UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundPolymorphisms in Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) gene may influence EGFR production and/or activity, thereby modulating susceptibility to lung...Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The influence of some processing factors such as cold work and heat treatment on the susceptibility to caustic stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of modified alloy 800, referred to alloy 800 M, in a boiling solution of 50%NaOH + 0.3%SiO_2+0.3%Na_2S_2O_3 was investigated by means of microstructure examination, tensile test, stress analysis, SCC test of C-rings, Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) and corrosion mode. Cold work led to lengthening of grains, decrease in ductility, increase in strength, residential stress and susceptibility to SCC. With increasing temperature of heat treatment on alloy 800 M after cold work, grains became bigger, ductility increased but strength, residential stress and susceptibility to SCC decreased. SCC cracks on C-ring specimens initiated from pitting and propagated along grain boundaries. AES analysis indicates that the surface films on alloy 800M are ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

A goal of our research is to identify biochemical factors that underlie the susceptibility of bone marrow cell populations to benzene metabolites so as to develop a mechanistically based chemoprotective...Full Text Available

KoreaScience (Korea)

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Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The primary coolant oxidises the surfaces of construction materials in nuclear power plants. The properties of the oxide films influence significantly the extent of incorporation of actuated corrosion products into the primary circuit surfaces, which may cause additional occupational doses for the maintenance personnel. The physical and chemical properties of the oxide films play also an important role in different forms of corrosion observed in power plants. This report gives a short overview of the factors influencing activity build-up and corrosion phenomena in nuclear power plants. Furthermore, the most recent modifications in the water chemistry to decrease these risks are discussed. A special focus is put on zinc water chemistry, and a preliminary discussion on the mechanism via which zinc influences activity build-up is presented. Even though the exact mechanisms by which zinc acts are not yet ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Passive films, formed on annealed and cold worked AISI 304 stainless steel in hot chloride media, were examined using polarization resistance and impedance measurements. The obtained results show the influence of cold work on film conductivity, which can be correlated to conditions of susceptibility to stress corrosion cracking. Capacitance measurements, using the Mott-Schottky approach, revealed that a change from n to p type semi-conductivity is associated to susceptible conditions with an increase in the doping density estimated for cold worked samples in the presence of chloride. It is assumed that p-type semi-conductivity of the passive film together with the position of the flat band potential has a strong influence on the dissolution processes at the corrosion potential. Based on this analysis the influence of plastic deformation, at the dislocation scale, is discussed. ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The effectiveness of chemotherapy in human schistosomiasis varies from one area to another, and limited data from experimentally infected animals suggest inherent differences in the susceptibility...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

About 20% of adults are persistently colonized with S. aureus in the anterior nares. Host genetic factors could contribute susceptibility to this phenotype. The objective of...Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The electrogeometric model cannot consider the influence of some parameters on the screening of the wire conductor of the H.V. lines. For analysing the influence of these parameters (the conductor potential, the influence of the distance from phase conductor to earth wire, the influence of the reducing factor of the striking earth distance, the earth slope, etc.), the Monte Carlo method is preferable. The influence of the earth slope on the screening effect of the wire conductor for different conditions is presented in this paper. (author)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Magnetic behavior in three compounds RTa{sub 3}O{sub 9} (R = Nd, Eu and Ho) with defect-perovskite structures has been investigated by DC magnetic susceptibility. The susceptibility of NdTa{sub 3}O{sub 9} shows strong influence of crystal field. For EuTa{sub 3}O{sub 9} a typical Van Vleck paramagnetism has been observed. HoTa{sub 3}O{sub 9} obeys a Curie-Weiss law above 20 K. (orig.) 8 refs.

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

This paper deals with the indications for prostatectomy; the differential diagnosis of the symptomatology of bladder neck obstruction; and the factors influencing the choice of operation....Full Text Available

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD) demonstrate an increased susceptibility to invasive bacterial infections (IBI). The most common organisms causing IBI are Streptococcus pneumoniae, nontyphi Salmonella species and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). IBI are the most common causes of death in children below 5 years of age with SCD. Increased susceptibility to IBI is because of several factors including dysfunctional antibody production and opsonophagocytosis as well as defective splenic clearance. Early diagnosis of Hib and pneumococcal infections combined with antibiotic prophylaxis and immunization programs, could lead to significant improvements in mortality, especially in Africa. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2010;55:401-406. Copyright 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

A fluid-phase immunoradiometric assay has been developed which identifies an antigen on the Factor VIII (antihemophilic factor) procoagulant protein. This sensitive and quantitative assay is not influenced...Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The construction materials used in coolant systems in nuclear power plants become covered with oxide films as a result of exposure to the aqueous environment. The susceptibility of the materials to different forms of corrosion, as well as the extent of the incorporation of radioactive species on the surfaces of the primary circuit, are greatly influenced by the physical and chemical properties of these oxide films. The composition and characteristics of the oxide films in turn depend on the applied water chemistry. This work was undertaken in order to collect and evaluate the present views on the structure and behaviour of oxide films formed on iron- and nickel-based materials in aqueous environments. This survey should serve to recognise the areas in which more understanding and research effort is needed. The review begins with a discussion on the bulk oxides of iron, nickel and chromium, as well as their mixed oxides. In addition to bulk ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mutual influence of phosphorus and carbon on the tendency to integranular corrosion (IGC) of tempered austenitic stainless steels in boiling solutions of 65% HNO_3 and 27% of HNO_3+40 g/l Cr"6"+ was investigated. It is ascertained that under the action of carbon additions susceptibility of phosphorus-containing steels to IGC increases considerably in pure nitric acid and decreases in nitric acid containing the oxidant. Possible reasons for the effects observed are discussed.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Electron spin resonance (ESR) dosimetry of irradiated chicken legs is based on the additive dose or the calibration curve methods. In both cases the practical assumption is made that the behaviour of the chicken bone does not depend on factors such as temperature during irradiation, storage conditions and dose rate. So the aim of the present work was to investigate to what extent the above mentioned factors could influence the post-irradiation dose assessment using the ESR technique. (author).

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundIs living alone a risk factor for depression among older adults? Previous research is mixed and inconclusive, and it is unclear whether living alone influences psychological...Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Austenitic stainless steel (18% Cr, 12% Ni, Mo gradation between 0,06 to 3,6%) had been solution nitrided. By step-by-step removing, the samples could be prepared with various surface contents of nitrogen from 0.04 to 0.42%. In two test series the influence of nitrogen had been determined. The susceptibility against pitting corrosion of these samples had been tested by the chronopotentiostatical method. For the investigated steel composition and the used corrosion system there is no influence of molybdenum on the effectiveness of nitrogen. The effectiveness of nitrogen can be described by the factor 25 in the PRE. By the investigation of the surfaces with the XPS analysis, it could be shown that the passivation and the pit nucleation is influenced by nitrogen. In these ranges NO{sub x}, NH{sub x}, and NH{sub z}-spectra have been detected. Bound Mo was found in steels containing ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

INTRODUCTION:Postprandial lipemia is characterized by an increased concentration of circulating lipids after fat intake and is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease....Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

... INIS-UA--158 488 p. MATERIALS SCIENCE additives aluminium oxides

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Duplex stainless steels are widely used in severe corrosion environments because of their good corrosion performance. This paper deals with the influence of aging treatments on the intergranular corrosion (IGC) resistance of a commercial duplex stainless steel, SAF 2205. Duplex stainless steel was given aging treatments in the range 773-1173 K for time periods ranging from 6 min to 100 h. Optical microscopy and XRD was carried out on the aged stainless steels for the microstructural study. The aged samples were evaluated for the IGC susceptibility with the ASTM standard practices. Potentiodynamic cyclic polarization studies were also carried out to investigate the influence of aging treatments on the passivity breakdown. The results indicate that the sigma phase gets precipitated and is responsible for grain boundary attack. (author).

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundThe link between maternal factors and birth outcomes is well established. Substantial changes in society and medical care over time have influenced women's reproductive...Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ge pre-amorphisation step is used to reduce the high diffusivity and the transient-enhanced diffusion of boron implanted in silicon. The aim of the process is to obtain shallow P{sup +}N junctions. The pre-amorphisation step was performed under different conditions (in ambient temperature and in nitrogen). Following the rapid thermal annealing step, end of range (EOR) defects appear at the amorphous-crystalline interface. These defects could influence the electrical characteristics of the P{sup +}N junctions. An experimental study concerning three samples has been performed without and under a magnetic field of 800 G. The magnetic susceptibility was essentially observed in the case of the reverse current. The impact of the magnetic field, studied by varying the sample temperature, permits us to show an increase of the magnetic susceptibility when the defects present in such structures are electrically active. These results ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Measurements of the magnetic susceptibility betweeen 0.03 and 300 K and of the magnetization between 0.05 and 10 K for magnetic fields up to 60kOe have been used to investigate effects from the interaction between the conduction electrons and local magnetic moments in (Lasub(1-x)Cesub(x))B_6 alloys (0.0007<=x<=0.10). For Ce concentrations x<0.006 the data show Kondo-type single impurity behaviour at low temperatures with a transition from a magnetic to a non-magnetic regime of the Ce ions. In the magnetic regime the impurity susceptibility follows a Curie-Weiss law, and in the non-magnetic regime it varies with T"2. An external magnetic field gradually restores the free-ion behaviour of the Ce impurities. For more concentrated alloys interactions between the impurities are observed. The RKKY interaction strength derived is more than two orders of magnitude smaller than in the Kondo system CuFe. Values of the s-f exchange integral, J, ...

Science.gov (United States)

The biological age (BA) of the majority of the liquidators of the consequences of the radiation accidents in the Navy and of the liquidators of the Chernobyl' APS accident exceeds the medium standard and the DBA (due BA). The index of the BA can be a characteristic of the influence of the social-hygienic factors on the health condition of the Special Risk Subunit--the liquidators of the consequences of the radiation accidents. It was established, that the radiation influence concerns to the factors dramatically increasing the BA and the rate of senescence of the liquidators of the consequences of the radiation accidents. PMID:21809627

