Background When assessing the function of the cardiovascular system, cardiac output (CO) is a substantial parameter. For its determination, numerous non-invasive techniques have been proposed in the recent years including inert gas rebreathing (IGR) and impedance cardiography (ICG). The aim of our study was to evaluate whether a novel ICG algorithm (electrical velocimetry) and IGR can be used interchangeably in the clinical setting. Methods A total of 120 consecutive stable patients were included resulting in two pairs of repeated non-invasive cardiac output measurements. Results The mean CO was 5.0???1.2?l/min (range 2.6?8.6?l/min) using IGR and 4.4???1.1?l/min (1.7?7.4?l/min) using ICG, respectively. Bland?Altman analysis revealed an acceptable agreement with a mean bias of 0.6???1.2?l/m...
Applications of cutting-edge estimation techniques, such as, but not limited to, sigma-point and particle filters, to spaceflight navigation problems. ...
... Abstract : The purpose of this paper is to introduce strapdown inertial navigation error equations based on a quaternion relation between body-fixed ...
Water-maze testing has been used to assess prenatal cocaine (PCOC)- induced deficits in behavioral studies of spatial navigation and memory abilities. Effects of PCOC in acquisition or in probe...Full Text Available
Prior to this at TRW, Mr. Schier managed flight software development on the MILSTAR Communications Payload and led integration and verification work on ...
An algorithm for pose and motion estimation using corresponding features in images and a digital terrain map is proposed. Using a Digital Terrain (or Digital Elevation) Map (DTM/DEM) as a global reference enables recovering the absolute position and orientation of the camera. In order to do this, the DTM is used to formulate a constraint between corresponding features in two consecutive frames. The utilization of data is shown to improve the robustness and accuracy of the inertial navigation algorithm. Extended Kalman filter was used to combine results of inertial navigation algorithm and proposed vision-based navigation algorithm. The feasibility of this algorithms is established through numerical simulations.
Multiple memory systems are involved in parallel processing of spatial information during navigation. A series of studies have distinguished between hippocampus-dependent ‘spatial’ navigation,...Full Text Available
Jan 13, 2011 ... This 360-degree mosaic of images from the navigation camera on ... The Radiation Assessment Detector, shown prior to its September 2010 ...
... cations, and precision UUV navigation ... In addition, conventional teleoperation of robots is not ... would involve an autonomous mobile robot capable of ...
[9] Rysdyk, R. T., and Calise, A. J., Fault Tolerant Flight control via Adaptive Neural Augmentation, AIAA. Guidance, Navigation, and Control Conference, Aug. ...
Skip Over Navigation Links U.S. Department of Health & Human Services National Institutes of Health NIH...Turning Discovery into Health For Employees Staff Directory En EspaƱol...
... HAL and VAL limits with the specified PMD of 10-7, the GPS range-rate error must be monitored to assure that the inertial navigation error is not ...
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Post-drive imaging included 360-degree view by the navigation camera and .... Sol 938: Opportunity completed another assessment of the clarity of the sky. ...
The fluorescence properties of protopine and allocryptopine in aqueous and organic environments are described for the first time. The fluorescence of alkaloids and their pH-dependent interconversion to cationic forms (transannular interaction) were studied using steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence techniques. For the analysis of tricyclic base and cis/trans tetracyclic cations of the alkaloids, NMR and X-ray crystallography were used. - Highlights: ? We describe fundamental fluorescence characteristics of alkaloids protopine and allocryptopine. ? We analyzed the pH-dependent transitions and cis/trans isomerization. ? These two alkaloids can be better distinguished by their fluorescence decay characteristics. ? The fluorescence parameters are related to the NMR and crystallographic structural data.
The utility of a two-photon optical fiber fluorescence probe (TPOFF) for sensing and quantifying tumor fluorescent signals was tested in vivo. Xenograft tumors were developed in athymic mice using MCA207...Full Text Available
To our knowledge, the fluorescence studies of lanthanides in LiCl-KCl eutectic molten salt at a high temperature are not reported yet. The fluorescence of the lanthanide-ions was generally decreased when the temperature was increased. Moreover, the fluorescence of the lanthanides was strong when the sample was solidified to or from the melt. The temperature, where the fluorescence was decreased, was identified to be different depending on the species of the lanthanides and the substrates was considered to possibly be from quenching of the fluorescence due to either the collisions of melted samples induced by high temperature media or the re-absorption of fluorescence by the samples. Several comparison experiments were performed to explain and understand this phenomenon and improve the fluorescence. In this way, an on-line monitoring of ...
Skip to Main Content Skip to Main Navigation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Accessible menu--Sitemap Driving Safety Aggressive Driving Bicycles Child Safety...
BackgroundAt least some forms of breast cancer are increasingly being viewed as a chronic illness, where an emphasis is placed on meeting the various ongoing needs of people living...Full Text Available
Spatial abilities have been associated with many ecologically-relevant behaviors such as territoriality, mate choice, navigation and acquisition of food resources. Differential demands on spatial...Full Text Available
Magnetotactic bacteria contain chains of magnetically interacting crystals (magnetosome crystals), which they use for navigation (magnetotaxis). To improve magnetotaxis efficiency, the magnetosome crystals...Full Text Available
Cells have an internal compass that enables them to move along shallow chemical gradients. As amoeboid cells migrate, signaling events such as Ras and PI3K activation occur spontaneously on pseudopodia....Full Text Available
Objectives1. To identify with older people the problems which they encounter in finding their way about public building/spaces.~%~2. To produce ideas, in consultation with older people, for an information/navigation aid that might facilitate their use and enjoyment of public buildings/spaces, notably hospitals, large shops, railway stations, airports.~%~3. To develop an emulation model of the information/navigation aid~%~4. To monitor use of the model by older people~%~5. To identify further research~%~6. [continued...]DescriptionThe growth in the number of older people offers scope for the development of customised information/navigation aids to help them to find their way around complex public spaces. New technology however is unlikely to be taken up by older people unless it is acceptable to them. The research will involve engineers in designing, testing and modifying a model of such an aid in conjunction with a sample ...
Adaptive Neural Augmentation , AIAA Guidance, Navigation, and. Control Conference, Aug. 1998. [2] J. T. Kaneshige, J. Bull, and J. J. Totah, Generic Neural ...
The synthesis of a new kind of magnetic, fluorescent multifunctional nanoparticles (~30 nm in diameter) was demonstrated, where multiple fluorescent CdTe quantum dots (QDs) are covalently linked...Full Text Available
Four techniques for using LIDAR in Search and Rescue Operations will be discussed. The topic will include laser retroreflection, laser-induced fluorescence in the visible, laser-induced fluorescence during daylight hours, and laser-induced fluorescence in the uv. These techniques use high-repetition rate lasers at a variety of frequencies to induce either fluorescence in dye markers or retroreflection from plastic corner cubes on life preservers and other emergency markers.
It is acknowledged that fluorescence line height (FLH) algorithms are still hampered by the uncertainty of fluorescence peak position. The fluorescence peak moves to longer wavelengths with the increase of chlorophyll a concentration. In this article, the fluorescence enveloped area (FEA), which integrates the fluorescence height and the fluorescence peak position, was used to estimate the chlorophyll a concentration in the coastal waters of the Pearl River Estuary. The FEA algorithm was developed from in situ data of chlorophyll a concentration, total suspended matter (TSM) concentration and above-water remote sensing reflectance, which were collected at 37 sampling stations in the Pearl River Estuary during two cruises. The results showed that the FEA algorithm made a better estimation o...
The author's achievements in the title field are summarized and discussed. The following topics are dealt with: (i) principles of radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis; (ii) mathematical methods in X-ray fluorescence analysis; (iii) Ross differential filters; (iv) application of radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis in the coal industry (with emphasis on the determination of the ash content, sulfur content, and arsenic content of coal); and (v) evaluation of the X-ray fluorescence analyzer from the radiological safety point of view. (P.A.).
Analytic expression is derived for X-ray fluorescence dependence on the particle size of powder and slurry media. The expression is obtained for a model of powder medium containing particles of different size and random distribution in the bulk of the sample. Limiting cases of homogeneous and slurry-like media are considered and expressions for calculation of the fluorescence intensity are derived. The results reasonably match the experiment for binary powder mixtures and thus provide evaluation of the powder particle size on the fluorescence intensity for multicomponent polydisperse powder medium
The intrinsic fluorescence of clear amniotic fluid from third-trimester pregnancy is reported. The fluorescence intensity peaked at 405 nm when excited by ultraviolet light in the range of 310 to 360 nm. All of the 33 samples tested fluoresced, and their emission spectrum had the same shape, varying only in magnitude. Changing sample temperature (20 to 50 C) and sample pH (7.2 to 7.7) had little effect on the emission spectrum. The same fluorescence, with higher intensity, was observed when some newborn urine was tested. The fluorescence of amniotic fluid may provide a new tool to determine fetal age, fetal organ maturation, and fetal distress. (author).
Many bacteria, both gram positive and gram negative, extrude in an energy-dependent manner the fluorescent pH indicator 2',7'-bis-(2-carboxyethyl)-5[and -6]-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF) (D. Molenaar,...Full Text Available
An ultrasensitive laser-induced fluorescence detector was used with capillary electrophoresis for the study of 5-carboxy-tetramethylrhodamine. The raw signal from the detector provided roughly...Full Text Available
ObjectivesWe have developed an image-guided surgery system based on invisible near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent light. Presently, the only clinically-available NIR...Full Text Available
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
Radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis was used for the determination of iron, calcium, potassium, copper, manganese and zinc in waste water from the production process of citric acid.
Radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis was used for the determination of iron, calcium, potassium, copper, manganese and zinc in waste water from the production process of citric acid. (author).
We demonstrate by using low-temperature high-resolution spectroscopy that red-shifted mutants of green fluorescent protein are photo-interconverted among three conformations and are, therefore, not...Full Text Available
A new gadolinium chelating NIR fluorescent molecular probe increases T1 relaxivity of water protons, facilitating combined optical and magnetic resonance imaging.
The use of dideoxynucleotide triphosphates labeled with different fluorescent dyes (dye terminators) is the most versatile method for automated DNA sequencing. However, variation in peak heights reduces...Full Text Available
A comparison of chlorophyll-a fluorescence in brown algae (Macrocystis integrifolia, Fucus vesiculosis), green algae (Scenedesmus obliquus, Ulva sp.)...Full Text Available
The performance of the Lung Imaging Fluorescence Endoscope (LIFE) system was compared with conventional bronchoscopy in 158 patients: 68 patients with invasive cancer, 42 patients with abnormal sputum...Full Text Available
AbstractX-ray diffraction analysis of pressure-induced structural changes in the Aequorea yellow fluorescent protein Citrine reveals the structural basis for the continuous...Full Text Available
A photon-induced x-ray fluorescence method allowing the simultaneous determination of iron, copper, zinc, bromine and rubidium in human blood and blood plasma samples is described. The method is reliable and has a good sensitivity for a wide range of elements. (author).
Kinetics and thermodynamics of the binding of a fluorescent lipid amphiphile, Rhodamine Green™-tetradecylamide (RG-C14:0), to bovine serum albumin were characterized in an equilibrium...Full Text Available
BackgroundThe pH is an important parameter controlling many metabolic and signalling pathways in living cells. Recombinant fluorescent pH indicators (pHluorins) have come into vogue...Full Text Available
Certain applications are described of radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis in the ore dressing industry, in the manufacture of building materials, in metallurgy, pharmacy, in the chemical, photographic and paper industries, in space exploration, in archeology and for measuring the thicknesses of thin layers of coatings. (ES).
Cadmium sulfide particles have been synthesized in the aqueous medium using the amino acid histidine as a stabilizing agent. These particles demonstrate the phenomenon of size quantization effect. The fluorescence of histidine-stabilized CdS was found to be enhanced and quenched by the addition of DNA bases adenine and guanine, respectively. The fluorescence enhancement of CdS in the presence of adenine has been explained on the basis of interaction between the quantum dot stabilizer and the amino group of adenine. Quenching of CdS fluorescence by guanine occurs due to interaction of the substrate with the quantum dot surface.
Argon ion laser induced fluorescence measurements were carried out in a multipolar filament discharge with a broadband diode laser centered on 668 nm, which stimulated a transition from the metastable state in Ar(II) 3d4F7/2 to 4p4D05/2. The intensity of the induced fluorescence at 442 nm was maximized by the optimization of the discharge parameters and the laser power. From the recovery of the background fluorescence after the laser was turned off, the ion diffusion coefficient was deduced and compared with the result inferred from the experiments of ion acoustic wave (IAW) damping.
The Purex process and the fluorescence spectrometry are first recalled, then uranyl fluorescence is studied in a pure nitric medium without other elements to establish a theoretical model, allowing the description of uranium fluorescence signal with a general equation. The influence of different parameters (temperature, inhibitors, dynamic quenching of iron and cerium) is investigated to develop the model. A quantitative analysis method without addition of reagents is proposed to validate the model.
Discusses methods for determining ash content in coal using backscattering in X-ray fluorescence. The following aspects are evaluated: principle of ash content determination, energy sources, factors that influence measurement accuracy, reliability. Types of X-ray fluorescence analyzers developed in Czechoslovakia and manufactured in the Czech Republic are comparatively evaluated. Operation of the RPM 113.1 radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analyzer developed by the PAR company and used for measuring ash content in coal and coal calorific value is discussed. 7 refs.
The physical foundations are described of radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis (RXFA) and the table shows the values of K- and L-absorption thresholds and the K- and L-line energies of elements. The calculation of the intensity of characteristic radiation during RXFA proceeds from relations derived for conventional X-ray fluorescence analysis. The choice of the radionuclide source is ruled by the nature of the analysed substance and the used detection technique. The diagram shows the areas of radionuclide sources and the energy of the fluorescence radiation of elements. The table shows the spectra of radionuclide sources suitable for the purposes of RXFA measured by semiconductor Si(Li) and Ge(Li) detectors. (ES).
The University of Michigan (UM) is a member of a team of researchers, including the universities of Florida, Texas, and Tennessee, along with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, developing robotic for hazardous environments. The goal of this research is to develop the intelligent and capable robots which can perform useful functions in the new generation of nuclear reactors currently under development. By augmenting human capabilities through remote robotics, increased safety, functionality, and reliability can be achieved. In accordance with the established lines of research responsibilities, our primary efforts during 1991 will continue to focus on the following areas: radiation imaging; mobile robot navigation; three-dimensional vision capabilities for navigation; and machine-intelligence. This report discuss work that has been and will be done in these areas.
In this article we model a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) in a Schwarzschild space-time, as a first approximation of the relativistic geometry around the Earth. The closed time-like and scattering light-like geodesics are obtained analytically, describing respectively trajectories of satellites and electromagnetic signals. We implement an algorithm to calculate Schwarzschild coordinates of a GNSS user who receives proper times sent by four satellites, knowing their orbital parameters; the inverse procedure is implemented to check for consistency. The constellation of satellites therefore realizes a geocentric inertial reference system with no \\emph{a priori} realization of a terrestrial reference frame. We show that the calculation is very fast and could be implemented in a real GNSS, as an alternative to usual post-Newtonian corrections. Effects of non-gravitational perturbations on positioning errors are assessed, and methods to reduce them are ...
This paper presents three non-linear asymptotic observers corresponding to three examples of engineering interest: a chemical reactor, a non-holonomic car, and an inertial navigation system. For each example, the design is based on physical symmetries. This motivates the theoretical development of invariant observers, i.e, symmetry-preserving observers. We consider an observer to consist in a copy of the system equation and a correction term, and we give a constructive method (based on the Cartan moving-frame method) to find all the symmetry-preserving correction terms. They rely on an invariant frame (a classical notion) and on an invariant output-error, a less standard notion precisely defined here. For each example, the convergence analysis relies also on symmetries consideration with a key use of invariant state-errors. For the non-holonomic car and the inertial navigation system, the invariant state-errors is shown to obey an autonomous ...
Fluorescent microspheres were applied in a novel fashion during subsurface drilling of permafrost and ground ice in the Canadian High Arctic to monitor the exogenous microbiological contamination of...Full Text Available
Radiometric X-ray fluorescence analysis was used for the determination of Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn and Pb in wastewater and sludges from three wastewater treatment plants in Bratislava (SR). Metals were determined in wastewaters after preconcentration by 8-hydroxyquinoline and in sludges by drying and pressing to pellets. "2"3"8Pu and "1"0"9Cd was used for excitation of fluorescence radiation. (author).
The physical foundations and methodology are described of radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis. The sources are listed of air, water and soil pollution, and the transfer of impurities into biological materials is described. A detailed description is presented of the sampling of air, soil and biological materials and their preparation for analysis. Greatest attention is devoted to radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis of the components of the environment. (ES).
Applications of X-ray fluorescence analysis in coal mining and geology are briefly described based on results published in Czechoslovakia as well as abroad over the past 3 years. Particular attention is paid to the rapid determination of the ash content of coal using portable radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analyzers that are being developed in Czechoslovakia. (author).
...) Abstract: Fluorescence microscopic imaging is widely used in biomedical research to study molecular and cellular processes in cell culture or tissue samples. This is motivated by the high inherent sensitivity of fluorescence techniques, the spatial resolution that compares favorably with cellular dimensions, the stability of the fluorescent labels used and the sophisticated strategies that have been developed for selectively labeling target molecules. More recently, two and ...
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.
Determination of Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Pb in human soft tissues by radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis (using "2"3"8Pu and "1"0"9Cd sources) is described. The results of multielement XRS analysis of selected human tissues are tabulated. They are in good agreement with the literature data. It is concluded that X-ray fluorescence technique is a suitable method for trace element determination. (author).
A liquid barrier filter for use in fluorescence microscopy of strongly autofluorescent plant tissues is described. The filter consists of a methanol solution of cupric chloride and ferric chloride and isolates fluorescein fluorescence from the strong red autofluorescence of photosynthetic plant tissues. Subcortical actin cables in the giant alga Chara are being visualized through use of this filter together with heavy meromyosin labeling. PMID:90068
The ultrafast dynamics of the DNA fluorescent dye Sybr Green I (SG) has been studied in buffer, single-stranded (ssDNA), double-stranded (dsDNA) and triple-stranded DNA (tsDNA). The fluorescence quantum yield of SG increases dramatically when bound to DNA (including tsDNA). The fluorescence dynamics of the free SG has shown two decay components with 0.15-0.4ps and 1.3-2.1ps time constants, depending on the fluorescence wavelength. Upon binding to DNA, the dynamics becomes slower exhibiting four decay components. This is mainly due to the restriction of the internal motions of the dye caused by the relatively rigid environment of the dye complexed with DNA.
Spatial Fluorescence Cross Correlation Spectroscopy is a rarely investigated version of Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy, in which the fluorescence signals from differ-ent observation volumes are cross-correlated. In the reported experiments, two observation volumes, typically shifted by a few $\\mu$m, are produced, with a Spatial Light Modulator and two adjustable pinholes. We illustrated the feasibility and potentiality of this technique by: i) measuring molecular flows, in the range 0.2 - 1.5 $\\mu$m/ms, of solutions seeded with fluorescent nanobeads or rhodamine molecules (simulating active transport phenomenons); ii) investigating the perme-ability of phospholipidic membrane of Giant Unilamellar Vesicles versus hydrophilic or hydrophobic molecules (in that case the laser spots were set on both sides of the mem-brane). Theoretical descriptions are proposed together with a discussion about FCS ...
DescriptionMeasurements of halocarbons (CFCs and other halogen-containing compounds) in the tropical stratosphere will be made from a long duration MIR balloon. The balloon and instruments are capable of flying for three or more weeks in which time they will circum-navigate the globe. As the balloon rises each morning and falls each evening, measurements of halocarbons will be made every few hundred meters between about 20 and 30 km. In total it is hoped that over 40 such vertical profiles will be obtained [continued...
... L z xyx 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 -V 0 0 0 0 oj A ~ 0 0 1 0 v 0 I - z Fiue2. Inertial Navigation Error Lquation-i in the Platform Frame t 'I A Page 35. ...
... Piled foundations were adopted and precast concrete piles 6 - 8 m long were driven through the alluvial soils onto a solid bed rock. Special precautions were taken to ensure vibrations did not affect an adjacent apartment block. 88 piles were driven in 2 working days. Navigation - Home - Services - Previous projects - Contact Us - Philosophy - About us - Water Slides - Links ...
...Assemblages of plants and invertebrate animals of tumulus (organic mound) springs of the Swan Coastal Plain Assemblages of plants and invertebrate animals of tumulus ...organic mound) springs of the Swan Coastal Plain [Skip navigation links] About us | Contact us | Publications |...ecological communities Assemblages of plants and invertebrate animals of tumulus (organic mound) springs of the Swan Coastal Plain Advice to the Minister for the ...of the 'Assemblages of plants and invertebrate animals of tumulus (organic mound) springs of the Swan Coastal Plain' community sufficient to distinguish it from ...
University research group with research areas: * Land based and submersible autonomous robots, (UUVs: AUVs and ROVs); * Controllers, electronics, sensor design and fusion, motion control; * Guidance and navigation of underwater vehicles; * AI, neural networks, fuzzy logic, subsumption control, behaviour based control; * Optical fibre and ultrasonic sensors for proximal object detection; * Robot arm control, visual servoing; * Imaging sonar applications; * Simulator development: UUV simulator; imaging sonar simulator; Aircraft/flight simulator.
This book contains the Proceedings of the Conference on Climate and Water under the following groupings: Impacts of climatic variability and change-resulting from the changes in hydrological variables; Aquatic environment; Terrestrial environment; Coastal zones and navigation; Urban and industrial water supply and drainage; Energy production; Intropogenic changes of climate and water management problems; Flood potential; Irrigation and land drainage.
This book contains the Proceedings of the Conference on Climate and Water under the following groupings: Impacts of climatic variability and change-resulting from the changes in hydrological variables; Aquatic environment; Terrestrial environment; Coastal zones and navigation; Urban and industrial water supply and drainage; Energy production; Intropogenic changes of climate and water management problems; Flood potential; Irrigation and land drainage.
The Canadian Soldier Information Requirements Technology Demonstration (SIREQ TD) soldier modernization research and development program has conducted experiments to help determine the types and amount of information needed to support wayfinding across a range of terrain environments, the most effective display modality for providing the information (visual, auditory or tactile) that will minimize conflict with other infantry tasks, and to optimize interface design. In this study, seven different visual helmet-mounted display (HMD) designs were developed based on soldier feedback from previous studies. The displays and an in-service compass condition were contrasted to investigate how the visual HMD interfaces influenced navigation performance. Displays varied with respect to their information content, frame of reference, point of view, and display features. Twelve male infantry soldiers used all eight experimental conditions to locate bearings to waypoints. From a ...
Macrophage differentiation antigen associated with complement three receptor function (Mac-1) belongs to #beta#_2 subfamily of integrins that mediate important cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions. Biochemical studies have indicated that Mac-1 is a constitutive heterodimer in vitro. Here, we detected the heterodimerization of Mac-1 subunits in living cells by means of two fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) techniques (fluorescence microscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy) and our results demonstrated that there is constitutive heterodimerization of the Mac-1 subunits and this constitutive heterodimerization of the Mac-1 subunits is cell-type independent. Through FRET imaging, we found that heterodimers of Mac-1 mainly localized in plasma membrane, perinuclear, and Golgi area in living cells. Furthermore, through analysis of the estimated physical distances between cyan ...
The principle is described of X-ray fluorescence analysis and the manner of detecting the emitted characteristic radiation. The advantages are presented of radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis which consist primarily in the possibility of conducting a totally non-destructive analysis, and of accurate and relatively narrow localization of the analyzed area, the simultaneous qualitative and quantitative determinations of a large number of elements in the order of concentrations 10"1 to 10"-"4%, stability of excitation radiation flux, simple design and relatively low capital costs. The so-called matrix effect is pointed to. A number of examples is given of the use of the cited method, including its use in the analysis of art objects. (J.B.).
Double-crystal high-resolution x-ray fluorescence spectrometry was applied to the state analysis of sulfur in coal and related fly ash. For total sulfur, a proportional relationship exists between fluorescence intensities and the analytical values obtained by the oxygen-combustion method. Two oxidation states of sulfur were identified by a least square curve fitting method, by assuming that the spectrum profile is identical for each sulfur state but the intensity and position are different. The chemical state of sulfur in coal and remaining in fly ash is discussed.
... The constancy of the X-ray intensity ratio for each element in Table 8 as the X-ray tube settings were changed shows the excellent compensating ...
The in vivo photochemical activity of photosystem II was inferred from modulated chlorophyll fluorescence and photoacoustic measurements in intact leaves of several plant species (Lycopersicon...Full Text Available
... main in this state only for 10-8 secs., after which they decay to the meta- stable state (fluorescent level) because of spontaneous radiation or other ...
The model compounds, 8-methoxypsoralen-CH_2O(CH_2)_n-adenine (MOPCH_2OC_nAd, n=2,3,5,6,8, and 10) in which 5 position of 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) is linked by various lengths of polymethylene bridge to N"9 of adenine. UV absorption spectra are identical with the sum of MOPCH_2OC3 and adenine absorption spectra. Solvent effect on the UV absorption and fluorescence emission spectra indicate that the lowest excited singlet state is the (#pi##->##pi#"*) state. The spectral characteristics of the fluorescence of MOPCH_2OC_nAd are strongly dependent upon the nature of the solvents. The fluorescence emission spectra in aprotic solvents are broad and structrueless due to the excimer formation through the folded conformation accelerated by hydrophobic #pi#-#pi# stacking interaction. Increasing polarity of the protic solvents leads to higher population of unfolded conformation stabilized through favorable solvation and H-bonding, ...
by the radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis into several groups according to the atomic number of the determined element. Table I documents this. ...
in early 1992 from Lord Corporation, were also found. For both the reflective and absorptive polyurethanes, the fresh paint fluoresces significantly ...
BackgroundAutofluorescence bronchoscopy is more sensitive than conventional bronchoscopy for detecting early airway mucosal lesions. Decreased specificity can lead...Full Text Available
Individual photophysical parameters of the chromophore of a fluorescent protein mRFP1 and its two mutants (amino-acid substitution at position 66 - mRFP1/ Q66C and mRFP1/Q66S proteins) are determined. For this purpose, apart from conventional methods of fluorimetry and spectrophotometry, nonlinear laser fluorimetry is used. It is shown that the individual extinction coefficients of the chromophore of proteins correlate (correlation coefficient above 0.9) with the volume of the substituted amino-acid residue at position 66 (similar to the positions of the absorption, fluorescence excitation and emission maxima). (laser biology and medicine)
Enteropathogenic E. coli were sought routinely by the fluorescent antibody technique, using monovalent and polyvalent conjugates (rhodamine sulfonyl· chloride, fluorescein and rhodamine isothiocyanate)....Full Text Available
To investigate the usefulness of a newly developed magnetic resonance (MR) image-guided surgical robotic system for minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery. The system consists of MR image guidance [interactive scan control (ISC) imaging, three-dimensional (3-D) navigation, and preoperative planning], an MR-compatible operating table, and an MR-compatible master-slave surgical manipulator that can enter the MR gantry. Using this system, we performed in vivo experiments with MR image-guided laparoscopic puncture on three pigs. We used a mimic tumor made of agarose gel and with a diameter of approximately 2 cm. All procedures were successfully performed. The operator only advanced the probe along the guidance device of the manipulator, which was adjusted on the basis of the preoperative plan, and punctured the target while maintaining the operative field using robotic forceps. The position of the probe was monitored continuously with 3-D ...
This revised edition discusses a large number of renewable energy systems. Future trends are outlined. Economic efficiency calculations are explained and analyzed. Many exemplary calculations and graphical representations illustrate the various technologies and methods of calculation. This standard book addresses university students, scientists and engineers in research and industry. The accompanying DVD is one of the most extensive compilations of demo programs and full versions for simulation of renewable energy systems, all illustrations of the book in electronic format, additional text and a user-friendly navigation aid. (orig.)
...htmE-Mail: Interests: geodesy; GPS/GNSS technology and applications; navigation; precise positioning algorithms; continuously operating GPS/GNSS reference station infrastructure Published Papers Click here to see a list of 3 papers that have been published in this special issue. Special Issue Information Submission Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. Papers will be published continuously (as soon as ...
Contents include: countermeasures to save energy of sintering plant and future plans in fukuyama works; improvement of surface quality of continuous-casting slab; development of direct quenching and tempering type HT80 steel with good weldability; numerical analysis of fluid flow in a geothermal reservoir; the finite-element calculation of turbulent flow using the universal law of the wall; development of PC 4 dual fuel engine; design of industrialized housing; Computer-aided Navigation system (CANSY); and new production control system in Fukuyama Works.
...Heinz Dahl: presenting offshore wind energy for Australia NexTgen Wind. Next month, Heinz L Dahl will speak about offshore wind energy and its prospects for Australia. Skip to the navigation. Skip to the content. Events Models Movements Opinion Policies Research SCRT Videos Seeking ... August guest speaker: Heinz Dahl, managing director, NexTgen Wind. Next month, Heinz L Dahl will speak about offshore wind energy and its prospects for Australia. Heinz is the managing director of NexTgen Wind, a leading edge company that is focused on the cost ...
Recent industry advances in formation evaluation measurement-while-drilling (FEMWD) have been achieved in well log data acquisition quality and in geosteering drilling applications. This paper presents new technology as applied by Baker Hughes INTEQ which includes: geosteering techniques which help navigate through horizontally drilled reservoirs including improved quality dual propagation resistivity, neutron-porosity and formation-density measurements; predictive modeling of tool responses in reservoir geosteering applications; environmental computer modeling which aids interpretation, including tool eccentering; and new measurement enhancements.
