WorldWideScience
1

The Teaching Practices Observation Scale (TPOS): An Observational Taxonomy for Assessing Teacher-Preschooler Interactions during Free Play.  

Science.gov (United States)

This study examined preliminary psychometric properties of the Teaching Practices Observation Scale (TPOS), a newly developed observational taxonomy for assessing teacher behaviors during free play with young children. Behaviors of 42 child caregivers and junior kindergarten teachers were coded using a combination of time-sampling, event-sampling, and behavior ratings. Findings support the validity of observational coding scheme. (Author/KB)

1998-12-01

2

Platelets in Hyperacute Rejection of Heterotopic Cardiac Allografts in Presensitized Dogs  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Experiments were carried out to determine whether platelet aggregation plays a primary role in cardiac allograft hyperacute rejection, as has been observed in renal allograft hyperacute rejection....Full Text Available

1973-02-01

3

Long-Lasting Adaptations of the NR2B-containing NMDA Receptors in the Dorsomedial Striatum Play a Crucial Role in Alcohol Consumption and Relapse  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

A growing number of studies suggest that the development of compulsive drug seeking and taking depends on dorsostriatal mechanisms. We previously observed that ex vivo acute...Full Text Available

2010-07-28

4

Sur l'origine des chiffres arabes  

CERN Document Server

Sur l'origine des chiffres arabes A. Boucenna 1 From the pagination of an Algerian Arabic manuscript of the beginning of the 19th century,we rediscover the original shape that the Arabic numerals had before passing in Europe and underwent the transformation that gave the modern Arabic numerals. This original shape,whose use disappeared completely, proves that these numerals have their origin in the Arabic letters. Contrary to what some hypotheses pretend, particularly those that present them as drifting of Indian characters, the 10 Arabic numerals that we use are, nothing else, 10 Arabic letters more or less modified and taken in the "Abjadi" order. The hypothesis of the Indian origin of the Arabic numerals is revealed a mistake denied by the shape of the Arabic numerals and by the logic of the right to left representation of the numbers and the algorithm of the elementary operations. The Arabic numerals that simplified the writing of the numbers and the algorithms ...

2003-01-01

6

Experimental Verification of the Hall Effect during Magnetic Reconnection in a Laboratory Plasma  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In this letter we report a clear and unambiguous observation of the out-of-plane quadrupole magnetic field suggested by numerical simulations in the reconnecting current sheet in the Magnetic Reconnection Experiment (MRX). Measurements show that the Hall effect is large in collisionless regime and becomes small as the collisionality increases, indicating that the Hall effect plays an important role in collisionless reconnection.

2005-06-16

7

Apoptosis induced by high- and low-LET radiations  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cell death after irradiation occurs by apoptosis in certain cell populations in tissues. The phenomenon also occurs after high linear energy transfer (LET) irradiation, and the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) is 3 to 4 (with respect to low-LET radiation and apoptosis in intestinal crypts) for neutrons with energies of 14 MeV and up to 600 MeV. It is thought that p53 plays a role in the phenomenon, as radiation-induced apoptosis is not observed in p53-null animals. (orig.).

8

Phase diagram and effective shape of semi-flexible colloidal rods and biopolymers  

CERN Document Server

We study suspensions of semi-flexible colloidal rods and biopolymers using an Onsager-type second-virial functional for a segmented-chain model. For suspensions of thin and thick fd virus particles we calculate phase diagrams in quantitative agreement with experimental observations, and we find their effective state-point dependent shape to be much shorter and thicker than the actual shape. We also calculate the stretching of worm-like micelles in a host fd virus solution, again finding agreement with experiments. For both systems, our results show that the fd virus stiffness can play a key role in system behavior.

2011-01-01

9

Ancient cosmological tachyons in the present-day world  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The geodesic equation for space-like objects moving along a circular trajectory in the expanding universe is considered. Our analysis leads to the conclusion that ancient cosmological tachyons may exist in the present-day world and may play an important role in (i) the internal structure of hadrons conceived as nonlocal objects called strings, (ii) the T-symmetry violation observed in the weak K-decays, (iii) the multidimensional unified field theories of Kaluza-Klein type, and in (iv) the classical models of charged particles which combine ordinary electromagnetism with a self-interacting version of Newtonian gravity. 18 refs.

1993-06-01

10

Ancient cosmological tachyons in the present-day world  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The geodesic equation for space-like objects moving along a circular trajectory in the expanding universe is considered. Our analysis leads to the conclusion that ancient cosmological tachyons may exist in the present-day world and may play an important role in (i) the internal structure of hadrons conceived as nonlocal objects called strings, (ii) the T-symmetry violation observed in the weak K-decays, (iii) the multidimensional unified field theories of Kaluza-Klein type, and in (iv) the classical models of charged particles which combine ordinary electromagnetism with a self-interacting version of Newtonian gravity. 18 refs.

11

POP bioaccumulation in macroinvertebrates of alpine freshwater systems  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This study serves to investigate the uptake of POPs in the different trophic levels (scrapers, collectors, predators, shredders) of macroinvertebrate communities sampled from a glacial and a non-glacial stream in the Italian Alps. The presented results show that the contaminant concentrations in glacial communities are generally higher compared to those from non-glacial catchments, highlighting the importance of glaciers as temporary sinks of atmospherically transported pollutants. Moreover, the data also suggests that in mountain systems snow plays an important role in influencing macroinvertebrate contamination. The main chemical uptake process to the macroinvertebrates is considered to be bioconcentration from water, as similar contaminant profiles were observed between the different trophic levels. The role of biomagnification/bioaccumulation is thought to be absent or negligible. The enrichment of chemicals observed in ...

2009-12-01

12

Influence of annealing on the microstructure of commercial Mg alloy AZ31 after mechanical forming  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The microstructure of commercial rolled magnesium alloy AZ31B (nominal composition Mg-3Al-0.9Zn-0.15Mn in wt.%) was investigated with the help of light microscopy, electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and X-ray diffraction technique after annealing in the temperature range from room temperature (RT) to 400 deg. C. Tensile tests at RT were performed to show the influence of the microstructure on mechanical properties. Static recrystallization (SRX) was observed during annealing of as-received alloy at and above 150 deg. C. Twins play an important role during SRX and serve as nucleation sites and preferred paths for growth of grains. The strong basal texture caused by rolling was weakened by SRX. Significant differences in the stress strain curves were observed for as-received and annealed specimens.

2006-09-25

13

Beyond Finite Size Scaling in Solidification Simulations  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Although computer simulation has played a central role in the study of nucleation and growth since the earliest molecular dynamics simulations almost 50 years ago, confusion surrounding the effect of finite size on such simulations have limited their applicability. Modeling solidification in molten tantalum on the BlueGene/L computer, we report here on the first atomistic simulation of solidification that verifies independence from finite size effects during the entire nucleation and growth process, up to the onset of coarsening. We show that finite size scaling theory explains the observed maximal grain sizes for systems up to about 8,000,000 atoms. For larger simulations, a cross-over from finite size scaling to more physical size-independent behavior is observed.

2005-05-19

14

The type III secretion system is involved in Escherichia coli K1 interactions with Acanthamoeba  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The type III secretion system among Gram-negative bacteria is known to deliver effectors into host cell to interfere with host cellular processes. The type III secretion system in Yersina, Pseudomonas and Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli have been well documented to be involved in the bacterial pathogenicity. The existence of type III secretion system has been demonstrated in neuropathogenic E. coli K1 strains. Here, it is observed that the deletion mutant of type III secretion system in E. coli strain EC10 exhibited defects in the invasion and intracellular survival in Acanthamoeba castellanii (a keratitis isolate) compared to its parent strain. Next, it was determined whether type III secretion system plays a role in E. coli K1 survival inside Acanthamoeba during the encystment process...

2011-01-01

15

The deformation behavior of DyCu ductile intermetallic compound under compression  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

In this study polycrystalline specimens of as-cast DyCu with B2 crystal structure were compressed to different strains at room temperature to test if stress-induced phase transformation and twinning occur during deformation. In these tests DyCu exhibited high ductility with plastic strain as high as 35% and ultimate compressive strength of ~790MPa. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed no indications that DyCu had undergone stress-induced phase transformation or twinning. -type dislocations have been observed to play an important role for imparting the ductile behavior. TEM analyses showed the presence of second phases, Dy2O3 and DyCu2 within the DyCu. The mechanisms of ductility and impurity phase formation are discussed.

2011-01-01

16

Relativistic D-brane scattering is extremely inelastic  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We study the effects of quantum production of open strings on the relativistic scattering of D-branes. We find strong corrections to the brane trajectory from copious production of highly-excited open strings, whose typical oscillator level is proportional to the square of the rapidity. In the corrected trajectory, the branes rapidly coincide and remain trapped in a configuration with enhanced symmetry. This is a purely stringy effect which makes relativistic brane collisions exceptionally inelastic. We trace this effect to velocity-dependent corrections to the open string mass, which render open strings between relativistic D-branes surprisingly light. We observe that pair-creation of open strings could play an important role in cosmological scenarios in which branes approach each other at very high speeds. (author)

2005-02-01

17

Radiation protection and the role of TSOs in Kenya  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Since the late '60s and through the early '90s Kenya has always recognized and appreciated the need for support from Technical and Scientific Support Organizations (TSOs) for activities geared towards enhancing nuclear and radiation safety. The TSOs have since then gained increasing importance for provision of technical and scientific basis for policy formulation, implementation and legislation with regard to radiation safety. National and specific operator programmes on safety and security of radiation source and radioactive waste recognize and encourage the active participation of TSOs. Due to the role they play, technical competence, transparency and the observance of ethical practices have become essential both for the regulator and the regulated. In this respect, interaction and cooperation between stake holders (regulatory authorities, users of radiation, generators of radioactive waste, professional organizations) and TSOs, in the frame ...

2007-08-01

18

Photoluminescences from Al{sub x}Ga{sub 1{minus}x}P liquid phase epitaxial layers  

Science.gov (United States)

Homogenous Al{sub x}Ga{sub 1{minus}x}P liquid phase epitaxial layers have been obtained with the temperature difference method under controlled vapor pressure (TDM-CVP). Very clear fine structures near band edge in photoluminescence spectra have been observed at 77 K for the first time. Photoluminescence measurement results confirmed that the free exciton recombination without phonon assistance plays an important role in the luminescence at 77 K and becomes dominant at room temperature. It is considered that Zero-phonon assisted free exciton recombination is intensified by some local perturbations to electrical potentials against carriers or excitons introduced by Al atoms in Al{sub x}Ga{sub 1{minus}x}P layers, which can give momentum change necessary for recombination.

1999-10-01

19

Operational procedures - industry observations and opportunities for improvement  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The purpose of this paper is to relate some of the commonly encountered problems with operational procedures in the nuclear industry and offer practical suggestions for their elimination. The paper is based on recent consultant experience in assisting industry clients with human performance related design and assessment initiatives. Operational procedures are a key part of an integrated system design. Procedures provide the specified instructions for actions people are to undertake in operating a facility to achieve production and safety goals. While organizations continue to make substantial investments in procedure development and maintenance, problems with procedures continue to occur, as evidenced through operating inefficiencies, errors, and events. The paper reviews the role procedures play in facility operations, comments on current development and maintenance practices, discusses the extent of human performance related problems attributed to procedure ...

2003-07-01

20

Ocean teleconnections between Antarctica and the Equatorial Pacific and Atlantic.  

Environmental Research Database

Objectives(i) Investigate the correlation between Antarctic sea-ice and equatorial sea-surface temperature anomalies in a realistically forced ocean model simulation of the last 50 years. (ii) Determine whether and how the enormous seasonal change in distribution of sea-ice modifies the seasonal cycle at the Equator. (iii) Determine the detailed pathways of wave propagation both in a historically-forced simulation and in response to realistic perturbations. (iv) Quantify the amplitude of the response i [continued...]DescriptionIt is well known that the equatorial ocean-atmosphere system plays a key role in global climate events such as the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon. There is now compelling evidence that changes in the Antarctic can strongly and quickly affect the equatorial ocean and the ENSO cycle. Observations demonstrate statistically significant correlations (teleconnections) between the Antarctic and the Equator with ...

2009-01-31

21

Observation of the study of protein metabolism in relation to nutrition  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

It is a useful hypothesis to thing of the reaction to protein deprivation as made up of two parts. First there is an initial adaptation involving rapid losses of protein. This is followed by slow continuing depletion. When considering two organ groups, such as the liver and muscle, it appears that the curve of urinary nitrogen excretion reflects the different parts they play in these two phases. The changes in the relative amounts of protein in different organs results in an alteration in the pattern of body protein at the level of the organ, the tissue and the cell. These changes are themselves the result of altered rates of synthesis and breakdown. The questions that must be asked and hopefully will be answered with the help of isotopes, are how these changes are brought about, how they are inter-related and controlled, and what is their significance? This paper contains a discussion of the few results that have been obtained so far. 1 fig.

1965-06-01

22

National survey of the levels of persistent organochlorine pesticides in the breast milk of mothers in China  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

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...

2011-01-01

23

Mutual interactions of two planetary objects in a protoplanetary accretion disc: 2D SPH simulations .  

Science.gov (United States)

We present here a study based on the migration of protoplanets in an accretion disc of a forming star, as the mainly proposed scenario for the formation of planetary systems. Attention is here focused on the mutual interactions between two protoplanets, both embedded in the accretion disc, as a function of the protoplanets masses, their relative positions, the dynamic properties of the accretion disc particles. The study is performed through a 2D SPH code and preliminary results show an oscillation of the distance between the two protoplanets, together with a slow migration of the two planets towards the central star when two Jupiter-like planets are considered. Less correlated behaviour is observed when at least one of the two protoplanets has an Earth-like mass. The role played by the disc particles initial angular momentum is discussed.

2010-01-01

24

Large Magnetic Moments of Arsenic-Doped Mn Clusters and their Relevance to Mn-Doped III-V Semiconductor Ferromagnetism  

CERN Document Server

We report electronic and magnetic structure of arsenic-doped manganese clusters from density-functional theory using generalized gradient approximation for the exchange-correlation energy. We find that arsenic stabilizes manganese clusters, though the ferromagnetic coupling between Mn atoms are found only in Mn$_2$As and Mn$_4$As clusters with magnetic moments 9 $\\mu_B$ and 17 $\\mu_B$, respectively. For all other sizes, $x=$ 3, 5-10, Mn$_x$As clusters show ferrimagnetic coupling. It is suggested that, if grown during the low temperature MBE, the giant magnetic moments due to ferromagnetic coupling in Mn$_2$As and Mn$_4$As clusters could play a role on the ferromagnetism and on the variation observed in the Curie temperature of Mn-doped III-V semiconductors.

2005-01-01

25

Lack of Association of the Genotype in the GNAS Fok I Polymorphism and Prostate Cancer  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract Background: G proteins are ubiquitously expressed signal transduction proteins playing a key role in multiple signal transduction pathways. The Gas subunit has been considered as an apoptosis factor. In this study the role of GNAS T393C genotypes of the GNAS gene encoding Gas was analyzed for its influence on the development and progression of prostate cancer. Methods: Genotyping of the GNAS T393C polymorphism in 196 prostate cancer patients and 200 healthy controls was performed by DNA extraction followed by PCR and restriction analysis. Results: We observed no evidence of effects related to GNAS T393C genotype as demonstrated by a comparison of the genotype distribution in prostate cancer patients and healthy controls, the genotype distribution dependent on grade of the primary ...

2011-01-01

26

Growth of Cr-Nitrides on commercial Ni-Cr and Fe-Cr base alloys to protect PEMFC bipolar plates  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Nitridation of Cr-bearing alloys can yield low interfacial contact resistance (ICR), electrically conductive and corrosion-resistant CrN or Cr2N base surfaces of interest for a range of electrochemical devices, including fuel cells, batteries, and sensors. This paper presents results of exploratory studies of the nitridation of commercially available, high Cr (30-35wt%) Ni-Cr alloys and a ferritic high Cr (29wt%) stainless steel for proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) bipolar plates. A high degree of corrosion resistance in sulfuric acid solutions designed to simulate bipolar plate conditions and low ICR values were achieved. Oxygen impurities in the nitriding environment were observed to play a significant role in the nitrided surface structures that formed, with detrimental effect...

2007-01-01

27

Genetic testing for hereditary cancer: Effects of alexithymia and coping strategies on variations in anxiety before and after result disclosure  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

This study assessed the impact of the results of genetic testing for hereditary cancer from a multifactorial health psychology perspective, considering that emotional expression plays a key role in psychological adjustment. Measures of dispositional and transactional coping strategies, anxiety and alexithymia were filled out by 77 participants in a longitudinal study design. Statistical analyses were performed using general linear models and partial least squares path modelling, low-constraint methods that are particularly useful in the behavioural sciences. While anxiety levels prior to the result announcement were predictive of the distress experienced by noncarriers, considerable variability was observed for mutation carriers. Some subjects who had lower anxiety levels before the test d...

2011-01-01

28

Galaxy rotation curves: the effect of Formula Not Shown force  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Using the Galaxy as an example, we study the effect of Formula Not Shown force on the rotational curves of gas and plasma in galaxies. Acceptable model for the galactic magnetic field and plausible physical parameters are used to fit the flat rotational curve for gas and plasma based on the observed baryonic (visible) matter distribution and Formula Not Shown force term in the static MHD equation of motion. We also study the effects of varied strength of the magnetic field, its pitch angle and length scale on the rotational curves. We show that Formula Not Shown force does not play an important role on the plasma dynamics in the intermediate range of distances 6?12?kpc from the centre, whilst the effect is sizable for larger r (r?15?kpc), where it is the most crucial.

2011-01-01

29

Fabrication of shuttle-junctions for nanomechanical transfer of electrons  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

We report on the fabrication of nanomechanical devices for shuttling of electrons from one electrode to another. Each device consists of a 20 nm diameter gold nanoparticle embedded within the gap between two gold electrodes. In two different kinds of shuttle-junctions the nanoparticle is attached to the electrodes through either (i) a single layer of 1,8-octanedithiol or (ii) a multilayer of 1-octanethiol molecules. The thiol layers play the role of 'damped springs', such that when a sufficient voltage bias is applied to the junction, the nanoparticle is expected to start oscillating and thereby transferring electrons from one electrode to the other. For both kinds of shuttle-junctions we observed an abrupt increase in the transmitted current above a threshold voltage, which can be attributed to a transition from the stationary to the oscillating regime. The threshold voltage was found to be lower for single-layer shuttle-junctions.

2009-12-02

30

Cultural inheritance and diversification of diet in variable environments  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Both cultural inheritance and cultural diversification of diets may play an important role in animal evolution. Here we studied how diet innovation and cultural change relate to cultural inheritance in a changing environment. We did this by studying diet cultures in group foragers adapting to environmental change through learning, and the consequences this has for diet differentiation between groups. We used an individual-based model of `monkeys' that learn what to eat in a rich environment, and we changed resource species that are available in the environment. Relative to social influences on learning that arise spontaneously in groups, we found that more direct social learning, in the sense of observing another individual and copying what it eats, helps groups deal with high levels of en...

2009-01-01

31

Between Place and Interface: Designing Situated Sound for the iPhone  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

This article explores composition skills and modalities for locative, multimedia texts by reporting experiences from a locative iPhone application that plays church music and explains that music's history in churches in Rome, Italy. Using a research by design approach, we did three rounds of observation, paper sketches, and user testing of prototypes. We found that an effective locative text must be adapted to the place in which it is intended to be experienced. The locative text must be specific, possibly referring to what the audience can see or experience at the place, and thus it is important to know how people usually behave in that particular place. Images are of little relevance in a mobile guide, except for exterior shots, which may help users to locate interesting buildings. Sound...

2011-01-01

32

Assimilating remote sensing and in situ observations into a coastal model of northern South China Sea using ensemble Kalman filter  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Major forecast errors on the background error covariance from initial conditions, atmospheric forcing, model open boundary conditions, and the river discharges are examined in a coastal model of northern South China Sea. The analysis of background error covariance matrix produced by model ensemble shows that the perturbations of the initial conditions and atmospheric forcing play major roles in producing and maintaining the amplitude of ensemble spread except for the sea surface height (SSH) field. The perturbation of model open boundary conditions can influence ensemble spread of all variables and covariance between temperature and velocity or between temperature and SSH. The perturbation of river discharge mainly affects the covariance of salinity in river estuary. A data assimilation ex...

2011-01-01

33

Smugglers masters as lobbying. Off scanner at the borders is a topic for politicians  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Smugglers, who make use of the Ukraine-Slovak border for their business, might be satisfied after last week. The Slovak government ordered the switching off of scanning equipment monitoring the movement of goods by train through the Matovce border line. The modern equipment was substituted by people, who aren't able to check freight cars as effectively as gadgets. Not only in Ukraine are they celebrating this success in corruption, who demanded the shut-off of the scanning equipment The bosses on the Slovak side are also rubbing their hands. As told to TREND by Margareta Grecova, spokeswoman for Cargo Slovakia, 90% of goods that cross through the border at Matovce are unloaded. The most frequently transported commodities are ore, coal, chemical and petroleum products. Smugglers put their consignments among iron ore and coal. They prefer goods with high consumer taxes. Besides alcohol, there are mainly cigarettes. These are put into boxes which are concealed in various parts of the ...

2009-08-27

34

Block Talk: Spatial Language During Block Play  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Spatial skills are a central component of intellect and show marked individual differences. There is evidence that variations in the spatial language young children hear, which directs their attention to important aspects of the spatial environment, may be one of the mechanisms that contributes to these differences. To investigate how play affects variations in language, parents and children were assigned to 1 of 3 conditions: free play with blocks, guided play, or play with preassembled structures (Study 1). Parents in the guided play condition produced significantly higher proportions of spatial talk than parents in the other two conditions, and children in the guided play condition produced significantly more spatial talk than those in the free play condition. Study 2 established baseli...

2011-01-01

35

Battalion Tactical Plays--Can They Increase Combat Power  

Science.gov (United States)

... Tactical plays are more than drills or standard operating proc-edures. ... IN * BYPMASS OR BREECH MINEFIELD ON FLANK SIXE (TM I3A C1 10 ...

1988-11-10

36

Structural and morphology studies of praseodymium-doped bismuth titanate prepared using a wet chemical route  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Praseodymium-doped Bi{sub 4}Ti{sub 3}O{sub 12} (BIT) with various compositions of dopant, Pr (x = 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8) in Bi{sub 4-x}Pr{sub x}Ti{sub 3}O{sub 12} (BPT) were synthesized using a low temperature wet chemical technique. Powders calcined at 800 deg. C exhibit a single phase polycrystalline perovskite bismuth-layered structure. Randomly oriented plate-like structures were observed under Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). A small amount of Pr doping (x = 0.5) resulted in dramatically reduced of grain size from 2 {mu}m to less than 50 nm in which Pr plays the role as a grain growth inhibitor. However, by increasing the composition of Pr, bigger grain size of up to 1 {mu}m was observed for x = 0.8 that was caused by diffusion of Pr in the perovskite structure. Dielectric properties showed that dielectric permittivity decreased with the addition of x = 0.50, and increasing with further addition of Pr. Dissipation ...

2009-05-05

37

Structural and morphology studies of praseodymium-doped bismuth titanate prepared using a wet chemical route  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Praseodymium-doped Bi_4Ti_3O_1_2 (BIT) with various compositions of dopant, Pr (x = 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8) in Bi_4_-_xPr_xTi_3O_1_2 (BPT) were synthesized using a low temperature wet chemical technique. Powders calcined at 800 deg. C exhibit a single phase polycrystalline perovskite bismuth-layered structure. Randomly oriented plate-like structures were observed under Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). A small amount of Pr doping (x = 0.5) resulted in dramatically reduced of grain size from 2 #mu#m to less than 50 nm in which Pr plays the role as a grain growth inhibitor. However, by increasing the composition of Pr, bigger grain size of up to 1 #mu#m was observed for x = 0.8 that was caused by diffusion of Pr in the perovskite structure. Dielectric properties showed that dielectric permittivity decreased with the addition of x = 0.50, and increasing with further addition of Pr. Dissipation factor (tan #delta#) followed the ...

2009-05-05

38

Structural and morphology studies of praseodymium-doped bismuth titanate prepared using a wet chemical route  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Praseodymium-doped Bi4Ti3O12 (BIT) with various compositions of dopant, Pr (x=0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8) in Bi4-xPrxTi3O12 (BPT) were synthesized using a low temperature wet chemical technique. Powders calcined at 800degreeC exhibit a single phase polycrystalline perovskite bismuth-layered structure. Randomly oriented plate-like structures were observed under Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). A small amount of Pr doping (x=0.5) resulted in dramatically reduced of grain size from 2mm to less than 50nm in which Pr plays the role as a grain growth inhibitor. However, by increasing the composition of Pr, bigger grain size of up to 1mm was observed for x=0.8 that was caused by diffusion of Pr in the perovskite structure. Dielectric properties showed that dielectric permittivity decreased with the ad...

2009-01-01

39

Stability and cations coordination of DNA and RNA 14-mer G-quadruplexes: a multiscale computational approach.  

Science.gov (United States)

Molecular dynamics simulations have been used to study the differences between two DNA and RNA 14-mer quadruplexes of analogous sequences. Their structures present a completely different fold: DNA forms a bimolecular quadruplex containing antiparallel strands and diagonal loops; RNA forms an intrastrand parallel quadruplex containing a G-tetrad and an hexad, which dimerizes by hexad stacking. We used a multiscale computational approach combining classical Molecular dynamics simulations and density functional theory calculations to elucidate the difference in stability of the 2-folds and their ability in coordinating cations. The presence of 2'-OH groups in the RNA promotes the formation of a large number of intramolecular hydrogen bonds that account for the difference in fold and stability of the two 14-mers. We observe that the adenines in the RNA quadruplex play a key role in conserving the geometry of the hexad. We predict the cation ...

2008-09-03

40

Investigation of lubrication in natural joints by neutron reflectometry  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Despite their high medical relevance, the principles of lubrication in natural joints are still unclear. It is generally accepted, that the presence of hyaluronic acid (HA), the main component of the synovial liquid, plays an important role for the low friction observed. Furthermore, it is assumed that surface active lipids participate in the lubrication. Using a model system of lipid bilayers deposited on a polyelectrolyte (PE) cushion and in contact with HA solution, we started to investigate the effects of pressure and shear forces, as experienced by natural joints, on the internal structure of the SiO{sub 2}/PE/lipid/HA interface and the bulk HA solution by neutron reflectometry (NR), complemented by in situ ellipsometry and quartz crystal microbalance (QCM-D) measurements. Only on positively charged polyelectrolyte surfaces, the successful build-up of the model system could be demonstrated. By NR, the existence of an irreversibly absorbed, ...

2007-07-01

42

Footnotes to the patent game: how does homo ludens1 enforce patent rights in Hungary?  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Legal context Can we imagine the patent case as a play? As Johann Huizinga, the Dutch historian and cultural theorist writes, "The lawsuit can be regarded as a game of chance, a contest or a verbal battle." According to Huizinga, science is actually a play itself, thus scientific recognition is nothing more than the solution of a task of a play. In this context, a patent suit is nothing more than a play played with the play (in other words a `Game of the Game'). Key points and practical significance In our view in an ideal world the enforcement of patent rights should be a game of chess, where all the information is available to both players and the rules are simple and unquestionable. All players accept, understand and interpret the rules the same way. The referee has no role to play. How...

2011-01-01

43

Precision Measurements of the Cluster Red Sequence using an Error Corrected Gaussian Mixture Model  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The red sequence is an important feature of galaxy clusters and plays a crucial role in optical cluster detection. Measurement of the slope and scatter of the red sequence are affected both by selection of red sequence galaxies and measurement errors. In this paper, we describe a new error corrected Gaussian Mixture Model for red sequence galaxy identification. Using this technique, we can remove the effects of measurement error and extract unbiased information about the intrinsic properties of the red sequence. We use this method to select red sequence galaxies in each of the 13,823 clusters in the maxBCG catalog, and measure the red sequence ridgeline location and scatter of each. These measurements provide precise constraints on the variation of the average red galaxy populations in the observed frame with redshift. We find that the scatter of the red sequence ridgeline increases mildly with redshift, and that the slope decreases with ...

2009-07-01

44

The influence of modified water chemistries on metal oxide films, activity build-up and stress corrosion cracking of structural materials in nuclear power plants  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

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

1999-03-01

45

Uptake and utilization of nutrients by developing kernels of Zea mays L  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The mechanisms involved in amino acid and sugar uptake by developing maize kernels were investigated. In the pedicel region of maize kernel, the site of nutrient unloading from phloem terminals, amino acids are accumulated in considerable amounts and undergo significant interconversion. A wide spectrum of enzymatic activities involved in the metabolism of amino acids is observed in these tissues. Subsequently, amino acids are taken up by the endosperm tissue in processes which require energy and the presence of carrier proteins. Conversely, no evidence was found that energy and carriers are involved in sugar uptake. This process of sugar uptake is not inhibited by metabolic inhibitors and shows nonsaturable kinetics, but the uptake is pH-dependent. L-glucose is taken up at a significantly reduced rate in comparison to D-glucose uptake. Based on analysis of radioactivity distribution among sugar fractions after incubations of kernels with radiolabeled D-glucose, it ...

1987-01-01

46

The non-constant slope of the CIV Baldwin effect in NGC 4151  

CERN Document Server

The relationship between the emission line equivalent width and the continuum luminosity, so called the Baldwin effect, plays an important role in studying the broad line region physics of AGNs. Using the archived ultraviolet spectra obtained by IUE, HST and HUT in 1978-2002, we investigated the intrinsic CIV Baldwin effect of a best-studied Seyfert 1 galaxy NGC 4151. Both its continuum flux and CIV emission line flux varied about two orders of magnitude in more than two decades, making it one of the best targets for studying the slope variation of the Baldwin effect. We fitted the CIV line profile of the 490 archived UV spectra of NGC 4151 with a same model consisting of a few Gaussian components, and derived the slope in the log-log plot for the total flux of CIV emission line against the UV continuum flux in different observation epochs.We found that the slope is not constant for NGC 4151, varying from 0.58 in the highest flux epoch to 0.83 ...

2006-01-01

47

Stress corrosion cracking of type 304L stainless steel core shroud welds.  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Microstructural analyses by advanced metallographic techniques were conducted on mockup welds and a cracked BWR core shroud weld fabricated from Type 304L stainless steel. heat-affected zones of the shroud weld and mockup shielded-metal-arc welds were free of grain-boundary carbide, martensite, delta ferrite, or Cr depletion near grain boundaries. However, as a result of exposure to welding fumes, the heat-affected zones of the welds were significantly contaminated by fluorine and oxygen which migrate to grain boundaries. Significant oxygen contamination promotes fluorine contamination and suppresses classical thermal sensitization, even in Type 304 steels. Results of slow-strain-rate tensile tests indicate that fluorine exacerbates the susceptibility of irradiated steels to intergranular stress corrosion cracking. These observations, combined with previous reports on the strong influence of weld flux, indicate that oxygen and fluorine contamination and ...

1999-10-26

48

Stress corrosion cracking of austenitic stainless steel core internal welds.  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

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

1999-04-14

49

Simulations in statistical physics and biology: some applications  

CERN Document Server

One of the most active areas of physics in the last decades has been that of critical phenomena, and Monte Carlo simulations have played an important role as a guide for the validation and prediction of system properties close to the critical points. The kind of phase transitions occurring for the Betts lattice (lattice constructed removing 1/7 of the sites from the triangular lattice) have been studied before with the Potts model for the values q=3, ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic regime. Here, we add up to this research line the ferromagnetic case for q=4 and 5. In the first case, the critical exponents are estimated for the second order transition, whereas for the latter case the histogram method is applied for the occurring first order transition. Additionally, Domany's Monte Carlo based clustering technique mainly used to group genes similar in their expression levels is reviewed. Finally, a control theory tool --an adaptive observer-- ...

