The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of central vein stenosis and occlusion following upper extremity placement of peripherally inserted central venous catheters(PICCs) and venous ports. One hundred fifty-four patients who underwent venography of the ipsilateral central veins prior to initial and subsequent venous access device insertion were retrospectively identified. All follow-up venograms were interpreted at the time of catheter placement by one interventional radiologist over a 5-year period and compared to the findings on initial venography. For patients with central vein abnormalities, hospital and home infusion service records and radiology reports were reviewed to determine catheter dwelltime and potential alternative etiologies of central vein stenosis or occlusion. The effect of catheter caliber and dwell time on development of central vein abnormalities was evaluated. Venography performed ...
We report the results of a prospective clinical study using a new self-expanding nitinol stent (Enterprise) designed for the treatment of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms. We treated 31 saccular, wide-necked intracranial aneurysms in 30 patients. Ten aneurysms had recanalized after prior endovascular treatment without a stent, and 21 aneurysms had not been treated before. Stent deployment was successful in all procedures. Additional coil embolization was performed in all aneurysms. Initial complete angiographic occlusion was achieved in 6 aneurysms, a neck remnant was left in 18 aneurysms and there were 7 residual aneurysms. Angiographic follow-up examinations of 30 lesions after 6 months demonstrated 15 complete occlusions, 8 neck remnants and 7 residual aneurysms. One patient refused the 6-month angiographic follow-up. Spontaneous occlusion of the aneurysm had occurred in 14 patients, and 6 aneurysms showed ...
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)
Vaccine-mediated prevention of primary HIV-1 infection at the heterosexual mucosal portal of entry may be facilitated by highly optimised formulations or drug delivery devices for intravaginal (i.vag) immunization. Previously we described hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC)-based rheologically structured gel vehicles (RSVs) for vaginal immunization of an HIV-1 vaccine candidate, a soluble recombinant trimeric HIV-1 clade-C envelope glycoprotein designated CN54gp140. Here we investigated the efficacy of lyophilized solid dosage formulations (LSDFs) for prolonging antigen stability and as i.vag delivery modalities. LSDFs were designed and developed that upon i.vag administration they would reconstitute with the imbibing of vaginal fluid to mucoadhesive, site-retentive semi-solids. Mice were immunize...
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of fetal tracheal occlusion on sodium and chloride concentrations in amniotic and tracheal fluid. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Intrauterine tracheal occlusion has been...Full Text Available
Gradual occlusion (O) of the swine left circumflex coronary artery (LCX) with an ameroid occluder results in complete O within 3 weeks, collateral vessel development, and compensatory hypertrophy....Full Text Available
ObjectiveCompare occlusal contacts calculated from 3D virtual models created from clinical records to contacts identified clinically using shimstock and transillumination.Full Text Available
Aim:To compare the effect of intravitreal bevacizumab and triamcinolone in patients with macular edema after central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), presenting with poor...Full Text Available
Few studies have examined energy metabolism during prolonged, strenuous exercise. We wanted therefore to investigate energy metabolic consequences of a prolonged period of continuous strenuous work...Full Text Available
Background:Prolonged mechanical ventilation is increasingly common. It is expensive and associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Our objective is to comprehensively characterize...Full Text Available
The aim of the paper is to review the role of interventional radiology in the management of hemodialysis vascular access and complications in renal transplantation. The evaluation of patients with hemodialysis vascular access is complex. It includes the radiology/ultrasound (US) evaluation of the peripheral veins of the upper extremities with venous mapping and the evaluation of the central vein prior to the access placement and radiological detection and treatment of the stenosis and thrombosis in misfunctional dialysis fistulas. Preoperative screening enables the identification of a suitable vessel to create a hemodynamically-sound dialysis fistula. Clinical and radiological detection of the hemodynamically significant stenosis or occlusion demands fistulography and endovascular treatment. Endovascular prophylactic dilatation of stenosis greater than 50% with associated clinical abnormalities such as flow-rate reduction is warranted to ...
Eliminating anterior tooth contact is paramount when treating combination syndrome. It is possible to do so through the use of linear occlusion with a non-interceptive arrangement and the bilateral fulcrum of protrusive stability. The presence of mandibular anterior teeth often complicates this procedure. When establishing the horizontal plane of occlusion, clinical circumstances often necessitate modifications; nevertheless, certain principles must be incorporated into the design of the prostheses. Clinical circumstances may dictate altering the approach but these principles must be maintained to eliminate anterior hyperfunction. PMID:15055634
Two patients who developed large intracranial vessel occlusion after standard radiation therapy for brain tumor are described. This form of vascular occlusion is usually seen in patients who have previously been treated by radiotherapy for intracranial tumor who then develop a relatively acute change in neurologic status. Histology of the lesion mimics accelerated focal arteriosclerosis. The clinical and radiographic manifestations of one case were highly atypical. The vasculopathy became evident shortly after termination of radiation therapy for a fourth ventricular ependymoma, and the angiographic picture stimulated a diffuse arteritis. The second patient was more typical, with clinical symptoms developing 12 years after radiation therapy for an oligodendroglioma. Occlusion of a proximal vessel that had been included in the radiation port was demonstrated radiographically and confirmed by pathologic examination. The ...
Two patients who developed large intracranial vessel occlusion after standard radiation therapy for brain tumor are described. This form of vascular occlusion is usually seen in patients who have previously been treated by radiotherapy for intracranial tumor who then develop a relatively acute change in neurologic status. Histology of the lesion mimics accelerated focal arteriosclerosis. The clinical and radiographic manifestations of one case were highly atypical. The vasculopathy became evident shortly after termination of radiation therapy for a fourth ventricular ependymoma, and the angiographic picture stimulated a diffuse arteritis. The second patient was more typical, with clinical symptoms developing 12 years after radiation therapy for an oligodendroglioma. Occlusion of a proximal vessel that had been included in the radiation port was demonstrated radiographically and confirmed by pathologic examination. The ...
Opinion statementCritical limb ischemia (CLI), defined as chronic ischemic rest pain, ulcers, or gangrene attributable to objectively proven arterial occlusive disease, is the most advanced...Full Text Available
The purpose of this paper was to inform the reader that prolonged upper airway obstruction after posterior cervical spine surgery is a possible complication for patients with metastatic tumor of upper...Full Text Available
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of maternal obesity on mode of delivery following induction of labour (IOL) for prolonged pregnancy and subsequent intrapartum and neonatal complications.DesignRetrospective...Full Text Available
The amount of phosphorus contained in food as food additives is currently increasing and a high intake of phosphorus can cause various diseases. To determine the effects of a prolonged high phosphorus...Full Text Available
We report a patient who developed occlusion of the intracranial major arteries induced by radiation therapy for craniopharyngioma. The patient, a 9-year-old boy, presented with deterioration of vision, nausea and vomiting. He underwent a right ventriculo-peritoneal shunt operation, and the tumor was partially removed. Postoperatively, he received focal radiation therapy with total of 60 Gy. Preoperative cerebral angiography, cerebral vessels had no sigh of occlusive lesion or stenosis. One year after irradiation, he started to have repeated cerebral ischemic attacks. But no regrowth of the tumor was detected on CT scans. Two years and 8 months after irradiation, he suddenly had right hemiparesis. Cerebral angiography revealed severe stenosis of the right anterior cerebral artery (precommunicating segment), middle cerebral artery (horizontal portion) and terminal portion of the right carotid artery. Left carotid angiography showed complete ...
We report a patient who developed occlusion of the intracranial major arteries induced by radiation therapy for craniopharyngioma. The patient, a 9-year-old boy, presented with deterioration of vision, nausea and vomiting. He underwent a right ventriculo-peritoneal shunt operation, and the tumor was partially removed. Postoperatively, he received focal radiation therapy with total of 60 Gy. Preoperative cerebral angiography, cerebral vessels had no sigh of occlusive lesion or stenosis. One year after irradiation, he started to have repeated cerebral ischemic attacks. But no regrowth of the tumor was detected on CT scans. Two years and 8 months after irradiation, he suddenly had right hemiparesis. Cerebral angiography revealed severe stenosis of the right anterior cerebral artery (precommunicating segment), middle cerebral artery (horizontal portion) and terminal portion of the right carotid artery. Left carotid angiography showed complete ...
Accessory cusp present on the occlusal surface may seldom pose problems. While its presence may not be a cause for alarm in most instances, it can sometimes lead to serious consequences if it is damaged....Full Text Available
Therapeutic embolization is defined as the voluntary occlusion of one or several vessels, and this is achieved by inserting material into the lumen to obtain transient or permanent thrombosis in the...Full Text Available
The management of the interim phase of a complete oral rehabilitation in patients with severely worn dentition is often challenging due to the loss of occlusal vertical dimension, loss of tooth structure,...Full Text Available
The aim of this study was to assess the possibility of digital image analysis of pit-and-fissure discoloration in order to diagnose caries. Digital images showing pit-and-fissure discoloration in 100...Full Text Available
Compliance mismatch is a significant challenge to long-term patency in small-diameter bypass grafts because it causes intimal hyperplasia and ultimately graft occlusion. Current engineered grafts...Full Text Available
Recurrent tumour after radical pancreaticoduodenectomy may cause obstruction of the small bowel loop draining the liver. Roux-loop obstruction presents a particular therapeutic challenge, since the...Full Text Available
Background and Objectives:Sound enamel manifests peak transparency in the near-IR (NIR) at 1310-nm, therefore the near-IR is ideally suited for high contrast imaging...Full Text Available
Endovascular surgery is a new multidisciplinary field that applies the recently innovated techniques of angioscopy, intraluminal ultrasound, balloon angioplasty, laser, mechanical atherectomy, and stents....Full Text Available
To evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and stent insertion in central venous steno-occlusion. Between August 1992 and January 1998, 11 patients with symptomatic central venous steno-occlusion (six stenoses and five occlusions) underwent pereutaneous treatment. Eleven PTAs were performed and stents were introduced in two patients because of incomplete PTA. During follow-up, a total of eight revisions were performed in five patients with recurrence (six stenoses and two occlusions). Success and long term patency rates were evaluated. The length and degree of the lesion and degree of residual stenosis, as well as pressure gradient through the lesion and decrease of the gradient after PTA, were correlated with patency rates. Complications during the procedures and follow-up period were evaluated. The overall success rate was 89.5%;those of primary and revision intervention ...
Long life cycles covering more than one year are known for all orders of insects. There are different mechanisms of prolongation of the life cycle: (1) slow larval development; (2) prolongation of the adult stage with several reproduction periods; (3) prolongation of diapause; (4) combination of these mechanisms in one life cycle. Lasting suboptimal conditions (such as low temperature, low quality of food or instability of food resources, natural enemies, etc.) tend to prolong life cycles of all individuals in a population. In this case, the larvae feed and develop for longer than a year, and the active periods are interrupted by dormancy periods. The nature of this dormancy is unknown: in some cases it appears to be simple quiescence, in others it has been experimentally shown to be a tru...
A modest reduction in body temperature prolongs longevity and possibly retards aging in both poikilotherm and homeotherm animals. Some of the possible mechanisms mediating these effects are...Full Text Available
Prolonged disability is best understood as an illness that exists independently of the initiating disease. The disabled individual goes through predictable stages of disability before resolution occurs....Full Text Available
Silicon on insulator (SOI) structures are promising candidates for the fabrication of VLSI circuits with very high packing densities. The preparation of such structures can now be achieved by high dose implantation of reactive ion species such as oxygen to produce buried layers of SiO/sub 2/ in silicon. In this paper we report experiments to depth profile these layered structures by SIMS. SOI samples have been prepared by implanting (100) silicon wafers with 400 keV molecular oxygen ions at a dose of 1.8x10/sup 18/ O/sup +/ cm/sup -2/. During the implantation the wafers were maintained at temperatures between 325 and 600/sup 0/C, using beam heating, which achieved in situ-annealing and ensured that the top silicon layer remained single crystal. Analysis was carried out on an Atomika DIDA-II spectrometer using 10 keV Ar/sup +/ ions with a low current density of less than 1 mA cm/sup -2/. During analysis negative secondary ions were monitored which provided a high detection sensitivity ...
The single-axis portion of a three-axis superconducting gravity gradiometer has been completed in the course of this research. The theory of the superconducting gravity gradiometer has been generalized and put into a Lagrangian formulation. A condition for frequency-independent common mode balance combined with a multi-stage vibration isolation scheme has enabled a stable operation of the gradiometer for prolonged periods. In a preliminary test, the gradiometer has exhibited a noise level of 1-2 E Hz"-/sup 1/2/ below 1 Hz, limited by seismic noise, where 1 E = 10"-"9 m s"-"2 m"-"1. To perform a test of the inverse square law, the single-axis gradiometer is mounted with its axis tilted from the vertial by an angle tan"-"1 #sq root#2. The device is then turned incrementally by 120"0 around the vertical to carry the gradiometer from one axis to the other two axes of an orthogonal coordinate system. A lead pendulum weighing 1600 kg forms a periodic ...
Pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) is a relatively sensitive explosive used in many electroexplosive devices as well as in medicine. Of primary interest to LLNL is its use in items such as exploding bridgewire (EBW) detonators and exploding bridge foil initiators (EFI). In these devices the crystalline powder is pressed into a granular, low-density compact that can be initiated by an exploding wire or foil. The long-term stability of this pressed compact is of interest to weapon stockpile lifetime prediction studies. Key points about potential aging mechanisms can be summarized as follows: (1) There are a number of factors that can contribute to PETN instability. These include particle size, polymorphic phase transitions, crystal structure, impurities, moisture, occlusions, chemical incompatibility and biological (microorganism) action. of these factors the most important for long-term aging of high surface area powders ...
Carbide reactions occurring in a precipitation-hardening gamma/gamma-prime Ni-Cr alloy during prolonged high-temperature aging are investigated experimentally. It is found that the decomposition of primary MC carbides, which is accompanied by the precipitation of M23C6 particles, may lead to void nucleation and growth. The effect of carbide transformations on the residual properties of the material at temperatures above the equicohesion temperature is observed at the late stages of aging only. 6 references.
Background This study compares the expected 5-year costs for permanent sterilization in women between nonincisional hysteroscopic tubal occlusion with the Essure? system performed in an office setting and laparoscopic bilateral tubal ligation (LBTL). Study Design An economic decision tree is used to predict outcomes and costs to compare these two procedures from a US Medicaid perspective over a 5-year time horizon. Results Expected costs are $2367 for Essure? and $3545 for LBTL (Essure? saves $1178 or 33% of LBTL costs). Sensitivity analyses show Essure? has lower expected costs across all values considered. If the cost for a LBTL procedure were to decrease by 20% and the cost for Essure? to increase by 20%, Essure? would have still have lower expected costs. Conclusion Office-based steril...
Summary Background: Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion in hemorrhagic shock is life saving. However, several clinical trials have shown that blood transfusion in the critically ill patient might be associated with adverse outcomes. Furthermore, an association between prolonged blood storage and adverse effects of RBC transfusion has been postulated. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of blood storage time on resuscitation outcome, in an animal model of hemorrhagic shock. Methods: 20 Wistar rats were phlebotomized in order to induce reversible hemorrhagic shock. Half of them were resuscitated with blood stored for a short period of time (4 days), and the other ones were resuscitated with blood stored for a prolonged time (14 days). Blood samples for hemoglobin, pH, lactate, bicarb...
Introduction: The QT interval of the electrocardiogram (ECG) reflects the duration of ventricular depolarization and repolarization. A drug-induced prolongation of ventricular repolarization, and thereby QT prolongation, is recognized to be a marker for an enhanced risk for ventricular arrhythmia. The assessment of a drug's effect on the QT interval has therefore become routine within pharmaceutical research and development. However, the heart rate has a major influence on the QT interval; the QT interval shortens as heart rate increases such that one needs to account for such heart rate-dependent changes when evaluating possible drug-induced effects on the QT interval. The relationship between the QT interval and heart rate can be modeled mathematically and using this function a so-called...
There is considerable interest in the use of silicon devices as qubits for quantum computing. The existence of nuclear spin in a silicon isotope and the complex band structure of silicon are unfavourable for this application of silicon devices. (viewpoint)
In the decade before the discovery of insulin, the prominent American physicians Frederick Allen and Elliott Joslin advocated severe fasting and undernutrition to prolong the lives of diabetic patients....Full Text Available
Treatment with sorafenib prolongs both the median survival and time to progression by nearly 3 months in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Although the effects of combining sorafenib...Full Text Available
PurposeA prolonged seizure, status epileptics (SE), is a potent stimulus for increased neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. Molecular mechanisms...Full Text Available
Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium and enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli were stressed by prolonged incubation in water microcosms until it was no longer possible...Full Text Available
1. A combined pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic model has been used to analyse the relationship between QT prolongation and changes in plasma concentration which occurred after disopyramide was given...Full Text Available
Minoxidil induces hair growth in male pattern baldness and prolongs the anagen phase. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) has been reported to act synergistically with minoxidil in vivo:...Full Text Available
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
IntroductionPersistent lymphatic drainage following retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for testicular tumor is an uncommon complication.Case presentationWe...Full Text Available
The aim of this study was to compare the hemodynamic and ventilatory effects of prolonged infrarenal aortic cross-clamping in pigs undergoing either laparotomy or laparoscopy. 18 pigs were used for...Full Text Available
Acute inflammation is important for tissue repair; however, chronic inflammation contributes to neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and occurs when glial cells undergo prolonged...Full Text Available
While specific signalling cascades involved in aging, such as the insulin/IGF-1 pathway, are well-described, the actual metabolic changes they elicit to prolong lifespan remain obscure. Nevertheless,...Full Text Available
Despite prolonged scientific efforts to unravel the hydration structures of ions in water, many open questions remain, in particular concerning the existences and structures of ion clusters in 1∶1...Full Text Available
During the past decade idiopathic venous thromboembolism has become a separate entity, a chronic illness which has required prolonged anticoagulation and other prevention strategies to avoid recurrences....Full Text Available
Studies in mammals have led to the suggestion that hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia are important factors both in aging and in the development of cancer. It is possible that the life-prolonging effects...Full Text Available
The frozen shoulder is a common cause of shoulder pain and disability. Most patients slowly improve over 12 to 24 months. Some have prolonged loss of movement, pain, and associated disability. Treatments...Full Text Available
BackgroundHip fracture patients often have an impaired nutritional status at the time of fracture, which can result in a higher complication rate, prolonged rehabilitation time and...Full Text Available
The hypothesis, that a decrease in metabolic rate mediates the life span prolonging effect of caloric restriction (CR), was tested using two strains of mice, one of which, C57BL/6, exhibits...Full Text Available
A mild stress such as brief ischemic episodes may protect the heart from a successive and more prolonged myocardial ischemia (ischemic preconditioning). This phenomenon is considered a typical “hormetic...Full Text Available
The measurement of bone loss in patients undergoing maintenance dialysis over a period of two and a half years is reported. The tendency to lose bone is a likely event in renal failure, but depends...Full Text Available
OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that perioperative transfusion of allogeneic and autologous red blood cells (RBCs) stored for a prolonged period speeds biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer...Full Text Available
Escherichia coli infection of the endometrium causes uterine disease after parturition and is associated with prolonged luteal phases of the ovarian cycle in cattle. Termination...Full Text Available
IntroductionTransfusion is a common treatment in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs). Studies in adults suggest that prolonged storage of red blood cell units is associated with...Full Text Available
Amphibians are undergoing enigmatic global declines variously attributed to a complex web of anthropogenic forces. Alien predators pose a fundamental threat to biodiversity generally that is predicted...Full Text Available
Brucela serology using ELISA and standard agglutination test was performed on 23 patients with prolonged fever where the test was requested, on 26 randomly chosen patients with prolonged fever where it was not requested and on 17 controls. ELISA was positive in 39.1, 26.9 and 0 per cent respectively in these groups. Brucellosis may often be unsuspected because of its varied clinical manifestations and may be a more important cause of fever than previously considered. Our data reaffirm that ELISA is superior to the standard agglutination test for the diagnosis of brucellosis. PMID:8707374
Purpose: To assess the relationship between large intracranial vessel occlusive vasculopathy (vasculopathy) and radiation therapy, and to clarify the clinical efficacy of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in the diagnosis and screening of the vasculopathy. Methods and Materials: We retrospectively evaluated the medical records and serial MR images for 32 pediatric patients, in whom radiation therapy had been given to fields including the circle of Willis and major cerebral arteries. All children had periodically undergone follow-up neurologic assessment and MR imaging examinations at Kanagawa Children's Medical Center for more than one year after radiation therapy (range 1.3-14 years). Patients who had not remained free of tumor progression up to the time of final evaluation were excluded. Results: Vasculopathy developed in 6 of 32 patients 2-13 years after radiation therapy. Three of them presented with transient ischemic attacks (TIA) and the other three showed ...
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.
This paper addresses one source of degradation in OPV devices: the metal/organic interface. The basic approach was to study the completed device stability vs. the stability of the organic film itself as shown in subsequent devices fabricated from the films.
... in the design of such devices as fusion reactors, magnetohydrodynamic generators, magnetically levitated vehicles, magnetic forming devices, and ...
A monolithic micromachined waveguide device or devices with low-loss, high-power handling, and near-optical frequency ranges is set forth. The waveguide and integrated devices are capable of transmitting near-optical frequencies due to optical-quality sidewall roughness. The device or devices are fabricated in parallel, may be mass produced using a LIGA manufacturing process, and may include a passive component such as a diplexer and/or an active capping layer capable of particularized signal processing of the waveforms propagated by the waveguide.
This thesis deals with the evaluation of Solar Grade Silicon (SoG-Si) purified by different techniques, and also the fabrication and characterization of high efficiency and advanced bifacial solar cells. In the beginning of Chapter 1, various SoG-Si production methods relevant for this work are qualitatively described. The three feedstock materials used in this work are from the Fluidized Bed Reactor (FBR) process, metallurgical feedstock-I and feedstock-II process. In metallurgical feedstock-I, the lifetime of the minority charge carriers in multicrystalline silicon (mc-Si) samples at the grain boundaries are found to be higher than the grains themselves possibly due to lower resistivities in the grain boundaries. The efficiency of the best solar cell obtained using the mc-Si metallurgical feedstock-I is 16.1%. It has been identified that the fast light induced degradation, whose magnitude is lower than that of a reference cell suggests the formation of a B-metal complex in the SoG-Si ...
The choice of treatment in adult skeletal Class III occlusions often poses a particularly tricky problem for the orthodontist. Faced with the option of either orthodontic camouflage or orthognathic surgery, the clinician's clinical experience is of paramount importance, especially in borderline cases. The aim of our study was to uncover a guide model enabling the practitioner to distinguish between skeletal Class III cases which can be suitably treated with orthodontics and those requiring orthognathic surgery. The lateral headfilms of 47 adult patients exhibiting skeletal Class III occlusions were analyzed. The orthodontic group comprised 22 patients and the surgical group 25. Twenty-seven linear, proportional and angular measurements were scrutinized. Stepwise discriminant analysis was used to identify the dentoskeletal and esthetic variables which most distinguished the two groups. The Holdaway angle was chosen to differentiate between ...
Infrainguinal peripheral occlusive disease is increasingly being treated by endovascular techniques. Bare metal stainless steel, self-expanding nitinol stents, drug-eluting and covered stents (stent grafts) are becoming increasingly more important adjuncts to percutaneous translumninal angioplasty in the treatment of peripheral artery disease. In this article the available evidence supporting the use of stents in the femoropopliteal and tibial arteries will be described as well as their limitations. Future stent developments will also be discussed. (orig.) [German] Die endovaskulaere Therapie spielt bei der Therapie der peripheren arteriellen Verschlusskrankheit (PAVK) eine wichtige Rolle. Unbeschichtete ballonexpandierbare Stahlstents, selbstexpandierende Nitinolstents sowie medikamentenbeschichtete und ''covered stents'' (Stentgrafts) haben eine zunehmende Bedeutung als Zusatztherapie zusammen mit der primaeren ...
Small bowel obstructions can be distinguished into more simple and closed loop obstructions. The latter is a more severe condition which is often complicated by strangulation with vascular impairment, edema and intramural and mesenteric hemorrhage. Consequent arterial insufficiency rapidly leads to ischemia, infarction and necrosis. The radiologist plays a role in the early recognition of the closed loop obstruction and of any sign of strangulation. The role of CT in the diagnosis and workup of patients with suspected intestinal occlusion has been analyzed in the literature with reported 63% sensitivity, 78% specificity and 66% accuracy. CT is also capable of revealing the causes of occlusion in 73-95% of cases. The above CT signs allow to identify closed loop obstruction and also small bowel strangulation, thus supplying a valuable contribution to diagnosis and accurate preoperative evaluation. The conclusion is that CT can accurately ...
Stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP) induce spontaneous osteoporosis. To elucidate the specific characteristics of bone metabolism, the SHRSP was compared with age matched Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. We investigated the effects of prolonged swimming exercise training on bone mineral density (BMD) and metabolism in the SHRSP. Seven-week-old male SHRSP and WKY were divided into three groups; the sedentary control WKY group (n = 6, WKY), the sedentary control SHRSP group (n = 6, SP) and the swimming exercise training SHRSP group (n = 6, SWIM) (in pool with 60 min./day, 5 days/week for 12 weeks). The femoral BMD, bone mineral content (BMC), strength, Ca and P contents (%) of SHRSP were approximately 17, 27, 25, 20 and 9%, respectively, lower than that of WKY (p swimming exercise training in the SHRSP induces more cruelly hypophosphatemia, and leading to osteopenia eventually. We conclude that SHRSP induces osteopenia with disturbance of phosphate ...
Today, the use of the arch bars in the treatment of mandibular fractures is common [1]. But it has complications such as damaged teeth, periodontal tissue [2], risk of blood transmitted disease [3] and premature contact with maxillary incisor teeth in anterior deep bite occlusion. Many techniques are used for resolving these problems. In this paper, we describe the technique of using Maxillo-Mandibular Fixation Screws (MMFS) with essig wiring of anterior mandibular teeth in the management of symphyseal fracture of deep bite patients.
The purpose of this paper is to describe a technique of forced surgical rotation of the mandible used in skeletal Class II patients with deep bite and prominent chin. Posterior occlusal composite onlays combined with preoperative orthodontic treatment without anterior intrusion increase the posterior rotational component of the surgical mandibular advancement, when removed during operation. This manoeuvre allows for the surgical closure of the posterior open bite, while anteriorly the deep bite is opened. This technique avoids bimaxillary rotation surgery with dorsal impaction in mild to moderate cases. In any case, a chin setback osteotomy with compromised aesthetics can be avoided.
