British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

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

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Short communication. 5 refs., 2 figs.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Short communications only.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Self-expanding metallic stent insertion has been widely applied for the palliative treatment of malignant esophageal strictures. Although it is known as an easy, safe, and effective procedure, complications are well known and include things such as stent migration and esophageal stent occlusion caused by tumor in growth. However, metallic stent fractures have been rarely reported in the esophagus, especially for nitinol stents. We report a case of a stent fracture associated with migration in a patient with a malignant esophageal stricture near the gastroesophageal junction. It is highly probable that the stent fracture was due to chemical erosion of the stent caused by gastric juice

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The aim of this study was to compare multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) findings between cases of sclerosing cholangitis with autoimmune pancreatitis (SC-AIP) and infiltrative extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IEC). We retrospectively assessed MDCT findings from 16 IEC cases and 13 SC-AIP cases. MDCT findings were analyzed with regard to location, length, wall thickness, contour, stricture wall enhancement pattern, proximal duct diameter, and the presence of diffuse concentric thickening in the proximal duct and gallbladder wall thickness. Stricture length, stricture wall thickness, and proximal duct diameter were significantly smaller for SC-AIP than for IEC: 19.3#+-#8.7 vs. 31.8#+-#12.0 mm (P=0.004), 2.1#+-#1.3 vs. 4.1#+-#1.3 mm (P<0.001), and 9.2#+-#3.9 vs. 13.3#+-#5.0 mm (P=0.012), respectively. SC-AIP was correlated with stricture location in both the intrapancreatic and hilar hepatic ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Background Aluminium phosphide tablets popularly known, as ?celphos? is a highly toxic fumigant used as insecticide for preservation of food grains. India is an agricultural country and celphos tablets are easily available to psychologically vulnerable young people. It is swallowed with suicidal intent and death comes in minutes. Patients and methods In this series there were seven patients with tracheo esophageal complications out of 342 patients reviewed. Four patients had esophageal stricture and three had stricture plus tracheo esophageal fistulas. Types of symptoms including progressive dyshagia and extent of respiratory symptoms were evaluated. Nutrition status and success or failure of dilatation at the time of endoscopy was taken into account. The criteria for oesophageal replaceme...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Tracheobronchial balloon dilation and stent placement have been well used in the treatment of patients with benign and/or malignant diseases. Balloon dilation is the first option in the treatment of...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

IntroductionColonoscopic perforation is a rare but serious complication of colonoscopy. Factors known to increase the risk of perforation include colonic strictures, extensive diverticulosis,...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

γ-Radiation-induced tumors of Arabidopsis thaliana L. have been produced as a novel approach to isolation of genes that regulate plant development. Tumors excised from irradiated...Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A 38 year old male dentist developed an oligodendroglioma of the left medial temporal lobe and parasellar region 12 years after radiotherapy with 6600 rads for acromegaly. The 30 cases of radiation-induced gliomas reported in the English literature are reviewed and analysed. The criteria for defining radiation-induced tumours of the central nervous system are proposed as follows: the tumour has a long quiescent ''latency period'', a location in the previously irradiated field, a verified histological difference from a primary condition, and does not arise from a primary condition associated with a genetic syndrome such as neurofibromatosis or tuberous sclerosis. The reported case fulfilled these criteria but appears to be the only reported radiation-induced oligodendroglioma.

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Purpose: This paper reviews and reassesses the internationally accepted niches or ‘targets’ in bone marrow that are sensitive to the induction of leukaemia and primary...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

PurposeRadiation-induced heart disease (RIHD) is a severe side effect of thoracic radiotherapy. This study examined the effects of PTX and α-tocopherol on...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

By using EPR measurements of radiation-induced radicals it is possible to utilize human fingernails to estimate radiation dose after-the-fact. One of the potentially limiting factors in this...Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Survival curves were constructed from dose-incidence curves for apoptosis in the crypts of mouse small intestine, using the number of apoptotic cells after high doses (N{sub M}) as maximum cell population size. The mean lethal doses (D{sub 0}) for the dose range 0-0.5 Gy were calculated for each time of day. A circadian rhythm in both D{sub 0} and N{sub M} values was detected, indicating that both the number and sensitivity of radiation-induced apoptosis were changing throughout the day. (author).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The resistance of six tropical hardwoods to fungal degradation by two wild-type strains of Phanerochaete chrysosporium Burdsall was investigated using vermiculite burial and wood-block weight loss techniques. Radiation-induced wood-polymer composites (WPC), based on two hardwoods Ramin and Rubberwood with methyl methacrylate, were prepared, and samples were also exposed to the wood-rotting fungus. A significant improvement in resistance to fungal decay was observed in the WPC. Scanning-electron micrographs of the two woods and their composites after fungal degradation are presented and discussed.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Polytetrafluoroethylene was obtained by radiation induced polymerization of tetrafluoroethylene in acetone at 195 K. An average diameter of the products was very small compared with commercial one; it was about 0.3 micro-meters. The yield was reached to 100% with a dose of 4 kGy. The crystallinity of the products is decreasing with increasing dose. The products become amorphous, for higher irradiation doses. It was found that PTFE obtained by irradiation of TFE in acetone at 195 K has branching structure. This was demonstrated by means of "1"9F MAS NMR. (Author)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The electronic structure of the clusters [V_3Si_4]"1"2"-, [Nb_3Sn_4]"1"2"-[Mo_3Ge_4]"1"5"- in crystalline V_3Si, Nb_3Sn, Mo_3Ge compounds is calculated by the Extended Hueckel method. The influence of different types of radiation induced defects on the density of states at the Fermi level (the anti-site defects, the displacement of atoms in linear chains, the vacancy-interstitial type defects) is considered. (author).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Background: the fact that therapeutic irradiation can induce significant stenosis in the arteries of the head, neck, and chest, as welt as in the aorta and the iliac arteries, is familiar in daily practice and well documented in the literature. By contrast, radiation-induced renal artery stenosis seems to be a less widely known complication. Patients and methods: the sudden onset of medically refractory arterial hypertension and coma in a 27-year-old man is reported, who had been treated at age 20 with chemotherapy and radiotherapy for Ewing's sarcoma in the lumbar region. This treatment had been performed at the hospital of Sion, Switzerland in 2001. Also, the relevant literature from 1965 to 2007 is reviewed to underscore various aspects of this problem and to demonstrate the clinical relevance of renal artery stenosis as a potential long-term sequela of radiotherapy. Conclusion: radiation-induced renal artery stenosis has only rarely been ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Many assays for oncogenic transformation have been developed ranging from those in established rodent cell lines where morphological alteration is scored, to those in human cells growing in nude mice where tumor invasiveness is scored. In general, systems that are most quantitaive are also the least relevant in terms of human carcinogenesis and human risk estimation. The development of cell culture systems has made it possible to assess at the cellular level the oncogenic potential of a variety of chemical, physical and viral agents. Cell culture systems afford the opportunity to identify factors and conditions that may prevent or enhance cellular transformation by radiation and chemicals. Permissive and protective factors in radiation-induced transformation include thyroid hormone and the tumor promoter TPA that increase the transformation incidence for a given dose of radiation, and retinoids, selenium, vitamin E, and 5-aminobenzamide that inhibit the expression ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Severe damage to the pelvic viscera is a complication of irradiation therapy that, unfortunately, cannot always be avoided. Resulting rectal and rectocolonic strictures, rectovaginal fistulas, and shortening and stenosis of the vagina present very difficult problems that frequently require a colostomy for relief and may permanently impair sexual function. The authors present a new approach to correction of these unfortunate lesions based on the use of proximal nonirradiated colon which serves as a vascular pedicle graft to correct the defect without a complicated and massive resection. Twenty-two such operations have been done with 19 satisfactory to excellent results and two total failures (one death from small bowel complications). All patterns and combinations of irradiation injury have been found amenable to this technique of repair. These have included both web and linear strictures with and without fistulas. In half of the patients, it ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract: The ability of melatonin as a potent antioxidant was used as a rationale for testing its antiapoptotic ability in normal cells. Recently, melatonin was shown to possess proapoptotic action by increasing reactive oxygen species in certain cancer cells. The modification of radiation-induced apoptosis by melatonin and the expression of apoptosis-associated upstream regulators were studied in normal mice splenocytes and Jurkat T leukemia cells. C57BL/6 mice were exposed to a single whole body X-ray radiation dose of 2 Gy with or without 250 mg/kg melatonin pretreatment. The Jurkat cells were divided into four groups of control, 1 mm melatonin alone, 4 Gy irradiation-only and melatonin pretreatment before irradiation. The highest level of apoptosis in the normal splenic white pulp was...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The formation of nanoparticles during the radiation-induced chemical reduction of silver ions, copper ions, and nickel ions in films based on poly(acrylic acid)-poly(ethylenimine) complexes are studied via electron microscopy. This approach allows preparation of composites containing nanoparticles that are randomly distributed in the polymer matrix and materials with a regular spatial distribution of nanoparticles across the film thickness and in subsurface layers. The structure of metal-polymer hybrid materials is dependent on the irradiation conditions, the type of reduced metal ions, and their initial content in polymer matrices. The ratio between the rate of nucleation and the rate of growth of nanoparticles in the matrices of interpolyelectrolyte complexes depends on the intensity of ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The effect on an oscillator moving in a medium produced by that part of the radiative force which does not perform work but creates and angular moment is considered. It is shown that the radiative torque turns the dipole toward the axis along which it is moving. Near the axis of motion the dipole executes small oscilltions. The frequency of the oscillations is determined. This effect leads to spontaneous alignment of the dipole moments on moving through the medium. The feasibility of observing the effect experimentally is discussed.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Radiation hardening and radiation-induced chromium (Cr) depletion were related to intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC) response among various stainless steels (SS). Available data on neutron-irradiated materials were analyzed and correlations developed between fluence, yield strength, grain-boundary Cr concentration, and cracking susceptibility in high-temperature water environments. Large heat-to-heat differences in the critical fluence (0.2 neutrons/cm"2 to 2.5 x 10"2"1 neutrons/cm"2) for IGSCC were documented. Variability often was consistent with yield strength differences among irradiated materials. IGSCC correlated better to yield strength than to fluence for most heats, suggesting a possible role for radiation-induced hardening (and microstructure) on cracking. However, isolated heats revealed a wide range of yield strengths (450 MPa to 800 MPa) necessary to promote IGSCC which could not be explained by strength effects alone. ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Epidemiological studies will not solve the shape of the dose effect curve for stochastic effects in the low dose range. Unicellular processes are necessary for the primary processes so that no threshold dose exists. This is evident for somatic and genetic mutations. Not clearly solved is this question for the complex carcinogenesis. These processes develop with manifold interacting molecular and cellular steps. (orig.).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Post-irradiation annealing was used to help identify the role of radiation-induced segregation (RIS) in irradiation-assisted stress corrosion cracking (IASCC) by preferentially removing dislocation loop damage from proton-irradiated austenitic stainless steels while leaving the RIS of major and minor alloying elements largely unchanged. The goal of this study is to better understand the underlying mechanisms of IASCC. Simulations of post-irradiation annealing of RIS and dislocation loop microstructure predicted that dislocation loops would be removed preferentially over RIS due to both thermodynamic and kinetic considerations. To verify the simulation predictions, a series of post-irradiation annealing experiments were performed. Both a high purity 304L (HP-304L) and a commercial purity 304 (CP-304) stainless steel alloy were irradiated with 3.2 MeV protons at 360 deg. C to doses of 1.0 and 2.5 dpa. Following irradiation, post-irradiation anneals were performed at ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The three mammalian transforming growth factor (TGF)-β isoforms (TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and TGF-β3) differ in their putative roles in radiation-induced fibrosis in intestine...Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Arguments in favour of the possibility of the existence and the non-existence of tachyons are put forward. Some of the theoretical and experimental attempts which have either supported the view that tachyons exist or not are mentioned. In the light of evidence, available as of now, it is surmised that they may not exist and if they do, they may be neutral in charge. (K.B.).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The economics of renewable energy technologies when deployed in a decentralised manner are more favourable than the simple cost of the fossil fuel generated electricity displaced. They have capital and maintenance cost savings associated with the electrical transmission in infrastructures which are avoided. Worked examples are presented. (UK)

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Background/AimTobacco use reduces the effect of non-surgical periodontal therapy. Host-modulation with low-dose doxycycline (LDD) might favour repair and promote...Full Text Available

