... rate on the tensile properties of SA-106 carbon steel pipe, in support of analysis and experimental modeling of postulated pipe whip in nuclear ...
Pathways of salicylic acid (SA) biosynthesis and metabolism in tobacco have been recently identified. SA, an endogenous regulator of disease resistance, is a product of phenylpropanoid metabolism formed...Full Text Available
Freezing and thaw have an effect on soils, and the effect of the freeze-thaw cycle on soil covers used in the control of acid mine drainage was discussed in this poster presentation. The purpose of soil covers in cases involving acid mine drainage (AMD) is to reduce the exposure of tailings to oxygen which cause AMD. The effect of this freezing-thaw cycle on soft materials used in soil covers with capillary effect was studied. Some laboratory experiments were conducted to evaluate the properties of the moisture retention layer. The preliminary results were presented. The results indicated that the freeze-thaw cycle might affect the performance of soil covers in the long term, depending on the type of materials selected. Further research is undergoing. 26 figs.
We have determined that 10Sa RNA (one of the small stable RNAs found in Escherichia coli) has an interesting structural feature: the 5' end and the 3' end of 10Sa RNA can be arranged in a structure...Full Text Available
Strain-induced crystallization of crosslinked natural rubber (NR) and its synthetic analogue, cis-1,4-polyisoprene (IR), both mixed with various amounts of stearic acid (SA), were investigated by time-resolved X-ray diffraction using a powerful synchrotron radiation source and simultaneous mechanical (tensile) measurement. No acceleration or retardation was observed on NR in spite of the increase of SA amount. Even the SA-free IR crystallized upon stretching, and the overall crystallization behavior of IR shifted to the larger strain ratio with increasing SA content. No difference due to the SA was detected in the deformation of crystal lattice by stress for both NR and IR. These results suggested that the extended network chains are effective for the initiation of crystallization upon stretching, while the role of SA is trivial. These behaviors are much ...
A comparative study on the interaction of different PEG-containing diblock copolymers including SA400, SA600, SA1500 and OA1500 (stearyl and oleyl esters of polyethylene glycol with 400, 600 and 1500 molecular weights, respectively) with bovine serum albumin (BSA) was carried out using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR), circular dichroism (CD), and fluorescence spectroscopies. ITC data show that SA400, SA600, SA1500 and OA1500 bind to BSA, with association constants of (14.5, 3.16, 50.7 and 17.6)x103M-1, respectively. Results also show that the binding is enthalpically driven, disfavored by conformational entropy. Quantitative analysis of the FTIR absorbance spectra at amide Iprime (1600-1700cm-1) as well as far UV ci...
Many organic compounds can be adsorbed onto the interface of a metal and solution to form a thin film that inhibits the corrosion process according to a blocking and/or negative catalytic effect. Using the Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) technique, stearic acid (SA) monolayers were deposited onto the surface of an iron (Fe) electrode to study the inhibition effect and the mechanism of SA in a neutral medium. Molecular orientation and the number of deposited monolayers of SA were shown to have marked effects on inhibition of Fe corrosion. The inhibition mechanism depended mainly on blocking.
... 1768 1475 360 to 3400 ... The TSC provided an independent assessment of SA based on ... Complexity of Situation Degree of complication (number of ...
... the more the populace backs the TTP or, at ... the FATA, which does not wholly belong to Pakistan. ... While Congress authorizes and funds SA and the ...
AimsThe efficacy of topical glucocorticosteroids in rhinitis and asthma is likely to depend on drug retention in the airway mucosa. With fluticasone propionate, retention may be...Full Text Available
... Accession Number : AD0749455. Title : Uptake and Retention of Adenine Moiety by Stored Human Red Blood Cells. Descriptive Note : Interim rept.,. ...
The corrosion rate of low alloy steel SA-508 and carbon steel A-410b in simulated operation and shutdown conditions of pressurized water reactor has been determined Moreover potentiodynamic polarization curves and galvanic effect through coupling of AISI-304 have been carried out under shutdown simulated condition. (Author) 8 refs.
Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of transvesical obturator nerve block (ONB) in the prevention of obturator nerve reflex and leg jerking during transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TURBT). Patients and Methods: A total of 60 patients were studied, in whom the transurethral resection of tumors on the posterolateral bladder wall were performed under spinal anesthesia (SA). The patients were randomly divided into two groups. In the first group, we performed transvesical ONB and SA together, while the second group received only SA. The patients underwent TURBT using monopolar cautery. Incidence of leg jerking was registered and compared in these two groups. We used a nerve stimulator to detect the obturator nerve next to the lateral bladder wall. The obturator nerve was identif...
Starting from commercial 4-chloro-3-nitroaniline, through a 5 step synthesis, 3-azido-4-chlorophenylisothiocyanate was prepared and reacted with ["3H]-methylamine. The latter was obtained by three methods: (i) ["3H]-LiA1T_4 reduction of benzylcarbamate gave rise to ["3H]-methylamine (S.A.: > 70 Ci/mmol). (ii) Catalytic reduction of HCN with "3H_2 lead to ["3H]-CH_3NH_2 (S.A.: 0.7 Ci/mmol). (III) Schmidt rearrangement of ["3H]-sodium acetate gave ["3H]-CH_3NH_2 (S.A.: 29 Ci/mmol). (author).
This communication reports the formation of complex Langmuir monolayer at the air-water interface by charge transfer types of interaction with the water soluble N-cetyl Formula Not Shown -trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) molecules doped with rosebengal (RB), with the stearic acid (SA) molecules of a preformed SA Langmuir monolayer. The reaction kinetics of the formation of RB-CTAB-SA complex monolayer was monitored by observing the increase in surface pressure with time while the barrier was kept fixed. Completion of interaction kinetics was confirmed by FTIR study. This complex Langmuir films at the air-water interface was transferred onto solid substrates at a desired surface pressure to form multilayered Langmuir-Blodgett films. Spectroscopic characterizations reveal some molecular lev...
This paper proposes the use of particle swarm optimization method (PSO) for finite element (FE) model updating. The PSO method is compared to the existing methods that use simulated annealing (SA) or genetic algorithms (GA) for FE model for model updating. The proposed method is tested on an unsymmetrical H-shaped structure. It is observed that the proposed method gives updated natural frequencies the most accurate and followed by those given by an updated model that was obtained using the GA and a full FE model. It is also observed that the proposed method gives updated mode shapes that are best correlated to the measured ones, followed by those given by an updated model that was obtained using the SA and a full FE model. Furthermore, it is observed that the PSO achieves this accuracy at a computational speed that is faster than that by the GA and a full FE model which is faster than the SA and a full FE model.
A variable gene delivery system has been developed based on conjugating chitosan to biotin through a functionalized poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) spacer, which can be used to further bind different molecules on the outer layer of a polymer/DNA complex by streptavidin (SA)-biotin linkage. In this study, TAT-conjugated SA was used as the model molecule to prove the conjugation function of the prepared complex. In addition, low-molecular-weight poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) was added into the polymer/DNA complex to increase the transfection efficiency. The results of the luciferase assay show that the transfection efficiency of the prepared complex was significantly correlated with the amount of PEI and was further enhanced when TAT was conjugated to the complex by SA-biotin linkage. Considered to have negligible cytotoxic effects, the variable gene delivery complex prepared in this study would be of considerable potential as ...
Salicylic acid (SA) is an important component of systemic-acquired resistance in plants. It is synthesized from benzoic acid (BA) as part of the phenylpropanoid pathway. Benzaldehyde (BD), a potential...Full Text Available
Glycosaminoglycan synthesis by two subpopulations of a mouse mammary tumor cell line was compared. The two sublines express distinctly different growth characteristics in vitro and in vivo which indicate differences in growth regulation. Newly made glycosaminoglycans were recovered from the culture media, the cell surfaces, and residual cellular material. The cell population which grows more aggressively in vivo (+SA subline, a subline that grows in soft agarose) incorporated about 8 times more (/sup 14/C)glucosamine per cell into total glycosaminoglycans than did the slower-growing population (-SA subline, which does not grow in soft agarose). Appropriate control experiments indicated that the apparent difference in rates of synthesis was not due to discrepancies in glucosamine uptake. The main residual cellular molecule labeled was heparan sulfate, but the predominant molecule at the cell surface and in the culture fluid was hyaluronic acid. ...
OBJECTIVE--To investigate the cause of post-operative retention of urine in elderly men. DESIGN--Prospective study. SETTING--Northern General Hospital, Sheffield. PATIENTS--32 consecutive men (median...Full Text Available
RESUME: Cet article propose une tude du r le croissant que joue l valuation dans la gouvernance des services domicile en Europe. L introduction de quasi march s dans plusieurs pays europ ens va de pair avec un processus d autonomisation de la fonction d valuation qui devient un v ritable outil de r gulation de la concurrence. Une analyse compar e des situations en Belgique, France et Royaume Uni, tant de la demande que de l offre de services, met en vidence les tensions r currentes dans les objectifs de l valuation (qualit des services, ma trise des budgets sociaux, cr ation d emploi), la faible prise en compte de la qualit de l emploi ainsi que les limites des dispositifs standardis s d valuation au regard de la rh torique du libre choix de l usager (consommateur).
Ethnopharmacological relevanceHLXL is a traditional Chinese medicine that has long been used in folk medicine for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases....Full Text Available
sur la médiatisation des élections Il s'est ouverte le 16 septembre 2011 à Matadi dans le Bas-Congo une formation sur la médiatisation des questions électorales,...
isotherme, dans un courant d'azote ou sous vide entretenu. I t. Comptes Rendus Scientific Academy, Paris, Vol. 265 pyrolyse du carbonate de calcium, ...
The results make appear that the cesium 137 would be eliminated less quick than what the ICRP considered for its models. Pectin would accelerate the cesium elimination but less quick than what is announced by its promotors. Politically speaking, the pectin is ignored by the officials of medicine and radiation protection at the pretext that its efficiency is not proved but no study is made. (N.C.)
A pole placement technique for power system stabilizer (PSS) and thyristor controlled series capacitor (TCSC) based stabilizer using simulated annealing (SA) algorithm is presented in this paper. The proposed approach employs SA optimization technique to PSS (SAPSS) and TCSC-based stabilizer (SACSC) design. The design problem is formulated as an optimization problem where SA is applied to search for the optimal setting of the proposed SAPSS and SACSC parameters. A pole placement-based objective function to shift the dominant eigenvalues to the left in the s-plane is considered. The proposed SAPSS and SACSC have been examined on a weakly connected power system with different disturbances, loading conditions, and system parameter variations. Eigenvalue analysis and nonlinear simulation results show the effectiveness and the robustness of the proposed stabilizers and their ability to provide efficient damping of low frequency ...
Dynamic fracture toughness tests were performed on materials which had been subjected to one of three long-time post weld type stress relief heat treatments: 48 hours at 1000/degree/F (538/degree/C), 24 hours at 1125/degree/F (607/degree/C), and 48 hours at 1125/degree/F (607/degree/C). Linear elastic K/sub Id/ results were obtained at low temperatures while J-integral techniques were utilized to evaluate dynamic fracture toughness over the transition and upper shelf temperature ranges. Tensile, Charpy impact, and drop weight nil-ductility transition tests as well as room temperature, air environment fatigue crack growth rate tests (SA508 Cl 2a only) were also performed. The fracture toughness of both materials exceeded the ASME specified minimum reference toughness K/sub IR/ curve. 17 refs.
Dynamic fracture toughness tests were performed on materials which had been subjected to one of three long-time post weld type stress relief heat treatments: 48 hours at 1000/degree/F (538/degree/C), 24 hours at 1125/degree/F (607/degree/C), and 48 hours at 1125/degree/F (607/degree/C). Linear elastic K/sub Id/ results were obtained at low temperatures while J-integral techniques were utilized to evaluate dynamic fracture toughness over the transition and upper shelf temperature ranges. Tensile, Charpy impact, and drop weight nil-ductility transition tests as well as room temperature, air environment fatigue crack growth rate tests (SA508 Cl 2a only) were also performed. The fracture toughness of both materials exceeded the ASME specified minimum reference toughness K/sub IR/ curve. 17 refs.
Much research has been done to estimate the residual stress on a dissimilar metal weld. There are many methods to estimate the weld residual stress and FEM (Finite Element Method) is generally used due to the advantage of the parametric study. And the X-ray method and a Hole Drilling technique for an experimental method are also usually used. The aim of this paper is to develop the appropriate FEM model to estimate the residual stresses of the dissimilar overlay weld pipe. For this, firstly, the specimen of the dissimilar overlay weld pipe was manufactured. The SA 508 Gr3 nozzle, the SA 182 safe end and SA376 pipe were welded by the Alloy 182. And the overlay weld by the Alloy 52M was performed. The residual stress of this specimen was measured by using the Neutron Diffraction device in the HANARO (High-flux Advanced Neutron Application ReactOr) research reactor, KAERI (Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute). Secondly, FEM ...
In the heat-affected zones (HAZ) of low alloy steels used for nuclear pressure vessel, microstructural changes, such as grain coarsening, carbide precipitation, and martensite formation, generally occur and cause a deterioration of toughness and an increase in sensitivity to brittle fracture. Metallographic analyses of low alloy steel welds reveal significantly different regions in HAZ microstructures. In 2-pass welds, there were seven characteristic regions in the HAZ determined by the peak temperature, to which the region was exposed during the weld thermal cycle: a coarse-grained region, a fine-grained region, an intercritical region, and subcritical region. The coarse-grained region can be categorized into four zones according to the reheating temperature as follows : an unaltered coarse-grained zone (UCGHAZ), a supercritically reheated coarse grained zone (SCRCGHAZ), an intercritically reheated coarse-grained zone (ICRCGHAZ), and an subcritically reheated coarse-grained zone ...
The oxidation conditions were investigated for obtaining a higher productivity in the production of high strength carbon fiber from polyacrylonitrile (PAN). The effect of incorporation of 2 % comonomer such as methyl acrylate (MA), acrylate containing carboxylate (SA), acrylamide (AAm), and hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA) on the oxidation conditions was also investigated. The measurement of DSC and bonded oxygen content revealed that the most effective comonomer for promoting the cyclization of nitril group and the bonding of oxygen was found to be SA, and the second best was AAm. The measurement of tensile strength of carbon fiber showed that the copolymer of SA, HEA, and MA gave a high strength fiber. It took a long time to oxidize the carbon fiber when it was oxidized at a temperature on which double layer structure was not formed. To shorten the production time, a method of combining the upper limit oxidation in which the ...
Pursuant to statement issued by the Government of Vietnam on 12 May 1977, on the territorial sea, the contiguous zone, the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and the continental shelf of Vietnam, and according to the provisions of the LOS Convention, the EEZ of Vietnam extends principally up to 200NM from the baseline, and the area of EEZ amounts to about one million square km including the Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) Islands [The declaration of the Government of Vietnam on the territorial sea, contiguous zone, exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, Hanoi, 1977]. The establishment of EEZ has significantly changed circumstances for the fisheries sector in Vietnam.Recently, even though the adaptation of new techniques and technologies to the fisheries sector has been somewh...
A series of copolymers based on the cellulose acetate/propionate-g.co-acrylic acid system has been prepared under radiation-induced control. These copolymers have been assessed for their water-retention capacity both in an unmodified state and after ''decrystallization'' or ''neutralization'' treatments. The grafting of acrylic acid onto the cellulose acetate/propionate had little effect on the water retention power of the cellulose acetate/propionate. However, improvements to the water retentivity was obtained after ''decrystallization'' procedures had been carried out on the copolymers using selected alkali metal salts with methanol as the continuous medium. The water-retentivity of the copolymers increased with increase in the extent of grafting, though the effect is less pronounced at high ...
In this report we assessed retrospectively the usefulness of Thallium-201 chloride scintigraphy for diagnosing malignant tumors of the maxillofacial region. Thallium-201 chloride scintigraphy was performed on 74 patients with malignant tumors and 8 patients with benign tumors, and a retention index was calculated from the early and delayed scintigrams (delayed accumulation ratio/ early accumulation ratio). This retention index depended on the blood flow of tumors and the affinity of tumors with Thallium-201 chloride. The retention index was large for malignant tumors (avg.: 1.05) and small for benign tumors (avg.: 0.78). Concerning the degree of malignancy (the histological type and the degree of tumor involvement), the retention index was higher in highly malignant tumors (1.20 for poorly-differentiated tumors and 1.19 for aggressive-involvement-type tumors) and lower for tumors of low malignancy (1.02 ...
The deuterium inventory at JET after 2001-2004 operational campaign has been determined using nuclear reaction analysis (NRA) and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). A full poloidal set of divertor tiles and a set of outer poloidal limiter (OPL) tiles were analysed providing an estimation for the total deuterium retention of about 66 g. Deuterium is trapped mainly at the inner divertor on horizontal target tile and at the inner divertor louvre area where ?60% of the trapped D is found. The long-term D retention is ?4% of the total D input.
The retention of radio-Eu, Go, Cs and Sr, at the tracer level, on raw fibers produced from hemp, linen and Jute plants was investigated. The study was conducted from different media including: sea and tap waters, sodium chloride and nitric acid solutions of different Ph. The percentage retention and elution, on prolonged contact, varied from one element to another depending on conditions. Extraction chromatography columns, using these fibers as supporting material were also experimented. Results were discussed together with possible applications. 7 tabs.
The prevention of subscriber churn through customer retention is a core issue of Customer Relationship Management (CRM). By minimizing customer churn a company maximizes its profit. This paper proposes a hybridized architecture to deal with customer retention problems. It does so not only through predicting churn probability but also by proposing retention policies. The architecture works in two modes: learning and usage.In the learning mode, the churn model learner seeks potential associations from the subscriber database. This historical information is used to form a churn model. This mode also calls for a policy model constructor to use the attributes identified in the churn model to divide all `churners' into distinct groups. The policy model constructor is also responsible for develop...
This study in human volunteers was designed to compare the retention of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) in the body after intravenous (i.v.) injection with that following inhalation by using a /sup 14/C labelled tracer. After i.v. injection retention in the blood could be described by three exponential components with half-times of about 1.4 min (approx. 60%). By 24 Ehr more than 99% of the /sup 14/C-DTPA had been excreted in the urine and less than 0.5% remained in the plasma. After inhalation of /sup 14/C-DTPA retention in the lungs could be represented by a single component with a half time of about 75 min. As a consequence the length of time that a therapeutically useful amount of DTPA is retained in the body is approximately twice that following intravenous injection.
Radiation modification on liquid retention properties of native cassava starch, gelatinized at 85"0C, by graft copolymerization with acrylonitrile was carried out by mutual irradiation to #gamma#-rays. A thin aluminium foil was used to cover the inner wall of the reaction vessel so that the extent of homo polymer could be reduced to be less than 1.6% with a distilled water retention value of 665 g/g of the dry weight of the saponified grafted product. Confirmations of graft copolymerization and saponification reactions were made by the infrared spectrophotometric technique. The combined effect of radiation parameters in terms of an irradiation time and a dose rate to the same total dose on the extent of grafting reaction expressed in terms of grafting parameters which directly influenced liquid retention values was evaluated in conjunction with statistical analysis.
Additional measurements have been made of deposition and retention of inhaled radioactively labeled iron oxide aerosols generated by a spinning top aerosol generator.
Dosimetry parameters such as deposition, clearance, retention, and translocation and dissolution of inhaled particles in and to different lung compartments may be important for the persistence of particles...Full Text Available
A case of acute urinary retention due to a vesical leiomyoma is described. This is an unusual presentation and the treatment is discussed.ImagesFull Text Available
L'invention concerne un procede de triage de cristaux irradies. Ce procede non destructeur comporte l'irradiation des cristaux par un rayonnement ionisant pendant une duree et avec une intensite telles qu'il se forme des centres colores distinctifs dans les matieres contenant des ions aluminium. Les cristaux colores qui correspondent en teinte et en profondeur de couleur a des teneurs en aluminium en dehors de la teneur desiree peuvent etre separes. On peut isoler ainsi des matieres de quartz, de verre, de silicates exemptes d'aluminium dans un melange, ou bien on peut choisir des fractions de ces matieres, chacune contenant une teneur uniforme en aluminium.
The present study deals with two subjects. The first one is to determine the thermal properties of lauric acid (LA)-stearic acid (SA), myristic acid (MA)-palmitic acid (PA) and palmitic acid (PA)-stearic acid (SA) eutectic mixtures as latent heat storage material. The properties were measured by the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis technique. The second one is to study the thermal reliability of these materials in view of the change in their melting temperatures and latent heats of fusion with respect to repeated thermal cycles. For this aim, the eutectic mixtures were subjected to 360 repeated melt/freeze cycles, and their thermal properties were measured after 0, 90,1 80 and 360 thermal cycles by the technique of DSC analysis. The DSC thermal analysis results show that the binary systems of LA-SA in the ratio of 75.5:24.5 wt.%, MA-PA in the ratio of 58:42 wt.% and PA-SA in the ratio of ...
This Project Management Plan combines the project management deliverables from the P+ methodology that are applicable to this part of the QUEST2 work. This consolidation reflects discussions with WHC QA regarding an appropriate method for ensuring that P+ deliverables fulfill the intent of WHC-CM-3-10 and QR-19.
A study has been made of the interaction between graphitized thermal carbon-black and cyclodextrins and a series of 28 derivatives of benzene (benzene, alkyl-, isoalkyl-, dialkyl-, trialkylbenzenes, vinyl-, and allyl-benzene). The specific retention volumes form the basis for a discussion of the mechanism of interaction and drawing conclusions for the practical separation of isomeric compounds. (orig.).
Molybdenum dioxo bis acetylacetonate shows a retention of about 31% for both "9"9Mo and "1"0"1Mo, with reactor irradiations at ambient temperature. But its radiolytic stability and resistance to hydrolysis are too low for application to "9"9Mo enrichment. The molybdenum (II) carboxylates and the arene molybdenum (O)tricaronyls show high retentions. These complexes are also air and water sensitive in solution. (orig.).
The kinetics of lead distribution was studied in suckling and adult rats 8 days after a single intraperitoneal injection of "2"0"3Pb. Marked differences were observed in the kinetics of lead retention and distribution in suckling as compared to adult rats. The rate of "2"0"3Pb disappearance was lower in the whole body, blood and kidneys, but higher in the liver, while the deposition processes predominated in the brain, femur and teeth of sucklings as compared to adult animals. (auth).
The TTT diagrams describing the beta to alpha isothermal transformation have been made by isothermal dilatometry for pure uranium and 21 alloys based on chromium, silicon, molybdenum, iron, aluminium, zirconium. The thermal cycle preceeding the isothermal...
... Producers and their Impacts on Women in Central Java, IndonesiaActions basées sur des scénarios visant à élever ... impact sur les femmes dans le centre de Java, en IndonésieInvestigación-acción basada en...
In addition to their use in high-speed ovens, microwaves are also finding applications in industrial manufacture, quality control and storage - anywhere where the high-frequency transmission or reflection properties of a material can be exploited. Microwaves are also being used in medical applications for the characterization of certain type of tumours. They are also being used in research into ultrasonic cavitation. (authors) 5 refs.
After a presentation of methods and tools for the basic and extensive characterization of polluted sites and the study of evolution and transfer of current organic pollutants in the ground, the example of the rehabilitation of an old Rhone-Poulenc site (at Chauny, France) polluted with metals and arsenic, is described: soil and aquifer diagnosis, risk analysis and determination of migration schemes
In order to conserve vaccines in hot countries a solar refrigerator has been made by a French university. It is a photothermal refrigerator without batteries. It uses two gases: ammonia and calcium chloride. The refrigerator is autonomous and can work eleven days without sun. (N.C.)
Whole-body retention and excretion following a single oral dose of radiolabeled lead (/sup 203/Pb) in chronically lead-exposed pregnant BK:W mice were examined over 10-13 days. This was compared with values in similarly treated nonpregnant females and in ip injected females. Whole-body and bone retention were greater in injected than in orally dosed nonpregnant females; gastrointestinal absorption was estimated from this difference. Whole-body retention in the pups was measured at birth and at the end of the experiment. Whole-body retentions in pregnant females and in their pups at birth were significantly raised after treatment at Gestational Day 17, but not after treatment at Gestational Day 11, 14, 20, 23, or 26. Pup body burdens at birth were significantly and positively correlated with maternal retention. Measurement of radioactivity in bone, kidney, brain, heart, and liver of ...
Whole-body retention and excretion following a single oral dose of radiolabeled lead ("2"0"3Pb) in chronically lead-exposed pregnant BK:W mice were examined over 10-13 days. This was compared with values in similarly treated nonpregnant females and in ip injected females. Whole-body and bone retention were greater in injected than in orally dosed nonpregnant females; gastrointestinal absorption was estimated from this difference. Whole-body retention in the pups was measured at birth and at the end of the experiment. Whole-body retentions in pregnant females and in their pups at birth were significantly raised after treatment at Gestational Day 17, but not after treatment at Gestational Day 11, 14, 20, 23, or 26. Pup body burdens at birth were significantly and positively correlated with maternal retention. Measurement of radioactivity in bone, kidney, brain, heart, and liver of ...
[sup 203]Pb-chloride is a promising imaging agent for tumour scanning because of the large retention value for tumour tissue and the small value for normal organs, but the large value for the kidneys and bone is a shortcoming. The retention value of [sup 203]Pb in tumour tissue is larger than that of [sup 201]Tl and smaller than that of [sup 67]Ga. The tumour/inflammatory lesion retention ratio for [sup 203]Pb is very large in comparison with those for [sup 67]Ga and [sup 201]Tl. [sup 203]Pb accumulates to a large extent in viable tumour tissue, and less in necrotic tumour tissue and in inflammatory lesion. (author).
The US National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements, in collaboration with the International Commission on Radiological Protection, has been developing a biokinetic and dosimetric model for radionuclide-contaminated wounds. The finalised model is described briefly in this paper, together with the scientific basis and application. The multicompartment model uses first-order linear biokinetics to describe the retention and clearance of a radionuclide deposited in a wound site using seven default retention categories. Examples using plutonium nitrate in colloidal form and uranium in metal fragments show the behaviour of the less soluble forms of radionuclides in wounds, in which long-term retention is predicted. Using uranium as an example, the wound model is coupled to a uranium International Commission on Radiological Protection systemic model to predict urinary excretion patterns for different physicochemical ...
We have studied, by a Monte Carlo simulation code ACAT-DIFFUSE, the fluence-dependence of the amount of retained helium atoms in tungsten carbide at room temperature under helium ion bombardment. The retention behavior may be understood qualitatively in terms of irradiation-dependent diffusion coefficient assumed and range. The emission processes from tungsten carbide under helium ion irradiation derived were compared with each other. We have discussed the retention curves for incident energy of 5 keV at incident angles of 0deg and 80deg and of 500 eV at 0deg. The energy spectra of helium atoms reflected from tungsten carbide for incident energy of 500 eV at 0deg and 80deg were compared with those from graphite and tungsten. (author)
Using data on libraries collected by the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) and the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), as well as fall-to-fall retention rates obtained from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) of the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), this study employs statistical measures of association to analyze the relationship of both library expenditures and number of professional library staff to student persistence. The strongest relationships found were those between student retention and total library expenditures, total library materials costs, and serial costs for institutions categorized as baccalaureate colleges within the Carnegie Classification System. The most significant relationship between persistence and numb...
On efficient glass capillary columns packed with graphitized thermal carbon black (GTCB) the stereoisomers of aromatic and saturated tricyclic hydrocarbons are completely separated and identified. The Henry's adsorption constants of the individual isomers were determined from mixture at different temperatures. Five isomers of perhydroanthracene, five isomers of perhydrofluorene, two isomers of perhydrophenalene, four isomers of perhydroacenaphthene, as well as phenalene, dihydrophenalene, acenaphthene and acenaphthylene were investigated. The increase of the hydrogenization degree of unsaturated tricyclic hydrocarbons reduces the retention. Among the saturated tricyclic isomers the retention becomes shorter with the larger bending of the molecules, i.e. from the molecule having more equatorial bonds to the molecules having more axial connections. The experimentally determined Henry's constants were qualitatively compared with ...
Irradiation of live bivalve molluscs is a promising new technique to reduce the public health threats of viral and bacterial pathogens in the consumption of raw shellfish. In studies conducted within the past year, live hardshelled clams and oysters were innoculated with Simian Rotavirus SA-11, Poliovirus I, and Hepatitis-A virus and treated with gamma ray ionizing radiation from University of Lowell/DOE 800,000 Curie "6"0Co source over a dose range of 0.5--10 kiloGray (50--1000 kilorad) to determine the effectiveness of the process in eliminating viral activity and thus easing the potential viral health threats associated with uncooked bivalves. Two viral strains, SA-11 and Poliovirus I, were employed as models to perfect laboratory technique and to estimate the most appropriate range of dose exposures necessary for optimal inactivation of the infectious pathogen, Hepatitis A. Post-irradiation survivorship of the oysters and quahogs was ...
Past elastic-plastic fracture studies for leak-before-break (LBB) assessment of low alloy steel pipings have been focused mostly on the behavior of base metals and their weld metals. In contrast, the heat-affected zone (HAZ) of a welded pipe has not been studied in detail primarily because the size of the HAZ is too small to make specimens for mechanical properties measurements. In this study, microstructural analyses, microhardness tests, tensile tests and J-R tests have been conducted as a function of distance from a fusion line and temperature for HAZ materials of SA106Gr.C low alloy piping steels. For the ferrite-pearlite steels such as SA106Gr.C, the HAZ specimens showed a higher yield strength and fracture toughness compared with those of its base metal. These characteristics, despite of grain coarsening, can be explained by cleaner microstructures of HAZ materials with a finer morphology of carbides compared with pearlitic-ferritic base ...
In this paper the Sudoku problem is solved using stochastic search techniques and these are: Cultural Genetic Algorithm (CGA), Repulsive Particle Swarm Optimization (RPSO), Quantum Simulated Annealing (QSA) and the Hybrid method that combines Genetic Algorithm with Simulated Annealing (HGASA). The results obtained show that the CGA, QSA and HGASA are able to solve the Sudoku puzzle with CGA finding a solution in 28 seconds, while QSA finding a solution in 65 seconds and HGASA in 1.447 seconds. This is mainly because HGASA combines the parallel searching of GA with the flexibility of SA. The RPSO was found to be unable to solve the puzzle.
The subject of this paper is based on necessity to register occurrence in petroleum industry. Specifically we are making reference about Exploration and Production at petroleum industry, using a photography as job instrument. The PETROBRAS - Petroleo Brasileiro S.A., apply the photography resources in almost all service. The Campos basin Exploration and Production, responsible for 70% Brazil's petroleum production, utilizes photographies in many solutions. This paper is based on the following premises: the photography as register way; the information facility; the technical applies; the use of this register in the academic, scientific and operational ways. (author)
A new generation of lead alloys for making lead batteries is being introduced in highly developed countries. A very important characteristic of these alloys is the presence of Ca, Al and Sn. Such alloys have the property of stabilizing the amount of gas emitted as a result of the decomposition of the electrolyte on the level of pure lead i.e. significantly smaller than lead alloys containing Se e.g. PbSb 1.7Se. Such alloys have not been produced in Poland so far. - In this paper we are presenting the method and equipment used to produce a pilot portion of PbSnCaAl alloy (mass approximately 80 Mg) on an industrial scale at HMN ''Szopienice'' S.A. lead refinery. We also present the results of the tests regarding the chemical homogeneity of the alloy produced, as well as its structural and casting properties. On the basis of the tests conducted it has been found that the method is industrially adequate and as such it has been ...
We report on the effect of potato maltodextrins with variable dextrose equivalent (Paselli SA-2, SA-6 and SA-10) on the surface behavior at the air-water interface of the mixture: legumin+small-molecule surfactant. Distinct in nature small-molecule surfactants (model: sodium salt of capric acid, Na-caprate; and commercially important: a citric acid ester of monoglyceride, CITREM) have been under our consideration. The role of the structure of both of the maltodextrins and the small-molecule surfactants in the effect studied has been elucidated by measurements in a bulk aqueous medium of the enthalpy of their interaction from mixing calorimetry, value of weight average molecular weight of the maltodextrins and the thermodynamics of the pair maltodextrin-solvent and maltodextrin-protein interactions from laser static light scattering. The combined data of mixing calorimetry and light scattering suggest some complex formation ...
In an aim to develop photo-responsive composites, the UV photo-reduction of aqueous titanium oxide nanoparticle-graphene oxide (TiO{sub 2}-GO) dispersions (Lambert et al. J Phys. Chem. 2010 113 (46), 19812-19823) was undertaken. Photo-reduction led to the formation of a black precipitate as well as a soluble portion, comprised of titanium oxide nanoparticle-reduced graphene oxide (TiO{sub 2}-RGO). When allowed to slowly evaporate, self assembled titanium oxide nanoparticle-graphene oxide (SA-TiO{sub 2}-RGO) films formed at the air-liquid interface of the solution. The thickness of SARGO-TiO{sub 2} films range from {approx}30-100 nm when deposited on substrates, and appear to be comprised of a mosaic assembly of graphene nanosheets and TiO{sub 2}, as observed by scanning electron microscopy. Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicate that the graphene oxide is only partially reduced in the SA-TiO{sub 2}-RGO material. These ...
This paper describes Automatic Refueling Planning System (ARPS) for a nuclear power station using Genetic Algorithms (GA) and a Simulated Annealing (SA). ARPS has been developed and verified by applying to the Fugen nuclear power station (NPS), which is a 165MWe, heavy water-moderated, boiling light water-cooled, pressure tube-type reactor developed by JNC utilizing mainly uranium and plutonium mixed oxide (MOX) fuel. Fuel loading patterns have been managed independently in the Fugen NPS since the initial core. A planning of an adequate fuel loading pattern on each operational cycle needs one to two months even for expert core management engineers, for the reason that it has multi-objective optimization and nonlinear problems. In order to achieve the optimum fuel loading pattern and a fuel cost reduction, ARPS has been developed by JNC and CRC Solutions Corporation for the last five years. ARPS firstly generates several thousand fuel loading patterns with GA at ...
The retention indices of cycloalkenes and cycloalkadienes with C/sub 6/-C/sub 13/ rings are determined by gas-liquid chromatography (GLC) on glass capillary columns coated with OV-1 and Ucon LB 550X and by gas-solid chromatrography (GSC) on a microcolumn packed with uncoated graphitized thermal carbon black (GTCB). Structure-retention correlations are derived on using index differences such as H/sup OV/, H/sup GTCB/ and ..delta..I values, considering the differences in the stereochemistry of these compounds. It is shown that the combined application of index increments obtained in GLC and GSC provides more detaled structure informations. The value of the retention index units agree with the most stable conformations of the alicyclic compounds. The high value for the energy equivalent to an index unit (..delta..G/sub I.U./ = 4.18 kJ/mol) confirms that graphitized thermal carbon black causes much stronger dispersive ...
Coal bed natural gas (CBNG) development in the Powder River (PR) Basin produces modestly saline, highly sodic wastewater. This study assessed impacts of wetting four textural groups (0-11%, 12-22%, 23 -33%, and > 33% clay (g clay/100 g soil) x 100%))with simulated PR or CBNG water on water retention. Soils received the following treatments with each water quality: a single wetting event, five wetting and drying events, or five wetting and drying events followed by leaching with salt-free water. Treated samples were then resaturated with the final treatment water and equilibrated to -10, -33, -100, -500, or -1,500 kPa. At all potentials, soil water retention increased significantly with increasing clay content. Drought-prone soils lost water-holding capacity between saturation and field capacity with repeated wetting and drying, whereas finer textured soils withstood this treatment better and had increased ...
ObjectivesTo examine the strength of the volume–outcome relationship among paramedics, a group of providers that has not been previously studied in this context. By identifying...Full Text Available
This human investigation of lead absorption from the lungs utilized two forms of lead, lead chloride and lead hydroxide; the former was used in picogram amounts and the latter at microgram levels. These two species of lead were selected in an attempt to simulate the range of physicochemical properties found in atmospheric lead (urban air). Aerosols labeled with lead-203 were made of comparable aerodynamic size by using sodium chloride as the deposition-determining aerosol. After brief, mouthpiece exposures, 17 subjects were followed by serial counting with a thoracic array of scintillation detectors and two leg counters. Serial blood samples were also taken. The two exposure groups showed similar total deposition values (23 vs 26%) and the same biological retention halftimes, viz., 22.6 hr. When the retention data were corrected for blood-borne /sup 203/Pb, the biological halftimes for lung lead retention averaged 13.1 and ...
Mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIB (MPS IIIB; Sanfilippo syndrome type B) is a metabolic disorder with devastating clinical characteristics starting in early childhood and leading to premature death. A...Full Text Available
In the past, the fermentation activity of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in substrates with a high concentration of sucrose (HSuc), such as sweet bread doughs, has been linked inversely to invertase activity...Full Text Available
2,3-Dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) is a new orally active heavy metal chelator for the treatment of childhood Pb intoxication on an outpatient basis. The influence of DMSA, as well as other chelating agents, on gastrointestinal 203Pb absorption and whole-body "2"0"3Pb retention was examined. Groups of Sprague-Dawley rats (230-260 g) were gavaged with a solution containing approximately 25 mg/kg Pb [as Pb(NO_3)2] plus 15 microCi "2"0"3Pb. Some groups were then immediately given 0.11 mmol/kg of either DMSA, CaNa2EDTA, D-penicillamine, or BAL by oral gavage, while other groups received the same drugs by ip injection. Control groups received solutions of the drug vehicles po or ip. Whole-body Pb retention and gastrointestinal Pb absorption (whole body retention + urinary Pb excretion) were significantly decreased in rats that received DMSA po. This finding implies that the use of DMSA to treat childhood lead intoxication on an ...
