Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The confocal Raman micro-spectroscopy has been used for the study of a Lithium/polymer electrolyte-LiTFSI/V{sub 2}O{sub 5} type battery in which the polymer electrolyte thickness is of about 80 {mu}m. The analysis is performed on the side of the battery thanks to a specially designed cell which preserves all the characteristics of the real system. The analysis is performed on 20 points aligned between the anode and the cathode and with a depth of several tenth of {mu}m. The analysis of data obtained during charging/output cycles allows to evaluate the gradients of salt concentration inside the electrolyte, the pollutions of LiOH, Li{sub 2}CO{sub 3}, Li{sub 2}O and Li{sub 3}N -type at the lithium interface, but also the structural modifications of the cathode material. The in-situ study of concentration gradients inside the electrolyte is of prime importance for the understanding of dendrites growth. (J.S.) 11 refs.

KoreaScience (Korea)

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Interchangeable technology from Flexicon Liquid Filling, a business division of Watson-Marlow Pumps Group, has helped family-run diagnostic reagent manufacturer, Hart Biologicals Ltd, to accommodate business growth with the recent upgrade to a tabletop bottle filling and capping machine. A peristaltic dispensing pump is crucial for succes

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Scanning confocal laser microscopy (SCLM) was used to visualize fully hydrated microbial biofilms. The improved rejection of out-of-focus haze and the increased resolution of SCLM made it preferable...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Clinical applications of genetic therapies, including delivery of short, interfering RNAs (siRNAs) for RNA interference (RNAi), are limited due to the difficulty of delivering nucleic acids...Full Text Available

KoreaScience (Korea)

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Root growth is a highly dynamic process influenced by genetic background and environment. This paper reports the development of R scripts that enable root growth kinematic analysis that complements a new motion analysis tool: PlantVis. Root growth of Arabidopsis thaliana expressing a plasma membrane targeted GFP (C24 and Columbia 35S:LTI6b-EGFP) was imaged using time-lapse confocal laser scanning microscopy. Displacement of individual pixels in the time-lapse sequences was estimated automatically by PlantVis, producing dense motion vector fields. R scripts were developed to extract kinematic growth parameters and report displacement to ?0.1 pixel. In contrast to other currently available tools, Plantvis-R delivered root velocity profiles without interpolation or averaging across the root s...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Summary Solid state nuclear track detectors are used to determine the concentration of a particles in the environment. The standard method for assessing exposed detectors involves 2D image analysis. However 3D imaging has the potential to provide additional information relating to angle as well as to differentiate clustered hit sequences and possibly energy of a particles but this could be time consuming. Here we describe a new method for rapid high-resolution 3D imaging of solid state nuclear track detectors. A `LEXT' OLS3100 confocal laser scanning microscope (Olympus Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) was used in confocal mode to successfully obtain 3D image data on four CR-39 plastic detectors. Three-dimensional visualization and image analysis enabled characterization of track features. This ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundFor the clinical management of adrenocortical neoplasms it is crucial to correctly distinguish between benign and malignant tumours. Even histomorphologically based scoring...Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Focused-ion beam (FIB) milling provides rapid fabrication of individual cylindrical submicrometer channels with reproducible dimensions (#+-#5% diameters) through 8-#mu#m thick poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) films. PMMA films are spincast on sacrificial Si carriers and sputter-coated with Au before the 30-kV gallium FIB milling process. By adding a trace amount of poly(ethyleneoxide) and poly(dimethylsiloxane) to the PMMA solution before casting, the films can be released for subsequent mounting in microfluidic devices to create hybrid microfluidic-nanofluidic multilevel architectures. In situ FIB sectioning demonstrates the smooth cylindrical surface within the pore. Placing a milled film in contact with an aqueous fluorescein solution fills the channel by capillary action, as verified by confocal fluorescence microscopy. Confocal fluorescence of dyed films reveals that the pores span the thickness of the PMMA film. Small arrays of channels ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A micro-computer based fuzzy logic power system stabilizer is applied to a micro-machine system to investigate its efficiency in real time control. The stabilizing signal is determined by using measured speed or real power signals at every sampling time to damp the system oscillations. The results show the proposed stabilizer improves the system damping effectively subject to various types of disturbances.

KoreaScience (Korea)

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Science.gov (United States)

Autofluorescence spectroscopy has been a widely explored technique for in vivo and noninvasive diagnosis of pre-cancer lesions in epithelium where 90% cancers originate. For extracting more accurate fluorescence information for cancer diagnosis, depth-resolved fluorescence measurements are crucial to assess NADH and FAD in non-keratinized epithelial layer and collagen in stromal layer, respectively. In this study, we achieved the depth-resolved fluorescence spectral measurements of squamous epithelial tissue based on confocal technique. We found that in non-keratinized epithelial layer the fluorescence signals excited at 405 nm were the combination of NADH and FAD fluorescence and could be used for evaluating the redox ratio. Moreover, we found that confocal time-resolved autofluorescence measurements of epithelial tissue with 405 nm excitations could provide the information on the layered tissue structure. All depth-resolved autofluorescence ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

We have developed a compact terahertz (THz) free electron laser (FEL). The FEL operates in the wavelength range of 100-1200 #mu#m, which corresponds to 0.3-3 THz. THz radiation from the FEL shows much higher power of 100 W compared to the power level, <100 mW, of the table-top sources by conventional lasers. The THz FEL beam shows good performance in pulse-energy stability, polarization, spectrum and spatial distribution. The main application of the FEL is THz imaging for bio-medical researches. We demonstrated the THz imaging of bugs for living condition at 3 THz. The bugs were died just before experiments, so they were not dried. We could get transmitted information through the samples by using the THz FEL beam. In this paper, we will estimate and discuss the required power level of the THz source for the practical application of the imaging.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Purpose: To evaluate micro computed tomography (micro-CT) for the assessment of osteochondritis dissecans in comparison with histology. Material and Methods: Osteochondritis dissecans lesions of 3 patients were evaluated using micro-CT (0.125 mA, 40 keV, 60 m slice thickness, 60 m isotropic resolution, entire sample) and light microscopy (toluidine blue, 3-5 m slice thickness). The methods were compared regarding preparation time, detectability of tissue types and morphologic features of bone and cartilage. Results: Non-destructive micro-CT imaging of the entire sample was faster than histologic preparation of a single slice for light microscopy. Morphologic features of bone and cartilage could be imaged in a comparable way to histology. It was not possible to image cells or different tissue types of bone and cartilage with micro-CT. Conclusion: Micro-CT is a ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

While it has been established that microRNAs (miRNAs) play key roles throughout development and are dysregulated in many human pathologies, the specific processes and pathways regulated by individual...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs that play a central role in regulation of gene expression by binding to target genes. Many miRNAs were associated with the function of the central nervous...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundNumerous microRNAs (miRNAs) have heterogeneous ends resulting from imprecise cleavages by processing nucleases and from various non-templated nucleotide additions. The...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Purpose: Small animal micro-CT imaging is being used increasingly in preclinical biomedical research to provide phenotypic descriptions of genomic models. Most of this imaging is coincident...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Considering accessibility of the 3′UTR is believed to increase the precision of microRNA target predictions. We show that, contrary to common belief, ranking by the hybridization energy or by...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been implicated to play key roles in normal physiological functions, and altered expression of specific miRNAs has been associated with a number of diseases. It is of great interest...Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The General Purpose Light Source VME module is an integral part of every front-end micro in the NSLS control system. The board incorporates features such as a video character generator, clock signals, time-of-day clock, a VME bus interrupter and general-purpose digital inputs and outputs. This module serves as a valuable diagnostic and real-time display tool for the micro development as well as for the final operational systems. This paper describes the functions provided by the board for the NSLS micro control monitor software.

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Abstract Purpose: We investigated the effects of various rinsing and healing protocols on corneal wound repair and inflammation following alkali burn in rabbits. Methods: We conducted in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo studies. First, different rinse solutions were tested in vitro after incubation of ocular cells with methanol or NaOH. Cell viability was then assessed using the neutral red test (cytofluorometry). Second, NaOH was applied to rabbit corneas and associations of rinse solutions (NaCl 0.9% or controlled ionization marine solutions) with N-acetylcysteine or vegetable oils (from Calophyllum inophyllum and Aleurites moluccana) were tested in vivo. The regeneration of the corneal epithelium and the infiltration of inflammatory cells were evaluated using in vivo confocal microscopy and e...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

This article describes the complete microsporogenesis and pollen formation in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) at the various developmental stages (pollen mother cell, meiosis, tetrads, early free spore, mid uninucleate, late uninucleate, binucleate and mature pollen grain). Light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy were used for the study. Floral bud size and other inflorescence characteristics were correlated with specific stages of the microspore development. This association allows a rapid selection of floral buds with similar microspore developmental stages, useful when a large number of homogeneous cells are needed for analysis and for in vitro induction of androgenesis. This article also compares methods for digestion the exine wall ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Comparative analyses of neuroanatomical characters can make valuable contributions to the inference of phylogenetic relationships. Whereas investigations in this field are numerous for arthropods, in-depth studies on other protostomes are sparse. Here, we provide a survey of the internal neuroarchitecture of the brain of the aciculate ragworm Nereis diversicolor (Polychaeta, Annelida). Descriptions are based on confocal laser scanning microscope analyses of brain sections labeled with the nuclear marker DAPI and antibodies raised against FMRF-amide, serotonin, and histamine. Autofluorescence of the nervous tissue has been utilized to further elucidate the anatomical structures of the brain. The architecture of two major brain compartments, i.e., the paired mushroom bodies and the central o...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) with unique multi-photon excitation photoluminescence properties have recently been intensively explored as novel contrast agents for low-backgroundbiomedical imaging. In this work, we functionalize UCNPs with a polyethylene glycol (PEG) grafted amphiphilic polymer. The PEGylated UCNPs are loaded with a commonly used chemotherapy molecule, doxorubicin (DOX), by simple physical adsorption via a supramolecular chemistry approach for intracellular drug delivery. The loading and releasing of DOX from UCNPs are controlled by varying pH, with an increased drug dissociation rate in acidic environment, favorable for controlled drug release. Upconversion luminescence (UCL) imaging by a modified laser scanning confocal microscope reveals the time course of intracel...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Spectral room temperature photoluminescence (pl) of polycrystalline Cu(In,Ga)Se2 films (CIGSe) is evaluated with respect to optoelectronic properties and in particular for the determination of the splitting of quasi-Fermi levels (EFn - EFp). For lateral resolution of ? 1 ?m a confocal pl-setup is used. The depth profile of the excess carrier densities determining the rates of radiative transitions strongly govern the spectral pl-shape which has been numerically modeled with a matrix transfer formalism. In this optical approach we discriminate for wave propagation and attenuation in a multilayer system between a plane-wave ansatz and a 3D-spherical formalism, depending on excitation area large or small/similar compared to the thickness of the absorber. In both cases re-absorption of photons in energetic regimes with absorption approaches unity, from which the splitting of the quasi-Fermi levels is preferentially deduced, substantially influence the spectral ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Full text of publication follows: Large-scale problems such as nuclear waste disposal are increasingly recognized to be interconnected to small scale-mechanisms. Thus, synchrotron-based high-resolution analytical X-ray probes become important tools for exploring the micro-scale chemical reactivity of heterogeneous barrier materials used in nuclear waste repositories. In this study the layout of the micro-XAS beamline at the Swiss Light Source (SLS) will be presented. The beamline is optimized towards micro beam experiments ({approx}1 x 1 {mu}m{sup 2}) in the hard-X-ray regime (4 - {approx}22 keV) and allows to combine micro X-ray fluorescence (micro-XRF), micro X-ray absorption spectroscopy (micro- XAS), and micro X-ray diffraction (micro-XRD) investigations with radioactive samples. Furthermore, the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The unsteady two-dimensional laminar flow of a viscous incompressible electrically conducting micro polar fluid via a porous medium past a semi-infinite vertical porous moving plate in the presence of a transverse magnetic field is studied. A uniform magnetic field acts perpendicularly to the porous surface in which absorbs the micro polar fluid with a suction velocity varying with time. The effects of material parameters on the velocity and temperature fields across the boundary layer are investigated. The method of solution can be applied for small perturbation approximation. Numerical results of velocity and temperature distributions of micro polar fluids are compared with the corresponding flow problems for a Newtonian fluid. (author)

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Aging can be defined as a progressive decline in physiological efficiency regulated by an extremely complex multifactorial process. The genetic makeup of an individual appears to dictate this rate...Full Text Available

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Industrial applications of thermoplastic polymers are often limited by their poor adhesion properties. In this work the effect of surface oxyfluorination on the adhesion properties was investigated for polyethylene (PE), polyoxymethylene (POM), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and polyamide 6 (PA6). The adhesive joint strength was quantified using lap-shear tests. These results were correlated with the changes in the chemical composition of the surface, determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), in the surface free energy, measured by the contact angle method, and in the topography, using white-light confocal microscopy. The adhesive strength is strongly improved for all four polymers, but the degree of this increase depends on the polymer type. The surface free energy shows a similar trend for all four polymers. A high surface free energy exceeding 50 mN/m was observed after oxy-fluorination, whereby the polar component was strongly predominant. Surface ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators that play key roles in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. A previous report has shown that let-7 family members can act as...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Populations living close to high-voltage transmission lines often have residential magnetic field exposures in excess of 1 microT, and sometimes over 2 microT. Yet, populations studied in most epidemiologic...Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A dual-rate self-tuning control technique, in which the system identification and control calculation are performed separately, is proposed in this paper. This greatly increases the control rate. A self-tuning power system stabilizer (DSPSS) making use of this technique is developed and implemented using multi-micro-computers. Simulation and experimental results with DSPSS show that the increase in the control rate can considerably improve the system performance.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We report the performance of a micro gas turbine on biomass producer gas and mixtures of biomass producer gas with natural gas. The micro gas turbine delivers full power on gas mixtures with a heating value of at least 15 MJ/Nm{sup 3}. For gas of lower heating value, the maximum fuel gas flow limits the attainable power. The lower limit for stable operation is about 8 MJ/Nm{sup 3}. The gross efficiency of the micro gas turbine depends on output power but not on the gas heating value, within our measurement accuracy. Above 70% of full power, emissions of CO and NO are 40 and 10 times lower than those of a gas engine of similar size. At part load below 70% of full power, the micro gas turbine burner switches to a different operating mode which produces higher CO and NO levels, but still significantly below those of a gas engine.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In the present paper, the chemical composition of passive films formed on both phases of two types of duplex stainless steels (UNS S31803 and UNS S32304) is determined at the micro-scale using Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). Samples were either mechanically polished (down to diamond pastes) or electrochemically etched in acidic solutions. The micro-electrochemical behavior of samples was then determined in sodium chloride media by means of the electrochemical micro-cell technique (capillary diameters of 30 ?m). The results obtained were analyzed considering the passive film chemical composition. Quantitative relationships between electrochemical parameters and the distribution of chromium and iron in the oxide layer were found. Due to differences in mechanical properties between ferrite and austenite, a heterogeneous stress distribution is generated in both phases. A method based on thermal-mechanical simulation was used ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Free form fabrication and high resolution imaging techniques enable the creation of biomimetic tissue engineering scaffolds. A 3D CAD model of canine trabecular bone was produced via micro CT and exported to a fused deposition modeler, to produce polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) trabeculated scaffolds and four other scaffold groups of varying pore structures. The five scaffold groups were divided into subgroups (n=6) and compression tested at two load rates (49?N/s and 294?N/s). Two groups were soaked in a 25??C saline solution for 7?days before compression testing. Micro CT was used to compare porosity, connectivity density, and trabecular separation of each scaffold type to a canine trabecular bone sample. At 49?N/s the dry trabecular scaffolds had a compressive stiffness of 4.94?1.19?MP...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

