UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

OBJECTIVES: To define a method for measurement of the cross sectional area and volume of the quadriceps femoris muscle using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in conjunction with stereology, and to compare...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

OBJECTIVES:To investigate the effect of opioid receptor blockade on the myocardial protection conferred by chronic exercise and to compare exercise training with different strategies...Full Text Available

Medline Plus

... Exercises: Day and Night Classroom Exercises: Pinhole Focusing 3D Vision and Eye Health < Caring for Your Vision ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

To determine the reliability of concentric quadriceps muscle torque at 30°, 60°, and 75° of knee extension, 25 female university students were studied. Each subject was tested...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

There are many factors that can influence glucose uptake by contracting skeletal muscle during exercise and although one may be intramuscular glycogen content, this relationship is at present not fully...Full Text Available

KoreaScience (Korea)

Full Text Available

Science.gov (United States)

... This series of contingency readiness exercises began in July when a company of soldiers from the Army's 82nd Airborne Division deployed to Haiti ...

Science.gov (United States)

PMID:18472586

Science.gov (United States)

PMID:21820543

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Exercise promotes weight loss and improves insulin sensitivity. However, the molecular mechanisms mediating its beneficial effects are not fully understood. Obesity correlates with increased production...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

ObjectiveTo implement a role-reversal exercise to increase first-year pharmacy students' awareness of communication barriers in the health care setting, especially for deaf and hard-of-hearing...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Despite the health-related benefits of exercise, many people do not engage in enough activity to realize the rewards, and little is known regarding the genetic or environmental components that account...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundSeveral kinds of anti-oxidants have drawn a lot of intension for their benefits on vascular protection. In addition, it has been demonstrated that exercise training could...Full Text Available

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)

The discovery that aerobic exercise increases adult hippocampal neurogenesis and can enhance cognitive performance holds promise as a model for regenerative medicine. This study adds two new...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

AimsTo determine the effect of exercise training on clinical events and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with systolic heart failure.Methods...Full Text Available

Science.gov (United States)

In this paper two different models of brain regulation of exercise performance are critically compared: the central governor model proposed by Noakes and colleagues, and an alternative psycholobiological model based on motivational intensity theory. PMID:18618133

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

This prospective controlled intervention study over 12 months evaluated the effect of exercise on muscular function, physical ability, and body composition in pre-pubertal boys. Sixty-eight boys aged...Full Text Available

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 ...

Science.gov (United States)

... ahead. C. We strengthened tax management, plugged loopholes, and made every effort to increase revenues. Tax bureaus ...

Medline Plus

... very difficult to help get better and to rehabilitate and sometimes even need surgery. 00:04:21 ... step of treatment, from our standpoint, is to rehabilitate, to strengthen the shoulder. And the real key ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

INTRODUCTION:Postprandial lipemia is characterized by an increased concentration of circulating lipids after fat intake and is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease....Full Text Available

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Objectives: Evaluate the effect of diet, physical exercise, and a daily oral intake of a soy isoflavones extract (Fisiogen) contained 200mg of Glycine max, which corresponded to 80mg of isoflavone (60.8mg of genistein, 16mg of daidzein and 3.2mg of glicitein) on leptin and other adipokines plasma levels in healthy obese postmenopausal women. Methods: A multicentric randomized longitudinal prospective cohort study was conducted in a sample of 87 healthy obese postmenopausal women. Patients were randomly assigned to a 1200kcal diet and exercise group (control group) or a group of 1200kcal diet, exercise, and daily oral intake of daily oral intake of a soy isoflavones extract (Fisiogen) contained 200mg of Glycine max, which corresponded to 80mg of isoflavone (60.8mg of genistein, 16mg of daid...

Science.gov (United States)

... The mission of Tandem Thrust is to employ a joint task force headquarters and appropriate forces in a realistic training exercise. ...

Science.gov (United States)

... Ready-to-Eat (MRE) VIII operational ration was evaluated at a field training exercise (Market Square II) with troops of the 82nd Airborne Division. ...

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

In 1995 the exercise RESUME-95 (Rapid Environmental Surveying Using Mobile Equipment) took place in Finland. Groups from 8 European countries joined the exercise. The methods used were airborne gamma-ray measurements, car-borne measurements and in situ stationary measurements. The results of the measurements are analyses aiming at disclosing similarities and differences between groups and measuring techniques.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Regularities of deformation-induced dissolution of a surface layer of iron oxides in matrixes of iron-based alloys with bcc and fcc lattices have been studied by the methods of M?ssbauer spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. A method of producing iron alloys strengthened by dispersed oxide nanoparticles and alloyed with elements possessing a high affinity to oxygen (titanium and yttrium) has been proposed, which implies a dynamic dissolution of a surface layer of iron oxides upon strong cold deformation and a precipitation of secondary yttrium and titanium nanooxides upon a subsequent high-temperature sintering of mechanically alloyed powders. There has been demonstrated a possibility of oxide strengthening of pure iron upon its interaction with air without...

Science.gov (United States)

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 (PGC-1), a cold-inducible coactivator of nuclear receptors, stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis and respiration in muscle cells. In the present study, we first cloned a rat PGC-1 gene from a brown adipose tissue cDNA library which encodes a predicted 796-amino-acid protein and exhibits respectively 98% and 95% identity with the mouse and human homologues. Next, we examined the effect of swimming exercise training on the level of expression of the PGC-1 gene in rat epitrochlearis (Epi) muscle. PGC-1 mRNA level in Epi muscle in rats that swam 2 h a day for 3 and 7 days increased dramatically by 154% and 163%, respectively, compared to the non-exercised control group. PGC-1 mRNA up-regulation was not observed in an immersion group treated at 35 degrees C during the training program but without swimming exercise. These results demonstrate that expression of the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The document describes the outcome of the CSN/CIEMAT-00 interlaboratory test comparison among environmental radioactivity laboratories. the exercise was organised according to the ISO-43 and the ISO/IUPAC/AOAC Harmonized Protocol for the proficiency testing of analytical laboratories. the test sample was a soil containing environmental levels of K-40, Ra-226, Ac-228, Sr-90, Cs-137, Cs-134, Pu (239-240) y Am-241. the Universidad Autonoma de Barcelona prepared the material and reported adequate statistical studies of homogeneity. The results of the exercise were computed for 30 participating laboratories, and their analytical performance was assessed using the u-score approach. A raised percentage of satisfactory laboratory performance has been obtained for all the analysis, being the best performance in gamma measurements. The exercise has drawn that several laboratories have difficulties in the evaluation of combined ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

AbstractIndividual informed consent is a key ethical obligation for clinical studies, but empirical studies show that key requirements are often not met. Common recommendations to strengthen...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Objectives To provide direct estimates of risk of cancer after protracted low doses of ionising radiation and to strengthen the scientific basis of radiation protection standards for environmental,...Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Considerations were given on typical applications of nylon resin parts to automotive use and their future trends through news topics. GF strengthened nylon resin is used in cylinder head covers substituting aluminum because of advantages in nylon resin of weight reducibility, vibration suppressibility, and noise shielding capability. Radiator tank uses N66GF 30% strengthened nylon in more than 60% of bonnet type passenger cars. Nylon resin is used most in harness connectors installed in locations that require heat resistance. External car parts such as bumpers, fenders, and wheel caps use to some extent nylon resin in the form of strengthened and up-graded polymer alloy. BMW in Germany used in its high-class production cars intake manifolds made of GF strengthened Nylon 66. The majority of engine{prime}s gas intake system parts has been replaced with Nylon blow-formed parts. The resin industry is aiming ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP), a form of Hebbian plasticity, is inherently stabilizing. Whether and how GABAergic inhibition influences STDP is not well understood. Using a model neuron driven...Full Text Available

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Methods of X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy were used to study the microstructure of dispersion-strengthened Cu-Al2O3 nanocomposites obtained by the method of simultaneous deposition of Cu and Al2O3 from the vapor phase. The effect of the size of particles of the oxide (Al2O3) and of their content on the electrical resistance of the composite has been considered. The results obtained make it possible to suppose that the main structural factor that determines the electrical resistance of the composite are nanodispersed particles of Al2O3 with a size of less than 20 nm.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

To establish test specific normal limits for quantitative analysis of uptake and washout of /sup 201/Tl after dipyridamole infusion combined with low level exercise, 20 healthy volunteers were studied with low likelihood of coronary artery disease (CAD) assessed by a stepwise probability analysis based on age, sex, symptoms, resting electrocardiogram, and exercise electrocardiography. Likelihood of CAD in these volunteers was calculated as less than or equal to 1%. After dipyridamole infusion combined with low level exercise, one volunteer complained of headache; no other side effects were observed. There were no chest pain complaints. Maximal hemodynamic changes were achieved during the 6th and 7th min of the test. No ST segment depression was recorded. Visual analysis of the /sup 201/Tl scintigrams was normal in all volunteers. Mean regional washout at 4 h was 44.37%+-2.11%. The regional washout in the 70/sup 0/ LAO view ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of adenosine-triphosphate (ATP) on hemodynamics and left ventricular (LV) function, and to examine the value of ATP radionuclide-ventriculography (RNVG) for detecting coronary artery disease (CAD) in comparison with standard exercise RNVG. Thirty-eight consecutive patients with suspected CAD underwent ATP (0.18 mg/Kg/min) RNVG and symptom-limited exercise RNVG. Coronary angiography revealed 27 patients with CAD (Group S) and 11 without CAD (Group N). In group S, exercise induced an increase in LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) and LV end-systolic volume (LVESV), and a decrease in LV ejection fraction (LVEF). In contrast, ATP infusion caused LVESV to decrease in both groups, improving LVEF. Only 14 of 39 segments whose wall motion was deteriorated by exercise showed worsening regional wall motion during ATP infusion. The sensitivity and specificity of ATP ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The present study was designed to determine the exercise intensity equivalent to the metabolic aerobic/anaerobic transition of alloxan diabetic rats, through lactate minimum test (LMT), and to evaluate the effects of swimming exercise at this intensity (LM) on the glucose and protein metabolism of these animals. Adult male Wistar rats received alloxan (SD, alloxan-injected rats that remained sedentary) intravenously (30 mg kg?1 body weight) for diabetes induction. As controls (SC, vehicle-injected rats that remained sedentary), vehicle-injected rats were utilized. Two weeks later, the animals were submitted to oral glucose tolerance test (oGTT) and LMT. After the tests, some of the animals were submitted to swimming exercise training [TC (vehicle-injected rats that performed a 6-week exerc...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundIsoproterenol-induced cardiac hypertrophy in mice has been used in a number of studies to model human cardiac disease. In this study, we compared the transcriptional response...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Stress strongly inhibits proliferation of granule cell precursors in the dentate gyrus, while voluntary running has the opposite effect. Few studies, however, have examined the possible effects...Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In this paper, the compulsory site requirements and the site design assumptions which are being used for the present ITER plant are briefly described. A set of different parameters from the site design assumptions is also described, which was adopted as an additional exercise for cost sensitivity analysis of the ITER plant for these parameters. (orig.) 1 refs.