A new aiming point guidance (APG) law in 3-dimensional space is derived analytically. The guidance law is capable of guiding the missile (interceptor) to a straight collision course with respect to the target. The missile turning rate command proportional to the error angle between the current missile heading and the predicted aim point is calculated based on the predicted target position. Performance of the APG law is numerically evaluated and compared with the proportional navigation guidance (PNG) law. The result of numerical simulation shows that the APG law is superior to the PNG law in terms of miss distance, time of interception and final stage missile turning rate demand.
Robotics technology is successfully being transitioned from space to terrestrial applications. It is being modified and enhanced to help in the US DOE's Environmental Restoration and Waste Management Program. Some examples of these applications, ranging from large multijointed manipulators to autonomously navigated remote vehicles, are outlined in this article. They include the following: underground storage tank technology demonstration; light-duty utility arm system; remotely controlled material-handling system; remotely operated excavator; self-guided transfer vehicle. 10 figs.
Autofluorescence spectroscopy has been a widely explored technique for in vivo and noninvasive diagnosis of pre-cancer lesions in epithelium where 90% cancers originate. For extracting more accurate fluorescence information for cancer diagnosis, depth-resolved fluorescence measurements are crucial to assess NADH and FAD in non-keratinized epithelial layer and collagen in stromal layer, respectively. In this study, we achieved the depth-resolved fluorescence spectral measurements of squamous epithelial tissue based on confocal technique. We found that in non-keratinized epithelial layer the fluorescence signals excited at 405 nm were the combination of NADH and FAD fluorescence and could be used for evaluating the redox ratio. Moreover, we found that confocal time-resolved autofluorescence measurements of epithelial tissue with 405 nm excitations could provide the information on the ...
Theoretical x-ray transition energies, lifetimes and partial multiplet fluorescence yields are presented for all spectroscopic terms of electron configurations with a single K-shell vacancy and varying number of electrons in the L-shell and M/sub 1/-subshell for multiply-ionized silicon. 9 tables.
1. The fluorescent fatty acid probe 11-(dansylamino)undecanoic acid (DAUDA) binds with high affinity to bovine and human serum albumin (BSA and HSA) at three sites. 2. The Kd of the primary binding...Full Text Available
Human serum albumin (HSA) has two primary binding sites for drug molecules. These sites selectively bind different dansylated amino acid compounds, which—due to their intrinsic fluorescence—have...Full Text Available
A diode-laser fluorescence experiment was performed in order to study fine-structure transitions between 5"2P states of rubidium atoms colliding with ground-state potassium or caesium atoms. The Rb(5"2P_3_/_2) state was optically excited and the intensity ratio of sensitized to direct fluorescence was measured. (author).
Radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis was used for the determination of Cr, Fe, Cu, Zn and Ph in industrial wastewaters (from surface treatment of metals and glasses) after precipitation of determined elements by 8-hydroxyquinoline. (author).
The feasibility was studied of the application of radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis to the identification and determination of chemical elements in the air. A description of the method is presented, the main stages of the analysis are discussed (sample preparation and standards, selection of radioactive radiation sources, geometry of measurement and evaluation of results). The method is illustrated on the determination of elements Fe, Cu, Zn, Br, and Pb in air samples taken in the city of Prague. (author) 2 tabs., 2 figs., 14 refs.
Airborne lead particulates collected on a membrane filter were determined by the nondestructive X-ray fluorescence method. The gamma/X radionuclide source "2"4"1Am/Ag and a scintillation detector with a NaI/Tl crystal were used for the excitation and detection, respectively, of L X-rays of Pb. One can say, with reference to the obtained results, that the sensitivity and accuracy of the measurement is more than adequate for monitoring the Pb level in air. (author).
Radionuclide x-ray fluorescence method was used in the determination of Cr, Ni and other heavy metals content in wastewater of an engineering plant taken both before and after chemical treatment. Toxic effects of the wastewaters using Allium cepa root tip cells were tested. (author) 8 refs.; 2 tabs.
Determination of Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Hg, Pb, Br, Se, Rb, Sr and Cd in the medicinal plants by radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis (using "2"3"8Pu, "2"4"1Am/Ag and "1"2"5I) is described. (author). 12 refs., 2 tabs.
Heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Mn, Cu, Zn, Fe) were determined in surface waters in the surroundings of the depositories of the mining shrubs in the region of Banska Stiavnica (SR) by radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis. Allowed concentrations of the determined metals are exceeded numerously (multiplicity in some cases was 10"3-10"6). (author).
A radiometric method was elaborated for surface density determinations of the adhesive layer of plasters by radionuclide X-ray fluorescence using the 17.47 keV bremsstrahlung of "1"4"7Pm/Mo. The bremsstrahlung line excites the 8.63 keV characteristic K#alpha# line of Zn contained in the adhesive layer of the plaster as a filling material in the form of ZnO. In homogeneous adhesive layers the Zn content is proportional to surface density. (author).
Cesium and selenium intake of cultivated mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus), with these elements previously added to culture medium, has been examined from the viewpoint of health- and environmental protection. The process of measuring has been carried out by the radionuclide X-ray fluorescence technique. Treatments of the elementary substance with Se salt appears to influence the Se content of the mushrooms to a significant extent. Cs intake is of considerable importance, as this element is accumulated by mushrooms. (author)
The basic principles of determination of the ash content of coal by the title methods are outlined. A brief technical characteristic of the ash meters and radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analyzers manufactured by the PAR company is presented. (Z.S.). 4 figs., 7 refs.
Radionuclide x-ray fluorescence analysis was used for the determination of Y, Ba and Cu in thin high-temperature superconducting films. Atomic emission ICP spectrometry was used to estimate the precision and accuracy of analytical results. Reasonable agreement between both methods was obtained when a polynomial calibration curve was applied. (author) 4 refs.; 4 tabs.
The applicability of the radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis (RXFA) for qualitative and quantitative evaluation of environmental plant samples is discussed and examples of determination of Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb in samples of apple trees are given. The instrumentation, the standard and sample preparation are also presented.
Radionuclide X-ray fluorescence method was used for the determination of Fe and Zn in healing plants (Sage, Peppermint, Stinging, Common Agrimony, Milfoil, Ribwort, Tansy, White Dead-Nettle). "2"3"8Pu exciting source and Si/Li semiconductor detector were used for the determination. (author)
Fe and Zn were determined in various parts of maize (Zea mays) in dependence on quantity of organic substrate EKOFERT as organic fertilizer in soil, using radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis. The increase of quantity of organic substrate EKOFERT in soil causes a decrease of heavy metal concentrations in certain parts of the plant. (author). 4 refs., 1 tab.
Radionuclide X-ray fluorescence method with Si/Li semiconductor detector and "2"3"8Pu exciting source was used for the determination of Cu, Ni, Zn and Pb in plant samples (Taraxacum officinale) from various localities near the highway D-61 Bratislava-Trnava (SR). (author) 2 refs.; 1 fig.; 1 tab.
Radionuclide X-ray fluorescence method with Si/Li semiconductor detector and "2"3"8Pu exciting source was used for the determination of Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn in soil samples from various localities near the D-61 Bratislava-Trnava highway (CSFR). (author) 1 ref.; 1 tab.
Radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis was used for the determination of Cu, Y and Ba in very thin high-temperature superconducting films. The precision of the method is better than 3% for about 1 #mu#m thick films. The atomic emission ICP spectrometry was used to testify results of XRF analysis. An acceptable agreement of both methods was obtained. (author) 4 refs.; 2 tabs.
A survey is presented of studies dealing with radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis (RXFA) of impurities in the air, water, soil, sediments and biological materials, mainly blood, urine, hair, soft tissues and bones. Tabulated are lists of published works on RXFA of the air, water and biological materials. (ES).
The devised radionuclide analyzer for the determination of total sulfur in coal includes two radionuclide sources with different energies, which are accommodated in collimators fitted with adjustable diaphramgs. The sample compartment is located between the two sources. Moreover, an X-ray fluorescence standard can be slid into the sample compartment. A proportional detector for X-ray fluorescence and scattered gamma radiation is located off the sample compartment. The input of the proportional detector is interfaced to the output of a high-voltage supply, the output, to the information input of a control-and-evaluation unit. One of the control outputs of the control-and-evaluation unit is connected to the input of the sliding mechanism for the X-ray fluorescence standard. This arrangement enables automatic energy calibration of the analyzer. The analyzer can measure not only total sulfur in coal by radionuclide X-ray ...
Double-crystal high-resolution X-ray fluorescence spectrometry was applied to the state analysis of sulfur in coal and related fly ash. For total sulfur, a proportional relationship exists between fluorescence intensities and the analytical values obtained by the oxygen-combustion method. Two oxidation states of sulfur were identified by a least square curve fitting method, by assuming that the spectrum profile is identical for each sulfur state but the intensity and the position are different. Sulfur in coal mainly consists of S/sup 2 -/, whereas that in coal fly ash mainly consists of S/sup 6 +/. As much as 0.04-0.08% of S/sup 2 -/ remains in fly ash.
This paper proves that it is practicable to build a new power model which can work efficiently at night by using a type of fluorescence material. The utilization efficiency of photovoltaic cell is improved by prolonging the actual working hours of the cell within 24 hours. Both theoretical analysis and experiment on this model are carried out, and base on which the current-time curve (I-t curve) is depicted. It shows that the model which applies the fluorescence material to photovoltaic system is available. According to the analysis and comparison between the attenuating curve of the material and I-t curve of the power system, we can conclude that the weak illumination and the mismatch on wavelength are primary reasons for the low current. Finally, several improved measures of this power model for practical application are given, and it is expected to provide a new thought for photovoltaic study. (orig.)
To determine whether PKH26 labeling affects the morphologies, phenotypes, proliferation, and secretion abilities of human umbilical mesenchymal stromal cells (HUMSCs) were investigated. Isolated HUMSCs were labeled with PKH26, and cell morphology was observed under microscope. Cell cycle, apoptotic cell death, expression of PKH26, and the proliferation rate were evaluated. Additionally, fluorescence intensity of PKH26 labeling at different passage times was quantified. There were no detectable differences in cell morphology, cell growth, and proliferation rate after PKH26 labeling. In addition, fluorescence intensity of PKH26 labeling was gradually reduced with increase of the passage times. The PKH26 labeling disappeared after passage six times. In summary, PKH26 labeling is a safe and ef...
Radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis for nondestructive determination of Fe, Zn, Pb, and Br in air samples collected on nitrocellulose membrane filter Synpor 4 is described. A /sup 238/Pu source for the excitation and a semiconductor Si/Li detector for the detection of characteristic and L-fluorescent radiation of the above elements were used. A correction method based upon the measurements of simple or multiple Compton scattering for compensation of varying mass per unit area values in sample deposits was theoretically proposed and experimentally tested. The results obtained both with and without the correction were compared and good agreement with those given by atomic absorption spectrometry was observed.
Summary. Ratiometric fluorescent dyes are often used to monitor free ion concentrations in vivo, especially in cells that are recalcitrant to transformation with genetically encoded fluorescent markers. Although intracellular dye distributions are often found to be cytosolic, dye localisation has often not been examined in detail. We began exploring the use of BCECF (2?,7?-bis(2-carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein) to monitor pH in the giant alga Chara australis and discovered that younger leaf cells could be loaded using the acetoxymethyl ester of BCECF. However, we were puzzled to find in microphotometric measurements that the fluorescence ratio appeared insensitive to manipulations affecting cytosolic pH. Confocal imaging of C. australis cells loaded with BCECF showed an accumulation ...
Anthracene-bis-resorcinol is an interesting molecule as it forms a hydrogen-bonded network when guest molecules with weak polarity are included. Focused ion beam (FIB) was irradiated on a part of its amorphous film with low dose, and the film was exposed to the vapor of guest molecules. From fluorescence and AFM analyses of this film, it was found that no inclusion compound was formed in FIB irradiated area, i.e. FIB irradiation suppresses the ability to form the inclusion compounds. By utilizing this phenomenon, we succeeded in a microfabrication of relief structures consisting of inclusion compounds which has different fluorescence from its surrounding. Morphology, fluorescence, and IR absorption analyses indicated that hydroxyl or resorcin groups are damaged by ion beams, and consequently a formation of hydrogen-bonded networks, which play a role of a lattice caging guest molecules, becomes impossible.
In this study, Kb/Ka X-ray intensity ratios, Formula Not Shown , Formula Not Shown production cross-sections and K fluorescence yields of Co and Cu and Lb/La X-ray intensity ratios, Formula Not Shown , Formula Not Shown production cross-sections and Formula Not Shown average fluorescence yields of Ag in pure metals and in different alloy compositions were measured. In this study, alloying effects on the Formula Not Shown production cross-sections of Co and Cu were investigated and changes interpreted according to the rearrangement of valance state electrons and the charge transfer process between the 3d elements (Co and Cu) and Ag.
Five arylethylenes with 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl, and phenyl groups in 1,2-positions have been studied for singlet-mediated charge-transfer interactions with several amines and paraquat dication. 1-Phenyl-2-(2-naphthyl)ethylene and 1,2-di(2-naphthyl)ethylene exhibit distinct dependence of exciplex emission maxima and lifetimes, and fluorescence quenching constants, on excitation and/or monitoring wavelengths; this is in conformity with the existence of ground-state rotamers for these systems, wtih distinguishable absorption-emission spectra and fluorescence lifetimes. The fluorescence quenching by aromatic amines and paraquat dication occurs with rate constants in the limit of diffusion control and is accompanied by the formation of radical ions in polar solvents (acetonitrile). The transient spectra and kinetics associated with the radical ions, observed by 337.1- and 355-nm laser flash photolysis, are also reported. 10 ...
In the electrorefining step of the pyrochemical process, actinide ions dissolved in the LiCl-KCl eutectic salt are recovered as pure actinide metals at a cathode for a re-use as a nuclear fuel from the aspect of its nonproliferation of the nuclear fuel cycles. The lanthanide species dissolved in the LiCl-KCl eutectic salt play an important role in an effective metal purification during the electrorefining step, so it is necessary to understand the chemical and physical behaviors of lanthanides in molten salt. The in situ spectroscopic measurement system and studies according to temperature changes are essential for better understandable information. To our knowledge, the absorption studies of lanthanides at high temperatures have been reported before, but the fluorescence studies of those at high temperature are not reported yet. We will discuss here the fluorescence behaviors of lanthanides in LiCl-KCl molten salt medium according to a ...
In the electrorefining step of the pyrochemical process, actinide ions dissolved in the LiCl-KCl eutectic salt are recovered as pure actinide metals at a cathode for a re-use as a nuclear fuel from the aspect of its nonproliferation of the nuclear fuel cycles. The lanthanide species dissolved in the LiCl-KCl eutectic salt play an important role in an effective metal purification during the electrorefining step, so it is necessary to understand the chemical and physical behaviors of lanthanides in molten salt. The in situ spectroscopic measurement system and studies according to temperature changes are essential for better understandable information. To our knowledge, the absorption studies of lanthanides at high temperatures have been reported before, but the fluorescence studies of those at high temperature are not reported yet. We will discuss here the fluorescence behaviors of lanthanides in LiCl-KCl molten salt medium according to a ...
Luminescent materials are widely used for imaging and sensing owing to their high sensitivity, rapid response and facile detection by many optical technologies. Typically materials must be chemically tailored to achieve intense, photostable fluorescence, oxygen-sensitive phosphorescence or dual emission for ratiometric sensing, often by blending two dyes in a matrix. Dual-emissive materials combining all of these features in one easily tunable molecular platform are desirable, but when fluorescence and phosphorescence originate from the same dye, it can be challenging to vary relative fluorescence/phosphorescence intensities for practical sensing applications. Heavy-atom substitution alone increases phosphorescence by a given, not variable amount. Here, we report a strategy for modulating ...
Using bremsstrahlung, the resonance fluorescence yield has been measured for the 1.836-MeV 2"+_1 level in "8"8Sr. The observed yield corresponds to a level width GAMMA = 2.94 +- 0.15 meV.
This poster describes single-molecule tracking and total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy. It discusses whether the carbohydrate-binding module (CBM) moves on cellulose, how the CBM binds to cellulose, and the mechanism of cellulosome assembly.
The Arabidopsis ref2 mutant was identified in a screen for plants having altered fluorescence under UV light. Characterization of the ref2 mutants showed that they...Full Text Available
Exposure of albumin to Cu(II) (10-100 microM) and ascorbate (0.1-2 mM) results in extensive molecular modifications, indicated by decreased fluorescence and chain breaks. The rate of utilization of...Full Text Available
Radiation Measurement in Crew Compartment. DTO 805: .... spacecraft and aircraft propulsion, and hazardous waste disposal. ...... combustion reactions in a turbulent chemical kinetic flow reactor using laser induced fluorescence and ...
A combined approach based on the use of ATR-FT/IR and steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy allowed to shed light on the effects of the additive methoxypolyethylene glycol (MePEG) on the hydration,...Full Text Available
Ring opening dynamics of diarylethene derivative (BTF6) in n-hexane are studied by femtosecond transient absorption and time resolved spontaneous fluorescence techniques. Cyclo-reversion time constant is obtained.
We report the first quantitative assessment of electrosprayed droplet/ion focusing enabled by the use of a voltage-assisted air amplifier between an electrospray ionization emitter and a hybrid...Full Text Available
The ability of bovine polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) to phagocytose fluorescent beads in vitro was studied using flow cytometry. The effects of varying laboratory conditions (bead:PMN ratio, length...Full Text Available
Experimental metastases in the brain of mice are infiltrated by microglia, and parabiosis experiments of green fluorescent protein (GFP+) and GFP- mice revealed that these microglia...Full Text Available
In this study, a miniature fiber-optic radiation detector has been developed using a water-equivalent organic scintillator for electron beam therapy dosimetry. Usually, two kinds of light signals such as fluorescent and Cherenkov lights are generated in a fiber-optic radiation detector when a high-energy electron beam is irradiated. The fluorescent light signal is produced in the scintillator and is transmitted through a plastic optical fiber to a remote light-measuring device such as a PMT or a photodiode. The Cherenkov light could be also produced in the plastic optical fiber itself and be detected by a light-measuring device. Therefore, it could cause problems or limit the accuracy of the detection of a fluorescent light signal that is proportional to dose. The objectives of this study are to measure, characterize and eliminate Cherenkov light generated in a plastic optical fiber used as a component of a fiber-optic ...
An x-ray fluorescence spectrometer was designed and fabricated which nondestructively determines the thickness of aluminum cladding at small suspected thin spots in the inner or outer surface of actinide reactor tubes. The analysis method is based on the difference in absorption of actinide L/sub #alpha#/ and L/sub #beta#/ fluorescent x-rays in passing through the cladding. Calibration plots of the logarithm of the L/sub #beta#//L/sub #alpha#/ x-ray intensity ratio versus cladding thickness are linear to at least 40 mils for U-Al, U_3O_8-Al, and PuO_2-Al substrates. Accuracy and precision of the experimentally determined cladding thickness and evaluated for both uranium and plutonium substrates. Experimental thickness data are reported for 618 quality assurance analyses on six Mark 41 PuO_2-Al target tubes. An x-ray fluorescence cladding thickness monitor operated with a computer-controlled fluoroscope holds considerable ...
An optical flow gradient algorithm was applied to spontaneously forming networks of neurons and glia in culture imaged by fluorescence optical microscopy in order to map functional calcium signaling...Full Text Available
Lysozyme dimers produced on oxidation of lysozyme with Br_2anion radicals in aqueous solutions exhibit a fluorescence spectrum (lambdasub(max) = 400 nm) closely similar to that of bi-tyrosine. This suggests that the dimer is likely to have a tyrosine-tyrosine bond resulting from the combination of tyrosine phenoxy radicals of two lysozyme molecules. Kinetic studies on dimer formation were made by measuring time-dependent fluorescence after pulsed-electron irradiation over wide pH range. The results lead to the following conclusions. The second-order growth of the dimer fluorescence observed at pH 10.7-12.5 reflects the combination process of the lysozyme radicals, which is rate-determining in the pH range. On the other hand, the first-order growth observed at pH 6.8-10.2 is attributable to the enolization of the keto-form of the dimer. A tentative reaction scheme is proposed for the dimer formation. (author).
Epifluorescence images of Ca2+ transients elicited by electrical stimulation of single skeletal muscle fibers were studied with fast imaging techniques that take advantage of the large fluorescence...Full Text Available
In vivo two-photon imaging through the pupil of the primate eye has the potential to become a useful tool for functional imaging of the retina. Two-photon excited fluorescence images...Full Text Available
BackgroundIn recent years, the sea anemone Nematostella vectensis has emerged as a critical model organism for comparative genomics and developmental biology. Although...Full Text Available
BACKGROUND: Although the importance of lymphatic function is well recognized, the lack of real-time imaging modalities limits our understanding of its role in many diseases. In a phase...Full Text Available
To analyse the binding of sugar chains to proteins, viruses and cells, the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technique is very convenient and effective because it is a real-time, non-destructive detection...Full Text Available
A new spectrofluorimetric method was developed for the determination of trace amount of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP). Using europium (Eu{sup 3+})-tetracycline (TC) complex as a fluorescent probe, in the buffer solution of pH 7.60. NADP can remarkably enhance the fluorescence intensity of the Eu{sup 3+}-TC complex at {lambda} = 612 nm and the enhanced fluorescence intensity of Eu{sup 3+} ion is in proportion to the concentration of NADP. Optimum conditions for the determination of NADP were also investigated. The dynamic range for the determination of NADP is 4.4 x 10{sup -7} to 2.2 x 10{sup -6} mol l{sup -1} with detection limit of 6.9 x 10{sup -8} mol l{sup -1}. This method is simple, practical and relatively free interference from coexisting substances and can be successfully applied to determination of NADP in synthetic water samples and in serum samples. Moreover, the enhancement mechanisms of the ...
Background & objectives:Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a painful and vision-threatening ocular infection. The differentiation of Acanthamoeba...Full Text Available
Antibodies to extractable nuclear antigens (ENA) are found in a variety of collagen vascular diseases. Determining the individual specificities of these antibodies is extremely useful in establishing...Full Text Available
The cyclohexane-1,2-diamine-based bisbinaphthyl macrocycles (S)-/(R)-5 and their cyclic and acyclic analogs are synthesized. The interactions of...Full Text Available
Tris(8-quinolinolato)aluminum(III) (Alq3) shows electronic absorption bands at 378, 360 (in a 1:1 mixed solvent of methanol and ethanol (ME) at 77 K), 334, 316, 300, 263, 255.8, and 233 nm in ethanol at room temperature. According to the polarized fluorescence excitation spectrum together with MO calculations, for instance, the 360 nm band is assigned to an LL CT transition (an intramolecular charge transfer transition between two ligands), and the 378 nm band to an LM/ML CT one (an intramolecular charge transfer transition between ligand and metal). Alq3 shows a broad fluorescence band peaking at around 478 nm in the ME matrix at 77 K. The emission spectrum measured with a phosphoroscope has two emission bands at 567 and 478 nm. The 567 nm band accompanies vibronic bands at 578 and 605 nm, being safely assigned to a phosphorescence of Alq3. The lifetimes of the 478 and 567 nm bands are both 5.4 ms. The lifetime of the 478 nm band together with ...
A two-channel optical system has been developed to provide spatially resolved simultaneous imaging of singlet molecular oxygen (1O2) phosphorescence and photosensitizer (PS) fluorescence...Full Text Available
The drug-binding properties of human alpha-foetoprotein (alpha FP) were investigated by a fluorescence-spectral method. Human alpha FP was shown to bind to albumin's site I marker (warfarin, phenylbutazone),...Full Text Available
Using stoichiometrically controlled 1:1 functionalization of gold nanoparticles with fluorescent dye molecules in which the dye molecule is held away from the particle surface by a rigid DNA spacer allows precise determination of the distance-dependent effect of the metal nanoparticles on fluorescence intensity. Two dyes were studied, Cy3 and Cy5, with two sizes of nanoparticles, 5 and 10 nm. The larger the particle, the more quenching of the photoluminescence (PL) intensity, due to increased overlap of the dye's emission spectrum with the Au surface plasmon resonance. Fluorescence is quenched significantly for distances somewhat larger than the particle diameter, in good agreement with the predictions of an electrodynamics model based on interacting dipoles. The distance dependence of surface energy transfer behavior, i.e. quenching efficiency, is proportional to 1/d4, which involves no consideration of the size of the ...
X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and total-reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) techniques suited well for a multi-element determination of K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Rb, and Sr in some Syrian medicinal plant species. The accuracy and the precision of both techniques were verified by analyzing the Standard Reference Materials (SRM) peach-1547 and apple leaves-1515. A good agreement between the measured concentrations of the previously mentioned elements and the certified values were obtained with errors less than 10.7% for TXRF and 15.8% for XRF. The determination of Br was acceptable only by XRF with an error less than 24%. Furthermore, the XRF method showed a very good applicability for the determination of K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr, and Br in infusions of different Syrian medicinal plant species, namely anise (Anisum vulgare), licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), and white wormwood (Artemisia herba-alba)
The applicability of two nuclear analytical methods: radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis and radiometric titrations based on precipitate formations was studied in order to determine the heptacaine hydrochloride in solutions. The applied methods were evaluated based on the obtained sensitivity values.
The applicability of two nuclear analytical methods: radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis and radiometric titrations based on precipitate formations was studied in order to determine the heptacaine hydrochloride in solutions. The applied methods were evaluated based on the obtained sensitivity values. (author).
Cyteogenetic maps of sorghum chromosomes 3-7, 9, and 10 were constructed on the basis of the fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) of ~ ... regions of heterchromatin were delimited for all 10 sorghum chrom...
An image slicing spectrometer (ISS) for microscopy applications is presented. Its principle is based on the redirecting of image zones by specially organized thin mirrors within a custom fabricated...Full Text Available
1. Digital imaging and photometry were used in conjunction with the fluorescent Ca2+ indicator, Fura-2, to examine intracellular Ca2+ signals produced by depolarization of single adrenal chromaffin...Full Text Available
The chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics of mesophyll and bundle-sheath thylakoids from plant species with the C4 dicarboxylic acid pathway of photosynthesis were investigated using flow cytometry....Full Text Available
BackgroundGenotyping analysis using capillary DNA sequencing with fluorescently labeled primer pairs obtained by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is widely used, but is expensive....Full Text Available
Software for gel image analysis and base-calling in fluorescence-based sequencing consisting of two primary programs, BaseFinder and GelImager, is described. BaseFinder is a framework for trace processing,...Full Text Available
X-ray fluorescence analysis was used to determine the zinc content of the ''Perilacin'' powder and the ZnO content of the ''Epiderman-pix'' powder. The characteristic Ksub(#alpha#) line of zinc was excited using a "1"4"7Pm/Mo source (10"7 s"-"1) and the molybdenum Ksub(#alpha#) line (17.47 keV). 4 to 5% Zn and 45 to 49% ZnO were determined with a NaI(Tl) scintillation detector. The radiation intensity was found to decrease with particle size. (M.K.).
Radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis (XFA) was used in the determination of the contents of metal residues in dosing plates for coin minting. XFA was also used for the determination of the strontium/calcium ratio in bone samples of different animals with the aim to obtain information on the food composition of these animals. It was found that bones of different animals can be distinguished based on the Sr/Ca ratio. No significant differences in the Sr/Ca ratio were observed in human bones of individuals from different social groups. (author). 1 fig., 5 tabs., 4 refs.
Based on the instrumental wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence technique of analysis (W D-X R F), the inorganic elements in four samples of commercial medicines drugs were analyzed. The samples were used without any chemical separation of the elements or chemical pre-treatment. Eleven elements could be identified, namely Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn. However, Si, Ti and Mn have not been mentioned in the printed instructions for the use of the medicines drugs by the producers. (author)
Surface probe and laser-induced fluorescence measurements in ISX-B and EBT-S have made significant contributions to the understanding of plasma edge characteristics and plasma-surface interactions in these devices. Where comparison is possible, these techniques have led to results which are consistent with plasma diagnostics. Charge-exchange neutral sputtering and self-ion sputtering have been identified as the dominent heavy impurity release mechanisms in ISX-B and EBT-S, respectively.
Radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis for nondestructive determination of Fe, Zn, Pb, and Br in air samples collected on nitrocellulose membrane filter Synpor 4 is described. A "2"3"8Pu source for the excitation and a semiconductor Si/Li detector for the detection of characteristic and L-fluorescent radiation of the above elements were used. A correction method based upon the measurements of simple or multiple Compton scattering for compensation of varying mass per unit area values in sample deposits was theoretically proposed and experimentally tested. The results obtained both with and without the correction were compared and good agreement with those given by atomic absorption spectrometry was observed. (author).
Total M X-ray cross sections for 12 elements in atomic range 70#<=#Z#<=#92 were measured at 5.96 keV Mn K X-ray photon energy. The average M shell fluorescence yields (anti #omega#_M) of these elements have also been observed using the presently measured cross section values and the theoretical M shell photoionisation cross section values. (orig.).
The results of studies of the time-resolved luminescence of self-trapped excitons (STE) with different multiplicity as well as the X-ray emission in oriented BeO crystals under excitation in the vicinity of the 1 s Be photoabsorption edge are presented. The branching of the electronic excitations relaxation depends strongly on the crystal orientation after the inner-shell excitation. The common features between the processes of the STE luminescence and resonantly excited X-ray fluorescence have been discussed.
The present work gives preliminary results of analysis of drug mixtures (NEPHROSAL tea bag) and its water infusion. In a sample of dried drugs the elements K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Br, Rb, Sr, Pb were identified, whereas in their water infusion only Ca, Mn, Zn and Sr were found. The method applied was radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis using a radionuclide source "1"0"9Cd, a Si/Li semiconductor detector and a multichannel analyzer Canberra 8100. (author) 6 refs.; 3 figs.
We have demonstrated fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between lanthanide-ion doped oxide nanoparticles acting as donors and organic acceptor molecules (Cy5). Due to the long nanoparticle lifetime and the large Stokes shift between nanoparticle absorption and emission, unambiguous and precise FRET measurements can be performed despite the presence of large free acceptor oncentrations. We determined FRET efficiencies as a function of Cy5 concentration which are in very good agreement with a multiple acceptor-multiple donor calculation.
