. Subsequently, infusions of glucose and acetate (individually and in combination) were found to produce similar increases in ovulation rate to those measured in ewes receiving lupins. It was concluded that effects ...

Science.gov (United States)

While levels of weight bias vary among individuals, it is not clear why one person possesses stronger anti-fat attitudes than another person. This investigation examined whether individual differences commonly associated with greater anti-fat bias are also associated with a greater preference for thinness among people of varying levels of weight. Young adults (62% women; 84% Caucasian) recruited from psychology classes (N=308) rated four male and female figures with approximate BMIs of 18.5, 25, 30, and 40, on measures of dislike and personality characteristics and completed measures assessing weight controllability, attitudes toward the obese, and perceptual reliance. Greater negative attitudes, weight controllability beliefs, and perceptual reliance were positively associated with greater dislike and negative personality attributes among obese/severely obese figures, but inversely related among low normal weight figures. Individuals who judge ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Homozygous transgenic cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) plants that accumulated glycinebetaine (GB) in larger quantities were more tolerant to salt than wild-type (WT) plants. Four transgenic lines, namely 1, 3, 4, and 5, accumulated significantly higher levels of GB than WT plants did both before and after salt stress. At 175 and 275?mM NaCl, seeds of all the transgenic lines germinated earlier and recorded a higher final germination percentage, and the seedlings grew better, than those of the WT. Under salt stress, all the lines showed some characteristic features of salt tolerance, such as higher leaf relative water content (RWC), higher photosynthesis, better osmotic adjustment (OA), lower percentage of ion leakage, and lower peroxidation of the lipid membrane. Levels of endogenous GB in ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In relation to coal liquefaction, the effect of inorganic minerals on liquefaction reactivity and the effect of hydrofluoric acid (HF) treatment on organic molecular structure of coals were studied by demineralization of low-rank coals in HCl or HF solution. In experiment, Taiheiyo coal specimen was deashed in HCl solution at 25-70{degree}C for 6 hours while agitating, and in addition, deashed in HF solution. Hydrogenolysis of the deashed coal specimen was conducted using tetralin or methylnaphthalene as solvent under initial hydrogen pressure of 1.96MPa at reaction temperature of 693K for 60min. The experimental results are as follows. The ash content of Taiheiyo coal hardly offers catalysis in hydrogenolysis reaction. Carboxyl group increases in demineralization of coal because of breakage of bridged bonds. Organic structure of coal changes by demineralization in dense HF solution. Change in organic structure of coal by demineralization in dense HF solution is ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The transport properties of a 'thin' polycrystalline diamond film are analyzed after the sample exposure to 8.06-keV x-ray radiation. Structure and morphology of the as-grown film have been evaluated by Raman, x-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy techniques. The transport properties have been investigated by measuring dark current-voltage characteristics in the temperature range of 60 to 360 K. Ohmic transport has been evidenced on the as-grown film up to 1.16x10"5 V/cm. After irradiation, nonlinear contributions to the dark current have been evidenced and related to field-assisted thermal ionization of traps. Below 200 K, hopping mechanisms have been observed. Correlations have been found among x-ray irradiation, density of traps involved in the transport processes, and the nonhomogeneous nature of the sample. A simple model of the grain boundary structure is proposed to explain the observations.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Analyses of the date obtained from the instrumented impact test and of its correlation with static and dynamic J integral values and various tensile properties are made in this study. It is shown that a dynamic bending yield load recorded in the instrumented Charpy V test can be easily converted to a dynamic tensile yield stress using Server's equation. It is also possible to estimate a true fracture strain, COD value, and SZW easily if the load point displacement is recorded. Temperature dependency of Charpy V energy and J integral values is rather well simulated by a curve fitting method. However, a half value transition temperture obtained in that method has no physical meaning. Dynamic J sub(ID) is larger than a static J sub(IC) in the ductile fracture range in this study. This rise is proportional to the yield stress ratio sigmasub(yd)/sigmasub(y)(--1.2-1.3). It is found, therefore, that the following relation exists in the both cases; J ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The industrial policy of fine ceramics which is one of the new material expected to solve energy/environmental problem, is described. Fine ceramics are possessed with the characteristics like surpassing electromagnetic properties, heat resistance, high strength, etc. and its use as highly efficient power generation plant material, functional material for various sensors/electronic, and activation of existing industries are cited. As for the reclamation of global environment, promotion of saving energy in a global scale, development of innovative environmental technology and increase of carbon dioxide absorption source are described. Furthermore, research and development work in Japan on global environmental industrial technology for 1992 to 1993, new sunshine project and technical developments relating to fine ceramics are explained. As for the results of research and development, the results from the case study of 300kw type gas turbine are ...