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

How an individual’s sex and genetic background modify cardiac adaptation to increased workload is a topic of great interest. We systematically evaluated morphological and physiological...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Hypoxia, or reduced oxygen, occurs in a variety of clinical and environmental situations. Hypoxic exposure is associated with decreased muscle mass and a concomitant reduction in exercise capacity,...Full Text Available

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Aim: The study aimed to analyze blood pressure (BP) responses in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) over a 24h period following resistance (RES) and aerobic (AER) exercise. Methods: Ten adults with T2D (age: 55.8+/-7.7 years; weight: 79.4+/-14.0kg; fasting glucose: 133.0+/-36.7mg.dL^-^1) underwent: (1) AER: 20min of cycling at 90% lactate threshold (90% LT); (2) RES: three laps of a circuit of six exercises with eight repetitions at 70% 1-RM and 40s of recovery; and (3) a control session of no exercise. Heart rate (HR), and systolic (SBP), diastolic (DBP), mean arterial (MAP) and pulse (PP) BP, as well as lactataemia (Lac), VO2, respiratory exchange ratio (RER) and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured at rest, during exercise and control (CON) periods, and 60min after interve...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Exercise-training might be a logical method to reverse muscle atrophy and weakness in patients treated with glucocorticoids. The purpose of the present investigation was to establish whether a treatment...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Forty-two patients with frozen shoulder were followed up closely for eight months. They were all taught pendular exercises and randomly allocated to one of four treatment groups: (a) intraarticular...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether genetically determined properties of muscle metabolism contribute to the exceptional physical endurance of world-class distance runners. ATP, phosphocreatine,...Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

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

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The prevalent surge in childhood and adolescent obesity within the past 3 decades poses a significant challenge for many pediatric clinicians who are charged with treating this condition. The...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The use of isokinetic equipment and the leg press exercise have been major components of rehabilitation for the past several years when redeveloping muscular strength. Recently, closed kinetic chain...Full Text Available

Science.gov (United States)

...identity of a confidential source and, in the case of...lawful national security intelligence investigation, confidential...only by the confidential source, (v) Disclose investigative...exercise its authority to open to public observation...requires that the meeting be...

Science.gov (United States)

We previously reported that the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 (PGC-1) mRNA in rat epitrochlearis muscle was increased after swimming exercise training. In the present study, we demonstrated further that PGC-1 mRNA expression in the epitrochlearis muscle of 4-5-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats was increased after a 6-h acute bout of low-intensity swimming exercise. With this increase, the expression level was approximately 8-fold of control and immersion group rats that stayed for 6-h in warm water, maintained at the identical temperature of the swimming barrel (35 degrees C) (p<0.01). Second, PGC-1 mRNA expression in the muscle was found to have increased 6-h after 30 10-s tetani contractions were induced by in vitro electrical stimulation. Finally, PGC-1 mRNA expression in the muscle incubated for 18-h with 0.5mM 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside (AICAR: a 5' AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In-reactor testing of bolt-loaded compact tension specimens was performed in 360 C water. New data confirms previous results that high irradiation levels reduce SCC resistance in Alloy X-750. Low boron heats show improved IASCC (irradiation-assisted stress corrosion cracking). Alloy 625 is resistant to IASCC. Microstructural, microchemical, and deformation studies were carried out. Irradiation of X-750 caused significant strengthening and ductility loss associated with formation of cavities and dislocation loops. High irradiation did not cause segregation in X-750. Irradiation of 625 resulted in formation of small dislocation loops and a fine body-centered-orthorhombic phase. The strengthening due to loops and precipitates was apparently offset in 625 by partial dissolution of #gamma# precipitates. Transmutation of boron to helium at grain boundaries, coupled with matrix strengthening, is believed to be responsible for ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The interrelationship between the testing temperature and HfC strength increment of an arc-melted W-3.6Re-0.4HfC was determined from 1950 K to 2980 K in a vacuum of better than 1.3x10"-"5 Pa (10"-"7 torr). The present research was focused on the characteristic temperature at which the rapid coarsening of HfC particles occurred and the effect of the second-phase particle size on the high temperature strength properties of this material. It was found that the HfC particle strengthening was effective in a W-Re matrix up to a characteristic temperature of 2450 K in the short-term tensile test. Carbon was found to be the rate-limiting solute in the HfC particle growth. The strength of HfC strengthened alloy at temperature above 0.5 T_m is proportional to the square root of particle volume fraction. The yield strengths of W-3.6Re-0.26HfC calculated based on the particle statistical distribution had good agreement with the experimental values from ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Thallium-201 myocardial imaging was performed in 80 children with coronary arterial lesions due to Kawasaki disease in order to assess the value of serial and exercise myocardial imagings. In eight of these children, abnormalities of the image were noted. Twenty children had serial thallium studies with an interval of three to 18 months, and five of these showed changes in the image including appearance of a new perfusion defect in one patient and improvement of perfusion defects in four. These changes of the myocardial image were correlated well with coronary angiographic findings obtained within a few days of the isotope studies. It was noted that the changes of the myocardial image were more frequently observed at relatively recent period recovered from Kawasaki disease. Exercise myocardial imaging using a bicycle ergometer was performed in eight children with coronary arterial lesions. In three an evidence of improvement of the myocardial ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The International Index of Erectile Function is a well-worded and psychometrically valid self-report questionnaire widely used as the standard for the evaluation of male sexual function. However, some conceptual and statistical problems arise when using the measure with men who are not sexually active. These problems are illustrated using 2 empirical examples, and the authors provide recommended solutions to further strengthen the efficacy and validity of this measure.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In-reactor testing of bolt-loaded compact tension specimens was performed in 360 C water to determine the irradiation-assisted stress corrosion cracking (IASCC) behavior of HTH Alloy X-750 and direct-aged Alloy 625. New data confirm previous results showing that high irradiation levels reduce SCC resistance in Alloy X-750. Heat-to-heat variability correlates with boron content, with low boron heats showing improved IASCC properties. Alloy 625 is resistant to IASCC, as no cracking was observed in any Alloy 625 specimens. Microstructural, microchemical and deformation studies were performed to characterize the mechanisms responsible for IASCC in Alloy X-750 and the lack of an effect in Alloy 625. The mechanisms under investigation are: boron transmutation effects, radiation-induced changes in microstructure and deformation characteristics, and radiation-induced segregation. Irradiation of Alloy X-750 caused significant strengthening and ductility loss that was ...

Wastenet

Government should model good practice in social inclusion and diversity.Apply a social inclusion test ...Government should model good practice in social inclusion and diversity.Apply a social inclusion test ...Government should model good practice in social inclusion and diversity.Apply a social inclusion test

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The purpose of the invention is to improve adaptability of a compression shield to irregularities of a face. This goal is achieved in that a compressible shield is made in the form of a lattice of elastic transverse plates with grooves, elastic vertical elements installed in the grooves, and an elastic plate which is concave toward the face. The plate is located vertically in the middle of the shield. The compressible shield is attached by hinges to a deflector. Telescopic cross pieces are attached by hinges to the covering section of reinforcement, offering the possibility of longitudinal movement at the point of attachment.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In evaluating the risk associated with low levels of exposure to toxicants, it is clear that DNA repair, one of the main defenses against agent damage, is not a constant. It can be modified by age, time of day, and physiological state. Nutrition, especially caloric restriction (CR), can modify almost every step in the process of protecting genomic integrity. And history of exposure can modify DNA repair. Thus, the conditions of exposure are almost as important to toxicity as the exposure itself, even at the level of DNA repair. Extrapolation from high to low dose, to be consistent with what is known, should be less a mathematical exercise than an exercise in toxicological judgement, which puts the exposure in proper perspective. This appears to be true at almost every level in the process including a response with a toxic stimulus, even those thought to be very basic, such as DNA repair.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A set of eight questions was put to advanced nuclear medicine physicians-in-training participating in a continuing assessment exercise in practical therapeutic nuclear oncology. Using the particular example of {sup 131}I-MIBG treatment of neuroblastoma in children, the questions were directed to the rationale of therapy and the contribution of other forms of treatment to toxic effects. The best answer to the questions are reproduced together with an introduction by the examiner, Dr. H. Turner. tabs.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Requirements and guidelines are provided for the control of activities to be exercised during procurement of items and services which affect the quality of nuclear facilities. These requirements and guidelines apply to procurement activities for items and services such as designing, purchasing, fabricating, handling, shipping, storing, cleaning, constructing, erecting, installing, inspecting, texting, maintaining and modifying.

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundIn an effort to promote healthy ageing and preserve health and function, the government of Chile has formulated a package of actions into the Programme for Complementary...Full Text Available

Science.gov (United States)

To determine the effects of ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) dosage and swimming exercise training during 4 weeks on bone metabolic turnover in rats, seven-week-old female 24 Wister-Kyoto (WKY) rats were investigated by bone status including bone mineral density (BMD) and biomechanical markers from blood and urine. Twenty-four rats (initial weight: 191.2+/-7.6 g) were randomly divided into four groups: baseline (8 weeks old) control group (n=6, BC), 4-week control group (n=6, Con), 4-week swimming exercise loading group (n=6, Swim) and 4-week chronic NH4Cl dosage group (n=6, Acid). All rats were fed an AIN93M diet (Ca: 0.5%, P: 0.3%), and both Con and Swim groups were pair-fed by feeding volume of the NH4Cl dosage group. The acid group only received 0.25 M NH4Cl distilled water ad libitum. At the end of the experimental period, rats were sacrificed with blood drawn and femur and tibia were removed for analysis of bone mineral density (BMD) by dual ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Relationship between hemodynamic response to exercise and distribution of pulmonary perfusion was studied in 71 patients with mitral stenosis. Distribution was estimated by using computerized Tc-99m-MAA perfusion images (digital perfusion images; DPI). DPI were composed of isocount areas. Various types of DPI were obtained and were classified to 6 grades (G) according to patterns of 100 - 70% isocount area in right anterior DPI, i.e. G-0 (normal), G-1 (increase of perfusion at upper zone), G-2 (uniform distribution), G-3 (disappearance of basal hyperperfusion area), G-4 (apical hyperperfusion area) and G-5 (decrease of perfusion at lower zone). Patients were devided to 4 groups according to grade. At rest there were no marked hemodynamic differences between groups (n = 71, mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPA); 24.8 +- 11.0 mmHg, cardiac index (CI); 2.7 +- 0.81 lmM/sup 2/), however hemodynamic parameter during exercise showed marked differences, ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Solid solution-strengthened nickel base alloys have been used for nuclear stream generator tubing in pressurized water reactors since the beginnings of commercial nuclear power. The purpose of this paper is to recap and update the authors understanding of the relationship between processing, resulting structure, and properties for Alloy 600 and to discuss the requirements for optimized performance in both primary and secondary environments. Potential replacement materials and their performance will be discussed. Also discussed is the role and importance of system chemistry, bulk and local, and control and its relationship to performance. A discussion of potential mechanisms of environmentally assisted failure is also discussed.

Wastenet

...named Chair at Epworth Hospital Professor Nilmini Wickramasinghe has been named Chair, Health Information Management , at Epworth HealthCare. Related links School of Business ...the College of Business at RMIT University has been named Epworth Chair, Health Information Management , by Epworth HealthCare. Professor Wickramasinghe has more than ... Professor Wickramasinghersquo;s appointment as Epworth Chair, Health Information Management , will help to further strengthen this clinical academic alliance, with RMIT now ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The International Atomic Energy Agency is undertaking a program for strengthening its safeguards on the recognition that safeguards must give assurance not only of the non-diversion of declared material or that declared facilities are not being misused, but also of the absence of any undeclared nuclear activities in States which have signed comprehensive safeguards agreements with the Agency. The IAEA has determined that the detection of undeclared nuclear activities and the creation of confidence in the continuing peaceful use of declared material and facilities is largely dependent on more information being made available to the Agency and on the capability of the Agency to make more effective use of this additional information, as well as existing information.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

A scant body of literature addresses competencies needed for successful job development. This study aimed to identify competencies needed for this role. In this analysis, we observed employment specialists identified as successful in helping consumers obtain employment perform job development duties. We supplemented observations with interviews. Employment specialists possessed competencies in six domains: time management, advocacy, building partnerships with consumers, working as part of a team, face-to-face communication, and networking. The conceptual framework derived from this study can inform supported employment supervisors and researchers about the competencies that can strengthen supported employment teams.

