UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The ability to determine the interval and duration of sensory events is fundamental to most forms of sensory processing, including speech and music perception. Recent experimental data support the notion...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

1. A combined pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic model has been used to analyse the relationship between QT prolongation and changes in plasma concentration which occurred after disopyramide was given...Full Text Available

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Cassava chips (cassava balls, and cassava pellets) are derived cassava products traditionally produced by farmers in sub-Saharan Africa following fermentation, and drying of fresh roots of cassava, and are widely consumed in Cameroon. Once produced, this food commodity can be stored for more than two months and contaminated by a wide array of harmful microbes. In order to assess persistence of toxigenic fungi in cassava chips, aflatoxin-producing fungi (Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus nomius, and Aspergillus parasiticus) and aflatoxins were contrasted at regular intervals in home-stored cassava chips collected in two locations of southern Cameroon throughout a two-month monitoring period. Three hundred and forty-six isolates of aflatoxin-producing fungi were found to be associated with all samples. A. flavus contaminated more samples in both types of chips (267 isolates in 53 samples), followed by A. nomius (58 isolates in 15 samples), whereas A. parasiticus was ...

Science.gov (United States)

Based on studies on the genetic and molecular basis of Shigella flexneri invasive properties, we have constructed and evaluated a double mutant of S. flexneri serotype 5 for utilization as a live attenuated oral vaccine against shigellosis. The first mutation, icsA, blocks intracellular spread of bacteria as well as cell-to-cell infection. It affects the capacity of the invasive pathogen to form large abscesses in epithelia. The second mutation, iuc, eliminates production of the siderophore aerobactin thus impairing growth of the bacterium within tissues. This double mutant, SC5700 appeared safe when administered intragastrically to macaque monkeys as three doses (5 x 10(10) c.f.u. each) at weekly intervals. Protection against a challenge by the wild type isolate (M90T) was observed 4 weeks after the last vaccine inoculation. Duration of carriage was considerably reduced as compared to the control group in which all animals had developed severe ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Effects of PbO on the repassivation kinetics of alloy 690TT were examined using the rapid scratching electrode technique under a potentiostatic condition to elucidate the influence of PbO on SCC resistance of the alloy. The repassivation kinetics of the alloy was analyzed in terms of the current density flowing from the scratch, i(t), as a function of the charge density that has flowed from the scratch, q(t). Repassivation on the scratched surface of the alloy occurred in two kinetically different processes; passive film initially nucleated and grew according to the place exchange model in which log i(t) is linearly proportional to q(t) with a slope of 1/K, and then grew according to the high field ion conduction model in which log i(t) is linearly proportional to 1/q(t) with a slope of cBV. 1/K and cBV are parameters representing the SCC susceptibility as well as repassivation rate of the alloy at an initial and an ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

... interval analyzers counting techniques discriminators electronic circuits

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Purpose: A retrospective analysis was undertaken to determine the indications for, the efficacy of, and the long-term complications of two courses of total skin electron beam therapy for mycosis fungoides. Methods and Materials: A retrospective analysis of 15 patients with the pathologic diagnosis of mycosis fungoides treated in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Stanford University Medical Center between 1968 and 1990 was performed. All patients received two courses of high-dose electron beam therapy to the skin. The mean dose for the total skin treatment for the first course was 32.6 Gy and 23.4 Gy for the second course of treatment. Results: Following the first course of total skin electron beam therapy, 11 of 15 had a complete response, with a mean duration of 11.6 months. All patients received adjuvant therapies between the first and second courses of high-dose total skin electron beam therapy. The mean interval between the first and ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

OBJECTIVES. Worldwide declines in the duration of lactation are cause for public health concern. Higher levels of dichlorodiphenyl dichloroethene (DDE) have been associated with shorter durations of...Full Text Available

Science.gov (United States)

Infant, Premature; Anticoagulants; Thrombosis

KoreaScience (Korea)

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Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

To assess the technical feasibility of a newly designed stent-like electrode in rabbits. A stent-like electrode was knitted from a single thread of nitinol wire and interconnected to a generator using similar wire. In order to gauge the extent of radiofrequency ablation (RFA), we measured the depth of the ablated area in cow liver using a combination of 180-sec time intervals and 20- watt power increments. For data processing, Cox regression analysis was used. RFA was also applied to the small intestine of rabbits using this stent-like electrode under six different sets of conditions: 10 watts for 1 min, 10 watts for 2 mins, 20 watts for 1 min, 20 watts for 2 mins, 30 watts for 1 min, and 30 watts for 2 mins. To determine the gross and microscopic findings, six animals were sacrificed immediately after the procedure and the results obtained under the different sets of conditions were correlated. Eight rabbits were monitored for 4 weeks prior to sacrifice. For both ...

Science.gov (United States)

9 9 simulated Purex waste oxides was investigated as a function of Na/sub 2/O, CaO and P/sub 2/O/sub 5/ content. All compositions lost some sulfate at 50 to 100 deg C above the softening point. In generai the volatility decreased with increase of either Na/ sub 2/O or CaO relative to P/sub 2/O/sub 5/, but no simple correlation Was indicated. Softening temperatures were lowered by inc ease in Na/sub 2/O vs CaO. Ceramic solids were obtained but no true glasses. Attempts to produce glasses by addition of varying combinations of Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/, PbO, BaO, and B/sub 2/O/ sub 3/ to simulated Pure x waste plus phosphite were unsuccessful. The use of 0.005 M Na/sub 2/C/O/sub 3/ to precipitate calcium from wastes containing up to 3 ppm of phosphate was demonstrated in four pilot plant runs and produced a decrease in the hardness of the waste leaving the clarifier. An inadvertent Sr/ sup 90/ and Cs/sup 137/ breakthrough occurred during one run which was caused ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

IntroductionIn critically ill patients the relationship between the storage age of red blood cells (RBCs) transfused and outcomes are controversial. To determine if duration of RBC...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

1 This study in normotensive subjects compared the duration and consistency of action of amlodipine (5 mg) and nifedipine GITS (60 mg) by assessment of the attenuation of pressor responses to noradrenaline...Full Text Available

Science.gov (United States)

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

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

A new portable apparatus—the Interval Distribution Recorder (IDR)—has been developed by WHO for assessing habitual physical activity. It measures R-R intervals and records counts in...Full Text Available

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

This paper mainly considers the asymptotic stability of interval neutral delay-differential systems, which corrects a technical error in the proof given in [Applied Math. Letters, 16(2003) 1063-1068] by a linear fractional transformation of an interconnection matrix with structured real parametric uncertainties. In addition, a new condition, in terms of the structured singular value, is provided to ensure the stability of the interval system. Finally, an example is given to demonstrate the validity of our criteria.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The ability of the Packard 2000 CA/LL liquid scintillation counter to reduce background count rates relies on pulse shape/duration analysis in which short duration organic scintillation events are discriminated from longer duration non-quenchable background events. A consequence of this is a loss in the counting efficiency. The results of this investigation indicate that much of the lost efficiency can be regained by sharpening the true #beta#"- pulse widths via the use of different scintillant combinations and by certain counter modifications. (author).

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Addition of a vasoconstrictor to a local anesthetic may have several beneficial effects: a decrease in the peak plasma concentration of the local anesthetic agent, increase in the duration and the quality...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The specificity of the hemodynamic response function (HRF) is determined spatially by the vascular architecture and temporally by the evolution of hemodynamic changes. The stimulus duration...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The effects of temperatures, durations of treatment, and derivations from spermatophores or spermaries on in vitro acrosome reaction of the spermatozoa in the Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis...Full Text Available

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Looking at all the indeterminate factors as a whole and regarding activity durations as independent random variables, the traditional stochastic network planning models ignore the inevitable relationship and dependence among activity durations when more than one activity is possibly affected by the same indeterminate factors. On this basis of analysis of indeterminate effect factors of durations, the effect factors-based stochastic network planning (EFBSNP) model is proposed, which emphasizes on the effects of not only logistic and organizational relationships, but also the dependent relationships, due to indeterminate factors among activity durations on the project period. By virtue of indeterminate factor analysis the model extracts and describes the quantitatively indeterminate effect f...

Science.gov (United States)

Plate-boundary earthquakes have occurred repeatedly in the past several thousand years at the Cascadia subduction zone, where they are widely recorded ... ...

Science.gov (United States)

results of motion energy spectral density measurements in the upper atmosphere for the time interval of 5 minutes to 12 hours, in ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

In this paper we propose an entropy measure for interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets, which generalizes three entropy measures defined independently by Szmidt, Wang and Huang, for intuitionistic fuzzy sets. We also give an approach to construct similarity measures using entropy measures for interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets. In particular, the proposed entropy measure for interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets can yield a similarity measure. Several illustrative examples are given to demonstrate the practicality and effectiveness of the proposed formulas. We apply the similarity measure to solve problems on pattern recognitions, multi-criteria fuzzy decision making and medical diagnosis.

Science.gov (United States)

Exercise training associated with robust conditioning can be useful for the study of molecular mechanisms underlying exercise-induced cardiac hypertrophy. A swimming apparatus is described to control training regimens in terms of duration, load, and frequency of exercise. Mice were submitted to 60- vs 90-min session/day, once vs twice a day, with 2 or 4% of the weight of the mouse or no workload attached to the tail, for 4 vs 6 weeks of exercise training. Blood pressure was unchanged in all groups while resting heart rate decreased in the trained groups (8-18%). Skeletal muscle citrate synthase activity, measured spectrophotometrically, increased (45-58%) only as a result of duration and frequency-controlled exercise training, indicating that endurance conditioning was obtained. In groups which received duration and endurance conditioning, cardiac weight (14-25%) and myocyte dimension (13-20%) increased. The best ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

We describe the continued development of a portable, real-time neutron spectrometer. The spectrometer is composed of two distinct detector systems: a Helium 3 gas filled proportional counter for the lower neutron energy interval between 20 KeV and 2 MeV and a bulk silicon solid state detector for the higher energy interval between 2 MeV and 500 MeV. Modeling and experimental results with mono-energetic neutron beams are reported.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Purpose: To ensure continuous operation for condensate desalters with the control device for desalter group in a nuclear power plant by automatically averaging the operation interval between each of the desalters. Constitution: Electroconduction meters are provided at the inlet and the outlet for each of the desalters. The conduction rates at the inlet and outlet are compared to determine the re-generation timing of the condensate desalter. Limiting set value for each of the equipments in the cleanup systems is changed by using a mathematical operation circuit to average the operation interval between each of the desalters. (Ikeda, J.).

CERN Document Server

When testing multiple hypothesis in a survey --e.g. many different source locations, template waveforms, and so on-- the final result consists in a set of confidence intervals, each one at a desired confidence level. But the probability that at least one of these intervals does not cover the true value increases with the number of trials. With a sufficiently large array of confidence intervals, one can be sure that at least one is missing the true value. In particular, the probability of false claim of detection becomes not negligible. In order to compensate for this, one should increase the confidence level, at the price of a reduced detection power. False discovery rate control is a relatively new statistical procedure that bounds the number of mistakes made when performing multiple hypothesis tests. We shall review this method, discussing exercise applications to the field of gravitational wave surveys.

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Salmonella mbandaka was isolated from cattle on three dairy farms. The duration of infection was less than four weeks and none of the animals became clinically ill. The animals had all consumed a diet...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

According to the International Headache Society, idiopathic stabbing headache (ISH), an indomethacin-responsive headache syndrome, is a paroxysmal disorder of short duration manifested as head pain...Full Text Available

Science.gov (United States)

We analyzed the effects of the Colorado Medicaid Capitation Program on the duration and services of over 21,000 outpatient mental health episodes for young children. The study spanned a three year period before and after capitation was implemented, and compared episodes of outpatient care for children from 14 capitated Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs) with those from three CMHCs that remained fee-for-service. Proportional hazards regressions revealed that capitation resulted in an increase in outpatient episode duration, over and above similar effects for the comparison fee-for-service episodes. The hypothesis that there were longer capitated episodes for children who were hospitalized was not supported. Children with behavioral and anxiety disorders had longer capitated episodes. Service intensity decreased over time in the managed care sites. Changes in case mix may have had an impact on changes in episode duration ...

Science.gov (United States)

There are a number of propagation issues that need further investigation for efficient system planning for EHF communication systems. Especially needed are better cloud and rain characterizations. A method for estimating one of the rain induced effects of interest, outage duration, is presented.

