Aminophenpyramine, a derivative of mepyramine (pyrilamine), a typical antagonists of histamine at its H_1 receptor was synthesized and converted into ["1"2"5I]iodoazidophenpyramine, a potential photoaffinity probe for the H_1 receptor. In the dark, reversible binding of this probe to cerebellar membranes occurred with a K/sub d/ of 1.2 x 10"-"1"1 M and a B/sub max/ of 240 fmol/mg of protein and was inhibited by various H_1-receptor antagonists with the expected potencies. These features establish the compound as one of the most potent H_1-receptor antagonists known so far. Upon IV irradiation, 5% of the bound radioactivity was covalently incorporated into cerebellar membrane polypeptides as shown by standard NaDodSO_4/PAGE. Two bands of 47 and 56 kDa were ...
Constitutive activation of the oncogenic transcription factor STAT3 frequently occurs in various human malignancies. STAT3 activation involves dimerization via intermolecular pTyr-SH2 interaction. Thus, antagonizing this interaction is a feasible approach to inhibit STAT3 activation for cancer therapy. In order to identify selective STAT3 inhibitors, we developed a biochemical HTS system based on AlphaScreen technology, which measures the abilities of test compounds to antagonize pTyr-SH2 interactions. We screened our chemical libraries using this system and identified 5,15-diphenylporphyrin (5,15-DPP) as a selective STAT3-SH2 antagonist. Selective inhibition of STAT3 nuclear translocation and DNA biding activity was observed in cells treated with 5,15-DPP. IL-6-dependent dimerization of STAT3, c-myc promoter binding and c-myc protein expression were all suppressed by 5,15-DPP, whereas no decrement in either expression or phosphorylation level ...
Blood flow changes in the periodontal ligament (PDL) were measured indirectly by monitoring the local clearance of /sup 125/I/sup -/ during electric sympathetic nerve stimulation or close intra-arterial infusions of either noradrenaline (NA) or adrenaline (ADR) before and after administration of phentolamine (PA), phenoxybenzamine (PBZ) or Idazoxan (RX). At the doses used in the present study, PA was the only antagonist that significantly reduced the blood flow decrease seen on activation of sympathetic fibers, although PBZ also reduced this response. Idazoxan, however, did not induce the consistent effect on blood flow decreases seen on sympathetic activation. All three ..cap alpha..-adrenoceptor antagonists almost abolished the effects of exogenously administered NA and ADR. The results suggest the presence of functional post-junctional adrenoceptors of both the ..cap alpha.. 1 and ..cap alpha.. 2 subtypes in the ...
The purpose of this study was to determine if a cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist would selectively decrease consumption of highly palatable food in non-human primates. The CB1 receptor antagonist SR141716 (rimonabant; 0.12?1.0?mg/kg, i.m.) and the stimulant anorectic drug d-amphetamine (0.12?1.0?mg/kg, i.m.) were administered to non-food deprived baboons for the purpose of measuring the effect of each drug on consumption of the normal diet, and a large single meal of a high-carbohydrate candy. Four male and four female baboons had access to food 24?h each day, but they had to complete a two phase operant procedure in order to eat. Responding on one lever during a 30-min appetitive phase was required before animals could start a consumption phase, where responding on another lever led to...
Background 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) has led to a global increase in severe respiratory illness. Little is known about kidney outcomes and dialytic requirements in critically ill patients infected with pandemic H1N1. Study Design Prospective observational study. Setting & Participants 50 patients with pandemic H1N1 admitted to any of 7 intensive care units in Manitoba, Canada, were prospectively followed. Outcome & Measurements Outcomes were kidney injury and kidney failure defined using RIFLE (risk, injury, failure, loss, end-stage disease) criteria or need for dialysis therapy. Results The pandemic H1N1 group was composed of 50 critically ill patients with pandemic H1N1 with severe respiratory syndrome (47 confirmed cases, 3 probable). Kidney ...
In rat adipocyte membranes, both beta-adrenergic agonists and beta-adrenergic antagonists competed with (--)(/sup 3/H)dihydroalprenolol for high affinity (KD 2-4 nM) and low capacity binding sites. The antagonists but not the agonists competed with (--)(/sup 3/H)dihydroalprenolol for lower affinity and higher capacity sites. The present studies were performed in order to characterize the adipocyte beta-adrenergic receptor and distinguish it from low affinity, higher capacity sites which were heat-labile and not stereoselective. When isoproterenol was used to define the nonspecific binding, saturation studies showed a single binding site with a capacity of approximately 100 fmol/mg membrane protein (corresponding to approximately 50,000 sites/adipocyte). Binding was saturated by 10 nM (--)(/sup 3/H)dihydroalprenolol. Approximate KD's of 204 nM were observed. Kinetic analysis of (--)(/sup 3/H)dihydroalprenolol binding provided an ...
Aldosterone has been suggested to elicit vessel contraction via a nongenomic mechanism. We tested this proposal in microdissected, perfused rabbit renal afferent arterioles. Aldosterone had no effect on internal diameter in concentrations from 10(-10) to 10(-5) mol/L, but aldosterone abolished the ability of 100 mmol/L KCl to induce vascular contraction. The inhibitory effect of aldosterone was observed from 1 pmol/L. The inhibitory effect was significant after 5 minutes and maximal after 20 minutes and was fully reversible. Actinomycin D (10(-6) mol/L) prolonged the effect of aldosterone. The effect was abolished by the mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist spironolactone (10(-7) mol/L) but not by the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist mifepristone (10(-6) mol/L). The K+-mediated increase of intracellular calcium concentration in afferent arterioles was not affected by aldosterone. Mineralocorticoid receptor was detected by reverse ...
Sodium-dependent high-affinity choline uptake was measured in various regions of the brains of rats irradiated for 45 min with either pulsed or continuous-wave low-level microwaves (2,450 MHz; power density, 1 mW/cm2; average whole-body specific absorption rate, 0.6 W/kg). Pulsed microwave irradiation (2-microseconds pulses, 500 pulses/s) decreased choline uptake in the hippocampus and frontal cortex but had no significant effect on the hypothalamus, striatum, and inferior colliculus. Pretreatment with a narcotic antagonist (naloxone or naltrexone; 1 mg/kg i.p.) blocked the effect of pulsed microwaves on hippocampal choline uptake but did not significantly alter the effect on the frontal cortex. Irradiation with continuous-wave microwaves did not significantly affect choline uptake in the hippocampus, striatum, and hypothalamus but decreased the uptake in the frontal cortex. The effect on the frontal cortex was not altered by pretreatment with ...
Evolutionary theory holds that aging is a consequence of the declining force of natural selection with age. We discuss here the evidence that among the causes of aging in complex multicellular organisms, such as mammals, is the antagonistically pleiotropic effects of the cellular responses that protect the organism from cancer. Cancer is relatively rare in young mammals, owing in large measure to the activity of tumor suppressor mechanisms. These mechanisms either protect the genome from damage and/or mutations, or they elicit cellular responses--apoptosis or senescence--that eliminate or prevent the proliferation of somatic cells at risk for neoplastic transformation.We focus here on the senescence response, reviewing its causes, regulation and effects. In addition, we describe recent data that support the idea that both senescence and apoptosis may indeed be the double-edged swords predicted by the evolutionary hypothesis of ...
Methyl halide fluxes were measured from fine (nonwoody) litter samples at a temperate deciduous forest site in Scotland on 16 occasions over more than a year and at a coniferous forest site. The resulting mean (+-1 sd) CH3Br and CH3Cl fluxes were 4.1 +- 3.7 ng kg-1 h-1 and 0.98 +- 0.62 mg kg-1 h-1, respectively, for dry mass leaf litter and 5.7 +- 6.3 ng kg-1 h-1 and 0.47 +- 0.14 mg kg-1 h-1 for dry mass needle litter. Temporal variations of net fluxes from leaf litter were significantly greater than spatial variations suggesting seasonality in the fluxes. The mean CH3Cl/CH3Br mass ratio of fluxes was 200 (to 1 sig. fig.), an order of magnitude larger than the ratio of their estimated global turnovers. Temperate forest litter may be a moderate net source of CH3Cl globally but a negligible ...
The aim of this study was to measure the nociceptive response (avoidance latency) of the land snail Megalobulimus abbreviatus (N=8 in each group) after topical capsaicin exposure (0.1% and 0.5% in 20% ethanol) and to compare it to a well-studied stressful (50??C) thermal stimulus model. We also tested if ruthenium red, and capsazepine, respectively nonselective and selective TRPV1 receptor antagonists, could modify both capsaicin- and thermal-evoked responses. Finally, animals were pretreated with morphine, naloxone or morphine plus naloxone prior to capsaicin stimuli. Latencies were measured when the animal lifted its head?foot complex 1?cm from the substrate. Data were compared using ANOVA and LSD post hoc, and the Student T Test (pM. abbreviatus.
In recent years, the interest in the use of bacteria for biological control of plant-pathogenic fungi has increased. We studied the possible side effects of coating barley seeds with the antagonistic...Full Text Available
(methine-{sup 3}H)1,1-Di-(4-chlorophenyl)-2,2,2-trichloroethane ((methine-{sup 3}H)DDT) and its di-(4-nitrophenyl) analog, both of high purity with a moderately high specific activity were prepared. Chloro-benzene was condensed with (1-{sup 3}H)1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2,2,2-trichloro-ethanol, which has been synthesized by sodium boro({sup 3}H)hydride reduction of 4-chlorophenyl trichloromethyl ketone. The purified ({sup 3}H)DDT had a specific activity of 0.77 Ci/mmol (28.49 GBq/mmol). (methine-{sup 3}H)1,1-Diphenyl-2,2,2-trichloroethane was similarly synthesized and was nitrated to give (methine-{sup 3}H)1,1-di-(4-nitrophenyl)-2,2,2-trichloro-ethane of 1.63 Ci/mmol (60.31 GBq/mmol). Dehydrochlorination with housefly enzyme (glutathione-dependent DDT dehydrochlorinase) showed a remarkable isotope effect. For DDT, the observed ...
A filamentous fungus, Cunninghamella blakesleeana AS 3.153, was used as a microbial model of mammalian metabolism to transform verapamil, a calcium channel antagonist. The metabolites...Full Text Available
The interaction between two metals, which can be either synergistic or antagonistic, implies that the behavior of one is changed by the presence of the other. Possible mechanisms of these interactions,...Full Text Available
Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-?) antagonist drugs have been associated with increased risk of tuberculosis (TB). Tuberculin skin test (TST) is the most frequently used tool for identification of latent TB infection. We herein aimed to analyse the effect of TNF-? antagonists on the TST responses in a prospective study. The study group consisted of 182 patients (99 female, 83 male) who received TNF-? antagonists for various rheumatic disorders. All patients were evaluated with TST along with other parameters on the day of referral and on the 12th month visit. For those patients with a response of <5?mm induration at the initial evaluation, the TST was repeated to observe the booster effect. Out of 182 patients, 87 patients (48%) had a negative (0?4?mm) and 95 (52%) had a positive (?5?mm)...
Senescence is regarded as a physiological response of cells to stress, including telomere dysfunction, aberrant oncogenic activation, DNA damage, and oxidative stress. This stress response has an antagonistically...Full Text Available
The effects of muscarinic agonists and diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP) on muscarinic receptor density and muscarinic receptor-mediated responses was assessed in mouse brain and mouse neuroblastoma cells (clone N1E-115). Utilizing the antagonist ({sup 3}H)quinuclidinyl benzilate (({sup 3}H)QNB), there was no difference in the maximal binding capacity (B{sub max}) or equilibrium dissociation constant (K{sub d}) between untreated and 24 hour DFP-treated mice. However, one administration of DFP produced a 24% and 33% decrease in B{sub max} measured by ({sup 3}H)N-methylscopolamine (({sup 3}H)NMS) after 18 and 24 hours which was rapidly reversible within 36 hours after DFP treatment. The loss of ({sup 3}H)NMS binding sites following acute DFP treatment was not accompanied by a change in a particular muscarinic receptor binding conformation. Furthermore, the magnitude of muscarinic receptor-mediated phosphoinositide hydrolysis was unchanged ...
ObjectivesWe have developed a life cycle perspective inspired conceptual model (CM) that suggests the importance of terrestrial ecosystems as a major repository of ZnO, TiO2, and Ag (Tier 1) manufactured nanomaterials (MNMs) introduced via the land application of MNM-containing biosolids. We propose to investigate the transport, fate, behavior, bioavailability, and effects of MNMs in(to) agroecosystems under environmentally realistic scenarios organized around three key hypotheses: Hypothesis (H1) Surface [continued...]DescriptionWe have developed a life cycle perspective inspired conceptual model (CM) that suggests the importance of terrestrial ecosystems as a major repository of ZnO, TiO2, and Ag (Tier 1) manufactured nanomaterials (MNMs) introduced via the land application of MNM-containing biosolids. We propose to investigate the transport, fate, behavior, bioavailability, and effects of MNMs in(to) agroecosystems under environmentally ...
The interfacial tension g of the hexane solution of 1H,1H,10H,10H-perfluorodecane-1,10-diol (FC10diol) and 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorododecanol (TFC12OH) mixture against water was measured as a function of the total molality m and composition of TFC12OH in the mixture X2 at 298.15K under atmospheric pressure. The interfacial pressure p vs. mean area per adsorbed molecule A curves and the phase diagram of adsorption (PDA) were constructed in order to shed light on the effect of the molecular orientation on the state of and the miscibility of FC10diol and TFC12OH in the adsorbed film. The p vs. A curves demonstrated that the mixed system exhibits three kinds of film states, parallel-condensed, normal-condensed, and multilayer states, depending on m and X2. The PDA indicated that film composition X...
The attenuation of gamma rays in some fatty acids, viz. formic acid (CH_2O_2), acetic acid (C_2H_4O_2), propionic acid (C_3H_6O_2), butyric acid (C_4H_8O_2), n-hexanoic acid (C_6H_1_2O_2), n-caprylic acid (C_8H_1_6O_2), lauric acid (C_1_2H_2_4O_2), myristic acid (C_1_4H_2_8O_2), palmitic acid (C_1_6H_3_2O_2), oleic acid (C_1_8H_3_4O_2) and stearic acid (C_1_8H_3_6O_2), has been measured at the photon energies 81, 356, 511, 662, 1173 and 1332 keV. Experimental values for the molar extinction coefficient, the effective atomic number and the electron density have been derived and compared with theoretical calculations. There is good agreement between experiment and theory.
Mass attenuation coefficients of amino acids viz. glycerine (C_2H_5NO_2), 1-Serine (C_3H_7NO_3), 1-Theronine (C_4H_9NO_3), 1-Proline (C_5H_9NO_2), 1-Valine (C_5H_1_1NO_2) and 1-Phenylalanine (C_9H_1_1NO_2) in aqueous solutions have been determined at 81, 356, 511, 662, 1173 and 1332 keV by the gamma-ray transmission method in a narrow beam good geometry setup. Precisely measured densities of these solutions were used for the determination of these coefficients which varied systematically with the corresponding changes in the concentrations (g/cm"3) of the solutions. Molar extinction coefficients of amino acids were then obtained at these energies and were found to be in good agreement with the theoretical results. In addition, total interaction cross sections of amino acids in aqueous solutions were also calculated. (author)
The dosimetric characteristics for a new brachytherapy seed source (I-Plant"T"M model 3600) were measured using LiF thermoluminescent dosimeters and appropriate phantom materials in conformance with the methodology and guidance provided by the AAPM Task Group 43. The I-Plant"T"M model 3600 is the successor to the I-Plant"T"M model 3500. The major difference between these sources is that the model 3600 contains a leaded-glass core to provide radio-opacity (while the model 3500 contains a silver core), which does not produce spectral contamination upon neutron activation. The dose rate constant #LAMBDA# for the model 3600 was determined to be 1.00 Gy h"-"1 U"-"1 (with a 6% overall relative standard deviation), compared to 1.01 cGy h"-"1 U"-"1 reported for the model 3500 in previous studies. The remaining dosimetric characteristics also are similar for both sources.
The mobility of oxidized astatine in solutions H(Na)ClO/sub 4/ (..mu..=0.4M)-1.10/sup -4/M K/sub 2/Cr/sub 2/O/sub 7/ has been measured at 25 degC in the interval 0.63<=pH<=1.68. Under these conditions astatine migrates to the cathode only. The speeds of the migration depends upon the concentration of hydrogen ions in solutions are: pH1.68 Usub(c)=1.17.10/sup -4/ cm/sup 2/ V/sup -1/ s/sup -1/; pH 0.63 Usub(c)=2.67.10/sup -4/ cm/sup 2/ V/sup -1/ s/sup -1/. The effect agrees with the opinion that the singly charged cation of astatine formed in acidic solutions is a strong aquacomplex ((H/sub 2/O)sub(x)At)/sup +/ (x=1-2) (protonated hypoastatic acid). Deprotonation constant of this cation is Ksub(dp)=0.032+-0.005. Specific properties of the astatine cation are given. They can be explained, probably, through the peculiarities of its structure. 14 refs.
The mobility of oxidized astatine in solutions H(Na)ClO_4 (#mu#=0.4M)-1.10"-"4M K_2Cr_2O_7 has been measured at 25 degC in the interval 0.63<=pH<=1.68. Under these conditions astatine migrates to the cathode only. The speeds of the migration depends upon the concentration of hydrogen ions in solutions are: pH1.68 Usub(c)=1.17.10"-"4 cm"2 V"-"1 s"-"1; pH 0.63 Usub(c)=2.67.10"-"4 cm"2 V"-"1 s"-"1. The effect agrees with the opinion that the singly charged cation of astatine formed in acidic solutions is a strong aquacomplex [(H_2O)sub(x)At]"+ (x=1-2) (protonated hypoastatic acid). Deprotonation constant of this cation is Ksub(dp)=0.032+-0.005. Specific properties of the astatine cation are given. They can be explained, probably, through the peculiarities of its structure. (author).
1. The effects on micturition of RP 67,580, a selective NK1 receptor antagonist, and SR 48,968, a highly, potent antagonist at NK2 receptor sites, given intrathecally (i.t.) or intra-arterially (i.a.)...Full Text Available
The purpose of this study was to determine if a cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist would selectively decrease consumption of highly palatable food in non-human primates. The CB1...Full Text Available
We performed a randomized trial to compare IVF outcomes in 54 poor responder patients undergoing a microdose leuprolide acetate (LA) protocol or a GnRH antagonist protocol incorporating a luteal phase E2 patch and GnRH antagonist in the preceding menstrual cycle. Cancellation rates, number of oocytes retrieved, clinical pregnancy rates (PR), and ongoing PRs were similar between the two groups.
Semi-inclusive pi+ electroproduction on protons has been measured with the CLAS detector at Jefferson Lab. The measurement was performed on a liquid-hydrogen target using a 5.75 GeV electron beam. The complete five-fold differential cross sections were measured over a wide kinematic range in Q2, x, z, and pT and over the complete range of azimuthal angles, phi, enabling us to separate the different structure functions, H2+eps*H1, H3 and H4. Our measurements of H2 at low-x were found to be in fairly good agreement with pQCD calculations, suggesting a precocious factorization of the process. Indeed, the conventional f(x)*D(z) term can account for almost all of the observed cross section, even at small z. The measured xF-distributions are in qualitative agreement with high energy data, which suggests a surprising numerical similarity between ...
The synthesis and structure-activity relationship analysis of a novel class of amide-based biaryl NR2B-selective NMDA receptor antagonists are presented. Some of the studied compounds are potent, selective, non-competitive, and voltage-independent antagonists of NR2B-containing NMDA receptors. Like the founding member of this class of antagonists (ifenprodil), several interesting compounds of the series bind to the amino terminal domain of the NR2B subunit to inhibit function. Analogue potency is modulated by linker length, flexibility, and hydrogen bonding opportunities. However, unlike previously described classes of NR2B-selective NMDA antagonists that exhibit off-target activity at a variety of monoamine receptors, the compounds described herein show much diminished effects against the...
The /sup 31/P NMR method was first applied to characterize in vivo phosphorylation of H1 and H5 in calf thymus and chicken erythrocytes as well as in vitro phosphorylation of H1 and H5 by cAMP-dependent protein kinase. The amino acid residues phosphorylated in vivo in the histones were exclusively serine residues, and the mole fraction of phosphoserine was estimated to be 0.34 and 0.27 per molecule of calf thymus H1 and chicken erythrocyte H5, respectively. Interestingly, chicken erythrocyte H1 was not phosphorylated in vivo. Three H1 subtypes from calf thymus H1 varied in the /sup 31/P NMR spectra, and the bisected fragments of calf thymus H1 and chicken erythrocyte H5 exhibited characteristic ...
The present study describes the screening of five lactic acid bacteria (LAB) for use as probiotics based on their competitive adhesion and production of antagonistic substances against some fish pathogens. A reduction of adhesion of all pathogenic strains tested was obtained with three of the LAB strains (Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis CLFP100, Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris CLFP102 and Lactobacillus curvatus CLFP150). With the exception of fish pathogens Flavobacterium psychrophilum and Renibacterium salmoninarum that were not inhibited by LAB strains, production of antagonistic compounds by all tested LAB was observed against at least one of the indicator strains. Based on mucus adhesion, competitive exclusion, and suppression of fish pathogen growth, the selected LAB strains can b...
The absorption spectra of an unoriented single crystal of the title compound (1) have been measured at room and at low temperatures. Assuming a similar sequence of crystal field (CF) levels as for the previously analyzed Nd[N(SiMe_3)_2]_3 (2) a truncated CF splitting pattern is derived from the spectra obtained. The parameters of an empirical Hamiltonian are fitted to the energies of 71 levels to give an r.m.s. deviation of 24.2 cm"-"1. The parameters obtained are compared with those of 2 and Nd[N(SiMe_3)_2]_3(CNC_6H_1_1)_2 (3). The observed trends of CF parameters are consistent with the results of simple model calculations in the framework of the angular overlap model. (orig.)
Radon concentration measurements were carried out using solid-state nuclear track-etch detectors (SSNTDs) type CA 80-15 cellulose nitrate films, in a Pleistocenic cave at Petralona, in Halkidiki, Northern Greece, at 55 km from the city of Thessaloniki. Radon levels as high as 88 kBqxm"-"3 (2.38 nCi x l"-"1) have been recorded inside the cave equivalent to 11.90 WL in terms of occupational exposure to radon and its decay products. Absorbed dose rates were performed using TL dosimeters, type TLD-200 (CaF_2-Dy) in a continuous monitoring program (integrated measurements). Dose rate levels as high as 110 nGy x h"-"1 were recorded inside the cave. In interpreting the high levels of radiation doses, radioactivity measurements regarding the naturally occurring "2"3"8U, "2"3"2Th and "4"0K radionuclides were carried out in various speleothems found at different sites in the cave. (author)
Safety studies related to the disposal of low- and intermediate waste indicate that the long term risk is determined by the presence of long-lived nuclides such as "1"4C, "5"9Ni, "6"3Ni, "9"9Tc, "1"2"9I and the transuranium elements. As most of these nuclides are difficult to measure, the correlation between these critical nuclides and some other easily measurable key nuclides such as "6"0Co and "1"3"7Cs has been investigated for typical waste streams of Paks Nuclear Power Plant (Hungary) and scaling factors have been proposed. An automated gamma-scanning monitor has been purchased and calibrated to determine the gamma-emitting radionuclides. Radiochemical methods have been developed to determine significant difficult-to-measure radionuclides. The radionuclides of interest have been "3H, "1"4C, "9"0Sr, "5"5Fe, "5"9Ni, "9"9Tc, "1"2"9I and TRUs. The measurements ...
The first analysis of inelastic J/{psi} meson production in photoproduction (Q{sup 2}<2.5 GeV{sup 2}) of the H1 experiment for the second phase of HERA (HERA II) is presented. The analysis is carried out at low and medium elasticities. The production of heavy quarks (charm, or bottom) is of special interest since the mass of the quarks provides a hard scale for the application of perturbative QCD. The muonic decay channel is used to select the J/{psi} mesons. The data was collected by the H1 detector during the period 2003-2005, and corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 133 pb{sup -1}. However only a subset of this data could be analysed. At the start of HERA II the trigger system was affected by a sizeable background. Then a fault was introduced in the trigger software during the summer 2004 and was only discovered and solved in April 2006. This means that approximately 80 % of the ...
