UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Three homeologous genes encoding a sucrose (Suc) transporter (SUT) in hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum), TaSUT1A, 1B, and 1D, were...Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

No abstract prepared.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The effects of gamma irradiation at 0.2#approx#0.4 Mrad and condition for processing of buckwheat noodles on sensory quality and physical properties were investigated. The results were as follows: (1) Sensory evaluation of buckwheat noodles, prepared with the 70 % ratio of buckwheat flour, was decreased according to an increase of irradiation dose of buckwheat flour. Hardness and adhesiveness of buckwheat noodles caused by irradiation should be given large effect to the texture. Elasticity of buckwheat noodles was linearly decreased with increasing of irradiation dose of buckwheat flour, and elasticity of buckwheat noodles was decreased about 15 % by an increase of irradiation dose at 0.3 Mrad. (2) Maximum torque in Farinograph test was linearly decreased with increasing of irradiation dose of buckwheat flour, and maximum torque was decreased about 3 % by increasing of irradiation dose with 0.1 Mrad. (3) Sensory evaluation was also decreased by ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The dielectrical properties of organosilicon sealants have been studied in the wide range of temperatures in the low and radio frequencies range. The effect of thermal treatment and #gamma#-irradiation on these properties is discussed.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

... chemical radiation effects decomposition extraction columns gamma radiation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Effects of gamma irradiation on hygienic quality and extraction yields in twenty-one kinds of Korean medicinal herbs were investigated. Gamma irradiation at 5-10 kGy inactivated contaminating microorganisms. The total extraction yield in fifteen kinds of the investigated medicinal herbs increased by 5-25% by a dose of 10 kGy. (author)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In view of the interest in the use of gamma irradiation to extend the storage life of pre-packaged foods a report is made on the effects of gamma radiation on the migration of Irganox 1076 and Irganox 1010, antioxidants present in food packaging plastics, into synthetic triglyceride fatty-food simulant HB307 and iso-octane. The extent of migration was assayed by h.p.l.c. techniques. Migration into HB307 and iso-octane decreased steadily as irradiation progressed suggesting that gamma irradiation of packaging materials helps to prevent the contamination of food by antioxidants in the packaging. (U.K.).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

... kev range 10-100 kev range 100-1000 man mev range 01-10 personnel

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Summary Background The incidence of food allergy to wheat is increasing. Its diagnosis depends on the purity of major allergens and their inclusion in tests. Isolation and characterization of wheat allergens are therefore of utmost importance. Objective To purify and identify wheat flour allergens most frequently recognized by patients' IgE antibodies and to study their allergenicity. Methods Water/salt-soluble extracts from wheat flour were prepared and separated using a combination of ultrafiltration, isoelectric focusing and liquid chromatography. Purified proteins were analysed by immunoblotting using pooled sera from patients with atopic dermatitis who possessed IgE specific to wheat. Wheat proteins found to bind IgE were subsequently identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ion...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Development of food preservation and processing techniques by radiation was performed. Gamma irradiation at 2-10 kGy is considered to be an effective method to control pathogenic bacteria in species including Escherichia coli O157:H7. Gamma irradiation at 5 kGy completely eliminated pathogenic bacteria in beef. Gamma irradiation at such doses and subsequent storage at less than 4 deg C could ensure hygienic quality and prolong the microbiological shelf-life resulting from the reduction of spoilage microorganisms. Gamma irradiation on pre-rigor beef shortens the aging-period, improves tenderness and enhances the beef quality. And, a new beef processing method using gamma irradiation, such as in the low salt sausage and hygienic beef patty was developed. Safety tests of ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This project has intended to develop alternative techniques to be used in food industry for food processing and utilization by safe irradiation methods. For improvement of rheology and processing in corn starch by irradiation, the production of modified starch with low viscosity as well as with excellent viscosity stability became feasible by the control of gamma irradiation dose levels and the amount of added inorganic peroxides to starch. Also, this project was developed the improvement methods of hygienic quality and long-term storage of dried red pepper by gamma irradiation. And, in Korean medicinal plants, 10 kGy gamma irradiation was effective for improving sanitary quality and increasing extraction yield of major components. For the sanitization of health and convenience foods, gamma irradiation was more effective ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

For investigating carryover of some organophosphorus pesticide residues in the cereal food chain from grain to consumer, a study was set up on wheat bran, flour and cookies, with and without bran. Special emphasis was given to malathion and chlorpyrifos-methyl residues in cookies for better protection of consumers. Pesticide-free wheat was placed in a small-scale model of a commercial storage vessel and treated with these pesticides. The residue levels of insecticides were determined in wheat, as well as in bran, flour and cookies produced from stored wheat at various time intervals during storage. A multiresidue analysis was performed using GC-NPD and GC-MS. Malathion and chlorpyrifos-methyl residue levels were higher than the maximum residue limits (MRLs) in wheat after 240days of storag...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The project was designed to solve the infra structural problem required for commercialization of food irradiation. In improvement of physical properties of corn starch, gamma irradiation was effective for increasing glucose productivity and for substituting traditional modified starches (acid modified starch, oxidized starch). In immobilization of microorganisms, the mass production method of natural red pigment was developed by using immobilized mold pellets. In Korean medicinal plants, 10 kGy gamma irradiation was effective for improving sanitary quality and increasing extraction yield. In evaluation of wholesomeness, gamma irradiated red ginseng could be safe on the genotoxic point of view. And also, six items of irradiated foods approved for human consumption from Korea ministry of health and welfare in May 19, 1995. 30 figs, 20 tabs, 54 refs. (Author).

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundPuccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici is a fungal pathogen causing stripe rust, one of the most important wheat diseases worldwide. The...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

In vitro translation systems were prepared with supernatant factors from wheat germ and 80S ribosomes from wheat germ, barley embryos, watermelon cotyledons, pea cotyledons, and castor...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Protoplasts were isolated from the leaves of nitrate-cultured wheat (Triticum aestivum L. var. Frederick) seedlings. When incubated in the dark, protoplasts accumulated nitrite under...Full Text Available

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The purpose of this article was to study the dissipation rate of carfentrazone-ethyl in soil and its terminal residue in wheat field eco-system. The results showed that carfentrazone-ethyl dissipated rapidly in soil after application. Its half-lives in soil were 5.8 and 3.8?h in Beijing and Jilin, respectively. The terminal residues of carfentrazone-ethyl in soil samples were very low (around 0.003?0.005?mg/kg), and the residues in wheat grain were not detectable. The use of carfentrazone-ethyl in wheat could be considered to be safe.

Science.gov (United States)

Project ZEUS was designed to characterize the effects of long-term gamma irradiation on free-ranging meadow voles, and to determine the lowest level of radiation at which biological effects are discernible in the population. Behavioural tests are consider...

Science.gov (United States)

... the hydroxyl group with the benzene ring. The molar extinction coefficients for the various species at their respective absorption ... Glya Recorded by 1H-NMR Spectroscopy TABLE 2 Molar Extinction Coeff...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

We studied the dose-response effects of #gamma#-irradiation on the weight gains of the body and the brain in ICR mice exposed to various doses of "6"0Co #gamma#-irradiation ranging from 0 to 1.5 Gy on day 13 of pregnancy (E13). We found that 0.5 Gy #gamma#-irradiation caused a significant reduction in brain weight but not in body weight among 6-week-old mice. Higher doses (1.0, 1.5 Gy) seriously inhibited body and brain development, resulting in significantly low weights at 6 weeks of age. A significantly lower brain weight among fetuses exposed to 1.5 Gy was found as early as 24 hours after exposure, while significant reductions in the body weight of these same fetuses appeared 3 days after exposure. The effects of radiation on brain and body development were similar for both males and females. (author).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Radioisotope facilities were operated to support research, development and production of radioisotopes. Irradiation facilities were operated to offer irradiation service to the clients. Even though intensive periodical checks and some essential maintenance had been carried out the results of RI facility maintenance seemed to be not much satisfactory due mainly to the shortage of skilled manpower and maintenance expenses. High intensity {gamma} irradiator was normally operated 426 times for overall 3,440 hrs, and the low intensity {gamma} irradiator was operated 157 times for overall 11,092 hrs, respectively. (author)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wood-plastic combination (WPC) was produced by {gamma}-irradiation of persimmon impregnated with acrylonitrile and styrene. The hardness and strength of WPC obtained were higher than those of an unmodified wood. Thus, it was found that the WPC is suited for a head of golf club, because the Shore hardness value of WPC is 36% greater than that of unmodified wood. An impregnation method of monomers with some pigments could produce colored WPC without diminishing natural grain. Head of golf club could be manufactured from colored WPC in practice. (auhtor).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Spectra of e.p.r. radicals in cellulose and timber gamma-irradiated at 77 and 300 K have been measured. Radiation yields and the kinetics of radicals accumulation have been studied. The effect of ionizing radiation on cellulose is the appearance of radicals resulting from rupture of C-H bonds in positions 1 and 4. Timber, additionally, forms ''lignin'' radicals. A mechanism of cellulose and timber radiolysis is suggested. ''Lignin''-type compounds present in timber protect polysaccharides from radiation-induced destruction.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

