UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Interactions between presynaptic and postsynaptic cellular adhesion molecules (CAMs) drive synapse maturation during development. These trans-synaptic interactions are regulated by alternative splicing...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

During development, multipotent neural precursors give rise to oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs), which migrate and divide to produce additional OPCs. Near the end of embryogenesis and...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Krabbe disease (KD) is an inherited neurological disorder caused by the deficiency of galactocerebrosidase activity resulting in accumulation of psychosine, which leads to energy depletion,...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

In multiple sclerosis (MS), oligodendrocyte and myelin destruction lead to demyelination with subsequent axonal loss. Experimental demyelination in rodents has highlighted the activation of the subventricular...Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

No abstract prepared.

Science.gov (United States)

We compared experimental wave aberrations in pseudophakic eyes with aspheric intraocular lenses (IOLs) to simulate aberrations from numerical ray tracing on customized computer eye models using corneal topography, angle ?, ocular biometry, IOL geometry, and IOL tilt and decentration measured on the same eyes. We found high correlations between real and simulated aberrations even for the eye with only the cornea, and these increased on average when the IOL geometry and position were included. Relevant individual aberrations were well predicted by the complete eye model. Corneal spherical aberration and horizontal coma were compensated by the IOL, and in 58.3% of the cases IOL tilt and decentration contributed to compensation of horizontal coma. We conclude that customized computer eye models are a good representation of real eyes with IOLs and allow understanding of the relative ...

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In order to gain an overall picture of the genetic effects of an increased level of background radiation it is necessary to study the results of protracted exposures to embryonic and immature germ-cell stages as well as to stages found in the mature organism. For this purpose, litters produced by female mice, kept in a 10 or 20 rad/day /sup 60/Co ..gamma..-irradiation field, were kept in the same fields from conception until about 60 days later, having absorbed doses of 526 and 1078 rad respectively. Tests on exposed female offspring showed them to be sterile. Eight weeks after removal from the gamma field, mean testis masses of males in the 20 rad/day series were only half normal but those receiving 10 rad/day were little affected. Frequencies of translocations in spermatocytes at diakinesis/metaphase I were only slightly increased in the exposed series, differences not being significant. Estimated rates of translocation induction were around 5 x 10sup(-6) per ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BACKGROUNDThe reproductive health of children born of infertile couples may be affected by infertility treatment or factors associated with infertility. We examined sexual maturation...Full Text Available

KoreaScience (Korea)

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Oils in Jinghu sag are abundant with high content of polar compounds and have a low ratio of saturate to aro-matic hydrocarbons and a high ratio of resin to asphaltene. The gross composition of oils in the Jinghu sag suggests typical immature to low mature characteristics. Some compounds with low thermal stability were identified. Light hy-drocarbons, a carbon preference index, an odd even index, n-alkane and hopane maturity parameters show mature fea-tures and little differences in the maturity level among oils. Sterane isomerization parameters indicate an immature to low mature status of oil. Transfer of the sedimentary center during sedimentation has led to different thermal histories among subsags and thus generated oils with different maturities. On the basis of source analyses, four ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

An ultrasmall spot size scanning laser ophthalmoscope has been developed that employs an annular aberration-corrected incident beam to increase the effective numerical aperture of the eye thereby reducing...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Chronic pain patients who show aberrant drug-related behavior often are discontinued from treatment when they are noncompliant with their use of opioids for pain. The purpose of this study was...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Poland's anomaly is an uncommon congenital aberration of the chest wall characterized by absence of the pectoralis major muscle and other nearby musculoskeletal components. In this series, a wide spectrum...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The inflammatory process has direct effects on normal and abnormal wound healing. Hypertrophic scar formation is an aberrant form of wound healing and is an indication of an exaggerated function of...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Purpose of reviewSevere congenital neutropenia (SCN) is a primary immunodeficiency in which lack of neutrophils causes inadequate innate immune host response to bacterial...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

A number of aberrant morphological phenotypes were noted during propagation of the Arabidopsis thaliana DNA hypomethylation mutant, ddm1, by repeated self-pollination. Onset of a spectrum of morphological...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundGenomics has substantially changed our approach to cancer research. Gene expression profiling, for example, has been utilized to delineate subtypes of cancer, and facilitated...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundCentrosome aberrations can cause genomic instability and correlate with malignant progression in common human malignancies such as breast and prostate cancer. Deregulation...Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The advent of aberration correction for electron microscope lenses has produced a significant advance in the improvement of resolution in microscopy. This improvement, while significant in itself, promises to have its most profound impact in materials science when it delivers quantitative information to challenge models and modellers. This capability for an electron microscope-modelling synergy to deliver useful results at the atomic level is not yet firmly established. For this reason, one of the major challenges for electron microscopy in materials science over this decade is to study systems where electron microscopists and modellers can work collaboratively. This paper explores some examples.

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Electron energy loss (EEL) spectroscopy and high angle annular dark field (HAADF) imaging in aberration-corrected electron microscopes are powerful techniques to determine the chemical composition and structure of materials at atomic resolution. We have implemented Smart Acquisition, a flexible system of scanning transmission electron microsocpy (STEM) beam position control and EELS collection, on two aberration-corrected dedicated cold field emission gun (FEG) STEMs located at SuperSTEM, Daresbury Laboratory. This allows the collection of EEL spectra from spatially defined areas with a much lower electron dose possible than existing techniques such as spectrum imaging.

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Recent histological studies suggest relatively rapid growth in dinosaurs. However, the timing of reproductive maturity (RM) in dinosaurs is poorly known because unambiguous indicators of RM are rare....Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

1 The influence of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug naproxen on glucose metabolism and on tolbutamide pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics has been studied in ten maturity-onset diabetics. 2...Full Text Available

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The experimental maturation of an immature kerogen from the Toarcian of the Paris basin has been carried out in a confined system under pressure. The evolution of various thermal maturity parameters was plotted against the corrected organic carbon percentage chosen as a common maturity indicator and compared with data extracted from a natural series. Results show the occurrence of three distinct stages respectively characterized by the removal of oxygenated compounds, the genesis of liquid hydrocarbons and the production of gaseous hydrocarbons.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Purpose Evaluation of the all-trans retinoic acid (t-RA) effects on in vitro maturation (IVM) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) of immature mouse oocytes in the presence and absence of granulosa cell monolayer. Methods Denuded oocytes isolated from mice ovaries and matured in IVM medium alone (Control I), IVM medium in the presence of granulosa cells (Control II), IVM medium with t-RA (Experimental I) and IVM medium simultaneously with t-RA and granulosa cells (Experimental II). After 24?h, matured oocytes were fertilized in T6 medium and their development was followed until the blastocyst stage. Metaphase II oocytes ploidy were evaluated by chromosome counting. Results The t-RA group compared to the control groups showed no obvious abnormalities. Additionally maturation and embryo developm...

Science.gov (United States)

The Predictive Capability Maturity Model (PCMM) is a new model that can be used to assess the level of maturity of computational modeling and simulation (M&S) efforts. The development of the model is based on both the authors experience and their analysis of similar investigations in the past. The perspective taken in this report is one of judging the usefulness of a predictive capability that relies on the numerical solution to partial differential equations to better inform and improve decision making. The review of past investigations, such as the Software Engineering Institute's Capability Maturity Model Integration and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and Department of Defense Technology Readiness Levels, indicates that a more restricted, more interpretable method is needed to assess the maturity of an M&S effort. The PCMM addresses six contributing elements to ...

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Two phases are recognized in the maturation of organic matter and evolution of the oil-generative window (OGW): (a) a basinal subsidence phase during which potential source rocks undergo burial through a static initial OGW, and maturation is due essentially to increasing temperature with depth, and (b) a postsubsidence phase during which the OGW moves vertically upward through the static sedimentary fill, and maturation is due to time effects. Only the final shallow position of OGW can be defined by geochemical indices of maturity. The hydrocarbon generation sequence progresses from bottom to top, beginning with the lighter hydrocarbons (or even thermogenic gas) at the initial OGW at depth, followed by progressively heavier hydrocarbons as the OGW moves vertically upward. This dynamic model of hydrocarbon generation permits modeling of past positions of OGW relative to basin evolution through ...

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The present conference on lens design encompasses physical and geometrical optics, diffractive optics, the optimization of optical design, software packages, ray tracing, the use of artificial intelligence, the achromatization of materials, zoom optics, microoptics and GRIN lenses, and IR lens design. Specific issues addressed include diffraction-performance calculations in lens design, the optimization of the optical transfer function, a rank-down method for automatic lens design, applications of quadric surfaces, the correction of aberrations by using HOEs in UV and visible imaging systems, and an all-refractive telescope for intersatellite communications. Also addressed are automation techniques for optics manufacturing, all-reflective phased-array imaging telescopes, the thermal aberration analysis of a Nd:YAG laser, the analysis of illumination systems, athermalized FLIR optics, and the design of array systems using shared symmetry.

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Micropropagation methods are described for the production of clonal lines from Eucalyptus marginata (jarrah) seedlings. Nodal explants from mature trees can also yield shoot cultures, but a high frequency of contamination occurs among such explants. Uncontaminated callus cultures can be produced from mature trees by culturing stamen filaments and shoots can subsequently be regenerated from this callus. The rooting percentage of shoot cultures from either nodes or stamen callus of mature trees is low compared with that from seedling explants. Considerable variation was observed between trees in the ability of stamen callus to regenerate shoots and in the frequency of rooting. (Refs. 27)

Science.gov (United States)

10Oberkampf, W.L., Pilch, M., and Trucano, T.G., Predictive Capability Maturity Model for Computational Science and. Engineering, Sandia Report ...

Science.gov (United States)

Hemez9 on the Predictive Capability Maturity Model, and for their feedback on the CAS d uring a 2 007 technical interchange meeting in Albuquerque, NM. ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Insect growth regulators (IGRs) are a class of new chemicals that interfere with maturation and reproduction in insects. Proposed hypotheses on the biochemical mechanism of action are presented herein....Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Purpose.There is a paucity of neuron replacement studies for retinal ganglion cells. Given the complex phenotype of these neurons, replacement of ganglion cells may be impossible....Full Text Available

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Oils, tars, and degraded oils of varying degrees of biodegradation occur in the Permian Phosphoria Formation along the eastern flank of the Wind River mountains, Wyoming, US. Biodegradation has altered the isomer distributions of steranes, the hopanes, and the mono- and triaromatised steroids in these oils. The conventional maturity parameters based on these biomarkers are of limited use in estimating their maturity. On the other hand, even in severely biodegraded oils the vanadylporphyrin distributions are unaltered. Because of this, the Porphyrin Maturity Parameter (PMP) derived from the vanadylporphyrin distribution is an ideal parameter for estimating the maturity of these oils. This study also confirms the previous observation that T[sub s] and T[sub m] are unaffected by even severe biodegradation. 14 refs., 5 figs., 2 tabs.

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A general expression for the current-density distribution of a focused-ion beam (FIB) in the chromatic-aberration region is set up in the form of a definite integral. With the experimentally obtained ion-energy distribution of a liquid-metal ion source, its contribution to the FIB current-density distribution is estimated. Calculated results explain the wide-exponential tail of a FIB.

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundAberrant CD40 ligand (CD154) expression occurs on both T cells and B cells in human lupus patients, which is suggested to enhance B cell CD40 signaling and play a role...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The aim of this study was to investigate cumulus expansion, nuclear maturation and expression of connexin 43, cyclooxygenase-2 and FSH receptor transcripts in equine cumuli oophori during in vivo and...Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The paper analyses the advantages and disadvantages of the second generation improved technologies and third generation technologies mainly developed in China in terms of safety and economy. The paper also discusses the maturity of the second generation improved technologies and the sophistication of the third generation technologies respectively. Meanwhile, the paper proposes that the advantage and disadvantage of second generation improved technologies and third generation technologies should be carefully taken into consideration and the relationship between the maturity and sophistication should be properly dealt with in the current stage. A two-step strategy shall be taken as a solution to solve the problem of insufficient capacity of nuclear power, trace and develop the third generation technologies, so as to ensure the sound and fast development of nuclear power. (authors)

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Background In scientific literature, when the consequences of illness are discussed, one finds that the deficit perspective is prevailing: Illness as the cause for loss of abilities and a loss of contentment. On the other hand, particularly with creative people, an increase of creativity can be observed, following a confrontation with and having endured a period of illness. When one considers the occurrence of illness retrospectively in a biographical context, one may find often a biographical standstill. Although illness and disease are considered as a collapse, one may observe also psycho-spiritual maturation processes during the confrontation with illness. In several cases illness can thus result in personality maturation and a higher level of psychological health. Aims Despite of the f...