Science.gov (United States)

For aerodynamic force measurement in the ISL shock tunnel, the authors have developed a novel measurement technique. Its key feature is a mounting support, which releases the test model and tightens it again after a free flight duration of 10 to 15 millis...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

We report a case of 38-year-old male, who presented with a large pulsatile swelling on the left side of the anterior chest wall of 4 months’ duration with a gradual increase in size. He gave...Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The barrier glow discharge between two planar electrodes, covered with dielectric, is studied under high-voltage pulsed power supply. Wide applications of such type of discharges, in particular, for ozone production, stimulated a number of investigations in this direction. In this work we investigated the dependence of ozone concentration on the duration and the rate of pulse rise of the applied voltage. The thyristor converter circuit with the shortening of input pulses on the base of the saturable throttle was used for the realization of this task. The output pulses with amplitude up to 15 kV, repetition frequency of 1 kHz, pulse duration of 0.3 #mu#s (or 7 #mu#s) and the rate of pulse rise of 0.1 #mu#s were generated with this scheme. Measurements of the ozone concentration produced in the air mixture have shown that its value increased by factor two with variation of the rate of pulse rise from 0.5 #mu#s to 0.1 #mu#s (for pulse ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Exercise is essential for health, yet the amount, duration, and intensity that individuals engage in are strikingly variable, even under prescription. Our focus was to identify the locations and effects...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Aims:To investigate the relationship between the duration of comatose state, severity of rhabdomyolysis and frequency of peripheral nerve injury (PNI) in patients following...Full Text Available

Wastenet

2 ...Amount received and number years supported Project Duration: 2 years Funding received from APN in Year1: US$...00 Funding received from APN in Year 2: US$40,000.00

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The question of whether storage of red blood cells (RBCs) alters their capacity to deliver oxygen and affects patient outcomes remains in a state of clinical equipoise. Studies of the changes...Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Methods are discussed for optimization of organizational model of longwall mining. Operations at a working face, their duration, number of miners, miner qualifications are analyzed. The so-called method for allocation of heteregeneous resources is used. Using the method optimum organizational models of working faces are constructed. The models consider working conditions, coal output, personnel, miner qualifications, duration of various operations and of idletime, and safety regulations. A computer code developed by the author for optimizing organizational models of longwall mining is described. 9 refs.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Compton backscattering of laser photons near the interaction point of an e"+e"- or e"-e"- collider can be used to produce a #gamma#-#gamma# or #gamma#-e"- collider. This paper describes the laser requirements, including pulse duration, intensity, energy, and wavelength, for such a collider. For most of the proposed, next generation, e"+e"- colliders, the laser wavelength should be in the near-infrared, with a pulse duration of 1 ps or less and an energy of similar 1 J per pulse. Current chirped pulse amplification laser systems in solid state lasing materials are well suited to meet these requirements. These systems are described. ((orig.)).

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

PurposeTo investigate the different components of full-field flash electroretinogram (ERG) responses in adult albino and pigmented rats at various time intervals following optic...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Genomic disorders are conditions that result from DNA rearrangements, such as deletions or duplications. The identification of the dosage-sensitive gene(s) within the rearranged genomic interval is...Full Text Available

Science.gov (United States)

Environmental surveys to provide base-line data for assessing the potential impact of the operation of Wolseong NPP on marine ecosystems were performed at 3-month intervals in 1981. Physico-chemical properties of seawater and gross beta activities in seaw...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

OBJECTIVES: The ability to maximally generate active muscle tension during resistance training has been established to be a primary determinant for strength development. The influence of intrasession...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Experimental Klebsiella pneumoniae pneumonia was used to study the influence of cyclophosphamide-induced leukopenia on the relative therapeutic efficacy of continuous and intermittent (6-h intervals)...Full Text Available

Science.gov (United States)

Nov 18, 2010 ... Roughly speaking, the fidelity interval we quote is a "3 sigma" value. ... surface of the foremost quartz filter which is then chemically altered by ... ( CERES) scanner point accuracy using a coastline detection system", ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundCompared to outbred Sprague Dawley (SD) rats, inbred Brown Norway (BN) rats exhibit less prepulse inhibition of startle (PPI) at long prepulse intervals,...Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This study describes the formulations to optimize the time interval of inspections and/or replacements of equipment/parts taking into account the probability density functions (PDF) for failure rates and parameters of failure distribution functions (FDF) and evaluates the optimized results of these time intervals using our formulations by comparing with those using only representative values of failure rates and the parameters of FDF instead of using these PDFs. The PDFs are obtained with Bayesian method and the representative values are obtained with likelihood estimation method. However, any significant difference is not observed between both optimized results within our preliminary calculations. (author)

CERN Document Server

The statistical properties of the bid-ask spread of a frequently traded Chinese stock listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange are investigated using the limit-order book data. Three different definitions of spread are considered based on the time right before transactions, the time whenever the highest buying price or the lowest selling price changes, and a fixed time interval. The results are qualitatively similar no matter linear prices or logarithmic prices are used. The average spread exhibits evident intraday patterns consisting of a big L-shape in the morning and a small L-shape in the afternoon. The distributions of the spread with different definitions decay as power laws. The tail exponents of spreads at transaction level are well within the interval $(2,3)$ and that of average spreads are well in line with the inverse cubic law for different time intervals. Based on the detrended fluctuation analysis, we find ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Electrographic R-R interval variation was examined in a total of 915 A-bomb survivors exposed at {<=}2,000 m from the hypocenter (the {<=} 2,000 m group) and a total of 1,162 A-bomb survivors exposed at >3,000 m or entered the city after the A-bombing (the >3,000 m group). Coefficient of variation (CV) for R-R interval variation on ECG tended to be decreased with advancing age in the >3,000 m group, irrespective of sex. Especially for men in this group, CV values were significantly lower for the age group of 45 to 54 years than the groups of 65 to 74 years and 75 to 84 years. Similar tendency was observed for CV values at deep breath. Decreased CV values tended to be associated with a decrease in glucose tolerance in both men and women of the >3,000 m group. In comparing the aforementioned CV values with those in the {<=}2,000 m group, there was no significant difference between the groups. R-R interval ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This investigation was carried out during the two seasons of 1998/1999 and 1999/2000 at the experimental farm belonging to the plant research department, nuclear research center, atomic energy authority in Inshas to evaluate four lupin mutant lines (L_1, L_2, L_3 and L_4) along with their original mother varieties giza 1 and giza 2 under different levels and nitrogen fertilizer levels. The results indicated that seed yield/ plant and its effective components number and weight of pods/plant were significantly higher in all the mutant lines as compared to their parents either in the first or second seasons. Concerning the effect of irrigation intervals on yield and its components for developed mutants and their mother varieties as well as the results gave an evidence that the wider interval showed the lesser values for yield and most of yield components. Obtained data also revealed that yield attributes of lupin mutants and their parents were ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

An additional 450 wells were added to the structural database; there are now 2550 wells in the database with corrected tops on the Juana Lopez, base of the Bridge Creek Limestone, and datum. This completes the structural data base compilation. Fifteen oil and five gas fields from the Mancos-ElVado interval were evaluated with respect to the newly defined sequence stratigraphic model for this interval. The five gas fields are located away from the structural margins of the deep part of the San Juan Basin. All the fields have characteristics of basin-centered gas and can be considered as continuous gas accumulations as recently defined by the U.S. Geological Survey. Oil production occurs in thinly interbedded sandstone and shale or in discrete sandstone bodies. Production is both from transgressive and regressive strata as redefined in this study. Oil production is both stratigraphically and structurally controlled with production occurring along ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The production of retrograde amnesia (RA) upon electron-beam exposure was investigated. RA production was evaluated using a single-trial avoidance task for 10, 1, and 0.1 microsecond pulsed exposures. The dose-response curve obtained at each pulse duration showed significant RA production. The most effective dose range was 0.1-10 rad at a dose rate of 1,000,000 rad/sec. By employing a 10 rad (1,000,000 rad/s) pulse, a memory loss of the events occurring in the previous 4 sec was demonstrated. The conclusion was that the RA effect might be due to sensory system activation which provided a novel stimulus that masked previous stimuli.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The time and dose characteristics of the electron and X-ray radiations of a tube, connected to a subnanosecond mega volt accelerator, are measured. By the pulse of the accelerating voltage of #>=# 600 kV with duration of #approx =# 0.3 ns the tube generates approximately 5 x 10"1"2 electrons pulse. The current amplitude equals approximately 5 kA/pulse and the radiation dose-about 5 kGy/pulse. The X-ray radiation dose from the tantalum external target constitutes 0.15 Gy/pulse. The prototypes of the electron and X-ray tubes sufficiently lower volumes, opening new applications in the technique and medicine, are developed

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Compton backscattering of laser photons near the interaction point of an e{sup +}e{sup -} or e{sup -}e{sup -} collider can be used to produce a {gamma}-{gamma} or {gamma}-e{sup -} collider. This paper describes the laser requirements, including pulse duration, intensity, energy, and wavelength, for such a collider. For most of the proposed, next generation, e{sup +}e{sup -} colliders, the laser wavelength should be in the near-infrared, with a pulse duration of 1 ps or less and an energy of similar 1 J per pulse. Current chirped pulse amplification laser systems in solid state lasing materials are well suited to meet these requirements. These systems are described. ((orig.)).

CERN Document Server

New non-stationary non-contracted form of the erosive radially-slotted discharge as a thin round sheet with the current of the azimuth direction have been discovered, its existence beings stipulated by a radial transport-wave fluxes. Characteristic features of this discharge is self-confinement of the discharge current magnitude, corresponding decrease of the current pulse duration and occurrence of an energy and substance ejection with rather unusual properties. Measurements of kinetics of the discharge current, the plasma radiation intensity and an electrical probe signal, as well as the transmission electron microscope investigations of characteristic aerodisperse aggregates arising the erosive phase, have been carried out. The probe signal duration was about 10 times greater than that of the current; its kinetics was complicated suggesting existence in the slot of two components with fundamentally different properties and states of the ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

AbstractBackground Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in the 1970s and early 1980s showed the polysaccharide serogroup A vaccine (SgAV) prevented serogroup A meningococcal meningitis (SGAMM). Subsequent non-RCTs suggested significant variations in the age-specific duration of protection among children. Objectives To determine the protective effect, duration of protection, age-specific effects and the effect of booster doses in children of the SgAV against SGAMM. Search strategy We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2010, issue 2) which contains the Acute Respiratory Infections Group's Specialised Register, MEDLINE (January 1950 to May Week 3, 2010) and EMBASE (January 1974 to May 2010). Selection criteria We included RCTs. Non-RCTs ...

Science.gov (United States)

Motion Camouflage (MC) is illuminated as a novel strategy in counterattacking anti-satellite by way of stealth trajectory scheduling. The dynamics model of MC in space is developed and a quadratic function with three boundary constraints is employed for trajectory determination. Based on the model a scenario is set to run the simulation. The results indicate given the designed acceleration input, the predator will be moved following a prescribed route, which precisely locates the predator between two objects at each time instant. In the last approaching phase, the motion is achieved with a big bumping rate which guarantees the power of this striking. Methods for deriving minimum fuel cost in the fixed approaching duration and the minimum approaching duration in limited acceleration input are proposed and are verified in the simulation. At last, camouflage is recognized as a multi-faceted affair, in which stealth trajectory design is considered ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A compilation of technical papers, from the 23rd annual Precise Time and Time Interval (PTTI) Applications and Planning Meeting, is presented. Papers were given in the following categories: (1) developments in rubidium, cesium, and hydrogen-based frequency standards, and in cryogenic and trapped-ion technology; (2) international and transnational applications of PTTI technology with emphasis on satellite laser tracking networks, GLONASS timing, comparison of national time scales and international communications; (3) applications of PTTI technology to the telecommunications, power distribution, platform positioning, and geophysical survey industries; (4) applications of PTTI technology to evolving military communications and navigation systems; and (5) dissemination of precise time and frequency by means of GPS, GLONASS, MILSTAR, Loran, and synchronous communications satellites.

CERN Document Server

The nature of the `inner engine' that accelerate and collimate the relativistic flow at the cores of GRBs is the most interesting current puzzle concerning GRBs. Numerical simulations have shown that the internal shocks' light curve reflects the activity of this inner engine. Using a simple analytic toy model we clarify the relations between the observed $ \\gamma $-rays light curve and the inner engine's activity and the dependence of the light curves on the inner engine's parameters. This simple model also explains the observed similarity between the observed distributions of pulses widths and the intervals between pulses and the correlation between the width of a pulse and the length of the preceding interval. Our analysis suggests that the variability in the wind's Lorentz factors arises due to a modulation of the mass injected into a constant energy flow.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The set of nonlinear equations describing the standard model kinematics of the top quark antiquark production system in the dilepton decay channel has at most a fourfold ambiguity due to two not fully reconstructed neutrinos. Its most precise solution is of major importance for measurements of top quark properties like the top quark mass and tt spin correlations. Simple algebraic operations allow one to transform the nonlinear equations into a system of two polynomial equations with two unknowns. These two polynomials of multidegree eight can in turn be analytically reduced to one polynomial with one unknown by means of resultants. The obtained univariate polynomial is of degree 16. The number of its real solutions is determined analytically by means of Sturm's theorem, which is as well used to isolate each real solution into a unique pairwise disjoint interval. The solutions are polished by seeking the sign change of the polynomial in a given ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Methods: A total of 253 locomotive engineers (249 male, 4 female, mean age 39.7 years) participated. Data were collected at 14 rail depots, where participants drove electric or diesel locomotives;...Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The results of experimental researches of photoluminescence and X-ray luminescence in crystal ZnSe are presented at the different values of tension of electric-field to samples. Observed, that the electric field changes both intensity of stationary luminescence and form of bars in the spectrums of luminescence. At the saliatory change of difference of potentials on the electrodes of crystal in luminescence there are of long duration relaxation processes character of which substantially depends on the type of excitation of standard.

Wastenet

...Studies People Projects Opportunities Framework Critical Sectors Development Goals Geographic Region Geographic Scale Research Themes Printer-Friendly MSU Environmental Science and Policy Program Michigan State University East Lansing , Michigan Type: Program Education Level: Graduate Event Duration: Ongoing Philosophy of the doctoral specialization: In the ...

