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...
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 ...
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 kDabeta-subunits, levels of beta-subunit were decreased by more than 50% of steady-state level of ...
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 research had as objective the use of the gamma radiation of the Cobalto-60 as quarantine treatment of the medicinal plant, aromatic and seasoning plants dehydrated infested by Lasioderma serricorne and Plodia interpunctella determining the disinfestation doses to attend the criterion in the not emergency of adults of the species in study and analysing through the Chromatography of Thin Layer the effect of the gamma radiation of the cobalto-60 on the active principle of extract dehydrated of Chamomilla recutita, Pimpinella anisum, Origanum vulgare, Cymbopogon citratus, Ocimum basilicum and Thymus vulgaris. The work was developed in the Laboratorio de Inseticidas in the Instituto Biologico in Sao Paulo in the period of August of 2005 the June of 2007. The radiation source used gamma was an experimental irradiator of Cobalto-60, model Gamacell 220, located in the Instituto de Pesquisas Energeticas e Nucleares - IPEN, located in Sao Paulo. In the period of 30 days after the irradiation ...
Biodegradable and green plastics are the new tendency in the world. The effect of the electron beam irradiation in aromatic aliphatic copolyester and the blend with corn starch films (Ecoflex{sup R} and Ecobras{sup R}) were studied by tensile strength at break, elongation at break, Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), crosslinking degree and biodegradability. The measurements in both, the machine direction and the transverse direction were made for mechanical tests. It was found that, the electron irradiation caused an increase in the strength at break of the blend with corn starch film, when doses of up to 10 kGy were applied. A significant decrease of the elongation at break of the blend with corn starch was observed at doses of 10 kGy and 40 kGy. It was not found important change in tensile properties for aromatic aliphatic copolyester. Structural changes of the samples (crosslinking or ...
Both solvent extraction and spectrophotometric techniques were used to show the alterations that gamma radiation causes in the behavior of tetracycline molecule as far as its extracting and complexing power are concerned. The effect of gamma radiation on the solid tetracycline molecule, benzyl alcohol and on the solution of both was examined in solvent extraction systems whose aqueous phases were made up by {sup 152} Eu-{sup 154}Eu radioactive tracer solutions and whose organic phases were constituted by tetracycline-benzyl alcohol solutions. Experiments were performed in order to determine whether or not the water used for the pre-saturation of benzyl alcohol would influence the radiolysis of tetracycline. Solvent extraction and spectrophotometry were the techniques used to obtain the necessary data. Absorption spectra of irradiated tetracycline benzyl alcohol solutions submitted to several gamma radiation doses were examined and the alterations shown by these spectra were examined. ...
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. ...
Low-cost titanium alloy components are getting increasing attention in aerospace applications. Cost reductions are possible in the alloys themselves and in the production techniques. The former aspect is less promising as titanium alloys are costly to produce. Of course, there are some new developments like the (alpha plus beta) alloy Ti-6 Al-2 Fe-0.2 Si (TIMETAL 62S) and the beta-alloy Ti-6.8 Mo-4.5 Fe-1.5 Al (TIMETAL LCB), in which low-cost iron replaces costly beta alloying elements like vanadium or molybdenum, but these will be used mainly on the mass production markets, e.g. motor car construction. In consequence, optimisation of production methods is the more promising option. Near net shape processes will reduce the production cost and improve the fly-to-buy ratio. Some of these production processes are explained. [Deutsch] Die Herstellung preiswerter Bauteile aus Titanlegierungen gewinnt auch in der Luft- und ...
Purpose: Cardiomyopathy is one of the major complications of {beta} thalassaemia major as a result of transfusion iron overload. The aim of our study is to evaluate with MR if there is any difference of iron deposition signal intensity (SI) or distribution between non-cardiopatic and cardiopatic thalassaemic patients in order to establish if there is a relationship between cardiopathy and iron deposition. Materials and methods: We studied 20 patients affected by {beta} thalassaemia major, of whom 10 cardiopatic and 10 non-cardiopatic, and 10 healthy volunteers as control group. Serum ferritin and left ventricular ejection fraction were calculated in thalassaemic patients. All patients were examinated using a 1.5 MR unit with ECG-gated GE cine-MR T2*-weighted, SE T1-weighted and GE T2*-weighted sequences. In all cases, using an adequate ROI, the myocardial and skeletal muscle signal intensity (SI), the myocardial/skeletal muscle signal intensity ...
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 ...
The nuclear structure of A {proportional_to} 100 nuclei has been studied in the frame of this thesis with a recently developed {beta} - {gamma} - {gamma} triple coincidence fast timing technique and different models such as shell model, hydrodynamic model, Nilsson and particle-rotor models. This technique which allows the measurement of the level lifetimes in the ps range has been applied at JOSEF at the research reactor DIDO of KFA Juelich in studes of the short-lived neutron-rich nuclei in the A {approx_equal} 100 region. Lifetimes of level in {sup 96},{sup 98},{sup 100} ZR, {sup 99},{sup 101}-{sup 104} Nb, {sup 100}-{sup 105} Mo have been measured, which are in many cases completely new, and otherwise more precise than previously published data. From the lifetimes of the members of rotational bands, the size of the nuclear deformations has been deduced. (orig./HSI). [Deutsch] Im Rahmen dieser Doktorarbeit wurde die Kernstruktur der A {proportional_to} 100 Kerne ...
In the course of a prenatal diagnosis for beta thalassaemia by linkage analysis of restriction fragment length polymorphisms, a homozygous beta thalassaemia fetus was misdiagnosed as beta thalassaemia...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
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.
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)
Several commonly occurring freshwater and marine plants and algae were screened for beta-D-galactosidase and beta-D-glucuronidase activities by using a 60-min enzyme assay based on the hydrolysis by...Full Text Available
Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta isoforms (TGF-beta 1, -beta 2, and -beta 3) regulate cell growth and differentiation and have critical regulatory roles in the process of tissue repair and remodeling....Full Text Available
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.
We have found that the methionine repression of the ..beta..-subunit gene expression is not due to degradation of the ..beta..-subunit but is due to an effect on synthesis of the ..beta..-subunit. The effect of methionine on the synthesis of the ..beta..-is due to an inhibition of ..beta..-subunit mRNA synthesis. 3 references, 1 figure.
The physical methods were used to study the decomposition of a metastable #beta#-solid solution in the VT22 two-phase titanium alloy. It is shown that the martensitic #beta# #-># #alpha#'' transformation in doped-element depleted microvolumes of the #beta#-solid solution are dominanted and the long-time multistage decomposition through a number of intermediate states in others.
Calculations for a single-j nucleon coupled to an axially symmetric core with both #beta#_2 and #beta#_4 deformation have been performed for "1"8"7Ir. Using #beta#_4=-0.08, consistent with previously measured and predicted values of #beta#_4, the calculated spectrum is competitive with recent calculations assuming an asymmetric core.
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.).
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
Phospho-beta-galactosidase (P-beta-gal), the enzyme which catalyzes the first step in the metabolism of intracellular lactose phosphate, occurred at high specific activity in the cytoplasm in 12 of...Full Text Available
By use of a new computer-assisted u.v.-spectrophotometric assay method, the kinetic parameters of the reaction catalysed by Bacillus licheniformis 749/C beta-lactamase were re-examined and the mode...Full Text Available
The rate constants for both acylation and deacylation of beta-lactamase PC1 from Staphylococcus aureus and the RTEM beta-lactamase from Escherichia coli were determined by the acid-quench method [Martin...Full Text Available
Polyclonal antibodies were raised in rabbits by immunization with free peptides corresponding to positions 197-222 of the human beta 1-adrenergic receptor (beta 1 peptide) and the corresponding sequence...Full Text Available
Hilled Bend Spechene of an Alpha-Beta Titanium Alloy. Ti-6M14V. ..... The all beta titanium alloy was nllled from both sides; only the edges were taped. ...
Observations concerned with the formation of isothermal #omega# in the beta-titanium alloy RMI (38-6-44) are presented as part of a more general study of the aging characteristics of the alloy.
Functional activation of {beta}-catenin/Tcf signaling plays an important role in early events in carcinogenesis. We examined the effect of naringenin against {beta}-catenin/Tcf signaling in gastric cancer cells. Reporter gene assay showed that naringenin inhibited {beta}-catenin/Tcf signaling efficiently. In addition, the inhibition of {beta}-catenin/Tcf signaling by naringenin in HEK293 cells transiently transfected with constitutively mutant {beta}-catenin gene, whose product is not phosphorylated by GSK3{beta}, indicates that its inhibitory mechanism was related to {beta}-catenin itself or downstream components. To investigate the precise inhibitory mechanism, we performed immunofluorescence, Western blot, and EMSA. As a result, our data revealed that the {beta}-catenin distribution and the levels of nuclear ...
Screening of a human placenta lambdagt11 library has led to the isolation of the cDNA for the human ..beta../sub 1/-adrenergic receptor (..beta../sub 1/AR). Used as the probe was the human genomic clone termed G-21. This clone, which contains an intronless gene for a putative receptor, was previously isolated by virtue of its cross hybridization with the human ..beta../sub 2/-adrenergic receptor (..beta../sub 2/AR). The 2.4-kilobase cDNA for the human ..beta../sub 1/AR encodes a protein of 477 amino acid residues that is 69% homologous with the avian ..beta..AR but only 54% homologous with the human ..beta../sub 2/AR. This suggests that the avian gene encoding ..beta..AR and the human gene encoding ..beta../sub 1/AR evolved from a common ancestral gene. RNA blot analysis indicates a message of 2.5 ...
The influence of heat treatment on the structure, mechanical properties and fracture peculiarities of high-strength (#alpha#+#beta#)-titanium alloy VT22 has been studied. It is ascertained that thermal cycling and subsequent high-temperature aging permit to reduce considerably crack growth rate. Thermal cycling is realized in the following mode: heating in #beta#-region, cooling and allowance in (#alpha#+#beta#)-region, heating in #beta#-region.
In this paper a study is made of the structure and mechanical properties of the #beta# alloy system Ti-Mo-Zr-Sn (the composition of which is equivalent to the #beta# III alloy used abroad) containing different amounts of carbon. Study of the #beta#-titanium alloy containing 0.1% C revealed the presence of particles of titanium carbide. Separation of the titanium carbide promotes a reduction in impact strength, an increased tendency toward cold shortness, and poorer workability. (author).
Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to help library technology staff understand the process of beta testing software, determine if it is appropriate for them to engage in the process, and provide suggestions on how to the time invested in the process. Design/methodology/approach - The paper explains what beta testing is, why it should be used and how to become a beta tester. Findings - The paper reveals that beta testing is not convenient for everyone, but those taking place in these activities should be thorough, positive and generous in order to maximize the return on investment in this kind of testing. Practical Implications - While beta testing new software features can take a significant amount of time, the resulting benefits of early access to new features and improved vendor-staf...
Strain embrittlement in Ti base alloys during tensile testing was investigated. Results show that in an #alpha#-#beta# titanium alloy the local activity of H in alpha phase (#alpha#/sub H//sup #alpha#) increases and activity of H in beta phase (#alpha#/sub H//sup #beta#) decreases as the equiaxed #alpha# particle size decreases at constant volume fraction of phases. Thus with decreasing particle size there would be a tendency for H to move from #alpha# to #beta#, decreasing the H content of #alpha#. Also whether H tended to move from #beta# to #alpha# or from #alpha# interiors to the #alpha#-#beta# interface this tendency would be reduced by surface tension effects, making the alloy less susceptible to embrittlement.
To study #beta# #reversible# #omega#-transformation in pseudo-#beta#-titanium alloy VT30, doped by hydrogen, methods of X-ray diffraction and thermodifferential analyses are used. It is established that in the process of heating of the hardened alloy from 0.004-0.1% H first formation and then dissolution of #omega# phase take place. An increase in hydrogen content to 0.1% decreases thermal effect of the processes and does not affect the temperature of #beta# #reversible# #omega#-transformation. Introduction of hydrogen in the concentration of 0.2% and higher suppresses completely #beta# #reversible# #omega# - transformation. A decrease in heating rate displaces #beta# #reversible# #omega#-transformation to lower temperatures.
Starting from the original collective Hamiltonian of Bohr and separating the beta and gamma variables as in the X(5) model of Iachello, an exactly soluble model corresponding to a harmonic oscillator potential in the beta-variable (to be called X(5)-$\\beta^2$) is constructed. Furthermore, it is proved that the potentials of the form $\\beta^{2n}$ (with n being integer) provide a ``bridge'' between this new X(5)-$\\beta^2$ model (occuring for n=1) and the X(5) model (corresponding to an infinite well potential in the beta-variable, materialized for n going to infinity. Parameter-free (up to overall scale factors) predictions for spectra and B(E2) transition rates are given for the potentials $\\beta^2$, $\\beta^4$, $\\beta^6$, $\\beta^8$, corresponding to E(4)/E(2) ratios of ...
For many years, {beta} radioactivity has been used to label molecules and follow them in various biological processes. {beta} imaging is obtained by autoradiography. Classically made on films or on photographic emulsions, autoradiography is now supplanted by radio-imagers which are very performing. The phosphor-imager, {beta}-imager and {mu}-imager are the systems mainly used today and their operating principles and properties are compared. The great advantages of these imagers are: their rapidity to obtain results and their reliability for absolute quantification. All emitters ({beta}{sup -}, {beta}{sup -} -{gamma} and {beta}{sup +}) are detectable as well as the gamma emitters of nuclear medicine, by means of their low energy electrons ejected during y emission. Phosphor-imager is well suited to energetic tracers and large series of experiments. Real time ...
Partially purified UDPgalactosyltransferase (EC 2.4.1.22) from bovine milk has been used to synthesize millimolar amounts of compounds such as Gal#beta#(1#->#4)Glc, Gal#beta#(1#->#4)GlcNAc-#beta#-hexanolamine, and Gal#beta#(1#->#4)-GlcNAc#beta#(1#->#4)GlcNAc. The same method has been used to prepare similar compounds containing "1"3C-enriched galactopyranosyl moieties. Gal#beta#(1#->#4)GlcNAc-#beta#-hexanolamine was also synthesized in a solid-phase system in which the GlcNAc-#beta#-hexanolamine glycoside was covalently linked to agarose beads. At pH 7.0 and at 1 to 5 mM Mn"2"+"+ the yields of the galactosyl saccharides are greater than 90% by using 10% excess of UDPGal donor. The use of a 90% enriched [1-"1"3C]galactosyl residue allowed the determination of the most abundant conformer about the ...
The methods of optical and transmission electron microscopy were used to study the influence of different programmes of hot deformation on the structure formation of (#alpha#+#beta#) titanium alloy VT9. The #beta# alloy VT-15 was studied at the same time in order to simulate the dislocation structure generated in the process of hot deformation. During the hot deformation of two-phase titanium alloys in both #beta# and (#alpha#+#beta#) ranges there is found to be an optimum range of deformation in which a homogeneous, polygonized structure is formed.
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
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.
{sup 14}C is a is a long-lived beta-emitting nuclide (T{sub 1/2} = 5730 years) produced naturally in the upper atmosphere as a result of reactions between neutrons and stable {sup 14}N({sup 14}N(n,p){sup 14}C). Although in a lesser extent, nuclear power plants produce {sup 14}C as well during their routine operation. Since it is converted in {sup 14}CO{sub 2} and mixed throughout the atmosphere, it is incorporated into plant tissues, via photosynthesis process, and hence in food chain. Because of the biological importance of {sup 14}C and long half-life, it is of interest to quantify the amounts released by nuclear industry. The Brazilian nuclear central named Nuclear Central Admiral Alvaro Alberto (CNAAA) has two nuclear reactors of PWR type in operation, Angra I (657 MWe) and Angra II (1350 MWe), and one under construction, Angra III (1309 MWe PWR). The aim of this study was to determine the strength of the sources and the {sup 14}C content in the environment ...
beta-Bungarotoxin (beta-Bgt), a presynaptic phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) neurotoxin isolated from the venom of Bungarus multicinctus, consists of A chain and B chain. The goal of the present study is to explore the functional contribution of the two subunits to the toxicity of beta-Bgt. beta-Bgt was found to induce apoptotic death of SK-N-SH cells via elevating intracellular Ca(2+) and intracellular ROS production. Moreover, an activation of p38 MAPK was associated with the cytotoxicity of beta-Bgt. SB202190 (p38 MAPK inhibitor), N-acetylcysteine (antioxidant reagent), 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N,N-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA) (Ca(2+) chelator) and the inhibitors of Ca(2+) release from intracellular depots (ruthenium red and 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate) effectively attenuated the cytotoxicity of beta-Bgt. In sharp contrast to the inability of A chain, B ...
The effects of D-amino acids at Asp"2"3 and Ser"2"6 residues on the conformational preference of #beta#-amyloid (A#beta#) peptide fragment (A#beta#_2_0_-_2_9) have been studied using different spectroscopic techniques, namely vibrational circular dichroism (VCD), vibrational absorption, and electronic circular dichroism. To study the structure of the A#beta#_2_0_-_2_9, [D-Asp"2"3]A#beta#_2_0_-_2_9, and [D-Ser"2"6]A#beta#_2_0_-_2_9 peptides under different conditions, the spectra were measured in 10 mM acetate buffer (pH 3) and in 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (TFE). The spectroscopic results indicated that at pH 3, A#beta#_2_0_-_2_9 peptide takes random coil with #beta#-turn structure, while [D-Ser"2"6]A#beta#_2_0_-_2_9 peptide adopts significant amount of polyproline II (PPII) type structure along with ...
We report for the first time about a micromachined mass flow sensor directly integrated between the double guidance and the needle seat into the body of a Common Rail (CR) injection nozzle. The thermal measurement principle was chosen because gaseous as well as liquid mass flows can be determined fast and precisely. Additionally, with glass-ceramic materials fabricated in a low cost batch process, a high temperature and especially pressure stable substrate can be used. The flow sensitive thin film is realized by an e-beam evaporated 110 nm thick molybdenum (Mo) layer. The latter is electrically characterized by the resistivity of {rho} = 8.2 x 10{sup -7} {omega} m ({+-}2%) at room temperature as well as by the first {alpha}=4.5 x 10{sup -4} K{sup -1} ({+-}5%) and second {beta}=3.0 x 10{sup -6} K{sup -2} ({+-}12%) temperature coefficients of resistance up to 300 C. The static temperature field at and around the thin film sensor on the glass-ceramic substrate is ...
The #beta#-CEZ alloy : Ti-5%Al-2%Sn-4%Zr-4%Mo-2%Cr-1%Fe is a near #beta# titanium alloy. Since its processing routes include heat treatment (consisting of solution treatment and ageing), it has been decided to study the influence of the #beta# phase stability on #alpha# phase precipitation and hardening kinetics. Small sized specimens, coming from industrial heats, have been heat treated above and below the #beta# transus, and then water quenched. Therefore, several degree of #beta# stability are obtained. When it is increased (i.e. the solution treatment temperature is lowered), #alpha# or #omega# phases precipitations are delayed, as well as the hardening phenomena. Moreover, the #omega# stability domain is reduced. The mechanisms of #alpha# or #omega# precipitation are discussed, and related to the hardening kinetics. (orig.).
Phase transformations from #alpha#- to #beta#-SiAlONs (i.e., from #alpha#' to #beta#') have been recently reported in a number of rare-earth SiAlON systems during postsintering heat treatment. In the present work, this transformation process in a Sm (#alpha# + #beta#)-SiAlON material is studied by using XRD, TEM, and EDS X-ray mapping techniques. It is observed that in addition to the formation of #beta#' and M' phases, the #alpha#'-to-#beta#' transformation is accompanied by a significant increase in the amount of an AlN-polytypoid phase. The results suggest that some #alpha#' phases are thermodynamically unstable at temperatures lower than the material sintering temperature and will decompose when conditions allow. For the composition studied in this work, the #alpha#-SiAlON decomposition can be described in general as #alpha#' #-># #beta#' + M' + AlN ...
The phytochemical investigation of Chomelia obtusa leaves led to the isolation of four triterpenes (3-O-#beta#-D-quinovopyranosyl-28-O-#beta#-D-glycopyranosyl quinovic acid, 3-O-#beta#-D-quinovopyranosyl-28-O-#beta#-D-glycopyranosyl cincholic acid, and a mixture of ursolic and oleanolic acids), two flavonoids (3-O-#beta#-D-glycopyranosyl quercetin, 3-O-[#alpha#-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1#->#6)-#beta#-D-galactopyranoside] quercetin), besides bornesitol and a mixture of 3,5- and 4,5-O-dicaffeoyl quinic acids. The structures of the isolated compounds were assigned on the basis of spectroscopic data, including two-dimensional NMR methods. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of the crude methanolic extract and of its fractions were evaluated. This is the first report on the chemical and biological investigation of the Chomelia genus. (author)
Stemming from their unique combination of elevated strength, low density, and good overall corrosion resistance, beta titanium alloys have become attractive candidate materials for critical, high-stress, components in corrosive services. An overview of the comparative corrosion resistance of beta alloys to conventional alpha and alpha/beta titanium alloys in common industrial and aerospace service environments generally reveals attractive behavior depending on the environment and alloy composition and, in some cases, alloy condition. Expanded performance windows are especially noted for the molybdenum-rich beta alloys, particularly in regard to resisting reducing acids, stress corrosion, and high temperature localized chloride attack, along with hydrogen and oxidation resistance. Where applicable, implications of this enhanced corrosion performance on current and perspective beta ...