Self-expanding metallic stent insertion has been widely applied for the palliative treatment of malignant esophageal strictures. Although it is known as an easy, safe, and effective procedure, complications are well known and include things such as stent migration and esophageal stent occlusion caused by tumor in growth. However, metallic stent fractures have been rarely reported in the esophagus, especially for nitinol stents. We report a case of a stent fracture associated with migration in a patient with a malignant esophageal stricture near the gastroesophageal junction. It is highly probable that the stent fracture was due to chemical erosion of the stent caused by gastric juice
To determine the effectiveness and patency of percutaneous intervention in insufficient native arteriovenous hemodialysis fistulae (AVFs). Between March 1997 and September 2001, 67 cases of insufficient native AVFs resulted from central vein lesion, PTA was performed in 48 cases, and thrombolytic therapy with or without PTA in 11. In eight of the cases, in which central vein stenosis had led to the insufficency, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) was performed, and in three of the eight, a stent was inserted. Angiography findings and complications, as well as success and patency rates in the non-thrombosis and thrombosis group, were evaluated; the central vein lesion group was analysed separately. Among 84 lesions observed at angiography, three were 54 cases of stenosis, 17 of occlusion, and 13 of combined thrombosis. The lesions were located in a proximal vein (n=51), distal vein (n=14), artery (n=6), and at the site of anastomosis (n=13). In the central ...
The simple device for scanning image is described. It has much in common with usual TV camera, with an electron beam replaced by an optical one. After the general description of the device, we present a simple experimental illustration.
The device is designed for automatic testing of the degree of discharge of tractive storage batteries (AB) for electric loaders, electric cars and electric ore locomotives. The basic electrical schematic of the device is cited.
A device made of amorphous silicon which exhibits inductive properties at certain voltage biases and in certain frequency ranges in described. Devices of the type described can be made in integrated circuit form.
Presented are results of a test of a method for measuring neutron fluences using detectors with fissionable nuclides. The investigations show the soundness of of using neutron-activation detectors of the type Am for mesurements in nuclear installations for values of thermal-neutron fluence of from 10/sup 13/ to 10/sup 20/ neutrons/cm/sup 2/ with exposure for up to several months. The proposed method can be used for prolonged measurements in strong fields of both thermal and fast neutrons.
We followed 183 infants for two years, 31 of whom were breast fed less than three and a half months (median 70 days; short breast feeding group) and a further 31 of whom were exclusively breast fed...Full Text Available
... The short residence time ensures that no temperature increase occurs. The pattern of entrainment, along with natural currents results in oxygenation of the entire hypolimnion. Figure 4 is a simplified schematic of the Lake LungTM. Built in circulators allow the lake manager to adjust the depth of the epilimnion, and to elect whether or not to destratify the lake to prolong the spring and autumn turnover. ...
A brief article examines the controversy over food irradiation regarding the wholesomeness of irradiated food, its microbiological safety, loss of vitamins and changes in flavour. The benefits of food irradiation are also outlined including the destruction of certain food-borne pathogens and the prolongation of the shelf-life of food by killing pests and delaying the deterioration process. (UK).
The purpose of the present work was to establish the flammability limits of hydrogen in air for upward vertical flame propagation at elevated temperatures up to 350 deg and atmospheric pressure in a conventional stainless steel test tube apparatus, and to investigate the extent to which a prolonged exposure (i.e., residence time) of the mixture to elevated temperatures before spark ignition may influence the value of the flammability limits. 9 refs.
Radiotherapy has been reported to be of benefit in prolonging the survival of patients with cholangiocarcinoma. This study examined whether radiotherapy in addition to endoscopic stenting improved survival. The survival advantage of radiotherapy in those with a type II/III stricture is seen only in the first 10 months after diagnosis. The costs of radiotherapy and significantly increased time spent in hospital, however, raise doubts over its routine use in the management of non-resectable cholangiocarcinoma. (Author).
Single-event burnout (SEB) sensitivity was tested for power MOSFET devices, JTMCS081 and JTMCS062, which were made in Institute of Microelectronics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, using californium-252 simulation source. SEB voltage threshold was found for devices under test (DUT). It is helpful for engineers to choose devices used in satellites. (authors)
An integrated mirrorless bistable optical device based on the Mach-Zehnder interferometric optical switch has been proposed and demonstrated experimentally using a Ti:LiNbO3 waveguide. The resulting device is capable of combining more than two of them to realize multifunctional optical devices such as optical multivibrators.
We discuss the initial development of a concentrator device based on the GaInP/GaAs monolithic tandem cell structure. The very high one-sun efficiency of this device, coupled with its characteristic low operating current, make this a promising candidate for use under high concentration. Test results for a prototype device are presented. This device achieves an efficiency of 29.5% at a concentration of 102 suns.
Power devices such as MOSFETSs and IGBTs, include parasitic structures that can give rise to destructive failures such as breakdown and latch-up. To determine a suitable strategy for device radiation hardening, simulation software like MEDICI-2D can be used to model the effects of technological modifications and device parameters that are difficult to measure experimentally. (authors).
A centering device for casing tubings is proposed. It includes a housing, collar made of copper linings, return springs and pusher with centering pins placed in it. In order to simplify the design of the centering device it is equipped with levers installed on the pusher rod and connected by hinges to one another. The centering device assures coaxial placement of tubes over the mouth of wells and installation of butt joints during welding of tubes.
Achieving device independence for software applications is required for all but a small number of critical real time applications. Device independence is achieved by establishing protocols and building protocol interpreters for the specific devices. Data structures containing pointers to functions provide a flexible architecture for implementing protocol translation. 3 refs., 5 figs.
In the PV system with storage batteries, as a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) device is used to enhance battery charging, the enhancement must be greater than the internal loss of the device itself, or there will be no net gain at all. To evaluate the MPPT device benefits under different climate, the theoretical calculation models have been constructed. By simulation, a comparative study between two types of PV charge controllers with and without a MPPT device under different atmospheric conditions was presented. The comparison was made by means of the energy production obtained from the PV generator of each system. The climatic conditions of Beijing and Guangzhou in China have been regarded. From the results obtained it can be concluded that the effectiveness of the MPPT device in Guangzhou is not very obvious, however the MPPT device did greatly enhance ...
This paper presents a rationale for and a summary of tasks and missions to which mobile and stationary robots and other teleoperator-controlled devices could be assigned in response to the accidental release of radioactive and other hazardous/toxic materials to the environment. Many of these vehicles and devices currently support operation and maintenance of nuclear power plants and other nuclear industry facilities. This paper also discusses specific missions for these devices at the Three Mile Island and Chernobyl nuclear power plant sites at the time of the accidents. Also discussed is the status of devices under development for future applications, as well as research on robotics.
Choosing a medical device is complex and requires a transparent process based on reason, evidence and assessment of prioritized public health needs. Poor choices lead to inappropriate use or non-use of medical devices and a waste of resources.This report suggests how an agenda to improve access to appropriate medical devices could be devised from applying the crucial 4 components - Availability, Accessibility, Appropriateness, and Affordability, to the 15 global high-burden diseases and some cross-cutting issues. The results of this exercise suggest several areas of research necessary to help
Remote-controlled handling systems are required for work to be done in the decommissioning and dismantling of nuclear facilities. These systems are equipped with electronic devices suitable for use in working environments affected by ionizing radiation. The publication explains the step-wise progress achieved for improving the radiation resistance of electronic devices with the example of a four-quadrant controlling device for the motors of a manipulator. The radiation resistance of the device could be enhanced to radiation energies of 5.500 Gy. This means that a manipulator vehicle equipped with this controlling device can take up to approx. 15 kGy all in all, taking into account its own shielding properties. (DG).
The prospective study includes 25 patients without pathology of the femoral head for the evaluation of the normal femoral head perfusion. In addition 34 patients with femoral head necrosis underwent i.a. DSA preoperatively before pedicled pelvic bone grafting. 15 patients after pelvic bone graft operation and 7 patients with medial femoral head fracture were also examined via superselective DSA. In cases with femoral head necrosis a rarefaction or interruption of the rami nutricii proximales, or an occlusion of the medial circumflex femoral artery were observed. Patients with medial femoral neck fracture showed an interruption of the rami nutricii proximales of the femoral head. Postoperative DSA - after pedicled pelvic bone graft - revealed a regular arterial graft perfusion in 82%. (orig.).
Penile rehabilitation therapy following radical prostatectomy is a much debated topic. Erectile dysfunction is still a significant contributor to postoperative morbidity following radical prostatectomy, despite meticulous nerve-sparing technique. Secondary smooth muscle changes in the penis have been identified as the underlying causes of penile atrophy, veno-occlusive dysfunction, and fibrosis. Initial observations that intracavernous injection therapies used on a regular basis postoperatively resulted in improvements in the return of spontaneous erectile function led to the development of penile rehabilitation protocols. Chronic dosing of PDE-V inhibitors is now commonly used by urologists after radical prostatectomy. Despite the current enthusiasm of penile rehabilitation therapy, current scientific evidence with clinical trials is still limited. PMID:19255627
Abstract Objective: The aim of this investigation was to compare the healing of laser-irradiated and non-irradiated wounds covered by an occlusive dressing in mice. Background data: Many previous studies of the effects of laser irradiation of experimental wounds in mice and rats did not cover the wounds so that healing occurred mainly by contraction. Healing of covered wounds is slower and mimics more closely wound healing in humans. Materials and Methods: Forty-seven diabetic and twenty non-diabetic mice were used. A single wound (5?mm diameter) was created on the left flank of each animal and covered by Tegaderm HP dressing (Day 1). Wounds were irradiated (660?nm) for 20?s using a lower power (18?mW) or higher power (80?mW) laser starting immediately post-wounding for seven consecutive d...
Chronic mesenteric arterial ischemia is an uncommon condition associated a high morbidity and mortality. It is most Commonly caused by atherosclerotic occlusive disease. Patients may suffer epigastric or periumbilical postprandial pain ten to thirty minutes after eating. A case of chronic mesenteric artery stenosis, the diagnosis was performance with colonoscopy and biopsy. We present a case report of a patient with chronic mesenteric ischemia. Mesenteric arteriography was performed and documented estenosis of the mesenteric superior artery. Then percutaneous arteriography with angioplasty and implant of stent was performed. The patients became completely asymptomatic and normal colon mucous is observed in control colonoscopy. The purpose of this report is to present the case endoscopy, clinic and radiological features and to describe the percutaneous angioplasty and implant of stent. We believe that angioplasty treatment offers and improvement in this pathology ...
Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro behaviour of all-ceramic zirconia molar crowns in regard to different core designs and marginal fit. Methods: Identically shaped methacrylate molars were prepared according to the ceramic restoration directives resulting in a 1-mm deep circular shoulder preparation. They were embedded in polymethylmethacrylate resin after covering their roots with a polyether layer to simulate periodontal mobility. The crown cores were made of yttria-stabilized zirconia veneered with a corresponding veneering ceramic. The crowns were divided into 5 groups (n=8) which differed in core design and cement gap thickness: #1: simple core, 40mm cement; #2: core with minimal occlusal support, 40mm cement; #3: core with optimized cusp support, 40mm ceme...
Ethnopharmacological relevance: Extracts of the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (Labiatae) have been widely used to relieve fever related to bacterial infection and inflammatory diseases in traditional Korean medicine and have been reported to be effective in brain diseases. These experiments were conducted to examine the effects of oral administration of Scutellaria baicalensis extracts on the rescue of memory impairments induced by chronic cerebral hypoperfusion or chronic lipopolysaccharide (LPS) infusion. In addition, the underlying mechanisms of these effects were investigated. Materials and methods: In the first experiment, chronic cerebral hypoperfusion was induced in male Wister rats by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAo). Daily administration of Scutellaria b...
MRT is able to demonstrate arteries while MR angiography can quantify blood flow by a non-invasive method. In the present paper blood flow measurements were carried out in four selected cases on the basis of phase mapping. In 3 patients with lesions in the pelvis or thigh, angiography was performed in order to localise the stenosis or occlusion and this was followed by qantitative blood flow measurements. The results showed that angiography may not always provide all necessary information concerning a haemodynamically significant stenosis. The method may also be used for quantifying blood flow in the renal arteries and that it has significant advantages over the colour Doppler method. (orig.).
Stenting for stenosis of the proximal vertebral artery (VA) is commonly performed via a femoral approach. However, iliofemoral occlusive disease such as arteriosclerosis obliterans sometimes prevents safe transfemoral access. In certain situations where both femoral access and ipsilateral brachial access are difficult because of a concomitant vascular diseases or particular anatomic setting, a contralateral brachial approach using the brachiobrachial pull-through technique may allow efficient and accurate stenting. A case of VA origin symptomatic stenosis successfully treated with stenting using the new pull-through technique from the contralateral brachial artery to the brachial artery on the affected side is described. (orig.)
On 10 dialysis patients we performed 12 balloon dilatations, 2 catheter lyses, 6 stent implants (Palmaz stent) and one atherectomy of central venous stenoses or occlusions (v. subclavia, v. brachiocephalica) at the shunt arm of the patient. The primary success rate was, in balloon PTA and lysis, 12/14 interventions, and in stent placement and atherectomy 7/7. The angiographical and clinical primary result after stent implantation was significantly better than after conventional dilatation. After 66% of the balloon dilatations recidivation occurred within the first year; this can be treated by means of repeated PTA. Whether long-term exclusion of recurrence can be achieved by stent implantation, must be established by means of follow-up studies that are at present in progress. (orig.).
We introduce a multi-layered image cache system that is designed to work with a pool of rendering engines to facilitate an interactive, frameless, asynchronous rendering environment. Our system decouples the rendering from the display of imagery. Therefore, it decouples render frequency and resolution from display frequency and resolution, and allows asynchronous transmission of imagery instead of the compute/send cycle of standard parallel systems. It also allows local, incremental refinement of imagery without requiring all imagery to be re-rendered. Images are placed in fixed position in camera (vs. world) space to eliminate occlusion artifacts. Display quality is improved by increasing the number of images. Interactivity is improved by decreasing the number of images.
The theoretical performance of ideal single- and multijunction cells are compared at 100xconcentration under a range of cloudless-sky conditions. The sensitivities of device performance to cell temperature and spectral variations are shown to depend on the number of junctions (one, two or three), the way in which the junctions are connected (series, parallel or independent), and the band gaps of the devices. The average performances of all of the multijunction devices surpass that of a single-junction GaAs device, but the inconsistency in performance of some of the multijunction devices is significant for large variations in cell temperature and incident spectrum. The choice of band gap and connection scheme is more important than the number of junctions in determining the consistency of device performance. (orig.).
Four general topics are covered in respect to the natural space radiation environment: (1) particles trapped by the earth`s magnetic field, (2) cosmic rays, (3) radiation environment inside a spacecraft, (4) laboratory radiation sources. The interaction of radiation with materials is described by ionization effects and displacement effects. Total-dose effects on MOS devices is discussed with respect to: measurement techniques, electron-hole yield, hole transport, oxide traps, interface traps, border traps, device properties, case studies and special concerns for commercial devices. Other device types considered for total-dose effects are SOI devices and nitrided oxide devices. Lastly, single event phenomena are discussed with respect to charge collection mechanisms and hard errors. (GHH)
The effect of fetal distress on the neonatal brain was investigated by neonatal CT brain scan, FHR monitoring and mode of delivery. This study involved 11 cases of full term vertex delivery in which FHR was recorded by fetal direct ECG during the second stage labor. All infants weighed 2,500 g or more. FHR monitoring was evaluated by Hon's classification. Neonatal brain edema was evaluated by cranial CT histgraphic analysis (Nakada's method). 1) Subdural hemorrhage was noted in 6 of 7 infants delivered by vacuum extraction or fundal pressure (Kristeller's method). 2) Intracranial hemorrhage was demonstrated in all of 3 infants with 5-min. Apgar score 7 or less. 3) Two cases with prolonged bradycardia and no variability had intraventricular or intracerebral hemorrhage which resulted in severe central nervous system damage. 4) The degree of neonatal brain edema correlated with 5-min. Apgar score. 5) One case with ...
The effect of fetal distress on the neonatal brain was investigated by neonatal CT brain scan, FHR monitoring and mode of delivery. This study involved 11 cases of full term vertex delivery in which FHR was recorded by fetal direct ECG during the second stage labor. All infants weighed 2,500 g or more. FHR monitoring was evaluated by Hon's classification. Neonatal brain edema was evaluated by cranial CT histgraphic analysis (Nakada's method). 1) Subdural hemorrhage was noted in 6 of 7 infants delivered by vacuum extraction or fundal pressure (Kristeller's method). 2) Intracranial hemorrhage was demonstrated in all of 3 infants with 5-min. Apgar score 7 or less. 3) Two cases with prolonged bradycardia and no variability had intraventricular or intracerebral hemorrhage which resulted in severe central nervous system damage. 4) The degree of neonatal brain edema correlated with 5-min. Apgar score. 5) One case with prolonged bradycardia and no ...
This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of neonatal asphyxia on brain development, with special reference to the kinetics of neuronal proliferation by using autoradiography. For 30 minutes, two-day-old suckling mice, Jcl:ICR strain, were put into a chamber which was constantly flushed with 100% CO_2 gas. After the exposure to asphyxia, 29% of the mice survived. Cell cycle studies were carried out at two days and at seven days on the external matrix cells, the precursor of the granule cells, at the external granular layer of the cerebellum from CO_2-exposed and control mice by "3H-thymidine autoradiography. At two days the generation time of the control mice was about 15 hours, whereas that of the asphyxiated mice was about 17 hours. The prolongation of the generation time in the asphyxiated mice was caused mainly by a delay in the G2 phase. This prolongation was apparent for about five days and thereafter growth caught up. These ...
Four /sup 125/I labeled mono- and diamines were prepared and evaluated as potential brain-imaging agents. The diamines are analogues of the previously reported /sup 75/Se labeled diamines, which show high brain uptake and retention. All of the radioiodinated amines display high initial brain uptake in rats after intravenous injection (1.7-2.4% dose/organ). The xylylenediamines show prolonged brain retention (t1/2 approximately 18 h), which is desirable for brain imaging. In contrast, the benzylamine is rapidly cleared from brain tissue (t1/2 approximately 15 min).
Surface doses received by patients and operators were measured during 30 interventional radiological procedures (ten percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainages, ten percutaneous nephrostomies, ten percutaneous transluminal angioplasties). In addition, organ doses to the patient were determined using an Alderson-Rando phantom. These served as a basis for calculating the so-called somatic dose indices. It was found that the somatic radiation risk to the patient is relatively small despite prolonged periods of fluoroscopy. However, exposure of the hands and lenses of the operator could easily reach the limits thought acceptable while carrying out these procedures with additional angiography. (orig).
It has been observed that dislocation loops form and grow during annealing of silicon wafers implanted at doses above the amorphization threshold. Dislocation loops can act to store interstitials for prolonged periods of anneals, sustaining an interstitial super-saturation and thus causing substantial transient enhanced diffusion (TED). The authors have developed a comprehensive model which, in combination with a model and parameters for {l_brace}311{r_brace} defects from previous work, accounts for the formation and evolution of dislocation loops during ion implant annealing, as well as giving the correct TED behavior.
It has been observed that dislocation loops form and grow during annealing of silicon wafers implanted at doses above the amorphization threshold. Dislocation loops can act to store interstitials for prolonged periods of anneals, sustaining an interstitial super-saturation and thus causing substantial transient enhanced diffusion (TED). The authors have developed a comprehensive model which, in combination with a model and parameters for #left brace#311#right brace# defects from previous work, accounts for the formation and evolution of dislocation loops during ion implant annealing, as well as giving the correct TED behavior.
A carbon nanotube (CNT) tip, which assembled on the sharp end of a Si tip by dielectrophoresis, was structurally modified using focused ion beam (FIB). We described the imaging characterization of the FIB-modified CNT tip in noncontact AFM mode in terms of wear, deep trench accessibility, and imaging resolution. Compared to a conventional Si tip, the FIB-modified CNT tip was superior, especially for prolonged scanning over 10 h. We conclude that modified CNT tips have the potential to obtain high-quality images of nanoscale structures.
Economic depreciation of similar cost recovery schemes delay cash return of investment. Such delay may require new types of securities. Due to uncertainty of regulatory action and technology over the prolonged recovery life of the projects, investors may require a higher return, thereby raising the cost of capital. Utility managements might eschew long lived investment, too, even if cost effective to the consumer. Alternatives exist that would approximate the price signals of economic depreciation without discouraging investment. The importance of upfront returns to the investment process should not be minimized. 2 figs., 3 refs. (AV)
Comparisons of the 60 Hz electric field exposures associated with high voltage transmission lines to those associated with common household sources can provide an important input to regulatory decisions that involve transmission line fields. Electric blankets are of interest in this context because the exposures they produce are among the most intense and prolonged of any of the household sources of 60 Hz electric field exposure. This paper presents a theoretical analysis of the body surface fields induced by electric blankets. Electric blanket exposure intensities are compared to those associated with transmission lines.
The effect of aging on the microstructure and tensile properties of a type 316LN stainless steel/Alloy 800 joint, welded with 16-8-2 stainless steel consumable, has been studied to characterize and evaluate the joint for long-term elevated temperature service. The joint was subjected to accelerated againg heat treatments at 873 K up to 5000 h to simulate long-term service exposures. Analysis of the results from this investigation shows that this joint has adequate stability of microstructure and tensile properties even after prolonged exposure at elevated temperatures. (orig.)
... Cameron; Lowell A. Miller; Miller, Lowell A. CSIRO PUBLISHING - Wildlife Research Books Journals Multimedia About Us Shopping Cart You are here: Journals Wildlife Research Ecology, Management and Conservation in Natural and Modified Habitats Search ... Cameron and Lowell A. Miller Abstract Context. Contraception is increasingly used as a management technique to reduce fertility in wildlife populations; however, the feasibility of contraceptive formulations has been limited until recently because they have required multiple treatments to achieve prolonged infertility. ...
The retention of radio-Eu, Go, Cs and Sr, at the tracer level, on raw fibers produced from hemp, linen and Jute plants was investigated. The study was conducted from different media including: sea and tap waters, sodium chloride and nitric acid solutions of different Ph. The percentage retention and elution, on prolonged contact, varied from one element to another depending on conditions. Extraction chromatography columns, using these fibers as supporting material were also experimented. Results were discussed together with possible applications. 7 tabs.
Retention kinetics and tissue partition coefficients for "8"5Kr were determined in rats exposed to known concentrations of "8"5Kr gas. The tissue partition coefficients were used to calculate the relative tissue radiation dose, assuming exposure conditions equivalent to the maximum permissible concentration in air (MPC)a. The estimated radiation dose was highest in adrenals and body fat, about twice the dose estimated for the next highest tissue, ovaries. Saturation and desaturation curves show that the contents of the large intestines have a prolonged desaturation time compared to other samples analyzed.
The endovascular treatment of atherosclerotic intracranial arterial stenoses has previously been based on balloon dilatation or the deployment of a balloon expandable stent. Both methods have advantages (balloon: flexibility; balloon expandable stent: high radial force) and drawbacks (balloon: risk of elastic recoil and dissection; balloon expandable stent: limited flexibility, risk of injury to the vessel due to excessive straightening, overexpansion at ends of stent). A new combination of balloon dilatation, followed by the deployment of a self-expanding microstent has been applied in 15 patients with atherosclerotic arterial stenoses, symptomatic despite medical treatment. An anatomically and clinically adequate result was achieved in all patients. The initial degree of stenosis was 72% (mean). Balloon dilatation resulted in an average residual stenosis of 54% (mean), reduced further to a mean of 38% after stent deployment. Arterial dissection, occlusion of the ...
Acute vertebrobasilar occlusion (VBO) is associated with a high risk of stroke and death. Although local thrombolysis may achieve recanalization and improve outcome, mortality is still between 35% and 75%. However, without recanalization the chance of a good outcome is extremely poor, with mortality rates of 80-90%. Early treatment is a fundamental factor, but detailed studies of the exact time management of the diagnostic and interventional workflow are still lacking. Data on 18 patients were retrospectively evaluated. Time periods between symptom onset, admission to hospital, time of diagnosis, and beginning of intervention were correlated with postinterventional neurological status. The Glasgow Coma Scale and National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) were used to examine patients before and after local thrombolysis. Additionally, multivariate statistics were applied to reveal similarities between patients with neurological improvement. Primary ...
The aim of this study was to determine sensitivity and specificity of magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) for the assessment of durable occlusion of intracranial aneurysms with Guglielmi detachable coils (GDC) and to point out the influence of MRA results in re-intervention strategies. Forty-five patients with 54 aneurysms that were previously treated by endovascular occlusion with GDC were selected for this study. All patients underwent digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and MRA examinations on the same day. The time-of-flight MRA studies were performed on a 1-T scanner. The MRA images were first read by radiologists who were not aware of the DSA results. In a second consensus reading by the neuroradiologists who had performed all interventional procedures of this series, the decision was made as to whether re-treatment was necessary. The distribution of aneurysm sizes, configurations and treatment results were sufficient for an unbiased ...
Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) is an extract of the pepper plant used for centuries as a culinary spice (hot peppers). This material has been identified as a safe and effective Less-Than- Lethal weapon for use by Law enforcement and security professionals against assault. The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) is currently also evaluating its use in conjunction with other Less-Than-Lethal agents such as aqueous foam for use in corrections applications. Therefore, a comprehensive toxicological review of the literature was performed for the National Institute of Justice Less-Than-Lethal Force program to review and update the information available on the toxicity and adverse health effects associated with OC exposure. The results of this evaluation indicate that exposure to OC can result in dermatitis, as well as adverse nasal, pulmonary, and gastrointestinal effects in humans. The primary effects of OC exposure include pain and irritation of the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and lining ...
Purpose: The authors have developed a novel technique using an electronic portal imaging device (EPID) to verify the geometrical accuracy of delivery of dose-rate-regulated tracking (DRRT)....Full Text Available
Science and technology could be revolutionized by quantum computers, but building them from solid-state devices will not be easy. Robert W Keyes of IBM's research division outlines the challenges in scaling up the technology from lab experiments to practical devices. (U.K.)
... Biomedical Engineering Optical and Photonic Materials and Devices Fundamental Optical Interactions ... of Texas Medical School OPTICAL AND PHOTONIC MATERIALS AND DEVICES Gary Bjorklund, IBM, Chair Nan ...
The patent relates to fluid operated devices for moving articles. The machine may be used in filling a nuclear fuel canister with fuel pellets where there is a tendency for out of squareness of pellets to produce a jam condition readily cleared by a modest force. (U.K.).
A device for reducing the muzzle blast and flash from large caliber guns is disclosed. A container having a plurality of internal chambers and baffle plates filled with an aqueous foam is mounted to the muzzle of the gun barrel. The foam and chambers co-o...
Coke-fired cupola furnaces were improved and made suitable for the production of high-quality casting melts by numerous additional devices. Moreover, they were equipped with environmental protection systems with numerous dust separation devices and afterb...
The purpose of this study was to determine whether the use of wheeled mobility devices differed with respect to age, gender, residential setting, and health-related factors among older adults. A total...Full Text Available
In this paper we discuss the effect on the emittance of the residual dispersion in the insertion devices. The dispersion in the straights could be generated by the lattice error, trim dipole, and insertion device. The effect on the emittance is examined, and the dispersion tolerances are given for the NSLS-11.
This design manual contains descriptions of design procedures and operating experience to date, including results obtained, for secondary flow pollution control devices. Two types of combined sewer overflow regulators are described: the swirl and the helical bend regulator/separa...