1. The stereospecificity of the enantiomers of LY253352, a potent and selective alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonist, were studied in the human prostate and canine brain using radioligand receptor binding...Full Text Available
Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) represent a class with a growing number of compounds that act as either estrogen receptor agonists or antagonists in a tissue-specific manner. This article...Full Text Available
The neonatal Fc receptor FcRn provides IgG molecules with their characteristically long half-lives in vivo by protecting them from intracellular catabolism and then returning them to...Full Text Available
BackgroundGlucocorticoids down-regulate cytokine synthesis and suppress inflammatory responses. The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) antagonist RU486 may exacerbate the inflammatory...Full Text Available
RationalePrevious research has shown that rats exposed perinatally to phencyclidine (PCP) exhibited neuroanatomical abnormalities and altered cognition. In addition...Full Text Available
BackgroundZibotentan (ZD4054) is a specific endothelin A (ETA) receptor antagonist being investigated for the treatment of prostate cancer. As zibotentan is eliminated...Full Text Available
Antagonists for kainate receptors (KARs), a family of glutamate-gated ion channels, are efficacious in a number of animal models of neuropathologies, including epilepsy, migraine pain, and anxiety....Full Text Available
1. In normal rats and rats with bladder hypertrophy secondary to outflow obstruction, undergoing continuous cytometry, we examined the responses to the selective alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonist doxazosin...Full Text Available
This study addresses the mechanism of transport of the H2-receptor antagonist, cimetidine, by the human placenta. A 4-h recycling perfusion of a single placental cotyledon of normal, term, human placenta...Full Text Available
Both deficiency and excess of growth hormone (GH) are associated with increased mortality and morbidity. GH replacement in otherwise healthy subjects leads to complications, whereas individuals with...Full Text Available
During blastocyst formation the segregation of the inner cell mass (ICM) and trophectoderm is governed by the mutually antagonistic effects of the transcription factors Oct4 and Cdx2. Evidence indicates...Full Text Available
The Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rat strain is a putative genetic model of comorbid depression and anxiety. Previous research showing increased κ-opioid receptor (KOR)...Full Text Available
Most colorectal cancers have mutations in the tumor suppressor APC. The best-understood function of APC is its participation in a protein complex that regulates the availability of β-catenin....Full Text Available
BackgroundHistone post-translational modifications are critical for gene expression and cell viability. A broad spectrum of histone lysine residues have been identified in yeast...Full Text Available
In the cellular immune response, recognition by CTL-TCRs of viral antigens presented as peptides by HLA class I molecules, triggers destruction of the virally infected cell (Townsend, A.R.M., J. Rothbard,...Full Text Available
The tumor suppressor adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) is mutated in the majority of colorectal cancers and is best known for its role as a scaffold in a Wnt-regulated protein complex that determines...Full Text Available
AimsTo develop a population pharmacokinetic model for maraviroc, a noncompetitive CCR5 antagonist, after oral administration of tablets to healthy volunteers and asymptomatic HIV-infected...Full Text Available
A 17-year-old H1N1-positive patient was successfully extubated after 25 days of ventilatory support for treatment of viral pneumonia which was complicated by empyema thoracis due to Candida...Full Text Available
BackgroundUnderstanding immunity, incidence and risk factors of the 2009 influenza A(H1N1) pandemic (2009 H1N1) through a national seroprevalence study is necessary for informing...Full Text Available
The declaration of the human influenza A pandemic (H1N1) 2009 (H1N1/09) raised important questions, including origin and host range [1],...Full Text Available
In the present study, the immunomodulatory effect of {beta}-endorphin ({beta}-E) and shorter pro-opiomelancortin (POMC) fragments was evaluated by assessing their influence on respiratory burst in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN). The effect of the peptides on phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-stimulated production of reactive oxygen metabolites was measured in a lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence (CL) assay. Both POMC peptides with opiate-like activity and their non-opioid derivatives were tested. With the exception of {alpha}-E, PMA-stimulated respiratory burst was suppressed by all POMC fragments tested. A U-shaped dose-response relation was observed. Doses lower than 10{sup {minus}17}M and higher than 10{sup {minus}8}M were without effect. {beta}-E and dT{beta}E both suppressed PMA-induced oxidative burst in human PMN at physiological concentrations. {gamma}-E and dT{gamma}E proved to be less potent inhibitors, reaching maximal effect at higher ...
The mechanism of action of Clostridium difficile enterotoxin A (CA), of Escherichia coli enterotoxin (STa) and of cholera toxin (CT), which are known to cause severe diarrhea, were studied in a preparation of ligated jejunal loops of anesthetized rats in vivo. The toxins were administered intraluminally. Pharmacological agents, which were tested for their potency to influence toxin-related effects, were administered subcutaneously. Net fluid transport was determined gravimetrically, prostaglandin (PG) E_2-output into the lumen, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) contents in the mucosa were measured by radioimmunoassay, serotonin-(5-HT)-output into the lumen was determined by high performance liquid chromatography. The histopathological effects of CA and CT were examined by light- and scanning electron microscopy. All three toxins caused net fluid secretion (FS). 5-HT_2-(ketanserin) and 5-HT_3-receptor ...
(3H)Cyclofoxy (CF: 17-cyclopropylmethyl-3,14-dihydroxy-4,5-alpha-epoxy-6-beta-fluoromorp hinan) is an opioid antagonist with affinity to both mu and kappa subtypes that was synthesized for quantitative evaluation of opioid receptor binding in vivo. Two sets of experiments in rats were analyzed. The first involved determining the metabolite-corrected blood concentration and tissue distribution of CF in brain 1 to 60 min after i.v. bolus injection. The second involved measuring brain washout for 15 to 120 s following intracarotid artery injection of CF. A physiologically based model and a classical compartmental pharmacokinetic model were compared. The models included different assumptions for transport across the blood-brain barrier (BBB); estimates of nonspecific tissue binding and specific binding to a single opiate receptor site were found to be essentially the same with both models. The nonspecific binding equilibrium constant varied ...
Measurements have been made of radon ("2"2"2Rn), release from diverse quaternary samples collected from different sediment deposits in the Errachidia and Beni-Mellal areas (Morocco). The radon diffusion coefficient as one of some important parameters of radon transport in the soil has been measured using solid state nuclear track detectors (SSNTD). Radon #alpha#-activity, uranium content and radon exhalation rate have been determined in the studied samples. Uranium concentrations were found to vary from 0.14 to 9.52 ppm whereas the radon exhalation rate varied from 0.003 to 0.145 Bq x m"-"2 x h"-"1. A positive correlation has been found between radon exhalation rate and uranium content in the studied samples. The average radon diffusion coefficients were found to vary from (1.26 #+-# 0.09) x 10"-"6 m"2 x s"-"1 to (4.3 #+-# 0.36) x 10"-"6 m"2 x s"-"1. Furthermore, the correlation between "2"2"2Rn ...
Transient enhanced diffusion (TED) from implantation of 5keVB_1_0H_1_4 and 0.5 keV B ions has been quantified and compared for nominal boron doses of 10"1"4 and 10"1"5cm"-"2. Boron diffusivity during annealing was extracted from secondary ion mass spectroscopy depth profiles of diffused marker layers in boron doping-superlattices and the actual implanted B dose was independently measured by nuclear reaction analysis. Comparable enhancements were observed from both ions. Transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed that both boron- and decaborane-implanted samples were amorphized at a nominal 10"1"5cm"-"2B dose. A comparison with data from low energy Si implants revealed a similar dependence of diffusivity enhancement on implant dose. These findings are consistent with the understanding that TED is caused by the interstitial supersaturation resulting from a number of excess interstitials approximately equal to the ...
We report five new measurements of central black hole masses based on Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph and Wide Field Planetary Camera 2 observations with the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) and on axisymmetric, three-integral, Schwarzschild orbit-library kinematic models. We selected a sample of galaxies within a narrow range in velocity dispersion that cover a range of galaxy parameters (including Hubble type and core/power-law surface density profile) where we expected to be able to resolve the galaxy's sphere of influence based on the predicted value of the black hole mass from the M-#sigma# relation. We find masses for the following galaxies: NGC 3585, M _B_H = 3.4"+"1"."5 _-_0_._6 x 10"8 M _s_u_n; NGC 3607, M _B_H = 1.2"+"0"."4 _-_0_._4 x 10"8 M _s_u_n; NGC 4026, M _B_H = 2.1"+"0"."7 _-_0_._4 x 10"8 M _s_u_n; and NGC 5576, M _B_H = 1.8"+"0"."3 _-_0_._4 x 10"8 M _s_u_n, all ...
The 10.3-h "1"6"5Er, decaying by electron capture to stable "1"6"5Ho, offers an excellent promise for use in diagnostic nuclear medicine, especially in conjuction with multiwire proportional-counter cameras. Using an ultra-high-resolution Si(Li) photon spectrometer, L and K x-ray photon yields in "1"6"5Er decay have been measured. The ratio P/sub L//P/sub K/ of electron-capture probabilities in L and K shells is determined to be 0.196 +- 0.030, in good agreement with theory. Estimates of Auger electron yields and yields of very-low-energy electrons from Coster--Kronig transitions are presented. Levels of "1"6"9Er and "1"7"1Er radioactive impurities in the reactor-produced "1"6"5Er sample are experimentally determined. Whole-body dose estimates for "1"6"5Er are given. These compare favorably with "9"9Tc dose.
Selecting an appropriate matrix solution is one of the most effective means of increasing the ionization efficiency of phosphopeptides in matrix-assisted laser-desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). In this study, we systematically assessed matrix combinations of 2, 6-dihydroxyacetophenone (DHAP) and diammonium hydrogen citrate (DAHC), and demonstrated that the low ratio DHAP/DAHC matrix was more effective in enhancing the ionization of phosphopeptides. Low femtomole level of phosphopeptides from the tryptic digests of ?-casein and ?-casein was readily detected by MALDI-TOF-MS in both positive and negative ion mode without desalination or phosphopeptide enrichment. Compared with the DHB/PA matrix, the optimized DHAP/DAHC matrix yielded superior sample homogeneity and higher phosphopeptide measurement sensitivity, particularly when multiple phosphorylated peptides were assessed. Finally, the DHAP/DAHC matrix was applied to identify ...
It is well known that contact with metals can be responsible for allergic contact dermatitis; also, there is experimental evidence that nickel ions are readily available on the surface of used coins containing nickel and copper. The aim of this study was to prove that metal powders of nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co) and chromium (Cr) dispersed in synthetic sweat are oxidised into respective ions that can permeate the skin. Suspensions of 5 g of metal powder (Ni, Co and Cr) in 100 mL of synthetic sweat at pH 6.5 were prepared and shaken with a stirring plate at room temperature for 30 min. Human skin membranes were set up in Franz-diffusion cells and 2 mL of the freshly made suspension were applied to the outer surface of the skin for 24h. The appearance of metal ions in the aqueous receptor phase (NaCl 0.9%) was quantified by Electro Thermal Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (ETAAS). Also, metals ions were analysed using Differential Pulse Polarography (DDP), Differential Pulse Voltammetry (DPV) ...
Full text: In Hungary, the main goal is that the Hungarian regulations should meet with the EU Directive No. 96/29. For this aim, a surveying project has been launched in order to collect all relevant information about the Hungarian TENORM situation. This surveying programme covers a lot of data collection (work activities, disposal places, residue quantities) and radiological measurements on the TENORM site. The Hungarian situation of TENORM definitely differs from other countries in the aspect of occurrence forms of natural sources (or in the imported raw materials), in the quantities of exploitation, in the level of the radioactivity and in the applied technological processes. Firstly, those work activities have been choosen where the huge amount of residues have been produced. The other criteria is that the activity concentration in a great portion of the given residues is much higher than the average activity concentration of the typical Hungarian soil. After ...
The longest range weak pion-nucleon coupling constant, h1/n is important for nuclear parity violation. However, after considerable effort in the past two decades, its value is still poorly known largely due to many-body theoretical uncertainties. Prospects of a new measurement of h1/n in a theoretically clean process are presented. A measurement of the parity-violating asymmetry in pion photoproduction off the proton is related to h1/n in a low-energy theorem for the photon polarization asymmetry at threshold in the chiral limit. At present two completed experiments - photon circular polarization for 18F and the anapole moment of 133Cs - have been interpreted to give very different values of ...
Abstract Strains of Pseudomonas syringae are effective in controlling postharvest diseases of citrus fruits, and antagonistic activity has been correlated with in vitro production of lipodepsipeptides. Additionally, biocontrol agents can induce a range of defence mechanisms of resistance in citrus tissue that result in a broad spectrum of metabolic modifications, such as systemic acquired resistance, induced systemic resistance and production of reactive oxygen species. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of syringomycin (syrB1) and syringopeptin (sypA) synthetase genes from P.syringae pv. syringae biocontrol strains in vitro on different culture media and in vivo on citrus fruits (Citrus sinensis cv. Tarocco) during the interaction with Penicillium digitatum by quantitati...
A study was made of the kinetics of L-(/sup 3/H)quinuclidinyl benzilate binding with membrane-bound muscarine cholinoreceptors from the rat brain. Determination was made of the rate constants of this process, and constants as a function of ligand concentration was investigated, indicating that there is a complex mechanism of interaction of antagonists with muscarine receptor. With up to 3.5 nM concentrations of L-(/sup 3/H)quinuclidinyl benzilate, the binding reaction occurs in two stages: rapid equilibrated binding is followed by a slow process of conformational isomerization of the receptor-ligand complex. At higher ligand concentrations, there is additional drastic increase in constant of rate of ligand binding a new plateau is reached. Such dependence of rate constant on ligand concentration is indicative of the cooperative nature of interaction between antagonists and muscarine receptors. This is possible if there are in the receptor ...
The aim of this review is to evaluate the role of inflammatory spine disease in patients with chronic back pain. The contribution of imaging modalities for the diagnostic evaluation of back pain is discussed. A systematic literature search based on the classification of seronegative spondyloarthropathies and rheumatoid arthritis was performed. The results of this search and the experiences in a large collective of rheumatological patients are analyzed. The prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis (1-2%) is comparable to that of spondyloarthropathies (1.9%). The etiology of these entities is not fully elucidated. Magnetic resonance imaging is increasingly used for early detection and surveillance of therapy with TNF-#alpha# antagonists. Bone marrow edema, which is only detectable with MRI, represents an early sign of inflammation. Therapy with TNF-#alpha# antagonists is based on clinical and laboratory criteria, and signs of inflammation in MRI. MRI ...
The primary objective was to assess the effects and clinical safety of a single high-dose of the third generation GnRH antagonist, acyline, on testicular characteristics in male dogs. Seven dogs were followed up weekly for six, 2-week periods (-2, -1, 1, 2, 3 and 4). At the end of the second period, they were given acyline (330 microg/kg sc). Responses to treatment varied among individual animals. Testicular consistency and scrotal diameter were slightly diminished (P>0.05) in Periods 1, 2, and 3. Libido and erection decreased during Periods 1 and 2 (Pdecreased semen quality with no adverse effects. PMID:17586037
This thesis presents measurements of inelastic photoproduction and electroproduction of J/{psi} mesons in ep scattering at HERA. The data was collected by the H1 detector during the HERA II running and corresponds to an integrated luminosity of L {approx} 166 pb{sup -1} in the photoproduction analysis and L {approx} 315 pb{sup -1} in the electroproduction analysis. In both analyses the elasticity of the J/{psi} meson is restricted to a medium range of 0.3 {<=} z {<=} 0.9. The kinematic range of the photoproduction analysis is defined by Q{sup 2} {approx} 0 GeV{sup 2}, 60 {<=}W{sub {gamma}}{sub p}{<=} 240 GeV and P{sub {tau}}{sub ,{psi}}{>=} 1 GeV{sup 2}, whereas the electroproduction analysis is restricted to 3.6 {<=} Q{sup 2} {<=} 100 GeV{sup 2}, 50 {<=}W{sub {gamma}}{sub p}{<=} 225 GeV, and P{sup *}{sub {tau}}{sub ,} {sub {psi}} {>=} 1 GeV. Here P{sup ...
σ-Receptor (σR) antagonists have been reported to block certain effects of psychostimulant drugs. The present study examined the effects of σR ligands in rats trained to self-administer...Full Text Available
The pharmacology of the alpha-2 adrenoceptor of the human adipocyte was improved by using some new alpha-2 antagonists from different chemical families (imidazolines, benzazepines and benzofuroquinolizines) in biological and binding assays. Moreover, investigations were also carried out to define the binding properties of a new imidazolinic antagonist, RX821002 (2-(2-methoxy-1,4-benzodioxan-2yl)-2-imidazoline), which could be a potential radioligand. (3H)RX821002 binding was very rapid and reversible. Saturation isotherms indicated that (3H)RX821002 labeled, with high affinity, a homogeneous population of noninteracting binding sites with a mean Kd of 0.98 +/- 0.05 nM (n = 6). The binding of (3H)RX821002 on the human fat cell alpha-2 adrenoceptor displayed a specificity which is strictly similar to that obtained with (3H)rauwolscine and which is classical for an alpha-2 A adrenoceptor. The binding parameters of (3H)RX821002 were compared with ...
Oestrogen has been reported to modulate tumour necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin (IL)-1 and IL-6 cytokine levels in human mononuclear cell cultures. In the present study, the effects of exogenous oestrogen...Full Text Available
Dopamine (DA) D3 and D2 receptor mechanisms are implicated in cocaine's abuse-related behavioral effects, but the relative contribution of the two receptor subtypes is only partially characterized....Full Text Available
1. Using a grease-gap recording technique we have investigated the effects of some antagonists of P2-purinoceptors on the depolarization of the rat isolated superior cervical ganglion evoked by 100...Full Text Available
BackgroundThe orphan nuclear receptor estrogen-related receptor α (ERRα) is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily. It was identified through a search for genes...Full Text Available
BackgroundThe ability of catecholamines to stimulate bacterial growth was first demonstrated just over a decade ago. Little is still known however, concerning the nature of the putative...Full Text Available
Some new 3-piperazinylmethyl-5-aryl-1H-1,2,4-triazoles have been prepared and tested for their antifungal and antimicrobial activity. Among them, compounds 3g and 3h exhibited higher antifungal activity than ketoconazole against Cladosporium cladosporoides and Aspergillus niger respectively. PMID:9825120
DNA from 48 hr germinated rice embryos was cut with restriction endonuclease Bam H1 and cloned to the Bam H1 site on plasmid pBR 322. The clones containing recombinant DNA were selected by their sensitivity to tetracycline and resistance to ampicillin. Using /sup 32/P-labelled rice embryos tRNA as a probe two clones were identified to contain tRNA genes by colony hybridization.
Testing of barrier properties of insulating materials against radon is usually based on the measurement of the radon diffusion coefficient. Presented report summarizes results of radon diffusion coefficients measurements in more than 120 insulating materials obtained throughout Europe. All measurements were performed by the Czech Technical University, Faculty of Civil Engineering in cooperation with the Radiation Protection Institute. We have found out that great differences exist in diffusion properties, because the diffusion coefficients vary within eight orders from 10"-"1"5 m"2/s to 10"-"8 m"2/s. For each material category of different chemical composition statistical evaluation of results is presented. Possibilities of usage of the radon diffusion coefficient for the design of radon resisting membranes are discussed. Based on the experience from the Czech Republic the paper is trying to show that controlling ...
A semiquantitative assay was developed and used to measure the effects of immune responses against 16 independent non-H-2 antigenic loci on erythropoietic stem cells. The assay compares repopulation in genetically anemic WBB6F1-W/Wv recipients that have normal immune responses, and in lethally irradiated WBB6F1 +/+ mice whose immune responses are suppressed by the irradiation. The differences in repopulating ability between these two types of recipients measure how immune responses affect erythropoietic stem cells. Stem cell repopulating abilities for the cells with antigens specified by the Thy-1, H-1, H-24, Ly-1, H-37, and H-17 loci were affected slightly, if at all. Repopulating abilities were moderately reduced by responses against antigens specified by H-15, 16, Ea-2, and Ly-2, 3 loci, and against the differences between the B6 and B10 genotypes, although marrow of these types cured W/Wv ...
This paper investigates regional and age-related changes in metabolite ratios using image-localized H-1 MR spectroscopy in children. Twenty-seven children referred for MR imaging of the brain underwent localized H-1 MR spectroscopy with a Siemens 1.5-T whole-body imager. Localization to 2 x 2 x 2-cm volumes of interest was achieved with a stimulated-echo or spin-echo technique. Repetition times of 1,600 and 5,000 msec were used, with echo times varying between 68 and 270 msec. Total combined imaging and spectroscopy times were 90-120 minutes.
Myostatin is a member of the transforming growth factor-{beta} (TGF-{beta}) family and a strong negative regulator of muscle growth. Here, we present the crystal structure of myostatin in complex with the antagonist follistatin 288 (Fst288). We find that the prehelix region of myostatin very closely resembles that of TGF-{beta} class members and that this region alone can be swapped into activin A to confer signalling through the non-canonical type I receptor Alk5. Furthermore, the N-terminal domain of Fst288 undergoes conformational rearrangements to bind myostatin and likely acts as a site of specificity for the antagonist. In addition, a unique continuous electropositive surface is created when myostatin binds Fst288, which significantly increases the affinity for heparin. This translates into stronger interactions with the cell surface and enhanced myostatin degradation in the presence of either Fst288 or Fst315. Overall, we have identified ...
Endoreduplication represents a cell cycle variant during which multiple rounds of DNA replication occur without subsequent chromosome separation and cytokinesis, resulting into a cellular increase of the DNA content. Although the DNA ploidy level of cells is controlled by external stimuli such as light, currently limited knowledge is available on how environmental signals regulate the endoreduplication cycle at the molecular level. Previously, we have demonstrated that the conversion from the mitotic cell cycle into an endoreduplication cycle is mediated by the atypical E2F transcription factor DEL1 that operates as a repressor of endocycle onset. Here, we identified DEL1 as a transcriptional target of the classical E2Fb and E2Fc transcription factors that antagonistically control DEL1 transcript levels through competition for a single E2F cis-acting binding site. Correspondingly with the reported opposite effect of light on the E2Fb and E2Fc protein levels, the ...
A hypotheses that mitoxantrone is a competitive antagonist at muscarinic cholinergic receptors was examined in guinea-pig hearts. In isolated left atrial muscle preparations, electrically paced at 2 Hz, the muscarinic agonist, carbachol, caused a concentration-dependent decrease in developed tension. Mitoxantrone caused a parallel right-ward shift of the concentration-response curve for carbachol. Schild plots for the effect of mitoxantrone on the carbachol concentration-response relationship were linear with a slope of 0.88 which was not significantly different from the unity. The right-ward shift of the carbachol concentration-response relationship by mitoxantrone significantly reversed after an additional incubation with a mitoxantrone-free solution, although the reversal was incomplete after a 2-h incubation in the mitoxantrone-free solution. Mitoxantrone caused a concentration-dependent displacement of specific [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate binding to membrane ...
Aim: There has been a great demand for developments of the radioligands to visualize the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors by PET/SPECT. We have recently synthesized two C-11 labeled antagonists for the glycine-binding site on NMDA receptors. The aim of this work is to examine for their in vitro and in vivo binding characteristics, and to evaluate their potentials as PET radioligands for the NMDA receptors. Materials and methods: Two C-11 labeled 4-hydroxy-2-quinolones (1 and 2) were synthesized by conventional methylation of the corresponding phenols with ["1"1C]methyl iodide. In vitro and ex vivo quantitative autoradiographs with imaging plate, as well as animal PET, were employed in order to evaluate their in vitro and in vivo binding to the NMDA receptors. Results: The compound 1 showed the specific binding to rat brain slices with higher localization in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex than in the cerebellum. Both glycine ...
The ruminal selenomonad strain H18 grew rapidly (mu = 0.50 h-1) in a defined medium containing glucose, ammonia, purified amino acids, and sodium (95 mM); little if any ammonia was utilized as a nitrogen...Full Text Available
Pollen mother cells of the lily (Lilium speciosum) were found to have a histone-H1-like protein (PMCP) not detected in other tissues. The PMCP appears from the late S-G2...Full Text Available
Bone marrow is one of the most radiosensitive organs. Irradiation causes a marked decrease in the total number of hematopoietic cells in the bone marrow. The reticular meshwork structure of marrow stromal cells, however, is relatively resistant to irradiation. Unimpaired stromal cell structure has been thought to be a prerequisite for the repopulation of hematopoietic cells during recovery from the effects of irradiation. The reticular framework is maintained by cell adhesion apparatuses such as gap junctions. The in vitro radiobiologic survival values of a cloned stromal cell line, H-1/A, were studied (n = 1.8, D0 = 138 cGy). Radiation doses of up to 4000 cGy had no detectable effects on the production of colony-stimulating factor 1. H-1/A cells communicate with each other via gap junctions as determined by the sensitive dye-transfer method. Gap-junctional communication between ...
Bone marrow is one of the most radiosensitive organs. Irradiation causes a marked decrease in the total number of hematopoietic cells in the bone marrow. The reticular meshwork structure of marrow stromal cells, however, is relatively resistant to irradiation. Unimpaired stromal cell structure has been thought to be a prerequisite for the repopulation of hematopoietic cells during recovery from the effects of irradiation. The reticular framework is maintained by cell adhesion apparatuses such as gap junctions. The in vitro radiobiologic survival values of a cloned stromal cell line, H-1/A, were studied (n = 1.8, D0 = 138 cGy). Radiation doses of up to 4000 cGy had no detectable effects on the production of colony-stimulating factor 1. H-1/A cells communicate with each other via gap junctions as determined by the sensitive dye-transfer method. Gap-junctional communication between ...
in cash and is featured on national television. Congratulations to Dr. John Clarke of Baldwin, New York for his video entitled H1N1 Rap by Dr. Clarke. Congrats to the Winning...
