UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Patients with schizophrenia can be taught the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) sorting rules based upon expanded feedback. However, few task manipulations have been reported that differentially...Full Text Available

CERN Document Server

A new method of food stuff energetic value scoring is offered

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Purpose - Mobile phones have provided an opportunity for banking institutions to introduce new services to the public. The latest service, which is now available in Malaysian banking institutions, is the mobile phone credit card. The purpose of this paper is to provide a preliminary investigation of the factors that determine whether Malaysia's bank customers will use the new mobile phone credit card technology. Design/methodology/approach - This paper extends the applicability of the technology acceptance model (TAM) to mobile phone credit cards and includes "perceived credibility (PC)", the "amount of information about mobile phone credit cards (AIMCs)" and "perceived expressiveness (PE)", in addition to "perceived usefulness (PU)" and "perceived ease of use (PEOU)". Findings - The resul...

Science.gov (United States)

but one test point on the flight cards was achieved before we hit our "bingo," or minimal fuel remaining, and we had to land. The radar was developed by NASA's Jet Propulsion...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Workers from cotton mills were exposed to cotton dust during carding in an experimental cardroom. Cotton from different geographical locations with varying amounts of endotoxin were used. Exposure levels...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Alton Ochsner was a giant of American surgery. His career encompassed patient care, teaching, and research as symbolized on the original seal of the Ochsner Clinic. His ideas were innovative and groundbreaking...Full Text Available

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Ischemic Attack, Transient

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

No abstract prepared.

CERN Document Server

Typically, point forecasting methods are compared and assessed by means of an error measure or scoring function, such as the absolute error or the squared error. The individual scores are then averaged over forecast cases, to result in a summary measure of the predictive performance, such as the mean absolute error or the (root) mean squared error. I demonstrate that this common practice can lead to grossly misguided inferences, unless the scoring function and the forecasting task are carefully matched. Effective point forecasting requires that the scoring function be specified ex ante, or that the forecaster receives a directive in the form of a statistical functional, such as the mean or a quantile of the predictive distribution. If the scoring function is specified ex ante, the forecaster can issue the optimal point forecast, namely, the Bayes rule. If the forecaster receives a ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundThe purpose of the study was to compare the knowledge scores of medical students in Problem-based Learning and traditional curriculum on public health topics.Full Text Available

Environmental Research Database

DescriptionLameness, commonly referred to as the leg health, in the modern broiler chicken is an emotive issue and the debate surrounding this subject is not helped by the lack of agreement as to how leg health should be assessed. A commonly used tool for scoring leg health is the Bristol Gait Score, a technique used in the recently reported Defra project AW0230 (`Leg Health and Welfare in Commercial Broiler Production`). The authors of the final report for AW0230 noted that for the chickens gait scored [continued...

KoreaScience (Korea)

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CERN Document Server

With the rapid growth of Information and Communication Technology, Electronic commerce is now acting as a new means of carrying out business transactions through electronic means such as Internet environment. To avoid the complexities associated with the digital cash and electronic cash, consumers and vendors are looking for credit card payments on the Internet as one possible time-tested alternative. This gave rise of the on-line payment processing using a third-party verification; which is not suitable for the developing countries in most of the cases because of the excessive costs associated with it for maintenance and establishment of an online third-party processor. As a remedy of this problem, in this paper, we have proposed a framework for easy security incorporation in credit card based electronic payment system without the use of an on-line third- party processor; which tends to be low cost and effective for the developing countries.

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Ten subjects balanced their own body or a mechanically equivalent unstable inverted pendulum by hand, through a compliant spring linkage. Their balancing process was always characterized by repeated...Full Text Available

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... mast cell staining; ref. 16). The severity of structural radiation injury was assessed using a histopathological radiation injury score ... ...

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Psychological distress and postamputation pain were investigated in a sample of 582 males with long-term limb amputations (mean time since amputation 639.3 months, standard deviation 166.1; range 240-784 months). Prevalence of significant depressive symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS]-D score?8) was 32.0%, and 34.0% of respondents met the screening criterion for clinical anxiety (HADS-A score?8). Nearly one quarter (24.6%) of respondents reported significant post-traumatic psychological stress symptoms (Impact of Event Scale scores?35). In total, 87.8% experienced either phantom or residual limb pain. Affective distress scores differed according to the respondents' type of pain experience. Respondents who experienced residual limb pain reported significantly hig...

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Abstract: We present a generic scoring system that compares the impact of alien species among members of large taxonomic groups. This scoring can be used to identify the most harmful alien species so that conservation measures to ameliorate their negative effects can be prioritized. For all alien mammals in Europe, we assessed impact reports as completely as possible. Impact was classified as either environmental or economic. We subdivided each of these categories into five subcategories (environmental: impact through competition, predation, hybridization, transmission of disease, and herbivory; economic: impact on agriculture, livestock, forestry, human health, and infrastructure). We assigned all impact reports to one of these 10 categories. All categories had impact scores that ranged f...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The CPHR individual monitoring service acquired an automatic RADOS TLD system to improve its capacities to satisfy the increasing needs of their national customers. The TLD system consists of: two automatic TLD reader, model DOSACUS, a TLD irradiator and personal dosimeters card including slide and holders. The dosimeters were composed by this personal dosimeters card and LiF:Mg,Cu,P (model GR-200) detectors. These readers provide to detectors a constant temperature readout cycle using hot nitrogen gas. In order to evaluate the performance characteristics of the system, different performance tests recommended by the IEC 1066 standard were carried out. Important dosimetric characteristics evaluated were batch homogeneity, reproducibility, detection threshold, energy dependence, residual signal and fading. The results of the tests showed good performance characteristics of the system. (Author)

CERN Document Server

Personal authentication is an important process we encounter almost every day; when we are logging on a computer, entering a company where we work, or a restricted area, when we are using our plastic credit cards to pay for a service or to complete some other financial transaction, etc. In each of these processes of personal authentication some kind of magnetic or optical token is required. But by using novel technologies like mobile computing and wireless networking, it is possible to avoid carrying multitude of ID cards or remembering a number of PIN codes. Article shows how to efficiently authenticate users via Personal Area Networks (PAN) like Bluetooth or IrDA using commonplace AES (Rijndel) or MD5 encryption. This method can be implemented on many types of mobile devices like Pocket PC PDA with Windows CE (Windows Mobile 2003) real-time operating system, or any other customized OS, so we will explain all components and key features of ...

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A virtual balancing axis arrangement is described for multi-cylinder reciprocating piston machines for effectively balancing out imbalanced forces and minimizing residual imbalance moments acting on the crankshaft of such machines without requiring the use of additional parallel-arrayed balancing shafts or complex and expensive gear arrangements. The novel virtual balancing axis arrangement is capable of being designed into multi-cylinder reciprocating piston and crankshaft machines for substantially reducing vibrations induced during operation of such machines with only minimal number of additional component parts. Some of the required component parts may be available from parts already required for operation of auxiliary equipment, such as oil and water pumps used in certain types of reciprocating piston and crankshaft machine so that by appropriate location and dimensioning in accordance with the ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Intervertebral spacers for anterior spine fusion are made of different materials, such as titanium and cobalt chromium alloys and carbon fiber-reinforced polymers. Implant-related susceptibility artifacts can decrease the quality of MRI scans. The aim of this cadaveric study was to demonstrate the extent that implant-related MRI artifacting affects the postfusion differentiation of determined regions of interest (ROIs). In six cadaveric porcine spines, we evaluated the postimplantation MRI scans of a titanium, cobalt-chromium and carbon spacer that differed in shape and surface qualities. A spacer made of human cortical bone was used as a control. A defined evaluation unit was divided into ROIs to characterize the spinal canal as well as the intervertebral disc space. Considering 15 different MRI sequences read independently by an interobserver-validated team of specialists the artifact-affected image quality of the median MRI slice was rated on a score of 0-3. A ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Disposable nappies (diapers) have been satisfactorily demineralized and used for the collection of excreta from infants and young children during mineral and trace metal balances. It was possible to...Full Text Available

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Ghil, M., B. Shkoller, and V. Yangarber, 1977: A balanced diagnostic system compatible with a barotropic prognostic model. M. Weather. Rev. , 105, 1223- 1238, ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Provides standardized energy balance sheets expressed in a common unit of tons of oil equivalent for all OECD countries as well as the regions: OECD total, IEA, North America, Pacific, OECD Europe, EEC and Yugoslavia.

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... 036[0598:DMBRSP]2.0.CO;2 Dendrochronological Mass Balance Reconstruction, Strathcona Provincial Park, Vancouver Island, British ...

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AbstractBackground: So far, infliximab (IFX) therapy for the treatment of Crohn's disease (CD) has generally been guided by clinical symptoms. Data on treatment response as ascertained by endoscopy in IFX therapy are scarce. The aims of this study were to measure the endoscopic response rate during IFX induction and maintenance therapy in luminal CD, and also evaluate the role of endoscopy in monitoring IFX therapy. Methods: Data obtained from 71 patients with active luminal CD and treated with IFX were analyzed retrospectively. The endoscopy findings were scored according to mucosal activity as: 0 (remission), 1-2 (mild), 3-4 (moderate), and 5-6 (severe). A positive endoscopic response was determined by a decrease in score of at least two points and mucosal healing was assigned a score of...

KoreaScience (Korea)

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UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundTraumatic paediatric arterial injuries are a great challenge due to low incidence and specific characteristics of paediatric anatomy and physiology. The aim of the present...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

A 24-item short form of the 96-item Developmental Behaviour Checklist was developed to provide a brief measure of Total Behaviour Problem Score for research purposes. The short form Developmental...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

ObjectiveThis study assessed the relationship between multiple indicators of ‘real-world’ functioning and scores on a brief performance-based measure...Full Text Available

Wastenet

Eurobarometer 67, carried out in Spring 2007 ...fallen somewhat compared to the peak seen in Spring 2007.However, in the main this ...decrease of 9 points from the +26 score seen in Spring 2007 (where

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

ObjectiveTo determine whether erectile dysfunction (ED) predicts cardiovascular disease (CVD) beyond traditional risk factors.BackgroundFull Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundMultiple sclerosis (MS) is the endpoint of a complex and still poorly understood process which results in inflammation, demyelination and axonal and neuronal degeneration....Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundThe receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve is a fundamental tool to assess the discriminant performance for not only a single marker but also a score function combining...Full Text Available

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Summary: Analysis of biological networks requires assessing the statistical significance of network-based predictions by using a realistic null model. However, the existing network null model, switch randomization, is unsuitable for metabolic networks, as it does not include physical constraints and generates unrealistic reactions. We present JMassBalance, a tool for mass-balanced randomization and analysis of metabolic networks. The tool allows efficient generation of large sets of randomized networks under the physical constraint of mass balance. In addition, various structural properties of the original and randomized networks can be calculated, facilitating the identification of the salient properties of metabolic networks with a biologically meaningful null model. Availability and Imp...

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Taobao website online transaction evaluation has been well accepted, but its value has not been measured. This paper quantifies the value of commercial credit of salers in bringing sale purchase on Taobao website through three aspects of data as credit score buyer to saler, number of comments and rate of bad comments. The illustration results on Taobao online transaction credit evaluation show that number of comments, credit score and rate of bad comments have significant impact on sale revenue.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