The biomechanical nature of the arterial system and its major disease states provides a series of challenges to treatment strategies. Endovascular device design objectives have mostly centered on short-term...Full Text Available
BackgroundDuring surgery, controlled haemostasis to prevent blood loss is vital for a successful outcome. It can be difficult to ligate vessels located deep in the abdomen. A device...Full Text Available
...limited to, emission control devices, pumps, filters, muck cookers, stills, solvent tanks, solvent containers, water separators...facility that meets the conditions of § 63.320(g). Muck cooker means a device for heating perchloroethylene-laden...
The influence of the main factors on device efficiency of pulsed liquid jet pump with gas-liquid piston is analysed, the theoretical equation and its time-averaged solution of pulsed liquid jet pump device efficiency are derived. The theoretical and experimental results show that the efficiency of transmission of energy and mass to use pulsed jet is greatly raised, compared with steady jet, in the same device of liquid jet pump. The calculating results of time-averaged efficiency of pulsed liquid jet pump are approximately in agreement with the experimental results in our and foreign countries
Advanced techniques for focused-ion-beam (FIB) device modification have been developed for complex, multistep modifications to circuitry on planar chip technology. Applying gas-assisted etching (GAE) techniques for high-aspect-ratio milling and the selective milling of both conductive and insulating films enhances process latitude. Localized ion-beam-induced deposition of an insulating film provides reconstructive capability in previously modified areas. The application of both techniques for complex device modification on VSLI devices fabricated with CMOS process technology is reviewed. (UK).
Dosimetric studies in 80 patients examined with the tomographic device 'Somatom' are reported. The gonad doses are compared to those of conventional radiographic techniques.
The objective of this study is to establish evaluation and verification guideline for the APR 1400 and to investigate the thermal-hydraulic characteristics for fluidic device is analyzed using FLUENT. The scope and major results of research are flow characteristics for fluidic device. In this study, three-dimensional numerical model for fluidic device is developed adequately for, and results are compared with experimental data performed by VAPER (VAlve Performance Evaluation test Rig) in KAERI with an aim to verify numerical simulation. In addition, the parametric study has also carried out to investigate the effect of major parameters such as velocity and pressure inside FD chamber.
This paper discusses design considerations for the recently introduced GaInP/GaAs monolithic tandem concentrator cell. The prototype device achieves a peak efficiency of 30.2% in a range of 140--180 suns, making this the first two-terminal device to demonstrate a verified efficiency exceeding 30%. At 425 suns the efficiency is still above 29%. The authors focus on the issues of grid design, top-cell thickness, and antireflectance coat. They also examine ways in which these aspects of the device may be modified to provide further performance improvements for future devices.
sabot: A device fitted around or in back of a projectile in a gun barrel or launching tube to support or protect the projectile or to prevent the escape of ...
The individuality of production devices should be taken into account when statistical models are designed for parallelized devices. In the present work, a new clustering method, referred to as NC-spectral clustering, is proposed for discriminating the individuality of production devices. The key idea is to classify samples according to the differences of the correlation among measured variables, since the individuality of production devices is expressed by the correlation. In the proposed NC-spectral clustering, the nearest correlation (NC) method and spectral clustering are integrated. The NC method generates the weighted graph that expresses the correlation-based similarities between samples, and the constructed graph is partitioned by spectral clustering. A new statistical process monit...
A slurry intake device is proposed which contains an inlet sleeve, housing with grating installed with the discharge end in the zone of the slurry outlet, and hinged deflector. In order to conserve the clay mud, it is equipped with a tie rod and two-arm lever which is kinematically linked to the deflector and the grating. It is installed by hinges in relation to the housing and the latter is attached by hinges to the inlet sleeve. The deflector is arranged in the zone of slurry outlet. The device is distinguished by the fact that the deflector is equipped with a cantilever on which a fixable weight is attached.
Resistance exercise has been widely reported to have positive rehabilitation effects for patients with neuromuscular and orthopaedic conditions. This paper presents an optimal design of magneto-rheological fluid dampers for variable resistance exercise devices. Adaptive controls for regulating the resistive force or torque of the device as well as the joint motion are presented. The device provides both isometric and isokinetic strength training for various human joints.
A self-organizing particle swarm is presented. It works in dissipative state by employing the small inertia weight, according to experimental analysis on a simplified model, which with fast convergence. Then by recognizing and replacing inactive particles according to the process deviation information of device parameters, the fluctuation is introduced so as to driving the irreversible evolution process with better fitness. The testing on benchmark functions and an application example for device optimization with designed fitness function indicates it improves the performance effectively.
A method and apparatus is provided for detecting explosives by thermal imaging. The explosive material is subjected to a high energy wave which can be either a sound wave or an electromagnetic wave which will initiate a chemical reaction in the explosive material which chemical reaction will produce heat. The heat is then sensed by a thermal imaging device which will provide a signal to a computing device which will alert a user of the apparatus to the possibility of an explosive device being present.
The audible noise produced by corona on high-voltage transmission lines has several characteristics that differentiate it from other community noises. Transmission line noise is quite broadband and has a significant high frequency content. Special instrumentation designed to measure this type of noise pollution is described. All measuring systems have the same three basic elements: a transducer, a processing device, and an output device. Recorders, microphone devices, frequency analyzers, and meteorological instrumentation are discussed.
The results of Sandia National Laboratories' participation in the NASA Planetary Definition and Design Program are summarized. Areas reported include the characterization of large area cadmium zinc telluride spectrometers and the application of simulation techniques to the prediction of device performance. Also investigated was the response of mercuric iodide devices in the region from 1 to 100 KeV. A literature study to determine the status or radiation damage measurements in room temperature semiconductor devices is also reported.
The dynamic behavior of electrooptic bistable devices with delayed feedback is investigated theoretically and experimentally. The operation principle of the system is analyzed by the method of iterated maps. Stable, bistable, periodic, higher periodic, and chaotic solutions are discussed and realized experimentally by using an integrated Mach-Zehnder interferometer on LiNbO3 as a basic nonlinear element. Taking into account the periodic modulator characteristic, the application of this device as a simple and fast bistable and monostable multivibrator is demonstrated. In addition, the synchronization properties of the astable multivibrator are investigated.
The purpose of the invention is to increase reliability in the operation of the device for advancing the base of a stoping unit. This is achieved because the device includes alternation hydraulic jacks of advance and control connected by hinges between themselves by the sections of the base and equipped with hydraulic locks, distributors of the hydraulic jacks of advance. In this case the hydraulic locks connected to the hydraulic jacks of control are doubled and connected to the distributors of the neighboring sections through reverse valves.
This is a patent for a device to increase compaction of the loaded batch in a coking chamber that assures a balanced compaction of the batch from the upper to the bottom layer. The leveling rod has a device on the external end that causes the rod to shift vertically and bring pressure on the material and the pressing attachment. Opposite the loading hoppers of the coking chambers there are guides that ensure the rod will be sunk perpendicularly into the loaded material.
Heavy-ion irradiation technique has been developed for the evaluation of single-event effects on semiconductor devices. For the uniform irradiation of high energy heavy ions to device samples, we have designed and installed a magnetic beam-scanning system in a JAERI cyclotron beam course. It was found that scanned area was approximately 4 x 2 centimeters and that the deviation of ion fluence from the average value was less than 7%. (author)
The invention concerns a container for the long term storage of irradiated nuclear reactor fuel elements, which consists mainly of a basic body, at least one lid and an outside ring shaped lid tightening device, which acts on the basic body and the lid and holds the contact surface of the lid tight against the contact surface of the basic body, where the basic body, lid and the lid tightening device consist of corrosion-proof materials. (orig./HP).
Large scale flows of liquids can be controlled by using power fluidic devices that harness the hydrodynamic properties of liquids rather than use moving parts. Included among the fluidic devices considered are fluidic pumps, reverse flow diverters, fluidic diodes and vortex amplifiers. These devices are of potential use in the nuclear industry, particularly in reprocessing. (U.K.).
The purpose of the invention is to simplify assembly and to reduce labor intensity. This is achieved by the fact that the assembly shaft is positioned in a hawser, while its wall which is turned towards the body of the installation is combined with the hawser wall, where a U shaped opening is made in the wall of the assembly shaft, along the edges of which there is a hermetically sealing device, while the bottom of the body of the offshore drilling rig is equipped with a rigid insert attached with the capability of adjoining it with the hermetically sealing device.
A real time neutron radiography system has been developed at the University of Michigan Phoenix Memorial Laboratory (PML) and has recently been used to test the imaging capabilities of a neutron imaging device developed by Lixi, Inc. of Downers Grove, Illinois. This device uses an input phosphor that is high in gadolinium to generate a light image which is then sent through an intensifier stage to provide images that can be viewed by eye, video camera, or standard 35 mm camera. It was determined that this device provides images of much higher resolution and sensitivity than those obtained with the imaging system currently being used at PML. Using computerized image enhancement techniques, the images obtained with the Lixi neutron imaging device can then be further enhanced or processed to obtain quantitative information on the object being imaged.
A real time neutron radiography system has been developed at the University of Michigan Phoenix Memorial Laboratory (PML) and has recently been used to test the imaging capabilities of a neutron imaging device developed by Lixi, Inc. of Downers Grove, Ill. This device uses an input phosphor that is high in gadolinium to generate a light image which is then sent through an intensifier stage to provide images that can be viewed by eye, video camera, or standard 35 mm camera. It was determined that this device provides images of much higher resolution and sensitivity than those obtained with the imaging system currently being used at PML. Using computerized image enhancement techniques, the images obtained with the Lixi neutron imaging device can then be further enhanced or processed to obtain quantitative information on the object being imaged. (orig.).
We summarize recent developments in x-ray microscopy of polymers by focusing on the characterization of organic electronic devices. The quantitative compositions of model polymer blends have been mapped at a resolution of {approx}35 nm. Since it could be inferred that these devices have structures smaller than 35 nm, quantitative compositional mapping at length scales below the present resolution limit of x-ray microscopy is required. Organic devices thus serve to both highlight the success of NEXAFS microscopy to date, but to also outline the very real need for higher spatial resolution. New approaches to create improved optics or different acquisition modalities are required if x-ray microscopy is to make sustained contributions to such an important area of research as organic devices.
A method and device have been provided for distinguishing Africanized honeybees from European honeybees. The method is based on the discovery of a distinct difference in the acoustical signatures of these two species of honeybees in flight. The European honeybee signature has a fundamental power peak in the 210 to 240 Hz range while the Africanized honeybee signature has a fundamental power peak in the 260 to 290 Hz range. The acoustic signal produced by honeybees is analyzed by means of a detecting device to quickly determine the honeybee species through the detection of the presence of frequencies in one of these distinct ranges. The device includes a microphone for acoustical signal detection which feeds the detected signal into a frequency analyzer which is designed to detect the presence of either of the known fundamental wingbeat frequencies unique to the acoustical signatures of these species as an indication of the ...
This invention pertains to a light weight underground pipe or cable installing device adapted for use in a narrow and deep operating trench. More particularly this underground pipe installing device employs a pair of laterally movable gates positioned adjacent the bottom of the operating trench where the earth is more solid to securely clamp the device in the operating trench to enable it to withstand the forces exerted as the actuating rod is forced through the earth from the so-called operating trench to the target trench. To accommodate the laterally movable gates positioned adjacent the bottom of the narrow pipe installing device, a pair of top operated double-acting rod clamping jaws, operated by a hydraulic cylinder positioned above the actuating rod are employed.
An electronically controllable apparatus is described which modulates a continuous wave laser beam so as to produce an output beam consisting of coherent ''pulses'' that are electronically controllable as to both pulse repetition rate and pulse width. The apparatus includes two acoustic devices positioned so that the laser beam passes through them in sequence, and apparatus or for passing sound waves through the devices to frequency shift the laser radiation as well as to diffract it. Each acoustic device such as generates sound waves containing a group of frequencies which result in spaced pulses. The spreading of a laser beam at which emanates from the first acoustic device is countered by the second acoustic device to produce a collimated, coherently pulsed, laser beam.
Poly-Lactic-Acid (PLA) was evaluated for coating of vascular endoprotheses in the treatment of experimental arterio-venous-fistulae (AVF). Bilateral carotid-external jugular AVF were created in 5 adult dogs. 7 PLA coated nitinol stents were placed via a transfemoral approach covering 5 AVF. The contralateral AVF remained untreated. Angiography was performed immediately after stent placement, at weeks 1 and 3 and at months 3, 6 and 9. All grafts were removed and underwent histologic examination. In 2 cases the occlusion of the AVF was successful, while misplacement occurred in 3 cases. Occlusion of the parent vessel was disclosed in 3 cases. Histologic examination revealed a mild inflammatory reaction with the presence of macrophages. There was no foreign-body reaction or fragmentation of the arterial vessel wall. PLA, which is a well-known biodegradable material, showed a good mid-term biocompatibility. Elastic mismatch of the non-elastic ...
This article describes a flexible and extensible infrastructure for applying Web-Technologies to embedded systems.The presented approach develops a Three-level-Architecture consisting of the embedded system, the universal Remote-Access-Server and the Remote-Access-Client. A system-spanning general interface allows the binding of embedded systems in order to access their process data. Additionally, this procedure facilitates a flexible processing of the device data, so that it is ready to be used by different control devices. To ensure flexibility - connecting different devices on the one side and providing information for different clients like PC, PDA or mobile phone on the other side - a new XML-based description language (Service Description Markup Language - SDML) is introduced. The SDML documents contain information about connected embedded systems, reusable device data and the presentation ...
An original device and a method of its application for restoring of the function of relatively incompetent valves (both patented) are elaborated. Application of the new device allows to lower the difficulty of surgical treatment, to decrease the duration of operation and post-operative period. The long-term results of six-year long experience of its application are presented. The patients examination after 2,5-3,0-year post-operation period shows perfect vein valve correction. A device for stone extraction from tubular organs (patented) fabricated with titanium nickelide superelastic alloy is presented. The new suggested design is free of the drawback inherent in the previous one. The working element of the device is formed as a truncated cone or a truncated cone coaxial with the cylinder (the previous design was formed as a full cone) that prevents overstraining and residual strain accumulation during ...
the medium to long freezing range alloys of aluminum such as A356, A357, A206, 319 for example are known to exhibit dispersed porosity, which is recognized as a factor affecting ductility, fracture toughness, and fatigue resistance of light alloy castings. The local thermal environment, for example, temperature gradient and freezing from velocity, affect the mode of solidification which, along with alloy composition, heat treatment, oxide film occlusion, hydrogen content, and the extent to which the alloy contracts on solidification, combine to exert strong effects on the porosity formation in such alloys. In addition to such factors, the availability of liquid metal and its ability to flow through the partially solidified casting, which will be affect by the pressure in the liquid metal, must also be considered. The supply of molten metal will thus be controlled by the volume of the riser available for feeding the particular casting location, its solidification ...
Erectile dysfunction following radical prostatectomy remains a frequent problem despite the development of nerve-sparing techniques. This erectile dysfunction is believed to be neurogenic, enhanced by hypoxia-induced structural changes which result in additional veno-occlusive dysfunction. Recently, daily use of intracavernous vasoactive substances and oral use of PDE5-inhibitors have been clinically studied for treatment of postprostatectomy erectile dysfunction. Since these studies showed benefits of "penile rehabilitation therapy," these effects have been studied in a preclinical setting. We reviewed experimental literature on erectile tissue preserving and neuroregenerative treatment strategies, and found that preservation of the erectile tissue by the use of intracavernous nitric oxide donors or vasoactive substances, oral PDE5-inhibitors, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy improved erectile function by antifibrotic effects and preservation of smooth muscle. ...
Abstract in english We hypothesized that chronic oral administration of the phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor sildenafil could improve the exercise capacity and pulmonary hemodynamics in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) on the basis of previous short-term studies. We tested this hypothesis in 14 subjects with PAH, including seven patients with the idiopathic form and seven patients with atrial septal defects, but no other congenital heart abnormalities. Patients were subjected (more) to a 6-min walk test and dyspnea was graded according to the Borg scale. Pulmonary flow and pressures were measured by Doppler echocardiography. Patients were given sildenafil, 75 mg orally three times a day, and followed up for 1 year. Sildenafil therapy resulted in the following changes: increase in the 6-min walk distance from a median value of 387 m (range 0 to 484 m) to 462 m (range 408 to 588 m; P
Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become an important tool in the radiologic diagnosis of diseases of the brain as it measures molecular motion of water that characterizes the microstructure of tissues. Its most important clinical use to date is the early detection of cerebral ischemia by revealing the ischemic injury shortly after vessel occlusion and simultaneously providing therapy-relevant information on the tissue at risk. Furthermore, diffusion MRI is diagnostically promising in other diseases of the brain and is thus increasingly becoming part of routine clinical protocols in the diagnosis of tumors, inflammation, trauma, demyelination, dysmyelination and neurodegeneration. Although abnormalities of diffusion are generally not pathognomonic, diffusion MRI affords information about tissue changes for specific disorders that complements information obtained with standard MR techniques and frequently shows pathology earlier. In addition, diffusion ...
Penile rehabilitation has been an area of intense study and debate over the last decade. Interest in this topic was stimulated by the observation that erectile dysfunction remained a significant problem after radical prostatectomy despite meticulous nerve-sparing technique. Smooth muscle alterations and fibrotic changes in the penis were identified as the underlying causes of penile atrophy, veno-occlusive dysfunction, and Peyronie's-like changes that were observed after surgery. Initial observations that intracavernous injection therapies used on a regular basis postoperatively resulted in improvements in the return of spontaneous erectile function led to the development of penile rehabilitation protocols. Chronic dosing of oral type V phosphodiesterase inhibitors is now commonly used by urologists after radical prostatectomy despite a lack of convincing evidence from randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials. Use of local therapies to heal the penis may have ...
A novel method to detect and correct inaccuracies in a set of unconstrained dense correspondences between two images is presented. Starting with a robust, general-purpose dense correspondence algorithm, an initial pose estimate and dense 3D scene reconstruction are obtained and bundle-adjusted. Reprojection errors are then computed for each correspondence pair, which is used as a metric to distinguish high and low-error correspondences. An affine neighborhood-based coarse-to-fine iterative search algorithm is then applied only on the high-error correspondences to correct their positions. Such an error detection and correction mechanism is novel for unconstrained dense correspondences, for example not obtained through epipolar geometry-based guided matching. Results indicate that correspondences in regions with issues such as occlusions, repetitive patterns and moving objects can be identified and corrected, such that a more accurate set of dense correspondences ...
Endoluminal vascular prostheses that can be implanted by percutaneous routes represent the most recent development in vascular interventional radiology. Various commercially available types of prosthesis are presented and the construction principles and applications are described. At present secure indications for the implantation of endoluminal prostheses are limited to the elimination of aneurysms and arteriovenous fistulae of the large vessels near the trunk in sections that do not cross a joint. The wide use in peripheral occlusive diseases cannot yet be recommended because confirmed data are not available. (orig.) [German] Endoluminale Gefaessprothesen, die perkutan implantierbar sind, stellen die juengste Entwicklung in der vaskulaeren interventionellen Radiologie dar. Verschiedene kommerziell erhaeltliche Prothesentypen werden vorgestellt, ihr Konstruktionsprinzip und ihre Applikation erlaeutert. Die gesicherten Indikationen zur endoluminalen ...
To evaluate the efficacy of a paclitaxel-eluting nitinol stent on the inhibition of pseudointimal hyperplasia in a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. Twelve pigs were used in this study. Two types of 10-mm diameter and 60-mm long nitinol stents were made for a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt by coating them with a polyurethane solution, with and without paclitaxel. Each transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt was created successfully in the 12 swine with 7 paclitaxel-eluting stents and 5 polyurethane stents. Five swine in each group were followed-up for 14 days due to the death of 2 swine given the paclitaxel-eluting stents. The proliferation of the pseudointima was evaluated on both follow-up portograms and histopathology examinations. The mean maximum pseudointimal hyperplasia is expressed as the percentage of the stent radius. On the portograms, all the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts using the paclitaxel-eluting stents maintained ...
Objective: To investigate the value of MRI in the diagnosis of hepatic hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Methods: Sixty-four patients with hepatic hilar cholangiocarcinomas confirmed by surgery or pathology underwent MRI using a 1.5-T superconductive MR system including conventional unenhanced MRI, MRCP and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI with Gd-DTPA. Results: Dilatation of the intrahepatic biliary tree with narrowing, occlusion or filling defects in the hepatic hilar bile ducts was noted in all 64 cases. Unenhanced MR[ showed T_1- and T_2-hyperintense hilar masses in 42 patients and was normal in the remaining 22 patients. The hilar masses demonstrated slow, progressive and delayed enhancement patterns. There was enhancement of the thickened bile duct wall with luminal narrowing in the 22 patients without hilar masses. Conclusion: The characteristic MRI findings of enhancing hepatic hilar mass and bile duct wall thickening together with MRCP are valuable for diagnosing ...
Development was explained of non-phosphate detergent with zeolite (Z) and alpha-olefin sulfonate (AOS). 4A type Z was taken notice of as a builder to replace phosphate. In calcium ion trapping power, conventional sodium tripolyphosphate (STP) and Z are 158mgCaO/g and 150mg/g, respectively. However, because Z by the conventional method is large in crystal diameter, coagulates and adheres to matter to be washed, was newly developed fine Z, 0.9 {mu} m in primary grain diameter, which does not give abrasion nor occlusion to the washing machine, nor precipitate in the river. Because linear alkylbenzene sulfonate, combined with Z, is poorer in washing power than that, done with STP, was developed AOS, new non-phoshate use interfacial active detergent, which is excellent in all washing power, biodegradation speed and physical powder property. Improvement was variously made also in powdery detergent production technology. Though the non-phosphate detergent controlled water ...
The purpose was to compare the findings of multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) in prosthetic valve disorders using the operative findings as a gold standard. In a 3-year period, we prospectively enrolled 25 patients with 31 prosthetic heart valves. MDCT and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) were done to evaluate pannus formation, prosthetic valve dysfunction, suture loosening (paravalvular leak) and pseudoaneurysm formation. Patients indicated for surgery received an operation within 1 week. The MDCT findings were compared with the operative findings. One patient with a Bjoerk-Shiley valve could not be evaluated by MDCT due to a severe beam-hardening artifact; thus, the exclusion rate for MDCT was 3.2% (1/31). Prosthetic valve disorders were suspected in 12 patients by either MDCT or TTE. Six patients received an operation that included three redo aortic valve replacements, two redo mitral replacements and one Amplatzer ductal occluder occlusion of a ...
Purpose: Budd-Chiari syndrome is a fairly uncommon disease in Europe. This often leads to its late diagnosis. The syndrome is characterised by portal hypertension and splanchnic congestion due to obstruction of hepatic venous outflow. This paper describes the treatment of three patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome by interventional therapeutic techniques and discusses alternative treatment modalities. Patients and Methods: The first patient presented with veno-occlusive disease and was treated by the placement of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stentshunt. The second patient showed an occlusion of the major hepatic veins. After percutaneous recanalisation, a stent was placed in the right hepatic vein which remained patent. The third patient had a membranous obstruction of the right hepatic vein which was treated by percutaneous balloon dilatation. Results: In all patients the clinical symptoms resolved completely after treatment and no ...
Two cases of tetracycline ulcers of the oesophagus are reported and compared with thirteen other cases from the literature. In most cases, the patients had taken their capsules with little or no fluid just before going to bed. Some hours later they developed retrosternal pain that was intensified by swallowing. Endoscopy showed sharply demarcated greyish-white areas of mucosal damage which represented layers of stratified squamous cells, separated by oedema, and a dense neutrophilic infiltration of the lamina propria and the muscularis mucosa. Roentgenology was unsuitable to detect the lesions. They healed without complications within one to six weeks. Prolonged retention of the capsules in the oesophagus is thought to cause the mucosal damage. Patients on oral tetracycline or doxycycline treatment should therefore be instructed to take their capsules with a meal or with copious water and not just before going to bed.
Four "1"2"5I labeled mono- and diamines were prepared and evaluated as potential brain-imaging agents. The diamines are analogues of the previously reported "7"5Se labeled diamines, which show high brain uptake and retention. All of the radioiodinated amines display high initial brain uptake in rats after intravenous injection (1.7-2.4% dose/organ). The xylylenediamines show prolonged brain retention (t1/2 approximately 18 h), which is desirable for brain imaging. In contrast, the benzylamine is rapidly cleared from brain tissue (t1/2 approximately 15 min).
Sustainable development of geothermal resources is the key to prolong the commercial life of geothermal fields. This paper uses two well-known geothermal fields in China, with long histories of production, to demonstrate how sustainability can be quantitatively evaluated, and to highlight the essential differences between sustainable and non-sustainable development schemes. After examining the complex nature of sustainability evaluation, fuzzy synthetic evaluation is applied as a tool for the quantitative sustainability rating of geothermal reservoirs. The evaluation procedures include systemic criteria selection, weighing, individual criterion evaluation and finally final multi-criterion decision analysis evaluation. The sustainability of a limestone reservoir in the urban sector of Tianj...
A new technique has been developed for improving corrosion resistance on magnesium alloys. Specimens of AZ31 magnesium alloy were dipped into molten salt of NaBF{sub 4} at 723 K for various times, and then cooled, rinsed with water, and dried in air. Corrosion resistance in the surface treated specimens was evaluated by salt immersion test using 1% NaCl solution as a time for occurring filiform corrosion. On an un-treated AZ31 alloy, the time for starting the filiform corrosion was about 1.2 ks, while on the surface treated specimen, the time was prolonged into about 1300 ks. Moreover, the surface treated specimen showed corrosion resistance in low pH solutions, such as 1% HNO{sub 3} and HCl solutions. (orig.)
In this paper we provide a geochemical investigation on 34 groundwater samples in the Mt. Vulture volcanic aquifer representing one of the most important groundwater resources of the southern Italy pumped for drinking and irrigation supply. The present study includes the first data on the abundance and mobility of minor and trace elements and the thermodynamic considerations on water-rock interaction processes in order to evaluate the conditions of alkali basalt weathering by waters enriched in magma-derived CO2. The results highlight the occurrence of two hydrofacies: bicarbonate alkaline-earth and alkaline waters deriving from low-temperature leaching of volcanic rocks of Mt. Vulture, and bicarbonate-sulfate-alkaline waters (high-salinity waters) related to prolonged water circulation in...
The involvement of dorsal root ganglia was studied in an in vivo model of experimental rabies virus infection using the challenge virus standard (CVS-11) strain. Dorsal root ganglia neurons infected with CVS in vitro show prolonged survival and few morphological changes, and are commonly used to study the infection. It has been established that after peripheral inoculation of mice with CVS the brain and spinal cord show relatively few neurodegenerative changes, but detailed studies of pathological changes in dorsal root ganglia have not previously been performed in this in vivo experimental model. In this study, adult ICR mice were inoculated in the right hindlimb footpad with CVS. Spinal cords and dorsal root ganglia were evaluated at serial time points for histopathological and ultrastru...
This paper proves that it is practicable to build a new power model which can work efficiently at night by using a type of fluorescence material. The utilization efficiency of photovoltaic cell is improved by prolonging the actual working hours of the cell within 24 hours. Both theoretical analysis and experiment on this model are carried out, and base on which the current-time curve (I-t curve) is depicted. It shows that the model which applies the fluorescence material to photovoltaic system is available. According to the analysis and comparison between the attenuating curve of the material and I-t curve of the power system, we can conclude that the weak illumination and the mismatch on wavelength are primary reasons for the low current. Finally, several improved measures of this power model for practical application are given, and it is expected to provide a new thought for photovoltaic study. (orig.)
