KoreaScience (Korea)

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UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is a rare cause of recurrent acute pancreatitis or chronic pancreatitis in middle-aged patients, and is characterised by a marked infiltration of lymphocytes and plasma...Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The solid-pseudopapillary tumor (SPT) of the pancreas is a rare type of exocrine pancreatic neoplasm. SPT predominantly affects young women and female children, and is usually discovered incidentally. This tumor is generally benign with a low incidence of malignancy. A 13-year-old girl was admitted to the hospital with a few weeks' history of mild abdominal pain and jaundice. On physical examination, there was no palpable mass. The laboratory tests showed increased SR, CRP, high bilirubin, amylase and lipase serum levels. Ultrasound imaging revealed a solid lesion in the region of the pancreatic head. On MRI, precise tumor localization in the head of the pancreas with pancreatic duct dilatation and compression of the common bile duct were visualized. Pancreaticoduodenectomy and cholecystectomy was performed with good clinical outcome. Microscopic and immunohistochemical studies indicated that tumor ...

Science.gov (United States)

The most common causes of omental sac collections (OSC) are necrotic pancreatitis (90%) and pancreatic trauma (10%). Acute OSC is a form of local peritonitis in acute pancreatitis, subacute OSC are caused by internal pancreatic fistulas. The clinical and radiological signs, enzymatic activity of the exudate, morphological features of peritonitis were investigated. Treatment of acute OSC included conservative measures, of subacute OSC-surgical procedures. PMID:9163152

Science.gov (United States)

Porcine pancreatic lipase immobilized on celite particles has been employed as a catalyst for the esterification of dodecanol and decanoic acid in a predominantly organic system. Solvent influence on the equilibrium position and on the catalyst activity has been studied using 20 solvents, including aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, ethers, ketones, nitro- and halogenated hydrocarbons, and esters. The equilibrium constant for esterification correlates well with the solubility of water in the organic solvent, which in turn shows a good relationship with a function of Guttman's donor number and the electron pair acceptance index number of the solvent. This may be rationalized in terms of the requirements for solvation of water and of the reactants. The catalyst activity, measured as the initial rate of the esterification reaction, is best correlated as a function of both n-octanol-water partition coefficient (log P) and ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

We have identified the nonreceptor tyrosine kinase syk as a marker of differentiation/tumor suppressor in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Syk expression is lost in poorly differentiated PDAC...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Objectives:Cachexia is common in pancreatic cancer and may have an influence on longterm survival but few studies have investigated this in patients with operable tumours. Therefore,...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Patients with pancreatic cancer normally present with advanced disease that is lethal and notoriously difficult to treat. Survival has not improved dramatically, despite routine use of chemotherapy...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundASCL1 role in pancreatic endocrine tumourigenesis has not been established. Recently it was suggested that ASCL1 negatively controls expression of the...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

We examined the association between N-acetyltransferase 1 and 2 (NAT1 and NAT2) haplotype and risk of pancreatic cancer by genotyping eight...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

AIM: To distinguish anastomotic from parenchymal leakage at duct-to-mucosa reconstruction of the pancreatic remnant.METHODS: We reviewed the charts of 68 pancreaticod-uodenectomies performed...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundThe elevated serum and peritoneal cytokine concentrations responsible for the systemic response syndrome (SIRS) and multiorgan failure in patients with severe acute pancreatitis...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is one of the most lethal human malignancy with dismal prognosis and few effective therapeutic options. Novel agents that are safe and effective are urgently...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Autoimmune pancreatitis is frequently associated with elevated serum and tissue IgG4 levels in the adult population, but there are few reports of pediatric autoimmune pancreatitis, and even fewer reports...Full Text Available

Science.gov (United States)

Pancreatic amyloid deposits of amylin are a hallmark of Type II diabetes and considerable evidence indicates that amylin oligomers are cytotoxic to beta-cells. Many efforts are presently spent to find out naturally occurring molecules, or to design synthetic ones, able to hinder amylin aggregation or to protect cells against aggregate cytotoxicity. In this context, a protective effect of some polyphenols against amyloid cytotoxicity was reported. Actually dietary polyphenols are endowed with multiple health benefits, and extra virgin olive oil is attracting increasing interest as a source of these substances. Here, we investigated the effects on amylin aggregation and cytotoxicity of the secoiridoid oleuropein aglycon, the main phenolic component of extra virgin olive oil. We found that oleuropein, when present during the aggregation of amylin, consistently prevented its cytotoxicity to RIN-5F pancreatic beta-cells, as determined by the ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A radioimmunoassay is described for the molluscan neuropeptide, Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-NH"2(FMRFamide). The antibody used is C-terminal-specific and shows slight but significant (1-2%) cross-reactivity with chicken pancreatic polypeptide (APP). The assay has been used to identify in rat brain extracts a pair of molecules that may represent mammalian counterparts of FMRFamide. Their concentrations were highest in spinal cord and hypothalamus (>10 pmol.g"-_1) and lowest in cerebellum and striatum (<3.5 pmol.g"-_1). The two immunoreactive peptides were separated on CM ion-exchange chromatography where they appeared to be less basic than FMRFamide. On Sephadex G50 gel filtration one eluted in a similar position to FMRFamide and the other slightly earlier suggesting it may be of higher molecular weight. The rat immunoreactive components do not correspond to previously described neuropeptides or hormones, and may be members of a new group of mammalian neuropeptides with ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Background:Solid pseudopapillary tumor is a rare pancreatic neoplasm with uncertain to low malignant potential. This is an uncommon neoplasm with many pseudonyms, occurring...Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The typical MRI features of the most common pancreatic diseases, such as pancreatitis and adenocarcinoma of the pancreas, have been established. However, even in these common pancreatic disorders, MRI correlation with the underlying pathology is limited for clinical reasons. We emphasize MR-pathological correlation of inflammatory and neoplastic pancreatic changes, including pancreatitis, adenocarcinoma, acinar cell carcinoma, rare cystic and solid pancreatic neoplasms, and islet cell tumors. By highlighting the correlation of key pathological features with MR findings, a better understanding of the MR appearance of pancreatic pathology can be provided. In addition, MRI may prove a powerful tool in detection and characterization of pancreatic tumors. (orig.) [Deutsch] Das MR-tomographische Erscheinungsbild von ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The transfer function concept is well known as an additional method to evaluate the impulse test of power transformers in the test laboratory. Another application for the transfer function method is monitoring of transformers in service. Thereby, Off-line and On-line monitoring can be realized. Both kinds of monitoring are demonstrated with on-site measurements on a power transformer in service.

CERN Document Server

Generalized functions

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Altered structure, and hence function, of cellular macromolecules caused by oxidation can contribute to loss of physiological function with age. Here, we tested whether the lifespan of bats, which generally...Full Text Available

Medline Plus

... be able to watch the many intricate steps Dr. Richard Alexander must accomplish to remove the cancer. ... door to informed medical care. Now let's join Dr. Richard Alexander at the University of Maryland Medical ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BACKGROUNDSolid-pseudopapillary neoplasms (SPNs) are rare pancreatic tumors with malignant potential. Clinicopathologic characteristics and outcomes of patients with...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

AIM: To investigate differential points of solid-pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) of the pancreas and pancreatic endocrine tumor (PET).METHODS: Ten cases of SPN and fourteen cases of PET were studied...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

This case report describes the second known instance of a multifocal capillary pancreatic neoplasm. Both cases occurred in young African American females. A less-than-total pancreatectomy was performed...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) results from insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction, in the setting of hyperglucagonemia. Glucagon is a 29 amino acid peptide hormone, which is secreted from...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a widely used diagnostic and therapeutic modality in the management of biliary and pancreatic disease. Some of the complications of the procedure,...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

ObjectiveThe goal of the study was to investigate the genetic and molecular basis of a novel syndrome of marked hyperglucagonemia and pancreatic α cell hyperplasia...Full Text Available

Science.gov (United States)

... and Cardiac Function test (including optional measurements of central venous pressure (CVP), via a peripherally inserted central catheter, and cardiac output ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Objective: Solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas (SPTP tumor) is a rare pancreatic neoplasm with low malignant potential, which usually affects female patients in the second or third decades of life. It is a non-functional, slow-growing neoplasm that very often reaches considerable size before the first symptoms appear. Symptomatology is frequently related to tumor size. Surgical excision is usually curative in most cases. Infrequently the tumor can appear in male patients or in aged women, which can make the diagnosis more difficult. Some patients develop liver metastases in the follow-up that can be resected. Our purpose is to review the radiological and pathological findings of SPTP with emphasis on these infrequent cases. Subjects and methods: The medical records and radiological findings of patients who underwent surgery for SPTP between 2000 and 2005 were retrospectively reviewed. Study eligibility required that patients had ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The purposes of this report are (1) to perform a Verification and Validation (V and V) test for the VIPEX(Vital-area Identification Package EXpert) software and (2) to improve a software quality through the V and V test. The VIPEX was developed in Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) for the Vital Area Identification (VAI) of nuclear power plants. The version of the VIPEX which was distributed is 3.2.0.0. The VIPEX was revised based on the first V and V test and the second V and V test was performed. We have performed the following tasks for the V and V test on Windows XP and VISTA operating systems: ? Testing basic functions including fault tree editing ? Testing all kind of functions ? Research for update from Visual BASIC 6.0 to Visual BASIC 2008

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

CT of the gastrointestinal tract is commonly performed after administration of a high-density diluted iodinated oral contrast material. However, because if inadequate mixing of the contrast material with the gastrointestinal contents, pseudotumor and poor mucosal visualization are frequently shown on abdominal CT. To overcome these problem, 10% corn oil emulsion (COE) is tested as an alternative oral contrast agent in 40 patients. We analyse patients tolerance, gastric mucosal visualization and discrimination of pancreas from the duodenal C-loop to 10% COE in 40 patients compared with those obtained from 35 patients, who was received high-density diluted iodinated oral contrast agent (gastrografin). The results are as follows : 1. Patients' tolerance to 10% COE is similar to that to conventional oral contrast agent. 2. Image of the gastric mucosa from patients receiving 10% COE is superior to that receiving oral contrast agent. 3. The discrimination ...

Science.gov (United States)

A schematic of the Bench cavity receiver system is given, and the primary objectives, schedule and research plan for each of four tests are discussed. The tests are: (1) cold flow testing to functionally check all valves and their response using high pressure nitrogen gas; (2) a hot checkout to simulate both steady state and transient flux inputs to the receiver which are expected at the French facility; (3) basic performance using solar energy at the French facility; and (4) ir radiant heat testing. (LEW)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) reactor, which started operating in 1982, is a 400 MWt sodium-cooled fast neutron reactor located in Hanford, Washington State, and operated by Westinghouse Hanford Co. under contract with U.S. Department of Energy. The reactor has a wide variety of functions for irradiation tests and special tests, and its major purpose is the irradiation of fuel and material for liquid metal reactor, nuclear reactor and space reactor projects. The review first describes major technical specifications and current conditions of the FFTF reactor. Then the plan for irradiation testing is outlined focusing on general features, fuel pin/assembly irradiation tests, and absorber irradiation tests. Assemblies for special tests include the material open test assembly (MOTA), fuel open ...

CERN Document Server

RooStats is a project to create advanced statistical tools required for the analysis of LHC data, with emphasis on discoveries, confidence intervals, and combined measurements. The idea is to provide the major statistical techniques as a set of C++ classes with coherent interfaces, which can be used on arbitrary model and datasets in a common way. The classes are built on top of RooFit, which provides a very convenient functionality for modeling the probability density functions or the likelihood functions, required as inputs for any statistical technique. Furthermore, RooFit provides the functionality for easily creating models, for analysis combination and for digital publication of the likelihood function and the data. We will present in detail the design and the implementation of the different statistical methods of RooStats. These include various classes for interval estimation ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This report provides key information on the irradiation environment of the MONJU fuel tests MFA-1 and MFA-2 in the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF). This information includes the fission powers, neutron fluxes, sodium temperatures and sodium flow rates in MFA-I, MFA-2 and adjacent assemblies. It also includes MFA-1 and MFA-2 compositions as a function of exposure. The work was performed at the request of Power Reactor and Nuclear Fuels Corporation (PNC) of Japan.