2006-01-01

50

Secondary reactions during CO hydrogenation on zeolite-supported metal catalysts: influence of alkali cations  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The effect of neutralizing cations on the secondary reactions of the primary products from CO hydrogenation over ion-exchanged zeolite-supported Ru catalysts was investigated using zeolites with different alkali cations (Li/sup +/, Na/sup +/, K/sup +/, Rb/sup +/, Cs/sup +/). The transformation of olefins (propylene and butene) on the zeolites without the metal, under conditions similar to those used for CO hydrogenation, was also studied in order to understand the effect of the various constituents of the support, i.e., the Broensted acid sites generated during catalyst preparation and the alkali cations, on possible secondary reactions of the primary olefinic products. It was established that secondary acid-catalyzed reactions of these primary products can play a major role in shaping product selectivity during CO hydrogenation over zeolite-supported catalysts. Depending on the concentration and the strength of the acid sites, various competitive reaction paths ...

1987-10-01

51

Radiation-enhanced diffusion in amorphous Pd-Cu-Si  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Diffusion during He/sup +/, Ne/sup +/, and Xe/sup +/ irradiations of trace amounts of Au in melt-spun amorphous Pd/sub 78/Cu/sub 6/Si/sub 16/ has been experimentally investigated. Diffusion constants were measured by following the changes in ion-implanted Au profiles with Rutherford-backscattering spectrometry. Heat treatments and simultaneous irradiations were performed as a function of temperature (533--588 K), ion flux, and ion mass. Total integrated fluences being very small, ion-beam-mixing effects are negligible. More than an order of magnitude enhancement in the diffusion was observed because of irradiations. This enhancement saturates at higher fluxes, the level being independent of ion mass, i.e., independent of collision-cascade parameters. Except at higher temperatures, where the enhancement decreases, the temperature dependence of the diffusion-saturation level is similar to that of the diffusion without irradiation. The data suggest that vacancylike ...

1988-11-01

52

Radiation-enhanced diffusion in amorphous Pd-Cu-Si  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Diffusion during He"+, Ne"+, and Xe"+ irradiations of trace amounts of Au in melt-spun amorphous Pd/sub 78/Cu_6Si/sub 16/ has been experimentally investigated. Diffusion constants were measured by following the changes in ion-implanted Au profiles with Rutherford-backscattering spectrometry. Heat treatments and simultaneous irradiations were performed as a function of temperature (533--588 K), ion flux, and ion mass. Total integrated fluences being very small, ion-beam-mixing effects are negligible. More than an order of magnitude enhancement in the diffusion was observed because of irradiations. This enhancement saturates at higher fluxes, the level being independent of ion mass, i.e., independent of collision-cascade parameters. Except at higher temperatures, where the enhancement decreases, the temperature dependence of the diffusion-saturation level is similar to that of the diffusion without irradiation. The data suggest that vacancylike defects ...

53

Probing the Origins of the CIV and Fe Kalpha Baldwin Effect  

CERN Document Server

We use UV/optical and X-ray observations of 272 radio-quiet Type 1 AGNs and quasars to investigate the CIV Baldwin Effect (BEff). The UV/optical spectra are drawn from the Hubble Space Telescope, International Ultraviolet Explorer and Sloan Digital Sky Survey archives. The X-ray spectra are from the Chandra and XMM-Newton archives. We apply correlation and partial-correlation analyses to the equivalent widths, continuum monochromatic luminosities, and alpha_ox, which characterizes the relative X-ray to UV brightness. The equivalent width of the CIV 1549 emission line is correlated with both alpha_ox and luminosity. We find that by regressing l_UV with EW(CIV) and alpha_ox, we can obtain tighter correlations than by regressing l_UV with only EW(CIV). Both correlation and regression analyses imply that l_UV is not the only factor controlling the changes of EW(CIV); alpha_ox (or, equivalently, the soft X-ray emission) plays a fundamental role in ...

2009-01-01

54

Localized deformation and IASCC initiation in austenitic stainless steels  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Localized deformation may play a key role in the underlying mechanism of irradiation assisted stress corrosion cracking (IASCC) in light water reactor core components. In this study, four austenitic alloys, 18Cr8Ni, 15Cr12Ni, 13Cr15Ni and 21Cr32Ni, with different stacking fault energies were irradiated to 1 and 5 dpa at 360 deg. C using 3.2 MeV protons. Interrupted constant extension rate tensile (CERT) tests were conducted in a simulated BWR environment to determine IASCC susceptibility. In order to characterize the localized deformation in slip channels and grain boundaries, parallel CERT experiments were also performed in an argon atmosphere. Results show that the IASCC susceptibility of the tested alloys increases with increasing irradiation dose and decreasing stacking fault energy. IASCC tends to initiate at locations where slip channels intersect grain boundaries. Localized deformation in the form of grain boundary sliding due to the interaction of slip ...

2008-12-01

55

Investigating long-range correlation properties in EEG during complex cognitive tasks  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Previous work shows the presence of scale invariance and long-range correlations in ongoing and spontaneous activity of large scale brain responses (i.e. EEG), and such scaling behavior can also be modulated by simple sensory stimulus. However, little is known whether such alteration but not destruction in scaling properties also occurs during complex cognitive processing and if neuroplasticity plays any role in mediating such changes. In this study, we addressed these issues by investigating scaling properties of multivariate EEG signals obtained from two broad groups - artists and non-artists - while they performed complex tasks of perception and mental imagery of visual art objects. We found that brain regions showing increased correlation properties from rest were similar for both tasks, suggesting that brain networks responsible for visual perception are reactivated for mental imagery. Further, we observed that the two groups could be ...

2009-11-30

56

Inhomogeneous grain growth and elongation of Dy-#alpha# SiAlON ceramics  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dysprosium #alpha#-sialon ceramic has been fabricated from #alpha#-Si_3N_4, AlN, Al_2O_3 and Dy_2O_3 starting powders, using gas pressure sintering at 1800 deg C or higher temperatures under a relatively low gas pressure of 0.9MPa N_2. The resultant #alpha#-sialon grains showed significantly different features, such as equiaxed, elongated, and even a few extraordinarily large with high aspect ratio grains in the fine matrix, which has rarely been observed in #alpha#' ceramics. It is suggested that the temperature strongly influences the grain morphologies of #alpha#-sialon, playing an important role particularly in the latter stage of the 'nucleation-growth' process. Such a microstructural morphology of mixed with equiaxed and elongated grains toughens the #alpha#-sialon ceramics and leaves them still hard. Overly high temperature treatment leads to the preferential growth of a few #alpha#' grains which become excessively large and long, but ...

57

Implantation damage and anomalous diffusion of implanted boron in silicon through SiO_2 films  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Boron is implanted in crystalline silicon through oxide layers with different thicknesses. The implantation is carried out at various doses and energies of interest in ultra large scale integration (ULSI) application. Rapid thermal annealings (RTA) are used to obtain shallow junctions and electrical activation of the B atoms. However, transient enhanced diffusion induced by implantation damage can be observed. The boron concentration profiles before and after annealing are obtained with secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). It is found that the diffusion transient in the tail region of the boron profile increases with decreasing oxide thickness. Even more, if the implantation damage concerns mostly the oxide, i.e. when the concentration peak is located in this oxide, the oxygen knocked into the silicon substrate could play this way an important role in restricting the boron diffusion, which is good to obtain very shallow junctions. On the ...

58

Implantation damage and anomalous diffusion of implanted boron in silicon through SiO[sub 2] films  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Boron is implanted in crystalline silicon through oxide layers with different thicknesses. The implantation is carried out at various doses and energies of interest in ultra large scale integration (ULSI) application. Rapid thermal annealings (RTA) are used to obtain shallow junctions and electrical activation of the B atoms. However, transient enhanced diffusion induced by implantation damage can be observed. The boron concentration profiles before and after annealing are obtained with secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). It is found that the diffusion transient in the tail region of the boron profile increases with decreasing oxide thickness. Even more, if the implantation damage concerns mostly the oxide, i.e. when the concentration peak is located in this oxide, the oxygen knocked into the silicon substrate could play this way an important role in restricting the boron diffusion, which is good to obtain very shallow junctions. On the ...

1993-07-16

59

Growth of Cr-Nitrides on commercial Ni-Cr and Fe-Cr base alloys to protect PEMFC bipolar plates  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nitridation of Cr-bearing alloys can yield low interfacial contact resistance (ICR), electrically conductive and corrosion-resistant CrN or Cr{sub 2}N base surfaces of interest for a range of electrochemical devices, including fuel cells, batteries, and sensors. This paper presents results of exploratory studies of the nitridation of commercially available, high Cr (30-35 wt%) Ni-Cr alloys and a ferritic high Cr (29 wt%) stainless steel for proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) bipolar plates. A high degree of corrosion resistance in sulfuric acid solutions designed to simulate bipolar plate conditions and low ICR values were achieved. Oxygen impurities in the nitriding environment were observed to play a significant role in the nitrided surface structures that formed, with detrimental effects for the Ni-Cr base alloys, but beneficial effects for the stainless steel alloy. Positive results from single-cell fuel cell testing are also ...

2007-11-15

60

Growth of Cr-Nitrides on Commercial Ni-Cr and Fe-Cr Base Alloys to Protect PEMFC Bipolar Plates  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nitridation of Cr-bearing alloys can yield low interfacial contact resistance (ICR), electrically- conductive and corrosion-resistant CrN or Cr2N base surfaces of interest for a range of electrochemical devices, including fuel cells, batteries, and sensors. This paper presents results of exploratory studies of the nitridation of two high Cr (30-35 wt%) commercially available Ni-Cr alloys and a ferritic high Cr (29 wt.%) stainless steel for proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) bipolar plates. A high degree of corrosion resistance in sulfuric acid solutions designed to simulate bipolar plate conditions and low ICR values were achieved via nitridation. Oxygen impurities in the nitriding environment were observed to play a significant role in the nitrided surface structures that formed, with detrimental effects for the Ni-Cr base alloys, but beneficial effects for the stainless steel alloy. Results of single-cell fuel cell testing are also ...

2007-01-01

61

Enhanced cadmium cytotoxicity in A549 cells with reduced glutathione levels is due to neither enhanced cadmium accumulation nor reduced metallothionein synthesis  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Glutathione (GSH) depletion sensitizes human lung carcinoma (A549-T27) cells to the cytotoxic effects of Cd++. The effects of GSH depletion on Cd++ accumulation and Cd++-induced metallothionein (MT) content were investigated to determine the possible role of these Cd++ responses in the sensitization process. Cellular GSH was depleted to 20% to 25% of control levels with buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), or diethyl maleate (DEM), respectively. Neither treatment significantly affected Cd++-induced accumulation of exogenous 35s-cysteine into intracellular MT in a dose-dependent fashion. The results indicate that neither enhanced Cd++ accumulation nor reduced MT synthesis plays a primary role in affecting enhanced Cd++ cytotoxicity in A549 cells with reduced GSH levels. Although BSO inhibition of GSH synthesis enhanced MT synthesis, it sensitized the cells to Cd++, which suggests an additive effect of GSH and MT in cadmium cytoprotection. This ...

62

Effect of the fabrication process on fatigue performance of U3Si2 fuel plate with sandwich structure  

Science.gov (United States)

U3Si2 Al fuel plate is one of the dispersion fuel structure materials recently developed and widely used in research reactors. The mechanical properties of this structural material, especially the fatigue performance, are strongly dependent on its fabrication process. To investigate the effects of these processing technologies, the fatigue tests for the different specimens were carried out. The S N curves indicate that the fabrication processing technologies of U3Si2 fuel plate, such as the addition of U3Si2 particles into aluminum powder to form the fuel meat, holding and rolling the processes of meat and cladding of 6061-Al alloy, plays an important role in improving the mechanical properties and fatigue performance of this fuel plate. In addition, some factors that influence the crack initiation and propagation are summarized based on the fatigue images that are in situ observations with SEM. The critical criterion for fatigue damage is ...

2005-06-01

63

Development of sialon using Yttria and alumina as additive  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Full text: The production of #beta#-sialon from kaolinite and carbon has been studied using Hulu Langat Kaolin and activated carbon as raw materials. The sintered temperature is shown to play a prominent role in the process of sialon conversion. Apart from temperature, nitrogen flow rate is also affect the production of #beta#--sialon. This study was carried out on the effect of additive, Y_2O_3 and Al_2O_3 at different temperature that will be mixed and sintered. The additives are expected to affect the formation of #beta#--sialon and Y-sialon upon the synthesis. The mineral and phase development was analysed using X-Ray Diffraction technique (Rigaku Geigerflex) while its chemical compositions through X-Ray Fluorescent Spectrophotometer (Shimadzu XRF 1700) and the particle size distribution analysis through Particle Size Analyser (Horiba, CAPA 700). The observed changes in the microstructure were analysed using the Hitachi S2500 Scanning ...

2005-08-16

64

Desorption of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH`s) from calcite and quartz sediments to seawater  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH`s) are ubiquitous hydrophobic organic pollutants in the marine environment. Many of the PAM`s are classified as possible carcinogens or mutagens, therefore they are of considerable concern to human and environmental health. The highest concentrations are found in coastal regions due to anthropogenic activities including oil spills, tanker operations, incomplete fossil fuel combustion and runoff. The sources and distribution of PAM`s in sediments are fairly well known, while the fate and transport of PAH`s in the marine environment are less known. Desorption is an important factor influencing the fate and transport of hydrophobic molecules at the seawater/sediment interface. The desorption of PAH`s from contaminated marine sediments to the water column/pore water affects the availability of the pollutant to biota. The sorption of PAH`s is determined in part by the organic carbon content of the sediments. The presence of dissolved organic carbon ...

1996-12-31

65

Consequences of warm-up of a sector above 80K  

CERN Document Server

There may be circumstances when a sector has to be partially or totally warmed-up to temperatures above 80 K, that is when thermal dilatation starts to play a role. Some equipment have been identify as presenting a risk, like the non-conform "plug-in" modules in the arcs. Because of motion induced by thermal dilatation, the electrical (ElQA) quality control may also have to be done again after cool-down. The main reason identified so far for partial warm-up is the required maintenance of the cooling towers and the cryogenics plants. There is also the request from the vacuum group to periodically warm-up the beam screen to temperatures in the 100 K region to release and pump-out the gas crysorbed on the surface of the beam screen. Observed and expected temperature conditions and statistics on failures of PIMs in sectors which have been warmed-up will be presented in this contribution. Methods to detect buckled PIMs will be described, as well as ...

2009-01-01

66

Annealing and diffusion characteristics of boron-through-oxide implanted silicon  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The author investigates the diffusion and damage-annealing characteristics as a result of boron implantation through a surface oxide into the silicon, a process that is commonly realized in the fabrication of p-n junctions. Defect structures were examined using plan-view and cross-section transmission-electron microscopies. It is shown that recoil-implanted oxygen plays a critical role in determining the above annealing characteristics. For instance, transient-enhanced diffusion of boron, as is widely observed for boron-implanted silicon, does not occur in the case of through-oxide implantation. The initial suppression of the defect-enhanced diffusion lasts for a limited period of time after which enhanced diffusion occurs again. The so-called incubated enhanced diffusion' is characterized as due to recoiled-oxygen precipitation-emitting point defect that enhances boron motion. The incubation time constant, the magnitude for the ...

1991-01-01

67

Annealing and diffusion characteristics of boron-through-oxide implanted silicon  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The author investigates the diffusion and damage-annealing characteristics as a result of boron implantation through a surface oxide into the silicon, a process that is commonly realized in the fabrication of p-n junctions. Defect structures were examined using plan-view and cross-section transmission-electron microscopies. It is shown that recoil-implanted oxygen plays a critical role in determining the above annealing characteristics. For instance, transient-enhanced diffusion of boron, as is widely observed for boron-implanted silicon, does not occur in the case of through-oxide implantation. The initial suppression of the defect-enhanced diffusion lasts for a limited period of time after which enhanced diffusion occurs again. The so-called incubated enhanced diffusion' is characterized as due to recoiled-oxygen precipitation-emitting point defect that enhances boron motion. The incubation time constant, the magnitude for the enhanced ...

68

A reassessment of the function of floral nectar in Croton suberosus (Euphorbiaceae): A reward for plant defenders and pollinators.  

Science.gov (United States)

Typically, plant-pollinator interactions are recognized as mutualistic relationships. Flower visitors, however, can potentially play multiple roles. The floral nectar in Croton suberosus has been proposed to operate as a reward for predators, especially the wasp Polistes instabilis (Vespidae), which kills herbivorous insects, while the plant has been thought to be mainly wind-pollinated. In this study, we reassessed the pollination mode of C. suberosus and the possible role of its flower visitors. Pollinator exclusion experiments demonstrated that C. suberosus should be considered a strictly entomophilous species. Inflorescences of C. suberosus were visited by a diverse entomofauna involving 28 taxa belonging to six orders; however, wasps and bees were the only visitors that carried C. suberosus pollen. The visitation rate of wasps was approximately four times that of bees. This observation, combined with the fact that the small size of bees ...

2010-03-11

69

#gamma##gamma# Cross-sections and #gamma##gamma# colliders  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

We summarize the predictions of different models for total #gamma##gamma# cross-sections. The experimentally observed rise of #sigma#_#gamma#_#gamma# with s radical _#gamma#_#gamma#, faster than that for #sigma#_p_-_b_a_r_p, #sigma#_#gamma#_p is in agreement with the predictions of the Eikonalized Minijet Models as opposed to those of the Regge-Pomeron models. We then show that a measurement of #sigma#_#gamma#_#gamma# with an accuracy of < or approx. 8-9% (6-7%) is necessary to distinguish among different Regge-Pomeron type models (the different parameterisations of the EMM models) and a precision of < or approx. 20% is required to distinguish the predictions of the EMMs and of those models which treat 'photon like a proton', for the energy range 300< s radical_#gamma#_#gamma# <500 GeV. We further show that the difference in model predictions for #sigma#_#gamma#_#gamma# of about a factor 2 at s radical _#gamma#_#gamma# = 700 GeV reduces to #approx# 30% ...

2001-10-11

70

Pharmacologic interventions in aging hair  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The appearance of hair plays an important role in people’s overall physical appearance and self-perception. With today’s increasing life-expectations, the desire to look youthful plays...Full Text Available

2006-06-01

71

Aerosol composition, chemistry, and source characterization during the 2008 VOCALS Experiment  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Chemical composition of fine aerosol particles over the northern Chilean coastal waters was determined onboard the U.S. DOE G-1 aircraft during the VOCALS (VAMOS Ocean-Cloud-Atmosphere-Land Study) field campaign between October 16 and November 15, 2008. SO42-, NO3-, NH4+, and total organics (Org) were determined using an Aerodyne Aerosol Mass Spectrometer, and SO42-, NO3-, NH4+, Na+, Cl-, CH3SO3-, Mg2+, Ca2+, and K+ were determined using a particle-into-liquid sampler-ion chromatography technique. The results show the marine boundary layer (MBL) aerosol mass was dominated by non- sea-salt SO42- followed by Na+, Cl-, Org, NO3-, and NH4+, in decreasing importance; CH3SO3-, Ca2+, and K+ rarely exceeded their respective limits of detection. The SO42- aerosols were strongly acidic as the equivalent NH4+ to SO42- ratio was only ~0.25 on average. NaCl particles, presumably of sea-salt origin, showed chloride deficits but retained Cl- typically more than half the equivalency of Na+, and are ...

2010-03-15

72

Healthy Nutrition: Breastfeeding  

Medline Plus

... Dynamics Media Work & Play Health Issues Conditions Abdominal ADHD Allergies & Asthma Chest & Lungs Chronic Conditions Developmental Disabilities ...

73

Responses of hybrid poplar clones and red maple seedlings to ambient O_3 under differing light within a mixed hardwood forest  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The responses of ramets of hybrid poplar (Populus spp.) (HP) clones NE388 and NE359, and seedlings of red maple (Acer rubrum, L.) to ambient ozone (O_3) were studied during May-September of 2000 and 2001 under natural forest conditions and differing natural sunlight exposures (sun, partial shade and full shade). Ambient O_3 concentrations at the study site reached hourly peaks of 109 and 98 ppb in 2000 and 2001, respectively. Monthly 12-h average O_3 concentrations ranged from 32.3 to 52.9 ppb. Weekly 12-h average photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) within the sun, partial shade and full shade plots ranged from 200 to 750, 50 to 180, and 25 to 75 #mu#mol m"-"2 s"-"1, respectively. Ambient O_3 exposure induced visible foliar symptoms on HP NE388 and NE359 in both growing seasons, with more severe injury observed on NE388 than on NE359. Slight foliar symptoms were observed on red maple seedlings during the 2001growing season. Percentage of ...

2004-07-01

74

Scope and construction of a gas and oil atlas series of the Gulf of Mexico: Examples from Texas offshore lower Miocene plays  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

An atlas series about the offshore northern Gulf of Mexico will group gas and oil reservoirs into subregional plays and will display reservoir data on a computerized geographical information system. The atlas series will provide critically compiled reservoir engineering data to help the private sector explore and develop hydrocarbons and to help the public sector analyze the hydrocarbon endowment in this basin. In this report, we cover aspects of the play-analysis procedure and provide specific examples of lower Miocene plays from the upper Texas coast and Federal Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). Play analysis emphasizes using broad classes of structural style, depositional style and environments, and defining attributes to group reservoirs into plays. To date, we have identified 4 Oligocene and 25 Miocene plays in Texas State offshore waters and 115 ...

1994-12-31

75

Tropospheric nitrogen oxide measurements at Barrow, Alaska  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nitrogen oxides play a critical role in the chemistry of the atmosphere and indirectly influence global warming through the production of ozone. At Barrow, Alaska, the NOAA long-term surface ozone record indicates an increase of about 2% per year during the summer months. Since NO_x (NO+NO_2) concentrations above about 30 ppt (parts per trillion) result in net ozone production in the presence of sunlight, the authors propose that the observed Barrow surface ozone increase is related to anthropogenic nitrogen oxide emissions. A high-sensitivity chemiluminescent instrument for measurements of nitrogen oxides has been built to test this hypothesis. Measurement campaigns have been conducted during summer 1988 and spring 1989, and are continuing during spring and summer 1990. Periods during which the NOV concentrations measured at the GMCC site were unaffected by local (Barrow) emissions were selected from the data record. ...

1991-12-01

76

Survey and analysis of simple sequence repeats in the Laccaria bicolor genome, with development of microsatellite markers  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

It is becoming clear that simple sequence repeats (SSRs) play a significant role in fungal genome organization, and they are a large source of genetic markers for population genetics and meiotic maps. We identified SSRs in the Laccaria bicolor genome by in silico survey and analyzed their distribution in the different genomic regions. We also compared the abundance and distribution of SSRs in L. bicolor with those of the following fungal genomes: Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Coprinopsis cinerea, Ustilago maydis, Cryptococcus neoformans, Aspergillus nidulans, Magnaporthe grisea, Neurospora crassa and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Using the MISA computer program, we detected 277,062 SSRs in the L. bicolor genome representing 8% of the assembled genomic sequence. Among the analyzed basidiomycetes, L. bicolor exhibited the highest SSR density although no correlation between relative abundance and the genome sizes was observed. In most genomes the short ...

2011-01-01

77

PROBING THE ORIGINS OF THE C IV AND Fe K? BALDWIN EFFECTS  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

We use UV/optical and X-ray observations of 272 radio-quiet Type 1 active galactic nuclei and quasars to investigate the C IV Baldwin Effect (BEff). The UV/optical spectra are drawn from the Hubble Space Telescope, International Ultraviolet Explorer and Sloan Digital Sky Survey archives. The X-ray spectra are from the Chandra and XMM-Newton archives. We apply correlation and partial-correlation analyses to the equivalent widths (EWs), continuum monochromatic luminosities, and ?ox, which characterizes the relative X-ray to UV brightness. The EW of the C IV ?1549 emission line is correlated with both ?ox and luminosity. We find that by regressing l?(2500 A) with EW(C IV) and ?ox, we can obtain tighter correlations than by regressing l?(2500 A) with only EW(C IV). Both correlation and regression analyses imply that l?(2500 A) is not the only factor controlling the changes of EW(C IV); ?ox (or, equivalently, the soft X-ray emission) plays a ...

2009-09-01

78

Nanoelectrospray high capacity ion trap multiple stage mass spectrometry for the structural analysis of human brain gangliosides  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Full text: A novel protocol based on electrospray ionization (ESI) multiple stage high capacity ion trap (HCT) mass spectrometry (MS) was developed for glycosphingolipidomic surveys. The method was optimized for detailed structural elucidation of human brain gangliosides and particularly applied to human hippocampus-associated structures. The multiple stage MS experiments allowed for a complete structural characterization of GM1 ganglioside species, which was achieved by elucidation of the oligosaccharide sequence, identification of the GM1 a structural isomer from the data upon sialic acid localization along the sugar backbone and determination of the d18:1/18:0 of fatty acid/sphingoid base composition of the ceramide moiety. The methodology developed here is of general practical applicability for glycolipids and represents a step forward in the implementation of the advanced and most modern MS methods in glycomics. Gangliosides are glycosphingolipids, which consist of a mono- to ...

2006-10-25

79

Mechanical properties and corrosion behavior of materials exposed to an experimental, atmospheric fluidized-bed combustor  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A joint materials test program developed by the Institute for Mining and Minerals Research (IMMR) and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) involved the postexposure mechanical properties and corrosion behavior of candidate structural materials in an experimental, atmospheric fluidized-bed combustor (AFBC). This combustor was operated by Accurex Corporation at Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, under the direction of TVA. The materials studied were Type 304, Type 310, and INCOLOY alloy 800 in the form of disc coupons with and without crevice configurations. Type 304 was also used for mechanical property measurements. The alloys were exposed to the combustor environment at about840/sup 0/C for approximately 330 hours. The ranking in terms of decreasing weight loss was: (1) Type 304, (2) Type 310, and (3) INCOLOY alloy 800. The presence of tight crevices did not enhance the corrosion rate. In addition, the corrosion rates, based on the weight loss (typically 1 to 6 mpy), indicated ...

1984-06-01

80

Large orbital magnetic moment and its quenching in the itinerant uranium intermetallic compounds UTGa_5 (T=Ni, Pd, Pt)  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The crystal structure, lattice strain due to the antiferromagnetic ordering, and magnetic form factor in the itinerant 5f compounds UTGa_5 (T=Ni, Pd, Pt) have been studied by neutron scattering. High-resolution powder diffraction revealed that the tetragonality of the U-Ga layers increases down to the series of the transition metal element T. The integrated intensities of the antiferromagnetic reflections can be well explained with the Neel-type structure for UNiGa_5, whereas UPtGa_5 has the antiferromagnetic stacking of the ferromagnetically ordered uranium moments in the c plane. In both compounds the uranium moments orient along the c axis with moments of 0.75(5) and 0.32(5) #mu#_B for UNiGa_5 and UPtGa_5, respectively. No magnetic peak could be observed in the powder diffraction pattern of UPdGa_5 due to the small magnetic moment less than the experimental sensitivity. The orbital contributions in the magnetic form factor are reduced from the free-ion value, ...

2003-12-01

81

Initiation of ecton processes by interaction of a plasma with a microprotrusion on a metal surface  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Evolution of rapid (?10 ns) Ohmic overheating of a microprotrusion on a surface in contact with a plasma by emission current is studied taking into account the energy carried by plasma ions and electrons, as well as Ohmic heating, emissive source of energy release (Nottingham effect), and heat removal due to heat conduction. Plasma parameters were considered in the range of n = 1014-1020 cm-3 and Te = 0.1 eV-10 keV. The threshold value of energy transferred to the surface from the plasma is found to be 200 MW/cm2; above this value, heating becomes explosive (namely, an increase in the temperature growth rate (?2T/?t2 > 0) and in passing current (?J/?t > 0) is observed in the final stage at T ? 104 K and j ? 108 A/cm2). In spite of the fact that Ohmic heating does not play any significant role for plasmas with a density lower than 10 18 cm-3 because the current is limited by the space charge of electrons, rapid overheating of top of ...

2008-12-01

82

Inhalation of tobacco smoke induces increased proliferation of urinary bladder epithelium and endothelium in female C57BL/6 mice  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cigarette smoking is the major environmental risk factor for bladder cancer in humans. Aromatic amines, potent DNA-reactive bladder carcinogens present in cigarette smoke, contribute significantly. However, increased cell proliferation, caused by direct mitogenesis or in response to cytotoxicity, may also play a role since urothelial hyperplasia has been observed in human cigarette smokers. We examined the urothelial effects of cigarette smoke (whole body inhalation exposure (Teague) system) in female C57BL/6 mice at various times in two studies, including reversibility evaluations. In both studies, no urothelial hyperplasia was observed by light microscopy in any group. However, in study 1, the Ki-67 labeling index (LI) of the urothelium was significantly increased in the smoke exposed group compared to controls through 3 months, but was not present at 6, 9 or 12 months even with continued exposures. In the groups that ...

2007-11-20

83

Effect of grain boundary microstructures of brittle fracture in polycrystalline molybdenum  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Superplasticity can be generally achieved by grain boundary sliding (GBS). The GBS in polycrystalline materials sometimes accompanies with intergranular fracture because of stress concentrations at triple points and/or GB irregularities. To develop the superplastic flow, it is necessary to suppress the intergranular cracking. In the present study, therefore, polycrystalline molybdenum with distinct GB microstructures, such as grain boundary character distribution (GBCD), has been employed to clarify the relationship between fracture behaviour and GB microstructures. Microstructures were analyzed using a FE-SEM/EBSP/OIM system prior to 4-points bending tests at 77K, thereafter, crack propagation was observed. The main results obtained are as follows. Stress fluctuations on stress - strain curves were observed for specimens with random oriented grains, whereas such behaviour rarely occurred for ones with textured grains. Difference in the ...

1999-07-01

84

Alterations in heart looping induced by overexpression of the tight junction protein Claudin-1 are dependent on its C-terminal cytoplasmic tail.  

Science.gov (United States)

In vertebrates, the positioning of the internal organs relative to the midline is asymmetric and evolutionarily conserved. A number of molecules have been shown to play critical roles in left-right patterning. Using representational difference analysis to identify genes that are differentially expressed on the left and right sides of the chick embryo, we cloned chick Claudin-1, an integral component of epithelial tight junctions. Here, we demonstrate that retroviral overexpression of Claudin-1, but not Claudin-3, on the right side of the chick embryo between HH stages 4 and 7 randomizes the direction of heart looping. This effect was not observed when Claudin-1 was overexpressed on the left side of the embryo. A small, but reproducible, induction of Nodal expression in the perinodal region on the right side of the embryo was noted in embryos that were injected with Claudin-1 retroviral particles on their right sides. However, no changes in ...

2006-02-24

85

Analysis of the role of the planetary boundary layer schemes during a severe convective storm  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The role played by planetary boundary layer (PBL) in the development and evolution of a severe convective storm is studied by means of meso-scale modeling and surface and upper air observations. The severe convective precipitation event that occurred on 14 September 1999 in the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula was simulated by means of the mesoscale model MM5 (version 3) using three different PBL schemes. The numerical results show a large impact of the PBL schemes on the precipitation fields associated to the convective storm. The schemes are based on different physical assumptions: the nonlocal first order medium-range forecast (MRF) and blackadar (BLA) scheme and the local, one-and-a-half order ETA scheme. Surface and radar observations are used to validate the model results. The comparison focuses on three aspects: the evolution, the spatial distribution and the 24-h accumulated precipitation. The comparison with rain ...