Single doses of lead (trace to 445 mg/kg) were administered per os to suckling and adult mice. Both groups exhibited dose-independent lead retention when doses of 4 to 445 mg/kg were administered. However, developmental differences in the fraction of initial dose (FID) retained were evident for all doses administered. A much larger FID was retained in both age groups following administration of carrier-free /sup 203/Pb. The results are consistent with a mechanism of gastrointestinal lead absorption comprising two or more processes. Developmental differences were also observed in organ lead concentration relative to whole body concentration for kidneys, skull and brain 6 days following lead administration. Lead retentions (relative to whole body retention) in brain and in bone were linearly related to dose of lead administered in both suckling and adult age groups. Though uptake of lead into brain and into femur was observed ...
A review of the literature on chronic inhalation studies in which rats were exposed to mineral fibres at known fibre number concentrations was undertaken to examine the specific roles of fibre length...Full Text Available
A type of electromyographic activity, formerly referred to as "pseudomyotonia", can be recorded from the striated muscle of the urethral sphincter using a concentric needle electrode. There are two...Full Text Available
BackgroundPlastid genome content and protein sequence are highly conserved across land plants and their closest algal relatives. Parasitic plants, which obtain some or all of their...Full Text Available
This paper describes the development of an interactive internet-based cost-estimating tool for commonly used urban storm runoff best management practices (BMP), including: retention and detention ponds, grassed swales, and constructed wetlands. The paper presents the cost data, c...
The Specific Methanogenic Activity (SMA) and sludge biodegradability of an anaerobic sludge depends on various operational and environmental conditions imposed to the anaerobic reactor. However, the effects of hydraulic retention time (HRT), influent COD concentration (COD_inf) and sludge retention time (SRT) on those two parameters need to be elucidated. This knowledge about SMA can provide insights about the capacity of the UASB reactors to withstand organic and hydraulic shock loads, whereas the biodegradability gives information necessary for final disposal of the sludge. (Author)
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.
Four /sup 125/I labeled mono- and diamines were prepared and evaluated as potential brain-imaging agents. The diamines are analogues of the previously reported /sup 75/Se labeled diamines, which show high brain uptake and retention. All of the radioiodinated amines display high initial brain uptake in rats after intravenous injection (1.7-2.4% dose/organ). The xylylenediamines show prolonged brain retention (t1/2 approximately 18 h), which is desirable for brain imaging. In contrast, the benzylamine is rapidly cleared from brain tissue (t1/2 approximately 15 min).
The oral administration of 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB) to rats injected intravenously 1 hr previously with "2"3"9Pu citrate caused an increase in urinary excretion of Pu about 8 times that of animals treated with 0.9% NaCl (controls). Liver retention of Pu was decreased from 18% at 2 days in the control animals to 11% in DHB-treated rats. The skeletal retention was similarly reduced from 56% in the control group to 40% in the DHB-treated animals.
In this paper the diffusion of tritiated water vapor into concrete walls is studied to evaluate tritiated water retention capacity of a fusion reactor concrete building. Using a model of the tritiated water diffusion determined form experimental results, depth profiles of tritiated water in concrete are calculated in the case of being exposed to air containing tritiated water vapor during the normal operational condition of a fusion reactor. A 0.5-m-thick concrete is sufficient for reactor hall walls from a viewpoint of the tritium containment.
In this paper the diffusion of tritiated water vapor into concrete walls is studied to evaluate tritiated water retention capacity of a fusion reactor concrete building. Using a model of the tritiated water diffusion determined form experimental results, depth profiles of tritiated water in concrete are calculated in the case of being exposed to air containing tritiated water vapor during the normal operational condition of a fusion reactor. A 0.5-m-thick concrete is sufficient for reactor hall walls from a viewpoint of the tritium containment.
Adult and newborn rats were exposed to "2"3"9PuO_2 aerosols of four different size distributions. Rats of both ages were killed at intervals between 1 hr and 60 days postexposure. There were marked age- and particle-related size differences in deposition, although retention was similar throughout. The differences in deposition are attributable to relatively greater deposition of larger particles in the upper respiratory tracts of newborns.
The European gas market is continuing to expand due to increased industrial, domestic and power generation demand. As a result of this demand, and the trend toward liberalization of the market, the need for storage of gas is also increasing. One key segment of the large scale storage of gas is underground storage, either in partially depleted gas or oil fields, naturally occurring caverns, aquifers and salt cavities. In most cases the gas produced after storage requires conditioning to meet the water of hydrocarbon dew point specification of the gas transmission system. For that reason export gas from storage will require gas conditioning in order to meet pipeline specifications. Adsorption as a feasible and reliable process will be presented in detail and especially in regards to hydrocarbon dew-pointing compared with other process options. (author)
Since several years, several manufacturers of circuit breakers from various countries (South Africa, UK, The Netherlands, USA..) try to impose in accommodations a highly sensitive electronic-type of differential circuit-breaker initially devoted to industrial installations where qualified and experienced professionals are present. This technical paper presents first the principles of the classical electromechanical circuit breakers and of the electronic circuit breaker, and then compares their relative efficiency and level of safety in residential use conditions (grounding schemes, voltage drops, rupture of the neutral conductor, rupture of the phase conductor, overvoltages). (J.S.)
The in-situ observation of dendritic growth in lithium/polymer electrolyte-LiTFSI/lithium battery cells shows that dendrites grow up with about the same rate as anion migration. Memory effects have been evidenced in cycling experiments and limit the dendrites length. An overall movement of the electrolyte due to variations of electrolyte concentration in the vicinity of the electrodes has been observed too. (J.S.) 13 refs.
In order to promote the use of natural gas air-conditioning systems in the tertiary sector, Gaz de France (the French gas utility) in association with Electricite de France (EdF) and the French chamber of council engineers (CICF) have created the Acerclim organization which aims at certifying the quality of the design, realization and exploitation of air processing and air-conditioning installations according to the ISO 9001 criteria. This article describes this quality procedure named 'CHSB Air'. (J.S.)
The Purex process and the fluorescence spectrometry are first recalled, then uranyl fluorescence is studied in a pure nitric medium without other elements to establish a theoretical model, allowing the description of uranium fluorescence signal with a general equation. The influence of different parameters (temperature, inhibitors, dynamic quenching of iron and cerium) is investigated to develop the model. A quantitative analysis method without addition of reagents is proposed to validate the model.
CYRANO3 is the new EDF thermomechanical code developed to evaluate the overall fuel rod behavior under irradiation. In that context, this paper presents the phenomena to be simulated and the correlations adopted for modelling purposes. The empirical models presented are taken from the CYRANO2 code and a compilation of the relevant literature. The present revision corrects and supplements version B on the basis of its use during the software coding phase from January 1991 to May 1993. (authors). figs., tabs., 120 refs.
This work gives a global view of legislations in which are included metals chemical states, briefly recalls the conditions to be respected for the CRM (Certified Reference Materials), and describes the results of some current plans for the Norms, Measures and Tests program. (O.M.) 23 refs.
This article introduces a predictive capability for Hg retention in any Ca-based wet flue gas desulfurization (FGD) scrubber, given mercury (Hg) speciation at the FGD inlet, the flue gas composition, and the sulphur dioxide (SO2) capture efficiency. A preliminary statistical analysis of data from 17 full-scale wet FGDs connects flue gas compositions, the extents of Hg oxidation at FGD inlets, and Hg retention efficiencies. These connections clearly signal that solution chemistry within the FGD determines Hg retention. A more thorough analysis based on thermochemical equilibrium yields highly accurate predictions for total Hg retention with no parameter adjustments. For the most reliable data, the predictions were within measurement uncertainties for both limestone and Mg/lime systems operating in both forced and natural oxidation mode. With the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Information ...
Up to now the retention of radioactive material for nuclear facilities has been based on the maximum individual dose. The maximum individual dose can locally be lowered considerably by higher dissolution. In general, the collective doses are not lowered by this. In order to set up regulations concerning collective doses, the new recommmendations of the ICRP are very welcome. However, the costs of detriment and the period to be considered have not yet been defined. Therefore there are no fixed methods for carrying out a cost-benefit analysis. Furthermore, for nuclear technology the costs and the effectiveness of the retention of radioactive material for non-realized facilities can only be quoted roughly, which makes a cost-benefit analysis more difficult. A cost-benefit analysis for the retention of radioactive material in nuclear power plants with LWRs and reprocessing plants of the PUREX process has been carried out with ...
Liver paste or foie gras, which is a French term meaning fatty liver, was produced traditionally from goose and duck. Chickens are also used in the making of foie gras. The present study deals with the properties and quality of raw chicken and duck liver in comparison with manufactured liver paste (foie gras). Raw chicken liver contained 24.60% protein, 6.00% fat, 1.40 % ash, and 66.80% moisture. The average mineral values were 83.65, 50.75, 5.29, 1.15, 0.154, 0.683, 0.317 and 0.066 {mu}g/g of Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Cd, Pb, Ni, and Cr, respectively. The processing of liver paste (Foie gras) changed the composition of raw liver due to a loss in moisture, a release of fat and the addition of butter as a fat source. Chicken liver paste contained 27.8% moisture, 10.1% protein, 58.2% fat, and 0.8% ash. Mineral contents were 68.90, 40.50, 1.60, 1.1, 0.08, 0.22, 0.04 and 0.04 {mu}g/g of Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Cd, Pb, Ni, and Cr, respectively. The chemical, microbiological and sensory evaluation of liver ...
The paper presents TrustMAS - Trusted Communication Platform for Multi-Agent Systems, which provides trust and anonymity for mobile agents. The platform includes anonymous technique based on random-walk algorithm for providing general purpose anonymous communication for agents. All agents, which take part in the proposed platform, benefit from trust and anonymity that is provided for their interactions. Moreover, in TrustMAS there are StegAgents (SA) that are able to perform various steganographic communication. To achieve that goal, SAs may use methods in different layers of TCP/IP model or specialized middleware enabling steganography that allows hidden communication through all layers of mentioned model. In TrustMAS steganographic channels are used to exchange routing tables between StegAgents. Thus all StegAgents in TrustMAS with their ability to exchange information by using hidden channels form distributed steganographic router (Stegrouter).
A micellar method has been used to prepare silver-coated cobalt (Co-Ag) nanoparticles. The synthesized particles have been deeply characterized by several methods, i.e., XRD, UV-Vis, TEM, XPS, and electrochemical techniques. There is every indication that the obtained particles show a truly core-shell structure. All the nanoparticles obtained under different conditions are in the size range 3-5 nm. High-resolution TEM (HRTEM), Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT), and Selected Area Electron Diffraction (SAED) indicated that the presence of hcp-Co and fcc-Ag, in which cobalt is located in the central area; meanwhile silver is at the edges of the nanoparticle. The absorption band of the Co-Ag colloid shifts to a longer wavelength and broadens relative to that of pure silver colloid. Voltammetric characterization allowed to determine the coverage of the cobalt core.
Abstract Interest in soy foods has increased with consumer awareness of its health benefits, especially with soy-related ingredients being utilized as one of the major sources of high-protein fortification. The aim of the present study was to assess South African (SA) consumers' opinion of soy and soy products through different statements on consumption, taste, protein value and healthiness. The respondents (n = 3001) for this randomized cross-sectional study were randomly selected from metropolitan and rural areas in South Africa. Trained fieldworkers administered questionnaires by conducting face-to-face interviews. Fourteen statements from four sections of the questionnaire (consisting of 17 food-related topics in total), probing information on consumers' opinion on soy and soy products...
The pore structure of volcanic clasts is examined using measurements of porosity, permeability, and electrical properties. Permeability varies by several orders of magnitude among volcanic clasts and does not depend solely upon porosity. Electrical property measurements of saturated volcanic samples illustrate the influence of pathway tortuosity and pore shape on permeability. For equivalent eruption conditions, silicic samples show higher tortuosities, smaller vesicle sizes, and lower permeabilities than mafic samples. These differences are largely due to variations in vesiculation and crystallization history. Differences between explosive and effusive samples reflect the relative ability of bubbles to form and maintain connected pathways during bubble expansion and collapse. Isotropic sa...
Nowadays, mixing is one of the most powerful tools for the process and products optimization in chemical process industries. The available technology can help in achieving almost any desired outcomes related to the process-side of the systems. This paper presents a practical methodology to improve existing agitation systems in order to overcome the constraints previously identified in the process. Well succeed real cases using this methodology in a petrochemical plant (Nitriflex S.A.) are presented. (author) 13 refs., 1 figs., 2 tabs.
Chromium nitride thin films were deposited on SA-304 stainless steel substrates by using direct-current reactive magnetron sputtering. The influence of process conditions such as nitrogen content in the fed gas, substrate temperature, and different sputtering gases on microstructural characteristics of the films was investigated. The films showed (200) preferred orientation at low nitrogen content (< 30%) in the fed gas. The formation of Cr_2N and CrN phases was observed when 30% and 40% N_2 were used, with a balance of Ar, respectively. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy were used to characterize the morphology and surface topography of the thin films, respectively. Microhardness tests showed a maximum hardness of 16.95 GPa for the 30% nitrogen content.
A series of SiAlON materials with a cordierite-based matrix were annealed for different lengths of time to cause crystallization of the glass phase. Their fracture toughness, hardness, and elastic modulus were measured from room temperature up to 1100"0C. The fracture toughness generally decreased with temperature. Short time annealing raised toughness at lower temperatures, while further annealing lowered it back to the value for as-hot pressed materials. At higher test temperatures annealing had no effect on toughness. This annealing behavior is significantly different from that previously reported in the system SaAlON-YAG. Hardness decreased monotonically with temperature for all samples. Both hardness and the elastic modulus were not affected by the annealing treatment. At elevated temperatures appreciable scatter of modulus results allowed only a rough trend of decrease with temperature to be observed.
This paper discusses the results of the absorption-line spectroscopy carried out with the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope on the prototypical Sa galaxy NGC 4594 (the Sombrero galaxy). Two conclusions were derived concerning this galaxy. First, at the values of r less than 10 arcsec, there is a well-defined nuclear disk of stars which is not obviously connected to the main disk at larger radii. Second, the mass-to-light ratio, M/L(V), of the galaxy rises abruptly at r values less than 1 arcsec to values of M/L(V) greater than 50, which is at least 10 times as large as the mass-to-light ratios at r values above 2 arcsec. This implies the presence of a central dark mass of a magnitude between 10 to the 8.5th and 10 to the 9.5th solar masses. 54 references.
The paper presents some aspects relating to the importance of a good communication and cooperation between all factors involved in procurement process at Societatea Nationala 'Nuclearelectrica', SNN. In order to comply with the internal and international rules related to safety in nuclear field and public procurement requirements and for maintaining a high standard of operational performance of Cernavoda NPP, adequate procurement systems were developed by SNN SA. The importance of human factor and the training activities for all personnel from this chain of procurement process is the main key issue to maintain high quality of their activities considering that procurement documents are reviewed and approved before to be issued by all departments involved in procurement process. The specialized department for public acquisition is supervising that the procurement processes initiated at the level of branches, in accordance with their needs and with respect to the ...
This report describes the requirements, designs, performance, and development histories for the T1576 power supply and the MC3935 rechargeable battery. These devices are used to power Permissive Action Link (PAL) ground controllers. The T1576 consists of a stainless steel container, one SA3553 connector, and one MC3935 battery. The MC3935 is a vented nickel/cadmium battery with 24 cells connected in series. It was designed to deliver 5.5 Amp-hours at 25{number_sign}C and the one-hour rate, with a nominal voltage of 28 V. The battery was designed to operate for 5 years or 500 full charge/discharge cycles. The power supply is expected to last indefinitely with replacement batteries and hardware.
Abstract In the work, a rapid, simple and high-throughput sample preparation method was developed for the determination of sulfonamide (SA) antibiotic residues in chicken breast muscle. The extraction and clean-up were online combined and up to 20 samples can be treated simultaneously in 6-min. The SAs were first extracted with acetonitrile under the action of microwave energy, and then the extract was directly introduced into the SPE column for on-line clean-up and concentration. Subsequently, the SAs eluted from the SPE column were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The precisions of extraction results of 20 samples were in the range of 4.9-7.4%. The limits of detection and quantification obtained were in the range of 2.4-3.6-ng/g and 8.6-11.3-ng/g for SAs, res...
The VE (ventilation) test carried out at the Mont Terri underground laboratory in Switzerland intended to evaluate in situ the behaviour of a consolidated clay formation when subjected to alternate periods of flow of wet and dry air during several months. For that, a 10-m gallery was excavated in the Opalinus Clay formation and carefully instrumented. Before and after a second ventilation phase boreholes were drilled. Samples were taken from the drill cores and were analysed from mineralogical and geochemical points of view. Also, the retention curves of these samples were determined in the laboratory following drying paths performed under free volume conditions at 20 degree centigrade, what is the content of this report. Although there are not large differences in the WRC of samples taken from different boreholes, at different distances from the gallery wall or before or after ventilation, those samples taken near the gallery wall and after ventilation tend to ...
Water protection wetlands aim to reduce nitrogen and phosphorous concentrations either separately or simultaneously. In the latter case, a wetland must contain parts differing clearly in both function and physical condition. In efforts to reduce nitrogen the most important process is denitrification. Phosphorus is deposited with solids and bound to the vegetation and soil in wetlands. As the bulk of the solid and nutrient load comes from catchments during spring floods, wetlands should be designed on the basis of, at least, the average maximum vernal run-off (MHq). Use of higher run-offs, e.g. MHql/10 or MHql/20, in the design without reducing the target retention would require large wetlands. The efficiency of wetlands is constrained by too short retention times and low leachate temperatures. Wetlands established with special environmental support are normally designed on the basis of MHq. The average catchment area of such wetlands is 1.86 ...
Indirect evaporative air coolers that use air-to-air plate-type heat exchangers show good promise (compared with compression air-conditioning systems) of extending the energy savings from arid, low-humidity areas to more widespread climatic conditions. However, no systematic experiment had been done concerning the effect of the wettability of aluminum plates on the effectiveness of the indirect evaporative cooling system. In this study, a testing apparatus was built where only one secondary channel and two primary channels were used so that different surfaces could be easily tested to determine the system`s effectiveness and the heat transfer coefficient. The advantage of this experimental apparatus is that plates of the heat exchanger can be easily changed in the test section instead of fabricating a complete heat exchanger for each test. A dynamic contact analyzer was used to quantitatively measure the wetting properties in terms of advancing and receding contact angles and the ...
The interest in radioiodinated diamines stems from their similarity to /sup 125/I-HIPDM and to the 1-dialkvlamino-acyl-4-phenylpiperazines that the authors have previously examined as potential brain imaging agents. In this study they converted the 1-(dialkylaminoacyl)-4-phenylpiperazines to their corresponding 1-(dialkylaminoacyl) analogs via reduction with diborane in THF. Radioiodination at the no-carrier-added level with Na/sup 125/I and chloramine-T gave the final compounds, after chromatographic separation, in 30-50% yields. The tissue distributions were determined in rats at 0.25, and 4 hrs after an i.v. injection of the radiochemical. The results indicated that all of the agents were readily extracted by the brain (1.5-2.5% ID) with brain to blood ratios >20. The structure-distribution relationships for this series were, however, decidedly different from the aminoacyl compounds in that morpholino-derivatives had better uptake and retention than the ...
The interest in radioiodinated diamines stems from their similarity to /sup 125/I-HIPDM and to the 1-dialkvlamino-acyl-4-phenylpiperazines that the authors have previously examined as potential brain imaging agents. In this study they converted the 1-(dialkylaminoacyl)-4-phenylpiperazines to their corresponding 1-(dialkylaminoacyl) analogs via reduction with diborane in THF. Radioiodination at the no-carrier-added level with Na/sup 125/I and chloramine-T gave the final compounds, after chromatographic separation, in 30-50% yields. The tissue distributions were determined in rats at 0.25, and 4 hrs after an i.v. injection of the radiochemical. The results indicated that all of the agents were readily extracted by the brain (1.5-2.5% ID) with brain to blood ratios >20. The structure-distribution relationships for this series were, however, decidedly different from the aminoacyl compounds in that morpholino-derivatives had better uptake and retention than the ...
Three inclined tubular digesters of 13- to 15-litre volume were operated at temperatures between 20 and 30 degrees C with hydraulic retention times of 10-15 days on pig slurry of 10%, 5% and 2.5% Total Solids content. Tube inclination of 16-20 degrees gave no scumming problems. Solids were retained, giving improved gas yields when compared with literature values for conventional stirred digesters. Solids retention is affected by the size of the digester exit and appears to be greater with slurry of low solids content. There is a link between the movement of solids and gas along, and out of, the digester which can lead to unstable oscillating gas production. Tracer studies showed soluble components of the slurry mixed throughout the whole volume of the digester in 25% of the hydraulic retention time or less. Solids moved in well dispersed plug flow. Gas production (both intrinsic and after the addition of acetate) was most ...
In developing new Tc-99m brain perfusion imaging agents for SPECT, a series of BAT (bis-aminoethanethiol) derivatives was prepared. These N/sub 2/S/sub 2/ ligands formed stable and neutral complexes with reduced Tc-99m, either by Sn(II)-PPi or sodium borohydride reduction. The purity of the Tc-99m complexes was >95% (HPLC reverse-phase column, acetonitrile: pH 7.0 buffer, 85:15). The biodistribution in rats was evaluated using I-125 iodoantipyrine (IAP), a free diffusible tracer, as the internal reference. Compounds with a free hydroxyl group (I and IV) showed lower brain uptake, inspite of high P.C.; this may be related to in vivo instability of the complexes. High initial brain uptake was observed for three compounds (II, III and V), however, only compound V (P.C.=384) showed significant brain retention. Planar imaging with compound V in a monkey demonstrated that the compound localized in brain and the retention time was T/sub 1/2/=35 ...
In developing new Tc-99m brain perfusion imaging agents for SPECT, a series of BAT (bis-aminoethanethiol) derivatives was prepared. These N/sub 2/S/sub 2/ ligands formed stable and neutral complexes with reduced Tc-99m, either by Sn(II)-PPi or sodium borohydride reduction. The purity of the Tc-99m complexes was >95% (HPLC reverse-phase column, acetonitrile: pH 7.0 buffer, 85:15). The biodistribution in rats was evaluated using I-125 iodoantipyrine (IAP), a free diffusible tracer, as the internal reference. Compounds with a free hydroxyl group (I and IV) showed lower brain uptake, inspite of high P.C.; this may be related to in vivo instability of the complexes. High initial brain uptake was observed for three compounds (II, III and V), however, only compound V (P.C.=384) showed significant brain retention. Planar imaging with compound V in a monkey demonstrated that the compound localized in brain and the retention time was T/sub 1/2/=35 ...
Retention and/or reincorporation of plant residues increases soil organic nitrogen (N) levels over the long-term is associated with increased crop yields. There is still uncertainty, however, about the interaction between crop residue (straw) retention and N fertilizer rates and sources. The objective of the study was to assess the influence of straw management (straw removed [SRem] and straw retained [SRet]), N fertilizer rate (0, 25, 50 and 75kgNha^-^1) and N source (urea and polymer-coated urea [called ESN]) under conventional tillage on seed yield, straw yield, total N uptake in seed+straw and N balance sheet. Field experiments with barley monoculture (1983-1996), and wheat/barley-canola-triticale-pea rotation (1997-2009) were conducted on two contrasting soil types (Gray Luvisol [Typi...
A new filtration process using acrylic fiber has been developed which has wide applications in water works, sewage water treatment and waste water treatment facilities. Instead of sand, the common filter media in conventional systems, this new system uses long, fine acrylic fibers. Compared with a conventional system, the filtration speed and suspended solids (SS) retention of the new system have been increased 500% from 120--200 m/d to 400--1,200 m/d and from 2--3 kg/m{sup 2} to 5--20 kg/m{sup 2}, respectively. In addition, the backwash time has been decreased 60%, from 20--30 min to 10 min. As SS retention increase, the empty space between the fibers (fiber void) decreases and pressure drops due to the high filtration rate. Thus the pressure decreases rapidly after a certain period of filtration because of the increased SS retention cause fiber compression. This system is primarily based on solution clarification, but ...
The fabrication and complete evaluation are described of a dihydropyridine in equilibrium pyridinium salt type redox system for the delivery of radioiodinated agents to the brain. The pivotal intermediate, N-succinimidyl (1-methylpyridinium iodide)-3-carboxylate was prepared by condensation of nicotinic acid and N-hydroxysuccinimide in the presence of dicyclohexylcarbodimide, followed by quaternization of III with methyl iodide. Tissue distribution studies of "1"2"5I-labeled 4-iodoaniline and the redox agents were performed in rats. ["1"2"5I]Iodoaniline initially showed moderate (0.58% dose/gm) brain uptake with subsequent release of the radioactivity from the brain. ["1"2"5I]Iodoaniline, when coupled to a dihydropyridine carrier showed higher uptake and retention in the brain. The ["1"2"5I]iodophenylethyl analogue showed uptake and retention in the brain to be very similar. Apparently the lipophilic agents cross the blood-brain barrier and are ...
The thermodynamic characteristics of sorption of the isomeric tricyclo[5.2.1.02.6]decane (tetrahydrodicyclopentadiene, TDCPD) molecules were for the first time determined experimentally and by molecular statistical methods under the conditions of gas-adsorption chromatography on graphitized thermal carbon black and gas-liquid chromatography on stationary liquid phases of different polarities (Apiezon L and Carbowax 20M). The effects of the chemical nature of sorbents on the retention of the TDCPD isomers are considered. A procedure for calculating the thermodynamic characteristics of adsorption of molecules with a complex structure is suggested within the framework of the atom-atom approximation of the semiempirical molecular statistical theory of adsorption for the example of isostructura...
This paper outlines an approach to develop estimates of individual customer contestability using a combined statistical and engineering analysis. The approach is targeted for use for mid-size commercial and industrial customers who are not being considered for individual flexible pricing contracts. Contestability is defined as the potential lost revenue associated with customers leaving the utility or significantly reducing electricity purchases. Contestability is modeled from the customer`s perspective using a two-stage decision process. In the first stage, the customer decides if he will continue to purchase electricity from the utility (referred to as customer retention), and in the second stage, the customer determines the amount of electricity purchased (referred to as load retention). Measures of individual customer contestability will be key factors in developing market segments and new rate offerings in future energy markets.
Four "1"2"5I labeled mono- and diamines were prepared and evaluated as potential brain-imaging agents. The diamines are analogues of the previously reported "7"5Se labeled diamines, which show high brain uptake and retention. All of the radioiodinated amines display high initial brain uptake in rats after intravenous injection (1.7-2.4% dose/organ). The xylylenediamines show prolonged brain retention (t1/2 approximately 18 h), which is desirable for brain imaging. In contrast, the benzylamine is rapidly cleared from brain tissue (t1/2 approximately 15 min).
A fusion reactor (such as NET/ITER) which breeds its own tritium fuel requires tritium recovery, purification and separation from the other isotopes. Cyclic adsorption processes are strong candidates for several of the processes involved: amongst other advantages, they promise a low tritium inventory. A good adsorbent for such processes must have high adsorption capacity, high selectivity and very low tritium retention after each cycle. Pure zeolite powder is shown to have an excellent combination of these three properties. However, in practice problems can arise from tritium which is not removed by reactivation. In this paper we show that tritium retention in zeolites can be caused either by water retained in the zeolite structure, which can be removed by ore rigorous activation, or by water tapped on binders in commercial pellets. (orig.).
A study of the effect of a clayey soil modified in situ and ex situ with the cationic surfactant octadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (ODTMA), on the retention of linuron, atrazine and metalaxyl was carried out. Leaching of these compounds was studied in columns of a natural clayey soil and the same clayey soil modified by direct injection of the surfactant in situ, and in columns of a natural sandy soil and the same sandy soil modified by intercalation of a barrier of the clayey soil saturated ex situ with the surfactant. Breakthrough curves indicated the total immobilization of linuron in modified soils and a decrease in the leaching kinetics of atrazine and metalaxyl compared to what was obtained in the natural soil. The results indicate the use of the clayey soil modified in situ or ex s...
In developing new brain imaging agents for single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), we synthesized eleven radioiodinated phenoxyacetic acid derivatives and investigated the relationship between the chemical structure and in vivo characteristics. Biodistribution studies in mice revealed high initial brain uptake for all the compounds. Blood radioactivity level depended markedly upon the chemical stability of the compound. The alpha,alpha-dimethylester derivative, amide derivatives and diamine derivatives, which were stable to hydrolysis, showed low blood activity levels following intravenous administration. Disappearance of the ester and amide compounds from the brain was rapid. However, the diamine derivatives displayed improved retention in the brain. Compounds 3a and 4 possessed the best combination of high brain uptake and sufficient retention to be useful as potential brain imaging radiopharmaceuticals with SPECT devices.
The separation and the mechanism of retention of ion associates of #alpha#-isomers of molybdic and tungstic heteropoly acids (HPA) of phosphorus(5), silicon(4), and germanium(4) with trioctylamine (TOA) on a column (80x3 mm) packed with Diasorb-130-CN (8 #mu#m) were studied in a flow of chloroform-tetrahydrofuran (THF) and chloroform-n-butanol-TOA mixtures with spectrophotometric detection at 320 nm. It is demonstrated that the adsorption of all the studied ion associates proceeds through the displacement THF molecule from the surface of the stationary phase and without the displacement of TOA molecules. Conditions for the separation of phospho- and silicomolybdic HPA and also phospho- and germanolybdic HPA were found. The chromatographic system using silica gel modified with nitrile groups as the stationary phase is of higher selective than that using ummodified silica gel.
This report consists of appendices A-F containing the biological data which were collected from Lake Roosevelt, Washington. The data are to be used in the design of a computer model that would predict biological responses of reservoir operations as part of the System Operation Review program. Major components of the model included: Quantification of impacts to phytoplankton, zooplanktons, benthic invertebrates, and fish caused by reservoir drawdowns and low water retention times; quantification of number, distribution, and use of fish food organisms in the reservoir by season; determination of seasonal growth of fish species as related to reservoir operations, prey abundance and utilization; and quantification of entrainment levels of zooplankton and fish as related to reservoir operations and water retention times.
The Dowex 50W-X8 and 50W-Xl2 resin samples are both strong acid cation materials in the hydrogen form. Each material has a water retention capacity characteristic of its respective marketed degree of cross-linking. Dowex 21K gives confirmatory responses to tests for a strong anion exchange resin in the nitrate form. All three resins have the manufacturer's specified ionic type and form, and the Dowex 50W resins have characteristic water retention capacities. These tests conclude that the ion exchange resins in use in FB-Line meet the approved safety document criteria for cross-linking, ionic form, and resin type.
The Dowex 50W-X8 and 50W-Xl2 resin samples are both strong acid cation materials in the hydrogen form. Each material has a water retention capacity characteristic of its respective marketed degree of cross-linking. Dowex 21K gives confirmatory responses to tests for a strong anion exchange resin in the nitrate form. All three resins have the manufacturer`s specified ionic type and form, and the Dowex 50W resins have characteristic water retention capacities. These tests conclude that the ion exchange resins in use in FB-Line meet the approved safety document criteria for cross-linking, ionic form, and resin type.
Experiments have been reported previously in which lead-212 ions with lead carrier were instilled into the lungs of anaesthetised rabbits. Experiments were also reported in which bismuth-207 chloride was instilled into rabbit lung. To check that the chloride compound was cleared in the same way as ions instilled in isolation, lead-203 chloride has been instilled in three rabbits. Measurements of absorption of ionic lead have been repeated using the radon-222 daughter, lead-214. Rates of clearance from the lung of "2"0"3Pb as the chloride and "2"1"2Pb ions are compared, and retention functions are derived. Clearance from the lung of "2"1"4Pb ions is also shown, and retention functions are derived. (U.K.).
In order to avoid the use of catalysts in the process of auto-thermal reforming, it is possible to adopt a running at high temperature. In this study are presented the results of simulations of an auto-thermal/recuperator hybrid reforming system; these results are obtained with the oxidation model of alkanes developed by Ranzi and Faravelli. An isothermal configuration at high temperature improves the hydrogen yield and avoids the formation of soots. The analysis of the powers to be furnished to assure such an experimental mode, and the global approach of the fuel cell system show that the management of the heat exchanges is a key parameter in this process. (O.M.)
Similar to many other countries, an educational reform anchored in a managerial discourse was proposed in Israel in 2004 by the Dovrat Committee, encouraged by the 'inter-state education gap' social problem that economist Dan Ben-David formulated on the basis of international examinations, such as PISA and TIMMS. Through a neo-Weberian approach this study follows the construction of a managerial discourse from the 1970s onwards that led to the Dovrat report. In the first period, managerial discourse was constructed around decentralization, parent choice and school autonomy 'social objects' by an expanding reformist network of educational scholars and figures from the Ministry of Education and local authorities. The pervasion of managerial discourse paved the way for the nomination of Shlom...
The new generation of performing rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (``rocking-chair``-type) are penalized by important self-output phenomena linked with the use of highly oxidizing positive electrodes. In order to limit this problem in LiMn{sub 2}O{sub 4}/C batteries, two different passivation techniques were used in order to limit the surface contact between the positive electrode and the electrolyte. Thanks to these treatments, a significant reduction of the percentage of irreversible capacity losses is effectively observed. (J.S.) 3 refs.
This poster presentation gave an overview of the subaqueous deposition of reactive mine tailings in the open trench Don Rouyn, located near Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec. The author began by providing a brief background of subaqueous mine tailing storage, and discussed the interest of the Don Rouyn trench. The site was described according to geomorphological and geological aspects. The hydrology conditions existing at the site were mentioned, and the results of the hydrology analysis performed were indicated. Close monitoring of the situation was maintained, and the chemical and physical stability of the tailings were evaluated. The conditions that prevailed both before and after the flooding of the site were explained. Water quality is being monitored, and the results obtained at this site might be used at other locations. 40 figs.
We have studied freshly prepared lysozyme solutions in heavy water for two NaCl concentrations as a function of temperature. Lysozyme solubilities in this solvent are determined by static light scattering. By small angle neutron scattering, we evidence that interactions between lysozyme molecules are characterized by a second virial coefficient A{sub 2} whether the solution is under-saturated or supersaturated. From the variation of A{sub 2} as a function of temperature we have evaluated the enthalpy corresponding to the interaction between lysozyme molecules. We show that the interactions between protein molecules are higher in heavy water than in light water. (authors). 13 refs., 3 figs.
The elastic behaviour of YBaCuO specimens has been studied by very low-frequency isothermal internal-friction measurements. A relaxation peak is observed which is attributed to oxygen atom jumps, between A(1/2 0 0) and B(0 1/2 0) sites, in the CuO planes of the orthorhombic phase. A limit relaxation time {tau}{sub 0}, 2.6 {center dot} 10{sup -15}s, and an activation energy, 1.3eV, have been obtained from the shift of the maximum damping frequency observed when the measurement temperature is changed. The proposed values for the limit relaxation time and the activation energy are in good agreement with those previously proposed in the literature.
Today, component oriented middlewares are used to design, develop and deploy easily distributed applications, by ensuring the heterogeneity, interoperability, and reuse of the software modules, and the separation between the business code encapsulated in the components and the system code managed by the containers. Several standards answer this definition such as: CCM (CORBA Component Model), EJB (Enterprise Java Beans) and .Net. However these standards offer a limited and fixed number of system services, removing any possibility to add system services or to reconfigure dynamically the middleware. Our works propose mechanisms to add and to adapt dynamically the system services, based on a reconfiguration language which is dynamically adaptable to the need of the reconfiguration, and on a tool of dynamic reconfiguration, a prototype was achieved for the OpenCCM platform, that is an implementation of the CCM specification. This work was partially financed by the european project ...
Radon ({sup 222}Rn) is a naturally occurring radioactive gas and can be used as a tracer in hydrogeologic studies. Radon concentration measurements have been achieved in ground-air and in groundwater by means of nuclear track detectors to estimate long-term variations. Continuous measurements have been conducted using an electronic automatic probe, to evaluate short-term variations. The results obtained from bore-holes show a good correlation between the aquifer`s structural characteristics and the radon concentrations. The continuous measurements specify rainfall influence. (author). 10 refs., 7 figs., 2 tabs.
ResumeLa convergence des solutions faibles du systeme de Navier-Stokes-Fourier-Poisson compressible avec un terme de frottement est etudiee dans la limite dun frottement infini, la loi de pression incluant, comme cas particulier, celle correspondant aux particules de Fermi-Dirac. La limite se trouve etre une solution faible dun systeme de Smoluchowski-Poisson non isotherme, la temperature ne dependant que de la variable temporelle et etant determinee par la conservation de lenergie totale.
More and more reforms in public administrations are being conducted that are based on the principles and instruments of ''new public management''. They have set off protest and collective actions by several professional groups in various sectors (health, education, justice, social work, research...), whence questions about the future of professional groups in public services, in particular about their autonomy, which these reforms threaten. The opposition between this new public management and certain professional groups, is not the final explanation to draw from an analysis of this situation. Should these changes be seen as the decline of professional groups and of their autonomy, as a mutation of professional models, an overhaul of professionalism, etc.? These questions, which current ev...
At the 7th Healthy Buildings Conference, which was held in Singapore, 7-11 December 2003, more than 500 articles to improve public health and productivity of workers in buildings and the performance of installations. Special attention is paid to indoor air quality and thermal comfort in relation to energy efficiency. [Dutch] Op de laatste Healthy Buildings conferentie, december 2003 in Singapore, werden meer dan 500 artikelen gepresenteerd over het creeren van gezonde, productiviteit verhogende gebouwen en installaties. Deze keer lag de nadruk op binnenluchtkwaliteit en thermisch binnenklimaat, onder andere op het aspect energiezuinigheid. Opvallend was ook de aandacht die de problemen met binnenluchtkwaliteit in ontwikkelingslanden kreeg.
