In the paper six cases of facial osteomyelitis as a complication of chronic sinusitis in hemophiliac-AIDS patients are reported. Osteomyelitis was suggested by an increasing of erythrocyte sedimentation rate. The diagnosis was confirmed by a positive {sup 99m} Tc MDP scintigraphy. The patients were submitted to clinical treatment. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate and 67-gallium citrate scans were used in the follow-up of the therapy. Three patients had negative gallium after three weeks of organism-specific antibiotic therapy; in two patients the gallium scintigraphy remained positive. One patient did not undergo the radionuclide scan for this clinical conditions. These results suggest that MDP scans showed higher sensitivity and specificity in detection of bone disease in chronic sinusitis. Gallium scans appeared to be valuable tool in the follow-up of the infection. There are no reports in the literature of osteomyelitis as a complication of chronic sinusitis ...
When an animal is exposed to a sufficient amount of radiation, there will be changes in many organs of the body, and as a result of either the effects in one particular organ or the interaction of effects in several organs, the animal as a whole will show...
This symposium about electric operational and expansion planning presents several articles that approaches issues such as, monitoring the power system stability, electrical load modelling, reliability in power systems, optimization in power systems, integrated resources planning in power systems, reactive control through static compensators, power flow analysis, system modelling, etc
The bath of a manganese sulfate (BMS) is a system for absolute standardization of the neutron sources. This work establishes a functional relationship based on semi-empirical methods for the theoretical prediction of physical density values, concentration and rate between the hydrogen and manganese atoms presents in the solution of the BMS
In many parts of the United States, as well as other regions of the world, competing demands for fresh water or water suitable for desalination are outstripping sustainable supplies. In these areas, new water supplies are necessary to sustain economic development and agricultural uses, as well as support expanding populations, particularly in the Southwestern United States. Increasing the supply of water will more than likely come through desalinization of water reservoirs that are not suitable for present use. Surface-deployed seismic and electromagnetic (EM) methods have the potential for addressing these critical issues within large volumes of an aquifer at a lower cost than drilling and sampling. However, for detailed analysis of the water quality, some sampling utilizing boreholes would be required with geophysical methods being employed to extrapolate these sampled results to non-sampled regions of the aquifer. The research in this report addresses using ...
Mycobacterium xenopi is one of the most common agents responsible for nontubercolar mycobacterial pulmonary disease on AIDS patients. These lesions have been studied with conventional radiography while CT has been used in patients with aspecific mycobacterioses or non-AIDS pulmonary conditions from Mycobacterium xenopi. 12 AIDS patients were examined. They had pulmonary lesions from Mycobacterium xenopi, patients age ranged 30 to 46 years. All patients had CD4 blood levels lower than 250 cells/mL and Mycobacterium xenopi in the sputum. All patients underwent a standard chest radiograph and a CT examination. CT images were evaluated by three radiologists independently and the definitive diagnosis was made in the presence of a fourth radiologist. Chest CT showed parenchymal consolidation in 66% of cases, associated with bilateral basal bands in 16% of cases. Consolidation was unilateral in 41% of cases and most frequently ...
This paper presents the experience faced by people who works in PETROBRAS Business Unit (UN-RNCE), located in Rio Grande do Norte Province, Brazil, during the implementation of a pipeline leak detection system. That application involved nine multiphase oil pipelines distributed along several production facilities. Because of the emergency after the leakage that polluted the Guanabara bay and due to the two phases and multi phases pipelines characteristics, the UN-RNCE decided to apply the Pressure Point Analysis (PPA) technology in order to detect leakages. It is a statistical method for leak detection e uses a very simple instrumentation which facilitates the installation and maintenance. However, in order to get the best performance of the system, it is necessary to know thoroughly the whole process and have a fast and reliable SCADA system for long distance communication. Finally it will be shown the test results, the recommendations to expand the system and the conclusions. ...
In this work was made an assessment of the supramolecular structures presents into human breast tissue normal and pathological samples, as well as into two types of animals samples (tendon chicken and pork fat) using the small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) technique. The scattering profiles of the samples were determined at the momentum transfer range O.150nm{sup -1}<=5:q(=4pi.sin({theta}/2)/{lambda})<=8.500nm{sup -1}. In this range, it was possible identify structures corresponding to collagen fibrils (glandular tissue) and to triacylglycerides (adipose tissue) from the correlation between the information extracted from the human breast tissues scattering profiles and those extracted from animals samples. (author)
This paper deals with the energy required to separate ethanol from an aqueous solution in a distillation column containing a solid phase. The solid phases evaluated consisted of either an amylatious (ground corn) or a cellulose (sugar cane bagasse) absorber whit particle sizes smaller than 4 mm. The water-retention capacity of each solid phase was measured by passing vapors or ethanol-water mixtures through the solid phase. When starting with initial concentrations bellow the azeotropic point, ethanol concentrations up to 99,5% (on corn) and 97,2% (on sugar cane) were achieved. The water content was evaluated potentiometrically (Karl`Fischer). Regarding the 2-4 mm ground corn solid phase column, the energy consumed was estimated to be reduced by 15,6% and 60% (by weight) ethanol-water mixture respectively. (author) 11 refs., 2 figs., 2 tabs
Biodiesel can be produced from numerous materials, including by-products of animal chain. In this scenario, the chicken's oil, that is located and an environment not explored for biodiesel production, can be a good alternative in South and Southeast Brazilian Region, where they are slaughtered around 9.100.000 chickens per day. In order to determine the specific consumption from a generator set with single cylinder 6.6 kW of power and generation capacity of 5 kW, using chicken oil biodiesel (B-100), were performed the bench test using a auxiliary tank, precision scale and an energy analyzer. Were conducted four treatments (25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of generating capacity). The worst SC was the engine at 25% of generation capacity (1.5 kW) and better with 75% of maximum load (3.75 kW) with a mean of 479.34 g kWh{sup -1}. By Turkey's test ant 5% probability there was a significant difference only for the first treatment. (author)
Red mud is a by-product of the alkaline extraction of aluminum from the bauxite and represents a renewed environmental problem due the significant annual throughput by the plants. In the present work, the pozzolanic properties of Brazilian red mud fired at 600, 700, 800 and 900 deg C were investigated by monitoring lime consumption using DTA analysis and Brazilian standard methodology NBR 5772 (1992). Products and kinetics of hydration were determined in cement pastes produced with 5 and 15% red mud using x-ray diffraction and DTA analysis. Compressive strength and capillary absorption tests were realized on mortars constituted by 5, 10 and 15% red mud in replacement of cement. When calcined at 600 deg C, the red mud develops good pozzolanic properties, and the compressive strength of mortars produced with this waste meet values in accordance with regulatory standard. These results shown than red mud can be used, in partial replacement of cement, as new construction material to produce ...
The success in developing of the oil industry operating in offshore-onshore terminals, connected by pipelines with the facilities of the coastal zone, can be attributed partially to the beach morpho dynamic monitoring. This study represents a solution to the concerns of the technical operations in coastal zones because it minimizes the impact of the petroleum production and it assures the environmental protection associated to the risks of the pipelines breaking. This impact type results mainly of the vertical and horizontal displacements of the beach, from the coastal dunes to the shore face. The mobility of the profile is associated to the magnitude of the sedimentary processes, which reproduce naturally or not, in scale of time that can vary among few days, years or decades. For the monitoring and interpretation of the beach profile mobility the following methods are recommended: calculation of the closure depth with base in the wave data; bathymetric survey with sled; calculation ...
In earliest works devoted to proton computed tomography it was shown that the advantage of pCT image reconstruction appears when the energy is close to the Bragg peak region, since the proton passes the object. This effect provided by the Bragg peak makes the computerized tomography with protons possible. However, when decreasing the initial proton energy, with the increase of the irradiation dose, there are two effects that work simultaneously in opposite ways. First, the energy loss of a proton in an object becomes bigger at small initial energy. At the same time decreasing of the proton energy results in the increase of the energy straggling, requiring a larger number of protons. In this work the radiation dose dependence on the proton initial energy was studied using analytical formulas and computer simulations. The investigation determined that the radiation dose practically does not depend on the initial energy, except in the energy region very close to the minimum energy ...
The use of medicinal plants in the treatment of diseases has increased significantly in the last years, as has research concerning chemical characterization of these plants. In this study, inorganic constituents were determined in leaves and in extracts from three medicinal plant species of the Casearia genus (C. sylvestris, C. decandra and C. obliqua) collected in distinct regions of the Atlantic Forest, SP. The elemental compositions of the soils in which these plants were grown were also determined. Traditionally, these plants are used due to their antiinflammatory, antiacid, antiseptic and cicatrizing properties. The antiulcer and the antitumor activities of the Casearia genus and its capacity to neutralize snake and bee venoms, have also been scientifically confirmed. The analytical methodology used was neutron activation analysis. Long and short irradiation periods of the samples and the standards were carried out at IPEN's IEA-R1 nuclear research reactor. In the leaf K ...
Profile of aid statistics to Pakistan. Shows the amount of aid received, the major donors and the form in which the majority of the aid is given. Especially useful when compared to the aid profile of similar countries. Shows that ODA accounts for about 1.5% of Pakistani GDP and that it is distributed over various sectors.
The Environmental Management System (EMS) is an instrument to manage the interaction between the organization and the environment. The scope od EMS is to reduce the environmental impact and to achieve improvements in overall performances. In particular, the focus point of EMS implementation is the method for identifying and assessing significant environmental aspects. This paper presents a review of methods and techniques existing in this area, and the definition of the state of the art. The results of the literature, regulation and case studies reviews have shown that rigorous, repeatable and transparent methodologies do not exist.
Numerical calculations of static, switched, and radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic (EM) fields considering the geometry and EM properties of the human body are used increasingly in MRI to explain...Full Text Available
The performance of four different organic coating systems applied to carbon and weathering steel coupons has been assessed in this investigation. applied on the surface of carbon steel and weathering steel coupons. The coupons have been evaluated using five different tests, three field tests and two accelerated tests. The field tests were carried out at three atmospheric stations, located at COSIPA in Cubatao-SP, at Alto da Serra in Cubatao-SP and at Paula Souza in Sao Paulo city. The accelerated tests consisted of (a) exposure to alternate cycles of ultraviolet radiation/condensation combined with salt spray cycles (UVCON combined with Salt Spray) and of (b) exposure to alternate cycles of ultraviolet radiation/condensation combined with the Prohesion test. The performance of the coatings was assessed by visual observation and photographs, using a method based on ASTM D-610, ASTM D-714 and ASTM-1654 standards to rank them. The oxide phases formed on the surfaces ...
The aim of this study was to investigate whether sub-ablative pulsed C0{sub 2} laser (1 0,6 {mu}m) irradiation is capable of reducing the susceptibility of the dental enamel to demineralization, and thus achieving a potential caries-protective effect. The crowns of 51 bovine front teeth, embedded in acrylic resin and polished until exposure of flat enamel surface, were used. The samples were cut in cubes of 10x10 mm, and totally coated with acid-resistant nail varnish, except for an enamel exposed window of 16 mm square. Three groups (n=17) were obtained: control group (CG) not irradiated; group laser A (LA) and group laser B (LB) where the samples were irradiated. The conditions were 60 mJ, 100 Hz, 0,3 J/cm{sup 2} for LA and 135 mJ, 10 Hz, 0,7 J/cm{sup 2} for LB. Two samples of each group were submitted to SEM analysis and fifteen to demineralization in 3 ml acetate buffer solution (0,1 mol/L) with pH 4,5 for 24h at 37 deg C, with regular agitation. After the specimens were removed ...
The U.S. Department of Energy Environmental Management's (DOE-EM) investments in science and technology, as well as science and technology investments associated with other parts of the DOE are aimed at meeting the Departments cleanup goals. These investments, primarily focused on EM's cleanup mission, comprise the Environmental Quality Research and Development (R&D) portfolios. Synchronizing EM's Cleanup Project Managers (operations facility and process owners throughout the DOE complex) operational needs with EM R&D including the extensive work of the six Focus Areas (major thrust areas within DOE-EM) has been a continuing challenge. This recent initiative to better integrate the R&D program is in response to evolving needs within the Department to apply proven system engineering methods to clarify requirements and define ...
We present a femtosecond Laser Two-Photon Polymerization (LTPP) system of large scale three-dimensional structuring for applications in tissue engineering. The direct laser writing system enables fabrication of artificial polymeric scaffolds over a large area (up to cm in lateral size) with sub-micrometer resolution which could find practical applications in biomedicine and surgery. Yb:KGW femtosecond laser oscillator (Pharos, Light Conversion. Co. Ltd.) is used as an irradiation source (75 fs, 515 nm (frequency doubled), 80 MHz). The sample is mounted on wide range linear motor driven stages having 10 nm sample positioning resolution (XY--ALS130-100, Z--ALS130-50, Aerotech, Inc.). These stages guarantee an overall travelling range of 100 mm into X and Y directions and 50 mm in Z direction and support the linear scanning speed up to 300 mm/s. By moving the sample three-dimensionally the position of laser focus in the photopolymer is changed and one is able to write complex 3D ...
After more than a decade of the AIDS epidemic in Thailand, the number of children whose parents are living with HIV or have died from AIDS is increasing significantly and it has been reported that these...Full Text Available
Activation-induced deaminase (AID) initiates somatic hypermutation, gene conversion and class switch recombination by deaminating variable and switch region DNA cytidines to uridines. AID is predominantly...Full Text Available
A large percentage of patients with HIV/AIDS will develop dermatological complications. Consequently, all practising clinicians and pathologists in regions with a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS must be...Full Text Available
The neuromodulatory function of dopamine (DA) is an inherent feature of nervous systems of all animals. To learn more about the function of neural DA in Drosophila, we generated mutant...Full Text Available
A simple and cheap method is described for the manufacturing of individual positioning aids made of foamed polyurethane. Some examples are given to demonstrate the applicability of these positioning aids for the irradiation of different body regions. The reproducibility of the radiation field in the head and neck area was investigated with and without positioning aid. It was proved that the field is adjusted more exactly when positioning aids are applied. The dosimetric investigations performed showed a negligible influence of foamed polyurethane on the radiation quality. So the positioning aids could be left within the radiation field when drawing the field borders.
The paper investigates the yield and the role of the computerized tomography in diagnosing abdominal gunshot wounds, with their rich and varied radiological signs and associated injuries, and subsequently used in the diagnosis. [Italian] Scopo del lavoro e' riportare l'esperienza personale nell'uso della tomografia computerizzata per riconoscere le lesioni da arma da fuoco dell'addome e nelle fasi successive dell'approfondimento diagnostico.
Jun 16, 2011 ... The research is part of a team effort to help the hardwood sawmill industry automate with computer vision systems, and computer-aided or ...
The conceptual design of the support structures of the EM muon chambers is presented. On each side of the detector the EM chambers are arranged in four layers: one layer of MDTs and the three layers of TGCs. The chambers are mounted on four individual wheel structures per side. The four wheels are inclined by 1.23% and suspended from two longitudinal beams parallel to the beam axis. In order to allow for the opening of the ATLAS detector the wheels can be displaced longitudinally over a distance of 6 m. In addition individual wheels can be separated from each other by up to 1 m for maintenance purposes.
The Environmental Management System (EMS) is an instrument to manage the interaction between the organization and the environment. The scope od EMS is to reduce the environmental impact and to achieve improvements in overall performances. In particular, the focus point of EMS implementation is the method for identifying and assessing significant environmental aspects. The results of the literature and regulation reviews (Perotto 2006) have shown that rigourous repeatable and transparent methodologies do not exist. This paper presents a proposal method for identifying and assessing significant environmental aspects, that has all three of these important characteristics. In particular, the proposal methodology for assessing aspects is based on some criteria that are combined in a specific algorithm. It is important to specify that to make a correct application of the method a preliminary rigorous approach to investigating the ...
This Spanish-language master's thesis presents a study which measured special education teachers' knowledge of AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) virus transmission and their attitudes toward children with AIDS in schools. Attitudes were then related to social variables such as sex, teacher's age, and knowing someone with AIDS. A survey of 101 Oswego County, New York, special education teachers found that 52 percent had a moderate knowledge about AIDS transmission, and 48 percent of respondents had a positive perception of children with AIDS. Findings also indicated that teachers had received effective training and information about AIDS; teachers seemed to feel insecure about applying that knowledge to particular situations of possible risk; knowing people with AIDS provoked negative or inadequate perceptions of that population; ...
DOE`s Office of Environmental Management (EM) is responsible for managing waste and cleaning up contamination at DOE sites across the United States. A substantial fraction of the work performed for EM includes sampling and analysis activities. This paper outlines the Sample Management Programs, achievements to date, and future directions.
Differences of the deformation parameters for the 2"+_1 states of even-even spherical nuclei extracted from electromagnetic excitation #beta#sup(em)_2 and from proton scattering #beta#sup(pp')_2 are discussed. It is found that the ratio #beta#sup(pp')_2/#beta#sup(em)_2 is equal to about unity and that there is a small isotope dependence for several incomplete shell nuclei. (orig.).
The objective of this work is to verify whether the home-made teas form Brazilian plants, used for control of childish diarrhea have been efficient reaching the composition recommended by World Health Organizations (WHO). This work has been carried out using the neutron activation analysis and the TRIGA MARK I reactor, the IPR-R1, in the Centro de Desenvolvimento da Tecnologia Nuclear - CDTN. (author). 4 refs., 2 tabs.
The IEA has identified energy efficiency as essential to achieving a sustainable energy future. In order to improve energy efficiency in industry one of the priority areas for further action is the promotion of more and higher quality energy management (EM) activity. However, there are significant gaps in the current implementation of EM. One method of bridging these gaps would be the creation of an EM Action NetworK (EMAK) to bring practical support to energy managers, connect energy managers to energy policy makers, and interconnect these networks globally. The paper describes possible aims, activities, scope, structure, timelines and approaches related to EMAK and looks at specific tasks that would be important in the set-up and implementation.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Pollution Prevention (EM-77) created is successful internally competed program to fund innovative projects based on projected returns. This is called the Return-on-Investment (ROI) program. EM-77 conducted a successful ROI pilot, developed and implemented sound management practices, and successfully transferred the program to several Operations Offices. Over the past 4 years sites have completed 262 ROI projects (costing $18.8 million) with claimed first-year savings of $88 million and claimed life cycle savings exceeding $300 million. EM-77 requested that Oak Ridge National Laboratory perform an independent evaluation of the site-led, DOE-HQ-funded pollution prevention (P2) ROI program to assist the Department in determining whether claimed savings are real.
BackgroundHIV/AIDS is a major public health concern in Uganda. There is widespread consensus that weak health systems hamper the effective provision of HIV/AIDS services. In recent...Full Text Available
A 30-year-old man with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and Kaposi's sarcoma had a palpable thyroid mass and cervical lymphadenopathy. Nuclear medicine and ultrasound scans revealed multiple thyroid nodules. Results of biopsy showed Kaposi's sarcoma metastatic to the thyroid.
Activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) protein initiates Ig gene mutation by deaminating cytosines, converting them into uracils. Excision of AID-induced uracils by uracil-N-glycosylase...Full Text Available
Objectives:The human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) epidemic is in its third decade and has reached to alarming proportions worldwide....Full Text Available
The objectives of this study were to investigate the flocculation/flotation characteristics of combined sewer overflow through laboratory and field testing. The concept involves the introduction of chemicals and buoyant flotation aids into the overflow and the subsequent cofloccu...
The benefit of wearing hearing aids in multitalker, reverberant listening environments was evaluated in a study of speech-on-speech masking with two groups of listeners with hearing loss (younger/older)....Full Text Available
Objective:To assess the awareness and attitude of the general public toward people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Mangalore, a city in Coastal Karnataka.Full Text Available
Thirty-two patients with AIDS related complex (ARC) or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) underwent /sup 67/Ga scans as part of their evaluation. Three patterns of /sup 67/Ga biodistribution were found: lymph node uptake alone; diffuse pulmonary uptake; normal scan. Gallium-67 scans were useful in identifying clinically occult Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in seven of 15 patients with ARC who were asymptomatic and had normal chest radiographs. Gallium scans are a useful ancillary procedure in the evaluation of patients with ARC or AIDS.
We studied 129 AIDS patients with suspected or proved intracranial manifestations of the disease. The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic sensitivity of unenhanced and contrast enhanced CT and unenhanced T{sub 2}-weighted MR. Thus, in 20% of our patients MR but not CT was diagnostic. In another 20% MR provided additional diagnostic information. In conclusion, MR is recommended as the imaging modality of choice in AIDS patients with non-conclusive cranial CT. (orig./GDG).
It is shown that the available data on x, Q"2, and A dependence of nuclear structure functions and for their ratios (EMS effect) can be described in terms of the flucton model with rescaling of parton distributions in nuclei. The x, Q"2 and A dependence of nuclear structure functions in the cumulative range (x >1) is predicted.
The EMS effect is explained in the flucton model as a consequence of scale invariance violation. Nontrivial behaviour of the ratio between structural functions and production cross sections for lepton pairs for different nuclei at x > 1 is predicted.
Managing sites contaminated with munitions constituents is an international challenge. Although the choice of approach and the use of Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA) tools may vary from country to country, the assurance of quality and the direction of ecotoxicological research are universally recognized as shared concerns. Drawing on a multidisciplinary team of contributors, 'Ecotoxicology of Explosives' provides comprehensive and critical reviews available to date on fate, transport, and effects of explosives. The book delineates the state of the science of the ecotoxicology of explosives, past, present, and recently developed. It reviews the accessible fate and ecotoxicological data for energetic materials (EMs) and the methods for their development. The chapters characterize the fate of explosives in the environment, then provide information on their ecological effects in key environmental media, including aquatic, sedimentary, and terrestrial ...
A project on the title is a special study of TRC (Technology Research Center) Japan National Oil Corporation, which aims at developing a system collecting many data near well bottom while drilling. The project is a 3-year project from 1993 to 1995 succeeding to results of a project on real-time drilling control technology which was finished in fiscal 1992. This paper is a record in fiscal 1993. In 1993, the first year, TRC starts a joint study with relational enterprises aiming at utilizing an EM-MWD (electromagnetic-measurement while drilling) system practically. Based on the past fruit of the study, the EM-MWD system was applied to an highly inclined well or a horizontal well. A total system was constructed, which improved electromagnetic radiation transmission efficiency, and reliability, and workability. An electromagnetic radiation receiver system for an offshore drilling rig was developed. A well bottom tools of 6-3/4 inches outer ...
Multibeam backscatter imagery extracted from gridded bathymetry of Rose Island, American Samoa, South Pacific. These data provide coverage between 20 ... ...
N F Q k q V N h l b hs x j p bN t gX Y I r bN X U Y Fff c o t dA A p A DA2 AC7LAR A Ak VAwt A jA A A A t A bNA A A dZA A A A A A X A A M A LA A E A A wA V A A A A oA V A A oA M A...
LEW anti-DA kidney and DA anti-LEW kidney sera were assayed using an indirect 125I anti-immunoglobulin-binding assay with kidney homogenate as target. This allowed the full spectrum of antibodies to...Full Text Available
The 37/67 kDa laminin receptor (LAMR) is a multifunctional protein, acting as an extracellular receptor, localizing to the nucleus, and playing roles in rRNA processing and ribosome assembly....Full Text Available
We have cloned and characterized a 77-kDa oestrogen receptor (ER) from an oestrogen-independent subclone of the MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line. This receptor contains an in-frame, tandem duplication...Full Text Available
This document defines the services the Waste Sampling and Characterization Facility (WSCF) shall provide Effluent Monitoring (EM) throughout the calendar year for analysis. The internal memo contained in Appendix A identifies the samples Em plans to submit for analysis in CY-1995. Analysis of effluent (liquid and air discharges) and environmental (air, liquid, animal, and vegetative) samples is required using standard laboratory procedures, in accordance with regulatory and control requirements. This report describes regulatory reporting requirements and WSCF services and data quality objectives.
Abstract: The Hanford Tanks Initiative (HTI) is a five-year project resulting from the technical and financial partnership of the U.S. Department of Energy`s Office of Waste Management (EM-30) and Office of Science and Technology Development (EM-50). The HTI project accelerates activities to gain key technical, cost performance, and regulatory information on two high-level waste tanks. The HTI will provide a basis for design and regulatory decisions affecting the remainder of the Tank Waste Remediation System`s tank waste retrieval Program.
The Savannah River Site (SRS), one of several U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) facilities, produces nuclear materials for national defense and for other government and civilian uses. SRS ceased production of defense materials in 1988, and the site's main activities now involve waste management and environmental restoration. These programs have generated extensive effluent monitoring and environmental surveillance programs for the Environmental Monitoring Section (EMS), which performs #approx#105,000 radiological analyses on 30,000 samples a year. Gamma spectroscopy is performed on an estimated 10,000 samples annually. This report describes a program to develop and improve the EMS system.
In its beginning, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Environmental Management (EM) viewed private industry as lacking adequate technology know-how to meet demands of hazardous and radioactive waste problems at the DOE`s laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities. In November 1989, EM`s Office of Technology Development (recently renamed the Office of Science and Technology) embarked on a bold program of developing and demonstrating {open_quotes}innovative{close_quotes} waste cleanup technologies that would be safer, faster, more effective, and less expensive than the {open_quotes}baseline{close_quotes} commercial methods. This program has engaged DOE sites, national laboratories, and universities to produce preferred solutions to the problems of handling and treating DOE wastes. More recently, much of this work has shifted to joint efforts with private industry partners to accelerate the use of newly developed technologies ...
The spectrum of training aids used in the nuclear industry runs the gamut from the very basic (i.e., valve training aids - gate, globe, check) to the highly complex (i.e., nuclear full scope simulator). Designing and purchasing the best training aids take much time, detailed investigation, and good understanding of plant operations. The training aid that has given the New York Power Authority the best results has been the motor operator valve (MOV) trainer. Some of the items that make the MOV trainer a good choice are: (1) large number of MOVs in the plant, (2) importance of MOVs to safe plant operation, (3) detailed MOV procedures used by the plant, (4) history of MOV problems, and (5) ability to demonstrate important concepts and operation - hammer blow effect, torque and limit switch adjustment and functions, and actual sequence of operation of the limitorque valve operator.
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 ...
A survey was conducted to determine the sources of buildings energy conservation case studies and educational aids available in Canada. In total 785 consultants, educational institutions, building developers, manufacturers and government agencies were contacted. The results of this survey provide an indication of those agencies in Canada most actively involved with energy conservation in buildings, a listing of those agencies in Canada having case study information and/or educational aids materials available related to energy conservation in buildings, and a broad description of the subject area of the case studies and educational aids listed. The results of this study are intended to provide a source listing of energy conservation case studies and educational aids to the Buildings Energy Technology Transfer Program lead agencies and others conducting similar studies in the buildings sectors for use as ...
BackgroundGreen tea consumption has been shown to have cancer preventive qualities. Among the constituents of green tea, (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG)...Full Text Available
SummaryIn the classic example of the McGurk effect, when subjects see a speaker say /ga/ and hear a simultaneous /ba/, they typically perceive /da/, a syllable that was not presented...Full Text Available
The LW blood group antigens reside on a 42-kDa erythrocyte membrane glycoprotein that was purified by immunoaffinity and partially sequenced. From this information, a specific PCR-amplified DNA fragment...Full Text Available
Brucella abortus is a facultative, intracellular zoonotic pathogen which can cause undulant fever in humans and abortions in cattle. A 14-kDa protein of B. abortus...Full Text Available
Dopaminergic (DA) neurons of the mammalian midbrain exhibit unusually low firing frequencies in vitro. Furthermore, injection of depolarizing current induces depolarization block before high...Full Text Available
The cloned 135-kDa CryIC delta-endotoxin from Bacillus thuringiensis is a lepidopteran-active toxin, displaying high activity in vivo against Spodoptera litoralis and Spodoptera frugiperda larvae and...Full Text Available
BackgroundCD26 (dipeptidyl peptidase IV, DPPIV) is a 110 kDa surface glycoprotein expressed in most normal tissues, and is a potential novel therapeutic target for selected cancers....Full Text Available
A genomic clone that specifies a single polypeptide precursor for ricin, a toxic lectin of Ricinus communis (castor bean), was isolated, sequenced and Sl mapped. The gene encodes a 64 kDa precursor...Full Text Available
Reactor neutrinos play an important role in determining parameter theta_{13} in the lepton mixing (PMNS) matrix. Next important step on measuring PMNS matrix could be to build another reactor neutrino experiment in DaYa bay, China, to search the possible oscillations via sin^2 (2theta_{13}) and Delta m^2_{13}. We consider 4 different schemes for positions of three 8-ton detectors of this experiment, and simulate the results with respect to an array of assumed ''true'' values of physics parameters. Using three kinds of analysis method, we suggest a best scheme for DaYa-Bay which is to place a detector 2200m ~ 2500m symmetrically away from two reactors, and to put the other two detectors closer to their corresponding reactors respectively, almost at a 100m \\~ 200m distance. Moreover, with conservative assumption on the experimental technique, we construct series of allowed regions from our simulation results, and give detailed explanations ...