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This paper defines a rigorous seal test program conducted to develop a functional and proven high-pressure, multi-product swivel suitable for use as a Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) unit for the transfer of liquids and gases at high pressures and high temperatures through a rotating system. The test program was accomplished with specially designed test equipment with computer monitoring of temperature, torque, fluid pressures, seal lip temperatures, number of cycles, and leakage. The three primary phases are: (A) Seal Laterial screening with a computer-automated Falex testing machine, plus physical testing of chemically exposed samples. (B) One-third scale testing of several seal system configurations using a hydraulic driven, computer controlled test machine. (C) Full scale ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The purpose was to study the toxicity of drugs known to generate free radicals on isolated pancreatic islets. The accumulattion of "8"6Rb"+ by mouse pancreatic islets was measured in vitro. Exposing the islets to 6-hydroxydopamine, minhydrin, or phenazine methosulphate + NADH inhibited the Rb"+ uptake, whereas paraquat or acetylphenylhydrazine had no effect. This effect of 6-hydroxydopamine was prevented by either of the hydroxyl radical scavengers, sodium benzoate and mannitol, but not by the non-scavenger,urea; ninhydrin was partially protected against by mannitol but not by benzoate. Protection against 6-hydroxydopamine was also afforded by D-glucose but not by L-glucose or 3-O-methyl-D-glucose; none of the sugars protected against ninhydrin. In damaging islet beta-cells and in being protected against by D-glucose, 6-hydroxydopamine closely resembles the diabetogenic drug, alloxan. It is suggested that protection against alloxan may involve ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Acceptance Testing of the WRAP 1 Plant Control System Hardware will be conducted throughout the construction of WRAP I with the final testing on the Process Area hardware being completed in November 1996. The hardware tests will be broken out by the following functional areas; Local Control Units, Operator Control Stations in the WRAP Control Room, DMS Server, PCS Server, Operator Interface Units, printers, DNS terminals, WRAP Local Area Network/Communications, and bar code equipment. This document will contain completed copies of each of the hardware tests along with the applicable test logs and completed test exception reports.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

To test the hypothesis that transduction of the channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) gene, a microbial-type rhodopsin gene, into retinal ganglion cells of genetically blind rats will restore functional vision, we recorded visually evoked potentials and tested the experimental rats for the presence of optomotor responses. The N-terminal fragment of the ChR2 gene was fused to the fluorescent protein Venus and inserted into an adeno-associated virus to make AAV2-ChR2V. AAV2-ChR2V was injected intravitreally into the eyes of 6-month-old dystrophic RCS (rdy/rdy) rats. Visual function was evaluated six weeks after the injection by recording visually evoked potentials (VEPs) and testing optomotor responses. The expression of ChR2V in the retina was investigated histologically. We found that VEPs could not b...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This is a slide-based oral presentation given to the COG/IAEA: Fifth technical committee meeting on 'Exchange of operating experience of pressurized heavy water reactors' held in Mangalia, Romania on 7-10 September 1998. Since energization of Wolsung Unit 3 station service transformer on July 12, 1996 a line of initial test program was conducted as follows: 1. ILRT/SIT; 2. Pre-operational and Hot Functional testing with a Light Water and without Fuel in Systems; 3. Load D_2O in Moderator System; 4. Initial fuel loading; 5. Load D_2O in PHT System; 6. Hot Functional Testing with Heavy Water and Fuel in Systems; 7. Criticality and Low Power Physics Testing; 8. Power Ascension Test and, then finally, phase-D test; the plant acceptance test was accomplished after having a Mini-Overhaul to prepare for ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The Reliability Data Management System (RDMS) for safety systems of PHWR type plants has been developed and utilized in the reliability analysis of the special safety systems of Wolsong Unit 1 with plant overhaul period lengthened. The RDMS is developed for the periodic efficient reliability analysis of the safety systems of Wolsong Unit 1. In addition, this system provides the function of analyzing the effects on safety system unavailability if the test period of a test procedure changes as well as the function of optimizing the test periods of safety-related test procedures. The RDMS can be utilized in handling the requests of the regulatory institute actively with regard to the reliability validation of safety systems.

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Testes of jellyfish Phialidium gregarium were fixed in 2 per cent OsO₄ in Veronal-acetate buffer at pH 7.4. Thin sections showed that in young spermatids the spindle fibers...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The theory that the αβ dimer is the functional unit of cooperativity in hemoglobin has been tested by determination of the oxygen equilibrium curve of stable deoxy dimers, obtained by...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic transmission is critical for normal cortical function and is likely abnormal in a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders. We tested the in...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundBreast-feeding rates in the UK are known to vary by maternal socio-economic status but the latter function is imperfectly defined. We test if CTVB (Council Tax Valuation...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundFabry patients have symptoms and signs compatible with autonomic dysfunction. These symptoms and signs are considered to be due to impairment of the peripheral nervous...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundQuantitative sensory testing (QST) is applied to evaluate somatosensory nerve fiber function in the spinal system. This study uses QST in patients with sensory dysfunctions...Full Text Available

CERN Document Server

A new metaheuristic optimisation algorithm, called Cuckoo Search (CS), was developed recently by Yang and Deb (2009). This paper presents a more extensive comparison study using some standard test functions and newly designed stochastic test functions. We then apply the CS algorithm to solve engineering design optimisation problems, including the design of springs and welded beam structures. The optimal solutions obtained by CS are far better than the best solutions obtained by an efficient particle swarm optimiser. We will discuss the unique search features used in CS and the implications for further research.

CERN Document Server

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.

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

AimsThe prevalence and importance of liver function test (LFT) abnormalities in a large contemporary cohort of heart failure patients have not been systematically evaluated.Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The RSS collaboration has measured the spin structure functions of the proton and the deuteron at Jefferson Lab using the Hall C HMS spectrometer, a polarized electron beam and a polarized solid target. The asymmetries A and A were measured in the region of the nucleon resonances (0.82 GeV < W < 1.98 GeV) at an average four momentum transfer of Q2 = 1.3 GeV2. The extracted spin structure functions and their kinematic dependence will make a significant contribution in the study of higher-twist effects and polarized duality tests. A description of the experiment and the latest findings of the analysis will be presented.

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

In both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, pancreatic islet dysfunction results in part from cytokine-mediated inflammation. The ubiquitous eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A (eIF5A), which is the...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The nucleotide sequence of the 5'-terminal oligonucleotides produced by pancreatic RNase digestion of bacteriophage T3 RNA polymerase (EC 2.7.7.6) transcripts of T3 DNA has been determined. The sequence...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

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

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The safe function of a new pipe whip restraint device has been demonstrated in a full scale test. The restraint is based on using a shape memory alloy to protect a pipe and its environment in the event of a double-ended-guillotine-break. The evaluation test has been performed at boiling water reactor (BWR) operating pressure and temperature using a pipe representing BWR primary piping. (orig.) 2 refs.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) is a liquid-metal-cooled test reactor located on the Hanford Site. The FFTF is the only reactor of this type designed and operated with the intent of meeting the licensing requirements of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Unique characteristics of the FFTF that present special challenges related to leak rate testing include thin wall containment vessel construction, cover gas systems that penetrate containment, and a low-pressure design basis accident. The successful completion in 1986 of the third FFTF Integrated Leak Rate Test (ILRT) five days ahead of schedule and 10% under budget was a major achievement for the Westinghouse Hanford Company. The success of this operational safety test was due in large part to a special local area network (LAN) of three IBM PC/XT computers that monitored the sensor data, calculated the containment vessel ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nuclear power plant has several safety features and each safety feature is based on the operation of pumps and valves. Therefore, it is an essential basis for the safety of nuclear power plant to keep operational readiness of pumps and valves by In-Service Test (IST). According to Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MEST) Bulletin 2008-14, the safety functioned pumps and valves of all nuclear power plants of Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Co. Ltd.(KHNP) have been tested to verify their performance of safety function. Each safety grade pump has own design requirement and should be tested to identify whether it could meet the requirement. Design requirements and test references of all safety grade pumps of Wolsung Nuclear Power Plant Unit 2 (Wolsung Unit 2) were examined in this study. And the results of the performance test of the ...

Science.gov (United States)

This paper focuses on a factorial-based design strategy. The approach provides an efficient and statistically reliable means for assessing the influence of multivariable effects. It is applied to the detection and evaluation of damage in impacted composite sandwich panels. The experimental results obtained from this test strategy are utilized to form an empirical response function. The resulting polynomial relates damage area to residual compression strength at values of independent variables for which testing did not occur. The response function also identifies nonlinear interaction effects of key variabes that cannot be easily ascertained by traditional single-variable test strategies. Independent variables evaluated include core thickness, number of face sheet plys and impact energy. The methodology presented allows the designer to predict with more confidence the damage ...

Science.gov (United States)

After some observations about the tests of the research exposed in the literature, authors illustrate the tests for 142 patients divided into 5 groups: a) patients affected with acute viral hepatitis; b) patients affected with praegressa acute viral hepatitis; c) relatives of patients with acute viral hepatitis; d) volunteers; e) patients affected with chronic uraemia under dialisis periodic treatment. After the testing control, authors, conclude with an hipotesis: a possible epidemic function of faeces, urine saliva, in the passage of the acute viral hepatitis. PMID:488577

