Abstract: The turbulent mixing of coolant streams of different
temperature and density can cause severe temperature fluctuations in
piping systems in nuclear reactors. In certain periodic contraction
cycles these conditions lead to thermal fatigue. The resulting aging
effect prompts investigation in how the mixing of flows over a sharp
temperature/density interface evolves. To study the fundamental
turbulent mixing phenomena in the presence of density gradients,
isokinetic (shear-free) mixing experiments are performed in a square
channel with Reynolds numbers ranging from 2-500 to 60-000.
Sucrose is used to create the density difference. A Wire Mesh Sensor
(WMS) is used to determine the concentration map of the flow in the
cross section. The mean interface width as a function of velocity,
density difference and distance from the mixing point are analyzed
based on traditional methods chosen for the purposes of
atmospheric/oceanic stratification analyses. A definition of the
mixing layer thickness more appropriate to thermal fatigue and based
on mixedness is devised. This definition shows that the thermal
fatigue risk assessed using simple mixing layer growth can be
misleading and why an approach that separates the effects of large
scale (turbulent) and small scale (molecular) mixing is necessary.
Abstract: With today's fast lifestyles and busy schedule, nuclear
families are becoming popular. Thus, the elderly members of these
families are often neglected. This has lead to the popularity of the
concept of Community living for the aged. The elders reside at a
centre, which is controlled by the MANAGER. The manager takes
responsibility of the functioning of the centre which includes taking
care of 'residents' at the centre along with managing the daily chores
of the centre, which he accomplishes with the help of a number of
staff members and volunteers Often the Manager is not an employee
but a volunteer. In such cases especially, time is an important
constraint. A system, which provides an easy and efficient manner of
managing the working of an old age home in detail, will prove to be
of great benefit. We have developed a P.C. based organizer used to
monitor the various activities of an old age home. It is an effective
and easy-to-use system which will enable the manager to keep an
account of all the residents, their accounts, staff members, volunteers,
the centre-s logistic requirements etc. It is thus, a comprehensive
'Organizer' for Old Age Homes.
Abstract: β-Glucosidase is an important enzyme for production
of ethanol from lignocellulose. With hydrolytic activity on
cellooligosaccharides, especially cellobiose, β-glucosidase removes
product inhibitory effect on cellulases and forms fermentable sugars.
In this study, β-glucosidase encoding gene (BGL1) from traditional
starter yeast Saccharomycosis fibuligera BMQ908 was cloned and
expressed in Pichia pastoris. BGL1 of S. fibuligera BMQ 908 shared
98% nucleotide homology with the closest GenBank sequence
(M22475) but identity in amino-acid sequences of catalytic domains.
Recombinant plasmid pPICZαA/BGL1 containing the sequence
encoding BGL1 mature protein and α-factor secretion signal was
constructed and transformed into methylotrophic yeast P. pastoris by
electroporation. The recombinant strain produced single extracellular
protein with molecular weight of 120 kDa and cellobiase activity of
60 IU/ml. The optimum pH of the recombinant β-glucosidase was 5.0
and the optimum temperature was 50°C.
Abstract: Scatter behavior of fatigue life in die-cast AM60B
alloy was investigated. For comparison, those in rolled AM60B alloy
and die-cast A365-T5 aluminum alloy were also studied. Scatter
behavior of pore size was also investigated to discuss dominant
factors for fatigue life scatter in die-cast materials. Three-parameter
Weibull function was suitable to explain the scatter behavior of both
fatigue life and pore size. The scatter of fatigue life in die-cast
AM60B alloy was almost comparable to that in die-cast A365-T5
alloy, while it was significantly large compared to that in the rolled
AM60B alloy. Scatter behavior of pore size observed at fracture
nucleation site on the fracture surface was comparable to that
observed on the specimen cross-section and also to that of fatigue
life. Therefore, the dominant factor for large scatter of fatigue life in
die-cast alloys would be the large scatter of pore size. This
speculation was confirmed by the fracture mechanics fatigue life
prediction, where the pore observed at fatigue crack nucleation site
was assumed as the pre-existing crack.