The last developments in lithium batteries design have demonstrated the advantages of graphite: competitive cost, flat output curve, high capacity thanks to the obtention of a final compound close to LiC{sub 6}, good behaviour during cycling and a high mass energy. However, these advantages are slightly tarnished by parasite secondary reactions during the evolution of the element. Two different cases are encountered: the formation of a passivation layer (loss of Li ions and formation of irreversible bounds) and the formation of a passivation layer with a reaction between graphite and the solvent (partial destruction of the graphite crystal lattice). In the first case, the theoretical graphite insertion capacity remains at 372 mAh/g while in the second case the insertion capacity is greatly reduced. Abstract only. (J.S.)
The aim of this economic study is the wording of a synthetic document for the public information in the framework of the 98/30/CE european directive transposition to the gas internal market. It is writing in four main chapters, one for each country concerned: the Germany, the Spain, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Each one presents the historical context, the actors of the natural gas industry and the main provisions. (A.L.B.)
Industrial premises bear more and more important thermal constraints which can commonly reach 150 W/m{sup 2} and more. The reason is the general development of automation and automatic devices and the better thermal insulation of buildings. Production quality requires also more and more strict ambient conditions (temperature, humidity, air quality, air flow etc..). Thus, the air-conditioning market in the industrial sector is more linked to economic factors such as productivity and profit than to thermal comfort of workers. However, the air-conditioning potentialities in the industrial sector remains under-exploited in France. This paper analyzes the reasons of this situation in terms of investments and equipments. (J.S.)
This book brings together the 103 presentations given at the 2. conference of the international institute of refrigeration (IIF/IIR) about air conditioning in high rise office buildings. The main themes are: design of air conditioning equipment for high buildings; air quality and thermal comfort inside these buildings; constraints and possible improvements of the refrigeration equipment used; energy conservation; fire protection and smokes detection. All themes are presented both on the technical and economical points of view and concern more particularly the buildings of Chinese cities. This publication is available both on the book and CD-Rom forms. (J.S.)
This two-tomes book brings together the 108 presentations given at the first conference of the international institute of refrigeration (IIF/IIR) about air conditioning in high rise office buildings. The main themes are: general design and control systems, including split systems, radiant panels, fluctuating and gravity ventilation etc..; energy consumption, optimization and heat recovery; cold storage for peak shaving, including ice slurry circulation; indoor air quality; fire and smokes protection, protection against chimney effects and lighting spots; use of fuzzy logic and of neural networks. It includes also a description of the high rise building situation and works in progress in China, Japan and in some other countries. (J.S.)
This study was designed to identify abnormalities in the hepatic-arterial/portal-venous scintiangiogram (SA) in alcoholic hepatitis (AH). SA's were performed in 35 patients with acute alcoholic hepatitis (AAH), 8; acute alcoholic hepatitis superimposed on cirrhosis (A/C), 14; and cirrhosis (C), 13. Posterior flows were done with a bolus of 10 mCi Tc-99m sulfur colloid with computer time-activity curves over the liver and left kidney. Curves were analyzed for per cent of hepatic arterial (HA) and portal venous contribution using the slope ratio method. Hepatic arterialization was estimated from the angle of the HA component of the curve. Reversal of the relative contribution of the hepatic and portal components of total flow were seen in all groups. Although quite severe in AH, the degree of reversal could not be used to differentiate among the groups. The average HA angle in AAH was 48.3 +- 8.1, in A/C 41.5 +- 10.6, and in C 30.4 +- ...
This study was designed to identify abnormalities in the hepatic-arterial/portal-venous scintiangiogram (SA) in alcoholic hepatitis (AH). SA's were performed in 35 patients with acute alcoholic hepatitis (AAH), 8; acute alcoholic hepatitis superimposed on cirrhosis (A/C), 14; and cirrhosis (C), 13. Posterior flows were done with a bolus of 10 mCi Tc-99m sulfur colloid with computer time-activity curves over the liver and left kidney. Curves were analyzed for per cent of hepatic arterial (HA) and portal venous contribution using the slope ratio method. Hepatic arterialization was estimated from the angle of the HA component of the curve. Reversal of the relative contribution of the hepatic and portal components of total flow were seen in all groups. Although quite severe in AH, the degree of reversal could not be used to differentiate among the groups. The average HA angle in AAH was 48.3 +- 8.1, in A/C 41.5 +- 10.6, and in C 30.4 +- 12.1. In ...
The authors investigate the feasibility of constructing walls and partitions with enhanced heat storage capability from cement blocks permeated with an organic phase change material (pressed stearic acid). The blocks are lightweight, easy to produce and are cured in the same way as cement or concrete. The ratio of components (cement, stearic acid (SA) and water) was optimized with respect to compressive strength. With normal portland cement, the best compressive strength 2.2 MPa was obtained with a ratio C:SA:W of 1:0.8:0.65 (i.e. 32% stearic acid) after 28 days of curing. This was increased to 4.4 MPa when high early strength cement was used, about as strong as Sipporex, lightweight concrete or lightweight clay bricks. As expected, the compressive strength decreased linearly with temperature between 25/sup 0/C and 100/sup 0/C, at a rate of 15 kPa//sup 0/C. The drying shrinkage of the modules was found to be 50% greater than for cement mortars. ...
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.
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.
Retention or dispersion of larvae from the spawning grounds has been identified as one of the key processes influencing recruitment success in fish stocks. To examine the potential effects of transport on recruitment. numerical simulations were performed utilizing a three-dimensional physical oceanographic model of the Baltic Sea. Cod larvae were represented as Lagrangian drifters released in the deepwater region of the Bornholm Basin, the main spawning ground for Baltic cod. Simulations were performed for the major spawning seasons of 1993 and 1994. when annual and interannual variability of meteorological forcing was large. The principal goals of the modelling exercise were first to identify the physical processes influencing the demersal distribution of the early life stages and second to describe the transport of the pelagic stages in response to variations in windstress, thereby identifying the meteorological and hydrodynamic mechanisms influencing ...
Introduction:Exposure to secondhand smoke causes premature death and disease in non-smokers and indoor smoke-free policies have become increasingly prevalent worldwide. Although...Full Text Available
Cycling parameters (reversible specific capacity, first-cycle coulombic efficiency, accumulated irreversible capacity, and reversible capacity retention) of hybrid electrodes based on mechanical mixtures of a silicon nanopowder with KS6 and MAG-20 synthetic graphites and binders of varied nature were subjected to an integrated analysis in comparison with graphite electrodes.
Addresses factors affecting rural education in Tasmania (Australia), including population trends, financial support, student enrollment, socioeconomic status of rural residents, and geographic isolation. Issues that need to be addressed include the status of small schools in Tasmania, costs associated with transporting students, staffing, low student retention, and limited availability of special services. (LP)
The synthesis, characterization of M"vO([CH_3CH_2N(CH_2CH_2S)_2](p-S-Ph-COOCH_2-CH_3)) (M:"9"9"mTc: I, Re: II) is presented in this work, where a pendant ester function is attached to the monothiolate ligand. Chemical structure of I is established after chromatographic comparison with II, synthesized in macroscopic amounts. Complex II is fully characterized by classical methods of analysis showing that the compound adopts a distorted trigonal bipyramidal configuration around the metal. The two sulfur atoms of the tridentate ligand and the oxo group form the basal plane, while the remaining nitrogen atom of the tridentate ligand and the sulfur atom of the monothiolate ligand occupy the apices of the bipyramid. In vitro challenge experiments with glutathione (GSH) in neutral aqueous medium demonstrate, that I suffers nucleophilic attack by GSH and thereby transformation to a more hydrophilic daughter metal compound. Formation of the latter depends on time and GSH concentration. Tissue ...
This human investigation of lead absorption from the lungs utilized two forms of lead, lead chloride and lead hydroxide; the former was used in picogram amounts and the latter at microgram levels. These two species of lead were selected in an attempt to simulate the range of physicochemical properties found in atmospheric lead (urban air). Aerosols labeled with lead-203 were made of comparable aerodynamic size (MMAD 0.25 ..mu..m +- 0.1) by using sodium chloride as the deposition-determining aerosol. After brief, mouthpiece exposures, 17 subjects were followed by serial counting with a thoracic array of 12 2-in. scintillation detectors and two 2-in. leg counters, all coupled to single channel analyzers. Serial blood samples were also taken. The two exposure groups showed similar total deposition values (23 vs 26%) and the same biological retention halftimes, viz., 22.6 h. When the retention data were corrected for blood-borne /sup 203/Pb, the ...
The research project for which this is the final report was initiated in 1977 with the following three major objectives: Assess the retention potential for spilled oil within the coastal environments of Alaska's Beaufort Sea; Characterize the morphology and sediments of the Beaufort coast; Determine, as precisely as possible, the annual longshore sediment transport rate.
We report the oxygen, hydrogen, and deuterium effects on nitrogen implantation of stainless steel. Oxygen is absorbed on the surface creating a potential barrier and diminishing the nitrogen retention. Deuterium removes more oxygen from the surface than hydrogen, augmenting the nitrogen chemical potential and yielding faster nitrogen diffusion into the bulk material.
This paper reviews the effects of neutron irradiation on thermal and mechanical properties and bulk tritium retention of armour materials (beryllium, tungsten and carbon). For each material, the main properties affected by neutron irradiation are described and the specific tests of neutron irradiated armour materials under thermal shock and disruption conditions are summarized. Based on current knowledge, the expected thermal and structural performance of neutron irradiated armour materials in the ITER plasma facing components are analysed.
From the alkalised crude extract of Symphytum cordatum (L.) W.K. roots, pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) were extracted as free tertiary bases and polar N-oxides in a merely one-step liquid-liquid partitioning (LLP) in separation funnel and subsequently pre-fractionated by preparative multiple-development (MD) thin-layer chromatography (TLC) on silica gel plates. In this way three alkaloid fractions of different polarities and retention on silica gel plates were obtained as: the most polar N-oxides of the highest retention, the tertiary bases of medium retention, and diesterified N-oxides of the lowest retention. The former fraction was reduced into free bases by sodium hydrosulfite and purified by LLP on Extrelut-NT3 cartridge. It was further analysed together with the two other fractions by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-ion-trap mass spectrometry with atmospheric pressure chemical ...
Results of tests on the 1 kg/h continuous reactor for the hydroliquefaction of coal are described. The reactor was operated at 415-435 C and 21 MPa using a continuous stirred reactor with a retention time of about 2 hours. All product oils were recovered by distillation. Sub-bituminous coal was found to give the best product yield. Tests using 5% red mud and 3% improved red mud showed significant increases in oil yield. (4 refs.)
Paraspeckles (PSPs) are nuclear bodies associated with the retention in the nucleus of specific mRNAs. Two isoforms of a long noncoding RNA (NEAT1_v1/Menε and NEAT1_v2/Menβ)...Full Text Available
Load-deflection characteristics of alumina and alumino-silicate fibrous blankets were experimentally determined. Load retention and springback capability of combinations of these materials were measured in a 10,000-hour test at surface temperatures of 650 to 1000"0C (1200 to 1832"0F). Experimental results are presented and future testing plans are discussed.
It has been shown for the first time that astatine is capable of undergoing addition reactions to unsaturated hydrocarbons. A new compound of astatine, viz., ethylene astatohydrin, has been obtained, and its retention numbers of squalane, Apiezon, and tricresyl phosphate have been found. The influence of various factors on the formation of ethylene astatohydrin has been studied. It has been concluded on the basis of the results obtained that the univalent cations of astatine in an acidic medium is protonated hypoastatous acid.
Single doses of lead (trace to 445 mg/kg) were administered per os to suckling and adult mice. Both groups exhibited dose-independent lead retention when doses of 4 to 445 mg/kg were administered. However, developmental differences in the fraction of initial dose (FID) retained were evident for all doses administered. A much larger FID was retained in both age groups following administration of carrier-free "2"0"3Pb. The results are consistent with a mechanism of gastrointestinal lead absorption comprising two or more processes. Developmental differences were also observed in organ lead concentration relative to whole body concentration for kidneys, skull and brain 6 days following lead administration. Lead retentions (relative to whole body retention) in brain and in bone were linearly related to dose of lead administered in both suckling and adult age groups. Though uptake of lead into brain and into femur was observed to ...
Uranyl nitrate ("2"3"3U) was retained mainly in lung, skeleton, pelt and kidney 60 days after inhalation exposure. The concentration in lung exceeded that in other tissues. Preliminary results with "2"3"2U indicate retention in lung similar to that of "2"3"3U, at total deposited mass levels of 0.1 #mu#g or less.
Experiments were conducted with field-grown cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) in 1985 and 1986 to determine effects of water deficit on levels of conjugated indole 3-acetic...Full Text Available
Known trace-matrix-separation and enrichment procedures for the refractory metals Mo and W use very time-consuming batch-techniques. This paper presents the application of a quasicontinuous liquid chromatographic (LC) technique as a step towards automated ultratrace separation. The anionic peroxo complexes from Mo(VI) and W(VI) are used for the trace-matrix-separation. Optimization of the peroxide concentration permits a complete removal of all cationic analyte traces on the HPLC-suitable cation exchanger Nucleosil SA. The high chromato-graphic efficiency also allows a direct ion chromatographic separation of the removed traces. This leads to conclusions about the contribution of the analyte traces on the trace-matrix-separation column and the limits of determination. (author). 13 refs.; 12 figs.; 5 tabs.
Objectives: Human influenza A (H1N1) 2009 has caused severe epidemics in many countries, but its dynamics in spatial and temporal contexts have so far been poorly appreciated. Methods: A total of 24,414 laboratory confirmed human influenza A (H1N1) 2009 cases reported from May to September 2009 in Hong Kong were evaluated, using a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based approach. Spatio-temporal clustering was assessed after dividing Hong Kong into 4 geographic sectors, 18 districts and 500 m x 500 m cells. Global Moran's I, Local Moran's I and SaTScan(TM) were used in the exploration. Results: Spatio-temporal clusters first appeared on Hong Kong Island at week 3, alongside multiple foci suggestive of infection nidus introduced from abroad. The clusters grew rapidly and became confluent ...
The study was performed for evaluating the risk effect of digital systems on the total plant. Based on risk monitor, a fault tree model for the Korean Standard Nuclear Power Plants (KSNPP), we integrate the fault-tree models for Digital Plant Protection System (DPPS) and Digital Engineered SaFety Actuation System (DESFAS) which are the most important safety-critical I and C systems in the KSNPP. In this study, however, three important factors (the probabilities of manual actuation failure, the software failure probability, and the watchdog timer fault coverage) are treated as the variables of the sensitivity study because quantification methodologies for these factors are not developed yet. Not only the unavailability of digital safety-critical system itself, but also the risk effect of digital systems on the total plant should be assessed to prove the safety of digital systems. The result of sensitivity study shows that the Anticipated-Transient-Without-Scram ...
Crystalline ?-Al2O3 nanowires with diameter, 20?40?nm, length above 600?nm and aspect ratio above 30 have been successfully synthesized by thermal decomposition of boehmite (?-AlOOH) precursors obtained via hydrothermal route by using AlCl3, NaOH and NH3 as starting materials. Thermogravimetric analysis (TG), differential thermal analysis (DTA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED) and high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) were used to characterize the features of the as-made ?-Al2O3 nanowires and their ?-AlOOH precursors. The pH value of the solution and the mixed precipitant play important roles in the formation of ?-AlOOH nanowires. After calcination at 500?C for 2?h, the orthorhombic ?-AlOOH transf...
The Raywell Process Plants unit, which reclaims a wide range of organic solvents, including chlorinated hydrocarbons, is based on thin film evaporation and distillation rather than steam distillation, thus reducing the risk of contamination by water. Henry Balfour and Co.'s Pfaudler Solvent Recovery System gives 96% or better solvent recovery and produces a near-solid waste suitable for landfill disposal; like the Raywell system, it uses a mechanically wiped thin-film evaporator. Midland Oil Refineries uses sa Raywell thin-film evaporator for recovery of waste lubricating oils rather than the conventional sulfuric acid/clay treatment, thus avoiding formation of sulfuric acid sludge waste. The Henry Balfour Bioenergy anaerobic digestion system gives yields of fuel gas with 65-75% methane as high as 0.8 cu m/kg BOD; it achieves 95-98% BOD removal with no pH control or nutrient addition because it separates solids from liquid effluent and retains liquids for ...
This paper discusses the potential for geothermal energy use in the central part of Southern Poland, such as the availability of thermal aquifers and the techniques for putting the latter to practical use. The geological and geothermal features of the region are presented within the context of the existence of aquifers containing geothermal resources that could be used in space heating. Also discussed are the three main geological units where thermal waters are known to exist: the Carpathians, the Miechow Trough, and the Silesian-Cracow Monocline. Particularly favourable hydrogeological conditions exist in the Inner Carpathians, in the Podhale Trough, where there is already one geothermal company using geothermal energy, Geotermia Podhalanska S.A. Equally interesting from the geothermal point of view are the areas north of the Cracow-Tarnow line, where, in Mesozoic aquifers, water temperatures range from 20 to 60 {sup o}C. In this paper we propose technological ...
Une enfant drepanocytaire homozygote SS de 14 ans (sans deficit en G6PD), non transfusee anterieurement, a une cholecystectomie pour lithiase decouverte a un bilan systematique. L'intervention est encadree de 2 transfusions de concentres erythrocytaires (CGR) phenotypes ABO Rh Kell, compatibilises. Quinze jours apres, elle presente une hemolyse aigue associant fievre, ictere, insuffisance renale tubulaire, hemoglobinurie et anemie profonde (Hb 3,6 g/dL). Les RAI deviennent positives avec, entre autres, un auto anticorps anti D suspecte, le test de Coombs direct est positif de type mixte. L'enfant n'est pas retransfusee, mais recoit 1 mg/kg/j de corticoides IV pendant 10 jours. L'hemoglobine retrouve sa valeur de base (9 g/dL) apres 15 jours. Un antigene RH1(D) partiel de type DAR est ulter...
Liquid pipeline codes generally stipulate placement of block valves along liquid transmission pipelines such as on each side of major river crossings where environmental hazards could cause or are foreseen to potentially cause serious consequences. Codes, however, do not stipulate any requirement for block valve spacing for low vapour pressure petroleum transportation, nor for remote pipeline valve operations to reduce spills. A review of pipeline codes for valve requirement and spill limitation in high consequence areas is thus presented along with a criteria for an acceptable spill volume that could be caused by pipeline leak/full rupture. A technique for deciding economically and technically effective pipeline block valve automation for remote operation to reduce oil spilled and control of hazards is also provided. In this review, industry practice is highlighted and application of the criteria for maximum permissible oil spill and the technique for deciding valve automation thus ...
Argentina has two operating PHWR nuclear power plants. Atucha I NPP is a pressure vessel type heavy water reactor of 360 MW e with 25 years of operation and Embalse NPP is a pressure tube type CANDU-600 reactor of 640 MW e. Atucha II, a third plant of 600 MW e of the pressure vessel type similar to Atucha I, is being constructed. NASA (Nucleoelectrica Argentina S.A.) currently operates both nuclear power plants. The National Atomic Energy Commission (Comision Nacional de Energia Atomica - CNEA) provides operational support to the plants, including research and development assistance, and actual technical services and maintenance work in different areas. The Chemistry Department, formerly the Reactor Chemistry Department has carried out project and support activities to the plants during the past 20 years. The aim of this work is to describe the present organization and the activities in reactor chemistry of the Chemistry Department. In particular, the projects to ...
The ultrafine fibers based on the composites of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and a series of fatty acids, lauric acid (LA), myristic acid (MA), palmitic acid (PA), and stearic acid (SA), were prepared successfully via electrospinning as form-stable phase change materials (PCMs). The morphology and thermal properties of the composite fibers were studied by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), respectively. It was found that the average fiber diameter increased generally with the content of fatty acid (LA) in the LA/PET composite fibers. The fibers with the low mass ratio maintained cylindrical shape with smooth surface while the quality became worse when the mass ratio is too high (more than 100/100). Moreover, the latent heat of the composite fibers increased with the increase of LA content and the phase transition temperature of the fibers have no obvious variations compared with LA. In contrast, ...
Recent progress in the metallic conducting Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) films built from TTF derivative and fatty acids is reported. A simple LB method of transferring the mixed Langmuir (L) film of BEDO-TTF (BO) and stearic acid (SA) onto substrates provided metallic conducting LB films. A homogeneous L film formation on the water surface observed by Brewster angle microscope (BAM) is an essential factor for the well-ordered LB films. In the L film, the carboxylate group of fatty acid forms anion layer bringing about a spontaneous formation of mixed valence state (MVS) of BO layer. Similar spontaneous formation was also found in the molecular combination of nonoxygen-substituted donor of EDT-TTF and octadecanesulfonic acid (OS). This type of reaction would be useful for obtaining conducting LB films. For the LB films of BEDO-TTF and stearic acid, we found a negative transverse magnetoresistance at low temperature that was interpreted in the weak localization of a ...
Promising approaches to produce higher alcohols, e.g., isobutanol, using Escherichia coli have been developed with successful results. Here, we translated the isobutanol process from shake flasks to a 1-L bioreactor in order to characterize three E. coli strains. With in situ isobutanol removal from the bioreactor using gas stripping, the engineered E. coli strain (JCL260) produced more than 50?g/L in 72?h. In addition, the isobutanol production by the parental strain (JCL16) and the high isobutanol-tolerant mutant (SA481) were compared with JCL260. Interestingly, we found that the isobutanol-tolerant strain in fact produced worse than either JCL16 or JCL260. This result suggests that in situ product removal can properly overcome isobutanol toxicity in E. coli cultures. The isobutanol prod...
A multicentre evaluation of the urine test strip analyser Super Aution-4220 was carried out in six laboratories. The analytical performance of the instrument with regard to imprecision, linearity, detection limit, drift, carry-over and method comparison was studied. Using the Aution stick 8 test strip the pH, glucose, protein, ketones, bilirubin, blood, urobilinogen and leukocyte esterase were analysed. Specific gravity measurements were performed by refractive index method. Within-run and between-run imprecision determined at three levels of analyte were good. No carry-over was observed. Obtained results were linear through all the described analytical range. No significant drift was detected. Method comparison with some quantitative methods was performed and showed a good correlation with most of the analytes. The study of interferences showed minor interferences by common therapeutic drugs with the measurement of some analytes. During the assessment period of about 6 months no ...
Automobile has become the dominant transport mode in the world in the last century. In order to meet a continuously growing demand for transport, one solution is to change the control approach for vehicle to full driving automation, which removes the driver from the control loop to improve efficiency and reduce accidents. Recent work shows that there are several realistic paths towards this deployment : driving assistance on passenger cars, automated commercial vehicles on dedicated infrastructures, and new forms of urban transport (car-sharing and cybercars). Cybercars have already been put into operation in Europe, and it seems that this approach could lead the way towards full automation on most urban, and later interurban infrastructures. The European project CyberCars has brought many improvements in the technology needed to operate cybercars over the last three years. A new, larger European project is now being prepared to carry this work further in order to meet more ambitious ...
Societatea Nationala Nuclearelectrica SA is the operator of the Cernavoda nuclear power plant and the second largest energy producer in Romania, after Hidroelectrica, ensuring 18% of the internal energy demand. The production of nuclear power differs from other industrial activities through the risks it involves and through the legacy it leaves to the future generations, i.e. the nuclear waste. Taking into account these considerations, public acceptance represents a constant preoccupation for nuclear companies around the world. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a new practice in the nuclear industry. After a long tradition of involvement in the life of the local community through the Social Program for Cernavoda, Nuclearelectrica has initiated a CSR campaign with the theme 'Welcome a tree in your family', addressed to pupils and high school students from Cernavoda. By this campaign, we aimed at creating relevance, not just green lots and to launch a chain of ...
An uncertainty decrease is an very important issue for enhancing risk-informed (RI) activities worldwide. Especially, a relatively large uncertainty in a level-2 (L2) PSA risk compared with level-1 internal PSA risk has been a bottleneck problem in the RI application to the extent of a severe accident management. According to the ASME PRA standard in which sources of an uncertainty to capture a category-II RI (= Option 2) capability are listed, an uncertainty analysis which identifies the key sources of an uncertainty and includes sensitivity studies for dominant contributors to LERF (Large Early Release Frequency) needs to be provided. To solve these problems, USNRC have developed the 'SPAR-LERF' model related to the L2 RI application and 'L2 uncertainty assessment and improvement' work is being taken as a main PSA2 topic of the SARNET (Severe Accident Research Network of Excellence) program in Europe by OECD/NEA. Domestically, a mid/long-term R and D is being started this year to ...
Calcined and sulfided Ni-Mo catalysts supported on ultrastable Y zeolite (USY), NaY zeolite, mordenite, and ZSM-5 were studied by high-resolution electron transmission microscopy (HRTEM) with selected-area electron diffraction (SAED) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Ni and Mo oxide aggregates were rarely observed in the USY-supported Ni-Mo catalyst, indicating that most of Ni and Mo may be incorporated into USY, e.g., supercavities and possibly sodalite cages. However, there were a large number of {alpha}-NiMoO{sub 4} aggregates of different particle sizes in NaY-, mordenite-, and ZSM-5-supported catalysts, and the mordenite-supported catalyst also contained MoO{sub 3} crystals. The {alpha}-NiMoO{sub 4} may be attached to the surface of substrates as individual particles or needle aggregates, it may be disseminated into mordenite particles, or it may even form an isolated sphere (in Ni-Mo/NaY) or a needle (in Ni-Mo/ZSM-5) aggregates. Thus, most of Ni and ...
Fatty acids such as stearic acid (SA), palmitic acid (PA), myristic acid (MA), and lauric acid (LA) are promising phase change materials (PCMs) for latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) applications, but high cost is the most drawback which limits the utility area of them in thermal energy storage. The use of fatty acids as form-stable PCM will increase their feasibilities in practical LHTES applications due to reduced cost of the energy storage system. In this regard, a series of fatty acid/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) blends, SA/PMMA, PA/PMMA, MA/PMMA, and LA/PMMA were prepared as new kinds of form-stable PCMs by encapsulation of fatty acids into PMMA which acts as supporting material. The blends were prepared at different mass fractions of fatty acids (50, 60, 70, 80, and 90% w/w) to reach maximum encapsulation ratio. All blends were subjected to leakage test by heating the blends over the melting temperature of the PCM. The blends ...
Non-thermal (low-temperature) physical plasma is under intensive study as an alternative approach to control superficial wound and skin infections when the effectiveness of chemical agents is weak due to natural pathogen or biofilm resistance. The purpose of this study was to test the individual susceptibility of pathogenic bacteria to non-thermal argon plasma and to measure the effectiveness of plasma treatments against bacteria in biofilms and on wound surfaces. Overall, Gram-negative bacteria were more susceptible to plasma treatment than Gram-positive bacteria. For the Gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Burkholderia cenocepacia and Escherichia coli, there were no survivors among the initial 10(5) c.f.u. after a 5 min plasma treatment. The susceptibility of Gram-positive bacteria was species- and strain-specific. Streptococcus pyogenes was the most resistant with 17?% survival of the initial 10(5) c.f.u. after a 5 min plasma treatment. Staphylococcus aureus had a ...
The thermodynamic characteristics of sorption of the isomeric tricyclo[5.2.1.02.6]decane (tetrahydrodicyclopentadiene, TDCPD) molecules were for the first time determined experimentally and by molecular statistical methods under the conditions of gas-adsorption chromatography on graphitized thermal carbon black and gas-liquid chromatography on stationary liquid phases of different polarities (Apiezon L and Carbowax 20M). The effects of the chemical nature of sorbents on the retention of the TDCPD isomers are considered. A procedure for calculating the thermodynamic characteristics of adsorption of molecules with a complex structure is suggested within the framework of the atom-atom approximation of the semiempirical molecular statistical theory of adsorption for the example of isostructural norbornane molecules. The procedure involves simultaneous variation of geometric parameters and refinement of the parameters that determine the special features of the ...
The results of the laboratory studies performed by CIEMAT with the FEBEX bentonite in the context of WP3.2 of the NF-PRO Project and of the Agreement ENRESA-CIEMAT Anexo V are presented and analysed in this report. They refer to the effect of the hydraulic gradient on the permeability of bentonite, the effect of the thermal gradient on the hydration kinetics of bentonite, and the repercussion of temperature on the hydro-mechanical properties of bentonite (swelling, permeability and water retention capacity). In all the cases the bentonite has been used compacted to densities expected in the engineered barrier of a high-level radioactive waste repository. The existence of threshold and critical hydraulic gradients has been observed, both of them dependent on bentonite density and water pressures. After more than seven years of hydration, the 40-cm high bentonite columns are far from full saturation, the thermal gradient additionally delaying the process, which is ...
The results of the laboratory studies performed by CIEMAT with the FEBEX bentonite in the context of WP3.2 of the NF-PRO Project and of the Agreement ENRESA-CIEMAT Anexo V are presented and analysed in this report. They refer to the effect of the hydraulic gradient on the permeability of bentonite, the effect of the thermal gradient on the hydration kinetics of bentonite, and the repercussion of temperature on the hydro-mechanical properties of bentonite (swelling, permeability and water retention capacity). In all the cases the bentonite has been used compacted to densities expected in the engineered barrier of a high-level radioactive waste repository. The existence of threshold and critical hydraulic gradients has been observed, both of them dependent on bentonite density and water pressures. After more than seven years of hydration, the 40-cm high bentonite columns are far from full saturation, the thermal gradient additionally delaying the process, which is ...
In developing new brain imaging agents for single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), we synthesized eleven radioiodinated phenoxyacetic acid derivatives and investigated the relationship between the chemical structure and in vivo characteristics. Biodistribution studies in mice revealed high initial brain uptake for all the compounds. Blood radioactivity level depended markedly upon the chemical stability of the compound. The #alpha#,#alpha#-dimethylester derivative (1e), amide derivatives (2a-c) and diamine derivatives (3a, b, 4), which were stable to hydrolysis, showed low blood activity levels following i.v. administration. Disappearance of the ester and amide compounds from the brain was rapid. However, the diamine derivatives displayed improved retention in the brain. Compounds 3a and 4 possessed the best combination of high brain uptake and sufficient retention to be useful as potential brain imaging radiopharmaceuticals with ...
In response to the consultation from the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) to the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) committee 2, retention and excretion of 239Pu deposited at wound site were calculated by coupling together the proposed NCRP wound model and the current ICRP systemic model of Pu. The physicochemical forms considered were the soluble form categorized into 'Strong Retention', and the colloidal, particulate and fragmentary forms. The results are summarized as follows. If in soluble form, immediate medical intervention is needed to prevent uptake of radionuclides to body tissues, and prompt wound monitoring is essential for an accurate estimation of the initially deposited radioactivity. If in particulate form, a multi-component exponential equation leads to an overestimation of the absorption rate to blood because of significant lymph node drainage. The committed doses in the ...
A field study (1993-96) assessed the benefits of applying unusually high rates of coal fly ash from power plants as a soil amendment to enhance water retention of soils without adversely affecting growth and marketability of the turf species, centipedegrass (Eremochloa ophiuroides (Munro) Hack.) A Latin Square plot design was employed that included 0 (control, no fly ash applied), 280, 560 and 1120 MgHa {sup -1} application rates of unweathered precipitator fly ash. The fly ash was spread evenly over each plot area, rototilled, and allowed to weather under natural conditions for 8 months before seeding. High levels of soluble salts, indicated by the electrical conductivity of soil extracts, in tandem with an apparent phytotoxic effect from boron, apparently inhibited initial plant establishment as shown by substantially lower germination counts in treated soil. However, plant height and rooting depth were not adversely affected, as were the dry matter yields ...
The efficacy of external flooding of a reactor vessel as a severe accident management strategy is assessed for an AP600-like reactor design. The overall approach is based on the Risk Oriented Accident Analysis Methodology (ROAAM), and the assessment includes consideration of bounding scenarios and sensitivity studies, as well as arbitrary parametric evaluations that allow the delineation of the failure boundaries. Quantification of the input parameters is carried out for an AP600-like design, and the results of the assessment demonstrate that lower head failure is physically unreasonable. Use of this conclusion for any specific application is subject to verifying the required reliability of the depressurization and cavity-flooding systems, and to showing the appropriateness (in relation to the database presented here, or by further testing as necessary) of the thermal insulation design and of the external surface properties of the lower head, including any applicable coatings. The ...
In accordance with Department of Energy (DOE) Regulations surveys for wetland presence or absence were conducted in September 1996 on the DWI-1630 site (Witherspoon Landfill) located in South Knoxville, Knox County, Tennessee. The DWI-1630 site includes a closed, capped landfill area, areas of past disturbance adjacent to the capped area, and patches of hardwood forest. Wetlands were identified on the landfill cap and in a small bottomland that was formerly used for a retention pond in the southwest corner of the DWI-1630 site. The wetlands identified on the cap are man-induced, atypical situation wetlands. These areas have hydrophytic vegetation and wetland hydrology, but the soils do not have hydric characteristics. Wetland development appears to be due to a combination of the grading or subsidence of the clay landfill cap, the low permeability of the clay fill soil, and the absence of surface drainage outlets from the depressions. These atypical situation ...
Previous work suggests that supplemental ascorbic acid (AA) may inhibit intestinal copper absorption by stabilizing the less absorbable cuprous state. The authors studied copper absorption in healthy men (age 19-32) fed a constant diet with different amounts of ascorbic acid supplements. The 6 men were confined to a metabolic unit for the entire 14 week study. The basal diet consisted of a 7 day rotating menu which provided an average of 2.1 mg Cu/d and was adequate in all other nutrients except AA (5 mg/d). The basal diet was supplemented with either zero, 60, or 600 mg of AA daily, added to grape juice and consumed at each meal. All feces were collected. Blood was taken weekly for monitoring AA and copper status. Copper absorption was determined by both balance and "6"5Cu stable isotope techniques. As determined by fecal Cu excretion, varying intakes of AA between 0.1 to 10 times the RDA had no significant effect on copper retention. This is consistent with the ...
The objective of the study was to investigate neuronal processing during the encoding, retention and retrieval phases of a serial visual working memory task. Particularly, we were interested in how these phases are affected by working memory load and how processing is modulated by methylphenidate. Healthy adults were asked to memorize the order of four, five or six pictures under methylphenidate (20mg) and under placebo while brain electrical activity was recorded. On the performance level, the number of correct responses decreased with increasing working memory load. Concerning brain electrical activity, in the encoding phase P3 amplitudes increased at midline electrodes with increasing memory load while load had no effect in the retention and retrieval phase. Medication neither influenced performance nor the different processing stages significantly. Our data provide evidence that during the encoding phase more attentional resources are ...
Different concrete waste packages have been designed by Electricite de France (EDF) for the long-term storage of radioactive Low Level Waste (LLW). Their main function is to confine radionuclides from the biosphere for three hundred years in a near-surface disposal. According to the transport regulations, a Type-B package is needed for some waste like water filters. The water filters from EDF nuclear power plants are encapsulated in mortar and placed in a concrete container. Transport regulations for these containers have required the development of a methodology for safety assessment. The reference scenario of container degradation during transport considers a 9 m drop and a 800"oC fire for 30 min. First, the different chemical and physical processes involved in the containment of radionuclides are analysed. In particular, the radionuclide transport mechanisms in cement-based materials have been reviewed. Secondly, the effects of a container drop on the mortar and concrete ...
A novel bioelectrochemical membrane reactor (BEMR), which takes advantage of a membrane bioreactor (MBR) and microbial fuel cells (MFC), is developed for wastewater treatment and energy recovery. In this system, stainless steel mesh with biofilm formed on it serves as both the cathode and the filtration material. Oxygen reduction reactions are effectively catalyzed by the microorganisms attached on the mesh. The effluent turbidity from the BEMR system was low during most of the operation period, and the chemical oxygen demand and NH(4)(+)-N removal efficiencies averaged 92.4% and 95.6%, respectively. With an increase in hydraulic retention time and a decrease in loading rate, the system performance was enhanced. In this BEMR process, a maximum power density of 4.35 W/m(3) and a current density of 18.32 A/m(3) were obtained at a hydraulic retention time of 150 min and external resister of 100 ?. The Coulombic efficiency was 8.2%. Though the ...
Chiral auxiliaries are promising emerging tools for the asymmetric synthesis of octahedral metal complexes. We recently introduced chiral salicyloxazolines as coordinating bidentate chiral ligands which provide excellent control over the metal-centered configuration in the course of ligand substitution reactions and can be removed afterward in an acid-induced fashion under complete retention of configuration (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2009, 131, 9602-9603). Here reported is our detailed investigation of this sequence of reactions, affording virtually enantiopure ruthenium polypyridyl complexes. The control of the metal-centered chirality by the coordinated chiral salicyloxazolinate ligand was evaluated as a function of reaction conditions, the employed bidentate 2,2'-bipyridine and 1,10-phenanthroline ligands, and the substituent at the asymmetric 5-position of the oxazoline heterocycle. Most striking was the strong influence of the reaction solvent, with aprotic solvents ...
Debris coolability in the lower plenum of the reactor pressure vessel is an important factor for evaluation of debris in-vessel retention. The debris coolability analysis module is developed for the accurate prediction of the safety margin of the present reactor vessels in a severe accident. The module calculates debris spreading and cooling through melting and solidification in combination with a temperature distribution and failure evaluation of the vessel wall. Debris spreading is solved by the explicit method on a quasi-three-dimensional scheme and debris coolability is solved on the basis of natural convection analysis. The calculation for spreading is compared with a water spreading experiment on the floor and the calculation for coolability is compared with a n-octadecane melting experiment in a rectangular vessel. The comparisons show capabilities for predictions of spearhead transportation in the debris spreading process and of melting front transportation ...