In this article, the authors analyzed the effect of thermal conductivity on unsteady magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) free convection in a micro-polar fluid past a semi-infinite vertical porous plate. The fluid thermal conductivity is assumed to vary as a linear function of temperature. By using the Chebyshev collocation method in the spatial direction and the Crank-Nicolson method in the time direction, the boundary layer equations are transformed into a linear algebraic system. There are several material parameters whose affect on the flow have been studied, for instance, thermal conductivity, radiation, magnetic, micro-polar, suction (or injection) parameters, and Prandtl number. Boundary layer and Boussineq approximations have been introduced together to describe the flow field. The domain of...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The effect of air addition on biomass tar conversion in catalytic packed bed crackers was studied using both an isothermal micro reactor and a fluidised bed bench scale biomass gasification set up with down stream tar crackers. The micro reactor was applied for experiments with artificial biomass producer gas containing naphthalene as a model tar compound. Experiments were carried out with inert silica and catalytically active calcined dolomite bed material both with and without air addition. Experimental results with real tar from the fluidised bed bench scale gasification set up were in qualitative agreement with results from the micro reactor experiments. (author)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

As part of a U.S. multi-regional pilot study conducted by the six Centers for Radiological Physics, 12-mm-diameter by 0.4-mm-thick CaSO/sub 4/:Dy Teflon-embedded discs were evaluated and used to measure patient entrance exposure on 60 average patients at 12 clinical centers. The discs were found to have adequate sensitivity, reproducibility and linearity up to 69.7 microC kg-1 (270 mR). The minimum measurable exposure was estimated as 0.4 microC kg-1 (1.5 mR). All responses were corrected for energy dependence, which varied +/- 20% from 1.7 to 6.5 mm Al half-value layer. Patient entrance exposure values ranged from 1.3 to 28 microC kg-1 (5 to 110 mR), with a median value of 5.2 microC kg-1 (20 mR). This value agreed with exposure measurements made on the chest radiography equipment using an ionization chamber and a phantom which simulated an average patient, and with published Nationwide Evaluation of ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The effect of thiamin on the organ distribution of lead was evaluated in CD-1 mice exposed intragastrically or intraperitoneally to a single dose of lead acetate (100 micrograms) containing 100 microCi...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The concentrations of doxycycline and 4-de-dimethylaminotetracycline required to inhibit 50% of collagenase activity were found to be 15 to 30 microM for human neutrophil and gingival crevicular fluid...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Exposure of albumin to Cu(II) (10-100 microM) and ascorbate (0.1-2 mM) results in extensive molecular modifications, indicated by decreased fluorescence and chain breaks. The rate of utilization of...Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In this paper it is shown that the ''third postulate'' of special relativity (i.e. the so-called ''Reinterpretation principle'' by Stueckelberg and by Faynmam) is enough to implement the law of retarded casuality for tachyons even in macro-physics, when usual macro-objects interact with micro-tachyons and macro-tachyons.

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Skin protects the body from pathogens and degradation. Mummified skin in particular is extremely resistant to decomposition. External influences or the action of micro-organisms, however, can degrade...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

AimsThe aims of the study were to study the effect of pre-operative treatment on the expression of tumour-related proteins and to correlate the expression of these...Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

We report a new method of generating nano and micro patterns using focused ion beam (FIB) induced adhesion. The method utilizes selective irradiation of thin metallic films grown on substrates by focused ion beam followed by peel off. After peel off of the irradiated thin film it is observed that the ion beam scanned portions are retained on the substrate, creating nano and micro patterns. The method is suitable for materials of which the adhesion to the substrate can be improved by ion bombardment. The phenomenon has been demonstrated by creating gold nano patterns of different shapes and sizes ranging from 500 nm to 5 #mu#m on SiO_2-Si substrate using 10-30 keV Ga FIB at beam currents up to 10 pA. The mechanism involved in the process has been discussed. The technique could be utilized to prepare micro and nano patterns of thin films deposited on an appropriate substrate for optical, plasmonic and sensor related ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

There are few studies on coke's micro-pore structure in recent years, however, micro-pore structure of foundry coke determines its macroscopically quality index and reactivity in cupola furnace. Effect of such factors on micro-pore structure were investigated under different carbonization conditions with certain ratio of raw materials and material forming process in this article as charging temperature (A); braised furnace time (B); heating rate of the first stage (C)and the second stage (D) and holding time of ultimate temperature (E). Research showed that charging temperature was the most influential factor on the coke porosity, pore volume, pore size and specific surface area. It is suggested that formation of plastic mass and releasing rate of volatile during carbonization period are two main factors on microstructure of foundry coke while charging temperature contributes most to the above factors. 6 refs., 4 ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundMastitis in dairy cattle results from infection of mammary tissue by a range of micro-organisms but principally coliform bacteria and Gram positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus...Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We have researched several new focused ion beam (FIB) micro-fabrication techniques that offer control of feature shape and the ability to accurately define features onto nonplanar substrates. These FIB-based processes are considered useful for prototyping, reverse engineering, and small-lot manufacturing. Ion beam-based techniques have been developed for defining features in miniature, nonplanar substrates. We demonstrate helices in cylindrical substrates having diameters from 100 {micro}m to 3 mm. Ion beam lathe processes sputter-define 10-{micro}m wide features in cylindrical substrates and tubes. For larger substrates, we combine focused ion beam milling with ultra-precision lathe turning techniques to accurately define 25-100 {micro}m features over many meters of path length. In several cases, we combine the feature defining capability of focused ion beam bombardment with additive techniques such as ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

IntroductionColorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths, but currently available non-invasive screening programs have achieved only...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVESNon-invasive longitudinal imaging of tumor vasculature could provide new insights into the development of solid tumors, facilitating efficient...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

All microRNA (miRNA) target—finder algorithms return lists of candidate target genes. How valid is that output in a biological setting? Transcriptome analysis has proven to be a useful approach...Full Text Available

CERN Document Server

Experimental data are reported on the micro-irregularities of resistivity in longitudinal and transverse specimens of germanium 0.5 to 0.8 mm in thickness and 25 to 40 mm in width. These data are correlated with the conditions of growth of the crystals. (16 refs).

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

An integrated system of micro-and mini-computers is described to acquire, analyze, store and report data on the total activity of the heart of a critically ill patient. Real-time beat and rhythm diagnoses...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundThe MYC transcription factors are known to be involved in the biology of many human cancer types. But little is known about the Myc/microRNAs cooperation in the regulation...Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A rigorous mathematical model is developed to describe chemical absorption of carbon dioxide in a falling-film micro-contactor. Contrary to previous models described in literature, hydrodynamics in both phases is accurately captured by the Navier-Stokes equations. By this means, backmixing effects can be accounted for. Furthermore, the interface position is determined directly using the level-set method. The developed model is validated with experimental data obtained from literature and a good agreement is established. With the validated model, detailed studies are performed to investigate the impact of process parameters.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Micro-compression specimens, 1O-15{mu}m in diameter by 20-30{mu}m in height, were produced from individual parent grains in a polycrystalline U-13at%Nb shape-memory alloy using the focused ion beam (FIB) technique. The specimens were tested in a nanoindentation instrument with a flat diamond tip to investigate stress-strain behavior as a function of crystallographic orientation. The results are in qualitative agreement with a single-crystal accommodation strain (Bain strain) model of the shape-memory effect for this alloy.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The behavior of melter feed (a mixture of nuclear waste and glass-forming additives) during waste-glass processing has a significant impact on the rate of the vitrification process. We studied the effects of silica particle size and sucrose addition on the volumetric expansion (foaming) of a high-alumina feed and the rate of dissolution of silica particles in feed samples heated at 5 C/min up to 1200 C. The initial size of quartz particles in feed ranged from 5 to 195 {micro}m. The fraction of the sucrose added ranged from 0 to 0.20 g per g glass. Extensive foaming occurred only in feeds with 5-{micro}m quartz particles; particles {ge}150 {micro}m formed clusters. Particles of 5 {micro}m completely dissolved by 900 C whereas particles {ge}150 {micro}m did not fully dissolve even when the temperature reached 1200 C. Sucrose addition had virtually zero impact on both foaming and the ...

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Owing to exceptional biomolecule preservation, fossil avian eggshell has been used extensively in geochronology and palaeodietary studies. Here, we show, to our knowledge, for the first time that fossil eggshell is a previously unrecognized source of ancient DNA (aDNA). We describe the successful isolation and amplification of DNA from fossil eggshell up to 19 ka old. aDNA was successfully characterized from eggshell obtained from New Zealand (extinct moa and ducks), Madagascar (extinct elephant birds) and Australia (emu and owl). Our data demonstrate excellent preservation of the nucleic acids, evidenced by retrieval of both mitochondrial and nuclear DNA from many of the samples. Using confocal microscopy and quantitative PCR, this study critically evaluates approaches to maximize DNA recovery from powdered eggshell. Our quantitative PCR experiments also demonstrate that moa eggshell has approximately 125 times lower bacterial load than bone, making it a highly ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Over the last decade techniques such as confocal light microscopy, in combination with fluorescent labelling, have helped biologists and life scientists to study biological architectures at tissue and cell level in great detail. Meanwhile, obtaining information at very small length scales is possible with the combination of sample preparation techniques and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) or scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is well known for the determination of surface characteristics and morphology. However, the desire to understand the three dimensional relationships of meso-scale hierarchies has led to the development of advanced microscopy techniques, to give a further complementary approach. A focused ion beam (FIB) can be used as a nano-scalpel and hence allows us to reveal internal microstructure in a site-specific manner. Whilst FIB instruments have been used to study and verify the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

As characterization of artificial cracks formed underground by using the water pressure fracturing method, experiments have been carried out to detect relationship of pressurization and S-wave propagation time with the polarizing direction dependence. Openings are created when pressure in the vicinity of the artificial cracks increases greater than reopening pressure of micro cracks. Elastic wave velocity decreases in this region because of water in the opened micro cracks. Anisotropy is created in the S-wave propagation velocity due to influence from anisotropic reopening region when the artificial cracks are pressurized, and is separated into two components which polarize orthogonally with each other (micro splitting). Field experiments conducted at the Higashi-hachimantai field were analyzed by using wavelet transform. It was possible to detect the S-wave arrival time at high accuracy, and the arrival of an orthogonally ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The results of a comprehensive infrared imaging search for the putative 0.06 M{sub {circle_dot}} astrometric companion to the 4.4 pc white dwarf van Mannen 2 are reported. Adaptive optics images acquired at 3.8 {micro}m reveal a diffraction limited core of 0.09 inch and no direct evidence of a secondary. Models predict that at 5 Gyr, a 50 M{sub J} brown dwarf would be only 1 magnitude fainter than van Maanen 2 at this wavelength and the astrometric analysis suggested a separation of 0.2 inch. In the case of a chance alignment along the line of sight, a 0.4 mag excess should be measured. An independent photometric observation at the same wavelength reveals no excess. In addition, there exist published ISO observations of van Maanen 2 at 6.8 {micro}m and 15.0 {micro}m which are consistent with photospheric flux of a 6750 K white dwarf. If recent brown dwarf models are correct, there is no substellar companion with T{sub eff} ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Micro-strip Metal Foil Detectors (MMFD) designed and used for the Beam Profile Monitoring (BPM) are discussed. The results obtained for the MMFDs produced by different technologies are presented. The MMFD deposited onto the 20 {mu}m thick Si-wafer has been used for the BPM of the 32 MeV alpha-particle beam at the MPIfK (Heidelberg) Tandem generator. Another MMFD with totally removed Si-wafer at the working area has been applied for the on-line X-ray BPM at the HASYLAB (DESY). One may conclude that the developed technology of the micro-strip metal detector manufacturing allows to provide non-destructive measurement of X-ray intensity distribution over area of up to 50 mm{sup 2} with an accuracy of 10-20 {mu}m with a possibility of its improvement by a factor 5. A sub-micron position resolution is expected by applying electron lithography for the strip pattern production.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A micro-mechanistic understanding of bone fracture that encompasses how cracks interact with the underlying microstructure and defines their local failure mode is lacking, despite extensive research on the response of bone to a variety of factors like aging, loading, and/or disease. Micro-mechanical models for fracture incorporating such local failure criteria have been widely developed for metallic and ceramic materials systems; however, few such deliberations have been undertaken for the fracture of bone. In fact, although the fracture event in mineralized tissues such as bone is commonly believed to be locally strain controlled, until recently there has been little experimental evidence to support this widely held belief. In the present study, a series of in vitro experiments involving a double-notch bend test geometry are performed in order to shed further light on the nature of the local cracking events that precede catastrophic fracture ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Experiments are performed to investigate the single-phase flow and flow-boiling heat transfer augmentation in 3D internally finned and micro-finned helical tubes. The tests for single-phase flow heat transfer augmentation are carried out in helical tubes with a curvature of 0.0663 and a length of 1.15 m, and the examined range of the Reynolds number varies from 1000 to 8500. Within the applied range of Reynolds number, compared with the smooth helical tube, the average heat transfer augmentation ratio for the two finned tubes is 71% and 103%, but associated with a flow resistance increase of 90% and 140%, respectively. A higher fin height gives a higher heat transfer rate and a larger friction flow resistance. The tests for flow-boiling heat transfer are carried out in 3D internally micro-finned helical tube with a curvature of 0.0605 and a length of 0.668 m. Compared with that in the smooth helical tube, the boiling heat transfer coefficient ...