CERN Document Server

A simple analytical model of the barrier discharge in a long gap between opposing plane electrodes is developed. It is shown that the plasma density becomes uniform over large part of the gap in the course of the discharge development, so that one can speak of a formation of a dynamic positive column. The column completely controls the dynamics of the barrier discharge and determines such characteristics as the discharge current, discharge duration, light output, etc. Using the proposed model, all discharge parameters can be easily evaluated

Science.gov (United States)

In this communication we propose a method to implement an all-optical astable multivibrator using the non-linear material based switches and logic gates. The scheme can operate in real time. The delay time can achieve ps(pico-second). The pulse duration can be made very low and may cross the THz easily by selecting proper material and laser source.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper is concerned with methods of limiting the build-up of transient voltages between sheath and armor in long armored power cables. Calculations by a frequency dependent cable model demonstrate that this voltage can be efficiently limited to an acceptable level by introducing sheath-armor bondings at regular intervals, or by using a semiconductive sheath-armor interlayer. The paper investigates the required minimum length between bondings, as well as the required conductivity of the sheath-armor interlayer if the use of bondings is to be avoided.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

An apparently significant result in an experiment to search for tachyons in the interval of time immediately preceding in the arrival of air showers of energy approximately 10"1"5 eV is considered. Several similar experiments have been completed, all of which have yielded null results. The original data of the foregoing reference have been re-examined and it is shown that an artifact of the apparatus was contributing to the original apparently significant results. (orig./BJ).

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Phonon relaxation and internal friction in kaolin-and bentonite-filled PVC composites are studied. By varying the temperature and/or content of the ultrafine mineral filler in the PVC, one can control the contribution from phonon viscosity, damping force, and the effect of viscosity into the energy dissipation of ultrasonic oscillations in the MHz frequency interval. The dynamic character of the measurements makes it possible to differentiate between relaxation phenomena in the composites and to suggest methods for their controlled changes.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Very often in many textbooks the formalism of the general theory of relativity is applied to gravitational problems. We think that it would be didactically useful to show how it can be adopted also for describing physical situations in accelerated frames of reference by working out in detail a particular case. This choice will also offer an opportunity to discuss a classical topic of relativistic physics. Indeed, we deal analytically with a version of the so-called clock paradox in which the moving clock performs a circular motion. The rest clock is denoted as (1), the rotating clock is (2), the inertial frame in which (1) is at rest and (2) moves is I and, finally, the accelerated frame in which (2) is at rest and (1) rotates is A. By using the general theory of relativity in order to describe the motion of (1) as seen in A we will show the following features. (I) A differential ageing between (1) and (2) occurs at their reunion and it has an absolute character, i.e. the proper time ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Implementation of an adaptive power system stabilizer (PSS) based on linear optimal control is described in this paper. The generator is identified in real time, and a special 3rd order discrete Riccati equation is solved in each sample interval. Because the output of the generator is fed back directly, the controller can track the system very fast. Experimental studies on a physical model of a power system demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed adaptive optimal controller.

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

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Ratio of the fissile isomers and prompt fissions yields has been measured in processes of neutron capture by /sup 241/Am and /sup 243/Am nuclei in the neutron energy interval from 0.2 up to 1.3 MeV. The present data and the previous results suggest that the fission Am isomers are spin structure isomers rather than shape isomers.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Magnetic field, thickness and magnetic forming effect on general mode and quantitative parameters of the domain structure (DS) of ferrite-garnet (EuEr)/sub 3/(FeGa)/sub 5/O/sub 12/ monocrystalline plates (111) is investigated. Field interval of circle (cone) and ring domain stability is determined. It is shown that DS of ferrite-garnet crystals with uniaxial an6sotropy has some peculiarities, that can be explained by cubic anisotropy effect.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The results obtained by studying double-front extensive air showers in which more than 107 particles are contained and in which the fronts are separated by a time interval of #DELTA#t #approx# 100 ns are presented. Serious difficulties in explaining 'delayed' showers are revealed. In this connection, a hypothesis that the 'leading' showers are initiated by tachyons produced in the first interaction of primary particles is proposed.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

We investigate an application of the method of fundamental solutions (MFS) to the one-dimensional inverse Stefan problem for the heat equation by extending the MFS proposed in [5] for the one-dimensional direct Stefan problem. The sources are placed outside the space domain of interest and in the time interval (-T,T). Theoretical properties of the method, as well as numerical investigations, are included, showing that accurate and stable results can be obtained efficiently with small computational cost.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

SummaryStudy Objectives: To compare the effect of noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) in severely acidotic with mildly acidotic patients with acute hypercapnic chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD).Design: Comparison of NIV in consecutively enrolled patients with acute hypercapnic COPD with mild (pH 7.25-7.35) or severe (pHPaCO2, duration of NIV treatment, length of stay in hospital and survival.Results (meadian (IQR)): Twenty-nine patients had 36 episodes of acute hypercapnic respiratory failure: Seventeen with pHPaCO2 improve (12 (6-34) vs 12 (4-28)h, respectively, Formula Not Shown ), with similar duration of NIV treatment (60 (35-96) vs 68 (36-48)h, respectively, Formula Not Shown ) and hospital length of stay (8 (7-18) vs 9 (5-17) days, respectively, Formula Not Shown ). Overal...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A system for real-time neutron radiography of moving objects is described. It comprise a source adapted to generate a continuous uninterrupted series of neutron pulses. Each pulse has a predetermined peak power and duration compatible with the framing times of a real-time video imaging system. A transporter moves an object to be examined to bring sequentially position selected portions of the object in the path of the pulses. Where the object itself has moving components, pulses are sequentially incident on the object. According to any dissimilarities, the object will alter the intensity of the neutrons passing therethrough. In order to record separately the changes in the neutron intensity, for each pulse, an imager is positioned to receive the neutron beam pulses which have been altered by their passage through the object and produce images indicating intensity alterations. A refrigerated beryllium filter can be used to effectively eliminate thermal neutrons from ...

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This paper reports the study results on the standard weather data necessary for simulation of PV power generation systems in fiscal 1994. In the study on the selection criterion of the standard weather data from the viewpoint of PV power generation systems, three typical years are used; a year with average solar radiation, and two years with extremely less and more solar radiation for safe simulation. The standard weather data are arranged for output calculation of PV power generation systems by selecting the most typical year based on long-term observation data. The data to be arranged are as follows; total, direct and scattered solar radiations incident upon a horizontal surface, solar radiation upon a slope surface, sunshine duration, air temperature, wind direction, wind velocity, amount of precipitation, and snow depth. For arrangement of the nationwide standard weather data, estimation of total solar radiation is necessary based on sunshine ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The KAERI compact far-infrared (FIR) free-electron laser (FEL) has been operated successfully in the wavelength range of 97-150 #mu#m. It is the first demonstration of FEL lasing by using a magnetron-based classical microtron. We developed a high precision undulator consisting of 80 periods, with each period being 25 mm. The field strength of the undulator can be changed from 4.5 to 6.8 kG with an amplitude deviation of only 0.05% in r.m.s value. The kinetic energy of the electron beam is 6.5 MeV. The average current and pulse duration of the electron beam macropulses are 45 mA and 5.5 #mu#s, respectively. The measured power of the FEL with the electron beam parameters was more than 50 W for a FIR macropulse having a duration of 4 #mu#s. The spectral width of the FEL was measured to be 0.5% of the central wavelength. The FEL system, aside from the racks for the controlling units, is compact enough to be located inside an area of 3x4 m"2.

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The poisoning effects of various trace contaminants in the coal-derived syngas stream at ppm and sub-ppm level on the performance of Ni-YSZ/YSZ/LSM solid oxide fuel cells were studied at extended duration. The thermochemical nature of impurities such as PH{sub 3}(g) and CH{sub 3}Cl(g) in presence and absence of water steam was analyzed by a high temperature mass spectrometer. Only less than half of PH{sub 3}(g) is hydrolyzed, and CH{sub 3}Cl(g) also co-exist with HCl(g). After a certain duration of exposure, 1 ppm AsH{sub 3}(g), 0.5 ppm PH{sub 3}(g), and 2.5 ppm CH{sub 3}Cl(g) all caused some degree of degradation to the power density at 750 C. Whereas 1 ppm of H{sub 2}S(g) resulted in immediate performance loss. The mechanisms of degradation are mainly divided into two categories: surface adsorption effect (for S and Cl) and bulk reaction effect (for As and P). The controversies regarding the poisoning effect and mechanism of S are also ...

Science.gov (United States)

The aim of the study was to determine whether children with chronic benign pain are in contact with their general practitioner (GP) more frequently than those without chronic benign pain. A random sample of children and adolescents aged between 0 and 18 years of age was drawn from the records of ten general practices. According to their responses to a pain questionnaire, subjects were assigned to the chronic benign pain group (n = 95) if they had pain of more than three months' duration, or to the control group (n = 105) if they had pain of less than three months' duration or no pain at all. All the subjects had an average GP consultation rate of 2.6 contacts per year. No significant age and sex differences were found. Chronic benign pain in childhood and adolescence is not related to increased use of healthcare services, suggesting that somatisation does not play a major role in children with chronic benign pain. PMID:12030664

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The aim of this study was to assess the body weight-tailored contrast material injection protocol for 64-detector computed tomography (CT) to maintain optimal coronary CT attenuation. A total of 60 patients who underwent CT coronary angiography were assigned to one of three groups: protocol A, total of 0.7 ml kg"-"1 with 300 mg I/ml iodine concentration; protocol B, total of 0.6 ml kg"-"1 with 350 mg I/ml; protocol C, total of 0.7 ml kg"-"1 with 350 mg I/ml. The injection duration was 10 s in all patients. The proportion of intracoronary attenuation values >325 Hounsfield unit (HU) was compared on a per-vessel and per-patient basis. The attenuation value was significantly more likely to exceed 325 HU with protocol C (95% for reader 1 and 90% for reader 2) than with protocol A or B on the per-vessel analysis (P325 HU) with 64-detector CT when using an injection duration of 10 s. (author)

Science.gov (United States)

The authors described a method for determination of tissue renin activity with heterologous substrate. The preparation of the substrate was performed at several stages: salting with amonium sulfate; dialisis of the precipitate till complete separation of amonium sulfate molecules; distruction of angiotensinases by interchangeble souring and alcalization of the medium; lyophylization of the pure substrate. The obtained renin-substrate was preserved in ampules and its usage had a series of advantages--duration, economic, a possibility for standartization of the determination, etc., which were described in details in the article. The described in details also the quantitative determination of the renin activity in the tissues (renal and cerebral) with the help of the obtained substrate as the moments, modiied by the authors, were indicated. PMID:436712

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Results are reported of photoemission studies using laser pulses of 10 ps duration and 4.66 eV photon energy on metal cathodes. These included thin wires, flat surfaces and an yttrium cathode with a grainy surface. The measurements of current density and quantum efficiency under low and high surface fields indicate that field assisted efficiencies exceeding 0.1% and current densities exceeding 10/sup 5/ A/cm/sup 2/ are obtainable. The results are compared to the requirements of switch power applications. 24 refs., 13 figs., 1 tab.

Science.gov (United States)

The effects of pH on the calcium phosphate phase, of Tris and of amino acids, such as aspartic acid, glutamic acid, and serine on hydroxyapatite formation and morphology, were studied in double diffusion experiments. In this system, hydroxyapatite was only formed when the pH was around 7.4 or higher for the duration of the reaction. A decrease in pH resulted in the transformation of hydroxyapatite to octacalcium phosphate. Amino acids and Tris or the buffering capacity of Tris have an effect on the morphology of the synthetic hydroxyapatite. The presence of the additive results in spheres consisting of needles, blades or plates depending on the reaction system. PMID:12175941

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Discusses Czechoslovak regulations for determining moisture content in brown coal. Standard formulae for determining total moisture content and residual water content are described. Factors that influence accuracy in determining moisture content under laboratory conditions are analyzed: brown coal type, season of the year, air humidity, method and duration of coal sample drying, number of coal samples simultaneously dried in 1 dryer, ash content of coal. On the basis of analysis recommendations for a modified method of determining moisture content in brown coal are made. 5 refs.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A possible novel application of hard x-ray emitted during laser-plasma interaction was discussed. The authors established an Optical Transform Function to study the joint effect of the spectral distribution and temporal profile of the laser-produced x-ray on x-ray phase imaging. Though the laser-produced x-ray pulse duration is short and incoherent, the analysis confirms that the current x-ray phase imaging theory still holds for laser-produced x-ray phase imaging

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The ongoing upgrade of the Los Alamos Free-Electron Laser (FEL) Facility involves the addition of a photoelectric injector (PEI) and acceleration capability to about 40 MeV. The electron-beam and high-speed diagnostics provide key measurements of charge, beam position and profile, divergence emittance, energy (centroid, spread, slew, and extraction efficiency), micropulse duration, and phase stability. Preliminary results on the facility include optical transition radiation interferometer measurements of divergence (1 to 2 mrad), FEL extraction efficiency (0.6 {plus minus} 0.2%), and drive laser phase stability (< 2 ps (rms)). 10 refs.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Two hypotheses are in the centre of this investigation, on the one hand the question, whether microwaves as exogenous fields alone are able to stimulate human muscle cells above-threshold, and on the other hand, whether microwaves as conditioning to cathodical electrical pulses can modify the excitation threshold and form. No excitation through the application of microwaves alone can be introduced at any subject. The conditioning of above-threshold cathodical electrical pulses with UMTS-microwaves leads not to a transgression of the threshold or the electrical muscle response (EMG) depending on the amplitude, the duration or the dose rate. (orig.)

CERN Document Server

A surface may provide a useful pumping action when able to retain adsorbed gas molecules for the duration of a given experiment. To fulfil this condition at room temperature, strong binding forces, as those resulting from chemical reactions, are required. Materials able to react with gases to form stable chemical compounds are called getters. The two main families of getters (evaporable and non-evaporable, or NEG) are presented and discussed. Special emphasis is placed on the NEG strips currently used for the vacuum systems of particle accelerators, and on the newly developed NEG thin-film coatings, in view of their possible future applications.