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

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The wholesomeness of irradiated wheat was investigated in a series of experiments involving several species of animals and a small number of children, at the National Institute of Nutrition in India. Our observations indicated some effects following the feeding of freshly irradiated wheat while no such changes were found in the groups fed either unirradiated or stored irradiated wheat. Also, there were no significant differences between the groups fed unirradiated and stored irradiated wheat. Based on these results, a recommendation had been made to the government that when subjected to irradiation, wheat should be stored for at least 3 months before considering it as safe for human consumption. Similar experiments conducted in an establishment of the Department of Atomic Energy in India indicated no undesirable effects, unlike those found in our studies, and this had led to the ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Radiation damage and its recovery in the light emittance efficiency and the attenuation length of barium fluoride (BaF_2) scintillator have been investigated. The light yield and transmittance of small samples of BaF_2 scintillator were measured after #gamma#-irradiation from 0.5x10"4 to 1.1x10"5 Gy for deterioration, and after sunlight exposure for recovery. Suspension of deterioration was observed both in light yield and in attenuation length at an integrated dose of #gamma#-rays of about 10"4 Gy. Fairly good and quick recovery of the deteriorated BaF_2 scintillator was obtained by sunlight exposure. Using a Monte Carlo simulation method, the dependence of the light emittance efficiency on #gamma#-irradiation and sunlight exposure was studied. It has been found that the light emittance efficiency, as well as the attenuation length, is influenced by #gamma#-irradiation and sunlight exposure. (orig.).

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

In order to study the species composition of endophytes from wheat healthy plants in Buenos Aires Province (Argentina) and to determine their infection frequencies from leaves, stems, glumes and grains, wheat plants were collected from five cultivars at five growth stages from crop emergence to harvest. A total of 1,750 plant segments (leaves, stems, glumes and grains) were processed from the five wheat cultivars at five growth stages, and 722 isolates of endophytic fungi recovered were identified as 30 fungal genera. Alternaria alternata, Cladosporium herbarum, Epicoccum nigrum, Cryptococcus sp., Rhodotorula rubra, Penicillium sp. and Fusarium graminearum were the fungi that showed the highest colonization frequency (CF%) in all the tissues and organs analysed. The number of taxa isolated...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

A simple enantioselective HPLC method was developed for measuring carfentrazone-ethyl enantiomers. The separation and determination was accomplished on an amylose tris[(S)-a-methylbenzylcarbamate] (Chiralpak AS) column using n-hexane/ethanol (98:2, v/v) as mobile phase at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min with UV detection at 248 nm. The effects of mobile-phase composition and column temperature on the enantioseparation were discussed. The accuracy, precision, linearity, LODs, and LOQ of the method were also investigated. LOD was 0.001 mg/kg in water, 0.015 mg/kg in soil and wheat, with an LOQ of 0.0025 mg/kg in water and 0.05 mg/kg in soil and wheat for each enantiomer of carfentrazone-ethyl. SPE was used for the enrichment and cleanup of soil, water, and wheat samples. Recoveries for two enantio...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In the Peruvian natural forest there are several kind of woods, some of those are not of commercial interest, because have not resistance at termites and wet, are too soft, or can not be well finished, in the others. The present work is devoted to improvement of the physical properties of wood, such as hardness, traction, wet resistance, etc., by means of the generation of a composite wood-polymers cured by using gamma irradiation. The main objective is to establish the main parameters for the polymerization process (economic technical aspect) that decrease the amount of water absorption, in consequence the volumetric variation of Catahua, Mohena and Capirona woods. Gamma irradiation also provides good protection against the biological agents. In consequence, these woods increase its intrinsic and economic values. (author)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hyperquenching of liquid water with cooling rates of 10{sup 6}-10{sup 7} K s{sup -1} yields glassy water. Upon {gamma}-irradiation at 77 K, the only paramagnetic species accumulating in hyperquenched glassy water are the hydroxyl and hydroperoxyl radicals. There are no hydrogen atoms or electrons seen by the ESR technique. For irradiation doses up to about 70 kGy, the relative contributions of hydroxyl and hydroperoxyl radicals to the total amount of paramagnetic species remain virtually constant. The total amount of paramagnetic species, n, is sublinear in dose, d, well approximated by n=8.55x10{sup 16}d{sup 0.8} for n in spin g{sup -1} and d in kGy.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ferrite of system, namely Ni_1_-_xZn_xFe_2O_4 with x = (0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0), have been prepared by solid state reaction to investigate the effect of gamma rays irradiations using Co"6"0 source on the cation distribution, structural and magnetic properties. The unirradiated and irradiated samples were then subjected to characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction, magnetization and AC susceptibility. The results of these characterizations are found to be different for irradiated from that of the pristine sample. The modifications in respect of irradiated samples are explained in terms of the ion-induced disorder. The important result of #gamma#-irradiation on the cation distribution, structural and magnetic properties is the change of ratio Fe"2"+/Fe"3"+. Possible reasons on the results are proposed.

Wastenet

... Although the rest of the country is less affected, if UK annual feeding and milling volumes of wheat are approximately 120,000t the drought will inevitably result in a shortfall. Looking back at the 2010 season the organic arable market performed strongly, with average feed wheat values since Christmas of 𧷐/tonne - 䀆/t higher then the same period last year. This provided a profitable ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Grain yield is a major goal for the improvement of durum wheat, particularly in drought-prone areas. In this study, the genetic basis of grain yield (GY), heading date (HD), and plant height (PH) was...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Six genotypes of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) differing in grain protein concentration were grown on a nutrient solution containing low concentrations of NO₃⁻...Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Effect of two organic chemicals viz., 2,4-dinitrophenyl hydrazone (C_1) and naphthyl ethylene diamine (C_2) was studied by their application alone and together (Csub(1+2) at the rate of 10 ppm by growing wheat on a loamy soil (Typic ustochrept) containing recently immobilized fertilizes N of "1"5N - urea applied at 60, 120 and 180 ppm N to preceding rice under greenhouse conditions of a rice-wheat sequence. The application of C_1 and C_2 alone; and their combined application (Csub(1+2) produced 12, 15 and 18 per cent higher wheat grain yield over no-chemical application i.e. Co (3.50 g/pot). The chemicals also showed their beneficial effect on utilization of recently immobilized fertilizer N, as was evidenced by significantly higher "1"5N recovery values in wheat with C_1, C_2 and Csub(1+2)(2.84, 3.63 and 3.54 per cent, respectively) than that of Co (2.29 per cent). The soil N fractions were affected by ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Plantago ovata Forsk - an economically important medicinal plant - was analyzed for trace elements and chlorophyll in a study of the effects of gamma radiation on physiological responses of the seedlings. Proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) technique was used to quantify trace elements in unirradiated and gamma-irradiated plants at the seedling stage. The experiments revealed radiation-induced changes in the trace element and chlorophyll concentrations.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Two strains of Rhizobium: Rhizobium Tropici and Mesorhizobium Ciceri nodulating respectively common bean and chickpea were treated by gamma irradiation (60Co) source. Radiosensibility analysis showed that 800 Gy was the biggest dose supported by these two strains. We isolated gamma irradiated resistant strain in order to select mutant of them which can supported salt stress and phosphorus deficiency. Salinity analysis showed that Mesorhizobium Ciceri 835 strain, can tolerate up to 18g/l (273 mM NaCl) of salt, whereas, their irradiation mutants tolerate salinity up to 33g/l (564mM. NaCl) Rhizobium Tropici CIAT899 can survive at 20g/l (342 mM) either for control strain or mutants. Analysis of phosphorus deficiency showed that either Rhizobium Tropici CIAT899, or Mesorhizobium Ciceri 835 can survive in medium without phosphore. Our results permit us to screen mutants tolerant to these stresses wide spread ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is ubiquitous in aerobic organisms and constitutes the first link in the enzyme scavenging system of reactive oxygen species. In the present study, species and organ diversity of SOD activity in a solution and in an in-gel assay system, as well as the effects of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on SOD activity, were investigated. In a solution assay system, SOD activity of jackfruit root, shoot, leaves, axes, and cotyledons, of maize embryos and endosperms, of mung bean leaves and seeds, of sacred lotus axes and cotyledons, and of rice and wheat leaves was increased by 1-15 mmol/L H2 O2. However, SOD activity in rice root and seeds, maize roots and leaves, mung bean roots and shoots, and wheat seeds was decreased by 1-15 mmol/L H2O2. The SOD activity of wheat ro...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The objective of this study was to examine the ethanol yield potential of three barley varieties (Xena, Bold, and Fibar) in comparison to two benchmarks, corn and wheat. Very high gravity (VHG; 30%...Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

