Abstract: A method for transitioning a nuclear reactor during initial cycle startup to a power generating state is disclosed. The method includes setting the nuclear reactor to a zero power state, eliminating lower power physics tests (LPPTs) for a current cycle of the nuclear reactor based on a predetermined set of criteria, and setting the nuclear reactor to the power generating mode without performing the LPPTs, based on the reconciliation. The eliminating includes predicting, using a first design code, a first set of values for factors of the LPPTs, developing, using data from past cycles of the nuclear reactor, empirical formulas for the factors of the LPPTs, predicting, using the empirical formulas, a second set of values for the factors of the LPPTs, and reconciling the first values with the second values.

Abstract: A method of checking or adjusting the calibration of a mass spectrometer is disclosed. The method comprises fragmenting parent or precursor ions and generating fragment or product ion mass spectral data and recognizing first neutral loss ions in the fragment or product ion mass spectral data. The method further comprises determining a first mass loss difference between the parent or precursor ions and the first neutral loss ions and determining whether the first mass loss difference corresponds with an expected or pre-determined mass loss difference, wherein if it is determined that the first mass loss difference does not correspond with an expected or pre-determined mass loss difference then the method further comprises adjusting one or more calibration parameters.

Abstract: An analytical instrument is disclosed comprising a liquid chromatography system comprising a first column, a chromatographic delay line and a splitter arranged and adapted in a mode of operation to split eluent from the first column into a first portion of eluent and a second portion of eluent. The instrument further comprises a first device. The liquid chromatography system is arranged and adapted in the mode of operation: (i) to pass the first portion of eluent from the splitter to the first device such that a first part of the first portion of eluent arrives at the first device at a first time ti and a second part of the first portion of eluent arrives at the first device at a second time t2.

Abstract: An analytical instrument is disclosed comprising a liquid chromatography system comprising a first column, a chromatographic delay line and a splitter arranged and adapted in a mode of operation to split eluent from the first column into a first portion of eluent and a second portion of eluent. The instrument further comprises a first device. The liquid chromatography system is arranged and adapted in the mode of operation: (i) to pass the first portion of eluent from the splitter to the first device such that a first part of the first portion of eluent arrives at the first device at a first time ti and a second part of the first portion of eluent arrives at the first device at a second time t2.

Abstract: A method of checking or adjusting the calibration of a mass spectrometer is disclosed. The method comprises fragmenting parent or precursor ions and generating fragment or product ion mass spectral data and recognising first neutral loss ions in the fragment or product ion mass spectral data. The method further comprises determining a first mass loss difference between the parent or precursor ions and the first neutral loss ions and determining whether the first mass loss difference corresponds with an expected or pre-determined mass loss difference, wherein if it is determined that the first mass loss difference does not correspond with an expected or pre-determined mass loss difference then the method further comprises adjusting one or more calibration parameters.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer is disclosed comprising a segmented linear ion guide or ion trap. Ions are confined radially within the ion guide or ion trap by the application of an AC or RF voltage to the electrodes forming the ion guide or ion trap. A quadratic DC potential is applied along the axial length of the ion guide or ion trap in order to cause trapped ions to perform simple harmonic motion within the ion guide or ion trap. The frequency of the oscillations of the ions is detected using one or more inductive detectors. The mass to charge ratio of the ions can then be determined from the determined frequency of oscillations.

Abstract: A valve assembly in accordance with the present invention includes a head portion and a body portion. A throughbore extends through both the head portion and the body portion. A normal fluid flow path is formed within the valve assembly to provide for the controlled exit of a fluid. The valve assembly also includes an automatic pressure-relieving mechanism. The pressure-relieving mechanism includes a disc designed to burst or rupture at a predetermined pressure and an over-pressure fluid flow path for controlling the egress of over-pressure fluid.

Abstract: A valve assembly in accordance with the present invention includes a head portion and a body portion. A throughbore extends through both the head portion and the body portion. A normal fluid flow path is formed within the valve assembly to provide for the controlled exit of a fluid. The valve assembly also includes an automatic pressure-relieving mechanism. The pressure-relieving mechanism includes a disc designed to burst or rupture at a predetermined pressure and an over-pressure fluid flow path for controlling the egress of over-pressure fluid.

Abstract: Apparatus, system and methods are provided for performing speculative data prefetching in a chip multiprocessor (CMP). Data is prefetched by a helper thread that runs on one core of the CMP while a main program runs concurrently on another core of the CMP. Data prefetched by the helper thread is provided to the helper core. For one embodiment, the data prefetched by the helper thread is pushed to the main core. It may or may not be provided to the helper core as well. A push of prefetched data to the main core may occur during a broadcast of the data to all cores of an affinity group. For at least one other embodiment, the data prefetched by a helper thread is provided, upon request from the main core, to the main core from the helper core's local cache.

Abstract: Apparatus, system and methods are provided for performing speculative data prefetching in a chip multiprocessor (CMP). Data is prefetched by a helper thread that runs on one core of the CMP while a main program runs concurrently on another core of the CMP. Data prefetched by the helper thread is provided to the helper core. For one embodiment, the data prefetched by the helper thread is pushed to the main core. It may or may not be provided to the helper core as well. A push of prefetched data to the main core may occur during a broadcast of the data to all cores of an affinity group. For at least one other embodiment, the data prefetched by a helper thread is provided, upon request from the main core, to the main core from the helper core's local cache.