Mutations in transcription factors hepatocyte nuclear factors (HNF)-1#alpha# and HNF-1#beta# cause maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) types 3 and 5, respectively. HNF-1#alpha# and HNF-1#beta# mutations are well studied in some tissues, but the mechanism by which HNF-1#alpha# and HNF-1#beta# mutations affect sucrase-isomaltase (SI) transcription in the small intestine is unclear. We studied the effects of 13 HNF-1#alpha# mutants and 2 HNF-1#beta# mutants on human SI gene transcription, which were identified in subjects with MODY3 and MODY5, respectively. Transactivation activity of 11 HNF-1#alpha# and 2 HNF-1#beta# mutants was significantly lower than that of wild (wt)-HNF-1#alpha# and wt-HNF-1#beta#. Furthermore, in co-expression studies with mutant (mu)-HNF-1#alpha#/ wt-HNF-1#beta# and ...
To study the topographical organization of mu and beta band event-related desynchronization (ERD) associated with voluntary hand and foot movements, we used magnetoencephalographic (MEG) recordings...Full Text Available
The present study has examined for #alpha#/#beta#-Ti alloys the relationship between the morphology and crystallography of Widmanstaetten plates of #alpha#-Ti in colonies within a prior grain of #beta#-Ti. Thus, optical metallography, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy have been used to characterize the morphological features of the microstructure, whereas orientation-imaging microscopy (OM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) have been employed to reveal crystallographic information. It has been discovered that within a prior #beta#-Ti grain, although the growth direction of the Widmanstaetten plates in given colonies may differ by large angles from #alpha#-plates in other colonies, they may exhibit very close crystallographic relationships. For example, inclined #alpha#-plates may share common basal planes and be related by a rotation of #approx#10.5 deg. about the c-axis of the ...
The composition of carotenoids, along with anthocyanins and chlorophyll, accounts for the distinctive range of colour found in the Actinidia (kiwifruit) species. Lutein and beta-carotene...Full Text Available
Purified beta-toxin from Clostridium perfringens type C was found to be a single polypeptide chain protein with a molecular weight of approximately 30,000. The toxin was heat labile, with 75% of its...Full Text Available
Beta silicon carbide is an excellent candidate semiconductor material for demanding applications in high power and high temperature electronic devices due to its high breakdown voltage, relatively large band gap, high thermal conductivity and high melting...
Probabilistic sensitivities using the score function method are developed for a lifing analysis of an alpha + beta titanium alloy in a round bar under axial fatigue load. Sensitivities with respect to the statistical inputs of the crack initiation size (a...
We investigated the extended-spectrum beta lactamases among 62 Salmonella enterica Typhimurium isolates recovered from children with diarrhea in a Chinese pediatric hospital. A large...Full Text Available
Synthesis genes encoding the human #alpha#- and #beta#-globin polypeptides have been expressed from a single operon in Escherichia coli. The #alpha#- and #beta#-globin polypeptides associate into soluble tetramers, incorporate heme, and accumulate to >5% of the total cellular protein. Purified recombinant hemoglobin has the correct stoichiometry of #alpha#- and #beta#-globin chains and contains a full complement of heme. Each globin chain also contains an additional methionine as an extension to the amino terminus. The recombinant hemoglobin has a C_4 reversed-phase HPLC profile essentially identical to that of human hemoglobin A_0 and comigrates with hemoglobin A_0 on SDS/PAGE. The visible spectrum and oxygen affinity are similar to that of native human hemoglobin A_0. The authors have also expressed the #alpha#- and #beta#-globin genes separately and found that the expression of the #alpha#-globin ...
Experimental, relative intensities for the components of L X-ray were collected from literature, and atomic-number dependency of L#beta#/L#alpha# has been found. (author).
Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) constitute a key antibiotic-resistance mechanism affecting Gram-negative bacteria, and also an excellent model for studying evolution in real time. A shift in...Full Text Available
Measurement of intrathylakoid aqueous volumes by electron spin resonance spectroscopy was used to study ionic permeability properties of thylakoid membranes isolated from Beta vulgaris...Full Text Available
IntroductionChest pain with ST-segment elevation is a rare clinical problem during dobutamine stress testing. Although beta-agonists treatment prior to dobutamine stress testing...Full Text Available
Quantitative metallography is often used to confirm the proper processing of aerospace metallic materials. A microstructural feature of great importance for titanium alloys processed in the alpha-beta phase field is the volume fraction of primary alpha. S...
The in vitro antibacterial activities of the newly developed 7 alpha-methoxy cephalosporins and 7 beta-methoxyiminoacetamido cephalosporins against 67 clinical isolates of Bacteroides fragilis and their...Full Text Available
1. The effect on rat liver peroxisomal beta-oxidation of feeding diets containing various amounts of dietary oils was investigated. With increasing amounts (5-25%, w/w) of soya-bean oil an apparent,...Full Text Available
beta-Endorphin-like immunoreactivity in human ventricular cerebrospinal fluid was measured with a specific radioimmunoassay. The subjects were undergoing a surgical procedure for relief of chronic intractable...Full Text Available
Human IgG specific for beta-endorphin was identified by enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay and isolated by affinity chromatography. From a sample of 27 subjects, three individuals with major depression...Full Text Available
This paper introduces briefly neutrinoless Double Beta Decay and discusses its implications for neutrino physics. After a presentation of general experimental concepts, such as the various proposed methodological approaches and the sensitivity, the current experimental situation is concisely reviewed.
In order to protect food from pathogenic microorganisms as well as to increase its shelf life while keeping sensorial properties (e.g. odor and taste), once the latter are one of the main properties required by spice buyers, it is necessary to analyze volatile formation from irradiation of medicinal and food herbs. The aim of the present study was to analyze volatile formation from Co irradiation of Laurus Cinnamomum, Piper Nigrum, Origanum Vulgare and Myristica Fragans. Possible changes on the odor of these herbs are evaluated by characterizing different radiation doses and effects on sensorial properties in order to allow better application of irradiation technology. l he samples have been irradiated in plastic packages by making use of a {sup 60}Co Gamma irradiator. Irradiation doses of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25kGy have been tested. For the analysis of the samples, SPME has been applied, while for the analysis of volatile compounds, CG/MS. Spice irradiation has promoted mostly ...
The schematic model is extended to open-shell nuclei. The quasiparticle random-phase approximation plus core polarization are used to calculate multipole matrix elements M/sub n/ and M/sub p/. Calculated trends in the ratio of deformation parameters ..beta../sub n//..beta../sub p/ are compared with experimental ratios for several sets of isotopes and isotones. The systematics indicate a rather abrupt change toward equality of ..beta../sub n/ and ..beta../sub p/ when N or Z is changed from a closed-shell value.
The TTT diagrams describing the beta to alpha isothermal transformation have been made by isothermal dilatometry for pure uranium and 21 alloys based on chromium, silicon, molybdenum, iron, aluminium, zirconium. The thermal cycle preceeding the isothermal...
The effect of solution treatment temperature and oxygen content on the microstructure and age hardening response of the metastable beta alloy Ti-11.5Mo-6Zr-4.5Sn have been studied. Kinetics of formation of the equilibrium alpha-phase and the metastable om...
The alloy of Ti-Al-Mo-V-Cr system is studied for its structure in a strained state and specific features of #beta#-#alpha# transformation in a #beta#-matrix and deformation twins on ageing. It is determined that preliminary deformation initiates the decomposition of solid solution on aging. In a metastable #beta#-titanium alloy the substructure of deformation twins is shown to vary essentially with aluminium and chromium partial substitution for molybdenum and vanadium
Bridged monobactam {beta}-lactamase inhibitors were prepared and evaluated as potential partners for combination with imipenem to overcome class C {beta}-lactamase mediated resistance. The (S)-azepine analog 2 was found to be effective in both in vitro and in vivo assays and was selected for preclinical development.
We have previously described an allelic polymorphism in the V beta 6.1 T-cell receptor gene. The V beta 6.1B allele is associated with disease in a subgroup of patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis....Full Text Available
Beta C trademark, a metastable beta titanium alloy developed by RMI Titanium Company, continues to be used in new applications due to its excellent mechanical properties and resistance to corrosion. New data in this paper include mechanical properties in large sections, cold drawn bar and welds. Fatigue crack growth and corrosion data are added to supplement previously published data.
The influence of structure on mechanical properties in the course of tensile tests in a wide range of temperatures was studied, using the VT16 structure thermally strengthened (alpha+beta)-titanium alloy by way of example. It is ascertained that transition from ductile to brittle fracture at the temperature of -196 deg C is observed only in coarse-grain alloy having alpha-eldging of beta grains.
Dissipation of energy of #beta#"--radiation in polyvinylchloride (PVC) was analyzed. Change of PVC properties at irradiation by beta beams with energy 2,32 MeV was characterized using potentials of inter- and intramolecular interactions as well as Born potential. Correlation between some micro- and macroproperties of PVC was detected and ways of their controlled correction were proposed. (authors)
The relationships of hydrogen alloyed #beta#-titanium alloy deformation behaviour to its microstructure and texture are investigated. It is shown that plasticity increases and strain induced texture changes at low hydrogen contents (0.1-0.2 mass %). Possible mechanisms responsible for specific features of #beta#-Ti alloy deformation are discussed. The study is made using alloy VT35 doped with hydrogen
We have isolated the human prointerleukin 1 (proIL-1) beta gene from leukocyte and fetal liver libraries. The nucleotide sequence and its gene organization reveals that the proIL-1 beta gene is composed...Full Text Available
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 ...
Synthesis of O'/#beta#' SiAlON composites was studied. As starting materials, Si_3N_4, Al_2O_3 and SiO_2 powders were used. Pressureless sintering was applied as consolidation technique and was performed at 1400-1700 C. Densification and reaction taking place during sintering were followed. Microstructure of O'/#beta#' composites is discussed. It was found that without additives liquid phase amount formed within the samples was below critically needed for full densification, but promoted reaction of O' and #beta#' formation. Using yttria as additive densification was enhanced. O'/#beta#' ratio decreased while H_V and K_I_c increased with increasing amount of additive. (orig.).
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 ...
Superplasticity in Ti alloys has been widely investigated in the past and superplastic forming of aerospace components has thus been developed over the last two decades. The Ti alloy most studied in this framework is undoubtedly the Ti-6Al-4V (wt %) alloy, for which maximum elongations are obtained in the temperature range [880-900C]. The development of the superplastic properties has been demonstrated to be in close relation with quite similar volume fractions of the #alpha# and #beta# phases, the #beta# transus temperature for this alloy ranging from 980-1000 C. Attempts have been carried out to reduce the temperature of superplastic forming of Ti-6Al-4V by the addition of elements like Fe, Co, or Ni. Such an introduction of alloying elements indeed results in a decrease of the optimum forming temperature to values as low as 820 C. This decrease is mainly attributed to a change in the phase volume fractions according to thermodynamic ...
We solve the loop equations of the $\\beta$-ensemble model analogously to the solution found for the Hermitian matrices $\\beta=1$. For \\beta=1$, the solution was expressed using the algebraic spectral curve of equation $y^2=U(x)$. For arbitrary $\\beta$, the spectral curve converts into a Schr\\"odinger equation $((\\hbar\\partial)^2-U(x))\\psi(x)=0$ with $\\hbar\\propto (\\sqrt\\beta-1/\\sqrt\\beta)/N$. This paper is similar to the sister paper~I, in particular, all the main ingredients specific for the algebraic solution of the problem remain the same, but here we present the second approach to finding a solution of loop equations using sectorwise definition of resolvents. Being technically more involved, it allows defining consistently the B-cycle structure of the obtained quantum algebraic curve (a D-module of the form $y^2-U(x)$, where $[y,x]=\\hbar$) and ...
The carbothermal reduction of clay minerals in a nitrogen atmosphere is a well established method for producing #beta#'-sialon. There has been some debate within the literature concerning the role that Fe plays in the formation of the #beta#'-sialon phase. However, most workers accept that Fe is able to either catalyze or promote the formation of #beta#'-sialon although some workers have indicated that the function of the Fe is controlled by gas flow rate and there is evidence that Fe also promotes formation of additional phases. The aim of the present study was to characterize the behaviour of Fe within the #beta#'-sialon synthesis. "5"7Fe Moessbauer spectroscopy was employed for the study because this technique is specific to Fe and does not suffer interference from other elements. Moreover, both the coordination and oxidation state and the relative abundances of the various Fe-containing phases are ...
An alloy of composition Ti-4.4 wt.% Ta-1.9 wt.% Nb is being developed as a structural material for corrosion applications, as titanium and its alloys possess excellent corrosion resistance in many oxidizing media. The primary physical metallurgy database for the Ti-4.4 wt.% Ta-1.9 wt.% Nb alloy is being presented for the first time. Determination of the #beta# transus, M_s temperature and classification of the alloy have been carried out, employing a variety of microscopy techniques, X-ray diffraction (XRD), micro-hardness and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The #beta# transition temperature or #beta# transus determined using different experimental techniques was found to agree very well with evaluations based on empirical calculations. Based on chemistry and observed room temperature microstructure, the alloy has been classified as an #alpha# + #beta# titanium alloy. The high temperature ...
Previous behavioral and pharmacological studies have implicated endorphins in radiation-induced locomotor hyperactivity of the C57BL/6J mouse. However, the endogenous opiate(s) responsible for this behavioral change have not been identified. The present study measured beta-endorphin-like immunoreactivity (beta-END-LI) in brain, blood, and combined brain and pituitary samples from irradiated and sham-irradiated C57BL/6J mice. After radiation exposure, levels of beta-END-LI decreased significantly in the brain. A similar, but not statistically significant, decline was measured in combined brain and pituitary samples. Concentrations of blood beta-END-LI were not changed by irradiation. These radiogenic changes in beta-END-LI are in some ways similar to those observed after other stresses. However, radiation-induced locomotor hyperactivity may be mediated more by alterations of ...
Let $M$ be a complex manifold of complex dimension $n+k$. We say that the functions $u_1,...s,u_k$ and the vector fields $\\xi_1,...,\\xi_k$ on $M$ form a \\emph{complex gradient system} if $\\xi_1,...,\\xi_k,J\\xi_1,...,J\\xi_k$ are linearly independent at each point $p\\in M$ and generate an integrable distribution of $TM$ of dimension $2k$ and $du_\\alpha(\\xi_\\beta)=0$, $\\d^c\\u_\\alpha(\\xi_\\beta)=\\delta_{\\alpha\\beta}$ for $\\alpha,\\beta=1,...,k$. We prove a Cauchy theorem for such complex gradient systems with initial data along a $\\CR-$submanifold of type $(\\CRdim,\\CRcodim)$. We also give a complete local characterization for the complex gradient systems which are \\emph{holomorphic} and \\emph{abelian}, which means that the vector fields $\\xi_\\alpha^c=\\xi_\\alpha-J\\xi_\\beta$, $\\alpha=1,...,k$ are holomorphic and satisfy $[\\xi_alpha^c,\\bar{\\xi_\\beta^c}]=0$ ...
A microwave-assisted carbothermal reduction and nitridation (CTR/N) method has been used for successful preparation of monophasic #beta#'-SiAlON starting from kaolinite and carbon black. Phase pure #beta#'-SiAlON has been obtained in under 60 min in microwave field. The z value of microwave prepared #beta#'-SiAlON is found to be 2.95, which is very close to the expected value from kaolinite composition. Formation of #beta#'-SiAlON has been monitored with XRD and MASNMR of "2"9Si and "2"7Al; the possible reaction mechanism has been discussed. Kaolinite to #beta#'-SiAlON conversion appears to be a very rapid single-step reaction under microwave irradiation. #beta#'-SiAlON powders have been microwave sintered to 98.7% of theoretical density in 30 min.
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)
Partially purified UDPgalactosyltransferase (EC 2.4.1.22) from bovine milk has been used to synthesize millimolar amounts of compounds such as Gal..beta..(1..-->..4)Glc, Gal..beta..(1..-->..4)GlcNAc-..beta..-hexanolamine, and Gal..beta..(1..-->..4)-GlcNAc..beta..(1..-->..4)GlcNAc. The same method has been used to prepare similar compounds containing /sup 13/C-enriched galactopyranosyl moieties. Gal..beta..(1..-->..4)GlcNAc-..beta..-hexanolamine was also synthesized in a solid-phase system in which the GlcNAc-..beta..-hexanolamine glycoside was covalently linked to agarose beads. At pH 7.0 and at 1 to 5 mM Mn/sup 2 + +/ the yields of the galactosyl saccharides are greater than 90% by using 10% excess of UDPGal donor. The use of a 90% enriched (1-/sup 13/C)galactosyl residue allowed the determination of the ...
In the present study, the relationship between the crystallographic orientations and growth directions of grain boundary-allotriomorphic-#alpha# (GB #alpha#) and secondary Widmanstaetten #alpha# laths growing from the GB #alpha# at grain boundaries separating #beta# grains with specific misorientations has been examined. These relationships have been determined using a variety of characterization techniques, including scanning electron microscopy, orientation imaging microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and a dual-beam focused ion beam instrument to provide site-selected TEM foils. Two very interesting cases, one in which the two adjacent #beta# grains are rotated mutually by approximately 10.5"o about a common direction and the other in which the two #beta# grains are in a twin relationship, i.e. a 60"o rotation about a common direction, have been studied. It was discovered that the #alpha# laths growing ...
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
Beta-21S is a new, metastable-beta titanium alloy which exhibits excellent oxidation resistance and mechanical properties at elevated temperatures. From a weld solidification standpoint, this alloy chemistry is of particular interest because its major beta-stabilizing elements (Mo and Nb) both exhibit equilibrium partitioning ratios (k_o) greater than unity, indicating their simultaneous partitioning during weld solidification to the initial solid to form (i.e., dendrite cores), and correspondingly their depletion in the final regions of solidification (i.e., dendrite interstices). Such elemental partitioning, if retained down to room temperature, may be expected to promote local variations in the postweld aging response. The objectives of the present investigation were to characterize Gas Tungsten-Arc weld solidification and HAZ liquation phenomena in Beta-21S and to examine the influence of residual ...
Introduction: Thalassemia is the most common hereditary blood disorder in the world. Iran is located on the thalassemic belt and there is a high prevalence of the hepatosplenomegaly in beta thalassemia minor patients which is reported to be very variable. The goal of this research was to study the frequency of these signs in the cases with beta thalassemia minor patients in Iran. Materials and methods: Two hundred and fifty-nine cases that referred to center for pre-marriage tests were divided into two groups according to their MCV, MCH, and HbA2 (beta thalassemia minor cases and control groups). Liver and spleen sizes were determined by ultrasonographic method and the two groups were compared with each other. Results: Average spleen volumes in case and control groups were 163.48 {+-} 133.97 and 126.29 {+-} 53.98 mm{sup 3}, respectively. Average spleen lengths in case and control groups were 10.71 {+-} 1.52 and 10.60 {+-} ...
For optimizing the microstructure of the (#alpha# + #beta#)-titanium alloy TiAl5Fe2.5 the content of the two alloying elements aluminium and iron in the #alpha#- and #beta#-phase was determined by microprobe analysis. The alloys with the composition of the #alpha#- and of the #beta#-phase at 850 degC TiAl6Fe0.5 (#alpha#-phase) and TiAl3.5Fe6.5 (#beta#-phase) were prepared by arc melting and rolling at 850 degC. The mechanical properties of the '#alpha#'- and of the '#beta#'-phase-alloy are compared with the properties of the (#alpha# + #beta#)-alloy TiAl5Fe2.5 in the as rolled and swaged condition and after an additional aging at 550 degC. By this optimizing process it was possible to achieve a tensile strength of Rsub(m) = 1012 N/mm"2, an yield strength of Rsub(p0.2) 954 N/mm"2 and an elongation at fracture A = 14.5% in the TiAl5Fe2.5-alloy, although the degree ...
K beta X-ray lines from partially M-shell-ionized ions of titanium through nickel which are produced in vacuum-spark plasmas have been observed systematically for the first time, using a high-resolution curved-crystal spectrometer. Each K beta line is clearly separated into its corresponding charge state. As a result, it is possible to measure the K beta-type transition energies of the M-shell-ionized ions. The transition energies accurately determined are compared with those calculated for iron ions, and the agreement is excellent except for ions having some additional 3d outer-shell electrons or 3s inner-shell vacancies. The square root of the K beta transition frequency is expressed as a linear function of the nuclear charge for isoelectronic sequences. The effective nuclear charges have been also determined for each K beta transition. The 3p electrons do not affect the effective ...