Debris coolability in the lower plenum of the reactor pressure vessel is an important factor for evaluation of debris in-vessel retention. The debris coolability analysis module is developed for the accurate prediction of the safety margin of the present reactor vessels in a severe accident. The module calculates debris spreading and cooling through melting and solidification in combination with a temperature distribution and failure evaluation of the vessel wall. Debris spreading is solved by the explicit method on a quasi-three-dimensional scheme and debris coolability is solved on the basis of natural convection analysis. The calculation for spreading is compared with a water spreading experiment on the floor and the calculation for coolability is compared with a n-octadecane melting experiment in a rectangular vessel. The comparisons show capabilities for predictions of spearhead transportation in the debris spreading process and of melting front transportation ...
Six kinds of diamino-dithiol compounds are labelled with "9"9Tc"m by ligands exchange reaction. Their ligands exchange percentage is over 95%. The biodistribution of one of these compounds in mice shows 0.88% brain uptake after two minutes and 0.28% after 15 minutes respectively. Although the brain uptake is lower for this compound, it has longer retention in brain. So, the experiment results are valuable to the design of new brain imaging agent in the future.
In acute intoxication, uranium (U) not only inhibits bone formation but its excretion in urine also causes renal damage. The former effect is ameliorated by tetracycline (TC), probably due to its chelation property, which might also prevent U deposition in bone. Chemical determination of U incorporated in bone and a histological study of the kidneys were performed on animals injected with U and then treated with TC. The results showed that TC was unable to prevent the binding of U to bone while it exacerbated U-induced renal damage.
We describe a compact ultrafiltration system for the removal of pyrogens and bacteria from water labeled with the stable isotopes of deuterium and oxygen-18. The ultrafiltration system is constructed from readily available commercial components and can achieve complete removal of pyrogens and bacteria from 1L contaminated water within 30 min. By use of our procedure, loss of the isotopically labeled water by retention in the filtration system was minimal. The purified water is suitable for both oral and intravenous administration to healthy human subjects participating in nutrition studies.
Radioiodinated ..cap alpha..-bungarotoxin, the venom of Bungarus multicinctus, is commonly used for the detection and quantification of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) and anti-nAChR antibodies. A radioiodination method is described which is simple and yields a fully active product which, after fractionation, has a specific activity tenfold higher (900 Ci/mmol) than those routinely used, resulting in enhanced sensitivity of assays and conservation of material, especially muscle extracts.
Yucca Mountain, Nevada is a potential site for a high-level radioactive-waste repository. Uncertainty and sensitivity analyses were performed to estimate critical factors in the performance of the site with respect to a criterion in terms of pre-waste-emplacement ground-water travel time. The degree of failure in the analytical model to meet the criterion is sensitive to the estimate of fracture porosity in the upper welded unit of the problem domain. Fracture porosity is derived from a number of more fundamental measurements including fracture frequency, fracture orientation, and the moisture-retention characteristic inferred for the fracture domain.
Iron alloys and aluminum were nitrogen implanted in a controlled oxygen atmosphere and the role of hydrogen on the surface etching mechanisms studied. The surface composition was analyzed by in situ photoemission electron spectroscopy (XPS). In iron alloys, hydrogen strongly etches oxygen, improving nitrogen retention on the surface. On the other hand, hydrogen removes nitrogen from aluminum surfaces, with a deleterious effect on the nitriding effectiveness. The oxygen removal in iron alloys is associated with the catalytic effect of electrons in d-orbitals and the nitrogen removal in aluminum is associated with a steric effect.
When combining aerosol retention components in the dissolver offgas stream of a reprocessing plant, the behavior both of the individual aerosol filter stages and the overall removal efficiency of all filters connected in series vis-a-vis an aerosol spectrum to be expected must be determined for the benefit of the licensing authority. A fast method of determining removal efficiencies is described, which can also be applied in hot operation. This method was used to demonstrate, with high certainty, decontamination factors of a whole filter train in the range of 10"7.
Forty-three patients with basal and squamous cell carcinomata arising on the pinna were treated radically using a 10 MeV electron beam. The technique and dosage are described and discussed. Primary cancer control with retention of the pinna was achieved in 34 patients. Salvage pinnectomy was performed in four patients for recurrence and one patient for radiation necrosis. Two patients with large primary tumours failed to resolve and died of their disease. The advantages for the patient of the policy of primary radical electron beam therapy are discussed.
An insulated letter drop plate comprises a back plate having an opening for the mail having two hinges at its upper part to attach a cover to; a frame for retaining a first insulation around its perimeter and around the opening; and suitable insulation. This back plate is also provided with an upper curved extension to cover and conceal said hinges. A cover is provided with two complementary hinges to be articulated with the first hinges on the back plate, and with a frame around the perimeter for the retention of a second insulation. A wire joins the first and second hinges, and a coil spring on the wire keeps the cover normally closed.
Dietary supplements of about 5 g/kg of a number of amino acids increased tissue lead concentrations in newly weaned rats but decreased them in older rats. The retention of both oral and intraperitoneal lead was affected. The uptake of "2"0"3Pb by tissues was reduced when methionine was given in the diet over a period of 5 weeks or when it or ethionine was given by mouth 24 h before the activity was measured. In the liver the fraction of the total activity found in the nuclei and mitochondria was increased by methionine, but in the kidney only the fraction found in nuclei was increased.
Cement-based composites are widely used in applications which demand long-term service life. One important example is in immobilization matrices for low-level radioactive and other hazardous wastes, which demands long-term retention and durability. The authors describe conductivity measurements of grouts flooded with water and in contact with a sink that consists of pure water. The conductivity measurements were designed and carried out in parallel with present quality verification methods and standard leach tests of the nuclear waste management industry. For the first time, the authors show that the method of replacing intrusive chemical analysis with conductivity measurements of the leaching samples yields equivalent results.
The goals of this paper are to describe the fabrication and complete evaluation of a dihydropyridine <- -> pyridinium salt type redox system for the delivery of radioiodinated agents to the brain. Tissue distribution studies of "1"2"5I-labeled 4-iodoaniline and the redox agents were performed in rats. ["1"2"5I]Iodoaniline initially showed moderate brain uptake with subsequent release of the radioactivity from the brain. ["1"2"5I]Iodoaniline, however, when coupled to a dihydropyridine carrier showed significantly higher uptake and retention in the brain. (author).
The adsorption properties of four samples of ..cap alpha..-BN were studied by means of gas chromatography. The particles of ..cap alpha..-BN particles, according to data obtained by electron microscopy, have the shape of thin platelets. A sample of ..cap alpha..-BN prepared from magnesium polyboride was found to be the most nearly homogeneous adsorbent. For a number of n-alkanes, benzene, and alkylbenzenes, data have been obtained on the retention volumes (Henry constants) and the differential heats of adsorption for surface coverages approaching zero. These thermodynamic data on the adsorption showed that ..cap alpha..-BN, like graphitized thermal carbon black, is a nonspecific adsorbent.
Retention kinetics and tissue partition coefficients for "8"5Kr were determined in rats exposed to known concentrations of "8"5Kr gas. The tissue partition coefficients were used to calculate the relative tissue radiation dose, assuming exposure conditions equivalent to the maximum permissible concentration in air (MPC)a. The estimated radiation dose was highest in adrenals and body fat, about twice the dose estimated for the next highest tissue, ovaries. Saturation and desaturation curves show that the contents of the large intestines have a prolonged desaturation time compared to other samples analyzed.
Acid mine drainage represents one of the most important environmental problem facing the mining industry. If the tailings contain sulphur, acid mine drainage will be generated as soon as the tailings are exposed to oxygen. In this paper, the authors discussed a technique for the storage of acid mine drainage generating tailings that delays and even eliminates the occurrence. It was suggested that tailings should be piled by incorporating, at regular intervals, compacted waste rock. Thermal convection and diffusion will prevent oxygen from reaching the tailings, and limit water circulation. The modelling of transfer processes (heat, water, oxygen) in a well known tailings dump, the Doyon Mine, was performed, and the results compared to the modelling where compacted waste rock had been incorporated at regular intervals. The results indicated that by remaining saturated, the layers acted as capillary barriers preventing oxygen from reaching the tailings, therefore reducing significantly ...
Lithium ion batteries use an oxide as a positive electrode and a carbon material as a negative electrode. The performances of carbon electrodes have rapidly evolved during the last years thanks to the substitution of soft carbons of Conoco or MCMB-2510 type by graphites (F-399, MCMB-2528) and then by hard carbons. These high capacity carbons (700 mAh/g) have higher service life and volume capacity than graphites but their irreversible losses are greater (>20%). In this work, materials with similar electrochemical performances are prepared by mechanical crushing. Mechanical crushing allows to obtain a wide range of carbon materials with various morphologies, specific surfaces and levels of disorder. The formation of the passivation film is directly linked with the surface of materials. A reaction scheme of the reversible and irreversible capacities has been defined and has permitted to obtain compounds with reversible capacities of 720 mAh/g (2 lithium for 6 carbon). (J.S.)
Dual-fuel engines are modified diesel engines burning simultaneously two fuels inside the cylinder: a gaseous one, called the primary fuel and a liquid one, called the pilot fuel. The thermal efficiency of the dual-fuel engine and of the diesel engine are comparable; the level of emissions is lower compared to the diesel one. This article presents a new procedure for the combustion modeling in a LPG-diesel dual-fuel engine. The procedures deals with the ignition delay period and with the rate of heat release inside the cylinder. This procedure is validated using experimental data issued front a collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology from Madras, India. The used engine is a single-cylinder one, air-cooled. The pilot fuel is direct injected inside the cylinder The engine was run at constant load and with different diesel substitutions, i.e. for different air to fuel ratios of the primary fuel-air mixture. The general error of the procedure is below 10%. (authors)
This work presents the development of a streak camera 'jitter free' sweep unit synchronized on a femtosecond laser. This application of high voltage photoconductive switches ('High voltage Auston switch') yields subpicosecond resolution for accumulated images on streak camera on a few hundreds micro joule femtosecond laser. Two others applications of these photoconductive switches are studied: - ultrafast optical commutation by a Pockels cell directly driven by a photoconductive switch (rising edge < 100 ps and jitter < 2 ps), - laser pulse energy self-stabilization experimentally proving that driving a Pockels cell by a photoconductive switch can increase the stability of the laser pulse energy from 7 % to 0.7 % rms. Additionally, the application of the acoustic-optical programmable dispersive filter (Dazzler) to the self referenced spectral phase measurement is presented. As these measurements require a linear filter combined with a ...
The aim of this thesis is to study the coherent transport in semiconducting-superconducting junctions. The SnPb-GaAs system has been studied. It has been shown that the behaviour of this junction is controlled by the disordered area induced by the annealing of the connection near the interface. For a few resistant junction, a conductance anomaly under the gap has been observed and has been explained by a mesoscopic effect in the limit of the very high disorders. The conductance of more resistant junctions has only been bound to the properties of the very disordered area of the semiconductor. The part of the electron-electron interactions on the phase coherence length and on the conductance has been studied. The evolving of the correction of the conductance due to interactions in magnetic field has been followed. The effect of the spin degeneration suppression in CdTe and the GaAs sign inversion in Shubnikov de Haas oscillations rate has been observed. At last has been studied the ...
This document gathers the presentations given at the first French national meetings of solar energy for the development of solar systems in buildings. The meeting was organized over two days. The first day comprises 4 workshops about: urbanism and planning, cultural acceptability of solar energy in buildings (the OPAC 38 housing association, point of view on an energy information point, the Freiburg (Germany) solar region and marketing examples), technical integration to the structure (Clipsol solutions), and economical criteria (compared impacts of R and D public photovoltaic programs (USA, Japan, Germany, France, Italy), financing of rehabilitation projects, global approach of solar photovoltaic energy, technical solutions and strategy of products development, why and how to make an economical analysis of solar energy applications in the building industry). The second day comprises a plenary session and a round table: global status of solar energy development in Europe, status of ...
The control of nitrogen oxides (NO{sub x}) emissions will become a major challenge in the forthcoming years, in the domain of automotive industry or industrial burners. Pulsed combustion offers an imaginative solution which does not affect the combustion efficiency. In this paper, the efficiency of this method is demonstrated using the burner of a 20 kW domestic boiler. The actuator is simply installed on the air intake. Two types of actuators have been tested successfully: a loudspeaker and a rotative valve. Both can produce 100 to 1000 Hz frequencies and can lead to a reduction of 20% of NO{sub x} emissions. The feasibility of the concept is also demonstrated on a 840 kW liquid fuel-oil burner. The mechanisms involved during an excitation are explained using the CH{sup *} radical imaging. Results show an important reorganization of the flow and of the flame structure. During each excitation cycle, an annular swirl occurs at the leading edge of the flame catching and develops during ...
Simplifying hypotheses are required when combustion and aerodynamic phenomena are considered simultaneously. In this paper, a turbulent combustion model is proposed, in which the combustion chemistry is reduced to a single reaction. In this way, only two variables are needed to describe the problem and combustion can be characterized by the consumption of one of the two reactive species. In a first step, the instantaneous consumption rate is obtained using the Lagrangian form of the mass fraction equation of the species under consideration, and by considering the equilibrium state only. This state is determined in order to preserve the consistency with results that should be obtained using a complete kinetics scheme. In a second step, the average rate is determined using the instantaneous consumption term and a probabilistic density function. This model was tested on various configurations and in particular on an experimental main chamber and on a reheating chamber. Results indicate ...
Passive films, formed on annealed and cold worked AISI 304 stainless steel in hot chloride media, were examined using polarization resistance and impedance measurements. The obtained results show the influence of cold work on film conductivity, which can be correlated to conditions of susceptibility to stress corrosion cracking. Capacitance measurements, using the Mott-Schottky approach, revealed that a change from n to p type semi-conductivity is associated to susceptible conditions with an increase in the doping density estimated for cold worked samples in the presence of chloride. It is assumed that p-type semi-conductivity of the passive film together with the position of the flat band potential has a strong influence on the dissolution processes at the corrosion potential. Based on this analysis the influence of plastic deformation, at the dislocation scale, is discussed. (authors)
The preliminary study of the {sup 129}I distribution has allowed to underline the limits of use of a Homalotecium sericeum type terrestrial moss as biological indicator. However, this preliminary study allowed all the same to give a spatial distribution of this radioelement around La Hague reprocessing plant (source term) that underlines the existence of four geographic areas in function of collected activities. The levels are generally under 99 Bq/kg dry. It is recommended to improve the knowledge that we can have of transfers and quantity of iodine 129 from the marine environment to the terrestrial environment, but also, the one that we can have of factors able to modify the spatial distribution of this radionuclide. (N.C.)
The suitability of the turbulent combustion flamelets model in order to predict the index of NO{sub x} production in turbulent flames of hydrogen diffusion is analyzed. In the flamelet approach, the turbulent flame is equivalent to a group of laminar flames submitted to a mechanical stretching which generates a chemical disequilibrium. This effect can be described by the stretching or by the scalar dissipation ratio. A numerical modeling is performed in order to evaluate the advantages of both approaches and to compare the behaviour of the NO{sub x} emission index with the experiments of Chen and Driscoll. This study shows that predictions of NO{sub x} emission indexes have a correct behaviour with respect to the Damkoehler number only when the scalar dissipation ratio is used as a parameter to describe the chemical state outside equilibrium. Predictions of the flamelet models are improving when the Damkoehler number increases. On the other hand, the absolute NO{sub x} concentrations ...
The European demonstration project Hip Hip (house integrated photovoltaic high-tech in public) led the French photovoltaic market to reach a level comparable to those of the other European countries in terms of relevance of implemented solutions and costs. This document presents the best realizations and the experience gained through the Hip Hip project. Its aim is to convince the designers and managers of building projects of the advantages of photovoltaic installations integrated to the structure and connected to the power distribution grid: 1 - presentation of the technology; 2 - status of the Hip Hip demonstration project (goals, results: main innovations and impact on the French market); 3 - different possibilities of integration to the building structure; 4 - examples of projects realized in France in the framework of the Hip Hip project: integration in glass roof, frontage, added elements, fitting on roofs. (J.S.)
The deposition of platinum on various carbon blacks was carried out by forming active functional groups on the surface of the carbon support, and exchanging these active groups with different platinum complexes. Using H{sub 2}PtCl{sub 6} solution, an impregnation rather than an exchange takes place. However, using divalent platinum complexes [Pt(NH{sub 3}){sub 4}]{sup 2+}, a fast exchange takes place which leads to extremely small platinum particles highly dispersed on the surface of carbon black. A comparison of the catalytic activities of platinum supported on various carbon blacks was also carried out. The performances of PEFC (Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell) based on the process of the ion exchange are reported. (authors) 3 refs.
Various pollution abatement measures available to combat oil spills were reviewed with emphasis on biodegradation. Microorganisms naturally found in soils and groundwater can efficiently degrade a variety of organic contaminants. For certain sites, local temperature allows the microorganisms to reduce the contaminant concentrations without human intervention. In April 1994, a diesel fuel leak was found at a telecommunication station located in a park. The leak had already contaminated the surrounding soil. The first step of the clean-up procedure was to excavate the contaminated soil, followed by an evaluation to determine the extent of the remaining contamination. It was concluded that by using natural attenuation the deforestation of the remaining affected area could be prevented. In this instance, the natural attenuation process is expected to take five years for completion. 4 refs., 1 tab., 1 fig.
ResumeObjectif determiner dans une etude randomisee l'impact d'un enregistrement continu du glucose sous-cutane pendant 48 heures sur le controle glycemique trois mois plus tard chez des patients presentant un diabete de type 1 (DT1) ou de type 2 (DT2). Methodes Quarante-huit patients avec un mauvais equilibre glycemique (HbA1c : 8-10,5 %) ont beneficie d'un enregistrement continu du glucose sous-cutane pendant 48 heures avec le systeme GlucoDay (A. Menarini Diagnostics) et ont ete randomises en deux groupes : ajustement de traitement en fonction de l'autosurveillance glycemique capillaire (groupe ASG) ou du profil d'enregistrement continu du glucose sous-cutane (groupe CGM). Le dosage d'HbA1c et le port du GlucoDay ont ete renouveles trois mois plus tard. Resultats Trente-quatre patients ...
The progress made in particle detection, particularly the design of multi-detectors, like INDRA, that cover a solid angle of almost 4{pi}, have given a new impetus to heavy ion collisions. These detectors are demanding for an efficient way of selecting events that have a common history or similar features, for instance the events representing the de-excitation of a unique emitter. The problem is to find the adequate variable on which the discrimination can be based. Different methods are proposed in this work, the common point is that they require efficient models to reproduce and analyse experimental data in order to apprehend the equation of state of nuclear matter. Most of these models are based on the numerically solving of the nuclear Boltzmann equation. The application to the Ni + Ni reaction with an energy ranging from a few A.MeV to more than 50 A.MeV illustrates this work. (A.C.)
ABO{sub 3} perovskite-type oxides having vacancies in the A-sites of their structure are interesting candidates for solid electrolytes when their A-sites are occupied by Li{sup +} ions having a high mobility. This is the case with the [Li{sub 3x}La{sub 2/3-x}]TiO{sub 3} solid solution compound which has a 10{sup -3} S cm{sup -1} ionic conductivity at ambient temperature. Electrochemical intercalation in this material is possible thanks to the presence of Ti{sup 4+} but the small amount of vacancies (0.33 maximum) leads to a low intercalation rate. In order to solve this problem, the LiLaNb{sub 2}O{sub 7} material which has a greater amount of vacancies has been studied and the results relative to the electrochemical intercalation of lithium in this perovskite are presented. The thermodynamical and kinetics properties of the lithium intercalation reaction have been studied by intermittent galvano-static discharges and impedance spectroscopy in LiClO{sub 4}-propylene carbonate medium. ...
Lithium hexa-fluoro-phosphate LiPF{sub 6} is recommended for the replacement of the toxic LiAsF{sub 6} and the explosive perchlorates (like LiClO{sub 4}) in rechargeable lithium electrochemical generators. The aim of this work is to develop a new method of synthesis of this salt and to check its stability with respect to carbonated solvents: ethylene carbonate (EC), propylene carbonate (PC) and dimethyl-carbonate (DMC) in already optimized EC/DMC and PC/DMC binary mixtures. Two methods using HPF{sub 6} are proposed: the first one uses the direct neutralization of this commercial acid by LiOH in aqueous, alcoholic or acetonitrile environment, while in the second one LiPF{sub 6} is obtained from pyridinium hexa-fluoro-phosphate synthesized from HPF{sub 6} using a new and simple protocol. (J.S.) 24 refs.
This study examines some radiation accidents occurred in the past. This information has been systematically assessed to get global lessons. The experience feedback shows that the most of accidents happened in certain conditions. These conditions can be distributed in four categories: 1- perception and vigilance in occupation: accidental exposure happened by lack of vigilance in details and lack of vigilance and perception; 2- procedures: accidental exposure happened following a lack of procedures or control that were not enough complete, not enough documented or not completely implemented; 3- training and understanding: accidental exposures happened because the personnel was not enough qualified and educated, did not get the general training nor the the necessary specialized training; 4- liabilities: accidental exposures happened following lacks and ambiguity in the definition of functions of the personnel and in the hierarchy liabilities. In these precise cases the safety tasks have ...
The detection limit of Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA), about a few microgram per kg, is not sufficient to determine iridium concentrations in most geological samples. Use of the coincidence counting of the 316 and 468 keV gamma-rays emitted during the decay of {sup 192}Ir, improved the sensitivity (0.01 microgram per kg). The high iridium content of the clay layers from the Cretaceous-Tertiary transition (KTB) has been considered as an evidence of the extra-terrestrial origin of the KTB mass extinction. However some results indicate that a significant part of the iridium content in sediments has a volcanic origin. Radiochemical Neutron Activation Analysis (RNAA) in some KTB samples and in basic and ultra-basic rocks show that, unlike in volcanic products, no PGE (platinoids) fractionation appears in KTB samples. The nearby chondritic PGE pattern supports an extra-terrestrial origin for the KTB iridium anomaly. 2 figs., 2 tabs., 37 refs.
Individual monitoring of personal exposure to inhalation of uranium oxides throughout the manufacture of fuel for pressurized water reactor (PWR) includes lung gamma-spectrometry, fecal analysis and urine analysis. Examination of the results shows the following: internal exposure is the consequence of repeated intake incidents as revealed by early peaks of urinary and particularly fecal elimination; a shift is often observed with the results of aerosol concentration measured through air collectors; the measured variations of uranium lung incorporations are relatively fast (apparent mean period 165 d). Correct evaluation of the effective dose equivalent from inhalation requires further information concerning the aerosol size distribution at work stations, the physico-chemical characteristics of the product leading to an estimate of its actual biological solubility, and the measurement of the fraction of aerosol liable to intake with an individual portable collector.
the development of lithium metal batteries is hindered by the bad reversibility of the Li{sup +}/Li pair, due to dendrites formation which limits the amount of active matter and can generate short-circuits. The chemical and electrochemical phenomena which take place at the electrode/organic electrolyte interface lead to the formation of a complex passivation film which is of prime importance for the functioning of this type of batteries. The in-situ infrared reflection spectroscopy is well adapted to the chemical study of the passivation layer. Two different techniques were used: the substraction normalized interfacial transform infrared spectroscopy (SNIFTIRS) and the electro-chemically modulated infrared reflectance spectroscopy. These methods have shown that the passivation layer that develops on the surface of the lithium electrode in contact with organic solutions (propylene carbonate, ethylene carbonate and dimethoxyethane) is mainly made of lithium alkyl carbonates (ROCO{sub ...
Cooperation for low carbon and energy efficient development is a high priority for France, in line with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. France contributes to tackling climate change by working with its partners on all continents to implement projects both to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and to adapt to climate change. Within the framework of the Marrakech Accords, France also encourages the implementation of the Kyoto Protocol Clean Development Mechanism, in particular between French business and non-Annex I countries; this mechanism will facilitate the financing of mitigation projects and contribute to the sustainable development of host countries in the South. At multilateral level, France is a major donor. At a bilateral level, an initial analysis of cooperation projects which are strongly linked to tackling climate change identified public support of 136 millions euros per year, as an average over the past few years. Some project examples, mostly ...
A model-base expert system is presented for the processing of alarm messages in power networks' control centers. This alarm processor, called GESTAL, generates concise diagnoses identifying the causes(s) of network disturbances and describing the operation of the protection and alarm systems which operate to isolate faulty components. Essentially, the alarm processor is an agenda driven expert system which is composed of a model of the power network's alarm and protection systems as well as several sets of rules. Based on the nextwork model, graph structures are constructed which represent relationships between alarms as they are received. These graph structures are then analysed in order to diagnose the disturbances(s). The alarm processor has been developed using the ART 3.0 programming language in a Symbolics Lisp-machine environment. Background material on expert systems, electric power networks, and alarm processing software is included, as well as a description ...
ACRO, a NGO equipped with a laboratory to measure radioactivity, runs the Citizen Watchdog of Radioactivity in the Environment. Involving many volunteers, it monitors regularly the French coast of the Channel and many rivers of the North half of France. It also makes investigations in other places. Such an action is aimed to supplement the official monitoring, not to replace it, in order to answer to the worries of the population. This monitoring shows that some radioelements, such as iodine 129, cobalt 60, tritium, etc. released in the environment by nuclear facilities can be detected on very large areas. Carbon 14 was detected up to almost 4 times the background in vegetables around the reprocessing plant of La Hague. ACRO also sits in many official committees to transmit the point of view of the populations exposed to the radioactive pollution. It is lobbying for a decrease of the release authorization, especially for the elements that are discharged in large quantity in the ...
Steam generator tubes in nuclear power plants are periodically checked by means of eddy current probes. The output of a probe is composed of three types of signals: known events (rolling zone, support plates, U-bend part), noise (mainly metallurgical noise) and possible flaws. The latter are random transients, both in arrival time and in shape: they have to be detected and then estimated, before to be fed to the high level stages of a diagnostics system. The objective of the study presented is to develop a semi-automatic system, which could manage and process more than 1 M-bytes of data per tube and provide an operator with reliable diagnostics proposals within a few minutes. This can be achieved only by cooperation of several digital signal processing techniques: detection, segmentation, estimation, noise subtraction, adaptive filtering, modelization, pattern recognition. The paper describes some of these items.
Steam generator tubes in nuclear power plants are periodically checked by means of eddy current probes. The output of a probe is composed of three types of signals: known events (rolling zone, support plates, U-bend part), noise (mainly metallurgical noise) and possible flaws. The latter are random transients, both in arrival time and in shape: they have to be detected and then estimated, before to be fed to the high level stages of a diagnostic system. The objective of the study presented is to develop a semi-automatic system, which could manage and process more than 1 M-bytes of data per tube and provide an operator with reliable diagnostics proposals within a few minutes. This can be achieved only by cooperation of several digital signal processing techniques: detection, segmentation, estimation, noise subtraction, adaptive filtering, modelization, pattern recognition. The paper describes some of these items.
This article, published in issue 80 of 'l'ACROnique du nucleaire', aims to retrace the early steps in the consideration of the possibility of a nuclear accident in France, with the inclusion of 'non-institutional' participants and applying the lessons learned in Belarus in the contaminated territories around the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. After a review of the origin of the involvement of the Association pour le Controle de la Radioactivite dans l'Ouest (ACRO) in addressing post-accident issues alongside the populations living in an environment polluted by radioactivity, it discusses, from the critical viewpoint of an NGO, the context and the working method adopted for this examination. This is followed by some key elements of the programme and unresolved questions about the available body of knowledge which motivates research and about the method adopted for the work. The conclusion, moderately optimistic, ...
The study had three objectives: to collect information that explain the impact of the Aube storage center (C.S.A.) on environment and allow to evaluate the consequences for man, secondly, to build a referential for any future inquiry or follow-up, thirdly, to allow to the local commission of information to elaborate an information towards the side residents and local actors that take into account their questions. Trees, waters, sediments, soils, grass, products of gardens and vineyards were the object of sampling, their dosimetry is given in this report. Other dosimetry measures were made along the nuclear site and the results are equally in this report. (N.C.)
In the first part of the nineties many office buildings were equipped with indoor climate installations which do not meet present standards. Several options are available to improve such installations for ventilation capacity, cooling capacity, thermal comfort and air quality. One of the options concern the installation of an air conditioner in combination with heat recovery. In this article attention is paid to the renovation of the air conditioning system in the Printer house, an office building in Zwolle, Netherlands. [Dutch] Begin jaren negentig zijn veel kantoorpanden gebouwd waarvan de klimaatinstallatie tegenwoordig niet meer voldoet. De ventilatiecapaciteit is ontoereikend en koeling is mondjesmaat aanwezig, of slechts als topkoeling. Het comfort en de luchtkwaliteit zijn dan ook onder de maat. Er zijn verschillende mogelijkheden om dit te verbeteren. Plaatsing van een nieuwe luchtbehandelingskast met warmteterugwinning is daar een van. In dit artikel wordt ...
The purpose of this work is to determine the extent to which drill water might be expected to be imbibed by core samples taken from densely welded tuff. In a related experimental study conducted in G-Tunnel, drill water imbibition by the core samples was observed to be minimal. Calculations were carried out with the TOUGH code with the intent of corroborating the imbibition observations. Due to the absence of hydrologic data pertaining directly to G-Tunnel welded tuff, it was necessary to apply data from a similar formation. Because the moisture retention curve was not available for imbibition conditions, the drainage curve was applied to the model. The poor agreement between the observed and calculated imbibition data is attributed primarily to the inappropriateness of the drainage curve. Also significant is the value of absolute permeability (k) assumed in the model. Provided that the semi-log plot of the drainage and imbibition moisture ...
This facility has treatment capacity of 12 kg/hr, and is equipped with a furnace, two ceramic filter chambers, each of which hangs inside the 36 ceramic filter elements having mean pore size of 44 #mu#m. Three series of experiments were performed during a period from October 1972 to August 1973. The first was measurement of the change of pressure drop of the primary and the secondary filters after an operation of 52 days (352 hours). The pressure drop of the primary filter did not change during the operation, but the secondary brought a fairly large increment, from 79 to 140 mmAq. The second was measurement of the after-burning effect of the primary filter for the soot and tar in the off-gas. Through the after-burning most of the soot was removed from the off-gas, though the tar was not perfectly taken off. At the secondary filter, some of the tar was burnt, but most of it was caught by the filter as aerosol. The third was measurement of decontamination factors of radioactivities of ...
Some crops of important nutritive requirements have been collected from farmlands located in Bitsichi an old tin mining town in north central region of Nigeria. The food crops were analyzed in order to determine trace element concentrations level using Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA). The activity concentrations due to natural radionuclides in the food samples and soil samples collected within the root zone of the crops were also determined using gamma-ray spectrometry (GRS). The NAA results obtained showed higher concentration of Potassium among the essential elements in all the crops. Calcium concentration in both maize and Guinea corn was below detection limit and also Zn in Green beans, sweet potato and cassava. The trace elements; Sc, Hf, Sm, and Th, were below detection limit in all the crops except in Green beans. Rubidium (Rb) and lanthanum (La) were below detection limits only in Cabbage. The activity concentrations of the natural radionuclides in the food samples were found ...
Measurements of the retention of /sup 47/Ca and of /sup 203/Pb were made following their administration by intravenous injection. Translocation to bone was measured by ..gamma.. counting the feet of subjects. Uptake by bone of /sup 203/Pb was comparatively slow and extrapolation to the whole skeleton indicated that 20% of the dose has been taken up within 20 days. By time, a similar fraction of the dose has been excreted in urine. Uptake by bone of /sup 47/Ca was about 1.5-2 times the amount excreted in urine. Both the uptake by bone, and its excretion in urine, were more rapid than that of /sup 203/Pb due to the greater attachment of the latter to red blood cells. However, the plasma clearance rate for Pb, like that of Sr, was greater than that of Ca.
Purpose - To sustain competitive advantage, it is necessary to understand consumers and their psychological fears and deliver them a service solution which is best under existing conditions so as to ensure consumer loyalty and retention. This paper seeks to conceptualise and operationalise customer relationship management (CRM) through two component model (operational CRM (OCRM) and analytical CRM (ACRM)), particularly in the healthcare sector. Design/methodology/approach - The relationship between OCRM, based on three patient-staff constructs (physicians, nurses and support staff) and ACRM based on four constructs (satisfaction, repatronization, recommendation and organizational performance) was analysed using confirmatory factor analysis (AMOS). The data for the model were collected from...
This document is a summary of the available information on the thermo-hydro-mechanical properties of the bentonite barrier of a high-level radioactive waste repository and of the processes taking place in it during the successive repository operation phases. Mainly the thermal properties, the volume change processes (swelling and consolidation), the permeability and the water retention capacity are analysed. A review is made of the existing experimental knowledge on the modification of the these properties by the effect of temperature, water salinity, humidity and density of the bentonite, and their foreseen evolution as a consequence of the processes expected in the repository. The compiled evolution refers mostly to the FEBEX (Spain), the MX-80 (USA) and the FoCa (France) bentonite, considered as reference barrier materials in several European disposal concepts. (Author) 102 refs.
Knowledge and awareness of past and future autobiographical events may be mediated by a common system that supports intentional, goal-directed behavior. The purpose of this study was to assess the correspondence of past and future autobiographical thought. In Experiment 1, 300 undergraduates aged 19 years generated and assigned dates to past and f utu re autobiographical events. Thetemporal distribution of past events replicated a power function for retention as has been described in past research. The intention function of future autobiographical events fit the inverse of this same power function, reflecting a temporality of past and future mental time travel centered around the present moment. In Experiment 2, these findings were extended to young, middle-aged, and older groups. These data provide empirical support for the notion that thinking outside of "now" is mediated by a common system, regardless of whether one is thinking about the past or the future. ...
Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) and the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) have taken the unprecedented step of creating a collaborative, multi-disciplinary graduate education program and associated research agenda called the Engineering Institute. The mission of the Engineering Institute is to develop a comprehensive approach for conducting LANL mission-driven, multidisciplinary engineering research and to improve recruiting, revitalization, and retention of the current and future staff necessary to support the LANL' s national security responsibilities. The components of the Engineering Institute are (1) a joint LANL/UCSD degree program, (2) joint LANL/UCSD research projects, (3) the Los Alamos Dynamic Summer School, (4) an annual workshop, and (5) industry short courses. This program is a possible model for future industry/government interactions with university partners.
Two cases of tetracycline ulcers of the oesophagus are reported and compared with thirteen other cases from the literature. In most cases, the patients had taken their capsules with little or no fluid just before going to bed. Some hours later they developed retrosternal pain that was intensified by swallowing. Endoscopy showed sharply demarcated greyish-white areas of mucosal damage which represented layers of stratified squamous cells, separated by oedema, and a dense neutrophilic infiltration of the lamina propria and the muscularis mucosa. Roentgenology was unsuitable to detect the lesions. They healed without complications within one to six weeks. Prolonged retention of the capsules in the oesophagus is thought to cause the mucosal damage. Patients on oral tetracycline or doxycycline treatment should therefore be instructed to take their capsules with a meal or with copious water and not just before going to bed.
The dimercaptosuccinic acid metronidazole ester (DMSAMe) was synthesized and radiolabeled with 99mTc to form the 99mTc-DMSAMe complex in high yield. The radiochemical purity of the 99mTc-DMSAMe complex was over 90%, as measured by TLC and by HPLC, without any notable decomposition at room temperature over a period of 6?h. Its partition coefficient indicated that it was a lipophilic complex. The tumor cell experiment and the biodistribution in mice bearing S 180 tumor showed that the 99mTc-DMSAMe complex had a certain hypoxic selectivity and accumulated in the tumor with high uptake and good retention. The tumor/blood and tumor/muscle ratios increased with time, suggesting it would be a possible tumor hypoxia imaging agent.
The main goal of this research is to delineate the wetting behavior of coal and it subsequent effects on fine coal processing. As both bulk and surface properties of coal are interrelated and have a controlling role on the performance of these processes, a detailed study has been undertaken to correlate their influence on both wetting behavior and the response of coal to flotation and other unit operations encountered in fine coal processing. During the last quarter, the effect of coal rank on water retention capacity was investigated. The effect of pH on the vacuum flotation yield and the effect of desliming on the film flotation response of coal were also studied. 6 refs., 5 figs.
Cu(II)-ATSM continues to be investigated, both in the laboratory and in the clinic, as a tumor hypoxia imaging agent. However, meaningful interpretation of these images requires a more complete understanding of the mechanism by which the tracer is trapped within the cell. Cu(II)-ATSM is a simple molecule and its biochemical interaction with cells is similarly simple, mainly based upon redox chemistry. Here we suggest that the trapping mechanism is biphasic. The first phase is a reduction/oxidation cycle involving thiols and molecular oxygen. This can be followed by interaction with proteins in the mitochondria leading to more permanent retention of the tracer. The uptake mechanism is complicated by this second step because of the changes in the cell resulting from hypoxia, such as an incre...
Abstract This study was undertaken over a 10-month period under environmental conditions within the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil, to evaluate the causes of variation in the technological and thermal properties of raw natural rubber (NR) from different clones of Hevea brasiliensis (GT 1, PR 255, FX 3864, and RRIM 600). These clones were chosen to represent good clones available in Brazil. The technological properties of raw NR were evaluated in terms of their dry rubber content (DRC), Wallace plasticity, plasticity retention index (PRI), and Mooney viscosity. The thermal performance was evaluated with the thermogravimetry (TG)/differential thermogravimetry (DTG) technique. There were significant variations (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05) between clones and tappings for all technological properties,...
