Comparison of two models for a high temperature reactor coupled to a gas turbine

This paper presents two independent dynamic models of a nuclear gas turbine power plant. Both the high temperature nuclear reactor (HTR) and its energy conversion system (ECS) based on a direct Brayton cycle have been modelled. One model utilises RELAP5 for the ECS, the other Aspen Custom Modeler (ACM). The reactor model used in both models is a point kinetic model derived from a detailed reactor model. The ECS model is described and compared componentwise, with an emphasis on the turbomachinery. The total plant models are compared with each other by calculating two representative transients: one load rejection transient and one transient with the system at part load.     

An electrooptic intensity modulator with improved linearity

A highly linear electrooptic modulator has been designed, fabricated, and evaluated. The design of this modulator consists of only a simple modification to the directional coupler. Two-tone testing has demonstrated that, for an optical modulation depth of 30% per channel, the third-order intermodulation distortion is more than 30 dB lower than that of the conventional directional coupler or Mach-Zehnder modulators. This improvement was not observed to be accompanied by any increase in second harmonic distortion. Also included are results of two-tone computer simulations which predict the improvement in linearity of this device for a range of modulation depths.<>     

A least mean square error synthesis with pattern constraints atmultiple frequencies

The pattern synthesis techinque described allows the power pattern to be optimized in a very useful sense over the desired operating band of the antenna array. This is an improvement over previous techniques involving constraints on such artificial parameters as source norm and superdirectivity ratio, which do not, in fact, ensure a useful pattern bandwidth. The procedure described provides minimum mean square error over an arbitrary number of discrete frequencies     

Surgical treatment of aneurysms of the left ventricle. Immediate and long-term results. Apropos of a consecutive series of 121 cases

From 1978 to 1992, 121 cases of postinfarction left ventricular aneurysm (99 males, 22 females, mean age 60 years) were operated on. The authors insist on a high rate of clinical arhythmogenicity (31.4%) and associated mechanical complications (21%). 76% of patients were in functional NYHA class III or IV. Resection was performed in 90% of patients, plication in 10%. 58% underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (1.7 graft/patient), 16% encircling ventriculotomy, 8% mitral valve replacement and 13% closure of ventricular septal defect. Operative mortality was 14.9% (10% when other mechanical complications where excluded). 5-year survival is 67.9%. Late cardiac deaths are as follow: left ventricular failure (1.8% A/P), Sudden death (1.4% A/P), Myocardial infarction (0.6% A/P). 82% of survivals are in functional NYHA class I or II. Only functional class NYHA III or IV is predictive of late death. We conclude that postinfarction left ventricular aneurysm remains a high risk complication especially when associated with other mechanical complications. When arhythmogenicity is present we suggest rhythmologic surgery and in all cases, complete revascularization.     

Two schemes for detecting CMOS analog faults

A design-for-testability scheme for detecting CMOS analog faults was reported by Favalli et al. (see ibid., vol.25, no.5, p.1239-46, 1990). The authors propose two alternative designs, one for small circuits and another for large circuits, which require significantly less area overhead (about 1/4 to 1/3) than that of Favalli's design. With the proposed modification in the first design, the untestable problem, which occurred in Favalli's design, can be alleviated. Furthermore, the proposed schemes are also fit to be implemented in VLSI circuits     

Interface Management within Construction: In Particular, Building Facade

This paper discusses the need for interface management within construction, with particular reference to building facade interfaces. It categorizes the three different types of interface management—physical, contractual, and organizational. The implication of interface management in construction contracting is discussed; it is explained how the U.K. procurement trends have changed, affecting the interface management within projects. U.K. cladding procurement is very fragmented, and the paper maps the development of a typical cladding system showing the complexities of interface management. Finally, the paper discusses CladdISS, a U.K. government funded research project to develop a standardized strategy for the design and management of window and cladding interfaces. It explains the principles of CladdISS with reference to process maps, action plans, management strategy, bibliography, advice on standards, materials, maintenance, joints, movement, and tolerances. This will enable strategies to be developed to avoid the endemic interface problems occurring on-site. It will also guide the management of the interfaces throughout the project.     

Formula creatinine clearance as a substitute for 24-hour creatine clearance in children with kidney transplantation

A 10-year-old German shepherd dog presented with a periodontal 10 mm interproximal defect between the left mandibular fourth premolar and first molar teeth. Bone graft removed from the caudoventral portion of the ipsilateral hemimandible was placed in the defect as a component of the periodontal treatment plan. The use of bone graft likely contributed to periodontal pocket reduction.