Using U-120 cyclotron in the course of correlation experiment one studied mechanisms of excitation and decay of "1"2C nucleus states resulting from irradiation of deuterium-polyethylene target by 27.2 MeV energy #alpha#-particle beam via recording of #alpha#-#alpha#-coincidence simultaneously with investigations of #alpha# + d-interactions. Production of "1"2C excited states decaying with the escape of #alpha#-particle and "8Be nucleus in the ground and the excited states is the basicmechanism of the studied #alpha# + "1"2C interaction
The long and resource intensive process of drug discovery and development is confronted with the basic challenge of providing effective and safe therapies at reasonably low costs. The better the mechanism of a disease is known, the higher the probability to find an appropriate therapy. Also, the better and earlier a disease can be diagnosed and characterized, the higher the chance to be able to interfere in this process with a chemical entity. This reasoning sets the framework for the use of imaging in drug discovery. We discuss the relevance of magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy to derive anatomical, functional, metabolic and target-related information in the context of pharmacological research in vivo. (author)
Nop25 is a putative RNA binding nucleolar protein associated with rRNA transcription. The present study was undertaken to determine the mechanism of Nop25 localization in the nucleolus. Deletion experiments of Nop25 amino acid sequence showed Nop25 to contain a nuclear targeting sequence in the N-terminal and a nucleolar targeting sequence in the C-terminal. By expressing derivative peptides from the C-terminal as GFP-fusion proteins in the cells, a lysine and arginine residue-enriched peptide (KRKHPRRAQDSTKKPPSATRTSKTQRRRR) allowed a GFP-fusion protein to be transported and fully retained in the nucleolus. When the peptide was fused with cMyc epitope and expressed in the cells, a cMyc epitope was then detected in the nucleolus. Nop25 did not localize in the nucleolus by deletion of the peptide from Nop25. Furthermore, deletion of a subdomain (KRKHPRRAQ) in the peptide or amino acid substitution of lysine and arginine ...
The use of repeated expressions to establish coreference allows an investigation of the relationship between basic processes of word recognition and higher-level...Full Text Available
Experimental and computational investigations were performed in order to better understand the mechanical response of rigid targets with various geometries to the detonation of shallow buried explosives. The motion of the targets was measured by use of high-speed digital video photography. This work involved flat targets, targets that were downwardly convex, and targets that were downwardly concave with explosive charges located at various positions beneath the targets. It was observed that, in general, angled hulls - whether downwardly concave or convex - tended to reduce the amount of momentum imparted to the center of mass of the targets. Computations were performed by use of an arbitrary Langrangian-Eulerian treatment in a nonlinear finite element code. A model based on quasi-static te...
Beams may be viewed as directed and focussed flow of energy and information, carried by particles and electromagnetic radiation fields (ie, photons). Often, they interact with each other (eg, in high energy colliders) or with other forms of matter (eg, in fixed targets, sychrotron radiation, neutron scattering, laser chemistry/physics, medical therapy, etc.). The whole art and science of beams revolve around the fundamental quest for, and ultimate implementation of, mechanisms of production, storage, control and observation of beams -- always directed towards studies of the basic structures and processes of the natural world and various practical applications. Tremendous progress has been made in all aspects of beam physics and technology in the last decades -- nonlinear dynamics, superconducting magnets and rf cavities, beam instrumentation and control, novel concepts and collider praradigms, to name a few. We illustrate ...
The role of IGF-I in the negative regulation of GH expression and release is demonstrated by in vitro and in vivo models; however, the targets and mechanisms of IGF-I...Full Text Available
The NREL Sensitized Solar Cell (SSC) Core Program supports the Solar America Initiative by: (1) targeting new devices and processes for commercialization by 2015 that are less expensive, more efficient, highly reliable, and environmentally benign; (2) collaborating with DOE OS/BES to conduct basic research targeting breakthroughs in key areas, such as ultra-high efficiency and/or ultra-low cost materials and devices.
The pleiotropic actions of neuromodulators on pre- and postsynaptic targets present challenges to disentangling the mechanisms underlying regulation of synaptic transmission. Within the striatum,...Full Text Available
Time delay neural networks trained with the backpropagation algorithm are derived for the gun fire control system to correct the miss distance between a target and the projectiles from the gun. Its performance is compared to optimum linear filter based on minimum mean square error [R.E. Kalman, A new approach to linear filtering and prediction problems, J. Basic Eng. 82D (1960) 35-44.]. The structure of the proposed neural controller is described and performance results are shown.
BackgroundUnderstanding the interactions between ion channels and blockers remains an important goal that has implications for delineating the basicmechanisms of ion channel function...Full Text Available
The chloromethylation reaction of an asphaltite and styrene graft copolymer followed by the amination of the chloromethylated products was optimized. New strongly basic anion exchangers with an exchange capacity of 2.5 mg-equiv/g and a mechanical strength of 93% were prepared.
Many existing agents for diabetes therapy are unable to restore or maintain normal glucose homeostasis or prevent the eventual emergence of hyperglycemia-related complication. Therefore, agents based on novel mechanisms are sought to complement and extend the current therapeutic approaches. Based on the initial paper research, we focused on active STAT3 as an attractive pharmacological target for type 2 diabetes. The subsequent text mining with a unique query to identify suppressors but not activators of STAT3 revealed the ERK2/STAT3 pathway as a novel diabetes target. The description of ERK2 inhibitors as diabetes target had not been found in our text mining research at present. The mechanism-based peptide inhibitor for ERK2 was identified using the knowledge of the KIM sequence, which ha...
Certain allelochemicals of the marine dinoflagellate Alexandrium tamarense cause lysis of a broad spectrum of target protist cells but the lytic mechanism is poorly defined. We first hypothesized that membrane sterols serve as molecular targets of these lytic compounds, and that differences in sterol composition among donor and target cells may cause insensitivity of Alexandrium and sensitivity of targets to lytic compounds. We investigated Ca^2^+ influx after application of lytic fractions to a model cell line PC12 derived from a pheochromocytoma of the rat adrenal medulla to establish how the lytic compounds affect ion flux associated with lysis of target membranes. The lytic compounds increased permeability of the cell membrane for Ca^2^+ ions even during blockade of Ca^2^+ channels wit...
We demonstrate the use of a variational method to determine a quantitative lower bound on the rate of convergence of Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithms as a function of the target density and proposal density. The bound relies on approximating the second largest eigenvalue in the spectrum of the MCMC operator using a variational principle and the approach is applicable to problems with continuous state spaces. We apply the method to one dimensional examples with Gaussian and quartic target densities, and we contrast the performance of the basic Metropolis-Hastings algorithms with a ``smart'' variant that incorporates gradient information into the trial moves. We find that the variational method agrees quite closely with numerical simulations. We also see that the smart MCMC algorithm often fails to converge geometrically in the tails of the target density except in the simplest case we examine, ...
... Targeted fields of research Continuation of ongoing research - Finalising detailed design work on the ITER project; getting JET operational at full power; Improvement of the basic concepts of fusion devices - Fusion plasmas; theoretical studies; technology watch on research into inertial confinement; new experimental concepts and systems; etc.; Long-term technology - Preparations for building a demonstration reactor (development of tritium breeding blankets; prospective ...
Neutron Science Project was started at Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute since 1996 for promoting futuristic basic science and nuclear technology utilizing neutrons. For this purpose, research and developments of intense proton accelerator and spallation neutron target were initiated. The present paper describes the current status of such research and developments. (author)
Obtained experimental data on integral cross sections (ICS) of inelastic scattering of 50.5 MeV #alpha# particles with the excitation of "6","7Li, "9Be, "1"2","1"3C, "1"4C, "1"4N, "2"0Ne, "2"4Mg, "2"8Si nucleus low-lying energy levels are discussed. Regularities, detected in the behaviour of ICS forward scattering for 20-90 deg angles and backscattering for 90-160 deg angles for the target-nucleus under investigation are considered. Effect of reaction open channel number on #alpha#-particle scattering ICS where n,p,d- and #alpha#-channels were considered as the main channels for all the target-nuclei, is discussed. Dependence of #alpha#-particle scattering ICS on the target-nucleus level excitation energy and dependences of reaction open channel number on the channel spin, calculated for 50.5 MeV #alpha# particles and different target nuclei are shown in the diagrams. It is noted that the observed ...
An electron accelerator unit is described for electron beam therapy, comprising: a source of an electron beam; means for finally directing at least a portion of the beam to a therapy site, the directing means being mechanically independent of, and electrically isolated from, the source, and having a target area; and means for aligning the source with the directing means, the aligning means comprising means for projecting at least one beam of light from the source toward the target area.
An electron accelerator unit is described for electron beam therapy, comprising: a source of an electron beam; means for finally directing at least a portion of the beam to a therapy site, the directing means being mechanically independent of, and electrically isolated from, the source, and having a target area; and means for aligning the source with the directing means, the aligning means comprising means for projecting at least one beam of light from the source toward the target area.
A 16 l liquid parahydrogen target has been developed for a measurement of the parity-violating {gamma}-asymmetry in the capture of polarized cold neutrons on protons in the {rvec n} + p {yields} d + {gamma} reaction by the NPDGamma collaboration. The target system was carefully designed to meet the stringent requirements on systematic effects for the experiment and also to satisfy hydrogen safety requirements. The target was designed to preserve the neutron polarization during neutron scattering on liquid hydrogen (LH{sub 2}), optimize the statistical sensitivity to the {rvec n} + p {yields} d + {gamma} reaction, minimize backgrounds coming from neutron interaction with the beam windows of the target cryostat, minimize LH{sub 2} density fluctuations which can introduce extra noise in the gamma asymmetry signal, and control systematic effects. The target incorporates two ...
Monogenic autoinflammatory diseases encompass a distinct and growing clinical entity of multisystem inflammatory diseases with known genetic defects in the innate immune system. The diseases...Full Text Available
The p53 tumour suppressor plays a pivotal role in the prevention of oncogenic transformation. Cancers frequently evade the potent antitumour surveillance mechanisms of p53 through mutation of the TP53...Full Text Available
SummarySoluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) is a key enzyme in the metabolic conversion and degradation of P450 eicosanoids called epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs). Genetic variations...Full Text Available
Previous studies in several different trigeminal nerve injury/inflammation models indicated that the hyperexcitability of primary afferent neurons contributes to the pain pathway underlying mechanical...Full Text Available
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenously encoded small noncoding RNAs, derived by processing of short RNA hairpins, that can inhibit the translation of mRNAs bearing partially complementary target sequences....Full Text Available
BackgroundCD26 (dipeptidyl peptidase IV, DPPIV) is a 110 kDa surface glycoprotein expressed in most normal tissues, and is a potential novel therapeutic target for selected cancers....Full Text Available
The cancer preventive action of (−)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), found in green tea, is strongly supported by epidemiology and laboratory research data. However, the mechanism by...Full Text Available
ObjectiveThis study sought to determine whether differential treatment effects in the targetedmechanisms of change and eating disorder (ED) symptoms are associated...Full Text Available
Pacini (1973) has considered basic theoretical expectations regarding the magnetic dipole radiation and unipolar induction of pulsars, taking into account observational results. The present investigation is concerned with the difference between the two braking mechanisms. Attention is also given to a statistical study involving a comparison of the two braking mechanisms with observations. The study makes use of the observational data for the distribution of apparent beamwidth, and a geometrical method. The obtained results agree with the theory of magnetic dipole radiation.
A previous study described the basic theoretical expectations of the magnetic dipole radiation and unipolar induction of pulsars and presented observational results. This paper further discusses the difference between the two braking mechanisms and analyses the results of a statistical study through observed data of apparent beamwidth's distributions and a geometrical method. The theory of magnetic dipole radiation of pulsars agrees with the observations. Unipolar induction as a braking mechanism is not consistent with the observations.
The flutter control effect and mechanism of central-slotting, which have gradually been adopted in the design and construction of long-span bridges as an effective flutter controlling measure, were investigated with theoretical analysis and wind tunnel test. Five basic girder cross-sections representing five typical aerodynamic configurations were selected and central-slotted with two different slot widths. Then, a series of sectional model tests and theoretical analyses based on the two-dimensional three-degrees-of-freedom coupling flutter analysis method (2 dimension-3 degrees of freedom method, 2d-3DOF method) were carried out to investigate the aerody namic performance, flutter mechanism and flutter modality of the five basic sections and their corresponding central-slotted sections. T...