2004-07-01

86

Vitamin D and respiratory health  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Vitamin D is now known to be of physiological importance outside of bone health and calcium homeostasis, and there is mounting evidence that it plays a beneficial role in the prevention and/or treatment...Full Text Available

2009-10-01

87

Variability in Melanoma Metalloproteinase Expression Profiling  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The proteolytic activities of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM); a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS), and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) families play important...Full Text Available

2010-12-01

88

Tony Curtis obituary | Film | The Guardian  

Wastenet

... Second, in drag as a member of the all-girl band which provides his camouflage. And last as a fake oil millionaire - out to seduce Marilyn - played as a wonderful homage to Cary Grant. \\

89

Regulatory T cells in human disease and their potential for therapeutic manipulation  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Regulatory T cells are proposed to play a central role in the maintenance of immunological tolerance in the periphery, and studies in many animal models demonstrate their capacity to inhibit inflammatory...Full Text Available

2006-05-01

90

Prosocial effects of nicotine and ethanol in adolescent rats through partially dissociable neurobehavioral mechanisms  

Science.gov (United States)

The widespread use of tobacco and alcohol among adolescents might be related to the ability of nicotine and ethanol to facilitate social interactions. To investigate the neurobehavioral mechanisms underlying the prosocial effects of nicotine and ethanol, we focused on social play behavior, the most characteristic social activity in adolescent rats. Social play behavior is rewarding, and it is modulated through opioid, cannabinoid and dopaminergic neurotransmission, which are also involved in the reinforcing properties of nicotine and ethanol. We found that nicotine and ethanol increased social play, without affecting locomotion or social exploration. Their effects depended on the level of social activity of the partner, and were comparable in familiar and unfamiliar environments. At doses that increased social play, nicotine and ethanol had no anxiolytic effects in the elevated plus-maze. By contrast, ...

2009-08-05

91

Polyphenols and Aging  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Age-associated changes within an individual are inherently complex and occur at multiple levels of organismal function. The overall decline in function of various tissues is known to play a...Full Text Available

2010-02-01

92

Osseointegration of zirconia implants compared with titanium: an in vivo study  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundTitanium and titanium alloys are widely used for fabrication of dental implants. Since the material composition and the surface topography of a biomaterial play a fundamental...Full Text Available

93

Nascent Aneurysm Formation at the Basilar Terminus Induced by Hemodynamics  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Background and PurposeHemodynamic insults at arterial bifurcations are hypothesized to play a key role in intracranial aneurysm formation. This study investigates...Full Text Available

2008-07-01

94

Environmental chemical-induced macrophage dysfunction.  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Immunomodulation by environmental chemical contaminants and the role immune parameters play in toxicity and risk assessment studies is of increasing concern. Although considerable evidence has indicated...Full Text Available

1981-06-01

95

Do Dreissenid Mussels Affect Lake Erie Ecosystem Stability Processes?  

Science.gov (United States)

... associated with non-reporting of phosphorus input from combined sewer overflow discharge all could potentially play a part in ... ...

96

Distinct sensory representations of wind and near-field sound in the Drosophila brain  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Behavioral responses to wind are thought to play a critical role in controlling the dispersal and population genetics of wild Drosophila species1,Full Text Available

2009-03-12

97

Deforestation Plays Critical Climate Change Role - NASA Earth ...  

Science.gov (United States)

May 11, 2007 ... "Deforestation in the tropics accounts for nearly 20 per cent of carbon emissions due to human activities," Dr. Canadell says. ...

98

CERN scientists confront data deluge  

CERN Multimedia

The next generation of particle accelerator is currently being designed at CERN. An understanding of the market forces in the computer industry will play a crucial role in the success of the project.

1998-01-01

99

Approaches to the evaluation of chemical-induced immunotoxicity.  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The immune system plays a crucial role in maintaining health; however, accumulating evidence indicates that this system can be the target for immunotoxic effects caused by a variety of chemicals including...Full Text Available

1995-12-01

100

Antioxidents and the costs of egg production: Studies in the Green Turtle (Chelonoa mydas)  

Environmental Research Database

DescriptionThis Studentship will focus on the implications of material nutrition and health for reproduction in green turtles, and specifically the role played by dietary carotenoids.

2009-01-30

101

AEC syndrome - Genetics Home Reference  

Science.gov (United States)

What genes are related to AEC syndrome? AEC syndrome is caused by mutations in the TP63 gene. This gene provides instructions for making a protein known as p63, which plays an...

2011-10-15

102

A playmate robot system for playing the rock-paper-scissors game with humans  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

We have developed a playmate robot system for playing the rock-paper-scissors game with humans. The playmate robot recognizes the hand motions of a human using image processing without attaching any additional units to the human. The playmate robot system consists of three parts: a game management part, a hand motion recognition part, and a robot hand control part. The system functions as follows. (1) Before the game is played, the game management part decides on the motion of the robot hand from amongst rock, paper, and scissors. After the game is played, the robot develops a reaction using speech and facial expressions depending on the result of the game. (2) The hand motion recognition part recognizes the hand motion of the human. It does not use any additional units on the human?s body...

2011-01-01

103

{gamma}{gamma} Cross-sections and {gamma}{gamma} colliders  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We summarize the predictions of different models for total {gamma}{gamma} cross-sections. The experimentally observed rise of {sigma}{sub {gamma}}{sub {gamma}} with s radical {sub {gamma}}{sub {gamma}}, faster than that for {sigma}{sub p-barp}, {sigma}{sub {gamma}}{sub p} is in agreement with the predictions of the Eikonalized Minijet Models as opposed to those of the Regge-Pomeron models. We then show that a measurement of {sigma}{sub {gamma}}{sub {gamma}} with an accuracy of < or approx. 8-9% (6-7%) is necessary to distinguish among different Regge-Pomeron type models (the different parameterisations of the EMM models) and a precision of < or approx. 20% is required to distinguish the predictions of the EMMs and of those models which treat 'photon like a proton', for the energy range 300< s radical{sub {gamma}}{sub {gamma}} <500 GeV. We further show that the difference in model predictions for {sigma}{sub {gamma}}{sub ...

2001-10-11

104

Thermal energy storage performance of fatty acids as a phase change material  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Thermal energy storage performance of fatty acids and a eutectic mixture as phase change materials (PCMs) has been investigated experimentally. The selected PCMs for this study were palmitic acid, myristic acid, stearic acid, and a mixture of stearic and myristic acids in eutectic combination ratio of 65.7 wt% myristic acid and 34.3 wt% stearic acid. The PCMs have a melting temperature range of 50.0{sup o}C to 61.20{sup o}C and a latent heat range of 162.0 J/g to 204.5 J/g. The inlet temperature and the mass flow rate of heat transfer fluid (HTF) were selected as experimental parameters to test the thermal energy storage performance of the PCMs. The transition times, temperature range, propagation of the solid-liquid interface, as well as heat flow rate characteristics of the employed cylindrical tube storage system were studied at varied experimental parameters. The experimental results show that the melting front moves to inward in the radial directions as well as in the axial ...

2006-01-21

105

The effect of local circulations on the variation of atmospheric pollutants in the northwestern Taiwan  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A field experiment was held in the northwestern Taiwan as a part of a long-term research program for studying Taiwan`s local circulation. The program has been named as Taiwan Regional-circulation Experiment (TREX). The particular goal of this research is to investigate characteristics of boundary layer and local Circulation and their impact on the distribution and Variation of pollutants in the northwestern Taiwan during Mei-Yu season. It has been known for quite sometime that land-sea breeze is very pronounced under hot and humid conditions. Extensive network includes 11 pilot ballon stations, 3 acoustic sounding sites, and 14 surface stations in about 20 km by 20 km area centered at National Central University, Chung-Li. In addition, there are ground temperature measurements at 3 sites, Integrated Sounding System (ISS) at NCU, air plane observation, tracer experiment with 10 collecting stations, 3 background upper-air sounding stations, 2 towers etc. NOAA and GMS ...

1996-12-31

106

The creep and intergranular cracking behavior of Ni-Cr-Fe-C alloys in 360 degree C water  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mechanical testing of controlled-purity Ni-xCr-9Fe-yC alloys at 360 C revealed an environmental enhancement in IG cracking and time-dependent deformation in high purity and primary water over that exhibited in argon. Dimples on the IG facets indicate a creep void nucleation and growth failure mode. IG cracking was primarily located at the interior of the specimen and not necessarily linked to direct contact with the environment. Controlled potential CERT experiments showed increases in IG cracking as the applied potential decreased, suggesting that hydrogen is detrimental to the mechanical properties. It is proposed that the environment, through the presence of hydrogen, enhances IG cracking by enhancing the matrix dislocation mobility. This is based on observations that dislocation-controlled creep controls the IG cracking of controlled-purity Ni-xCr-9Fe-yC in argon at 360 C and grain boundary cavitation and sliding results that show the environmental enhancement ...

1995-03-26

107

Study of implantation damage in germanium formed using Ga"+ FIB  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Full text: It is known that the ion implantation of germanium single crystals at room temperature results in drastic alteration of the germanium surface and the formation of cellular relief. Voids were found into the near-surface damage layer. The intersection of these voids with the germanium surface, as result of sputter etching, forms cellular relief. However, exact mechanism responsible for formation of the voids is not known. A 10 and 30 keV Ga"+ irradiation of Ge #left brace#100#right brace# crystal at room temperature was carried out using a focused ion beam (FIB) system with a dose in the range 0.5x10"1"2 to 1.5x10"1"4 ion/cm"2. The topology of the modified germanium surface and the structure of the radiation damage was studied using imaging facilities of the FIB systems and transmission electron microscopy. The strong cellular structure of Ge was observed after an ion dose of 3x10"1"3 ion/cm"2. High-resolution TEM showed a complex structure of the ...

108

Overall analysis of the cost key factors for the nuclear energy  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

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

1996-10-02

109

Optimization of amide-based inhibitors of soluble epoxide hydrolase with improved water solubility.  

Science.gov (United States)

Soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) plays an important role in the metabolism of endogenous chemical mediators involved in the regulation of blood pressure and inflammation. 1,3-Disubstituted ureas with a polar group located on the fifth atom from the carbonyl group of urea function are active inhibitors of sEH both in vitro and in vivo. However, their limited solubility in water and relatively high melting point lead to difficulties in formulating the compounds and poor in vivo efficacy. To improve these physical properties, the effect of structural modification of the urea pharmacophore on the inhibition potencies, water solubilities, octanol/water partition coefficients (log P), and melting points of a series of compounds was evaluated. For murine sEH, no loss of inhibition potency was observed when the urea pharmacophore was modified to an amide function, while for human sEH 2.5-fold decreased inhibition was obtained in the amide compounds. In ...

2005-05-19

110

On foundation of the generalized Nambu mechanics  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

We outline basic principles of a canonical formalism for the Nambu mechanics - a generalization of Hamiltonian mechanics proposed by Yoichiro Nambu in 1973. It is based on the notion of a Nambu bracket, which generalizes the Poisson bracket - a 'binary'' operation on classical observables on the phase space - to the 'multiple' operation of higher order n#>=#3. Nambu dynamics is described by the phase flow given by Nambu-Hamilton equations of motion - a system of ODE's which involves n-1 'Hamiltonians'. We introduce the fundamental identity for the Nambu bracket - a generalization of the Jacobi identity - as a consistency condition for the dynamics. We show that Nambu bracket structure defines a hierarchy of infinite families of 'subordinated' structures of lower order, including Poisson bracket structure, which satisfy certain matching conditions. The notion of Nambu bracket enables us to define Nambu-Poisson manifolds - phase spaces for the Nambu mechanics, ...

111

Localisation of the neuropeptide PACAP and its receptors in the rat parathyroid and thyroid glands.  

Science.gov (United States)

PACAP (pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide) is widely distributed neuropeptide acting via three subtypes of receptors, PAC(1), VPAC(1) and VPAC(2). Here we examined the localisation and nature of PACAP-immunoreactive nerves in the rat thyroid and parathyroid glands and defined the distribution of PAC(1), VPAC(1) and VPAC(2) receptor mRNA's. In the parathyroid gland a large number of nerve fibres displaying PACAP-immunoreactivity were distributed beneath the capsule, around blood vessels and close to glandular cells. Most of the PACAP-nerves were sensory, since they co-stored CGRP (calcitonin-gene-related peptide) and were sensitive to capsaicin-treatment. mRNA's for PAC(1) and VPAC(2) receptors occurred in the parathyroid gland, mainly located in the glandular cells. In the thyroid gland PACAP-immunoreactive nerve fibres were associated with blood vessels, thyroid follicles and parafollicular C-cells. A high degree of co-existence between PACAP and VIP (vasoactive ...

2010-12-19

112

IL-4/Stat6 activities correlate with apoptosis and metastasis in colon cancer cells  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

IL-4-induced Stat6 signaling is active in a variety of cell types and plays a role in cell proliferation/growth and resistance to apoptosis. Using EMSA, we identified differential IL-4/Stat6 activities in colorectal cancer cell lines, HT-29 being active Stat6"h"i"g"h phenotype and Caco-2 being defective Stat6"n"u"l"l phenotype, respectively. Active Stat6"h"i"g"h HT-29 cells exhibited resistance to apoptosis by flowcytometry and aggressive metastasis by Transwell assay compared with defective Stat6"n"u"l"l Caco-2 cells. Comparing one another using RT-PCR, Stat6"h"i"g"h HT-29 cells expressed more mRNA of anti-apoptotic and pro-metastatic genes Survivin, MDM2, and TMPRSS4, while Stat6"n"u"l"l Caco-2 cells expressed more mRNA of pro-apoptotic and anti-metastatic genes BAX, CAV1, and P53, respectively. This is the first study describing correlations of IL-4/Stat6 activities with apoptosis and metastasis in colon cancer. These findings, together with the ...

2008-05-02

113

Effect of transforming growth factor beta on synthesis of glycosaminoglycans by human lung fibroblasts  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The processes of lung growth, injury, and repair are characterized by alterations in fibroblast synthesis and interstitial distribution of extracellular matrix components. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), which is postulated to play a role in modulating lung repair, alters the distribution of several matrix components such as collagen and fibronectin. We studied the effect of TGF-beta on the synthesis and distribution of the various glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and whether these effects may explain its role in lung repair. Human diploid lung fibroblasts (IMR-90) were exposed to various concentrations of TGF-beta (0-5 nM) for variable periods of time (0-18 h). Newly synthesized GAGs were labeled with either (3H)glucosamine or (35S)sulfate. Individual GAGs were separated by size exclusion chromatography after serial enzymatic and chemical digestions and quantitated using scintillation counting. There was a dose-dependent increase in total GAG synthesis with ...

1990-09-01

114

Dependence of mobility on shallow localized gap states in single-crystal organic field-effect-transistors  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In order to optimize the performance of molecular organic electronic devices it is important to study the intermolecular density of states and charge transport mechanisms in the environment of crystalline organic material. Using this approach in Field Effect Transistors (FETs) we show that material purification improves carrier mobility and decreases density of the deep localized electronic state. We also report a general exponential energy dependence of the density of localized states in a vicinity of the mobility edge (Fermi energies up to approx7 times higher than the thermal energy (kT)) in a variety of the extensively purified molecular organic crystal FETs. This observation and the low activation energy of the order of approxkT suggest that molecular structural misplacements of the sizes that are comparable with thermal molecular modes rather than impurity deep traps play a role in formation of these shallow states. We find that the ...

2009-12-15

115

Defect engineering via ion implantation to control B diffusion in Si  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The processes which are currently studied in the fabrication of B-doped ultra shallow junctions (USJ) usually involve a preamorphization step to reduce B channelling effect during implantation and to improve B electrical activation. At this stage a high amount of Si interstitial atoms (Is), which dramatically increases the B diffusivity, is introduced. The introduction of voids in Si is a promising tool to control B transient enhanced diffusion (TED), because of their ability to capture Is. In this work the efficiency of a cavity band to reduce B TED is checked in silicon interstitial supersaturation conditions, obtained by high dose Si implantation. He is implanted either at 10 keV or at 50 keV with a fluence of 5 x 10"1"6 cm"-"2. Conventional techniques to introduce and activate the B (conventional ion implantation and rapid thermal annealing (RTA)) are applied in order to have a better control of the technological process to focus on the benefit of the cavity layer. The samples were ...

2009-03-15

116

Cosmological condensation of scalar fields: Making a dark energy  

Science.gov (United States)

Our Universe is ruled by quantum mechanics and its extension quantum field theory. However, the explanations for a number of cosmological phenomena such as inflation, dark energy, symmetry breakings, and phase transitions need the presence of classical scalar fields. Although the process of condensation of scalar fields in the lab is fairly well understood, the extension of results to a cosmological context is not trivial. Here we investigate the formation of a condensate--a classical scalar field--after reheating of the Universe. We assume a light quantum scalar field produced by the decay of a heavy particle, which for simplicity is assumed to be another scalar. We show that during the radiation domination epoch under certain conditions, the decay of the heavy particle alone is sufficient for the production of a condensate. This process is very similar to preheating--the exponential particle production at the end of inflation. During the matter domination epoch when the expansion of ...

2010-05-15

117

An in vitro model to test relative antioxidant potential: Ultraviolet-induced lipid peroxidation in liposomes  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Since antioxidants have been shown to play a major role in preventing some of the effects of aging and photoaging in skin, it is important to study this phenomenon in a controlled manner. This was accomplished by developing a simple and reliable in vitro technique to assay antioxidant efficacy. Inhibition of peroxidation by antioxidants was used as a measure of relative antioxidant potential. Liposomes, high in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), were dispersed in buffer and irradiated with ultraviolet (UV) light. Irradiated liposomes exhibited a significantly higher amount of hydroperoxides than liposomes containing antioxidants in a dose- and concentration-dependent manner. Lipid peroxidation was determined spectrophotometrically by an increase in thiobarbituric acid reacting substances. To further substantiate the production of lipid peroxides, gas chromatography was used to measure a decrease in PUFA substrate. In order of decreasing antioxidant effectiveness, ...

118

A simple template-free approach to TiO2 hollow spheres with enhanced photocatalytic activity.  

Science.gov (United States)

Mesporous anatase-phase TiO(2) hollow spheres with high photocatalytic activity were prepared by hydrothermal treatment and self-transformation of amorphous TiO(2) solid spheres in an NH(4)F aqueous solution. The prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, N(2) adsorption-desorption isotherms and UV-vis absorption spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by photocatalytic oxidation decomposition of acetone in air under UV irradiation. It is found that F(-) plays an essential role in the formation of TiO(2) hollow spheres. F(-) not only induces the hollowing of TiO(2) solid spheres, but also promotes the crystallization of anatase TiO(2) nanocrystals. A possible formation mechanism for the TiO(2) hollow spheres by localized Ostwald ripening or chemically induced self-transformation is proposed based on the experimental observations. ...

2010-05-27

119

Transient optical and electrical effects in polymeric semiconductors  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Classical semiconductor physics has been continuously improving electronic components such as diodes, light-emitting diodes, solar cells and transistors based on highly purified inorganic crystals over the past decades. Organic semiconductors, notably polymeric, are a comparatively young field of research, the first light-emitting diode based on conjugated polymers having been demonstrated in 1990. Polymeric semiconductors are of tremendous interest for high-volume, low-cost manufacturing (''printed electronics''). Due to their rather simple device structure mostly comprising only one or two functional layers, polymeric diodes are much more difficult to optimize compared to small-molecular organic devices. Usually, functions such as charge injection and transport are handled by the same material which thus needs to be highly optimized. The present work contributes to expanding the knowledge on the physical mechanisms determining device performance by ...

2009-05-28

120

Biogenic iron oxyhydroxide formation at mid-ocean ridge hydrothermal vents: Juan de Fuca Ridge  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Here we examine Fe speciation within Fe-encrusted biofilms formed during 2-month seafloor incubations of sulfide mineral assemblages at the Main Endeavor Segment of the Juan de Fuca Ridge. The biofilms were distributed heterogeneously across the surface of the incubated sulfide and composed primarily of particles with a twisted stalk morphology resembling those produced by some aerobic Fe-oxidizing microorganisms. Our objectives were to determine the form of biofilm-associated Fe, and identify the sulfide minerals associated with microbial growth. We used micro-focused synchrotron-radiation X-ray fluorescence mapping (mu XRF), X-ray absorption spectroscopy (mu EXAFS), and X-ray diffraction (mu XRD) in conjunction with focused ion beam (FIB) sectioning, and highresolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The chemical and mineralogical composition of an Fe-encrusted biofilm was queried at different spatial scales, and the spatial relationship between primary sulfide and ...

2008-05-22

122

Trends and Controls on Summer Surface-Water Temperatures in Salmonid-Bearing Headwater Streams in Two Common Geomorphic Settings, Kenai Peninsula, Alaska  

Science.gov (United States)

Stream temperature is an important physical characteristic of headwater streams that plays a critical role in the presence and health of juvenile salmonids. Headwater stream temperature was documented in two geomorphic settings on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, focusing on the variation in temperature induced by diffuse groundwater discharge and variable air temperature. Eighteen headwater stream reaches were studied in four watersheds, with 11 drainageway sites and seven discharge-slope sites. In drainageway sites, low-gradient streams flow through broad valleys with groundwater-fed fen wetlands; in discharge-slope sites, high-gradient streams flow through narrow valleys with groundwater-fed slope wetlands. At all 18 sites, hourly stream temperatures were measured for one year. At one drainageway and one discharge-slope site, groundwater temperatures, stream stages, and groundwater heads in the local groundwater flow systems were also measured hourly for a year. A ...

2010-12-01

123

Present conditions in Greenland and the Kangerlussuaq area  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Greenland is the world's largest island, with an area of 2.2 million square kilometres, 80 % of which is covered by the ice sheet. The climate is Arctic, but as Greenland stretches 2600 km from north to south, there is a huge variability in climate, with temperature decreasing from south to north. Due to the influence of oceanic currents, the west coast is slightly warmer than the east coast. Precipitation also decreases strongly from the south to the north, and also with distance from the coast. Kangerlussuaq is located in the dry, continental area of central west Greenland. The bedrock of Greenland is dominated by Precambrian gneisses, with sedimentary rocks occurring in some areas of East and North Greenland, and smaller areas of basalts. All of Greenland has been glaciated several times and has thus been eroded and shaped by the ice, as it still is at the ice margin. Soils are generally thin, and especially in the gneiss regions rather poor in plant nutrients. Permafrost occurs ...

124

Nature and distribution of mucosal lesions associated with enteropathogenic and enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli in piglets and the role of plasmid-mediated factors.  

Science.gov (United States)

Bacterial attachment-effacement (att-eff) is emerging as an important virulence characteristic common to both enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) and enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC). The contribution of the plasmid-encoded EPEC adherence factor to the production of mucosal lesions and diarrhea was investigated in gnotobiotic piglets. Bacterial att-aff in the intestinal mucosa of piglets infected with plasmid-cured EPEC strain E2348/69 (O127) was indistinguishable from that in piglets infected with the parent strain, but the distribution of lesions was different; it occurred in the small intestines of 6 of 7 piglets infected with the parent strain compared with only 2 of 11 (P = 0.006) infected with the plasmid-cured strain. Plasmid-encoded factors in EPEC and EHEC strains did not appear to contribute to bacterial competition with normal gut microflora. Of 13 strains belonging to five EPEC serogroups, O55, O142, O26, O119, and O111, 3 fulfilled the criteria for EHEC (2 O26 and 1 ...

1989-04-01

125

Absorption and emission characteristics of Er{sub 3}NbO{sub 7} phosphor: A comparison with ErNbO{sub 4} phosphor and Er:LiNbO{sub 3} single crystal  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Er{sub 3}NbO{sub 7} phosphor was synthesized by sintering a mixture of Er{sub 2}O{sub 3} and Nb{sub 2}O{sub 5} powder in a molar ratio of 3:1 at 1600 deg. C over 55 h. Optical absorption and emission characteristics of Er{sup 3+} ions in the calcined Er{sub 3}NbO{sub 7} powder were investigated and discussed compared with ErNbO{sub 4} phosphor and a Z-cut congruent Er (2 mol%):LiNbO{sub 3} single crystal. The absorption and emission studies show that, due to different crystal structures, the spectroscopic properties of these niobates have some differences in spectral shape, peak position, and relative intensity, especially at 1.5 {mu}m. The most obvious spectral feature of the Er{sub 3}NbO{sub 7} is that the spectral structure of band instead of peak is observed in its absorption or emission spectrum due to the existence of local structural disorder and multiple Er{sup 3+} sites. The Er{sub 3}NbO{sub 4} shows stronger upconversion emission than the single crystal ...

2007-12-15

126

Use of Forward Genetics to Discover Novel Regulators of NF-?B  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Forward and reverse genetic experiments have both played important roles in revealing critical aspects of mammalian signal transduction pathways in cell culture experiments. Only recently have we begun...Full Text Available

2010-06-01

127

Update on the oxidative stress theory of aging: Does oxidative stress play a role in aging or healthy aging?  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The oxidative stress theory of aging predicts that manipulations that alter oxidative stress/damage will alter aging. The gold standard for determining whether aging is altered is lifespan,...Full Text Available

2010-03-01

128

UHRF1, a modular multi-domain protein, regulates replication-coupled crosstalk between DNA methylation and histone modifications  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Cytosine methylation in DNA is a major epigenetic signal, and plays a central role in propagating chromatin status during cell division. However the mechanistic links between DNA methylation...Full Text Available

2009-01-01

129

Type IVB Secretion Systems of Legionella and Other Gram-Negative Bacteria  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Type IV secretion systems (T4SSs) play a central role in the pathogenicity of many important pathogens, including Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Helicobacter pylori, and...Full Text Available

130

Tumor Necrosis Factor-? and Muc2 Mucin Play Major Roles in Disease Onset and Progression in Dextran Sodium Sulphate-Induced Colitis  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The sequential events and the inflammatory mediators that characterize disease onset and progression of ulcerative colitis (UC) are not well known. In this study, we evaluated the early pathologic events...Full Text Available

131

Transient Hoogsteen Base Pairs in Canonical Duplex DNA  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Sequence-directed variations in the canonical DNA double helix structure that retain Watson-Crick base-pairing play important roles in DNA recognition, topology, and nucleosome positioning....Full Text Available

2011-02-24

132

Transcriptomic analysis supports similar functional roles for the two thymuses of the tammar wallaby  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundThe thymus plays a critical role in the development and maturation of T-cells. Humans have a single thoracic thymus and presence of a second thymus is considered an anomaly....Full Text Available

133

Transcriptome Profiling of a Toxic Dinoflagellate Reveals a Gene-Rich Protist and a Potential Impact on Gene Expression Due to Bacterial Presence  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundDinoflagellates are unicellular, often photosynthetic protists that play a major role in the dynamics of the Earth's oceans and climate. Sequencing of dinoflagellate nuclear...Full Text Available

134

Towards computational prediction of microRNA function and activity  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

While it has been established that microRNAs (miRNAs) play key roles throughout development and are dysregulated in many human pathologies, the specific processes and pathways regulated by individual...Full Text Available

2010-08-01

135

Three-Dimensional Traction Force Microscopy: A New Tool for Quantifying Cell-Matrix Interactions  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The interactions between biochemical processes and mechanical signaling play important roles during various cellular processes such as wound healing, embryogenesis, metastasis, and cell migration. While...Full Text Available

136

The relationship between the rate of melatonin excretion and sleep consolidation for locomotive engineers in natural sleep settings  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundThe aim of the study was to examine the role that melatonin production plays in the regulation of sleep consolidation in a population of shiftworkers working and sleeping...Full Text Available

137

The region encompassing the procyclic acidic repetitive protein (PARP) gene promoter plays a role in plasmid DNA replication in Trypanosoma brucei.  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

We have previously reported the construction and characterization of an autonomously replicating plasmid in Trypanosoma brucei. In this plasmid the procyclic acidic repetitive protein (PARP) gene promoter...Full Text Available

1994-10-11

138

The physics of automatic letter sorting  

Science.gov (United States)

The astronomical number of letters handled by the Post Office makes automatic sorting technology essential. Key roles are played by the postcode system and an ink-jet printer that has been developed to use phosphorescent inks.

1988-07-01

139

The olympic brain. Does corticospinal plasticity play a role in acquisition of skills required for high-performance sports?  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Non-invasive electrophysiological and imaging techniques have recently made investigation of the intact behaving human brain possible. One of the most intriguing new research areas that have developed...Full Text Available

2008-01-01

140

The kiwifruit lycopene beta-cyclase plays a significant role in carotenoid accumulation in fruit  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The composition of carotenoids, along with anthocyanins and chlorophyll, accounts for the distinctive range of colour found in the Actinidia (kiwifruit) species. Lutein and beta-carotene...Full Text Available

2009-09-01

141

The Regulation of Aging and Longevity  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

p53 plays a critical role in tumor suppression. As a transcription factor, in response to stress signals, p53 regulates its target genes and initiates stress responses, including cell cycle arrest,...Full Text Available

2011-04-01

142

The QseC Adrenergic Signaling Cascade in Enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC)  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The ability to respond to stress is at the core of an organism's survival. The hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine play a central role in stress responses in mammals, which require the synchronized...Full Text Available

2009-08-01

143

The Pseudoreceptor BMP and Activin Membrane-bound Inhibitor Positively Modulates Wnt/?-Catenin Signaling*  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway plays a pivotal role in regulating embryogenesis and tumorigenesis by promoting cell proliferation. BAMBI (BMP and activin membrane-bound inhibitor) has...Full Text Available

2008-11-28

144

The Candida albicans Dse1 Protein Is Essential and Plays a Role in Cell Wall Rigidity, Biofilm Formation, and Virulence  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

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

2011-01-01

145

Test-retest reliability of knee kinesthesia in healthy adults  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundSensory information from mechanoreceptors in the skin, muscles, tendons, and joint structures plays an important role in joint stability. A joint injury can lead to disruption...Full Text Available

146

Targeting the p53 Pathway in Ewing Sarcoma  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The p53 tumour suppressor plays a pivotal role in the prevention of oncogenic transformation. Cancers frequently evade the potent antitumour surveillance mechanisms of p53 through mutation of the TP53...Full Text Available

2011-01-01

147

Synthetic substrates for measuring activity of autophagy proteases  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Atg4 cysteine proteases (autophagins) play crucial roles in autophagy by proteolytic activation of Atg8 paralogs for targeting to autophagic vesicles by lipid conjugation, as well as in subsequent deconjugation...Full Text Available

2010-10-01

148

Stereocomplexed PLA-PEG Nanoparticles with Dual-Emissive Boron Dyes for Tumor Accumulation  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Responsive biomaterials play important roles in imaging, diagnostics, and therapeutics. Polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) containing hydrophobic and hydrophilic segments are one class of biomaterial...Full Text Available

2010-09-28

149

Star 8-19 - The Marshall Star - NASA  

Science.gov (United States)

Mar 13, 2003 ... dryer, $95; cooktop, drop-in, 30 , stainless steel, $75. 837-6649. 5 Two tickets to Broadway Theatre. League play, South Pacific, Orchestra, ...