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

An experimental and analytical study was performed to improve understanding of the dynamic impact behavior of carbon steel pipes. The test program addressed two types of pipe impact scenarios using both 2- and 4-in. Sch-80 pipes and elbows. Projectile-on-pipe tests simulated the behavior of a stationary target pipe which is impacted at its center by a larger, more rigid whipping pipe. These target pipes, which contained non-flowing water at about 290{degree}C temperature and ca 8.5 megapascals pressure, exhibited a peak deformation of up to 45% reduction in their diameter. For each test condition, the local deformation at the impact zone is a function of the peak impact force and impact velocity. Pipe-on-wall tests simulated the impact of an elbow at the free end of a cantilevered whipping pipe with a rigid barrier. The peak crush of the impact zone of the elbows was a ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A modulation transfer function (MTF) calibration method based on binary pseudo-random (BPR) gratings and arrays [Proc. SPIE 7077-7 (2007), Opt. Eng. 47(7), 073602-1-5 (2008)] has been proven to be an effective MTF calibration method for a number of interferometric microscopes and a scatterometer [Nucl. Instr. and Meth. A 616, 172-82 (2010]. Here we report on a significant expansion of the application range of the method. We describe the MTF calibration of a 6 inch phase shifting Fizeau interferometer. Beyond providing a direct measurement of the interferometer's MTF, tests with a BPR array surface have revealed an asymmetry in the instrument's data processing algorithm that fundamentally limits its bandwidth. Moreover, the tests have illustrated the effects of the instrument's detrending and filtering procedures on power spectral density measurements. The details of the development of a BPR ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sizewell B is Nuclear Electric's latest power station, and the Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR) design on which it is based represents a ''first'' for the UK. One of the integral components of the plant is the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system, which performs a contamination control and gaseous waste management function for the site. During the commissioning of Sizewell B Power Station the extract systems of the HVAC plant underwent a procedure known as ''fingerprinting''. This entailed the characterisation of the facilities provided to test the filtration plant during its lifetime. The assessment of their adequacy was then used to identify necessary modifications and/or to propose the manner in which future in situ performance testing would be carried out. The paper outlines the basic principles and procedure that was used to ''fingerprint'' test systems during the commissioning of ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This paper shows how molecular theory paves the way for accelerated aging tests of safety-related equipment in nuclear power plants, as required by NRC qualification programs. Arrhenius' model, based on an equation, provides useful information regarding the extent of molecular change as a function of time and temperature. Critical to determining the aging characteristics and qualified life of organic materials is the activation energy concept, which is derived from information gathered when the molecular reaction of the material is documented over the entire life cycle. In accelerated-aging applications, the importance of the model lies in characterizing the chemical related reactions of materials. The problem with the Arrhenius approach is that, in generating a testing period of reasonable duration, a rather high test temperature must be selected which may lead to an added and unrelated environmental ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A 25m wind turbine blade was tested to failure when subjected to a flapwise load. With the test setup, it was possible to test the blade to failure at three diffe-rent locations. The objective of these tests is to learn about how a wind turbine blade fails when exposed to a large flapwise load and how failures propagate. The report shows also results from ultra sonic scan of the surface of the blade and it is seen to be very useful for the detection of defects, especially in the layer between the skin laminate and the load carrying main spar. Acoustic emission was successfully used as sensor for the detection of damages in the blade during the test. The report contains measurements of the total deflection of the blade, the local deflection of the skin and the load carrying main spar and also measurement of strain all as a function of the applied load and up to ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Our purpose in this work was to develop an automatic boundary detection method for mammographic masses and to rigorously test this method via statistical analysis. The segmentation method utilized a steepest change analysis technique for determining the mass boundaries based on a composed probability density cost function. Previous investigators have shown that this function can be utilized to determine the border of the mass body. We have further analyzed this method and have discovered that the steepest changes in this function can produce mass delineations that include extended projections. The method was tested on 124 digitized mammograms selected from the University of South Florida's Digital Database for Screening Mammography (DDSM). The segmentation results were validated using overlap, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity statistics, where the gold standards were manual ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Purpose of this item is to report the CT patterns of pancreatic mesenchymal lesions and to investigate the capabilities and limitations of this technique in terms of characterization. In selected cases, CT can provide virtually diagnostic information (lipoma and teratoma), or at least highly suggestive findings (NHL, plexiform neurofibroma, lymphangioma). Moreover, knowledge of the variable morphostructural patterns of mesenchymal hisototypes (SCH, Sarcoma etc.) permits to include them in the differential diagnosis of pancreatic masses. [Italian] Scopo di questo rapporto e' descrivere gli aspetti semeiologici dei tumori mesenchimali del pancreas con la TC verificandone le possibilita e i limiti per la caratterizzazione. Pur nella rarita' dei reperti considerati, la TC puo' consentire l'effettiva caratterizzazione in alcuni casi (lipoma, neurofibroma plessiforme, linfangioma) o includere anche istotipi meno ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The task of designing high performance X-ray optical systemsrequires the development of sophisticated X-ray scattering calculationsbased on rigorous information about the optics. One of the mostinsightful approaches to these calculations is based on the powerspectral density (PSD) distribution of the surface height. The majorproblem of measurement of a PSD distribution with an interferometricand/or atomic force microscope arises due to the unknown ModulationTransfer Function (MTF) of the instruments. The MTF characterizes theperturbation of the PSD distribution at higher spatial frequencies. Here,we describe a new method and dedicated test surfaces for calibration ofthe MTF of a microscope. The method is based on use of a speciallydesigned Binary Pseudo-random (BPR) grating. Comparison of atheoretically calculated PSD spectrum of a BPR grating with a spectrummeasured with the grating provides the desired calibration of theinstrumental MTF. The ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The objective of this study is to test the validity of sex determination in children and adolescents using lateral radiographic cephalometry and discriminant function analysis. Fifty male and 50 female cephalograms of Taiwanese children were used (males and females with mean age of 15.52???1.38 and 15.67???1.54?years, respectively). Twenty-two cephalometric measurements were performed using computerized cephalometry. Statistical analysis shows that all measurements were sexually dimorphic (p?function analysis. A stepwise discriminant procedure selected seven of the nine variables, producing 95% accuracy in sex determination. Resubstitution classification reveals the same discriminant rat...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Monte Carlo neutron transport methods can be used to verify the applicability of point kinetics for safety analysis of nuclear reactors. KENO-NR was used to obtain the transfer function of the Advanced Neutron Source reactor and the time delay between the core power production and the external detectors, a parameter of interest to the safety systems design. The good agreement between the Monte Carlo generated transfer function and the point kinetics transfer function validates that the uncommon ANS geometry does not preclude the use of point kinetics in the frequency range that was investigated. Various features of the power spectral densities also demonstrated the applicability of point kinetics. The time delay was obtained from the cross-power spectral density (CPSD) and is {approximately}15 ms. These analyses show that frequency analysis can be used experimentally to investigate the validity of the use of point kinetics ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A statistical method is developed to determine the locations of major pollutant sources affecting a distant downwind receptor, provided that air trajectories can be estimated. Probability density functions are estimated which indicate the overall residence time of air parcels over a given geographic region as they travel toward a receptor and residence time for the case of high pollutant concentrations at the receptor. These functions are used to estimate a conditional probability function which indicates the potential for a source region to contribute to high air pollution concentrations. Finally, a source contribution function is formulated to indicate the relative contribution of different source regions to high concentrations at the receptor. The method is tested using data collected at Grand Canyon National Park in 1980. The dominant pathway for air masses arriving at Grand ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Reactor COre Protection System (RCOPS), an advanced core protection calculator system, is a digitized one which provides core protection function based on two reactor core operation parameters, Departure from Nucleate Boiling Ratio (DNBR) and Local Power Density (LPD). It generates a reactor trip signal when the core condition exceeds the DNBR or LPD design limit. It consists of four independent channels adapted a two-out-of-four trip logic. System configuration, hardware platform and an improved algorithm of the newly designed core protection calculator system are described in this paper. One channel of RCOPS was implemented as a single channel facility for this R and D project where we performed final integration software testing. To implement custom function blocks, pSET is used. Software test is performed by two methods. The first method is a 'Software Module Test' and the ...

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

The volume of cortical activation as detected by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in the visual cortex has previously been shown to be reduced following optic neuritis (ON). In order to understand the cause of this change, we studied the cortical activation, both the size of the activated area and the signal change following ON, and compared the results with results of neuroophthalmological testing. We studied nine patients with previous acute ON and 10 healthy persons served as controls using fMRI with visual stimulation. In addition to a reduced activated volume, patients showed a reduced blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) signal increase and a greater asymmetry in the visual cortex, compared with controls. The volume of visual cortical activation was significantly correlated to the result of the contrast sensitivity test. The BOLD signal increase correlated significantly to both the results of the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Wind2H2 system is fully functional and continues to gather performance data. In this report, specifications of the Wind2H2 equipment (electrolyzers, compressor, hydrogen storage tanks, and the hydrogen fueled generator) are summarized. System operational experience and lessons learned are discussed. Valuable operational experience is shared through running, testing, daily operations, and troubleshooting the Wind2H2 system and equipment errors are being logged to help evaluate the reliability of the system.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In the scope of the nuclear plants lifetime study, the behavior of the cooling towers is discussed. The main geometrical characteristics of the cooling towers in the French nuclear power plants, are presented. The surveyance program, the risks of accident, the research and development actions are considered. The results of the investigations of the cooling tower structure show that it is a multidiciplinary problem and needs the development of experimental and theoretical methods. Concerning the regenerators, the surveyance actions under operating conditions, the accelerated aging tests, and some aspects of the mechanical resistance, are underlined. It is shown that mainly the creep tests will allow the lifetime estimation of the materials developed for the regenerators.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

LOCA (Loss of coolant accident) resistant heat-shrinkable polymeric products are widely used for the connection of LV cables for class 1E systems inside the containment area of nuclear power plants. The paper/presentation describes the verification of a reformulated compound for these products, where certain components of the compound formulation had to be substituted. A qualification programme with this so-called reformulated compound was undertaken to proof the equivalency of the products to the products made out of the original compound. The basic elements of this requalification project were material qualification tests including accelerated aging tests according to the arrhenius method and type tests in accordance to IEEE 383, including flammability tests. The test results showed that the products made out of the reformulated compound were similar in fit, form and ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Purpose: The aim of this study was to create, perfect and test a hyperthermia balloon catheter for local treatment of cholangiocarcinoma. The device should induce hyperthermia in tumor tissue by acting locally in the bile duct lumen in contact with the tumor-infiltrated duct wall. In addition, it should exert tissue compression to cause an appreciable reduction in tumor microvasculature flow, thus improving thermal performance. Methods: According to the design specifications, the working temperature range should allow the device to be used for hyperthermia therapy either in combination with radiation and/or chemotherapy(radio/chemo-sensitizing effect at 42-45 deg. C) or alone (induction of coagulation necrosis above 65 deg. C). The balloon serves as an anchoring system during treatment and as a functional element to induce tissue compression. In vitro mechanical evaluation of the pressure/volume relationship, with the balloon inside rigid ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A transient flow reduction burnout experiment was conducted with water in a uniformly heated, vertically oriented tube. Test pressures ranged from 0.5 to 3.9 MPa. An analytical method was developed to obtain transient burnout conditions at the exit. A simple correlation to predict the deviation of the transient burnout mass velocity at the tube exit from the steady state mass velocity obtained as a function of steam-water density ratio and flow reduction rate. The correlation was also compared with the other data. (author).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Quark models of production of cumulative particles and the EMC effect are analyzed. It is shown that all these models are characterized by a universal relation between the spectrum of cumulative nucleons and the cross section for cumulative particles containing valence quarks of the nucleus. This relation is tested for the deuteron, and the role of secondary nuclear processes for heavy nuclei is discussed. It is noted that the ''sea'' cumulative particles (K"-, p-bar) are particularly important for understanding the nature of the difference between the structure functions of a nucleus and of a free nucleon.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The research of the CELLO collaboration is reviewed. After a description of the CELLO detector tests of QCD and hadronic final states by determination of the strong coupling constant and studies of inclusive production of electrons and muons in multihadronic events in e"+e"- annihilation are described. Then studies of deep inelastic e#gamma# scattering with lepton pair production and the study of the structure function of the photon are briefly described. Finally studies on QED processes are described together with tau decays. (HSI).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A 5 V glassy carbon capacitor stack was built consisting of four bipolar and two end-plate electrodes. More than 100,000 charging/discharging cycles were applied to test the stability of the double-layer capacitor. Low and high frequency resistances were measured as a function of the number of cycles. (author) 2 figs., 1 ref.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In this paper a prototype of Requirement Tracking and Verification System(RTVS) for a Distributed Control System was implemented and tested. The RTVS is a software design and verification tool. The main functions required by the RTVS are managing, tracking and verification of the software requirements listed in the documentation of the DCS. The analysis of DCS software design procedures and interfaces with documents were performed to define the user of the RTVS, and the design requirements for RTVS were developed. 4 refs., 3 figs. (Author)

CERN Document Server

In this paper, we intend to formulate a new metaheuristic algorithm, called Cuckoo Search (CS), for solving optimization problems. This algorithm is based on the obligate brood parasitic behaviour of some cuckoo species in combination with the Levy flight behaviour of some birds and fruit flies. We validate the proposed algorithm against test functions and then compare its performance with those of genetic algorithms and particle swarm optimization. Finally, we discuss the implication of the results and suggestion for further research.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This standard provides requirements and guidelines for installation, inspection and testing activities that assure the quality of important mechanical parts of a nuclear power plant not covered by the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section III, during construction. These parts include those mechanical systems and components whose satisfactory performance is required: for the plant to operate reliably; to prevent accidents that could cause undue risk to the health and safety of the public; or to mitigate the consequences of such accidents if they were to occur. The requirements of this standard deal with the protection and control necessary to assure that the requisite quality of those important parts of the plant are preserved from the time items are removed from storage or receiving until they are incorporated into the plant up to but not including fuel loading for PWR plants and the completion of cold functional ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The collisions of high energy photons produced at an electron-positron collider provide a comprehensive laboratory for testing QCD, electroweak interactions, and extensions of the standard model. The luminosity and energy of the colliding photons produced by backscattering laser beams is expected to be comparable to that of the primary e"+e"- collisions. In this overview, we shall focus on tests of electroweak theory in photon-photon annihilation, particularly #gamma##gamma##->#W"+W"-, #gamma##gamma##->#Higgs bosons, and higher-order loop processes, such as #gamma##gamma##->##gamma##gamma#, Z#gamma# and ZZ. Since each photon can be resolved into a W"+W"- pair, high energy photon-photon collisions can also provide a remarkably background-free laboratory for studying WW collisions and annihilation. We also review high energy #gamma##gamma# tests of quantum chromodynamics, such as the scaling of the photon structure ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ultra High Vacuum (UHV) test setup for electron gun testing has been developed. The development of next generation light sources and accelerators require development of klystron as a radio frequency power source, and in turn electron gun. This UHV electron gun test setup can be used to test the electron guns ranging from high average current, quasi-continuous wave to high peak current, single pulse etc. An electron gun has been designed, fabricated, assembled and tested for insulation up to 80 kV under the programme to develop high power klystron for future accelerators. Further testing includes the electron emission parameters characterization of the cathode, as it determines the development of a reliable and efficient electron gun with high electron emission current and high life time as well. This needs a clean ultra high vacuum to study these parameters ...

Science.gov (United States)

A voice-tracking algorithm was developed and tested for the purposes of electronically separating the voice signals of simultaneous talkers. Many individuals suffer from hearing disorders that often inhibit their ability to focus on a single speaker in a multiple speaker environment (the cocktail party effect). Digital hearing aid technology makes it possible to implement complex algorithms for speech processing in both the time and frequency domains. In this work, an average magnitude difference function (AMDF) was performed on mixed voice signals in order to determine the fundamental frequencies present in the signals. A time prediction neural network was trained to recognize normal human voice inflection patterns, including rising, falling, rising-falling, and falling-rising patterns. The neural network was designed to track the fundamental frequency of a single talker based on the training procedure. The output of the neural network can be ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Development of the engineering technology basis of pyrometallurgical reprocessing is a key issue for industrialization. For development of the transport technologies of molten salt and liquid cadmium at around 500 deg. C, a salt transport test rig and a metal transport test rig were installed in Ar glove box. Function of centrifugal pump and 1/2'' declined tubing were confirmed with LiCl- KCl molten salt. The transport behavior of molten salt was found to follow that of water. Function of centrifugal pump, vacuum sucking and 1/2'' declined tubing were confirmed with liquid Cd. With employing the transport technologies, industrialization applicable electro-refiner was newly designed and engineering-scale model was fabricated in Ar glove box. The electro-refiner has semi-continuous liquid Cd cathode instead of conventional one used in small-scale tests. With using actinide-simulating ...