Current multi-scale computational models of ventricular electromechanics describe the full process of cardiac contraction on both the micro- and macro- scales including: the depolarization of cardiac cells, the release of calcium from intracellular stores, tension generation by cardiac myofilaments, and mechanical contraction of the whole heart. Such models are used to reveal basicmechanisms of cardiac contraction as well as the mechanisms of cardiac dysfunction in disease conditions. In this paper, we present a methodology to construct finite element electromechanical models of ventricular contraction with anatomically accurate ventricular geometry based on magnetic resonance and diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging of the heart. The electromechanical model couples detailed repres...
This book discusses the progress and problems of current interest in gaseous dielectrics and their use, with special emphasis on insulation in high-voltage transmission lines and substations. Topics covered include: basic physics of gaseous dielectrics; basicmechanisms; gas decomposition, reactions and toxicity; diagnostics and field probes; gases and mixtures for GIS transformers and circuit breakers; gaseous media for discharge chemistry and etching/corona; gas engineering for pulsed power and switching; gas breakdown under steep-fronted voltages; new developments in gas-insulated equipment and gas handling; gas/insulator interface/flashover; and quality control in testing gas-insulated equipment. Contains approximately 85 papers.
It has been widely assumed that South Africa has achieved universal basic education. Through an analysis of the 2001 census and two national enrolment datasets rather than statistical projections, this study re-examines this assumption and provides new estimates of enrolment levels in primary, basic and secondary education. Using GER, NER, and ASER indicators, disaggregated by gender and province, the study shows that access to education in South Africa is not as widespread as published sources note. While statistics show that national access levels are lower than prevailing estimates, the relatively high levels of access in some of the most disadvantaged provinces suggest the need to re-evaluate assumptions about targets for universal access for developing regions. In addition, the analysis reveals South Africa's unexpected and provocative gendered patterns of access and participation.
UO/sub 2/(OH)xReO/sub 4/xH/sub 2/O, UO/sub 2/(OH)ReO/sub 4/x0.5H/sub 2/O and UO/sub 2/(OH)ReO/sub 4/ were produced and their physical and chemical properties were studied for the first time. The chemical analysis was carried out and pycnometric density of the initial crystallohydrate and basic uranyl anhydrous perrhelate wos determined. The two-step mechanism of the dehydration of uranyl hydroxoperrhenate monohydrate was revealed. Values of interplane distances were calculated for a number of roentgenogram lines of the basic uranyl perrhenate and its crystallohydrates. IR spectra of all revealed compounds in the region of 4000-250 cm/sup -1/ were studied.
This book examines the applications of Monte Carlo (MC) calculations in therapeutic nuclear medicine, from basic principles to computer implementations of software packages and their applications in radiation dosimetry and treatment planning. It is written for nuclear medicine physicists and physicians as well as radiation oncologists, and can serve as a supplementary text for medical imaging, radiation dosimetry and nuclear engineering graduate courses in science, medical and engineering faculties. With chapters is written by recognised authorities in that particular field, the book covers the entire range of MC applications in therapeutic medical and health physics, from its use in imaging prior to therapy to dose distribution modelling targeted radiotherapy. The contributions discuss the fundamental concepts of radiation dosimetry, radiobiological aspects of targeted radionuclide therapy and the various components and ...
Over the decades, basic research in life sciences has profited greatly from the study of the small unicellular fungal species Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This yeast turned out to be key for the identification and understanding of molecular mechanisms that underlay the basic functions of all eukaryotic cells. These include, but are not limited to, the regulatory mechanisms behind cellular reproduction (cell cycle control), cellular morphogenesis (cell polarity, cytoskeleton and membrane trafficking) and the management of cellular information (chromosome biology, transcription and translation). Rapid access to genomic information of many yeast species, combined with bioinformatics analyses, provide information on the evolutionary history of yeasts and the molecular ancestry of their constituen...
Experimentally it is shown that a movable grounded metallic plate placed inside a multi-dipole magnetic cage can vary the diffused plasma parameters such as density, plasma potential and electron temperature. Plasma is solely produced in the source section of a double plasma device by a dc hot filament discharge and a low-density plasma is produced in the target section by local ionization of neutral gas by the high energetic electrons coming from the source section. A grounded movable stainless steel plate is inserted in the target section of the device. The floating potential of the plate also changes depending on the position of the plate inside the magnetic cage.
During the past 2 yr, significant progress has been made in several areas related to the safety and environmental (S and E) aspects of inertial fusion energy (IFE). An updated methodology has been developed, and accident analyses have been performed for two IFE conceptual power plants and a target fabrication facility. Parallel to the consequence analyses of different accident scenarios, ongoing studies of accident initiating events are being used to support safety assessment and create a basic framework of types of events to consider in future risk characterization of new plant designs. Target designers/fabrication specialists have been provided with ranking information related to the S and E characteristics of candidate target materials. We have revisited waste management options for IFE, introducing the concept of clearance versus the traditional shallow land burial. A brief summary of results in ...
With regard to polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE), there is few scientific knowledge on the emission patterns into the environment and exposure pathways to humans, and basic information is insufficient to consider what measures effective are. For the purpose of promoting risk reduction of target substances more effectively and efficiently, it is desirable to comprehend accurately the causal chain from the target substances utilization to the risk intake, and to evaluate the measures covering the whole applications of target substances. As the existing researches on the PBDE emission inventory, there are EU risk assessment report (European Chemical Bureau 2000, 2002, 2003), Danish EPA (1999), Palm et al.(2002) and Alcock et al. (2003). In addition, emissions of DecaBDE are published in TRI (Toxic Release Inventory) of US EPA. However, the primary information of the previous inventories is often the ...
The introduction of oxygen in the vicinity of a metallic target surface, bombarded with positive argon ions of twenty kiloelectron-volts, increases the number of sputtered atoms in the excited state. This phenomenon of exaltation, very sensitive in the case of nickel and aluminium, is much less marked in the case of molybdenum. Moreover, the emission of excited particles coming from the beam's ions is not modified. A quantum-mechanical model of a kinetic emission process, which permits the interpretation of the clean metallic target's emission phenomena, seems insufficient to explain all of the results obtained in the presence of oxygen. In this last case one can therfore use a thermodynamic model in which excited metallic particles can be formed directly by chemical surface reactions of neutralization or reduction. (orig.).
We have studied L x-rays from 64 MeV iodine projectile in collision with various gas targets, Z_2 #18, do not arise from selective M subshell vacancy population, has been conclusively established by the observations by Datz et al (1971) and by Saha et al (1996) that the measured intensity ratio of the Ll and L#alpha# lines, which arise because of transitions from different M subshells into the same L, subshell, does not show any periodic behaviour with Z, but stays rather constant. Differences in the measured L#beta#_1/L#alpha# intensity ratio of iodine with 7"+ and 24"+ charge states impinging on Kr target established the minor role of the electrons in the N shell of the projectile in the x-ray production mechanism. (author)
Linearly polarized laser radiation accelerates electrons to very high velocities and these electron form a sheath layer on the rear side of thin targets where preferentially protons are accelerated. When mass-limited targets are used, the lateral transport of the absorbed laser energy is reduced and the accelerating field is enhanced. For targets consisting of two ion species, heavier ions facilitate formation of quasi-monoenergetic bunch of lighter ions. For circularly polarized light, fast electron production is suppressed by the absence of the oscillatory component of the ponderomotive force. Ions are accelerated on the front side by the separation field and very thin foil can be accelerated as one massive quasi-neutral block. As all ion species acquire the same velocity, this acceleration mechanism is preferred for heavier ions.
This paper presents a study involving prediction of a complicated maneuvering target, with the aim of improving the tracking performance of a fire control system (FCS). In this study, we predict the position of a complicated maneuvering target 5 s in advance using the information up to the current time. Because of the large error caused by the complicated maneuvers and the long prediction time interval, the mechanical system of the fire control system will take a heavy load. In order to cope with this problem, several approaches to decreasing the prediction error have been proposed including the prediction algorithms based on the multiple model(MM) filter, interacting multiple model (IMM) filter, and variable dimension with input estimation (VDIE) filter. Finally, comparative simulation re...
Comparisons of calculated neutron yield distributions from #alpha#-particle induced reactions on thick targets are made with measured data to analyze the initial reaction process in the framework of the exciton (hybrid) model code ALICE91 (M. Blann, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Report UCID 19614, 1982). We have considered two reaction mechanisms: dissolution of the #alpha# in the nuclear field, and preequilibrium processes initiated by #alpha#-nucleon collisions. Both these processes seem to contribute to the emitted neutron spectra in varying proportions depending on the incident #alpha# energy and possibly on the target nucleus. Contributions from other processes appear to be non-negligible.
Nanocrystalline materials can exhibit properties which are considerably different from their coarse-grained counterparts, making them unique for basic or applied research and also very promising for potential applications. The topics which are addressed in the present paper are magnetic properties and magnetic correlations on the nanometer scale, mechanical properties, in particular the influence of grain boundaries on the elastic and plastic behaviour, and vibration models of grain boundary atoms in nanostructured materials. (author)
The superconducting Tevatron accelerator at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab) has surpassed twenty years of operation. The Tevatron is still the highest energy particle accelerator in the world and will remain so until the commissioning of the LHC in Europe later this decade. The Tevatron has operated in a Fixed Target mode, accelerating a proton beam into stationary targets/detectors, as well as a Colliding Beam mode, continuously colliding counter rotating beams of protons and antiprotons. Upon completion, the Tevatron cryogenic system became the world's largest helium refrigeration system. In 1993, the Tevatron cryogenic system was given the designation of International Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. The operational history, experiences and statistics of the Tevatron, with an emphasis on the cryogenic system, is ...
The point at which the common final pathway for induction of cancer by chemical carcinogens and ionizing radiation has not been identified. Although common molecular targets are suggested by recent findings about the role of oncogenes, the mechanism by which the deposition of radiation energy and the formation of adducts or other DNA lesions induced by chemicals affects the changes in the relevant targets may be quite different. The damage to DNA that plays no part in the transformation events, but that influences the stability of the genome, and therefore, the probability of subsequent changes that influence tumorigenesis may be more readily induced by some agents than others. Similarly, the degree of cytotoxic effects that disrupt tissue integrity and increase the probability of expression of initiated cells may be dependent on the type of carcinogen. Also, evidence was presented that repair of the initial lesions could ...
Diethylene glycol (DEG) is an industrial chemical, the misuse of which has led to numerous epidemic poisonings worldwide. The mechanism of its toxicity has not been defined as to the precise relationship between the metabolism of DEG and target organ toxicity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanism for the acute toxicity of DEG, and the effect of the alcohol dehydrogenase inhibitor 4-methylpyrazole (fomepizole), by determining the relationship between accumulation of DEG or its metabolites and the resulting kidney and liver toxicity. Rats were treated by oral gavage with water, 2 g/kg DEG (low dose), 10 g/kg DEG (high dose), or 10 g/kg DEG + fomepizole, and blood and urine were collected over 48 h. Rats treated with high-dose DEG had metabolic acidosis, increased BUN an...
The efficiency of basic, direct and reactive dye removal from water by narrow-leaved cattail (NLC) powder treated with distilled water (DW-NLC), 37% formaldehyde+0.2 N sulfuric acid (FH-NLC), or 0.1 N sodium hydroxide (NaOH-NLC) at various pH levels (3, 5, 7, and 9) was tested. Desorption of the adsorbed dyes was also investigated. The type of NLC treatment and pH of the dye solution had little effect on removal of basic dyes, and efficiencies ranged from 97% to 99% over the range of pH used. Over a wide range of pH levels, all types of treated cattail powder had negative charges and probably attracted the basic dyes possessing positive charges. Efficiency of removal by the three NLC treatments ranged from 37% to 42% for direct dyes and from 22% to 54% for direct dyes at pH 7. The pH of the dye solution had substantial effects on the efficiency of removal in direct and reactive dyes. Dye removal was highest at pH 3, with ...