In the present investigation the performance of digital data acquisition (DA) and analogue data acquisition (AA) systems are compared in neutron-induced fission experiments. The DA results are practically identical to the AA results in terms of angular-, energy- and mass-resolution, and both compare very well with literature data. However, major advantages were found with the digital techniques. DA allows for a very efficient #alpha#-particle pile-up correction. This is important when considering the accurate measurement of fission-fragment characteristics of highly #alpha#-active actinide isotopes relevant for the safe operation of Generation IV reactors and the successful reduction of long-lived radioactive nuclear waste. In case of a strong #alpha#-emitter, when applying the #alpha#-particle pile-up correction, the peak-to-valley ratio of the energy distribution was significantly improved. In addition, ...
Computer-assisted analysis revealed a striking sequence similarity between the putative 24-kDa protein (p24) encoded by open reading frame (ORF) 5 of beet yellows closterovirus and the coat protein...Full Text Available
Confluent monolayers of microvascular endothelial cells, derived from the rat epididymal fat pad and grown in culture, were radioiodinated by using the lactoper-oxidase method. Their radioiodinated...Full Text Available
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.
Gallium imaging is increasingly being used for the early detection of complications in patients with AIDS. A 26-year-old homosexual man who was HIV antibody positive underwent gallium imaging for investigation of possible Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. Widespread cutaneous focal uptake was seen, which was subsequently shown to be due to mycobacterium avium-intracellulare (MAI) septicemia. This case demonstrates the importance of whole body imaging rather than imaging target areas only, the utility of gallium imaging in aiding the early detection of clinically unsuspected disease, and shows a new pattern of gallium uptake in disseminated MAI infection.
The method, use and results of computer-aided diagnosis of bone tumours and tumour-like skeletal abnormalities in childhood are described. One hundred and twentyone histologically verified cases were analysed and subjected to computer-aided diagnosis. Statistical methods were used, resulting in an accuracy of 96.7% and 91.7% respectively. In order to obtain additional confirmation of the diagnosis, a so-called growth rate was calculated by the computer. This proved to be a reliable criterion for evaluating the biological behaviour of tumours, irrespective of the histological diagnosis. The reasons for misdiagnosis were discussed. Attention is drawn to the importance of an accurate analysis of the radiographs and its input into the computer.
Several works about annual meeting of the Brazilian Chemical Society are present.The search for medicinal chemistry, natural products, biological chemistry, and organic chemistry are shown. Conventional methods and some techniques are discussed and developments of new methods of determining are studied. The use of new chemical compounds, materials, structures and chemical analysis are shown.
Isosteric heats and adsorption isotherms of methane on nanometer active carbon were measured at supercritical temperature (273-373 K) and pressure from 0 to 10 MPa. The measured data agreed well with Dubinin-Astakhov (DA) model at lower pressure but failed when pressure exceeded a special range. General Freundlich (GF) equation was used to modify the DA equation at high pressure and thus formed a combined bisection model GFDA. The adsorption mechanism of methane on nanometer active carbon was raised according to GFDA model and the heterogeneous energy distribution of the adsorbent was analyzed.
This work demonstrate the gasoline volatility influence, at T 10%, T 50% and T 90% distillation points, on the dynamic performance of Otto cycle engines equipped with fuel sequential electronic injection system, by using test standard procedures in dynamometer. For each distillation points three value ranges were established, giving the rise of 27 different gasoline mixtures. The effects of variation in each point on consumption, power and acceleration were verified.
Bone integrity and mineral status were studied with a noninvasive method in uremic patients with severe secondary hyperparathyroidism undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. [Italian] Gli autori propongono un metodo non invasivo per studiare la densita' minerale e le caratteristiche geometriche e biomeccaniche dell'osso nei pazienti uremici affetti da iperparatiroidismo secondario grave.
Let $\\A$ be an irreducible Coxeter arrangement and $\\bfk$ be a multiplicity of $\\A$. We study the derivation module $D(\\A, \\bfk)$. Any two-dimensional irreducible Coxeter arrangement with even number of lines is decomposed into two orbits under the action of the Coxeter group. In this paper, we will {explicitly} construct a basis for $D(\\A, \\bfk)$ assuming $\\bfk$ is constant on each orbit. Consequently we will determine the exponents of $(\\A, \\bfk)$ under this assumption. For this purpose we develop a theory of universal derivations and introduce a map to deal with our exceptional cases.
Observations of the Type II-P (plateau) Supernova (SN) 1999em and Type IIn (narrow emission line) SN 1998S have enabled estimation of the profile of the SN ejecta, the structure of the circumstellar medium (CSM) established by the pre-SN stellar wind, and the nature of the shock interaction. SN 1999em is the first and only Type II-P detected at both X-ray and radio wavelengths. It is the least radio luminous and one of the least X-ray luminous SN ever detected (except for the unusual and very close SN 1987A). The Chandra X-ray data indicate non-radiative interaction of SN ejecta with a power-law density profile (rho \\propto r^{-n} with n ~ 7) with a pre-SN wind with a low mass loss rate of ~2 \\times 10^{-6} Msun/yr for a wind velocity of 10 km/sec, in close agreement with radio mass-loss rate estimates. The Chandra data show an unexpected, temporary rise in the 0.4--2.0 keV X-ray flux at ~100 days after explosion. SN 1998S appears reasonably ...
We study from a critical perspective several quantum-electrodynamic phenomena commonly related to vacuum electromagnetic (EM) fluctuations in complex media. We compute the resonance-shift, the spontaneous emission rate, the local density of states and the van-der-Waals-Casimir pressure in a dielectric medium using a microscopic diagrammatic approach. We find, in agreement with some recent works, that these effects cannot be attributed to variations on the energy of the EM vacuum but to variations of the dielectric self-energy. This energy is the result of the interaction of the bare polarizability of the dielectric constituents with the EM fluctuations of an actually polarized vacuum. We have found an exact expression for the spectrum of these fluctuations in a statistically homogeneous dielectric. Those fluctuations turn out to be different to the ones of normal radiative modes. It is the latter that carry the ...
The US Department of Energy (DOE) established the Office of Technology Development (EM-50) as an element of the Office of Environmental Management (EM) in November 1989. In an effort to focus resources and address priority needs, EM-50 introduced the concept of integrated programs (IPs) and integrated demonstrations (IDs). The In Situ Remediation Integrated Program (ISR IP) focuses research and development on the in-place treatment of contaminated environmental media, such as soil and groundwater, and the containment of contaminants to prevent the contaminants from spreading through the environment. Using in situ remediation technologies to clean up DOE sites minimizes adverse health effects on workers and the public by reducing contact exposure. The technologies also reduce cleanup costs by orders of magnitude. This report summarizes project work conducted in FY 1994 under the ISR IP in three major areas: treatment ...
Taiwan has completed a very successful five-year industrial waste minimization (IWM) demonstration and promotion project sponsored by the government. From 1990 to 1995, the project successfully disseminated the IWM concept of pollution prevention (P2) to industries. It effectively reduced industrial waste while significantly benefitting the economy by assisting industries in implementing in-plant IWM programs. In July 1995, the second stage of the five-year IWM and ISO 14000 promotion project was initiated for further promoting the IWM, P2, and cleaner production and, in particular, coping with the upcoming international environmental management standards (ISO 14000). To assist industries in establishing an environmental management system (EMS) and accumulating related experience, an EMS pilot demonstration project of five model industries and an ISO 14001 EMS demonstration and promotion project for 22 factories in 13 ...
BackgroundThe WINPEPI computer programs for epidemiologists are designed for use in practice and research in the health field and as learning or teaching aids. The programs are free,...Full Text Available
Many alternative therapies are used as first aid treatment for burns, despite limited evidence supporting their use. In this study, Aloe vera, saliva and a tea tree oil impregnated dressing (Burnaid) were applied as first aid to a porcine deep dermal contact burn, compared to a control of nothing. After burn creation, the treatments were applied for 20 min and the wounds observed at weekly dressing changes for 6 weeks. Results showed that the alternative treatments did significantly decrease subdermal temperature within the skin during the treatment period. However, they did not decrease the microflora or improve re-epithelialisation, scar strength, scar depth or cosmetic appearance of the scar and cannot be recommended for the first aid treatment of partial thickness burns. PMID:18603378
Objectives Clinical PET/MR requires the use of patient positioning aids to immobilize and support patients for the duration of the combined examination. Ancillary immobilization devices contribute to overall attenuation of the PET signal, but are not detected with conventional MR sequences and, hence, are ignored in standard MR-based attenuation correction (MR-AC). We report on the quantitative effect of not accounting for the attenuation of patient positioning aids in combined PET/MR imaging. Methods We used phantom and patient data acquired with positioning aids on a PET/CT scanner (Biograph 16, HI-REZ) to mimic PET/MR imaging conditions. Reference CT-based attenuation maps were generated from measured (original) CT transmission images (origCT-AC). We also created MR-like attenuation map...
The present article examines the nature of and relations among the domains of behavior analysis. It first proposes a set of annotated, descriptive criteria to aid in distinguishing the experimental...Full Text Available
INTRODUCTIONSexual dysfunction symptoms in patients with HIV have not been fully investigated in Brazil.OBJECTIVESTo investigate the association...Full Text Available
Provisions (a) NPDES field personnel shall be currently trained and certified in CPR and basic first-aid procedures. (b) NPDES field personnel shall be aware of the...
Computer-Aided Prediction of Chemical Ecotoxicity on the basis of Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationships with the Use of Physico-Chemical Descriptors, Including H-bond Parameters
of the digital hearing aid technology that led to the cochlear implant. Former. Marshall Space Flight Center engineers. John Richardson and Joseph Howard ...
Apr 9, 2003 ... Adam Kissiah Jr., a retired KSC engineer, will be honored for his development of the digital hearing aid technology that led to the cochlear ...
One of the goals of the DARPA Virtual Soldier Project is to aid the field medic in the triage of a casualty. In Phase I, we are currently collecting 12 baseline experimental physiological variables and a cardiac gated Computed Tomography (CT) imagery for use in an prototyping a futuristic electronic medical record, the "Holomer". We are using physiological models and Kalman filtering to aid in diagnosis and predict outcomes in relation to cardiac injury. The physiological modeling introduces another few hundred variables. Reducing the complexity of the above into easy-to-read text to aid in the triage by the field medic is the challenge with multiple display solutions. A description of the possible techniques follows. PMID:15718701
added to provide resistance to UV degradation, and vulcanization control. ...Sulphur is used to vulcanize the rubber ...additives and solvents age resistors, processing aids, accelerators, vulcanizing agents, softeners and fillers
The Office of Environmental Management's (EM) Roadmap, U.S. Department of Energy--Office of Environmental Management Engineering & Technology Roadmap (Roadmap), defines the Department's intent to reduce the technical risk and uncertainty in its cleanup programs. The unique nature of many of the remaining facilities will require a strong and responsive engineering and technology program to improve worker and public safety, and reduce costs and environmental impacts while completing the cleanup program. The technical risks and uncertainties associated with cleanup program were identified through: (1) project risk assessments, (2) programmatic external technical reviews and technology readiness assessments, and (3) direct site input. In order to address these needs, the technical risks and uncertainties were compiled and divided into the program areas of: Waste Processing, Groundwater and Soil Remediation, and Deactivation and Decommissioning ...
We present a novel preparation method for studies of in vitro reconstituted mitotic chromosomes from Xenopus laevis egg extracts. This method involves a gentle adsorption of chromosomes from the extracts using surface affinity enrichment, followed by plunge freezing, freeze-substitution and cryo-embedding before examination by EM tomography. For comparison, chromosomes were also prepared by a conventional method, which included immobilization of chromosomes in agarose and a room-temperature dehydration (embedding) protocol. Three-dimensional reconstructions showed that samples prepared with the new method have a greater interconnectivity of sub-structural features and a higher compaction ratio together with an apparently less perturbed chromatin structure than those prepared using the conventional approach. The implications of the new method for the preparation of other difficult samples and additional application possibilities are discussed.
Bedwyr is a generalization of logic programming that allows model checking directly on syntactic expressions possibly containing bindings. This system, written in OCaml, is a direct implementation of two recent advances in the theory of proof search. The first is centered on the fact that both finite success and finite failure can be captured in the sequent calculus by incorporating inference rules for {\\em definitions} that allow {\\em fixed points} to be explored. As a result, proof search in such a sequent calculus can capture simple model checking problems as well as may and must behavior in operational semantics. The second is that higher-order abstract syntax is directly supported using term-level $\\lambda$-binders and the quantifier known as $\
Abstract The available surface equation of state for pure pulmonary surfactant monolayers is generalised to binary mixture monolayers by introducing a group of parameters, i(i-=-1-4) in the form of $x_{r}^{\\beta _{i} } $ to express the influence of the components in new mixing rules and a new factor, I $\\left[ { = \\left( {\\prod\\limits_{i = 1}^{4} {\\beta _{i} } } \\right)^{{\\raise0.5ex\\hbox{$\\scriptstyle 1$}\\kern-0.1em/\\kern-0.15em\\lower0.25ex\\hbox{$\\scriptstyle {4}$}}} } \\right]$, is defined to represent the interaction intensity between two different components. The ---A isotherms getting by the surface equations of state agree with the experimental data for protein-lipid binary monolayers, and the average deviation is about 11.41%. The result shows the order of the interaction intensity b...
Although state estimation is a mature technique which is widely available in the EMS industry, experience with practical implementation and use of state estimation and network security analysis functions at electric power utilities over the last two decades indicates recurring difficulties and problems attributable to inadequate external network modeling detail and data. This paper addresses the development of a set of guidelines for external network modeling and data exchange, based on the results of a recent project sponsored by EPRI. A general methodology is developed based on the results of a survey of a representative set of utilities and EMS suppliers, supplemented by subsequent analysis and simulation studies. Distinction is made between guidelines pertaining to external network topology, analog measurements, data exchange, and implementation procedures. A philosophy and approach for constructing and testing external models is also ...
Experimental studied of deep-inelastic scattering of neutrino, antineutrino, #mu#-mesons, electron reactions on He, D, Al, Fe, Au, Be, C, Ca, Ag, N nuclei conducted in recent years at different laboratories the world for consideration of modern status of the problems of R(x, Q"2) = #sigma#sub(L)/#sigma#sub(T) parameter variation and for study on nuclear effects in structural functions of nucleons are described in the review. Experimental information on measurements of the R parameter by data on EMS and SLAK groups is analyzed. It is noted that experimental data on measuring R contain essential errors that hampers unambiguous interpretation of data on nucleon structure. Present experimental data and predictions for explanation of the EMS effect are analyzed from the view point of quark and flucton models of a nucleus.
Understanding Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) documentation and coding rules is challenging for most physicians. To accurately bill for clinical services, physicians must learn a system that may initially seem daunting, but is in fact governed by a small number of straightforward rules. The Evaluation and Management (E/M) guidelines for all service codes specify 3 components: history, examination, and medical decision-making, each with a defined set of elements or characteristics. Service coding is based on the level of care supported by the number of history and examination elements and the complexity of decision-making. This article will clarify the guidelines for outpatient clinical services and suggest a practical method of selecting appropriate E/M codes. Because physicians must often choose between billing codes 99213 and 99214 for a visit by an established patient, it will particularly focus on the minimum documentation ...
The objective of this project is the development of a new class of metalloporphyrin materials used as catalsyts for use in fuel cell applications. The metalloporphyrins are excellent candidates for use as catalysts at both the anode and cathode. The catalysts reduce oxygen in 1 M potassium hydroxide, as well as in 2 M sulfuric acid. Covalent attachment to carbon supports is being investigated. The computer-aided molecular design is an iterative process, in which experimental results feed back into the design of future catalysts.
Pulmonary infections and tumors are a major cause of death in patients with AIDS. The combination of clinical, radiological, laboratory, and pathohistological data helps to narrow the spectrum of differential diagnoses or even allows a specific diagnosis in many patients. Nevertheless, an accurate diagnosis should be obtained as soon as possible during the clinical course of the illness to initiate treatment in time. Computed tomography (CT) has proven to provide promising results in the diagnosis of AIDS-related throacic diseases. The aim of this paper was to demonstrate the diagnostic capacities of CT in the context of particular AIDS-related thoracic pathologies. Additional information on the spectrum of pathological agents and on differential diagnostic signs is summarized. (orig.) [Deutsch] Pulmonale Infektionen und Tumore sind eine wesentliche Todesursache bei Patienten, die am erworbenen Immunmangelsyndrom ...
Objectives1. To identify with older people the problems which they encounter in finding their way about public building/spaces.~%~2. To produce ideas, in consultation with older people, for an information/navigation aid that might facilitate their use and enjoyment of public buildings/spaces, notably hospitals, large shops, railway stations, airports.~%~3. To develop an emulation model of the information/navigation aid~%~4. To monitor use of the model by older people~%~5. To identify further research~%~6. [continued...]DescriptionThe growth in the number of older people offers scope for the development of customised information/navigation aids to help them to find their way around complex public spaces. New technology however is unlikely to be taken up by older people unless it is acceptable to them. The research will involve engineers in designing, testing and modifying a model of such an aid in ...
Cell-free extracts of Acremonium chrysogenum and Streptomyces clavuligerus oxidize the 3-methyl group of desacetoxycephalosporin C to a 3-hydroxymethyl group. The enzyme responsible for this reaction...Full Text Available
This paper shows a computerized system, that adopt a statistical methodology and simultaneous measurements of wind velocity and environment temperature, as an experiences at the power transmission lines with environmental monitoring systems. 9 figs., 16 refs.
Quark models of cumulative particle production and EMS effect are analyzed. All the models are characterized by a universal relationship between the spectrum of cumulative nucleons and the cross section of cumulative particles containing valence nuclear quarks. This relationship is tested for a deuteron. The role is discussed played by secondary nuclear processes for heavy nuclei. A special role of ''sea'' cumulative particles (K"-, p-bar) is pointed out in understanding the nature of the difference between the structure functions of a nucleus and of free nucleon.
Corona from bare conductors of electrical overhead power lines is studied in this article. Its origin, as well as, its bad influences over communication systems are both studied, yet. Line`s models are defined, in order to be able the examination of Corona on line`s cables. Formulas for the surface electrical gradient calculations are shown. (author) 2 refs.
A liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed for the simultaneous determination of the 10 major components of Da-Cheng-Qi decoction (rhein, emodin, aloe-emodin, chrysophanol, rheochrysidin, naringin, naringenin, hesperidin, magnolol and honokiol) in dog plasma. Plasma samples were spiked with internal standard (ibuprofen), acidified with HCl and extracted twice by liquid-liquid extraction using ethyl acetate. Separation was performed on a YMC-Pack ODS-A C(18) column (5 microm, 150 mm x 4.6 mm) and a C(18) guard column (5 microm, 4.0 mm x 2.0 mm) with methanol-water (92:8, v/v) at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. The LC/MS system was operated under the multiple reaction monitoring mode using electrospray ionization in the negative ion mode. All analytes showed good linearity over a wide concentration range (r>0.99). The linear range of the calibration curves was 5000-19.53 ng/mL for rhein; 400-3.13 ng/mL for emodin; 800-3.13 ng/mL ...
Neuronal transcription factors play vital roles in the specification and development of neurons, including dopaminergic (DA) neurons. Mutations in the gene encoding the purine biosynthetic enzyme hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) cause the resulting intractable and largely untreatable neurological impairment of Lesch-Nyhan disease (LND). The disorder is associated with a defect in basal ganglia DA pathways. The mechanisms connecting the purine metabolic defect and the central nervous system (CNS) phenotype are poorly understood but have been presumed to reflect a developmental defect of DA neurons. We have examined the effect of HPRT deficiency on the differentiation of neurons in the well-established human (NT2) embryonic carcinoma neurogenesis model. We have used a retrovirus expressing a small hairpin RNA (shRNA) to knock down HPRT gene expression and have examined the expression of a number of ...
In January 2001, Husky Oil Operations Limited (Husky), in joint-venture with Petro-Canada submitted a Development Application (DA) to the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board (C-NLOPB) for the White Rose Development. This DA was prepared following the Canada-Newfoundland Atlantic Accord Implementation Act and the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation Newfoundland and Labrador Act. In December 2001, the C-NLOPB approved the White Rose DA. This document outlined a proposed amendment to the original Development Plan involving an expansion of its White Rose Development in the Jeanne d'Arc Basin on the Grand Bank. The expansion will consist of a subsea tie-back to the Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel through the existing Southern Glory Hole (SGH) and utilizing a new glory hole constructed approximately 4 km south of the SGH. The document presented ...
In this issue it has been investigated the yield of Helical CT in the study of lung vessels, the incidence of the angiogram sign and its actual value. July 1997 to December 1998, were studied 30 cases of pulmonary collapse of different origin. It was found 15 cases of passive collapse (10 from pleural effusion, 2 from diaphragmatic compression, 2 from traumatic pneumothorax, and 1 from isthmic aortic aneurysm), 12 cases of obstructive collapse (9 from bronchogenic carcinoma, 1 from mucoid obstruction, 1 from ilar lymphadenopathy, and 1 from mediastinal cancer), 2 cases of adhesive collapse and 1 case of round atelectasis. All the examinations were performed with the Helical technique during nonionic iodinated contrast agent injection (bolus, 300-350 mg/mL); it was used an automatic injector set at 2-3 mL/s. It was studied the images for the angiogram sign, that is hyperdense bands, usually longer than 2 cm, through the collapsed lung, which correspond to normal pulmonary vascular ...
The global spread of HIV and AIDS has presented a major threat to development, affecting the health of the poor and many aspects of social and economic development. The greatest impact of the epidemic has been felt in sub-Saharan Africa, and Zambia ranks among the worst hit countries. The Free Basic Education Policy in Zambia upholds the right of all children to a universal basic education. This study explored staff and student perceptions of the impact of the epidemic on access to, and the quality of, basic education for AIDS-affected children, orphans and other vulnerable children (OVCs) in the Copperbelt Province of Zambia, where the HIV/AIDS prevalence rate ranges from 34 to 40%, and life expectancy has dropped to 33 years. Data were collected from education personnel in six districts of the Copperbelt with the highest prevalence of HIV and AIDS and from staff and students in six schools. The data ...
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.
The aim of this thesis is the design of a faults diagnosis-aiding system in a nuclear facility of the Cea. Actually the existing system allows the optimization of the production processes in regular operating conditions. Meanwhile during accidental events, the alarms, managed by threshold, are bringing no relevant information. To increase the reliability and the safety, the human operator needs a faults diagnosis-aiding system. The developed system, SECAPI, combines problem solving techniques and automatic learning techniques, that allow the diagnosis and the the simulation of various faults happening on nuclear facilities. Its reasoning principle uses case-based and rules-based techniques. SECAPI owns a learning module which reads out knowledge connected with faults. It can then simulate various faults, using the inductive logical computing. SECAPI has been applied on a radioactive tritium treatment operating channel, at the Cea with good ...
Intelligent and decision aiding systems as support to operators are becoming increasingly a necessity in nuclear installations and in nuclear reactors in particular, specially after the Tree Mile Island. Development of new technologies based on linguistic approaches such as fuzzy logic has given rise to much interest during the last years. Fuzzy logic controller (FLC) has many advantage compared to conventional controllers using classical techniques. The aim of the present work is to use a fuzzy logic controller in parallel to actual semi-automatic controller in order to supervise in real time the operation of the research nuclear reactor. The principal of this controller is based on rules which are established previous from experiment using the semi-automatic controller and from the knowledge of the operators. (authors)
a-Dystroglycan is an extracellular adhesion protein that is known to interact with different ligands. The interaction is thought to stabilize the integrity of the plasma membrane. The N-terminal part of a-dystroglycan may be proteolytically processed to generate a small 38kDa protein (a-DG-N). The physiological significance of a-DG-N is unclear but has been suggested to be involved in nerve regeneration and myelination and to function as a potential biomarker for neurodegenerative and neuromuscular diseases. In this report we show that a-DG-N is released into different body fluids, such as lachrimal fluid, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), urine and plasma. To investigate the significance of a-DG-N in CSF we examined the levels of a-DG-N and known neurodegenerative markers in CSF from patients di...
Prospective presentation is given for the experimental program of the KLOE-2 Collaboration, to be performed using the DA$\\Phi$NE $e^+e^-$ collider upgraded in luminosity. Data with the total luminosity of 25 fb$^{-1}$ are aimed to be collected in 3 years. Major modifications of the accelerator and the spectrometer are described. The KLOE-2 physics program contains: CKM unitarity and lepton universality tests, $\\gamma\\gamma$ physics, search for quantum decoherence and testing CPT conservation, low-energy QCD, rare kaon decays, physics of $\\eta$ and $\\eta^\\prime$, structure of low-mass scalars, contribution of vacuum polarization to $(g-2)_{\\mu}$, possible search for WIMP dark matter. In this paper only selected physics subjects are reported.
This paper explores the through-/in-plane characteristics of water transport in the cathode gas diffusion layer (GDL) of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC). Theoretical analysis is performed on the non-isothermal two-phase flow under flow channels. A dimensionless group Da (Damkohler number for PEFC operation), defined as the ratio of water generation rate to water vapor-phase removal rate, is formulated to characterize the flow regimes in a PEFC. This group, lumping geometrical parameters and physical properties, compares the water vapor-phase removal capability (via water diffusion and holding capacity) with the rate of water production by the oxygen reduction reaction. We find that this dimensionless group can be used to characterize the non-isothermal, two-phase phenomena: when Da&...
In their Letter [Phys. Rev. Lett. 92, 121302 (2004)] (also [Astron. Astrophys. 417, 853 (2004)]), Srianand et al. analysed optical spectra of heavy-element species in 23 absorption systems along background quasar sight-lines, reporting limits on relative variations in the fine-structure constant: da/a=(-0.06+/-0.06) x 10^{-5}. Here we demonstrate basic flaws in their analysis, using the same data and absorption profile fits, which led to spurious values of da/a and significantly underestimated uncertainties. We conclude that these data and fits offer no stringent test of previous evidence for a varying alpha.
Composting of sawdust and paper mill sludge, using a 'Kneer' process reactor, was studied in an attempt to elaborate upon organic matter transformation during the process and to define parameters to measure the compost maturity level. Temperature, electron paramagnetic resonance data, ash and C, H, N and S contents, and a spectroscopic method using ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) for alkaline (pH = 8.5) and solid samples was used to study the maturity of the compost samples. These parameters were measured in 6 humic acids extracted from the compost samples during 29 days. The results of this work show that the 'Kneer' process is efficient in transforming ligno-celulitic residues in a short time (29 days), into an organic fertilizer material with application perspectives (author)
Flying insects use visual cues to stabilize their heading in a wind stream. Many animals additionally track odors carried in the wind. As such, visual stabilization of upwind tracking directly aids...Full Text Available
Recent reports confirm that, due to the presence of long-lived, latently infected cell populations, eradication of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) from infected patients by using antiretroviral...Full Text Available
The ability to directly compare gastric ulcerated and healthy tissue would aid in the understanding of the physiological differences between these tissue types. Presently, these comparisons...Full Text Available
Summary: To date, most Leishmania and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection cases reported to WHO come from Southern Europe. Up to the year 2001, nearly 2,000 cases of coinfection were identified,...Full Text Available
The C-C chemokine receptor 5, 32 base-pair deletion (CCR5-Δ32) allele confers strong resistance to infection by the AIDS virus HIV. Previous studies have suggested...Full Text Available
The Brain Database is an information tool designed to aid in the integration of clinical and research results in neuroanatomy and regional biochemistry. It can handle a wide range of data types including...Full Text Available
... HIV & AIDS (15) I Infectious Diseases (21) Injection Drug Use (7) M Mental Illness (139) Mortality (7) ... Hallucinogens (5) Hashish (2) Heroin (21) I Illegal Drugs (115) Inhalants (12) K Ketamine (1) L LSD ( ...