This study uses data from a random sample of births in the Netherlands during the period 1850-1922 to examine the relationships between social class, social mobility and mortality at middle and old age. Population registers and personal cards covering the period from 1850 to 2004 for all Dutch provinces were used to reconstruct individual life histories of 14,900 births. For men we did not find an effect of the social class of origin (using two different SES-classifications) on mortality in age group 18 to 35. We also did not observe an effect of own social class on mortality after age 35. For women effects of social class of origin and social class of husband were generally absent as well. Our conclusion is that the standard ideas about the negative effects of processes of industrializati...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Los Alamos Nuclear Material Accounting and Safeguards System (MASS) is a near-real-time accountability system for bulk materials, discrete items, and material undergoing dynamic processing. MASS has evolved from an eighty-column card based process control system to a very sophisticated computer system. The security of the MASS computer system is provide through various access controls. There are two kinds of access control to be addressed. They are physical access control to the hardware which make up the system, and access control to the software. There are many features which provide a measure of security to the hardware that will be discussed. Access to the software is controlled by a security password. Access to various transaction activities in the system is controlled through the level of MASS user privilege. Details of MASS user privilege will be discussed.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This system provides data logging facility for axial profile and dynamic profile experiments during low power physics experiments. The data from Cobalt Self Powered Neutron Detectors (SPNDs) are logged via hardware consisting of PC plug-in cards and data of vanadium SPNDs are logged from the Flux Mapping System (FMS) network (multicast data). The data along with programmable details of the experiment is transferred to an Access Database. The system provides online displays and extensive reports from the Access Database as per the requirement from Reactor Physicists. This paper briefly describes the evolvement of requirements (from the experience of operation of TAPS 4 to TAPS 3), software architecture and design. (author)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Recent developments in rechargeable Li-ion battery technology include the use of lithium-carbon compounds instead of metallic anodes. Non-graphitizable carbons offer high capacity as the anode material but it's large irreversible capacity must be solved. The ultimate goals of the present work are to understand the origin of the high capacity and large irreversible capacity in conjunction with the structural change due to Li intercalation and thus to establish a scientific basis for optimizing their performance in real batteries. 'House of cards' model is considered and emphasis is given to find out the size of the pores present in the carbon fibers prepared from an isotropic petroleum pitch and heat treated at 1200degC. Small angle neutron scattering and wide angle neutron scattering results provide enlargement of pores and d-spacing of grapheme layers after Li intercalation. (author)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Advanced Photon Source consists of five accelerators. The injection timing system provides the signals required to cause a bunch emitted from the electron gun to navigate through intermediate accelerators to a specific bucket (1 out of 1296) within the storage ring. Two linacs and a positron accumulator ring operate at 60Hz while a booster synchrotron ramps and injects into the storage ring at 2Hz. The distributed, modular VME/VXI-based injection timing system is controlled by two EPICS-based input/output controllers (IOCs). Over 40 VME/VXI cards have been developed to implement the system. Card types range from 352MHz VXI timing modules to VME-based fiber optic fanouts and logic translators/drivers. All timing is distributed with fiber optics. Timing references are derived directly from machine low-level rf of 9.77MHz and 352MHz. The timing references provide triggers to programmable delay generators. Three grades of timing are provided. ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The present volume provides standardized energy balance sheets expressed in a common unit of tons of oil equivalent for all OECD Countries. It covers the years 1970 to 1982 year by year and includes many revisions and additions to data previously published. The balances in the present volume are based on data published in OECD Energy Statistics 1971-1981 and OECD Energy Statistics 1981-1982. Tables for each OECD Country include production, import, export, consumption by the different industries, transportation, agriculture, residential sector of the different energies: solid fuels, petroleum, gas, nuclear power and hydroelectricity.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Screening Risk Evaluation (SRE) guidance document is a set of guidelines provided for the uniform implementation of SREs performed on decontamination and decommissioning (D&D) facilities. Although this method has been developed for D&D facilities, it can be used for transition (EM-60) facilities as well. The SRE guidance produces screening risk scores reflecting levels of risk through the use of risk ranking indices. Five types of possible risk are calculated from the SRE: current releases, worker exposures, future releases, physical hazards, and criticality. The Current Release Index (CRI) calculates the current risk to human health and the environment, exterior to the building, from ongoing or probable releases within a one-year time period. The Worker Exposure Index (WEI) calculates the current risk to workers, occupants and visitors inside contaminated D&D facilities due to contaminant exposure. The Future Release Index (FRI) calculates the ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Although the radioisotope liver scan has primarily been of use in the detection of the intra-hepatic space occupying lesions, there has been an increasing awareness of its use in evaluation of liver function. In this study, the degree of hepatomegaly, changes in shape and mottling radiodensity on each lobe and splenic visualization in the liver scans done with colloidal radiogold were numerically expressed as scores under the arbitrary standard in 210 patients with liver cirrhosis. The clinical value of this scoring system was studied with special regards to the correlation between the radiogold hepatic uptake half time and conventional liver function tests. Following were the results; 1) The normal scan appeared in 6.7% of 210 patients with liver cirrhosis. 2) The colloidal radiogold hepatic uptake half time was abnormally and progressively prolonged in parallel to severity of hepatocellular dysfunction. The mean hepatic uptake half time in ...

Science.gov (United States)

... animal through a mask by isoflurane and maintained by a balanced anesthesia, which consisted of an intramuscular injection of Innovar-vet (0.11 ...

Science.gov (United States)

Sep 5, 2008 ... Russia. The six-component balance for blunt models aerodynamic force measurement in shock tunnel. Lu Zhiquo, Liu Hongshan, Zhang Yan ...

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... TARGET SENSOR-MK 80 SERIES BOMBS ... 5-inch-, and 2.75-inch- diameter rocket motors that ... balance when compared to incoming solar radiation ...

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The relationship between hyperactivity and neuropsychological test performance at different age levels was examined. It was found that for young children (6 to 8 years of age, n = 90), there was no significant association between hyperactivity/attentional problems (as measured by the Hyperactivity scale of the Child Behavior Checklist) and performance on neuropsychological tasks thought to contain an attentional component (WISC-R Coding, Arithmetic, and Digit Span; WRAT Arithmetic; and the Benton Visual Retention Test). However, for older children (9 to 12 years of age, n = 92), there were significant and large negative correlations between CBC Hyperactivity scores and Coding, WRAT Arithmetic, and Benton VRT scores. Multiple regression analyses supported the above results (for Coding and WRAT Arithmetic), indicating that hyperactivity/inattention has a particularly deleterious effect on test performance (relative to same-age peers) as age ...

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The study was designed to determine the correlation between parenchymal lesions on MRI and depression. Thirty patients with depression satisfying the following criteria were selected: (1) 60 years or over at the time of MRI scanning, (2) no evidence of cerebrovascular disorder or dementia, and (3) no evidence of neurological findings such as extremity palsy. Seventy six patients with no history of psychiatric visits to a clinic served as controls. There was no significant difference in risk factors for cerebrovascular disorders, such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and ischemic heart disease, between the depressive group and the control group. MRI manifestations were semiquantitatively scored according to the periventricular hyperintensity (PVH), white matter hyperintensity (WMH), and pons hyperintensity (PH). All of the PVH score, WMH score, and cerebral enlargement index correlated with age. Although there was no ...

Science.gov (United States)

We describe a closed-loop brain-computer interface that re-ranks an image database by iterating between user generated 'interest' scores and computer vision generated visual similarity measures. The interest scores are based on decoding the electroencephalographic (EEG) correlates of target detection, attentional shifts and self-monitoring processes, which result from the user paying attention to target images interspersed in rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP) sequences. The highest scored images are passed to a semi-supervised computer vision system that reorganizes the image database accordingly, using a graph-based representation that captures visual similarity between images. The system can either query the user for more information, by adaptively resampling the database to create additional RSVP sequences, or it can converge to a 'done' state. The done state includes a final ranking of the image database and also ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The authors have performed I-123 IMP single- photon emission CT (SPECT) brain imaging on seven mildly demented patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and on seven normal subjects. Pixel-intensity histograms have been analyzed for the fraction of pixels in the lowest quartile of the intensity range. This fraction (F) averaged 17.7% (standard deviation [SD] = 4.3) in the AIDS group and 12.6 (SD = 4.7) in the normal group (P <.05). Regression analysis of neuropsychological testing (NPT) scores vs F yielded a correlation coefficient of.71. The presence or degree of atrophy did not correlate with F or NPT scores.

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Purpose. To compare erectile function (EF) recovery of patients treated by early penile rehabilitation therapy (PRT) with sildenafil and with control group. Method. Forty men treated by bilateral nerve sparing radical prostatectomy (NSRP) and with a normal pre-operative EF were enrolled. Fourteen days after surgery, they were randomised to a flexible-dose sildenafil group and to a control group. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire was completed before surgery and at 3, 6, 12 and 24 weeks after NSRP. Results. In the group treated, the mean IIEF score before surgery was 26.2 and 14.1, 16.2, 22.5 and 25.2 at 3, 6, 12 and 24 weeks after NSRP, respectively. In the control group, the respective scores were 26.5 and 12.4, 15.8, 15.3 and 17.4. There was a significant ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Background Experimental and clinical studies have identified a crucial role of microcirculation impairment in severe infections. We hypothesized that mottling, a sign of microcirculation alterations, was correlated to survival during septic shock. Methods We conducted a prospective observational study in a tertiary teaching hospital. All consecutive patients with septic shock were included during a 7-month period. After initial resuscitation, we recorded hemodynamic parameters and analyzed their predictive value on mortality. The mottling score (from 0 to 5), based on mottling area extension from the knees to the periphery, was very reproducible, with an excellent agreement between independent observers [kappa?=?0.87, 95% CI (0.72?0.97)]. Results Sixty patients were included. The SOFA scor...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract Background: Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is a common dementia of the elderly. A significant cholinergic deficit has been demonstrated that may be responsive to treatment by cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs). Methods: A 24-week, open-label study was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of a ChEI, galantamine, in 50 patients with DLB. Results: This study showed beneficial effects with galantamine in 2 of the 3 primary efficacy parameters. The scores on the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI-12) improved by 8.24 points from baseline (p = 0.01) especially in visual hallucinations and nighttime behaviors (p = 0.004). The scores on the Clinician's Global Impression of Change improved by 0.5 points from baseline (p = 0.01). The third primary efficacy parameter, the Cognitive Drug R...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract This study explored the demographic and diagnostic features of children who were currently receiving antipsychotics compared to children who were receiving other psychotropics in a cohort of children with and without elevated symptoms of mania (ESM). Participants were recruited from 10 child outpatient mental health clinics associated with four universities. Guardians with children between 6?12 years who presented for new clinical evaluations completed the Parent General Behavior Inventory-10 Item Mania Scale (PGBI-10M). All children who scored ?12 on the PGBI-10M and a select demographically matched comparison group of patients who scored ?11 were invited to participate. Children were divided into two groups: those receiving at least one antipsychotic medication and those receivi...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Ultrafine grained steels with different carbon contents were produced through warm caliber rolling and evaluated for their stress-strain behavior along with the reduction in area. It was found that the reduction in area-tensile strength balance is far better than the conventional ferrite+pearlite steels and even superior to bainitic steels for all materials tested in the present study.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A magnetic tape consisting of oil-shale Fischer assay data for selected well cores in the Piceance Creek Basin was prepared as a supplement to NTIS tape PB-230 607/AS. Both tapes serve as a data base for calculating oil-shale resources (Pitman, 1981). The tape is in standard IBM format and has the following specifications: EBCDIC (IBM standard), card-image, blocksize 1720 (blocked 20 to 1), record length 86, odd parity, 1,600 bpi, 9-track, no label tape. Each data file on the tape consists of records containing oil-shale analyses for one well core. The first record in a data file consists of a well-core identifier which is a three-digit number preceded by the character 'C'. The second record contains the well name and location, and the remaining records contain Fischer assay data.

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The purpose of the study was to investigate the adequacy of educational services available for the implementation of the ideals of the Universal Basic Education (UBE) in Southern Nigeria. Using the multistage sampling technique, 800 primary school teachers were selected from the three geo political zones in Southern Nigeria as participants in the study. However, 1457 usable copies of the questionnaire administered to participants were used for the final study. The researchers collected and analyzed data to (1) Ascertain how free the UBE was in Southern Nigeria and (2) to determine if educational services were adequately provided for the implementation of the programme. Results of data analysis suggest that the UBE was not entirely free as parents still buy books and report cards for their children in primary schools. Also, educational services were not adequately provided in the schools. Recommendations were made to government on how to improve the situation so as ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Background and purpose: A diagnosis of malignancy and its treatment is a very stressful time for patients and their families. This study was conducted to determine the impact of more intensive written information on patients' anxiety levels. The secondary aim was to determine the impact of this information on patients' satisfaction levels. Materials and methods: This prospective randomized trial consisted of patients with a pathological diagnosis of cancer having radical radiotherapy (RT). Patients were randomized to receive the more intensive information (including written information and a telephone call from the research nurse) or not to receive the more intensive information at the time of their initial consultation with the radiation oncologist. Study questionnaires measuring anxiety (STAI form) were completed prior to their first consultation (baseline) at the time of simulation (pre-RT) and at the completion of radiotherapy. A second questionnaire assessing satisfaction with the ...

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The diagnostic value of the portable chest radiography obtained with Fuji computed radiography (FCR) was evaluated in comparison with conventional images in 23 patients who were admitted to ICU in Yokohama City University Hospital. On the whole , FCR produced more exellent images than conventional screen-film radiographs. Especially the evaluation for the demonstration of the catheters, the endotracheal tubes and the tracheal shadows obtained high score. We discuss the clinically utility of FCR for the portable chest radiographs in ICU. (author).

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CT is the most accurate method to detect pulmonary emphysema in vivo. They compared prospectively two different methods for emphysema quantitation in 5 normal volunteers and 20 consecutive patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). All subjects were submitted to function tests and HRCT; three scans were acquired at preselected levels during inspiration. The type and extent of pulmonary emphysema were defined by two independent observers under blind conditions. Disagreements were subsequently settled by consent. All subjects were also examined with expiratory spiral CT using a density mask program, at two different cut-off levels (-850,-900 HU). Visual score and expiratory spiral density mask values (-850 HU) were significantly correlated (r = 0.86), but the visual extent of emphysema was always higher than shown by expiratory spiral CT. The emphysema extent assessed with both CT methods correlated with the function result of expiratory airflow ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In this work the calculation of the average precipitation in the Quito River basin, state of Choco, Colombia, is presents through diverse techniques, among which are those suggested by Thiessen and those based on the isohyets analysis, in order to select the one appropriate to quantification of rainwater available to the basin. Also included is an estimation of the error with which the average precipitation in the zone studied is fraught when measured, by means of the methodology proposed by Gandin (1970) and Kagan (WMO, 1966), which at the same time allows to evaluate the representativeness of each one of the stations that make up the rain gauge network in the area. The study concludes with a calculation of the hydrologic balance for the Quito river basin based on the pilot procedure suggested in the UNESCO publication on the study of the South America hydrologic balance, from which the great contribution of rainfall to a greatly enhanced ...

Science.gov (United States)

The economic benefits of supplemental fuel injections depend, in part, on the coke replacement ratio. An assessment of the accuracy with which blast furnace coke rate may be measured and a determination of the key drivers of coke rate uncertainty are offered, to provide guidance for experiments in high-rate gas injection. Using statistical analysis tools, an expression for the measurement error associated with the various terms of blast furnace carbon balance is developed. Coke rate calculations based on the material balance are most sensitive to coke carbon content and to proper tracking of hot metal tapping schedule.

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The dwelling is equipped with solar collectors which heat the air circulating in the cavity walls and the space beneath the floors. The thermal aspects of such a building are described. Heat balance, losses, heating by the sun in different seasons are described. Different measures taken to reduce the energy losses are described.

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The erosion phenomena of coastal regions in Italy and in the world is remarkable from the environmental point of view. Are showed activities of mechanical defense and numerical models to solve complex problem.