150

Spread of a highly mucoid Streptococcus pyogenes emm3/ST15 clone  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundHyaluronic acid capsule plays a key role in Streptococcus pyogenes virulence. Circulation of mucoid or highly encapsulated strains has been related to...Full Text Available

151

Species-specific microRNA roles elucidated following astrocyte activation  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs that play a central role in regulation of gene expression by binding to target genes. Many miRNAs were associated with the function of the central nervous...Full Text Available

2011-05-01

152

Simvastatin ameliorates radiation enteropathy development after localized, fractionated irradiation by a protein C-independent mechanism  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundMicrovascular injury plays a key role in normal tissue radiation responses. Statins, in addition to their lipid-lowering effects, have vasculoprotective...Full Text Available

2007-08-01

153

Short RNA half-lives in the slow-growing marine cyanobacterium Prochlorococcus  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundRNA turnover plays an important role in the gene regulation of microorganisms and influences their speed of acclimation to environmental changes. We investigated whole-genome...Full Text Available

2010-01-01

154

Serum RANKL, osteoprotegerin (OPG), and RANKL/OPG ratio in nephrotic children  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Receptor activator of NF-kB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) play key roles in the pathogenesis of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIO). The aim of our study was to determine whether the...Full Text Available

2010-10-01

155

Roles of (Z)-3-hexenol in plant-insect interactions  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Green leaf C6-volatiles are among the most important herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs). They play important roles in mediating the behavior of herbivores and their natural enemies, and in triggering...Full Text Available

2011-03-01

156

Role of plasma membrane calcium ATPase 2 in spinal cord pathology  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

A number of studies have indicated that plasma membrane calcium ATPases (PMCAs) are expressed in the brain and spinal cord and could play important roles not only in the maintenance of cellular calcium...Full Text Available

2010-05-26

157

Reconstructing Mammalian Phylogenies: A Detailed Comparison of the Cytochrome b and Cytochrome Oxidase Subunit I Mitochondrial Genes  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The phylogeny and taxonomy of mammalian species were originally based upon shared or derived morphological characteristics. However, genetic analyses have more recently played an increasingly important...Full Text Available

158

Rapid oscillations in omental lipolysis are independent of changing insulin levels in vivo  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Abnormal fat metabolism plays an important role in the pathogenesis of obesity-related type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study examined whether free fatty acid levels (FFAs), like insulin levels, oscillate...Full Text Available

2000-08-01

159

Rapid Action of Estrogens on Intracellular Calcium Oscillations in Primate Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone-1 Neurons  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Feedback controls of estrogen in LHRH-1 neurons play a pivotal role in reproductive function. However, the mechanism of estrogen action in LHRH-1 neurons is still unclear. In the present study, the...Full Text Available

2008-03-01

160

RNA polymerase II trigger loop residues stabilize and position the incoming nucleotide triphosphate in transcription  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

A structurally conserved element, the trigger loop, has been suggested to play a key role in substrate selection and catalysis of RNA polymerase II (pol II) transcription elongation. Recently resolved...Full Text Available

2010-09-07

161

Purpose and regulation of stem cells: a systems-biology view from the Caenorhabditis elegans germ line  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Stem cells are expected to play a key role in the development and maintenance of organisms, and hold great therapeutic promises. However, a number of questions must be answered to achieve an...Full Text Available

2009-01-01

162

Pseudomonas aeruginosa-Candida albicans Interactions: Localization and Fungal Toxicity of a Phenazine Derivative?  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Phenazines are redox-active small molecules that play significant roles in the interactions between pseudomonads and diverse eukaryotes, including fungi. When Pseudomonas aeruginosa...Full Text Available

2009-01-01

163

Prolonged signaling at the parathyroid hormone receptor by peptide ligands targeted to a specific receptor conformation  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The parathyroid hormone receptor (PTHR) is a class B G protein-coupled receptor that plays critical roles in bone and mineral ion metabolism. Ligand binding to the PTHR involves interactions to both...Full Text Available

2008-10-28

164

Prolactin Receptor Signaling Is Essential for Perinatal Brown Adipocyte Function: A Role for Insulin-like Growth Factor-2  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundThe lactogenic hormones prolactin (PRL) and placental lactogens (PL) play central roles in reproduction and mammary development. Their actions are mediated via binding...Full Text Available

165

Presence of preactivated T cells in hemodialyzed patients: their possible role in altered immunity.  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Interleukin 2 (IL-2) and B-cell growth factors I and II (BCGF I and BCGF II) are lymphokines produced by T cells that play a major role in T- and B-cell cooperation. Peripheral blood lymphocytes from...Full Text Available

1986-10-01

166

Predictors of healthcare professionals' intention and behaviour to encourage physical activity in patients with cardiovascular risk factors  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundHealthcare professionals can play a crucial role in optimizing the health status of patients with cardiovascular risk factors (abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, low...Full Text Available

167

Pre- and Postnatal Nutritional Histories Influence Reproductive Maturation and Ovarian Function in the Rat  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundWhile prepubertal nutritional influences appear to play a role in sexual maturation, there is a need to clarify the potential contributions of maternal and childhood influences...Full Text Available

168

Phylometabonomic Patterns of Adaptation to High Fat Diet Feeding in Inbred Mice  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Insulin resistance plays a central role in type 2 diabetes and obesity, which develop as a consequence of genetic and environmental factors. Dietary changes including high fat diet (HFD) feeding promotes...Full Text Available

169

Pharmacological Stimulation of NADH Oxidation Ameliorates Obesity and Related Phenotypes in Mice  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

OBJECTIVENicotinamide adenine dinucleotides (NAD+ and NADH) play a crucial role in cellular energy metabolism, and a dysregulated NAD+-to-NADH ratio is implicated...Full Text Available

2009-04-01

170

Patient organisations and the reimbursement process for medicines: an exploratory study in eight European countries  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundLittle is known about the role European patient organisations play in the process of deciding on reimbursement for medicines. Therefore we explore the...Full Text Available

171

Palindromic Sequence Plays a Critical Role in Human Foamy Virus Dimerization  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The retroviral RNA genome is dimeric, consisting of two identical strands of RNA linked near their 5′ ends by a dimer linkage structure. Previously it was shown that human foamy virus (HFV)...Full Text Available

2001-04-01

172

P-glycoprotein and breast cancer resistance protein in acute myeloid leukaemia cells treated with the Aurora-B Kinase Inhibitor barasertib-hQPA  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundAurora kinases play an essential role in orchestrating chromosome alignment, segregation and cytokinesis during mitotic progression, with both aurora-A and B frequently...Full Text Available

173

Objective assessment of deformable image registration in radiotherapy: A multi-institution study  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The looming potential of deformable alignment tools to play an integral role in adaptive radiotherapy suggests a need for objective assessment of these complex algorithms. Previous studies in this area...Full Text Available

2008-12-01

174

Nucleoside Drugs Induce Cellular Differentiation by Caspase-Dependent Degradation of Stem Cell Factors  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundStem cell characteristics are an important feature of human cancer cells and play a major role in the therapy resistance of tumours. Strategies to target cancer stem cells...Full Text Available

175

Nucleocapsid and Matrix Protein Contributions to Selective Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Genomic RNA Packaging  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The nucleocapsid protein (NC) of retroviruses plays a major role in genomic RNA packaging, and some evidence has implicated the matrix protein (MA) of certain retroviruses in viral RNA binding. To further...Full Text Available

1998-03-01

176

Nuclear Organization and Dynamics of 7SK RNA in Regulating Gene Expression  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Noncoding RNAs play important roles in various aspects of gene regulation. We have identified 7SK RNA to be enriched in nuclear speckles or interchromatin granule clusters (IGCs), a subnuclear domain...Full Text Available

2010-12-01

177

NASA/CR--- _'j_.,- 207636 - NASA Technical Report Server (NTRS)  

Science.gov (United States)

adenines, like adenine itself, may fllerefore have played an important role in the. RNA world. Griffin, B.E., Haslam, W.J., Reese, C. B.: 1964, J. Mo/. ...

178

Molecular dynamics of a ?B DNA element: base flipping via cross-strand intercalative stacking in a microsecond-scale simulation  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The sequence-dependent structural variability and conformational dynamics of DNA play pivotal roles in many biological milieus, such as in the site-specific binding of transcription factors to target...Full Text Available

2008-09-01

179

Modulation of Expression of the ToxR Regulon in Vibrio cholerae by a Member of the Two-Component Family of Response Regulators  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The ToxRS system in Vibrio cholerae plays a central role in the modulation of virulence gene expression in response to environmental stimuli. An integration of multiple signalling inputs...Full Text Available

1998-12-01

180

Modulation of B-cell endoplasmic reticulum calcium homeostasis by Epstein-Barr virus Latent Membrane Protein-1  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundCalcium signaling plays an important role in B lymphocyte survival and activation, and is critically dependent on the inositol-1,4,5-tris-phosphate-induced...Full Text Available

181

Modulation of ASK1 expression during overexpression of Trx and HSP70 in stressed fish liver mitochondria  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Mitochondrial heat shock protein 70 (mtHSP70) is found to play a primary role in cellular defense against physiological stress like exposure to environmental contaminants and helpful in the maintenance...Full Text Available

2009-09-01

182

Metabolic labeling and direct imaging of choline phospholipids in vivo  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Choline (Cho)-containing phospholipids are the most abundant phospholipids in cellular membranes and play fundamental structural as well as regulatory roles in cell metabolism and signaling. Although...Full Text Available

2009-09-08

183

Mapping of the transcription start site (TSS) and identification of SNPs in the bovine neuropeptide Y (NPY) gene  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundNeuropeptide Y is a key neurotransmitter of the central nervous system which plays a vital role in the feed energy homeostasis in mammals. Mutations in the regulatory and...Full Text Available

184

Malfunction of a Heimlich flutter valve causing tension pneumothorax: case report of a rare complication  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundThoracic injuries play an important role in major trauma patients due to their high incidence and critical relevance. A serious consequence of thoracic trauma is pneumothorax,...Full Text Available

185

Long-lasting inhibition of presynaptic metabolism and neurotransmitter release by protein S-nitrosylation  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Nitric oxide (NO) and related reactive nitrogen species (RNS) play a major role in the pathophysiology of stroke and other neurodegenerative diseases. One of the poorly understood consequences...Full Text Available

2010-09-01

186

Lnk constrains myeloproliferative diseases in mice  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) expansion is regulated by intrinsic signaling pathways activated by cytokines. The intracellular kinase JAK2 plays an essential role in cytokine signaling,...Full Text Available

2010-06-01

187

Life Span Extension in Mice by Food Restriction Depends on an Energy Imbalance12  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

In this study, our main objective was to determine whether energy restriction (ER) affects the rate of oxygen consumption of mice transiently or lastingly and whether metabolic rate plays a role in...Full Text Available

2009-03-01

188

Latent Tricuspid Valve Rupture after Motor Vehicle Accident and Routine Echocardiography in All Chest-Wall Traumas  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Blunt chest-wall trauma is common; however, resultant tricuspid valve rupture is rare and can be subtle in its presentation. Transthoracic echocardiography plays a key role in diagnosis.Herein,...Full Text Available

2009-01-01

189

Large-scale Analysis of Thermo-stable, Mammalian Proteins Provides Insights into the Intrinsically Disordered Proteome  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Intrinsically disordered proteins are predicted to be highly abundant and play broad biological roles in eukaryotic cells. In particular, by virtue of their structural malleability and propensity...Full Text Available

2009-01-01

190

Involvement of AMP-activated-protein-kinase (AMPK) in neuronal amyloidogenesis  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

AMP-activated-protein-kinase (AMPK) is a key sensor and regulator of cellular and whole-body energy metabolism and plays a key role in regulation of lipid metabolism. Since lipid metabolism...Full Text Available

2010-09-03

191

Intact A?-fibers up-regulate TRPA1 and contribute to cold hypersensitivity in neuropathic rats  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Mechanisms underlying cold hypersensitivity in neuropathic states are unclear. Recent data indicate both TRPM8 and TRPA1 play a role. In relation to TRPA1, there are reported increases in mRNA....Full Text Available

2008-06-26

192

Insulin receptor signaling in the development of neuronal structure and function  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Sensory experience plays a crucial role in regulating neuronal shape and in developing synaptic contacts during brain formation. These features are required for a neuron to receive, integrate, and transmit...Full Text Available

193

Influence of major histocompatibility complex genotype on mating success in a free-ranging reptile population  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes are highly polymorphic components of the vertebrate immune system, which play a key role in pathogen resistance. MHC genes may also function as odour-related...Full Text Available

2009-05-07

194

Increased prevalence of antibodies to enteropathogenic Yersinia enterocolitica virulence proteins in relatives of patients with autoimmune thyroid disease  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Infections have been implicated in the pathogenesis of a number of autoimmune diseases, and Yersinia enterocolitica (YE) might play a role in the development of autoimmune thyroid disease...Full Text Available

2003-05-01

195

Increased degradation of MYPT1 contributes to the development of tolerance to nitric oxide in porcine pulmonary artery  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

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

2010-07-01

196

In Vivo Reconstitution of ?-Secretase in Drosophila Results in Substrate Specificity?  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The intramembrane aspartyl protease γ-secretase plays a fundamental role in several signaling pathways involved in cellular differentiation and has been linked with a variety of human diseases,...Full Text Available

2010-07-01

197

Immune activation and IL-12 production during acute/early HIV infection in the absence and presence of highly active, antiretroviral therapy  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Suppressed IL-12 production and maladaptive immune activation, both of which are ameliorated by successful highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), are thought to play important roles in the immunopathogenesis...Full Text Available

2008-12-01

198

Identification and Characterization of Retinoid-Active Short-Chain Dehydrogenases/Reductases in Drosophila melanogaster  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundIn chordates, retinoid metabolism is an important target of short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases (SDRs). It is not known whether SDRs play a role in retinoid...Full Text Available

2009-10-01

199

IEC steps up work on power transformers  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The technical committees of the International Electrotechnical Committee (IEC) play an important part in preparing international standards. In this report the chairman of the Technical Comittee 14 (Power Transformers) describes the present state and the progressive work.

1981-03-01

200

Human spumaretrovirus-related sequences in the DNA of leukocytes from patients with Graves disease.  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Viruses, and more particularly retroviruses, have been postulated to play a role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. In a search for spumaretrovirus infection markers, we screened a group of...Full Text Available

1992-11-01

201

Human Pol II promoter recognition based on primary sequences and free energy of dinucleotides  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundPromoter region plays an important role in determining where the transcription of a particular gene should be initiated. Computational prediction of eukaryotic Pol II promoter...Full Text Available

202

Hsp12.6 Expression Is Inducible by Host Immunity in Adult Worms of the Parasitic Nematode Nippostrongylus brasiliensis  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Heat shock proteins (Hsp) are a family of stress-inducible molecular chaperones that play multiple roles in a wide variety of animals. However, the roles of Hsps in parasitic nematodes remain largely...Full Text Available

203

How to play fair in an environmental context  

Wastenet

The principle of need selecting the game of Chicken ... The Chicken (e.g.Rasmusen, 1994) tells the story of two car drivers ...6 Therefore the Chicken is also characterised as a dilemma of common aversion (Rapoport &

204

HPV16 E2 could act as down-regulator in cellular genes implicated in apoptosis, proliferation and cell differentiation  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundHuman Papillomavirus (HPV) E2 plays several important roles in the viral cycle, including the transcriptional regulation of the oncogenes E6 and E7, the regulation of the...Full Text Available

205

Global protected area impacts  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Protected areas (PAs) dominate conservation efforts. They will probably play a role in future climate policies too, as global payments may reward local reductions of loss of natural land cover. We estimate...Full Text Available

2011-06-07

206

Genetic Association Analysis of NOS1 and Methamphetamine-Induced Psychosis Among Japanese  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The neuronal nitric oxide synthase gene (NOS1) is located at 12q24, a susceptibility region for schizophrenia, and produces nitric oxide (NO). NO has been reported to play important...Full Text Available

2011-03-01

207

Excessive TV viewing and cardiovascular disease risk factors in adolescents. The AVENA cross-sectional study  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundExcessive television (TV) viewing might play an important role in the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of this study was to examine the independent...Full Text Available

208

Evidence for an association between TSH and IGF-1 receptors  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

TSH receptor (TSHR) plays a central role in regulating thyroid function and is targeted by IgGs in Graves’ disease (GD-IgG). Whether TSHR is involved in the pathogenesis of thyroid associated...Full Text Available

2008-09-15

209

Emergence of Switch-Like Behavior in a Large Family of Simple Biochemical Networks  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Bistability plays a central role in the gene regulatory networks (GRNs) controlling many essential biological functions, including cellular differentiation and cell cycle control. However, establishing...Full Text Available

2011-05-01

210

Effects of ultrafine particles-induced oxidative stress on Clara cells in allergic lung inflammation  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundClara cell protein (CC16), the main secretory product of bronchiolar Clara cells, plays an important protective role in the respiratory tract against oxidative stress and...Full Text Available

211

Effects of metabotropic glutamate receptor 2/3 agonism and antagonism on schizophrenia-like cognitive deficits induced by phencyclidine in rats  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Dysregulation of glutamate neurotransmission may play a role in cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. Manipulation of glutamate signaling using drugs acting at metabotropic glutamate receptors...Full Text Available

2010-08-10

212

Effects of Environmental Factors on Microbial Populations in Brackish Waters off the Southern Coast of Finland  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The roles played by environmental factors in seasonal changes in microbial populations were investigated in the Tvärminne area, off the southern coast of Finland. Surface-layer samples were...Full Text Available

1980-07-01

213

Downregulation of Serum Gonadotropins is as Effective as Estrogen Replacement at Improving Menopause-Associated Cognitive Deficits  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

While estrogen (E2) is thought to play an important role in age-related cognitive decline, neuronal plasticity, as well as the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease (AD), the mechanisms by which...Full Text Available

2010-02-01

214

Does school attendance reduce the risk of youth homelessness in Tanzania?  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundThis paper is based on data gathered from a 2006 survey of 1,098 "street children" in Northern Tanzania. It examines the role that school may play in preventing the migration...Full Text Available

215

Does physical anhedonia play a role in depression? A 20-year longitudinal study  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundAnhedonia towards physical or sensory experiences (i.e., physical anhedonia) has most often been examined as a differentia of schizophrenia and not depression,...Full Text Available

2010-01-01

216

Does Damage to DNA and Other Macromolecules Play a Role in Aging? If So, How?  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

One of the most pervasive ideas regarding the causes of aging is that longevity is constrained in large measure by damage to macromolecules. An increasing body of cellular and molecular data, generated...Full Text Available

2009-02-01

217

Discovering Networks of Perturbed Biological Processes in Hepatocyte Cultures  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The liver plays a vital role in glucose homeostasis, the synthesis of bile acids and the detoxification of foreign substances. Liver culture systems are widely used to test adverse effects of drugs...Full Text Available

218

Development of circadian rhythmicity and light responsiveness in the rat suprachiasmatic nucleus: a study using the 2-deoxy[1-14C]glucose method.  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus is thought to play a critical role in circadian rhythm generation and entrainment to the light/dark cycle. In adult rats, the SCN shows a circadian...Full Text Available

1980-02-01

219

Detrusor overactivity is associated with downregulation of large-conductance calcium- and voltage-activated potassium channel protein  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Large-conductance voltage- and calcium-activated potassium (BK) channels have been shown to play a role in detrusor overactivity (DO). The goal of this study was to determine whether bladder outlet...Full Text Available

2010-06-01

220

Detection of Sub-Clinical CWD Infection in Conventional Test-Negative Deer Long after Oral Exposure to Urine and Feces from CWD+ Deer  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundChronic wasting disease (CWD) of cervids is a prion disease distinguished by high levels of transmissibility, wherein bodily fluids and excretions are thought to play an...Full Text Available

221

Deglutathionylation of 2-Cys Peroxiredoxin Is Specifically Catalyzed by Sulfiredoxin*  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Reversible protein glutathionylation plays a key role in cellular regulation and cell signaling and protects protein thiols from hyperoxidation. Sulfiredoxin (Srx), an enzyme that catalyzes the reduction...Full Text Available

2009-08-28

222

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray analysis of human liver ?-enolase  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Enolase is a multifunctional enzyme that plays important roles in many biological and disease processes. α-Enolase from human liver (hENO1) was expressed as a soluble protein and purified by...Full Text Available

223

Critical nucleus size for disease-related polyglutamine aggregation is repeat length dependent  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Since polyglutamine (polyQ) aggregate formation has been implicated as playing an important role in expanded CAG repeat diseases, it is important to understand the biophysics underlying the...Full Text Available

2011-03-01

224

Computing needs of the superconducting super collider  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Following a brief description of the SSC, the computing needs are discussed for both the accelerator design and the experimentation. The computing power required is considerably beyond that being used at present facilities, and parallel processing is expected to play an important role in supplying these needs.

1984-01-01

225

Computational approaches to discovering semantics in molecular biology  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

One of the central questions of molecular biology is the discovery of the semantics of DNA. This discovery relies in a critical way on a variety of expensive computations. In order to solve these computations, both parallel computers and special-purpose hardware play a major role.

1989-07-01

226

Complexity of the microRNA repertoire revealed by next-generation sequencing  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been implicated to play key roles in normal physiological functions, and altered expression of specific miRNAs has been associated with a number of diseases. It is of great interest...Full Text Available

2010-11-01

227

Chronobiological analysis and mass spectrometric characterization of pigment-dispersing factor in the cockroach Leucophaea maderae  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Pigment-dispersing factor (PDF) is a neuropeptide that plays a prominent role in the circadian clock of several insects. The cockroach Leucophaea maderae...Full Text Available

228

Chronic inflammation and estradiol interact through MAPK activation to affect TMJ nociceptive processing by trigeminal caudalis neurons  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) pathway plays a key role in mediating estrogen actions in the brain and neuronal sensitization during inflammation....Full Text Available

2009-12-29

229

Chemoprevention of Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer With Celecoxib: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundPreclinical studies indicate that the enzyme cyclooxygenase 2 plays an important role in ultraviolet-induced skin cancers. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of celecoxib,...Full Text Available

2010-12-15

230

Characterizing and estimating rice brown spot disease severity using stepwise regression, principal component regression and partial least-square regression*  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Detecting plant health conditions plays a key role in farm pest management and crop protection. In this study, measurement of hyperspectral leaf reflectance in rice crop (Oryzasativa...Full Text Available

2007-10-01

231

Caveolin-1 as a Novel Indicator of Wound-Healing Capacity in Aged Human Corneal Epithelium  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Excess caveolin-1 has been reported to play a role in age-dependent hyporesponsiveness to growth factors in vitro. Therefore, we hypothesized that caveolin-1–dependent hyporesponsiveness...Full Text Available

2010-11-01

232

Breast Cancer Diagnosis Using a Microfluidic Multiplexed Immunohistochemistry Platform  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundBiomarkers play a key role in risk assessment, assessing treatment response, and detecting recurrence and the investigation of multiple biomarkers may also prove useful...Full Text Available

233

Brains swinging in concert: cortical phase synchronization while playing guitar  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundBrains interact with the world through actions that are implemented by sensory and motor processes. A substantial part of these interactions consists in synchronized goal-directed...Full Text Available

234

Blowing in the Wind: Unanchored Patient Information Work during Cancer Care  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Patients do considerable information work. Technologies that help patients manage health information so they can play active roles in their health-care, such as personal health records, provide...Full Text Available

2010-01-01

235

At-Risk Populations  

Science.gov (United States)

... hearing protection since you play, sit or stand near loud instruments and speakers. Here are a few ... piper's calling you to join him" Led Zeppelin (Robert Plant), "Stairway to Heaven" "My ears are ringin' ...

236

Astrocyte-Derived Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Stabilizes Vessels in the Developing Retinal Vasculature  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a critical role in normal development as well as retinal vasculature disease. During retinal vascularization, VEGF is most strongly expressed by not yet...Full Text Available

237

Association of Protein Phosphatase 1?1 with Spinophilin Suppresses Phosphatase Activity in a Parkinson Disease Model*  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Sustained nigrostriatal dopamine depletion increases the serine/threonine phosphorylation of multiple striatal proteins that play a role in corticostriatal synaptic plasticity, including Thr286...Full Text Available

2008-05-23

238

Association between a functional polymorphism in the serotonin transporter gene and diarrhoea predominant irritable bowel syndrome in women  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Background and aims: Serotonin (5-hydroxtryptamine, 5-HT) is an important factor in gut function, playing key roles in intestinal peristalsis and secretion, and in sensory...Full Text Available

2004-10-01

239

Association Study of Serine Racemase Gene with Methamphetamine Psychosis  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Experimental studies have demonstrated that not only dopaminergic signaling but also glutamatergic/NMDA receptor signaling play indispensable roles in the development of methamphetamine psychosis. Our...Full Text Available

2011-03-01

240

Arabidopsis and Tobacco SUPERMAN regulate hormone signalling and mediate cell proliferation and differentiation  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Arabidopsis thaliana SUPERMAN (SUP) plays an important role during flower development by maintaining the boundary between stamens and carpels in the inner two whorls....Full Text Available

2011-01-01

241

Antibodies to synthetic peptides from the tubulin regulatory domain interact with tubulin and microtubules.  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The carboxyl-terminal region of tubulin alpha and beta subunits plays a major role in regulating its assembly into microtubules and constitutes an essential domain for the selective interaction of microtubule-associated...Full Text Available

1988-09-01

242

Analysis of Quantitative Interactions between Two Species of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi, Glomus mosseae and G. intraradices, by Real-Time PCR  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are obligate biotrophs, known to play an important role in ecological processes. Conventional light microscopy is the most common method used to detect their presence...Full Text Available

2006-06-01

243

Advanced MRI Methods for Assessment of Chronic Liver Disease  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

MRI plays an increasingly important role for assessment of patients with chronic liver disease. MRI has numerous advantages, including lack of ionizing radiation and the possibility of performing...Full Text Available

2009-07-01

244

Abnormalities of GATA-1 in Megakaryocytes from Patients with Idiopathic Myelofibrosis  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The abnormal megakaryocytopoiesis associated with idiopathic myelofibrosis (IM) plays a role in its pathogenesis. Because mice with defective expression of transcription factor GATA-1 (GATA-1low...Full Text Available

2005-09-01

245

Abciximab: a reappraisal of its use in coronary care  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Platelet reactivity plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of ischemic adverse events during and after acute coronary syndromes (ACS), and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Glycoprotein (GP)...Full Text Available

2008-03-01

246

A simple method to systematically study oxidatively-modified proteins in biological samples and its applications  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Increased oxidative stress with elevated levels of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) plays an important role in the pathophysiology of many disease states. Increased ROS/RNS can...Full Text Available

2010-01-01

247

A novel approach for predicting the uptake and toxicity of metallic and metalloid ions  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Electrostatic nature of plant plasma membrane (PM) plays significant roles in the ion uptake and toxicity. Electrical potential at the PM exterior surface (ψ0o) influences...Full Text Available

2011-03-01

248

A membrane-associated progesterone-binding protein, 25-Dx, is regulated by progesterone in brain regions involved in female reproductive behaviors  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) plays a central role in the regulation of the female reproductive behavior lordosis, a behavior dependent upon the sequential activation of receptors for the ovarian...Full Text Available

2000-11-07

249

A Review of the Biochemistry, Metabolism and Clinical Benefits of Thiamin(e) and Its Derivatives  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Thiamin(e), also known as vitamin B1, is now known to play a fundamental role in energy metabolism. Its discovery followed from the original early research on the ‘anti-beriberi factor’...Full Text Available

2006-03-01

250

A Predictive Risk Probability Approach for Microarray Data with Survival as an Endpoint  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Gene expression profiling has played an important role in cancer risk classification and has shown promising results. Since gene expression profiling often involves determination of a set of...Full Text Available

2008-01-01

251

The Potential Marine Pollution Threat from Oil and Gas Development Activities in the Disputed South China Sea/Spratly Area: A Role that Taiwan Can Play  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

This article examines the potential threat of marine pollution caused by offshore oil and gas development activities in the disputed areas of the South China Sea (SCS) and the Spratly Islands. After addressing the potential threat of marine pollution, it discusses the legal obligations and political commitment of the SCS littoral states regarding the protection of the marine environment in the area. The role that Taiwan can play in these matters is also examined.

2008-01-01

252

Merger control in the energy sector. An empirical investigation for the Federal Republic of Germany; Fusionskontrolle in der leitungsgebundenen Energiewirtschaft. Eine empirische Untersuchung fuer Deutschland  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In 1998, EU legislation initiated a liberalisation process among European energy markets. The process of market opening has significantly changed the functioning of the markets and the competition conditions of the energy sector. At the same time, the industry witnessed a surge of mergers and far-reaching changes in the structure of German electricity and natural gas markets occurred. Against this background, the doctoral thesis at hand surveys the merger activities in the energy sector as well as the merger control policy of the German Federal Cartel Office during the first years of liberalisation. The study starts with a portrayal of the institutional framework of the German merger control regime and a survey of the relevant economic literature on horizontal and vertical mergers. Subsequent to the legal and theoretical considerations, the merger activities and the merger control policy of the German Federal Cartel Office are investigated empirically. The data set is based on ...

2008-11-06

253

Assessment and Forecasting Natural Gas Reserve Appreciation in the Gulf Coast Basin  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Reserve appreciation, also called reserve growth, is the increase in the estimated ultimate recovery (the sum of year end reserves and cumulative production) from fields subsequent to discovery from extensions, infield drilling, improved recovery of in-place resources, new pools, and intrapool completions. In recent years, reserve appreciation has become a major component of total U.S. annual natural gas reserve additions. Over the past 15 years, reserve appreciation has accounted for more than 80 percent of all annual natural gas reserve additions in the U.S. lower 48 states (Figure 1). The rise of natural gas reserve appreciation basically came with the judgment that reservoirs were much more geologically complex than generally thought, and they hold substantial quantities of natural gas in conventionally movable states that are not recovered by typical well spacing and vertical completion practices. Considerable evidence indicates that many reservoirs show significant geological ...

1997-10-01

254

Naturally fractured tight gas reservoir detection optimization  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

During this quarter, work began on the regional structural and geologic analysis of the greater Green River basin (GGRB) in southwestern Wyoming, northwestern Colorado and northeastern Utah. The ultimate objective of the regional analysis is to apply the techniques developed and demonstrated during earlier phases of the project to sweet-spot delineation in a relatively new and underexplored play: tight gas from continuous-type Upper Cretaceous reservoirs of the GGRB. The primary goal of this work is to partition and high-grade the greater Green River basin for exploration efforts in the Cretaceous tight gas play. The work plan for the quarter of January 1, 1998--March 31, 1998 consisted of three tasks: (1) Acquire necessary data and develop base map of study area; (2) Process data for analysis; and (3) Initiate structural study. The first task and second tasks were completed during this reporting period. The third task was initiated and work ...

1998-09-30

255

Naturally fractured tight gas reservoir detection optimization  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The goal of the work this quarter has been to partition and high-grade the Greater Green River basin for exploration efforts in the Upper Cretaceous tight gas play and to initiate resource assessment of the basin. The work plan for the quarter of July 1-September 30, 1998 comprised three tasks: (1) Refining the exploration process for deep, naturally fractured gas reservoirs; (2) Partitioning of the basin based on structure and areas of overpressure; (3) Examination of the Kinney and Canyon Creek fields with respect to the Cretaceous tight gas play and initiation of the resource assessment of the Vermilion sub-basin partition (which contains these two fields); and (4) Initiation analysis of the Deep Green River Partition with respect to the Stratos well and assessment of the resource in the partition.

1998-11-30

256

Interplay between coherence and decoherence in LHCII photosynthetic complex  

CERN Document Server

This paper investigates the dynamics of excitonic transport in photocomplex LHCII, the primary component of the photosynthetic apparatus in green plants. The dynamics exhibits a strong interplay between coherent processes mediated by the excitonic Hamiltonian, and incoherent processes due to interactions with the environment. The spreading of the exciton over a single monomer is well described by a proper measure of delocalization that allows one to identify two relevant time scales. An exciton initially localized in one chromophore first spreads coherently to neighboring chromophores. During this initial coherent spreading, quantum effects such as entanglement play a role. As the effects of a decohering environment come into play, coherence and decoherence interact to give rise to efficient and robust excitonic transport, reaching a maximum efficiency at the levels of decoherence found in physiological conditions. We analyze the efficiency for ...

2011-01-01

257

Effectiveness of different music-playing devices for reducing preoperative anxiety: A clinical control study  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Background: While waiting for surgery, patients often exhibit fear and anxiety. Music is thought to be an alternative to medication to relieve anxiety. However, due to concerns about infection control, devices other than headphones may be considered for this purpose. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the anxiety-relieving effect of broadcast versus headphone music playing for patients awaiting surgery. Design: A randomized controlled clinical study. Setting: The waiting area of an operating theater of a metropolitan teach hospital in Taiwan. Participants: Alert adult with age between 20 and 65 years old waiting for surgery without premedications. Methods: A total of 167 patients were randomly assigned to the headphone, broadcast and control groups. Both the headphone a...