Science.gov (United States)

Effects of swimming exercise training on left ventricular contraction and relaxation, the incidence of spontaneous defibrillation and the ventricular fibrillation threshold were studied in the isolated, perfused rat heart. The heart/body weight ratio was 4.8 +/- 0.4 x 10(-3) in swimmers compared with 3.9 +/- 0.6 x 10(-3) in sedentary controls (p less than 0.0005). The spontaneous heart rate was lower in isolated hearts of trained animals (222 +/- 18 bpm compared with 244 +/- 28, p less than 0.05). Left ventricular systolic pressure was higher in trained hearts and the rate of ventricular relaxation enhanced (p less than 0.05). The ventricular fibrillation threshold was 7.2 +/- 5.2 and 10.8 +/- 6.1 mamp in hearts of swimmers and controls, respectively, the difference not being significant. The incidence of spontaneous defibrillation was not significantly different between the two groups. It is concluded that, while swimming induces cardiac hypertrophy and ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A methodology for assessing the impact of subacute concentrations of organometallic agents on bioenergetic and oxidative damage processes in animals, cells and energy transducing subcellular organelles is being developed. Several of the assays are noninvasive and thus lend themselves to human tests. At the whole-animal level we utilize a treadmill chamber where physiological parameters of exercising animals are monitored. These include parameters of whole animals' work performance such as oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide evolution and endurance. Oxidative damage can be monitored in experiments by analyzing expired air of the animals for ethane and n-pentane. These alkanes correlate with lipid peroxidation in vivo. At the cellular and subcellular levels, respiratory activity, lipid peroxidation and free radical species are assayed. Respiratory activity is measured in muscle homogenates and isolated mitochondria using substrates which feed into different ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A detailed component-based simulation model of a geothermal heat pump system has been calibrated to monitored data taken from a family housing unit located at Fort Polk, Louisiana. The simulation model represents the housing unit, geothermal heat pump, ground heat exchanger, thermostat, blower, and ground-loop pump. Each of these component models was tuned to better match the measured data from the site. These tuned models were then interconnected to form the system model. The system model was then exercised in order to demonstrate its capabilities.

CERN Document Server

Choosing a medical device is complex and requires a transparent process based on reason, evidence and assessment of prioritized public health needs. Poor choices lead to inappropriate use or non-use of medical devices and a waste of resources.This report suggests how an agenda to improve access to appropriate medical devices could be devised from applying the crucial 4 components - Availability, Accessibility, Appropriateness, and Affordability, to the 15 global high-burden diseases and some cross-cutting issues. The results of this exercise suggest several areas of research necessary to help

Science.gov (United States)

Computer simulations of agricultural finance and management may be helpful to students preparing for agricultural careers. Simulations would provide problem definition and problem solving in realistic interactions with complex and ambiguous situations similar to those encountered in farming. The paper describes a major financial problem for farmers, explores the implications of that problem for students, and outlines a computer-based simulation model which would give students experience in dealing with the problem. Data sources for simulations, potentials of interactive exercises among students, and advantages of using real data with existing ambiguities are described. The board game "AGRICULTURE" is discussed as a prototype for simulation. (LFL)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A probabilistic method for assessing the profitability of reactive power compensation devices such as capacitors, static VAR compensators and generators, which improve network security, was described. Since network development is limited by environmental constraints, power networks are operated close to their limits. Because of this fact transmission network planning increasingly relies on techno-economic models to improve network security and profitability. The proposed method consists of analyzing large numbers of constrained power system states, extracted from power system simulation exercises. The paper describes details of the method and provides an example of a numerical application on a part of the French power transmission system. 10 refs., 8 figs.

Science.gov (United States)

An increased compendium of drugs useful in ocular motor system dysfunction has expanded our capacity to treat selected ocular motility disorders. Adjunctive therapeutic modes (e.g., Fresnel prisms and orthoptic exercises) can also be beneficial. PAN and see-saw nystagmus can be treated with baclofen. Downbeat nystagmus may respond to clonazepam therapy, and prisms may help if the nystagmus can be modified with convergence. Congenital nystagmus may respond minimally to drugs (e.g., baclofen), but prisms or surgical procedures, or both, are still the primary treatment modalities. Innovar may be helpful in patients with severe, incapacitating vestibular disorders, and scopolamine alone or in combination with promethazine may be beneficial in patients with milder ambulatory acute peripheral vestibular disorders. Benign positional vertigo is best treated initially with positional exercises before drug therapy is instituted. Opsoclonus and ocular ...

Science.gov (United States)

Russian field surgery with its long history and distinctive characteristics has accumulated great experience in the long-time practice of warfare. Chinese field surgery was established and developed on the basis of studying from the Russian model, which opened up new areas of traffic medicine, molecular traumatology and assessment of biological effects on weapon destruction and carried out in-depth research on wound ballistics, blast injury, burns and combined injury etc. through decades of construction with continuous development and innovation, and a series of major achievements have been made in these fields. By making comparative study on the historical evolution, structure system, characteristics of campaigns and development of society between Chinese and Russian field surgery, it can be found that there are great gaps between them and we should strengthen the research for more rapid development. PMID:20510098

Environmental Research Database

ObjectivesThe primary aim is to enable China to address its energy and infrastructure issues in a sustainable manner, without hindering economic progress, with the UK benefiting from an enhanced uptake of its technology, knowledge and expertise through enhanced business opportunities and strengthened collaboration with key Chinese Institutions. ~%~~%~Objectives~%~1) To build capacity and capability in technology transfer and knowledge exploitation in Chinese and UK business and industry through practical, [continued...]DescriptionThe Chinese 11th Five-Year Plan considers Sustainable Energy Supply and Sustainable Built Environment as crucial for achieving sustainable development. Recognising the potential benefits, the UK government has actively encouraged international collaborations with China. Two Engineering Schools at Queen's University Belfast (QUB), with internationally recognised research excellence in the Built Environment and in Electric ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

There have been many stress measurements on welds by neutron diffraction over the past 20 years but there are still a number of serious experimental issues that are often not addressed. The primary fact is that the microstructure generally changes across the weld and accompanying this may be a change in the concentration of strengthening elements in solution. This will lead to a shift in lattice spacing which may be incorrectly interpreted as a strain. Secondly, a gradient of plastic deformation near the weld may be expected. Since plastic deformation by application of a stress always generates intergranular (type-2) strains this may lead to a range of intergranular effects superposed on the conventional weld-related strains. The effects are illustrated by neutron diffraction studies of Zr-4, ferritic and austenitic welds where chemistry, intergranular effects and crystallographic texture can all play a role.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

DOE invites small business firms to submit proposals in this sixth annual solicitation for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. Firms with strong research capabilities in science or engineering in any of the topic areas described are encouraged to participate. DOE will support high-quality research or research and development (R and D) on advanced concepts concerning important energy related scientific or engineering problems and opportunities that could lead to significant public benefit if the research is successful. Objectives of this program include stimulating technological innovation in the private sector, strengthening the role of small business in meeting Federal R and D needs, increasing the commercial application of DOE-supported research results, and improving the return on investment from Federally funded research for economic and social benefits to the Nation.

CERN Document Server

In 1934, Reinhardt asked for the centrally symmetric convex domain in the plane whose best lattice packing has the lowest density. He conjectured that the unique solution up to an affine transformation is the smoothed octagon (an octagon rounded at corners by arcs of hyperbolas). This article offers a detailed strategy of proof. In particular, we show that the problem is an instance of the classical problem of Bolza in the calculus of variations. A minimizing solution is known to exist. The boundary of every minimizer is a differentiable curve with Lipschitz continuous derivative. If a minimizer is piecewise analytic, then it is a smoothed polygon (a polygon rounded at corners by arcs of hyperbolas). To complete the proof of the Reinhardt conjecture, the assumption of piecewise analyticity must be removed, and the conclusion of smoothed polygon must be strengthened to smoothed octagon.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The report presents an overview of A.I.D. efforts, which encompass a wide range of environmental issues and support environmental training, research, and institutional development. The report's opening section details A.I.D.'s efforts to enlist host-country support for environmental programs, with specific emphasis on improving natural resource management (especially in Africa), encouraging policy change, strengthening the private sector's environmental role, and preparing environmental profiles of host countries and helping them develop conservation strategies. The ensuing sections recount A.I.D. efforts in particular topics of environmental concern (biological diversity and environmental health and safety), critical ecological areas (coastal areas and forests and fragile lands), and specific country programs (reforestation in Haiti). A brief history of the evolution of the Agency's environmental strategy since 1976 is included.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper describes the structure of dynamic neuronal ensembles (DNEs). DNEs represent a new paradigm for learning, based on biological neural networks that use variable structures. We present a computational neural element that demonstrates biological neuron functionality such as neurotransmitter feedback absolute refractory period and multiple output potentials. More specifically, we will develop a network of neural elements that have the ability to dynamically strengthen, weaken, add and remove interconnections. We demonstrate that the DNE is capable of performing dynamic modifications to neuron connections and exhibiting biological neuron functionality. In addition to its applications for learning, DNEs provide an excellent environment for testing and analysis of biological neural systems. An example of habituation and hyper-sensitization in biological systems, using a neural circuit from a snail is presented and discussed. This paper provides an insight into ...

Environmental Research Database

ObjectivesCoastal ecosystems in developing countries supply a diverse range of services to local communities and national economies, including fish production, protection against floods and storms and support to tourism. Multiple drivers of change are influencing the status of the ecosystems, most of which are anthropogenic (Brown et al., 2006). Managing coastal ecosystems requires recognition of the diverse range of uses and users, and coordination between structures and processes, many of which are curr [continued...]DescriptionCommitment to the management of coastal ecosystems through addressing both ecological and social objectives already exists in East and Southern Africa (Glavovic 2006; Gustavson et al. 2009). More understanding, however, of the ecosystem services of priority to the poor and to poverty alleviation would strengthen the capacity of these initiatives to deliver on poverty alleviation and resource sustainability. The coastal regions of Tanzania, ...

Science.gov (United States)

Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and sometimes leads to death. Understanding mechanisms, triggers, and patient-specific risk factors for severe or fatal anaphylaxis is critically important. Diagnosis of anaphylaxis is currently based on established clinical criteria. Epinephrine (adrenaline) is the first-line medication for anaphylaxis treatment and delay in injecting it contributes to biphasic reactions, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, and fatality. Here, we focus on four important areas of translational research in anaphylaxis: studies of potential new biomarkers to support the clinical diagnosis of anaphylaxis, laboratory tests to distinguish allergen sensitization from clinical risk of anaphylaxis, the primary role of epinephrine (adrenaline) in anaphylaxis treatment, and strengthening the overall evidence base for anaphylaxis treatment. PMID:21668849

