Performance of advanced self-shielding models in DRAGON Version4 on analysis of a high conversion light water reactor lattice

A high conversion light water reactor lattice has been analysed using the code DRAGON Version4. This analysis was performed to test the performance of the advanced self-shielding models incorporated in DRAGON Version4. The self-shielding models are broadly classified into two groups – “equivalence in dilution” and “subgroup approach”. Under the “equivalence in dilution” approach we have analysed the generalized Stamm’ler model with and without Nordheim model and Riemann integration. These models have been analysed also using the Livolant–Jeanpierre normalization. Under the “subgroup approach”, we have analysed Statistical self-shielding model based on physical probability tables and Ribon extended self-shielding model based on mathematical probability tables. This analysis will help in understanding the performance of advanced self-shielding models for a lattice that is tight and has a large fraction of fissions happening in the resonance region. The nuclear data for the analysis was generated in-house. NJOY99.90 was used for generating libraries in DRAGLIB format for analysis using DRAGON and A Compact ENDF libraries for analysis using MCNP5. The evaluated datafiles were chosen based on the recommendations of the IAEA Co-ordinated Research Project on the WIMS Library Update Project. The reference solution for the problem was obtained using Monte Carlo code MCNP5. It was found that the Ribon extended self-shielding model based on mathematical probability tables using correlation model performed better than all other models.     

Casein micelles as a vehicle for iron fortification of foods

Casein micelles were loaded with iron to create a dispersible delivery format for insoluble iron by exposing milk at chilled temperatures to a high concentration of soluble iron (up to 20 mmol kg⁻¹ ferrous and ferric chloride). The loading was maximised by applying a pH-cycle to the fortified milk by means of carbonation. Upon acidification of fortified milk, no release of iron was observed, except at the highest concentration. Changes in the buffering capacity as a function of pH confirmed the formation of colloidal iron phosphates. Overall, most properties of the micelles did not change: hydration, protein distribution between soluble and colloidal phase remained constant, but zeta potential decreased slightly and curd formation upon renneting became much slower. The renneting behaviour could be improved by carbonation or storage at 30 °C for a day. Iron-fortified milk samples were stable under heating, except when fortification was achieved by means of 20 mmol kg⁻¹ ferric chloride. The most obvious difference of iron-fortified milk is its appearance: samples fortified with ferrous chloride were darker than control, whereas samples fortified with ferric chloride were more red/yellow.     

Les dispositifs de lutte contre les effets des évanouissements sélectifs dans les faisceaux hertziens numériques

An overview of the countermeasure techniques used in digital radio systems for combatting the effects of selective fading due to multipath propagation is presented. Basic principles are analyzed. Their performances, based upon experimental measurements carried out throughout the world are compared. Frequency diversity techniques and channel interference cancellation techniques specific to a multichannel environment are not investigated. Future trends in the field are finally discussed.     

A rapid h.p.l.c. method for the determination of methionine hydroxy analogue free acid in supplemented feeds

Two methods are described for determining methionine hydroxy analogue free acid (HMB) in supplemented poultry feeds. The procedure is based on extraction of analogue from the feed, followed by high-pressure liquid chromatographic measurement of the HMB directly after extraction or, more rigorously, after extraction and hydrolysis of oligomers to monomer. Recoveries of HMB over the supplementation range 0.08–0.25% (by wt) are 98% with coefficients of variation of 5.4% in commercial poultry feeds. A 98% correlation coefficient is obtained when the analyses are compared with the gas chromatographic method.     

Design of dedicated seven-port star dividers for sectored circular antenna array feeding

In order to mitigate the multipath propagation problems for high rate wlans such as Hiperlan (5 GHz) [2], we study an approach based on electronic beam steering over 360° in azimuth with the help of circular arrays of monopoles [3]. Design simplicity and size constraints intended for potential low-cost applications on the terminals has led us to favor a beam switching topology, using a single feeding-port [4]. Two competing configurations of the microstrip feeding circuit are presented and their principle of operation is experimentally validated through passive circuit configurations. The power distribution is achieved in the first one with the help of a pseudo-divider based on a modified 7-branch star junction, whose specific advantage is its very small size. Unfortunately, this design does not preserve the circular permutation invariance of the radiation patterns. The second circuit bypasses this problem in achieving a power distribution through a virtual point junction, at the cost of an appreciable increase in the circuit size.     

Heat source identification and on-line temperature control by a Branch Eigenmodes Reduced Model

This paper presents the advantages of a Branch Eigenmodes Reduced Model used in a control process of a heating system.The experimental setup is a 3D heat conductive system in which a heat source is set. First, the reduced model is used to solve the non-linear Inverse Heat Conduction Problem: identification of the heat source strength variations from time-varying temperatures. Then, the reduced model is used to control hot points in the system. The objective of the method is to allow sequential temperature control by decreasing the computation time necessary for the simulation.     

A first order method for the Cauchy problem for the Laplace equation using BEM

The purpose is to propose an improved method for inverse boundary value problems. This method is presented on a model problem. It introduces a higher order problem. BEM numerical simulations highlight the efficiency, the improved accuracy, the robustness to noisy data of this new approach, as well as its ability to deblur noisy data.     

Towards an easy access to Annexin-A5 protein binding block copolymer micelles

The formation of Annexin-A5 decorated (bio-functionalized) nanoparticles is of particular interest in micelle-mediated target drug delivery, in vivo magnetic resonance imaging, and controlled fabrication of biochips. This work describes an easy access to the synthesis and manipulation of block copolymer nano-objects exhibiting Annexin-A5 protein binding ability. Well-defined spherical micelles containing negatively charged phosphonic diacid groups – which are potential binding sites for Annexin-A5 proteins – at their hydrophilic periphery originate from the self-assembly of polystyrene-b-poly(2-phosphatethyl methacrylate-stat-2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PS-b-P(PEMA-stat-HEMA)) amphiphilic macromolecules in aqueous media. PS-b-P(PEMA-stat-HEMA) can be prepared in a three-step phosphorylation/silylation/methanolysis procedure applied to PS-b-PHEMA precursors synthesized via Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (ATRP). The herein discussed approach allows precise control over micellar dimensions and properties such as core radius (i.e., loading capacity), corona width, and density of phosphate groups at the micelle periphery.     

Third-order accurate finite volume schemes for Euler computations on curvilinear meshes

After looking for a convenient definition of accuracy for finite-volume schemes on structured meshes, a high-order accurate scheme is constructed for the Euler equations. Thanks to suitably weighted discretization operators, the proposed scheme is third-order on mildly deformed grids and second-order on highly deformed grids. The influence of mesh deformations on the scheme accuracy is studied theoretically and numerically. Numerical results are shown for a Lamb vortex, subsonic flow past a cylinder and transonic flow past a NACA0012 airfoil.     

Catalytic oxidation of anisole over titanium silicalite-1

The reaction of anisole hydroxylation with hydrogen peroxide to form methoxyphenols over TS-1 was studied. Four C1-C3 alcohols and the two aprotonic solvents acetone and acetonitrile were used. Product conversion was almost proportional to the titanium content of the catalyst sample. The highest conversion and p-selectivity were observed in ethanol. Some speculations, based on the formation of substrate-solvent or titanium-solvent-oxidant complexes, about the role of the solvent are presented. It was found that in all the solvents studied the p/o ratio increased with time.