The widespread use of tobacco and alcohol among adolescents might be related to the ability of nicotine and ethanol to facilitate social interactions. To investigate the neurobehavioral mechanisms underlying the prosocial effects of nicotine and ethanol, we focused on social play behavior, the most characteristic social activity in adolescent rats. Social play behavior is rewarding, and it is modulated through opioid, cannabinoid and dopaminergic neurotransmission, which are also involved in the reinforcing properties of nicotine and ethanol. We found that nicotine and ethanol increased social play, without affecting locomotion or social exploration. Their effects depended on the level of social activity of the partner, and were comparable in familiar and unfamiliar environments. At doses that increased social play, nicotine and ethanol had no anxiolytic effects in the elevated plus-maze. By contrast, the prototypical anxiolytic drug diazepam reduced social play at doses that reduced ...
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) was used to analyze in vivo antagonist binding to human myocardial muscarinic cholinergic receptor. The methiodide salt of the muscarinic antagonist, quinuclidinyl benzilate (MQNB), was labeled with the positron emitter, Carbon-11, and injected intravenously to 8 normal subjects. /sup 11/C-MQNB concentration was determined in vivo in the ventricular septum from 40 cross-sectional images acquired at the same transverse level over a period of 70 minutes. In 4 subjects, various amounts of unlabeled atropine were rapidly injected at 20 minutes to study whether atropine competitively inhibited MQNB. The kinetics of binding of /sup 11/C-MQNB were not the same in vivo and in vitro. The apparent dissociation rate of /sup 11/C-MQNB in vivo was much slower (by 1 to 2 orders of magnitude) than that observed in vitro with /sup 3/H-QNB. After atropine injection, /sup 11/C-MQNB dissociated from its binding sites at a rate ...
Introduction: Development of agonist positron emission tomography (PET) radioligands for the 5-HT neurotransmitter system is an important target to enable the understanding of human 5-HT function in vivo. ["1"1C]CUMI-101, proposed as the first 5-HT_1_A receptor agonist PET ligand, has been reported to behave as a potent 5-HT_1_A agonist in a cellular system stably expressing human recombinant 5-HT_1_A receptors. In this study, we investigate the agonist properties of CUMI-101 in rat brain tissue. Methods: ["3"5S]-GTP#gamma#S binding studies were used to determine receptor function in HEK (human embryonic kidney) 293 cells transfected with human recombinant 5-HT_1_A receptors and in rat cortex and rat hippocampal tissue, following administration of CUMI-101 and standard 5-HT1A antagonists (5-HT, 5-CT and 8-OH-DPAT). Results: CUMI-101 behaved as an agonist at human recombinant 5-HT_1_A receptors (pEC_5_0 9.2). However, CUMI-101 did not show agonist activity in either ...
E. coli HB101 cells transformed to tetracycline resistance with the plasmids pMB9 or pBR322 display a 10/sup 5/-10/sup 6/-fold lower plating efficiency on agar containing 440 ..mu..M CdCl/sub 2/ than nontransformed cells. When DNA is inserted into the BamH1 site of the plasmid tet gene, or when DNA spanning the BamH1 site is deleted, tetracycline resistance and cadmium hypersensitivity are both lost. In contrast, insertion of DNA into the ampicillin resistance gene does not affect cadmium hypersensitivity.
We propose a new approach to study Koszul cohomology of general $g^r_d$'s on general curves via degenerations and deformations. As an application of this new method, we prove projective normality for general line bundles $L$ on general curves with $h^1(L)\\le1$ and degree greater than roughly $(5/4)g$. This improves the bound in a classical theorem of Green and Lazarsfeld. Also we give some partial results on vanishing of higher syzygies for line bundles with $h^1(L)=1$.
The stoichiometry of photorespiration, S, is defined as the fraction of glycolate carbon photorespired. It is postulated that under steady-state conditions there are two determinants of the ratio of photorespiration to net photosynthesis: the partitioning of ribulose bisphosphate between oxidation and carboxylation, and the partitioning of glycolate between reactions leading to complete oxidation to CO/sub 2/ (S . 100%) and those yielding CO/sub 2/ plus serine (S . 25%). S may be calculated using two independent probes of the system. The physical probe, using an infrared gas analyzer, measured photorespiration and net photosynthesis, and hence their ratio PR/NPS . pn(phys). The metabolic probe employed tracer (3R)-D-(3-/sup 3/H1,3-/sup 14/C)glyceric acid to determine r, the fraction of /sup 3/H retained in the triose phosphates leaving the chloroplasts. It is deduced from the postulated model that S . pn(phys) . r/(1 - r). ...
I present a promising route to harmonize distance measurements based on clump giants and RR Lyrae stars. This is achieved by comparing the brightness of these distance indicators in three environments: the solar neighborhood, Galactic bulge and Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC). As a result of harmonizing the distance scales in the solar neighborhood and Baade's Window, I derive the new absolute magnitude of RR Lyrae stars, M{sub v}(RR) at [Fe/H] = -1.6 (0.59 {+-} 0.05, 0.70 {+-} 0.05). Being somewhat brighter than the statistical parallax solution, but fainter than typical results of the main sequence fitting to Hipparcos data, these values of M{sub V}(RR) favor intermediate or old ages of globular clusters. Harmonizing the distance scales in the LMC and Baade's Window, I show that the most likely distance modulus to the LMC, {mu}{sub LMC} is in the range 18.24 - 18.44. The Hubble constant of about 70 km/s/Mpc ...
The ELEX process for isotopic enrichment and separation of tritium from aqueous reprocessing effluents is described. After the development of an appropriate hydrophobic catalyst and the study of the separate constituent steps of the ELEX process, an integrated bench-scale installation with a detritiation capacity of 10 mol water per hour was constructed. It comprises essentially a 1.5 kW electrolyser and two 2 cm diameter by 3 m high exchange columns. In this mini-pilot the ELEX process was successfully demonstrated by detritiating more than 1000 dm"3 water containing up to 100 mCi tritium per dm"3, which is the feed concentration expected for application of the process in a reprocessing plant. The process decontamination factor was always larger than 100 and the overall tritium balance could be kept within the experimental errors of the various measurements. Depending on the duration of the runs, the volume reduction factor was between 10 and 15, but this factor ...
Surface modification of topography and chemistry in order to achieve a specific water contact angle (CA) has been explored by using a novel combinatorial screening platform. The screening arrays consisted of 507 distinct combinations of micro-topographies and chemical compositions. By performing chemical modifications with 1H, 1H, 2H, 2H perfluoroethyltriethoxy-silane (PFS) and n-octadecyltriethoxysilane (ODS) on standard silicon wafers it was possible to include both superhydrophobic and very hydrophilic pad arrays in the same screening platform. Surfaces modified with PFS were more hydrophobic than surfaces modified with ODS, while the unmodified silicon surfaces were hydrophilic. For the PFS modified surfaces the largest CAs were achieved with a small pillar size of X = 1 {mu}m and an intermediate inter-pillar gap size of Y = 4 {mu}m with superhydrophobic CAs over 170 . Surface analysis with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealed ...
A computed tomography (CT) cut-off for differentiating neoplastic lesions (polyps/carcinoma) from normal colon in contrast-enhanced CT colonography (CTC) relating to the contrast phase and lesion size is determined. CT values of 64 colonic lesions (27 polyps <10 mm, 13 polyps {>=}10 mm, 24 carcinomas) were determined by region-of-interest (ROI) measurements in 38 patients who underwent contrast-enhanced CTC. In addition, the height (H) of the colonic lesions was measured in CT. CT values were also measured in the aorta (A), superior mesenteric vein (V) and colonic wall. The contrast phase was defined by xA + (1 - x)V using x as a weighting factor for describing the different contrast phases ranging from the pure arterial phase (x=1) over the intermediate phases (x=0.9-0.1) to the pure venous phase (x=0). The CT values of the lesions were correlated with their height (H), the different phases (xA + (1 - x)V) ...
Because of heightened media coverage, a 24-hour news cycle and the potential miscommunication of health messages across all levels of government during the onset of the H1N1 influenza outbreak in spring 2009, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) decided to evaluate its H1N1 influenza A communications system. IDPH wanted to confirm its disease information and instructions were helping stakeholders prepare for and respond to a novel influenza outbreak. In addition, the time commitment involved in preparing, issuing, monitoring, updating, and responding to H1N1 federal guidelines/updates and media stories became a heavy burden for IDPH staff. The process and results of the H1N1 messaging survey represent a best practice that other health departments and emergency management agencies can replicate to improve ...
We have observed the CH_3OH J = 2-1, SiO J = 2-1, C"3"4S J = 2-1, H"1"3CO"+ J = 1-0, HN"1"3C J = 1-0, CCH N = 1-0, OCS J = 8-7, and SO J_N = 2_2-1_1 lines toward 20 massive clumps, including Midcourse Space Experiment (MSX) 8 #mu#m dark sources (infrared dark clouds) and MSX 8 #mu#m sources, by using the Nobeyama Radio Observatory 45 m telescope. We have found that the velocity widths of the CH_3OH and C"3"4S lines are broader than those of the H"1"3CO"+ line in the MSX dark sources. On the other hand, they are comparable to the velocity width of the H"1"3CO"+ line in the MSX sources. In addition, the [SiO]/[H"1"3CO"+] abundance ratio is found to be enhanced in the MSX dark sources in comparison with the MSX sources. These results suggest that shocks caused by interaction between an outflow and an ambient dense gas would ...
The near-yrast states of "1"0"1_4_2Mo_5_9 and "1"0"3","4_4_4 Ru_5_9_,_6_0 have been studied following their population via heavy-ion multinucleon transfer reactions between a "1"3"6Xe beam and a thin, self-supporting "1"0"0Mo target. The ground state sequence in "1"0"4Ru can be understood as demonstrating a simple evolution from a quasi-vibrational structure at lower spins to statically deformed, quasi-rotational excitation involving the population of a pair of low-#OMEGA# h_1_1_/_2 neutron orbitals. The effect of the decoupled h_1_1_/_2 orbital on this vibration-to-rotational evolution is demonstrated by an extension of the ''E-GOS'' prescription to include odd-A nuclei. The experimental results are also compared with self-consistent Total Routhian Surface calculations which also highlight the polarising role of the highly aligned neutron h_1_1_/_2 orbital in ...
Objectives: Human influenza A (H1N1) 2009 has caused severe epidemics in many countries, but its dynamics in spatial and temporal contexts have so far been poorly appreciated. Methods: A total of 24,414 laboratory confirmed human influenza A (H1N1) 2009 cases reported from May to September 2009 in Hong Kong were evaluated, using a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based approach. Spatio-temporal clustering was assessed after dividing Hong Kong into 4 geographic sectors, 18 districts and 500 m x 500 m cells. Global Moran's I, Local Moran's I and SaTScan(TM) were used in the exploration. Results: Spatio-temporal clusters first appeared on Hong Kong Island at week 3, alongside multiple foci suggestive of infection nidus introduced from abroad. The clusters grew rapidly and became confluent ...
A tertiary structure of recombinant A22^G-B31^K-B32^R-human insulin monomer (insulin GKR) has been characterized by ^1H, ^1^3C NMR at natural isotopic abundance using NOESY, TOCSY, ^1H/^1^3C-GHSQC, and ^1H/^1^3C-GHSQC-TOCSY spectra. Translational diffusion studies indicate the monomer structure in water/acetonitrile (65/35vol.%). CSI analysis confirms existence of secondary structure motifs present in human insulin standard (HIS). Both techniques allow to establish that in this solvent recombinant insulin GKR exists as a monomer. Starting from structures calculated by the program CYANA, two different refinement protocols used molecular dynamics simulated annealing with the program AMBER; in vacuum (AMBER_VC), and including a generalized Born solvent model (AMBER_GB). From these calculation...
The Tomographic Gamma Scanning (TGS) technique is a relatively new method in the field of non-destructive assay (NDA) of radioactive waste. The TGS technique combines High Resolution Gamma Spectrometry (HRGS) with Three-Dimensional (3-D) low spatial resolution transmission and emission image reconstruction techniques to achieve assay goals. When compared to the traditional methods such as Segmented Gamma Scanning (SGS), the TGS technique can yield better accuracies for cases where the radionuclide is distributed non-uniformly in a heterogeneous matrix. The TGS technique is ideally suited for low-to-moderate density waste matrices, say 1.0 g cm"-"3 or below for 55 US gal. drums, although it can be extended to higher densities by using alternative approaches to the design or analyses. Recently Canberra Industries designed, built and characterized four such TGS systems for nuclear power plant applications. Many of the design features and the end application itself set these TGS systems ...
Investigations of cadmium toxicity to microorganisms are now more concerned with the interactions of cadmium with different environmental factors and other metals. The interactions are complex and have not been thoroughly studied yet. Metal interactions may assume the form of synergism characterized by increase in toxicity, but also of antagonism in which one metal reduces the toxicity of another. Apart from cadmium interactions with such toxic metals as mercury and lead, interactions of cadmium with the essential trace elements seem to be very interesting because it has been assumed that algal cells take up cadmium by the system transporting these elements. A previous study showed that cadmium transport into Stichococcus bacillaris cells was inhibited by Mn/sup 2 +/ ions. Thus, it can be supported that there exist some possibilities of using those ions antagonistic to cadmium as counterposition. Showing those possibilities was the aim of the present paper.
Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors have been actively exploited as potential anticancer agents. To identify gene targets of HDAC inhibitors, we found that HDAC inhibitors such as sodium butyrate, scriptaid, apicidin and oxamflatin induced the expression of 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH), a potential cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) antagonist and tumor suppressor, in a time and concentration dependent manner in A549 and H1435 lung adenocarcinoma cells. Detailed analyses indicated that HDAC inhibitors activated the 15-PGDH promoter-luciferase reporter construct in transfected A549 cells. A representative HDAC inhibitor, scriptaid, and its negative structural analog control, nullscript, were further evaluated at the chromatin level. Scriptaid but not nullscript induced a signific...
'The overall objective of the basic research grant is to characterize the potential of common hydrocarbon contaminants in ecosystems to act as endocrine disruptors. The three major lines of research include (1) a biotechnology based screening system to identify potential hormone mimics and antagonists; (2) an animal screening system to identify biomarkers of endocrine effects. and (3) a literature review to identify compounds at a variety of DOE sites that need to be examined for endocrine disrupting effects. By relating results obtained from this research project to contamination problems at various DOE sites. CBR will provide data and information on endocrine disrupting contaminants to DOE for consideration in risk analyses for determining clean-up levels and priorities needed at the sites.'
The endophytic fungus Trichothecium roseum LZ93 from Maytenus hookeri was found to antagonize other pathogenic fungi in vitro. To identify which compound contributed substantially to the antagonism, we fermented the strain and purified its fermentation products. Eleven compounds were obtained, including two trichothecenes, five rosenonolactones, two cardiotonic cyclodepsipeptides, and two sterols. Compound 11?-hydroxyrosenonolactone (1) was assigned according to 1D and 2D-NMR data for the first time. At the same time, the 1H and 13C-NMR assignments for 6?-hydroxyrosenonolactone (2) were revised. Of all of them, only trichothecin (6) showed strong antifungal activity. Based on our observations of the antagonistic activity and the other experimental results, we suggest that the antifungal co...
A detailed chemical kinetic model to describe the autoignition of gasoline surrogate fuels is presented consisting of the fuels iso-octane, n-heptane, toluene, diisobutylene and ethanol. Model predictions have been compared with shock tube ignition delay time data for surrogates of gasoline over practical ranges of temperature and pressure, and the model has been found to be sensitive to both changes in temperature and pressure. Moreover, the model can qualitatively predict the observed synergistic and antagonistic non-linear blending behaviour in motor octane number (MON) for different combinations of primary reference fuels (PRFs) and non-PRFs by correlating calculated autoignition delay times from peak pressures and temperatures in the MON test to experimental MON values. The reasons for the blending behaviour are interpreted in terms autoignition chemistry. 37 refs., 11 figs., 4 tabs.
Effects of 2450-MHz circularly polarized microwave irradiation on central nervous system functions were studied. Pulsed (microsecond, 500 pps) microwaves decreased high-affinity sodium-dependent choline uptake in the hippocampus and frontal cortex of the rat. The effect on hippocampal choline uptake was blocked by pretreatment with narcotic antagonists. Continuous-wave microwaves of the same power density decreased choline uptake in the frontal cortex only. Furthermore, it was found that the effects of pulsed microwaves on central cholinergic activity are classically conditionable to cues in the exposure environment. The hypothesis that some of the neurological effects of pulsed microwave irradiation are caused by its effect on the auditory system was investigated. Effects of pink noise and pulsed microwaves were compared.
The positive-energy unitary irreducible representations of the q-deformed conformal algebra #delta#C_q = U_q(su(2,2)) are obtained by appropriate deformation of the classical ones. When the deformation parameter q is N -th root of unity, all these unitary representations become finite-dimensional. For his case we discuss in some detail the massless representations, which are also irreducible representations of the q-deformed Poincare subalgebra of #delta#C_q. Generically, their dimensions are smaller than the corresponding finite-dimensional non-unitary representation of su(2,2), except when N = 2 modul h + 1, where h is the helicity of the representations. The latter cases include the fundamental representations with h = #+-#1/2. (author). 10 refs.
Summary Pectin was extracted from passion fruit peel using three different acids (citric, hydrochloric or nitric) at different temperatures (40-90 degreeC), pH (1.2-2.6) and extraction times (10-90 min), with and without skins using a 24 factorial design. Temperature, pH and extraction time had highly significant effects on the pectin yield. A central composite design with face centring was used to optimise the extraction process conditions for citric acid without skins. Pectin yields varied from 10% to 70%. The optimal conditions for maximisation of pectin yield were the use of citric acid at 80 degreeC and pH1 with an extraction time of 10 min considering model extrapolation.
The objective of this study was to determine whether walking and running at different treadmill speeds resulted in different metabolic and cardiovascular responses in the vastus lateralis (VL) and lateral gastrocnemius (LG) by examining metabolite accumulation and tissue oxygen saturation. Ten healthy subjects (6 males, 4 females) completed a submaximal treadmill exercise test, beginning at 3.2?km?h?1 and increasing by 1.6?km?h?1 increments every 3?min until reaching 85% of age-predicted maximal heart rate. Muscle tissue oxygenation (SO2), total hemoglobin (HbT) and interstitial hydrogen ion concentration ([H+]) were calculated from near infrared spectra collected from VL and LG. The [H+] threshold for each muscle was determined using a simultaneous bilinear regression. Muscle and treadmil...
We hypothesize that the mushroom-derived active compound may be a potential strategy for increasing survival in response to influenza virus (H1N1) infection through the stimulation of host innate immune response. The validity of the hypothesis can be tested by immune response to influenza infection as seen through survival percentage, virus clearance, weight loss, natural killer cell cytotoxicity, Tumor Necrosis Factor-? (TNF-?) and Interferon-gamma (IFN-?) levels, lytic efficiency in the spleens of mice and inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA expressions in RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells. The hypothesis may improve people's quality of life, reduce the medical cost of our healthcare system and eliminate people's fears of influenza outbreak. PMID:21660092
The p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75"N"T"R) is a death receptor which belongs to the tumor necrosis factor receptor super-family of membrane proteins. This study shows that p75"N"T"R retarded cell cycle progression by induced accumulation of cells in G0/G1 and a reduction in the S phase of the cell cycle. The rescue of tumor cells from cell cycle progression by a death domain deleted (#DELTA#DD) dominant-negative antagonist of p75"N"T"R showed that the death domain transduced anti-proliferative activity in a ligand-independent manner. Conversely, addition of NGF ligand rescued retardation of cell cycle progression with commensurate changes in components of the cyclin/cdk holoenzyme complex. In the absence of ligand, p75"N"T"R-dependent cell cycle arrest facilitated an increase in apoptotic nuclear fragmentation of the prostate cancer cells. Apoptosis of p75"N"T"R expressing cells occurred via the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway leading to a sequential caspase-9 and ...
During the past year, further studies on mAChR were conducted. These studies included verification of the difference in pituitary distribution based on ligand charge. The pituitary localization of TRB. A neutral mAChR ligand, was verified. The lack of QNB blockade of TRB uptake was tested by blockage with scopolamine, another mAChR antagonist and by testing the effect in a different strain of rat. Neither scopolamine or change of rat strain had any effect. We concluded that TRB uptake in pituitary is not a receptor-mediated process. Further studies were conducted with an additional quaternized mAChR ligand: MQNB. Pituitary localization of MQNB, like MTRB, could be blocked by pretreatment with QNB. We have tentatively concluded that permanent charge on a mAChR antagonist changes the mechanism of uptake in the pituitary. Time course studies and the effects of DES on myocardial uptake are reported. A brief report on preliminary results of ...
The purpose of this study was to examine arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism and to characterize the type of adrenergic receptor (AR) involved in the production of the major metabolite of this fatty acid. ({sup 14}C)AA was incubated with GPT-rings and the radiolabelled products were extracted and separated by TLC method. The medium was also assayed for radiolabelled immunoreactive PG's (iPG's) and leukotrienes (LT) B4 and C4 by RIA or Enzyme immunoassay (EIA) after exposure to various AR agonists. ({sup 14}C)AA was incorporated into GPT-rings and metabolized mainly into iPGE2 and smaller amounts into PGF2{alpha}. Trace amounts of PGD2 and 6-keto-PGF1{alpha} but not LTB4 or LTC4 were detected by RIA and/or EIA. Incubation of GPT rings for 15 minutes with isoproterenol and salbutamol resulted in a significant increase of PGE2 synthesis (optimum conc: 10{sup {minus}7}, 10{sup {minus}7}M respectively). In contrast, dobutamine, norepinephrine, phenylnephrine and xylazine (up ...
The purpose of this study was to examine arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism and to characterize the type of adrenergic receptor (AR) involved in the production of the major metabolite of this fatty acid. ["1"4C]AA was incubated with GPT-rings and the radiolabelled products were extracted and separated by TLC method. The medium was also assayed for radiolabelled immunoreactive PG's (iPG's) and leukotrienes (LT) B4 and C4 by RIA or Enzyme immunoassay (EIA) after exposure to various AR agonists. ["1"4C]AA was incorporated into GPT-rings and metabolized mainly into iPGE2 and smaller amounts into PGF2#alpha#. Trace amounts of PGD2 and 6-keto-PGF1#alpha# but not LTB4 or LTC4 were detected by RIA and/or EIA. Incubation of GPT rings for 15 minutes with isoproterenol and salbutamol resulted in a significant increase of PGE2 synthesis (optimum conc: 10"-"7, 10"-"7M respectively). In contrast, dobutamine, norepinephrine, phenylnephrine and xylazine (up to 10"-"6M) did not significantly increase ...
It is hypothesized that systemic ??-noradrenergic antagonists may interfere with the transmission of sensory stimulation, particularly vaginal--cervical stimulation (VCS), which is crucial for reproductive functioning. To determine if ??-noradrenergic transmission receptor activity is necessary for transmission of sensory information important for VCS-dependent events, we conducted an experiment using prazosin, a ??-noradrenergic receptor antagonist. First, three doses of prazosin (1.0, 0.5 or 0.1 mg/kg) or the 10% ETOH in sesame oil vehicle were administered i.p. and sexual receptivity was assessed 30 min later in ovariectomized, hormone-treated female rats. The 1 mg/kg dose of prazosin significantly inhibited lordosis quotients and lordosis ratings. This dose of prazosin (1.0 mg/kg) was then administered 30 min prior to VCS or control scapular stimulation (CSS) and Fos-IR was examined in the posterodorsal medial amygdala (MeaPD), the medial ...
The naive time reversal odd (T-odd) parton distribution $h_{1}^{\\perp}$, the so-called Boer-Mulders function, for both $u$- and $d$-quarks is considered in the diquark spectator model. While other approaches give evidence that the signs of the Boer-Mulders function for both flavors $u$ and $d$ are the same and negative, previous caculations in the diquark-spectator model found $h_{1}^{\\perp(u)}$ and $h_{1}^{\\perp(d)}$ have differnet signs. The flavor dependence is of significance for the analysis of the azimuthal $\\cos(2\\phi)$ asymmetries in unpolarized SIDIS and DY-processes, as well as for the overall physical understanding of the distribution of transversely polarized quarks in unpolarized nucleons. We find substantial differences with previous work. In particular we obtain estimates of the zeroth, half and first moments of Boer-Mulders functions that ...
Kernels of Zea mays on an intact plant accumulate indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) at the rate of 190 ng g-1 fresh weight h-1. Of the IAA synthesized, 97% is in the esterified form and less than 3% remains...Full Text Available
The CNS is a unique organ due to its limited capacity for immune surveillance. As macrophages of the CNS, microglia represent a population originally known for the ability to assist neuronal stability,...Full Text Available
BackgroundIn recent years, much attention has been given to the spread of influenza around the world. With the continuing human outbreak of H5N1 beginning in 2003 and the H1N1 pandemic...Full Text Available
We have purified and characterized two peptides, named KAaH1 and KAaH2 (AaH polypeptides 1 and 2 active on K+ channels, where AaH stands for Androctonus australis Hector),...Full Text Available
The subfornical organ is a major receptor area for one of the principal stimuli of thirst, the octapeptide, angiotensin II. In conscious water-sated rats, the authors examined the effects of intravenous infusion of angiotensin II on the rate of glucose utilization in the subfornical organ and in structures anatomically and functionally connected with it. Angiotensin II produced pressor and drinking responses and increased glucose utilization selectively in the subfornical organ and pituitary neural lobe and in no other brain structure. Treatment with the angiotensin II antagonist, sar1-leu8-angiotensin II, before intravenous administration of angiotensin II prevented metabolic stimulation of the subfornical organ and neural lobe. Captopril, an inhibitor of angiotensin-converting enzyme, reduced subfornical organ glucose metabolism to a level similar to that found in control animals. These results demonstrate that peripheral angiotensin II stimulates glucose ...