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The power?time curves of mice splenic lymphocytes growth at 37??C affected by ginsenoside Rh2 were determined by microcalorimetry using a 3114/3236 TAM air bioactivity monitor with ampoule mode. Then, the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Rh2 on splenic lymphocytes growth was determined by serial dilution method. From factor analysis (FA) on six quantitative thermokinetic parameters from the power?time curves, the activity of Rh2 on splenic lymphocytes could be quickly evaluated by analyzing the changes in the two main parameters: growth rate constant k, and maximum heat-output power, P m. The results showed that Rh2 had strong inhibitory activity on splenic lymphocytes growth, and this inhibitory activity was strengthened with increasing concentration of Rh2 in the concentration r...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Reporting of the first nuclear trafficking incidents began in the early 1990's. The incidents were handled on a national level, using the resources and expertise available in the respective states. However, it soon became evident that fighting this illicit movement of nuclear material across borders would require international cooperation and a systematic and methodological approach. To this end, the G-8 states encouraged the creation of a dedicated group of experts. The Nuclear Smuggling International Technical Working Group (ITWG) was created in the mid 1990's under the auspices of the G-8, following the 1995 Ottawa summit and the 1996 nuclear security summit held in Moscow. The group reports regularly to the Nuclear Safety and Security Group (NSSG) of the G-8. The ITWG has been working towards a sustainable mechanism to help resolve the international problem surrounding combating the illicit trafficking of nuclear material. In consequence, the technical focus has been on ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Photosynthetic carbohydrates from the leaves are exported through the phloem to growing tips, roots, flowers and fruits. If sucrose labelled with {sup 14}C is applied to the leaves of bean plants, the pathway for sugar movement may be readily observed by autoradiography. Students apply the labelled sucrose during class time and return the next day to press their plants. During the next class, the pressed and dried plants are placed against X-ray film and left in the dark for four weeks. the film is then developed, examined for presence of label and compared to the pressed plants. Source to sink movement is clearly illustrated and information about the mechanism of phloem transport and loading is gained through experimental treatments, which include blocking the phloem pathway and inhibiting energy production.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Hsp20, referred to as HspB6, is constitutively expressed in various tissues. Specifically, HspB6 is most highly expressed in different types of muscle including vascular, airway, colonic, bladder, and uterine smooth muscle; cardiac muscle; and skeletal muscle. It can be phosphorylated at Ser-16 by both cAMP- and cGMP-dependent protein kinases (PKA/PKG). Recently, Hsp20 and its phosphorylation have been implicated in multiple physiological and pathophysiological processes including smooth muscle relaxation, platelet aggregation, exercise training, myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, insulin resistance and Alzheimer's disease. In the heart, key advances have been made in elucidating the significance of Hsp20 in contractile function and cardioprotection over the last decade. This mini-rev...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ozone is a principal component of photochemical air pollution endogenous to numerous metropolitan areas. It is primarily formed by the oxidation of NOx in the presence of sunlight and reactive organic compounds. Ozone is a highly active oxidizing agent capable of causing injury to the lung. Lung injury may take the form of irritant effects on the respiratory tract that impair pulmonary function and result in subjective symptoms of respiratory discomfort. These symptoms include, but are not limited to, cough and shortness of breath, and they can limit exercise performance. The effects of ozone observed in humans have been primarily limited to alterations in respiratory function, and a range of respiratory physiological parameters have been measured as a function of ozone exposure in adults and children. These affects have been observed under widely varying (clinical experimental and environmental settings) conditions

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The objective of this study was to determine whether walking and running at different treadmill speeds resulted in different metabolic and cardiovascular responses in the vastus lateralis (VL) and lateral gastrocnemius (LG) by examining metabolite accumulation and tissue oxygen saturation. Ten healthy subjects (6 males, 4 females) completed a submaximal treadmill exercise test, beginning at 3.2?km?h?1 and increasing by 1.6?km?h?1 increments every 3?min until reaching 85% of age-predicted maximal heart rate. Muscle tissue oxygenation (SO2), total hemoglobin (HbT) and interstitial hydrogen ion concentration ([H+]) were calculated from near infrared spectra collected from VL and LG. The [H+] threshold for each muscle was determined using a simultaneous bilinear regression. Muscle and treadmil...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

During the last fifteen years a variety of instruments and transducers, such as voltage plugs, power transducers, flow and pressure transducers, recorders and tensometers, have been developed for underground use in measuring the performance and technical parameters of prototype machines. The equipment, until recently, has been in a portable form and was found useful by the industry generally, in fault finding and trouble-shooting exercises and in commissioning procedures performed by small teams on a call-out basis. Over the last five years the test equipment has been adapted and the techniques modified to suit individual colliery-based operations with more permanent machine mounted and built-in transducers. At the moment these techniques operate within the framework of a statutory planned preventive maintenance scheme for each mine. This paper discusses the merits of changing from preventive maintenance to condition-based maintenance and the practical steps being ...

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.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

During sporting events, injured athletes often return to competition after icing because of the reduction in pain. Although some controversy exists, several studies suggest that cryotherapy causes a decrease in muscle activity, which may lead to a higher risk of injury upon return to play. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a 20-min knee joint cryotherapy application on the electromyographic activity of leg muscles during a single-leg drop jump in twenty healthy subjects, randomly assigned to an experimental and a control group. After the pre-tests, a crushed-ice bag was applied to the knee joint of the experimental group subjects for 20min, while the control group subjects rested for 20min. All subjects were retested immediately after this period and retested again...

Wastenet

...Content 3a LCA Methodology - Characterisation(PDF) 3a1 BRE Response - Characterisation 3b LCA Methodology - Normalisation (PDF) 3b1 BRE Response - Normalisation 3c LCA Methodology - Weighting (PDF) 3c1 Feedback - Weighting 3c2 Weightings Exercise (PDF) 4 Specification (PDF) 4a - Functional Units Spreadsheet (Excel) 4b Specification List (Excel) 5 Energy Model (PDF) 6 Whole Life perfomance 6b Response Note To Briefing Note 6 - Whole Life Performance (PDF) 7 End-of-Life and Waste models (PDF) 7a Waste routes and rates feedback (PDF) 7b Waste Disposal Routes for Industry Consultation 7c Site Wastage Rates for Industry Consultation 8 Existing LCA ...

Scientific Electronic Library Online (English)

Abstract in english The aim of this study was to verify validity and reliability of the scores for physical exercise in leisure (PEL), leisure and locomotion activities (LLA), and total score (TS) of the Baecke habitual physical activity questionnaire in adult males. Twenty-one students of Physical Education were evaluated. For validation, the maximum oxygen uptake (O2max) and the decrease of the heart rate in percentile (%DH (more) R) were measured through the Cooper's 12-minute walk or run test, and an annual index of physical exercise (IPE), and a week index of locomotion activities (ILA). The reliability was verified through test-retest with interval of 45 days. The Pearson correlation coefficient, and partial correlation adjusted for age and body mass index were used for validation. The intraclass correlation and paired t-test were used for reliability. The results indicated that %DHR was correlated with LLA and TS (r = 0.47 and p = 0.030; ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Thirty-two asthmatic volunteers 8 to 16 yr of age, recruited through local schools and private physicians, were exposed in a chamber to clean air (control condition) and to sulfuric acid aerosol at a low concentration (46 +/- 11 micrograms/m3; mean +/- SD) and at a high concentration (127 +/- 21 micrograms/m3). Acid aerosols had mass median aerodynamic diameters near 0.5 microns with geometric standard deviations near 1.9. Temperature was 21 degrees C, and relative humidity was near 50%. Subjects were exposed with unencumbered oronasal breathing for 30 min at rest plus 10 min at moderate exercise (ventilation rate approximately 20 L/min/m2 of body surface). A subgroup (21 subjects) were exposed similarly to clean air and to high acid (134 +/- 20 micrograms/m3) with 100% oral breathing. Increased symptoms and bronchoconstriction were found after exercise under all exposure conditions. For the group, symptom and lung function responses were not ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Either airway cooling or sulfur dioxide (SO/sub 2/) can induce bronchoconstriction in many asthmatics. Whether these two stresses act synergistically is a question with important public health implications. Eight young adult asthmatic volunteers were exposed to SO/sub 2/ at 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 ppm, during 5 min heavy exercise at 5 degrees C, both with high (approximately 85%) and with low (approximately 50%) relative humidity. Physiologic response increased with increasing SO/sub 2/ concentration but did not vary significantly with humidity. Symptom response was marginally greater at low than at high humidity. Twenty-four asthmatics were exposed similarly to clean air and to 0.6 ppm SO/sub 2/, at 5 degrees C and also at 22 degrees C, always at high relative humidity. For this group, physiologic and clinical responses to SO/sub 2/ (in excess of responses to clean air) were highly significant, regardless of temperature. The mean excess responses at 5 degrees ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Work of the Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium (GHPC), a joint program of the US Department of Energy, the US Environmental Protection Agency, the US electric utilities and industry was described. The consortium was established to improve energy efficiency and reduce CO{sub 2} emissions by moving ground source and groundwater source heat pumps from niche products to ten percent of the new and retrofit HVAC market in less than a decade. The GHPC program focuses on : (1) reducing first costs through technology innovation and innovative financing, (2) strengthening the infrastructure though education, training and work codes and regulations, and (3) building confidence in the technology through demonstrations of cost-effectiveness, low maintenance efforts and through marketing programs. Results of the first two years of operations were described. Results indicate that the objectives are being achieved, the number of installations is increasing and a solid foundation is ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The present design of Blanket Shield and Primary Wall for ITER envisages construction of the wall with a water cooled, stainless steel outer layer and a water cooled, copper liner on the inside plasma facing surface. Protection of the inner copper surface with an armour layer is necessary to cope with plasma to wall interaction. There are a number of armour materials under consideration, for this project beryllium was used. The scope of work was to produce a series of mock-ups, each consisting of a different combination of materials, which included Dispersion Strengthened Copper, Copper-Chrome-Zirconium alloy, Beryllium and Stainless Steel. Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) was the method used to ensure that a fully diffused bonded joint was achieved giving the necessary strength and thermal conductivity. The first five of the mock ups have been successfully completed and are being tested at the various laboratories in Europe. The remaining mock ups are awaiting the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

During rolling contact fatigue of the inner rings of ball bearings three stages of material response can be distinguished, in terms of the volume that is plastically deformed upon overrolling. After a first stage of material strengthening during which a decrease occurs for the volume that is deformed plastically, an effectively stationary, second stage is entered which is eventually succeeded by a third stage exhibiting a pronounced increase of the volume that is deformed plastically upon overrolling, which leads to failure. It is suggested that carbon diffusion induced by local temperature peaks occurring at the moment of overrolling is the key mechanism leading to fatigue damage. The amount of decomposed retained austenite is a useful, practical parameter to assess fatigue life. It is shown that published ideas about the role of certain components of residual stress in enhancing fatigue life are not correct and that the so-called Palmgren-Miner rule, as applied ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This is the final report of the Finnish Research Programme on Climate Change (SILMU). This report includes the final results and conclusions made by the individual research groups. The aim of this report is to lay out the research work, and to present the main results and conclusions obtained during the six-year work. The Finnish Research Programme on Climate Change (SILMU) was a multidisciplinary national research programme on climate and global change. The principal goals of SILMU were: (1) to increase our knowledge on climate change, its causes, mechanisms and consequences, (2) to strengthen the research on climate change in Finland, (3) to increase the participation of Finnish researchers in international research programmes, and (4) to prepare and disseminate information for policy makers on adaptation and mitigation. The key areas of the research were: (1) quantification of the greenhouse effect and the magnitude of anticipated climatic changes,(2) assessment ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

By using a plasma nitriding procedure at the PUPR Mirror Cusp Plasma machine, surface hardness is increased in 302/304-type stainless steel samples by exposing them to high-ion-density plasma at high vacuum. This method successfully dopes the surface of the material with strengthening nitrogen ions, without the use of chemical procedures that sacrifice the resistance to corrosion of the given material. A 500 V negative bias is placed on the sample exposed to the nitrogen plasma, where high-energy ions are therefore attracted and immersed into the metallic matrix microns into the surface of the stainless steel. This potential maintains a constant surface temperature at approximately 800 deg. C. The plasma parameters including ion density and plasma temperature were diagnosed using single Langmuir probes. The stainless steel samples were then tested using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Vickers micro-hardness testing to determine the increment in the surface ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The warm caliber rolling was experimented using the AZ31 magnesium alloy round bar of 20 mm in diameter machined from cast ingot materials. In warm caliber rolling in final size of 10 mm in diameter at 623 K via 8passes, each width-spreading, the change of each microstructure, X-ray analysis of final texture and final mechanical properties were investigated. Microstructure, texture and mechanical properties of warm caliber rolled round bar at 473 K via latter 4passes were compared with those at 623 K consistently. Obtained results are as follows: (1) The width-spreading in caliber rolling of round bar is relatively large, compared with that in flat rolling of the flat bar. The largeness of width-spreading of round bar makes the shape control of cross section difficult, and causes the cracks around the free surface. (2) Finer microstructure and inclined c axis of hexagonal lattice of 10 degrees to vertical direction of the rolled surface are obtained in warm caliber rolling at 473 K via ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Many Asian countries have experienced rapid economic growth during recent years and this trend is expected to continue. The economic growth is accompanied by increasing energy demand, with coal as the dominant energy source. For the first time a model has been specifically developed and applied for integrated assessment of future SO{sub 2} emissions in Asia. The report deals with the RAINS-ASIA model developed in Norway offering an opportunity to assess sulphur deposition and ecosystem protection levels resulting from different energy pathways and different emission control strategies. The cost of various control strategies are also provided. During the project an impressive database has been collected for the region (23 countries, 94 subregions and 355 large point sources). This was made possible through dedicated work by the project team, in close collaboration with scientific and technical institutions in several Asian countries. A further development of the model may include ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