Mechanical properties of P-LDHA and V-ROL N steels of the Czech production are compared with other ultra-high strength steels produced in the world. The most important results can be summarized into following points: 1. Optimally heat treated P-LDHA steel exhibits substantially better strength characteristics then the V-ROL N steel. 2. Optimal tempering temperature of the P-LDHA steel is 300 C. 3. Basicmechanical properties of P-LDHA steel belong to the top of the UHS steels ranking and are well comparable with those of American 300 M steel. 4. In the low-cycle fatigue region, the P-LDHA steel exhibits slightly better fatigue resistance then the 300 M steel. On the other hand, the high-cycle fatigue resistance of 300 M steel is slightly better then that of the P-LDHA steel. (orig.)
Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is attractive as a substitute for classical polymer packaging material due to its biodegradability and sufficient mechanical and barrier properties. Presented research was focused on the changes of basicmechanical parameters after ionizing irradiation performed with doses in the range of 2.5-25 kGy, commonly used in radiation sterilization and preservation of foods. Two commercial available PLA packaging films were tested. The influence of radiation dose on the mechanical properties - tensile strength and elongation were determined using standardized methods. Radiation resistance of PLA is sufficient for packaging applications. The investigations of gas products of radiolysis of PLA have been made by gas chromatography after electron beam (EB) irradiations. (authors)
Tantalum and tantalum-based thin films have gained precedence as the diffusion barrier for copper interconnects used in the latest generation of integrated circuits (ICs). The paper presents insight and observations on the covariance of texture and grain size of wrought tantalum sputtering targets and their influence on sputtering performance. Previous studies involving deposition trials of tantalum targets of varying metallurgical character had demonstrated that both grain size and textural homogeneity is critical for assuring reliable sputtering performance of tantalum. Subsequently, a model had been proposed to prescribe how localized texture bands and orientation clusters in tantalum are effectively resistant to sputter erosion. In this paper, results of atomic force microscopy (AFM) and orientation imaging microscopy (OIM{sup TM}) analyses on the eroded surface of a tantalum sputtering target are presented. Initial ...
To improve mirrors coating, we have modeled sputtering of binary oxide targets using TRIM code. First, we have proposed a method to calculate TRIM input parameters using on the one hand thermodynamic cycle and on the other hand Malherbe`s results. Secondly, an iterative processing has provided for oxide steady targets caused by ionic bombardment. Thirdly, we have exposed a model to get experimental sputtering yields. Fourthly, for (Ar - SiO{sub 2}) pair, we have determined that steady target is a silica one. A good agreement between simulated and experimental yields versus ion incident angle has been found. For (Ar - Ta{sub 2} O{sub 5}) pair, we have to introduce preferential sputtering concept to explain discrepancy between simulation and experiment. In this case, steady target is tantalum monoxide. For (Ar - Ta+O{sub 2}) pair, tantalum sputtered by argon ions in reactive oxygen atmosphere, we have to ...
The management of CNS tumors is limited by the blood-brain barrier (BBB), a vascular interface that restricts the passage of most molecules from the blood into the brain. Here we show that phage particles...Full Text Available
APOBEC3G exerts its antiviral activity by targeting to retroviral particles and inducing viral DNA hypermutations in the absence of Vif. However, the mechanism by which APOBEC3G is packaged into virions...Full Text Available
Quality of education is a determining factor in a nation's competitiveness. Although Mexico has made tremendous progress toward achieving universal basic education, school quality has not kept pace with enrollment increases, especially in rural areas. Innovations at the federal and state levels to raise the quality of basic education in Mexico include decentralizing the education system, thereby giving the states more control over education, and creating the Carrera Magisterial, a program of incentives and professional development for teachers. The first part of this paper shows that early in their professional lives, teachers in basic public schools are better paid than other comparable groups. The second part of the paper analyzes determinants of student achievement. Findings show that short-term teacher posts had a negative impact on learning achievement. Pedagogical efforts and teacher answers to student questions were ...
The global spread of HIV and AIDS has presented a major threat to development, affecting the health of the poor and many aspects of social and economic development. The greatest impact of the epidemic has been felt in sub-Saharan Africa, and Zambia ranks among the worst hit countries. The Free Basic Education Policy in Zambia upholds the right of all children to a universal basic education. This study explored staff and student perceptions of the impact of the epidemic on access to, and the quality of, basic education for AIDS-affected children, orphans and other vulnerable children (OVCs) in the Copperbelt Province of Zambia, where the HIV/AIDS prevalence rate ranges from 34 to 40%, and life expectancy has dropped to 33 years. Data were collected from education personnel in six districts of the Copperbelt with the highest prevalence of HIV and AIDS and from staff and students in six schools. The data indicated a range of ...
For IGCC, the primary investment is too high due to the demand of high gasification efficiency. For PFBCC, the thermal efficiency is too low due to the relatively low turbine inlet temperature and the hot working medium of the gas turbine is not easy to clean. A new scheme is proposed for coal fired combined cycle to overcome the main drawbacks of IGCC and PFBCC. The research targets are developing a new cycle construction of coal fired combined cycle to raise the efficiency and reduce the primary investment. Actually, the new scheme is a synthesis of some existing proposals. It adopts partial gasification to reduce the primary investment of the gasification equipment. The un-gasified surplus solid is then fed to a pressurized fluidized bed boiler, but adopting Curtiss Wright type external combustion to lower the ash content in the working medium. The gas fuel from the partial gasifier is combusted in a top combustor to further increase the working medium ...
The failure of the standard Growth Approach to economic development to solve the problems of underdevelopment in LDCs has caused an alternative approach, Basic Needs Approach (BNA), to attain prominence in development thought. BNA emphasizes poverty-minimizing growth. Its strategy of direct attack on poverty has better potential for LDCs' development and fulfillment of their populations' basic needs than the trickle-down mechanism of the Growth Approach. BNA requires, among other things, (a) suitable rural financial markets (RFMs) as parts of the overall financial system, and (b) indigenous technological capabilities. The financial system, if it functions as a central element in an institutionalized technology policy, can link technology-related institutions that generate, evaluate, and promote appropriate technologies (ATs) with RFMs that can support adoption and diffusion of ATs in the agro-rural sector. ...
This presentation discussed common mechanisms for procuring wind energy in Canada. Mechanisms included renewable portfolio standards (RPSs); offsets; tax subsidies; financial subsidies; command and control mechanisms; and request for proposals (RFPs). A layered approach is required to avoid reliance on any single mechanism. RPSs require a certain minimum percentage of energy to come from renewable sources and aim to encourage the local development of renewable energy. RPSs are market-friendly and often result in the creation of tradable renewable energy credits (RECs) used for compliance purposes. RPSs work in parallel with cap and trade, baseline, and credit and carbon tax systems. RFPs target the lowest price offering, a practice which has often resulted in lower rates of return, high attrition, and a failure to attribute market prices to green attributes. It was concluded that ...
A neutron irradiation test on superplastic ceramic materials at high temperature has been proposed as an innovative basic research on high-temperature engineering using the High Temperature Engineering Test Reactor (HTTR). We investigated mechanical properties, such as the hardness and Young's modulus, of ceramic specimens after superplastic deformation. The tested material was 3Y-TZP (3mol% Yttria stabilized Tetragonal Zirconia Polycrystal) which is one of the representative superplastic ceramics. The properties were measured by a microindentation method. We also studied the relationship between crystal microstructures and the mechanical properties of deformed 3Y-TZP by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The indentation test showed that the mechanical properties of the specimens were reduced to about 1/2 by 30% deformation and to about 1/4 by 150% deformation. The SEM images showed that ...
Water chemistry of nuclear power plants has played an important role in reduction of personnel doses, structural materials and fuel integrity assurance, and reduction of radioactive wastes production. Further contributions are requested for advanced utilization of the LWR, advanced fuels and aging management of plants. Since water chemistry has an effect on all structure and materials immersed and at the same time affected by them, the optimum control not sticking to specific issues and covering the whole plant is required for these requests. Taking account of roles and activities of the industry, governmental institutes and academia, road maps on research and development plans for water chemistry were compiled into identified eleven items with targets and counter measures taken, such as common basic technologies, dose reduction, SCC mitigation, fuel cans corrosion/hydrogen absorption mitigation, condition based maintenance and flow accelerated ...
This task within the EU R and D for ITER was aimed at the development of basic manufacturing solutions for the high heat flux plasma facing components such as the divertor targets, the baffles and limiters. More than 50 representative small-scale mock-ups have been manufactured with beryllium, carbon and tungsten armour using various joining technologies. High heat flux testing of 20 of these mock-ups showed the carbon mono-blocks to be the most robust solution, surviving 2000 cycles at absorbed heat fluxes of up to 24 MW m{sup -2}. With flat armour tiles rapid joint failures occurred at 5-16 MW m{sup -2} depending on joining technology and armour material. These test results serve as a basis for the selection of manufacturing options and materials for the prototypes now being ordered. (orig.) 11 refs.
Almost 900m adolescents and adults are illiterate in the developing world, yet most policy discussions focus on the educational circumstances of primary aged children. As a result non-formal educational programs for adolescents and adults are given very little support, and this group is virtually ignored in international agreements such as the millennium declaration. This article presents the first serious attempt at evaluating the impact of a non-formal education program. Results show significant learning achievement over the academic year, as well as strong development impacts of the program in non-learning dimensions of participants' lives. These positive impacts, plus the significantly lower unit costs and self-targeted nature of the program provide strong evidence that this type of pr...
In the Introduction the history of the cascade probabilistic method development is described. The calculation model for different charged particles cascade probabilistic functions (CPF) was considered. A new analytical expressions for CPF for electrons, protons, alpha-particles and ions are obtained as well. A new results on mathematical analysis, algorithms, and calculation of CPF with taking into account charged particles energy losses on computer are cited. The peculiarities of these functions are analyzed. The detail analysis of these function behavior in relation from flying particles energy, target atomic number, generation and registration depth, and interactions number is carried out. The program packages in the Windows medium is developed on the visual programming languages: Visual Basic 6.0, Delphi 6.0, C++ Builder 6.0.
The chemopreventive efficacy of turmeric has been established in experimental systems. However, its mechanism(s) of action are not fully elucidated in vivo. The present study investigates the mechanism of turmeric-mediated chemoprevention in 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced hamster buccal pouch (HBP) carcinogenesis at 2, 4, 6, 10 and 12?weeks. Dietary turmeric (1%) led to decrease in DMBA-induced tumor burden and multiplicity, and enhanced the latency period in parallel, to its modulatory effects on oncogene products and various cellular responses during HBP tumorigenesis. DMBA-induced expression of ras oncogene product, p21 and downstream target, the mitogen-activated protein kinases were significantly decreased by turmeric during HBP carcinogenesis. Turmeric also diminished ...
Summary Although risk assessments are typically conducted on a chemical-by-chemical basis, the 1996 Food Quality Protection Act required the US Environmental Protection Agency to consider cumulative risk of chemicals that act via a common mechanism of toxicity. To this end, we are conducting studies with mixtures of chemicals to elucidate mechanisms of joint action at the systemic level with the goal of providing a framework for assessing the cumulative effects of reproductive toxicants. Previous mixture studies conducted with antiandrogenic chemicals are reviewed briefly and two new studies are described. In all binary mixture studies, rats were dosed during pregnancy with chemicals, singly or in pairs, at dosage levels equivalent to approximately one-half of the ED50 for hypospadias or e...
X-ray ablation of material from the first wall and other components of an ICF (Inertial Confinement Fusion) chamber is a major threat to the laser final optics. Material condensing on these optics after a shot may cause damage with subsequent laser shots. To ensure the successful operation of the ICF facility, removal rates must be predicted accurately. The goal for this dissertation is to develop an experimentally validated x-ray response model, with particular application to the National Ignition Facility (NIF). Accurate knowledge of the x-ray and debris emissions from ICF targets is a critical first step in the process of predicting the performance of the target chamber system. A number of 1-D numerical simulations of NIF targets have been run to characterize target output in terms of energy, angular distribution, spectrum, and pulse shape. Scaling of output characteristics with variations of both ...
The Drell-Yan mechanism for the production of lepton pairs is one of the most basic processes for physics studies at hadron colliders. It is therefore important to have accurate theoretical predictions. In this work we compute the two-loop virtual mixed QCD x QED corrections to Drell-Yan production. We evaluate the Feynman diagrams by decomposing the amplitudes into a set of known master integrals and their coefficients, which allows us to derive an analytical result. We also perform a detailed study of the ultraviolet and infrared structure of the two-loop amplitude and the corresponding poles in epsilon.