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When withdrawing a fluid sample (for additional chromatographic analyses) from an apparatus operated at a reduced pressure, a typical syringe proves to be ineffective (even if it is equipped with a gas tight plunger). It simply does not create enough pressure differential to remove a fluid sample from a reduced pressure environment. We encountered such a situation as part of efforts to extend the operation of the advanced distillation curve protocol to reduced pressures. The problem was solved by the development of a pressure balance syringe that allows reliable and precise sampling from an apparatus operating at sub-ambient pressures. This new device uses an external vacuum source to evacuate a syringe barrel, allowing a user to withdraw fluid samples from environments with pressures as low as 0.5kPa. To demonstrate the operation of the newly developed device, distillate analyses were performed on two fluids at low pressure: a predefined validation mixture, and a ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Adipose tissue is central to the regulation of energy balance. Two functionally different types of fat are present in mammals: white adipose tissue (WAT), the primary site of triglyceride storage,...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Specific criteria have been developed based on computerized dynamic posturography (CDP) to assist clinicians in identifying patients with psychogenic balance problems (Cyr and Cevette, Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The cytokine interleukin-7 (IL-7) has essential growth activities that maintain the homeostatic balance of the immune system. Little is known of the mechanism by which IL-7 signaling regulates metabolic...Full Text Available

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As the IC Information Sharing Executive (IC ISE), my main focus today concerns classified information--and, in particular, information that is derived from intelligence sources and methods, or information that is reflected in the analytic judgments and as...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Background and AimsMany plants reproduce both clonally and sexually, and the balance between the two modes of reproduction will vary among populations. Clonal reproduction was characterized...Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A survey on electric power and on energy balance especially primary and final energy (gas oil, kerosene,solar energy...) has been implemented in Lebanon in 1993. Results and economic impact of energy consumption and energy production are given in statistics and tables. 10 figs.

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The amount of phosphorus contained in food as food additives is currently increasing and a high intake of phosphorus can cause various diseases. To determine the effects of a prolonged high phosphorus...Full Text Available

Science.gov (United States)

This report contains the study on the dynamic characteristics of Wolsung fuel rod and on the dynamic balancing of rotating machinery to evaluate the performance of nuclear reactor components. The study on the dynamic characteristics of Wolsung fuel rod wa...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Mass balance relations, valid for any counterflow system, are derived and applied to a central core model of the renal medulla, in which descending Henle's limbs (DHL), ascending Henle's limbs (AHL),...Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A balanced application of chemiosmosis to plant mitochondria is presented. Electron transport carriers are sequenced to achieve proton translocation across the inner membrane. The processes of proton translocation, use, and release are integrated to yield a description of the effective proton gradient available for metabolite transport and ATP synthesis. 27 references, 6 figures.

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

CSV consists of a very complex of molecules and demonstrates significant cellular activities capable of stimulating immune functions in vivo. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of...Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The heating history of a droplet during its flight can be divided into two phases: (a) the initial phase when evaporation, although it occurs, does not change the heat balance of the droplet much (the case considered in our previous paper and (b) the final phase when the cooling due to evaporation balances the heat flux from the plasma. The later phase is considered in Chen's comment. In our reply, a very straightforward consideration demonstrates that even in the final phase of the droplet flight, the 'rocket' effect can be significant. (reply)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper represents a parametric study of the amplification factor to account for rebound effects in the Energy Balance Method. Of the 66 distinct cases we chose for our parametric study, the amplification factor of 1.1 seems sufficient except in four borderline cases where the carbon steel pipes are small or have very small gaps between the pipes and the pipe whip restraints. We conclude that the amplification factor generally decreases as the parameters gap size, hinge-to-break distance and overhang increase.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Resistance and tolerance are two types of host defense mechanisms that increase fitness in response to fungi. Several genetic polymorphisms in pattern recognition receptors, most remarkably Toll-like receptors (TLRs), have been described to influence resistance and tolerance to aspergillosis in distinct clinical settings. TLRs on dendritic cells pivotally contribute in determining the balance between immunopathology and protective immunity to the fungus. Epithelial cells also contribute to this balance via selected TLRs converging on indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO). Studies in experimental hematopoietic transplantation confirmed the dichotomy of pathways leading to resistance and tolerance to the fungus providing new insights on the relative contribution of the hematopoietic/nonhematopoi...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Phase contrast X-ray imaging has been studied intensively using X-rays from synchrotron radiation and micro-focus X-ray tubes. However, these studies have revealed the difficulty of this technique's application to practical medical imaging. We have created a phase contrast imaging technique using a molybdenum X-ray tube with a small focal spot size for mammography. We identified the radiographic conditions in phase contrast magnification mammography with a screen-film system, where edge effect due to phase contrast overcomes geometrical unsharpness caused by the 0.1 mm-focal spot of a molybdenum X-ray tube. The edge enhancement due to phase imaging was observed in an image of a plastic tube, and then geometrical configuration of the X-ray tube, the object and the screen-film system was determined for phase imaging of mammography. In order to investigate a potential for medical application of this method, we conducted evaluation of the images of the American Collage of Radiology (ACR) ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Postamputation pain (PAP) affects over 60% of major limb amputees. One of the main challenges in treating PAP is the difficulty involved in identifying pain mechanism(s), which pertains to both residual limb pain (RLP) and phantom limb pain (PLP). In this study, sympathetic blocks were performed on 17 major limb amputees refractory to treatment, including 2 placebo-controlled blocks done for bilateral amputations. One hour postinjection, mean RLP scores at rest declined from 5.2 (SD 2.8) to 2.8 (SD 2.6) (P = .0002), and PLP decreased from 5.3 (SD 3.1) to 2.3 (SD 2.1) (P = .0009). By 1 week, mean pain scores for RLP and PLP were 4.3 (SD 2.9) and 4.2 (SD 3.0), respectively. Overall, 8 of 16 (50%) patients experienced ?50% reduction in RLP 1-hour postinjection, with the beneficial effects ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Many assays for oncogenic transformation have been developed ranging from those in established rodent cell lines where morphological alteration is scored, to those in human cells growing in nude mice where tumor invasiveness is scored. In general, systems that are most quantitaive are also the least relevant in terms of human carcinogenesis and human risk estimation. The development of cell culture systems has made it possible to assess at the cellular level the oncogenic potential of a variety of chemical, physical and viral agents. Cell culture systems afford the opportunity to identify factors and conditions that may prevent or enhance cellular transformation by radiation and chemicals. Permissive and protective factors in radiation-induced transformation include thyroid hormone and the tumor promoter TPA that increase the transformation incidence for a given dose of radiation, and retinoids, selenium, vitamin E, and 5-aminobenzamide that ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

To determine the diagnostic accuracy of iofetamine hydrochloride I 123 (IMP) with single photon emission computed tomography in Alzheimer's disease, we studied 58 patients with AD and 15 age-matched healthy control subjects. We used a qualitative method to assess regional IMP uptake in the entire brain and to rate image data sets as normal or abnormal without knowledge of subjects'clinical classification. The sensitivity and specificity of IMP with single photon emission computed tomography in AD were 88% and 87%, respectively. In 15 patients with mild cognitive deficits (Blessed Dementia Scale score, less than or equal to 10), sensitivity was 80%. With the use of a semiquantitative measure of regional cortical IMP uptake, the parietal lobes were the most functionally impaired in AD and the most strongly associated with the patients' Blessed Dementia Scale scores. These results indicated that IMP with single photon ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The effect of fetal distress on the neonatal brain was investigated by neonatal CT brain scan, FHR monitoring and mode of delivery. This study involved 11 cases of full term vertex delivery in which FHR was recorded by fetal direct ECG during the second stage labor. All infants weighed 2,500 g or more. FHR monitoring was evaluated by Hon's classification. Neonatal brain edema was evaluated by cranial CT histgraphic analysis (Nakada's method). 1) Subdural hemorrhage was noted in 6 of 7 infants delivered by vacuum extraction or fundal pressure (Kristeller's method). 2) Intracranial hemorrhage was demonstrated in all of 3 infants with 5-min. Apgar score 7 or less. 3) Two cases with prolonged bradycardia and no variability had intraventricular or intracerebral hemorrhage which resulted in severe central nervous system damage. 4) The degree of neonatal brain edema correlated with 5-min. Apgar score. 5) One case with prolonged bradycardia and no ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is known as a psychiatric disorder in childhood associated with dopamine dysregulation. We investigated dopamine transporter (DAT) density in children with ADHD in the present study using {sup 123}I-IPT SPECT and postulated that an alteration in DAT density in the basal ganglia (BG) is responsible for dopaminergic dysfunction in children with ADHD. 9 durg-naive children with ADHD and 6 normal children were included in the study. We performed brain SPECT 2 hours after administration of {sup 123}I-IPT and made both quantitative and qualitative analyses for assessment of specific/nonspecific DAT binding ratio in the BG. We investigated the correlation between the severity scores of ADHD symptoms in children with ADHD assessed with ADHD rating scale and specific/nonspecific DAT binding ratio in the BG. Drug-naive children with ADHD showed a significantly incresed specific/nonspecific DAT binding ratio in the BG compared ...

Science.gov (United States)

Examination of measurement invariance provides a powerful method to evaluate the hypothesis that the same set of psychological constructs underlies a set of test scores in different populations. If measurement invariance is observed, then the same psychological meaning can be ascribed to scores in both populations. In this study, the measurement model including core and supplementary subtests of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth edition (WAIS-IV) were compared across the U.S. and Canadian standardization samples. Populations were compared on the 15 subtest version of the test in people aged 70 and younger and on the 12 subtest version in people aged 70 or older. Results indicated that a slightly modified version of the four-factor model reported in the WAIS-IV technical manual provided the best fit in both populations and in both age groups. The null hypothesis of measurement invariance across populations was not rejected, and the ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Objective: Results of reliability and agreement studies are intended to provide information about the amount of error inherent in any diagnosis, score, or measurement. The level of reliability and agreement among users of scales, instruments, or classifications is widely unknown. Therefore, there is a need for rigorously conducted interrater and intrarater reliability and agreement studies. Information about sample selection, study design, and statistical analysis is often incomplete. Because of inadequate reporting, interpretation and synthesis of study results are often difficult. Widely accepted criteria, standards, or guidelines for reporting reliability and agreement in the health care and medical field are lacking. The objective was to develop guidelines for reporting reliability and...

Science.gov (United States)

The purpose of this study was to examine the day-to-day reproducibility and single measurement reliability of peak force, time to half peak force and rate of force development indices of knee extension neuromuscular performance in patients with end-stage renal failure. Eleven self-selected patients (6 men, 5 women) receiving maintenance dialysis (dialysis history 67 +/- 42.8 month) completed 3 inter-day assessment sessions. Each comprised a standardized warm-up and 3 intermittent static maximal voluntary actions of the knee extensors of the preferred limb (45 degrees knee flexion angle [0 degrees = full knee extension]) using a specially-constructed dynamometer. Repeated measures ANOVA of coefficient of variation scores revealed significant differences between indices in their reproducibility across day-to-day trials. Post-hoc comparisons of group mean scores suggested that peak force (6.6 +/- 3.0%) offers significantly greater measurement ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Full text: Thermoluminescence (TL) is a phenomenon of light emission caused by heating a pre-irradiated material. When ionizing radiation hits a TL material, electrons are freed from some atoms and moved in the material, leaving behind 'holes' of positive charge. Subsequently when the TL material is heated, the electrons and the 'holes' re-combine, and release the extra energy in the form of light. The light intensity can be measured, and related to the amount of energy initially absorbed through exposure to the ionizing radiation. In nineteen sixties thermoluminescence dosimeters (TLD) became popular for dosimetric applications in view of their small size, sensitivity and accuracy. Consequently, in early seventies, several countries started adopting of TLD for personnel monitoring. The idea of introducing TLD to replace the then prevalent film dosimeter for personnel monitoring in India was mooted and successfully implemented by Dr. K G Vohra. Limitations of prevalent film dosimeters ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Commercially available melter technologies were tested during 1994-95 as part of a multiphase program to test candidate technologies for vitrification of the low-level waste (LLW) stream to be derived from retrieval and pretreatment of Hanford Site tank wastes. Seven vendors were selected for Phase 1 testing to demonstrate vitrification of a high sodium content liquid LLW simulant. The tested melter technologies included four Joule-heated melters, a carbon electrode melter, a combustion melter, and a plasma melter. Various dry and slurry melter feed preparation processes were also tested. Various feed material samples, product glass samples, and process offgas streams were characterized to provide data for evaluation of process decontamination factors and material mass balances for each vitrification technology. This report describes the melter mass balance evaluations and results for six of the Phase 1 LLW melter vendor demonstration tests.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The heavy dependence on nuclear power eventually raise the issues of an efficient utilization of uranium resources, which Korea presently imports from abroad, end of a spent fuel storage. From the viewpoint that sodium-cooled fast Reactors (SFRs) have the potential of an enhanced safety by utilizing inherent safety characteristics, trans-uranics (TRU) reduction and resolving the spent fuel storage problems through a proliferation-resistant actinide recycling. SFRs are sure to be most promising nuclear power operation. The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) has been developing SFR design technologies since 1997. And nowadays, the preliminary heat balance of the demonstration SFR is calculated. However, in order to verify design condition of the NSSS, it is necessary to set the heat balance and the conceptual design for BOP of the SFR as a part of the SFR design technique development business. Moreover, in order to confirm whether the ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

It has been previously stated that the minimum physiological recommendations for the indispensable amino acids in health adults, as proposed by FAO/WHO/UNU in 1985, are far too low, except for the methionine. An amino acid stable isotopic kinetic study was conducted to seek further experimental support to this hypothesis. Twenty healthy young men received an l-amino acid based diet, supplying 140 mg N.kg"-"1.d"-"1, patterned on egg protein for 1 week, then for 3 weeks either i) a pattern based on current international recommendations (FAO diet, n=7), ii) a the tentative Laboratory of Human Nutrition of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, new amino acid recommendation pattern (MIT diet, n=7) or iii) again the egg hen pattern (EGG diet, n=6). All subjects were again studied for one final, consecutive week of the egg diet. At the end of the initial week, at the first and third week with the three experimental diets,and after three days following the return of the egg diet, an 8 h ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

This presentation deals with innovation in teaching and understanding of thermodynamic principles. Key features of the approach being advocated are: (a) postulation of the existence of entropy, (b) explicitly associating energy transfers with other transports, (c) stating the 2nd Law in terms of Gibbs' available-energy, (d) systematic use of software such as EES. The paper outlines and elaborates upon an introductory course. Major headings in the course are: basic concepts: properties, additive properties and balances, primitive properties, energy, 1st Law. entropy, elementary academic applications of balances, available-energy, second law, exergy, thermostatic property relations, EES. Applications to processes, fluid flow, Heat transfer, thermochemical. Applications to devices, single-pro...