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Biomonitoring of human populations for exposure to genotoxic/clastogenic agents in the environment or the workplace must depend upon statistical tests for elevations in the frequencies of the biological endpoints being monitored, usually chromosomal aberrations (CA), micronuclei (MN), or sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) in peripheral blood lymphocytes. Statistical tests are based, in turn, upon certain assumptions regarding the distribution of the test statistic. When they are often not recognized as such, tests of significance can be in error, and any conclusion drawn that there is or is not a statistically significant difference between one population sample and another maybe erroneous. In population monitoring this means either false negatives or false positives can result and it is hard to know which is worse. Furthermore, even the intelligent design of studies whose object is to test for an elevated level in an exposed population must depend upon prior ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

It has recently been found that many buildings in Taiwan were constructed with radioactively contaminated rebar, which raised great concern among the residents as well as governmental officials. In order to investigate the possible cytogenetic damage to the residents of contaminated buildings, a G-banding method was carried out on the lymphocytes of 30 radiation-exposed individuals from four families and one office building, as well as 15 control individuals from laboratory personnel. The estimated cumulative radiation doses for the exposed people range from 19.63 to 280.50 mSv. Altogether, 13 females and 17 males belonging to the radiation-exposed group, and 7 females and 8 males in the control group, were included in this study. With the exception of one sample, at least 500 metaphase spreads were scored and analyzed for each individual. All the recognizable structural aberrations of chromosomes or chromatids were recorded and statistically analyzed. Comparison ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The basic approach to radioactive labeling techniques in hemoglobin identification consists of mixing 14C labeled normal carrier globin with 3H labeled unknown globin and carrying out the subsequent separations and purifications looking at the distribution of 3H and 14C radioactivity. This technique was devised to ascertain the amino acid substitution in Hb Indianapolis and was instrumental in solving the structure of Hb Vicksburg. It was also useful in determining the purity of gamma-chains from cultures of human and baboon erythroid progenitors. Another use of this technique would be in identifying aberrant peaks of radioactivity in chain separation chromatograms, such as ''pre-peaks''.

Science.gov (United States)

We have developed a novel laser ray-tracing method to measure aberrations in optical systems. It consists of delivering narrow laser pencils (by a laser scanner), recording the spots that are formed on the image plane (with a CCD camera), and computing the position of each centroid. This approach could be considered an experimental (approximate) implementation of standard numerical ray tracing. Several tests and experiments, including a direct comparison with a Hartmann-Shack wave-front sensor, provided highly satisfactory results that confirmed the validity of the method and revealed potential advantages. PMID:18073906

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundThe thymus plays a critical role in the development and maturation of T-cells. Humans have a single thoracic thymus and presence of a second thymus is considered an anomaly....Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Stress strongly inhibits proliferation of granule cell precursors in the dentate gyrus, while voluntary running has the opposite effect. Few studies, however, have examined the possible effects...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Previous studies have shown that salicylates and protein-calorie malnutrition independently compromise maturation and growth of infants. In the present study, pregnant rats were fed normal-and low-protein...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

How sensory organization for postural control matures in children is not clear at this time. The present study examined, in children aged 7 to 11 and in adults, the postural control modifications in...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

IntroductionNormal and neoplastic breast tissues are comprised of heterogeneous populations of epithelial cells exhibiting various degrees of maturation and differentiation. While...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Life history theory proposes that early-life cues induce highly integrated responses in traits associated with energy partitioning, maturation, reproduction, and aging such that the individual phenotype...Full Text Available

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Light increased the rate of LHCP synthesis as measured by pulse-labeling with /sup 35/SO/sub 4/ and immunoprecipitation with antibody specific for Euglena LHCP. In addition to the mature LHCP, 26,000 daltons, the LHCP specific antibody immunoprecipitated large amounts of several proteins having molecular weights of approximately 100,000. On immunoblots of immunoprecipitated unlabeled protein, the antibody only detected the mature LHCP suggesting that the high molecular weight proteins are not LHCP aggregates produced during immunoprecipitation. After a 10 min pulse with /sup 35/SO/sub 4/, the 100,000 dalton proteins constituted over 80% of the immunoprecipitated material. In a subsequent chase, the radioactivity in the 100,000 dalton proteins decreased and the radioactivity in the mature LHCP increased suggesting a precursor-product relationship. After a 35 minute chase, the mature LHCP was the major ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundRed ripe tomatoes are the result of numerous physiological changes controlled by hormonal and developmental signals, causing maturation or differentiation of various fruit...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Our understanding of the development of neurotransmitter systems in the central nervous system has increased greatly over the past three decades and it has become apparent that drug effects...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Chromatographic and electrophoretic studies have shown that the subunits of the crystalloid protein, isolated from mature castor bean (Ricinus communis L. cv Hale) seed endosperm protein...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Botulism is caused by the botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs), the most poisonous substance known. Because of the high potency of BoNT, development of diagnostic and therapeutic antibodies for botulism requires...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundThe first week of human pre-embryo development is characterized by the induction of totipotency and then pluripotency. The understanding of this delicate process will have...Full Text Available

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Calibration-Free Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (CF-LIBS) has been proposed several years ago as an approach for quantitative analysis of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy spectra. Recently developed refinement of the spectral processing method is described in the present work. Accurate quantitative results have been demonstrated for several metallic alloys. However, the degree of accuracy that can be achieved with Calibration-Free Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy analysis of generic samples still needs to be thoroughly investigated. The authors have undertaken a systematic study of errors and biasing factors affecting the calculation in the Calibration-Free Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy spectra processing. These factors may be classified in three main groups: 1) experimental aberrations (intensity fluctuations and inaccuracy in the correction for spectral efficiency of a detection system), 2) inaccuracy in theoretical parameters used for ...

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Methods are described for the production of callus and subsequent shoot and root induction and multiplication using stamen filaments, nodes of young stems of mature trees or cotyledon petioles. A high frequency of contamination occurred using nodal sections from mature trees, whereas up to 100% sterility was obtained with cotyledons and stamens. The rooting % of shoot cultures from nodes or stamen callus was low compared with that of shoots from seedling callus. Considerable variation was observed between clones from different trees in their ability to produce shoots and roots. 27 references

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The Uinta Basin is an important hydrocarbon producing area, with extensive resources of hydrocarbon, bitumen, and fossil fuels. Gilsonite, tar sands, oil shale and coal are found in abundance with the cretaceous and Tertiary sedimentary rocks. The 25 papers include discussion on: leasing; thermal maturity of rocks and hydrocarbon deposits; influence of source rock type, thermal maturity and migration on composition and distribution of the natural gas; drilling; geology; structural evolution of gilsonite dykes; reclamation of coal mines; oil shale resources; and uranium mining.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Full text: The maturation of chicken forebrain is protracted and occurs well after synapse formation providing a good model for studying mechanisms of brain maturation. Using microslices from immature (10 day) and adult chicken forebrain prepared after decapitation, we have examined functional properties of NMDA and AMPA receptors by measuring agonist-induced uptake of "4"5Ca"2"+ . The rate and extent of NMDA induced "4"5Ca"2"+ accumulation decreased during maturation with no change in EC_5_0. The rate and extent of the AMPA induced response also decreased with a 60-fold increase in EC_5_0. However, the total NMDA receptor content did not change as indicated by 3 H-MK801 binding and NR1 immunoreactivity in P2 fractions. Similarly, there was no change in the B_m_a_x of "3H-AMPA, though there was a two-fold increase in K_D, and little or no change in the immunoreactivity in GluR1, 2, 2/3 or 4. These results suggest that it is ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Normal fetal brain maturation can be studied by in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) from the 18th gestational week (GW) to term, and relies primarily on T2-weighted and diffusion-weighted (DW) sequences. These maturational changes must be interpreted with a knowledge of the histological background and the temporal course of the respective developmental steps. In addition, MR presentation of developing and transient structures must be considered. Signal changes associated with maturational processes can mainly be ascribed to the following changes in tissue composition and organization, which occur at the histological level: (1) a decrease in water content and increasing cell-density can be recognized as a shortening of T1- and T2-relaxation times, leading to increased T1-weighted and decreased T2-weighted intensity, respectively; (2) the arrangement of microanatomical structures to create a symmetrical or asymmetrical ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ingestion of HTO during oocyte maturation and continued during pre-implantation time was found to depress decidual response. At birth these offspring also showed a decrease in brain cell number. When HTO was given during pregnancy only, the offspring at birth showed a similar deficit in brain cell number. Even so, we could not demonstrate a gross deficit in oocyte maturation when HTO was ingested during sexual maturity only; however, when further continued during pregnancy, the measured newborn parameters were most severely affected. In this group, cell-multiplication in the cerebrum was severely decreased, protein synthesis was decreased, and somatic growth was also highly significantly decreased. These experiments indicate that even a short-term exposure to HTO during early pregnancy (pre-implantation) alters normal development to such an extent that it is still observable at birth. During embryonic development, HTO ...

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A calorimetric microliter plate assay for ethanol amplified by aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) was developed. In the assay ethanol from a sample took part in a chain-reaction catalyzed by alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and amplified by ALDH in the presence of NAD{sup +}, diaphorase, and p-ibdonitrotetrazolium-violet (INT-violet)(a precursor of red product). The resultant reaction gave a red color, the intensity of which was proportional to the amount of ethanol present. Using the technique, the content of activity from peanuts of differing maturity and curing stages were determined respectively. Data showed that immature peanuts had a higher level of ethanol and a lower ADH activity than mature peanuts, and that the level of ethanol and ADH activity decreased with the curing time. This indicates that peanut maturity and curing have an effect on ethanol. Also, this implies that other peanut volatiles could be affected in the same ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The design and construction of a Browne-Buechner type round pole face magnetic electron spectrograph is described. The design is based on the first order transfer properties of the bending magnet including the focal surface, dispersion, magnification and resolution. Second order aberrations are compared wit numerical ray tracing results using measured field data to simulate the magnet. The numerical results are also compared with floating wire measurements on the system. Agreement is within one part in 10"4. Data extraction from the instrument is done with an array of copper detectors placed along the focal surface. The spectrograph has been successfully employed in free-electron laser (FEL) experiments for over a year.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Although the outer surface of single-walled carbon nanotubes (atomically thin cylinders of carbon) can be involved in a wide range of chemical reactions, it is generally thought that the interior surface of nanotubes is unreactive. In this study, we show that in the presence of catalytically active atoms of rhenium inserted into nanotubes, the nanotube sidewall can be engaged in chemical reactions from the inside. Aberration-corrected high-resolution transmission electron microscopy operated at 80?keV allows visualization of the formation of nanometre-sized hollow protrusions on the nanotube sidewall at the atomic level in real time at ambient temperature. Our direct observations and theoretical modelling demonstrate that the nanoprotrusions are formed in three stages: (i) metal-assisted d...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The mature spermatozoon of Cricocephalus albus is filiform, tapered at both ends and shows the following features: 2 axonemes of different lengths presenting the 9+''1'' trepaxonematan pattern, 2 bundles of parallel cortical microtubules, a mitochondrion and a nucleus. Nevertheless, the particularity of the spermatozoon of C. albus is its anterior extremity with an apical electron-dense material associated with extramembranar ornamentation, a cytoplasmic dorsolateral expansion and spine-like bodies. To our knowledge, such an anterior extremity of the spermatozoon has not previously been described from a species of the superfamily Pronocephaloidea. Our study provides new data on the mature gamete of C. albus in order to improve our understanding of the pronocephaloidean phylogenetic relatio...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Fgf receptor 2c (Fgfr2c) was expressed in mature adipocytes of mouse white adipose tissue (WAT). To examine the role of Fgfr2c in mature adipocytes, we generated adipocyte-specific Fgfr2 knockout (Fgfr2 CKO) mice. The hypertrophy impairment of adipocytes in the mesenteric WAT but not in the subcutaneous WAT and decreased plasma free fatty acid (FFA) levels were observed in Fgfr2 CKO mice. Although the expression of genes involved in adipocyte differentiation and lipid metabolism in the mesenteric WAT was essentially unchanged, the expression of uncoupling protein 2 potentially involved in energy dissipation was significantly increased. Among potential Fgf ligands for Fgfr2c, Fgf9 was preferentially expressed in the mesenteric WAT. The present findings indicate that Fgfr2c potentially activ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The Alpine Foreland Basin is a minor oil and moderate gas province in central Europe. In the Austrian part of the Alpine Foreland Basin, oil and minor thermal gas are thought to be predominantly sourced from Lower Oligocene horizons (Schoneck and Eggerding formations). The source rocks are immature where the oil fields are located and enter the oil window at ca. 4 km depth beneath the Alpine nappes indicating long-distance lateral migration. Most important reservoirs are Upper Cretaceous and Eocene basal sandstones.Stable carbon isotope and biomarker ratios of oils from different reservoirs indicate compositional trends in W-E direction which reflect differences in source, depositional environment (facies), and maturity of potential source rocks. Thermal maturity parameters from oils of di...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Heme peroxidases are a class of multifunctional redox-active proteins found in all organisms. We recently cloned, expressed, and characterized an ascorbate peroxidase from Leishmania major (LmAPX) that was capable of detoxifying hydrogen peroxide. Localization studies using green fluorescent protein fusions revealed that LmAPX was localized within the mitochondria by its N-terminal signal sequence. Subcellular fractionation analysis of the cell homogenate by the Percoll density-gradient method and subsequent Western blot analysis with anti-LmAPX antibody further confirmed the mitochondrial localization of mature LmAPX. Submitochondrial fractionation analysis showed that the mature enzyme (?3.6?kDa shorter than the theoretical value of the whole gene) was present in the intermembrane space ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The effects of time of seed maturation and dry seed storage and of light and temperature requirements during seed incubation on final germination percentage and germination rate were assessed for the invasive shrub Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) D.C., grown under desert environmental conditions of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Seeds were collected from Fujira on the northern coast of the UAE at different times during the growing seasons (autumn, winter and spring) and were germinated immediately and after 8 months of dry storage under room temperature (20+-3degreeC). Seeds were germinated at three temperatures (15, 25 and 40degreeC) in both continuous light and darkness. The results showed significant effects for time of seed collection, seed storage, light and temperature of seed incubation a...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