The crystallography of #alpha#(hcp) precipitates formed on the #beta#(bcc) matrix grain boundaries has been studied with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in a Ti-15V-3Cr-3Sn-3Al alloy. The #alpha# precipitates have a near-Burgers orientation relationship with respect to at least one of the adjacent #beta# grains. Among the possible 12 variants in this orientation relationship, the variant that [11 bar 20]_#alpha# is parallel to the _#beta# closest to the grain boundary plane tends to be preferred by the #alpha# precipitates. Additionally, further variant selections are made so as to minimize the deviation of orientation relationship with respect to the ''opposite'' #beta# grain from the Burgers one. Such rules in variant selection often result in the formation of precipitates with a single variant at a planar grain boundary. Prior small deformation of #beta# matrix changes the ...
The soluble pool of alpha hemoglobin chains present in blood or bone marrow cells was measured with a new affinity method using a specific probe, beta A hemoglobin chain labeled with ["3H]N-ethylmaleimide. This pool of soluble alpha chains was 0.067 #+-# 0.017% of hemoglobin in blood of normal adult, 0.11 #+-# 0.03% in heterozygous beta thalassemia and ranged from 0.26 to 1.30% in homozygous beta thalassemia intermedia. This elevated pool of soluble alpha chains observed in human beta thalassemia intermedia decreased 33-fold from a value of 10% of total hemoglobin in bone marrow cells to 0.3% in the most dense red blood cells. The amount of insoluble alpha chains was measured by using the polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in urea and Triton X-100. In beta thalassemia intermedia the amount of insoluble alpha chains was correlated with the decreased spectrin content of red cell ...
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 ...
High temperature deformation behavior of an alpha + beta titanium alloy Ti-3Al-4V has been investigated at 910 deg. C. by using the method of cross head speed cycling. On the basis of flow stress, strain rate and strain rate sensitivity data, the alloy was found to exhibit strain hardening at this temperature which resulted in degradation in superplastic properties of the alloy. A high beta-phase volume fraction and grain-growth in both alpha and beta phases were considered responsible for the observed hardening effect. (author)
SP-700, an emerging #beta#-rich #alpha#+#beta# titanium alloy, is designed to improve superplastic formability as well as mechanical properties over Ti-6Al-4V alloy. Owing to its fine microstructure and low #beta#-transus temperature, it is superplastic-formable at temperature below 1,073K (800 C) with low flow stress. Remarkable workability of this alloy is also retained in conventional Manufacturing processes. Another advantage of SP-700 is heat treatment response which includes deep hardenability and quick aging kinetics. Corrosion resistance and machinability are equivalent to or better than Ti-6Al-4V alloy.
Beta-C trademark is a metastable beta titanium alloy which can be heat treated to achieve a good combination of properties such as tensile strength, fatigue strength, ductility and toughness, such as needed in aircraft fasteners. Variations in hot and cold processing parameters and solution heat treatment can affect the resultant grain structure which in turn affects subsequent aging response and mechanical properties. Several processing/heat treating routes on round bar are explored in this study to determine the effects on microstructure and various mechanical properties.
At the RIKEN-RAL Muon Facility, {mu}{sup -} to {alpha} sticking K{sub {beta}} X-rays were observed for the first time taking advantage of the pulsed beam structure. The precision of the present measurements was insufficient to distinguish between theoretical models, however the observed K{sub {beta}}/K{sub {alpha}} X-ray intensity ratio tends to be smaller than most of these theoretical predictions.
The K_#beta#/K_#alpha# X-ray intensity ratios are measured for Mn and Fe and for six other elements with Z lying in the range 49<=Z<=82 following electron capture decay and photon excitation using "2"4"1Am and "5"7Co sources. High-resolution Si(Li) and HpGe detector systems were used in the experiments. The dependence of K_#beta#/K_#alpha# values on the mode of excitation in the case of Mn and Fe is attribuited to the chemical effects, while no such dependence is found for the high-Z elements.
In this work, the half-lives of the beta-unstable nuclei {sup 101}Mo and {sup 101}Tc were studied using neutron-irradiated samples of {sup 100}Mo to produce {sup 101}Mo which in its turn generates {sup 101}Tc by beta decay. The gamma activity of each sample was followed for 5 consecutive half-lives in steps of 5 minutes. A total of 22 sources were measured and checked for dead-time influence, and the half-lives were obtained by weighted average. The results are statistically incompatible with the tabulated values.
In this work, the half-lives of the beta-unstable nuclei "1"0"1Mo and "1"0"1Tc were studied using neutron-irradiated samples of "1"0"0Mo to produce "1"0"1Mo which in its turn generates "1"0"1Tc by beta decay. The gamma activity of each sample was followed for 5 consecutive half-lives in steps of 5 minutes. A total of 22 sources were measured and checked for dead-time influence, and the half-lives were obtained by weighted average. The results are statistically incompatible with the tabulated values.
A method based on path integral formulation is given for obtaining exact solution of the s states for the Bargmann potentialV(r)=1ka"2#beta#(#beta#-1)e"-"2"r"/"a1-e"-"r"/"a"2-Ae"-"r"/"a1-e"-"r"/"a,where #beta# and k are parameters. The exact energy spectrum and the normalised s-state eigenfunctions are obtained from the poles of the Green function and their residues, respectively. The results are compared with their of Schrodinger formalism, special cases are also discussed.
Lithium was selectively extracted from near-neutral aqueous solutions of alkali metal salts. The mechanism by which this was achieved involves the formation of the trioctylphosphine oxide adduct of a lithium chelate of a fluorinated #beta#-diketone, which is then readily extractable into an organic diluent. High separation factors were obtained from sodium, potassium, rubidium, and cesium. The selectivity of the fluorinated #beta#-diketones for lithium over the alkaline earths was found to be poor. A suggested general flowsheet for the recovery of lithium from a salt brine concentrate is included. (author).
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 ...
Neurodegeneration observed in Alzheimer disease (AD) is believed to be related to the toxicity from reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced in the brain by the amyloid-{beta} (A{beta}) protein bound primarily to copper ions. The evidence for an oxidative stress role of A{beta}-Cu redox chemistry is still incomplete. Details of the copper binding site in A{beta} may be critical to the etiology of AD. Here we present the structure determined by combining x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and density functional theory analysis of A{beta} peptides complexed with Cu{sup 2+} in solution under a range of buffer conditions. Phosphate-buffered saline buffer salt (NaCl) concentration does not affect the high-affinity copper binding mode but alters the second coordination sphere. The XAS spectra for truncated and full-length A{beta}-Cu{sup 2+} peptides are similar. The ...
In rat adipocyte membranes, both beta-adrenergic agonists and beta-adrenergic antagonists competed with (--)(/sup 3/H)dihydroalprenolol for high affinity (KD 2-4 nM) and low capacity binding sites. The antagonists but not the agonists competed with (--)(/sup 3/H)dihydroalprenolol for lower affinity and higher capacity sites. The present studies were performed in order to characterize the adipocyte beta-adrenergic receptor and distinguish it from low affinity, higher capacity sites which were heat-labile and not stereoselective. When isoproterenol was used to define the nonspecific binding, saturation studies showed a single binding site with a capacity of approximately 100 fmol/mg membrane protein (corresponding to approximately 50,000 sites/adipocyte). Binding was saturated by 10 nM (--)(/sup 3/H)dihydroalprenolol. Approximate KD's of 204 nM were observed. Kinetic analysis of (--)(/sup 3/H)dihydroalprenolol ...
The constituent phases and associated deformed microstructure of the quenched Ti-xNb-(0.5-1.5) at.% Si alloy consisting of non-cytotoxicity elements, where x = 24-30 at.%, were investigated to provide pseudoelasticity for biomedical and sensor applications. Optical microscopy revealed that stress-induced martensitic transformation takes place during the deformation in the present alloys. It is confirmed from the X-ray diffraction results of the deformed specimens that the crystal structure of the stress-induced martensite phase is the orthorhombic so-called #alpha#'' structure. Within the alloys having #beta#(bcc) phase studied Nb-poor region appeared to exhibit a dominant behavior for stress-induced martensitic transformation than Nb-rich region. This result suggests that metastable #beta# phase is superior to stable #beta# phase for the occurrence of stress-induced martensitic transformation in the present alloy system.
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a potential source of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) for constructing tissue-engineered vascular grafts. However, the details of how specific combinations of vascular microenvironmental factors regulate MSCs are not well understood. Previous studies have suggested that both mechanical stimulation with uniaxial cyclic strain and chemical stimulation with transforming growth factor {beta}1 (TGF-{beta}1) can induce smooth muscle markers in MSCs. In this study, we investigated the combined effects of uniaxial cyclic strain and TGF-{beta}1 stimulation on MSCs. By using a proteomic analysis, we found differential regulation of several proteins and genes, such as the up-regulation of TGF-{beta}1-induced protein ig-h3 (BGH3) protein levels by TGF-{beta}1 and up-regulation of calponin 3 protein level by cyclic strain. At the gene expression level, BGH3 was ...
In connection with the different cyclical strengths of the two-phase (#alpha# + #beta#) titanium alloy in the case of the acicular and rounded formations of the #alpha#-phase, we have studied, employing the X-ray diffraction method, the phase composition of the alloy and the influence of heat treatment upon it. Using the method of electronic fractography, we examined the fractures in samples destroyed by the asymmetric twisting, in order to find out why the durability of the alloy is dependent upon the #alpha# - phase structure. It has been found that in the BT22 alloy, the decay the #beta#-phase may proceed in two ways; either with the formation of the martensite #alpha#'-phase of the acicular shape or with the separation of the non-martensite round-shaped #alpha#-phase. The character of the phase transformations #beta# - #alpha# or #beta#-#alpha#' is, to a considerable extent, the conseguence of the ...
The morphological development of oxide scales formed on a low Al substituted #beta#-sialon (z=0.2) oxidised for time periods up to 1024h at 1350 C is discussed in relation to oxidation kinetics. The oxidation process is observed to be accompanied by changes in both the phase assemblage of the external layers and their morphology. Thus as the time of oxidation increases beyond 64h the cristobalite-#beta#-yttrium disilicate phase assemblage changes to cristobalite plus #beta#- and #gamma#-yttrium disilicate. In addition to the changes observed for the surface layers, differences are observed in the morphologies of the polished cross-sections. These changes are consistent with an order of magnitude decrease in oxidation rate. (orig.).
Objective To evaluate the inhibitory property of de-glycyrrhizinated extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra root and its phytoconstituents (glabridin, isoliquiritigenin and glycyrrhizin) on LPS-induced production of pro-inflammatory mediators. Materials and methods Inhibitory effect of G. glabra extract and its phytoconstituents were studied on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in J774A.1 murine macrophages. Results G. glabra and isoliquiritigenin significantly inhibited LPS stimulated NO, IL-1 beta and IL-6 production. Glabridin showed significant inhibition of NO and IL-1 beta release, but failed to attenuate IL-6 levels at the tested concentrations. In addition, glycyrrhizin did not exhibit inhibitory response towar...
A kinetic model based on the Mars-van Krevelen mechanism that allows to describe the microkinetics of the heterogeneously catalysed partial oxidation of {alpha}, {beta}-unsaturated aldehydes is presented. This conversion is represented by a network, composed of the oxidation of the {alpha}, {beta}-unsaturated aldehyde towards the {alpha}, {beta}-unsaturated carboxylic acid and the consecutive oxidation of the acid as well as the parallel reaction of the aldehyde to products of deeper oxidation. The reaction steps of aldehyde respectively acid oxidation and catalyst reoxidation have been investigated separately in transient experiments. The combination of steady state and transient experiments has led to an improved understanding of the interaction of the catalyst with the aldehyde and the carboxylic acids as well as to a support of the kinetic model assumptions. (orig.)
We discuss the minimum requirements for a neutrino beta beam if theta_13 is discovered by an upcoming reactor experiment, such as Double Chooz or Daya Bay. We require that both neutrino mass hierarchy and leptonic CP violation can be measured to competitive precisions with a single-baseline experiment in the entire remaining theta_13 range. We find that for very high isotope production rates, such as they might be possible using a production ring, a (B,Li) beta beam with a gamma as low as 60 could already be sufficient to perform all of these measurements. If only the often used nominal source luminosities can be achieved, for example, a (Ne,He) beta beam from Fermilab to a possibly existing water Cherenkov detector at Homestake with gamma \\sim 190-350 (depending on the Double Chooz best-fit) could outperform practically any other beam technology including wide-band beam and neutrino factory.
An experiment on the K#beta#/K#alpha# characteristic X-ray intensity ratio in silver was performed at VEC Centre, Calcutta using the #alpha#-beams at energies 40 MeV and 50 MeV employing a Si(Li) detector system on-line. The results show that the K#beta#/K#alpha# X-ray intensity ratio at energies 40 and 50 MeV are 0.215 #+-# 0.006 and 0.216 #+-# 0.006, respectively, which indicates no change with beam energy and in accordance with the earlier reports. The present experiment shows the feasibility of studying the K#beta#/K#alpha# ratios as a function of beam energy in different regions of periodic table. Experiments in elements belonging to the 3d shell and their compounds are suggested to look for the chemical effects and their dependence on #alpha#-energy. (author). 7 refs.
The influence of serum, IGF-1 and TGF-{beta} on the differentiation of preadipocytes was examined in primary cultures of porcine adipose tissue cells. In serum-supplemented or serum-free, IGF-1 (1 and 10 nM) had no effect on total cell number. However, IGF-1 (10nM) increased adipocyte number only in serum-supplemented (1% pig serum) cultures, whereas TGF-{beta} (15 pm) reduced the adipocyte number in the presence and absence of IGF-1. Replication of preadipocytes was analyzed with a ({sup 3}H) thymidine assay. Preadipocyte proliferation (cpm in adipocyte fraction) was increased by IGF-1 (10nM) only in cultures containing pig serum. TGF-{beta} had no effect on preadipocyte proliferation specifically, but slightly increased total ({sup 3}H) thymidine incorporation in cultures with serum. Glycerol phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) specific activity was decreased by adding TGF-{beta} to serum-free cultures but ...
The influence of serum, IGF-1 and TGF-#beta# on the differentiation of preadipocytes was examined in primary cultures of porcine adipose tissue cells. In serum-supplemented or serum-free, IGF-1 (1 and 10 nM) had no effect on total cell number. However, IGF-1 (10nM) increased adipocyte number only in serum-supplemented (1% pig serum) cultures, whereas TGF-#beta# (15 pm) reduced the adipocyte number in the presence and absence of IGF-1. Replication of preadipocytes was analyzed with a ["3H] thymidine assay. Preadipocyte proliferation (cpm in adipocyte fraction) was increased by IGF-1 (10nM) only in cultures containing pig serum. TGF-#beta# had no effect on preadipocyte proliferation specifically, but slightly increased total ["3H] thymidine incorporation in cultures with serum. Glycerol phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) specific activity was decreased by adding TGF-#beta# to serum-free cultures but ...
An inclusion complex between imazalil (IMZ), a selected fungicide, and cyclomaltoheptaose (beta-cyclodextrin, betaCD) was obtained using supercritical fluid carbon dioxide. The best preparation conditions were determined, and the inclusion complex was investigated by means of 1H NMR spectroscopy in aqueous solution and 13C CPMAS NMR spectroscopy in the solid state. Information on the geometry of the betaCD/IMZ complex was obtained from ROESY spectroscopy, while the dynamics of the inclusion complex in the kilohertz range was obtained from the proton spin-lattice relaxation times in the rotating frame, T(1rho) (1H). PMID:14553984
The emission lines H#alpha#, H#beta#+[OIII], and L#alpha# have been observed in the high-redshift quasar 1225+31. The ratios of line intensities in 1225+31 are found to be L#alpha#/H#alpha#approx.0.8, H#alpha#/(H#beta#+[OIII]) approx.4, and 4beta#<10. The observed value of L#alpha#/H#alpha# agrees well with the ratio derived by Baldwin on the basis of a composite quasar spectrum, and with direct determination of this ratio in 3C 273 and PKS 0237--23. The ratio H#alpha#/H#beta# is in the range of values found for a sample of low-redshift quasars by Baldwin. The low value for the L#alpha#/H#alpha# ratio cannot be reasonably explained by foreground extinction between the Sun and 1225+31.
In this paper, we investigate the epidemic spreading for SIR model in weighted scale-free networks with nonlinear infectivity, where the transmission rate in our analytical model is weighted. Concretely, we introduce the infectivity exponent $\\alpha$ and the weight exponent $\\beta$ into the analytical SIR model, then examine the combination effects of $\\alpha$ and $\\beta$ on the epidemic threshold and phase transition. We show that one can adjust the values of $\\alpha$ and $\\beta$ to rebuild the epidemic threshold to a finite value, and it is observed that the steady epidemic prevalence $R$ grows in an exponential form in the early stage, then follows hierarchical dynamics. Furthermore, we find $\\alpha$ is more sensitive than $\\beta$ in the transformation of the epidemic threshold and epidemic prevalence, which might deliver some useful information or new insights in the epidemic spreading and ...
#alpha#/#beta# sialon based composites containing silicon nitride whisker and silicon carbide platelet were fabricated by hot pressing. Effect of the reinforcing agents on the #alpha# to #beta# phase transformation of the sialon as well as on the mechanical properties was investigated. Silicon nitride whisker and silicon carbide platelet promoted the phase transformation. TEM/EDS analysis revealed that the grain containing the whisker had 'core-rim' structure; core being high purity Si_3N_4 whisker and rim being #beta#-sialon. Flexural strength of the composite decreased with the reinforcement addition which, on the other hand, improved fracture toughness of it. High temperature strength was measured at 1300 deg C to be about 130 MPa lower than that measured at RT for the whisker reinforced composite. (author).
to be similar to the system of face-on spiral and small companion known as M51, the Whirlpool Galaxy. Tomorrow's picture: Beta Pic < | Archive | Index | Search | Calendar | RSS |...
(#alpha#+#beta#)-SiALON ceramic composites are industrially important materials. Due to their unique chemistry, crystal structure and microstructural features, #alpha#-SiAlON has superior hardness while #beta#-SiALON offers high strength and toughness. The combination of the two phases enables materials engineers to design a ceramic where the physical properties of the composite can be tailored to a particular application. This article presents a general review of the crystal structures, fabrication and properties of the (#alpha#+#beta#)-SiALON composites with special highlights outlining how microstructural tailoring can control the properties of these advanced ceramic alloys. Copyright (1997) Institute of Metals and Materials Australasia Ltd.
The objectives of this research were to investigate the possibility of controlling the #alpha#'/#beta#' phase ratio and morphology in Sialon ceramics. These objectives have been sought by the control of the starting composition, and by post sintering heat treatment. The main emphasis has been on the production of a series of #alpha#' and (#alpha#'+#beta#') Sialon ceramics with a minimum amount of the glass phase by the pressureless sintering technique and using ytterbium (Yb) as an #alpha#' stabilising element. The Yb additions were made via the oxide or the alumino- silicate presynthesised glass; the latter was found to improve the density. The XRD analysis of the as sintered materials revealed #alpha#' to be the dominant phase with minor contributions from #beta#' sialon and/ or 12H A1N polytype. Additions of SiO_2 or #beta#-Si_3N_4 were made to various materials to assess potential mechanisms for ...
The K alpha / K beta ratio of Mn KX-rays scattered by metallic samples changed remarkably with the geometry between the sample and the (55)Fe source-Si(Li) detector system. On the contrary, this intensity ratio changed little in the cases of non-metallic scatterer samples such as lucite or mylar. This difference is interpreted as due to the occurrence of strong or weak interference in the coherent scattering photons. PMID:7280291
The presence of an amino acid other than aspartic acid at position 57 of the HLA-DQ beta chain (non-Asp-57) is highly associated with susceptibility to insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), whereas...Full Text Available
The modes of action of the five major endo-(1----4)-beta-D-glucanases (I, II, III, IV and V) purified from Penicillium pinophilum cellulase were compared by h.p.l.c. analysis, with normal, 1-3H-labelled...Full Text Available
The threshold stress itensities for stress corrosion crack propagation in beta titanium alloy 38-6-44, Ti-3Al-8V-6Cr-4Mo-4Zr, has been determined in salt water and methanolic solutions. The alloy was immune to stress corrosion cracking in aqueous sodium c...
Assessment of the roles of the carboxyl-terminal #beta#146 histidyl residues in the alkaline Bohr effect in human and normal adult hemoglobin by high-resolution proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy requires assignment of the resonances corresponding to these residues. By a careful spectroscopic study of human normal adult hemoglobin, enzymatically prepared des(His146#beta#)-hemoglobin, and the mutant hemoglobins Cowtown (#beta#146His #-># Leu) and York (#beta#146His #-># Pro), the authors have resolved some of these conflicting results. By a close incremental variation of pH over a wide range in chloride-free 0.1 M N-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazine-N'-2-ethanesulfonic acid buffer, a single resonance has been found to be consistently missing in the proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of these hemoglobin variants. The results indicate that the contribution of the ...
This volume of the monograph covers the following topics: activation analysis, non-activation interaction analysis (elastic scattering of charged particles, absorption and backscattering of beta radiation and photons, radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis, thermalization, scattering and absorption of neutrons, use of ionization caused by nuclear radiation, use of ionization by alpha or beta radiation for the measurement of pressure, density and flow rate of gases), and automation in radioanalytical chemistry. (P.A.).