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

We study the spike statistics of neurons in a network with dynamically balanced excitation and inhibition. Our model, intended to represent a generic cortical column, comprises randomly connected excitatory and inhibitory leaky integrate-and-fire neurons, driven by excitatory input from an external population. The high connectivity permits a mean field description in which synaptic currents can be treated as gaussian noise, the mean and autocorrelation function of which are calculated self-consistently from the firing statistics of single model neurons. Within this description, a wide range of Fano factors is possible. We find that the irregularity of spike trains is controlled mainly by the strength of the synapses relative to the difference between the firing threshold and the postfiring reset level of the membrane potential. For moderately strong synapses, we find spike statistics very similar to those observed in primary visual cortex.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

When withdrawing a fluid sample (for additional chromatographic analyses) from an apparatus operated at a reduced pressure, a typical syringe proves to be ineffective (even if it is equipped with a gas tight plunger). It simply does not create enough pressure differential to remove a fluid sample from a reduced pressure environment. We encountered such a situation as part of efforts to extend the operation of the advanced distillation curve protocol to reduced pressures. The problem was solved by the development of a pressure balance syringe that allows reliable and precise sampling from an apparatus operating at sub-ambient pressures. This new device uses an external vacuum source to evacuate a syringe barrel, allowing a user to withdraw fluid samples from environments with pressures as l...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

During the 1990's, natural gas was the energy source with the fastest rate of growth in the world energy balance. Nevertheless, recent evolutions of the energy context, in particular in terms of prices, have had a rather strong impact on the progress of the different energy sources penalizing gas a little. Beyond this competition between energies, which may increase, the medium-term perspectives of natural gas development is in keeping with an environment full of uncertainties. This article presents: the world supply and demand prospects for 2010-2015 (impact of high gas prices on other energy sources, occurrence of production constraints, political decisions of producing countries and world gas industry balance), trends on main markets (North America, Europe, Asia-Oceania), and international trade. (J.S.)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Many of the vulnerabilities to Energy Access, Energy Security, and Environmental Sustainability result from impediments to reaching a global demand-supply balance, as well as local balances, for various energy sources and carriers. Vulnerabilities result from multiple reasons: regional imbalances of energy production and consumption, the bulky character of the majority of energy fuels, the virtual necessity of electricity consumption following its production, among others. To detect and prioritize respective 'bottlenecks' across energy carriers, they have to be measured. In this report, production, consumption, exports, and imports were measured across all major energy carriers for seven key regions of the world for three time frames-2008, 2020, and 2050. Imbalances between production and consumption form bottlenecks in each region.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The characteristics of the local magnetic shear, a quantity associated with high-mode-number ballooning mode stability, are considered in heliotron/torsatron devices that have a large Shafranov shift. The local magnetic shear is shown to vanish even in the stellarator-like region in which the global magnetic shear is positive. The reason for this is that the degree of the local compression of the poloidal magnetic field on the outer side of the torus, which maintains the toroidal force balance, is reduced in the stellarator-like region of global magnetic shear because the global rotational transform in heliotron/torsatron systems is a radially increasing function. This vanishing of the local magnetic shear is a universal property in heliotron/torsatron systems with a large Shafranov shift since it results from toroidal force balance in the stellarator-like global shear regime that is inherent to such systems.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Even if there have been efforts to validate remote-sensing-based energy balance models, which provide evapotranspiration (ET) maps over a large spatial scale, few studies have been conducted to validate their performance in Korea. In this study, surface energy balance fluxes including ET were estimated and inter-compared with two different models using the Landsat-5 Thematic Mapper (TM) image over a watershed scale in Korea. While there were larger spatial discrepancies for net radiation, soil heat and sensible heat fluxes on a pixel-by-pixel basis between the two models, relatively smaller spatial discrepancies for the latent heat flux and daily ET were detected. The spatial discrepancies for the daily ET were larger in low topography and dense vegetation ranges. Despite the different par...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract The present study makes use of a detailed water balance to investigate the hydrological status of a peatland with a basal clay-rich layer overlying an aquifer exploited for drinking water. The aim is to determine the influence of climate and groundwater extraction on the water balance and water levels in the peatland. During the two-year period of monitoring, the hydrological functioning of the wetland showed a hydric deficit, associated with a permanent unsaturated layer and a deep water table. At the same time, a stream was observed serving as a recharge inflow instead of draining the peatland, as usually described in natural systems. Such conditions are not favourable for peat accumulation. Field investigations show that the clay layer has a high hydraulic conductivity (from 11...

CERN Document Server

Given a double complex $X$ there are spectral sequences with the $E_2$ terms being either H$_I$ (H$_{II}(X))$ or H$_{II}($H$_I (X))$. But if $H_I(X)=H_{II}(X)=0$ both spectral sequences have all their terms 0. This can happen even though there is nonzero (co)homology of interest associated with $X$. This is frequently the case when dealing with Tate (co)homology. So in this situation the spectral sequences may not give any information about the (co)homology of interest. In this article we give a different way of constructing homology groups of $X$ when H$_I(X)=$H$_{II}(X)=0$. With this result we give a new and elementary proof of balance of Tate homology and cohomology.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

This work describes how a general, process-based mass-balance model (CoastMab) for phosphorus for coastal areas may be used as a tool to estimate realistic values of "natural" or preindustrial reference levels of key bioindicators in coastal science, including the Secchi depth, a standard measure of water clarity, the chlorophyll-a concentration, an operational measure of phytoplankton biomass and the concentration of cyanobacteria, a measure of the concentration of harmful algae. The CoastMab-model is an ecosystem model giving monthly predictions to achieve seasonal variations of basin-wide properties. The selected case-study area, the Gulf of Riga, is sensitive to nutrient loading because of its shallowness and low openness towards the Baltic Proper. The morphometry of any coastal area, ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Malformations in farmed fish are a prime research topic as it has a major impact on fish welfare and on the economical value of the product. In this study, the genetic component of spine deformities was estimated in European sea bass, a major species of Mediterranean aquaculture, with the use of a posteriori reconstruction of pedigree with microsatellites. Our population exhibited a very high malformation rate (81%), probably due to intense swimming of fish during pre-growing. The heritability of global spine deformities was evaluated to be 0.21?0.04 on the underlying scale (0.33?0.06 for lordosis, 0.13?0.04 for scoliosis). Deformities scored by an internal or external examination turned out to be genetically the same trait (genetic correlations>0.9), although phenotypic correlations were ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Pai ALH, Gray E, Kurivial K, Ross J, Schoborg D, Goebel J. The Allocation of Treatment Responsibility scale: A novel tool for assessing patient and caregiver management of pediatric medical treatment regimens. Pediatr Transplantation 2010: 14:993 999. 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Abstract: The purpose of the current study is to report preliminary psychometric properties of the ATR scale, a brief measure of the distribution of treatment tasks across the family members of children with a kidney transplant. Pediatric patients with renal transplants (ages 7 18 yr) and their caregivers completed the ATR and measures of adherence and family functioning. Internal consistency for the ATR (total score and subscales) was strong (range = 0.75 0.93). Validity for the ATR was supported by significant co...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

OBJECTIVE:- To determine the effectiveness and safety of short-term treatment of infliximab (IFX) in a group of Chinese patients with active Crohn's disease (CD). METHODS:- Patients with established diagnosis of active CD were treated with IFX intravenously with a dose of 5-mg/kg at week 0, 2, 6. Clinical assessments were performed at baseline (week 0) and every week after IFX infusion until 8 weeks after the induction dose. RESULTS:- Fourteen patients (nine male, five female) with a mean age of 29.7 years (range from 15 to 65 years) were included in the analysis. The mean subjective scores were decreased from 2.85--0.57 at baseline to 1.3--0.4 at week 14 (P-CONCLUSIONS:- Treatment with three infusions of IFX at a dose of 5-mg/kg was effective for induction of remission for active CD patie...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The authors summarize the significant dose-related effects on brain development which have emerged largely within the last six years of study of prenatally exposed A-bomb survivors. The results are described primarily in terms of the DS86 estimates and differences between these and the older T65DR dose estimates are discussed. The severe mental retardation sample was based on 1598 individuals taken from the PE-86 sample, and the intelligence test scores considered from the same sample involved 1673 children. The authors also discuss some of the recent neurobiological developments that appear relevant to an understanding of the biological bases of dose-related events observed, and suggest future research that may contribute either to further delineation of exposure consequences or to the explanation of the cellular and molecular origins of observed effects. (UK).

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a disorder characterized by skin thickness and vasculopathy. The objective of the study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect and safety of the association of pentoxyphylline and vitamin E in SSc patients. Twelve SSc patients (American College of Rheumatology criteria) enrolled this 24-week open-label study. Patients received daily 800?mg of pentoxyphylline and 800?UI of vitamin E and were evaluated at 4-week interval. The primary efficacy endpoint was the change in Modified Rodnan Skin Score (MRSS) at week 24. Nine diffuse SSc patients treated 6?months with cyclophosphamide were used as a historical control group. The mean age of the treated group was 43.6?years, and ten of 12 (84%) patients were women. Their mean MRSS reduced from 25.7 to 18.7 (p?=?0.03) at 1...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract Introduction.- Sling erosion/extrusion is a complication after suburethral sling insertion for female stress urinary incontinence that occurs in approximately 6% of patients. Symptoms may include vaginal discharge, infections, postcoital bleeding, and alterations of the sexual function. Little is known about the effect of sling erosion on the sexual function of the male partner. Aim.- The aim of this study was to determine male sexual function in partners of women who had undergone sling insertion for stress urinary incontinence and who developed sling erosion postoperatively. Main Outcome Measures.- Main outcome measures were the Brief Male Sexual Function Inventory (BMSFI) and visual analog scale (VAS) scores. Methods.- Male partners of patients who presented with sling erosion ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The optimal management of men with very favorable clinicopathological factors who develop biochemical recurrence (BCR) after radical prostatectomy (RP) has not been previously reported. Both local and systemic recurrences are unlikely in this cohort. This study examines their management and outcomes. Between October 2000 to March 2010, 1627 men underwent open RP by a single surgeon. In all, 448 (27.5%) met the following criteria for extremely low risk disease: preoperative PSA level <10?ng?ml?1, clinical stage T1c/T2a, Gleason score ?6, estimated cancer volume in the surgical specimen ?5% and no evidence for positive surgical margin. Undetectable PSA was defined as ?0.04?ng?ml?1. BCR was defined as PSA ?0.2?ng?ml&#...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Objective: Evidence from adults suggests that changes in thyroid function are associated with the development of bipolar disorder (BD) and severe mood dysregulation. A dysregulation profile based on the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL-DP) describes a phenotype with severe mood problems in youth. The present study investigated whether altered thyroid functioning in youths is associated with the severe mood dysregulation symptoms characterized by the CBCL-DP. Methods: We analyzed the thyroid function data from 262 children and adolescents (n=262 for serum TSH, n=148 for free triiodothyronine [fT3] and n=153 for free thyroxine [fT4]) with their CBCL-DP composite score. We created and compared high CBCL-DP and low CBCL-DP subgroups with regard to their serum TSH, fT3 and fT4 concentrations as w...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

In the post Genome era, the aim of behavior genetics has shifted from estimating the relative contributions of genes and environmental factors to (co-)variation in human complex traits, to localization of genes and identification of functional genetic variants. This special issue reflects this transition and presents fifteen papers that report on genome-wide linkage scans for complex traits in humans and on methodological tools and innovations. Six papers focus on cognition and report overlapping linkage peaks on chromosomes 6p and 14p. Papers on addictive behavior, i.e. smoking and alcohol dependence and its endophenotypes, find moderate LOD scores on chromosomes 6p, 5q, 4p and 7q, respectively. Three papers concentrate on emotionality, depression and loneliness and examine chromosomes 2q...