In this study we compared various maturity dependent aromatic, steroid and triterpenoid hydrocarbon ratios in bitumens that are freely extractable from sedimentary rocks (Bitumen I) with those in second extracts that comprised hydrocarbons closely associated with the kerogen/mineral matrix (Bitumen II). Bitumen II was released through kerogen isolation and demineralisation using HCl and HF/H3BO3. The samples studied, although of similar age, come from different localities. They represent a range of facies and two kerogen types (II and III), and all were deposited under marine conditions. The results show that the more stable b isomers of methylnaphthalene (MN) and methylphenanthrene (MP) are relatively more abundant in Bitumen II. The difference between the methylnaphthalene ratio (MNR) of...

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In the bacterial reversion assay with S. typhimurium TA98, TA100, TA1535 and TA1537, gamma irradiated hyaluronic acid (10 and 50 kGy) did not induce a significant increase in the number of revertant colonies in the presence of S9 metabolic activation system. In chromosomal aberration tests with CHO cells, gamma irradiated hyaluronic acid (10 and 50 kGy) did not result in an increase in the frequency of chromosomal aberrations. In vivo mouse micronucleus assay, gamma irradiated hyaluronic acid (10 and 50 kGy) did not show an increase in the frequency of polychromatic erythrocytes with micronuclei. These results indicate that hyaluronic acids irradiated at 10 and 50 kGy did not show any genotoxic effects under these experimental conditions. In order to evaluate their possible subacute toxicity, the male and female of ICR mouse were given to methanol extract of 50 kGy irradiated red ginseng and 20 kGy irradiated water extract of mistletoe for ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Background. Through PSA screening the rate of prostate cancers detected at an early stage has increased significantly; thus a decrease in mortality can be expected in the near future. Despite all scientific efforts, however, the molecular mechanisms underlying the development and progression of prostate cancer remain poorly understood. Prostate cancer is a disease of aging men and epidemiological evidence supports a major contribution to its development through diet, lifestyle and environmental factors. Genetic instability is the basic phenomenon of tissue cell cancerisation. This instability can be hereditary or due to mutations and other chromosomal aberrations acquired during life. In recent years a large number of interesting data have been collected which show the relationships between focal atrophy and genetic instability of the prostate epithelia. Atrophy can be the result of prostatitis, ischemia as well as of oxidative stress (diet). Several chromosomal ...

Science.gov (United States)

Neuronal transcription factors play vital roles in the specification and development of neurons, including dopaminergic (DA) neurons. Mutations in the gene encoding the purine biosynthetic enzyme hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) cause the resulting intractable and largely untreatable neurological impairment of Lesch-Nyhan disease (LND). The disorder is associated with a defect in basal ganglia DA pathways. The mechanisms connecting the purine metabolic defect and the central nervous system (CNS) phenotype are poorly understood but have been presumed to reflect a developmental defect of DA neurons. We have examined the effect of HPRT deficiency on the differentiation of neurons in the well-established human (NT2) embryonic carcinoma neurogenesis model. We have used a retrovirus expressing a small hairpin RNA (shRNA) to knock down HPRT gene expression and have examined the expression of a number of transcription factors essential for neuronal differentiation and ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

As waste disposal methods and long-term precautionary care of the environment are closely related, disposal of non-avoidable and intractable residual products is to be viewed primarily from a safety angle. Also, thermal processes airm mainly at treatment, not utilization. 'Safety' in this context addresses both the environmental compatibility of the products and the process itself. In other words, only mature techniques (i.e., safe, proven ones) are employed. (orig.)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A research program has been undertaken to characterize oil sand deposits. Studies include delination of reservoir architecture; petrophysical attributes; and petrography and core analysis.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This book is an anatomical reference for cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies in neonates and infants. It contains 122 clear, sharp MRI scans and drawings showing changes in the normal appearance of the brain and skull during development. Sections of the atlas depict the major processes of maturation: brain myelination, development of the corpus callosum, development of the cranial bone marrow, and iron deposition in the brain. High-quality scans illustrate how these changes appear on magnetic resonance images during various stages of development.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

China is continuing to extract oil from kerogen shale despite having a crude production capacity of 100 Mt a year. Among the reasons for this policy are the country's rich oil shale resources, comparatively mature extraction techniques, and a comprehensive utilization of the shale that has proved to be economically profitable. China has oil shale deposits of 340 Gt, equivalent to 24.5 Gt of shale oil, to rank fourth in the world after the U.S., Brazil, and the Soviet Union.

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

[1′-¹⁴C, ¹³C₆]Indole-3-acetic acid was infiltrated into immature pericarp discs from fruits of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill., cv Moneymaker)....Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

In this study we show the effect of anti-sulfatide (RmAb) antibodies and inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α and IFN-γ in inducing myelin basic protein (MBP) degradation in myelin...Full Text Available

Environmental Research Database

DescriptionThe objective of this project is to relate the processing quality of wheat to the composition of the developing and mature grain using material grown under a range of nutrient regimes including long term organic and fertilised systems from the Rothamsted Broadbalk experiment, variety trials and organically grown wheat. Preliminary studies have indicated substantial differences in the transcriptome profiles of wheat grown with artificial fertiliser and with organic fertiliser on Broadbalk and tru [continued...

Science.gov (United States)

The purpose of this project was to design, build, and characterize the performance of a volume breast ultrasound (VBUS) scanner that images the pendant breast. VBUS scanner design includes a: 1) clinical ultrasound scanner and transducer; 2) scanning table with a hole for the pendant breast; 3) rotational gantry; 4) probe mounting assembly; 5) compressionless breast stabilization device; 6) acquisition, control, reconstruction, and display software. Performance assessment characterized a variety of parameters including: spatial resolution, uniformity, and distortion using high and low contrast test objects in both horizontal and vertical scanning modes. The VBUS scanner modules have been constructed and initial performance evaluated. Approximately 300 scans are acquired over 360 degrees in 18 seconds. Reconstruction requires 25 ms per slice. Test object images depicted hyper- and hypo-echoic masses and demonstrated good resolution, soft tissue contrast and reduced speckle compared to ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

As reported previously (Namba et al., 1985), normal human fibroblasts were transformed by 60Co gamma-ray irradiation into immortal cells with abnormal karyotypes. These transformed cells (KMST-6), however, showed a low cloning efficiency in soft agar and no transplantability. However, upon treatment with Harvey murine sarcoma virus (Ha-MSV), the cells acquired elevated clonability in soft agar and transplantability in nude mice. Ha-MSV alone, however, did not convert normal human fibroblasts into either immortal or tumorigenic cells. The Ha-MSV-transformed KMST-6 cells showed an enhanced expression of the ras oncogene, but normal and 60Co gamma-ray-transformed cells did not. Our current data suggest that gamma rays worked against normal human cells as an initiator, giving rise to chromosome aberrations and immortality, and that Ha-MSV, probably through its ras oncogene, played a role in the progression of the malignant cell population to a more malignant one ...

Science.gov (United States)

Through DNA methylation, histone modifications, and small regulatory RNAs the epigenome systematically controls gene expression during development, both in utero and throughout life. The epigenome is also a very reactive system; its labile nature allows it to sense and respond to environmental perturbations to ensure survival during fetal growth. This pliability can lead to aberrant epigenetic modifications that persist into later life and induce numerous disease states. Endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) are ubiquitous chemicals that interfere with growth and development. Several EDCs also interfere with epigenetic programming. The investigation of the epigenotoxic effects of bisphenol A (BPA), an EDC used in the production of plastics and resins, has further raised concern over the impact of EDCs on the epigenome. Using the Agouti viable yellow (A(vy)) mouse model, dietary BPA exposure was shown to hypomethylate both the A(vy) and the Cabp(IAP) metastable ...

Science.gov (United States)

BACKGROUND Accumulating evidence suggests that various epigenetic aberrations play definite roles in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. We investigated the histone acetylation status in endometriosis and the application of the histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs) for the treatment of endometriosis. METHODS The levels of acetylated histones in the endometriotic cyst stromal cells (ECSCs) and normal endometrial stromal cells (NESCs) were evaluated. The effects of the HDACIs on cell proliferation, the cell cycle, apoptosis of ECSCs and NESCs, and the expression of genes related to these cellular events were investigated. The effects of HDACIs on histone acetylation in chromatin of the promoter region of the cell cycle regulatory genes in ECSCs were also investigated. RESULTS The acetylated histone levels were significantly lower in ECSCs than in NESCs (P endometriosis and that HDACIs reactivated epigenetically silenced genes, resulting in the suppression of cell ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The authors have previously identified a small-cell lung cancer cell line (NCI-H209) that expresses an aberrant, underphosphorylated form of the retinoblastoma protein RB1. Molecular analysis of RB1 mRNA from this cell line revealed a single point mutation within exon 21 that resulted in a nonconservative amino acid substitution (cysteine to phenylalanine) at codon 706. Stable expression of this mutant RB1 cDNA in a human cell line lacking endogenous RB1 demonstrated that this amino acid change was sufficient to inhibit phosphorylation. In addition, this cysteine-to-phenylalanine substitution also resulted in loss of RB1 binding to the simian virus 40 large tumor and adenovirus E1A transforming proteins. These results confirm the importance of exon 21 coding sequences and suggest that the cysteine residue at codon 706 may play a role in achieving a specific protein conformation essential for protein-protein interactions.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