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Delayed cerebral necroses after irradiation are to be divided into hemispheric and midline lesions, as they differ from each other in several aspects. Apart from the symptoms, they are differing in the duration of latency, in the course and prognosis, and also with regard to morphology. Though there is no doubt that radiation tolerance of cerebral midline structures is relatively limited, on biological grounds, evidence of a difference between the tolerated doses could not be given from the existent inhomogeneous radiation data, with the help of the NSD-concept. Radiation planning for the region of the head, nevertheless, carefully should avoid in every case to involve the structures of the cerebral midline.

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A previously studied theory of gravitation in flat space-time is applied to homogeneous and isotropic cosmological models. There exist two different classes of models without singularities: (i) ever-expanding models, (ii) oscillating models. The first class contains models with hot big bang. For these models there exist at the beginning of the universe-in contrast to Einstein's theory-very high but finite densities of matter and radiation with a big bang of very short duration. After short time these models pass into the homogeneous and isotropic models of Einstein's theory with spatial curvature equal to zero and cosmological constant ALPHA >= O.

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Acquired cystic kidney disease (ACKD), also known as acquired renal cystic disease (ARCD,) occurs in patients who are on dialysis for end-stage renal disease. It is generally accepted that ACKD develops as a consequence of sustained uremia and can first manifest even before dialysis is initiated while the patient is still in chronic renal failure. The role of immune suppression, particularly in transplant recipients, in the development of ACKD, is still under investigation. The prevalence of ACKD is directly related to the duration of dialysis and the risk of cancer is directly related to the presence of cysts. Herein we review the current understanding of the pathophysiology and imaging implications of ACKD. (orig.)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Acid mine drainage represents one of the most important environmental problem facing the mining industry. If the tailings contain sulphur, acid mine drainage will be generated as soon as the tailings are exposed to oxygen. In this paper, the authors discussed a technique for the storage of acid mine drainage generating tailings that delays and even eliminates the occurrence. It was suggested that tailings should be piled by incorporating, at regular intervals, compacted waste rock. Thermal convection and diffusion will prevent oxygen from reaching the tailings, and limit water circulation. The modelling of transfer processes (heat, water, oxygen) in a well known tailings dump, the Doyon Mine, was performed, and the results compared to the modelling where compacted waste rock had been incorporated at regular intervals. The results indicated that by remaining saturated, the layers acted as capillary barriers preventing oxygen from reaching the ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The amorphization of a quenched sample of the GaSb-II high-pressure phase was studied at ambient pressure by real-time neutron diffraction in the course of the sample heating from 100 K to room temperature at a rate of 0.4 K min-1. The transformation to the amorphous state begins at 140 K and is completed near room temperature. The ?-Sn type structure was shown to represent only the mean lattice of the high-pressure GaSb-II phase. The superstructure of this phase widely varied with temperature and is caused by the ordered displacement of atoms. The temperature range of the metastable crystalline phase relaxation is divided into three intervals according to the temperature dependence of the tetragonality ratio (c/a). At the boundaries of these temperature intervals, i.e. temperatures T = 170 and 230 K, two second-order phase transitions are observed. Anomalous heat and volumetric effects were observed earlier by means of calorimetry and ...

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The characteristic space-time scales of surface solar radiation fields measured by the 111-instrument ME-SONET in Oklahoma are estimated after removal of the diurnal cycle. These estimates of {open_quotes}within-day{close_quotes} are used to deduce the representativeness of surface solar radiation measurements measurement site as a function of time-averaging interval. Nomograms of the relation between point measurements and area averages are given for different space-time-averaging intervals. Examples from the nomograms show, for instance, that under conditions of low mean radiation (cloudy days), the central site point measurements are representative of a spatial area the size of a T42 GCM grid box (280 km X 280 km) if one uses hourly averages and is willing to accept a correlation of 0.45 between area average and point measurement. The point data represent a 60 km X 60 km region at a 0.90 correlation level if a 5-min time average is used. The ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Genetic analysis of resistance of plant introduction (PI) 438489B to soybean cyst nematode (SCN) have shown that this PI is highly resistant to many SCN HG types. However, validation of the previously detected quantitative trait loci (QTL) has not been done. In this study, 250 F2:3 progeny of a Magellan (susceptible)??PI 438489B (resistant) cross were used for primary genetic mapping to detect putative QTL for resistance to five SCN HG types. QTL confirmation study was subsequently conducted using F6:7 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from the same cross. Simple sequence repeat (SSR) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were employed for molecular genotyping. Interval mapping (IM), permutation tests, cofactor selection, and composite interval mapping (CIM) were performe...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Implementation of an adaptive power system stabilizer (APSS) and experimental studies are presented in this paper. The APSS consists of an adaptive linear element (ADALINE) based identifier that identifies the power system as a third-order discrete auto-regressive moving average (ARMA) model and a pole-shift controller. The ADALINE is modeled so that its weights have a one-to-one relationship with the ARMA model parameters. The weights are updated at each sampling interval to track the dynamic characteristics of the actual system. The on-line updated ARMA parameters are used in the PS control algorithm to calculate the new closed-loop poles of the system that are always inside the unit circle in the z-plane. The calculated control is such that it achieves regulation of the system to a constant setpoint in the shortest interval of time. Experimental studies on a physical model of power system verify that the proposed adaptive PSS effectively ...

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Free-electron laser (FEL) experiments have been conducted with the 38-MeV L-band electron linac at the Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University. It is a 1.3 GHz RF linac with a thermoionic gun, and equipped with two 12th and one 6th sub-harmonic prebunchers for producing the high-intensity single-bunch beam with a charge up to 67 nC/bunch. For oscillation experiments of FEL, the gun is replaced with that with a smaller cathode area in order to reduce the emittance of the beam. The normalized emittance has been measured to be 200 {pi} mm-mrad. The linac is operated in the long-pulse mode and one of the 12th sub-harmonic bunchers and the 6th sub-harmonic buncher are operated, so that the time duration of the macropulse is 4 {mu}s and the spacing between micropulses is 9.2 ns. The length of the micropulse is 30-40 ps and the charge in each micropulse is 2 nC. The electron beam from the linac is transported to a wiggler which has the period ...

CERN Document Server

The determinants of the velocity of money have been examined based on life-cycle hypothesis. The velocity of money can be expressed by reciprocal of the average value of holding time which is defined as interval between participating exchanges for one unit of money. This expression indicates that the velocity is governed by behavior patterns of economic agents and open a way to constructing micro-foundation of it. It is found that time pattern of income and expense for a representative individual can be obtained from a simple version of life-cycle model, and average holding time of money resulted from the individual's optimal choice depends on the expected length of relevant planning periods.

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The effect of heat transfer is described from heat exchange tubes of a horizontal steam generator on the distribution of primary water to the individual tubes of the tube bundle. It is shown that in a broad interval of mass flow rates and lengths of heat exchange tubes, the simplified method of calcualtion, i.e., calculation of the distribution of primary water into heat exchange tubes neqlecting the changes of physical properties of water along the heat exchange tubes, will yield sufficiently accurate results.

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In accordance with the requirements of Section 113 (b) (3) of the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, as amended (NWPA), the US Department of Energy (DOE) has prepared this report on the progress of site characterization activities at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, for the period October 1, 1990, through March 31, 1991. This report is the fourth in a series of reports that are issued at intervals of approximately six months during site characterization. The report covers a number of initiatives to improve the effectiveness of the site characterization program, and covers continued efforts related to preparatory activities, Study Plans, and performance assessment.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Projects have become a way of getting things done, and have moved increasingly toward achieving qualitative goals. In this article on video game development, the opportunity is taken to relate some particular observations on creative projects and their management. The essential aspects of this approach are its incorporation of individual and group creativity into its foundation, a Lindblomian process of decision making, and a substitution of a time of regular introspection for milestones. Application depends upon the ability to have interim developments available for group examination and fixing a suitable time interval to make such assessments. The approach would seem applicable to a range of possibilities, including film making, script writing, architectural rendering, and equipment desi...

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We describe the PBAR balloon-borne magnet spectrometer flown on August 13-14, 1987 to measure the abundance of cosmic ray antiprotons in the energy interval 100-1580 MeV at the top of the atmosphere. The limits first reported have been improved to an overall limit of anti p/p<2.0x10{sup -5} (85% CL). We summarize the overall design and performance of the PBAR spectrometer, which had the unique ability to establish the mass of each singly charged cosmic ray, as well as to reject spurious antimatter candidates caused by hard scatterings within the instrument. (orig.).

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This invention refers to the organic geochemistry and can be used in prospecting for oil and gas. The method includes taking samples of rocks, extracting from them the chloroform bitumoid and its thermal processing. In order to improve the accuracy, the equal quantities of bitumoid taken are exposed to gradual thermal treatment to temperatures exceeding the thresholds of thermal stability of sulfur-containing compounds, in each temperature interval, the content of hydrogen sulfide released in this case is revealed, and by its drastic increase at temperatures corresponding to the temperatures of the productive part of the section, a conclusion is drawn about the epigenetic nature of the bitumoid. The method makes it possible to improve the resolution of the bituminological prospecting for oil and gas.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A method based on cluster analysis techniques is proposed in order to obtain representative local wind patterns. Modeling renewable energy systems, in an accurate way which strongly depends on wind loads, requires reliable data to analyze their response and evaluate their performance. Otherwise poor agreement with the models may be obtained. In a case study for La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico, four different wind patterns were obtained from a one-year data set recorded at 10-min intervals. (author)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The diameters d/sub r/ of inner ring structures in disk galaxies are used as geometric distance indicators to derive the distances of 453 spiral and lenticular galaxies, mainly in the distance interval 4<#delta#<63 Mpc. The diameters are weighted means from the catalogs to Kormendy, Pedreros and Madore, and the authors. The distances are calculated by means of the two- and three-parameter formulae of Paper II; the adopted mean distance moduli #mu#"0(r) have mean errors from all sources of 0.6--0.7 mag for the well-observed galaxies.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The fusion excitation function for the radioactive projectile "8 Li on a "2"0"8 Pb target has been measured at energies near the Coulomb barrier. The results show that in the considered energy interval, the evaporation of four neutrons is the most relevant mechanism. However, at the highest energies used in the experiment, the Sn channel begins to appear. The preliminary experimental cross sections show a good agreement with the predictions of a simple evaporation calculation using the code PACE. (Author) 16 refs., 1 tab., 4 figs.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In dual-energy projection radiography with double exposures, rapid energy switching is mandatory to eliminate motion artifacts, but it is costly for use in a clinical environment. We developed a system with practical exposure intervals at reasonable cost by modifying a condenser-type X-ray generator. A commercially available system for digital radiography (Fuji Computed Radiography, FCR) was used to subtract images. This report dealt with technical factors to obtain adequate kV and mAs settings in this technique.

CERN Document Server

A method for simulating power law noise in clocks and oscillators is presented based on modification of the spectrum of white phase noise, then Fourier transforming to the time domain. Symmetric real matrices are introduced whose traces--the sums of their eigenvalues--are equal to the Allan variances, in overlapping or non-overlapping forms, as well as for the corresponding forms of the modified Allan variance. Diagonalization of these matrices leads to expressions for the probability distributions for observing a variance at an arbitrary value of the sampling or averaging interval $\\tau$, and hence for estimating confidence in the measurements. A number of applications are presented for the common power-law noises.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Adult and newborn rats were exposed to "2"3"9PuO_2 aerosols of four different size distributions. Rats of both ages were killed at intervals between 1 hr and 60 days postexposure. There were marked age- and particle-related size differences in deposition, although retention was similar throughout. The differences in deposition are attributable to relatively greater deposition of larger particles in the upper respiratory tracts of newborns.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A considerable time can elapse between initial selection of candidate plus trees and harvest of improved seed. The technique showing the greatest promise of shortening this interval is vegetative propagation. Stock plants are grown for two years from seed before the first propagation cycle begins and each plant can be bulked-up 300-500 times over two cycles. An initial stock of 2500 superior Sitka Spruce plants can be multiplied to yield between 300,000 and 750,000 rooted cuttings for forest use within four years from the start of propagation.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A revision of some basic concepts related to the analysis of variance of repeated measures is presented within an ecological context topics such as the types of experiments in which the technique is applicable, the hypotheses of interest, and its preference over other traditional techniques such as regression and conventional analysis of variance, are discussed. As an example, the technique was successfully applied to an experiment carried out at Cienaga Grande de Santa Marta, Colombia, in which the concentration of cadmium #mu#g/g in leaves of the black mangrove Avicennia germinans was measured in several monitoring stations and throughout several sampling intervals representing seasons.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The vivo dephosphorylation rate of 2-deoxy-D-glucose 6-phosphate (DGP) in the cerebral cortex of goats injected intravenously with radiolabeled 2-deoxy-D-glucose (DG) was investigated. Serial rapidly frozen samples of parietal cortical gray tissue were obtained at regular intervals over time periods from 45 min to 3 h in awake goats or in paralyzed and artificially ventilated goats maintained under 70% N/sub 2/O or pentobarbital sodium anesthesia. The samples were analyzed for glucose content and separate DG and DGP activities. The rate parameters for phosphorylation (k/sup *//sub 4/) and dephosphorylation (k/sup *//sub 4/) were estimated in each animal. The glucose phosphorylation rate (PR) was calculated over the intervals 3-5 (or 6), 3-10, 3-20, 3-30, and 3-45 min, assuming k/sup *//sub 4/ = O. As the evaluation period was extended beyond 10 min, the calculated PR became increasingly less when compared with that calculated over the 3- to 5- ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The results of interstitial brachytherapy in 13 patients with malignant brain tumors (malignant glioma 9 cases, metastatic brain tumor 4 cases) were reported. In all patients, Ir-192 thin wires were implanted temporarily in afterloading catheters, which were implanted appropriately by means of MRI or CT guided stereotactic technique. Clinical results on CT scan were as follows: CR (complete response) 1 case, PR (partial response) 6 cases and NC (no change) 6 cases. Even in the NC group, tumor growth was inhibited temporarily. Tumor free intervals were ranged 2-17 months. In early series, the intervals were about 2 months due to incomplete arrangement of radioactive implants. In recent series, prolongation of tumor free interval more than 12 months was achieved due to precise arrangements of implants. MRI guided stereotactic interstitial brachytherapy may provide safe and precise intracranial arrangements of implants, which ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Qualitative interpretation of data of different nature and sources, based on segmentation techniques such as discriminant analysis, is useful to characterize and monitor hydrocarbon reservoirs. In order to make this interpretation more reliable, it is necessary to characterize uncertainties attached to data and then, to propagate them in the interpretation work-flow. In this thesis, uncertainties are represented by intervals, because usually, little is known about input data errors. The uncertainty characterization issue is dealt with specifically for each case study. The uncertainty propagation issue is treated by a new technique, based on interval analysis, which consists in extending to intervals various popular approaches (non parametric, quadratic and linear) to discriminant analysis: Firstly, a learning phase allows calibrating an imprecise classifying model on the basis of pre-interpreted data. If the quality of this ...