Science.gov (United States)

The Heavy Water Reactor Facility (HWRF), as part of the defense-in-depth philosophy to mitigate the effect of design-basis and severe accidents, is equipped with a passive containment cooling system (PCCS). The function of the PCCS is to provide a safety-grade path to the ultimate heat sink for the removal of the reactor coolant system sensible heat and core decay heat. Ambient air enters an annular space between the steel containment shell and the surrounding concrete shield building through inlets in the shield building wall, is heated via natural convection, rises, and exits the building through a chimney located above the containment dome. A test program is in place to access parameters important to the effective operation of the PCCS. This paper focuses on the large-scale tests (LSTs). The objectives of these tests are as follows: (1) demonstrate natural circulation cooling with more prototypic ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) is a liquid-metal-cooled test reactor located on the Hanford site. A dual computer system has been developed to monitor the reactor cover gas to detect and characterize any fuel or test pin fission gas releases. The system acquires gamma spectra data, identifies isotopes, calculates specific isotope and overall cover gas activity, presents control room alarms and displays, and records and prints data and analysis reports. The fission gas monitor system makes extensive use of commercially available hardware and software, providing a reliable and easily maintained system. The design provides extensive automation of previous manual operations, reducing the need for operator training and minimizing the potential for operator error. The dual nature of the system allows one monitor to be taken out of service for periodic tests or maintenance without interrupting the overall ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

For a reliable design against fatigue failure of high-temperature components of different types of the heat resistant material Alloy 800, verified parameters of the low-cycle fatigue (LCF) behaviour are required. These parameters were obtained by a scatterband evaluation of the results of low-cycle fatigue tests, using a computerized data bank which includes all available actual data sets. The results of the evaluation are presented as mean fatigue curves with the upper and lower boundary limits of the scatterbands. For the type Alloy 800 in the recrystallization annealed condition, the results cover a temperature range from 20 to 750deg C; for the solution annealed types they cover a temperature range from 20 to 950deg C. Specimens tested in HTR helium at high temperatures had longer lives than specimens tested in air. This effect was represented quantitatively by the ratio of the total strain ranges from ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Eight patients who had received megavoltage therapy for Cushings' disease 5-12 years previously have been reviewed. The long term response to this therapy was assessed with respect to efficacy of treatment in inducing continued remission and disturbance of hypothalamic-pituitary function. One patient showed clear evidence of relapse of Cushings' disease. One patient had unequivocal hypopituitarism. Basal levels of growth hormone (GH), TSH, LH, and FSH were not statistically different from controls, but provocative testing revealed significant abnormalities of response of cortisol/ACTH, GH, prolactin and LH. Six out of eight patients had absent diurnal cortisol variation and five patients had elevated serum prolactin levels. Thus, in this group of patients normal pituitary-adrenal function has not been satisfactorily restored. It is clear that significant disturbances of hypothalamic-pituitary function ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Excitation functions ({alpha},3n) and ({alpha},4n) for {sup 209}Bi have been measured up to 60 MeV {alpha}-particle energy. The excitation functions are measured at 15{alpha}-particle energies by a stack foil technique in two steps. Excitation functions for the above two reactions have been reported for the first time in the energy range from 40 to 60 MeV. The measured experimental values are compared with the geometry-dependent hybrid (GDH) model in which the emission of particles prior to the equilibrium decay is taken into account whenever the interaction of projectile with the target nucleus is considered. It is found that the compound nucleus decay mechanism alone is unable to explain the experimental trend of our data. The initial exciton number 4 with different configurations has been tested and it is concluded that the configuration (2n + 2p + 0h) gives the best fit to the experimental data. ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Full text: Hybrid functionals, containing a fraction of the exact exchange, allow for a rather accurate treatment of e.g. small molecules and band gaps in bulk materials. A plane-wave based algorithm was implemented in VASP (Vienna Ab-initio Simulation Package) to accomplish the calculation of the exact exchange. Two functionals including exact exchange are presently available, i.e. the PBE0 (Perdew-BurKEX-Ernzerhof) and the HSE (Heyd-Scuseria-Ernzerhof). A rigorous assessment of the implementation was performed by geometry optimization and calculation of the atomization energies of the G2-1 quantum chemical test set, containing 55 molecules. Excellent agreement compared to corresponding Gaussian 03 data and good agreement with experiment was achieved. The mean absolute error (theory related to experiment) for the atomization energies calculated with the PBE and the PBE0 is 8.6 and 3.7 kcal/mol, respectively. To investigate ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A series of Model Tests of Embedment Effect on Reactor Buildings has been carried out by the Nuclear Power Engineering Corporation (NUPEC), under the sponsorship of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) of Japan. Reactor buildings in Japan are partially embedded in general. Therefore, it is important to know how partial embedment affects the vibration characteristics of reactor buildings relating to seismic safety. Laboratory tests were conducted using a ground model made of silicone rubber (Young's modulus 2.3x10"6 Pa, Poisson's ratio 0.484, Density 1.24x 10"3 kg/m3 , Damping ratio 0.01) and a foundation model made of aluminum shown to study the effects of embedment on soil-structure interaction with different backfill types. The ground model is a cylinder, 70 cm high and 300 cm in diameter, with pit where the parallelepiped foundation model with square plan of 30 cm x 30 cm and 18 cm high was placed. Four types of backfill ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Objective.The objective of this study was to use the newly synthesized poly(quaternary ammonium salt) (PQAS)-containing polyacid to formulate the light-curable glass-ionomer cements and study the effect of the PQAS on the compressive strength and antibacterial activity of the formed cements.Materials and methods.The functional QAS and their constructed PQAS were synthesized, characterized and formulated into the experimental high-strength cements. Compressive strength (CS) and Streptococcus mutans viability were used to evaluate the mechanical strength and antibacterial activity of the cements. Fuji II LC cement was used as control. The specimens were conditioned in distilled water at 37 degrees C for 24 h prior to testing. The effects of the substitute chain length, loading as well as gra...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Each of the three cysteine residues in the Escherichia coli RecA protein was replaced with a number of other amino acids. To do this, each cysteine codon was first converted to a chain-terminating amber codon by oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis. These amber mutants were then either assayed for function in different suppressor strains or reverted by a second round of mutagenesis with oligonucleotides that had random sequences at the amber codon. Thirty-three different amino acid substitutions were obtained. Mutants were tested for three functions of RecA: survival following UV irradiation, homologous recombination, and induction of the SOS response. It was found that although none of the cysteines is essential for activity, mutations at each of these positions can affect one or more of the activities of RecA, depending on the particular amino acid substitution. In addition, the cysteine at position 116 appears to be ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The herbicide atrazine is a known immunotoxicant and an inhibitor of human natural killer (NK) cell lytic function. The precise changes in NK cell lytic function following atrazine exposure have not been fully elucidated. The current study identifies the point at which atrazine exerts its affect on the stepwise process of human NK cell-mediated lyses of the K562 target cell line. Using intracellular staining of human peripheral blood lymphocytes, it was determined that a 24-h in vitro exposure to atrazine did not decrease the level of NK cell lytic proteins granzyme A, granzyme B or perforin. Thus, it was hypothesized that atrazine exposure was inhibiting the ability of the NK cells to bind to the target cell and subsequently inhibit the release of lytic protein from the NK cell. To test t...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Shallow-water zooplanktivorous fish rely on their vision for foraging. In shallow water, feeding efficiency decreases in dim light and thus the fish cease foraging at crepuscular hours. Creatures living in the lower parts of their depth ranges are expected to be exposed to limited light levels for longer hours. However, observations of the zooplanktivore Dascyllus marginatus showed little change in foraging duration down to 40m deep. We asked whether the visual system's functionality changes with depth along the depth range of this damselfish; we examined eye and retina anatomy for changes in visual acuity and light sensitivity and used the optomotor response to test for spatial and temporal light summation. We found only minor changes in the anatomy of the eye that are not expected to aff...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Incomplete convergence in numerical simulation such as computational physics simulations and/or Monte Carlo simulations can enter into the calculation of the objective function in an optimization problem, producing noise, bias, and topo- graphical inaccuracy in the objective function. These affect accuracy and convergence rate in the optimization problem. This paper is concerned with global searching of a diverse parameter space, graduating to accelerated local convergence to a (hopefully) global optimum, in a framework that acknowledges convergence uncertainty and manages model resolu- tion to efficiently reduce uncertainty in the final optimum. In its own right, the global-to-local optimization engine employed here (devised for noise tolerance) performs better than other classical and contemporary optimization approaches tried individually and in combination on the "industrial" test problem to be presented.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Forced harmonic vibration of a non-uniform elastic beam with attached dynamic vibration absorbers (DVA) is studied. Analytical approximation of the solution is obtained by the functional perturbation method (FPM). The problem has application to cutting tools operations where the resistance of the tool holder against regenerative chatter can be enhanced by optimizing the real part of the frequency response function (FRF). A test case of a beam with step-like heterogeneity and single DVA at the tip shows that the FPM solution is very accurate for up to ?40 percent deviation in both stiffness and mass density. Using the analytical results and Sims approach, optimal DVA tuning is found for each set of beam heterogeneity parameters by solving a set of nonlinear algebraic equations numer...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Development in Instrumentation and Control (I and C) technology provides more convenience and better performance, thus, adopted in many fields. To adopt newly developed technology, nuclear industry requires rigorous V and V procedure and tests to assure reliable operation. Adoption of digital system requires verification and testing of the OS for licensing. Commercial real-time operating system (RTOS) is targeted to apply to various, unpredictable needs, which makes it difficult to verify. For this reason, simple, application-oriented realtime OS is developed for the nuclear application. In this work, we show how to verify the developed RTOS at each development lifecycle. Commercial formal tool is used in specification and verification of the system. Based on the developed model, software in C language is automatically generated. Tests are performed for two purposes; one is to identify consistency between the verified model ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lappeenranta University of Technology (LTKK) and VTT Energy carried out a series of preliminary tests in 1999 to study the behavior of noncondensable (NC) gases in VVER geometry. The tests aimed at studying the effect of NC gases on system thermal-hydraulics and on heat transfer in a horizontal steam generator (HSG). The system behavior can be affected by hydrogen produced in the core in case of a severe accident, by nitrogen from hydro-accumulators released into the primary circuit in case of a loss-of-coolant accident (LOCA) and more generally by any NC gas in all cases where cooling is ensured by natural circulation. A secondary objective of the tests - the first series of tests ever performed with NC gas with PACTEL - was to find out, if the instrumentation of PACTEL was adequate for this type of tests and if it was functioning properly. This paper presents ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The purpose of this study was to determine whether low doses of carbon monoxide (CO) exacerbate myocardial ischemia during a progressive exercise test. The effect of CO exposure was evaluated using the objective measure of time to development of electrocardiographic changes indicative of ischemia and the subjective measure of time to onset of angina. Sixty-three male subjects (41-75 years) with well-documented coronary artery disease, who had exertional angina pectoris and ischemic ST-segment changes in their electrocardiograms, were studied. Results from three randomized, double-blind test visits (room air, low and high CO) were compared. The effect of CO exposure was determined from the percent difference in the end points obtained on exercise tests performed before and after a 1-hr exposure to room air or CO. A significant dose-response relationship was found for the individual differences in the time to ST end point and ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The deactivation rate of a resid hydrotreating catalyst is determined by a complex set of factors involving both chemical and physical changes in the catalyst structure. The various chemical changes that are associated with resid conversion involve thermal and catalytic steps of relatively large molecular weight species with the overall rates significantly affected by mass transfer limitations. The deposition of coke and the variation in the effective promoter level by the accumulation of metals deposited from the resid are the principal factors governing deactivation. The relative importance of mass transfer restrictions on activity and catalyst deactivation can be observed in studies where the average pore diameter of the catalyst has been varied. Several models have been proposed to characterize the deactivation of resid hydroprocessing catalysts. In this paper, the authors discuss some accelerated aging tests with a relatively large pore commercial ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Glucagon plays critical roles in regulating glucose homeostasis, mainly by counteracting the effects of insulin. Consequently, the dysregulated glucagon secretion that is evident in type 2 diabetes has significant implications in the pathophysiology of the disease. Glucagon secretion from pancreatic -cells has been suggested to be modulated by blood glucose, signals from the nervous system and endocrine components. In addition to these regulators, intraislet factors acting in a paracrine manner from neighbouring -cells are emerging as central modulator(s) of -cell biology. One of the most important of these paracrine factors, insulin, modulates glucagon secretion. Indeed, the -cell-specific insulin receptor knockout (IRKO) mouse manifests hypersecretion of glucagon in the postprandial stag...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A new thin film manufacturing method is established to add a function to glass material surface, as a new material technology which harmonizes with global environment, and is suitable for resource re-utilization and energy conservation. It is intended to develop a leading technology to promote recycling of colored glasses by applying this technical method to colored glasses. Fiscal 1998 has implemented subsequently to fiscal 1997 the following subjects in the three research items composed of a new manufacturing method of functional thin films, application of the functional thin films to colored glasses, and the comprehensive investigative studies: establishment of an industrial manufacturing method for color coating liquid and evaluation of basic characteristics of the colored functional thin films, optimization of element technology for photo-sensitive gel films by means of chemically modifying ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The Bragg Curve Spectrometer (BCS) is an ionization chamber long enough to stop particles of interest. Particles enter through the cathode window and leave an ionization track parallel to the electric field. The ionization electrons drift through a Frisch grid and are collected on an anode. The anode current, as a function of time, is proportional to the specific ionization along the track. The preamp output is split and used as input for two amplifiers, one with a long integration time constant for energy measurement, and one with a short time constant to pick off the maximum ionization or Bragg peak. The Bragg peak, which is proportional to the nuclear charge, is used for particle identification. Several versions of the BCS have been constructed and tested. Test results, detector characteristics and some design problems are discussed.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Due to the well-establish corrosion problems of Alloy 600 as a steam-generator material and the subsequent focus on thermally treated (TT) Alloy 690 and Alloy 800 as alternative materials, a systematic analysis of the corrosion behavior of these two latter alloys is warranted. Corrosion test results for Alloys 690 TT and 800 were collected and organized in the form of corrosion mode diagrams. Selected data for mill annealed (MA) Alloy 600 were also included for reference. The corrosion mode diagrams correlate the modes of corrosion degradation observed in tests as functions of the environment pH and electrochemical potential (ECP). The diagrams confirm that Alloys 690TT shows some susceptibility in caustic environments, and Alloy 800 shows susceptibility in both caustic and highly acidic environments. (authors). 6 figs., 5 refs.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