A series of four 125I-labeled 1-substituted-4-phenylpiperazines were prepared and evaluated in rats as potential brain imaging agents. The compounds were labeled using (125I)iodide/chloramine-T or iodine monochloride and isolated in 48-60% radiochemical yields. The tissue distribution studies indicated that a butyrophenone derivative demonstrated the best overall brain-imaging properties. Compared with the compounds having other 1-substituents this agent had a more prolonged retention of activity in the brain and higher brain-to-blood ratios over the 4-h period studied. The in vivo behavior of this agent is comparable to that of radioiodinated N-isopropyl-p-iodoamphetamine, and, because it can be labeled directly via electrophilic methods, it has substantial potential for use in brain imaging with single photon emission computed tomography.
The incidence of hilar cholangiocarcinoma is very rare worldwide. Radical resection is the only prognostic factor for long survival in patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Postoperative radiation therapy can improve local control and survival rates for patients with palliative resection, but it remains controversial in patients with radical resection. Biliary drainage can effectively release bile duct obstruction for the majority of patients with locally advanced disease, and may even prolong survival when combined with radiation therapy. Radiation therapy includes extrernal beam therapy alone, external beam therapy with intraluminal brachytheapy and new radiation technique, such as three dimentional conformal therapy and intensity modulated radiation therapy. The propective randomized clinical study is needed for further investigation in the role of combined modality therapy especially for hilar cholangiocarcinoma. (authors)
The peanut plant (Arachis hypogaea L.), unlike other known legumes, can sustain nitrogen fixation when prolonged periods of darkness or detopping curtail the supply of photosynthate to the nodule. This ability to withstand photosynthate stress is attributed to the presence of lipid bodies in infected nodule cells. In both dark-treated and detopped plants, the lipid bodies show a gradual decrease in numbers, suggesting their utilization as a source of energy and carbon for nitrogen fixation. Lipolytic activity can be localized in the lipid bodies, and the existence of #beta#-oxidation pathway and glyoxylate cycle is shown by the release of "1"4CO_2 from "1"4C lineoleoyl coenzyme A by the nodule homogenate.
By using megaelectronvolt /sup 4/He ion backscattering techniques and transmission electron microscopy, the authors have investigated the interactions of ion beams with thin film structures in a number of silicide-forming systems. The mixed layer was found to be an equilibrium compound for near-noble metals and an amorphous phase for refractory metals. Differences in behavior have also been observed in near-noble metal systems. For palladium, the Pd/sub 2/Si phase grew with ion dose and remained crystalline up to high dose. For nickel, the compound Ni/sub 2/Si was formed initially and became amorphous on prolonged irradiation. All the results indicate the significance of atomic mobility at target temperatures in determining the phase formation and in explaining the sensitivity of the silicides to ion bombardment.
By using megaelectronvolt "4He ion backscattering techniques and transmission electron microscopy, the authors have investigated the interactions of ion beams with thin film structures in a number of silicide-forming systems. The mixed layer was found to be an equilibrium compound for near-noble metals and an amorphous phase for refractory metals. Differences in behavior have also been observed in near-noble metal systems. For palladium, the Pd_2Si phase grew with ion dose and remained crystalline up to high dose. For nickel, the compound Ni_2Si was formed initially and became amorphous on prolonged irradiation. All the results indicate the significance of atomic mobility at target temperatures in determining the phase formation and in explaining the sensitivity of the silicides to ion bombardment. (Auth.).
The paper describes the latest developments in STRASSY (Strategy Assistance System), the strategy assistance system for the inspection of nuclear materials. The user can now select the fuel cycle he wishes to investigate from an initial range of 19 facilities. An inspection interface has been developed to enable the details and dates of inspections to be modified. One of the special features of the application of STRASSY in international safeguards is the taking into account of timeliness of detection; certain aspects of the time manager algorithms are presented and analysed, including the guaranteed existence of a solution. The results of a study of diversion paths in a simplified cycle consisting of our facilities are presented. Finally, the modifications necessary to enable STRASSY to be used for a posterior analysis of inspection results are discussed. (authors). 7 refs., 3 figs.
It is shown that a gun similar to that in the SSPX could demonstrate the high fields required for Pulsed Spheromak reactors merely by prolonging the pulse. Important considerations are choosing the voltage to exceed ohmic losses; designing the gun to avoid wasteful short-circuiting of current within the gun; and the injection efficiency factor, f, determined by the ''sag'' in the profile of {lambda} = {mu}{sub o}j/B. Typically f = 0.75 in experiments, giving an overall efficiency > 50 % if short-circuiting is avoided. Theoretical transport models agree qualitatively with the need for a finite gradient in h to pump in helicity by current-driven tearing modes and suggest that pressure-driven resistive modes would not compete with current-driven modes during a buildup to ohmic ignition.
Droughts in Moldova were evaluated using meteorological data since 1955 and a long time series (1891?2009). In addition, yields for corn (Zea mays L.), a crop widely grown in Moldova, were used to demonstrate drought impact. The main aim is to propose use of the S i (S i-a and S i-m) drought index while discussing its potential use in studying the evolution of drought severity in Moldova. Also, a new multi-scalar drought index, the standardized precipitation?evapotranspiration index (SPEI), is tested for the first time in identifying drought variability in Moldova while comparing it with the commonly used standardized precipitation index (SPI). S i-m, SPI, SPEI, and S i-a indices show an increasing tendency toward more intensive and prolonged severely dry and extremely dry summer months. D...
14 surgical patients with non-hepatobiliary diseases were studied with "9"9"mTc-EHIDA imaging to evaluate the effect of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) on the hepatobiliary function. Duration of TPN ranged from 6-56 days, 10 of the 14 patients Beijing within 10 days. The results showed that: (1) 11 of 14 patients had abnormal scintigraphic features. The most prominet findings were delayed liver excretion and prolonged blood clearance time. This fact suggests that not only the rate of excretion of the bile from the liver is decreased but the uptake ability of the hepatorcyte is also impaired. (2) The effect of TPN on liver function is reversible. It was concluded that in order to prevent irreversible damage of hepatobiliary function caused by TPN, the duration of TPN should not be too long and oral intake of nutrients should be resumed as soon as possible.
To test the effect of humidity on the radiation resistance of Deinococcus radiodurans, air-dried cells were irradiated with germicidal 254?nm UV, and simulated environmental UV or ?-radiation and survival was compared to cells in suspension. It was observed that desiccated cells exhibited higher levels of resistance than cells in suspension toward UV or ?-radiation as well as after 85?C heat shock. It was also shown that low relative humidity improves survival during long-term storage of desiccated D. radiodurans cells. It can be concluded that periods or environments in which cells exist in a dehydrated state are beneficial for D. radiodurans? survival exposed to various other stresses.
The deterioration of AA2024, AA6061 and AA7475 anodised in an environmentally-compliant tartaric acid/sulphuric acid electrolyte has been examined as a function of the immersion time in the electrolyte after termination of anodising. By transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, degradation of the porous oxide film was qualitatively observed on AA2024. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed that AA2024 and AA7075 were more sensitive to prolonged immersion in the anodising electrolyte compared with AA6061, due to increased barrier layer thinning rates and increased susceptibility to localized corrosion. Salt spray tests confirmed the previous, indicating decay of anticorrosion performance for AA2024 and AA7075.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and increases the morbidity and cost. Amiodarone reduces AF after CABG. Ranolazine, an antianginal agent, also prolongs atrial refractoriness and inhibits after depolarizations and triggered activity; effects that could decrease AF after CABG. The present study compared amiodarone versus ranolazine for the prevention of AF after CABG. A retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing CABG at Aspirus Hospital from June 2008 to April 2010. The patients received either amiodarone (400 mg preoperatively followed by 200 mg twice daily for 10 to 14 days) or ranolazine (1,500 mg preoperatively followed by 1,000 mg twice daily for 10 to 14 days). The primary end point was any identified AF after CABG. A total of 393 ...
Changing cream pearls into bluish-grey by #gamma# ray irradiation is a technique in coloring of pearls. Irradiated pearls are similar in color to cultured blue pearls. The pearl layers hardly change their color but the nuclei change into dark brown by irradiation. Visible light (500 - 700 nm) penetrating the pearl layer is absorbed by dark brown nucleus. The intensity of reflecting light between 400 and 500 nm at pearl surface, therefore, becomes stronger than that between 500 and 700 nm; therefore color of irradiated pearls look bluish-grey. The density of bluish-grey color increases with increasing absorbed doses, but their luster at surface diminishes owing to the deterioration of the pearl layer by prolonged irradiation; high doses irradiation should be avoided. Irradiated pearls show no substantial fading of their color in a year and the rate of the fading is found to be lower than that for cultured blue pearls. (author).
In this work, silver-montmorillonite (Ag-MMT) antimicrobial nanoparticles have been obtained by allowing silver ions from nitrate solutions to replace the Na^+ of natural montmorillonite and then to be reduced by a thermal treatment. Ag-MMT were used as active antimicrobial compounds to improve the shelf life of fresh fruit salad. In order to assess their influence on product shelf life, sensorial and microbiological quality has been monitored during the storage. The microbiological quality was determined by monitoring the principal spoilage microorganisms (mesophilic and psychrotrophic bacteria, coliforms, lactic acid bacteria, yeasts and molds). Additionally, the evolution of sensorial quality was assessed by monitoring color, odor, firmness and product overall quality. The Ag-MMT nanopa...
The article maps the risk management failures within Anglo Irish Bank, showing that, when banks are systemic in nature, poor internal corporate governance within a Minsky credit cycle can lead to destabilising macroeconomic conditions, which may prolong the effects of a credit-induced downturn. The article highlights a failure of management at Anglo Irish Bank to establish and measure firm-level risks and develop appropriate internal controls to support a culture of prudent credit management. We propose the adoption of a novel supervisory architecture based on the meta-risk regulatory philosophy, which is designed to strengthen risk management practices at banks.
Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) is widely distributed in the acid soil region of Southern China, where great potential of aluminum (Al) toxicity exists. To evaluate the Al tolerance of Moso bamboo, seed germination and root elongation were compared with two rice cultivars, and physical and physiological damages were examined under various levels of Al stress. Results showed that Moso bamboo seed germination was inhibited when Al concentration increased to 500 ?M, and the median lethal concentration was 2,000??M. Comparatively, the rice seed germination was not inhibited even at a concentration of 2,000??M Al. Aluminum accumulated mainly in the cell wall of root apices, and entered into protoplasts as treating time prolonged and/or Al concentration increased, which resulted in apoptos...
Summary Background Sorafenib is an oral multikinase inhibitor that blocks cell proliferation via the ERK pathway and angiogenesis via the VEGF pathway. This phase II trial was conducted to determine the efficacy and tolerability of sorafenib for the treatment of patients with metastatic urothelial cancer (UC) who had not had prior chemotherapy for advanced disease. Patients and Methods Seventeen chemo-na?ve UC patients with adequate performance status and organ function were treated with sorafenib 400?mg twice daily on a continuous basis until progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary endpoint was objective tumor response rate as measured by RECIST criteria. Secondary endpoints included rate of prolonged stable disease (>3?months), time to progression, median and 1?yr survival and ...
The lateral bearing device is made of 7 lateral supports, each positioned to allow the displacement of the steam generator due to thermal or seismic effects. Each support includes a buffer plate that can be positioned on the steam generator using a position control assembly. This control assembly consists of a screw jack arrangement where the nut is fastened via an energy absorbing layer to a footplate that is fixed to the concrete wall of the steam generator enclosure. 4 figs.
We have investigated tailoring damage effects of explosive devices by addition of unconventional materials, specifically combustible metals. Initial small-scale as well as full-scale testing has been performed. The explosives functioned to disperse and ignite these materials. Incendiary, enhanced-blast, and fragment-damage effect have been identified. These types of effects can be used to extend the damage done to hardened facilities. In other cases it is desirable to disable the target with minimal collateral damage. Use of unconventional materials allows the capability to tailor the damage and effects of explosive devices for these and other applications. Current work includes testing of an incendiary warhead for a penetrator.
High power and particle deposition on target materials are encountered in many applications including magnetic and inertial fusion devices, nuclear and high energy physics applications, and laser and discharge produced plasma devices. Surface and structural damage to plasma-facing components due to the frequent loss of plasma confinement remains a serious problem for the Tokamak reactor concept. The deposited plasma energy causes significant surface erosion, possible structural failure, and frequent plasma contamination.
Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) are being used in space applications because of attractive attributes: good density, moderate speed, low cost, and quick turn-around time. However, these devices are susceptible to Single Event Upsets (SEUs). An approach using triple modular redundancy (TMR) and feedback was developed for flip-flop hardening in these devices. Test data showed excellent results for this circuit topology. Total dose and Single Event Effect (SEE) testing have been performed on recently released technologies. Failures are analyzed and test methodology is discussed.
Advances in the development of several electrooptic shutter devices utilizing the quadratic electrooptic effect of lead lanthanum zirconate titanate (PLZT) ceramic wafers are described. Aperture sizes utilized in these PLZT devices ranged from 25 ..mu..m to 0.25 m. Practical applications of the shutters discussed in this paper include eye protection in military and industrial applications, a goggle-type device with dual synchronously operated PLZT shutters for use in a stereoscopic three-dimensional TV display, an electrically controlled variable density filter for use with vidicon tubes, a large-aperture photographic shutter for image motion compensation cameras, and a page composer for use in a holographic memory system.
Recently, organic semiconducting materials have gained a broad interest due to their potential for organic electronic devices such as organic light emitting diode (OLED), organic photovoltaic devices and organic field-effect transistors (OFETs). Optical properties of organic semiconducting materials are important for practical application. For example, the power conversion efficiency of organic photovoltaic devices is mainly affected by absorption properties of organic materials. Proton irradiation is one of the efficient methods to change the optical properties of organic materials. In this paper, we investigate the changes of optical properties of various polymers using the proton irradiation.
The saturation of free electron laser (FEL) output power by the KHI-FEL device was achieved on 3rd, October 2000 at the wavelength of 9.3 #mu#m. The FEL device has operated thereafter successfully in the wavelength region between 4.0 and 16.0 #mu#m. The macropulse average FEL power of 37.5 kW, which is the theoretical saturation level, has been obtained at the wavelength of 7.9 #mu#m. The net FEL gain was estimated to be 16%. (author)
Experimentally it is shown that a movable grounded metallic plate placed inside a multi-dipole magnetic cage can vary the diffused plasma parameters such as density, plasma potential and electron temperature. Plasma is solely produced in the source section of a double plasma device by a dc hot filament discharge and a low-density plasma is produced in the target section by local ionization of neutral gas by the high energetic electrons coming from the source section. A grounded movable stainless steel plate is inserted in the target section of the device. The floating potential of the plate also changes depending on the position of the plate inside the magnetic cage.
The procedure of charge-coupled devices (CCD) are investigated by using MOS capacitors for enhancing their ionizing radiation tolerance. Authors have found that the gate oxidation temperature, thickness of SiO_2 gate insulator and high temperature processes after gate oxidation are crucial for determining the radiation tolerance of the devices, and proposed to decrease the thickness of gate insulator, perform gate oxidation at 1000 deg C by means of dry oxidation and minimize the number of high temperature procedure steps after gate oxidation. All stated above is a necessary preparation for priducing radiation hardened charge-coupled devices.
The feasibility of a high-energy electron cooling device has been studied through tests on a prototype of the electron device. The apparatus consists of a pulsed ((20-60) keV, 2#mu#s) electron gun, a drift region 1 m long and of a depressed collector for recovering the electron energy. Tests on beam optics and energy recovery have been performed, a high-energy recovery efficiency has been attained. Experimental results are discussed in this paper.
In the well-known devices for increasing the decontamination factor in the treatment of radioactive waste water by evaporation, which consist of narrowing devices with evaporator sump and condenser, droplets of liquid and solid particles are carried over from the breeder space, which are radioactive and therefore make the decontamination factor worse. Better results are obtained if one places a fibre bed filter between the evaporator sump and the condenser, preferably in a horizontal connecting pipe between the evaporator sump and the condenser.
Two new identical insertion devices have been designed for the Daresbury SRS. They are 2T permanent-magnet multipole wigglers that will provide high flux in the X-ray region. This paper describes the magnetic and mechanical design of the arrays of steel pole pieces and permanent-magnet blocks. Also given is the engineering design of the support structure that will cope with the very large forces present while maintaining high levels of precision in gap setting and parallelism. The engineering design has been fully assessed using finite-element techniques to predict the deflections of critical parts of the structure. These two devices are due to be installed into the SRS by the end of 1998.
A novel device called the gas expansion model (GEM) is being developed at the Hanford Engineering Development Laboratory for testing in the 400-MW(th) fast flux test facility (FFTF) reactor. Incorporation of the GEM into liquid-metal reactor designs is intended to measurably contribute to the achievement of inherent safety, by allowing the reactor to passively shut down even in the extremely remote (hypothetical) event of an unprotected (no scram) loss-of-flow accident. The purpose of this paper is to describe the GEM and present predictive analyses of the effectiveness of the device during unprotected loss-of-flow experiments in the FFTF.
A novel device called the gas expansion model (GEM) is being developed at the Hanford Engineering Development Laboratory for testing in the 400-MW(th) fast flux test facility (FFTF) reactor. Incorporation of the GEM into liquid-metal reactor designs is intended to measurably contribute to the achievement of inherent safety, by allowing the reactor to passively shut down even in the extremely remote (hypothetical) event of an unprotected (no scram) loss-of-flow accident. The purpose of this paper is to describe the GEM and present predictive analyses of the effectiveness of the device during unprotected loss-of-flow experiments in the FFTF.
... The acousto-optic device have a 30 MHz 1 ... coherent systems including compact non-coherent optical ... a relatively simple phase switching approach. ...
BackgroundThe routine removal of orthopaedic fixation devices after fracture healing remains an issue of debate. There are no evidence-based guidelines on this matter, and little...Full Text Available
... electronic feedback system' connected to a Q switch ... The use of acousto-optic (AO) beam steering devices for BMDO (SDI) applications is very ...
A silicon solar cell assembly comprising a large, thin silicon solar cell bonded to a metal mount for use when there exists a mismatch in the thermal expansivities of the device and the mount.
Introduction: Patients in underdeveloped nations have limited access to life-saving medical technology including cardiac rhythm management (CRM) devices. We evaluated alternative means to provide such technology to this patient population while assessing the safety and efficacy of such a practice. Methods: Patients in the United States with clinical indications for extraction of CRM devices were consented. Antemortem CRM devices were cleaned and sterilized following a protocol established at our institution. Surveillance in vitro cultures were performed for quality assurance. The functional status of pulse generators was tested with a pacing system analyzer to confirm at least 70% battery life. Most generators were transported, in person, to an implanting institution in Nicaragua. Recipien...
We report on studies of device degradation in organic photovoltaic devices based on blends of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and [6,6]-phenyl C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM). Since delamination, oxidation, and chemical interactions at the metal electrode/organic interface have long been posited as degradation pathways in organic electronic devices, we first investigated the stability of a variety of electrodes for devices stored in an inert, dark environment. Second, a set of experiments was designed to separate the effects at the metal/organic interface from the degradation of the active layer or the hole extraction interface. To do this, Ca/Al electrodes were deposited to complete half of a substrate's devices, and samples were left both under constant illumination and 10% illumination (10% duty cycle of 1 sun illumination) in a glovebox environment. After more than ...
Wave energy device teams have identified three varieties of air turbine as potentially applicable to wave energy devices. These are: conventional axial turbines; Wells, or self-rectifying, axial turbines and Francis turbines. This report examines the constructional requirements of these devices with regard to mechanical, environmental and manufacturing considerations. It is concluded that the major benefit of optimum material selection will be reduced manufacturing costs rather than enhanced turbine performance. A methodology of material selection has been established and candidate materials have been listed for the major components of each turbine type. Comparative costs for alternative materials are included, from which significant, potential economies have been identified. Recommendations are made aimed at achieving optimum material usage in the proposed turbines.
Here we describe the fabrication, optimization, and application of a microfluidic device that integrates microdialysis (MD) sampling, microchip electrophoresis (ME), and electrochemical detection...Full Text Available
Pd/n-Si and Pd/n-GaAs devices have been irradiated from high energy ({approx}100 MeV) heavy ions of Au{sup 7+} (gold) and Si{sup 7+} (silicon) to study the irradiation effects in these junction devices on semiconductor substrates. The devices have been characterized from I-V and C-V studies for electronic flow characterization. It has been found that the devices become high resistive on the irradiation and the substrates change the conductivity type from n- to p- on the irradiation of fluence of {approx}10{sup 12}-10{sup 13} ions/cm{sup 2}. The change in conductivity type has been understood as a result of creation of deep acceptors on the irradiation.
The methods of superconducting device fabrication by lithography and multilevel processing usually require a number of processing steps with lithographic resolution and alignment adequate for the scale of the device be fabricated. As an alternative, the focused ion beam (FIB) microscope is increasingly being used directly to fabricate devices. A major advantage of using a FIB compared to other lithography methods is its flexibility and high resolution. It allows in-situ, milling (#propor to#5 nm at a beam current of 1 pA) to a variety of depths, and imaging (2 nm) of the sample. In this paper we describe our development of junction fabrication techniques using the FIB and their application in creating a range of potential sensor devices and quantum electronics applications. (copyright 2005 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim) (orig.)
... Thus. thi, characteristic further buggeots, other things unchanging, that the more *multifunction" the ccna ;Ituent devices ari., t~he more efficienit the ...
A compact and supersensitive device that can rapidly detect minute trace vapors from concealed explosives has been developed by scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The new explosives sensor can detect and chemically identify organic nitrogen-oxygen compounds which are the building blocks of explosives such as TNT, plastiques, and nitroglycerine. The device could be used to scan persons entering airport terminals, nuclear power plants, defense installations, or other sensitive locations, providing greater security against potential terrorism. This device works on a glow discharge principle, and is more specifically called an ''Atmospheric Sampling Glow Discharge Ionization'' (ASGDI) source. The new detector is a highly automated, miniaturized version of research mass spectrometers widely used to trace constituents of chemical mixtures. Detail of this ...
With the increased costs of maintaining boilers and chillers entrepreneurs around the country have offered magnetic and similar devices to facilities as viable alternatives to their maintenance program. This report gives a brief history of some of the pre...
A device is described for transporting loads, especially for moving belt driving stations in open pit mining operations with a propelling mechanism which for lifting a respective load is operable to move into a free space formed by the load with the ground. The device comprises a plurality of lifting mechanisms, by means of which, a lifting platform can be brought into engagement with a supporting surface of the load. The device comprises at least one supporting member which is so designed that it prevents the lifting platform from lifting off lifting mechanisms. Furthermore, means are provided which permit a turning of the lifting platform relative to the lifting mechanisms about a vertical axis which is arranged in a certain relationship to the propelling mechanism.
This paper reviews various techniques to harden Charged Coupled Device (CCD) sensors and the results after irradiation of three Thomson n buried channel CCDs having a different degree of hardening. It describes the major irradiation effects on CCD performances and it makes a comparison of the results between the different hardening levels. It shows good results on dark voltage after ionizing radiation for TH 7863M device hardened both by design and by operating conditions (MPP mode) with respect to the standard device TH 7863A. The irradiations were performed with "6"0Co or X-ray (10 keV) sources on devices in operating mode. (author). 3 refs., 8 figs.
An assessment is made of the biological effects and physical hazards of static and time-varying fields associated with the NMR devices that are being used for clinical imaging and in vivo spectroscopy. A summary is given of the current state of knowledge concerning the mechanisms of interaction and the bioeffects of these fields. Additional topics that are discussed include: (1) physical effects on pacemakers and metallic implants such as aneurysm clips, (2) human health studies related to the effects of exposure to nonionizing electromagnetic radiation, and (3) extant guidelines for limiting exposure of patients and medical personnel to the fields produced by NMR devices. On the basis of information available at the present time, it is concluded that the fields associated with the current generation of NMR devices do not pose a significant health risk in themselves. However, rigorous guidelines must be followed to avoid ...
... with the ability to capture imagery in raw 24-bit format, combined with large memory storage devices enable high resolution imagery to be captured ...
This chapter consists of some points including an introduction, the basic parts of mass spectroscope device, sample introduction into the inductively coupled plasma, pneumatic nebuliser, ultrasonic nebuliser, dry gas cloud system, laser ablation unit, inductively coupled plasma-ion source, extraction of ions from ion source, mass analysis, quad-polar mass spectrometer, dual assembly mass spectrometer, mass spectrometer by calculation of time of flight, ion interferences and the ability of resolution, ion counter, working conditions of inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscope device, efficiency of ion transportation in an inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscope device and applications of analysis using mass spectroscope of induced plasma including nuclear, industrial, geological, environmental and archaeological applications, measurement of isotopes ratio and applications in tracing crimes.
Fusion device produces high-level neutrons and #gamma#-rays, which would hazard the safety of the public and workers if the doses would be higher than the regulatory limits because of leakage from the bio-shielding and skyshine. It is essential to monitor the radiation doses in the workshop and the enumerative around fusion devices. A radiation monitoring system (RMS) for full (near and far) areas around a nuclear fusion device has been designed and developed, which can achieve the monitoring and controlling of radiation doses in the workshop area by using the Controller Area Network (CAN), in the institution area by using the Bluetooth Ad hoc network based on a new tree topology formation and routing protocol and in a long range environment by using the General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) network. (authors)
The changes in quality of irradiated spices, i.e., nutmeg (Myristica fragrans), black pepper and white pepper (Piper nigrum) stored in different indigenous packaging materials were evaluated. Packaging materials used were tin cans; tin can lined with polypropylene film, tin can lined with wrapping paper, woven polypropylene bag and woven polypropylene bag lined with polypropylene film. Packaging in woven polypropylene bag could cause significant changes in a_w-values and moisture contents of the spices. In the tin can, no significant change was found during storage. By applying a polypropylene film liner inside the plastic bag, the changes could be retarded. The other parameters observed, i.e. total plate count, total mould and yeast count and organoleptic scores of the samples were not significantly affected by the packaging method. A dose of 5 kGy could reduce the microbial load of the spices by about 2-3 log cycles. A significant decrease in a_w-value and moisture content of nutmeg, ...
Apricot fruits usually harvested relatively mature but hard enough to withstand-post harvest handling through the marketing chain. These fruits have considerably lower edible quality than tree-ripened fruit. Fruit quality can be improved by delaying harvest least until physiological maturation is completed on the tree (Bonghi et al. 1999) Apricots containing 11% soluble solids concentration, or higher are in high demand by consumers, as fruit have developed considerable taste, aroma and handling for long distance markets. (Kader, 1999). These fruit will be highly perishable, so rapid cold storage to the lowest safe temperature and supplementary treatments (Mc Donald et al, 1999) such as irradiation with the recommend doses (Sillano et al, 1994) or pre-storage heat treatments will be necessary to retard ripening (mainly softening) during 1-2 weeks post harvest life necessary for distribution to distant markets (Mc Donald et al 1999). Therefore, one can conclude that spraying Canino ...
