Since Src kinase inhibitors decrease brain injury produced by intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and thrombin is activated following ICH, this study determined whether Src kinase inhibitors decrease...Full Text Available
... Variable, Alimentos mal enlatados, especialmente verduras enlatadas en el hogar; pescado fermentado, papas asadas en papel de aluminio, ajo envasado. ...
Aqu? va a poder aprender acerca de la Dros?fila Melanogaster, a la cual se le conoce como la mosca de la fruta! Usted podr?. Interpretar por qu? las moscas ...
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The performance of Evolutionary Algorithms can be enhanced by integrating the concept of agents. Agents and Multi-agents can bring many interesting features which are beyond the scope of traditional evolutionary process and learning. This book presents the state-of-the art in the theory and practice of Agent Based Evolutionary Search and aims to increase the awareness on this effective technology. This includes novel frameworks, a convergence and complexity analysis, as well as real-world applications of Agent Based Evolutionary Search, a design of multi-agent architectures and a design of age
Certain radioiodine containing amides useful as brain imaging agents are disclosed. The compounds of the subject invention are represented by the formula
Certain radioiodine containing amides useful as brain imaging agents are disclosed. The compounds of the subject invention are represented by the formula.
Helicobacter pylori, a major cause of human gastric disease, is a microaerophilic bacterium that contains neither pyruvate nor 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase activity. Previous studies...Full Text Available
Analysis of damages done by the radiation in a polymer characterized by optic properties of polished surfaces, of uniformity and chemical resistance that the acrylic; resistant until the 150 centigrade grades of temperature, and with an approximate weight of half of the glass. An objective of this work is the development of a method that analyze in automated form the superficial damages induced by radiation in plastic materials means an images analyst. (Author)
In order to consider some procedures to prevent errors in radiotherapy based in learned lessons of accidental expositions and in accordance with information contained in international reports elaborated by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and of the data base availability by the European group Radiation Oncology Safety Information System (ROSIS) on the events, a research of the occurred errors was performed. For the evaluation of the incidents a data base based in the ROSIS and added plus a parameter was created 'type of error'. All the stored data make possible the evaluation of the 839 incidents in terms of frequency of the type of error, the process of detention, the number of reached patients and the degree of severity. Of the 50 types of found errors, the type of error more frequently was 'incorrect treatment coordinate', confirmed with the data of literature and representing 28,96 por cent of the total of the ...
What makes teamwork tick?. Cooperation matters, in daily life and in complex applications. After all, many tasks need more than a single agent to be effectively performed. Therefore, teamwork rules!. Teams are social groups of agents dedicated to the fulfilment of particular persistent tasks. In modern multiagent environments, heterogeneous teams often consist of autonomous software agents, various types of robots and human beings. Teamwork in Multi-agent Systems: A Formal Approach explains teamwork rules in terms of agents' attitudes and their complex interplay. It provides the first comprehe
The long-term survival of certain patients after treatment with radiation or chemotherapeutic agents has allowed the realization that agents that effectively control cancer in the human subject may also possess an oncogenic potential, resulting in secondary malignancies in a significant proportion of surviving patients. A quantitative assessment of the oncogenic effects of these agents at a cellular level is important, as is information on conditions and agents that may effectively alter the development of the neoplastic state. Cell culture systems where the neoplastic transformation of cells can be scored after exposure to carcinogens offer powerful tools for evaluating the oncogenic potential of radiation and chemotherapeutic agents.
The paper presents TrustMAS - Trusted Communication Platform for Multi-Agent Systems, which provides trust and anonymity for mobile agents. The platform includes anonymous technique based on random-walk algorithm for providing general purpose anonymous communication for agents. All agents, which take part in the proposed platform, benefit from trust and anonymity that is provided for their interactions. Moreover, in TrustMAS there are StegAgents (SA) that are able to perform various steganographic communication. To achieve that goal, SAs may use methods in different layers of TCP/IP model or specialized middleware enabling steganography that allows hidden communication through all layers of mentioned model. In TrustMAS steganographic channels are used to exchange routing tables between StegAgents. Thus all StegAgents in TrustMAS with their ...
A number of biological agents are available or being investigated for the treatment of asthma and rhinitis. The safety profiles of these biologic agents, which may modify allergic and immunological...Full Text Available
... non- emissive guidance and collision alert, automated transport in dynamic environments, and assembly and inspection. Foveal Vision, Autonomous Agents, ...
The potential of radiolabelled phenylpiperazines as agents for the detection and therapy of tumours of neural crest origin was evaluated by in vitro pharmacological studies with human neuroblastoma...Full Text Available
Background:Antimicrobial agents have been used as a chemotherapeutic agent to improve oral health. This in vitro study was carried out to determine the antimicrobial activity...Full Text Available
Objetivo Estudiar la evolucion de un grupo de neumonias extrahospitalarias causadas por germenes atipicos (Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Legionella spp., Coxiella burnetii y Chlamydophila pneumoniae) en funcion del tratamiento empirico recibido. Pacientes y metodos Entre enero de 1996 y febrero de 2001 ingresaron en nuestra unidad 390 casos de neumonia, de los que 89 estaban causados por germenes atipicos. Los pacientes se dividieron retrospectivamente en 2 grupos segun el tratamiento empirico pautado: grupo A, al que se habia proporcionado cobertura frente a germenes atipicos (quinolonas o macrolidos), y grupo B, al que no se habia proporcionado dicha cobertura. Se estudio la evolucion segun las diferencias entre ambos grupos en la estancia hospitalaria, la resolucion radiologica, el reingreso e...
Objetivo La generacion local de citocinas es un factor patogenico en el dano por isquemia-reperfusion en la disfuncion precoz del injerto. Este estudio analiza la expresion en tejido pulmonar de ARN mensajero de interleucina-8 (ARNm de IL-8) y su relacion con los cambios intersticiales pulmonares en un modelo experimental de isquemia-reperfusion pulmonar normotermica. MATERIAL Y METODOS Se estudiaron 16 conejos de la raza Nueva Zelanda en 3 grupos de estudio: a) basal; b) isquemia (lobulo inferior derecho tras isquemia de 1, 2 o 3 h), y c) reperfusion (lobulos superior y medio derechos tras 1 h de isquemia y 1, 2 o 3 h de reperfusion). Se deter- mino la expresion del ARNm de IL-8 mediante transcripcion inversa y reaccion en cadena de la polimerasa y estudio la infiltracion intersticial por...
The heavy crude fraction processing is performed under very high vacuum to minimize thermal cracking which cause coke deposition and damage the equipment. The current tendency is to process heavier oil leading to higher process temperatures and consequently to greater fouling. This situation demands better knowledge fouling process by carbonization. This problem is pronounced in the residual gasoil region of a vacuum distillation unit because it obstructs the recirculation circuits and the spray system with serious environmental and economics implications. This paper review the main correlated published work related to coke generation and fouling and presents a discussion about the works. (author)
Stabilized silver particles comprise particles comprising silver, a short-chain capping agent adsorbed on the particles, and a long-chain capping agent adsorbed on the particles. The short-chain capping agent is a first anionic polyelectrolyte having a molecular weight (Mw) of at most 10,000, and the long-chain capping agent is a second anionic polyelectrolyte having a molecular weight (Mw) of at least 25,000. The stabilized silver particles have a solid loading of metallic silver of at least 50 wt %.
The effect of a number of dietary and synthetic chelating agents on the intestinal absorption of lead has been examined using the everted sac preparation and the tracer isotope /sup 203/Pb. All the agents examined increased lead transport into the serosal compartment. An explanation of the way in which these agents modify the model to describe lead transport is proposed.
We study a stochastic gossip model of continuous opinion dynamics in a society consisting of two types of agents: regular agents, who update their beliefs according to information that they receive from their social neighbors; and stubborn agents, who never update their opinions and might represent leaders, political parties or media sources attempting to influence the beliefs in the rest of the society. When the society contains stubborn agents with different opinions, opinion dynamics never lead to a consensus (among the regular agents). Instead, beliefs in the society almost surely fail to converge, and the belief of each regular agent converges in law to a non-degenerate random variable. The model thus generates long-run disagreement and continuous opinion fluctuations. The structure of the social network and the location of stubborn ...
We present a detailed analysis of the self-organization phenomenon in which the stylized facts originate from finite size effects with respect to the number of agents considered and disappear in the limit of an infinite population. By introducing the possibility that agents can enter or leave the market depending on the behavior of the price, it is possible to show that the system self-organizes in a regime with a finite number of agents which corresponds to the stylized facts. The mechanism to enter or leave the market is based on the idea that a too stable market is unappealing for traders while the presence of price movements attracts agents to enter and speculate on the market. We show that this mechanism is also compatible with the idea that agents are scared by a noisy and risky market at shorter time scales. We also show that the mechanism for self-organization is robust with ...
In this work it is made a study of the structure and electric properties of chlorate polyethylene (PE-CI) with double and simple bonds obtained by continuous plasma with resistive coupling to 13.5 MHz. The synthesis conditions are power between 10 and 14 W and pressure of (6-7) x 10{sup -2} Torr. The synthesized PE-Cl in that way is soluble in acetone what indicates that probably is formed of short chains and not it shows the generalized inter crossing that is presented in some syntheses by plasma and that it can degrade the electric properties of these polymers. The IR and XPS analysis show the vibration of the C-C, C=C and C-CI bonds. The morphology of the polymer after being dissolved shows a compact and flat configuration. The electric conductivity has an approximately lineal behavior in an interval of 35 to 90% of relative humidity. (Author)
We discuss the foundations of factor or regression models in the light of the self-consistency condition that the market portfolio (and more generally the risk factors) is (are) constituted of the assets whose returns it is (they are) supposed to explain. As already reported in several articles, self-consistency implies correlations between the return disturbances. As a consequence, the alpha's and beta's of the factor model are unobservable. Self-consistency leads to renormalized beta's with zero effective alpha's, which are observable with standard OLS regressions. Analytical derivations and numerical simulations show that, for arbitrary choices of the proxy which are different from the true market portfolio, a modified linear regression holds with a non-zero value $\\alpha_i$ at the origin between an asset $i$'s return and the proxy's return. Self-consistency also introduces ``orthogonality'' and ``normality'' conditions linking the beta's, alpha's (as well as the residuals) and the ...
The use of gamma radiation to obtain wood-polymer composites is one of the applications of radiation that presents the most commercial interest. The process, denominated radiopolymerization, comprises the impregnation of monomers into the completely dried wood followed by exposure to gamma radiation to induce polymerization of the impregnated monomers. I this context, the present work aimed the application of this process to seven kinds of wood existing in the brazilian forests. The considered monomer is styrene and the gamma source is Cobalt-60. The obtained wood-polystyrene composites were found to have stronger static bending strength. (author)
This study describes the construction of a simple mathematical model its validation through the simulation in transient state of a real cycle performed by a solar refrigerator based on physical adsorption using an activated carbon/methanol pair. The deviation from experimental results was 4% for the cycled mass of methanol, 2.2 % for maximum collector average temperature, and 3 x 10{sup -3} for the theoretical cycle coefficient of performance. Additional simulations of the same cycle inputting values representing different types and larger amounts of activated carbon showed the possibility of increasing the cycled methanol mass up to about 150%. (author) 26 refs., 16 figs., 9 tabs.
The enzymatic activity characterization of the cellulolytic complex obtained from Trichoderma reesei QM 9414 and the influence of the enzymatic hydrolysis conditions on the hydrolysis yield are studied. Pure cellulose and native or alkali pretreated biomass Onopordum nervosum have been used as substrates. The values of pH, temperature, substrate concentration and enzyme-substrate ratio for the optimum activity of that complex, evaluated as glucose and reducing sugars production, have been selected. Previous studies on enzymatic hydrolysis of 0. nervosum have shown a remarkable effect of the alkaline pretreatments on the final hydrolysis yield. (Author) 10 refs.
Medicinal plants are available in the markets in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. The objective of this work is to investigate the Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Na e Zn concentrations in two lots of usually known diuretics plants (azeitona do mato, cabelo de milho, cavalinha, cervejinha do campo, chapeu de couro, congonha de bugre, marmelinho do campo and quebra pedra) bought with an interval of time - six months - between the purchases. The elemental concentrations were determined applying k{sub 0} instrumental neutron activation analysis and atomic absorption spectrophotometry analysis. (author)
Background and objectives: The severity of anemia at which to initiate erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) treatment in nondialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients is unclear. Risk of mortality,...Full Text Available
The goal of ultrasonic molecular imaging is the detection of targeted contrast agents bound to receptors on endothelial cells. We propose imaging methods that can distinguish adherent microbubbles...Full Text Available
BackgroundThe Gram-negative bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei (Bp) is the causative agent of the human disease melioidosis. To understand the evolutionary mechanisms...Full Text Available
The Gram-negative bacterium Francisella tularensis is the causative agent of tularemia. Interest in this zoonotic pathogen has increased due to its classification as a category A agent...Full Text Available
Activatable or “smart” magnetic resonance contrast agents have relaxivities that depend on environmental factors such as pH or enzymatic activity, but the MR signal depends on...Full Text Available
... such as discovery, capabilities registration, lookup, and a ... Java- based toolkit for creating ... Multisensor, Multisource Information Fusion: Architectures ...
In the present work we introduce a novel multi-agent model with the aim to reproduce the dynamics of a double auction market at microscopic time scale through a faithful simulation of the matching mechanics in the limit order book. The agents follow a noise decision making process where their actions are related to a stochastic variable, the market sentiment, which we define as a mixture of public and private information. The model, despite making just few basic assumptions over the trading strategies of the agents, is able to reproduce several empirical features of the high-frequency dynamics of the market microstructure not only related to the price movements but also to the deposition of the orders in the book.
The state of chromatin during the cell cycle was examined using synchronized cultures of CHO hamster cells. Results support Mazia's dynamic chromosome cycle model and indicate that DNA-interactive chemotherapeutic agents elicit different types of kinetic responses in treated cells, suggesting a degree of specificity of interaction between various alkylating and intercalating agents and the genome. Effects of sarkosyl crystals, heparin, and chemotherapeutic agents, neocarzinostatin and adriamycin, on chromation are discussed. (HLW)
Malignant tumors of the sinonasal cavities are rare and often diagnosed late in the course of the disease. These tumors can extend into regions such as the orbit and brain, where treatment is difficult. Ten patients with non treated sinonasal malignant neoplasms and radiological evidence of tumor extension into the orbit and brain were studied with computed tomography. Five (50%) tumors were epithelial neoplasms whereas squamous cell carcinoma was the most common type (3 cases). The ethmoidal sinus was the most common site of origin of the tumors (40%), followed by the maxillary sinus (30%) and nasal cavity (30%). A total of 16 orbits were involved since 6 patients (60%) had bilateral orbital involvement. The tumors extended more often into the orbits through erosion of the medial and inferior orbital bones. All orbital compartments were involved in the majority of the orbits. Tumoral extension into the cranial cavity was more common through the ethmoidal (70%) and orbital roof (30%). ...
The goals of this paper are to describe the fabrication and complete evaluation of a dihydropyridine <- -> pyridinium salt type redox system for the delivery of radioiodinated agents to the brain. Tissue distribution studies of "1"2"5I-labeled 4-iodoaniline and the redox agents were performed in rats. ["1"2"5I]Iodoaniline initially showed moderate brain uptake with subsequent release of the radioactivity from the brain. ["1"2"5I]Iodoaniline, however, when coupled to a dihydropyridine carrier showed significantly higher uptake and retention in the brain. (author).
Addition of a vasoconstrictor to a local anesthetic may have several beneficial effects: a decrease in the peak plasma concentration of the local anesthetic agent, increase in the duration and the quality...Full Text Available
SUMMARYSmokers are more susceptible than non-smokers to persistent infection by Porphyromonas gingivalis, a causative agent of periodontitis. Patients who smoke...Full Text Available
... Values of absorption maxima, X.nax, and associated molar extinction coefficients, c, as well as values of the n-octanol/water partition coefficient( ...
In an effort to develop octahedral metal complexes as chemotherapeutic and diagnostic agents targeted to DNA, it is critical to optimize the properties of their cellular uptake. Appending d-octaarginine...Full Text Available
Legionella pneumophila is a gram-negative bacterial species that is ubiquitous in almost any aqueous environment. It is the agent of Legionnaires’ disease, an acute and often...Full Text Available
Age-related alterations in the cellular composition of the B lineage are a major cause of the poor antibody response to vaccination and to infectious agents among the elderly population. The mechanisms...Full Text Available
A series of four 125I-labeled 1-substituted-4-phenylpiperazines were prepared and evaluated in rats as potential brain imaging agents. The compounds were labeled using (125I)iodide/chloramine-T or iodine monochloride and isolated in 48-60% radiochemical yields. The tissue distribution studies indicated that a butyrophenone derivative demonstrated the best overall brain-imaging properties. Compared with the compounds having other 1-substituents this agent had a more prolonged retention of activity in the brain and higher brain-to-blood ratios over the 4-h period studied. The in vivo behavior of this agent is comparable to that of radioiodinated N-isopropyl-p-iodoamphetamine, and, because it can be labeled directly via electrophilic methods, it has substantial potential for use in brain imaging with single photon emission computed tomography.
There is an urgent need in aquaculture to develop microbial control strategies, since disease outbreaks are recognized as important constraints to aquaculture production and trade and since the development...Full Text Available
BackgroundPlasmodium falciparum is the most malignant agent of human malaria. It belongs to the taxon Laverania, which includes other ape-infecting Plasmodium...Full Text Available
After fluid resuscitation, vasoactive drug treatment represents the major cornerstone for correcting any major impairment of the circulation. However, debate still rages as to the choice of agent, dose,...Full Text Available
The polyene antibiotic Amphotericin B (AMB) is one of the first therapeutic agents to be marketed commercially as nanosized formulations in which the drug is associated with lipids as liposomes or complexes....Full Text Available
The causes of autoimmune responses leading to human kidney pathology remain unknown. However, environmental agents such as microorganisms and/or xenobiotics are good candidates for that role. Metals,...Full Text Available
Legionella pneumophila is the causative agent of Legionnaires’ disease, an acute pulmonary infection. L. pneumophila is able to infect and multiply in both...Full Text Available
The need for agents designed to modify immune response in the treatment of patients with viral infection, immunodeficiency, or cancer prompted the present study on the mechanisms of action of isoprinosine,...Full Text Available
Fungal and oomycete populations and their dynamics were investigated following the introduction of the biocontrol agent Pythium oligandrum into the rhizosphere of tomato plants grown...Full Text Available
Aesthetic dentistry continues to evolve through innovations in bonding agents, restorative materials, and conservative preparation techniques. The use of direct composite restoration in posterior teeth...Full Text Available
Objective:To determine the influence of a two-week course of lopinavir-ritonavir on the pharmacokinetics of the triglyceride-lowering agent, gemfibrozil.Full Text Available
The effect of a series of complexing and reducing agents on the extraction-chemical behavior of technetium as applied to extraction splitting of uranium and plutonium in the Purex process was examined. Kinetic parameters of the catalytic decomposition of N2H5NO3 under the action of Tc in the presence of these agents were evaluated. Variation of the ratio of the oxidized and reduced Tc species in the course of the process and in the hydrazine-free systems was determined. Reagents preventing oxidation of the reduced technetium and decomposition of N2H5NO3 in nitric acid solutions (acetohydroxamic acid, hydroxylamine, ascorbic acid, etc.), inhibiting the reduction of Tc with hydrazine nitrate (H2O2, HN3, etc.), and known as complexing agents toward quadrivalent actinides but indifferent to Tc...
This article is the second part of a review of recent empirical and theoretical developments usually grouped under the heading Econophysics. In the first part, we reviewed the statistical properties of financial time series, the statistics exhibited in order books and discussed some studies of correlations of asset prices and returns. This second part deals with models in Econophysics from the point of view of agent-based modeling. Of the large number of multi-agent-based models, we have identified three representative areas. First, using previous work originally presented in the fields of behavioral finance and market microstructure theory, econophysicists have developed agent-based models of order-driven markets that we discuss extensively here. Second, kinetic theory models designed to ...
6-Mercaptopurine (6-MP) inhibits the growth of. Escherichia coli B. Growth inhibition is ... reversed by subculture of the cells in 6-mercaptopurine- ...
Purpose: To dissolve iron and nickel as well as chromium simultaneously at one step for cruds partially containing chromium, and obtain high decontaminating factor (decontamination factor). Method: Radioactive cruds formed as corrosion products in nuclear reactor primary coolant circuits are subjected to dissolving treatment by using a decontaminating agent composed of cerium sulfate type solution as the dissolving solution. When the treatment is substantially completed, a reducing agent is added to reduce the residual 4-valent cerium into 3-valent cerium. Those having potential lower than the redox potential of cerium are used as the reducing agent so that cerium is not deposited. This can provide high decontaminating factor while preventing the deposition of cerium. (Takahashi, M.).
This paper presents some basic elements regarding the domain of the collaborative systems, a domain of maximum actuality and also the multiagent systems, developed as a result of a sound study on the one-agent systems.
Employees in a pay status earn sick leave at the rate of 4 hours each pay period .... Employees covered by the Federal Employees' Retirement System (FERS) ...
... view on the utility of such attacks, see JH Rothschild, Tomorrow's Weapons ... Aum Shinrikyo may have had a stolen vaccine anthrax strain incapable ...
added to provide resistance to UV degradation, and vulcanization control. ...Sulphur is used to vulcanize the rubber ...additives and solvents age resistors, processing aids, accelerators, vulcanizing agents, softeners and fillers
The susceptibility of 19 isolates of Haemophilus ducreyi from a recent chancroid outbreak and four reference strains was determined in vitro to 13 antimicrobial agents. The rabbit intradermal...Full Text Available
Hypertension affects most hemodialysis patients and is often poorly controlled. Adequate control of blood pressure is difficult with conventional hemodialysis alone but is important to improve...Full Text Available
BackgroundPoliovirus, the causative agent of poliomyelitis, is a human enterovirus and a member of the family of Picornaviridae and among the most rapidly evolving viruses known....Full Text Available
Alpha-toxin, the major cytotoxic agent elaborated by Staphylococcus aureus, was the first bacterial exotoxin to be identified as a pore former. The protein is secreted as a single-chain, water-soluble...Full Text Available
Hydrogen peroxide is a commonly used oxidizing agent with a variety of uses depending on its concentration. Ingestion of hydrogen peroxide is not an uncommon source of poisoning, and results in morbidity...Full Text Available
The role of apoptosis or programmed cell death in the regulation of development and maintenance of homeostasis in multicellular organisms is well established. During the last decade, naturally...Full Text Available
The presence of antibodies to Rickettsia prowazeki in domestic animals from several parts of Africa, and the isolation of this rickettsia from the blood of goats and sheep and from...Full Text Available
In this model, without dark matter, the flat rotation curves of galaxies and the mass-to-light ratios of clusters of galaxies are described quantitatively. The hypothesis is that the agent of gravitational...Full Text Available
The avermectins were introduced in 1981 and constitute a potent new class of anthelmintic agents. They are naturally-derived products of microbial action displaying an exceptionally wide range of antiparasitic...Full Text Available
IntroductionThe development of novel diagnostic agents for the detection of breast cancer microcalcifications requires a reliable animal model. Based on previous...Full Text Available
The present compounds are useful as specific sequestering agents for actinide (IV) ions. Also described is a method for the 2,3-dihydroxybenzamidation of azaalkanes.
With more women entering the labor market, concern about adverse effects of occupational exposure on reproductive health has been increasing. Of special importance are those agents which might cause...Full Text Available
Resumen Estudios epidemiologicos recientes, muestran claramnete la incidencia de la disfuncion erectil con la edad. Por lo tanto, los profesionales sanitarios que se ocupan de las personas de edad avanzada, deberian preparar cuidadosamente el diagnostico y el abordaje de la disfuncion erectil. Es innegable que la introduccion de los inhibidores de la fosfodisterasa tipo 5 (PDE5Is) ha revolucionado el tratamiento de la disfuncion erectil. Los clinicos deberian conocer el potencial de los efectos adversos asociados con el uso de PDE5Is cuando se aconseja a los pacientes. Otras terapias suplementarias y de segunda/tercera linea para la disfuncion erectil, que incluyen las inyecciones intracavernosas, la aplicacion transuretral de medicacion, la testosterona, los sistemas de vacion peneano, la...
The CPHR individual monitoring service acquired an automatic RADOS TLD system to improve its capacities to satisfy the increasing needs of their national customers. The TLD system consists of: two automatic TLD reader, model DOSACUS, a TLD irradiator and personal dosimeters card including slide and holders. The dosimeters were composed by this personal dosimeters card and LiF:Mg,Cu,P (model GR-200) detectors. These readers provide to detectors a constant temperature readout cycle using hot nitrogen gas. In order to evaluate the performance characteristics of the system, different performance tests recommended by the IEC 1066 standard were carried out. Important dosimetric characteristics evaluated were batch homogeneity, reproducibility, detection threshold, energy dependence, residual signal and fading. The results of the tests showed good performance characteristics of the system. (Author)
This paper deals with the energy required to separate ethanol from an aqueous solution in a distillation column containing a solid phase. The solid phases evaluated consisted of either an amylatious (ground corn) or a cellulose (sugar cane bagasse) absorber whit particle sizes smaller than 4 mm. The water-retention capacity of each solid phase was measured by passing vapors or ethanol-water mixtures through the solid phase. When starting with initial concentrations bellow the azeotropic point, ethanol concentrations up to 99,5% (on corn) and 97,2% (on sugar cane) were achieved. The water content was evaluated potentiometrically (Karl`Fischer). Regarding the 2-4 mm ground corn solid phase column, the energy consumed was estimated to be reduced by 15,6% and 60% (by weight) ethanol-water mixture respectively. (author) 11 refs., 2 figs., 2 tabs
Introduccion y objetivos La enfermedad renal oculta (ERO) es una entidad que define los estadios mas iniciales de insuficiencia renal y no se detecta con los metodos usados habitualmente. El objetivo es determinar la prevalencia de ERO en los pacientes hipertensos en consultas de cardiologia y su relacion con los distintos factores de riesgo y tratamientos cardiovasculares. Metodos. Estudio observacional, transversal, retrospectivo y multicentrico que se llevo a cabo en 1.214 hipertensos de consultas de cardiologia. Resultados . Se analizo a 1.190 pacientes (98%). El filtrado glomerular (FG) fue calculado (MDRD) por el cardiologo responsable en el 11% de los pacientes. Tras su determinacion a posteriori, el 9,5% presentaba ERO, mas probablemente mujeres, con mas edad, mas antecedents de di...
The objective of this project was to develop a explosion suppression system capable to confine and extinguish gas explosions of the type produced in sub level caving faces when blasting to the coal pillar. Existing systems, such as triggered barriers, were considered not to be valid because of size, weight, cost, and other operational constraints. The research activities have been focused in the development of a mixed water/air spray system that should be manually activated some second before blasting. Two prototypes have been developed and tested, the first one using nozzle operating at the standard ranges of pressure that are normally available in underground coal mines, and a second one based in high-pressure nozzles. In this case, bottles containing a pressurized air/water mixtures are required. The works carried out included theoretical studies, hydraulic nozzles characterization, and modelling of the explosion phenomena using the AutoReaGas code. Besides, extensive testing of the ...
Perforated thermoplastic masks are used to provide patients immobilization. This procedure inserts a material in the path of the radiation beam, that attenuates and modifies the beam fluence and flatness. The present study evaluates the increase in skin dose as a result of using thermoplastic masks. Relative doses were measured on the surface of a solid water phantom, in the presence and absence of masks. These masks were stretched according to deformation patterns observed in clinical routine. The measurements were obtained with a plane-parallel chamber (Markus type 23343) and radiochromic film (EBT Gafchromic) for 6MV X-rays from a linear accelerator, and for a radiation beam from a cobalt therapy unit. The results showed that thermoplastic masks, whose thickness varied between 2 and 3 mm, increased the dose on the surface by a factor of 3. Due to the variations in the skin dose distribution, clinical procedures were suggested to minimize radiobiological damages in subcutaneous ...