Abstract: The cost of damage to the non-structural systems in
critical facilities like nuclear power plants and hospitals can exceed
80% of the total cost of damage during an earthquake. The failure of
nonstructural components, especially, piping systems led to leakage of
water and subsequent shut-down of hospitals immediately after the
event. Consequently, the evaluation of performance of these types of
structural configurations has become necessary to mitigate the risk and
to achieve reliable designs.
This paper focuses on a methodology to evaluate the static and
dynamic characteristics of complex actual piping system based on
NFPA-13 and SMACNA guidelines. The result of this study revealed
that current piping system subjected to design lateral force and design
spectrum based on UBC-97 was failed in both cases and mode shapes
between piping system and building structure were very different
Abstract: Intradiscal and intervertebral pressure transducers
were developed. They were used to map the pressures in the nucleus
and within the annulus of the human spinal segments. Their stressrelaxation
were recorded over a period of time for nucleus
pressure, applied load, and peripherial strain against time. The
results show that for normal discs, pressures in the nucleus are
viscoelastic in nature with the applied compressive load.
Mechanical strains which develop around the periphery of the
vertebral body are also viscoelastic with the applied compressive
load. Applied compressive load against time also shows viscoelastic
behavior. However, annulus does not respond viscoelastically with
the applied load. It showed a linear response to compressive loading.
Abstract: Geometry optimizations of metal complexes of Salen(bis(Salicylidene)1,2-ethylenediamine) were carried out at HF and DFT methods employing Lanl2DZ basis set. In this work structural, energies, bond lengths and other physical properties between Mn2+,Cu2+ and Ni2+ ions coordinated by salen–type ligands are examined. All calculations were performed using Gaussian 98W program series. To investigate local aromaticities, NICS were calculated at all centers of rings. The higher the band gap indicating a higher global aromaticity. The possible binding energies have been evaluated. We have evaluated Frequencies and Zero-point energy with freq calculation. The NICS(Nucleous Independent Chemical Shift) Results show Ni(II) complexes are antiaromatic and aromaticites of Mn(II) complexes are larger than Cu(II) complexes. The energy Results show Cu(II) complexes are stability than Mn(II) and Ni(II) complexes.
Abstract: The dynamics of Min proteins plays a center role in
accurate cell division. Although the nucleoids may presumably play
an important role in prokaryotic cell division, there is a lack of
models to account for its participation. In this work, we apply the
lattice Boltzmann method to investigate protein oscillation based on a
mesoscopic model that takes into account the nucleoid-s role. We
found that our numerical results are in reasonably good agreement
with the previous experimental results On comparing with the other
computational models without the presence of nucleoids, the
highlight of our finding is that the local densities of MinD and MinE
on the cytoplasmic membrane increases, especially along the cell
width, when the size of the obstacle increases, leading to a more
distinct cap-like structure at the poles. This feature indicated the
realistic pattern and reflected the combination of Min protein
dynamics and nucleoid-s role.
Abstract: The present paper represents a methodology for
investigating flow characteristics near orifice plate by using a
commercial computational fluid dynamics code. The flow
characteristics near orifice plate which is located in the auxiliary
feedwater system were modeled via three different levels of grid and
four different types of Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS)
equations with proper near-wall treatment. The results from CFD code
were compared with experimental data in terms of differential pressure
through the orifice plate. In this preliminary study, the Realizable k-ε
and the Reynolds stress models with enhanced wall treatment were
suitable to analyze flow characteristics near orifice plate, and the
results had a good agreement with experimental data.
Abstract: Deaminated lesions were produced via nitrosative oxidation of natural nucleobases; uracul (Ura, U) from cytosine (Cyt, C), hypoxanthine (Hyp, H) from adenine (Ade, A), and xanthine (Xan, X) and oxanine (Oxa, O) from guanine (Gua, G). Such damaged nucleobases may induce mutagenic problems, so that much attentions and efforts have been poured on the revealing of their mechanisms in vivo or in vitro. In this study, we employed these deaminated lesions as useful probes for analysis of DNA-binding/recognizing proteins or enzymes. Since the pyrimidine lesions such as Hyp, Oxa and Xan are employed as analogues of guanine, their comparative uses are informative for analyzing the role of Gua in DNA sequence in DNA-protein interaction. Several DNA oligomers containing such Hyp, Oxa or Xan substituted for Gua were designed to reveal the molecular interaction between DNA and protein. From this approach, we have got useful information to understand the molecular mechanisms of the DNA-recognizing enzymes, which have not ever been observed using conventional DNA oligomer composed of just natural nucleobases.