Methanosarcina thermophila, a nonmarine methanogenic archaebacterium, can grow in a range of saline concentrations. At less than 0.4 M NaCl, Ms. thermophila accumulated glutamate in response to increasing osmotic stress. At greater than 0.4 M NaCl, this organism synthesized a modified #beta#-amino acid that was identified as N"v"a"r"-"e"p"s"i"l"o"n-acetyl-#beta#-lysine by NMR spectroscopy and ion-exchange HPLC. This #beta#-amino acid derivative accumulated to high intracellular concentrations (up to 0.6 M) in Ms. thermophila and in another methanogen examined - Methanogenium cariaci, a marine species. The compound has features that are characteristic of a compatible solute: it is neutrally charged at physiological pH and it is highly soluble. When the cells were grown in the presence of exogenous glycine betaine, a physiological pH and it is highly soluble. When the cells were grown in the presence of exogenous glycine ...
Chronic and adult-onset GM2 gangliosidoses are neurological disorders caused by marked deficiency of the A isoenzyme of beta-hexosaminidase; they occur in the Ashkenazi Jewish population, though less...Full Text Available
This report continues the studies of simplified methods, of magnetic diagnostics in application to TCA/BR tokamak. Here we study the accuracy of known formula for {beta}{sub 1} + l{sub 1}/2 determination from the poloidal magnetic field asymmetry. Errors of the diamagnetic measurements due to vibrations of the vacuum vessel are also considered. (author). 3 refs., 1 fig., 1 tab.
Our studies on K#beta#/K#alpha# X-ray intensity ratios of some of the technologically important 3d-transition metal compounds have been reviewed. Comparison of the experimental results with single-configuration Dirac-Fock calculations provided important information on the valence states of the transition metals in various compounds, which can be helpful in understanding the nature of bonding in the compounds. (author)
Ksub(#beta#)/Ksub(#alpha#) X-ray intensity ratios have been measured for various elements between Z = 29 and Z = 79 for incident proton energies of 23.6, 32.1 and 43.6 MeV. The results yield no evidence for a variation in ratio with particle energy. (orig.).
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.).
BackgroundThe beta-defensin gene cluster (DEFB) at chromosome 8p23.1 is one of the most copy number (CN) variable regions of the human genome. Whereas individual DEFB CNs have been...Full Text Available
BackgroundEstrogen receptors alpha (ERα) and beta (ERβ) are transcription factors (TFs) that mediate estrogen signaling and define the hormone-responsive phenotype...Full Text Available
The $\\beta$ function for a scalar field theory describes the dependence of the coupling constant on the renormalization mass scale. This dependence is affected by the choice of regularization scheme. I explicitly relate the $\\beta$-functions of momentum cut-off regularization and dimensional regularization on scalar field theories by a gauge transformation using the Hopf algebras of the Feynman diagrams of the theories.
Cyclic strength of #alpha#+#beta#-titanium alloy BT3-1 is studied under load frequencies of 33 and 300 Hz. The increase in the cyclic strength with growing frequency is caused by formation of FCC interphase layers of titanium hydrides. Their formation is one of possible ways of raising the fatigue strength of titanium alloys. Peculiarities of FCC interlayer formation in #alpha#+#beta# phases under loading frequency variation are revealed.
Changes in the phosphate metabolism of the transplanted SCCVII (squamous cell carcinoma VII) tumor were studied before and after irradiation using in vivo [sup 31]P-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). Phosphocreatine (PCr), [gamma]-, [alpha]-, [beta]-ATP, inorganic phosphate (Pi), phosphomonoester (PME), and phosphodiester (PDE) were detected in [sup 31]P-MR spectra of tumor tissues. The curve fitting method was employed for calculating each peak of [sup 31]P-MR spectra (PCr, [beta]-ATP, Pi, PME, PDE). The values of PCr, PCr/Pi, [beta]-ATP/Pi and pH decreased in proportion to the growth of tumor, whereas that of Pi, PME and PDE increased. But the changes of [beta]-ATP were minimal in degree. Based on the fact that the ratio of PCr/Pi highly correlated with tumor volume and showed the most remarkable change among various parameters, it might be the useful index for the tumor growth. Because the ...
Two methods, a traditional emulsion technique and a high voltage electrostatically modified encapsulation system, were used to fabricate degradable chitosan/beta -tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) microspheres. The two distinct kinds of microspheres both exhibited good sphericity and the beta-TCP was trapped well inside the chitosan gel. The microspheres prepared by high voltage electrostatic system exhibited a rougher outer surface and narrower size distribution. These microspheres were then used as an added constituent to commercially available PMMA bone cement. Four modified cement composites that were prepared with different composition ratios of the two kinds of chitosan/beta-TCP microspheres that were made from emulsion technique (C1P1 and C2P1) and from a process by a high voltage electrostatic system (EC1P1 and EC2P1) were compared with the PMMA cement (Pure P). The characteristics of these ...
The enzyme indol-3-ylacetylglucose synthase (UDP-glucose:indol-3-ylacetate beta-D-glucosyltransferase) catalyses the reaction: [formula: see text] This is the first step in the series of reactions leading...Full Text Available
The Ksub(#beta#)/Ksub(#alpha# 12) x-ray intensity ratio of the Si K spectrum was measured for proton impact on Si0_2 in the energy range 300-800 keV. An energy dependence of the intensity ratio was found and an explanation is given in terms of multiple ionisation. (author).
The processes of lung growth, injury, and repair are characterized by alterations in fibroblast synthesis and interstitial distribution of extracellular matrix components. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), which is postulated to play a role in modulating lung repair, alters the distribution of several matrix components such as collagen and fibronectin. We studied the effect of TGF-beta on the synthesis and distribution of the various glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and whether these effects may explain its role in lung repair. Human diploid lung fibroblasts (IMR-90) were exposed to various concentrations of TGF-beta (0-5 nM) for variable periods of time (0-18 h). Newly synthesized GAGs were labeled with either (3H)glucosamine or (35S)sulfate. Individual GAGs were separated by size exclusion chromatography after serial enzymatic and chemical digestions and quantitated using scintillation counting. ...
CTX-M extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) have emerged as the most common type of ESBL globally, their incidence easily surpassing those of SHV and TEM ESBLs in most locales. This study compared...Full Text Available
Peculiarities of metastable #beta#-solid solution decmposition in titanium alloy VT30 in the process of isothermal ageing in the range 500-650 deg C are investigated. Using the methods of transmittion electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, etc., it is shown that in the case of alloy quenching from the temperature below the point of complete polymorphous transformation (T_t_._t_.), as well as after warm rolling the course of subsequent decomposition of solid solution can be consierably complicated.
Chemical influences on the relative Ksub(..beta..)/Ksub(..cap alpha..) x-ray intensity ratio up to five per cent were found for different chemical constitutions of Cr, Mn, Fe and Cu by very precise PIXE measurements. In the discussion of these effects, screening of 3p electrons by a varying 3d valence charge, as well as polarizational effects are of importance.
Chemical effects on the intensity ratio of LX-ray of molybdenum compounds irradiated by 11-keV electrons and by 3-MeV protons were studied using an x-ray crystal spectrometer. It was found that the intensity ratios of L_#gamma#_1/L_#beta#_1 markedly decrease with the increase of ionicity of molybdenum compounds, except for the case of metallic molybdenum. (author).
The ..beta.. decay half-lives of neutron-rich isotopes with Z=24-28 are calculated in the QRPA with a Gamow-Teller residual interaction. For odd-mass and odd-odd systems QRPA phonon correlations are introduced to quasiparticle transitions in first-order perturbation. The calculated half-lives agree very well with the experimental values. For later application of this model to nuclei far from stability, we have examined the dependence of the calculated half-lives on the model parameters.
The #beta# decay half-lives of neutron-rich isotopes with Z=24-28 are calculated in the QRPA with a Gamow-Teller residual interaction. For odd-mass and odd-odd systems QRPA phonon correlations are introduced to quasiparticle transitions in first-order perturbation. The calculated half-lives agree very well with the experimental values. For later application of this model to nuclei far from stability, we have examined the dependence of the calculated half-lives on the model parameters. (orig.).
In the investigations reported here, a helium-jet/tape-transport system was used for the rapid transfer of fission products to a low-background environment where their aggregate beta and gamma-ray spectra were measured as a function of delay time after neutron induced fission of {sup 235}U, {sup 238}U and {sup 239}Pu. Beta and gamma-ray energy distributions have been deduced for delay times as short as 0.2 s and extending out to 100,000s. Instrumentation development during the initial phase of the project included: (1) assembly and characterization of a NaI(Tl) spectrometer for determining aggregate gamma-ray energy distributions, (2) development and characterization of a beta spectrometer (having excellent gamma-ray rejection) for measuring aggregate beta-particle energy distributions, (3) assembly and characterization of a Compton-suppressed HPGe spectrometer for determining gamma-ray intensities of ...
Design of a beam position monitor (BPM) which is sensitive to low velo charged particle beams is considered. Quantitative estimates are made for the corrections to the conventional approximations to solutions of the Laplace Equation in two-dimensions when a BPM is used to measure to position of low velocity (low-[beta]) beams. (AIP)
A beta titanium alloy was evaluated for use in orthodontic appliances. Standard mechanical tests and aspecially designed spring test were used. Two particular thermo-mechanical treatments resulted in titanium springs with 1.8 times the extension of comparable stainless steel springs, and a 2.2 fold reduction in force per unit displacement. PMID:283089
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)
The aim of this work is to test the catalytic oxidation of pyridine over zeolite-supported catalysts and to compare the difference in their activities for the oxidation of pyridine. The catalytic oxidation of pyridine pollutant on a series of copper-supported catalysts, inclusive of Cu/beta, Cu/ZSM-5, Cu/MCM-41 and Cu/{gamma}-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}, in the presence of excess oxygen was studied. The activity of the copper-supported catalysts for the pyridine oxidation could be correlated with the binding energy of oxygen coordinated to metal copper, while the ability to control the yield of NO{sub x} appeared to be strongly dependent on the binding energy of NO bonded to metal copper. On these catalysts, two copper species, Cu(H{sub 2}O){sub 6}{sup 2+} ions and CuO were identified, in which Cu{sup 2+} ions had higher activity for the NO{sub x} control but poorer activity for the pyridine oxidation. Amongst those metals-supported beta catalysts, ...
#beta#-SiAlON was synthesized from a zeolite by NH_3 gas nitridation and its formation mechanism was investigated using X-ray diffraction and "2"9Si and "2"7Al NMR spectroscopy. It was revealed that most of the Si and Al atoms react to form #beta#-SiAlON via amorphous forms of Si-Al-O-N and O-SiAlON. Nitridation using NH_3 gas is an effective means of preventing mullite formation and promoting the introduction of nitrogen into aluminosilicate materials at lower temperatures than temperatures required by the carbothermal reduction nitridation process. Further, the NMR spectra showed that the siliceous part of the system changed into low z-value of Si_6_-_zAl_zO_zN_8_-_z (#beta#-SiAlON) and the incorporation of Al components into the #beta#-SiAlON was promoted in the later stages of the reaction. (author)
The papers contained in this volume provide an overview of recent theoretical and experimental research related to the fracture toughness and fatigue crack growth characteristics of titanium alloys. Topics discussed include room temperature fatigue crack propagation in beta-titanium alloys, fatigue crack growth rate acceleration in alpha+beta Ti alloys, influence of transformed beta microstructures on fatigue crack growth rates in Ti-6Al-4V, and the role of inclusion and pore content on the fracture toughness of powder processed blended elemental Ti-10V-2Fe-3Al. Papers are also presented on fatigue crack growth measurements in an alpha-beta titanium alloy, the effects of thermal processing variation on the properties of Ti-6Al-4V, and the effect of microstructure on ductility and fracture toughness of alpha+beta titanium alloys.
The production of cellulolytic enzymes from fungi has been extensively studied. Several mutants of Trichoderma reesei were selected. Most of the studies were carried out on T. reesei, T. viride, T. harzianum, Penicillium funiculosum, Altemaria alternata. Aspergillus phoenicis, A. ustus, A. tamarii, A. japonicus, and A. niger. T. koningii is one of the most active producers of the so-called C, factor, which is indispensable for the rapid and extensive attack on crystal-line cellulose. However, Trichodenna is known to excrete only small amounts of {beta}-glucosidase. Therefore, Trichoderma is supplemented with {beta}-glucosidase from Aspergillus to increase the saccharification rate of cellulose to glucose as the main sugar. Induction of mutations in Trichodenna spp. rather than T. viride as a tool for the enhancement of {beta}-glucosidase activity was reported. Unfortunately, T. reesei is a poor producer of ...
The usually low wear resistance of titanium materials can be increased by the thermochemical surface treatment nitriding. In result of comparative investigations of gas and plasma nitriding it will be shown that it is possible to obtain a specific variation of the properties in the highly stressed case by means of these both technologies on example of the ({alpha}+{beta}) alloy Ti-6Al-4V. Gas and plasma nitriding was carried out in the temperature range from 650 to 800 C over 4 to 48 h in different gas atmospheres, i.e. 100% NH{sub 3} (gas), 100% N{sub 2} (gas and plasma), 20% H{sub 2} + 80% N{sub 2} and 20% Ar + 20% H{sub 2} (plasma). The temperature range was fixed in the middle of ({alpha}+{beta}) region, because the core properties are influenced negative in the field of {beta}-transustemperature. The relations between the applied nitriding technologies, the layer structure (chemical, phases, geometrical) and selected ...
The crystal structure and phonon densities of states (DOS) of #beta#'-SiAlON ceramics, Si_6_-_zAl_zO"zN_8_-_z (0 #<=# z #<=# 4), prepared by a novel slipcast method, are studied by neutron-scattering techniques. The samples with z < 4 form a single-phase solid solution of Si-Al-O-N isostructural to #beta#-Si_3N_4 (space group P6_3/m). A consistent preferential occupation of the 2c sites by oxygen atoms and the 6h sites by nitrogen atoms exists within this structure. The phonon DOS of #beta#'-SiAlON displays phonon bands at #approx#50 and 115 meV. These features are considerably broader than the corresponding ones in #beta#-Si_3N_4 powder.
The gene expression of beta(1)-adrenergic receptor (beta(1)AR) and stimulatory G-protein Gsalpha in ventricle after chronic treatment with doxorubicin (DOX) in rat was investigated. The rats were treated with DOX in a dose of 2.5 mg/kg once a week for 5 weeks, the cumulative dose being 12.5 mg/kg. Two weeks after the last injection, the positive inotropic effect of isoproterenol was noticeably decreased in left atrial muscle preparations isolated from DOX-treated rats. Northern blot hybridization showed that the mRNA transcripts of beta(1)AR and Gsalpha, important signal transduction elements for regulating heart rate and contractility, were significantly decreased in the ventricle of DOX-treated rats. Thus, chronic treatment with DOX decreases the gene expression levels of myocardial beta(1)AR and Gsalpha. PMID:15353854
The neutron-rich nuclei"5"7","5"8_2_1Sc,"5"8"-"6"0_2_2Ti,"6"0"-"6"3_2_3V,"6"2"-"6"6_2_4Cr have been produced at Ganil via interactions of a 61.8A MeV "7"6Ge beam with a "5"8Ni target. Beta-decay studies have been performed using combined #beta#- and #gamma#-ray spectroscopy. Half-lives have been determined and #beta#-decay schemes are proposed for "5"8Ti, "6"1V and "6"2Cr. From these studies, new hints for the existence of #beta#-decaying isomers in "6"0V and in "6"2Mn are provided. These results are compared to shell model calculations. The role of the #pi#f_7_/_2- #nu#f_5_/_2 proton-neutron interaction is examined through its influence on the lifetime values. (orig.)
In order to improve the measuring efficiency, a 'proton-gamma' coincidence technique in combination with a He-jet tape transport system was proposed and employed to identify the #beta#-delayed proton precursors. The study of #beta#-delayed proton decays near the proton drip line by using the 'proton-gamma' coincidence technique over the last 5 years at the Institute of Modern Physics, Lanzhou, China, was summarized. New #beta#-delayed proton precursors "1"2"1Ce, "1"2"5Nd, "1"2"8Pm, "1"2"9Sm, "1"3"5Gd, "1"3"7Gd, "1"3"9Dy, "1"4"2Ho, and "1"4"9Yb in the rare-earth region along a speculated proton drip line were synthesized and identified for the first time. The #beta#-delayed proton decays of "8"1Zr, "8"5Mo, "8"9Ru, and "9"3Pd in T_z=1/2 series as well as "9"2Rh in T_z=1 series were observed.
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 ...
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.
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 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.
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
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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 ...
Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of {beta}-amyloid (A{beta}) plaques in the brain is a potentially valuable tool for studying the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). It may also be applicable for measuring the effectiveness of therapeutic drugs aimed at lowering A{beta} plaques in the brain. We have successfully reported a series of {sup 18}F-labeled fluoropegylated stilbenes for PET imaging studies. Encouraging results clearly demonstrated the usefulness of {sup 18}F-labeled stilbenes as potential A{beta} plaque-imaging agents. In the present study, we applied a similar approach to a styrylpyridine backbone structure. Among all derivatives examined (E)-2-(2-(2-(2-fluoroethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)-5-(4-dimethylaminostyryl) -pyridine (2) displayed high binding affinity in postmortem AD brain homogenates (K {sub i}=2.5{+-}0.4 nM, with [{sup 125}I]IMPY as radioligand). ...
In the present study, the immunomodulatory effect of {beta}-endorphin ({beta}-E) and shorter pro-opiomelancortin (POMC) fragments was evaluated by assessing their influence on respiratory burst in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN). The effect of the peptides on phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-stimulated production of reactive oxygen metabolites was measured in a lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence (CL) assay. Both POMC peptides with opiate-like activity and their non-opioid derivatives were tested. With the exception of {alpha}-E, PMA-stimulated respiratory burst was suppressed by all POMC fragments tested. A U-shaped dose-response relation was observed. Doses lower than 10{sup {minus}17}M and higher than 10{sup {minus}8}M were without effect. {beta}-E and dT{beta}E both suppressed PMA-induced oxidative burst in human PMN at physiological concentrations. {gamma}-E and dT{gamma}E proved to be ...
Studies of various established human bladder and renal carcinoma cell lines cultured in vitro demonstrated the presence of specific, saturable, high affinity binding sites for /sup 125/I-labeled human interferon Beta ser IFN-beta ser). This recombinant produced interferon labeled with approximately one atom of /sup 125/I/molecule of IFN expressed minimal or no loss of antiviral activity. A single class of binding sites (1000-2000/cell) with an affinity constant of 10(10)-10(11) L/M was measured at 4 degrees C for cells exhibiting widely different sensitivity to the antiproliferative effect of IFN-beta ser. Major fluctuations in the binding of /sup 125/I-labeled IFN-beta ser to cellular receptors were observed during in vitro proliferation of four of five cell lines examined. A significant decrease (P less than 0.001) in specific binding was observed 48 h after cultures were established. Cell cycle ...
The kinetic and guiding center fluid theories of high-..beta.. plasma containment in mirror machines have been developed in a number of self-consistent models. The geometrical effects of magnetic field and ambipolar potential variation have been incorporated in a bounce-averaged Fokker-Planck code which shows that the square-well model somewhat overestimates the n tau and ..beta.. achievable in a mirror field. Simple analytic approximations to the resulting pressure profiles have been incorporated in three-dimensional fluid-equilibrium codes which show the effect of coil geometry on the maximum ..beta... Strongly curved vacuum fields allow higher ..beta.., but short plasmas in weakly curved fields tend to reverse the curvature locally before the mirror-mode limit is reached. Adiabaticity of particle orbits is described in terms of general formulas, applicable in high-..beta.. plasma ...
The beta transformation characteristics and mechanical properties of the #beta# titanium alloy Ti_5_0Zr_3_0Nb_1_0Ta_1_0 in the temperature range between 200 and 900 deg. C have been studied by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), Vickers hardness (HV), and tensile test techniques. In the as-rolled state, only #beta#-phase was identified by XRD. Upon heat-treating at 250 deg. C for 4 h, the #alpha#-phase was precipitated from the #beta#-phase matrix, and leading to an increase of Vickers hardness. A maximum HV value was observed at 400 deg. C, and then HV value decreased with increasing heat-treating temperature. Above 650 deg. C, HV value remained almost constant. During heat-treating at 300-650 deg. C, the decomposition of the metastable #beta#-phase has been found to proceed through a phase separation reaction leading to the formation of #beta#-Ti and ...
The development of the microstructure on aging of an (#alpha# + #beta#) type titanium alloy containing 6Al-1.6Zr-3.3Mo-0.3Si (VT9) (in weight percent) has been studied. The #beta#-transus temperature of this alloy is approximately 1243 K. Solution treatment in the #beta#-phase field of the alloy followed by quenching in water at room temperature resulted in the formation of a single-phase martensite structure. The martensitic structure was confirmed to be orthorhombic (#alpha# double-prime) using X-ray diffraction. The water-quenched (WQ) specimens were subjected to aging treatments at temperatures of 823, 873, and 973 K for various lengths of time. Aging at 823 K for times between 24 and 100 hours did not bring about any noticeable change in the microstructure. Aging at 823 K for 200 and 300 hours resulted in the heterogeneous precipitation of s_2 silicide particles and thin films of #beta# sandwiched ...