The effect of steam explosion treatment on the enzymatic hydrolysis yield of two different lignocellulosic substrates is studied. Raw materials have been pretreated in a pilot plant designed to work in batch and equipped with a reactor vessel of 2 1 working volume where biomass was heated at the desired temperature and then exploded and recovered in a cyclone. Temperatures from 190 to 230 degree celsius and reaction times from 2 to 8 min. have been assayed. The efficiency of the steam explosion treatment has been evaluated on the composition of the lignocellulosic materials as well as on their enzymatic hydrolysis yield using a cellulolytic complex from T. reesel. Results show a high solubilization rate of hemicelluloses and variable losses of cellulose and lignin depending on the conditions tested. Enzymatic hydrolysis yields of both substrates experimented remarkable increments, corresponding the highest values obtained to 210 degree celsius; 2 min. and 21O degree celsius; 4 min. for ...
INTRODUCTION: Fatigue is a prominent symptom in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and it has distinctive features; however, there is a need for a robust scale to measure fatigue in COPD. METHODS: At baseline, 122 patients with COPD (forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV(1)) 52%, women 38%, mean age 66 years) completed a pilot fatigue scale covering a pool of 57 items and underwent a range of tests, including indicators of mood and a short general fatigue questionnaire. All patients responded to the 57-item scale and it was readministered to a subset of 30 patients. The pilot scale was first subjected to constructive validated shortening steps and then to a principal components analysis. RESULTS: The Manchester COPD fatigue scale (MCFS) consists of 27 items, loading into three dimensions: physical, cognitive and psychosocial fatigue. Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.97) and test-retest repeatability (r = 0.97, por=16 scores in the Center for ...
The present work's objective is to test sampling methodologies applied on the bioremediation processes in situ, involving the establishment of sample replicates, specific laboratory procedures and its results, inedited on the referred technique. Agricultural fertilizers were used, NPK and OSMOCOTE, as biostimulants on mangroves substrates affected by petroleum activities. The tested methodology used on the experiment was based on the monitoring of this technology in aquarium with water from Sao Paulo's river and sediment contaminated by oil, realized in three steps (first pre-test, second pre-test and third pre-test) that happened between the months of August and November of 2007. The physical-chemical parameters were measured with portable devices carefully calibrated and the oil analyzed with gas chromatography. The saturated hydrocarbons (n-alkenes) had an increase on the concentrations for some aquariums and these found results do not permit to confirm if the ...
A first, partial, assessment is included of the low- to medium-temperature geothermal reserves in 20 Mexican States and their aggregate value. The assessment covers about 29.16% of the identified geothermal-surface manifestations in the public database. For reserve assessments, we use the volumetric method, supplemented with Montecarlo simulations and statistics, to quantify inherent uncertainties. Our estimations are presented on a state-by-state basis. We estimate the aggregated reserves of the 20 states as between 7.7 x 1016 and 8.6 x 1016 kJ, with 90% confidence. The most likely reservoir temperatures range between 60-180 degrees Celsius, with a mean of 111 degrees Celsius. Such massive amounts of recoverable energy-and the associated temperatures-are potentially important for the economic development of nearby localities and the nation. [Spanish] En este trabajo se hace una primera estimacion, parcial, de las reservas geotermicas de temperatura intermedia a baja de Mexico. La ...
Gadolinium (Gd) based contrast agents (GBCAs) in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used in daily clinical practice and appear safe in most patients; however, nephrogenic systemic fibrosis...Full Text Available
The pyrometallurgic method consisting in introduction of refining agent into the liquid cadmium has been presented. The refining agent consisting of silicon nitride, carbon dust and sodium hydroxide has been added in several portion into the liquid cadmium. Iron has been removed from the cadmium surface in the form of floating slag.
The title composition comprises methanol containing stearic acid, C/sub 6/H/sub 6/, dextrin, phenol, a combustion accelerator (ethylene dichloride, xylene, Al stearate, a compound of acetic acid); a foaming agent; and ether and an antiknocking agent. The respective ignition point and boiling point of example compounds were 15.1-15.6/sup 0/ and 63.8-64.1/sup 0/.
Tetracycline in solution of benzyl alcohol was used as an extracting agent to separate uranium from interfering elements in the determination of uranium and of isotopic ratio sup(235)U/sup(238)U by neutron activation analysis. Separation gives a recovery of 97% for uranium and the interferences from matrices of pitchblende and monazite are eliminated.
A review is made of the various brain imaging agents utilised in the post few years with their own characters and respective advantages: cerebral blood volume tracers, non diffusible tracers, diffusible tracers among which gases and lipophilic agents. Our results with IAMP and SPECT are presented in two different clinical application fields: normal pressure hydrocephalus and cerebral ischemia.
A review is made of the various brain imaging agents utilised in the post few years with their own characters and respective advantages: cerebral blood volume tracers, non diffusible tracers, diffusible tracers among which gases and lipophilic agents. Our results with IAMP and SPECT are presented in two different clinical application fields: normal pressure hydrocephalus and cerebral ischemia.
Some aspects of molecular mechanisms common to radiation and chemical carcinogenesis are discussed, particularly the DNA damage done by these agents. Emphasis is placed on epidemiological considerations and on dose-response models used in risk assessment to extrapolate from experimental data obtained at high doses to the effects from long-term, low-level exposures. 3 references, 6 figures. (ACR)
In a redox battery using a titanium redox system or chromium redox system as an active material for the negative electrode or a manganese redox system as an active material for the positive electrode, the electromotive force of the battery and the stability of electrolyte solutions are enhanced by addition of a chelating agent such as citric acid or a complexing agent such as phosphoric acid to the redox system used therein.
In developing new receptor-site specific brain imaging agents labeled with I-123 for single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), an analog of raclopride, 3-["1"2"5I]-iodo-N-[(1-ethyl-2-pyrrolidinyl)-methyl]-2-hydroxy-6-me-thoxy benzamide (IBZM), was prepared using a method similar to that reported for raclopride and its derivatives. (author).
The annual production of phosphate rock, on the order of about 30-40 million tons yearly, represents several million pounds of uranium. The present invention provides a process of purifying uranium tetrafluoride hydrate to produce a uranium (VI) peroxide product meeting 'yellow cake' standards using a double precipitation procedure. A fluoride complexing agent is used in the precipitation.
HIPDM is an "1"2"3I-labeled agent with a distribution in brain reflecting regional perfusion. This compound is neutral and lipid soluble at blood pH and freely crosses the blood-brain barrier. At the lower pH in brain, it picks up a hydrogen ion and becomes positively charged. In this form the molecule is not lipid soluble and it is trapped in brain.
Using an experimental pilot plant, designed and built for the tests, the influence of the following parameters was determined: desulphurization of the test gas, temperature, residence time in the reactor tube, concentration of the hydrogen sulphide and desulphurization agent, size of the particles which comprise the agent and composition of the gas. Allowance was made for the effect of calcination and carbonisation. Desulphurization was carried out with limestone on a gaseous mixture of CO and H/sub 2/. A mathematical description of the test findings and yield is presented. 8 refs.
This book contains 18 selections. Some of the titles are: Labelling of amphetamines with /sup 123/I: Receptors for amphetamines; New amphetamine derivatives; Potential new approaches for the development of brain imaging agents for single-photon applications; and IM SPECT with the pinhole collimator.
This book contains 18 selections. Some of the titles are: Labelling of amphetamines with /sup 123/I: Receptors for amphetamines; New amphetamine derivatives; Potential new approaches for the development of brain imaging agents for single-photon applications; and IM SPECT with the pinhole collimator.
A method is proposed for producing a stabilizer of wash drilling muds; by hydrolysis of polyacrylonitrile in an aqueous solution of alkaline agent with heating. To raise the heat resistance of the stabilizer, as the alkaline agent is used monosilicate of sodium, while the hydrolysis is done at a molar ratio of polyacrylonitrile, sodium monosilicate and water equal to 1.0:0.7-2.5:100, to a degree of hydrolysis of 25-40.
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 ...
We consider a Mobile Ad-hoc NETwork (MANET) formed by n agents that move at speed V according to the Manhattan Random-Way Point model over a square region of side length L. The resulting stationary (agent) spatial probability distribution is far to be uniform: the average density over the "central zone" is asymptotically higher than that over the "suburb". Agents exchange data iff they are at distance at most R within each other. We study the flooding time of this MANET: the number of time steps required to broadcast a message from one source agent to all agents of the network in the stationary phase. We prove the first asymptotical upper bound on the flooding time. This bound holds with high probability, it is a decreasing function of R and V, and it is tight for a wide and relevant range of the network parameters (i.e. L, R and V). A consequence of our result is that flooding over ...
Purpose: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is based on the interaction of a photosensitizing (PS) agent, light, and oxygen. Few new PS agents are being developed to the in vivo stage, partly because of the difficulty in finding the right treatment conditions. Response surface methodology, an empirical modeling approach based on data resulting from a set of designed experiments, was suggested as a rational solution with which to select in vivo PDT conditions by using a new peptide-conjugated PS targeting agent, neuropilin-1. Methods and Materials: A Doehlert experimental design was selected to model effects and interactions of the PS dose, fluence, and fluence rate on the growth of U87 human malignant glioma cell xenografts in nude mice, using a fixed drug-light interval. All experimental results were computed by Nemrod-W software and Matlab. Results: Intrinsic diameter growth rate, a tumor growth parameter independent of the ...
Efforts to assess and quantify deleterious effects from toxicants concentrate mainly on single agents whereas real world environmental and occupational exposures to natural and anthropogenic agents entail quite often the concomitant presence of several toxicants. For occupational important exposure situations, combined exposures to physical and chemical agents such as radon and smoking or asbestos and smoking, respectively, were shown to produce over-additive effects at exposure levels typical for earlier workplaces. Already the elucidation of possible health risks from a single agents, its dependence on exposure level, exposure rates, age at exposure and its expression in time is a complex endeavour. Therefore in the past and the present the main emphasis in radiation protection, toxicology, and public health is on the study and assessment of single toxicants. The existing data base on combined effect ...
The disruption of primary innate immune function of the epidermal layer of the skin accounts for the susceptibility of individuals using bleaching agents to localized or systemic infections. This subverted innate immunity in these people may lead to other pathological conditions. The resultant effects of skin bleaching and phagocytes activation in response to infections have not been studied in Nigerians using bleaching agents. The present study therefore assessed the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin, total antioxidant potential (TAP), total plasma peroxides (TPP), oxidative stress index (OSI) and malonaldehyde (MDA) in the users bleaching agents. Thirty (30) people who had used bleaching agents for average of 4.9 + 1.2 years participated in this study. They were recruited from various schools and markets within the city of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Thirty apparently healthy staffs of ...
CT of the gastrointestinal tract is commonly performed after administration of a high-density diluted iodinated oral contrast material. However, because if inadequate mixing of the contrast material with the gastrointestinal contents, pseudotumor and poor mucosal visualization are frequently shown on abdominal CT. To overcome these problem, 10% corn oil emulsion (COE) is tested as an alternative oral contrast agent in 40 patients. We analyse patients tolerance, gastric mucosal visualization and discrimination of pancreas from the duodenal C-loop to 10% COE in 40 patients compared with those obtained from 35 patients, who was received high-density diluted iodinated oral contrast agent (gastrografin). The results are as follows : 1. Patients' tolerance to 10% COE is similar to that to conventional oral contrast agent. 2. Image of the gastric mucosa from patients receiving 10% COE is superior to that receiving oral ...
CT of the gastrointestinal tract is commonly performed after administration of a high-density diluted iodinated oral contrast material. However, because if inadequate mixing of the contrast material with the gastrointestinal contents, pseudotumor and poor mucosal visualization are frequently shown on abdominal CT. To overcome these problem, 10% corn oil emulsion (COE) is tested as an alternative oral contrast agent in 40 patients. We analyse patients tolerance, gastric mucosal visualization and discrimination of pancreas from the duodenal C-loop to 10% COE in 40 patients compared with those obtained from 35 patients, who was received high-density diluted iodinated oral contrast agent (gastrografin). The results are as follows : 1. Patients' tolerance to 10% COE is similar to that to conventional oral contrast agent. 2. Image of the gastric mucosa from patients receiving 10% COE is superior to that receiving oral contrast ...
We revisit a recently proposed agent-based model of active biological motion and compare its predictions with own experimental findings for the speed distribution of bacterial cells, Salmonella typhimurium. Agents move according to a stochastic dynamics and use energy stored in an internal depot for metabolism and active motion. We discuss different assumptions of how the conversion from internal to kinetic energy d(v) may depend on the actual speed, to conclude that d 2 v ? with either ? = 2 or 1 ? < 2 are promising hypotheses. To test these, we compare the model?s prediction with the speed distribution of bacteria which were obtained in media of different nutrient concentration and at different times. We find that both hypotheses are in line with the experimental observations, with ? bet...
Quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) analysis of the correlations between initial brain uptake and structure parameters, for example lipophilicity F_r, molar refractivity MR and electronic parameters #sigma#_1 of the "9"9Tc"m-N_2S_2 complexes have been studied with multiple regression analysis method. The main structural factors which affect the initial brain uptake of this kind of brain imaging agents have been discussed. The results may give some theoretical information for designing new brain imaging agents
The recent developments in the mobile technology (mobile phones, middleware) created a need for new methods of protecting the code transmitted through the network. The proposed mechanisms not only secure the compiled program, but also the data, that can be gathered during its "journey". The oldest and the simplest methods are more concentrated on integrity of the code itself and on the detection of unauthorized manipulation. Other, more advanced proposals protect not only the code but also the execution state and the collected data. The paper is divided into two parts. The first one is mostly devoted to different methods of securing the code and protecting its integrity; starting from watermarking and fingerprinting, up to methods designed specially for mobile agent systems: encrypted function, cryptographic traces, time limited black-box security, chained-MAC protocol, publicly-verifiable chained digital signatures The second part presents new concept for ...
Formulas were developed based on an aqueous solution of hydrolyzed polyacrylonitrile widely used in the oil industry. The additive used consisted of products of industrial production: synthetic resin TEG-1 with hardening agent PEPA (polyehtylene polyamine) and technical formalin. The mixtures containing about 80-85% by volume 5% hydrolyzed polyacrylonitrile, 10-15% by volume of resin TEG-1 with hardening agent PEPA and 3-5% by volume formalin satisfy the requirements made for the plugging materials. The initial mixtures are distinguished by technological efficiency of preparation and have controllable hardening periods. Physical-chemical properties are given for the gel polymers. In the set of properties, the mixtures based on hydrolyzed polyacrylonitrile, resin TEG-1 with hardening agent PEPA and formalin can be recommended as plugging materials of temporary action with complex treatment of the heterogeneous beds.
The effect of complexing agents DTPA and H2C2O4 on the extraction-chemical behavior of Tc, as applied to extractive splitting of U and Pu in the Purex process, was studied. The kinetic relationships of catalytic decomposition of N2H5NO3 under the action of Tc in the presence of these agents were determined. Variation of the ratio of the oxidized and reduced Tc species in the course of this process at various HNO3 concentrations was examined. In the final step of the reaction of N2H5NO3 with Tc in a nitric acid solution, when the reductant content is stabilized, the oxidation of reduced Tc also stops or continues at a considerably lower rate than before stabilization. The presence of DTPA decreases the rate of Tc(IV) oxidation owing to its binding in a complex and decreases the fraction of ...
The dependence was determined of the decontamination factor ratio found in the presence of a carrier and in a carrier-free system on carrier concentration at different concentrations of a complexing agent in a solution. Bearing balls were used as contamination materials while a mixture of "1"5"2Eu and "1"5"4Eu isotopes was used as a contaminant, citric acid in a concentration of 5x10"-"3 to 1x10"-"1 mol/dm"3 as a complexing agent, and Eu, lanthanum and aluminium at a concentration range of 1x10"-"5 to 1x10"-"2 mol/dm"3 as carriers. While no increase in the decontamination factor was found for aluminium, a considerable increase was observed in the isotopic and homologic carriers and the concentration dependence of the carrier reached the maximum. An equation was derived explaining the effect by the isotope exchange between the contaminant and the carrier and by the reaction between the carrier and the complexing agent. ...
About every 12 years, asphalt roads must be reworked, and this is usually done by placing thick layers (hot-mix overlays) of new material on top of failed material, resulting in considerable waste of material and use of new asphalt binder. A good recycling agent is needed, not only to reduce the viscosity of the aged material but also to restore compatibility. Objective is to establish the technical feasibility (Phase I) of determining the specifications and operating parameters for producing high quality recycling agents which will allow most/all the old asphalt-based road material to be recycled. It is expected that supercritical fractionation can be used. The advanced road aging simulation procedure will be used to study aging of blends of old asphalt and recycling agents.
An examination of the kinetics of the alkylation of anisole with 1-hexene and 1-hexanol to produce alkylates over zeolite H-beta is presented. Anisole alkylation is found to occur by a set of parallel reactions when hexene is used as the alkylating agent. When hexyl alcohol is the alkylating agent, the reaction follows a multi-step parallel-series mechanism to form monoalkylates and dihexylether. With 1-hexene, a group of isomeric alkylates, viz., ortho-2-hexyl anisole (2-OHA), ortho-3-hexyl anisole (3-OHA), para-2-hexyl anisole (2-PHA), and para-3-hexyl anisole (3-PHA) was obtained. With hexanol, the olefin (hexene) and dihexyl ether were obtained additionally. The influence of process parameters like temperature, catalyst quantity, and alkylating agent on reaction behavior is reported.
A plan has been put forth to strategically thin northern California forests to reduce fire danger and improve forest health. The resulting biomass residue, instead of being open burned, can be converted into ethanol that can be used as a fuel oxygenate or an octane enhancer. Economic potential for a biomass-to-ethanol facility using this softwood biomass was evaluated for two cases: Stand-alone and co-located. The co-located case refers to a specific site with an existing biomass power facility owned by Wheelabrator Environmental Systems Inc. near Martell, California. A two-stage dilute acid hydrolysis process is used for the production of ethanol from softwoods, and the residual lignin is used to generate steam and electricity. For a plant processing 800 dry tonnes per day of feedstock, the co-located case is an economically attractive concept. Total estimated capital investment is approximately $ 70 million for the co-located case. The resulting internal rate of return is about 24% ...
Neutralizing an acidic fluid consists of adding a sodium hydroxide solution to neutralize the H group of acids, therefore increasing the pH. The injection of sodium hydroxide has to be continuous and at a proper depth inside the well to protect against the corrosion of casing and surface equipment. Neutralization is a common practice used in geothermal fields, such as at The Geysers in the US and Miravalles in Costa Rica-places where aggressive fluids cause problems for extracting and using geothermal fluids commercially. A zone surrounding wells H-4, H-16 and H-29 in the northern section of the Los Humeros, Pue., geothermal field, known as the Colapso Central, has shown evidence of aggressively acidic fluids. Several wells drilled in the area had to be repaired, thus plugging and isolating the deepest production zones. Well H-43 was drilled two years ago in the northern zone of the field, and even though it is not located in the aggressive-fluid zone, the well presents mineralogical ...
The side effects of cancer therapy on normal tissues limit the success of therapy. Generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been implicated for numerous chemotherapeutic agents including doxorubicin...Full Text Available
The protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi is the etiologic agent of Chagas disease, a neglected tropical infection that affects millions of people in the Americas. Current chemotherapy...Full Text Available
... 4. Military Working Dogs iMWDs). As used in this Instruction refers to drug detector dogs only. 5. Military Working Doq Executive Agent M(WJDEMA. ...
BackgroundTransposons, i.e. transposable elements (TEs), are the major internal spontaneous mutation agents for the variability of eukaryotic genomes. To address the general issue...Full Text Available
Miriplatin, a cisplatin derivative with a high affinity for iodized oil, is a novel chemotherapeutic agent designed for use in the transarterial treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. This case report...Full Text Available
FRAXA is one of a number of fragile sites in human chromosomes that are induced by agents like fluorodeoxyuridine (FdU) that affect intracellular thymidylate levels. FRAXA coincides with a >200...Full Text Available
The t-butyldimethylsilyl group is shown to be an ideal protecting group for the 2T-hydroxyl function of ribonucleosides during the synthesis of ribonucleotides using any of nine commonly used condensing...Full Text Available
BackgroundIt remains unclear if certain antiretroviral medications, particularly abacavir, compromise response to hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapy. Such data can inform...Full Text Available
Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) is a common causative agent of pseudomembranous colitis (PMC). C. difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) ranges...Full Text Available
An outbreak of acute respiratory disease in Hendra, a suburb of Brisbane, Australia, in September 1994 resulted in the deaths of 14 racing horses and a horse trainer. The causative agent was a new member...Full Text Available
The fungal pathogen Candida albicans is one of the leading causative agents of death in immunocompromised individuals. It harbors an arsenal of cell wall anchored factors that are implicated...Full Text Available
BackgroundTrypanosoma cruzi, the etiologic agent of Chagas Disease, is a major vector borne health problem in Latin America and an emerging...Full Text Available
The abundance of host-seeking Ixodes scapularis nymphs, the principal vector for the Lyme disease agent, Borrelia burgdorferi, in Old Lyme, Lyme, and East Haddam, Connecticut,...Full Text Available
BackgroundYersinia pestis, the agent of plague, is a young and highly monomorphic species. Three biovars, each one thought to be associated with the last three Y....Full Text Available
BackgroundAcetaminophen, the major active metabolite of acetanilide in man, has become one of the most popular over-the-counter analgesic and antipyretic agents, consumed by millions...Full Text Available
The purpose of this study was to synthesize biocompatible polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-coated iron oxide (PVP-IO) nanoparticles and to evaluate their efficacy as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)...Full Text Available
In the absence of a vaccine, there is an urgent need for the development of safe and effective topical microbicides to prevent the sexual transmission of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)....Full Text Available
BackgroundThe common liver fluke Fasciola hepatica is the agent of a zoonosis with significant economic consequences in livestock production worldwide, and increasing...Full Text Available
Describes laboratory and industrial tests on the use of lowasash sulphurous petroleum coke during reduction of barite. Shows the potential of substituting blast furnace coke with petroleum/coke fines in this process.
Gonadal, adrenal, and thyroid hormones affect the brain directly, and the sensitivity to hormones begins in embryonic life with the appearance of hormone receptor sites in discrete populations of neurons....Full Text Available
SummarySoluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) is a key enzyme in the metabolic conversion and degradation of P450 eicosanoids called epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs). Genetic variations...Full Text Available
BackgroundContrast-induced nephropathy is the leading cause of in-hospital acute renal failure. This side effect of contrast agents leads to increased morbidity, mortality, and health...Full Text Available
A copper-resistant strain (09906) of Pseudomonas fluorescens that was isolated from a citrus grove soil is being investigated as a biological control agent for Phytophthora root rot. Since citrus grove...Full Text Available
Acetaminophen (N-acetyl-para-aminophenol (APAP), paracetamol) is a commonly used analgesic and antipyretic agent. Although considered safe at therapeutic doses, accidental or intentional...Full Text Available
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....Full Text Available
The resistance to destruction of spores of Bacillus subtilis var. niger occluded in crystals of calcium carbonate and exposed to ethylene oxide and moist and dry heat...Full Text Available
SummaryThe numerous applications of hydrogelators have led to rapid expansion of this field. In the present work we report the facile synthesis of amphiphilic hydrogelators having a quaternary...Full Text Available
Plasmodium falciparum, the causative agent of human malaria, invades host erythrocytes using several proteins on the surface of the invasive merozoite, which have been proposed...Full Text Available
A procedure for long lasting general anaesthesia in gulls (Larus sp.) is described. It is based on an initial basal intramuscular dose of pentobarbital sodium, supplemented if necessary by intravenous injection to effect of the same agent. Additional intr...
Advances in neuroscience have resulted in the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic agents for potential use in the central nervous system (CNS). However, the ability to deliver the...Full Text Available
Telbivudine is a novel nucleoside drug recently approved for the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis B. Its nonclinical safety was evaluated in a comprehensive program of studies, including...Full Text Available
A series of in situ gelable hydrogels were prepared from oxidized dextran (Odex) and N-carboxyethyl chitosan (CEC) without any extraneous crosslinking agent. The gelation readily...Full Text Available
Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the etiologic agent of tuberculosis and can be accurately detected by laboratories using commercial genetic tests. Nontuberculosis mycobacteria (NTM) causing other mycobacterioses...Full Text Available
Borrelia burgdorferi is the causative agent of Lyme disease, a tick-borne spirochetosis with a worldwide prevalence. To assist the categorization and typing of fresh isolates from global foci, we have...Full Text Available
In 1871, the observation of yellowish nodules in the enlarged spleen of a cow was considered to be the first reported case of bovine leukemia. The etiological agent of this lymphoproliferative disease,...Full Text Available
DNA interstrand cross-links (ICLs) are critical cytotoxic lesions produced by cancer chemotherapeutic agents such as the nitrogen mustards and platinum drugs; however, the exact mechanism of ICL-induced...Full Text Available
The mechanism of influenza virus (INFV)-induced immunosuppression and the mode of inosiplex action against INFV infection were studied. INFV suppressed both anti-lipopolysaccharide and anti-sheep erythrocyte...Full Text Available
Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common etiologic agent of lower respiratory tract infections in humans. However, it has been reported previously that the organism has occasionally been isolated from sites...Full Text Available
A yellow-pigmented, gram-negative, gliding bacterium isolated from an industrial water spray air humidification system was implicated as a causative agent in several occurrences of lung disease with...Full Text Available
BackgroundSulfasalazine is a widely used anti-inflammatory agent in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease and several rheumatological disorders. Although as many as 20% of...Full Text Available
Gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR), a member of the G protein-coupled receptor superfamily, has been utilized for receptor-mediated targeting of imaging and therapeutic agents; here we extend...Full Text Available
Infection due to multidrug resistance pathogens is difficult to manage due to bacterial virulence factors and because of a relatively limited choice of antimicrobial agents. Thus, it is imperative to...Full Text Available
The gram-negative plant-pathogenic bacterium Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria is the causative agent of bacterial spot disease in pepper and tomato plants, which leads to economically...Full Text Available
Exploring the possibility of enhancing the properties of baculoviruses as biological control agents of insect pests, we tested the effect of expressing an insect gene (jhe) encoding juvenile hormone...Full Text Available
Unless relaxation of the stringent response is achieved, all nongrowing bacteria rapidly develop resistance to autolysis induced by a variety of agents, including all classes of cell wall synthesis...Full Text Available
There is increasing consensus that the uterotrophic estrogenicity assay should be coupled with other morphometric or molecular end points that might enhance its sensitivity. We have previously shown...Full Text Available
Searching for the structural requirements improving the potency and the stereoselectivity of Na+ channel blockers as antimyotonic agents, new...Full Text Available
Myosin phosphatase target subunit 1 (MYPT1) is the regulatory subunit of myosin light chain phosphatase (MLCP). It plays a critical role in vasodilatation induced by cGMP-elevating agents such as nitric...Full Text Available
BackgroundHepatitis C virus is a major cause of chronic liver diseases which can lead to permanent liver damage, hepatocellular carcinoma and death. The presently available treatment...Full Text Available
Clindamycin concentrations in gingival crevicular fluid and in blood were determined over a 7-h period and were related to the minimal inhibitory concentrations of this agent for 340 bacterial strains...Full Text Available
Harmful algal blooms, caused by rapid growth and accumulation of certain microalgae in the ocean, pose considerable impacts on marine environments, aquatic industries and even public health. Here, we...Full Text Available
Mycobacterium ulcerans is the causative agent of Buruli ulcer, the third most common mycobacterial disease after tuberculosis and leprosy. It is an emerging infectious disease that...Full Text Available
It is widely accepted that specific human papillomavirus (HPV) types are the central etiologic agent of cervical carcinogenesis. However, a number of infected women do not develop invasive lesions,...Full Text Available
This book contains papers relating to the 1990 Future Transportation Technology Conference and Exposition. Included are the following papers; Examination of rich mixtures operation of a dual fuel engine, A hybrid natural gas vehicles, Performance analysis of a spark ignited engine with ETBE as a blending agent.