2011-01-01

258

Chemical plant factors affecting resistance in sugarcane in against Scirpophaga Nivella f  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The study was conducted during 2000 to determine the role of various chemical plant factors viz., total minerals, nitrogen, fat contents, carbohydrate, macro an micro nutrients in the leaves of five genotypes of sugarcane i.e., BF-162, SPSG-26, L-118, CP-43/33 and CP-72/2086 by correlating the infestation of top borer, Scirpophaga Nivella F. at tillering stage. None of the genotype was found completely resistant to the pest. CP-43/33 and BF-162 proved susceptible and resistant varieties, respectively. Total mineral, manganese and copper contents did not show significant correlation with the pest infestation, whereas nitrogen, potassium, calcium, magnesium and ferrous contents played a positive and significant role. Phosphorous, carbohydrates, fats and zinc contents played a significant and negative effect on the pest infestation at tillering stage. (author)

259

Adversarial Science: Conflict Resolution and Scientific Review in British Columbia's Central Coast  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Science plays paradoxical roles in environmental planning. As a process for generating and adapting knowledge of the biophysical environment to human use, it is essential to achieving sustainability. As the socially contested evaluation of competing claims to truth, however, adversarial science often becomes the focus of conflict in the planning process. British Columbia's Central Coast Land and Resource Management Plan (CCLRMP) planning process took place amid industrial restructuring, market campaigns, and scientific disputes over the conservation of the world's largest remaining temperate rainforest. This article shows how adversarial science set the terms of the policy debate, as well as the means for compromise. A multisector interdisciplinary information team played a key role in arr...

2011-01-01

260

bHLH-PAS family transcription factor methoprene-tolerant plays a key role in JH action in preventing the premature development of adult structures during larval-pupal metamorphosis  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The biological actions of juvenile hormones are well studied; they regulate almost all aspects of an insect’s life. However, the molecular actions of these hormones are not well understood....Full Text Available

2008-07-01

261

Toward efficient excavators  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This article deals with excavation equipment used in open-pit mining operations. Because of competition in the mining industry, a demand for more energy-efficient excavators is being felt. The authors present different types of machinery and give statistics on energy use, weights, bucket capacity, and maximum digging depths. Actual manufacturers specifications are also given for different models. A short discussion on the role computers are playing in this new technology is also given.

1984-05-01

262

Topological excitations and second order transitions in 3D O(N) models  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

I discuss several examples of critical phenomena in O(N) models where topological excitations play an important role at criticality. I focus particular attention on the O(2) model in 3D, where recent measurements of the vortex string length distribution in equilibrium suggest the existence of a quantitative picture of the critical behavior in terms of defects. The compatibility of this perspective with renormalization group predictions is examined.

2001-01-01

263

The software for the USB-based multi-channel analyzer system  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A new type of multi-channel analyzer system is introduced, which takes advantage of Universal Serial Bus to communicate with computer and gets the merit of fast speed, universality and Plug and Play. The authors discussed the framework of the system, primary functions, display of spectrum date and the way of communication with hardware. The environment of the program is Visual Basic 6.0

2002-07-01

264

The ROC's Maritime Claims and Practices with Special Reference to the South China Sea  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The South China Sea is an area of disputes on sovereignty and resource jurisdiction claims. As one of the six claimants, the Republic of China (Taiwan) has played an important role not only because it is the originator of the U-shaped lines, but also it has continuously occupied the largest island, Tai-Ping-Dao, in the Spratlys. This article reviews the ROC's position on the issues through an exploration of its maritime claims to the territorial sea, continental shelf, and exclusive economic zone.

2010-01-01

265

The Grounds For Time Dependent Market Potentials From Dealers' Dynamics  

CERN Document Server

We apply the potential force estimation method to artificial time series of market price produced by a deterministic dealer model. We find that dealers' feedback of linear prediction of market price based on the latest mean price changes plays the central role in the market's potential force. When markets are dominated by dealers with positive feedback the resulting potential force is repulsive, while the effect of negative feedback enhances the attractive potential force.

2007-01-01

266

The CFBP is counting on exemplariness, responsiveness and dialogue  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Maintaining efforts at the end of a very average year in terms of tonnages marketed, maintaining a high degree of vigilance art responsiveness in the face of competition from other energy sources, emphasizing the exemplary safety of industrial plant, and playing an increased role as a source of proposals within the context of dialogue with the authorities in the current environment of stricter regulations. (author)

2003-03-01

267

Tachyons  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

An interpretation of effects connected with the possible existence of tachyons, i.e. particles moving at a velocity higher than the velocity of light, is given. It is proposed that if there exist in nature particles with super-luminal velocities then they are likely to be found in domains of extremely small space-time intervals #DELTA#xx10"-"1"6cm and #DELTA#t<10"-"2"6s, in which processes involving a violation of spatial and temporal parities are playing an important role.

268

Simvastatin suppresses LPS-induced MMP-1 expression in U937 mononuclear cells by inhibiting protein isoprenylation-mediated ERK activation  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) plays a crucial role in periodontal disease and is up-regulated by oral Gram-negative, pathogen-derived LPS. In this study, we reported that simvastatin, a 3-hydroxyl-3-methylglutaryl-CoA...Full Text Available

2008-10-01

269

Sequence analysis of two alleles reveals that intra-and intergenic recombination played a role in the evolution of the radish fertility restorer (Rfo)  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundLand plant genomes contain multiple members of a eukaryote-specific gene family encoding proteins with pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) motifs. Some PPR proteins were shown...Full Text Available

270

Scyl1 Facilitates Nuclear tRNA Export in Mammalian Cells by Acting at the Nuclear Pore Complex  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Scyl1 is an evolutionarily conserved N-terminal protein kinase-like domain protein that plays a role in COP1-mediated retrograde protein trafficking in mammalian cells. Furthermore, loss of Scyl1 function...Full Text Available

2010-07-15

271

Role of mechanical vibration in preventive maintenance programmes  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Vibration of machinery plays an important role in preventive maintenance programs of machinery. It can be applied in different phases ranging from simple to computerized programs. The advantages of applying machine condition monitoring programs are numerous since vibration measurement and analysis leads to the early detection of component deterioration. The cost, savings and some details of the vibration preventive maintenance program are discussed.

1989-11-01

272

Revitalizing a mature oil play: Strategies for finding and producing unrecovered oil in Frio fluvial-deltaic reservoirs of south Texas. Technical progress report, January 1, 1995--March 31, 1995  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A research program has been undertaken to characterize oil sand deposits. Studies include delination of reservoir architecture; petrophysical attributes; and petrography and core analysis.

1995-03-31

273

Renewable energy perspectives  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This short article describes the strategies taken into consideration by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy for the promotion of renewable forms of energy in Switzerland. Two basic models are considered and the parts to be played by the Swiss Confederation, the Swiss Cantons, Energy Agencies and professional organisations are discussed. The importance of the activities of partner organisations and actor-networks in various areas such as solar, small hydro, geothermal and wind energy are discussed, as are models for financing the necessary promotion and marketing efforts

274

Pseudostate description of breakup in the coupled-reaction-channel method: Numerical study of nonorthogonality effects  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

To simulate the effects of the breakup channel on rearrangement amplitudes, the conventional coupled-reaction-channel (CRC) expansion is augmented by pseudoreaction channels. The construction of the projector for the extended CRC space is discussed, and transition-operator equations on this space are given. By solving the full and post-approximation forms of the CRC equations for a model three-particle problem, the crucial role played by the nonorthogonality terms is demonstrated.

1991-03-01

275

Pseudostate description of breakup in the coupled-reaction-channel method: Numerical study of nonorthogonality effects  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

To simulate the effects of the breakup channel on rearrangement amplitudes, the conventional coupled-reaction-channel (CRC) expansion is augmented by pseudoreaction channels. The construction of the projector for the extended CRC space is discussed, and transition-operator equations on this space are given. By solving the full and post-approximation forms of the CRC equations for a model three-particle problem, the crucial role played by the nonorthogonality terms is demonstrated.

276

Procedure for economic evaluation of steam turbine drives versus electric drives  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This EPRI sponsored report describes factors that influence the selection of drives in process industry. These factors include economics, safety aspects, speed control and the plant steam balance. Since the economics play a key-role in the decision, this report provides a quick way of estimating the economics of replacing steam turbines with electric motors. The tools to carry out economic analyses have been provided in the form of graphs and nomographs for quick estimation.

1992-10-01

277

Physical mechanisms of biological molecular motors  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Biological motors generally fall into two categories: (1) those that convert chemical into mechanical energy via hydrolysis of a nucleoside triphosphate, usually adenosine triphosphate, regarded as life's chemical currency of energy and (2) membrane bound motors driven directly by an ion gradient and/or membrane potential. Here we argue that electrostatic interactions play a vital role for both types of motors and, therefore, the tools of physics can greatly contribute to understanding biological motors.

2009-03-01

278

Particulate air pollution and chronic ischemic heart disease in the eastern United States: a county level ecological study using satellite aerosol data  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundThere are several known factors that cause ischemic heart disease. However, the part played by air pollution still remains something of a mystery. Recent attention has...Full Text Available

279

MicroRNA Let-7f Inhibits Tumor Invasion and Metastasis by Targeting MYH9 in Human Gastric Cancer  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators that play key roles in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. A previous report has shown that let-7 family members can act as...Full Text Available

280

Maintenance viewpoint of a successful reactor program  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

As the Operating and Support staffs of the FFTF organization have gained experience, the plant reliability and capacity factors have shown a steadily improving trend. The plant capacity factor for Cycle 4 was 99.5%. It is the purpose of this report to describe the evolution of the maintenance organization at the FFTF site from a general support organization to a technically proficient organization playing a major role in planning and performance of plant maintenance evolutions.

1984-06-03

281

Magnesium Sensitizes Slow Vacuolar Channels to Physiological Cytosolic Calcium and Inhibits Fast Vacuolar Channels in Fava Bean Guard Cell Vacuoles1  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Vacuolar ion channels in guard cells play important roles during stomatal movement and are regulated by many factors including Ca2+, calmodulin, protein kinases, and phosphatases....Full Text Available

1999-11-01

282

Localized Rayleigh Instability in Evaporation Fronts  

CERN Document Server

A qualitatively different manifestation of the Rayleigh instability is demonstrated, where, instead of the usual extended undulations and breakup of the liquid into many droplets, the instability is localized, leading to an isolated narrowing of the liquid filament. The localized instability, caused by a nonuniform curvature of the liquid domain, plays a key role in the evaporation of thin liquid films off solid surfaces.

2009-01-01

283

Live Brucella spp. fail to induce tumor necrosis factor alpha excretion upon infection of U937-derived phagocytes.  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) plays a central role in activation of first-line defenses of a host against foreign organisms. To determine whether Brucella infection modulated TNF-alpha production,...Full Text Available

1994-12-01

284

Kappa-opioid receptor activation during reperfusion limits myocardial infarction via ERK1/2 activation in isolated rat hearts  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundWe investigated whether p42/p44 extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2) and/or phosphatidylinositol-3-OH kinase (PI3K)-Akt play a crucial role in cardioprotection...Full Text Available

2011-05-01

285

Introduction to the special issue on decision support in medicine  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Information technology plays an important role in medicine because of the advanced decision support systems (DSS) it can provide. We provide an overview of the building blocks necessary for a medical decision support system and introduce seven research articles in this special issue that describe the development and evaluation of individual medical DSS building blocks or complete medical DSS.

2007-01-01

286

Institutional solutions for renewable energy  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Institutional issues play a critical, but often overlooked, role in the implementation of renewable energy systems. This paper briefly reviews the institutional arrangements involved in deploying renewable energy from both the sender and receiver perspectives, giving the institutional basis principal characteristics, and pros and cons of each institution. It then offers several perspectives on the critical issues facing the deployment of renewable energy systems before offering a number of potential institutional based solutions. (author)

1997-02-01

287

Indigo and law in colonial India  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Recent scholarship has explored the process by which modern commercial and property law came into being in the non western world, and has emphasized the role played by colonialism and conquest in this process. Using a case study from colonial India, this article suggests that the coding of commercial law was influenced more by commercialization than by the nature of the state, and was an endogenous response to the failure of local custom and common law to secure frictionless trade.

2011-01-01

288

Independent effects of weight and mass on plantar flexor activity during walking: implications for their contributions to body support and forward propulsion  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The ankle plantar flexor muscles, gastrocnemius (Gas) and soleus (Sol), have been shown to play important roles in providing body support and forward propulsion during human walking. However, there...Full Text Available

2008-08-01

289

Hydrodynamic measurement of a single corrosion pit  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The hydrodynamics of gas evolution plays an important role in the pitting corrosion of metals. A new technique for the measurement of the local hydrodynamics caused by corrosion processes, using the atomic force microscope, has been presented in this work. The hydrodynamics of hydrogen evolution on Al surface due to pitting corrosion was studied. The characteristic features of the hydrodynamics are discussed. To the best of our knowledge this is the first local measurement of pitting corrosion hydrodynamics.

2004-11-01

290

Higgs Chaotic Inflation  

CERN Document Server

We construct a chaotic inflation model in which the Higgs fields play the role of the inflaton in the singlet extension of the supersymmetric standard model. The key idea is to impose a shift symmetry on the D-flat direction Hu Hd in the Kahler potential. The model is a realization of the recently proposed running kinetic inflation, in which the coefficient of the kinetic term grows as the inflaton field. The inflaton potential depends on the structure of the Higgs sector. For instance, the inflaton potential is proportional to phi^{2/3} during inflation in the NMSSM.

2010-01-01

291

Hepatitis B virus-induced defect of monocyte-derived dendritic cells leads to impaired T helper type 1 response in vitro: mechanisms for viral immune escape  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Dendritic cells (DC) are the most potent antigen-presenting cells and play a central role in the induction of antiviral immune responses. Recently, we have shown that monocyte-derived DC (MoDC) from...Full Text Available

2003-08-01

292

Gamma interferon induces rapid and coordinate activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) and calcium-independent protein kinase C in human monocytes.  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Gamma interferon plays an important role in regulating the functional properties of mononuclear phagocytes. In the present study, the role of activated protein kinases in the mechanism of action of...Full Text Available

1994-07-01

293

Extraribosomal functions associated with the C terminus of the 37/67?kDa laminin receptor are required for maintaining cell viability  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The 37/67 kDa laminin receptor (LAMR) is a multifunctional protein, acting as an extracellular receptor, localizing to the nucleus, and playing roles in rRNA processing and ribosome assembly....Full Text Available

2010-05-01

294

Explore - The Lab - Australian Broadcasting Corporation's Gateway to Science  

Wastenet

...Explore - The Lab - Australian Broadcasting Corporation's Gateway to Science Radio TV Shop News Sport Local Children Science Environment more Topics help Science Home News in Science Features Explore TV & Radio Dr Karl Play Podcasts DNA - The discovery of the double helix structure of DNA completely changed biology and opened up the new field of genetics. The 'backbone of life' has given us the human genome, stem cell research, ...

295

Exchange rate pass-through: A generalization  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The extent of exchange rate pass-through has been playing an increasingly pivotal role in the transmission of exchange rate shocks and adequate policy responses. We develop a model of exchange rate pass-through that allows the stochastic process of exchange rate to include the lagged values of the velocity of money. We show that the likelihood and extent of pass-through is sensitive to the lagged response.

2010-01-01

296

Evolution of health information management and information technology in emergency medicine.  

Science.gov (United States)

The implementation of information technology will continue to have important effects on the practice of emergency medicine. Patient registration and tracking systems, telemedicine electronic order entry systems, and the advent of electronic health records are some examples of applications that influence patient care in emergency departments. We review the literature regarding information technology advances in emergency medicine and outline the important role that emergency physicians play in developing and implementing a national health information technology strategy. PMID:16712540

2006-06-01

297

Evaluation of Ordos Basin in China  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ordos basin lies in the north-central China, in a compression tectonic regime, with an area of approximately 250,000 km{sup 2}, including several pay zones ranging from Cambrian to Jurassic. It is one of the earliest-formed marine to continental-superimposed basin in China, characterized by Proterozoic basin-marginal rifling and Lower-Paleozoic carbonate platform development followed by western thrusting and foreland depression during Mesozoic. It underwent several tectonic movements and is covered by several structural layers, with many play types developed, primarily thrust and anticlinal plays in the west, and differential compaction (river-channel sand lens) or drape as well as buried hill plays in the basin center and east. Ordos basin is a prolific gas basin with an estimated resource potential of gas 656,091 billion m{sup 3} in the Paleozoic strata and oil 2.0474 billion tons in the Mesozoic strata. In 1986, in the ...

1996-06-01

298

Evaluate the Health Potential of Fruit & Vegetable Snack Products (EFH 11)  

Environmental Research Database

DescriptionDespite the growing recognition of the important part fruit and vegetables can play in helping prevent a number of diseases, health and nutrition experts are concerned about the low consumption of fruits and vegetables in the UK. The principal aim of this project is to improve consumer dietary consumption of fruit and vegetables by developing novel snack foods based on the fruit and vegetable materials using extrusion processing.

2005-01-31

299

Enhanced ?2-adrenergic receptor (?2AR) signaling by adeno-associated viral (AAV)-mediated gene transfer  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Backgroundβ2-Adrenergic receptors (β2AR) play important regulatory roles in a variety of cells and organ systems and are important therapeutic...Full Text Available

300

Effectiveness of a school-based physical activity-related injury prevention program on risk behavior and neuromotor fitness a cluster randomized controlled trial  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundTo investigate the effects of a school-based physical activity-related injury prevention program, called 'iPlay', on risk behavior and neuromotor fitness.MethodsIn...Full Text Available

301

ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY DISTRIBUTED ENERGY STORAGE BATTERY  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Electro Energy, Inc. conducted a research project to develop an energy efficient and environmentally friendly bipolar Ni-MH battery for distributed energy storage applications. Rechargeable batteries with long life and low cost potentially play a significant role by reducing electricity cost and pollution. A rechargeable battery functions as a reservoir for storage for electrical energy, carries energy for portable applications, or can provide peaking energy when a demand for electrical power exceeds primary generating capabilities.

2006-04-30

302

Dynamic performance testing of control valves  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Response of control valves plays an important role in the dynamics of the flow system as a whole. Knowledge of its transfer function would facilitate analysis of the behaviour of the system. This paper presents the application of Levy's complex curve fitting method for determination of the transfer function of control valves used in Liquid Zone Control System of 540 MWe PHWR. (author)

2005-02-01

303

Different genetic requirements for anterior RNA localization revealed by the distribution of Adducin-like transcripts during Drosophila oogenesis.  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The proteins encoded by polar-localized mRNAs play an important role in cell fate specification along the anteroposterior axis of the Drosophila embryo. The only maternally synthesized mRNA known previously...Full Text Available

1993-03-15

304

Dietary calcium and magnesium intakes and the risk of type 2 diabetes: the Shanghai Women's Health Study123  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Background: Diet plays a key role in the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D), but little is known about the contributions of specific nutrients in populations in which dietary patterns...Full Text Available

2009-04-01

305

Cumulative hadron production in quark models of flucton fragmentation  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Quark models of cumulative particle production and EMS effect are analyzed. All the models are characterized by a universal relationship between the spectrum of cumulative nucleons and the cross section of cumulative particles containing valence nuclear quarks. This relationship is tested for a deuteron. The role is discussed played by secondary nuclear processes for heavy nuclei. A special role of ''sea'' cumulative particles (K"-, p-bar) is pointed out in understanding the nature of the difference between the structure functions of a nucleus and of free nucleon.

306

Contributions of SERCA pump and ryanodine-sensitive stores to presynaptic residual Ca2+  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The presynaptic Ca2+ signal, which triggers vesicle release, disperses to a broadly distributed residual [Ca2+] ([Ca2+]res) that plays an important...Full Text Available

2010-04-01

307

Conductance quantization in ferromagnetic Ni nano-constriction  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The conductance in ferromagnetic Ni nano-wire is quantized in units of 2e{sup 2}/h in the absence of magnetic field, while the units switch to e{sup 2}/h in the magnetic field. The fractional units of 0.7e{sup 2}/h and 1.4e{sup 2}/h with and without magnetic field appear under the application of high bias-voltage. The spin polarization and bias-voltage play an important role in the electric conduction.

2002-02-01

308

Catalytic chemistry  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Most chemical reactions in industry and biology are catalytic and play a role at some stage of the processing of about 80% of the goods manufactured in the U.S., yet catalysis is a neglected subject in chemical education. This book integrates the fragmentary treatment accorded the topic until now. It covers, in a unified way, catalysis in solutions, by enzymes, in synthetic polymers within the molecular scale cages of zeolites and other molecular sieves, and on surfaces of inorganic solids. The central ideas are chemical; and principles are illustrated by emphasizing industrial reactions and catalysts.

1991-01-01

309

Biological solubilization of coal in aqueous and nonaqueous media  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Current investigations into the biological solubilization of coal with microorganisms focus on the production of solubilizing activity in fungi. Test organisms for this work include a species of the yeast Candida previously isolated from a lignite outcrop, and P. chrysosporium, a filamentous higher fungus which has played a major role in lignin biodegradation research. The studies described are primarily exploratory in nature, and are fundamental to the design of more sophisticated inquiries into the physiology of fungal coal solubilization.

1987-01-01

310

Autocrine regulation of T-cell activation by ATP release and P2X7 receptors  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

T-cell activation requires the influx of extracellular calcium, although mechanistic details regarding such activation are not fully defined. Here, we show that P2X7 receptors play a key...Full Text Available

2009-06-01

311

Aspects of landscaping in case of constructing new HV transmission line. Landschaftsschutzaspekte beim Bau einer neuen Hochspannungsleitung  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

When constructing new high-voltage transmission lines landscape aspects play a more and more important role. The project described is particularly interesting as it demonstrates that it is possible to find acceptable solutions for everyone if all partners are prepared to make concessions. The article also describes a new concept for the connection of concrete tower elements. (orig.).

1991-01-23

312

Arc/Arg3.1 mRNA Global Expression Patterns Elicited by Memory Recall in Cerebral Cortex Differ for Remote Versus Recent Spatial Memories  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The neocortex plays a critical role in the gradual formation and storage of remote declarative memories. Because the circuitry mechanisms of systems-level consolidation are not well understood, the...Full Text Available

313

Angiography in the diagnosis and treatment of trauma  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Angiography plays a vital role in the investigation of the patient suffering from multiple trauma. The commonest injuries have been rupture of the thoracic aorta, renal lacerations, arterial bleeding associated with fractures and soft-tissue injuries to the pelvis, and occlusions of the arteries supplying the limbs. Transcatheter arterial embolization may be the definitive therapeutic procedure in pelvic bleeding.

1983-09-01

314

Amplified B Lymphocyte CD40 Signaling Drives Regulatory B10 Cell Expansion in Mice  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundAberrant CD40 ligand (CD154) expression occurs on both T cells and B cells in human lupus patients, which is suggested to enhance B cell CD40 signaling and play a role...Full Text Available

315

Altered GABAA receptor-mediated synaptic transmission disrupts the firing of gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons in male mice under conditions that mimic steroid abuse  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Gonadotropin–releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons are the central regulators of reproduction. GABAergic transmission plays a critical role in pubertal activation of pulsatile GnRH secretion....Full Text Available

2010-05-12

316

Adenosine A1 receptors (A1Rs) play a critical role in osteoclast formation and function  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Adenosine regulates a wide variety of physiological processes via interaction with one or more G-protein-coupled receptors (A1R, A2AR, A2BR, and A3R)....Full Text Available

2010-07-01

317

ATP-gated P2X3 receptors constitute a positive autocrine signal for insulin release in the human pancreatic ? cell  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Extracellular ATP has been proposed as a paracrine signal in rodent islets, but it is unclear what role ATP plays in human islets. We now show the presence of an ATP signaling pathway that enhances...Full Text Available

2010-04-06

318

A divergent Tbx6-related gene and Tbx6 are both required for neural crest and intermediate mesoderm development in Xenopus  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

AbstractT-box family transcription factors play many roles in Metazoan development. Here we characterise Tbx6r, a unique Tbx6 paralogue isolated from the amphibian Xenopus....Full Text Available

2010-04-01

319

(-)-Epigallocatechin Gallate Regulates CD3-mediated T Cell Receptor Signaling in Leukemia through the Inhibition of ZAP-70 Kinase*  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The ζ chain-associated 70-kDa protein (ZAP-70) of tyrosine kinase plays a critical role in T cell receptor-mediated signal transduction and the immune response. A high level of ZAP-70 expression...Full Text Available

2008-10-17

320

MAJOR OIL PLAYS IN UTAH AND VICINITY  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Utah oil fields have produced over 1.2 billion barrels (191 million m{sup 3}). However, the 13.7 million barrels (2.2 million m{sup 3}) of production in 2002 was the lowest level in over 40 years and continued the steady decline that began in the mid-1980s. The Utah Geological Survey believes this trend can be reversed by providing play portfolios for the major oil-producing provinces (Paradox Basin, Uinta Basin, and thrust belt) in Utah and adjacent areas in Colorado and Wyoming. Oil plays are geographic areas with petroleum potential caused by favorable combinations of source rock, migration paths, reservoir rock characteristics, and other factors. The play portfolios will include: descriptions and maps of the major oil plays by reservoir; production and reservoir data; case-study field evaluations; summaries of the state-of-the-art drilling, completion, and secondary/tertiary techniques for each ...

2003-09-01

321

40th Anniversary of the First Proton-Proton Collisions in the CERN Intersecting Storage Rings (ISR)  

ScienceCinema

...and ...and ? ...and ...and and ...and sent to discuss results ...and the moment that ...and ...and ...and and it's a great pleasure to ...and ...and because ...and ...? and ...and ...and ...? and ...? yes yes and ...and ...techniques and ...those who don't know and and i ...and ...? and ...and ...and and ...and ...and ...and ...and january nineteen seventy one and ...and ...and ...ejected johnson ? and ...saw this and that ...and the ...and ...? and ...the problem of the following talks that and ...physics and ...um and finally ...and ...and ...disposal them but that's ...and and ...and ...and that's ...and ...and ...and ...and on the physics results by michael ...and ...and evolution of detectors ...and ...and ...and ...? folks and ...and all ...and and ...and the ...and ...and ...and ...and and ...and ...and ...would be a coffee and h ? and that ...and the physics still go to forgetfulness ...and the and website and ...give you some physicists and ...and ...and ...out what the ...

322

the earth observer - Earth Observing System - NASA  

Science.gov (United States)

of satellite, aircraft and ground-based observations. In ..... swarm traps by Utah Department of Food and Agriculture (DAF) personnel. Preliminary Results ..... the 150th anniversary of the book's publication and the 200th anniversary of Darwin's birth. ...... cold war submarine missions to find that Arctic Ocean ...

323

Observations of late-type young stars in the Rho Oph dark cloud  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We present photoelectric BVRI photometry for 16 T Tau and related stars in the Rho Oph dark cloud, as well as vidicon spectroscopic observations for nine stars. The color excesses of these stars favor circumstellar dust shells as the source of the observed infrared excesses.

1980-04-01

324

High-resolution infrared observations in IC 5146  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

High-resolution near-infrared and far-infrared observations are presented of the southeastern molecular cloud fragment in the IC 5146 dark cloud. These observations rule out earlier suggestions for the formation of massive stars in this fragment.

1984-04-01

325

Applying Direct Observation to Model Workflow and Assess Adoption  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Lack of understanding about workflow can impair health IT system adoption. Observational techniques can provide valuable information about clinical workflow. A pilot study using direct observation was...Full Text Available

2006-01-01

326

A Sequential Problem in Decentralized Detection with Communication  

CERN Document Server

A sequential problem in decentralized detection is considered. Two observers can make repeated noisy observations of a binary hypothesis on the state of the environment. At any time, observer 1 can stop and send a final binary message to observer 2 or it may continue to take more measurements. Every time observer 1 postpones its final message to observer 2, it incurs a penalty. Observer 2's operation under two different scenarios is explored. In the first scenario, observer 2 waits to receive the final message from observer 1 and then starts taking measurements of its own. It is then faced with a stopping problem on whether to stop and declare a decision on the hypothesis or to continue taking measurements. In the second scenario, observer 2 starts taking measurements from the ...

2009-01-01

327

Observations of a Unique Type of ULF Waves by Low-Latitude Space Technology Five Mission  

Science.gov (United States)

We report a unique type of ULF waves observed by low-altitude Space Technology 5 (ST-5)

2011-01-01

328

OBSERVATIONS ON THE VARIATIONS IN SIZE OF THE A REGION OF ARTHROPOD MUSCLE  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The muscles of three different arthropods, a mite, a fly, and an ostracod, show variations in the length of the A region within a given individual. There is no indication that the observed differences...Full Text Available

1963-11-01

329

Precipitation-induced runoff and leaching from milled peat mining mires by peat types: A comparative method for estimating the loading of water bodies during peat production  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Finland has some 10 million hectares of peatland, accounting for almost a third of its total area. Macroclimatic conditions have varied in the course of the Holocene growth and development of this peatland, and with them the habitats of the peat-forming plants. Temperatures and moisture conditions have played a significant role in determining the dominant species of mire plants growing there at any particular time, the resulting mire types and the accumulation and deposition of plant remains to form the peat. While in a natural state the mires of Finland have functioned as carbon dioxide sinks throughout the post-glacial period, but the ditching of peatland for forestry and agriculture, amounting to some 5,7 million hectares in Finland, has affected their water balance, especially over the last hundred years, and has thereby altered the quantity and species composition of the mire vegetation. The invasion of trees and woody plants to replace the typical mire plants ...

2007-07-01

330

Vigdor et al. respond  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Possible explanations are given for the observed asymmetry of the analyzing power in several (rho,..pi../sup -/) reactions.

1985-03-18

334

AN AES/XPS STUDY OF THE CHEMISTRY OF PALLADIUM ...  

Science.gov (United States)

... AT THE INTERFACE, A THIN OXIDE LAYER IS OBSERVED ALONG WITH POSSIBLE PALLADIUM SILICIDES. PALLADIUM ...

1981-02-01

335

A statistical study of pulsar rotational braking  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A previous study described the basic theoretical expectations of the magnetic dipole radiation and unipolar induction of pulsars and presented observational results. This paper further discusses the difference between the two braking mechanisms and analyses the results of a statistical study through observed data of apparent beamwidth's distributions and a geometrical method. The theory of magnetic dipole radiation of pulsars agrees with the observations. Unipolar induction as a braking mechanism is not consistent with the observations.

336

The crack of harden cement paste observed with multi-technique  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The shrinkage of the cement paste with low water-cement ratio at different relative humidity was observed and analyzed with ESEM and deformation map technique. The crack morphology was observed with different magnification with SEM and FESEM, and the formation of the crack was observed with AFM between two C-S-H nano particles. The observation by multi technique at multi scale indicated that the shrinkage was increase with the decrease of the humidity due to the increase of the pressure of the capillary pressure, the morphology of the crack in smaller scale was similar to that in the bigger scale, the smaller crack distributed in the latticework of the bigger ones, and the crack propagated along the gap between two nano particles of C-S-H with weaker bonding.

2010-01-01

337

Exploring the structure of the proton through polarization observables in l p \\to jet X  

CERN Document Server

We present results for a complete set of polarization observables for jet production in lepton proton collision, where the final state lepton is not observed. The calculations are carried out in collinear factorization at the level of Born diagrams. For all the observables we also provide numerical estimates for typical kinematics of a potential future Electron Ion Collider. On the basis of this numerical study, the prospects for the transverse single target spin asymmetry are particularly promising. This observable is given by a certain quark-gluon correlation function, which has a direct relation to the transverse momentum dependent Sivers parton distribution.

2011-01-01

338

Wood residues in Alberta  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The forest products industry is the third largest economic sector in Alberta, producing pulp and paper, dimensional lumber, paneling, and value added products, providing some 40,000 jobs . 'Value added' is a key component of expanding economic activity within the forest products sector. Wood residues can play a key role in obtaining more value from forest resources by providing new products, serving as feedstock to energy and chemical production, and playing a role in agriculture and land reclamation. One of the principal roles of the Forest Products Development Branch of the Alberta Economics Department is to encourage the development of the industry by creating new uses for these materials and developing awareness of the scope of the resource. Distances to markets, economic competition from conventional energy sources and coordination of research efforts are substantial barriers to further development that the Forest ...