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Purpose: To evaluate MR artifacts of carotid artery stents and to optimize stent properties and sequence parameters. Material and Methods: Four carotid artery stents - Wallstent (mediloy), Precise (nitinol), ACCULINK (nitinol) and a stent prototype (nitinol) - were investigated in a flow model of the cervical vessels. The model was made of silicon tubing and a flow pump that produces realistic flow curves of the carotid artery. To investigate the effects of magnetic susceptibility and radiofrequency induced shielding artifacts, turbo spin echo and gradient echo sequences as well as CE-MRAs were measured. To improve the visualization of the stent lumen in a CE-MRA, flip angle as well as geometry and covering of the stent prototype were altered. Results: Susceptibility artifacts in stents of the carotid artery only influence the lumen visualization at the proximal and distal end of the braided mediloy stent. A change of stent ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Radium is known to be taken up by aquatic animals, and tends to accumulate in bone, shell and exoskeleton. The most common approach to estimating the uptake of a radionuclide by aquatic animals for use in health and environmental risk assessments is the concentration factor method. The concentration factor method relates the concentration of a contaminant in an organism to the concentration in the surrounding water. Site specific data are not usually available, and generic, default values are often used in risk assessment studies. This paper describes the concentration factor method, summarizes some of the variables which may influence the concentration factor for radium, reviews reported concentration factors measured in marine environments and presents concentration factors derived from data collected in a study in coastal Louisiana. The ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This paper presents case studies of economic feasibility of solar photovoltaic systems using the software AVES-F (Analysis of Economic Feasibility of Photovoltaic Systems), developed by the authors, considering cases of stand-alone and grid-connected systems. The software takes into account several factors that can influence the economic feasibility of these kind of systems, like load to be supplied, distance to the grid, the use regime of the system, applied subsidies and others. The main goal of this paper is to analyze some of these factors and to observe how they can affect the economics of PV systems for electricity generation. (authors)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Steam generators (SGs) in PWRs and CANDUs are designed for at least a 30-year operating life. However, in the 15-25 years that SGs tubed with Alloy 600 have operated commercially, they have experienced reduced reliability, mainly due to SG tubing degradation. One of the degradation mechanisms that Alloy 600 SG tubing has suffered from is lead-induced stress corrosion cracking (PbSCC) in AVT and near-neutral SG environments. In contrast to Alloy 600 tubing, test data obtained in high temperature water indicate that Alloy 800 is resistant to cracking by lead and lead compounds. For Alloy 800 (cold worked, shot peened), the most aggressive environment is reported to be alkaline with minor concentration of PbO (80 ppm). Work by Max Helie et al. also concluded that Alloy 800 is not sensitive to lead assisted SCC for pH values close to neutrality, whereas it could be affected in high alkaline conditions. The work reported here investigated the influence of lead (Pb), ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Aim.- To identify what determinants influence the prevalence and accuracy of nursing diagnosis documentation in clinical practice. Background.- Nursing diagnoses guide and direct nursing care. They are the foundation for goal setting and provide the basis for interventions. The literature mentions several factors that influences nurses- documentation of diagnoses, such as a nurse-s level of education, patient-s condition and the ward environment. Design.- Systematic review. Method.- MEDLINE and CINAHL databases were searched using the following headings and keywords: nursing diagnosis, nursing documentation, hospitals, influence, utilisation, quality, implementation and accuracy. The search was limited to articles published between 1995-October 2009. Studies were only selected if they were...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A semi-mechanistic model for calculating solid radionuclide release rates from bubbling pools of sodium was developed. The influence of particle spacial and size distributions on the decontamination of the releases was analysed and found significant. Decontamination factors are shown as a function of pool depth, bubbling characteristics and particle size distribution. The calculation of a decontamination factor for estimating the source term of large scale hypothetical core disruptive accidents is presented. The decontamination factor for a large scale accident was found to be two orders of magnitude greater than results obtained from small scale experiments conducted with uniform particle distributions.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We have used polarised neutrons to measure the integrated magnetic cross-section of a dilute alloy of Ce in Y a Kondo system, T{sub K}{approx}40 K. Previous polarised neutron measurements of the field-induced magnetic form factor found no anomalies that could be attributed to the formation of a spin compensation cloud around the Ce ion. The present measurements, focused on the diffuse low-Q range, represent information over a very wide length scale in real space. Again, they show no changes in the Q-dependence of the form-factor at low temperatures that could be attributed to the formation of a spin compensation cloud. An alternative interpretation of the phenomenon based on the dynamical magnetic susceptibility of Y-Ce is proposed.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Soil erodibility (the K factor in the Universal Soil Loss Equation, USLE) is an important index to measure soil susceptibility to water erosion, and an essential parameter needed for soil erosion prediction. To evaluate the appropriateness of the nomograph and other methods for estimating the K factor for the USLE and to develop a relationship for soil erodibility estimation for Chinese soils, a set of soil erodibility values was calculated using soil loss data from natural runoff plots at 13 sites in eastern China. The definition of soil erodibility in relation to the USLE was strictly followed. Comparing these measured values to those estimated using the nomograph method, the method adopted for the EPIC model and the formula of Shirazi and Boersma, we found that all these estimated soil ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The magnetic scattering spectra of RAgSb_2 (R = Ho, Er, Tm) intermetallic compounds are measured and their crystal electric field parameters are determined using inelastic neutron scattering. It is revealed that the ground state is a nonmagnetic singlet for the HoAgSb_2 compound, a Kramers doublet with a strongly anisotropic g factor for the ErAgSb_2 compound, and a quasi-doublet (random doublet) characterized by an extremely anisotropic g factor for the TmAgSb_2 compound. The exchange interaction is estimated in the molecular field approximation. The magnetic properties of the RAgSb_2 compounds are analyzed in terms of the energy level schemes and eigenfunctions determined in this study. The calculated anisotropic magnetic susceptibilities for all compounds are in good agreement with the experimental data obtained for single crystals.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Because of their austenitic-ferritic microstructures, duplex stainless steels offer a good combination of mechanical and corrosion resistance properties. However, heat treatments can lower the mechanical strength of these stainless steels as well as render them susceptible to intergranular corrosion (IGC) and pitting corrosion. In this study, a low-carbon (0.02%) duplex stainless steel is subjected to various heat treatments at 450 to 950 C for 30 min to 10 h. The heat-treated samples than undergo ASTM IGC and pitting corrosion tests, and the results are correlated with the microstructures obtained after each heat treatment. In the absence of Cr_2_3C_6 precipitation, #sigma#-phase precipitates render this duplex stainless steel susceptible to IGC and pitting corrosion. Even submicroscopic #sigma#-phase precipitates are deleterious for IGC resistance. Longer-duration heat treatments (at 750 to 850 C) induce chromium diffusion to replenish the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The most relevant aspects of research and service experience with environmentally-assisted cracking (EAC) of carbon (C) and low-alloy steels (LAS) in high-temperature (HT) water are reviewed, with special emphasis on the primary pressure boundary components of boiling water reactors (BWRs). The main factors controlling the susceptibility to EAC under light water reactor (LWR) conditions are discussed with respect to crack initiation and crack growth. The adequacy and conservatism of the current BWRVIP-60 stress corrosion cracking (SCC) disposition lines (DLs), ASME III fatigue design curves, and ASME XI reference fatigue crack growth curves, as well as of the GE EAC crack growth model are evaluated in the context of recent research results. The operating experience is summarized and compared to the experimental/mechanistic background knowledge. Finally, open questions and possible topics for further research are identified. Laboratory ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Sixty-five patients operated with total pancreatectomy were reviewed with respect to factors influencing operative mortality and morbidity, long-term survival, and metabolic sequelae. The diagnoses...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Before the influence of divergent factors on gross efficiency (GE) [the ratio of mechanical power output (PO) to metabolic power input (PI)] can be assessed, the variation in GE between days, i.e. the...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundSupport groups have proved to be effective in reducing the burden on family caregivers of dementia patients. Nevertheless, little is known about the factors that influence...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Purpose: This paper reviews and reassesses the internationally accepted niches or ‘targets’ in bone marrow that are sensitive to the induction of leukaemia and primary...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The outcome of patients admitted to intensive care units is known to be influenced by such factors as age, previous health status, severity of disease, and diagnosis. To estimate the outcome of such...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundLittle is known about the acceptability of internet and telephone treatments, or what factors might influence patient interest in receiving treatments via...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Typically, modern economics has steered away from the analysis of sociological and psychological factors and has focused on narrow behavioural assumptions in which expectations are formed on the basis...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Tissue culture conditions and transformation have been established for both aspen and poplar. The use of previously described culture conditions resulted in shoot tip necrosis in the shoot cultures...Full Text Available

Science.gov (United States)

... "N. Northwest Europe, 1944 - St. Lo 11-18 Jul Operation "Goodwood" 18-20 Jul Operation "Cobra" 24-26 Jul 0" Mortain 6-12 Aug Chartres 16' Au.g ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The principles of path analysis and causal modelling are discussed. Path analysis was applied to three data sets to assess the relationship between group characteristics (number per group and "mixing"...Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Stainless steels can get pitting corrosion in halide containing solution, which make them a big risk in industrial production. Many investigations were made in the past in order to understand processes involved in pitting corrosion, pit initiation and pit growth. Results about the influence of alloying elements, their contents, the state of the structure, the condition of the surface, the content of chloride, the temperature, the pH-value, the velocity of flow and of the oxidizer on the chloride induced pitting corrosion of passive stainless steels are presented. Electrochemical measurements and the application of surface analytical methods (SEM, SAM, XPS) with high lateral resolution are carried out. A part of the samples received a diffusion annealing in order to obtain reproducible results. Pitting Resistance Equivalents (PRE) - Pitting Index - with different multipliers are given and discussed critical. An electrochemical method for selecting materials without ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract Copy number variants (CNVs) are known to be associated with complex neuropsychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia and autism) but have not been explored in the isolated features of aggressive behaviors such as intermittent explosive disorder (IED). IED is characterized by recurrent episodes of aggression in which individuals act impulsively and grossly out of proportion from the involved stressors. Previous studies have identified genetic variants in the serotonergic pathway that play a role in susceptibility to this behavior, but additional contributors have not been identified. Therefore, to further delineate possible genetic influences, we investigated CNVs in individuals diagnosed with IED and/or personality disorder (PD). We carried out array comparative genomic hybridizati...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Pitting corrosion is localized accelerated dissolution of metal that occurs as a result of a breakdown of the otherwise protective passive film on the metal surface. This paper provides an overview of the critical factors influencing the pitting corrosion of metals. The phenomenology of pitting corrosion is discussed, including the effects of alloy composition, environment, potential, and temperature. A summary is then given of studies that have focused on various stages of the pitting process, including breakdown of the passive film, metastable pitting, and pit growth. 120 refs.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Many factors influence radon-222 influx and radon-daughter concentrations in underground uranium mines. A brief review of some of these factors is presented. Current radon-222 and radon-daughter control principles and practices for US underground uranium mine atmospheres are discussed and a brief review of the applicability of other possible control methods such as rock sealants, radon-222 removal, and radon-daughter removal is given.

Science.gov (United States)

Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder share genetic risk, brain vulnerability, and clinical symptoms. The ZNF804A risk variant, rs1344706, confers susceptibility for both disorders. This study aimed to identify neural mechanisms common to both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder through this variant's potential effects on cortical thickness, white matter tract integrity, and cognitive function. Imaging, genetics, and cognitive measures were ascertained in 62 healthy adults aged between 18 and 59 years. High-resolution multimodal MRI/DTI imaging was used to measure cortical thickness and major frontotemporal and interhemispheric white matter tracts. The general linear model was used to examine the influence of the ZNF804A rs1344706 risk variant on cortical thickness, white matter tract integrity, and cognitive measures. Individuals homozygous for the risk variant ('A' allele) demonstrated reduced cortical gray matter thickness in the superior ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Effects of PbO on the repassivation kinetics of alloy 690TT were examined using the rapid scratching electrode technique under a potentiostatic condition to elucidate the influence of PbO on SCC resistance of the alloy. The repassivation kinetics of the alloy was analyzed in terms of the current density flowing from the scratch, i(t), as a function of the charge density that has flowed from the scratch, q(t). Repassivation on the scratched surface of the alloy occurred in two kinetically different processes; passive film initially nucleated and grew according to the place exchange model in which log i(t) is linearly proportional to q(t) with a slope of 1/K, and then grew according to the high field ion conduction model in which log i(t) is linearly proportional to 1/q(t) with a slope of cBV. 1/K and cBV are parameters representing the SCC susceptibility as well as repassivation rate of the alloy at an initial and an intermediated stages of ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The treatment of chronic pain conditions continue to present a challenge to the medical field. Physical therapy treatment needs to approach the management of chronic pain differently than the approach used to resolve acute pain. Patients with chronic pain often have many factors that have perpetuated the pain condition. These factors, as well as pain itself, influence their ability to reactivate and perform functional daily activities. Physical therapists can begin to address some of the factors, including fear and deconditioning, by building confidence and body awareness in a self-care model including a slow graduated reactivation program. There is evidence that patients with chronic pain conditions have altered motor control that may be influencing reoccurrences and possible flares of pa...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The form factor for excitation of the 1/sup +/ state at 3.48 MeV in /sup 88/Sr by inelastic electron scattering has been measured for momentum transfers q = 0.24-0.62 fm/sup -1/. Neither its magnitude nor shape can be described employing the best available nuclear wave functions. We demonstrate with a schematic model that the observed reduction of the form factor may be understood by taking into account a renormalization of the M1-operator due to virtual ..delta..-hole excitations.