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

AbstractBackground: Certolizumab pegol (Cimzia, CZP) was approved for the treatment of Crohn's disease (CD) patients in 2007 in Switzerland as the first country worldwide. This prospective phase IV study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CZP over 26 weeks in a multicenter cohort of practice-based patients. Methods: Evaluation questionnaires at baseline, week 6, and week 26 were completed by gastroenterologists in hospitals and private practices. Adverse events were evaluated according to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Results: Sixty patients (38F/22M) were included; 53% had complicated disease (stricturing or penetrating), 45% had undergone prior CD-related surgery. All patients had prior exposure to systemic steroids, 96% to immunomodulators, 73% to infliximab, and...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Two local repair procedures, one without (9) and the other with (14) a bulbocavernosus muscle graft were performed on 20 patients with a radiation induced rectovaginal fistula. Four patients had two procedures successively. The initial success rate of both procedures was 7/9 and 14/14 respectively. Though the initial result of the bulbocavernosus graft was obviously better, in many of the local repair procedures, subclinical radiation damage progressed, resulting in recurrence of rectovaginal fistula (5), rectovesical fistula (4), pararectal abscess (2) etc. After a mean follow up of around 10 years, the success rate of fistula repair decreased to 5/9 and 13/14 and only 2/9 and 6/14 finally remained without a colostomy. A local repair operation should be restricted to carefully selected cases. The musculus gracilis is proposed as a better vascular graft. If the general condition of the patient does not allow more aggressive reconstructive ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Purpose Radiation-induced heart disease (RIHD) is a severe side effect of thoracic radiotherapy. This study examined the effects of pentoxifylline (PTX) and a-tocopherol on cardiac injury in a rat model of RIHD. Methods and Materials Male Sprague-Dawley rats received fractionated local heart irradiation with a daily dose of 9 Gy for 5 days and were observed for 6 months after irradiation. Rats were treated with a combination of PTX, 100 mg/kg/day, and a-tocopherol (20 IU/kg/day) and received these compounds either from 1 week before until 6 months after irradiation or starting 3 months after irradiation, a time point at which histopathologic changes become apparent in our model of RIHD. Results Radiation-induced increases in left ventricular diastolic pressure (in mm Hg: 35 +- 6 after sham...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We have been investigating radiation-induced neoplastic transformants of C3H 10T1/2 mouse fibroblasts for evidence of heritable changes. C3H 10T1/2 cells were treated with 8 Gy X rays. After approximately 8 weeks of culture, type II/III foci were isolated from the monolayer using cloning rings. Cell lines developed from these foci, and clones established from these cell lines, were examined for DNA content. The isolated focus-derived populations and derived clones often display aneuploidy and/or polyploidization. In one instance a clone (derived from a single cell) displayed multiple polyploidies. During passage the ploidy of many of the anomalous populations gradually reverted to the ploidy of the non-neoplastically transformed state. The morphological features associated with the neoplastic transformation event were nevertheless retained. The results demonstrate that exposure to radiation can induce, in association with morphological neoplastic transformation, a ...

Science.gov (United States)

Ionizing radiation is a standard treatment for various human solid tumors. However, several clinical studies showed that a significant proportion of patients undergoing radiotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) develop intrahepatic and extrahepatic metastasis. Understanding of radiation-induced cancer cell invasiveness and behavior is essential and of great important for developing suitable treatment strategies to contain cancer spread. Therefore, in this study we evaluated the effectiveness of using swept source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) to monitor the enhancement of HCC cell invasiveness by radiation. SS-OCT images were acquired and recorded to obtain three-dimensional data sets per four hours in 48 hours after irradiating HepG2 cells with 7.5 Gy. The cell migration behavior in three-dimensional tissue models was quantified from images of radiation-induced and sham-irradiated cells.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The thermal properties of five types of radiation-induced wood-polymer composites based on a tropical hardwood, rubberwood (Hevea braziliensis), was studied by oxygen index measurement, differential thermal analysis (DTA) and thermogravimetry (TG). The DTA and TG curves of composites were different from those of rubberwood, which can be attributed to the presence of the incorporated polymers. Of the five composites, the one impregnated with bis(2-chloroethyl)vinyl phosphonate reduced the initial temperature of decomposition, increased the peak temperatures of exothermic reactions, and increased the char yield. Comparison with physical blends of rubberwood and the corresponding polymer provided some evidence of chemical interaction of wood and polymer in some of the composites. (author).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In future experiments the readout electronics for pixel detectors is required to be resistant to a very high radiation level. In this paper we report on irradiation tests performed on several preFPIX2 prototype pixel readout chips for the BTeV experiment exposed to a 200 MeV proton beam. The prototype chips have been implemented in commercial 0.25 {micro}m CMOS processes following radiation tolerant design rules. The results show that this ASIC design tolerates a large total radiation dose, and that radiation induced Single Event Effects occur at a manageable level.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A wood/polymer composite was produced by impregnating Ramin wood with methyl methacrylate monomer and subsequently polymerizing it by gamma irradiation. To assess the improvement in compression strength of the wood caused by the polymer impregnation, a microbuckling compression failure mechanism was used to model the compression failure of the composite. Such a mechanism was found to predict a linear relationship between the compression strength and the percentage polymer impregnation (by weight). Uniaxial compression test results at 45({plus minus}5)% and 90({plus minus}5)% relative humidity levels, after being statistically analysed, showed that such a linear relationship was valid for up to 100% polymer impregnation. (author).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wood-plastic composites (WPC) have been prepared with five low-grade woods, native to Syria, using three monomer systems; acrylamide, butylmethacrylate, and styrene, with methanol as the swelling solvent. Polymerization was induced at various radiation doses (10, 20, and 30 kGy) at a dose rate of 3.5 kGy/h using a {sup 60}Co gamma radiation source. Some physical properties of WPC, namely polymer loading and compression strength have been measured. The polymer loading decreases approximately with increasing density of the wood species used.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wood-plastic composites (WPC) have been prepared with five low-grade woods, native to Syria, using three monomer systems; acrylamide, butylmethacrylate, and styrene, with methanol as the swelling solvent. Polymerization was induced at various radiation doses (10, 20, and 30 kGy) at a dose rate of 3.5 kGy/h using a "6"0Co gamma radiation source. Some physical properties of WPC, namely polymer loading and compression strength have been measured. The polymer loading decreases approximately with increasing density of the wood species used. (author)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This short survey focuses on the main radiation-induced base lesions that have been identified within cellular DNA. For this purpose, sensitive assays that are aimed at measuring a few modifications per 10{sup 7} normal bases were set-up. In that respect high performance liquid chromatography - tandem mass spectrometry (CLHP-MS/MS) was found to be able to single out the formation of 9 oxidized nucleosides and two modified nucleo-bases out of the 70 oxidative base lesions that have been identified in model systems. As a striking result, it was found that in the DNA of {gamma}-irradiated human monocytes, the formamide-pyrimidine derivative of guanine is produced in a higher yield than the ubiquitous 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-guanine damage, both arising from the same radical precursor. However, relatively high doses of ionizing radiation (> 20 Gy) have to be applied in order to detect an increase in the level of the damage. This is due to the low efficiency for both ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The process of mouse skin tumor formation is subdivided into three operational stages. These stages include initiation, promotion and progression. Ionizing radiation has been found to be a weak initiating agent in the production of malignant squamous cell carcinomas, a complete carcinogen and an agent effective in causing tumor progression. Four skin tumor histologies have been seen with ionizing radiation: benign papillomas, squamous (SCC) and basal (BCC) cell carcinomas and fibrosarcomas. Distinct non-ras transforming genes have been detected in radiation initiated SCCs. A benign papilloma cell line (308) was used as a model system to study ionizing radiation induced progression. A variant 308 cell line (308 10 Gy 5) derived by irradiation of the parental 308 cell has been characterized. The 308 10 Gy 5 cells unlike the parental 308 cells from malignant tumors in athymic nude mice upon subcutaneous injection. The variant 308 10 Gy 5 cells ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Full text: DNA rearrangement events leading to chromosomal aberrations are central to ionizing radiation-induced cell death. Although DNA double-strand breaks are probably the lesion that initiates formation of chromosomal aberrations, little is understood about the molecular mechanisms that generate and modulate DNA rearrangement. Examination of the sequences that flank sites of DNA rearrangement may provide information regarding the processes and enzymes involved in rearrangement events. Accordingly, we developed a method using inverse PCR that allows the detection and sequencing of putative radiation-induced DNA rearrangements in defined regions of the human genome. The method can detect single copies of a rearrangement event that has occurred in a particular region of the genome and, therefore, DNA rearrangement detection does not require survival and continued multiplication of the affected cell. Ionizing ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

A popular myth in football (soccer) that it is unwise tactically to score early against Brazil is busted using data from 1993 to 2010. This result provides further evidence about the choice of timing of effort exertion by an underdog in a finite-length industry contest against a more favoured opponent.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In the case of large capacity steam turbines the conventional nozzle group control is, for mechanical and thermodynamic reasons, diminishing more and more in importance in favour of variable pressure control. A design for constant-pressure operation as an alternative to nozzle group control is described; this demonstrates a series of important advantages compared with the latter. (orig.).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The Monte Carlo transport codes LAHET and MCNP were used to calculate energy fluence spectra at three neutron therapy facilities. The results compare very favourably with measured data. Kerma spectra and the ratio of ICRU muscle tissue kerma to A-150 kerma, along the carbon to oxygen kerma ratio, were determined. Absorbed dose rate calculations are in reasonable agreement with measured values. Use of these codes to study modifications to existing therapy beams is briefly discussed. (author).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In co-operation with the Scientific Planning Department of the Central Research Institute for Vessel- and Turbine Building the construction office of the turbine factory Charkow finished the draft of a slowly running (n = 1500 min"-"1) 2 GW-turboset for the operation of nuclear power plants. The chief purpose of the project was to determine the technical problems that are used to occur during the development of such steam turbines, as well as to settle the most favourable design. (orig./GL).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hepatobiliary scintigraphy is the only non-invasive technique providing real-time assessment of hepatocytes function and bile progression from the liver to the intestine; for this reason it is of great importance in the study of jaundice and many other disorders of the liver and the biliary tract in children. Ultrasonography is the initial method of evaluating the intra- and extrahepatic bile ducts dilatation: the differential diagnosis between biliary atresia and neonatal hepatitis cannot however be done without hepatobiliary scintigraphy. Cystic fibrosis patients also require hepatobiliary scintigraphy; liver and biliary tract disease can really occur independently of the underlying disease severity and the presence of steatorrhoea. Hepatobiliary imaging in children who have undergone liver transplantation is of major importance; it can assess vascularity, parenchymal function biliary drainage, possible presence of a bile leak and obstruction; it has very good sensitivity and ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of multiple stents placement in the management of hilar cholangiocarcinoma, especially in the complex cases of which the hepatic ducts are invaded. Methods: Forty-five consecutive patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma were treated with percutaneous transhepatic placement of two or three self-expandable metallic endoprostheses. The cause of hilar obstructions in these patients were all cholangiocarcinoma, including Bismuth classification type II (n 12), IIIa (n 17), IIIb (n 10), and IV (n 6). Two or 3 stents were placed in the configuration of T, Y or X over the strictures. Results: Stent placement with 2 or 3 endoprostheses was successful in all patients. All patients showed significant decrease in serum bilirubin level. The mortality rate within 30 days of stent placement was 2.2% (1/45). The mean survival and stent patency times were 215.3 d (26- 516 d) and 181.5 d (26-473 d), respectively. Conclusion: Deploying of ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Most plans for the disposition of surplus nuclear materials involve storage in sealed containers where the evolution of gases from reactions of adsorbed water could present both pressure and flammability hazards[l] . Despite efforts such as calcining the material to minimize the water content prior to packaging, both residual moisture and readsorbed water may be present in the final containers . Given the anticipated temperature excursions during transportation and storage, this water may thermally desorb, increasing the pressure, and/or thermally dissociate to produce H2 gas, increasing flammability hazards . In addition, the radiation from the nuclear material may induce radiolysis of the water with the likely products being water vapor, H2, 02 and H2O2. In order to better understand the relative importance of the thermal- and radiationinduced chemistry, we have studied the interactions of water on single crystals of uranium dioxide .