Enhanced recovery by chemical flooding using surfactant and/or polymers simultaneously implies the following: (1) a fundamental knowledge of the physical chemistry of micellar systems and interfaces; (2) the proper formulation of mathematic models handling the basicmechanisms of oil recovery; and (3) the use of field-scale pilot units to test the validity of the models and to acquire technical knowledge. Efforts have been made by the French in these directions, and the main results are described. Special attention is paid to the search for new products and the improvement of manufacturing processes. 10 references.
In the last 40 years, significant advances have been made in the understanding of the neurophysiologic processes involved in the experience of trauma and pain. This knowledge, together with the rapid growth and understanding in the behavioral health sciences, has expanded to include a much better appreciation of how these fields are converging and contribute to a process called neuroplasticity. These basicmechanisms common to all patients have important implications for clinical outcome and for improving clinical practice. This article is written for clinicians who manage patients with sacroiliac joint dysfunction, a specific type of nonspecific low back pain.
This book presents the basic ideas of the physics of non-gravitational perturbations and the mathematics required to compute their orbital effects. It conveys the relevance of the different problems that must be solved to achieve a given level of accuracy in orbit determination and in recovery of geophysically significant parameters. Selected Contents are: Orders of Magnitude of the Perturbing Forces, Tides and Apparent Forces, Tools from Celestial Mechanics, Solar Radiation Pressure-Direct Effects: Satellite-Solar Radiation Interaction, Long-Term Effects on Semi-Major Axis, Radiation Pressure-Indirect Effects: Earth-Reflected Radiation Pressure, Anisotropic Thermal Emission, Drag: Orbital Perturbations by a Drag-Like Force, and Charged Particle Drag.
Kinetics of decomposition of gallium and alkali metal intermetallic compounds in the systems LiGa-LiOH, LiGa-NaOH and LiGa-KON was studied in the temperature range of 40-80 deg C. It was ascertained that increase in temperature gives rise to increase in decomposition rate, whereas increase in hydroxide concentration involves the reaction deceleration. An assumption was made that the decomposition occurs with superimposing of two mechanisms, i.e. chemical and electrochemical decomposition. Basic kinetic characteristics of the process were determined - decomposition rate constant and current density
Radian Corporation was contracted to investigate duct injection and ESP phenomena in a 1.7 MW pilot plant constructed for this test program. This study was an attempt to resolve problems found in previous studies and answer remaining questions for the technology using an approach which concentrates on the fundamental mechanisms of the process. The goal of the study was to obtain a better understanding of the basic physical and chemical phenomena that control: (1) the desulfurization of flue gas by calcium-based reagent, and (2) the coupling of an existing ESP particulate collection device to the duct injection process. Process economics are being studied by others. (VC)
Radian Corporation was contracted to investigate duct injection and ESP phenomena in a 1.7 MW pilot plant constructed for this test program. This study was an attempt to resolve problems found in previous studies and answer remaining questions for the technology using an approach which concentrates on the fundamental mechanisms of the process. The goal of the study was to obtain a better understanding of the basic physical and chemical phenomena that control: (1) the desulfurization of flue gas by calcium-based reagent, and (2) the coupling of an existing ESP particulate collection device to the duct injection process. Process economics are being studied by others. (VC)
The foils of various materials were irradiated with "6"0Co with an activity of 11,538 TBq. The minimum radiation dose was 25 kGy. Changes in chemico-physical properties were evaluated by infrared spectroscopy and were not detected after irradiation with 25 kGy. Packing foils were subjected to the following tests: mechanical tests, tests of weld strength, tests of impact resistance, free fall tests, permeability tests for water vapour and microbiological tests. The results of all tests were tabulated. The tests showed that the foils are impermeable for microorganisms and provided the welds are airtight the packed products remain sterile. (J.P.).
In the present work we introduce a novel multi-agent model with the aim to reproduce the dynamics of a double auction market at microscopic time scale through a faithful simulation of the matching mechanics in the limit order book. The agents follow a noise decision making process where their actions are related to a stochastic variable, the market sentiment, which we define as a mixture of public and private information. The model, despite making just few basic assumptions over the trading strategies of the agents, is able to reproduce several empirical features of the high-frequency dynamics of the market microstructure not only related to the price movements but also to the deposition of the orders in the book.
Quartz fiber calorimetry is a technique the signal generation mechanism of which is based on the Cherenkov effect. In this article we try to give a comprehensive overview of the subject. We start with a general introduction to calorimetry where the basic elements that characterize the development of electromagnetic and hadronic showers are discussed. Then we describe in detail the operation principle and the properties of calorimeters equipped with quartz fibers. The main advantages of this type of calorimeters are the radiation hardness, the fast response and the compact detector dimensions, features that derive from the quartz material and the specific mechanism of operation. A section is devoted to presenting the quartz fiber calorimeters that have been built or planned to in various experiments to operate as centrality detectors, trigger detectors, luminosity monitors or general purpose very forward calorimeters.
Since its invention by Los Alamos during the Manhattan Project era the exploding bridgewire detonator (EBW) has seen tremendous use and study. Recent development of a laser-powered device with detonation properties similar to an EBW is reviving interest in the basic physics of the deflagration-to-detonation (DDT) process in both of these devices. Cutback experiments using both laser interferometry and streak camera observations are providing new insight into the initiation mechanism in EBWs. These measurements are being correlated to a DDT model of compaction to detonation and shock to detonation developed previously by Xu and Stewart. The DDT model is incorporated into a high-resolution, multi-material model code for simulating the complete process. Model formulation and the modeling issues required to describe the test data will be discussed.
Four general topics are covered in respect to the natural space radiation environment: (1) particles trapped by the earth`s magnetic field, (2) cosmic rays, (3) radiation environment inside a spacecraft, (4) laboratory radiation sources. The interaction of radiation with materials is described by ionization effects and displacement effects. Total-dose effects on MOS devices is discussed with respect to: measurement techniques, electron-hole yield, hole transport, oxide traps, interface traps, border traps, device properties, case studies and special concerns for commercial devices. Other device types considered for total-dose effects are SOI devices and nitrided oxide devices. Lastly, single event phenomena are discussed with respect to charge collection mechanisms and hard errors. (GHH)
The cell's cytoskeleton, providing the cell with structure and shape, consists of a complex array of structural proteins, including microtubules, microfilaments and intermediate filaments. Intermediate filaments play a crucial role in mechanotransduction and in providing mechanical stability to cells, in particular under large deformation. By utilizing molecular simulation, here we report a nanomechanical analysis of vimentin intermediate filament dimers, the basic building blocks of intermediate filaments. We describe a detailed analysis of the mechanical properties and associated deformation mechanisms, and find that mechanical stretch induces a transition from alpha-helices to beta-sheets, a phenomenon known as alpha-beta transition. A comparison of the Young's modulus predicted from simulation with experimental measurements is provided, and good agreement is found. We present an ...
Rapid corrosion of PWR steam generator carbon steel support structures and consequential denting of steam generator tubes led to considerable investigation of the mechanism of corrosion and for palliatives. The basicmechanism is now fairly well understood. Chloride present in the boiler feedwater from condenser leakage is concentrated in the support plate crevice as a result of the superheat present. This leads to the formation of a low pH acid ferrous chloride environment either through the hydrolysis of a weak base chloride such as MgCl_2 or the combined action of a neutral chloride with an oxidizing agent. Rapid attack of the carbon steel ensues with the Fe_3O_4 corrosion product forming at the metal/oxide interface. This oxide has a volume approximately twice that of the steel consumed and thus eventually fills the crevice between the tube and the support plate. Oxide growth continues leading to compression of the ...
The design of high level radioactive waste (HLW) repositories in deep geological media in which bentonite clay is proposed as a sealing material leads to the need of further studying the behaviour of highly compacted expansive soils when subjected to mechanical, hydraulic and thermal changes. Laboratory tests may help to understand the processes that take place in the clay barrier under simple and controlled conditions and to develop the governing equations. The laboratory tests enable to isolate the different processes, making their interpretation easier, and provide with fundamental data concerning the parameters to be used in the models. The extremely low permeability of these materials, their avidity for water (high suction) and their high swelling capacity make necessary the modification of the conventional laboratory techniques and procedures to determine basic physical parameters. The main hydraulic properties of the barrier to be ...
The study investigated the impact of the Universal Basic Education (UBE) programme on the phenomenon of female trafficking in South-South Nigeria. To this end, six research questions were raised. These revolved around: (i) resource situation and adequacy of training provided for repatriated trafficked victims in the service provider centre; (ii) efforts in the formal education sector of the UBE to curb female trafficking; and (iii) parents and female students' disposition toward female trafficking. The design of the study was descriptive survey. The sample was 420 female students and their parents as well as 100 teachers in the formal segment of the UBE programme and 130 repatriated trafficked victims in a service provider centre. Four sets of instruments were utilised to generate data for the study. The first was quantitative designed to elicit information on the resource situation of the service provider centre and the adequacy of the training given to the ...
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to show how Nigeria's current Universal Basic Education on primary schooling targets Muslim "Almajiri" street boys for basic literacy acquisition. The paper examines the policy's management implementation practices and challenges, as well as provides policy options that may minimize discrepancies for effective management. Design/methodology/approach: The discussion is guided by preliminary qualitative studies using phenomenology research philosophy to better understand the social realities of the boys' schooling. Using a descriptive case study approach, two schools in a major city of northern Nigeria served as research sites. Data collection process involved informal interviews, active observations, and discussions with a purpose with four boys, and two teachers as primary participants. Data analysis engaged the generation of themes from the transcribed interview and personal ...
In this work, we query the Chlamydomonas reinhardtii copper regulon at a whole-genome level. Our RNA-Seq data simulation and analysis pipeline validated a 2-fold cutoff and 10 RPKM (reads per kilobase of mappable length per million mapped reads) (~1 mRNA per cell) to reveal 63 CRR1 targets plus another 86 copper-responsive genes. Proteomic and immunoblot analyses captured 25% of the corresponding proteins, whose abundance was also dependent on copper nutrition, validating transcriptional regulation as a major control mechanism for copper signaling in Chlamydomonas. The impact of copper deficiency on the expression of several O2-dependent enzymes included steps in lipid modification pathways. Quantitative lipid profiles indicated increased polyunsaturation of fatty acids on thylakoid membrane digalactosyldiglycerides, indicating a global impact of copper deficiency on the photosynthetic apparatus. Discovery of a putative plastid copper chaperone ...
Our institute has been investigating laser-produced tin, lithium and xenon plasma for extreme ultraviolet (EUV) light source of EUV lithography system, and found the highest conversion efficiency of 3% at 13.5 nm in 2% bandwidth. In the present paper, we introduce fabrication methods of density-controlled tin targets to generate relatively monochromatic EUV, and higher conversion efficiency than bulk tin. The first method is the nano-template method, where liquid tin solution was immersed into a polymer film with monodispersed size nano-particle. The density can be controlled by tin concentration of the solution. The target can be classified into mass-limited target. We have shown a tendency of monochromatic EUV emission around 13.5 nm with decreasing of tin density. The intensity was higher than tin foil with bulk density. The tendency has a merit to mitigate heat effect of the first EUV mirror. The fabrication method has ...
Our institute has been investigating laser-produced tin, lithium and xenon plasma for extreme ultraviolet (EUV) light source of EUV lithography system, and found the highest conversion efficiency of 3% at 13.5 nm in 2% bandwidth. In the present paper, we introduce fabrication methods of density-controlled tin targets to generate relatively monochromatic EUV, and higher conversion efficiency than bulk tin. The first method is the nano-template method, where liquid tin solution was immersed into a polymer film with monodispersed size nano-particle. The density can be controlled by tin concentration of the solution. The target can be classified into mass-limited target. We have shown a tendency of monochromatic EUV emission around 13.5 nm with decreasing of tin density. The intensity was higher than tin foil with bulk density. The tendency has a merit to mitigate heat effect of the first EUV mirror. The fabrication method has ...