Science.gov (United States)

Radioimmunochemical assay was used to study the hypophyseal and peripheral hormones activity in 60 patients with chronic alcoholism, stage II. A correlation has been established between the patient's age and prolactin and FSH concentrations, as well as between the duration of the recent hard drinking and the concentrations of prolactin, testosterone, FSH and interstitial cell stimulating hormone. It has been shown that the manifestation of the alcoholic abstinent syndrome depended on the prolactin concentration. The test sensitivity estimated by the prolactin level rise and the testosterone level reduction reached 92.3%. The specificity of the changes detected comprised 25%. A conclusion has been made that the disorders noted in the patients with chronic alcoholic intoxication can be used as an objective test in the alcoholism diagnosis. PMID:3936321

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A historical review on insulated cables for power transmission, is presented, beginning with impregnated paper insulation, oil filled cables and natural rubber cables. High density and chemically reticulated polyethylene were then used for high voltage and very high voltage cables; the advantages of polyethylene compared to impregnated paper cables are discussed, which led to research programs at EDF on various themes concerning the optimization of polyethylene cables: dielectric properties and reliability, thermomechanical behaviour, thermal ageing of materials, testing methods (acceptance dielectric test and long duration temperature test); utilization of low- and high-density and chemically reticulated polyethylene for 225 kV cables is discussed

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Aim: To evaluate the usefulness of routine laboratory parameters in the decision to treat refractory cardiac arrest patients with extracorporeal life support (ECLS). Methods: Sixty-six adults with witnessed cardiac arrest of cardiac origin unrelated to poisoning or hypothermia undergoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation without return of spontaneous circulation (duration: 155min [120-180], median, [25-75%-percentiles]) were included in a prospective cohort-study. ECLS was implemented under cardiac massage, using a centrifugal pump connected to a hollow-fiber membrane-oxygenator, aiming to maintain ECLS flow >=2.5l/min and mean arterial pressure >=60mmHg. Results: Forty-seven of 66 patients died within 24h from multiorgan failure and massive capillary leak. Of 19/66 patients who survived >=24h...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A transient-enhanced diffusion has been observed during the furnace or rapid thermal annealing of ion-implanted silicon. We have studied this transient in detail and show that, for doses of Group V dopants sufficient to amorphize the silicon, it arises from the trapping of interstitials by dopant atoms during implantation. These are retained during solidphase-epitaxial (SPE) growth, but can be released by additional thermal processing to cause the observed transient and the formation of a band of extended defects. We have measured the enhanced diffusion coefficients and the duration of the transient for Sb-implanted Si by careful furnace annealing experiments. We obtain general expressions which predict the effects of the transient during any thermal processing based on SPE growth (furnace, CW laser, or rapid thermal annealing). We show that there is no analogous mechanism of vacancy trapping by Group III elements.

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The extent to which a novel wash-off process using polyamide beads removed five different types of dye from three different types of fibre was similar to that achieved using conventional aftertreatments. Whilst bead wash-off and the conventional aftertreatments were of similar duration and temperature, conventional aftertreatment employed a 10:1 or 20:1 liquor ratio whereas bead wash-off used a < 1:1 liquor ratio. As vagrant dye was adsorbed onto the bead material during wash-off, the low amount of wastewater generated contained little residual dye, thereby offering the potential of reduced environmental and cost benefits. Bead wash-off did not impair the fastness of two non-metallised acid dyes on nylon 6,6 to washing at 60 ?C.

Science.gov (United States)

This study reports the outcome of real-time ultrasonographic screening tests of a healthy population. The study group consisted of 33 female teachers who were found to have asymptomatic gallstone disease. All cases were followed up to determine the incidence of biliary colic or complications. After a 38-month period of follow-up, seven subjects (21.2%) developed either biliary colic or complication. Study results revealed that the 38-month cumulative probability of the development of biliary colic or complication was 36%. Data shown that development of biliary colic or complications was positively associated with obesity, but no assocition was found with age, number of activities, or duration of contraceptive pill-taking. Having such a high percentage of subjects who developed biliary colic or complications within a relatively short period of time suggests that the silent gallstone is not innocent. PMID:17372404

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Objectives Clinical PET/MR requires the use of patient positioning aids to immobilize and support patients for the duration of the combined examination. Ancillary immobilization devices contribute to overall attenuation of the PET signal, but are not detected with conventional MR sequences and, hence, are ignored in standard MR-based attenuation correction (MR-AC). We report on the quantitative effect of not accounting for the attenuation of patient positioning aids in combined PET/MR imaging. Methods We used phantom and patient data acquired with positioning aids on a PET/CT scanner (Biograph 16, HI-REZ) to mimic PET/MR imaging conditions. Reference CT-based attenuation maps were generated from measured (original) CT transmission images (origCT-AC). We also created MR-like attenuation map...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Several heats of Alloy 800 are included in a survey of materials being creep tested in a simulated HTR helium atmosphere in the temperature range 650 to 800degC. The results are, as yet, incomplete, but indicate wide variations in the influence of the atmosphere on creep properties. Some heats appear, from results so far available up to 10,000 hours duration, to have greater creep strength in helium than in air, but others have the strength reduced by as much as 20%. Metallographic examination of terminated creep test bars and of unstressed samples indicates that oxidation of reactive constituents takes place, forming a surface scale and sub-surface oxide penetration. Carburisation can also occur and at 750 to 800degC this can penetrate to a depth of up to 800 #mu# m after 5000 h. (author).

Science.gov (United States)

Combined sewer overflows (CSOs) have been recognised as one of the serious sources of pollution to the water environment during rain events, although field surveys to investigate the effect of their magnitude and duration on receiving waters have been very limited. The fates of enteric viruses (norovirus G1, G2, enteroviruses) and coliforms were determined in the wastewater treatment plant on a fine day and on a rainy day. Not all microorganisms were reduced in the primary treatment, but were reduced in the secondary treatment. Occurrences of enteric viruses and levels of coliforms were surveyed in the receiving coastal area after a CSO event, with the profiles of the enteric viruses in the coastal seawater being almost at the same positive ratio for 4 d after the CSO event. PMID:15318519

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Active Process Water (APW) System, provided as unitized closed loop system in Tarapur Atomic Power Project Units-3 and 4, serves to remove heat from various heat exchangers. One of the important loads served by APW system is shutdown cooling heat exchangers and if APW shutdown is taken then reactor cannot be maintained in cold shutdown condition. It is estimated that after 7 days of reactor shutdown, if about 20% of the normal cooling flow to shutdown cooling heat exchangers is provided then along with keeping PHT in cold shutdown state, reactor components, moderator, end shield water, calandria vault water and calandria vault concrete temperature can be maintained within technical specification limits for extended duration. (author)

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Resonant overvoltages in EHV transformers can be initiated by transmission line faults. A series of field tests were performed on the 151 mile long Kammer-Marysville 765 kV line in which a sequence of single line to ground faults were applied to one outside phase at 4 different locations. Fault location criteria and fault initiation procedures are presented. Oscillograms recorded the 3 phase response at both terminals of the line; one is transformer terminated, the other is open-ended. A frequency spectrum analysis of the waveforms is provided showing transient frequencies of sufficient magnitude and duration near the EHV transformer's resonant frequency to stimulate internal winding resonant overvoltages. Digital computer studies are presented and agree with the field tests quite favorably.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This paper is concerned with the real time automatic discriminating of flaws from two categories; i. cracks (planar defect) and ii. Non-cracks (volumetric defect such as cluster porosity and slag) using pulse-echo ultrasound. The raw ultrasonic flaws signal were collected from a computerized robotic plane scanning system over the whole of each reflector as the primary source of data. The signal is then filtered and the analysis in both time and frequency domain were executed to obtain the selected feature. The real time feature analysis techniques measured the number of peaks, maximum index, pulse duration, rise time and fall time. The obtained features could be used to distinguish between quantitatively classified flaws by using various tools in artificial intelligence such as neural networks. The proposed algorithm and complete system were implemented in a computer software developed using Microsoft Visual BASIC 6.0 (author)

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Summary Objective- To evaluate the role of prophylactic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (co-trimoxazole) antibacterial prophylaxis in reducing morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected post-natal women in southern Africa. Methods- Double-blind placebo-controlled trial. HIV-infected women with WHO stage 2 or 3 HIV disease who had recently delivered in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia were randomised to receive daily co-trimoxazole (cotox) or matched placebo daily for the duration of the trial. Participants were followed up for a minimum of 1-year. Primary outcome measures were mortality from any cause or hospital admission and serious adverse events. Results- Of 600 women randomised, follow-up information was available from 355 (18...

CERN Document Server

Monte Carlo calculations of proton irradiation of permanent magnets for the TRADE experiment have been performed. An irradiation dose of about 4´106 Gy/yr/mA has been estimated due to beam losses in normal operating conditions. Existing experimental results indicate that this irradiation level may induce a considerable demagnetization: in fact, a dose of 6´107 Gy induces a remanence loss of 0.3 % on samples of Sm2Co17 magnets, which are the most resistant type. More detailed calculations with the final design of the magnets and of the beam line are suggested, to determine if the irradiation levels allowed a reliable operation of the permanent magnets for the entire duration of the TRADE experiment. Damage and gas production rates have also been calculated; the values obtained are very low, thus confirming that the demagnetization process is in great part reversible.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In the present investigation, the properties of plasma nitrided AISI 304 steel were studied by changing the presence of nitrogen in the gas mixture. The plasma nitriding was performed at temperature -560 deg C, pressure -4 mbar and duration 24 hours. The nitrided samples were characterized by evaluating the phase composition, micro hardness, and diffusion layer thickness. The phase analysis indicates the mixed phases of CrN and Fe_3N, Fe_3N and Fe_4N which has the highest intensity. The results show the glow discharge plasma nitriding in presence of N_2 (80 vol. %) and H_2 (rest) produced higher hardness as well as higher case depth. (author)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

We present the design, analysis, and results of the high brightness electron beam experiments currently under investigation at Sandia National Laboratories. The anticipated beam parameters are the following: energy 12 MeV, current 35 endash 40 kA, rms radius 0.5 mm, and pulse duration 40 ns full width at half-maximum. The accelerator is SABRE, a pulsed linear inductive voltage adder modified to higher impedance, and the electron source is a magnetically immersed foilless electron diode. 20 endash 30 T solenoidal magnets are required to insulate the diode and contain the beam to its extremely small-sized (1 mm) envelope. These experiments are designed to push the technology to produce the highest possible electron current in a submillimeter radius beam. Design, numerical simulations, and experimental results are presented. copyright 1997 American Institute of Physics.

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The aim of a joint effort by different research teams was to provide an improved procedure for enzyme activity profiling of field-sampled ectomycorrhizae, including recommendations on the best conditions and maximum duration for storage of ectomycorrhizal samples. A more simplified and efficient protocol compared to formerly published procedures was achieved by using manufactured 96-filter plates in combination with a vacuum manifold and by optimizing incubation times. Major improvements were achieved by performing the series of eight enzyme assays with a single series of root samples instead of two series, reducing the time needed for sample preparation, minimizing error-prone steps such as pipetting and morphotyping, and facilitating subsequent DNA analyses due to the reduced sequencing ...

