High Performance Computing for Stability Problems - Applications to Hydrodynamic Stability and Neutron Transport Criticality

In this work we examine two kinds of applications in terms of stability and perform numerical evaluations and benchmarks on parallel platforms. We consider the applicability of pseudospectra in the field of hydrodynamic stability to obtain more information than a traditional linear stability analysis can provide. Furthermore, we treat the neutron transport criticality problem and highlight the Davidson method as an attractive alternative to the so far widely used power method in that context

A VALIDATED LC-MS/MS METHOD FOR THE ESTIMATION OF BOCEPREVIR AND BOCEPREVIR D6 (IS) IN HUMAN PLASMA EMPLOYING LIQUID-LIQUID EXTRACTION

Objective: This study was aimed to develop a simple, rapid, specific and precise liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrophotometric (LC–MS/MS) validated method for quantification of Boceprevir and internal standard (ISTD) Boceprevir D6 in human plasma.Methods: Plasma samples were pretreated with 100 µl of 0.1N Sodium Hydroxide and are subjected for Liquid-Liquid Extraction (LLE) using 2.5 ml of ethyl acetate. Chromatographic separation was achieved on Chromolith RP18e column (100 mmx4.6 mmx5 µm) with Acetonitrile: 20 mM Ammonium formate (80:20%v/v) as an isocratic mobile phase with a flow rate of 1.2 ml/min. the LC eluent was split, and approximately 0.1 ml/min was introduced into Tandem mass spectrometer using turbo Ion Spray interface at 400 °C. Quantitation was performed by transitions of m/z 586.2 precursor ion to the m/z 422.2 for Boceprevir and m/z 592.2/574.20 for Boceprevir D6.Results: The concentrations of nine working standards showed linearity between 2 to 1000 ng/ml (r2 ≥ 0.998). Chromatographic separation was achieved within 3 min. The limit of Quantification (LOQ) was found to be 2ng/ml. The intraday and interday precision with quality control samples was found to be 0.09 to 3.17%.Conclusion: The assay is suitable for pharmacokinetic study samples as demonstrated by its specificity, precision, accuracy, recovery, and stability characteristics.Keywords: Boceprevir, LC-MS/MS, Human plasma, Liquid-Liquid Extractio

A systematic review of the impacts of climate variability and change on electricity systems in Europe

Understanding the impacts of climate variability and change (CV&C) on electricity systems is paramount for operators preparing for weather-related disruptions, policymakers deciding on future directions of energy policies and European decision makers shaping research programs. This study conducted a systematic literature review to collate consistent patterns of impacts of CV&C on electricity systems in Europe. We found that, in the absence of adaptation and for current capacity, thermal electricity generation will decrease for the near term to mid-21st century (NT-MC) and the end of the 21st century (EC). In contrast, renewable electricity generation will increase for hydroelectricity in Northern Europe (NT-MC and EC), for solar electricity in Germany (NT-MC) and the United Kingdom and Spain (NT-MC and EC) and for wind electricity in the Iberian Peninsula (NT-MC) and over the Baltic and Aegean Sea (NT-MC and EC). Although the knowledge frontier in this area has advanced, the evidence available remains patchy. Future assessments should not only address some of the gaps identified but also better contextualise their results against those of earlier assessments. This review could provide a starting point for doing so

Solar Power in the Garden State

This special issue on energy and solar power in New Jersey was made possible because of the extensive portfolio of research centers and institutes at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy. Dr. Frank A. Felder, an Associate Research Professor, has been director of the School’s Center for Energy, Economic & Environmental Policy (CEEEP) since 2006. Frank is a nuclear engineer with a PhD degree from MIT, and he, along with his CEEEP colleague, Shankar N. Chandramowli, coauthored the main article in this issue of the Advance & Rutgers Report. CEEEP has worked extensively with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities on projects, including New Jersey’s current Energy Master Plan.Shining Brightly: Bloustein's Centers of Excellence / by James W. Hughes and Joseph S. Seneca -- Solar Power in the Garden States / by Shankar N. Chandramowli and Frank A. Felder.Guest contributors include Shankar N. Chandramowli and Frank A. Felder, PhD, Director—Center for Energy, Economic and Environmental Policy at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public PolicyReports published as Issue Paper Number 5, May 2011, in Advance & Rutgers Report, Special Issue