Scientific Electronic Library Online (English)

Abstract in english The outcome of the interaction between Biomphalaria and Schistosoma mansoni depends on the response of the host internal defence system (IDS) and the escape mechanisms of the parasite. The aim of this study was to evaluate the responsiveness of the IDS (haemocytes and soluble haemolymph factors) of resistant and susceptible Biomphalaria tenagophila lineages and Biomphalaria glabrata lineages in the presence of in vitro-transformed primary sporocysts and secondary sporocys (more) ts obtained from infected B. glabrata. To do this, we assayed the cellular adhesion index (CAI), analysed viability/mortality, used fluorescent markers to evaluate the tegumental damage and transplanted secondary sporocysts. B. tenagophila Taim was more effective against primary and secondary sporocystes than the susceptible lineage and B. glabrata. Compared with secondary sporocysts exposed to B. tenagophila, primary sporocysts ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In many applications, the experimenter has limited options about what factor combinations can be chosen for a designed study. Consider a screening study for a production process involving five input factors whose levels have been previously established. The goal of the study is to understand the effect of each factor on the response, a variable that is expensive to measure and results in destruction of the part. From an inventory of available parts with known factor values, we wish to identify a best collection of factor combinations with which to estimate the factor effects. Though the observational nature of the study cannot establish a causal relationship involving the response and the factors, the study can increase understanding of the underlying process. The study can also help determine where investment should be made to control input ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

To clarify the acidic and alkaline Intergranular Stress Corrosion Cracking (IGSCC) mechanism of thermally treated alloy 690 (alloy 690 TT) and shot peened alloy 800 (alloy 800 SP), C-ring tests were conducted in deaerated HCl solutions and in deaerated NaOH solutions at 350degC, compared with the acidic and the alkaline IGSCC susceptibilities of mill-annealed alloy 600 (alloy 600 MA), full-sensitized one (alloy 600 FS) and thermally treated one (alloy 600 TT). Grain boundary characteristics, such as chromium depleted zone and chromium carbide precipitation, were examined using modified Huey test and Transmission Electron Microscopy. Potential-pH diagram for Ni, Cr, Fe-H_2O system at 350degC was constructed and the solubilities of NiO, Cr_2O_3 and Fe_3O_4 were also calculated to evaluate the stability of oxide films which were formed on the surfaces of alloy 690, 800 and 600. Under the acidic condition, the IGSCC susceptibility of alloy 800 SP ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract Background The increase in the incidence of atopic dermatitis (AD) in developed countries has been related to familiar and environmental factors. This survey was undertaken to investigate the family background, birthweight and the home environment of children suffering from AD in order to point out the possible factors that provoke the development of the disease. Methods The study uses data collected by means of self-administered questionnaires and discusses 461 cases of children (age 0-12) with active skin signs of AD. The control group comprised of 343 children (age 0-12) with no skin signs or positive lifetime history of AD. Associations between familiar and various home environmental factors and the risk of AD were calculated by means of odds ratios. Results There were statist...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

In the field of international human resource management, studies have seldom examined organizational justice, social exchange, and psychological contract together as important factors in influencing the expatriate adjustment process. The purpose of this research is to fill the research gap by examining these factors and their relationships with expatriate adjustment. The researcher conducted a survey of Taiwanese business expatriates during the first quarter of 2007, collecting 219 valid samples for analysis. A hierarchical regression model was used to test the research framework hypotheses, which showed that expatriates' perception of organizational justice has a positive influence both on their perceptions of social exchange and on their psychological contract fulfillment. Expatriates' p...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This is the first volume of a two-volume report. Volume 2 will be published at a later date. This report presents the results of a research project conducted by Brookhaven National Laboratory for the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research. The purpose of the project was to develop a general methodology to be use in the assessment of the organizational factors which affect performance reliability (safety) in a nuclear power plant. The research described in this report includes the development of the Nuclear Organization and Management Analysis Concept (GNOMIC). This concept characterizes the organizational factors that impact safety performance in a nuclear power plant and identifies some methods for systematically measuring and analyzing the influence of these factors on safety performance. This report is divided into two parts; Part 1 presents an overview of ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Information technology allows national and local governments to satisfy the needs of citizens in a cost effective way. Unfortunately, citizens still tend to prefer traditional, more costly channels, such as the front desk, phone and mail. Through pilot projects government agencies attempt to influence this behavior of citizens, directing them towards the online channel. With this paper we provide insight into the possibility to influence citizens' behavior in the complex landscape of multi-channel service provision. The paper systematically compares five pilot projects using a framework that is based on organizational and marketing literature. The results show that socio-psychological factors are crucial in multi-channel management, much more than the technology itself. We conclude that ci...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

When decontaminated with continuously replenished CAN-DECON reagent in a once-through system, carbon steel contaminated with "6"0Co during exposure to reducing coolant in stainless steel loops loses up to 90 percent of its radioactivity in the first few minutes. Afterwards, the rate of removal falls to much lower values which persist for many hours to the end of the experiment. The effects of flow rate, temperature and reagent concentration on the initial rates of decontamination indicate that mass transfer in the liquid is an important factor in the decontamination. The decontamination factor is influenced by the initial rate.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Scattered radiation generated in patient and imaging system has to be considered when quality-assurance tests involve dose detection or image-quality estimations. Measurement of automatic-exposure control dose can be altered by backscattering from intensifying screens of more than 10% and the equipment transmission factor can be overestimated up to a factor of 10 when only primary radiation is used. The sensitivity of intensifying screens depends on the angle of incidence of the radiation and so primary and scattered radiation are detected differently. The quality-control aspects of anti-scatter grids are discussed. (author).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The document represents a specific type of discussion of existing methodologies for the creation and application of probabilistic safety assessment (PSA) in light of the EUR document summarizing requirements placed by Western European NPP operators on the future design of nuclear power plants. A partial goal of this discussion consists in mapping, from the PSA point of view, those selected design, operational and/or safety factors of future NPPs that may be entirely new or, at least, newly addressed. Therefore, the terms of reference for this stage were formulated as follows: Assess current level of knowledge and procedures in the analysis of factors and phenomena with a dominant influence upon operational safety of new generation reactors, especially in the following areas: (1) Phenomenology of failure types and mechanisms and reliability of conventional passive safety system components; (2) Phenomenology of failure types ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The principal types of corrosion are presented which can occur in CANDU steam generator. There are also presented the operation conditions, the specifications referring to the water chemistry and the construction materials of Steam Generator, the factors that have a great influence on the corrosion behaviour during the whole exploitation period of this equipment. The most important elements of CANDU Steam Generator ageing management program are also discussed. (R. P.)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A borohydride, for instance sodium borohydride, is added to the radioactive effluent, with eventually a carrier such as Cu{sup +}, to give a precipitate containing ruthenium. The processing can be combined to Sr and Cs precipitation be know processes giving barium sulfate and nickel ferrocyamide precipitates. Influence of borohydride concentration on decontamination factor is given.

Science.gov (United States)

Biofilm-specific antibiotic resistance is influenced by multiple factors. We demonstrated that Pseudomonas aeruginosa tssC1, a gene implicated in type VI secretion (T6S), is important for resistance of biofilms to a subset of antibiotics. We showed that tssC1 expression is induced in biofilms and confirmed that tssC1 is required for T6S. PMID:21784934

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Aim To better define the indications for adrenalectomy for adrenal metastasis we have analysed factors predicting survival in our institutional series. Methods A consecutive series of 30 patients undergoing adrenalectomy for metastasis (1996-2007), excluding patients with simultaneous ipsilateral renal cell carcinoma (RCC), was studied. Metastases were regarded as synchronous (6 mo), depending on the interval after primary surgery. Survival was calculated from time of adrenalectomy and factors influencing survival were identified. Results The tumour diagnoses were RCC n = 9, malignant melanoma n = 5, non-small-cell lung cancer n = 5, colorectal carcinoma n = 4, foregut carcinoid n = 2, adrenocortical carcinoma, breast cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, urothelial c...

Science.gov (United States)

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission stipulates in 10 CFR 61 that disposed low-level radioactive waste (LLW) be stabilized. To provide guidance to disposal vendors and nuclear station waste generators for implementing those requirements, the NRC developed the Technical Position on Waste Form, Revision 1. That document details a specified set of recommended testing procedures and criteria, including several tests for determining the biodegradation properties of waste forms. Cement has been widely used to solidify LLW; however, the resulting waste forms are sometimes susceptible to failure due to the actions of waste constituents, stress, and environment. The purpose of this research program is to develop modified microbial degradation test procedures that will be more appropriate than the existing procedures for evaluating the effects of microbiologically influenced chemical attack on cement-solidified LLW. Groups of microorganisms indigenous to ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The influence of surface oxides of variable composition and nonstoichiometry formed at high temperatures in air on the general corrosion resistance of ferritic chromium steel type 08H17T (Fe-17Cr-1Ti) in weak sulfuric acid has been studied. Anodic passive films formed on steel with different pretreatments have also been examined. The surface oxide of nearly stoichiometric composition formed at 300 C provides for the passive state of steel in sulfuric acid despite its depletion by chromium when compared with that for nonstoichiometric Cr-enriched oxide formed at 600 C. The dissolution and transformation of nonstoichiometric thermal surface oxide in sulfuric acid appear to take place through defect sites, {minus}Fe{sup 2+} ions, and oxygen vacancies of the n-type conductor. The passive film formed on the nonstoichiometric oxide film, which had been produced at 600 C, was found to be more susceptible to open-circuit breakdown compared to the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Microstructural analyses by several advanced metallographic techniques were conducted on austenitic stainless steel mockup and core shroud welds that had cracked in boiling water reactors. Contrary to previous beliefs, heat-affected zones of the cracked Type 304L, as well as 304 SS core shroud welds and mockup shielded-metal-arc welds, were free of grain-boundary carbides, which shows that core shroud failure cannot be explained by classical intergranular stress corrosion cracking. Neither martensite nor delta-ferrite films were present on the grain boundaries. However, as a result of exposure to welding fumes, the heat-affected zones of the core shroud welds were significantly contaminated by oxygen and fluorine, which migrate to grain boundaries. Significant oxygen contamination seems to promote fluorine contamination and suppress thermal sensitization. Results of slow-strain-rate tensile tests also indicate that fluorine exacerbates the susceptibility of ...

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Pitting behavior of alloy 800 was investigated as a function of temperature and prefilming in high-temperature water. The behavior was characterized in terms of pitting potential (U{sub p}) and pit density (n{sub p}). U{sub p} decreased with increasing temperature and chloride activity. Prefilming of test coupons over a period between 100 h and 5,000 h in ammoniated water at 300 C had no apparent influence on U{sub p} at room temperature, 180 C, and 300 C. However, the number of pits in prefilmed coupons was much higher than in coupons covered with an air passive layer. The effect of prefilming on pit nucleation was investigated in detail with regard to a model and test methods developed by Bianchi, et al. Density of pits in prefilmed coupons was at least 1 order of magnitude higher than in air passive coupons. Maximum pit density was measured after a prefilming period of 100 h. The effect was discussed in terms of Bianchi`s model and in terms of features of ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dependence of C, N and Nb contents on intergranular corrosion (IGC), strews corrosion cracking (SCC) and mechanical strength of alloy 600 were examined. To evaluate the corrosion resistance of heat affected zone (HAZ), post weld heat treated specimens were used. To evaluate I G C and S C C susceptibility, Ferric Sulfate-Sulfuric Acid Test and High Temperature Water Test were used. Nb is effective as a stabilizer of C. Consequently to prevent corrosion attack on H A Z in high temperature water Nb should be added more than 100 ( % C - 0.005)% and to maintain mechanical strength, Nb should be added more than 3 + 75( %C + %N)%. Modified alloy 600 satisfying above condition was manufactured commercially and its various properties including weldability were confirmed to be excellent.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Measurements are presented of the distribution of average friction factors (f) as well as local and average ({ovr Nu}) heat transfer coefficients for fully developed channel flows with two rib-roughened opposite walls. The temperature measurements were made by using both a laser holographic interferometer and thermocouples. In addition, the reattachment length was determined by flow visualization. The Reynolds number (Re) was varied from 5.0 {times} 10{sup 3} to 5.4 {times} 10{sup 4}; the rib pitch-to-height ratios (Pi/H) were 10, 15, 20; and the rib height-to-hydraulic diameter ratios (H/De) were 0.063, 0.081, and 0.106. The detailed results allowed the peaks of heat transfer augmentation and the regions susceptible to hot spots to be located and allowed the relative contribution of the rib surface and the channel wall to the heat transfer augmentation to be determined. Moreover, relative to a smooth duct, the enhancement of both {ovr Nu} and ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper describes an investigation of electrodeposited Zn-14% Ni and aluminium-based SermeTel 1140/962 coatings as possible replacements for cadmium. Slow strain rate tests were performed to measure the extent of direct hydrogen embrittlement of a high strength steel substrate as a result of the coating process and of hydrogen re-embrittlement caused by coating corrosion. The level of re-embrittlement was shown to depend on both the electrochemical potential of the coating and its barrier properties. Zn-14% Ni coatings caused the most re-embrittlement as they had the most active potential and contained through-thickness defects which left the steel exposed to hydrogen uptake. The microstructure of the high strength steel was also shown to be an important factor affecting the extent of embrittlement. AerMet 100 steel was more resistant than 300M steel and this was attributed to the presence of reverted austenite surrounding the martensite laths in AerMet 100, ...