Based on the results obtained for C-N and Si-C-N films, a systematic investigation of reactive magnetron sputtering of hard quaternary Si-B-C-N materials has been carried out. The Si-B-C-N films were deposited on p-type Si(100) substrates by dc magnetron co-sputtering using a single C-Si-B target (at a fixed 20% boron fraction in the target erosion area) in nitrogen-argon gas mixtures. Elemental compositions of the films, their surface bonding structure and mechanical properties, together with their oxidation resistance in air, were controlled by the Si fraction (5-75%) in the magnetron target erosion area, the Ar fraction (0-75%) in the gas mixture, the rf induced negative substrate bias voltage (from a floating potential to -500 V) and the substrate temperature (180-350 deg. C). The total pressure and the discharge current on the magnetron target were held constant at 0.5 Pa and 1 ...
The effect of UV radiation in the wavelength region 230 nm to 302 nm on the ability of an irradiated mammalian cell to reactivate UV-irradiated mammalian virus was tested. An action spectrum for radiation enhanced reactivation (RER) is presented. The shape of the action spectrum points to a combined nucleic acid-protein target for UV radiation effects on this cellular parameter. An analysis of the results of others involving the biochemical and photobiological events involved in RER does not allow us to distinguish which macromolecule is the major contributor to this effect. Studies involving an analogous phenomenon in bacteris (Weigle reactivation) imply that RER and WR amy involve similar mechanisms. (author).
Dyspnea is the most distressing symptom experienced by those suffering from advanced stages of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Activity-related dyspnea in COPD is multifactorial but is associated with increased central neural drive, impaired dynamic respiratory mechanics and abnormal respiratory muscle function. Each of these components can potentially be targeted for pharmacotherapy. Recent advances in the pharmacotherapy of COPD include the development of new long-acting bronchodilators which, when combined, provide sustained improvements in dyspnea. Additionally, novel applications of older therapies such as opiates, furosemide, helium-oxygen, and statins show early promise as dyspnea-relieving interventions in COPD. Effective pharmacological manipulation of the affective ...
Polarized antiprotons produced by spin filtering with an internal polarized gas target provide access to a wealth of single- and double-spin observables, thereby opening a window to physics uniquely accessible with the HESR at FAIR. This includes a first measurement of the transversity distribution of the valence quarks in the proton, and a first measurement of the moduli and the relative phase of the time-like electric and magnetic form factors G{sub E,M} of the proton. In polarized and unpolarized pp-bar elastic scattering open questions like the contribution from the odd charge-symmetry Landshoff-mechanism at large |t| and spin-effects in the extraction of the forward scattering amplitude at low |t| can be addressed.
ABSTRACT: Metabolomic analysis will provide the next large set of clues to further our understanding of human health and disease. A recent study has elucidated the significant differences in the metabolomes of adipocytes, serum and an adipocyte cell line after activation of two nuclear receptors, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor ?/? (PPAR?/?) and PPAR?. These findings hold great promise for explaining fundamental differences in the mechanisms of PPAR agonists and for identifying targets for the treatment of diabetes.See related research article: http://genomebiology.com/2011/12/8/R75. PMID:21861850
The fusion excitation function for the radioactive projectile "8 Li on a "2"0"8 Pb target has been measured at energies near the Coulomb barrier. The results show that in the considered energy interval, the evaporation of four neutrons is the most relevant mechanism. However, at the highest energies used in the experiment, the Sn channel begins to appear. The preliminary experimental cross sections show a good agreement with the predictions of a simple evaporation calculation using the code PACE. (Author) 16 refs., 1 tab., 4 figs.
I formulate a model in which money coexists with equity shares on a risky aggregate endowment. Agents can use equity as a means of payment, so shocks to equity prices translate into aggregate liquidity shocks that disrupt the mechanism of exchange. I characterize a family of optimal monetary policies and find that the resulting equity prices are independent of monetary considerations. I also study a perturbation of the family of optimal policies that targets a positive constant nominal interest rate and find that in this case the real equity return includes a liquidity return that depends on monetary considerations.
The interaction of free electrons in the energy range from 0 to 10 eV with molecules at different stages of aggregation is investigated. The mechanism in the gas phase under single collision conditions is described. Fullerenes C_6_0 and C_7_0 are used as targets. Electron impact on condensed molecules can lead to temporary negative ions. The formation of Cl"- from gas phase CCl_4 and the desorption of Cl"- from 6 monolayer CCl_4 film on an Au substrate is determined experimentally. (Suda).
A model is developed to represent mechanical strain, stress-enhanced dissolution, and shear dilation as innately hysteretic and interlinked processes in rough contacting fractures. The model is incorporated into a numerical simulator designed to examine permeability change and thermal exchange in chemically active and deformable fractured reservoirs. A candidate engineered geothermal reservoir system (EGS) is targeted. The mechanistic model is able to distinguish differences between the evolution of fluid transmission characteristics of (1) small scale, closely spaced fractures, and (2) large-scale, more widely spaced fractures. Alternate realizations of fracture frequency and scale, exhibiting identical initial bulk permeability, lead to significantly different conclusions regarding perme...
The reaction mechanism underlying the 44 MeV/u {sup 40}Ar projectile break-up process has been studied on different targets, by measuring the coincidences between light particles or intermediate mass fragments detected in a large angular range, and projectile fragments or light charged particles. While the experimental data relative to projectile-like fragments (PLF) with charge close to the one of the projectile can be interpreted in the framework of a three source analysis, the anomalous light fragment production with Z {<=} 10 rather suggests `fission` as one of the possible decay mode of the highly excited projectile or PLF. It is also observed that a great amount of the forward detected light charged particles are correlated, and due to the break-up or decay of light excited ions. (author). 9 refs.
We outline basic principles of a canonical formalism for the Nambu mechanics - a generalization of Hamiltonian mechanics proposed by Yoichiro Nambu in 1973. It is based on the notion of a Nambu bracket, which generalizes the Poisson bracket - a 'binary'' operation on classical observables on the phase space - to the 'multiple' operation of higher order n#>=#3. Nambu dynamics is described by the phase flow given by Nambu-Hamilton equations of motion - a system of ODE's which involves n-1 'Hamiltonians'. We introduce the fundamental identity for the Nambu bracket - a generalization of the Jacobi identity - as a consistency condition for the dynamics. We show that Nambu bracket structure defines a hierarchy of infinite families of 'subordinated' structures of lower order, including Poisson bracket structure, which satisfy certain matching conditions. The notion of Nambu bracket enables us to define Nambu-Poisson manifolds - ...
The knowledge of wound ballistics and of wounding mechanisms is mandatory for the radiologist to interpret the CT findings of gunshot wounds. The severity of a bullet wound depends on the characteristics of the tissue it goes through, i.e., tissue elasticity, density, thickness of the wounded body part, the type of tissue, its specific gravity, internal cohesiveness and anatomical relationships, as well as on missile characteristics, i.e., mass, shape, fragmentation and deformation. Bullet velocity is certainly a major factor in wounding, but it is only one factor. Two major wounding mechanisms exist the crushing of the bullet-struck tissue (forming the permanent cavity) and radial stretching (forming a temporary cavity). Bullet "yaw" is defined as the angle between the long axis of the bullet and its flight path. The yaw is directly proportional to tissue crushing and stretching: the wider the yaw, the most severe tissue crushing and ...
The oxidative dehydrogenation (OXDH) of n-butane, 1-butene, and trans-2-butene on different vanadia catalysts has been compared. MgO, alumina, and Mg-Al mixed oxides with Mg/(Al + Mg) ratios of 0.25 and 0.75 were used as supports. The catalytic data indicate that the higher the acid character of catalysts the lower is both the selectivity to C{sub 4}-olefins from n-butane and the selectivity to butadiene from both 1-butene or trans-2-butene. Thus, OXDH reactions are mainly observed from n-butane and butenes on basic catalysts. The different catalytic performance of both types of catalysts is a consequence of the isomerization of olefins on acid sites, which appears to be a competitive reaction with the selective way, i.e., the oxydehydrogenation process by a redox mechanism. Infrared spectroscopy data of 1-butene adsorbed on supported vanadium oxide catalysts suggest the presence of different adsorbed species. O-containing species (carbonyl and ...
The Executive Body adopted the Protocol on Heavy Metals on 24 June 1998 in Aarhus (Denmark). It targets three particularly harmful metals: cadmium, lead and mercury. According to one of the basic obligations, parties will have to reduce their emissions for these three metals below their levels in 1990. The Protocol aims to cut emissions from industrial sources, combustion process and waste incineration. It lays down strighten limit values for emissions from stationary sources and suggests best available techniques (BAT) for these sources, such as special filters or scrubbers for combustion sources or mercury-free processes. The Protocol requires parties to phase out leaded petrol. It also introduces measures to lower heavy metal emissions from other products, such as mercury in batteries, and proposes the introduciton of management measures for other mercury-containing products, such as electrical componets (thermostats, switches), measuring ...
Heat exchangers for high and ultrahigh temperatures are a need and a precondition to realise high efficient fossil fired power plants based on the so-called Externally Fired Combined Cycle (EFCC) or the Indirect Fired Gas Turbines (IFGT). The main target of both processes is to increase the thermal efficiency of existing power plants by approximately 25% resulting in the same decrease in fuel consumption and, therefore, in the same reduction of CO{sub 2} formation. The main activities of the MPA University of Stuttgart in this project is focused on the characterisation and qualification of the structural material of the ultrahigh temperature heat exchanger (UHTHE) necessary in the above mentioned processes. The influence of the temperature and load on the material behaviour have been analysed by means of tensile tests and creep tests. The effectiveness of different coating systems and the interaction between coating system and basic material ...
It is very well known that the CANDU reactor has positive Coolant Void Reactivity (CVR), which is most important criticisms about CANDU. The most recent innovations based on using a thin absorbent Hafnium shell in the central bundle element were successfully been applied to the Advanced CANDU Reactor (ACR) project. The paper's objective is to analyze elementary lattice cell effects in applying such methods to reduce the CVR. Three basic fuel designs in their corresponding geometries were chosen to be compared: the ACR-1000TM, the RU-43 (developed in INR Pitesti) and the standard CANDU fuel. The bundle geometry influence on void effect was also evaluated. The WIMS calculations proved the Hafnium absorber suitability (in the latest 'shell design') to achieve the negative CVR target with great accuracy for the ACR-1000 fuel bundle design than for the other two projects. (authors)
The National Ignition Facility (NIF) will be a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national center for inertial confinement fusion (ICF) and other research into the physics of high temperatures and high densities, and a vital element of the DOE`s nuclear weapons Stockpile Stewardship and Management Program. It will be used by scientists from a numerous different institutions and disciplines to support research advancements in national security, energy, basic science, and economic development. Multiple powerful laser beams will `ignite` small fusion targets, helping liberate more energy than is required to initiate the fusion reactions. This paper discusses the Design for Environment process for NIF, some of the subsequent activities resulting from the initial study, and a few of the lessons learned from this process. Subsequent activities include the development of a Pollution Prevention and Waste Minimization Plan (P2/WMin) for the facility, which ...
The staring point of the project was to design and construct, by taking the silvicultural point of view into account, a harvesting and processing system especially for energy-wood, containing manually driven bundling harvester, automatizing of the harvester, and automatized loading. The equipment forms an ideal method for entrepreneur`s-line harvesting. The target is to apply the system also for owner`s-line harvesting. The profitability of the system promotes the utilization of the system in both cases. The objectives of the project were: to construct a test equipment and prototypes for all the project stages, to carry out terrain and strain tests in order to examine the usability and durability, as well as the capacity of the machine, to test the applicability of the Eko-Log system in simultaneous harvesting of energy and pulp woods, and to start the marketing and manufacturing of the products. The basic problems of the construction of the ...
Without using any moduli, sheaves, stacks, nor any analytic, nor category-type arguments, we exhibit an analogue to Geometric Langlands Theory in an entirely model-independent, non-perturbative,purely smooth topological context in Artin Presentation Theory. A basic initial feature is that AP Theory, as a whole, is already, ab initio, a universal canonical 2D sigma-model, targeting smooth, compact, simply-connected 4-manifolds with a connected boundary, and its topological Planckian quantum starting point, as well as its cone-like, infinitely-generated at each stage, graded group of homology-preserving, but topology-changing transitions/interactions, exhibit the most general qualitative S-duality. We first point out the numerous mathematically rigorous, model-free, (i.e., intrinsic), topological AP analogues with the heuristic Kapustin-Witten version of Geometric Langlands theory, as well as the crucial differences between the two theories. The ...
Herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) entry into target cell is initiated by the ionic interactions between positively charged viral envelop glycoproteins and a negatively charged cell surface heparan sulfate (HS). This first step involves the induction of HS-rich filopodia-like structures on the cell surface that facilitate viral transport during cell entry. Targeting this initial first step in HSV-1 pathogenesis, we generated different zinc oxide (ZnO) micro-nano structures (MNSs) that were capped with multiple nanoscopic spikes mimicking cell induced filopodia. These MNSs were predicted to target the virus to compete for its binding to cellular HS through their partially negatively charged oxygen vacancies on their nanoscopic spikes, to affect viral entry and subsequent spread. Our results demonstrate that the partially negatively charged ZnO-MNSs efficiently trap the virions via a novel virostatic ...
Hox genes encode a family of transcriptional regulators that operate differential developmental programs along the anteroposterior axis of bilateral animals. Regulatory changes affecting Hox gene expression are believed to have been crucial for the evolution of animal body plans. In Drosophila melanogaster, Hox expression is post-transcriptionally regulated by microRNAs (miRNAs) acting on target sites located in the 3' untranslated regions (3'UTRs) of Hox mRNAs. Notably, recent work has shown that during D. melanogaster development Hox genes produce mRNAs with variable 3'UTRs (short and long forms) in different sets of tissues as a result of alternative polyadenylation; importantly, Hox short and long 3'UTRs contain very different target sites for miRNAs. Here, we use a computational approach to explore the evolution of Hox 3'UTRs treated with especial regard to miRNA regulation. Our work is focused on the 12 Drosophila species for which ...
Nano- and microstructured surfaces are known to impact on the binding and differentiation of cells, but the detailed basic understanding of the underlying regulatory mechanisms is still scarce, which impedes the rational design of smart biomaterials. Towards a comprehensive analysis of the interplay between topographical parameters such as feature design and lateral and vertical dimensions we here report on a combinatorial screening approach, BioSurface Structure Array (BSSA) of test squares each with a distinct topography. Using such BSSA libraries of 504 topographically distinct surface structures, we have identified combinations of size, gap and height of structures which enhance mineralization as well as the expression of osteogenic markers of a preosteoblastic murine cell line. This g...
This experiment is carried out in the series of the investigation on the damage mechanism of carbon steel. In this paper, the damage situation is considered by structure observations. The test were carried out in 600degC-1200degC temperature range, in blowing an argon gas. The reagents are Na{sub 2}O, Na{sub 2}O{sub 2} and NaOH. From structure observations, the holes are observed on the surface of iron-base material in some test conditions. This result is indicated that the selective reaction occurs. The selective reaction is more obvious as the time exposed to the high temperature is longer. It is considered that the selective reaction occurs after the chemical reaction between iron-base material and sodium compound. The areas, in which Mn-concentration is higher, are observed in products on the surface of specimen. (author)
The 10th International Neurotrauma Symposium was held in Shanghai, China, on 27-???30 April 2011. This meeting marked the 20th anniversary of International Neurotrauma Symposia. The vision of the International Neurotrauma Society is to unite clinicians and scientists to discuss and present the latest in translational clinical and basic science research related to neurotrauma. The Shanghai meeting brought together 1000 delegates from over 70 countries. Key areas discussed included current guidelines of neurotrauma management, the latest advances in neuroimaging, the latest concepts in cell death mechanisms after neurotrauma, the role of decompressive techniques for cranial and spinal neurotrauma, advances in biomarkers for CNS injury, and the future of clinical management and research in ne...
One of the most remarkable features of string theories is that they seem to provide a framework for a consistent theory of quantum gravity which is unified with all other forces. String theories fall into the two basic, a priori equally interesting, categories of open and closed string theories. For the past five years virtually all attention has been focused on purely closed string theories even though the reincarnation of string theory began with the discovery of anomaly cancellation and finiteness in the Green-Schwarz open superstring. It is the authors' purpose in this essay to rekindle interest in open string theories as potential theories of nature, including gravity. All string theories naively contain a massless dilaton which couples with the strength of gravity in direct violation of experiment. They present a simple mechanism for giving the dilaton a mass in unoriented open bosonic string theories.
In the world of pipeline maintenance, there are pigs and there are intelligent pigs. Intelligent pigs, when launched into a pipeline, carry instrumentation onboard which enables them to gather and record information about problems such as denting, corrosion, and cracking. More basic pigs, on the other hand, look after the routine internal maintenance chores such as cleaning and swabbing, or else perform operational duties such as batching different types of product along the line. The harsh environment in which pigs often operate is described. Aside from the mechanical shocks they undergo when passing welds, bends, and other fittings, they may have to contend with hostile conditions such as hydrogen sulfide environments. High pressure is another factor to consider. In crude oil lines, significant paraffin deposits also can cause problems if they affect the sensors ability to maintain good contact with the pipe wall. In spite of these ...
Poly(methyl methacrylate), PMMA, scrap generated during the casting process for PMMA cast sheet is an industrial waste stream, which has a high impact on the PMMA production cost and environment. This paper presents an alternative way to reduce the processing cost of PMMA cast sheet and decrease industrial waste by using styrene (S) as a co-monomer with methyl methacrylate (MMA) monomer, in conjunction with recycling of PMMA scrap in the S-MMA copolymer cast sheet process. The influence of factors, such as the concentrations of S and PMMA scrap, on the preparation of S-MMA copolymer cast sheet mixed with PMMA scrap was investigated. The characterization of basic copolymer composition, the physical, and the mechanical properties of the final products were examined. The results show that it ...
Within the framework of the cluster approach and the semiempirical SCF MO LCAO method in the CNDO/BW valence approximation, possible pathways have been compared for the dehydroxylation of aluminosilicate systems. It has been shown that dehydroxylation as a result of splitting of a water molecule from an acidic bridge hydroxyl group and a more basic terminal group Al-OH is the most energyfavorable. Apparently, such a dehydroxylation pathway is primarily characteristic for amorphous aluminosilicates. Typical of crystalline aluminosilicates at moderate heat-treating temperature is dehydroxylation through splitting of a water molecule from an acidic bridge hydroxyl group and a neutral Si-OH group; at higher temperatures, there is a possible pathway of dehydroxylation of highsilica zeolites as a result of condensation of two acidic surface hydroxyls.
To understand dynamic developmental processes, living tissues must be imaged frequently and for extended periods of time. Root development is extensively studied at cellular resolution to understand basicmechanisms underlying pattern formation and maintenance in plants. Unfortunately, ensuring continuous specimen access, while preserving physiological conditions and preventing photo-damage, poses major barriers to measurements of cellular dynamics in indeterminately growing organs such as plant roots. We present a system that integrates optical sectioning through light sheet fluorescence microscopy with hydroponic culture that enables us to image at cellular resolution a vertically growing Arabidopsis root every few minutes and for several consecutive days. We describe novel automated routines to track the root tip as it grows, track cellular nuclei and identify cell divisions. We demonstrate the system's capabilities by collecting data on ...
The changed political situation and recognition of the acute destruction of the natural environment in Poland have caused a series of actions aimed at preventing further deterioration of Polish environment. One of the most important events which took place in the last few years was the enactment by the Polish Parliament in May 1991 of the Act on the National Ecological Policy. The basic assumption of the new environmental policy is a declaration that sustainable development will in future direct economic development in Poland. The aim of the presented paper is to introduce existing policy of air protection and instruments which have been implemented to protect the air. Special attention is paid to legislation instruments, introduction and enforcement of proper economic mechanisms strengthening air protection and foreign policy aiming at increasing foreign assistance for this objective. Pollutants involved include sulfur dioxide, nitrogen ...
In support of the efforts to apply ceramics to advanced heat engines, a study is being performed of the performance of ceramics at the ring/cylinder interface of advanced (low heat rejection) engines. The objective of the study, managed by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, is to understand the basicmechanisms controlling the wear of ceramics and thereby identify means for applying ceramics effectively. Attempts to operate three different zirconias, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, and plasma-sprayed ceramic coatings without lubrication have not been successful because of excessive friction and high wear rates. Silicon carbide and silicon nitride perform well at ambient temperatures with fully formulated mineral oil lubrication, but are limited to temperatures of 500F because of the lack of suitable liquid lubricants for higher temperatures.
In this paper, we report an optical fiber sensor for measuring temperature based on bimetallic concept. The sensor is designed by following the basic principle of Fabry-Perot interferometer and theoretical detail of the sensor has been outlined here with a numerical study. An important feature of the proposed sensor is that the fabrication will be done on a commercial multimode optical fiber. The Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) based fabrication process could be performed directly on a multimode optical fiber end face which will eliminate the need for adhesive in packaging. The sensor could be fabricated as sensor arrays for micro level applications. The potential application of the proposed optical sensor includes biomedical applications, nano research, microfluidics, and other ME...
In these lecture notes we derive a generic holographic string theory realization of a p-wave superconductor and superfluid. For this purpose we also review basic D-brane physics, gauge/gravity methods at finite temperature, key concepts of superconductivity and recent progress in distinct realizations of holographic superconductors and superfluids. Then we focus on a D3/D7-brane construction yielding a superconducting or superfluid vector-condensate. The corresponding gauge theory is 3+1-dimensional N=2 supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory with SU(N) color and SU(2) flavor symmetry. It shows a second order phase transition to a phase in which a U(1) subgroup of the SU(2) symmetry is spontaneously broken and typical superconductivity signatures emerge, such as a conductivity (pseudo-)gap and the Meissner-Ochsenfeld effect. Condensates of this nature are comparable to those recently found experimentally in p-wave superconductors such as a ruthenate compound. A string ...
Fhe ECOTRONIC system developed by Bosch und Pierburg System oHG is an electronic system for mixture formation for Otto-cycle engines complying with high operational requirements. Engineers incorporated electronic control of the quantity of mixture and mixture enrichment for supplementary functions into a reliable, low-cost system, which will also comply with future requirements concerning fuel consumption, emissions and driveability. The author of the present article reduces the carburetor down to its basic systems, explains how supplementary functions were converted from mechanical to either open or closed-loop electronic control, and describes the newly developed actuators, the control unit making use of digital technology, and the results achieved.
Many solutions of General Relativity appear to allow the possibility of time travel. This was initially a fascinating discovery, but geometries of this type violate causality, a basic physical law which is believed to be fundamental. Although string theory is a proposed fundamental theory of quantum gravity, geometries with closed timelike curves have resurfaced as solutions to its low energy equations of motion. In this paper, we will study the class of solutions to low energy effective supergravity theories related to the BMPV black hole and the rotating wave-D1-D5-brane system. Time travel appears to be possible in these geometries. We will attempt to build the causality violating regions and propose that stringy effects prohibit their construction. The proposed chronology protection agent for these geometries mirrors a mechanism string theory employs to resolve a class of naked singularities. (author)
The first task for remediation actions against underground contamination should be an effective confinement of contamination plumes. Some conventional barrier techniques have been already proved to have sufficient features to prevent such plumes from extending horizontally, but further technical development is required to construct a bottom barrier to stop plumes going deeper. Superjet{sup {trademark}} is a powerful version of the jet grouting method (1) and is characterized by prompt construction of an underground cement pile when exceeds 5 meter in diameter. Its application to a case of construction of underground lapping beams has shown satisfactory completion to sustain underground open space. The results and some basic experiments indicate that this method is technically feasible to build a bottom barrier with a certain mechanical strength.
Shaped activated charcoal is modified by 02 and N2 processing for producing coal compounds with higher acidic or basic properties. Nitrated activated charcoal has properties of a weak anionite with a substantially increased ion exchange capacity with an increase in the concentration of the hydrogen ions in the electrolyte and adsorbs iodine ions well from aqueous solutions at a pH of less than 5. A layer of nitrated charcoal is a very effective sorbent in the process of dynamic sorption of iodine anions from acetic solutions of KI. It is also established that the sorption of iodine ions in the activated charcoal modified by 02 occurs in accordance with an ion exchange mechanism (and possibly, selective sorption). This refutes literature data which ascribe the determining participation in the process to the reaction of oxidation of iodides on the surface (Pv) of the coal into free I2.