The effects of various fixative agents, pH, ionic strength, stain concentration, and magnesium concentration on DNA staining with the antibiotics olivomycin, chromomycin A3, and mithramycin were examined with DNA in solution and in mammalian cells.
Southern tick-associated rash illness (STARI) is a Lyme disease-like infection described in patients in the southeastern and south-central United States, where classic Lyme disease is relatively rare....Full Text Available
Metastatic testicular germ cell tumours are cured in approximately 85% of patients using cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy. Patients who fail to respond have a poor prognosis, and there is a...Full Text Available
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVESNon-invasive longitudinal imaging of tumor vasculature could provide new insights into the development of solid tumors, facilitating efficient...Full Text Available
situ by isolating portions of the building envelope and performing tests .MAXIMUM ALLOWED LOAD ...and shall identify commissioning team members who will perform testing and prepare documentation.The commissioning agent may be
Much public health research has been directed to studies of cancer risks due to chemical agents. Recently, increasing attention has been given to adverse reproductive outcomes as another, shorter-term...Full Text Available
Restenosis remains the main complication of balloon angioplasty and/or stent implantation. Preclinical testing of new pharmacologic agents preventing restenosis largely rely on porcine models, where...Full Text Available
Antivenoms are the currently available agents for treatment of snake venom intoxication in humans. The development of therapeutic strategies employing more generally available drugs could improve treatment of invenomation by reducing hypersensitive reacti...
Dogs are domestic reservoir hosts of Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease. We evaluated the effect of deltamethrin-treated dog collars (DTDCs) over time...Full Text Available
Attention has shifted from the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) to chemoprevention using aspirin and folic acid as agents capable of preventing the onset of colon cancer. However, no sensitive...Full Text Available
The fabrication and complete evaluation are described of a dihydropyridine in equilibrium pyridinium salt type redox system for the delivery of radioiodinated agents to the brain. The pivotal intermediate, N-succinimidyl (1-methylpyridinium iodide)-3-carboxylate was prepared by condensation of nicotinic acid and N-hydroxysuccinimide in the presence of dicyclohexylcarbodimide, followed by quaternization of III with methyl iodide. Tissue distribution studies of "1"2"5I-labeled 4-iodoaniline and the redox agents were performed in rats. ["1"2"5I]Iodoaniline initially showed moderate (0.58% dose/gm) brain uptake with subsequent release of the radioactivity from the brain. ["1"2"5I]Iodoaniline, when coupled to a dihydropyridine carrier showed higher uptake and retention in the brain. The ["1"2"5I]iodophenylethyl analogue showed uptake and retention in the brain to be very similar. Apparently the lipophilic agents cross the ...
OBJECTIVE: To study cause specific mortality and cancer morbidity in workers exposed to the dust of grinding materials, grinding agents, and stainless steel, especially with regard to a possibly increased...Full Text Available
Curcumin is a natural product currently in human clinical trials for a variety of neoplastic, preneoplastic, and inflammatory conditions. We previously observed that, in cultured cells, curcumin exhibits...Full Text Available
Antiplatelet agents are the cornerstone of treatment for patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Clopidogrel, when added to aspirin, has demonstrated...Full Text Available
Because the results with cobalt-57-bleomycin (57Co-bleo) as a tumour-seeking agent in patients with pulmonary tumours were promising, a prospective study was carried out to test the sensitivity and...Full Text Available
BackgroundThe rate of emergence of human pathogens is steadily increasing; most of these novel agents originate in wildlife. Bats, remarkably, are the natural reservoirs of many...Full Text Available
An approach to generate mimics of phosphorylated serine proteins chemically through site-specific sulfonation of cysteine is presented. This chemical modification is reversible in the presence of reducing agent and therefore is analogous to the kinase/phosphatase system used in nature. PMID:21717004
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is one of the most lethal human malignancy with dismal prognosis and few effective therapeutic options. Novel agents that are safe and effective are urgently...Full Text Available
The antitumor agent camptothecin targets DNA topoisomerase I by reversibly stabilizing a covalent enzyme-DNA intermediate. The subsequent collision of DNA replication forks with these drug-enzyme-DNA...Full Text Available
A total of 193 bacterial strains were tested for their susceptibilities to 14 antimicrobial agents. Penicillin G was active at 2 U/ml against 98% of the oral isolates. Other antibiotics with good activity...Full Text Available
In this article, we report anticancer activity of 14 anthracenedione derivatives separated from the secondary metabolites of the mangrove endophytic fungi Halorosellinia sp. (No. 1403)...Full Text Available
Numerous xenobiotics, including therapeutics agents, are substrates for bioactivation to electrophilic reactive intermediates that may covalently modify biomolecules. Selective estrogen receptor...Full Text Available
Background. Erythropoietin deficiency and anemia occur in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and may be treated with Erythropoietin Stimulating Agents (ESAs). The optimal hemoglobin,...Full Text Available
Thaxtomin A is a phytotoxin produced by Streptomyces scabies and other Streptomyces species, the causative agents of common scab disease in potato and other taproot...Full Text Available
The cyclic AMP content of acini, freshly prepared from mammary tissue of lactating rats, was measured during incubation in vitro. Neither adrenergic agonists nor cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase inhibitors...Full Text Available
BackgroundMost traditional Chinese herbal formulas consist of at least four herbs. Four-Agents-Decoction (Si Wu Tang) is a documented eight hundred year old formula containing four...Full Text Available
This study investigated the effect of copper as an antibacterial agent on the infectivity of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. Mice were infected orally with a standardized dose...Full Text Available
Six kinds of diamino-dithiol compounds are labelled with "9"9Tc"m by ligands exchange reaction. Their ligands exchange percentage is over 95%. The biodistribution of one of these compounds in mice shows 0.88% brain uptake after two minutes and 0.28% after 15 minutes respectively. Although the brain uptake is lower for this compound, it has longer retention in brain. So, the experiment results are valuable to the design of new brain imaging agent in the future.
HgTe rod-shape composed of crystalline particles has been prepared by a hydrothermal method, and characterized by means of X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transition electron microscopy (TEM). The effects of capping agents, reductants, reaction temperatures, and reaction times on crystal structures and shapes of HgTe have been investigated. The results showed that the CTAB as capping agent plays a crucial role in the hydrothermal process. The synthesis procedure is simple and uses less toxic reagents than the previously reported methods.
Three N-methylcarbamates of iodonitrobenzyl alcohols (4-iodo-2-nitrobenzyl alcohol 2, 5-iodo-2-nitrobenzyl alcohol 3 and 4-iodo-2,6-dinitrobenzyl alcohol 4) bearing [[sup 125]I] have been prepared and characterized for their lipophilicity, their reduction potentials and the in vivo lability of the radioiodine in healthy mice. Based upon these results, 2 and 4 were tested in tumor-bearing mice showing limited uptake of radioactivity in tumours and a tumor-to-blood ratio of less than 1. Consequently these particular carbamates are not satisfactory as hypoxia imaging agents. (author).
A process is disclosed for the preparation of liquid, storage-stable, polyisocyanate compositions containing a release agent formed in situ which compositions are useful, for example, as binder resins in the formation of particle boards which latter, because of the presence of the release agent, show no tendency to adhere to the face of metal platens used in their formation. The process comprises heating an organic polyisocyanate (polymethylene polyphenyl polyisocyanate preferred) with an acid phosphate (e.g. a mixture of mono-and di-alkyl acid phosphates) under conditions controlled as to time and temperature so as to yield a product which is storage stable and shows no tendency to deposit solid or to separate into two liquid phases.
DescriptionThe nematophagous fungus, Pochonia chlamydosporia is a facultative parasite that has been developed through collaborative research between Rothamsted and the Centro Nacional de Sanidad Agropecuaria, Havana, Cuba, as the biocontrol agent Klamic against root-knot nematodes in tropical soils. The abundance of this fungus in soil is not necessarily related to its effectiveness as a biological control agent and its parasitic activity against nematode eggs is related to its nutrition and physiological [continued...
The authors propose a drilling solution for use in caving-prone rock formations. This solution contains clay, hydrolized polyacrylonitrile, and water. In order to improve the solution's inhibitive properties during high-temperatures, azodicarbonamide (the blowing agent ChKhZ-21) is introduced in adequate quantities. The solution's makeup is as follows, given by percentage of weight,-- Clay 5-8%; hydrolized polyacrylonitrile 0.1-0.5%; azodicarbonamide (the blowing agent ChKhZ-21) 1-3%, with the remainder being water.
The decontamination of the dissolution tank from spent fuel reprocessing out-ling device is studied, by using FL-AP decontamination agent. The decontamination factor per step is 2.2, 2.4, respectively for #alpha#, #beta# activities. After dissecting the tank, residual contamination in inner surface of the tank was found to be non-uniform. The exact original contamination value of the tank surface could be approximated by calculating the total amounts of radionuclide distributed on the hanging specimens, the dissecting specimen, and radioactive level in waste decontamination agent. Therefore, it can be concluded that the hanging specimens method is feasible for measuring the decontamination factor of spent fuel dissolution tank. (authors)
Three bonding agents were evaluated to determine which were most effective in enhancing the bond of resin composite to stainless steel. A light-activated resin composite was bonded to a total of 60 stainless steel specimens using Panavia, Cover-Up, or Silicoating. Tensile bond strength measurements revealed that all three agents provide a satisfactory means of increasing adherence of the esthetic veneer without decreasing bonding through thermocycling of the specimens. Panavia and Cover-Up were significantly more effective than Silicoating and appear to be easier to use. PMID:8297460
The possibilities for therapy in the field of severe cardiac insufficiency have been extended in recent years by the introduction of novel agents endowed with a positive inotropic action. These substances may be arranged in two large classes: sympathomimetic agents and "non sympathomimetic--non digitalis-like" inotropic agents. The stimulant action of noradrenaline, adrenaline and isoproterenol on beta-adrenergic myocardial receptors has been clearly demonstrated but the usefulness of these medicines is limited by their positive chronotropic and arrhythmogenic actions. Dopamine and dobutamine have proved to be very useful in the treatment of patients in intensive care units. However, the exclusively intravenous route of administration limits their importance to the medium or long term. Several compounds, which are active by the oral route, have been the subject of therapeutic trials for the short or medium term. The ...
The research had as objective the use of the gamma radiation of the Cobalto-60 as quarantine treatment of the medicinal plant, aromatic and seasoning plants dehydrated infested by Lasioderma serricorne and Plodia interpunctella determining the disinfestation doses to attend the criterion in the not emergency of adults of the species in study and analysing through the Chromatography of Thin Layer the effect of the gamma radiation of the cobalto-60 on the active principle of extract dehydrated of Chamomilla recutita, Pimpinella anisum, Origanum vulgare, Cymbopogon citratus, Ocimum basilicum and Thymus vulgaris. The work was developed in the Laboratorio de Inseticidas in the Instituto Biologico in Sao Paulo in the period of August of 2005 the June of 2007. The radiation source used gamma was an experimental irradiator of Cobalto-60, model Gamacell 220, located in the Instituto de Pesquisas Energeticas e Nucleares - IPEN, located in Sao Paulo. In the period of 30 days after the irradiation ...
Biodegradable and green plastics are the new tendency in the world. The effect of the electron beam irradiation in aromatic aliphatic copolyester and the blend with corn starch films (Ecoflex{sup R} and Ecobras{sup R}) were studied by tensile strength at break, elongation at break, Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), crosslinking degree and biodegradability. The measurements in both, the machine direction and the transverse direction were made for mechanical tests. It was found that, the electron irradiation caused an increase in the strength at break of the blend with corn starch film, when doses of up to 10 kGy were applied. A significant decrease of the elongation at break of the blend with corn starch was observed at doses of 10 kGy and 40 kGy. It was not found important change in tensile properties for aromatic aliphatic copolyester. Structural changes of the samples (crosslinking or ...
To study the utility of ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) in case of suspected appendicitis. To determine the diagnostic yield in terms of different clinical contexts and patient characteristics. to assess the costs and benefits of introducing these techniques and propose a protocol for their use. Negative appendectomies, complications and length of hospital stay in a group of 152 patients with suspected appendicitis who underwent ultrasound and CT were compared with those of 180 patients who underwent appendectomy during the same time period, but had not been selected for the first group: these patients costs for each group were calculated. In the first group, the diagnostic value of the clinical signs was also evaluated. The reliability of the clinical signs was limited, while the results with ultrasound and CT were excellent. The incidence of negative appendectomy was 9.6% in the study group and 12.2% in the control group. Moreover, there were fewer complications and a shorter ...
The globalization of markets has generated more options of purchase of all type of goods and services, these options have generated opportunities and threats for all the companies and have looked for the satisfaction of the client as a strategy to remain or incursion into the global market. The Instituto de Investigaciones Electricas (IIE) is not the exception and therefore it looks for the identification of the qualitative aspects and to systematize its application in the projects that executes by means of the implantation of a system of quality assurance based on the series of ISO 9000 Standards. Some examples are described to identify the qualitative aspects of the projects that are developed in the Institute. [Spanish] La globalizacion de los mercados ha generado mas opciones de compra de todo tipo de bienes y servicios, dichas opciones han generado oportunidades y amenazas para todas las empresas y se ha buscado satisfacer al cliente como estrategia para permanecer o incursionar ...
In order to protect food from pathogenic microorganisms as well as to increase its shelf life while keeping sensorial properties (e.g. odor and taste), once the latter are one of the main properties required by spice buyers, it is necessary to analyze volatile formation from irradiation of medicinal and food herbs. The aim of the present study was to analyze volatile formation from Co irradiation of Laurus Cinnamomum, Piper Nigrum, Origanum Vulgare and Myristica Fragans. Possible changes on the odor of these herbs are evaluated by characterizing different radiation doses and effects on sensorial properties in order to allow better application of irradiation technology. l he samples have been irradiated in plastic packages by making use of a {sup 60}Co Gamma irradiator. Irradiation doses of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25kGy have been tested. For the analysis of the samples, SPME has been applied, while for the analysis of volatile compounds, CG/MS. Spice irradiation has promoted mostly ...
The pharmacological properties of medicinal plants have been related to the presence of organic compounds, however elements are also known to have an important participation in the active compounds constitution process. In this study, instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) was applied to determine elements in leaves of Casearia obliqua medicinal plant collected at two different locations in the Atlantic Forest, Brazil, SP. Soil samples collected from where this plant was grown were also analyzed in order to verify if there is a correlation between the elements present in soils and plant leaves. Br, Ca, Cl, Co, Cr, Cs, Fe, K, La, Mn, Na, Rb, Sb, Sc and Zn were determined in C. obliqua leaves and the elements As, Ca, Ce, Eu, Fe, Hf, La, Lu, Nd, Rb, Sc, Sm, Tb, Th, U and Zn in soils. Soil samples collected from two different locations presented similar concentrations for most elements. Likewise, C. obliqua leaves collected from the two locations presented similar elemental ...
This document contains the technical proceedings of the 19 national seminar on the rational use of energy and exposition of equipment and services, organized by the Asociacion de Tecnicos y Pofesionistas en Aplicacion Energetica (ATPAE) (Association of Technicians and Professionals on Energy Application) conducted in Mexico City on September 21-25, 1998. This seminar encompassed subjects such as: energy saving in the energy sector, energy efficiency in industrial processes and practical developments, practical cases of energy saving in industry, energy saving in buildings, transportation, non-renewable energy utilization and environmental impact and eco-energies. [Espanol] Este documento contiene la memoria tecnica del 19 seminario nacional sobre el uso racional de la energia y exposicion de equipos y servicios, organizado por la Asociacion de Tecnicos y Profesionistas en Aplicacion Energetica (ATPAE), en Mexico, D.F, los dias 21-25 de septiembre de 1998. Este ...
This thesis - Resource Management in Broadband Communication Networks - deals with different ways of optimizing the available resources of data- or telecommunication networks. Especially topics like optimal routing, load balancing and fast recovery of routes in case of link failures are covered. The first part gives a brief description of some of the existing protocols for routing and controlling resources, such as RSVP, OSPF, BGP, PNNI, etc. The remaining part concerns the following two fundamentally different approaches to resource management etc.: - Software agents - Simulated ants In the beginning of the part concerning software agents a description of what exactly constitutes software agents, according to the scientists and according to the organization, FIPA is given. After this, the main results from the IMPACT project are presented. The IMPACT project is an EU-project that aimed at developing a demonstration ...
Wind tunnel tests were performed of three fugitive dust control agents derived from potato and sugar beet products. These materials are being considered for use as dust suppressants to reduce the potential for transport of radioactive materials by wind from radioactive waste construction and remediation sites. Soil and dust control agent type, solution concentrations, application quantities, aging (or drying) conditions, surface disturbance, and wind and saltating sand eolian erosive stresses were selected and controlled to simulate application and exposure of excavated soil surfaces in the field. A description of the tests, results, conclusions, and recommendations are presented in this report. The results of this study indicate that all three dust control agents can protect exposed soil surfaces from extreme eolian stresses. It is also clear that the interaction and performance of each agent with ...
The principle aim of the program was to produce a novel, non-leaching antimicrobial surface for commercial development and future use in the liquid food packaging industry. Antimicrobial surfaces which exist presently have been produced to combat the growth of prokaryotic organisms and usually function as slow release systems. A system which could inhibit eukaryotic growth without contaminating the surrounding 'environment' with the inhibitor was considered of great commercial importance. The remit of this study was concerned with creating a surface which could control the growth of eukaryotic organisms found in fruit juice with particular interest in the yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Putative antimicrobial surfaces were created by the chemical modification of the test substrate polymers; nylon and ethylvinyl alcohol (EVOH). Surfaces were chemically modified by the covalent coupling of antimicrobial agents known to be active against the yeast ...
Twenty-four patients were studied with both /sup 201/Tl-thallus chloride and /sup 99m/Tc-TBI scintigraphy following exercise. Comparison of the two agents in detecting segmental myocardial ischemia and scar was made in 18 patients with evidence of coronary artery disease on /sup 201/Tl-thallous chloride scintigraphy. Agreement between the two studies was observed in 77% (125 of 162) of left ventricular segments, suggesting that /sup 99m/Tc-TBI can be used as a myocardial perfusion agent. Limitations were related to early high background activity from lungs and liver. The high lung activity and early myocardial redistribution within the 1st hour contributed to the failure of /sup 99m/Tc-TBI to detect 16 segmental defects seen in the immediate post-exercise thallous chloride scan. Persistently high liver activity additionally affected accurate interpretation in the left ventricular segments close to the diaphragm. Improvement in the accuracy of ...
The study was directed towards determining the usability of clay and fine wastes (CW and FW) of boron from the concentrator plant in Kirka (Turkey) as a fluxing agent in production of red mud (RM) brick. Both laboratory studies on the characterization of materials and industrial-scale tests for production of bricks were carried out. CW and FW, which have similar chemical composition but include different types and amounts of oxides, were added in amounts of 5, 10 and 15wt% to RM, which consists of high amounts of Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}, Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}, SiO{sub 2} and alkalies. Six different sets of samples have been produced and fired at 700, 800 and 900{sup o}C. Dry shrinkage of green body, bending and compressive strength, firing shrinkage, water absorption, frost resistance and harmful magnesia and lime tests on heat-treated bodies have been performed. The mineralogical and mechanical tests showed that usability of boron wastes as a fluxing ...
A review of the various solidification agents and techniques that are currently available or potentially applicable for the solidification of low-level radioactive wastes is presented. An overview of the types and quantities of low-level wastes produced is presented. Descriptions of waste form matrix materials, the wastes types for which they have been or may be applied and available information concerning relevant waste form properties and characteristics follow. Also included are descriptions of the processing techniques themselves with an emphasis on those operating parameters which impact upon waste form properties. The solidification agents considered in this survey include: hydraulic cements, thermoplastic materials, thermosetting polymers, glasses, synthetic minerals and composite materials. This survey is part of a program supported by the United States Department of Energy's Low-Level Waste Management Program (LLWMP). This ...
The behaviour of tetracycline as an extracting agent for Sr, I, Ba, Mo, Tc, Zr, Nb, Cs, Ru, Te and U was studied and the influence of the acidity of the aqueous phase upon extraction of the elements mentioned was examined. Experiments were made to determine whether the species extracted into the organic phase is the complex formed between tetracycline and the elements considered and to determine the time of shaking necessary so that the equilibrium between the phases is attained. As a practical application, the possibility of using the tetracycline-benzyl alcohol system for separating the fission products sup(137)Cs, sup(140)La, sup(141)Ce, sup(103)Ru, sup(95)Nb from each other and from uranium is presented. The same study was made for sup(131)I, sup(99m)Tc, sup(99)Mo, sup(132)Te, sup(239)Np and uranium and the steps necessary for the separation of these elements are proposed.
Probiotic agents, live microorganisms with beneficial effects for the host, may offer an alternative to conventional antimicrobials in the treatment and prevention of enteric infections. The probiotic agents Lactobacillus plantarum 299v and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG quantitatively inhibited the adherence of an attaching and effacing pathogenic Escherichia coli to HT-29 intestinal epithelial cells but did not inhibit adherence to nonintestinal HEp-2 cells. HT-29 cells were grown under conditions that induced high levels of either MUC2 or MUC3 mRNA, but HEp-2 cells expressed only minimal levels of MUC2 and no MUC3 mRNA. Media enriched for MUC2 and MUC3 mucin were added exogenously to binding assays and were shown to be capable of inhibiting enteropathogen adherence to HEp-2 cells. Incubation of L. plantarum 299v with HT-29 cells increased MUC2 and MUC3 mRNA expression levels. From these in vitro studies, we propose the hypothesis that the ...
The interest in radioiodinated diamines stems from their similarity to /sup 125/I-HIPDM and to the 1-dialkvlamino-acyl-4-phenylpiperazines that the authors have previously examined as potential brain imaging agents. In this study they converted the 1-(dialkylaminoacyl)-4-phenylpiperazines to their corresponding 1-(dialkylaminoacyl) analogs via reduction with diborane in THF. Radioiodination at the no-carrier-added level with Na/sup 125/I and chloramine-T gave the final compounds, after chromatographic separation, in 30-50% yields. The tissue distributions were determined in rats at 0.25, and 4 hrs after an i.v. injection of the radiochemical. The results indicated that all of the agents were readily extracted by the brain (1.5-2.5% ID) with brain to blood ratios >20. The structure-distribution relationships for this series were, however, decidedly different from the aminoacyl compounds in that morpholino-derivatives had better uptake and ...
The interest in radioiodinated diamines stems from their similarity to /sup 125/I-HIPDM and to the 1-dialkvlamino-acyl-4-phenylpiperazines that the authors have previously examined as potential brain imaging agents. In this study they converted the 1-(dialkylaminoacyl)-4-phenylpiperazines to their corresponding 1-(dialkylaminoacyl) analogs via reduction with diborane in THF. Radioiodination at the no-carrier-added level with Na/sup 125/I and chloramine-T gave the final compounds, after chromatographic separation, in 30-50% yields. The tissue distributions were determined in rats at 0.25, and 4 hrs after an i.v. injection of the radiochemical. The results indicated that all of the agents were readily extracted by the brain (1.5-2.5% ID) with brain to blood ratios >20. The structure-distribution relationships for this series were, however, decidedly different from the aminoacyl compounds in that morpholino-derivatives had better uptake and ...
The development and evaluation of a post-column reaction detector sensitive to platinum(II) complexes is presented in which sodium bisulfite is used as the derivatizing agent with potassium dichromate as an activating agent. The influences of mobile phase changes (i.e., pH, organic modifiers, electrolytes), oxygen, metal ions, and order of reagent addition on reaction kinetics and product yield are defined and used in optimization of detector response. Detection at lambda/sub max/ 290 nm results in an on-line post-column sensitivity of 40-60 ng/mL for selected cis-dichloroplatinum complexes and a sensitivity of 300-1200 ng/mL for four (substituted)-malonato-platinum complexes. The reaction detector is used to monitor the kinetics of aquation of cisplatin (CDDP) and to quantitate CDDP degradation in plasma. As the sensitivity for CDDP in plasma is comparable to that achieved from high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) effluent ...
As part of our program in radiopharmaceutical chemistry we have prepared and evaluated a series of radioiodinated 1-alkyl-4-phenylpiperazines as potential brain-imaging agents. The compounds were chosen on the basis of their synthetic versatility, activation toward electrophilic substitution, and ease of purification. The intermediates 1-6 were readily obtained and converted to the corresponding radioiodinated products 7-12 in 76-91% isolated radiochemical yields. The tissue distribution in rats indicated that the 1-N-butyl derivative 9 possesses the best combination of brain uptake (0.28-0.35% ID X kg/g), retention, and selectivity (brain/blood greater than 20) over the 4-h evaluation period. A subsequent imaging and tissue distribution study in the dog using 131I-labeled 9 supported the results observed in the rat and suggested the potential of this agent as a brain-imaging agent.
Combination agents comprising two different pharmacophores with the same biological target have the potential to show additive or synergistic activity. Bis(thiosemicarbazonato)copper(II) complexes (e.g. 64Cu-ATSM) and nitroimidazoles (e.g. 18F-MISO) are classes of tracer used for the delineation of tumor hypoxia by positron emission tomography (PET). Three nitroimidazole-bis(thiosemicarbazonato)copper(II) conjugates were produced in order to investigate their potential as combination hypoxia imaging agents. Two were derived from the known bifunctional bis(thiosemicarbazone) H2ATSM/A and the third from the new precursor diacetyl-2-(4-N-methyl-3-thiosemicarbazone)-3-(4-N-ethylamino-3-thiosem icarbazone) - H2ATSM/en. Oxygen-dependent uptake studies were performed using the 64Cu radiolabelled ...
In developing new Tc-99m brain perfusion imaging agents for SPECT, a series of BAT (bis-aminoethanethiol) derivatives was prepared. These N/sub 2/S/sub 2/ ligands formed stable and neutral complexes with reduced Tc-99m, either by Sn(II)-PPi or sodium borohydride reduction. The purity of the Tc-99m complexes was >95% (HPLC reverse-phase column, acetonitrile: pH 7.0 buffer, 85:15). The biodistribution in rats was evaluated using I-125 iodoantipyrine (IAP), a free diffusible tracer, as the internal reference. Compounds with a free hydroxyl group (I and IV) showed lower brain uptake, inspite of high P.C.; this may be related to in vivo instability of the complexes. High initial brain uptake was observed for three compounds (II, III and V), however, only compound V (P.C.=384) showed significant brain retention. Planar imaging with compound V in a monkey demonstrated that the compound localized in brain and the retention time was T/sub 1/2/=35 min. Compounds of this ...
In developing new Tc-99m brain perfusion imaging agents for SPECT, a series of BAT (bis-aminoethanethiol) derivatives was prepared. These N/sub 2/S/sub 2/ ligands formed stable and neutral complexes with reduced Tc-99m, either by Sn(II)-PPi or sodium borohydride reduction. The purity of the Tc-99m complexes was >95% (HPLC reverse-phase column, acetonitrile: pH 7.0 buffer, 85:15). The biodistribution in rats was evaluated using I-125 iodoantipyrine (IAP), a free diffusible tracer, as the internal reference. Compounds with a free hydroxyl group (I and IV) showed lower brain uptake, inspite of high P.C.; this may be related to in vivo instability of the complexes. High initial brain uptake was observed for three compounds (II, III and V), however, only compound V (P.C.=384) showed significant brain retention. Planar imaging with compound V in a monkey demonstrated that the compound localized in brain and the retention time was T/sub 1/2/=35 min. Compounds of this ...