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An FEL based energy driver for Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) is proposed. The key element of the scheme is free electron laser system. Novel technical solutions, namely, using of multichannel, multi-stage FEL amplifier with diaphragm focusing line, reveal a possibility to construct the FEL system operating at radiation wavelength {lambda} = 0.5 {mu}m and providing flush energy E = 1 MJ and brightness 4 x 10{sup 22} W cm{sup -2} sr{sup -1} within steering pulse duration {tau} {approximately} 0.1-2 ns. Total energy efficiency of the proposed ICF energy driver is about of 11% and repetition rate is 40 Hz. It is shown that the FEL based ICF energy driver may be constructed at the present level of accelerator technique R& D.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Two small craters (number 74, 119 microns, and number 31, 158 microns in diameter) with depth to diameter ratios of about 0.59 and 0.8, respectively, were found in Al from the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) experiment tray A11EOOF. Both craters have residues concentrated in the crater bottoms, along the walls, and on top of the overturned rims. Low voltage scanning electron electron microscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy, time of flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy were used to obtain high resolution imagery and elemental analysis. Analyses indicate that the impactor for both craters was carbon-rich, as the residues contain mostly C. Silicon, S, and F in low concentrations are present on the Al surface away from the craters and may be, in part, contaminants.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Short-duration measurements have been widely used to screen for exposures to elevated radon concentrations in individual houses or at state or regional levels. However, a number of factors, including spatial and temporal variability in radon concentrations, must be considered before comparison to concentration guidelines can be made. Daily variations in radon concentration can lead to inherent measurement uncertainties ranging from 20 to 100+ percent. Differences in radon concentration due to seasonal effects and/or sampling location are also variable, and do not appear to be regionally consistent. Winter/summer concentration ratios, for example, have been observed to vary by as much as a factor of 10 in basements and by a factor of 5 in first floors. In this paper the implications of these uncertainties on the use of short-term sampling for inferring long-term exposures are discussed.

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Interest in the tribological properties of plasma nitriding has increased substantially over the past years because plasma nitriding provides a high nitride depth and improved hard facing. The present study examines the tribological properties of AISI H11 plasma nitrided, hot-worked steel. Different nitriding temperatures and durations were considered. Characterization of the composite structures was investigated with wear tests, x-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and microhardness tests. The depth profile of the nitrided zone was measured using the nuclear reaction analysis (NRA) technique. Plasma nitriding affected the microhardness, wear properties, and morphology considerably. Increase in process temperature increased the nitride zone depth.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Intergranular corrosion (IGC) resistance of types 304LN and 316LN stainless steels (SS) thermally aged at 823, 873, and 923 K for various durations was assessed by ASTM A262 practice A test (electrolytic etch test) and electrochemical potentiodynamic reactivation (EPR) test. The results indicated that the type 316LN SS has significantly improved IGC resistance compared to 304LN SS. Based on the results of these tests, time-temperature-sensitization (TTS) diagrams were developed for both alloys. The secondary precipitates formed during thermal aging treatments were electrochemically extracted and analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) to determine the types of precipitates formed during the aging treatments. The results indicated that the precipitates were mostly of M_2_3C_6 carbides.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

After presenting a geochemical model for the interaction between calcite and varying environmental conditions, the paper discusses the experimental results of long duration electrokinetic tests, run on a natural clayey soil in unbuffered conditions. Local measurements of electrical potential, temperature and water flow were performed during the tests, while pH and fluid conductivity were measured locally once the tests had been dismantled. Sharp change of pH and reduction of the soil electrical conductivity, that in pure clays usually occur in the proximity of the cathode, were observed in the region close to the anode. As well, the soil in the anode area systematically tended to develop fractures, that mostly persisted until the end of the experiments. The features observed, that are not ...

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Hydrological classification constitutes the first step of a new holistic framework for developing regional environmental flow criteria: the ?Ecological Limits of Hydrologic Alteration (ELOHA)?. The aim of this study was to develop a classification for 390 stream sections of the Segura River Basin based on 73 hydrological indices that characterize their natural flow regimes. The hydrological indices were calculated with 25?years of natural monthly flows (1980/81?2005/06) derived from a rainfall-runoff model developed by the Spanish Ministry of Environment and Public Works. These indices included, at a monthly or annual basis, measures of duration of droughts and central tendency and dispersion of flow magnitude (average, low and high flow conditions). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) indi...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Tissue-engineered heart valves are prone to early structural deterioration. We hypothesize that cell?scaffold interaction and mechanical deformation results in upregulation of genes related to osteogenic/chondrogenic differentiation and thus changes extracellular matrix (ECM) composition in human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (hBMSC)-derived tissue-engineered grafts. hBMSC were expanded and seeded onto poly-glycolic acid/poly-lactic acid scaffold for 14 days. Seeded tissue-engineered constructs (TEC) were subjected to cyclic flexure for 24?h, whereas control TEC was maintained in roller bottles for the same duration. hBMSC, TEC, and mechanically deformed TEC were subjected to gene-array and histological analysis. Expression levels of RNA and/or protein markers related to chondrogenesis...

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In the process of backward Raman amplification (BRA), the leading layers of the seed laser pulse can shadow the rear layers, thus weakening the effective seeding power and affecting parameters of output pulses in BRA. We study this effect numerically and also analytically by approximating the pumped pulse by the ''*-pulse'' manifold of self-similar solutions. We determine how the pumped pulse projection moves within the *-pulse manifold, and describe quantitatively the effective seeding power evolution. Our results extend the quantitative theory of BRA to regimes where the effective seeding power varies substantially during the amplification. These results might be of broader interest, since the basic equations, are general equations for resonant 3-wave interactions.

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In this paper compression and power stroke cycles for a 4 stroke cycle spark ignition engine modified by extending the connecting rod to simulate purely sinusoidal piston motion are analyzed over a range of operating speeds and are compared with those of a similar conventional engine. Heat release rate is estimated for both engines using a simple Wiebe function with the functional parameters found via a simplex curve fitting method is used in conjunction with experimental pressure curves. It is shown that the functional parameters which represent the combustion and duration of fuel burn are slightly larger over the range of operation in the sinusoidal engine while the shape factor remains largely the same.

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Thin Pt, Pd, Pt/sub 2/Si, PtSi, Pd/sub 2/Si, Ni, Mo, W, Nb, Ti, V films deposited on Si single crystal were treated by using electron beam pulses of 60 ns duration in the 0.4-4 J/cm/sup 2/ energy density range. Irradiation of these structures produces at the same time many phases. Post-thermal annealing of the reacted layer induces the formation of a stable phase, the same obtained by only thermal treatment in a conventional furnace. A linear relationship between the energy density range and the lowest eutectic temperature of the compounds formed has been found. Further SEM observations seem to identify a liquid layer from which the phases are forming by subsequent fast cooling.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract The glycosylation profile of therapeutic antibodies is routinely analyzed throughout development to monitor the impact of process parameters and to ensure consistency, efficacy, and safety for clinical and commercial batches of therapeutic products. In this study, unusually high levels of the mannose-5 (Man5) glycoform were observed during the early development of a therapeutic antibody produced from a Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line, model cell line A. Follow up studies indicated that the antibody Man5 level was increased throughout the course of cell culture production as a result of increasing cell culture medium osmolality levels and extending culture duration. With model cell line A, Man5 glycosylation increased more than twofold from 12% to 28% in the fed-batch process...

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Effect of final temperature and duration of coking on the properties of formed coke from weakly-caking Donetsk and Kuznetsk coals was studied. An increase of the final temperature to 850 C produced significant changes in the mechanical and chemical properties of the coke. Increasing the temperature beyond this point did not affect the mechanical strength significantly, but did increase hardness, real density and electroconductivity of the coke and decrease reactivity. Increasing the period of coking at final temperatures in the 650 and 750 C range, produced insignificant hardening of the formed coke. An objective evaluation of the effect of final temperature can be performed by a series of tests which characterize the resistivity of the formed coke to impact and abrasion and the fine structure of the matter in coke. 9 references.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dimensioning of actinides waste packages for long duration storage has to take into account helium production from natural decay and release rates from the material. For the latter, we propose here an improved method for the determination of the helium diffusion coefficient in britholite, to be used for minor actinides storage. This work is based on results we previously published using the classical three steps method: "3He implantation on a Van de Graaff facility, "3He profile determination analysing the protons resulting from the "3He(d,p)"4He reaction in a nuclear microprobe, evolution of the helium profile during annealings. Taking explicitly into account the incident deuterons energy stragglings allows us to show that the implanted helium profiles are bimodal, each component leading to a different helium diffusion coefficient.

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Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) are being proposed for many applications including surveillance, mapping and atmospheric studies. These applications require a lightweight, low speed, medium to long duration airplane. Due to the weight, speed, and altitude constraints imposed on such aircraft, solar array generated electric power is a viable alternative to air-breathing engines. Development of such aircraft is currently being funded under the Environmental Research Aircraft and Sensor Technology (ERAST) program. NASA Lewis Research Center (LeRC) is currently building a Solar Electric Airplane to demonstrate UAV technology. This aircraft utilizes high efficiency Applied Solar Energy Corporation (ASEC) GaAs/Ge space solar cells. The cells have been provided by the Air Force through the ManTech Office. Expected completion of the plane is early 1995, with the airplane currently undergoing flight testing using battery power.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The examination of the high-temperature properties of the alloy Alloy 800HT has shown that both the creep performance and the microstructure of the material can be purposefully set by the initial heat treatment. At the high temperatures applied, (700-900 C), a rapid softening process sets in induced by carbide precipitation, stabilization, and coarsening. This softening process causes creep velocities strongly accelerating as a function of duration of the heat treatment prior to the creep test. The identified cause of the softening effect is a change in particle size that could be verified by SEM and TEM. It is shown that two different carbide precipitate size classes are responsible for the softening effect. While the precipitates dectable by TEM become effective primarily via interactions with dislocations, the carbide precipitates detectable only by SEM contribute to a hardening of the grain boundaries and the matrix.(orig./CB)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Intra-arterial subtraction angiography(IADSA) using Fuji computed radiography(FCR) was performed on 130 patients with cervical, pelvic, peripheral and abdominal diseases. It was compared with conventional angiography(radiographs produced by combining photographic film with an intensifying screen) performed on same patients. Radiographs produced by FCR were better than conventional radiographs in cervical, pelvic and peripheral angiography. In the abdominal angiography using FCR, there was misregistration artifact in some cases, but in hepatic angiography, the new radiographs under the injection of small amount of contrast medium(about 10ml) and the short exposure duration(about 10 seconds) were excellent. It was as valuable as conventional angiography (infusion hepatic angiography) for diagnosing hepatic neoplasms. (author).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A study has been made of B transient enhanced diffusion (TED) in heavily P-doped Si using secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) and positron annihilation spectroscopy (PAS). The P-doped silicon was implanted with boron ions of 40 keV energy to a dose of 3 x 10"1"4 cm"-"2, and then annealed at temperatures ranging from 700--1,000 C in a N_2 ambient for varying durations. As P doping concentration increased from 3 x 10"1"9 to 1 x 10"2"0 cm"-"3, boron diffusivity and the immobile boron fraction decreased. The experimental results are inconsistent with the predictions of the Fermi-level model and suggest that the clustering between B atoms and Si interstitials should be invoked in order to explain the immobile portion of the B peak during TED.

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This study looks for the presence of rational speculative bubbles in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) using unit-root, variance ratio, duration dependence and regime switching regression tests. The regime switching method provides weak evidence of speculative bubble behaviour in both the mortgage and hybrid REITs sectors even though traditional econometric bubble tests do not provide evidence of rational speculative bubbles in all REIT markets. Findings suggest that price movement in mortgage and hybrid REITs may be induced by bubble-like behaviour of investors. This behaviour may be traced to the real estate market bubble. Our results provide evidence that the real estate bubble that started in early 2000 was transmitted into securitized real estate markets. A regime switching model ...

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The aim of this study is to develop the methodology which enables to identify the mechanical properties of element such as stress intensity factor by using the AE parameters. Considering the multivariate and nonlinear properties of AE parameters such as ringdown count, rise time, energy, event duration and peak amplitude from fatigue cracks of machine element the principal component regression(PCR) and artificial neural network(ANN) models for the estimation of stress intensity factor were developed and validated. The AE parameters were found to be very significant to estimate the stress intensity factor. Since the statistical values including correlation coefficients, standard mr of calibration, standard error of prediction and bias were stable, the PCR and ANN models for stress intensity factor were very robust. The performance of ANN model for unknown data of stress intensity factor was better than that of PCR model

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The availability of hourly air relative humidity (HARH) data is a key requirement for the estimation of epidemic dynamics of plant fungal pathogens, in particular for the simulation of both the germination of the spores and the infection process. Most of the existing epidemic forecasting models require these data as input directly or indirectly, in the latter case for the estimation of leaf wetness duration. In many cases, HARH must be generated because it is not available in historical series and when there is the need to simulate epidemics either on a wide scale or with different climate scenarios. Thirteen modelling solutions (MS) for the generation of this variable were evaluated, with different input requirements and alternative approaches, on a large dataset including several sites a...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The design and operating principle of a small (50 mm in diameter and 100 mm in height) ???-73C vacuum spark gap are described. It is shown that it can be efficiently switched using a control circuit with a low (?900 V) supply voltage, which is based on an inductive energy storage and a diode opening switch that forms a high-voltage igniting pulse with a rise time of nanosecond duration. The ???-73C switching process is investigated at different rise times of igniting voltage pulses and different igniting current amplitudes. The results of tests of the spark gap operating in regimes of switching current pulses with an amplitude of 12 kA and a rise time of 800 ns are presented.