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Elevation of zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) levels in the blood has served as an indicator of lead poisoning and iron deficiency anemia for many years. We have discovered that sublethal doses of whole body irradiation with x-rays also elevates ZPP 2-3-fold over normal levels. The ZPP level does not begin to increase until days 12-14 postirradiation and peaks between days 18 and 20 before returning to normal levels between days 28 and 35. Increasing the radiation dose delays the onset of the rise in ZPP, but does not affect the magnitude of the elevation. At lethal doses, ZPP elevation is not observed. Neither of the two previously described mechanisms that cause elevations of ZPP, namely iron deficiency and inhibition of ferrochelatase, are responsible for the radiation-induced elevation of ZPP. The elevation of ZPP appears to be correlated with the recovery of the hematopoietic system from radiation injury.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The synthetic process of polyethylene cation exchange capillary via radiation grafting polystyrene by simultaneous irradiation with "6"0Co #gamma#-ray source and sulfonation with concentrated H_2SO_4 was studied. The effects of dose, dose rate, monomer concentration, solvents, temperature and crosslinking agents on the graft copolymerization of styrene with polyethylene capillary were illustrated. The relationship between the radiation grafting conditions and the properties of ion-exchange capillary were examined. A polyethylene cation exchange capillary with I.D. 0.8 mm, length 20 m, exchange capacity 0.7 Meq/g 60% capacity in 10 s (flow rate 20 ml/min) was prepared. No significant loss of copacity was found from this ion-exchange capillary after 200 adsorption/regeneration cycles.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

We study CP-violating phenomena in the production, mixing and decay of a coupled system of CP-violating neutral Higgs bosons at #gamma##gamma# colliders, assuming a Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model (MSSM) Higgs sector in which CP violation is radiatively induced by phases in the soft supersymmetry-breaking gaugino masses and third-generation trilinear squark couplings. We discuss CP asymmetries in the production and decays of #mu#"+#mu#"-, #tau#"+#tau#"-, b-bar b and t-bar t pairs. We find large asymmetries when two (or all three) neutral Higgs bosons are nearly degenerate with mass differences comparable to their decay widths, as happens naturally in the CP-violating MSSM for values of tan#beta#-bar 5 (30) and large (small) charged Higgs-boson masses.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Two patients who developed large intracranial vessel occlusion after standard radiation therapy for brain tumor are described. This form of vascular occlusion is usually seen in patients who have previously been treated by radiotherapy for intracranial tumor who then develop a relatively acute change in neurologic status. Histology of the lesion mimics accelerated focal arteriosclerosis. The clinical and radiographic manifestations of one case were highly atypical. The vasculopathy became evident shortly after termination of radiation therapy for a fourth ventricular ependymoma, and the angiographic picture stimulated a diffuse arteritis. The second patient was more typical, with clinical symptoms developing 12 years after radiation therapy for an oligodendroglioma. Occlusion of a proximal vessel that had been included in the radiation port was demonstrated radiographically and confirmed by pathologic examination. The clinical, angiographic, and histologic features of these two cases ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Photoluminescence spectroscopy measurements were carried out for silicon 50{mu}m BSFR space solar cells irradiated with 1MeV electrons with a fluence exceeding 1 x 10{sup 16} e/cm{sup 2} and 10MeV protons with a fluence exceeding 1 x 10{sup 13} p/cm{sup 2}. The results were compared with the previous result performed in a relative low fluence region, and the radiation-induced defects which cause anomalous degradation of the cell performance in such large fluence regions were discussed. As far as we know, this is the first report which presents the PL measurement results at 4.2K of the large fluence radiation irradiated silicon solar cells. (author)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nickel ion radiation at 500 C was shown to have a strong effect on the surface electrochemistry and intergranular corrosion (IGC) of stainless steel (SS). Measured current densities in a 1 N sulfuric acid solution at room temperature were increased at active-passive, passive, and transpassive potentials. Radiation effects on the current decay behavior and susecptibility to IGC were similar for a fine-grained (FG) S alloy and for a very large-grained (LG) SS. Radiation-induced segregation (RIS) at the surface was believed to promote higher currents at short times, whereas segregation at grain boundaries was responsible for IG attack. Analytical electron microscopy (AEM) measurements revealed chromium and iron depletion plus Ni and silicon enrichment at grain boundaries in irradiated specimens. Si enhanced dissolution at transpassive potentials, whereas Cr depletion did the same at active-passive and passive potentials.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Increased levels of epidermal growth factor receptor have been reported in a variety of tumors, including pulmonary squamous cell carcinomas in man. The purpose of this study was to determine if increased levels of epidermal growth factor (EGFR) were present in lung tumors from Beagle dogs that had been exposed to "2"3"9PuO_2- Using immunohistochemical techniques, sections from 17 lung tumors were examined for the presence of EGFR. Seven of the tumors were strongly positive for EGFR; the remainder of the tumors and the normal lung sections were negative. The positive immunostaining could not be correlated with the histologic phenotype of the tumors. Work is in progress to determine the level of EGFR in preneoplastic, proliferative epithelial foci in the Iung. (author)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The effect of exposure to gamma rays on LPO contents in liver, spleen and kidney of mice and the anti-lipid-peroxidation of preparations of chinonin, tannic acid and squalene were reported. All these preparations were given by intragastric perfusion. For LPO, a modified method of TBA spectrophotometry was used for determination. The results show that LPO contents in tissues increased 72 h after whole-body exposure of mice to gamma rays, that in range of 0-4 Gy, there was a linear relationship between radiation doses and LPO contents, and that all three preparations were effective in reduction of the LPO content in liver, spleen and kidney of mice, with chinonin (at dose of 0.35 mg/mouse#centre dot#day) being more effective than tannic acid (at dose of 15 mg/mouse#centre dot#day) and squalene (at dose of 0.6 mg/mouse#centre dot#day).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Data are presented to support the hypothesis that the initial step in the morphologic transformation of irradiated rodent (BALB/3T3) cells is a frequent cellular event involving a large fraction of the irradiated population. This process appears to involve DNA damage, but not to represent a targeted mutation in specific structural gene(s). Morphologic transformation and immortalization appear to be distinct steps in the overall process of transformation. In contradistinction to rodent cells, immortalization is a very rare event in human diploid cells which is induced at extremely low frequencies. The hypothesis is presented that immortality develops among clones of cells bearing stable chromosomal rearrangements which emerge during the proliferation of a population of radiation damaged cells.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The content and biosynthesis of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) were studied in pig thigh muscle after acute local {gamma}-irradiation. Seven months following irradiation, the muscular tissue next to the irradiation cone was replaced by severe mutilating fibrosis delimited by an intermediary perifibrotic zone. Results showed a parallel increase of collagen and GAG content in perifibrotic and fibrotic tissues. Sulphated GAGs, heparan sulphate and dermatan sulphate were preferentially accumulated in fibrotic tissue, while the hyaluronic acid content increased only slightly. Synthesis of sulphated GAGs was more elevated in fibrotic tissue than in perifibrotic zone as compared with normal muscle. Seven months after irradiation well-developed fibrotic tissue continued to synthesize and to accumulate extracellular matrix macromolecules. (Author).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

On 21 October 1994, three brothers entered a waste repository at Tammiku, Estonia, without authorization and removed a metal container enclosing a caesium-137 source. During the removal the source was dislodged and fell to the ground. One of the men picked up the source, placed it in his pocket and took it to his home in the nearby village of Kiisa. Very soon after entry into the repository he began to feel ill, and few hours later he began to vomit. The man was subsequently admitted to hospital with severe injuries to his leg and hip and died on 2 November 1994. The injury and subsequent death were not attributed to radiation exposure, and the source remained in the man's house with his wife and stepson and the boy's great-grandmother. The boy was hospitalized on 17 November with severe burns on his hands, and these were identified by a doctor as radiation induced. The authorities were alerted, and the Estonian Rescue Board recovered the ...

Science.gov (United States)

Endothelial dysfunction and increased platelet aggregation may be involved in the pathogenesis of normal tissue radiation toxicity. This study assessed clopidogrel, an inhibitor of ADP-induced platelet aggregation, as a modulator of intestinal radiation injury (radiation enteropathy). Rat small intestine was exposed to 21 Gy X-radiation. Clopidogrel (20 mg/kg/day) or vehicle was administered from 2 days before to 10 days after irradiation. Structural radiation injury, neutrophil infiltration, smooth muscle cell proliferation, collagen content, and TGF-beta1 expression were assessed 2 weeks (early phase) and 26 weeks (delayed phase) after irradiation, using quantitative histology and immunohistochemistry, morphometry, and real-time fluorogenic probe RT-PCR. Irradiated intestine exhibited significant histopathologic injury, reduced mucosal surface area, vascular sclerosis, intestinal wall fibrosis, increased collagen content, and increased TGF-beta1 expression. Clopidogrel reduced ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

7,959 patients were examined by radionuclide in-vivo methods within one year, 1,228 of them by application of "1"3"1I-iodide (radioiodine test and scintigraphy of the thyroid gland). In compliance with the ICRP publications 26 and 27 the somatically effective equivalent dose H/sub s,eff/ was ascertained for several examining methods, derived from it the collective dose S/sub s,eff/ and considering a part of manifestation resulting from the age distribution of patients, the somatic risk regarding radiation-induced malignoma with fatal termination. For the patients examined by "1"3"1I-iodide the collective dose was 79.9 man x Sv and the mean somatic risk 30 x 10"-"5 with a part of manifestation of 0.39 accordig to 0.37 radiation-induced malignomas with fatal termination. For all patients examined by other radiopharmaceuticals the collective dose was 14.07 man x Sv, the mean somatic risk 1.7 x 10"-"5 according to 0.11 malignomas. The average ...

Science.gov (United States)

This paper explores how an aid-funded Ph.D.-programme in mathematics education instituted in some Southern African Development Community countries measures up to issues related to research capacity development projects. The research capacity development programme is described and reflected against mutual benefit, relevance, sustainability and prioritization of the location of project funding expenditure--some of the constructs in the discourse on research capacity development initiatives. It is found that the benefits of the programme are indeed mutual; the outcomes regarding relevance and sustainability are more uncertain and the location of expenditure of the funding is not overtly in favour of the donor country.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

There is strong interest in lithium imaging, particularly because of its significance in battery materials. However, light atoms only scatter electrons weakly and atomic resolution direct imaging of lithium has proven difficult. This paper explores theoretically the conditions under which lithium columns can be expected to be directly visible using annular bright field scanning transmission electron microscopy. A detailed discussion is given of the controllable parameters and the conditions most favourable for lithium imaging.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

We calculate the normalized factorial moments of multiplicity distributions through three models for elastic hadron scattering (Chou-Yang, Henzi-Valin and Menon-Pimentel). Connections between the moments and the inelastic overlap function and/or eikonal function are obtained by means of an impact parameter representation for the multiplicity distribution. The predictions are compared with experimental data on factorial moments from both inelastic and non-single-diffractive events. The model results present best agreement with the inelastic events and data favour the model by Henzi and Valin. (author)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In this article the results of a study on sustainability of energy crops are discussed. Contribution to the reduction of the greenhouse effect and other environmental effects were investigated for the Netherlands. The study assumed that energy crops are grown on set-aside land or grain land. Generating electricity and/or heat from hemp, reed, miscanthus, poplar and willow show the best prospects. These crops are sustainable and may in the future be economically feasible. Ethanol from winter wheat shows the most favourable environmental effects, but is not economically efficient. Liquid fuels from oil seed rape and sugar beet are not very sustainable. 2 tabs., 4 refs.

CERN Document Server

In the quest to understand the ultimate nature of WIMPs, we propose the use of a hybrid detection technique: cylinders filled with liquefied noble gasses, acting as targets, are immersed inside a tank of Gd-doped ultra-pure water that provides an active and efficient veto against neutrons. The evaluation of the background rejection capabilities and physics potential of this instrument have been carried out through a full GEANT4 simulation, assuming the detector will be located at the Canfranc underground laboratory (in the Spanish Pyrenees). Our results compare very favourably with existing or planned experiments in the field. This technique is scalable and will allow to reach target masses of few tonnes in the next future.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

In this paper we describe a Ni-Sn intermetallic material obtained via template electroplating synthesis. The structure and the morphology of this material are investigated by X ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analyses. We demonstrate that Ni-Sn behaves as a sub-micrometric electrode showing a favourable response when cycled in a lithium cell. The results here reported suggest that the template electroplating is a promising synthetic approach that can lead to an optimized structure and morphology of the Ni-Sn electrode, such as to confer it a role of a high capacity anode in advanced lithium ion batteries.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Differential cross sections have been measured for the elastic and inelastic scattering of 104 MeV alpha-particles from "9"0,"9"2Zr. The experimental data are analyzed in terms of coupled channels on the basis of a flexible anharmonic vibrator model and using different parametrizations of the radial shape of the extended optical potential. The results favour the squared Saxon-Woods type for the real part. Additionally to a radial momentum analysis of the real potentials a semimicroscopic folding model has been invoked for extracting isoscalar quadrupole and hexadecapole transition rates. (orig.).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A series of copolymers based on the cellulose acetate/propionate-g.co-acrylic acid system has been prepared under radiation-induced control. These copolymers have been assessed for their water-retention capacity both in an unmodified state and after ''decrystallization'' or ''neutralization'' treatments. The grafting of acrylic acid onto the cellulose acetate/propionate had little effect on the water retention power of the cellulose acetate/propionate. However, improvements to the water retentivity was obtained after ''decrystallization'' procedures had been carried out on the copolymers using selected alkali metal salts with methanol as the continuous medium. The water-retentivity of the copolymers increased with increase in the extent of grafting, though the effect is less pronounced at high graft levels. Neutralization of the functional groups of the ...