Anxiety is a common symptom during ethanol withdrawal contributing to its continuous abuse and alcoholism. Ethanol withdrawal in rats produces an interoceptive discriminative stimulus (IDS) similar to that produced by the anxiogenic drug pentylenetetrazol (PTZ). This stimulus peaks at 12 hours after last dose of ethanol and thereafter the IDS is detected for several days (protracted withdrawal) by sensitization to a probe drug. previously, the authors have shown that during the protracted withdrawal, the IDS is enhanced by GABA receptor antagonists suggesting alteration of brain GABA systems. This report provides further evidence that chronic ethanol alters GABAergic systems. Rats were trained to discriminate PTZ (20 mg/kg, ip) from saline. Diazepam, pentobarbital and phenobarbital blocked the PTZ-IDS dose dependently. Ethanol, 4.5% w/v, was then given in a nutritionally complete diet for a week. On termination of the ethanol diet, rats exhibited signs and symptoms ...
Aims: Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine 3; 5-HT3) receptors are involved in chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV), and 5-HT3 antagonists are part of the `gold standard' antiemetic treatment during chemotherapy. We investigated the correlation of common variants in 5-HT3 receptor subunit genes with the occurrence of CINV. Materials & methods: A total of 110 previously characterized chemotherapy-naive women with primary breast cancer treated with anthracycline-containing chemotherapy served as a study group for mutational analysis by direct sequencing. Eight common SNPs in the 5-HT3 receptor genes, HTR3A, HTR3B, HTR3D and HTR3E, were selected for association analysis. Results: A nonsynonymous variant in HTR3D, p.G36A (rs6443930), was found to be over-represented in nonresponders, assu...
This progress report covers period from Nov. 1, 1989 to Aug. 31, 1990. The long term objective was to develop receptor-binding radiotracers for SPECT or PET imaging of CNS or peripheral nervous system. The specific chemistry aims, as understood on the basis of past findings, were: to synthesize and develop a more polar analogs of 4IQNB, possessing similar binding characteristics but eliminated more rapidly from the surrounding tissues and the target organ, to design a method of introducing a technetium chelating group onto a molecule or cholinergic agent without drastic lowering of its apparent affinity, to synthesize and develop radiotracers based on m-AChR antagonists selective for one of the subtypes of the receptor. The chemistry service aims were to prepare and characterize (R,R)- and (R,S)-4IQNB and derivatives, to provide the triazene intermediate to other investigators, and to provide ({sup 123}I)4IQNB for in vivo imaging. The biochemistry aims were to ...
Methylxanthines and their derivatives are antagonists at cell surface adenosine receptors. They report here a systematic study of xanthine structure-activity relationships which compares potency at two adenosine receptor subtypes, R/sub a/ and R/sub i/. Adenylate cyclase stimulation (R/sub a/ in platelet membranes) and inhibition (R/sub i/ in adipocyte membranes) were used as models of receptor activation. K/sub i/ values were obtained by Schild analysis. The orders of potency of the xanthines to attenuate the effects of adenosine analogues were similar to those previously reported. Earlier work utilizing radioligand binding (R/sub i/ and (/sup 3/H) cAMP formation (R/sub a/) claimed that IIX and PACPX are at least 10 and 400 fold, respectively, more potent at R/sub i/ than at R/sub a/. However, in their assays which utilize modulation of receptor-coupled adenylate cyclase, the xanthines show little specificity for either adenosine receptor subtype.
Genome-wide association studies have linked lung cancer risk with a region of chromosome 15q25.1 containing CHRNA3, CHRNA5 and CHRNB4 encoding a3, a5 and b4 subunits of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR), respectively. One of the strongest associations was observed for a non-silent single-nucleotide polymorphism at codon 398 in CHRNA5. Here, we have used pharmacological (antagonists) or genetic (RNA interference) interventions to modulate the activity of CHRNA5 in non-transformed bronchial cells and in lung cancer cell lines. In both cell types, silencing CHRNA5 or inhibiting receptors containing nAChR a5 with a-conotoxin MII exerted a nicotine-like effect, with increased motility and invasiveness in vitro and increasing calcium influx. The effects on motility were enhanced by addit...
PurposeWe investigated the efficacy and safety of degarelix treatment and the effects of switching from leuprolide to degarelix in an ongoing extension study with a median 27.5-month followup of a pivotal 1-year prostate cancer trial. Materials and MethodsPatients who completed a 1-year pivotal phase III trial continued on the same monthly degarelix maintenance dose (160 or 80 mg in 125 each), or were re-randomized from leuprolide 7.5 mg to degarelix 240/80 mg (69) or 240/160 mg (65). Data are shown on the approved degarelix 240/80 mg dose. The primary end point was safety/tolerability and the secondary end points were testosterone, prostate specific antigen, luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone responses, and prostate specific antigen failure and progression-free survival....
The aim of this review is to evaluate the role of inflammatory spine disease in patients with chronic back pain. The contribution of imaging modalities for the diagnostic evaluation of back pain is discussed. A systematic literature search based on the classification of seronegative spondyloarthropathies and rheumatoid arthritis was performed. The results of this search and the experiences in a large collective of rheumatological patients are analyzed. The prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis (1-2%) is comparable to that of spondyloarthropathies (1.9%). The etiology of these entities is not fully elucidated. Magnetic resonance imaging is increasingly used for early detection and surveillance of therapy with TNF-{alpha} antagonists. Bone marrow edema, which is only detectable with MRI, represents an early sign of inflammation. Therapy with TNF-{alpha} antagonists is based on clinical and laboratory criteria, and signs of inflammation in MRI. MRI ...
The maintenance of a balance between cell gain and cell loss is essential for proper liver function. The exact role of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in regulating cell proliferation and apoptosis of liver cells remains unclear, since ligand-dependent activation of AhR has been shown to induce cell cycle arrest, proliferation, differentiation or apoptosis, depending on the cellular model used. AhR can directly interact with retinoblastoma protein in hepatic cells, forming protein complexes that can efficiently block cell cycle progression by inducing G1 arrest, or to induce the expression of inhibitors of cyclin-dependent kinases, such as p271. On the other hand, it has been suggested that AhR could play a stimulatory role in cell proliferation, either directly or by mediating a release from contact inhibition. It is now generally accepted that progenitor cells exist in the liver, are activated in various liver diseases and can form a potential target cell population for both tumor ...
A general approach has been designed to synthesize some mononuclear and binuclear cyclometalated platinum(II) complexes, containing aromatic N-donor ligands with the presence of one Cl- trans to carbon. In this way, cyclometalated platinum(II) complex [Pt(C^N)Cl(dmso)], 1, C^N = N(1),C(2prime)-chelated, deprotonated 2-phenylpyridine and dmso = dimethylsulfoxide, was used as a precursor to react with imidazole derivatives (1-methylimidazole, 2a, imidazole, 2b,), monodentate pyridine derivatives (4-methylpyridine, 2c, pyridine, 2d,) and bidentate pyridine derivative (4,4prime-bipyridine, 3 and 4,). Synthesized complexes were fully characterized by using multinuclear NMR spectroscopy (1H, 13C{1H} and 195Pt), correlation NMR spectroscopy (1H-1H COSY, 13C{1H}-1H Heteronuclear Multiple Quantum C...
Potassium dichlorido(l-prolinato)platinate(II), K[PtCl"2(l-pro"?"H)] (1), and chlorido(dimethyl sulfoxide)(l-prolinato)platinum(II), [PtCl(l-pro"?"H)(dmso)] (2), were synthesized by ligand substitution reactions. Both complexes were characterized by ^1H, ^1^3C, and ^1^9^5Pt NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and HR-ESI-MS. The molecular structures of 1 and 2 were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction, proving bidentate coordinated l-prolinato ligand and SP-4-4 configuration of 2a. With the help of DFT calculations stability of possible isomers of 1 and 2 was studied. A considerable difference in the in vitro cytotoxicity of 1 versus 2a (exchange of one chlorido ligand by dmso) against four human cancer cell lines was found.
Multiplex PCR is practically a reasonable choice for molecular marker-assisted selection in potato breeding. We had developed and were using a multiplex PCR method for selection of resistance genes to cyst nematode (H1), Potato virus X (Rx1) and late blight (R1 and R2). Since then, more reliable and tightly linked markers for H1 and R2, and a new marker for resistance to Potato virus Y (Ry chc ) were developed. In this article, all these superior markers, including a positive marker to eliminate PCR-failed samples, were incorporated into one multiplex PCR assay. Using the newly developed multiplex PCR technique, five plants potentially harboring all five resistance genes were selected from 96 hybrid plants approximately 5?h after DNA extraction, which is a third of the operation time compa...
We analyzed the clinical features of inpatients at a Japanese pediatric department who were infected with pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus. Study participants included 46 children hospitalized from July 2009 to January 2010. Infection with the virus was confirmed using real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The epidemic month was October 2009; 34 patients were boys, and median age was 7?years. Pandemic influenza-associated respiratory diseases included pneumonia (n?=?42), bronchitis (n?=?3), and pharyngitis (n?=?1). The median time from onset to admission was 3?days. Children were divided into those with severe (n?=?32) versus nonsevere illnesses (n?=?14) according to Japanese guidelines. Significant features in the severe group were younger age, previous asthmatic a...
Reaction of At(I) with triphenylphosphine, triethylphosphite and tri-n-octylphosphine oxide was investigated in ethanolic solution by means of electromigration. A cationic complex with triphenylphosphine was identified being stable at pH = 1,9 in the concentration range of the ligand between c = 10{sup -5} to 10{sup -3} M. At a higher ligand concentration and at pH>2, the reduction effect of phosphine is superimposed on the complex formation. Complex formation is confirmed by ligand exchange reactions with Br{sup -} and I{sup -}. A comparatively weak complex is formed by triethylphosphite and At(I). No compound is formed by tri-n-octylphosphine oxide and At(I). (orig.).
Reaction of At(I) with triphenylphosphine, triethylphosphite and tri-n-octylphosphine oxide was investigated in ethanolic solution by means of electromigration. A cationic complex with triphenylphosphine was identified being stable at pH = 1,9 in the concentration range of the ligand between c = 10"-"5 to 10"-"3 M. At a higher ligand concentration and at pH>2, the reduction effect of phosphine is superimposed on the complex formation. Complex formation is confirmed by ligand exchange reactions with Br"- and I"-. A comparatively weak complex is formed by triethylphosphite and At(I). No compound is formed by tri-n-octylphosphine oxide and At(I). (orig.).
A reaction of aqueous-methanol solutions of thiocarbazide and salycilic aldehyde, taken in a molal ratio of 1:2 on the matrix of oxovanadium(VO) in the presence of aqueous ammonium results in a coordination compound of the VC_1_5H_1_2N_4O_3S composition. Similar compounds are obtained with salts of nickel(2) and copper(2). Complexes of oxovanadium(4) and copper(2) have effective magnetic moments normal for systems with a spin of 1/2. The compound with nickel is diamagnetic. These data agree with the configuration of the coordination compounds obtained.
A fermentation waste, Corynebacterium glutamicum, was successfully employed as a biosorbent for Reactive Black 5 (RB5) from aqueous solution. This paper initially studied the effect of pretreatment on the biosorption capacity of C. glutamicum toward RB5, using several chemical agents, such as HCl, H{sub 2}SO{sub 4}, HNO{sub 3}, NaOH, Na{sub 2}CO{sub 3}, CaCl{sub 2} and NaCl. Among these reagents, 0.1 M HNO{sub 3} gave the maximum enhancement of the RB5 uptake, exhibiting 195 mg/g at pH1 with an initial RB5 concentration of 500 mg/l. The solution pH and temperature were found to affect the biosorption capacity, and the biosorption isotherms derived at different pHs and temperatures revealed that a low pH (pH1) and high temperature (35 deg. C) favored biosorption. The biosorption isotherm was well represented using three-parameter models (Redlich-Peterson and Sips) compared to two-parameter models ...
Twenty autopsy cases with 2009 pandemic influenza A (2009 H1N1) virus infection, performed between August 2009 and February 2010, were histopathologically analyzed. Hematoxylin-eosin staining, immunohistochemistry for type A influenza nucleoprotein antigen, and real-time reverse transcription-PCR assay for viral RNA were performed on formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded specimens. In addition, the D222G amino acid substitution in influenza virus hemagglutinin, which binds to specific cell receptors, was analyzed in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded trachea and lung sections by direct sequencing of PCR-amplified products. There were several histopathological patterns in the lung according to the most remarkable findings in each case: acute diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) with a hyaline membrane (four cases), organized DAD (one case), acute massive intra-alveolar edema with variable degrees of hemorrhage (three cases), neutrophilic ...
The receptor occupancy-biological effect relationship for muscarinic receptors in guinea pig ileal smooth muscle has been studied by comparison of radioligand binding and contractile response. Muscarinic receptors in homogenates of ileal smooth muscle were labeled with (/sub 3/H)-1-Quinuclidinyl benzilate. Treatment with propylbenzilylcholine mustard (PrBCM), to inactivate irreversibly muscarinic receptors, caused a large dose dependent rightward shift of the dose-response curve to three agonistic furtrethonium derivatives with a concomitant decrease in maximal response. Using those data, the fraction of receptors remaining unoccupied (q-values) and true affinity constants (-log K/sub A/-values) were calculated. Exposure to 20 or 60 nM PrBCM for 15 minutes resulted in a 39% and a 61% reduction in specific (/sup 3/H)-1-Quinuclidinyl benzilate binding sites respectively to be compared with a 62% and a 85% ...
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 ...
The results of studies performed for the development of a new process of the thermal cracking of tar as a suspension with ground Baltic oil shale in order to obtain motor fuel components are reported. The experimental results suggest undoubted advantages of the process over industrial thermal cracking because the deep degradation of tar (the yields of a gasoline fraction with bp to 180?C, middle distillates with bp of 180?360?C, and feedstock for catalytic cracking with bp of 360?520?C were ~12, 43?44, and ~15?16 wt % on an initial tar basis) was achieved upon the single-stage processing of the raw material under relatively mild conditions (5 MPa, 425?C, and a feed space velocity of 1.0 h?1). The resulting coke-like products and V and Ni contained in the raw material were deposited on the ...
This study investigates the turnover of polysaccharides by heterotrophic bacterioplankton in the northern Bay of Biscay, a productive marine system on the continental margin of the temperate Atlantic Ocean. Bacterial biomass production (BBP) near the surface ranged from 0.5 to 25.7 nmol C L?1 h?1 during small phytoplankton blooms in May and June that occurred after the main spring bloom. A direct relationship between BBP and total polysaccharides strongly suggests the dependence of bacterial growth on the availability of semi-labile organic matter. Concentrations of combined glucose as well as rate constants of extracellular glucosidase activity and glucose uptake were determined to estimate the actual carbon fluxes from bacterial polysaccharide turnover. Results reveal that ...
In Aldous and Shields (1988), a model for a rooted, growing random binary tree was presented. For some c>0, an external vertex splits at rate c^(-i) (and becomes internal) if its distance from the root (depth) is i. For c>1, we reanalyse the tree profile, i.e. the numbers of external vertices in depth i=1,2,.... Our main result are concrete formulas for the expectation and covariance-structure of the profile. In addition, we present the application of the model to cellular ageing. Here, we assume that nodes in depth h+1 are senescent, i.e. do not split. We obtain a limit result for the proportion of non-senescent vertices for large h.
The synthesis and properties of various 1,2,4,5-tetrazine explosives and energetic materials are described. These are the nitrate and perchlorate salts of 3,6-diguanidino-1,2,4,5-tetrazine, the nitrate and perchlorate salts of 3,6-diguanidino-1,2,4,5-tetrazine-1,4-di-N-oxide, 3,6-bis(1H-1,2,3,4-tetrazol-5-ylamino)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine and its 1,4-di-N-oxide derivative, 3,3'-azobis(6-amino-1,2,4,5-tetrazine) and its oxidation products. (Abstract Copyright [2004], Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)
The lignin, one of the main by-products of the pulp industry, can be used to remove dyes from textile wastewaters. The potential of the lignin for Brilliant Red HE-3B reactive dye removal from aqueous solutions at pH=1.5 was examined by the batch technique as a function of dye concentration, solution temperature and contact time. The Freundlich, Langmuir, Dubinin-Radushkevich and Tempkin adsorption isotherms were used to describe the data of sorption equilibrium and to determine its corresponding isotherm constants. The thermodynamic parameters DG, DH and DS were also determined; the obtained values show that the sorption of reactive dye on lignin is a spontaneous, endothermic and entropy-driven process. The kinetic of reactive dye sorption was analyzed using the pseudo-first order and pse...
Two new triterpene glycosides, patagonicosides B and C (2 and 3, resp.), together with the known patagonicoside A (1), have been isolated from the EtOH extract of the sea cucumber Psolus patagonicus. The structures of the new compounds were established on the basis of extensive NMR spectroscopic analysis ((1)H- and (13)C-NMR, (1)H,(1)H-COSY, HMBC, HSQC, TOCSY, and NOESY), HR-ESI-MS data, and chemical transformations. Compounds 1-3 and their desulfated analogs showed antifungal activities against the phytopathogenic fungus Cladosporium cladosporoides in a dose-dependent fashion. PMID:21404430
Passive films formed on Alloy UNS N06690 were investigated in simulated crevice chemistries. It was found the role of lead in corrosion processes is strongly dependent on the pH value of the testing solutions. At pH1.5 the effect of lead is narrowly noticeable; while at pH 12.7, lead has a significant influence on the electrochemical performance of alloy UNS N06690. The lead alters the surface morphologies at both pH and account for higher hydroxide content in the surface film at pH 12.7. The lead incorporation hinders the formation of spinel oxides during the passivation in alkaline solution. Nanoindentation tests indicate a significant lead-induced degradation in the mechanical properties of passive films. The passivation degradation is attributed to detrimental effects of lead via interrupting the dehydration process and hindering the formation of protective layers on the alloy surface.
Using hydrogen at high pressures of up to 150 bar as an OH scavenger in aqueous MV"2"+ solutions (pH1) it is possible to differentiate between two kinds of transient formed simultaneously by H-atom attack on methyl viologen. One of them is assigned to an H adduct on the N atom, MV"+H"+, with absorption bands identical to those of the radical cation, MV"+. The MV"+H"+ species deprotonates forming the long-lived radical cation, MV"+. The second type of transient produced is attributed to an H-adduct on the ring carbon, MV"2"+H, decaying by second-order kinetics. The formation of MV"+ by electron transfer from the propan-2-ol radical has been reinvestigated (pH 0 to 7); its absorption spectrum does not change in this pH range. Rate constants and molar extinction coefficients are presented. (U.K.).
The Gamow-Teller #beta#-transition from the ground state 2"- of "8"8Rb to the 3"- level at 2.734 MeV of "8"8Sr is studied. The nuclear matrix element and the log ft value are calculated using complete nuclear wave functions for the initial and final states. It is shown that, contrary to the normal assumption, the component of the final state does give a very important contribution to due to the presence of strong cancellation effects. Although our calculations favour a wave function for the 3"- level "8"8Sr where neutron 1h-1p configurations are not included, there are still some facts which make that our results cannot be taken as conclusive. (orig.).
A nanosuspension of magnetically tagged metronidazole was developed by the solvent displacement method coupled with ultrasonication and was evaluated for its physicochemical properties. The drug release from metronidazole magnetic nanosuspension at pH1.2 and 7.0 shows maximum correlation coefficient for zero order and Higuchi model, respectively. The anthelmintic activity of the formulated metronidazole magnetic nanosuspension was evaluated on Indian earthworms (Pheretima poi). Metronidazole magnetic nanosuspension at a dose of 10 and 50 mg/ml shortened by 31% and 34%, respectively, the mean time to death of the earthworms when compared against a non-magnetic metronidazole suspension. Thus, the developed metronidazole magnetic nanosuspension showed potent, controlled and targeted drug action and might be a good therapeutic avenue in combating infectious GI disorders.
This paper presents the current status and future prospects of rocket propellants and the development of rocket engines. The combinated rocket propellant of liquid oxygen (LO/sub 2/) and liquid hydrogen (LH/sub 2/) is so much effective that it is typically used for the main engine of the space shuttle of the U.S. LE-7 engine with the thrust output of 100 tons is being developed for H-2 launcher following H-1 launcher in Japan. Meanwhile, HM-60 engine is being developed for ARIANE-5 launcher in Europe. Although the LO/sub 2//LH/sub 2/ engine predominates in this field at present, a dual fuel engine combining LO/sub 2//LH/sub 2/ and LO/sub 2//hydrocarbon will be realized in near future. The fuel such as LNG (methane) and LPG (propane) will be used for rocket and ramjet engines. (10 refs, 2 figs, 3 tabs)
It is uncertain if downregulation of ?-adrenoceptor signaling pathway is promoted by an enhanced adrenergic tone at an early stage of cardiac disease, or it develops secondary to detrimental local myocardial changes in advanced heart failure. We examined the integrity of ?-adrenoceptor signaling pathway upon chronic infusion of isoproterenol, a ?-adrenoceptor agonist, at a dose producing no structural left ventricular (LV) remodeling and systolic dysfunction. Subcutaneous isoproterenol infusion (400??g?kg?1?h?1 over 16?days) to guinea pigs using osmotic minipumps produced no change in cardiac weights, LV internal dimensions, myocyte cross-sectional area, extent of interstitial fibrosis, and basal contractile function. Isolated, perfused heart preparations from isoproterenol-treated guinea ...
The synthesis, characterization, and some analytical applications of a new triazine resin are described. Separation of group IB, IIB, VIB, and VIIB metal ions from group VIII metal ions is achieved by this PDT-4 resin. Calcium(II) and magnesium(II) are taken up at pH = 6, 0.1 M acetate and are eluted at pH = 6, 0.1 M sodium nitrate. Copper(II) is retained at pH = 6, 0.1 M acetate and pH = 1 hydrochloric acid and is eluted subsequently by 5 M perchloric acid. Molybdenum(VI) is sorbed selectively from 0.1 N sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid and is eluted in a tight band by 0.1 N sodium hydroxide. Numerous rapid column chromatographic separations are reported using this new resin, including analysis of NBS standard samples.
Synchronized cultures of the green alga Scenedesmus quadricauda were grown in the absence (untreated cultures) or in the presence (FdUrd-treated cultures) of 5-fluorodeoxyuridine, the specific inhibitor of nuclear DNA replication. The attainment of commitment points, at which the cells become committed to nuclear DNA replication, mitosis and cellular division, and the course of committed processes themselves were determined for cell cycle characterization. FdUrd-treated cultures showed nearly unaffected growth and attainment of the commitment points, while DNA replication(s), nuclear division(s) and protoplast fission(s) were blocked. Interestingly, the FdUrd-treated cells possessed a very high mitotic histone H1 kinase activity in the absence of any nuclear division(s). Compared with the ...
Abstract Surface modification of topography and chemistry in order to achieve a specific water contact angle (CA) has been explored by using a novel combinatorial screening platform. The screening arrays consisted of 507 distinct combinations of micro-topographies and chemical compositions. By performing chemical modifications with 1H, 1H, 2H, 2H perfluoroethyltriethoxy-silane (PFS) and n-octadecyltriethoxysilane (ODS) on standard silicon wafers it was possible to include both superhydrophobic and very hydrophilic pad arrays in the same screening platform. Surfaces modified with PFS were more hydrophobic than surfaces modified with ODS, while the unmodified silicon surfaces were hydrophilic. For the PFS modified surfaces the largest CAs were achieved with a small pillar size of X-=-1-m and...
..cap alpha..-2 adrenergic agents have been shown to influence blood pressure, heart rate and other physiological and behavioral functions through interactions with adrenergic pathways within the central nervous system. Pharmacologically relevant ..cap alpha..-1 adrenergic receptors were biochemically characterized and radiohistochemically analyzed in intact tissue sections of the rat and human central nervous system. The anatomical distribution of the ..cap alpha..-2 receptors, labeled with the agonist (/sup 3/H)para-aminoclonidine, verified the concept that ..cap alpha..-2 receptors are closely associated with adrenergic nerve terminals and that ..cap alpha..-2 agents can influence autonomic and endocrine function through an action in the central nervous system. Since ..cap alpha..-2 agonists can influence sympathetic outflow, ..cap alpha..-2 binding sites were closely analyzed in the intermediolateral cell column of the thoracic spinal cord. The transport of putative presynaptic ...
Anthraquinones are widely present in plant kingdom, and clinically used as laxatives. Environmental contaminants, dioxins, develop various adverse effects through transformation of a cytosolic aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). We investigated the effects of 18 anthraquinones and 7 of their structurally related compounds on transformation of the AhR estimated by its DNA-binding activity in the cell-free system. 1,4-Dihydroxyanthraquinone (quinizarin), 1,5-dihydroxyanthraquinone (anthrarufin), 1,8-dihydroxyanthraquinone (danthron), and 5-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (juglone) strongly suppressed DNA-binding activity of the AhR induced by 0.1 nM 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), with their IC(50) values around 1 muM. On the other hand, anthraquinone, 2,6-dihydroxyanthraquinone (anthraflavic acid), and 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthalendione (lawsone) showed moderate effects. Quantitative structure-activity relationships analysis demonstrated that hydroxyl groups at C1 or C4 but not C3 ...