CERN Document Server

Containing an epidemic at its origin is the most desirable mitigation. Epidemics have often originated in rural areas, with rural communities among the first affected. Disease dynamics in rural regions have received limited attention, and results of general studies cannot be directly applied since population densities and human mobility factors are very different in rural regions from those in cities. We create a network model of a rural community in Kansas, USA, by collecting data on the contact patterns and computing rates of contact among a sampled population. We model the impact of different mitigation strategies detecting closely connected groups of people and frequently visited locations. Within those groups and locations, we compare the effectiveness of random and targeted vaccinations using a Susceptible-Exposed-Infected-Recovered compartmental model on the contact network. Our simulations show that the targeted vaccinations of only 10% ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We report the experimental and theoretical results on the anisotropies in the magnetic properties and x-ray absorption spectra of single-crystal LiFePO4. A mean-field theory is developed to explain the observed strong anisotropies in Lande g-factor, paramagnetic Curie temperature, and effective moment for LiFePO4 single crystals. The values of the in-plane nearest- and next-nearest-neighbor spin exchange (J1 and J2), interplane spin exchange (J{perpendicular}), and single-ion anisotropy (D), obtained recently from neutron scattering measurements, are used for calculating the Curie temperatures with the formulas derived from the mean-field Hamiltonian. It is found that the calculated Curie temperatures match well with that obtained by fitting the magnetic susceptibility curves to the modified Curie-Weiss law. For the polarized Fe K-edge x-ray absorption spectra of single-crystal LiFePO4, a different feature assignment for the 1s4p transition ...

Science.gov (United States)

This case study, conducted from an interpretive paradigm, illuminates contextual factors related to the tutor experience when senior undergraduate dental hygiene students served as tutors for beginning undergraduate dental hygiene students, or sophomores, in a 1-semester, 2-hour long problem-based learning (PBL) course in a Baccalaureate Dental Hygiene (BDH) curriculum during the spring semester of 2008. Data were collected using various sources and methods. Six tutors and three administrators were interviewed, tutees completed an anonymous questionnaire, the tutorial process and tutor training sessions were observed, and related documents were examined. Data analysis included open and axial coding, creation of tutor profiles, and identification of patterns. Tutor behaviors varied with respect to the nature of intervention (e.g., telling, asking, clarifying, acknowledging), emphasis (process, content, social), and facilitation style (directive, suggestive, ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis is an increasing public health concern in many parts of the world, especially in low-income countries, where most cases occur. Traditional drug susceptibility testing...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Wild-type viruses from the ViroLogic phenotype-genotype database were evaluated to determine the upper confidence limit of the drug susceptibility distributions, or “biological cutoffs,”...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Susceptibility disks impregnated with 35 different antibiotics were assayed by the current Code of Federal Regulations method and by a new method employing an agar overlay. The new...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Although humans vary in their response to chemicals, comprehensive measures of susceptibility have generally not been incorporated into human risk assessment. The U.S. EPA dose-response-based risk assessments...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Current methods for drug susceptibility testing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis are either costly or slow. As the prevalence of multidrug-resistant strains increases, the need for fast,...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

A randomized intervention study was conducted to determine if discontinuing use of calf milk replacer medicated with oxytetracycline results in increased tetracycline susceptibility in Salmonella...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

A total of 193 bacterial strains were tested for their susceptibilities to 14 antimicrobial agents. Penicillin G was active at 2 U/ml against 98% of the oral isolates. Other antibiotics with good activity...Full Text Available

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Numerous studies have shown that large, herbivorous waterfowl can reduce quantity of aquatic plants during the breeding or wintering season, but relatively few document herbivory effects at staging areas. This study was done to determine if feeding activities of tundra swans (Cygnus columbianus columbianus) and Canada geese (Branta canadensis) had a measurable additive influence on the amount of aquatic plants, primarily muskgrass (Chara vulgaris), wild celery (Vallisneria americana), and sago pondweed (Potamogeton pectinatus), removed during the fall migration period at Long Point, Lake Erie, Ontario. Exclosure experiments done in fall 1998 and 1999 showed that, as compared to ducks and abiotic factors, these two large herbivorous waterfowl did not have any additional impact on above or b...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Magnesium alloys show a high specific strength and are therefore increasingly used for light-weight constructions in transportation industry.{sup [1,2]} To predict the behaviour of the material under the influence of cyclic loading it is vital to understand the fatigue behaviour of magnesium alloys. Only when understood properly, it is possible to fully apply the potential weight reduction by using magnesium alloys. A very important aspect in fatigue of magnesium alloys is the influence of a corrosive media and elevated temperatures, of which both are relevant in automotive applications. These two factors tend to have deleterious effects on magnesium alloys and therefore also have to be considered in investigations on the fatigue behaviour of magnesium alloys. (Abstract Copyright [2004], Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The presence of an extraneous light gas must be taken into account in consideration of centrifugal separation of uranium isotopes, when there is inevitable leakage of such a gas through the gas sealant and/or leaking in from the atmosphere. Consideration is first given to the influence of the presence of the light gas on the maximum separative power. Then the basic equation for isotope separation containing a light gas is derived from Hirschfelder's diffusion equations. This equation is solved and the separative performance is expressed in terms of the shape factor and reflux parameter. The formulas for expressing the flow configurations of the gases are obtained for a simple model in which inflow and outflow prevail throughout the centrifuge. The corresponding equation for a model in which the gases flow in two concentric thin streams is also derived. It is concluded that the influence provided by the presence of a light ...

Science.gov (United States)

Recent studies have shown Y chromosome microdeletions associated with male infertility. The factors responsible for Y chromosome microdeletions in spermatozoa remain unresolved. However, the environmental pollutants are known to damage DNA in differentiating and maturing germ cells in the male reproductive tract. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of seminal hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) and its isomers, an environmental pollutant, in 50 fertile and 50 infertile males in relation to semen quality and the incidence of Y chromosome microdeletion in azoospermic factor (AZF) region. As compared to control, an increased HCH level and significantly decreased semen quality were observed in the infertile males. A positive significant association was found between sperm count with alpha-HCH and beta-HCH in the infertile males. A negative significant association was observed between sperm counts with gamma-HCH in asthenospermia ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The magnetic susceptibility of single and polycrystalline samples of the A-15 compounds (Vsub(1-x)Crsub(x))_3Si (0 <= x <= 1) is measured at temperatures between 4.2 and 320 K. The magnitude and the temperature dependence of the susceptibility diminish with increasing Cr concentration. Applying a peak model for the density of electronic states it is found that the change of the temperature dependence of the susceptibility with increasing Cr concentration is caused mainly by broadening of the peak in the density of electronic states. (author).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

There are few studies on coke's micro-pore structure in recent years, however, micro-pore structure of foundry coke determines its macroscopically quality index and reactivity in cupola furnace. Effect of such factors on micro-pore structure were investigated under different carbonization conditions with certain ratio of raw materials and material forming process in this article as charging temperature (A); braised furnace time (B); heating rate of the first stage (C)and the second stage (D) and holding time of ultimate temperature (E). Research showed that charging temperature was the most influential factor on the coke porosity, pore volume, pore size and specific surface area. It is suggested that formation of plastic mass and releasing rate of volatile during carbonization period are two main factors on microstructure of foundry coke while charging temperature contributes most to the above ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A number of properties in steel components are detrimentally influenced when exposed to hydrogen environments. Under these conditions, atomic hydrogen is adsorbed on the steel surface, then absorbed and preferentially transported towards tri-dimensional stressed regions in the crystal lattice and into defects such as interfaces or dislocations. The hydrogen embrittlement susceptibility is strongly influenced by various microstructural parameters including the type of inclusions, steel composition and heat treating conditions. One of the alternatives employed in minimizing hydrogen embrittlement is the use of surface barriers for hydrogen permeation. In particular, the presence of surface nitride layers in steels can be considered as an effective barrier. Nitride steel surface layers can be produced by plasma nitriding with the concomitant benefits of improved surface hardness, as well as superior wear and fatigue ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ferrofluids have promising potential for heat transfer applications, since advective transport in a ferrofluid can be readily controlled by using an external magnetic field. However, unlike conventional free or forced convection, ferrohydrodynamic convection is not yet well characterized. A full understanding of the relationship between an imposed magnetic field, the resulting ferrofluid flow, and the temperature distribution is a prerequisite for the proper design and implementation of applications involving thermomagnetic convection. The literature variously assumes constant magnetic fields, does not completely represent the variation in the imposed field, or its descriptions are inaccurate, since the fields do not comply with the Maxwell's equations of electromagnetism. We address this by simulating two-dimensional forced convection heat transfer in a channel with a ferrofluid that is under the influence of a two-dimensional magnetic field created by a ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

During outbreaks, Microdiprion pallipes (Fall.) is the most destructive of the pine sawflies in Sweden. Its distribution includes most provinces, but damaging outbreaks have until recently occurred only in two inland areas in northern Sweden. These areas are characterised by high elevation, a harsh climate, and slow tree growth. The four recorded outbreak periods showed a 10 year periodicity. Outside these areas, a lesser outbreak occurred in 1988 to 1990, on the east coast (province of Uppland). Outbreak patterns, life history variation, and mortality factors were studied. Factors that may explain the distribution of outbreaks and the population patterns were identified.Experimental and observational evidence on the potential of various factors to influence fecundity, dispersal, and survival was evaluated. In the outbreak areas, there were few major population factors. Parasitism ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

A solvent extraction method was developed to obtain methanolic extracts rich in antioxidants from banana peel. Central composite design ''2^3+star'' and response surface methodology were used in order to optimise the number of extraction steps, extraction temperature and extraction time. The number of extractions was statistically the most significant factor in scavenging activity against both DPPH? and ABTS?^+ radicals and in the inhibition of TBARS formation, while the extraction temperature had an important impact on the capacity to prevent b-carotene bleaching. However, the effect of the extraction time on antioxidant activity was less important. The optimum values of the factors that influence the capacity to scavenge DPPH? and ABTS?^+ radicals or to inhibit b-carotene bleaching were ...

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A variety of observations suggest that the Universe had a hot dense origin and that the pregalactic composition of the Universe was determined by nuclear reactions that occurred in the first few minutes. There is no unique hot Big Bang theory, but the simplest version produces a primeval chemical composition that is in good qualitative agreement with the abundances deduced from observation. Whether or not any Big Bang theory will provide quantitative agreement with observations depends on a variety of factors in elementary particle physics (number and masses of stable or long-lived particles, half-life of neutron, structure of grand unified theories) and from observational astronomy (present mean baryon density of the Universe, the Hubble constant and deceleration parameter). The influence of these factors on the abundances is discussed, as is the effect of departures from homogeneity and isotropy in the early Universe.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

An analysis of the passive films formed on amorphous alloys of the system Fe-10% Cr-5% Mo-P-metalloid and Fe-10% Cr-5% Mo-B-Si revealed that they are more markedly enriched with chromium in silicon-free alloys. In silicon-containing amorphous alloys the passive films were highly enriched with silicon, which occurred in these films in the form of a corrosion product close to SiO/sub 2/. As shown by the investigations of a study of the anodic behavior of Fe/sub 40/Ni/sub 40/P/sub 14/B/sub 6/ and Fe/sub 40/Ni/sub 38/Mo/sub 4/B/sub 18/, phosphorus facilitates the passivation of amorphous alloys by reducing the solution current in the active state and enriching the surface layers of the metal in the form of a black prepassivation film which also contains nickel and iron. The behavior of Fe-Ni amorphous alloys containing only boron as metalloid additive differs little from that of crystalline alloys of similar composition but without the boron. The authors note that in this survey they have ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In this paper, we report on a series of experiments designed to study the influence of plasma nitriding on the mechanical properties of austenitic stainless steel. Plasma nitriding experiments were conducted on AISI 304L steel in a temperature range of 375-475 C using pulsed-DC plasma with different N{sub 2}-H{sub 2} gas mixtures and treatment times. Firstly the formation and the microstructure of the modified layer will be highlighted followed by the results of hardness measurement, adhesion testing, wear resistance and fatigue life tests. The modified surface was analyzed directly after plasma nitriding as well as using a depth profiling method. The microhardness after plasma nitriding is increased up to 19 GPa, that is a factor of five higher compared to the untreated material (3.3 GPa). The adhesion is examined by Rockwell indentation and scratch test. No delamination of the treated layer could be observed. The wear rate after plasma ...