There is a lot of interest in the studies that would help to understand whether there is a casual association between cancer and various types of molecular or cytogenetic damage detected in human cells. One major oncogenesis process is activation of proto-oncogenes by point mutations or chromosomal translocation. There are substantial evidence that indicates that the loss of heterozygosity of certain chromosomes is involved in human cancerogenesis. Our study aimed to elicit the possible association between cancer and DNA and cytogenetic abnormalities induced in lymphocytes of people bearing various categories of skin cancer cells. Fresh blood was collected by venipuncture from 25 individuals (including nine prior to cancer treatment). All patients were nonsmoking males, however 42.3 % of them were former smokers. Blood samples were divided into two parts and in the first part of samples cytogenetic studies were performed immediately, while from the second part lymphocytes were isolated ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Recent organic geochemical studies differ radically in their interpretation of the origin of the Gulf coast oils. However all studies since (and including) Thompson, et al. 1989, emphasize the considerable geographic variation in genetic oil types and are in generalized agreement as to the genetic oil types present and their spatial and stratigraphic relationships. In particular it is accepted that the Gulf rim (both north and south) is encircled by a ring of Mesozoic carbonate-sourced oils and that there is also at least one major deep water trend of carbonate-sourced oils in the northern Gulf. It is also generally agreed that many of the Gulf rim oils are of Oxfordian-Kimmeridgian age, though some, like the Sunniland oils of Florida, are of lower Cretaceous origin. Major disagreement still occurs over the sources of the Louisiana offshore oils and onshore Wilcox reservoired oils. One {open_quotes}school of thought{close_quotes} assigns all these oils to Mesozoic sources. The other ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Negative ion electrospray ionization (ESI) coupled with high field Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR-MS) allows for the direct detection of acidic NSO compounds in petroleum. The technique requires no chromatographic separation, is able to distinguish 18 different compound classes (e.g., neutral nitrogen, carboxylic acids and oxygenates), and can identify {approx}14,000 distinct masses by ultra-high mass resolution and mass accuracy. We previously studied three crude oils from different geological origins [Organic Geochemistry 33 (2002b) 743-759]. Here, we expand our research by comparing two source-equivalent Smackover oils of different levels of thermal maturity. We observe clear differences in the distribution of NSO compound classes, types (number of rings plus double bonds within a class), and number of alkyl carbons. With increasing thermal stress, the relative amount of sulfur and oxygen containing compounds decreases, ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A large amount of energy has been consumed so far in so called matured industries such as iron and steel, oil refinery, petrochemical, ceramic, paper and pulp manufacturing and so forth. A successive stimulation on the preceding industries has to be enhanced from a technological viewpoint in order to maintain a further development based on novel and innovative technologies. In this regard, energy technology has become and will be increasingly important in a high temperature system so that the basic concept for heat transfer augmentation methods by thermal radiation is reviewed briefly in accord with the recent developments together with theoretical background and the prominent features. The heat transfer augmentation related to thermal radiation is summarized.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Injection of pregnant rats with monomeric "2"3"9Pu after 9 days of gestation decreased their leukocyte and reticulocyte counts at 5 and 10 days postexposure. Most of the fetal hematologic enumerative values were unaffected by injection of monomeric "2"3"9Pu. There was, however, a major change in the maturation of the cells of the erythroid series, as indicated by a difference in the distribution between cell types. The weight of the yolk sac and fetal liver, and the cellularity of the fetal spleen were decreased.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

As the new entrants in the global nuclear construction market are increasing and the establishment of an effective and sustainable regulatory infrastructure becomes more important, they have requested international assistance from the international nuclear communities with mature nuclear regulatory programmes. It needs to optimize the use of limited resources from regulatory organization providing support to regulatory infrastructure of new comers. This paper suggests the resource portfolio concept like a GE/Mckinsey Matrix used in business management and tries to apply it to the current needs considered in the regulatory support program in Korea as the case study

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Oligocene Kishenehn Formation of northwest Montana and southeast British Columbia consists of fluvial and lacustrine sediments (marlstones, lignites and oil shales) deposited in an elongate, intermontane half-graben. The petroleum source rock potential and steroidal hydrocarbon distribution of selected shales of the Kishenehn Formation were examined. Several steroidal hydrocarbon series were documented, including 4-desmethylsteranes, 4-methylsteranes, sterenes, diasterenes, spirosterenes, C-ring monoaromatic steroids and B-ring monoaromatic anthrasteroids. Non-steroid hydrocarbons present include hopenes, ..beta beta..-hopanes, moretanes, perylene, botryococcane, a series of alkylcyclohexanes, and a fused-ring aromatic tentatively identified as a tetrahydrochrysene. Source rock analysis indicates that the Kishenehn Formation possesses excellent petroleum source potential. Conventional thermal maturity parameters, as well as maturity ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The nuclear lamina proteins, prelamin A, lamin B, and a 70-kD lamina-associated protein, are posttranslationally modified by a metabolite derived from mevalonate. This modification can be inhibited by treatment with (3-R,S)-3-fluoromevalonate, demonstrating that it is isoprenoid in nature. We have examined the association between isoprenoid metabolism and processing of the lamin A precursor in human and hamster cells. Inhibition of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase by mevinolin (lovastatin) specifically depletes endogenous isoprenoid pools and inhibits the conversion of prelamin A to lamin A. Prelamin A processing is also blocked by mevalonate starvation of Mev-1, a CHO cell line auxotrophic for mevalonate. Moreover, inhibition of prelamin A processing by mevinolin treatment is rapidly reversed by the addition of exogenous mevalonate. Processing of prelamin A is, therefore, dependent on isoprenoid metabolism. Analysis of the conversion of prelamin A to lamin A by two ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The present study was carried out during two successive seasons of 2005 and 2006 seasons on"Montakhab El-Kanater"guavas and"Hachiya"persimmons.two different experiments were studied, the first one for pre harvest and second post harvest. Regarding pre harvest experiment,hand or chemical flower thinning by urea or ethrel and date of fruit picking (maturity) were evaluated on both guavas and persimmons.All flower thinning treatments increased fruit set,total yield,average fruit weight and decreased fruit abscission.However,a great effect on fruit quality and chemical compositions were also found with flower thinning treatments. Chemical flower thinning was more effective than hand thinning in improving yield and quality in "Montakhab El-Kanater"guavas and "Hachiya"persimmons. However,early maturation(120 and 150 days for guava and persimmon respect.) produced poor fruit quality.Whereas, medium maturity(130 and 180 days for ...

Science.gov (United States)

Seed dormancy is an adaptive mechanism and an important agronomic trait. Temperature during seed development strongly affects seed dormancy in wheat (Triticum aestivum) with lower temperatures producing higher levels of seed dormancy. To identify genes important for seed dormancy, we used a wheat microarray to analyze gene expression in embryos from mature seeds grown at lower and higher temperatures. We found that a wheat homolog of MOTHER OF FT AND TFL1 (MFT) was upregulated after physiological maturity in dormant seeds grown at the lower temperature. In situ hybridization analysis indicated that MFT was exclusively expressed in the scutellum and coleorhiza. Mapping analysis showed that MFT on chromosome 3A (MFT-3A) colocalized with the seed dormancy quantitative trait locus (QTL) QPhs.ocs-3A.1. MFT-3A expression levels in a dormant cultivar used for the detection of the QTL were higher after physiological maturity; this ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The meiotic spindle in the oocyte is composed of microtubules and plays an important role during chromosome alignment and separation at meiosis. Polarized light microscopy (PLM) could be useful for a non-invasive evaluation of the meiotic spindle and may allow removal of nuclear structures without fluorochrome staining and ultraviolet exposure. In this study, PLM was used to assess its potential application in porcine reproductive technologies. The objectives of the present study were to assess the efficiency of PLM to detect microtubule-polymerized protein in in vitro-matured porcine oocytes; to examine its effects on the oocyte developmental competence; to select oocytes based on the presence of the meiotic spindle detected by PLM; and to assess the efficiency oocyte enucleation assisted...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Mesocarp tissue from sucrose-accumulating sweet melon (Cucumis melo cv. Galia) showed sucrose synthase activity (ca 1 nkat/gfw) while soluble acid invertase and sucrose phosphate synthase activities were not observed. Sucrose uptake into mesocarp discs was linear with sucrose concentration (1-500 mM) and unaffected by PCMBS and CCCP. Sucrose compartmentation into the vacuole also increased linearly with sucrose concentration as indicated by compartmental efflux kinetics. Mesocarp discs incubated in /sup 14/C-fructose + UDP-glu synthesized /sup 14/C-sucrose and efflux kinetics indicated that the /sup 14/C-sucrose was compartmentalized. These data support the hypothesis that two mechanisms are involved in sucrose accumulation in sweet melon: (1) compartmentation of intact sucrose and (2) synthesis of sucrose via sucrose synthase and subsequent compartmentation in the vacuole.

CERN Document Server

After two decades of direct dynamical simulation of large-scale structure in the universe, it is safe to say the subject is now mature. Still, there are parts of the problem that are less well developed than others. In general, the collisionless dynamics of the dark matter component is better understood than the collisional gas dynamics of the baryonic component. In situations where the gas dynamics is relatively simple, such as the Lyman-$\\alpha$ forest and the intracluster medium in X-ray clusters, our ability to reproduce observational data has evolved rapidly, and the interpretive and predictive power of such experiments should now be taken seriously. A comparison of twelve gas dynamic codes to the problem of forming a single X-ray cluster shows that numerical inaccuracies are modest (typically below ten percent), leaving missing physics as the main source for large systematic differences between theory and observation. Galaxy formation, being more complex, is ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The biochemical compositions of 465 Sepia officinalis mantles from the Mediterranean waters off Alexandria Egypt, were studied from September 1989 to August 1990. Water contents of males and females were not significantly different, and followed the same pattern showing a sharp decrease in summer. Lipid contents of males and females were similar, showing two peaks in summer and autumn. A clear reverse relationship between water and lipid contents was found. Protein and ash contents showed irregular patterns. Protein contents were increased in early spring and mid-summer. The relationship between body compositions and mantle size, gonads maturation and environmental conditions was discussed.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

In mammals, primordial germ cells (PGCs) are generated in the extra-embryonic epiblast, and thereafter migrate into the developing gonads. Following the development of the gonads to the testes or ovaries, germ cells mature into sperms or eggs. In the present study, we report production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies (MAb) that recognize PGCs. Extracts from E12.5 mouse embryonic gonads were immunized as an antigen, and hybridomas were generated using the rat medial iliac lymph node method. The hybridoma supernatants were screened by immunohistochemical analyses of E12.5 mouse embryonic sections. The antibody, referred to herein as MAb 5B5, provided strong signals on PGCs. Moreover, immunofluorescence analyses using a variety of the tissue sections of mouse embryos revealed th...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Although state estimation is a mature technique which is widely available in the EMS industry, experience with practical implementation and use of state estimation and network security analysis functions at electric power utilities over the last two decades indicates recurring difficulties and problems attributable to inadequate external network modeling detail and data. This paper addresses the development of a set of guidelines for external network modeling and data exchange, based on the results of a recent project sponsored by EPRI. A general methodology is developed based on the results of a survey of a representative set of utilities and EMS suppliers, supplemented by subsequent analysis and simulation studies. Distinction is made between guidelines pertaining to external network topology, analog measurements, data exchange, and implementation procedures. A philosophy and approach for constructing and testing external models is also presented.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

This paper presents a numerical study on the formation history of coalbed methane (CBM) reservoir in the southeast edge of Ordos Basin, China. The coal seams studied belong to the Late Palaeozoic coal-bearing series. These coal seams have a burial history and experienced the process of subsidence, rapid subsidence alternated with uplift and then uplift, sequentially, and underwent the geothermal actions at normal, extremely high, and then normal temperatures, respectively. Coal organic matter of the coal seams matured in the Triassic Period and in the Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous Period. The results from numerical simulation reveal that CBM reservoir evolution history can be classified into five stages, namely primary, initial, stagnant, active and dissipative stages. In the first (pr...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

This article describes the complete microsporogenesis and pollen formation in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) at the various developmental stages (pollen mother cell, meiosis, tetrads, early free spore, mid uninucleate, late uninucleate, binucleate and mature pollen grain). Light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy were used for the study. Floral bud size and other inflorescence characteristics were correlated with specific stages of the microspore development. This association allows a rapid selection of floral buds with similar microspore developmental stages, useful when a large number of homogeneous cells are needed for analysis and for in vitro induction of androgenesis. This article also compares methods for digestion the exine wall ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The intrinsic fluorescence of clear amniotic fluid from third-trimester pregnancy is reported. The fluorescence intensity peaked at 405 nm when excited by ultraviolet light in the range of 310 to 360 nm. All of the 33 samples tested fluoresced, and their emission spectrum had the same shape, varying only in magnitude. Changing sample temperature (20 to 50 C) and sample pH (7.2 to 7.7) had little effect on the emission spectrum. The same fluorescence, with higher intensity, was observed when some newborn urine was tested. The fluorescence of amniotic fluid may provide a new tool to determine fetal age, fetal organ maturation, and fetal distress. (author).

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Fitness, (biometric measurements, reproduction) and behaviour that are ecologically relevant biomarkers in assessing the quality of estuarine sediments were studied by comparing the responses of the polychaete worm Nereis diversicolor - a key species in estuaries - along a pollution gradient. Intersite differences were shown for all the measured parameters: size-weight relationships, energy reserves as glycogen and lipids, sexual maturation patterns, total number of oocytes per female, total and relative fecundity, burrowing behaviour. The physiological and behavioural status of N. diversicolor was consistently disturbed in the larger, most contaminated estuaries (Loire and Seine, Fr.) compared to reference sites (Bay of Bourgneuf, Goyen estuary, Fr.). Many classes of potentially toxic che...