CERN Document Server

Laboratory characterization of Interplanetary Dust Particles (IDPs) collected in the lower stratosphere represents a concrete analysis of cosmic dust properties which played a fundamental role in the origin and evolution of Solar System. The IDPs were characterized by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) analyses and by InfraRed (IR) micro-spectroscopy. We present the FESEM images of six IDPs: three smooth grains, two porous and one a compact sphere. We also show the results of micro-IR transmission measurements on four IDPs that allowed us to identify their spectral class according to the criteria defined by Sandford and Walker. Only three of the analyzed particles show IR transmission spectra with a dominant "silicate absorption feature" so that they could be assigned to the three IR spectral classes: one has been classified as "amorphous olivine", one appears to be a mixture of "olivines" and "pyroxenes" and one belongs to the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The advent, in the near future, of compact X-ray sources like Thomson Back-Scattering (TBS) will allow the clinical application of advanced X-ray imaging techniques, such as phase contrast, with higher sensitivity and lower impact in terms of dose delivery. In this work, we theoretically investigated the possibility of using such sources for phase contrast imaging of micro-calcifications included in a breast tissue. In our study we analyzed the phase and amplitude distribution of the TBS source and we showed that this source can be used for phase contrast imaging since the source coherence at the sample position is sufficiently high for achieving good contrast and micrometer spatial resolution. Indeed the spatial coherence of a TBS source is closer to that of a synchrotron radiation source, and much better than that of a laboratory source. Moreover, we showed the advantages of phase imaging with respect to standard absorption imaging, in the specific case of ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A real-time orbit feedback system has been implemented at the Advanced Photon Source in order to meet the stringent orbit stability requirements. The system reduces global orbit motion below 30Hz by a factor of four to below 5{micro}m rms horizontally and 2{micro}m rms vertically. This paper focuses on dynamic orbit stability and describes the all-digital orbit feedback system that has been implemented at the APS. Implementation of the global orbit feedback system is described and its latest performance is presented. Ultimately, the system will provide local feedback at each x-ray source point using installed photon BPMs to measure x-ray beam position and angle directly. Technical challenges associated with local feedback and with dynamics of the associated corrector magnets are described. The unique diagnostic capabilities provided by the APS system are discussed with reference to their use in identifying sources of the underlying orbit ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) with 8 mol% Y was deposited by reactive magnetron sputtering onto oxidized (100) silicon substrates. It was possible to switch film texture from (111) to (200) by applying a strong RF substrate bias. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the film deposited under bias is porous and exhibits nanoscaled grains, whereas the film deposited without bias is dense and columnar. The ionic conductivity as a function of temperature revealed an activation energy of 1.04 eV. The mechanical stress could be tuned to low values by thermal post-annealing. Using the dense (111) film as electrolyte layer, and the porous (200) film as an interlayer to a porous Pt anode, an open circuit voltage of 0.85 V was obtained in a micro machined fuel cell structure.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell (PEFC) technology the reducing of volume and mass of the fuel cell stack and the improvement of catalyst utilization are of great interest. These parameters affect applicability and system cost. In this work we present an alternative way for reducing the stack volume by combining gas distribution and catalytic active area in one plate. Micro machined glassy carbon electrodes serve as support material for the platinum catalyst, as well as gas distributor at the same time. A comparison of these electrodes with conventional platinum-black gas diffusion electrodes under fuel cell conditions shows that the new system is a promising electrode type for enhanced power density and catalyst utilization. (author) 3 figs., 5 refs.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

In situ composite coating of hydroxyapatite (HA)/TiO2 were produced on titanium (Ti) substrate by micro-arc oxidation coupled with electrophoretic deposition (MAO&EPD) technique with different concentrations of HA particles in the 0.2M NaOH electrolyte solution. The surface morphology and chemical composition of the hybrid coating were effected by HA concentration. The amount of HA particles incorporated into coating layer increased with increasing HA concentration used in the electrolyte solution. The corrosion behavior of the coating layer in simulated body fluids (SBF) was evaluated using a potentiodynamic polarization test. The corrosion resistance of the coated sample was increased compared to the untreated Ti sample. The in vitro bioactivity assessment showed that the MAO&EPD treated...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The objective of this work was to combine asymmetric somatic hybridization (donor-recipient fusion or gamma fusion) to microprotoplast-mediated chromosome transfer, as a tool to be used for chromosome mapping in Citrus. Swinglea glutinosa micro protoplasts were irradiated either with 50, 70, 100 or 200 gamma rays and fused to cv. Ruby Red grapefruit or Murcott tangor protoplasts. Cell colonies were successfully formed and AFLP analyses confirmed presence of S. glutinosa in both 'Murcott' tangor and 'Ruby Red' grapefruit genomes. (author)

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

An important aspect of ecosystem sustainability is the ability to withstand and recover from disturbance or stress. In this study, we investigated the effect of a heat-disturbance on soil microbial biomass, microbial activity in response to the addition of organic acid (malate), and microbial community structure in a laboratory experiment. The soils investigated were from a jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) forest that had undergone rehabilitation following bauxite mining 12 years previously. Soils from a full factorial of two field treatments; contour ripping induced micro-topography (mound or furrow) and prior exposure to prescription fire (burnt or non-burnt), were sampled and found to exhibit treatment-dependent differences in soil biological and chemical properties. Exposure of soil micro...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The electroless nickel plating/poly(dl-lactide-co-glycolide) composite coating (EN-plating/PLGA composite coating) was fabricated on the surface of the micro-arc oxidation (MAO) film of the magnesium alloy AZ81 to double control the corrosion and drug release in the hanks' solution. The EN-plating was fabricated on the MAO coating to improve the corrosion resistance by overlaying most pores and micro-cracks on the surface of the MAO film. Meanwhile, a double layered organic poly(dl-lactide-co-glycolide)/paclitaxel (PLGA/PTX) drug releasing coating with a top layered PLGA drug controlled releasing coating on EN plating was prepared to control the drug release rate by adjusting the different lactide: glycolide (LA:GA) ratio of PLGA. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the X-ray powder dif...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

This paper describes the design, fabrication and application of a micro-fabricated salinity sensor system. The theoretical electrochemical behaviour is described using electrical equivalent diagrams and simple scaling properties are investigated analytically and numerically using finite element method (FEM). The chip design and fabrication is described and measurement results of two different electrode designs are presented. The 4mm Formula Not Shown 4mm multi-sensor allows for salinity determination with an accuracy of Formula Not Shown 0.5psu through determination of the electrical conductivity, temperature and pressure with accuracies of Formula Not Shown 0.6mS, Formula Not Shown 0.065 Formula Not Shown C and Formula Not Shown 0.05bar, respectively.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract Surface modification of topography and chemistry in order to achieve a specific water contact angle (CA) has been explored by using a novel combinatorial screening platform. The screening arrays consisted of 507 distinct combinations of micro-topographies and chemical compositions. By performing chemical modifications with 1H, 1H, 2H, 2H perfluoroethyltriethoxy-silane (PFS) and n-octadecyltriethoxysilane (ODS) on standard silicon wafers it was possible to include both superhydrophobic and very hydrophilic pad arrays in the same screening platform. Surfaces modified with PFS were more hydrophobic than surfaces modified with ODS, while the unmodified silicon surfaces were hydrophilic. For the PFS modified surfaces the largest CAs were achieved with a small pillar size of X-=-1-m and...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The primary extrusion of Na+ from Mycoplasma gallisepticum cells was demonstrated by showing that when Na+-loaded cells were incubated with both glucose (10 mM) and the uncoupler SF6847 (0.4 microM),...Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The possibility of electrochemical corrosion of carbon steel at the rate of 3.25 x 10"-"5 A/cm"2 in water was examined under the conditions present during an accidental pipe rupture at the Mihama nuclear power plant: liquid conductivity, 7.5 #mu#S/cm; dissolved oxygen concentration, 5 ppb or less; pH 8.6#propor to#9.3; ferrous ion concentration, 20 ppb or less; temperature, 142 C. The corrosion rate of iron in a micro-cell with a dissolved oxygen reduction cathode was estimated to be only 1/400 of the preceding rate. On the other hand, that in a micro-cell with a hydrogen ion reduction cathode was estimated to be as high as 1/10 of the preceding rate, that is, 3.25 x 10"-"6 A/cm"2. Two important factors may have influenced the corrosion rate: the remarkable wall thinning, which must have been the direct cause of the rupture of the pipe, was located close to, and downstream from, an orifice; and, the water temperature was in the range at which ...

Science.gov (United States)

It has been proposed that the gastrointestinal tract environment containing high levels of neuroendocrine hormones is important for gut-derived Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections. In this study, we report that the hormone norepinephrine increases P. aeruginosa PA14 growth, virulence factor production, invasion of HCT-8 epithelial cells, and swimming motility in a concentration-dependent manner. Transcriptome analysis of P. aeruginosa exposed to 500 microM, but not 50 microM, norepinephrine for 7 h showed that genes involved in the regulation of the virulence determinants pyocyanin, elastase, and the Pseudomonas quinolone signal (PQS, 2-heptyl-3-hydroxy-4-quinolone) were upregulated. The production of rhamnolipids, which are also important in P. aeruginosa infections, was not significantly altered in suspension cultures upon exposure to 500 microM norepinephrine but decreased on semisolid surfaces. Swarming motility, a ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This work presents the spectroscopic results of the investigations of ancient pottery remains excavated in ancient Kremna (BURDUR-TURKEY). The micro-Raman and FT-IR spectroscopic studies of the pottery remains belonging to sixth century allowed us to identify the mineral composition. Some examples are described of the use of this technique in the field of art conservation and diagnostics, with regard to pigments, and some products of metal alteration.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

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

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Flux-grown ScPO{sub 4} single crystals exhibit a number of luminescence bands in their x-ray-excited luminescence spectra - including sharp lines arising from rare-earth elements plus a number of broad bands at 5.6 cV, 4.4 eV, and 3 eV. The band at 5.6 eV was attributed to a self-trapped exciton (STE) [l], and it could be excited at 7 eV and higher energies. This luminescence is strongly polarized (P = 70 %) along the optical axes of the crystal and exhibits a kinetic decay time constant that varies from several ns at room temperature to {approximately}10 {micro}s at 60 K and up to {approximately}1 ms at 10 K. It is assumed that the STE is localized on the SC ions. The band at 3 eV can be excited in the range of the ScPO{sub 4} crystal transparency (decay time = 3 to 4 {micro}s.) This band is attributed to a lead impurity that creates different luminescence centers. At high temperatures, the band at 4.4 eV is dominant in the x-ray-excited TSL ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dissipation of energy of #beta#"--radiation in polyvinylchloride (PVC) was analyzed. Change of PVC properties at irradiation by beta beams with energy 2,32 MeV was characterized using potentials of inter- and intramolecular interactions as well as Born potential. Correlation between some micro- and macroproperties of PVC was detected and ways of their controlled correction were proposed. (authors)

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Gene silencing is a useful technique for elucidating biological function of genes by knocking down their expression. A recently developed artificial microRNAs (amiRNAs) exploits an endogenous...Full Text Available

CERN Document Server

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

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

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.

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

CTX-M extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) have emerged as the most common type of ESBL globally, their incidence easily surpassing those of SHV and TEM ESBLs in most locales. This study compared...Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

We propose a system for the on-line monitoring of short and medium term radioactive waste repositories. Such a system is distributed, fine-grained, robust, reliable, and must be based on low-cost components. It could, in principle, open new perspectives on the modality of waste packaging and storage. In particular we propose to employ a new family of cheap and powerful micro sensors to be placed in shape of a fine grid around each single drum. (authors)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A simple model is described to simulate kinetic processes in dielectric barrier discharges for O_2/NO_x mixtures. A threshold of ozone production found experimentally is confirmed by the calculations of this modeling, and the underlying chemical reaction mechanisms are discussed. It is also found that the effects of diffusion processes in the period of the lifetime of O atoms are not important to micro-discharge channels with a large radius, i.e. larger than 150 #mu#m

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Full text of publication follows: Radiation hardening and embrittlement due to high-energy neutron radiation around 623 K are the important issues on reduced-activation ferritic/martensitic (RAF/M) steels. It is expected that the improvement of radiation hardening might be one of effective ways to control the mechanical properties of RAF/M after irradiation. It has been reported that the weld joint has less hardening than the base metal from the tensile test results of TIG weldments irradiated in HFIR. This report indicated that radiation hardening can be reduced by the optimization of heat treatment condition for F82H. The purposes of this study are to establish the condition of heat treatment for minimum of radiation hardening in F82H steel using Neutron/Ion-irradiation and to examine a correlation between tensile property and micro-hardness before/after irradiation. The materials used in this study were F82H IEA heat and F82H heat treatment variants. Neutron ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper presents a technique for speed control three-phase induction motor using the pulse width modulation (PWM), in open loop while maintaining the tension for constant frequency. The technique is adapted from a thesis entitled 'Control of the three-phase induction motor, using discrete PWM generation, optimized and synchronized', where studies are presented aimed at their application in home appliances, to eliminate mechanical parts, replaced by low cost electronic control, thus having a significant reduction in power consumption. Initially the experiment was done with the Intel 80C31 micro controller. In this paper, the PWM modulation is implemented using a PIC micro controller, and the speed control kept a low profile, based on tables, synchronized with transitions and reduced generation of harmonics in the network. Confirmations were made using the same process of building tables, but takes advantage of the program of ...