We previously reported that the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 (PGC-1) mRNA in rat epitrochlearis muscle was increased after swimming exercise training. In the present study, we demonstrated further that PGC-1 mRNA expression in the epitrochlearis muscle of 4-5-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats was increased after a 6-h acute bout of low-intensity swimming exercise. With this increase, the expression level was approximately 8-fold of control and immersion group rats that stayed for 6-h in warm water, maintained at the identical temperature of the swimming barrel (35 degrees C) (p<0.01). Second, PGC-1 mRNA expression in the muscle was found to have increased 6-h after 30 10-s tetani contractions were induced by in vitro electrical stimulation. Finally, PGC-1 mRNA expression in the muscle incubated for 18-h with 0.5mM 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside (AICAR: a 5' AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activator) was elevated to approximately ...
The aim of this retrospective analysis was to evaluate feasibility and effectiveness of definitive chemoradiotherapy without split-course technique in anal cancer patients. From 1993 to 2003, 81 patients were treated; 13 were excluded due to various chemotherapeutic regimes, thus 68 patients were analysed. In case of acute grade 3 toxicities, treatment was halted until improvement or resolution independent of dose. Short interruption was defined as completing treatment without exceeding eight cumulative treatment days beyond scheduled plan, other patients were considered to have had prolonged interruption. Median follow-up was 46 months. Median overall treatment time was 53 days corresponding to an interruption of eight cumulative treatment days. Thirty-five patients (51%) had treatment interruption of <8 days. No acute grade 4 toxicities were observed; one fatality occurred during treatment due to ileus-like symptoms according to acute grade 5 toxicity. ...
The method of treatment of uteral cancer by the brake irradiation of 25 MeV betatrone using original devices which promote forming therapeutic figured bunches is presented. The binding of the protective blocks with a special adjusting frame within the aperture of the diaphragm provided for low relative entering dose which is the advantage of high energy irradiation bunch. The use of the forming devices makes it possible to practice individual treatment and decrease the levels of irradiation doses for intact organs and tissues.
The author recounts his experiences with insertion devices at the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory. His first experiences with wigglers occured at the Cambridge Electron Accelerator, and was carried over to SSRL with the proposal for a six pole electromagnetic wiggler. Most modern undulators, and many wigglers are now designed around permanent magnets, and the origin of this transition at SSRL was rather fortuitous and humorous. It reflects some of the personality characteristics of Klaus Halbach.
We demonstrate a two-dimensional device simulator for MOSFET structures that incorporates models for defect distributions and show predicted effects on device switching performance for various spatial distributions of defects in amorphous and polycrystalline silicon.
Metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) integrated circuits, with the benefits of low power consumption, represent the state of the art technology for implantable medical devices. Three significant sources of radiation are classified as having the ability to damage or alter the behavior of implantable electronics; Secondary neutron cosmic radiation, alpha particle radiation from the device packaging and therapeutic doses(up to 70 G{gamma}) of high energy radiation used in radiation oncology. The effects of alpha particle radiation from the packaging may be eliminated by the use of polyimide or silicone rubber die coatings. The relatively low incidence of therapeutic radiation incident on an implantable device and the use of die coating leaves cosmic radiation induced secondary neutron single event upset (SEU) as the main pervasive ionising radiation threat to the reliability of implantable devices. A ...
The experimental device for generation of undulator radiation in terahertz wavelength region by use of undulator with ferromagnets is created. The device is based on a beam of a microtron with the energy 7.5 MeV. The radiation wavelength is 200 mu. Registered spontaneous radiation has a power 10{sup -6} W at a current of a beam 2 mA in a pulse. With the optical resonator, in a mode, the amplification of 6% is received, that in sometimes is more than the expected value. This effect is explained as a result of partial coherence of radiation.
A tiered communications architecture for managing network traffic in a distributed system. Communication between client or control computers and a plurality of hardware devices is administered by agent and monitor devices whose activities are coordinated to reduce the number of open channels or sockets. The communications architecture also improves the transparency and scalability of the distributed system by reducing network mapping dependence. The architecture is desirably implemented in a proton beam therapy system to provide flexible security policies which improve patent safety and facilitate system maintenance and development.
The seawater in the intake structure flows into the large pump to with draw excess heat from the turbine steam condenser. In the intake structure of a nuclear power plant, undesirable pump operating characteristics such as vortices, impeller damages and non-uniform pump-approach flow around the pump bells take place frequently due to poorly-arranged intake geometry. In this study, physical modeling test was performed to predict the hydraulic phenomenon, and proposed flow control devices.
A phantom simulation imaging quality control device is described that effectively simulates one centimeter lesions, using steel ball bearings as gamma ray attenuators. The bearings are mounted in a synthetic resinous sheet in an orthogonal pattern. The phantom can provide uniformity, resolution, linearity, distortion and field size checks, all with a single exposure.
The NREL Sensitized Solar Cell (SSC) Core Program supports the Solar America Initiative by: (1) targeting new devices and processes for commercialization by 2015 that are less expensive, more efficient, highly reliable, and environmentally benign; (2) collaborating with DOE OS/BES to conduct basic research targeting breakthroughs in key areas, such as ultra-high efficiency and/or ultra-low cost materials and devices.
We study the uniqueness of solutions of a semilinear elliptic problem obtained from an inverse formulation when the nonlinear terms of the equation are prescribed in a general class of real functions. The inverse problem arises in the modeling of the magnetic confinement of a plasma in a Stellarator device. The uniqueness proof relies on an L"#infinity# -estimate on the solution of an auxiliary nonlocal problem formulated in terms of the relative rearrangement of a datum with respect to the solution.
An Ottawa-based company, ECS-Power Systems Inc., has successfully completed a series of tests on an innovative device called a hydrodynamic port (HDP), which makes it possible to automatically initiate and maintain emergency cooling of a nuclear reactor core by natural processes, without relying in any way on human intervention, instrumentation, electric power, valves or moving parts of any kind.
Biased above threshold (VT), pulsed photocurrent (u) measurements on windowed silicon Pd gate MOS capacitors are shifted (DV) negatively by H2/N2, whereas Au gates shift positively under NO2/air. Below VT, the shifts are reversed by adjustments of interface state population. Minor temperature increases may coax the device from inversion to depletion, inducing sign reversal of the chemical response.
Heterodyne detection with a point-contact Josephson junction has been investigated both experimentally and theoretically. The measured performance of the device at 36 GHz is in good agreement with the theory. By operating vanadium point contacts at 1.4 K, the authors have achieved a single-sideband (SSB) mixer noise temperature of 54 K with a conversion gain of 1.35 and a signal bandwidth on the order of 1 GHz. A potentially impressive performance for these devices at submillimeter wavelengths can be extrapolated from the results.
In response to severe maintenance problems caused by the highly corrosive toxic and radioactive substance used in the nuclear reprocessing industry, AEA Technology (formerly the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority) has developed a series of power fluidics devices with no moving parts. These maintenance-free devices are described in this article which also explores applications in fields outside their original brief. (UK).
ORNL has developed the technology to detect hidden explosives in luggage using X ray and neutron detection devices. The Federal Aviation Administration has ordered the airlines to buy and install Thermal Neutron Analysis (TNA) units. The combined pulsed-neutron and X-ray interrogation inspection (CPNX) system developed at ORNL uses less radioactive materials as well as being more sensitive to weapons, electronic devices and plastic explosives.
The results show that the SQUID device eddy current testing system is a suitable tool for NDE. Due to the high low-frequency sensitivity of the SQUID sensor, the SQUID device eddy current testing system permits lower examination frequencies than the conventional eddy current probe system. The SQUID system enhances fault detection in even deeper materials layers. (orig./MM).
First Solar made 9 CdTe PV devices; found two front- and one back-side structures that show improved Jsc and Voc, respectively, compared to base device structure; best cell efficiency was 14.13%.
An electrical circuit testing device is provided, comprising a case, a digital voltage level testing circuit with a display means, a switch to initiate measurement using the device, a non-shorting switching means for selecting pre-determined electrical wiring configurations to be tested in an outlet, a terminal block, a five-pole electrical plug mounted on the case surface and a set of adapters that can be used for various multiple-pronged electrical outlet configurations for voltages from 100 600 VAC from 50 100 Hz.
The device is made by a tool at the end of a flexible cable, a motor for the rotation of the flexible, a linear drive with a guide for it between the winder and the tube.
Digital optical processing (DOP) was conceived to encompass the advantages of both electronic and optical processors, which are parallelism, flexibility, and high accuracy. The authors discuss the concept of parallelism, how it applies to DOP differently than to electronic parallel processing, and other potential advantages in using DOP. A PLZT memory device is described which can perform a series of logic or memory operations. From several of these PLZT devices a DOP is constructed to illustrate some of its programmability features.
A device for marking and searching for information on a magnetic carrier is described. In order to increase the noise immunity and reliability of the data recording and reading paths, the recording head is included between the amplifier of the clock pulses for the master oscillator and through the amplifier of the code pulses for the logical element unit. The reproduction head is connected through the code pulse shaper-amplifier with a switch which is connected with the display unit, and through another analogous clock pulse amplifier with a multivibrator.
A device for laying cut peat in drying formations is proposed consisting of separate compartments, reinforced on a common frame and with mechanisms for both vertical and horizontal mixing. In order to intensify the drying process, within the scope of laying cut peat, uniform clearances and spacing in formations is applied. The mixing compartments are joined in sections with capabilities for separate mixing in each unit. The compartments are joined together by hinges and can be turned 180 degrees on the hinges horizontal to the plane.
The purpose of this research was to investigate the de-entrainment of boron for evaporators used in nuclear power plants. The forced circulation and semi-continuous type evaporator was used in the experiment. Cyclone and glass-wool packed column which is supposed to provide good decontamination factor as well as easy maintenance, were selected as de-entrainment device to be used in the evaporation of radioactive liquid wastes. The de-entrainment device combined with cyclone and glass-wool column has shown overall DF more than 1000 for boron.
We have undertaken a study of ion mobility resolution in a miniature ion mobility spectrometer with a drift channel 1.7 mm in diameter and 35 mm in length. The device attained a maximum resolution of 14 in separating ions of NO, O{sub 2}, and methyl iodine. The ions were generated by pulses from a frequency-quadrupled Nd:YAG laser. Broadening due to Coulomb repulsion was modeled theoretically and shown experimentally to have a major effect on the resolution of the miniature device.
The invention concerns an improvement of a cooling device for rotors of multistage axial steam turbines by providing in the first stage of each group of turbine stages a circulation loop connecting the wheel chamber on the inlet side of the rotor disc of the first stage with the wheel chamber on its outlet side. This is to cause the cooling effect not to be hampered by gap widths of the seal in the bottom range of the rotor blades changing during operation. Design particulars are described in detail. (UWI).
Purpose: To ensure continuous operation for condensate desalters with the control device for desalter group in a nuclear power plant by automatically averaging the operation interval between each of the desalters. Constitution: Electroconduction meters are provided at the inlet and the outlet for each of the desalters. The conduction rates at the inlet and outlet are compared to determine the re-generation timing of the condensate desalter. Limiting set value for each of the equipments in the cleanup systems is changed by using a mathematical operation circuit to average the operation interval between each of the desalters. (Ikeda, J.).
A continuous-flow filter/concentrator for separating and/or concentrating particles in a fluid is disclosed. The filter is a three-port device an inlet port, an filter port and a concentrate port. The filter separates particles into two streams by the ratio of their dielectrophoretic mobility to their electrokinetic, advective, or diffusive mobility if the dominant transport mechanism is electrokinesis, advection, or diffusion, respectively.Also disclosed is a device for separating and/or concentrating particles by dielectrophoretic trapping of the particles.
The device, aimed at non destructive control of the inner side of tubes such as steam generator tubes, is composed of a control sensor mounted on a support; the sensor head may rotate in the tube and a measuring system and signal processing allow for the exact determination of the angular position of the sensor head (application to ultrasonic or eddy current probes).
A string sieve is proposed which includes a frame, a sifting surface made of string, a device for attaching the strings made in the form of rollers installed in staggered order and a tensing device attached to traverses. To improve the effectiveness of sifting by self cleaning of the sifting surface during operation, the rollers are installed on the traverses by means of a unit of hinges, whose elastic elements are made with varying rigidity.
Three instruments for measuring local velocities in liquid-metal MHD experiments for fusion blanket applications are being evaluated. The devices are used in room-temperature NaK experiments to measure three-dimensional flow field patterns anticipated in complex blanket geometries. Hot film anemometry, a standard technique in ordinary fluids, is being used, as well as two developmental devices. One is called the Liquid Metal Electromagnetic Velocity Instrument (LEVI), and performs essentially as a local dc electromagnetic flow meter. The third device, a Thermal Transient Anemometer (TTA) is a rugged, yet relatively simple device, which measures local velocity through the mechanism of convective heat transfer, in some ways similar to hot-film anemometry. Results are presented showing the kinds of data collected this far with each instrument. Measurements include both local velocity measurements and some ...
Since the earliest papers on undulaters were published, it has been known how to calculate the spontaneous emission spectrum from ''short'' undulaters when the magnetic field strength parameter is small compared to unity, or in ''single'' frequency sinusoidal undulaters where the magnetic field strength parameter is comparable to or larger than unity, but where the magnetic field amplitude is constant throughout the undulater. Fewer general results have been obtained in the case where the insertion device is both short, i.e., the magnetic field strength parameter changes appreciably throughout the insertion device, and the magnetic field strength is high enough that ponderomotive effects, radiation retardation, and harmonic generation are important physical phenomena. In this paper a general method is presented for calculating the radiation spectrum for short, high-field ...
Room temperature continuous wave operation of red ([lambda][sub 0] [approximately] 660 nm) vertical cavity surface emitting laser arrays is reported. The 1 [times] 64 arrays have a pitch of 100 [mu]m with device diameters of 15 [mu]m with device diameters of 15 [mu]m. Grown by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy, the devices consist of an AlGaInP strained quantum well optical cavity active region surrounded by AlGaAs distributed Bragg reflectors (DBR's). The top coupling DBR includes a partial dielectric stack, deposited after implanted device fabrication. All 64 devices operation simultaneously with peak output powers >0.45 mW, threshold current <1.5 mA, and threshold voltages [<=] 2.7 V. The differential quantum efficiencies exceed 10%.
We report on studies of field-effect transistor (FET) and transparent thin-film transistor (TFT) devices based on lightly Ta-doped SnO2 nano-wires. The nanowire-based devices exhibit uniform characteristics with average field-effect mobilities exceeding 100 cm2/V x s. Prototype nano-wire-based TFT (NW-TFT) devices on glass substrates showed excellent optical transparency and transistor performance in terms of transconductance, bias voltage range, and on/off ratio. High on-currents and field-effect mobilities were obtained from the NW-TFT devices even at low nanowire coverage. The SnO2 nanowire-based TFT approach offers a number of desirable properties such as low growth cost, high electron mobility, and optical transparency and low operation voltage, and may lead to large-scale applications of transparent electronics on diverse substrates. PMID:17595151
A non-synthetic polymer material, polyterpenol, was fabricated using a dry polymerization process namely RF plasma polymerization from an environmentally friendly monomer and its surface, optical and electrical properties investigated. Polyterpenol films were found to be transparent over the visible wavelength range, with a smooth surface with an average roughness of less than 0.4 nm and hardness of 0.4 GPa. The dielectric constant of 3.4 for polyterpenol was higher than that of the conventional polymer materials used in the organic electronic devices. The non-synthetic polymer material was then implemented as a surface modification of the gate insulator in field effect transistor (OFET) and the properties of the device were examined. In comparison to the similar device without the polymer insulating layer, the polyterpenol based OFET device showed significant improvements. The addition of the ...
Objective: To evaluate the treatment of malignant biliary stenoses and occlusions using a new stent. Methods: In a prospective study, 25 patients with malignant obstructive jaundice were treated with SMART stents. The handling and the quality of stent expansion were documented. Stent function was assessed 2-4 days after intervention by cholangiography and laboratory tests. A follow-up was performed three months, after stent placement. Results: All lesions were treated successfully, with a total of 35 stents implanted. In 14 patients a further balloon dilatation was performed after stent placement (8-10 mm diameter/40-80 mm length). The mean serum bilirubin level decreased significantly from 11.6 mg/dl to 4.6 mg/dl after intervention (p<0.05). The follow-up showed a mean serum bilirubin level at 4.0 mg/dl. In 4 cases (16%) a further intervention (PTCD or stent) was performed. Six patients died due to tumor progression. The stents proved to be patent in 79% ...
The purpose of the Microelectronic Evaluation Laboratory at Sandia is to develop a program for evaluating CMOS LSI (complementary metal oxide silicon - large scale integrated) technology devices which are being used for the first time in a weapon system. These evaluations are based on accelerated aging studies and electrical tests to determine the reliability and life of the devices. In accelerated aging, specific, controlled stresses are applied to the device to accelerate time-to-failure. Data are used tin mathematical models to estimate life in acutal use. The stresses used for this technology are temperature and voltage. The devices are stored at temperatures with or without voltage applied (steady-state or cyclical) and periodically tested until at least 50% failures are encountered. Since most current technologies use epoxy-die-attachment, aging temperatures must be under 200/sup 0/C. This delays ...
The adhesion of a Mg:Ag cathode to the tris-(8-hydroxyquinoline) aluminum (Alq{sub 3}) in organic light emitting devices (OLEDs) can be greatly enhanced by a remote plasma treatment of the Alq{sub 3} layer using either air or N{sub 2} prior to metal deposition. The altered surface properties which lead to increased sticking coefficients of Mg and Ag, as well as enhanced adhesion, are attributed to the introduction of new functional groups into the organic layer, as observed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The storage life of the plasma treated devices in air without any capping treatment, as judged by a visible deterioration of the cathode, was increased by approximately five to six times compared to untreated OLEDs. Current-voltage characteristics and EL efficiency, however, were shown to deteriorate for devices incorporating either an air or an N{sub 2} plasma treated Alq{sub 3} layer. For OLEDs subjected to ...
This report describes the results of a program conducted at the Pacific Northwest Laboratory (PNL) and Westinghouse Hanford Company (WHC) to identify alternative methods to measure the surface level in the waste tanks. This program examined commercially available devices for measuring the distance to a target. This is a continuation of a program started in FY93. In the first test sequence, tests were performed.on five devices to determine their applicability to measure the surface level in the waste tanks. The devices were the Enraf-Nonius{trademark} Model 872 Radar Gauge, the Enraf-Nonius{trademark} Model 854 Advanced Technology Gauge (ATG), the Stanley Tool Laser Measuring Device, the Robertshaw Inven-Tel{reg_sign} Precision Level Gauge, and the Micro Switch Model 942 Acoustic Sensor. In addition, discussions were held with several manufacturer representatives regarding other potential ...
The patient positioning and repositioning control in radiation therapy all along the treatment can be conducted using a variety of X-ray sources and imaging detector devices. The development of image guided radiation therapy techniques leads to more frequent use of this imaging control. In this article we summarize the current methods for measuring the dose delivered by X-ray imaging devices used in radiation therapy, as well as basic proposals to take account of these imaging doses for prescribing, recording and reporting radiation therapy treatment. (authors)
The lateral bearing device is made of 7 lateral supports, each positioned to allow the displacement of the steam generator due to thermal or seismic effects. Each support includes a buffer plate that can be positioned on the steam generator using a position control assembly. This control assembly consists of a screw jack arrangement where the nut is fastened via an energy absorbing layer to a footplate that is fixed to the concrete wall of the steam generator enclosure. 4 figs.
Individuals who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) depend on technology to meet their daily needs and form relationships. Speech generating devices (SGDs) are integral components of communication systems. Reliability of SGDs is critical for effective use in everyday life. This study examined the reliability of new SGDs and found that mean time to first failure was 42.7 (SD = 41.2) weeks and at least 40% required repairs within the first year of use. The components that most frequently broke down were touch screens, wiring, main boards, batteries, memory cards, and AC adaptors. The costs of repairing SGDs were analyzed. The clinical implications of device breakdown are identified for key stakeholders, including clients, families, service providers, funding agencies, and ma...
The first part of the study contains a literature compilation of more than 50 original publications reporting the radiation induced effects in 17 different high polymer materials and glass which are relevant in the manufacturing of medical devices or packing materials. The results collected demonstrate that high energy radiation, i.e. gamma- or X-rays, causes various physical and chemical alterations in high polymer materials. A detailed summary and discussion of the results of the original publications is not included in the present report, it will be presented in the second part of the study. Furthermore, the second part of the study will refer to the aspect of wholesomeness of irradiated medical devices or packing materials in a more general manner of representation. (orig.).
One of the issues with printers - or the increasingly common multi-function devices (MFDs) - is that no one takes any notice of them. They just sit there, unacknowledged and ignored, in the corner of the office, printing, photocopying, faxing and even emailing away and no one gives them a second thought. Until something goes wrong. No-one gives printers - or multi-function devices (MFDs) - a second thought, as they have just been sitting there in offices doing their thing for years. But the problem is that they have now grown up to become fully-fledged computers and are starting to present an information security risk. These machines now have operating systems, hard drives and IP addresses, and have been exploited as storage devices by hackers. But most problems stem from poor internal pra...
Photoemission-electron-microscopy (PEEM) is introduced as a tool for the characterization of organic electronic devices. PEEM-measurements are used for imaging as well as for spectroscopic analyses by illumination with light of a Hg-lamp (4.9 eV), a D2 lamp (7.3 eV), and with synchrotron radiation for resonant photoelectron spectroscopy. We determine the charge carrier concentration inside the channel region of the organic device and its lateral distribution. From resonant photoelectron spectroscopy (RPES) we deduce the electronic states which are accessible with the Hg and D2 illumination. Photoelectron-spectroscopy at selected areas ({mu}-PES) gives information on the absolute values of surface potentials in lateral resolution. We are able to perform these studies with applied voltages at the source- and drain-electrode.
The metallo-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) process has been used with great success to grow AlGaAs-GaAs and InGaAsP-InGaAs-InP heterostructure materials for electronic and optoelectronic applications. Devices fabricated from Al/sub x/Ga/sub 1-x/As-GaAs heterostructures grown by MOCVD include bipolar transistors, field-effect transistors (FETs), high-mobility (or modulation-doped) FETs, large-area high-efficiency solar cells, low-threshold lasers, high-power lasers, quantum-well lasers, and visible lasers. The state of the art for the MOCFD growth of optoelectronic devices is reviewed in this paper, and some comments are made regarding future trends in the growth of these materials by MOCVD.
A radiometric method of measuring the ratio of liquid and solid phases (crust thickness) in a continuous ingot for automation of the continuous steel casting process, has been proposed. The essence of the method is, that radiation flux, bearing information on the object tested, is transformed in a succession of electric pulses, which is processed afterwords for obtaining necessary information. In this case either the flux of non-scattered radiation, passed through the object, or the flux of single-scattered radiation reflected from the object is registered. Block-diagram and specifications of a radiometric device with the Co source of 50 gxequiv. Ra activity developed for this purpose are presented. The technique for calibration ob the device and the results of its tests, are described. It is shown, that introduction of such devices for the control crust thickness at the installations of continuous steel casting of ...
A new class of low aspect ratio toroidal hybrid stellarators is found using a more general plasma confinement optimization criterion than quasisymmetrization. The plasma current profile and shape of the outer magnetic flux surface are used as control variables to achieve near constancy of the longitudinal invariant J{sup {asterisk}} on internal flux surfaces (quasiomnigeneity), in addition to a number of other desirable physics target properties. A range of compact (small aspect ratio A), low plasma current devices have been found with significantly improved confinement, both for thermal as well as energetic (collisionless) particle components. With reasonable increases in magnetic field and geometric size, such devices can also be scaled to confine 3.5 MeV alpha particle orbits.
A new class of low aspect ratio toroidal hybrid stellarators is found using more general plasma confinement optimization criterion than quasi-symmetrization. The plasma current profile and shape of the outer magnetic flux surface are used as control variables to achieve near constancy of the longitudinal invariant J* on internal flux surfaces (quasi-omnigeneity), in addition to a number of other desirable physics target properties. We find that a range of compact (small aspect ratio A), high {beta} (ratio of thermal energy to magnetic field energy), low plasma current devices exist which have significantly improved confinement both for thermal as well as energetic (collisionless) particle components. With reasonable increases in magnetic field and geometric size, such devices can also be scaled to confine 3.5 MeV alpha particle orbits.
Google's Android is a comprehensive software framework for mobile communication devices (i.e., smartphones, PDAs). The Android framework includes an operating system, middleware and a set of key applications. The incorporation of integrated access services to the Internet on such mobile devices, however, increases their exposure to damages inflicted by various types of malware. This paper provides a comprehensive security assessment of the Android framework and the security mechanisms incorporated into it. A methodological qualitative risk analysis that we conducted identifies the high-risk threats to the framework and any potential danger to information or to the system resulting from vulnerabilities that have been uncovered and exploited. Our review of current academic and commercial solutions in the area of smartphone security yields a list of applied and recommended defense mechanisms for hardening mobile devices in ...
Trends in front-end-of-line technology are discussed. At the chip level, many of the important parameters are published in the National Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors in 1994. At the device and circuit level, both bipolar and CMOS are scalable. However, the large standby power of bipolar circuits severely limits the integration level of bipolar chips. The inherently low standby power of CMOS, on the contrary, allows the integration level of CMOS circuits to continue increasing with scaling. In reality, both the electric field and power density of CMOS devices have been gradually rising over the generations owing to non-scaling effects of thermal voltage and silicon bandgap. As power supply voltage reaches 1.5V and below, circuit performance can only be gained at the expense of higher active or standby power of the chip. Implications of device scaling on contact and silicide technology are addressed. Trends of local ...
Purpose In literature, few papers compare different hemostatic devices in laparoscopic adrenalectomy. This sequential cohort study analyzes the outcomes of laparoscopic adrenalectomy performed by different hemostatic instruments, to evaluate if any of them has any advantage over the other and as secondary endpoints, the impact of body mass index (BMI) and tumor size on the indication, and the outcome of laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Methods Forty-six patients, aged 54.6???46?years, underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy over 5?years. Mean BMI was 27???4.8?kg/m2. Twenty-four patients had a left tumor, and 22 had a right one. Patients were divided into two groups according to the hemostatic device: Ultracision was used in 26 patients, and Ligasure was used in 20. Groups were well matched for his...
Most surface-acoustic-wave and thin-film optical devices are made by the planar fabrication process. The exposure of the pattern in the polymer film is the first and most crucial step in ensuring desired device geometry, dimensional control, and freedom from pattern distortion. The methods of exposing the polymer film include: optical projection, conventional contact printing, conformable photomask contact printing, holographic recording, scanning electron beam lithography, projection electron lithography, and x-ray lithography. In this paper scanning electron beam lithography, conformable photomask contact printing, holographic recording, and x-ray lithography are discussed. In the last section, ion beam etching of relief structures is discussed.