With the practice of 10 years safe operation, Daya Bay Nuclear Power Station has established and continuously improved the management system for radiation protection and optimization (ALARA) which contains 3 basic requirements: all workers are trained, all employees are engaged in totally, and work management is implemented for the whole process. At the same time, strong efforts have been made to build the 'infrastructure' as a platform for its effective operation. This article introduces the contents and characteristics of the system and basic experiences of its effective implementation. In order to implement the management system effectively, it is necessary for NPPs to strengthen the responsibility system for radiation protection and the leading role of the radiation protection personnel, especially the role of technical support and supervision during the work with high radiation risk, emphasize the organic combination and actively mutual action with the safe ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In Rep. of Korea, active safeguards technology development suitable to phase of a nuclear advanced country is necessary because of below reasons. First reasons are '6th ranked position in the nuclear energy generation all over the world', 'continuously increased outcomes in the various nuclear fields such as research or patent', 'strengthened intention of the new government for nuclear industries', and 'weakness of the R and D foundation related to the safeguards technology'. Second reasons are optimization necessity of the effectiveness and efficiency of safeguards according to enlargement of the SSAC (State Systems of Accounting for and Control) role. The reason of the enlargement of the SSAC is IAEA IS (Integrated Safeguards) application for Korea. Third reasons are necessity for the systematic national development plan considering the Korea R and D level and the degree of the difficulty of technology. This is to say, there is necessity of the system ...

CERN Document Server

We examine patterns of variation of 32 primarily main sequence stars, extending our previous 7-12 year time series to 13-20 years by combining b, y data from Lowell Observatory with similar data from Fairborn Observatory. Parallel chromospheric Ca II H and K emission data from the Mount Wilson Observatory span the entire interval. The extended data strengthen the relationship between chromospheric and photometric variation derived previously. Twenty-seven stars are deemed variable. On a year-to-year timescale young active stars become fainter when their Ca II emission increases while older less active stars such as the Sun become brighter when their Ca II emission increases. The Sun's total irradiance variation, scaled to the b and y filter photometry, still appears to be somewhat smaller than stars in our limited sample with similar mean chromospheric activity, but we now regard this discrepancy as probably due mainly to our limited stellar sample

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Microstructure and texture evolution in the AZ31 Mg alloy subject to equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) have been investigated and correlated with the mechanical properties. When AZ31 Mg alloy was ECAPed up to 8 passes following the route B{sub c}, grain refinement occurred effectively. Texture was also changed during ECAP. The original fiber texture of the extruded AZ31 Mg alloy changed to a new texture component of (01 anti 11)[5 anti 2 anti 3 anti 1], and the texture of (01 anti 11)[5 anti 2 anti 3 anti 1] orientation was rotated to (13 anti 46)[7 anti 5 anti 20] orientation after 6-pass ECAP process. The variation of the strength with the pass number was explained by the texture and grain size. The strength data of AZ31 Mg alloys followed the standard Hall-Petch relationship when the similar texture was retained during the ECAP process. Otherwise the effect of texture on strength was dominant over the strengthening due to grain refinement. (orig.)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This paper summarizes results of reviews on the safety, critical software performed during the licensing process for the new Wolsung units. Each of these CANDU-type nuclear power plants has two micro-computerized shutdown systems. The SDS No. 1 program is graphically programmed in such a manner that its development process does not essentially differ from the design process of the conventional analog counterpart. This approach is understandable even to a reviewer in the regulatory agency without additional training in software engineering. The confidence in the reliability of this system is strengthened by the reverse verification and increased by extensive testing such as the reliability test. Concerning SDS No. 2, the development process is significantly influenced by the software cost reduction project of the U.S. naval research laboratory, and is, as a whole, clear and well structured except for the modules related to the operation of the computer itself. These ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper was presented at the opening plenary session. As the end of the century approaches, environmental protection is one of the most significant global issues which will shape our energy path and economic development pattern. In face of environmental challenges, we will have to take into account environmental factors in the economic development process itself. This requires the pursuit of sustainable economic development, a process which may involve strengthened energy conservation, improved efficiency and switching to less carbon intensive energy sources. Energy inefficiency, technological scarcity and financial vulnerability in developing countries may best be resolved by changing their economic and market structures to facilitate relevant investments. However, effective reform of the energy industry in developing economies and economies in transition will also require international cooperation in terms of transfer of technology, capital, know-how and ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) are subject to a spectrum of central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Recent evidence implicates the human T-cell lymphotropic virus type III (HTLV-III) in the pathogenesis of some of these illnesses, although the cells infected by the virus have yet to be identified. Using in situ hybridization, the authors examined brain tissue from two patients with AIDS encephalopathy for the presence of HTLV-III RNA. In both cases, viral RNA was detected and concentrated in, though not limited to, the white matter. The CNS cells most frequently infected included macrophages, pleomorphic microglia, and multinucleated giant cells. Less frequently, cells morphologically consistent with astrocytes, oligodendroglia, and rarely neurons were also infected. The findings strengthen the association of HTLV-III with the pathogenesis of AIDS encephalopathy. In situ hybridization can be applied to routinely prepared biopsy tissue in ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Private transfers of capital from the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to developing countries are intended to complement private transfers from the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) by tapping the emerging capital markets in the Middle East. Developing countries will be able to diversify their borrowing and gain additional financing. The long-term investment of oil-producing countries will benefit and the pressures on the banking institutions to recycle funds will lessen. Middle East capital markets include international loans and international bonds. The history of the Kuwaiti dinar (KD) bond market, with its advantages for both investors and borrowers, illustrates the successful development of a capital market. Financial intermediation needs to be improved, however, if the Middle East is to become efficient enough to compete with the Euromarkets. Efficiency will require different measures and should reflect ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper describes the test results on high-temperature strength properties of fire resistant steel(FR steel) for building, the formulation, and the examples of application to member tests and actual buildings. Because of its components and manufacturing method, FR steel excels in strength at elevated temperature due to precipitation and dispersion strengthening. Tests on high temperature properties of FR steel showed that every property such as strength, stress-strain curve, elastic modulus, and creep performance at high temperature was superior to those of conventional steels. Then, it was confirmed in the tensile tests at room temperature and high temperature after heat history that FR steel could be reused after fire. It was also found in the member tests that columns and beams of FR steel could support loadings equivalent to long-term allowable unit stress until the temperature rose up to 600 centigrade. Moreover, test results could be simulated by the ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Human resource competence building and continued enhancement of performance is the most vital input for safe and reliable operations of a Nuclear Power Plant. Integrated planning leading to the decision of timely selection of optimum number of fresh people and deployment of experienced manpower with desired lead time is inevitable to achieve the above objective. For safe and reliable plant operation human performance analysis followed by suggestive measures to improve the same is needed. Corrective or strengthening input may be in terms of training, work environment, motivations, organizational culture and climate, leadership and prevailing environmental force and bio-rhythm of individuals with critical days are to be worked out The adequacy in training and development not only gives safe and reliable plant operations but results in greater employee satisfaction and self esteem as well. As of date, in the present vibrant global scenario, only the organization which ...

Science.gov (United States)

We present the latest developments for the radiation laboratory curriculum at the Department of Physics and Astronomy of Western Kentucky University. During the last decade, the Applied Physics Institute (API) at WKU accumulated various equipment for radiation experimentation. This includes various neutron sources (computer controlled d-t and d-d neutron generators, and isotopic 252 Cf and PuBe sources), the set of gamma sources with various intensities, gamma detectors with various energy resolutions (NaI, BGO, GSO, LaBr and HPGe) and the 2.5-MeV Van de Graaff particle accelerator. XRF and XRD apparatuses are also available for students and members at the API. This equipment is currently used in numerous scientific and teaching activities. Members of the API also developed a set of laboratory activities for undergraduate students taking classes from the physics curriculum (Nuclear Physics, Atomic Physics, and Radiation Biophysics). Our goal is to develop a set of radiation ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In response to European operating experience regarding Alloy 800 steam generator (SG) tube cracking, New Brunswick Power Nuclear (NBPN) recognized two important shortcomings in the industry SG technical support framework. First, information exchange networks between utilities with Alloy 800 SG tubing should be strengthened. Second and more importantly, there is a need for consistent industry guidance for Alloy 800 SG tubing degradation management, supported by clear technical bases. It is NBPN's perspective that this guidance can be improved immediately using the extensive amount of laboratory and field data that is available for Alloys 600, 690, and 800, and EPRI methodology developed to predict the performance of Alloy 690. NBPN has initiated the development of a performance-based inspection plan. This effort is based on demonstrated improvement factors for Alloy 800, defined by the EPRI approach, and described in this paper. This approach is expected to assist ...

Science.gov (United States)

The role of nurse practitioner has been established because of a shortage of doctors. In May 2007, the first cohort of 582 nurse practitioners were licensed in Taiwan. The post of nurse practitioner in Taiwan is formally moving towards systematization and the most urgent matters in that regard are the sorting out of contentious issues and the establishment of clear job descriptions. Competence in critical thinking and problem-based learning is important and has to be improved with practice. The application of teaching assessment tools such as direct observation procedural skills (DOPS), objective structured clinical examination (OSCE), miniclinical evaluation exercises (Mini-CEX), and 360 degree assessments may contribute to the improvement of nurse practitioners' skills in conducting research, appraising evidence-based nursing literature, and developing teaching strategies and advanced systems by making policy clear, evaluating, auditing and monitoring the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Consideration of the technical feasibility of Yucca Mountain in Nevada as the site for a high-level nuclear waste repository has led to an intense debate regarding the economic, social, and political impacts of the repository. Impediments to the siting process mean that the nuclear waste problem is being resolved by adhering to the status quo, in which nuclear waste is stored at scattered sites near major population centers. To assess the merits of alternative siting strategies--including both the permanent repository and the status quo- we consider the variables that would be included in a model designed to select (1) the optimal number of disposal facilities, (2) the types of facilities (e.g., permanent repository or monitored retrievable facility), and (3) the geographic location of storage sites. The objective function in the model is an all-inclusive measure of social cost. The intent of the exercise is not to demonstrate the superiority of any single disposal ...