Science.gov (United States)

The effects of the structure of a carboxylic acid on the processes of oxidation and reduction of iron ions in irradiated aqueous solutions were directly observed during irradiation. The solutions contained the mono- or dicarboxylic acid, H/sub 2/SO/sub 4/, Fe(NH/sub 4/)/sub 2/(SO/sub 4/)/sub 2/ and O/sub 2/. Th e ferrous oxidation was rather independent of the acid and its concentration, but the reduction of ferric was possible in the presence of formic, oxalic, or valeric acid only. The radical formed from the valeric acid acts similar to those formed from hydrocarbons. The G-values of oxidation and reduction of the iron ions were established. The molar extinction coefficients for oxalic and malonic complexes of ferric ions were determined. (auth)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

To determine if barbiturates would protect brain at high doses of radiation, survival rates in rats that received whole-brain x-irradiation during pentobarbital- or lidocaine-induced anesthesia were compared with those of control animals that received no medication and of animals anesthetized with ketamine. The animals were shielded so that respiratory and digestive tissues would not be damaged by the radiation. Survival rates in rats that received whole-brain irradiation as a single 7500-rad dose under pentobarbital- or lidocaine-induced anesthesia was increased from between from 0% and 20% to between 45% and 69% over the 40 days of observation compared with the other two groups (p less than 0.007). Ketamine anesthesia provided no protection. There were no notable differential effects upon non-neural tissues, suggesting that pentobarbital afforded protection through modulation of ambient neural activity during radiation exposure. Neural suppression during high-dose cranial irradiation ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Current bioartificial extra-corporeal systems are bioreactors where cells are separated from the surrounding media by porous polymeric membranes. The present work focuses on the design of membranes that allow the differential diffusion of plasma metabolites and proteins such as immunoglobulin (IgG). This design will improve catabolites removal and reduce possible immune response and virus infection. We demonstrate the feasibility to synthesize the hydrogels confined to the macroporous structure of membranes by radiation-induced in situ polymerization. The hollow-fiber membranes were soaked in aqueous monomeric solution, rinsed and irradiated while submerged in oil. This procedure confined the hydrogel to the void internal volume of the pores of the membrane. Hydrogels of polyacrylamide and polyHEMA were synthesized this way by irradiation at 10 kGy. Hydraulic permeability and diffusion of glucose, albumin and IgG were measured in these hydrogel-filled membranes. ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The atomic explosions in Hiroshima and Nagasaki made the name radiation itself become a nightmare. Notwithstanding this, radiation continued to serve the mankind specially in diagnosis of several human diseases and in the treatment of intractable malignancies. With their latest research tools biologists have now shown a significant shift in the earlier paradigm; even the concept that radiation initiates cancer appears to be no longer tenable. On the contrary, selective radiation doses inhibit growth of cancer cells and radiation in combination with many chemotherapeutic drugs, radiosensitizing chemicals and/or hyperthermia, is emerging as a new modality for cancer treatment which offers high therapeutic advantages. In addition, the deleterious effects of radiation can now be strategically counter poised by the use of many drugs and chemicals. This has been possible by the newer insights gained in the mechanism of biological effects of radiation. The fate of ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In experiments designed to detect new mutations affecting hemoglobin, we irradiated the male or female parent in reciprocal crosses of two mouse strains that differ in alleles at the hemoglobin (Hba, Hbb) loci as well as at five other specific loci. Offspring were analyzed for hemoglobin properties (electrophoretic pattern, solubility, crystal pattern), serum albumin differences, erythrocyte lysis, reticulocyte count, and external appearance. Five hemoglobin variants were found among the mutants. In three, the genetic contribution from the irradiated father was not expressed with regard to the #alpha#-chain; one carried a tandem duplication (the first known case in the mouse) involving Hbb; and one probably resulted from double nondisjunction of chromosome 7. The finding that major chromosome aberratios can mimic hemoglobin mutations indicates the need, in similar experiments, to follow F_1 screening with thorough cytogenetic analysis. The variants in which there is nonexpression of ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wood sawdust has been applied to manufacture the sawdust-clay-plastic composite (SDCPC) by radiation process for the purpose of disposing large amount of wood sawdust waste material. The process comprises the impregnation of liquid vinyl monomers into the completely dried molded sawdust-clay specimens followed by exposure to Co-60 gamma-radiation to induce graft-copolymerization of the impregnated vinyl monomers onto the sawdust-clay matrix. The comonomer system of unsaturated polyester and vinyl compounds was found to be the ideal impregnating monomer for the preparation of the SDCPC from the viewpoint of the technological and economical advantages. The SDCPC material has a variety of the sawdust content which enables the composite to have wide range of mechanical properties, e.g., 410 to 1100 kg/cm/sup 2/ in compressive strength, 120 to 380 kg/cm/sup 2/ in tensile strength and 0.32 to 4.41 kg/mm/sup 2/ in static bending strength. The SDCPC having higher content of clay (more than 50% ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The in situ assembly states of the glucose transport carrier protein in the plasma membrane and in the intracellular (microsomal) storage pool of rat adipocytes were assessed by studying radiation-induced inactivation of the D-glucose-sensitive cytochalasin B binding activities. High energy radiation inactivated the glucose-sensitive cytochalasin B binding of each of these membrane preparations by reducing the total number of the binding sites without affecting the dissociation constant. The reduction in total number of binding sites was analyzed as a function of radiation dose based on target theory, from which a radiation-sensitive mass (target size) was calculated. When the plasma membranes of insulin-treated adipocytes were used, a target size of approximately 58,000 daltons was obtained. For adipocyte microsomal membranes, we obtained target sizes of approximately 112,000 and 109,000 daltons prior to and after insulin treatment, respectively. In the case of ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Total-dose irradiation seriously damages MOS devices and their circuit performance. Threshold voltage shifts, transconductance degradation and increase in off-state leakage current are generally observed for irradiated devices. These instabilities are essentially due to positive and/or negative charge trapping in SiO_2 and interface trap generation at the SiO_2/Si interface. Radiation hardening of CMOS VLSIs is to eliminate these trapping effects, and for this purpose, special considerations for fabrication processes and layout design are necessary. In this paper, basic mechanisms for radiation-induced charge trapping and related effects on MOS devices are reviewed. Also discussed are radiation-hardening technologies from both fabrication-process and layout-design viewpoints. Using these technologies, 1 #mu#m radiation-hard CMOS gate arrays have been successfully developed. Experimental data taken for 2k-gate test chips indicate that radiation hardness of these ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The adverse effect of moisture diffusion on the properties of wood has been one of the main weaknesses of wood. Using a gamma irradiation method, wood-polymer composites have been produced which exhibit significant improvement in mechanical properties like compression, creep deformation and creep rupture particularly at high humidity. It has been thought that the impregnation of polymer into the wood has affected the moisture diffusion in the wood, so that its adverse effects on the mechanical properties has been reduced. In this report the apparent diffusion coefficients of a Ramin wood impregnated with varying amounts of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) were determined using a Fick's law approach. An initial linear relationship was found for impregnation of up to 70% PMMA, after which the diffusion coefficient levels off to a maximum value, for the three environmental relative humidity levels of 40, 60 and 90({plus minus}5)%. The phenomenon could be explained by means of a ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The electrical conductivity of Vitox-alumina (99.2%), Wesgo-alumina (99.9%) and AlN (99.6%) has been measured during and after irradiation with an experimental set-up which allows fusion relevant loading conditions. All irradiations were performed in high vacuum at 450 C using a 104 MeV {alpha}-particle beam with an applied DC electric field of 100 kV/m. In the high purity Vitox-alumina the in-situ and postirradiation bulk conductivities {sigma} and {sigma}{sub 0} show the highest irradiation induced electrical breakdown ever observed. The saturation level near 4 x 10{sup -2} ({Omega}m){sup -1}, reached already after 0.015 dpa (O-sublattice), is already above the critical value necessary to avoid MHD pressure drop with 10 {mu}m coatings in flowing liquid metal coolants. Under the same conditions no radiation induced electrical degradation at all has been found in Wesgo-alumina and AlN. (orig.).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Thermoluminescence (TL) dosimetry was used to measure dose effects on the raw stock material of borosilicate container glass from different geographical locations. Effects were studied at times up to 60 days post-irradiation at doses from 0.15 to 20 Gy. The minimum detectable dose using this technique was estimated to be 0.15 Gy which is roughly equivalent to a 24 hr irradiation 1 cm from a 50 ng source of 60Co. Two peaks were identified in the TL glow curve, a relatively unstable peak around 125 C and a more stable peak around 225 C. Differences in TL glow curve shape and intensity were also observed for the glasses from different geographical origins. We investigate radiation induced defects in glass to further develop the technique of intrinsic dosimetry - the measurement of the total absorbed dose received by the walls of a container holding radioactive material. Intrinsic dosimetry is intended to be used as an interrogation tool to provide ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

For an assessment of the future US spallation neutron source (SNS) target performance, radiation induced hardening and microstructural evolution were investigated as a function of ion dose for EC316LN stainless steel. Irradiation was carried out using 3.5 MeV Fe{sup +}, 360 keV He{sup +}, and 180 keV H{sup +} simultaneous ion-beams at 200 deg. C to simulate the damage, He and H production in the SNS target vessel wall. At low dose (< 1 dpa), the predominant defects were black dots whose number density saturated rapidly within a few dpa. This was followed by the evolution of interstitial loops whose number density saturated below 15 dpa. Although He-bubbles were not visible, severely scalloped loops suggested that the implanted He/H atoms existed in the form of small clusters. Comparison with reported neutron irradiation data showed that hardening and ductility loss occurred mostly in the black dot regime (< 1 dpa), but that good ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The application of robotics for repair, refurbishing or dismantling of nuclear installations implies eventually severe radiation resistance requirements on embarked components and subsystems. This is particularly critical when optical sensing is considered. Optoelectronic components and optical fibers are indeed quite sensitive to radiation, and without special design are rapidly out-of-operation in such an environment. This paper reports the results of a series of #gamma# irradiation experiments on such devices, and identify their behavior under radiation. Test results show that carefully selected optical fibers can keep their radiation induced attenuation lower than 0.3 dB/m even up to a total dose of 10 MGy. Temperature annealing can even lower this attenuation down to 0.1 dB/m. On the other hand, commercially available light emitting diodes and photodiodes present attenuations figures up to 15 dB, even after a gamma irradiation as low as ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Aluminum nitride has been proposed as electrically insulating coating in connection with blankets made of vanadium alloys. Irradiations were performed with an applied DC electric field of 100 kV/m, using a 104 MeV {alpha}-particle beam. The dose achieved were 0.1 dpa at 300 C, 0.05 dpa at 400 C, and 0.06 dpa at 500 C. The out-of-beam conductivity {sigma}{sub 0} decreased at all temperatures employed during early stage of irradiation. Before 0.02 dpa had been reached, {sigma}{sub 0} dropped to low values of typically (2-4) x 10{sup -11} ({Omega} m){sup -1}. Although a moderate increase can be observed during further irradiation, {sigma}{sub 0} remained below the initial value of the unirradiated specimen for all temperatures. That is, there is no significant evidence for radiation induced electrical degradation. The in-beam conductivity {sigma}, measured continuously during irradiation, also decreased by at least one order of magnitude. Relevant ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Effect of radiation dose and carbon nanotubes (CNT) on the mechanical properties of standard Malaysian rubber (SMR) was investigated in this study. SMR nanocomposites containing 1-7 phr CNT were prepared using the solvent casting method and the nanocomposites were radiated at doses of 50-200 kGy. The change in mechanical properties, especially, tensile strength (Ts), elongation at break (Eb), hardness and tensile modulus at 100% elongation (M{sub 100}) were studied as a function of radiation dose. The structure and morphology of reinforced natural rubber was investigated by FESEM, TEM and AFM in order to gain further evidence on the radiation-induced crosslinking. It was found that the Ts, M{sub 100} and the hardness of the SMR/CNT nanocomposites significantly increased with radiation dose; the elongation at break exhibited an increase up to 100 kGy, and a downward trend thereafter. Results on gel fraction further confirmed the crosslinking of SMR/CNT ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Alloy HT-9 is being used for both duct and cladding applications in advanced liquid-metal reactor (LMR) experiments. This tempered martensitic steel was selected for use as an LMR core component material primarily because of its excellent resistance to radiation-induced swelling. Experiments conducted in the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) at 410 degree C and exposures in the range of 150 to 175 displacements per atom (dpa) have shown that Ht-9 exhibits only a 0.2 to 0.3% increase in volume. Cold-worked austenitic steels exhibit volumetric increases of 20 to 30% at 410 degree C, Alloy HT-9 is being used for a series of fuel pin experiments in the FFTF, and these tests have achieved a burnup of 175 MWd/kg metal and a fluence of 25 x 10"2"2 n/cm"2 (E > 0.1 MeV) without fuel pin breach. The high confidence placed in HT-9 is based on a wide series of in- and ex-reactor experiments. Test results for these experiments are summarized in this paper.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The work scope of 'Biological Research for the Radiation Protection' had contained the research about ornithine decarboxylase and its controlling proteins, thioredoxin, peroxiredoxin, S-adenosymethionine decarboxylase, and glutamate decarboxylase 67KD effect on the cell death triggered ionizing radiation and H_2O_2(toxic agents). In this study, to elucidate the role of these proteins in the ionizing radiation (or H_2O_2)-induced apoptotic cell death, we utilized sensesed (or antisensed) cells, which overexpress (or down-regulate) RNAs associated with these proteins biosynthesis, and investigated the effects of these genes on the cytotoxicity caused by ionizing radiation and H_2O_2(or paraquat). We also investigated whether genisteine(or thiamine) may enhance the cytotoxic efficacy of tumor cells caused by ionizing radiation (may enhance the preventing effect radiation or paraquat-induced damage) because such compounds are able to potentiate the cell-killing or cell protecting effects. ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The overall objective of this project has been to develop immunochemical methods to quantitate unique DNA base damages in order to facilitate studies on radiation-induced damage production and repair. Specifically, we have been using antibodies raised to damaged bases to quantitate unique lesions in model systems in order to evaluate their potential biological consequences. Our approach has been to synthesize modified nucleotides or nucleosides, conjugate them to protein carriers, and use the conjugates as immunogens in rabbits or to prepare monoclonal antibodies. We have been studying damages that are stable radiolysis products found in X-irradiated DNA and thus of potential biological consequence. Our aim is to build an in vitro and in vivo data base on the interactions between model DNA lesions and such cellular enzymes as DNA polymerases and repair endonucleases. Initial studies have focused on pyrimidine ring saturation products (thymine glycol.and ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Population residing in the northern part of the Chelyabinsk oblast and the south eastern part of the Sverdlovsk oblast of Russia affected to accidental exposure since 1957. The territory (East Ural Radioactive Trace - EURT) was contaminated after explosion of container with highly radioactive wastes at the Mayak Production Association. Studies of health effects of exposure in the southern, head part of EURT are conducted in the Ural Research and Practical Center of Radiation Medicine (U.R.P.R.M.). In the 1990's U.R.P.C.R.M. formed a cohort of EURT within Chelyabinsk oblast (14,500 cases and 19,400 external controls). The cohort was followed in 1957-1987 and the results of the study are discussed by Crestinina et al. First results of study on exposure late health effects among rural population in the northern part of the EURT are presented in this paper. Firstly, or the period 1958-2000 a statistically significant increase in cancer mortality associated with accidental exposure ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Objective: To evaluate technical feasibility and acute and subacute radiotolerance of a self-expandable stent loaded with {sup 125}I seeds in the rabbit esophagus. Methods: A self-expandable stent designed for esophageal application was made of 0.16 mm nitinol wire and loaded with {sup 125}I seeds (CIAE-6711). Twenty-seven stents with three different radioactive dosages (n = 9 in each dosage group) were implanted in the esophagus of healthy rabbits, while nine stents alone were used as controls. The stents were perorally deployed into the esophagus under fluoroscopic guidance. Radiological follow-up included plain chest film, CT scan, and barium esophagography which were undertaken in all rabbits of each group at 2, 4, and 8 weeks, respectively, which were correlated to histopathological findings. The stented esophageal segments along with their adjacent tissues were harvested for histopathological examinations. Results: The stent was successfully deployed into the targeted esophageal ...