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

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The application of robotics for repair, refurbishing or dismantling of nuclear installations implies eventually severe radiation resistance requirements on embarked components and subsystems. This is particularly critical when optical sensing is considered. Optoelectronic components and optical fibers are indeed quite sensitive to radiation, and without special design are rapidly out-of-operation in such an environment. This paper reports the results of a series of #gamma# irradiation experiments on such devices, and identify their behavior under radiation. Test results show that carefully selected optical fibers can keep their radiation induced attenuation lower than 0.3 dB/m even up to a total dose of 10 MGy. Temperature annealing can even lower this attenuation down to 0.1 dB/m. On the other hand, commercially available light emitting diodes and photodiodes present attenuations figures up to 15 dB, even after a gamma ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Effects of gamma irradiation on essential oils of five medicinal plants i.e. dried seeds of piper cubeba(cubeb), piper nigrum(black pepper), piper retrofractum, amomum cardamomum(cardamom) and myristica fragrans(mace), packed in low density polyethylene bag of 0.13 mm thickness have been investigated. After being irradiated at doses of 5 and 10 kGy, a part of the samples was analysed, and the rest were stored for six months at temperature of 30 +- 2 degC, and humidity ranging from 70 to 95%. The essential oil characteristics of control, irradiated and six month stored samples were analysed using infrared and ultraviolet spectrophotometers, HPLC, GLC and refractometer. Other parameters observed were moisture content and essential oil content of the samples. Results showed that irradiation up to a dose of 10 kGy do not give any significant effect on these parameters. Significant changes were only found in the essential oil content of piper ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Three high density polyethylene (PE) samples of different origins, with weight average molar masses ranging from 38 to 63 kg mol"-"1 and displaying a semi-ductile behavior with strain at break ?_R values of the order of 100-140%, were gamma irradiated under nitrogen for doses up to 33.3 kGy. Steric exclusion chromatography and rheometry allowed to quantify the crosslink density X. This later reached values ranging from 4.6 to 9.0x10"-"3 mol kg"-"1, i.e. situated below the gelation point. Differential calorimetry, density measurement and small angle X-rays scattering showed the absence of significant changes in the crystalline morphology, especially lamellar dimensions. Tensile testing revealed an unexpected trend towards brittle regime of fracture while yield stress increases significantly at low doses. It appeared that branching disfavors cavitation during yielding, but this effect is not favorable to ductility.

Science.gov (United States)

Accurate crop growth monitoring and yield forecasting are significant to food security and sustainable development of agriculture. However, regional crop growth simulation faces the difficulties in determining the spatial distribution of some model parameters and initial conditions. In this study, regional biomasses at turn-green stage of winter wheat were re-estimated by linking WOFOST model and Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI) synthesized from remote sensing data. Moreover, we proposed a way of combining evapotranspiration derived from satellite remote sensing data to crop grow simulation model. Thus, the regional initial available soil water and irrigation at earring stage were re-initialized and re-estimated by using remote sensing data. Those methods were well applied to simulate the growth and development for winter wheat at local site. After regionalizing of weather data, crop model parameters and initial conditions, those methods ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wood plastic composite (WPC) has been prepared with a low grade wood simul (Salmalia malabarica) of Bangladesh under Co-60 gamma irradiation using MMA as the bulk monomer combined with methanol as the swelling solvent at different urea concentrations. Effect of a second solute such as NVP, TPGDA and TMPTA in the impregnating solution is evaluated. NVP appears to be the best co-additive/second solute among all the additives used to yield the composite with the highest polymer loading (PL) and tensile strength (TS) at 0.5% urea concentration. (author).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This paper presents anew design concept for a gamma irradiation plant for the continuous processing of pumpable liquids. Typical applications of such a plant include: the irradiation vulcanisation of natural latex rubber; disinfection of municipal sewage sludge for agricultural use; sterilisation of liquids in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries; industrial processing of bulk liquids The authors describe the design and operation of the latex irradiator now operating on a small production scale in Malaysia and proposed developments. The design allows irradiation processing to be carried out under an inert or other gaseous environment. State-of-the-art computer control system ensures the fully automatic processing operation needed by industrial computers.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The color centers, which are generated in yttrium-aluminium perovskite (YAP):Nd(1 at.%) and YAP:Er(50 at.%) crystals under the influence of ultraviolet and #gamma#-irradiation, have been studied by absorption spectroscopy. The generated color centers are both stable and transient at room temperature. It is shown that the transient color centers are mainly responsible for the decrease of laser generation efficiency of Nd:YAP and YAP:Er irradiated crystals, although physical mechanisms leading to efficiency decrease are different in these materials. (orig.)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This study was conducted to investigate the decomposition of three {gamma}-irradiated antibiotics (e.g., tetracycline, sulfamethazine, and lincomycin) and to compare the toxic effects on Daphnia magna, Vibrio fischeri, and Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata. The median cell growth inhibition concentrations (IC{sub 50}) of tetracycline, lincomycin, and sulfamethazine for P. subcapitata dramatically increased (e.g., toxicity decreased) after radiolysis. The results demonstrated that {gamma}-radiation treatment was efficient to decompose antibiotics and thereby their toxicity on P. subcaptitata remarkably decreased due to reduced parent compounds.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A wood/polymer composite was produced by impregnating Ramin wood with methyl methacrylate monomer and subsequently polymerizing it by gamma irradiation. To assess the improvement in compression strength of the wood caused by the polymer impregnation, a microbuckling compression failure mechanism was used to model the compression failure of the composite. Such a mechanism was found to predict a linear relationship between the compression strength and the percentage polymer impregnation (by weight). Uniaxial compression test results at 45(#+-#5)% and 90(#+-#5)% relative humidity levels, after being statistically analysed, showed that such a linear relationship was valid for up to 100% polymer impregnation. (author).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Those materials that can be extracted from pine or oak by ether, ethanol, methyl methacrylate (MMA), or benzene--alcohol all act as inhibitors in the #gamma# polymerization of MMA--wood composites. It was found that preirradiation of either the wood or of the wood--monomer combination reduces or eliminates the inhibitory effect. The most practical industrial solution to this problem is to increase the dose, thereby achieving high molecular polymer in the composite. However, the presence of a maximum in the molecular weight--dose curves means that each wood--monomer pair may have a different optimum dose.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Transmissions of sperm by unirradiated and irradiated cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera, were studied by live dissection of females immediately after the initiation of mating. In cotton bollworm the sperm transfer was rather a complex process. In fact unirradiated males failed to transfer sperm in about 19% of their matings. When irradiated with 250 Gy and 400 Gy, aberrations of sperm transmission were about 21% and 50% respectively. The failure of spermatophore 'cap' location was an important reason of sperm transmission aberrations. When females mated to high-dose-irradiated males, their oviposition response appeared abnormal

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A new high-sensitivity wide-bandwidth 1.25-5.5 eV (225-1000 nm) spectrometer has been constructed to measure luminescence emission spectra of minerals that are of interest for optical dating. Spectra of emission resulting from 1.43 eV (IR) excitation after #gamma#-irradiation are reported for 13 cut rock feldspars and 20 feldspar separates. Also reported are phosphorescence spectra following #gamma#-irradiation, and after 1.4 eV excitation. The main differences between the infrared stimulated luminescence spectra and the phosphorescence is the almost complete absence of the violet, 3.1 eV, and yellow-green, 2.2 eV, bands in the phosphorescence, and the presence of a green emission band centred at 2.7 eV in the phosphorescence following #gamma#-irradiation (but absent in the phosphorescence following 1.4 eV excitation). The red, 1.7 eV, band is present in all the phosphorescence spectra but is not always seen during 1.4 eV ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The Radiation Technology Center from IPEN-CNEN/SP, Brazil, developed a revolutionary design and national technology, a small-sized continuous run and multipurpose industrial gamma irradiator, to be used as a demonstration facility for manufacturers and contract service companies, which need economical and logistical in-house irradiation system alternatives. Also, to be useful for supporting the local scientific community on development of products and process using gamma radiation, assisting the traditional and potential users on process validation, training and qualification of operators and radioprotection officers. The developed technology for this facility consists of a continuous tote box transport system, comprising a single concrete vault, where the automated transport system of products inside and outside of the irradiator utilizes a rotating door, integrated with the shielding, avoiding the traditional maze configuration. Covering 76 ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The effectiveness of two organic chemicals, viz. 2, 4-dinitrophenyl hydrazone and naphthyl ethylene diamine applied at the rate of 10 mg kg"-"1 soil to wheat were studied as mobilizers of recently immobilized fertilizer N applied ("1"5N urea) at the rate of 60, 120 and 180 mg kg"-"1 soil to rice under greenhouse condition on a Typic Ustochrept. Rice as a first crop gave "1"5N recovery ranging from 35 to 37 per cent and more than one third of the applied fertilizer N was retained in the soil. Chemicals provided significantly higher mineral N during the initial growth period of wheat grown as a subsequent crop on the soil having different levels of residual nitrogen. "1'5N removal by plants at all the growth stages was significantly higher due to chemicals. The chemicals also showed significant effect in increasing the grain yield which caused higher N uptake and showed "1"5N recovery escalation. The "1"5N recovery at wheat ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Three field experiments were conducted at the research fields of Plant Protection Research Institute, Iran, at different locations in 2004-2005 to study the efficacy of different broadleaved herbicides to control weeds in wheat. Treatments were the full-season hand weeded and weed-infested controls, and post-emergence applications of florasulam plus flumetsulam at 8.75, 10.50, and 12.25ga.i./ha, 2,4-D plus carfentrazone-ethyl at 210, 245, 280, and 490ga.i./ha, bromoxynil plus MCPA at 75, 100, and 150ga.i./ha, 2,4-D at 560, 720, and 1120ga.i./ha, tribenuron methyl, and 2,4-D plus MCPA. Herbicides were applied at wheat tillering stage. Naturally occurring broadleaved weed populations were used in experiments. Results indicated that bromoxynil plus MCPA at 150ga.i./ha, 2,4-D plus MCPA, and 2,...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Two physical pre-treatment methods, particle size reduction by grinding and thermo-mechanical extrusion, were evaluated as alternatives to traditional biomass pretreatments for lignocellulosic ethanol. Commonly available agricultural co-products wheat bran and soybean hull were the model substrates. Extrusion led to higher reducing sugar yields as compared to grinding for wheat bran, but not in the case of soybean hulls. The best combination of extrusion screw speed and maximum barrel temperature were 7 Hz/150 C and 3.7 Hz/110 C. The use of a solvent mixture (sodium hydroxide, urea, and thiourea) and calcium chloride solution in combination with extrusion treatment did not lead to improvement in reducing sugar yield. However, extensive washing to get rid of solvents and enzymatic inhibitors improved the conversion efficiency substantially, resulting in total reducing sugar yields of 60-73% and 25-36%, respectively, for ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The contribution of ear photosynthesis to grain filling in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is not well known. The main objective of this work was to evaluate this contribution through three different experimental approaches: (1) ear photosynthesis was reduced by removing awns or shading the ears (in combination with a defoliation treatment), (2) grain weight per ear was compared in an 'all shaded' crop versus plants where only the vegetative parts were shaded ('ear emerging'), and (3) ear photosynthesis was reduced with DCMU (3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea), a specific inhibitor of photosystem II. In field experiments in La Plata (Argentina), cultivars Klein Escudo and BioINTA 3000 were subjected to awn removal and ear shading treatments, with or without severe defoliation, and to 'a...