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

The temporal development of the effect of THIP (4,5,6,7-tetrahydroisoxazolo[5,4-c]pyridin-3-ol) on the ultrastructure composition and GABA receptor expression in cerebellar granule cells was investigated by quantitative electron microscopy (morphometric analysis) and GABA binding assays. It was found that the cytoplasmic density of smooth endoplasmic reticulum was decreased, while the cytoplasmic density of rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, vesicles and coated vesicles was greatly enhanced after exposure of the cells to THIP (150 microM) for only 1 hr. In cerebellar granule cells exposed to THIP (150 microM) for 3 hr low affinity GABA receptors were induced. These findings show that the effect of THIP on the ultrastructure composition and GABA receptor expression in cultured cerebellar granule cells may be interrelated and moreover it is likely that the turn-over of GABA receptors is extremely fast.

CERN Document Server

We present high-precision time-series photometry of the classical delta Scuti star HD 144277 obtained with the MOST (Microvariability and Oscillations of STars) satellite in two consecutive years. The observed regular frequency patterns are investigated asteroseismologically. HD 144277 is a hot A-type star that is located on the blue border of the classical instability strip. While we mostly observe low radial order modes in classical delta Scuti stars, HD 144277 presents a different case. Its high observed frequencies, i.e., between 59.9c/d (693.9 microHz) and 71.1c/d (822.8microHz), suggest higher radial orders. We examine the progression of the regular frequency spacings from the low radial order to the asymptotic frequency region. Frequency analysis was performed using Period04 and SigSpec. The results from the MOST observing runs in 2009 and 2010 were compared to each other. The resulting frequencies were submitted to asteroseismic ...

Science.gov (United States)

In this article we describe an optoelectronic sensor for assessing the level of light petrochemical products in technological tanks at the oil refineries. This sensor employs the multi-element vertical array of discrete micro- optical refractometric transducers. The transducers are made of silica glass and have the conical shape. In the air, each transducer operates as a tiny retro-reflector that optically couple together two multimode optical fibers. The optical coupling in the transducer is due to the internal reflection at the conical surface. The amount of the coupling depends on the refractive index of the surrounding media. In a fluid, the total internal reflection vanishes and the coupling becomes negligibly small. The number of immersed transducers is a measure of the fluid level in the reservoir. Because of the significance of the transducer transmission function, it is evaluated in detail under various combinations of the geometrical parameters of the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A recent study reported the results of an exploratory study of alterations of the quantitative sleep profile due to the effects of a digital mobile radio telephone. Rapid eye movement (REM) was suppressed, and the spectral power density in the 8--13 Hz frequency range during REM sleep was altered. The aim of the present study was to illuminate the influence of digital mobile radio telephone on the awake electroencephalogram (EEG) of healthy subjects. For this purpose, the authors investigated 34 male subjects in a single-blind cross-over design experiment by measuring spontaneous EEGs under closed-eyes condition from scalp positions C{sub 3} and C{sub 4} and comparing the effects of an active and an inactive digital mobile radio telephone (GSM) system. During exposure of nearly 3.5 min to the 900 MHz electromagnetic field pulsed at a frequency of 217 Hz and with a pulse width of 580 {micro}s, the authors could not detect any difference in the awake EEGs in terms of ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Coded imaging techniques using thick, micro-Fresnel zone plates as coded apertures have been used to image x-ray emission (2--20 keV) and 3.5 MeV Alpha particle emissions from laser driven micro-implosions. Image resolution in these experiments was 3--8 ..mu..m. Extension of this coded imaging capability to higher energy x rays (approx.100 KeV) and more penetrating charged particles (e.g., approx.15 MeV protons) requires the fabrication of very thick (50--200 ..mu..m), high aspect ratio (10:1), gold Fresnel zone plates with narrow linewidths (5--25 ..mu..m) for use as coded apertures. A reactive ion etch technique in oxygen has been used to produce thick zone plate patterns in polymer films. The polymer patterns serve as electroplating molds for the subsequent fabrication of the free-standing gold zone plate structures.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

We report, for the first time to our knowledge, on the active optical planar waveguides in Nd : YAG laser crystals fabricated by O3+ ion implantation at low doses of ?1014 ions cm-2. The reconstructed refractive index profiles based on the measured dark-mode spectroscopy show that an enhanced refractive index well is created in the near-surface region, forming a non-leaky waveguide structure. With thermal annealing treatment at 260 0C for 90 min, the propagation losses of the waveguides could be reduced to ?3 dB cm-1 at a wavelength of 632.8 nm. The micro-luminescence investigation reveals that the emission bands of Nd3+ ions are not significantly affected by the waveguide formation processing, which shows promising potentials for efficient waveguide laser operations at near-infrared wavelength bands.

Environmental Research Database

Objectives1. To develop new photoactive materials and fabricate demonstration QD (quantum dot) solar cells. This will be achieved by:~%~1.1. Materials preparation and characterisation of QD/polymer systems~%~1.2. Optimising structures of QDs, nanorods and polymer for quantum yield and charge transfer~%~1.3 Fabricating demonstration QD/polymer solar cells and measuring power conversion efficiencies~%~2. To demonstrate multiexciton generation (MEG) and harvesting within nanostructured QDs. This will involv [continued...]DescriptionWidespread implementation of photovoltaic electricity to meet changing energy demands requires a step-change in the cost of photovoltaic power. This proposal assembles a consortium of chemists, physicists, materials scientists and electrical engineers from The University of Manchester and Imperial College London to address this need through the development of new low-cost, high-efficiency, demonstration solar cells for micro-generation.We ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A 19.1 metre wind turbine blade was subjected to static tests. The purpose of the test series was to verify the abilities of different types of sensors to detect damage in wind turbine blades. Prior to each of the static test-series an artificial damage was made on the blade. The damage made for each test-series was surveyed during each series by acoustic emission, fiber optic micro bend displacement transducers and strain gauges. The propagation of the damage was determined by use of ultra sonic and X-ray surveillance during stops in the test series. By use of acoustic emission it was possible to measure damage propagation before the propagation was of visible size. By use of fiber optic micro bend displacement transducers and strain gauges it was possible to measure minor damage propagation. By use of both ultra sonic, and X-ray NDT-equipment it were possible to determine the size of propagated damage. (au)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Most of the information in this chapter is obtained from 1, 2, 3, 6, 8 and 9 annexes. It is worthwhile to clarify that in most of the cases they are estimations of the available resources, such as: trash, geothermal, solar energy, wind energy, biomass and mini and micro-hydro-energy. In several cases punctual measurements have been made, which do not represent a generic value of a national reserve. [Spanish] La mayor parte de la informacion en este capitulo es obtenida de los anexos 1, 2, 3, 6, 8 y 9. Cabe aclarar que en la mayoria de los casos son estimaciones de los recursos disponibles, tales como: la basura, la geotermia, la energia solar, la energia eolica, la biomasa y, la mini y la micro-hidroenergia. En varios casos se han realizado mediciones puntuales, las cuales no representan un valor generico de una reserva nacional.

Science.gov (United States)

For the estimation of the dispersion trend of tritium discharged from the Wolsung nuclear power plant, the present level of tritium in environmental samples in the vicinity of the Wolsong site has been studied. On the basis of tritium concentrations in environmental samples, the effective dose due to tritium has been estimated for an individual and population within a 16 km radius from the Wolsong site. The annual effective dose of tritium to an inhabitant around the Wolsong site ranged from 0.15 microSv y-1 to 1.3 microSv y-1. The dose level was negligible and much lower than some applicable standards, i.e. the limit on exposure from nuclear fuel cycle to the general public as recommended by ICRP (1 mSv y-1) or US EPA's limit (0.25 mSv y-1). The collective dose to the total population within a 16 km radius from the site, 1.2 x 10(-2) man.Sv y-1 was much lower than 1 man.Sv y-1, an applicable criterion for the so-called "exemption" of radiation ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The purpose of this research is to investigate the micro-mechanism of deformation behavior of metallic glasses. We report the results of direct observations of short-range and medium-range structural change during tensile deformation of metallic glasses by high energy X-ray diffraction method. Cu50Zr50 and Ni30Zr70 metallic glass samples in the ribbon shape (1.5 mm width and 25 ?m) were made by using rapid quenching method. Tensile deformation added to the sample was made by using special equipment adopted for measuring the high energy X-ray diffraction. The peaks in pair distribution function g(r) for Cu50Zr50 and N30iZr70 metallic glasses move zigzag into front and into rear during tensile deformation. These results of direct observation on atomic distribution change for Cu50Zr50 and Ni30Zr70 metallic glass ribbons during tensile deformation suggest that the micro-relaxations occur.

Science.gov (United States)

Aimed at some typical constraints of police dogs and robots used in the areas of reconnaissance and counterterrorism currently, the multifunction anti-terrorism robotic system based on police dog has been introduced. The system is made up of two parts: portable commanding device and police dog robotic system. The portable commanding device consists of power supply module, microprocessor module, LCD display module, wireless data receiving and dispatching module and commanding module, which implements the remote control to the police dogs and takes real time monitor to the video and images. The police dog robotic system consists of microprocessor module, micro video module, wireless data transmission module, power supply module and offence weapon module, which real time collects and transmits video and image data of the counter-terrorism sites, and gives military attack based on commands. The system combines police dogs" biological intelligence with ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A single particle micro-electrode technique has been applied, to study adsorption and mass transport phenomena of a TEABF{sub 4}/acetonitrile solution in a nano-porous carbon. The nano-porous carbon, which is obtained from SiC, has a very small and narrow pore size distribution around 8 Angstrom. Therefore, it is a good model material for studying adsorption processes in micropores. The results from cyclic voltammetry showed that a higher specific capacitance was obtained in the positive potential interval (vs Ag/AgNO{sub 3}). Upon activation cycling the mass transport inside the nano-porous particle becomes drastically hindered, probably by TEA{sup +} that is adsorbed and is partially blocking the micropores. Effective diffusion coefficients, Deff, were determined from potential step experiments. At positive potentials Deff was 1.5 {+-} 0.5 x 10{sup -8} cm{sup 2}s{sup -1}, whereas at more negative potentials Deff decreased drastically. (authors)

CERN Document Server

The determinants of the velocity of money have been examined based on life-cycle hypothesis. The velocity of money can be expressed by reciprocal of the average value of holding time which is defined as interval between participating exchanges for one unit of money. This expression indicates that the velocity is governed by behavior patterns of economic agents and open a way to constructing micro-foundation of it. It is found that time pattern of income and expense for a representative individual can be obtained from a simple version of life-cycle model, and average holding time of money resulted from the individual's optimal choice depends on the expected length of relevant planning periods.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The natural clayey soils are usually structural and unsaturated, which makes their mechanical properties quite different from the remolded saturated soils. A structural constitutive model is proposed to simulate the bonding-breakage micro-mechanism. In this model, the unsaturated soil element is divided into a cementation element and a friction element according to the binary medium theory, and the stress-strain coordination for these two elements is obtained. The cementation element is regarded as elastic, whereas the friction element is regarded as elastoplastic which can be described with the Gallipoli?s model. The theoretical formulation is verified with the comparative experiments of isotropic compressions on the saturated and unsaturated structural soils. Parametric analyses of the e...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

I summarize the extant direct and indirect data on the sky background SNAP will see at the North Ecliptic Pole over the wavelength range 0.4 < {lambda} < 1.7 {micro}m. At the spatial resolution of SNAP the sky background due to stars and galaxies is resolved, so the only source considered is zodiacal light. Several models are explored to provide interpolation in wavelength between the broadband data from HST and COBE observations. I believe the input data are now established well enough that the accuracy of the sky background presented here is sufficient for SNAP simulations, and that it will stand up to scrutiny by reviewers.

CERN Document Server

The refractive index of novel organosilica (nano/micro)material is determined using two methods. The first method is based on analysis of optical extinction efficiency of organosilica beads versus wavelength, which is obtained by a standard laboratory spectrometer. The second method relies on the measurable trapping potential of these beads in the focused light beam (laser tweezers). Polystyrene beads were used to test these methods, and the determined dispersion curves of refractive index values have been found accurate. The refractive index of organosilica beads has been determined to range from 1.60-1.51 over the wavelength range of 300-1100 nm.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gallium liquid-metal ion sources that have been introduced in the late 1970s have allowed the development of a new class of micro- and nanofabrication tools collectively denominated as focused ion beam (FIB) machines. To investigate the potential of a helium beam in such a FIB instrument the authors have tested a room-temperature electron beam ion trap coupled with a high resolution FIB machine. In this letter they present their first results in target imaging using a helium beam with a resolution that allows to account for a beam diameter in the submicrometer range.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Arrays of CdS:Mn"2"+:Cu"+ micro- and nanowires grown in polycarbonate ion-track templates exhibit photoluminescence in the spectral domain ranging from 500 to 800 nm at room temperature. A comparison with similar CdS and CdS:Mn"2"+ wire arrays is presented. The individual contributions to the emission spectra of Cu"+ and Mn"2"+ ions in the CdS matrix are explained using their energy level schemes. Also SEM, EDX and EPR data are given for these wires. (copyright 2005 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim) (orig.)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

New data about the structure of high-temperature resistant metalloceramic plasma sprayed coatings in micro and nano areas are presented. Application of the new instrumental methods: transmission electron microscopy combined with selected area electron diffraction mode is possible to obtain these data. The first layer in Ni based metallic bond coat shows nanocrystalline structure. External ceramic layer based on stabilised ZrO_2 is polycrystalline and contains both cubic and tetragonal crystalline phases. Local inhomogeneities in coatings phase composition are determined. (author)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper reports the presence of face centered cubic cobalt precipitates inside tungsten carbide in nanocomposite of WC-Co synthesized by spray conversion processing. EDS was used to identify the presence and micro-diffraction was employed to determine the nature of the precipitates. There is entrapment of cobalt in tungsten carbide during the spray conversion process used to form WC/Co powder. During consolidation, at high temperatures, the cobalt attains enough mobility to precipitate inside WC. A vanadium containing compound was seen at the interfaces in samples which incorporated VC as a grain growth inhibitor. (orig.)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Growing competitiveness of alternative manufacturing routes requires cost minimization in the production of drop forged components. The authors analyse the potential of medium carbon, vanadium microalloyed steels for drop forging. Laboratory and industrial experiments have been carried out emphasizing deformation and temperature cycles, strain rates and dwell times showing a typical processing path, associated mechanical properties and corresponding microstructures. The steels the required levels of mechanical properties on cooling after forging, eliminating subsequent heat treatment. The machinability of V-microalloyed steels is also improved when compared with plain medium carbon steels. (author)

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Accelerated aging tests have been conducted to evaluate the long-term durability of cementitious material against aggressive ions. In tests, cementitious specimens were immersed in the solutions containing concentrated aggressive ions at high temperature and it promoted diffusion of the ions in the specimen. This method would be suitable for the evaluation on the aging as the alteration of the specimen would be expected to resemble the natural behavior. This paper presents a classification of alteration mechanism in the immersion tests using MgCl{sub 2} and Na{sub 2}SO{sub 4} solution. This classification was done by relating the changes of compressive strength to microscopic and mineralogical changes.