CERN Document Server

We empirically investigated the relationships between the degree of efficiency and the predictability in financial time-series data. The Hurst exponent was used as the measurement of the degree of efficiency, and the hit rate calculated from the nearest-neighbor prediction method was used for the prediction of the directions of future price changes. We used 60 market indexes of various countries. We empirically discovered that the relationship between the degree of efficiency (the Hurst exponent) and the predictability (the hit rate) is strongly positive. That is, a market index with a higher Hurst exponent tends to have a higher hit rate. These results suggested that the Hurst exponent is useful for predicting future price changes. Furthermore, we also discovered that the Hurst exponent and the hit rate are useful as standards that can distinguish emerging capital markets from mature capital markets.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Gonadal hormones modulate neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus differentially in male and female adult rodents. Neurogenesis is comprised of at least two components: cell proliferation (the production of new cells) and cell survival (the number of new neurons that survive to maturity). Previous studies have found sex differences in the level of cell proliferation in the dentate gyrus only when comparing females in a high estrogen state to males. This review focuses on the effects of acute and chronic levels of estrogens or androgens on hippocampal neurogenesis in the adult male and female rodent. Evidence is also reviewed for the co-localization of androgen receptors and estrogen receptors (ER) with markers for cell proliferation or immature new cell survival. Briefly, evidence suggests that ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Basal stem rot of oil palm (OP) by Ganoderma boninense is of major economic concern and it is the predominant disease of OP in SE Asia. Also, other plantation crops are affected by Ganoderma. The early detection of symptoms is crucial for control, although effective methods remain elusive. Ergosterol is the principal sterol of fungi and plays an essential role in the cell membrane and other cellular constituents. The analysis of ergosterol is useful for fungal detection in solid plant substrates. The present report compares ergosterol concentration in sound and decayed OP seedlings and mature plants using HPLC with diode array detection. The disease of OP requires to be considered as a white rot process where fungal biomass will increase from a low to high level as the infection progresses...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Interesting developments in linear accelerators have been attained over the past 45 years. The status of linear accelerators and future possibilities are described in context of demanding applications and technology maturity. Features of industrial or `factory`-type applications are high availability, economic operations, low investment cost and ease of running a facility. All features have been demonstrated in one manner or another at large operating facilities for the research community; within a different context that has been argued in the past to be not as demanding as for `factory` installation. In addition, comments are made relative to intense beam power levels and choices that can be made for power levels below 10 MW, on the assumption that a cw beam is required. 1 fig., 1 tab.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Many of the vertical hydrocarbon miscible floods in the Keg River carbonate reefs of the Rainbow Field are at a mature stage of reservoir depletion, and are characterized by thin oil sandwiches. Injection of a gas-blocking foam barrier into a gas cone had the potential to improve oil productivity. Experimental foam treatments were described for two wells, each in a different miscible flood well. One of the wells received foam in an aqueous solution to generate foam in-situ, and as a surface generated foam. These attempt were unsuccessful at improving well performance. The second well was injected with preformed foam only. This treatment reduced GOR and improved oil production over a 14 month period. Field experience from these field trials was expected to improve efficiency in planning, design, implementation and evaluation of future foam projects.

CERN Document Server

The next decade promises an observational revolution which will change cosmology forever. The precise measurement of the angular anisotropy of the cosmic microwave background should specify to a few percent all of the parameters of the cosmological model which effect astrophysics. The growth of structure will then be determined (but not yet observed) until gravitational collapse becomes highly non-linear and stars, galaxies and active galactic nuclei (AGN) form. These processes are hard to model with basic physics because they are complex and allow a rich variety of expression. Instead observations will determine when the first stars and quasars formed, and how and when galaxies assembled. If we can reconcile the numerous contradictions which characterize the subject today, cosmology will become a mature subject, founded on the agreement between detailed, inclusive and realistic models, which make precise predictions, and the wealth of new data which will come from ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

for 170 years, scientists have attempted to explain why consistent temporal patterns of death are observed among individuals within populations. Historical efforts to identify a `law of mortality` from these patterns ended in 1935 when it was declared that such a law did not exist. These empirical tests for a law of mortality were constructed using mortality curves based on all causes of death. We predicted patterns of mortality consistent with the historical concept of a law would be revealed if mortality curves for species were constructed using only senescent causes of death. Using data on senescent mortality for laboratory animals and humans, we demonstrate patterns of mortality overlap when compared on a biologically comparable time scale. The results are consistent with the existence of a law of mortality following sexual maturity. The societal, medical, and research implications of such a law are discussed.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) is a highly conserved transcription factor that integrates signaling through the cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) in many eukaryotes. PKA plays a critical role in Dictyostelium development but no CREB homologue has been identified in this system. Here we show that Dictyostelium utilizes a CREB-like protein, BzpF, to integrate PKA signaling during late development. bzpF^- mutants produce compromised spores, which are extremely unstable and germination defective. Previously, we have found that BzpF binds the canonical CRE motif in vitro. In this paper, we determined the DNA binding specificity of BzpF using protein binding microarray (PBM) and showed that the motif with the highest specificity is a CRE-like sequence. BzpF is necessary to ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The Early Bronze Age barrows at Irthlingborough and Gayhurst in central England are notable for the large number of cattle (Bos taurus) remains associated with their human Beaker burials. Previous work using strontium isotope analysis has indicated that most of the cattle analysed, and one aurochs (Bos primigenius), were of local origin [Towers, J., Montgomery, J., Evans, J., Jay, M., Parker Pearson, M., 2010. An investigation of the origins of cattle and aurochs deposited in the Early Bronze Age barrows at Gayhurst and Irthlingborough. Journal of Archaeological Science 37, 508-515.]. In this study, stable isotope analysis of enamel and bone was carried out to investigate whether the mature cattle had experienced similar husbandry practices, climate and environment. Bulk carbon, nitrogen a...

Science.gov (United States)

Feline heartworm disease is a very different clinical entity from canine heartworm disease. In cats, the arrival and death of immature heartworms in the pulmonary arteries can cause coughing and dyspnea as early as 3 months postinfection. Adult heartworms suppress the function of pulmonary intravascular macrophages and thus reduce clinical disease in chronic feline heartworm infection. Approximately 80% of asymptomatic cats self-cure. Median survival time for symptomatic cats is 1.5 years, or 4 years if only cats living beyond the day of presentation are considered. Aberrant worm migration is more frequent than it is in dogs, and sudden death can occur with no prior clinical signs. The bacterial endosymbiont Wolbachia likely contributes to the inflammatory pathology of heartworm disease, but its role is not yet fully clear. Unfortunately, the diagnosis, treatment, and management of feline heartworm disease are far from simple. Antemortem diagnosis is hampered by ...

Science.gov (United States)

Ramsar, a city in the northern Iran, has the highest level of natural background radiation in the world. It has been clearly shown that low doses of ionising radiation can induce resistance to subsequent higher exposures. This phenomenon is termed radioadaptive response. We have compared induction of cytogenetic radioadaptive response by High Natural Background Radiation (HNBR) in Ramsar and X-ray occupational exposure as conditioning doses in human peripheral blood lymphocytes. 30 healthy control individuals, living in Ramsar but in normal background radiation areas, 15 healthy individuals from Talesh Mahalleh, a region with extraordinary high level of background radiation, and 7 X-ray radiographers working in Ramsar hospital located in normal natural background ionising radiation area were evaluated. Peripheral blood samples were prepared and exposed to challenge dose of 0 and 2 Gy. Lymphocytes were scored using analysis of metaphase, for the presence of chromosomal ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

High voltage cathode materials Li-excess layered oxide compounds Li[Ni{sub x}Li{sub 1/3-2x/3}Mn{sub 2/3-x/3}]O{sub 2} (0 < x < 1/2) are investigated in a joint study combining both computational and experimental methods. The bulk and surface structures of pristine and cycled samples of Li[Ni{sub 1/5}Li{sub 1/5}Mn{sub 3/5}]O{sub 2} are characterized by synchrotron X-Ray diffraction together with aberration corrected Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (a-S/TEM). Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (EELS) is carried out to investigate the surface changes of the samples before/after electrochemical cycling. Combining first principles computational investigation with our experimental observations, a detailed lithium de-intercalation mechanism is proposed for this family of Li-excess layered oxides. The most striking characteristics in these high voltage high energy density cathode materials are (1) formation of tetrahedral lithium ions at voltage less ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A crucial step in human breast cancer progression is the acquisition of invasiveness. There is a distinct lack of human cell culture models to study the transition from pre-invasive to invasive phenotype as it may occur 'spontaneously' in vivo. To delineate molecular alterations important for this transition, we isolated human breast epithelial cell lines that showed partial loss of tissue polarity in three-dimensional reconstituted-basement membrane cultures. These cells remained non-invasive; however, unlike their non-malignant counterparts, they exhibited a high propensity to acquire invasiveness through basement membrane in culture. The genomic aberrations and gene expression profiles of the cells in this model showed a high degree of similarity to primary breast tumor profiles. The xenograft tumors formed by the cell lines in three different microenvironments in nude mice displayed metaplastic phenotypes, including squamous and basal ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Rebi Block is currently in the early stages of hydrocarbon exploration. The subsurface geology of this area is only known from seismic reflection data. By applying seismic stratigraphy techniques, unconformities and condensed sections were recognized. These discontinuities were dated using paleontological information from the Kulka-1 well, Northwest Shelf of Australia. With these age constraints, seven unconformities and three condensed sections were dated and correlated to the Exxon global sea level curve. The chronostratigraphic charts for the Rebi Block and the Northwest Shelf of Australia have clarified the Mesozoic stratigraphy of the study area. The Exxon global sea level curve has refined the ages determined by conventional paleontological dating. The chart has also helped in predicting source, reservoir and seal potential within a time framework. Prospective stratigraphic traps were those related to the incised valleys at the southeastern part of the Rebi Block. Although ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Apricot fruits usually harvested relatively mature but hard enough to withstand-post harvest handling through the marketing chain. These fruits have considerably lower edible quality than tree-ripened fruit. Fruit quality can be improved by delaying harvest least until physiological maturation is completed on the tree (Bonghi et al. 1999) Apricots containing 11% soluble solids concentration, or higher are in high demand by consumers, as fruit have developed considerable taste, aroma and handling for long distance markets. (Kader, 1999). These fruit will be highly perishable, so rapid cold storage to the lowest safe temperature and supplementary treatments (Mc Donald et al, 1999) such as irradiation with the recommend doses (Sillano et al, 1994) or pre-storage heat treatments will be necessary to retard ripening (mainly softening) during 1-2 weeks post harvest life necessary for distribution to distant markets (Mc Donald et al 1999). Therefore, ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Neuron differentiation is a complex process involving various cell-cell interactions, and multiple signaling pathways. We showed previously that CD40 is expressed and functional on mouse and human neurons. In neurons, ligation of CD40 protects against serum withdrawal-induced injury and plays a role in survival and differentiation. CD40 deficient mice display neuron dysfunction, aberrant neuron morphologic changes, and associated gross brain abnormalities. Previous studies by Tone and colleagues suggested that five isoforms of CD40 exist with two predominant isoforms expressed in humans: signal-transducible CD40 type I and a C-terminal truncated, non-signal-transducible CD40 type II. We hypothesized that differential expression of CD40 isoform type I and type II in neurons may modulate neuron differentiation. Results show that adult wild-type, and CD40"-"/"- deficient mice predominantly express CD40 type I and II isoforms. Whereas adult wild-type mice express ...

Science.gov (United States)

The presence of endothelin (ET)-like immunoreactivity and the cardiovascular effects of mammalian ET-1 in fish have been reported. To identify ET-related peptides in fish, we screened the cDNA library of the salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) stomach by means of rapid amplification of cDNA ends, and we cloned cDNAs encoding an ET-related peptide. The salmon ET-related sequence of 21 amino acids is identical to the trout ET-1 peptide recently purified from kidney specimens of Oncorhynchus mykiss. The deduced amino acid sequence of salmon pre-proET-1 (PPET-1) comprises 244 amino acids, including a putative signal sequence and mature ET-1, as well as big ET-1 and ET-1-like sequences. This precursor, the first reported PPET-1 sequence for Salmoniformes, Teleostei, has low homology with the sequences of human, mouse, frog (Xenopus laevis), and zebrafish (Danio rerio) PPET-1 (26%, 29%, 24%, and 39%, respectively). PMID:16740985

CERN Document Server

In the next decade Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) will be used to test theories predicting changes in the Dark Energy equation of state with time. Ultimately this requires a dedicated space mission like JDEM. SNe Ia are mature cosmological probes --- their limitations are well characterized, and a path to improvement is clear. Dominant systematic errors include photometric calibration, selection effects, reddening, and population-dependent differences. Building on past lessons, well-controlled new surveys are poised to make strides in these areas: the Palomar Transient Factory, Skymapper, La Silla QUEST, Pan-STARRS, the Dark Energy Survey, LSST, and JDEM. They will obviate historical calibrations and selection biases, and allow comparisons via large subsamples. Some systematics follow from our ignorance of SN Ia progenitors, which there is hope of determining with SN Ia rate studies from 0

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tremendous progress in the science of extrasolar planets has been achieved since the discovery of a Jupiter orbiting the nearby Sun-like star 51 Pegasi in 1995. Theoretical models have now reached enough maturity to predict the characteristic properties of these new worlds, mass, radius, atmospheric signatures, and can be confronted with available observations. We review our current knowledge of the physical properties of exoplanets, internal structure and composition, atmospheric signatures, including expected biosignatures for exo-Earth planets, evolution, and the impact of tidal interaction and stellar irradiation on these properties for the short-period planets. We discuss the most recent theoretical achievements in the field and the still pending questions. We critically analyze the different solutions suggested to explain abnormally large radii of a significant fraction of transiting exoplanets. Special attention is devoted to the recently discovered ...