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 effect.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Villarrica (Chile) is one of the most active volcanoes in South America having erupted about 60 times in the last 460years. Although its historical eruptive activity has been mainly effusive and weakly explosive, it had strong explosive behaviour in postglacial times. Chaimilla (<3.1ka) is one of the best exposed and widely dispersed pyroclastic deposits, related to both fall and flow activity. The deposit is dispersed over an area of 250km^2 and consists of 8 units (A-H) which were grouped into four sequences. Stratigraphic data suggest that the eruption had a relatively short duration and evolved from i) an Opening phase, dispersing ash, lapilli clasts, accretionary lapilli, blocks and bombs, to ii) a Pulsatory phase, originating a series of magmatic explosions, to iii) a Collapsing phas...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Background: Recent series describing the clinical presentation, response to therapy, and long-term outcome of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome are limited. Aims: To assess the clinical characteristics and long-term outcome of patients with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Methods: Over a 20-year period, patients with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome were enrolled in a prospective trial evaluating the efficacy of lansoprazole. Following dose stabilization, patients were followed on a 6-monthly basis with interval history, physical examination, endoscopy with gastric biopsies, gastric acid analysis and laboratory studies. Results: 72 patients (mean age 54+/-12 years, % male 58%, % Caucasian 69%) were prospectively enrolled. The clinical presentation was stereotypical for Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Symptoms ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The state of prooxidant-antioxidant homeostasis in Guinea pigs exposed to whole-body fractionated X-irradiation (5 fractions of 0.2 Gy at a 24 hr interval, up to total dose of 1.0 Gy, at a dose rate of 0.425 R/min) and a possibility of its disturbance correction with the complex of vitamins C, E and P was studied. Accumulation of primary and secondary lipid peroxidation products, decrease of the ascorbic acid content, increase of the content of its oxidized forms (dehydroascorbic acid and diketogulonic acid) in radiosensitive and radioresistant organs were found. Antioxidant complex administration reduced the disturbances of prooxidant-antioxidant homeostasis, but did not provide complete normalization.

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In this work it is made a study of the structure and electric properties of chlorate polyethylene (PE-CI) with double and simple bonds obtained by continuous plasma with resistive coupling to 13.5 MHz. The synthesis conditions are power between 10 and 14 W and pressure of (6-7) x 10{sup -2} Torr. The synthesized PE-Cl in that way is soluble in acetone what indicates that probably is formed of short chains and not it shows the generalized inter crossing that is presented in some syntheses by plasma and that it can degrade the electric properties of these polymers. The IR and XPS analysis show the vibration of the C-C, C=C and C-CI bonds. The morphology of the polymer after being dissolved shows a compact and flat configuration. The electric conductivity has an approximately lineal behavior in an interval of 35 to 90% of relative humidity. (Author)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

To address lithium-ion cell safety issues in demanding power applications, electrical and thermal abuse tests were performed on 18650 sized cells. Video and electrically monitored abuse tests in air included short circuit, forced overcharge, forced reversal, and controlled overheating (thermal) modes. Controlled overheating tests to 200 C were performed in a sealed chamber under a helium atmosphere and the gases released from the cell during thermal runaway were analyzed at regular intervals using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. In addition to alkane and alkene solvent breakdown fragments, significant H{sub 2} was detected and evidence that HF was evolved was also found.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract Background- Pemphigus vulgaris is a chronic disease not currently curable. Physical involvement and the impact of chronic therapies can lead patients to changes in psychological and relational areas. Objectives- To provide a measure of psychological distress, dysfunctional investment in one's appearance, and their relationship. Methods- Self-administered questionnaires (ASI, HADS) were given to 74 pemphigus inpatients. Results- Strong associations between psychological distress and dysfunctional investment in one's appearance were observed [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 7.36, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.20-45.11; OR 5.38, 95% CI 0.81-35.87, respectively, for appearance stereotyping and body-image vulnerability], together with a perceived high disease severity (OR 6.03, 95% CI 1.9...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

HCV infection continues to spread at an alarming rate among IDU populations. The available evidence suggests that HCV is acquired relatively quickly following onset of injection. However, there are few prospective studies of HCV acquisition, particularly among IDU populations in resource-poor settings. A sample of young male heroin injectors with recent onset of injection (<4?years) was recruited in Hanoi, Vietnam for a prospective assessment of the early course of injection (n?=?179). Both behavioral and biological assessments (including detailed retrospective assessment of injection initiation) were conducted at baseline and repeated at 6-month intervals for a period of 16?months. Variables associated with HCV infection (p value?p value?=?0.0005). In multivariate logistic regression anal...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The study investigates the possibility of enhancing crop water productivity in the parts of Northwest India where groundwater quality is marginal and canal water supply is severely scarce. Soil, Water, Atmosphere and Plant (SWAP) model was calibrated and validated in three farmers' fields with varying canal water availability and groundwater quality in the Kaithal Irrigation Circle of the Bhakra Canal system, Haryana. On the basis of predicted and observed soil water content, pressure heads, salt concentration at 2 week intervals and crop yields, the model was found suitable for use in the region. A few nomographs were prepared to provide a graphical method to predict the effect of different combinations of water quality and depth of water application on crop yield and soil salinity and to...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Formation of the complex of the univalent astatine cation with nitrilotriacetic acid (AtL)"2"- and its stability constant (lgK_1=8.97(4), 25degC, #mu#=0.1) have been found experimentally for the first time. The complex is stable in perchlorate solutions in presence of 5 . 10"-"3 mol . l"-"1 of the oxidizer Na_2S_2O_8 in the interval 4#<=#pH#<=#8.5. The complex is supposed to be destroyed in weak alkaline solutions by reduction of astatine to astatide. The deprotonation constant of hypoastatic acid pK_d_p=5.23(9) was found to be lower than determined previously. The investigation was carried out by the method of ion electrophoresis in free electrolyte solutions. (orig.).

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Measurements of smoke and NO emissions from a direct-injection diesel engine have shown that they are indeed influenced by inlet port design, even though the swirl numbers for the ports may be identical. The swirl numbers of the three ports used (tangential port, helical port and helical port with masked valve) were measured on a steady-state test rig using a paddle-wheel anemometer and impulse swirl meter. Flow measurements were carried out under motoring conditions with a constant-temperature, hot-wire anemometer. Is was possible to find a correlation between flow data and exhaust data as far as the in-cylinder air motion over a certain time interval is concerned.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Systematically review risks of an infant being born with low birth weight (LBW), preterm birth (PTB) or small for gestational age (SGA) among married and unmarried women. Medline, Embase, CINAHL, and bibliographies of identified articles were searched for English language studies. Studies reporting birth outcomes of married and unmarried (single and cohabitant) were included. Two reviewers independently collected data and assessed the quality of the studies for biases in sample selection, exposure assessment, confounder, analytical, outcome assessments, and attrition. Meta-analyses were performed using random effect model for both unadjusted and adjusted data and odds ratio (OR), and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. Twenty-one studies of low to moderate risk of bias were inclu...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Objective This report investigates epidemiologically whether exposure to silica is associated with lung cancer risks in individuals without silicosis. Methods We searched the PubMed reference data base from 1966 through 1/2007 for reports of lung cancer in silica-exposed persons without and with silicosis. To explore heterogeneity between studies, a multi-stage strategy was employed. First, fixed-effect summaries (FES) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) for various combinations of studies were calculated, weighting individual results by their precision. The homogeneity of the contributing results was examined using ?2 statistics. Where there was evidence of substantial heterogeneity, the CI around the FES was increased to take account of the between-study variability. Random-e...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

This paper presents a study involving prediction of a complicated maneuvering target, with the aim of improving the tracking performance of a fire control system (FCS). In this study, we predict the position of a complicated maneuvering target 5 s in advance using the information up to the current time. Because of the large error caused by the complicated maneuvers and the long prediction time interval, the mechanical system of the fire control system will take a heavy load. In order to cope with this problem, several approaches to decreasing the prediction error have been proposed including the prediction algorithms based on the multiple model(MM) filter, interacting multiple model (IMM) filter, and variable dimension with input estimation (VDIE) filter. Finally, comparative simulation re...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Detailed geothermal studies of deep drill holes provide insights to heat transfer processes in the crust, and allow separation of different factors involved, such as palaeoclimatic and structural conductive effects as well as advective fluid flow effects. We present high resolution geothermal results of the 2516m deep Outokumpu Deep Drill Hole in eastern Finland drilled in 2004-2005 into a Palaeoproterozoic formation with metasedimentary rocks, ophiolite-derived altered ultramafic rocks and pegmatitic granite. The down-hole temperatures have been logged five times after end of drilling and extend to day 948 after drilling. The hole is completely cored (79% core coverage) and thermal conductivity measurements were done at 1m intervals. The geothermal results on temperature gradient, thermal...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Aims To study the effect of fish consumption on the risk of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in healthy subjects. Methods and results This Danish follow-up study included 57 053 men and women between 50 and 64 years. Intake of lean and fatty fish was estimated from a detailed and validated food frequency questionnaire. Potential cases of ACS were identified through nationwide medical databases. A total of 1122 cases of ACS were verified during a mean follow-up period of 7.6 years. Among men, intake of fatty fish was associated with a lower risk of ACS. For men in the highest quintile of fish intake compared with the lowest quintile, the hazard ratio was 0.67 (95% confidence interval: 0.53-0.85). The inverse association was observed for intakes >6 g of fatty fish per day with no obvious additi...

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The reliability analysis of the Fast Flux Test Facility reactor shutdown system was reevaluated. Failure information based on five years of plant operating experience was used to verify original reliability numbers or to establish new ones. Also, system modifications made subsequent to performance of the original analysis were incorporated into the reevaluation. Reliability calculations and sensitivity analyses were performed using a commercially available spreadsheet on a personal computer. The spreadsheet was configured so that future failures could be tracked and compared with expected failures. A number of recommendations resulted from the reevaluation including both increased and decreased surveillance intervals. All recommendations were based on meeting or exceeding existing reliability goals. Considerable cost savings will be incurred upon implementation of the recommendations.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Aim of the study: Satureja montana (winter savory) is a medicinal plant traditionally used to treat different disorders including male sexual dysfunction. In this study we evaluated the effect of Satureja montana hydroalcoholic extract on copulatory behavior of sexually potent male rats. Materials and methods: The extract was orally administered acutely or repetitively for 8 consecutive days at the doses of 25 and 50mg/kg. The main parameters of sexual behavior, mount (ML), intromission (IL), ejaculation (EL) latencies and post-ejaculatory interval (PEI), were evaluated in animals submitted to mating test and multiple ejaculations test. Testosterone serum levels were measured in rats acutely treated with Satureja montana extract dosed at 50mg/kg. In addition the open field test was conduct...

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An energy saving dc-dc converter circuit is disclosed having two energy efficient means which operate in tandem, an energy conserving means and a voltage doubling means. These energy efficient means are applied in combination with elements commonly found in dc-dc converter circuits, namely an ac voltage generator, a transformer for stepping up the generated ac voltage, and means for storing the converted dc voltage. The energy conserving means is connected to the dc voltage storage means. It comprises a resettable inhibit circuit which cuts off the provision of dc voltage for conversion for a predetermined interval when the output of the converter exceeds a predetermined level. The voltage doubling means is reponsive to outputs of the inhibit circuit of the energy conserving means and the ac voltage generator. It provides a phase inverted waveform of the generated ac voltage on one of two leads to the ac voltage step-up transformer.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Background: Ventricular repolarization (VR) is strongly influenced by heart rate (HR) and autonomic nervous activity, both of which also are important for arrhythmogenesis. Their relative influence on VR is difficult to separate, but might be crucial for understanding while some but not other individuals are at risk for life-threatening arrhythmias at a certain HR. This study was therefore designed to assess the -pure- effect of HR increase by atrial pacing on the ventricular gradient (VG) and other vectorcardiographically (VCG) derived VR parameters during an otherwise unchanged condition. Methods: In 19 patients with structurally normal hearts, a protocol with stepwise increased atrial pacing was performed after successful arrhythmia ablation. Conduction intervals were measured on averag...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Radon concentrations were continuously measured outdoors, in living room and basement in 10-minute intervals for a month. The radon time series were analyzed by comparing algorithms to extract phase-space dynamical information. The application of fractal methods enabled to explore the chaotic nature of radon in the atmosphere. The computed fractal dimensions, such as Hurst exponent (H) from the rescaled range analysis, Lyapunov exponent (#lambda# ) and attractor dimension, provided estimates of the degree of chaotic behavior. The obtained low values of the Hurst exponent (0

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

For investigating carryover of some organophosphorus pesticide residues in the cereal food chain from grain to consumer, a study was set up on wheat bran, flour and cookies, with and without bran. Special emphasis was given to malathion and chlorpyrifos-methyl residues in cookies for better protection of consumers. Pesticide-free wheat was placed in a small-scale model of a commercial storage vessel and treated with these pesticides. The residue levels of insecticides were determined in wheat, as well as in bran, flour and cookies produced from stored wheat at various time intervals during storage. A multiresidue analysis was performed using GC-NPD and GC-MS. Malathion and chlorpyrifos-methyl residue levels were higher than the maximum residue limits (MRLs) in wheat after 240days of storag...

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Depicts procedures employed to improve work safety at a mine of the Antratsit association in the Ukrainian SSR, where 1K-101 and 2K-52 cutter loaders are used to extract coal at a depth of 750 m. Some 15-20% of accidents is caused by carelessness or clumsiness. To increase awareness among miners, illuminated signs with slogans relating to work safety have been installed at 15 m intervals in roadways leading to workplaces. A satirical wall newspaper lampoons those who infringe safety regulations. Mining teams with good safety records pass on their experience to others. Public inspectors and public inspections (competitions) also play an important part in ensuring that conditions remain up to standard.