Ethidium bromide (EB) and ultraviolet light (UV) in combination are known to produce a synergistic induction of 'petite' mutants in yeast. Two other agents were combined with EB, 3-Carbethoxypsoralene (3 CPs) activated by 365 nm light or #gamma# rays. EB in combination with 3 CPs also resulted in an enhanced production of 'petite' mutants. After the photoaddition of 3 CPs in exponential phase cells, recovery of the 'petite' mutation during dark liquid holding was inhibited by the presence of EB producing an enhanced number of 'petite' mutants. The behavior of mitochondrial antibiotic resistance markers after individual and combined treatments with EB and 3 CPs indicates a random loss of markers after EB and a preferential loss of a certain region for the 3 CPs photoaddition. The combination of the two agents leads to an additivity of total drug marker losses rather than a synergistic loss. The combination of EB with #gamma# rays produced no ...
Pretreatment of biosorbents have been suggested to modify the surface characteristics which could improve biosorption process. Stable cesium biosorption was studied in continuous fixed-bed column by chemically modified biosorbents. Two kinds of brown algae (Sargassum glaucescens and Cystoseira indica) were treated with chemical agents including formaldehyde (FA), glutaraldehyde (GA), potassium hexacyanoferrate (HCF), FA and HCF, and GA and HCF. The highest biosorption capacity (BC) was obtained from C. indica treated with FA (63.5 mg Cs/g biomass) and S. glaucescens treated with FA and HCF (62 mg Cs/g biomass). To study the effect of the best treatments on the BC, the concentration of each treatment agent was decreased. With decreasing FA agent for C. indica treatment, the BC dropped. Treatment of 1 g S. glaucescens biomass with 2.2 g FA and then 0.18 g HCF resulted in the highest BC (73.08 mg Cs/g dry biomass) which was ...
Two ent-rosane- (cuzcol, 1 and 6-dehydroxycuzcol, 2) and a abietatriene- (salvadoriol, 3) type diterpenoids have been isolated from Maytenus cuzcoina and Crossopetalum uragoga, respectively, along with five known diterpene compounds (4-8). Their stereostructures have been elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis, including 1D and 2D NMR techniques, and computational data. The absolute configuration of cuzcol was determined by application of Riguera ester procedure. This is the first instance of isolation of ent-rosane diterpenoids from species of the Celastraceae. The isolated diterpenes were found to be potent anti-tumour-promoter agents, and carnosol (7) also showed a remarkable chemopreventive effect in an in vivo two-stage carcinogenesis model.
In this program, contemporary solidification agents are being investigated relative to their applications to major fuel cycle and non-fuel cycle low-level waste (LLW) streams. Work is being conducted to determine the range of conditions under which these solidification agents can be applied to specific LLW streams. These studies are directed primarily towards defining operating parameters for both improved solidification of problem wastes and solidification of new LLW streams generated from advanced volume reduction technologies. Work is being conducted to measure relevant waste form properties. These data will be compiled and evaluated to demonstrate compliance with waste form performance and shallow land burial acceptance criteria and transportation requirements (both as they exist and as they are modified with time). 6 tables.
In this program, contemporary solidification agents are being investigated relative to their applications to major fuel cycle and non-fuel cycle low-level waste (LLW) streams. Work is being conducted to determine the range of conditions under which these solidification agents can be applied to specific LLW streams. These studies are directed primarily towards defining operating parameters for both improved solidification of problem wastes and solidification of new LLW streams generated from advanced volume reduction technologies. Work is being conducted to measure relevant waste form properties. These data will be compiled and evaluated to demonstrate compliance with waste form performance and shallow land burial acceptance criteria and transportation requirements (both as they exist and as they are modified with time). 6 tables.
This paper reports on a series of laboratory and controlled test site measurements of the thermal conductivity of polyisocyanurate foam laminated boardstock roof insulations produced with several different blowing agents; CFC-11, HCFC-123, HCFC-14lb, and two blends of the HCFCs. The behavior of the experimental foams with HCFCs is compared to that of conventional polyisocyanurate foam blown with CFC-11. Thermal drift observed from two years of field exposure is compared to laboratory accelerated aging tests and the laboratory and field measurement techniques are described. This work is part of a Joint Industry/Government Project established in the United States to evaluate the technical viability of HCFC alternative blowing agents for polyisocyanurate foam roof insulations.
The dimercaptosuccinic acid metronidazole ester (DMSAMe) was synthesized and radiolabeled with 99mTc to form the 99mTc-DMSAMe complex in high yield. The radiochemical purity of the 99mTc-DMSAMe complex was over 90%, as measured by TLC and by HPLC, without any notable decomposition at room temperature over a period of 6?h. Its partition coefficient indicated that it was a lipophilic complex. The tumor cell experiment and the biodistribution in mice bearing S 180 tumor showed that the 99mTc-DMSAMe complex had a certain hypoxic selectivity and accumulated in the tumor with high uptake and good retention. The tumor/blood and tumor/muscle ratios increased with time, suggesting it would be a possible tumor hypoxia imaging agent.
Two peptide ligands conjugated adenine, [9-N-(tritylmercapto acetyl diglycyl aminoethyl) adenine, Tr-MAG_2-Ade] and [9-N-(tritylmercapto acetyl triglycyl aminoethyl) adenine, Tr-MAG3-Ade], are synthesized and labeled with "9"9"mTc by directly labeling method. The stability of "9"9"mTc-MAG_2- adenine and "9"9"mTc-MAG_3-adenine in vitro is measured. The uptake radios of tumor to muscle at 3h post-injection are 5.70 and 4.92, respectively. The biodistribution and scintigraphic imaging studies show that the two complexes have high localization in tumor and high contrasted tumor images can be obtained, which suggest their potential utility as tumor imaging agents. But the high radioactivity of abdomen could prevent the tumor imaging in this area. (author)
Abstract Many solute carrier transporters that interact with anticancer agents and contribute to their pharmacokinetics have been shown to be differentially upregulated in cancer cells as a result of adaptive response to altered nutritional requirements. This review focuses on pathophysiological function of membrane transporters responsible for the influx of physiological substances including oligopeptides, amino acids, and organic cations and anions, and summarizes the recent knowledge regarding mechanisms in their gene expressions. Broad substrate specificity of enhanced oligopeptide H+/peptide cotransporter 1 activity in cancer cells is useful for tumor tissue-specific delivery of chemotherapeutic agents and positron emission tomography diagnostic probes. Amino acid transporters such as...
Bisaminoethanethiol (BAT) ligands with various gem-dimethyl and amide groups were prepared, and the corresponding neutral Tc-99m complexes were prepared and evaluated for their relative stabilities by ligand-exchange reactions. It was demonstrated that technetium complexes containing gem-dimethyl substituents have higher lipophilicities, whereas those with an amide group possess greater stability, which enhances ligand-exchange reaction. The most interesting observation was that the brain uptake in rats is not determined only by lipophilicity. Apparently, Tc-99m complexes with an amide functional group display lower brain uptakes in rats compared to those without an amide group. The brain uptake was strongly influenced by substituents on the BAT ligand. These factors are critically important and should be taken into consideration when designing Tc-99m-labeled agents for CNS receptor imaging.
CommAspen is a new agent-based model for simulating the interdependent effects of market decisions and disruptions in the telecommunications infrastructure on other critical infrastructures in the U.S. economy such as banking and finance, and electric power. CommAspen extends and modifies the capabilities of Aspen-EE, an agent-based model previously developed by Sandia National Laboratories to analyze the interdependencies between the electric power system and other critical infrastructures. CommAspen has been tested on a series of scenarios in which the communications network has been disrupted, due to congestion and outages. Analysis of the scenario results indicates that communications networks simulated by the model behave as their counterparts do in the real world. Results also show that the model could be used to analyze the economic impact of communications congestion and outages.
Dinarmus basalis Rondani (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae), an ectoparasitoid of bruchid pests of stored cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata), is a potential biological control agent. We investigated whether grain protectants from Hyptis spicigera and H. suaveolens (Lamiaceae) disturb parasitism and post-embryonic growth of the parasitoid. When cowpeas containing bruchid larvae were treated before being placed in the presence of D. basalis females, the rate of parasitism decreased on average up to 24% and 47% in the presence of, respectively, leaf dry powder and essential oils from both plant species. The estimated larval mortality was higher on treated (9.55 to 28.6%) than on non-treated parasitized hosts (2.8%), depending on the plant species and the plant extract tested. Additional larval mortality wa...
Abstract Copper(II) bis(thiosemicarbazone) are very useful for blood flow and hypoxic imaging. The aim of this study was to identify structure-activity relationships (SARs) within a series of analogues with different substitution patterns in the ligands, in order to design improved hypoxia imaging agents and elucidate hypoxia selectivity mechanisms. Genetic algorithms (GAs) were used to develop specific copper metal-ligand force field parameters for the MM3 force-field calculations. These new parameters produced results in good agreement with experiment and previously reported copper metal-ligand parameters. A successful quantitative SAR (QSAR) for predicting the several classes of Cu(II)-chelating ligands was built using a training set of 21 Cu(II) complexes. The QSAR exhibited a correlat...
Human exposure to environmental chemicals is most correctly characterized as exposure to mixtures of these agents. The metals/metalloids, lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As), are among the leading toxic agents detected in the environment. Exposure to these elements, particularly at chronic low dose levels, is still a major public health concern. Concurrent exposure to Pb, Cd, or As may produce additive or synergistic interactions or even new effects that are not seen in single component exposures. Evaluating these interactions on a mechanistic basis is essential for risk assessment and management of metal/metalloid mixtures. This paper will review a number of individual studies that addressed interactions of these metals/metalloids in both experimental and human exposure studies with...
The point at which the common final pathway for induction of cancer by chemical carcinogens and ionizing radiation has not been identified. Although common molecular targets are suggested by recent findings about the role of oncogenes, the mechanism by which the deposition of radiation energy and the formation of adducts or other DNA lesions induced by chemicals affects the changes in the relevant targets may be quite different. The damage to DNA that plays no part in the transformation events, but that influences the stability of the genome, and therefore, the probability of subsequent changes that influence tumorigenesis may be more readily induced by some agents than others. Similarly, the degree of cytotoxic effects that disrupt tissue integrity and increase the probability of expression of initiated cells may be dependent on the type of carcinogen. Also, evidence was presented that repair of the initial lesions could be demonstrated after exposure to low-LET ...
In developing new brain imaging agents for single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), we synthesized eleven radioiodinated phenoxyacetic acid derivatives and investigated the relationship between the chemical structure and in vivo characteristics. Biodistribution studies in mice revealed high initial brain uptake for all the compounds. Blood radioactivity level depended markedly upon the chemical stability of the compound. The alpha,alpha-dimethylester derivative, amide derivatives and diamine derivatives, which were stable to hydrolysis, showed low blood activity levels following intravenous administration. Disappearance of the ester and amide compounds from the brain was rapid. However, the diamine derivatives displayed improved retention in the brain. Compounds 3a and 4 possessed the best combination of high brain uptake and sufficient retention to be useful as potential brain imaging radiopharmaceuticals with SPECT devices.
The recent acceleration of effort to elucidate and explore the coordination chemistry of technetium has been prompted mainly by the need for a new generation of radiotracers in nuclear medicine, preferentially for tomograhic studies. Current approaches and their limitations in designing "9"9"mTc complexes capable of penetrating cell membranes of the target organs, and remaining there sufficiently long, are reviewed. With the predominance of Tc(V) oxo compounds, especially for brain imaging agents, new N4 and N2S2 coordinate complexes have been developed by shifting from bidentate to tetradentate ligands with a variable side chain or other adjustable reactivity. The search for myocardial imaging agents has focused on a variety of mixed ligand complexes of Tc(III) and most promising [Tc(CNR)_6]"+ complexes of Tc(I). 64 refs. (author).
Native to Southeast Asia, Hygrophila polysperma is an invasive aquatic weed of lotic habitats in the southern United States and Mexico. An increase in the number of water bodies invaded by hygrophila since 1990 suggests that current methods employed to control this weed are inadequate. Classical biological control may be a viable option for long term regulation of hygrophila in the invaded range. In this study, we used the Maximum Entropy Species Distribution Model (MaxEnt) to prioritize climatically suitable native habitats in India and Bangladesh for conducting exploratory surveys to collect biological control agents. In total, 164 point occurrences from the United States and Mexico and 20 predictor variables, including 19 bioclimatic variables and altitude, were used to predict the nati...
This paper describes new strategies for the brain-specific delivery of radionuclides that can be used to evaluate regional cerebral perfusion by single photon imaging techniques. A description of several examples of interesting new strategies that have recently been reported is presented. A new approach at this institution for the brain-specific delivery of radioiodinated iodophenylalkyl-substituted dihyronicotinamide systems is described which shows good brain uptake and retention in preliminary studies in rats. Following transport into the brain these agents appear to undergo facile intracerebral oxidation to the quaternized analogues which do not recross the intact blood-brain barrier and so are effectively trapped in the brain. 49 refs., 9 figs., 1 tab.
The goals of this paper are to describe new strategies being pursued at several institutions for the brain-specific delivery of radionuclides that can be used to evaluate regional cerebral perfusion by single photon imaging techniques. A comprehensive review of the literature is beyond the scope of these proceedings and our goal is to, therefore, present a description of several examples of interesting new strategies that have recently been reported. In addition, the authors also describe a new approach being pursued at their institution for the brain-specific delivery of radioiodinated iodophenylaklyl-substituted dihydronicotiamide systems which shows good brain uptake and retention in preliminary studies in rats. Following transport into the brain these agents appear to undergo facile intracerebral oxidation to the quaternized analogues which do not cross the intact blood-brain-barrier and are effectively trapped in the brain.
Lipophilic tertiary amines attached to cylcopentadienyl technetium-99m tricarbonyl (cytectrene) have been prepared with high radiochemical yield and purity. Biodistribution studies in mice showed that [{sup 99m}Tc]-cytectrenes, containing in their structure an N-methylpiperidine, were accumulated in the brain up to 2.8% of injected dose with high brain-to-blood ratios at 15 min p.i. They therefore indicate some potential as brain imaging agents. It has to be pointed out that the N-methylpiperidine ester showed similar biological behaviour as the keto derivatives. This indicates that the conversion to polar metabolite(s) via hydrolysis of the ester group - as described for [{sup 99m}Tc]-ECD -is not essential for brain retention. (Author).
Lipophilic tertiary amines attached to cylcopentadienyl technetium-99m tricarbonyl (cytectrene) have been prepared with high radiochemical yield and purity. Biodistribution studies in mice showed that ["9"9"mTc]-cytectrenes, containing in their structure an N-methylpiperidine, were accumulated in the brain up to 2.8% of injected dose with high brain-to-blood ratios at 15 min p.i. They therefore indicate some potential as brain imaging agents. It has to be pointed out that the N-methylpiperidine ester showed similar biological behaviour as the keto derivatives. This indicates that the conversion to polar metabolite(s) via hydrolysis of the ester group - as described for ["9"9"mTc]-ECD -is not essential for brain retention. (Author).
Antibodies directed against markers on cancer cells are gaining in importance for the purpose of targeting diagnostic and therapeutic agents. In the past, this approach has had very limited success principally because the classical methods for producing antibodies from blood serum of animals immunized with cancer cells or extracts were unsatisfactory. The situation has changed dramatically since 1975 following the design of procedures for 'immortalizing' antibody-producing cells (lymphocytes) by fusing them with cultured myeloma cells to form hybridomas which continuously secrete antibodies. Since these hybridomas produce antibodies coded for by a single antibody-producing cell, the antibodies are called monoclonal. Building on these advances in biomedical research, it is now possible to reproducibly manufacture monoclonal antibodies on a scale suitable for use in cancer detection and therapy.
Radiolabeled lipiodol has been used for targeting liver cancer. We developed a lipiodol solution of {sup 188}Re-TDD (2,2,9,9-tetramethyl-4,7-diaza-1,10-decanedithiol) and investigated its feasibility for the treatment of liver cancer. The lipiodol solution of {sup 188}Re-TDD was well-retained in the lipiodol phase in vitro. After injection through the tail veins of mice, high lung-uptake was investigated which is evidence of embolizing activity. We also found high accumulation in hepatoma after injection through the hepatic arteries of hepatoma-bearing rats. In conclusion, the lipiodol solution of {sup 188}Re-TDD is a promising agent for liver cancer therapy.
Many existing agents for diabetes therapy are unable to restore or maintain normal glucose homeostasis or prevent the eventual emergence of hyperglycemia-related complication. Therefore, agents based on novel mechanisms are sought to complement and extend the current therapeutic approaches. Based on the initial paper research, we focused on active STAT3 as an attractive pharmacological target for type 2 diabetes. The subsequent text mining with a unique query to identify suppressors but not activators of STAT3 revealed the ERK2/STAT3 pathway as a novel diabetes target. The description of ERK2 inhibitors as diabetes target had not been found in our text mining research at present. The mechanism-based peptide inhibitor for ERK2 was identified using the knowledge of the KIM sequence, which ha...
Tissue hypoxia is a feature of cancer, heart disease and stroke, and imaging it may become clinically important. Copper-ATSM (ATSMH2 = 2,3-butanedione bis(N-methyl)thiosemicarb-azone), labelled with 60Cu, 62Cu or 64Cu, is selectively taken up in hypoxic cells in vitro and in vivo by a bioreductive mechanism, and is a prototype hypoxia imaging agent amenable to improvement. In vitro studies with several differently alkylated analogues of CuATSM show that hypoxia selectivity is a general property of complexes with two alkyl groups at the diketone backbone, offering a range of pharmacokinetic properties while retaining hypoxia selectivity. This pharmacokinetic control affords a route to development of second-generation hypoxia imaging agents with optimized properties for different clinical ap...
Isopropyl chloroacetate has been synthesized by esterification of chloroacetic acid and isopropanol, using lanthanum dodecyl sulfate (LDDS) as the catalyst. Various factors that affected the esterification have been investigated, such as reaction time, different water-carrying agent and the amount of catalyst. Under the condition of 1.2/1 molar ratio of isopropanol to chloroacetic acid, 1.0% catalyst (molar percent of chloroacetic acid), 2.5 h reaction time, 5 mL cyclohexane as water-carrying agent and reflux temperature, the esterification conversion of isopropyl chloroacetate reaches 98.3%. The catalytic activity of LDDS is almost equal to that of a Bronsted acid. LDDS, as one kind of water-tolerant Lewis acid, is an excellent catalyst compared to the traditional Lewis acid. (author)
Radioiodinated carbohydrates such as 2-deoxy-2-iodo-D-glucose and 3-deoxy-3-iodo-D-glucose undergo facile chemical or in vivo deiodination which precludes their use as radiotracers of glucose metabolism in tissues. To overcome the problems resulting from in vivo deiodination, we explored the concept of stabilizing radioiodide on a model carbohydrate, (E)-C-3-iodovinyl-D-allose (10) as an iodovinyl moiety. This agent did not exhibit brain specificity but showed low in vivo deiodination which demonstrated for the first time that radioiodide can be stabilized on a carbohydrate. The goal of this study was to develop a deoxy-branched carbohydrate with radioiodide stabilized as a vinyliodide with the objective of achieving high brain uptake. 10 refs., 1 fig., 1 tab.
Radioiodinated carbohydrates such as 2-deoxy-2-iodo-D-glucose and 3-deoxy-3-iodo-D-glucose undergo facile chemical or in vivo deiodination which precludes their use as radiotracers of glucose metabolism in tissues. To overcome the problems resulting from in vivo deiodination, we explored the concept of stabilizing radioiodide on a model carbohydrate, (E)-C-3-iodovinyl-D-allose as an iodovinyl moiety. This agent did not exhibit brain specificity but showed low in vivo deiodination which demonstrated for the first time that radioiodide can be stabilized on a carbohydrate. The goal of this study was to develop a deoxy-branched carbohydrate with radioiodide stabilized as a vinyliodide with the objective of achieving high brain uptake. (author).
A composition and method for encapsulating a photovoltaic device which minimizes discoloration of the encapsulant. The composition includes an ethylene-vinyl acetate encapsulant, a curing agent, an optional ultraviolet light stabilizer, and/or an optional antioxidant. The curing agent is preferably 1,1-di-(t-butylperoxy)-3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexane; the ultraviolet light stabilizer is bis-(N-octyloxy-tetramethyl) piperidinyl sebacate and the antioxidant is selected from the group consisting of tris (2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphite, tetrakis methylene (3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyhydrocinnamate) methane, octadecyl 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyhydrocinnamate, and 2,2'-ethylidene bis(4,6-di-t-butylphenyl) fluorophosponite. The composition is applied to a solar cell then cured. The cured product contains a minimal concentration of curing-generated chromophores and resists UV-induced degradation.
Abstract The effects of the type of coupling agent and virgin polypropylene (PP) content on the mechanical properties and water absorption behavior of recycled low-density polyethylene/wood flour (WF) composites were investigated. The fractured surfaces of these recycled wood/plastic composites (rWPCs) were examined to gain insight into the distribution and dispersion of WF within the polymer matrix. The results indicate that the use of 100% recycled polymer led to inferior mechanical properties and to a greater degree of moisture absorption and swelling when compared to recycled polymer-virgin PP wood/plastic composites. This could have been related to the poor melt strength and inferior processability of the recycled polymer. The extent of improvement of the mechanical properties depende...
The brain imaging properties of /sup 99m/Tc glucoheptonate, /sup 99m/Tc pertechnetate, and /sup 99m/Tc DPTA are compared. Results demonstrate that optimum images are obtained at 90, 180, and 180 min., for /sup 99m/Tc GH, /sup 99m/Tc DTPA, and /sup 99m/Tc pertechnetate, respectively. The former two images are not affected by prior bone imaging with /sup 99m/Tc pyrophosphate, while /sup 99m/Tc pertechnetate images are adversely affected. /sup 99m/Tc glucoheptonate appears to be the superior agent for brain imaging, followed by /sup 99m/Tc DTPA and /sup 99m/Tc pertechnetate.
Abstract A novel and convenient protocol for the preparation of an open-tubular column coated with chitosan-silica hybrid using chitosan and silane-coupling agent (-glycidoxy-propyltrimethoxysilane) was developed for CEC, in which, chitosan was covalently bonded to the inner wall of a fused-silica capillary using -glycidoxy-propyltrimethoxysilane as a cross-linking agent. The stationary phase was hydrophilic due to the chitosan-silica hybrid with abundant amine and hydroxyl functional groups. The chromatographic characteristics of the column were evaluated by the separation of some organic acids and inorganic anions. The column showed good selectivity for nucleotides, aromatic acids, and inorganic anions. The mechanism for the separation of these compounds was primarily based on the hydrop...
9-cis-UAB30 is a potential chemopreventative agent that has been shown to be effective on many different types of tumors. The safety and toxicity of 9-cis-UAB30 had not been previously established. These studies were conducted to evaluate the potential toxicity and pharmacokinetics in a rodent and a nonrodent species for the purpose of investigational new drug submission. Oral gavage administration of 9-cis-UAB30 at the doses 0, 3, 15, and 100 ?mg/kg/day to CD? rats for 28 days showed a dose-dependent (although not dose-proportional) increase in plasma drug levels in week 4. The liver was the target organ for toxicity of 9-cis-UAB30. Hepatomegaly along with increases in serum aspartate-aminotransferase and alkaline-phosphatase levels were seen in rats. Moderate hypoalbuminemia and hyperglo...
Alkanol-amine is used for removing hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide from the gas stream. Contaminated amine is the amine which is contaminated by hydrocarbon, organic acid or iron sulfide, etc.. In addition, in the case when an antifoaming agent is excessively added to it or when it is decomposed chemically or thermally, it is considered that it is contaminated. When an amine solution becomes contaminated, several problems concerning operation control occur which would influence the effect of the amine treatment in consequence. By using activated charcoal, it is possible to decrease the additional amount of the antifoaming agent or corrosion inhibitor. This is because activated charcoal removes the decomposed product which causes the foaming phenomenon. In order to derive economical profit sufficiently, an activated charcoal system properly designed is necessary. In this article, the CALGON CLEANAMINE SYSTEM of Calgon Co. is introduced which ...
We have conducted an agent-based simulation of chain bankruptcy. The propagation of credit risk on a network, i.e., chain bankruptcy, is the key to nderstanding largesized bankruptcies. In our model, decrease of revenue by the loss of accounts payable is modeled by an interaction term, and bankruptcy is defined as a capital deficit. Model parameters were estimated using financial data for 1,077 listed Japanese firms. Simulations of chain bankruptcy on the real transaction network consisting of those 1,077 firms were made with the estimated model parameters. Given an initial bankrupt firm, a list of chain bankrupt firms was obtained. This model can be used to detect high-risk links in a transaction network, for the management of chain bankruptcy.
The effects of TANOL radical have been examined on chemical shifts and relaxation rates of /sup 109/Ag NMR in aqueous solution of silver salts. The silver ion in aqueous solution is found to coordinate with TANOL radical. A small amount of TANOL is added as a doping agent(0.020M), since /sup 109/Ag signals are obtained for (1.0M) silver ion within 30 minutes. The /sup 109/Ag chemical shifts of silver salt in aqueous solutions were found within the range of 0 to -1000 ppm relative to that of 1.0M AgNo/sub 3/.
In this thesis a study is made of the of voltage characteristics and reactive power control in the transmission network of the Electric Power Systems (EPS) with static compensators of VARs (SCVs). The necessity of voltage and reactive power control and the application of SCVs as a solution means for three representative operation stages of the EPS, considering balanced operation conditions and fundamental frequency is analyzed: Operation in the presence of incremental voltage changes, quasi-stationary operation or steady state and behavior at the occurrence of big disturbances. The application of SCVs to systems of integral transmission is in general a closed loop control system, reason why the analysis of the interaction of the system EPS-SCV is considered as an essential part of the voltage and reactive power control study. Firstly, the response analysis of the control loop is made for incremental voltage changes, representing the power system by means of its equivalent of Thevenin ...
Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) followed by gamma-ray spectrometry was used to determine the concentrations of As, Ca, Co, Cr, Cu, Eu, Fe, K, La, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Pr, Sb, Se, Th, U, V and Z, in 82 leaf samples belonging to two cultivars of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp). Pigeonpea, an easy cultivation legume species, probably originated from Africa and adapted to brazilian conditions, is a very promising and unconventional source of food, mainly to the grain production intended for human feeding, and that even can be used in flour products. It is an excellent proteic supplement for ruminants, due to its large potential of forage production and its high nutritive value, or in addition it can be used in the recuperation of exhausting soils either by means of its utilization as green manure or by taking free Nitrogen from the atmosphere to produce nitrates which can be utilized by the plants. However, in spite of the several possibilities and increasing utilization ...
This article describes the utilization of plastic wastes in a blast furnace. The plastic waste is a substitution for petroleum and coal as a raw material for synthesis gas production. The synthesis gas is the reducing agent in the blast furnace for the reduction of iron ores. You can find here an ecological and economical analysis of this process in comparison to the utilization of petroleum and coal. (SR)
The role of the HCR system in the repair of prelethal lesions induced by UV light, #gamma# radiation and alkylating agents was studied in the Bacillus subtilis SPP1 phage, its heat sensitive mutants (N3, N73 nad ts_1) and corresponding infectious DNA. The survival of phages and their transfecting DNA after treatment with UV light is substantially higher in hcr"+ cells than in hcr cells, the differences being more striking in intact phages than in their transfecting DNA's. Repair inhibitors reduce survival in hcr"+ cells: caffeine lowers the survival of UV-irradiated phage SPP1 in exponentially growing hcr"+ cells but has no effect on its survival in competent hcr"+ cells; acriflavin and ethidium bromide decrease the survival of the UV-irradiated SPP1 phage in both exponentially growing and competent hcr"+ cells to the level of survival observed in hcr cells; moreover, ethidium bromide lowers the number of infective centres in hcr"+ cells of the UV-irradiated DNA of ...