3-Quinuclidinyl benzilate (QNB) is a potent muscarinic antagonist that binds to muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. Iodination of QNB is difficult because it contains rings that are deactivated, while phenol rings are activated. The purpose of this research is to develop an appropriate method for the iodination of QNB at no-carrier-added concentrations of /sup 125/I/NaI. Phenol was chose as the test compound for direct iodination by adding chloramine T and nonradioactive sodium iodide to the phenol in a phosphate buffer and methanol system. A simple method to radioiodinate QNB at several concentrations was developed in situ in the presence of QNB, thallic trifluoroacetate /sup 125/I/NaI, /sup 127/I/NaI, and aluminium chloride. Using milligram amounts of QNB (7.12 x 10/sup -6/ moles), three reaction steps were involved: QNB was reacted with thallic trifluoroacetate at 60/sup 0/C for 24 hours, then radioactive /sup 125/I/NaI and aluminium chloride were added to the ...
The radioiodination and in vivo evaluation of p-iodocaramiphen a muscarinic antagonist which binds with high affinity to the M[sub 1] receptor subtype in vitro are described. Biodistribution studies in female Fischer rats demonstrated that [[sup 125]I]-piodocaraminphen had significant cerebral localization, but the uptake did not demonstrate specific uptake in those cerebral regions rich in muscarinic receptors, and radioactivity washed out rapidly from the brain. In addition there was no significant blockage of activity when the rats were preinjected with quinuclidinyl benzilate. These results suggest that p-iodocaramiphen is not a good candidate for the in vivo study of M[sub 1] muscarinic receptor populations by SPECT. Because of the widespread interest and expected importance of the availability of large amounts of tungsten-188 required for the tungsten-188/rhenium-188 generator systems, we have investigated the large-scale production of tungsten-188 in the ...
The epileptogenic and neurodegenerative effects of gamma-dendrotoxin, from Dendroaspis angusticeps, a specific blocker of a non-inactivating, voltage-sensitive K+ channel, were studied after focal injection into one dorsal hippocampus in rats pretreated with CGP040116, a N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, and in rats bearing a monolateral surgical lesion of the Schaffer collaterals whose terminals originate from CA3 pyramids and release glutamate in the CA1 hippocampal area. Administration of 35 pmol gamma-dendrotoxin elicited in all of the treated animals (n=8) bilateral EEG discharges and damage to the hippocampal formation. Quantitation of the damage revealed significant bilateral neuronal cell loss in the CA1, CA3 and CA4 pyramidal cell layers. The lowest dose (0.35 pmol; n=4) of the toxin used did not affect EEG activity and failed to cause significant hippocampal cell loss whereas the 3.5 pmol (n=6) dose caused EEG seizures and hippocampal cell ...
In a given species, injected opioid peptides usually cause changes in temperature similar to those caused by nonpeptide opioids. The main effect in those species most studied, the cat, rat, and mouse, is an increase in the level about which body temperature is regulated; there is a coordinated change in the activity of thermoregulatory effectors such that hyperthermia is produced in both hot and cold environments. Larger doses may depress thermoregulation, thereby causing body temperature to decrease in the cold. Elicitation of different patterns of response over a range of environmental temperatures and studies with naloxone and naltrexone indicate that stimulation of a number of different receptors by both peptide and nonpeptide opioids can evoke thermoregulatory responses. ..beta..-Endorphin is readily antagonized by naloxone whereas methionine-enkephalin can act on naloxone-insensitive receptors. Moreover, synthetic peptide analogs do not necessarily evoke the same response as does ...
Red light stimulates germination in the spores of Onoclea sensibilis L. Phytochrome is confirmed to be the photoreceptor pigment in the germination response by demonstrating red-far-red photoreversibility. External Ca/sup 2 +/ is required for this response with a threshold at a submicromolar concentration. Red light stimulates an increase in the total concentration of intracellular calcium in the spores as determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Subsequent exposure to far-red light inhibits the red light-induced increase in intracellular calcium. The majority of the increase occurs 5 minutes after the onset of irradiation. The calcium-antagonist, La/sup 3 +/ inhibits both germination and the red light-induced increase in intracellular calcium. Using /sup 31/P-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, the author tested the hypothesis that a sustained increase in intracellular pH contributes to the signal transduction chain. He never detected a red light-induced ...
beta-Bungarotoxin (beta-Bgt), a presynaptic phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) neurotoxin isolated from the venom of Bungarus multicinctus, consists of A chain and B chain. The goal of the present study is to explore the functional contribution of the two subunits to the toxicity of beta-Bgt. beta-Bgt was found to induce apoptotic death of SK-N-SH cells via elevating intracellular Ca(2+) and intracellular ROS production. Moreover, an activation of p38 MAPK was associated with the cytotoxicity of beta-Bgt. SB202190 (p38 MAPK inhibitor), N-acetylcysteine (antioxidant reagent), 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N,N-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA) (Ca(2+) chelator) and the inhibitors of Ca(2+) release from intracellular depots (ruthenium red and 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate) effectively attenuated the cytotoxicity of beta-Bgt. In sharp contrast to the inability of A chain, B chain was able to induce cytotoxic effects on SK-N-SH cells as beta-Bgt did. Abolishment of PLA(2) activity did not significantly ...
The most important factor in assessing radiologic risk is ensuring scientific means for evaluation of the radioactive release impact upon humans and organisms. To evaluate quantitatively this impact not only knowledge of radioactivity distribution in these dynamical systems is necessary but also understanding the transfer mechanisms between ecosystem components is needed. Thus a complete radioecologic study appear to be very complex and needs defining the source term, dynamic description of radionuclides behavior in the ecosystem, estimation of radiation doses in the major components of the ecosystem and finally the effects of radiation doses upon different parts of the systems. A diagram of the steps implied in evaluation of the effects due to radioactive effluent release in the environment is presented and discussed. The following steps are described: - identification of radioactive sources, as well as their input rate. Presence of noxious materials such as heavy metals or some ...
The analgesic activity of nine substituted N-pyrrolylcarboxylic acids, previously reported as anti-inflammatory agents, has been evaluated. The effects on nociception were examined in male Wistar rats by the Randall-Selitto paw-pressure test. The compounds were administrated in doses 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg both i.p. and p.o. As a whole, the activities of 3-(N-pyrrolyl)propanoic acids 3e-3h and 2-[3-(ethoxycarbonyl)-2-methyl-5-phenyl-1H-1-pyrrolyl]-3-methylpentanoic acid 3i were comparable with or superior to that of metamizole used as a reference (200 mg/kg, i.p.), whereas only 3a from among the N-pyrrolyl-acetic acids 3a-3d showed analgesic activity on the inflamed paw. The compounds found most promising to increase the pain threshold significantly were the same ones with the higher anti-inflammatory activity registered in our previous study: ...
Frictional pressure drop and heat transfer performance in a very narrow rectangular channel having one-sided constant heat flux and repeated-ribs for turbulent flow have been investigated experimentally, and their experimental correlations were obtained using the least square method. The rib pitch-to-height ratios(p/k) were 10 and 20 while holding the rib height constant at 0.2mm, the Reynolds number(Re) from 2,414 to 98,458 under different channel heights of 1.2mm, 2.97mm, and 3.24mm, the rib height-to-channel equivalent diameter(k/De) of 0.03, 0.04, and 0.09 respectively. The results show that the rib-roughened surface augments heat transfer 2-3 times higher than that of the smooth surface with the expense of 2.8-4 times higher frictional pressure drop under Re=5000-10{sup 5}, p/k=10, and H=1.2mm. Experimental results obtained by channel height, H=1.2mm shows a little bit higher heat transfer and ...
Frictional pressure drop and heat transfer performance in a very narrow rectangular channel having one-sided constant heat flux and repeated-ribs were studied experimentally for turbulent water flows. Their empirical correlations were derived for designing target cooling channels to remove high heat flux generated at target plates in a high-intensity proton accelerator system. The rib pitch-to-height ratios (p/k) were 10 and 20 while holding the rib height constant at 0.2 mm, the Reynolds number (Re) from 2,400 to 98,500 under different channel heights (H) of 1.2 mm and 3.2 mm, the rib height-to-channel equivalent diameter ratio (k/D_e) of 0.088 and 0.036, respectively. The results show that the rib-roughened surface augments heat transfer by about 2-2.5 times compared with the smooth surface at the expense of around 2.5 times higher frictional pressure drop under a range of Re=8,000-to-30,000 at p/k=10, and H=1.2 mm. Experimental results of ...
Some of the Indian pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWRs) which use Stellite balls in the ball and screw mechanism of the adjustor rod drive mechanism in the moderator circuit have encountered high radiation fields in the moderator system due to "6"0Co. Release of particulate Stellite is responsible for the hotspots in addition to the general uniform contamination of internal surfaces with "6"0Co. Extensive laboratory studies have shown that it is possible to dissolve these Stellite particles by adopting a three-step redox process with permanganic acid as the oxidizing agent. These investigations with inactive Stellite in powder form helped to optimize the process conditions. Permanganic acid was found to have the highest dissolution efficiency as compared to alkaline and nitric acid permanganate. The susceptibility of Stellite to corrode or dissolve was found to depend on the concentration of the permanganate, pH and temperature of the process and microstructure of the Stellite ...
Decaborane (B_1_0H_1_4) cluster ions were implanted into n-Si(100) substrates to fabricate shallow p"+/n junctions. Implant energies of 2 keV, 5 keV, and 20 keV, equivalent to implant energies of the monomer boron ion of 174 eV, 435 eV, and 1.74 keV, respectively, were used at dosages of 1 X 10"1"2 /cm"2 and 1 X 10"1"3 /cm"2. The implanted samples were then subjected to activation annealing at 800 .deg. C, 900 .deg. C, and 1000 .deg. C for 10 s. By using secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) depth profiles, we determined that the depth of the shallow junction (D_s) at a dosage of 1 X 10"1"3 /cm"2 was in the range 12 nm - 45 nm after annealing at 1000 .deg. C. D_s and transient enhanced diffusion (TED) were greatly reduced at implant energies lower than 5 keV, but thermal diffusion (TD) smoothly decreased. In particular, TED was suppressed in the p"+/n junction implanted at 2 keV and a dosage of 1 X 10"1"3 /cm"2, and the formation of only a ...
Snake envenomation employs three well integrated strategies: prey immobilization via hypotension, prey immobilization via paralysis, and prey digestion. Purines (adenosine, guanosine and inosine) evidently play a central role in the envenomation strategies of most advanced snakes. Purines constitute the perfect multifunctional toxins, participating simultaneously in all three envenomation strategies. Because they are endogenous regulatory compounds in all vertebrates, it is impossible for any prey organism to develop resistance to them. Purine generation from endogenous precursors in the prey explains the presence of many hitherto unexplained enzyme activities in snake venoms: 5'-nucleotidase, endonucleases (including ribonuclease), phosphodiesterase, ATPase, ADPase, phosphomonoesterase, and NADase. Phospholipases A(2), cytotoxins, myotoxins, and heparinase also participate in purine liberation, in addition to their better known functions. Adenosine contributes to prey immobilization ...
Serotonin is one of the neurotransmitters found in the brain and mediates brain functions. It is very well known that serotonin related brain abnormalities are exerted mainly via serotonin receptors in a similar manner to other neurotransmitters found in the brain. Recently, it has also been found that serotonin is involved in Alzheimer's disease either directly or indirectly by its actions on serotonergic neurons. To understand and treat the diseases caused by abnormalities in the serotonergic system in the brain, it is certain that its mechanism of function has to be well investigated. So far several 5-HT receptors and receptor subtypes have been well characterized. Moreover, serotonin agonists and antagonists acting on specific receptors are chemically synthesized and are now available for the prevention or treatment of serotonergic related diseases. In recent years, a great demand for developing neuroimaging agents has emerged for the diagnosis of abnormal ...
One of the design targets for the ITER Tokamak Exhaust Processing system is not to lose more than 10"-"5 g h"-"1 into the Normal Vent Detritiation System of the Tritium Plant. The plasma exhaust gas, therefore, needs to be processed in a way that an overall tritium removal efficiency of about 10"8 is reached. Such a high decontamination factor can only be achieved by multistage processes. The third step of the three step CAPER process developed at the TLK is based on a so-called permeator catalyst (PERMCAT) reactor, a direct combination of a Pd/Ag permeation membrane and a catalyst bed. The PERMCAT principle is based on isotopic swamping in a counter current mode. Previous tritium experiments employing laboratory scale PERMCAT reactors have revealed decontamination factors as high as 10"5 for the third CAPER step. First tritium tests with a technical scale PERMCAT reactor led to similar decontamination factors and clearly demonstrated that the ...
We present results of the search for Cepheids in the galaxy IC1613 carried out as a sub-project of the OGLE-II microlensing survey. 138 Cepheids were found in the 14.2x14.2 arcmin region in the center of the galaxy. We present light curves, VI photometry and basic data for all these objects, as well as color-magnitude diagram of the observed field. The Period--Luminosity (PL) diagrams for IC1613 fundamental mode Cepheids for VI and interstellar extinction insensitive index W_I are constructed. Comparison of PL relations in metal poor galaxy IC1613 ([Fe/H]~-1.0 dex) with relations in metal richer Magellanic Clouds allows us to study dependence of Cepheid PL relations on metallicity in the wide range of metallicities covered by these three galaxies. The slopes of PL relations in IC1613 are identical as in the Magellanic Clouds. The comparison of brightness of Cepheids with the magnitudes of the tip of the red giant branch stars and RR Lyr stars ...
A series of thiazolo[3,2-b][1,2,4]triazole incorporating diphenylsulfone moieties were synthesized starting from 5-[4-(4-X-phenylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thioles 3a-c, X=H, Cl, Br. Thus, alkylation of 1,2,4-triazoles 3 with phenacyl bromide or 4-bromophenacyl bromide afforded S-substituted 1,2,4-triazoles 4, 5. These new intermediates 4 and 5, in the presence of H2SO4 (c), were cyclized to 2-[4-(4-X-phenylsulfonyl)phenyl]-6-(4-Y-phenyl)[1,3]thiazolo[3,2-b]-[1, 2,4]-triazoles 6, 7 (I) and not to isomeric thiazolo[2,3-c][1,2,4]-triazoles 6, 7 (II). The newly synthesized compounds were characterized by IR, 1H, 13C NMR and elemental analysis. MS spectra confirmed the formation of thiazolo[3,2-b][1,2,4]triazole 6, 7 (forms I) in detriment of [2,3-c] isomeric compounds (forms II). Th...
Several thin film composite nanofiltration membranes have been prepared by spin coating a sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) solution on a polyethersulfone support, followed by thermal treatment. The most optimal developed nanofiltration membrane shows a clean water permeance of ~4.5Lm^-^2h^-^1bar^-^1 and a molecular weight cut off (MWCO) of ~500gmol^-^1. No irreversible changes in membrane performance have been observed after prolonged exposure (up to several weeks) of this membrane to solutions with a pH in the range 0-14. Compared to Desal-5-DK, the developed membrane displays a similar water permeance and a higher NaCl retention. In comparison to commercially available pH stable membranes, MPF-34 and NP030P, it reveals a higher water permeance. Permeance and MWCO analysis at varying p...
The structure of the O-antigen polysaccharide (PS) from Escherichia coli O177 has been determined. Component analysis together with 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy experiments was used to determine the structure. Inter-residue correlations were determined by 1H,13C-heteronuclear multiple-bond correlation and 1H,1H-NOESY experiments. PS is composed of tetrasaccharide repeating units with the following structure: 2)-a-l-Rhap-(13)-a-l-FucpNAc-(13)-a-l-FucpNAc-(13)-b-d-GlcpNAc-(1 An a-l-Rhap residue is suggested to be present at the terminal part of the polysaccharide, which on average is composed of 20 repeating units, since the 1H and 13C chemical shifts of an a-linked rhamnopyranosyl group could be assigned by a combination of 2D NMR spectra. Consequently, the biological repeating unit has a 3-...
Vanadium(V) in aqueous HCl, HNO_3 or H_2SO_4 solutions is extracted with 2-carbethoxy-5-hydroxy-1-(4-tolyl)-4-pyridone (HA) dissolved in CHCl_3 and determined spectrophotometrically, Depending on the composition of the aqueous phase, two complexes are formed. At pH1 (HCl, HNO_3, H_2SO_4) VO_2A(HA)_2 is formed with maximal absorption at 478 nm. However, from 4-5 M HCl, VO_2Cl(HA)_3 is extracted, and has maximal absorption at 615 nm. The same complex is extracted from 2-3 M HNO_3 or 3-4 M H_2SO_4 if enough chloride is added. Solutions of both complexes follow Beer's law and the molar extinction coefficients are 4.15x10"3 1.mole"-"1cm"-"1 at 478 nm and 5.10x10"3 at 615 nm. The determination of vanadium at both wavelengths is very simple, fast and selective. The composition of the complexes was established by the usual methods as well as by characterization of the isolated crystalline compounds by elemental analysis and infrared spectroscopy. ...
A technique of producing radioactive isotopes of rare earth elements (r.e.e.) and carrier free "2"4"2Am is suggested. The technique makes use of ''sandwich'' phthalocya=- nine complexes of r.e.e. and americium placed on sorbent. This is a new type of r.e.e. compounds and actinides (C_3_2H_1_6N_8)_2M (M is a metal ion) which are thermally, radiationally and chemically stable, dissolve well in some organic solvents and do not dissolve in water. Radiation and chemically stable activated carbon is used as a sorbent carrier. After irradiation the target is treated by a weakly acid solution or complex-former solution. Radioactive atoms formed due to (n, #gamma#)-reaction and desoleting the complex because of recoil transfer into the solution. When irradiating in the flux of 10"1"3 neutr./cm"2 x s for 1 hour it is possible to produce radioactive isotopes with the yield from 20 to 90%, for example "1"6"0Tb, "1"6"6Ho with enrichment factor > 100 and ...
The culture conditions in CO2 fixation by Actinobacillus succinogenes for succinic acid production were investigated by a model of available CO2 in a 3-l fermentor. The results from the model analysis showed that the available CO2 for succinic acid production in the fermentation broth is the sum of HCO3 ?, CO3 2?, and CO2 influenced by external culture conditions such as medium components, CO2 partial pressures, and temperature. The optimized conditions for CO2 supply in a 3-l fermentor were determined as follows: CO2 partial pressure and stirring speed were maintained at 0.1?MPa and 200?r?min?1, respectively, with a pH of 6.8 and a temperature of 37?C; 0.15?mol?l?1 NaHCO3 was added. Under the optimized conditions, a CO2 fixation rate of 0.57?g?l?1?h?1 was obtained, and a succinic acid con...
Molar extinction coefficients of some commonly used solvents (ethanol (C_2H_5OH), methanol (CH_3OH), propanol (C_3H_7OH), butanol (C_4H_9OH), water (H_2O), toluene (C_7H_8), benzene (C_6H_6), carbontetrachloride (CCl_4), acetonitrile (C_4H_3N), chlorobenzene (C_6H_5Cl), diethylether (C_4H_1O) and dioxane (C_4H_8O_2)) have been determined by a well-collimated narrow beam transmission geometry at 279, 356, 662, 1173, 1252 and 1332 keV #gamma# rays. The total #gamma# ray interaction cross sections of these solvents have also been determined. A good agreement has been obtained between the experimental results with the theoretical values evaluated through XCOM calculations.
We report the isolation of a new bacterium species (named as DN-06) that degrades pyridine, a model compound containing both carbon and nitrogen, from the aerobic activated sludge in a coking wastewater treatment plant. DN-06 was identified as Achromobacter sp. using 16S rDNA sequence analysis. In batch culture, more than 95% of pyridine (500?mg/L) was degraded within 18?h by DN-06 grown at 35?C and pH?8 with agitation at 170?rpm. Degradation experiments of pyridine at different initial concentrations (50?4,300?mg/L) revealed that pyridine was an inhibitory substrate, and that neither yield coefficient Y nor endogenous decay coefficient K d was a constant. The values of Y and K d were 0.55?0.74 and 0.0032?0.0057?h?1, respectively. Five kinetic models (Haldane, Yano, Aiba, Webb, and Monod) ...
Electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) ion sources possess several advantages over ion sources conventionally used for injectors of electrostatic accelerators: improved reliability, high efficiency, simplicity, and the capability of generating bright, high-current ion beams. We have adapted a high-current ECR source originally developed as an injector for a CW RFQ proton linac to serve as a source of intense negative-ion beams for the Tandem Accelerator Superconducting Cyclotron (TASCC) facility at Chalk River. The range of ion species of the source has been extended from H1+ alone up to Bi1+, with both gaseous and nonvolatile feeds. Two intense negative-ion beams of He- and O- have been generated so far with the source coupled to a standard charge-exchange canal. We foresee no major problems generating a broad range of negative ions with this system. (author)
To elucidate the mechanism of sunlight-induced skin damage, guinea pigs exposed to UV light (280-320 nm, UV B, 4J/cm"2) and a homogenate of the epidermis was examined by means of the thiobarbituric acid (TBA) test. Three hours after the exposure, TBA-malondialdehyde adducts had increased while glutathione reductase activity had decreased, indicating lipid peroxidation. To detect the initial species, spin trapping with 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide (DMPO) was applied to a suspension of illuminated epidermal cells (0.5 J/cm"2). An ESR signal obtained only with irradiation comprised a 1 : 2 : 2 : 1 quartet [a (N) =a (#beta#H) =1.49 mT] attributable to a spin adduct of hydroxyl radicals. These results suggest that sunlight exposure of skin may lead to hydroxyl radical generation and simultaneous lipid peroxidation. (author).
Ozone formation by a pulse positive corona discharge generated in the gas phase between a planar high voltage electrode made from reticulated vitreous carbon and a water surface with an immersed ground stainless steel plate electrode was investigated under various operating conditions. The effects of gas flow rate (0.5-3 litre min"-"1), discharge gap spacing (2.5-10 mm), applied input power (2-45 W) and gas composition (oxygen containing argon or nitrogen) on ozone production were determined. Ozone concentration increased with increasing power input and with increasing discharge gap. The production of ozone was significantly affected by the presence of water vapour formed through vaporization of water at the gas-liquid interface by the action of the gas phase discharge. The highest energy efficiency for ozone production was obtained using high voltage pulses of approximately 150 ns duration in Ar/O_2 mixtures with the maximum efficiency (energy yield) of 23 g kW ...
Rotationally resolved spectra of kinetic energy releases epsilon-c in predissociations of H/sub 2/, after dissociative charge exchange of H/sub 2/ /sup +/ with Cs atoms, are obtained. The experiments are performed with natural and with pure parahydrogen. The predissociations with epsilon-c<1.9 eV constitute less than 5% of the total amount of dissociations to HXchemically bondH at a beam energy of 5 keV. All strong rotational peaks observed could be attributed to n = 3 Rydberg states which predissociate to H(1s)+H(2l). Vibrational-rotational series are observed of the d /sup 3/Pi/sub u//sup +/, D /sup 1/Pi/sub u//sup +/, and J /sup 1/..delta../sub g//sup +/ states. Predissociation by barrier tunneling is reported of v = 4 levels of the h /sup 3/..sigma../sub g//sup +/ state and of v = 4 and 5 levels of the i /sup 3/Pi/sub g/ state. Selectivity of the charge-exchange process for different n = 3 states, or even for different parity states, is ...
This study focused on the biosorption of total chromium onto red algae (Ceramium virgatum) biomass from aqueous solution. Experimental parameters affecting biosorption process such as pH, contact time, biomass dosage and temperature were studied. Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) models were applied to describe the biosorption isotherms. Langmuir model fitted the equilibrium data better than the Freundlich isotherm. The biosorption capacity of C. virgatum biomass for total chromium was found to be 26.5 mg/g at pH1.5 and 10 g/L biomass dosage, 90 min equilibrium time and 20 deg. C. From the D-R isotherm model, the mean free energy was calculated as 9.7 kJ/mol, indicating that the biosorption of total chromium was taken place by chemisorption. The calculated thermodynamic parameters ({delta}G{sup o}, {delta}H{sup o}and {delta}S{sup o}) showed that the biosorption of total chromium onto C. virgatum biomass was feasible, ...
A new automated synthesis procedure of 1-H-1-(3-[18F]fluoro-2-hydroxypropyl)-2-nitroimidazole ([18F]FMISO), a specific hypoxia imaging agent with great significances for the noninvasive, dynamic hypoxia evaluation of cancer, was developed by modifying Explora FDG4 module, a commercial [18F]FDG production system, in this study. Its radiochemical synthesis was carried out via two sequent reaction steps, i.e. the nucleophilic displacement of labeling precursor 1-(2?-nitro-1?-imidazolyl)-2-O-tetrahydropyranyl-3-O-tosyl-propaned iol (NITTP) with activated 18F- ion at 100 ?C for 8 minutes, and the following hydrolysis with 1M HCl at 100 ?C for 5 minutes and neutralization with 1M NaOH. Two-pot reaction with two independent separations was adopted to assure the good separation of final product vi...