CERN Document Server

We provide a quantitative assessment of the probability distribution function of the concentration parameter of galaxy clusters. We do so by using the probability distribution function of halo formation times, calculated by means of the excursion set formalism, and a formation redshift-concentration scaling derived from results of N-body simulations. Our results suggest that the observed high concentrations of several clusters are quite unlikely in the standard Lambda CDM cosmological model, but that due to various inherent uncertainties, the statistical range of the predicted distribution may be significantly wider than commonly acknowledged. In addition, the probability distribution function of the Einstein radius of A1689 is evaluated, confirming that the observed value of ~45" +/- 5" is very improbable in the currently favoured cosmological model. If, however, a variance of ~20% in the theoretically predicted value of the virial radius is assumed, than the ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

By measuring organ doses with TLD at an Alderson-Rando-phantom it was tested to evaluate the somatic risk for mammographies. Similarly as the genetic risk can be expressed by the genetic significant dose, the somatic risk can be expressed by the somatic significant dose index. The measurement results of the mammography show a large deviation of almost one power of ten with dependence of the chosen technique. In conventional xeroradiography and recording technique with foilless film the somatic radiation risk is the highest. By using amplifying foils in combination with high-sensitive films it is relatively small. Unfortunately the magnitude of the somatic risk in the different mammography techniques is in the ratio reciprocal to the corresponding image quality. At the time being the most favourable technique is mammography with a soft rastering method, although the xeromammography with additional high aluminium-filtering is a further alternative with respect to ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

A better understanding of the immune processes in the pathogenesis and progression of prostate cancer (CaP) may point the way towards improved treatment modalities. The challenge is to amplify immune responses to combat tumour escape mechanisms. Infection and inflammation may have a role in prostate carcinogenesis, including the newly discovered xenotropic murine leukaemia virus (XMRV). These inflammatory states damage defence mechanisms and induce a high proliferative state favouring further mutation and impaired immune surveillance. With this knowledge we are able to explore the use of immunotherapy to rejuvenate the immune system in combating CaP. Recently Sipuleucel-T, an immunotherapeutic agent for metastatic androgen independent CaP, has resulted in improved survival and might be the...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The dependence of the inhibiting action of some surface active organic substances (SAOS) on the pitting- formation potential epsilonsub(p) has been investigated for the steel Kh25T. The study has been performed by potentiostatic method using the H_2SO_4 0.1-n-solution doped by NaCl, Na_2SO_4, in the presence of SAOS of different classes. As epsilonsub(p) shifts in positive direction from +0.6 to +1.1 V, the inhibiting action of the SAOS series (o-oxyquinoline) increases gradually till some critical potential above which SAOS favour pitting destruction of steel. This phenomenon should be considered in anodic protection in SAOS-doped solutions.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The interaction between a lower hybrid wave and a fusion alpha particle displaces the alpha particle simultaneously in space and energy. This results in coupled diffusion. Diffusion of alphas down the density gradient could lead to their transferring energy to the wave. This could, in turn, put energy into current drive. Here we calculate numerical solutions for the alpha energy transfer and study a range of conditions that are favourable for wave amplification from alpha energy. We find that it is possible for fusion alpha particles to transfer a large fraction of their energy to the lower hybrid wave. The numerical calculation shows that the net energy transfer is not sensitive to the value of the diffusion coefficient over a wide range of practical values. An extension of this idea, the use of a lossy boundary to enhance the energy transfer, is investigated. This technique is shown to offer a large potential benefit. (Author).

CERN Document Server

We present evidence in favour of a link between the luminosity radiatively dissipated in the central engine of radio-loud Active Galactic Nuclei and the kinetic power in their jets. This piece of evidence is based on the relation we find between the luminosity in broad emission lines and the kinetic power in pc-scale radio jets, for a sample of radio-loud quasars for which suitable data are available in the literature. We find that the ionizing luminosity and the kinetic one are of the same order of magnitude, suggesting that the processes responsible for them are somehow related. A strong magnetic field in equipartition with the radiation field could be responsible for regulating both processes. BL Lac objects seem to follow a similar behaviour, but with comparatively fainter broad line emission.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Titanium and its alloy Ti6Al4V enjoy widespread use in various biomedical applications because of favourable local tissue response, higher corrosion resistance and fatigue strength than the stainless steels and cobalt-chromium alloy previously used. The study reported in this paper aims to optimize the conditions of nitrogen ion implantation on commercially pure titanium and to correlate the implantation parameters to the corrosion resistance. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to analyse surface concentration and the implantation processes. An improvement in the electrochemical behaviour of the passive film was shown to occur with nitrogen ion implantation on titanium, in simulated body fluids. (UK).

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Objective.The interest of dental research in metal-free restorations has been rising in the last 20 years following the introduction of innovative all-ceramic materials in the daily practice. In particular, high strength ceramics and related CAD/CAM techniques have widely increased the clinical indications of metal-free prostheses, showing more favourable mechanical characteristics compared to the early ceramic materials.The purpose of the present paper is providing a brief review on the all-ceramic dental materials, evaluating pros and cons in the light of the most recent scientific results and of the authors? clinical experience.Materials. A structured review of the literature was given on the basis of medical and engineering papers published in the last decades on the use of dental cera...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

According to the environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis, the relationship between per-capita GDP and per-capita pollutant emissions has an inverted-U shape. This implies that, past a certain point, economic growth may actually be profitable for environmental quality. Most studies on this subject are based on estimating fully parametric quadratic or cubic regression models. While this is not technically wrong, such an approach somewhat lacks flexibility since it may fail to detect the true shape of the relationship if it happens not to be of the specified form. We use semiparametric and flexible nonlinear parametric modeling methods in an attempt to provide more robust inferences. We find little evidence in favour of the environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis. Our main results could be inte...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The study abstracted aims at analyzing the economic effects of energy policies using simulations. Emphasis is on assessing the effects of decisions in favour of an expanding electric power industry based on nuclear energy and hard coal. The study discusses alternative assumptions concerning the cost involved, pollution abatement measures, shutdown and dismantling costs etc. Input-output analyses make the simulation model a consistent vehicle. Besides, the model in question is characterized by its explaining the investment demand of the different sectors by referring to the continuous annual development of innovative technologies.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract The present study makes use of a detailed water balance to investigate the hydrological status of a peatland with a basal clay-rich layer overlying an aquifer exploited for drinking water. The aim is to determine the influence of climate and groundwater extraction on the water balance and water levels in the peatland. During the two-year period of monitoring, the hydrological functioning of the wetland showed a hydric deficit, associated with a permanent unsaturated layer and a deep water table. At the same time, a stream was observed serving as a recharge inflow instead of draining the peatland, as usually described in natural systems. Such conditions are not favourable for peat accumulation. Field investigations show that the clay layer has a high hydraulic conductivity (from 11...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Brain tumor was diagnosed by computer tomography or magnetic resonance imaging in 100 children aged 0 to 19 years. They consecutively underwent primary surgical treatment during the years 1984 to 1988. Non-neoplastic lesions and operations for residual tumors are not included. 54 tumors were localized supratentorially. 72% of these were benign og low grade malignancies. 46 tumors had an infratentorial localication. 59% of these were high grade malignancies. Children tolerate major-neurosurgical procedures better than adults and restitution is usually favourable. 42 children with high grade malignancies underwent postoperative radiotherpy. Per- and postoperative mortality in this series was 1%. 80 children are alive. 62 of these are in excellent condition after a median observation time of 40 months. 10 refs.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The authors have studied the distribution of H-3 labelled schistosomicidal drug in mice by autoradiography. The H-3-labelled substances were found in liver and kidney and in successfully decreasing amounts in brain, lung, heart, fat, testis, pancreas and spleen. In various cells the silver granules were present mainly in the cytoplasms but a few in the nucleus. After administration of this labelled schistosomicidal drug, the mice were killed and studied in groups successively at 4, 8, 24 hrs. No difference in the distribution of silver granules were observed. This fact indicated that, this drug was rapidly absorbed and highly concentrated with a long duration of reservation in liver. All of these favours the schistosomicidal effect of the drug. As this drug was highly concentrated in the cytoplasm of liver cells, that might provide a pathophysiologic basis for the explanation of jaundice in the clinical practice. Moreover, the appearance of toxic reaction in ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