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A headspace gas chromatographic (GC) method, which can be automated, has been developed for determination of methyl bromide. This method has been applied to wheat, flour, cocoa, and peanuts. Samples to be analyzed are placed in headspace sample vials, water is added, and the vials are sealed with Teflon-lined septa. After an appropriate equilibration time at 32 degrees C, the samples are analyzed within 10 h. A sample of the headspace is withdrawn and analyzed on a gas chromatograph equipped with an electron capture detector (ECD). Methyl bromide levels were quantitated by comparison of peak area with a standard. The standard was generated by adding a known amount of methyl bromide to a portion of the matrix being analyzed and which was known to be methyl bromide free. The detection limit of the method was 0.4 ppb. The coefficient of variation (CV) was 6.5% for wheat, 8.3% for flour, 3.3% for cocoa, and 11.6% for peanuts.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Two physical pre-treatment methods, particle size reduction by grinding and thermo-mechanical extrusion, were evaluated as alternatives to traditional biomass pretreatments for lignocellulosic ethanol. Commonly available agricultural co-products wheat bran and soybean hull were the model substrates. Extrusion led to higher reducing sugar yields as compared to grinding for wheat bran, but not in the case of soybean hulls. The best combination of extrusion screw speed and maximum barrel temperature were 7 Hz/150 ?C and 3.7 Hz/110 ?C. The use of a solvent mixture (sodium hydroxide, urea, and thiourea) and calcium chloride solution in combination with extrusion treatment did not lead to improvement in reducing sugar yield. However, extensive washing to get rid of solvents and enzymatic inhibit...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The ability of the R46 R factor and its derivative pKM101 to modify sensitivity to "6"0Co #gamma# radiation was studied. In Escherichia coli K12 both plasmids enhanced bacterial survival after "6"0Co #gamma# irradiation. This effect was dependent on recA"+ genotype but not on recB"+, recB"+recC"+, and recF"+ genotypes. 5-Fluorouracil eliminated the R46 R factor from the parent and its rec"- mutant strains. These strains lost not only the antibiotic resistance coded for R46 R factor but their radioresistance as well.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

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)"-"P. The influence of both B and P factors upon the irradiation dose has been systematically analysed. (author)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Upon irradiation of aqueous ethylene glycol/water solutions of native chloroperoxidase (CPO) with "6"0Co-gamma rays at 77K one observes the one-electron reduction of the enzyme active site by radiolytically generated thermolyzed electrons. In the present study the first absorption spectrum of a low-spin ferrous form of CPO is reported which has peaks at 438, 532 and 563 nm, similar to those observed previously for cytochrome P-450. All previously described ferrous forms of CPO are high spin. In order to observe the final results of the CPO reaction with electrons, the spectral changes of native enzyme after room temperature-gamma-irradiation have also been investigated. Evidence of changes is also presented probably connected with disruption of the tertiary structure of enzyme, correlated with decrease of enzyme activity.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The radiation induced reactions in LDPE in the presence of phenolic type antioxidants have been studied. It was shown that various antioxidants can influence the polyethylene network formation and the radical yield in different ways. The dependence of network structure on absorbed doses was determined by gel analysis, hot-set test and extraction of antioxidants for samples irradiated with accelerated electrons. It was found that the antioxidants eluted from polyethylene in higher percentage influence polymer crosslinking to a smaller degree. The ESR studies of #gamma#-irradiated blends of polyethylene with antioxidant indicate the presence of alkyl and phenoxyl radicals. The role of antioxidant molecules on radiation induced reactions in polyethylene-antioxidant systems is considered. The correlation between the network structure and the type of additive in polyethylene is also discussed. (author).

Science.gov (United States)

Summaries are included of research contracts which expired prior to Dec. 31, 1960. The contracts were concerned with investigations of: electrophysiological responses of biological systems in nerve cells to irradiation with small doses of ionizing radiations; the mode of the protective action of certain sulfhydryl compounds against radiation effects on the synthesis of deoxyribonucleic acid, using tritium-labeled thymidine; development of a bubble chamber method of monitoring and dosimetry for Low fast neutron fluxes; effects of incorporated radioisotopes on the stability of genetic materials; interrelation of root and leaf absorption of radioisotopes in herbaceous plants; uptake of radioactive wastes by lowland rice from soils contaminated by irrigation water, and decontamination of the rice; and comparison between mutation rates induced by acute and chronic gamma irradiations. (B.O.G.)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lupinus albus L. plants were grown from seeds and irradiated at various stages of development with acute or chronic gamma rays. All plants were greenhouse grown (pre- and post-irradiation) and allowed to proceed through their normal growth cycle. The purpose of these experiments was to establish a Plactochron Index for Lupinus albus L. and to determine the effects of acute and chronic irradiation on development at the macro and microscopic levels. A Plastochron Index was calculated and used as an indirect time scale to evaluate the effects of gamma rays from a common base line. Acute radiation treatment lasted for a period of a few days, whereas chronic treatment was initiated at the seedling stage and lasted for the entire growth season. Vegetative plants were used to study the effects of acute radiation exposure on apical meristem morphology, Plastochron Index, phyllatoxis and gross morphology.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wood polymer composite (WPC) specimens were produced by impregnating a tropical wood with methyl methacrylate and subsequently polymerised by ..gamma..-irradiation. Beam specimens of varying weight percentages of polymer were then subjected to a three point bend creep test under a constant load condition, for 250, 300 and 350 N. A Norton-Bailey (power law) mathematical model was used to describe the creep behavior, with the creep components determined by a nonlinear regression analysis. Significant creep improvements were obtained from the composite specimens as compared to the untreated wood specimens. Results indicated that maximum creep resistance is obtained when the amount of polymer loading exceeded 30%. An interfacial interaction between the polymer and the wood cell wall was used to account for the behavior of the increase in the creep resistance.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Purpose To study the chemical modifications induced upon irradiation of solid human insulin at radiosterilization doses and investigate the influence of the absorbed dose on radiolysis. Materials and Methods Volatile radiolytic products were monitored by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and non-volatile products by two different high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods: the formation of higher molecular weight proteins was assessed by size exclusion liquid chromatography whereas assays for related compounds and chemical potency tests were carried out using reverse-phase HPLC-UV. Conformational changes were investigated by measurements of circular dichroism. Results After gamma irradiation at 10?kGy, the recovery of insulin was 96.8%; higher molecular w...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The behavior of the triterpenes friedelin and friedelan-3-ol, contained on the leaves of Maytenus aquifolium Martius (Celastraceae), upon several doses of X- and #gamma#-rays (10 to 100 kGy), was investigated by high resolution gas chromatography (HRGC) and high resolution gas chromatography -mass spectrometry (HRGC-MS). The friedelin content has not changed with #gamma#-irradiation, but the content of friedelan-3-ol decreased around 17% at doses of 10, 20 and 40 kGy and around 27% at doses of 60, 80 and 100 kGy. The levels of both triterpenes remained unchanged even at higher X-ray doses. Lupen-3-one was detected by HRGC-MS. (author).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In this study, the degrees of destruction of hemoglobin irradiated in atmospheres of air and argon were compared. Hemoglobin preparations were irradiated in the forms: oxyhemoglobin (HbO_2) deoxyhemoglobin (Hb"2"+) and methemoglobin (MetHb) applying doses of 0.5 to 5 Mrad. The degree of hemoglobin destruction was estimate on the basis of changes in the values of the absorption coefficient at the Soret band, the absorption ratio A_5_0_5/A_5_6_3 determined after conversion of irradiated preparations into MetHb, absorption coefficinets for pyridine hemochromogen obtained from irradiated preparations, and changes in parameters characterizing the hemoglobin oxygenation reaction (log p/sub 1/2/O_2 and the Hill n coefficient). The calculated oxygen enhancement ratios S were generally higher than 1 for the parameters estimated. This indicates that the presence of oxygen during irradiation enhances hemoglobin destruction.