We demonstrated that the intensity levels and lifetimes of two-photon autofluorescences (2PAF) in human liver tissues can be exploited to diagnose hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Excited by an infrared femtosecond laser, we suppressed the two-photon autofluorescences of most endogenous fluorophores and made red autofluorescences more specific to particular molecules in the cryo-sectioned human livers. Using such fluorescence contrast, we found HCC tissues have reduced levels of 2PAF and longer fluorescence lifetime.
A theoretical analysis is presented for the method of determining the concentration distribution of admixtures in zone melting and in the study of diffusion in melts. Continuous mode X-ray fluorescence analysis is considered. The convolution integral interpreting the analog output of the ratemeter was solved applying the mathematical apparatus of Z transformation. The feasibility of the method is tested on an example of the determination of tin distribution in tungsten. With respect to the statistical error (#delta#<1.5%), the maximum integration constant (100 s) and a very slow sample feed (0.025 mm/s) were used. The calculated transfer function reflects the total transfer function of the ratemeter and the recorder used. (M.D.).
Radionuclide X-ray fluorescence method with a Si/Li semiconductor detector and "2"3"8Pu exciting source was used in the study of Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Pb content of solid emissions, raw and final materials of a brick factory. From the point of view of metal content, the working environment if the brick factory is safe for workers. (author) 2 refs.; 2 figs.; 1 tab.
Increasingly, business projects are ephemeral. New Business Intelligence tools must support ad-lib data sources and quick perusal. Meanwhile, tag clouds are a popular community-driven visualization technique. Hence, we investigate tag-cloud views with support for OLAP operations such as roll-ups, slices, dices, clustering, and drill-downs. As a case study, we implemented an application where users can upload data and immediately navigate through its ad hoc dimensions. To support social networking, views can be easily shared and embedded in other Web sites. Algorithmically, our tag-cloud views are approximate range top-k queries over spontaneous data cubes. We present experimental evidence that iceberg cuboids provide adequate online approximations. We benchmark several browser-oblivious tag-cloud layout optimizations.
One important market related capability for firms which seek to develop radical innovations is the competence to involve the 'right' users at the 'right' time in the 'right' form. While former studies have identified a rather passive role of users in the radical innovation process, this paper focuses on the involvement of such users that are in the position to play an active role as inventors and (co)-developers. A multiple case study analysis was conducted in the field of medical technology. Five radical innovation projects within four firms were selected including medical robots and computer-assisted navigation systems. The case study analysis reveals that firms who closely interact with specific users benefit significantly for their radical innovation work. These users have a high motivation toward new solutions, are open to new technologies, possess diverse competencies, and are embedded into a very supportive environment.
Two days of hearings on Titles V and X of the Water Resources Development Act of 1983 brought comments from representatives of several states, farm and transport industries, environmental groups, and concerned taxpayers. Title V requires the collection of new funds from users beyond a ceiling set for annual spending on water projects, while Title X proposes a cost-sharing partnership for certain navigation projects. Witnesses were requested to confine their comments to constructive alternatives to the proposed legislation. Additional material on the deep river study and statements submitted for the record follow the testimony of 28 witnesses.
Three classes of solar emanations, namely, photon radiation from solar flares, solar energetic particles, and inhomogeneities in the solar wind that drive magnetic storms, are examined, and their effects on humans and technological systems are discussed. Solar flares may disrupt radio communications in the HF and VLF ranges. Energetic particles pose a special hazard at low-earth orbit and above, where they can penetrate barriers such as spacesuits and aluminum and destroy cells and solid state electronics. Energetic solar particles also influence terrestrial radio waves propagating through polar regions. Magnetic storms may disturb the operation of navigation instruments, power lines and pipelines, and satellites; they give rise to ionospheric storms which affect radio communication at all latitudes. There is also a growing body of evidence that changes in the geomagnetic field affect biological systems. 3 refs.
Current medical visualization technology intended for positional guidance in surgical applications may only ever have limited utility in the operating room due to the preexisting visual requirements of surgical practice. Additionally, visual systems impose limits as a result of their high latency, poor image resolution, problems with stereopsis and physical strain upon the user. Audio technology is relatively unexamined in the broad range of available methodologies for medical devices. The potential to translate surgical instrument position into audio feedback presents a novel solution to the human factors and engineering problems faced by visual display technology because audio technology employs a rich and as yet unburdened sensory modality. We describe an experimental system we have developed for investigating this new interface design approach using commercially available hardware. PMID:10173065
The Morris water maze is widely used to evaluate to evaluate the spatial learning ability of rodents under laboratory settings. The present study demonstrates that reproductive male meadow voles, Microtus pennsylvanicus, are able to acquire and retain a spatial water maze task using celestial cues. Voles were able to acquire a modified outdoor Morris water maze task over 4 trials per day, whereby they had to learn and remember the location of a submerged hidden platform, using the position of the sun and associated celestial cues. Their proficiency on this task was related to the availability of the celestial cues, with voles displaying significantly poorer spatial navigation on overcast than clear days and when the testing time (and position of the sun and associated celestial cues) was shifted from morning to afternoon. These findings with meadow voles support the ecological relevance of the water maze task. PMID:8031502
A compilation of technical papers, from the 23rd annual Precise Time and Time Interval (PTTI) Applications and Planning Meeting, is presented. Papers were given in the following categories: (1) developments in rubidium, cesium, and hydrogen-based frequency standards, and in cryogenic and trapped-ion technology; (2) international and transnational applications of PTTI technology with emphasis on satellite laser tracking networks, GLONASS timing, comparison of national time scales and international communications; (3) applications of PTTI technology to the telecommunications, power distribution, platform positioning, and geophysical survey industries; (4) applications of PTTI technology to evolving military communications and navigation systems; and (5) dissemination of precise time and frequency by means of GPS, GLONASS, MILSTAR, Loran, and synchronous communications satellites.
...5% of foods exceed the maximum pesticide residues level , EFSA says European foods are largely under the Maximum Pesticide Residues Level , according to EFSA:...5% of foods exceed the maximum pesticide residues level , EFSA says Skip to content Skip to main navigation Skip to 1st column Skip to ...5% of foods exceed the maximum pesticide residues level , EFSA says Only 3.5% of foods exceed the maximum pesticide residues level , EFSA ...says Monday, 12 July 2010 12:41 European foods are largely under the Maximum Pesticide Residues Level, according to EFSA: in 2008 only 3.5% of ...
Anti-jamming techniques to improve Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers robustness have been mainly developed in military applications. None of civilian techniques can procure sufficient robustness against occasional or intentional jammers for civil GPS or GALILEO navigation receivers. The amplitude domain processing (ADP) filtering is a technique based upon Capon works and Neyman-Pearson theory. Several experiments concerning the ADP filtering have been considered at the 3DETSNAV division of LACIME laboratory at Ecole de technologie superieure (ETS), which have proved that the technique is reliable in order to eradicate powerful interference present in the spread spectrum signal. However, the results show that the ADP filter has a real limitation when submitted to multiple interferen...
Many modern military systems used for communications, command and control, navigation, and surveillance depend on reliable and relatively noise-free transmission of radiowave signals through the earth's ionosphere. Small-scale irregularities in the ionospheric density can cause severe distortion, known as radiowave scintillation, of both the amplitude and phase of these signals. The WBMOD computer program can be used to estimate these effects on a wide range of systems. The objective of this study is to investigate improvements to the WBMOD model based on extensive data sets covering both the equatorial and high-latitude regimes. This report summarizes the work completed during the second year, which include completion of the new models for the equatorial region and initial development of models for the high latitude (auroral and polar cap) region.
Many modern military systems used for communications, command and control, navigation, and surveillance depend on reliable and relatively noise-free transmission of radiowave signals through the earth`s ionosphere. Small-scale irregularities in the ionospheric density can cause severe distortion, known as radiowave scintillation, of both the amplitude and phase of these signals. The WBMOD computer program can he used to estimate these effects on a wide range of systems. The objective of this study is to investigate improvements to the WBMOD model based on extensive data sets covering both the equatorial and high-latitude regimes. This report summarizes the work completed during the third year of this project, which includes completion of the new model for the high-latitude (auroral and polar cap) region of the WBMOD model.
...ISO - ISO Standards - TC 156 - Corrosion of metals and alloys go to main navigation go to content area go to search International Standards for Business,...ISO Members FAQs Fr ISO Store Products ISO Standards By TC TC 156 Corrosion of metals and alloys ISO Store ISO Standards By ICS By ...aerospace standards Publications and e-products ISO Concept Database (ISO/CDB) Copyright TC 156 - Corrosion of metals and alloys Items to be displayed: Published ...responsibility of TC 156 Secretariat Standard and/or project Stage ICS 3ISO/WD 7441 Corrosion of metals and alloys Determination of bimetallic corrosion in outdoor ...
Women who have academic careers in engineering have successfully navigated the social identity threats that prevent many other women from feeling that they belong in science, technology, engineering, and math fields. In this research, we examined what factors may be related to resilience in these academic environments. Female academics in engineering and nonengineering fields watched a fictitious conference video depicting either an unbalanced ratio of men to women or a balanced ratio. Subjective measures of identity threat were collected. Past experience with discrimination, positive experience with female role models, family support, and general social support were associated with a greater sense of belonging to or desire to participate in the conference. These variables all buffered neg...
On Oct. 24, 2005, Hurricane Wilma, a category 5 storm, made landfall at Cape Romano, Florida. Three days later, the Center for Robot-Assisted Search and Rescue at the University of South Florida deployed an iSENYS helicopter and a prototype unmanned water surface vehicle, AEOS-1, to survey damage in parts of Marco Island, 14 km from landfall. The effort was the first known use of unmanned sea surface vehicles (USVs) for emergency response and established their suitability for the recovery phase of disaster management by detecting damage to seawalls and piers, locating submerged debris (moorings and handrails), and determining safe lanes for sea navigation. It provides a preliminary domain theory of postdisaster port and littoral inspection with unmanned vehicles for use by the human-robot ...
Increasingly, business projects are ephemeral. New Business Intelligence tools must support ad-lib data sources and quick perusal. Meanwhile, tag clouds are a popular community-driven visualization technique. Hence, we investigate tag-cloud views with support for OLAP operations such as roll-ups, slices, dices, clustering, and drill-downs. As a case study, we implemented an application where users can upload data and immediately navigate through its ad hoc dimensions. To support social networking, views can be easily shared and embedded in other Web sites. Algorithmically, our tag-cloud views are approximate range top-k queries over spontaneous data cubes. We present experimental evidence that iceberg cuboids provide adequate online approximations. We benchmark several browser-oblivious tag-cloud layout optimizations.
The majority of research on homeless youth has focused on the multitude of problems faced by this vulnerable population. The current study, while acknowledging the hazards of life on the streets, seeks to explore the personal strengths and informal resources street youth rely on to navigate their environments. Qualitative data from seven focus groups conducted with street youth ages 18?24 were analyzed using content analysis. These data, rich with interactions among youth participants, highlight three important themes: developing ?street smarts,?? existence of personal strengths, and informal resources relied upon by youth to survive. Results provide valuable insights into the strengths of homeless youth that can be useful to providers in assessing street youths? service needs and increasi...
The author presents a detailed and quantitative description of all of the programs, systems, sensors and experiments associated with the next 30 years of space endeavors by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Derived from the fifth issue of the NASA Space Systems Technology Model, the missions and payloads are categorized by applications area: solar system exploration, astrophysics, earth sciences, communications, space transportation and utilization of the space environment. Far-term missions are described as opportunity missions and landmark missions, for the distant future. Technology requirements are collected by discipline: power, propulsion, materials, structures, information systems, navigation, guidance and control. Payload technology requirements are organized by instrument sensing range. This information defines in quantitative terms, the opportunities and limits for future civilian space system capabilities.
ObjectivesThe practical exploitation of tidal stream energy is limited by man's activities in coastal waters: navigation, fishing and~%~leisure pursuits. It is important therefore to make the best use of the sites, which are available. The main objective of the~%~Proposed study is to assess the limits imposed by waves on the performance of tidal stream rotors, and to investigate way:~%~in which these limits might be related by refinements in rotor design and the control of operating conditions. Secondary~ [continued...]DescriptionHorizontal aids wind turbines have been recognised as one of the most successful renewable energy saving devices. The use of the similar concept as a 'tidy stream rotor' in offshore environment appears to be even more compelling. However, the application of this concept will require the confirmation of various operational and environmental limitations due to complexities of offshore environment compared to those of on shore. Within the ...
A fundamental Doppler-like but asymmetric wave effect that shifts received signals in frequency in proportion to their respective source distances, was recently described as means for a whole new generation of communication technology using angle and distance, potentially replacing TDM, FDM or CDMA, for multiplexing. It is equivalent to wave packet compression by scaling of time at the receiver, converting path-dependent phase into distance-dependent shifts, and can multiply the capacity of physical channels. The effect was hitherto unsuspected in physics, appears to be responsible for both the cosmological acceleration and the Pioneer 10/11 anomaly, and is exhibited in audio data. This paper discusses how it may be exploited for instant, passive ranging of signal sources, for verification, rescue and navigation; incoherent aperture synthesis for smaller, yet more accurate radars; universal immunity to jamming or interference; and precision frequency scaling of ...
Atmospheric and ionospheric perturbations associated with the acoustic-gravity waves (AGW) with typical frequencies of a few hertz -millihertz are considered. These events may be caused by the influence from space and atmosphere as well as by oscillations of the Earth surface and other near-surface phenomena. The surface sources include long-period oscillations of the Earth's surface, earthquakes, explosions, thermal heating, seisches and tsunami waves. The wavelike phenomena manifest themself as travelling disturbances of air (in the atmosphere) and of electron density (in the ionosphere). Travelling ionospheric disturbances (TIDs) are well detected by radio physical methods. AGW generation by near-surface sources is modeled by the numerical solution of the equation of geophysical fluid dynamics for different sources in two-dimensional non-linear dissipative compressible atmosphere. The numerical calculations are based on the FCT (Flux Corrected Transport) technique of the second ...
Full text: The isotopic assay instrument under development at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is capable of rapid prescreening to detect small and rare particles containing high concentrations of uranium in a heterogeneous sample. The isotopic measurement concept is based on laser vaporization of solid samples followed by sensitive isotope-specific detection using either uranium atomic fluorescence emission or uranium atomic absorbance. Both isotopes are measured concurrently, following a single ablation laser pulse using two external-cavity violet diode lasers. The simultaneous measurement of both isotopes enables the correlation of the fluorescence and absorbance signals on a shot-to-shot basis. This measurement approach demonstrated negligible channel crosstalk between isotopes. Scanning the heterogeneous samples provides high-resolution imagery of sample isotopic fluorescence and absorbance. Isotopically ...
A free standing outdoor telephone booth is provided with a photovoltaic (PV) array, one or more rechargeable storage batteries and electrical control circuit which includes a temperature compensated control for limiting the supply of electrical energy from the PV array to the rechargeable battery to avoid over charging the battery, an ambient light (solar insolation) sensing circuit for controlling the electrical lamp load, to turn the lamp ON during dark ambient and OFF during light ambient conditions. In addition, the total discharge limit of the storage battery is controlled to a safe operating limit and a means is disclosed to power a fluorescent lamp at energy conserving intensities with energy derived from the rechargeable storage battery. The lamp control circuitry is preferably constituted by a high frequency power inverter with regulated output power to energize a low wattage fluorescent lamp and to dim the ...
The effect of the #+-# 0.75 T external magnetic field on the K_#alpha#_1, K_#alpha#_2, K_#beta#_'_1 and K_#beta#_'_2 x-ray production cross sections and radiative vacancy transfer probabilities from K-shell to L2 and L3 subshells and M-shell for ferromagnetic Nd, Gd and Dy and paramagnetic Eu and Ho have been investigated, using the 59.5 keV incident photons. K-shell fluorescence yields and K x-ray intensity ratios for these elements have been determined in the external magnetic field also. The K x-rays from different targets were detected using a high-resolution Si(Li) semiconductor detector. For B = 0, the present experimental results were compared with the experimental and theoretical data in the literature. The results show that K-shell fluorescence parameters such as photoionization cross section, fluorescence yield, radiation rates, vacancy transfer probabilities and spectral linewidth can change owing to the applied ...
The details and principles of an apparatus built for measurements of fluorescence quantum yields and cascade-free lifetimes of open-shell cations are reported. These rely on the detection of coincidences between energy selected photo-electrons and undispersed photons. The results of such measurements for CO"+_2,COS"+,CS"+_2 and N_2O"+ in selected vibrational levels of their excited states are presented. Non-unity fluorescence quantum yields are found for some vibronic levels of CO"+_2(B), COS"+(A), N_2O"+(A) and a non-exponential decay is observed for CS"+_2(B). The data yield the following values for the radiative lifetimes: CO"+_2(A) 124 +- 6 ns,CO"+_2(B) 140 +- 7 ns, COS"+(A) 550 +- 50 ns and N_2O"+(A) 240 +- 12 ns. (orig.).
Molecular imaging represents a modern research area that allows the in vivo study of molecular biological process kinetics using appropriate probes and visualization methods. This methodology may be defined- apart from the contrast media injection - as non-abrasive. In order to reach an in vivo molecular process imaging as accurate as possible the effects of the used probes on the biological should not be too large. The contrast media as important part of the molecular imaging can significantly contribute to the understanding of molecular processes and to the development of tailored diagnostics and therapy. Since more than 15 years PTB is developing optic imaging systems that may be used for fluorescence based visualization of tissue phantoms, small animal models and the localization of tumors and their predecessors, and for the early recognition of inflammatory processes in clinical trials. Cellular changes occur during many diseases, thus the molecular imaging ...
A preliminary chemical characterization is presented of phosphate-free aminolipids isolation from Chlorobium limicola f. thiosulfatophilum. The lipid contains no phosphorus, glycerol, sugar, ornithine, or lysine. Ultraviolet absorption and fluorescence spectra indicate that the amino moiety of the lipid is an aromatic heterocyclic compound. Infrared spectra indicate that the lipid is a secondary or tertiary amide, and gas chromatograhic analysis of the hydrolyzed lipid shows that for each 1100 g of lipid, 1 mol of myristic acid (C/sub 14:0/) is linked in an amide bond. Acid hydrolysis of the lipid yields two fluorescent substances, A (ninhydrine positive) and B (negative), in addition to myristic acid. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies indicate that substance A contains a butyl groups attached to a conjugated ring carbon, two equivalent ethyl groups attached to one or two nitrogen atoms, and two downfield protons (8.4 ppm), ...
Radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis (RXRFA), as a non-destructive method, relatively simple and allowing measurements to be carried out in situ, is an excellent tool in research on various objects of art. A range of artefacts have been investigated by our laboratory, in part for the purposes of history of art and in part as a basis for restoration works - medieval frescoes in some Czech castles and churches, metal sculptures and objects of applied art, paints and inks of old manuscripts, paintings. Some of these are among the most valuable monuments in the Czech cultural heritage. The contribution of the results of the tests to the investigation of their 'life story' and, in some cases, to their conservation, is not negligible. Later additions and repairs can be recognised, and materials and technologies that are close to their historic counterparts can be used in restoration work.
Radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis (RXRFA), as a non-destructive method, relatively simple and allowing measurements to be carried out in situ, is an excellent tool in research on various objects of art. A range of artefacts have been investigated by our laboratory, in part for the purposes of history of art and in part as a basis for restoration works - medieval frescoes in some Czech castles and churches, metal sculptures and objects of applied art, paints and inks of old manuscripts, paintings. Some of these are among the most valuable monuments in the Czech cultural heritage. The contribution of the results of the tests to the investigation of their 'life story' and, in some cases, to their conservation, is not negligible. Later additions and repairs can be recognised, and materials and technologies that are close to their historic counterparts can be used in restoration work.
Bacillus licheniformis ?-glutamyltranspeptidase (BlGGT) undergoes an autocatalytic process to generate 44.9 and 21.7?kDa subunits; however, a mutant protein (T399A) loses completely the processing ability and mainly exists as a precursor. For a comprehensive understanding of their structural features, the biophysical properties of these two proteins were investigated by circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy. Tryptophan fluorescence and circular dichroism spectra were nearly identical for BlGGT and T399A, but unfolding analyses revealed that these two proteins had a different sensitivity towards temperature- and guanidine hydrochloride (GdnHCl)-induced denaturation. BlGGT and the unprocessed T399A displayed T m values of 61.4?C and 68.1?C, respectively, and thermal unfolding of b...
Transmission nuclear resonance fluorescence measurements were made on targets consisting of Pb and depleted U with total areal densities near 86g/cm"2. The "2"3"8U content in the targets varied from 0% to 8.5% (atom fraction). The experiment demonstrates the capability of using transmission measurements as a non-destructive technique to identify and quantify the presence of an isotope in samples with thicknesses comparable to the average thickness of a nuclear fuel assembly. The experimental data also appear to demonstrate the process of notch refilling with a predictable intensity. Comparison of measured spectra to previous backscatter "2"3"8U measurements indicates general agreement in observed excited states. Evidence of two new "2"3"8U excited states and possibly a third state have also been observed.
Total M shell X-ray production cross section for 11 elements with 69 #<=# Z #<=# 92 have been measured using an incident photon energy of 5.96 keV. Measurements have been performed using an "5"5Fe annular source and a Si(Li) detector. Average M shell fluorescence yield at each incident photon energy has been deduced, using the experimental total M X-ray production cross section and theoretical M shell photoionization cross section. Present experimental results are compared with other experimental and theoretical values. Reasonable agreement (to within 0.3-28%) is typically obtained between present and other experimental and theoretical values.
The study aimed to determine the chemical effects on the K and L X-ray intensity ratios and the K and L X-ray production cross sections for gold compounds. The K shell fluorescence yields and L shell average yields were also investigated. The samples were excited by 59.5keV ?-rays from an 241Am annular radioactive source and 123.6keV ?-rays from a 57Co annular radioactive source. K and L X-rays emitted from samples were counted by an Ultra-LEGe detector with a resolution of 0.150keV at 5.9keV. The experimental values were compared with theoretical, the semi-empirical and other experimental values.
A new low molecular mass organogelator 1 containing 2-(2prime-hydroxyphenyl)benzoxazole (HPB) group with long alkyl chain was synthesized by the reaction with 5-amino-2-(2prime-hydroxy-4prime-methylphenyl)benzoxazole and dodecyl isocyanate in THF at room temperature. The reversible gelation ability of 1 was investigated using a heating-cooling method in various organic solvents. The stable organogel was formed from carbon tetrachloride or from cyclohexane at the concentration as low as 0.9%. The self-assembled supramolecular gel structure formed by non-covalent bonding was confirmed with field emission-scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) exhibiting fibril- or ribbon-shaped structure depending on the solvent used. Regarding the aggregation-induced emission enhancement (AIEE) phenomenon, t...
The physicochemical properties of binary lipid mixtures of diether C25,25 lipids and dipalmitoyl-L-a-phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) were studied using photon correlation, fluorescence and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. These two types of lipids can be mixed at all molar ratios to form unilamellar and multilamellar liposomes. Fluorescence anisotropy of 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatrien in mixed liposomes indicates that the abrupt changes in order parameter in the hydrophobic part of bilayer membranes made of DPPC lipids disappears with increasing mol%C25,25 lipids. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy shows that at temperatures below 50^oC, the interfacial regions of membrane bilayer of mixed liposomes is more fluid than for pure DPPC lipo...
Under changing redox conditions some plants create plaques at their root surface, which may affect the mobility and uptake of As and heavy metals but it is unknown to what extent this also holds true for willows in contaminated floodplain soils. Therefore, willow roots were sampled from a phytoremediation trial in the contaminated floodplain of the river Elbe (Germany), cryofixed, freeze-dried, and cross sections were mapped for the distribution of As, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mn, Ni, S and Zn by synchrotron based X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. The elements Ca, Cu, Ni, S and Zn were concentrated in the aerenchymatic tissue, and not associated with Fe and Mn. Mixed Fe-Mn plaques covered the surface of the willow roots and As was accumulated in these plaques. The observed association pattern between...
In this Letter, we demonstrate the application of time-resolved fluorescence anisotropy measurements to detect solution state hybridization of streptavidin conjugate (CdSe)ZnS quantum dots (QD). The study was performed on samples containing 10nM QD incubated with 800nM DNA. We show that the rotational correlation time of QD-DNA constructs increases significantly upon hybridization with values of 330ns (QD-ssDNA) and 1.3ms (QD-dsDNA), corresponding to a diameter of 14nm and 23nm respectively. The present study opens a new modality for hybridization detection using quantum dots.
This work reports the development of an automatic methodology based on the use of 1-anilinonaphthalene-8-sulfonate (ANS) as an interfacial fluorescent probe for detecting the hydrophobic environment shift around the probe, caused by the hydrolytic action of PLA2 on the liposomes. The implementation of this reaction in a sequential injection analysis (SIA) system along with the use of the mixing chambers permitted the evaluation of PLA2 activity and assessment of the inhibitory effect of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on PLA2 activity. Several studies were performed with the aim of establishing the appropriate flow system configuration: the liposome substrate; PLA2 and ANS optimum concentrations and incubation times before and after the enzyme addition. Based on these st...
The whole equipment consists of three separate portable parts: a detector case, a microprocessor and a graphic TV monitor. Magnetic tape memory and an x-y recorder can be connected for recording the measured spectra. The analyzer contains two built-in exchangeable excitation radionuclides. Fluorescence and scattered radiation is detected using a proportional detector. The detected pulses are analyzed by a 256-channel analyzer and the results are shown on the display. The device may be used in mining laboratories, coal and ore dressing plant control rooms or in mining fields of open cast mines for quick detection of the quality of mined or dressed raw materials. (E.S.). 1 fig.
Using the Laser-Fluorescence technique, an investigation was made, adopting the standard mix method, on trace uranium concentrations in hot spring water and geothermal water from Lishan region, and in tap water from some major cities in Shanxi province. Totally 40 samples from 27 sites were investigated. Measurement showed that the tap water contains around 10"-"6 g/L of uranium, whose concentrations in both hot spring water and geothermal water are 10"-"5 g/L. Most of samples are at normal radioactive background level, some higher contents were determined in a few samples
A comparative study on the interaction of (PEG-co-P(FA/SC)-co-PEG) triblock copolymer with bovine and human insulins was carried out using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), circular dichroism (CD), and fluorescence spectroscopy. ITC data show that the copolymer has a low affinity for both proteins, with an association constant of about 7?9?103?M ?1. Results also show that binding is enthalpically driven, and disfavored by conformational entropy. CD spectroscopy studies reveal a small increase in the helical content and a decrease in ?-structure as well as random coil in both proteins. Acrylamide quenching experiments display reduced accessibility of tyrosines, while intrinsic fluorescence spectra show lower tyrosine emission. Furthermore, thermal unfolding experiments, studied by far...
The radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analyzer consists of a source changer and a sample changer. "5"5Fe, "1"0"9Cd and "2"4"1Am are used as excitation sources. The radiation is detected with a semiconductor Si(Li) detector. The complete assembly of the apparatus consists of an imagine unit, a keyboard, a floppy disc drive, a printer, a console and a rack with analog and digital electronics. Its multichannel amplitude analyzer consists of power supplies, a high voltage supply, a linear amplifier, an analog-to-digital converter and a computer. The technical specifications are given. The control and data processing system is controlled with an MHB 8080A microprocessor. Software for semiconductor gamma spectrometry and for quantitative gamma spectrometry will be supplied with the equipment. (E.S.). 3 figs., 4 refs.
The green fluorescent protein (GFP) asFP499 from Anemonia sulcata is a distant homologue of the GFP from Aequorea victoria. We cloned the asFP499 gene into a mammalian expression vector and showed that this protein was expressed in the human lymphoblast cell line Ramos RA1 and in the embryonic kidney 293T cell line (HEK 293T). In HEK 293T cells, asFP499 was localized mainly in the cytoplasm, suggesting that the protein was excluded from the nucleus. We identified _1_9_4LRMEKLNI_2_0_1 as a candidate nuclear export signal in asFP499 and mutated the isoleucine at position 201 to an alanine. Unlike the wildtype form, the mutant protein was distributed throughout the cytoplasm and nucleus. This is First report of a GFP that contains a functional NES.
Genetic mapping is approached using the techniques of high resolution fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). This technology and the results of its application are designed to rapidly generate whole genome as tool box of expressed sequence to speed the identification of human disease genes. The results of this study are intended to dovetail with and to link the results of existing technologies for creating backbone YAC and genetic maps. In the first eight months, this approach generated 60--80% of the expressed sequence map, the remainder expected to be derived through more long-term, labor-intensive, regional chromosomal gene searches or sequencing. The laboratory has made significant progress in the set-up phase, in mapping fetal and adult brain and other cDNAs, in testing a model system for directly linking genetic and physical maps using FISH with small fragments, in setting up a database, and in establishing the validity and throughput of the system.
To more accurately measure fluorescent signals from microarrays, we calibrated our acquisition and analysis systems by using groundtruth samples comprised of known quantities of red and green gene-specific DNA probes hybridized to cDNA targets. We imaged the slides with a full-field, white light CCD imager and analyzed them with our custom analysis software. Here we compare, for multiple genes, results obtained with and without preprocessing (alignment, color crosstalk compensation, dark field subtraction, and integration time). We also evaluate the accuracy of various image processing and analysis techniques (background subtraction, segmentation, quantitation and normalization). This methodology calibrates and validates our system for accurate quantitative measurement of microarrays. Specifically, we show that preprocessing the images produces results significantly closer to the known ground-truth for these samples.