CERN Document Server

Not long ago primary census data became available to publicity. It opened qualitatively new perspectives not only for researchers in demography and sociology, but also for those people, who somehow face processes occurring in society. In this paper authors propose using Data Mining methods for searching hidden patterns in census data. A novel clustering-based technique is described as well. It allows determining factors which influence people behavior, in particular decision-making process (as an example, a decision whether to have a baby or not). Proposed technique is based on clustering a set of respondents, for whom a certain event have already happened (for instance, a baby was born), and discovering clusters' prototypes from a set of respondents, for whom this event hasn't occurred yet. By means of analyzing clusters' and their prototypes' characteristics it is possible to identify which factors ...

Science.gov (United States)

"The focus of this study was to examine the structural, social, and attitudinal factors that influence an individual?s decision to choose an IT career. The findings revealed many differences among male and female high school students? attitudes and intentions. Although many stereotypes existed among the male and female students, perceptions appeared to be similar within the population. For boys, computer and technical skills had a stronger association with attitudes toward IT than for girls. For girls, social issues showed a strong association with attitudes toward IT. Overall, the intention to pursue IT as a career was most likely to prevail within the population of the high school boys."

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Discusses Czechoslovak regulations for determining moisture content in brown coal. Standard formulae for determining total moisture content and residual water content are described. Factors that influence accuracy in determining moisture content under laboratory conditions are analyzed: brown coal type, season of the year, air humidity, method and duration of coal sample drying, number of coal samples simultaneously dried in 1 dryer, ash content of coal. On the basis of analysis recommendations for a modified method of determining moisture content in brown coal are made. 5 refs.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

An isotopic exchange method was used to label lipiodol with [sup 131]I. The labelling efficiency was > 92.5%, and the radiochemical purity of [[sup 131]I]lipiodol was above 98% as determined by ITLC. The influencing factors e.g. the heating temperature, reaction, pH and storage conditions were studied and the optimum conditions were determined. In a pilot study injecting [[sup 131]I]lipiodol for the treatment of hepatoma, about 70% of hepatoma patients had a response to the treatment with a reduction of [alpha]-fetoprotein and decrease of hepatoma sizes. The overall median survival was 9 months (range 2-17 months). (author).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The procedure followed by the Laboratorio de Metrologia Nuclear (LMN) at the IPEN - CNEN/SP, in Sao Paulo, for modifying the NPL-CRC radionuclide sample holder in order to adapt for IPEN vials is presented. For the quality assurance of the results using the IPEN vials, the influence of variation in dimensions and volume of solution has been investigated and suitable correction factors were applied. The solutions used in the present work were "5"1Cr "9"9"mTc "1"5"3Sm, and "2"0"1Tl. (author)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A study is presented of the influence of ethylenediamine-tetraacetic acid (EDTAA) on the antimicrobial properties of a number of bactericidal additives for cutting fluids. During the testing both the microbiological and primary physical-chemical properties of the cutting fluids were determined. The duration of protective action of the additives vazin, vazin FD, formacide-13, kamcide-5 and furacylin was determined with and without EDTAA in Ukrinol-1 cutting fluid. Though EDTAA itself did not show great duration of antibacterial effect, when combined with the other additives it lengthened their time of protection by a factor of 2.2 to 2.7. 10 references.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The process of miniemulsification allows the generation of small, homogeneous, and stable droplets containing monomer or polymer precursors and magnetite which are then transferred by polymer reactions to the final polymer latexes, keeping their particular identity without serious exchange kinetics involved. It is shown that the miniemulsion process can excellently be used for the formulation of polymer-coated magnetic nanoparticles which can further be used for biomedical applications. The use of high shear, appropriate surfactants, and the addition of a hydrophobe in order to suppress the influence of Ostwald ripening are key factors for the formation of the small and stable droplets in miniemulsion and will be discussed. Two different approaches based on miniemulsion processes for the encapsulation of magnetite into polymer particles will be presented in detail.

Science.gov (United States)

The dynamic response characteristics of the vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) rotor are important factors governing the safety and fatigue life of VAWT systems. The principal problems are the determination of critical rotor speeds (resonances) and the assessment of forced vibration response amplitudes. The solution to these problems is complicated by centrifugal and Coriolis effects which can have substantial influence on rotor resonant frequencies and mode shapes. The primary tools now in use for rotor analysis are described and discussed. These tools include a lumped spring mass model (VAWTDYN) and also finite-element based approaches. The accuracy and completeness of current capabilities are also discussed.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

After presenting the advantages of applying neutron moisture gages to the continuous measurement of blast-furnace coke moisture and explaining the factors influencing the measurement accuracy, the necessity of calibrating these devices under flow conditions and the encountered difficulties are discussed. Using statistical methods it has been observed that the main source of calibration errors is the sampling phase. Based on results of mathematical processing, a new calibration method with higher performance - compared with the earlier ones - is proposed. This method allows to achieve high accuracy in a relatively short time. (author).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This work presents analsysi of the eddy current brake. It presents a new formula for the braking force when the actual width of the pole is considered. This formula is suitable for both thin and thick discs and may be employed for wide range of working speed. This force is obtained by solving a two dimensional field problem for magnetic vector potential and then by employing Lorentz force equation. A comture program is constructed to calculate the braking force and to study the effect of various factors influencing the brake performance. The results are summarised in a group of curves which may be useful for design purposes.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Anesthetic techniques vary widely in the endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms (EVAR). Previous studies have demonstrated the feasibility of using local anesthesia. However, the ideal anesthetic technique has not been determined. This study examines whether anesthesic technique influences the outcomes of EVAR. Data regarding demographics, risk factors, procedural characteristics, recovery characteristics, treatment complications, acute ( 0.05, ANOVA). From these results we concluded that EVAR with local anesthesia is a safe and efficacious method that may reduce recovery times and postoperative medical morbidity compared to use of genera1 or spinal/epidural anesthesia.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper reported on a study that evaluated the energy consumption of cotton gins used in Australia. The average electricity use is 52.3 kWh per bale. In practicality, the electricity consumption for different gins is correlated linearly with the bale numbers produced. The cost of electricity is therefore important in cotton ginning operations. The power factor in all the gins monitored in this study was greater than 0.85. The study showed that the use of gas dryers was highly influenced by the cotton moisture and regulated drying temperature. In general, electricity and gas consumption comprised 61 and 39 per cent of total energy use respectively. The study showed that 60.38 kg of carbon dioxide are emitted for ginning each bale of cotton. This paper described a newly developed method for monitoring the energy performance in cotton gins. Detailed monitoring and analysis carried out at 2 gin sites revealed that electricity consumption is not ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Some of the Indian pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWRs) which use Stellite balls in the ball and screw mechanism of the adjustor rod drive mechanism in the moderator circuit have encountered high radiation fields in the moderator system due to "6"0Co. Release of particulate Stellite is responsible for the hotspots in addition to the general uniform contamination of internal surfaces with "6"0Co. Extensive laboratory studies have shown that it is possible to dissolve these Stellite particles by adopting a three-step redox process with permanganic acid as the oxidizing agent. These investigations with inactive Stellite in powder form helped to optimize the process conditions. Permanganic acid was found to have the highest dissolution efficiency as compared to alkaline and nitric acid permanganate. The susceptibility of Stellite to corrode or dissolve was found to depend on the concentration of the permanganate, pH and temperature of the process and microstructure ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The medical applications of radiation comprise three main fields namely: Diagnostic Radiology, Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine. With the new weighting factors of ICRP (IC91a) the effective dose due to medical applications can be established. I is common to separate the effective dose into the genetic part and the somatic part, SED. In dealing with gonad doses it is important to account for the age of the person at the time of exposure as this will influence the number of children still to be expected from that person. The resulting dose will then be called the genetically significant dose, GSD. In a similar fashion this age factor will be important in considering the chance of tumor induction. The age of patients differs considerably from the average age of the general population. This age difference has to be accounted for if a comparison is to be made with other sources of radiation. This justifies establishing a ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The main problems arising in decommissioning nuclear-powered submarines (NPS) relate to choosing a concept of handling reactor compartments followed by handling technology development. Reactor compartments (RC) are characterized with extremely space-saving or integral layout of large-size power equipment and systems, restricted access for dismantling, high radiation dose rates in a number of bays of RC. The above RC features pose a problem to find optimum option of RC utilization which on the one hand would be the most cost efficient, and the safest as possible on the other, i.e. dose commitments of personnel involved should be minimum, and effect on population and environment should be negligible. The main radiation factors specifying safety in RC handling at any decommissioning stage are as follows: (1) total radioactivity integrated in reactor facility (RF); (2) distribution of this radioactivity through RF equipment and structures; (3) forms the radioactivity ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The main objective of this paper is to identify conditions which affect public concern (either increase or decrease) and political acceptance for developing and implementing programmes for geologic disposal of long-lived radioactive waste. It also looks how citizens and relevant actors can be associated in the decision making process in such a way that their input is enriching the outcome towards a more socially robust and sustainable solution. Finally, it aims at learning from the interaction how to optimise risk management addressing needs and expectations of the public and of other relevant stakeholders. In order to meet these objectives, factors of relevance for societal acceptance conditions are identified, described and analysed. Subsequently these factors are looked for in the real world of nuclear waste management through cases in several countries. The analysis is conducted for six stages of a repository programme and implementation ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Certain 6000-series extrusions may develop susceptibility to intergranular corrosion (IGC) by improper heat treatment, especially if copper is present as an alloying element. Although occurrence of IGC in such cases is documented, the underlying mechanisms are not adequately explained. We present corrosion data for two model alloys, having different Cu content and Mg:Si ratio, showing that the susceptibility to IGC depended primarily on the Cu content and secondly on thermal processing. Low Cu samples (0.0005 wt.% Cu) were essentially resistant to IGC. High Cu samples (0.12 wt.% Cu), which were air cooled after extrusion, exhibited significant IGC. However, IGC susceptibility was reduced significantly as a result of artificial aging to peak strength. Water quenched high Cu samples were essentially resistant to IGC. However, slight IGC susceptibility was introduced after aging. Electron optical ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Main results are summarised for a project carried out with the aim of increasing the knowledge of relations between handling characeristics and properties such as moisture content, particle size and shape etc. Handling characteristics that were studied: angle of repose, friction between fuel and different surfaces, the fuel`s tendency to bridge across openings, and its freezing characteristics. Some forty solid biomass fuels were studied, mainly wood fuels, with particle sized from 1 to 200 mm. New methods were developed for measurement of bridging across openings and freezing characeristics. The angle of repose varied between 25 and 55 deg. The particle shape had a significant influence, a high ratio of length/thickness gave a high angle of repose. When the fuel moisture content was increased the angle of repose first increased, then decreased, and finally increased again. The particle size had no influence. The friction depended more on the ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

SUMMARYSmokers are more susceptible than non-smokers to persistent infection by Porphyromonas gingivalis, a causative agent of periodontitis. Patients who smoke...Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

... magnetic susceptibility magnetization monocrystals neutron diffraction

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

... range magnetic fields magnetic susceptibility magnetization neutron diffraction

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Aging is a biological process that affects most cells, organisms and species. Human aging is associated with increased susceptibility to a variety of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease,...Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

... SCIENCE SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Zirconia-based restorations are widely used in prosthetic dentistry; however, their susceptibility to hydrothermal degradation remains elusive. We hypothesized that CAD/CAM machining and subsequent...Full Text Available

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LEDF (Large Equipment Dismantling Facility) will be constructed for the purpose of decontaminating the high level {alpha} solid waste generated in oarai engineering center of JNC. And, main processing process of LEDF is incineration and melting system. LEDF will be intended to reduce the secondary waste that occurs along with the operation of the off gas processing equipment of incineration and melting system. It assumed that we are able to eliminate the adsorption tower using silica gel, if the decontamination factor to volatile ruthenium is able to expect in the packed scrubber that is established to remove harmful gas. Thereupon, we carried out this tests that eliminates the adsorption tower and reduces the secondary waste. The decontamination factor (DF) to the volatile ruthenium by the water scrubber is confirmed in the established institution which is in Tokai Works. However, decontamination factor differs and depends ...