... HIV & AIDS (15) I Infectious Diseases (22) Injection Drug Use (7) M Mental Illness (141) Mortality (7) ... Hallucinogens (5) Hashish (2) Heroin (21) I Illegal Drugs (117) Inhalants (13) K Ketamine (1) L LSD ( ...
... HIV & AIDS (15) I Infectious Diseases (21) Injection Drug Use (7) M Mental Illness (139) Mortality (7) ... Hallucinogens (5) Hashish (2) Heroin (21) I Illegal Drugs (112) Inhalants (12) K Ketamine (1) L LSD ( ...
... HIV & AIDS (15) I Infectious Diseases (21) Injection Drug Use (7) M Mental Illness (138) Mortality (7) ... Hallucinogens (5) Hashish (2) Heroin (21) I Illegal Drugs (116) Inhalants (12) K Ketamine (1) L LSD ( ...
BackgroundA legacy of colonial rule coupled with a devastating 16-year civil war through 1992 left Mozambique economically impoverished just as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)...Full Text Available
In systems of fast decimal counters, there are three problems to be resolved: to study a bistable having a short switching time, to form with the aid of three bistables a circuit divisible by 5, and to normalize the input pulses. The solutions to these problems for the nonsecond scaler are presented. (J.S.R.)
Previous studies on knowledge of HIV transmission and prevention have used surveys. This study used the question box method to create a safe environment for collecting information on knowledge...Full Text Available
Computer-aided diagnosis of neural diseases from EEG signals (or other physiological signals that can be treated as time series, e.g., MEG) is an emerging field that has gained much attention in past...Full Text Available
The number of nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) in individual nuclei of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae was determined by computer-aided reconstruction of entire nuclei from electron...Full Text Available
The fungus Cryptococcus neoformans is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with impaired CD4+ T cell function, particularly those with AIDS. To identify...Full Text Available
BackgroundHuman immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection frequently causes neurologic disease, which is the result of viral replication and activation of macrophages and microglia...Full Text Available
A short survey of the energy situation in Iran is given with the aid of some interesting figures. Following remarks on the national and international energy policy, the developments regarding individual energy sources and electricity production are described.
BackgroundNorthern Uganda unlike other rural regions has registered high HIV prevalence rates comparable to those of urbanized Kampala and the central region. This could be due to...Full Text Available
The development of azole resistance in Candida albicans is most problematic in patients with AIDS who receive long courses of drug for therapy or prevention of oral candidiasis. Recently,...Full Text Available
The purpose of this study was to illuminate the experiences of poor, urban HIV-positive drug users. Sixty participants were asked about HIV risk behaviors, the impact of HIV on their lives,...Full Text Available
Simian retroperitoneal fibromatosis (RF) is a vascular fibroproliferative neoplasm which has many morphological and histological similarities to human Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). Like epidemic KS in AIDS...Full Text Available
Between 50 and 70% of patients with a terminal illness indicate a preference to remain at home for as long as possible until their death. Nevertheless, a much smaller percentage actually die at home...Full Text Available
This paper presents HEARTVIEW - a knowledge base (KB) that offers aid for clinical research in cardiology. This KB is an essential component of the medical workstation MW2000, now under development...Full Text Available
P".1"..ues OrsedeNle+s Nose aid AtUn*&. SCITRAN. IL Tyr. of RN?/ ow PW" eNfew. Sox 5656. Trawlacio0. 12" ^CTona^ iro aut cce j!"d Space Administration ...
The article describes the caregiving responsibility to provide food for chronically ill family members and the meanings attached to food and eating when ill created stress for family caregivers. The...Full Text Available
Porphyromonas gingivalis has been implicated as a causative pathogen in periodontitis. Immunotherapeutic approaches have recently been suggested to aid in the clearance of P....Full Text Available
Air pollution abatement measures are not an end in themselves, and undesirable side effects should be taken into account. The proposed emission index takes into account the total emissions caused by a technical project as well as the effects of the individual pollutants.
Definition of the T-lymphocyte responses to dengue viruses should aid in the development of safe and effective vaccines and help to explain the pathophysiology of dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue...Full Text Available
Most published estimates of the costs of the epidemic of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) have been developed from the societal perspective,...Full Text Available
AT AFRICA (O.F.) AIDO1 SYMMES CREEK AT AID ALLO1 MAHONING RIVER AT ALLIANCE ALZO1 ALEXANDRIA AMDO1 AMSTERDAM ARMO1 CAPTINA CREEK AT SR 148 AT ARMSTRONG MILLS ASVO1 WALNUT CREEK...
Descriptive assessment methods have been used in applied settings to identify consequences for problem behavior, thereby aiding in the design of effective treatment programs. Consensus has not been...Full Text Available
Tuberculosis (TB) is a major threat to global health, recently exacerbated by the emergence of highly drug-resistant forms of the disease-causing pathogen and synergy with HIV/AIDS. In 2006, the Stop...Full Text Available
A form for the clinical evaluation of bovine digital disease was developed. In this article, each section of the resulting Digit Evaluation Form is discussed and justified. By following the...Full Text Available
The global acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) pandemic is thought to have arisen by the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1)-like viruses from chimpanzees in southeastern...Full Text Available
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)
As an application of ART2 neural networks, computer aided monitoring of pump efficiency is successfully examined for an industrial waste-liquid treatment process with measured data of valve openness and liquid flow rates. By running the neural networks in parallel, we confirm that accuracy to detect system changes is good, and the adjustment of classifier parameters is relatively easy. Investigating the resulting classes carefully, frequency of each class is correlated with pump efficiency. The relative amount of variables are also related to the classes. (author)
There are several methods for the risk assessment and risk management applied to pipelines, among them the Muhlbauer's Method. W. Kent Muhlbauer is an internationally recognized authority on pipeline risk management. He made a detailed identification about 300 distinct conditions that influence the risk assessment in pipelines and he proposed a score system that is known as method of Muhlbauer. The purpose of this model is to evaluate the public exposure to the risk and identify ways for management that risk in fact. The assessment is made by the attribution of quantitative values to the several items that influences in the pipeline risk. This paper approaches the Muhlbauer's basic model for risk assessment and management in pipelines. In the beginning, the basic model for risk assessment is presented, and methodology for pipelines in onshore environment is detailed. After, presents major items in risk assessment and this relative score. Finally, present the ...
It is generally recognized that the Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS) process can be time-consuming and costly. To expedite the process, the Environmental Protection Agency, through the National Contingency Plan and Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response (OSWER) Directives, has promoted streamlining'' the RI/FS. The concept of streamlining is directly applicable to Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Remedial Facility Investigation/Corrective Measure Study (RFI/CMS) as well. The US Department of Energy's (DOE's) environmental restoration process promises to be lengthy and expensive: therefore, the Office of Environmental Restoration (EM-40) believes that it is to incorporate streamlining into RI/FS and RFI/CMS efforts across the DOE complex. The Office of Program Support (EM-43) has asked Pacific Northwest Laboratory (PNL) to provide presentations and workshops on streamlining ...
The U.S. Department of Energy`s (DOE) Environmental Management Office of Science and Technology (EM-50) authorized studies on alternative systems for treating contact-handled DOE mixed low-level radioactive waste (MLLW). The on-going Integrated Thermal Treatment Systems` (ITTS) and the Integrated Nonthermal Treatment Systems` (INTS) studies satisfy this request. EM-50 further authorized supporting studies including this technology and subsystem cost sensitivity analysis. This analysis identifies areas where technology development could have the greatest impact on total life cycle system costs. These areas are determined by evaluating the sensitivity of system life cycle costs relative to changes in life cycle component or phase costs, subsystem costs, contingency allowance, facility capacity, operating life, and disposal costs. For all treatment systems, the most cost sensitive life cycle phase is the operations and maintenance phase and the ...
Nuclear physics accelerators are powered by microwaves which must travel in waveguides between room-temperature sources and the cryogenic accelerator structures. The ohmic heat load from the microwaves is affected by the temperature-dependent surface resistance and in turn affects the cryogenic thermal conduction problem. Integrated EM & thermal analysis of this difficult non-linear problem is now possible with the VORPAL finite-difference time-domain simulation tool. We highlight thermal benchmarking work with a complex HOM feed-through geometry, done in collaboration with researchers at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Laboratory, and discuss upcoming design studies with this emerging tool. This work is part of an effort to generalize the VORPAL framework to include generalized PDE capabilities, for wider multi-physics capabilities in the accelerator, vacuum electronics, plasma processing and fusion R&D fields, and we will also discuss user ...
With the November 1989 formation of the Office of Technology Development (OTD) within the Office of Environmental Restoration and Waste Management (EM) came the responsibility to develop programs to ensurethat enough trained and educated people would be available to support the achievement of EM's 30-year goal. This mission responsibility derives from public policy and Departmental environmental management requirements. Within DOE, urgency to move forward resulted from the assumptions (1) that the current workforce was insufficiently prepared for the transition from a production mission to a mission of environmental compliance and cleanup; and (2) that, given current trends and forecasts, the national education infrastructure was unlikely to yield the scientists, engineers, and technicians to meet future DOE workforce needs, especially in the case of women and minorities who, projected to make up two-thirds of the net entering ...
The symmetric noncoplanar (e,2e) cross sections (momentum profiles) of H_2 and D_2 for the transitions to the 2p#sigma#_u and 2s#sigma#_g excited ion states have been measured, relative to the ground-state ion transition, using a high-sensitivity multichannel momentum-dispersive electron momentum spectrometer (EMS) at an impact energy of 1200 eV. Newly calculated plane-wave impulse approximation (PWIA) cross sections, based on a full-configuration-interaction H_2 wave function, are compared to the experimental results. These calculations are in better agreement with the experimental results for the transition to the 2s#sigma#_g ion state than the earlier theoretical work of Liu and Smith, Jr. [Phys. Rev. A 31, 3003 (1985)] which has been found to be in error. Nevertheless, significant discrepancies between the relative experimental and theoretical cross sections are observed for the transitions to excited ion states, suggesting a failure of the PWIA description of ...
Changes facing the electricity supply industry are significant, and the challenges these changes pose are enormous. There are major changes to the business environment of transitional electric utilities. There are also changes in the management of the companies in that nontechnical people are taking over the leadership of traditionally technical companies to deal with the new business scenario. This raises the concern that there may be a lack of familiarity by management of the technical issues involved with the result that the quality of the product may be at risk over the long term. This article deals with the future. It describes a vision for the control center energy management systems (EMS) network security applications as a function of the current and expected changes in the electric supply industry. The objective is to present a conceptual specification. It suggests possible approaches to the problems control centers are likely to encounter in the future. ...
Corrosion control on gas pipelines plays an important role on the assessment of pipeline integrity and reliability. In many countries a great extension of buried pipelines is used on transport and distribution systems. This extension will be certainly increased in a near future due to the increasing consumption of natural gas. Inadequate corrosion control can drive to pipeline failures, bringing up the possibility of accidents in populated or environmental protected areas, bringing together severe economical, legal and environmental consequences. Corrosion is frequently considered as a natural and inevitable phenomenon. Based upon this assumption, some recommendations are included on design standards of gas pipelines in order to compensate its detrimental effect. The aim of this work is to present a review of the correlation between external corrosion process and the guidelines established during the project phase of gas pipelines. It is intended to contribute for a better ...
To investigate the universality of the structure of interactions in different markets, we analyze the cross-correlation matrix ${\\mathbf C}$ of stock price fluctuations in the National Stock Exchange (NSE) of India. We find that this {\\em emerging} market exhibits strong correlations in the movement of stock prices compared to {\\em developed} markets, such as the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). This is shown to be due to the dominant influence of a common market mode on the stock prices. By comparison, interactions between related stocks, e.g., those belonging to the same business sector, are much weaker. This lack of distinct sector identity in emerging markets is explicitly shown by reconstructing the network of mutually interacting stocks. Spectral analysis of ${\\mathbf C}$ for NSE reveals that, the few largest eigenvalues deviate from the bulk of the spectrum predicted by random matrix theory, but they are far fewer in number compared ...
A non-invasive, wide-band electromagnetic (EM) impedance difference system for shallow subsurface electrical structure characterization in environmental and engineering problems has been developed at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). Electrical parameters of interest are electrical conductivity and dielectric permittivity that are deduced from the impedance difference data. The prototype system includes a magnetic loop transmitter, which operates between 0.1 MHz and 100 MHz, an electrical dipole antenna for observing the electric field, and a loop antenna for measuring the magnetic field.All antennas are mounted on a cart made of non-metallic material for easy movement of the whole array for profiling. Surface EM impedance difference is obtained by taking the difference of the ratios of the electric fields to the magnetic fields at selected frequencies at two different levels. Numerical simulations will be presented to verify ...
Mycobacterium xenopi is one of the most common agents responsible for nontubercolar mycobacterial pulmonary disease on AIDS patients. These lesions have been studied with conventional radiography while CT has been used in patients with a specific mycobacterioses or non-AIDS pulmonary conditions from Mycobacterium xenopi. 12 AIDS patients were examined. They had pulmonary lesions from Mycobacterium xenopi, patients age ranged 30 to 46 years. All patients had CD4 blood levels lower than 250 cells/mL and Mycobacterium xenopi in the sputum. All patients underwent a standard chest radiograph and a CT examination. CT images were evaluated by three radiologists independently and the definitive diagnosis was made in the presence of a fourth radiologist. Chest CT showed parenchymal consolidation in 66% of cases, associated with bilateral basal bands in 16% of cases. Consolidation was unilateral in 41% of cases and most frequently ...
A {lambda}gt11 cDNA library was constructed from poly(U)-Spharose-selected Entamoeba histolytica trophozoite RNA in order to clone and identify surface antigens. The library was screened with rabbit polyclonal anti-E. histolytica serum. A 700-base-pair cDNA insert was isolated and the nucleotide sequence was determined. The deduced amino acid sequence of the cDNA revealed a cysteine-rich protein. DNA hybridizations showed that the gene was specific to E. histolytica since the cDNA probe reacted with DNA from four axenic strains of E. histolytica but did not react with DNA from Entamoeba invadens, Acanthamoeba castellanii, or Trichomonas vaginalis. The insert was subcloned into the expression vector pGEX-1 and the protein was expressed as a fusion with the C terminus of glutathione S-transferase. Purified fusion protein was used to generate 22 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and a mouse polyclonal antiserum specific for the E. histolytica portion of the fusion protein. A ...
A #lambda#gt11 cDNA library was constructed from poly(U)-Spharose-selected Entamoeba histolytica trophozoite RNA in order to clone and identify surface antigens. The library was screened with rabbit polyclonal anti-E. histolytica serum. A 700-base-pair cDNA insert was isolated and the nucleotide sequence was determined. The deduced amino acid sequence of the cDNA revealed a cysteine-rich protein. DNA hybridizations showed that the gene was specific to E. histolytica since the cDNA probe reacted with DNA from four axenic strains of E. histolytica but did not react with DNA from Entamoeba invadens, Acanthamoeba castellanii, or Trichomonas vaginalis. The insert was subcloned into the expression vector pGEX-1 and the protein was expressed as a fusion with the C terminus of glutathione S-transferase. Purified fusion protein was used to generate 22 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and a mouse polyclonal antiserum specific for the E. histolytica portion of the fusion protein. A ...
A description is given of the principal steps involved in `USIMINAS` work roll manufacturing project for its tandem cold mill. The service performance of these rolls was found to be similar to that rolls supplied by traditional manufacturers. (author). 5 refs., 5 figs., 3 tabs.
We report a pH-dependent conformational transition in short, defined homopolymeric deoxyadenosines (dA15) from a single helical structure with stacked nucleobases at neutral pH to a double-helical,...Full Text Available
The aim of this work is to suggest steps and policies to increase the introduction of cost-effective energy in conservation measures in Brazil. This report first addresses the motivations for a policy of energy efficiency and summarizes experiences in Brazil. It then considers the roles and perspectives of the diverse agents and review the instruments of policy. It concludes with an overview of strategic needs and lines of action.
This paper shows and describes the actions and methodologies adopted in commercialization of rural electrification projects in Parana State, Brazil. The actions evaluated aims to feasible the techniques to farm owners provides them properties with electric power. 7 figs., 2 tabs., 1 ref.
CAP18 (an 18-kDa cationic antimicrobial protein) is a granulocyte-derived protein that can bind lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and inhibit various activities of LPS in vitro. The present study examined the...Full Text Available
This work presents the project and relates the implementation of a power system stabilizer in Itauba hydroelectric power plant, Brazil. Some forecasts and field experiments are also presented. 10 refs., 19 figs.
We have isolated a 4.785 Da protein from the nacreous layer of the sea snail Haliotis laevigata (greenlip abalone) shell after demineralization with acetic acid. The sequence of 41...Full Text Available
This work presents a method to monitor the stability of a power system, after a major disturbance, using of adaptive time series approach. The model parameters are updated every time the prediction stage is completed. Besides, according to the values of the parameters, one may conclude the system will be unstable, will go to be a damped sine wave or even a damped exponential. (author) 29 refs., 12 figs., 3 tabs.
We have demonstrated that the 80 kDa POP Tc80 (prolyl oligopeptidase of Trypanosoma cruzi) is involved in the process of cell invasion, since specific inhibitors block parasite...Full Text Available
BackgroundhTERTC27 is a 27 kDa C-terminal polypeptide of human telomerase reverse transcriptase that has previously been shown to reduce tumorigenicity of HeLa cells and suppress...Full Text Available
The NSP5 protein is required for viroplasm formation during rotavirus infection and is hyperphosphorylated into 32- to 35-kDa isoforms. Earlier studies reported that NSP5 is not hyperphosphorylated...Full Text Available
MauG is a novel 42 kDa di-heme protein which is required for the biosynthesis of tryptophan tryptophylquinone, the prosthetic group of methylamine dehydrogenase. The visible absorption and resonance...Full Text Available
Dopamine (DA) D3 and D2 receptor mechanisms are implicated in cocaine's abuse-related behavioral effects, but the relative contribution of the two receptor subtypes is only partially characterized....Full Text Available
We have previously described a monoclonal antibody (FA6-152), obtained by immunizing mice with fetal human erythrocytes [Edelman, Vinci, Villeval, Vainchenker, Henri, Miglierina, Rouger, Reviron, Breton-Gorius,...Full Text Available
This work shows the influence of the consumer density (density/km) in rural electric networks implementation costs. The analysis of the costs aims the criteria definition for the calculation of the financial involving rates of the rural consumer density. 3 figs., 10 tabs.
Chemicals under the trade names Nalco 537-DA, Nalco 625, Nalco 7607, Nalco 5165, Ivamin, and technical monoethanolamine are used extensively in the oil refinery industry. Aquatic toxicity tests were conducted using zebra fish fry (Brachydanio rerio) and the unicellular algae Isochrysis galbana (a flagellate) and Chaetoceros gracilis (a diatom). Inhibition of cell division, chlorophyll content, and "1"4CO_2 uptake in the algae were sensitive end points. The effective concentrations (EC50s) of growth inhibition were 0.1 mg/L (Ivamin; I. galbana), 0.8 mg/L (Nalco 7607; I. galbana), 6 mg/L (Nalco 625; I. galbana), 10 mg/L (Nalco 5165; C. gracilis), and 15 mg/L (Nalco 537-DA; C. gracilis). The lethal concentrations (LC50s) (96 h) toward zebra fish fry was 1 mg/L for Nalco 7607, 6.5 mg/L for Nalco 537-DA, 7.1 mg/L for Nalco 625, and 20 mg/L for Ivamin 803. Monoethanolamine had an LC50 higher than 5,000 mg/L. Nalco 5165 was not ...
Aminophenpyramine, a derivative of mepyramine (pyrilamine), a typical antagonists of histamine at its H_1 receptor was synthesized and converted into ["1"2"5I]iodoazidophenpyramine, a potential photoaffinity probe for the H_1 receptor. In the dark, reversible binding of this probe to cerebellar membranes occurred with a K/sub d/ of 1.2 x 10"-"1"1 M and a B/sub max/ of 240 fmol/mg of protein and was inhibited by various H_1-receptor antagonists with the expected potencies. These features establish the compound as one of the most potent H_1-receptor antagonists known so far. Upon IV irradiation, 5% of the bound radioactivity was covalently incorporated into cerebellar membrane polypeptides as shown by standard NaDodSO_4/PAGE. Two bands of 47 and 56 kDa were consistently labeled, labeling being prevented by various H_1-receptor antagonists with the expected potencies and stereoselectivity. In the presence of protease inhibitors, labeling of the ...
The authors present an unusual case of a patient with orbital metastases from renal carcinoma involving the extra ocular muscles bilaterally. The importance of computed tomography for the differential diagnosis with other orbital lesions is emphasized. (author)
1-Naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA) is a specific inhibitor of polar auxin transport that blocks carrier-mediated auxin efflux from plant cells. To allow identification of the NPA receptor thought to be...Full Text Available
The ζ chain-associated 70-kDa protein (ZAP-70) of tyrosine kinase plays a critical role in T cell receptor-mediated signal transduction and the immune response. A high level of ZAP-70 expression...Full Text Available
An electroweak model with running coupling constants described by an energy dependent entire function is utraviolet complete and avoids unitarity violations for energies above 1 TeV. The action contains no physical scalar fields and no Higgs particle and the physical electroweak model fields are local and satisfy microcausality. The $W$ and $Z$ masses are compatible with a symmetry breaking $SU(2)_L\\times U(1)_Y \\rightarrow U(1)_{\\rm em}$, which retains a massless photon. The vertex couplings possess an energy scale $\\Lambda_W > 1$ TeV predicting scattering amplitudes that can be tested at the LHC.
The Electromagnetic Calorimeter (ECAL) of the AMS-02 experiment is a lead-scintillating fibers sampling calorimeter characterized by high granularity that allows to image the longitudinal and lateral showers development, a key issue to provide high electron/hadron discrimination. The light collection system and the FE electronics are designed to let the calorimeter operate over a wide energy range from few GeV up to 1 TeV. A full-scale prototype of the e.m. calorimeter was tested at CERN in October 2001 using electrons and pions beams with energy ranging from 3 to 100 GeV. Effective sampling thickness, linearity and energy resolution were measured. (8 refs).
Defects ~10 nm in size, with number densities ~10^{10} cm^{-2}, form spontaneously beneath ion-milled, etched, or HF-dipped silicon surfaces examined in our Ti-ion getter-pumped transmission electron microscope (TEM) after exposure to air. They appear as weakly-strained non-crystalline intrusions into silicon bulk, that show up best in the TEM under conditions of strong edge or bend contrast. If ambient air exposure is <10 minutes, defect nucleation and growth can be monitored {\\em in situ}. Possible mechanisms of formation are discussed.
Solenoid transport of high current, heavy ion beams is considered for several stages of a heavy ion fusion driver. In general this option is more efficient than magnetic quadrupole transport at sufficiently low kinetic energy and/or large e/m, and for this reason it has been employed in electron induction linacs. Ideally an ion beam would be transported in a state of Brillouin flow, i.e. cold in the transverse plane and spinning at one half the cyclotron frequency. The design of appropriate solenoids and the equilibrium and stability of transported ion beams are discussed. An outline of application to a fusion driver is also presented.
Polarized antiprotons produced by spin filtering with an internal polarized gas target provide access to a wealth of single- and double-spin observables, thereby opening a window to physics uniquely accessible with the HESR at FAIR. This includes a first measurement of the transversity distribution of the valence quarks in the proton, and a first measurement of the moduli and the relative phase of the time-like electric and magnetic form factors G{sub E,M} of the proton. In polarized and unpolarized pp-bar elastic scattering open questions like the contribution from the odd charge-symmetry Landshoff-mechanism at large |t| and spin-effects in the extraction of the forward scattering amplitude at low |t| can be addressed.
In this paper we studied the behavior of commercially pure niobium immersed in molten aluminum. The experiments were carried out 800 and 900 deg C during 2 to 128 hours. Chemical and metallographic analyses, as well as microhardness measurements of the niobium specimens were accomplished. An increase of niobium content in the aluminum bath with time was observed. Metallographic observations revealed the formation of Nb Al{sub 3} external intermetallic compound. During dissolution, fragments of this compound settled at the bottom of the crucible. This behaviour was also observed at 900 deg C, nevertheless with higher intensity. (author) 10 refs., 5 figs., 3 tabs.
In October 1992, the US Department of Energy, Richland Field Office (RL) requested that Westinghouse Hanford Company (WHC) respond to a letter from EM-331 asking for completion of a survey of items in storage but not categorized as waste (Roberts 1992). The letter contained an attachment with instructions on how to fill out the attached form and what to exclude from the survey (Appendix A). This report is a summary of the information from the response issued to RL. This report primarily is for use in estimating future waste volumes that may have been overlooked because of the nature of their classification as material not categorized as waste (MNCAW) (i.e., not yet declared Waste).
The effectiveness of the acridines ethidium bromide (EB) and acriflavine in inducing plasmon mutations was compared with the alkylating agents ethyl methanesulphonate (EMS) and diethyl sulphate and to #gamma#-rays. The growth habit (trailing versus bunch) of peanuts (A. hypogaea), controlled by genic-cytoplasmic interactions, was utilized. Breeding tests distinguishing nuclear from plasmon mutations were developed and are described in detail. Plasmon mutations were induced, but there were differences in mutation yields between the cultivars and the mutagens. (Auth.).
We investigate stability properties of indirectly damped systems of evolution equations in Hilbert spaces, under new compatibility assumptions. We prove polynomial decay for the energy of solutions and optimize our results by interpolation techniques, obtaining a full range of power-like decay rates. In particular, we give explicit estimates with respect to the initial data. We discuss several applications to hyperbolic systems with {\\em hybrid} boundary conditions, including the coupling of two wave equations subject to Dirichlet and Robin type boundary conditions, respectively.
Currentless plasma in Uragan-3M (U-3M) is produced and heated by absorption of RF power in the region of Alfven waves (AW). The process of plasma heating was explained in (2) as a result of Cherenkov absorption of energy of the fast (EM) and slow (kinetic Alfven) waves by electrons and turbulent ion heating due to excitation of short wave ion Bernstein waves (IBW). In this report we present results of studies of plasma density fluctuations showing existence of a narrow bands near the frequencies of ? ? n?ci (n=1,2,3).
This study does not recommend the use of a pressure vessel made of integral stainless steel, due to the failure mechanisms under stress corrosion assisted by chlorides or polythionic acid. Are presented case studies of literature and analysis of reports of proceedings of RLAM reactors, showing that the materials produced by bimetallic clad overlay or are more appropriate, in terms of integrity, for use in equipment that the internal environment requires austenitic stainless steel specification.
Results obtained on induced current and voltage caused by a high voltage transmission lines running parallel at a trolley bus contact lines, are presented. A computer program in Basic language, was developed to calculate the electric induction, problems of safety, a theoretical development and mathematical model of the electric factors between two lines (inductor and induced) are also discussed. 11 figs., 1 tab., 8 refs.