Science.gov (United States)

Abnormal intracellular deposition of aggregated ?-synuclein is the characteristic feature of a number of neurological disorders, including Parkinson's disease (PD). Although ?-synuclein is typically known as a cytosolic protein, a small amount is secreted by exocytosis in both monomeric and aggregated forms. The extracellular forms of ?-synuclein in human body fluids, such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood plasma, might be a diagnostic target for PD and related diseases. Here, we characterized a new set of monoclonal antibodies against ?-synuclein, and using different combinations of antibodies, we established ELISA systems to specifically detect human ?-synuclein, mouse and human ?-synuclein together, and multimeric forms of ?-synuclein in biological samples. By employing the Tyramide signal amplification method, the sensitivity of the assay was significantly improved to detect a concentration as low as ?12.5 pg/ml. These assays might be ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The increasing diffusion of small-scale energy systems within the distributed generation (DG) paradigm is raising the need for studying the environmental impact due to the different DG solutions in order to assess their sustainability. Addressing the environmental impact calls for building specific models for studying both local and global emissions. In this framework, the adoption of natural gas-fueled DG cogeneration technologies may provide, as a consequence of cogeneration enhanced overall energy efficiency and of natural gas relatively low carbon content, a significant reduction of global impact in terms of CO2 emissions with respect to the separate production of electricity and heat. However, a comprehensive evaluation of the DG alternatives should take into account as well the impact due to the presence of plants spread over the territory that could increase the local pollution, in particular due to CO and NOx, and thus could worsen the local air quality. ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The effect of electron and ion beam irradiation on the Sisub(LVV) Auger spectra of SiO_2, Si_3N_4 and Si-oxynitride films was measured by the relative intensity of the 92 eV signal, characteristic for the formation of 'free' silicon during irradiation. While in Si-oxynitride the beam effects were almost negligible, some damage was found in Si_3N_4, but SiO_2 appeared to be extremely sensitive for electron and ion beam irradiation. By low energy electron loss spectroscopy of ion bombarded SiO_2 and Si_3N_4 films new electron states due to broken Si-O and Si-N bonds could be determined within the band gap of the insulators. The measured energy losses were interpreted by means of electron energy level schemes of the amorphous films. (author).