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

A pulsed field gradient spin echo sequence has been incorporated in a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging experiment to provide an image contrast dependent on local molecular self-diffusion. The...Full Text Available

Science.gov (United States)

Aluminium toxicity is a major problem in agriculture worldwide. Among the cultivated triticeae, rye (Secale cereale L.) is one of the most Al-tolerant and represents an important potential source of Al-tolerance for improvement of wheat. The Alt4 Al-tolerance locus of rye contains a cluster of genes...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This work evaluated the effect of gamma radiation on reducing the population of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli nd Salmonella typhimurium in ground chicken breast stored under refrigeration. The experiment included a control and 4 doses of gamma radiation ( 2.0, 4.0, 6.0 and 8.0 kGy) along with 5 periods of storage under refrigeration ( 1, 7 14, 21 and 28 days). Samples of ground chicken breast were inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 14458), Escherichia coli (ATCC 11105) and Salmonella typhimurium (ATCC 0626), irradiated at temperatures between 4 and 8 deg C and stored under refrigeration (5 deg C) for 28 days. The increased radiation dose and period of storage under refrigeration caused a reduction of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium populations in the ground chicken breast. Mean radiation D values determined for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were 0.41 and 0.72 kGy, respectively. Gamma ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

By the use of thermoluminescence (TL) technique we have investigated the effects of gamma irradiation on the TL response of pulverised natural zircon (ZrSiO{sub 4}) crystals from the Jos Plateau area of Nigeria. Samples of the mineral that have been previously annealed were artificially irradiated to moderate gamma doses ranging from 0.7 to 4.9 Gy using {sup 60}Co gamma-source of the CERD. The natural TL glow curve of the sample showed a broad peak around 250 deg. C, the peak was however, found to be completely erased following heat treatment for 2 h at 400 deg. C. The TL glow curves of the artificially irradiated samples showed two overlapping glow peaks at about 112 deg. C (peak I) and at 156 deg. C (peak II) within the dose range utilised. We note that the natural TL peak appears to be different from the two observed in the artificially irradiated sample. The TL response with dose was investigated for the two glow peaks found in the ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The radical cations from aziridine and azetidine have been characterized by ESR spectroscopy following their generation in the solid state by #gamma# irradiation of dilute solutions of the parent compounds in the CFCl_3 matrix at 77 K. The ESR parameters of the azetidine radical cation are typical of those for nitrogen-centered amine radical cations such as Me_2NH*"+. On the other hand, the radical cation formed from aziridine has very different ESR parameters that compare closely to those for the isoelectronic C...C ring-opened form of the oxirane radical cation and the allyl radical. The radical cation formed from azetidine is therefore assigned a ring-closed structure with the unpaired electron in a 2p/sub z/ orbital on nitrogen perpendicular to the ring plane, whereas the cation from aziridine is an allylic C...C ring-opened planar isomer with the unpaired electron in a nonbonding #pi# orbital centered mainly on the two end carbon atoms. ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Studies by the University of Lowell Radiation Laboratory and the US National Marine Fisheries Service N.E. Laboratory in Gloucester, MA on softshelled clams (Mya arenaria) demonstrated the effectiveness of low to medium doses of Cobalt 60 source gamma irradiation in the inactivation of Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus faecalis. Post-irradiation survival and organoleptic studies when extended to hardshelled clams (Mercinaria mercenaria) and American oysters (Crassostrea virginica) showed no significant decline in consumer qualities or 6 day post irradiation survival in oysters at doses of up to 3.0 kGy. The capacities of the American oyster to sustain relatively high doses of gamma irradiation were demonstrated by 6 day post-exposure survivorship values of greater than 90% for samples receiving 3.0, 5.0 and 7.0 kGy. Initial studies of inactivation of Polio ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

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

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Long term integrated in situ experiments are performed in the HADES underground research facility (Mol, Belgium) in order to study the coupled reactivity between the different components of an underground repository for vitrified high level radioactive waste (HLW): glass, compacted clay, and stainless steel containers, at 90 degrees C and under gamma irradiation. Studies pertaining to the behaviour of silicon, a major element released during glass alteration, are presented here. Data collected from the integrated experiment, from simplified tests, and from modelling are put together, giving complementary information. The integrated experiment is used to investigate overall reactivity, whereas diffusion experiments coupled with modelling focused on the precipitation of silica in clay media. In the integrated in situ experiment, a bentonite clay (FoCa7) mixed with 5 wt.% of powdered glass frit was put in contact with U/Th-doped SON68 reference ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The accumulation of osmolytes in leaf tissues and the abscisic acid-induced stomatal closure are well-recognized mechanisms associated with drought tolerance in crop plants. We determine the response in terms of osmotic potential and the contents of leaf proline, glycine betaine and soluble sugar at booting and grain filling stages of four wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars to drought and exogenously applied abscisic acid (ABA) in a pot study. Leaf sample were collected 3, 6 and 9 days after drought induction and at 48 and 72 h of re-watering (recovery). Marked decreases in osmotic potential associated with the accumulation of proline, glycine betaine and soluble sugars occurred under conditions of drought stress Accession 011320 was most sensitive to drought and showed the largest decrease in osmotic potential and least accumulation of proline, sugar and glycine betaine The inhibitory effects of drought stress were ameliorated by exogenous application of ABA. ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Six men were fed a diet composed of conventional foods with all bread as whole wheat bread. Intrinsically labeled "6"5Cu bread (containing 6.5 ppm Cu and 48 atom % "6"5Cu) was substituted for unlabeled bread for 3 days, and stools were collected for 24 days. Extrinsically labeled bread was then substituted for 3 days and another 24-day stool collection made. "6"5Cu excretion was measured by mass spectrometry. Mean Cu intake was 1.10 mg of Cu/day. Average Cu balance was /minus/0.06 /+-/ 0.08 mg/day. Average absorption of the intrinsic copper was 72.2 /+-/ 9.3% and of extrinsic Cu 64.2 /+-/ 5.8%. The ratio of extrinsic to intrinsic absorption was 0.906 /+-/ 0.164. Absorption of intrinsic and extrinsic tracers did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) by a paired t-test, and the ratio (E/I) was not significantly different from 1. Use of extrinsic Cu tracers to assess Cu absorption is supported by these results.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