Science.gov (United States)

Compact bone makes up approximately 80% of the human skeletal mass. This study examines the effect of estrogen deficiency on compact bone turnover and associated geometrical structural adaptation over a 31-month period in a large animal model. Twenty-seven skeletally mature sheep were divided into control (n = 16) and ovariectomy group (OVX, n = 11). Animals were administered five different fluorochrome dyes to label intracortical bone turnover, and sacrificed at 31 months. Compact bone samples were analyzed for cortical geometry, intracortical turnover at five time points, resorption cavities, porosity, and compressive strength. Intracortical bone turnover was significantly increased in OVX, which demonstrated seasonal variation. Cross-sectional area in OVX was significantly greater than control and was associated with an increased section modulus. Intracortical porosity was significantly increased in OVX, however, there was no significant difference in ultimate ...

CERN Document Server

Data Mining deals extracting hidden knowledge, unexpected pattern and new rules from large database. Various customized data mining tools have been developed for domain specific applications such as Biomedicine, DNA analysis and telecommunication. Trends in data mining include further efforts towards the exploration of new application areas and methods for handling complex data types, algorithm scalability, constraint based data mining and visualization methods. In this paper we will present domain specific Secure Multiparty computation technique and applications. Data mining has matured as a field of basic and applied research in computer science in general. In this paper, we survey some of the recent approaches and architectures where data mining has been applied in the fields of e-payment systems. In this paper we limit our discussion to data mining in the context of e-payment systems. We also mention a few directions for further work in this domain, based on ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Changes in radiostrontium clearance (SrC) and bone formation (tetracycline labeling) were observed in the femurs of skeletally mature dogs following the various operative steps involved in bone screw fixation. Drilling, but not periosteal stripping, produced a small but statistically significant increase in SrC and endosteal bone formation in the distal third of the bone. Strontium clearance values equivalent to those produced by drilling alone were recorded after screw fixation at low or high torque (5 versus 20 inch pounds), as well as by the insertion of loosely fitting stainless steel implants. Bone formation (equals the percentage tetracycline-labeled trabecular bone surfaces) was increased by 30% when SrC values exceeded 3.5 ml/100 g bone/min, and the relationship was linear when SrC values ranged between 1.0 and 7.0 ml/100 g bone/min. The changes in SrC and bone formation one-week after bone screw application are primarily those associated with a response to ...

Science.gov (United States)

The relationship between plasma testosterone levels and locomotor activity in wild-caught sexually mature male meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) was assessed in the laboratory. Several aspects of locomotor activity were monitored for 1 h on two consecutive days using the automated Digiscan activity monitoring system. Plasma testosterone levels were determined immediately following the second day of activity monitoring. Significant Pearson correlations were obtained between plasma testosterone levels and total distance traveled [r(10) = 0.55, p < 0.05] and amount of time spent in movement [r(10) - 0.55, p < 0.05] on the second day. The wild voles showed a reduction in activity levels from the first to the second day of activity monitoring, which is indicative of habituation to a novel environment. This study provides direct evidence for a significant correlation between laboratory measures of behavioral activity and plasma testosterone levels in a ...

Science.gov (United States)

NFAT involvement in adipocyte physiological processes was examined by treatment with CsA and/or GSK3{beta} inhibitors (Li{sup +} or TZDZ-8), which prevent or increase NFAT nuclear translocation, respectively. CsA treatment reduced basal and TNF{alpha}-induced rates of lipolysis by 50%. Adipocytes preincubated with Li{sup +} or TZDZ-8 prior to CsA and/or TNF{alpha}, exhibited enhanced basal rates of lipolysis and complete inhibition of CsA-mediated decreased rates of lipolysis. CsA treatment dramatically reduced the mRNA levels of adipocyte-specific genes (aP2, HSL, PPAR{gamma}, ACS and Adn), compared with control or TNF{alpha}-treatment, whereas Li{sup +} pretreatment blocked the inhibitory effects of CsA, and mRNA levels of aP2, HSL, PPAR{gamma}, and ACS were found at or above control levels. NFAT nuclear localization, assessed by EMSA, confirmed that CsA or Li{sup +} treatments inhibited or increased NFAT nuclear translocation, respectively. These results show that NFAT proteins in ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We are attempting to characterize and model the micromechanical response of highly-filled polymers. In this class of materials, the continuous plastic binder used to bond the highly-filled material dominates the observed viscoelastic response. As a result, realistic lifetime analysis of these materials will require a thorough understanding of the contribution of the plastic binder. Laboratory applications of these materials include plastic bonded explosives, propellants, a variety of specialized filled organic materials for stockpile systems, and highly filled epoxy dielectric materials for the National Ignition Facility. We have explored numerous techniques to characterize the local microstructure of plastic bonded explosives. However, insufficient funding was obtained to bring these technologies to maturity, nevertheless our present tool set is significantly better than 2 years ago. We have also made some progress in developing an appropriate micromechanical ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Macrofouling of cooling-water systems is one of the more significant and costly problems encountered in the nuclear power industry. Both marine and freshwater macroinvertebrates can be responsible for losses in plant availability because of plugged intakes and heat transfer equipment. There is a greater diversity of macrofouling organisms in marine waters than in fresh waters. Marine macrofouling organisms include barnacles, mollusks, bryozoans, and hydroids. Barnacles are crustaceans with feathery appendages, which allow them to attach to a variety of surfaces. They are a major cause of severe macrofouling because they can remain attached even after death. The major freshwater macrofouling organisms include the Asiatic Clam (Corbicula fluminea) and the newest freshwater macrofouler, the Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha). The introduction of the Zebra Mussel into the Great Lakes has created economic and ecological problems that will not easily be solved. The threat of ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

MR studies of 6 patients with intracranial tuberculoma are reviewed. All patients also underwent CT scans which showed hypo- or isodense lesions with abnormal enhancement following contrast administration. MR showed lesions with prolongation of the T1 relaxation time in every case. On the T2-weighted sequences, the signal properties of the tuberculoma varied according to the stage of evolution of the lesion. Incipient tuberculomas appeared as scattered areas of hypointensity surrounded by edema. Mature tuberculomas were composed of a dark necrotic center surrounded by an isointense capsule which was, in turn, surrounded by edema. In one patient, the center of the lesion was hyperintense probably because of liquefaction and pus formation (tuberculous abscess). While both, CT and MR, were equally sensitive in visualizing the intracranial tuberculoma in every patient, MR was slightly superior in demonstrating the extent of the lesion, especially for brainstem ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The contents of immunoreactive somatostatin (IR-SRIF) and ..beta..-endorphin (IR-..beta..-EP) in 12 brain regions were examined in rats exposed neonatally to propylthiouracil (PTU) through the mother's milk. Since the dose of PTU used in this study is lower than the usual dose employed to induce hypothyroidism, a milder form of neonatal hypothyroidism resulted. This conclusion is supported by the only mild subnormal growth of rats to adulthood and serum T/sub 4/ and T/sub 3/ concentrations in the normal range. Adult rats treated with PTU neonatally had significantly higher IR-SRIF contents in several brain regions compared to controls, whereas IR-..beta..-EP levels were not significantly different in most regions. The results indicate that even mild hypothyroidism during early postnatal development causes permanent impairment of brain function, which manifests itself in part by an altered brain content of IR-SRIF.

CERN Document Server

Cell membranes are studded with protrusions that were thoroughly analyzed with electron microscopy. However, the nanometer-scale three-dimensional motions generated by cell membranes to fit the topography of foreign surfaces and initiate adhesion remain poorly understood. Here, we describe the dynamics of surface deformations displayed by monocytic cells bumping against fibronectin-coated surfaces. We observed membrane undulations with typically 5 nm amplitude and 5-10 second lifetime. Cell membranes behaved as independent units of micrometer size. Cells detected the presence of foreign surfaces at 50 nm separation, resulting in time-dependent amplification of membrane undulations. Molecular contact then ensued with apparent cell-membrane separation of 30-40 nm, and this distance steadily decreased during the following tens of seconds. Contact maturation was associated with in-plane egress of bulky molecules and robust membrane fluctuations. Thus, membrane ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Oil and gas companies operate in many countries around the world. Their exploration and production (E&P) operations generate many kinds of waste that must be carefully and appropriately managed. Some of these wastes are inherently part of the E&P process; examples are drilling wastes and produced water. Other wastes are generic industrial wastes that are not unique to E&P activities, such as painting wastes and scrap metal. Still other wastes are associated with the presence of workers at the site; these include trash, food waste, and laundry wash water. In some host countries, mature environmental regulatory programs are in place that provide for various waste management options on the basis of the characteristics of the wastes and the environmental settings of the sites. In other countries, the waste management requirements and authorized options are stringent, even though the infrastructure to meet the requirements may not be available ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Dynamics and metabolism of sugars translocated into the fruit region were investigated in tomato using {sup 14}C-labelled compounds. The translocation substance in tomato is thought to be sucrose, but the amount of sucrose in its fruit is very small. Therefore, the degradation of sucrose in the fruit and its translocation to the fruit was investigated. The sucrose was digested into hexoses such as glucose, fructose, etc. and the degradation rate was considerably low. In the stage of thickening growth, sucrose was more extensively converted into other substances except for sugars compared with the coloring stage. Then, {sup 14}C-labelled fructose was given through its gynophore to investigate the degree of reproduction to sucrose. The fructose level in the fruit reached the platean by 48 hrs after the addition and gradually decreased. The radioactivities were detected in sugars, organic acids and other alcohol soluble substances, etc. These results suggest that the incorporated fructose ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Acetylcholine and other neurotransmitters play unique trophic roles in brain development. Accordingly, drugs and environmental toxicants that promote or interfere with neurotransmitter function evoke neurodevelopmental abnormalities by disrupting the timing or intensity of neurotrophic actions. The current review discusses three exposure scenarios involving acetylcholine systems: nicotine from maternal smoking during pregnancy, exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), and exposure to the organophosphate insecticide, chlorpyrifos (CPF). All three have long-term, adverse effects on specific processes involved in brain cell replication and differentiation, synaptic development and function, and ultimately behavioral performance. Many of these effects can be traced to the sequence of cellular events surrounding the trophic role of acetylcholine acting on its specific cellular receptors and associated signaling cascades. However, for chlorpyrifos, additional noncholinergic mechanisms ...