CERN Document Server

Canary Islands are normally interested by dominant North-East winds that, in some meteorological conditions, can transport sand at high altitude from the Sahara desert. The dust may affect the efficiency of the telescopes and decreases the transparency of the sky. In order to maximize the scientific return of the telescopes located at the ORM, we present an analysis of the atmospheric dust content and its effects on astronomical observations. B, V and I dust aerosol astronomical extinction are derived. Using a 5 years series database of data taken from the four channel TNG dust monitor, we compute a mean hourly and daily values of the dust content. We have detected particles having size 0.3, 0.5, 1.0 and 5.0 um. Using a power law we have derived the content of 10.0 um particles. We found a typical local dust concentration ranging from 3x10^6 particles per cubic meter at 0.3 um, to 10^3 at 5.0 um and 10 at 10.0 um, increasing up to 3 order of magnitudes during the dust storms, with a ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The proper selection of materials of construction is necessary to provide process equipment with optimum performance and corrosion resistance. If properly chosen, the selected material should deteriorate at a uniform, predictable rate, which will allow for maintenance or replacement at scheduled intervals. This concept of risk assessment for predictive maintenance is a minimum requirement for proper materials selection. Materials selection is based on prior service history, field corrosion tests, pilot-plant tests, and laboratory bench-top tests--in that relative order of usefulness. Corrosion test methods are usually divided into two groups: laboratory and field (plant-site) tests. The main difference between the two is that field test specimens are exposed to actual process conditions will all of the variables involved, while laboratory tests are a simulation of field conditions, even if actual process fluids are involved. The paper summarizes the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Together with an investigation on the deformation behavior of hot and cold rolled strip edge, the edge-drop control was explained in characteristics and result of application to the commercial mill by the tapered-crown work roll (WR) shifting mill. From a cold rolling experiment, three-dimensional material flow was known to be generated in the vicinity of edge also at the time of rolling the strip, and which generation influences that of edge-drop. Almost linearly relative to the flattened deformation of WR, the edge-drop enlarges with enlargement in that deformation. The number of stands to be applied to the tapered-crown WR shifting mill in the tandem cold mill is determined by the location as far as which the strip is to be controlled in edge-drop. In case of improving it to obtain the edge-drop-free strip, all the stands are required to be equipped with tapered-crown WR shifting mill. By applying a tapered-crown WR shifting mill to the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The cost of transporting biogas digestate can be decreased by reducing its water content. However, the digestate emits volatile compounds during drying. This study investigated the drying behaviour and the change of digestate composition. Drying took place in a hybrid solar/waste-heat dryer that used solar energy as well as waste heat from a combined heat and power unit (CHP) and the exhaust air of a microturbine. The experiment involved the use of 60 t of liquid digestate. Climatic conditions were measured inside and outside the drying hall. Dry matter (DM) and organic dry matter (ODM) were also measured on a daily basis. In addition, the energy consumption of waste and solar heat were recorded and related to the quantity of dried feedstock. The total nitrogen, ammonium, phosphate, potassium oxide, magnesium oxide and calcium oxide in the digestate were subjected to chemical analysis before and after the drying process. Losses of nitrogen were calculated. Specific ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A dust extraction system removes the contaminated air at source by means of a hood. The extraction system for dust is essentially a ducted air system that prevents excessive employee exposure to dust in the working zone. The four major mechanisms that remove the contaminants in an extraction system are: - capture of contaminants by hoods - transport of contaminated air in duct network - separation of dust in the collector - exhaust of clean air through stack. The current methods of design are based on empirical relations, multi-variable tables, graphs and nomographs that have been derived from the principle of fluid mechanics and particle dynamics. However, the empirical formulae, tables and graphs are used in different geographical locations of the world having different environmental conditions and geo-characteristics of dust particles. Therefore, it is required to establish a rational design method that will be based on analysis of each ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The interrelations between the factors causing the main effects on the primary circuit coolant flow rate distribution in the horizontal steam generator pipes in reactor facilities with the WWER type reactors under the modes with natural circulation are discussed. The criterion showing the presence or absence of coolant circulation reversal in bottom rows of the steam generator pipes is obtained. It is shown that large hydraulic non-uniformity in steam generator pipes operating in parallel under coolant natural circulation leads to decreasing the heat transfer surface efficiency under reactor facility emergency cooling, restricts its servicing capabilities. The circulation reverse in steam generator pipes under coolant natural circulation mode can give unfavourable effect on separate structural elements of the steam generators and as a result it can cause additional temperature strains in metal. The conclusion on provisions for improving the conditions for coolant flow rate distribution ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Industrial segments as plant of mining, hospitals and university generate considerable volumes of radioactive wastewater containing uranium. The increasing development of the use of the nuclear energy to lead away to an expansion of the sectors of the nuclear fuel cycle, but it leads to security problems and it appears the necessity of control of the removing of uranium and radioactive effluent treatments. Researches evaluate if the technique of the biosorption would promote an alternative process with attractive characteristics of cost-benefit. The residual biomass from agricultural activities has been studied and used as adsorbent of metals and organic composts by low cost, abundance and for being biodegradable. In this work, it is presented the efficiency of the coir pith for the adsorption of ions UO_2"2"+. The coir pith is a by-product of the harvest of the coconut, a renewable natural source. The study was accomplished using the batch techniques. The ...

Science.gov (United States)