CERN Document Server

Term extraction is one of the layers in the ontology development process which has the task to extract all the terms contained in the input document automatically. The purpose of this process is to generate list of terms that are relevant to the domain of the input document. In the literature there are many approaches, techniques and algorithms used for term extraction. In this paper we propose a new approach using particle swarm optimization techniques in order to improve the accuracy of term extraction results. We choose five features to represent the term score. The approach has been applied to the domain of religious document. We compare our term extraction method precision with TFIDF, Weirdness, GlossaryExtraction and TermExtractor. The experimental results show that our propose approach achieve better precision than those four algorithm.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Through an unusual differentiation process, human trophoblast progenitors (cytotrophoblasts) give rise to tumor-like cells that invade the uterus. By an unknown mechanism, invasive cytotrophoblasts exhibit permanent cell cycle withdrawal. Here we report molecular cytogenetic data showing that {approx} 20 to 60 percent of these interphase cells had acquired aneusomies involving chromosomes X, Y, o r16. The incidence positively correlated with gestational age and differentiation to an invasive phenotype. Scoring 12 chromosomes in flow-sorted cytotrophoblasts showed that more than 95 percent of the cells were hyperdiploid. Thus, aneuploidy appears to be an important component of normal placentation, perhaps limiting the proliferative and invasive potential of cytotrophoblasts within the uterus.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Young children are at increased risk for valproic acid (VPA) hepatotoxicity. Urinary organic acid profiles, as a surrogate of mitochondrial function, were obtained in children 1.9 to 17.3 years of age (n = 52) who were undergoing treatment with VPA for seizure disorders. Age-matched patients receiving treatment with carbamazepine (CBZ; n = 50) and healthy children not undergoing treatment (n = 22) served as controls. Age-related changes in organic acid profiles were observed in all three groups. Although the untreated and CBZ control groups were indistinguishable from each other with respect to the principal-component analysis (PCA) score plots of the subjects, a distinct boundary was apparent between the VPA and each of the control groups. Interindividual variability was observed in the V...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Objective: Analyse the difference in school careers and secondary school qualification levels between unilateral hearing aid users and bilateral hearing aid users. Study design: Retrospective questionnaire study. Setting: Postal-based questionnaire. Participants: Names of adults known to have been fitted with unilateral or bilateral hearing aids during childhood were retrieved. This resulted in 292 names. Participants were selected using the following criteria: availability of the medical record, presence of bilateral hearing loss, completed secondary school education, normal IQ and a minimum aided word-recognition score of 70% at 10 years of age. The questionnaire was sent to 50 potential participants of whom 40 responded, resulting in two groups comprising 19 unilateral and 21 bilateral ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Objective To demonstrate clinical features of a patient subgroup presenting with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) without polycystic ovary morphology. Design Retrospective study. Setting Hospital-based IVF center. Patient(s) In the present study, 876 PCOS patients were selected from women who visited the Reproductive Medicine Center at Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, between September 2004 and October 2006. Women with PCOS were divided into two groups based on ultrasound image: group A, PCOS patients with classic polycystic ovary (n = 800); group B, PCOS patients without polycystic ovary morphology (n = 76). The following available data were analyzed in the large cohort of women: body height, weight, waistline, hip circumference, hirsutism scores, family history, serum s...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

SNAP25 occurs on chromosome 20p12.2, which has been linked to schizophrenia in some samples, and recently linked to latent classes of psychotic illness in our sample. SNAP25 is crucial to synaptic functioning, may be involved in axonal growth and dendritic sprouting, and its expression may be decreased in schizophrenia. We genotyped 18 haplotype-tagging SNPs in SNAP25 in a sample of 270 Irish high-density families. Single marker and haplotype analyses were performed in FBAT and PDT. We adjusted for multiple testing by computing q values. Association was followed up in an independent sample of 657 cases and 411 controls. We tested for allelic effects on the clinical phenotype by using the method of sequential addition and 5 factor-derived scores of the OPCRIT. Nine of 18 SNPs had P values <...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Analysis of the pattern of the chromosomal localization of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) is necessary for comprehensively understanding their functions. The chromosomal localization of QTLs controlling milk production traits has been studied in cattle chromosomes. The distribution of QTLs between chromosomes has proved to be binomial. Their distribution along each chromosome was, in general, uniform, except for the QTLs controlling the somatic cell score (SCS), which tended towards telomeric location. However, there are chromosomes either enriched with or particularly poor in QTLs. The QTL distribution patters are the most similar for the milk yield (M) and milk protein yield (P) and for milk fat yield (F) and milk fat content (%F). The pattern of the SCS QTLs stands out among those of ot...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Managing service quality is vital to retain customer satisfaction and augment revenues for any business organization. Often it is difficult to assess service quality due to lack of quantifiable measures and limited data. In this paper, we present a hybrid approach based on SERVQUAL and fuzzy TOPSIS for evaluating service quality of urban transportation systems. The proposed approach consists of three steps. The first step involves development of a SERVQUAL based questionnaire to collect data for measuring transportation service quality. The participants provide linguistic assessments to rate the service quality criteria and the alternatives. In step 2, the linguistic ratings are combined through fuzzy TOPSIS to generate an overall performance score for each alternative. The alternative wit...

Wastenet

... (I still say no to bags though if I can, even if it means the bus driver looks at me funny when I get on balancing a pie and bread roll on top of 18 better-than-half-price recycled toilet rolls - as happened on Tuesday night.) I know some cloth/nylon bags are designed to fold up tightly - either with poppers or a bag to keep them neat - so ...

Science.gov (United States)

The maximum fissile fuel production capacity of three conceptual fusion breeder systems is examined on the basis of the dominant isotopic-balance processes. Compact relationships involving system power output, plasma and energy multiplication, and parameters which describe the fuel cycle and neutron spectrum in the blanket are established. It is found that the fusion breeder, as characterized herein, possesses a substantial fissile fuel breeding capacity the extent of which is governed primarily by the neutron spectrum in the conversion blanket and the break-even condition of the plasma.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper presents the Asian landscape with its regional balances and imbalances and its changes after September 11 and subsequent events. The nuclear posture and the role of nuclear weapons inside the China-India-Pakistan triangle is analyzed with respect to the US non-proliferation policy and its expanding military presence over the Asian continent. (J.S.)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The fundamental principles of coal gasification are discussed including the reactions, their course and influencing parameters. Said principles are illustrated considering heat balance as well as process performance. Coal gasification processes are presented which are under development on a pilot plant scale or which are approved on an industrial scale.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This EPRI sponsored report describes factors that influence the selection of drives in process industry. These factors include economics, safety aspects, speed control and the plant steam balance. Since the economics play a key-role in the decision, this report provides a quick way of estimating the economics of replacing steam turbines with electric motors. The tools to carry out economic analyses have been provided in the form of graphs and nomographs for quick estimation.

Wastenet

... News In Practice UK work Key facts & information Mass Balance Projects Resources & Library Technical Area Contacts Site Map Benchmarking solvent waste in the UK furniture manufacturing industry OrganisationBritish Furniture Manufacturers Ltd Project ReportSolvent Waste in Furniture Manufacturing Website: www.bfmenvironment.co.uk Return to list � RSWT | Website Design Quiet Storm Solutions Ltd Please consider upgrading your browser! If you can see this ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The purpose of this paper is to describe instrumentation and control (I C) system improvements at Experimental Breeder Reactor 11 (EBR-11). The improvements are focused on three objectives; to keep the reactor and balance of plant (BOP) I C systems at a high level of reliability, to provide diagnostic systems that can provide accurate information needed for analysis of fuel performance, and to provide systems that will be prototypic of I C systems of the next generation of liquid metal reactor (LMR) plants.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Water transport in the ionomeric membrane, typically Nafion{reg_sign}, has profound influence on the performance of the polymer electrolyte fuel cell, in terms of internal resistance and overall water balance. In this work, high resolution neutron imaging of the Nafion{reg_sign} membrane is presented in order to measure water content and through-plane gradients in situ under disparate temperature and humidification conditions.

Science.gov (United States)

In November 1998, President Clinton charged the National Bioethics Advisory Commission with the task of conducting a thorough review of the issues associated with human stem cell research, balancing all ethical and medical considerations. The President's ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

An austenitic alloy having good thermal stability and resistance to sodium corrosion at 700.degree. C. consists essentially of 35-45% nickel 7.5-14% chromium 0.8-3.2% molybdenum 0.3-1.0% silicon 0.2-1.0% manganese 0-0.1% zirconium 2.0-3.5% titanium 1.0-2.0% aluminum 0.02-0.1% carbon 0-0.01% boron and the balance iron.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The metabolism of organic matter in the coastal regions of the ocean may significantly affect the oceanic carbon budget. This paper describes the high percentage (30%) of oceanic oxidation that occurs in coastal areas and the impact of this metabolism on the carbon cycle and climate of earth. Organic metabolism in the ocean appears to be a source of carbon dioxide release into the atmosphere. Oxidation in the coastal zone is of special interest, as it is likely influenced by anthropogenic activity. Recommendations for future research on this topic are proposed. 129 refs., 2 figs., 6 tabs.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

''Climates of the Oceans'' deals with the atmosphere over the world oceans and provides a treatment not only of the climatic elements such as temperature, pressure, wind, precipitation etc., but also of the circulation of the atmosphere and its changes throughout the year. The connection between sea and overlying air is examined through studies of the water and heat balance. Numerous maps and tables illustrate the elements and their fluctuations over the water and on islands and coasts.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This work provides an overview of existing plants in Europe and describes the substrates being used. It focuses on the individual farm-scale and community plants, as these are the two main types now being built. It also describes plants currently under construction, especially in Germany and Denmark, where the major efforts are focused. A description of how the technique has developed over the past few years, its current state of development, the motivation and economic balance, and the substrate characteristics, is presented.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1 - Description of program or function: This library for fusion neutronics calculations, to be used in conjunction with the TRANSX code, is the MATXS format version of ZZ-GEFF-2-GENDF from which it has been derived by means of the MATXSR NJOY module. It has a 175 neutron, 42 photon VITAMIN-J group structure with the standard weighting function: Maxwellian (at the temperature to which the material is referenced) + 1/E + fission spectrum + 1/E + fusion peak + 1/E. It includes 93 materials from 1-H-1 to Bi-209 - almost all from EFF-2 basic data; but Ag-107, Ag-109, natural Cd, the 6 Hf isotopes and the 4 W isotopes have been taken from JEF-2.2 - at 3 temperatures and 6 dilution cross section values; 10 thermal groups are provided below 3 eV. Neutron cross sections and diffusion matrices, photon and gas production, kerma and DPA are given. The library includes H in H2O, metallic Be and Graphite for which an accurate treatment with S(alpha, beta) matrices has been provided for the thermal ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of diabetic myocardial damage (suspected myocardial damage; SMD) diagnosed by [sup 201]Tl-SPECT and diabetic cardiac autonomic neuropathy (AN) on myocardial MIBG uptake in patients with NIDDM. Eighty-seven diabetic patients divided into four subgroups: 23 with SMD (+) AN (+); 19 with SMD (+) AN (-); 27 with SMD (-) AN (+); 18 with SMD (-) AN (-), and 10 controls were studied. Both planar and SPECT images were taken at 30 minutes (early) and 3 hours (delayed) after [sup 123]I-MIBG injection. The heart to mediastinum uptake ratio (H/M) and washout ratio of [sup 123]I-MIBG (WR) were obtained from both planar images. Similarly, the difference between the [sup 201]Tl image and the [sup 123]I-MIBG image in the total uptake score (TUS) was taken as the difference in the total uptake score ([Delta]TUS) representing cardiac sympathetic denervation without SMD. On both early and delayed planar ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

To evaluate the predictive factors for treatment response and prognostic factors affecting survival outcomes after concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) for patients with anal squamous cell carcinoma. Medical records of forty two patients with histologically confirmed analsquamous cell carcinoma, who had complete CCRT between 1993 and 2008, were reviewed retrospectively. Median age was 61.5 years (39-89 years), and median radiotherapy (RT) dose was 50.4 Gy (30.0-64.0 Gy). A total of 36 patients had equal to or less than T2 stage (85.7%). Fourteen patients (33.3%) showed regional nodal metastasis, 36 patients (85.7%) were treated with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) plus mitomycin, and the remaining patients were treated by 5-FU plus cisplatinum. The median follow--up time was 62 months (2-202 months).The 5-year overall survival, locoregional relapse-free survival, disease-free survival, and colostomy-free survival rates were 86.0%, 71.7%, 71.7%, 78.2%, respectively. Regarding overall survival, the ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Coronary angiography provides anatomical information whereas thellium myocardial scintigraphy measures resistive tissue perfusion. Because of this fundamental difference. The authors question the validity of using coronary angiography as the gold standard to judge thellium myocardial scintigraphy. The authors studied 20 patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary angioplasty who fulfilled the following criteria: (1) history of chest pain; (2) angiographically significant single vessel disease (>50% stenosis); (3) no prior myocardial infarction. All patients underwent maximal exercise thallium single photon emission computed tomography (T1-SPECT). Tl-SPECT was scored visually according to a 0 to 3 scale (0=absent uptake; 1=markedly decreased uptake; 2=minimally decreased uptake; 3=normal uptake). Translesional gradient and percent stenosis were measured before and after angioplasty. The authors found that significant linear relationship exists between ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Qualitative technetium Tc 99m bone scintigraphy using phosphate compounds and gallium 67 scintigraphy were described as a helpful means in diagnosing necrotizing external otitis (NEO). They were, however, claimed to be nonspecific. Quantitative Tc 99m methylene diphosphonate bone scintigraphy and gallium 67 scintigraphy were performed in eight patients with NEO and in 20 patients with severe external otitis, in order to prove usefulness of scintigraphy in the diagnosis of NEO. Ratios of lesion to nonlesion for bone scintigraphy were 1.67 #+-# 0.16 in patients with NEO and 1.08 #+-# 0.09 in patients with severe external otitis, and for gallium 67 scintigraphy they were 1.35 #+-# 0.24 in NEO patients and 1.05 #+-# 0.03 in patients with severe external otitis. There was no difference in uptake between diabetic patients with severe external otitis and nondiabetic patients. The scintigraphic studies were also evaluated using a qualitative scoring method ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Early white matter (WM) injury affects brain maturation in preterm infants as revealed by diffusion tensor imaging and volumetric magnetic resonance (MR) imaging at term postmenstrual age (PMA). The aim of the study was to assess quantitatively brain maturation in preterm infants with and without milder forms of WM damage (punctate WM lesions, PWML) using conventional MRI. Brain development was quantitatively assessed using a previously validated scoring system (total maturation score, TMS) which utilizes four parameters (progressive myelination and cortical infolding, progressive involution of glial cell migration bands and germinal matrix tissue). PWML were defined as foci of increased signal on T1-weighted images and decreased signal on T2-weighted images with no evidence of cystic degeneration. A group of 22 preterm infants with PWML at term PMA (PWML group) were compared with 22 matched controls with a normal MR appearance. The two groups ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Stargardt`s disease (MIM 248200), originally described in 1909, is an autosomal recessive condition of childhood, characterized by a sudden and bilateral loss of central vision. Typically, it has an early onset (7 to 12 years), a rapidly progressive course and a poor final outcome. The central area of the retina (macula) displays pigmentary changes in a ring form with depigmentation and atrophy of the retinal pigmentary epithelium (RPE). Perimacular yellowish spots, termed fundus flavimaculatus, are observed in a high percentage of patients. We have recently reported the genetic mapping of Stargardt`s disease to chromosome 1p13. On the other hand, considering that fundus flavimaculatus (MIM 230100) is another form of fleck fundus disease, with a Stargardt-like retinal aspect but with a late-onset and a more progressive course, we decided to test the hypothesis of allelism between typical Stargardt`s disease and late-onset autosomal recessive fundus flavimaculatus. Significant pairwise ...