Wood-plastic composite (WPC) formation has been studied with simul + styrene system at various compositions of styrene with methanol as the swelling solvent. Effect of additives, e.g. multifunctional monomers (MFM)and oligomers used in very low quantity (1% v/v) on the polymer loading (PL) and tensile strength (TS) of the WPC has been elaborately investigated. Enhanced PL and TS values are observed. Inorganic co-additives like Lithium (Li"+), Copper (Cu"2"+) and acid (H"+) and urea (U) used in combinations with additives (MFM or oligomers) have influenced the results of PL and TS in these systems. Li"+ ion has been a good replacement for H"+ ion; U has substantially enhanced the PL values with retention of the TS values of WPC. Co-additive Cu"2"+ used in these systems can act as a preservative and protective agent for WPC. (Author).
All measurements were made with the NBS high-pressure photoionization mass spectrometer. The fractional of C/sub 5/H/sub 10//sup +/ions in a cyclopentane-cyclohexane mixture were determined as a function of pressure in order to define the fraction of the ions which did charge exchange with cyclohexane; i.e. the fraction which remained cyclic after ionization. The data for mixtures of various compositions (2.5 to 10% cyclohexane) are summarized for measurements performed at 10.62 eV: (a) 292K, > 96% cyclic; 347 K, greater than or equal to 94% cyclic; 386 K, 84 +- 4% cyclic; and 412 K, 78 +- 6% cyclic; entropy, enthalpy, and activation energy were determined; 10.49 eV was obtained as the ionization potential of cyclopentane. 1 figure.
A series of four 125I-labeled 1-substituted-4-phenylpiperazines were prepared and evaluated in rats as potential brain imaging agents. The compounds were labeled using (125I)iodide/chloramine-T or iodine monochloride and isolated in 48-60% radiochemical yields. The tissue distribution studies indicated that a butyrophenone derivative demonstrated the best overall brain-imaging properties. Compared with the compounds having other 1-substituents this agent had a more prolonged retention of activity in the brain and higher brain-to-blood ratios over the 4-h period studied. The in vivo behavior of this agent is comparable to that of radioiodinated N-isopropyl-p-iodoamphetamine, and, because it can be labeled directly via electrophilic methods, it has substantial potential for use in brain imaging with single photon emission computed tomography.
This paper describes new strategies for the brain-specific delivery of radionuclides that can be used to evaluate regional cerebral perfusion by single photon imaging techniques. A description of several examples of interesting new strategies that have recently been reported is presented. A new approach at this institution for the brain-specific delivery of radioiodinated iodophenylalkyl-substituted dihyronicotinamide systems is described which shows good brain uptake and retention in preliminary studies in rats. Following transport into the brain these agents appear to undergo facile intracerebral oxidation to the quaternized analogues which do not recross the intact blood-brain barrier and so are effectively trapped in the brain. 49 refs., 9 figs., 1 tab.
The goals of this paper are to describe new strategies being pursued at several institutions for the brain-specific delivery of radionuclides that can be used to evaluate regional cerebral perfusion by single photon imaging techniques. A comprehensive review of the literature is beyond the scope of these proceedings and our goal is to, therefore, present a description of several examples of interesting new strategies that have recently been reported. In addition, the authors also describe a new approach being pursued at their institution for the brain-specific delivery of radioiodinated iodophenylaklyl-substituted dihydronicotiamide systems which shows good brain uptake and retention in preliminary studies in rats. Following transport into the brain these agents appear to undergo facile intracerebral oxidation to the quaternized analogues which do not cross the intact blood-brain-barrier and are effectively trapped in the brain.
The present study was carried out to exploit the feasibility of using polymeric nanosponges as an alternative carrier for targeting econazole nitrate (EN) to the skin through topical hydrogel formulation. Nanosponges prepared by emulsion solvent diffusion method were evaluated for various physicochemical parameters and in vitro drug release. The nanosponges of EN were discrete free flowing nanosized particles with perforated orange peel like morphology as visualized by SEM. The nanosponge formulated using PVA:EC (3:2) displayed highest in vitro release after 12 ?h in phosphate buffer (pH 6.8) that fitted matrix model. Selected nanosponge was formulated as Carbopol 934 NF hydrogel using varying concentrations of permeation enhancers propylene glycol and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone. The EN nanosp...
The relevance of the mean retention time (MRT) of particles through the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is well understood and MRTparticleGIT is an important parameter in digestion models. Solute markers have been used to estimate MRTsoluteGIT (or 'fluid passage') in animals, but the relevance of this measure is less evident and is usually sought in its relation to MRTparticleGIT. The ratio between the two measures indicates the degree of 'digesta washing', with little washing occurring at ratios of 1, aborad washing at ratios >1 (where the solute marker travels faster than the particle marker), and orad (retrograde) washing at ratios <1 (where the solute marker travels slower than the particle marker). We analysed digesta washing in a dataset of 98 mammalian species including man of differen...
The US Department of Energy (DOE) has millions of gallons of high level nuclear waste stored in underground tanks at Hanford, Washington and Savannah River, South Carolina. These tanks will eventually be emptied and decommissioned. This will leave a residue of sludge adhering to the interior tank surfaces that may contaminate groundwaters with radionuclides and RCRA metals. Experimentation on such sludges is both dangerous and prohibitively expensive so there is a great advantage to developing artificial sludges. The US DOE Environmental Management Science Program (EMSP) has funded a program to investigate the feasibility of developing such materials. The following text reports on the success of this program, and suggests that much of the radioisotope inventory left in a tank will not move out into the surrounding environment. Ultimately, such studies may play a significant role in developing safe and cost effective tank closure strategies.
A polymer-based additive that permanently reduces hardness in wood electrical transmission poles treated with a chromated copper arsenate (CCA) preservative, has been developed by a team of IREQ researchers. A three-phase project is being funded by Hydro-Quebec to evaluate the additive's effect on full-size hydro poles subjected to actual climatic conditions. The evaluation project is designed to test the CCA and the additive's degree of retention by analyzing the hardness measurements against climbing tests, and the washing resistance of the chromium, copper and arsenate in the CCA/polymer-additive treatment. CCA-treated poles will be used for reference. Accelerated aging tests to characterize the polymer's resistance to UV rays will also be part of the validation program.
Morphology of castellated Be tiles from the belt limiter exposed to the JET plasma for 56,000 s was examined on both sides of castellated grooves, on plasma-facing and side surfaces of the tiles. The essential results are (i) deuterium retention in the castellated grooves and in other locations is associated with co-deposition of carbon; (ii) the decay length of deposition in the castellation is around 1.5 mm; (iii) no deuterium is detected in bulk Be; (iv) bridging of gaps by molten beryllium occurred but gaps were not filled with Be; (v) on side surfaces of the tiles the formation of BeO layer was detected at a distance of 20 mm and more from the plasma-facing surface. The consequences for a long-term operation of a reactor-class device with several different plasma-facing materials are addressed.
This article presents an orthognathic treatment case after severe apical root resorption of maxillary anterior teeth using anterior segmental osteotomy. This case involved a 20-year-old female with the chief complaint of maxillary protruding and irregularly aligned mandibular anterior teeth. Her medical history showed no allergies or medical problems. The overbite was +3.0mm, and the overjet +3.0mm. After extraction of the four first premolars, a multi-bracket treatment was started. A severe root resorption of the maxillary anterior teeth was found 12 months after active treatment. The maxillary anterior segmental osteotomy was chosen as the compensatory treatment. The total treatment period was 2 years and 7 months. The post-retention panoramic radiograph showed no developmental root reso...
This paper presents a numerical study on the formation history of coalbed methane (CBM) reservoir in the southeast edge of Ordos Basin, China. The coal seams studied belong to the Late Palaeozoic coal-bearing series. These coal seams have a burial history and experienced the process of subsidence, rapid subsidence alternated with uplift and then uplift, sequentially, and underwent the geothermal actions at normal, extremely high, and then normal temperatures, respectively. Coal organic matter of the coal seams matured in the Triassic Period and in the Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous Period. The results from numerical simulation reveal that CBM reservoir evolution history can be classified into five stages, namely primary, initial, stagnant, active and dissipative stages. In the first (pr...
Lipophilic tertiary amines attached to cylcopentadienyl technetium-99m tricarbonyl (cytectrene) have been prepared with high radiochemical yield and purity. Biodistribution studies in mice showed that [{sup 99m}Tc]-cytectrenes, containing in their structure an N-methylpiperidine, were accumulated in the brain up to 2.8% of injected dose with high brain-to-blood ratios at 15 min p.i. They therefore indicate some potential as brain imaging agents. It has to be pointed out that the N-methylpiperidine ester showed similar biological behaviour as the keto derivatives. This indicates that the conversion to polar metabolite(s) via hydrolysis of the ester group - as described for [{sup 99m}Tc]-ECD -is not essential for brain retention. (Author).
Lipophilic tertiary amines attached to cylcopentadienyl technetium-99m tricarbonyl (cytectrene) have been prepared with high radiochemical yield and purity. Biodistribution studies in mice showed that ["9"9"mTc]-cytectrenes, containing in their structure an N-methylpiperidine, were accumulated in the brain up to 2.8% of injected dose with high brain-to-blood ratios at 15 min p.i. They therefore indicate some potential as brain imaging agents. It has to be pointed out that the N-methylpiperidine ester showed similar biological behaviour as the keto derivatives. This indicates that the conversion to polar metabolite(s) via hydrolysis of the ester group - as described for ["9"9"mTc]-ECD -is not essential for brain retention. (Author).
The thermodynamic characteristics of adsorption (TCA) on the basal face of graphite have been calculated in terms of the semiempirical molecular statistical theory of adsorption for molecules of O-, S-, and Se-containing heteroadamantanes of different structure and isostructural cyclohexane derivatives. The influence of the nature, number, and position of heteroatoms in the adamantane framework on the TCA values was studied in detail, which made it possible to predict the retention of the compounds considered on the surface of graphitized thermal carbon black under the conditions of equilibrium gas adsorption chromatography. The introduction of each subsequent heteroatom into a polyheteroadamantane molecule makes a non-additive contribution to the TCA values. The contributions of various f...
Vaccine-mediated prevention of primary HIV-1 infection at the heterosexual mucosal portal of entry may be facilitated by highly optimised formulations or drug delivery devices for intravaginal (i.vag) immunization. Previously we described hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC)-based rheologically structured gel vehicles (RSVs) for vaginal immunization of an HIV-1 vaccine candidate, a soluble recombinant trimeric HIV-1 clade-C envelope glycoprotein designated CN54gp140. Here we investigated the efficacy of lyophilized solid dosage formulations (LSDFs) for prolonging antigen stability and as i.vag delivery modalities. LSDFs were designed and developed that upon i.vag administration they would reconstitute with the imbibing of vaginal fluid to mucoadhesive, site-retentive semi-solids. Mice were immunize...
The incorporation of additives designed to sacrificially react on the surface of cathode materials of lithium ion batteries has been investigated. Addition of low concentrations of inorganic additives including lithium bisoxalatoborate (LiBOB), lithium difluorooxalatoborate (LiBF{sub 2}(C{sub 2}O{sub 4})), and tetramethoxy titanium (TMTi) to 1 M LiPF{sub 6} in 1:1:1 EC/DEC/DMC improves the capacity retention of Li/Li{sub 1.17}Mn{sub 0.58}Ni{sub 0.25}O{sub 2} cells cycled to 4.9 V vs. Li. Surface analysis of the cathode materials (XPS and IR) suggests that structure of the cathode surface film is modified by the presence of the additives resulting in a decrease in detrimental electrolyte oxidation reactions on the cathode surface. (author)
An aliphatic thiol ligand of CuInS2/ZnS core/shell quantum dots is replaced with a hydroxyl-terminated thiol ligand by utilizing `on-off state' of ligands during growth stage of the quantum dots. After the ligand-exchange, negligible differences were observed on both photoluminescence spectrum and luminescent quantum efficiency. The reason for the high retention of luminescent efficiency comes from no local agglomeration and no surface deterioration of QDs. It is also observed that 70% of initial ligands are exchanged by the replacing ligand, determined by FT-IR and 1H NMR. The proposed method provides the quantum dots with an excellent dispersibility in polar solvents, supported by identical luminescence decay characteristics of the QDs.
Wood usage for cooking and heating is still very relevant in most developing countries especially those of sub-Saharan Africa and many parts of Asia. Therefore, sustainable means of generating it for this and other purposes are necessary bearing in mind the influence of indigenous knowledge/users perspective on any production method regarding success and sustenance. In conformity with this view, questionnaires were administered on 240 respondents in 8 rural communities of Akinyele and Ido Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Oyo State, Nigeria, to elicit information on species that can be used as fuelwood, preferred by the respondents for incorporation into and/or retention in agroforestry plots, out of which 179 (i.e. 75% of the total number of questionnaires administered) were successfully r...
The solubility behavior of solid residues from the heat treatment of domestic rubbish was examined by simulated precipitation in laboratory lysimeters. The precipitation corresponded to the average amount of rain in West Germany and was applied at different time periods. Specific soil characteristics, the value of k/sub f/ and the water retention capacity was determined in this way. In parallel with the lysimeter flood ions, extraction (by batch process) was done, in order to find the maximum solubility of the materials used. It was found that for pyrolysis residues from reactor temperatures of 450/sup 0/ to 1000/sup 0/C, a greater solubility was measured than for slag from combustion. The eluates from these residues gave information about the degree of contamination or on the solubility of the measured parameters and materials in organoleptic, physical, organic and inorganic examinations. The concentrations of harmful substances in the eluates pointed to the ...
The invention is a mechanism for retaining an electrical transmission line. In one embodiment of the invention it is a system for retaining an electrical transmission line within downhole components. The invention allows a transmission line to be attached to the internal diameter of drilling components that have a substantially uniform drilling diameter. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the system includes a plurality of downhole components, such as sections of pipe in a drill string, drill collars, heavy weight drill pipe, and jars. The system also includes a coaxial cable running between the first and second end of a drill pipe, the coaxial cable having a conductive tube and a conductive core within it. The invention allows the electrical transmission line to withstand the tension and compression of drill pipe during routine drilling cycles.
Background: This study was conducted to examine the effects of prophylactic misoprostol prior to intrauterine device (IUD) placement in nulliparous women. Study Design: Nulliparous, reproductive-aged women desiring an IUD for contraception were randomized to receive 400 mcg of buccal misoprostol or placebo 90 min prior to IUD insertion. Subjects completed a series of 100-mm visual analogue scales (VAS, anchors: 0=none, 100 mm=worst imaginable) to measure their perceived pain at several times points (anticipated pain, leg positioning, speculum placement, tenaculum placement, IUD insertion, equipment removal and 5 min postinsertion). Secondary outcomes included provider ''ease of placement'' (100-mm VAS, anchors: 0=easy, 100 mm=extremely difficult), side effects and retention of the IUD afte...
An incinerator for the treatment of low-level radioactive solid wastes was installed in Tokai Research Establishment, JAERI, 1966. The incinerator was equipped with a scrubber, cyclone, electrostatic precipitator and HEPA filter. The retention factor (R.F.) of the furnace as well as the decontamination factors (D.F.) of each dust collector were measured using "3"2P as a tracer under various conditions. It was found that the overall D.F. of the incinerator was improved by the increase of the temperature in the furnace, decrease of the off gas flowrate, increase of the charged voltage of the electrostatic precipitator and by the increase of the liquid gas ratio of the scrubber. The overall D.F. of the incinerator (including the R.F. in the furnace) on the standard operating conditions was 9.1x10"6. (auth.).
This work reports a systematic comparative study of the technological properties of natural lattices and rubbers extracted from Hancornia speciosa Gomes and Hevea brasiliensis [(Willd. ex Adr. de Juss.) Muell.-Arg.] (clone RRIM 600) trees from 11 collections in Brazil throughout 2004. Natural rubber latex particle sizes and distributions were quite similar with an average diameter around 1 mm. Molecular weight, Wallace plasticity, and Mooney viscosity values were approximately the same for both rubbers. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy peaks characteristic of natural rubber were observed for both Hancornia and Hevea. The measured differences in technological properties included lower values for Hancornia dry rubber content, % ash, % nitrogen, and plasticity retention index but highe...
Background, aim, and scope Semi-trailers with load boxes are the most important mode of grain transport by land in the world. Load boxes can be produced with different materials such as: wood, steel, and synthetic material. They are responsible for effectiveness retention and quality of grains during the transport. Among the main aspects to be considered and valued when selecting materials for load boxes are the final mass of the semi-trailer, loss of grains, and mechanical properties. Environmental performance is another important aspect to be taken into account for developing and selecting new materials in this kind of application. This study presents a comparative environmental evaluation of load boxes built from two different materials (a wood panel and a three-layer synthetic (TLS) pa...
Transgenic plants offer advantages for biomolecule production because plants can be grown on a large scale and the recombinant macromolecules can be easily harvested and extracted. We introduced an Aspergillus phytase gene into canola (Brassica napus) (line 9412 with low erucic acid and low glucosinolates) by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Phytase expression in transgenic plant was enhanced with a synthetic phytase gene according to the Brassica codon usage and an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) retention signal KDEL that confers an ER accumulation of the recombinant phytase. Secretion of the phytase to the extracellular fluid was also established by the use of the tobacco PR-S signal peptide. Phytase accumulation in mature seed accounted for 2.6% of the total soluble proteins. The enzy...
The solid particle movement in a rotary drum plays an important role in drying processes. The solid distribution in the drum affects the amount of contact surface between the solid and the gas. The retention time of solids influences the time particles can stay in contact with the gas in order to transfer heat and mass. Any heat and mass transfer model for a solid particle dryer must be able to predict solid flowrate and solid hold-up. There have been several reports in the literature regarding the modeling aspects of solid transport in dryers. If the model is developed for model-based control, it must be simple and yet represent dynamics of the system accurately. This paper addresses solid motion modeling and the effects of different variables involved in solid transport phenomena.
In this paper, we propose a bid optimizer for sponsored keyword search auctions which leads to better retention of advertisers by yielding attractive utilities to the advertisers without decreasing the revenue to the search engine. The bid optimizer is positioned as a key value added tool the search engine provides to the advertisers. The proposed bid optimizer algorithm transforms the reported values of the advertisers for a keyword into a correlated bid profile using many ideas from cooperative game theory. The algorithm is based on a characteristic form game involving the search engine and the advertisers. Ideas from Nash bargaining theory are used in formulating the characteristic form game to provide for a fair share of surplus among the players involved. The algorithm then computes the nucleolus of the characteristic form game since we find that the nucleolus is an apt way of allocating the gains of cooperation among the search engine and the advertisers. The ...
{sup 60}Co is produced as an activation product and is present in the low-level aqueous radioactive waste released from the La Hague plant. At present, the concentration in the sea (non filtered at 0.45 {mu}m) at the Goury site are close to or even below, the detection limit: 0.2 mBq.l{sup -1}. The {sup 60}Co speciation depends on the type of effluent considered: in the effluent A ('active'), the cobalt is in the form of a stable trivalent complex; in the effluent V (to be checked), the cobalt is in majority (50% of the activity release) in the form of particles (>0.45 {mu}m), and then in the form of two soluble species: ionic divalent (Co{sup 2+}) and some stable complexes. The evolution of the reprocessing techniques used does not affect the speciation. So, since the nuclear reprocessing plant started at the La Hague plant in 1966, the chemical species discharged in the sea shows time variation related to the evolution of the type of effluent discharged. ...
Silver iron oxide nanoparticles of fairly small size (average diameter approximately 1 nm) with narrow size distribution have been synthesized by the interaction of colloidal beta- Fe2O3 and silver nanoparticles. The surface morphology and size of these particles have been analyzed by using atomic force microscopy (AFM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Their structural analysis has been carried out by employing x-ray diffraction (XRD), selected-area electron diffraction (SAED), optical and infrared (IR) spectroscopic techniques. The ageing of these particles exhibits the formation of self-assembly, possibly involving weak supramolecular interactions between Ag(I)O4 and Fe(III)O4 species. These particles display the onset of absorption in the near-infrared region and have higher absorption coefficient in the visible range compared to that of its precursors. Magnetic measurements reveal an interesting ...
Stellar rotation and velocity-dispersion measurements are presented for the bulge components of the SBO galaxies NGC 1023, 2859, 2950, 4340, 4371, and 7743. The kinematics of nine SB bulges with data available are compared with bulges of unbarred galaxies studied by Kormendy and Illingworth. All of the SB bulges are found to rotate at least as rapidly as oblate-spheroid dynamical models which are flattened by rotation. This result confirms the conclusion of Kormendy and Illingworth that bulges rotate very rapidly. Six SB bulges found by Kormendy and Koo to be triaxial rotate even more rapidly than the oblate models. In this respect, they resemble published n-body models of bars. That is, triaxial bulges are dynamically like bars and unlike elliptical galaxies, which are also believed to be triaxial, but which rotate slowly. Measured velocity anisotropies are found to be consistent with these conclusions. Two ordinary bulges whose rotation is well described by isotropic modes have a ...
We compiled the results of the source analysis obtained under the collaboration research. Recent construction scheme for source modeling adopted in Japan is described, and strong-motion prediction is performed assuming the scenario earthquakes occurring in the Ulsan fault system, Korea. Finally Qs values beneath the Korean inland crust are estimated using strong-motion records in Korea from the 2005 Off West Fukuoka earthquake (M7.0). Probabilistic seismic hazard for four NPP sites in Korea are evaluated, in which the site specific attenuation equations with Index SA developed for NPP sites are adopted. Furthermore, the uniform hazard spectra for the four NPP sites in Korea are obtained by conducting the PSHA by using the attenuation equations with the index of response spectra and seismic source model cases with maximum weights. The supporting tools for seismic response analysis, the evaluation tool for evaluating annual probability of failure, and system analysis ...
Since the integrity of the containment penetrations was confirmed under accident management (AM) conditions in the former test, failure criteria tests and aerosol trapping tests were carried out using low-voltage modules and flange gaskets of an actual plant under severe accident (SA) conditions, without AM. The safety margin for failure temperature of the penetrations and the credit for fission product (FP) aerosol trapping effect along the leakage paths of the degraded penetrations were evaluated in the present tests. Failure temperature of the penetrations ranged from 270 to 300degC for low-voltage modules and 300 to 350degC for flange gaskets under 0.4 to 1.0 MPa conditions. Pressure dependency on failure temperature was small. This means that the safety margin of failure temperature under AM condition is more than 70degC. By introducing a equivalent leak area for the damaged test pieces, total leak area was estimated which was smaller than the value used in ...
Studies by the University of Lowell Radiation Laboratory and the US National Marine Fisheries Service N.E. Laboratory in Gloucester, MA on softshelled clams (Mya arenaria) demonstrated the effectiveness of low to medium doses of Cobalt 60 source gamma irradiation in the inactivation of Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus faecalis. Post-irradiation survival and organoleptic studies when extended to hardshelled clams (Mercinaria mercenaria) and American oysters (Crassostrea virginica) showed no significant decline in consumer qualities or 6 day post irradiation survival in oysters at doses of up to 3.0 kGy. The capacities of the American oyster to sustain relatively high doses of gamma irradiation were demonstrated by 6 day post-exposure survivorship values of greater than 90% for samples receiving 3.0, 5.0 and 7.0 kGy. Initial studies of inactivation of Polio I virus and a simian rotavirus (SA-11) was conducted in both ...
An uncertainty decrease is an very important issue for enhancing risk-informed (RI) activities worldwide. Especially, a relatively large uncertainty in a level-2 (L2) PSA risk compared with level-1 internal PSA risk has been a bottleneck problem in the RI application to the extent of a severe accident management. According to the ASME PRA standard in which sources of an uncertainty to capture a category-II RI (= Option 2) capability are listed, an uncertainty analysis which identifies the key sources of an uncertainty and includes sensitivity studies for dominant contributors to LERF (Large Early Release Frequency) needs to be provided. To solve these problems, USNRC have developed the 'SPAR-LERF' model related to the L2 RI application and 'L2 uncertainty assessment and improvement' work is being taken as a main PSA2 topic of the SARNET (Severe Accident Research Network of Excellence) program in Europe by OECD/NEA. Domestically, a mid/long-term R and ...
The performance of anaerobic biological process is heavily process conditions dependent. In this study, an attempt has been made to investigate the influence of process conditions like temperature, sludge age and hydraulic retention time (HRT) on the efficiency of an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor and upflow anaerobic sludge filter (UASF) to treat combined industrial wastewater. Reactors were operated at easing ambient temperatures (38, 30, 20 and 14 deg. C) and correspondingly increasing sludge ages (60, 90, 120 and 150 days). At temperature 38 deg. C and sludge age of 60 days, UASF showed better performance than VASE reactor. This mainly due to the enhanced filtration through well-graded sand filter and fairly good biological activity in UASF. At this stage, lack of sludge granulation in VASE reactor resulted in poor biological activity; hence, relatively poor performance. At temperatures 30 and 20 deg. C with sludge ages of 90 and 120 days, ...
The objectives of this research were (1) to analyze the transfers of 137Cs and 60Co in a retention pond, with emphasis on aquatic insects and (2) to determine if detectable concentrations of these radionuclides are exported by emerging aquatic insects. We analyzed the radionuclide concentrations in the following components: water solution, bottom sediments, suspended particulate matter, plankton, floating mats of filamentous algae, benthic macroinvertebrates, and emerging aquatic insects. Samples were collected quarterly from June 1981 to April 1982. The lowest concentrations (in picocuries per milliliter) occurred in solution (range: 1.4 X 10(2) to 3.2 X 10(2) for 137Cs and 8.1 X 10(-1) to 2.2 X 10(0) for 60Co). The highest concentrations (in picocuries per gram dry weight) occurred in the sediments (range: 1.5 X 10(4) to 1.1 X 10(8) for 137Cs and 1.0 X 10(2) to 4.3 X 10(6) for 60Co). The primary producers and aquatic insect consumers had concentrations of both ...
The SGTR project has been carried out within the fifth EURATOM Framework Programme (Contract No FIKS-CT-1999-0007). Its main objective was to provide an experimental database and to develop and/or verify models to support definition of accident management measures in the hypothetical case of a Steam Generator tube Rupture (SGTR) sequence. The project addressed both vertical and horizontal steam generator designs. This report summarises the main results obtained in the intermediate scale experimentation that addressed Western type steam generators. The specific goal of this test programme was to investigate aerosol retention in the break stage of the secondary side of a water-empty steam generator. The test matrix consisted of 12 tests that explored the influence of variables such as break type and orientation and inlet gas flow rate. This work was performed in the PECA facility of the Laboratory for Analysis of Safety Systems (LASS). Aerosol ...
Wood plastic composites (WPCs) have gained popularity as building materials because of their usefulness in replacing solid wood in a variety of applications. These composites are promoted as being low-maintenance, high-durability products. However, it has been shown that WPCs exposed to weathering may experience a color change and/or loss in mechanical properties. An important requirement for building materials used in outdoor applications is the retention of their aesthetic qualities and mechanical properties during service life. Therefore, it is critical to understand the photodegradation mechanisms of WPCs exposed to UV radiation and to develop approaches to stabilize these composites against ultraviolet light. In this dissertation, the surface chemistries of weathered composites (both unstabilized and stabilized) as well as the effect of weathering on the color fade and the retention of mechanical properties were characterized. Since ...
The development of the spatial N export and retention model N{sub E}XRET for large river basins is presented, utilizing remote-sensing-based land use and forest classification. Export coefficients describing the contribution from agriculture, forestry and peat harvesting were estimated based on empirical studies. Representativeness of forest treatment coefficients have been evaluated by use of data from a small, well-documented test catchment. Simulation results from the application of the model to the Oulujoki river basin (22,840 km{sup 2} ) are discussed. Model estimated N fluxes were compared with measured N fluxes in separate points of the river basin. Based on source apportionment, agriculture contributes 17% of the total export, varying between 8% in the uppermost subbasin and 38% in the lowermost subbasin close to the sea. Forestry contributes almost as much, 16%, with less pronounced variation (11-24%) between the different subbasins. In the separate ...
The ORNL high temperature isopiestic apparatus was adapted for adsorption measurements. The quantity of water retained by rock samples taken from three different wells of The Geysers was measured at 150 °C and at 200 °C as a function of pressure in the range 0.00 ≤ p/p0 ≤ 0.98, where p0 is the saturated water vapor pressure. The rocks were crushed and sieved into three fractions of different grain sizes (with different specific surface areas). Both adsorption (increasing pressure) and desorption (decreasing pressure) runs were made in order to investigate the nature and extent of the hysteresis. Additionally, BET surface area analyses were performed by Porous Materials Inc. on the same rock samples using nitrogen or krypton adsorption measurements at 77 K. Specific surface areas and pore volumes were determined. These parameters are important in estimating water retention capability of a ...
This study describes the feasibility of anaerobic treatment of complex phenolics mixture from a simulated synthetic coal wastewater using four identical 13.5 L (effective volume) bench scale hybrid up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (HUASB) (combining UASB + anaerobic filter) reactors at four different hydraulic retention times (HRT) under mesophilic (27 #+-# 5 "oC) conditions. Synthetic coal wastewater with an average chemical oxygen demand (COD) of 2240 mg/L and phenolics concentration of 752 mg/L was used as substrate. The phenolics contained phenol (490 mg/L); m-, o-, p-cresols (123.0, 58.6, 42 mg/L); 2,4-, 2,5-, 3,4- and 3,5-dimethyl phenols (6.3, 6.3, 4.4 and 21.3 mg/L) as major phenolic compounds. The study demonstrated that at optimum HRT, 24 h, and phenolic loading rate of 0.75 g COD/(m"3-d), the phenolics and COD removal efficiency of the reactors were 96% and 86%, respectively. Bio-kinetic models were applied to data obtained from experimental studies in ...
Copper coatings deposited on Al-6061 substrates by radio frequency magnetron sputtering, to prevent the retention and permeation of energetically implanted tritium in Al-6061, were evaluated by a variety of characterization techniques. The coatings, weighing in the 0.03 to 0.088 kg/m{sup 2} range, were smooth and had a fine grain structure. They contained the intermetallic phases Cu{sub 9}Al{sub 4} and CuAl{sub 2} as well as copper. The fractions of Al and Cu in any coating increased and decreased, respectively, with increasing depth below the surface. Furthermore, the fractions of Al and Cu on the coating surface decreased and increased, respectively, with increasing coating weight. There was no texture or preferred orientation in the Cu phase of the coatings. A significant amount of oxygen was also detected at the original substrate surface. Residual stress measurements revealed that, in both Cu and CuAl{sub 2}, the stresses in the coating plane were compressive, ...
Dissolved organic substances derived from forest litter are believed to influence the retention and movement of SO{sub 4}{sup 2{minus}} in forest soils. A column study was conducted in which {sup 35}SO{sub 4} was surface applied to a soil and leached with either low-molecular-weight aliphatic acids (AA) or a forest-litter extract. Oxalic, malonic, and succinic acids were used in the concentration range 8.0 {times} 10{sup {minus}3} to 1.0 {times} 10{sup {minus}5} mol L{sup {minus}1}. Movement of {sup 35}SO{sub 4} was determined with column depth, as was the {sup 35}SO{sub 4} activity in the collected leachates. Labeled SO{sub 4} soil movement was found to increase with increasing AA concentration. Leachate {sup 35}SO{sub 4} activity was observed to increase in the order malonic > succinic > oxalic for acid treatments > 1.0 {times} 10{sup {minus}4} mol L{sup {minus}1}. The 1.0 {times} 10{sup {minus}5} mol L{sup {minus}1} acid treatments did not result in ...
The growing concern of the population with regards to the problem of atmospheric pollution has induced a change in the role of air quality monitoring networks, especially those monitoring air pollution in large cities which suffer from summer smog. The population is no longer satisfied with real-time measurements but wants to be warmed of high pollutants concentrations in advance. Some countries have been forecasting air pollution, and especially ozone, for a large number of years. Although most of them use statistical models based on the analyses of past conditions which induced high pollution episodes, some predict ozone levels using only their knowledge of the meteorological situation. Nowadays two trends appear regarding ozone forecasting: either very basic statistical methods, such as regression, or more sophisticated ones, such as neural networks. The paper then reviews several behaviours common to most forecasting models: the uncertainly due to the great dependence upon the ...
This study resumes the discovery of an excess of actinium 227 found around by EL4 nuclear reactor actually in dismantling. The search for the origin of this excess revealed a real inquiry of investigation during three years. Because a nuclear reactor existed in this area a particular attention will have concerned this region. The doubt became the line of conduct to find the answer to the human or natural origin of this excess. Finally and against any evidence, it appears that the origin of this phenomenon was natural, consequence of the particular local geology. The detail of the different investigations is given: search of a possible correlation with the composition of elevations constituent of lanes, search (and underlining) of new sites in the surroundings of the Rusquec pond and the Plouenez station, study of the atmospheric deposits under winds of the nuclear power plant and in the east direction, search of a possible relationship with the gaseous effluents of the nuclear power ...
In cooling systems, an improved control of scale deposit and corrosion processes is a major challenge and an realistic evaluation tool for water treatments is of the utmost economic importance. In this study, a channel flow cell was used to allow in-situ electrochemical measurements in well defined electrolyte tube flowing conditions. An expression of the mass transfer towards the electrode was established where the diffusion-limited current is a function of Re{sup 1/3} in the laminar regime and was verified experimentally using the redox couples Fe[CN]{sub 6}{sup 4-}/ Fe[CN]{sub 6}{sup 3-} and O{sub 2}/OH{sup -}. This hydrodynamically controlled experimental device was developed to investigate scale deposit processes and to evaluate scale inhibitor efficiency using a electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance. Experiments were performed on three different waters, at various flow rates and temperatures. The efficiency of a well known phosphonate (HEDP) was tested at different ...
When liquids are confined in nano-scopic dimensions, their properties differ from the corresponding bulk liquid, due to their reduced dimensionality and surface effects. Phase transition temperatures and pressures are often shifted from the bulk values and new phases can appear due to the strong interactions of the molecules with the confining walls. We have studied the structural and dynamical properties of aromatic liquids such as benzene, toluene, and ortho-terphenyl confined in nano-porous materials, MCM-41 and SBA-15, synthesized and characterized in our laboratory. A non-trivial dependence of the glass transition temperature, T{sub g}, on the pore size and surface treatment of nano-porous materials is confirmed and interpreted as resulting from a competition between the fluid-wall and fluid-fluid intermolecular interactions. An increase of T{sub g} is observed for small pore sizes and attractive surface while T{sub g} decreases for non attractive surface, whatever the pore size. ...
The mass generation in the Standard Model of Particles Physics relies on a spontaneous symmetry breaking mechanism. Its implementation is recalled, along with its constraints, both theoretical (Naturalness, Stability, Triviality, Unitarity) and experimental (limits of direct and indirect searches, prospects). Calculation techniques for observables evaluation in Perturbative Field Theory are described, particularly Helicity Amplitude method, which is given in details: fermions and vector bosons, massless and massive. Monte-Carlo integration, and structure functions approximations (which allows non-perturbative calculations) are also detailed. With these tools, a process giving to Physics beyond the Standard Model is studied: it leads to an experimental prediction for the LEP collision ring, taking the classical background into account. Technical aspects of a future photon linear collider are reviewed. The production of heavy vector bosons, either the classical Z for the hypothetical ...
This thesis presents the work achieved to instrument the ATLAS software framework, ATHENA, with a library of tools and utensils for the physics analysis as well as the extraction of the jet energy scale using physics events (in-situ calibration). The software part presents the various components of the ATHENA framework which handles the simulated and reconstructed data flow as well as the different stages of this process, before and during the data taking. The building of a library of tools easing the reconstruction of physics objects, their association with Monte-Carlo particles and their API is then explained. The need for common language and collaboration-wide utensils is emphasised as it allows to share the workload of validating these tools and to get reproducible physics results. The analysis part deals with the implementation of a light jet energy scale calibration algorithm within the C++ framework. This calibration algorithm makes use of W bosons decaying into light jets ...
The present thesis presents two different aspects of my work in the L3 experiment, which are on one side the search for supersymmetric particles, the scalar leptons, in two different topologies 'electron + X + E' and '2 leptons + 2 photons + E', each of them being related to two theoretical SUSY models, m-SUGRA and GMSB. On the other side my work has been completed by the study of the BGO crystal electromagnetic calorimeter of L3, and the calibration of the electromagnetic calorimeter EGAP. After the essential motivations being reviewed, the production and disintegration modes are detailed concerning the scalar lepton sector at LEP. Then one presents the analysis techniques which I used to perform my selection, and also the results obtained from the data collected by L3 for center of mass energies between {radical} S =183 GeV and 202 GeV. The selection criteria that allow to isolate the events I looked for, including efficiencies but also the ...
Although the standard model of particle physics agrees perfectly with experimental data, it is unlikely the final theory describing particles and their interactions. New phenomena has been searched in the jets and missing transverse energy topology. Such phenomena may be due to the pair production of leptoquarks decaying into a quark and a neutrino or the pair production of stops decaying into a charm and a neutralino which is assumed to be the lightest supersymmetric particle. These searches have been performed with the Ddiamter detector at hadronic collider TeVatron with a center of mass energy of 1.96 TeV. This kind of searches needs a good understanding of the jet energy calibration. The determination of the relative jet energy scale has allowed us to reduce the systematic uncertainties on the jet energy measurement when comparing the data and the simulation. Moreover a new method has been developed in order to correct simulated jets for the differences observed in the jet energy ...