CERN Document Server

Although the current Internet Protocol known as IPv4 has served its purpose for over 20 years, its days are numbered. With IPv6 reaching a mature enough level, there is a need to evaluate the performance benefits or drawbacks that the new IPv6 protocol will have in comparison to the well established IPv4 protocol. Theoretically, the overhead between the two different protocols should be directly proportional to the difference in the packet's header size, however according to our findings, the empirical performance difference between IPv4 and IPv6, especially when the transition mechanisms are taken into consideration, is much larger than anticipated. We first examine the performance of each protocol independently. We then examined two transition mechanisms which perform the encapsulation at various points in the network: host-to-host and router-to-router (tunneling). Our experiments were conducted using two dual stack (IPv4/IPv6) routers using end nodes running ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

One mitigation goal of the Hungry Horse Dam fisheries mitigation program, funded by the Bonneville Power Administration, is to replace lost production of 100,000 adult kokanee in Flathead Lake. The mitigation program calls for a five-year test to determine if kokanee can be reestablished in Flathead Lake. The test consists. of annual stocking of one million hatchery-raised yearling kokanee. There are three benchmarks for judging the success of the kokanee reintroduction effort: (1) Post-stocking survival of 30 percent of planted kokanee one year after stocking; (2) Yearling to adult survival of 10 percent (100,000 adult salmon); (3) Annual kokanee harvest of 50,000 or more fish per year by 1998, with an average length of 11 inches or longer for harvested fish, and fishing pressure of 100,000 angler hours or more. Kokanee were the primary sport fish species in the Flathead Lake fishery in the early 1900s, and up until the late 1980s when the population rapidly declined in numbers and ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In this report, we outline the progress achieved in two distinct under the DOE-sponsored cross section project: the initial results obtained from the pulsed 14 MeV neutron facility, and a cooperative effort with Argonne National Laboratory in the measurement of fast neutron cross sections in yttrium. In the 14 MeV neutron laboratory, this year has seen the maturation of the project into one in which initial scattering measurements are now underway. We have improved the accelerator and ion source in several significant ways, so that neutron intensities have now been proven to be adequate for our series of elastic scattering angular distribution measurements outlined in our initial proposal of two years ago. We have successfully tested all components of the time-of-flight spectrometer and recorded initial neutron spectra from the ring targets that we have obtained for our first angular distribution measurements. Examples of the time-of-flight spectra that have been ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The RCP method was designed as a residue-optimised alternative to the thermally optimised grate firing of residual wastes. Its technical realisation and development to market maturity took no more than 5 years. In the first process stage the waste is converted to high-carbon pyrolysis charcoal and high-rank gas in the absence of oxygen. In the second stage these substances are oxidised by addition of oxygen. The resulting temperature causes the non-combustible constituents of the slag to melt. In a third, optional, stage this molten slag can be liberated of (heavy) metals to such an extent that it can subsequently be used directly as additive for grinding. Further exhaust gas treatment is facilitated by the use of a circulatory fluidised-bed secondary combustion chamber. Despite the reduced flue gas volume and resultant higher pollutant concentrations in the crude gas, overall emissions are lower than in conventional plants. [Deutsch] Das reststoffoptimierte RCP ...

Science.gov (United States)

Bone is a complex, highly structured, mechanically active, three-dimensional (3-D) tissue composed of cellular and matrix elements. We previously published a report on in situ collagen gelation using a rotary 3-D culture system (CG-RC system) for the construction of large tissue specimens. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the feasibility of bone tissue engineering using our CG-RC system. Osteoblasts from the calvaria of newborn Wistar rats were cultured in the CG-RC system for up to 3 wk. The engineered 3-D tissues were implanted into the backs of nude mice and calvarial round bone defects in Wistar rats. Cell metabolic activity, mineralization, and bone-related proteins were measured in vitro in the engineered 3-D tissues. Also, the in vivo histological features of the transplanted, engineered 3-D tissues were evaluated in the animal models. We found that metabolic activity increased in the engineered 3-D tissues during cultivation, and that sufficient mineralization ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The murine 3T3-L1 fibroblast under appropriate incubation conditions differentiates into an adipocyte phenotype. This 3T3-L1 adipocyte exhibits many of the morphologic, biochemical, and insulin-responsive features of the normal rodent adipocyte. Using quantitative electron microscopic (EM) autoradiography we find that, when /sup 125/I-insulin is incubated with 3T3-L1 adipocytes, the ligand at early times of incubation localizes to the plasma membrane of the cell preferentially to microvilli and coated pits. When the incubation is continued at 37 degrees C, /sup 125/I-insulin is internalized by the cells and preferential binding to the villous surface is lost. With the internalization of the ligand, two intracellular structures become labeled, as determined by the method of hypothetical grain analysis. These include large clear, presumably endocytotic, vesicles and multivesicular bodies. Over the first hour of incubation the labeling of these structures increases in parallel, but in the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper presents the results of the Spatial Signature Analysis (SSA) Electrical-test (e-test) validation study that was conducted between February and June, 1998. SSA is an automated procedure developed by researchers at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory to address the issue of intelligent data reduction while providing feedback on current manufacturing processes. SSA was initially developed to automate the analysis of optical defect data. Optical defects can form groups, or clusters, which may have a distinct shape. These patterns can reveal information about the manufacturing process. Optical defect SSA uses image processing algorithms and a classifier system to interpret and identify these patterns, or signatures. SSA has been extended to analyze and interpret electrical test data. The algorithms used for optical defect SSA have been adapted and applied to e-test binmaps. An image of the binmap is created, and features such as geometric and invariant moments are extracted and ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Calgary-based TAG Oil is an exploration company that manages 4.1 million acres of major producing oil and gas fields in New Zealand. The enormous Maui field, with 4 tcf of natural gas in place, has dominated the gas market in New Zealand by meeting nearly 90 per cent of the country's energy demand at costs much lower than world prices. However, the maturing field is in decline and will cease production by 2008. New gas field discoveries will only meet 60 per cent of the country's energy requirements for 5 additional years. Unless new large reserves of gas are discovered, the supply and demand situation will get worse. Lead time to place new production on-stream requires 5 to 10 years, which creates a large supply gap over the next decade. Public resistance to coal-fired power plants, new hydroelectric dams and nuclear power has left the country with no viable alternative to natural gas. TAG Oil has taken this unique opportunity to create value when gas demand is at ...

Science.gov (United States)

Although the German Molasse Basin can be regarded as a mature hydrocarbon province, no regional sequence stratigraphic analysis has been carried out so far. We have studied seismic lines and well data from the region between the Isar and Inn rivers (SE Germany) that have been generously supplied by German oil companies (DEE, BEB, Mobil, RWE-DEA and Wintershall). Initial work indicates that five major seismic sequences within three main depositional cycles are developed. The Alpine thrust belt to the south serves as the primary sediment source in the foreland basin. However, sedimentary infill mainly took place parallel to the basin axis. Our analysis suggests that the stratigraphic development of the Molasse Basin was mainly controlled by eustatic sea-level changes which caused the shoreline to shift in the W-E direction. The shifting of the depocenter axis in a N-S direction was controlled by the tectonic evolution of the thrust belt. The sea-level curve ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Studies are made of optimum materials and methods for manufacturing low-carbon fuels for reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. When their thermal dynamic limits and the technological maturity are considered, it is inferred that no extensive improvement will be achieved by merely improving on the efficiency of the existing fuels. The use of various high-efficiency driving power sources utterly different in mechanism from the conventional ones, such as those for fuel cell-powered automobiles, and the promotion of the use of low-carbon fuels such as methanol and methane for all kinds of driving power sources including those for the said fuel cell-powered automobiles, will become necessary. The use will also be necessary of recyclable materials. The biomass resources, in particular, since they absorb CO2 gas in their growing process by virtue of photosynthesis, may be said to be free of CO2 gas emissions. They have their own problems, however, which involve the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

After pioneering work in the 1980s, plasma-based ion implantation (PBII) and plasma-based ion implantation and deposition (PBIID) can now be considered mature technologies for surface modification and thin film deposition. This review starts by looking at the historical development and recalling the basic ideas of PBII. Advantages and disadvantages are compared to conventional ion beam implantation and physical vapor deposition for PBII and PBIID, respectively, followed by a summary of the physics of sheath dynamics, plasma and pulse specifications, plasma diagnostics, and process modeling. The review moves on to technology considerations for plasma sources and process reactors. PBII surface modification and PBIID coatings are applied in a wide range of situations. They include the by-now traditional tribological applications of reducing wear and corrosion through the formation of hard, tough, smooth, low-friction and chemically inert phases and coatings, e.g. for ...

Science.gov (United States)

Patients suffering from depression frequently display hyperactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) resulting in elevated cortisol levels. One main symptom of this condition is anhedonia. There is evidence that exercise training can be used as a rehabilitative intervention in the treatment of depressive disorders. In this scenario, the aim of the present study was to assess the effect of an aerobic exercise training protocol on the depressive-like behavior, anhedonia, induced by repeated dexamethasone administration. The study was carried out on adult male Wistar rats randomly divided into four groups: the "control group" (C), "exercise group" (E), "dexamethasone group" (D) and the "dexamethasone plus exercise group" (DE). The exercise training consisted of swimming (1 h/d, 5 d/wk) for 3 weeks, with an overload of 5% of the rat body weight. Every day rats were injected with either dexamethasone (D/DE) or saline solution (C/E). Proper positive controls, using ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Background: Malformations of cortical development vary in neuronal maturity and level of functioning. Purpose: To characterize regional relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) and difference in first moment transit time (TTfm) in polymicrogyria and cortical tubers using magnetic resonance (MR) perfusion imaging. Material and Methods: MR imaging and dynamic T2*-weighted MR perfusion imaging were performed in 13 patients with tuberous sclerosis complex, 10 with polymicrogyria, and 18 controls with developmental delay but no macroscopic brain abnormality. Regions of interest were placed in cortical tubers or polymicrogyric cortex and in the contralateral normal-appearing side in patients with malformations. In 'control' subjects, regions of interest were placed in the frontal and parietal lobes in both hemispheres. The rCBV and TTfm of the tuber/contralateral side (rCBVRTSC and TTFMTSC) as well as those of the polymicrogyria/contralateral side (rCBVRPMG and TTFMPMG) ...

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Rabbit antisera raised to human and chicken MHC molecules were used to immunoprecipitate cross-reactive molecules from biosynthetically and cell surface-labeled spleen and/or blood cells of representative vertebrate species. Five major points emerged: 1) There were many nonspecific cross-reactions using these techniques, so various criteria were developed to distinguish these from true MHC-like molecules. 2) Only very small subpopulations of immunogen-specific antibodies cross-reacted with MHC-like molecules in other nonmammalian species. These subpopulations were different for each species and even within a species, sometimes being so limited as to behave like alloantisera. This led to a very scattered pattern of true cross-reactions that sometimes failed to reflect the properties of the bulk antibody population. 3) Antisera containing antibodies to class II beta- and class I alpha-chains cross-reacted better and more widely than those to B-G, class II alpha and, in general, beta ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The effect of X-irradiation on production of MUC1 was studied with human colon carcinoma HT-29 cells. As evaluated by immunocytochemical staining, the percentages or MUC1-positive cells in cells at 4 days after 6 Gy irradiation and in unirradiated control cells were 52#+-#3.5% (n=6) and 26#+-#2.8% (n=6), respectively. Flow-cytometric analysis of living cells showed that MUC1 began to rise from day 1, reaching a plateau by day 4 after 6 Gy irradiation. Western blot analysis with monoclonal antibody MY.1E12 against glycosylated MUC1 (mature form) showed dose-dependent increases of two bands (500 and 390 kDa) corresponding to two polymorphic MUC1 alleles. Premature forms of MUC1 (350 and 240 kDa) were detectable with monoclonal antibody HMFG-2 only in irradiated cells, suggesting that new core protein synthesis had been induced. The transcriptional activity of the MUC1 gene was analyzed in terms of transient expression of MUC1-CAT reporter plasmids containing ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A a result of its former role as a producer of nuclear weapons components, the Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site (RFETS), Golden, Colorado accumulated a variety of plutonium-contaminated materials. When the level of contamination exceeded a predetermined level (the economic discard limit), the materials were classified as residues rather than waste and were stored for later recovery of the plutonium. Although large quantities of residues were processed, others, primarily those more difficult to process, remain in storage at the site. It is planned for the residues with lower concentrations of plutonium to be disposed of as wastes at an appropriate disposal facility, probably the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP). Because the plutonium concentration is too high or because the physical or chemical form would be difficult to get into a form acceptable to WIPP, it may not be possible to dispose of a portion of the residues at WIPP. The pyrochemical salts are among the residues ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Several tight, naturally-fractured, gas-productive formations in the Greater Green River Basin (GGRB) in Wyoming have been exploited using conventional vertical well technology. Typically, hydraulic fracture treatments must be performed in completing these wells to increase gas production rates to economic levels. However, with the maturation of horizontal drilling technology hydraulic fracture treatments may not be the most effective method for improving gas production from these tight reservoirs. Two of the most prolific tight gas reservoirs in the Green River Basin, the Frontier and the Mesaverde, are candidates for the application of horizontal well completion technology. The objective of the proposed project is to apply the DOE`s technical concept to the Second Frontier Formation on the western flank of the Rock Springs Uplift. Previous industry attempts to produce in commercial quantities from the Second Frontier Formation have been hampered by lack of ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This report covers application of Argonne National Laboratory`s (ANL`s) computer codes to simulation and analysis of components of the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) power train system at the Component Development and Integration Facility (CDIF). Major components of the system include a 50-MWt coal-fired, two-stage combustor and an MHD channel. The combustor, designed and built by TRW, includes a deswirl section between the first and the second-stage combustor and a converging nozzle following the second-stage combustor, which connects to the MHD channel. ANL used computer codes to simulate and analyze flow characteristics in various components of the MHD system. The first-stage swirl combustor was deemed a mature technology and, therefore, was not included in the computer simulation. Several versions of the ICOMFLO computer code were used for the deswirl section and second-stage combustor. The MGMHD code, upgraded with a slag current leakage submodel, was used for the ...