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The Dynamic Transmission Electron Microscope (DTEM) is introduced as a novel tool for in situ processing of materials. Examples of various types of dynamic studies outline the advantages and differences of laser-based heating in the DTEM in comparison to conventional (resistive) heating in situ TEM methods. We demonstrate various unique capabilities of the drive laser, namely, in situ processing of nanoscale materials, rapid and high temperature phase transformations, and controlled thermal activation of materials. These experiments would otherwise be impossible without the use of the DTEM drive laser. Thus, the potential of the DTEM to as a new technique to process and characterize the growth of a myriad of micro and nanostructures is demonstrated.

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High-current implantation of Cu{sup {minus}} ions into silica glasses has been demonstrated using mA-class negative ion beams at 60 keV. Negative ion implantation has an advantage to alleviate specimen charging for insulating substrates and has attained high dose rates, up to 260 {micro}A/cm{sup 2}. Spherical Cu colloids form in the silica glasses without additional thermal annealing. Optical absorption and reflection of the implanted specimens vary with the current density, even at a fixed dose level. A beam-induced surface plasma may affect the high current implantation.

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Several fast neutral pressure gauges have been installed on NSTX [National Spherical Torus Experiment] to measure the vessel and divertor pressure during inductive and coaxial helicity injected (CHI) plasma operations. Modified, PDX [Poloidal Divertor Experiment]-type Penning gauges have been installed on the upper and lower divertors. Neutral pressure measurements during plasma operations from these and from two shielded fast Micro ion gauges at different toroidal locations on the vessel mid-plane are described. A new unshielded ion gauge, referred to as the In-vessel Neutral Pressure (INP) gauge is under development.

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This paper describes a system for biogas conversion to electric power and heat by using a micro turbine and three Otto cycle engines. The benefit of the energy from a treatment process residue aims the improvement of the global performance of the system, reducing the the emission of the greenhouse gases and contributing to the global energetic efficiency of the sewage treatment station and the basic sanitation in Brazil.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The effect of the rare earth element, yttrium, on the mechanical properties of 9Cr-2WVTa low active martensite steel for fusion reactor was studied and the metallurgical behavior of yttrium in the steel was primarily analyzed. The results show that it is easy for yttrium to aggregate and form the blocky yttrium rich inclusions in the steel, which can dissever the continuity of the matrix and produce micro-cracks for fracture. The yttrium rich inclusions were distributed along the rolling direction, which made the fracture surface delaminated in the tensile and impact samples, and reduced the mechanical properties of the steel. (authors)

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This work describes the development of a synchronous key based on micro controller to the switching of three-phase power transformers, which makes possible the achievement of tests to register the inrush current, and the previous establishment of the instantaneous values of the voltage firstly applied to different phases of the energy process. This key is a value tool to the development electric power system projects and to the teaching and researching activities at the laboratory related to transitory phenomena and electric system protection.

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Objective of the project is characterization of electrode reactions in molten salt by using metal oxides and silica-based electrode. The scope of project are characterization of metal oxide properties in molten salt and miniaturization of 3-electrode electrochemical test cell. Electrochemical micro-cell for actinide-LiCl-KCl molten salt was newly designed. Electroless and electrochemical deposition technique was applied to Mo coating on quartz tube. From the design of electrode and 3-electrode electrochemical cell suitable for the tests in molten salt electrolyte, so it is anticipated to get the information on the electrochemical behavior of metallic electrode in molten salt and to secure the information on oxidation/reduction behavior of actinide

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A beam position monitoring system has been implemented in the first third of the SLC linac which provides a complete scan of the trajectory on a single beam pulse. The data is collected from the local micro-computers and viewed with an updating display at a console or passed on to application programs. The system must operate with interlaced beams so the scans are also interlaced, providing each user with the ability to select the beam, the update rate, and the attenuation level in the digitizing hardware. In addition each user calibrates the hardware for his beam. A description of the system architecture will be presented. 6 refs., 4 figs.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A lot of effort has been made to spread the application of RTOS in embedded system development in China. RTOS, #mu#C/OS and #mu#C/OS-II, with its opened source code, is well known in embedded systems. Learning RTOS, Using RTOS, becomes more and more popular. The Book of 'Micro C/OS-II The Real-Time Kennel Second Edition' was published in 2002. Here some new progress of the RTOS, especially the safety certifications, the reliability of software is introduced. (authors)

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Asialoorosomucoid (ASOR) is internalized and degraded by HepG2 cells after binding to the asialoglycoprotein (ASGP) receptor, internalization through the coated pit/coated vesicle pathway, and trafficking to lysosomes. Primaquine, an 8-aminoquinoline antimalarial compound, inhibits ASOR degradation at concentrations greater than 0.2 mM by neutralizing intracellular acid compartments. This leads to alterations in surface receptor number, receptor-ligand dissociation, and receptor recycling. We have investigated the effects of primaquine on 125I-ASOR uptake and degradation as a function of primaquine concentration and duration of exposure. Concentrations below those required for neutralization of acidic compartments block 125I-ASOR degradation in HepG2 cells and lead to intracellular ligand accumulation. This effect is maximal at 80 microM primaquine. The intracellular 125I-ASOR is undegraded, dissociated from the ASGP receptor, and contained within vesicular ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Saturated flow boiling and convective condensation experiments for oil-free refrigerant R22 been carried out with a micro fin tube of new design and with a smooth tube. Both tube have the same outer diameter of 9.52 mm and are horizontally operated. Two-phase flow pattern data have been obtained in addition of heat transfer coefficient and pressure drops; more-over, adiabatic tests have been also performed in order for flow pattern map to cover even adiabatic flows. Data are for mass fluxes ranging from about 90 to 400 Kg/s m"2. In boiling tests, the nominal saturation temperature is 5 degree C, with inlet quality varying from 0.2 to 0.6 and the quality change ranging from 0.1 to 0.5. In condensation, results are for saturation temperature equal to 35 degree C, with inlet quality between 0.8 and 0.4, and quality change within 0.6 and 0.2. The comparison shows a large heat transfer augmentation with a moderate increment of pressure drops, especially in evaporation ...

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The main objectives of this project are to quantify the changes in fracture porosity and multi-phase transport properties as a function of confining stress. These changes will be integrated into conceptual and numerical models that will improve our ability to predict and optimize fluid transport in fractured system. This report details our progress on: (a) developing the direct experimental measurements of fracture aperture and topology and fluid occupancy using high-resolution x-ray micro-tomography, (b) counter-current fluid transport between the matrix and the fracture, (c) studying the effect of confining stress on the distribution of fracture aperture and two-phase flow, and (d) characterization of shear fractures and their impact on multi-phase flow. The three-dimensional surface that describes the large-scale structure of the fracture in the porous medium can be determined using x-ray micro-tomography with significant accuracy. Several ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The ion nitriding treatment is a process widely used in steel alloys to improve the material's properties; such as surface hardness, resistance to wear, fatigue life and resistance to corrosion. But geometric changes in the components can produce during the nitriding process different effects on the behavior of the plasma, such as local variations in the electric field, an empty cathode effect, etc. These in turn can affect among other factors the local temperature and therefore the kinetics of the process, generating variations in the compound layer thicknesses and zone of diffusion, and micro-hardness profile. These heterogeneities limit the effectiveness of the plasma nitriding process, where control and duplication of the surface modification are most important. This work aims to study the effect of the geometry of the pieces treated with ionic nitriding, especially the effect of the orifices. An understanding of the operating mechanisms is sought in order to ...

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The use of microwave in chemistry has known benefits over conventional heating methods, e.g. reduced reaction times, chemical yield improvement and the possibility if reducing or eliminating the use of organic solvents. We describe herein a procedure for the nitration of salicylaldehyde in water using a domestic microwave oven, which can be used as an experiment in the undergraduate chemistry laboratory. The experiment involves safe and rapid preparation and identification of the position isomers by thin layer chromatography and {sup 1}H NMR, or by their melting points. (author)

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The distribution profiles of the chemical structural changes induced in low density polyethylene(LDPE) irradiated by various ion-beams were obtained by micro-FT-IR measurement. Predominant species induced by ion-beam irradiation were trans-vinylene, hydroxyl group and carbonyl group. It was found that the depth profiles of these species resemble the Bragg curve, but they are rather different from the depth profile of the stopping power calculated by TRIM code. The terminal of the chemical reaction was observed to be deeper than the range calculated by TRIM code for all ion particles. This suggests that the energy profile in the region which the energy of the ion particle becomes lower is very complicated. (author).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The Gigabit Link Interface Board (GLIB) is an evaluation platform and an easy entry point for users of high speed optical links in high energy physics experiments. Its intended use ranges from optical link evaluation in the laboratory to control, triggering and data acquisition from remote modules in beam or irradiation tests. The GLIB is an FPGA-based Advanced Mezzanine Card (AMC) conceived to serve a small and simple system residing either inside a Micro Telecommunications Computing Architecture (?TCA) crate, or on a bench with a link to a PC. This paper presents the architecture of the GLIB, its features as well as examples of its use in different setups.

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The LPCTrap setup is a transparent Paul trap dedicated to the measurement of the ??? correlation coefficient a ?? in the ? decay of trapped radioactive nuclides. In a first experiment, the system has been used to record ?105 coincidences between the ? particles and recoiling ions emitted from the decay of 6He?+? ions. The analysis of the collected data has already shown that the size of the 6He?+? ion cloud confined in the Paul trap is a critical parameter, potentially limiting the accuracy on the a ?? measurement. We report here the precise determination of the trapped ion cloud temperature and size. This was performed by extracting the trapped ions toward a position sensitive micro channel plate detector at different phases of the RF driving field. We find a temperature T exp ?= 0.107(7)...

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Plants use multiple defence mechanisms comprising both constitutive and inducible barriers to prevent entering of phytopathogenic micro-organisms. In many plant species one of the most efficient responses to combat attacking microbes is the rapid synthesis of antimicrobial low molecular weight phytoalexins, for example, resveratrol, 3,5,4prime-trihydroxystilbene (1). Resveratrol and its natural derivatives, however, display only moderate antimicrobial effects. Nevertheless, resveratrol may be a useful lead structure for the chemical synthesis of antimicrobials. In this study, several series of stilbenes have been synthesized, starting from the aldehydes using Wittig reactions to access the corresponding styrenes that were subjected to Mizoroki-Heck reactions to yield the stilbenes in good ...

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Three-dimensional porous Sn thin film electrodes were prepared by electroless deposition on copper foam, then its morphology and electrochemical property were studied by means of scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), electrochemical cycling test and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The porous framework and micro-holes have shown a great structure advantage in restricting severe volume changes when the Sn thin film was employed as anode for lithium-ion battery. The film electrode of sample C with an initial capacity of 676 mAh g{sup -1} showed good cycle performance displayed by retaining a capacity of 313 mAh g{sup -1} after 100 cycles.

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We report the simultaneous formation of self-assembled surface ripples in Cd{sub 2}Nb{sub 2}O{sub 7} pyrochlore caused by focused ion beam (FIB) patterning and uniformly distributed metallic nanodots induced by phase decomposition under ion bombardment. The characteristic wavelength of the surface ripples is controllable from the nm to the sub-{micro}m scale. High-density Cd metallic nanoparticles, {approx} 5 nm, formed and the distribution of nanoparticles is consistent with the morphological characteristics of the ripple pattern. This approach provides a means of fabricating surface nanostructure with various patterns and a controllable particle size and distribution by combining ion beam-induced phase decomposition with high-precision FIB patterning.

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

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The results of experiments received on the plasma focus (PF) device with energy stored equal 4 kJ are represented. Photos of the current plasma sheath (CPS), pre-pinch, sphere-like plasma formations are produced with help of the electron-optical converter contained a gated micro-channel plate (MCP) and the CCD-camera imaging system in the visible region. The redial velocity of the CPS is about 107 cm/s. Neon plasma electron density measured with help of the interferograms in the visible region and the spectra in the soft X-ray region is equals to 3?1018 cm-3. Electron temperature is equal to about 200 eV. Discharge integral photos were obtained with help of the soft X-ray pinhole camera. Pictures with 2 ?s resolution of the plasma luminescence above PF anode region were made by CCD-camera.

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

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Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to investigate the accuracy of different force calculation methods and their impact on mechanical deformations. For this purpose, a micrometer scaled actuator is considered, which consists of a micro-coil and of a permanent magnet (PM) embedded in a deformable elastomeric layer. Design/methodology/approach - For the magnetic field evaluation a hybrid numerical approach (finite element method/boundary element method (FEM/BEM) coupling and a FEM/BEM/Biot-Savart approach) is used, whereas FEM is implemented for the mechanical deformation analysis. Furthermore, for the magneto-mechanical coupling several force calculation methods, namely the Maxwell stress tensor, the virtual work approach and the equivalent magnetic sources methods, are considered and co...

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Animal studies demonstrated the powerful impact of maternal-infant social contact on the infant's physiological systems, yet the online effects of social interactions on the human infant's physiology remain poorly understood. Mothers and their 3-month old infants were observed during face-to-face interactions while cardiac output was collected from mother and child. Micro-analysis of the partners' behavior marked episodes of gaze, affect, and vocal synchrony. Time-series analysis showed that mother and infant coordinate heart rhythms within lags of less than 1s. Bootstrapping analysis indicated that the concordance between maternal and infant biological rhythms increased significantly during episodes of affect and vocal synchrony compared to non-synchronous moments. Humans, like other mamm...