The 24 papers presented at the conference on Neutralisation des eaux de drainage dans l'environnement minier (NEDEM) (Mine Environment Neutral Drainage (MEND)) 2000 symposium on research on innovative methods to control acid mine drainage, covered eight sessions with both technical and general interest papers. The technical papers covered the topics of acid mine drainage and remediation measures, such as flooding, soil cover with various materials, encapsulation, and others. Other topics discussed included the freeze-thaw cycle and its effect on the performance of soil covers. The environmental impacts of acid mine drainage were also described. Some case studies were included to further illustrate the environmental impacts of acid mine drainage and to demonstrate the effectiveness of remedial actions in specific situations. Most of the cases studied were mines located in Quebec and Northern Ontario, with some in British Columbia. The general interest ...
The aim of this study concerns the use of numerical methods for the resolution of the Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes equations adapted to the simulation of the cooling of the trailing edge of a stator in a high pressure turbine. These methods, based on the elsA solver developed at ONERA, use a four steps Runge Kutta time discretization scheme and a Jameson centered space discretization scheme. The scheme is applied through a finite volume approach on control volume centered on the cells of a multi-block structured mesh. Turbulence is simulated either through the algebraic Michel model, or through the one-transport-equation Spalart-Allmaras model, or through the two-transport-equations k 1, k {omega} and k {epsilon} models, and through ASM model. A simulation of the flow in a bidimensional stator, without cooling, is carried out. The cooling, which is realized with trailing edge slots, is then simulated on a bidimensional stator. Because the slot is represented by meshes overlapping ...
Samples of Parmelia sulcata and Xanthoria parietina from different biotopes have been analysed for elements of the series of uranium 238 and thorium 232. These species have been used as bio-monitors in different cases : urban areas, coal fired power plant, tip for uranium-mining residues. The concentration of most of these elements in lichens is decreasing as follows: radium waste-disposal site > area with uranium-rich soil > urban area > rural area. Road traffic was not found to increase notably the presence of radioactive lead in the environment. The two foliose lichens seem to have a comparable concentration ability, but Parmelia sulcata appeared to be more reliable. Some of the elements under investigation could be particularly problematic from a sanitary point of view: the intake limits in case of inhalation are very low and the atmospheric deposition is not negligible; this is particularly so for lead 210 and thorium 228. These elements should not only be monitored on a ...
In front of the risks linked with the increase of the greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere, the decision makers must take into consideration first, the scientific advice of climatic change experts, and second, the considerable inertia of the climatic system. Thus, any action implemented so far will have an impact all along the 21. century and later whatever the future human activities. The aim of this memento is to sensibilize the decision makers about the possible consequences of their choice in terms of volume of greenhouse gases and of medium- and long-term evolution: 1 - stakes, role of local decision-makers (greenhouse effect and climatic change, France's international commitment, stakes, liabilities of local decision makers, decentralization laws, local plans of fight against greenhouse effect, public information and dialogue); 2 - urbanism and transports (urban displacements, alternatives to individual cars, collective transportation systems, parking, inter-region ...
The central topic of this work is the study of the properties and the implementation of a Paul trap used for the measurement of the beta-neutrino angular correlation parameter in the decay of {sup 6}He. This coefficient provides a signature of the nature of the interactions involved in the weak interaction. The value of this coefficient can be deduced from the kinematical distribution of the decay events. An electromagnetic trap is used for the trapping of {sup 6}He{sup +} ions in a small volume. This trap has an open geometry that enables the detection in coincidence of the electron and the recoil ion emitted in the beta decay. A dedicated detection set up is used for the measurement of the electron energy, the ion time of flight and the position of the two particles for each event. A general description of the LPCTrap facility and of its performances is presented and shows that this set up is able to fulfill the proposed measurement. Especially, a comparison is made between the ...
This document deals with the couplings between the W boson and Z and gamma particles. WWZ and WW{gamma} vertex are predicted by the electroweak theory based on the symmetry group SU(2){sub L}*U(1){sub Y}, their existence is confirmed by the measurement of the production cross-section of W pairs at LEP. The effective values of the couplings are modified by the introduction of standard model particle loops at the vertex level, the impact on the coupling value is assessed to reach 10{sup -3}. These loops can also include beyond-the-standard-model particles, their impact is in the magnitude order of 10{sup -3} for most models. The fully description of these loops requires the values of 14 complex parameters whose measurement will give information about the existence of new particles. Nevertheless the number of events at LEP is not sufficient to measure all the parameters simultaneously. As a consequence the analysis is limited to the 3 most promising parameters: g{sub 1}{sup Z}, ...
V{sub 2}O{sub 5} based compounds are interesting low potential materials for rechargeable cathodes of lithium electrochemical generators. However, the ionic conductivity and the reversibility of electrochemical cycling of V{sub 2}O{sub 5} are limited by the possibilities of lithium insertion. This work shows that the doping of vanadium pentoxide by a M{sup 3+} trivalent transition element (M Fe, Al, Cr or La) allows to intercalate a more important amount of lithium and to improve the behaviour of the material during cycling. These materials of M{sub 0.11}V{sub 2}O{sub 5.16} formula are obtained by sol-gel synthesis. the electrochemical study of the Fe compound has shown that it is a mixed oxide with a behaviour similar to V{sub 2}O{sub 5}. The maximum capacity is of about 2 F/mole in the case of Fe, Al and Cr compounds and of about 1.7 F/mole in the case of La. The structural evolution of the Fe compound has been followed during the chemical insertion of Li and the same succession of ...
The school building complex Waterland in The Hague, Netherlands, was built with a hybrid ventilation system. The indoor environment and energy consumption were monitored for one year. Air quality and thermal comfort are of a high quality and the consumption of energy for heating is circa 35% lower than normal. The Waterland project was one of eight demonstration projects, carried out within the framework of the ECBS-Annex 35: Hybrid ventilation in New and retrofitted Office Buildings. ECBS stands for the IEA-program Energy Conservation in Buildings and Community Systems. [Dutch] In ECBCs-annex 35 (ECBS staat voor het IEA-programma Energy Conservation in Buildings and Community Systems) is uitgebreid onderzoek gedaan naar hybride ventilatiesystemen in kantoren en scholen. Dit project heeft geleid tot acht internationale voorbeeldprojecten, waarvan scholencomplex Waterland te Den Haag er een van is. Het scholencomplex is in 2003 opgeleverd met een hybride ventilatiesysteem. Het ...
This research has two main goals. First, we wanted to introduce optimization tools in the diffusion code DONJON, mostly for fuel management. The second objective is more practical. The optimization capabilities are applied to the fuel management problem for different CANDU reactors at refueling equilibrium state. Two kinds of approaches are considered and implemented in this study to solve optimization problems in the code DONJON. The first methods are based on gradients and on the quasi-linear mathematical programming. The method initially developed in the code OPTEX is implemented as a reference approach for the gradient based methods. However, this approach has a major drawback. Indeed, the starting point has to be a feasible point. Then, several approaches have been developed to be more general and not limited by the initial point choice. Among the different methods we developed, two were found to be very efficient: the multi-step method and the mixte method. The second kind of ...
Qualitative interpretation of data of different nature and sources, based on segmentation techniques such as discriminant analysis, is useful to characterize and monitor hydrocarbon reservoirs. In order to make this interpretation more reliable, it is necessary to characterize uncertainties attached to data and then, to propagate them in the interpretation work-flow. In this thesis, uncertainties are represented by intervals, because usually, little is known about input data errors. The uncertainty characterization issue is dealt with specifically for each case study. The uncertainty propagation issue is treated by a new technique, based on interval analysis, which consists in extending to intervals various popular approaches (non parametric, quadratic and linear) to discriminant analysis: Firstly, a learning phase allows calibrating an imprecise classifying model on the basis of pre-interpreted data. If the quality of this model is good enough, it is used to interpret the whole set of ...
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 compounds (CdI{sub 2} type) with a large inter-sheet distance, and ...
In this study, liquid flame spray (LFS) was used to produce titania, silver and silver-titania deposits of nanoparticles. Titanium(IV)ethoxide (TEOT) and silver nitrate in ethanol solutions were used as precursors and sprayed into turbulent hydrogen-oxygen flame. Production rates of 1.5-40 mg/min of titania were used with silver additions of 1, 2, 4, and 8 wt% compared to titania. Nanoparticle deposits were collected by thermophoretic sampling at six different axial distances from the flame torch head: 3, 5, 10, 12, 15, and 20 cm, of which the all but the last one occurred inside the flame. The deposit samples were analysed by TEM and SAED analysis. The powder samples of the particles were also collected by electric precipitator to XPS and specific surface area analysis. Particle size and effective density after the flame in the aerosol were analysed with SMPS and ELPI. The results from the previous studies i.e. controlling the particle size by setting the ...
High temperature thermochemistry of thoria-urania fuel for Advanced Heavy Water Reactor was investigated. Oxygen potential development within the matrix and distribution behaviors of the fission products (fps) in different phases were worked out with the help of thermodynamic and transport properties of the fps as well as fission generated oxygen and the detailed balance of the elements. Some of the necessary data for different properties were generated in this laboratory while others were taken from literatures. Noting the behavior of poor transports of gases and volatile species in the thoria rich fuel (thoria-3 mol% urania), the evaluation shows that the fuel will generally bear higher oxygen potential right from early stage of burnup, and Mo will play vital role to buffer the potential through the formation of its oxygen rich chemical states. The problems related to the poor transport and larger retention of fission gases (Xe) and volatiles (I, Te, Cs) are ...
The relationship between hyperactivity and neuropsychological test performance at different age levels was examined. It was found that for young children (6 to 8 years of age, n = 90), there was no significant association between hyperactivity/attentional problems (as measured by the Hyperactivity scale of the Child Behavior Checklist) and performance on neuropsychological tasks thought to contain an attentional component (WISC-R Coding, Arithmetic, and Digit Span; WRAT Arithmetic; and the Benton Visual Retention Test). However, for older children (9 to 12 years of age, n = 92), there were significant and large negative correlations between CBC Hyperactivity scores and Coding, WRAT Arithmetic, and Benton VRT scores. Multiple regression analyses supported the above results (for Coding and WRAT Arithmetic), indicating that hyperactivity/inattention has a particularly deleterious effect on test performance (relative to same-age peers) as age increases. PMID:3361033
Thallium-201 diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC) behaves like a chemical microsphere and is trapped by spontaneous decomposition in the brain in proportion to regional perfusion. They have shown that the technetium-99m analog, Tc-99m DDC (1), is unsuitable for cerebral perfusion imaging because it does not decompose rapidly enough to be trapped in the brain. With the goal of turning this greater stability of 1 into an advantage, a series of dithiocarbamates with lipophilic or amine groups designed to enhance cerebral uptake and retention was prepared from the following amines by reaction with carbon disulfide and sodium hydroxide: pyrrolidine (2), piperazine (3), 4-benzylpiperazine (4), and 4-(1-piperidino)piperidine (5). These ligands (5 mg) were labelled with Tc-99m in > 95% efficiency (ITLC-SG, saline) by reduction of pertechnetate at room temperature with formamidine sulfinic acid at alkaline pH. In preliminary studies, 4 and 5 show a trend of increasing oil/buffer ...
Ultrafine particles of Sn-Sb alloys with different chemical composition have been prepared by hydrogen plasma-metal reaction. Structure, morphology, size and chemical composition of the Sn-Sb ultrafine particles were investigated by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, BET gas adsorption, and induction-coupled plasma spectroscopy. It was found that all the particles have spherical shapes, with average particle size in the range of 100-300 nm. The electrochemistry properties as an alternative anode material for lithium-ion batteries have been characterized by constant current cycling and cyclic voltammetry. Electrochemical measurements showed that the alloys with Sn-46.5 at.% Sb have best reversible capacity and capacity retention. It exhibited a high reversible lithium-ion storage capacity of 701 mAh g"-"1 in the initial cycle, which has remained at 81% (i.e., 566 mAh g"-"1) of its original capacity after 20 cycles.
Several thin film composite nanofiltration membranes have been prepared by spin coating a sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) solution on a polyethersulfone support, followed by thermal treatment. The most optimal developed nanofiltration membrane shows a clean water permeance of ~4.5Lm^-^2h^-^1bar^-^1 and a molecular weight cut off (MWCO) of ~500gmol^-^1. No irreversible changes in membrane performance have been observed after prolonged exposure (up to several weeks) of this membrane to solutions with a pH in the range 0-14. Compared to Desal-5-DK, the developed membrane displays a similar water permeance and a higher NaCl retention. In comparison to commercially available pH stable membranes, MPF-34 and NP030P, it reveals a higher water permeance. Permeance and MWCO analysis at varying p...
The possibility of a positive agricultural use of flue gas filter ash from brown coal power plants is investigated. The suggested measure is mixing ash dump surfaces with extremely acidic spoil bank soils, which balances the high pH value of the alkaline ash and contributes to improved nutrient and soil sorptive conditions. Optimum quantity of spoil bank sands in the mixture with ash is between 10% and 40%. The optimum quantity must be determined for each type of ash considering improvement of soil chemical conditions and water retention capacity. Filter ash properties vary widely; the required amount of spoil bank sand added to investigated ash surfaces near 3 brown coal power plants was between 25% and 30% of the mixture. The same favourable soil and ash mixture can be produced by adding 60% to 75% filter ash to acidic raw spoil bank soil surfaces forming a top soil layer in a thickness of minimum 60 cm. Tests of plant growth showed high crop yields in winter ...
Extensive investigations have been and are being carried out on a stiff clay from an underground research laboratory located at Mol (Belgium) called Boom clay, in the context of research into deep nuclear waste disposal. Suction effects in deep Boom clay block samples were investigated through the characterisation of the water retention and of the swelling properties of the clay. The data obtained allowed an estimation of the sample initial suction that was reasonably compatible with the in-situ state of stress at a depth of 223 m. The relationship between suction and stress changes during loading and unloading sequences were also examined by running oedometer tests with suction measurements. A rather wide range of the ratio s/sigma 'v (being s the suction and sigma 'v the effective vertical stress) was obtained (0.61 - 1), different from that proposed by Bishop et al; (1974). Finally, the effect of suction release under an isotropic stress close to the estimated ...
A hose lining process, used widely for underground service structures, such as for city gas, and water and sewerage pipes, was adopted to repair interiors of underground wire raceways, and improvements were made for power cable pipe use, including long size construction, inner diameter assurance, and flame retardation. The sealing hose as a lining material consists of a fabric layer woven by warps of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and wefts of combined PBT fibers and glassfibers, the fabric being coated with polyurethane resin on one side. The other side of the fabric is coated with heat hardening resin made of epoxy resin as the main ingredient and aromatic amine as the hardening agent to assure close adhesion of the sealing hose onto the pipe interior. Mimic raceways were used to verify the lining material for its abrasion coefficient, mechanical strength, wear resistance, water cut-off performance, chemical resistance, and shape retention performance against ...
Because of the environmental hazard of organic solvents such as chlorinated or aromatic hydrocarbons, water soluble and biodegradable substitutes have come into use. It should be assessed how they affect soil and aquifer when spilled in leaks or accidents. This was simulated in a model system using methanol and percolation columns, one filled with material from the unsaturated subsurface and two with different materials from aquifers. The results reveal that a spill of the substitutes can also cause problems. In homogeneous soils and at long retention times until the substance reaches the aquifer, sorption and biological degradation are most likely to prevent contamination of the groundwater. When oxygen supply in the subsurface is insufficient, reducing conditions occur and sulphide is formed. The data show that much more methanol was eliminated than reflected by the consumption of electron acceptors. This indicates that sorption and anabolic turnover of the ...
This paper deals with the energy required to separate ethanol from an aqueous solution in a distillation column containing a solid phase. The solid phases evaluated consisted of either an amylatious (ground corn) or a cellulose (sugar cane bagasse) absorber whit particle sizes smaller than 4 mm. The water-retention capacity of each solid phase was measured by passing vapors or ethanol-water mixtures through the solid phase. When starting with initial concentrations bellow the azeotropic point, ethanol concentrations up to 99,5% (on corn) and 97,2% (on sugar cane) were achieved. The water content was evaluated potentiometrically (Karl`Fischer). Regarding the 2-4 mm ground corn solid phase column, the energy consumed was estimated to be reduced by 15,6% and 60% (by weight) ethanol-water mixture respectively. (author) 11 refs., 2 figs., 2 tabs
The long operating cycle simplified boiling water reactor is a reactor concept that pursues both safety and the economy by employing a natural circulation reactor core without a refueling, a passive decay heat removal, and an integrated building for the reactor and turbine. Throughout the entire spectrum of the design basis accident, the reactor core is kept covered by the passive emergency core cooling system. The decay heat is removed by the conventional active low-pressure residual heat removal system. As for a postulated severe accident, the suppression pool water floods the lower part of the reactor pressure vessel (RPV) in the case when core damage occurs, and the in-vessel retention that keeps the melt inside the RPV is achieved by supplying the coolant. The containment adopts a parallel-double-steel-plate structure similar to a hull structure, which contains coolant between the inner and outer walls to absorb the heat transferred from the inside of the ...
A laboratory-scale multi-layer system was developed for the adsorption of PCDD/Fs from gas streams at various operating conditions, including gas flow rate, operating temperature and water vapor content. Excellent PCDD/F removal efficiency (>99.99%) was achieved with the multi-layer design with bead-shaped activated carbons (BACs). The PCDD/F removal efficiency achieved with the first layer adsorption bed decreased as the gas flow rate was increased due to the decrease of the gas retention time. The PCDD/F concentrations measured at the outlet of the third layer adsorption bed were all lower than 0.1ng I-TEQNm-3. The PCDD/Fs desorbed from BAC were mainly lowly chlorinated congeners and the PCDD/F outlet concentrations increased as the operating temperature was increased. In addition, the r...
The ROTAMIX process for the treatment of contaminated soils, developed by GSI Environment of Sherbrooke, Quebec, is described. The technology combines the use of a self-propelled rotary turner with bioactivating nutrients and structuring agents. Results of various trials using this process showed that soils contaminated with pentachlorophenol and heavy petroleum hydrocarbons, substances that do not easily break down, were decontaminated to a level that corresponds to the C criterion of the Quebec Ministry of the Environment. The ROTAMIX process was found to improve solid/liquid/gas exchanges, and increased water retention capacity of the treated soil. The technology is not constrained by the fine particle concentration that may result from the addition of structuring agents. It produces no leachate water or gaseous emissions. It broadens the range of contaminants that can be treated, including contaminants that resist biodegradation. The process is relatively cheap ...
Quantitative assessment of bone scintigraphy was performed in fifty-six patients with hip joint disease including femoral neck fracture, aseptic necrosis of the femoral head, traumatic dislocation of the hip, Perthes disease, and transient synovitis of the hip. In the static study, bone scintigraphy was obtained 3 hours after injection of sup(99m)Tc-MDP by gamma camera equipped with a computer and uptake ratios were calculated. In the dynamic study, bone scintigraphy was performed in one, 3 and 5 hours after injection of radionuclide. Femoral head uptake ratio was markedly decreased in osteonecrosis following femoral neck fracture and characteristically increased in aseptic necrosis of the femoral head but prolonged retention of sup(99m)Tc-MDP could be observed. Uptake ratios of epiphysis were decreased in Perthes disease but normal in transient synovitis of the hip. Static and dynamic study of bone scintigraphy may be useful for early diagnosis and treatment in ...
As part of our program in radiopharmaceutical chemistry we have prepared and evaluated a series of radioiodinated 1-alkyl-4-phenylpiperazines as potential brain-imaging agents. The compounds were chosen on the basis of their synthetic versatility, activation toward electrophilic substitution, and ease of purification. The intermediates 1-6 were readily obtained and converted to the corresponding radioiodinated products 7-12 in 76-91% isolated radiochemical yields. The tissue distribution in rats indicated that the 1-N-butyl derivative 9 possesses the best combination of brain uptake (0.28-0.35% ID X kg/g), retention, and selectivity (brain/blood greater than 20) over the 4-h evaluation period. A subsequent imaging and tissue distribution study in the dog using 131I-labeled 9 supported the results observed in the rat and suggested the potential of this agent as a brain-imaging agent.
Water injection into a vapor-dominated geothermal reservoir is an effective method of sustaining steam production from the field. Injection puts additional water to the reservoir and raises the prevailing reservoir pressure. This process improves the field`s productivity. However, the increased pressure also increases the water retention capacity of the reservoir rocks through the effects of adsorption and capillary condensation. Due to the significant costs associated with water injection programs, optimizing injection not only involves maximizing the energy yield from the resource but also the present worth of the project. Two crucial parameters that need to be established are: (1) how much to inject; and, (2) when to inject it. This study investigated the optimal design of these parameters. It was found that comparable energy yield can be attained for injection programs that are initiated at various stages of the field`s development. Higher injection rates are ...
The AMSE Boiler Code development of design stresses and their optimization for alloys 800 and 800H for conventional and nuclear power plants have coincided with many successful trial installations of these grades of alloy 800. These trial installations, along with laboratory tests, have shown that alloy 800H can be used for long times with a retention of good mechanical properties, including ductility. While gamma prime can be formed, it soon loses its detrimental effect on ductility in service. Sensitization of the alloy also occurs but it, too, has a decreasing effect on corrosion resistance with time in service, especially at elevated temperatures. The authors discuss all of these aspects and conclude that alloy 800 perhaps with low carbon control in the annealed (1800 to 1950degF)(982 to 1066degC) condition gives the optimum combination of properties to 1050degF(566degC) and alloy 800H (.05 to .10%C) solution annealed at 2100 to 2200degF (1149 to 1204degC) has ...
In this study a modified solid state synthesis (auto-ignition method) is used to form nanosized spinel type material LiMg{sub 0.05}Ni{sub 0.45}Mn{sub 1.5}O{sub 4}. This material presents a high voltage plateau at 4.75 V vs. Li/Li{sup +}. Structural and electrochemical characterisations have been performed using a wide range of techniques (TEM, neutron diffraction, galvanostatic measurements, and impedance spectroscopy). Besides, in situ XAS has been performed to monitor the evolution of Ni and Mn oxidation state during Li intercalation. The material presents an ordered cubic spinel structure, good capacity retention upon cycling (131 mAh g{sup -1} at C/10 and 117 mAh g{sup -1} at 1C) and good electronic conductivity (10{sup -6} S cm{sup -1} at RT). The simultaneous presence of Mn{sup 3+}/Mn{sup 4+} in the structure has been investigated and explained by inclusion of disordered nanodomains in the structure. (author)
Under the auspices of the DOE and private industry, considerable progress has been made in: preparation of coal-water fuels; combustion of low-ash coal-based fuel forms; processes to provide deeply-cleaned coal. Developments in advanced beneficiation of coal to meet stringent requirements for low ash and low sulfur can be anticipated to further complicate the problem areas associated with this product. This is attributable to the beneficiated coal being procured in very fine particles with high surface areas, modified surface characteristics, reduced particle size distribution range, and high inherent moisture. Experience in the storage, handling, and transport of highly beneficiated coal has been limited. This is understandable, as quantities of such product are only now becoming available in meaningful quantities. During this reporting period the authors have: developed a suite of empirical tests covering water retention, rewetting, mull stability, angle of ...
There exist certain systems which generate real-time data at high bandwidth, but do not necessarily require the long-term retention of that data in normal conditions. In some cases, the data may not actually be useful, and in others, there may be too much data to permanently retain in long-term storage whether it is useful or not. However, certain portions of the data may be identified as being vitally important from time to time, and must therefore be retained for further analysis or permanent storage without interrupting the ongoing collection of new data. We have developed a system, Mahanaxar, intended to address this problem. It provides quality of service guarantees for incoming real-time data streams and simultaneous access to already-recorded data on a best-effort basis utilizing any spare bandwidth. It has built in mechanisms for reliability and indexing, can scale upwards to meet increasing bandwidth requirements, and handles both small and large data ...
Our purpose was to investigate the usefulness of Lipiodol-CT for detection of residual viable neoplastic tissue in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) lesions treated by means of percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI). An emulsion of 5 to 20 ml iodized oil and 50 to 70 mg doxorubicin hydrochloride was intraarterially injected in 18 patients with 25 HCC lesions treated by means of PEI one to 24 months before. At CT performed 3 to 5 weeks after injection, retention of Lipiodol was observed in 9 of 13 tumors that still contained viable neoplastic tissue and in 2 of 12 tumors proven to have undergone complete necrosis after PEI. The sensitivity and specificity of Lipiodol-CT were 69.2% and 83.3%, respectively. Thus, Lipiodol-CT seems to have limited diagnostic value after PEI, probably as a consequence of the alcohol-induced vascular damage, accounting for both false-negative and false-positive results. (orig.).
Absorption of lead is known to be enhanced during infancy. In this study, the sites of intestinal accumulation of Pb by suckling rats have been determined under various conditions using "2"0"3Pb as a tracer. When "2"0"3Pb was administered intragastrically (IG) as a soluble salt, accumulation occurred primarily in the duodenum, regardless of dose and vehicle. In contrast, when rat pups suckled from a dam which had received "2"0"3Pb, the only region of the small intestine showing accumulation of radioactivity was the ileum. To confirm that these differences were not related to the route of administration, rat milk was labeled with "2"0"3Pb and was then used for IG administration. Once again, accumulation (4 hr post-administration) was confined to the ileum. When the dose was increased 10-fold, milk Pb displayed some accumulation in duodenal tissue, but very much less than that of soluble Pb at the same time and dosage. At 20 hr postadministration, there was negligible "2"0"3Pb in any ...
The Four years of the IMPACT, 'Integrated Modular Plant Analysis and Computing Technology', project Phase 1 have been completed. The verification study of Severe Accident Analysis Code SAMPSON prototype developed in Phase 1 was conducted in two steps. First, each analysis module was run independently and analysis results were compared and verified against separate-effect test data with good results. Second, with the Simulation Supervisory System, up to 11 analysis modules were executed concurrently in the parallel environment (currently, NUPEC uses IBM-SP2 with 72 process elements), to demonstrate the code capability and integrity. The target plant was Surry as a typical PWR and the initiation events were a 10-inch cold leg failure. The analysis is divided to two cases; one is in-vessel retention analysis when the gap cooling is effective (In-vessel scenario test), the other is analysis of phenomena event is extended to ex-vessel due to the Reactor Pressure Vessel ...
The NUclear Power Engineering Corporation (NUPEC) has developed IMPACT-SAMPSON code to analyze integral behavior of light water nuclear power plants under severe accident conditions. IMPACT-SAMPSON's distinguishing features include interconnected hierarchical modules and mechanistic models covering a wide spectrum of scenarios ranging from normal operation to severe accident events, and high-speed simulation on parallel processing computers. The integral plant behaviors of typical PWR and BWR under severe accident conditions have been analyzed with the IMPACT-SAMPSON code. The PWR plant analyzed was the three-loop, steel-dry containment type with 2,440 MWt. The AE accident scenario was supposed, that is, LOCA by 6-inch hot leg failure followed by accumulated water injection, but no ECCS and containment spray activation. The BWR plant analyzed was the 3,293 MWt BWR-5, Mark-II containment type. The TQUV accident scenario was supposed, that is, reactor scram by MSIV closure ...
The ruthenium decontamination factor in Purex process falls quickly with recycles of TBP. So it is necessary to change the chemical states of RuNO complexes in order to improve DF_R_u in the uranium purification cycle. The retention of RuNO complexes in TBP-kerosenelaurohydroxamic acid is observed to be quite large in our previous work. Therefore, water-soluble short chain hydroxamic acid is used as complexing agent to decrease the distribution coefficient of Ru. Hydroxamic acid can transform RuNO complexes into in-extractable species by TBP-kerosene in certain conditions. The result of cascade experiment indicates that the ruthenium decontamination can be increased by a factor of 40-50. Acidity has more influence on the effect of pretreatment. The higher acidity is, the worse the effect will be. The pretreatment is first carried out in low acidic solution, then extractive acidity is increased. In this way, the distribution of Ru can be decreased obviously. After ...
Reduction of occupational radiation exposure dose in a BWR plant is achieved by an elimination of crud in a BWR primary loop condensate stream by condensate demineralizer. Crud removal by condensate polisher improves year by year, a phenomenon called the Aging Effect of Ion Exchange Resins. The cause of this phenomenon is assumed to be mainly due to changes in the cation resin property becoming more crud adsorptive, where a typical change in physical property of aged cation resin is an increase in water retention capacity. Assuming that the crud removal efficiency was influenced by a crosslinkage of cation resin, an attempt was made to enhance this removal efficiency by decreasing the crosslinkage and satisfactory results were obtained. As a result, new gel type cation resins were developed with lower crosslinkage and larger surface areas, as compared with conventional gel type resins. The crosslinkage degree of these new cation resins are equivalent to a 6 % DVB ...
Reduction of occupational radiation exposure dose in a BWR plant is achieved by an elimination of crud in a BWR primary loop condensate stream by condensate demineralizer. Crud removal by condensate polisher improves year by year, a phenomenon called the Aging Effect of Ion Exchange Resins. The cause of this phenomenon is assumed to be mainly due to changes in the cation resin property becoming more crud adsorptive, where a typical change in physical property of aged cation resin is an increase in water retention capacity. Assuming that the crud removal efficiency was influenced by a crosslinkage of cation resin, an attempt was made to enhance this removal efficiency by decreasing the crosslinkage and satisfactory results were obtained. As a result, new gel type cation resins were developed with lower crosslinkage and larger surface areas, as compared with conventional gel type resins. The crosslinkage degree of these new cation resins are equivalent to a 6 % DVB ...
Emergency response preparedness for radiological accidents involving wound contamination has become more important, considering the current extending tendency in the nuclear industry related to the nuclear fuel cycle. The US National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) proposed a biokinetic and dosimetric model for the intake of radionuclides through contaminated wounds in 2007. The present paper describes the implementation of this NCRP wound model for the prediction of systemic behaviour of some important radioactive elements encountered in workplaces related to the nuclear industry. The NCRP wound model was linked to the current ICRP systemic model at each blood compartment and simultaneous differential equations for the content of radioactivity in each compartment and excreta were solved with the Runge-Kutta method. The results of the calculation of wound, whole-body or specific organ retention and daily urinary or faecal excretion rate of ...
Coastal zones are among the most productive and vulnerable areas on the planet. An example of impact on these fragile environments was shown in the case of the Sea Empress oil tanker, which ran aground in the Bristol Channel in 1996, spilling 72,000 tonnes of Forties crude oil. The objective was to investigate the sub-lethal cellular pathology and tissue hydrocarbon contamination in marine mussel populations, 4 months after the initial spill, using the neutral red retention (NRR) assay for lysosomal stability in blood cells. NRR was reduced in mussels, and indicative of cell injury, from the two sites closest to the spill in comparison with more distant and reference sites. Lysosomal stability was inversely correlated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon concentrations in mussel tissues. Reduced lysosomal stability has previously been shown to contribute to impaired immunocompetence and to autophagic loss of body tissues. The use of this type of technique is ...
A "hemispheres-in-cell" geometry is provided for prediction of colloid retention during transport in porous media. This new geometry preserves the utilities provided in the Happel sphere-in-cell geometry; namely, the ability to predict deposition for a range of porosities, and representation of the influence of neighboring collectors on the fluid flow field. The new geometry, which includes grain to grain contact, is justified by the eventual goal of predicting colloid deposition in the presence of energy barriers, which has been shown in previous literature to involve deposition within grain to grain contacts for colloid:collector ratios greater than approximately 0.005. In order to serve as a platform for predicting deposition in the presence of energy barriers, the model must be shown capable of quantitatively predicting deposition in the absence of energy barriers, which is a requirement that was not met by previous grain to grain contact geometries. This paper ...
Highly swollen nanoporous layers produced in material surfaces by He implantation are of special interest for applications such as catalysis. Here we investigate whether nanoporous layers can be produced in the covalently bonded insulating ceramic, SiAlON. The retention of highly swollen porous structures in thinned TEM sections prepared from such hard brittle materials is particularly challenging. We have successfully prepared such sections both parallel to, and perpendicular to, the implanted surface. At intermediate doses the bubble structures are very similar to those found in metals. At high helium doses local swellings at depths around the mean projected range of the He ions (#approx#360 nm) are estimated to be well in excess of 200%. Bubble structures are stable under heating to temperatures up to 1200 deg. C. It is found that the highly cavitated layer is buried below a crystalline overlayer of compact SiAlON. This overlayer is sufficiently compact to ...
The 105-KE and 105-KW Fuel Storage Basins were constructed more than 35 years ago as repositories for irradiated fuel from the K East and K West Reactors. Currently, the basins contain irradiated fuel from the N Reactor. To continue to use the basins as desired, seismic adequacy in accordance with current US Department of Energy facility requirements must be demonstrated. The 105-KE and 105-KW Basins are reinforced concrete, belowground reservoirs with a 16-ft water depth. The entire water retention boundary, which currently includes a portion of the adjacent reactor buildings, must be qualified for the Hanford Site design basis earthquake. The reactor building interface joints are sealed against leakage with rubber water stops. Demonstration of the seismic adequacy of these interface joints was initially identified as a key issue in the seismic qualification effort. The issue of water leakage through seismicly induced cracks was also investigated. This issue, ...
The authors map the route undertaken by the Project Management Office of the Gansu Basic Education Project (GBEP) in Gansu Province, China, in instituting measures to ensure good learning opportunities for children with special educational needs within the four poor counties benefiting from this DFID supported project. The main purpose of GBEP has been to increase enrolment and retention in these poor, minority areas so as to achieve universal basic education. As general enrolment increased so did that of pupils with special needs, the educational needs of which the schools began responding to in an unconscious way. However, at the start there was little understanding at the classroom and management levels of how to ensure access to learning as well as access to school. The authors map out the road to change and the methods undertaken to change practice at various management and classroom levels so as to enable schools to provide more adequately for these children. ...
A duplex surface treatment technique based on calorizing and plasma nitriding was developed to improve the wear and oxidation resistance of H13 steel at high temperatures. The effects of the relative thickness of the calorized layer to the depth of plasma nitriding on the wear and oxidation properties at temperatures up to 900 C were investigated in this work. High-temperature wear tests were performed at 500 C with dry conditions in open air using a ball-on-disk type tribotest machine. Isothermal oxidation tests were performed at 900 C for up to 100 h under controlled atmosphere. The results indicated that the specimens with a calorized layer as an intermediate phase between the surface duplex layer and the base metal showed higher wear and oxidation resistance than the specimens with a nitrided layer alone. During exposure to elevated temperatures, the aluminum in the calorized layer diffused to the surface and formed an aluminum oxide layer. This oxide layer protected the specimens ...
Escherichia coli B and K-12 are equally susceptible to the bacteriostatic effects of aerobic paraquat, but they differed strikingly when the lethality of paraquat was evaluated. E. coli B suffered an apparent loss of viability when briefly exposed to paraquat, whereas E. coli K-12 did not. This difference depended on the ability of the B-strain, but not the K-12 strain, to retain internalized paraquat; the B strain was killed on aerobic tryptic soy-yeast extract plates during the incubation which preceded the counting of colonies. This difference in retention of paraquat between strains was demonstrated by delayed loss of viability, by growth inhibition, and by cyanide-resistant respiration after brief exposure to paraquat, washing, and testing in fresh medium. This difference was also shown by using ({sup 14}C)paraquat. This previously unrecognized difference between E. coli B and K-12 has been the cause of apparently contradictory reports and should lead to some ...
Crude oil-polluted soil (five parts of weathered crude oil per 100 parts of soil; equivalent to 50,000 mg oil kg{sup -}1 soil) samples were slurried in deionised water (300% of the water retention capacity of the soil) and treated with various amounts of natural-rubber processing sludge (nitrogen content 62.15 mgkg{sup -1} and phosphorus contents 8.75 mgkg{sup -1}) in a well-stirred, continuously-aerated tank at 29{sup o}C. Changes in the total hydrocarbon content of the soil sample were determined, using a spectrophotometric technique, as a function of time. The extent of crude oil degradation was markedly higher (by up to 100%) in the sludge-treated soil than in the untreated soil sample. The efficiency of biodegradation of the crude oil hydrocarbons using the slurry-phase technique was compared with that of solid-phase technique. (author)
BACKGROUND: : Skills related to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) use by lay responders decay rapidly after training, and efforts are required to maintain competence among trainees. We examined whether repeated viewing of a reminder video on a mobile phone would be an effective means of maintaining CPR and AED skills in lay responders. METHODS: : In a single-blind case-control study, 75 male students received training in CPR and AED use. They were allocated either to the control or to the video-reminded group, who received a memory card containing a video clip about CPR and AED use for their mobile phone, which they were repeatedly encouraged to watch by SMS text message. CPR and AED skills were assessed in scenario format by examiners immediately and 3 months after initial training. RESULTS: : Three months after initial training, the video-reminded group showed more accurate airway opening (PCPR after defibrillation (PCPR confidence scores ...
Rats from an inbred Sprague-Dawley strain were fed semisynthetic diets with a low (0.3 energy percent (en %)), normal (3 en %) or high (10 en %) content of essential fatty acids (EFA) for at least three generations. Twenty-nine- to 33-day-old male rats were given a single intragastric dose of (1-14C)linoleic acid in olive oil, and the respiratory CO2, urine and feces were collected for 46 hours (expt 1) or 20 hours (expt 2). The 14C activity in respiratory CO2, feces, urine and the carcass was determined in both experiments. In experiment 2 it was also measured in samples of the brown fat, liver, adrenals, white fat, skeletal muscles and brain. In both experiments the rats fed the low EFA diet retained significantly more 14C activity than the rats fed the normal or high EFA diets. In all groups the concentration of label was highest in the brown fat and the adrenals, but the above differences among the groups with respect to 14C retention were mainly observed in ...