To test whether the dose addition and independent action models can predict the combined toxicity of the mixtures of phenol and aniline derivatives, six phenolic and two aniline derivatives were selected as the test components. The inhibition toxicity of the derivatives and their mixtures to Vibrio qinghaiensis sp.-Q67 indicated that all dose?response relationships could be effectively described by the Weibull function with correlation coefficients greater than 0.99. The combined toxicity of two equivalent-effect concentration ratio mixtures and eight uniform design concentration ratio mixtures could be predicted successfully by the dose addition model within 95% confidence intervals. However, it was also well predicted by the independent action model, especially at lower concentrations.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

An apparatus is described for measuring the total hemispherical emittance of pipes of a length suitable for use in a prototype solar collector. The calorimetric method used requires measurements of the temperatures of the surface of the test pipe and of a concentric outer cylinder and measurement of the electrical power used to heat the test pipe. Measurements were made of the total hemispherical emittance of black chrome, nickel, and bare steel pipes as a function of temperature. The emittance of the black chrome surfaces increased significantly from an extrapolated value of about 0.1 at 25 deg C to values on the order of 0.3-0.4 at 300 deg C. The extrapolated values for black chrome agreed with measurements made using other techniques at room temperature. The results for the nickel-plated pipe agreed with total emittance calculated from spectral reflectance data.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Pitting behavior of alloy 800 was investigated as a function of temperature and prefilming in high-temperature water. The behavior was characterized in terms of pitting potential (U{sub p}) and pit density (n{sub p}). U{sub p} decreased with increasing temperature and chloride activity. Prefilming of test coupons over a period between 100 h and 5,000 h in ammoniated water at 300 C had no apparent influence on U{sub p} at room temperature, 180 C, and 300 C. However, the number of pits in prefilmed coupons was much higher than in coupons covered with an air passive layer. The effect of prefilming on pit nucleation was investigated in detail with regard to a model and test methods developed by Bianchi, et al. Density of pits in prefilmed coupons was at least 1 order of magnitude higher than in air passive coupons. Maximum pit density was measured after a prefilming period of 100 h. The effect was discussed in terms of ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The major problem of measurement of a power spectral density (PSD) distribution of the surface heights with surface profilometers arises due to the unknown Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) of the instruments. The MTF tends to distort the PSD at higher spatial frequencies. It has been suggested [Proc. SPIE 7077-7, (2007), Opt. Eng. 47 (7), 073602-1-5 (2008)] that the instrumental MTF of a surface profiler can be precisely measured using standard test surfaces based on binary pseudo-random (BPR) patterns. In the cited work, a one dimensional (1D) realization of the suggested method based on use of BPR gratings has been demonstrated. Here, we present recent achievements made in fabricating and using two-dimensional (2D) BPR arrays that allow for a direct 2D calibration of the instrumental MTF. The 2D BPRAs were used as standard test surfaces for 2D MTF calibration of the MicromapTM-570 interferometric microscope with all ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Modern digital radiographic 'flat panel' detectors can exhibit a progressive form of image degradation arising from non-functioning pixels. The effect of these 'dead pixels' on the quantitative image quality measures of modulation transfer function (MTF), noise power spectrum (NPS) and detective quantum efficiency (DQE) is investigated by a simulated degradation of images obtained from an Hologic EPEX system. The effects on the semi-quantitive measures obtained from contrast threshold test objects and resolution gratings are also investigated. Results suggest that the contrast-detail tests often employed in quality assurance measures are not sufficient to reveal the presence of dead pixels until well beyond the recommended replacement point for the flat panel detector. However, measurements of spatial resolution using a line pairs phantom were found to be more ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Feed-forward (FF) artificial neural networks (ANN) and radial basis function (RBF) ANN methods were addressed for evaluating the lightning performance of high voltage transmission lines. Several structures, learning algorithms and transfer functions were tested in order to produce a model with the best generalizing ability. Actual input and output data, collected from operating Hellenic high voltage transmission lines, as well as simulated output data were used in the training, validation and testing process. The aims of the paper are to describe in detail and compare the proposed FF and RBF ANN models, to state their advantages and disadvantages and to present results obtained by their application on operating Hellenic transmission lines of 150kV and 400kV. The ANN results are also compared with results obtained using conventional methods and real records of outage rate showing a quite satisfactory ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The decays of charmed mesons into two body nonleptonic final states are investigated. Weak interaction amplitudes of interest in these decays are extracted from lattice four-point correlation functions using a effective weak Hamiltonian including effects to order G{sub f} in the weak interactions yet containing effects to all orders in the strong interactions. The lattice calculation allows a quantitative examination of non-spectator processes in charm decays helping to elucidate the role of effects such as color coherence, final state interactions and the importance of the so called weak annihilation process. For D {yields} K{pi}, we find that the non-spectator weak annihilation diagram is not small, and we interpret this as evidence for large final state interactions. Moreover, there is indications of a resonance in the isospin {1/2} channel to which the weak annihilation process contributes exclusively. Findings from the lattice calculation are compared to ...

Science.gov (United States)

An exact solution method for the free vibration problem of thin circular cylindrical shells is presented. The differential equations of motion are solved directly with the use of simple Fourier series as the modal displacement functions. Stokes' transformation is exploited to obtain correct series expressions for the derivatives of the Fourier series. From this method an explicit expression of the exact frequency equation can be obtained for any kind of boundary conditions. The accuracy of the present method is checked against available data. The proposed method is then used to find the modal characteristics of the thermal liner of the Fast Test Reactor (FTR). The numerical results obtained are compared with finite element method solutions. (auth)

CERN Document Server

An electroweak model with running coupling constants described by an energy dependent entire function is utraviolet complete and avoids unitarity violations for energies above 1 TeV. The action contains no physical scalar fields and no Higgs particle and the physical electroweak model fields are local and satisfy microcausality. The $W$ and $Z$ masses are compatible with a symmetry breaking $SU(2)_L\\times U(1)_Y \\rightarrow U(1)_{\\rm em}$, which retains a massless photon. The vertex couplings possess an energy scale $\\Lambda_W > 1$ TeV predicting scattering amplitudes that can be tested at the LHC.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

We studied the niobium re-entrant cavity utilized by the Australian group in the Niobe gravitational wave detector. Instead of using their non-contact re-entrant cavity, we plan to change it to a closed one to be used in the parametric transducers of the Brazilian Mario Schenberg detector. The performance of the transducer depends on some cavity parameters such as the electrical Q and the electrical coupling. We measured the resonant frequency and the loaded electrical Q as a function of the probe position in a closed niobium #approx#15 GHz cavity operating at 4.2 K.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tests for the applicability of a CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) code for simulating activity transport in PNA (Pulsed Neutron Activation) fluid measurements have been performed. The CFD code was combined with a Monte Carlo code used for the calculation of the initial activity distribution. The results from the calculations show that it is possible to use CFD for calculation of the activity distribution in PNA. The mainly qualitative results in this work are encouraging and suggest further work. In the continuation of this work a response function for the gamma detector will be calculated so that a PNA time spectrum can be simulated. A more accurate comparison with experimental data can then be performed

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Bragg Curve Spectrometer (BCS) is an ionization chamber long enough to stop particles of interest. Particles enter through the cathode window and leave an ionization track parallel to the electric field. The ionization electrons drift through a Frisch grid and are collected on an anode. The anode current, as a function of time, is split and used as input for two amplifiers, one with a long integration time constant for energy measurement, and one with a short time constant to pick off the maximum ionization or Bragg peak. The Bragg peak, which is proportional to the nuclear charge, is used for particle identification. We have constructed and tested several versions of the BCS. The results are described.

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Quark models of production of cumulative particles and the EMC effect are analyzed. It is shown that all these models are characterized by a universal relation between the spectrum of cumulative nucleons and the cross section for cumulative particles containing valence quarks of the nucleus. This relation is tested for the deuteron, and the role of secondary nuclear processes for heavy nuclei is discussed. It is noted that the ''sea'' cumulative particles (K/sup -/, p-bar) are particularly important for understanding the nature of the difference between the structure functions of a nucleus and of a free nucleon.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The heat transfer characteristics of a newly developed transport and storage cask for vitrified heat-producing radioactive waste from reprocessing are described. The theoretical layout of the cask was tested by measurements on a prototype cask of the scale 1:1. These measurements confirmed the theoretical thermodynamic layout data. They can be described by the function Nu=CxRa"m, with the constant C, but not the constant m, differing for a vertical and a horizontal position of the cask. The measured velocity and temperature profiles of the cask were verified with an existing code for the calculation of heat transfer from finned horizontal cylinders by natural convection. (orig.).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The decontamination factor is studied as a function of laser fluence for three kinds of clad surfaces viz., plain zircaloy, autoclaved zircaloy and SS with cesium as the test contamination. It has been found that the decontamination factor exhibits a maximal behaviour with the laser fluence and its maximum value occurs at different laser fluences in the three cases. The maximal behaviour is attributed to reduced coupling of energy from the laser beam to the substrate due to the initiation of surface-assisted optical breakdown. The results obtained in the experiment carried out in helium environment qualitatively support this explanation (author)

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The automatic interpretation of apparent resistivity curves from horizontally layered earth models is carried out by the curve-fitting method in three steps: (1) the observed VES data are interpolated at equidistant points of electrode separations on the logarithmic scale by using the cubic spline function, (2) the layer parameters which are resistivities and depths are predicted from the sampled apparent resistivity values by SALS system program and (3) the theoretical VES curves from the models are calculated by Ghosh's linear filter method using the Zhody's computer program. Two soundings taken over Takenoyu geothermal area were chosen to test the procedures of the automatic interpretation.

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Micro-compression specimens, 1O-15{mu}m in diameter by 20-30{mu}m in height, were produced from individual parent grains in a polycrystalline U-13at%Nb shape-memory alloy using the focused ion beam (FIB) technique. The specimens were tested in a nanoindentation instrument with a flat diamond tip to investigate stress-strain behavior as a function of crystallographic orientation. The results are in qualitative agreement with a single-crystal accommodation strain (Bain strain) model of the shape-memory effect for this alloy.

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A fully implicit compositional simulator was written to predict the drawdown and buildup responses for a single well in a gas condensate reservoir. The model uses the Redlich-Kwong equation of state to compute fluid properties and to determine phase equilibrium. The accuracy of the model predictions in the two-phase flow regime is tested using the results of a steady-state theory developed here. Two new correlating functions for transient flow - the reservoir integral and the sandface integral - are presented. The reservoir integral is shown to be a good liquid analogue during transient flow (drawdown). The sandface integral correlates with the liquid solution only in the slope. These two theoretical functions are shown to reduce to a computable pseudopressure function by using the results of the steady-state theory. The usefulness of this pseudopressure function for computing the ...