High-spin states (I < or approx. 50(#Planck constant#/2#pi#)) of the odd-odd nucleus "1"7"0Ta have been investigated with the "1"2"4Sn("5"1V,5n) reaction. The resolving power of Gammasphere has allowed for the observation of eleven rotational bands (eight of which are new) and over 430 transitions (#approx#350 of which are new) in this nucleus. Many interband transitions have been observed such that the relative spins and excitation energies of the 11 bands have been established. This is an unusual circumstance in an odd-odd study. Configurations have been assigned to most of these bands based upon features such as alignment properties, band crossings, B(M1)/B(E2) ratios, and the additivity of Routhians. A systematic study of the frequency at which normal signature ordering occurs in the #pi#h_9_/_2#nu#i_1_3_/_2 band has been performed and it is found that its trend is opposite to that observed in the #pi#h_1_1_/_2#nu#i_1_3_/_2 bands. A ...
We have previously shown that avian reovirus (ARV) #sigma#A and #sigma#NS proteins possess dsRNA and ssRNA binding activity and suggested that there are two epitopes on #sigma#A (I and II) and three epitopes (A, B, and C) on #sigma#NS. To further define the location of epitopes on #sigma#A and #sigma#NS proteins and to further elucidate the biological functions of these epitopes by using monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) 62, 1F9, H1E1, and 4A123 against the ARV S1133 strain, the full-length and deletion fragments of S2 and S4 genes of ARV generated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were cloned into pET32 expression vectors and the fusion proteins were overexpressed in Escherichia coli BL21 strain. Epitope mapping using MAbs and E. coli-expressed deletion fragments of #sigma#A and #sigma#NS of the ARV S1133 strain, synthetic peptides, and the cross reactivity of MAbs to heterologous ARV strains demonstrated that epitope II on #sigma#A was located at ...
Addition of the silane PPh[sub 2]CH[sub 2]CH[sub 2]SiMe[sub 2]H (chelH, 1a) to Pt(COD)[sub 2] (COD = cycloocta-1,5-diene) affords in high yield the cis-bis chelate Pt(chel)[sub 2] (2); formation of the same product from Pt(COD)(X)Y (X = Y = Me; X = Me, Y = Cl) has been shown by NMR spectroscopy ([sup 1]H, [sup 31]P, [sup 195]Pt) to proceed via prior coordination of chelH through P to afford Pt(chelH)[sub 2](X)(Y) (cis and trans isomers) and through intermediacy of PtH(chel)[sub 2]Cl (22) in which P trans to Si at Pt(IV) leads to an exceptionally low [sup 2]J(Pt-P) = 1084 Hz. Cleavage of Pt-Si bonds in 2 by HCl can be controlled to give the monochelate species Pt(chel)(chelH)Cl (7), from which chelH is displaced by PMe[sub 2]Ph, or trans-PtH(PPh[sub 2]CH[sub 2]SiMe[sub 2]Cl)[sub 2]Cl (9). Products related to 9 result from Pt-Si bond cleavage by I[sub 2] or MeI. Using the analogue PPh[sub 2]CH[sub 2]CH[sub 2]SiMe(Ph)H ...
Subcritical source-driven noise measurements are simultaneous Rossia and randomly pulsed neutron measurements that provide measured quantities that can be related to the subcritical neutron multiplication factor. In fact, subcritical source-driven noise measurements should be performed in lieu of Rossia measurements because of the additional information that is obtained from noise measurements such as the spectral ratio and the coherence functions. The basic understanding of source-driven noise analysis measurements can be developed from a point reactor kinetics model to demonstrate how the measured quantities relate to the subcritical neutron multiplication factor.
The reproducibility of pulmonary mechanics measurements in dairy cattle was examined using two study designs. In design A measurements were made with six cows on two days, and in design B measurements...Full Text Available
Surface temperature is measured with an infrared thermometer. Measuring Surface Temperature. Nine sample points are selected with a site of uniform land ...
The measurements of the nuclear decay of actinide isotopes and the evaluation of the radioactive properties of nuclide with the mass 242 is discussed in this paper.
... the vertical beam measures the movement of the ... be measured because the particle velocity in ... During precipitation, if the hydrometeor fall velocity is ...
... analyzer section for angle resolved measurements, and a thin film evaporator with a quartz crystal microbalance to measure the mass deposition. ...
After a brief survey of the known level measurement methods the particularities of the radiometric measurement of the still utilisable residual volume of a bulk material in a large bin are discussed. At constant angle of repose the measurement in a suitably positioned plane of measurement suffices, at variable angle of repose two planes of measurement are required. The probable working ranges for a 1300-t lime bin are estimated.
Since 1958, the AlliedSignal Federal Manufacturing and Technologies (FM and T) Metrology Department has developed measurement technology and calibration capability in four major areas of measurement: mechanical; environmental, gas, liquid; electrical (D.C., A.C., RF/microwave); and optical and radiation. The capabilities developed include unique capabilities in many areas of measurement and engineering expertise to develop measurement techniques and resolve measurement problems in these major areas. FM and T Metrology was established in 1958 to provide a measurement base for the Department of energy`s Kansas City Plant. The Metrology Engineering Department provides the expertise to develop measurement capabilities for virtually any type of measurement which falls into the broad areas listed above. The engineering staff ...
Additional results using a calorimetric technique for measuring the total hemispherical emittance of pipe surfaces from 400 to 600 K are described. Two different Pyrex pipe enclosures were used, one of 15 cm i.d. and the other of 30 cm i.d. An error analysis showed that the larger diameter Pyrex pipe should have a smaller error, but the difference was negligible for the 4.4-cm test pipe diameter used. Measurements on a short length of a previously-measured pipe agreed with earlier measurements, but only over the temperature range of the measurements. While the technique normally uses a vacuum to minimize nonradiative heat transfer, measurements were done succesfully with an argon atmosphere in a closed system. A nickel-plated pipe, measured first in a vacuum and then in an argon atmosphere, allowed calculation of an effective convective ...
In 1995 the exercise RESUME-95 (Rapid Environmental Surveying Using Mobile Equipment) took place in Finland. Groups from 8 European countries joined the exercise. The methods used were airborne gamma-ray measurements, car-borne measurements and in situ stationary measurements. The results of the measurements are analyses aiming at disclosing similarities and differences between groups and measuring techniques.
Non-destructive methods for measuring the remaining anticorrosive or antioxidative ability of coatings are investigated. For anticorrosive chromium coatings the increasing ferromagnetism caused by loss of chromium is measured by a permeability probe. Measured values on blades after operation are correlated with the progress of corrosion as determined by metallographic methods. For antioxidative aluminum coatings the diminishing layer thickness is taken as indication for the exhaustion of their protection ability. The layer thickness is measured eddy current probes, especially developed for this application.
This paper describes a method for measuring oil consumption in compressors. The oil is labelled with Zn 65. The consumed radioactive oil is retained in an activated carbon filter and its activity is measured continuously with a plastic scintillator detector. Measuring the oil consumption at a given operating levels takes about 15 minutes. At an oil consumption rate of about 1 g/h the measurement errors are of the order of +- 5%. (orig.).
We show, assuming the consistency of one measurable cardinal, that it is consistent for there to be exactly kappa+ many normal measures on the least measurable cardinal kappa. This answers a question of Stewart Baldwin. The methods generalize to higher cardinals, showing that the number of lambda strong compactness or lambda supercompactness measures on P_kappa(lambda) can be exactly lambda+, if lambda>kappa is a regular cardinal. We conclude with a list of open questions. Our proofs use a critical observation due to James Cummings.
1. The short duration cerebrovascular perfusion method for measuring permeability of the blood-brain barrier has been adapted to measuring transport into the retina. 2. The method has been characterized...Full Text Available
The results of the radon concentration measurements in dwellings in Belgrade were shown in this paper. The measurements were done using long term method with diffusion cups equipped with solid state nuclear track detector LR-115-II or CR-39. (author).
For aerodynamic force measurement in the ISL shock tunnel, the authors have developed a novel measurement technique. Its key feature is a mounting support, which releases the test model and tightens it again after a free flight duration of 10 to 15 millis...
The reference medium for brachytherapy dose measurements is water. Accuracy of dose measurements of brachytherapy sources is critically dependent on precise measurement of the source–detector...Full Text Available
In this paper, some results of the indoor radon concentration measurements are presented. Kodac track detectors LR 115, bare and in a cup were used for these measurements. Average winter/summer ratio was determined for the town of interest. (author). 5 refs, 1 fig., 1 tab.
Some results of the indoor radon measurements are presented in this paper. Kodac track detectors LR-115 were used for these measurements. Average winter/spring ratio for indoor radon concentration was determined from the results obtained and is presented in this paper. (author).
Objective: The aim of this study was to obtain an overview of the methodological quality of studies on the measurement properties of neck pain and disability questionnaires and to describe how well various aspects of the design and statistical analyses of studies on measurement properties are performed. Methods: A systematic review was performed of published studies on the measurement properties of neck pain and disability questionnaires. Two reviewers independently rated the quality of the studies using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) checklist. This checklist was developed in an international Delphi consensus study. Results: A total of 47 articles were included on the measurement properties of 8 different questionnaires. The meth...
This paper is aimed to present a fuzzy decision making approach to deal with the performance measurement in supply chain systems. In the manufacturing environment, performance measurement is based on different quantitative and qualitative factors. Some of these factors may have a larger effect on the performance measure than others. Units of measure of the quantitative factors are different such as time, money, percentage, ratio, and counts. Thus, this paper presents a performance measurement approach based on fuzzy set theory and the pair-wise comparison of Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), which ensures the consistency of the designer's assignments of importance of one factor over another to find the weight of each of the manufacturing activity in the departmental organization. In the ...
Short-term radon measurements were used to make a comparison between weekly screening tests and seasonal concentration. The screening measurements were made in an indoor environment over a period of one quarter during early summer and the results are compared with the measured average radon level over that period. In these experiments, the envelope-type and plastic bag monitors were used for screening and long term radon concentration measurements, respectively. The results show that one cannot achieve predicting the seasonal mean radon concentration based on weekly measurements better than 50% under the conditions reported. (author).
Short-term radon measurements were used to make a comparison between weekly screening tests and seasonal concentration. The screening measurements were made in an indoor environment over a period of one quarter during early summer and the results are compared with the measured average radon level over that period. In these experiments, the envelope-type and plastic bag monitors were used for screening and long term radon concentration measurements, respectively. The results show that one cannot achieve predicting the seasonal mean radon concentration based on weekly measurements better than 50% under the conditions reported. (author).
Fuel cell vehicles have been identified as the personal transportation technology of the future because of their high efficiency and very low emissions. To achieve the goal of road-ready fuel cell vehicles, great strides must be made in the development of fuel cells, hydrogen production and hydrogen storage technologies, that includes metal-H interaction studies and safety considerations. The interaction between two-hydrogen atoms and a {gamma}-Fe structure containing a vacancy has been studied using a cluster model and a theoretical method. For the study of the sequential absorption, the hydrogen atoms were positioned in their energy minima configurations, near the vacancy. The interactions mainly involve Fe 4s-H1s atomic orbitals. The contribution of Fe 4p and Fe 3d orbitals is much less important. The Fe-Fe bond is weakened as new Fe-H-H and H-H pairs were formed. The effect of H atoms is limited to its first Fe neighbors. The Fe-Fe bond ...
Biosorption of cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) by six fractions of particle sizes, ranging from 0.063 to 1.4 mm of dry marine algal biomass of Sargassum fluitans and Ascophyllum nodosum, is examined. Equilibrium metal uptake by larger particles was higher than that by smaller particles in the order of Pb > Cd > Cu > Co > Zn > Ni for both biomass types, with S. fluitans sorbing slightly more than A. nodosum. Uptakes of metals ranged from the highest, q{sub max} = 369 mg Pb/g (particle size 0.84-1.00 mm), to the low Zn and Ni uptakes, q{sub max} = 77 mg/g (size 0.84-1.00 mm) for S. fluitans. A. nodosum adsorbed metals in the range from q{sub max} = 287 mg Pg/g (particle size 0.84-1.00 mm) to q{sub max} = 73 mg Zn/g (particle size 0.84-1.00mm). Harder stipe fractions of S. fluitans demonstrated generally higher metal uptakes than the softer fractions derived from its blades (leaves). The pH dependence of the Zn uptake by S. ...
Lead 203 has been used as a tracer for lead in the field of nuclear medicine for several years. It is produced in a cyclotron usually by proton or deuteron bombardment of a thallium target principally by the p,n or d,2n reaction on "2"0"3Tl or the p,3n or d,4n reaction on "2"0"5Tl. Several different methods have been reported for the separation of "2"0"3Pb from the thallium target. These generally involve a combination of precipitation and solvent extraction techniques. A new method has been developed for the separation of Pb from Tl using ion exchange chromatography over hydrous zirconium oxide (HZO). Lead is taken up by this inorganic ion exchanger at pH > 3 whereas Tl(I) is not. Lead can subsequently be eluted with acid of pH1-1.5. The recovery of "2"0"3Pb has been approximately 75% and the Tl impurity level has not been in excess of 10 ppm. Reference is made to the application of this separation method to the preparation of "2"0"1Tl ...
The performance of 250 different computational protocols (combinations of density functionals, basis sets and methods) was assessed on a set of 165 well-established experimental (1)H-(1)H nuclear coupling constants (J(H-H)) from 65 molecules spanning a wide range of "chemical space". Thereby we found that, if one uses core-augmented basis sets and allows for linear scaling of the raw results, calculations of only the Fermi contact term yield more accurate predictions than calculations where all four terms that contribute to J(H-H) are evaluated. It turns out that B3LYP/6-31G(d,p)u+1s is the best (and, in addition, one of the most economical) of all tested methods, yielding predictions of J(H-H) with a root-mean-square deviation from experiment of less than 0.5 Hz for our test set. Another method that does similarly well, without the need for additional 1s basis functions, is B3LYP/cc-pVTZ, which is, however, ca. 8 times more "expensive" in ...
Up to now the retention of radioactive material for nuclear facilities has been based on the maximum individual dose. The maximum individual dose can locally be lowered considerably by higher dissolution. In general, the collective doses are not lowered by this. In order to set up regulations concerning collective doses, the new recommmendations of the ICRP are very welcome. However, the costs of detriment and the period to be considered have not yet been defined. Therefore there are no fixed methods for carrying out a cost-benefit analysis. Furthermore, for nuclear technology the costs and the effectiveness of the retention of radioactive material for non-realized facilities can only be quoted roughly, which makes a cost-benefit analysis more difficult. A cost-benefit analysis for the retention of radioactive material in nuclear power plants with LWRs and reprocessing plants of the PUREX process has been carried out with best estimate data. The results show that the development of ...
US Department of Energy (DOE) Order 5820.2A was promulgated in final form on September 26, 1988. The order requires heads of field organizations to prepare and to submit updates on the waste management plans for all operations under their purview according to the format in Chap. 6, {open_quotes}Waste Management Plan Outline.{close_quotes} These plans are to be submitted by the DOE Oak Ridge Operations Office (DOE-ORO) in December of each year and distributed to the DP-12, ES&H-1, and other appropriate DOE Headquarters (DOE-HQ) organizations for review and comment. This document was prepared in response to this requirement for fiscal year (FY) 1994. The Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) waste management mission is reduction, collection, storage, treatment, and disposal of DOE wastes, generated primarily in pursuit of ORNL missions, in order to protect human health and safety and the environment. In carrying out this mission, waste ...
High quality single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) have been synthesized at large scales by the method of direct evaporation of carbon black and metallic catalyst mixtures, using induction thermal plasma technology. The processing system consists mainly of an RF plasma torch, which generates a plasma jet of extremely high temperature (?15 000 K), with a high energy density and abundance of reactive species (ions and neutrals). With the present reactor system, it has been demonstrated that carbon soot product which contains approximately 40 wt% of SWNT can be continuously synthesized at the high production rate of ?100 g h-1. The processing parameters involved have been examined closely in order to evaluate their individual influences on SWNT synthesis. The results have shown that the quality and purity of the SWNT produced are critically affected by the grade of carbon black, the plasma gas composition and the metallic catalyst employed. ...
Inhibition of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is an appealing method for decreasing the immunoresistance and augmenting T cell-mediated immunotherapy. A major impediment to this strategy is the impact of conventional PI3K/mTOR pathway inhibitors on T cell function. In particular, rapamycin, is a well-known immunosuppressant that can decrease the activity of the PI3K/mTOR pathway in tumor cells, but also has a profound inhibitory effect on T cells. Here we show that Honokiol, a natural dietary product isolated from an extract of seed cones from Magnolia grandiflora, can decrease PI3K/mTOR pathway-mediated immunoresistance of glioma, breast and prostate cancer cell lines, without affecting critical proinflammatory T cell functions. Specifically, we show that at doses sufficient to down-regulate levels of phospho-S6 and the negative immune regulator B7-H1 in tumor cells, Honokiol does not ...
To understand the effect of Mo-Nb additions on the electrochemical behavior of #beta#-titanium alloys in ambient temperature chloride solutions, characterization of the electrochemistry and passivity of a Ti-15Mo-3Al alloy (#beta#-21S) was undertaken. Both solution heat-treated (SHT) and peak-aged (PA) alloys exhibited passive anodic behavior in aerated and deaerated 0.6M NaCl, aerated and deaerated 0.6M NaCl adjusted to pH1 with HCl, as well as aerated 5M HCl. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) performed after exposure to neutral 0.6M NaCl indicated that both PA and SHT #beta#-21S formed a predominantly TiO_2 film. Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) and cathodic kinetics suggest that the Mo and Nb alloying additions are incorporated into the oxide in amounts less than that found in the alloys. The predominance of the passivating TiO_2 may explain the similarity of the electrochemical behavior observed. However, in deaerated 5M HCl, all ...
This study describes the feasibility of anaerobic treatment of complex phenolics mixture from a simulated synthetic coal wastewater using four identical 13.5 L (effective volume) bench scale hybrid up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (HUASB) (combining UASB + anaerobic filter) reactors at four different hydraulic retention times (HRT) under mesophilic (27 #+-# 5 "oC) conditions. Synthetic coal wastewater with an average chemical oxygen demand (COD) of 2240 mg/L and phenolics concentration of 752 mg/L was used as substrate. The phenolics contained phenol (490 mg/L); m-, o-, p-cresols (123.0, 58.6, 42 mg/L); 2,4-, 2,5-, 3,4- and 3,5-dimethyl phenols (6.3, 6.3, 4.4 and 21.3 mg/L) as major phenolic compounds. The study demonstrated that at optimum HRT, 24 h, and phenolic loading rate of 0.75 g COD/(m"3-d), the phenolics and COD removal efficiency of the reactors were 96% and 86%, respectively. Bio-kinetic models were applied to data obtained from experimental studies in hybrid UASB reactor. ...
To reduce the radiation dose that accumulated on the reactor coolant pump, decontamination work was carried out at the Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant. A four-step alkaline permanganate (AP)-CanDecon process was applied to remove the activity on the turning vane diffuser and pump impeller. The first step consisted of 8 h of AP treatment and 7 h of decontamination. It was followed by 2.5 h of AP treatment and 5 h of decontamination. An average decontamination factor of 2.9 was obtained. To understand the corrosion of the decontaminating reagents on the materials, coupons were installed in the decontamination tank. These were as-received and sensitized 304SS, alloy 600, casting stainless steel (CF-8), stellite-6, and carbon steels (A508 and A533). The exposure rates (mR h"-"1) of the carbon steels were approximately five times higher in magnitude than those of the other materials. The decontamination levels (dpm per 100 cm"2) of the A508 and A533 ...
Computerized tomography-guided neurolytic splanchnic nerve block is a technique for relieving abdominal cancer pain; the goal is the alcoholic neurolytic interruption of the sensitive structures in retroperitoneal space. Computerized tomography yields accurate anatomical detailing and the course for needle placement and alcohol spread. January, 1993, to July, 1996, twenty-one bilateral splanchnic nerve blocks were performed through the posterior access. Forty-eight hours after alcoholism. 14 patients (66%) had complete pain regression; 52% of the patients needed no analgesics for 6 to 54 days and only 9 patients (42%) needed another low opioid therapy. Complications included hypotension and diarrhea in all cases. One had a cardiac arrest and diet 8 days after the procedure. There were no other complications. The whole procedure usually lasted 60 min (range: 45 to 90 min). Splanchnic nerve neurolysis is a useful treatment in the patients with severe chronic abdominal pain. It is used as ...
The bobbin probe technique is basically one of the important ECT methods for the steam generator tube integrity assessment that is practiced during each plant outage. The bobbin probe also is the essential component which consists of the whole ECT examination system, and provides a decisive data for the evaluation of tube integrity in compliance with acceptance criteria described in specific procedures. The selection of probe is especially important because the quality of acquired ECT data is determined by the probe design characteristics, such as geometry and operation frequency, and has an important effect on examination results. The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) has recently defined the procedures for the qualification of eddy current hardware and technique. These procedures provide two basic methods for qualification. Flawed tube removed from operation, or artificial flaw is required for the original qualification of technique combined with related flaw mechanism. In ...
The bobbin probe technique is basically one of the important ECT methods for the steam generator tube integrity assessment that is practiced during each plant outage. The bobbin probe also is the essential component which consists of the whole ECT examination system, and provides a decisive data for the evaluation of tube integrity in compliance with acceptance criteria described in specific procedures. The selection of probe is especially important because the quality of acquired ECT data is determined by the probe design characteristics, such as geometry and operation frequency, and has an important effect on examination results. The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) has recently defined the procedures for the qualification of eddy current hardware and technique. These procedures provide two basic methods for qualification. Flawed tube removed from operation, or artificial flaw is required for the original qualification of technique combined with related flaw mechanism. In ...
We present an efficient parallel algorithm and its implementation for computing the diagonal of $H^-1$ where $H$ is a 2D Kohn-Sham Hamiltonian discretized on a rectangular domain using a standard second order finite difference scheme. This type of calculation can be used to obtain an accurate approximation to the diagonal of a Fermi-Dirac function of $H$ through a recently developed pole-expansion technique \\cite{LinLuYingE2009}. The diagonal elements are needed in electronic structure calculations for quantum mechanical systems \\citeHohenbergKohn1964, KohnSham 1965,DreizlerGross1990. We show how elimination tree is used to organize the parallel computation and how synchronization overhead is reduced by passing data level by level along this tree using the technique of local buffers and relative indices. We analyze the performance of our implementation by examining its load balance and communication overhead. We show that our implementation ...
This data set contains data from in situ infrared thermometer measurements ... Surface temperature was measured using an Apogee Infrared Thermometer from 23 ...
verified via high-resolution spectral density measurements using the Hadamard Variance. .... spectral density measurements were made with the HF5390 ...
This paper attempts to clarify the most common measures available for the fire and electrical engineer in the prevention of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) hazards. It points out the risks and the potential...Full Text Available
Costs of parasitism are commonly measured by comparing the performance of infected groups of individuals to that of uninfected control groups. This measure potentially underestimates the cost of parasitism...Full Text Available
This article addresses the need for new data on indirect effects of natural and anthropogenic aerosol particles on atmospheric ice clouds. Simultaneous measurements of the concentration and composition...Full Text Available
The general methods used to complete measurements of human exposures are identified and illustrations are provided for the cases of indirect and direct methods used for exposure analysis. The application...Full Text Available
In this paper we propose an entropy measure for interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets, which generalizes three entropy measures defined independently by Szmidt, Wang and Huang, for intuitionistic fuzzy sets. We also give an approach to construct similarity measures using entropy measures for interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets. In particular, the proposed entropy measure for interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets can yield a similarity measure. Several illustrative examples are given to demonstrate the practicality and effectiveness of the proposed formulas. We apply the similarity measure to solve problems on pattern recognitions, multi-criteria fuzzy decision making and medical diagnosis.
The authors present some recent measurements on electroweak physics using data collected by the CDF experiment at the Tevatron proton anti-proton collider ({radical}s = 1.96 TeV) at Fermilab.
tions, final noise-power spectral density measurements were made. These measurements of the noise-power spectral density were not the desired phase- noise ...
BackgroundMeasures of attachment style are often used to appraise social and emotional health. In developmental literature, the concept of attachment is used to explain...Full Text Available
BackgroundThe function of a cylinder allowing simultaneous measurements of the opposition axis of the index finger and thumb of the hand and the magnitude of pinch force is described.Full Text Available
Inferring cluster structure in microarray datasets is a fundamental task for the -omic sciences. A fundamental question in Statistics, Data Analysis and Classification, is the prediction of the number of clusters in a dataset, usually established via internal validation measures. Despite the wealth of internal measures available in the literature, new ones have been recently proposed, some of them specifically for microarray data. In this dissertation, a study of internal validation measures is given, paying particular attention to the stability based ones. Indeed, this class of measures is particularly prominent and promising in order to have a reliable estimate the number of clusters in a dataset. For those measures, a new general algorithmic paradigm is proposed here that highlights the richness of measures in this class and accounts for the ones already ...