Abstract: A system for processing transaction data is provided. The system includes a substitute draft system that receives a retrieval request and generates a substitute draft in response to the retrieval request. The system also includes a merchant interface that is connected to the retrieval system. The merchant interface generates a merchant request in response to the retrieval request. The system thus allows a substitute draft to be generated in response to the retrieval request that may eliminate the need for a merchant response with a sales draft to the request. The system provides for higher and more efficient completion of retrieval requests by ensuring that such retrieval requests receive at least a substitute draft response. By providing at least a substitute draft response to the card user, a chargeback for no response is avoided.

Abstract: Apparatus, system and methods are provided for performing speculative data prefetching in a chip multiprocessor (CMP). Data is prefetched by a helper thread that runs on one core of the CMP while a main program runs concurrently on another core of the CMP. Data prefetched by the helper thread is provided to the helper core. For one embodiment, the data prefetched by the helper thread is pushed to the main core. It may or may not be provided to the helper core as well. A push of prefetched data to the main core may occur during a broadcast of the data to all cores of an affinity group. For at least one other embodiment, the data prefetched by a helper thread is provided, upon request from the main core, to the main core from the helper core's local cache.

Abstract: A Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionisation ion source or ion imaging device is disclosed comprising a laser (1) and a zoom lens (3, 4, 5). The zoom lens (3, 4, 5) is arranged to be able to vary the magnification of a laser beam which is directed onto a target region, sample surface or target plate (13) of the ion source or ion imaging device.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer is disclosed comprising a segmented linear ion guide or ion trap. Ions are confined radially within the ion guide or ion trap by the application of an AC or RF voltage to the electrodes forming the ion guide or ion trap. A quadratic DC potential is applied along the axial length of the ion guide or ion trap in order to cause trapped ions to perform simple harmonic motion within the ion guide or ion trap. The frequency of the oscillations of the ions is detected using one or more inductive detectors. The mass to charge ratio of the ions can then be determined from the determined frequency of oscillations.

Abstract: A system for processing transaction data is provided. The system includes a substitute draft system that receives a retrieval request and generates a substitute draft in response to the retrieval request. The system also includes a merchant interface that is connected to the retrieval system. The merchant interface generates a merchant request in response to the retrieval request. The system thus allows a substitute draft to be generated in response to the retrieval request that may eliminate the need for a merchant response with a sales draft to the request. The system provides for higher and more efficient completion of retrieval requests by ensuring that such retrieval requests receive at least a substitute draft response. By providing at least a substitute draft response to the card user, a chargeback for no response is avoided.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods operable to distribute targeted content. Additionally, disclosed are corresponding apparatus and methods operable to selectively choose and cache selected ones from among the distributed targeted content, and to further choose ones from among the cached content to present on a device. In some aspects, selective caching of content may be based upon a match between predetermined content attribute information and predetermined profile information. Further, in some aspects, an indicator is operable to trigger the selective inclusion of one or more of the cached content in a presentation of other content, which may be based on a match between a desired content attribute associated with the indicator and the respective predetermined content attribute information of the cached content.

Abstract: A rapid infusion system for the intravenous delivery of fluids at standard and rapid flow rates. The system includes a pump assembly, a drive assembly to power the pump, and a fluid containment system that keeps the infused fluid out of direct contact with the pump assembly and that is preferably disposable and removable. In one embodiment the drive assembly includes a differential drive that interacts with more than one motor. In one embodiment, the pump assembly includes a roller pump and the pump chamber is a collapsible, preformed tube that is preferably attached to a pump cartridge frame. Optionally, the system includes a self-leveling drip chamber and the fluid containment system is disposable and includes a pump cartridge containing the drip chamber and the pump chamber, I.V. tubing, outlet infusion tubing, and a heater cartridge.

Abstract: A support frame clamp for a truck bed tonneau covering system comprises a hanger, slidably adjustable within a support bow configured to span two side rails of a truck bed to support a tonneau cover over the truck bed. A clamp assembly is operable to engage a portion of one of the side rails of the truck. A connector interconnects the clamp assembly and the hanger.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer is disclosed comprising a guide wire ion guide 1 having an outer cylindrical electrode 2 and an inner guide wire electrode 3. AC and DC potential differences are maintained between the outer electrode 2 and the inner electrode 3 so that ions are radially confined within the ion guide 1 in an annular potential well. The outer electrode 2 may be segmented and axial potential wells created along the length of the ion guide 1 may be translated along the length of the ion guide 1 by applying additional transient DC potentials to the segments forming the outer electrode 2.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nuclear fuel comprising an actinide nitride such as uranium nitride, suitable for use in nuclear reactors, including those based substantially on thermal fission, such as light and heavy water or gas-cooled nuclear reactors. The fuel contains nitrogen which has been isotopically enriched to at least about 50% 15N, most preferably above 95%. The fuel can be in the form of particles, pellets, in annular form or other forms having high surface to volume ratios.