Vehicular communication (VC) systems have recently drawn the attention of industry, authorities, and academia. A consensus on the need to secure VC systems and protect the privacy of their users led to concerted efforts to design security architectures. Interestingly, the results different project contributed thus far bear extensive similarities in terms of objectives and mechanisms. As a result, this appears to be an auspicious time for setting the corner-stone of trustworthy VC systems. Nonetheless, there is a considerable distance to cover till their deployment. This paper ponders on the road ahead. First, it presents a distillation of the state of the art, covering the perceived threat model, security requirements, and basic secure VC system components. Then, it dissects predominant assumptions and design choices and considers alternatives. Under the prism of what is necessary to render secure VC systems practical, and given possible ...
Autophagy is an intracellular recycling route in eukaryotes whereby organelles and cytoplasm are sequestered in vesicles, which are subsequently delivered to the vacuole for breakdown. The process is induced by various nutrient-responsive signaling cascades converging on the Autophagy-Related1 (ATG1)/ATG13 kinase complex. Here, we describe the ATG1/13 complex in Arabidopsis thaliana and show that it is both a regulator and a target of autophagy. Plants missing ATG13 are hypersensitive to nutrient limitations and senesce prematurely similar to mutants lacking other components of the ATG system. Synthesis of the ATG12-ATG5 and ATG8-phosphatidylethanolamine adducts, which are essential for autophagy, still occurs in ATG13-deficient plants, but the biogenesis of ATG8-decorated autophagic bodies does not, indicating that the complex regulates downstream events required for autophagosome enclosure and/or vacuolar delivery. Surprisingly, levels of the ATG1a and ATG13a ...
Target vessel materials used in spallation neutron source will be exposed to proton and neutron irradiation and mercury immersion environments. In order to evaluate the surface degradation of the vessel candidate materials due to such environment, the triple-ion beam irradiation taking the spallation reaction into account and mercury immersion tests were carried out. Mechanical properties of the gradient surface layer were evaluated by the inverse analysis with multi-layer model that considers distribution of surface characteristic was applied to the load and depth curves measured by using the instrumented indentation machine. Transmission electron microscopic observations were performed to evaluate the changes of microstructure in irradiated surface layer using focused ion-beam cut micro-specimen. The mechanical properties distributions in the surface layer were evaluated quantitatively and the changes in microstructures ...
Although the mechanism is unknown, Calculus Bovis and its active components, cholic acid analogs (CAAs), have been used in China to treat a wide range of diseases. Based on the previous finding that the potency of CAA is strongly dependent on the intrinsic surface activity, this paper aimed to investigate the role of the plasma membrane in the pharmacological activity of CAAs. First, CAAs (0.1 mM) caused a surface activity-dependent depression on ATPase activity in the cell membrane extract, but it had no effects on other cellular extracts, suggesting an indispensable role of the membrane environment for pharmacological activity. Second, CAAs lowered the membrane fluidity of cultured Caco-2 cells with the same rank-order of potency sequence. Third, the hypothesis that any functional protein located on the membrane is influenced by changes in cellular membrane fluidity was supported by: ileal contraction that was induced by acetylcholine and mediated by the ...
Precise measurements of the single spin asymmetry AN, and the double spin asymmetry ANN, in proton-proton (pp) elastic scattering in the region of four-momentum transfer squared 0.0012 have been performed using a polarized atomic hydrogen gas jet target and the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) polarized proton beam. We present measurements of AN and ANN at center-of-mass energies ?(s)=6.8 and 13.7 GeV. These spin-dependent observables are sensitive to the poorly known hadronic spin-dependent amplitudes. Comparing AN at different energies, a ?(s) dependence of the hadronic single spin-flip amplitude is suggested. A hadronic double spin-flip amplitude from the ANN data is consistent with zero within a 2-? level. We also present ??T, estimated from the measured ANN data. The results for ??T are consistent with zero. Our results provide significant constraints toward a comprehensive understanding of the reaction mechanism for pp elastic ...
Stereoselective methods for synthesising iminoalditols are still needed, as this class of compounds is known to contain strong glycosidase inhibitors. We have for some time investigated (1) the possibilities for using 2-amino-6-bromo-2,6-dideoxy-aldonolactones as starting materials for such compounds, since a substitution at C-6 by the 2-amino group should lead to the target molecules. We have found that treatment of mentioned 2-aminolacones with aqueous base gave 5- or 6-membered iminoalditols depending of the stereochemistry of the lactone, while under non aqueous conditions only formation of 6-membered iminoalditols were observed. The use of triethylamine in methanol thus gave methylesters of 6-membered iminouronic acids. Reduction of the ester group with sodium borohydride gave the target compounds. The mechanisms of the reactions will be discussed as well as specific results obtained. (1) Lundt, I. Top. Curr. Chem. ...
Based on the tried and proven 32/40 diesel engine MAN B and W Diesel AG has developed a dual fuel gas engine covering a rate from 2.4 to 7.2 MW for stationary application in cogeneration and power stations. This paper reports the salient points of the 32/40 DG development project from the concept phase through to prototype testing. To reach the targets a dual fuel prechamber combustion system was developed using an externally arranged, cylinder individual gas admission for the main combustion chamber and a pilot fuel injection to the prechamber. Due to the high thermal and mechanical load sustaining capability of the strong-built heavy fuel diesel engine, bmep (19.9 bar) and efficiency (42.6%) in excess of the targets were achieved with a more than satisfactory life of components. Moreover, the NO{sub x} limit of 500 mg/m{sup 3} as specified in the German TA Luft was successfully met.
The United States and Russia have agreed to jointly develop a solar dynamic (SD) system for flight demonstration on the Russian Mir space station starting in late 1997. Two important components of this SD system are the solar concentrator and heat receiver provided by Russia and the US, respectively. This paper describes optical analysis of the concentrator and solar flux predictions on target receiver surfaces. The optical analysis is performed using the code CIRCE2. These analyses account for finite sun size with limb darkening, concentrator surface slope and position errors, concentrator petal thermal deformation, gaps between petals, and the shading effect of the receiver support struts. The receiver spatial flux distributions are then combined with concentrator shadowing predictions. Geometric shadowing patterns are traced from the concentrator to the target receiver surfaces. These patterns vary with time depending on the chosen Mir ...
We describe the isolation and genetic characterization of N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG)-induced mutations in the phage P22 mnt repressor gene cloned in plasmid pBR322. Mutations in the mnt repressor gene or its operator on this plasmid, pPY98, confer a tetracycline resistance phenotype, whereas the wild-type plasmid confers tetracycline sensitivity. Cells carrying pPY98 were briefly exposed to MNNG to give 20 to 40% survival and a 50- to 100-fold increase in tetracycline-resistant cells. DNA sequence analysis showed that 29 to 30 MNNG-induced mutations were GC-to-AT transitions and one was an AT-to-GC transition. About 80% of the mutations are in three hotspots. This mutation spectrum is consistent with the proposed mechanism of mutagenic action of MNNG, which involves mispairing of an alkylated base, O/sup 6/-methylguanine. The mnt gene may be a useful target for determining mutagenic specificity at the nucleotide level ...
Full text of publication follows: As SiCf/SiC composites are very low activation materials, their use as structural material for the reactor blanket and first wall components appears essential to demonstrate the potential of D-T fusion power reactor. Positive features of SiCf/SiC are their high performances at elevated operating temperature and the ability to produce a specific component. Critical issues of SiCf/SiC are the mechanical properties, radiation stability and, with regard to technological issues, their hermeticity and joining processes. Improvement of joining processes for SiC/SiC components is also needed. Recently, several blanket designs have been studied: the TAURO blanket concept in the European Union, the ARIESAT concept in the US and the DREAM concept in Japan. In those reactors, hermetic SiCf/SiC or self-sealing coatings are mandatory. The basic idea of self sealing concept is to manufacture a coating with specific ...
As a part of the WE-NET project, the tanker for liquid hydrogen transport was studied. In fiscal 1996, some experiments and numerical analyses were proposed which are necessary to solve technological issues extracted in fiscal 1995 for heat insulation structure. The issue was roughly classified into vacuum and non-vacuum insulation, and their basic functions and required performance were arranged. Boil-off rate of 0.2-0.4%/d was targeted. The insulation system which applies polyurethane form (PUF) to tank surfaces and injects atmospheric N2 gas into the surrounding hold space, could achieve the targeted insulation performance by PUF of 1m in thickness. The system of vacuum panel insulation and atmospheric N2 gas injection into a hold space required the panel of 500mm in thickness because of the large effect of metallic outer panel material. The system of vacuum hold and PUF panels was faced with the essential issue for ...
Industrial utilization of reaction mechanisms of microorganisms under anaerobic condition permits structuring energy saving type production processes. The present survey has investigated features of new microorganisms under anaerobic condition and the status of researches thereon inside and outside the country, and discussed their future applications. Chapter 1 compares anaerobic microorganisms and functions of microorganism under anaerobic condition with those aerobic to describe their general features, and describes the purpose of this survey and the summary of the investigations. Chapter 2 surveys the current status of technologies to utilize microorganisms under anaerobic condition. Chapter 3 outlines metabolic characteristics of the anaerobic microorganisms, and extracts functions effective for material production by different anaerobic microorganisms to describe their applicability. Chapter 4 evaluates the system classification for the anaerobic ...
For rational use of energy resources, the process technology which allows harmonization and multiplication of conflicting characteristics was developed for development of new ceramic system materials. This paper summarizes the result in fiscal 1997. On a structural reaction process among creation technologies of ultra-reliable structure, study was made on structure control and hot-working technology through atmosphere control in ceramics synthesis. On basic technology for analysis and evaluation, study was made on the effect of particle bridging on strengthening and toughening of ceramic materials. Study was also made on a toughness expression mechanism, FEM model analysis of particle bridging, and crack growth resistance of ceramics. On control of solid solution precipitation, new alumina ceramics with high strength, hardness and wear resistance was obtained by transgranularly precipitating nano-size particles from a fine-grain high-density ...
The usual method of introducing engineers to the concept of dislocations and their role in plastic flow is to compare an estimate of the theoretical strength of solid (of order {micro}/30 where {micro} is the shear modulus) and the observed strength of either single crystals ({mu}/10{sup 4}) or practical engineering material such as structural steels where the yield stress in shear is of order {mu}/10{sup 3}. However, if one considers the problem in reverse, one can consider the accumulation of dislocations as an important mechanism by which one can produce engineering materials in which the strength level approaches the theoretical strength. If one assumes that the flow stress can be expressed in terms of te mean free path between stored dislocations or as the square root of the global dislocation density, then one can see the influence of dislocation density in a diagrammatic form. It is clear that the strengthening by dislocation accumulation due to large ...
All microRNA (miRNA) target—finder algorithms return lists of candidate target genes. How valid is that output in a biological setting? Transcriptome analysis has proven to be a useful approach...Full Text Available
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder of the elderly accounting for the vast majority of dementia. Recently, many studies have implicated the role of inflammatory response, especially neuroinflammatory response in the development and progression of AD. However, the underlying mechanism of how inflammatory response induces AD is unknown. Kynurenine pathway is a major route of the amino acid tryptophan catabolism, resulting in the production of nicotine adenine dinucleotide and other neuroactive intermediates: quinolinic acid (QA) and kynurenic acid (KA). QA exerts different toxic effects, including over-activation of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor and excitotoxicity, synaptic dysfunction and neuronal death. On the other hand, KA is identified as the only...
Abstract Many solute carrier transporters that interact with anticancer agents and contribute to their pharmacokinetics have been shown to be differentially upregulated in cancer cells as a result of adaptive response to altered nutritional requirements. This review focuses on pathophysiological function of membrane transporters responsible for the influx of physiological substances including oligopeptides, amino acids, and organic cations and anions, and summarizes the recent knowledge regarding mechanisms in their gene expressions. Broad substrate specificity of enhanced oligopeptide H+/peptide cotransporter 1 activity in cancer cells is useful for tumor tissue-specific delivery of chemotherapeutic agents and positron emission tomography diagnostic probes. Amino acid transporters such as...