The invention concerns a device for the energy-saving heating of fuel in the supply pipe to an internal combustion engine to regain energy from the fuel itself, particularly but not exclusively for a Diesel engine. A part of the quantity of heat added to the fuel between the tank and the injection nozzles is given up by excess fuel not to the tank, but to the fuel lifted upstream of the injection pump. The device is characterised by the fact that it has a heat exchanger, which absorbs heat from the fuel at the level of the injection pump or upstream of it, and takes this to the fuel above the injection pump. The heat exchanger is preferably mounted upstream of a filter and close to it. A bridging pipe, which may be integrated in the heat exchanger, permits the heat exchanger to be short-circuited depending on the fuel temperature.
Thermoacoustics deals with the conversion of heat energy into sound energy and vice versa. It is a new and emerging technology which has a strong potential towards the development of sustainable and renewable energy systems by utilizing waste heat or solar energy. Although simple to fabricate, the designing of thermoacoustic devices is very challenging. In the present study, a comprehensive design and optimization algorithm is developed for designing thermoacoustic devices. The unique feature of the present algorithm is its ability to design thermoacoustically-driven thermoacoustic refrigerators that can serve as sustainable refrigeration systems. In addition, new features based on the energy balance are also included to design individual thermoacoustic engines and acoustically-driven thermoacoustic refrigerators. As a case study, a thermoacoustically-driven thermoacoustic refrigerator has been designed and optimized based on the developed ...
Purpose: To prevent structure material meltdown upon rupture of cooling pipeways in a impurity remover by preventing the coolants from flowing into the vacuum vessel while continuing the supply of coolants to other portions to be cooled. Constitution: Dual cooling pipeway systems are disposed to the neutralizing plates of the impurity remover. A rupture detector (pressure gage) is mounted to each of the cooling pipeways and flow rate control valves to be opened and closed by the signal from the detector are disposed to the upstream and downstream of the cooling pipeway. In this constitution if the cooling pipes should be ruptured, the coolant supply is stopped to the ruptured system in which the flow rate valve is closed by the signal from the rupture detector. However, since the coolant is kept to be supplied to the other system of the cooling pipeways, meltdown of the neutralizing plates can be prevented. (Kamimura, M.).
Purpose: To flatten temperature distribution of coolant within a core. Constitution: The control device of the present invention is to vary reactivity of a fast breeder to control a reactor power. In general, the control device of this kind comprises a guide pipe arranged within the core and a control rod movable up and down within the guide pipe, and a coolant flows from bottom toward top within the guide pipe. Since a cooling flow rate has a margin, temperature of coolant outlet is extremely low as compared to a fuel assembly, and therefore temperature gradient in the vicinity of the top of the control rod becomes sharp to possibly impart thermal shock to the structural material. In the present invention, the flow passage of coolant is varied to thereby avoid outflow thereof into the core, thus flattening the temperature distribution of the coolant within the core. (Kamimura, M.).
The use of dendrimers for preparing chemically sensitive interfaces for detecting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) using surface acoustic wave (SAW) device transducers is described. Specifically, the synthesis of the dendrimers and the means by which they are affixed to SAW devices is discussed, followed by a detailed spectroscopic analysis of the surface-confined dendrimers and a discussion of their interaction with different VOCs. Most of these preliminary experiments focus on dendrimer surface modification using benzoylchloride, which leads to phenyl terminal groups linked to the dendrimer via amide groups. The results of this study lead us to conclude that dendrimers: (1) provide general specificity towards classes of functional groups and are therefore suitable for array-based sensing schemes; (2) are intermediate in structure between monolayers and polymers and exhibit the desirable properties of both; (3) can be straightforwardly ...
Course website from Cambridge on ceramic materials. This site contains eight lectures in PDF format (Adobe Reader required), two question sheets, five practicals (including answers), digital movies and further useful links. "There is a strong relationship between the structure of a material and its physical properties. The properties of a material whether mechanical, electrical, optical or magnetic, determine how it can be used in practical applications. In this course, the focus is on the structure / property relationship for ionic materials with electrical properties utilised in various transducer devices. The materials considered include perovskites, which have special polarisation properties exploited in ferroelectric, pyroelectric and piezoelectric devices. Other oxides, such as zirconia, have structures permitting rapid diffusion of ions, making them suitable for use in sensors, fuel cells and batteries. The scientific principles ...
The article is aimed to design and testing of joystick with force feedback used in direct, human control of lifting device. The paper starts with the basic description of designed and tested by us MR rotary brake. Some initial laboratory investigations results of such brakes are presented. The usage of MR brakes in 2 axis joystick is proposed. Such, built by as joystick, is described. It was used as Human-Machine Interface in active control of lifting device. The designed and built 2 axis manipulator with electrohydraulic drive is described. In the paper, the based on PC with input/output card, control system of mentioned above joystick with MR brake and manipulator is described. Finally the control algorithm is proposed.
In this work, we investigated self-heating related instability in polysilicon thin film transistors (poly-Si TFTs) fabricated on polyimide (PI) substrates. Indeed, when Joule heating becomes relevant, the temperature of the active layer can substantially rise, since the devices are fabricated on thermally insulating substrates. As a result, electrical instability is triggered and attributed to the generation of interface states, due to the Si-H bond breaking, and charge trapping into the gate insulator. In addition, by using 3-dimensional numerical simulations, coupling the thermodynamic and transport models, we analyzed the temperature distribution of the device under operating conditions and found that self-heating is more severe for devices fabricated on plastic substrates.
A novel floating-gate avalanche injection (FAMOS) type erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) device is demonstrated, with a heavily focused ion-beam (FIB) implanted region of about 0.2-..mu..m width at the drain edge of the channel. This heavily B/sup +/-doped region permits a higher electric field near the drain edge, resulting in a remarkable increase of the hot-carrier generation rate, and reduces both the programming voltage and programming time. A three-dimensional device simulator, CADDETH, predicted that the electric field at the drain edge would increase by about six times, which would lead to hot-carrier generation efficiency three orders of magnitude higher.
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 (PGC-1), a cold-inducible coactivator of nuclear receptors, stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis and respiration in muscle cells. In the present study, we first cloned a rat PGC-1 gene from a brown adipose tissue cDNA library which encodes a predicted 796-amino-acid protein and exhibits respectively 98% and 95% identity with the mouse and human homologues. Next, we examined the effect of swimming exercise training on the level of expression of the PGC-1 gene in rat epitrochlearis (Epi) muscle. PGC-1 mRNA level in Epi muscle in rats that swam 2 h a day for 3 and 7 days increased dramatically by 154% and 163%, respectively, compared to the non-exercised control group. PGC-1 mRNA up-regulation was not observed in an immersion group treated at 35 degrees C during the training program but without swimming exercise. These results demonstrate that expression of the PGC-1 gene in Epi muscle is induced not only by cold exposure but ...
Ultraviolet (UV) upconversion (UC) luminescence in Yb3+/Er3+-codoped yttrium oxide (Y2O3) nanocrystals can be enhanced by orders of magnitude via tridoping further with Li+ ions under diode laser excitation of 970 nm. Sensitized three-photon UC radiations at 390 and 409 nm, corresponding to the 4G11/2?4I15/2 and 4H9/2?4I15/2 of Er3+ ions, respectively, present an enhancement time of about 33 times, which is larger than the 24 times enhancement for the UC green radiation. The UV UC radiation at 320 nm that corresponds to the 2P3/2?4I15/2 of Er3+ ions has also been greatly enhanced. Theoretical calculations interpret that all the observed enhancement times of UV UC radiations arise from the prolonged lifetimes of their intermediate states.
Two sources of ultraviolet (UV) radiation with peak wavelengths in the UV-C or UV-B ranges were compared for their ability to sterilize contact lenses infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Acanthamoeba castellani, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus niger. Also examined was the effect of prolonged UV light exposure on soft and rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses. The UV-C lamp (253.7 nm, 250 mW/cm2 at 1 cm) was germicidal for all organisms within 20 minutes but caused destruction of the soft lens polymers within 6 hours of cumulative exposure. UV-C caused damage to RGP lenses in less than 100 hours. The UV-B lamp (290-310 nm, 500 mW/cm2 at 1 cm) was germicidal for all organisms tested (except Aspergillus) with a 180-minute exposure and caused less severe changes in the soft lens polymers than did the UV-C lamp, although cumulative exposure of 300 hours did substantially weaken the soft lens material. RGP materials were minimally ...
Two sources of ultraviolet (UV) radiation with peak wavelengths in the UV-C or UV-B ranges were compared for their ability to sterilize contact lenses infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Acanthamoeba castellani, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus niger. Also examined was the effect of prolonged UV light exposure on soft and rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses. The UV-C lamp (253.7 nm, 250 mW/cm2 at 1 cm) was germicidal for all organisms within 20 minutes but caused destruction of the soft lens polymers within 6 hours of cumulative exposure. UV-C caused damage to RGP lenses in less than 100 hours. The UV-B lamp (290-310 nm, 500 mW/cm2 at 1 cm) was germicidal for all organisms tested (except Aspergillus) with a 180-minute exposure and caused less severe changes in the soft lens polymers than did the UV-C lamp, although cumulative exposure of 300 hours did substantially weaken the soft lens material. RGP materials were minimally ...
Ingestion of HTO during oocyte maturation and continued during pre-implantation time was found to depress decidual response. At birth these offspring also showed a decrease in brain cell number. When HTO was given during pregnancy only, the offspring at birth showed a similar deficit in brain cell number. Even so, we could not demonstrate a gross deficit in oocyte maturation when HTO was ingested during sexual maturity only; however, when further continued during pregnancy, the measured newborn parameters were most severely affected. In this group, cell-multiplication in the cerebrum was severely decreased, protein synthesis was decreased, and somatic growth was also highly significantly decreased. These experiments indicate that even a short-term exposure to HTO during early pregnancy (pre-implantation) alters normal development to such an extent that it is still observable at birth. During embryonic development, HTO affected the rate of actual cell division and it is apparent that ...
For prolonged storage and eventual disposal radioactive wastes will be solidified to reduce the problems which accompany liquid waste whilst solid wastes will be encapsulated in an immobilising matrix. In the solidification and encapsulation process it will be important to produce a material in a form which is chemically stable, mechanically strong and which will not react with or allow free passage of groundwater. To this end a continuous check will be required to ensure that the various wastes are chemically compatible with the solidifying and binding matrices and that the associated processes are performed against a strict Quality Programme. The Quality Programme will be extensive requiring the specification of procedures for assessing the quality and nature of the wastes, the detailed operation of the solidification and/or encapsulation, the overpack requirements for transportation and the routines to be adopted with respect to storage or final disposal in the ...
All MBI bending magnets in each of the two LHC injection transfer lines will be powered in series. The limited output voltage of existing power converters lead to an unusual coil design avoiding external return bus-bars by combining two overlapping half-coils, electrically separated, with 3 1/2 turns each in a monolithic structure. The voltage between turns in one coil can reach up-to 3.6 kV. The coil has been designed with particular care for obtaining high interturn and ground insulation. Flux-free soldering of connections with plug-in cone sleeves is applied, allowing to execute water cooled current connections as prolongation of the coil conductor. Epoxy compound polymerization in the impregnation mould is obtained by passing overheated water in regulated cycles through the water circuit of the coil conductor. We describe the design basics as well as various test results of pre-series and series produced coils. (4 refs).
Lab scale mulch biofilm barriers were constructed and tested to evaluate their performance for preventing the migration of aqueous and surfactant solubilized PAHs. The spatial distribution of viable PAH degrader populations and resultant biofilm formation were also monitored to evaluate the performance of the biobarrier and the prolonged surfactant effect on the PAH degrading microorganism consortia in the biobarrier. Sorption and biodegradation of PAHs resulted in stable operation of the system for dissolved phenanthrene and pyrene during 150 days of experimentation. The nonionic surfactant could increase the solubility of phenanthrene and pyrene significantly. However, the biobarrier itself couldn't totally prevent the migration of micellar solubilized phenanthrene and pyrene. The presence of surfactant and the resultant highly increased phenanthrene or pyrene concentration didn't appear to cause toxic effects on the attached biofilm in the biobarrier. However, ...
Several thin film composite nanofiltration membranes have been prepared by spin coating a sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) solution on a polyethersulfone support, followed by thermal treatment. The most optimal developed nanofiltration membrane shows a clean water permeance of ~4.5Lm^-^2h^-^1bar^-^1 and a molecular weight cut off (MWCO) of ~500gmol^-^1. No irreversible changes in membrane performance have been observed after prolonged exposure (up to several weeks) of this membrane to solutions with a pH in the range 0-14. Compared to Desal-5-DK, the developed membrane displays a similar water permeance and a higher NaCl retention. In comparison to commercially available pH stable membranes, MPF-34 and NP030P, it reveals a higher water permeance. Permeance and MWCO analysis at varying p...
The paper discusses the safety problems connected with the conversion to dense storage of RBMK-1000 spent fuel in reactor cooling pools and independent storage facilities. Recourse to dense storage has been made for a number of reasons, among which are the absence of spent fuel shipments from the nuclear power plant site, prolongation of storage time and a partial change in storage conditions. Increasing the storage density per unit volume of the storage facility and turning to new technical procedures (as against the basic design) call for further investigation of safety problems. The safety assessment of the dense storage mode includes: (1) Selecting a list of initiating events for design basis and unforeseeable accidents; (2) Assessing dense storage safety under normal as well as design basis accident conditions; (3) Safety analysis and development of measures to compensate for unforeseen accidents. Based on the studies performed, suggestions have been advanced ...
Petrographic research for the Nevada Nuclear Waste Storage Investigations focused on xenolithic variability in the Topopah Spring Member and on variations of clinoptilolite composition at Yucca Mountain. Zeolite and smectite occurrences were considered in terms of their relation to a disturbed zone beneath the potential repository, and mineral stability experiments have produced a new clinoptilolite structure as a result of prolonged heating at low temperature. Limitations were defined on the abundance of erionite and of sulfur. X-ray diffraction studies lead to improved analytical methods. Progress was made in the comparative study of mineralogy in sand ramps and in faults. Geological modeling considered the differences of the diffusion of nonsorbing tracers in vertically and in horizontally fractured rock. Modeling also treated the diffusion of a nonsorbing tracer in devitrified and in zeolitized rock. The results of these experiments in all cases show relatively ...
Radiation damage studies have been carried out on undoped and CrO_4"2"- doped potassium and ammonium alums. The optical absorption bands observed around 27100 and 36500 cm"-"1 before irradiation have been attributed to the transitions t_1 #-># e and t_1 #-># t_2, on the basis of Ball-hausen and Liehr scheme. On prolonged X-irradiation, these bands disappear in both the alums and three new bands seem to grow in ammonium alum while only two new bands could be seen in potassium alum. EPR studies at RT reveal that there are two lines at g = 2.004 and g = 2.010 in ammonium alum and only one line at g = 2.004 in potassium alum. Besides these two nearly isotropic lines, there is a set of lines around g = 1.95 in both the alums. Correlating the optical and EPR studies it is concluded that SO_3"- and O_3"- centres have formed on X-irradiation in ammonium alum while only SO_3"- seems to have formed in potassium alum. The most important feature is the formation of a new ...
Quantitative assessment of bone scintigraphy was performed in fifty-six patients with hip joint disease including femoral neck fracture, aseptic necrosis of the femoral head, traumatic dislocation of the hip, Perthes disease, and transient synovitis of the hip. In the static study, bone scintigraphy was obtained 3 hours after injection of sup(99m)Tc-MDP by gamma camera equipped with a computer and uptake ratios were calculated. In the dynamic study, bone scintigraphy was performed in one, 3 and 5 hours after injection of radionuclide. Femoral head uptake ratio was markedly decreased in osteonecrosis following femoral neck fracture and characteristically increased in aseptic necrosis of the femoral head but prolonged retention of sup(99m)Tc-MDP could be observed. Uptake ratios of epiphysis were decreased in Perthes disease but normal in transient synovitis of the hip. Static and dynamic study of bone scintigraphy may be useful for early diagnosis and treatment in ...
The service conditions for high-temperature heat-exchangers with helium coolant of HTGRs and requirements imposed on materials for their production are discussed. The choice of nickel-base alloys with solid-solution hardening for long-term service at high temperatures is grounded. Results of study on properties and structure of types Ni-25Cr-5W-5Mo and Ni-20Cr-20W alloy in the temperature range of 900 deg. - 1,000 deg. C are given. The ageing of Ni-25Cr-5W-5Mo alloy at 900 deg. - 950 deg. C results in decreased corrosion-mechanical properties and is caused by the change of structural metal stability. Alloy with 20% tungsten retains a high stability of both structure and properties after prolonged exposure in helium at above temperatures. The alloy has also increased resistance to delayed fracture and low-cycle fatigue at high temperatures. The developed alloy of type Ni-20Cr-20W with microalloying is recommended for production of tubes for HTGR high-temperature ...
Ga"+ focused ion beam (FIB) patterning was used to structure highly oriented pyrolytic graphite surfaces with square, periodic arrays of amorphous carbon defects (mesh sizes: 300 nm-2 #mu#m). Controlled oxygen etching of these arrays leads to matrices of uniform, orientationally aligned, nm-sized, hexagonal holes. The properties of the resulting hole assembly (hole depths and lateral hole dimensions) have been investigated by means of atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and FIB sectioning. The hole dimensions and uniformity both depend on the FIB parameters and etching conditions. Etching temperatures from 500 to 700 deg. C were applied. Initial etch rates of up to 10"6 C s"-"1 per individual hole were observed when using oxygen pressures of 200 mbar. For an etch temperature of 590 deg. C the rate of etching of individual holes was found to depend measurably on the inter-hole separation. This confirms that the associated reaction kinetics is mediated by the finite ...
Nanodimensional powders of cubic copper ferrite are synthesized by two-steps procedure of co-precipitation of copper and iron hydroxide carbonates, followed by mechanochemical treatment. X-ray powder diffraction, Moessbauer spectroscopy and temperature-programmed reduction are used for the characterization of the obtained materials. Their catalytic behavior is tested in methanol decomposition to hydrogen and CO and total oxidation of toluene. Formation of nanosized ferrite material is registered even after one hour of milling time. It is established that the prolonging of treatment procedure decreases the dispersion of the obtained product with the appearance of Fe2O3. It is demonstrated that the catalytic behavior of the samples depends not only on their initial phase composition, but on the concomitant ferrite phase transformations by the influence of the reaction medium. -- Graphical abstract: It is demonstrated that the catalytic behavior of the obtained copper ...
The low-cycle fatigue properties of the ferritic-martensitic steels MANET I and II and F82H-mod, have been investigated at a temperature of 200 C. The strain-controlled fatigue has been performed with strain ranges between 0,4% and 1,0% and at a strain rate of 8.10{sup -4} s{sup -1}. The steel F82H-mod, is characterised by a higher plastic strain amplitude compared to MANET I and II. Some of the specimens have beenirradiated with a 104 MeV {alpha}-particle beam. The homogeneous implantation of 400 appm He leads to a hardening of the material. At the beginning of the fatigue tests the stress response of the irradiatedspecimens is higher compared to the unirradiated specimens. In general, thematerial shows softening during fatigue. The softening of irradiated material, which is fatigue tested with a high total strain amplitude, is higher than that of the unirradiated material. The lifetime is reduced. For irradiated specimens fatigued at small total strain amplitudes the tendency to a ...
The influence of Cr on the structure and electrochemical properties of LiCoVO{sub 4} was studied using X-Ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Raman Spectroscopy and cycle tests. Doping levels up to 10 mol% were achieved, which improved the electrochemical stability of the structure of LiCoVO{sub 4}, resulting in a significant increase in the initial charge and discharge capacity. The Raman spectroscopy data for the Cr-doped LiCoVO{sub 4} is similar as for LiCoVO{sub 4}. The replacement of a dopant for the Co-ion in the inverse spinel structure causes several Raman shifts. The X-ray diffraction patterns show no new phases and combined with the Raman spectroscopy data it is concluded that the Cr dopant will be located at the octahedral site (16d) where they create an electronic pathway that enhances the electronic conductivity. However, the capacity dropped significantly after prolonged cycling, which is due to the diffusion of V{sup 5+} ions from the ...
MR studies of 6 patients with intracranial tuberculoma are reviewed. All patients also underwent CT scans which showed hypo- or isodense lesions with abnormal enhancement following contrast administration. MR showed lesions with prolongation of the T1 relaxation time in every case. On the T2-weighted sequences, the signal properties of the tuberculoma varied according to the stage of evolution of the lesion. Incipient tuberculomas appeared as scattered areas of hypointensity surrounded by edema. Mature tuberculomas were composed of a dark necrotic center surrounded by an isointense capsule which was, in turn, surrounded by edema. In one patient, the center of the lesion was hyperintense probably because of liquefaction and pus formation (tuberculous abscess). While both, CT and MR, were equally sensitive in visualizing the intracranial tuberculoma in every patient, MR was slightly superior in demonstrating the extent of the lesion, especially for brainstem ...
The purpose of this investigation was to determine the association between gender and the prevalence and incidence of patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). One thousand five hundred and twenty-five participants from the United States Naval Academy (USNA) were followed for up to 2.5 years for the development of PFPS. Physicians and certified athletic trainers documented the cases of PFPS. PFPS was defined as retropatellar pain during at least two of the following activities: ascending/descending stairs, hopping/jogging, prolonged sitting, kneeling, and squatting, negative findings on examination of knee ligament, menisci, bursa, and synovial plica, and pain on palpation of either the patellar facets or femoral condyles. Poisson and logistic regressions were performed to determine the association between gender and the incidence and prevalence of PFPS, respectively. The incidence rate for PFPS was 22/1000 person-years. Females were 2.23 times (95% CI: 1.19, 4.20) more ...
A diagrammatic approach to calculate n-point correlators of the primordial curvature perturbation \\zeta was developed a few years ago following the spirit of the Feynman rules in Quantum Field Theory. The methodology is very useful and time-saving, as it is for the case of the Feynman rules in the particle physics context, but, unfortunately, is not very well known by the cosmology community. In the present work, we extend such an approach in order to include not only scalar field perturbations as the generators of \\zeta, but also vector field perturbations. The purpose is twofold: first, we would like the diagrammatic approach (which we would call the Feynman-like rules) to become widespread among the cosmology community; second, we intend to give an easy tool to formulate any correlator of \\zeta for those cases that involve vector field perturbations and that, therefore, may generate prolonged stages of anisotropic expansion and/or important levels of ...
Fourteen surgical patients with non-hepatobiliary diseases were studied with "9"9Tc"m EHIDA imaging to evaluate the effect of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) on the hepatobiliary function. The duration of TPN ranged from 6 to 56 days; for 10 of the 14 patients it was between 6 to 10 days. The results showed that: (1) 11 of 14 patients had abnormal scintigraphic features. The most prominent findings were delayed liver excretion and prolonged blood clearance time. This fact suggests that not only the rate of excretion of the bile from the liver is decreased but the uptake ability of the hepatocyte is also impaired. (2) The effect of TPN on liver function is reversible. The authors conclude that in order to prevent irreversible damage of hepatobiliary function caused by TPN, the duration of TPN should not be too long and oral intake of nutrients should be resumed as soon as possible. (author). 9 refs, 3 figs, 3 tabs.
In our previous work, we demonstrated that biomass-generated producer gas can be converted to ethanol and acetic acid using a microbial catalyst Clostridium carboxidivorans P7{sup T}. Results showed that the producer gas (1) induced cell dormancy, (2) inhibited H{sub 2} consumption, and (3) affected the acetic acid/ethanol product distribution. Results of this work showed that tars were the likely cause of cell dormancy and product redistribution and that the addition of a 0.025{mu}m filter in the gas cleanup negated the effects of tars. C. carboxidivorans P7{sup T} can adapt to the tars (i.e. grow) only after prolonged exposure. Nitric oxide, present in the producer gas at 150ppm, is an inhibitor of the hydrogenase enzyme involved in H{sub 2} consumption. We conclude that significant conditioning of the producer gas will be required for the successful coupling of biomass-generated producer gas with fermentation to produce ethanol and acetic acid. (author)
We investigated the in vitro phenotypic transformation of human embryo (HE) cells that were repeatedly irradiated (7.5 cGy once a week) throughout their life-span. Irradiation was repeated until the cells had accumulated 195 cGy (equivalent to the 26th passage). Samples of cells were assayed for survival by colony formation, as well as for mutation at the hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyl transferase (HGPRT) locus and for transformation by focus formation. The life-span (mean number of population doublings) of multiply irradiated cells with a total dose of 97.5 cGy was slightly but significantly prolonged over that of controls. After HE cells had accumulated 195 cGy, the maximum number of divisions increased to 130-160% of the number in non-irradiated control cells. Transformed foci were not observed until cells had accumulated 97.5 cGy, and then increased with the increasing accumulation of radiation. However, no cells showed immortality or expressed a malignant ...
The effect of a complexon therapy scheme including early (in 1 h) administration of Na/sub 3/Ca DTPA and subsequent administration of Na/sub 3/Zn DTPA or Na/sub 3/Ca DTPA at a dose of 25 ..mu..Cimol/kg/day by three 2-week courses (5 times a week) with 2-week interruptions was studied in experiments on 541 male rats after intraperitoneal administration of /sup 239/Pu citrate complex (95 kBq/kg). The treatment resulted in a 3-fold lessening of the content of /sup 239/Pu and absorbed doses in the skeleton, a significant prolongation of the mean survival time (MST) from 452 to 593 days (Na/sub 3/Zn DTPA) and 643 days (Na/sub 3/Ca DTPA), and in a decrease of the osteosarcoma incidence from 76.4 to 32.6-41.2%. The ratio of osteosarcomas per 1 Gy retained in rats (0.076-0.083 %) did not differ from that in untreated animals.
Research is in progress to obtain a satisfactory creep ductility for alloy 800 when used as heat exchanger material in sodium-cooled fast reactors (LMFBR). The creep test characteristics at present available show that a pronounced tendency to reduced elongation by creep failure may arise after prolonged testing in the 500-700 deg C temperature range. This phenomenon is now agreed to be primarily inherent to the conditions for Ni_3(Ti,Al) precipitation in the material and hence to the Ti and Al concentrations. By structural studies and hardness measurements on material subjected to creep tests and taken from a large number of castings, the relationship was established between the (Ti+Al) content and the structural hardness effect of Ni_3(Ti,Al) at 600 deg C. Below a certain Ti+Al concentration, no precipitation occurs and hence the creep ductility to failure can be improved considerably by limiting the allowed Ti+Al content in the material, though at the price of ...
In general, over the course of the time, the phenomenon of acceleration in physical development may be observed, i.e. the children and adults of the next generation are taller and heavier than in former generation. Our data presented in this paper show a regular trend of acceleration in the development on Vietnamese, but the trend is still slow and was mostly probably influenced by our difficulties in a long time of war. It is hoped that, the acceleration in the development may be increased in the future following the economical acceleration of our country, however it is known that the ratio between the length of different parts of human body is a specific characteristic for human race, sex and group age. Therefore we may estimate these ratio for the prolongation of the utilization of our measured physical data. The result of studies on water balance of Vietnamese living in comfortable environment air temperature conditions and working in hot environment with ...