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The PIUS reactor utilizes simplified, inherent, passive, or other innovative means to accomplish safety functions. Accordingly, the PIUS reactor is subject to the requirements of 10CFR52.47(b)(2)(i)(A). This regulation requires that the applicant adequately demonstrate the performance of each safety feature, interdependent effects among the safety features, and a sufficient data base on the safety features of the design to assess the analytical tools used for safety analysis. Los Alamos has assessed the quality and completeness of the existing and planned data bases used by Asea Brown Boveri to validate its safety analysis codes and other relevant data bases. Only a limited data base of separate effect and integral tests exist at present. This data base is not adequate to fulfill the requirements of 10CFR52.47(b)(2)(i)(A). Asea Brown Boveri has stated that it plans to conduct more separate effect and integral test programs. ...

Science.gov (United States)

PURPOSE: To determine the recommended dose of radiotherapy when combined with full-dose gemcitabine and erlotinib for unresected pancreas cancer. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Patients with unresected pancreatic cancer (Zubrod performance status 0-2) were eligible for the present study. Gemcitabine was given weekly for 7 weeks (1,000 mg/m(2)) with erlotinib daily for 8 weeks (100 mg). A final toxicity assessment was performed in Week 9. Radiotherapy (starting at 30 Gy in 2-Gy fractions, 5 d/wk) was given to the gross tumor plus a 1-cm margin starting with the first dose of gemcitabine. A standard 3 plus 3 dose escalation (an additional 4 Gy within 2 days for each dose level) was used, except for the starting dose level, which was scheduled to contain 6 patients. In general, Grade 3 or greater gastrointestinal toxicity was considered a dose-limiting toxicity, except for Grade 3 anorexia or Grade 3 fatigue alone. RESULTS: A total of 20 patients were treated (10 men and 10 ...

Science.gov (United States)

BackgroundDespite an ever-improving understanding of the molecular biology of cancer, the treatment of most cancers has not changed dramatically in the past three decades and drugs that do not discriminate between tumor cells and normal tissues remain the mainstays of anticancer therapy. Since Hsp90 is typically involved in cell proliferation and survival, this is thought to play a key role in cancer, and Hsp90 has attracted considerable interest in recent years as a potential therapeutic target.MethodsWe focused on the interaction of Hsp90 with its cofactor protein p60/Hop, and engineered a cell-permeable peptidomimetic, termed "hybrid Antp-TPR peptide", modeled on the binding interface between the molecular chaperone Hsp90 and the TPR2A domain of Hop.ResultsIt was demonstrated that this designed hybrid Antp-TPR peptide inhibited the interaction of Hsp90 with the TPR2A domain, inducing cell death of breast, pancreatic, renal, lung, prostate, and gastric cancer ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The results of the thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) study of the FEBEX bentonite performed during FEBEX II are presented. The laboratory test program continued in part with the works carried out during FEBEX I, particularly in activities related to tests aimed to the calibration of the models, the acquisition of parameters by back-analysis and the improvement of the knowledge on the behaviour of expansive clays. But the program has also included tests on new areas: investigations about the influence of the microstructure changes in bentonite, of temperature and of the solute concentration on the behaviour of clay. Besides, several tests were proposed in order to understand the unexpected behaviour observed in the mock-up test, towards the end of year 2. Temperature effects on water retention curves in confined and unconfined conditions were determined, and swelling pressure, hydraulic ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The failure rate of dashpots has been determined on the basis of the results of annually recurring function tests on hydraulic dashpots, in order to determine the effects of longer test cycles on the safety of systems GKN I and GKN II. The use of a calculation method made it possible to establish the number of defective dashpots in the system as a whole. A subsequent investigation illustrated the way in which this figure changes when the test interval is increased from four to ten years, and the effects of this on system safety. (orig.) [Deutsch] Zur Ermittlung der Auswirkungen verlaengerter Pruefzyklen auf die Sicherheit der Anlagen GKN I und GKN II wurde, basierend auf Ergebnisse der jaehrlichen Funktionspruefung an hydraulischen Stossbremsen, die Fehlerrate der Stossbremsen bestimmt. Mit Hilfe eines Berechnungsverfahrens konnte die Anzahl maengelbehafteter Stossbremsen in der Gesamtanlage bestimmt ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Steam Generator (SG) tubes in PWR plant are periodically inspected using eddy current testing (ECT) method. In Japan, bobbin coil type dual function probe is used for full length inspection, but the detectability for circumferential crack is very poor, and to improve detectability for circumferential crack and supplement regular ECT, various kinds of multi segment eddy current probes and multi transducer ultrasonic testing (UT) method have been developed. ECT probes are constructed of multiple surfaceriding special winding differential type coils and UT probe consists of 16 transducers which are spaced equally around the probe circumference for 360deg wall coverage. Both of those EC and UT probes are designed effective to detect circumferential crack. On the other hand, various kinds of laboratory induced circumferential cracks have been made and destroyed to prove the detectability of these probes. (author).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Past elastic-plastic fracture studies for leak-before-break (LBB) assessment of low alloy steel pipings have been focused mostly on the behavior of base metals and their weld metals. In contrast, the heat-affected zone (HAZ) of a welded pipe has not been studied in detail primarily because the size of the HAZ is too small to make specimens for mechanical properties measurements. In this study, microstructural analyses, microhardness tests, tensile tests and J-R tests have been conducted as a function of distance from a fusion line and temperature for HAZ materials of SA106Gr.C low alloy piping steels. For the ferrite-pearlite steels such as SA106Gr.C, the HAZ specimens showed a higher yield strength and fracture toughness compared with those of its base metal. These characteristics, despite of grain coarsening, can be explained by cleaner microstructures of HAZ materials with a finer morphology of ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Introduction: We have evaluated the ability of a semi-automated, optomotor reflex method to assess drug-induced visual dysfunction, in albino and pigmented rats and mice. Methods: Male Han Wistar (HW) and Long Evans (LE) rats and mice (CD-1 and C57BL/6) were tested in a chamber formed by 4 computer monitors displaying a rotating vertical grating, to elicit head-tracking movements. The highest visible grating frequency was taken as the threshold of visual acuity, in cycles per degree (c/d). Animals received an intravenous infusion of either sodium iodate (50mg/kg) or 0.9% w/v NaCl (aq). They were tested 2h later, then re-tested daily for a further 3days. The time course of the effect was assessed in HW rats over a 6-week period, including electron microscopy, and immunohistochemical analysi...

Science.gov (United States)

Hot-torsion testing was used to establish the cavitation behavior of a typical alpha/beta titanium alloy, Ti-6Al-4V, with a colony microstructure, during simple-shear deformation. For this purpose, sections of deformed specimens were examined by optical metallography, and by scanning and orientation-imaging microscopy (OIM). It was found that cavity nucleation occurred along prior beta boundaries as well as at triple points; in particular, most cavities nucleated along boundaries perpendicular to the axial direction of the specimen. Extensive growth was observed for cavities surrounded by both hard and soft orientations, with the soft colonies accommodating more of the imposed strain. At high degrees of deformation, dynamic globularization of the colony microstructure adjacent to the cavities was also observed. In addition, the metallographic observations revealed that the cavities did not grow in an equiaxed mode, but in an elliptical manner. A tensor describing ...

Science.gov (United States)

SNAP25 occurs on chromosome 20p12.2, which has been linked to schizophrenia in some samples, and recently linked to latent classes of psychotic illness in our sample. SNAP25 is crucial to synaptic functioning, may be involved in axonal growth and dendritic sprouting, and its expression may be decreased in schizophrenia. We genotyped 18 haplotype-tagging SNPs in SNAP25 in a sample of 270 Irish high-density families. Single marker and haplotype analyses were performed in FBAT and PDT. We adjusted for multiple testing by computing q values. Association was followed up in an independent sample of 657 cases and 411 controls. We tested for allelic effects on the clinical phenotype by using the method of sequential addition and 5 factor-derived scores of the OPCRIT. Nine of 18 SNPs had P values Irish family sample. Although we failed to replicate this in an independent sample, this gene should be further ...

Science.gov (United States)

PMID:3716246

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Failure of multiple components due to a common cause represents one of the most important issues in evaluation of system reliability or unavailability. The frequency of such events has relatively low expectancy, when compared to random failures, which affect individual components. However, in many cases the consequence is a direct loss of safety system or mitigative safety function. For this reason, the modeling of a common cause failure (CCF) and its presentation in fault tree structure is of the uttermost importance in probabilistic safety analyses (PSA). Amongst the different techniques available to reduce the impact of common cause failures, the most important operations related technique, is that of staggered testing. In the TAPP 3,4 Level-1 PSA it was found that the contribution of Common Cause Failures to the Core Damage Frequency (CDF) was significant. The Common Cause Failures were modeled using the Alpha Factor Model. This model is ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Economics may one day dictate that it makes sense to replace oil or natural gas with coal in boilers that were originally designed to burn oil or gas. In recognition of this future possibility, Pittsburgh Energy Technical Center (PETC) has supported a program led by ABB Power Plant Laboratories in cooperation with the Energy and Fuels Research Center of Penn State University to develop the High Efficiency Advanced Coal Combustor (HEACC). The objective of the program is to demonstrate the technical and economic feasibility of retrofitting a gas/oil designed boiler to burn micronized coal. In support of the overall objective the following specific areas were targeted: a coal handling/preparation system that can meet the technical requirements for retrofitting microfine coal on a boiler designed for burning oil or natural gas; maintaining boiler thermal performance in accordance with specifications when burning oil or natural gas; maintaining NOx emissions at or below 0.6 lb NO{sub 2} per ...

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Test de levage module QRL

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Science.gov (United States)

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International Science & Technology Center (ISTC)

Multi-functional Bioactive Nano-structured Coatings for Load-Bearing Implants

Science.gov (United States)

The performance of 250 different computational protocols (combinations of density functionals, basis sets and methods) was assessed on a set of 165 well-established experimental (1)H-(1)H nuclear coupling constants (J(H-H)) from 65 molecules spanning a wide range of "chemical space". Thereby we found that, if one uses core-augmented basis sets and allows for linear scaling of the raw results, calculations of only the Fermi contact term yield more accurate predictions than calculations where all four terms that contribute to J(H-H) are evaluated. It turns out that B3LYP/6-31G(d,p)u+1s is the best (and, in addition, one of the most economical) of all tested methods, yielding predictions of J(H-H) with a root-mean-square deviation from experiment of less than 0.5 Hz for our test set. Another method that does similarly well, without the need for additional 1s basis functions, is B3LYP/cc-pVTZ, which is, ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Plasma nitriding is usually used for ferrous materials to improve their surface properties. Knowledge of the properties of thin surface layers is essential for designing engineering components with optimal wear performance. In our study, we investigated the microstructural, mechanical and tribological properties of plasma- and pulse plasma-nitrided AISI 4140 steel in comparison to hardened steel. The influence of nitriding case depth as well as the presence of a compound layer on its tribological behaviour was also examined. Plasma and pulse plasma nitriding were carried out using commercial nitriding processes. Nitrided samples were fully characterised, using metallographic, SEM microscopic, microhardness and profilometric techniques, before and after wear testing. Wear tests were performed on a pin-on-disc wear testing machine in which nitrided pins were mated to hardened ball bearing steel discs. The wear ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Amorphous metals have an atomic structure resembling that of glass, and have high strength, toughness, and excellent magnetic properties for transformer applications. This type of metal has the potential to reduce the core losses of electromagnetic apparatus by 70-75% compared to the best grain-oriented silicon iron currently used. If all 4 million distribution transformers now in service in Canada were replaced by the more efficient amorphous units, it is estimated that over 5.25 billion kWh of energy could be saved annually. The experience of the General Electric (GE) Company and other researchers with operation of amorphous transformers is described. GE first tried operating amorphous metal transformers on a utility distribution system in April 1982. The shell-type cruciform design showed stable, low-loss performance over eight years of service. GE and the Electric Power Research Institute cooperated on manufacturing and installing 25 amorphous units at different utilities. ...

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Nuclear testing at and around the Nevada Test Site (NTS) resulted in widespread contamination from transuranic and other radionuclides, as well as from other toxic inorganic and organic contaminants. The type of contamination, including spatial distribution and type of radionuclides present, depends on the type of testing performed. Remediation of the contaminated areas is currently under way. The optimum in situ or ex situ remediation technology depends on the degree of interaction between the particular radionuclide, or contaminant in general, and the soil matrix, among other factors. The objective of this project was to evaluate the sorption affinity of NTS soils for common non-transuranic radionuclides. The sorption of cobalt (Co) on soils from two different areas of the NTS, namely the Little Feller and Cabriolet event sites, was studied. Experiments were conducted as a function of pH, solid ...