This paper aimed to the evaluation of different kinds of sorbent material preparation and to the evaluation of their characteristics at different pH conditions by X-ray fluorescence analysis. This method is suitable for identification and determination of elements in samples of different character, state and origin because it is a polycomponent, non-destructive, fast and simple analytical method. Moreover, it allows timeadvantageous and reliable measurements. This paper studies problems concerning the determination of some selected elements (Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb) in pharmaceutical samples of sodium chloride in the solid state as well as in its solution by sorption on chelating extraction membrane 3M Empore"T"M and on the strongly acidic ion-exchanger Dowex 50Wx8. Conditions for the most effective sorption of determined elements are also interpreted. (author)
This paper aimed to the evaluation of different kinds of sorbent material preparation and to the evaluation of their characteristics at different pH conditions by X-ray fluorescence analysis. This method is suitable for identification and determination of elements in samples of different character, state and origin because it is a polycomponent, non-destructive, fast and simple analytical method. Moreover, it allows time-advantageous and reliable measurements. This paper studies problems concerning the determination of some selected elements (Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb) in pharmaceutical samples of sodium chloride in the solid state as well as in its solution by sorption on chelating extraction membrane 3M Empore? and on the strongly acidic ion-exchanger Dowex 50Wx8. Conditions for the most ef...
Abstract In 46 febrile neutropenic patients who had undergone haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, the fluorescence in situ hybridisation using peptide nucleic acid probes (PNA FISH), Gram stain/acridine orange leukocyte cytospin (Gram/AOLC), and differential time to positivity (DTP) methods were performed for detection of catheter related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs). As compared with the DTP method (which detected 11 patients with CRBSI), the PNA FISH and the Gram/AOLC methods detected ten of 11 CRBSI patients, resulting in a sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value and positive predictive value of 91%, 100%, 97% and 100%, respectively, for the PNA FISH method as well as for the Gram/AOLC method.
It is assumed that protein fibrils manifested in amyloidosis result from an aggregation reaction involving small misfolded protein sequences being in an `oligomeric' or `prefibrillar' state. This review covers recent optical spectroscopic studies of amyloid protein misfolding, oligomerization and amyloid fibril growth. Although amyloid fibrils have been studied using established protein-characterization techniques throughout the years, their oligomeric precursor states require sensitive detection in real-time. Here, fluorescent staining is commonly performed using thioflavin T and other small fluorescent molecules such as 4-(dicyanovinyl)- julolidine and 1-amino-8-naphtalene sulphonate that have high affinity to hydrophobic patches. Thus, populated oligomeric intermediates and related `pre...
Contents: expansion of pc mill application to plate mill and tandem cold mill; application of cluster type rolling mill (cr mill) for rolling of special steel (illustration); development of on-line roll grinding system with profile meter; development of new type jet pickling; new technology in continuous annealing furnace (illustration); anti-seismic testing system by 3-dimensional shaking table; development of mitsubishi hybrid desulfurization system; field performance of 500 mw advanced coal fired supercritical pressure operation boiler for unit no. 1 of tsuruga thermal power station, hokuriku electric power co., inc.; development of electronically controlled cylinder liner lubrication system for marine diesel engines; prediction technology on steady-state and transient performance of multi-air conditioners; a knowledge-based system approach to the autonomous piloting and navigation control of ships.
Because of the equivalence principle, a global measurement is necessary to distinguish gravity from acceleration of the reference frame. A gravity gradiometer is therefore an essential instrument needed for precision tests of gravity laws and for applications in gravity survey and inertial navigation. Superconductivity and SQUID (superconducting quantum interference device) technology can be used to obtain a gravity gradiometer with very high sensitivity and stability. A superconducting gravity gradiometer has been developed for a null test of the gravitational inverse-square law and space-borne geodesy. Here we present a complete theoretical model of this instrument. Starting from dynamical equations for the device, we derive transfer functions, a common mode rejection characteristic, and an error model of the superconducting instrument. Since a gradiometer must detect a very weak differential gravity signal in the midst of large platform accelerations and other ...
The PSDE/SAT-2 multimission satellite designed to offer a flight opportunity to different experimental communication payloads and verify the feasibility of advanced space technologies is described. It was conceived for expriment in the framework of the European DRS (Data Relay Satellite) program thus providing intersatellite and interorbit communication links, but also experimental and preoperative services. Payloads include optical communication single access payload (LSA); S-Band single access payload; S-Band multiple access payload; land mobile experimental payload; navigation payload; 40/50 GHz communication payload; and millimeter wave propagation payload. The orbital slot and interference analysis identified a limited number of orbital positions for the mission interleaved between Eutelsat satellites (i.e., 14 deg 30 min E and 17 deg 30 min E). A coordination is required in Ku-Band with Eutelsat satellites and in Ka-Band with ITALSAT (Italy) and TOR-12 (USSR) ...
ANCAP (Government's Oil Company of Uruguay) owns a 4000 DWT oil coastal tanker which is mainly used for oil transport in the River Plate, Uruguay and Parana rivers. Availability of the ship is critical because of shortage of available vessels in the region. Full maximum draught of the vessel is 4m , so it can navigate in very shallow waters as it is the case of some places in the Uruguay and Parana rivers. Although the ship was built in 1979, it is a complete double hull, powered by two twin main engines and propellers. Since 1994, several changes in maintenance management have been introduced, in order to increase the availability, thus increasing the total oil volume yearly transported. These changes affected several maintenance items and they also included a modification in the design of part of the cargo tank floors of the ship. As a result of these changes, an increase of 60% of the oil derivatives volume transported yearly was achieved. In this ...
In this paper we argue that the set of wireless, mobile devices (e.g., portable telephones, tablet PCs, GPS navigators, media players) commonly used by human users enables the construction of what we term a digital ecosystem, i.e., an ecosystem constructed out of so-called digital organisms (see below), that can foster the development of novel distributed services. In this context, a human user equipped with his/her own mobile devices, can be though of as a digital organism (DO), a subsystem characterized by a set of peculiar features and resources it can offer to the rest of the ecosystem for use from its peer DOs. The internal organization of the DO must address issues of management of its own resources, including power consumption. Inside the DO and among DOs, peer-to-peer interaction mechanisms can be conveniently deployed to favor resource sharing and data dissemination. Throughout this paper, we show that most of the solutions and technologies needed to ...
There is increasing use of radiofrequency radiation (RFR) in industry for communications, welding, security, radio, medicine, navigation etc. It has been recognised for some years that RFR may interact with cardiac pacemakers and steps have been taken to prevent this interference. It is less well recognised that other metallic implants may also act as antennas in an RFR field and possibly cause adverse health effects by heating local tissues. There are a large and increasing number of implants having metal components which may be found in RFR workers. These implants include artificial joints, rods and plates used in orthopaedics, rings in heart valves, wires in sutures, bionic ears, subcutaneous infusion systems and (external) transdermal drug delivery patches"1. The physician concerned with job placement of such persons requires information on the likelihood of an implant interacting with RFR so as to impair health. The following outlines the approach developed in ...
We present two new techniques that enhance conventional focused ion beam (FIB) system capabilities for integrated circuit (IC) analysis: in situ electrical biasing and voltage contrast imaging. We have used in situ electrical biasing to enable a number of advanced failure analysis applications including (1) real time evaluation of device electrical behavior during milling and deposition, (2) verification of IC functional modifications without removal from the FIB system, and (3) ultraprecision control for cross sectioning of deep submicron structures, such as programmed amorphous silicon antifuses. We have also developed FIB system voltage contrast imaging that can be used for a variety of failure analysis applications. The use of passive voltage contrast imaging for defect localization and for navigation on planarized devices will be illustrated. In addition, we describe new, biased voltage contrast imaging techniques and provide examples of their application to ...
This paper explores the potential implications of climate change for the use and management of water resources in Britain. It is based on a review of simulations of changes in river flows, groundwater recharge and river water quality. These simulations imply, under feasible climate change scenarios, that annual, winter and summer runoff will decrease in southern Britain, groundwater recharge will be reduced and that water quality - as characterised by nitrate concentrations and dissolved oxygen contents - will deteriorate. In northern Britain, river flows are likely to increase throughout the year, particularly in winter. Climate change may lead to increased demands for water, over and above that increase which is forecast for non-climatic reasons, primarily due to increased use for garden watering. These increased pressures on the water resource base will impact not only upon the reliability of water supplies, but also upon navigation, aquatic ecosystems, ...
Objectives~%~~%~The practical exploitation of tidal stream energy is limited by man's activities in coastal waters: navigation, fishing and~%~leisure pursuits. It is important therefore to make the best use of the sites, which are available. The main objective of the~%~Proposed study is to assess the limits imposed by waves on the performance of tidal stream rotors, and to investigate way:~%~in which these limits might be related by refinements in rotor design and the control of openiting conditions. S~%~ [continued...]DescriptionHorizontal aids wind turbines have been recognised as one of the most successful renewable energy saving devices. The use of the similar concept as a 'tidy~%~~%~stream rotor' in offshore environment appears to be even more compelling. However, the application of this concept will require the confirmation of various operational and environmental limitations due to complexities o offshore environment ...
The radionuclide X-ray fluorescence and particle induced X-ray emission methods were used for rapid and nondestructive analysis of metallic glasses. The methods were compared for accuracy and precision with the atomic absorption method. Some results of the analyses of Fe_xNi_8_0_-_xB_2_0 materials are briefly reviewed. The distribution of elements along the width as well as the length and a qualitative analysis of the composition of material surfaces are considered. (author).
Radionuclide X-ray fluorescence and particle induced X-ray emission methods were used for a rapid and nondestructive analysis of metallic glasses. The methods are compared in accuracy and precision with the atomic absorption method. Some results of analyses of Fe_xNi_8_0_-_xB_2_0 materials are briefly reviewed. The distribution of elements along the width and length, and a qualitative analysis of the composition of material surfaces are considered. (author) 3 refs.
It is shown that it is necessary to take into account locality of the analysis and to introduce additional corrections for partial capture of matrix and fluorescent subexcitation by matrix during quantitative X-ray spectral microanalysis of finely dispersed materials. Cast two-phase (#alpha#+#beta#) titanium alloy VT3-1 is chosen as an investigation object.
Using bremsstrahlung, the resonance fluorescence yield has been measured for the 1.836-MeV 2/sup +//sub 1/ level in /sup 88/Sr. The observed yield corresponds to a level width GAMMA = 2.94 +- 0.15 meV.
When high-purity copper (≥99.98%wt) is melted, held in its liquid state for a few hours with iterative thermal cycling, then allowed to resolidify, the ingot surface is found to have...Full Text Available
The entrapment of proteins using the sol-gel route provides a means to retain its native properties and artificially reproduce the molecular crowding and confinement experienced by proteins in the cell allowing investigation of the physico-chemical and structural properties of biomolecules at the biotic/abiotic interface. The biomolecules are spatially separated and 'caged' in the gel structure but solutes can freely permeate the matrix. Thus, properties such as the folding of ensembles of individual molecules can be examined in the absence of aggregation effects that can occur in solution studies. Green fluorescent protein from Aequorea coerulescens was used as a model protein to examine the unfolding/re-folding properties of protein in silica gels. The recombinant protein was isolated and purified from Escherichia coli extracts by cell lysis, three-phase partitioning, dialysis, and anion exchange chromatography. The purity of the protein was ...
The standard deviation of measurement results of a given element in XRF spectrometry depends on three factors: concentration and concentration region, atomic number and matrix. The effects of these factors were investigated by an XRF instrument type ARL 72.000 for aluminium metal, bauxite-red mud and aluminium using computerized data processing. A comparison of linear and nonlinear relation between concentration and the result of XRF analysis was made for the determination of standard deviation. (R.P.).
The fluorescence, absorption, infrared and Raman spectra of Sm_3Ga_5O_1_2 have been investigated. The energy-level schemes in the energy range 3000-16000 cm"-"1 have been determined. The number and symmetries of the Sm_3Ga_5O_1_2 crystal normal mode have been obtained by the molecular site group analysis and their comparison with the experiment has been made.
The water soluble, photolabile nitrene precursor, azidonaphthalene-2,7-disulfonic acid (ANDS) was encapsulated in small unilamellar, isoelectric (egg PC) or negatively charged (egg PC + dihexadecylphosphate) liposomes. The individual and combined effects of heme-proteins and UV irradiation on the fluorescence of these vesicles under aerobic conditions were studied. Consistent with the catalytic action of heme-proteins on lipid peroxidation and peroxide decomposition, addition of cytochrome c (positively charged) or catalase (negatively charged) to the vesicles elicited immediate formation of a fluorescence band at 470 nm, characteristic of Schiff bases that form from aldehyde byproducts of decomposing hydroperoxides. Ultraviolet irradiation of liposomes caused no significant changes in the fluorescence spectrum, in spite of the radiolysis of ANDS inside the vesicles with consequent formation of nitrene radicals. When ...
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 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.
Determination of Cr, Fe, Cu, Zn and Pb in drinking water preconcentrated on a chelating ion exchanger of Czechoslovak production is described. The analytical system consisted of a radionuclide source "2"3"8Pu, a Si/Li semiconductor detector and a multichannel analyzer. Results are compared with trehshold limit values recommended for drinking water. (author) 9 refs.; 2 figs.
This volume of the monograph covers the following topics: activation analysis, non-activation interaction analysis (elastic scattering of charged particles, absorption and backscattering of beta radiation and photons, radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis, thermalization, scattering and absorption of neutrons, use of ionization caused by nuclear radiation, use of ionization by alpha or beta radiation for the measurement of pressure, density and flow rate of gases), and automation in radioanalytical chemistry. (P.A.).
An apparatus allowing the photoexcitation of barium atomic beam over its whole surface is described. This photoexcitation is achieved by another barium spectrum emitted up steam of the beam by a cathodic out-flow produced at the exit oven. The fluorescence spectrum is studied in detail as well as the influence of different parameters, such as oven temperature, current intensity of the outflow, and excitation depth. A calculation shows how to determine Einstein coefficient, oscillator strengths and atomic lifetimes from our experimental measurements.
Anti-TAG-72 monoclonal antibodies target the tumor-associated glycoprotein (TAG)-72 in various solid tumors. This study evaluated the use of anti-TAG-72 monoclonal antibodies, both murine CC49...Full Text Available
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.
Full text: Measurement of K_#beta# to K_#alpha# x-ray intensity ratios are important not only in the field of atomic physics, radiation physics and medical physics, but also to test the validity of assumptions made in the theoretical prediction. The intensity ratios can also give information on the effect of physical and chemical environment of the element in the compound. Many investigators have adopted a single and double reflection geometries to measure the K_#beta# to K_#alpha# x ray intensity ratios to understand the effect of physical and chemical environment on x-ray fluorescence. The targets are excited by a radioactive source of having activity of the order 100 MBq. in order to carry out accurate measurement K_#beta# to K_#alpha# x-ray intensity ratios, we have develop 2#pi# geometrical configuration method : placing a target right on the surface of the detector facing the target to measure the K shell fluorescence parameters such as ...
Values of frequency splittings in the lithium isotopes have been determined with the aid of laser-induced fluorescene in a supersonic beam, perpendicularly irradiated by a CW ring dye laser. The residual 2s-2p isotope shift has been found to bw 4721.8 +- 2.0 MHz, leading to a specific mass shift for the 2p level of -3610.8 +- 5 MHz.
Elements Ti, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, Br, Rb and Sr were determined by the method of radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis with semiconductor detection in samples of Taraxacum officinale from various localities of Bratislava. The dependence of their content on the source and the degree of the air pollution was found out.
Elements Ti, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, Br, Rb and Sr were determined by the method of radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis with semiconductor detection in samples of Taraxacum officinale from various localities of Bratislava. The dependence of their content on the source and the degree of the air pollution was found out. (author).
Fe, Mn, Ni, V, Ti and Mo were determined in aerosols from manual arc welding. Samples of welding aerosols were trapped on a Synpor 4 filter. The amount of determined elements in aerosols was detected using the method of radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis. A /sup 241/Am annular source was used as the source of excitation radiation and radiation was processed using a Si(Li) spectrometer.
Fe, Mn, Ni, V, Ti and Mo were determined in aerosols from manual arc welding. Samples of welding aerosols were trapped on a Synpor 4 filter. The amount of determined elements in aerosols was detected using the method of radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis. A "2"4"1Am annular source was used as the source of excitation radiation and radiation was processed using a Si(Li) spectrometer. (E.S.).
AbstractWe describe the fusion of enhanced green fluorescent protein to the C-terminus of the HsdS DNA sequence-specificity subunit of the Type I DNA modification methyltransferase M.EcoKI....Full Text Available
We have employed both 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and two intracellular fluorescent pH indicator dyes to monitor the pH of the vacuole and cytoplasm of suspension-cultured...Full Text Available
Radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis was used for the determination of Sr/Ca ratio in bones to test the influence of a diet on this ratio. Significant differences were observed for Sr/Ca ratio in bones of various animals. Only small differences in the Ca/Sr ratio were observed for the samples of various prehistoric human bones. (author) 4 refs.; 4 tabs.
Technological processes of welding are significant sources of pollution in the working area. Evaluation of chemical quality of working area was made by means of radionuclide x-ray fluorescence analysis and activation analysis with fast neutrons. Welding aerosols were sampled by filtration method on Synpor 4 membrane ultra-filters. For selected types of welding filter metals, determination of heavy metals in aerosols was performed. (author).
Technological processes of welding are significant sources of pollution in the working area. Evaluation of chemical quality of working area was made by means of radionuclide x-ray fluorescence analysis and activation analysis with fast neutrons. Welding aerosols were sampled by filtration method on Synpor 4 membrane ultra-filters. For selected types of welding filter metals, determination of heavy metals in aerosols was performed.
Radionuclide X-ray fluorescence method with a Si/Li semiconductor detector and "2"3"8Pu exciting source was used in the determination of Cr, Fe, Ni, Cu, and Zn content in industrial wastewaters. Simultaneously, the effects of the wastewaters on activated sludge biocenose were evaluated. (author) 6 refs.; 1 fig.; 1 tab.
Trace elements have been determined in biological samples including pepperwort, thyme, plantain, blessed thistle and common comfrey as well as cabbage leaves and milk powder. Concentrations of Al, Si, and Cl have been determined by fast neutron activation analysis while, in the case of Mg-, K, and Cl the X-ray fluorescence method was used.
A portable fiber optic detector that senses the presence of specific target chemicals by electrostatically attracting the target chemical to an aromatic compound coating on an optical fiber. Attaching the target chemical to the coated fiber reduces the fluorescence so that a photon sensing detector records the reduced light level and activates an appropriate alarm or indicator.
Methods of sample treatment in XRF analysis of hair are studied in view of the effect on analytical results. A new method is proposed based on the incomplete ashing of hair followed by pellet preparation. Its suitability is estimated on the XRF analysis of real hair samples collected from 4 healthy adults. (author) 12 refs.; 4 figs.; 1 tab.
An energy sensitive Si(Li) detector XRF analyzer built by ATOMKI, Hungary, has been applied for various analytical purposes in alumina production at the Almasfuezitoe Alumina Company, Hungary. Specifically, the CaO content in red mud was determined by the new XRF technique using isotope excitation sources. The analysis of other components is under way. (R.P.).
An energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence technique was used for the determination of Titanium (Ti) and Zirconium (Zr) in red mud by using a standard addition method. An annular {sup 241}Am source is employed for excitation of K shells of elements. 13 refs., 2 figs., 1 tab.
The nature of binding of Ru(phen) 2+ (I), Ru(bipy) 2+ (II), Ru(terpy) 2+ (III) (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, bipy 3 = 2,2'-bipyridyl, 3 terpy = 2,2'2," - 2 terpyridyl) to DNA, poly[d(G-C)] and poly[d(A-T)]...Full Text Available
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).
The first step in the protection of the environment is the control of pollutant level in the components of the environment. The application is compared of radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis (RXFA) used for this purpose with polarographic and nuclear analytical techniques. The advantage of RXFA is its high sensitivity and selectivity, its low time and cost exactingness. The origins and development of RXFA are described. (Ha).
Radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis is a method, which has many advantages for analysing various historic artefacts, as it is relatively cheap, sensitive and non-destructive, and it allows measurements in-situ. However, this analysis has also certain limitations especially concerning sensitivity to chemical elements only, irrespective of the compounds or chemical forms in which these elements have been bonded. In addition, light elements emitting very soft X-rays cannot be measured, and in order to detect a wide range of elements, it is necessary to carry out repeated measurements with different radiation sources. Despite these limitations, valuable information can be obtained about the composition of historic materials and data about the origin and age of these artefacts can be derived. Analyses of wall paintings, ancient metal sculptures or other objects of art provide the basis for historic considerations documented in our results for some objects belonging ...
Radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis is a method, which has many advantages for analysing various historic artefacts, as it is relatively cheap, sensitive and non-destructive, and it allows measurements in-situ. However, this analysis has also certain limitations especially concerning sensitivity to chemical elements only, irrespective of the compounds or chemical forms in which these elements have been bonded. In addition, light elements emitting very soft X-rays cannot be measured, and in order to detect a wide range of elements, it is necessary to carry out repeated measurements with different radiation sources. Despite these limitations, valuable information can be obtained about the composition of historic materials and data about the origin and age of these artefacts can be derived. Analyses of wall paintings, ancient metal sculptures or other objects of art provide the basis for historic considerations documented in our results for some objects belonging ...
We present a forward modelling technique for calculating the surface X-ray spectra for a variety of lunar terrains. Our calculations considered variations in solar fluxes from solar quiescent condition to large flare activity (M1 flare), and expected elemental concentrations in the target, as well as yield, instrumental, and viewing geometry parameters for X-ray induced fluorescence from the lunar surface. Additionally, we present estimates of anticipated XRF signals from prominent Ka lines observable by a collimated 14cm2 X-ray detector from a 100km lunar orbit with 20km spatial resolution. Our results show that Mg, Al and Si characteristic Ka lines can be observed for all solar conditions. The Ca Ka lines line can be differentiated from a fixed background during more energetic solar cond...
Anticancer drug thyotepa (10 mg/ kg) hormonal compound thyroxine (40 mg / kg) and D3 vitamin (30,000 IU / kg) have been administrated simply or associated to Wistar rats bearing Walker carcinosarcoma. The chromatin (the complex of DNA and proteins from nuclei) has been extracted from Walker tumor and submitted to fast neutron beams produced by deuterons (13 MeV) on thick Be target at an IPNE U-120 Cyclotron, in doses of 5-100 Gy. Thermal transition of chromatin fluorescence intensity of chromatin-ethidium bromide complexes and intrinsic fluorescence of chromatin have been analysed. Association of thiotepa with thyroxine and D3 vitamin produced a diminution of chromatin lesions induced by the cytostatic. Thus in the effects of fast neutrons radiolysis in chromatin significant differences occurred. These results could help to improve the methodology of associated chemotherapy-radiotherapy in clinical applications. (author).
Radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis and fast neutron activation analysis were used for the determination of chromium. The excitation source for X-ray fluorescence analysis was a ring-shaped "2"4"1Am source with an activity of 18.5x10"9 Bq. SYNPOR filters of 35 mm in diameter were used for the measurement. The 5.414 keV Cr peak was measured with a Si(Li) detector. The sensitivity was 0.05 mg for a period of measurement of 1000 s. A neutron generator with an emission of 10"9 s"-"1 was used as the source of fast neutrons. "5"2V and "5"3V, the products of nuclear reaction with Cr, were measured gamma spectrometrically with a Ge(Li) detector. The sensitivity for Cr is 0.015 mg, in the presence of Mn which causes interference the sensitivity is a mere 0.075 mg. The mentioned methods were used to determine total Cr and Cr(VI) in welding aerosols. It was found that the most toxic form, i.e., Cr(VI), is released during manual arc welding of high ...
A 'Laboratory of Quantitative Methods in Monument Research' is being built at the CTU Prague. Its primary orientation is the investigation of historic architecture, although other objects of art can also be investigated. In the first phase, two radiation methods are being established, but it is set up in such a way, that various other methods can readily be added in its future development. The radiation methods chosen for the initial development of the laboratory are: thermoluminescence dating and X-ray fluorescence analysis. The design of the automated TL-reader, built in our laboratories, is adjusted for the purpose of dating of historic brick architecture (which, of course, does not exclude applications for ceramics and other materials). The investigation of renaissance architecture in southern Bohemia and Moravia is under preparation as the first large campaign of this kind in the Czech Republic. Radionuclide X-ray ...
A 'Laboratory of Quantitative Methods in Monument Research' is being built at the CTU Prague. Its primary orientation is the investigation of historic architecture, although other objects of art can also be investigated. In the first phase, two radiation methods are being established, but it is set up in such a way, that various other methods can readily be added in its future development. The radiation methods chosen for the initial development of the laboratory are: thermoluminescence dating and X-ray fluorescence analysis. The design of the automated TL-reader, built in our laboratories, is adjusted for the purpose of dating of historic brick architecture (which, of course, does not exclude applications for ceramics and other materials). The investigation of renaissance architecture in southern Bohemia and Moravia is under preparation as the first large campaign of this kind in the Czech Republic. Radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis has ...
4,4'-bis(N-carbazolyl)tolan (BCT) and 4,4'-bis[N-(3,6-di-t-butyl)carbazolyl]tolan (BCT-t-Bu) were synthesized as ?-expanded analogs of 4,4'-bis(N-carbazolyl)biphenyl. Their photophysical characteristics both in solution and films were thoroughly investigated. Interestingly, the phosphorescence spectrum of BCT was significantly medium-dependent, and the emission maximum was red-shifted by 131 nm from 489 nm in solution at 77 K to 620 nm in a deposited film at 5 K, suggesting the presence of strong intermolecular interactions in the film. BCT and BCT-t-Bu were found to be useful as host materials for fluorescence-based organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). However, their low triplet energy levels in films negated their potential to act as hosts in phosphorescence-based OLEDs. - Research highlights: ? We synthesized N-carbazolyl-tolan derivatives (BCT) as ?-expanded analogues of CBP. ? We found that BCT derivatives are useful as host materials for ...
The fluorescent behaviour and the photodynamic effect was studied in native and structurally modified lysozyme and ..cap alpha..-lactalbumin. The Tyr residues in lysozyme and ..cap alpha..-lactalbumin show different sensitivities to the photodynamic effect. The effect is zero in the case of Tyr from native lysozyme. In contrast, the Tyr residues in ..cap alpha..-lactalbumin are susceptible to photooxidation, which indicates a greater degree of exposure to the solvent. The three His residues of ..cap alpha..-lactalbumin have different degrees of exposure and show two different kinetics of photooxidation whereas the His residue of lysozyme is photooxidized with a single kinetic. Two photooxidation kinetics were obtained for the Trp residues of both native proteins, an indication that in both cases there are Trp residues that are differently exposed to the solvent. The wavelengths of maximum fluorescent emission of the Trp residues were different ...
A brief comparative review of possible mercury free fluorescent lighting technologies is presented, including rare-gas positive column discharges, molecular discharges, and dielectric barrier discharges. Detailed experimental results on xenon positive column discharges will then be considered. In order to judge whether xenon-based discharges are a viable UV source it is necessary to measure the radiant emittance (power per unit area) for the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) resonance xenon emission at 147 nm. Two techniques to determine the VUV radiant emittance have been developed and applied to xenon discharges. One method combines the measured resonance level density using absorption spectroscopy and a calculation of the trapped decay rate for the resonance radiation to arrive at the radiant emittance at 147 nm. A second method utilizes a direct measurement of the radiance (power per unit area per unit solid angle) at 147 nm using a calibrated VUV photodiode, and a ...
The design of a gaging head for a portable radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analyzer is described. The gaging head is designed as a construction unit system which enables the application of lateral reflexion geometry as well as of coaxial geometry. It is designed so that adjustment from one geometry to the other is labour and time saving. The selection of characteristic radiation is performed by a couple of Ross' differential filters. These filters are prepared by a novel technique developed by our laboratory. The filter exchange is effected by the longitudinal move of the couple of filters encapsulated in a holder. The shift of the filters is controlled by means of a triggering mechanism situated in the body of the gaging head handle. This design makes is possible to handle the gaging head during measurements with one hand. A simple interchange of the absorption filter for the transmissive filter allows the operator to avoid any unwanted shift of the head during ...
The L shell fluorescence cross-sections of the elements in range 45Z50 have been determined at 8keV using Synchrotron radiation. The individual L X-ray photons, Ll, La, LbI, LbII, LgI and LgII produced in the target were measured with high resolution Si(Li) detector. The experimental set-up provided a low background by using linearly polarized monoenergetic photon beam, improving the signal-to-noise ratio. The experimental cross-sections obtained in this work were compared with available experimental data from Scofield [1,2] Krause [3,4] and Scofield and Puri et al. [5,6]. These experimental values closely agree with the theoretical values calculated using Scofield and Krause data, except for the case of Lg, where values measured of this work are slighter higher.
Reaction of formation of 3, 5, 7, 3', 4', 5' - hexaoxiflavone - myricetin complexes with zirconium and hafnium ions has been the basis for development of luminescent method of determining these elements. Optimum conditions for complexing have been determined. For Hf they are : 8-9 HCl concentration, maximum fluorescence wave length (lambda fl.)of 520 nm, wave length of exciting light (lambda el) of 436 nm, for Zr lambda fl = 536nm, lambda el = 436 nm. Stable fluorescence establishes after 25 min. for Zr and after 15 min for Hf in the presence of 40% ethanol. Usage of various camouflage agents has permitted to attain high selectivity of the method. Possibility for determination of Zr with myricetin in the presence of a 10-time excess of Hf, Cr, Cu, 50-time excess of Mo and Ti is shown. Sensitivity of Zr determination is 2.0x10 #mu#g"-"2/ml, for Hf it is 9.0x10 #mu#g"-"3 and mineral waters.