Abstract: This paper is mainly concerned with the application of
a novel technique of data interpretation for classifying measurements
of plasma columns in Tokamak reactors for nuclear fusion
applications. The proposed method exploits several concepts derived
from soft computing theory. In particular, Artificial Neural Networks
and Multi-Class Support Vector Machines have been exploited to
classify magnetic variables useful to determine shape and position of
the plasma with a reduced computational complexity. The proposed
technique is used to analyze simulated databases of plasma equilibria
based on ITER geometry configuration. As well as demonstrating the
successful recovery of scalar equilibrium parameters, we show that
the technique can yield practical advantages compared with earlier
methods.
Abstract: Stainless steel has been employed in many
engineering applications ranging from pharmaceutical equipment to
piping in the nuclear reactors and storage to chemical products. In
this attempt, simulation of fatigue crack growth based on
experimental results of austenitic stainless steel 304L was presented
using AFGROW code when NASGRO mode laws adopted. Double
through crack at hole specimen is used in this investigation under
constant amplitude loading. Effect of mean stress is highlighted.
Results show that fatigue crack growth rate (FCGR) and fatigue life
were affected by maximum applied load and dimension of hole. An
equivalent of Paris law for this material was estimated.
Abstract: D-erythro-cyclohexylserine (D
chiral unnatural β-hydroxy amino acid expected for the synthesis of drug for AIDS treatment. To develop a continuous bioconversion
system with whole cell biocatalyst of D-threonine aldolase (D genes for the D-erythro-CHS production, D-threonine aldolase gene
was amplified from Ensifer arboris 100383 by direct PCR amplication using two degenerated oligonucleotide primers designed based on
genomic sequence of Shinorhizobium meliloti
Sequence analysis of the cloned DNA fragment revealed one
open-reading frame of 1059 bp and 386 amino acids. This putative
D-TA gene was cloned into NdeI and EcoRI (pEnsi
His-tag sequence or BamHI (pEnsi-DTA[2])
sequence of the pET21(a) vector. The expression level of the cloned gene was extremely overexpressed by E. coli BL21(DE3) transformed with pEnsi-DTA[1] compared to E. coli BL21(DE3) transformed with
pEnsi-DTA[2]. When the cells expressing the wild
used for D-TA enzyme activity, 12 mM glycine was successfully
detected in HPLC analysis. Moreover, the whole cells harbouring the
recombinant D-TA was able to synthesize D-erythro
of 0.6 mg/ml in a batch reaction.
Abstract: The paper presents an overview of environmental
issues that may be expected with nuclear desalination. The analysis
of coupling nuclear power with desalination plants indicates that
adverse marine impacts can be mitigated with alternative intake
designs or cooling systems. The atmospheric impact of desalination
may be greatly reduced through the coupling with nuclear power,
while maximizing the socio-economic benefit for both processes. The
potential for tritium contamination of the desalinated water was
reviewed. Experience with the systems and practices related to the
radiological quality of the product water, shows no examples of
cross-contamination. Furthermore, the indicators for the public
acceptance of nuclear desalination, as one of the most important
sustainability aspects of any such large project, show a positive trend.
From the data collected, a conclusion is made that nuclear
desalination should be supported by decision-makers.
Abstract: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding and
regulatory RNAs about 20 to 24 nucleotides long. Their conserved
nature among the various organisms makes them a good source of
new miRNAs discovery by comparative genomics approach. The
study resulted in 21 miRNAs of 20 pre-miRNAs belonging to 16
families (miR156, 157, 158, 164, 165, 168, 169, 172, 319, 390, 393,
394, 395, 400, 472 and 861) in evergreen spruce tree (Picea). The
miRNA families; miR 157, 158, 164, 165, 168, 169, 319, 390, 393,
394, 400, 472 and 861 are reported for the first time in the Picea. All
20 miRNA precursors form stable minimum free energy stem-loop
structure as their orthologues form in Arabidopsis and the mature
miRNA reside in the stem portion of the stem loop structure. Sixteen
(16) miRNAs are from Picea glauca and five (5) belong to Picea
sitchensis. Their targets consist of transcription factors, growth
related, stressed related and hypothetical proteins.