A new metastable beta titanium alloy, Beta-CEZ, has been developed by CEZUS. This alloy was designed for use at moderate temperatures up to 450 C (840 F). Alloy requirements also included high mechanical strength, high fracture toughness and improved creep resistance as compared to existing beta alloys. The understanding of the relationships between processing/microstructure/mechanical properties in the alloy may lead to applications of such promising material in current and future airplanes. In this study, a combination of several forging routes, which included through-transus, hot-die and warm-die forging, with subsequent heat treatments were selected in order to evaluate the microstructure-mechanical property relationships. It was found that the recrystallized prior beta grain boundary alpha, characteristic of the through-transus forging process, lead to an improved tensile-fracture toughness ...
Fatty acid esters such as Lipiodol or Ethiodol are known to selectively localize in vascular hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC), following intraarterial hepatic administration. Lipiodol was labeled with radioactive /sup 131/I and administered in 47 patients with HCC for both imaging and therapy. The short term preliminary results suggest radiolabeled Lipiodol is effective in eliminating ascites, shrinking the tumor by a high internal radiation dose, and in improving symptomatology of these tumors. In the future, /sup 90/Y, which is a stronger pure beta-emitter (maximum beta energy of 2.27 MeV, a half life of 64 h, and a maximum penetration or beta range of 11mm), than /sup 131/I will be used for more effective treatment of HCC.
The T cell receptor is a fundamental mediator of the adaptive immune responses, since TR ab on T cells recognize foreign structures (peptides derived from processed antigens) bound to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) on APC cells. In the present study, we report the cloning of six TRB chains cDNA sequences from gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata), a fish of high economical impact in South Mediterranean aquaculture. The V-BETA domains have the canonical features of known teleost and mammalian TR V-BETA domains and have been divided in four different subgroups. A multiple alignment of the six sea bream TRB chains with other known TRB sequences was assembled and showed the conservation of the four cysteine residues involved in disulphide bonds and of some amino acids with an importan...
Spontaneous radiation emitted from relativistic electrons undergoing betatron motion in a plasma-focusing channel is analyzed, and applications to plasma wake-field accelerator experiments and to the ion-channel laser (ICL) are discussed. Important similarities and differences between a free electron laser (FEL) and an ICL are delineated. It is shown that the frequency of spontaneous radiation is a strong function of the betatron strength parameter a(beta), which plays a role similar to that of the wiggler strength parameter in a conventional FEL. For a(beta) > or approximately 1, radiation is emitted in numerous harmonics. Furthermore, a(beta) is proportional to the amplitude of the betatron orbit, which varies for every electron in the beam. The radiation spectrum emitted from an electron beam is calculated by averaging the single-electron spectrum over the electron distribution. This leads to a frequency broadening of ...
We have studied energy levels in "6"3Fe populated in the #beta#-decay of "6"3Mn. A new (preliminary) level scheme of "6"3Fe includes 10 excited states connected by 21 #gamma#-rays. The first excited states at 357 and 451 keV have the level half-lives of 110 ps and 780 ps, respectively. Three states, at 357, 451 and 1132 keV, are strongly #beta#-fed with log ft #approx# 5, while there is only a very week #beta#-feeding, if any at all, to the ground state. The new results imply that "6"3Fe departs from a simple shell model structure observed for heavier N = 37 isotones of "6"5Ni and "6"7Zn. (author)
We discuss the foundations of factor or regression models in the light of the self-consistency condition that the market portfolio (and more generally the risk factors) is (are) constituted of the assets whose returns it is (they are) supposed to explain. As already reported in several articles, self-consistency implies correlations between the return disturbances. As a consequence, the alpha's and beta's of the factor model are unobservable. Self-consistency leads to renormalized beta's with zero effective alpha's, which are observable with standard OLS regressions. Analytical derivations and numerical simulations show that, for arbitrary choices of the proxy which are different from the true market portfolio, a modified linear regression holds with a non-zero value $\\alpha_i$ at the origin between an asset $i$'s return and the proxy's return. Self-consistency also introduces ``orthogonality'' and ``normality'' conditions linking the ...
At the quark level there are basically two types of contributions of R-parity violating supersymmetry (Rep SUSY) to neutrinoless double beta decay: the short-range contribution involving only heavy virtual superpartners and the long-range one with the virtual squark and neutrino. Hadronization of the effective operators, corresponding to these two types of contributions, may in general involve virtual pions in addition to close on-mass-shell nucleons. From the previous studies it is known that the short-range contribution is dominated by the pion exchange. In the present paper we show that this is also true for the long-range Rep SUSY contribution. Therefore, we conclude that the Rep SUSY contributes to the neutrinoless double beta decay dominantly via charged pion exchange between the decaying nucleons.
#beta#-sialon ceramics of equal overall compositions but containing amorphous, partly crystalline and almost completely crystalline intergranular phase(s) have been oxidized in oxygen at 1350 deg C for 20 hours. The obtained weight gain curves do not follow the parabolic rate law (#DELTA#W/A_0)"2= k_pt + #beta#. To the extent that crystallization occurs in the oxide scale during the oxidation experiment, the amorphous cross section area through which oxygen most easily diffuses will decrease with time. A brief description of this new rate law is given, and the obtained oxidation curves will be discussed within that framework. 4 refs., 2 tabs., 2 figs.
Beta-SiAlON powders have been synthesized using natural clay containing kaolin and quartz by carbothermal reduction and nitridation (CRN), then beta-SiAlON bonded corundum multiphase materials have been sintered using the as prepared powders. The results indicated that both the holding time and sintering temperature are relatively significant in accordance with optimal analysis by orthogonal method. Reaction process can be briefly interpreted by means of X-ray Diffraction and Difference Temperature Analysis as well as phase diagram principle. Bending strength and bulk density were measured in SiAlON in situ bonded corundum materials with doped various sintering agents. Furthermore, the relevant mechanical properties and microstructure were discussed in detail.
We complete the effective potential calculation of the two-loop, top/bottom Yukawa corrections to the Higgs boson masses in the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model, by computing the O(at^2 + at*ab + ab^2) contributions for arbitrary values of the bottom Yukawa coupling. We also compute the corrections to the minimization conditions of the effective potential at the same perturbative order. Our results extend the existing O(at^2) calculation, and are relevant in regions of the parameter space corresponding to tan(beta) >> 1. We extend to the Yukawa corrections a convenient renormalization scheme, previously proposed for the O(ab*as) corrections, that avoids unphysically large threshold effects associated with the bottom mass and absorbs the bulk of the corrections into the one-loop expression. For large values of tan(beta), the new contributions can account for a variation of several GeV in the lightest Higgs boson mass.
The X-ray intensity ratio K_#beta#/K_#alpha# has been measured by using a 10 mCi "5"5Fe source (Mn K X-rays) and high resolution Si(Li) detector system coupled to a computer-controlled multichannel analyzer over the range of 15#<=#Z#<=#22. Correction have been made to the measured relative intensities (K_#alpha# and K_#beta# X-rays) for self-absorption in the sample, air, Be-window absorption and detection efficiency. The results are compared with those of other experiments and with the Scofield calculations. (author) 13 refs.; 3 figs.; 2 tabs.
The K/sub ..beta..//K/sub ..cap alpha../ X-ray intensity ratios are measured for Mn and Fe and for six other elements with Z lying in the range 49 less than or equal to Z less than or equal to 82 following electron capture decay and photon excitation using /sup 241/Am and /sup 57/Co sources. High-resolution Si(Li) and HpGe detector systems were used in the experiments. The dependence of K/sub ..beta..//K/sub ..cap alpha../ values on the mode of excitation in the case of Mn and Fe is attributed to chemical effects, while no such dependence is found for the high-Z elements.
DNA methylation is considered as a potential cause of aberrations in regulation of gene expression during carcinogenesis. Therefore, changes in DNA methylation patterns may be targets for chemoprevention. In the present study, we investigated effects of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), vitamin D3, and resveratrol alone and in combination with adenosine analogues: 2-chloro-2'-deoxyadenosine (2CdA) and 9-beta-d-arabinosyl-2-fluoroadenine (F-ara-A), on methylation and expression of retinoic acid receptor beta 2 (RARbeta2) in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines. Alterations in methylation and expression levels after treatment of cells with the tested compounds were evaluated by methylation-sensitive restriction analysis (MSRA) and real-time PCR, respectively. RARbeta2 promoter in the ...
A study was made into microstructure and texture of cold rolled titanium alloy VT-35 with various hydrogen content aimed to reveal hydrogen influence on the mechanism of cold plastic deformation by rolling. Experiments were carried out using sheets 1.2 mm thick hydrogenated up to hydrogen concentrations from 0.06 to 0.554 mass. %. All specimens constituted a single-phase FCC #beta#-solid solution. It is shown that small hydrogen additions have a plasticizing effect on #beta#-titanium alloys in their cold rolling. The character of texture is dependent on hydrogen concentration and determined by deformation mechanism. 6 refs.; 5 figs.
Dense samples of #beta#-sialons (with z from 1 to 4) were pressuressly sintered for different time (15-240 minutes) and at relatively low temperature of 1600 C using single-phase #beta#-sialon powders synthesized by combustion nitridation. The samples were characterized using ultrasonic method for determination of elastic properties (E,G,#mu#). Also, hardness by Knoop and fracture toughness by Vickers indentation microfracture method was estimated. With increasing z number Young's modulus decreases from 293 to 179 GPa. Simultaneously Poisson ratio increases by about 30%. The highest values of hardness and fracture toughness were obtained for sialon with z equal to 1. (orig.).
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 ...
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 involved the right lower lobe. Bilateral reticular interstitial ...
The unknown {beta}-decay half-lives of 22 isotopes far off stability (5 < T{sub Z} < 10) in the region from Ti to Ni were measured at GSI, Darmstadt. The nuclei were produced in a fragmentation reaction of 500 A.MeV {sup 86}Kr-projectile impinging on a thick Be target. The isotopes of interest were separated and identified with the fragment separator, FRS, by a combination of B{rho},Z, and ToF techniques. An additional range separation was performed by a selective implantation into granular detectors. The spatial and time correlations of the implant with the consecutively detected {beta}-particles were used to determine the unknown half-lives. For nuclei far off stability, {beta}-decay chains were measured and analyzed as well, leading to an even more reliable evaluation of the lifetimes. The large discrepancies found between the measured and the theoretical values emphasize that most recent theoretical work is not an ...
Thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs) are potentially devastating, and due to their asymptomatic behavior, pose a serious health risk characterized by the lack of medical treatment options and high...Full Text Available
BackgroundPerichondrium is recognized as a tissue with chondrogenic potential yielding cells which can be used for osteochondral repair. Factors which influence the proliferative...Full Text Available
The quantum $N$-body problem is studied in the context of nonrelativistic quantum mechanics with a one-dimensional deformed Heisenberg algebra of the form $[\\hat x,\\hat p]=i(1+\\beta \\hat p^2)$, leading to the existence of a minimal observable length $\\sqrt\\beta$. For a generic pairwise interaction potential, analytical formulas are obtained that allow to estimate the ground-state energy of the $N$-body system by finding the ground-state energy of a corresponding two-body problem. It is first shown that, in the harmonic oscillator case, the $\\beta$-dependent term grows faster with $N$ than the $\\beta$-independent one. Then, it is argued that such a behavior should be observed also with generic potentials and for $D$-dimensional systems. In consequence, quantum $N$-body bound states might be interesting places to look at nontrivial manifestations of a minimal length since, the more particles are ...
The rolB gene of Agrobacterium rhizogenes, whose expression stimulates the formation of roots by transformed plant tissues and other growth alterations in transgenic plants, codes for a beta-glucosidase...Full Text Available
The rolC gene of Agrobacterium rhizogenes, which drastically affects growth and development of transgenic plants, codes for a cytokinin-beta-glucosidase. Indeed, rolC protein expressed in Escherichia...Full Text Available
Treatment of male rat pups from five to 34 days of age with dihydrotestosterone or 5 alpha-androstane-3 alpha, 17 beta-diol, resulted in reduced testicular size at 35 days of age. This appeared to be...Full Text Available
The effect of one on-ramp (entry) and one off-ramp (exit) is investigated numerically in one dimensional-cellular automaton traffic flow model, with open boundary conditions, using parallel dynamics. Our aim in this paper is to study how the injecting rates $\\alpha$ and $\\alpha_{0}$ and the extracting rates $\\beta$ and $\\beta_{0}$ acts on the density and flux of cars in one dimensional road. The priority of occupation at entry site $i_{1}$ (moving at exit site $i_{2}$) is attributed to the particle which entered (absorbed) in the chain. Phase diagrams in ($\\beta_{0},\\alpha_{0}$), and ($\\beta,\\alpha_{0}$) plans are established. For $\\alpha=0.1$, they show three different topologies in the flow behaviour. The first one correspond to the presence of four regions, by varying $\\alpha_{0}$; namely low density phase (LDP), intermediate density phase (IDP), plateau current phase (PCP) and high density ...
Background:Children suffering from beta-thalassemia major require repeated blood transfusions which may be associated with dangers like iron overload and contraction of...Full Text Available
It has been discovered that the presence of MoO/sub 3/ lowers the ..cap alpha..-..beta.. transition in Sb/sub 2/O/sub 4/ from 935 to 850/sup 0/C with concurrent dissolution of Mo in the high-temperature (..beta..) form. The structure of Mo-doped ..beta..-Sb/sub 2/O/sub 4/ has been investigated by powder neutron diffraction, extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) and Raman spectroscopies, and scanning-electron microscopy (SEM). Cell parameters: a = 12.0571 (12) A, b = 4.8335 (1) A, c = 5.3838 (6) A, ..beta.. = 105.579 (5)/sup 0/, monoclinic, space group C2/c, Z = 4. Combining the results of these techniques leads to the hypothesis that Mo is located interstitially within channels of electron density in the Sb/sub 2/O/sub 4/ structure with concurrent vacancy of two Sb/sup III/ atoms. There is no apparent oxygen deficiency in the resulting structure. 25 references, 6 figures, 3 tables.
BackgroundIn β-thalassemia, profound anemia and severe hemosiderosis cause functional and physiological abnormalities in various organ systems. In recent years, there have...Full Text Available
The H+-translocating inorganic pyrophosphatase (H+-PPase) associated with vesicles of the vacuolar membrane (tonoplast) isolated from beet (Beta vulgaris L.) is...Full Text Available
RADIANT{trademark} is manufactured by United States Surgical Corporation, Vascular Therapies Division, (formerly Progressive Angioplasty Systems). The system comprises a liquid {beta}-radiation source, a shielded isolation/transfer device (ISAT), modified over-the-wire or rapid exchange delivery balloons, and accessory kits. The liquid {beta}-source is Rhenium-188 in the form of sodium perrhenate (NaReO{sub 4}), Rhenium-188 is primarily a {beta}-emitter with a physical half-life of 17.0 hours. The maximum energy of the {beta}-particles is 2.1 MeV. The source is produced daily in the nuclear pharmacy hot lab by eluting a Tungsten-188/Rhenium-188 generator manufactured by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). Using anion exchange columns and Millipore filters the effluent is concentrated to approximately 100 mCi/ml, calibrated, and loaded into the (ISAT) which is subsequently transported to the cardiac ...
An enzyme active against carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was purified from the stationary-phase-culture supernatant of Clostridium josui grown in a medium containing ball-milled cellulose. The purification...Full Text Available
Synthesis of Eu-doped #beta#- and 15R-SiAlONs was studied by the ammonia nitridation of precursors derived from an #alpha#-Si_3N_4 fine powder dispersed in aluminum glycine gel with various Si/Al ratio and post-annealing in a nitrogen pressure furnace. The largest amount of #beta#-SiAlON was observed in the product at 1750 deg. C for Si/Al = 1/1 with small amounts of both #alpha#- and 15R-SiAlON impurities. The product showed two emissions at around 420 nm and 560 nm. The emission intensities decreased with increasing amount of #beta#-SiAlON. The former and latter emissions were assigned to Eu"2"+ in the 15R- and #alpha#-SiAlONs impurities. A mixture of Eu-doped 15R-SiAlON with #alpha#-Al_2O_3 impurity was obtained for Si/Al = 1/6, using AlN together with Al(NO_3)_3.9H_2O in a 2/1 atomic ratio as the aluminum source. It showed a bluish-white emission at 450 nm under 254 nm radiation.
The densification of #alpha#"1-and #alpha#"+#beta#"1-sialon ceramics has been studied by means of in situ dilatometry. It is seen that the densification is greatly affected by the reaction sequences and the grain growth. The formation and densification of sialons start simultaneously as the dissolution of nitrides into the oxide eutectic liquid phase occurs. The formation of sialons is complete at 1800 deg C., while full densification can only be obtained by using gas pressure sintering. The typical microstructure of both #alpha#"'-and mixed #alpha#'+#beta#'-sialon ceramics consists of a crystalline phase of sialons and a small fraction of amorphous phase at grain boundaries. Vickers hardness (HV0.5) was measured by using the indentation technique, and the biaxial bending strength (#sigma#_b_i) was determined with the 'ball-on-ring' test. Fracture toughness was determined by using both the indentation and single-edged notched beam techniques. ...
Zinc molybdate (ZnMoO4) single crystals were grown for the first time by the Czochralski method and their luminescence was measured under X ray excitation in the temperature range 85-400 K. Properties of ZnMoO4 crystal as cryogenic low temperature scintillator were checked for the first time. Radioactive contamination of the ZnMoO4 crystal was estimated as <0.3 mBq/kg (228-Th) and 8 mBq/kg (226-Ra). Thanks to the simultaneous measurement of the scintillation light and the phonon signal, the alpha particles can be discriminated from the gamma/beta interactions, making this compound extremely promising for the search of neutrinoless Double Beta Decay of 100-Mo. We also report on the ability to discriminate the alpha-induced background without the light measurement, thanks to a different shape of the thermal signal that characterizes gamma/beta and alpha particle interactions.
A powder mixture of #alpha#-Si_3N_4, Al_2O_3, and TiO_2 was hot-pressed using different sintering cycles to search for an optimum in situ formed #beta#-O-sialon-TiN composite. The impulse excitation technique (IET), high-temperature X-ray diffraction (HTXRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to investigate the microstructure. Below the temperature of 1300 deg. C, the high-temperature internal friction (Q "-"1) decreases with the increase of sintering temperature, whereas the density of the material increases with the increase of sintering temperature. At a sintering temperature higher than 1850 deg. C, the ceramic could not be densified and O-sialon was not formed. Also, the mechanical properties of ceramics hot-pressed using different sintering cycles were assessed. The ceramic hot-pressed at 1700 deg. C for 10 min displays a combination of high hardness and good fracture toughness, due to an optimum combination of ...
BackgroundIn this study we investigated the predictability of three thermodynamic quantities related to complex formation. As a model system we chose the host-guest complexes of...Full Text Available
The most abundant minor hemoglobin component of human hemolysate is Hb A1c, which has glucose bound to the N-terminus of the beta chain by a ketoamine linkage. Hb A1c is formed slowly and continuously throughout the 120 day lifespan of the red cell. It can be synthesized in vitro by incubating purified hemoglobin with 14C-glucose. Other minor components, Hb A1a1 and Hb A1a2 are adducts of sugar phosphates at the N-terminus of the beta chain. Hb A1b contains an unidentified nonphosphorylated sugar at the beta N-terminus. In addition, a significant portion of the major hemoglobin component (Hb Ao) is also glycosylated by a glucose ketoamine linkage at other sites on the molecule, including the N-terminus of the alpha chain and the epsilon-amino group of several lysine residues on both the alpha and the beta chains. The results indicate that the interaction of glucose and hemoglobin is rather nonspecific ...
The beta titanium alloy, however, can be d_,_wn. _,plusor minus 0.010-inch_after the parts have been cold. Its availability in strip lengths and its good ...
This study deals with the torsional response of Ti-8823 and 18Ni (200) maraging steel. The effect of different heat treatments and the subsequent change in microstructure are investigated. In the case of the Ti-8823, a comparison was made between the solu...
Two bacteriolytic enzymes secreted by Achromobacter lyticus M497-1 were purified and identified as being very similar (considering their amino acid composition and N-terminal sequence) to alpha- and...Full Text Available
Environmental surveys to provide base-line data for assessing the potential impact of the operation of Wolseong NPP on marine ecosystems were performed at 3-month intervals in 1981. Physico-chemical properties of seawater and gross beta activities in seaw...
A case of {beta}-thalassemia intermedia with spinal cord compression due to extramedullary hematopoiesis, which was successfully treated by blood transfusion, is presented. Emphasis was made on the MRI appearance of extramedullary hematopoiesis on different pulse sequences. The theories that aimed to explain the involvement of the epidural space by extramedullary hematopoiesis are discussed.