Science.gov (United States)

Background: Protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) controls platelet integrin function, tissue-factor (TF) activation, and concentrates at fibrin and thrombus formation sites of vascular injury. Objective: We investigated involvement of surface thiol isomerases and especially PDI, in thrombin-mediated thrombin amplification on human platelets. Methods/Results: Using a new developed thrombin-dependent platelet thrombin generation assay we observed that the feedback activation of thrombin generation on the platelet surface does not depend on TF, as anti-TF antibodies inhibiting TF-induced thrombin formation in platelet-depleted plasma had no effect compared to vehicle-treated controls. Feedback activation of thrombin generation in the presence of platelets was significantly diminished by membrane impermeant thiol blockers or by the thiol isomerase-inhibitors bacitracin and anti-PDI antibody RL90, respectively. Platelet thrombin formation depends on binding of coagulation ...

Science.gov (United States)

... Title : THE INFLUENCE OF GRAIN BOUNDARY CARBIDE DENSITY ON THE BRITTLE FRACTURE OF FERRITE PEARLITE STEELS. ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Effects of ethanol in vitro on membrane vesicles were evaluated by monitoring "3"6Cl"- influx. Different assay parameters were tested to determine increased or decreased action of ethanol on GABA-activated chloride channels. The ability of 30 mM ethanol to augment "3"6Cl"- flux was seen at 0 degree C, in the absence of GABA, and at 34 degree C in the presence of GABA, using two different assay procedures. Picrotoxin blocked the direct effects of ethanol suggesting GABA_a involvement. Endogenous GABA in the medium surrounding the microsacs was assayed at different temperatures both in the presence and absence of GABA and ethanol. The direct effect of ethanol did not appear to involve the action of endogenous GABA. In addition to temperature effects on the assay, time of membrane storage also influenced ethanol action. Microsacs stored on ice for 2 hours or more lost their ability to respond to ethanol but not to GABA, pentobarbital or flunitrazepam. When these drugs ...

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An experimental rig was set up to study the performance of a thermal storage unit using stearic acid as the heat storage medium. The unit mainly consists of an electrical heating rod and an outer tube, and the space between is an annulus that is filled with stearic acid. The thermal performance of the unit is measured, and the heat transfer characteristics of the melting processes of stearic acid are studied under different heat flux conditions to determine the influence of heat flux on the melting processes. A new type of fin is designed and fixed to the electrical heating rod to enhance the thermal response of the stearic acid. The experimental results show that the fin can improve the heat transfer of the melting process of the thermal storage unit greatly. The equivalent thermal conductivity of the PCM can be augmented by a factor up to 3. The analysis of the experimental results shows that the enhancement mechanism of the fin is attributed ...

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This report aims to address the potential for solid polymer fuel cell (SPFC) systems to be successfully exploited in the combined heat and power (CHP) market. A number of market studies have been undertaken to look at the size and future potential for this CHP market as well as such issues as market forces and geographical locations. This study focuses on a different aspect, that of the technical and commercial requirement together with the development needs. In order to understand how an SPFC system will have to perform, it is first necessary to examine the criteria used to judge the commercial merits of a particular CHP scheme. Issues that must be addressed include: the investment criteria - time to pay back the investment or rate of return on the investment; the influence of external factors such as electricity cost tariffs, fuel price and regulatory requirements; the cost and performance of existing technology; and the ...

Science.gov (United States)

Designer natriuretic peptides (NPs) represent an active area of drug development. In canine and human studies, the designer natriuretic peptide CD-NP demonstrated more desirable therapeutic potential than recombinant B-type NP (BNP), which is known as nesiritide and is approved for treatment of acute decompensated heart failure. However, why CD-NP is more effective than BNP is not known. We previously reported that CD-NP is a poorer activator of human guanylyl cyclase-A (GC-A) and a better activator of human guanylyl cyclase-B than BNP. Here, guanylyl cyclase bioassays were used to compare the susceptibility of CD-NP verses ANP, BNP, CNP and DNP to inactivation by human kidney membranes. The half time (t(1/2)) for CD-NP inactivation was increased by factors of 13, 3 and 4 compared to ANP, BNP and CNP, respectively, when measured in the same assay. Surprisingly, DNP failed to undergo complete inactivation and was the most degradation resistant ...

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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 ...

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Shale oil as a fuel source would need to compete with crude oil. The prospects for shale oil therefore depend upon the market outlook and likely prices for crude oil and its products. These are examined for both the world and Australia. For Australia, market prospects for shale oil are assessed in terms of maintaining a degree of self-sufficiency in petroleum fuels. Shale oil might also need to compete with other synthetic liquid fuels. The prospects for producing these in Australia are discussed. Some factors which might influence the pattern of development of a synthetic fuels industry in Australia are described and a role suggested for the federal government to ensure optimum development for national economic growth. 6 refs., 1 fig.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Although past research has reported the benefits of intuition in new product decision-making (i.e., higher quality product; enhanced customer satisfaction), intuition has largely been studied as an individual phenomenon and little work has examined the role of intuition on new product development (NPD) project teams. Furthermore, in a turbulent environment, NPD project teams may rely more on intuitive judgments, and other factors such as experience and stress may also influence the relationship between team intuition and team decision making. Drawing from the organizational design literature on creativity in decision making, this study builds a conceptual model of NPD team intuition and its effect on the team's ability to generate creative new products. We then derive hypotheses regarding ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

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...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

With the preeminence of A-15 superconducting multifilamentary wires in magnet technology, it has become important to understand the thermodynamic factors influencing the formation of these compounds under solid-state reaction conditions. The six systems Nb--Sn, Nb--Ga, Nb--Ge, Nb--Al, V--Si, and V--Ga were prepared as single filament bronze wires and heat treated in an attempt to precipitate the appropriate A-15 compound. The compounds observed to form were categorized using a formation temperature ratio (stability index) based on the melting temperatures of the constituents which make up the single filament composites. This study has led to several predictions regarding the formation of A-15 compounds using a solid-state bronze diffusion technique. The results of experimentation based on these predictions are presented.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bisaminoethanethiol (BAT) ligands with various gem-dimethyl and amide groups were prepared, and the corresponding neutral Tc-99m complexes were prepared and evaluated for their relative stabilities by ligand-exchange reactions. It was demonstrated that technetium complexes containing gem-dimethyl substituents have higher lipophilicities, whereas those with an amide group possess greater stability, which enhances ligand-exchange reaction. The most interesting observation was that the brain uptake in rats is not determined only by lipophilicity. Apparently, Tc-99m complexes with an amide functional group display lower brain uptakes in rats compared to those without an amide group. The brain uptake was strongly influenced by substituents on the BAT ligand. These factors are critically important and should be taken into consideration when designing Tc-99m-labeled agents for CNS receptor imaging.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Improved radionuclide generator include a substantially insoluble salt of a radioactive parent which may be directly packed in column for subsequent elution of the daughter radionuclide. An improved 188Re generator was prepared by reacting a radioactive tungsten (188W) as parent radionuclide incorporated with aluminum chloride to obtain an insoluble radioactive aluminum tungstate matrix. The investigated matrix was characterized on the basis of the chemical composition, IR, thermal analysis and mechanical stabilities. The factors affecting the elution performance were studied such as influence of pH, molar ratio and drying temperature. From the obtained data, the molar ratio W:Al was 1.5:1 at pH?=?4, the matrix dried at 105??C for 2 h. Chromatographic and multichannel analysis has been cur...

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Thermoluminescence of inorganic dust extract from herbs and spices has been demonstrated to be a useful method to discriminate irradiated food products as well as to estimate the total dose exposure. The time evolution of infrared stimulated luminescence has been systematically investigated in potassium feldspar and albite minerals subjected to different doses of gamma irradiation (ranging from 0 to 8 kGy). Experimental results reveal a 300-600 nm signal which is greatly intensified for irradiated samples, following the same irradiation dose dependence observed in thermoluminescence. The luminescence intensity disappears after few seconds of illumination, following a time evolution which is proportional to (1 + Bt){sup -P}. The influence of both B and P factors upon the irradiation dose has been systematically analysed. (author)

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Ozone is the most important regional-scale air pollutant causing risks for vegetation and human health in many parts of the world. Ozone impacts on yield and quality of crops and pastures depend on precursor emissions, atmospheric transport and leaf uptake and on the plant?s biochemical defence capacity, all of which are influenced by changing climatic conditions, increasing atmospheric CO2 and altered emission patterns. In this article, recent findings about ozone effects under current conditions and trends in regional ozone levels and in climatic factors affecting the plant?s sensitivity to ozone are reviewed in order to assess implications of these developments for future regional ozone risks. Based on pessimistic IPCC emission scenarios for many cropland regions elevated mean ozone lev...

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The factors influencing premixed burning and the importance of premixed burning on the exhaust emissions from a small high-speed direct-injection diesel engine were investigated. The characteristics of premixed and diffusion burning were examined using a single-zone heat-release analysis. The mass of fuel burned in premixed combustion was found to be linearly related to the product of engine speed and ignition-delay time and to be essentially independent of the total amount of fuel injected. Accordingly, the premixed-burned fraction increased with increasing engine speed, with decreasing fuel-air ratio and with retarding injection timing. The hydrocarbon emissions did not correlate well with the premixed-burned fraction. In contrast, the oxides of nitrogen emissions were found to increase with decreasing premixed-burned fraction, indicating that diffusion burning, and not premixed burning, is the primary source of oxides of nitrogen emissions.

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MRI diagnosis for malignant tumors are made possible by direct comparison to the results obtained by the brain and it seems possible to differentiate malignant tumors from other benign lesions. Cystic lesions, and mycotic sinusitis sometimes resemble malignant tumors in MR Image. In the present report, we investigated the relationships between the biochemical contents of cystic lesions and NMR-parameters to clarify why some inflammatory lesions appeared similar to malignant tumors in MRI. The variation of relaxation time depends upon the amount of protein in the cystic contents and the amount of glucose affects the relaxation time. We conclude that NMR-parameters are useful for the differential diagnosis of malignant tumors, cystic lesions and mycositic sinusitis by using the multiple variation analysis.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling has been shown to regulate lung epithelial development but its influence on mesenchymal differentiation has been poorly investigated. To study the role of mesenchymal FGF signaling in the differentiation of the mesenchyme and its impact on epithelial morphogenesis, we took advantage of Fgfr2c+/? mice, which due to a splicing switch express Fgfr2b in mesenchymal tissues and manifest Apert syndrome-like phenotypes. Using a set of in vivo and in vitro studies, we show that an autocrine FGF10?FGFR2b signaling loop is established in the mutant lung mesenchyme, which has several consequences. It prevents the entry of the smooth muscle progenitors into the smooth muscle cell (SMC) lineage and results in reduced fibronectin and elastin deposition. Levels of...

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The influence of common welding defects such as internal under-cut, incomplete penetration of the root bead, internal concavity and hollow bead have been evaluated in a sour environment. Tests were performed on samples cut from actual pipeline welds. The individual defects were subjected to slow strain rate testing. The samples were then examined by metallography, scanning electron microscopy, and hardness testing. It was established that a threshold stress intensity exists for sulphide stress cracking. The test results were compared to those obtained from samples of the weld and pipe which did not contain any defects. This comparison indicated that the metallurgical variations associated with the presence of a weld are the main factor for sulphide stress cracking rather than any specific defects or geometry. 5 tabs., 9 figs.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Eu3+ ions are anchored on TiO2 matrix by coupling with 2,2'-bipyridyl 4,4'-dicarboxylic acid. Five different luminescence centers are observed for TiO2|2,2'-bipyridyl 4,4'-dicarboxylic acid|Eu3+ electrodes due to electron transitions between d and f orbitals. Photo-luminescence of TiO2|2,2'-bipyridyl 4,4'-dicarboxylic acid|Eu3+ electrodes is increased by attaching 2-thenoyltrifluoroacetone to Eu3+ ions. Immersion of TiO2|2,2'-bipyridyl 4,4'-dicarboxylic acid|Eu3+|2-thenoyltrifluoroacetone electrodes in propylsulfide is found to be further increased intensities of luminescence bands by a factor of three.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Objective: A growing body of data from genetic, immunological and clinical studies indicates an involvement of the immune system in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and suggests that the modulation of the cytokine system by antipsychotics may be one cause for the improvement of psychotic symptoms. However, the influence of the typical antipsychotics chlorpromazine and haloperidol, and the effect of typical and atypical antipsychotics on the TSST-1-stimulated blood cell secretion of cytokines, and specifically the interleukin (IL)-17 production have not been studied so far, although IL-17 is a leading pro-inflammatory cytokine. Method: We measured levels of IL-1@b, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-17 and tumor necrosis factor-@a (TNF-@a) in stimulated blood of 10 healthy female subjects in a whole ...