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The use of selective additives such as MgO as a sintering aid and a rare earth oxide as a grain growth inhibitor, has allowed the manufacture of beryllia ceramics having close to theoretical density. The grain size and grain size distribution can be controlled by an optimum firing schedule leaving a remnant porosity which is extremely fine (0.2 {mu}m). This structure is compared with conventional BeO ceramics, densified by liquid phase sintering, which develops a glassy grain boundary and retains large pores up to 3 {mu}m. The significantly improved strength properties, extremely fine pores,the 'pinning effect' of rare earth oxide, and the superior surface finish both in the as-fired and polished state are discussed in relation to the micro-structure. (orig.).

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Grooving CVD diamond films using a focused ion beam (FIB) to quarry micro parts is described. The substrate-side surface of a polycrystalline diamond film which is prepared by means of microwave plasma CVD, is able to be grooved by a focused Ga ion beam scanned straight repeatedly. The groove has cross section whose shape is like an inverted Gaussian distribution curve. And the surface roughness of the films before grooved influences that of grooves. Under the same irradiation conditions, deeper, narrower, in short, high aspect ratio grooves are obtained on B-doped semiconducting microwave plasma CVD diamond films. Coating electrical conductive material is also effective method to obtain high aspect ratio grooves. It is supposed that these results are due to the degree of electrification on the surface and that FIB irradiation is a suitable method for micromachining semiconducting diamond films.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In this project, measurement of x-ray radiation dose level during radiological examination in Jos university teaching hospital and Plateau State specialist hospital at different locations within the department were carried out using radiation survey meter. The results were converted from micro sievert per hour (#mu#Sv/hr) to milisievert per year (mSv/yr). The radiation levels from the two hospitals visited ranged from 1.3m Sv/yr to 8.4m Sv/yr. This implies that all the radiology departments visited are still operating within the safety limit having less than 20 mSv/yr which is the standard permissible radiation level recommended per year.

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A 15-nm lithium fluoride (LiF) thin film evaporated on glass substrate is shown to enhance the nucleation of microcrystalline Si grown by plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition at the amorphous/microcrystalline boundary conditions. The effect is more pronounced at low substrate temperatures, nucleation density being 10 times higher at {approx} 80 {sup o}C. The effect is ascribed to the ionic chemical nature of LiF, the low work function material used in organic electronic devices, and we propose its use for micro patterning crystalline Si regions in otherwise amorphous Si film.

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In globulitic gray iron (3.6 wt.% C, 2.4 wt.% Si and 0.45 wt.% Mn) the decomposition of austenite into bainite is investigated in real time using a new method based on neutron scattering. During the phase transformation transmission spectra of thermal neutrons are continuously recorded containing specific Bragg edges. Thus, the transformation is followed in-situ time resolved by evaluating the relative (micro)structural fractions of the transforming phases from the heights of the corresponding Bragg edges. The progression of the transformation is described and the results are discussed. The observed late time deviations from the Avrami law are explained by residual stresses of the second kind (homogeneous microstresses), which occur during the transformation because of the different specific volumes of the phases. ((orig.))

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Summary The aroma impact volatiles of twenty-four pine honey samples produced in Marmaris, Data and Fethiye regions of Turkey were evaluated by solid phase micro extraction/gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (MS) technique and the results were evaluated by using the analysis of variance and Duncan tests. A total of eight common volatiles nonanal, nonanol, decanal, octanal, 16-oxosalutaridine, dodecanal, nonadecane and pentadecane were detected in three regions. The total area of the common volatiles were 73.01%, 78.10% and 73.91% in Marmaris, Data, and Fethiye regions, respectively. There were not significant differences (P-<-0.05) between the common volatiles detected in pine honey samples from three different regions. The major contributers to the pine honey aroma seems to be nonanal (...

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Considerable interest has focused recently on the use of lignocellulosic fibers as a reinforcement for thermoplastic polymers. The combination of these dissimilar materials, however, is characterized by a widespread incompatibility that leads to a weak fiber/polymer interface and poor performance properties for the composite. In an effort to improve compatibility a number of fiber surface modification approaches have been investigated including plasma, ozone, and polymer grafting treatments. Evaluation of adhesion improvements has been complicated by processing variables that are difficult to control. This paper will discuss the use of the-micro-debond test in quantifying the interfacial shear strength (ISS) in wood fiber/polystyrene composites. Wood fibers were modified to different degrees with styrene-maleic anhydride copolymers that varied in their composition. The effect of fiber modification on surface energetics was determined using dynamic contact angle ...

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Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of host periosteum and recipient bed perforation on the healing of an onlay graft to the mandible based on histologic and immunohistochemical analysis. Materials and methods Each of the 12 adult sheep used in the study received four iliac corticocancellous onlay bone grafts on the lateral surface of the mandible. In experiment 1, the block graft was placed in direct contact with the recipient bed and fixed with micro-screws, and in experiment 2, the recipient cortical bed was perforated before graft placement. The host periosteum around the graft was excised before flap replacement in experiment 3, and in experiment 4, a sheet of silicone membrane was placed between the graft and the recipient bed. The animals were euthanised at 4, 8, ...

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In the present contribution, the innovative in situ Raman micro-spectroscopy was applied to investigate the in vitro reactivity of various bioactive glasses. All the investigated glasses belonged to the Na2O\\K2O-CaO-P2O5-SiO2 system, but contained sensibly different percentages of network modifiers. The glasses were immersed for increasing times, up to 96h, in simulated body fluid (SBF) and in tris-buffered (TRIS) solution. In this way, two fundamental items were addressed, i.e. the effect of the glass composition and the nature of the soaking fluid on the overall reactivity. As regards the SBF, all the glasses were able to promote the formation of a hydroxyl-carbonate apatite (HCA) surface layer in very short times. The reaction rate was particularly quick for the 45S5 Bioglass and for it...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The postulate that negative-energy particles do not exist (travelling forward in time) leads automatically to the 'Reinterpretation Principle' by Stueckelberg and by Feynman. It has been already shown that such a 'principle', assumed as the Third postulate of special relativity, ensures the validity of the law of (retarded) casuality both in standard relativity and in (extended) relativity with tachyons and with Superluminal inertial frames. Our Thir postulate, moreover, allows predicting antiparticle existence in a purely relativistic context. In this paper it is shown that the Third postulate is enough to implement the law of casuality even in macrophysics, when usual macro-objects interact with micro-tachyons and macrotachyons. To that aim, some tachyon kinematics is further developed, which can be useful even in understanding elementary-particle interactions (and may be hadron structure). Many other related problems are discussed.

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Occurrence of genetic variants during micropropagation is occasionally encountered when the cultures are maintained in vitro for long period. Therefore, the micropropagated multiple shoots of Vanilla planifolia Andrews developed from axillary bud explants established 10 years ago were used to determine somaclonal variation using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and intersimple sequence repeats markers (ISSR). One thousand micro-plants were established in soil of which 95 plantlets (consisting of four phenotypes) along with the mother plant were subjected to genetic analyses using RAPD and ISSR markers. Out of the 45 RAPD and 20 ISSR primers screened, 30 RAPD and 7 ISSR primers showed 317 clear, distinct and reproducible band classes resulting in a total of 30 115 bands. However, no ...

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Flame propagating through zirconium particle cloud in a small-scale vertical rectangle chamber was investigated experimentally. In the experiments, the zirconium quoted 99% purity was used and the diameter of particles was distributed 1?22 ?m. The zirconium dust was dispersed into the chamber by air flow and ignited by an electrode spark. A high-speed video camera was used to record the images of the propagating flame. Micro-thermocouples, schlieren optical system and microscopic lens were used to obtain temperature profiles and flame structure, respectively. Based on the experimental results, flame propagation characteristics and flame structure of zirconium particle cloud were analyzed. The propagation velocity of the flame is quite slow in the initial 14 ms and then accelerates to maxim...

CERN Document Server

Standard micro-economics concentrate on the description of markets but is seldom interested in production. Several economists discussed the concept of a firm, as opposed to an open labour market where entrepreneurs would recrute workers on the occasion of each business opportunity. Coase \\cite{Coase} is one of them, who explains the existence of firms as institution because they reduce the transaction costs with respect to an open labour market. Whatever the rationale proposed by economists to account for the existence of firms, their perspective is based on efficiency and cost analysis. Little attention is paid to the dynamics of emergence and evolution of firms. The aim of the present manuscript is to check the global dynamical properties of a very simple model based on bounded rationality and reinforcement learning. Workers and managers are localised on a lattice and they choose collaborators on the basis of the success of previous work relations. The choice ...

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We investigated the magnet field dependence of the X-ray pulse height and the critical current of a Ti/Au bilayer TES micro-calorimeter. The pulse height was strongly affected by the magnetic field intensity applied perpendicularly to the TES surface. We found that the critical current at zero temperature, I c0, decreased by a factor of two by applying a magnet field of ?10??T. Our data are consistent with a TES sensitivity proportional to (I/I c0)?2/3, as predicted by the Ginzburg-Landau theory. This fact implies that the shape of the R?T curve of the TES is partly determined by the critical current of the superconductor. In order to make our TES microcalorimeters less sensitive to the external magnetic field, we fabricated devices equipped with on-chip magnetic shielding. One device has ...

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In this work AISI 1045 steel were duplex treated via plasma nitriding of chromized layer. Samples were pack chromized by using a powder mixture consisting of ferrochromium, ammonium chloride and alumina at 1273K for 5h. The samples were then plasma-nitrided for 5h at 803K and 823K, in a gas mixture of 75%N2+25%H2. The treated specimens were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and Vickers micro-hardness test. The thickness of chromized layer before nitriding was about 8mm and it was increased after plasma nitriding. According to XRD analysis, the chromized layer was composed of chromium and iron carbides. Plasma nitriding of chromized layer resulted in the formation of chromium and iron nitrides and carbides. The hardness of the duplex layer...

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This article presents the micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) microrobot which demonstrates locomotion controlled by hardware neural networks (HNN). The size of the microrobot fabricated by the MEMS technology is 4 ? 4 ? 3.5 mm. The frame of the robot is made of silicon wafer, and it is equipped with a rotary-type actuator, a link mechanism, and six legs. The rotary-type actuator generates rotational movement by applying an electrical current to artificial muscle wires. The locomotion of the microrobot is obtained by the rotation of the rotary-type actuator. As in a living organism, the HNN realized robot control without using any software programs, A/D converters, or additional driving circuits. A central pattern generator (CPG) model was implemented as an HNN system to emulate the lo...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Purpose - This study aims to design and test some fixed-wing micro aerial vehicles (MAV). Design/methodology/approach - The MAV wing planform in this study was designed based on previous results and the need to reduce the weight of the MAV. The MAV had a wing planform with a 6 percent Gottingen-329 camber airfoil, a 20 swept-back leading edge and a straight trailing edge. The fuselage was designed to contain a motor, an electronic control system and a video camera with a built-in transmitter. The battery was located outside the fuselage to trim the center of gravity and enable the battery to be changed easily when it has run out. Two exaggerated vertical stabilizers were installed to prevent the MAV from rolling. The materials, the power plant and the electronics used to fabricate the MAV ...

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Microstructural observations of damage around indentations in Ti{sub 3}SiC{sub 2} are presented. The Vickers hardness decreased with increasing load and asymptotically approached 4 GPa at the highest loads. No indentation cracks were observed even at loads as high as 300 N. Preliminary strength versus indentation plots indicate that, at least for the large-grained material ({approx}100 {micro}m) studied here, Ti{sub 3}SiC{sub 2} is a damage-tolerant material able to contain the extent of microdamage to a small area around the indent. The following multiple energy-absorbing mechanisms have been identified from scanning electron micrographs of areas in the vicinity of the indentation: diffuse microcracking, delamination, crack deflection, grain push-out, grain pull-out, and the buckling of individual grains.

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On Oct. 24, 2005, Hurricane Wilma, a category 5 storm, made landfall at Cape Romano, Florida. Three days later, the Center for Robot-Assisted Search and Rescue at the University of South Florida deployed an iSENYS helicopter and a prototype unmanned water surface vehicle, AEOS-1, to survey damage in parts of Marco Island, 14 km from landfall. The effort was the first known use of unmanned sea surface vehicles (USVs) for emergency response and established their suitability for the recovery phase of disaster management by detecting damage to seawalls and piers, locating submerged debris (moorings and handrails), and determining safe lanes for sea navigation. It provides a preliminary domain theory of postdisaster port and littoral inspection with unmanned vehicles for use by the human-robot ...

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A 253.7-nm ultraviolet light with an intensity of 1,100 microW/cm2 was tested for its germicidal activity against contact lenses and storage solutions contaminated with various corneal pathogens. The exposure time necessary to reduce a concentration of organisms from 10(6)/ml to less than 10/ml was 30 seconds for Staphylococcus aureus, 60 seconds for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and 84 seconds for Candida albicans. The time necessary to sterilize a suspension of 10(4)/ml Acanthamoeba polyphaga was less than three minutes with this technique. Four brands of soft contact lenses were exposed to ultraviolet light for over eight hours without changing their appearance, comfort, or refraction.

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The Jaduguda U (?Cu?Fe) deposit in the Singhbhum shear zone has been the most productive uranium deposit in India. Pyrite occurs as disseminated grains or in sulphide stringers and veins in the ore zone. Veins, both concordant and discordant to the pervasive foliation, are mineralogically either simple comprising pyrite ? chalcopyrite or complex comprising pyrite + chalcopyrite + pentlandite + millerite. Nickel-sulphide minerals, though fairly common in concordant veins, are very rare in the discordant veins. Pyrite in Ni-sulphide association is commonly replaced by pentlandite at the grain boundary or along micro-cracks. Based on concentrations of Co and Ni, pyrite is classified as: type-A ? high Co (up to 30800?ppm), no/low Ni; type-B ? moderate Co (up to 16500?ppm) and moderate to high ...