Genetic mapping is approached using the techniques of high resolution fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). This technology and the results of its application are designed to rapidly generate whole genome as tool box of expressed sequence to speed the identification of human disease genes. The results of this study are intended to dovetail with and to link the results of existing technologies for creating backbone YAC and genetic maps. In the first eight months, this approach generated 60--80% of the expressed sequence map, the remainder expected to be derived through more long-term, labor-intensive, regional chromosomal gene searches or sequencing. The laboratory has made significant progress in the set-up phase, in mapping fetal and adult brain and other cDNAs, in testing a model system for directly linking genetic and physical maps using FISH with small fragments, in setting up a database, and in establishing the validity and throughput of the system.
A highly efficiency partial smoothing method is proposed to be used for inverters for 40W class household fluorescent inverters. In this system, the input current from the commercial AC power source is accumulated in a capacitor with comparatively small capacity as the electric charge, and then the lamp circuit is driven by the inverter utilizing the charging voltage of the capacitor and the charging voltage of the separately prepared partial smoothing capacitor. By this method, the RF harmonic components in the supply current can be decreased to improve the power factor with no complicated feedback controlling device. In addition, comparatively small capacity coils and capacitors can be used. The structure of the circuit and the operation of this proposed method are described, and the operational characteristic of the prototype circuit and the result of analysis are shown. Furthermore, problems and improving method of the actual circuit are investigated by an ...
Focused-ion beam (FIB) milling provides rapid fabrication of individual cylindrical submicrometer channels with reproducible dimensions (#+-#5% diameters) through 8-#mu#m thick poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) films. PMMA films are spincast on sacrificial Si carriers and sputter-coated with Au before the 30-kV gallium FIB milling process. By adding a trace amount of poly(ethyleneoxide) and poly(dimethylsiloxane) to the PMMA solution before casting, the films can be released for subsequent mounting in microfluidic devices to create hybrid microfluidic-nanofluidic multilevel architectures. In situ FIB sectioning demonstrates the smooth cylindrical surface within the pore. Placing a milled film in contact with an aqueous fluorescein solution fills the channel by capillary action, as verified by confocal fluorescence microscopy. Confocal fluorescence of dyed films reveals that the pores span the thickness of the PMMA film. Small arrays of channels ...
The lidar group in Lund has performed many DIAL measurements with a mobile lidar system that was first described in 1987. The lidar system is based on a Nd:YAG-pumped dye laser. During the last few years the lidar group has focused on fluorescence imaging and mercury measurements in the troposphere. In 1994 we performed two campaigns: one fluorescence imaging measurement campaign outside Avignon, France and one unique lidar campaign at a mercury mine in Almaden, Spain. Both campaigns are described in this thesis. This thesis also describes how the mobile lidar system was updated with the graphical programming language LabVIEW to obtain a user friendly lidar system. The software controls the lidar system and analyses measured data. The measurement results are shown as maps of species concentration. All electronics and the major parts of the program are described. A new graphical technique to estimate wind speed from plumes is also discussed. ...
The determination of small amounts of elements by radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis is described. Samples containing 5x10"-"4 to 5x10"-"6 g of elements were fixed on a suitable carrier. For a coaxial configuration a low-energy source of the #gamma#/X type was used, namely an annular "2"4"1Am/Ag source with an activity of 7.4x10"8 s"-"1 (20 mCi), and for a configuration with side reflection source of the #beta#/X type was used, namely "1"4"7Pm/Sm with the activity of Pm(OH)_3 approximately 3.7x1O"1"0 s"-"1 (1 Ci). Cs, Ba, La, Pr, Nd, and Ag were determined by means of the Ksub(#alpha#) line and Hg, W, Er, and Pr by means of the Lsub(#alpha#) line. For all elements studied a detection limit of the order of 10"-"7 g was achieved. (author).
Purpose: To describe the clinical aspects and evaluate optical coherence tomography of macular microholes. Methods: Seven patients were assessed (8 eyes) with microholes of the macula. All patients underwent complete eye examination, fundus photography, fluorescent angiography and OCT-3 imaging. Results: Ages ranged from 26 to 69 years. Six patients were female (85.7%) and five of them had microhole in the right eye. The presenting symptom was decrease in visual acuity (71.3%) and central scotoma in (14.3%). Five eyes (71.4%) had no defects shown by fluorescent angiography. A defect in the outer retina was demonstrated in all eyes on optical coherence tomography. The lesions were nonprogressive. Conclusion: Macular microholes are small lamellar defects in the outer retina. The condition is nonprogressive, generally unilateral and compatible with good visual acuity. Fundus biomicroscopy associated with an optical coherence tomography are the ...
Atomic oxygen is measured in a pulsed dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) using two-photon absorption laser-induced fluorescence (TALIF). The ground-level atomic oxygen is excited to the 3p "3P state by two-photon absorption at 226 nm. Negative (-40 kV) or positive (+30 kV) pulsed DBD occurs in an O_2-N_2 mixture at atmospheric pressure. The pulse width of the DBD current is approximately 50 ns. The TALIF experiment shows that the decay rate of atomic oxygen increases linearly with O_2 concentration. This result proves that atomic oxygen decays mainly by the third-body reaction, O + O_2 + M #-># O_3 + M. The rate coefficient of the third-body reaction is estimated to be 2.2 x 10"-"3"4 cm"6 s"-"1 in the negative DBD and 0.89 x 10"-"3"4 cm"6 s"-"1 in the positive DBD. It is shown that the decay rate of atomic oxygen increases linearly with humidity. This can explain the well-known fact that ozone production in DBD is suppressed by increasing humidity.
The fluorescence, absorption, infrared and Raman spectra of Sm/sub 3/Ga/sub 5/O/sub 12/ have been investigated. The energy-level schemes in the energy range 3000-16000 cm/sup -1/ have been determined. The number and symmetries of the Sm/sub 3/Ga/sub 5/O/sub 12/ crystal normal mode have been obtained by the molecular site group analysis and their comparison with the experiment has been made.
The purpose of this work is to present a comprehensive, instructive analysis of the basis of radionuclide XRFA, to describe methods of sample preparation for environmental analysis and to make the reader more familiar with the procedures, methods and instrumentation of radionuclide XRFA used in this field. This book discusses the use of radionuclide XRFA for solving analytical problems of the environment and information is presented concerning the current state of research and use of radionuclide XRFA in this significant area. The present volume will serve as a basic source of data and also as a laboratory handbook. refs.; figs.; tabs.
The theory of spontaneous decay is studied using both quantum electrodynamics (QED) and semiclassical theories of radiation. There are qualitative differences between the theories in the prediction of interference phenomena. In QED, systems which were excited with pulsed laser light do not exhibit quantum interference effects associated with lower state splittings. On the other hand, semiclassical treatments of spontaneous decay do indicate the existence of interference effects not present in QED. In addition to this, differences are found between the predictions of fluorescence intensity in the presence of lower-state level crossings under continuous excitation. (U.S.).
We have prepared a series of novel gemini surfactants having ester bonds in their structures. These surfactants possess two identical hydrophilic polyethylene glycol moieties, two hydrophobic alkyl group moieties, and an anionic spacer. The structures of these compounds were confirmed through infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic and elemental analyses. The novel gemini surfactants exhibit excellent surface activity in terms of their surface tension, low-foaming, wetting power, and fluorescence properties. The presence of the ester linkages made these structures cleavable surfactants.
The principle is described of a method using low-activity emitters as the primary radiation source for analysis. The selection of the radiation source and the detection methods including the assessment of the applicability of various radiation detectors are discussed. The benefits and the constraints of the method are considered. Practical examples are presented showing the application possibilities of the method for testing the thickness of bearing layers, piston ring coats, lead layers, etc. The possibility is shown of applying the rapid test for the composition of tungsten and chromium alloyed metal materials in testing complex systems. (J.K.).
A new coumarin-based sensor molecule (L1) has been synthesized and this was found to bind calcium and magnesium ions more effectively as compared to other alkali/alkaline earth/lanthanide and certain transition metal ions. A significant enhancement in fluorescence intensity was observed on binding to Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions; while a minor quenching was observed for weakly bound Hg2+, Ni2+, Fe3+, and Co2+ ions. PET process, coupled with the ICT process, is proposed to explain the observed spectral response.
Reliable facility of cyclotron-based real time neutron radiography system has been developed and applied to some industrial components. The equipment for neutron fluoroscopy is based on a sub-compact cyclotron and a LiF/ZnS (Ag) fluorescent screen viewed by a silicon intensifier target TV camera. The real time image is monitored on a CRT, recorded with a standard video recorder and processed by a digital image processor. The effectiveness of our real time neutron radiograph has been demonstrated to be applicable to not only the dynamic observation but also the magnifying and stereoscopic observation of fluoroscopic images. (author).
Radionuclide x-ray fluorescence analysis was used for the determination of Fe, Zn, Br and Rb levels in whole blood from dilated cardiomyopathy patients and from a control group. The XRF-system consisted of a radionuclide source "1"0"9Cd, a semiconductor Si/Li detector connected to a multichannel analyzer. Fe content in blood of patients was significantly lower than that of the control. Zn content showed no deviation from normal range. Values for Br and Rb in patients highly exceed the range reported for them. (author) 4 tabs.; 9 refs.
Scientists at JPL have developed chemical and biological techniques using microspheres filled with drugs, electron-opaque metals, or radioactive, fluorescent, magnetic or electrically charged materials to label specific groups of cells. Synthetic polymeric microspheres are coupled with specific antibodies to form reagents called immunomicrospheres, which can seek out and attach themselves to any specific group of cells. These cell-labeling techniques, therefore, open new avenues not only to the basic study of cells but also to the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases, including cancer.
Lanthanide-ion doped oxide nanoparticles were functionalized for use as fluorescent biological labels. These nanoparticles are synthesized directly in water which facilitates their functionalization, and are very photostable without emission intermittency. Nanoparticles functionalized with guanidinium groups act as artificial toxins and specifically target sodium channels. They are individually detectable in cardiac myocytes, revealing a heterogeneous distribution of sodium channels. Functionalized oxide nanoparticles appear as a novel tool particularly well adapted to long-term single-molecule tracking.
Flow cytogenetics is a rapidly developing technology which complements rather than supplants the traditional methods of cytogenetic analysis. As an adjunctive approach to chromosome classification, flow systems measurements of isolated chromosomes give new information relative to the enrichment of A-T or G-C base sequences on specific chromosomes. As a result, chromosomal fluorescence polymorphisms both within and among individuals that are not always associated with banding polymorphisms can be detected. Finally, flow sorting provides bulk quantities of highly purified chromosomes for use in biochemical studies. Methodology is detailed. (PSB)
A calculation method of the X-ray radiation dose (energy of gamma- radiation remains in the range of energies where the mechanism of photoelectric absorption is the prevailing one) absorbed in the absorbers of final thickness is suggested. Calculations of resorption of secondary radiation (characteristic fluorescences) in the substance and kinetic energy of photoelectrons caused by this resorption (it would be enough to consider one or two hard series) are presented. Calculation of the spectrum of photoelectron energy yield in TeInSe_2 monocrystal for 0.1-0.5 A range of X-ray radiation is conducted by the developed methods.
The elemental analysis of some plant samples have been carried out in Trabzon region (Turkey) using energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometry. We have analyzed plant samples for nine stations using 1.85 GBq 55Fe radioactive sources. We have found that potassium and calcium within 0.3-1.4% and 0.3-2.8% were present in concentration in plants for every station, respectively. The concentration of Cl and Ti generally changed according to the plant species and the sampling station.
The results of the study of dimensionally dependent fluorescence of boron difluoride ?-diketonates of general formula (R1COCHCOR2)BF2 are presented. The fact that for most of the compounds studied a noticeable hypsochrome shift of the luminescence band maximum is characteristic during transition from bulk crystals to microcrystals was detected. However, for boron difluoride dibenzoylmethanate having a unique supramolecular structure, a bathochromic shift of luminescence due to the crustal size reduction is observed. The dimensionally dependent luminescence properties of the complexes have been analyzed within the exciton mechanism
In November 1977, 627 soldiers belonging primarily to the First Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division, stationed at Fort Bragg, were sent to the Canal Zone, Panama, for jungle warfare training. A medical surveillance program incorporating pre- and post-evaluations over a 6-month period with dermatologic examinations, questionnaires, and serologic tests was established. Ten cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis (1.6/100 men) were diagnosed by positive Leishmania culture. The demonstrated lack of sensitivity and specificity of the indirect fluorescent antibody test and the direct agglutination test render these serological methods useless as diagnostic screening methods in the early stages of this disease. PMID:7406101
Ion-photon and ion-Auger-electron coincidence measurements have been performed to study the impact parameter dependence of Xe M-shell excitation in 1.05 MeV Xe/sup 3 +/-Xe collisions. The experimental results are found to be consistent with the prediction of the molecular orbital model of atomic collisions. The average fluorescence yield for the Xe M shell is found to be strongly dependent on the impact parameter. This is ascribed to the production of highly charged Xe ions in close collisions.
Human BTEB cDNA clones have been isolated, sequenced, and the corresponding gene has been assigned to human chromosome 9, region q13, by fluorescent in situ hybridization and DNA blot analysis using DNAs from hybrid cell clones containing a single human chromosome. The cDNA clone encodes a polypeptide of 244 amino acids whose sequence shows a high sequence similarity with the rat BTEB (98% amino acid identity).
The use of the method is described on powder samples before and after sintering with a La content of up to 1%. For excitation of the K series of La a /sup 241/Am source with an activity of 1.11 GBq was used. The obtained results showed that the method is sufficiently accurate (error 7%) at a short period of measurement (100 s). It gives satisfactory results even in the comparison of the experimental relative count rate and the theoretically calculated value despite the fact that the analytical signal comes from the sample surface.
The use of the method is described on powder samples before and after sintering with an La content of up to 1%. For excitation of the K series of La a _2_4_1Am source with an activity of 1.11 GBq was used. The obtained results showed that the method is sufficiently accurate (error 7%) at a short period of measurement (100 s). It gives satisfactory results even in the comparison of the experimental relative count rate and the theoretically calculated value despite the fact that the analytical signal comes from the sample surface. (Ha).
With the mentioned method to analyse O-tyrosine with HPLC/fluorescence-detection, the irradiation of chicken meat can be determined in a simple and fast way. The formation of o-tyrosine is proportional to the applied dose but because it is also depending on the applied dose rate and the temperature during the irradiation, it is not possible to control the irradiation dose. Since unirradiated chicken can contain little amounts of o-tyrosine and to confirm some results, a second method is needed. Together with one of the other mentioned methods (analysis of the volatiles or esr-spectroscopy) it is possible to recognize irradiated chicken with a high security. (author).
CH Cygni is a symbiotic star consisting of an M giant and an accreting white dwarf, which is known to be a highly variable X-ray source with a complex, two-component, spectra. Here we report on two Suzaku observations of CH Cyg, taken in 2006 January and May, during which the system was seen to be in a soft X-ray bright, hard X-ray faint state. Based on the extraordinary strength of the 6.4 keV fluorescent Fe K-alpha line, we show that the hard X-rays observed with Suzaku are dominated by scattering.
We have implemented a virtual Young's double slit experiment for hard X-ray photons with micro-fabricated bi-prisms. We observe fringe patterns with a scintillator, and quantify interferograms by detecting X-ray fluorescence from a scanned 30nm Cr metal film. The observed intensities are best modeled with a near-field, Fresnel analysis. The maximum fringe number in the overlap region is proportional to the ratio of real to imaginary parts refractive index of the prism material. The horizontal and vertical transverse coherence lengths at beamline APS 8-ID are measured.
Examples are given of reference materials for radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis (RXFA) of the environment processed by the National Bureau of Standards and the IAEA. Methods are described used for preparing standard materials for RXFA. For determining air pollutants the sample is prepared by dry or wet mineralization. Water samples have to be preserved prior to analysis. Insoluble components are separated by filtration or centrifugation. Biological materials must be dehydrated and homogenized. Samples of soil, sludges, sediments and solid wastes will sometimes have to be converted into a solution in some cases a leachate will have to be obtained. (ES).
The photophysical investigation of different para-substituted tetraphenylporphyrins (TP), viz., meso-tetra(4'-hydroxyphenyl)-21H-23H-porphyrin(1),meso-tetrakis (4'-hex-5-enyloxyphenyl)-21H-23H-porphyrin(2), meso-tetrakis(4'-oct-7-enyloxyphenyl)-21H-23H-porphyrin(3) and meso-tetrakis(4'-undecyloxyphenyl)-21H-23H-porphyrin (4) revealed that except for quantum yield (#phi#) the para-substitution has little effect on any other photophysical properties like lifetime, excitation, emission wavelength, etc. The host-guest type interactions of these tetraarylporphyrins (TP 1-4), with [60]-fullerene (F) have been studied with "1H NMR and fluorescence spectrometric techniques in carbon tetrachloride medium. Fluorescence studies revealed that the Q band of the TPs was sufficiently quenched upon addition of F. All the fullerene/porphyrin systems were found to produce stable complexes with 1:1 stoichiometry. Binding constants (K) of all the ...
Two candidate small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) corresponding to severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV) spike gene were designed and in vitro transcribed to explore the possibility of silencing SARS-CoV S gene. The plasmid pEGFP-optS, which contains the codon-optimized SARS-CoV S gene and expresses spike-EGFP fusion protein (S-EGFP) as silencing target and expressing reporter, was transfected with siRNAs into HEK 293T cells. At various time points of posttransfection, the levels of S-EGFP expression and amounts of spike mRNA transcript were detected by fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, Western blot, and real-time quantitative PCR, respectively. The results showed that the cells transfected with pEGFP-optS expressed S-EGFP fusion protein at a higher level compared with those transfected with pEGFP-S, which contains wildtype SARS-CoV spike gene sequence. The green fluorescence, mean ...
A simple and rapid laser fluorometric determination of trace and ultra trace level of uranium in a wide variety of low uranium content materials like soil, basic and ultra basic rocks, plant ash, coal fly ash and red mud samples is described. Interference studies of some common major, minor and trace elements likely to be present in different geological materials on uranium fluorescence are studied using different fluorescence enhancing reagents like sodium pyrophosphate, orthophosphoric acid, penta sodium tri-polyphosphate and sodium hexametaphosphate. The accurate determination of very low uranium content samples which are rich in iron, manganese and calcium, is possible only after the selective separation of uranium. Conditions suitable for the quantitative single step extraction of 25 ng to 20 #mu#g uranium with tri-n-octylphosphine oxide and single step quantitative stripping with dilute neutral sodium pyrophosphate, which also acts as ...
Ratiometric fluorescent dyes are often used to monitor free ion concentrations in vivo, especially in cells that are recalcitrant to transformation with genetically encoded fluorescent markers. Although intracellular dye distributions are often found to be cytosolic, dye localisation has often not been examined in detail. We began exploring the use of BCECF (2',7'-bis(2-carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein) to monitor pH in the giant alga Chara australis and discovered that younger leaf cells could be loaded using the acetoxymethyl ester of BCECF. However, we were puzzled to find in microphotometric measurements that the fluorescence ratio appeared insensitive to manipulations affecting cytosolic pH. Confocal imaging of C. australis cells loaded with BCECF showed an accumulation of the dye in two locations: (1) on the outside of the chloroplasts in irregularly shaped stationary bodies; (2) within 1-1.5 mum structures that ...
M-shell x-ray production cross sections for selected heavy elements, namely, _7_2Hf, _7_3Ta, _7_4W, _7_5Re, _7_6Os, _7_7Ir, _7_8Pt, _7_9Au, _8_3Bi, and _9_0Th, were measured for protons of energy 0.6--4.0 MeV. The experimental results are compared with the predictions of the first Born and semiclassical approximations for M-shell ionization; these data are also compared with the theory that accounts for the projectile's energy loss and Coulomb deflection as well as for the target's M-shell electron perturbed stationary state and relativistic nature (ECPSSR). Generally, fair agreement between the data and the ECPSSR theory is found. Some systematical discrepancies observed for the lightest elements (Hf, Ta, and W) are explained as possible ambiguities in the M-shell Coster-Kronig factors and fluorescence yields, which were used to convert theoretical M-subshell ionization cross sections to the total M-x-ray production cross sections. The experimental total M-shell ...
?-Y(IO3)3 and ?-Y(IO3)3 are transparent until 12.8 and 13.4 ?m, respectively; thus they are interesting as a potential laser matrix in the mid- and beginning of the far-infrared. So, in order to investigate the properties of lanthanides- doped anhydrous yttrium iodate, polycrystalline samples of ?-Y1-xNdx(IO3)3 (0.01?x?0.05), ?-Y1-xNdx(IO3)3 (0.001?x?0.1), ?-Y1-xYbx(IO3)3 (0.01?x?0.33) and ?-Y1-xYbx(IO3)3 (0.01?x?0.25) were synthesized. For Nd3+ ions, fluorescent emissions from the 4F3/2 multiplet were observed at 300 K under pulsed laser excitations at 750 nm and for Yb3+, fluorescent emissions from the 2F5/2 multiplet were observed at 300 K under pulsed laser excitations at 980 nm. The decays of all these emissions were measured. They are exponential and the fluorescence lifetimes are in the range 0.093-0.193 ms for Nd3+ and 0.370-0.541 ms for Yb3+, depending on the nature of the host and the concentration of doping.
A simple and specific method has been developed for the simultaneous determination of the four major Cinchona alkaloids and their dihydroderivatives and pyridoxine hydrochloride (Vitamin B_6) by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection (#lambda#_e_m=420 nm with #lambda#_e_x=330 nm). The chromatographic separation was performed on a Phenomenex Prodigy ODS column (5 #mu#m, 250 mmx3.2 mm i.d.), recommended for basic compounds, under isocratic reversed-phase conditions. The method allowed a good peak shape and an effective resolution of the tested compounds. The extraction of alkaloids from the Cinchona succirubra bark was carried out in mild and fast conditions (ambient temperature, 20 min) by ultrasonication. The procedure showed to be advantageous respect to a reference method, which involved Soxhlet extraction. The results were compared statistically by means of the Student's t-test and the variance ratio F-test; no significant ...
The large aggregating proteoglycan aggrecan is a major structural component of the extracellular matrix of articular cartilage. Recent cDNA cloning of the human aggrecan gene (AGC1) reveals a core protein of at least 2316 amino acids characterized by several distinct structural domains. Two globular domains, termed G1 and G2, are present at the amino terminus of the molecule and a third, termed G3, is present at the carboxy terminus. The G1 domain is homologous in structure to the cartilage link protein and accounts for the aggregating potential of aggrecan through its ability to interact with hyaluronic acid. The aggrecan gene is known to consist of 15 exons, with each exon encoding a distinct functional region of the mature protein. However, while the link protein gene is known to reside on chromosome 5 in the human, the location of the aggrecan gene is currently undetermined in any species. The probe (pAGG2) for the aggrecan gene was mapped on chromosome band 15q26, most likely in ...
The Advanced Photon Source consists of five accelerators. The injection timing system provides the signals required to cause a bunch emitted from the electron gun to navigate through intermediate accelerators to a specific bucket (1 out of 1296) within the storage ring. Two linacs and a positron accumulator ring operate at 60Hz while a booster synchrotron ramps and injects into the storage ring at 2Hz. The distributed, modular VME/VXI-based injection timing system is controlled by two EPICS-based input/output controllers (IOCs). Over 40 VME/VXI cards have been developed to implement the system. Card types range from 352MHz VXI timing modules to VME-based fiber optic fanouts and logic translators/drivers. All timing is distributed with fiber optics. Timing references are derived directly from machine low-level rf of 9.77MHz and 352MHz. The timing references provide triggers to programmable delay generators. Three grades of timing are provided. Precision timing is ...
The recently completed ''Deep River Study, Lower Mississippi River'' sponsored by the ''Governor's Task Force on Deep-Draft Vessel Access to the Lower Mississippi River'' contained the following recommended program: Dredge the present 40 foot deep channel to 45 feet initially from the Gulf via Southwest Pass to Mile 172 AHP to provide for two-way navigation of the deep draft vessels that would serve the forecasted most likely level of waterborne commerce (Alternative 9). Plan and seek authorization to further deepen the channel in stages to 55 feet in the future should actual increases in commerce equal the high level level of commerce (Alternative 11). Put into operation, as soon as possible, facilities for loading and topping-off grain ships midstream and topping-off coal carriers in the Gulf in order to attract and establish patterns of trade in large ships. The South Pass Bulk ...
Promoted as the first academic conference to be held completely in graphical cyberspace, Avatars 98 took place in November 1998. The virtual conference site was built and inhabited using software that supports multi-party presence over the Internet in a simulated, navigable environment. During the conference, avatar-embodied speakers using text chat performed to virtual audiences, 'webcams' (re)broadcast live video images of CNN and other remote sites, and a 'webcast' sent audiovisual representations captured by video camera of certain key participants in their physical locations. Such a novel and spectacular multi-media event raises many questions. How do we conceive of the recent developments in media technology and social computing that are impacting on what we have traditionally called 'the mass media'? How is interaction and talk mediated and adapted to new media genres? And how do participants construct and maintain senseful talk in a sometimes bewildering, ...
This paper examines the technological, socio-economic and environmental feasibility of a proposal to strengthen the Italian commercial coastal shipping system as an alternative to bolstering existing road transport facilities in order to meet the requirements of increased trade in the new European free market. This prospect is of special importance to Italy due to its long coastlines. The principal elements taken into account are: investment capital, labour and energy requirements. The study first examines the supply and demand dynamics of the European transport system. Here, attention is given to energy consumption. This examination is followed by a review of the European situation with regard to normatives governing navigation and customs duties. Road, rail and maritime transport costs are compared, and an assessment is made of the economic feasibility of an integrated-means system of transport involving the coordinated use of special containers, tractor-trailers ...
Dams and reservoirs are among one of the most sensitive of all development Project, in terms of pervasiveness of their influence in altering the environmental conditions and resources. In the present study, major dams and reservoir projects are reviewed, from the environmental point of view. Dams and Reservoir projects bring about major changes in the immediate environment, thus affecting public health, settlements, farmlands, roads and historical sites. Impacts on human population and wildlife may be profound. Tropical diseases, involving fresh-water hosts or vectors in their transmission, are often common around new reservoirs. Large lakes create limnological changes, excessive evaporation, seepage, disturbance in water-table and increased tendencies of landslides and earthquakes. Micro climatic changes are possible, such as fog formation, increased cloudiness and modified rainfall-patterns. Retention of sediment results in silting up of reservoirs. Water shortages on mountain rivers ...
The biological literature is huge and increasingly moving to electronic form. By developing a variety of new techniques, it should be possible to take advantage of this huge and growing electronic store. Computers should allow one to use the literature with greater efficiency and insight to disseminate information and to advance scientific understanding. Though there is a great deal of research and development effort focused on electronic text, e.g., the Digital Libraries initiative, little attention has been paid to the diagrammatic content of documents. However, it is common knowledge among biologists, and scientists in general, that the figures in documents are of critical importance. Little work has been done to develop principles and systems for analyzing, representing, and indexing and searching the diagrammatic content of electronic documents. This has been the main thrust of this research project. The primary work in the world on the analysis of graphics in documents has been ...
Richmond Harbor is on the eastern shoreline of central San Francisco Bay and its access channels and several of the shipping berths are no longer wide or deep enough to accommodate modem deeper-draft vessels. The Water Resources Development Act of 1986 (PL99-662) authorized the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), San Francisco District to deepen and widen the navigation channels in Richmond Harbor. Several options for disposal of the material from this dredging project are under consideration by USACE: disposal within San Francisco Bay, at open-ocean disposal sites, or at uplands disposal sites. Purpose of this study was to conduct comprehensive evaluations, including chemical, biological, and bioaccumulation testing of sediments in selected areas of Richmond Harbor. This information was required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and USACE. Battelle/Marine Sciences Laboratory collected 20 core samples, both 4-in. and 12-in., to a project depth of -40 ft ...
In recent years the 'Nowcasting Wake Vortex Impact Variables' model NOWVIV has been developed at the Deutsches Zentrum fuer Luft- und Raumfahrt, DLR, to forecast weather parameters in airport environments. The German Meteorological Service, DWD, employs his COSMO-DE model (COnsortium for Small scale Modelling-DEutschland) for operational forecasts in Germany. A systematic comparison of model output from NOWVIV and a derivate of COSMO-DE, named COSMO-FRA, is presented. Both models are centred at Frankfurt Airport with horizontal resolutions of 2.1 km and 2.8 km, respectively. In the DLR Project Wetter and Fliegen the COSMO-FRA model will replace the NOWVIV model and become a key component in the future rapid update cycle for adverse weather predictions at the airports of Frankfurt and Munich. The forecast vertical profiles of runway crosswind, head/tail wind, temperature, and turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) are validated against Wind and Temperature Radar (WTR/RASS) ...
One of the biggest fears and challenges a parent of a child with special needs faces is navigating the post-22 landscape. When a child hits the age of 22, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is no longer required to provide daily services and support. Whatever the abilities, or disabilities, of a child, every parent has the same concerns about how their child will productively fill their days and live as independently as possible without the safety net of the DESE. One of the transition paths most frequented is entering the workforce. Public and private schools alike work to teach their students the basic skills they need to work. In fact, the national Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) states that students must have a transition plan in formulation by the age of 16. This article describes the vocational program developed by the League School of Greater Boston which specifically addresses the challenges students, their ...
Total potassium was assayed in 150 normal weight and obese females (cervical carcinoma-52, endometrial carcinoma-25 and breast cancer-73) by measurements of 40K spontaneous radiation in a low-background chamber. Control group included 30 healthy and 25 obese females. Computations of body cell and extracellular mass and fat were carried out on the basis of the said measurements. Extracellular fluid volume was measured in 38 patients by X-ray fluorescence method using sodium bromide. The results pointed to a body cell mass deficit matched by increased extracellular mass due to a higher fat level in patients with breast, endometrial and cervical carcinoma. The said correlation was particularly pronounced in obese patients. The beneficial effect of treatment was more often observed in patients with normal body weight. PMID:3739295
We examined the spectral behaviors of lasing from a asymmetrically deformed liquid jet (a ? 14 ?m) which is induced by a laterally flowing gas. Th liquid sample was methanols which contains DCM dye. When n distortion is induced, the lasing spectrum appears as two periodic peaks which are corresponding to the resonance modes of cylindrical cavity. As the distortion parameter exceeds about 4%, the lasing spectrum shifts continuously to short wavelength. When the distortion parameter reaches ? 10%, the amount of blue shift was ? 30 nm. The blue shift can be explained as the shift of optimum wavelength of threshold curves. From the absorption and fluorescence curve of liquid sample, we estimated the spoiled Q with the distortion parameter.