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Pd/Ag alloy hollow spheres have been synthesized in ethylene glycol solution by the solvothermal method and have been characterized extensively. TEM results have revealed the formation of Pd/Ag hollow spheres. Moreover, HRTEM results confirmed the formation of Pd/Ag alloy spheres, where the lattice fringe spacing is 0.229 nm corresponding to the (111) plane of Pd/Ag alloy. SEM, XRD and UV-vis results have further suggested the formation of alloy hollow spheres. The preliminary results showed the reaction time may be an importance factor influencing the formation of Pd/Ag alloy hollow spheres.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Mechanomyography (MMG) is the muscle surface oscillations that are generated by the dimensional change of the contracting muscle fibers. Because MMG reflects the number of recruited motor units and their firing rates, just as electromyography (EMG) is influenced by these two factors, it can be used to estimate the force exerted by skeletal muscles. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of MMG for estimating the elbow flexion force at the wrist under an isometric contraction by using an artificial neural network in comparison with EMG. We performed experiments with five subjects, and the force at the wrist and the MMG from the contributing muscles were recorded. It was found that MMG could be utilized to accurately estimate the isometric elbow flexion force based on the v...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The environmental impact caused by local people (ecological footprint of consumption, EFc) and the actual environmental impact that the ecosystem burdens (ecological footprint of production, EFp) in West Jilin Province, Northeast China from 1986 to 2006 were evaluated by using ecological footprint (EF) method. And the major driving forces of EFc and EFp were analyzed by STIRPAT model. Both EFc and EFp showed increasing trends in 1986?2006, accompanied by decreasing ecological deficits but expanding ecological overshoots. Population (P), GDP per capita (A 1), quadratic term of GDP per capita (A 2), urbanization (T a1), and quadratic term of urbanization (T a2) were important influencing factors of EFc, among which T a2 and T a1 were the most dominate driving forces of EFc. A 1, A 2 and T a2...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

ABSTRACT This research examined whether the Internet improves life satisfaction. The study surveyed 195 college students, and a structural model was built to explain effects of the Internet on school life satisfaction using a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). In line with social cognitive theory and literature on social effects of the Internet, current data supported the hypotheses that Internet use, perceived online social support, and online social self-efficacy had direct positive impacts on school life satisfaction. Offline extroversion, online extroversion, online social self-efficacy, and online social outcome expectations influenced school life satisfaction indirectly: offline extroversion acted through social online self-efficacy and online extroversion; online social self-effica...

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Nuclear generation operators are facing a challenging business environment at the beginning of the new millennium. Evolving changes in business context, competitive commercial pressures, and changes in technology have dictated recurring evaluation of operational practices and the adequacy of supporting tools, and the pursuit of opportunities for operational improvement. A key area of utility operations that has been impacted by these changes is the nuclear plant control centre. Changes to workspace layout, equipment provisions, staffing, and work organization are examples of some of the adjustments being introduced to improve operational and safety effectiveness. This paper discusses some of the key factors influencing these changes and identifies additional design principles for CANDU control centres that will enable new control centre designs and retrofits of existing control centres to remain relevant and responsive to utility needs. ...

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An overview of climatic factors and impact relative to river ice engineering and science is presented. An explanation of the fundamentals of climatic change is followed by a review of direct and indirect climatic influences that govern river ice breakup and related trends. Known responses of river ice to climatic change and potential future changes to ice breakup processes are described along with the probable ecological and socio-economic consequences of these changes. Changes in engineering approaches to accommodate the present ice regime and predicted changes in climatic variables that affect river ice processes and reduce the vulnerability of infrastructure and ecosystems to climatic change are examined. Future research on the links between river ice and stream ecology is suggested to identify ecological concerns that may result from changes in river ice regimes induced by climatic change. 60 refs., 3 figs.

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The treatment of Be-contaminated wastewater has been paid little attention, although beryllium (Be) and its compounds are of high toxicity. In this research, aerobic granule was for the first time introduced to remove Be from aqueous solution. Influencing factors including reaction time, initial Be concentration, pH, biosorbent dosage, and coexistent metal ions (Cd, Cu, and Fe) were investigated in batch experiments. The aerobic granule, characterized by element analysis and CLSM, was abundant in carboxyl, phosphoryl, amine and hydroxyl groups. Potentiometric titration experiment demonstrated that the pH effect on biosorption depended on the surface charge of granule (pHzpc=2.4) and the species of Be (Be^2^+, Be(OH)^+, and Be(OH)2) in solution. The coexistent metal ions would either inhibi...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Calcaneus quantitative ultrasound (QUS) assessment is a safe and reliable method for evaluating skeletal status. Until now, considerable data have been accumulated on the distribution of QUS in Caucasian populations, whereas such data are still insufficient in Asian populations, especially in Chinese mainland. The present study aimed to obtain the distribution characteristic of calcaneus QUS in healthy Chinese women, and to further investigate the distribution of low bone mass by QUS stiffness index (SI). This study included 2,498 healthy Chinese females aged 10-87 yr. The QUS exhibited a characteristic mild rise and then fall pattern with increasing age. Age, body height, and weight were significant influencing factors on SI, especially age and weight. The prevalence of osteoporosis detec...

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As part of Pilot Project of KIP of CAS, a feasibility study of hydrogen production system using biomass residues is conducted. This study is based on a process of oxygen-rich air gasification of biomass in a downdraft gasifier plus CO-shift. The capacity of this system is 6.4 t biomass/d. Applying this system, it is expected that an annual production of 480 billion N m{sup 3} H{sub 2} will be generated for domestic supply in China. The capital cost of the plant used in this study is 1328/(N m{sup 3}/h) H{sub 2} out, and product supply cost is 0.15/N m{sup 3} H{sub 2}. The cost sensitivity analysis on this system tells that electricity and catalyst cost are the two most important factors to influence hydrogen production cost. (author)

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Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1 (IL-1) have been shown to stimulate bone resorption in vitro. We have now investigated whether these cytokines also cause a similar action when administered in vivo. This was made possible by the adaptation of a newly developed technique that enables the continual assessment of bone resorption in vivo in mice by measuring urinary excretion of {sup 3}H from ({sup 3}H)tetracycline-prelabeled animals. Experiments using maneuvers known to influence bone resorption, such as a change in dietary calcium or administration of parathyroid hormone or dichloromethylenebisphosphonate, indicate that the technique is reliable and sensitive in mice. Daily intravenous administration of either recombinant human or recombinant murine TNF-alpha, as well as subcutaneous administration of recombinant human IL-1 alpha, were found to stimulate bone resorption in a dose-dependent manner. The effect was maximal ...

Science.gov (United States)

Somatogenic hormones play an important role in regulation of receptors for prolactin (PRL) and estrogen. Plerocercoids of the tapeworm, S. mansonoides produce a factor which mimics some, but not all of the actions reported for GH. Intact female rats were subjected to a constant infusion of plerocercoid growth factor (PGF) via a subcutaneous infection for two weeks to determine if PGF influences receptors for PRL, GH or estradiol. The rate of weight gain in the PGF-treated rats was accelerated in spite of a marked reduction in serum GH. Partially-purified PGF specifically displaced [125I]hGH from rat liver receptors but microsomes prepared from rats treated with PGF specifically bound significantly less [125I]hGH than microsomes from control rats. The reduction in [125I]hGH binding was not due to occupancy or to a change in affinity but to a suppression in receptor concentration. Scatchard analysis of [3H]estradiol binding ...

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The gas-solid reaction and breakthrough curves in the fixed-bed reactor are of great importance, and being influenced by a number of factors makes the prediction of these factors a difficult problem. In this study, the reaction rate between solid sorbents and hydrogen chloride gas at high temperature was first investigated. On the basis of a fixed-bed reactor, the experimental results were analyzed by the shrinking core model of diffusion and surface chemical reaction control. The results showed that reaction rates of two sorbents with hydrogen chloride gas were controlled by the combination of the surface chemical reaction and diffusion of product layers, and the reaction rates nearly keep constant within 15 h of the initial reaction period and then decrease gradually. The results of the breakthrough curves show that solid sorbents in the fixed-bed reactor are capable of reducing the HCl level to near-zero levels at ...

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This paper presents a study on the crystallization and growth mechanism of selenium nanowires induced by silver nanoparticles at ambient conditions with special reference to the effects of factors such as the shapes and size of silver nanoparticles, the induced reaction time, and the molar ratio of Ag{sup 0} to SeO{sub 3}{sup 2-} ions. The synthesis approach is conducted with no need of any stabilizers, and with no sonochemical process and/or templates. It is found that whether silver spherical particles or colloids can lead to the formation of nanowires with average diameter of 25 nm and lengths up to a few micrometers, and silver nanoplates lead to the formation of flat Se nanostructures. In particular, Au, Cu, Pt, and Pd particles cannot induce the growth of selenium nanowires in aqueous solution at room temperature. The results indicate that silver particles play a critical role in determining the growth of selenium nanowires. The lattice match between ...

Science.gov (United States)

Summaries are presented for those research contracts which expired between December 31, 1960 and December 31, 1981. Topics covered include: factors controlling distribution of fission products in biosphere, non-destructive methods of evaluating the U/sup 235/ and Pu content of irradiated fuel elements, studies of contamination in local marine resources, tracer studies of anemia, non-destructive analysis of irradiated fuel elements using a flux integrating monitor, mechanism of proteolysis of I/sup 131/-labeled fibrinogen, radiosensitivity of spermatogonia of Drosophila melel elements by gamma scanning, uptake and loss of radioactive material by marine bacteria, factors which influence the movement of radioactive strontium from soils to plants, biological concentration of fission products in mollusks from water, decay scheme of Tl/sup 210/, calcium balance in metabolic bone disease, development of ...

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Corrosion in drilling and well stimulation is described in relation to acid corrosion inhibition, acid inhibitors, acetylenic inhibitors, synergistic blends, metallurgy, wellbore tubulars, coiled tubing, and high alloy tubular materials. Acidizing is a procedure for stimulating oil and gas wells. Factors that have an important influence on the reaction rate and the way in which acid reacts with rock include temperature, acid concentration, acid volume, injection velocity, acid viscosity, and fluid loss properties of the formation. The cost of drill pipe failures are $1 per fot of hole drilled, which is a significant fraction of the drilling cost. Steps in a test procedure are listed, as well as factors which determine the extent of acid corrosion in a given situation including acid type and strength, metal type, temperature, contact time; pressure, and volume/surface area ratio. Underbalanced drilling is a method for ...

Science.gov (United States)

The X-point linear chain model for electronic structure of A-15 compounds is shown to lead to a weakly temperature dependent magnetic susceptibility ?(T) = 3micro2?N(0) tanh (?~ / T) is serious disagreement with experiment. Supported in part by NSF-DMR76-20641; AROD-DAHCO4-75-G-0052; and FRAP-CUNY 11453.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The susceptibility of solid "3He is deduced from multiple echoes observed in pulsed NMR experiments. It follows a Curie Weiss law at high temperature, increases faster than this law below 5 mK and drops abruptly around 1 mK. (Auth.).

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The CASTOC project addresses environmentally assisted cracking (EAC) phenomena in low alloy steels used for pressure boundary components in both Western type boiling water reactors (BWR) and Russian type pressurised water reactors (VVER). It comprises the four work packages (WP): inter-laboratory comparison test (WP1); EAC behaviour under static load (WP2), EAC behaviour under cyclic load and load transients (WP3); evaluation of the results with regard to their relevance for components in practice (WP4). The use of sophisticated test facilities and measurement techniques for the on-line detection of crack advances have provided a more detailed understanding of the mechanisms of environmentally assisted cracking and provided quantitative data of crack growth rates as a function of loading events and time, respectively. The effect of several major parameters controlling EAC was investigated with particular emphasis on the transferability of the results to components in service. The ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The inverse susceptibilities of the monopnictides and monochalcogenides of the light rare earths plotted vs. temperature flatten off at high temperatures. This behaviour is well explained by van Vleck paramagnetism of the excited states of the multiplet. For almost all actinide pnictides and chalcogenides a similar flattening-off is observed. Since spin orbit coupling is much stronger than in the light rare earth compounds an analogous interpretation is not possible. Susceptibility curves for uranium compounds can be fitted by adding a temperature dependent enhanced Pauli paramagnetism to the Curie-Weiss term (modified Curie-Weiss law). The high temperature susceptibility behaviour of neptunium compounds is very similar to uranium compounds i.e. an appreciable deviation from the Curie-Weiss law is only visible for the chalcogenides. The plutonium chalcogenides show a temperature independent paramagnetism, which can be ...