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Increasing quantities of chicken waste concerns the poultry industry because of escalating disposal costs and the potential for environmental pollution. Biological conversion of these wastes to valuable products such as methane and/or chemical feed-stocks appears to be feasible. Biomethanation of chicken waste by a sewage sludge microbial consortium produced as much as 69 mol% methane in the gas phase. Acetic and propionic acids were the major acids produced during the bioconversion. Addition of chelating agents and other micro-nutrients enhanced methane production and shifted the ratios of intermediates accumulated. Preliminary data indicate that more than 60% of the chicken waste carbon was converted and that the nitrogen-rich residue may have potential as a soil additive. (author).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We have employed Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy (ESEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis to study the microstructural evolution of acrylic latex stabilised with a novel polysaccharide derived from agricultural waste. The analysis revealed that the micro structure of the latex in the 'wet' state consists of individual particles and clusters. Upon evaporation a discontinuous film is formed, with voids present within its structure, which is inconsistent with the conventional descriptions of film formation. Further ESEM examination of 'dry' specimens revealed that aging resulted in the formation of dendritic structures on the surfaces of the latex films, which EDX analysis confirmed to have been formed via crystallisation of salt. The experimental evidence suggests that the clusters, which are part of the structure of the latex, may act as nucleation centres that would allow the dendrites to form.

Science.gov (United States)

In this article, we report anticancer activity of 14 anthracenedione derivatives separated from the secondary metabolites of the mangrove endophytic fungi Halorosellinia sp. (No. 1403) and Guignardia sp. (No. 4382). Some of them inhibited potently the growth of KB and KBv200 cells, among which compound 6 displayed strong cytotoxicity with IC(50) values of 3.17 and 3.21 microM to KB and KBv200 cells, respectively. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the mechanism involved in the apoptosis induced by compound 6 is probably related to mitochondrial dysfunction. Additionally, the structure-activity relationships of these compounds are discussed. PMID:20479985

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Most countries worldwide nowadays apply Environmental Assessment (EA) as an ex ante tool to evaluate environmental impacts of policies, plans, programmes, and projects. However, the application and performance of EA differ significantly. Scientific analysis of how EA performs mainly focuses on two levels: the micro (or project) level and the macro (or system) level. Macro level analysis usually focuses on institutions for EA and the organisation of stakeholder interaction in EA. This article proposes a more comprehensive framework for analysing EA systems that combines other approaches with a capacity approach and an explicit consideration of the context in which EA systems are developed and performed. In order to illustrate the value of our framework, we apply it to the Republic of Yemen,...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A rapid combustion unit (Baird and Tatlock) incorporating a combustion chamber provided with baffle plates for complete combustion of the sample without the use of a catalyst has been assembled in a glove box for the determination of carbon and hydrogen in actinide complexes. The unit has been modified employing a movable electric furnace and a proportional temperature controller, for decomposition of the sample at desired heating rates. The set-up was standardised employing various reference materials such as benzoic acid, acetanilide, sulphanilamide and 1-chloro 2:4 dinitrobenzene and the standard deviation in the measurements evaluated. It has also been used successfully for the determination of carbon in uranium carbide and carbon and hydrogen in some uranyl-#beta#-diketone-amine N-oxide complexes and in plutonium(IV) oxalate. (auth.).

CERN Document Server

Motional heating of ions in micro-fabricated traps is a challenge hindering experimental realization of large-scale quantum processing devices. Recently a series of measurements of the heating rates in surface-electrode ion traps characterized their frequency, distance, and temperature dependencies, but our understanding of the microscopic origin of this noise is still vague. In this work we develop a theoretical model for the electric field noise which is associated with a random distribution of adsorbed atoms on the trap electrode surface. By using first principle calculations of the fluctuating dipole moments of the adsorbed atoms we evaluate the distance, frequency and temperature dependence of the resulting electric field fluctuation spectrum.Our theory calculates the noise spectrum beyond the standard scenario of two-level fluctuators, by incorporating all the relevant vibrational states. The $1/f$ noise is shown to commence at roughly the frequency of the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In the absence of empirical outdoor thermal comfort studies it has been widely assumed that indoor thermal comfort theory generalises to outdoor settings without modification. Many indoor models were developed to describe thermal discomfort, not stress, therefore their relevance to conditions that vary greatly from neutrality, as many outdoor climatic conditions do, has not been critically validated in the field to date. The thermal comfort of 1018 subjects in outdoor and semi-outdoor locations in subtropical Sydney was investigated by a questionnaire and a comprehensive package of micro-meteorological instruments. The thermal neutrality in terms of the thermal comfort index OUT{sub S}ET* of 26.2 {sup o}C was significantly higher than the indoor SET* counterpart of 24{sup o}C (ASHRAE Trans. 92 (1986) 709). (author)

Science.gov (United States)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the automated urine test strip analyzer Aution Max AX 4280 which uses strips able to measure 12 urinary parameters. For precision study, we considered glucose, protein, blood, leukocytes, nitrite, and pH and the four first were compared with usual methods: chemical measurement or microscopic examination. Reproducibility of the semi quantitative results was determined as the proportion of results falling into the same concentration range. Within-run reproducibility assessed using urine specimens were between 83% and 96%. Between day on quality controlled materials, it was higher (96%), and leukocytes were shared between two classes 250 and 500 cells/microL. For glucose and proteins, linearity was good and comparison with quantitative methods yielded high correlation. The false negative fraction was low and there was no false positive results. For blood, fraction of false positive was 7.5% for 0.3 mg/L of hemoglobin compared with ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Triphenylmethylphosphonium (TPMP+) partitions into the mitochondrial and cytosolic compartments in the rat white adipocyte in a potential-dependent fashion. The relationship between (/sup 3/H)TPMP+ distribution, intracellular cAMP generation and lipolysis in response to hormones and cAMP-mimetic compounds was examined. Half-maximal (/sup 3/H)TPMP+ efflux and glycerol release were produced by 15 and 9 nM adrenocorticotropin, 170 and 110 nM 1-epinephrine, 70 and 27 microM isobutylmethylxanthine and 800 and 750 microM dibutyryl cAMP, respectively. Hormone-stimulated cAMP generation was also correlated with (/sup 3/H)TPMP+ efflux and lipolysis in terms of concentration dependency. In kinetic experiments, glycerol release and (/sup 3/H)TPMP+ efflux in response to adrenocorticotropin or cholera toxin proceeded over a similar time course, whereas an earlier rise in cAMP generation was detected. The depolarizing effect of lipolytic compounds was ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Two geochemical surveys were conducted in 1992 and 2000 respectively in the Yimeng Uplift of the Ordos Basin, China. The earlier survey grid had 1 x 5km spacing and the later survey grid had 0.5 x 0.5km spacing. The acid-extractable hydrocarbons of both surveys show similar geochemical trends. However, the anomalies obtained with traditional statistical methods do not correlate with existing oil/gas fields. This study reveals two problems in the data and their processing. The first one is interference caused by the variation of soil composition. We applied a wavelet-analysis-based method to eliminate this interference in the data of the later survey. The second is that micro-seepage anomalies did not identify existing oil/gas fields and seepage anomalies related with faults had not been previously recognized. We modified the logic multiplication cluster analysis and applied a multi-fractal model and a back propagation artificial neural network to recognize these ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This thesis is concerned with the optimization and development of the production of nanofocusing refractive X-ray lenses. These optics made of either silicon or diamond are well-suited for high resolution X-ray microscopy. The goal of this work is the design of a reproducible manufacturing process which allows the production of silicon lenses with high precision, high quality and high piece number. Furthermore a process for the production of diamond lenses is to be developed and established. In this work, the theoretical basics of X-rays and their interaction with matter are described. Especially, aspects of synchrotron radiation are emphasized. Important in X-ray microscopy are the different optics. The details, advantages and disadvantages, in particular those of refractive lenses are given. To achieve small X-ray beams well beyond the 100 nm range a small focal length is required. This is achieved in refractive lenses by moving to a compact lens design where several single lenses ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Borosilicate based glass formulations have been found suitable for fixing the HLW (high level radioactive liquid waste) generated after reprocessing of the spent nuclear fuel. As the glass experiences continuous irradiation by #alpha#, #beta#a, and #gamma# radiations from the radioactive components of HLW, alteration in the glass structure may occur. Understanding of these structural evolutions of the nuclear waste glasses under irradiation is crucial to secure long term disposal and predict their behavior. In the present work, alkali based barium borosilicate glasses, having composition similar to that of Trombay Research Reactor waste glass were irradiated with high energy "1"2C beam and the radiation induced changes were monitored by micro Raman experiment. Since a "1"2C atom can be considered as a cluster of alphas, this beam was chosen to yield linear energy losses (LET) comparable to that in case of a particles. The irradiations were carried out at 30 deg N ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The micro-arrangement of hydrogen atoms and the electronic properties of hydrides LaNi_5H_x (0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, 7.0) have been systematically investigated by means of the density functional theory using the full-potential linearized augmented plane wave (FLAPW) method with the generalized gradient approximation (GGA). The calculated results indicate that H atoms prefer to occupy the 12n site in the #alpha# solid solution phase. For the #beta# phase, once the first H atom locates in the basal plane (12n site), and because it is difficult for the second H atom to still locate in the 12n site, the second H atom would prefer to occupy the middle plane site (6m site). When the number of H atoms increases from 3 to 5, they would occupy the other 12n and 6m sites by turns. Furthermore, our optimized data indicate that the structures P3 and P63mc are the most favorable structures of LaNi_5H_6 and LaNi_5H_7, respectively. From the analysis of the densities ...

Science.gov (United States)

The mechanical properties of metal stents are important parameters in the consideration of stent design, matched to resist arterial recoil and vascular spasm. The purpose of this study was to develop a system for a standardized quantitative evaluation of the mechanical characteristics of various coronary stents. Several types of stents were compressed by external hydrostatic pressure. The stent diameter was assessed by placing a pair of small ultrasonic sono-crystals on the stent. From pressure-strain diagrams the ultimate strength and radial stiffness for each stent were determined. For all stents, except the MICRO-II and the Wiktor stent, the diameter decreased homogeneously until an ultimate compressive strength was exceeded, causing an abrupt collapse. Expanded to 3 mm, the mechanical behavior of the beStent, the Crown and the Palmaz-Schatz stent (PS153-series) were comparable. The spiral articulated Palmaz-Schatz stent showed twice the strength (1.26 atm) of ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In order to achieve micro-wound, intelligence and high efficiency for fracture setting, intelligent setting system for fracture is proposed in accordance with biomechanics and fracture therapy theory. In the comprehensive medical system based on C-shape-arm X-machine, image processing and analysis is the core, programmable logical controller and stepping motor are important driving parts controlling mechanical parts. Six degree of freedom dynamics sensor ensures to control accurately force and moment. On the foundation of analyzing X-ray image peculiarities, method of processing and analysis is put forward, combining time domain with frequency domain. After mining domain knowledge in depth, setting actions is quantized into three non-continuous steps and is parameterized into two angles and one distance aiming at femoral-neck fracture. Objective features are extracted by virtue of three power polymerization curved surface fitting. Master-slave reference frame is ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Development of electronic devices with better performance and smaller size requires the passive components to be embedded within a printed wire board (PWB). The 'film-on-foil' approach is the most viable method for embedding these components within a PWB. We have deposited high-permittivity ferroelectric lead lanthanum zirconate titanate (Pb{sub 0.92}La{sub 0.08}Zr{sub 0.52}Ti{sub 0.48}O{sub x}, PLZT 8/52/48) films on base metal foils by chemical solution deposition. These prefabricated capacitor sheets can be embedded into PWBs for power electronic applications. To eliminate the parasitic effect caused by the formation of a low-permittivity interfacial oxide, a conductive buffer layer of lanthanum nickel oxide (LNO) was applied by chemical solution deposition on nickel foil before the deposition of PLZT. With a {approx} 0.7-{micro}m-thick ferroelectric PLZT film grown on LNO-buffered nickel foil, we measured capacitance densities of 1.5 ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The objective of the investigation was to study the feasibility of applying continuous casting steel 100Cr6 (SAE 52100) for bearing balls. It was found that two of three continuous casted steel batches have longer or at least similar rolling contact fatigue lifetimes compared to one ingot casted batch. For one of the continuous casted batches, the rolling contact fatigue lifetime was 30% less. The micro- and macrostructure and the residual stresses below the surface of the balls were comparable. There is also no obvious difference between the four batches in the metallurgical parameters like contents of oxygen, titanium and sulfur as well as in the distribution of carbides and their network. The reason for the shorter lifetime of one batch finally was found to be due not to the continuous casting process itself. There was a difference in the cross section of the different casting moulds, and by this in the speed of solidification. As a consequence an increased ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Surface modification of topography and chemistry in order to achieve a specific water contact angle (CA) has been explored by using a novel combinatorial screening platform. The screening arrays consisted of 507 distinct combinations of micro-topographies and chemical compositions. By performing chemical modifications with 1H, 1H, 2H, 2H perfluoroethyltriethoxy-silane (PFS) and n-octadecyltriethoxysilane (ODS) on standard silicon wafers it was possible to include both superhydrophobic and very hydrophilic pad arrays in the same screening platform. Surfaces modified with PFS were more hydrophobic than surfaces modified with ODS, while the unmodified silicon surfaces were hydrophilic. For the PFS modified surfaces the largest CAs were achieved with a small pillar size of X = 1 {mu}m and an intermediate inter-pillar gap size of Y = 4 {mu}m with superhydrophobic CAs over 170 . Surface analysis with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealed that CF{sub 3} groups ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The LS electromagnetic band (1-4 GHz) is widely used both in domestic and industrial domains. Several studies suggested that the biological systems would exhibit a specific sensitivity to the 2.45 GHz microwaves (water resonance frequency). Potential human health hazards and especially a disruption of the cholinergic system have been reported, due to exposure to microwaves even at low power density. This work presents a multi-parametric study of freely moving rat where neuro-physiology was investigated during 70 hours using neurochemical (micro-dialysis technique), electrophysiological, behavioral (vigilance stages quantification) and thermo-physiological approaches. The rats were exposed 24 hours to a 2.45 GHz pulsed electromagnetic field at low power density. In this exposure conditions, no significant effect have been reported. (authors)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