A variety of stress situations may affect the activity and survival of plant-beneficial pseudomonads added to soil to control root diseases. This study focused on the roles of the sigma factor AlgU...Full Text Available
The first reported Far East scarlet-like fever (FESLF) epidemic swept the Pacific coastal region of Russia in the late 1950s. Symptoms of the severe infection included erythematous skin rash and desquamation,...Full Text Available
The temporal patterns of protein phosphorylation in the adrenal glomerulosa cell were analysed by two-dimensional electrophoresis after stimulation with 10 nM-angiotensin II or various agents [10 nM-12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol...Full Text Available
The synthesis of (/sup 14/C)-10,11-Epoxy-(2E,6E)-farnesyl diazoacetate in one vessel, starting from (/sup 14/C)-glyoxylic acid, is described. This compound is useful as a potential photoaffinity labeling agent for juvenile hormone binding sites.
rho-Iodo-phentermine (IP) and two of its derivatives, N,N,-dimethyl-rho-iodo-phentermine (IDMP) and N-isopropyl-rho-iodo-phentermine (IIP) were synthesized and radiolabelled with iodine by isotopic exchange. They were evaluated as potential brain imaging agents and compared to IAMP. Biodistribution studies in rats did not show that these compounds were superior to IAMP.
In order to evaluate the effectiveness of some decontamination agents against skin contamination of {sup 60}Co and {sup 137}Cs, the experiments were carried out in this study. In the experiments, pig skin was used instead of human skin, {sup 60}CoCl{sub 2} and {sup 137}CsCl were used the liquid sources of skin contamination. To examine the effectiveness of decontamination agents, skin decontamination was tried using soup, EDTA, DAERICON which was developed for decontamination of radionuclides on the surface of building structure, and new decontamination agents such as IOCON, TRICON, and CHARCON, which were developed in this study. The absorption of radionuclides through the skin was evaluated by the gamma-ray detection on the surface of sample skin after radionuclides were penetrated into the skin during 16 hour soiling time. The results of this absorption experiment indicated that 11.5% and 3.2% of initial amounts of {sup ...
In order to evaluate the effectiveness of some decontamination agents against skin contamination of "6"0Co and "1"3"7Cs, the experiments were carried out in this study. In the experiments, pig skin was used instead of human skin, "6"0CoCl_2 and "1"3"7CsCl were used the liquid sources of skin contamination. To examine the effectiveness of decontamination agents, skin decontamination was tried using soup, EDTA, DAERICON which was developed for decontamination of radionuclides on the surface of building structure, and new decontamination agents such as IOCON, TRICON, and CHARCON, which were developed in this study. The absorption of radionuclides through the skin was evaluated by the gamma-ray detection on the surface of sample skin after radionuclides were penetrated into the skin during 16 hour soiling time. The results of this absorption experiment indicated that 11.5% and 3.2% of initial amounts of "1"3"7Cs and "6"0Co, ...
The aim of this work is to suggest steps and policies to increase the introduction of cost-effective energy in conservation measures in Brazil. This report first addresses the motivations for a policy of energy efficiency and summarizes experiences in Brazil. It then considers the roles and perspectives of the diverse agents and review the instruments of policy. It concludes with an overview of strategic needs and lines of action.
Stability constants for uranium-tetracycline complexes were determined by the method of average number of ligands, the method of limiting values, the method of two parameters and the method of weighted least squares. Solvent extraction technique was used to obtain experimental data. (author). 10 refs.; 5 figs.
Involving effects of media, opinion leader and other agents on the opinion of individuals of market society, a trader based model is developed and utilized to simulate price via supply and demand. Pronounced effects are considered with several weights and some personal differences between traders are taken into account. Resulting time series and probabilty distribution function involving a power law for price come out similar to the real ones.
This case report demonstrates an hepatic amebic abscess by scintigrapy, utilizing a new radiopharmaceutical designed specifically for that purpose. The abscess is delineated as a positive lesion after twenty four hours. The agent, "1"3"1I-labeled bromometronidazole, may prove to be specific for the diagnosis of these abscesses. (orig.).
1. The induction of long-term potentiation (LTP) was investigated in the rat dentate gyrus in the presence of ryanodine, an agent which is known to selectively bind to the ryanodine receptor (RyR) Ca2+...Full Text Available
We have recently shown the applicability of robotics to the synthesis of a positron-emitting radiopharmaceutical, namely 16#alpha#[F-18]fluoroestradiol-17#beta#, a breast tumor imaging agent. We now report the application of the robot to the synthesis of two additional radiopharmaceuticals, [F-18]spiroperiodol and [C-11]butanol. This achievement shows the power of a robot as a multifunctional automated device for the synthesis of several positron-emitting radiopharmaceuticals in limited laboratory space. (author).
While a great deal of evidence has directly implicated the importance of O6-alkylation of guanine in the mutagenicity of alkylating agents, evidence demonstrating the oncogenic potential of this lesion...Full Text Available
A tiered communications architecture for managing network traffic in a distributed system. Communication between client or control computers and a plurality of hardware devices is administered by agent and monitor devices whose activities are coordinated to reduce the number of open channels or sockets. The communications architecture also improves the transparency and scalability of the distributed system by reducing network mapping dependence. The architecture is desirably implemented in a proton beam therapy system to provide flexible security policies which improve patent safety and facilitate system maintenance and development.
The use of Chelex resin for the synthesis of radioactive lead complexes has been explored. The process involved immobilization of {sup 203}Pb on the resin and subsequent elution of complexed lead by chelating agents. {sup 203}Pb complexes derived from meso- and racemic dimercaptosuccinic acid (meso-DMSA, rac-DMSA) were prepared and assessed for stability in vitro.
The use of Chelex resin for the synthesis of radioactive lead complexes has been explored. The process involved immobilization of "2"0"3Pb on the resin and subsequent elution of complexed lead by chelating agents. "2"0"3Pb complexes derived from meso- and racemic dimercaptosuccinic acid (meso-DMSA, rac-DMSA) were prepared and assessed for stability in vitro.
The properties of a nonviable, aqueous ether-extracted Brucela abortus preparation, Bru-Pel, are described. In addition to inducing a "virus-type" interferon response and protecting mice against challenge with otherwise lethal doses of Semliki Forest virus, Bru-Pel is demonstrated to have potent antitumor properties in mice. These antitumor effects appear to be mediated by an increase in nonspecific resistance similar to that seen with other experimental antitumor agents. PMID:728911
Recently the association of a rare disease named ''nephrogenic systemic fibrosis'' (NSF) with the administration of gadolinium-containing contrast media, especially gadodiamide (Omniscan, GE-Healthcare), was described. NSF is a scleroderma-like disease characterised by widespread tissue fibrosis. Until now, NSF cases were observed only in patients with kidney disease. Almost all patients were suffering from chronic renal insufficiency, 90 % of them required renal replacement therapy. The true incidence of the disease is unknown. First retrospective analyses of selected collectives of patients with end-stage renal disease showed 2 - 5 % cases of NSF after administration of Gadolinium-containing contrast agents with an odds ratio of 20 - 50 in comparison to non-exposed controls. NSF is a serious adverse reaction, which may result in severe disabilities and even death. Therefore all radiologists applying gadolinium-based contrast ...
... Three prototype reactors were constructed and the photocatalysts used were TiO2 for hydroxyl radical generation, dyes such as methylene blue and rose bengal for singlet oxygen generation, and ferric chloride/hydrogen peroxide in Photo-Fenton OH radical generation. Singlet oxygen was effective against some of the pesticides but reacted slowly or not at all with others. All pesticides were degraded by OH radical generating agents (such as methylene blue)...
Reported on here are studies of various methods for liquefying coal. Hydropyrolysis as an alternative method for producing liquid hydrocarbons and a carbon enriched char is discussed. Other methods described involve supercritical gas extraction of coal and use of natural gas as a hydrogenating agent. Relevant waste water treatments are discussed as well. 65 refs., 9 figs.
The kinetics of the hydrolysis of polyacrylonitrile in aqueous and aqueousalcoholic solution have been studied. The effects of the solvent on the kinetics of the hydrolysis have been demonstrated, together with the role of diffusion and adsorption of the hydrolyzing agent on the surface of the macromolecules. It has also been shown to be possible to control the extent of hydrolysis and the hydrophilicity of the product.
Staphylococcus aureus survives inside eukaryotic cells. Our objective was to assess the activity of NZ2114, a novel peptidic antibiotic, against intracellular S. aureus in comparison with established antistaphylococcal agents acting on the bacterial envelope with a distinct mechanism.
...and supply ensuring better food quality for the consumer developing safer and more flexible food production processes and technologies raw materials for food production; production and processing systems; by-products and wastes from fisheries and agro-industry; new food sources; packaging systems; quality monitoring; traceability Food contamination detecting and eliminating infectious and toxic agents throughout the food chain establishing the hazards and origins of food contaminants producing food more safely rapid ...
...Correction Discussion Editorial Letter Opinion Review Short Note Technical Note Special Issue all A Systematic Development Method for Rational Drug Design Advances in Molecular Electronic Structure Calculations Algorithms and Molecular Sciences Antimicrobial Agents Application of Density Functional Theory Applications of Density Functional Theory Applications of Molecular Dynamics Atoms in Molecules ...
Standard SCR catalysts possess high activity for the hydrolysis of HNCO and thus explain the suitability of urea as a selective reducing agent for NO{sub x}. At high space velocities HNCO-slip can get perceptible over the entire temperature range. This can be attributed to the fact that the temperature dependence is strong for the SCR reaction, but weak for the hydrolysis reaction. (author) 3 figs., 5 refs.
This opinion presents an overview of recent developments in the diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Japan. The use of Ethiodol (iodized ethyl ester of the fatty acid of poppyseed oil) for hepatic angiography in diagnosing and treating (combined with chemotherapeutic agents) HCC has been reported. Ethiodol has been found to localize in HCC and remain there for long periods. The implications of these findings are discussed.
BackgroundThe frequency of transfer of genes encoding resistance to antimicrobial agents was determined by conjugation in ESBL-producing and/or fluoroquinolone or aminoglycoside...Full Text Available
A method of simultaneously removing SO.sub.2 and NO from oxygen-containing flue gases resulting from the combustion of carbonaceous material by contacting the flue gas with an aqueous scrubber solution containing an aqueous sulfur dioxide sorbent and an active metal chelating agent which promotes a reaction between dissolved SO.sub.2 and dissolved NO to form hydroxylamine N-sulfonates. The hydroxylamine sulfonates are then separated from the scrubber solution which is recycled.
Although human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) is the etiologic agent of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL), the role of viral gene expression in the progression to and maintenance of the...Full Text Available
Polymethlylmethacrylate (PMMA) is the most frequently used cement for percutaneous vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. To aid visualisation during surgery cements are doped with radiopacifying agents such as Barium sulphate (Ba(2)SO(4)) or Zirconium Dioxide (ZiO(2)). Mounting research suggests that these agents may impair the biocompatibility of the cements. However, incorporating an alternative radiopacifier agent with excellent biocompatibility would be a significant step forward. Bioactive radiopaque glasses incorporating elements such as strontium (Sr) and zinc (Zn), known to have beneficial and therapeutic effects on bone, are of great interest in this respect. In this study, the Ba(2)SO(4) of the commercially available Spineplex was incrementally replaced with a radiopaque therapeutic glass composition. The resulting effects on cement setting time, peak isotherm, ultimate compressive strength, Young's modulus (up to 30 ...
To determine if white-tailed deer may serve as a reservoir host for Borrelia lonestari, we used a nested PCR for the Borrelia flagellin gene to evaluate blood samples...Full Text Available
Coatings and sensors having both steric and chemical selectivity. Controlled porosity provides the steric selectivity, whereas chemically tailored film properties, using controlled composition or modification by coupling agents, chemical species replacement, or chemical species within pores, provide the chemical selectivity. Single or multiple layers may be provided.
Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is the etiologic agent of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL), HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP), and other diseases....Full Text Available
1-Furan-2-yl-3-pyridin-2-yl-propenone (FPP-3) is an anti-inflammatory agent with a propenone moiety and chemically synthesized recently. In this study, we examined the chemopreventive effect of FPP-3 on 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced genotoxicity in MCF-7 cells. FPP-3 reduced the formation of the DMBA-DNA adduct. DMBA-induced CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 gene expression and enzyme activity were inhibited by FPP-3. It inhibited DMBA-induced aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) transactivation and DMBA-inducible nuclear localization of the AhR. Induction of detoxifying phase II genes by chemopreventive agents represents a coordinated protective response against oxidative stress and neoplastic effects of carcinogens. Transcription factor NF-E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) regulates antioxidant response element (ARE) of phase II detoxifying and antioxidant enzymes, such as glutathione S-transferase (GST) and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (QR). FPP-3 ...
The catecholamine release-inhibitory catestatin [Cts; human chromogranin (Cg) A352-372, bovine CgA344-364] is a vasoreactive and anti-hypertensive peptide derived...Full Text Available
Research is described in the development of organometallic reagents in which the boron was attached to a nonreactive organic or inorganic matrix such as polystyrene, silica, or alumina. We developed the synthesis of oxygen-15 labelled butanol, which has been found to be a valuable blood flow agent in humans. We have also developed a series of polymeric borane derivatives which were used to prepare nitrogen-13 labelled amines.
2,2,5,7,8-pentamethyl-6-chromanol (PMCol) was administered by gavage in rats for 28 days at dose levels of 0, 100, 500, and 2000 mg/kg/day. PMCol administration induced decreases in body weight...Full Text Available
Tetracycline resistance of fecal coliforms isolated from swine decreased from 82 to 42%, a decrease of less than 50%, after the use of all forms of antimicrobial agents were discontinued in the herd...Full Text Available
The anesthetic agents methohexital (Brevital), Innovar, and ketamine (Ketaject) were examined for their effect on seizure duration following electroconvulsive stimulation in a rat model of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Compared to unanesthetized control animals, methohexital anesthesia shortened seizure duration by 42%, ketamine anesthesia tended to increase seizure duration, and Innovar anesthesia had no effect on duration of seizures. PMID:7349626
Amyloid plaques are a characteristic feature in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). A novel non-toxic contrast agent is presented, Gd-DTPA-K6Aβ1–30, which is homologous to Aβ,...Full Text Available
Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is a complex B-lymphotrophic retrovirus of cattle and the causative agent of enzootic bovine leukosis. Serum antibody in infected animals does not correlate with protection...Full Text Available
The Planning Process of Brazilian Electric Sector Expansion, their normative aspects, instruments, main agents and the planning cycles are described. The methodology of expansion planning is shown, with the interactions of several study areas, electric power market and the used computer models. The forecasts of methodology evolution is also presented. (C.G.C.).
The hospitals are important consumers of energy. At the General Hospital of Zone (HGZ) N of the IMSS in Aguscalientes (HGZ N . IMSS Ags.), the diesel oil is the main fuel that is used to satisfy the requirements of thermal energy of the hospital. According to the data collected by this author, this fuel represented in 2001, 75% of its total energy consumption and the 67.9% of its total costs in energy that ascended to $396.131 (December 2001 Dollars) Since this last amount represents an important percentage of the total expenses of the hospital (29.367 million dollars) it is important to determine the technical-economic possibilities of thermal energy saving of the hospital. The HGZ N 1 IMSS Ags. is located in a ampler conglomerate where the IMSS units are located, such as, the regional laundry, the sport unit, the center of social security, the familiar medicine unit N 1 and the hospital. Nevertheless departing from the installation of the electrical systems and the provision of steam ...
The aim of this study was to investigate whether sub-ablative pulsed C0{sub 2} laser (1 0,6 {mu}m) irradiation is capable of reducing the susceptibility of the dental enamel to demineralization, and thus achieving a potential caries-protective effect. The crowns of 51 bovine front teeth, embedded in acrylic resin and polished until exposure of flat enamel surface, were used. The samples were cut in cubes of 10x10 mm, and totally coated with acid-resistant nail varnish, except for an enamel exposed window of 16 mm square. Three groups (n=17) were obtained: control group (CG) not irradiated; group laser A (LA) and group laser B (LB) where the samples were irradiated. The conditions were 60 mJ, 100 Hz, 0,3 J/cm{sup 2} for LA and 135 mJ, 10 Hz, 0,7 J/cm{sup 2} for LB. Two samples of each group were submitted to SEM analysis and fifteen to demineralization in 3 ml acetate buffer solution (0,1 mol/L) with pH 4,5 for 24h at 37 deg C, with regular agitation. After the specimens were removed ...
Some of well known F{sub 2} layer anomalies might have their origin in lower atmosphere and some have extra terrestrial sources. It has been suggested that the phenomena occurring below the ionosphere such as thunderstorms, lightning/sprites, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes and above the phenomena like corona mass ejection, solar flares and extra terrestrial events may produce F{sub 2} layer signatures. In the present paper we have tried to summarize the effect of some phenomena occurring below the ionosphere like thunderstorms, lightning/sprites and seismic activity and the phenomena such as solar flares which occur above the ionosphere, on the ionospheric electron and ion temperatures. The paper also discusses possibilities. The ionospheric electron and ion temperatures were measured by the RrPAa payload aboard the Iindian SRrOSS-C2 satellite. The normal day's ion and electron temperatures have been compared to the temperatures recorded during the disturbed day. The ...
In this article the methodology followed to diagnose the performance of the equipment where heat is transferred from the feed water, condensate and circulation water systems in fossil power plants (FPP). The data collection is made with the unit in normal operation, using local instrumentation without taking the equipment out of service for its installation. The equipment diagnosis is made through the analysis of the collected data in actual operation and the design data; for this purpose a thermal balance of the interested systems is performed to obtain all the conditions an operation data. Later on the performance indicative parameters (PIP) of actual operation and design are calculated and compared one against the other. Such a comparison reveals the performance deterioration and the possible equipment faults. The data obtained and the supplementary information are stored in a data base whose objective is that Comision Federal de Electricidad has on hand a prompt access to them in ...
Superparamagnetic MFe{sub 2}{sup 3+}O{sub 4} (M=Mn{sup 2+}, Fe{sup 2+} and Co{sup 2+}) inverse spinel ferrite (ISF) nanoparticles with narrow size distribution having average diameters of 6-8 nm were synthesized by a diol reduction of organic metals and the surface was modified to be hydrophilic by coating with succimer. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast enhancement by dipolar coupling defined interactions between the synthesized ISFs and protons in the bulk water was investigated with initial susceptibility, magnetization and anisotropy of the succimer-coated ISFs. The relaxivity ratios, r{sub 2}/r{sub 1}, for MnFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}, Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} and CoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} were measured to be 12.2, 23.1 and 62.3, respectively, which demonstrate the potential usefulness of these magnetic nanoparticles as T{sub 2} contrast agents for MRI.
Thallium-201 diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC) behaves like a chemical microsphere and is trapped by spontaneous decomposition in the brain in proportion to regional perfusion. They have shown that the technetium-99m analog, Tc-99m DDC (1), is unsuitable for cerebral perfusion imaging because it does not decompose rapidly enough to be trapped in the brain. With the goal of turning this greater stability of 1 into an advantage, a series of dithiocarbamates with lipophilic or amine groups designed to enhance cerebral uptake and retention was prepared from the following amines by reaction with carbon disulfide and sodium hydroxide: pyrrolidine (2), piperazine (3), 4-benzylpiperazine (4), and 4-(1-piperidino)piperidine (5). These ligands (5 mg) were labelled with Tc-99m in > 95% efficiency (ITLC-SG, saline) by reduction of pertechnetate at room temperature with formamidine sulfinic acid at alkaline pH. In preliminary studies, 4 and 5 show a trend of increasing oil/buffer partition ...
Superparamagnetic MFe23+O4 (M=Mn2+, Fe2+ and Co2+) inverse spinel ferrite (ISF) nanoparticles with narrow size distribution having average diameters of 6-8 nm were synthesized by a diol reduction of organic metals and the surface was modified to be hydrophilic by coating with succimer. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast enhancement by dipolar coupling defined interactions between the synthesized ISFs and protons in the bulk water was investigated with initial susceptibility, magnetization and anisotropy of the succimer-coated ISFs. The relaxivity ratios, r2/r1, for MnFe2O4, Fe3O4 and CoFe2O4 were measured to be 12.2, 23.1 and 62.3, respectively, which demonstrate the potential usefulness of these magnetic nanoparticles as T2 contrast agents for MRI.
Bisaminoethanethiol (BAT) ligands with various gem-dimethyl and amide groups were prepared, and the corresponding neutral Tc-99m complexes were prepared and evaluated for their relative stabilities by ligand-exchange reactions. It was demonstrated that technetium complexes containing gem-dimethyl substituents have higher lipophilicities, whereas those with an amide group possess greater stability, which enhances ligand-exchange reaction. The most interesting observation was that the brain uptake in rats is not determined only by lipophilicity. Apparently, Tc-99m complexes with an amide functional group display lower brain uptakes in rats compared to those without an amide group. The brain uptake was strongly influenced by substituents on the BAT ligand. These factors are critically important and should be taken into consideration when designing Tc-99m-labeled agents for CNS receptor imaging.
This report of progress and future objectives timetable is based on an included schematic of goals and objectives and the project abstract which is included as Appendix 1. Five matters are summarized in the order of (1) novel methods of calcified bone confocal microscopy and reconstruction image analysis of decalcified beagle and human cortical bone serial sections, (2) macroscopic cross-correlation of beagle and human cortical and cancellous bone fractions with CT analysis, (3) guidance to the most radiobiologically important skeletal regions of interest with the just completed {sup 90}Sr bone tumor map from life time beagle studies, (4) deposition patterns of radioactive agents that participate in apatite crystal nucleation processes in bone and leave radiation-excited electrons trapped in bone mineral, and (5) the budget period timetable. The discovery that beta particles from {sup 166}Ho (T{sub {1/2}} =26 hr, {beta}{sub max} = 1.8 MeV) phosphonic acid bone ...
Silica and bridged polysilsesquioxane aerogels are low-density materials that are attractive for applications such as thermal insulation, porous separation media or catalyst supports, adsorbents, and cometary dust capture agents. However, aerogels are notoriously weak and brittle making it difficult to handle and machine monoliths into desired forms. This complication prevents the development of many applications that would otherwise benefit from the use of the low-density materials. Here, we will describe our efforts to chemically modify and mechanically enhance silica-based aerogels using chemical vapor techniques without sacrificing their characteristic low densities. Monolithic silica and organic-bridged polysilsesquioxane aerogels were prepared by sol-gel polymerization of the respective methoxysilane monomers followed by supercritical carbon dioxide drying of the gels. Then the gels were reactively modified with silylating agents to ...
Pattern and model makers are skilled tradespersons who may be exposed to hardwoods, softwoods, phenol-formaldehyde resin-impregnated woods, epoxy and polyester/styrene resin systems, and welding and metal-casting fumes. The relationship of respiratory symptoms (wheezing, chronic bronchitis, dyspnea) and pulmonary function (FVC% predicted, FEV1% predicted, FEV1/FVC% predicted) with interview-derived cumulative exposure estimates to specific workplace agents and to all work with wood, plastic, or metal products was investigated in 751 pattern and model makers in southeast Michigan. In stratified analyses and age- and smoking-adjusted linear and logistic regression models, measures of cumulative wood exposures were associated with decrements in pulmonary function and dyspnea, but not with other symptoms. In similar analyses, measures of cumulative plastic exposures were associated with wheezing, chronic bronchitis, and dyspnea, but not with decrements in pulmonary ...
Features particular to the technology of using a blast furnace for the recycling of plastic waste are reported, and the behavior of plastic waste injected into a blast furnace is described. The plastic waste is injected into the furnace borne on a 1200degC hot blast through the tuyere. The plastic is converted into a reducing gas in the furnace, and the gas on its way up in the furnace is utilized as a reducing agent in the iron ore reducing reaction. The process is described below. All kinds of plastic waste may be utilized in this fashion, with the exception of polyvinyl chloride. As for polyvinyl chloride, efforts are under way to develop a technology to recycle this plastic. The method using the blast furnace tolerates a wide range of impurities, and the plastic waste is only to be crushed and granulated before use in the furnace. Plastic waste coarsely granulated but not pulverized may be completely gasified when the blast furnace raceway function is utilized. ...
Targeted studies completed include the evaluation of tritiated N-0437, evaluation of "3"5S-cysteamine, evaluation of "1"8F-FDG and initiation of synthetic efforts towards the synthesis of iodinated N-0437 and pergolide analogs. The direction of the project has been changed due to several factors which include the decided lack of favorable experimental results, the excellence of results using muscarinic receptor ligands in pituitary, brain and heart and the contention of the DOE review panel that the original grant proposal was based on flawed assumptions together with their perceived lack of importance to pituitary imaging. In the final year of this grant, three studies will be completed. The first study is the continuation of synthetic efforts to prepare iodinated N-0437 and pergolide analogs for possible use as brain imaging agents. The second study is directed towards completion of biochemical evaluation of various muscarinic receptor analogs for heart, brain ...
Targeted studies completed include the evaluation of tritiated N-0437, evaluation of /sup 35/S-cysteamine, evaluation of /sup 18/F-FDG and initiation of synthetic efforts towards the synthesis of iodinated N-0437 and pergolide analogs. The direction of the project has been changed due to several factors which include the decided lack of favorable experimental results, the excellence of results using muscarinic receptor ligands in pituitary, brain and heart and the contention of the DOE review panel that the original grant proposal was based on flawed assumptions together with their perceived lack of importance to pituitary imaging. In the final year of this grant, three studies will be completed. The first study is the continuation of synthetic efforts to prepare iodinated N-0437 and pergolide analogs for possible use as brain imaging agents. The second study is directed towards completion of biochemical evaluation of various muscarinic receptor analogs for heart, ...
In developing new brain imaging agents for single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), we synthesized eleven radioiodinated phenoxyacetic acid derivatives and investigated the relationship between the chemical structure and in vivo characteristics. Biodistribution studies in mice revealed high initial brain uptake for all the compounds. Blood radioactivity level depended markedly upon the chemical stability of the compound. The #alpha#,#alpha#-dimethylester derivative (1e), amide derivatives (2a-c) and diamine derivatives (3a, b, 4), which were stable to hydrolysis, showed low blood activity levels following i.v. administration. Disappearance of the ester and amide compounds from the brain was rapid. However, the diamine derivatives displayed improved retention in the brain. Compounds 3a and 4 possessed the best combination of high brain uptake and sufficient retention to be useful as potential brain imaging radiopharmaceuticals with SPECT devices. ...
The radioiodine-labeled amines currently available as brain-imaging agents, based on our previous work and that of others, are prepared either by exchange labeling or by direct iodination of a protected intermediate. The intrinsic slowness of these processes limits their potential for use with the positron-emitting 122I, as it has a half-life of only 3.6 min. This isotope has advantages of a low dose to the patient and availability from a generator containing the parent 20-h 122Xe. To develop a radiopharmaceutical in which 122I could be utilized, we prepared a number of secondary and tertiary amines (maintaining the 2,5-dimethoxy substitution pattern which allows direct iodination at the 4-position) with 131I. The organ distributions of these compounds were studied, and the best properties were found in the N,N-dimethyl homologue (2,5-dimethoxy-N,N-dimethyl-4-iodoamphetamine). This compound was successfully synthesized in a matter of seconds, with a chemical yield ...
The radioiodine-labeled amines currently available as brain-imaging agents, based on our previous work and that of others, are prepared either by exchange labeling or by direct iodination of a protected intermediate. The intrinsic slowness of these processes limits their potential for use with the positron-emitting 122I, as it has a half-life of only 3.6 min. This isotope has advantages of a low dose to the patient and availability from a generator containing the parent 20-h 122Xe. To develop a radiopharmaceutical in which 122I could be utilized, we prepared a number of secondary and tertiary amines (maintaining the 2,5-dimethoxy substitution pattern which allows direct iodination at the 4-position) with 131I. The organ distributions of these compounds were studied, and the best properties were found in the N,N-dimethyl homologue (2,5-dimethoxy-N,N-dimethyl-4-iodoamphetamine). This compound was successfully synthesized in a matter of seconds, with a chemical yield ...