CT is a valuable tool in assessing thoracic gunshot wounds. CT is also the method of choice in emergency, because it permits rapid depiction of bullet damage to the chest and to other body districts. This in turn permits correct assessment of the main thoracic injuries, plus adequate and prompt planning of surgical treatment or support intensive care. It is reported on the role of CT in diagnosing the complex pleuropulmonary, cardiovascular and thoracic wall injuries caused by gunshot wounds, with their specific and acute signs which differ greatly fro those of other types of chest trauma. In the last 4 years, it was observed an amount of 76 cases of gunshot injury, twenty-six of them involved the chest. The patients, 25 men and 1 woman (mean age: 32 years, range: 17-48), were all submitted to emergency CT with iv contrast agent injection and the CT-angiography technique. The reanimator was always presented to monitor the patients' vital functions and shock state. CT of the ...
With the aim of demonstrating the usefulness of computerised tomography (CT) findings in the planning of brain neurosurgery in gunshot victims, for prompt and successful treatment, 30 patients with brain gunshot wounds were examined with CT over 5 years. The mortality rate of firearm wounds of the skull base was 34% higher than that of the hemisphere; this is due to carotid hemorrhage and midbrain damage. Such traumas require emergency radiological diagnosis and neurosurgical treatment because of their severity and early irreversible complications. Complex operations and skilled surgeons may prevent disabling postoperative sequels. CT findings are indispensable and must be correctly interpreted. The radiologist and the neurosurgeon must collaborate closely and both must consider several diagnostic factors affecting surgical planning. [Italian] Scopo dello studio e' stato quello di dimostrare l'utilita' della semeiologia della tomografia computerizzata in ...
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system caused by the JC virus (JCV), a human papovavirus. PML is a relatively rare disease seen predominantly in immunocompromised individuals and is a frequent complication observed in AIDS patients. The significantly higher incidence of PML in AIDS patients than in other immunosuppressive disorders has suggested that the presence of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) in the brain may directly or indirectly contribute to the pathogenesis of this disease. In the present study the authors have examined the expression of the JCV genome in both glial and non-glial cells in the presence of HIV-1 regulatory proteins. They find that the HIV-1-encoded trans-regulatory protein tat increases the basal activity of the JCV late promoter, JCV{sub L}, in glial cells. They conclude that the presence of the HIV-1-encoded tat protein may positively ...
Brain glucose metabolism was evaluated in four patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) dementia complex using ["1"8F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) and positron emission tomography (PET) scans at the beginning of therapy with 3'-azido-2',3'-dideoxythymidine (AZT, zidovudine), and later in the course of therapy. In two patients, baseline, large focal cortical abnormalities of glucose utilization were reversed during the course of therapy. In the other two patients, the initial PET study did not reveal pronounced focal alterations, while the post-treatment scans showed markedly increased cortical glucose metabolism. The improved cortical glucose utilization was accompanied in all patients by immunologic and neurologic improvement. PET-FDG studies can detect cortical metabolic abnormalities associated with AIDS dementia complex, and may be used to monitor the metabolic improvement in response to AZT treatment.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a common feature of AIDS. Approximately 30-40% of these tumors exhibit clinical features suggestive of endemic Burkitt lymphoma: they are aggressive malignancies that occur in association with Epstein-Barr virus infection, they arise in the setting of immunosuppression, and they carry t(8;14) translocations without detectable rearrangement of the MYC oncogene. To understand the molecular basis of these parallels, the authors analyzed a case of Epstein-Barr-positive AIDS-associated undifferentiated lymphoma. Southern blots show that the tumor exhibits immunoglobulin joining segment rearrangement but no rearrangement of the MYC oncogene. Cloning of the rearranged joining segment allowed the isolation of recombinant clones encompassing the translocation breakpoint, and sequencing of the translocation junction disclosed that the breakpoint is situated 7 base pairs from the chromosome 14 site involved in a previously ...
Central nervous system (CNS) manifestations in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients are an early and common feature. The spectrum of AIDS-related CNS diseases are encephalitis caused by the human immunodeficiency virus(HIV) itself, opportunistic infection, infarct and malignancy. We experienced two cases of CNS involvement in AIDS and they were serologically diagnosed as HIV encephalitis and CNS toxoplasmosis, respectively. In the case of the HIV encephalitis patient, brain MRI showed a non-enhancing lesion with high signal intensity on T2WI and low signal on T1WI and there was no mass effect on the right frontal lobe, periventricular white matter, splenium of the corpus callosum or bilateral basal ganglia. In the other case of CNS toxoplasmosis, MR showed multiple nodular and rim enhanced mass lesions in the right basal ganglia, thalamus and periventricular white matter, which were of low signal intensity on ...
This technical report was written as a result of Integrated Plant Information System (IPIS) feasibility study on CANDU 9 project which had been carried out from January, 1994 to March, 1994 at AECL (Atomic Energy Canada Limited) in Canada. From 1987, AECL had done endeavour to change engineering work process from paper based work process to computer based work process through CANDU 3 project. Even though AECL had a lot of good results form computerizing the Process Engineering, Instrumentation Control and Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Aided Design and Drafting, and Document Management System, but there remains the problem of information isolation and integration. On this feasibility study, IPIS design support functionality guideline was suggested by evaluating current AECL CAE tools, analyzing computer aided engineering task and work flow, investigating request for implementing integrated computer ...
Patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) are subject to a spectrum of central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Recent evidence implicates the human T-cell lymphotropic virus type III (HTLV-III) in the pathogenesis of some of these illnesses, although the cells infected by the virus have yet to be identified. Using in situ hybridization, the authors examined brain tissue from two patients with AIDS encephalopathy for the presence of HTLV-III RNA. In both cases, viral RNA was detected and concentrated in, though not limited to, the white matter. The CNS cells most frequently infected included macrophages, pleomorphic microglia, and multinucleated giant cells. Less frequently, cells morphologically consistent with astrocytes, oligodendroglia, and rarely neurons were also infected. The findings strengthen the association of HTLV-III with the pathogenesis of AIDS encephalopathy. In situ hybridization can be applied ...
Thirty-six patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), who were febrile but without localizing signs, underwent indium-111 leukocyte scintigraphy 24 hours after injection of labeled white blood cells (WBCs) and were restudied 48 hours after injection of gallium-67 citrate. Fifty-six abnormalities were identified as possible sources of the fever; 27 were confirmed with biopsy. Of these 27, 15 were identified only on In-111 WBC scans (including colitis, sinusitis, and focal bacterial pneumonia); six, only on Ga-67 scans (predominantly Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia and lymphadenopathy); and six, on both studies (predominantly pulmonary lesions). In-111 WBC scanning revealed 21 of 27 abnormalities (78%) and gallium scanning, 12 of 27 (44%). If only one scintigraphic study has been performed, particularly with Ga-67, a significant number of lesions would not have been detected. The authors believe radionuclide evaluation of the febrile ...
Discussions were given on the current status of research systems and problems that occur in structuring the systems. The purpose is to improve efficiency and quality of the research flows, that is to better arrange the research infrastructures. Among the researches, the developmental researches of products and production techniques constitute the important factor of an integrated production system. Input information and output information must be determined in each developmental process, and the ways of internal processing must be arranged and structured. The basic proposition for structuring an aid system is to clarify what material development this system can bring about, what scenario can be drawn for the material development as its result, and what element technology is required for that scenario in what form and at what level. Discussions are required on the kinds of data base, the models of interface, and the scopes and patterns of communications. While the ...
Plerocercoids of the tapeworm Spirometra mansonoides produce a substance that stimulates growth of experimental hosts. We report purification of plerocercoid growth factor (PGF) to homogeneity by a process involving isolation and solubilization of plerocercoid membranes, isoelectric point selection by chromatofocusing chromatography or preparative isoelectric focusing, and anion-exchange chromatography. A radioreceptor assay (RRA) for human growth hormone (hGH) was used to detect PGF and purity of the 27.5-kDa protein was judged by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Proteolytic activity was detected in the 27.5-kDa protein by gelatin substrate PAGE. Characterization of PGF as a neutral cysteine proteinase was based on substrate and inhibitor specificities and dependence on pH and thiol-containing reagents. The association of hGH agonist and proteinase activities was shown by comparing RRA and hydrolytic ...
Cultures of 3T3-L1 cells were incubated with either 10 ng/ml cholera toxin or 10 ng/ml pertussis toxin from 4 days prior to the initiation of differentiation and throughout the subsequent incubation. Toxin concentrations were sufficient to completely prevent the labelling of alpha-subunits with ["3"2P]NAD"+ and pertussis toxin and to prevent by more than 90% the labelling with ["3"2P]NAD"+ and cholera toxin in membranes prepared from these cells. Neither toxin prevented the differentiation to the adipocyte phenotype. Neither toxin prevented the increases in the relative amounts of G-proteins which occur upon differentiation. Both toxins dramatically decreased the amount of beta-subunits. As measured by quantitative immunoblotting with antisera specific for both the 35 kDa and 36 kDa beta-subunits, levels of beta-subunit were decreased by more than 50% of steady-state level of control cells. Thus, bacterial toxins which modifies G-protein ...
The crystal structure of outer surface protein A (OspA) from Borrelia burgdorferi contains a single-layer #beta#-sheet connecting the N- and C-terminal globular domains. The central #beta#-sheet consists largely of polar amino acids and it is solvent-exposed on both faces, which so far appears to be unique among known protein structures. We have accomplished nearly complete backbone H, C and N and C";/H"#beta# assignments of OspA (28 kDa) using standard triple resonance techniques without perdeuteration. This was made possible by recording spectra at a high temperature (45 "oC ). The chemical shift index and "1"5N T_1/T_2 ratios show that both the secondary structure and the global conformation of OspA in solution are similar to the crystal structure, suggesting that the unique central #beta#-sheet is fairly rigid.
The experiment was conducted at the laboratory of Experimental Station of Instituto Agronomico de Campinas, in Piracicaba, SP, BR. The elephant-grass (Penissetum purpureum Schum) cv Guacu, with 6 months of development was chopped in a forage chopper regulated to cut biomass in pieces of 5 mm. 500 grams of chopped biomass was pressed in a hydraulic presser regulated for 60, 120, 180, 240 and 300 kg/cm{sup 2}. For the pressure of 60, 120, 180 and 240 kg/cm{sup 2} the presser was used in manual module, while, for the pressure of 300 kg/cm{sup 2} it was operated in the automatic module. The experiment was executed in randomized block design with 4 repetitions. When the pressure of 300 kg/cm{sup 2} was used it was extracted 21.78 % of the moisture of biomass, while the nitrogen percentage was little altered by press. (author)
Determination of stacking fault energy (SFE) of the austenite phase of a duplex stainless steel DIN W.-Nr.: 1.4462 has been carried out using transmission electron microscopy. Furthermore, cold rolling tests and microstructural analysis have been realized in order to allow a detailed discussion of the obtained SFE-values. The results of this investigation indicate that the stacking fault energy of the austenite phase within the duplex stainless steel is lower than of one-phase austenitic stainless steels. This is justified by the chemical composition, mainly by the Cr and Ni alloying contents. Nevertheless, work hardening of the austenite during cold deformation is not as accentuated as expected by the SFE-values, because at higher deformation levels the deformation mainly occurs within the ferrite phase 7 refs., 5 figs., 2 tabs.
A method of the correction for sample self attenuation used in segmented gamma scanner (SGS) is described. The method of calibration for assaying the uranium and plutonium contents of each category of heterogeneous process residues and wastes in nuclear facilities is studied. The effect of variable measurement parameter on measurement results is also studied. The measurement results of SGS assay is compared with that of the destructive assay (DA), which is aimed at evaluating SGS method for assaying uranium and plutonium content in process residues and wastes. The deviation of two assay results is 3.6%. The SGS assay results and DA assay results both are coincided well in error limits. Four category of heterogeneous process residues and wastes in nuclear facilities have assayed successfully in physical inventory. The uncertainty of measurement results for uranium and plutonium content in process residues and wastes is 5% with 68.3% of ...
The chemical operational concept originally established for the water-steam circuit of Angra II nuclear power plant has undergone several modifications throughout the development of the project. This work discusses the two main modifications giving special attention to the costs involved and analyses the main points and the consequences of such modifications 1 ref., 4 figs., 2 tabs.
The objective of this work is a study for the application of a new technology that will be used in the engine management system in the vehicle; where the final consumer can opt for the inquiry performance or seeking an economy for the fuel consumption depending on its daily use and of the prices offered in the gas stations. Flexible Fuel is a technology in development for the automobile market that mixes the use of two fuels (gasoline and ethanol) and their mixtures in the internal combustion engine. (author)
Natural radioactivity found in rocks and its evaluation been frequently used for studies of environmental geochemistry, particularly those of detection and control of pollutants and the consequent changes in environment after antropic interferences. In this work natural radioactivity in forty nine soil samples in the basin of Buquira river, at the Northeast region of Sao Paulo State, has been analysed and measured with a Ge-HP gamma ray spectrometer. A table with the most relevant results found in rocks is shown and discussed. (author)
Procedures followed in designing for offshore production rigs in the Northeastern Areas of the Campos Basin are presented. Various advantages afforded by the mast in the performance of required tasks are analyzed, along with all calculation premises and methods for adequate sizing. Standards covering mast design, materials used in manufacture, and test routines are also examined. (author). 16 figs., 3 tabs., 11 refs
A proposed inhibitor for steel corrosion in hydrochloric acid consists essentially of 0.5% of an inhibitor called BA-6, 0.25-0.5% of 1-hexynol-3, and about 0.02% of potassium iodide (calculated on the amount of acid). The inhibitor DA-6 is produced by condensing benzylamine with utrotropine. 1-Hexynol-3, secondary alcohol, is obtained from butyraldehyde and acetylene in the presence of caustic potash. The increase of potassium iodide concentration from 0.02-0.1% increases the protective action of the inhibitor. Hexynol, dipropargyl ester, and potassium iodide must be introduced in HC1 before injection of the latter into the well.
A study for Cs-137 radionuclide dispersion in the marine environment through of compartmental model (Box Model) is presented. The model simulates the surface water contamination caused by direct atmospheric deposition, surface wash off, desorption from sediments and transfer with the ground water of accidentally released radionuclides. For this study the model was applied to the North Sea, near to Sellafield, based on the transfer coefficients obtain at the literature. The results obtained are in good agreement with the literature, being that the model developed can be applied in to the brazilian coastal regions. (author). 7 refs, 7 figs.
...com: Christianity: General All-in-One Biblical Resources Search Anno Domini: Jesus Through the Centuries Bible and Homosexuality Bible Reading Fellowship Bible Society Bible ...of the New Testament Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words Virtual Christianity: Bibles Whole Bible Comments: bubl@bubl.ac.uk About....com: Christianity: General Offers original articles and features about Christianity in general plus annotated links to selected relevant Internet resources, compiled by ... Also includes a gallery of Christian images such as The Last Supper by Leonardo Da Vinci. Author: About....
The synthesis of dense sintered sialon with external additives selected from the system Y_2O_3-AlN-SiO_2 is reported. The highest density (3.21 g/cm"3) was achieved at 1750 degrees C at 90 min of sintering with 5 wt% additive. The degree of sialon substitution increased with the amount of liquid; the YSiO_2N crystalline phase formed concurrently. Strength degradation occurred above 1000 degrees C. The fracture toughness of the material sintered with a lower amount of sintering aid remained relatively unchanged to 1200 degrees C. The material with more additive exhibited decreased toughness above 1000 degrees C.
Statement of problem Computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) titanium ceramic restorations were developed with the potential for replacing expensive, high noble metal ceramic restorations. However, there is a lack of information about the clinical performance of CAD/CAM titanium ceramic single crowns. Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate CAD/CAM titanium ceramic single crowns after 3 years in function. Material and methods A total of 41 crowns were fabricated for 21 patients. The titanium copings were CAD/CAM milled (Everest CAD/CAM system) with an even thickness of 0.5 mm, and low-fusing veneering porcelain (Vita Titanium Porcelain) was added incrementally. The crowns were cemented using zinc phosphate cement after confirming that there were no mechanical...
The term Process Systems Engineering (PSE) is relatively recent. It was coined about 50 years ago at the outset of the modern era of computer-aided engineering. However, the engineering of processing systems is almost as old as the beginning of the chemical industry, around the first half of the 19th century. Initially, the practice of PSE was qualitative and informal, but as time went on it was formalized in progressively increasing degrees. Today, it is solidly founded on engineering sciences and an array of systems-theoretical methodologies and computer-aided tools. This paper is not a review of the theoretical and methodological contributions by various researchers in the area of PSE. Its primary objective is to provide an overview of the history of PSE, i.e. its origin and evolution; ...
The overall goal of this work is to design and optimize a biodiesel production process from soybean oil. To achieve this goal, several inter-connected activities were undertaken. First, an initial flowsheet for the process was synthesized. The performance of this flowsheet along with the key design and operating criteria were identified by conducting computer-aided simulation using ASPEN Plus. Various scenarios were simulated to provide sufficient understanding and insights and to select a base-case flowsheet. Next, mass and energy integration studies were performed to reduce the consumption of material and energy utilities, improve environmental impact, and enhance profitability. Capital cost estimation was carried out using the ICARUS Process Evaluator computer-aided tool linked to the r...
The goal of this study is to determine whether physicists at the Russian Nuclear Weapons Institute can profitably service the need for computer aided drug design (CADD) programs. The Russian physicists` primary competitive advantage is their ability to write particularly efficient code able to work with limited computing power; a history of working with very large, complex modeling systems; an extensive knowledge of physics and mathematics, and price competitiveness. Their primary competitive disadvantage is their lack of biology, and cultural and geographic issues. The first phase of the study focused on defining the competitive landscape, primarily through interviews with and literature searches on the key providers of CADD software. The second phase focused on users of CADD technology to determine deficiencies in the current product offerings, to understand what product they most desired, and to define the potential demand for such a product.
Between 1983 and 1986, 35 of 90 patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) had double-contrast esophagograms to rule out opportunistic esophagitis. The radiographs were reviewed without knowledge of the clinical or endoscopic findings. Candida esophagitis was diagnosed radiographically in 17 patients who had varying degrees of plaque formation and viral esophagitis in three who had discrete ulcers without plaques. All three patients with viral esophagitis (herpes in 2 and cytomegalo virus in one) and 15 of 17 with Candida esophagitis had endoscopic and/or clinical corroboration of the radiographic diagnosis. Thus, the authors' experience suggests that fungal and viral esophagitis can often be differentiated on double-contrast esophagography, so that appropriate antifungal or antiviral therapy can be instituted without need for endoscopic intervention.
The report presents an overview of A.I.D. efforts, which encompass a wide range of environmental issues and support environmental training, research, and institutional development. The report's opening section details A.I.D.'s efforts to enlist host-country support for environmental programs, with specific emphasis on improving natural resource management (especially in Africa), encouraging policy change, strengthening the private sector's environmental role, and preparing environmental profiles of host countries and helping them develop conservation strategies. The ensuing sections recount A.I.D. efforts in particular topics of environmental concern (biological diversity and environmental health and safety), critical ecological areas (coastal areas and forests and fragile lands), and specific country programs (reforestation in Haiti). A brief history of the evolution of the Agency's environmental strategy ...
We present two cases of fetal neck masses that were initially diagnosed by ultrasound and further evaluated with prenatal MRI. MRI findings aided in further delineating the neck masses, increasing confidence in the final diagnosis (cervical teratoma and cystic hygroma). With the fetal airway typically filled with fluid that is of high signal on T2-weighted sequences, MRI images in three planes could identify whether the fetal larynx and trachea were partially or completely compressed by the neck tumor. This information was particularly useful in determining if a controlled delivery such as ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) was necessary and aided the surgeons in planning their approach to establishing airway control in the delivery room. (orig.)
The paper describes the latest developments in STRASSY (Strategy Assistance System), the strategy assistance system for the inspection of nuclear materials. The user can now select the fuel cycle he wishes to investigate from an initial range of 19 facilities. An inspection interface has been developed to enable the details and dates of inspections to be modified. One of the special features of the application of STRASSY in international safeguards is the taking into account of timeliness of detection; certain aspects of the time manager algorithms are presented and analysed, including the guaranteed existence of a solution. The results of a study of diversion paths in a simplified cycle consisting of our facilities are presented. Finally, the modifications necessary to enable STRASSY to be used for a posterior analysis of inspection results are discussed. (authors). 7 refs., 3 figs.
The impact properties of high-strength low alloy TRIP steels such as 'TRIP-aided dual-phase steel' and 'TRIP-aided bainitic steel' associated with the transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) of retained austenite were investigated for some applications to the automotive impact members. The TRIP steels possessed far higher impact absorbed value and lower ductile-brittle transition temperature than the conventional ferrite-martensite and ferrite-pearlite steels. The stress relaxation resulting from the strain-induced transformation of retained austenite islands or films improved the impact properties in terms of suppressing void and/or crack initiation and these propagation. The best impact properties were completed in the steel composing of uniform fine bainitic lath structure and a large amount of stable interlath retained austenite films. (author)
The Co-ordinated Research Programme (CRP) on ''Isotope-Aided Studies on the Bioavailability of Iron and Zinc from Human Diets'' was initiated by the IAEA in 1990, and presently encompasses participating institutes in 11 countries. A summary of the discussions that took place during thr second Research Co-ordination Meeting held in Hyderabad, India, between 16-20 November 1992, is given in this report together with 12 working papers (progress reports) presented by individual participants. A separate abstract was prepared for each of these papers. Refs, figs and tabs.
The thesis explains the development of a mass spectrometerical isotope dilution analysis (MS/DA) for determining trace amounts of Tc. The Tc-97 isotope has been prepared by in-core irradiation of Ru of natural isotopic composition, and used as the indicator isotope. For separation of Tc-97 from the Ru matrix, a method has been developed to quantitatively separate Tc-97 from a high Ru surplus. For determining the isotope ratio for the MS/DA, a mass spectrometrical measuring technique has been found which allows reproducible measurement of the Tc-99/Tc-97 isotope ratio. Positive and, for the first time, also negative thermoionisation has been used as a method of selective ionisation of Tc. The applicability of the MS/DA for Tc trace analysis has been verified using two Al foils doped with Tc-99 or Mo-98, respectively. These have been irradiated in a nuclear reactor, the irradiation of Tc-99 yielding Ru-100, and irradiation of ...
Photoaffinity labeling analogs of the adenylate cyclase activator forskolin (PF) have been synthesized, purified and tested for their effect on preparations of membrane-bound, Lubrol solubilized and forskolin affinity-purified adenylate cyclase (AC). All analogs of forskolin significantly activated AC. However, in the presence of 0.1 to 0.3 microM forskolin, the less active forskolin photoaffinity probes at 100 microM caused inhibition. This inhibition was dose-dependent for PF, suggesting that PF may complete with F for the same binding site(s). After cross-linking (125I)PF-M to either membrane or Lubrol-solubilized AC preparations by photolysis, a radiolabeled 100-110 kDa protein band was observed after autoradiography following SDS-PAGE. F at 100 microM blocked the photoradiolabeling of this protein. Radioiodination of forskolin-affinity purified AC showed several protein bands on autoradiogram, however, only one band (Mr = 100-110 kDa) was ...
Adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats is a chronic inflammatory disease, widely as an animal model for rheumatoid arthritis. In our study the effect of various fractions of dialyzable leukocyte extract (DLE): DLE I-molecular weight below 10 kDa (commercial preparation), DLE II-molecular weight below 5 kDa (suppressor fraction), DLE III-molecular weight 5-10 kDa on rat adjuvant-induced arthritis was studied. The adjuvant arthritic (AA) rats were treated with DLE fractions i.p. in solutions containing an active substance isolated from 12.5 x 10{sup 6} and 6.25 x 10{sup 6} leukocytes from day 1 (adjuvant injected) through day 18, every second day (total 9 times). Various markers in inflammation, immune function and joint destruction were evaluated: hind paw volume, serum hyaluronic acid, serum albumin and biopterin in urine. All these markers showed a significant improvement after using fraction DLE II in comparison with AA ...
Acanthamoeba castellanii myosins IA and IB demonstrate the catalytic properties of a myosin and can support analogues of contractile and motile activity in vitro, but their single, low molecular weight heavy chains, roughly globular shapes, and inabilities to self-assemble into filaments make them structurally atypical myosins. The authors present the complete amino acid sequence of the 128-kDa myosin IB heavy chain, which they deduced from the nucleotide sequence of the gene and which reveals that the polypeptide is a fusion of myosin-like and non-myosin-like sequences. Specifically, the amino-terminal approx. 76 kDa of amino acid sequence is highly similar to the globular head sequences of conventional myosins. By contrast, the remaining approx. 51 kDa of sequence shows no similarity to any portion of conventional myosin sequences, contains regions that are rich in glycine, proline, and alanine residues, and lacks the ...
Acanthamoeba castellanii myosins IA and IB demonstrate the catalytic properties of a myosin and can support analogues of contractile and motile activity in vitro, but their single, low molecular weight heavy chains, roughly globular shapes, and inabilities to self-assemble into filaments make them structurally atypical myosins. The authors present the complete amino acid sequence of the 128-kDa myosin IB heavy chain, which they deduced from the nucleotide sequence of the gene and which reveals that the polypeptide is a fusion of myosin-like and non-myosin-like sequences. Specifically, the amino-terminal #approx# 76 kDa of amino acid sequence is highly similar to the globular head sequences of conventional myosins. By contrast, the remaining #approx# 51 kDa of sequence shows no similarity to any portion of conventional myosin sequences, contains regions that are rich in glycine, proline, and alanine residues, and lacks the ...
Radiation inactivation and sedimentation equilibrium analysis were used to determine the functional and physical size of the chicken hepatic membrane receptor that binds N-acetylglucosamine-terminated glycoproteins. Purified plasma membranes from chicken liver were irradiated with high energy electrons and assayed for 125I-agalactoorosomucoid binding. Increasing the dose of ionizing radiation resulted in a monoexponential decay in binding activity due to a progressive loss of binding sites. The molecular mass of the chicken lectin, determined in situ by target analysis, was 69,000 +/- 9,000 Da. When the same irradiated membranes were solubilized in Brij 58 and assayed, the binding protein exhibited a target size of 62,000 +/- 4,000 Da; in Triton X-100, the functional size of the receptor was 85,000 +/- 10,000 Da. Sedimentation equilibrium measurements of the purified binding protein yielded a lower limit molecular weight of ...
The number of ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) implementations within the oil industry has increased substantially in the past years. PETROBRAS has recently developed a business case, a 10 steps methodology developed by Symnetics-Benchmarking Partners (management consultancy), aimed at enhancing strategic and tangible ROI - Return on Investment of IT projects. The Business Case has not only provided alignment of PETROBRAS strategies with ERP capabilities, but also identified process gaps and opportunities for improvement as well as developing a high level implementation plan including timing, costs and potential benefits. Anticipated economic gains were mainly focused on the following business processes: materials management (30%), planning and controlling (25%), project management (24%) and order fulfillment (14%). PETROBRAS has chosen a phased approach for implementing the ERP. Two scenarios were considered: time, cost, risk and scope were the key issues regarding the ERP ...
The purpose of the present work is to investigate the effects of matrix resin and fiber content on the behavior of fatigue crack propagation in continuous-glass-fiber-mat reinforced CP-resin composites. For this purpose, ductile matrix resin and brittle one are used. These two kinds of resins have the characteristic that the elastic modulus and tensile strength are nearly the same with each other while the elongation is different. The composite specimens are made of these resins and continuous grass fiber mat of 20 wt.% and 60 wt% fiber contents. The fatigue crack propagation test was conducted by using the tapered DCB specimens to control the stress intensity factor range, {delta}K, during the test. The results obtained are as follows; (1) The relation between the crack propagation rate, da/dN, and {delta}K for all the present materials is shown by a straight line in logarithmic representation. (2) For the composites of 20 wt.% fiber content, the ...
The gravitational torque applied on the Earth by the other celestial bodies generates periodic variations in the orientation of the Earth's rotation axis in space which are called nutations. Observations of Earth's nutations allow for insights into the physical properties of the inner core because of the presence of a normal mode, the Free Inner Core Nutation (FICN), which is characterized by a tilt of the inner core figure and rotation axes with respect to the mantle and outer core. The frequency of the FICN is controlled by the strength of the mechanical coupling acting at the inner core boundary (ICB) and by the ability of the inner core to deform under the action of centrifugal and gravitational forces. Attenuation of the FICN reflects energy dissipated by electromagnetic (EM) and visc...