Specimen strips of pure alpha titanium and beta titanium alloy were exposed to a range of up to 46 deuterium plasma discharges in the Princeton Large Torus Tokamak (PLT) under simulated first wall conditions, and the amount of trapped deuterium in these specimens was measured, using carbon as a calibration standard for trapping. The Deuterium Nuclear Microprobe was used to study the total trapped deuterium and the deuterium depth distribution in the exposed materials before and after annealing at 373 and 423"0K. The Scanning Auger Microprobe was used to identify the effects of surface impurities on the deuterium distribution. Results indicate that about 20 to 40% of the incident deuterium was trapped by the surface and about 90% of the trapped deuterium remained in a 20A carbonaceous film deposited during plasma exposure. Annealing resulted in a gradual loss from the film. These results indicate the importance of impurity film formation which may play a dominating role in plasma-wall ...
Two pilot-scale constructed wetlands (4:1 length:width aspect) were designed for tertiary treatment of refinery effluent. As requirements for removal of contaminants from NPDES effluents become more stringent, cost-effective technological approaches are needed to achieve the necessary treatment levels and be efficient, effective and low maintenance. The fundamental design of these constructed wetlands was based on biogeochemical principles that regulate the fate and persistence of the targeted elements (Cu, Zn, Pb). In order to maximize opportunities to learn more about the internal function of the wetlands, they were built to operate in series or in parallel permitting hydraulic retention times of 24 to 48 hours. The wetlands were lined with {approximately}76 cm of compacted clay as well as a 30 mil polyethylene liner. The hydrosoil selected for use in the constructed wetlands is 74.1% sand, 25.6% silt, 0.3% clay. Based on laboratory studies, this hydrosoil ...
At the Tokai Research Establishment of Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute, the radioactive solid waste incineration unit with a capacity of 100 kg/h was installed in 1979, since then the unit has been routinly operated. An off-gas cleaning system of the unit consists mainly of a primary and secondary ceramic filters, a heat resistant HEPA filter and a scrubber. A series of hot test was carried out to examine the docontamination performance for radionuclides in the off-gas cleaning system. In the test, simulated wastes contaminated with a known quantity of radionuclides were burned in the unit, and radioactive concentrations in the off-gas were measured. And then, the following data were obtained: a retention factor of radionuclides in a furnace and a decontamination factor for radionuclides in each of off-gas cleaning components. And also overall decontamination factors, defined as the ratio of radioactivities input to the furnace to radioactivities passed ...
It is needless to say that one of the most important roles of the condensate demineralizer in Japanese boiling water reactors (BWR) is to eliminate such impurities during accidental occurrence of sea water leakage from condensate cooling system. Ion exchange resins packed in condensate demineralizer have also been expected to decrease crud, or corrosion products (CP) in condensate water in order to finally reduce activated corrosion products (ACP) in the reactor coolant loop. It is perceived that crud removal ability of a condensate demineralizer has been improved year by year. And we call this phenomenon as `Aging Effect`. Typical property changes of aged cation exchange resin consisted of an increase of water retention capacity and a change of surface texture. Based on these findings, we formulated a new concept and developed new gel type ion exchange resins for the better crud removal. The results from column tests using actual condensate water for approximately ...
This paper reported on a study in which hydrogen was produced by fermentation of biomass. A continuous process using a non-sterile substrate with a readily available mixed microflora was used on heat treated digested sewage sludge from a wastewater treatment plant. Hydrogen was produced from waste sugar at a pH of 5.2 and a temperature of 37 degrees C. An experimental setup of three 5.5 L working volume continuously stirred tank reactors (CSTR) in different stirring speeds were constructed and operated at 7 different hydraulic retention times (HRTs) and different organic loading rates (OLR). Dissolved organic carbon was examined. The results showed that the stirring speed of 135 rpm had a beneficial effect on hydrogen fermentation. The best performance was obtained in 135 rpm and 8 h of HRT. The amount of gas varied with different OLRs, but could be stabilized on a high level. Methane was not detected when the HRT was less than 16 h. The study identified the ...
The isomerization of neopentane has been investigated over the 0.76 wt% Pd/SiO{sub 2} catalyst. It is found that after high temperature reduction (HTR, at 873 K) the selectivity for isomerization is much higher than that after low temperature reduction (LTR, at 573 K). A variety of experiments, including kinetic, chemisorption (O{sub 2}, H{sub 2}, and CO), temperature-programmed desorption of H{sub 2}, and X-ray diffraction, showed that this selectivity enhancement cannot be interpreted in terms of H{sub 2} retention by catalyst. Instead, the formation of Pd-Si compound(s) (most probably Pd{sub 3}Si) during HTR seems immediately responsible for the catalytic behavior of HTR Pd/SiO{sub 2} catalysts. A mechanism is proposed for the Pd-SiO{sub 2} interaction in which Pd atoms (or ions) are incorporated into the silica support (via oxygen vacancies) and a new phase of palladium silicide is formed. Regeneration by an oxygen treatment of the HTR sample does not fully ...
The growth kinetics constants and concentration of active attached biomass in an anaerobic fluidized bed which decomposes acetic, propionic and butyric acid were estimated. The mixture of above mentioned fatty acids was supplied to the fluidized bed in the range of hydraulic retention time (HRT) from 0.25 to 2 days. After the effluent reached in a steady state in quality, batch experiments were conducted separately with each fatty acid as a substrate in order to investigate the decomposition characteristics of each substrate by attached biomass. In order to estimate the parameter values of the growth kinetics of the bacteria, batch experiments were also conducted under the completely mixed condition using detached biomass from a support material. The changes of fatty acid concentrations with time were clearly expressed with the Monod growth model. Maximum specific substrate decomposition rates and saturation constants, and active biomass concentrations were ...
Polynuclear aromatic sulphur heterocycles (PASHs) were isolated from a coal extract by two-step separation method using silica gel column chromatography and ligand exchanges thin layer chromatography (PdCl{sub 2}/SiO{sub 2}). The subfraction was examined by capillary column gas chromatography with flame ionization detector and flame photometric detector and gas chromatography - mass spectrometry. Identification was accomplished by comparison of chromatographic retention indices and mass spectra of compounds with those reported in the literature. It was found that the principal structures of the sulphur-containing fraction of Guiding coal extract have 3-4 aromatic rings. Dibenzothiophene, C{sub 1} - C{sub 3} alkylated dibenzothiophenes, benzonaphthothiophene and its alkylated derivatives were the main compounds. Only a few other polynuclear sulfur heterocycles were detected. No benzothiophene and its derivatives were presented. 8 refs., 2 figs., 3 tabs.
Kitchen oils (olive, soybean and butter) are selected for carbon coatings on LiFePO{sub 4}. The surface properties of LiFePO{sub 4} are unknown or vary depending on synthetic methods. The multi-functional groups of fatty acids in the oils can orient properly to cope with the variable surface properties of LiFePO{sub 4}, which can lead to dense carbon coatings. The low price and low toxicity of kitchen oils are other advantages of the coating process. LiFePO{sub 4} (D{sub 50} = 121 nm)combined with the carbon coating enhances the rate capability. Capacities at the 2C rate reach 150 mAh g{sup -1} or higher. The charge retention values of 2.0C/0.2C are between 94.4 and 98.9%. (author)
The bioavailability of lead was studied in rats fed various baby foods (Babymix-turkey, Babymix-vegetables, Frutolino-fruit, Frutamix-bananas, Babyron-S-26, Truefood), cow's milk, bread, liver and standard rat diet. Lead absorption was determined by measuring the whole body retention of "2"0"3Pb 6 days after a single oral application. Highest absorption values ranging from 17 to 20% were obtained in animals fed cow's milk and fruit foods. Rats on other human diets absorbed between 3 and 8% of the radioactive lead dose. Only in animals on rat diet lead absorption was below 1%. It is concluded that rats fed human diets show absorption values similar to those in humans. This might indicate that the bioavailability of lead is primarily dependent on dietary habits. This experimental model, if confirmed by further work, might be useful for obtaining preliminary data on the bioavailability of metals from various foods.
Magnetic drug targeting, using core-shell magnetic carrier particles loaded with anti-cancer drugs, is an emerging and significant method of cancer treatment. Gold shell-iron core nanoparticles (Fe@Au) were synthesized by the reverse micelle method with aqueous reactants, surfactant, co-surfactant and oil phase. XRD, XPS, TEM and magnetic property measurements were utilized to characterize these core-shell nanoparticles. Magnetic measurements showed that the particles were superparamagnetic at room temperature and that the saturation magnetization decreased with increasing gold concentration. The anti-cancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) was loaded onto these Fe@Au nanoparticle carriers and the drug release profiles showed that upto 25% of adsorbed drug was released in 80 h. It was found that the amine (-NH2) group of DOX binds to the gold shell. An in vitro apparatus simulating the human circulatory system was used to determine the retention of these nanoparticle ...
This dissertation has presented the results from analysis of medicinal plant extracts using neutron activation method. Instrumental neutron activation analysis was applied to the determination of the elements Al, Br, Ca, Ce, Cl, Cr, Cs, Fe, K, La, Mg, Mn, Na, Rb, Sb, Sc and Zn in medicinal extracts obtained from Achyrolcline satureoides DC, Casearia sylvestris, Centella asiatica, Citrus aurantium L., Solano lycocarpum, Solidago microglossa, Stryphnondedron barbatiman and Zingiber officinale R. plants. The elements Hg and Se were determined using radiochemical separation by means of retention of Se in HMD inorganic exchanger and solvent extraction of Hg by bismuth diethyl-dithiocarbamate solution. Precision and accuracy of the results have been evaluated by analysing reference materials. The therapeutic action of some elements found in plant extracts analyzed was briefly discussed 70 refs., 13 figs., 15 tabs
One method of increasing juvenile fish escapement from net cod-ends is to encourage fish to approach the netting by placing an active stimulating device (ASD) in the cod-end. Two types of ASD were tested inside model cod-ends to generate variable visual stimuli. One was a free-end flag-like net panel and the other consisted of an array of free-ended ropes. Escape responses of juvenile red seabream were observed in a circulating water channel using a cod-end fitted with the ASD, and they were compared with responses to conventional polyethylene multi-ply, high-contrast cod-ends with and without ASD made from either 28- or 43-mm mesh under three light conditions. With the ASD attached, the retention rate was significantly lower, 20%, than for conventional cod-ends except in dim light with 28...
Empty palm fruit bunch fiber (EPFBF), a readily available cellulosic biomass from palm processing facilities, is investigated as a potential carbohydrate source for cellulosic ethanol production. This feedstock was pretreated using ammonia fiber expansion (AFEX) and enzymatically hydrolyzed. The best tested AFEX conditions were at 135??C, 45?min retention time, water to dry biomass loading of 1:1 (weight ratio), and ammonia to dry biomass loading of 1:1 (weight ratio). The particle size of the pretreated biomass was reduced post-AFEX. The optimized enzyme formulation consists of Accellerase (84??L/g biomass), Multifect Xylanase (31??L/g biomass), and Multifect Pectinase (24??L/g biomass). This mixture achieved close to 90% of the total maximum yield within 72?h of enzymatic hydrolysis. Fer...
The thermal-hydraulic performance in periodic frosting conditions is experimentally studied for the parallel-flow parallel-fin heat exchanger, henceforth referred to as a PF{sup 2} heat exchanger, a new style of heat exchanger that uses louvered bent fins on flat tubes to enhance water drainage when the flat tubes are horizontal. Typically, it takes a few frosting/defrosting cycles to come to repeatable conditions. The criterion for the initiation of defrost and a sufficiently long defrost period are determined for the test PF{sup 2} heat exchanger and test condition. The effects of blower operation on the pressure drop, frost accumulation, water retention, and capacity in time are compared under the conditions of 15 sequential frosting cycles. Pressure drop across the heat exchanger and overall heat transfer coefficient are quantified under frost conditions as functions of the air humidity and air face velocity. The performances of two types of flat-tube heat ...
The design of high level radioactive waste (HLW) repositories in deep geological media in which bentonite clay is proposed as a sealing material leads to the need of further studying the behaviour of highly compacted expansive soils when subjected to mechanical, hydraulic and thermal changes. Laboratory tests may help to understand the processes that take place in the clay barrier under simple and controlled conditions and to develop the governing equations. The laboratory tests enable to isolate the different processes, making their interpretation easier, and provide with fundamental data concerning the parameters to be used in the models. The extremely low permeability of these materials, their avidity for water (high suction) and their high swelling capacity make necessary the modification of the conventional laboratory techniques and procedures to determine basic physical parameters. The main hydraulic properties of the barrier to be considered are the permeability and the water ...
The use of entire plant communities of native species is gaining interest in the green roof industry. Plant communities must be matched with environmental conditions that mimic conditions in their original habitats. Urban built environments do not differ significantly from the rocky outcrops with poor, shallow soil that many plants colonize. This paper provided details of an experiment investigating the impact of plant community structure and species diversity on living roof performance. The aim of the experiment was to determine the impact of species diversity on precipitation interception, nutrient retention, temporal biomass constancy and roof temperature constancy. The diversity treatment included separate monocultures of 8 species in the community, randomly determined mixtures of 4 species, and a mixture of all 8. Functional groups included mosses, liverworts, colonial algae and a mycorrhizal inoculum. In a second experiment, between 1 and 4 of the functional ...
Wood usage for cooking and heating is still very relevant in most developing countries especially those of sub-Saharan Africa and many parts of Asia. Therefore, sustainable means of generating it for this and other purposes are necessary bearing in mind the influence of indigenous knowledge/users' perspective on any production method regarding success and sustenance. In conformity with this view, questionnaires were administered on 240 respondents in 8 rural communities of Akinyele and Ido Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Oyo State, Nigeria, to elicit information on species that can be used as fuelwood, preferred by the respondents for incorporation into and/or retention in agroforestry plots, out of which 179 (i.e. 75% of the total number of questionnaires administered) were successfully retrieved for statistical analyses. Twelve woody species namely: Annona senegalensis, Anogeissus leiocarpus, Bridelia ferruginea, Daniellia oliveri, Detarium microcarpum, ...
The aim of the present study was to describe the distribution and remobilization of plutonium (Pu) in the sediments off the Rhone river mouth. Most of the {sup 238}Pu and {sup 239,240}Pu isotopes introduced into the Rhone River were discharged by the liquid effluents released from the Marcoule reprocessing plant, located 120 km upstream the river mouth. Due to its high affinity for particles and its long half life, {sup 238}Pu is a promising tracer to follow the dispersion of particulate matter from the Rhone River to the Mediterranean Sea. During the 3 REMORA cruises, sediment samples were specifically collected in the Rhone pro-delta area and more offshore on the whole continental shelf of the Gulf of Lions. The measurements of alpha emitters gave a first detailed spatial distribution of Pu isotope concentrations in surface sediments off the Rhone mouth. Using {sup 137}Cs concentrations and their correlations with Pu isotopes, we were able to give a first estimate of Pu inventories ...
A.C.R.O. (Association pour le Controle de la Radioactivite dans l'Ouest) is a French non governmental organisation that operates a laboratory for radioactivity analysis. It was created in 1986 as a response to people demands for information and reliable, independent testing. The organisation mainly carries out missions of information and training for its correspondents and more generally for a wide audience, particularly for people who worry about problems of environment, health, management of radioactive waste and emissions. Thanks to its structure, it enables citizens to involve themselves together with scientists so as to gain access to information that was hither to reserved to specialists. The organisation can vouchsafe its independence from the diversity of its members and volunteers, as well as from the diversity of its money resources. Besides its headquarters situated on the city of Caen area (Normandy), three branches situated in North Normandy, ...
The results of the thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) study of the FEBEX bentonite performed during FEBEX II are presented. The laboratory test program continued in part with the works carried out during FEBEX I, particularly in activities related to tests aimed to the calibration of the models, the acquisition of parameters by back-analysis and the improvement of the knowledge on the behaviour of expansive clays. But the program has also included tests on new areas: investigations about the influence of the microstructure changes in bentonite, of temperature and of the solute concentration on the behaviour of clay. Besides, several tests were proposed in order to understand the unexpected behaviour observed in the mock-up test, towards the end of year 2. Temperature effects on water retention curves in confined and unconfined conditions were determined, and swelling pressure, hydraulic conductivity and swelling and consolidation strains as a function of temperature ...
The following paragraphs summarize the progress of each research project funded under the WVU Cooperative Agreement during the third quarter of 1997 (July - September 1997). The projects are arranged according to their 1997 WVU task number. WVU Focus Area 1.0: Subsurface Contaminants, Containment and Remediation Task No. 1.1: Project discontinued. Task No. 1.2: Development of Standard Test Protocols and Barrier Design Models for Desiccation Barriers (K. Amininan & S. Ameri): A number of experiments were preformed this period to evaluate the ability of the dried sand-packs to act as a barrier to liquids. Water infiltration tests were done with a constant head, dispersing 80 ml of water, and by adding water in small increments. Results indicate that when the water is spilled over the sand-pack, it has the tendency to channel through the sand-pack, significantly reducing the capacity of the dried zone to retain liquid contaminants. This appears to be largely influenced by particle ...
According to the present concept, the low and intermediate level wastes generated during the Cernavoda NPP operation will be disposed in a near surface repository. The Saligny site, placed in the NPP protected area, has been proposed for their disposal. Geologically, the main components of this site are the quaternary loess, the Precambrian and Pre-quaternary clays, the Eocene and Barremian limestone. Hydrologically, the site can be divided into a vadose zone down to 45-50 m and three distinct aquifers, two of them in the limestone beds and the third in the lenses of sand and limestone existing in the pre-quaternary clay layer. A large research program for site characterization was initiated in 1996. At present, the site characteristics requested for safety analysis have been experimentally measured on soil samples or calculated by different computer programs. Hundreds of experimental values of the density, porosity, hydraulic conductivity, soil-water retention, ...
In order to practice a design-by-analysis of thermohydraulics design of BWR fuel rod bundles, the subchannel analysis would play a major role. There, the immediate concern is improvement in its predictive capability of CHF due in particular to the film dryout (boiling transition phenomena: BT) on the fuel rod surface. Constitutive equations in the subchannel analysis formulation are responsible for the quality of calculated results. The constitutive equations are a result of integration of the local and instantaneous description of two-phase flows over the subchannel control volume. In general, they are expressed in terms of subchannel-control-volume- as well as area-averaged two-phase flow state variables. In principle the information on local and instantaneous physical phenomena taking place inside subchannels must be counted for in the algebraic form of the equations on the basis of a more mechanistic modeling approach. They should include also influences of the multi-dimensional ...
The main conclusion of the study on the title subject is that the impacts of climatic change in the Netherlands are still limited. However, the impacts will be stronger in the next decades and will be even problematic at the end of this century. In this book an overview is given of probable changes in the climate for the Netherlands, danger for flooding in specific areas of the Netherlands, changes of the nature, impacts for agriculture, tourism and recreation, and industry and businesses, and risks for public health. [Dutch] De effecten van klimaatverandering in Nederland zijn nu nog beperkt. Ze zullen echter de komende decennia toenemen, maar pas tegen het eind van deze eeuw problematisch worden. Dat is de hoofdboodschap van de titelstudie. De studie is opgesteld in samenwerking met een reeks instellingen, die zijn verenigd in het Platform Communicatie Klimaatverandering (PCCC). Het klimaat verandert: de zeespiegel stijgt, de afvoeren van de rivieren nemen toe. De natuur reageert al ...
A.C.R.O. (Association pour le Controle de la Radioactivite dans l Ouest) is a French non governmental organisation that operates a laboratory for radioactivity analysis. It was created in 1986 as a response to people demands for information and reliable, independent testing. The organisation mainly carries out missions of information and training for its correspondents and more generally for a wide audience, particularly for people who worry about problems of environment, health, management of radioactive waste and emissions. Thanks to its structure, it enables citizens to involve themselves together with scientists so as to gain access to information that was hither to reserved to specialists. The organisation can vouchsafe its independence from the diversity of its members and volunteers, as well as from the diversity of its money resources. Besides its headquarters situated on the city of Caen area (Normandy), three branches situated in North Normandy, in ...
[sup 123]I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) myocardial scintigraphy was performed in 20 diabetic patients (NIDDM) and 8 control subjects to investigate the association between clinical autonomic nerve dysfunction and myocardial accumulation of MIBG. We used coefficient variance of R-R interval (CV[sub R-R]) as a index of the autonomic neuropathy and categorized diabetes into two groups (CV[sub R-R][>=]2.0: non-autonomic neuropathy. CV[sub R-R]<2.0: autonomic neuropathy). In planar imaging studies, heart to mediastinum MIBG uptake ratio (H/M) was calculated on both early and delayed images. The washout ratio of [sup 123]I-MIBG in the heart (%WR) was also obtained using myocardial tracer activity on the both images. Mean value of these indices in diabetic group did not reveal any significant difference with the value in the control group. On the SPECT images, low uptake was observed in the posterior-inferior wall with normal uptake of [sup 201]Tl in diabetic patients with ...
Between December 2001 and May 2004, a ventilation experiment (VE) was performed in the Mont Terri Underground Research Laboratory (URL) and co-financed by the Commission of the European Communities. The objective was to investigate the desaturation of consolidated clay formations in consequence of the ventilation of underground openings of a repository in such a formation. The results of the geoelectric measurements performed in the second phase of the Mont Terri ventilation test can be summarized as follows: Geoelectric tomography has been found suitable for monitoring ventilation-induced saturation changes in the Opalinus clay. During ventilation with dry air a desaturation down to below 50% could be detected in both desaturation cycles. The desaturated zone extends less than 0.5 m into the rock around the microtunnel. During the second resaturation phase, ventilation with humid air led to quick resaturation at the tunnel surface, while resaturation of the rock mass took months. The ...
Between December 2001 and May 2004, a ventilation experiment (VE) was performed in the Mont Terri Underground Research Laboratory (URL) and co-financed by the Commission of the European Communities. The objective was to investigate the desaturation of consolidated clay formations in consequence of the ventilation of underground openings of a repository in such a formation. The results of the geoelectric measurements performed in the second phase of the Mont Terri ventilation test can be summarized as follows: Geoelectric tomography has been found suitable for monitoring ventilation-induced saturation changes in the Opalinus clay. During ventilation with dry air a desaturation down to below 50% could be detected in both desaturation cycles. The desaturated zone extends less than 0.5 m into the rock around the microtunnel. During the second resaturation phase, ventilation with humid air led to quick resaturation at the tunnel surface, while resaturation of the rock mass took months. The ...
As wastewater travels through a sewer system it undergoes changes in composition. The changes in composition may be caused by chemical, physical and/or biological processes. At present engineers do not take into consideration the impacts of these processes on the wastewater quality when designing wastewater treatment systems. However, the impact of these processes on the chemical oxygen demand, biochemical oxygen demand, nitrogen and phosphorus content of the wastewater can be significant. In the case of the biological processes, microorganisms present in the water as it travels through the sewer system are similar to those found in an activated sludge process. Given that the microorganism population and the hydraulic retention time often resembles that of an activated sludge process, it would seem only reasonable to look further into the possibility of using sewers as wastewater treatment systems. Furthermore, the plug flow regime of a sanitary sewer is inherently ...
Cold deformation of YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7-x}(phase 123, T{sub c} = 88.5-92 K) powders and strips causes partial decomposition of the 123 phase, a reduction in the degree of orthorhombicity of the structure up to almost complete degradation, and a decrease in T{sub c}. When they are deformed, yttrium high temperature superconductors acquire basal (001) (110) texture with high pole density (13-15 arbitrary units), low scattering angle ({+-} 6deg--7deg from the normal direction), and a weak preference for a, b or a + b in the rolling direction; traces of (139) orientations may also be found. This texture is known to be favourable for increasing j{sub k}. The combined effect of cold deformation and a carbon-containing binder leads, however, to a complete loss of superconductivity at 77 K or above. Depending on the regime of subsequent annealing, the following effects may be observed: degradation of the orthorhombic structure with a decrease in T{sub c}; restoration of the orthorhombic ...
The experience base regarding fission product behavior developed during the Rover program, the nuclear rocket development program of 1955--1972, will be useful in planning a renewed nuclear rocket program. During the Rover program, 20 reactors were tested at the Nuclear Rocket Development Station in Nevada. Nineteen of these discharged effluent directly into the atmosphere; the last reactor tested, a non-flight-prototypic, fuel-element-testing reactor called the Nuclear Furnace (NF-1) was connected to an effluent cleanup system that removed fission products before the hydrogen coolant (propellant) was discharged to the atmosphere. In general, we are able to increase both test duration and fuel temperature during the test series. Therefore fission product data from the later part of the program are more interesting and more applicable to future reactors. We have collected fission product retention (and release) data reported in both formal and informal publications ...
Three different magnetic regimes; aerial, surface and buried; each with three different forces, have been used to investigate their effects on the water contents and photosynthetic pigments of sweet basil plants (Ocimum basilicum L.). Two groups of sweet basil seeds, Ocimum basilicum L. have been cultivated, one under normal conditions and the second has been subdivided into three portion (aerial, surface and buried) to examine the effect of different magnetic forces coming from the three directions on the resulted plants. At all directions of magnets, water contents have been significantly affected by the magnetic forces. Chlorophyll A and carotene contents have been affected, as well, according to the three magnetic forces coming from soil surface regime only. Chlorophyll B did not significantly affected by differences magnetic forces in the three regimes, but it is affected by magnetism wherever its direction or force. But all the photosynthetic pigments contents (Chlorophyll A, B ...
As a result of the large limestone deposits available in Poland, the low cost of reagent acquisition for the largescale technological use and relatively well-documented processes of flue gas desulfurization (FGD) technologies based on limestone sorbent slurry, wet scrubbing desulfurization is a method of choice in Poland for flue gas treatment in energy production facilities, including power plants and industrial systems. The efficiency of FGD using the above method depends on several technological and kinetic parameters, particularly on the pH value of the sorbent (i.e., ground limestone suspended in water). Consequently, many studies in Poland and abroad address the impact of various parameters on the pH value of the sorbent suspension, such as the average diameter of sorbent particles (related to the limestone pulverization degree), sorbent quality (in terms of pure calcium carbonate [CaCO3] content of the sorbent material), stoichiometric surfeit of CaCO3 in relation to sulfur ...
The first study in this dissertation describes the development of a suppressed ion chromatographic (SIC) technique for the direct, simultaneous determination of the As and Se oxyanions in soil solution. Baseline resolution of 1 mg L[sup [minus]1] each of arsenite, arsenate, selenite, and selenate was achieved in the presence of 50 mg L[sup [minus]1] each of F, Cl, NO[sub 3]-N, SO[sub 4]-S, and PO[sub 4]-P. Detection limits ranged from 0.026 mg L[sup [minus]1] for selenite to 0.120 mg L[sup [minus]1] for arsenate. The accuracy of the SIC technique was verified by comparison to spectroscopic methods. The second study investigated the suitability of linear-plateau regression analysis for statistical evaluation of As adsorption data. The time required to reach the adsorption plateau depended on soil characteristics and As species. Identification of the adsorption plateau by the linear-plateau model allowed comparison of adsorption rates and maxima through analysis of covariance and least ...
This paper presents the present status of R and D activities on plasma facing components for fusion reactors, such as International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) and fusion demonstration reactor (DEMO). The plasma facing components (PFCs) as typified by divertor and first wall components are subjected to high heat flux and particle flux from fusion plasma. It is essential for these components to have sufficient heat removal capability and robust structure against those loadings. JAEA has been carried out to develop the ITER-PFCs which consist of copper alloys and armor materials with high thermal conductivity, such as carbon fiber composites, tungsten and beryllium. The demonstration of the thermomechanical performance of the ITER-PFCs by using mock-ups has successfully been made under close mutual cooperation between the participant countries of ITER. Currently, the activity on the development of the ITER-PFCs is in a qualification phase prior to the bulk production for ...
In 1977 and 1978, workers at Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL) developed and tested a process for the regeneration and reuse of silver mordenite, AgZ, used to trap iodine from the dissolver off-gas stream of a nuclear fuel reprocessing plant. We were requested by the Airborne Waste Management Program Office of the Department of Energy to perform a confirmatory recycle study using repeated loadings at about 150/sup 0/C with elemental iodine, each followed by a drying step at 300/sup 0/C, then by iodine removal using elemental hydrogen at 500/sup 0/C. The results of our study show that AgZ can be recycled. There was considerable difficulty in stripping the iodine at 500/sup 0/C.; however, this step went reasonably well at 550/sup 0/C or slightly higher, with no apparent loss in the iodine-loading capacity of the AgZ. Large releases of elemental iodine occurred during the drying stage and the early part of the stripping stage. Lead zeolite, which was employed in the original ...
Quantitative bone scintigraphy was performed in patients with prostatic carcinoma before orchiectomy as well as two weeks, two and six months after operation. The count rate was recorded as serial gamma camera images over the lower thoracic and all lumbar vertebrae from 1 to 240 min and at 24 h after injection of "9"9"Tc"m-MDP. In almost all abnormal vertebrae an increased count rate was observed within one hour after injection. Most of the vertebrae which were considered normal at 4 h after injection, but had an increased 24h/4h ratio developed into abnormal vertebrae later in the study. The patients with normal bone scintigrams showed no change in "9"9Tc"m-MDP uptake during the study. The reproducibility of quantitative bone scintigraphy was found to be #+-# 7% (1 SD). In response to therapy, most of the patients with abnormal bone scintigrams showed an increase in count rate two weeks after operation followed by a decrease to the pre-operative level after two months and a further ...
A three-dimensional, three-phase, multiple-component numerical simulator was developed to investigate transport and growth of microorganisms in porous media and the impacts of microbial activities on oil recovery. The microbial activities modeled in this study included: (1) growth, retention, chemotaxis, and end product inhibition of growth, (2) the formation of metabolic products, and (3) the consumption of nutrients. Major mechanisms for microbial enhanced oil recovery (MEOR) processes were modeled as follows: (1) improvement in sweep efficiency of a displacement process due to in situ plugging of highly-permeable production zones by cell mass or due to improved mobility control achieved by increasing the viscosity of the displacing fluid with a biopolymer, and (2) solubilization and mobilization of residual oil in porous media due to the reduction of the interfacial tension between oleic and aqueous phases by the production of a biosurfactant. The numerical ...
Administration of [ring-U-14C]propanil (3,4-dichloropropionanilide) to male Sprague-Dawley rats (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg, ip) increased the formation of methemoglobin at the two highest doses. Following a propanil dose of 100 mg/kg, methemoglobin formation attained a maximum level of 5% by 1.5 hr and declined to normal levels (approximately 2.5%) by 12 hr. Hemoglobin binding attained a maximum level of 50 pmol/mg protein by 12 hr, and remained constant for 24 hr. Following a propanil dose of 300 mg/kg, methemoglobin formation attained a maximum level of 24% by 4.5 hr, and declined to a level of 5% by 24 hr. Hemoglobin binding attained a maximum level of 425 pmol/mg protein by 12 hr, and remained constant for 24 hr. Hemoglobin binding was also detected at the lowest propanil dose (10 pmol/mg protein) even though methemoglobin formation was not observed. HPLC analysis of alkaline-treated hemoglobin from propanil-treated rats indicated the presence of one radiolabeled compound with the ...
The presence of water in export coals increases transport and handling costs. Coarse (+0.5 mm) coal constitutes the majority of the product, and small changes in its final moisture content will have a significant effect on overall product moisture. An on-line moisture monitor was installed on a product belt immediately after a coarse coal centrifuge to continuously measure the moisture content of the coal from a single centrifuge. Basic studies were also conducted with a laboratory centrifuge specifically designed to characterize various coarse coal samples in terms of their water retention capacity. The moisture of the coarse coal (typically 6 to 9%) was found to vary by at least 1% at a particular plant, and by a number of percentage points between plants. An empirical model has been developed which can explain about 80% of the moisture variation from the 25 samples investigated. The rank of the coals ranged from 0.7 to 1.65% mean reflectance. The model ...
This conference provided a forum for more than 500 delegates from industry, government universities and research centres to share their professional knowledge on research and development that affects all sectors of geotechnical engineering, applied geology and hydrogeology. Accomplishments in the geoenvironmental field were also highlighted. The geotechnical sessions were entitled: pile foundations and load testing; excavations and special foundation issues; reinforced soil and soil-structure interactions; advances in modelling, constitutive issues; advances in modelling, consolidation and other applications; advances in modelling, discrete elements and slope stability; embankments and dams; landfills and barriers; fundamental soil mechanics; soil mechanics and ground movement; GIS and remote sensing; landslides and slopes; cone penetration tests and liquefaction assessment; rock mechanics; engineering geology; geoenvironmental sustainability; oilsand and petroleum geomechanics; and, ...
We labelled Lipiodol with yttrium-90 and analysed the biodistribution in rats after intrahepatic arterial injection. An RP-18 column was used to separate {sup 90}Y from strontium-90. {sup 90}Y was retained on the column, which had been pretreated with yttrium-selective extraction reagent, di(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate, while {sup 90}Sr was washed out. A hexadentate nitrogen-donor chelating ligand N,N,N`,N`-tetrakis(2-benzymidazolylmethyl)-1,2-ethanediamine (EDTB) was synthesized by condensation of 1,2-benzenediamine and ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA). Lipiodol was covalently conjugated with EDTB. The final product was obtained by eluting the retained {sup 90}Y from the RP-18 column with EDTB-Lipiodol. Sixteen male rats (Sprague-Dawley) were sacrificed at 1 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h (four rats at each time) after injection of approximately 0.1 mCi {sup 90}Y-Lipiodol via the hepatic artery. Samples of liver, spleen, muscle, lung, kidney, bone, whole blood and testis were obtained ...
A preliminary geologic investigation was conducted to determine if Triassic sedimentary rocks of the Sanford basin and Colon cross structure in North Carolina are favorable hosts for uranium deposits. Rocks of adjacent Carolina slate belt were also examined as a potential source of uranium. On the basis of favorability criteria for sandstone-type uranium deposits, and geologic and geophysical investigations of the study area, the most favorable sites for further investigation are (1) at the contacts between the Pekin and Cumnock and between the Pekin and Sanford Formations near the Colon cross structure and (2) at the base of the Jonesboro fault, which lies below the Sanford Formation, northwest of Sanford. The highly weathered granites southeast of the Jonesboro fault were a source of the detritus deposited on the cross structure and may have been a primary source of uranium. Uranium leached from the coarse sediment (Pekin Formation) of the cross structure may have been transported ...
Nitrogen metabolism and protozoa production rate using "1"4C-choline as marker were studied on 9 adult male crossbred (Tharparker x Brown Swiss) rumen fistulated animals divided into 3 groups (A, B and C). All the animals were fed concentrate mixture and wheatstraw. However, groundnut cake (GNC) in concentrate mixture was untreated in group A, 50 per cent formaldehyde treated in group B and 100 per cent formaldehyde treated in group C. Although, DM intake was similar in these groups but water intake was significantly (P<0.05) higher in control group. Total-N, ammonia-N and blood urea were significantly lower in group B and C as compared to group A. Apparent CP digestibility was not affected by addition of formaldehyde treated GNC at 50 and 100 per cent levels. However, N balances increased significantly (P<0.05) due to addition of protected protein in diet. Protozoal pool as well as production rate were significantly (P<0.01) decreased due to formaldehyde treatment of GNC ...
Cinnabar, a naturally occurring mercuric sulfide (HgS), has long been used in combination with traditional Chinese medicine as a sedative for more than 2000 years. Up to date, its pharmacological and toxicological effects are still unclear, especially in clinical low-dose and long-term use. In this study, we attempted to elucidate the effects of cinnabar on the time course of changes in locomotor activities, pentobarbital-induced sleeping time, motor equilibrium performance and neurobiochemical activities in mice during 3- to 11-week administration at a clinical dose of 10 mg/kg/day. The results showed that cinnabar was significantly absorbed by gastrointestinal (G-I) tract and transported to brain tissues. The spontaneous locomotor activities of male mice but not female mice were preferentially suppressed. Moreover, frequencies of jump and stereotype-1 episodes were progressively decreased after 3-week oral administration in male and female mice. Pentobarbital-induced sleeping time ...
The dominant shrubs were sagebrush and spiny hopsage; the herbs were dominated by cheatgrass and Sandberg bluegrass. Spiny hopsage appeared to be vulnerable to burning and also to damage by off-road vehicular traffic. It appears to have little or no ability to reproduce through seedlings; once the existing plants are killed they are not likely to be replaced, even if seed-producing plants are nearby. The only pure stand of spiny hopsage known to exist on the Hanford Site is on and near study plot 2H. Sagebrush, like spiny hopsage, is killed by burning and by heavy vehicles. Sagebrush is capable of reproducing via seeds, indicating that it is an inherently aggressive species with a capacity to reestablish itself if parent plants are in the vicinity to act as seed sources. Alien, annual plants, especially cheatgrass, were a major contributor to the herbaceous canopy cover in plots 3S, 4S, and 5S. However, native perennial grasses, especially Sandberg bluegrass, were a major contributor ...
The disposition of three (1-/sup 14/C)-chlorododecanes (MCDD, PCDD I and PCDD II; 17.4%, 55.9%, and 68.5% chlorination) was studied in C57Bl mice. (1-/sup 14/C)-lauric acid (LA) was studied as reference compound. Fifty-two percent (MCDD), 32% (PCDD I), and 8% (PCDD II) of the radioactive doses were exhaled as /sup 14/CO/sub 2/ during 12 h after i.v. injection. Similar results were obtained after p.o. administration. In addition to a marked labelling of the liver and fat, the distribution patterns observed at 24 h after administration revealed an uptake of radioactivity in tissues with high cell turnover/high metabolic activity, e.g., intestinal mucosa, bone marrow, salivary glands and thymus. The concentration of radioactivity in these sites and the exhalation of /sup 14/CO/sub 2/, which were inverse to the degree of chlorination, indicate that the chloroalkanes are degraded to metabolites which can be utilized in the intermediary metabolism. A similar, although more pronounced, ...