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Twenty-six unclassified Campylobacter-like strains previously isolated from 15 chicken carcasses and caecal contents, together with two more strains isolated from chicken faeces on a different occasion, were identified as Helicobacter pullorum using various phenotypic identification methods. API Campy identification kits and a 16-test identification scheme developed for campylobacters failed to identify these bacteria, or identified them as Campylobacter spp. Eighteen strains (including the two isolated on a different occasion) were chosen for examination using a more comprehensive probabilistic identification scheme. Using this method, 14 of the 18 strains were identified as H. pullorum with ID scores > 95%; two strains were also identified as H. pullorum with lower ID scores. Of the remaining two strains, one was not identified with this scheme and the other was misidentified to the H, acinonyx pylori complex. Whole cell protein profiling ...

Science.gov (United States)

Eight of 100 normotensive children who had pyelonephritic scarring secondary to urinary infection and vesicoureteric reflux were found in an earlier study to have increased plasma renin activity (PRA). Because the risk of these patients becoming hypertensive is between 10% and 20% and because renin activity may play a part in the pathogenesis of the hypertension, PRA and blood pressure were studied in 98 of the original group after five years of follow up. Two patients could not be traced, and other factors that might influence blood pressure or PRA led us to exclude 13 others, 10 of whom were girls taking oral hormonal contraceptives. Increased PRA was found in 11 of the remaining 85 patients but not in five of the eight patients with increased PRA in the first study. Of eight children identified as hypertensive in the follow up study, only three had had increased PRA five years previously. In normal children PRA decreases with age. In the initial study this tendency was less ...

Science.gov (United States)

Background: Determinants of warfarin use and anticoagulation levels in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients have not been clarified thoroughly. Methods and Results: A total of 6,324 patients with non-valvular AF and congestive heart failure, hypertension, age, diabetes, prior stroke (CHADS(2)) score ?1 were used to investigate determinants of warfarin use, and 6,932 patients with AF receiving warfarin were used to investigate determinants of international normalized ratio (INR) of prothrombin time. Target INR levels for non-valvular AF patients were 1.6-2.6 for patients aged ?70 years and 2-3 for patients aged transient ischemic attack (TIA), and had higher CHADS(2) scores than those not receiving warfarin. Determinants of warfarin use were age (?60 years), AF type (persistent and permanent), and comorbidities (congestive heart failure, diabetes mellitus, and prior stroke or TIA). Use of antiplatelet drugs was a negative determinant of warfarin ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A novel two-phase flow management process useful for active thermal power rejection in space is introduced. The process serves as a condenser in a Rankine cycle and is applicable for thermal energy management needs in low gravity environments. Benefit is derived from the ability to utilize the high specific energy transport capability of two-phase flow, while not requiring mass-intensive solutions nor complex control strategies to maintain design energy balance integrity. Initial design calculations for a hypothetical space vapor cycle demonstration experiment were done and a steady-state computer model of the novel condensing process was created and used to evaluate its potential to maintain the design energy balance of the experiment. The experiment (approximately 28 kg) was a supercritical organic thermal loop operating between 500 and 400 Kelvin at a mass flow of 1 grain per second; using R-113 as the working fluid and rejecting all of its ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A study has been made of the reactor blockages occurring in the course of direct hydroliquefaction of Miike coal, Taiheiyo coal and Yallourn coal briquets in a tubular reactor. The liquefaction tests were carried out at 450 C under 24.6 MPa hydrogen pressure, with red mud and sulfur catalyst. From the observed balances for catalyst and coal ash, it was inferred that reactor blockages are due to sedimentation of catalyst and ash. The conditions for catalyst and coal ash run-off were determined after solvent and slurry flow rates had been altered to suit the type of coal being tested. It was found that ash run-off occurred more readily as the difference between the slurry flow velocity and the natural sedimentation velocity of red mud in the coal liquids increased. Even when ash run-off was occurring, however, the ash concentration of the slurry in the reactor was higher than the concentration in the feed slurry. This is taken as indicating that some of the solvent ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

When oxygen is limiting, animals can ferment glucose via several metabolic pathways varying in energetic efficiency and leading to various end products (such as lactate, succinate, or propionate). Because the pH dependence of H/sup +/ production by fermentation is opposite to that by hydrolysis of adenosine triphosphate formed in the fermentation, the total number of moles of protons generated is always two per mole of fermentable substrate. However, two and three times more adenosine triphosphate can be turned over per mole of protons produced in succinate and propionate fermentations, respectively, than in lactate fermentation. At its limit, this advantage would achieve the same balance between H/sup +/ production and H/sup +/ consumption during ATP cycling that is observed in aerobic metabolism, a situation observed in certain alcohol fermentations. Since proton balance during anaerobiosis is clearly adaptable, we consider possible impact ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The following parameters merit examination in determining the viability of process combinations: conceptual and technical soundness, environmental acceptability, energy balance, flexibility, costs, economic risk potential. The present contribution on this subject is not intended to take the place of or cover the scope of single-case studies. In practice, viability studies on process combinations have to deal with concrete plans involving precisely defined material flow balances, emissions, costs etc. The present paper therefore only presents the basic principles of this type of study. [Deutsch] Folgende Randbedingungen fuer sinnvolle Verfahrenskombinationen sind zu untersuchen: - konzeptionelle und technische Stimmigkeit, - Umweltvertraeglichkeit, - energetische Bilanz, - Flexibilitaet, - Kosten, - oekonomisches Risikopotential. Nun kann dieser Beitrag zum Thema keine Einzelfallbetrachtung ersetzen bzw. abdecken. Im Rahmen einer echten Pruefung ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

On June 19, 1998, after the first annual outage, Wolsung Unit 2 was shutdown at a controlled rate due to the continuous instability of Liquid Zone Control level. Investigation revealed that the Liquid Zone Control level instability was caused by water condensed inside the helium lines, generated from the moistened helium flow, especially, inside the helium balance header feed and bleed valve lines. It was found that improper installation of the diaphragm type isolation valves and the drain valve tap could easily contain the water inside the lines and be destined to form water traps causing the balance header pressure oscillation. After the lines were dried, Liquid Zone Control level instability was almost vanished, and approached the allowable equilibrium state. As the reactor power was increased, however, the zone level instability increased again. In order to compensate for the excessive, the Bulk Power Control Gain (Kp) was reduced to ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) operates a number of research and development (R and D) facilities for the Department of Energy on the Hanford Site. According to DOE Order 5400.1, a Facility Effluent Monitoring Plan is required for each site, facility, or process that uses, generates, releases, or manages significant pollutants or hazardous materials. Three of the R and D facilities: the 325, 331, and 3720 Buildings, are considered major emission points for radionuclide air sampling and thus individual Facility Effluent Monitoring Plans (FEMPs) have been developed for them. Because no definition of ''significant'' is provided in DOE Order 5400.1 or the accompanying regulatory guide DOE/EH-0173T, this FEMP was developed to describe monitoring requirements in the DOE-owned, PNNL-operated facilities that do not have individual FEMPs. The remainder of the DOE-owned, PNNL-operated facilities are referred to as ...

Science.gov (United States)

All first-stage experimental tests were completed for Task 4 (and the Contract). The first-stage one-liter autoclave tests that were made were duplicates of Run 41-LA. The conditions used were chosen last quarter to reduce the cost of the first-stage of the process from those used at the conclusion of Task 3. Filtration and second-stage tests were made using the products of the first-stage tests. Post-second-stage filtration, tested as an alternative to interstage (pre-second- stage) filtration, resulted in low filtration rates. Different catalyst loadings and type and residence time for second-stage hydrotreating were explored. Longer residence times did not result in significantly more resid conversion. Higher catalyst loadings were more effective in converting the resid at the same residence time. The material and elemental balances for the first-stage were completed. The material and elemental balances for the second-stage were initiated.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Melting in a cokeless cupola furnace fuelled with natural gas is a novel, energy-saving and environment-friendly process. In order to be able to monitor the processes inside the furnace with detailed mass and heat balances, an experimental furnace with an efficient measuring system was constructed in the framework of a research project financed by the BMFT and Messrs. Eisenwerke Dueker GmbH und Co. KG, Laufach, Germany. (orig./HS) [Deutsch] Das Schmelzen im kokslosen erdgasgefeuerten Kupolofen ist ein neues, energiesparendes und umweltfreundliches Verfahren. Um die Vorgaenge im Ofen mit umfassenden Stoff- und Waermebilanzen erfassen zu koennen, ist im Rahmen eines vom BMFT und der Firma Eisenwerke Dueker GmbH und Co. KG, Laufach, finanzierten Forschungsvorhabens, ein Versuchsofen mit umfangreicher Messeinrichtung gebaut worden. (orig./HS)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The paper studied a possibility of estimating characteristics of coal liquefaction residue from liquefaction conditions in the case of fixing coal kind in the NEDOL process coal liquefaction PSU. Wyoming coal was used for the study, and the already proposed simplified liquefaction reaction models were used. Among material balances explained by the models, those of asphaltene, preasphaltene, THF insoluble matters are concerned with residue composition. Ash content is separately calculated from ash balance. Reaction velocity constants of simplified liquefaction reaction models which influence the residue composition were obtained by the multiple regression method from experimental results in the past. The estimation expression of residue viscosity was introduced from residue ash/composition. When the residue composition is estimated by the model from liquefaction conditions, and the residue viscosity is obtained using it, the higher the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A novel direct calculation method of response matrices on heterogeneous lattices by using the Monte Carlo method is proposed. These direct response matrices (DRMs) can be used in core calculations in place of the conventional homogenized lattice constants. The DRMs are formalized by four sub response matrices (sub-RMs) in order to respond to a core eigenvalue, k; thus the DRMs can be re-evaluated on each outer iteration in the core calculations. The sub-RMs can be evaluated by analyzing each neutron's trajectory from ordinary lattice calculations with the Monte Carlo code. Since these sub-RMs are calculated directly under an actual complex assembly geometry, i,e., without a homogenization process, intra-assembly heterogeneous effects can be reflected on global partial current balance calculations. With using two of the sub-RMs, which deal with neutron production probabilities for each fuel pin, and the obtained partial current balance, ...

CERN Document Server

Up to now the long range filaments have been considered as a balance between Kerr focusing and defocusing by plasma generation in the nonlinear focus. However, it is difficult to apply the above explanation of filamentation in far-field zone. There are basically two main characteristics which remain the same at these distances - the super broad spectrum and the width of the core, while the power in a stable filament drops to the critical value for self-focusing. At such power the plasma and higher-order Kerr terms are too small to prevent self-focusing. We suggest here a new mechanism for stable soliton pulse propagation in far-away zone, where the power of the laser pulse is slightly above the critical one, and the pulse comprises super-broad spectra. For such pulses the diffraction is not paraxial and an initially symmetric Gaussian pulse takes parabolic form at several diffraction lengths . The stable soliton propagation appears as a balance ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The maximum fissile fuel production capacity of three conceptual fusion breeder systems is examined on the basis of the dominant isotopic-balance processes. Compact relationships involving system power output, plasma and energy multiplication, and parameters which describe the fuel cycle and neutron spectrum in the blanket are established. It is found that the fusion breeder, as characterized herein, possesses a substantial fissile fuel breeding capacity the extent of which is governed primarily by the neutron spectrum in the conversion blanket and the break-even condition of the plasma. (author).

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

A thermodynamic analysis of a hybrid geothermal heat pump system is carried out. Mass, energy, and exergy balances are applied to the system, which has a cooling tower as a heat rejection unit, and system performance is evaluated in terms of coefficient of performance and exergy efficiency. The heating coefficient of performance for the overall system is found to be 5.34, while the corresponding exergy efficiency is 63.4%. The effect of ambient temperature on the exergy destruction and exergy efficiency is investigated for the system components. The results indicate that the performance of hybrid geothermal heat pump systems is superior to air-source heat pumps.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper summarizes the U.S. Department of Energy R&D program in crystalline-silicon photovoltaic technology, which is jointly managed by Sandia National Laboratories and National Renewable Energy Laboratory. This program features a balance of basic an d applied R&D, and of university, industry, and national laboratory R&D. The goal of the crystalline-silicon R&D program is to accelerate the commercial growth of crystalline-silicon photovoltaic technology, and four strategic objectives were identified to address this program goal. Technical progress towards meeting these objectives is reviewed.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In order to ensure a power balance in an electrical network a spinning reserve has to be capable of activation within seconds. However, because of the need to vary the fuel flow in the steam generator, the run-up of output takes minutes. The required capacity response is therefore achieved by storage of steam from the steam generator. In this process the turbine control valves come into action in a specific manner. The paper describes the importance of the initial reserve for unit capacity control. (orig.).