Experimental trials of autogenous deep penetration welding between dissimilar cast Ni-based superalloy K418 and alloy steel 42CrMo flat plates with 5.0 mm thickness were conducted using a 3 kW continuous wave (CW) Nd:YAG laser. The influences of laser output power, welding velocity and defocusing distance on the morphology, welding depth and width as well as quality of the welded seam were investigated. Results show that full keyhole welding is not formed on both K418 and 42CrMo side, simultaneously, due to the relatively low output power. Partial fusion is observed on the welded seam near 42CrMo side because of the large disparity of thermal physical and high-temperature mechanical properties of these two materials. The microhardness of the laser-welded joint was also examined and analyzed. It is suggested that applying negative defocusing in the range of Raylei length can increase the welding depth and improve the coupling efficiency of the laser materials ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper describes the Brown and Root`s BARBOX, an alternative, purpose-built, deep-draft monohull system for floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO). This alternative system concept has been designed for worldwide applications including the North Sea and the Gulf of Mexico environments. The stiffened flat plate construction of the BARBOX gives it a low capital investment cost relative to minimum water plane hull types (e.g., semi-submersible, SPAR, TLP) and ship-shaped FPSO. Dynamic motion comparison between the BARBOX and the ship-shaped FPSO indicates that the BARBOX`s motion characteristics are similar or better than those of comparable ship-shaped FPSO configurations. This paper also considers construction of the BARBOX hull in the Gulf of Mexico region. A recent study indicated that the Gulf coast fabrication yards were technically capable to fabricate the BARBOX hull and they could be cost competitive against worldwide ...

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Dynamic Flowgraph Methodology (DFM) is a methodological approach to modeling and analyzing the behavior of software-driven embedded systems for the purpose of reliability/safety assessment and verification. The methodology has two fundamental goals: (a) to identify how certain postulated events may occur in a system and (b) to identify an appropriate testing strategy based on an analysis of system functional behavior. To achieve these goals, the methodology employs a modeling framework in which system models are developed in terms of causal relationships between physical variables and temporal characteristics of the execution of software modules. These models are then analyzed to determine how a certain state (desirable or undesirable) can be reached. This is done by developing timed fault trees, which take the form of logical combinations of static trees relating system parameters at different points in time. The prime implicants (multistate ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

One purpose of this article is to alert state utility commissions involved in restructuring electric utilities to pay special attention to proposals that would fragment the utility's billing and metering (B and M) operations. Such fragmentation would essentially foreclose an important future option for handling all levels of retail deregulation. A fusing of B and M could become the linchpin for transitioning retail electricity from its present cost-based fixed rates to a market-based pricing regime fully exploiting the high economic efficiencies that are characteristic of most commodity pricing regimes. Realizing such economic efficiencies requires self enforcing economic discipline that makes and keeps retail pricing of electricity responsive to: imbalances in supply and demand (S and D), tensions between potential customers and competing suppliers, the need to meet a return-on-investment (ROI) objective, and the relative quality of ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In an HTR plant high temperature components of Alloy 800 materials are subjected to temperatures from about 550 to 850degC in the long term; higher temperatures may occur in the short term. Thus the creep and stress-rupture parameters govern the design of these components. Since in recent years the scope of experimental data available for Alloy 800 materials has considerably increased, a new evaluation of the creep and creep-rupture properties was performed using a data bank computer. The relationships between the characteristics of the creep and creep-rupture behaviour and the metallurgical parameters were investigated by multilinear regression analyses. On the basis of the results of these analyses and after discussion in material expert committees new material specifications were determined for different types of Alloy 800. They were included into the draft standards DIN 17459 and DIN 17460 under the material standard nos. 1.4958, 1.4958 Rk and 1.4959. Besides ...

Science.gov (United States)