Abstract: The thermal, epithermal and fast fluxes were
calculated for three irradiation channels at Egypt Second Research
Reactor (ETRR-2) using CITVAP code. The validity of the
calculations was verified by experimental measurements. There are
some deviations between measurements and calculations. This is due
to approximations in the calculation models used, homogenization of
regions, condensation of energy groups and uncertainty in nuclear
data used. Neutron flux data for the three irradiation channels are
now available. This would enable predicting the irradiation
conditions needed for future radioisotope production.
Abstract: The presented article deals with the description of a
numerical model of a corridor at a Central Interim Spent Fuel Storage
Facility (hereinafter CISFSF). The model takes into account the
effect of air flows on the temperature of stored waste. The
computational model was implemented in the ANSYS/CFX
programming environment in the form of a CFD task solution, which
was compared with an approximate analytical calculation. The article
includes a categorization of the individual alternatives for the
ventilation of such underground systems. The aim was to evaluate a
ventilation system for a CISFSF with regard to its stability and
capacity to provide sufficient ventilation for the removal of heat
produced by stored casks with spent nuclear fuel.
Abstract: The CMLP building was developed to be a model for
sustainability with strategies to reduce water, energy and pollution,
and to provide a healthy environment for the building occupants. The
aim of this paper is to investigate the environmental effects of energy
used by this building. A LCA (life cycle analysis) was led to measure
the real environmental effects produced by the use of energy. The
impact categories most affected by the energy use were found to be
the human health effects, as well as ecotoxicity. Natural gas
extraction, uranium milling for nuclear energy production, and the
blasting for mining and infrastructure construction are the processes
contributing the most to emissions in the human health effect. Data
comparing LCA results of CMLP building with a conventional
building results showed that energy used by the CMLP building has
less damage for the environment and human health than a
conventional building.
Abstract: The present investigation aimed to study the
histomorphometric characterizations of the thyroid gland of the duck.
Five adult male and five adult female ducks were used in the
experiment. Results showed that the overall histological structure of
the thyroid gland of the duck were similar to those of the other
vertebrae. The gland consisted of roughly spherical randomly
distributed micro and macrofollicles with very little interstitial tissue
between them. Each follicle is lined by a single layer of epithelial
cells enclosing a cavity, the follicular cavity, which is filled with
colloid. Ultrastructural findings showed that the apical surface of the
follicular cells bears a variable number of short, irregularly
distributed microvilli which are apparently more numerous on the
columnar cells than on the lower, relatively inactive cells.
Mitochondria and rough endoplasmic reticulum occupy the
subnuclear region of the follicular cell, whereas the Golgi complex,
free ribosomes and colloid droplets were found in the apical
cytoplasm. At light or electron microscopic levels, there was no sex
difference in histomorphometric characteristics of the thyroid
glands.ls.
Abstract: METIS is the Multi Element Telescope for Imaging
and Spectroscopy, a Coronagraph aboard the European Space
Agency-s Solar Orbiter Mission aimed at the observation of the solar
corona via both VIS and UV/EUV narrow-band imaging and spectroscopy. METIS, with its multi-wavelength capabilities, will
study in detail the physical processes responsible for the corona heating and the origin and properties of the slow and fast solar wind.
METIS electronics will collect and process scientific data thanks to its detectors proximity electronics, the digital front-end subsystem
electronics and the MPPU, the Main Power and Processing Unit,
hosting a space-qualified processor, memories and some rad-hard
FPGAs acting as digital controllers.This paper reports on the overall
METIS electronics architecture and data processing capabilities
conceived to address all the scientific issues as a trade-off solution between requirements and allocated resources, just before the
Preliminary Design Review as an ESA milestone in April 2012.