Radioadapted chicken embryo cells (X-irradiation in ovo with 10 cGy at the 14th day of development with priming periods of 24 h) were treated in vitro by challenge doses of 14 different DNA- and/or chromatin-interactive agents, including X-rays. A decrease in the cellular damage, as measured by scheduled DNA synthesis, was only observed with X-irradiation. Sedimentation of nucleoids as well as viscosity of alkaline lysates from ethidium bromide (0.35-400 {mu}g/ml)-, vovobiocin (125-1800 {mu}g/ml)-, and hyperthermia (30 min at 43 and 45 )-treated cells suggest a higher tendency of radioadapted cells to undergo positive DNA supercoiling. When DNA from adapted and non-adapted chicken embryo cells was used as substrate, neither its digestion by DNase I nor the inhibition of DNase I activity by various DNA-interactive agents was changed in primed cells. From the previous investigations as well as from the present results it is concluded that an ...
The ROTAMIX process for the treatment of contaminated soils, developed by GSI Environment of Sherbrooke, Quebec, is described. The technology combines the use of a self-propelled rotary turner with bioactivating nutrients and structuring agents. Results of various trials using this process showed that soils contaminated with pentachlorophenol and heavy petroleum hydrocarbons, substances that do not easily break down, were decontaminated to a level that corresponds to the C criterion of the Quebec Ministry of the Environment. The ROTAMIX process was found to improve solid/liquid/gas exchanges, and increased water retention capacity of the treated soil. The technology is not constrained by the fine particle concentration that may result from the addition of structuring agents. It produces no leachate water or gaseous emissions. It broadens the range of contaminants that can be treated, including contaminants that resist biodegradation. The ...
Artificial bone cements (BCs) based on poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) powders and methyl methacrylate (MMA) liquid monomer also present in their formulation small amounts of other substances, including a chemical initiator compound and radiopaque agents. Because inadequate mixing of the recipe components during the manufacture of the bone cement may compromise the mechanical properties of the final pieces, new techniques to incorporate the fillers into the BC and their effect upon the mechanical properties of BC pieces were investigated in the present study. PMMA powder composites were produced in situ in the reaction vessel by addition of X-ray contrasts to the reacting MMA mixture. It is shown that this can lead to much better mechanical properties of test pieces, when compared to standard bone cement formulations, because enhanced dispersion of the radiopaque agents can be achieved. Moreover, it is shown that the addition of hydroxyapatite ...
A new hydroxyiminoamide ligand, 1-(2-nitroimidazole-1-yl)-propanhydroxyiminoamide (N2IPA) was synthesized. The biodistribution of {sup 99m}Tc-N2IPA in mice bearing S180 tumor demonstrated that the complex showed a selective accumulation in tumor and slow clearance from it. The tumor-to-tissue uptake ratios increased with time. At 4 hours after injection, the uptake ratios of tumor to muscle, blood, liver, heart, and lung reached 8.4, 1.5, 0.6, 2.9, and 2.3, respectively. Moreover, the tumor-to-liver uptake ratio steadily increased to 0.9 at 8 hours and 2.3 at 24 hours. The complex showed little uptake and quick clearance in blood, lung and other organs. Compared with other proposed hypoxia-imaging agents, this novel agent has advantages of higher tumor-to-muscle and tumor-to-blood uptake ratios and easier synthesis.
To examine and evaluate the predominant and common etiologic agent(s) of urinary tract infection (UTI) in Sukkur city and to determine their current antibiotic susceptibility/resistance trends. Nine hundred sixty six patients out of 1430 abnormal urine reports (showing significant abnormalities such as protein, pus, red cells) were asked to give second sample. The urine samples were examined by both urine test strip (Combur 10 Test, Roche) and microscopically (wet preparation) followed by culture and sensitivity. The culture sensitivity was done on urine samples of which bacterial numbers were estimated as more than 105CFU. The study was conducted at Safeway Diagnostic and Research Laboratory Sukkur and the Department of Microbiology, Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur, Sindh from March 2001 to March 2003. Eight hundred fifty-two (88.2%) showed Escherichia spp followed by Klebsiella spp (6.9%) and proteus spp (4.9%). These showed 95%, 90%, 90% sensitivity to ...
Abstract in english In order to evaluate the presence of specific IgG antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi in patients with clinical manifestations associated with Lyme borreliosis in Cali, Colombia, 20 serum samples from patients with dermatologic signs, one cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sample from a patient with chronic neurologic and arthritic manifestations, and twelve serum samples from individuals without clinical signs associated with Lyme borreliosis were analyzed by IgG Western blot. The (more) results were interpreted following the recommendations of the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) for IgG Western blots. Four samples fulfilled the CDC criteria: two serum specimens from patients with morphea (localized scleroderma), the CSF from the patient with neurologic and arthritic manifestations, and one of the controls. Interpretation of positive serology for Lyme disease in non-endemic countries must be cautious. However these results suggest that the putative ...
A continuous, subsurface Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary section, including the boundary clay within an 87 cm thick lignite, has been recovered from a core hole near Wood Mountain, Saskatchewan, Canada. The lignite-encompassed clay layer with geochemical anomaly indicates that peat deposition was continuous across the boundary. Core data indicate that, locally, a pre-boundary, conifer-dominated swamp was abruptly replaced by an angiosperm-dominated, herbaceous wetland. Sudden extermination of the dominant forest elements indicates mass kill at the level of the boundary and supports the theory of extraterrestrial impact accompanied by catastrophic destruction. Devastation of the standing vegetation may have been caused by one or more of the killing agents predicted to have accompanied impact, including freezing temperatures caused by atmospheric dust, acid rain, thermal pulse, and shock waves. There is no evidence supporting wildfires as a killing ...
Occupational exposure to N-nitrosamines in the rubber industry was first reported by Fajen et al. (1979). In order to study the origin and formation of nitrosamines in this industry, chemicals and industrial products, as well as the air in various working areas, were analysed. All chemicals used for rubber compounding contain nitrosamines if they are derivatives of secondary amines; e.g., tetramethylthiurame, zinc-diethyldithiocarbamate or N-oxydiethylene benzothiazolylsulfenamide. All rubber products containing these dialkyl amine derivatives exhibited considerable levels of the corresponding nitrosamines. Accordingly, variable concentrations of airborne nitrosamines could be detected at places where rubber products are manufactured or stored. The nitrosamines found correspond to the compounded chemicals. The original nitrosamine level in rubber chemicals is not high enough to explain the amounts found in rubber products and in air, so that additional nitrosation must occur. The ...
The thiazolidinedione (TZD) or glitazone class of peroxisome proliferator-activated-#gamma# (PPAR-#gamma#) ligands not only induce adipocyte differentiation and increase insulin sensitivity, but also exert growth inhibitory effects on several carcinoma cell lines in vitro as well as in vivo. In the current study the in vitro effect of four PPAR-#gamma# agonists (ciglitazone, pioglitazone, troglitazone, rosiglitazone) on the cell growth of seven human neuroblastoma cell lines (Kelly, LAN-1, LAN-5, LS, IMR-32, SK-N-SH, SH-SY5Y) was investigated. Growth rates were assessed by a colorimetric XTT-based assay kit. Expression of PPAR-#gamma# protein was examined by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. All glitazones inhibited in vitro growth and viability of the human neuroblastoma cell lines in a dose-dependent manner showing considerable effects only at high concentrations (10 #mu#M and 100 #mu#M). Effectiveness of the glitazones on neuroblastoma cell growth differed depending on ...
Iofetamine HCI {sup 123}I is the generic name for the hydrochloride salt of N-isopropyl-p-iodoamphetamine labeled with {sup 123}I, commonly called IMP. Iofetamine HCI {sup 123}I is prepared by isotopic exchange with [{sup 123}I]Nal and is formulated in isotonic aqueous NaCl solution containing 1 mCi/ml iofetamine HCI I 123, 0.15 mg/ml iofetamine HCI carrier, and phosphate buffer for pH control. The radiochemical purity is >97%, and the product is stable for more than 24 hours; the commercial product distributed today is prepared with high purity {sup 123}I with >98% radionuclidic purity. Two radioiodinated agents have seen significant clinical application for functional brain imaging: iofetamine HCI (IMP) (1) and N,N,N{prime}-trimethyl-N{prime}-(2-hydroxy-3-methyl-5-iodobenzyl)-1,3-propanediamine HIPDM (2). lofetamine HCI {sup 123}I is commercially available in the United States, Europe, and Japan. Although their primary use is for functional brain imaging, ...
Eribulin is a new anticancer agent currently in Phase III clinical trials for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. In the current studies, we have investigated the effects of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) on the in vivo disposition of eribulin using CF-1 abcb1a-deficient mice, and the influence of eribulin on P-gp-mediated efflux of digoxin in Caco-2 cells. Eribulin was administered intravenously and orally in both CF-1 wild-type and CF-1 abcb1a-deficient mice. P-gp-mediated efflux of digoxin in Caco-2 cell monolayers was measured in the presence of eribulin. The plasma exposure to eribulin was higher in CF-1 abcb1a-deficient mice than that in CF-1 wild-type mice after intravenous (IV) and oral (PO) administrations. The oral bioavailability of eribulin was 62.3% in CF-1 abcb1a-deficient mice...
This research aims to investigate the effects of chemical blowing agent (CBA) contents and particle sizes on the properties of foamed poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)/rice hull (RH) composites. Fine particles of azodicarbonamide (AC) at 5, 8, 11 and 22mm were modified with 20% by weight of ZnO and used at 0-3.0% by weight. The average cell size and density of the PVC/RH foamed profiles were reduced as the content of modified azodicarbonamide (mAC) increased. Larger mAC particles lowered the density more effectively. Maximum reduction of density by 46% was achieved when mAC 22mm was applied at 2.0% by weight. Larger blowing particles led to PVC/RH foam with greater flexural modulus and strength. Greater impact strength, observed when 5mm mAC was applied, resulted from the rather thick cell wall c...
We presented a simple approach for in-situ synthesis of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS)-gold nanoparticles composite film based on the special characteristics of PDMS itself. It is an environmentally safe synthesis method without the requirement of additional reducing/stabilizing agents. The region where the resulting gold nanoparticles distribute (in the matrix or on the surface of the polymer) and the size of the nanoparticles, as well as the colour of the free-standing films, can be simply controlled by adjusting the ratio of curing agent and the PDMS monomer. The chemical and optical properties of these composite films were studied. Using such a method, gold nanoparticle micropatterns on PDMS surfaces can be performed. And based on the gold nanoparticles micropattern, further modification with antibodies, antigens, enzymes and other biomolecules can be achieved. To verify this ability, an immobilized glucose oxidase (GOx) reactor in ...
The ruthenium decontamination factor in Purex process falls quickly with recycles of TBP. So it is necessary to change the chemical states of RuNO complexes in order to improve DF_R_u in the uranium purification cycle. The retention of RuNO complexes in TBP-kerosenelaurohydroxamic acid is observed to be quite large in our previous work. Therefore, water-soluble short chain hydroxamic acid is used as complexing agent to decrease the distribution coefficient of Ru. Hydroxamic acid can transform RuNO complexes into in-extractable species by TBP-kerosene in certain conditions. The result of cascade experiment indicates that the ruthenium decontamination can be increased by a factor of 40-50. Acidity has more influence on the effect of pretreatment. The higher acidity is, the worse the effect will be. The pretreatment is first carried out in low acidic solution, then extractive acidity is increased. In this way, the distribution of Ru can be decreased obviously. After ...
Finding environmentally friendly and cost-effective methods to remediate soils contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is currently a major concern of researchers. In this study, a series of small-scale semi-continuous extractions - with and without in situ wet oxidation - were performed on soils polluted with PAHs, using subcritical water (i.e. liquid water at high temperatures and pressures, but below the critical point) as the removal agent. Experiments were performed in a 300 mL reactor using an aged soil sample. To find the desorption isotherms and oxidation reaction rates, semi-continuous experiments with residence times of 1 and 2 h were performed using aged soil at 250 deg. C and hydrogen peroxide as oxidizing agent. In all combined extraction and oxidation flow experiments, PAHs in the remaining soil after the experiments were almost undetectable. In combined extraction and oxidation no PAHs could be detected in the ...
Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) 19-9 and 73-3 specific for human colon adenocarcinoma were labelled with a high number of gadolinium atoms. Twenty five DTPA were chelated per MAb, with only slight loss of immunoreactivity. The NMR contrast agent Gd-25 DTPA-MAb 19-9 or 73-3 ((Gd) 17 mumole/kg, (MAb) 60 microM) was injected into nude mice bearing human colon adenocarcinoma (SW948). Tumors were removed 24 hr after injection and T1 was measured in vitro. T1 relaxation time varied according to MAb specificity against tumour targets; T1 decreased 20% for MAb 19-9 and MAb 73-3 with SW948 tumor. Imaging was performed with this model. Very good contrast was obtained 24 hr after Gd-25 DTPA-MAb injection.
Activated charcoal which is the desulfurizing agent for the fuel cell plant can be used only at the normal temperature, and it must be placed upstream of the fuel gas, increasing the displacement flow of the fuel gas processed in the desulfurizer. In addition, a large quantity of activated charcoal must be filled or the frequency of its exchange must be increased because activated charcoal used at the normal temperature has little sulfur absorbing capacity. This invention is concerned with provision of a desulfurizer in the downstream of the fuel gas compressor of the fuel cell plant to remove sulfur content in the fuel gas by this desulfurizer. As a result, the displacement flow of the processing gas is decreased to increase the processing capacity of the desulfurizing agent. In addition, hydrogen recycling can be eliminated to realize compact arrangement of the equipment and economization of energy consumption. Metal oxide based desulfurizers ...
Twenty-seven histologically confirmed cases of localised Ewing's sarcoma were treated by two different regimes. Radiotherapy alone was used in 13 cases and a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy in 14. Single agent chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide) was given sequentially in nine patients and cyclophosphamide and actinomycin-D in five. There is a significant difference in the response to these different regimes. Only 69.2% of patients treated by radiotherapy alone were disease-free, for a median period of 10.4 months and metastases were noticed in 53.8% of cases. The disease-free survival in patients treated by combination therapy (radiotherapy and chemotherapy) was 18.4 months and metastases were seen in only 42.9%. However, no metastases were seen in patients who received cyclophosphamide and actinomycin-D, during a period of 14 months and only one patient showed residual disease. It is concluded that the addition of cyclophosphamide alone is not adequate in ...
In a previous survey we revealed uncertainty among responders about (a) whether or not to perform hemodialysis in patients with severely reduced renal function who had received contrast medium; and (b) when to perform hemodialysis in patients on regular treatment with hemodialysis or continuous ambulatory dialysis who received contrast medium. Therefore, the Contrast Media Safety Committee of The European Society of Urogenital Radiology decided to review the literature and to issue guidelines. The committee performed a Medline search. Based on this, a report and guidelines were prepared. The report was discussed at the Ninth European Symposium on Urogenital Radiology in Genoa, Italy. Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis safely remove both iodinated and gadolinium-based contrast media. The effectiveness of hemodialysis depends on many factors including blood and dialysate flow rate, permeability of dialysis membrane, duration of hemodialysis and molecular size, protein binding, ...
Large-scale field tracer experiments have been conducted on Ulchin and Wolsung nuclear sites for the purpose of validating FADAS and of analyzing the environmental characteristics around the nuclear site. The most influential factor in atmospheric dispersion is the meteorological condition. During the experiment, meteorological data were measured on the release point and the selected positions among sampling points. Once radioactive materials are released to the atmosphere, members of public may be exposed through the environmental media such as air, soil and foods. Therefore, to protect the public, adequate countermeasures should be taken at due time for those exposure pathways. Both processes of justification and optimization are applied to a countermeasure simultaneously for decision-making. The work scope of biological research for the radiation protection had contained the search of biological microanalytic methods for the assessment of health effect by radiation and toxic ...
The possibilities to design and prepare better and more organ-specific radiopharmaceuticals for diagnostic nuclear medicine has increased dramatically in the recent past with a deeper understanding of the relationships between chemical structure and biological activity. Whereas most of the research is performed in well-funded laboratories of industrialized countries, there are several developing countries with adequate resources and expertise as to undertake fruitful research in the field of radiopharmacy. With the aim of promoting advanced research in radiopharmacy by developing new radiodiagnostics agents, in particular, hepatobiliary imaging agents labelled with "9"9"mTc, and to facilitate exchange of information, the IAEA has established in 1983 the present Research Co-ordination Programme (CRP) with a duration of five years. The report includes detailed results obtained by all participants as well as novel preparation procedures for some ...
To reduce the volume of radioactive wastes after evaporation, activity carriers can be separated from the inactive salt load. Boric acid separation from PWR concentrates was considered a preliminary stage for nuclide precipitation. In connection with the precipitation process, the reaction conditions for boric acid separation were determined by bench-scale experiments. After evaluating the known purification processes, crystallization was suggested as a practicable method. After inactive bench-scale experiments, mixed crystal formation with iron hexacyanoferrate for Cs removal was chosen. The disturbing effect of the complexing agents was neutralized by a pre-dose of iron-III-salts. By specifying the precipitation conditions, for Cs-134 an activity separation from 3,0 E + 06 Bg/l to 1,9 E + 02 Bg/l, and for Cs-137 from 5,9 E + 06 Bg/l to 1,2 E + 02 Bg/l was achieved. Accordingly, the decontamination factor for Cs-134 was 16000, and for Cs-137 48000. For the ...
A tk{sup +/-} mouse embryonic stem (ES) cell line, designated 1G2, has been created in which one allele of the thymidine kinase (tk) gene was inactivated by targeted homologous recombination. This line is an analog of the mouse lymphoma tk{sup +/-} L5178Y cell line, which is used widely to assess the mutagenicity of chemical agents. Treatment of 1G2 cells with the alkylating agent N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) resulted in a dose-related increase in tribluorothymidine-resistant colonies. Mutant frequencies of 152 and 296 per 10{sup 6} cells were determined for 0.1 and 0.3 mg/ml doses of ENU, compared with a spontaneous mutant frequency of 15 per 10{sup 6} cells. The data indicate that tk{sup +/-} 1G2 ES cells may be useful for the creation of a transgenic mouse model for assessing in vivo mutation using an endogenous autosomal gene. 45 refs., 2 figs., 1 tab.
Recent investigations of wood plastic composites have revealed a detrimental effect of using lubricant systems in production. This includes nullifying part or all of the mechanical benefit of using a polar compatibilizer, maleic anhydride polypropylene (MAPP), in the composite formulation. This investigation utilizes lubricants labeled with deuterium in conjunction with Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy to allow for the separation of individual lubricants from all other material constituents. All of the deuterium labeled lubricants, used without MAPP, revealed their expulsion from the wood interface during crystallization. MAPP coupling agent was found to exist near the wood, but it is unclear if any covalent bonding with the hydroxyl functionality on the wood surface occurred. The addition of zinc stearate lubricants appears to nullify the activity of the anhydride functionality near the wood surface as evidenced by a shift in the FT-IR spectra to ...
This thesis is in the field of gas emission control from automobile and stationary sources. Out of the possible approaches to the elimination of pollutant gases, such as nitrogen oxides (NO{sub x}), one consists in the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of these NO{sub x} on a suitable heterogeneous catalyst. Ammonia or hydrocarbons are employed as reducing agents. The most important catalysts active in the SCR of NO{sub x} are based on ions of transition metal either supported on several oxides or dispersed in zeolites. The catalysts have been characterized by electron magnetic resonance techniques (EPR, ENDOR, ESEEM) and the interaction of catalysts with nitrogen oxides, with reducing and poisoned agents have been followed with the same techniques. Copper dispersed on alumina and its interaction with both NO and ammonia has been investigated. Also the interaction between both water and ammonia with copper dispersed in zeolite ZSM-5 has been ...
Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was chemically modified using cyanuric chloride (CC) as a linking agent onto a carbon felt (CF), which is a microelectrode ensemble of micro carbon fiber (>7mm, diameter) with a random three-dimensional structure. The resulting HRP-modified CF (HRP-ccCF) exhibited well-defined redox waves based on the HRP heme Fe^I^I^I/Fe^I^I redox couple at -0.23V vs. Ag/AgCl (at pH 7.0), while the HRP-adsorbed CF (HRP-CF) showed no apparent redox couple in the same potential range, indicating that the chemical modification of HRP via CC facilitated the direct electron transfer (DET) between HRP and CF. The apparent heterogeneous electron transfer rate constant ks was estimated to be 35s^-^1. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed that the inter...
A new automated synthesis procedure of 1-H-1-(3-[18F]fluoro-2-hydroxypropyl)-2-nitroimidazole ([18F]FMISO), a specific hypoxia imaging agent with great significances for the noninvasive, dynamic hypoxia evaluation of cancer, was developed by modifying Explora FDG4 module, a commercial [18F]FDG production system, in this study. Its radiochemical synthesis was carried out via two sequent reaction steps, i.e. the nucleophilic displacement of labeling precursor 1-(2?-nitro-1?-imidazolyl)-2-O-tetrahydropyranyl-3-O-tosyl-propaned iol (NITTP) with activated 18F- ion at 100 ?C for 8 minutes, and the following hydrolysis with 1M HCl at 100 ?C for 5 minutes and neutralization with 1M NaOH. Two-pot reaction with two independent separations was adopted to assure the good separation of final product vi...
We report a simple method for the label-free detection of double-stranded DNA using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). We prepared cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)-capped silver nanoparticles and a DNA-nanoparticle complex by adding silver nanoparticles to {lambda}-DNA solutions. In the present study, the utilization of CTAB-capped silver nanoparticles facilitates the electrostatic interaction between DNA molecules and silver nanoparticles; at the same time, the introduction of DNA avoids adding aggregating agent for the formation of nanoparticle aggregates to obtain large enhancement of DNA, because the DNA acts as both the probe molecules and aggregating agent of Ag nanoparticles. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) studies show that the morphology of DNA-Ag nanoparticle complexes seems to be determined by the concentrations of the DNA and the nanoparticles. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) studies show that the morphology of ...
A new /sup 99m/Tc-phosphine-isocyanide complex with the general structure (/sup 99m/Tc (DEPE)/sub 2/(CNR)/sub 2/)/sup +/ has been synthesised and tested in animals and one human. In three animal species (rat, rabbit, dog), the complex is an efficient myocardial imaging agent, while in humans it remains in the blood pool. The complex is 100% protein bound in animals and humans, but whereas in humans it is attached to a 51.5 kdalton protein (probably prealbumin), in rabbits it appears to be bound to a larger macromolecule (M.W.>100 kdalton). The efficiency of the complex for blood pool labelling was tested in a human volunteer and compared with the standard in vivo red cell labelling technique with stannous pyrophosphate. A satisfactory radionuclide angiogram could be performed with less than 370 MBq of the complex. The count rate for the complex (cps/MBq) was 15% higher than that obtained with the labelled red cells and the absence of splenic activity was ...
The chemist and pharmacologist Fritz Hauschild developed the sympathomimetic agent Pervitin (metamphetamin) in the 1930s. Not only because of the abuse of the stimulant during the Second World War ("pilot's chocolate") it is one of the most controversial substances in drug history. Nearly forgotten are Hauschild's contributions to build up the drug system in the GDR. Although he was a convinced communist, the skilful pharmacologist gave very early warning of the imminent lack of innovation in the GDR pharmaceutical industry. A letter which he addressed to the Minister of Health, Max Sefrin (born 1913), did not lack explicitness. PMID:15997840
Unmanned systems are often used to augment the ability of humans to perform challenging tasks. While the value of individual unmanned vehicles have been proven for a variety of tasks, it is less understood how multiple unmanned systems should be used together to accomplish larger missions such as site security. The purpose of this paper is to discuss efforts by researchers at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) to explore the utility and practicality of operating multiple unmanned systems for a site security mission. This paper reviews the technology developed for a multi-agent mission and summarizes the lessons-learned from a technology demonstration.
According to Schumpeter, the creative process of economic development can be divided into the stages of invention, innovation (commercialization) and imitation. Each stage is associated with specific skills. This paper examines whether Schumpeter?s assertion was correct, i.e. whether the invention and innovation stages should be undertaken by different agents. In addition, we examine whether there is a rationale for the Schumpeterian entrepreneur to include the inventor in the commercialization process. Combining the abilities of the entrepreneur and the inventor may serve to facilitate customer adaptation, strengthen knowledge transfers and reduce uncertainty, thereby expanding market opportunities. Based on a unique database covering Swedish patents granted to individuals and small firms...
Computer assisted energy-spectral analyses were obtained on EEG recordings of unilateral non-dominant hemisphere ECT-induced seizures using the different pre-ECT anesthetic agents methohexital (Brevital), Innovar, and ketamine (Ketalar). The previously postulated predominance of electrical energy over the stimulated (right) hemisphere early in ECT-induced seizures is confirmed. There appears to be marked reduction in total seizure energy with methohexital anesthesia, whereas ketamine anesthesia appears to be associated with increased overall seizure energy. The greatest right to left energy transfer during the seizure occurred with Innovar anesthesia. PMID:7172456
The determinants of the velocity of money have been examined based on life-cycle hypothesis. The velocity of money can be expressed by reciprocal of the average value of holding time which is defined as interval between participating exchanges for one unit of money. This expression indicates that the velocity is governed by behavior patterns of economic agents and open a way to constructing micro-foundation of it. It is found that time pattern of income and expense for a representative individual can be obtained from a simple version of life-cycle model, and average holding time of money resulted from the individual's optimal choice depends on the expected length of relevant planning periods.
The objective of this paper is to analyze the implications of varying degrees of financial openness for the impact of technology shocks on a real, small open economy with financial and informational frictions. Aggregate fluctuations and propagation mechanisms under increasing financial openness are investigated in a dynamic, stochastic, general equilibrium framework in the case of positive technology shocks. The imperfections in the economy in the form of informational asymmetries among the agents and uncertainty in the production process necessitate financial intermediation and collateralized borrowing in the economy. The reason to abstract from money in the setup of the framework is to be able to concentrate on the real implications of increasing financial openness for the effect of tech...
Single photon tomography using lipophilic tracers provides tomographic representations of regional blood flow. To penetrate a healthy blood-brain barrier requires that radiotracers either are fat-soluble or have an affinity for one of the selective blood-brain barrier transport systems. In recent years there has been an increasing interest to explore the ideal physical characteristics of "9"9"mTc for diagnostic problems of brain diseases. The development of radiopharmaceuticals for brain imaging including the intensively studied "9"9"mTc-propyleneamineoxime derivatives is discussed. (author).
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.
Four /sup 125/I labeled mono- and diamines were prepared and evaluated as potential brain-imaging agents. The diamines are analogues of the previously reported /sup 75/Se labeled diamines, which show high brain uptake and retention. All of the radioiodinated amines display high initial brain uptake in rats after intravenous injection (1.7-2.4% dose/organ). The xylylenediamines show prolonged brain retention (t1/2 approximately 18 h), which is desirable for brain imaging. In contrast, the benzylamine is rapidly cleared from brain tissue (t1/2 approximately 15 min).
Wood plastic composites formation has been studied with simul (soft wood, density = 0.4 g/cm{sup 3}) and butylmethacrylate (BA) monomer using 10% methanol as the swelling agent. The effect of additives like sulfuric acid, multifunctional monomers (NVP, TPGDA, TMPTA) and oligomers (PEA, UA and EA) has been investigated using 1-3 Mrad dose at 0.8 Mrad/h. Synergistic polymer yields have been achieved in presence of the additives. The tensile properties of the composite are also reported. (author).
ABSTRACT This article proposes a philosophical reconstruction of the subject of the educator as the agent of curriculum. Starting from recent work in critical theory and philosophy, it describes the process of the existential crisis of the educator as the first step toward a truly critical education. The article argues that philosophy of curriculum must be concerned not just with forms of thought but also with forms of being-with the very ground of the subject and its real. This political ontology of the subject suggests a process of reconstruction consisting of several stages: the disclosure of ideology and complicity, the investigation of the process of interpellation, and the creation of a fundamentally collective educational practice. It is only on the basis of the effective staging of...
