A fictitious domain decomposition method for the solution of partially axisymmetric acoustic scattering problems. Part I: Dirichlet boundary conditions

We present a fictitious domain decomposition method for the fast solution of high‐frequency acoustic scattering problems characterized by a partially axisymmetric sound‐soft scatterer. We apply this method to the solution of various mockup submarine problems, and highlight its computational advantages and intrinsic parallelism. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Primer-induced labeling of pea and field bean chromosomes in situ and in suspension

A protocol for primed in situ DNA labeling (PRINS) was optimized for pea (Pisum sativum L.) and field bean (Vicia faba L.) chromosomes attached to coverslips. Cloned DNA or synthetic oligonucleotides were used as probes for repetitive DNA sequences (rDNA, Fok-element) and different reaction conditions were tested to achieve the highest specific signal-to-background ratio. A procedure based on direct labeling by fluorescein-dUTP was compared with an indirect one using digoxigenin detected by fluorescently labeled antibody. Under optimal conditions, strong and specific signals were obtained exclusively on chromosome regions known to contain respective DNA sequences. Compared to the direct labeling, significantly stronger signals were obtained when the indirect procedure was used. Both types of labeling were successfully applied to chromosomes in suspension and were shown to produce signals comparable to that obtained with chromosomes attached to coverslips. It is expected that primed in situ DNA labeling en suspension (PRINSES) will provide a basis for flow-cytometric discrimination and sorting of otherwise indistinguishable chromosomes according to their specific fluorescent labeling.     

Temperature and modulation characteristics of resonant-cavitylight-emitting diodes

Resonant-cavity light-emitting diodes (RCLED) are novel, high-efficiency light-emitting diodes which employ optical microcavities. These diodes have higher intensities and higher spectral purity as compared to conventional LEDs. Analytical formulas are derived for the enhancement of the spontaneous emission along the optical axis of the cavity. The design rules for high-efficiency operation of RCLEDs are established. The temperature dependence of the emission intensity is analyzed in the range 20-80° and it is described by an exponential dependence with a characteristic temperature of 112 K. The modulation characteristics of RCLEDs exhibit 3 dB frequencies of 580 MHz. Eye diagrams at transmission rates of 622 Mb/s are wide open indicating the suitability of RCLEDs for high-speed data transmission     

Prednisolone therapy of idiopathic feline lower urinary tract disease: a double-blind clinical study

A double-blind clinical study was performed to evaluate prednisolone as treatment for idiopathic feline lower urinary tract disease. No differences in response were observed in prednisolone- and placebo-treated cats.     

The multi-class binomial failure rate model

The impact of common cause failure (CCF) on PSA results for NPPs is in sharp contrast with the limited quality which can be achieved in their assessment. This is due to the dearth of observations and cannot be remedied in the short run. Therefore, the methods employed for calculating failure rates should be devised such as to make the best use of the few available observations on CCF. The Multi-Class Binomial Failure Rate (MCBFR) Model presented here achieves this by assigning observed failures to different classes according to their technical characteristics and applying the BFR formalism to each of these. The results are determined by a superposition of BFR type expressions for each class, each of them with its own coupling factor. The model hence integrates additional technical information on CCFs and leads to a better quality of results whenever this information is available. This is demonstrated by evaluating CCFs observed for combined impulse pilot valves in German NPPs.     

Apparatus for steady-state kinetic measurements of the catalytic reduction of nitric oxide by ammonia on iron oxide

The reduction of nitric oxide with ammonia on an unsupported iron oxide catalyst has been studied in a continuous-flow recycle reactor using simulated flue gas. The responses of the employed reactor system to step and pulse inputs of tracer indicate that the system could be regarded as a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR). Preliminary tests were carried out to determine the effect of temperature and particle size on the measured reaction rates. Additional experiments were performed in order to study the influence of oxygen and water concentration on these rates. A gas chromatographic system has been developed to analyze the gas components NO, N₂O, NO₂, NH₃, H₂O, O₂, CO₂ and N₂. In addition, the concentrations of NO and NO₂ were measured with a nondisperse infrared (NDUV/NDIR) analyzer.