It is expected that the progressive increase of tropospheric trace gases such as CO{sub 2} and O{sub 3} will have a significant impact on agricultural production. The single and combined effects of CO{sub 2} enrichment and tropospheric O{sub 3} on grain quality characteristics in soft red winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were examined in field studies using 3 m in diam. open-top chambers. Wheat cultivars {open_quotes}Massey{close_quotes} (1991) and {open_quotes}Saluda{close_quotes} (1992) were exposed to two CO{sub 2} concentrations (350 vs. 500 {mu}mol CO{sub 2} mol{sup {minus}1}; 12 h d{sup {minus}1}) in combination with two O{sub 3} regimes (charcoal-filtered air vs. ambient air + 40 {plus_minus} 20 nmol O{sub 3} mol{sup {minus}1}, 7 h d{sup {minus}1}; Monday to Friday) from late March until maturity in June. Grain quality characteristics investigated included: test weight, milling and baking quality, flour yield, protein content, ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The results are presented of a study in radioactivity of forage (grass, alfalfa, clover), cereals (wheat, oats, rye, barley) and different agriculture products (fodder beet, sugar beet, leguminous plants, poppy, tobacco, maize, potatoes). Total beta activity, "4"0K, "9"0Sr and "1"3"7Cs activities were studied for the period 1962 to 1975 in selected localities in Slovakia. The highest values of "9"0Sr and "1"3"7Cs were measured in 1963, the lowest levels of "9"0Sr in 1975 while the lowest levels of "1"3"7Cs in 1973. (B.S.).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The effect of ionizing radiation (2, 5, and 10 KGy of gamma rays) on muscle ultrastructure of grass shrimps (Penaeus monodon Fabricius) tails at ambient or frozen (-18{sup 0}C) temperature was investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). No significant change was found in muscle ultrastructure of shrimp meat irradiated at doses of 2 or 5 KGy and then stored at 4{sup 0}C for 0 and 8 days. However, in shrimps which were irradiated at ambient temperature at a dose of 10 KGy, the margin of A-band of the myofibrils in longitudinal sections exhibited an irregular zig-zag pattern. In cross section some myosin filaments in the A-band regions were missing. A possible interpretation of these results would be that 10 KGy gamma irradiation dose at ambient temperature depolymerized myosin in the A-band from the tail of thick filament. Actin damage was also observed in some cross sections. Irradiation damage of sarcoplasmic membranes appeared in ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Samples of nylon 66 rods were irradiated using a cobalt-60 gamma ray source at a dose rate of 0.25 Mrad h[sup -1] in air at room temperature to a maximum dose of 500 Mrad. The linear coefficient of thermal expansion ([alpha]) was measured using a three-terminal capacitance technique reported previously. The variation of [alpha] with temperature between 10 K and 340 K was investigated for an unirradiated sample and two samples irradiated to 300 Mrad and 500 Mrad. In the range 10K to 160K, [alpha] is almost invariant with radiation dose and there is little difference between the values for the unirradiated and the 300 Mrad irradiated samples above 160 K. The sample irradiated to 500 Mrad does show a 6% increase in [alpha] over the other samples in the higher temperature range. All samples show an increase overall in the value of [alpha] with temperature. The melting point of each sample was also determined and was shown to decrease with radiation dose. (1 figure, 1 table, 8 references). ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Samples from 314 broiler chickens at 2 months age were analyzed for blood serum level of lysozyme and 311 of them were analyzed also for activity of alternative path-way of complement activity (APCA). Chickens were hatched from eggs, irradiated immediately before incubation with different doses of gamma-rays using Rocus M device - group 1 - control (non irradiated), and groups 2, 3 and 4 - irradiated with doses of 0.15, 0.30 and 0.60 Gy, respectively. Lysozyme concentration was highest for the control group, and for the experimental ones it was lower (p<0.001) which is an indication of the strongly negative effect of gamma-rays on this indicator. For APCA the oppsite relationship was observed - increasing of its activity with increasing of irradiation dose (from p<0.05 to p<0.001) which gave reason to suggest that this phenomenon is due to the irradiation. 12 refs., 2 tabs. (author).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In this paper the structural and functional changes of gamma irradiated bovine hemoglobin are presented. Aqueous solutions/1%/of HbO_2 were irradiated in air with doses ranging from 1 to 4 Mrad. Isoelectric focusing indicated change of the charge of irradiated hemoglobin. The isoelectric point of hemoglobin was displaced towards more acid values with increasing doses, up from 1 Mrad. Fingerprint analysis and peptide column chromatography of irradiated hemoglobin demonstrated disturbances increasing with the dose. These changes were confirmed by amino acid analysis which showed that Cys, Met, Trp, His, Pro and Tyr residues were destroyed or modified following irradiation. At doses exceeding 1 Mrad the irradiated solutions of hemoglobin showed a decrease of heme-heme interaction and an increase of affinity for oxygen. Differences observed in oxygen-dissociation curves seem to be correlated with the radiation induced destruction of amino acid ...