Science.gov (United States)

Context: The Balanced Budget Act (BBA) of 1997 allowed some rural hospitals meeting certain requirements to convert to Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) and changed their Medicare reimbursement from prospective to cost-based. Some subsequent CAH-related laws reduced restrictions and increased payments, and the number of CAHs grew rapidly. Purpose: To examine factors related to hospitals' decisions to convert and time to CAH conversion. Methods: Eighty-nine rural hospitals in Iowa were characterized and observed from 1998 to 2005. Cox proportional hazards models were used to identify the determinants of time to CAH conversion. Findings: T-test and one-covariate Cox regression indicated that, in 1998, Iowa rural hospitals with more staffed beds, discharges, and acute inpatient days, higher operating margin, lower skilled swing bed days relative to acute days, and located in relatively high density counties were more likely to convert later or not convert before 2006. ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

There are currently no accepted industry standards for the tensile strain limits of girth welds. This paper investigated the behavior of girth welds with buried defects subjected to high longitudinal strains caused by soil movement. A strain design methodology based on a crack driving method was used to examine the factors influencing stain limits along with a constraint-sensitive fracture mechanics approach. No strength undermatching was used in the welds, and the defect location had no influence on crack driving force. The weld joint was assumed to have uniform tensile properties. A 3D finite element (FE) model was used to simulate pipe behavior. Symmetric boundary conditions were imposed on the symmetry planes, and uniform remote axial displacement was applied as the primary loading. Automated data processing routines were developed to extract and analyze the data. The crack driving force was computed directly from a ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The influence of sediment dwelling macroinvertebrates on fate and bioavailability of contaminants in freshwater systems was determined using the burrowing mayfly, Hexagenia limbata, as a representative benthic organism. Two series of experiments were conducted: the first to determine the effect of mayflies on movement of contaminants into sediment and organisms, and the second to examine the effect of mayflies on release of contaminants from sediments to the water column and their subsequent accumulation in fish. Concentrations of "1"4C labelled DDT, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), and dihexylphthalate (DHP) in water were 0.11 +/- 0.01, 0.062 +/- 0.005 and 0.006 +/- 0.007 ppb, respectively. Total mass of DHP in the burrow wall was about equal to mass on the surface, indicating that mayflies were capable of doubling the amount of DHP sorbed per unit surface area of sediment. Adsorption of contaminants from water pumped through mayfly burrows increased depth of penetration ...

Science.gov (United States)

The subjective experience of one's environment is constructed by interactions among sensory, cognitive, and affective processes. For centuries, meditation has been thought to influence such processes by enabling a nonevaluative representation of sensory events. To better understand how meditation influences the sensory experience, we used arterial spin labeling functional magnetic resonance imaging to assess the neural mechanisms by which mindfulness meditation influences pain in healthy human participants. After 4 d of mindfulness meditation training, meditating in the presence of noxious stimulation significantly reduced pain unpleasantness by 57% and pain intensity ratings by 40% when compared to rest. A two-factor repeated-measures ANOVA was used to identify interactions between meditation and pain-related brain activation. Meditation reduced pain-related activation of the contralateral primary ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

As part of a coordinated program, AECL is developing a set of tools to aid with the prediction and management of steam generator performance. Although stress corrosion cracking (of Alloy 800) has not been detected in any operating steam generator, for life management it is necessary to develop mechanistic models to predict the conditions under which stress corrosion cracking is plausible. Therefore, constant extension rate tests were carried out for Alloy 800 under various steam generator crevice chemistry conditions at applied potentials. These tests were designed to evaluate the stress corrosion cracking susceptibility of Alloy 800 under CANDU( steam generator operating conditions. Based on the experimental results, the recommended electrochemical corrosion potential/pH zone for Alloy 800 determined by electrochemical polarization measurements was verified with the respect of stress corrosion cracking susceptibility. The effects of lead ...

Science.gov (United States)

Dust detection and control in real time, represent one of the most challenging problem in all those environments where fine and ultrafine airborne particulate solids products are present. The presence of such products can be linked to several factors, often directly related and influenced by the working-production actions performed. Independently from the causes generating dust, airborne contaminants are an occupational problem of increasing interest as they are related to a wide number of diseases. In particular, airborne dusts are well known to be associated with several classical occupational lung diseases, such as the pneumoconiosis, especially at high levels of exposure. Nowadays there is also an increasing interest in other dust related diseases, from the most serious as cancer and asthma, to those related with allergies or irritation and other illnesses, also occurring at lower levels of exposure. Among the different critical ...

Norwegian Open Research Archives (NORA)

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KoreaScience (Korea)

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Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

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Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

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International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The electrical resistivity, Hall effect, and magnetic susceptibility of single-crystal UPd_2Si_2 have been studied between 4.2 and 300 K. A large anisotropy was observed in both the magnetic and transport properties. There is a quadratic temperature dependence of the resistivity for a range of temperatures between 4.2 and 80 K. At higher temperatures, the resistivity indicates a Kondo-type behavior. The behavior of these quantities is accounted for by the magnetic phase transitions at 108 and 136 K reported from neutron-scattering studies. At high temperatures, the magnetic susceptibility of UPd_2Si_2 is Curie-Wiess-like along the c axis. The temperature dependence of the Hall coefficient above 108 K is accounted for by a theoretical model invoking skew scattering of conduction electrons by localized magnetic moments.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Early failure of an induction-hardening carbon steel pipe, which was used to transport tailing slurry, was caused by pitting corrosion. The microstructure on the internal pipe surface layer was found being a mixture of martensite, pearlite and ferrite. In this work, the pitting corrosion behavior of each constitute in the microstructure of steel is investigated with electrochemical noise analyses; the electronic properties of passive films were studied with Mott-Schottky relationship. It is found that the passive films formed on the materials under investigation are highly disordered n-type semiconductors. The high-to-low pitting susceptibility is ferrite > martensite > pearlite. The pitting resistance is related to the semiconductive nature of the passive film formed on each constitute. The pitting susceptibility increases with the donor concentration in the passive films. (author)

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

For the purpose of nationwide surveillance of the antimicrobial susceptibility of bacterial respiratory pathogens collected from patients in Japan, the Japanese Society of Chemotherapy conducted a third year of nationwide surveillance during the period from January to April 2008. A total of 1,097 strains were collected from clinical specimens obtained from well-diagnosed adult patients with respiratory tract infections. Susceptibility testing was evaluable with 987 strains (189 Staphylococcus aureus, 211 Streptococcus pneumoniae, 6 Streptococcus pyogenes, 187 Haemophilus influenzae, 106 Moraxella catarrhalis, 126 Klebsiella pneumoniae, and 162 Pseudomonas aeruginosa). A total of 44 antibacterial agents, including 26 ?-lactams (four penicillins, three penicillins in combination with ?-lacta...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Enterococci are mostly isolated from urinary tract infections (UTIs). Increasing antibiotic resistance affects the success rate in empirical treatment, thus makes antibiotic susceptibility tests important. The aim of this study was to determine the species distribution and resistance patterns of Enterococcus strains isolated from urine samples to antibacterial agents including fosfomycin in a teaching hospital, Istanbul. The identification of 100 Enterococcus strains were determined by using conventional methods and API 20 Strep (bioMerieux France). The susceptibility testing was performed by disk diffusion and Etest. The majority of isolates were E. faecalis (67%), followed by E. faecium (33%). The ratio of E. faecalis to E. faecium was 2.03/1. E. faecalis and E. faecium strains were resi...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Eukaryotic genomes encode a zinc finger protein (ZPR1) with tandem ZPR1 domains. In response to growth stimuli, ZPR1 assembles into complexes with eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1A (eEF1A) and the survival motor neurons protein. To gain insight into the structural mechanisms underlying the essential function of ZPR1 in diverse organisms, we determined the crystal structure of a ZPR1 domain tandem and characterized the interaction with eEF1A. The ZPR1 domain consists of an elongation initiation factor 2-like zinc finger and a double-stranded {beta} helix with a helical hairpin insertion. ZPR1 binds preferentially to GDP-bound eEF1A but does not directly influence the kinetics of nucleotide exchange or GTP hydrolysis. However, ZPR1 efficiently displaces the exchange factor eEF1B from preformed nucleotide-free complexes, suggesting that it may function as a negative regulator of eEF1A activation. ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Although the public generally hold positive attitudes towards wind energy, proposals for the construction of new wind farms are often met with strong resistance. In New Zealand, where the government has recently introduced ambitious policy targets for renewable energy generation, negative perceptions of wind farms are increasingly evident and have the potential to prevent the achievement of these targets. This research sets out to examine what influences social resistance to wind farms in New Zealand. Drawing from public submissions on three wind farm proposals, a framework developed by Devine-Wright [Devine-Wright, P., 2005a. Beyond NIMBYism: towards an integrated Framework for Understanding Public Perceptions of Wind Energy. Wind Energy 8, 125-139.] was used as the basis for identification of factors affecting public perceptions of wind farms. The research found firstly that there was no apparent relationship between the proximity of ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In 1995, 25,8 % of the world electricity consumption was of nuclear origin, while in the EU this figure is increased up to 50,6 %. In order to maintain and even to increase its share in the electricity generation, Nuclear Energy needs to achieve a good economic performance as a base load source when compared with its competitors, basically coal and gas fired plants. Fossil-fired generation costs have declined over the past ten years, mainly due to lower fossil fuel prices. This factor together with the recently observed tendency of higher discount rates to be applied are challenging the attractiveness of the nuclear energy. Nuclear energy is a capital intensive option. Taken into account extensive standardization programs has been established aiming at cost reductions as well as to increase efficiency of nuclear energy utilization, among their main purposes. Externalities play an important role, as they are already internalized in nuclear generation costs. This is ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The rice blast resistance (R) gene Pi-ta mediates gene-for-gene resistance against strains of the fungus Magnaporthe grisea that express avirulent...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundTobacco smokers are more susceptible to periodontitis than non-smokers but exhibit reduced signs of clinical inflammation. The underlying mechanisms are unknown. We have...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The activities of some semisynthetic penicillins and cephalosporins have been tested against clinical strains of Staphylococcus aureus. The apparent activity in vitro varies with the method of testing...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Sunbed use is associated with increased risk of melanoma. Younger people might be more susceptible to the carcinogenic effects of ultraviolet radiation. We investigated the association between...Full Text Available

Science.gov (United States)

All Streptococcus pneumoniae strains isolated from paediatric clinical samples at Heraklion University General Hospital in the 10-year period 2000-2009 were tested for serotype and susceptibility to antimicrobials. Among a total of 258 strains, 159 were isolated in the 5-year period 2000-2004, before the introduction of the heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7), and 99 in the post-PCV7 5-year period 2005-2009. The prevalence of PCV7-included serotypes decreased in the post-PCV7 period (p?=?0.0002), but an increase was observed for serotypes 7F (p?=?0.002) and 19A (p?=?0.004). Pan-susceptibility rates and susceptibility to cotrimoxazole increased in the post-PCV7 period (p?=?0.01 and p?=?0.008, respectively), but serotype 19A emerged as a contributor to multi-resistance (p?=?0.007). PCV7 was followed by decreased S. pneumoniae resistance and prevalence of vaccine-related serotypes but increased prevalence of ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

A preventive medicine program of rubella control for trainees at the Air Force Military Training Center, Lackland AFB, Texas, was begun in October 1977. Incoming trainees were screened for rubella susceptibility,...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The past decade has seen rapid advances in the identification of associations between candidate genes and a range of common multifactorial disorders. This paper evaluates public attitudes towards the...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The latest-generation cochlear implant devices provide many deaf patients with good speech recognition in quiet listening conditions. However, speech recognition deteriorates rapidly as the level of...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Purpose:Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains are commonly classified as hospital-acquired (HA) or community-acquired (CA). Typical HA-MRSA...Full Text Available

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