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The authors hypothesized that acute respiratory responsiveness to ozone predicts chronic lung injury from repeated exposure to ozone-containing air pollution. They tested this hypothesis in 164 middle-aged nonsmoking residents of an ozone-polluted community who underwent lung-function measurements during 1986 and 1987 (i.e., time 3). The time-3 study was a follow up of more comprehensive studies conducted in 1977--1978 (time 1) and in 1982--1983 (time 2). In contrast to the apparent rapid (i.e., {approx} 60 ml/y) decline in lung-function measurements between times 1 and 2, their subjects showed little change in forced vital capacity (FVC) or forced expired volume in 1 s (FEV{sub 1.0}) between times 2 and 3, and they experienced a normal decline between times 1 and 3. A subgroup (n = 45) underwent 2-h laboratory ozone exposures to 0.4 ppm ozone, accompanied by intermittent exercise, and they experienced mild acute reductions ...

Science.gov (United States)

The gadolinium isotopes are interesting for reactor applications as well as for medicine and astrophysics. The gadolinium isotopes have some of the largest neutron capture cross sections. As a consequence they are used in the control rod in reactor fuel assembly. From the basic science point of view, there are seven stable isotopes of gadolinium with varying degrees of deformation. Therefore they provide a good testing ground for the study of deformation dependent structure such as the scissors mode. Decay gamma rays following neutron capture on Gd isotopes are detected by the DANCE array, which is located at flight path 14 at the Lujan Neutron Scattering Center at Los Alamos National Laboratory. The high segmentation and close packing of the detector array enable gamma-ray multiplicity measurements. The calorimetric properties of the DANCE array coupled with the neutron time-of-flight technique enables one to gate on a specific resonance of a specific isotope in ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract Sam68 (Src-associated protein in mitosis 68-kDa) is a multifunctional protein, known to govern cellular signal transduction, transcription, RNA metabolism, proliferation, apoptosis, and HIV-1 replication. Although intrinsic mechanisms that modulate Sam68 function are beginning to emerge, the regulatory events contributing to its expression remain elusive. We previously reported that heat shock protein-22 (Hsp22) antagonizes Sam68 function in rev-response element (RRE)-mediated gene expression. We now demonstrate that Sam68 levels correlate inversely with Hsp22 in a variety of cells, including U87, Jurkat, 293T, and U-937. In U87 glioblastoma cells, which contained high levels of Hsp22 than other cell lines tested, Hsp22 knockdown dramatically increased both Sam68 mRNA and protein,...

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Two-phase pressure drop and fluctuating static pressures were measured in a small horizontal rectangular channel (hydraulic diameter = 5.44 mm). The two-phase fluid was an air/water mixture at atmospheric pressure tested over a mass flux range of 50 to 2,000 kg/m[sup 2] [center dot] s. Two-phase flow patterns were identified and an objective method was found for determining the flow pattern transition from bubble or plug flow to slug flow. The method is based on an RMS static pressure measurement. In particular, it is shown that the transition is accompanied by a clear and abrupt increase in the RMS pressure when plotted as a function of mass quality. Use of the RMS pressure as a two-phase flow pattern transition indicator is shown to have advantages over pressure-versus-time trace evaluations reported in the literature. The transition is substantiated by a clear local change in slope in the curve of two-phase pressure drop plotted as a ...

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A quantitative transmission electron microscopy (TEM) study on the depth profile of extended defects, formed after Si implantation, has been carried out. Two different Si{sup +} implant conditions have been considered. TEM analysis for the highest energy/dose shows that {l_brace}1 1 3{r_brace} defects evolve into dislocation loops whilst the defect depth distribution remains unchanged as a function of annealing time. For the lowest energy/dose, {l_brace}1 1 3{r_brace} defects grow and dissolve while the defect band shrinks preferentially on the surface side. At the same time, extraction of boron transient enhanced diffusion (TED) as a function of depth shows a decrease of the supersaturation towards the surface, starting at the location of the defect band. The study clearly shows that in these systems the silicon surface is the principal sink for interstitials. The results provide a critical test of the ability of physical ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

To evaluate the role and the prognostic value of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) in scleroderma patients with interstitial lung disease. We reviewed the records of 79 patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) who had dyspnea and pulmonary involvement and underwent BAL study. Sixty-two patients were prospectively followed up for 12?36?months and re-evaluated by pulmonary function tests (PFTs). Seventy-nine SSc patients were enrolled (71 F and 8?M), 55 with limited and 24 with a diffuse form; mean age 55???13?years; mean disease duration 55.2???59?months. All patients were ANA positive, of these 30 were anti-topoisomerase-1 positive (anti-Topo1) and 22 were anti-centromere positive (ACA). Thirty-one patients had alveolitis (39.2%) that was neutrophilic in 12 patients, eosinophilic in 3 and mixed (...

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Radiation therapy has had a significant and an expanded role in the management of cancer of the pancreas during the last decade. In particular, for locally advanced disease, radiation therapy has improved the median survival of patients to 1 year. Intraoperative electron beam therapy has been applied to unresectable and resectable pancreatic cancer in an attempt to enhance local control of disease and to improve patient survival. This paper presents a survey of the role of radiation therapy in treatment of cancer of the pancreas, provides information on the radiobiological aspects of this treatment modality and details the physical and dosimetric characteristics of intraoperative radiation therapy with electrons. Presented are the design specifics of an applicator system, central axis beam data, applicator parameters, dose distribution data, shielding, treatment planning and means of verification. Emphasis is placed on the collaboration and cooperation necessary ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Active oxygens produced by low-dose irradiation can induce the synthesis of proteins involved in the active oxygen reduction path and can activate the chemical self-defense mechanisms in vivo, which can alleviate the injuries caused by active oxygens themselves. The following findings suggests that it is not only by low-dose irradiation that can induce the responses described above but also by any physical and/or chemical stresses which can produce small amount of active oxygens in vivo. 1. X-irradiation with 0.5 Gy and/or water immersion and restraint induced heat shock protein (HSP)70 in rat stomach cells. HSP70 was also induced in adrenal cells by paraquat administration. 2. The SOD activity in pancreas of rat significantly increased by #gamma#-irradiation with 0.5 Gy. 0.5 Gy irradiation preceeding the alloxan administration significantly suppressed the increase in pancreatic lipid peroxides and in blood glucose levels, degranulation in #beta# cells, and ...

Science.gov (United States)

Gallstone is a common disease with a 10% prevalence in the United States and Western Europe. However, it is only symptomatic in 20-30% of patients, with biliary pain "colic" being the most common symptom. Complications of asymptomatic gallstone disease are generally rare, with an incidence of <1 %/yr. The most common complications of gallstone disease are acute cholecystitis, acute pancreatitis, ascending cholangitis, and gangrenous gallbladder. Less frequent complications include Mirizzi syndrome, cholecystocholedochal fistula, and gallstone ileus. Mirizzi syndrome and cholecystocholedochal fistula are two manifestations of the same process that starts with impaction of a gallstone in the gallbladder neck that results in obstruction of the bile duct, causing jaundice. The gallstone may erode into the bile duct, causing cholecystocholedochal fistula. Gallstone ileus refers to small bowel obstruction resulting from the impaction of one or more gallstones after ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences in accuracy of dose calculation between 3 commonly used algorithms, the Pencil Beam algorithm (PB), the Anisotropic Analytical Algorithm (AAA), and the Collapsed Cone Convolution Superposition (CCCS) for intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). The 2D dose distributions obtained with the 3 algorithms were compared on each CT slice pixel by pixel, using the MATLAB code (The MathWorks, Natick, MA) and the agreement was assessed with the gamma function. The effect of the differences on dose-volume histograms (DVHs), tumor control, and normal tissue complication probability (TCP and NTCP) were also evaluated, and its significance was quantified by using a nonparametric test. In general PB generates regions of over-dosage both in the l...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

HLW disposal is one of the largest issue to utilize Nuclear power safely. In the past study, the concept, which buffer materials and Overpacked waste were transported into underground respectively, have shown. The concept of pre-assembled engineered barrier has advantage to simplify the logistics and emplacement procedure, however there are difficulties to support heavy weight of pre-assembled package by equipment under the condition of little clearance between tunnel and package. In this study, Combination of air bearing and two degree-of-freedom wheels were suggested for transportation, and air jack was suggested for unloading and emplacement system. Also, whole system for transportation and emplacement procedure was designed, and Scale model test was examined to evaluate the feasibility of these concept and functions. (author)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A self-consistent pseudopotential method together with a mixed-basis set of plane waves and Gaussian orbitals are used to determine the electronic structure of the (001) surface of molybdenum. The pseudopotential is derived from a self-consistent calculation of the atomic levels and wave functions, and is tested for bulk molybdenum. The resulting bulk band structure and density of states are compared with existing augmented-plane-wave APW calculations. The same potential is applied to investigate the electronic structure of an uncontracted Mo (001) surface. A complete analysis of the surface states is given in terms of their distribution in the two-dimensional surface Brillouin zone, charge-density distribution, and the local density of states. The results are in very good agreement with recent photoemission measurements.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Agricultural practices frequently cause the development of a soil compacted layer below the surface. These compacted layers restrict the root penetration into deeper layers of soil, in search for water. It is proposed to monitor, using Non Destructive Test, the roots growth due to the planting of standard seeds in different agricultural soils, in function of their compactness and humidity. It will be used the neutrons beams derived from an irradiation channel called J-9 of the Reactor Argonauta (IEN/CNEN), so that the neutron radiographic images of the soil-plant system can be obtained. Each root can be evaluated for its ability to penetrate into compacted soil layers; this fact would mean an optimization of agricultural harvests. (author)

Science.gov (United States)

In this paper, we introduce a new recursive neural network model able to process directed acyclic graphs with labelled edges. The model uses a state transition function which considers the edge labels and is independent both from the number and the order of the children of each node. The computational capabilities of the new recursive architecture are assessed. Moreover, in order to test the proposed architecture on a practical challenging application, the problem of object detection in images is also addressed. In fact, the localization of target objects is a preliminary step in any recognition system. The proposed technique is general and can be applied in different detection systems, since it does not exploit any a priori knowledge on the particular problem. Some experiments on face detection, carried out on scenes acquired by an indoor camera, are reported, showing very promising results. PMID:16181770

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Drug particle size distribution has a profound impact to the content uniformity in low-dose solid drug products. We derived theoretically the skewness of potency distribution as a function of particle size distribution and target dose. It was demonstrated that both skewness and coefficient of variation diverge simultaneously with inverse square root of the target dose. This scaling relation was observed in recent experiment and was verified by Monte Carlo (MC) simulation, which was employed for the first time to solve for the full potency distribution from a random retrieving model. When tested against the criteria from USP uniformity of dosage units, MC simulation showed a striking anisotropic distribution of the data. This suggests a full-scale consideration of the potency distribu...

CERN Document Server

Versions of parameterized pseudo-Newtonian gravity theories specially designed for cosmology have been introduced in recent cosmology literature. The modifications demand a zero-pressure fluid in the context of versions of modified Poisson-like equation with two different gravitational potentials. We consider such modifications in the context of relativistic gravity theories where the action is a general algebraic function of the scalar curvature, the scalar field, and the kinetic term of the field. In general it is not possible to isolate the zero-pressure fluid component simultaneously demanding a modification in the Poisson-like equation. Only in the small-scale limit we can realize some special forms of the attempted modifications. We address some loopholes in the possibility of showing non-Einstein gravity nature based on pseudo-Newtonian modifications in the cosmological context. We point out that future observations of gravitational weak lensing together ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The performance of the gaseous fuel supply and its influence on hydrocarbon (HC) emissions of dual-fuel engines have been investigated. A new design of manifold respirators with mixers is also presented in the paper. The design of the gaseous fuel supply system has a great influence on HC emissions in the dual-fuel engine at light load. The problem of scavenging is discussed and solved by using the manifold respirators in the dual-fuel engine. It performs the function of retarding the gaseous fuel entry timing from the moment of intake valve opening, and its delaying effects have been measured and tested. Experimental results show that the manifold respirator gives the best performance in reducing HC emissions compared with a common pipe mixer and a respirator with bo miser. In addition, the mixing effects are sensitive to the mixer configuration. (Author)

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Good performance in extended lactations of dairy cattle may have a beneficial effect on food costs, health, and fertility. Because data for extended lactation performance is scarce, lactation persistency has been suggested as a suitable selection criterion. Persistency phenotypes were calculated in several ways: P1 was yield relative to an approximate peak, P2 was the slope after peak production, and P3 was a measure derived to be phenotypically uncorrelated to yield and calculated as a function of linear regressions on test-day deviations of days in milk. Phenotypes P1, P2, and P3 were calculated for sires as solutions estimated from a random regression model fitted to milk yield. Because total milk yield, calculated as the sum of daily sire solutions, was correlated to P1 and P2 (r=0.30 ...