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Human K2P3.1 (TASK1) channels represent potential targets for pharmacological management of atrial fibrillation. K2P channels control excitability by stabilizing membrane potential and by expediting repolarization. In the heart, inhibition of K2P currents by class III antiarrhythmic drugs results in action potential prolongation and suppression of electrical automaticity. Carvedilol exerts antiarrhythmic activity and suppresses atrial fibrillation following cardiac surgery or cardioversion. The objective of this study was to investigate acute effects of carvedilol on human K2P3.1 (hK2P3.1) channels. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Two-electrode voltage clamp and whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiology was used to record hK2P3.1 currents from Xenopus oocytes, Chinese hamster o...
Brain MRI was carried out in patients with chronic liver diseases. No abnormal findings were recognized in patients with chronic viral hepatitis, while 59.2% of cirrhotics showed a symmetrically strong signal in basal ganglia on T1 weighted image in MRI. This finding significantly related with lowered Fischer`s ratio of serum amino acid, increased levels of serum phenylalanine, tyrosine and hyaluronic acid, prolonged prothrombin time and decreased platelet counts in the peripheral blood. Overt hepatic encephalopathy was observed in 6 of 34 patients with the strong signal in MRI during follow-up period, while none of patients without that finding developed hepatic encephalopathy. These results have indicated that the strong signal in basal ganglia on MRI appears in cirrhotic patients with severe liver dysfunction, and it is an useful index in the early diagnosis of latent hepatic encephalopathy. An improvement of this MRI finding was not observed by long-term oral ...
Background & AimsMolecular mechanisms underlying alcoholic liver disease (ALD) are still not fully understood. Activating transcription factor-4 (ATF4) is the master coordinator of the integrated stress response (ISR), an adaptive pathway triggered by multiple stressors. which can promote cell death and induce metabolic dysregulation if the stress is intense or prolonged. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of alcohol on the ISR signaling pathway in human liver cells and to define the role of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) in this response. MethodsPrimary cultured human hepatocytes and human HepG2 cells over-expressing CYP2E1 by adenoviral infection were exposed to ethanol (25-100mM) for 8-48h. ResultsEthanol treatment of both liver cells up-regulated ATF4 as well as the pro-survi...
We theoretically model a nuclear-state preparation scheme that increases the coherence time of a two-spin qubit in a double quantum dot. The two-electron system is tuned repeatedly across a singlet-triplet level-anticrossing with alternating slow and rapid sweeps of an external bias voltage. Using a Landau-Zener-Stueckelberg model, we find that in addition to a small nuclear polarization that weakly affects the electron spin coherence, the slow sweeps are only partially adiabatic and lead to a weak nuclear spin measurement and a nuclear-state narrowing which prolongs the electron spin coherence. This resolves some open problems brought up by a recent experiment. We also show that the electronic two-spin states singlet and triplet T_+ are promising candidates for the implementation of a qubit in GaAs double quantum dots (DQD). A coherent superposition of the two-spin states is obtained by finite time Landau-Zener-Stueckelberg interferometry and the single qubit ...
Preliminary psychometric properties of a new instrument, Angie/Andy Cartoon Trauma Scales (ACTS), are presented. Angie/Andy features a cartoon-based methodology, measuring trauma-related sequelae of prolonged, repeated abuse. A sample of 208 children comprised intrafamilial trauma, extrafamilial trauma, combined trauma, and nontrauma groups. Angie/Andy demonstrated high internal consistency, with coefficient alphas from 0.70 to 0.95. The three trauma groups scored significantly higher than the nontrauma group on all scales (p's < 0.0001). Generally, the most severely traumatized group scored significantly higher than the less severely traumatized groups. The number of types of violence exposures correlated with Angie/Andy scores from 0.55 to 0.74. The frequency and severity of trauma exposure correlated with Angie/Andy scores from 0.44 to 0.56. The Angie/Andy parent version correlated with a standardized parent scale from 0.71 to 0.81. Parent/child agreement was ...
We wanted to determine the technical and clinical efficacy of using a PTFE-covered self-expandable nitinol stent for the palliative treatment of malignant biliary obstruction. Thirty-seven patients with common bile duct strictures caused by malignant disease were treated by placing a total of 37 nitinol PTFE stents. These stents were covered with PTFE with the exception of the last 5 mm at each end; the stent had an unconstrained diameter of 10 mm and a total length of 50 80 mm. The patient survival rate and stent patency rate were calculated by performing Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. The bilirubin, serum amylase and lipase levels before and after stent placement were measured and then compared using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The average follow-up duration was 27.9 weeks (range: 2 81 weeks). Placement was successful in all cases. Seventy-six percent of the patients (28/37) experienced adequate palliative drainage for the remainder of their lives. There were no immediate ...
Cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebrovascular reserve capacity (CRC) were measured by stable xenon computerized tomography (Xe-CT) and acetazolamide test in 15 patients with cerebrovascular disease before and after extracranial-intracranial (EC-IC) bypass surgery for minor stroke, reversible ischemic neurological deficit or transient ischemic attack. All had angiographically shown occlusive lesions of the major arterial trunk. In the present series, global analysis showed that the bypass did not increase the resting rCBF, but did increase the rCRC. We divided the patients into four groups according to the preoperative resting rCBF and rCRC. All 3 patients with normal resting rCBF and reduced rCRC showed postoperative improvement of rCRC. Of 6 patients with reduced CBF and reduced CRC, three had postoperative increase in resting CBF and four had increased CRC. One of two patients with reduced CBF and normal CRC showed only an increase in CRC. We propose that reduced ...
We wanted to evaluate the status of self-expandable nitinol stents implanted in the P2 and P3 segments of the popliteal artery in Korean patients. We retrospectively analyzed 189 consecutive patients who underwent endovascular treatment for steno occlusive lesions in the femoropopliteal artery from July 2003 to March 2009, and 18 patients who underwent stent placement in popliteal arterial P2 and P3 segments were finally enrolled. Lesion patency was evaluated by ultrasound or CT angiography, and stent fracture was assessed by plain X-rays at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months and annually thereafter. At the 1-month follow-up, stent fracture (Type 2) was seen in one limb (up to P3, 1 of 18, 6%) and it was identified in seven limbs at the 3-month follow-up (Type 2, Type 3, Type 4) (n = 1: up to P2: n = 6: P3). At the 6-month follow-up, one more fracture (Type 1) (up to P3) was noted. At the 1-year follow-up, there were no additional stent fractures. Just four limbs (up to P2) at ...
Objective: To investigate the value ofMSCT in observing the direct findings of hilar cholangiocarcinoma1Methods Multislice helical CT studies were performed on the upper abdomen in 19 consecutive patientswith painless jaundice1 Precontrast and dynamic contrast enhanced (25 s phase and 60 s phase) scanswere conducted, and 3D imageswere reconstructed using enhanced raw data in 15 cases1 The direct CT findings of hilar cholangiocarcinoma were studied by three radiologists respectively in a 32scale strategy1 The morphological features and extension of bile duct involvement by hilar cholangiocarcinoma were analyzed1 All the 19 caseswere pathologically p roved as hilar cholangiocarcinoma by surgery (15 cases) and ERCP ( 4 cases) 1 Results The direct findings and extension of hilar cholangiocarcinoma could be demonstrated in 14 out of 15 3D reconstruction images, 8 out of 19 in 25 s phase, and 7 out of 19 in 60 s phase of contrast enhancement scans, respectively ( P < 0105 ) 1 The tumor ...
Purpose: To evaluate the initial and mid-term results of a new self-expanding low strut profile nitinol stent for treatment of atherosclerotic lesions stenoses and occlusions in the superficial femoral artery (SFA). Materials and Methods: In 8 patients (4 male, 4 female, mean age 74.8 {+-} 8.8 years) with SFA lesions and non-satisfying results after PTA treatment alone, 10 self-expanding nitinol Xpert stents were deployed via a 4 F sheath. Stent characteristics and handling were graded by the interventionalist. Fontaine classification, duplex flow measurements and ankle brachial index (ABI) at rest and stress were taken prior and one day after stent placement. Patients were followed 3, 6 and 12 months after the procedure obtaining the same parameters at each appointment. Results: Initial stent treatment was successful in all patients. Stent handling and positioning were rated very good and safe. All patients improved clinically by at least one Fontaine stage (range ...
Coiling or infusion of embolic materials into a wide necked aneurysm can be performed with stenting. The purpose of our study is to assess the technical feasibility of aneurysm treatment with glue embolization after stenting. We used four Wallstents for surgically repairing eight canine carotid aneurysms. After confirmation of the aneurysms on the angiogram, we introduced a 6-7 F guiding catheter in order to deploy the stents. After stenting, we passed a microcatheter into the aneurysm lumen through the stent mesh. 28% glue was slowly injected until the glue cast completely filled the lumen. We evaluated the passage of a microcatheter through the stent meshwork, formation of the glue cast and the stents' ability to protection for any leakage of glue. The follow-up angiogram was obtained for two dogs, one to three times until 8 weeks, and then we sacrificed the dogs and performed pathologic examinations. Stenting was successful in all cases except one in which the vessel was occluded ...
The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility and the optimal conditions of radiofrequency (RF) ablation by using the stent-type electrode upon the saphenous vein of goats for the endovenous treatment of varicose veins. A self-expandable nitinol stent electrode (6 mm diameter, 2 cm length, cell size; 1.3 x 2 mm) was designed to expose the distal 1 cm segment to allow for contact with the venous wall. The proximal part of the electrode was connected to the RF generator by insulated copper wires located within the stent electrode introducer. Initially, to optimize the power setting, ablation of 6 saphenous veins in 3 goats was performed with power settings of 10, 20 and 30 W. Pull back rate of the electrode was 2 and 4 cm/min for each power level, respectively. The goats were sacrificed 4-6 weeks later and histologic examinations of the saphenous veins were done. For the second part of the experiment, RF ablation of 4 saphenous veins from 2 goats was done by applying the ...
Bombyx mandarina nucleopolyhedrovirus (BomaNPV) is a variant of Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV). BomaNPV S1 strain has been reported to be significantly less virulent than the BmNPV T3 strain via the oral infection route in B. mori larvae, but other features of S1 including budded virus (BV) infectivity and virus propagation in cultured cells are still unknown. In this study, we compared BV infectivity of S1 and T3 in B. mori larvae and cultured cells. Larval bioassays by intrahemocoelic BV injection revealed that the median lethal dose of S1's BV was approximately three times lower than that of T3. In addition, S1 produced more BVs and occlusion bodies (OBs) in the hemolymph of B. mori larvae compared with T3. Furthermore, we observed that the locomotion was enhanced earlier and the median lethal time was shorter in S1-infected larvae compared with those in T3-infected larvae. Western blot analysis of S1- and T3-infected BmN cells revealed that expression ...
A noninvasive, simplified method using inhalation of stable xenon (Xe{sup s}) and computed tomographic (CT) scanning to estimate regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and regional partition coefficient (r{lambda}) is described. Twenty-four patients with cerebrovascular occlusive disease and six volunteer controls inhaled 30% Xe{sup s} and 70% oxygen for 180 seconds and exhaled for 144 seconds during serial CT scanning without denitrogenation. The end-tidal Xe{sup s} concentration was continuously monitored with a thermoconductivity analyzer to determine the build-up range (A value) and build-up rate constant (K value) for arteries with the curve fitting method. The time-CT number (Hounsfield unit) curve for cerebral tissue during the Xe{sup s} washin and washout phases was used to calculate r{lambda} and rCBF using least squares curve fitting analysis. The resultant r{lambda} and rCBF map demonstrated a reliable distribution between the gray and white matter, and ...
A noninvasive, simplified method using inhalation of stable xenon (Xe"s) and computed tomographic (CT) scanning to estimate regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and regional partition coefficient (r#lambda#) is described. Twenty-four patients with cerebrovascular occlusive disease and six volunteer controls inhaled 30% Xe"s and 70% oxygen for 180 seconds and exhaled for 144 seconds during serial CT scanning without denitrogenation. The end-tidal Xe"s concentration was continuously monitored with a thermoconductivity analyzer to determine the build-up range (A value) and build-up rate constant (K value) for arteries with the curve fitting method. The time-CT number (Hounsfield unit) curve for cerebral tissue during the Xe"s washin and washout phases was used to calculate r#lambda# and rCBF using least squares curve fitting analysis. The resultant r#lambda# and rCBF map demonstrated a reliable distribution between the gray and white matter, and infarcted areas. rCBF ...
Regional arterial CO2 tension (PaCO2) reactivity of cerebral blood flow (CBF) and the effect of PaCO2 on the spatial and temporal heterogeneity of CBF were investigated by using autoradiographically determined CBF in the rat middle cerebral artery occlusion model after a 2-h period under pentobarbital anesthesia to clarify the relation between PaCO2 reactivity, CBF heterogeneity, and the temporal cycling of CBF. PaCO2 was adjusted to one of four levels. CBF was determined in four cortical areas and white matter using the tissue fractionation of [14C]iodoantipyrine [( 14C]IAP) in combination with vessel mapping using in vivo 4% thioflavine S. Specific PaCO2 reactivity and CBF were normal in the nonischemic cortex, normal, although slightly depressed, in the border zone far from the ischemic core area, and depressed in the border zone adjacent to the ischemic core area (P less than 0.001) and the ischemic core (P less than 0.001). In normocapnic and hypocapnic ...
In this work dosimetric analysis using thermoluminescence technique to study the beams characteristics of x-rays employed in dental radiology has been carried out. The obtained results with CaSO{sub 4}:Dy thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD) were compared to the doses obtained with parallel-plates ionization chamber. Dosimetric evaluations were also done using radiographic films of large dimensions. The x-rays equipments analyzed were installed in the radiological services of Odontology Department of Sergipe Federal University (U.F.S.). Depending on the anatomical region to be examined the proper exposure time was select, for a fix voltage of 70 kV. The results with TLD and ionization chamber have been determined to female and male individuals. The intraoral regions analysed were the peri apical of the incisors, molar and pre-molar teeth and the occlusive region. These regions were simulated using acrylic plates absorbers installed on the film packet holder. The ...
A study was performed to investigate the size of tongue area and intermaxillary space area, and compare the sexual differences between normal Korean children and adults by introducing planimetric and linear analysis of the lateral cephalograms. The cephalograms were composed of 41 child male aged 10.8, 40 child female aged 10.5, 38 adult male aged 21.3 , and 40 adult female aged 20.8 respectively. In order to study and measure the intermaxillary space area, the following were selected, as reference items: occlusal plane, anterior intermaxillary space height, posterior intermaxillary space height, length of intermaxillary space. Among those reference items anterior intermaxillary space height and posterior intermaxillary space height were perpendicular to the maxillary plane. An index, (Anterior intermaxillary space height + posterior intermaxillary space height )/2 Length of intermaxillary space, was introduced for the calculation of intermaxillary space area. ...
A study was made investigate a relationship existing in the dentoskeletal framework and the soft tissue profile around the face, and compared the sexual differences between boys and girls having the normal occlusion in the mixed dentition. The lateral cephalograms were composed of 67 boys aged 10.3 years and 68 girls aged 10.4 years, respectively. By means of the lateral cephalograms, both the hard-and soft tissue structures were simultaneously analyzed, measured and evaluated by introducing the several reference items: S-N plane, palatal plane, mandibular plane, N-A line and A-P line for the dentoskeletal structures and N'-P' line for the soft tissue, and the 21 measuring points for the both structures. The significant findings were as follows: 1. In general the boys showed the larger nasal component dimension than did the girls, but the length and height of nose(N'-Prn and NA-Prn) showed the significant sexual difference among those when evaluated statistically. ...
A brief description of the physical process of dose enhancement effects produced by X-ray radiation on materials is given, with emphasis on the influence on electronic devices. The damages caused by X-ray radiation dose enhancement is more serious than that of #gamma#-ray with higher energy.
The waterjet technique enables precise tissue dissection without thermal damage and with preservation of vessels in general surgery. In neurosurgery, these qualities could help to avoid damage of intact brain parenchyma in tumour resections. The present study reports our first results with this technique in brain metastases. Ten patients with intracranial metastases underwent surgery with the aid of the waterjet. Resection was performed in combination with conventional neurosurgical methods. The follow-up consisted of neurological examination and MRI studies. Intraoperatively, the device was easy to handle. No complications due to the device were observed. Vessels were preserved at pressures below 20 bars. Six of the tumours consisted of soft tissue which was poorly demarcated from the surrounding brain. In these tumours, the waterjet was very helpful. It enabled tumour debulking by aspiration and - more important - precise separation of tumour ...
The PVSCAN is an instrument designed to characterize silicon solar cell materials and devices. It performs a host of measurements that yield spatial maps of dislocation density, grain distribution, reflectance, and photoresponses from near-junction and the bulk of a solar cell.
Isokinetic training and assessment of the knee joint has been the mainstay of rehabilitation, especially in patients with anterior cruciate ligament deficiency. Besides the original shin pad used, the...Full Text Available
The DataAccessBean is similar to the Data Access Object (DAO) interface in that the DataAccessBean interface is meant to encapsulate the implementation details of the DynamicJavaBean that accesses persistent storage devices such as RDBMS, flat text file databases, etc.
The effect of reinforcement in the cross-linked poly(propylene fumarate-co-caprolactone diol) thermoset composites based on Kevlar fibres and hydroxyapatite was studied. Cross-linked poly(propylene...Full Text Available
Every cook knows that microwaves and metal don't mix. But scientists at the National Institute of Standards have devised a way to make them compatible. If it all pans out, hospitals may be able to sterilize medical instruments and waste in a device similar to a conventional microwave oven.
... Oliver, j. Egekeze, m. 7. Kennedy, JW Jorgenson, J. F. Parcher and ... 9. .:. W. Thackeray, HS White and MS Wrighton, J. Phys ... Dr. Harold H. Singerman ...
Beta silicon carbide is an excellent candidate semiconductor material for demanding applications in high power and high temperature electronic devices due to its high breakdown voltage, relatively large band gap, high thermal conductivity and high melting...
A simple device is described which is used to determine treatment distance and beam direction in electron therapy employing one collimation. A technique for the production of irregular field templates and localization films is given.
A theoretical framework centering on four classes of self-referent constructs is offered as a device for integrating the diverse areas constituting medical sociology. Guidance by this framework...Full Text Available
SummaryBackgroundThe US FDA has been collecting information on medical devices involved in significant adverse advents since 1984. These reports have...Full Text Available
BackgroundEfficient and safe transection of biological tissue in liver surgery is strongly dependent on the ability to address both parenchymal division and hemostasis simultaneously....Full Text Available
...broad range of experience in designing and building research and development laboratories for products such as vaccines, blood and sera, biological products, medical devices, solid dosage forms , highly potent products and cytotoxic material. We also have experience in a range of modular laboratories for TSE research, ...
Total-dose irradiation seriously damages MOS devices and their circuit performance. Threshold voltage shifts, transconductance degradation and increase in off-state leakage current are generally observed for irradiated devices. These instabilities are essentially due to positive and/or negative charge trapping in SiO_2 and interface trap generation at the SiO_2/Si interface. Radiation hardening of CMOS VLSIs is to eliminate these trapping effects, and for this purpose, special considerations for fabrication processes and layout design are necessary. In this paper, basic mechanisms for radiation-induced charge trapping and related effects on MOS devices are reviewed. Also discussed are radiation-hardening technologies from both fabrication-process and layout-design viewpoints. Using these technologies, 1 #mu#m radiation-hard CMOS gate arrays have been successfully developed. Experimental data taken for 2k-gate test chips ...
Quantum computers hold great promises for the future of computation. In this paper, this new kind of computing device is presented, together with a short survey of the status of research in this field. The principal algorithms are introduced, with an emphasis on the applications of quantum computing to physics. Experimental implementations are also briefly discussed.
BackgroundThe aim of this double-blind randomized study is to test the efficacy of a radio electric stimulator device using an auricular reflex therapy protocol for stress-related...Full Text Available
When any new accelerator or storage ring is built that advances the state of the art, the diagnostic system becomes extremely important in tuning the facility to full specification. This paper will discuss the various diagnostic devices planned or under construction for the PSR and their connection into the control system.
An ignition device of the plasma jet type is disclosed. The device has a cylindrical cavity formed in insulating material with an electrode at one end. The other end of the cylindrical cavity is closed by a metal plate with a small orifice in the center which plate serves as a second electrode. An arc jumping between the first electrode and the orifice plate causes the formation of a highly-ionized plasma in the cavity which is ejected through the orifice into the engine cylinder area to ignite the main fuel mixture. Two improvements are disclosed to enhance the operation of the device and the length of the plasma plume. One improvement is a metal hydride ring which is inserted in the cavity next to the first electrode. During operation, the high temperature in the cavity and the highly excited nature of the plasma breaks down the metal hydride, liberating hydrogen which acts as an additional fuel to help plasma formation. ...
In this article are presented main results on electric potential investigations in stellarator/torsatron TJ-II and tokamak T-10 in a comparable regimes of device operation.
Nowadays, percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation is a successful alternative to surgery for patients requiring treatment of pulmonary valve dysfunction. However, owing to the wide variety of implantation...Full Text Available
Purpose:To evaluate the midterm efficacy and safety of the iStent® glaucoma device in patients with secondary open-angle glaucoma.Patients...Full Text Available
The latest-generation cochlear implant devices provide many deaf patients with good speech recognition in quiet listening conditions. However, speech recognition deteriorates rapidly as the level of...Full Text Available
Jul 16, 2005 ... The purpose of this capability portfolio is to develop a roadmap for NASA to exploit .... 1.2.4-2: Some applications of nanotechnology to advanced EVA suits. ..... Power/Energy Storage: Materials and devices for energy storage and .... to 80 %), manufacturing costs (up to 50%) and enhancements in durability. ...
We have developed miniature (≈1 μm diameter) microcavity surface-plasmon-resonance sensors (MSPRS), integrated them with microfluidics and tested...Full Text Available
Method for description of X-ray radiation dose distribution based on semiempirical description of dose fields is suggested. At that dose field description parameters can be easily individualized for concrete X-ray device.
AIMS—(1) To validate a leg to leg bioimpedance analysis (BIA) device in the measurement of body composition in children by assessment of its agreement with dual energy x...Full Text Available
Large area, single-element Si(Li) detectors have been fabricated using a novel geometry which yields detectors with reduced capacitance and hence reduced noise at short amplifier pulse-processing times. A typical device employing the new geometry with a thickness of 6 mm and an active area of 175 mm 2 has a capacitance of only 0.5 pf, compared to 2.9 pf for a conventional planar device with equivalent dimensions. These new low capacitance detectors, used in conjunction with low capacitance field effect transistors, will result in x-ray spectrometers capable of operating at very high count rates while still maintaining excellent energy resolution. The spectral response of the low capacitance detectors to a wide range of x-ray energies at 80 K is comparable to typical state-of-the-art conventional Si(Li) devices. In addition to their low capacitance, the new devices offer other advantages over ...
The tremendous heat generated in a computer chip or very large scale integrated circuit raises many challenging issues to be solved. Recently, liquid metal with a low melting point was established as the most conductive coolant for efficiently cooling the computer chip. Here, by making full use of the double merits of the liquid metal, i.e. superior heat transfer performance and electromagnetically drivable ability, we demonstrate for the first time the liquid-cooling concept for the thermal management of a computer chip using waste heat to power the thermoelectric generator (TEG) and thus the flow of the liquid metal. Such a device consumes no external net energy, which warrants it a self-supporting and completely silent liquid-cooling module. Experiments on devices driven by one or two stage TEGs indicate that a dramatic temperature drop on the simulating chip has been realized without the aid of any fans. The higher the heat load, the larger ...
The sensitive explosives used in initiating devices like primers and detonators are called primary explosives. Successful detonations of secondary explosives are accomplished by suitable sources of...Full Text Available
The authors report on the nano-fabrication of GaN/AlGaN device structures using focused ion beam (FIB) etching, illustrated on a GaN/AlGaN heterostructure field effect transistor (HFET). Pillars as small as 20nm to 300nm in diameter were fabricated from the GaN/AlGaN HFET. Micro-photoluminescence and UV micro-Raman maps were recorded from the FIB-etched pattern to assess its material quality. Photoluminescence was detected from 300nm-size GaN/AlGaN HFET pillars, i.e., from the AlGaN as well as the GaN layers in the device structure, despite the induced etch damage. Properties of the GaN and the AlGaN layers in the FIB-etched areas were mapped using UV Micro-Raman spectroscopy. Damage introduced by FIB-etching was assessed. The fabricated nanometer-size GaN/AlGaN structures were found to be of good quality. The results demonstrate the potential of FIB-etching for the nano-fabrication of III-V nitride devices.
Various electrochemical capacitors (ultracapacitors) are being developed for hybrid vehicles as candidate power assist devices for the fast response engine. The primary functions of the ultracapacitor are to level the dynamic power loads on the primary propulsion device and recover available energy from regenerative breaking during off-peak power periods. Ultracapacitors show promise toward being able to accept high regenerative pulses while exhibiting very high cycle life. This paper will present test data from selected US Department of Energy (DOE) supported ultracapacitor projects designed to meet the fast response engine requirements. Devices containing carbon, conducting polymers, and metal oxide electrode materials in combination with aqueous or organic electrolytes are being supported by the DOE. This paper will present and discuss testing data obtained from recent prototype capacitors supplied by Maxwell Energy ...
An inner surface substrate of metal tubes is provided with a single layer of randomly distributed metal bodies bonded to the substrate, spaced from each other, and substantially surrounded by the substrate to form body void space.
Porous Nitinol (PNT) has found vast applications in the medical industry as interbody fusion devices, synthetic bone grafts, etc. However, the tendency of the PNT to corrode is anticipated to...Full Text Available
Atrial septal defect closure is now routinely performed using a percutaneous approach under echocardiographic guidance. Centrally located, secundum defects are ideal for device closure but there is...Full Text Available
IntroductionFlow diversion is a new approach to the endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms which uses a high density mesh stent to induce sac thrombosis. These devices...Full Text Available
Methodologies are given for conducting studies to discover and map break deformations in coal strata using various modifications on radiometry, together with the field for their use. Results that were obtained using the IKS-50 device are given.
Automated, variable volume unloaders provide the ability to smoothly load/unload reciprocating compressors to maintain ideal operations in ever-changing environments. Potential advantages provided by this load control system include: maximizing unit capacity, optimizing power economy, maintaining low exhaust emissions, and maintaining process suction and discharge pressures. Obstacles foreseen include: reliability, stability, serviceability and automation integration. Results desired include: increased productivity for the compressor and its operators, increased up time, and more stable process control. This presentation covers: system design features with descriptions of how different types of the devices were developed, initial test data, and how they can be effectively operated; three actual-case studies detailing the reasons why automated, hydraulically controlled, variable volume, head-end unloaders were chosen over other types of unloading ...
A study on development of magnetic drive packless valves for commercial purpose showed the results as follows; 1. Study on the radial rays effecting to the permanent magnets -Measurement of the strength of Nd-magnets according to irradiation of radial rays. 2. Effects of temperature on the magnetic driving device -Temperature dependency of the Nd-casting magnets. -Effects of temperature on the heat releasing fins of high-temperature valve. 3. Optimization of torque -Arranging method of permanent magnets -Measuring method and results of torque. 4. Design, manufacture and test for the pressure-resisting structure of magnetic power transmitting device -Calculation and design for the flat circular plates under pressure of the magnetic power transmitting device -Design, manufacture and test for the pressure-resisting structure of magnetic power transmitting device -Comparison of the characteristics between ...