1999-07-01

339

The path to the future: The role of science and technology at Argonne National Laboratory  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Today some scientists are concerned that present budget considerations in Washington will make it impossible for the US to maintain its preeminence in important areas of science and technology. In the private sector there has been a demise of substantive R & D efforts through most of the major industries. For DOE a lack of future support for science and technology would be an important issue because this could impact DOE`s abilities to solve problems in its major areas of concern, national security, energy, environment. In fact some scientists maintain that were the present trend to continue unabated it could lead to a national security issue. Preeminence in science and technology plays a critical role in our nation`s position as the leader of world democracy. In contrast with this point of view of gloom and doom, however, in this presentation I hope to bring to you what I see as an exciting message of good news. Today I will list the important opportunities ...

1996-04-30

340

Mechanism of biosorption of Heavy metals by mucor rouxii  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Fungi such as Aspergillus niger and Mucor rouxii are capable of removing heavy metals from aqueous solutions. The role various functional groups play in the cell wall of M. rouxii in metal biosorption of lead, cadmium, nickel and zinc was investigated in this paper. The biomass was chemically treated to modify the functional carboxyl, amino and phosphate groups. These modifications were examined by means of infrared spectroscopy. It was found that an esterification of the carboxyl groups and phosphate and a methylation of the amine groups significantly decreased the biosorption of the heavy metals studied. Thus, the carboxylate, amine and phosphate groups were recognized as important in the biosorption of metal ions by M. rouxii biomass. The role the lipids fraction play was not significant. The study showed that Na, K, Ca and Mg ions were released from the biomass after biosorption of Pb,Cd,Ni and Zn, indicating that ion exchange was a key ...

2008-08-15

341

Matching the needs of a nation: The strategic roles of indicators for decisionmaking  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Indicators are important tools for communicating and making accessible scientific and technical information to policymakers and the general public. They therefore play an important role in transforming information into action. Worldwide, many initiatives are underway to construct indicators for a variety of purposes, including those for reporting on sustainable development. This paper briefly describes the attempts made so far, but stresses that the users of the indicators should play a greater role in indicator construction. In developing countries, a substantial lack of data has meant that specific policy formulation may develop without adequate technical input. In developed countries also, data gaps may hinder policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation. However, the development of indicators as tools to assist in the management of hazardous wastes and toxic chemicals is still in the early stages of formulation. A more imaginative ...

1996-12-31

342

Does DaYa-Bay Reactor Play an Important Role in Theta_{13} of Lepton Mixing (PMNS) Matrix ?  

CERN Document Server

Reactor neutrinos play an important role in determining parameter theta_{13} in the lepton mixing (PMNS) matrix. Next important step on measuring PMNS matrix could be to build another reactor neutrino experiment in DaYa bay, China, to search the possible oscillations via sin^2 (2theta_{13}) and Delta m^2_{13}. We consider 4 different schemes for positions of three 8-ton detectors of this experiment, and simulate the results with respect to an array of assumed ''true'' values of physics parameters. Using three kinds of analysis method, we suggest a best scheme for DaYa-Bay which is to place a detector 2200m ~ 2500m symmetrically away from two reactors, and to put the other two detectors closer to their corresponding reactors respectively, almost at a 100m \\~ 200m distance. Moreover, with conservative assumption on the experimental technique, we construct series of allowed regions from our simulation results, and give detailed explanations therein. The movable ...

2004-01-01

343

Zonal, provincial, lithological, and geomorphic features of soil salinization in the Southern federal okrug of Russia  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The relationships between soil salinization and the zonal and provincial bioclimatic conditions, the lithological composition of the sediments, and the geomorphic features of the territory have been analyzed for the Southern federal okrug of Russia. It is shown that the lithological and geomorphic conditions (relief, salinity of parent materials, degree of drainage, and the depth of saline groundwater) play an important role in the distribution of salt-affected soils against the background of the more general regularities specified by the climate. The participation of salt-affected soils in the soil cover of the Southern federal okrug increases in the eastward direction from the forest-steppe zone to the semidesert zone in agreement with an increase in the aridity and continentality of the...

2011-01-01

344

Towards a Model of Understanding Social Search  

CERN Document Server

Search engine researchers typically depict search as the solitary activity of an individual searcher. In contrast, results from our critical-incident survey of 150 users on Amazon's Mechanical Turk service suggest that social interactions play an important role throughout the search process. Our main contribution is that we have integrated models from previous work in sensemaking and information seeking behavior to present a canonical social model of user activities before, during, and after search, suggesting where in the search process even implicitly shared information may be valuable to individual searchers.

2009-01-01

345

The role of brachytherapy in radiation and isotopes centre of Khartoum (RICK)  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

As there are many efforts devoted in order to manage the cancer, here the researcher handle one of these efforts that play a major part in treating the cancer internationally, it is a brachytherapy system. Brachytherapy was carried out mostly with radium sources, but recently some artificial sources are incorporated in this mode of treatment such as Cs-137, Ir-192, Au-198, P-32, Sr-90 and I-125. The research cover history of brachytherapy and radioactive sources used in, techniques of implementation, radiation protection and methods of brachytherapy dose calculation, as well as brachytherapy in radiation and isotopes centre in Khartoum.

346

The need for action in the housing ventilation area is essential; Bei der Wohnungslueftung besteht grosser Handlungsbedarf  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This short article discusses the results of a market survey on ventilation systems for residential buildings and the role played by ventilation systems in our daily lives. Problems incurred as a result of insufficient ventilation conditions such as the formation of mould in dwellings whose windows have been replaced with better seals are discussed, for example. The negative image of air-conditioning and its causes are examined. The need for action in this area is stressed. Further findings of the study are presented, including a detailed review of current equipment and scenarios on how these systems can develop in the future. The extension of the study to cover the situation in further European countries is mentioned.

2003-07-01

347

The behavioral management of pain: a criticism of a response.  

Science.gov (United States)

In response to an earlier published paper by Fordyce, some assumptions underlying the behavior management paradigm of chronic pain are critically discussed. While operant treatment has proved successful, the conclusion that operant factors play an important role in the development and maintenance of chronic benign pain is debated. Some empirical studies, regularly used to demonstrate this role, are re-evaluated. An alternative theory is proposed for chronic pain behavior, in which the role of a lower tolerance to proprioceptive stimuli, which may include more than just pain stimuli, is emphasized. PMID:3313200

1987-09-01

348

Study on nuclear power plant project construction and management mode in China  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Project management mode plays a key role in project construction, especially in nuclear power field. From the aspects of right, responsibility and benefit, this paper discussed the differences among the common used project management modes. Also the main kinds of the construction management modes used in China's nuclear power plants were summarized. At last, considering the experience of Ningde nuclear power plant, this paper put forward several perspectives about the selection of project management mode in nuclear power plant construction. (authors)

2009-12-01

349

Solution-chemical syntheses of nanostructure HgTe via a simple hydrothermal process  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

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.

2010-06-04

350

Rovs get that sinking feeling  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Although rovs (remotely operated vehicles) and AUVs (autonomous underwater vehicles) are playing ever increasing roles in the development of underwater fields, surprise is expressed that oil companies are not supporting the necessary research and development. The situation was discussed at this year's annual Association of Diving Contractors and Marine Technology Society in Houston. Some of the technical problems associated with operating the vehicles in deeper and deeper water were discussed. Although demand for the vehicles is falling in the North Sea, the Gulf of Mexico is seen as the next growth area. (uk)

2000-03-01

351

Review of the application of molecular beam epitaxy for high efficiency solar cell research  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In the last two years, rapid progress has been made in the energy conversion efficiencies of GaAs solar cells fabricated from molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) material. The efficiencies of cells fabricated from MBE material are now comparable with those fabricated from metal-organic chemical vapor deposition material, even for cells of dimension 2 cmx4 cm. This paper reviews the progress in MBE cell efficiencies. Also discussed is the role oval defects play in GaAs diode and solar cell performance. (orig.).

1991-05-01

352

Radiation effect on optical, electrophysical and surface properties of GaAlAs heterostructures  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A study was made on the effect of 3.5 MeV electron irradiation on the properties of light-emissive structure based on GaAlAs. It is shown that a considerable decrease in the emitted light intensity as a result of electron irradiation not accompanied by changes in recombination- and electric properties of the mentioned structures. It is established by the electron-microscopy and Auger-spectroscopy meazurements that electron irradiation causes the occurrence of regions of free aluminium clusters on the external surface of the structure n-layer. The number and the sizes of the regions depend on the electron doze. It was assumed that the mentioned regions can play a role of attenuation filter for the light emitted by the structure.

1984-07-01

353

Quantum correlations through event horizons: Fermionic versus bosonic entanglement  

Science.gov (United States)

We disclose the behavior of quantum and classical correlations among all the different spatial-temporal regions of a space-time with an event horizon, comparing fermionic with bosonic fields. We show the emergence of conservation laws for entanglement and classical correlations, pointing out the crucial role that statistics plays in the information exchange (and more specifically, the entanglement tradeoff) across horizons. The results obtained here could shed new light on the problem of information behavior in noninertial frames and in the presence of horizons, giving better insight into the black-hole information paradox.

2010-03-15

354

Pumped storage plants in a new framework - challenges and consequences  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Originally designed exclusively for peak load covering, pumped storage plants are now faced with new challenges brought about by the deregulation of the electricity market and the substantial growth of wind power capacity. Today's pumped storage plants are started more frequently and often for shorter periods of time. The grid controlling tasks have increased the importance of the role played by this type of power plant and improved sales considerably. But the operational demands have grown substantially as well. This paper discusses the ensuing adaptation of power plant operation as well as options available to power plant operators. (orig.)

2006-07-01

355

Public Understanding of Cognitive Neuroscience Research Findings: Trying to Peer Beyond Enchanted Glass  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

This article considers the appeal of cognitive neuroscience research to the general public within the context of the deep puzzles involved in using our minds to understand how our minds work. It offers a few promising examples of findings that illuminate the ways of the mind and reveal these workings to be counter-intuitive with our subjective experience. However, this promise is tempered by the powerful role that perception, attention, and cognition play in how we reason about evidence. It argues that the interplay between what we believe about the nature of our minds and what the findings suggest constitutes a primary challenge in encouraging public understanding of cognitive neuroscience findings.

2011-01-01

356

Probable role of trace elements of some medicinal plants in cardio-vascular diseases  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A number of herbal drugs are used in the Unani (Greco-Arab) System of Medicine for cardiovascular diseases. The herbs were analyzed by flame AAS and ICP-AES to determine if their therapeutic actions can be associated with the elements present in them. Cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese, sodium, nickel, phosphorus, lead and zinc were some of the elements which play various roles in cardiovascular affections. An effort was made to correlate the role of these elements in cardiac diseases. (Auth.). 2 tabs., 32 refs.

357

Phenomenological interaction between current quarks  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

We construct a phenomenological model which describes the dynamical chiral symmetry breaking (DCSB) of a QCD vacuum and reproduces meson spectra. Quark condensates, the pion decay constant, and meson spectra are well reproduced by the phenomenological interaction which consists of a linear confining potential, a Coulombic potential, and the close-quote t Hooft determinant interaction. In this model, the close-quote t Hooft determinant interaction plays an important role to not only the mass difference between the #eta# and #eta#"' mesons, but other meson masses through DCSB. copyright 1997 The American Physical Society.

358

Past, present and future of elementary particle physics  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The 'elementary' particle physics began in 1935, when Hideki Yukawa published his pioneering pi-meson theory, and the problem of strong interaction was finally solved 40 years later by the establishment of the Standard Model. The composite models of hadrons by the Sakata school and Sin-itiro Tomonaga's renormalization theory for quantum electrodynamics played essential roles for finding this beautiful solution. It is really surprising that it took only 40 years to solve such desperately difficult problem. The 'elementary' particle physics then split into two new fields, quark-hadron physics' and 'unified (ultimate) theory of particle physics', which are now 30 years old already. (author)

2006-12-01

359

Operator algebra from fusion rules. Pt. 2  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The classification of rational conformal field theories is essentially equivalent to the classification of all possible four-point functions for the primary fields of the theories. An interesting set of parameters appearing in the latter classification is given by the number and the positions of so-called apparent singularities of the differential equations which are obeyed by the four-point functions. The subject of this paper is a detailed analysis of the role played by these parameters. In particular the restrictions imposed on them by general principles of two-dimensional conformal field theory are worked out, and the implications on the classification programme are discussed. (orig.).

1992-11-01

360

International law on nuclear liability - a critical approach  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The author discusses in detail the following topics: Compensation for domestic nuclear damage and for transfrontier nuclear damage - rule of formal equality of parties which belongs to the basic rule of civil law considering the position of domestic and foreign victims of a grave accident-juridical consequences of the preponderant role played by the state in the promotion, development and supervision of the nuclear industry-rationale for applying the concept of global limitation of liability in the law on nuclear liability and compensation - financial consequences of uncompensated nuclear damage, borne by the victims directly affected or spread over the whole community of the affected state? (HP)

1995-12-31

361

Interaction of water with epoxy.  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The chemistries of reactants, plasticizers, solvents and additives in an epoxy paint are discussed. Polyamide additives may play an important role in the absorption of molecular iodine by epoxy paints. It is recommended that the unsaturation of the polyamide additive in the epoxy cure be determined. Experimental studies of water absorption by epoxy resins are discussed. These studies show that absorption can disrupt hydrogen bonds among segments of the polymers and cause swelling of the polymer. The water absorption increases the diffusion coefficient of water within the polymer. Permanent damage to the polymer can result if water causes hydrolysis of ether linkages. Water desorption studies are recommended to ascertain how water absorption affects epoxy paint.

2009-07-01

362

Influence of microalloying on the corrosion resistance of steel in saturated calcium hydroxide  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The influence of microalloying vanadium or titanium on improving the corrosion resistance of mild steel in saturated calcium hydroxide solution was investigated. Potential-time, potentiodynamic polarization, and impedance measurement techniques were employed. The corrosion products have been examined by infrared and X-ray diffraction analysis and by scanning electron microscopy. It has been shown that the grain refining, due to microalloying, plays an important role in enhancing the corrosion resistance of steel. Scales of calcite and iron oxides on top of a protective oxide are formed on the investigated steels.

363

Inborn Errors of Metabolism Presenting in Childhood  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract Neurodegenerative and neurometabolic disorders may cause significant morbidity and mortality in children. Imaging is important in early diagnosis of metabolic disorders and in determining the extent of brain injury. Especially after the development of new techniques such as diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), neuroimaging plays more important role in the diagnosis and management of these disorders. In these disorders, usually a mutation causes a clinically significant block in one or more metabolic pathways. This blockage usually results in either a deficiency of the product or in an accumulation of substrate with damage induced by either storage or toxicity. The presenting symptoms are usually nonspecific. In some of the ...

2011-01-01

364

How quantum is the big bang?  

CERN Document Server

When quantum gravity is used to discuss the big bang singularity, the most important, though rarely addressed, question is what role genuine quantum degrees of freedom play. Here, complete effective equations are derived for isotropic models with an interacting scalar to all orders in the expansions involved. The resulting coupling terms show that quantum fluctuations do not affect the bounce much. Quantum correlations, however, do have an important role and could even eliminate the bounce. How quantum gravity regularizes the big bang depends crucially on properties of the quantum state.

2008-01-01

365

High-tech hydro: an overview of pumped storage  

Science.gov (United States)

A growing number of pumped storage plants installed within the US brings attention to the increasing significance of pumped storage as a source of electrical generation capacity. Because of the special benefits this technology has to offer, hydroelectric pumped storage is an option that many utilities should consider for the supply of new capacity requirements. This article surveys the development and use of pumped storage in the US, and considers the potential for the future development of this technology. Although some of the problems that have occurred on recent projects highlight the role of pumped storage as a technological proving ground, the article puts forth the view that pumped storage is maturing to play a significant role in US electricity supply.

366

Generator coordinate method for triaxial quadrupole collective dynamics in strontium isotopes  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We discuss the algebraic structure of the generator coordinate method for triaxial quadrupole collective motion. The collective solutions are classified according to the representations of the permutation group of the intrinsic axes. Our method amounts to an approximate angular-momentum projection. We apply it to a study of the spherical-to-deformed-shape transition in light even strontium isotopes {sup 78-88}Sr. We find that triaxial configurations play a significant role in explaining the structure of the transitional isotopes {sup 80-82}Sr. (orig.).

1991-07-29

367

Forward contracts in electricity markets: The Australian experience  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Forward contracts play a vital role in all electricity markets, and yet the details of the market for forward contracts are often opaque. In this paper we review the existing literature on forward contracts and explore the contracting process as it operates in Australia. The paper is based on interviews with participants in Australia's National Electricity Market (NEM). The interviews were designed to understand the contracting process and the practice of risk management in the Australian energy-only pool market. This survey reveals some significant gaps between the assumptions made in the academic literature and actual practice in the Australian market place. (author)

2007-05-01

368

Evaluation of carbon substrates for bifunctional air electrodes applied in zinc-air-batteries  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The key component for improving the energy efficiency and cycle life of the electrically rechargeable zinc-air battery is the bifunctional air electrode. The air electrodes described in this paper contained different types of carbon black as the substrate for the perovskite catalyst (La{sub 0.6}Ca{sub 0.4}CoO{sub 3}). Morphological and physical properties of the carbon substrates play an important role in enhancing the activity and stability of the bifunctional air electrode. Current-potential curves and cycle-life tests were applied in order to gather information on the activity and stability of these electrodes. (authors)

2000-07-01

369

Effect of Inner Electrode on Electrical Properties of (Zn,Mg)TiO3-Based Multilayer Ceramic Capacitor  

Science.gov (United States)

In this study, different proportions of silver-palladium alloy used as an inner electrode are adopted to fabricate (Zn,Mg)TiO3-based multilayer ceramic capacitors. Effects of sintering temperature, and measuring frequency on the dielectric properties of the samples with different proportions of the Pd-Ag inner electrode are investigated. The continuity of the inner electrode and the proportion of Pd-Ag of the inner electrode of samples sintered at different temperatures play important roles in determining the dielectric properties.

2005-12-01

370

Ecosystem restoration versus reclamation: the value of managing for biodiversity  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The importance of ecosystem restoration to land reclamation is discussed. If a plant community is to be self sustaining, natural diversity processes provide a useful model for restoration. Biodiversity is important for utilitarian, ecological, and ethical/aesthetic reasons. Issues that must be considered include sampling and management scales, the separate richness of the diverse array of species playing a role in ecosystem productivity and stability, and natural trends in diversity. Ecological restoration comprises two fundamental activities: management for some pre-disturbance level of biodiversity and the combination of species in a manner that is essentially experimental. Endeavours to restore biological diversity are a useful method of experimenting with the factors that control ecosystem structure and function. 21 refs.

1991-06-01

371

Early Developmental Actions of Endocrine Disruptors on the Hypothalamus, Hippocampus, and Cerebral Cortex  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Sex steroids and thyroid hormones play a key role in the development of the central nervous system. The critical role of these hormonal systems may explain the sensitivity of the hypothalamus, the cerebral cortex, and the hippocampus to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDC). This review examines the evidence for endocrine disruption of glial-neuronal functions in the hypothalamus, hippocampus, and cerebral cortex. Focus was placed on two well-studied EDC, the insecticide dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB). DDT is involved in neuroendocrine disruption of the reproductive axis, whereas polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) interact with both the thyroid hormone- and sex steroid-dependent systems and disturb the neuroendocrine control of reproduction and develo...

2011-01-01

372

Development of a polymer fuel cell system for naval surface ship applications  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In the framework of the development of new generations of surface ships, the Royal Netherlands Navy is studying the option of the all-electric ship concept. Background is the growing demand of electric power on board of naval ships for various services (including weapons and sensors). Important features of such an all-electric ship concept are decentralized electric energy generation and storage. In such an all-electric ship concept, fuel cells are expected to play an important role in the future, not only for reasons of energy efficiency and low emissions, but also because of their potential military advantages. Especially polymer electrolyte fuel cell systems appear to be very interesting for this application.

1996-12-31

373

Determination of the cell and mucous distribution in the airways of the lung  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Models of the human airways have played a major role in evaluating the health effects of inhaled radionuclides. While models such as those of Weibel (1963) provide data necessary for characterizing deposition of aerosol, they have not characterized the cells at risks in the airspaces. Given the advancements in techniques and study of cell cultures exposed to ionizing radiation there is a need to extrapolate between the simple structures of cell culture systems and the complex architecture of the human airways. The preliminary data in this paper provide a complete characterization of the size and number of cells in the airways and represents a significant advance in our study of the health consequences of exposure to inhaled radionuclides. 26 refs., 2 figs., 4 tabs.

1991-01-01

374

Determination of charge carrier mobility in poly(3hexylthiophene) with different current transient measurement techniques  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The carrier mobility in organic disordered materials, such as conjugated polymers, plays an important role in understanding the behaviour of organic electronic devices. We investigated the mobility of charge carriers in poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) using different current transient measurement methods. Besides the conventional transient photoconductivity experiment, time-of-flight (TOF), we used extraction current transient techniques, such as charge carrier extraction by linearly increasing voltage (CELIV), probing equilibrium carriers instead. The field and temperature dependence of the mobility are discussed in view of hopping transport in a Gaussian density of states distribution.

2007-07-01

375

Current situation of steel industry and coking coal industry and expectations for Canadian coal  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The world steel industry and market and the current status and prospects for the Japanese steel industry are discussed with particular reference to China, Europe, and the US. Trends in coking coal supply from Australia, Canada, and Mongolia and changes in demand for hard and semi-soft coking coals are considered. Canadian coal plays a significant role in the hard coking coal and PCI coal markets. This is expected to continue. Emerging concerns include the strong Canadian dollar and increases in fuel and materials costs. Canadian suppliers are asked to improve efficiencies, be competitive in the overall coal chain, and diversify their PCI coal reserves. 14 figs.

2006-07-01

376

Correlations in Werner States  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Werner states are paradigmatic examples of quantum states and play an innovative role in quantum information theory. In investigating the correlating capability of Werner states, we find the curious phenomenon that quantum correlations, as quantified by the entanglement of formation, may exceed the total correlations, as measured by the quantum mutual information. Consequently, though the entanglement of formation is so widely used in quantifying entanglement, it cannot be interpreted as a consistent measure of quantum correlations per se if we accept the folklore that total correlations are measured (or rather upper bounded) by the quantum mutual information.

2008-02-15

377

Common envelope evolution  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The common envelope phase of binary star evolution plays a central role in many evolutionary pathways leading to the formation of compact objects in short period systems. Using three dimensional hydrodynamical computations, we review the major features of this evolutionary phase, focusing on the conditions that lead to the successful ejection of the envelope and, hence, survival of the system as a post common envelope binary. Future hydrodynamical calculations at high spatial resolution are required to delineate the regime in parameter space for which systems survive as compact binary systems from those for which the two components of the system merge into a single rapidly rotating star. Recent algorithmic developments will facilitate the attainment of this goal.

2010-01-01

378

Brittle fracture problem in composite insulators  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The report traces the documented incidences of brittle fracture in composite suspension insulators for use on high voltage transmission lines, and presents the subsequent investigations. It describes the part played by electrical activity, stress corrosion and humidity, and compares similar failures that have taken place in electric traction insulators. It then goes on to review related work on the humidity effects, stress corrosion, fatigue and partial discharges in glass fiber reinforced plastics in general. The final section summarizes the present understanding of the problem and the various measures taken by different manufactures to avoid it in the future. The need for acceptance criteria in this respect is outlined.

1984-04-01

379

An impending platinum crisis and its implications for the future of the automobile  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The global demand for platinum has consistently outgrown supply in the past decade. This trend likely will continue and the imbalance may possibly escalate into a crisis. Platinum plays pivotal roles in both conventional automobile emissions control and the envisioned hydrogen economy. A platinum crisis would have profound implications on energy and environment. On the one hand, inadequate platinum supply will prevent widespread commercialization of hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles. On the other hand, expensive platinum may enhance the competitiveness of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery-powered electric cars. Policymakers should weigh the potential impacts of a platinum crisis in energy policy.

2009-05-01

380

An efficient control variate method for pricing variance derivatives  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

This paper studies the pricing of variance swap derivatives with stochastic volatility by the control variate method. A closed form solution is derived for the approximate model with deterministic volatility, which plays the key role in the paper, and an efficient control variate technique is therefore proposed when the volatility obeys the log-normal process. By the analysis of moments for the underlying processes, the optimal volatility function in the approximate model is constructed. The numerical results show the high efficiency of our method; the results coincide with the theoretical results. The idea in the paper is also applicable for the valuation of other types of variance swap, options with stochastic volatility and other financial derivatives with multi-factor models.

2010-01-01

381

A space of European de-industrialisation in the late twentieth century: Nord/Pas-de-Calais, Wallonia and the Ruhrgebiet  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

This essay focuses on the major industrial changes from the late 1950s onwards in the industrial basins from the Nord/Pas-de-Calais to the Ruhrgebiet. The notion of industrial redeployment (reconversion industrielle) is critically analysed in the framework of European integration. The comparative approach highlights the importance of the time-space dimension which differs from one basin to the other. The diverse individual and collective actors also were in command of different power resources according to the various state traditions. The European Community, however, appears to have played an increasing role, culminating at the time of the steel industry crisis (1975-1985).

2009-01-01

382

Selected Web Resources | Natural Hazards Center  

Science.gov (United States)

of Colorado at Boulder Search This Site Natural Hazards Observer Disaster Research CU Web Site CU People go Search This Site Natural Hazards Observer Disaster Research CU Web...

2011-10-08

383

SN1987A: The supernova of a lifetime  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The current status of cosmological observations is presented; and the light curves and radiation spectra from supernova SN1987A are used in comparison between expected and observed universal nucleosynthesis and star evolution data./aip/.

1988-09-20

384

Pulsars - survey of observational data  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The paper reviews the main observational data on pulsars, both the individual characteristics of pulsars and the properties they possess as members of the Galaxy. Consideration is then given to pulsar ages and to pulsar initial periods. An attempt is made to clarify the 'true' ages of pulsars.

1980-01-01

385

Inertia gravity waves associated with deep convection observed during the summers of 2005 and 2007 in Korea  

Science.gov (United States)

Characteristics of inertia gravity waves associated with convection are investigated in the lower stratosphere using high-resolution radiosonde data observed from 18 June to 15 July of 2005 and 2007 in Korea. Three-dimensional ray-tracing model and reanalysis data are used to investigate the propagation and the sources of the observed waves. The observed waves associated with convections are discriminated based on the existence of convections when and where the rays reach the average height range of convective clouds. Waves observed in 2005 and 2007 show similar spectral characteristics, but wave energy in 2007 is significantly larger than in 2005. The observed waves propagate from three source regions: the northeastern, southeastern, and western regions around Korea. They show preferential propagation directions based on their sources, and convections from the western region ...

2011-08-01

386

GOES-12 Observes Flooding in Northeastern U.S.  

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

This video compiles 10 days' worth of observations from the GOES-12 satellite and shows the storms that dumped heavy rainfall on the Northeastern United States in the latter part of March 2010.

2010-04-02

387

Erythrocyte Membrane Fatty Acid Content in Infants Consuming Formulas Supplemented with Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) and Arachidonic Acid (ARA): an Observational Study  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

In this observational study, we compared erythrocyte membrane fatty acids in infants consuming formula supplemented with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA) with those consuming...Full Text Available

2010-10-01

388

A socioecological approach to the control of Schistosoma mansoni in St Lucia  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Systematic observations of man/water contact in a valley endemic for S. mansoni in St Lucia were carried out prior to the introduction of a household water supply. The observations...Full Text Available

1976-01-01

389

Vibration Transmissibility Characteristics of Occupied ...  

Science.gov (United States)

... The relatively large, low frequency multi-axis motions observed at the chest may be a contributor to discomfort in locomotive engineers. ...

2006-09-01

390

The luminosity function of cluster pulsars  

CERN Document Server

We study luminosities of millisecond pulsars in globular clusters by fitting the observed luminosity distribution with single and double power laws. We use simulations to model the observed distribution as the brighter part of some parent distribution for Terzan 5 and try to find a model which simultaneously agrees with the observed diffuse radio flux, total predicted number of pulsars and observed luminosity distribution. We find that wide ranges of parameters for log-normal and power-law distributions give such good models. No clear difference between the luminosity distributions of millisecond pulsars in globular clusters and normal disk pulsars was seen.

2010-01-01

393

Real-time neutron radiography observations of aerosol filtration  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

(1984). United States Brenizer, JS McRae, DD Sulcoski, MF University

1984-11-11

394

Orbit of the double-mode cepheid Y Carinae  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The double-mode cepheid Y Car has been found to have a variable centre-of-mass velocity. Though the observations did not cover a cycle, an orbital period of about 400-600 days was estimated. Radial-velocity observations of this star have now been continued in order to derive the orbital elements. Observations were made with the photoelectric radial-velocity spectrophotometer at the coude focus of the 1.88-m reflector at Sutherland. The velocity system was standardized by frequent nightly observations of stars in the Mount Wilson catalogue with 'a'-quality radial velocities.

1983-06-01

395

Observation of stochastic resonance near a subcritical bifurcation  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A hysteretic subcritical period-doubling bifurcation is observed in the nonlinear strain dynamics of a magnetostrictive oscillator. The dynamic strain response of the magnetostrictive oscillator was observed with a high-resolution fiber optic interferometer. The effects of low-frequency modulation and band-limited stochastic fluctuations on such a bifurcation are investigated. Power spectral density measurements show that for an optimal value of externally injected noise the signal-to-noise ratio of a low-frequency modulation signal is enhanced by greater than 14 dB, thus indicating the first experimental observation of stochastic resonance near a bistable period-doubling bifurcation. 10 refs., 7 figs.

1993-01-01

396

Nuclear astrophysics  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Four topics in nuclear astrophysics, namely; pulsars, star evolution, nucleosynthesis and solar neutrinos are reviewed through the discussion of the observational data.

1982-09-01

397

Neutrinos from flat-spectrum radio quasars  

Science.gov (United States)

The GRO observation (Hartman et al., 1992) of a very strong flux of gamma rays with an energy index

1992-01-01

398

Moisture Ingression In Honeycomb Core Sandwich Panels: Directional Aspects  

Science.gov (United States)

Moisture ingression was studied in several composite sandwich panels.No observable ingression was

1997-01-01

399

Magnetic resonance imaging in childhood epilepsy  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The suitability of MR imaging versus computerized tomography in observation of brain development disorders in children are compared. 13 refs.

400

Is the US Army a Learning Organization?  

Science.gov (United States)

... outside observers, and updated counseling requirements for the Army's OER, non-commissioned officer efficiency report (NCOER), and civilian ...

2007-03-08

401

Intraband Absorptoin of Far-Infrared Light by Electrons in ...  

Science.gov (United States)

... significant change of spontaneous radiation intensity. It is very sensitive technique allowing the observation of small changes of light absorption. ...

1999-06-18

402

Identification of Protective Brucella Antigens and their ...  

Science.gov (United States)

... Considering these observations, it is most likely that Brucela proteins involved in protective immunity will preferentially stimulate INF-g producing T ...

1996-05-01

403

High Resolution Mesoscale Weather Data Improvement to ...  

Science.gov (United States)

... that defines hydrometeor categories for the duration of the simulation ... and to observe the movement of any particular system ... particle settling occurred ...

2007-03-01

404

Experimental technique to observe weak localization in thin silver films  

CERN Document Server

A simple experiment to observe weak localization in thin Ag films is presented. A clear theoretical signature of weak localization is predicted in mangetoresistive measurements of thin films samples. We present a simple method for making thin Ag film samples, using evaporative deposition, and observing the small magnetoresistive signal, using a resistance bridge technique. Typical results from our students show that Ag films show the predicted behavior for weak localization with spin effects. These effects can be easily observed in a liquid helium dewar.

2005-01-01

405

Effects of Convective Hydraulic Circulation on Phosphorus ...  