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract This study presents a review of distributed model predictive control (DMPC) strategies followed by recent studies conducted by the authors on the robustness of these strategies to model errors and a summary of future challenges in this area. The review identifies three key challenges for the successful application of DMPC: (i) the selection of optimal control structure for DMPC; (ii) the choice of a suitable coordination strategy among the controllers; and (iii) the robustness of DMPC strategies to model errors. Then, the study summarises recent developments related to the robustness of unconstrained and constrained DMPC algorithms. For the unconstrained case, a methodology that is based on the calculation of a performance index is proposed to balance the trade-off between perform...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The paper presents the integration of the SIMBAD space charge module in the UAL framework. SIMBAD is a Particle-in-Cell (PIC) code. Its 3-D Parallel approach features an optimized load balancing scheme based on a genetic algorithm. The UAL framework enhances the SIMBAD standalone version with the interactive ROOT-based analysis environment and an open catalog of accelerator algorithms. The composite package addresses complex high intensity beam dynamics and has been developed as part of the FAIR SIS 100 project.

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Nonlinear distortion added by the loudspeaker in a hearing aid lowers the signal-to-noise ratio and may degrade the hearing aid user's ability to understand speech. The balancedarmature- type loudspeakers, predominantly used in hearing aids, are inherently nonlinear devices, as any displacement of the loudspeaker diaphragm inevitably changes the magnetic and electrical characteristics of the loudspeaker. A numerical time-domain model capable of describing these nonlinearities is presented. By simulation it is demonstrated how the output distortion could potentially be reduced significantly through careful design of the mechanical properties of the armature.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A thermodynamic model was used to estimate enthalpy of solution of carbon dioxide (CO_2) in methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) aqueous solutions. The model was based on a set of equations for chemical equilibria, phase equilibria, charge, and mass balances. Non-ideality in the liquid phase was taken into account by interaction parameters fitted to (vapor + liquid) equilibrium data. The enthalpies of solution of CO_2 were derived from the model using classical thermodynamic relations and were compared to experimental values obtained in previous works.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gasification and hydrogenation are the two basic routes for coal processing. Accounts are given of various low-temperature processes in coal gasification route A: air separation, removal of sour gas by the Rectisol process, liquid nitrogen washing, the material balance and utility consumption of these processes, plus low-temperature gas separation, partial condensation and methane washing. There are also accounts of the low-temperature processes involved in gasification route B: i.e., in the indirect coal liquefaction and direct liquefaction carried out in the Sasol II and III processes. (3 refs.) (In Japanese)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sessions covered economic and management, advance control technologies (including pulverized coal dynamic balancing-activator and control strategy by B. DeMarcy and X.Ollat), nuclear technologies, environmental (including purge considerations for seasonal SCR systems by D.P. Evely, NOx and heat rate supervisory control at NRG-Huntley operations by G Lange, comparison of gypsum dewatering technologies at flue gas desulfurization plants by B.A. Perlmutter, beta gauge particulate monitoring by J.L. Arnold), improving performance at nuclear power plants, network security, and emerging applications.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

When energetic heavy ions traverse a medium, the amount of energy deposited by the ions is closely related to their effective charges. The charge-state fractions of these beams are obtained by solving rate equations for the electron loss and capture processes. By assuming local balance between electron loss and capture, the charge-state distributions, the averge equilibrium charge q, and other properties are obtained as functions of the incident beam velocity. The LET (linear energy transfer) of Ne and Ar ions with energies between 0.01 and 100 MeV/amu is calculatedted using their average equilibrium charge.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. has developed a gas turbine combined cycle and cogeneration plant computer aided engineering (CAE) system, which creates cycle heat balance automatically on given configurations of gas turbines, heat recovery boilers, steam turbines and auxiliaries. The system can predict the performance of the plant as a function of control set points, loads, process steam requirements and ambient conditions, which enables accurate and fast design of gas turbine combined cycle and cogeneration plants. (author)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) imaging, contrast is dependent on the emission of radiofrequency waves by atomic nuclei, balanced by several parameters. The high information content of NMR images is due to the multiplicity of its parameters. However, this advantage introduces a difficulty in the interpretation of the contrast. There are three contrast parameters for each tissue: hydrogen nuclei density; relaxation time T1; relaxation time T2. Contrast may be enhanced towards any of these parameters by increasing the emission of radiowaves by atomic nuclei using particular pulse sequences.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Phelps N. A. Cluster or capture? Manufacturing foreign direct investment, external economies and agglomeration, Regional Studies.?This paper reviews the nature and significance of external economies associated with multinational enterprise (MNE) participation in the manufacturing industries of host economies. It argues that the balance of forces of internalization and externalization is currently skewed towards the former and the interests of MNEs rather than the latter and the interests of local and national communities and governments. A stylized comparison of developmental and competition state interventions in relation to MNEs and their foreign direct investment (FDI) suggests that in the absence of co-ordinated interventions by governments, there will commonly be a failure of t...

Environmental Research Database

DescriptionRates of ice accumulation in Antarctica are not known well, yet they are fundamental to assessing the ice sheet mass balance. Past accumulation rates are less well defined. We are in a unique position to provide detailed accounts of accumulation in Antarctica. We will measure isochronous internal layering across the ice sheet, which can be readily identified in radar data that we hold. Internal layers will be traced to ice-cores (allowing dating) and across wide regions of the ice sheets. A nume [continued...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Lung transplantation has become an accepted option for many patients with end-stage pulmonary diseases. Anesthesia and surgery following lung transplantation may be required for various diseases that may affect both systemic organs and the transplanted graft. When a patient with a lung transplant undergoes surgery, there is the potential for interference with lung function, depending on the type of intervention and its anatomical site. Accurate preoperative evaluation, an understanding of the physiology of the transplanted lung, proper airway instrumentation, individualized management of intraoperative ventilation, and fluid balance are essential for a positive perioperative outcome.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The humidification?dehumidification process is an interesting technique that has been adapted for water desalination. Previous works experimentally investigated desalination processes in the shell and tube columns, where the humidification and dehumidification were thermally coupled and simultaneously performed at the tube and shell sides, respectively. In this work, a comprehensive steady-state mathematical model was developed for such a humidification?dehumidification desalination process by taking into account the heat and mass balances on both sides of the desalting column, the mass transfer rate at the humidification side, and the heat transfer rate between the dehumidification side and humidification side. Meanwhile, the mass transfer coefficient at the humidification side and the to...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In the convolution/superposition algorithm, the energy spectrum should be modified to make the reconstructed dose distribution consistent with the measured dose distribution. The energy spectrum, which gives the best agreement, is not determined uniquely depending on the reconstruction procedure. In this report, the effects of the characteristics of the energy spectrum on the calculation accuracy are evaluated by comparing the percentage depth dose (PDD) and beam profiles for the reference energy spectrum with those calculated for the modified spectrum in order to optimize the energy spectrum modification procedure when 4 and 10 MV X-ray beams are used. Decreasing the number of energy bins brought a larger decrease rate in the computation accuracy than a decrease rate in computation time. Further, the decrease of the number of energy bins led to a change of the energy spectrum. The balance of the relative fluence weight in a each bin and its average energy, which ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The K site near Seoul began landfilling in 1992. The landfilled wastes include municipal solid waste (66.4%), construction residues (20.4%), water and wastewater sludges (trace levels), and hazardous waste (trace levels). The water content of the municipal solid waste is very high (47.3%); as a result, the leachate level (average E.L.) of the landfill, the design value of which is 7.0 m, was measured at 10.3 m in January 1995 and is increasing. The increase of leachate level in the landfill site causes a problem with slope stability. The leachate level at each disposal stage divided by the intermediate cover layer was calculated with the HELP (Hydrologic Evaluation of Landfill Performance) model and calibrated with the data measured from February 1993 to June 1995. Also, the hydraulic conductivities of the waste layer and the intermediate cover layer in each stage were calibrated continuously with HELP model analysis. To verify these results, the total water ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The upper range of the requirement for methionine plus cystine in healthy adults was proposed in 1985 by FAO/WHO/UNU to be 13 mg.kg body wt-1.d-1. To explore the validity of this estimate, five healthy, young adult men were given for 7 d a diet based on an L-amino acid mixture supplying 13 mg methionine.kg-1.d-1 (87 mumol.kg-1.d-1) without cystine. Constant intravenous infusions of L-[2H3-methyl-1-13C]methionine were given on days 5 and 7 while subjects were in the fed and postabsorptive states, respectively. Estimates were made of methionine oxidation, and daily methionine balance was derived from the intake-oxidation data. For the five subjects, methionine balances were -0.9, +0.7, +3.5, -3.1, and -3.8 mg kg-1.d-1, or -6, +5, +23, -21, and -26 mumol.kg-1.d-1. These findings lead to the conclusion that the upper range of the requirement for methionine plus cystine probably exceeds 13 mg.kg-1.d-1 in healthy young adults. The implications of ...

Science.gov (United States)

The family of natriuretic peptides consists of the atria natriuretic peptide (ANP), the cerebral natriuretic peptide (BNP), the type C natriuretic peptide (CNP) and the peptide isolated from the dendroaspis snakes' poison (DNP), whose presence in humans has not been confirmed. The physiological function of ANP is in the control of arterial blood pressure by regulation of systemic vascular resistance of blood vessels. BNP is produced as one of the factors in the acute response to inflammatory tissue damage, mainly in coronary vessels. Increased serum concentrations of natriuretic peptides have been found in stress situations, such as trauma or major surgery, systemic hypotension, and in intrinsic myocardial dysfunction. High concentrations of natriuretic peptides were observed in severe sepsis, septic shock and in multiple organ failure, probably due to increased secretion by mediators of the inflammatory process.The highest concentrations of ANP and BNP were found in lethal conditions. ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The synovial and bone uptake of tracer in the knees of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was quantified using "9"9Tc"m-hexamethyl propylene amine oxime-labelled leucocytes and "9"9Tc"m-methylene diphosphonate (MDP), respectively. Significant neutrophil migration and MDP uptake occurred in the knees of patients with RA irrespective of the disease duration. In all but one patient neutrophil migration was reduced after intra-articular steroid injection. The change in MDP uptake after steroid injection was variable. There was a significant correlation between the percentage reduction in neutrophil migration and pain score, while the latter correlated poorly with the change in MDP uptake. The quantification of the neutrophil component of the inflammatory process is a sensitive index for monitoring RA activity and response to pharmacological interventions, while quantitative bone scintigraphy should not be employed to monitor changes in joint inflammation in ...

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The document describes the outcome of the CSN/CIEMAT-00 interlaboratory test comparison among environmental radioactivity laboratories. the exercise was organised according to the ISO-43 and the ISO/IUPAC/AOAC Harmonized Protocol for the proficiency testing of analytical laboratories. the test sample was a soil containing environmental levels of K-40, Ra-226, Ac-228, Sr-90, Cs-137, Cs-134, Pu (239-240) y Am-241. the Universidad Autonoma de Barcelona prepared the material and reported adequate statistical studies of homogeneity. The results of the exercise were computed for 30 participating laboratories, and their analytical performance was assessed using the u-score approach. A raised percentage of satisfactory laboratory performance has been obtained for all the analysis, being the best performance in gamma measurements. The exercise has drawn that several laboratories have difficulties in the evaluation of combined uncertainty, mainly in analysis involving ...

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This report presents the results of the preliminary assessment (PA) conducted by Argonne National Laboratory at the Georgia Army National Guard (GAARNG) facility near Hinesville, Georgia, known as the National Guard Training Center (NGTC). Preliminary assessments of federal facilities are being conducted to compile the information necessary for completing preremedial activities and to provide a priority basis for completing corrective actions (where necessary) in response to releases of hazardous substances. The principal objective of the PA is to characterize the site accurately and determine the need for further action by examining previous site activities, types and quantities of hazardous substances utilized, and potential pathways by which contamination could affect public health and the environment. The scope of this assessment is limited to the facilities and past activities contained within the NGTC. Preliminary assessment site score sheet information is ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The purpose of the study was to optimise the technique employed for AP shoulder and lateral cervical spine examinations following an investigation into image quality, based on clinical assessment, and effective dose, calculated from patient entrance surface dose measurements. A study was therefore conducted in an attempt to determine whether the increased radiation dose to the patient following the introduction of an anti-scatter grid was justified by the level of improvement in image quality. The study, involving 100 patients, was able to demonstrate that the increase in radiation dose to the patient when using an anti-scatter grid for AP shoulder examinations is not justified by the improved image quality. A poor level of inter-rater reliability between the consultants scoring the lateral cervical spine images prevented a firm conclusion from being reached. The fact that all images were of diagnostic quality, however, suggested that the use of the anti-scatter ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We have exploited {open_quotes}progeny testing{close_quotes} to map quantitative trait loci (QTL) underlying the genetic variation of milk production in a selected dairy cattle population. A total of 1,518 sires, with progeny tests based on the milking performances of >150,000 daughters jointly, was genotyped for 159 autosomal microsatellites bracketing 1645 centimorgan or approximately two thirds of the bovine genome. Using a maximum likelihood multilocus linkage analysis accounting for variance heterogeneity of the phenotypes, we identified five chromosomes giving very strong evidence (LOD score {ge} 3) for the presence of a QTL controlling milk production: chromosomes 1, 6, 9, 10 and 20. These findings demonstrate that loci with considerable effects on milk production are still segregating in highly selected populations and pave the way toward marker-assisted selection in dairy cattle breeding. 44 refs., 4 figs., 3 tabs.