A novel difunctional acylhydrazone has been synthesized by the reaction of 5-methylisoxazole-4-carboyl hydrazine with benzaldehyde and characterized by X-ray crystallography and spectroscopy. The obtained results demonstrate the crystal belongs to triclinic, space group Formula Not Shown . Moreover, the spectroscopic properties were evaluated through density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TD DFT) calculations. The results reveal that UV-Vis absorption peaks at 194, 217.5 and 290.5nm are mainly attributed to (p, p)p*, partly (p, p)p* and partly pp*, and predominantly pp*, respectively, with intraligand charge-transfer transition (ILCT) character. The fluorescence emission peak at 485.96nm should be assigned to ILCT. In addition, the results of antibact...
A stable BSA blocking poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) microchannel was prepared based on in situ synthesized PDMS-gold nanoparticles composite films. The modified microchip could successfully suppress protein adsorption. The assembly was followed by contact angle, charge-coupled device (CCD) imaging, electroosmotic flow (EOF) measurements and electrophoretic separation methods. Contact angle measurements revealed the coated surface was hydrophilic, water contact angle for coated chips was 45.2^o compared to a water contact angle for native PDMS chips of 88.5^o. The coated microchips exhibited reproducible and stable EOF behavior. With FITC-labeled myoglobin incubation in the coated channel, no fluorescence was observed with CCD image, and the protein exhibited good electrophoretic effect in ...
Many human diseases are associated with protein aggregation and fibrillation. We present experiments on in vitro glucagon fibrillation using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy, providing real-time measurements of single-fibril growth. We find that amyloid fibrils grow in an intermittent fashion, with periods of growth followed by long pauses. The observed exponential distributions of stop and growth times support a Markovian model, in which fibrils shift between the two states with specific rates. Remarkably, the probability of being in the growing (stopping) state is very close to 1/4 (3/4) in all experiments, even if the rates vary considerably. This finding suggests the presence of 4 independent conformations of the fibril tip; we discuss this possibility in terms of the existing structural knowledge.
SummaryPrimary visual cortex recombines inputs from magnocellular (M) and parvocellular (P) streams to create functionally specialized outputs. Understanding these input-output relationships is complicated by the fact that layer 4B, which provides outputs to dorsal visual areas, contains multiple cell types. Using a modified rabies virus that expresses green fluorescent protein, we show that layer 4B neurons projecting to MT are a majority spiny stellate, whereas those projecting to V2 are overwhelmingly pyramidal. Regardless of cell type, MT-projecting neurons have larger cell bodies, more dendritic length, and are deeper within layer 4B. Furthermore, MT-projecting pyramidal neurons are located preferentially underneath cytochrome oxidase blobs, indicating that MT-projecting neurons of bo...
Pulsed atomic beams produced in vacuum by laser induced ablation from a lithium target are analyzed by laser induced fluorescence (LIF). The 1-mixing processes induced in the n = 9, 10 Li Rydberg states by collisions with CO_2 molecules illustrate the application of the method. Resolution is limited by the 1 mm diameter of the probe laser beam. Combining LIF and absorption measurements gives n_L_i as a function of time at various distances from the target surface. The investigation of the Li-C0_2 1-mixing process in a heat pipe oven proved impossible due to the high reactivity of Li with C0_2. This problem was solved by renewing the Li atoms at each laser shot. Values obtained for n = 9, n = 10 are k = 17 x 10"-"8 and 15 x 10"-"8 cc/sec, respectively.
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder for which the research of new treatments is highly challenging. Since the fibrillogenesis of amyloid-b peptide 1-42 (Ab1-42) peptide is considered as a major cause of neuronal degeneration, specific interest has been focused on aromatic molecules for targeting this peptide. In this paper, the synthesis of selegiline-functionalized and fluorescent poly(alkyl cyanoacrylate) nanoparticles (NPs) and their evaluation for the targeting of the Ab1-42 peptide are reported. The synthetic strategy relied on the design of amphiphilic copolymers by tandem Knoevenagel-Michael addition of cyanoacetate derivatives, followed by their self-assembly in aqueous solutions to give the corresponding NPs. Different cyanoacetates were used: (i) hexadecyl cy...
The use of indigenous bacterial root endophytes with biocontrol activity against soil-borne phytopathogens is an environmentally-friendly and ecologically-efficient action within an integrated disease management framework. The earliest steps of olive root colonization by Pseudomonas fluorescens PICF7 and Pseudomonas putida PICP2, effective biocontrol agents (BCAs) against Verticillium wilt of olive (Olea europaea L.) caused by the fungus Verticillium dahliae Kleb., are here described. A gnotobiotic study system using in vitro propagated olive plants, differential fluorescent-protein tagging of bacteria, and confocal laser scanning microscopy analysis have been successfully used to examine olive roots?Pseudomonas spp. interactions at the single-cell level. In vivo simultaneous visualization...
Antibodies to Rickettsia rickettsii were detected by indirect immunofluorescence in sera from 149 of 467 dogs (32%) examined from 4 military installations located in Kentucky, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. The prevalence at individual installations ranged from 4.3% at Fort Knox, Ky, to 63.4% at Fort Bragg, NC. Most of the seropositive dogs were in the working and sporting groups of dogs. The difference in antibody prevalence between sexes was not significant. Serologic responses were related to R rickettsii infection, although antibodies to R montana also were detected in a few of the sera. Comparison of serodiagnostic methods indicated that the indirect fluorescent antibody test was more sensitive than was the indirect hemagglutination test for obtaining survey data on the prevalence of Rocky Mountain spotted fever in the area. PMID:6808878
Resonant inelastic x-ray scattering (RIXS) with soft x-rays is uniquely suited to study the elec-tronic structure of a variety of materials, but is currently limited by low (fluorescence yield) count rates. This limitation is overcome with a new high-transmission spectrometer that allows to measure soft x-ray RIXS"maps." The S L2,3 RIXS map of CdS is discussed and compared with density functional calculations. The map allows the extraction of decay channel-specific"absorp-tion spectra," giving detailed insight into the wave functions of occupied and unoccupied elec-tronic states.
The electrochemical/spectroscopic integrated measurement system was designed and set up for spectro-electrochemical measurements of lanthanide and actinide ions in high temperature molten salt media. A compact electrochemical cell and electrode system was also developed for the minimization of reactants, and consequently minimization of radioactive waste generation. By applying these equipment, oxidation and reduction behavior of lanthanide and actinide ions in molten salt media have been made. Also, thermodynamic parameter values are determined by interpreting the results obtained from electrochemical measurements. Several lanthanide ions exhibited fluorescence properties in molten salt. Also, UV-VIS measurement provided the detailed information regarding the oxidation states of lanthanide and actinide ions in high temperature molten salt media
To understand dynamic developmental processes, living tissues must be imaged frequently and for extended periods of time. Root development is extensively studied at cellular resolution to understand basic mechanisms underlying pattern formation and maintenance in plants. Unfortunately, ensuring continuous specimen access, while preserving physiological conditions and preventing photo-damage, poses major barriers to measurements of cellular dynamics in indeterminately growing organs such as plant roots. We present a system that integrates optical sectioning through light sheet fluorescence microscopy with hydroponic culture that enables us to image at cellular resolution a vertically growing Arabidopsis root every few minutes and for several consecutive days. We describe novel automated routines to track the root tip as it grows, track cellular nuclei and identify cell divisions. We demonstrate the system's capabilities by collecting data on divisions and nuclear ...
Lung cancer is still difficult to treat by current chemotherapeutic procedures. We recently found that MVL, an anti-HIV lectin from blue-green algae Microcystis viridis, also has antitumor activity. The objective of this study was to investigate apoptosis-inducing activity of recombinant MVL (R-MVL) and proteomic changes in A549 cells, and to identify the molecular pathways responsible for the anti-cancer action of R-MVL. We found that R-MVL induces A549 cells apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner by using MTT assay, fluorescent microscope (FM) and flow cytometry (FCM), and the IC50 was calculated to be 24.12??g/ml. Subsequently, 7 altered proteins in R-MVL-treated A549 cells were identified, including upregulated aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 and ?-actin, and five downregulated proteins: heat s...
The L-shell x-ray intensity ratios I(L_#beta#)/I(L_#alpha#) and I(L_#gamma#)/I(L_a_l_p_h_a) for elements with 73 #<=# Z #<=# 83 have been measured at photon incident energies of 17.8, 25.8 and 46.9 keV. The emitted x-rays were measured with a Si(Li) detector system. The results for Re, Pt and Tl are being reported for the first time. A comparison is made of the experimental results with the calculated values obtained by using the theoretical x-ray emission rates, subshell ionisation cross sections, subshell fluorescence yields and Coster-Kronig transition probabilities. The experimental results are in reasonable agreement with the theoretical values. (author).
The photocytotoxic effect of hypericin (Hyp) targeted by two different delivery techniques, namely, liposomes and anti-hepatocyte specific antigen (anti-HSA) was investigated. Optical absorption and steady-state fluorescence were used to analyze the conjugation of Hyp with anti-HSA model and to evaluate the encapsulation capacity and drug release in a liposome model. Particle size and thermal analysis of the prepared liposomes were performed using laser-light scattering and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), respectively. Viability study of HepG2 cells exposed to Hyp in the two delivery systems, in the dark and following visible light irradiation, was performed in comparison to free Hyp. The intracellular uptake and localization of Hyp in HepG2 cells were analyzed by means of spectro...
A detailed knowledge about the dynamics of phytoplanktonic photosynthesis and respiration is crucial for the determination of primary productivity in open oceans as well as for biotechnological applications. The dynamics are best studied in photobioreactors that are able to simulate natural conditions in such, that light can be modulated not only diurnally but also mimicking effects of solar elevation angle from sunrise to sunset, variable cloudiness, light modulation in refractory sun flecks due to water waves, or light intermittence due to turbulent flow in dense suspensions. In addition, high performance photobioreactors ought to be able to monitor in real time photosynthetic and respiratory activities as well as culture growth. Here, we demonstrate performance of a newly designed bench...
Non-linear optics encompasses a range of optical phenomena, including two- and three-photon fluorescence, second harmonic generation (SHG), sum frequency generation (SFG), difference frequency generation (DFG), third harmonic generation (THG), coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS), and stimulated Raman scattering (SRS). The combined advantages of using these phenomena for imaging complex pharmaceutical systems include chemical and structural specificities, high optical spatial and temporal resolutions, no requirement for labels, and the ability to image in an aqueous environment. These features make such imaging well suited for a wide range of pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical investigations, including material and dosage form characterisation, dosage form digestion and drug rele...
A method has been developed to optimize the energy resolution of a horizontally focusing monochromator. The method consists of determining the optimum radius of curvature of the cylindrically bent monochromator crystal by minimizing the total diffracted X-ray flux measured through an X-ray absorption foil. When measured at an absorption edge a global minimum can be identified, which corresponds to the minimum energy band accepted along the entire length of the crystal. Experimental verification of this method has been validated by comparing X-ray fluorescent scans taken for a series of crystal curvatures and by directly measuring the X-ray beam profiles at the corresponding points. The actual optical configuration and asymmetric-cut parameter of the focusing monochromator on beamline X4C at the National Synchrotron Light Source are modeled and ray tracing simulations of the optical system are compared with direct beam profile measurements.
This paper is a review concerning the application of Nuclear Analytical Techniques in the Cuban sugar industry. The most complete elemental composition of final molasses (34 elements) and natural zeolites (38) this last one employed as an auxiliary agent in sugar technological processe4s has been performed by means of instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) and X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis (XRFA). The trace elemental sugar cane soill-plant relationship and elemental composition of different types of Cuban sugar (raw, blanco-directo and refine) were also studied. As a result, valuable information referred to the possibilities of using these products in animal and human foodstuff so as in the other applications are given. (author). 34 refs., 6 figs., 1 tab.
Reliable facility of cyclotron-based real time neutron radiography system has been developed and applied to some industrial components. The equipment for neutron fluoroscopy is based on a sub-compact cyclotron and a LiF/ZnS (Ag) fluorescent screen viewed by a silicon intensifier target TV camera. The real time image is monitored on a CRT, recorded with a standard video recorder and processed by a digital image processor. The effectiveness of our real time neutron radiograph has been demonstrated to be applicable to not only the dynamic observation but also the magnifying and stereoscopic observation of fluoroscopic images.
Low fluorescence in the field of the Eu3+ photoluminescence spectrum is registered against a bach ground of the continuum of solvent emanation when multi-bubble sonolysis of EuCl3 (0.1 mol l-1) solutions saturated by the air and argon in heavy water. Distinctive sonoluminescence of europium ion is not found earlier in aqueous solutions. Possible reasons of low values of Eu3+ sonoluminescence as compared with other lanthanide ions (Ln3+), and effect of europium on the spectrum of solvent continuum connected, in particular, with the quenching of electron-excited products of the H2O* (O2O*) and Eu3+* sonolysis in the reactions of electron transfer are discussed
Microanalytical methods suitable for the determination of Fe, Cu in HT-29 (human colon adenocarcinoma) cells treated with different iron compounds (Fe(II) sulfate, Fe(III) chloride, Fe(III) citrate and Fe(III) transferrin) and cultured in medium supplemented or not with 10% (v/v) fetal calf serum (FCS) by total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (TXRF) and simultaneous graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF-AAS) were developed. The developed TXRF method was also suitable for Zn determination in the samples. The main advantage of the proposed methods is the execution of all sample preparation steps following incubation and prior to the elemental analysis in the same Eppendorf tubes. Sample preparation was performed at microscale (115mL sample volume) with 65% nitric aci...
M-shell X-ray production cross sections for the light rare-earth elements of {sup 68}Er, {sup 7}Yb and {sup 71}Lu have been measured for incident {sup 4}He{sup +} ions in the energy range from 0.75 to 6 MeV. The measured X-ray production cross sections are compared to the predictions of the First Born approximation, the ECPSSR theory and the ECUSAR theory. A comparison of the ytterbium M-shell X-ray production cross sections with these theories is made for two different sets of fluorescence yields and Coster-Kronig factors that are further modified for multiple ionization.
The induced radioactivity in the construction materials of a Cockcroft-- Walton type neutron generator was measured. Major activation products (/sup 24/ Na, /sup 28/Al, /sup 56/Mn, /sup 64/Cu, /sup 65/Ni, /sup 69m/Zn, /sup 88/Rb /sup 91/Sr /sup 101/Mo, /sup 187/W/ and resulting doses are tabulated. Results show that the highest gamma activities would be observed in the fluorescent bulbs, copper pipe, aluminum lattice rod, and the aluminum pipe clamp. Thermoluminescent dosimeter readings yield the highest doses for the copper pipe tee, copper pipe, and aluminum lattice rod. Results of measuremerts of the neutron and gamma dose profiles of the facility are shown. However the indication is clearly that the tritium target, compared to other components, is the major source of radiation both during and after shutdown. (UK)
We report localization of the human cone transducin (GNAT2) gene using fluorescence in situ hybridization on chromosome 1 in band p13. The recent assignment of a gene for Stargardt disease to the same chromosomal region by linkage analysis prompted us to investigate the possible role of GNAT2 in the pathogenesis of this disease. We investigated 66 unrelated patients for mutations in the coding region of the GNAT2 gene using polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism analysis (SSCP) and direct sequencing. No disease-specific mutations were found, indicating that GNAT2 is probably not involved in the pathogenesis of most cases of Stargardt disease. 19 refs., 1 fig., 1 tab.
Manganese toxicity can cause a neurodegenerative disorder affecting cortical and basal ganglia structures with a neurological presentation resembling features of Parkinson's disease. Children are more sensitive to Mn-induced neurological dysfunction than adults, and recent studies from our laboratory revealed a marked sensitivity of male juvenile mice to neuroinflammatory injury from Mn, relative to females. To determine the role of estrogen (E2) in mediating sex-dependent vulnerability to Mn-induced neurotoxicity, we exposed transgenic mice expressing an NF-kB-driven enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) reporter construct (NF-kB-EGFP mice) to Mn, postulating that supplementing male mice with E2 during juvenile development would attenuate neuroinflammatory changes associated with glia...
Heme peroxidases are a class of multifunctional redox-active proteins found in all organisms. We recently cloned, expressed, and characterized an ascorbate peroxidase from Leishmania major (LmAPX) that was capable of detoxifying hydrogen peroxide. Localization studies using green fluorescent protein fusions revealed that LmAPX was localized within the mitochondria by its N-terminal signal sequence. Subcellular fractionation analysis of the cell homogenate by the Percoll density-gradient method and subsequent Western blot analysis with anti-LmAPX antibody further confirmed the mitochondrial localization of mature LmAPX. Submitochondrial fractionation analysis showed that the mature enzyme (?3.6?kDa shorter than the theoretical value of the whole gene) was present in the intermembrane space ...
The authors used a near full-length human ornithine [delta]-aminotransferase cDNA, huOAT6, as a probe under low stringency hybridization conditions to identify a new autosomal ornithine [delta]-aminotransferase-related sequence (OATL3). Cloning and characterization of this sequence reveal it to be a partial nonprocessed pseudogene corresponding to exon 3 and flanking intronic sequences of the ornithine [delta]-aminotransferase structural gene. Using somatic cell hybrids and fluorescence in situ hybridization, they mapped OATL3 to 10q26, adjacent to the ornithine [delta]-aminotransferase structural gene locus. 13 refs., 3 figs.
A nuclear resonance fluorescence experiment on "8"8Sr has been performed with bremsstrahlung of 6.7 MeV endpoint energy. The #gamma#-ray linear polarisation has been measured with a EUROBALL CLUSTER detector used as a Compton polarimeter. The results indicate positive parity for the J=1 state at 4.742 MeV in "8"8Sr, in contrast to the previous interpretation as a 1"- two-phonon (2"+_1 x 3"-_1) state and in conflict with the predictions of the quasiparticle-phonon model. On the basis of such calculations the 1"+ state at 3.486 MeV may be considered as the 1"+_1 one-phonon state and the very strong 1"+_1#->#0"+_1 deexcitation as proton spin-flip 2p_1_/_2#->#2p_3_/_2 transition. (orig.)
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Controlling vascular tone involves K+ efflux through endothelial cell small- and intermediate-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels (KCa2.3 and KCa3.1, respectively). We investigated the expression of these channels in astrocytes and the possibility that, by a similar mechanism, they might contribute to neurovascular coupling. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Transgenic mice expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) in astrocytes were used to assess KCa2.3 and KCa3.1 expression by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR. KCa currents in eGFP-positive astrocytes were determined in situ using whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiology. The contribution of KCa3.1 to neurovascular coupling was investigated in pharmacological experiments using electrical field stimulatio...
An image-analysis system, based on commercially available data visualization software (IDL [1]), allows convenient interaction with image data while still providing calculated beam parameters at a rate of up to 2 Hz. Image data are transferred from the IOC to the workstation via EPICS [2] channel access. A custom EPICS record was created in order to overcome the channel access limit of 16k bytes per array. The user can conveniently calibrate optical transition radiation (OTR) and fluorescent screens, capture background images, acquire and average a series of images, and specify several other filtering and viewing options. The images can be saved in either IDL format or APS-standard format (SDDS [3]), allowing for rapid postprocessing of image data by numerous other software tools.
The gene encoding the human type I pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide receptor (ADCYAP1R1) was mapped to chromosome 7 by PCR analysis of genomic DNA from a human/rodent somatic cell hybrid mapping panel. This assignment was confirmed and the gene localized to chromosome band 7p14 by fluorescence in situ hybridization. A yeast artificial chromosome containing ADCYAP1R1 was identified in the CEPH {open_quotes}B{close_quotes} Mega-YAC library. This YAC includes two highly polymorphic dinucleotide repeat sequences that will facilitate genetic studies of the contribution of ADCYAP1R1 in disease states of the central nervous and neuroendocrine systems. 13 refs., 1 fig.
The ultimate goal of this research is to generate and apply novel technologies to speed completion and integration of the human genome map and sequence with biomedical problems. To do this, techniques were developed and genome-wide resources generated. This includes a genome-wide Mapped and Integrated BAC/PAC Resource that has been used for gene finding, map completion and anchoring, breakpoint definition and sequencing. In the last period of the grant, the Human Mapped BAC/PAC Resource was also applied to determine regions of human variation and to develop a novel paradigm of primate evolution through to humans. Further, in order to more rapidly evaluate animal models of human disease, a BAC Map of the mouse was generated in collaboration with the MTI Genome Center, Dr. Bruce Birren.
Keratinocyte growth factor receptor (KGFR) and fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) 2c share identical amino acid sequences, except for a 46-amino acid domain in the extracellular region. Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) specific to KGFR have not been reported nor are commercially available. In this study, we generated murine MAbs specific to KGFR in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice using a modified Repeated Immunizations at Multiple Sites (RIMMS) technology. Stable cell lines expressing the full-length human KGFR or FGFR2c were produced to facilitate the identification of KGFR-specific MAbs. Following the initial screening of hybridoma clones with a fluorescence-based, confocal cell detection method and ELISA, KGFR-specific MAbs were selected and confirmed by flow cytometry and Western blot ...
The purpose of this study was to validate through natural exposure a cut-off level of varicella zoster IgG as protective against infection with varicella zoster virus (VZV). Laboratory testing to determine VZV immune status of pregnant women exposed to varicella is recommended. Quantitative assays are now available which are sensitive and specific. More than 200 consecutive requests for screening in pregnant patients with recent varicella contacts were followed-up by questionnaire. DiaSorin LIAISON and VZV time resolved fluorescence immuno assay (VZV TRFIA) were used to measure VZV antibody level. One hundred fifty out of 209 (72%) questionnaires were returned; 14 patients developed varicella, 129 did not and seven were not known. Patients who had been given VZIG and developed varicella on...
Applications, techniques, instrumentation, and interpretation of flow visualization are discussed. Methods of using flow visualization for the examination of combustion in furnaces, heat transfer with heat exchangers, and in fluid engines are explored, along with flow visualization in food processing, steel-casting, and process engineering. Further attention is given to pipe and channel flow, flow separation in laminar flow and around oscillating airfoils, wakes and vortices, supersonic flow and shock waves, and stratified flow and oceanography. The visualization of boundary layers is considered for various conditions, and applications for multiphase flow, rheology, and medical problems are detailed. Oil film, dry-surface coating, chemical, fluorescent, and minituft methods are presented, as well as the use of tracers, optical techniques, strobe lights, lasers, computerized data acquisition, and hot-wire anemometry.
Flow cytometric techniques were used to measure the cytological and biochemical damage to respiratory tract cells in animals exposed to particulates. Hamsters were exposed to raw and spent oil shale particulates and silica by intratracheal instillation. Exfoliated lung cells were obtained by sacrificing the animals and lavaging the respiratory tract posterior to the trachea with saline. Cell samples were fixed in ethanol and stained with mithramycin for fluorescence analysis of DNA content. DNA content distributions from hamsters exposed to spent oil shale and silica particulates showed atypical changes 28 to 35 days later. Cell counts and total numbers of macrophages, leukocytes, and epithelial cells in the lavage fluid also showed marked changes related to time after exposure.
Applying diode-laser resonant fluorescence method, the cross sections for the excitation energy transfer of the collisional process K"*(4"2P_1_/_2)+Cs(6"2S_1_/_2)#reversible#K"*(4"2P_3_/_2)+Cs(6"2S_1_/_2) have been measured. The values we have obtained are #sigma#(1/2#->#3/2)=77 A"2 and #sigma#(3/2#->#1/2)=48 A"2. These results complete the sequence of data for the fine-structure mixing of the first-resonance states of alkali atoms colliding with the ground-state caesium atoms. (orig.).
Ochratoxin A (OTA) was analyzed from 44 liquorice confectionery samples using immunoaffinity cleanup and liquid chromatography coupled with fluorescence detection. The presence of OTA was confirmed by methyl-ester derivatization. Liquorice confectionery samples were purchased from different retail outlets and supermarkets in Spain during 2007-2008, 16 of hard candies and 28 of soft candies. The incidence of OTA varied between 75% and 39% and mean ranged from 2.96 to 0.34mg/kg for hard and soft candies, respectively. Assuming a total mean value of 1.29mgOTA/kg sweet and a consumption of about 1.2g liquorice sweets per day, an OTA weekly uptake of 11ng was obtained, or, based on a total body weight of 30kg for a child consuming these sweets regularly, a weekly intake of 0.37ng/kg body weight...
In order to quantify the biomass burning emissions, the main atmospheric pollution source of tropical and subtropical regions, we carried out the analysis of ashes that are also formed during these fires. To this end, we developed analytical methods to characterize the composition of savannah grass burning ashes by using X-ray fluorescence for mineral elements and microanalysis for C, H, O and N. Samples used in this work have been collected during laboratory combustion experiments, with chemically well-defined natural savannah grasses from Ivory Coasts and South Africa. The reproducibility and efficiency of different developed procedures have been studies. The analytical relative precision is generally better than 5%. This development has allowed to establish, for the first time, the global mass balance of ashes resulting from savannah grass burning. (authors). 16 refs., 3 figs., 8 tabs.
Laser-induced phase-separation polymerization of a porous acrylate polymer is used for in-situ fabrication of dialysis membranes inside glass microchannels. A shaped 355 nm laser beam is used to produce a porous polymer membrane with a thickness of about 15 .mu.m, which bonds to the glass microchannel and forms a semi-permeable membrane. Differential permeation through a membrane formed with pentaerythritol triacrylate was observed and quantified by comparing the response of the membrane to fluorescein and fluorescently tagging 200 nm latex microspheres. Differential permeation was observed and quantified by comparing the response to rhodamine 560 and lactalbumin protein in a membrane formed with SPE-methylene bisacrylamide. The porous membranes illustrate the capability for the present technique to integrate sample cleanup into chip-based analysis systems.
Abstract Background: Follicular lymphoma (FL) is one of the most common non-Hodgkin's lymphomas of B cells, being closely associated with a t(14;18) translocation. Detection of t(14;18), which is present in 70-95% of FL, might aid in FL diagnosis. Objective: To compare the efficacy of routine polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) techniques in detecting t(14;18) in paraffin-embedded tissue samples of FL patients at different stages. Combined with other immunophenotypic biological determinants, detection of t(14;18) might help to determine patients at increased risk according to the FL International Prognostic Index (FLIPI) and therefore facilitate appropriate treatment. Design and Methods: This study was mainly based on a retrospective examination of...
A comparison is made of the response of a count ratemeter and a pulse counter using the mathematical tool of the Z transform. Transform Z is used for the solution of the convolution integral interpreting the analog output of the count ratemeter used for recording characteristic radiation, excited in the moving beam. The comparison of count rates obtained by the count ratemeter during continuous analysis and the pulse counter during discontinuous measurement gave the transfer function of the count ratemeter in the actual range of count rate. Also discussed is the use of the transfer function for localizing concentration changes in the sample. The use of the described method is demonstrated on the determination of the tin content in tungsten using continuous radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis. (B.S.).
The Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Germany's national metrology institute, developed an alignment strategy to specify elemental depth profiling in vertical sidewall layers on structured wafers. For this purpose, PTB's irradiation chamber for 200?mm and 300?mm silicon wafers was used to combine total-reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) and grazing incidence XRF (GIXRF) techniques by employing monochromatized undulator radiation of the BESSY II electron storage ring. 3-D test structures were fabricated to develop an optimal alignment strategy allowing for depth profiling in such nanolayers. The test structures consisted of silicon bars with widths/spacings either in the ?m or in the nm range. In order to be able to differentiate the sidewalls more easily from the remainder of ...
This paper presents results about the characterisation of the biomass fly ashes sourced from a thermal power plant and from a co-generation power plant located in Portugal, and the study of new cement formulations incorporated with the biomass fly ashes. The study includes a comparative analysis of the phase formation, setting and mechanical behaviour of the new cement-fly ash formulations based on these biomass fly ashes. Techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), thermal gravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and environmental scanning electron spectroscopy (ESEM) were used to determine the structure and composition of the formulations. Fly ash F1 from the t...
To test the hypothesis that transduction of the channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) gene, a microbial-type rhodopsin gene, into retinal ganglion cells of genetically blind rats will restore functional vision, we recorded visually evoked potentials and tested the experimental rats for the presence of optomotor responses. The N-terminal fragment of the ChR2 gene was fused to the fluorescent protein Venus and inserted into an adeno-associated virus to make AAV2-ChR2V. AAV2-ChR2V was injected intravitreally into the eyes of 6-month-old dystrophic RCS (rdy/rdy) rats. Visual function was evaluated six weeks after the injection by recording visually evoked potentials (VEPs) and testing optomotor responses. The expression of ChR2V in the retina was investigated histologically. We found that VEPs could not b...
ABSTRACT To date the effect of silver-containing wound dressings on biofilms, known to be present in chronic wounds, has not been determined or documented. In this current study, we aimed to determine the antimicrobial effect of a silver-containing dressing on biofilms grown in a chambered slide model. Before the addition of a wound dressing onto a 24-hour biofilm, composed of either Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter cloacae, Staphylococcus aureus, or a mixed bacterial community, a fluorescent dye was applied. This enabled the viability of sessile bacteria to be monitored in real-time, using a rapid form of confocal laser scanning microscopy over a contact time period of 48 hours. By analyzing all the three-dimensional data generated from the confocal time-lapse sequences, 90% of all se...