Type II collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice is an autoimmune experimental model for rheumatoid arthritis. Susceptibility to CIA is associated with certain major histocompatibility complex class...Full Text Available
K{beta}-to-K{alpha} X-ray intensity ratios of Ti, V, Cr, and Co in pure metals and their disilicide compounds have been measured following excitation by 59.54 keV {gamma}-rays from a 200 mCi {sup 241}Am point-source. The K{beta}-to-K{alpha} intensity ratios of all these metals in the disilicide compounds are found to be less than the corresponding ratios for pure metals. Comparison of the measured K{beta}-to-K{alpha} intensity ratios for the disilicides and pure metals with the multiconfiguration Dirac-Fock calculations indicates increase of the 3d electron populations of Ti, V, Cr, and Co in the disilicides from their pure metal values suggesting the rearrangement of electrons between 3d and 4s states of the individual metal atom. This rearrangement is found to be opposite to that observed in our previously reported work on NiSi{sub 2} and CuSi{sub 2}.
K#beta#-to-K#alpha# X-ray intensity ratios of Ti, V, Cr, and Co in pure metals and their disilicide compounds have been measured following excitation by 59.54 keV #gamma#-rays from a 200 mCi "2"4"1Am point-source. The K#beta#-to-K#alpha# intensity ratios of all these metals in the disilicide compounds are found to be less than the corresponding ratios for pure metals. Comparison of the measured K#beta#-to-K#alpha# intensity ratios for the disilicides and pure metals with the multiconfiguration Dirac-Fock calculations indicates increase of the 3d electron populations of Ti, V, Cr, and Co in the disilicides from their pure metal values suggesting the rearrangement of electrons between 3d and 4s states of the individual metal atom. This rearrangement is found to be opposite to that observed in our previously reported work on NiSi_2 and CuSi_2.
The possibility of rapid heat treatment (RHT) application to titanium castings has been studied. It was shown that such treatment provides a significant improvement of intragrain structure and mechanical properties of cast ({alpha}+{beta})-titanium alloys. ((orig.))
The contents of immunoreactive somatostatin (IR-SRIF) and ..beta..-endorphin (IR-..beta..-EP) in 12 brain regions were examined in rats exposed neonatally to propylthiouracil (PTU) through the mother's milk. Since the dose of PTU used in this study is lower than the usual dose employed to induce hypothyroidism, a milder form of neonatal hypothyroidism resulted. This conclusion is supported by the only mild subnormal growth of rats to adulthood and serum T/sub 4/ and T/sub 3/ concentrations in the normal range. Adult rats treated with PTU neonatally had significantly higher IR-SRIF contents in several brain regions compared to controls, whereas IR-..beta..-EP levels were not significantly different in most regions. The results indicate that even mild hypothyroidism during early postnatal development causes permanent impairment of brain function, which manifests itself in part by an altered brain content of IR-SRIF.
The diagnosis of dialysis-related amyloid (AB-amyloid) has been based usually on clinical and radiological criteria. Following the discovery that beta 2-microglobulin was the major protein of this amyloid, we isolated and radiolabelled uremic plasma beta 2-microglobulin. After intravenous injection, gamma-camera images of selected joint areas were obtained from 42 patients who were on regular hemodialysis therapy. Positive scans involving the shoulder, hip, knee and carpal regions were found in 13 of 14 patients treated for more than 10 years and 10 of 16 patients treated for 5 to 10 years. Patients treated for less time had negative scans. Specificity was indicated by negative scans in non-amyloid inflammatory lesions in control hemodialysis patients. Up to 48-fold tracer enrichment was detected in excised AB-amyloid containing tissue as compared to amyloid-free tissue. These findings suggest that circulating radiolabelled ...
The Green-Chasman lattice, which is the basis for both NSLS storage rings, was conceived with insertion devices in mind. Long, field-free straight sections were provided in the design. The electron optics were chosen so that these sections had zero dispersion and the effects of new magnetic structures placed in these regions would have minimal effect on the emittance of the electron beam. This design concept has been followed by all high-brightness rings which were built subsequent to the NSLS. The X-Ray Ring straight sections also have a very small vertical {beta} function, in addition to the zero dispersion. This was done to optimize the brightness of wiggler sources. There is a further benefit however. The {beta} function determines the beam size and divergence at a particular point in the storage ring lattice. The size is proportional to {radical}{beta} and the divergence is proportional to ...
Background: Hypoparathyroidism is one of the most important endocrine complications of thalassemia major. This study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of intracerebral calcifications in patients with thalassemia with and without hypoparathyroidism. Methods: 47 beta-thalassemia patients with hypoparathyroidism underwent a brain CT scan to investigate the presence and extent of intracerebral calcification. 30 age- and sex-matched beta-thalassemic patients with normal parathyroid function who had undergone brain CT for headache, or some other minor neurologic problems were also enrolled in the study serving as controls. The amount of intracerebral calcification, hematologic parameters, and some clinical findings were compared between both groups. Results: Intracerebral calcification was present in 54.2% of beta-thalassemia patients with hypoparathyroidism. The most frequent sites of calcification were basal ganglia, and ...
Ti-15Mo-2.7Nb-3Al-0.2Si (Timetal-21S), a metastable #beta#-titanium alloy, is a candidate material for titanium matrix composite structures in hydrogen-fueled hypersonic planes because of its excellent formability and adequate mechanical properties in the 500--800 C temperature range. The alloy is strengthened through the precipitation of fine #alpha# particles in the #beta# matrix. The mechanical properties and microstructures are controlled by a solutionizing/aging heat treatment. A major concern in using titanium alloys in hydrogen service is the embrittlement caused by the precipitation of hydrides. It is believed that the large solubility of hydrogen in the #beta#-phase would preclude the precipitation of hydrides in Beta titanium alloys, especially at low hydrogen pressures. However, depending on the hydrogen content, a shift in the ductile/brittle transition temperatures to levels much higher ...
The {beta}-Si{sub 3}N{sub 4}w/6061 Al composite was fabricated by the squeeze casting and extruded with the extrusion ratios of 44 and 100 at 773 K. Its tensile strength and superplastic characteristics were investigated and the following results were obtained: (1) the {beta}-Si{sub 3}N{sub 4}w/6061 Al composite exhibits the tensile strengths of about 400 MPa at room temperature and of about 250 MPa at 773 K; (2) the m value of the composite pulled at 818 K is 0.33 in the strain rate range from 0.02 up to 1.0 s{sup {minus}1}; (3) the total elongation of the composite becomes about 173 % at the strain rate of 0.02 s{sup {minus}1} even in the case of the high volume fraction of 0.25; (4) no reaction product on the surface of {beta}-Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} whisker after removing a matrix by etching was detected except AlN; (5) the fracture surface of the composite includes the melt matrix and small filaments, which shows that ...
The usually low wear resistance of titanium materials can be increased by the thermochemical surface treatment nitriding. In result of comparative investigations of gas and plasma nitriding it will be shown that it is possible to obtain a specific variation of the properties in the highly stressed case by means of these both technologies on example of the (#alpha#+#beta#) alloy Ti-6Al-4V. Gas and plasma nitriding was carried out in the temperature range from 650 to 800 C over 4 to 48 h in different gas atmospheres, i.e. 100% NH_3 (gas), 100% N_2 (gas and plasma), 20% H_2 + 80% N_2 and 20% Ar + 20% H_2 (plasma). The temperature range was fixed in the middle of (#alpha#+#beta#) region, because the core properties are influenced negative in the field of #beta#-transustemperature. The relations between the applied nitriding technologies, the layer structure (chemical, phases, geometrical) and selected layer properties ...
In the synthesis of the peptidyl-polymer corresponding to the sequence (57-100) of the ..beta.. chain of human hemoglobin on Teflon with radiationally grafted polystyrene a comparative study was made of different methods of fragment condensation. It was shown that the most effective methods are azide condensation and condensation with the use of complex F.
In the synthesis of the peptidyl-polymer corresponding to the sequence (57-100) of the #beta# chain of human hemoglobin on Teflon with radiationally grafted polystyrene a comparative study was made of different methods of fragment condensation. It was shown that the most effective methods are azide condensation and condensation with the use of complex F.
We present a showcase for deriving bounds on the neutrino masses from laboratory experiments and cosmological observations. We compare the frequentist and Bayesian bounds on the effective electron neutrino mass m_beta which the KATRIN neutrino mass experiment is expected to obtain, using both an analytical likelihood function and Monte Carlo simulations of KATRIN. Assuming a uniform prior in m_beta, we find that a null result yields an upper bound of about 0.17 eV at 90% confidence in the Bayesian analysis, to be compared with the frequentist KATRIN reference value of 0.20 eV. This is a significant difference when judged relative to the systematic and statistical uncertainties of the experiment. On the other hand, an input m_beta=0.35 eV, which is the KATRIN 5sigma detection threshold, would be detected at virtually the same level. Finally, we combine the simulated KATRIN results with cosmological data in the form of ...
The results of a study of the expression of embryonic hemoglobin genes in mice which show an imbalance of alpha and non-alpha chain synthesis are reported. (ACR)
Broth disk elution procedures represent one of the most practical means for clinical laboratories to perform routine antibiotic susceptibility tests on anaerobic bacteria. The accuracy of five disk...Full Text Available
The influence of pretreatment of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus with sub-MICs of the new beta-lactam antibiotic imipenem on phagocytosis and killing by murine peritoneal macrophages and...Full Text Available
The overall objective of this research work was to prepare hydrocracking catalysts using amorphous silica-alumina (ASA) supports in combination with USY and {beta}-zeolites. Three supports: namely silica-alumina, USY and {beta}-zeolites were selected to prepare the extrudates using AP-1 as a binder, while two metal pairs: namely Ni-W and Ni-Mo were loaded on the extrudates through co-impregnation using incipient wetness technique. The catalysts were then calcined at 550C for 2h. The catalysts were tested in a fixed-bed flow reaction system for their activity, using desulfurized vacuum gas oil (DS-VGO) as a feedstock. The catalytic evaluation results of the catalysts showed that {beta}-zeolite alone and in combination with the ASA used in this study, has a potential as a support for developing heavy oil hydrocracking catalysts. A balance of weak and strong acidities of {beta}-zeolite provides control ...
In the decoupling limit M_A_"0"2>>M_Z"2, the heavy CP-even, CP-odd, and charged Higgs boson masses are nearly degenerate, sin(#beta#-#alpha#) approaches 1, and the lightest CP-even Higgs boson almost displays the same properties as the standard model Higgs boson. But the top and bottom squark sectors can change this pattern through radiative corrections. We find that there are parameter regions at small and moderate tan #beta# in the minimal supersymmetry standard model under experimental constraints of (g-2)_#mu#, b#->#s#gamma#, and lower bounds of Higgs boson and sparticle masses, where sin"2(#beta#-#alpha#) is damped (say below 0.8), which has a significant effect on Higgs couplings g_h_"0_V_V(V=W"#+-#,Z"0) and g_h_"0_#gamma#_#gamma#. We discuss its impact on the lightest CP-even Higgs boson production at #gamma##gamma# colliders.
Activation of beta-adrenergic or muscarinic acetylcholine receptors expressed in transfected cells or epidermal growth factor receptors in human keratinocytes produces 15% to 200% changes in cellular...Full Text Available
The efficacy of beta-lactam antibiotics and amikacin alone and in various combinations against Pseudomonas aeruginosa was studied in a rabbit model simulating a closed-space infection in a locally neutropenic...Full Text Available
Three nucleic acid probes, two for autotrophic ammonia-oxidizing bacteria of the beta subdivision of the class Proteobacteria and one for alpha subdivision nitrite-oxidizing bacteria, were developed...Full Text Available
Clostridium perfringens produces numerous toxins, which are responsible for severe diseases in man and animals. Delta toxin is one of the three hemolysins released by a number of C....Full Text Available
K_#beta#/ K_#alpha# x-ray intensity ratio of chromium were measured in different chromium compounds. The results show the variation of the intensity ratio as a function of the chemical environment around the metal ion. (author)
Investigations of psychrotrophic microorganisms have been limited even though the dominant environment of the Earth is cold and enzymes with high activities at low temperatures could have commercial...Full Text Available
This cross-sectional study evaluated the association between radiographic evidence of alveolar bone loss and the concentration of host-derived bone resorptive factors (interleukin-1 beta, tumor...Full Text Available
Progranulin haplo-insufficiency is a main cause of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) with TDP-43 aggregates. Previous studies have shown that sortilin regulates progranulin trafficking and is...Full Text Available
Like other halophytic chenopods, sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) can accumulate high betaine levels in shoots and roots. N,N,N-trimethylglycine impedes sucrose crystallization...Full Text Available
Molecular chaperones protect cells from the deleterious effects of protein misfolding and aggregation. Neurotoxicity of amyloid-beta (Aβ) aggregates and their deposition in senile plaques are...Full Text Available
Exogenously supplied indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) stimulated ethylene production in tobacco (Nicotiana glauca) leaf discs but not in those of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris...Full Text Available
A beta microprobe was successfully applied to monitor arterial input function for quantification of regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in the monkey brain with {sup 15}O-water and positron emission tomography (PET). The sensitivity of the probe was approximately 0.83 to 1.67 cps/kBq/ml depending on the studies. A preliminary study was performed to find a suitable use and to evaluate the performance of the system and data analysis procedure. The results showed that dispersion correction of measured input function was unnecessary if microprobes were connected directly to the arterial catheter. Then multiple CBF measurements were done in three monkeys under anesthesia. Identical regions of interest were placed with the aid of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of each monkey and rCBF values were estimated. Estimated rCBFs were reproducible for several measurements. The mean CBF value for a pentobarbital anesthetized monkey was 46.0 ml/min/100 g (PaCO{sub 2}=46.3 mmHg). ...
The carboxyl-terminal region of tubulin alpha and beta subunits plays a major role in regulating its assembly into microtubules and constitutes an essential domain for the selective interaction of microtubule-associated...Full Text Available
Wood, R. A.; and Ogden, H. R.: The All-Beta Titanium Alloy (Ti-13V-llCr-3Al). DMIC Rept. 110 (ASTIA AD 214002), Battelle Mem. Inst., Apr. 17, 1959. 22. White ...
1. To explore mechanisms of urinary obstruction in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), the features of contraction and relaxation in human hyperplastic and non-hyperplastic (control) prostatic tissues...Full Text Available
Humanin (HN), a 24-residue peptide, was identified as a novel neuroprotective factor and shows anti-cell death activity against a wide spectrum of Alzheimer's disease (AD)-related cytotoxicities, including...Full Text Available
There has been a good deal of interest in the sialon system of ceramics in recent years due to their combination of important engineering properties #beta# including strength, hardness, low thermal expansion and good thermal shock resistance. #beta#-sialon (Si_6_-_zAl_zO_zN_8_-_z ;0beta#-sialon via the carbothermal reduction route and reports specifically on the utilisation of "2"9Si and "2"7Al solid state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance techniques in determining the nature of intermediate phases which occur. 9 refs., 1 tab., 1 ...
The unknown #beta#-decay half-lives of 22 isotopes far off stability (5 < T_Z < 10) in the region from Ti to Ni were measured at GSI, Darmstadt. The nuclei were produced in a fragmentation reaction of 500 A.MeV "8"6Kr-projectile impinging on a thick Be target. The isotopes of interest were separated and identified with the fragment separator, FRS, by a combination of B#rho#,Z, and ToF techniques. An additional range separation was performed by a selective implantation into granular detectors. The spatial and time correlations of the implant with the consecutively detected #beta#-particles were used to determine the unknown half-lives. For nuclei far off stability, #beta#-decay chains were measured and analyzed as well, leading to an even more reliable evaluation of the lifetimes. The large discrepancies found between the measured and the theoretical values emphasize that most recent theoretical work is not an ...
The isomeric and {beta}-decay properties of neutron-rich {sup 53-57}Sc and {sup 53,54}Ca nuclei near neutron number N = 32 are reported, and the low-energy level schemes of {sup 53,54,56}Sc and {sup 53-57}Ti are presented. The low-energy level structures of the {sub 21}Sc isotopes are discussed in terms of the coupling of the valence 1f{sub 7/2} proton to states in the corresponding {sub 20}Ca cores. Implications with respect to the robustness of the N = 32 subshell closure are discussed, as well as the repercussions for a possible N = 34 subshell closure.
The measurement of K(alpha)/K(beta) X-ray intensity ratio indicates the excitation process and the chemical state of the atom examined. Theoretical considerations on the origin of this property are presented. The difference of these ratios following photoionization and electron capture are calculated by a computer code generating transition matrix elements. The theoretical assumptions involved in the codes are tested by comparing the experimental and calculated data concerning 3d transition element atoms. (D.Gy.).
The threshold stress intensities for stress corrosion crack propagation in beta titanium alloy 38-6-44, Ti3Al-8V-6Cr-4Mo-4Zr, has been determined in salt water and methanolic solutions. The alloy was immune to stress corrosion cracking (SCC) in aqueous sodium chloride solutions (marine atmosphere). However, in methanolic solutions, the alloy was very susceptible to SCC. This marked susceptibility in methanolic solutions can be mitigated by the addition of an inhibitor: sodium nitrate. Crack extension in the alloy was transgranular and failure occurred by brittle quasi-cleavage in methanolic solutions.
Strain rate effects for the high strength, metastable beta-titanium alloy Ti-8Mo-8V-2Fe-3Al are assessed in terms of tensile and fracture toughness behavior. It is shown that as the strain rate increases the yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and ductility also increase. As a result of the decrease in the amount of intergranular fracture as the strain rate is increased, the dynamic fracture toughness values K/sub Id/ are greater than those obtained under static conditions as given by K/sub Q/.
The "8"8Y decay has been studied with the aim to discover emission of monohromatic positrons (MP). The "8"8Sr(d,2N) reaction was used for production of "8"8Y (#beta#"+, Tsub(1/2)=106.6 days) nuclides. The prismatic beta spectrometer has been used to measure spectra of electrons and positrons. No MPs have been found. The resulting upper bound for their emission rate turned out to be lower than theoretically expected one.
We present numerical calculations for cesium and mercury to estimate the sensitivity of the scattering length to the variation of the fine structure constant alpha. The method used follows ideas Chin and Flambaum [Phys. Rev. Lett. 96, 230801 (2006)], where the sensitivity to the variation of the electron to proton mass ratio, beta, was considered. We demonstrate that for heavy systems, the sensitivity to variation of alpha is of the same order of magnitude as to variation of beta. Near narrow Feshbach resonances the enhancement of the sensitivity may exceed nine orders of magnitude.
We demonstrate reversible movement of (1/2)[110](110) dislocation loops generated from nanodisturbances in a #beta#-titanium alloy. High resolution transmission electron microscope observations during an in situ tensile test found three reversible deformation mechanisms, nanodisturbances, dislocation loops and martensitic transformation, that are triggered in turn with increasing applied stress. All three mechanisms contribute to the nonlinear elasticity of the alloy. The experiments also revealed the evolution of the dislocation loops to disclination dipoles that cause severe local lattice rotations.
By the methods of microstructural and electron-microscopic analyses by the tension test and impact test studied is the effect of quenching conditions on structure and mechanical properties of the TS6 titanium-#beta# alloy. It is shown that low temperature quenching from 700 deg C, recommended earlier for analogous VT15 titanium alloy, leads to appearence of intercrystalline fracture and to sharp decrease of impact strength of the TS6 alloy. Established are optimum conditions for quenching of half-finished products and articles of the TS6 alloy depending on their subsequent working or operation.
Developed is a simple method alloing one to determine the k-loop coefficient of #beta# function in gauge theories provided the operator expansion is constructed in (k-1) loop for certain two-point functions. The calculation of the two-loop coefficient of the Gell-Mann-Low function becomes trival - it reduces to a few algebraic operations with expressions which are already known. As an example spinor, scalar and supersymmetric electrodynamics are considered. Although the corresponding results for #beta#"("2") are known in the literature, both the method of the calculations and some points referring to the construction of the operator expansion are novel.
A mixture of powders of silica and aluminum nitride is subjected to high-energy ball milling for different milling times. This material is subsequently compacted by uniaxial pressing and sintered at 1450 deg. C. The resulting pellets are crushed and analysed by X-ray diffraction. For short milling times, the amount of phase transformation is minimal and the resulting material mostly consists of cristobalite and aluminum nitride. For long milling times, nanocrystalline #beta#-SiAl_2O_2N_2 is mainly produced.
Q/sub ..beta..-values are determined for 18 nuclei (Zr-, Nb-, Mo-, Tc-, Ru- and Rh-nuclides) with mass numbers 101 less than or equal toA less than or equal to106 and A=109 from measurements of beta decay energies which were carried out at the LOHENGRIN mass separator at the Institut Laue-Langevin in Grenoble (France). The given Q/sub ..beta..-values between 2 and 8 MeV show errors of about 1.5% (with the exception of /sup 103/Zr and /sup 105/Nb resp. and /sup 103/Tc for which larger errors result due to statistical resp. systematic reasons): /sup 101/Zr 5500+-70, /sup 101/Nb 4580+-45, /sup 102/Zr 4670+-40, /sup 102/Nb 7230+-70, /sup 103/Zr 6790+-240, /sup 103/ 5740+-70, /sup 103/Mo 3575+-80, /sup 103/Tc 2585+-70, /sup 104/Nb 8250+-130, /sup 104/Mo 2180+-40, /sup 104/Tc 5520+-100, /sup 105/Nb 6570+-150, /sup 105/Mo 4885+-80, /sup 105/Tc 3750+-60, /sup 106/Mo 3515+-45, /sup 106/Tc 6540+-70, /sup 109/Ru 4150+-80, /sup 109/Rh ...