According to the data of drill cores, outcrops and well logging, two orders base-level cycles are recognized from Zhiluo Formation in Dongsheng area, which consist of 8-14 short-term base-level cycles and 3 mid-term base-level cycles, and their structural types and stacking patterns are discussed by using principles and methods of high-resolution sequence stratigraphic theory. Based on the correlation of mid-term base-level cycles, the control of the A/S (Accommodation/Sediment supply) ratio in mid-term base-level cycles on the scale of sand bodies and physical properties of reservoir is analysed. Studies show that the sand bodies of braided stream in MSC1 of Zhiluo Formation are favourable to uranium mineralization, however, the sand bodies of meandering river in MSC2 and MSC3 are not favourable to uranium mineralization. The change of the A/S results in the difference in characters of sand body, such as physical properties, continuity and so ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The primary objective of this project is to investigate the effects of global change on the biodiversity of aphid communities in Western Europe. Biodiversity has been examined at 3 levels: total number of species, phenology and reproductive strategy. Data were provided by EXAMINE, the European suction traps network which has been now operating for 35 years. 392 different species have been identified. At each location, total number of species has been regularly increasing, one additional species being caught every 1 or 2 years depending on location. This is due to introduced species but also to warming which favours rare species. No general trend of increasing density has been detected, but phenological earliness of almost all species (annual date of first appearance in suction traps) is strongly correlated with temperature and especially with mean daily temperature (during more or less long periods of time lying principally in February and March) or number of days ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a significant component of the extracellular matrix (ECM), particular interest being shown herein in synovial fluid. The present study aims to investigate the degrading effects of X-ray radiation on HA at radiotherapy doses. Measurements of viscosity and shear stresses on HA solutions have been made at different shear rates using various types of viscometer for different concentrations in the range 0.01-1% w/v of HA. The HA has been subjected to doses of 6 MV photon radiation ranging from 0 to 20 Gy, the major emphasis being on doses below 5 Gy. It is found that there is a dose-dependent relationship between viscosity and shear rate, viscosity reducing with radiation dose, this being related to polymer scissions via the action of radiation-induced free radicals. The dependency appears to become weaker at higher concentrations, possibly due to the contribution to viscosity from polymer entanglement becoming dominant over that from mean ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In this paper we discuss the results of thermoluminescence (TL) studies carried out on freshly quenched crystals of KBr doped with {approx} 50 ppm of Eu{sup 2+} ions which were X-irradiated at room temperature. The TL glow curve of this phosphor material consists of three glow peaks at 355, 376 and 398 K whose intensities increased as a function of X-irradiation time. The TL glow peaks were analyzed by the total curve-fitting method in order to obtain the characteristic parameters; activation energy, pre-exponential factor and kinetic order. The spectral character of the emission recorded during thermoluminescence was found to be the same for all glow peaks and consists of a broad band centered at {approx} 420 nm. It is proposed that the model of the TL process most consistent with our experimental results is one in which the Eu{sup 2+} impurity acts as an electron trap during the irradiation process and that the radiation induced center ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Beagle dogs were given single, whole-body "6"0Co gamma-radiation exposures at one of three prenatal (8, 28, or 55 days postcoitus) or three postnatal (2, 70, or 365 days postpartum) ages to evaluate the relative radiosensitivity of various stages of brain development. A total of 387 dogs received mean doses ranging from 0.16 to 3.83 Gy, and 120 dogs were sham-irradiated. Groups of dogs were sacrificed at preselected times from 70 days to 11 years of age. Brain weight decreased significantly with increasing dose in dogs irradiated at 28 or 55 days postcoitus or at 2 days postpartum. Irradiations at 28 days postcoitus were dramatically more effective in causing a reduction in brain weight than those at 55 days postcoitus or 2 days postpartum. Among dogs given 1.0 Gy or more and followed for up to 4 years, there was a radiation effect evident at all three sensitive exposure ages. Among dogs given lower doses and followed for up to 11 years, there was a significant decrease in brain weight ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The radiation decimal reduction dose (D_1_0) of toxigenic Vibrio cholerae O1 El Tor, Inaba was determined in vitro (0.13 kGy) and in inoculated fresh fillets of saurel (Trachurus picturatus murphyi) (0.12 kGy) and another Pacific fish species known in Peru as ''lisa'', Mugil cephalus (0.13 kGy), both of which are frequently consumed raw in ''ceviche''. The D_1_0 value was similarly determined in tails of the shrimp species Penaeus vannamei (0.13 kGy). In a second phase of the study, radiation doses in the range 1.0-4.0 kGy were evaluated for use in microbiological shelf-life extension of the selected seafood, and for adverse effects on various sensory attributes (appearance, odor, flavor, and texture). A dose of 1.0 kGy doubled the microbiological shelf-life of fish fillets during post-irradiation storage at 0-1 deg. C to approximately 30 days. This dose was deemed optimal also for preserving all sensory characteristics evaluated except appearance, due to a darkening of fillets. Best ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Poly(methyl methacrylate), PMMA, Acrigel, a Brazilian polymer, is used in the manufacture of medical supplies sterilisable by ionizing radiation. However, when PMMA is gamma-irradiated it undergoes main chain scissions, which promote molecular degradation causing reduction in its physical properties. Therefore, radiolytic stabilization of PMMA is important for to become it commercially radio sterilisable. In this work we investigated the radiolytic stabilization of PMMA by using HALS (Hindered Amine Light Stabilizer) additive, commercially used for photo and thermo oxidative stabilization of polymers. The investigation of the radiation-induced main chain scissions was carried out by viscometric method. The additive added to the polymer system at 0.3 % w/w promotes a molecular radioprotection of 61%. That means a reduction of G value (scissions/100 eV) from 2.6 to 1.0. In addition, the glassy transition temperature (Tg) of PMMA (no additive), significantly changed ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Full text: The general population is daily exposed to chronic, low doses of ionizing radiation (IR) from both natural and artificial sources. The biological consequences of acute, high dose IR exposure can be readily determined; however, the nature and significance of low dose, low dose-rate IR effects are still the subject of debate. Confounding the issue, are the phenomena collectively referred to as the Radiation-induced Bystander Effect (RIBE). The RIBE describes a collection of in vitro observations that suggest the presence of a soluble, transmissible factor(s) released from irradiated cells that can induce a biological response in un-irradiated cells. The induction, nature and magnitude of the RIBE varies between cell culture systems, radiation sources and end-points measured. Efforts to confirm the presence of the RIBE in vivo have been confined to in vivo-like culture systems and limited work with tumour and bone-marrow transplantation models. Validation ...

Science.gov (United States)

Ramsar, a city in the northern Iran, has the highest level of natural background radiation in the world. It has been clearly shown that low doses of ionising radiation can induce resistance to subsequent higher exposures. This phenomenon is termed radioadaptive response. We have compared induction of cytogenetic radioadaptive response by High Natural Background Radiation (HNBR) in Ramsar and X-ray occupational exposure as conditioning doses in human peripheral blood lymphocytes. 30 healthy control individuals, living in Ramsar but in normal background radiation areas, 15 healthy individuals from Talesh Mahalleh, a region with extraordinary high level of background radiation, and 7 X-ray radiographers working in Ramsar hospital located in normal natural background ionising radiation area were evaluated. Peripheral blood samples were prepared and exposed to challenge dose of 0 and 2 Gy. Lymphocytes were scored using analysis of metaphase, for the presence of chromosomal aberrations. An ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The radiation-induced microstructural changes have been studied by cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy for single-crystal {alpha}-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} samples irradiated with triple ion beams (0.25 MeV H{sup +}, 0.6 MeV He{sup +} and 2.4 MeV O{sup 2+}; `Triple (A)`), (0.33 MeV H{sup +}, 0.45 MeV He{sup +} and 1.3 MeV O{sup +}; `Triple (B)`) and three consecutive single ion beams (0.3 MeV H{sup +} ion followed by 0.6 MeV He{sup +} and then 0.8 MeV O{sup +} ions) at 650 C to doses in the range 0.1-8.4 dpa at the damage peak. In the specimen irradiated with Triple (A), having the same average projected range to a total peak dose of 3.7 dpa, cavities with an average diameter of 13 nm were formed between 1.2 and 1.75 {mu}m in depth causing a swelling of 0.1% at the peak, which is larger than those of the specimens irradiated with other conditions. The extent of the cavity-introduced region is some 40% smaller than observed in the damage region due to the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We have observed significant differences in the response to ionizing radiation of two closely related human cell lines, and now compare the effects on these lines of both low and intermediate LET radiation. Compared to TK6, WTK1 has an enhanced X-ray survival, and is also more resistant to cell killing by {alpha}-particles. The hprt locus is more mutable in WTK1 than in TK6 by both X-rays and {alpha}-particles. WTK1 is also more mutable by {alpha}-particles than by X-rays at the hprt locus. X-ray-induced mutation at the heterozygous tk locus in WTK1 is about 25 fold higher than in TK6, while {alpha}-particle-induced mutation is nearly 50 fold higher at this locus. Also, the slowly growing tk- mutants, which comprise the majority of spontaneous and X-ray-induced tk- mutants of TK6, were not induced significantly by {alpha}-particles. Previously, we showed that TK6 has a reduced capacity for recombination compared with WTK1, and therefore, these results indicate that recombinational ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The purified integral membrane protein, band 3, from human erythrocytes was inserted into egg lecithin liposomes. The insertion of band 3 was determined from thermal transition data from the analysis of the C-H stretching region bands recorded at temperatures from 25 to -22"oC. Raman spectra show that band 3 considerably broadens and lowers the thermal transition of egg lecithin liposomes, suggesting the insertion of band 3. The band 3-inserted liposomes were irradiated with gamma-rays (40 Gy) and the radiation target groups were determined by the analysis of the structural sensitive Raman bands in the 1600-1700 cm"-"1 (amide I), 1200-1300 cm"-"1 (amide III) and 550-1030 cm"-"1 (side chain amino groups) regions. The radiation-sensitive groups as identified from Raman spectra in the region 550-1030 cm"-"1 are tyrosines and cysteines. The radiation-induced changes in the secondary structure were determined from amide I and III bands. Quantitative estimation using the ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The development of leukemia and thyroid cancer is characterized by activation of the abl oncogene and ret oncogene, respectively. In order to clarify the relationship between these gene aberrations and radiation, the pro-myelogenous leukemia-derived cell line HL60 and the thyroid cancer-derived cell line 8505C, were irradiated in vitro with 100Gy of X-rays. RNA was then extracted from 10"8 cells of the respective cell lines and examined by the reverse transcription PCR method for rearrangements of abl and ret genes. Five kinds of positive bands were observed in the HL-60 cells irradiated with 100Gy of X-ray. Similarly, six positive bands were also observed in the 8505C cells irradiated with 100Gy. In vitro X-irradiation activation of oncogenes found in radiation induced cancers imply that gene rearrangement by X-rays is involved in the development of malignant tumors. Furthermore, in an experiment to detect radiation effects in A-bomb ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The effects of the antioxidants, vitamin E, propyl gallate, 2-t-butyl-4-methoxy phenol (BHA), 2,6-di-t-butyl-4-methoxy phenol (BHT), nor-dihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) and diphenyl-p-phenylene diamine (DPPD) in concentrations ranging between 0.001 per cent and 0.1 per cent have been tested on lipid peroxide formation in synthetic diet mixtures containing herring oil (10 per cent) mixed with starch (90 per cent) irradiated with #gamma#-ray doses of 100 to 2000 krad. On a weight basis NDGA, DPPD, BHA and BHT were most effective and vitamin E and propyl gallate were least effective. An antioxidant concentration of 0.01 per cent normally protected against peroxide formation after a dose of 500 krad but if the dose was increased to 1000 or 2000 krad, much higher doses of antioxidant, up to 0.1 per cent, were required to give protection. Antioxidants prevented peroxide developing during post-irradiation storage even when added after irradiation. Antioxidants were partially or completely ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

We have studied in detail the gamma radiation induced changes in the electrical properties of the (TeO_2)_0_._9 (In_2O_3)_0 _._1 thin films of different thicknesses, prepared by thermal evaporation in vacuum. The current-voltage characteristics for the as-deposited and exposed thin films were analysed to obtain current versus dose plots at different applied voltages. These plots clearly show that the current increases quite linearly with the radiation dose over a wide range and that the range of doses is higher for the thicker films. Beyond certain dose (a quantity dependent on the film thickness), however, the current has been observed to decrease. In order to understand the dose dependence of the current, we analysed the optical absorption spectra for the as-deposited and exposed thin films to obtain the dose dependences of the optical bandgap and energy width of band tails of the localized states. The increase of the current with the gamma ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In light water reactors, austenitic stainless steels (SSs) are used extensively as structural alloys in reactor core internal components because of their high strength, ductility, and fracture toughness. However, exposure to high levels of neutron irradiation for extended periods degrades the fracture properties of these steels by changing the material microstructure (e.g., radiation hardening) and microchemistry (e.g., radiation-induced segregation). Experimental data are presented on the fracture toughness and crack growth rates (CGRs) of wrought and cast austenitic SSs, including weld heat-affected-zone materials, that were irradiated to fluence levels as high as {approx} 2x 10{sup 21} n/cm{sup 2} (E > 1 MeV) ({approx} 3 dpa) in a light water reactor at 288-300 C. The results are compared with the data available in the literature. The effects of material composition, irradiation dose, and water chemistry on CGRs under cyclic and stress corrosion cracking ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Simulation irradiation experiments were carried out to investigate the formation processes and contribution to hardening of radiation-induced features in low alloy steels. Medium Cu (0.12 and 0.16%) and low Cu (0.03%) A533B steels were irradiated with 3 MeV Ni ions and 5 MeV electrons, and in KUR at 290degC. Irradiated steels were examined by three-dimensional atom probe, positron annihilation, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and hardness measurements. Electron irradiation caused almost the same hardening as KUR irradiation in medium Cu steels under almost the same dose rate and dose conditions, whereas the formation of larger, denser and more Cu enriched clusters and smaller accumulation of single vacancies were confirmed for KUR irradiation. This indicated that cascade damage provides additional cluster nucleation sites to compensate for lower free point defect production. High dose rate Ni ion irradiation produced Mn-Ni-Si clusters and ...

CERN Document Server

The He-shell flash convection in AGB stars is the site for the high-temperature component of the s-process in low- and intermediate mass giants, driven by the Ne22 neutron source. [...] The upper convection boundary plays a critical role during the H-ingestion episode that may lead to neutron-bursts in the most metal-poor AGB stars. We address these problems through global 3-dimensional hydrodynamic simulations including the entire spherical He-shell flash convection zone (as oposed to the 3D box-in-a-star simulations). An important aspect of our current effort is to establish the feasibility of our appoach. We explain why we favour the explicit treatment over the anelastic approximation for this problem. The simulations presented in this paper use a Cartesian grid of 512^3 cells and have been run on four 8-core workstations for four days to simulate ~5000s, which corresponds to almost ten convective turn-over times. The convection layer extends radially at the ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The interaction of the herbicide paraquat dichloride (P Q, substrate) with p-tert-butylcalix arenas (L, receptor) was investigated in both the solution and solid states. The isolated paraquat calixarene complexes were characterised by UV-visible, 1H NMR, ESI-Ms, Luminescence and IR spectroscopies and elemental analysis. The stoichiometry of complexes 1 and 2 was 1:1 (1 herbicide: 1 calixarene) and both revealed a biexponential luminescence decay with lifetimes depending on the size and the conformational particularity of the calixarenes. Molecular modelling suggested that both calixarenes interact with the herbicide through cation-? interaction. P Q in included in the p-tert butylcalix a rene cavity, a situation favoured by its pinched conformation in polar solvent while it is partially included in the p-tert butylcalix a rene cavity because of its in-out cone conformation. The theoretical results, in particular using Mopac procedures, were in agreement with the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The possibility of a positive agricultural use of flue gas filter ash from brown coal power plants is investigated. The suggested measure is mixing ash dump surfaces with extremely acidic spoil bank soils, which balances the high pH value of the alkaline ash and contributes to improved nutrient and soil sorptive conditions. Optimum quantity of spoil bank sands in the mixture with ash is between 10% and 40%. The optimum quantity must be determined for each type of ash considering improvement of soil chemical conditions and water retention capacity. Filter ash properties vary widely; the required amount of spoil bank sand added to investigated ash surfaces near 3 brown coal power plants was between 25% and 30% of the mixture. The same favourable soil and ash mixture can be produced by adding 60% to 75% filter ash to acidic raw spoil bank soil surfaces forming a top soil layer in a thickness of minimum 60 cm. Tests of plant growth showed high crop yields in winter ...