Purpose: Hormonal activity causes breast volume to change during the menstrual cycle. One possible cause of this volume change is thought to be due to water retention or oedema within the tissues. We used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to study the variation in breast volume and {sup 1}H Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) to measure T{sub 2} relaxation times which are known to increase with increasing tissue water content. We hypothesised that an increase in breast volume will elevate T{sub 2} relaxation due to the presence of an increased water content within the breast. T{sub 2} Relaxation time and volume were studied in fifteen control subjects and in a cohort of eight patients with cyclical mastalgia in order to determine whether changes in breast volume and T{sub 2} relaxation times differed in controls and patients during menses, ovulation and premenses. Method: Breast volume was determined by the Cavalieri method in combination with point counting ...
Estimated kokanee (Oncorhynchus nerka) abundance in Lake Pend Oreille was 4.3 million during September 1986. This estimate was similar to 1985 and indicates continued suppression of the kokanee population since initial decline in the late 1960s. Atypically high survival of wild fry resulted in similar fry recruitment in 1986 as 1985, whereas hatchery-reared fry contributed only 8% to total fry recruitment as a result of low post-release survival (3%). Fry released into the Clark Fork River from Cabinet Gorge Hatchery had very low survival during emigration to Lake Pend Oreille, resulting from poor flow conditions and potentially high predation. Fry survival during emigration was twice as high during nighttime flows of 16,000 cfs than 7,800 cfs. Emigration also was faster during higher flows. Several marks were tested to differentially mark fry release groups to help determine impacts of flow and other factors on fry survival. Survival of fry marked with tetracycline and fluorescent dye ...
Nano materials are usually difficult to prepare. This work presents a simple way of preparing LiMn{sub 2}O{sub 4} nano powders using the high-energy ball milling method. This method has the advantage of producing pure, single-phase and crystalline nano powders. The milling method is carefully controlled to avoid unwanted chemical reactions that may change the stoichiometry of the material. Nano powders of between 30 and 50 nm are obtained. Structural studies of the nano powders, as well as the more conventional micron-sized LiMn{sub 2}O{sub 4}, are made using X-ray diffraction and neutron diffraction methods. Electrochemical evaluation of the materials is undertaken with a three-probe cyclic voltammetry technique and galvanostatic charge-discharge measurements. Structural studies reveal that not only are the crystallites of the nano powders much reduced in size from the normal powders, but their cell parameters are also smaller. The performance characteristics of the nano material show ...
Vermicomposts as a biofertilizer can be a great option for pond manuring as they never cause any long term harm to the soil like chemical fertilizer. In this study vegetable and horticulture waste was used as an important media for vermiculture. Three separate cemented tanks (6 m{sup 3} each) were used in the system as control tank, vermicompost fertilized tank and inorganic fertilizer manured tank. Monoculture of fish was carried out with cat fish, Clarias batrachus. The produced earthworms were used as fish feed. Regular monitoring of water parameter was conducted in three different ponds. Specifically, the algal biomass variation was quite helpful in analysing the behavior of the ponds. NPK value of soil samples was analyzed intermittently to know the eutrophication level. Despite the hot summer temperature in northern part of India, which is not ideal for fish growth, we have recorded an encouraging growth performance in organic manured pond along with inorganic fertilizer treated ...
CeO{sub 2}-coated LiMn{sub 2}O{sub 4} spinel cathode was synthesized using two-step synthesis method. All the samples exhibited a pure cubic spinel structure without any impurities in the XRD patterns. The results of the electrochemical performances on CeO{sub 2}-coated electrode are compared to those of electrodes based on LiMn{sub 2}O{sub 4} spinel without CeO{sub 2} coating. CeO{sub 2}-coated LiMn{sub 2}O{sub 4} cathode improved the cycling stability of the electrode. The capacity retention of 2 wt% CeO{sub 2}-coated LiMn{sub 2}O{sub 4} was more than 82% after 150 cycles between 3.0 and 4.4 V at room temperature and 82% after 40 cycles at elevated temperature of 60 C. The amounts of dissolved manganese-ions in CeO{sub 2}-coated LiMn{sub 2}O{sub 4} significantly are smaller than pristine LiMn{sub 2}O{sub 4} systems especially at elevated temperatures. Surface-modified LiMn{sub 2}O{sub 4} can suppress the dissolution reaction of manganese-ions at elevated ...
On the basis of soil losses records during 10 years, three levels of water erosion were established for two soil (Typical Hapludox and Oxic Dystropept) located on high and medium terraces of alluvial flat plain of piedmont in the Eastern Plains in La Libertad Research Center of CORPOICA. Eighteen 3 x 10 m"2 run-off plots were fitted out on a nonrandom arrangement of nine plots by landscape and three soil use and management treatments: zero grazing Brachiaria decumbens pasture for six years, up land rice, soybean and maize rotations for six years and bare soil for 10 years. Soil losses under these treatments allowed to define three degrees of erosion: slight (N_3 moderate (N_2) and severe (N_3) respectively. From each plot soil samples were taken at two depths for physical analyses. infiltration and resistance to cone penetration were measured in the field. Without exception water erosion produced a detrimental effect on soil physical properties and the hydrological function of both ...
The germination and growth of Pinus radials Don. plantlets in solid residues deriving from a Kraft pulp industry was evaluated. Plant conditions were monitored by histological studies of roots and shoot-tips, as well as by plant analyses of several essential and non essential elements. The solids employed consisted of ashes, fly-ashes, dregs, grits, primary sludge, brown stock screening rejects and various mixtures of them. Their addition, in a range of combinations to sandy/metamorphic or marine terrace/clay soils, resulted in effective and sustained growth under greenhouse conditions. Low proportions of wastes favored growth in most cases, indicating that they may act as fertilisers. In some experiments, especially in those where waste was added in proportions ranging from 50% to 60%, germination and/or development were slightly affected. Two-year old field experiments have confirmed that in spite of the high pH values, Na ion content or elevated water retention ...
The Phebus FP project in an international reactor safety project. Its main objective is to study the release, transport and retention of fission products in a severe accident of a Light Water Reactor (LWR). The FPT4 test was performed with a fuel debris bed geometry, to look at late phase core degradation and the releases of low volatile fission products and actinides. Post Test Analyses results indicate that releases of noble gases (Xe, Kr) and high-volatile fission products (Cs, I) were nearly complete and comparable to those obtained during Phebus tests performed with a fuel bundle geometry (FPT1, FPT2). Volatile fission products such as Mo, Te, Rb, Sb were released significantly as in previous tests. Ba integral release was greater than that observed during FPT1. Release of Ru was comparable to that observed during FPT1 and FPT2. As in other Phebus tests, the Ru distribution suggests Ru volatilization followed by fast redeposition in the fuelled section. The ...
Dams and reservoirs are among one of the most sensitive of all development Project, in terms of pervasiveness of their influence in altering the environmental conditions and resources. In the present study, major dams and reservoir projects are reviewed, from the environmental point of view. Dams and Reservoir projects bring about major changes in the immediate environment, thus affecting public health, settlements, farmlands, roads and historical sites. Impacts on human population and wildlife may be profound. Tropical diseases, involving fresh-water hosts or vectors in their transmission, are often common around new reservoirs. Large lakes create limnological changes, excessive evaporation, seepage, disturbance in water-table and increased tendencies of landslides and earthquakes. Micro climatic changes are possible, such as fog formation, increased cloudiness and modified rainfall-patterns. Retention of sediment results in silting up of reservoirs. Water ...
The purpose of this study was to assess the energy flux and energetic balance related to the swine production and the recycling of residues generated by the system for utilization as organic fertilizers. The experiment was carried out at Vale dos Ipes Farm, located in the city of Ouro Verde do Oeste, in the Western of Parana State. One finishing phase swine unity containing 600 animals was monitored from January to June 2005. The treatment system is composed by one steel digester with capacity for 50 m{sup 3}, one sedimentation tank, one algae tank and one bio fertilizer storage tank. The swine barn cleaning is performed by dry scratching on a daily basis. The generated residues flow by gravitation through ducts towards the digester. The duration of the hydraulic retention period was 12 days. In the calculation of energetic efficiency, the energetic component ration is the greatest energetic cost in production system of finishing phase swine, corresponding to 95% ...
An improved labeling procedure for peptides attached to organometallic 99mTc(III) '4+1' mixed-ligand complexes in which the radiometal is coordinated by a tripodal tetradentate chelator 2,2',2''-nitrilotriethanethiol (NS3) and a monodentate isocyanide ligand is presented. The labeling procedure was evaluated by the synthesis of [99mTc(NS3)(L2-RGD)]. The containing radiopharmaceutically interesting RGD-peptide cyclo[Arg-Gly-Asp-D-Tyr-Lys] was modified with 4-isocyanobutanoic acid (L2) as linker conjugated to N6-Lys to get the monodentate ligand L2-RGD. The structural identity of the 99mTc-conjugate was confirmed by comparison to a Re reference compound. The Tc- and Re-conjugates had matching retention times under identical HPLC conditions. The 99mTc-labeling was performed in a novel one-step procedure using the eluate of a 99Mo/99mTc generator, NS3, the isocyanide modified peptide, SnCl2, Na2EDTA, mannitol and ascorbic acid in the reaction mixture. Using optimized ...
Three different configurations of cylindrical submerged media anaerobic reactors (SMARs) with packing volumes of 85 items were operated at 35 C for 415 days with COD loading rates varying from 1 to 12 g/l/d and three retention times of 0.5, 1, and 2 days. A synthetic waste consisting of a milk solution with a mineral supplement was used for the feed. Tracer studies on clean-bed and dirty-bed SMARs indicate that reactor configuration, biogas mixing, and biomass accumulation all have a significant effect on SMAR hydraulics and cause short-circuiting. Based on the isothermal energy dissipation theory, the higher hydrostatic pressures resulting from higher SMAR heights increases self-induced biogas mixing and improves the contact efficiency between substrate and organisms. Based on TCOD removal rate, the tallest SMAR performed slightly better at COD loading rates above 4/g/l/d. At COD loading rates equal to or below 4 g/l/d, there was little difference in TCOD removal ...
The concentration and distribution of a soil fumigant in the subsurface of field plots are two key factors in the determination of the fumigant efficacy. Subsurface concentrations of the biologically active compounds cis- and trans-1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) and chloropicrin (CP) were determined in soil at two adjacent injection traces and midpoint between the two traces in plastic-covered field beds after injection of the fumigant Telone C35 by conventional chisels or by a coulter rig (Avenger coulters). Two of the four beds were covered with metallic polyethylene film (MPE) and the remaining two were covered with virtually impermeable film (VIF). Three hours after chisel injection, concentrations of the three compounds at the two adjacent injection traces in the two beds were highly variable. Large concentrations of the compounds were detected at the side traces, whereas the compounds were not detected at the middle traces (bed centers) in the two chisel-injected beds covered with ...
More than 80% of the people of Nepal are farmers and 90% of the farmers do farming for subsistence. Agricultural productions contribute about 50% of country's GDP. Agricultural sector has been categorized as the top priority sector since many years. The environment of the country has also deteriorated substantially by the unplanned and unscientific use of natural resources such as air, soil, water, air and forest. Fertility of the soil has also been declining and studies show that productions in mountains is decreasing at a rate of 40 Kg/ha. Yr (1). The Terai, a narrow strip of land in the south, is in heavy pressure due to over exploitation and population growth (both natural and migratory). Shallow groundwater (shallow tube wells) is the main source of drinking water in Terai (the lowland region of Nepal). A study conducted by Department of Water Supply and Sewerage (DWSS) showed that more than 55% of Terai tube wells are microbiologically contaminated (2). There might be many ...
The NCRP Wound Model, which describes the retention of selected radionuclides at the site of a contaminated wound and their uptake into the transfer compartment, has been combined with the ICRP element-specific systemic models for those radionuclides to derive dose coefficients for intakes via contaminated wounds. These coefficients can be used to generate derived regulatory guidance (i.e., the activity in a wound that would result in an effective dose of 20 or 50 mSv, or in some cases, a organ-equivalent dose of 500 mSv) and clinical decision guidance (i.e., activity levels that would indicate the need for consideration of medical intervention to remove activity from the wound site, administration of decorporation therapy or both). Data are provided for 38 radionuclides commonly encountered in various activities such as nuclear weapons, fuel fabrication or recycling, waste disposal, medicine, research, and nuclear power. These include 3H, 14C, 32P, 35S, 59Fe, ...
Devolution, as other types of decentralization (e.g. deconcentration, delegation, privatization), profoundly changes governance relations in the health system. Devolution is meant to affect performance of the health system by transferring responsibilities and authority to locally elected governments. The key question of this article is: what does devolution mean for human resources for health in Mali?This article assesses the key advantages and dilemmas associated with devolution such as responsiveness to local needs, downward accountability and health worker retention. Challenges of politics and capacities are also addressed in relation to human resources for health at the local level. Examples are derived from experiences in Mali with a capacity development programme and from case studies of other countries. It is not research findings that are presented, but highlights of key issues at stake aimed at inspiring the debate in Mali and elsewhere.A first lesson from ...
The Four years of the IMPACT, 'Integrated Modular Plant Analysis and Computing Technology' project Phase 1 have been completed. The verification study of Severe Accident Analysis Code SAMPSON prototype developed in Phase 1 was conducted in two steps. First, each analysis module was run independently and analysis results were compared and verified against separate-effect test data with good results. Test data are as follows: CORA-13 (FZK) for the Core Heat-up Module; VI-3 of HI/VI Test (ORNL) for the FP Release from Fuel Module; KROTOS-37 (JRC-ISPRA) for the Molten Core Relocation Module; Water Spread Test (UCSB) for the Debris Spreading Model and Benard's Melting Test for Natural Convection Model in the Debris Cooling Module; Hydrogen Burning Test (NUPEC) for the Ex-Vessel Thermal Hydraulics Module; PREMIX, PM10 (FZK) for the Steam Explosion Module; and SWISS-2 (SNL) for the Debris-Concrete Interaction Module. Second, with the Simulation Supervisory System, up to 11 analysis modules ...
The development of crud removal technology has started with the finding of the resin aging effect that an old ion exchange resin, aged by long year of use in the condensate demineralizer, had an enhanced crud removal capability. It was confirmed that some physical properties such as specific surface area and water retention capacity were increased due to degradation caused by long year of contact with active oxygens in the condensate water. So, it was speculated that those degradation in the resin matrix enhanced the adsorption of crud particulate onto the resin surface, hence the crud removal capability. Based on this, crud removal resin with greater surface area was first developed. This resin has shown an excellent crud removal efficiency in an actual power plant, and the crud iron concentration in the condensate effluent was drastically reduced by this application. However, the cross-linkage of the cation resin had to be lowered in a delicate manner for that ...
The development of crud removal technology has started with the finding of the resin aging effect that an old ion exchange resin, aged by long year of use in the condensate demineralizer, had an enhanced crud removal capability. It was confirmed that some physical properties such as specific surface area and water retention capacity were increased due to degradation caused by long year of contact with active oxygens in the condensate water. So, it was speculated that those degradation in the resin matrix enhanced the adsorption of crud particulate onto the resin surface, hence the crud removal capability. Based on this, crud removal resin with greater surface area was first developed. This resin has shown an excellent crud removal efficiency in an actual power plant, and the crud iron concentration in the condensate effluent was drastically reduced by this application. However, the cross-linkage of the cation resin had to be lowered in a delicate manner for that ...
Different SiAlON composites based on #alpha#'-SiAlON are investigated, with respect to the phase relationships, densification behavior, and mechanical properties. The compositions are located on a phase-diagram line parallel to the Si_3N_4-Y_2O_3#centre dot#9AlN compound in the Si_3N_4-SiO_2-AlN-Al_2O_3-Y_2O_3-YN system. Analysis of the reaction sequences shows that the formation of the composites is associated with the transient appearance of Y_4Al_2O_9 (YAM), yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG), melilite, and a nitrogen-rich liquid phase. The small shift of compositions on the Si_3N_4-Y_2O_3#centre dot#9AlN compound phase-diagram line toward the Al_2O_3-rich side offers the advantage of a higher sinterability and the removal of the melilite phase from a wide range of compositions containing #alpha#'-SiAlON and polytypes. The #alpha#'/#beta#'-SiAlON composites show better mechanical properties in comparison to pure #alpha#'-SiAlON and composites of #alpha#'-SiAlON and polytypes. A ...
Investigations of radionuclide metabolism and effects in various mammalian species revealed important similarities between animals and humans and between some animal species. These include skeletal deposition of radium and radiostrontium in bone volume; deposition on bone surfaces of plutonium and other actinides; liver deposition of actinides; induction of skeletal or liver malignancies by these radionuclides; induction of tooth and jaw abnormalities; mammary cancer induction by radium in humans and in the beagle; depression of circulating cells in blood; and induction of bone fractures. There are also inter-species differences that may not have been noted if multiple species (including humans) had not been studied. Some of these are more rapid excretion of radium in humans compared with most other mammals; induction by radium of eye melanomas in animals but not humans; rapid loss of deposited plutonium from liver in many species of mice and rats but not in humans and dog; substantial ...
In this study we have compared brain uptake and blood clearance of /sup 99/Tcsup(m)-N-ethylpiperi-dinediamino dithiol (/sup 99/Tcsup(m)-NEP DADT), its 4-methylated derivative (/sup 99/Tcsup(m)-Me-NEP-DADT) and /sup 99/Tcsup(m)-hexamethyl-propylene-amine-oxime (/sup 99/Tcsup(m)-HMPAO) with that of N-isopropyl(/sup 123/I)iodoamphetamine (/sup 123/IAMP) in two dogs. Single photon emission tomography (SPECT) was employed to measure brain accumulation and retention of the four radiopharmaceuticals. Cerebral uptake of the /sup 99/Tcsup(m) complexes was lower than that of /sup 123/IAMP. There was considerable extracerebral activity in the dog's head, especially in the olfactory and snout regions. Because of slow blood clearance, /sup 99/Tcsup(m)-HMPAO showed high uptake in these regions. Brain uptake of /sup 99/Tcsup(m)-HMPAO reached a plateau 5 to 10 min after intravenous injection and remained constant for the entire study period (1 h). /sup ...
A study was conducted to determine the feasibility and the opportunity of photochemical pretreatment on the biodegradation and detoxification of Methyl Tert Butyl Ether (MTBE), Ethyl Tert Butyl Ether (ETBE) and Tert Amyl Methyl Ether (TAME), the most common oxygenates used as octane enhancers in unleaded gasoline. The production, storage, uses and disposal of oxygenates result in an unknown amount of groundwater pollution. Because of their high solubility, MTBE, ETBE and TAME are detected in large portions in saturated zones of aquifers. The biodegradation of these oxygenates is difficult and slow, and information regarding their biodegradability is scarce. Photo-decomposition of oxidants under appropriate UV radiation has been shown to be very effective because the hydroxyl radicals produced possess high oxidation potential. In this study, the H{sub 2}O{sub 2}/UV process was used to generate hydroxyl radicals. Maximal oxygenates transformation was obtained in a few minutes. The ...
A study was conducted to determine the feasibility and the opportunity of photochemical pretreatment on the biodegradation and detoxification of Methyl Tert Butyl Ether (MTBE), Ethyl Tert Butyl Ether (ETBE) and Tert Amyl Methyl Ether (TAME), the most common oxygenates used as octane enhancers in unleaded gasoline. The production, storage, uses and disposal of oxygenates result in an unknown amount of groundwater pollution. Because of their high solubility, MTBE, ETBE and TAME are detected in large portions in saturated zones of aquifers. The biodegradation of these oxygenates is difficult and slow, and information regarding their biodegradability is scarce. Photo-decomposition of oxidants under appropriate UV radiation has been shown to be very effective because the hydroxyl radicals produced possess high oxidation potential. In this study, the H_2O_2/UV process was used to generate hydroxyl radicals. Maximal oxygenates transformation was obtained in a few minutes. The experiment ...
A precise admixtures system is needed when using high-volume fly ash concrete as fresh concrete occasionally undergoes rapid slump loss after mixing, which can cause problems with casting, pumping and finishing of the concrete in hot weather. This paper provided details of a study conducted to implement high-volume fly ash concrete technology in India. Different families of admixtures were investigated to determine their water reduction capacities. A set-retarding admixture was used in some of the concrete mixtures in order to determine its efficacy. An Indian Portland cement was used to create a total of 22 different concrete mixtures. Four different fly ashes were used to replace portions of the concrete. The slump of the fresh concrete mixture was monitored for 2 to 3 hours. Unit weight and temperature of the concrete was measured. Specimens were cast in steel moulds in order to determine the compressive strength and unit weight of the hardened concrete. The concretes were demoulded ...
The hemispheres-in-cell model for colloid transport and deposition in simple granular filtration media preserves the utilities provided in the Happel sphere-in-cell but also incorporates features (e.g., grain-to-grain contact) that are shown to drive colloid deposition from experiments and simulations when colloid-surface repulsion exists (Ma, H.; Pedel, J.; Fife, P.; Johnson, W. P. Environ. Sci. Technol., 2009, in press). The capability of the hemispheres-in-cell model to predict colloid deposition in the absence of repulsive energy barriers for different particle sizes and fluid flow velocities was previously examined (Ma, H.; Pedel, J.; Fife, P.; Johnson, W. P. Environ. Sci. Technol., 2009, in press). In this article, we examine the influence of porosity on colloid deposition in terms of theoretical (simulated) collector efficiencies from the hemispheres-in-cell model, as well as existing models, to examine whether expected trends in porosity are similar among the different models. ...
The gender-specific expression pattern of aromatase and 5alpha-reductases (5alpha-R) during brain development provides neurons the right amount of estradiol and DHT to induce a dimorphic organization of the structure. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are endocrine disruptive pollutants; exposure to PCBs through placental transfer and breast-feeding may adversely affect the organizational action of sex steroid, resulting in long-term alteration of reproductive neuroendocrinology. The study was aimed at: a) evaluating the hypothalamic expression of aromatase, 5alpha-R1 and 5alpha-R2 in fetuses (GD20), infant (PN12), weaning (PN21) and young adult (PN60) male and female rats exposed to PCBs during development; b) correlating these parameters with the time of testicular descent, puberty onset, estrous cyclicity and copulatory behavior; c) evaluating possible alterations of some non reproductive behaviors (locomotion, learning and memory, depression/anxiety behavior). A reconstituted ...
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 provided by the activity median aerodynamic ...
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to show how Nigeria's current Universal Basic Education on primary schooling targets Muslim "Almajiri" street boys for basic literacy acquisition. The paper examines the policy's management implementation practices and challenges, as well as provides policy options that may minimize discrepancies for effective management. Design/methodology/approach: The discussion is guided by preliminary qualitative studies using phenomenology research philosophy to better understand the social realities of the boys' schooling. Using a descriptive case study approach, two schools in a major city of northern Nigeria served as research sites. Data collection process involved informal interviews, active observations, and discussions with a purpose with four boys, and two teachers as primary participants. Data analysis engaged the generation of themes from the transcribed interview and personal observation field notes, with major ones as challenges and policy options ...
In order to lower the costs for second generation bioethanol from lignocellulosic biomass anaerobic digestion of the effluent from ethanol fermentation was implemented using an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor system in a pilot-scale biorefinery plant. Both thermophilic (53 degrees C) and mesophilic (38 degrees C) operation of the UASB reactor was investigated. At an OLR of 3.5 kg-VS/(m(3) day) a methane yield of 340 L/kg-VS was achieved for thermophilic operation (53 degrees C) while 270 L/kg-VS was obtained under mesophilic conditions (38 degrees C). For loading rates higher than 5 kg-VS/(m(3) day) the methane yields were, however, higher under mesophilic conditions compared to thermophilic conditions. The conversion of dissolved organic matter (VS(diss)) was between 68% and 91%. The effluent from the ethanol fermentation showed no signs of toxicity to the anaerobic microorganisms. However, a high content of suspended matter reduced the degradation efficiency. The ...
This paper introduces the JNM Special Issue on the development of a first wall for the reaction chamber in a laser fusion power plant. In this approach to fusion energy a spherical target is injected into a large chamber and heated to fusion burn by an array of lasers. The target emissions are absorbed by the wall and encapsulating blanket, and the resulting heat converted into electricity. The bulk of the energy deposited in the first wall is in the form of X-rays (1.0-100 keV) and ions (0.1-4 MeV). In order to have a practical power plant, the first wall must be resistant to these emissions and suffer virtually no erosion on each shot. A wall candidate based on tungsten armor bonded to a low activation ferritic steel substrate has been chosen as the initial system to be studied. The choice was based on the vast experience with these materials in a nuclear environment and the ability to address most of the key remaining issues with existing facilities. This overview paper is divided ...
The chromosomal region 17q12-q21 contains a gene (BRCA1) conferring susceptibility to early-onset familial breast and ovarian cancer. An 8000-rad radiation-reduced hybrid (RH) panel was constructed to provide a resource for long-range mapping of this region. A large fraction of the hybrids ([approximately]90%) retained detectable human chromosome 17 sequences. The complete panel of 76 hybrids was scored for the presence or absence of 22 markers from this chromosomal region, including 14 cloned genes, seven microsatellite repeats, and one anonymous DNA segment. Statistical analysis of the marker retention data employing multipoint methods provided both comprehensive and framework maps of this chromosomal region, including distance estimates between adjacent markers. The comprehensive RH map includes 17 loci and spans 179 cRays[sub (8000)]. Likelihood ratios of at least 1000:1 support the 10-locus framework order: cen-D17S250-ERBB2-(THRA1, ...
Although the radioisotope liver scan has primarily been of use in the detection of the intra-hepatic space occupying lesions, there has been an increasing awareness of its use in evaluation of liver function. In this study, the degree of hepatomegaly, changes in shape and mottling radiodensity on each lobe and splenic visualization in the liver scans done with colloidal radiogold were numerically expressed as scores under the arbitrary standard in 210 patients with liver cirrhosis. The clinical value of this scoring system was studied with special regards to the correlation between the radiogold hepatic uptake half time and conventional liver function tests. Following were the results; 1) The normal scan appeared in 6.7% of 210 patients with liver cirrhosis. 2) The colloidal radiogold hepatic uptake half time was abnormally and progressively prolonged in parallel to severity of hepatocellular dysfunction. The mean hepatic uptake half time in cirrhosis showing normal scan was ...
This dissertation is concerned with the development, experimental diagnostics and mathematical modelling and simulation of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFC). The central themes throughout this thesis are the closely interlinked phenomena of mass and charge transfer. In the face of developing a PEFC system for vehicle propulsion these phenomena are scrutinized on a broad range of relevant scales. Starting from the material related level of the membrane and the gas diffusion layer (GDL) we turn to length scales, where structural features of the cell additionally come into play. These are the scale of flow channels and ribs, the single cell and the cell stack followed by the cell, stack, and system development for an automotive power train. In Chapter 3 selected fundamental material models and properties, respectively, are explored that are crucial for the mathematical modelling and simulation of PEFC, as needed in some succeeding parts of this work. First, established mathematical ...
In this thesis, increased hemicellulose retention during kraft pulping has been studied. The work has been divided into three parts: i) Development of an accessible and reliable method for determination of carbohydrate composition of kraft pulps ii) Investigation of the composition and molecular mass distributions of the carbohydrates in kraft pulps with increased hemicellulose content iii) Investigation of the effect of increased hemicellulose content on the sheet properties of kraft pulps with increased hemicellulose content. A method for carbohydrate determination was developed. In this method, enzymes are used to hydrolyse the pulp into monosaccharides. A relatively mild acid hydrolysis is performed prior to detection on an HPLC with an RI-detector. The pulp is not derivatized and no pre-treatment (mechanical or chemical) is needed to determine the carbohydrate composition using the method developed here. Peak deconvolution software is used to improve the ...
Finland has some 10 million hectares of peatland, accounting for almost a third of its total area. Macroclimatic conditions have varied in the course of the Holocene growth and development of this peatland, and with them the habitats of the peat-forming plants. Temperatures and moisture conditions have played a significant role in determining the dominant species of mire plants growing there at any particular time, the resulting mire types and the accumulation and deposition of plant remains to form the peat. While in a natural state the mires of Finland have functioned as carbon dioxide sinks throughout the post-glacial period, but the ditching of peatland for forestry and agriculture, amounting to some 5,7 million hectares in Finland, has affected their water balance, especially over the last hundred years, and has thereby altered the quantity and species composition of the mire vegetation. The invasion of trees and woody plants to replace the typical mire plants following ditching ...
It is expected that the progressive increase of tropospheric trace gases such as CO{sub 2} and O{sub 3} will have a significant impact on agricultural production. The single and combined effects of CO{sub 2} enrichment and tropospheric O{sub 3} on grain quality characteristics in soft red winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were examined in field studies using 3 m in diam. open-top chambers. Wheat cultivars {open_quotes}Massey{close_quotes} (1991) and {open_quotes}Saluda{close_quotes} (1992) were exposed to two CO{sub 2} concentrations (350 vs. 500 {mu}mol CO{sub 2} mol{sup {minus}1}; 12 h d{sup {minus}1}) in combination with two O{sub 3} regimes (charcoal-filtered air vs. ambient air + 40 {plus_minus} 20 nmol O{sub 3} mol{sup {minus}1}, 7 h d{sup {minus}1}; Monday to Friday) from late March until maturity in June. Grain quality characteristics investigated included: test weight, milling and baking quality, flour yield, protein content, softness equivalent, alkaline water ...
Full text.Changes in land use and urbanization yield more pressure put on limited soil and water resources, including the risk of pollution with toxic heavy metals. The study area lies in the Bekaa valley totaling about 12753 ha. The valley receives from the west torrential fan deposits and a mixture of colluvial and alluvial material. The principal soil classes are Fluvisols, Cambisols, Regosols, Vertisols and Luvisols. The area is populated and also the most important agricultural part of the plain. Agriculture in the plain is being practiced mainly with cash, field crops and vegetables. The western surrounding area is being used mainly for terraced fruit trees. This Arab-German Technical Cooperation Project (ACSAD-BGR) aimed, following the ISO standards and Eikman-Klocke recommendations, at investigating the nature of the extends of soil pollution by heavy metals in two pilot areas: The central Bekaa-Lebanon and Ghouta-Damascus. Different institutions cooperate in the implementation ...
LEDF(Large Equipment Dismantling Facility) is the solid waste processing technology development facility that carries out high-volume reduction and low dosage processing. The high-volume reduction processing of the high dose {alpha}-waste configured with combustible waste, pvc and rubber, spent ion exchange resin, and noncombustible waste have been planned the incinerating and melting facility using the in-can type high frequency induction heating in LEDF. This test is intended to clarify the design data. It was confirmed that the incinerating and melting performance, molten solid properties and exhaust gas processing performance with pilot testing equipment and bench scale equipment. The result of this test are as follows. 1. Processing speed is 6.7 kg/h for the combustible waste, 13.0 kg/h for the ion exchange resin, and 30.0 kg/h for the noncombustible waste. For above optimum processing conditions are as follows. Operating temperature is 1000degC for the combustible waste, 1300degC ...
Objective: Pretargeting is the concept that combines optimal delivery of the antibody and rapid capture and elimination of the radioactivity. In this study, we evaluated the potential of antibody pretargeting to enable the tumor-targeting {sup 212}Pb for in vivo generation of {sup 212}Bi for {alpha} particle radiotherapy. Methods: The {sup 212}Pb/{sup 212}Bi chelate of DOTA-biotin, as well as their {gamma}-emitting analogues, {sup 203}Pb and {sup 205}Bi, was prepared and characterized. The radiolabeled compounds were injected in animals for evaluation of tumor targeting and normal tissue uptake and retention. In the pretargeting protocol, injection of 400 {mu}g of NR-LU-10 antibody-streptavidin conjugate was given at t=0 h, then 100 {mu}g of N-acetyl-galatosamine-biotin clearing agent was injected at t=20-24 h; finally, 1 {mu}g of {sup 212}Pb/{sup 212}Bi-DOTA-biotin was injected 6 h later. Results: Both {sup 203}Pb and {sup 205}Bi-DOTA-biotin were stable for at ...
The leaching of phosphorus (P), nitrogen (N), and radionuclides "2"3"2Th, "2"2"6Ra, "2"2"8Ra, and "4"0K from Joel sands amended with red mud/gypsum (RMG) at 9 rates (0, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, and 256 t/ha) was measured using columns. Intense leaching conditions (34 mm/day for 12 days) and a high rate of applied P (320 kg/ha as superphosphate) and N (680 kg/ha as ammonium nitrate) were used to simulate extremes of irrigated vegetable production on the Swan Coastal Plain. Addition of the highest rate of RMG (256 t/ha) reduced leaching of fertiliser P and ammonium-nitrogen (NH4-N) by 85% and 50%, respectively, compared with 0 t/ha after 12 days. At 64 t RMG/ha P leaching was reduced 50% compared with 0 t/ha. Nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) leaching was not affected by addition of RMG. Reduced leaching of NH4-N was attributed to an increase in cation exchange capacity of the soil with the addition of RMG. Bicarbonate-extractable P in the soil increased with rate of RMG to >50 #mu#g P/g soil ...
The herpes simplex virus type 1 thymidine kinase (HSV1-TK) reporter system is being used to directly and indirectly monitor therapeutic gene expression, immune cell trafficking and protein-protein interactions in various living animals. However, the issues of HSV1-TK enzyme stability in living cells and whether this reporter system is optimal for dynamic studies of gene expression events in genetic imaging have not be addressed. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the application of this reporter system in dynamic studies of transcriptional gene regulation. To achieve this purpose, we established two tetracycline-inducible murine sarcoma cell lines, tetracycline-turn-off HSV1-tk-expressing cell line (NG4TL4/tet-off-HSV1-tk) and tetracycline-turn-off Luc-expressing cell line (NG4TL4/tet-off-Luc), to create an artificially regulated gene expression model in vitro. The dynamic transcriptional events mediating a series of doxycycline (Dox) inductions were monitored by HSV1-TK ...
The changes in microstructure of a specially prepared boron nitride (BN) film as a function of film depth were studied by high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and other materials analysis tools. These changes were then correlated to the changes in processing parameters during film growth. The analyzed film was fabricated by the four-step ion-assisted deposition procedure known to be effective in film-stress engineering for the formation and retention of a thick cubic BN (cBN) layer with a three-step buffer-layer deposition. In this deposition, the energy of the ions assisting cBN formation was increased stepwise from 200 to 280, and then to 360 eV [S.F. Wong, C. W. Ong, G.K.H. Pang, K.Z. Baba-Kishi, W. M. Lau, J. Vac. Sci. Technol. A 22 (2004) 676]. The nominal thickness of the cBN layer was 650 nm and that for each of the three buffer layers was about 160 nm. Both the HRTEM and electron diffraction results confirmed that the top cBN layer, with ...
This report forms part of an independent review of the specifications, execution and results of Task 6 of the Aespoe Task Force on Modelling of Groundwater Flow and Transport of Solutes, which is seeking to provide a bridge between site characterization (SC) and performance assessment (PA) approaches to solute transport in fractured rock. The present report is concerned solely with Task 6C, which relates to the construction and parametrisation of a block-scale hydrostructural model of the TRUE Block Scale region of the Aespoe Hard Rock laboratory. The task objectives, specifications and outcome are summarised and reviewed. Also, consideration is given to how the hydrostructural model might affect the outcomes of Task 6D and 6E. The main conclusions of this review are summarised below: The Task 6C hydrostructural model is a more comprehensive approach to quantitatively describing a volume of fractured rock than has been achieved hitherto. The idea of including solute ...
It turns out of interest to Comision Federal de Electricidad and Petroleos Mexicanos to reduce costs of fuel oil, reducing the viscosity of the residues petroleum of high vacuum distillation emulsifying these with water. The parameters that define the characteristics of the emulsions are mainly the relation of their components, viscosity, size and drop distribution and its stability. The experimental work began producing emulsions in form of lots, using samples of approximately 500 milliliters of vacuum residue. In this first stage, at different concentrations, were examined eight different surfactants, as well as combinations among them, also seven different stabilizers were used. With these tests it has been managed to identify the concentrations, as well as the most adequate relations of surfactants and stabilizers for the production of emulsions of vacuum residues in water. The size and drop distribution has been determined by means of an optical LEICA microscope, model DMLS, that ...
Iodized oil has been used as a contrast agent in lymphangiography. One of the commercially available compounds is Lipidol Ultra-fluid(LUF) which contains 38% iodine by weight. Nakakuma et al(1979) reported that LUF was selectively retained in the hypervascular hepatocellular carcinoma when injected directly into the ligated hepatic artery. Since that time, it has been widely utilized in the detection as well as the therapeutic attempts of hepatocellular carcinoma, where it has been mixed with chemotherapeutic agents or labeled with radioactive I-131. Like all significant advances, the mechanism of lipid retention within the hepatocellular carcinoma is not clearly understood, and also there is a lack of information about the biodistribution and kinetics of I-131 Lipiodol. The apparent safety of this technique require confirmation. The present study was aimed to assess the biodistribution and kinetics of intraarterially injected I-131 Lipiodol and the histologic ...
This paper presents a numerical study on the formation history of coalbed methane (CBM) reservoir in the southeast edge of Ordos Basin, China. The coal seams studied belong to the Late Palaeozoic coal-bearing series. These coal seams have a burial history and experienced the process of subsidence, rapid subsidence alternated with uplift and then uplift, sequentially, and underwent the geothermal actions at normal, extremely high, and then normal temperatures, respectively. Coal organic matter of the coal seams matured in the Triassic Period and in the Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous Period. The results from numerical simulation reveal that CBM reservoir evolution history can be classified into five stages, namely primary, initial, stagnant, active and dissipative stages. In the first (primary) stage, coal rank was very low and there was little methane generated and stored in the coal seams. In the second (initial) stage, the coal was converted to middle-high volatile bituminous coal. ...
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