Science.gov (United States)

Background: In order to reconceptualize somatoform disorders (SFDs), the psychological characteristics of SFD patients are increasingly investigated. The cognitive style of magical thinking (MT) has not been studied so far in patients with SFDs. Sampling and Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 201 allergy workup patients were interviewed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV; they answered a set of self-report questionnaires including the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire subscale for MT and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ). The expression of MT was explored in 61 patients with SFDs compared to 140 patients without SFDs. Results: Patients with SFDs reached higher scores of MT, also when controlled for gender, depression, and anxiety. In particular, they stated more frequently that they were believers in telepathy (64 vs. 44%) and clairvoyance (43 vs. 16%). MT correlated only weakly with somatization/somatic symptom severity, depression, and ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Spices and packaging materials were exposed to gamma irradiation at a dose of 10 KGy. Luncheon was prepared with irradiated or non-irradiated spices. Prepared luncheon was packaged in irradiated or non-irradiated packaging materials. Packaged luncheon was treated with 2 KGy. Treated and untreated packaged luncheon were kept in a refrigerator (1-4 Centigrade) for 12 months. Microbiological, nutritive and chemical characteristics of luncheon were evaluated after processing and during storage; whereas, sensory quality was evaluated only after irradiation. Gamma irradiation decreased the microorganisms counts of spices, packaging materials and packed luncheon and increased the shelf-life of packaged luncheon products. No major differences in moisture, protein, fat, ph value, total acidity, lipid peroxide and volatile basic nitrogen were observed due to irradiation. Sensory evaluation showed that all the combination treated luncheon were acceptable regarding sensory quality. However, the ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Percutaneous coronary revascularisation [PCR] improves angina and health related quality of life [HRQOL] compared to standard medical therapy. It is unknown whether PCR has the same benefits for patients with a history of CABG. Over a period of 5?years, we assessed HRQOL of patients undergoing PCR using Part 1 of the Nottingham Health Profile [NHP] at baseline 3, 12 and 24?months. We compared HRQOL after PCR in 255 patients with CABG to 2680 without. There were more males [81.1% v 69.6% p?=?0.002] and older patients [mean age 60.1?years v. 58.0 p?=?0.03] in CABG group. Perceived HRQOL improved at 24?months for pain, energy and emotional reaction but the improvement was less in the CABG group. However, mean NHP scores at 24?months for those with CABG had returned to baseline levels for slee...

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This study develops a framework for analysis and assessment of the cost of ownership and use of major cooking appliances. This involved an assessment of the monetary cost as well as the cost of human resources required to maintain and operate cooking systems. The goal was to provide information useful in making purchase decisions within a framework that can be used to organize information about cost beyond the initial purchase price. Five cooktops - conventional electric oil, induction, solid element with thermostatic control, solid element with thermal limiter, and gas - and a microwave oven were used to develop a decision-making matrix. Results were used to assign weights in the matrix used to develop a 10-point scale that represented the total cost of owning and using a cooking system in food preparation. Based on the matrix, the microwave oven received the highest score followed by gas, conventional electric coil, solid element with thermostatic control, solid ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This study was aimed at evaluating CT sensitivity in identifying the signs of pulmonary cystic fibrosis (CF). The chests of 39 patients (16 males and 23 females, mean age 19.1 years) were examined by CT: all patients had been given a clinical score according to Schwachman and Kulckzycki criteria. Thickened bronchial walls were observed in all cases, which are typical of peribronchitis. Bronchiectases were present in 87% of cases; their extent, pattern and localization were exactly shown on CT scans. Bronchoceles were seen on CT scans in 64% of patients; less frequent was the finding of atelectases and subpleural bullous emphysema. In a great number of patients (64% and 82%, respectively) pleural thickening and hilar adenopathy were demonstrated on CT scans. In conclusion, our results confirm CT as a more sensitive method than conventional radiography to identify and locate the signs of pulmonary CF. The early identification of the lesions of high prognostic value, ...

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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 ...

Science.gov (United States)

OBJECTIVE To identify patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) who will need antenatal insulin treatment (AIT) by using a risk-prediction tool based on maternal clinical and biochemical characteristics at diagnosis. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Data from 3,009 women attending the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital GDM Clinic, Australia, between 1995 and 2010 were studied. A risk engine was developed from significant factors identified for AIT using a logistic regression model. RESULTS A total of 51% of GDM patients required AIT. Ethnicity, gestation at diagnosis, HbA(1c), fasting and 60-min glucose oral glucose tolerance test, BMI, and diabetes family history were significant independent determinants of AIT. Notably, only 9% of the attributable risk for AIT can be explained by the clinical factors studied. A modeled risk-scoring system was therefore a poor predictor of AIT. CONCLUSIONS Baseline maternal characteristics including HbA(1c) alone cannot predict the ...

Science.gov (United States)

SNAP25 occurs on chromosome 20p12.2, which has been linked to schizophrenia in some samples, and recently linked to latent classes of psychotic illness in our sample. SNAP25 is crucial to synaptic functioning, may be involved in axonal growth and dendritic sprouting, and its expression may be decreased in schizophrenia. We genotyped 18 haplotype-tagging SNPs in SNAP25 in a sample of 270 Irish high-density families. Single marker and haplotype analyses were performed in FBAT and PDT. We adjusted for multiple testing by computing q values. Association was followed up in an independent sample of 657 cases and 411 controls. We tested for allelic effects on the clinical phenotype by using the method of sequential addition and 5 factor-derived scores of the OPCRIT. Nine of 18 SNPs had P values Irish family sample. Although we failed to replicate this in an independent sample, this gene should be further tested in other samples. PMID:19806613

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Some diagnostics at the National Ignition Facility (NIF), including the Gamma Reaction History (GRH) diagnostic, require multiple channels of data to achieve the required dynamic range. These channels need to be stitched together into a single time series, and they may have non-uniform and redundant time samples. We chose to apply the popular cubic smoothing spline technique to our stitching problem because we needed a general non-parametric method. We adapted one of the algorithms in the literature, by Hutchinson and deHoog, to our needs. The modified algorithm and the resulting code perform a cubic smoothing spline fit to multiple data channels with redundant time samples and missing data points. The data channels can have different, time-varying, zero-mean white noise characteristics. The method we employ automatically determines an optimal smoothing level by minimizing the Generalized Cross Validation (GCV) score. In order to automatically validate the ...

CERN Document Server

Email Retrieval task has recently taken much attention to help the user retrieve the email(s) related to the submitted query. Up to our knowledge, existing email retrieval ranking approaches sort the retrieved emails based on some heuristic rules, which are either search clues or some predefined user criteria rooted in email fields. Unfortunately, the user usually does not know the effective rule that acquires best ranking related to his query. This paper presents a new email retrieval ranking approach to tackle this problem. It ranks the retrieved emails based on a scoring function that depends on crucial email fields, namely subject, content, and sender. The paper also proposes an architecture to allow every user in a network/group of users to be able, if permissible, to know the most important network senders who are interested in his submitted query words. The experimental evaluation on Enron corpus prove that our approach outperforms known email retrieval ...

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The aim of this work was the examination of the coarse grain recrystallisation of the {gamma}-free ODS nickel-based alloy PM 1000 depending on the various parameters due to the processing during heat treatment. After isotropic hot compacting (HIP) of the mechanically alloyed powder, one observes a homogeneous sub-microscopic fine grain structure which can coarsen during high temperature heat treatment, due to sufficiently high driving force from the grain boundary energy via abnormal grain growth to 600 times its size. The setting of the elongated high temperature resistant recrystallisation structure is, however, not connected with this. The dependence of the sucess of re-crystallisation on the re-forming parameters (re-forming temperature and degree of re-forming) was shown by a socalled re-forming card. In order to achieve re-crystallisation to a coarse and aligned grain structure, apart from a certain absolute minimum degree of re-forming, the re-forming must ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Stockpile Stewardship Program (SSP) is a single, highly integrated technical program for maintaining the surety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile. The SSP uses past nuclear test data along with current and future non-nuclear test data, computational modeling and simulation, and experimental facilities to advance understanding of nuclear weapons. It includes stockpile surveillance, experimental research, development and engineering (D&E) programs, and an appropriately scaled production capability to support stockpile requirements. This integrated national program requires the continued use of current facilities and programs along with new experimental facilities and computational enhancements to support these programs. The Advanced Simulation and Computing Program (ASC) is a cornerstone of the SSP, providing simulation capabilities and computational resources to support the annual stockpile assessment and certification, to study advanced nuclear weapons design ...

Science.gov (United States)

This report presents the operating results for Run 243 at the Advanced Coal Liquefaction R and D Facility in Wilsonville, Alabama. This run was made in an Integrated Two-Stage Liquefaction (ITSL) mode using Illinois 6 coal from the Burning Star mine. The primary objective was to demonstrate the effect of a dissolver on the ITSL product slate, especially on the net C/sub 1/-C/sub 5/ gas production and hydrogen consumption. Run 243 began on 3 February 1983 and continued through 28 June 1983. During this period, 349.8 tons of coal was fed in 2947 hours of operation. Thirteen special product workup material balances were defined, and the results are presented herein. 29 figures, 19 tables.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The paper presents a computer-aided analysis of the combined use of ventilation and structural heat capacity and insulation as a means of saving air-conditioning power in digital telephone exchanges. It is shown that such savings can be effected by increasing air change with outdoor cool air at night, and when feasible, also in daytime, through the air change unit, in a conventional airconditioning cycle. The total thermal time constant (TTTC) method of calculation used enables the evaluation of daily or seasonal heat-flow balance for a given indoor temperature, considering the tendency of the heat capacity of the building and of envelope components to flatten the fluctuations of this temperature.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Energy projects are extremely capitalistic and the costs involved have a significant weight on the balance sheets of companies. This paper describes the general rules of financing policies used by companies from the natural gas and petroleum industries: constraints (external and financial markets, partnership, warranties..); implication of financiers; risk analysis (political (nationalization, civil or military troubles, difficult transfer of profits outside the project..), financial (property developer, nature of the project, delay, cost overruns, performance, market..)); financial instruments (proper funds and debt, bankers and insurers, loans etc..). These rules are illustrated with several examples of recent projects of gas pipelines and exploitation of oil fields abroad. (J.S.)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The effects of the fluctuations of the Thai economy of the country's petroleum industry and the outlook for the future are discussed. Thailand witnessed enormous economic growth during the 1980s and the first part of the 1990s, but events since 1997 have caused it to stutter. However, the petroleum industry remains buoyant with measures to stimulate gas and oil production and moves to privatise and deregulate energy markets. Key statistics for Thailand, historical demand trends for petroleum, the impact of the 1997 Asian economic crisis, regulation of the Thai oil market, crude and condensate production levels, refinery capacity, new entrants to the refinery sector, the Thai refinery expansion programme, the product trade balance, the challenges of fuel reformulation and demand scenarios are considered.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A brief description is given of the physico-chemical parameters characterized a hot water geothermal reservoir and of its exploitation by means of single or coupled (doublet) wells. The technical aspects of geothermal heat to the users is then discussed, beginning with corrosion of materials caused by seven main agents: oxygen, hydrogen sulphide, carbon dioxide, ammonia, hydrogen, sulphates and chlorides. A brief mention is made of scaling due to calcium carbonate, silica and calcium sulphates. The basic components of a geothermal plant for non-electric uses are then discussed: production pumps, surface pipelines, heat exchangers, heat pumps and reinjection pumps. The advantages and disadvantages of the different equipment and materials used in the geothermal sector are also presented. A list is also given of the criteria used in the energy and economic balance of a geothermal operation. (author). 24 refs, 13 figs, 2 tabs.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In patients subjected to bone marrow transplantation the aggressive measures necessarily preceding this treatment lead to drastic metabolic changes which, in turn, are a cause of marked disturbances of homeostasis. The general preparatory measures in the form of cytoreduction by cytostatic drugs are broadened for leukaemic patients to include wholebody irradiation. During the study described here investigations were carried out into the resulting strain on the metabolism. One of the most essential changes observed in those patients was a nitrogen loss of up to approx. 20 g/day that occurred during the immunosuppressive phase. This was accompanied by markedly pronounced variations in fluid elimination, which partly were of an iatrogenic nature. An immediate and sufficient substitution of amino acids in connection with complete parenteral nutrition rapidly acted to compensate for the nitrogen losses, even though these could not be totally reversed to achieve a positive nitrogen ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In this study the soil/vegetation/atmosphere-model based on the formulation of Deardorff was refined to hour basis and applied to a field in Vihti. The effect of model parameters on model results (energy fluxes, temperatures) was also studied as well as the effect of atmospheric conditions. The estimation of atmospheric conditions on the soil-vegetation system as well as an estimation of the effect of vegetation parameters on the atmospheric climate was estimated. Areal surface fluxes, temperatures and moistures were also modelled for some river basins in southern Finland. Land-use and soil parameterisation was developed to include properties and yearly variation of all vegetation and soil types. One classification was selected to describe the hydrothermal properties of the soils. Evapotranspiration was verified against the water balance method

Wastenet

... Project Details Title: Influence of increasing droplet concentrations on properties of stratocumulus clouds and climate Supervisor: Dr Alan Gadian Funded by: Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Start date: October 2006 My project involves use of the UK Met Office Unified Model (UM) to calculate the global effect of modifying stratocumulus droplet concentrations on the earth's radiation balance, as well as use of ... Publications Latham, J; Rasch, P; Chen, CC; Kettles, L; Gadian, A; Gettelman, A; Morrison, H; Bower, K; Choularton, T (2008) Global temperature stabilization via controlled albedo enhancement of low-level maritime clouds, Philos. Trans. Roy. Soc. A, 366(1882), pp3969-3987. doi:10.1098/rsta.2008.0137 Current Students | Internal ...