The problems are discussed of using radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis (the most frequently used source is "2"4"1Am) and neutron activation analysis for monitoring the chemical quality of the working environment of a welder. Elements determinable by these methods are listed and the advantages of the methods stated with regard to speed, simplicity and appropriate accuracy of measurement together with commercial availability of the instruments. Welding as a source of harmful substances is assessed by determination of the amount of chromium in aerosols generated by welding austenitic chromium-nickel steels. The described methods allow to obtain a complex image of the chemical nature of welding aerosols and to understand the mechanism of their impact on the human organism. (J.C.).
The handling of physical-nuclear techniques for the analysis of archaeological pieces it was carried out by first time in 1956 by the doctors Oppenheimer and Dodsom (in the United States); who wrote about the wide utilities of the neutron activation analysis (NAA), this technique requires of a nuclear reactor that could be considered like one a factory of thermal neutrons necessary to carry out this analysis. The first experiments in that were applied the NAA were on ceramic coming from the Mediterranean, in those that the relationships of the elements of sodium and manganese were determined to know their elementary composition and to identify the origin of their manufacture. Later on other study techniques were applied in archaeological materials, as the X-ray fluorescence, Moessbauer spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, PIXE analysis (particle induced x-ray emission), among other, this last is the matter that we will present in this work. (Author)
Abstract A miniaturized spatial temperature gradient CE system with automated sample introduction for DNA mutation detection was established. Continuous electrokinetic sample injection was achieved by combining an automated slotted vial array sample introduction device to the spatial temperature gradient CE system. The temperature gradient was produced by a radiative heating system with a single graphite block heater, and the stability of the temperature gradient was investigated. The temperature variation of each measure point was 0.12 0.21% RSD (n=7) within 6 h. A 14 cm Teflon AF coated silica capillary was used both as the separation channel and as the liquid core waveguide tube of fluorescence signal. Under a temperature gradient from 54.8 to 59.5 C, a low range control mutation standa...
A number of diagnostic X-ray units in Poland were subjected to analysis. The air kerma on X-ray tables was measured for the X-ray parameters used routinely during lumbo-sacral spine radiography of standard adult patient. Measurements of air kerma were performed using TLD made of lithium-fluoride. The doses received by patients in different X-ray departments can differ more than two orders of magnitude (from 0.42 mGy up to 72.11 mGy), for the same X-ray examination. The dose can be significantly reduced if fluorescent screens made from components of rare earth are used. (author). 10 refs, 1 fig., 2 tabs.
The sampling is described for radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis. Aerosols are captured with various filter materials whose properties are summed up in the table. Fine dispersed solid and liquid particles and gaseous admixtures may be captured by bubbling air through a suitable absorption solution. The concentration of small amounts of impurities from large volumes of air is done by adsorbing impurities on surfactants, e.g., activated charcoal, silica gel, etc. Aerosols may be captured using an electrostatic precipitator and aerosol fractions may be separated with a cascade impactor. Water sampling differs by the water source, i.e., ground water, surface water, rain or waste water. Soil samples are taken by probes. (ES).
In order to demonstrate possible specific effects of microwaves at the cellular level V-79 Chinese hamster cells were exposed to 2.45-GHz radiation at power levels of 20-200 mW/cm2 and at specific absorption rates of 10-100 mW/g. Intracellular cytoplasmic changes were observed by fluorescence polarization using a method based on the intracellular enzymatic hydrolysis of nonfluorescent fluorescein diacetate (FDA). At levels of absorbed energy below 90 J/g, modifications of microviscosity and mitochondrial state were absent, but a slight stimulation of enzymatic hydrolysis of FDA was observed which may be explained by microwave-induced alterations of cellular membranes possibly due to differences in heating pattern of microwaves compared to water-bath heating. At levels of absorbed energy above 90 J/g, the decrease of enzymatic hydrolysis of FDA, increase in degree of polarization, and increase of permeation of the fluorescent marker correlated ...
This is the first time that the adsorption of binary mixtures of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) has been studied. This study was carried out at laboratory scale in an experimental apparatus specially designed for this aim: with gas-phase fluorescence, a new detection procedure was used. Experimental conditions, mainly in terms of temperature (150C) and contaminant concentration (approximately 1 ppmv), close to the ones observed in energy generation systems, were applied. The PAH adsorption process interpretation was carried out by recording the experimentally obtained breakthrough curves. After the detection parameter optimization, the influence of adsorbate characteristics in the hot gas cleaning of PAH was studied. In this system, the adsorption of 10 binary mixtures of five PAH (naphthalene (Np), fluorene (Fu), phenanthrene (Phe), fluoranthene (Fl), and pyrene (Py)) on an activated carbon was investigated. It was found that the adsorbent efficiency is ...
A gene designated BRCA1, implicated in the susceptibility to early-onset familial breast cancer, has recently been localized to chromosome 17q12-q21. To date, the order of DNA markers mapped within this region has been based on genetic linkage analysis. The authors report the use of multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization to establish a physically based map of five polymorphic DNA markers and 10 cloned genes spanning this region. Three cosmid clones and Alu-PCR-Generated products derived from 12 yeast artificial chromosome clones representing each of these markers were used in two-color mapping experiments to determine an initial proximity of markers relative to each other on metaphase chromosomes. Interphase mapping was then employed to determine the order and orientation of closely spaced loci by direct visualization of fluorescent signals following hybridization of three probes, each detected in a different color. Statistical analysis ...
Endogenous fluorescence provides morphological, spectral, and lifetime contrast that can indicate disease states in tissues. Previous studies have demonstrated that two-photon autofluorescence microscopy (2PAM) can be used for noninvasive, three-dimensional imaging of epithelial tissues down to approximately 150 ?m beneath the skin surface. We report ex-vivo 2PAM images of epithelial tissue from a human tongue biopsy down to 370 ?m below the surface. At greater than 320 ?m deep, the fluorescence generated outside the focal volume degrades the image contrast to below one. We demonstrate that these imaging depths can be reached with 160 mW of laser power (2-nJ per pulse) from a conventional 80-MHz repetition rate ultrafast laser oscillator. To better understand the maximum imaging depths that we can achieve in epithelial tissues, we studied image contrast as a function of depth in tissue phantoms with a range of relevant optical properties. The ...
Dysprosium ion doped fluorophosphate glasses with compositions of PKMAFDy: (56-x/2) P2O5+17K2O+8Al2O3+(15-x/2)MgO+4AlF3+xDy2O3 (x=0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 1.0 and 2.0 mol%) have been prepared by melt quenching technique and are characterized by optical absorption, emission spectra and fluorescence lifetime measurements. The observed bands in the absorption spectrum are analysed by using free-ion Hamiltonian (HFI) model. The Judd-Ofelt (JO) analysis has been performed and the intensity parameters (??, ?=2, 4, 6) have been evaluated that are used to predict radiative properties. From emission spectra, the effective bandwidth (??eff) and the stimulated emission cross-section (?(?p)) were evaluated. The fluorescence decay from the 4F9/2 level of Dy3+ ions have been measured by monitoring the intense 4F9/2#->#6H13/2 transition (573 nm). The lifetimes (?) are found to decrease with increasing concentration due to concentration quenching. The decay curves ...
Estimated kokanee (Oncorhynchus nerka) abundance in Lake Pend Oreille was 4.3 million during September 1986. This estimate was similar to 1985 and indicates continued suppression of the kokanee population since initial decline in the late 1960s. Atypically high survival of wild fry resulted in similar fry recruitment in 1986 as 1985, whereas hatchery-reared fry contributed only 8% to total fry recruitment as a result of low post-release survival (3%). Fry released into the Clark Fork River from Cabinet Gorge Hatchery had very low survival during emigration to Lake Pend Oreille, resulting from poor flow conditions and potentially high predation. Fry survival during emigration was twice as high during nighttime flows of 16,000 cfs than 7,800 cfs. Emigration also was faster during higher flows. Several marks were tested to differentially mark fry release groups to help determine impacts of flow and other factors on fry survival. Survival of fry marked with tetracycline and ...
The effect that different chemical and physical atomic environments can have on the relative intensities of radiative electron transitions from the filling of K shell vacancies was investigated. The method used involved the detection of photoionization induced X-ray fluorescence. An experimental system based on a hyper pure germanium detector (HPGE) was used to measure the relative K-L and K-M X-ray yields from the photofluorescence of a series of lanthanide elements and compounds. A background subtraction and peak integration strategy was employed which accounted for scattering in the samples and scattering of the flux from the radioisotope photoionization sources. Analysis of the data resulted in a tabulation of relative K/sub ..beta..//K/sub ..cap alpha../ X-ray intensity ratios. The measured relative K/sub ..beta..//K/sub ..cap alpha../ X-ray intensity ratios were compared to the calculated values predicted by the theoretical development of Scofield and the ...
The effect that different chemical and physical atomic environments can have on the relative intensities of radiative electron transitions from the filling of K shell vacancies was investigated. The method used involved the detection of photoionization induced X-ray fluorescence. An experimental system based on a hyper pure germanium detector (HPGE) was used to measure the relative K-L and K-M X-ray yields from the photofluorescence of a series of lanthanide elements and compounds. A background subtraction and peak integration strategy was employed which accounted for scattering in the samples and scattering of the flux from the radioisotope photoionization sources. Analysis of the data resulted in a tabulation of relative K/sub #beta#//K/sub #alpha#/ X-ray intensity ratios. The measured relative K/sub #beta#//K/sub #alpha#/ X-ray intensity ratios were compared to the calculated values predicted by the theoretical development of Scofield and the average of previous ...
Abstract in english The outcome of the interaction between Biomphalaria and Schistosoma mansoni depends on the response of the host internal defence system (IDS) and the escape mechanisms of the parasite. The aim of this study was to evaluate the responsiveness of the IDS (haemocytes and soluble haemolymph factors) of resistant and susceptible Biomphalaria tenagophila lineages and Biomphalaria glabrata lineages in the presence of in vitro-transformed primary sporocysts and secondary sporocys (more) ts obtained from infected B. glabrata. To do this, we assayed the cellular adhesion index (CAI), analysed viability/mortality, used fluorescent markers to evaluate the tegumental damage and transplanted secondary sporocysts. B. tenagophila Taim was more effective against primary and secondary sporocystes than the susceptible lineage and B. glabrata. Compared with secondary sporocysts exposed to B. tenagophila, primary sporocysts showed a higher CAI, a greater percentage ...
This paper summarizes results of preliminary experiments to develop cytological and biochemical indicators for estimating damage to respiratory cells in test animals exposed by inhalation to toxic agents associated with nonnuclear energy production, the specific goal being the application of advanced multiparameter flow-systems technologies to the detection of early atypical cellular changes in lung epithelium. Normal Syrian hamster lung cell samples composed of histiocytes, leukocytes, macrophages, ciliated columnar cells, and epithelial cells were stained with fluorescent dyes specific for different biochemical parameters and were analyzed in liquid suspension as they flowed through a chamber intersecting a laser beam of exciting light. Multiple sensors measured the total or two-color fluorescence and light scatter on a cell-by-cell basis. Cellular parameters proportional to optical measurements (i.e., cell size, DNA content, total protein, ...
The concentration of trace elements in brain sections was measured by synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence. The relative concentration was calculated by means of the normalization of Compton scattering intensity approximately 22 keV, after the normalization for collecting time of X-ray spectrum and the counting of the ion chamber, and subtracting the contribution of the polycarbonate film for supporting sample. Furthermore, the statistical evaluation of the element distribution in various regions of the brain sections of the 20-day-old rats was tested. For investigating the distribution of elements in the brain of iodine deficient rats, Wistar rats were fed with iodine deficient diet and deionized water (ID group). The rats were fed the same iodine deficient diet, but drank KIO_3 solution as control (CT group). The results showed that the contents of calcium (Ca) in thalamus (TH) and copper (Cu) and iron (Fe) in cerebral cortex (CX) of ID rats were ...
Exogenous adenosine 5{prime}-triphosphate (ATP) mobilized intracellular calcium in human carcinoma A43l cells and in Swiss 3T3 and 3T6 mouse fibroblasts by increasing inositol trisphosphate similar to well down growth factors (platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), bradykinin (BK), serum). Calcium mobilization was examined by video imaging of fura-2 fluorescence is single cells, following the radioactive isotope {sup 45}Ca, and monitoring the decrease in fluorescence of cells loaded with chlortetracycline. Uridine 5{prime}-triphosphate, but not other nucleotides, mimicked ATP. Single-cell analysis revealed synchronous responses in 10 sec to ATP, BK or serum, while PDGF (3T3) and EGF (A431) produced slower signals with significant cell-to-cell variation. PDGF desensitized 3T3 cells to ATP and BK added 100 sec later but ATP or BK did not desensitized to PDGF. Homologous desensitization was seen with all agonists. ...
Individuals with male factor infertility resulting from idiopathic oligo-, astheno- or teratozoospermia are frequently offered IVF in an attempt to increase their chances of having a child. A concern remains whether these infertile males have an elevated risk of transmitting chromosomal abnormalities to their offspring. Sperm chromosomal complements from these men were assayed using the human sperm/hamster oocyte fusion system and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) on sperm nuclei. For each of 5 infertile patients, 100 sperm karyotypes were analyzed and multicolour FISH analysis was performed on a minimum of 10,000 sperm nuclei for each chromosome-specific DNA probe for chromosomes 1 (pUC1.77), 12 (D12Z3), X (XC) and Y (DYZ3). As a group, the infertile patients showed increased frequencies of both numerical ({chi}{sup 2}=17.26, {proportional_to} <0.001) and total abnormalities ({chi}{sup 2}=7.78, {proportional_to} <0.01) relative to control donors when ...
Results are presented from a series of studies conducted at the Department of Energy (DOE) Savannah River Plant (SRP) with the NASA Airborne Oceanographic Lidar (AOL). These studies included a topographic survey of a {approximately}1000 acre lake basin (presently designated L Lake) which had been excavated for use as a cooling pond for L Reactor; a study of the movement of discharged cooling water in Pond C and the warm arm of Par Pond using Rhodamine WT dye as a tag; initial baseline studies of the vegetation cover of the Steel Creek corridor (through which the outflow of L Lake is carried to the Savannah River); and a demonstration of potential forestry applications of the AOL. These investigations were conducted over a 3-day period in June 1985. The AOL is an advanced airborne laser system capable of making temporal or time history measurements of laser backscatter (bathymetry mode) or spectral measurements of laser induced fluorescence from waterborne ...
In order to judge the potential fluorescent lamp applications of various low-pressure positive column discharges it is necessary to measure the absolute power emitted in the ultraviolet region of the spectrum. For rare-gas discharges the principle emission occurs in the vacuum ultraviolet so that it is difficult to measure the radiant emittance (power per unit area) of the resonance radiation by standard methods. Two independent techniques are discussed for measuring the radiant emittance of positive column discharges in the vacuum ultraviolet. These techniques are used to study xenon positive column discharges at the resonance wavelength of 147 nm. The first method relies on the measurement of the resonance level density by absorption techniques. The effective decay rate of the resonance level is then determined by the simulation of resonance radiation transport. These two quantities are combined to yield the radiant emittance at 147 nm without implementing vacuum ...
Development of techniques for separating isomeric nuclides is important to the investigation of schemes for gamma-ray lasers. In preparation for an experiment to separate 10_1_4 atoms of the /sub 197m/Hg (299 keV, tau/sub 1/2/ = 24 hours) isomer, we report isotopically selective resonance ionization of mercury atoms. This has been accomplished by three-step excitation via the 6_3P"1 and 8_1S"0 excited states, using three collinear pulsed laser beams of 254, 286, and 532 nm wavelengths from a Nd:YAG and two dye lasers. These beams were passed through a closed mercury-vapor cell containing electrostatic plates to which the ions were drawn. Ion current and fluorescent radiation were measured as a function of laser frequency. Hyperfine structures for the 254- and 286-nm transitions were observed.
Amperostatic coulometry was applied for the thickness measurement of Sn-Ag hot dip coatings, which comprise an extended Sn-Cu interdiffusion layer. Complementary measurements, notably weight loss, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and dynamic secondary ion mass spectroscopy were performed in order to obtain a better interpretation of the coulometry results. Based on the experimental results presented in this article, the three potential changes observed during coulometry measurements are ascribed to (i) the entire dissolution of pure Sn, (ii) the formation of a CuCl salt layer, and (iii) the surface passivation. The measurement of the pure Sn mass is well reproducible despite strong coating thickness variations detected by XRF. Several experimental problems, in particular, a coating undercutting, hamper the determination of the Sn mass in the intermetallic Sn-Cu layer. (19 refs).
A thermal-resistant radiation sensing system using optical fiber has been developed. The system is for monitoring progress of chemical decontamination and able to measure the gamma-ray level in a hot solution of decontamination chemicals in situ. Our sensor head makes use of thermal-resistant NaI (T1) and it is connected to an optical fiber bundle. Scintillation photons pass from the NaI (T1) into the end of the bundle. This part of the system can withstand temperatures of over 100degC. At the far end of the optical fiber bundle, the scintillation photons are converted into fluorescent photons using a wavelength-shifting fiber. These photons are transferred to a distant photomultiplier tube through two thin transparent optical fibers. Furthermore, we propose a self-compensation technique for the dependence of scintillator sensitivity on. This compensation method is based on the correlation between temperature, sensitivity, and scintillation decay time. We have ...
This is Volume 3 in a series of documents on energy efficiency of consumer products. This volume discusses energy efficiency of water heaters. Water heaters are defined by NAECA as products that utilize oil, gas, or electricity to heat potable water for use outside the heater upon demand. These are major appliances, which use a large portion (18% on average) of total energy consumed per household (1). They differ from most other appliances in that they are usually installed in obscure locations as part of the plumbing and are ignored until they fail. Residential water heaters are capable of heating water up to 180{degrees}F, although the setpoints are usually set lower.
Full text.Surficial sediment samples were collected from seventeen springs distributed all over Lebanon (east, west, north and south). Concentrations of metals Ca, Fe, Mn, Ni, Cu, Cr, Zn and Pb were determined by energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence technique. Irradiation was done by the radioisotope source Cd-109 and the detection by an EG and G Si(Li) detector. These analysis was done in attempt to assess the impact of anthropogenic sources on ground water quality. Metals concentration in sediment were found to be (Ca:0.05-47%, Fe:0.24-4.2%, Cr:
The spectroscopic properties of Eu{sup 3+} doped into two lanthanum chlorotungstates matrices, namely LaWO{sub 4}Cl (1-1) and La{sub 3}WO{sub 6}Cl{sub 3}(3-1), are investigated. The fluorescence spectra of these compounds, recorded at room and liquid nitrogen temperatures, show that the lanthanide ion occupies only one site with the low symmetry, C{sub s}, in both cases. From the energy level schemes of the {sup 7}F{sub J} levels (J = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5), two sets of crystal field parameters (cfp) are deduced, in a C{sub 2v} approximated point symmetry (i.e., 9 cfp), simulating the experimental data, correctly. Furthermore, for the 3-1 compound, the data is complete enough to extend the calculations to the real point group, C{sub s} (14 cfp).
Spectroscopic properties of Er"3"+ : CBS (CdSO_4 + B_2O_3 and R_2SO_4 + CdSO_4 + B_2O_3, R_2SO_4 = Li_2SO_4.H_2O, Na_2SO_4, K_2SO_4 and Gd_2(SO_4)_3.8H_2O) glasses are reported. The assigned energy level data of Er"3"+(4f"1"1) in these glasses are analysed in terms of a parametrized model Hamiltonian. The standard deviations of the data fits are between 39 and 47 cm"-"1 so that the energy level schemes of the Er"3"+(4f"1"1) ions in borosulphate (CBS) glasses are reasonably well reproduced. Radiative properties for the fluorescent levels of Er"3"+ : CBS glasses are determined by using the Judd-Ofelt theory. The potential laser transitions are identified with the help of predicted radiative properties which are compared and discussed with similar results. (author).
This work estimates the power requirements for using photochemical processes driven by space nuclear power to counteract the Earth's ozone layer depletion. The total quantity of ozone (O_3) in the Earth's atmosphere is estimated to be about 4.7 x 10"3"7 molecules. The ozone production and destruction rates in the stratosphere are both on the order of 4.9 x 10"3"1 molecules/s, differing by a small fraction so that the net depletion rate is about 0.16 to 0.26% per year. The delivered optical power requirement for offsetting this depletion is estimated to be on the order of 3 GW. If the power were produced by satellite reactors at 800 km altitude (orbit decay time #approx# 300 years), some means of efficient power beaming would be needed to deliver the power to stratospheric levels (10--50 km). Ultraviolet radiation at 140--150 nm could have higher absorption rates in O_2 (leading to production of atomic oxygen, which can combine with O_2 to form O_3) than in ozone (leading to ...
The human smooth muscle myosin heavy chain locus (MYH11) was mapped by fluorescence in situ hybridization to the middle of the p arm of chromosome 16 using a genomic cosmid clone containing coding sequences of the gene as probe. Probe from coding sequence, when applied to Southern blots of a panel of hybrids containing different portions of human chromosome 16, localized the gene to 16p13.13-13.12. Coding sequence PCR primers, when used on the DNA from a CHO-mouse hybrid clone mapping panel informative for mouse chromosomes, showed that the gene was located on mouse chromosome 16. These results correct a recent assignment of MYH11 from 16q12.2 to the region of the 16p-arm inversion breakpoint seen in acute myelomonocytic leukemia (AMML) M4Eo and demonstrate that the conflicting data do not result from the presence of additional MYH genes on the q arm of the chromosome. Also, a new region of conserved synteny between human 16p and mouse 16 is established. 10 refs., ...
Site-selective spectroscopy fluorescence experiments (emission and excitation) in the near-infrared region associated with the {sup 4}I{sub 15/24}I{sub 11/2} transitions of Er{sup 3+} ions have been successfully used to show the presence of two different Er{sup 3+} centres in the Bi{sub 12}SiO{sub 20} piezoelectric crystal. Green (545-570 nm), red (650-690 nm) and near-infrared (850-890 nm) up-converted emissions have been observed and resolved for each type of centre under excitation up to the {sup 4}{sub I11/2} state. The Stark energy level schemes of the three lower energy states of Er{sup 3+} ions have been determined and compared for both centres, showing two quite different crystalline field environments. The mechanisms responsible for the up-conversion process (excited state absorption and/or energy transfer up-conversion) are also analysed. (author)
Site-selective spectroscopy fluorescence experiments (emission and excitation) in the near-infrared region associated with the "4I_1_5_/_2_4I_1_1_/_2 transitions of Er"3"+ ions have been successfully used to show the presence of two different Er"3"+ centres in the Bi_1_2SiO_2_0 piezoelectric crystal. Green (545-570 nm), red (650-690 nm) and near-infrared (850-890 nm) up-converted emissions have been observed and resolved for each type of centre under excitation up to the "4_I_1_1_/_2 state. The Stark energy level schemes of the three lower energy states of Er"3"+ ions have been determined and compared for both centres, showing two quite different crystalline field environments. The mechanisms responsible for the up-conversion process (excited state absorption and/or energy transfer up-conversion) are also analysed. (author)
Adsorption of uranium onto various solids is important from purification, environmental, and radioactive waste disposal points of view. Adsorption of uranium on activated charcoal has been studied as a function of shaking time, amount of adsorbent, pH, concentration of adsorbate, and temperature. Uranium adsorption obeys the Langmuir isotherm. {Delta}H{degrees} and {Delta}S{degrees} were calculated from the slope and intercept of plots ln K{sub D} vs 1/T. The influence of different anions and cations on uranium adsorption has been examined. The adsorption of other metal ions on activated charcoal has been studied under specified conditions to check its selectivity; consequently, uranium was removed from Cs, Ba, Zn, and Co. More than 98% adsorbed uranium on activated charcoal can be recovered with 65 ml of 3 M HNO{sub 3} solution. A wavelength dispersive x-ray fluorescence spectrometer was used for measuring uranium concentration.
Tetracycline is an antibiotic that absorbs ultraviolet light at 355 nm and preferentially binds to atherosclerotic plaque both in vitro and in vivo. Tetracycline-treated human cadaveric aorta was compared with untreated aorta using several techniques: absorptive spectrophotometry; and tissue uptake of radiolabeled tetracycline, which showed 4-fold greater uptake by atheroma than by normal vessel. In addition, intravenous tetracycline administered to patients undergoing vascular surgery demonstrated characteristic fluorescence in surgically excised diseased arteries. Because of tetracycline's unique properties, the authors exposed tetracycline-treated and untreated aorta to ultraviolet laser radiation at a wavelength of 355 nm. They found enhanced ablation of tetracycline-treated atheroma compared with untreated atheroma. The plaque ablation caused by ultraviolet laser radiation was twice as extensive in tetracycline-treated vs nontreated plaque. This study ...
The present document represents an attempt to summarize the most important features of the different forms of ED-XFR as applied to the analysis of airborne particulate matter. It is intended to serve as a set of guidelines for use by participants in the IAEA's own programmes, and other scientists, who are not yet fully experienced in the application of ED-XRF to airborne particulate samples, and who wish either to make a start on using this technique or to improve their existing procedures. The methodologies for sampling described in this document are of rather general applicability. Emphasis is also placed on the sources of errors affecting the sampling of airborne particulate matter. The analytical part of the document describes the different forms of ED-XRF and their potential applications. Spectrum evaluation, a key step in X-ray spectrometry, is covered in depth, including discussion on several calibration and peak fitting techniques and computer programs especially designed for ...
A rickettsia related to but distinct from the spotted fever agent, Rickettsia rickettsii, has been detected in 167 (18.9%) of 884 Rhipicephalus sanguineus taken off dogs in central and northern Mississippi. The organisms could readily be isolated in male meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus), where it produced massive infections in the tissues of tunica vaginalis. It was practically nonpathogenic for male guinea pigs, although inoculation of these animals with infected tunica vaginalis of voles afforded in 30 of 38 instances solid immunity to challenge with virulent R. rickettsii. The Rhipicephalus rickettsia grew well in monolayers of chicken embryo fibroblast, Vero, mouse L, and HeLa cells. Cytopathogenic effects were minimal unless large concentrations of rickettsiae were used as inocula. It also could be established in embryonated hen eggs but only after injection of massive doses of L cell-propagated organisms. Serological tests (complement fixation, microagglutination and/or ...
Subtractive imaging in confocal fluorescence light microscopy is based on the subtraction of a suitably weighted widefield image from a confocal image. An approximation to a widefield image can be obtained by detection with an opened confocal pinhole. The subtraction of images enhances the resolution in-plane as well as along the optic axis. Due to the linearity of the approach, the effect of subtractive imaging in Fourier-space corresponds to a reduction of low spatial frequency contributions leading to a relative enhancement of the high frequencies. Along the direction of the optic axis this also results in an improved sectioning. Image processing can achieve a similar effect. However, a 3D volume dataset must be acquired and processed, yielding a result essentially identical to subtractive imaging but superior in signal-to-noise ratio. The latter can be increased further with the technique of weighted averaging in Fourier-space. A comparison of 2D and 3D ...
The efficiency of the synthesized zeolite NaY from rice husk ash (RHA) in the removal of Cr(III) from aqueous solution was studied. Zeolite NaY was synthesized from RHA via seeding technique and the identification of its structure was done by X-ray Diffraction (XRD) technique and the elemental analysis was carried out by X-ray Fluorescence (XRF). The physicochemical properties which were related to the use of the zeolite NaY as a sorbent was also investigated. The synthesized zeolite NaY has higher cation exchange capacity (CEC) than the commercial zeolite NaY due to the higher amount of sodium content in the synthesized as well as the lower ratio of silica to alumina. The synthesized zeolite NaY together with the commercial one as comparison was used in the sorption of the Cr(III) in aqueous solution by batch sorption experiments. The kinetic study showed that the Cr(III) uptake by both zeolites were based on the pseudo second order model. Synthesized zeolite NaY ...
Samples from a burning bituminous coal seam from Coalspur, Alberta, were studied by reflected light microscopy. Two zones - namely oxidation- combustion and distillation - were detected in the seam. Near the surface, the oxidation zone contained chars showing cracks and oxidation rims. The cracks were filled with fluorescing hydrocarbon material formed by thermal cracking of coal macerals. The chars in the deeper part of the oxidation zone had a carbonized matrix and burnt rims. The distillation zone covered most of the coal seam. Chars were mostly in the precarbonization stage, except those immediately below the combustion zone or near the base of the seam. Precarbonized chars contained pyrolytic carbon in some horizons. The distilled chars were formed by heat generated by combustion at the top of the seam and also by heat transfer from an underlying burning seam through an intermediate clastic layer. The minimum temperature of formation of residues in the ...
Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis (RXFA) were used for the determination of rare earth elements. For INAA, solution obtained by sample decomposition was dripped onto filter paper, enclosed and sealed into a polyethylene foil. The sample was activated in reactor WWR-S over a period of 4 to 6 hours with a neutron fluence of 10"1"3cm"-"2. Gamma radiation measurement was carried out with a planar and a coaxial HP-Ge detector in three decay periods. La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Ho, Tm, Yb and Lu were determined. The advantage of the method is its accuracy and high sensitivity, the disadvantage is the time-consuming analysis. The RXFA method was used as a rapid and operative method for the analysis of loose ore samples, aqueous and organic solutions of rare earth elements. For exciting X-ray radiation, "2"4"1Am was used and the radiation of K-lines was detected with a planar Si(Li) detector. For elements beyond Dy ...