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A three-component seismic line acquired over the Zamora gas field, northern Sacramento Valley, California, displays conventional (P-P) and converted-wave (P-SV) seismic anomalies. Well log and seismic modeling results indicate that bright-spot reflection strengths are related to variations in fluid saturation and lithology. The converted-wave reflection strengths and interval velocities provide valuable information that compliments more conventional strategies such as amplitude with offset and polarity analysis. This integrated strategy can improve risk evaluation and well site selection in areas where rapid changes in reservoir quality impact resource evaluation.

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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.

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Purpose Laparoscopic orchiopexy is a safe operation. However, the bladder can be injured during creation of the transperitoneal tunnel for the cryptorchid testis. We reviewed our experience with this complication. Materials and Methods We searched the operative notes of patients who had undergone laparoscopic orchiopexy between August 15, 2002 and October 1, 2008, and identified bladder injuries and their treatment. Results A total of 93 patients underwent laparoscopic orchiopexies for 101 undescended testes during the study interval, with 3 procedures resulting in bladder injuries. The 3 operations varied with regard to whether the injury was recognized intraoperatively or postoperatively, and repaired in an open or laparoscopic fashion. Conclusions Bladder injury during laparoscopic orch...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Occupation of the coast has significantly increased in recent decades, mostly due to a greater demand for recreation and tourism. Today, erosion threatens many human-made structures and activities, requiring an integrated approach for the understanding of coastal dynamics and identification of alternatives to associated problems. This study investigates a 64km-long coastal physiographic unit in the northern microtidal littoral of Tuscany (Italy). Vertical aerial photographs and direct field surveys were used to retrieve changes in shoreline position over 1938-1997 and 1997-2005 time intervals. Significant beach accretion was observed during the first period updrift of Carrara (84m) and Viareggio (280m) harbours and at Marina di Pietrasanta (100m), whereas severe erosion occurred downcoast ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

A 21-year-old woman developed midesophageal stricture two weeks after ingestion of aluminium phosphide (AlP) tablets. Aluminium phosphide is a lethal protoplasmic toxin and is also the most common cause of suicidal poisoning in northern India. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGIE) showed a tight esophageal stricture 29?cm from the incisors with a circumferential ulcer. Dilatation up to 17?mm was done using Savary-Gilliard dilators. She had repeated dilatations three times at nearly two-week intervals. In view of the resistant stricture, a silicone Polyflex stent was placed across the stricture and removed after 3?months; there was no recurrence of stricture even after three months of follow-up. Patients with recurrent esophageal stricture and those with fistula may benefit from silicone ...

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In the present work, the process of carbon dioxide absorption is analyzed at high partial pressures, in aqueous solutions of 1-amino-2-propanol (monoisopropanolamine (MIPA)), in relation to the thermal effects involved. All experiments were made in a stirred-tank reactor with a plane unbroken gas-liquid interface. The variables considered were the MIPA concentration within the range 0.1--2.0 M and the temperature within the interval 288--308 K. From the results, the authors deduce that the absorption process takes place in the nonisothermal instantaneous regime and propose an equation which not only relates the experimental results of flow density with the initial concentration of amine but at the same time enables the evaluation of the rise in temperature in the gas-liquid interface.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract Residue trial data reported by the Joint FAO/WHO Meeting on Pesticide Residues (JMPR) have been reviewed to establish whether or not the resulting residues in harvested commodities are proportional to the pesticide application rate used on the crop. Numerous sets of trials were identified where the only parameter varied was application rate or spray concentration. Analysis of this database in terms of application rate, spray concentration, formulation type, preharvest interval, crop, pesticide, residue level and application type confirms that residues scale with application rate (proportionality principle). It is anticipated that use of the proportionality principle by regulators and those interested in evaluating pesticide residue data will improve pesticide risk assessment. Copy...

Science.gov (United States)

The vigilance reinforcement hypothesis (VRH) asserts that errors in signal detection tasks are partially explained by operant reinforcement and extinction processes. VRH predictions were tested with a computerized baggage screening task. Our experiment evaluated the effects of signal schedule (extinction vs. variable interval 6 min) and visual field complexity (dial vs. baggage x-ray) on search behavior rates. There was a main effect for signal schedule [F (1, 20) = 14.0, p = 0.001, p[subscript rep] = 0.99], but no effects for field complexity or interaction. The VRH suggests that performance errors in visual screening work may be reduced through operant conditioning of search behaviors by intensive management of artificially planted signals. (Contains 1 table and 3 figures.)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Total skin electron beam therapy (TSEB) was used in the treatment of 33 patients with lymphoma and 13 patients with leukemia involving extensive segments of the skin surface. Twenty-two of 23 had lesions as a primary manifestation of lymphoma (primary cutaneous lymphoma-PCL) and 11 developed cutaneous lesions following disseminated nodal lymphoma (secondary cutaneous lymphoma-SCL). A once weekly fractionation scheme was employed to irradiate the entire skin surface with 3.5 to 4 MeV electron beam from a 6 MeV linear accelerator. During each weekly session, 400 rad were delivered to the entire skin and a complete course consisted of 4-6 consecutive weekly sessions. The majority of patients have been previously treated elsewhere for various periods and all patients have been at risk for a median of 12 months, range from 12-117 months following TSEB. Striking predominance of the diffuse pattern (76%) was demonstrated in both the PCL and SCL. There was extracutaneous involvement in 63% ...

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Combinations of exposure concentrations, durations and frequencies were tested in four-week inhalation exposures followed by two weeks of recovery to define the interactive effects of these variables on biologic responses and to select the most-sensitive biologic response parameters for the subsequent subchronic studies. Response surface modeling was used for the experimental design and statistical analysis of the data. Results of preliminary testing suggested that exposure duration and frequency did not have major effects. Subsequently, male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed in separate studies to RP/BR aerosols ranging from 0.40 to 1.20 mg/1 or to filtered air for 2.25 hr/day on four days/week for four weeks. Test-atmosphere monitoring data demonstrated that aerosol concentrations were consistently within 4% of the target values and mean particle size ranged from 0.44-0.64 ..mu..m with mean sigma g's of 1.66-1.97. During ...

Science.gov (United States)

Objectives: We have previously shown that chronic exposure to ambient fine particulate matter (less than 2.5 ?m in aerodynamic diameter, PM(2.5)) pollution in conjunction with high-fat diet induces insulin resistance through alterations in inflammatory pathways. In this study we evaluated the effects of PM(2.5) exposure over a substantive duration of a rodent's lifespan and focused on the impact of long-term exposure on adipose structure and function.Methods and Results: C57BL/6 mice were exposed to PM(2.5) or filtered air (FA) (6 hours/day, 5 days/week) for duration of 10 months in Columbus, OH. At the end of the exposure, PM(2.5)-exposed mice demonstrated insulin resistance (IR) and a decrease in glucose tolerance compared with the FA-exposed group. Although there were no significant differences in circulating cytokines between PM(2.5)- and FA-exposed groups, circulating adiponectin and leptin were significantly decreased in PM(2.5)-exposed ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The aim of this work is to investigate the acoustic wave generation by pulsed and periodically modulated ion beams in different solid materials depending on the beam parameters and to demonstrate the possibility to apply an intensity modulated focused ion beam (FIB) for acoustic emission and for nondestructive investigation of the internal structure of materials on a microscopic scale. The combination of a FIB and an ultrasound microscope in one device can provide the opportunity of nondestructive investigation, production and modification of micro- and nanostructures simultaneously. This work consists of the two main experimental parts. In the first part the process of elastic wave generation during the irradiation of metallic samples by a pulsed beam of energetic ions was investigated in an energy range from 1.5 to 10 MeV and pulse durations of 0.5-5 #mu#s, applying ions with different masses, e.g. oxygen, silicon and gold, in charge states from 1"+ to 4"+. The ...

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The effect of prenatal cimetidine exposure (PreCM) on the duration of pentobarbital-induced narcosis (DPN) was assessed in immature (14- and 28-day old) and adult (50-60-day old) male and female rats. PreCM exposure was accomplished by treating mothers with cimetidine (CM) (20 mg/kg, ip) daily for the last two days of gestation and then (0.01% in drinking water) throughout lactation. Pregnant mothers of untreated offspring (Con) received saline. PreCM decreased DPN to 505 +/- 33 min (from 611 +/- 23 min in Con) and 393 +/- 190 min (from 686 +/- 44 min in Con) in 14-day old male and female rats, respectively. Similarly, PreCM decreased DPN to 88 +/- 15 min (from 134 +/- 3 min in Con) and 102 +/- 19 min (from 171 +/- 44 min in Con) in 28-day old male and female rats, respectively. At 21 days, PreCM did not alter DPN in either sex. At 50-60 days, however, it decreased DPN to 144 +/- 41 min (from 238 +/- 7 min in Con) in females but had no effect in males; PreCM also ...

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Since 1991, secondary side cracking has become a major concern in EDF steam generators. At 350 C, IGSCC of Alloy 600 was found in pure NaOH solutions from 4 to 500 g/l, with a maximum at 100 g/l. From the present results and available data, IGSCC of Alloy 690 occurred in pure NaOH solutions from 40 to 500 g/l, but the greatest sensitivity was observed at 100 g/l. TG/IGSCC of Alloy 800 became more severe with increasing NaOH solutions, from 10 to 500 g/l. On the whole, the ranking for SCC-resistance was Alloy 600 < Alloy 800 < Alloy 690. A significant improvement was still obtained with 690TT with intergranular carbides (industrial tubes) and perhaps with Alloy 800 NG (nuclear grade), but both alloys cracked at the highest stresses. IGSCC susceptibility of Alloy 600 MA was higher for the tubes with the lowest values of the yield stress. The depth of IGA in the case of Alloy 600 was higher than for Alloy 690; for this alloy, it appeared to be general oxidation. Lead was found to ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This study was designed to quantitate the dose resulting from lead exposure during the critical periods of brain development during gestation by determining: (1) if blood lead concentration in rat dams is affected by pregnancy status or duration of lead exposure, (2) if lead concentration in fetuses is associated with the duration of dam exposure, (3) the rates of lead absorption and elimination in pregnant and nonpregnant dams; and (4) the effect that prebreeding exposure on lead kinetics in the dam and upon fetus blood lead concentrations. The results of experiments in which the dams' drinking water contained 50 mg/L lead indicate blood lead levels (after normalizing by water consumption on a body weight basis) of pregnant rats are significantly higher than blood lead levels of non-pregnant rats. Statistical differences in blood lead levels were observed by day 15 of gestation and continue through day 20 of gestation. These blood lead ...

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The leached glass is subject to leachant attack and results in surface layer alteration which greatly affects the corrosion progress of glass forms. This work studied the composition change, precipitation, pitting corrosion as well as surface layer break and spallation of the leached glass forms. 6 conclusions can be made: 1. The extent of surface layer alteration is related to many factors such as temperature, pH, leachant chemistry, flow rate and leach duration, etc. 2. The alkali element Na is seriously depleted and the elements like U.Ti,Fe, Ca and Mg are enriched in the surface layer. The influence of media has such order: Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} > Na-bentonite > Zeolite. 3. The precipitate formed in leach test for 56 days at 90 {infinity}C is mostly amorphous, but after 91 days has crystallized. There is K - Ca - Al - Si crystal,the amount of Al, K and Si is increasing, but the amount of Ca is decreasing along with leaching time. CaCO{sub 3} crystal ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Acute vertebrobasilar occlusion (VBO) is associated with a high risk of stroke and death. Although local thrombolysis may achieve recanalization and improve outcome, mortality is still between 35% and 75%. However, without recanalization the chance of a good outcome is extremely poor, with mortality rates of 80-90%. Early treatment is a fundamental factor, but detailed studies of the exact time management of the diagnostic and interventional workflow are still lacking. Data on 18 patients were retrospectively evaluated. Time periods between symptom onset, admission to hospital, time of diagnosis, and beginning of intervention were correlated with postinterventional neurological status. The Glasgow Coma Scale and National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) were used to examine patients before and after local thrombolysis. Additionally, multivariate statistics were applied to reveal similarities between patients with neurological improvement. Primary recanalization was achieved in ...

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Tidally dominated sections from the Middle Jurassic Beryl Formation of the Beryl Field, Viking Graben (UKCS) were deposited during rapid changes in relative sea level. High density well coverage in this key producing interval has allowed the construction of an integrated high resolution sequence stratigraphic scheme based on sedimentological, ichnofaunal, wireline, biostratigraphic and engineering data. From this database a number of high resolution sequences in the Bajocian-Bathonian Beryl Formation have been identified composed of interbedded sandstones, siltstones and mudstones. These sediments formed tidally-influenced deltas and estuaries deposited in actively subsiding half-grabens during regionally extensive base-level changes. For reservoir management purposes, the formation has been split into 5 units. The thickest interval, Unit 3, is considered here. In the northern part of the Beryl Field, Unit 3 is bounded above and below by ...

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Recent work on the St. Louis Limestone in southwestern Kansas has demonstrated that these units contain a significant eolian facies component (up to 80-90% of total unit thickness). Reservoir intervals within the St. Louis are confined to relatively thin subtidal grainstones that, in turn, are capped by a muddy carbonate and shale facies. Critical to exploration and development of these grain-shoal reservoirs is an understanding of their spatial and stratigraphic distribution. Core through the St. Louis and St. Genevieve limestones has been examined and features have been recognized at the top of the eolianites. These surfaces are interpreted as long-term exposure surfaces. The contact between the subtidal grainstone shoals and the overlying muddy carbonate and shale facies is relatively sharp and is interpreted as representing a flooding surface separating shoal from muddy-open shelf facies. In the St. Louis Limestone, the subtidal carbonate grainstone reservoir ...