In multi-organisational contexts, scenario building has been used to engage stakeholders in a critical discussion on issues of mutual importance, and to gain their support with regards to possible future responses. A review of existing literature suggests that much has been written regarding the process of scenario development and the benefits of the process, but the detailed analysis of scenario building outcomes, which encompass a large number of issues and their complex interconnections, has not been made explicit for studying and enhancing understanding of a complex societal problem. This paper presents a systematic method for analysing such complex outcomes in order to facilitate reflective thinking on important issues within the wider context for policy development. The method was em...
The use of microwave in chemistry has known benefits over conventional heating methods, e.g. reduced reaction times, chemical yield improvement and the possibility if reducing or eliminating the use of organic solvents. We describe herein a procedure for the nitration of salicylaldehyde in water using a domestic microwave oven, which can be used as an experiment in the undergraduate chemistry laboratory. The experiment involves safe and rapid preparation and identification of the position isomers by thin layer chromatography and {sup 1}H NMR, or by their melting points. (author)
In a shipping terminal, the pipeline in the pier usually has a diameter smaller than the main pipeline diameter. This diameter reduction amplifies the effects caused by hydraulic transients. It was noticed during simulations that check valves placed in the pier may introduce some error in the maximum pressure when it was modeled in a conventional fashion. The dynamic check valve model had been added to a commercial pipeline simulation software and the results was compared with a similar model using the method of characteristics. Considering a real state shipping terminal case, it was proved even a pipeline that works with low pressure and smooth elevation profile needs a detailed valve modeling to prevent the calculation of unreal pressure values in the region with diameter reduction. (author)
This discussion outlines a few areas of fundamental research which appear vital for progress in developing advanced propulsion concepts using dc railgun thrusters. We have placed emphasis on the following: (1) dense plasma and high current density influences on changes in microstructure and properties of conventional rail conductors such as Cu, Al, and W alloys or composites; (2) the influences described in (1) on more advanced high temperature, microstrain resistant, materials such as amorphous tungsten; (3) location, description and temporal evolution of current, magnetic field, and losses during intense plasma-current field interactions with conductors; and (4) composite materials and sequentially sectioned structures for more efficient EM dc launcher configuration.
This paper describes the simulation of the operating environment of the New York Power Pool (NYPP) within the Dispatcher Training Simulator facility at the New York State Electric and Gas Corporation (NYSEG). The NYSEG control center uses real-time data received from the NYPP control center to control its internal generation. In addition, the NYSEG dispatchers work very closely with the NYPP dispatchers. The exact emulation of the Generation Control functions of the NYPP EMS, and the associated data exchange with the NYSEG ECS, contribute greatly to the high degree of realism achieved in the NYSEG DTS facility. The accuracy of the power system simulation in the DTS has been validated against actual power system disturbances recorded at NYSEG.
We define {\\em predictive information} $I_{\\rm pred} (T)$ as the mutual information between the past and the future of a time series. Three qualitatively different behaviors are found in the limit of large observation times $T$: $I_{\\rm pred} (T)$ can remain finite, grow logarithmically, or grow as a fractional power law. If the time series allows us to learn a model with a finite number of parameters, then $I_{\\rm pred} (T)$ grows logarithmically with a coefficient that counts the dimensionality of the model space. While logarithmic growth of related information theoretic quantities has been found in previous work on learning, power law growth has not been seen in this context. We find that it is associated, for example, with the learning of infinite parameter (or nonparametric) models such as continuous functions with smoothness constraints. There are connections between the predictive information and measures of complexity that have been defined both in ...
The purpose of this research was to develop a methodology for sizing integrated renewable energy systems, useful for rural areas, using simulation and optimization tools developed in MATLAB 6.0. The sizing model produces a system with minimum cost and high reliability level, based on the concept of loss of power supply probability (LPSP) for consecutive hours. An optimization model is presented and three different sizing scenarios are calculated and compared, showing flexibility in the elaboration of different project conceptions. The obtained results show a complete sizing of the energy conversion devices and a long-term cost evaluation. (author)
In this paper, the authors investigate the technical and economical aspects of the natural gas injection in non-integrated pig-iron plants using charcoal in the blast furnace. The effects of the natural gas injection concerning the blast furnace flame temperature, charcoal consumption, productively and permeability are analyzed. It was found that the injection is beneficial in many ways, such as in the improvement of the productivity and quality, if the flame temperature is kept within an appropriate range. In the financial-economic project`s evaluation, the cash flow for the natural gas injection was analysed considering two blast conditions: through the drying and oxygen enrichment of the air. A sensibility analysis is presented in which the internal rate of return of the investment varies according to the prices of charcoal and oxygen. 3 refs., 3 figs., 3 tabs
The forward modelling and the prestack reverse time migration of seismic P-SV wave field was carried out in 2-D models of isotropic and anisotropic media which allow separation of P-SV and SH motion. The P-SV wave field can be described by a system of hyperbolic, first order differential equations in terms of particle velocity and stress. The system of five equations and five unknowns, namely horizontal (U) and vertical (V) velocity components, and three components of stress (T{sub xx}, T-z{sub z} and T{sub xz}) was solved numerically using second order space and forth order time finite differences operators. In order to attenuate numerical dispersion, a staggered grid was used. (author). 48 refs., 5 figs
The aim of this work is the implantation and characterization of a neutron radiography system that uses an electronic device for attainment of images in real time, for its implementation in the nuclear research reactor Argonauta at IEN/CNEN (Nuclear Engineering Institute of the Brazilian Nuclear Energy Commission). The Electronic Imaging System in Real Time is composed by a scintillator screen for neutron, a video camera (CCD), a digital plate and a computer with specific computational programs for digital processing of the images. The System in installed real time is apt to carry through neutron radiography inspections of static and dynamic events of several types of samples. (author)
The objective of this work was to combine asymmetric somatic hybridization (donor-recipient fusion or gamma fusion) to microprotoplast-mediated chromosome transfer, as a tool to be used for chromosome mapping in Citrus. Swinglea glutinosa micro protoplasts were irradiated either with 50, 70, 100 or 200 gamma rays and fused to cv. Ruby Red grapefruit or Murcott tangor protoplasts. Cell colonies were successfully formed and AFLP analyses confirmed presence of S. glutinosa in both 'Murcott' tangor and 'Ruby Red' grapefruit genomes. (author)
Since the advent of the first free electron laser (FEL) in 1976 up to now, a series of principles, configurations and operation modes of these FELs have been devised and partially implemented. The principles refer to transverse FEL, longitudinal FEL, combined FEL, and transverse optical klystron FEL. Configurations may be standard or many-stage and the undulators may be magnetostatic, electrostatic or electromagnetic. The operation regimes may be low-gain Compton type, high-gain Compton type, Raman type, with and without space charge. The operation modes may be the amplification of an external coherent EM radiation, a self-amplified spontaneous emission (SASE), or an oscillator. The paper presents in detail these concepts and the limit between classical approach and the quantum approach of FEL. (Author).
The extended mind thesis (EM) asserts that some cognitive processes are (partially) composed of actions consisting of the manipulation and exploitation of environmental structures. Might some processes at the root of social cognition have a similarly extended structure? In this paper, I argue that social cognition is fundamentally an interactive form of space management-the negotiation and management of "we-space"-and that some of the expressive actions involved in the negotiation and management of we-space (gesture, touch, facial and whole-body expressions) drive basic processes of interpersonal understanding and thus do genuine social-cognitive work. Social interaction is a kind of extended social cognition, driven and at least partially constituted by environmental (non-neural) scaffold...
Present paper is performed to investigate the heat and exergy transfer characteristics of forced convection flow through a horizontal rectangular channel where open-cell metal foams of different pore densities such as 10, 20 and 30PPI (per pore inches) were situated. All of the bounding walls of the channel are subjected to various uniform heat fluxes. The pressure drop and heat transfer characteristics are presented by two important parametric values, Nusselt number (NuH) and friction factor (f), as functions of Reynolds number (ReH) and the wall heat flux (q). The Reynolds number (ReH) based on the channel height of the rectangular channel is varied from 600 to 33 000, while the Grashof number (GrDh) ranged from approximately 105-107 depending on q. Based on the experimental data, new em...
Academic, government, and industrial field researchers have generated a significant database of field studies of the volatility of soil applied fumigants. However, limited work exists in validating physical models against field volatility data sets and fully exploring the volatility parametric response surface. Field studies quantifying atmospheric flux for soil fumigants 1,3-dichloropropene and chloropicrin are validated against the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA Salinity Laboratory) soil physics model CHAIN_2D that was modified specifically for agronomic uses of soil fumigants. Comparison between model predictions and field observations for six unique field trials in five different states indicate that CHAIN_2D effectively captures the magnitude and duration of fumigant em...
Biodiesel from non-grain feedstock has been considered as one of the proper substitutes for fossil fuels associated with a series of activities emerging in China in order to meet the resource shortage and develop the energy crops. This paper presents an ecological accounting framework based on embodied energy, emergy, and CO2 emission for the whole production chain of biodiesel made from Jatropha curcas L. (JCL) oil. The energy and materials invested in and CO2 emission from the whole process, including cropping, transportation, extraction, and production, are accounted and calculated. Also, EmCO2, the ratio of real CO2 released to the emergy-based sustainability indicator per joule biodiesel, is proposed in this paper to present a new goal function for low-carbon system optimization. Fina...
Modern day accelerator development encompasses a myriad technologies required for their diverse needs. Whereas RF, high voltage, vacuum, cryogenics etc., technologies meet their functional requirements, high finish lapping processes, ceramic-metal joining, oven brazing, spark erosion or wire cutting etc., are a must to meet their fabrication requirements. Electromagnetic (EM) forming technique falls in the latter category and is developed as a special technology. It is currently catering to the development as a nuclear reactor technology, but has the potential to meet accelerator requirements too. This paper highlights the general principle of its working, simple design guidelines, advantages, and suggests some specific areas where this could benefit accelerator technologies
As usual a shipping terminal contains a header and its diameter is smaller than the main pipeline diameter. This diameter reduction amplifies the effects caused by hydraulic transients. It was noticed during simulations that check valves without dynamic modeling may introduce some error in the maximum pressure results without a dynamic model approach. The current paper uses commercial pipeline simulation software to model the dynamic behavior of the check valves. It was studied the header diameter influence and how the check valve model type may change the maximum pressure in the pipeline. It was proved that even a pipeline that works with low pressure and small elevation drop needs a detailed valve modeling to prevent the calculation of unreal pressure values in the region with diameter reduction. (author)
Medicinal plants are available in the markets in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. The objective of this work is to investigate the Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Na e Zn concentrations in two lots of usually known diuretics plants (azeitona do mato, cabelo de milho, cavalinha, cervejinha do campo, chapeu de couro, congonha de bugre, marmelinho do campo and quebra pedra) bought with an interval of time - six months - between the purchases. The elemental concentrations were determined applying k{sub 0} instrumental neutron activation analysis and atomic absorption spectrophotometry analysis. (author)
We have developed efficient spectrally selective infrared (IR) emitters that can be utilized for thermophotovoltaic (TPV) power generation by using stainless steel (SUS304) substrates coated with b- FeSi2 thin films. To develop spectrally selective emitters, we theoretically propose antireflection (AR) coatings consisting of a single layer of a dielectric material having a high refractive index (~5) and are appropriate for use with metals such as stainless steels in the IR region. This type of AR coating is fabricated by sputtering a b- FeSi2 thin film on a polished SUS304 substrate. The reflectance in the IR region is successfully reduced to less than 10%. In addition, the AR properties are stable even at 700 K in air. Therefore, metals with AR coatings of b- FeSi2 can be applied to IR em...
A thermal-electric mathematical model for a squirrel cage induction motors which permits to specify the best motor for specific drive, under thermal and electric aspects based, only on manufacturer technical bulletins and technical information is presented. Changes of rotor parameters due Skin Effect and changes of winding resistances (both stator and rotor) with the temperature are considered. The accuracy of this model is appraised using experimental results. The thermal behavior and electric performance for some motors are obtained for continuos and intermittent duties with sinusoidal and non-sinusoidal voltages. (author)
Penetrating liver wounds are related to many causes and rank second after blunt abdominal and liver trauma. In this report are examined the clinical and radiological findings of personal series of patients with penetrating trauma, especially by firearms and stab and cut wounds. It will also tried to define the diagnostic workup of these traumas, which is especially based on CT signs of liver damage and associated changes and which is of basic importance for following treatment, both surgical or conservative. In the last seven years it was retrospectively reviewed 31 cases of penetrating liver trauma. The patients were 19 men and 12 women, ranging in age 18 to 73 (mean 42), with penetrating liver injuries from firearms (16 patients) and stab (9 cases) wounds; 6 patients had injuries from different cases. Abdominal CT was carried out in emergency with the CT Angiography (CTA) technique in all patients. In the patients with suspected chest and abdomen involvement CT was performed from the ...
Iron oxide as sintering aid to Ce-TZP ceramics produces a beneficial effect on the tetragonal phase stabilization. It was found that ceria powder particle size of 2,0 #mu#m turns the grain-boundary electrical conductivity higher than ceria powder of smaller grain size. (author)
A radioactive particle was analyzed to discover the composition of the inactive material of the particle. The method uses the x-ray line spectrum of the K series caused by electron irradiation of the particle in the electron microscope. Iron and aluminum or silicon (the last two could not be distinguished) were found as inactive components in the particle. (D.L.C.)
A chemical equilibrium model is used, implemented in a compact FORTRAN package called HITEQ, to investigate possible mineral deposition related to prereinjection treatment of Cerro Prieto brines for silica removal. Large saturation ratios of the treated brines with respect to several minerals are indicated by these computations. As a remedy, an inexpensive CO/sub 2/ removal scheme aimed at inhibiting carbonate mineral precipitation is proposed. This scheme is quantitatively discussed with the aid of HITEQ. It is concluded that the proposed treatment is both technically and economically feasible.
The subject of parallelism (or concurrency) has seen little light outside books and courses on operating systems. The authors feel that this is too restricted an arena and that the subject should be dealt with in a wider context. With the aim of trying to rectify the situation they have used, several times, as a teaching aid the study of the use of a computer to control a juke box. The article describes how they use this case study. 2 references.
Research at the Savannah River Technology Center aided development of a technical design basis for a Waste Treatment Plant (WTP) to pre-treat and vitrify Hanford tank waste as part of the River Protection Project (RPP). The research addresses safety concerns, process optimization, and waste form compliance. This program will provide technical data to ensure that the process functions as it was designed and minimizes costs.
A description is given of sinterable powders and methods of producing sintered products using such powders. The powders consist of (a) a particulate ceramic material, e.g. SiC, having specified particle size and surface area; (b) a carbon source material, e.g. sugar or a phenol-formaldehyde resin; and (c) a residue from a solution of H3BO3, B2O3, or mixtures of these as sintering aid. (U.K.).
2D MEDICI simulator is used to investigate hardening solutions to single-event burnout (SEB). SEB parametric dependencies such as carrier lifetime reduction, base enlargement, and emitter doping decrease have been verified and a p"+ plug modification approach for SEB hardening of power MOSFETs is validated with simulations on actual device structures.
A new simple analytical approach is developed for optimum size of series capacitor compensation. The method gives quick and accurate results. Need for formulating a big quadratic or voluminous fourth order equation and the solution of the above with the aid of computers is avoided. Graphical plotting also is not required. 8 refs.
Data resulting from a continuing effort to provide system/subsystem definition data to aid in the evaluation of the SPS program concept is presented. The specific data described relate to the proposed use of solid state devices as microwave power amplifiers in the satellite microwave power transmission subsystem.
The ?new variant famine? hypothesis posits links between HIV/AIDS and new patterns of impoverishment, food insecurity and hunger, in southern and eastern Africa. This paper explores the relevance of the NVF hypothesis to understanding Swaziland?s recurrent food crises and high HIV prevalence. Evidence exists that all four markers of NVF are present in Swaziland. The national government and the international community will have to contend with this phenomenon in future planning for the wellbeing of Swazi citizens.
Monitoring nuclear plants components enable to save on operation and maintenance costs by reducing incidents gravity and casual plant stoppages thank to early detection and fast diagnosis. Improving the knowledge of the behaviour of the plant will also allow to optimize maintenance and to increase plant life. In order to improve monitoring and diagnosis capabilities in nuclear power plants. Electricite de France (EDF) is extending the existing data processing chains towards automatic aided interpretation and diagnosis. Therefore, EDF has designed an integrated monitoring and diagnosis assistance system: PSAD-Poste de Surveillance et d'Aide au Diagnostic, including several monitoring functions of the main components. It integrates on-line monitoring, off-line diagnosis and knowledge based systems. PSAD stations provide homogeneous aids to diagnosis which enable plant personnel to pinpoint the mechanical behaviour of plant ...
The main aim of sanitary pass-control regime is to prevent propagation of radioactive contamination outside the area of emergency-rescue works and guarantee of sanitary treatment of all persons having radioactive contamination. The paper has studied the questions of organization of sanitary pass-control regime, arrangement of sanitary treatment of the injured persons and rendering first aid in case of radioactive contamination of wounds. 5 refs.
ObjectivesObjectives Not AvailableDescriptionOne significant research challenge posed by the growing number of older people in the population concerns the mobility-related problems which increase with age, inhibit independence, and can be a prime cause of admission to expensive institutional settings. The scope for engineering advances, particularly in the field of rehabilitation and assistive technology, is immense. The challenge is to produce aids, devices and products that are attractive to older people themselves, since without such [continued...
Neutron activation of nitrogen and hydrogen in the body, the isotope dilution technique and the measurement of naturally radioactive potassium in the body are among the new nuclear methods, now under collaborative development by the Australian Nuclear Scientific and Technology Organization and medical specialists from several Sydney hospitals. These methods allow medical specialists to monitor the patient's response to various diets and dietary treatments in cases of cystic fibrosis, anorexia nervosa, long-term surgical trauma, renal diseases and AIDS. ills.
Heart failure goes beyond mechanical dysfunction and involves an interplay of multiple pathophysiologic mechanisms, including inflammation, tissue remodeling, neurohormonal and endocrine signaling, and interactions with the renal and nervous systems. This article highlights some novel biomarkers that may aid in diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of acute heart failure, specifically focusing on ST2, endoglin, galectin-3, cystatin C, neutrophil gelatinase?associated lipocalin, midregional pro-adrenomedullin, chromogranin A, adiponectin, resistin, and leptin and their emerging clinical roles.
To study the role in AIDS pathogenesis of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Tat protein, a transactivator of viral and cellular genes, we generated transgenic mice with a recombinant DNA...Full Text Available
Due to biological effects of magnetic fields of high voltage transmission lines and induced effects on has pipe line, telecommunication system and interference with sensitive electronic equipment, many effort have been done to reduce transmission lines magnetic fields and several ideas have been introduced. In this paper we review three methods: phase split, shielded and compacted line methods. With aid of a developed software programme these methods are then applied to transmission lines and the results are analyzed.
Measurement-While-Drilling (MWD) sensors can supply much of the critical downhole information needed in a systems approach to improving drilling efficiency. The author looks at some areas where MWD information has helped to improve drilling efficiency. To date, most use of MWD has been for directional survey, pressure prediction, and formation evaluation. As MWD systems become more reliable and cost effective, their applications will expand.
Values of frequency splittings in the lithium isotopes have been determined with the aid of laser-induced fluorescene in a supersonic beam, perpendicularly irradiated by a CW ring dye laser. The residual 2s-2p isotope shift has been found to bw 4721.8 +- 2.0 MHz, leading to a specific mass shift for the 2p level of -3610.8 +- 5 MHz.
Processes were developed that use lasers as manufacturing tools. These processes were stripping of insulation from cables and wires, machining of quartz, microdrilling and welding of reflective metals, and precision alignment of curved surfaces before machining. A technological basis also was formed which resulted in a process for automatic surface inspection of parts and aided development of machining processes for Kevlar parts.
...six months Organising local tours of the area for up to 1000 affected families in the Izu Penninsula area around Mount Fuji Mobile food stalls that wlll serve up to 10,000 bottles of water and 10,000 servings of food Mobile human waste disposal units Building northern Japan support committees Browser does not support script. Browser does not support script. For further information, please contact: Garry Campbell, PR & ...
The intrasphenoid form of basal cephalocele is uncommon. We describe the clinical, CT and MRI findings in two cases presenting in middle age with persistent cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea. Emphasis is placed upon the imaging findings which aid in discrimination of intrasphenoidal cephalocele from more common causes of a sphenoid sinus mass. (orig.)
Organic molecules are a significant and highly varied component of atmospheric aerosols. Measurement of aerosol composition and improvements in our understanding of the complex chemistry involved in their formation and aging are being aided by innovations in soft ionization aerosol MS. (To listen to a podcast about this feature, please go to the Analytical Chemistry multimedia page at pubs.acs.org/page/ancham/audio/index.html.). PMID:21275431
The energy challenges of the next 30 years appear daunting and, in certain cases, in conflict with one another. Their complexity is such that one solution alone cannot provide a full answer. It is nevertheless equally clear that hydro-electricity, being renewable, proven, highly efficient, storable and with still very significant resource potential, possesses a unique combination of attributes which will aid decision-makers to plan and execute energy development with confidence.
TEM and HRTEM have been used to characterise the microstructures of materials formed by hot-pressing silicon nitride with an Al_2O_3-SiO_2-TiO_2 densification aid system, to form #beta#'-sialon-TiN composites in which the TiN particles are of 20-100 nm dimension. (orig.).
A method for the analysis of three-component mixtures is described. The method is used for contact-free determination of component concentration in the mixtures transported via a product duct. Formulae as an aid in choosing the gamma radiation source and estimating the efficiency of measurement are given. The errors of measurement by the method of formaline-water-carbamide mixture is 1-2 %. 9 refs.; 1 fig.
This paper describes phase-retrieval approaches in music by focusing on the particular case of the cyclic groups (beltway problem). After presenting some old and new results on phase retrieval, we introduce the extended phase retrieval for a generalized musical Z-relation. This concept is accompanied by mathematical definitions and motivations from computer-aided composition. We assume from the reader basic knowledge of groups, topological groups, group algebras, group actions, Lebesgue integration, convolution products, and Fourier transform.
A recent clinical trial of a T-cell-based AIDS vaccine delivered with recombinant adenovirus type 5 (rAd5) vectors showed no efficacy in lowering viral load and was associated with increased risk of...Full Text Available
The US Department of Energy, Office of Technical and Financial Assistance (OTFA) promotes the application of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies and practices by working cooperatively with state and local governments and private and nonprofit organizations, providing technical and financial assistance and serving as network for sharing information. This report is an overview of some of the programs designed to aid in solving our national energy problems.
The Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) reactor characterization by the Hanford Engineering Development Laboratory (HEDL) includes extensive neutronic measurements during startup and initial operation. To aid in the handling and counting of the thousands of passive dosimeters used as part of this effort, an automated dosimetry specimen handling, positioning, and counting system was designed and developed by Westinghouse Hanford for the Department of Energy.
This document is an addendum to the 1996 Gunnison Monitoring Report for the Gunnison, Colorado, Wetlands Mitigation Report, dated July 1997. The purpose of this addendum is to: (1) modify how information on plant height and plant species criteria are presented; and (2) provide more detailed information regarding the evaluation of the bare ground criteria at the Camp Ketle site. The information in this addendum is provided at the request of the Bureau of Land Management to aid in future monitoring and evaluation of the wetland mitigation sites.
In this paper the effect of adding commercially pure yttria concentrate and yttrium carbonate concentrate (NUCLEMON) on the densification of #beta#-Sialon has been studied. The specimens were sintered in graphite furnace at 1720 and 175 deg C, for 1 hour in a nitrogen atmosphere. Densities of up to 99% of the theoretical density were obtained. Microstructural analyses of the specimens were carried out with the aid of an X ray diffractometer and a scanning electron microscope. (author)
Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a unique facility covering over 43 square miles. The Emergency Management and Response Office (EM&R) is required to respond, provide Incident Command (IC), and coordination for all Laboratory emergencies. This requires IC`s and support staff to respond to the actual scene of the incident. Since the IC is under numerous constraints and stress, the office wanted the capability of locating the EM&R vehicles on an electronic map. An automated vehicle location (AVL) system was required for the additional safety of the emergency response personal. The requirements for the AVL system include total automatic tracking and low cost. After careful consideration, it was determined that the most efficient and cost effective system would be based on packet radio technology as the transmission media. The location is determined by the Department of Defense Global Positioning System (GPS). The system that was ...
The purpose of this study was to assess the energy flux and energetic balance related to the swine production and the recycling of residues generated by the system for utilization as organic fertilizers. The experiment was carried out at Vale dos Ipes Farm, located in the city of Ouro Verde do Oeste, in the Western of Parana State. One finishing phase swine unity containing 600 animals was monitored from January to June 2005. The treatment system is composed by one steel digester with capacity for 50 m{sup 3}, one sedimentation tank, one algae tank and one bio fertilizer storage tank. The swine barn cleaning is performed by dry scratching on a daily basis. The generated residues flow by gravitation through ducts towards the digester. The duration of the hydraulic retention period was 12 days. In the calculation of energetic efficiency, the energetic component ration is the greatest energetic cost in production system of finishing phase swine, corresponding to 95% from the total direct ...
Sphere-forming abilities in culture condition are considered a hallmark of cancer stem-like cells, which represents tumor cell invasiveness and stem-like characteristics. We aimed to show that the sphere-forming subpopulation of human malignant melanoma cell line WM-266-4 acts differently to zebrafish embryo extracts compared with their bulk counterpart. Spheres were maintained in neural stem cell culture conditions. The embryos of zebrafish at specific developmental stages were collected and the extracts were purified under 100 kDa. Spheres were treated with embyo extracts and proliferation assay and immunocytochemistry were conducted. Spheroid cells expressed nestin and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) but not melanoma antigen recognized by T-cells (MART)1, indicating their stem-l...
Secondary energy can be described as a surplus of electrical energy in a hydropower because the lower demand of energy in some period of the day and the excess of water in the reservoir during the rainy periods. This study proposes the using of the excess of energy at Itaipu Bi nacional for electrolytically hydrogen production and ammonia for nitrogenous fertilizers. Ammonia is a raw material for nitrogenous fertilizers synthesis and produced using hydrogen and nitrogen from the atmosphere. This paper determines the minimal cost of hydrogen production and the capacity of hydrogen production, with this data and according the ammonia market for nitrogenous fertilizers in the Centre/South region was estimated the better capacity of ammonia production for one plant near Itaipu. The process of ammonia production using energy excess is the most environmental acceptable. (author)
A general method for stable-isotope labeling of large proteins is introduced and applied for studies of the E. coli GroE chaperone proteins by solution NMR. In addition to enabling the residue-specific {sup 15}N-labeling of proteins on a highly deuterated background, it is also an efficient approach for uniform labeling. The method meets the requirements of high-level deuteration, minimal cross-labeling and high protein yield, which are crucial for NMR studies of structures with sizes above 150 kDa. The results obtained with the new protocol are compared to other strategies for protein labeling, and evaluated with regard to the influence of external factors on the resulting isotope labeling patterns. Applications with the GroE system show that these strategies are efficient tools for studies of structure, dynamics and intermolecular interactions in large supramolecular complexes, when combined with TROSY- and CRINEPT-based experimental NMR schemes.
Bacillus licheniformis ?-glutamyltranspeptidase (BlGGT) undergoes an autocatalytic process to generate 44.9 and 21.7?kDa subunits; however, a mutant protein (T399A) loses completely the processing ability and mainly exists as a precursor. For a comprehensive understanding of their structural features, the biophysical properties of these two proteins were investigated by circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy. Tryptophan fluorescence and circular dichroism spectra were nearly identical for BlGGT and T399A, but unfolding analyses revealed that these two proteins had a different sensitivity towards temperature- and guanidine hydrochloride (GdnHCl)-induced denaturation. BlGGT and the unprocessed T399A displayed T m values of 61.4?C and 68.1?C, respectively, and thermal unfolding of b...