Scientific Electronic Library Online (English)

Abstract in english We hypothesized that chronic oral administration of the phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor sildenafil could improve the exercise capacity and pulmonary hemodynamics in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) on the basis of previous short-term studies. We tested this hypothesis in 14 subjects with PAH, including seven patients with the idiopathic form and seven patients with atrial septal defects, but no other congenital heart abnormalities. Patients were subjected (more) to a 6-min walk test and dyspnea was graded according to the Borg scale. Pulmonary flow and pressures were measured by Doppler echocardiography. Patients were given sildenafil, 75 mg orally three times a day, and followed up for 1 year. Sildenafil therapy resulted in the following changes: increase in the 6-min walk distance from a median value of 387 m (range 0 to 484 m) to 462 m (range 408 to 588 m; P

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The movement from traditional regulatory hearings to negotiated settlements represents both a departure from cost of service regulation and a relaxation of regulatory oversight. Under negotiation parties are able to renegotiate inclusions in their cost of service while simultaneously creating a profit margin for the regulated firm where none existed under the cost of service outcome of a traditional hearing. This paper constructs a model to illustrate the existence of positive gains to pipeline and shipper from the re-allocation of expenses through time in the regulated pipeline services market in Canada. Behaviour consistent with the model is observable in anecdotal and econometric evidence gathered from the library of the National Energy Board of Canada, responsible for pipeline toll regulation in Canada. Empirical investigation by into settlement procedures in the Florida electricity market reveals similar findings; however, this analysis represents the first attempt to model the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The multidimensional countercurrent two-phase flow regimes that occur in a pressurized-water reactor (PWR) vessel downcomer during the refill phase of a large-break loss-of-coolant accident are studied using a transparent 1/10 scale model of a PWR vessel. The various flow regimes and their distribution in the downcomer have been identified and mapped for a range of air-water flooding experiments. The two-phase flow patterns that are identified in the downcomer included various types of film flows, droplet flows, countercurrent churn flows and cocurrent flows depending on the flooding condition. Through observation of the two-phase flow dynamics it was deduced that the physical mechanisms associated with the flooding processes could be separated into a liquid entrainment process and a film flow reversal process. In addition to the above exercise, the effect of non-uniform injection of water into the downcomer via different combinations of cold leg was studied ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

It is thought that iron-based catalysts for coal liquefaction exercise their catalytic activity by forming pyrrhotite (Fe(1-x)S). However, there are still a lot of unknown problems remained concerning the formation and agglomeration behaviors of pyrrhotite. These make a difficulty for improving the activity of iron-based catalysts. In this study, sulfiding behaviors of {alpha}-iron oxyhydroxide ({alpha}-FeOOH) and {gamma}-iron oxyhydroxide ({gamma}-FeOOH) were investigated to reveal the formation and agglomeration behaviors of pyrrhotite. It was found that pyrrhotite was easily converted from ferric oxyhydroxide catalysts having large specific surface areas at the sulfiding temperature below 250{degree}C, and fine crystallites of pyrrhotite were formed at the initial stage of sulfiding. Crystal growth of pyrrhotite at the sulfiding temperature over 350{degree}C depended on the catalyst forms. It was also found that smaller crystallites of pyrrhotite were formed ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper analyses the complex, non-linear effects of spot price drivers in wholesale electricity markets: their intra-day dynamics and transient irregularities. The context is the UK market, after the reforms introduced in March 2001, analysed with an original set of price drivers reflecting economic, technical, strategic, risk, behavioural and market design effects. Models are estimated separately as daily time-series of the 48 half-hourly trading periods. All coefficients exhibit substantial intra-day variation, relating to the heterogeneity of operating plants and market design aspects. This reveals a market responding to economic fundamentals and plant operating properties, with learning and emergent financial characteristics, as well as some strategic manipulation of capacity, most effectively exercised by the more flexible plants. Using regime-switching parameters, the effects of capacity margin and inter-day capacity adjustment are elucidated, suggesting ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper describes the development of a computational multiphase fluid dynamics (CMFD) model of the Fischer Tropsch (FT) process in a Slurry Bubble Column Reactor (SBCR). The CMFD model is fundamentally based which allows it to be applied to different industrial processes and reactor geometries. The NPHASE CMFD solver [1] is used as the robust computational platform. Results from the CMFD model include gas distribution, species concentration profiles, and local temperatures within the SBCR. This type of model can provide valuable information for process design, operations and troubleshooting of FT plants. An ensemble-averaged, turbulent, multi-fluid solution algorithm for the multiphase, reacting flow with heat transfer was employed. Mechanistic models applicable to churn turbulent flow have been developed to provide a fundamentally based closure set for the equations. In this four-field model formulation, two of the fields are used to track the gas phase (i.e., small spherical and ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

When the foundations of the building are designed and worked, the prediction calculation of immediate settlement of the building exercised practically is to calculate assuming the earth is a linear elastic body, but the actual stress-strain relationship of the earth is nonlinear and rigidity of the earth becomes lower as strain (or stress) increases. Hence in order to grasp the actual settling behavior of the earth, it is necessary to elucidate the nonlinear relationship between stress and strain. In this article, a prediction method of building settlement is introduced which uses an analytical technique of the multi-layered earth by the linear elasticity theory and takes into consideration strain dependency of rigidity of the earth. Part of the conclusion is as follows which has been obtained by studying the settling behaviors observed in examples of vertical loading tests of the pile foundations and the elasto-plastic settlement analytical method of the pile ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This study analyzed the atmospheric emissions produced by the live firing of a 155 mm Howitzer gun. The study was conducted during a live firing training exercise at a Canadian Forces Base. Air emissions were sampled continuously for 3 hours. Particles and chemicals were accumulated on sampling media during the firing of 69 rounds. A single round was fired using 4 bags of propellants, and an additional 3 rounds were fired using 5 bags of propellant. Samples included particulate matter; hydrogen cyanide; polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs); dinitrotoluene compounds; benzene; toluene; ethylbenzene; xylene; metals; aldehydes; nitric acid; nitric oxide; nitrogen dioxide; hydrogen sulphide; and sulphur dioxide. Samples were collected at 8 m to the left of the gun as well as at 22 m in front of the gun muzzle in the line of fire. Results of the study showed that 60 per cent of the particles were below 10 {mu}m. Formaldehyde concentrations of 7.1 and 3.6 {mu}g/m{sup ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This article, published in issue 80 of 'l'ACROnique du nucleaire', aims to retrace the early steps in the consideration of the possibility of a nuclear accident in France, with the inclusion of 'non-institutional' participants and applying the lessons learned in Belarus in the contaminated territories around the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. After a review of the origin of the involvement of the Association pour le Controle de la Radioactivite dans l'Ouest (ACRO) in addressing post-accident issues alongside the populations living in an environment polluted by radioactivity, it discusses, from the critical viewpoint of an NGO, the context and the working method adopted for this examination. This is followed by some key elements of the programme and unresolved questions about the available body of knowledge which motivates research and about the method adopted for the work. The conclusion, moderately optimistic, highlights some ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The clinical courses of heterotopic ossification (HO) as a consequence of trauma and central nervous system insults have many similarities as well as dissimilarities. Detection is commonly noted at two months. The incidence of clinically significant HO is 10%-20%. Approximately 10% of the HO is massive and causes severe restriction in joint motion or ankylosis. The most common sign and symptom are decreased range of motion and pain. The locations are the proximal limbs and joints. Sites of HO about a joint may vary according to the etiology of the HO. Roentgenographic evolution of HO occurs during a six-month period in the majority of patients. Treatment modalities include diphosphonates, indomethacin, radiation, range of motion exercises, and surgical excision. Surgical timing differs according to etiology: traumatic HO may be resected at six months; spinal cord injury HO is excised at one year; and traumatic brain injury HO is removed at 1.5 years. A small number ...

CERN Document Server

The aim of this set of lectures is to review different avenues of electroweak symmetry breaking explored over the years. This constitutes a timely exercise as the world's largest and the highest energy particle accelerator, namely, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN near Geneva, is all set to start running whose primary mission is to unravel the mysteries of electroweak phase transition. In the beginning, we discuss the Standard Model Higgs mechanism. After that we review the Higgs sector of the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model. Then we take up three relatively recent ideas: Little Higgs, Gauge-Higgs Unification, and Higgsless scenarios. For the latter three cases, we present the basic ideas and restrict our illustrations to some instructive toy models, as our intention is rather to provide an intuitive feel of the underlying dynamics than to get into an in-depth analysis of realistic scenarios. Wherever possible, we provide enough pedagogical details, ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

An overview is presented of the US heating and space conditioning market, with specific emphasis on the type of fuel used. The author highlights he drive of electric utilities to increase their penetration in the space heating markets, and showed how geothermal heat pumps (GHPs) were recognized by utilities as an electrotechnology for all seasons; beneficial for customers, electric utilities and the environment. Then he focused on the utility driven National Earth Comfort Program (officially Geothermal Heat Pump Technology Demonstration and Market Mobilization Program) is a collaborative effort with the US Department of Energy and other public and private sector organizations. It will be implemented by the Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium, Inc. (GHPC), and is designed for the utility industry`s Climate Challenge under the President`s Climate Change Action Plan. The program has a budget of 100 million US$ until the year 2000. Program goals include: reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

As a financial institution o the European Union, The European Investment Bank is working and to add substance to the commitments made by the Union and its Member States at Kyoto and subsequently at Johannesburg. Over the last two years, renewable energy sources have attracted funding of more than 1.1 billion from the bank, equivalent to 14% of the total loans granted to the energy sector 7.8 billion), compared to an average o 7.9 % over the previous five years. In order to obviate the detrimental characteristics presented by these investments from a financial viewpoint, in March, 2004 the bank set up a 'CCFF' (Climate Change Financing Facility) of 500 million. Additionally, along with the other financial institutions, the EIB is looking into he possibility of supporting the establishment of European carbon credit trading hubs. Where the economic assessment of these projects is concerned, the bank has decided to take account of external environmental and technological ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Increased nitrogen levels have been correlated with decreased ductility and elevated ductile-to-brittle transition temperature in pressure vessel steels [1]. However, the exact role played by nitrogen in the embrittlement of steels remains unclear. Miller and Burke have reported atom probe ion microscopy findings from neutron-irradiated low-alloy pressure vessel steel showing the presence of a 1 to 2 ruonolayer thick film of Mo, N, and C at prior austenitic grain boundaries (GB's) [2], suggesting a role for nitrogen as an intergranular embrittler. It is of interest for the development of mitigation strategies whether nitrogen must combine with other impurities to form nitride precipitates in order to exert an embrittling effect. Briant et al [1] have associated the embrittling effect of N in steels exclusively with intergranular nitride formation. This association suggests that high nitrogen levels may be acceptable if nitride precipitation at grain boundaries is suppressed. ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Technology developments in semiconductor fabrication along with a rapid expansion of the market for portable devices, such as PDAs and mobile phones, make the energy consumption of embedded systems a major problem. Indeed the need to provide an increasing number of computational intensive applications and at the same time to maximize the battery life of portable devices can be seen as incompatible trends. System simulation is a flexible and convenient method for analyzinging and exploring the performance of a system or sub-system. At the same time, the increasing use of computational intensive applications strengthens the need to maximize the battery life of portable devices. As a consequence, the simulation of embedded systems for energy consumption estimation is becoming essential in order to study and explore the influence of system design choices on the system energy consumption. The original publications presented in the second part of this thesis propose ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This report documents the results of the routine environmental audit of the Oak Ridge Y-12 Plant (Y-12 Plant), Anderson County, Tennessee. During this audit, the activities conducted by the audit team included reviews of internal documents and reports from previous audits and assessments; interviews with U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), State of Tennessee regulatory, and contractor personnel; and inspections and observations of selected facilities and operations. The onsite portion of the audit was conducted August 22-September 2, 1994, by the DOE Office of Environmental Audit (EH-24), located within the Office of Environment, Safety and Health (EH). DOE 5482.1 B, {open_quotes}Environment, Safety, and Health Appraisal Program,{close_quotes} establishes the mission of EH-24 to provide comprehensive, independent oversight of DOE environmental programs on behalf of the Secretary of Energy. The ultimate goal of EH-24 is enhancement of environmental protection and minimization of risk to ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Exploratory experiments of laser welding cast Ni-based superalloy K418 turbo disk and alloy steel 42CrMo shaft were conducted. Microstructure of the welded seam was characterized by optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive spectrometer (EDS). Mechanical properties of the welded seam were evaluated by microhardness and tensile strength testing. The corresponding mechanisms were discussed in detail. Results showed that the laser-welded seam had non-equilibrium solidified microstructures consisting of FeCr{sub 0.29}Ni{sub 0.16}C{sub 0.06} austenite solid solution dendrites as the dominant and some fine and dispersed Ni{sub 3}Al {gamma}' phase and Laves particles as well as little amount of MC short stick or particle-like carbides distributed in the interdendritic regions. The average microhardness of the welded seam was relatively uniform and lower than that of the base metal due to partial dissolution and suppression ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Since the first commercial operation in 1983, Wolsung unit 1 has experienced several aging phenomena, especially in pressure tubes and feeder pipes. In case of pressure tubes, in-service inspections (ISI) revealed that a major portion of inspected tubes was in contact with calandria tubes. The likelihood of blister formation was a safety concern because it is a potential threat to pressure tube integrity. Wolsung unit 1 was, therefore, subjected to the SLAR (Spacer Location And Reposition) work to separate the contacted pressure tubes from calandria tubes. In this paper, experience of in-service inspection to the pressure tubes will be discussed including the irradiation creep elongation and CIGAR (Channel Inspection and Gauging Apparatus for Reactors) examination of pressure tubes. On the other hand, the problem of wall thinning in the feeder pipes became of great concern since 1996. Inspections, in compliance with CSA N285.4, were conducted in the upper portions of the feeders close ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The title of the workshop, ''The QCD Phase Transitions'', in fact happened to be too narrow for its real contents. It would be more accurate to say that it was devoted to different phases of QCD and QCD-related gauge theories, with strong emphasis on discussion of the underlying non-perturbative mechanisms which manifest themselves as all those phases. Before we go to specifics, let us emphasize one important aspect of the present status of non-perturbative Quantum Field Theory in general. It remains true that its studies do not get attention proportional to the intellectual challenge they deserve, and that the theorists working on it remain very fragmented. The efforts to create Theory of Everything including Quantum Gravity have attracted the lion share of attention and young talent. Nevertheless, in the last few years there was also a tremendous progress and even some shift of attention toward emphasis on the unity of non-perturbative phenomena. ...