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Poly(methyl methacrylate), PMMA, Acrigel, a Brazilian polymer, is used in the manufacture of medical supplies sterelizable by ionizing radiation. However, when PMMA is gamma-irradiated it undergoes main chain scissions, which promote molecular degradation causing reduction in its mechanical properties. Therefore, radiolytic of PMMA is important for it to become commercially radiosterizable. In this work some commercial additives, originally used in photo-and thermo-oxidate stabilization of polymers, were tested. Only two additives, type HALS (Hindered Amine Light Stabilizer), denoted Scavenger, showed a good protective quality. The investigation of radiation-induced main scissions was carried out by viscosimetric method. The most effective additive, added to the polymer system at 0.3 w/w%, promotes a great molecular radioprotection of 93%. That means a reduction of G-value (scissions/100 eV) from 0.611 to 0.053. In addition, the glassy transition temperature (T{sub ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Allyl alcohol (AA), acrylonitrile (AN), methyl methacrylate (MMA), monomers and monomer mixtures AA+AN, AA+MMA were used to conserve and consolidate Beech and Spruce. After impregnation, copolymerisation and polymerisation were accomplished by gamma irradiation. The fine structure of wood+polymer(copolymer) composites was investigated by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). It was observed that copolymer obtained from AA+MMA monomer mixture showed the optimum compatibility. The compressional strength and Brinell Hardness Numbers determined for untreated and treated wood samples indicated that the mechanical strength of wood+copolymer composites was increased. It was found that the mechanical strength of the wood samples containing the AA+MMA copolymer was higher than the others. In the presence of P(AA/MMA), at highest conversion, the compressive strength perpendicular to the fibres in Beech and Spruce increased approximately 100 times. The ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The authors have measured the magnetization of single-phase 90-K superconductors, GdBa_2Cu_3O/sub 6+#delta#/, EuBa_2Cu_3O/sub 6+#delta#/, and SmBa_2Cu_3O/sub 6+#delta#/ with a SQUID magnetometer. They have shown that, in the superconducting state, each magnetization-field curve exhibits a maximum at #approx# 100 G, followed by a linear increase of the magnetization with a slope only approximately one-fifth of the slope for a field smaller than 50 G. They have also investigated the effect of #gamma#-irradiation on YBa_2Cu_3O/sub 6+#delta#/, SmBa_2Cu_3O/sub 6+#delta#/, and have found that the radiation damage results in the appearance of a tail in the superconducting transition. They have also shown that the normal resistance decreases with increasing radiation exposure up to a dose of 10 Mrad.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The adverse effect of moisture diffusion on the properties of wood has been one of the main weaknesses of wood. Using a gamma irradiation method, wood-polymer composites have been produced which exhibit significant improvement in mechanical properties like compression, creep deformation and creep rupture particularly at high humidity. It has been thought that the impregnation of polymer into the wood has affected the moisture diffusion in the wood, so that its adverse effects on the mechanical properties has been reduced. In this report the apparent diffusion coefficients of a Ramin wood impregnated with varying amounts of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) were determined using a Fick's law approach. An initial linear relationship was found for impregnation of up to 70% PMMA, after which the diffusion coefficient levels off to a maximum value, for the three environmental relative humidity levels of 40, 60 and 90(#+-#5)%. The phenomenon could be ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hydrogen cyanide is a key molecule for chemical evolution studies because, when it is exposed to different sources of energy, it forms various compounds of biological importance. To understand the role of minerals in chemical evolution, a series of experiments was performed. First, the adsorption capacity of HCN on different surface minerals was studied; the results show that HCN is readily adsorbed onto the solids proposed (zeolite, serpentine, dolomite, and sodium montmorillonite), in particular zeolite and montmorillonite. Second, the radiolysis of HCN adsorbed on olivine (as an example of a mineral surface) was also followed; it was found that the rate of HCN decomposition by gamma irradiation is enhanced in the presence of the solid. The third series of studies show that organic material was produced in high abundance from HCN at high radiation doses. The radiolytic products included gases (CO_2, NH_4, and CO) and oligomeric materials that ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This experiment was done to determine the effects of irradiation on the physical properties of three kinds of laminated packaging materials, i.e. polypropylene-polypropylene, polypropylene-polyethylene, polyester-polyethylene. Observations were made on pinhole production, leakage, oil resistance, resistance against insect penetration, colour, odour tensile strength, elongation at break, seal strength and tear resistance. The samples were irradiated with doses of 0, 5 and 10 kGy, then stored at room temperature and examined after 0, 3, 6 and 12 months of storage. The results showed that irradiation doses up to 10 kGy, as well as storage up to 12 months, did not create pinholes, or leakage in pouches prepared from laminated films. The resistance of the films to oil and insect penetration, the colour, and the odour were also unchanged. Both irradiation and storage treatments had a significant effect on physical properties of the laminated films. In general, the changes started to be ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We investigated the in vitro phenotypic transformation of human embryo (HE) cells that were repeatedly irradiated (7.5 cGy once a week) throughout their life-span. Irradiation was repeated until the cells had accumulated 195 cGy (equivalent to the 26th passage). Samples of cells were assayed for survival by colony formation, as well as for mutation at the hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyl transferase (HGPRT) locus and for transformation by focus formation. The life-span (mean number of population doublings) of multiply irradiated cells with a total dose of 97.5 cGy was slightly but significantly prolonged over that of controls. After HE cells had accumulated 195 cGy, the maximum number of divisions increased to 130-160% of the number in non-irradiated control cells. Transformed foci were not observed until cells had accumulated 97.5 cGy, and then increased with the increasing accumulation of radiation. However, no cells showed immortality or expressed a malignant phenotype in vitro. ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Magnetic particles (MAG*SEP"S"M) coated with various absorbents were evaluated for the separation and recovery of low concentrations of cesium from nuclear waste solutions. The MAG*SEP"S"M particles were coated with (1) clinoptilolite, (2) transylvanian volcanic tuff, (3) resorcinol formaldehyde, and (4) crystalline silico-titanate, and then were contacted with a Hanford supernatant simulant. Particles coated with the crystalline silico-titanate were identified by Bradtec as having the highest capacity for cesium removal under the conditions tested (variation of pH, ionic strength, cesium concentration, and absorbent/solution ratio). The MAG*SEP"S"M particles coated with resorcinol formaldehyde had high distribution ratios values and could also be used to remove cesium from Hanford supernant simulant. Gamma irradiation studies were performed on the MAG*SEP"S"M particles with a gamma dose equivalent to 100 cycles of use. This irradiation ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We reported the radio-protective effect of DTT. The treatment of DTT increased cell survival after gamma-irradiation, decreased in the frequencies of micronucleus, and reduction in DNA fragmentation and apoptotic cells. Induction of apoptosis after UV-C irradiation was revealed by the changes in the relative cell death, increase in the relative amount of apoptotic cells, and the induction of DNA fragmentation. About 100 medicinal plants were purchased and methanol extract samples were prepared. Radio-protective and radio-sensitizing activities of these samples were screened. Seven samples showed above 20% radio-protective activities: Salvia miltiorrhiza, Areca catechu, Cornus officinalis, Alpiniae officinari rhizoma, Meliae fructus, Alpiniae katsumadaii semen, Betulae cortex. Acanthopanax sessiliflous showed the highest radio-sensitizing effect and 10 other samples revealed moderate activities: Melia japonica, Agastache rugosa, Platycodon gradiflorum, Broussonetia ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The regional impacts of ozone on corn, wheat, soybean, and peanut crops are estimated by using dose-response functions to relate ambient maximum 7 h/d seasonal ozone concentrations to crop productivity data. Linear dose-response functions were developed from open-top field chamber studies. It was assumed that the limited number of cultivars and growing conditions available for the analysis were representative of major agricultural regions. Hourly ozone data were selected to represent rural concentrations and used to calculate maximum 7-h/d average values. Seasonal ozone averages for counties were extrapolated from approximately 300 monitoring sites. Results must be interpreted with knowledge of these assumptions and sources of uncertainty. Impacts are calculated for county units for the conterminous United States with maps showing patterns and tables summarizing the potential magnitude of ozone effects on selected crop yields. The assessment estimates that ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Interest in finding out passive ways to keep the variation in the indoor climate within the comfort zone is gaining in popularity. One possible solution is the use of the moisture-buffering property of materials. In this study, the effects of the ventilation system and moisture-buffering properties of the building fabric on the stability of the indoor temperature and humidity are analysed by means of long-term field measurements. Indoor climate measurements were carried out in 170 detached houses (248 rooms). Temperature and relative humidity were measured continuously in bedrooms and living rooms at one-hour intervals over a one-year period. In general, it may be concluded that in this study, the ventilation had a greater effect on the indoor climate than the properties of the building fabric. The dampening effect of hygroscopic materials was remarkably less in the field measurements than it was in simulations in different studies. This indicates that completely non-hygroscopic and ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Iron deficiency anaemia is an important health problem in Peru, which affects approximately 25% of the population. The most vulnerable groups are children below 5 years of age and pregnant women, of whom 64% and 53% respectively are anemic. The main reason for this deficiency is inadequate iron intake. Heme iron consumption is very low, and non-heme iron is virtually the only source of iron in the diet. Despite regional differences in food consumption, wheat, salt and sugar are widely consumed in all areas. Wheat is likely to be the most suitable food vehicle for iron fortification due to the processing required. Based on the recent food consumption surveys conducted in Lima by the IIN, we selected examples of typical main meals and measured iron bioavailability in the diet using an extrinsic tag method with 1.5 #mu#Ci of "5"9Fe and 5 #mu#Ci of "5"5Fe as markers. Coffee with bread and butter for breakfast, noodle soup with vegetables, rice with ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Aqueous deoxyhemoglobin solutions (2 mg/ml) were gamma-irradiated by a "6"0Co source in the presence of methanol, ethanol, 1-butanol and t-butanol under N_2O or argon. The effects of the interaction of the particular alcohol radical species with hemoglobin were determined according to the detected spectral alterations in the visible range. The amounts of stable final products in the form of methemoglobin (MetHb) and the sum of hemichromes and cholehemichromes (Hemichr) were estimated in irradiated preparations. For preparations irradiated under N_2O, the radiation yield for MetHb formation was three-fold lower in the presence of ethanol and 1-butanol [G(MetHb) = 0.33[ compared with preparations irradiated in the presence of t-butanol or without alcohol [G(MetHb) = 1.00[. The yield of hemichromes and cholehemichromes in preparations irradiated under N_2O increased in the order: ethanol (G = 0.38), 1-butanol (B = 0.52), t-butanol (G = 0.59), and in the absence of ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The resistance of several packaging materials to penetration by 4 species of rice insect pests was determined. Five insects of adult or larval stage were confined in pouches made from 9 different packaging materials with or without irradiated rice. It was observed that both adults and larvae of species Tribolium castaneum Herbst., Sitophilus zeamais L., Oryzaephilus surinamensis L. and Cocyra cephalonica Stainton, were incapable of penetrating pouches made from white polyvinychloride of 0.175mm thickness, low density polyethylene of 0.130mm thickness and 0.150mm thick low density polyethylene. However, penetrations marks were found in pouches made from hard paper with a thickness of 0.155mm, clear polivinylchloride of 0.130mm thickness, low density polyethylene of 0.085mm thickness, low density polyethylene 0.100mm thick, high density polyethylene of 0.06mm thickness and 0.080mm thick polypropylene. Tribolium castaneum could be considered as a weak penetrator whilst Cocyra cephalonica ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This short survey focuses on the main radiation-induced base lesions that have been identified within cellular DNA. For this purpose, sensitive assays that are aimed at measuring a few modifications per 10{sup 7} normal bases were set-up. In that respect high performance liquid chromatography - tandem mass spectrometry (CLHP-MS/MS) was found to be able to single out the formation of 9 oxidized nucleosides and two modified nucleo-bases out of the 70 oxidative base lesions that have been identified in model systems. As a striking result, it was found that in the DNA of {gamma}-irradiated human monocytes, the formamide-pyrimidine derivative of guanine is produced in a higher yield than the ubiquitous 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-guanine damage, both arising from the same radical precursor. However, relatively high doses of ionizing radiation (> 20 Gy) have to be applied in order to detect an increase in the level of the damage. This is due to the low efficiency for both ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The inherited sterility of the spiny bollworm Earias Insulana Boisd. Irradiated as parental male adults, with sub sterilizing doses of 100-200 Gy has been studied throughout three successive generations. In general, the female fecundity decreased at the three doses of irradiations (100, 150 and 200 Gy) throughout P_1. F_1, F_2 and F_3 generations as compared to control. The reduction was insignificant in all treatments with some exceptions at 200 Gy, in the parental generation and 150 and 200 Gy bin F_2 generation. Egg hatch of the parental generation was obviously reduced at 100, 150 and 200 Gy treatments as compared to the control. The progeny of F_1 males were evidently more sterile than their irradiated male parents. The effect continued in the F_2, population, however F_3 males almost regained their fertility. Irradiation of P_1 males did not greatly affect mating ability among P_1, F_1, F_2 and F_3 generations. The reduction in mating ability was significant only at 200 Gy for ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Irradiation is efficient at extinction fungi contamination in peanuts. Peanuts have high biologic value protein, minerals, vitamin E, complex B, and high concentration of lipids. The objective of this research is to evaluate the gamma irradiation effect on color, total phenolic, antioxidant activity, and fatty acid profile in peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.). Cultivars IAC-Tatu ST and IAC-Runner 886 were submitted to gamma radiation with doses of 5.0; 7.5; 10.0, and 15.0 kGy and storage at room temperature. There was no significant difference in the color of IAC-Tatu ST. However, significant difference was found in the luminosity and Chroma in IAC-Runner 886. Total fenolics differed from the control with 33.27 mg.g-1 and treatment dose of 10.0 kGy with 58.60 mg.g-1 in IAC-Tatu ST. This parameter not had significant difference in IAC-Runner 886 and the control with 51.59 mg.g-1. The antioxidant activity did not present significant difference with a ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In order to protect food from pathogenic microorganisms as well as to increase its shelf life while keeping sensorial properties (e.g. odor and taste), once the latter are one of the main properties required by spice buyers, it is necessary to analyze volatile formation from irradiation of medicinal and food herbs. The aim of the present study was to analyze volatile formation from Co irradiation of Laurus Cinnamomum, Piper Nigrum, Origanum Vulgare and Myristica Fragans. Possible changes on the odor of these herbs are evaluated by characterizing different radiation doses and effects on sensorial properties in order to allow better application of irradiation technology. l he samples have been irradiated in plastic packages by making use of a {sup 60}Co Gamma irradiator. Irradiation doses of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25kGy have been tested. For the analysis of the samples, SPME has been applied, while for the analysis of volatile compounds, CG/MS. ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In order to qualify corrosion resistant materials for high level waste (HLW) packagings acting as a long-term barrier in a rock salt repository, the corrosion behaviour of the preselected materials Ti 99.8-Pd, Hastelloy C4 and two unalloyed steels was investigated. The resistance of the materials to general corrosion, local corrosion and stress corrosion cracking was examined under postulated accident conditions in the repository by long-term immersion tests of up to 4 years duration and electrochemical methods. The parameters investigated were different salt brines, temperatures of 90 deg. C, 170 deg. C and 200 deg. C as well as a gamma radiation field of 10"3Gy/h (10"5rad/h). Among the materials studied, Ti 99.8-Pd exhibited the highest corrosion resistance. This material corroded at a very low rate (