Results are presented of analysis of the dust content of air and the resources for removing sludge at the mines of the Kuzbass during drilling of ascending shafts. A design is proposed for sludge removing devices with automatic opening and closing of the valve hinges.
We demonstrate tuning of Schottky energy barriers in organic electronic devices by utilizing chemically tailored electrodes. The Schottky energy barrier of Ag on poly[2-methoxy], 5-(2{prime}-ethyl-hexyloxy)- 1,4-phenylene was tuned over a range of more than 1 eV by using self-assembled monolayers (SAM{close_quote}s) to attach oriented dipole layers to the Ag prior to device fabrication. Kelvin probe measurements were used to determine the effect of the SAM{close_quote}s on the Ag surface potential. {ital Ab} {ital initio} Hartree-Fock calculations of the molecular dipole moments successfully describe the surface potential changes. The chemically tailored electrodes were then incorporated in organic diode structures and changes in the metal/organic Schottky energy barriers were measured using an electroabsorption technique. These results demonstrate the use of self-assembled monolayers to control metal/organic interfacial electronic properties. ...
A controlled bidirectional quantum secret direct communication scheme is proposed by using a Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger (GHZ) state. In the scheme, two users can exchange their secret messages simultaneously with a set of devices under the control of a third party. The security of the scheme is analysed and confirmed.
The present invention concerns a device for peeling off activated concretes in processing for discarding a reactor of a nuclear reactor facility. The device comprises a gyrotron for generation microwaves, an irradiator for irradiating output microwaves, a reflection mirror for reflecting and converging the microwaves and irradiating them to a material to be irradiated and a first rotating means for rotating the irradiator and the reflection mirror in parallel with the axis of the gyrotron while maintaining the positional relation between the irradiator and the reflection mirror. When the position of the microwaves irradiated on concrete walls are moved in a circumferential direction and the central axes of the rotational axis and the material to be irradiated are aligned, then the intensity of the irradiation of the microwaves at each of the irradiation points can be maintained constant without changing the focal distance of the reflected ...
Purpose:To provide a literature review of implant related complications from bilateral NewColorIris implantation (Kahn Medical Devices, Panama City, Panama).Methods:A...Full Text Available
The Marcy Wedge-Pro (MWP), a device used in training by tennis players, was employed in the assessment of tennis elbow. The MWP was used to measure the ability of patients to perform wrist extension...Full Text Available
A pneumatic device is in the form of a U-shaped frame, on which a prong is attached by using two pairs of levers. It also has a hydraulic or pneumatic cyclinder, whose rod is connected to one of the pairs of levers. All connections are hinges.
Functionalizing of single molecules on surfaces has manifested great potential for bottom-up construction of complex devices on a molecular scale. We discuss the growth mechanism for the initial layers...Full Text Available
Using standard microfabrication techniques, it is now possible to construct devices that appear to reliably manipulate electrons one at a time. These devices have potential use as building blocks in quantum computing devices, or as a standard of electrical current derived only from a frequency and the fundamental charge. To date, the error rate in semiconductor 'tuneable-barrier' pump devices, those which show most promise for high-frequency operation, have not been tested in detail. We present high-accuracy measurements of the current from an etched GaAs quantum dot pump, operated at zero source-drain bias voltage with a single ac-modulated gate at 340 MHz driving the pump cycle. By comparison with a reference current derived from primary standards, we show that the electron transfer accuracy is better than 15 parts per million. High-resolution studies of the dependence of the pump current on the ...
The stand is designed to test supports of development workings. To expand the test range for various types of supports, the cross pieces have fixing devices in the form of winches interacting by cables through blocks fastened to the stand body with the support hinges.
IntroductionA rare side effect of antipsychotic medication is neuroleptic malignant syndrome, mainly characterized by hyperthermia, altered mental state, haemodynamic dysregulation,...Full Text Available
BackgroundHip surface replacement arthroplasty (SRA) can be an alternative for total hip arthroplasty. The short and long-term outcome of hip surface replacement arthroplasty mainly...Full Text Available
The primary method for neuronal communication involves the extracellular release of small molecules that are packaged in secretory vesicles. We have developed a platform to separate, lyse, and...Full Text Available
BackgroundThis in vitro study was conducted to compare the accuracy of two digital image receptors in identifying the location of tip of a fine endodontic file and radiographic apex...Full Text Available
... 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Battery installation. 393.30 Section 393.30...Devices, and Electrical Wiring § 393.30 Battery installation. Every storage battery on every vehicle, unless located in...
The AlGaInP materials system has recently supported the development of a variety of visible diode laser devices at wavelengths ranging from yellow to red. Presently, the majority of published results are with materials prepared by organometallic vapor phase epitaxy (OMVPE). Many issues with such materials exist, including impurity doping, the role of crystal ordering, defect formation during epitaxial growth, and the proper quantum well heterostructure design required for best device results. This paper addresses these topics and reviews the present state of the art, and projects the anticipated results when the materials' problems have been solved.
An automatic loading roller for transmitting torque in traction drive devices in manipulator arm joints includes a two-part camming device having a first cam portion rotatable in place on a shaft by an input torque and a second cam portion coaxially rotatable and translatable having a rotating drive surface thereon for engaging the driven surface of an output roller with a resultant force proportional to the torque transmitted. Complementary helical grooves in the respective cam portions interconnected through ball bearings interacting with those grooves effect the rotation and translation of the second cam portion in response to rotation of the first. 14 figs.
This patent describes an automatic loading roller for transmitting torque in traction drive devices in manipulator arm joints includes a two-part camming device having a first cam portion rotatable in place on a shaft by an input torque and a second cam portion coaxially rotatable and translatable having a rotating drive surface thereon for engaging the driven surface of an output roller with a resultant force proportional to the torque transmitted. Complementary helical grooves on the respective cam portions interconnected through ball bearings interacting with those grooves effect the rotation and translation of the second cam portion in response to rotation of the first.
In the course of this year six local exchange offices with alternative heating and hot water plants were started up in Switzerland. They are all of the same building type, designed for not more than 1000 telephone subscribers and for the same architectural conditions. However, the buildings are situated in different areas of the country and are thus subject to different environmental conditions. Solar collectors supplemented by electricity boilers are fitted to two of these objects. Heat pumps are operated in two other exchange offices while the last two are equipped with electric heating devices. For purposes of comparison two new test plants of the same size with oil heating devices are set up.
Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are energy conversion devices that produce electricity from a supply of fuel, such as hydrogen. One of the major challenges in achieving efficient energy conversion is the development of cost-effective materials that can act as electrocatalysts for PEMFCs. In this letter, we demonstrate that, instead of conventional noble metals, such as platinum, chromium nitride nanocrystals of fcc structure exhibit attractive catalytic activity for PEMFCs. Device testing indicates good stability of nitride nanocrystals in low temperature fuel cell operational environment.
One of the major scientific and technological challenges for the production of flexible organic electronic devices is the device protection against atmospheric molecule permeation, which causes corrosion reducing its operation and lifetime. In this work, Spectroscopic Ellipsometry has been implemented to investigate the influence of silicon dioxide nanoparticles on the optical properties of hybrid polymers. The spectra analysis revealed valuable information about the electronic and vibrational response as well as the cross-linking mechanisms of these materials. The correlation of the optical properties with the synthesis parameters and the barrier response will contribute towards their optimization in order to be used as high barrier coatings for flexible organic electronics applications.
Nuclear forensics is the analysis of nuclear materials recovered from either the capture of unused materials, or from the radioactive debris following a nuclear explosion and can contribute significantly to the identification of the sources of the materials and the industrial processes used to obtain them. In the case of an explosion, nuclear forensics can also reconstruct key features of the nuclear device. Nuclear forensic analysis works best in conjunction with other law enforcement, radiological protection dosimetry, traditional forensics, and intelligence work to provide the basis for attributing the materials and/or nuclear device to its originators. Nuclear forensics is a piece of the overall attribution process, not a stand-alone activity
The authors have measured the noise of MOS transistors of the United Technology Microelectronics Center (UTMC) 1.2 [mu]m radiation hardened CMOS P-well process from the weak to moderate inversion region. The noise power spectral densities of both NMOS and PMOS devices were measured from 1 KHz to 50 MHz. The bandwidth was chosen such that the important components of the spectral densities such as the white thermal noise and the 1/f noise could be easily resolved and analyzed in detail. In this paper the effects of different device terminal DC biases and channel geometries on the noise are described.
We study a quantum computing system using microwave photons in transmission line resonators on a superconducting chip as qubits. We show that linear optics and other controls necessary for quantum computing can be implemented by coupling to Josephson devices on the same chip. By taking advantage of the strong nonlinearities in Josephson junctions, photonic qubit interactions can be realized. We analyze the gate error rate to demonstrate that our scheme is realistic even for Josephson devices with limited decoherence times. As a conceptually innovative solution based on existing technologies, our scheme provides an integrated and scalable approach to the next key milestone for photonic qubit quantum computing.
Background This report describes the authors? experience with a unique endoluminal, endoscopically delivered and retrieved gastroduodenojejunal bypass sleeve, including short-term weight loss and changes in comorbidities. Methods A prospective, single-center trial was designed. The patients were morbidly obese individuals who met the National Institutes of Health criteria for bariatric surgery. The device used was a unique gastroduodenojejunal bypass sleeve secured at the esophagogastric junction with endoscopic and laparoscopic techniques and designed to create an endoluminal gastroduodenojejunal bypass. At completion of the trial, the device was explanted with endoscopic retrieval. The primary end points were safety and incidence of adverse events. The secondary outcomes included the per...
The present invention is a device for a solar heating system having a solar collector, a storage tank connected to the solar collector, a pump for circulating liquid from the tank to the solar collector, a supply of liquid at a temperature above freezing and a connection from the supply of liquid to the solar collector for replacing any liquid lost from said solar collector. The device comprises a sensor for sensing the temperature of liquid in the solar collector, and a valve for bleeding liquid from the solar collector when the sensed temperature falls below a predetermined minimum whereby cool liquid in the solar collector is automatically replaced by liquid at a temperature above freezing.
The ubiquitous presence of mobile communication devices and the continuous development of mo- bile data applications, which results in high level of mobile devices' activity and exchanged data, often transparent to the user, makes privacy preservation an important feature of mobile telephony systems. We present a formal analysis of the UMTS Authentication and Key Agreement protocol, using the applied pi-calculus and the ProVerif tool. We formally verify the model with respect to privacy properties. We show a linkability attack which makes it possible, for individuals with low-cost equipment, to trace UMTS subscribers. The attack exploits information leaked by poorly designed error messages.
Purpose : To obtain an emergency core cooling device in a FBR type reactor by utilizing heat pipes which are not actuated at usual operation condition but actuated reliably upon emergency. Constitution : A system for injecting heat medium into heat pipes is provided. By injecting the heat medium into the heat pipes upon emergency to actuate the heat pipes, the reactor core is cooled. During normal reactor operation, the inside of the heat pipes is evacuated from a vacuum pump and no heat medium is filled therein, whereby unnecessary heat loss during the normal operation can be prevented. (Ikeda, J.).
This report considers the effect of pipe-whip restraints and snubbers on the normal operation of piping systems in nuclear power plants. Also considered are the effect of these postulated event devices on reliability, economics, and the exposure of plant personnel to radiation. Field data were gathered from three nuclear power plants that had applied for Operating Licenses. Criteria, design philosophies, and data were obtained from the respective nuclear steam system suppliers, architects-engineers and utilities.
Negative ion based neutral beam injector is one of the most attractive heating system in future fusion reactors. In realizing the system, the crucial device which has to be developed is a high intensity negative ion source. Significant progress has been made on the negative ion source in these years. Among them, a few ampere negative ion beam were produced stably, while the divergence of negative ion beams becomes to be as low as < 10 mrad. We consider these results are demonstrating the potential of the negative ion source for the heating device in future reactors.
The fire protection practices adopted at nuclear power stations generally follow the well established principles used throughout industry. Unfortunately, there is one particular area - the interaction with heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) services - where nuclear power stations pose a seemingly insoluble conflict: that between the need to contain and the need to ventilate. Now, however, solid state fire dampers using power fluidics may promise a solution. One of the key characteristics of a fluidic device is that it is 'solid state', i.e. it has no moving parts. Because of this, its inherent reliability is orders of magnitude greater than a mechanical device. (U.K.).
A probabilistic method for assessing the profitability of reactive power compensation devices such as capacitors, static VAR compensators and generators, which improve network security, was described. Since network development is limited by environmental constraints, power networks are operated close to their limits. Because of this fact transmission network planning increasingly relies on techno-economic models to improve network security and profitability. The proposed method consists of analyzing large numbers of constrained power system states, extracted from power system simulation exercises. The paper describes details of the method and provides an example of a numerical application on a part of the French power transmission system. 10 refs., 8 figs.
This paper is a quarterly report describing the use of a new soil gas collection device which allows the collection of soil gas in the field for later analysis in the laboratory. It describes the installation of this sampling device and the procedure for setting the probe, extraction of soil gas beneath the surface, and sealing of the soil gas for transport. The sites used for initial testing was the top of Yucca Mountain and Crystal Spring in Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. The results from this initial test showed no volatile matter present in the soil at these locations.
Control of pressure transients in a hydraulic system may be important and necessary to avoid failures and to improve the efficiency of operation. Flow restricting devices can result in a decrease in the peak pressure, but may change the response time. The response time has an important effect on both operator and operator perceived smoothness. The response time should correspond to how fast a system responds to a given disturbance at the system boundary. Occasionally the appropriate response time is not easily determined. This study is on the response time characteristics in the hydraulic system studied for the control of response time.
The organization of organic semiconductor molecules in the active layer of organic electronic devices has important consequences to overall device performance. This is due to the fact that molecular organization directly affects charge carrier mobility of the material. Organic field-effect transistor (OFET) performance is driven by high charge carrier mobility while bulk heterojunction (BHJ) solar cells require balanced hole and electron transport. By investigating the properties and device performance of three structural variations of the fluorenyl hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronene (FHBC) material, the importance of molecular organization to device performance was highlighted. It is clear from {sup 1}H NMR and 2D wide-angle X-ray scattering (2D WAXS) experiments that the sterically demanding 9,9-dioctylfluorene groups are preventing {pi}-{pi} intermolecular contact in the hexakis-substituted FHBC 4. For ...
Optogenetics, the ability to use light to activate and silence specific neuron types within neural networks in vivo and in vitro, is revolutionizing neuroscientists' capacity to understand how defined neural circuit elements contribute to normal and pathological brain functions. Typically, awake behaving experiments are conducted by inserting an optical fiber into the brain, tethered to a remote laser, or by utilizing an implanted light-emitting diode (LED), tethered to a remote power source. A fully wireless system would enable chronic or longitudinal experiments where long duration tethering is impractical, and would also support high-throughput experimentation. However, the high power requirements of light sources (LEDs, lasers), especially in the context of the extended illumination periods often desired in experiments, precludes battery-powered approaches from being widely applicable. We have developed a headborne device weighing 2 g capable of wirelessly ...
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 ...
The Ranque-Hilsch tube is a particular type of vortex tube device. The flow enters the device tangentially near one end and exits from the open ends of the tube. The inlet air is of a uniform temperature throughout while the outputs are of different temperatures. One outlet is hotter and the other is colder than the inlet air. This device has no moving parts and does not require any additional power for its operation other than that supplied to the device to compress the inlet air. It has, however, not been widely used, mainly because of its low efficiency. In this paper, a simplified 2-dimensional computational fluid dynamics model for the flow in the vortex tube is developed using FLUENT. This model makes use of the assumption of axial symmetry throughout the entire flow domain. Compared to a three-dimensional computational solution, the simplified model requires significantly less computational time. ...
The results of experiments with a short period (9.6 mm) wiggler sheet electron beam (1.0 mm x 2.0 cm) millimeter-wave free electron laser (FEL) amplifier are presented. This FEL amplifier utilized a strong wiggler field for sheet beam confinement in the narrow beam dimension and an offset-pole side-focusing technique for the wide dimension beam confinement. The beam analysis herein includes finite emittance and space-charge effects. High-current beam propagation was achieved as a result of extensive analytical studies and experimental optimization. A design optimization resulted in a low sensitivity to structure errors and beam velocity spread, as well as a low required beam energy. A maximum gain of 24 dB was achieved with a 1-kW injected signal power at 86 GHz, a 450-kV beam voltage, 17-A beam current, 3.8-kG wiggler magnetic field, and a 74-period wiggler length. The maximum gain with a one-watt injected millimeter-wave power was observed to be over 30 dB. The lower gain at higher ...
Purpose: The occurrence of extraosseous Ewing's sarcoma (ES) in deep soft tissues has been well described, but cases in which this tumor occurs in a primary cutaneous or subcutaneous site have rarely been reported. The superficial variant may be less aggressive than are the more common bony and deep soft tissue counterparts with an apparently favorable outcome. A retrospective review of patients with cutaneous or subcutaneous ES was conducted to analyze outcome and patterns of failure. Methods and Materials: Between July 1985 and March 1997, 14 patients with cutaneous or subcutaneous ES were treated at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The median age at presentation was 16 years (range 7-21 years). Anatomic locations included trunk and pelvis (7), upper or lower extremity (4), and head and neck (3). The median size of the lesion was 3 cm (range, 1-12 cm). Thirteen had definitive surgical resections, and one had biopsy of the mass at the time of referral. They were enrolled on ...
Purpose: Antitumor activity of the dichloroplatinum(II)-histamine complexes labeled with I-125 or I-131 was investigated in a transplantable murine adenocarcinoma (MA) model. Methods: The tumor model was obtained in C3H/W female mice after subcutaneous inoculation of the tumor cells derived from the mice bearing a mammary tumor of spontaneous origin. Antitumor activities of the platinum-histamine complexes were investigated in three independent experiments, which differed in applied doses of preparations (PtCl{sub 2}Hist, PtCl{sub 2}[{sup 125}I]Hist, PtCl{sub 2}[{sup 131}I]Hist, PtCl{sub 2}Hist/PtCl{sub 2}[{sup 125}I]Hist and PtCl{sub 2}Hist/PtCl{sub 2}[{sup 131}I]Hist), treatment schedules as well as stages of the disease progress in the animals used. Experiment 1 included long-term, multidose treatment with low single doses (treatment duration 31-32 days; 8-10 doses of ca. 0.25{center_dot}MTD{sub Pt} each). Experiment 2 included short-term, multidose treatment with higher single ...
The University of Groningen (RUG) has developed an expert system on cleaning of biomass producer gas. This work was carried out in close co-operation with the Biomass Technology Group B.V. (BTG) in Enschede, The Netherlands within the framework of the EC supported JOR3-CT95-0084 project. The expert system was developed as a tool for the designer-engineer of downstream gas cleaning equipment and consists of an information package and a flowsheet package. The packages are integrated in a client/server system. The flowsheeting package of the expert system has been designed for the evaluation of different gas cleaning methods. The system contains a number of possible gas cleaning devices such as: cyclone, fabric filter, ceramic filter, venturi scrubber and catalytic cracker. The user can select up to five cleaning steps in an arbitrary order for his specific gas cleaning problem. After specification of the required design parameters, the system calculates the main ...
As part of a general study of personnel neutron dosimetry systems, three British and two German TL albedo dosimeters were compared. They range from simple albedo devices to multi-element devices which detect combinations of incident and albedo neutrons. They were exposed to beams of mono-energetic neutrons, a thermal neutron column and a "2"5"2Cf source. The variation in response with neutron energy above 0.1 MeV was similar for all dosimeters. The resuls show that in general multi-component dosimeters fo not provide enough information to deduce the effective energy of incident neutrons. The choice of single or multi-element dosimeters for particular types of environment is discussed. The Harvey dosimeter has the most acceptable thermal neutron response of the simpler devices. For neutron energies below 0.5 MeV its response varies roughly as the cosine of the angle of incidence but is more complex at higher energies. ...
This article considers a hypothetical imaging device with a spinning slat collimator that measures parallel-planar-integral data from an object. This device rotates around the object 180 deg. and stops at N positions uniformly distributed over this 180 deg. . At each stop, the device spins on its own axis 180 deg. and acquires measurements at M positions uniformly distributed over this 180 deg. . For a fixed total imaging time, an optimal distribution of the scanning time among the data measurement locations is searched by a nonlinear programming method: Nelder-Mead's simplex method. The optimal dwell time is approximately proportional to the weighting factor in the backprojector of the reconstruction algorithm. By using an optimal dwell-time profile, the reconstruction signal-to-noise ratio has a gain of 23%-24% for the filtered backprojection algorithm and a gain of 10%-18% for the iterative algorithms, compared with the ...
Full text: The focused ion beam (FIB) miller is becoming well established as a machine for the structural analysis of materials and for the rapid preparation of transmission electron microscope specimens. It has also been used for some time in the semiconducting materials industry for the analysis, repair and redesign of device materials. However, one emerging technique is the use of the FIB for micromachining. The FIB software can also be used to manufacture and machine components. This process can occur through converting software, typically in the form of bitmaps or TIF files, to proprietary 'stream' files. These files allow, often complex, patterns to be generated and milled into the specimen and thus the generation of micro-electromechanical systems. Frequently, this involves largely two-dimensional patterns and structures, however, more complex patterns and file types can be generated which allow, for example, device prototyping or the ...
The effective electron mobility was measured as a function of surface field in polysilicon thin film transistors having the following three types of gate dielectrics; silicon dioxide deposited by low temperature (350degC) plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), low temperature (400degC) nitrogen-rich PECVD silicon nitride and high temperature (1050degC) thermally grown silicon dioxide. At low surface fields, the maximum true effective electron mobility was 40[+-]3 cm[sup 2] V[sup -1] s[sup -1] in all devices independent of the type of gate dielectric, indicating that the quality of the interface is the same. However, at high surface fields a stronger degradation of the mobility was observed in devices having the thermally grown silicon dioxide as gate dielectric, indicating the presence of surface roughness within the interfacial region. The polysilicon structure was studied by transmission electron microscopy in order to ensure that ...
The UTST (University of Tokyo Spherical Tokamak) device was constructed for the purpose of exploring the formation of ultra-high beta ST (Spherical Tokamak) plasma using the double null plasma merging method. When two plasmas merge together to form a single plasma, magnetic field lines reconnect, and the magnetic field energy is converted to the plasma kinetic energy, increasing the plasma beta. The merging start-up has been demonstrated in the TS-3/4, START and MAST devices using coils inside the vacuum vessel and TS-3 plasma obtained 50% beta. In order to demonstrate the start-up in a more reactor relevant situation, UTST has all poloidal field coils outside the vacuum vessel. The first plasma experiment on the UTST was performed from December, 2007. In the result, the plasma obtained 10 kA by using only outer PF coils and single ST was generated at the lower area (z=-0.3 - -1.0[m]) close to a washer gun. This result suggests that another ...
We present an approach for fabrication of intentionally positioned epitaxial InAs QDs in a micron sized light emitting diode. For site-selective growth, a combination of molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) and focused ion beam (FIB) implantation technology in an all-ultra-high-vacuum (UHV) setup has been employed. Single dot occupancy of almost 55 % on FIB patterned nano-depressions was successfully achieved. Thereafter, carrier injection and subsequent radiative recombination from the positioned InAs/GaAs self-assembled QDs was investigated by embedding these QDs in the intrinsic part of a GaAs-based micron sized p-i-n junction device. Few or single dot are expected to be electrically addressed in these devices. We report results from electroluminescence (EL) measurement which proves the single dot characteristics of our device. The EL spectra consist of sharp emission lines and their dependence on injection current shows linear ...
The device of the present invention improves reactor safety by suppressing lowering of water level in a shroud which surrounds a reactor core, even upon occurrence of rupture of pipelines in an emergency reactor core cooling system in a recycling pump-incorporated type reactor. Namely, an opening of each of cooling systems which forms the emergency reactor core cooling device in a reactor pressure vessel is disposed above the upper end of the reactor core. Further, it also comprises an independent high pressure water injection system, gravitational dropping type water injection system and an automatic depressurization system. With such a constitution, even if rupture of pipelines in the system should be assumed, coolants never flow directly from the shroud which surrounds the reactor core. In addition, there are no pipelines to be ruptured below the upper end of the reactor core with respect to the structure. Accordingly, a great amount of ...
In an existent emergency reactor core cooling device, if a ruptures should occure in a pipeline of a gravitational dropping type reactor core cooling system pool (GDCS) due to some or other causes, a portion of GDCS pool water was flown out of the ruptured port and could not be used for reactor core cooling. Then, a difference pressure detector is disposed to a GDCS pipeline at the inlet of a reactor pressure vessel. When it is judged by the detector, that coolants flow to the outside of the injection pipeline, an injection value disposed to the GDCS pipeline is closed by the difference pressure signal. Even if a rupture should occur on the side of the pressure vessel at downstream to the check value of the GDCS pipeline, since backflow is caused at the pressure container inlet of the GDCS pipeline with the rupture port, the rupture is detected by the difference pressure detector to close the injection valve. Therefore, loss of the GDCS pool water is prevented and ...
The device for removing drilling fines from the well head includes a support disk encompassing the sucker rod of the drilling machine with frame made in the form of a dish with inner conical surface, and overturned truncated cone located in the dish of the support disk with the formation between them of a ring guide slit. In order to improve the effectiveness of removing the drilling fines and convenience of operation by excluding heavy manual auxiliary operations to clean the well head and to move the device from one well to another, it is equipped with a mechanism for suspension with a drive. The inner conical surface of the dish is equipped with slide blocks, while the overturned truncated cone is equipped with projections. The suspension mechanism is made in the form of a hydrocylinder and two pairs of levers connected in pairs by means of hinges. The hinges of each pair of levers are connected to the hydrocylinder, and the levers are ...
The University of Georgia, in collaboration with GE Global Research, has investigated the relevant quenching mechanism of phosphor coatings used in white light devices based on UV LEDs. The final goal of the project was the design and fabrication of a high-efficacy white light UV-LED device through improved geometry and optimized phosphor coatings. At the end of the research period, which was extended to seamlessly carry over the research to a follow-up program, we have demonstrated a two-fold improvement in the conversion efficiency of a white light LED device, where the increase efficacy is due to both improved phosphor quantum efficiency and lamp geometry. Working prototypes have been displayed at DOE sponsored meetings and during the final presentation at the DOE Headquarters in Washington, DC. During the first phase of the project, a fundamental understanding of quenching processes in UV-LEDs was obtained, and the ...
The University of Georgia, in collaboration with GE Global Research, has investigated the relevant quenching mechanism of phosphor coatings used in white light devices based on UV LEDs. The final goal of the project was the design and fabrication of a high-efficacy white light UV-LED device through improved geometry and optimized phosphor coatings. At the end of the research period, which was extended to seamlessly carry over the research to a follow-up program, we have demonstrated a two-fold improvement in the conversion efficiency of a white light LED device, where the increase efficacy is due to both improved phosphor quantum efficiency and lamp geometry. Working prototypes have been displayed at DOE sponsored meetings and during the final presentation at the DOE Headquarters in Washington, DC. During the first phase of the project, a fundamental understanding of quenching processes in UV-LEDs was obtained, and the ...