Science.gov (United States)

Development in organic farming has been stimulated by farmers and consumers becoming interested in healthy food products and sustainable environment. Organic agriculture is a holistic production management system which is based on the principles of health, ecology, care, and fairness. Organic development in Uganda has focused more on the crop sector than livestock sector and has primarily involved the private sector, like organic products export companies and non-governmental organizations. Agriculture in Uganda and many African countries is predominantly traditional, less mechanized, and is usually associated with minimum use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and drugs. This low external input agriculture also referred to as "organic by default" can create basis for organic farming where agroecological methods are introduced and present an alternative in terms of intensification to the current low-input/low-output systems. Traditional farming should not be confused with organic ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The paper is based on a NEA study entitled 'Past Trends and Current State of Nuclear Research Institutes', which has been published in 1996. The evolution of nuclear research institutes (NRIs) in NEA countries is described from their establishment in the early fifties to present. The objectives, missions, purposes, and competences of NRIs are highlighted. Further, the resources (budget, qualified manpower, equipment such as research reactors and laboratories) are analysed, emphasising the role of the government. Country specific examples are given to illustrate different aspects of the historic evolution, present status and trends of NRIs. It is expected that the future role of NRIs will reflect the progress in nuclear science and technology and the evolving requirements of the nuclear industry with regard to safety enhancement, fuel cycle optimisation, plant life time management and extension, decommissioning of nuclear facilities and radioactive waste disposal. The trend to ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

As part of The International Northern Sea Route Programme (INSROP), Subprogram III, Trade and Commercial Shipping, a study has been made concerning seaborne export of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from the Northern Russia, especially the West Siberian fields in Tyumen. The main purpose of the total project III.0703, part 2 and this study is to evaluate the economic viability of seaborne export from this area to the European region, mainly with the use of a special ice-strengthened LPG vessel, constructed and designed for such seaborne operations. This study concentrates on both seaborne LPG transportation, the demand and supply for seaborne LPG in the world and marine transportation of LPG from the West Siberian fields. Another purpose is to see which regions are potential exporters, importers and buyers of seaborne export of LPG from Tyumen. Currently large quantities of liquefied gas are flared off at the West Siberian fields due to insufficient infrastructure, ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The SIEN 2009 symposium organized by Romanian Nuclear Energy Association, AREN, in co-operation with Romanian Atomic Forum, ROMATOM, was primarily targeting the expert community involved in developing new nuclear power projects and implementing the National Nuclear Program. The symposium was also open as a discussion and information forum for scientists, engineers, technicians and students interested in scientific and technologic topics of Nuclear Power. It was structured in the following 6 sections: - Nuclear new builds and developments; - Operation, inspection and maintenance; - Increasing nuclear safety features; - Fuel cycle and decommissioning; - Public perception and confidence strengthening; - Environmental management. The symposium began with three plenary lectures dealing with: - Sustainable Nuclear Energy European Technology Platform; - Nuclear new-build; - Current issues of nuclear equipment standardization in Romania. A poster session of 5 presentations ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper examines the technological, socio-economic and environmental feasibility of a proposal to strengthen the Italian commercial coastal shipping system as an alternative to bolstering existing road transport facilities in order to meet the requirements of increased trade in the new European free market. This prospect is of special importance to Italy due to its long coastlines. The principal elements taken into account are: investment capital, labour and energy requirements. The study first examines the supply and demand dynamics of the European transport system. Here, attention is given to energy consumption. This examination is followed by a review of the European situation with regard to normatives governing navigation and customs duties. Road, rail and maritime transport costs are compared, and an assessment is made of the economic feasibility of an integrated-means system of transport involving the coordinated use of special containers, tractor-trailers ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

As human activity in and around Puget Sound increased, so did the contaminant levels in the sediment. Sediment cores collected in 1 982 revealed inputs of chemicals to the Sound, including lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), silver (Ag), copper (Cu) and petroleum hydrocarbons, began to increase above background in the late 1800s and peaked between 1945 and 1965. Synthetic organic compounds, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and DDT, first appeared in sediments deposited in the 1930s and reached a maximum in the 1960s. The presence of the subsurface maximum concentrations suggests that pollution-control strategies have improved the sediment quality of central Puget Sound. Additional sediment coring was performed in 1991 and samples were collected at six locations in the main basin of Puget Sound. Sediment ages were determined using Pb"2"1"0 radio isotope dating. Sedimentation rates were approximately 1 to 2 cm/yr and deposition rates ranged from 480 to 1000 mg/cm2/yr. The contaminant level ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In 1994, the United States Department of Energy, the United States electric utilities and the geothermal heat pump (GeoExchange) industry formed a non-profit collaborative effort called the Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium (GHPC). The objectives were the reduction and/or elimination of 1.5 million metric tons of carbon equivalent per year and making geothermal heat pumps a significant part of the Heating Ventilation Air Cooling (HVAC) industry. Federal funding of 35 million dollars over six years was matched by 65 million dollars of private sector funds to attain these objectives and create a self-sustainable GeoExchange market. The major accomplishments of this endeavour, as well as the lessons learned were presented in this paper. The infrastructure was strengthened, first cost was reduced, and awareness of the technology was increased over the past six years as a result of the efforts deployed by the GHPC. More than 500,000 units are already installed, which ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

There are at present 116 floating production systems and 60 storage vessels dotting the oceans involved in hydrocarbon exploration and production activities. Although concentrated mostly in the North Sea, they can be found also off the coast of Australia, eastern Canada, Brazil, some African nations and the Gulf of Mexico. They range from converted tankers to purpose built rigs. The most adaptable of the various systems is the floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel, first developed as a cost-effective means of developing fields in Brazil's very deep offshore areas. Still being tested and modified for work in widely different environments, FPSOs appear to have met all requirements in producing expenditure efficiencies, maximizing profits, and protecting workers. One of the most efficient and most technically advanced is a 292-metre long FPSO built for the Terra Nova Alliance by Daewoo Shipyards in South Korea. It arrived at Newfoundland's Bull Arm ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In light of the recent rapid increase in the fossil fuel prices it is meaningful to evaluate the impact of these price changes in the economics of dual-purpose desalination projects producing electricity and fresh water simultaneously. The price of crude oil and LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) has increased by about 200% and 100% during the past three or four years. The uranium price has also increased by nearly 500% during the same period. The purpose of this paper is to analyze and compare the economics of SMART (System-integrated Modular Advanced ReacTor) which is being developed as a small size PWR type and the LNG Combine Cycle coupled with MED (Multi-Effect Distillation) which are being acknowledged as promising energy sources for the future in Korea. The methods of analysis used in this paper are the lifetime leveled cost method for the power and water cost calculation and the power credit method for the total cost allocation. DEEP (Devaluation Economic Evaluation Program) developed ...

Science.gov (United States)

Devolution, as other types of decentralization (e.g. deconcentration, delegation, privatization), profoundly changes governance relations in the health system. Devolution is meant to affect performance of the health system by transferring responsibilities and authority to locally elected governments. The key question of this article is: what does devolution mean for human resources for health in Mali?This article assesses the key advantages and dilemmas associated with devolution such as responsiveness to local needs, downward accountability and health worker retention. Challenges of politics and capacities are also addressed in relation to human resources for health at the local level. Examples are derived from experiences in Mali with a capacity development programme and from case studies of other countries. It is not research findings that are presented, but highlights of key issues at stake aimed at inspiring the debate in Mali and elsewhere.A first lesson from the discussion ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This report presents the Business Plan for the establishment of the Wind Turbine Component Centre (CWTC) to meet the objectives of performing theoretical research and experimental testing. The core idea of a CWTC is to support the Danish wind energy industry and research activities at the component level improving the competitive advantage of that industry. The CWTC will in itself operate its activities, including access to test and experimental facilities, on a semi commercial basis. The business model for the CWTC presented is based on revenues coming from component manufacturers as well as research grants, and will include membership fees as well as hourly payment and larger projects where payment is a limited project sum. The presented roadmap model clarifies the development path towards a fully developed CWTC, which will cover test of all important components along the drive-train as well as offering a comprehensive systematic understanding of the entire drive-train. The CWTC will ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A community greenhouse gas emission and energy inventory is an important tool to help local governments plan, implement and monitor climate change mitigation strategies and sustainable energy systems. Inventories can also facilitate a number of other local priorities such as air quality management; integrated land-use and transportation planning; infrastructure optimization and planning; and community economic development planning. The British Columbia government's community energy and emissions inventory initiative (CEEI) intends to collect and centralize high-quality geocoded data to generate high-value community inventories for the province's 185 local governments. This report presented strategic guidance for a comprehensive community emissions inventory system based on a high level review of international best practices. The report described the project objective and scope; guiding principles; research methodology; and inventory limitations. The report provided observations, ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Like other Central European countries, Poland faces the twin challenges of improving environmental quality while also fostering sustainable economic development. In this study we examine the costs of different standards for air pollution control, and the cost savings from using incentive-based policy instruments in lieu of more rigid command-and-control policies. The comparisons are based on the results of a simulation model of energy use and air pollution control for the Polish economy over 1990-2015. The model simulates least-cost energy supply decisions under different environmental policy assumptions, the corresponding emissions, and the cost of achieving the specified policy objectives. The model results suggest that incentive-based policies will have efficiency gains over command policies that are at least worthy of consideration and may be quite substantial. The size of the gains in practice depends in part on how much flexibility is built into the command approach, e.g., ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Endurance-trained older men have a higher proportion of lean tissue and greater muscle cell oxidative capacity, reversing age-related trends and suggesting major changes in protein metabolism. In this study, protein turnover was determined in 6 middle-aged (52+/-1 yr) men who were well trained (VO_2 max 55.2+/-5.0 ml O_2/kg.min) and lean (body fat 18.9+/-2.8%, muscle mass 36.6+/-0.6%). The maintained habitual exercise while consuming 0.6, 0.9 or 1.2 g protein/kg.day for 10-day periods. N flux was measured from "1"5N in urea after oral "1"5N-glycine administration. Myofibrillar protein breakdown was estimated from urinary 3-methyl-histidine. Dietary protein had no effect on turnover rates, even when N balance was negative. Whole body protein synthesis was 3.60+/-0.12 g/kg.day and breakdown was 3.40+/-0.14 g/kg.day for all N intakes. Whole body protein flux, synthesis and breakdown were similar to values reported for sedentary young (SY) or sedentary old (SO) men on ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Coronary angiography provides anatomical information whereas thellium myocardial scintigraphy measures resistive tissue perfusion. Because of this fundamental difference. The authors question the validity of using coronary angiography as the gold standard to judge thellium myocardial scintigraphy. The authors studied 20 patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary angioplasty who fulfilled the following criteria: (1) history of chest pain; (2) angiographically significant single vessel disease (>50% stenosis); (3) no prior myocardial infarction. All patients underwent maximal exercise thallium single photon emission computed tomography (T1-SPECT). Tl-SPECT was scored visually according to a 0 to 3 scale (0=absent uptake; 1=markedly decreased uptake; 2=minimally decreased uptake; 3=normal uptake). Translesional gradient and percent stenosis were measured before and after angioplasty. The authors found that significant linear relationship exists between ...