The isothermal flow field for the axial cyclone has been experimentally determined. The velocity fields are used for determination particle paths (particle removal and suspended state), and inter alia of heat and mass transfer processes in the axial cyclone combustion chamber. The results are extremely significant as input value approximations for mathematical modelling, since experimentally obtained results are indispensable for complex flows and geometries. (orig.) [Deutsch] Es ist fuer den Axialzyklon experimentell das isotherme Stroemungsfeld ermittelt. Die Geschwindigkeitsfelder dienen zur Ermittlung der Partikelbahnen (Partikelabscheidung, Schwebebedingung), der Waerme- und Stoffuebertragungsprozesse u.a. in der Axialzyklonbrennkammer. Die Ergebnisse sind als Startwertnaeherung bei einer mathematischen Modellierung sehr wichtig, da bei komplexen Stroemungen und Geometrien versuchstechnische Ergebnisse unumgaenglich sind. (orig.)
Aquatic sediments feature a two-way interaction between contaminants and benthic macrofauna. The effect of the macrofauna community on the transport of contaminants in sediment has received considerable attention. Yet, few studies have investigated the reverse effect, i.e., the influence of contaminants on bioturbation activity. To this end, we performed laboratory experiments to investigate the effect of copper contamination on sediment reworking activity of the ragworm Nereis diversicolor. A density of 570 ind m2 was introduced in mesocosms containing natural and copper spiked (2.99 nmol Cu g?1) cohesive intertidal sediments from Ponta da Erva (Tejo estuary, Portugal). Luminophore tracers were used to quantify sediment reworking activity over time (2, 7, 14 and 21 days). Bioturbation was...
The use of gamma radiation to obtain wood-polymer composites is one of the applications of radiation that presents the most commercial interest. The process, denominated radiopolymerization, comprises the impregnation of monomers into the completely dried wood followed by exposure to gamma radiation to induce polymerization of the impregnated monomers. I this context, the present work aimed the application of this process to seven kinds of wood existing in the brazilian forests. The considered monomer is styrene and the gamma source is Cobalt-60. The obtained wood-polystyrene composites were found to have stronger static bending strength. (author)
In order to investigate the antioxidant properties of the polysaccharides from the brown alga Sargassum fusiforme, the crude polysaccharides from S. fusiforme (SFPS) were extracted in hot water, and the lipid peroxidation inhibition assay exhibited that SFPS possessed a potential antioxidant activity. Hence, two purely polymeric fractions, SFPS-1 and SFPS-2 were isolated by the column of DEAE (2-diethylaminoethanol)-Sepharose Fast Flow, with their molecular weights of 51.4 and 30.3 kDa determined by high performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC). They were preliminarily characterized using chemical analysis in combination of infrared (IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopies and found to contain large amounts of uronic acids and ?-glycosidical linkages. The antioxida...
We previously reported that puromycin-insensitive leucyl-specific aminopeptidase (PILSAP) is required for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)- and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)-induced angiogenesis and for endothelial differentiation from embryonic stem (ES) cells via the aminopeptidase activity of PILSAP. In this study, we searched for molecules that function during angiogenesis with PILSAP. We performed proteome analysis of nuclear extracts from embryoid bodies (EBs) made from ES cells transfected with mutant PILSAP lacking aminopeptidase activity and mock EBs. We identified pigpen, a 67-kDa nuclear coiled body component protein. Immunoprecipitation and western blotting demonstrated the binding of PILSAP and pigpen in endothelial cells (ECs), and this interaction was enhanc...
Nowadays, mixing is one of the most powerful tools for the process and products optimization in chemical process industries. The available technology can help in achieving almost any desired outcomes related to the process-side of the systems. This paper presents a practical methodology to improve existing agitation systems in order to overcome the constraints previously identified in the process. Well succeed real cases using this methodology in a petrochemical plant (Nitriflex S.A.) are presented. (author) 13 refs., 1 figs., 2 tabs.
This paper presents results, numeric and experimental, due to installation operation of a Risers Uphold Sub-Surface Buoy, (BSR). This kind of installation developed by PETROBRAS is unique in the world. The work of BSR installation was based on a numeric pre analysis to verify the system and determine the main parameters to be experimentally verified. The second phase of the work was the experimental analysis in a deep water ocean basin. s. The work describes the BSR and their main accessories, the experimental environment and the model constructed in aluminum in a 1:12 scale and the main results. (author)
Modern tubular type pumps commonly have lubricated radial bearings which require no compressed water supply and reduce the servicing requirements. Problems that may possibly result from entrained sand in the pumped fluid were solved with the development of ceramic Residur {sup trademark} bearngs in the early eighties. (orig.) [German] In zunehmendem Masse werden Rohrgehaeusepumpen mit foerdermediumgeschmierten Radiallagern ausgestattet, da dies z.B. neben dem Wegfall einer ansonsten notwendigen Druckwasserversorgung auch einen deutlichen reduzierten Wartungsaufwand nach sich zieht. Den Problemen durch eine moegliche Sandbeladung des Foerdermedium wurde bereits durch die Entwicklung der keramischen Residur {sup trademark} -Lager Anfang der 80er Jahre Rechnung getragen. (orig.)
Heme peroxidases are a class of multifunctional redox-active proteins found in all organisms. We recently cloned, expressed, and characterized an ascorbate peroxidase from Leishmania major (LmAPX) that was capable of detoxifying hydrogen peroxide. Localization studies using green fluorescent protein fusions revealed that LmAPX was localized within the mitochondria by its N-terminal signal sequence. Subcellular fractionation analysis of the cell homogenate by the Percoll density-gradient method and subsequent Western blot analysis with anti-LmAPX antibody further confirmed the mitochondrial localization of mature LmAPX. Submitochondrial fractionation analysis showed that the mature enzyme (?3.6?kDa shorter than the theoretical value of the whole gene) was present in the intermembrane space ...
Let X be a group with identity e, let A be an infinite set of generators for X, and let (X,d_A) be the metric space with the word metric d_A induced by A. It is proved that if the diameter of the space is infinite, then for every positive integer h there are infinitely many elements x in X with d_A(e,x)=h. It is proved that if P is a nonempty finite set of prime numbers and A is the set of positive integers whose prime factors all belong to P, then the diameter of the metric space (\\Z,d_A) is infinite. Let \\lambda_A(h) denote the smallest positive integer x with d_A(e,x)=h. It is an open problem to compute \\lambda_A(h) and estimate its growth rate.
The gastrointestinal transit was studied in 20 patients with loop transverse colostomies and previously normal colons. This analysis was performed through radiological observation of progression of 20 radiopaque pellets and measurements of its transit time in the various segments of the digestive tract. An evaluation of other related clinical and radiological events was carried out sentimentality's. In order to better understand the influence of the surgical procedure, the study was performed under similar dietary and supportive care conditions and standard radiological studies before and after the re-establishment of transit, thus enabling a comparison with the same individual. (author)
Electron simulated desorption of anions from CFCl_3 and CF_2Cl_2 condensed on an Au substrate is studied in the energy range 0-15 eV. The negative fragments are recorded mass spectro metrically as the function of the incident electron energy. Below 10 eV we observe anion desorption via pronounced resonance profiles which are characteristic for dissociative electron attachment (DA) while the continuous rise of the signal at higher energies accounts for dipolar dissociation (DD) and processes involving secondary electrons from the metallic substrate. For both compounds F"- and Cl"- are the only fragment anions we could observe. (author).
The early diagnosis of such disorders is of major importance because, in most cases, severe consequences can only be averted by early treatment. The value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in many orthopaedic and traumatological conditions is generally accepted. The value of MRI in this particular field is illustrated by typical case reports on common clinical problems [Deutsch] Der Fruehdiagnose von Erkrankungen des Kindes- und Jugendalters kommt grosse Bedeutung zu, da oftmals nur durch eine daraus resultierende Fruehbehandlung schwerwiegende Folgen vermieden werden koennen. Die Kernspintomographie (Magnetresonanztomographie=MRT) ist in zahlreichen orthopaedischen-traumatologischen Fragestellungen bereits etabliert. An ausgewaehlten Fallbeispielen haeufiger klinischer Problemstellungen soll in der vorliegenden Arbeit der Stellenwert der MRT dargestellt werden. (orig.)
Aim of the work was to describe computerised tomography (CT) findings of calcified renal metastases focusing on differential diagnosis problems. Abdominal CT scans of 8000 patients with tumor, performed from 1984 to 1998, have been retrospectively reviewed. [Italian] Scopo del lavoro e' quello di descrivere gli aspetti con tomografia computerizzata delle metastasi renali calcificate enfatizzando le problematiche diagnostico differenziali. Sono state valutate retrospettivamente le indagini TC addominali di 8000 pazienti affetti da tumore nel periodo 1984-1998, analizzando le lesioni calcificate riscontrate.
Activated charcoal was produced from sawdust of Pinus caribaea var. caribaea, pinus caribaea var. honduenais and pinus cocarpa, with the objective of studying a alternative of more economic uses for forest residues and the products of the first thinning. A chemical process was utilized based on Zn Cl{sub 2} at temperature of 700 deg C and 450 deg C. It was concluded that the temperature of 700 Celsius produced a activated charcoal with better quality and greater adsorption capacity. The temperature of 450 deg C produced a material with adsorption properties for utilization where greater adsorption capacity is not needed. The production of activated charcoal is possible from the three species of tropical pinus studied. (author). 16 refs., 5 tabs
It is described a process of production of celulignin from biomass through acid pre-hydrolysis in continuous reactor made of advanced materials such as niobium, titanium and monel. The celulignin is a fuel of 28.50 MJ/kg of heating power. The utilization of this technology together with eucalyptus reforestation by vegetative propagation and high efficiency thermoelectric plant (triple cycle of steam turbine, gas turbine and MHD electrical generation) allow electric power production with competitive cost when compared to hydroelectric power. (author). 1 ref. 5 figs., 2 tabs
Sommario I lipomi del collo e della testa in genere si verificano nel tessuto sottocutaneo superficiale. Quelli sottofasciali intramuscolari sono molto rari. Riportiamo di seguito il caso di una donna di 53 anni con un lipoma sottofasciale localizzato nello spazio antero-laterale del collo. La diagnosi della lesione e stata ottenuta con esame clinico e confermata con Ecografia (US) e Tomografia Computerizzata (TC). La lesione, caratterizzata da capsula e aspetto fibrolipomatoso, e stata escissa con intervento chirurgico.
Sesame varieties/genotypes showed a good response to radiation with gamma rays and treatments with EMS. In M_1 both gamma rays and EMS influenced germination, seedling height, survival of plants and pollen fertility/sterility, producing deleterious effects on these characters. Compared to black seeded genotypes, white seeded ones are more susceptible to radiation. Both gamma rays and EMS produced various types of morphological variations in M_2 generation. These were dwarf plant mutants, mottled and fleshy leaved mutants (sterile), fasciated stem, flower colour, altered phyllotaxy, early, uniculm, capsule size variations, multiple capsule/leaf axil, seed coat colour variations, indehiscent and semi-indehiscent type mutants. Moreover, studies on quantitative characters including seed yield revealed the induction of mutants in both positive and negative directions for such traits which made a good scope of selection of ...
Silicon nitride-based ceramics behavior is strongly influenced by microstructural parameters, which, in turn are determined by chosen densification method. Highly covalent Si-N bond hind are the silicon nitride densification. Therefore, metal oxides are used in order to get high density. However, such oxides must be carefully selected, because they affect the general macroscopic properties of sintered bodies. In the present work, the viability of rare earth concentrate use to produce #beta#--Si_6_-_xAl_xO_xN_8_-_x and its effect on mechanical properties of the sintering ceramics are studied. Additive composition, heating rate, soaking time and sintering temperature were took as variables. Hardness, fracture toughness, Young's modulus and flexural strength were investigated. Lattice parameter compositional dependence and secondary phases crystallized after past-sintering heat treatment were also determined. The results show that rare earth concentrate works very well as sintering ...
INTRODUCTION: This study examined the efficacy and safety of selegiline transdermal system (STS) and brief repeated behavioral intervention (BRBI) for smoking cessation in heavy smokers. We hypothesized that the quit rate of subjects who received STS and BRBI would be significantly greater than that of those who received placebo patch and BRBI. METHODS: This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel-group study in which 246 men and women were randomized to receive either STS (n = 121) or placebo patch (n =125) for 9 weeks. Recruitment targeted heavy smokers, defined as individuals with self-reported use of ?15 cigarettes/day in the 30 days prior to enrollment, who had smoked cigarettes for the past 5 years, and had an expired CO level ?9 ppm during screening. RESULTS: Although STS was well tolerated, the overall results indicated that STS with BRBI was not more effective than placebo plus BRBI for smoking cessation (p = .58). Conclusions: The results are discussed in relation to ...
Pulmonary clearance of an aerosol of "9"9Tc"m DTPA was measured in 21 non-smoking AIDS and pneumocystosis patients. The results were compared with those of pulmonary scintiscanning with gallium. All the patients exhibited increased clearance, evidence of a considerable alteration in alveolar permeability. This increase was also observed in patients with normal chest X-rays and normal blood gases. The average clearance in these patients was 6 #+-# 2% min"-"1 as compared with a normal 1.1 #+-# 0.3% min"-"1. Conversely, only four out of eight patients with normal chest X-rays had abnormal gallium scans. Clearance returned to normal after recovery. Measurement of DTPA clearance appears to be a very sensitive indicator for the detection and follow-up of pneumocystosis. However, it is not very specific since it can be increased by tobacco poisoning, drug abuse and the presence of lymphocytic alveolitis. An examination with normal findings can therefore exclude the ...
The overall goal of this work is to design and optimize a biodiesel production process from soybean oil. To achieve this goal, several inter-connected activities were undertaken. First, an initial flowsheet for the process was synthesized. The performance of this flowsheet along with the key design and operating criteria were identified by conducting computer-aided simulation using ASPEN Plus. Various scenarios were simulated to provide sufficient understanding and insights and to select a base-case flowsheet. Next, mass and energy integration studies were performed to reduce the consumption of material and energy utilities, improve environmental impact, and enhance profitability. Capital cost estimation was carried out using the ICARUS Process Evaluator computer-aided tool linked to the results of the ASPEN Plus simulation. The operating cost of the process was estimated using the key information on process operation such as raw materials, ...
The PICTURE utility generates user defined pictures with black-and-white or color output, suitable for viewgraphs, slides, report diagrams - in general, any application requiring visual aids. The interactive menu-driven system allows a user to create a picture consisting of text, straight lines, graphs, and assortment of markers, splines and drawings, all in a variety of colors. Commands for manipulating the picture include moving, scaling, rotating, deleting, copying and changing the color of objects. Text strings may be aligned left, right, or centered, and have a vertical or horizontal path. Markers, circles and the large bold font may be filled or unfilled. The user may add or delete one of two overlay grids for help in positioning items. The final product may be saved in a text file for later retrieval. PICTURE currently runs on a VAX 11/780 with the DI-3000 commercial graphics package. Supported graphics devices include Ramtek 9400 and Metheus 440 frame ...
Central Nervous System (CNS) involvement, whether primary by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus - HIV - itself, or secondary (toxoplasmosis or lymphoma) is remarkably frequent in AIDS, in 40 to 70% of cases, depending upon the author. In order to study the natural history of this illness, a cohort of 25 asymptomatic seropositive patients have been established. Every 6 months these patients undergo biological and clinical examinations, as well as Magnetic Resonance brain scans. After two examinations at a 6 month's interval, the first results are reported. Out of these 25 cases, 9 present anomalies: One patient with diffuse cerebral atrophy and 8 others with high signal intensity areas on T2 weighted sequences, like those of the Multiple Sclerosis. No relationship could be demonstrated between the existence of these lesions and various criteria such as age, sex, risk factors and T4 cells count. The nature of these lesions is not lear. They certainly indicate early ...
We used computerized tomography (CT) in the study of eight patients with macronodular splenic tuberculosis prior to the microbiological diagnosis. These patients underwent additional CT controls during and after tuberculostatic therapy. All the patients studed presented the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Splenomegaly and numerosous round, hypodense lesions that showed no contrast uptake were found in all the subjects. Only three patients presented evidence of tuberculosis in plain radiography and/or chest X-ray. Two patients presented abdominal lymph nodes. None of them showed evidence of hepatic lesions or ascites. follow-up CT scans revealed a progressive reduction of the lesions, which eventually disappeared completely, and splenomegaly was considerably reduced. Anthough it is uncommon, we should suspect splenic involvement in tuberculosis if the clinical and radiological contexts are appropriate. CT provides excellent monitoring of the efficacy of ...
A review of energy use in Haiti, aimed at identifying possible projects to complement current A.I.D. support for institution building and energy planning within the Ministry of Mines and Energy Resources (MMRE), is presented. Key findings are that: (1) the sugar and manufacturing industries rely heavily on biomass fuels - wood, charcoal, and bagasse (sugar cane residue); and (2) demand for commercial energy and for electricity is growing rapidly despite supply constraints. The report calls for A.I.D. to: initiate a program to reduce biomass consumption (which is causing severe soil erosion and deforestation), especially in the small distilleries called guildives; collaborate with MMRE and the World Bank to develop a detailed workplan to promote energy efficiency in the guildives, focusing on technology development; help MMRE and the private sector to project Haiti's industrial energy and electricity needs through the year 2000; and ...
A computer-aided detection (CAD) system was evaluated for its ability to detect microcalcifications and masses on images obtained with a digital phase-contrast mammography (PCM) system, a system characterised by the sharp images provided by phase contrast and by the high resolution of 25-{mu}m-pixel mammograms. Fifty abnormal and 50 normal mammograms were collected from about 3,500 mammograms and printed on film for reading on a light box. Seven qualified radiologists participated in an observer study based on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. The average of the areas under ROC curve (AUC) values for the ROC analysis with and without CAD were 0.927 and 0.897 respectively (P = 0.015). The AUC values improved from 0.840 to 0.888 for microcalcifications (P = 0.034) and from 0.947 to 0.962 for masses (P = 0.025) respectively. The application of CAD to the PCM system is a promising approach for the detection of breast cancer in its early stages. (orig.)
Ultra-fine ZnAl2O4 spinel hydrogel precursor synthesized from mixed salt solutions of Zn^2^+ and Al^3^+ ions using ammonium hydroxide-hexamethylenetetramine as basic media for co-precipitation was used as bonding material and sintering aid for pure alumina system. The hydrogel powder exhibited some well-defined ZnAl2O4 spinel phases at 800^oC. Alumina compacts were fabricated by incorporating small proportions of the precursor in alumina powder and firing at different temperatures (1350-1500^oC). The degree of densification was studied by measurement of fired shrinkage, apparent porosity, bulk density and cold crushing strength. Phase compositions and microstructural features of sintered samples were evaluated by XRD and SEM respectively. Addition of 0.2% hydrogel powder to alumina exhibit...
AIDE (Activity and Internal Dose Estimates) is a software for calculating activities in compartments and committed doses due to occupational exposures, and for performing intake and dose estimates using bioassay data. It has been continuously developed and tested for more than 20 years. Its calculation core has been applied in several situations, like performing all dose estimates due to (137)Cs intakes, which occurred during the Goiania accident in 1987; performing quality assurance of the ICRP Task Group on Dose Calculations regarding calculations of activities in compartments and generation of dose coefficients for adults due to intakes by inhalation, ingestion and injection of several radionuclides; and producing the tables of activities in compartments and dose coefficients using the NCRP Wound Model for the NCRP report. It provides several capabilities like performing calculations using modified Human Respiratory Tract Model parameters for the mechanical ...
This paper explores how an aid-funded Ph.D.-programme in mathematics education instituted in some Southern African Development Community countries measures up to issues related to research capacity development projects. The research capacity development programme is described and reflected against mutual benefit, relevance, sustainability and prioritization of the location of project funding expenditure--some of the constructs in the discourse on research capacity development initiatives. It is found that the benefits of the programme are indeed mutual; the outcomes regarding relevance and sustainability are more uncertain and the location of expenditure of the funding is not overtly in favour of the donor country.
This revised edition discusses a large number of renewable energy systems. Future trends are outlined. Economic efficiency calculations are explained and analyzed. Many exemplary calculations and graphical representations illustrate the various technologies and methods of calculation. This standard book addresses university students, scientists and engineers in research and industry. The accompanying DVD is one of the most extensive compilations of demo programs and full versions for simulation of renewable energy systems, all illustrations of the book in electronic format, additional text and a user-friendly navigation aid. (orig.)
Investigations were conducted at Los Alamos National Laboratory to quantify the extent of migration of depleted uranium away from firing sites. Extensive sampling of air particles, soil, sediment, and water was conducted to establish the magnitude of uranium contamination throughout one watershed. The uranium source term was estimated, and mass balance calculations were performed to compare the percentage of migrated uranium with original expenditures. Mass balance calculations can be powerful in identification of the extent of waste migration and used as an aid in planning future waste investigations.
16 papers are presented covering: remote sensing - an aid to environment management; remote sensing application; monitoring environmental changes over iron ore mining areas; monitoring and management of environmental degradation due to geological factors; use of Landsat multispectral scanner data in environmental monitoring; geotechnical engineering problems with abandoned limestone mines; photogrammetric monitoring of mining environment; slope monitoring in open cast mines using close range remote sensing method; geobotanical remote sensing and mineral prospecting; geographical information in study of geo-environment through remote sensing; and alteration mapping in cuprite mining district.
A method, which estimates the lightning performance of high voltage transmission lines based on the Monte-Carlo simulation technique, is described in this paper. The average number of faults which occur in a transmission line, dividing them in single-phase and three-phase faults, as well as the average grounding resistances of the transmission lines are calculated. The method is applied, on several operating Greek transmission lines, showing good correlation between predicted and field observation results. The proposed method can be used as a useful tool in the design of electric power systems, aiding in the right insulation dimensioning of a transmission line.(author)
Post-mortem magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is of increasing interest not only as an alternative to autopsy but as a research tool to aid the interpretation and diagnosis of in utero MR images. The information from the post-mortem MR has allowed the development of imaging sequences applicable to in utero imaging and neonatal imaging. It has established brain development during gestation and has provided data on this to which in utero MR can be compared. The detail available from the post-mortem images is such that brain development can be studied in a non-invasive manner, a permanent record on the normal and abnormal areas is available and a greater understanding of developmental abnormalities is possible.
A plane stress constitutive relation is developed for laminate composites undergoing matrix cracking and therefore displaying significant nonlinear stress-strain behavior. The constitutive relation is similar in some respects to a phenomenological theory of plasticity in that it is fit to data from uniaxial tests. The constitutive equations are specialized to brittle matrix composites (especially CMCs) in the form of cross-piles and quasi-isotropic laminates. Several problems involving stress redistribution at holes and notches due to nonlinear stress-strain behavior are investigated with the aid of the constitutive law.
The partial project SR 2039/4 investigates organizational demands and factors of the man-organization interface. Thee study is divided into the sections inventory of rules and guidelines; evaluation of organizational structures and modes of operation, and working out of demand characteristics and evaluation criteria. The objective consists in representing, analyzing and evaluating the efficiency structure of sequence organization, and deriving practice-relevant concept proposals in order to optimize the man-organization interface. In this regard, the working out of control mechanisms for the evaluation of organizational sequences is of considerable importance as a kind of working aid. (orig./DG).
This paper explains how mine operators are taking a closer look at the power of explosives and how primary breakage affects other open-pit mining costs. Slurries have overcome most of the disadvantages attributed to them in their early years and may replace Anfo. Effective blasting is the key to an efficient, low-cost mining operation. Reviews are presented on research in crater studies, computer-aided design, the expanding gas theory, and high-speed motion picture cameras that show the importance of shock energy in fracturing the rock interfaces throughout the burden. The paper concludes with MSHA-approved courses in blasting offered throughout the US.
A one-dimensional tachyon Klein-Gordon equation is reduced to a nonrelativistic-tachyon equation of motion. The interpretation of this reduced equation leads to the following conclusions: 1) tachyons can be localized in time instead of in space as compared with bradyons, 2) space representation and momentum representation of bradyonic quantum equation of motion are replaced by time representation and energy representation in tachyon quantum equation of motion and 3) with the aid of these results, it has been found that the solutions of the tachyon Klein-Gordon equation of motion form a complete set. (author).
Contents include: countermeasures to save energy of sintering plant and future plans in fukuyama works; improvement of surface quality of continuous-casting slab; development of direct quenching and tempering type HT80 steel with good weldability; numerical analysis of fluid flow in a geothermal reservoir; the finite-element calculation of turbulent flow using the universal law of the wall; development of PC 4 dual fuel engine; design of industrialized housing; Computer-aided Navigation system (CANSY); and new production control system in Fukuyama Works.
A computer-aided design procedure has been developed for the series compensation of an extra high voltage line with a compensating network connected at one or the other end or both ends. Higher degree polynomial equations are derived in terms of compensating elements to compute the network parameters for optimum received power with constrained capacitor terminal voltage, safe line current, Ferranti voltage and transient stability. It is shown that series capacitors located at both ends provide the most effective means from the viewpoint of power transmission capability in either direction, transmission efficiency and series capacitor rating in comparison with a capacitor located at one or the other end.
It may be stated that for the calculation of the heat transfer coefficients for natural convection cooling of large-diameter finned surfaces it is necessary to take in consideration the effects of the fin length, fin material and of the azimuthal angle around the cylinder. The present results replace earlier less accurate correlations gained from the same measurements. The new, better correlation was elaborated with the aid of the improved method of evaluation of multiple parameters of a measurement matrix of multiple dimension (one dimension for each parameter), rendering the sum of the squares error a minimum at the same time for the complete matrix. 5 references.
The interactions of flavonoid, quercetin with sodium dodecyl sulfate (anionic surfactant) and cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (cationic surfactant) micelles were investigated. The average location site of quercetin in different micelles was determined by the cyclic voltammetry method with the aid of molecular optimization. The interaction parameters of quercetin with micelles of different charges such as binding constant K and normal binding energy DG were calculated. Furthermore, the morphologic change of the SDS and CTAB spherical micelles and rod-like micelles upon their interaction with quercetin was also observed.
Marginal fractures of the tibial plateau are associated with a high incidence of soft tissue injuries to the stabilising structures of the knee joint. Injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament are associated with the Segond fracture and impingement fractures of the posteromedial tibial plateau. Recognition of these fractures aids diagnosis of these injuries. Marginal fractures of the tibial plateau associated with posterior cruciate ligament injuries are less common, though recently a ''reverse'' Segond fracture has been recognised. We describe a fracture of the anteromedial tibial plateau associated with complete disruption of the posterior cruciate ligament and posterolateral complex. (orig.)
This paper reports on high resolution electron microscopy used to investigate the effect of electron irradiation induced oxygen loss on the states of partial order in YBa_2Cu_3O_z. Contrast effects visible in the [001] zone image as a result of the degree of the out-of-plane correlation of these ordered states are investigated. Using statistical simulations to aid in the analysis of the HREM images, an interpretation based on a kinetically limited evolution of the variation of long range [001] ordering is proposed.
Knowledge of ground subsidence behavior provides for better economic planning and execution of a mining exploitation, higher safety and optimum use of the resources without ruining the environment. In addition, when considering subsidence generated by petroleum exploitation, the monitored (measured) subsidence, combined with geological information and a suitable prediction model, can provide data on the expanse of the oil field and thus aid in the estimation of available resources. An integrated survey system for monitoring mining subsidence is described which has been developed as part of a research program in cooperation with the Canada Centre for Mineral and Energy Technology. (JMT)
A gelcasting composition has improved drying behavior, machinability and shelf life in the dried and unfired state. The composition includes an inorganic powder, solvent, monomer system soluble in the solvent, an initiator system for polymerizing the monomer system, and a plasticizer soluble in the solvent. Dispersants and other processing aides to control slurry properties can be added. The plasticizer imparts an ability to dry thick section parts, to store samples in the dried state without cracking under conditions of varying relative humidity, and to machine dry gelcast parts without cracking or chipping. A method of making gelcast parts is also disclosed.