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Apoptosis is a pattern of cell death involving nuclear pycnosis, cytoplasmic condensation, and karyorrhexis. Apoptosis induced by continuous irradiation with gamma rays (externally given by a 137Cs source) or with beta rays (from tritiated water injected ip) was quantified in the crypts of two portions of mouse bowel, the small intestine and descending colon. The time-course change in the incidence of apoptosis after each type of radiation could be explained on the basis of the innate circadian rhythm of the cells susceptible to apoptotic death and of the excretion of tritiated water (HTO) from the body. For 6-h continuous gamma irradiation at various dose rates (0.6-480 mGy/h) and for 6 h after injection of HTO of various radioactivities (0.15-150 GBq per kg body wt), the relationships between dose and incidence of apoptosis were obtained. Survival curves were then constructed from the curves for dose vs incidence of apoptosis. For the ...

Science.gov (United States)

Lutein is a yellow pigment found in common foods that promotes the health of eyes and skin and is associated with reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. In the present study, selected high-lutein wheat and corn were milled into wholegrain flours by two mills to improve flour uniformity. The high-lutein and lutein-fortified wholegrain flours were processed into breads, cookies, and muffins to study lutein stability during baking and subsequent storage. Lutein and its isomers were separated, identified, and quantified by LC-UV/vis and LC-MS following extraction with water-saturated 1-butanol. Baking resulted in a significant reduction in all-trans-lutein and the formation of cis-lutein and cis-zeaxanthin isomers. Subsequent storage at ambient temperature had a slight impact on the content of all-trans-lutein. Effects of processing were more pronounced in lutein-fortified products, and the degradation rate of lutein was influenced by ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This is the annual report of the Radiological and Environmental Division of the Argonne National Laboratory for 1982. Studies of the effects of ozone on crop growth and yield have been carried out by the Terrestrial Ecology Group for winter wheat and for sorghum. The Microcosms for Acid Rain Studies (MARS) facility was completed in the early summer. Controlled investigations of plant and soil responses in acid rain were initiated with crop plants grown in two different midwestern soil types. The Transuranics Group has found that the solubility and adsorptive behavior of plutonium previously observed at fallout concentrations in natural waters (approx. 10/sup -16/ to 10/sup -18/ M) is applicable at plutonium concentrations as high as 10/sup -8/ M. The Lake Michigan eutrophication model has been adapted to operation in a Monte Carlo mode. Simulations based on yearly phosphorus loadings and winter conditions were selected at random from prescribed probability ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The main aims of the study were: 1) the evaluation of iron and zinc status in women of Lodz aged 18-45 years, 2) adaptation of the whole body counter to in vivo measurements absorption of iron given to the gastro-intestinal tract of volunteers and 3) in rat model estimation iron bioavailability from fortified wheat flour combined with products usually consumed in Poland. During five months investigations thirty seven women were examined each one twice in two months interval. Following variables were measured: iron and zinc in blood serum, in public and scalp hair and in food, taste acuity score, serum ferritin, hemoglobin, total iron binding capacity, red blood cells, mean corpuscular concentration and corpuscular volume. Prevalence of iron deficiency and iron deficient anemia were assessed by two models in terms of the depression of serum ferritin and hemoglobin concentrations. 64 refs, 6 figs, 23 tabs.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This article discusses the proper use of sandy land in China from the viewpoint of ecology. The many low-yield fields in every locality across China include sandy land that is unsuited to the cultivation of grains such as paddy rice, corn and wheat. Separate investigations of the northern plain and the southern coast between 1980 and 1982 demonstrated that sandy land in a warm climatic zone (e.g. Huang He) is suited to peanuts, soybeans and other oil-bearing crops; that forestation can be carried out on sandy land in Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang; and that coastal sandy land has much salinity and is best suited to growing horsetail beefwood. Moreover, the creation of windbreaks along the coasts of southern China has lessened the threat of wind-blown sand which had made rice not worth cultivating on sandy land. It is concluded that different crops can be grown on the sandy soil of China's temperate, warm, semitropical and tropical zones.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The behaviour of the packaging materials under radiation field has a great importance in radiation processing, because, in most cases, they are finally responsible for the preservation of the beneficent changes achieved in irradiated products. For example, in radiation sterilisation and food irradiation, the packages must preserve the sterilisation, respectively the sanitisation. They must preserve also the physical barrier feature. The radiation effects on plastics were extensively studied in the last decades for nuclear industry and more recently for radiation processing. The two major effects of nuclear radiation on polymeric materials are the degradation and cross-linking. The degradation consists in breaking of macromolecules after interaction with nuclear particles, amplified by the free radicals which persist long periods, especially in crystalline polymers. Oxygen could penetrate the sample and interact with free radicals so that the degradation process continues after the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Investigations and studies are conducted seeking for a CO2 fixation method improved by utilizing the photosynthesizing function of higher vegetation. Details of higher vegetation genes are being disclosed thanks to the rapid progress of studies making use of molecular biological techniques, and the application of the genetic mechanism to scientific and technological fields is becoming increasingly feasible. In particular, the role of the CO2 fixation enzyme RuBisCO has been elucidated almost completely. It has been learned that, in terms of photosynthesizing capability, the C{sub 4} plants (corn etc.) are 2-3 times higher than the C{sub 3} plants (rice, wheat, etc.), and 5-10 times higher than the CAM plants (cactuses etc.). Studies are also under way about the rice genome so that a photosynthesizing capability so high as that of the C{sub 4} plants may be endowed the rice plant. The metabolism and control of useful substances produced in the CO2 fixation process ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Most prior climate change assessments for U.S. agriculture have focused on major world food crops such as wheat and maize. While useful from a national and global perspective, these results are not particularly relevant to the Northeastern U.S. agriculture economy, which is dominated by dairy milk production, and high-value horticultural crops such as apples (Malus domestica), grapes (vitis vinifera), sweet corn (Zea mays var. rugosa), cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata), and maple syrup (sugar maple, Acer saccharum). We used statistically downscaled climate projections generated by the HadCM3 atmosphere-ocean general circulation model, run with Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change future emissions scenarios Alfi (higher) and B1 (lower), to evaluate several climate thresholds of direct relevance to agriculture in the region. A longer (frostfree) growing season could create new opportunities for farmers with enough capital to take risks on new crops ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The authors have investigated insulin receptor phosphorylation in differentiated cultured BC3H-1 myocytes. As for other insulin-responsive cell systems in partially purified wheat germ agglutinin receptor preparations, insulin stimulates the phosphorylation of its own receptor (95K ..beta..-subunits) in a dose dependent manner (0-400 nM), as identified by immunoprecipitation with antiinsulin receptor antibodies and SDS-PAGE. In the same preparations they show that 12-0-tetradecanyl phorbol acetate (TPA), which in many respect ..beta..-subunits in the same dose dependent manner (0-5 ..mu..M). In addition, antiinsulin receptor antibodies (B-10) also induced phosphorylation of mimics insulin action, also induced phosphorylation of the insulin receptor and HPLC tryptic maps of the /sup 32/P-labeled ..beta..-subunit were identical to those for insulin-induced receptor phosphorylation. However, while insulin and TPA are potent stimulators of glucose transport in these ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Land surface parameterization schemes such as the Simple Biosphere Model (SiB2) have found considerable use in climate simulation models, where they provide lower boundary conditions in the form of surface sensible and latent heat fluxes. A methodology is described to apply models of this type at high resolution, using data from the Department of Energy{close_quote}s Cloud and Radiation Testbed in Oklahoma and Kansas, to determine the spatial variations of heat fluxes over the domain and to determine area-weighted flux averages for use in single-column model studies. Data from a dense array of meteorological instruments are interpolated to provide the wind, temperature, vapor pressure, radiation, and precipitation values needed by SiB2. The state of the vegetation is characterized through the use of the normalized difference vegetation index determined from satellites. The performance of the SiB2 model is evaluated by comparing its predictions with flux data from seven Bowen ratio ...