Science.gov (United States)

The paper examines science fiction literature as a product and part of the social consciousness of the modern capitalist world order. This world order is seen as emphasizing science, technology, movement, growth, urbanization, industrialization, complex organization, and progress. The document is organized into two sections. The first section reviews theories of the sociology of knowledge and discusses knowledge as a process of self-production and reproduction of society. Influential theorists include Hegel, Marx, Lukacs, Mannheim, Gramsci, Habermas, and Touraine. Touraine's (1977) dynamic conflict-based systematic theory of society is based on three concepts: historicity, which defines the instruments of society's self-production; the system of historical action which is the totality of social and cultural orientations, by means of which historicity exercises its control of historicity and the system of historical action. The second section discusses science ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This study was intended to help explain individual differences in susceptibility to irritant effects of ozone (O3), by determining whether prior ambient O3 exposures and/or recent acute respiratory illness modified response to laboratory O3 exposures. Response was measured in terms of lung function changes and irritant symptoms. Initially, 59 adult volunteer Los Angeles area residents underwent screening exposures in spring, before the season of frequent high ambient O3 levels. Unusually responsive and nonresponsive individuals (N = 12 and 13 respectively) underwent followup exposures in autumn (late in the high-O3 season) and in winter (low-O3 season). All exposures were to 0.18 ppm O3 for 2 hr with intermittent heavy exercise at 31 degrees C and 35% relative humidity. Nonresponders tended to remain nonresponsive throughout. In fall, responders had lost much of their reactivity, as if they had adapted to summer ambient O3 exposures. They did not regain reactivity ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Amoco Trinidad Oil Company produces 60,000 bbl/d of oil from the Trinidadian offshore. The oil is pipelined ashore where it is processed and returned offshore to a buoy mooring for transport up Trinidad's east coast. Amoco Trinidad has developed comprehensive oil spill contingency plans, starting from computer models of spill scenarios. The models used initially assumed that the oils would emulsify quickly and the spills would become highly viscous and persistent, reaching the shoreline in 15-24 h. Such behavior would render ineffective the use of dispersants as a spill countermeasure. Studies showed a poor potential capability of physical recovery systems for spills off the Trinidad east coast due to high sea states, strong winds, and other factors. These results led to questioning of the spill model's assumptions, and laboratory tests were conducted to study the actual behavior of the crude oils. It was found that the oil was difficult to emulsify and highly prone to breakup and ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The 1990s promise to be a decade of change. In business, the focus will be on restructuring for purposes of improved productivity and efficiency. The Department of Energy (DOE) has recognized that change is on the horizon. The Yucca Mountain Project, carried out under the Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management (OCRWM) within the DOE is under new leadership. This new leadership is restructuring its operations to provide better focus, greater efficiency, meaningful products demonstrating progress and a more open operational environment. Criticisms of past operations have been reviewed and evaluated such that the new management organization derives benefit from the past. In recognition that management concerns may be manifested in other areas, Yucca Mountain Project management believes that reorganization is necessary to maximize efficiency. In designing the new organization, a high priority has been placed upon making changes which enable the federal leadership to ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A major focus of the National Nuclear Security Administration-led Next Generation Safeguards Initiative (NGSI) is the development of human capital to meet present and future challenges to the safeguards regime. An effective university-level education in safeguards and related disciplines is an essential element in a layered strategy to rebuild the safeguards human resource capacity. NNSA launched two pilot programs in 2008 to develop university level courses and internships in association with James, Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS) at the Monterey Institute of International Studies (MIIS) and Texas A&M University (TAMU). These pilot efforts involved 44 students in total and were closely linked to hands-on internships at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). The Safeguards and Nuclear Material Management pilot program was a collaboration between TAMU, LANL, and LLNL. The LANL-based coursework was shared with the ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Full text: Based on experience with nuclear material confiscated in Hungary from illicit trafficking activities in the nineties it has been decided that traditional gamma-spectrometry should be complemented by destructive analytical techniques. The 17/1996 (I. 31.) Korm. Governmental Decree delegated the identification, categorization and characterization tasks to the Institute of Isotopes, Budapest. Routine gamma-spectrometric methods have been further developed aiming at the i) age (production date) determination of seized samples and complete (nondismountable) uranium-bearing items (such as fresh fuel bundles and fission chambers) by HRGS technique, ii) improvement of measurement accuracy and reliability. Starting in 2005 mass spectrometry (ICP-SFMS) and scanning electron microscopy have been implemented to characterize nuclear samples in more detail and to analyze environmental samples both for isotopic and elemental composition focusing on long-lived radioactive isotopes including ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The effect of 10 wk endurance swim training on 3-O-methylglucose (3-MG) uptake (at 40 mM 3-MG) in skeletal muscle was studied in the perfused rat hindquarter. Training resulted in an increase of approximately 33% for maximum insulin-stimulated 3-MG transport in fast-twitch red fibers and an increase of approximately 33% for contraction-stimulated transport in slow-twitch red fibers compared with nonexercised sedentary muscle. A fully additive effect of insulin and contractions was observed both in trained and untrained muscle. Compared with transport in control rats subjected to an almost exhaustive single exercise session the day before experiment both maximum insulin- and contraction-stimulated transport rates were increased in all muscle types in trained rats. Accordingly, the increased glucose transport capacity in trained muscle was not due to a residual effect of the last training session. Half-times for reversal of contraction-induced glucose transport were ...

Science.gov (United States)

Embracing the notion of going green, an affluent school district in Pennsylvania spent $83 million as part of the high school's renovation and expansion project. The three-level addition is now equipped with self-dimming lights, energy-efficient windows, a rooftop solar water heater, and a geothermal cooling and heating system. As a bonus for going green, the school district received a $250,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. The district used that money to create an information center in the lobby of the building where a touch-screen computer provides students, staff, and visitors with data related to the operation of the school's energy-efficient water and electrical systems. The system will graphically depict utility use over the course of a year. The monitoring system and touch-screen computer can turn this school into a living lab, with science, math, and economics teachers using the data as teaching tools within classrooms. Teachers can also ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We investigated summer activity patterns in a panel of volunteers drawn from a population segment with potentially high exposure to ambient oxidant pollution. The subjects were 15 men and 5 women aged 19-50, all of whom worked outdoors in the Los Angeles area at least 10 hr per week. The general approach was to (i) calibrate the relationship between ventilation rate (VR) and heart rate (HR) for each subject in controlled exercise; (ii) have subjects monitor their own normal activities with diaries and electronic HR recorders; (iii) estimate VR from HR recordings; and (iv) relate VR with diary descriptions of activities. Calibration data were fit to the equation log (VR) = (intercept) + (slope x HR), intercept and slope being determined separately for each individual to provide a specific equation to predict her/his VR from measured HR. Individuals' correlation coefficients relating log (VR) with HR ranged from 0.83 to 0.95. Subjects monitored themselves ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The development of attenuated response ({open_quotes}tolerance{close_quotes}) to daily ozone (O{sub 3}) exposures in the laboratory is well established in healthy adult volunteers. However, the capability of asthmatics to develop tolerance during multiday ozone exposures in unclear. We exposed 10 adult volunteers with mild asthma to 0.4 ppm O{sub 3} in filtered air for 3 h/d on 5 consecutive d. Two similar filtered-air exposures during the preceding week served as controls. Follow-up O{sub 3} exposures were performed 4 and 7 d after the most recent consecutive exposure. All exposures were performed in an environmental chamber at 31 {degrees}C and 35% relative humidity. The subjects performed moderate exercise (mean ventilation rate of 32 l/min) for 15 min of each half-hour. Responses were measured with spirometry and symptom evaluations before and after each exposure, and a bronchial reactivity test (methacholine challenge) was conducted after each exposure. All ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The South White Rose oilfield, offshore Newfoundland, owned jointly by Husky Oil (82.5 per cent ) and Petro-Canada (17.5 per cent) is being developed using a floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) system. Some industry stakeholders claim that the oil should be produced using a concrete gravity base system as used in the Hibernia Field. However, Husky Oil officials are confident that the choice of the FPSO is well justified, based on its cost effectiveness and economic viability. Several production facility options have been assessed, taking into account feasibility, deliverability, economic attributes. risk and safety . The assessment results clearly pointed to FPSO as the preferred system based on its commercial and technical flexibility, proven track record in harsh environments, its ability to produce both oil and gas in sequential development, its promise of production at full capacity earlier than a gravity base system, and easier decommissioning than a GBS-type fixed ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The amounts of lead and cadmium produced and processed in these days are considerable. As a result, our environment is increasingly polluted by heavy metals and industrial installations, motor vehicles or incinerating plants appear to be among the main culprits here. Air and water are the media permitting the entry of heavy metals into our natural environment where they accumulate in the soil and then gradually migrate into the plants. Their further transport in the food constitutes the third step in the environmental spread of heavy metals. The consumption of muscle and organ meats, of vegetables, fruits, canned food and drinking water is unavoidably associated with some ingestion of lead and cadmium. The degree to which they are taken up and stored in different tissues is determined by absorption properties and the nutritional state of the organism. Cadmium tends to accumulate in the kidneys, lead is mainly stored in the bones. A continuously increasing uptake finally results in ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The purpose of this work is to characterize the role of the financial institutions in achieving sustainable development meaning a process of development which leaves at least the same amount of capital, natural and man-made, to future generations as current generations have access to. This makes it clear that sustainable development is about capital allocation and thus should be at the core of financial markets activity. On a more practical level the different ways banks affect environment are analyzed: as investors - supplying the investments with environmental perspective; as lenders - developing new financial products to encourage sustainable development; as valuers - estimating risks and opportunities in project-financing; as powerful stake holders - as shareholders and lenders they can exercise considerable influence over companies; - as polluters - while not dirty industries, financial institutions do consume natural resources. By the study of these ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

An IAEA databank lists a number of reported cases of illicitly trafficked nuclear or other radioactive materials. Apart from the traditional concern with nuclear proliferation, the post September 11th public is now wary of a possible attack by terrorists with a nuclear or radiation dispersion device (RDD). Until now, the seized quantities have not been sufficient to manufacture a nuclear explosive device, but they might be enough to construct an RDD. Recognizing the latent global challenge to public health and safety, the G8 States (Japan, USA, Germany, France, UK, Italy, Canada, and Russia) have called for 'joint international efforts to identify and suppress illicit supply' of, and demand for, nuclear material and to deter potential traffickers. One measure gaining in significance is to identify seized material and trace it back to its origin the objective of an emerging science known as nuclear forensics. Repeatedly nuclear or other radioactive material of unknown origin are ...