Science.gov (United States)

... For other aquatic systems, detailed diel observations of both water temper- ature and periods of flow will be necessary to estimate convective ...

1993-02-01

406

Distribution of the Euryhaline Squid Lolliguncula brevis in ...  

Science.gov (United States)

... High water temper- atures from June through October also contributed to the observed high catch probabilities in 1995. ...

2002-01-31

407

CHAM_CLOUD_3 - HEASARC  

Science.gov (United States)

Main purpose of mapping observations of the cloud is to make clear the mechanism of star formation and star evolution. Scientific objectives are summarized ...

408

Transient enhanced diffusion of oxygen in Fe mediated by large electronic excitation  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Contrary to the electronic excitation induced phenomena of desorption and sputtering, we observed incorporation of oxygen in a thin Fe film during its irradiation with swift heavy ions. It is observed that the adsorbed oxygen diffuses in to the Fe film. The incorporation of oxygen and its diffusion in the bulk of the film is a manifestation of extremely large electronic energy deposition by the incident ions. It is shown that the experimentally observed high diffusivity of oxygen in Fe during irradiation is due to the existence of transient melt phase of Fe.

2003-10-15

409

Statistical study of pulsar rotational braking  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pacini (1973) has considered basic theoretical expectations regarding the magnetic dipole radiation and unipolar induction of pulsars, taking into account observational results. The present investigation is concerned with the difference between the two braking mechanisms. Attention is also given to a statistical study involving a comparison of the two braking mechanisms with observations. The study makes use of the observational data for the distribution of apparent beamwidth, and a geometrical method. The obtained results agree with the theory of magnetic dipole radiation.

410

Observations of time delayed all-optical routing in a slow light regime  

CERN Document Server

We report an observation of a delayed all-optical routing/switching phenomenon based on ultraslow group velocity of light via nondegenerate four-wave mixing processes in a defected solid medium. Unlike previous demonstrations of enhanced four-wave mixing processes using the slow light effects, the present observation demonstrates a direct retrieval of the resonant Raman-pulse excited spin coherence into photon coherence through coherence conversion processes.

2008-01-01

411

Observational constraints in scalar tensor theory with tachyonic potential  

CERN Document Server

We study the dynamics of the scalar tensor cosmological model in the presence of tachyon field. In an alternative approach, in two exponential and power law form of the scalar field functions in the model, field equations are solved by simultaneously best fitting the model parameters with the most recent observational data. This approach gives us an observationally verified interpretation of the dynamics of the universe. We then discuss the best fitted of equation of state parameter, the statefinder parameters and the reconstructed scalar field in the model.

2011-01-01

412

Observation of double analog states in "8"8Zr and "9"0Mo and the neutron excess and mass systematics of pion double charge exchange  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The first successful observation of double analog states in "8"8Zr and "9"0Mo has been made by means of the (#pi#"+,#pi#"-) pion double charge exchange (DCX) reaction. The systematics of the (N - Z) and the A dependence of analog DCX, made possible by these observations, is discussed. (orig.).

413

In situ observation of fatigue crack retardation in banded ferrite?pearlite microstructure due to crack branching  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

This paper reports the results of in situ observation of fatigue crack growth in a ferrite?pearlite steel. Stress intensity factor range (?K) decreasing/increasing and constant-?K fatigue tests have been carried out. In banded pearlite orientation, intense crack branching was observed which leads to fatigue crack retardation. Crack closure during the test was monitored to understand the fatigue crack growth behaviour.

2006-01-01

414

Geosynchronous orbit magnetopause crossings  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In this study we extend the analysis of magnetopause crossings observed with Magnetospheric Plasma Analyzer measurements to examine a much larger statistical data set. This study examines 39 maiznetosheath/LLBL intervals from 79 spacecraft-months of observations: these observations were taken from a survey of data from the start of each spacecraft mission and extending through March 1993. In contrast to the previous findings, we find no evidence for a significant dawn/dusk asymmetry in geosynchronous magnetopause crossings.

1994-07-01

415

The basic experiment on the high-temperature chemical reaction between sodium compound and iron-base material. Pt. 2. Structure observations  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This experiment is carried out in the series of the investigation on the damage mechanism of carbon steel. In this paper, the damage situation is considered by structure observations. The test were carried out in 600degC-1200degC temperature range, in blowing an argon gas. The reagents are Na{sub 2}O, Na{sub 2}O{sub 2} and NaOH. From structure observations, the holes are observed on the surface of iron-base material in some test conditions. This result is indicated that the selective reaction occurs. The selective reaction is more obvious as the time exposed to the high temperature is longer. It is considered that the selective reaction occurs after the chemical reaction between iron-base material and sodium compound. The areas, in which Mn-concentration is higher, are observed in products on the surface of specimen. (author)

1997-07-01

416

Invariant asymptotic observers  

CERN Document Server

This paper presents three non-linear asymptotic observers corresponding to three examples of engineering interest: a chemical reactor, a non-holonomic car, and an inertial navigation system. For each example, the design is based on physical symmetries. This motivates the theoretical development of invariant observers, i.e, symmetry-preserving observers. We consider an observer to consist in a copy of the system equation and a correction term, and we give a constructive method (based on the Cartan moving-frame method) to find all the symmetry-preserving correction terms. They rely on an invariant frame (a classical notion) and on an invariant output-error, a less standard notion precisely defined here. For each example, the convergence analysis relies also on symmetries consideration with a key use of invariant state-errors. For the non-holonomic car and the inertial navigation system, the invariant ...

2006-01-01

417

Flight songs of Dusky Flycatchers: a response to bird-hunting raptors?  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

ABSTRACT. Flight-song displays usually include distinctive vocalizations and behaviors that are probably energetically expensive and also likely to attract the attention of aerial predators. We observed flight songs performed by Dusky Flycatchers (Empidonax oberholseri) in two breeding populations. During 15 yr at Tioga Pass, California, we observed the display twice and, during 9 yr at Steamboat Mountain, British Columbia, we observed 21 flight-song displays. These displays were generally observed later in the breeding season, suggesting that they were not used for courtship, mate attraction, or territory defense. However, for 83% of these displays, a raptor was observed to be present, usually either an American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) or a Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus). We h...

2010-01-01

418

Coherent spontaneous radiation from highly bunched electron beams  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Coherent spontaneous radiation has now been observed in several FELs, and is a subject of great importance to the design of self-amplified spontaneous emission (SASE) devices. We report observations of coherent spontaneous radiation in both FIREFLY and the mid-infrared FEL at the Stanford Picosecond FEL Center. Coherent emission has been observed at wavelengths as short as 5 microns, and enhancement over incoherent levels by as much as a factor of 4x10"4 has been observed at longer wavelengths. The latter behavior was observed at 45 microns in FIREFLY with short bunches produced by off-peak acceleration and dispersive compression. We present temporal measurements of the highly bunched electron distributions responsible for the large enhancements, using both transition radiation and energy-phase techniques.

1995-08-21

419

Zero-motion correlations in high-energy proton elastic scattering on sup 40 Ca with noneikonal nucleon-nucleon amplitude  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Using a noneikonal expression for the two-body scattering amplitude, consistent with the proton-nucleon scattering data, the cross-section of the 1.04 GeV-proton elastic scattering on {sup 40}Ca is calculated by the Glauber-Sitenko theoretical scheme in the framework of the coherent density fluctuation model (CDFM) as well as of the independent-particle model (IPM). It is shown that the use of the noneikonal amplitude in the CDFM calculations improves the agreement with the experimental data especially at larger scattering angles in contrast to the case of the independent-particle model. To that end a decisive role play the zero-motion flucton correlations taken into account in the CDFM. (orig.).

1990-07-01

420

Zero-motion correlations in high-energy proton elastic scattering on "4"0Ca with noneikonal nucleon-nucleon amplitude  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Using a noneikonal expression for the two-body scattering amplitude, consistent with the proton-nucleon scattering data, the cross-section of the 1.04 GeV-proton elastic scattering on "4"0Ca is calculated by the Glauber-Sitenko theoretical scheme in the framework of the coherent density fluctuation model (CDFM) as well as of the independent-particle model (IPM). It is shown that the use of the noneikonal amplitude in the CDFM calculations improves the agreement with the experimental data especially at larger scattering angles in contrast to the case of the independent-particle model. To that end a decisive role play the zero-motion flucton correlations taken into account in the CDFM. (orig.).

421

What are $E_{\\infty}$ ring spaces good for?  

CERN Document Server

Infinite loop space theory, both additive and multiplicative, arose largely from two basic motivations. One was to solve calculational questions in geometric topology. The other was to better understand algebraic K-theory. The Adams conjecture is intrinsic to the first motivation, and Quillen's proof of that led directly to his original, calculationally accessible, definition of algebraic K-theory. In turn, the infinite loop understanding of algebraic K-theory feeds back into the calculational questions in geometric topology. For example, use of infinite loop space theory leads to a method for determining the characteristic classes for topological bundles (at odd primes) in terms of the cohomology of finite groups. We explain just a little about how all that works, focusing on the central role played by E infinity ring spaces.

2009-01-01

422

W algebras in conformal quantum field theory  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A new algorithm for constructing extensions of the Virasoro algebra by primary fields - so called W-algebras - is presented. With the help of REDUCE all W-algebras with one further primary field up to conformal dimension 9 were calculated. Furthermore I give an interpretation of the obtained results using fusion algebras. The algorithm could also be used for constructing extensions of the super Virasoro algebra which play an important role in superstring theory. I present two examples here. With using representation theory of Kac-Moody algebras I determine the minimal field content of the super W_3 algebra. Finally, the general coset models SU(2)_kxSU(2)_m/SU(2)_k_+_m and SU(3)_kxSU(3)_m/SU(3)_k_+m are investigated. I calculate which W-algebras are likely contained in these cosets. (orig.).

1991-01-01

423

Valued Graphs and the Representation Theory of Lie Algebras  

CERN Document Server

Quivers (directed graphs) and species (a generalization of quivers) and their representations play a key role in many areas of mathematics including combinatorics, geometry, and algebra. Their importance is especially apparent in their applications to the representation theory of associative algebras, Lie algebras, and quantum groups. In this paper, we discuss the most important results in the representation theory of species, such as Dlab and Ringel's extension of Gabriel's theorem, which classifies all species of finite and tame representation type. We also explain the link between species and K-species (where K is a field). Namely, we show that the category of K-species can be viewed as a subcategory of the category of species. Furthermore, we prove two results about the structure of the tensor ring of a species containing no oriented cycles that do not appear in the literature. Specifically, we prove that two such species have isomorphic tensor rings if and ...

2011-01-01

424

Valence mixing in rare earth compounds  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The concepts of ''fast'' and ''slow'' time scale valence measurements are emphasized by a comparison of L/sub III/ absorption and Mossbauer effect measurements on the temperature induced valence change in EuPd/sub 2/Si/sub 2/. Further the authors show how synchrotron radiation based L/sub III/ measurements of the Ce-valence state can be used to demonstrate electronic structure trends under wide changes in chemical environment. The purpose of this paper is to provide an introduction to researchers in the People's Republic of China to the field of mixed valent rate earth compounds. They hope to illustrate some of the basic concepts in this field, how the field is contributing to the overall insight into the chemical physics of solids and finally how synchrotron radiation measurements in particular are playing a key role in this field.

425

Useful vacancies: Positron beam interrogation of fluorine-vacancy complexes in semiconductor device structures  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The formation, migration and agglomeration in silicon of fluorine-vacancy complexes have been monitored by single-detector Doppler broadening spectroscopy. After electronics engineers found that fluorine ion implantation effectively eliminated the transient-enhanced diffusion of dopants in the creation of ultra-shallow junctions, a vital step in the further miniaturization of device structures, positron beams have played a pivotal role in providing an insight into the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon, being able to detect FV complexes in implanted and annealed samples. Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry has provided complementary information on fluorine concentrations so that the nature of the F{sub m}V{sub n} complexes can be further assessed. New results on Si and SiGe structures are presented.

2008-10-31

426

Use of polarized light microscopy in porcine reproductive technologies  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The meiotic spindle in the oocyte is composed of microtubules and plays an important role during chromosome alignment and separation at meiosis. Polarized light microscopy (PLM) could be useful for a non-invasive evaluation of the meiotic spindle and may allow removal of nuclear structures without fluorochrome staining and ultraviolet exposure. In this study, PLM was used to assess its potential application in porcine reproductive technologies. The objectives of the present study were to assess the efficiency of PLM to detect microtubule-polymerized protein in in vitro-matured porcine oocytes; to examine its effects on the oocyte developmental competence; to select oocytes based on the presence of the meiotic spindle detected by PLM; and to assess the efficiency oocyte enucleation assisted...

2011-01-01

427

Update on Environmental Risk Factors for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurobehavioral disorder affecting 5% to 10% of children. Although considered to be a highly familial disorder, ADHD heritability estimates of 60% to 80% highlight the considerable role that environmental factors may still play in disorder susceptibility. Proposed ADHD environmental risk factors include prenatal substance exposures, heavy metal and chemical exposures, nutritional factors, and lifestyle/psychosocial factors. This paper reviews the literature published in 2010 investigating the association between environmental risk factors and ADHD or related symptomatology. Sources of risk factor exposure and the proposed mechanism by which each exposure is linked to ADHD-related neurobehavioral changes are also reported. Metho...

2011-01-01

428

Tumor necrosis factor-? is associated with positive lymph node status in patients with recurrence of colorectal cancer?indications for anti-TNF-? agents in cancer treatment  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

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...

2011-01-01

429

The replacement reaction controlling the fractal assembly of copper nanoparticles  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In this paper we describe a fractal assembly of copper nanoparticles on different substrates by controlling the chemical replacement reaction. Through calculation, we found that the 'fractal dimensions' of copper dendrites synthesized by us were about 1.832, which agreed well with the 'fractal dimensions' of natural fern leaves (fractal dimension, 1.826), suggesting that the fern fractal model was useful to describe the self-assembly of our copper nanoparticles during the chemical replacement reaction process. These results will be beneficial for the understanding of the role that highly nonequilibrium conditions play in the formation of fractal clusters as well as the self-assembly mystique of metallic nanoparticles in nonequilibrium conditions and also helpful in the future assembly of complicated nanoarchitectures of metallic nanoparticles for potential applications.

2008-04-02

430

The Role of Home Economics: Population and Family Life Education in Nigeria  

Science.gov (United States)

Home economics is a dynamic field that imparts knowledge intended to help people adapt to their environment by making effective use of human and material resources. Hence, the profession values global concerns for the environment, human rights, health, and well-being. In Nigeria, home economics teachers must also consider the role they play in programs such as family life education, poverty alleviation, and universal basic education. In particular, home economics is one of the subjects through which core messages of the country's Population and Family Life Education program are to be integrated at the secondary school level. In this article, the author discusses the outcomes of this program and provides recommendations for teachers teaching this subject. (Contains 1 table and 1 resource.)

2004-12-01

431

Synchrotron radiation from electron beams in plasma-focusing channels.  

Science.gov (United States)

Spontaneous radiation emitted from relativistic electrons undergoing betatron motion in a plasma-focusing channel is analyzed, and applications to plasma wake-field accelerator experiments and to the ion-channel laser (ICL) are discussed. Important similarities and differences between a free electron laser (FEL) and an ICL are delineated. It is shown that the frequency of spontaneous radiation is a strong function of the betatron strength parameter a(beta), which plays a role similar to that of the wiggler strength parameter in a conventional FEL. For a(beta) > or approximately 1, radiation is emitted in numerous harmonics. Furthermore, a(beta) is proportional to the amplitude of the betatron orbit, which varies for every electron in the beam. The radiation spectrum emitted from an electron beam is calculated by averaging the single-electron spectrum over the electron distribution. This leads to a frequency broadening of the radiation spectrum, which places ...

2002-05-20

432

Surgical aspects of intestinal injury due to pelvic radiotherapy  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Seventy-one patients with intestinal injury secondary to pelvic irradiation had predominantly large bowel lesions. Seventeen cases were treated conservatively and 54 came to surgery, 28 patients having more than one operation. Following this essentially salvage surgery there were more ileal than colonic anastomotic leaks. Thirty-four patients died during the follow-up period (2-12 years), 19 from recurrent malignancy, and nine as a result of continuing radiation effects. Seventy per cent of the patients who had a radiation fistula died as a result of malignancy. Of 42000 cases of pelvic malignancy treated by irradiation over the decade 1972-1982, surgical referrals for complications constituted 1.7%, with an overall radiation-related mortality of 0.2%. It is our opinion that colostomy alone has little part to play in this condition, and a policy based on excisional surgery is suggested.

1985-04-01

433

Spin-down of protostars through gravitational torques  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract Young protostars embedded in circumstellar discs accrete from an angular momentum rich mass reservoir. Without some braking mechanism, all stars should be spinning at or near breakup velocity. In this paper, we perform simulations of the self-gravitational collapse of an isothermal cloud using the orion adaptive-mesh refinement code and investigate the role that gravitational torques might play in the spin-down of the dense central object. While magnetic effects likely dominate for low-mass stars, high-mass and Population III stars might be less well magnetized. We find that gravitational torques alone prevent the central object from spinning up to more than half of its breakup velocity, because higher rotation rates lead to bar-like deformations that enable efficient angular mome...

2011-01-01

434

Social-ecological science in the humane metropolis  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The Humane metropolis is a rubric to summarize and promote environmental and social quality in contemporary urban mosaics. Because cities, suburbs, and exurbs, as spatially extensive and connected socio-ecological systems, exhibit many negative features, the humane metropolis identifies a strategy to combat the ills and instill more positive and sustainable features and processes in urban systems. Because the humane metropolis as a program has arisen primarily from social motivations, there is the opportunity to articulate more explicitly the role that science can play in addressing the humane metropolis program and evaluating its success. A humane metropolis can be summarized as one that 1) protects and restores ecological services in cities and suburbs, 2) promotes physical and mental he...

2011-01-01

435

Root Hairs Play a Key Role in the Endophytic Colonization of Olive Roots by Pseudomonas spp. with Biocontrol Activity  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

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...

2011-01-01

436

Role of the diffuse layer in acidic and alkaline fuel cells  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

A numerical model is developed to study electrolyte dependent kinetics in fuel cells. The model is based on the Poisson-Nernst-Planck (PNP) and generalized-Frumkin-Butler-Volmer (gFBV) equations, and is used to understand how the diffuse layer and ionic transport play a role in the performance difference between acidic and alkaline systems. The laminar flow fuel cell (LFFC) is used as the model fuel cell architecture to allow for the appropriate comparison of equivalent acidic and alkaline systems. We study the overall cell performance and individual electrode polarizations of acidic and alkaline fuel cells for both balanced and unbalanced electrode kinetics as well as in the presence of transport limitations. The results predict cell behavior based on electrolyte composition that strongly...

2011-01-01

437

Role of death receptor, mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum pathways in different stages of degenerative human lumbar disc  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Intervertebral disc (IVD) cell apoptosis has been suggested to play an important role in promoting the degeneration process. It has been demonstrated that IVD cell apoptosis occurs through either death receptor, mitochondrial or endoplasmic reticulum (ER) pathway. Our study aimed to explore the relationship among these three pathways and grade of IVD degeneration (IVDD). IVDs were collected from patients with lumbar fracture, vertebral tumor, disc herniation or spondylolisthesis. IVDs were distinguished by MRI and histomorphological examination, cell apoptosis was detected by TUNEL staining. Biomarkers of these three apoptosis pathways were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot. Furthermore, the correlation between apoptosis pathways biomarkers and disc pathology were analyzed. Nucleus pulpo...

2011-01-01

438

Role of cerebrospinal fluid pressure in the pathogenesis of glaucoma  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract. The pathogenesis of normal (intraocular) pressure glaucoma has remained unclear so far. As hospital-based studies showed an association of normal-pressure glaucoma with low systemic blood pressure, particularly at night, and with vasospastic symptoms, it has been hypothesized that a vascular factor may play a primary role in the pathogenesis of normal-pressure glaucoma. That assumption may, however, be contradicted by the morphology of the optic nerve head. Eyes with normal-pressure glaucoma and glaucomatous eyes with high-intraocular pressure can show a strikingly similar appearance of the optic nerve head, including a loss of neuroretinal rim, a deepening of the optic cup, and an enlargement of parapapillary atrophy. These features, however, are not found in any (other) vascula...

2011-01-01

439

Remote sensing analysis of rainstorm effects on sediment concentrations in Apalachicola Bay, USA  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Remote sensing of total suspended solids (TSS) by satellite techniques in estuaries and bays plays an important role in monitoring water quality over a large area. It is valuable to the management of coastal water environment and ecosystems. In this study, remote sensing mapping of TSS was conducted to investigate the effects of rainstorm events on Apalachicola Bay. A rainstorm event (October 7-8, 2008) was selected for a period when wind speeds were weak and the river inflow was almost steady. TSS mapping of MODIS images before and after the rainstorm event showed substantial increase of TSS induced by the rainstorm. Using an image during low river discharge before the rainstorm as a reference, TSS distribution was mapped by an improved regression model using MODIS image after a rainstorm...

2011-01-01

440

Relationship between serum heat-stable alkaline phosphatase level and pregnancy  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Serum heat-stable alkaline phosphatase (HSAP) level in 649 cases of normal pregnancy and 164 cases of high-risk pregnancy is measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA). The results indicate that the HSAP level in normal pregnancy increased proportionally with gestation weeks (r = 0.9843). In 33 cases of pregnancy induced hypertension and 21 cases of intrauterine fetal growth retardation, the HSAP level is significantly low. In 7 cases of neonatal asphyxia and 26 cases of fetal distress, the HSAP level in the mother's serum is also low. In 53 cases of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, the HSAP level is similar to those of normal pregnancy. This study illustrates that HSAP RIA can play an important role in the evaluation of placental function and fetal prognosis for cases of high-risk pregnancy.

1998-01-01

441

Radiographic features of Ewing's sarcoma of the bones of the hands and feet  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The radiographic features of Ewing's sarcoma of the bones of the hands and feet are reviewed utilizing cases obtained from the Mayo Clinic patient files and the consultation files of Drs. D.C. Dahlin and K.K. Unni. This series consists of a total of 43 cases of pathologically proven Ewing's sarcoma involving the small bones of the hands and feet. The classic radiographic features of Ewing's sarcoma in the long bones, including lytic, permeative destruction, aggressive periosteal reaction, cortical violation, and a soft tissue mass, are also seen in the bones of the hands and feet, with similar frequency. These classic features are most commonly present in lesions affecting the short tubular bones. Lesions affecting the tarsal bones more often demonstrate atypical radiographic features. These atypical radiographic appearances may play a role in the reported delay in diagnosis of Ewing's sarcoma within the tarsal bones. (orig.)

2001-03-01

442

Quantitative non-destructive evaluation of high-temperature superconducting materials  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Even though the currently intensive research efforts on high- temperature superconducting materials have not yet converged on a well specified practical material, the indications are that such a material may be quite brittle, anisotropic, and may contain many flaws such as microcracks and voids at grain boundaries. Consequently, practical applications of high temperature superconducting materials will require a very careful strength analysis based on fracture mechanics considerations. Because of the high sensitivity of the strength of such materials to the presence of defects, methods of quantitative non-destructive evaluation may be expected to play an important role in strength determinations. This proposal is concerned with the use of ultrasonic methods to detect and characterize isolated cracks, clusters of microcracks and microcracks distributed throughout the material. Particular attention has been, and will continue to be devoted to relating ultrasonic ...

1991-06-14

443

Proteomic analysis of sericin in Bombyx mori cocoons  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Cocoon sericin plays an important role in the reeling of silk and serves as a valuable biomaterial in the field of biomedicine, skincare, and food industries; however, knowledge about cocoon sericin proteins has been limited. For a comprehensive study on sericin, cocoons of eight varieties of silkworm of different geographic origin and with varied cocoon color were analyzed utilizing proteomics and bioinformatics approaches. The electrophoresis pattern demonstrated some common protein bands for all silkworm varieties and distinctive protein bands for some of those examined in the present study. The Ser2 protein, a new Ser3 protein, and four other novel sericin proteins were identified in cocoons for the first time. Products of both Ser1 and Ser3 genes appear to be ubiquitous in the cocoon ...

2011-01-01

444

Possible control scenario of radial electric field by loss-cone-particle injection into helical device  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The possibility of controlling the radial electric field of toroidal plasmas by injecting high energy electrons along the reversible loss cone orbit of the helical magnetic traps is investigated. It is well known that the radial electric field plays an important role in the confinement improvement scenario especially in the low collisional regime under the physics picture of neoclassical theory. For this purpose, it is made clear that the most suitable particles are transit particles, which show a transition from helically trapped orbits to blocked ones. It is also found that a parallel AC electric field launched from outside assists this transition and makes it possible for particles to penetrate deeply into the plasma. In addition we clarify that the viscosity of the plasma coupled with the helical field configuration provide a bifurcation of plasma states and its stable solution results in confinement improvement. (author)

1999-08-01

445

Positive effects of UV radiation on a calanoid copepod in a transparent lake: do competition, predation or food availability play a role?  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Zooplankton tolerant to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) could be indirectly affected by UVR through interactions with UV-sensitive species in the same ecosystem. In Lake Giles, Pennsylvania, USA, the calanoid copepod Leptodiaptomus minutus is more UVR tolerant than the cohabiting species Daphnia catawba and Cyclops scutifer. We asked whether L. minutus is affected by UV-induced mortality of a food competitor (D. catawba) or a predator of its nauplii (C. scutifer). We conducted two in situ enclosure experiments with six treatments: L. minutus alone, L . minutus + Daphnia and L. minutus + Cyclops in the presence and absence of UVR. There were few differences in survival among treatments in Experiment 1, which had enhanced food and a cumulative UVR (320 nm) dose of 9.3 kJ m-2. In Experiment 2, wh...

2006-01-01

446

Photovoltaic performance and long-term stability of dye-sensitized mesoscopic solar cells  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The efficiency of electric power generation by dye-sensitized mesoscopic photovoltaic cells has been progressing steadily over the last years reaching now 11% in full sunlight. An important question for practical applications concerns the stability of these devices under prolonged exposure to light or heat. Strikingly stable operation can be obtained by judicious selection of the sensitizer, electrolyte and sealant rendering feasible a service life of at least 20 years under normal outdoor conditions. The sensitizer playing a central role in the light energy conversion process, we analyze the kinetic requirements for it to sustain the required one hundred million turnovers. We also review recent results on the use of self-assembled monolayers of amphiphilic sensitizers and co-adsorbents to enhance the thermal robustness of the device. (author)

2004-07-04

447

Pathogenic microorganisms carried by migratory birds passing through the territory of the island of Ustica, Sicily (Italy)  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Several studies have shown that migratory birds play an important role in the ecology, circulation and dissemination of pathogenic organisms. In October 2006, a health status evaluation was performed on a large population of migratory birds passing through the territory of Ustica (Italy), an island located on the migration route of many species of birds to Africa, and various laboratory tests were conducted. In total, 218 faecal swabs and the internal organs of 21 subjects found dead in nets were collected for bacteriological and virological examination, including avian influenza and Newcastle disease. In addition, 19 pooled fresh faecal samples were collected for mycological examination. The bacteriological analysis produced 183 strains belonging to 28 different species of the Enterobacte...

2011-01-01

448

P2Y receptors on astrocytes and microglia mediate opposite effects in astroglial proliferation  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Nucleotides released upon brain injury signal to astrocytes and microglia playing an important role in astrogliosis, but the participation of microglia in the purinergic modulation of astrogliosis is still unclear. Highly enriched astroglial cultures and co-cultures of astrocytes and microglia were used to investigate the influence of microglia in the modulation of astroglial proliferation mediated by nucleotides. In highly enriched astroglial cultures, adenosine-5?-triphosphate (ATP), adenosine 5?-O-(3-thio)-triphosphate (ATP?S), adenosine 5?-O-(3-thio)-diphosphate (ADP?S; 0.01?1?mM), and adenosine-5?-diphosphate (ADP; 0.1?1?mM) increased proliferation up to 382%, an effect abolished in co-cultures containing 8% of microglia. The loss of ATP proliferative effect in co-cultures is supporte...

2011-01-01

449

ON THE PROGENITOR AND EARLY EVOLUTION OF THE TYPE II SUPERNOVA 2009kr  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

We identify a source coincident with SN 2009kr in Hubble Space Telescope pre-explosion images. The object appears to be a single point source with an intrinsic color V - I = 1.1 #+-# 0.25 and M_V = -7.6 #+-# 0.6. If this is a single star, it would be a yellow supergiant of log L/L _s_u_n #approx# 5.1 and a mass of 15"+"5 _-_4 M _s_u_n. The spatial resolution does not allow us yet to definitively determine if the progenitor object is a single star, a binary system, or a compact cluster. We show that the early light curve is similar to a Type IIL SN, but the prominent H#alpha# P-Cygni profiles and the signature of the end of a recombination phase are reminiscent of a Type IIP. The evolution of the expanding ejecta will play an important role in understanding the progenitor object.

2010-05-10

450

ON THE BINDING ENERGY PARAMETER #lambda# OF COMMON ENVELOPE EVOLUTION  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The binding energy parameter #lambda# plays an important role in common envelope evolution. Previous works have already pointed out that #lambda# varies throughout the stellar evolution, though it has been adopted as a constant in most of the population synthesis calculations. We have systematically calculated the binding energy parameter #lambda# for both Population I and Population II stars of masses 1-20 M _s_u_n, taking into account the contribution from the internal energy of stellar matter. We present fitting formulae for #lambda# that can be incorporated into future population synthesis investigations. We also briefly discuss the possible applications of the results in binary evolutions.

2010-06-10

451

Natural plant chemicals: source of industrial and medicinal materials  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Many higher plants produce economically important organic compounds such as oils, resins, tannins, natural rubber, gums, waxes, dyes, flavors and fragrances, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides. However, most species of higher plants have never been described, much less surveyed for chemical or biologically active constituents, and new sources of commercially valuable materials remain to be discovered. Advances in biotechnology, particularly methods for culturing plants cells and tissues, should provide new means for the commercial processing of even rare plants and the chemicals they produce. These new technologies will extend and enhance the usefulness of plants as renewable resources of valuable chemicals. In the future, biologically active plant-derived chemicals can be expected to play an increasingly significant role in the commercial development of new products for regulating plant growth and for insect and weed control. 65 references.

1985-01-01

452

Natural Convection Analysis with Various Turbulent Models Using FLUENT  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The buoyancy driven convective flow fields are steady circulatory flows which were made between surfaces maintained at two fixed temperatures. They are ubiquitous in nature and play an important role in many engineering applications. Especially, in last decades, natural convection in a close loop or cavity becomes the main issue in the molecular biology for the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Application of a natural convection can reduce the costs and efforts remarkably. This paper focuses on the sensitivity study of turbulence analysis using CFD for a natural convection in a closed rectangular cavity. Using commercial CFD code, FLUENT, various turbulent models were applied to the turbulent flow. Results from each CFD model will be compared each other in the viewpoints of flow characteristics. This work will suggest the best turbulent model of CFD for analyzing turbulent flows of the natural convection in an enclosure system.

2007-07-01

453

Natural Convection Analysis with Various Turbulent Models Using FLUENT  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The buoyancy driven convective flow fields are steady circulatory flows which were made between surfaces maintained at two fixed temperatures. They are ubiquitous in nature and play an important role in many engineering applications. Especially, in last decades, natural convection in a close loop or cavity becomes the main issue in the molecular biology for the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Application of a natural convection can reduce the costs and efforts remarkably. This paper focuses on the sensitivity study of turbulence analysis using CFD for a natural convection in a closed rectangular cavity. Using commercial CFD code, FLUENT, various turbulent models were applied to the turbulent flow. Results from each CFD model will be compared each other in the viewpoints of flow characteristics. This work will suggest the best turbulent model of CFD for analyzing turbulent flows of the natural convection in an enclosure system.