On-orbit spectral calibration of hyperspectral imaging data is a key step for quantitatively analyzing them. Like the atmospheric correction, accurate spectral calibration is very necessary for improved studies of land or ocean surface properties. Based on the previous literatures, a new method which coupled an optimization algorithm was developed to simultaneously retrieve the central wavelength and the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the hyperspectral sensor without needing the in situ reflectance spectra. Firstly, the Hyperion data set simulated using MODTRAN4 with the Hyperion spectral specification was used to test the new method, and the results indicated that the maximum error was less than 0.1 and 0.7 nm for central wavelength and FWHM respectively when the spectral shift is 5 nm. Then the algorithm was applied to the Hyperion data acquired on May 20, 2008 over Heihe River Basin and it was iteratively performed for each detector of the two spectrometers of Hyperion. The ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The n=4 Aurivillius phase, Bi5Ti3CrO15, was synthesised by solid state reaction. Rietveld analysis of high resolution neutron diffraction data demonstrated this material to adopt the polar space group A21am at room temperature, transforming to the aristotype I4/mmm structure above 650 oC. This phase transition is coincident with an anomaly in DSC signal and relative permittivity, which are characteristic of a ferroelectric-paraelectric phase transition. Bi5Ti3CrO15 exhibits paramagnetic behaviour at low temperature, with short range antiferromagnetic interactions, but no evidence for long range magnetic ordering. This is considered a consequence of significant disorder of Ti and Cr over the available octahedral sites, as demonstrated by analysis of neutron diffraction data. -- Graphical abstract: We report here the synthesis, structure and characterisation of the n=4 Aurivillius phase Bi5Ti3CrO15. Analysis of neutron powder diffraction and ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The role of macroinvertebrates and diatoms as indicator for metal pollution was investigated by assessing both biota along a metal gradient in the Belgian river the Dommel. Macroinvertebrates and diatoms were sampled in summer and winter and physical-chemical characteristics of the water were measured at four different sample periods and related to sediment characteristics. Although metal concentrations, except cadmium, in the water nowhere exceeded water quality standards, high metal concentrations were measured in the sediment, indicating historical contamination of the Dommel. At the sites that were situated downstream of the pollution source, high levels of conductivity and chloride were measured in the water. Redundancy Analysis (RDA) indicated pH, phosphate and zinc as the significant environmental variables explaining each respectively 7.7%, 11.6% and 22.6% of the macroinvertebrate community composition. Two clusters ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In coke-oven operations flue-gas valves are used to switch the regenerator function from rich gas firing to lean gas firing. Compared with the simple geometry of the other parts of the flow path, which comprise flues and regenerators, the narrow and winding passages of the flue-gas valves give rise to relatively high losses in pressure. Without the construction of high (and therefore expensive) chimneys, this means that operating problems may well arise due the inadequate suction capacity. The project focused on the theoretical and experimental analysis of a coke-oven flue-gas valve. The primary aim was to reduce the pressure drop through the valve without modifying its external geomerty. The internal flow characteristics created by different valve geometries under a variety of operating conditions were simulated using the commercial CFD code Fluent/UNS, which provided velocity and pressure distributions. A half-scale model valve was ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Two-phase flow in horizontal parallel channels has been experimentally investigated under fuel cell related operating conditions. Pronounced hysteresis is observed in the pressure drop versus flow characteristic curve when starting from either flooded or dry conditions. When gas is introduced into channels initially filled with water (flooded initial condition), both gas and liquid tend to flow predominantly in one channel at low gas or liquid flow velocities. As the gas flow velocity increases, even distribution of gas and liquid flow in both channels is observed, accompanied with a sudden decrease in the pressure drop. On the other hand, even gas and liquid flow distribution between both channels is found at comparatively lower gas flow velocities when starting with dry-gas flow conditions with liquid introduced into channels filled with gas (stratified flow regime). The flow regimes of this system are visualized in plots of the pressure drop ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Fixed Bed Nuclear Reactor (FBNR) is a small 40 MWe reactor based on the Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) technology. FBNR is an integrated primary circuit and simple in design. It has the characteristics of being small, modular, proliferation resistant, inherently safe and passively cooled reactor with reduced adverse environmental impact. It utilizes the fuel designed for high temperature reactors operating in a relatively low temperature of PWR environment The 15 mm diameter spherical fuel elements are made of TRISO type microspheres embedded in graphite and cladded by SiC. The coolant flow transfers them from the fuel chamber into the core and become fixed forming a suspended core. Any accident signal will cut off the power to the coolant pump causing a stop in the flow. This results in making the fuel elements fall out of the reactor core by the force of gravity and return into the fuel chamber where they are passively cooled under ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The distribution of radiation dose commitments within the body that can result from the lung deposition of a number of transuranic radionuclides ("2"3"7Pu, "2"3"8Pu, "2"3"9Pu, "2"4"0Pu, "2"4"1Pu, "2"4"2Pu, "2"4"3Pu, "2"4"4Pu, "2"4"1Am, "2"4"2Am, "2"4"3Am, "2"4"4Am, "2"4"2Cm, "2"4"3Cm, "2"4"4Cm, and "2"4"6Cm) was calculated. The variables that influence these organ dose commitments include the mobility of the particle or its dissolution products within the body, the radiation characteristics of the inhaled radionuclides and their progeny, and the size of the particles inhaled. In the calculation of organ dose commitments for whole-body, lungs, liver, bone tissues, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract from the inhalation of transuranium radionuclides, physical characteristics of importance are the dimensions of the particle, its aerodynamic properties, and its density. For particles within the respirable size range, a useful description is ...

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