Seismic qualification of motor operated valves—alternate approach

This paper presents a potential alternate method for determining operating capacity of motor-operated valves subjected to seismic and other applicable loadings. As a result of programs at nuclear facilities to ensure the operational capability of MOVs (under NRC GL89-10), extensive analytical focus to develop the structural capability of valves has ensued. In the past, seismic qualification of valves typically addressed the strength of the topwork structure to resist inertial loading from excitation of the large valve actuator mass. These evaluations paid little or no consideration to the loading resulting from valve closing forces. The focus of the recent efforts is to develop the maximum operational capability of the valve, in terms of thrust, with consideration of seismic and other services loading as applicable. The alternate method outlined in this paper presents a series of thrust capacity curves, with reduction factors for seismic loading which can be applied and developed to determine safe thrust loadings without performing extensive analytical effort. A similar approach was put forward by the SQUG GIP approach to MOVs to ensure the safe operation of valves based on past earthquake experience. However, the GIP approach cannot be used to determine safe operational loads and thus has limited use in the necessary analysis required for GL89-10 programs at nuclear facilities.     

Professionals in mutual help groups: Impact on social climate and members' behavior.

This study assessed the impact of professional involvement in mutual help groups for the mentally ill. Social climate data and behavioral data on members in groups led either by a mental health professional (n?=?36) or an indigenous group member (n?=?70) were compared. The results of the study indicated a more formal, psychologically directed approach in the professionally led groups. Although professional involvement in mutual help groups does not necessarily produce different member outcomes, it does seem to affect both the perceptions and the behavior of members. Professionals should be cautious when they get involved in mutual help groups to avoid professionalizing them. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Connexin43 is highly localized to sites of disturbed flow in rat aortic endothelium but connexin37 and connexin40 are more uniformly distributed

Vascular endothelial cells are linked by gap junctions, which facilitate the propagation of electrical and chemical signals along the vessel wall. The aim of this study was to determine the distribution and identity of the gap junction structural proteins (connexins) expressed by endothelial cells in situ. Connexin expression in different regions of the rat aortic endothelium was analyzed with the use of indirect immunofluorescence microscopy and Western blotting. Connexin40 and connexin37 were present in most, if not all, of the thoracic and abdominal aortic endothelia in the form of maculae at cell-cell appositions. In contrast, connexin43 was undetectable in most endothelia but extremely abundant in small numbers of cells localized at the downstream edge of the ostia of branching vessels and at flow dividers, regions that experience turbulent shear stress from disturbed blood flow. To examine the relationship of shear stress and connexin43 expression, localized stress was induced by surgical coarctation of the aorta, which was sufficient to cause striking local upregulation of connexin43 within 8 days. Thus, increases in connexin43 levels are an endothelial response to mechanical stress.     

Effect of environmental pollutants on the C-reactive protein of a freshwater major carp, Catla catla

C-reactive proteins (CRP) have been affinity purified to electrophoretic homogeneity from the sera of major carp, Catla catla before and after exposure to environmental pollutants. Exposure to these pollutants elevate the levels of circulating CRPs to 2.8-3.5 times the normal values. Kinetic studies of metal intoxication indicate that a unique molecular variant of CRP is present in the serum at the peak level of acute phase induction, and this variant coexists with normal CRPs. Carbohydrate analysis and lectin binding reveals that these CRPs are glycoproteins differing significantly in total carbohydrate contents. Their electrophoretic mobilities in native gel are different but become identical on desialylation and deglycosylation implying that the molecular variants vary in the glycan parts. All these forms of CRP contain two nonidentical subunits of Mr 22 and 29 kDa. Examination of their immunological crossreactivity demonstrate their similarity in overall molecular topology but their differences in the quantitative extent of binding are reflected.     

Therapist perspectives on countertransference: Qualitative data in search of a theory.

A consensual qualitative research strategy was used to examine data from 127 interviews conducted with 8 psychologists immediately following their sessions of brief therapy with 8 clients. Analyses revealed 3 domains relevant to countertransference: origins (including categories of family issues, needs and values, therapy specific issues, and cultural issues), triggers (including categories of content of client material, therapist comparing client with others, change in therapy structure or procedures, therapist assessing progress of therapy, therapist perception of client, and emotions), and manifestations (including categories of approach, avoidance, negative feelings, and treatment planning). The frequency of categories within and across cases was classified, and relationships among categories from the 3 domains were detected, generating hypotheses for future empirical research. Implications for practice, training, and continued research are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Multi-agent cooperation for particle accelerator control

Quite exhaustive theoretical studies exist in DAI, but it seems that there is not enough feedback from practice. In this paper we present practical investigations for applying and justifying the theoretical DAI results in a real industrial controls environment, and, conversely, we discuss the theoretical aspects of practical findings in these applied investigations made for accelerator control and operation. The results presented here are partly based on the research carried out at CERN during the ESPRIT-II Project ARCHON™. A generalized hypothesis is introduced, based on a unified view of control, monitoring, diagnosis, maintenance and repair tasks leading to a general method of cooperation for expert systems by exchanging hypotheses and leads to a mapping of different tasks in accelerator control to cooperating agents. This has been tested for task and result-sharing cooperation scenarios and we also report on studies carried out in relation to accelerator timings and their diagnosis as well as the transformation of these systems into a multi-agent community. Generalized hypotheses also allow us to treat the repetitive diagnosis-recovery cycle as a task-sharing cooperation. Problems with such a loop or even recursive calls between the different agents are discussed.     

Repair materials and techniques for concrete structures in nuclear power plants

The paper summaries portions of work of the Structural Aging Program, sponsored by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The paper addresses the assessment and repair of concrete structures in nuclear power plants. It presents the results of a survey of the the nuclear power plants in the United States to identify susceptible concrete components, rates of occurrence of deterioration, and to determine the durability of repairs. The paper describes deterioration mechanisms and discusses their effect. Repair techniques are described. Evaluation techniques and nondestructive test techniques are also discussed.     

Junk Computing

Junk computing, the use of information systems in a way that does not directly advance organizational goals, can both diminish productivity and add value to a work environment. Results of a year-long study of the types and causes of junk computing can help managers reduce performance losses without stifling employee creativity.