2007-05-10

454

NAME=\\  

Wastenet

...The RSPB: Great crested grebe A delightfully elegant waterbird with ornate head plumes which led to its being hunted for its feathers, almost leading to its extermination from the UK. E-mail to a friendE-newsletterContact us Home England Northern Ireland Scotland Wales About Overview Awards & recognition Contact us Facts and figures History How we are run Inspiring work Job vacancies Looking to the future Media centre Offices The RSPB view ...status: Green Listen Get Flash player Play sound 1 videoLatin name Podiceps cristatusFamily Grebes (Podicipedidae)Overview A delightfully elegant waterbird with ornate head plumes which led to its being hunted for its feathers, almost leading to its extermination from the UK. They dive to feed and also to escape, preferring this to flying. On land they are clumsy because their feet are placed so far back on their bodies. ...

455

Monitoring global land surface drought based on a hybrid evapotranspiration model  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The latent heat of evapotranspiration (ET) plays an important role in the assessment of drought severity as one sensitive indicator of land drought status. A simple and accurate method of estimating global ET for the monitoring of global land surface droughts from remote sensing data is essential. The objective of this research is to develop a hybrid ET model by introducing empirical coefficients based on a simple linear two-source land ET model, and to then use this model to calculate the Evaporative Drought Index (EDI) based on the actual estimated ET and the potential ET in order to characterize global surface drought conditions. This is done using the Global Energy and Water Cycle Experiment (GEWEX) Surface Radiation Budget (SRB) products, AVHRR-NDVI products from the Global Inventory ...

2011-01-01

456

Molecular marks for epigenetic identification of developmental and cancer stem cells  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Epigenetic regulations of genes by reversible methylation of DNA (at the carbon-5 of cytosine) and numerous reversible modifications of histones play important roles in normal physiology and development, and epigenetic deregulations are associated with developmental disorders and various disease states, including cancer. Stem cells have the capacity to self-renew indefinitely. Similar to stem cells, some malignant cells have the capacity to divide indefinitely and are referred to as cancer stem cells. In recent times, direct correlation between epigenetic modifications and reprogramming of stem cell and cancer stem cell is emerging. Major discoveries were made with investigations on reprogramming gene products, also known as master regulators of totipotency and inducer of pluoripotency, na...

2011-01-01

457

Micro-patterning of chemical functionality of anthracene-bis-resorcinol film using focused ion beam  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Anthracene-bis-resorcinol is an interesting molecule as it forms a hydrogen-bonded network when guest molecules with weak polarity are included. Focused ion beam (FIB) was irradiated on a part of its amorphous film with low dose, and the film was exposed to the vapor of guest molecules. From fluorescence and AFM analyses of this film, it was found that no inclusion compound was formed in FIB irradiated area, i.e. FIB irradiation suppresses the ability to form the inclusion compounds. By utilizing this phenomenon, we succeeded in a microfabrication of relief structures consisting of inclusion compounds which has different fluorescence from its surrounding. Morphology, fluorescence, and IR absorption analyses indicated that hydroxyl or resorcin groups are damaged by ion beams, and consequently a formation of hydrogen-bonded networks, which play a role of a lattice caging guest molecules, becomes impossible.

2005-12-15

458

Mechanism of filler action in reducing the wear of PTFE polymer by differential scanning calorimetry  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Two types of representative nanometer materials, i.e., fibroid nanometer attapulgite and approximate spherical ultrafine diamond, were selected as fillers of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) to study the mechanism of the wear-reducing actions of the fillers in PTFE composites. The friction and wear tests were performed on a block-on-ring wear tester under dry sliding conditions. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to investigate material microstructure and to examine modes of failure. No significant change in coefficient of friction was found, but the wear rate of PTFE composites was orders of magnitude less than that of pure PTFE. DSC analysis revealed that nanometer attapulgite and ultrafine diamond played a heterogeneous nucleation role in PTFE matrix and consequently resulte...

2007-01-01

459

Laser Photobiomodulation of Wound Healing: A Review of Experimental Studies in Mouse and Rat Animal Models  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract Objectives: This investigation reviewed experimental studies of laser irradiation of wound healing in mice and rats published from 2003 to August 2008, respectively, to assess putative stimulatory effects of this treatment. Background: Animal models, including rodents, attempt to reflect human wound healing and associated problems such as dehiscence, ischemia, ulceration, infection, and scarring. They have played a key role in furthering understanding of underlying mechanisms involved in impaired wound healing, and in testing new therapeutic strategies including laser irradiation. Method: Original research papers investigating effects of laser or monochromatic light therapy on wound healing in mice and rats and published from January 2003 to August 2008 were retrieved from library...

2010-01-01

460

Land cover change of watersheds in Southern Guam from 1973 to 2001  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Land cover change can be caused by human-induced activities and natural forces. Land cover change in watershed level has been a main concern for a long time in the world since watersheds play an important role in our life and environment. This paper is focused on how to apply Landsat Multi-Spectral Scanner (MSS) satellite image of 1973 and Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) satellite image of 2001 to determine the land cover changes of coastal watersheds from 1973 to 2001. GIS and remote sensing are integrated to derive land cover information from Landsat satellite images of 1973 and 2001. The land cover classification is based on supervised classification method in remote sensing software ERDAS IMAGINE. Historical GIS data is used to replace the areas covered by clouds or shadows in the image o...

2011-01-01

461

Kinetic manifestation of cooperative interaction between quinuclidinyl benzilate and rat brain muscarine cholinoreceptors  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A study was made of the kinetics of L-(/sup 3/H)quinuclidinyl benzilate binding with membrane-bound muscarine cholinoreceptors from the rat brain. Determination was made of the rate constants of this process, and constants as a function of ligand concentration was investigated, indicating that there is a complex mechanism of interaction of antagonists with muscarine receptor. With up to 3.5 nM concentrations of L-(/sup 3/H)quinuclidinyl benzilate, the binding reaction occurs in two stages: rapid equilibrated binding is followed by a slow process of conformational isomerization of the receptor-ligand complex. At higher ligand concentrations, there is additional drastic increase in constant of rate of ligand binding a new plateau is reached. Such dependence of rate constant on ligand concentration is indicative of the cooperative nature of interaction between antagonists and muscarine receptors. This is possible if there are in the receptor complex several binding sites that ...

1985-01-01

462

Investigating the effect of an arterial hypertension drug on the structural properties of plasma protein  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Propanolol is a betablocker drug used in the treatment of arterial hypertension related diseases. In order to achieve an optimal performance of this drug it is important to consider the possible interactions of propanolol with plasma proteins. In this work, we have used several experimental techniques to characterise the effect of addition of the betablocker propanolol on the properties of bovine plasma fibrinogen (FB). Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), circular dichroism (CD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), surface tension techniques and atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements have been combined to carry out a detailed physicochemical and surface characterization of the mixed system. As a result, DSC measurements show that propranolol can play two opposite roles, either acting ...

2011-01-01

463

Investigating the biological and clinical significance of human dysbioses  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Culture-independent microbiological technologies that interrogate complex microbial populations without prior axenic culture, coupled with high-throughput DNA sequencing, have revolutionized the scale, speed and economics of microbial ecological studies. Their application to the medical realm has led to a highly productive merger of clinical, experimental and environmental microbiology. The functional roles played by members of the human microbiota are being actively explored through experimental manipulation of animal model systems and studies of human populations. In concert, these studies have appreciably expanded our understanding of the composition and dynamics of human-associated microbial communities (microbiota). Of note, several human diseases have been linked to alterations in th...

2011-01-01

464

Increased hippocampal quinone reductase 2 in Alzheimer's disease  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Quinone reductase 2 (QR2), a detoxifying cytosolic flavoenzyme, is thought to play an important role in the acquisition and loss of memory [3]. We determined the amount of QR2 in the hippocampus, amygdala, and superior frontal gyrus of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients with dementia by using western blot analysis. The level of QR2 was significantly higher in the hippocampus of AD patients than in that of the control subjects. The relation between QR2 and AD has not yet been determined; however, our results suggest that the increase in hippocampal QR2 might be a cause of AD or might promote the progression of AD by causing an increase in the toxic quinone levels and consequent loss of cognitive function.

2011-01-01

465

Importance of health and environment as quality traits in the buying decision of organic products  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

This paper aims to explore consumer preference for fresh vegetables labelled as organic in combination with health and environment related quality traits. The study decomposes organic farming into its main quality aspects and measures consumers' preference structure for organic, in general, and for specific organic quality traits in particular. By means of stated choice preference modelling, the following hypotheses are tested: consumers prefer health over environment related quality traits; the organic label plays a significant role in consumers' choice for organic products; organic farming is perceived as healthier and more environmentally friendly than conventional farming; purchase intention is mainly driven by health related quality traits; both health and environmental concerns influ...

2009-01-01

466

Implantation processing of Si: A unified approach to understanding ion-induced defects and their impact  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A model is presented to account for the effects of ion-induced defects during implantation processing of Si. It will be shown that processing is quite generally affected by the presence of defect excesses rather than the total number of defects. a defect is considered excess if it represents a surplus locally of one defect type over its compliment. Processing spanning a wide range of implantation conditions will be presented to demonstrate that the majority of the total defects played little or no role in the process. This is a direct result of the ease with which the spatially correlated Frenkel pairs recombine either dynamically or during a post-implantation annealing. Based upon this model, a method will be demonstrated for manipulating or engineering the excess defects to modify their effects. In particular high-energy, self-ions are shown to inject vacancies into a boron implanted region resulting in suppression of transient enhanced diffusion of the dopant.

1997-05-01

467

Imagining personhood differently: person value and autonomist working-class value practices  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract Theories of the good and proper self (the governmental normative subject, be it a reflexive, enterprising, individualising, rational, prosthetic, or possessive self)1 or even the self produced in conditions not of its own making, such as Bourdieu's habitus, all rely on ideas about self-interest, investment and/or -playing the game-. As people are increasingly expected to publicly legitimate themselves as good and worthy subjects, and as capital increasingly enters the spaces of intimacy and bio-politics, we need to reconsider the limits of our theoretical imaginaries for understanding the value production necessary to the performance of personhood. Specifically, most of the theories we have for understanding the connections between personhood and value reproduce and legitimate the...

2011-01-01

468

Identification and characterization of retinoid-active short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases in Drosophila melanogaster  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Background In chordates, retinoid metabolism is an important target of short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases (SDRs). It is not known whether SDRs play a role in retinoid metabolism of protostomes, such as Drosophila melanogaster. Methods Drosophila genome was searched for genes encoding proteins with ?50% identity to human retinol dehydrogenase 12 (RDH12). The corresponding proteins were expressed in Sf9 cells and biochemically characterized. Their phylogenetic relationships were analyzed using PHYLIP software. Results A total of six Drosophila SDR genes were identified. Five of these genes are clustered on chromosome 2 and one is located on chromosome X. The deduced proteins are 300 to 406 amino acids long and are associated with microsomal membranes. They recognize all-trans-retinaldehyd...

2009-01-01

469

Hot dip galvanised dual phase steels for automotive applications  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The automotive industry desires to optimize safety and lightweight construction for the production of cars and trucks. The resulting task for steel suppliers is to make steel grades available that can fulfil these requirements. Different projects have shown optimistic outlooks for optimization of safety and reduction of the weight of automobile bodies by using different high strength and ultra high strength steels. In the last group the dual phase steels play the lead. In recent years different steel grades have been developed and optimized for these applications. On one hand developing the mechanical properties as well as joining and forming of dual phase steels is one of the first steps. On the other hand different coated surfaces for various applications of dual phase steels is another step. Starting with characteristic production conditions for cold rolled hot dip galvanised dual phase steels, the mechanical properties for joining and forming will be deduced ...

2005-07-01

470

Honokiol enhances adipocyte differentiation by potentiating insulin signaling in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Adipose tissue plays an essential role in energy homeostasis as a metabolic and endocrine organ. Accordingly, adipocytes are emerging as a major drug target for obesity and obesity-mediated metabolic syndrome. Dysfunction of enlarged adipocytes in obesity is involved in obesity-mediated metabolic syndrome. Adipocytokines, such as adiponectin released from small adipocytes, are able to prevent these disorders. In this study, we found that honokiol, an ingredient of Magnolia officinalis used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicines, enhanced adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Oil Red O staining showed that treatment with honokiol in the presence of insulin dose-dependently increased lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 preadipoyctes although its activity was weak compared with r...

2011-01-01

471

Historical Indigenous use of aquatic resources in Australia's Murray-Darling Basin, and its implications for river management  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Summary Indigenous people demonstrably lived along rivers and around lakes and wetlands of Australia's Murray-Darling Basin in pre-European times. Waterways were, and continue to be, of major significance to the society and culture of Aboriginal peoples throughout Australia. Historically, they exploited most of the fauna - from mussels and crayfish, to fish and birds - and either ate, or used for other purposes, many species of aquatic plants. Such practices placed them in the role of environmental modifiers, a role played by all human groups from both past and present. They built sophisticated fish traps, cut gaps in river banks to allow fish to move on to floodplains, and there is evidence that they practised a form of fish culture by creating small impoundments in which small fish could...

2007-01-01

472

Heparin binding sites on Ross River virus revealed by electron cryo-microscopy  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cell surface glycosaminoglycans play important roles in cell adhesion and viral entry. Laboratory strains of two alphaviruses, Sindbis and Semliki Forest virus, have been shown to utilize heparan sulfate as an attachment receptor, whereas Ross River virus (RRV) does not significantly interact with it. However, a single amino acid substitution at residue 218 in the RRV E2 glycoprotein adapts the virus to heparan sulfate binding and expands the host range of the virus into chicken embryo fibroblasts. Structures of the RRV mutant, E2 N218R, and its complex with heparin were determined through the use of electron cryo-microscopy and image reconstruction methods. Heparin was found to bind at the distal end of the RRV spikes, in a region of the E2 glycoprotein that has been previously implicated in cell-receptor recognition and antibody binding.

2005-02-20

473

Heightened awareness of a researcher's own culture through carrying out research on development cooperation  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

In this paper I argue that when a researcher is a research instrument, it is likely that the researcher would develop a heightened awareness of his/her own cultural conditioning, especially in the case of cross-cultural studies. And that such awareness would make him/her realise that one's own cultural background may indeed have an influence on formulating his/her research methodology. The paper is based on my own research project on development cooperation between Japan and Cambodia, whereby I examined the perceptions of Cambodians and Japanese on what an appropriate power relationship between donors and recipients should be. At the outset of my research project, I paid little attention to my own cultural condition and the role it might play in my study, though I was aware that being Japa...

2011-01-01

474

Genomic architecture of aggression: Rare copy number variants in intermittent explosive disorder  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

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

2011-01-01

475

Gas Research Institute wetland research program  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

As part of three ongoing research projects, the Gas Research Institute (GRI) is studying the natural gas industry`s impacts on wetlands and how to manage operations so that impacts can be minimized or eliminated. The objective of the first project is to gain a better understanding of the causes and processes of wetland loss in the Louisiana deltaic plain and what role gas pipeline canals play in wetland loss. On the basis of information gathered from the first projects, management and mitigation implications for pipeline construction and maintenance will be evaluated. The objective of the second project is to assess the floral and faunal communities on existing rights-of-way (ROWs) that pass through numerous types of wetlands across the United States. The emphasis of the project is on pipelines that were installed within the past five years. The objective of the third project is to evaluate the administrative, jurisdictional, technical, and economic issues of ...

1992-12-01

476

GPS impact on geodesy  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The purpose of this paper is to check up a GPS (global positioning system) impact on scientific research activities of the Geodetic Society of Japan. First, it is mentioned that the conventional geoid-based concept of 'gravity anomaly' should be changed to a new definition, according to the GPS-determined ellipsoidal height system. Secondly, the results of many experiments, which have been made to monitor ocean-plate motions relative to the Japanese island-arcs, demonstrate that GPS is a powerful tool for obtaining temporal changes in horizontal displacement induced by the plate motion. Therefore, it is suggested that terrestrial measurements, such as triangulation and long-range leveling, would be replaced by GPS measurements in near future. Moreover, it is pointed out that GPS geodesy should play an important role in monitoring secular sea level trend due to global warming of the atmosphere and ocean. 19 refs., 4 figs.

1992-12-25

477

GABAB Receptors Modulate NMDA Receptor Calcium Signals in Dendritic Spines  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Summary Metabotropic GABAB receptors play a fundamental role in modulating the excitability of neurons and circuits throughout the brain. These receptors influence synaptic transmission by inhibiting presynaptic release or activating postsynaptic potassium channels. However, their ability to directly influence different types of postsynaptic glutamate receptors remains unresolved. Here we examine GABAB receptor modulation in layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons from the mouse prefrontal cortex. We use two-photon laser-scanning microscopy to study synaptic modulation at individual dendritic spines. Using two-photon optical quantal analysis, we first demonstrate robust presynaptic modulation of multivesicular release at single synapses. Using two-photon glutamate uncaging, we then reveal that GABAB r...

2010-01-01

478

Fuzzy decision tree based on fuzzy-rough technique  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Using an efficient criterion in selection of fuzzy conditional attributes (i.e. expanded attributes) is important for generation of fuzzy decision trees. Given a fuzzy information system (FIS), fuzzy conditional attributes play a crucial role in fuzzy decision making. Besides, different fuzzy conditional attributes have different influences on decision making, and some of them may be more important than the others. Two well-known criteria employed to select expanded attributes are fuzzy classification entropy and classification ambiguity, both of which essentially use the ratio of uncertainty to measure the significance of fuzzy conditional attributes. Based on fuzzy-rough technique, this paper proposes a new criterion, in which expanded attributes are selected by using significance of fuz...

2011-01-01

479

Formation of pentagonal Cu nano wires  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The development of nano/molecular devices will require atomic-sized electrical contacts or nano metric conductors for wiring. As metal nano wires exhibit quantized conductance at room temperature, quantum transport effects will play an important role in the practical implementation of nano devices. As copper is currently used as interconnecting metal in standard microelectronics, the characterization of Cu nano wire properties deserves special attention. In this work, we show a detailed study of structural and electronic properties of atomic-sized Cu wires. In particular, we have established a complete correlation between the conductance and the structure by associating real-time atomic resolution transmission electron microscopy imaging with molecular dynamic simulations, conductance measurements and conductance calculations. Our study has revealed the structural relaxation of Cu wires forming a pentagonal atomic arrangement along the [110] direction that allows a ...

2004-07-01

480

Electromagnetic compatibility and power quality: engineering contribution; Compatibilite electromagnetique et qualite de l`onde: contribution de l`ingenieur-conseil  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Problems relating to electromagnetic compatibility and power quality were discussed, combined with a discussion of the role that consulting engineers can play in resolving them. The need for the consulting engineer to be aware of design specifications of equipment was considered essential. Similarly, the interrelationship between installations using variable speed drives, halogenous lighting systems, capacitor banks, high-voltage power lines, power transformers, etc., and the need for familiarity with the operating characteristics of different types of power systems were stressed as key ingredients to success in ascertaining events and causes of equipment failure or power system problems on the network. The main sources of disturbances, impact of voltage variations, the importance of controlling voltage imbalance, and system protection were summarized. 4 figs.

1996-08-01

481

Diphenyl diselenide and analogs are substrates of cerebral rat thioredoxin reductase: A pathway for their neuroprotective effects  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) isoforms play important roles in cell physiology, protecting cells against oxidative processes. In addition to its endogenous substrates (Trx isoforms), hepatic TrxR can reduce organic selenium compounds such as ebselen and diphenyl diselenide to their selenol intermediates, which can be involved in their hepatoprotective properties. Taking this into account, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the hypothesis that ebselen, diphenyl diselenide and its analogs (4,4'-bistrifluoromethyldiphenyl diselenide, 4,4'-bismethoxydiphenyl diselenide, 4.4'-biscarboxy-diphenyl diselenide, 4,4'-bischlorodiphenyl diselenide, 2,4,6,2',4',6'-hexamethyldiphenyl diselenide) could be substrates of rat brain TrxR. In the presence of partially purified rat brain TrxR, dipheny...

2011-01-01

482

Diagnostic imaging in pregraduate integrated curricula; Radiologie in einem praegraduellen problembasiert-integrierten Medizincurriculum  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Pregraduate medical curricula are currently undergoing a reform process that is moving away from a traditional discipline-related structure and towards problem-based integrated forms of teaching. Imaging sciences, with their inherently technical advances, are specifically influenced by the effects of paradigm shifts in medical education. The teaching of diagnostic radiology should be based on the definition of three core competencies: in vivo visualization of normal and abnormal morphology and function, diagnostic reasoning, and interventional treatment. On the basis of these goals, adequate teaching methods and e-learning tools should be implemented by focusing on case-based teaching. Teaching materials used in the fields of normal anatomy, pathology, and clinical diagnosis may help diagnostic radiology to play a central role in modern pregraduate curricula. (orig.)

2007-11-15

483

Correlation, hierarchies, and networks in financial markets  

CERN Document Server

We discuss some methods to quantitatively investigate the properties of correlation matrices. Correlation matrices play an important role in portfolio optimization and in several other quantitative descriptions of asset price dynamics in financial markets. Specifically, we discuss how to define and obtain hierarchical trees, correlation based trees and networks from a correlation matrix. The hierarchical clustering and other procedures performed on the correlation matrix to detect statistically reliable aspects of the correlation matrix are seen as filtering procedures of the correlation matrix. We also discuss a method to associate a hierarchically nested factor model to a hierarchical tree obtained from a correlation matrix. The information retained in filtering procedures and its stability with respect to statistical fluctuations is quantified by using the Kullback-Leibler distance.

2008-01-01

484

Core funding to ICRAF  

Environmental Research Database

ObjectivesThe vision The Centre's vision is a rural transformation in the developing world where smallholder households massively increase their use of trees in agricultural landscapes to improve their food security, nutrition, income, health, shelter, energy resources and environmental sustainability. This vision is founded upon three basic tenets: 1. The growing importance of trees and treebased systems in sustaining livelihoods and agroecosystems; 2. The Centre's experience and comparative adv [continued...]DescriptionBackground: The International Council for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF) was created in response to a visionary study in the mid-1970s led by forester John Bene of Canada's International Development Research Centre (IDRC). The study coined the term 'agroforestry' and called for global recognition of the key role trees play on farms. This led to the establishment of ICRAF in 1978 to promote agroforestry research in developing countries. Intended ...

2016-01-31

485

Controlled Synthesis of Water-Dispersible Faceted Crystalline Copper Nanoparticles and Their Catalytic Properties  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

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, ...

2010-01-01

486

Control of cooling during spray forming of bearing steel billets  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In an effort to minimize the distortion of bearing steel rings during the production process, 100Cr6 steel billets are spray formed with a unique cooling control system to control the cooling and solidification behavior of the deposits. Effects of heating around the deposits, gas cooling at the substrate bottom and the gas flow over the deposits are investigated both by numerical simulation and experiment. Porosity profiles and microstructures of spray formed bearing steel are examined and evaluated. The investigation results show that the thermal boundary conditions of the deposits play important roles on the cooling and solidification behavior of the deposits, especially at the deposit periphery. Porosity in the 100Cr6 bearing steel deposit can be reduced significantly with the special cooling control system.

2004-10-10

487

Communication and Round Efficient Information Checking Protocol  

CERN Document Server

In this paper, we present a very important primitive called Information Checking Protocol (ICP) which plays an important role in constructing statistical Verifiable Secret Sharing (VSS) and Weak Secret Sharing (WSS) protocols. Informally, ICP is a tool for authenticating messages in the presence of computationally unbounded corrupted parties. Here we extend the basic bare-bone definition of ICP, introduced by Rabin et al. and then present an ICP that attains the best communication complexity and round complexity among all the existing ICPs in the literature. We also show that our ICP satisfies several interesting properties such as linearity property which is an important requirement in many applications of ICP. Though not presented in this paper, we can design communication and round efficient statistical (i.e involves negligible error probability in computation) VSS and Multiparty Computation (MPC) protocol using our new ICP.

2010-01-01

488

Chromosomal mapping of excessive physical activity in mice in response to a restricted feeding schedule  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Excessive physical activity plays an important role in the progression of anorexia nervosa (AN) by accelerating weight loss during dietary restriction. To search for mechanisms underlying this trait, a panel of mouse chromosome substitution strains derived from C57BL/6J and A/J strains was exposed to a scheduled feeding paradigm and to voluntary running wheel (RW) access. Here, we showed that A/J chromosomes 4, 12 and 13 contribute to the development of a disrupted RW activity in response to daily restricted feeding. This pattern is characterized by intense RW activity during the habitual rest phase and leads to accelerated body weight loss. Regions on mouse chromosomes 4, 12 and 13 display homology with regions on human chromosomes linked with anxiety and obsessionality in AN cohorts. The...

2010-01-01

489

Chiral Rings, Mirror Symmetry and the Fate of Localized Tachyons  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We study the localized tachyon condensation of non-supersymmetric orbifold backgrounds in their mirror Landau-Ginzburg picture. We first show that the R-charges of chiral primaries increase under the process of condensing the tachyon in the same chiral ring. Then, utilizing the existence of four copies of (2,2) worldsheet supersymmetry, we show that the minimal tachyon mass in twisted sectors increases in CFT and type 0 string and it plays the role of the c-function of the twisted sectors. We also study the GSO projection in detail and show that type II decays to only to type II while type 0 can mix with type 0 and II under the RG-flow.

2003-03-20

490

Chernobyl accident: the crisis of the international radiation community  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The information given in the present report about the Chernobyl accident and its radiological consequences indicates a serious crisis of the international radiation community. The following signs of this crises can be discerned: The international radiation community did not recognize the real reasons of the accident for a long time. It could not make a correct assessment of the damage to the thyroid of the affected populations of Belarus, Russia and the Ukraine. Up to present time it rejects the reliable data on hereditary malformations. It is not able to accept reliable data on the increase in the incidence in all categories of people affected by the Chernobyl accident. The international radiation community supported the Soviet authorities in their attempts to play down the radiological consequences of the Chernobyl accident for a long time. (author)

1998-03-01

491

Cellular interactions of lauric acid and dextran-coated magnetite nanoparticles  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In vitro cytocompatibility and cellular interactions of lauric acid and dextran-coated magnetite nanoparticles were evaluated with two different cell lines (mouse fibroblast and human cervical carcinoma). Lauric acid-coated magnetite nanoparticles were less cytocompatible than dextran-coated magnetite nanoparticles and cellular uptake of lauric acid-coated magnetic nanoparticles was more than that of dextran-coated magnetite nanoparticles. Lesser cytocompatibility and higher uptake of lauric acid-coated magnetite nanoparticles as compared to dextran-coated magnetic nanoparticles may be due to different cellular interactions by coating material. Thus, coating plays an important role in modulation of biocompatibility and cellular interaction of magnetic nanoparticles.

2007-04-15

492

Cellular interactions of lauric acid and dextran-coated magnetite nanoparticles  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In vitro cytocompatibility and cellular interactions of lauric acid and dextran-coated magnetite nanoparticles were evaluated with two different cell lines (mouse fibroblast and human cervical carcinoma). Lauric acid-coated magnetite nanoparticles were less cytocompatible than dextran-coated magnetite nanoparticles and cellular uptake of lauric acid-coated magnetic nanoparticles was more than that of dextran-coated magnetite nanoparticles. Lesser cytocompatibility and higher uptake of lauric acid-coated magnetite nanoparticles as compared to dextran-coated magnetic nanoparticles may be due to different cellular interactions by coating material. Thus, coating plays an important role in modulation of biocompatibility and cellular interaction of magnetic nanoparticles.

2007-04-01

493

Cats and goat whey associated with Toxoplasma gondii infection in pigs.  

Science.gov (United States)

In organic livestock production systems, farm-management factors are thought to play an important role in the on-farm prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii. Serological results and the results of an HACCP analysis were combined to determine important risk factors for the prevalence of this protozoan parasite. Mathematical analysis demonstrated that feeding goat whey to pigs and the presence of a high number of cats were positively correlated to T. gondii seroprevalence in pigs. Not covering roughage and the farmers' assumption that pigs can come into contact with cat feces also showed a positive relationship. In order to decrease the risk of T. gondii infecting their pigs, farmers should limit the access and number of cats on their farms and refrain from feeding goat whey to their pigs. PMID:16989566

2006-01-01

494

Beyond the “Pragmatic Acquiescence” Controversy: Reconciling the Educational Thought of Lewis Mumford and John Dewey  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

This article provides a reconsideration of the intellectual altercation between John Dewey and Lewis Mumford in the 1920s, and a sketch of some educational implications that follow this reconsideration. Although past scholarship has tended to focus on ways in which the altercation obscured similarities in their thought, we consider whether important differences were also obscured, particularly regarding their outlook on science and technology, their potential place in society, and their ideas about the best means to positive social change. We also consider how these differences might play out in philosophy of education/educational practice, concluding that Mumford's commitment to regionalism can augment Dewey's philosophical vision while also helping deal with pressing contemporary social ...

2011-01-01

495

Assessment of information impacts in power system security against malicious attacks in a general framework  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

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 ...

2009-06-01

496

An effective method to estimate multidimensional Gaussian states  

CERN Document Server

A simple and efficient method for characterization of multidimensional Gaussian states is suggested and experimentally demonstrated. Our scheme shows analogies with tomography of finite dimensional quantum states, with the covariance matrix playing the role of the density matrix and homodyne detection providing Stern-Gerlach-like projections. The major difference stems from a different character of relevant noises: while the statistics of Stern-Gerlach-like measurements is governed by binomial statistics, the detection of quadrature variances correspond to chi-square statistics. For Gaussian and near Gaussian states the suggested method provides, compared to standard tomography techniques, more stable and reliable reconstructions. In addition, by putting together reconstruction methods for Gaussian and arbitrary states, we obtain a tool to detect the non-Gaussian character of optical signals.

2009-01-01

497

Amphiphilic Polyanhydride Films Promote Neural Stem Cell Adhesion and Differentiation  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Several challenges currently exist for rational design of functional tissue engineering constructs within the host, which include appropriate cellular integration, avoidance of bacterial infections, and low inflammatory stimulation. This work describes a novel class of biodegradable, amphiphilic polyanhydrides with many desirable protein-material and cell-material attributes capable of confronting these challenges. The biocompatible amphiphilic polymer films were shown to release laminin in a stable and controlled manner, promote neural cell adhesion and differentiation, and evade inflammatory responses of the immune system. Using high-throughput approaches, it was shown that polymer chemistry plays an integral role in controlling cell?film interactions, which suggests that these polyanhyd...

2011-01-01

498

A fluid structure coupling of the Ariane-5 nozzle section during start phase by detached eddy simulation  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Concerning the requirements of future rocket technologies, providing a cost-efficient access to orbit as well as an increase in system reliability, a deeper insight into the unsteady phenomena during ascent of modern launchers is essential. Unsteady interactions and resonances of the turbulent separated launcher wake and the nozzle structure play an important role for the design of future main stage propulsion systems. The so-called buffeting coupling phenomenon is one of the main challenges during ascent. In the present study, a coupled simulation of the afterbody of the Ariane-5 launcher with a realistic structural and aerodynamic representation of different nozzle configurations is carried out. On the computational fluid dynamics side, unsteady detached eddy simulations are coupled with...

2011-01-01

499

A Short-Term Forecasting Algorithm for Network Traffic Based on Chaos Theory and SVM  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Recently, the forecasting technologies for network traffic have played a significant role in network management, congestion control and network security. Forecasting algorithms have also been investigated for decades along with the development of Time Series Analysis (TSA). Chaotic Time Series Analysis (CTSA) may be used to model and forecast the time series by Chaos Theory. As one of the prevailing intelligent forecasting algorithms, it is worthwhile to integrate CTSA and Support Vector Machine (SVM). In this paper, after the vulnerabilities of Local Support Vector Machine (LSVM) in forecasting modeling are analyzed, the Dynamic Time Wrapping (DTW) and the ?Dynamic K? strategy are introduced, as well as a short-term network traffic forecasting algorithm LSVM-DTW-K based on Chaos Theory an...

2011-01-01