Science.gov (United States)

Polymethlylmethacrylate (PMMA) is the most frequently used cement for percutaneous vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. To aid visualisation during surgery cements are doped with radiopacifying agents such as Barium sulphate (Ba(2)SO(4)) or Zirconium Dioxide (ZiO(2)). Mounting research suggests that these agents may impair the biocompatibility of the cements. However, incorporating an alternative radiopacifier agent with excellent biocompatibility would be a significant step forward. Bioactive radiopaque glasses incorporating elements such as strontium (Sr) and zinc (Zn), known to have beneficial and therapeutic effects on bone, are of great interest in this respect. In this study, the Ba(2)SO(4) of the commercially available Spineplex was incrementally replaced with a radiopaque therapeutic glass composition. The resulting effects on cement setting time, peak isotherm, ultimate compressive strength, Young's modulus (up to 30 days cement maturation) and radiopacity were ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

An attempt was made for early quantitative assessment of the severety of an injury, using the nuclear acids (NA) content as a biochemical indicator. Sexually mature male rats with body mass 160-180 g were irradiated with doses 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 8 Gy of "1"3"7Cs source. Uneven irradiation was achieved by shielding the abdominal-lumbar area with lead rings, measuring 2,5/50 mm. A 28-30% fall of the dose beneath the shielded zone was thus provided. Dose-dependent quantitative changes in Na content were determined on hours 24 and 72 within the range from 0.5 to 8 Gy and followed up until day 30 after irradiation with nonlethal (2 Gy) and lethal (8 Gy) doses. The total NA content in the leucocytes was determined by the method of Kritski and Aleksandrov. The uneven irradiation of rats within the 0,5-8 Gy range induced early dose-dependent changes in NA content. The nature of their post-irradiation dynamics also depended on the radiation dose and adequately reflected the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Determination, uptake and distribution of various ions such as alkali metals in three different parts (leaf, stem and root) and seeds of radish (Kaiware daikon) were examined using flame emission spectrometry and ICP-AES. In order to examine the influence of concentration alkali metal ion concentration in the radish culture solution on the uptake and distribution of these metals, the radish was grown at pH 5.6 in solutions containing alkali metal chloride at concentrations ranging from 10{sup -5} to 10{sup -1} mol dm{sup -3}. When the radish were grown in culture solution with alkali metal ions of low concentrations (10{sup -5} and 10{sup -4} mol dm{sup -3}), Na, K, Rb and trace Li were detected in leaves, stems and roots while Cs was scarcely detected. However, the contents of Na, K, Li in these organs were the same as those in radish cultivated in pure water. An increase of Rb uptake was observed with an increased Rb concentration. In the case of high concentrations (10{sup -3} and ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A geochemical survey to assess and evaluate the Devonian oil shale resources of north Alabama, northwest Georgia, and south-central Tennessee has been performed. Information is provided on the location and extent of the more favorable kerogen-bearing Devonian shale, oil and uranium content of the shale, trace metal and standard rock analyses for shale, data on the physical properties of the shale rock, mineralogy of the shale, chemical properties of the oil, and other pertinent data deemed necessary for resource development. The results indicate that the oil yield from areas underlain by Chattanooga Shale can be divided into areas having greater than 7 g/t and areas having less than 7 g/t. In general, the oil yield by Fischer assay of samples from the folded Appalachian Valley and Ridge and the Appalachian Plateaus provinces is poor, all having less than 5 g/t and most samples closer to 0 g/t. The extreme variance of Fischer assay values in the Chattanooga Shale could be the result of ...

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Cretaceous Sunniland Formation rudistid reservoir facies buried at 3,520 meters (92 C) between evaporite units contain marginally mature algal sapropelic carbonate source rock hydrocarbons. The closed system aids in identification of porosity redistribution related to hydrocarbon emplacement. Multiple dissolution and cementation events associated with hydrocarbon migration pulses are particularly evident along stylolites. Corrosion usually predates typically interparticle first generation saddle dolomite, and corroded saddle dolomite may be observed with two generations of optically continuous limpid overgrowths separated by a corrosive boundary. Dissolution or dedolomitization may provide a magnesium source for subsequent dolomite cements. Carbonic and organic acids are probable primary corrosive agents. Moldic, stylolite and fracture porosity, often reduced by dolomite cements, was generated. Moldic pores may develop from peloids by dissolution of peripheral ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The large aggregating proteoglycan aggrecan is a major structural component of the extracellular matrix of articular cartilage. Recent cDNA cloning of the human aggrecan gene (AGC1) reveals a core protein of at least 2316 amino acids characterized by several distinct structural domains. Two globular domains, termed G1 and G2, are present at the amino terminus of the molecule and a third, termed G3, is present at the carboxy terminus. The G1 domain is homologous in structure to the cartilage link protein and accounts for the aggregating potential of aggrecan through its ability to interact with hyaluronic acid. The aggrecan gene is known to consist of 15 exons, with each exon encoding a distinct functional region of the mature protein. However, while the link protein gene is known to reside on chromosome 5 in the human, the location of the aggrecan gene is currently undetermined in any species. The probe (pAGG2) for the aggrecan gene was mapped on chromosome band ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

For analyzing the direct contamination pathway of the radionuclide in radish, a solution containing "8"5Sr, "1"0"3Ru and "1"3"4Cs was sprayed to the aerial part of the plant in a greenhouse at 5 different times before harvest. Plant interception factor showed little difference among radionuclides and increased with decreasing time interval between application and harvest with the maximum value of 0.86. The fractions of the initial deposition that remained in the radish plant at harvest were in the range of 16#approx#37% for "8"5Sr, 15#approx#68% for "1"0"3Ru and 35#approx#58% for "1"3"4Cs. The remaining fraction was the highest in "1"3"4Cs at earlier applications while it was the highest in "1"0"3Ru at later applications. Translocation factors of "8"5Sr, "1"0"3Ru and "1"3"4Cs were in the range of 3.2x10"-"3#approx#1.7x10"-"2 , 7.3x10"-"4#approx#2.6x10"-"2 and 6.6x10"-"2#approx#1.7x10"-"2, respectively, in upper root and in the range of 2.2x10"-"3#approx#5.5x10"-"3, ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In many ways, the Advanced Industrial Materials (AIM) Program underwent a major transformation in Fiscal Year 1995 and these changes have continued to the present. When the Program was established in 1990 as the Advanced Industrial Concepts (AIC) Materials Program, the mission was to conduct applied research and development to bring materials and processing technologies from the knowledge derived from basic research to the maturity required for the end use sectors for commercialization. In 1995, the Office of Industrial Technologies (OIT) made radical changes in structure and procedures. All technology development was directed toward the seven ``Vision Industries`` that use about 80% of industrial energy and generated about 90% of industrial wastes. The mission of AIM has, therefore, changed to ``Support development and commercialization of new or improved materials to improve productivity, product quality, and energy efficiency in the major process industries.`` ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Selecting the best bit for an application is a difficult task because a large number of variables can influence bit performance, therefore upon a decision to run a particular bit type based solely on the average measurements of previous bit performances can lead to a very important impact on the drilling cost. Bits are designed with different concepts and that recent technological advances allow them to be used in a wider range of applications that could improve their drilling programs. Rather than a deterministic estimate, a more mature view of a bit performance is a presentation of possible outputs (bits longevity in drilled meters, rate of penetration, bit cost and cost per meter) in recognition of the uncertainty associated with drilling wells. An evaluation of a simple model based on the drilling cost equation indicates the sensitivity of each variable - described here by its probability distribution function - on the bottom line and can be a very effective ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Ordos Basin is a typical lapped basin, including three sequences of strata: early Paleozoic, late Paleozoic and Mesozoic, with a total thickness of 4000-6000m. Impermeable sealing beds are well developed at the top and base of the upper Paleozoic sequence, separating it from the Mesozoic and the lower Paleozoic strata to form an independent petroleum system. In this petroleum system, the source rocks are widely distributed coals and dark mudstones occurring in the Carboniferous-lower Permian coal measures, with a thickness of 10-15 and 40-60m, respectively. The reservoirs are mainly early Permian tight sandstones, mostly with a porosity of 4-8% and a permeability of 0.1-1.0x10{sup -3}{mu}m{sup 2}. The regional cap rock is a 100-150m thick mudstone in the upper Permian strata. The structural framework of the basin is a huge asymmetric syncline, dipping gently toward the east and north, and steeply toward the south and west. Well data show that gas-saturated, gas-water transition and ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Presently, industrial maturity can be claimed for two fuel cycle strategies, viz. the 'Once Through Fuel Cycle' (OTC), and the 'Reprocessing Fuel Cycle' (RFC) in which plutonium and very limited uranium quantities are being recycled. It is helpful to recall some key data that set the stage for any discussion of fuel cycle options: 1. Worldwide, the annual spent fuel discharge is in the range of 10500-11000 t heavy-metal (HM), while the industrial reprocessing capacity amounts to #approx# 5000 t HM (OECD NUCLEAR ENERGY AGENCY, Accelerator-driven Systems (ADS) and Fast Reactors (FR) in Advanced Nuclear Fuel Cycles: a Comparative Study, Paris, 2002). Hence, less than 1/2 of the discharged spent fuel can be processed. 2. Worldwide, the cumulative inventory of stored spent fuel is estimated to be #approx# 190000 t HM, and the amount of reprocessed spent fuel is estimated to be #approx# 70000 t HM. The latter inventory has been transformed into high-level waste (HLW) and ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Herbivores and pathogens impact the species composition, ecosystem function, and socioeconomic value of forests. Herbivores and pathogens are an integral part of forests, but sometimes produce undesirable effects and a degradation of forest resources. In the United States, a few species of forest pests routinely have significant impacts on up to 20 million ha of forest with economic costs that probably exceed $1 billion/year. Climatic change could alter patterns of disturbance from herbivores and pathogens through: (1) direct effects on the development and survival of herbivores and pathogens; (2) physiological changes in tree defenses; and (3) indirect effects from changes in the abundance of natural enemies (e.g. parasitoids of insect herbivores), mutualists (e.g. insect vectors of tree pathogens), and competitors. Because of their short life cycles, mobility, reproductive potential, and physiological sensitivity to temperature, even modest climate change will have rapid impacts on ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Under the direction of the NASA-Glenn Research Center, the Edison Welding Institute (EWI) in Columbus, OH performed a series of non-fusion joining experiments to determine the feasibility of joining refractory metals or refractory metal alloys to Ni-based superalloys. Results, as reported by EWI, can be found in the project report for EWI Project 48819GTH (Attachment A, at the end of this document), dated October 10, 2005. The three joining methods used in this investigation were inertia welding, magnetic pulse welding, and electro-spark deposition joining. Five materials were used in these experiments: Mo-47Re, T-111, Hastelloy X, Mar M-247 (coarse-grained, 0.5 mm to several millimeter average grain size), and Mar M-247 (fine-grained, approximately 50 (micro)m average grain size). Several iterative trials of each material combination with each joining method were performed to determine the best practice joining method. Mo-47Re was found to be joined easily to Hastelloy X via inertia ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The first volume of the report covers the state of implementation of primary and secondary measures for SO{sub 2}- and NO{sub x} control applied in the most important industrial sectors in Germany. Integrated pollution abatement techniques, called primary measures in this report, such as process integrated measures and low emission processes, have gained increased importance in recent years. The end-of-pipe processes, described here as secondary measures, are generally highly effective. They represent mature technologies, which are capable of achieving significant reductions in SO{sub 2}- and NO{sub x} emissions, and which have been used in particular for retrofitting existing plants. At first, an overview is given regarding the development of SO{sub 2}- and NO{sub x} emissions in selected European countries during the last 20 years and in Europe. Current national and European emission limits and emission guidelines on SO{sub 2}- and NO{sub x} emissions from ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In the early sixties it was decided to investigate salt formations on its suitability to host heat generating radioactive waste in Germany. In the reference repository concept consequently the emplacement of vitrified waste canisters in deep vertical boreholes inside a salt mine was considered whereas spent fuel should be disposed of in self shielding casks (type POLLUX) in horizontal drifts. The POLLUX casks, 65 t heavy carbon steel casks, will be laid down on the floor of a horizontal drift in one of the disposal zones to be constructed in the salt dome at the 870 m level. The space between casks and drift walls will be backfilled with crushed salt. The transport, the handling und the emplacement of POLLUX casks were subject of successfully performed demonstration and in situ tests in the nineties and resulted in an adjustment of the atomic law. The borehole disposal concept comprises the emplacement of unshielded canisters with vitrified HLW in boreholes with a diameter of 60 cm and ...