High-spatial-resolution microfocus-based X-ray imaging technology, both real-time and film, has been used to study the thickness variation that occurs in the oxide core of silver-sheathed BSCCO ribbons produced by the powder-in-tube method. This thickness variation (also called ``sausaging``) occurs during incremental rolling and degrades the critical current densities of the ribbons. Using X-ray image data the authors determined the onset and severity of sausaging. Onset occurred at a ribbon thickness of 203 {micro}m, and the severity increased with subsequent rolling reductions. Scanning electron microscopy was used to confirm the X-ray image data. X-ray imaging provides several advantages over more traditional methods for characterizing the superconductors such as optical or scanning electron microscopy. The X-ray imaging provides nondestructive information about the entire width of the ribbon, with far greater speed, lower cost, and more flexibility than the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper explains technologies for turbo chargers used in light cars. Light car engine turbo chargers have been given various improvements responding to needs of the market. Since ball bearings have less mechanical loss than sliding bearings, and enhances greatly the turbo efficiency, they are used in some high performance engines of light cars. While the conventional ball bearing has used high hardness bearing steel, the new standard cars started using ceramic ball. The currently used light car gasoline engines are divided into two kinds, serial three-cylinder type and serial four-cylinder type, either having merits and demerits. The new twin entry turbo developed by IHI arranges divided exhaust gas ports above and below to simplify the manifold shape, and realizes smooth flow by twisting the exhaust gas flow path inside the turbine housing. This makes the dynamic pressure of the exhaust gas more effectively utilized, enhancing the boost pressure and torque. (NEDO)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In the framework of nuclear waste transmutation studies, the Mini-INCA project has been initiated at CEA/DSM with objectives to determine optimal conditions for transmutation and incineration of minor actinides (MA) in high intensity neutron fluxes. Our experimental tools based on alpha- and gamma-spectroscopy of the samples and the development of micro fission chambers could gather either microscopic information on nuclear reactions (total or partial cross sections for neutron capture and/or fission reactions) or macroscopic information on transmutation and incineration potentials. Neutron capture cross sections of selected actinides ("2"4"1Am, "2"4"2Am, "2"4"2Pu, "2"3"7Np) have already been measured at ILL, showing some discrepancies when compared to evaluated data libraries but in overall good agreement with recent data. The studies and possibilities offer by the MEGAPIE project to assess neutronic performances of a 1 MW spallation target and the incineration of ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

One of the initial stages in ecological risk assessments for hazardous waste sites is the screening of contaminants to determine which of them are worthy of further consideration as open-quotes contaminants of potential concern.close quotes This process is termed open-quotes contaminant screening.close quotes It is performed by comparing measured ambient concentrations of chemicals to benchmark concentrations. Currently, no standard benchmark concentrations exist for assessing contaminants in soil with respect to their toxicity to soil- and litter-dwelling invertebrates, including earthworms, other micro- and macroinvertebrates, or heterotrophic bacteria and fungi. This report presents a standard method for deriving benchmarks for this purpose, sets of data concerning effects of chemicals in soil on invertebrates and soil microbial processes, and benchmarks for chemicals potentially associated with United States Department of Energy sites. In addition, literature ...

Science.gov (United States)

We obtained the time-lapse cumulative slip before and after the 29 November 1999, Xiuyan, Liaoning, China, Ms = 5.4 earthquake by using "repeating events" defined by waveform cross-correlation. We used the seismic waveform data from the Liaoning Regional Seismograph Network from June 1999 to December 2006. Two "multiplets" located near the seismogenic fault of the 1999 Xiuyan earthquake and the 4 February 1975, Haicheng Ms = 7.3 earthquake, respectively, were investigated. For the "multiplet" that occurred before and after the 1999 Xiuyan earthquake, apparent pre-shock accelerating-like slip behavior, clear immediate-post-seismic change, and relaxation-like post-seismic change can be observed. As a comparison, for the "multiplet" near the 1975 Haicheng earthquake which occurred a quarter century ago, the cumulative slip appears linear with a much smaller slip rate.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Thermal diffusivity was measured with a laser flash method up to 2000 K for UO_2 pellets irradiated in a commercial reactor. Measurements were done on micro samples of disks (2 mm diameter) or regular prisms (1.5 or 2 mm square cross sections). Thermal diffusivity degraded on extending burnup in agreement with reported values for UO_2 irradiated in test reactors, and it showed hysteresis during the laser flash experiments. Thermal diffusivity began to recover above 750 K and almost completely recovered above 1400 K, which corresponded with the reported radiation damage recovery. The obtained data were in agreement with predictions applying the thermal conductivity expression for irradiated UO_2 proposed by Amaya and Hirai. The sample experiencing power ramp showed higher thermal diffusivity than that of the base irradiated sample and had no obvious hysteresis. This suggested that the radiation damage which degraded thermal conductivity accumulated mainly during ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The electromagnetic properties that present hydrogen and other nucleus of agro-alimentary products, have allowed widely use of magnetic resonance (MR) to study the composition and internal structure of these biological materials in a micro and macroscopic scale, in a nondestructive way. In this paper the physical principles, basic equipment to measure the MR signals and the MR imaging of any biological sample, are explained. It is also shown a review of the main agro-alimentary applications, emphasizing in the use of this principle to examine the internal quality of fruits and vegetables. In these products, the MR has been used to detect and follow the evolution of different factors that determine the internal quality after harvesting, during storage and after post harvesting processes. The main studies that have been conducted with MR in harvested products are about physiological disorders that take place during storage and conservation of fruits in controlled and ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The effects of equal #SIGMA#Ai for different combinations of the annealing temperature and annealing time on corrosion resistance and evolution of precipitates of Zircaloy-2 were investigated. Nodular corrosion resistance in the out-of-pile corrosion test was degraded with increasing #SIGMA#Ai only when it was increased by extending the annealing time at 894 K but did not depend on #SIGMA#Ai which was increased by raising the annealing temperature for a constant annealing time of 2.5 h. Extensive observation and micro-analysis of precipitates by analytical electron microscope (AEM) suggested the cause of degradation of nodular corrosion resistance to be the remarkable increase in volume fraction of Si-containing precipitates such as Zr_3Si and Zr_2Si, which were observed more frequently in large #SIGMA#Ai only when it was increased by extending the annealing time at 894 K. On the other hand, uniform corrosion resistance was improved with increasing #SIGMA#Ai ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Several types of coatings have previously been visually identified on the surface of 105-K East and 105-K West Basins fuel elements. One type of coating (found only in K West Basin) in particular was found to be a thick translucent material that was often seen to be dislodged from the elements as flakes when the elements were handled during visual examinations (Pitner 1997). Subsequently it was determined (for one element only in a hot cell) that this material, in the dry condition, could easily be removed from the element using a scraping tool. The coating was identified as Al(OH){sub 3} through X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses and to be approximately 60 {micro}m thick via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). However, brushing under water in the basin using numerous mechanical strokes failed to satisfactorily remove these coatings in their thickest form as judged by appearance. Such brushing was done with only one type of metal brush, a brush design previously ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

By using a plasma nitriding procedure at the PUPR Mirror Cusp Plasma machine, surface hardness is increased in 302/304-type stainless steel samples by exposing them to high-ion-density plasma at high vacuum. This method successfully dopes the surface of the material with strengthening nitrogen ions, without the use of chemical procedures that sacrifice the resistance to corrosion of the given material. A 500 V negative bias is placed on the sample exposed to the nitrogen plasma, where high-energy ions are therefore attracted and immersed into the metallic matrix microns into the surface of the stainless steel. This potential maintains a constant surface temperature at approximately 800 deg. C. The plasma parameters including ion density and plasma temperature were diagnosed using single Langmuir probes. The stainless steel samples were then tested using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Vickers micro-hardness testing to determine the increment in the surface ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

An alloy of composition Ti-4.4 wt.% Ta-1.9 wt.% Nb is being developed as a structural material for corrosion applications, as titanium and its alloys possess excellent corrosion resistance in many oxidizing media. The primary physical metallurgy database for the Ti-4.4 wt.% Ta-1.9 wt.% Nb alloy is being presented for the first time. Determination of the #beta# transus, M_s temperature and classification of the alloy have been carried out, employing a variety of microscopy techniques, X-ray diffraction (XRD), micro-hardness and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The #beta# transition temperature or #beta# transus determined using different experimental techniques was found to agree very well with evaluations based on empirical calculations. Based on chemistry and observed room temperature microstructure, the alloy has been classified as an #alpha# + #beta# titanium alloy. The high temperature #beta# transforms to either #alpha#' or #alpha# + #beta# by a ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In this work a comprehensive metallophysical study was carried out for two aluminosilicide slip coatings of the systems Al-Si and Al-Nb-Si and an electron-beam Co-Cr-Al-Y coating on alloy EP-539 (17...19% Cr, 4...6% Co, 2.5...4% W, 4.5...6.5% Mo, 2...3% Ti, 3...4% Al, 1.4...2% Nb, balance Ni) after high-temperature testing. The protective properties of the coatings were evaluated from the results of laboratory tests for heat resistance at 1000/sup 0/C in the combustion products of diesel fuel with added sulfur at 970, 1000, and 1060/sup 0/C for 100 h and after full-scale tests for 150, 250, 400, and 700 h. Metallographic, hardness, x-ray, and micro x-ray studies of the coating were carried out. Layer-by-layer phase composition and the lattice spacing of the main phases were determined. X-ray analysis was carried out in an a DRON-1 diffractometer in copper K/sub ..-->../-radiation, and x-ray microanalysis was carried out in a MS-46 Cameca microanalyzer

Science.gov (United States)

PLZT-7/65/35 is a ferroelectric ceramic with strong electrooptic properties and memory; it is switched through transparent electrodes when mechanically strained. Matrix addressed x-y page composers for interfacing electrical and coherent optical systems are being fabricated with PLZT. Switching voltages are 50-300 V. Optical efficiencies greater than 40% have been achieved. Strains near 2.4 x 10(-3) mm/mm permit half-wave retardation switching in 100-micro-thick plates with 80-V read-in and 190-V erase levels (60 Hz hysteresis data). A 128 x 128 element array can operate at 10(7) bits/sec with 10-microsec switching in a row at a time mode. Half-select disturbances affect contrasts. Applications in displays are also feasible. PMID:20111514

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The authors introduce the single electron (Cooper-pair) tunneling junctions using c-axis Bi{sub 2}Sr{sub 2}CaCu{sub 2}O{sub 8+d} (Bi-2212) superconducting single crystal whiskers. Focused-ion-beam (FIB) etching patterned the Bi-2212 whiskers. The fabricated small stacked junctions have in-plane area S smaller than <1 {micro}m{sup 2}. The junctions showed the current-voltage (I-V) characteristics with the periodic structure of current peaks. The stacking layered structure of Bi-2212 works as multi-junctions array which decrease the effective capacitance, C{sub {Sigma}} = C{sub 0}/N, where C{sub 0} is the capacitance of junction and N is the layer number of elementary junctions. The period of current peaks of I-V curves corresponds to the charging energy of the single Cooper pair, 2Ec (=e{sup 2}/C{sub {Sigma}}).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC) in it's submission to the DTI's 2006 Energy Review reminded us that the 'UK has abundant wind, wave and tidal resources available; its mild climate lends itself to bio-energy production, and solar radiation levels are sufficient to sustain a viable solar industry'. These technologies are at different stages of development but they all draw on basic and applied Science and Engineering. The paper will briefly review the renewable energy technologies and their potential for contributing to a sustainable energy supply. Three research topics will be highlighted that bridge the gap between the physics underpinning the energy conversion, and the engineering aspects of development and deployment; all three are highly relevant to the Government's programme on micro-generation. Two are these are taken from field of thin film photovoltaics (PV), one related to novel device development and the other to a measurement technique for assessing ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Platelet deposition on bovine pericardial-tissue mitral-valve prostheses in 11 dogs was observed noninvasively by use of "1"1"1In-labeled platelets and quantified after sacrifice at one (n . 3), 14 (n . 3), and 30 (n . 5) days postimplantation (300-400 microCi of labeled platelets having been injected 24 hours previously). Thrombosis on the sewing ring and pericardial leaflets at one and 14 days and on the leaflets at 30 days was delineated in scintiphotos. In vitro quantification (% injected dose) indicated that the leaflets, sewing ring, and perivalvular tissue retained 0.904% of labeled platelets at one day postimplantation, 0.198% at 14 days, and 0.040% at 30 days. Platelet half-life was reduced to 38 hours at 21 days postimplantation but returned toward the normal (50 hours) with fibrous ingrowth in the sewing ring. Microembolism in lung and kidney, as measured by tissue/blood radioactivity ratio, also was decreased significantly at 30 days. "1"1"1In-labeled ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nitrogen ion implantation improves the wear resistance of Ti-6Al-4V alloys by forming a hard TiN superficial passivation layer. However, the thickness of the layer formed by traditional ion implantation is typically 100-200 nm and may not be adequate for many industrial applications. We propose to use radio-frequency (RF) plasma nitriding and nitrogen plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII) to increase the layer thickness. By using a newly designed inductively coupled RF plasma source and applying a series of negative high voltage pulses to the Ti-6Al-4V samples. RF plasma nitriding and nitrogen PIII can be achieved. Our process yields a substantially thicker modified layer exhibiting more superior wear resistance characteristics, as demonstrated by data from micro-hardness testing, pin-on-disc wear testing, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), as well as Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). The performance of our newly developed inductively coupled RF plasma source ...

Science.gov (United States)

Resistance against anthelmintics is widespread, particularly in parasitic nematode populations of small ruminants. Several new techniques or supplements have been developed or are under investigation. Biological control (BC) is one of these new methods. The net-trapping predacious fungus Duddingtonia flagrans produces thick walled resting spores, chlamydospores, which are able to survive passage through the gastrointestinal tract of cattle, horses, sheep and pigs. Under Danish climatic conditions it has been shown that the number of parasite larvae on pasture and the worm burden of the grazing animals is significantly reduced when animals are fed spores during the initial 2-3 months of the grazing season. Work with D. flagrans in France, Australia, USA, and Mexico has confirmed the strong BC potential of this fungus. Today much work is going into development of suitable delivery systems for grazing livestock worldwide. Ultimately, BC should be implemented in integrated parasite control ...