Introduction Gastrointestinal bleeding is a common life-threatening problem, causing significant mortality, costs and resource allocation. Its management requires a dynamic multidisciplinary approach that directs diagnostic and therapeutic priorities appropriately. Materials and methods Articles published within the past 15 years, related to gastrointestinal bleeding, were reviewed through MEDLINE search, in addition to current guidelines and standards. Results Decisions of ICU admission and blood transfusion must be individualized based on the extent of bleeding, hemodynamic profile and comorbidities of the patient and the risk of rebleeding. A secure airway may be required to optimize oxygenation and to prevent aspiration. Doses of induction agents must be reduced due to the changes in v...
Iodine-131 MIBG, a radiolabeled adrenergic neuron-blocking agent, decreased rapidly from the heart and liver of patients with adrenergic dysfunction and pheochromocytoma when compared with eight controls. However, there was no significant difference in the rate of (/sup 131/I)MIBG decrease in these organs between controls and patients in the intervals subsequent to 4 hr. These findings suggest that adrenergic neuronal uptake of (/sup 131/I)MIBG in these organs is smaller in the patients than in the controls. Measurements of time-activity relationships of radioiodinated MIBG may be useful for assessment of adrenergic function of these organs and thus of generalized disorders of adrenergic innervation.
The usefulness of radioiodination via demetallation of aryltrimethylsilanes was demonstrated. The radioiodination reaction was found to be very rapid and the regiospecific incorporation of radioiodine could be carried out with high radiochemical yields and high radiospecific activity. {sup 125}I-Labeled dimethylaminoethyl iodophenoxyacetate derivatives (5a-e), dimethylaminoethyl iodophenoxyacetamide derivatives (7a-c), iodophenoxyethyl ethylenediamine derivatives (9,14) and an iodophenoxyethylpiperazine derivative (18) were efficiently synthesized from the corresponding aryltrimethylsilyl intermediates (4a-e, 6a-c, 8, 13, 17) by this method. (author).
The usefulness of radioiodination via demetallation of aryltrimethylsilanes was demonstrated. The radioiodination reaction was found to be very rapid and the regiospecific incorporation of radioiodine could be carried out with high radiochemical yields and high radiospecific activity. "1"2"5I-Labeled dimethylaminoethyl iodophenoxyacetate derivatives (5a-e), dimethylaminoethyl iodophenoxyacetamide derivatives (7a-c), iodophenoxyethyl ethylenediamine derivatives (9,14) and an iodophenoxyethylpiperazine derivative (18) were efficiently synthesized from the corresponding aryltrimethylsilyl intermediates (4a-e, 6a-c, 8, 13, 17) by this method. (author).
Natural rubber latexes were vulcanized by ..gamma..-rays with two polyfunctional monomers, neopentylglycol diacrylate (A-NPG) and dimethacrylate (NPG). In comparison with A-NPG, NPG was more soluble in rubber particles, but it was less effective as an accelerating agent for the vulcanization because of the smaller rate of polymerization. On the other hand, the colloidal stability of the latex containing A-NPG was low because it was localized on the surface of rubber particles due to its poor solubility to the particles. The solubility of A-NPG was improved by adding A-NPG with solvents. The maximum tensile strength of the irradiated latex film was 350 kg/cm/sup 2/ at 3 Mrad.
Natural rubber latexes were vulcanized by #gamma#-rays with two polyfunctional monomers, neopentylglycol diacrylate (A-NPG) and dimethacrylate (NPG). In comparison with A-NPG, NPG was more soluble in rubber particles, but it was less effective as an accelerating agent for the vulcanization because of the smaller rate of polymerization. On the other hand, the colloidal stability of the latex containing A-NPG was low because it was localized on the surface of rubber particles due to its poor solubility to the particles. The solubility of A-NPG was improved by adding A-NPG with solvents. The maximum tensile strength of the irradiated latex film was 350 kg/cm"2 at 3 Mrad. (author).
This patent describes a process for preparing poly(aryl ether ketones) by nucleophilic displacement polymerization in the presence of at least one alkali metal base selected from potassium, rubidium or cesium, and fluoride ions, which comprises adding to the polymerization: (a) an effective amount of at least one metal salt selected from lithium, sodium, alkaline earth or lanthanide chloride, bromide, iodide, sulfate, alkyl or aryl carboxylate, cyanide, borate or phosphate to slow or stop advancement of molecular weight and (b) an end-capping agent.
An isotopic exchange method was used to label lipiodol with [sup 131]I. The labelling efficiency was > 92.5%, and the radiochemical purity of [[sup 131]I]lipiodol was above 98% as determined by ITLC. The influencing factors e.g. the heating temperature, reaction, pH and storage conditions were studied and the optimum conditions were determined. In a pilot study injecting [[sup 131]I]lipiodol for the treatment of hepatoma, about 70% of hepatoma patients had a response to the treatment with a reduction of [alpha]-fetoprotein and decrease of hepatoma sizes. The overall median survival was 9 months (range 2-17 months). (author).
Steel is one of the most versatile materials known to mankind. It is used in a variety of applications. In many of these applications, it is exposed to the atmosphere, leading to rust formation, which weakens structures made using steel. Hence, protection is important. The popular methods to prevent corrosion are painting, galvanizing, electroplating etc. The widely used Chrome etching process is very effective in corrosion inhibition as well as in hardening the steel. But, Chromium and its compounds are highly placed among the toxic chemicals listed under pollution prevention initiatives of the EPA. Hence, it was decided to find alternatives to this process.
For the performance assessment of radioactive and hazardous waste disposal sites, risk assessments are usually performed for the long term, i.e., over an interval in space and time for which one can predict movement and behavior of toxic agents in the environment. This approach is based on at least three implicit assumptions: One, that the engineering layout will take care of the immediate endangerment of potential receptors; two, that one has carefully evaluated just how far out in space and time the models can be extrapolated, and three, that one can evaluate potential health effects for very low exposures. A few of these aspects will be discussed here in the framework of the scientific method.
As part of our effort to develop a semicontinuous PuO/sub 2/ reduction process, we are investigating promising materials for containing a 900/sup 0/C molten CaCl/sub 2/ . CaO chlorination reaction. We want the material to contain this reaction and to be reusable. We tested candidate materials in a simulated salt (no plutonium) using anhydrous HCl as the chlorinating agent. Data are presented on the performance of 36 metals and alloys, 9 ceramics, and 3 coatings.
Pulmonary embolism complicated by transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in known to be due to the use of large amount of lipiodol as an embolic agent. To our knowledge, massive tumoral pulmonary embolism following TACE and confirmed by surgery has not been described in the literature. In this report, we detail the cas of a 49-year-old man in whom cyanosis and hypotension developed abruptly on the day of TACE.. Chest CT revealed diffuse low-attenuated lesions in both pulmonary arteries. Histopathological specimens after emergent pulmonary arterial embolectomy confirmed the presence of massive tumor emboli of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Purpose ? The Islamic social capital is characterised by a desire for moral values in production and networking which promotes opportunities for innovative interactions between sets of agents thus forwarding the Islamic ethics. The aim of this paper is to explore the factors that drive alliance formation between labour and capital in both financial and technological forms. Design/methodology/approach ? An in-depth study was made of developmental interventions within the Muslim community life of a village in the Birbhum district of West Bengal province in India. Findings ? Evidence shows that the strengthening of informal co-operative networks through the inputs of technology, financial, and human capital from across different sectors constitutes an essential element in forwarding sustainab...
It has been found out that 30HGSNA steel undergo cracking under action of stresses in aqueous solutions containing oxygen, while it show high resistance in deoxidated solutions. The purpose of such phenomena is the existence of sulfur inclusions in steel which are a centers of denting corrosion. That points acting as a stresses concentrators where pH factor decreases including hydrogen formation and its absorption in the metal. That mechanism is the main purpose of brittle steel cracking observed in oxygen rich solutions. (author).
Lithium storage metals and alloys can be suitable high-capacity anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, when the morphology is specifically designed. Here, we compare three different Sn/SnSb multiphase anode materials in powder form, which have been prepared in aqueous and organic solution by chemical precipitation using NaBH{sub 4} or Zn as reductive agents. The obtained morphologies, chemical compositions, and the electrochemical performance will be comparatively discussed. The variety of synthesis parameters which have an effect on the morphology of the obtained anode materials will be particularly highlighted.
The effectiveness of the acridines ethidium bromide (EB) and acriflavine in inducing plasmon mutations was compared with the alkylating agents ethyl methanesulphonate (EMS) and diethyl sulphate and to #gamma#-rays. The growth habit (trailing versus bunch) of peanuts (A. hypogaea), controlled by genic-cytoplasmic interactions, was utilized. Breeding tests distinguishing nuclear from plasmon mutations were developed and are described in detail. Plasmon mutations were induced, but there were differences in mutation yields between the cultivars and the mutagens. (Auth.).
The marine environment is becoming increasingly contaminated by environmental pollutants with the potential to damage DNA, with marine sediments acting as a sink for many of these contaminants. Understanding genotoxic responses in sediment-dwelling marine organisms, such as polychaetes, is therefore of increasing importance. This study is an exploration of species-specific and cell-specific differences in cell sensitivities to DNA-damaging agents in polychaete worms, aimed at increasing fundamental knowledge of their responses to genotoxic damage. The sensitivities of coelomocytes from three polychaetes species of high ecological relevance, i.e. the lugworm Arenicola marina, the harbour ragworm Nereis diversicolor and the king ragworm Nereis virens to genotoxic damage are compared, and dif...
The use of Gadolinium-DTPA as a paramagnetic contrast agent in MRI with adults and juveniles concerning brain and spinal cord pathology is well proven since years. In the FRG it is only introduced for children over two years of age. Therefore this report deales with the experience in four infants and small children under the age of two. They all were suffering from neurological tumors and got additional diagnostic information in three cases. Clinical side-effects like urticaria, vomiting or convulsions had not been observed nor had pathologic changes of the biochemical parameters been noticed. (orig./GDG).
In this research a sol-gel auto-combustion route has been proposed to synthesize strontium hexaferrite nanopowder, using metal nitrates, ammonia as pH adjusting agent, n-decyltrimethylammonium bromide as a cationic surfactant and different fuels such as citric acid, glycine, acetylacetone and oxalic acid. The formation temperature of strontium hexaferrite and its crystallite size in presence of different fuels were compared together. The results showed the lowest formation temperature as well as the smallest crystallite size in the presence of citric acid as 900degreeC and 37.3nm respectively.
Studies dialysis kinetics of zinc dialkyldithiophosphates, detergent-dispersing agents, alkyl-phenols and base oils. It was established that diffusion kinetics of oil hydrocarbons through membrane of individual compounds and narrow fractions is described by Brinzinger's formula, which is identical to the kinetic reaction formula of the 1st order. It was shown that dialysis can be utilized to determine the content of the ''active substance'' only in sulphonate and alkylsalycilate additives. Increasing temperature from 20 to 40/sup 0/ results in an increased dialysis constant for all studied products by 1.4-1.9 times.
Serotonin is one of the neurotransmitters found in the brain and mediates brain functions. It is very well known that serotonin related brain abnormalities are exerted mainly via serotonin receptors in a similar manner to other neurotransmitters found in the brain. Recently, it has also been found that serotonin is involved in Alzheimer's disease either directly or indirectly by its actions on serotonergic neurons. To understand and treat the diseases caused by abnormalities in the serotonergic system in the brain, it is certain that its mechanism of function has to be well investigated. So far several 5-HT receptors and receptor subtypes have been well characterized. Moreover, serotonin agonists and antagonists acting on specific receptors are chemically synthesized and are now available for the prevention or treatment of serotonergic related diseases. In recent years, a great demand for developing neuroimaging agents has emerged for the diagnosis of abnormal ...
Dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP), a chemical simulant of the nerve gas GB, was decontaminated with a nonthermal atmospheric pressure plasma. The decontamination efficiency was measured qualitatively by means of Fourier transform spectroscopy and quantitatively by means of gas chromatography. With helium gas only, 10g/m2 of DMMP on an aluminum surface was 99.9% decontaminated in 2min, furthermore, with the addition of 5% of oxygen gas, it was 99.99% decontaminated in 10min. Given the low input power (<100W) and temperature (<75degreeC), this plasma is eligible for nondestructive decontamination of almost all material surfaces.
Botulinum neurotoxin is produced by the bacterium, Clostridium botulinum. The neurotoxin inhibits acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, thus interfering with overall muscular contraction. Botulinum neurotoxin is commonly used for the following medical conditions: cervical dystonia, upper limb spasticity, blepharospasm, strabismus, and hyperhydrosis. However, the use of botulinum neurotoxin was recently approved for the prophylaxis of headaches in adults with chronic migraines. The proposed mechanism of botulinum neurotoxin is no longer solely limited to the inhibition of acetylcholine. There are new mechanisms emerging that involve inhibition of proinflammatory agents and neuropeptides involved in chronic pain. Consequently, there is a disruption of the overall sensory feedback loop...
The crystal and molecular structures of the anti-acquired immunodeficiency syndrome agent 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine (AZT) have been determined by x-ray diffraction. There are two crystallographically independent AZT molecules in the crystal asymmetric unit; they have similar conformation and differ primarily in the glycosyl torsion angle. Comparisons with a hydrated thymidylate structure indicate that the azido group does not significantly affect the gross conformational preference of the molecule. The comparisons also suggest possible functional roles for the azido group in enzyme binding.
I formulate a model in which money coexists with equity shares on a risky aggregate endowment. Agents can use equity as a means of payment, so shocks to equity prices translate into aggregate liquidity shocks that disrupt the mechanism of exchange. I characterize a family of optimal monetary policies and find that the resulting equity prices are independent of monetary considerations. I also study a perturbation of the family of optimal policies that targets a positive constant nominal interest rate and find that in this case the real equity return includes a liquidity return that depends on monetary considerations.
In this article, several applications of nanomaterials in food packaging and food safety are reviewed, including: polymer/clay nanocomposites as high barrier packaging materials, silver nanoparticles as potent antimicrobial agents, and nanosensors and nanomaterial-based assays for the detection of food-relevant analytes (gasses, small organic molecules and food-borne pathogens). In addition to covering the technical aspects of these topics, the current commercial status and understanding of health implications of these technologies are also discussed. These applications were chosen because they do not involve direct addition of nanoparticles to consumed foods, and thus are more likely to be marketed to the public in the short term.
The present study was aimed to investigate antimicrobial potential of Glycyrrhiza glabra roots. Antimycobacterial activity of Glycyrrhiza glabra was found at 500mg/mL concentration. Bioactivity guided phytochemical analysis identified glabridin as potentially active against both Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra and H37Rv strains at 29.16mg/mL concentration. It exhibited antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Our results indicate potential use of licorice as antitubercular agent through systemic experiments and sophisticated anti-TB assay.
Al, Ga and In complexing with methylthymol blue (H_6R) purified by gel filtration is studied. in the case of metal excess complexes with the ratio of components M:H_6R=2:1 with #lambda#=587(Al), 590(Ga) and 593 nm(In) appear. In the case of reacting agent excess complexes with the ratio of component 1:1 with #lambda#_m_a_x=480-490 (Al) and 480 nm(Ga, In) appear. The mechanism of complexing reactions is studied. Molar extinction coefficients and stability constants are calculated.
This proceedings volume contains contributions by about 70 authors on market trends, funding, marketing, boundary conditions and sales promotion of thermal solar energy and photovoltaic systems. The contributions reflect the diversity of authors, e.g. consultants, advocates and agents of solar technology producers and financial organisations. Central issues were markets in and outside Europe, quality assurance, interdepartmental cooperations, and marketing strategies of the solar industry. The proceedings volume also contains the conference schedule and self-descriptions of the authors' institutions. (orig.)
Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of {beta}-amyloid (A{beta}) plaques in the brain is a potentially valuable tool for studying the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). It may also be applicable for measuring the effectiveness of therapeutic drugs aimed at lowering A{beta} plaques in the brain. We have successfully reported a series of {sup 18}F-labeled fluoropegylated stilbenes for PET imaging studies. Encouraging results clearly demonstrated the usefulness of {sup 18}F-labeled stilbenes as potential A{beta} plaque-imaging agents. In the present study, we applied a similar approach to a styrylpyridine backbone structure. Among all derivatives examined (E)-2-(2-(2-(2-fluoroethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)-5-(4-dimethylaminostyryl) -pyridine (2) displayed high binding affinity in postmortem AD brain homogenates (K {sub i}=2.5{+-}0.4 nM, with [{sup 125}I]IMPY as radioligand). No-carrier-added [{sup 18}F]2 was successfully prepared by [{sup 18}F]fluoride ...
Genomic instability can be produced by ionising radiation, so-called radiation-induced genomic instability, and chemical mutagens. Radiation-induced genomic instability occurs in both germinal and somatic cells and also in the offspring of irradiated individuals, and it is characterised by genetic changes including chromosomal rearrangements. The majority of studies of trans-generational, radiation-induced genomic instability have been described in the male germ line, whereas the authors who have chosen the female as a model are scarce. The aim of this work is to find out the radiation-induced effects in the foetal offspring of X-ray-treated female rats and, at the same time, the possible impact of this radiation-induced genomic instability on the action of a chemical mutagen. In order to achieve both goals, the quantity and quality of chromosomal damage were analysed. In order to detect trans-generational genomic instability, a total of 4806 metaphases from foetal tissues from the ...
The present investigation was aimed to assess the usefulness of biliary agents scintigraphy in the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to ascertain the relationship between the uptake of these agents and the degree of HCC differentiation. Forty-four patients with this hepatic cancer were included in the study. Liver scans were performed 20 min and 3 hr after the administration of 99mTc diisopropyliminodiacetic acid (DISIDA). DISIDA scintigraphy could not be assessed in six cases. In 16 (42%) out of the remaining 38 patients, the tumor exhibited equal or greater radioactivity uptake than the surrounding liver. In six out of these 16 patients, tumor uptake was apparent in the early and delayed hepatic scans, while in the other ten subjects radioactivity uptake by the HCC could only be detected in the 3-hr delayed scans. In the remaining 22 patients, HCC appeared as a cold area. Tumor location by this technique did not differ from that ...
Radioisotopes of Pb(II) have been of some interest in radioimmunotherapy and radioimmunoimaging (RII). However, the absence of a kinetically stable bifunctional chelating agent for Pb(II) has hampered its use for these applications. {sup 203}Pb (T{sub 1/2}=52.02 h) has application potential in RII, with a {gamma}-emission that is ideal for single photon emission computerized tomography, whereas {sup 212}Pb (T{sub 1/2}=10 h) is a source of highly cytotoxic {alpha}-particles via its decay to its {sup 212}Bi (T{sub 1/2}=60 min) daughter. The synthesis of the novel bifunctional chelating agent 2-(4-isothiocyanotobenzyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraaza-1,4,7,10-tetra-(2-carbamoyl methyl)-cyclododecane (4-NCS-Bz-TCMC) is reported herein. The Pb[TCMC]{sup 2+} complex was less labile to metal ion release than Pb[DOTA]{sup 2-} at pH 3.5 and below in isotopic exchange experiments. In addition to increased stability to Pb{sup 2+} ion release at low pH, the bifunctional ...
Radioisotopes of Pb(II) have been of some interest in radioimmunotherapy and radioimmunoimaging (RII). However, the absence of a kinetically stable bifunctional chelating agent for Pb(II) has hampered its use for these applications. "2"0"3Pb (T_1_/_2=52.02 h) has application potential in RII, with a #gamma#-emission that is ideal for single photon emission computerized tomography, whereas "2"1"2Pb (T_1_/_2=10 h) is a source of highly cytotoxic #alpha#-particles via its decay to its "2"1"2Bi (T_1_/_2=60 min) daughter. The synthesis of the novel bifunctional chelating agent 2-(4-isothiocyanotobenzyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraaza-1,4,7,10-tetra-(2-carbamoyl methyl)-cyclododecane (4-NCS-Bz-TCMC) is reported herein. The Pb[TCMC]"2"+ complex was less labile to metal ion release than Pb[DOTA]"2"- at pH 3.5 and below in isotopic exchange experiments. In addition to increased stability to Pb"2"+ ion release at low pH, the bifunctional TCMC ligand was found to have ...
HT-29 human colon tumor cells growing as spheroids have been evaluated as a model system for measuring the response of human colon tumor cell to antineoplastic agents. HT-29 cells have been capacity to form spheroids up to 1 mm or more in diameter when grown in spinner culture. The multicellular HT-29 spheroids develop hypoxic centers reflecting the cellular conditions found in human cancer treatment, i.e., nutritionally deficient hypoxic cells that are felt to be a significant source of both radiation and chemotherapy clinical treatment failures. Spheroids of increasing size were radiated and then dispersed into single cells for colony survival assay. Compared with irradiated single cell suspensions, the spheroid cells demonstrated a significant increase in radioresistance. Growing spheroids developed a complex radiation survival curve which was variable with respect to size of the spheroid. The drug 5-Fu was studied to examine in a preliminary fashion its ...
The detection and quantification of defined reaction products of chemical mutagens and carcinogens (and of many cancer chemotherapeutic agents) with DNA require highly sensitive analytical techniques. The exceptional capability of immunoglobulins to recognize subtle alterations of molecular structure (especially when monoclonal antibodies are used to maximize specificity), outstanding sensitivity of immunoanalysis by high-affinity antibodies, and the fact that radioactively-labelled agents are not required suggest the utility of a radioimmunoassay to recognize and quantitate alkylated DNA products. We have recently developed a set of high-affinity monoclonal antibodies (secreted by mouse x mouse as well as by rat x rat hybridomas; antibody affinity constants, 10"9 to > 10"1"0 lmol) specifically directed against several DNA alkylation products with possible relevance in relation to both mutagenesis and malignant transformation of mammalian ...
The objective of this investigation was to perform a preliminary evaluation of the utility of residual materials prepared from Green River Formation (western) and New Albany Shale (eastern) shale oils as recycling agents for aged asphalt pavement. Four petroleum asphalts were first aged by a thin-film accelerated-aging test, which simulates long service life of asphalt in pavement. The aged asphalts were mixed (recycled) with Green River Formation shale oil distillation residua to restore the original viscosities. Separately, for comparison, a commercial recycling agent was used to recycle the aged asphalts under the same circumstances. The recycled asphalts were reaged and the properties of both binder and asphalt-aggregate mixtures studied. Originally, the same study was intended for an eastern shale residua. However, the eastern shale oil distillation residua with the required flash point specification also had the properties of a viscosity ...
Purpose: To evaluate the effect of low-dose radiation therapy and surgery on local control in patients with Ewing's Sarcoma. Materials and Methods: Between 1979 and 1995 24 patients (ages 4-47) with Ewing's sarcoma were treated with combined modality therapy that included multi agent chemotherapy, surgical resection, and radiation therapy. Twelve patients had metastatic disease at the time of presentation (pleura = 3, lung = 5, bone 4). Tumor location was central in 16 and peripheral in 8. Multi agent chemotherapy consisted of vincristine/actinomycin D/cyclophosphamide/doxorubicin in 19. The same agents with the addition of ifosfamide and etoposide were given in 5. The extent of resection was considered to be radical in 14 and of the 16 patients who received preoperative chemotherapy, 5 were found to have a pathologic complete response. All patients with lung metastases at diagnosis received whole-lung irradiation to 1400 ...
The main purpose of this work is to report the personal experience with addition of contrast-enhanced multiphase helical CT to unenhanced CT (Lipiodol CT) in the evaluation of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma treated with chemoembolization and to analyze the present role of oily agent CT. It has been retrospectively reviewed the examinations of 42 consecutive patients submitted to globla chemoembolization over a 2-year period. CT was performed 18-30 days after the treatment. The Lipiodol CT study was carried out with volume acquisitions. It has been considered as nodules all well-defined areas with dense oily agent uptake; uptake itself was classified as: 0=absent, I=lower tha 10% of the tumor volume; II=lower than 50%, III=50%, IV=homogeneous. Contrast-enhanced helical CT was performed with the 2-phase technique in 28 patients and with the 3-phase technique in 14; it has been considered as nodules all well-defined and relatively ...
It is an object of the claimed invention to combine chemical treatment with microfiltration process to treat groundwater, leachate from contaminated soil washing, surface and run-off waters contaminated with toxic metals, radionuclides and trace amounts of organics from variety of sources. The process can also be used to treat effluents from industrial processes such as discharges associated with smelting, mining and refining operations. Influent contaminants amenable to treatment are from a few mg/L to hundreds of mg/L. By selecting appropriate precipitation, ion exchange and adsorption agents and conditions, efficiencies greater than 99.9 percent can be achieved for removal of contaminants. The filtered water for discharge can be targeted with either an order of magnitude greater or lower than contaminant levels for drinking water.
[sup 203]Pb-chloride is a promising imaging agent for tumour scanning because of the large retention value for tumour tissue and the small value for normal organs, but the large value for the kidneys and bone is a shortcoming. The retention value of [sup 203]Pb in tumour tissue is larger than that of [sup 201]Tl and smaller than that of [sup 67]Ga. The tumour/inflammatory lesion retention ratio for [sup 203]Pb is very large in comparison with those for [sup 67]Ga and [sup 201]Tl. [sup 203]Pb accumulates to a large extent in viable tumour tissue, and less in necrotic tumour tissue and in inflammatory lesion. (author).
Introduction The progressive growth of malignancies is accompanied by a decline in the immune response through mechanisms which are poorly understood. Apoptosis and induction of inflammation by tumor released cytokines as tumor escape mechanisms have been proposed to play an important role in colorectal carcinogenesis. Methods Expression of Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-?) was analyzed in colorectal cancer specimen and the cancer cell line HT-29 by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR. TNF-? expression on protein and mRNA level were correlated with clinical characteristics and impact on survival. TNFR-1 was co-labelled with TNF-? and CD8+ cytotoxic T cells in immunofluorescence double staining experiments. Results: 94% (n?=?98/104) of the patients with CRC expressed TNF-?. High TNF-? express...
Due to deregulation, the electrical power industry is undergoing deep changes, moving towards an open market. Two kinds of parties are active in the new environment: the economical agents (producers, consumers, brokers) and the power system operator, the former interested in power exchanges and their economic value, the latter in bus injections and their threat to the security of the transmission network. The variables used to model the transmission network operation have to be meaningful to the power system operator as well as to the economical parties; the action rules followed by the power system operator to enforce network security have to be carefully designed to be equitable and non-discriminatory. In this paper, a modeling of the power exchanges is proposed in the form of multilateral trades, and some rules for the action of the power system operator are proposed and discussed. The results obtained on a simple study case are discussed. (Author)
In this work, a new sol-gel auto-combustion method has been performed to synthesize single phase nickel ferrite nanocrystalline powders by using n-cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, as a cationic surfactant. The gels were prepared from ferric and nickel nitrates and citric acid. Ammonia was used as pH adjusting agent as well. The effects of the surfactant on the after combustion calcination process and the reduction of the resulting powder crystallite size which affects the magnetic properties of the material were investigated by XRD and DTA/TGA techniques. The results showed that the ignition of the gels in air have a self-propagating behavior. Addition of surfactant to the starting solution affected the crystallite size of the synthesized powders and their phase constitution. The crystallit...
Four "1"2"5I labeled mono- and diamines were prepared and evaluated as potential brain-imaging agents. The diamines are analogues of the previously reported "7"5Se labeled diamines, which show high brain uptake and retention. All of the radioiodinated amines display high initial brain uptake in rats after intravenous injection (1.7-2.4% dose/organ). The xylylenediamines show prolonged brain retention (t1/2 approximately 18 h), which is desirable for brain imaging. In contrast, the benzylamine is rapidly cleared from brain tissue (t1/2 approximately 15 min).
Inorganic nanoparticles are indispensable for science and technology as materials, pigments and cosmetics products. Improving the dispersion stability of nanoparticles in various liquids is essential for those applications. In this review, we discuss why it is difficult to control the stability of nanoparticles in liquids. We also overview the role of surface interaction between nanoparticles in their dispersion and characterization, e.g. by colloid probe atomic force microscopy (CP-AFM). Two types of surface modification concepts, post-synthesis and in situ modification, were investigated in many previous studies. Here, we focus on post-synthesis modification using adsorption of various kinds of polymer dispersants and surfactants on the particle surface, as well as surface chemical reactions of silane coupling agents. We discuss CP-AFM as a technique to analyze the surface interaction between nanoparticles and the effect of surface modification on the ...