This work presents an experimental and numerical study of pulsated Dean flow, three-dimensional pulsatile flow in a curved pipe. The numerical study is performed by CFD code (Fluent 6) in which a pulsated velocity field is imposed as an inlet condition. The experimental setup involves principally a 'Scotch-yoke' pulsatile generator and a 90o bend. Laser Doppler Velocimetry (LDV) measurements have shown that the Scotch-yoke generator produces pure sinusoidal instantaneous mean velocities with a mean deviation of 3%. Visualizations by laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) and velocity measurements, coupled with the numerical results, have permitted analysis of the evolution of the swirling secondary flow structures that develop along the bend during the pulsation phase. These measurements were made for a range of stationary Reynolds number (300?Rest?1200), frequency parameter (1??=r0(?/?)1/2max,osc/Ust). We observe satisfactory agreement between the numerical and ...
The Executive Body adopted the Protocol on Heavy Metals on 24 June 1998 in Aarhus (Denmark). It targets three particularly harmful metals: cadmium, lead and mercury. According to one of the basic obligations, parties will have to reduce their emissions for these three metals below their levels in 1990. The Protocol aims to cut emissions from industrial sources, combustion process and waste incineration. It lays down strighten limit values for emissions from stationary sources and suggests best available techniques (BAT) for these sources, such as special filters or scrubbers for combustion sources or mercury-free processes. The Protocol requires parties to phase out leaded petrol. It also introduces measures to lower heavy metal emissions from other products, such as mercury in batteries, and proposes the introduciton of management measures for other mercury-containing products, such as electrical componets (thermostats, switches), measuring devices (thermometers, manometers, ...
The CaWO{sub 4}:Ln{sup 3+} SiO{sub 2} (Ln=Tb, Dy and Ho) nanoparticles were synthesized via a combustion process at 800 {sup o}C, using citric acid as chelating agent and fuel, ammonium nitrate as fuel, boric acid as flux material and silica as supports. The persistent phosphor nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), reflectance UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopy (PL) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. XRD patterns indicated that crystalline calcium tungstate with scheelite structure was produced. The reflectance UV-vis spectra showed the broad absorption band of WO{sub 4}{sup 2-} groups and the PL spectra showed the WO{sub 4}{sup 2-} wide excitation band, broad emission band of WO{sub 4}{sup 2-} and characteristic emissions of Ln{sup 3+} ions. The average particle sizes were determined by TEM, which are about 50 nm.
The CaWO_4:Ln"3"+ SiO_2 (Ln=Tb, Dy and Ho) nanoparticles were synthesized via a combustion process at 800 "oC, using citric acid as chelating agent and fuel, ammonium nitrate as fuel, boric acid as flux material and silica as supports. The persistent phosphor nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), reflectance UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopy (PL) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. XRD patterns indicated that crystalline calcium tungstate with scheelite structure was produced. The reflectance UV-vis spectra showed the broad absorption band of WO_4"2"- groups and the PL spectra showed the WO_4"2"- wide excitation band, broad emission band of WO_4"2"- and characteristic emissions of Ln"3"+ ions. The average particle sizes were determined by TEM, which are about 50 nm.
This work analyzes the unoptimized prototype triode-sputtered, 150 microns thick tantalum coatings deposited with a 2.5 microns niobium underlayer on the bore of a large-diameter A723 steel cylinder. The coating was deposited for wear and erosion protection by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. The phase determination was based on X ray diffraction analysis, wavelength dispersive X ray fluorescence analysis, energy dispersive X ray analysis, and hardness and electrical resistivity measurements. Both X ray diffraction and radius-of- curvature methods were used to determine residual stresses. A locally developed high-resolution pole figure technique was used to perform texture analysis. The post-firing, debonded coating showed alpha-tantalum, preferred 110 orientation, high surface stresses, tantalum oxides, entrapped krypton sputtering gas, interstitial oxygen, and other impurities. The surface and subsurface pole figures revealed broadened poles and ...
New palladium(II) and platinum(II) complexes of saccharinate (sac), trans-[Pd(py)"2(sac)"2] (1), cis-[Pt(py)"2(sac)"2] (2), trans-[Pd(3-acpy)"2(sac)"2] (3) and cis-[Pt(3-acpy)"2(sac)"2] (4) (py=pyridine and 3-acpy=3-acetylpyridine) have been synthesized. Elemental analysis, UV-Vis, IR, NMR and TG/DTA characterizations have been carried out. The structures of 1-4 were determined by X-ray diffraction. The palladium(II) and platinum(II) ions are coordinated by two N-bonded sac ligands, and two nitrogen atoms of py or 3-acpy, forming a distorted square-planar geometry. The palladium(II) complexes (1 and 3) are trans isomers, while the platinum(II) complexes (2 and 4) are cis isomers. The mononuclear species in the solid state are connected by weak intermolecular C-H...O hydrogen bonds, C-H...@...
Newly commercialized Fourier transform Raman spectroscopic instrumentation provides a simpler alternative for vibrational spectroscopic analysis. Instrument vendors currently design for laboratory use, but there are many potential process applications of these stable, easy to use instruments. Raman spectroscopy is highly suited to analysis of aqueous samples. Near infrared excitation minimized fluorescence interference and allows for remote operation via fiber optic probes. The Department of Energy has funded research at the Measurement and Control Center to establish the utility of this method for on-line composition analysis in distillation columns. Laboratory evaluation and instrument employs an air-cooled laser and a thermoelectrically cooled detector. The device is mounted on a three by foot cart for convenient location in control rooms. Current fiber optic extension cables allow for analysis in a cell thirty five meters from the instrument. Application of the ...
Numerous transmethylation reactions are required for normal plant growth and development. S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase (SAHH) and adenosine kinase (ADK) act coordinately to recycle the by-product of these reactions, S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) that would otherwise competitively inhibit methyltransferase (MT) activities. Here, we report on investigations to understand how the SAH produced in the nucleus is metabolized by SAHH and ADK. Localization analyses using green fluorescent fusion proteins demonstrated that both enzymes are capable of localizing to the cytoplasm and the nucleus, although no obvious nuclear localization signal was found in their sequences. Deletion analysis revealed that a 41-amino-acid segment of SAHH (Gly(150)-Lys(190)) is required for nuclear targeting of this enzyme. This segment is surface exposed, shows unique sequence conservation patterns in plant SAHHs, and possesses additional features of protein-protein interaction motifs. ADK ...
Diagnostic x-ray spectrometry, a method based on x-ray fluorescence analysis, was used for noninvasive determination of iron and zinc in two distinct skin areas, representing predominantly dermal and epidermal tissues, in 56 patients with beta-thalassemia major and intermedia. The mean iron levels in the skin of patients with beta-thalassemia major and intermedia were elevated by greater than 200% and greater than 50%, respectively, compared with control values. The zinc levels of both skin areas examined were within the normal range. The data indicate that the rate and number of blood transfusions, which correlated well with serum ferritin levels (r . 0.8), are not the only factors that determine the amount of iron deposition in the skin (r less than 0.6). Other sources of iron intake contribute to the total iron load in the tissues, particularly in patients who are not given multiple transfusions. The noninvasive quantitation of skin levels may reflect the extent ...
This paper describes the development and a detailed analysis carried out on the luminescence characteristics of Pr"3"+ doped ZrF_4-BaF_2-LaF_3-YF_3-AlF_3-NaF glasses. In the present work our objectives are to elucidate the possible mechanisms that are responsible for NIR to red upconversion process and yellow to blue upconversion emission in terms of energy level schemes from the praseodymium containing fibre optical glass composition. We have studied their different physical and optical properties. Besides our investigation on the upconversion emission of these glasses, normal fluorescence studies have also been undertaken in explaining the mechanisms in demonstrating bright red and blue emissions upon excitations at visible and UV wavelengths. Besides these measurements works, a bright blue colour emission was observed under an UV source (202 nm) and upconverted prominent red emissions were observed with a laser diode (LD of 980 nm). Similarly under a yellow ...
Radixin is a cytoskeletal protein that may be important in linking actin to the plasma membrane. Recent cloning of the murine and porcine radixin cDNAs revealed a protein highly homologous to ezrin and moesin. The authors have cloned and sequenced the human radixin cDNA and found the predicted amino acid sequence for the human protein to be nearly identical to those predicted for radixin in the two other species. By Southern analyses of Chinese hamster x human somatic cell hybrid DNA and of PCR products derived from hybrids, the coding gene (RDX) was mapped to 11q. Fluorescence chromosomal in situ hybridization with a cDNA plasmid further localized this gene to band 11q23. However, PCR amplification with [open quotes]radixin-specific[close quotes] primers on the hybrid DNA panel yielded an additional, very similar DNA sequence that was further characterized by direct sequencing of PCR products. This sequence represents a truncated version and the respective locus ...
A combination of measuring instruments, consisting of a Beta-Sedimeter and a radionuclide X-ray fluorescence instrument, is described. With the Beta-Sedimeter the C-14-radiation is measured. Through direct irradiation with photons of a Pu238-source in an ancillary irradiation chamber and energy dispersing measurement of the K- and L-radiation resp. of the excited heavy metals with the aid of a Si(Li)-semiconductor detector and a 4-channel analyzer the heavy metal concentrations of the heavy metals Zn, Cr, Ni and Pb are determined. For the determination of cadmium the indirect excitation with Am-241 and Dy-targets is described. The system produces records and operates fully automatically in a step-by-step mode with a testing cycle of 45 minutes. In connection with the process monitoring of the wastewater from a zinc plating plant during a period of 8 months the concentration of the solid material and of the metals Cr and Zn, which were considered to be ...
[alpha]-Melanocyte stimulating hormone ([alpha]-MSH), a hormone originally named for its ability to regulate pigmentation of melanocytes, is a 13-amino-acid post-translational product of the pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) gene. [alpha]-MSH and the other products of POMC processing, which share the core heptapeptide amino acid sequence Met-Glu (Gly)-His-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly (Asp), the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), [beta]-MSH, and [gamma]-MSH, are collectively referred to as melanocortins. While best known for their effects on the melanocyte (pigmentation) and adrenal cortical cells (steroidogenesis), melanocortins have been postulated to function in diverse activities, including enhancement of learning and memory, control of the cardiovascular system, analgesia, thermoregulation, immunomodulation, parturition, and neurotrophism. To identify the chromosomal band encoding the human melanocortin-1 receptor gene, 1 [mu]g of an EMBL clone coding region of the human MC1R and approximately 15 kb ...
The goal of the present study is to elucidate the effect of lipid domain formation on activities of Naja naja atra and Bungarus multicinctus phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) enzymes. Sphingomyelin inhibited enzymatic activity and membrane-damaging activity of PLA(2) against egg yolk phosphatidylcholine (EYPC), while cholesterol and cholesterol sulfate abrogated the inhibitory effect of sphingomyelin. The ability of cholesterol and cholesterol sulfate to abolish the inhibitory effect of sphingomyelin was closely related to their capacity to induce domain formation in EYPC/sphingomyelin vesicles. Laurdan fluorescence measurement revealed that membrane packing of EYPC/sphingomyelin vesicles was differently affected by cholesterol and cholesterol sulfate. Unlike cholesterol, cholesterol sulfate was unable to promote domain formation in dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) vesicles. Cholesterol increased but cholesterol sulfate reduced PLA(2) activity against DPPC. ...
A tick/rickettsial survey in various parts of Switzerland revealed the presence of a new, hitherto undescribed spotted fever group rickettsia ("Swiss agent") in up to 11.7% of I. ricinus collected off vegetation. Infection in ticks was found to be generalized with rickettsiae developing intracellularly and occasionally also intranuclearly. As a result of massive growth in ovarial tissues, including the germinative cells, the rate of transovarial and filial infection was 100%. The "Swiss agent" appears to be nonpathogenic for guinea pigs, domestic rabbits, and Swiss mice, but in male meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) it produces a microscopically detectable infection in the tunica vaginalis. The rickettsia grows well in tissue culture systems including chick embryo fibroblast, Vero, and vole tissue cells, when inoculated via yolk sac into 5-day-old hens' eggs, it kills 100% of the embryos after 5 to 7 days. Antigenic relatedness of the "Swiss agent" to rickettsiae of the spotted ...
A nuclear resonance fluorescence experiment on {sup 88}Sr has been performed with bremsstrahlung of 6.7 MeV endpoint energy. The {gamma}-ray linear polarisation has been measured with a EUROBALL CLUSTER detector used as a Compton polarimeter. The results indicate positive parity for the J=1 state at 4.742 MeV in {sup 88}Sr, in contrast to the previous interpretation as a 1{sup -} two-phonon (2{sup +}{sub 1} x 3{sup -}{sub 1}) state and in conflict with the predictions of the quasiparticle-phonon model. On the basis of such calculations the 1{sup +} state at 3.486 MeV may be considered as the 1{sup +}{sub 1} one-phonon state and the very strong 1{sup +}{sub 1}{yields}0{sup +}{sub 1} deexcitation as proton spin-flip 2p{sub 1/2}{yields}2p{sub 3/2} transition. (orig.)
The chicken extracellular matrix glycoprotein ES/130 is necessary for epithelial-mesenchymal transformation in the developing hear and is also expressed in noncardiac chicken tissues such as limb and notochord. We have identified hES, the human homology of chicken ES/130. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis (FISH) localizes hES to human chromosome 20p11.2-p12. FISH analyses of individuals with 20p12 deletions and affected by Alagille syndrome exclude hES as a candidate gene for this disorder. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction studies reveal that hES is expressed in both fetal and adult human tissues and that hES expression in the left ventricle is increased in the failing adult heart. Further studies will evaluate how hES mutations may relate to congenital human cardiac and skeletal anomalies as well as cardiac remodeling in the adult. 16 refs., 2 figs.
Pd/sub 2/Si layers produced by evaporation or sputtering onto silicon substrates were examined by high resolution electron microscopy, microdiffraction, X-ray, energy loss and Auger spectroscopy. The Si-Pd/sub 2/Si interfaces produced by evaporation were in all cases rougher and more polycrystalline than those produced by sputtering. X-ray microanalysis showed the predictable variation in palladium distribution across the interface but quantification did not produce the expected palladium-to-silicon ratios, primarily because of probe broadening and X-ray-induced fluorescence. Energy loss spectra showed plasmon energy shifts and changes in Si L edge shape due to bond formation with palladium. Auger data provided evidence for a small amount of oxygen at the Si-Pd/sub 2/Si interface. Electrical measurements of the ideality factor for Schottky barriers made from the materials produced higher values for the rougher evaporation-formed interfaces consistent with ...
Increasing the speed and complexity of semiconductor integrated circuits requires advanced processes that put extreme constraints on the level of metal contamination allowed on the surfaces of silicon wafers. Such contamination degrades the performance of the ultrathin SiO sub 2 gate dielectrics that form the heart of the individual transistors. Ultimately, reliability and yield are reduced to levels that must be improved before new processes can be put into production. It should be noted that much of this metal contamination occurs during the wet chemical etching and rinsing steps required for the manufacture of integrated circuits and industry is actively developing new processes that have already brought the metal contamination to levels beyond the measurement capabilities of conventional analytical techniques. The measurement of these extremely low contamination levels has required the use of synchrotron radiation total reflection X-ray fluorescence (SR-TXRF) ...
The Drosophila hairy gene encodes a basic helix- loop-helix protein that functions in at least two steps during Drosophila development: (1) during embryogenesis, when it partakes in the establishment of segments, and (2) during the larval stage, when it functions negatively in determining the pattern of sensory bristles on the adult fly. In the rat, a structurally homologous gene (RHL) behaves as an immediate-early gene in its response to growth factors and can, like that in Drosophila, suppress neuronal differentiation events. Here, the authors report the genomic cloning of the human hairy gene homolog (HRY). The coding region of the gene is contained within four exons. The predicted amino acid sequence reveals only four amino acid differences between the human and rat genes. Analysis of the DNA sequence 5[prime] to the coding region reveals a putatitve untranslated exon. To increase the value of the HRY gene as a genetic marker and to assess its potential involvement in genetic ...
This report describes the fiscal 1998 result on development of genome informatics technology. As comparative analysis technique of genes, the combination of electrophoresis and PCR was used. For improvement of the throughput and reproducibility of the technique, module- shuffling primers were used, and the multi(96)-arrayed capillary fragment analyzer was devised. The system detecting SNPs rapidly was also developed successfully. As analysis technology of DNA sequence by use of triple- stranded DNA formation, study was made on construction of long cDNA libraries, selective subtraction of specific sequences from libraries, and the basic technology of homologous cloning. Study was also made on each reaction step of IGCR technique for fast analysis, and specifications of a fluorescence transfer monitor. As modeling technique of genetic sequence information, the simulation model was developed for gene expression regulatory networks during muscle differentiation, and ...
Proper assessment of the hypothesis which correlates polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with the unidentified infrared emission bands requires additional experimental laboratory data. In order to address this need, thermal infrared emission studies were performed on a subset of PAHs suggested to be of astrophysical importance. It was proposed that infrared emission from interstellar PAHs occurs following absorption of an ultraviolet photon. Since energy transfer to the ground electronic state can be rapid for a species in which intersystem crossing is negligible, the emission spectrum may be viewed as resulting from an equilibrium vibrational temperature (Leger and d'Hendecourt, 1987). This has been the basis for using infrared absorption spectra to calculate the corresponding emission spectra at various temperatures. These calculations were made using room temperature infrared absorption coefficients instead of those at the temperature of interest because of the latter's ...
Full text: The production of #beta#-sialon from kaolinite and carbon has been studied using Hulu Langat Kaolin and activated carbon as raw materials. The sintered temperature is shown to play a prominent role in the process of sialon conversion. Apart from temperature, nitrogen flow rate is also affect the production of #beta#--sialon. This study was carried out on the effect of additive, Y_2O_3 and Al_2O_3 at different temperature that will be mixed and sintered. The additives are expected to affect the formation of #beta#--sialon and Y-sialon upon the synthesis. The mineral and phase development was analysed using X-Ray Diffraction technique (Rigaku Geigerflex) while its chemical compositions through X-Ray Fluorescent Spectrophotometer (Shimadzu XRF 1700) and the particle size distribution analysis through Particle Size Analyser (Horiba, CAPA 700). The observed changes in the microstructure were analysed using the Hitachi S2500 Scanning Electron Microscope. ...
A highly reliable screening method was developed for the determination of lead in tin plated layers and tin-bismuth plated layers. The contents of lead in the layers of the various samples were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The calibration curve for lead in the tin and tin-bismuth plated layers by using WD-XRF exhibited linear correlation from 130 #mu#g/g to 2070 #mu#g/g. Calibration curve of lead normalized with Pb-L#alpha#/Sn-K#alpha# intensity was more linear, and this method was possible to evaluate very small sample. The calibration curve for lead in the tin plated layers by using ED-XRF was good linearly, but it for lead in the tin-bismuth plated layers was affected by Pb-L#alpha# spectrum and Bi-L#alpha# spectrum overlap each other. It was effective for decreasing affect of Bi-L#alpha# spectrum by using curve fitting method. (author)
A procedure for the determination of carboxylic acids (benzoic and C{sub 8}-C{sub 16} aliphatic acids) in oxidised engine oils is described. It is based on a simple and selective derivatisation of the acids with a fluorescent label 9-anthracene-methanol followed by reverse-phase separation on an ODS column with a water-acetonitrile-tetrahydrofuran (20:40:40 by volume) mobile phase and post-column reaction with bis(2,4-dinitrophenyl) oxalate and hydrogen peroxide. The chemiluminiscence emission from the reaction was monitored using a lamina flow-through detector. Analysis of oxidised oils showed that although there was quenching of chemiluminiscence emission by the oil matrix, the acids could be determined over the range 0-0.4% (m/v) in the oil with a detection limit of 0.013% (m/v) (130 pmol on-column with a 20 {mu}l injection) for lauric acid. 8 figs., 2 tabs., 17 refs.
We present ultraviolet spectra of Mira's companion star from the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) instrument on board the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). The companion is generally assumed to be a white dwarf surrounded by an accretion disk fed by Mira's wind, which dominates the UV emission from the system. The STIS UV spectrum is dominated by numerous, narrow H2 lines fluoresced by H I Ly-alpha, which were not detected in any of the numerous observations of Mira B by the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE). The high temperature lines detected by IUE (e.g., C IV 1550) still exist in the STIS spectrum but with dramatically lower fluxes. The continuum fluxes in the STIS spectra are also much lower, being more than an order of magnitude lower than ever observed by IUE, and also an order of magnitude lower than fluxes observed in more recent HST Faint Object Camera objective prism spectra from 1995. Thus, the accretion rate onto Mira B was apparently ...
The primary concern of this work is to study the emission characteristics of a series of chiral nematic liquid crystal lasers doped with different laser dyes (DCM, pyrromethene 580, and pyrromethene 597) at varying concentrations by weight (0.5-2 wt %) when optically pumped at 532 nm. Long-wavelength photonic band-edge laser emission is characterized in terms of threshold energy and slope efficiency. At every dye concentration investigated, the pyrromethene 597-doped lasers exhibit the highest slope efficiency (ranging from 15% to 32%) and the DCM-doped lasers the lowest (ranging from 5% to 13%). Similarly, the threshold was found to be, in general, higher for the DCM-doped laser samples in comparison to the pyrromethene-doped laser samples. These results are then compared with the spectral properties, quantum efficiencies and, where possible, fluorescence lifetimes of the dyes dispersed in a common nematic host. In accordance with the low thresholds and high slope ...
The human CDC25 tyrosine phosphatases trigger activation of CDC2 by removing inhibitory phosphates; thus the genes encoding these phosphatases may be suspected as potential oncogenes due to their role in promoting cell division. To date, three human CDC25 genes have been identified: CDC25A, B, and C. This communication describes the mapping of CDC25A to chromosome 3p21 and CDC25B to chromosome 20p13 by fluorescence in situ hybridization with confirmation by the polymerase chain reaction of hamster-human somatic cell hybrid DNA. 3p21 is near an area frequently involved in karyotypic abnormalities in renal carcinomas, small cell carcinomas of the lung, and benign tumors of the salivary gland. 20p13 does not seem to be a common area for karyotypic alteration in tumors. Mapping of these genes to their chromosomal loci may help identify tumors with abnormal regulation of CDC25 genes due to genomic alterations. 15 refs., 3 figs.
Radiotherapy with high-energy carbon ion beams can be more advantageous compared to photons because of better physical dose distribution and higher biological efficiency in tumour cell sterilization. Despite enhanced normal tissue sparing, damage incurred by normal cells at the beam entrance is unavoidable and may affect the progeny of surviving cells in the form of inheritable cytogenetic alterations. Furthermore, the quality of the beam along the Bragg curve is modified by nuclear fragmentation of projectile and target nuclei in the body. We present an experimental approach based on the use of a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) phantom that allows the simultaneous exposure to a particle beam of several biological samples positioned at various depths along the beam path. The device was used to measure the biological effectiveness of a 60 MeV/amu carbon-ion beam at inducing chromosomal aberrations in G{sub 0}-human peripheral blood lymphocytes. Chromosome spreads were obtained from ...
The recently described retinoid X receptors (RXRs) respond to the novel retinoid 9-cis-retinoic acid and also serve as heterodimeric partners for the vitamin D, thyroid hormone, and retinoic acid receptors (VDR, TR, and RAR, respectively). In this work, the authors report high-resolution localization of the human RXR genes within cytogenetic bands and also within a standard reference map of cosmid DNA markers on human chromosomes. They have determined the location of the human RXR genes by pairwise hybridization of the RXR cosmids and reference markers, using fluorescence in situ hybridization. They localized (i) RXR[alpha] (RXRA) to chromosome 9 band q34.3; (ii) RXR[beta] (RXRB) to chromosome 6 band 21.3; and (iii) RXR[gamma] (RXRG) to chromosome 1 band q22-q23. Six retinoid-responsive transcription factors have been identified so far, including three retinoic acid receptors in addition to the three RXRs. Interestingly, each of these receptors in human and mouse ...
Abstract Plant annexins represent a multigene family involved in cellular elongation and development. A cDNA encoding a novel annexin was isolated from a cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) fiber cDNA library and designated-GhAnx1. This gene encodes a 316 amino acid protein with a theoretical molecular mass of 36.06 kDa and a theoretical pI of 6.19. At the amino acid level, it shares high sequence similarity and has evolutionary relationships with annexins from higher plants. The purified recombinant protein expressed in-Escherichia coli-was used to investigate its physicochemical properties. Circular dichroism spectrum analyses showed a positive peak rising to the maximum at 196 nm and a broad negative band rounding 215 nm, suggesting that the GhAnx1 protein was prominently -helical. The fluoresc...
This paper reports regulation of hypoxia inducible factor-1 ? (HIF-1 ?)in hepatoma cells by irradiation. Cobalt chloride (CoCl2), a chemical mimic agent for hypoxia research, was utilized to induce the stable expression of HIF-1 ? in HepG2 cells. The HepG2 cells were irradiated to different doses to observe the changes of HIF-1 ?. The level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was assayed by fluorescent microscope and flow cytometry (FCM). The results showed that there were obvious changes in expression of HIF-1 ? after HepG2 cells exposed to radiation, and the changes were positively related with the irradiation dose from 1 Gy to 5 Gy. Moreover, contents of incellular ROS were negatively correlated with above levels of HIF-1 ? from 1 Gy to 3 Gy. The results indicate that irradiation may enhance hypoxic cells HIF-1 ?, and the reduction of intracellular ROS can contribute to the regulation of ionizing radiation on HIF-1 ?. (authors)
The finest particle size fractions ({le} 25 {mu}m) in four fly ash samples from fluidised bed combustion of three biomass based fuels and a municipal solid waste fuel were size separated using a centrifugal SPLITT fractionation cell. The ashes were separated into different size fractions and the cadmium concentration, partition and speciation in each separated fraction were then investigated in relation to their possible leaching. The fractionation was evaluated by environmental scanning electron microscopy, which also provided indications of the associations between Cd and other main elements on the particles through the use of X-ray fluorescence mapping. The total concentration of Cd in each fraction was determined by AAS analysis which showed different dependence on the ash particle size in the case of biomass or waste fuels. In addition, the speciation of Cd in each fraction, investigated by sequential chemical extractions and X-ray powder diffraction analysis, ...
Boron (B) is an essential plant micronutrient that is toxic at higher levels. NIP5;1 is a boric acid channel required for B uptake and growth under B deficiency. Accumulation of the NIP5;1 transcript is upregulated under B deficiency in Arabidopsis thaliana roots. To elucidate the mechanism of regulation, the 5' untranslated region (UTR) of NIP5;1 was tested for its ability to confer B-dependent regulation using ?-glucuronidase and green fluorescent protein as reporters. This analysis showed that the 5' UTR was involved in NIP5;1 transcript accumulation in response to B conditions. We also found that high-B conditions trigger NIP5;1 mRNA degradation and that the sequence from +182 to +200 bp in the 5' UTR is required for this mRNA destabilization. In the nip5;1-1 mutant background, a NIP5;1 complementation construct without the 5' UTR produced high levels of mRNA accumulation, increased B concentrations in tissues, and reduced growth under high-B conditions. These ...
The rate coefficients for the reactions of OH radical with CH3Br and CH2Br2 were measured as functions of temperature using the laser photolysis - laser induced fluorescence method. This data was incorporated into a semiempirical model (Solomon et al., 1992) and a 2D model to calculate the steady-state ozone depletion potentials (ODP) and atmospheri lifetimes, tau, with greatly improved accuracy as compared to earlier studies. The calculated ODPs and tau are 0.65 and 1.7 years and 0.17 and 0.41 years for CH3Br and CH2Br2, respectively, using the semiempirical model. These lifetimes agree well with those calculated using a 2D model. This study better quantifies the ODPs and tau of these species which are needed inputs for discussion of possible regulation of human emissions currently under international considerations. 29 refs.
An X-ray fluorometric train was set up for analyzing gravitational fallout, and tested on standard reference samples of fly ashes from conventional power plants. Analysis of thin layers proved inappropriate, and therefore pelletization of the samples, either alone or together with the X-ray MIX binder, was applied. Sample grinding in an agate mortar was found sufficient to suppress the particle size effect. The optimum pressure was 20 MPa. The optimum geometry was sought for "1"0"9Cd source, and limits of detection of 2.78-0.47 #mu#g were achieved for Cr-Zr elements. Tominaga's method was employed for matrix effect correction. Ti, Fe, Cu, Zn, As, Rb, Sr, Zr and Pb were determined in the SRM's; the relative errors ranged from units per cent (for Zn, Rb, Sr and Zr present in concentrations about 100 ppm and for Fe in concentrations of units per cent) up to 45% (for Ti present in a concentration of 0.67%). The method developed was applied to the investigation of fallout in the town of ...
This project was supported through ERDA to demonstrate that the temporal distribution of tritium can be documented by the analysis of bound hydrogen in annual tree-ring samples. The project focuses on two sample locations at the Savannah River Site (SRS), a nuclear material production facility located in Aiken, SC. The SRS provided samples of cross-sections from a single tree that were to be pooled together for analysis. Annual tree-rings were identified in each cross-section sample and separated for the period 1954 to 1993. These annual samples were ground and chemically treated to separate the hollocellulose fraction of the wood, then subsequently combusted and the resulting water counting using low-level liquid scintillation counting equipment. Additionally, the ground annual tree-rings were gamma-counted to determine any temporal variation in radionuclide activity and analyzed with x-ray fluorescence to find any temporal variation in trace-element ...
Absolute total cross sections for electron-impact excitation of the 2s"2S#->#2p"2P transition in C"3"+ were measured from 7.35 eV to 8.45 eV using the merged electron-ion-beams energy-loss technique. The results settle the discrepancy between two previous experiments using the crossed-beams fluorescence method, being in very good agreement with the older results [P. O. Taylor, D. Gregory, G. H. Dunn, R. A. Phaneuf, and D. H. Crandall, Phys. Rev. Lett. 39, 1256 (1977)] but less so with the more recent ones [D. W. Savin, L. D. Gardner, D. B. Reisenfeld, A. R. Young, and J. L. Kohl, Phys. Rev. A 51, 2162 (1995)]. The present measurements are also in good agreement with unitarized Coulomb-Born and close-coupling calculations. copyright 1998 The American Physical Society.