Science.gov (United States)

Some authors have concluded that spiral structures and shocks do not develop if an adiabatic index gamma > 1.16 is adopted in accretion disc modelling, whilst others have claimed that they obtained well defined spirals and shocks adopting a gamma = 1.2 and a M_2/M_1 = 1 stellar mass ratio. In our opinion, it should be possible to develop spiral structures for low compressibility gas accretion discs if the primary component is a black hole. We considered a primary black hole of 8 solar mass and a small secondary component of 0.5 solar mass to favour spiral structures formations and possible spiral shocks via gas compression due to a strong gravitational attraction. We performed two 3D SPH simulations and two 2D SPH simulations and characterized a low compressibility model and a high compressibility model for each couple of simulations. 2D models reveal spiral structures existence. Moreover, spiral shocks are also evident in high compressibility 2D model at the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper discusses the potential for geothermal energy use in the central part of Southern Poland, such as the availability of thermal aquifers and the techniques for putting the latter to practical use. The geological and geothermal features of the region are presented within the context of the existence of aquifers containing geothermal resources that could be used in space heating. Also discussed are the three main geological units where thermal waters are known to exist: the Carpathians, the Miechow Trough, and the Silesian-Cracow Monocline. Particularly favourable hydrogeological conditions exist in the Inner Carpathians, in the Podhale Trough, where there is already one geothermal company using geothermal energy, Geotermia Podhalanska S.A. Equally interesting from the geothermal point of view are the areas north of the Cracow-Tarnow line, where, in Mesozoic aquifers, water temperatures range from 20 to 60 {sup o}C. In this paper we propose technological ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This article discussed potential reasons why most major oil companies are not currently investing in oil shale resources. At present, only Shell, Chevron-Texaco, and ExxonMobil are engaged in oil shale pilot schemes. It was suggested that one of the reasons oil companies are reluctant to become involved is due to weak responses to experimental leasing programs conducted by the federal government of the United States, which are not favourable for commercial-scale operations. A federally sponsored leasing program and clear unconventional resource energy policies are needed, and unconventional oil resources must be developed in order to prevent escalating oil prices. The economics of oil shale recovery are equivalent to those obtained by Alberta's oil sands operators. Large amounts of char and hydrogen in the oil shale add value. However, oil shale processing has significant environmental impacts. Major oil companies in Brazil and China are producing liquid ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Petroleum is the unchallenged energy market leader in West Germany,having a share of 42%; natural gas accounts for 16-17%. West Germany imports 29% of its natural gas from the Soviet Union, 28% from the Netherlands, 14% from Norway, and 1% from Denmark. In West Germany many-branched natural gas distribution system is operated, equipped with a.o. 21 installations for underground storage which results in a great flexibility of the system. Because of the preferential treatment given to the use of coal as fuel for power plants the share of natural gas has decreased to the present 6% in the last ten years. In the indutrial sector the share is 18%. Strict air pollution abatement measures ('TA-Luft') favour the use of natural gas. However, duty has been levied on the use of natural gas per January 1st, 1989. For space heating of houses and commercial buildings the share of natural gas is 27%. 7 figs., 9 ills.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

3T3 - L1 cells can be induced to differentiate by exposing cell culture to a medium containing 3-isobutyl-1-methyl-xanthine together with insulin and dexamethasone. They have observed that oxalomalate (OMA) which inhibits aconitase thus blocking the citric cycle, also favours differentiation to adipocytes leading to fatty acids accumulation and increased synthesis of specific proteins. They compared the effects of 3-isobutyl-1-methyl-xanthine-insulin-dexamethasone and OMA on the steady-state levels of mRNA of c / EBP, H-ferritin and aconitase / IRE-BP. OMA does not affect the steady-state mRNA amount of C / EBP, H-ferritin and aconitase / IRE-BP but the 3-isobutyl-1-methyl-xanthine-insulin-dexamethasone mixture is able to induce a five-fold increase of mRNA levels for aconitase / IRE-BP. This is the first finding correlating iron metabolism to adipocyte differentiation. Further studies will clarify a possible role for the aconitase inhibitor OMA.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A laboratory differential simulation method is used for the design of carbonization columns at coal-tar processing in which phenols are regenerated from phenolate solution by carbon dioxide absorption. The design method is based on integration of local absorption rates of carbon dioxide along the column. The local absorption rates into industrial phenolate mixture are measured in a laboratory model contactor for various compositions of the gas and liquid phases under the conditions that ensure the absorption rates in the laboratory absorber simulate the local rates in the industrial column. On the bases of the calculations, two-step carbonization columns were designed for 30000 t/year of the phenolate solution treatment by carbon dioxide. The absorption proceeds at higher pressure of 500 kPa and temperatures from 50 to 65 C, pure carbon dioxide is used and toluene is added. These conditions have the following favourable effects: (I) significant size reduction of ...

CERN Document Server

We study the time evolution of a brane construction that is holographically dual to a strongly coupled gauge theory that dynamically breaks a global symmetry through the generation of an effective composite Higgs vev. The D3/D7 system with a background magnetic field or non-trivial gauge coupling (dilaton) profile displays the symmetry breaking. We study motion of the D7 brane in the background of the D3 branes. For small field inflation in the field theory the effective Higgs vev rolls from zero to the true vacuum value. We study what phenomenological dilaton profile generates the slow rolling needed, hence learning how the strongly coupled gauge theory's coupling must run. We note that evolution of our configuration in the holographic direction, representing the phyiscs of the strong interactions, can provide additional slowing of the roll time. Inflation seems to be favoured if the coupling changes by only a small amount or very gently. We speculate on how such ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In this work we study the structural and electronic properties of Be chalcogenides (BeS, BeSe and BeTe) using two different methods: the full-potential linear augmented-plane wave (FP-LAPW) and the plane-wave pseudopotential (PPsPW). The exchange-correlation effects are treated in the local-density approximation (LDA) and the generalized-gradient approximation (GGA). We have evaluated the ground-state quantities such as equilibrium volume, bulk modulus and its pressure derivative as well as the elastic constants. Various structural phase transitions were considered here in order to confirm the most stable structure and to predict the phase transition under hydrostatic pressure. In addition we have studied the band structure and the density of states, which show a wide indirect band gap for these compounds. These results were in favourable agreement with previous theoretical works and the existing experimental data. To complete the fundamental characteristics of ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In this Letter, we study the structural, elastic and electronic properties of perovskite semiconductor SrTiO_3 using two different methods: the full-potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method and the pseudo-potential plane wave (PP-PW) scheme in the frame of generalized gradient approximation (GGA). We have evaluated the ground state quantities such as lattice parameter, bulk modulus and its pressure derivative as well as the elastic constants. Also, we have presented the results of the band structure, densities of states and charge densities. These results were in favourable agreement with previous theoretical works and the existing experimental data. To complete the fundamental characteristics of this compound we have analyzed the thermodynamic properties such as thermal expansion coefficient, and specific heats in the whole pressure range from 0 to 20 GPa and temperature range from 0 to 1200 K.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The effect of microalloying with carbide-forming (V,Ti,Nb) and rare-earth elements and of high-temperature thermomechanical processing (HTMP) on the structure, mechanical properties and low temperature behaviour of 38CrSi steel has been investigated. It has been shown that in the case of dissolution of carbides during heating for quench hardening, the tempering resistance of the steel increases. It has also been found that - as a result of HTMP - the susceptibility of the steel irreversible temper brittleness decreases, irrespective of the steel having been microalloyed or not. The data, originating from tensile testing and impact testing (with the help of laser interferometry) in the temperature range from +20 to -196 degC, has been explained in terms of fractographic analysis. It has been shown that microalloying and HTMP favour the occurrence of ductile microvoids in the fracture. On the other hand, HTMP and rare-earth elements changes the nature of the fracture ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Several inexpensive and non-toxic solvents with low vapour pressures were investigated for their suitability as alternative solvents for the absorption of carbon dioxide from flue gas. The solvents include poly(ethylene glycol)s, poly(ethylene glycol) ethers, poly(ethylenimine) and glycerol-based substances. Solvent properties such as thermal stability, solubility of carbon dioxide and selectivity over nitrogen were investigated in a systematic study using a thermogravimetric analyser. Absorption results are reported for pure carbon dioxide and nitrogen as well as a mixture of both gases. Desorption and long-term sorption behaviour are also discussed. Glycerol and poly(ethylene glycol)s show a high solubility of carbon dioxide. Due to the high viscosity of the solvent, carbon dioxide absorption in poly(ethylenimine) is very slow in spite of the presence of favourable amine groups. PEG 300 was found to be the best solvent in this study and shows a high carbon ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The e.s.r. spectra of [AsPh_4][TcNCl_4], Cs_2[TcNCl_5], [AsPh_4][TcNBr_4], and Cs_2[TcNBr_5] have been studied in non-aqueous and concentrated aqueous acid solutions. None of the spectra shows evidence for the co-ordination of a fifth halide ligand in the trans position, even under circumstances such as a 2 000-fold excess of halide ion, which would be expected to favour the formation of the pentahalogenonitridotechnetate ion. The predominant species in solution is the tetrahalogenonitridotechnetate ion, where the trans position may be vacant or occupied by a solvent molecule in the case of the non-aqeuous solvents and by a water molecule in the case of HCl and HBr solutions. This conclusion may be contrasted with the behaviour of a number of tetra- and penta-halogeno-oxometal complexes, where the equilibrium [MOX_4]sup(n-) + X"-< - - > [MOX_5]sup(n + 1)"- is clearly established. (author).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Background: Some former retrospective studies have suggested that patients with Ewing's sarcoma might have a very high risk for developing secondary sarcomas if treated with radiotherapy. We have evaluated the risk of second malignancies (SM) in patients treated in the German Cooperative Ewing's Sarcoma Studies CESS 81 and CESS 86. Materials and methods: From January 1981 through June 1991, a total number of 674 patients was registered in the two multicentric Ewing's sarcoma trials CESS 81 (1981 through 1985) and CESS 86 (1986 through June 1991). The systemic treatment consisted in both studies of a four-drug-chemotherapy (VACA= vincristine, actinomycin D, cyclophosphamide and adriamycin; or VAIA= vincristine, actinomycin D, ifosfamide and adriamycin) and a total number of four courses, each lasting nine weeks, was recommended by the protocol. Local therapy was either complete surgery or surgery plus postoperative radiotherapy with 36-46Gy or definitive radiotherapy with 46 to 60Gy. ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