Recent industry advances in formation evaluation measurement-while-drilling (FEMWD) have been achieved in well log data acquisition quality and in geosteering drilling applications. This paper presents new technology as applied by Baker Hughes INTEQ which includes: geosteering techniques which help navigate through horizontally drilled reservoirs including improved quality dual propagation resistivity, neutron-porosity and formation-density measurements; predictive modeling of tool responses in reservoir geosteering applications; environmental computer modeling which aids interpretation, including tool eccentering; and new measurement enhancements.
Hardness of beta-sialon with four different composition index values of 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.0 in the system Ni/sub 3/N/sub 4/-AlN-Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ with the addition of 6% Y/sub 2/O/sub 3/ as sintering aid has been reported. These composition were pressureless sintered for 90, 180 and 270 min in nitrogen atmospheres at temperatures ranging from 1650 to 1800 deg. C. Highest hardness was achieved when the composition index was 0.25 was sintered for 270 minutes at 1750 deg. C. (author).
Software to aid the distribution and coordination of tasks between different processors was developed to distribute applications written in Fortran. This development led to the discovery of problems unique to Fortran and to interesting practical solutions. Two graphical applications were distributed to a variety of machines and machine pairs: CDC 7600-LSI/11, CRAY-LSI/11, VAX 11/780, and Apollo. These distributions pointed out several parameters such as the use of Fortran COMMON, communication parameters, and processing capabilities that can affect the successful distribution of applications.
The booklet presents general information and practical hints for the task of acquiring and evaluating the data describing investments and other expenditure and activities for pollution abatement measures taken by electric utilities. The information is intended as an aid for establishing standard criteria for assignment and evaluation, and for comparison and classification of pollution abatement measures. As a line of orientation, a catalogue of pollution control measures is given, arranged into the following sections: Fossil-fueled power plants; nuclear power plants (BWR and PWR); hydroelectric power plants; power transmission and distribution. (HSCH)
The purpose of this paper is to inform commercial building designers about an energy analysis tool which can aid them in making appropriate decisions about daylighting. The energy nomographs are an energy design tool which calculate the annual energy consumption of commercial buildings, including lighting, heating, cooling, domestic hot water, fans, pumps, and miscellaneous items. This paper specifically discusses the daylighting aspects of the tool. The calculation procedure is presented with an example to explain how this design tool can be used to make good energy decisions early in the design process.
A statistical evaluation of rotor blade damage in axial steam turbines affords an insight into the extent of the repair costs incurred and reveals the types of defects and shortcomings which cause such damage. The great amount of rotor blade damage discovered during control inspections will surprise even many turbine experts. The statistical evaluation is followed by a review of the more frequent causes of damage and their characteristic features, illustrated on the basis of practical examples. This contribution is intended as an aid to both the manufacturers and operators of steam turbines in preventing the oft almost classic types of faults which constantly recur. (orig.).
The purpose of this project is to integrate a variety of geographic information systems capabilities and telecommunication technologies for potential use in geographic network and visualization applications. The specific technical goals of the project were to design, develop, and simulate the components of an audio/visual geographic communications system to aid future real-time monitoring, mapping and managing of transport vehicles. The system components of this feasibility study are collectively referred to as a Geographic Visualization and Communications System (GVCS). State-of-the-art techniques will be used and developed to allow both the vehicle operator and network manager to monitor the location and surrounding environment of a transport vehicle during shipment.
A new band gap profile (exponential profile) for the active layer of the a-SiGe:H single junction cell has been designed and experimentally demonstrated. By computer simulations we show how bending the grading of the band gap in the i-layer contributes to the enhancement of the carrier collection, improving the fill factor and efficiency. The differences observed between experiments and simulations are studied using Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry (RBS). The results highlight weak points during the deposition process, whose control enables us to bring together experimental and computational results.
In the construction work for the Unit No.5 Turbine Building at Hamaoka Nuclear Power Station, the collaboration work for the planning and the coordination of the building construction and the machinery installation was carried out utilizing three-dimensional computer aided design (3D CAD) information. It was the first time in Japan for a building constructor and a plant manufacturer to work together, exchanging 3D CAD data of the whole building and adjusting the construction schedule. It was made possible to confirm the correspondence concerning the planning of both companies from the primary stage of the project by the total process simulation and to adjust on-going work precisely by the partial process simulation.
In the construction work for the Unit No.5 Turbine Building at Hamaoka Nuclear Power Station, the collaboration work for the planning and the coordination of the building construction and the machinery installation was carried out utilizing three-dimensional computer aided design (3D CAD) information. It was the first time in Japan for a building constructor and a plant manufacturer to work together, exchanging 3D CAD data of the whole building and adjusting the construction schedule. It was made possible to confirm the correspondence concerning the planning of both companies from the primary stage of the project by the total process simulation and to adjust on-going work precisely by the partial process simulation.
This handbook covers the general area of lubrication and tribology in all its facets: friction, wear lubricants (liquid, solid, and gas), greases, lubrication principles, applications to various mechanisms, design principles of devices incorporating lubrication, maintenance, lubrication scheduling, and standardized tests; as well as environmental problems and conservation. The information contained in these two volumes will aid in achieving effective lubrication for control of friction and wear, and is another step to improve understanding of the complex factors involved in tribology. Both metric and English units are provided throughout both volumes.
This paper describes and evaluates the various methods used in the analysis and design of buried pipelines under vehicular crossings extracted from a vast number of literature. It was found that a unified treatment of the subject is currently not available and additional work is required. The study shows that there are sufficient data and technical information that can be integrated to produce sound design. Theoretical as well as empirical formulas are scrutinized and incorporated in their appropriate places. Design examples are presented, complete with the detail calculations. Where applicable nomographs and graphs are adapted as design aids. A brief review of the current safety codes pertaining to natural gas pipeline design is also presented.
Studies begun during the first year of this project on biopsies from spontaneous tumors in dogs and from human patients undergoing radiotherapy treatment were continued. The results indicate that significant fractions of the spontaneous tumors in dogs and cervical carcinomas in patients undergoing radiotherapy have a DNA content higher than normal diploid cells. The higher DNA content in tumor cells permits distinguishing them from normal cells in the biopsy material with the aid of flow microfluorometric (FMF) instrumentation or multiangle light-scatter spectrometry.
...CanCom Dermatology Image Bank Dermatology Online Atlas Introduction to Skin Cancer Malignant Melanoma Skin Cancer (Not Melanoma) Comments: bubl@bubl.ac.... Covers anatomy, melanoma, infections, and dermatological disorders in AIDS. Author: University of Utah ...994 Resource type: document Malignant Melanoma This leaflet on malignant melanoma covers early detection, causes, clinical signs and symptoms, and provides ...9 Resource type: document Skin Cancer (Not Melanoma) Information on basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers. Author: ...
The cupola furnace is used to melt scrap steel, pig iron, foundry returns, and alloying additives to a prescribed tapping chemistry and temperature for iron casting applications. The melting process within the cupola is highly complex and not well quantified. The American Foundrymen's Society is developing a mathematical model to aid in the understanding of these processes. This model is reaching maturity, and has been successful in estimating a number of melting parameters. This paper details the results of efforts to verify the model in a controlled system, equipped wit the appropriate sensors, for model verification. The work was performed on a research-scale cupola furnace located at the Department of Energy's Albany Research Center.
Organizational risk indicators are proposed as a tool for risk control during operation of offshore installations, as a complement to QRA-based indicators. An organizational factor framework is developed based on a review of existing organizational factor frameworks, research on safety performance indicators, and previous work on QRA-based indicators. The results comprise a qualitative organizational model, proposed organizational risk indicators, and a quantification methodology for assessing the impact of the organization on risk. The risk indicators, when validated, will aid in a frequent control of the risk in the periods between the updating of the quantitative risk assessments.
This paper reports the development of a relay coordination package specially designed as a teaching aid. Fault studies required for relay coordination has been performed by using a newly developed loop impedance matrix. This new method of forming loop impedance matrix is particularly suitable for multiple fault studies environment as required in relay coordination. A simple topology searching technique has been used to find all loops of the network. This package simultaneously serves the purpose of teaching relay coordination, loop analysis technique and the method of topology searching.
This article describes a hierarchical and functional model for continuous process control aid. The expertise is represented by graphs from a simple functional restructuring of the Grafcet, which is the formalism used by the designers of the command-control program. The new structure is familiar to the operator, and it is settled in an expert system. The application built on the basis of this method detects some default types which are not detected by the control-command. It proposes a diagnosis to the operator, and can explain and justify the state of the process. (authors) 9 refs.
In the 80's, because of the oil crisis, the Natural Gas (NG) appeared as a fuel with a great potential for Diesel replacement in Heavy Duty Vehicles. At that time, PETROBRAS with other companies have developed partial conversion technologies from Diesel to NG, known as 'Dual Fuel'. Engine dynamometer and vehicle bus tests have been developed to verify its technical and economical viability. Because of several factors, the Dual Fuel Program did not advance and the experience was interrupted. At the same time, other experiences using NG Otto Cycle bus engines, manufactured in Brazil, have been conducted, mainly at Sao Paulo, nevertheless, without expansion. Currently, factors as increase of the NG converted light vehicles fleet; the NG excess in the National Market, which has contributed to the NG distribution net expansion; the Environmental Legislature in vigor, that continuously determine lower emission limits; the government interest in increasing the NG ...
The organization of the Biofuels Excellence Network, inside PROMINP - the Program of Mobilization of the National Industry of Oil and Natural Gas, has the objective of improving the actions of technical innovation and management in the chain of Oil, Gas Natural and Biofuels, through the optimized use of physical, financial, technological resources, of information and staff, with maximum qualification in areas of the human knowledge, whose purpose is to make decisions on specific problems of improvement of processes and/or products, besides promoting actions for the development and reinforcement of the markets of ethanol and biodiesel. The organization of the Biofuels Excellence Network became necessary, in order to enable Brazil to reach vanguard standards in biofuels (ethanol and biodiesel) in a sustainable, competitive and environmentally responsible way. Among the main reasons for the creation of the Biofuels Excellence Network are: to speed up the acquisition of knowledge and ...
We introduce a methodology for analysis of multiwavelength data from X-ray selected BL Lac (XBL) objects detected in the TeV regime. By assuming that the radio--through--X-ray flux from XBLs is nonthermal synchrotron radiation emitted by isotropically-distributed electrons in the randomly oriented magnetic field of a relativistic blazar jet, we obtain the electron spectrum. This spectrum is then used to deduce the synchrotron self-Compton (SSC) spectrum as a function of the Doppler factor, magnetic field, and variability timescale. The variability timescale is used to infer the comoving blob radius from light travel-time arguments, leaving only two parameters. With this approach, we accurately simulate the synchrotron and SSC spectrum of flaring XBLs in the Thomson through Klein-Nishina regimes. Photoabsorption by interactions with internal jet radiation and the intergalactic background light (IBL) is included. Doppler factors, magnetic fields, and absolute jet powers are obtained by ...
Objective: To analyze the early response of uveal melanomas in patients treated with ruthenium-106 brachytherapy. Materials And Methods: In the period between April 2002 and July 2003, 20 patients diagnosed with uveal melanoma were submitted to ruthenium-106 brachytherapy. The calculated dose delivered at the apex of the tumor ranged between 55 Gy and 100 Gy. Patients with lesions greater than 5 mm were submitted to transpupillary thermotherapy concomitantly with ophthalmic plaque insertion. Results: As regards the lesions site, 75% of the lesions were located in the choroid, 15% in the iris, and the remainder 10% in the ciliary body. In a median 19-month-follow-up, the progression-free survival for brachytherapy was 69%, and 87% for associated brachytherapy and transpupillary thermotherapy. A significant tumor height reduction was observed after treatment. No patient was submitted to enucleation. Conclusion: Our preliminary results show that ruthenium-106 brachytherapy is an ...
The standards mapping methods are limited by the lack of information between surface measures and wells profiles. The cross well seismic survey has proven being an effective high-resolution method for reservoirs characterization due its high frequency band. In this work, a 2-D finite differences algorithm for numerical cross well seismic simulation was developed, based in the approach of 2nd order for the time derivatives and 4th order for the space derivatives. In relation to the imaging techniques, it was introduced a reverse time migration method based in the solutions of the wave equation in time for cross well seismic data by the method of the finite differences exclusively. The results of reverse time migration has showed that layers with 90 cm thickness for P-waves could be visualized in migrated sections with excellent resolution. The high frequency cross well seismic data combined with reverse time migration have the potential for revealing never seeing reservoir details using ...
To define the prognostic factors after surgical resection and evaluate the effectiveness of Post Operative Radiotherapy (PORT) in cases with cholangiocarcinoma, 44 cases with proximal cholangiocarcinoma were examined. The mean observation period was 20.6 months, and the survival rates 1, 3 and 5 years after the resection were 79.9%, 59.8% and 39.3%, respectively. Univariate analysis revealed that the presence of lymph node metastasis and absence of PORT were significant poor prognostic factors. Multivariate analysis revealed that the absence of PORT was a significant poor prognostic factor. The survival rates for 1 and 3 years after the resection were 80.0% and 40.0% in the curable A/B and PORT (-) group, and 100% and 53.3% in curable C and PORT (+) group. There were no local reccurences in the pathologically classified hm2 and em2 patients who underwent PORT. Even when the surgical margin is positive for the carcinoma pathologically, it is possible to avoid local ...
The surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra of piperidine in silver colloid solution, on roughened silver electrode and on roughened silver electrode modified with silver nanoparticles were studied, and the high-quality SERS spectra of piperidine on roughened silver electrode modified with silver nanoparticles were obtained for the first time. Surface selection rules derived from the EM enhancement model were employed to deduce piperidine orientations on the different surfaces. On the basis of this, two models of piperidine adsorbed on the surface of the silver nanoparticles were built, and DFT-B3PW91/LanL2dz was applied to calculate the Raman frequencies. It proves that, at higher potential values, the piperidine is perpendicularly standing on the roughened silver electrode surface though its lone-electron pair, but in silver colloid solution and on the silver nanoparticles modified silver electrode the piperidine molecular lies flat on the silver ...
This works evaluates by punctuation the performance in conventional Brazilian industries radiation protection area which make use of small industrial gauges and industrial radiography. It proposes, procedures for industry self-evaluation, besides a new radiation protection plans pattern for the small industrial gauges area. The data source where inspection reports of Dosimetry Radiation Protection Institute/Nuclear Energy Commission conventional Brazilian industries' radiation protection plans, beyond visitation to the inspection place. The performance evaluation has been realized both in the administrative and operational aspects of the industries. About of 60% of the industries have a satisfactory register control which does not happen to the operational control. The performance evaluation advantage is that industries may self-evaluate, foreseeing Dosimetry Radiation Protection Institute's regulation inspections, correcting its irregularities, automatically ...
In this paper, we obtain the following generalisation of isometric $C^1$-immersion theorem of Nash and Kuiper. Let $M$ be a smooth manifold of dimension $m$ and $H$ a rank $k$ subbundle of the tangent bundle $TM$ with a Riemannian metric $g_H$. Then the pair $(H,g_H)$ defines a sub-Riemannian structure on $M$. We call a $C^1$-map $f:(M,H,g_H)\\to (N,h)$ into a Riemannian manifold $(N,h)$ a {\\em partial isometry} if the derivative map $df$ restricted to $H$ is isometric; in other words, $f^*h|_H=g_H$. The main result states that if $\\dim N>k$ then a smooth $H$-immersion $f_0:M\\to N$ satisfying $f^*h|_H
The project was designed to quantify the impacts of longwall mine subsidence (LWMS) on the production and quality of agricultural vegetated environments. This project utilised a variety of traditional ground based sampling techniques including biomass harvests and estimates, leaf area index (LAI), pasture height, species composition and soil sampling along with proximal sensor data capture using a Crop Circle{trademark} and an EM38. Satellite imagery was collected using the Quickbird satellite and the high resolution imagery was used to monitor large areas of LWMS affected areas and adjacent un-mined land. Two landscapes were investigated using a whole of mine site technique including remote sensing, ground survey and traditional agricultural monitoring methods. The landscapes were at the Kestrel site in Emerald, QLD including a forage sorghum and an improved pasture and at Beltana in the Hunter Valley, NSW including an irrigated lucerne pasture and an unimproved ...
This work presents comparative results of a numerical investigation of four possible models for the prediction of thermal performance of fixed bed storage units and their thermal design. These models includes Schumann's model, the radial dispersion model, a model that include both axial heat conduction in the fluid phase and admits thermal gradient in the solids particles and finally a two dimensional single phase model. For each of these models a computer code was written and tested to evaluate the computing time of same data and analyze any other computational problems. The tests of thermal performance included particle size, porosity, particle material, flow rate, inlet temperature and heat losses form tank walls and extremities. Dynamics behaviour of the storage units due to transient variation in either flow rate or inlet temperature was also investigated. The results presented include temperature gradients, pressure drop and heat storage. The results obtained are very ...
The objective of this program is to tool-harden and make commercially available an existing wireless MWD tool to reliably operate in an air, air-mist, or air-foam environment during Appalachian Basin oil and gas directional drilling operations in conjunction with downhole motors and/or (other) bottom-hole assemblies. The application of this technology is required for drilling high angle (holes) and horizontal well drilling in low-pressure, water sensitive, tight gas formations that require air, air-mist, and foam drilling fluids. The basic approach to accomplishing this objective was to modify GEC's existing electromagnetic (e-m) CABLELESS''{trademark} MWD tool to improve its reliability in air drilling by increasing its tolerance to higher vibration and shock levels (hardening). Another important aim of the program is to provide for continuing availability of the resultant tool for use on DOE-sponsored, and other, air-drilling programs.
The reliability of the surface condenser is a key factor in plant performance level and maintenance cost optimization. This is especially the case for thermal nuclear plants where condenser raw wa-ter ingress can introduce contamination into the chemically-controlled, steam/water loop potentially causing damage to sensitive equipment. Two important parameters must be taken into account when attempting to optimize the quality and the reliability of condenser tubing. They include selecting the appropriate material according to the cooling water corrosion level present. A second and equally important parameter is the manufac-turing of the tubing product itself. This paper will identify methods to optimize manufacturing processes and improve tubing quality, according to VALTIMET's 30 years of condenser welded tubing production experience. Those methods complete the core manufacturing process (forming and welding), through improvement of the metallurgical homogeneity (Roll Sink ...
Magnetic moment and susceptibility of single crystals of rare earth tartrates of the type R(C4H4O6)(C4H5O6)3H2O (where R = Gd, Ho, and Yb), using a vibration sample magnetometer are reported. The experimental values of molar susceptibilities for Gd(C4H4O6)(C4H5O6)3H2O, Ho(C4H4O6)(C4H5O6)3H2O, and Yb(C4H4O6)(C4H5O6)3H2O are 2.58x10-2, 4.66x10-2, and 8.03x10-3 (in cgs em units), respectively. The calculated effective magnetic moments are in good agreement with the theoretical predictions on rare earth ions.
Collective graphical models exploit inter-instance associative dependence to output more accurate labelings. However existing models support very limited kind of associativity which restricts accuracy gains. This paper makes two major contributions. First, we propose a general collective inference framework that biases data instances to agree on a set of {\\em properties} of their labelings. Agreement is encouraged through symmetric clique potentials. We show that rich properties leads to bigger gains, and present a systematic inference procedure for a large class of such properties. The procedure performs message passing on the cluster graph, where property-aware messages are computed with cluster specific algorithms. This provides an inference-only solution for domain adaptation. Our experiments on bibliographic information extraction illustrate significant test error reduction over unseen domains. Our second major contribution consists of algorithms for ...
This article describes a methodology to determine the best strategy in an open bid, where oil and gas fields are the targets for exploration. Based upon the previous bid rounds for a given specific area - the Campos Basin, for that matter -, the data were statistically treated to fit a probability density function, modelling the value of bids offered by the competing companies. By means of techniques and concepts pertaining to Game Theory a balance matrix was built for values of bids made by companies as a function of the company alone in assumed bid rounds. At the end of each british auction, participants of this simultaneous game, using the rationality principle, aimed at winning the tender on the oil field aimed for, through the use of better answers with respect to its rival competitor. The game goal was maximize return on investment purchase in the decisions of lease blocks purchases in the auctions, or to try minimize its opponents gains. Proceeding with the work, this time, ...
Perforated thermoplastic masks are used to provide patients immobilization. This procedure inserts a material in the path of the radiation beam, that attenuates and modifies the beam fluence and flatness. The present study evaluates the increase in skin dose as a result of using thermoplastic masks. Relative doses were measured on the surface of a solid water phantom, in the presence and absence of masks. These masks were stretched according to deformation patterns observed in clinical routine. The measurements were obtained with a plane-parallel chamber (Markus type 23343) and radiochromic film (EBT Gafchromic) for 6MV X-rays from a linear accelerator, and for a radiation beam from a cobalt therapy unit. The results showed that thermoplastic masks, whose thickness varied between 2 and 3 mm, increased the dose on the surface by a factor of 3. Due to the variations in the skin dose distribution, clinical procedures were suggested to minimize radiobiological damages in subcutaneous ...
The SMART (System-integrated Modular Advanced ReacTor) which is a 330 MWt advanced integral PWR was developed by the KAERI (Korea Atomic Energy Institute) for electricity generation and seawater desalination. A thermal hydraulic evaluation and analysis of the SMART is performed by the TASS /SMR-S (Transient And Setpoint Simulation/System integrated Modular Reactor-Safety). The TASS/SMR-S code has various models reflecting the design features of the SMART such as the drift flux model, the core models (core power and core heat transfer model), the component models, and the specific models. One of the core models is the core heat transfer model. The role of this model is to calculate the heat flux and radial temperature profiles at a fuel rod surface using the relevant heat transfer correlations for all of the heat transfer modes. Also it is modeled to meet the requirements of the 10 CFR 50 appendix K EM model for the CHF (Critical Heat Flux) and post CHF conditions. ...
This paper addresses the problem of fair equilibrium selection in graphical games. Our approach is based on the data structure called the {\\em best response policy}, which was proposed by Kearns et al. \\cite{kls} as a way to represent all Nash equilibria of a graphical game. In \\cite{egg}, it was shown that the best response policy has polynomial size as long as the underlying graph is a path. In this paper, we show that if the underlying graph is a bounded-degree tree and the best response policy has polynomial size then there is an efficient algorithm which constructs a Nash equilibrium that guarantees certain payoffs to all participants. Another attractive solution concept is a Nash equilibrium that maximizes the social welfare. We show that, while exactly computing the latter is infeasible (we prove that solving this problem may involve algebraic numbers of an arbitrarily high degree), there exists an FPTAS for finding such an equilibrium as long as the best ...
A thermal and economic study, carried on by using the first and second law of thermodynamics concepts demonstrated the economic feasibility of the cogeneration system, and proposed modifications to be done in the studied cryogenic plant, a typical T-240 NA MPL3 plant. The thermodynamic analysis showed that the second law efficiency of the processes could be improved, together with a 12% electric energy consumption reduction. Four cogeneration schemes were analyzed with both the first and second laws of thermodynamics and, then, the economic analysis was performed. Rankine, Brayton, Otto and Combined gas-steam basic cycles were used in this analysis.The combined gas-steam cycle was shown to be more economically feasible than others. Thermal and electric loads were well balanced, resulting in a higher second law efficiency. Although the initial investment for the modification was higher, the savings resulted to be higher, turning into a higher rate of return of the investment. (author)
With an objective to discuss applicability of resistivity imaging using electromagnetic migration to detection of underground cavity, an applicability test was carried out on calculation of a numerical model and measurement data. By using the numerical model, a calculation was performed on a hypothetical case that a cubic cavity with sides each at 40 m exists in a homogenous medium of 200 ohm-m, with the cavity top located 20 m below the ground surface. As a result, it was possible to structure in a very short calculation time an image of the cavity which cannot be identified by one-dimensional inverse analysis. In the case of this cavity, a center of the image was structured on its lower face. It was shown that a location to indicate the image must be changed according to difference in the measurement locations. In a test on data measured in an underground cavity in the city of Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture, it was found that the result may vary largely depending on structure of the ...
The present work's objective is to test sampling methodologies applied on the bioremediation processes in situ, involving the establishment of sample replicates, specific laboratory procedures and its results, inedited on the referred technique. Agricultural fertilizers were used, NPK and OSMOCOTE, as biostimulants on mangroves substrates affected by petroleum activities. The tested methodology used on the experiment was based on the monitoring of this technology in aquarium with water from Sao Paulo's river and sediment contaminated by oil, realized in three steps (first pre-test, second pre-test and third pre-test) that happened between the months of August and November of 2007. The physical-chemical parameters were measured with portable devices carefully calibrated and the oil analyzed with gas chromatography. The saturated hydrocarbons (n-alkenes) had an increase on the concentrations for some aquariums and these found results do not permit to confirm if the ...
Much of the current technology on 3D-prestack depth migration is based on the Kirchhoff method and the traveltime information needed for this purpose is obtained by the ray-theory approximation. The main motivation driving these options is to reduce computations but it can also have an adverse effect on the quality of results. Experience with real data indicates that the corresponding poststack data migrated by the reverse-time method often yields superior results. Considerable computational efficiency can be obtained by employing nonuniform coarse grid spacing during the reverse-time migration. We followed this strategy for developing a parallel scheme for doing 3D- prestack depth migration. However, we worked only on a small subset of shot gathers whose determined by the Quasi-Monte Carlo method. The results were indistinguishable from those obtained by using a much larger population of uniformly spaced shot gathers. We present examples of migration of 3-D data. (author)
The aim of this study was to search for a sorbent that could act as an extraction phase and as a support for solid-matrix time-resolved luminescence (SMTRL). Four potential sorbents were investigated for this purpose using tetracycline (TC) as a model analyte. Sorbents prepared from C18 silica gel or calcium cross-linked pectin gel were able to extract TC from dilute solutions. Europium(III)-TC complex adsorbed on the surface of C18 generated the most intense TRL signal when measured at {lambda}{sub ex} = 388 nm and {lambda}{sub em} = 615 nm. This method achieved a 1 ng/ml limit of detection (LOD) with a 100 {mu}l sample solution in a repeated spotting mode. Hyphenation of sorbent extraction and SMTRL was demonstrated using C18. This method is suitable for screening of TC in foods or aqueous solutions and can be extended to other luminescent lanthanide-chelating analytes in physiological or environmental samples.
This paper provides guidance in the definition, documentation, measurement, enhancement of processes, and validation of a strategic plan for configuration management (CM). The approach and methodology used in establishing a strategic plan is the same for any enterprise, including the Department of Energy (DOE), commercial nuclear plants, the Department of Defense (DOD), or large industrial complexes. The principles and techniques presented are used world wide by some of the largest corporations. The authors used industry knowledge and the areas of their current employment to illustrate and provide examples. Developing a strategic configuration and information management plan for DOE Idaho Field Office (DOE-ID) facilities is discussed in this paper. A good knowledge of CM principles is the key to successful strategic planning. This paper will describe and define CM elements, and discuss how CM integrates the facility's physical configuration, design basis, and documentation. The ...
Spherical aggregates formed rapidly in culture by re-aggregation of trypsin-dissociated brain cells from the 17-day-old fetal rat. Over about 10 days an initially random distribution of cells evolved into a 3-layered arrangement; cells with characteristics of neurons were found largely in the intermediate layer. The survival of neuronal and glial cell types was evaluated histologically and verified by electron microscopy, which revealed synaptic and myelin structures that rapidly increased in number after 18 days in culture. Levels of norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) reached peaks of 9.5 and 4.4 ng/mg protein, respectively, at culture day 21. Uptake of ["3H]NE paralleled these amine levels and was blocked by desipramine or pretreatment with either reserpine or 6-OH-DA. Autoradiographs of aggregates labeled with ["3H]NE showed a high density of silver grains over cells, apparently neurons, with branching processes traced for 120 #mu#m. ...
Multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTS) are three dimensional cell culture systems induced by suspension culture. MCTS are widely used in cancer research because of their similarity to solid tumors. CaSki cells are derived from a metastatic cervical cancer containing human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16). Cell death of CaSki cells in MCTS has been previously reported, and our model is used to better characterize the mechanisms of cell death of HPV16-positive keratinocytes. In this study, we found that apoptosis of CaSki cells was induced by suspension culture along with the formation of MCTS after 24 h of incubation. In suspended CaSki cells, monoclonal antibodies blocking E-cadherin function inhibited MCTS formation and suppressed suspension-induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Western blot for E-cadherin detected upregulation of the authentic 120 kDa band from MCTS of CaSki cells as well as a shorter 100 kDa band. Addition of EGF, whose ...
Nuclear magnetic resonance is a powerful technique that can be used in a wide range of applications, such as the structural characterization of high molecular weight molecules, conformational studies on enzymes in solution, enzyme-substrate or DNA-protein interactions, monitoring of cell metabolism in vivo, and for diagnostic purposes, employing spectroscopic and imaging techniques. This course was organized in order to introduce the participants to the fundamentals of NMR spectroscopy, and offer practical advice on performing NMR experiments on cell systems, cell and tissue extracts and animal models. The main implications regarding human experiments were also discussed. Finally the quantification of information and the interpretation of data were considered with regard to the main nuclei observed. [Italiano] La risonanza magnetica nucleare e` una delle tecniche spettroscopiche che meglio risponde all`ampio spettro di condizioni imposto dalla ricerca in biofisica e biomedicina. Il ...
The effect of X-irradiation on production of MUC1 was studied with human colon carcinoma HT-29 cells. As evaluated by immunocytochemical staining, the percentages or MUC1-positive cells in cells at 4 days after 6 Gy irradiation and in unirradiated control cells were 52#+-#3.5% (n=6) and 26#+-#2.8% (n=6), respectively. Flow-cytometric analysis of living cells showed that MUC1 began to rise from day 1, reaching a plateau by day 4 after 6 Gy irradiation. Western blot analysis with monoclonal antibody MY.1E12 against glycosylated MUC1 (mature form) showed dose-dependent increases of two bands (500 and 390 kDa) corresponding to two polymorphic MUC1 alleles. Premature forms of MUC1 (350 and 240 kDa) were detectable with monoclonal antibody HMFG-2 only in irradiated cells, suggesting that new core protein synthesis had been induced. The transcriptional activity of the MUC1 gene was analyzed in terms of transient expression of MUC1-CAT reporter ...
Cassava is cultivated almost all over the world and it is considered one of the most important nutritious sources of calories in the human diet. Cassava is a viable food against starvation in several poor areas of the world because it is an extremely resistant culture and may reach satisfactory economical yield. We utilized vacuum packed industrialized cassava irradiated with 0,1 kGy, 3kGy and 5kGy and stored under refrigeration for 1, 21, 30 and 50 days. Our objective was to analyse the synergistic effect of vacuum packing, irradiation and refrigeration on the preservation of minimally processed cassava. The samples were analyzed for pH, acidity, weight, humidity, texture and color. The irradiation did not affect the chemical characteristics of the cassava. Neither the pH nor the acidity, the most relevant variables to verify deterioration in cassava, presented significant alterations during the period of storage. Comparing the irradiated treatments, the dose of 1kGy and 3kGy affected ...
The decision of a firm to make investments on petroleum fields depends on the expected economic performance and on the firm economics context and on country economic and regulatory constraints. Traditionally, the Net Present Value (NPV) has being used for decision criterion as a measure of profitability of investments. The other indicators are used to help investment decision, because, according to the priorities established by the firm, only one indicator may not be sufficient. On this paper we will show production strategies considering a set of economic indicators: NPV, actualized Np, Return on investment (ROI), Equivalent Present Value (EPV), Cost Benefit, and NPV/Np ratio. The use of different economic indicators permits capture different aspects from in a decision process, i.e., each indicator or a set of economic measures may result in a different perspective, that will influence the decision manager. It is important to emphasize the use of more than one indicators may been ...
The goal of the present work was to develop a new synthetic nanosystem for gene delivery. For this purpose, we chose two polysaccharides, hyaluronic acid (HA) and chitosan (CS), as the main components of the nanocarrier. Nanoparticles with different hyaluronate:chitosan (HA:CS) mass ratios (0.5:1 and 1:1) and different polymer molecular weights (hyaluronate 170 (HA) or <10 kDa (HAO) and chitosan 125 (CS) or 10-12 (CSO) kDa) could be obtained using an ionic crosslinking method. These nanoparticles were loaded with pDNA and characterized for their size, zeta potential and pDNA association efficiency. Moreover, their toxicity and ability to transfect the model plasmid pEGFP-C1 were evaluated in the cell line HEK 293, as well as their intracellular fate. The results showed that HA:CS nanoparticles have a small size in the range of 110-230 nm, a positive zeta potential of +10 to +32 mV and a very high pDNA association efficiency of 87-99% ...
Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies are caused by defects of dystrophin, which forms a part of the membrane cytoskeleton of specialized cells such as muscle. It has been previously shown that the dystrophin-associated protein A1 (59-kDa DAP) is actually a heterogeneous group of phosphorylated proteins consisting of an acidic ({alpha}-A1) and a distinct basic ({beta}-A1) component. Partial peptide sequence of the A1 complex purified from rabbit muscle permitted the design of oligonucleotide probes that were used to isolate a cDNA for one human isoform of A1. This cDNA encodes a basic A1 isoform that is distinct from the recently described syntrophins in Torpedo and mouse and is expressed in many tissues with at least five distinct mRNA species of 5.9, 4.8, 4.3, 3.1, and 1.5 kb. A comparison of the human cDNA sequence with the GenBank expressed sequence tag (EST) data base has identified a relative from human skeletal muscle, EST25263, which is probably a human ...
Using histopathologic diagnoses made on necropsy material from 3,024 military working dogs (MWDs) who died from 1968 to 1973, we analyzed the effect of military service in the Republic of Vietnam on testicular pathology. Among 1,048 MWDs that died in Vietnam and had no reported developmental risk factors for testicular disease, significant excesses of testicular hemorrhage, epididymitis/orchitis, sperm granuloma, testicular degeneration, and seminoma were evident. Among 126 MWDs with prior Vietnam service who died at other duty stations outside Vietnam from 1968 to 1973, significant excesses of testicular degeneration and seminoma were likewise evident. Among 136 MWDs with prior Vietnam service that later died from 1974 to 1980, seminoma continued to be diagnosed in significant excess. In each instance, the odds ratio for the association between Vietnam service and seminoma was 2.0 or greater. Analysis of ever service by Corps Tactical Zones showed significant excesses of seminoma with ...
In order to consider some procedures to prevent errors in radiotherapy based in learned lessons of accidental expositions and in accordance with information contained in international reports elaborated by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and of the data base availability by the European group Radiation Oncology Safety Information System (ROSIS) on the events, a research of the occurred errors was performed. For the evaluation of the incidents a data base based in the ROSIS and added plus a parameter was created 'type of error'. All the stored data make possible the evaluation of the 839 incidents in terms of frequency of the type of error, the process of detention, the number of reached patients and the degree of severity. Of the 50 types of found errors, the type of error more frequently was 'incorrect treatment coordinate', confirmed with the data of literature and representing 28,96 por cent of the total of the incidents. The results ...
In early 2004, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Richland and Fluor Hanford requested technical assistance from the DOE Headquarters EM-23 Technical Assistance Program to provide a team of technical experts to develop recommendations for mending the In Situ Redox Manipulation (ISRM) Barrier in the 100-D Area of the Hanford Site in Washington State. To accommodate this request, EM-23 provided support to convene a group of technical experts from industry, a national laboratory, and a DOE site to participate in a 2 1/2-day workshop with the objective of identifying and recommending options to enhance the performance of the 100-D Area reactive barrier and of a planned extension to the northeast. This report provides written documentation of the team's findings and recommendations. In 1995, a plume of dissolved hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)], which resulted from operation of the D/DR Reactors at the Hanford site, was discovered along the ...
This paper reports some technical contributes related to the Kyoto Protocol and its application in Italian decision making policy. [Italian] Il presente volume raccoglie una decina di contributi tecnici originariamente preparati o commissionati dall'ENEA, Ente Nazionale per le Nuove Tecnologie, l'Energia e l'Ambiente, in vista della Conferenza Nazionale Energia e Ambiente. Questa fotografia di una situazione in rapida evoluzione e' stata preparata da esperti del settore che contribuiscono a redigere il materiale tecnico di base utilizzato dai negoziatori nazionali durante le trattative internazionali e dai responsabili nazionali per avviare il processo di presa di decisioni in materia.
The ability of Yersinia pestis to forestall the mammalian innate immune response is a fundamental aspect of plague pathogenesis. In this study, we examined the effect of Ail, a 17-kDa outer membrane protein that protects Y. pestis against complement-mediated lysis, on bubonic plague pathogenesis in mice and rats. The Y. pestis ail mutant was attenuated for virulence in both rodent models. The attenuation was greater in rats than in mice, which correlates with the ability of normal rat serum, but not mouse serum, to kill ail-negative Y. pestis in vitro. Intradermal infection with the ail mutant resulted in an atypical, subacute form of bubonic plague associated with extensive recruitment of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN or neutrophils) to the site of infection in the draining lymph node and the formation of large purulent abscesses that contained the bacteria. Systemic spread and mortality were greatly attenuated, however, and a productive adaptive immune ...
Four extracellular keratinases (designated KI, KII, KIII, and KIV) were produced during submerged aerobic cultivation in a medium containing native human foot skin (NHFS) for enzyme synthesis. The molecular weights, determined by SDS-PAGE, were 25, 50, 34, and 19kDa, respectively. Gel filtration of the four purified enzymes in native conditions indicated that active keratinase KI is a novel homo-octamer, KII a homo-dimer, and KIII and KIV monomers. All four keratinases exhibited high activities at pH 8.0-10.0 with an optimal pH of 9.0. The optimal temperature for keratinolytic activity of KI, KII, and KIII was approximately 50, and 60degreeC for KIV. One millimolar of PMSF completely inhibited the keratinolytic activities of the four enzymes. The N-terminal sequences of KI, KII, and KIII s...
Coutinho MF, Encarnao M, Gomes R, da Silva Santos L, Martins S, Sirois-Gagnon D, Bargal R, Filocamo M, Raas-Rothschild A, Tappino B, Laprise C, Cury GK, Schwartz IV, Artigals O, Prata MJ, Alves S. Origin and spread of a common deletion causing mucolipidosis type II: insights from patterns of haplotypic diversity. Mucolipidosis II (ML II alpha/beta), or I-cell disease, is a rare genetic disease in which activity of the uridine diphosphate (UDP)-N-acetylglucosamine:lysosomal enzyme N-acetylglucosamine-1-phosphotransferase (GlcNAc-phosphotransferase) is absent. GlcNAc-phosphotransferase is a multimeric enzyme encoded by two genes, GNPTAB and GNPTG. A spectrum of mutations in GNPTAB has been recently reported to cause ML II alpha/beta. Most of these mutations were found to be private or rare. ...
Heat losses in duct flow and heat transfer enhancement are investigated through an analysis of natural convection about a horizontal cylinder with a porous or fibrous coating. The porous substrate may be used for two purposes. According to its properties, it may be employed as an insulating material or as a means to surface augmentation. An optimization study is then carried out in order to find the best conditions that allow good thermal insulation or heat transfer rate improvement. The flow motion and heat transfer coefficient are predicted for various conditions. The results show that an efficient insulation which means less than 10% in heat losses is obtained for a porous layer thickness of 0.8x tube diameter and a permeability corresponding to Da #<=# 10"-"7. Nevertheless, there is a Darcy number limit above which convection must be accounted for. Porous or fibrous materials may also be used as a heat transfer augmentation technique. To achieve this goal, ...
The aim of this work is to the application of a methodology to evaluate the energy associated to the industrial solid wastes in the metropolitan region of Campinas. The methodological route proposed is: the characterization of the research area and the production/management of the industrial solid wastes; the energetic classification and the qualitative/quantitative research of the energy associated to the industrial solid wastes; and, the valuation of the applicability of the energetic utilization mechanisms proposed to the region. This methodology when applied at the Campinas metropolitan region proved to be valid and it resulted in a synthetically presentation of the social and environmental reality of the industrial sector and the destination of the wastes, as well as it indicated the potentialities related to the energetic utilization of the industrial solid waste in the region. With the obtained results it was shown the importance of the the production and the destination of the ...
Bone metastases at the thoracic and lumbar segment of the spine are usually presented with painful sensation and medullar compression. The treatment is based on the clinical and neurological conditions of the patient and the degree of tumor invasion. In the present study, 32 patients with spinal metastasis of thoracic and lumbar segment were prospectively analyzed. These patients were treated by decompression and internal stabilization followed by radiotherapy or irradiation with external immobilization. The election of the groups was in accordance with the tumor radiotherapy sensitivity, clinical conditions, spinal stability, medullar or nerve compression and patient's decision. The Frankel scale and pain visual test were applied at the moment of diagnosis and after 1 and 6 months. The surgical group had better results with preserving the ambulation longer and significant reduction of pain.(author)
Zusammenfassung Hintergrund Die vorliegende Arbeit untersucht, welche Frequenzkombination f?r die Berechnung der mittleren H?rverluste im Tonschwellenaudiogramm am besten mit dem H?rverlust f?r Zahlen im Sprachaudiogramm korreliert, da in der Literatur verschiedene Rechenvarianten f?r diese gutachterliche Plausibilit?tspr?fung beschrieben werden. Es wurden die 3?Rechenvarianten A (250, 500 und 1000?Hz), B (500 und 1000?Hz) und C (500, 1000 und 2000?Hz) verglichen. Methoden Die Audiogramme von 80?Normalh?rigen, 106?Schwerh?rigen und 135 zu Begutachtenden wurden retrospektiv analysiert. Die Differenzen der Mittelwerte aus dem Tonschwellenaudiogramm und dem H?rverlust f?r Zahlen wurden f?r das rechte und linke Ohr getrennt in den 3?Patientenkollektiven berechnet und statistisch verglichen. Er...
This report describes development of an electronic system designed to reduce vibration generated by a cryocooler. The diminished vibration makes it practical to use the active cooler to extract heat from a portable gamma ray detector instrument. The system was developed for a Sunpower cryocooler with an integrated counterbalance mass. The overall momentum cancellation approach is also applicable to other similar cryocoolers. The cancellation system is an assembly of several components tailored to accomplish the required vibration reduction with minimum power consumption and volume. It is designed to be powered by a 18--32 Volt battery. Up to ten harmonics of the 58.65 Hz drive frequency are controlled. In addition to the vibration cancellation, the electronic system produces the drive signal for the cryocooler and regulates the cooler temperature. The system employs a sinusoidal drive to reduce the amount of higher harmonic vibration. A digital signal processor (DSP) is used to perform ...
Purpose HER2 is a transmembrane tyrosine kinase, which is overexpressed in a number of carcinomas. The Affibody molecule ZHER2:342 is a small (7?kDa) affinity protein binding to HER2 with an affinity of 22?pM. The goal of this study was to evaluate the use of ((4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl)maleimide (HPEM) for radioiodination of ZHER2:342 and to compare the targeting properties of monomeric and dimeric forms of ZHER2:342. Methods The biodistribution of different radioiodinated derivatives of ZHER2:342 was studied in BALB/C nu/nu mice bearing HER2-expressing SKOV-3 xenografts. Biodistributions of 125I-PIB-ZHER2:342 and site-specifically labelled 125I-HPEM-ZHER2:342-C were compared. Biodistributions of monomeric 131I-HPEM-ZHER2:342-C and dimeric 125I-HPEM-(ZHER2:342)2-C were evaluated using a paire...
Abstract Sam68 (Src-associated protein in mitosis 68-kDa) is a multifunctional protein, known to govern cellular signal transduction, transcription, RNA metabolism, proliferation, apoptosis, and HIV-1 replication. Although intrinsic mechanisms that modulate Sam68 function are beginning to emerge, the regulatory events contributing to its expression remain elusive. We previously reported that heat shock protein-22 (Hsp22) antagonizes Sam68 function in rev-response element (RRE)-mediated gene expression. We now demonstrate that Sam68 levels correlate inversely with Hsp22 in a variety of cells, including U87, Jurkat, 293T, and U-937. In U87 glioblastoma cells, which contained high levels of Hsp22 than other cell lines tested, Hsp22 knockdown dramatically increased both Sam68 mRNA and protein,...
In order to evaluate the effects of radioactivity on active vegetal substances, samples of Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Miller., fructus), Guarana (Paulinia cupana, Kunth, semen), Gingko (gingko biloba, L., folium), and Kawa-Kawa (Piper methysticum G. Forst, rhizoma), were treated with scaling doses (0 to 25 KGy) of gamma radiation (Co{sup 60}). The 'blind test' methodology was used. The active substances from each sample were analysed by qualitative and quantitative methods after radiation. There were no significant differences seen between the control sample (0 KGy) and the irradiated samples. Microbe contamination was significantly reduced, about 10000 CFU/g, with the initial 5 KGy dose. It was concluded that gamma radiation can be used as an alternative procedure to reduce microbiologic contamination in medicinal plants. Before this procedure can be extended to other medicinal plants, more specific analytical methods are recommended to verify possible structural ...
Low expression of osmotically responsive genes 2 (LOS2) encodes an enolase (2-phospho-D-glycerate hydrolase, EC 4.2.1.11) that converts 2-phospho-D-glycerate (PGA) to phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) in the glycolytic pathway in Arabidopsis. Meanwhile, it is a transcriptional activator of cold-responsive gene, negatively controlling the expression of STZ/ZAT10, a zinc finger transcriptional repressor of cold-responsive gene from Arabidopsis. A novel LOS2 gene, designated PtrLOS2 (GenBank accession number GQ144341), was isolated from trifoliate orange [Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.]. The PtrLOS2 cDNA is 1 662 bp in length with a 1 338 bp open reading frame (ORF), encoding a deduced 445 amino acid residue protein with a predicted molecular mass of 47.79 kDa and an isoelectric point of 5.54. The ded...
The examples quoted show that damage is mostly due to faults of design and construction or faulty operation. The ever shorter development cycles, the further development of existing constructions and cost pressure owing to price slumps are very important in this context. Careful endoscopic inspections and monitoring and early identification of beginning damage helps to prevent major damage and follow-up damage. The causes of changing operational performance must be established as early as possible to prevent larger damages from being caused by continued operations.(orig.) [German] Die vorgestellten Schadenbeispiele zeigen, dass die Schaeden vorwiegend durch Auslegungsfehler und Konstruktionsfehler aber auch durch Bedienungsfehler verursacht wurden. Die immer kuerzeren Entwicklungszeiten fuer Neukonstruktionen und die Weiterentwicklung vorhandener Konstruktionen sowie der Kostendruck infolge des Preisverfalles sind hierbei von grosser Bedeutung. Weitherhin ist die Wichtigkeit der ...
The fertilizer contribution to radio uptake by tomato plants was assessed. Tomato and soil samples from four different plantations were analyzed: two using organic fertilizer and two using phosphate fertilizer. The Ra concentrations in eight of the most used tomato fertilizers were determined. The concentration values ranged from 14 to 221 Bq/kg of Ra-226 and from 25 to 176 Bq/kg of Ra-228. Owing to the low Ra concentration and to the used fertilizer quantities, the fertilizers would not increase significantly the Ra soil concentration. However, the highest soil to plant concentration ratios were found in the plantations using phosphate fertilizers. This outcome pointed out the higher Ra availability in the phosphate fertilizer plantations than in the organic fertilizer plantations, showing a possible positive influence of phosphate fertilizers for the tomato Ra uptake. Due to the phosphate fertilizer used, the dose could increase from 0,05 Sv/year to 0,24 Sv/year. However this ...
The photodegradation of two well known recalcitrant compounds was studied. At this aim, a photosystem constituted by titanium dioxide and polyaniline, both immobilised in a PVC membrane, and a sunlight simulating irradiation source was used. The optimisation of the experimental conditions, ph, ionic strength and, when operating on soils, humic acid concentration, allowed the photodegradation of Paraquat at a nearly 100% extent, while, an oxidation by hypochlorite was needed to degrade cyanuric acid. [Italian] E' stata studiata la fotodegradazione di due composti notoriamente recalcitranti a questo tipo di rimozione. Con un sistema fotocatalitico costituito da biossido di titanio e polianilina immobilizzati in una membrana di PVC ed operando con luce solare simulata e' possibile, ottimizzando le condizioni sperimentali di pH, forza ionica e - operando su terreno - concentrazione di acidi umici, ottenere la degradazione del paraquat fino a valori ...
The principle of radiodiagnosis consists in the fact the X-ray beam is attenuated at different degrees by distinct tissues. For this reason, the anatomical structures have distinct radiological opacities, that produce the radiographic image. The progresses in radiology are related to the development if new radiographic image formation systems that enable an amplification in the quality, with low dose and/or risk to the patient. The objective of this work is the sensitometric valuation of a screen-film combination, that is still the most used, for the standardization, of radiographic images. Thinking about this, were constructed homogeneous phantoms of the chest, skull and pelvis, for the calibration of X-ray beams, with the purpose of obtaining radiographic images of good quality, basing in the routine of a radiodiagnosis service and in the scientific knowledge. Questions were approached about the choice of the suitable equipment, that allow the obtention of k Vp and m As combinations, ...
This work investigates the potential use of simultaneously near-infrared (NIR) and mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopies for the quantitative analysis of fatty acids and triacylglycerols and for identifying the Registered Designation of Origin (RDO) of extra virgin olive oils. The two spectral ranges were used separately using PLS and PLS-DA regressions. To combine both information, concatenated matrix was used at the first time, multiblock method using H-PLS models were constructed at the second time. The models were compared in terms of prediction errors. The results obtained with MIR spectroscopy are better than the ones obtained with NIR spectroscopy. The H-PLS methodology seems to be very interesting for quantitative analysis with the use of additional information in the NIR range, which is not present in the MIR one. For RDO identification by discriminant analysis, the use of multiblock method was less efficient. PMID:20433960
Abstract Plant annexins represent a multigene family involved in cellular elongation and development. A cDNA encoding a novel annexin was isolated from a cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) fiber cDNA library and designated-GhAnx1. This gene encodes a 316 amino acid protein with a theoretical molecular mass of 36.06 kDa and a theoretical pI of 6.19. At the amino acid level, it shares high sequence similarity and has evolutionary relationships with annexins from higher plants. The purified recombinant protein expressed in-Escherichia coli-was used to investigate its physicochemical properties. Circular dichroism spectrum analyses showed a positive peak rising to the maximum at 196 nm and a broad negative band rounding 215 nm, suggesting that the GhAnx1 protein was prominently -helical. The fluoresc...
Pulmonary tumors in children are rare. Nevertheless, there are besides malign primary neoplasms and metastases also some benign tumors that the radiologist should know. The identification of some tumors is difficult, since some of them may mimic pulmonary inflammation. The first diagnostic tool is chest radiography. After that, a CT with contrastmedium should be performed, if possible a multislice-CT (MSCT). Identification of mediastinal structures is best with MRI. (orig.) [German] Tumoren der Lunge sind im Kindesalter selten. Trotzdem finden sich neben den malignen primaeren und sekundaeren Raumforderungen auch im Kindesalter immer wieder benigne Tumoren, die der Radiologe kennen sollte. Eine eindeutige Identifizierung kann schwierig sein, da z. B. entzuendliche Infiltrate vorgetaeuscht werden koennen. Die primaere Untersuchungsmethode ist das konventionelle Thoraxroentgen. Die weitere Diagnostik muss mit der Computertomographie, nach Moeglichkeit mit einem ...
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 such basic system.
The PMS2 gene encodes a protein that is involved in DNA mismatch repair and is mutated in a subset of patients with hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC). The previously published PMS2 cDNA sequence lack an upstream in-frame stop codon preceding the presumptive initiating methionine. To evaluate the 5` terminus of the PMS2 coding region further, we isolated additional cDNA clones, RT-PCR products, and the corresponding 5` genomic segment of the PMS2 locus. The PMS2 gene transcripts were found to have heterogeneous but colinear 5` termini, one of which contained an in-frame termination codon preceding the initiating methionine. In addition, a novel gene encoding a 34.5-kDa polypeptide was found to initiate transcriptionally within PMS2 from the opposite strand. 23 refs., 5 figs., 2 tabs.
Over the last decade {\\it ab initio} modeling of material properties has become widespread in diverse fields of research. It has proved to be a powerful tool for predicting various properties of matter under extreme conditions. We apply modern computational chemistry and materials science methods, including density functional theory (DFT), to solve lingering problems in the modeling of the dense atmospheres of cool white dwarfs ($T_{\\rm eff}\\rm <7000 \\, K$). Our work on the revision and improvements of the absorption mechanisms in the hydrogen and helium dominated atmospheres resulted in a new set of atmosphere models. By inclusion of the Ly-$\\rm \\alpha$ red wing opacity we successfully fitted the entire spectral energy distributions of known cool DA stars. In the subsequent work we fitted the majority of the coolest stars with hydrogen-rich models. This finding challenges our understanding of the spectral evolution of cool white dwarfs. We discuss a few ...
We have constructed a 27-kDa hTERT C-terminal polypeptide (hTERTC27) devoid of domains required for telomerase activity and demonstrated that it is capable of nuclear translocation/telomere-end targeting. Here we showed that expression of a low level of hTERTC27 renders hTERT positive HeLa cells sensitive to H(2)O(2)-induced oxidative stress and subsequent cell senescence. The senescence-associated gene, the cyclin/cdk inhibitor p21(Waf1), was up-regulated. This occurs without changing the expression of endogenous hTERT, causing significant telomere shortening or inhibiting telomerase activity. Results from this study suggest for the first time that in addition to telomerase activity, the C-terminus of hTERT also plays a role in hTERT-mediated cellular resistance to oxidative stress. PMID:12565825
The onshore Potiguar basin has nowadays around 5.000 artificial lifting petroleum wells, distributed into 80 fields located on the states of Rio Grande do Norte and Ceara, representing approximately 8% of the national oil production. For that, well maintenance service, realized by Workover Rigs, is essential to preserve the oil productivity of the reservoirs on these fields. However, as the number of rigs is lower than to the number of wells needing maintenance, the task of administrating the management of such equipment according to the demand created by the wells, generates an optimization problem. The decision for a rig intervention on a well depends on parameters such as flow rate, depth, wasted time on intervention, distance from the rig to the next well, type of operation, rig capacity, environmental risks, etc. The objective of this paper is to present an interactive Computational System for Support Decision to the optimized management of the wells attended by the rig fleet. ...
Catalase is an important antioxidant protein which can protect organisms against various oxidative stresses by eliminating hydrogen peroxide. The catalase cDNA of Cristaria plicata@?cpCAT@? was cloned from the haemocytes using degenerate primers by the method of 3' and 5' rapid amplification of cDNA ends PCR. The gene is 4863 bp long and has a total of two introns and three exons. The precise size and location of the introns and exons have been determined. In addition the full-length cDNA of cpCAT contained 2618 bp, The cDNA contained a 5' untranslated region (UTR) of 136 nucleotides, the 3' UTR of 979 bp with a canonical polyadenylation signal sequence AATAAA and a polyA tail, and an open reading frame (ORF) of 1503 bp, encoding 501 amino acid residues with 56.86 kDa predicted molecular w...
The $\\bar{K}N$ system at threshold is a sensitive testing ground for low energy QCD, especially for the explicit chiral symmetry breaking. Therefore, we have measured the $K$-series x rays of kaonic hydrogen atoms at the DA$\\Phi$NE electron-positron collider of Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati, and have determined the most precise values of the strong-interaction energy-level shift and width of the $1s$ atomic state. As x-ray detectors, we used large-area silicon drift detectors having excellent energy and timing resolution, which were developed especially for the SIDDHARTA experiment. The shift and width were determined to be $\\epsilon_{1s} = -283 \\pm 36 \\pm 6 {(syst)}$ eV and $\\Gamma_{1s} = 541 \\pm 89 {(stat)} \\pm 22 {(syst)}$ eV, respectively. The new values will provide vital constraints on the theoretical description of the low-energy $\\bar{K}N$ interaction.