Science.gov (United States)

A method for determining the critical debond size between the facesheet and the core in composite sandwich panels under in-plane compression is described. The approach uses fracture mechanics together with a buckling criterion for a debonded faceskin. The technique yields predictions for the critical in-plane compressive load for debond propagation as a function of core-to-faceskin debond size, faceskin thickness, lay-up, composite material properties, and honeycomb properties and geometry. A computer program, developed in this work, calculates the critical buckling load and facesheet deformed shape by solving an eigenvalue problem. The output predicts, for several cases, critical initial debond lengths comparable to those that have been observed on tests on sandwich panels.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

BackgroundMore than 11 million Americans live with chronic lung disease; in search for an alternative to donor organs, we attempted to regenerate lungs based on perfusion decellularized lung scaffolds that can be transplanted similar to a donor organ. MethodsCadaveric rat lungs were decellularized by detergent perfusion. Resulting scaffolds were mounted in bioreactors and seeded with endothelial and fetal lung cells. Biomimetic organ culture was maintained for 7 days. Resulting bioartificial left lungs were transplanted in orthotopic position after left pneumonectomy in rats. Cadaveric left lung transplants and pneumonectomies served as controls. Blood gas analyses, compliance testing, and fluoroscopies were performed on postoperative days 1, 7, and 14. Lungs were removed for final analysi...

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The effects of orthovanadate on the uptake of sucrose by Ricinus cotyledons and on sucrose-coupled proton influx were measured in order to gain insight into the relationship to the plasma membrane proton pump. Vanadate had no effect on short-term sucrose uptake. In long-term experiments (> 30 min) sucrose uptake was progressively inhibited, but only at high external sucrose concentrations. Vanadate did not affect proton efflux pumping in the absence of sucrose and neither did it change the initial rate of sucrose-coupled proton influx. However, it enhanced the maximal level of sucrose-induced alkalization of the medium at all sucrose concentrations tested. This is interpreted as an inhibiting effect of vanadate on the proton pump that recycles protons during sucrose-proton cotransport. The sensitivity towards vanadate indicates that this proton pump is an ATPase. A second proton-translocating system, that is insensitive to vanadate, is postulated to ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The integral membrane protein synaptophysin is one of the most abundant polypeptide components of synaptic vesicles. It is not essential for neurotransmission despite its abundance but is believed to modulate the efficiency of the synaptic vesicle cycle. Detailed behavioral analyses were therefore performed on synaptophysin knockout mice to test whether synaptophysin affects higher brain functions. We find that these animals are more exploratory than their wild type counterparts examining novel objects more closely and intensely in an enriched open field arena. We also detect impairments in learning and memory, most notably reduced object novelty recognition and reduced spatial learning. These deficits are unlikely caused by impaired vision, since all electroretinographic parameters measur...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Leptonic pair production on nuclei ad EMC-effect are discussed within the frames of the flucton model with scaling distortion. Cumulative production of direct photons and leptonic pairs as a test of the model of hard collisions is considered. The results of calculations of massive leptonic pair production cross sections on nucleus fluctons, caculations of the ratio of deuterium and iron structural functions, cross sections of direct photon production on sup(181)Ta nuclei at Esub(p)=400 GeV and cross section of #pi#-meson production in the model of hard collisions are presented. Experimental discovery of direct cumulative photons is concluded to be important for understanding the mechanism of parton hard scattering from nucleus fluctons.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Forest gap models have been used widely in the study of forest dynamics, including predicting long-term succession patterns and assessing the potential impacts of climate change on forest structure and composition. However, little effort is devoted to predict forest dynamics in the high elevation areas, although they have the sensitive response to global climate change. In the present study, based on a modified height-diameter function, we developed a new version (FAREAST-GFSM) of the forest patch model, FAREAST for simulating the changes of subalpine forests. The observed data from the Gongga Mt. Alpine Station were also used to test model precision. With the improved performance of FAREAST-GFSM, we explored the impact of three warming scenarios on subalpine forest on the eastern Tibetan ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Mutations or multiplications in a-synuclein gene cause familial forms of Parkinson disease or dementia with Lewy bodies (LB), and the deposition of wild-type a-synuclein as LB occurs as a hallmark lesion of these disorders, collectively referred to as synucleinopathies, implicating a-synuclein in the pathogenesis of synucleinopathy. To identify modifier genes of a-synuclein-induced neurotoxicity, we conducted an RNAi screen in transgenic C. elegans (Tg worms) that overexpress human a-synuclein in a pan-neuronal manner. To enhance the RNAi effect in neurons, we crossed a-synuclein Tg worms with an RNAi-enhanced mutant eri-1 strain. We tested RNAi of 1673 genes related to nervous system or synaptic functions, and identified 10 genes that, upon knockdown, caused severe growth/motor abnormalit...

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This paper reports on a study to validate the Graphical Network Representation (GRPHREP) model which is being conducted on the Los Alamos National Laboratory Integrated Computer Network (ICN). The GRPHREP model is a software system application based on graph theory and object-oriented programming methodologies. It codified the Department of Energy (DOE) Order 5637.1, which is concerned with classified computer secret policy, restrictions, and requirements. The Los Alamos ICN is required to control access to and support large-scale scientific and administrative computing. Thus, large-scale scientific and administrative computing. Thus we felt that this large, complex, and dynamic network would provide a good test for the graphical and functional capabilities of the model. Furthermore, the ICN is composed of multiple partitions that reflect the sensitivity and classification of the computation (data) and designate the required clearance level for ...

Science.gov (United States)

The family of natriuretic peptides consists of the atria natriuretic peptide (ANP), the cerebral natriuretic peptide (BNP), the type C natriuretic peptide (CNP) and the peptide isolated from the dendroaspis snakes' poison (DNP), whose presence in humans has not been confirmed. The physiological function of ANP is in the control of arterial blood pressure by regulation of systemic vascular resistance of blood vessels. BNP is produced as one of the factors in the acute response to inflammatory tissue damage, mainly in coronary vessels. Increased serum concentrations of natriuretic peptides have been found in stress situations, such as trauma or major surgery, systemic hypotension, and in intrinsic myocardial dysfunction. High concentrations of natriuretic peptides were observed in severe sepsis, septic shock and in multiple organ failure, probably due to increased secretion by mediators of the inflammatory process.The highest concentrations of ANP and BNP were found ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences in accuracy of dose calculation between 3 commonly used algorithms, the Pencil Beam algorithm (PB), the Anisotropic Analytical Algorithm (AAA), and the Collapsed Cone Convolution Superposition (CCCS) for intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). The 2D dose distributions obtained with the 3 algorithms were compared on each CT slice pixel by pixel, using the MATLAB code (The MathWorks, Natick, MA) and the agreement was assessed with the ? function. The effect of the differences on dose-volume histograms (DVHs), tumor control, and normal tissue complication probability (TCP and NTCP) were also evaluated, and its significance was quantified by using a nonparametric test. In general PB generates regions of over-dosage both in the lung and in the tumor area. These differences are not always in DVH of the lung, although the Wilcoxon test indicated significant differences ...

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Wildland fire suppression personnel employed by the CDF do not currently have the equipment to protect themselves from the short-term acute affects of smoke from wildland fires. In addition, no regulations exist that specify appropriate respiratory protection and the current air-purifying respirator technology and carbon monoxide monitoring has not been adapted to fit wildland fire suppression requirements. This three-year limited study evaluated the ability of wildland fire fighters to perform their normal job function while wearing full-face air-purifying respirators. In the first two years of this study we designed, developed and field tested a prototype ``smart`` air-purifying respirator which incorporated a real-time carbon monoxide monitor into a commercial full-face respirator.` Data on carbon monoxide exposure while fighting wildland fires was collected. During the third year of this study we evaluated eight different commercially ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The need exists for rapid and inexpensive methods to determine the health effects of environmental contaminants on biological systems. One of the current research approaches for assessing cytotoxicity is to monitor the respiratory activity of the mitochondrion, a sensitive, nonspecific subcellular target site. Detected changes in mitochondrial function after the addition of a test chemical could be correlated to toxic effects. Mitochondrial respiration can be characterized by three indices: state 3 and state 4 respiratory rates, and the respiratory control ratio (RCR). State 4, the idle or resting state, results when coupled mitochondrial respire in a medium containing inorganic phosphate and a Kreb's cycle substrate in the absence of a phosphate acceptor such as adenosine diphosphate (ADP). In the presence of ADP the respiration rate increases to a maximum (state 3), accompanied by phosphorylation of ADP to adenosine triphosphate ...

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Biodiesel made from vegetable oil is among the most desirable of renewable energy sources because it can be a substitute for diesel oil. However, biodiesel from soybean or corn can be confronted with a food crisis. Microalgae is a new biodiesel source which contains high oil lipids with a high growth rate, and which also offers value-added products from the residue, such as cosmetics, health functional food or pharmaceuticals. Microalgae are best cultivated in photo-bioreactors (PBRs) where light, nutrients, carbon dioxide and temperature can be controlled. Despite the current availability of PBRs, only a few can be practically used for mass production. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was used in this study to design an optimum bubble-column PBR for mass production of microalgae. Multi-phase models including bubble movement, meshes and time step independent tests were considered to develop the 3-dimensional CFD model. Particle Image ...

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This study is part of a greater project from IPT (Sao Paulo's Institute of Technology), which foresaw an energetic use for elephant-grass (Pennisetum purpureum). Biomass gasification is an sustainable option for energy supply, which presents low pollutants emission rate and allows - through the global cycle of growing and consumption of feedstock (vegetables), a balance between consumption and production of carbonic gas, preventing an increase of the carbonic gas levels in the atmosphere. A gasifier was built with internal diameter of 400 mm and total height of 4600 mm . The equipment was tested for gasification of elephant-grass (Pennisetum purpureum) at a 100 kg/h rate. The equipment was tested and some constructive faults were detected. In the countryside, this biomass is commonly used for cattle feeding It was evaluated an adequate diesel-electric-generator. to work at hybrid regime, using 70% biomass gas and 30% diesel. With the ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The linearized-augmented-plane-wave (LAPW) method for thin films is generalized by removing the remaining shape approximation to the potential inside the atomic spheres. A new technique for solving Poisson's equation for a general charge density and potential is described and implemented in the film LAPW method. In the resulting full-potential LAPW method (FLAPW), all contributions to the potential are completely taken into account in the Hamiltonian matrix elements. The accuracy of the method: already well known for clean metal surfaces: is demonstrated for the case of a nearly free (noninteracting) O_2 molecule which is a severe test case of the method because of its large anisotropic charge distribution. Detailed comparisons show that the accuracy of the FLAPW results for O_2 exceeds that of existing state-of-the-art local-density linear-combination-of-atomic-orbitals (LCAO)-type calculations, and that taking the full potential LAPW results as a reference, the ...

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For the purpose of proposing it to ISO, the R and D were conducted of a new evaluation method of thermal properties of polymer materials. The FY 1999 results were summarized. In this fiscal year, the development of the ac Joule heating equipment was proceeded with based on the study at the technical committee, and the measuring device was installed. In the comparative measurement with conventional methods, study was proceeded with of the laser flash method, AC calorimetry method and specific heat measurement. In the technical survey, the developmental state of the ac method, especially, was examined as a testing method of thermal properties of polymer materials. It is in the stage of the basic research by keyword selection, and the search for literature is to be made in full scale. As to the needs in the industrial circle, as a result of the questionnaire survey made, it was found out that there were a wide variety of the needs for ...

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In support of Stockpile Stewardship activities, accelerated aging tests on a plutonium alloy enriched with 7.3 at.% of {sup 238}Pu is underway using dilatometry at 35, 50, and 65 deg. C and immersion density measurements of materials stored at 50 deg. C. Changes in density are expected from radiation damage in the lattice and helium in-growth. After 25 equivalent years of aging, the dilatometry data shows that the alloys at 35 deg. C have expanded in volume by 0.11-0.12% and have started to exhibit a near linear expansion behavior primarily caused by the helium accumulation. The average He-to-vacancy ratio from tested specimens was determined to be around 2.55. The model for the lattice damage and helium in-growth accurately represents the volume swelling at 35 deg. C. The density converted from the dilatometry corresponds well to the decreasing density trend of reference plutonium alloys as a function of time.