There are very different views on the health hazards of DU munitions. Most of the concerns of veterans and their advisors focus on the radiological effects of DU and consequently these are the focus of this editorial. Effects on the kidney and environmental consequences are, however, considered in the second of the Royal Society reports and the main conclusions of both of the reports are outlined in the summary document published in this issue of the journal. The main radiological concerns focus on the irradiation of lung tissues from inhaled DU particles and irradiation resulting from the translocation of inhaled particles to the thoracic lymph nodes.The overwhelming scientific view, presented in the two Royal Society reports and in other independent reviews, is that the main risks of exposure to DU aerosols are an increase in lung cancer and (from chemical toxicity) damage to the kidney, although these are likely to be evident only following substantial intakes. The equivalent doses ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Two-stage gasification allows power production from biomass and waste with high efficiency. The process involves pyrolysis at about 550C followed by heating of the pyrolysis gas to about 1300C in order to crack hydrocarbons and obtain syngas, a mixture of H2, CO, H2O and CO2. The second stage produces soot as unwanted by-product. Experimental results are reported on the suppression of soot formation in the second stage for two different fuels: beech wood pellets and Rofire pellets, made from rejects of paper recycling. Syngas obtained from these two fuels and from an industrial waste fuel has been cleaned and fed to a commercial SOFC stack for 250 hours in total. The SOFC stack showed comparable performance on real and synthetic syngas and no signs of accelerated degradation in performance over these tests. The experimental results have been used for the design and analysis of a future 25 MWth demonstration plant. As an alternative, a 2.6 MWth system was considered which uses the Green ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A new air injection process called toe-to-heel air injection (THAI) has been developed to achieve very stable combustion performance in heavy oil wells by controlling gas override. In the THAI process, injected air migrates preferentially to the combustion front into a horizontal producer well by the oxygen diffusional gradient created under steady state conditions. This is possible because of the balance between the stoichiometric oxygen flux needed to burn the fuel (coke) laid down ahead of the combustion front and the removal of downstream combustion gases and mobilised fluids. This study involved a numerical simulation of the THAI process to increase the understanding of the processes involving fluid flow, heat transfer and chemical reactions taking place during in situ combustion. Two tests were conducted involving one dry and one wet combustion using heavy Wolf Lake Oil. The objective was to determine if the behaviour of the oil could be predicted. A corresponding ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Cold deformation of YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7-x}(phase 123, T{sub c} = 88.5-92 K) powders and strips causes partial decomposition of the 123 phase, a reduction in the degree of orthorhombicity of the structure up to almost complete degradation, and a decrease in T{sub c}. When they are deformed, yttrium high temperature superconductors acquire basal (001) (110) texture with high pole density (13-15 arbitrary units), low scattering angle ({+-} 6deg--7deg from the normal direction), and a weak preference for a, b or a + b in the rolling direction; traces of (139) orientations may also be found. This texture is known to be favourable for increasing j{sub k}. The combined effect of cold deformation and a carbon-containing binder leads, however, to a complete loss of superconductivity at 77 K or above. Depending on the regime of subsequent annealing, the following effects may be observed: degradation of the orthorhombic structure with a decrease in T{sub c}; ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The present results indicate that maximum selectivity to acrylic acid can be reached over V-P-Zr-O catalysts. When the hydrocarbon concentration is 5.1 vol.% the selectivity is about 30% at quite high paraffin conversion. Conclusively, some explanations to the observed facts can be given. The V-P-O catalyst promotion with lanthanum by means of mechanochemical treatment is distinguished by the additive uniform spreading all over the matrix surface. Such twophase system is highly active in propane conversion (lanthanum oxide) and further oxidation of the desired products. The similar properties are attributed to V-P-Bi-La-O catalyst. Bismuth, tellurium and zirconium additives having clearly defined acidic properties provoke the surface acidity strengthening and make easier desorption of the acidic product (acrylic acid) from the surface lowering its further oxidation. Additionally, since bismuth and zirconium are able to form phosphates and, according to, to create space limitations for ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The modification of polymers by radiation grafting has been utilized for several decades. The penetrability of gamma rays allows to modify the internal surfaces of porous materials retaining its mechanical properties. In recent years applications of these materials to obtain chromatographic supports and biocatalysts have been reported. In this work, we described the grafting of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) onto a macroporous polysulfone polymer. Reproducible amount of grafting, from 10% to 60% was obtained by choosing favourable monomer concentration and gamma radiation doses from 6 kGy up. Afterwards, iminodiacetic acid (IDA) and amino phenyl arsine oxide (PAO) were covalently attached to the grafted polyGMA, in correspondence with the grafting degree. Later on, a recombinant histidin-patch thioredoxin protein (HP-rTrx) was immobilized onto this surface by two different ways, involving specific protein orientations. The first one involves an IDA-Ni{sup 2+} complex ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Early in 1988 RWE decided to overhaul the power station at Goldenberg. This was necessary due to the age of the plant, the obligation to supply heat and process steam and recent amendments of environmental legislation. After analysing demands and needs one developed a plant concept with a 290 t/h and a 400 t/h steam generator. Due to lack of space the decision was made in favour of a circulating atmospheric fluidised bed combustion instead of steam generators with pulverised lignite combustion as these steam generators take up much more space due to the legally required desulphurisation plants for gaseous emissions. Apart from generating steam RWE wishes to gain experience with this combustion technology and test it for suitability and use in large-scale plant. (orig./KO) [Deutsch] Aufgrund des fortgeschrittenen Alters, der aktuellen Umweltschutzgesetzgebung sowie bestehender Versorgungsverpflichtungen fuer Waerme und Prozessdampf wurde Anfang 1988 von der RWE ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Florida imports about 85% of its energy needs. Among the renewable energy sources available, biomass appears promising in Florida because of a favourable environment for production and the available methods to convert biomass to energy. Optimal production of biomass requires the identification and management of high yielding persistent perennial cultivars. Elephantgrass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) and energycane (Saccharum spontaneum L.) are two tall grasses that meet these requirements. To optimize the supply of convertible biomass, suitable methods of harvesting the crop must be available. The purpose of this research was to study the feasibility and energetics of harvesting, drying and baling tall grasses with conventional farm machinery. A Mathews rotary scythe and a New Holland 849 Auto Wrap large round baler were determined to provide a practical harvesting system for baled biomass averaging 15-27 Mg ha [sup -1]. This harvesting system requires about 3 kg ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ellipsometric studies and reflectance measurements on five anodized coloured 304 stainless steel samples (Brown, Violet, Blue, Light Grey and Dark Grey) are reported. The optical properties, solar absorptance and thermal emittance of samples have been obtained. Measured values of absorptance lay between 0.75-0.87 together with a near normal emittance value approx. =0.10 at 100/sup 0/C. The total hemispherical emittance has been measured at 100 and 200/sup 0/C for the sample having the best selective surface. This study shows that the blue coloured surface has the most favourable combination of radiation properties. The surface deteriorates at temperatures above 210/sup 0/C. Oxidation is assumed to be the deterioration mechanism. The different samples exhibited difference in the /PSI/ and ..delta.. parameters as determined by ellipsometry both before and after heat treatments. When brown and violet samples were coated with a 125 nm layer of Si/sub 3/N/sub 4/ there ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The article explains why electric and gas utilities in Germany should not forget the domestic customers when deciding their key account management strategies and marketing policy in the competitive electricity and natural gas markets. Competition in the German energy sector has just begun, and so far the industrial customers have been absorbing most of the utilities` attention. The authors show that this is a short-sighted management strategy and present a number of reasons speaking in favour of bulding up structures or preserving the loyalty of domestic cutomers, as this customer group will finally play an important role in the utilities` efforts to keep their competitive edge. (orig./CB) [Deutsch] Wenn heute unter Marketingaspekt ueber Kundenbindung im Energiemarkt gesprochen wird, dann wird haeufig zuerst oder sogar ausschliesslich ueber die umsatzstarken Geschaeftskunden nachgedacht. Der Wettbewerb, vor allem im Bereich der Grosskunden, kuendigt sich in ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Radiation technology offers a very wide scope for utilisation and commercial exploitation in various field. All over the world, this technology is being favourably considered for different applications like radiation sterilisation of medical products, preservation of food by controlling the physiological processes for extending shelf-life and eradication of microbial and insect pests, radiation processing of polymeric materials and treatment of sewage sludge. Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission has taken radiation processing programmes in a big way right from its inception. This paper describes the studies carried out by various research groups in Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission mainly using Cobalt-60 gamma radiation. The investigation covers medical sterilisation, food preservation and development and modification of polymeric materials by gamma radiation. Both food preservation and radiation sterilisation of medical products are now being commercially carried ...

Science.gov (United States)

Amyloid aggregation starts with the initial misfolding of peptide/protein precursors, with subsequent structural rearrangement into oligomers and protofibrils; the latter eventually organize into fibrils with shared basic structural features, found deposited in amyloid diseases. Mounting evidence indicates early oligomers as the most toxic amyloid species; accordingly, the search of inhibitors of their growth is considered a promising target to prevent amyloid toxicity. We recently showed that oleuropein aglycon, a polyphenol abundant in the extra virgin olive oil, interferes with the aggregation of amylin (involved in type-2 diabetes), eliminating its cytotoxicity. Here we report that oleuropein aglycon also hinders amyloid aggregation of A?(1-42) and its cytotoxicity, suggesting a general effect of such polyphenol. In particular, by using a wide panel of different spectroscopic, immunologic, cell viability and imaging techniques we provide a more detailed description of A?(1-42) ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In areas where radiation dose monitoring has not been performed, it is essential to use material available in the environment be able to rapidly assess doses to individuals for immediate emergency medical care or for general estimation of the radiological consequences. It was shown that certain types of telephone cards containing microchips have the potential to be used as individual radiation dosimeters in emergency situations to detect doses over 250 mGy by luminescence measurements. In order to understand the dosimetric properties of chip cards, the components obtained from INFINIEON Company at various stages of production were used for luminescence measurements. It is found that the protecting layer used above the chips so called 'globe top' is the main source of radiation induced signal in chip cards. The globe top produced by INFINIEON at that stage is found to contain SiO2 and Epoxy. In order to improve the dosimetric properties of the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This SBIR Phase I developed neutron detectors made from gallium arsenide (GaAs) p-type/ intrinsic/n-type (P-I-N) diodes grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) onto semi-insulating (S1) bulk GaAs wafers. A layer of isotonically enriched boron-10 evaporated onto the front surface serves to convert incoming neutrons into lithium ions and a 1.47 MeV alpha particle which creates electron-hole pairs that are detected by the GaAs diode. Various thicknesses of ''intrinsic'' (I) undoped GaAs were tested, as was use of a back-surface field (BSF) formed from a layer of Al{sub x}Ga{sub 1-x}As. Schottky-barrier diodes formed from the same structures without the p+ GaAs top layer were tested as a comparison. After mesa etching and application of contacts, devices were tested in visible light before application of the boron coating. Internal quantum efficiency (IQE) of the best diode near the GaAs bandedge is over 90%. The lowest dark current ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In this work, we perform spectroscopic studies to characterize the energy transfer processes occurring in rare-earth doped lithium fluoride systems, aiming the optimization of the population inversion of these media. Yb{sup 3+} ion was used in order to probe the electron-phonon coupling in LiYF{sub 4}, LiGdF{sub 4} and LiLuF{sub 4} matrices. In these systems it was obtained the average phononenergy, the vibronic transition probability and Huang-Rhys coupling constant. These parameters are dependent on the crystal host and the LiLuF{sub 4} system presents excluded correlation effects, an electronic repulsion that weakens the vibronic coupling. The Tm:Ho:LiYF{sub 4} system was studied under diode laser pumping at 796 nm, aiming the 2 {mu}m emission optimization. The ideal conditions of concentration and laser power were determined favouring the latter emission. Upconversion processes of two photons were identified besides the energy transfer among ions. The dynamic ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The central aim of this thesis is to present a new kind of realism that is driven not from the traditional realism/anti-realism debate but from the practice of physicists. The usual debate focuses on discussions about the truth of theories and their fit with nature, while the real practices of the scientists are forgotten. The position I shall defend is called 'phenomenological realism': theories are merely tools to construct other theories and models, including phenomenological models; phenomenological models are the vehicles of representation. The realist doctrine was recently undermined by the argument from the pessimistic meta-induction, also known as the argument from scientific revolutions. I argue that phenomenological realism is a new kind of scientific realism which can overcome the problem generated by the argument from scientific revolutions, and which depend on the scientific practice. The realist tried to overcome this problem by suggesting various types ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The aim of this work is to understand the reasons for the selectivity shown in the complexation by unsaturated heteropolyanions (HPA) of actinides (An) which are oxidized to the number +IV. Different studies have been carried out, both in solution and in solid state, on P_2W_1_7O_6_1"1"0"- and its complexes with Zn"2"+, UO_2"2"+, Ce"4"+, Th"4"+ and U"4"+ to characterize the nature of the complexation site offered to the cation. Among the actinides(IV), the U"4"+ ion has been selected due to its singular spectroscopic and magnetic properties. An initial series of studies, in solution, using NMR"3"1P has thus enabled us to characterize these complexes and to compare them to those formed with the complexing agent PW_1_1O_3_9"8"-. This body of data allows to identify an identical complexation site for both ligands. An analysis of the NMR"3"1P spectrum of U(P_2W_1_7O_6_1)_2"1"6"- has shown a plane of symmetry passing through the actinide and enables us to confirm the hypothesis of a ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The central research question of this thesis is: What is the potential of multi-functional biomass systems to improve the costs and the land use efficiency of saving non-renewable energy consumption and reducing GHG (greenhouse gases) emissions in quantitative terms? Therefore, in the following chapters the performance of multi-functional biomass systems is quantified. Biomass system costs are investigated from a societal perspective using e.g. low discount rates. A main focus will be on the review of methodologies for accounting GHG emissions, non-renewable energy consumption, agricultural land use and costs as well as the adaptation of these methodologies to special aspects of multifunctional biomass use. The analysis of the potential benefits of multi-functional biomass systems is carried out by several case studies of biomass systems including various waste treatment technologies for the short term that appeared promising after a first review. Because at present the shift of ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

China operates 10 nuclear power reactors and has 5 more under construction. A large extension of nuclear power is expected by 2020. Nuclear generated electricity accounts for 2% of the total electric power generation. The Chinese policy is to have spent fuel reprocessed in China. So, final disposal include vitrified waste and some CANDU spent fuel for direct disposal. There is a legal framework in place in China to manage HLW. The China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA) has the responsibility for setting policy on HLW disposal and implementing the disposal programme, while the National Nuclear Safety Administration (NNSA) and the State Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) are the regulatory bodies, which are responsible for licensing and reviewing of environment impact assessment report. The China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) is considered to be the actual implementer, conducting the major activities for HLW management. In the 1980's, China started generic research and development ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The use of standard cementitious material creates pulses of pH in the magnitude of 12-13 in the leachates and release alkalis. Such a high pH is detrimental and also unnecessarily complicates the safety analysis of the repository. As no reliable pH-plume models exist, the use of products giving a pH below 11 in the leachates facilitates the safety analysis. Also, according to current understanding, the use of low-pH cement (pH = 11) will not disturb the functioning of the bentonite, although limiting the amount of low-pH cement is recommended. A result of the project is that there are both low-pH cementitious material for grouting larger fractures (= 100 {mu}m) and non-cementitious material for grouting smaller fractures (< 100 {mu}m) that will, after further optimisation work, be recommended for grouting of deep repositories. This project concentrated on the technical development of properties for the low pH grouts. Long-term safety and environmental aspects and durability of ...