Bragg peaks obtained in X-ray stress analysis studies are often asymmetric. The use of K/sub ..beta../ rather than K/sub ..cap alpha../ radiation simplifies the problem of peak location, as only one Bragg peak needs to be analysed. It is shown, however, that the common practice of fitting a parabola to the top 15% of the data in a Bragg peak in order to determine the peak position, when the fitted region is asymmetric, can lead to large errors in the calculated stress. Asymmetric pseudo-Lorentzian functions have been found to provide the most satisfactory fits.
LUCIFER (Low-background Underground Cryogenic Installation For Elusive Rates) is a new project for the study of neutrinoless Double Beta Decay, based on the technology of scintillating bolometers. These devices promise a very efficient rejection of the alpha background, opening the way to a virtual background-free experiment if candidates with a transition energy higher than 2615 keV are investigated. The baseline candidate for LUCIFER is 82Se. This isotope will be embedded in ZnSe crystals grown with enriched selenium and operated as scintillating bolometers in a low-radioactivity underground dilution refrigerator. In this paper, the LUCIFER concept will be introduced. The sensitivity and the very promising prospects related to this project will be discussed.
The LANL 2.5-cell, normal-conducting radio-frequency (NCRF) injector has been fabricated. We present initial results of low-power RF measurements (cavity Q, cavity field map, coupling beta, etc.) of the NCRF injector. The measured cavity Q and relative fields are found to be in good agreement with the design calculations and earlier measurements of Glidcop properties. However, the coupling beta of the ridge-loaded waveguides is found to be significantly higher than the design point. The impact of these low-power measurement results on the planned high-power RF and electron beam tests will be discussed.
The refractory nature and high ductility of body centered cubic (bcc) phase tantalum makes it a suitable material for corrosion- and wear-resistant coatings on surfaces that are subjected to high stresses and harsh chemical and erosive environments. Sputter deposition can produce thick tantalum films but is prone to forming the brittle tetragonal beta phase of this material. Efforts aimed at forming thick bcc phase tantalum coatings in both flat plate and cylindrical geometries by high-rate triode sputtering methods are discussed. In addition to substrate temperature, the bcc-to-beta phase ratio in sputtered tantalum coatings is shown to be sensitive to other substrate surface effects.
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).
The influence of deformation on the corrosion behavior of a newly developed multifunctional beta titanium alloy Ti-23Nb-0.7Ta-2Zr-O (mol%) in Ringer's solution at 310 K was evaluated using an electron backscatter diffraction technique and electrochemical measurements. The results showed that the effect of deformation on the corrosion resistance of the beta titanium alloy is complicated. Small levels of plastic deformation are detrimental to the corrosion resistance, whereas large deformations tend to eliminate this detrimental effect.
In a program to develop a metastable beta alloy with improved fracture toughness, it was found that the tensile ductility of the alloy Ti-8 Mo-4.5 Cr-2.5 Al was strongly dependent on both processing history and annealing temperature. Evaluation of the microfracture mode of tensile samples by scanning electron microscope and metallographic techniques showed that the presence of a continuous grain boundary alpha is the most significant parameter controlling the ductility and is highly detrimental. It is concluded that, for optimum processing, the material must be worked prior to aging to avoid this grain boundary phase.
Evaluation of ageable beta alloys Ti-17V-2Fe-2Co-3Al, Ti-17V-7.5Co-3A1 and Ti-8Mo-8V-5Co-3Al continued with room and elevated temperature smooth and notched tensile tests, creep stability, oxidation and stress-corrosion tests. Ti-17V-7.5Co-3Al aged more r...
The K sub(#alpha#)/K sub(#beta#) intensity ratio of Mn KX-rays scattered by metallic samples changed remarkably with the geometry between the sample and the "5"5Fe source-Si(Li) detector system. On the contrary, this intensity ratio changed little in the cases of non-metallic scatterer samples such as lucite or mylar. This difference is interpreted as due to the occurrence of strong or weak interference in the coherent scattering photons. (author).
We demonstrated direct assimilation of cellooligosaccharide using Escherichia coli displaying beta-glucosidase (BGL). BGL from Thermobifida fusca YX (Tfu0937) was displayed on the E. coli cell surface using a novel anchor protein named Blc. This strain was grown successfully on 0.2% cellobiose, and the optical density at 600 nm (OD(600)) was 1.05 after 20 h. PMID:21742905
Beta-decay studies of the new neutron-rich isotopes sup(58,59)Cr, "6"3Mn, sup(66,67)Co and "6"9Ni, yielding distinctly shorter half-lives than the corresponding theoretical predictions, are presented. The influence of the short half-lives on the r-process calculations of nuclear abundances is discussed. It is concluded that a significantly higher neutron density than the one obtained from explosive helium burning in supernovae is needed to reproduce the observed abundances around A = 80. (orig.).
A series of dinuclear platinum(II) complexes, [(dien)Pt(NH{sub 2}(CH{sub 2}){sub n}NH{sub 2})Pt(dien)]Cl{sub 4} (dien = diethylenetriamine, n = 8, 9, 10, and 12) and their corresponding [2]rotaxanes with {alpha}-cyclodextrin ({alpha}-CD), [(dien)Pt{l_brace}NH{sub 2}(CH{sub 2}){sub n}NH{sub 2}{center_dot}{alpha}-CD{r_brace}Pt(dien)]Cl{sub 4}, have been synthesized and characterized by {sup 1}H, {sup 13}C, and {sup 195}Pt NMR spectroscopy and electrospray mass spectrometry. The rotaxanes were prepared by reacting the {l_brace}NH{sub 2}(CH{sub 2}){sub n}NH{sub 2}{center_dot}{alpha}-CD{r_brace} pseudorotaxanes with [Pt(dien)]Cl, to stopper the included linear {alpha},{omega}-diaminoalkane chains with the inert Pt(II) end groups. The kinetics of the self-assembly and dissociation of the {beta}-CD rotaxane, [(dien)Pt{l_brace}NH{sub 2}(CH{sub 2}){sub 10}NH{sub 2}{center_dot}{beta}-CD{r_brace}Pt(dien)]{sup 4+}, were investigated by using {sup 1}H NMR ...
Textured silicon nitride (Si_3N_4) has been intensively studied over the past 15 years because of its use for achieving its superthermal and mechanical properties. In this review we present the fundamental aspects of the processing and anisotropic properties of textured Si_3N_4, with emphasis on the anisotropic and abnormal grain growth of #beta#-Si_3N_4, texture structure and texture analysis, processing methods and anisotropic properties. On the basis of the texturing mechanisms, the processing methods described in this article have been classified into two types: hot-working (HW) and templated grain growth (TGG). The HW method includes the hot-pressing, hot-forging and sinter-forging techniques, and the TGG method includes the cold-pressing, extrusion, tape-casting and strong magnetic field alignment techniques for #beta#-Si_3N_4 seed crystals. Each processing technique is thoroughly discussed in terms of theoretical models and experimental ...
This study reports the observation of the decays B{sup 0}{yields}D{sup (*)+}{sub S}{pi}{sup -} and B{sup 0}{yields}D{sup (*)-}K{sup +} in a sample of 230 x 10{sup 6} {Upsilon}(4S) {yields} B{bar B} events collected with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II asymmetric-energy e{sup +}e{sup -} storage ring, located at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center. The branching fractions {beta}(B{sup 0} {yields} D{sup +}{sub S}{pi}{sup -}) = (1.3 {+-} 0.3 (stat) {+-} 0.2 (syst)) x 10{sup -5}, {beta}(B{sup 0} {yields} D{sup +}{sub S}K{sup +}) = (2.5 {+-} 0.4 (stat) {+-} 0.4 (syst)) x 10{sup -5}, {beta}(B{sup 0}{yields}D{sup (*)+}{sub S}{pi}{sup -}) = (2.8 {+-} 0.6 (stat) {+-} 0.5 (syst)) x 10{sup -5}, and {beta}(B{sup 0}{yields}D{sup (*)-}K{sup +}) = (2.0 {+-} 0.5 (stat) {+-} 0.4 (syst)) x 10{sup -5} are measured. The significance of the measurements to differ from zero are 5, 9, 6, and 5 standard deviations, ...
Particulate ceramic composites that were composed of a combustion-synthesized #beta#'-SiAlON matrix and dispersed MoSi_2 particles were hot pressed at 1,600 C in a nitrogen atmosphere. The physical and mechanical properties of the composites that contained 15, 30, and 45 vol% MoSi_2 were evaluated. The average four-point bend strength, fracture toughness, and Vickers hardness of the composites were in the ranges of 500--600 MPa, 3--4 MPa#centre dot#m"1"/"2, and 11--13 GPa, respectively. The measured mechanical strength and hardness were very similar to the values that were predicted from the rule of mixtures. The fracture toughness of the combustion-synthesized #beta#'-SiAlON (2.5 MPa#centre dot#m"1"/"2) was apparently enhanced by the MoSi_2 particles that were added. The increase in the fracture toughness was predominantly attributed to the residual thermal stress that was induced by the thermal expansion mismatch between the MoSi_2 particles ...
NMR spectroscopy combined with paramagnetic relaxation agents was used to study the positioning of the 40-residue Alzheimer Amyloid {beta}-peptide A{beta}(1-40) in SDS micelles. 5-Doxyl stearic acid incorporated into the micelle or Mn{sup 2+} ions in the aqueous solvent were used to determine the position of the peptide relative to the micelle geometry. In SDS solvent, the two {alpha}-helices induced in A{beta}(1-40), comprising residues 15-24, and 29-35, respectively, are surrounded by flexible unstructured regions. NMR signals from these unstructured regions are strongly attenuated in the presence of Mn{sup 2+} showing that these regions are positioned mostly outside the micelle. The central helix (residues 15-24) is significantly affected by 5-doxyl stearic acid however somewhat less for residues 16, 20, 22 and 23. This {alpha}-helix therefore resides in the SDS headgroup region with the face with residues 16, 20, 22 and ...
The purpose of the present study was to examine reactions between bromium atoms with {alpha}, {beta}-unsaturated carbonyls. Acrolein, methacrolein, and methyl vinyl zetone were chosen as representatives of this family. The latter two compounds, beside formaldehyde, belong to the main products of atmospheric oxidation of isoprene and have been detected in the troposphere at concentrations of up to almost 1 ppb. It is known that alkenes react with bromium via addition to form an instable adduct. This product can either decompose again into its educts or react with molecular oxygen. The aim of the study was to determine the velocities of the reactions between the three {alpha}, {beta}-unsaturated carbonyls and bromium and to clarify the involved reaction mechanisms by means of kinetic experiments and product analyses. (orig./SR) [Deutsch] In dieser Arbeit wurde die Reaktion von Bromatomen mit {alpha}, {beta}-ungesaettigten ...
To understand the effect of Mo-Nb additions on the electrochemical behavior of #beta#-titanium alloys in ambient temperature chloride solutions, characterization of the electrochemistry and passivity of a Ti-15Mo-3Al alloy (#beta#-21S) was undertaken. Both solution heat-treated (SHT) and peak-aged (PA) alloys exhibited passive anodic behavior in aerated and deaerated 0.6M NaCl, aerated and deaerated 0.6M NaCl adjusted to pH 1 with HCl, as well as aerated 5M HCl. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) performed after exposure to neutral 0.6M NaCl indicated that both PA and SHT #beta#-21S formed a predominantly TiO_2 film. Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) and cathodic kinetics suggest that the Mo and Nb alloying additions are incorporated into the oxide in amounts less than that found in the alloys. The predominance of the passivating TiO_2 may explain the similarity of the electrochemical behavior observed. However, in ...
A general theoretical approach for the study of the two-dimensional structure of high-n Toroidal Alfven Eigenmodes (TAE) in finite-#beta#, large aspect ratio (R_o/a much-gt 1) tokamak equilibria is presented. Here, n is the toroidal mode number, #beta# = plasma/magnetic pressure, and a(R_o) is the minor (major) radius of the torus. It is shown how the general pseudo-differential boundary value problem for the radial eigenmode structure can be systematically constructed from the local dispersion relation; which is obtained using the ballooning formalism. The TAE modes are characterized by a broad radial envelope, the width of which is independent on the mode number in the general case of monotonic equilibrium profiles. The results on the two-dimensional eigenmode structure are expected to be applicable to drift-type waves. The ballooning transform is generalized here to handle singular eigenfunctions typical of the continuous shear Alfven ...
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.
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)
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.
Q_#beta#-values are determined for 18 nuclei (Zr-, Nb-, Mo-, Tc-, Ru- and Rh-nuclides) with mass numbers 101 #<=# A #<=# 106 and A=109 from measurements of beta decay energies which were carried out at the LOHENGRIN mass separator at the Institut Laue-Langevin in Grenoble (France). The given Q_#beta#-values between 2 and 8 MeV show errors of about 1.5% (with the exception of "1"0"3Zr and "1"0"5Nb resp. and "1"0"3Tc for which larger errors result due to statistical resp. systematic reasons): "1"0"1Zr 5500#+-#70, "1"0"1Nb 4580#+-#45, "1"0"2Zr 4670#+-#40, "1"0"2Nb 7230#+-#70, "1"0"3Zr 6790#+-#240, "1"0"3 5740#+-#70, "1"0"3Mo 3575#+-#80, "1"0"3Tc 2585#+-#70, "1"0"4Nb 8250#+-#130, "1"0"4Mo 2180#+-#40, "1"0"4Tc 5520#+-#100, "1"0"5Nb 6570#+-#150, "1"0"5Mo 4885#+-#80, "1"0"5Tc 3750#+-#60, "1"0"6Mo 3515#+-#45, "1"0"6Tc 6540#+-#70, "1"0"9Ru 4150#+-#80, "1"0"9Rh 2550#+-#50 (all values in keV). For the measurement of ...
We derive improved versions of the relations between supermassive black hole mass (M _B_H) and host-galaxy bulge velocity dispersion (#sigma#) and luminosity (L; the M-#sigma# and M-L relations), based on 49 M _B_H measurements and 19 upper limits. Particular attention is paid to recovery of the intrinsic scatter (#epsilon#_0) in both relations. We find log(M _B_H/M _s_u_n) = #alpha# + #beta#log(#sigma#/200 km s"-"1) with (#alpha#, #beta#, #epsilon#_0) = (8.12 #+-# 0.08, 4.24 #+-# 0.41, 0.44 #+-# 0.06) for all galaxies and (#alpha#, #beta#, #epsilon#_0) = (8.23 #+-# 0.08, 3.96 #+-# 0.42, 0.31 #+-# 0.06) for ellipticals. The results for ellipticals are consistent with previous studies, but the intrinsic scatter recovered for spirals is significantly larger. The scatter inferred reinforces the need for its consideration when calculating local black hole mass function based on the M-#sigma# relation, and further implies that ...
A new method for the separation and determination of trace amounts of cadmium and zinc in water as their thenoyltrifluoroacetone (TTA) complexes with dibenzo-18-crown-6 (DB18C6) in o-dichlorobenzene has been established by means of synergistic extraction and back-extraction combined with atomic absorption spectrometry. The effect of various factors (synergism with TTA and DB18C6, shaking time, composition of the extracted species, and mutual separation etc.) on the extraction and back-extraction of cadmium and zinc has been in- vestigated. When the mixtures were extracted for 4 min at pH 4.9, only zinc was extracted quantitatively, whereas cadmium remained in the aqueous phase. After the phases were separated, cadmium was again extracted quantitatively at pH 7.5. Then, the two phases were each shaken with 0.05-0.1 mol/l HCl in order to back-extract cadmium and zinc from the organic phases; the ions were determined individually by atomic absorption spectrometry. In the process cadmium ...
The microstructure of a pressureless sintered (1,605 C, 90 min) O' + #beta#' SiAlON ceramic with CeO_2 doping has been investigated. It is duplex in nature, consisting of very large, slablike elongated O' grains (20--30 #mu#m long), and a continuous matrix of small rodlike #beta#' grains (< 1.0 #mu#m in length). Many #alpha#-Si_3N_4 inclusions (0.1--0.5 #mu#m in size) were found in the large O' grains. CeO_2-doping and its high doping level as well as the high Al_2O_3 concentration were thought to be the main reasons for accelerating the reaction between the #alpha#-Si_3N_4 and the Si-Al-O-N liquid to precipitate O'-SiAlON. This caused the supergrowth of O' grains. The rapid growth of O' crystals isolated the remnant #alpha#-Si_3N_4 from the reacting liquid, resulting in a delay in the #alpha# #-># #beta#-Si_3N_4 transformation. The large O' grains and the #alpha#-Si_3N_4 inclusions have a pronounced effect on the ...
Full text: Measurement of K_#beta# to K_#alpha# x-ray intensity ratios are important not only in the field of atomic physics, radiation physics and medical physics, but also to test the validity of assumptions made in the theoretical prediction. The intensity ratios can also give information on the effect of physical and chemical environment of the element in the compound. Many investigators have adopted a single and double reflection geometries to measure the K_#beta# to K_#alpha# x ray intensity ratios to understand the effect of physical and chemical environment on x-ray fluorescence. The targets are excited by a radioactive source of having activity of the order 100 MBq. in order to carry out accurate measurement K_#beta# to K_#alpha# x-ray intensity ratios, we have develop 2#pi# geometrical configuration method : placing a target right on the surface of the detector facing the target to measure the K shell fluorescence ...
The effective fraction of delayed photoneutrons ({beta}{sup ph}) has been theoretically defined and experimentally determined in various different configurations of the LWR-PROTEUS critical facility. The peculiarity lies in the fact that the reactor has D{sub 2}O in only one of the four fuelled zones, thus D({gamma},n)H reactions take place mainly in this region. The work is divided into three parts. The first part is devoted to the description of the LWR-PROTEUS facility and to the measurements of {beta}{sup ph}. These experimental values are derived from standard inverse-kinetics analysis of neutron flux decay experiments for each of seven different configurations, with nine additional groups of neutron precursors to account for photoneutron effects. In the second part, the coupled neutron and gamma Boltzmann equations are reduced to exact point kinetics equations using the photon infinite-velocity approximation, and then to the point reactor ...
The effect that different chemical and physical atomic environments can have on the relative intensities of radiative electron transitions from the filling of K shell vacancies was investigated. The method used involved the detection of photoionization induced X-ray fluorescence. An experimental system based on a hyper pure germanium detector (HPGE) was used to measure the relative K-L and K-M X-ray yields from the photofluorescence of a series of lanthanide elements and compounds. A background subtraction and peak integration strategy was employed which accounted for scattering in the samples and scattering of the flux from the radioisotope photoionization sources. Analysis of the data resulted in a tabulation of relative K/sub ..beta..//K/sub ..cap alpha../ X-ray intensity ratios. The measured relative K/sub ..beta..//K/sub ..cap alpha../ X-ray intensity ratios were compared to the calculated values predicted by the theoretical development of ...
The effect that different chemical and physical atomic environments can have on the relative intensities of radiative electron transitions from the filling of K shell vacancies was investigated. The method used involved the detection of photoionization induced X-ray fluorescence. An experimental system based on a hyper pure germanium detector (HPGE) was used to measure the relative K-L and K-M X-ray yields from the photofluorescence of a series of lanthanide elements and compounds. A background subtraction and peak integration strategy was employed which accounted for scattering in the samples and scattering of the flux from the radioisotope photoionization sources. Analysis of the data resulted in a tabulation of relative K/sub #beta#//K/sub #alpha#/ X-ray intensity ratios. The measured relative K/sub #beta#//K/sub #alpha#/ X-ray intensity ratios were compared to the calculated values predicted by the theoretical development of Scofield and ...
We studied the epitaxial growth of iron silicide (#epsilon#-FeSi,#beta#-FeSi_2, and #alpha#-FeSi_2) nanodots on Si (111) substrates by Fe deposition on Si nanodots on Si (111) substrates with ultrathin Si oxide films using reflection high-energy electron diffraction, scanning tunneling microscopy, and transmission electron microscope (TEM). We formed almost single phase iron silicide nanodots by controlling the Fe deposition conditions; growth temperature, deposition rate, and amount. The #epsilon#-FeSi or #alpha#-FeSi_2 nanodots were epitaxially grown in a dome shape with an average size of #approx#5 nm and an ultrahigh density (>10"1"2 cm"-"2) on the surface. We formed #approx#2-nm high and #approx#8-nm wide #beta#-FeSi_2 nanodots in a dome shape with a density of #approx#5x10"1"1 cm"-"2 on the surface. Cross-sectional TEM images revealed that the #beta#-FeSi_2 growth continued beneath the Si surface. The part of the ...