Based on the X-ray crystallographic data of Tc-complexes for brain imaging agents, geometry optimizations in vacuo of TcO-BAT, TcO-MAMA, TcO-L, L-ECD, TcN-BAT and TcN-L, L-ECD complexes are performed with Hartree-Fock method and LANL 2 DZ basis set of G98W program. Then solvation free energy for each Tc-complex mentioned above in water is calculated by polarizable continuum method (PCM) including models of CPCM and IEFPCM. The results show that solvation free energy of Tc-complex is not only an indicator of lipophilicity but also one of the important factors that influence the brain uptake
In this paper, we discuss the large--time behavior of solution of a simple kinetic model of Boltzmann--Maxwell type, such that the temperature is time decreasing and/or time increasing. We show that, under the combined effects of the nonlinearity and of the time--monotonicity of the temperature, the kinetic model has non trivial quasi-stationary states with power law tails. In order to do this we consider a suitable asymptotic limit of the model yielding a Fokker-Planck equation for the distribution. The same idea is applied to investigate the large-time behavior of an elementary kinetic model of economy involving both exchanges between agents and increasing and/or decreasing of the mean wealth. In this last case, the large-time behavior of the solution shows a Pareto power law tail. Numerical results confirm the previous analysis.
In this book are found technical and scientific papers on the main works of the Direction of the Fuel Cycle (DCC) in France. The study fields are: the up-side of the nuclear fuel cycle with theoretical studies (plasma simulation) and technological developments and instrumentation (lasers diodes, carbides plasma projection, carbon 13 enrichment); the down-side nuclear fuel cycle with theoretical studies (ion Eu{sup 3+} complexation simulation, decay simulation, uranium and plutonium diffusion study, electrolyser operating simulation), scenario studies ( recycling, wastes management), experimental studies; dismantling and cleaning (soils cleaning, surface-active agent for decontamination, fault tree analysis); analysis with expert systems and mass spectrometry. (A.L.B.)
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...
From 1988 to 1995, 1,254 analyses were carried out on samples of fruits (61%), vegetables (29%), cereals and derived products (3%). The analyses were for 80 different pesticides, of which 51% were fungicides, 31% insecticides, 8% diphenylamine and ethoxiquin (post-harvest antioxidans agents for protection of fruits), and 5% antigermogliants and herbicides. Regions that mostly contributed with samples were: Emilia-Romagna (35%), Piedmont (15%), Liguria (11%), Tuscany (10%). Global rate of confirmation between first analysis and repetition analysis was 64% for all the samples analysed.
Abstract Incomplete dispersion of aggregates is a well known difficulty when analyzing soil texture of Andosols, particularly if no fresh soil material is available. To facilitate such investigations, several dispersion procedures were carried out on air dried samples rich in short range order minerals, originating from selected Andosol profiles (S Mexico). As a result, we propose an improved method based on a sequential chemical treatment with K oxalate, NH4 oxalate, and oxalic acid that reliably removes cementing agents and allows for a stable dispersion of soil particles after addition of Na pyrophosphate. This method was proved to be well reproducible and highly reliable for routine grain size determinations. The potential error caused by the inherent risk of dissolving primary mineral...
Abstract Strains of Pseudomonas syringae are effective in controlling postharvest diseases of citrus fruits, and antagonistic activity has been correlated with in vitro production of lipodepsipeptides. Additionally, biocontrol agents can induce a range of defence mechanisms of resistance in citrus tissue that result in a broad spectrum of metabolic modifications, such as systemic acquired resistance, induced systemic resistance and production of reactive oxygen species. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of syringomycin (syrB1) and syringopeptin (sypA) synthetase genes from P.syringae pv. syringae biocontrol strains in vitro on different culture media and in vivo on citrus fruits (Citrus sinensis cv. Tarocco) during the interaction with Penicillium digitatum by quantitati...
Abstract Evaluation of pharmaceutical agents in children is now conducted earlier in the drug development process. An important consideration for this pediatric use is how to assess and support its safety. This article is a collaborative effort of industry toxicologists to review strategies, challenges, and current practice regarding preclinical safety evaluations supporting pediatric drug development with biopharmaceuticals. Biopharmaceuticals include a diverse group of molecular, cell-based or gene therapeutics derived from biological sources or complex biotechnological processes. The principles of preclinical support of pediatric drug development for biopharmaceuticals are similar to those for small molecule pharmaceuticals and in general follow the same regulatory guidances outlined by...
This paper describes the search for new potential chemotherapeutic agents based on transition metal complexes with planar ligands. In this study, palladium polypyridyl complexes were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, NMR, UV-VIS and IR spectroscopies. The interaction of the complexes with DNA was also investigated by spectroscopic methods. All metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) bands of the palladium polypyridyl complexes exhibited hypochromism and red shift in the presence of DNA. The binding constant and viscosity data suggested that the complexes [PdCl{sub 2}(phen)] and [PdCl{sub 2}(phendiamine)] interact with DNA by electrostatic forces. Additionally, these complexes induced an important leishmanistatic effect on L. (L.) mexicana promastigotes at the final concentration of 10 {mu}mol L{sup -1} in 48 h. (author)
Introduction: Restrictions in prescribing broad spectrum antimicrobials have been part of a strategy to reduce Clostridium difficile cases in the UK in recent years. However, there has been little work on assessing the safety of alternative antimicrobial agents. Methods: We performed an uncontrolled prospective observational survey over a 1-year period to determine the effectiveness and safety of a new antimicrobial stewardship programme in a district hospital in the UK. Results: In total, 227 Gram-negative bacteraemias (203 episodes) occurred in the study period. Guidelines were adequate in 194 of 203 (95%) episodes and 163 episodes (80.2%) received adequate therapy. Patients in the inadequate therapy group had >2-fold increased likelihood of death [odds ratio (OR) = 2.63, 95% confidence ...
Here, a general approach for the preparation of reduced graphite oxide (rGO)-silver nanocomposite has been investigated. Graphite oxide (GO) sheets are used as the nanoscale substrates for the formation of rGO-silver composite. GO sheets and Ag ions can be reduced at the same time, under a mild condition using l-ascorbic acid (l-AA) as reducing agent. This simple approach should find practical applications in the production of rGO-silver nanocomposite. The SEM analysis indicates that the silver particles are dispersed on graphene sheets. Raman signals of rGO in the composite are increased by the attached silver nanoparticles, displaying surface-enhanced Raman scattering activity. The degree of enhancement can be adjusted by varying the quantity of silver nanoparticles in the composite. In ...
The first automated method for the determination of mexiletine hydrochloride - an antiarrhythmic agent - is reported. The method is based on the reaction of the analyte with o-phthalaldehyde (OPA) in the presence of sulfite in basic medium using a sequential injection (SI) manifold. The reaction product was monitored spectrofluorimetrically (lex=350nm/lem=446nm). A simple and effective on-line dilution approach was adopted in order to expand the linearity and apply the method to assay, dosage uniformity and dissolution tests with minimum sample preparation. Chemical (pH, amount concentrations of OPA and sulfite) and instrumental variables (temperature, flow rate, injection volumes, etc.) that affected the determination were studied. The developed assay was validated in terms of linearity, ...
When operating a nuclear power plant the necessity arise to eliminate various defects of building constructions, to seal joints and transitional elements. The authors present data concerning the production of a sealing composition made of epoxy resin and used for NPP premises of emergency location. Analytical relations are presented between the properties of the composition (adhesion strength, water absorption and others) and its structure. Physical, mechanical and thermal properties and structural peculiarities are determined in the process of interaction between the filling and binding agents. The composition sustains sealing properties under environmental conditions at he presence of an air - vapour mixture with 160 degrees C"o temperature and 0.3 MPa surplus pressure. (author).
This article reviews the principal evidences about aluminum neurotoxicity in vitro, and some evidences in brain tissues of Alzheimer patients; and also show some studies realized with human that suffer renal deficiencies, dealing whit the principal osteodystrophy. The problem of analyzing low aluminum concentration in human fluids is overcome with very sensitive analytical methods as electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAS) and voltammetric methods as Anodic Striping Voltammetry with complexing agents that easing adsorption over solid electrodes or mercury hanging drops. Is a vital question to know with accuracy the aluminum concentration in water used in hemodialysis or in fluids used in ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, as a first stage to prevent contamination by aluminum. So the prevention of contamination during sapling storage and analysis of biological fluids should be the first need and the sources of water used in renal dialysis keep be as clean ...
For the purpose of nationwide surveillance of the antimicrobial susceptibility of bacterial respiratory pathogens collected from patients in Japan, the Japanese Society of Chemotherapy conducted a third year of nationwide surveillance during the period from January to April 2008. A total of 1,097 strains were collected from clinical specimens obtained from well-diagnosed adult patients with respiratory tract infections. Susceptibility testing was evaluable with 987 strains (189 Staphylococcus aureus, 211 Streptococcus pneumoniae, 6 Streptococcus pyogenes, 187 Haemophilus influenzae, 106 Moraxella catarrhalis, 126 Klebsiella pneumoniae, and 162 Pseudomonas aeruginosa). A total of 44 antibacterial agents, including 26 ?-lactams (four penicillins, three penicillins in combination with ?-lacta...
The occurrence of persistent organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in breast milk samples collected from mothers from twelve provinces in mainland China was investigated. Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs) were the most prevalent agent, followed by HCHs and HCB, whereas levels of chlordane compounds, drins and mirex were lower. The relatively lower DDE/DDT ratio in the Fujian rural area suggested more recent exposure to DDT than in other areas. The mean level of DDTs in breast milk from the southern China was higher than those from northern China (p < 0.05). A positive correlation was observed between concentration of DDTs in human milk and consumption of animal-origin food, suggesting that this parameter could play an important part in influencing OCPs burdens in lactating women. The mean...
To quantify the opportunities for natural gas and identify technological advances needed to capture such opportunities, the mineral-wool industry was analyzed with respect to the principal companies, their capabilities, and markets. The mineral-wool industry is stable with a slightly declining market. Of its market segments, only commercial acoustic insulation (which is currently dominant) is likely to be affected by growth in the next ten years. The principal process is based on treatment of blast-furnace slags in a cupola furnace using coke as the fuel and reducing agent. Expanded use of gas, as a substitute for coke, would eliminate environmental problems and expand the latitude of suitable raw materials. The study provides insights into the mineral-wool industry and identifies factors that may constitute bases for future usage of natural gas.
Part of the crushed activated charcoal (about 20-50%) designed for manufacture of electrodes is made water repellant with the help of an aqueous suspension of water repelling agent containing 3-15% (preferably 10%) dry substance. After this the remaining part of the activated charcoal and the other additives are mixed with the water repelling part. The plates or tape which is rolled to an assigned thickness are pressed from the obtained mixture. The electrodes obtained by this method have a thin active layer and a porous structure and have good diffusion properties. They can be loaded by currents up to 80 mA/cm/sup 2/ without causing excessive polarization losses, and their service life is greater than or equal to 100 h.
Background: Intestinal failure (IF) is the dependence upon parenteral nutrition to maintain minimal energy requirements for growth and development. It may occur secondary to a loss of bowel length, disorders of motility, or both. Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a malabsorptive state resulting from surgical resection, congenital defect, or diseases associated with loss of absorptive surface area. A particularly vexing problem is associated with whole bowel and/or segmental intestinal dysmotility. Motility disorders within the context of SBS and IF may relate to rapid intestinal transit secondary to loss of intestinal length, dysmotility associated with loss or poor antegrade peristalsis, or gastroparesis. Therapy may be classified into medical (prokinetic and antidiarrheal agents) and surgica...
Mine rescue teams frequently must fight fires and guard against the propagation of fires or explosions during a rescue and recovery operation. The team's ability to fight fires depends a great deal on hands-on experience with different fire fighting agents and equipment. The team's work includes an assessment of fire conditions, mine fire gases and other potential hazards associated with fire fighting activity. This training module covers the underlying principles of the fire triangle and the different methods for controlling, containing and extinguishing fires in a mine. The manual also covers fire-fighting equipment, considerations involved in a sealing operation and the cause-effect of explosions.
Within the past decade two important groups of radiopharmaceuticals labelled with /sup 123/I were introduced into the clinical application opening new areas of metabolic studies in nuclear medicine: radioiodinated fatty acids were developed for metabolic studies of the myocardium and radioiodinated amphetamine derivatives were prepared for studying brain diseases by means of SPECT. It must be emphasized that the radiochemical problems with both groups of compounds are practically the same since both are radioiodinated by a nucleophilic substitution mechanism using /sup 123/I directly in its anionic form. The clinical application of brain imaging agents, particularly the one of p-/sup 123/I-iodo-N-isopropylamphetamine, is important and will presumably increase as soon as the details of the individual biochemical steps, which are involved in brain uptake mechanisms, are evaluated. It is felt that the potential of the clinical IMP application is greater than the ...
Natural rubber (NR) and its derivatives as renewable and biodegradable materials have attracted considerable attention because of the serious pollution problems caused by synthetic materials and a shortage of resources. A new semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) based on epoxidised natural rubber and polyvinyl alcohol containing maleic acid as a crosslinking reagent was synthesized and characterized by FTIR, XRD, SEM, swelling ratio in both distilled water and toluene, and mechanical properties. The curing time and dose of maleic acid were varied from 10 to 60min, and from 10 to 60% (w/w), respectively. An IR spectroscopic study indicated the presence of an ester linkage at 1730cm-1 in maleic acid crosslinked with PVA in semi-IPN films. In addition, the crystalline content of P...
Childhood cancer survivors at highest risk of developing a secondary malignancy are those with hereditary retinoblastoma. The majority of such secondary cancers will be sarcomas, most commonly of bone. One-third of these occur outside a typical radiation field, commonly in an extremity. Bone sarcoma is also the most commonly reported secondary cancer to develop among survivors of Ewing's sarcoma. In this group, radiation doses greater than 60 Gy as well as alkylating agent chemotherapy have been identified as contributors to the increased risk. The prognosis for patients with a secondary sarcoma has been poor, with few cures reported to date. However, an aggressive, combined modality approach, including radical resection, postoperative radiation, and adjuvant chemotherapy, may improve the survival rate.
A chicken model was prepared that provides a simple and economical method of evaluating the use of fibrin-specific monoclonal antibody 64C5 in the detection of peripheral vascular thrombi. Human fibrin was clotted in segments of a chicken's femoral artery and vein prior to intravenous injection of radioiodinated antibody 64C5. After a 3-hr perfusion time, the thrombosed and contralateral control segments of the vessels were excised and counted for radioactivity. The radiolabeled 64C5 uptake ratio of the thrombosed segment to the control segment was 5.4 +/- 1.2 (p less than 0.007) in the femoral artery, and 3.8 +/- 1.1 (p less than 0.02) in the femoral vein. This in vivo chicken model may also find application in studies of targeting agents for human fibrin.
Enterococci are mostly isolated from urinary tract infections (UTIs). Increasing antibiotic resistance affects the success rate in empirical treatment, thus makes antibiotic susceptibility tests important. The aim of this study was to determine the species distribution and resistance patterns of Enterococcus strains isolated from urine samples to antibacterial agents including fosfomycin in a teaching hospital, Istanbul. The identification of 100 Enterococcus strains were determined by using conventional methods and API 20 Strep (bioMerieux France). The susceptibility testing was performed by disk diffusion and Etest. The majority of isolates were E. faecalis (67%), followed by E. faecium (33%). The ratio of E. faecalis to E. faecium was 2.03/1. E. faecalis and E. faecium strains were resi...
The class of Spirochetes comprises a wide array of clinically important pathogens, including Treponema pallidum causing syphilis as well as Borrelia burgdorferi, the agent of Lyme disease (LD). Diseases caused by spirochetes are characterized by specific sequelae of host reactions, and also by characteristic antibody response patterns. Over the last decades, research on the interaction of spirochetes with the hosts immune system had a strong emphasis on outer membrane lipoproteins. In fact, these structures have been convincingly shown to activate immune cells via CD14 and Toll-like receptor (TLR)-2, and recent data also indicate an interaction with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-binding protein (LBP). In particular, the interaction of B. burgdorferi with TLR-2 could not only be demonstrated in ...
Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors have been actively exploited as potential anticancer agents. To identify gene targets of HDAC inhibitors, we found that HDAC inhibitors such as sodium butyrate, scriptaid, apicidin and oxamflatin induced the expression of 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH), a potential cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) antagonist and tumor suppressor, in a time and concentration dependent manner in A549 and H1435 lung adenocarcinoma cells. Detailed analyses indicated that HDAC inhibitors activated the 15-PGDH promoter-luciferase reporter construct in transfected A549 cells. A representative HDAC inhibitor, scriptaid, and its negative structural analog control, nullscript, were further evaluated at the chromatin level. Scriptaid but not nullscript induced a signific...
In tomato crop, the induction of resistance emerges as an important alternative for achieving the reduction of chemicals in disease control. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of 28 Trichoderma isolates to promote the growth of tomato seedlings and to induce systemic resistance (ISR) against Xanthomonas euvesicatoria and Alternaria solani, the causal agents of bacterial spot and early blight, respectively. Twelve isolates promoted the increase of plant dry matter mass (DMM) above 100%, showing the great potential of these strains. All isolates were able to colonize the root system of tomato plants. The plant growth-promoting isolates were further evaluated for potential elicitation of ISR. Treatment of the soil with all Trichoderma isolates provided protection in tomato plants from 2...
ObjectivesTo assess the influence of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on the efficacy of ionizing radiation on prostate cancer cells because of the increased use of dietary interventions, especially by patients with prostate cancer. Radiotherapy is used to treat localized prostate cancer. Some people consume green tea (EGCG) as a chemopreventive agent against prostate cancer. Green tea can act as an antioxidant and induce superoxide dismutase enzymes, which could scavenge the free oxygen radicals generated by radiotherapy. MethodsProstate cancer cell line DU145 cells were treated with EGCG or radiotherapy, or both. Cell death was assessed using trypan blue cell counting, and apoptosis was confirmed by assessing poly (adenosine phosphate ribose) polymerase cleavage. The antioxidant potenti...
Aim:To examine the electrophysiological effects of sophocarpine on action potentials (AP) and ionic currents of cardiac myocytes and to compare some of these effects with those of amiodarone.Methods:Langendorff perfusion set-up was used in isolated guinea pig heart, and responses to sophocarpine were monitored using electrocardiograph. Conventional microelectrode, voltage clamp technique and perforated patch were employed to record fast response AP (fAP), slow response AP (sAP) and ionic currents in guinea pig papillary muscle or rabbit sinus node cells.Results:Tachyarrhythmia produced by isoprenaline (15 ?mol/L) could be reversed by sophocarpine (300 ?mol/L). Sophocarpine (10 ?mol/L) decreased the amplitude by 4.0%, maximal depolarization velocity (Vmax) of the fAP by 24.4%...
The article deals with a novel electrochemical method of preparing long-lived silver nanoparticles suspended in aqueous solution as well as silver powders. The method does not involve the use of any chemical stabilising agents. The morphology of the silver nanoparticles obtained was studied using transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and dynamic light scattering measurements. Silver nanoparticles suspended in water solution that were produced by the present technique are nearly spherical and their size distribution lies in the range of 2 to 20 nm, the average size being about 7 nm. Silver nanoparticles synthesised by the proposed method were sufficiently stable for more than 7 years even under ambient conditions. Silver crystal growth on the surface of the cathode in the electrochemical process used was shown to result in micron-sized structures consisting of agglomerated silver nanoparticles with the sizes below 40 ...
Ozone has in recent years been increasingly investigated for its potential use in the control of insect pests of stored cereals. Ozone is a powerful oxidizing agent that can react directly, or via production of reactive oxygen species, with proteins, DNA and double bonds of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). The aim of the present study was to investigate the mode of action in ozone toxicity using the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), as a relevant model. Transcription of focal genes thought to be involved in protection against ozone, and repair of cellular damage caused by ozone exposure, was studied together with the composition of storage lipid fatty acids and membrane phospholipid fatty acids in order to detect lipid peroxidation. Contrary to expectations, transcription ...
Rationale Hypothalamic?pituitary?adrenal axis dysregulation predicts poor clinical and biochemical response to antidepressants. Antiglucocorticoids have therapeutic benefits but most have a troublesome adverse event profile. Aspects of neuropsychological performance, notably working memory, are susceptible to corticosteroid modulation and are impaired in depression. Aspirin has been shown to attenuate the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol response to physiological challenge suggesting its potential to act as an augmenting agent in depression. Objectives To examine the effect of sub-acute (300?mg daily for 7?days) aspirin pre-treatment on the cortisol awakening response and the effect of acute (600?mg) and sub-acute aspirin on the neuroendocrine and neuropsychological response...
ABSTRACT Drought is an important seedling mortality agent in dry and moist tropical forests, and more severe and frequent droughts are predicted in the future. The effect of drought on leaf gas exchange and seedling survival was tested in a dry-down experiment with four tree species from dry and moist forests in Bolivia. Seedlings were droughted and wilting stage and gas exchange were monitored. Drought led to a gradual reduction of photosynthesis and stomatal conductance over time, whereas respiration and photosynthetic water-use efficiency initially increased with drought and then declined. Seedlings gradually went through the different wilting stages, until they eventually died, but the trajectory differed for the four species. The strong relationship between wilting stage and photosynt...
A detailed chemical kinetic reaction mechanism is developed to describe incineration of the chemical warfare nerve agent sarin (GB), based on commonly used principles of bond additivity and hierarchical reaction mechanisms. The mechanism is based on previous kinetic models of organophosphorus compounds such as TMP, DMMP and DIMP that are often used as surrogates to predict incineration of GB. Kinetic models of the three surrogates and GB are then used to predict their consumption in a perfectly stirred reactor fueled by natural gas to simulate incineration of these chemicals. Computed results indicate that DIMP is the only one of these surrogates that adequately describes combustion of GB under comparable conditions. The kinetic pathways responsible for these differences in reactivity are identified and discussed. The most important reaction in GB and DIMP that makes them more reactive than TMP or DMMP is found to be a six-center molecular elimination reaction ...
We report a solution-phase synthetic route to copper nanoparticles with controllable size and shape. The synthesis of the nanoparticles is achieved by the reduction of copper(II) salt in aqueous solution with hydrazine under air atmosphere in the presence of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) as capping agent. The results suggest that the pH plays a key role for the formation of pure copper nanoparticles, whereas the concentration of PAA is important for controlling the size and geometric shape of the nanoparticles. The average size of the copper nanoparticles can be varied from 30 to 80 nm, depending on the concentration of PAA. With a moderate amount of PAA, faceted crystalline copper nanoparticles are obtained. The as-synthesized copper nanoparticles appear red in color and are stable for weeks, ...
This paper summarizes an investigation carried out on Polish terrain occupied by Russian Federation military troops. The investigation identified natural environmental devastation, pollution, and contamination. Quantitative estimation of the devastation and its economic evaluation are provided. The results of the investigation are as follows: 406 ha have been contaminated by petrochemical products; 22.7 ha are chemically polluted; and 6,500 ha of underground water, as well as 17.5 ha of surface water, cannot be classified. On 15,300 ha the soil has been degraded, of which landfills comprise an area of 98 ha. No toxic warfare agents have been detected, nor any radioactivity levels exceeding those characteristic of the given region.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and increases the morbidity and cost. Amiodarone reduces AF after CABG. Ranolazine, an antianginal agent, also prolongs atrial refractoriness and inhibits after depolarizations and triggered activity; effects that could decrease AF after CABG. The present study compared amiodarone versus ranolazine for the prevention of AF after CABG. A retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing CABG at Aspirus Hospital from June 2008 to April 2010. The patients received either amiodarone (400 mg preoperatively followed by 200 mg twice daily for 10 to 14 days) or ranolazine (1,500 mg preoperatively followed by 1,000 mg twice daily for 10 to 14 days). The primary end point was any identified AF after CABG. A total of 393 ...
Two lines of mouse tumor cells were shown to be capable of aggregating mouse and rabbit platelets in vitro. This process required higher Mg/sup 2 +/ concentrations than were needed by other commonly used platelet-aggregating agents. Platelet-aggregating activity was also found in tumor cell membrane fragments. This membrane-bound platelet-aggregating material contained protein, lipid, and carbohydrate moieties. The presence of all three appeared to be essential for stimulating platelet aggregation. Destruction of any component abolished its activity. Platelet aggregation induced by tumor cell membrane fragments was associated with a secretory release reaction. In this process, growth-promoting activity for tumor cells was also released from platelets. These results underline the importance of platelets in establishing tumor metastases.
Increasing quantities of chicken waste concerns the poultry industry because of escalating disposal costs and the potential for environmental pollution. Biological conversion of these wastes to valuable products such as methane and/or chemical feed-stocks appears to be feasible. Biomethanation of chicken waste by a sewage sludge microbial consortium produced as much as 69 mol% methane in the gas phase. Acetic and propionic acids were the major acids produced during the bioconversion. Addition of chelating agents and other micro-nutrients enhanced methane production and shifted the ratios of intermediates accumulated. Preliminary data indicate that more than 60% of the chicken waste carbon was converted and that the nitrogen-rich residue may have potential as a soil additive. (author).
Contrast agent-enhanced CT scans in nine male patients with histologically proved benign lymphoepithelial lesions of the perotid gland were reviewed. All scans showed cystic-appearing masses with peripheral rim enhancement corresponding to the macroscopic appearance of the lesion. Five patients were seropositive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or had infections seen in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Three patients were members of high-risk groups. Only one patient had symptoms of the SICCA syndrome. Once a rare cause of parotid gland enlargement, benign lymphoepithelial lesions have recently been seen with increasing frequency in patients with HIV infection. Although the CT appearance is not pathognomic, correlation results of aspiration cytology and with clinical history can lead to a preoperative diagnosis of a benign lymphoepithelial lesion.
In the analysis of power systems security, recently a new concern related to possible malicious attacks caught much attention. Coordination among different transmission system operators (TSO) in an interconnected power system to counteract such attacks has become an important problem. This paper presents a general framework for describing the physical, cyber and decision-making aspects of the problem and their interrelations; within this framework, an analytic tool for the assessment of information impacts in handling on-line security after a malicious attack is proposed and discussed. The model is based on the socially rational multi-agent systems and the equilibrium of a fictitious play is considered to analyze the impacts of various levels of information available to the interconnected system operators on the outcomes of the decision-making process under attack. A 34-buses test system, with 3 systems interconnected by tie-lines, is presented to illustrate the ...
Brazil is the world?s main producer of passion fruit. Previous reports show that passion fruit rinds, an industrial waste, contain large amounts of pectin. Pectin is a dietary fiber that is widely used in the food industry as a gelling agent and stabilizer. In this study, the quality and characteristics of pectin extracted from yellow passion fruit rind flour was investigated. Pectin was extracted from both commercially available and prepared passion fruit peels using nitric acid. Once extracted, the pectin was evaluated for its molecular characteristics and chemical composition as well as for the apparent and reduced viscosity of the gel. Prepared (blanched) rind flour yielded 203.4?g?kg?1 of pectin, which contained a uronic acid content of 681?mg?g?1, a degree of esterification of 80, a ...
"9"9"mTechnetium -heat damaged erythrocyte were used as spleen scanning agents in 12 patients from July, 1985 to April, 1986. We used this scan to evaluate situs inversus, asplenia, accessory spleen, hypersplenism, splenic infarction, tumor staging and evaluation of therapy, especially when the "9"9"mTc-tin colloid scans were not definite for diagnosis. The techniques applied to these scans were in vivo/in vitro-labeling method and heating-method to damage the erythrocytes. Liver-to-spleen uptake ratios were increased upto 100:1 and interference from the left lobe of the liver was eliminated. These scans were helpful to evaluate the spleen. (Author).