In previous work, several significant improvements in the measurement of distillation curves for complex fluids were introduced. The modifications to the classical measurement provide for (1) temperature and volume measurement(s) of low uncertainty, and most important, (2) a composition-explicit data channel in addition to the usual temperature?volume relationship. This latter modification is achieved with a new sampling approach that allows precise qualitative as well as quantitative analyses of each fraction, on the fly. In the new approach, the distillation temperature is measured in two locations. The temperature is measured in the usual location, at the bottom of the take-off in the distillation head, but it is also measured directly in the fluid. We have further modified our developm...
We present a laser spectroscopic approach for measuring the charge radius of the halo nucleus {sup 11}Li and report on recent progress in the development of the experimental apparatus.
BackgroundThe evaluation of interventions and policies designed to promote resilience, and research to understand the determinants and associations, require reliable and valid measures...Full Text Available
A force measurement technique has been developed for large-scale aerodynamic models with a short test time. The technique is based on direct acceleration measurements, with miniature accelerometers mounted on a test model suspended by wires. Measuring acceleration at two different locations, the technique can eliminate oscillations from natural vibration of the model. The technique was used for drag force measurements on a 3 m long supersonic combustor model in the HIEST free-piston driven shock tunnel. A time resolution of 350 #mu#s is guaranteed during measurements, whose resolution is enough for ms order test time in HIEST. To evaluate measurement reliability and accuracy, measured values were compared with results from a three-dimensional Navier-Stokes numerical simulation. The difference between measured values and ...
The investigation of important wear processes in the railway technique, especially the differentiation of the parameters influencing the wear process, requires extensive test programmes and thus high resolving methods to determine the wear. Radiometric methods enable considerably greater measuring accuracy with the help of the activation of materials than an observation of measurement or measuring changes. (orig./LH).
In the past decade, a new technique has been developed for measuring tensile stresses in solids. This ultrasonic technique has been used thus far primarily for measuring fastener tension. The precision of measurement is routinely to 2-3% and, with special care, to approx. 1%. The method is insensitive to the frictional losses which plague tensioning by torque wrench. Though the approach is relatively new, it promises a wide range of applicability.
A historical summary is made on the measurements concerning the rising total hadron-hadron cross sections at high energies. The first part of this paper concerns the total cross section measurements performed at the Brookhaven, Serpukhov and Fermilab fixed target accelerators; then the measurements at the CERN Intersecting Storage Rings (ISR), and at the CERN and at the Tevatron Fermilab proton-antiproton colliders; finally the cosmic ray measurements at even higher energies. A short discussion on Conclusions and Perspectives follows.
The transport of Rn through activated charcoal was modelled for a charcoal canister used for surface emanation measurements. Derived Rn concentration distributions in full and half charcoal charges were compared with measured Rn profiles. The distributions were also compared with an empirical expression for the measured profiles. Close agreement was observed between the measured, empirically generated and derived profiles. The influence of temperature and humidity on Rn accumulation and transport is also discussed.
Power density measurements in the critical facility RA-8 are presented. These measurements were the first systematic use of the reactor. A measurement system was designed, built and proved for this goal. Power profiles are showed and the results are compared with calculated values. (author)
The paper abstracted gives a tabular survey of the suppliers and applications of measuring equipment. Equipment is available for the following fields of application: Continuous measuring instruments for stationary operation, laboratory equipment for sampling and hand equipment for mobile measurement, sampling equipment for examining emissions and gases, detectors, storage and evaluation equipment and meteorological instruments. (PW).
The US Geological survey is active in measuring time of travel in streams using dye tracers. This manual describes methods of measuring time of travel of water and waterborne solutes by dye tracing. The fluorescent dyes, measuring equipment used, and field and laboratory procedures are also described. Methods of analysis and presentation to illustrate time of travel of streams are provided.
We have performed precision measurements in a magneto-optical trap of the 7P1/2 hyperfine structure of the isotopes 209-210Fr. The ratio of these hyperfine constants to the previously measured 7S1/2 ground state values reveals a significant hyperfine anomaly. This anomaly results from the different radial dependence of the electron density in the two atomic levels. The measurements are sensitive to changes in the radial distribution of the neutron magnetism.
In this study, an apparatus suitable to photoacoustic (PA) imaging to measure blood-analysis and urinalysis is fabricated and its measurement scheme has been established for the first time. The PA imaging of urinalysis test strip, blood sugar test strip, and cholesterol test strip is performed. A calibration curve of PA measurement is obtained for a urine test strip. The detectivity is better than that obtained by an eye-measurement.
Results of weight measurement of PGV-213 steam generator during filling in, heating-up and power increase are described. Special measurement system based on stress gauges has been developed. Method of derivation of secondary water inventory is described. Comparison of the data for two steam generators prove accuracy of the measurements. (orig.). 1 refs.
The absolute absorption of ozone in the midinfrared has been measured relative to 253.7-nm ultraviolet absorption to an accuracy of 1% using a Bruker Fourier transform spectrometer. These new results agree with previous measurements by diode laser measurements after the latter are corrected for more recent infrared calculations and ultraviolet cross sections. They also agree with a determination based on refractive index measurements in the infrared. 16 refs., 4 figs., 3 tabs.
MAGNETIC FORMING .............. MAGNETIC INDUCTION ............ MAGNETIC MATERIALS ............ MAGNETIC MEASUREMENT .......... MAGNETIC PERMEABILITY . ...
Proceeding from commercially available instruments, a simple measuring system has been established, which renders possible fast and simple discontinuous analysis of individual elements. This measuring system is described, giving some examples of utilization in nonferrous metallurgy (mining, ore dressing, metallurgical treatment), and specific details, such as error of measurement, ranges of measurement and limits of utilization. (author).
A pump down model for a vacuum chamber with a reversibly adsorbed phase is presented. The outgassing equation which predicts the variation of coverage at the wall surface of a vacuum chamber with time is derived. Then the measured and the true outgassing rates are defined. The theoretical measured outgassing rate shows only a very weak dependence for pumping speed. This prediction is opposite to the experimental result that the measured outgassing rate depends significantly on pumping speed. It is discussed that the experimental measured outgassing rate must be described as the product of the effective pumping speed and the measured pressure in the pumped chamber, in which the measured pressure is equivalent to the equilibrium pressure of the wall surface described by the equilibrium adsorption isotherm as a function of the shifted surface coverage ...
We present the design of a diagnostic system to measure electron cyclotron absorption at the second harmonic E-mode resonance in the JET pumped divertor plasma. The diagnostic will measure transmission as a function of frequency along one or more sightlines from which the spatial profile of the n_eT_e product will be deduced. The divertor is briefly described, and the electron cyclotron resonance physics relevant to this measurement is reviewed. The problems of measuring transmission using an oversized transmission system are discussed and the chosen measurement technique, a swept frequency interferometer using a coherent radiation source, is described. A prototype of the instrument has been assembled to test the measurement technique. Some data demonstrating the instrument's characteristics are presented. The nonresonant losses, which may affect the ...
Time-differential magnetic moment measurements on the first-excited Isup(#pi#)=2"+ states in "2"0Ne and "2"4Mg with mean lives of 1.0 and 2.1 ps, respectively are described. The lifetime of the latter state was determined simultaneously. A special detection geometry was designed to improve the experimental #gamma#-ray anisotropy measured with finite-size detectors. For "2"0Ne also a time-integral measurement with charge-state separation was performed. The necessary electronics circuitry built to perform these complicated measurements and the plunger assembly with laser interferometer are also described. A magnetic moment measurement of "2"2Ne(2_1"+) with tau=5.0 ps and transient field measurements at low and high recoil velocities are reported. A discussion of possible extensions of the techniques are given. (Auth.).
A detector has been developed and used to measure dose distributions versus linear energy transfer to thin gas targets in spherical geometry from fast neutron irradiation of tissue-equivalent plastic and carbon. The detector is a hemispherical proportional counter with a Cs(T1) scintillator at the center of the hemisphere. The coincidence of the proportional counter signals constrain the measurements to charged particles traversing the radius of the hemisphere. The charged particle energy deposition distributions are directly measured for a known pathlength. The A-150 kerma factor was measured at a neutron energy of 14.8 MeV and is in agreement with tabulated values. The carbon kerma factor measurements are less than the tabulated value at 14.8 MeV. The alpha-particle production in carbon was measured for neutron energies from 14.1 to 14.8 MeV and is compared ...
By its very nature redox potential measurement is suitable for determining the concentration ratio of a stable redox pair through its interaction with a chemically inert electrode surface but not the absolute concentration of a material. The measured redox potentials agree only rarely with those which are easily calculable theoretically. No individual defined stable redox pair is available in power station water. It is therefore not simply possible to measure definable mixed potentials more precisely. For these reasons redox potential measurement in the power station, as also with other types of water, can no longer be regarded as an indicator, by which it can be established whether oxidizing or reducing materials predominate in the water.
By its very nature redox potential measurement is suitable for determining the concentration ratio of a stable redox pair through its interaction with a chemically inert electrode surface but not the absolute concentration of a material. The measured redox potentials agree only rarely with those which are easily calculable theoretically. No individual defined stable redox pair is available in power station water. It is therefore not simply possible to measure definable mixed potentials more precisely. For these reasons redox potential measurement in the power station, as also with other types of water, can no longer be regarded as an indicator, by which it can be established whether oxidizing or reducing materials predominate in the water. (orig.).
An overview of particle and photon beam bunch length measurements is presented in the context of free-electron laser (FEL) challenges. Particle-beam peak current is a critical factor in obtaining adequate FEL gain for both oscillators and self-amplified spontaneous emission (SASE) devices. Since measurement of charge is a standard measurement, the bunch length becomes the key issue for ultrashort bunches. Both time-domain and frequency-domain techniques are presented in the context of using electromagnetic radiation over eight orders of magnitude in wavelength. In addition, the measurement of microbunching in a micropulse is addressed.
There is a growing interest on dynamic and broader concepts of deprivation such as vulnerability, which takes in to account the destitution of individuals from future shocks. We use the framework of decision making under uncertainty to arrive at a new measure of vulnerability to poverty. We highlight the importance of current standard of living to better capture the notion of vulnerability. In conceptualizing the new class of measures of vulnerability, we thus move beyond the standard expected poverty measures that is commonly found in the literature. We also axiomatically characterize the new class of measure and discuss some of its properties.
The LANL 2.5-cell, normal-conducting radio-frequency (NCRF) injector has been fabricated. We present initial results of low-power RF measurements (cavity Q, cavity field map, coupling beta, etc.) of the NCRF injector. The measured cavity Q and relative fields are found to be in good agreement with the design calculations and earlier measurements of Glidcop properties. However, the coupling beta of the ridge-loaded waveguides is found to be significantly higher than the design point. The impact of these low-power measurement results on the planned high-power RF and electron beam tests will be discussed.
The additional error in measurement of the thickness of Kh18N10T steel for possible changes in composition with an energy of the photons of ionizing radiation of 10-80 keV was evaluated. The desirability of use of a type REIS-I x-ray emitter in measurement of the thickness of steel up to 1 mm is shown. The instrument provides measurement of the thickness of steel in the 0.1-1.0 mm range with a reproducibility of the results with an error not exceeding 0.5-1.0%. The measurement error with corrugations characteristic of bellows does not exceed 5%.
The approach-to-critical measurements reported were for a plate-type fuel element where the height of the water moderator and side and top reflector were increased. Measurements were also performed with each of the two annuli of the fuel element to verify both the presence of boron in the fuel plates and the proper uranium loading prior to assembly of the two annuli for full submersion measurements. Measurements were also performed with detectors external to the reflector (> 15 cm of water on top, bottom, and side) for the assembled, submerged HFIR fuel element.
The aim of the present study is to identify and characterize the antimalrial agents from traitional Sudanese medicinal plants. 49 plants parts representing 26 species from 15 families were extracted and screened for their in vitro antimalrial activity using P. falciparum strain 3D7 which is chloroquine sensitive and Dd2 strain which is chloroquine resistant and pyrimethamine sensitive.The plant species investigated exhibited diverse botanical families. They includes Annonaceae, Aristolochiaceae, Asteraceae, Balantiaceae, Caesalpiniceae, Celasteraceae, Cucurbitaceae, Fabaceae, Graminae, Meliaceae, Myrtaceae, Polygonaceae, Rubiaceae, Rutaceae, and simaroubaceae. The evaluation of these plants for their antimalarial activity and their effect on lymphocyte proliferation was carried out. 57 extracts were tested on the chloroquine sensitive strain (3D7). Where 34 extracts (59%) exhibited significant activity against 3D7 with IC_5_0 values #100 #mu# g/ml), where as Sonochous cornatus, ...
Tests have recently been performed at Fermilab in order to measure the energy losses due to eddy currents and iron and superconductor magnetization. These measurements were performed on six 1.5m long model magnets and eight 15m long full scale collider dipole magnets. AC losses were measured as a function of ramp rate using sawtooth ramps from 500, to 5000 Amps for both types of magnets, while bipolar studies were additionally performed on some of the short magnets. The measured magnet voltage and current for a complete cycle are digitally integrated to yield the energy loss per cycle. Measurement reproducibility is typically 5%, with good agreement between long magnet measurements and extrapolations from short magnet measurement results. Magnetization loss measurements among similar magnet types agree to within ...
1 - Description of program or function: This library for fusion neutronics calculations, to be used in conjunction with the TRANSX code, is the MATXS format version of ZZ-GEFF-2-GENDF from which it has been derived by means of the MATXSR NJOY module. It has a 175 neutron, 42 photon VITAMIN-J group structure with the standard weighting function: Maxwellian (at the temperature to which the material is referenced) + 1/E + fission spectrum + 1/E + fusion peak + 1/E. It includes 93 materials from 1-H-1 to Bi-209 - almost all from EFF-2 basic data; but Ag-107, Ag-109, natural Cd, the 6 Hf isotopes and the 4 W isotopes have been taken from JEF-2.2 - at 3 temperatures and 6 dilution cross section values; 10 thermal groups are provided below 3 eV. Neutron cross sections and diffusion matrices, photon and gas production, kerma and DPA are given. The library includes H in H2O, metallic Be and Graphite for which an accurate treatment with S(alpha, beta) ...
We present an abundance analysis based on high-resolution spectra of 10 stars selected to span the full range in metallicity in the Ursa Minor (UMi) dwarf spheroidal (dSph) galaxy. We find that [Fe/H] for the sample stars ranges from -1.35 to -3.10 dex. Combining our sample with previously published work for a total of 16 luminous UMi giants, we establish the trends of abundance ratios [X/Fe] as functions of [Fe/H] for 15 elements. In key cases, particularly for the #alpha#-elements, these trends resemble those for stars in the outer part of the Galactic halo, especially at the lowest metallicities probed. The neutron-capture elements show an r-process distribution over the full range of Fe metallicity reached in this dSph galaxy. This suggests that the duration of star formation in the UMi dSph was shorter than in other dSph galaxies. The derived ages for a larger sample of UMi stars with more uncertain metallicities also suggest a population dominated by uniformly old (#approx#13 ...
A calorimetric vacuum emissometer (CVE) capable of measuring total hemispherical emittance of surfaces at elevated temperatures was designed, built, and tested. Several materials with a wide range of emittances were measured in the CVE between 773 to 923 K. These results were compared to values calculated from spectral emittance curves measured in a room temperature Hohlraum reflectometer and in an open-air elevated temperature emissometer. The results differed by as much as 0.2 for some materials but were in closer agreement for the more highly-emitting, diffuse-reflecting samples. The differences were attributed to temperature, atmospheric, and directional effects, and errors in the Hohlraum and emissometer measurements ({+-} 5 percent). The probable error of the CVE measurements was typically less than 1 percent.
This paper presents some situations, in which measurements of electromagnetic fields generated by transmission lines and substations should be performed. The range of measurements may differ, but maximum values of electric and magnetic fields and flux density must be identified in all situations. The area with electric field exceeding 1 kV/m should be identified as well. The author also presents basic requirements to be met by the measurement technique. These requirements are specified according to the national standard. Special attention should be paid to the identification of the spatial distribution of electric field and flux density generated in the vicinity of high voltage transmission lines. To verify the measurement results, it is necessary to calculate the distribution of both aforesaid field components. For environmental protection purposes, it is also proposed that the report should include ...
Tank calibration experiments have been carried out using a mock-up input accountancy tank with the object of developing a high accuracy solution volume measurement technique for Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant (RRP). The experimental parameters such as temperature, solution density, off gas pressure and so on have been fluctuated in the calibration experiments in order to evaluate the influence on the solution volume measurement. As a result, it was confirmed that the solution volume measurement error of the mock-up tank was within #+-#0.04% (at full volume) using careful data correction technique for measured data. For the high accuracy volume measurement at RRP, it is important to correct data properly taking account of the actual conditions such as uncontrollable ambient temperature that are different from the experiment. (author)
The Full Aperture Backscatter System (FABS) provides a measure of the spectral power, and integrated energy scattered by stimulated Brillouin (348-354 nm) and Raman (400 - 700 nm) scattering into the final focusing lens of the first four beams of the NIF laser. The system was designed to provide measurements at the highest expected fluences with: (1) spectral and temporal resolution, (2) beam aperture averaging, and (3) near-field imaging. This is accomplished with a strongly attenuating diffusive fiber coupler and streaked spectrometer and separate calibrated time integrated spectrometers, and imaging cameras. Measurement of the wavelength dependent sensitivity of the complete system is accomplished with a calibrated Xe lamp. Data from the calibration system is combined with experimental data to produce the power and energy measurements. Examples of measurements will be discussed.
An apparatus is described for measuring the total hemispherical emittance of pipes of a length suitable for use in a prototype solar collector. The calorimetric method used requires measurements of the temperatures of the surface of the test pipe and of a concentric outer cylinder and measurement of the electrical power used to heat the test pipe. Measurements were made of the total hemispherical emittance of black chrome, nickel, and bare steel pipes as a function of temperature. The emittance of the black chrome surfaces increased significantly from an extrapolated value of about 0.1 at 25 deg C to values on the order of 0.3-0.4 at 300 deg C. The extrapolated values for black chrome agreed with measurements made using other techniques at room temperature. The results for the nickel-plated pipe agreed with total emittance calculated from spectral reflectance data.
The report presents details of the distributions of air pollution in the Berlin area and the developments of the past 20 years. Highly polluted areas are indicated in which air pollution reduction measures are particularly urgent. The report therefore intends not only to inform but also to point out the deficiencies of air pollution abatement measures, so that political consequences can be derived and measures can be taken. In all, data were recorded by 39 measuring stations in West Berlin, 16 in East Berlin, and 7 in Potsdam and Frankfurt/Oder. In most stations, sulphur dioxide and airborne dust were measured; 14 stations in West Berlin and one in East Berlin measured carbon monoxide and nitric oxides; 8 stations in West Berlin recorded ozone concentrations. (orig./KW).
To assess the variability and systematic differences in polyp measurements on optical colonoscopy and CT colonography. Gastroenterologists measured 51 polyps by visual estimation, forceps comparison and linear probe. CT colonography observers randomly assessed polyp size two-dimensionally (abdominal and intermediate window) and three-dimensionally (manually and semi-automatically). Linear mixed models were used to assess the variability and systematic differences between CT colonography and optical colonoscopy techniques. The variability of forceps and linear probe measurements was comparable and both showed less variability than measurement by visual assessment. Measurements by linear probe were 0.7 mm smaller than measurements by visual assessment or by forceps. The variability of all CT colonography techniques was lower than for ...
BackgroundThe use of measurement tools is an essential part of good evidence-based practice; however, physiotherapists (PTs) are not always confident when selecting, administering,...Full Text Available
The number needed to treat (NNT) is a popular effect measure to present study results in biomedical research. NNTs were originally proposed to describe the absolute effect of a new treatment compared...Full Text Available
An indoor radioactive survey is being conducted in an Italian district. Preliminary results identified a zone with significant radioactive levels, in which a new specific survey has been planned. In this paper attention is dedicated mainly to radon measurement technique and results.
Measurements are reported of ultrasonic acoustic emissions (AEs) measured from sapwood samples of Thuja occidentalis L. and Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carr. during air dehydration....Full Text Available
Motivation: Since database retrieval is a fundamental operation, the measurement of retrieval efficacy is critical to progress in bioinformatics. This article points out some issues with...Full Text Available
Using nitrogen-13 initial measurements have been made of rumen ammonia-nitrogen pool size and turnover, and rate of incorporation of ammonia into microbial protein. It is also feasible to measure the rate of incorporation of absorbed ammonia into urea and the appearance of label in saliva.
The measurement of polarization in backward scattering for the reactions $\\pi^{+} p \\rightarrow p \\pi^{+},K^{+} p \\rightarrow p K^{+}$ and $\\;\\pi^{+} p \\rightarrow \\Sigma^{+} K^{+}$
Experimental studies of charmless semileptonic B decays can be broadly categorized into inclusive and exclusive measurements depending on how the final states are treated. The inclusive method measures the decay rate $\\Gamma(B \\to X_u \\ell \
BackgroundStudies using transthoracic thermodilution have demonstrated increased extravascular lung water (EVLW) measurements attributed to progression of edema and...Full Text Available
The University of Virginia's real-time neutron radiography facility was characterized by measurement of the total neutron flux, gold/cadmium ratio, neutron/gamma ratio, and the effective collimar length-to-aperture diameter (L/D) ratio. The real-time neutron imaging system and collimator were further characterized by measuring the modulation transfer function (MTF) of the system. The collimator effectiveness was measured by using the MTF to determine the ''unparallelism'' of the neutron beam. The computer-based image processing system allowed rapid calculation of the MTF and the collimator effectiveness. The results of these measurements, using no collimator and a simple tube collimator, demonstrated the method's ability to determine the effective L/D ratio. The MTF measurement scheme provided a fast, reliable, and reproducible ...
The University of Virginia's real-time neutron radiography facility was characterized by measurement of the total neutron flux, gold/cadmium ratio, neutron/gamma ratio, and the effective collimar length-to-aperture diameter (L/D) ratio. The real-time neutron imaging system and collimator were further characterized by measuring the modulation transfer function (MTF) of the system. The collimator effectiveness was measured by using the MTF to determine the ''unparallelism'' of the neutron beam. The computer-based image processing system allowed rapid calculation of the MTF and the collimator effectiveness. The results of these measurements, using no collimator and a simple tube collimator, demonstrated the method's ability to determine the effective L/D ratio. The MTF measurement scheme provided a fast, reliable, and reproducible means of monitoring any changes in the real-time ...
We have measured the forward and reverse rates of the allosteric transition of hemoglobin A with three CO molecules bound by using modulated excitation coupled with fluorescence quenching of the DPG...Full Text Available
Dependent variables in research on problem behavior typically are based on measures of response repetition, but these measures may be problematic when behavior poses high risk or when its occurrence...Full Text Available
The status of the concept of controlling the quality of physicians is reviewed as are studies that have been done on methods to measure and improve quality. The conclusions are dismal given the rhetoric...Full Text Available
Specificity of the pulses mean frequency measurement (the pulses being generated in a stochastic process) is described. Status of the domain of analog frequency meters is presented. Methods of increasing accuracy of such meters are discussed.
Specificity of the pulses mean frequency measurement (the pulses being generated in a stochastic process) is described. Status of the domain of analog frequency meters is presented. Methods of increasing accuracy of such meters are discussed. (author).
A new method is described for continuously measuring cell turgor pressure (P), hydraulic conductivity (Lp), and volumetric elastic modulus (ε) in higher plant cells, using a pressure...Full Text Available
Research to develop an accurate and reproducible density test for 60-mm and 81-mm mortar propellant increment containers (combustible cartridge cases) was not successful. However, application of modern industrial porosity measurement techniques may afford...
Recent experiments have provided new quantitative measurements of the rippling phenomenon in fields of developing myxobacteria cells. These measurements have enabled us to develop a mathematical model...Full Text Available
Accurate and automated methods for measuring the thickness of human cerebral cortex could provide powerful tools for diagnosing and studying a variety of neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders....Full Text Available
BackgroundArtemisinin-based combination therapy, currently considered the therapy of choice for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in endemic countries,...Full Text Available
OBJECTIVE. This study was conducted to determine whether an index for measuring quality of care for psychiatric emergencies is reliable and valid. DATA SOURCES/STUDY SETTING. The study used primary...Full Text Available
Pollution abatement measures against impulsive low frequency noises including mine blasting noise require precise measurement of sound waveforms, but no instruments have been designed for that purpose, nor commercially available. This paper describes investigations on such instruments as noise level meters currently available commercially on their instrumental characteristics using indoor experiments and field measurements. The following matters were clarified: An instrument combining a microphone with an amplifier can not determine the response from the measuring system from the respective frequency characteristics alone, and requires a discussion on the overall response from the measuring system. A preferred noise level meter would be an instrument that has the lower limit for the frequency characteristics of the microphone extended to several hertz, and ...
BackgroundControversy exists about how to effectively measure patient reported outcomes in IBS clinical trials. Pain numeric rating scales (NRS) are widely used in...Full Text Available
ObjectiveThis study aimed to test the preliminary psychometric properties of the Scale of Body Connection (SBC), a 20-item self-report measure, designed to assess...Full Text Available
The CKM angle $\\gamma/\\phi_{3}$ had been measured by two B-factories, the PEPII collider for the BaBar experiment and the KEKB collider for the Belle experiments. The present paper reports recent progress in $\\gamma/\\phi_{3}$.