This paper reports on the first U.S. tanker converted to a floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) unit which takes up station in Gombe-Beta field off Gabon by Dec. 1. FPSO Ocean Producer will work under a 3 year, day rate contract let late in 1990 by Amoco-Gabon Bombe Marin co., a unit of Amoco Production Co. (OGJ, Dec. 24, 1990, p. 27). Gombe-Beta field is in the Atlantic Ocean about 70 miles south of Port Gentil, Gabon. Ocean Producer will be moored in 50 ft of water 3.7 miles off Gabon, with Bombe-Beta's unmanned production platform about 820 ft astern. The vessel will be held in position by a disconnectable, asymmetric, six point, spread mooring system, It is owned and operated by Oceaneering International Services Ltd. (OISL). Affiliate Oceaneering Production Systems (OPS) converted the 78,061 dwt oil tanker MT Baltimore Sea at a capital cost of $25 million at Gulf Copper Manufacturing ...
When preadipocytes differentiate into adipocytes, several differentiation-linked genes are activated. Lipo-protein lipase (LPL) is one of the first genes induced during this process. To investigate early events in adipocyte development, we have focused on the transcriptional activation of the LPL gene. For this purpose, we have cloned and fused different parts of intragenic and flanking sequences with a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene. Transient transfection experiments and DNase I hypersensitivity assays indicate that several positive as well as negative elements contribute to transcriptional regulation of the LPL gene. When reporter gene constructs were stably introduced into preadipocytes, we were able to monitor and compare the activation patterns of different promoter deletion mutants at selected time points representing the process of adipocyte development. We could delimit two cis-regulatory elements important for gradual activation of the LPL gene during ...
The aim of this paper was to develop potential technetium 99m-labeled diagnostic imaging agents specific for the detection of A#beta# plaques. Based on previously obtained A#beta# plaque-specific biphenyls containing a benzimidazol group, "9"9Tc"m and Re-benzimidazol derivatives, ["9"9Tc"m(CO)_3]"+-EPBI and Re(CO)_3 Cl (EPBI), were prepared. The latter showed binding affinities towards A#beta#_(_1_#approx#_4_0_) aggregates in vitro (K_d=13.3 #mu#mol/L) by fluorophotometry. 2-(1-Ethylbenzimidazol-2-yl) pyridine (EPBI) and Re(CO)_3 Cl (EPBI) were synthesized. Binding affinity of Re(CO)_3 Cl (EPBI) for A#beta#_(_1_#approx#__4_0_) aggregates was determined. ["9"9Tc"m(CO)_3]"+-EPBI was prepared and analyzed by HPLC and paper eletrophoresis. Its biodistribution in mice was obtained. The K_d value of Re (CO)_3 Cl (EPBI) is 13.3 #mu#mol/L. Biodistribution of ["9"9Tc"m(CO)_3]"+-EPBI in mice shows brain ...
This paper discusses the structural and compositional changes at the nanometer scale associated with the nucleation and growth of #alpha# precipitates in the #beta# titanium alloy Ti-5553 (Ti-5Al-5Mo-5 V-3Cr-0.5Fe) with #omega# precipitates acting as heterogeneous nucleation sites. The microstructural evolution in this alloy, during #beta#-solutionizing, quenching and aging type heat-treatments, has been investigated by combining results from scanning electron microscopy, orientation imaging microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, high-resolution TEM and three-dimensional atom probe (3DAP) tomography. Athermal #omega# precipitates form in this alloy on quenching from above the #beta# transus temperature. On isothermal annealing at low temperatures, these #omega# precipitates coarsen to form chemically ordered #omega# precipitates, accompanied by the nucleation of the stable #alpha# phase. Annealing at higher ...
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% ...
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 ...
X-ray scattering from lyophilized proteins or protein-rich samples is characterized by the presence of two characteristic broad peaks at scattering angles equivalent to momentum transfer values of 0.27 and 0.6 nm{sup -1}, respectively. These peaks arise from the interference of coherently scattered photons. Once the conformation of a protein is changed, these two peaks reflect such change with considerable sensitivity. The present work examines the possibility of characterizing the most common cause of hemolytic anaemia in Egypt and many Mediterranean countries; {beta}-thalassemia, from its X-ray scattering profile. This disease emerges from a genetic defect causing reduced rate in the synthesis of one of the globin chains that make up hemoglobin. As a result, structurally abnormal hemoglobin molecules are formed. In order to detect such molecular disorder, hemoglobin samples of {beta}-thalassemia patients are collected, lyophilized and ...
For several decades, ceramic matrix composite have been attracted attention in advanced structural and tribological applications. Advanced structural ceramics are presently used in diverse tribological applications such as tips for ballpoint pens, precision instrument bearings and cutting tools inserts. Design and selection of ceramics for these applications require reliable data on the effects of temperature, load and environment on the tribological behavior of these ceramics. In the present work, #alpha#-sialon matrix composites reinforced with different amounts of #beta#-sialon fibers were produced with the aim of improving their toughness to increase the industrial applications. The wear properties of #alpha#-sialon matrix composites were evaluated by carried out wear tests using a pin-on-disk tribometer under dry conditions. The #alpha#-sialon matrix composites were manufactured by slip casting and sintered by uniaxial hot pressing. Scanning electron ...
Myostatin is a member of the transforming growth factor-{beta} (TGF-{beta}) family and a strong negative regulator of muscle growth. Here, we present the crystal structure of myostatin in complex with the antagonist follistatin 288 (Fst288). We find that the prehelix region of myostatin very closely resembles that of TGF-{beta} class members and that this region alone can be swapped into activin A to confer signalling through the non-canonical type I receptor Alk5. Furthermore, the N-terminal domain of Fst288 undergoes conformational rearrangements to bind myostatin and likely acts as a site of specificity for the antagonist. In addition, a unique continuous electropositive surface is created when myostatin binds Fst288, which significantly increases the affinity for heparin. This translates into stronger interactions with the cell surface and enhanced myostatin degradation in the presence of either Fst288 or Fst315. ...
The authors report on a search for pair production of first-generation scalar leptoquarks (LQ) in p{bar p} collisions at {radical}s = 1.96 TeV using an integrated luminosity of 252 pb{sup -1} collected at the Fermilab Tevatron collider by the D0 detector. They observe no evidence for LQ production in the topologies arising from LQ{ovr LQ} {yields} eqeq and LQ{ovr LQ} {yields} eqvq, and derive 95% C.L. lower limits on the LQ mass as a function of {beta}, where {beta} is the branching fraction for LQ {yields} eq. The limits are 241 and 218 GeV/c{sup 2} for {beta} = 1 and 0.5, respectively. These results are combined with those obtained by D0 at {radical}s = 1.8 TeV, which increases these LQ mass limits to 256 and 234 GeV/c{sup 2}.
The plastic flow behavior of a #beta#-titanium alloy (Ti-15% Mo) was investigated over a wide range of temperatures and strain rates covering those conditions where the #omega#-phase forms dynamically. Portevin-Le Chatelier (PLC) effect was observed in this alloy at temperatures between 575 and 775 K at a strain rate of 1.31 x 10"-"4 s"-"1. The serrated flow behavior of this alloy could be suppressed by rendering the matrix #beta#-phase more stable against the #beta# to #omega# transformation. PLC bands formed in this alloy, studied at different levels of magnification using light, scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy, showed a high density of deformation bands within the macroscopic PLC band. The following mechanism of serrated flow is proposed; the load drop is ascribed to the sudden flow associated with the formation of deformation bands within which #omega#-particles were destroyed while the subsequent ...
Nuclear structure information for all nuclei with mass number A = 216 is summarized. Evaluated data and the adopted levels and spin and parity assignments are given. Only the #alpha#-decay mode has been observed for all nuclei in this mass chain. Possible epsilon-capture and/or #beta#-decay are expected to be quite weak for most of them. An upper limit of 0.6 percent was set by 68Va18 for "2"1"6Th epsilon-decay from #alpha#-yields. The compilers estimate any epsilon-capture decay from "2"1"6At to "2"1"6Po to be less than 1.5 x 10"-"6 percent; similarly, #beta#-decay from "2"1"6At to "2"1"6Rn ground state is expected to be less than 0.0004 percent, and allowed #beta#"- to any yet unobserved level in "2"1"6Rn can be estimated to be less than 0.005 percent from expected log ft values. Level scheme information for all nuclei is from #alpha#-decays of their parents with A = 220. #alpha#-parents are shown on the drawings above ...
Diagnostic x-ray spectrometry, a method based on x-ray fluorescence analysis, was used for noninvasive determination of iron and zinc in two distinct skin areas, representing predominantly dermal and epidermal tissues, in 56 patients with beta-thalassemia major and intermedia. The mean iron levels in the skin of patients with beta-thalassemia major and intermedia were elevated by greater than 200% and greater than 50%, respectively, compared with control values. The zinc levels of both skin areas examined were within the normal range. The data indicate that the rate and number of blood transfusions, which correlated well with serum ferritin levels (r . 0.8), are not the only factors that determine the amount of iron deposition in the skin (r less than 0.6). Other sources of iron intake contribute to the total iron load in the tissues, particularly in patients who are not given multiple transfusions. The noninvasive quantitation of skin levels ...
Chemical analyses were done on the abnormal hemoglobins of the five (101 x SEC)F_1 offspring of X- irradiated adult SEC mice to determine which hemoglobin genes were expressed in each hemoglobin variant. Three offspring of irradiated SEC males did not express either of the two kinds of #alpha#-chains normally found in all SEC mice. The deficient #alpha#-chain synthesis caused these mice to exhibit an #alpha#-thalassemia similar to human #alpha#-thalassemia. Scanning electron microscopy was used to show that many erythrocytes of mice with #alpha#-thalassemia have bizarre shapes; e.g. many erythrocytes appeared flattened or had thorny projections (acanthocytes). One mutant with a tandem duplication of a segment of chromosome 7 (site of locus determining #beta#-chain structure) produced twice as much SEC as 101 #beta#-chain polypeptides. One mutant that probably arose by non-disjunction of chromosome 7's in its unirradiated 101 mother and loss of ...
The UTST (University of Tokyo Spherical Tokamak) device was constructed for the purpose of exploring the formation of ultra-high beta ST (Spherical Tokamak) plasma using the double null plasma merging method. When two plasmas merge together to form a single plasma, magnetic field lines reconnect, and the magnetic field energy is converted to the plasma kinetic energy, increasing the plasma beta. The merging start-up has been demonstrated in the TS-3/4, START and MAST devices using coils inside the vacuum vessel and TS-3 plasma obtained 50% beta. In order to demonstrate the start-up in a more reactor relevant situation, UTST has all poloidal field coils outside the vacuum vessel. The first plasma experiment on the UTST was performed from December, 2007. In the result, the plasma obtained 10 kA by using only outer PF coils and single ST was generated at the lower area (z=-0.3 - -1.0[m]) close to a washer gun. This result ...
We present results of near--IR long-slit spectroscopy in the J and K bands of the Seyfert 2 galaxies NGC 2110 and Circinus, investigating the gaseous distribution, excitation, reddening and kinematics. In NGC 2110, the emission line ratio [FeII]/Pa beta increases towards the nucleus (to ~ 7). The nuclear [Fe II]1.257 (microns) and Pa beta lines are broader (FWHM ~ 500 km/s) than the H2 (2.121) line (FWHM ~ 300 km/s). Both these results suggest that shocks, driven by the radio jet, are an important source of excitation of [Fe II]. The H2 excitation appears to be dominated by X-rays from the nucleus. In Circinus, both [FeII]/Pa beta and H2/Br gamma decrease from ~ 2 at 4 arcsec from the nucleus to nuclear values of ~ 0.6 and ~ 1, respectively, suggesting that the starburst dominates the nuclear excitation, while the AGN dominates the excitation further out (r > 2 arcsec). For both galaxies, the gaseous kinematics are ...
Three types of titanium hydrides have been reported: #delta#, #epsilon# and #gamma# hydrides. The #delta# hydride forms in the composition range from TiH/sub 1.5/ to TiH/sub 1.99/ and has a CaF/sub 2/ structure with metal atoms on an fcc lattice and hydrogen atoms randomly occupying tetrahedral interstitial sites. At higher hydrogen concentrations, TiH/sub 2/, the fct (c/a # #epsilon# transformation is apparently diffusionless, similar to that operating in the cubic/tetragonal transformation in zirconium hydride. The metastable fct #gamma# hydride having a c/a value of 1.09 or 1.12 forms from solid solutions of hydrogen in the hcp #alpha# matrix. While the titanium hydride precipitation in #alpha#-Ti and its alloys has attracted extensive investigation, hydride formation in bcc #beta#-Ti alloys has rarely been studied because they have not been thought to be liable to hydride formation. This paper shows conclusive evidence for the fcc #delta# hydride phase ...
Water from small scale purification plants is a low cost alternative for consumers in comparison to the bottled commercial presentations. Because of its low cost per liter, the consumption of this product has increased in recent years, stimulating in turn the installation of purification systems for these small businesses. The purpose of this study was to estimate the efficiency of small scale purification systems located in the cities of Zacatecas and Guadalupe, Zacatecas, to reduce the radioactive content of water. It was measured the total alpha and beta activity in water samples of entry and exit to process, through the liquid scintillation technique. In general it was observed that the process is more efficient in removing alpha that beta activity. The fraction of total alpha activity removed varied between 27 and 100%, while between 0 and 77% of the total beta activity was removed by the analyzed plants. In all cases, ...
Full text: The production of #beta#-sialon from kaolinite and carbon has been studied using Hulu Langat Kaolin and activated carbon as raw materials. The sintered temperature is shown to play a prominent role in the process of sialon conversion. Apart from temperature, nitrogen flow rate is also affect the production of #beta#--sialon. This study was carried out on the effect of additive, Y_2O_3 and Al_2O_3 at different temperature that will be mixed and sintered. The additives are expected to affect the formation of #beta#--sialon and Y-sialon upon the synthesis. The mineral and phase development was analysed using X-Ray Diffraction technique (Rigaku Geigerflex) while its chemical compositions through X-Ray Fluorescent Spectrophotometer (Shimadzu XRF 1700) and the particle size distribution analysis through Particle Size Analyser (Horiba, CAPA 700). The observed changes in the microstructure were analysed using the Hitachi ...
The urine test strip is the most common test used to detect ketones in veterinary patients, but it can underestimate the degree of ketonuria and hence, ketonemia. Additionally, adequate urine samples for analysis may be difficult to obtain from dehydrated animals. The standard method used to detect and monitor ketonemia in human medicine is measurement of serum or whole blood beta-hydroxybutyrate (?HOB). A point-of-care (POC) analyzer has been validated for this purpose in humans. This study compared the accuracy of the POC device to an enzymatic reaction laboratory method for measurement of ?HOB in dogs. Although the POC sensor tended to overestimate ?HOB concentrations, there was good correlation (R(2) = 0.96) and good agreement between the 2 methods with a bias +/- precision of 0.0860 +/- 0.3410 mmol/L ?HOB. The POC ?HOB sensor can be useful for assessing ketonemia in dogs. PMID:21119867
Selectivity control is a key issue in the zeolite facilitated conversion of methanol to hydrocarbons. This work addresses: (a) How the zeolite topology (MFI versus BEA) determines the type of intermediate participating in the catalytic cycle thereby controlling the ethene/propene product selectivity in the methanol to alkenes reaction, and (b) to what extent light alkene formation occurs via aromatic and alkene reaction intermediates for H-ZSM-5. Three catalyst samples have been studied in experiments relying on isotopic labeling. For H-beta, penta- and hexamethylbenzene are involved in an aromatics based hydrocarbon pool type mechanism leading predominantly to propene and the higher alkenes (a very low yield of ethene is observed), whereas for H-ZSM-5, the lower methylbenzenes are the aro...
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...
We study the renormalization group running of the tri-bimaximal mixing predicted by the two typical $S_4$ flavor models at leading order. Although the textures of the mass matrices are completely different, the evolution of neutrino mass and mixing parameters is found to display approximately the same pattern. For both normal hierarchy and inverted hierarchy spectrum, the quantum corrections to both atmospheric and reactor neutrino mixing angles are so small that can be neglected. The evolution of solar mixing angle $\\theta_{12}$ depends on $\\tan\\beta$ and mass spectrum, the deviation from its tri-bimaximal value could be large. Taking into account the renormalization group running effect, the neutrino spectrum is constrained by experimental data on $\\theta_{12}$ and the inverted hierarchy spectrum is disfavored for large $\\tan\\beta$. The evolution of light neutrino masses is approximately described by a common scaling factor.
Calcium sulfate dihydrate which is co-produced in the scrubbing of waste gases from bituminous coal power plants is employed in the underground road securing after recrystallization. Beta-sulfate semi hydrate is obtained from the dihydrate by recrystallisation and it is used as such or as a stiff mixture with additives as a stowing material. Particularly fly ash from coal combustion units, washery refuses and development rocks from coal mining or slags from the metallurgical industry can be used as additives. The compressive and the bending tensile strength of the stowing material can be adjusted by the water content in case beta sulfate semihydrate is used as such.
The energy level schemes of {sup 152}Gd and {sup 152}Sm have been established on the basis of single gamma-spectra, and gamma-gamma coincidence measurements. Ge(Li) detectors were used to study the gamma spectra produced in the EC/beta{sup +} and beta{sup -} decays of {sup 152}Eu to {sup 152}Sm and {sup 152}Gd, respectively. Thirteen new transitions are reported and data from eleven coincidence gates enabled five new levels to be suggested. Relative intensities and log ft values were calculated and spin/parities deduced. Comparisons are made with new predictions of the Interacting Boson Model. (orig.).
The energy level schemes of "1"5"2Gd and "1"5"2Sm have been established on the basis of single #gamma#-spectra, and #gamma#-#gamma# coincidence measurements. Ge(Li) detectors were used to study the gamma spectra produced in the EC/#beta#"+ and #beta#"- decays of "1"5"2Eu to "1"5"2Sm and "1"5"2Gd, respectively. Thirteen new transitions are reported and data from eleven coincidence gates enabled five new levels to be suggested. Relative intensities and log ft values were calculated and spin/parities deduced. Comparisons are made with new predictions of the Interacting Boson Model. (orig.).
First-principles density functional theory (DFT) based calculations were performed to study the electronic and cohesive properties of all the intermediate ordered phases appearing in the transformation from bcc-based #beta# to hexagonal ordered #omega# phase in Zr_3Al alloy. Full-potential linear augmented plane wave (FPLAPW) method under the GGA was employed to establish the stability hierarchy and structure-property correlations. Further, effective pair potentials upto the fourth nearest neighbours were extracted, which, subsequently, were used for the thermodynamics analysis of the thermally-induced #beta##->##omega# transformation. The lattice collapse mechanism involving the concept of the onset of a displacement wave where the extent of collapse is viewed as an amplification of the displacement wave was employed for further analysis. (author)
Several lines of evidence are presented that indicate that the level of tetracycline resistance of Esherichia coli strains harboring plasmid pBR322 varies according to whether the SOS system of the host bacteria has been induced. These include use of strains in which the SOS system is expressed constitutively (lexA def.), is thermoinducible (recA441) or noninducible (lexA ind-), or is highly repressed (multiple copies of lexA+). Similar induction was observed with the product of another plasmid gene, beta-lactamase. The amounts of extractable plasmid DNA were also increased by SOS induction, and we propose that the SOS-induced increases in levels of tetracycline resistance and beta-lactamase activity are due to an increased plasmid copy number.
An examination of the kinetics of the alkylation of anisole with 1-hexene and 1-hexanol to produce alkylates over zeolite H-beta is presented. Anisole alkylation is found to occur by a set of parallel reactions when hexene is used as the alkylating agent. When hexyl alcohol is the alkylating agent, the reaction follows a multi-step parallel-series mechanism to form monoalkylates and dihexylether. With 1-hexene, a group of isomeric alkylates, viz., ortho-2-hexyl anisole (2-OHA), ortho-3-hexyl anisole (3-OHA), para-2-hexyl anisole (2-PHA), and para-3-hexyl anisole (3-PHA) was obtained. With hexanol, the olefin (hexene) and dihexyl ether were obtained additionally. The influence of process parameters like temperature, catalyst quantity, and alkylating agent on reaction behavior is reported.
We consider particle evaporation and fission of an ensemble of hot, rotating compound nuclei as a stochastic process. We derive a set of coupled differential equations formed by a Fokker-Planck equation describing fission, and master equations for calculating particle evaporation. From these equations, we are able to determine multiplicities of prefission neutrons, protons and {alpha}-particles, their energy spectra and their angular momentum distributions. A comparison of our results with experimental data provides us with information regarding the reduced friction coefficient {beta}, the fission barrier height and the level density parameter. For different iridium isotopes, ({sup 181,185,187}Ir), {sup 185}Os and {sup 158}Er, we obtain as an upper limit {beta}{<=}8.0x10{sup 21} s{sup -1}. (orig.).
We consider particle evaporation and fission of an ensemble of hot, rotating compound nuclei as a stochastic process. We derive a set of coupled differential equations formed by a Fokker-Planck equation describing fission, and master equations for calculating particle evaporation. From these equations, we are able to determine multiplicities of prefission neutrons, protons and #alpha#-particles, their energy spectra and their angular momentum distributions. A comparison of our results with experimental data provides us with information regarding the reduced friction coefficient #beta#, the fission barrier height and the level density parameter. For different iridium isotopes, ("1"8"1","1"8"5","1"8"7Ir), "1"8"5Os and "1"5"8Er, we obtain as an upper limit #beta##<=#8.0x10"2"1 s"-"1. (orig.).