In this paper, we report a method of precise in situ x-ray scattering measurements on protein solutions using small stationary sample cells. Although reduction in the radiation damage...Full Text Available
OBJECTIVES: To define a method for measurement of the cross sectional area and volume of the quadriceps femoris muscle using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in conjunction with stereology, and to compare...Full Text Available
A method of measuring the water potential of stored potato tubers (Solanum tuberosum L.) was needed to investigate the relationship of bacterial soft rot in tubers to water potential....Full Text Available
The cosmic ray neutron spectrum at sea level has been measured by the method of pulse shape discrimination in anthracene scintillator. The exponent of the differential spectrum was found to be 2.2+-0.1. (Auth.).
AIMS—(1) To validate a leg to leg bioimpedance analysis (BIA) device in the measurement of body composition in children by assessment of its agreement with dual energy x...Full Text Available
A controlled fire burner was constructed where various natural vegetation species could be used as fuel. The burner was equipped with thermocouples to measure fuel surface temperature and used as a...Full Text Available
Traditional laboratory diffusion experiments in rock material are time consuming, and quite small samples are generally used. Electrical conductivity measurements, on the other hand, provide a fast means for examining transport properties in rock and allow measurements on larger samples as well. Laboratory measurements using electrical conductivity give results that compare well to those from traditional diffusion experiments. The measurement of the electrical resistivity in the rock surrounding a borehole is a standard method for the detection of water conducting fractures. If these data could be correlated to matrix diffusion properties, in-situ diffusion data from large areas could be obtained. This would be valuable because it would make it possible to obtain data very early in future investigations of potentially suitable sites for a repository. This study compares laboratory electrical ...
This paper describes a system for fast mass spectrometric characterization of high-temperature outgassing measurements and measuring the total quantity of gas evolved for boron nitride. 2 references, 1 figure, 2 tables.
In this paper, the author discusses the Soviet system of camouflage measures. While the Russian word maskirovka, which is usually translated as camouflage, is used by the Soviets to describe these measures, much more is encompassed in what the author call...
PurposeTo assess the relationship between low-grade inflammation, measured as basal high sensitivity (hs)-CRP, and IVF outcome.MethodsWe recruited...Full Text Available
The purpose of this investigation was to determine the interrater reliability of peak torque and total work values obtained with isokinetic measures of knee flexion and extension. Eight male and eight...Full Text Available
ObjectiveThis report describes initial activities of the Cancer Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Sexual Function domain group (CaPS-SF),...Full Text Available
A prototype detector based on the inclined boron layer principle is introduced. For typical measurement conditions at the Liquids Reflectometer at the Spallation Neutron Source, its count rate capability is shown to be superior to that of the current detector by nearly two orders of magnitude.
Air pollution abatement measures are not an end in themselves, and undesirable side effects should be taken into account. The proposed emission index takes into account the total emissions caused by a technical project as well as the effects of the individual pollutants.
Data from 8,032 Manitoba respondents to the 1996/97 Canadian National Population Health Survey were linked to the 1996 census to study whether measures of morbidity, both self-reported and objectively...Full Text Available
PurposeTo develop a generic instrument for measuring short-term health status in the recovery period among patients undergoing abdominal and pelvic surgery.Full Text Available
The consistency of different instruments and methods for measuring two-dimensional (2D) power spectral density (PSD) distributions are investigated. The instruments are an interferometric microscope, an atomic force microscope (AFM) and the X-ray Reflectivity and Scattering experimental facility, all available at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. The measurements were performed with a gold-coated mirror with a highly polished stainless steel substrate. It was shown that these three techniques provide essentially consistent results. For the stainless steel mirror, an envelope over all measured PSD distributions can be described with an inverse power-law PSD function. It is also shown that the measurements can be corrected for the specific spatial frequency dependent systematic errors of the instruments. The AFM and the X-ray scattering measurements were used to determine the ...
BackgroundManagement of nightlife in UK cities focuses on creating safe places for individuals to drink. Little is known about intoxication levels as measuring total alcohol consumption...Full Text Available
The consistency of different instruments and methods for measuring two-dimensional (2D) power spectral density (PSD) distributions are investigated. The instruments are an interferometric microscope, an atomic force microscope (AFM) and the X-ray Reflectivity and Scattering experimental facility, all available at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. The measurements were performed with a gold-coated mirror with a highly polished stainless steel substrate. It was shown that these three techniques provide essentially consistent results. For the stainless steel mirror, an envelope over all measured PSD distributions can be described with an inverse power-law PSD function. It is also shown that the measurements can be corrected for the specific spatial frequency dependent systematic errors of the instruments. The AFM and the X-ray scattering measurements were used to determine the ...
Concentration of an amine solution for removal of hydrogen sulfides and carbon dioxide from natural gas, is tested by carbon dioxide absorption measurement in an apparatus allowing complete reaction to give reliable results.
A short account is given of the difficulties encountered in temperature measurement of boundary layers and a comparison of two types of thermometers, an infrared radiometer and mercury in glass thermometer. (Author)
Image registrations that are based on similarity measures simply adjust the parameters of an appropriate spatial transformation model until the similarity measure reaches an optimum. The numerous similarity measures that have been proposed in the past are differently sensitive to imaging modality, image content and differences in the image content, selection of the floating and target image, partial image overlap, etc. In this paper, we evaluate and compare 12 similarity measures for the rigid registration. To study the impact of different imaging modalities on the behavior of similarity measures, we have used 16 CT/MR and 6 PET/MR image pairs with known 'gold standard' registrations. The results for the PET/MR registration and for the registration of CT to both rectified and unrectified MR images indicate that mutual information, normalized mutual information and ...
BackgroundProspective measures of high knee abduction moment during landing identify female athletes at high risk for non-contact anterior cruciate ligament injury....Full Text Available
A bedload trap in the riverbed provided direct quantitative measurement of debris-transport rate in the East Fork River, Wyoming, a basin of 466 km2 drainage area. Traction load moves only...Full Text Available
BackgroundKinematic and kinetic measurements used in laboratory settings can quantify upper extremity movement impairment following stroke, but their relationship...Full Text Available
This study assessed the feasibility of measuring tiludronate in horses using a minimally invasive bone biopsy technique. Eight horses were treated with intravenous (IV) tiludronate [1 mg/kg bodyweight...Full Text Available
Crockford, G. W., Crowder, M., and Prestidge, S. P. (1972).Brit. J. industr. Med.,29, 378-386. A trace gas technique for measuring clothing microclimate...Full Text Available
Although previous intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) radiofrequency-based analysis data showed acceptable reproducibility for plaque composition, measurements are not easily obtained, particularly that...Full Text Available
The system which is performed the transportation and measurement of drum automatically to measure the surface dose-rate of radioactive waste drum and can inspect place of contaminated sources and precise dose-rate within a drum according to measuring many places equally at the same time has been developed. It is expected that the system be used to minimized radiation exposure of workers and manage the drum effectively according to established at the production facilities as well as the radioactive waste treatment facilities. (author). 7 refs., 9 tabs., 16 figs.
The Dynamic Analog Scale (DAS) is introduced as a technique for generating single-item measures of personality traits. The DAS is comprised of extensive trait definitions and an analog scale on which respondents simultaneously rate themselves and others. In two studies the Big Five personality traits were assessed with the DAS and compared to a multiple-item questionnaire that measured the same traits. Statistical analysis supported the validity of the DAS for predicting self-reported behavioral acts, drinking behaviors, affect, and religiosity in ways similar to the multiple-item questionnaire. Consistent with previous research, both studies supported the viability of measuring personality traits with single items.
Theoretical development for temperature measurements via narrow line, infrared absorption of carbon dioxide (CO{sub 2}) is presented. The proposed technique is based on rapid-scanning of two adjacent absorption line shapes. Spectroscopic considerations for sensitivity to temperature measurements are discussed. Several line pairs are evaluated, and the R(58) and R(60) transitions of the (00{sup 0}1){l_arrow}(00{sup 0}0) band are suggested for use in high temperature measurements for combustion systems.
Development of evaluation technology of electrochemical reactions is very essential to understand chemical behavior of actinides and lanthanides in molten salt media in relation to the development of Pyrochemical process. The on-line electrochemical/spectroscopic measurement system is to produce electrochemical parameters and thermodynamic parameters of actinides and lanthanides in molten salts by using spectroscopic techniques such as UV-VIS absorption as well as electrochemical in-situ measurement techniques. The on-line electrochemical/spectroscopic measurement system can be applied to understand the chemical reactions and oxidation states of actinides and lanthanides in molten salts eventually for the Pyrochemical process
The preparation by sputtering of artificial metallic superlattices is described, as are the results of x-ray structural determinations. Tunneling and resistivity measurements on these materials are reported.
... of drag measurements with the AGARD Nozzle Afterbody ... are discussed separately from flows with a ... bubbles introduce typical flow phenomena that ...
... i3a. ... gives performance measurements for various benchmarks, and compares the performance of Harp with the standard implementation of NFS in ...
Precisely measuring $\\theta_{13}$ is one of the highest priority in neutrino oscillation study. Reactor experiments can cleanly determine $\\theta_{13}$. Past reactor neutrino experiments are reviewed and status of next precision $\\theta_{13}$ experiments are presented. Daya Bay is designed to measure $\\sin^22\\theta_{13}$ to better than 0.01 and Double Chooz and RENO are designed to measure it to 0.02-0.03. All are heading to full operation in 2010. Recent improvements in neutrino moment measurement are also briefed.
... Although other authors had made cross-spectral density measurements, Corcos pointed to the importance of this function as indicative of the true ...
Pionier-I is a vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) of the Darrieus-type with a diameter of 15 m. In the month of September 1983 performance and efficiency were measured. Measurements were done with constant rotational speed and with constant tip speed ratio. For the calculation of the possible (theoretical) output of electric power an anemometer was present. Measurement results are conditioned to one digital signal and processed by a microcomputer (Apple II). It becomes evident that the yearly energy output of the Pionier-I is quite well comparable with that of a horizontal axis turbine with the same diameter.
This paper reported on a study in which partial discharge (PD) measurements were performed on 6 underground transmission cable circuits to determine the effectiveness of PD measurements on fluid fill cables. The cables were between 37 and 56 years old. PD activity was detected from the terminations of H11L and H3L Cable 2. However, for cables from H3L Basin TS to Mill Street junction, PD activity was detected originating from within the main cable insulation.
Method for determining the concentration of atomic species in gases and solids. Measurement of at least two emission intensities from a species in a plasma containing the species after a sufficient time period has elapsed after the generation of the plasma and during a second time period, permits an instantaneous temperature to be established within the sample. The concentration of the atomic species to be determined is then derived from the known emission intensity of a predetermined concentration of that species in the sample at the measured temperature, a quantity which is measured prior to the determination of the unknown concentration, and the actual measured emission from the unknown species, or by this latter emission and the emission intensity of a species having known concentration within the sample.
Measurements were made of the cross section for /sup 242/Am/sup m/ fission induced by neutrons in the energy range 0.04< or =E/sub n/< or =4.52 MeV as well as by neutrons with E/sub n/roughly-equal14.8 MeV. An electrostatic generator and a low-voltage accelerating tube were used to generate the quasimonochromatic neutrons. Measurements in the low-energy region were made by using the time-of-flight technique in neutrons from a nuclear explosion. Results of the measurements are compared with previously published data.
Measurements of low-energy (#approx#10"- "1"0 J) femtosecond laser pulse durations have been carried out on the basis of second-order autocorrelation function analysis. The scheme of non collinear second harmonic generation realized in KDP crystal has been used for increasing of the measurement contrast and accuracy. Proposed scheme can be used for measurements in wide enough ranges of laser pulse durations (from tens femto seconds to hundreds picoseconds) and energies. (authors)
An accelerator experiment was performed using a low-energy antiproton beam to measure antiproton detection efficiency of BESS, a balloon-borne spectrometer with a superconducting solenoid. Measured efficiencies showed good agreement with calculated ones derived from the BESS Monte Carlo simulation based on GEANT/GHEISHA. With detailed verification of the BESS simulation, the relative systematic error of detection efficiency derived from the BESS simulation has been determined to be {+-}5%, compared with the previous estimation of {+-}15% which was the dominant uncertainty for measurements of cosmic-ray antiproton flux.
We operate a new NEC 250kV single-stage accelerator mass spectrometer (SSAMS) next to our established 5MV tandem. This permits good comparison of 14C-AMS and challenges SSAMS performance. Initial SSAMS ion-optical deficiencies have been addressed by shimming the injection magnet and 3permil 14C/13C measurement with background limited by sample chemistry is routine. Higher-precision analysis is also achievable. A problematic measurement interference remains, however. The small spectrometer was procured to add measurement capacity, and for experiments with positive ions, but is now the preferred instrument for both convenience and measurement quality.
The authors describe measurements of emittance made on samples of solar cell coverglasses incorporating new coatings both on C-7940 fused silica and on CMX ceria doped microsheet. Samples of a conventional, MgF_2 coating on the same two types of coverglass substrates were included in the measurements as controls. Measurements were made by the calorimetric method of total hemispherical emittance within a cooled chamber as well as by the more common infrared reflectance method. Emittance enhancements from 1 to 4% were measured for the new coatings.
An overview of the past, present and future research activities at the CERN neutron time of flight facility n_TOF is given, with special focus on the astrophysical aspects. During the first campaign (Phase I), neutron capture cross sections of relevance for several aspects of the s-process nucleosynthesis have been measured. A second campaign has recently started (Phase II), aiming at the study of the weak s-process component via accurate (n,#gamma#) measurements of the Fe and Ni isotopes. Some changes in the facility will allow us to perform these measurements with improved experimental conditions.
SO/sub 2/ concentrations in the Stuttgart air have been measured continuously since 1965. The two measuring points were located at the bottom of the Stuttgart city basin and 900 m east on the side of one of the surrounding hills. Long-term curves of pollutant loads have been established in consideration of meteorological parameters, as well as curves showing the average daily, weekly, and yearly pollution. The information thus gained may help to plan air pollution abatement measures in city planning.
The external background radiation level in and around the Atomic Energy Research Establishment (AERE) in Dhaka has been measured. The measurements were performed using lithium fluoride (LiF) thermoluminescence dosemeters (TLD-100) at 32 locations, all one metre above the ground. The annual average dose rate measured in the AERE environs was 1.74+-0.23 mGy.y/sup -1/ in air, based on analysis of thermoluminescence dosemeter data collected from 1982 to 1984.
The crossed electron-ion beams technique was used to measure absolute cross sections for single ionization of Ar"2"+, Kr"2"+ and Xe"2"+ ions at electron energies ranging from threshold to 2000 eV. In contrast to some previous measurements, the metastable contents of the ion beams were small even in the case of Xe"2"+. All measured cross section curves show significant contributions from excitation-autoionization and possibly direct ionization of inner-shell electrons. There is evidence for resonance-excitation-double-autoionization in the case of Xe"2"+. (author).
We report on a time-resolved measurement of self-amplified spontaneous emission free-electron laser (FEL) pulses. We observed that the spikes in such FEL pulses have an intrinsic positive chirp and the energy chirp in the electron bunch mapped directly into the FEL output. The measurement also provides rich information on the statistics of the FEL pulses.
In a three-phase tri-axial cable, the magnetic interaction between the phases makes the loss measurement by an electromagnetic method very complex. We developed the theoretical background showing that three-phase AC loss measurements by the electromagnetic method are, in principle, possible. We then implemented this theory in practical measurements on a 3 m long, tri-axial cable fabricated from RABiTS (rolling-assisted biaxially textured substrate) coated conductor. Initially, the proposed measurement technique was implemented in the simpler cases when the three cable phases are 180"0 out of phase, i.e. (0"0, 180"0, 360"0) or (0"0, 360"0, 180"0) rather than (0"0, 120"0, 240"0) as in a traditional three-phase system. For these cases, the currents in the phases are either in phase (360"0 phase difference) or anti-phase (180"0 phase difference). These are essentially single-phase ...
The Feynman-#alpha# method was applied to measurement of reactivity and the ability of this method for a real-time reactivity monitoring system was assessed. In the experiment, all measured data by BF_3 detectors were stored in a multi-channel scaler controlled by a personal computer, and they were analyzed to obtain prompt neutron decay constant (#alpha#) and reactivity with consideration of dead time of detector. It was found that #alpha# could be obtained almost in a real-time even for both positive and negative reactivities by the present experimental technique. (author).
Two methods for measuring indoor radon concentrations using activated charcoal have been tested. The first method is the well-known technique with direct gamma-measurements on the exposed canister after the sampling period. The other method uses a thermoluminescence dosemeter placed in the charcoal canister, giving an integrated value of the radon concentration.
An irradiation head with sample holders is described and measurement geometry is reported. Measurements were made for optimizing the distance between the source and the sample and for optimizing the sample diameter. The optimal distance between the source and the sample does not depend on the collimator diameter. The sample diameter should not exceed 30 - 35 mm. Sensitivity and detection limits were determined for Zn, Pb and Br and calibration curves were plotted. (M.D.) 6 figs., 2 tabs., 4 refs.
The new collaborative exploitation of the JET Facilities requires suitable technical tools and infrastructure measures to enable the Remote Participation of scientists from all European Fusion labs. Such measures are being gradually introduced. They comprise of a toolkit for Remote Data Access, Remote Computer Access and for teleconferencing, and of infrastructure measures that address network connectivity, network security, shared documentation and technical support.
The authors identify a need for a device which can remotely measure methane in coal mines. Similar techniques which have been used to measure atmospheric pollutants are discussed. These techniques include adsorption, Raman scattering and fluorescence. While differential adsorption and Raman scattering techniques have potential there are a number of problems to be resolved before they could be applied effectively. It is felt that an area which may provide suitable technology sometime in the future is in the field of laser sources. 6 refs., 4 tabs.
Radon concentration measurements were made in the interior of the great pyramid of ''Cheops'' at Giza. Measurements were carried out using CR-39 as a solid state nuclear track detector. The CR-39 sheets were placed inside the Queen's and King's chambers and along the ascending corridor leading to them. An evaluation of the radon concentration is presented and discussed. (author).
Radon concentration measurements were made in the interior of the great pyramid of ''Cheops'' at Giza. Measurements were carried out using CR-39 as a solid state nuclear track detector. The CR-39 sheets were placed inside the Queen's and King's chambers and along the ascending corridor leading to them. An evaluation of the radon concentration is presented and discussed. (author).
Radon concentration measurement in the ground can be used for the prospecting for uranium and earthquake prediction. Some results of radon concentration measurement in the soil are presented here. The moisture condensation at the detector surface can affect on the detection efficiency. Due to this problem we tested a few filter papers on water permeability. The ratio of track densities on solid state nuclear track detector (SSNTD) in the open and the closed diffusion chamber is also determined. (author)
We discuss the use of active control to reduce mirror position fluctuations at the quantum level. We have shown in a recent experiment that it is possible to reduce the thermal noise of a mirror by measuring and controlling its motion with an optomechanical sensor based on a high-finesse optical cavity. This approach can be extended to lock the mirror motion at the quantum level, and to suppress the quantum effects of radiation pressure in interferometric measurements such as gravitational-wave detectors. The sensitivity improvement is furthermore independent of losses in the interferometer.
Measurement results are interpreted as (sets of) values attributed to measurands, i.e., quantities (intended to be measured), i.e., properties (having a magnitude that can be expressed as a number and a reference). This relatively simple conceptual structure hides some important issues for measurement science, that the lecture will tentatively explore with a systematic reference to the International vocabulary of metrology - Basic and general concepts and associated terms (VIM) and its possible future developments.
X-ray imaging is a very useful plasma diagnostic method. A theoretical analysis of the x-ray phase imaging in the method based on Fresnel diffraction is given. The authors show it is a linear band pass filter, a property suit for Rayleigh-Taylor (R-T) instability measurement. The evaluation permits the possibility of R-T instability measurement in x-ray phase imaging
Patient monitoring during mechanotherapy based on electrocutaneous impedance measurement is discussed. Methods implemented by the Alpharhythmica computer-assisted system are described. Mechanotherapy modifies electrocutaneous impedance as compared to other parameters: heart rate, arterial pressure, and body temperature. Real time criteria of mechanotherapy efficacy based on electrocutaneous impedance measurement are suggested. Results of electrocutaneous impedance monitoring are presented.
We report the homodyne detection of phase modulation sidebands induced on a laser beam by a coherently bunched electron beam. This provides a sensitive and nonperturbing measurement of complex Fourier time series components of the electron density. A proof-of-principle measurement of the microwave frequency component of electron density in a crossed-field device, which agrees well with a calculation of the same quantity, is reported.
Concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K measured in bauxite waste, local building materials, and soils are presented and used in model equations to estimate the effective gamma dose-equivalent increments over background in the center of a standard-sized room in a prototype house. Calculated and measured values compare reasonably well.
Following a recent refurbishment of the NPL Thermal Neutron Facility, the spectrum of the epithermal and fast neutron component of the beam produced by the thermal column of this facility was measured over the energy range from thermal to 20 MeV using a Bonner sphere spectrometry system. The effect of the presence of epithermal and fast neutrons on the measured response of commonly-used thermal neutron dosemeters was calculated. (author)
Following a recent refurbishment of the NPL Thermal Neutron Facility, the spectrum of the epithermal and fast neutron component of the beam produced by the thermal column of this facility was measured over the energy range from thermal to 20 MeV using a Bonner sphere spectrometry system. The effect of the presence of epithermal and fast neutrons on the measured response of commonly-used thermal neutron dosemeters was calculated. (author)
The audible noise produced by corona on high-voltage transmission lines has several characteristics that differentiate it from other community noises. Transmission line noise is quite broadband and has a significant high frequency content. Special instrumentation designed to measure this type of noise pollution is described. All measuring systems have the same three basic elements: a transducer, a processing device, and an output device. Recorders, microphone devices, frequency analyzers, and meteorological instrumentation are discussed.
We report on measurements of the mixing of fuel oil with air at atmospheric pressure in an industrial premixed gas turbine burner. The concentration of the vaporized fuel oil was measured with laser induced fluorescence. We reason that the fuel oil concentration can be considered with good accuracy as proportional to the fluorescence intensity. (author) 6 fig., 3 refs.
The hydrodynamics of gas evolution plays an important role in the pitting corrosion of metals. A new technique for the measurement of the local hydrodynamics caused by corrosion processes, using the atomic force microscope, has been presented in this work. The hydrodynamics of hydrogen evolution on Al surface due to pitting corrosion was studied. The characteristic features of the hydrodynamics are discussed. To the best of our knowledge this is the first local measurement of pitting corrosion hydrodynamics.
A growth model of pitting corrosion of carbon steel in cooling water systems was developed on microscopic observations of pits and electrochemical studies. Results of pitting corrosion measurements in laboratory and field conditions with the model, using a newly developed electrochemical device, are discussed. For an actual heat exchanger up to a year operation, the values of pitting depth estimated were in good agreement with the measured values.
From nuclear science symposium; San Francisco, California, USA (14 Nov 1973). A digital Fourier analyzer was programmed to perform reactor neutron noise analysis measurements and on-line processing of the data to obtain the steady-state reactivity. The system is suitable for recovering cross spectral density with low correlatedsignal component and for repetitive measurements with efficient use of reactor time. (auth)
Certain problems of gamma-absorption method of measuring the thickness of layers in multi-layer items are analyzed. Two examples of solving the above-mentioned problems have been considered. One of them deals with a two-layer item, its integral thickness being known or measured in advance, the second example is referred to a two-layer item with unknown integral value
Dimensional metrology and positioning operations are used in many fields of particle accelerator projects. This lecture gives the basic tools to designers in the field of measure by analysing the spatial layout of measurement systems since it is central to dimensional metrology as well as positioning operations. In a second part, a case study dedicated to a synchrotron storage ring is proposed from the detection of the magnetic centre of quadrupoles to the orbit definition of the ring.
We have measured, by {sup 1}H and {sup 13}C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), the percent deuteration, the tacticity and the purity of several polymers and one solvent used in the preparation of microcellular foams. The percent deuteration was measured for polystyrene, polyacrylonitrile and polyethylene. The tacticities of polystyrene and polyacrylonitrile were determined. The purity and degradation products of polyacrylonitrile and maleic anhydride were examined. This report documents the experimental procedures and results of these measurements.
The Chernobyl reactor accident has pronupted all European countries to rehabilitate their existing measurement and monitoring systems and to design and erect new ones. These systems are meant to ensure a rapid overview on the situation in case of an accident to adopt suitable actions for protection or prevention. 6 papers report on the state of such measurement systems in Europe, inparticular those in France (TELERAY), in Germany (IMIS) and in Switzerland (RADAIR). The IMIS-system is discussed for its extension to Eastern Germany. (HP).
The title refers to the area of research which studies infinite groups using measure-theoretic tools, and studies the restrictions that group structure imposes on ergodic theory of their actions. The paper is a survey of recent developments focused on the notion of Measure Equivalence between groups, and Orbit Equivalence between group actions. We discuss known invariants and classification results (rigidity) in both areas.
During the erection of the Sandia 34-Meter VAWT Test Bed, the induced gravitational stress state in the turbine blades and their associated deflections were measured. This manuscript details the measurements that were taken on the Test Bed blades during erection and compares them to the stresses and deflections predicted by the NASTRAN finite element code.