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been used for relieving chronic pain in patients that have been through other existing options. The septum has been one of the targets for such treatment. The purpose of this study was to determine the inhibitory effect of electrical stimulation in the medial septum diagonal band of broca (MSDB) on neuronal activity in the spinal cord of rats anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital. While unilaterally stimulating the MSDB, wide dynamic range neurons in the lumbar region of the spinal cord were recorded in response to graded mechanical stimulation of the hind paws (brush, pressure, and pinch). Stimulation was at 1, 5, 10, and 20V, at 100Hz, and 0.1ms duration. Significant bilateral reduction was observed in response to pressure (ipsilaterally: 0.90+/-0.05, 0....
We quantified the resistance levels of transgenic rice plants, expressing Myxococcus xanthus protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PROTOX) in chloroplasts and mitochondria, to PROTOX inhibitors, acifluorfen, oxyfluorfen, carfentrazone-ethyl, and oxadiazon. We also determined whether active oxygen species-scavenging enzymes are involved in the resistance mechanism of transgenic rice. The transgenic rice line M4 was about >200-fold more resistant to oxyfluorfen than the wild-type (WT). M4 was also resistant to acifluorfen, carfentrazone-ethyl, and oxadiazon, but did not show multiple resistance to imazapyr and paraquat, which have different target sites. Acifluorfen, oxyfluorfen, carfentrazone-ethyl, and oxadiazon reduced the chlorophyll content in leaves of WT, but had minimal or no effect on M4. The...
Aims: Rapamycin (sirolimus) is an antibiotic that inhibits protein synthesis through mammalian targeting of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling, and is used as an immunosuppressant in the treatment of organ rejection in transplant recipients. Rapamycin confers preconditioning-like protection against ischemic-reperfusion injury in isolated mouse heart cultures. Our aim was to further define the role of rapamycin in intracellular Ca^2^+ homeostasis and to investigate the mechanism by which rapamycin protects cardiomyocytes from hypoxic damage. Main methods: We demonstrate here that rapamycin protects rat heart cultures from hypoxic-reoxygenation (H/R) damage, as revealed by assays of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK) leakage to the medium, by MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-d...
TIMETAL LCB was introduced more than 10 years ago targeting automotive suspension spring applications. The alloy development aim was to use a low-cost formulation by selecting less expensive raw materials than typical beta titanium alloys. Following the first successful application of TIMETAL LCB suspension springs to series production vehicles, the 2000 Volkswagen Lupo FSI, the springs have been used for Ferrari Challenge Stradale since 2003. The most recent development effort was focused on the generation of metallurgical and mechanical service data for the alloy, and the implementation of efficient low cost processing of coils. This paper will introduce various properties of TIMETAL LCB products that can be useful in the design and the consideration of spring applications. Recent progress in the processing of TIMETAL LCB will also be introduced and discussed.
Cancer cells recruit monocytes, macrophages and other inflammatory cells by producing abundant chemoattractants and growth factors, such as macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF/CSF-1) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1/CCL2), to promote tumor growth and dissemination. An understanding of the mechanisms that target cancer cells and regulate tumor microenvironment is essential in designing anticancer therapies. Here, we showed that serum amyloid-A (SAA) and cathelicidin (LL-37) stimulated M-CSF and MCP-1 expression with or without lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration; conversely, lipoxin-A4 (LXA4) and annexin-A1 (ANXA1) inhibited LPS-induced M-CSF and MCP-1 production by human (HepG2) and mouse (H22) hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HCCs). The effects of LXA4, ANXA1, SAA ...
This paper presents the experimental results of heat transfer augmentation in an axisymmetric jet impinging normally on a flat plate surface without the requirement of additional pumping power. The present technique of augmentation utilizes only a punched plate with circular holes arranged in a triangular array, fixed parallel to, just in front of the heated target plate. Near the optimum conditions determined, the heat transfer coefficient at the geometrical stagnation point can be increased 4 times. Additional flow visualization study indicates that this augmentation mechanism creates an improved flow field where the punched plate acts as a detached fin, the conductivity of which may be exploited for further augmentation. Besides augmentation, the present investigation foresees the possibility of manipulating the distribution of local heat transfer rate by varying few parameters.
Despite the fact that humans are exposed to multiple forms of mercury (elemental, inorganic, and organic), most research on mercury toxicity has focused on methylmercury (MeHg) and on neurotoxic outcomes and mechanisms. Recent work has indicated that the immunotoxic effects of mercury compounds may be significant contributors to human disease as well as mechanistically relevant to other target organ toxicities. In this study, we compared the effects of inorganic Hg (iHg) to organic Hg species (MeHg and ethylmercury, EtHg) in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in vitro at sub-cytotoxic concentrations, using methods developed to characterize response of human PBMCs to iHg in vitro. PBMCs were isolated from six volunteer blood donors (three males and three females) and cultured ...
Proton pump inhibitors are highly successful in treating gastroesophageal reflux disease, but a significant proportion of patients have persistent symptoms from weakly or nonacidic reflux. Transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation (TLESR) represents the dominant mechanism of gastroesophageal reflux and has therefore become the most intensely investigated therapeutic target. The triggering of TLESR involve the vagal pathways and the ?-aminobutyric type B (GABA(B)) and metabotropic glutamate type 5 (mGluR5) receptors. Baclofen is a GABA(B) receptor agonist that is effective in inhibiting TLESR and reducing the number of reflux episodes, but is associated with significant central nervous system (CNS) side effects. The newer GABA(B) agonists, such as AZD9343 and AZD3355, and mGluR5 antag...
Background: Cardio-respiratory interactions are weak at the earliest stages of human development, suggesting that assessment of their presence and integrity may be an important indicator of development in infants. Despite the valuable research devoted to infant development, there is still a need for specifically targeted standards and methods to assess cardiopulmonary functions in the early stages of life. We present a new methodological framework for the analysis of cardiovascular variables in preterm infants. Our approach is based on a set of mathematical tools that have been successful in quantifying important cardiovascular control mechanisms in adult humans, here specifically adapted to reflect the physiology of the developing cardiovascular system.Methods: We applied our methodology ...
Clarifies the concept of universal basic education. Highlights the need for performance criteria and ways to measure literacy attainment. Identifies issues related to improving primary education, seeing adult literacy as its necessary complement. Underscores the substantial resources required to achieve universal basic education. (CH)
Many features from the background for an intensified application of fracture mechanics concepts in many industries world-wide. These include requirements for a permanent increase of the level of performance of technical components and structures by the introduction of new materials, joining technologies and design principles, the problem of ageing components and life extension, an increased emphasis on non-destructive in-service inspection combined with improved NDT techniques, and also a number of failure events caused by fatigue and fracture The aim of the present paper is to give a brief state-of-the-art review on how fracture mechanics is applied in different industrial branches today. This is based on standards and guidelines in the aerospace industry, in the nuclear and fossil power generation, in the chemical and petrochemical and the pipeline industry, in civil engineering, offshore technique and other fields. Based on the review an ...
Excitation functions ({alpha},3n) and ({alpha},4n) for {sup 209}Bi have been measured up to 60 MeV {alpha}-particle energy. The excitation functions are measured at 15{alpha}-particle energies by a stack foil technique in two steps. Excitation functions for the above two reactions have been reported for the first time in the energy range from 40 to 60 MeV. The measured experimental values are compared with the geometry-dependent hybrid (GDH) model in which the emission of particles prior to the equilibrium decay is taken into account whenever the interaction of projectile with the target nucleus is considered. It is found that the compound nucleus decay mechanism alone is unable to explain the experimental trend of our data. The initial exciton number 4 with different configurations has been tested and it is concluded that the configuration (2n + 2p + 0h) gives the best fit to the experimental data. (author).
Excitation functions (#alpha#,3n) and (#alpha#,4n) for "2"0"9Bi have been measured up to 60 MeV #alpha#-particle energy. The excitation functions are measured at 15#alpha#-particle energies by a stack foil technique in two steps. Excitation functions for the above two reactions have been reported for the first time in the energy range from 40 to 60 MeV. The measured experimental values are compared with the geometry-dependent hybrid (GDH) model in which the emission of particles prior to the equilibrium decay is taken into account whenever the interaction of projectile with the target nucleus is considered. It is found that the compound nucleus decay mechanism alone is unable to explain the experimental trend of our data. The initial exciton number 4 with different configurations has been tested and it is concluded that the configuration (2n + 2p + 0h) gives the best fit to the experimental data. (author).
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was approved in 1992 to respond to the worl-wide concern about the warming of the planet. The primary target was the stabilization of the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, in an attempt to reduce to the minimum the degradation of the environment caused by humans. By virtue of the Convention, the Parts2 are committed to reach their objectives in the reduction of the emissions. A Conference of the Parts was stablished to promote the effective application of the Convention. The third Conference of the Parts, celebrated in Kyoto (Japan, 1997) approved, by consensus, the denominated Kyoto Protocol, in which 39 developed countries and countries with economies in transition were committed to reduce their emissions of greenhouse gases between years 2008 and 2012 in a 5.2 global percent with respect to the 1990 levels. Three {sup f}lexibility mechanisms{sup w}ere ...
Acetylcholine and other neurotransmitters play unique trophic roles in brain development. Accordingly, drugs and environmental toxicants that promote or interfere with neurotransmitter function evoke neurodevelopmental abnormalities by disrupting the timing or intensity of neurotrophic actions. The current review discusses three exposure scenarios involving acetylcholine systems: nicotine from maternal smoking during pregnancy, exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), and exposure to the organophosphate insecticide, chlorpyrifos (CPF). All three have long-term, adverse effects on specific processes involved in brain cell replication and differentiation, synaptic development and function, and ultimately behavioral performance. Many of these effects can be traced to the sequence of cellular events surrounding the trophic role of acetylcholine acting on its specific cellular receptors and associated signaling cascades. However, for chlorpyrifos, additional noncholinergic ...
Urban type R D (research and development) facilities have research institute functions which are not desirable to coexist in a city as compared with suburban R D facilities. Therefore careful consideration must be given to environmental protection. KSP is the first large scale urban type R D facility in Japan. The planning and construction have been made with the theme of realization of flexibility in architecture and mechanical planning as well as realization of environmental integrity. To achieve the target so-called technical slit is built at the center of the building to provide a void space for securing natural ventilation. It is effective for provision of internal mechanical spaces without spoiling urban View air exhaust from laboratories natural ventilation for underground parking lots and decrease of damage by strong wind on the ground level. Standards are established and organization is formed for environmental ...
Three abiotic systems are described that catalyze the reductive dehalogenation of heavily halogenated environmental pollutants, including carbon tetrachloride, trichloroethene, and perchloroethene. These systems include (a) an electrolytic reactor in which the potential on the working electrode (cathode) is fixed by using a potentiostat, (b) a light-driven system consisting of a semiconductor and (covalently attached) macrocycle that can accept light transmitted via an optical fiber, and a light-driven, two-solvent (isopropanol/acetone) system that promotes dehalogenation reactions via an unknown mechanism. Each is capable of accelerating reductive dehalogenation reactions to very high rates under laboratory conditions. Typically, millimolar concentrations of aqueous-phase targets can be dehalogenated in minutes to hours. The description of each system includes the elements of reaction mechanism (to the extent known), ...
A guide to practical astronomy. It introduces the reader to some basic (and some not-so-basic) astronomical concepts, and discusses the stars and their evolution, the planets, nebulae, and distant galaxies
The basic biology of the menstrual cycle is a complex, coordinated sequence of events involving the hypothalamus, anterior pituitary, ovary, and endometrium. The menstrual cycle with all its...Full Text Available
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 radiation-induced DNA rearrangements were detected in ...
PCR detection of genetic material of the parasites present in faeces may be an alternative for microscopic and serological tests routinely used for diagnosing parasitic enteral infections. However, small amount of target DNA combined with low efficiency of total DNA extraction, and presence of PCR inhibitors in the samples to be amplified, may cause false negative detection results. The aim of this work was to evaluate the impact of DNA isolation procedure used on the amplification of DNA fragments from the genomes of protozoan Cryptosporidium parvum and the nematode Trichinella spiralis. Two methods based on different principles of biological material lysis were evaluated; NucliSENS miniMAG employing simultaneously applied chemical lysis and mechanical disruption or mechanical disruption followed by enzymatic lysis in case of QIAamp DNA Stool Mini Kit. Both of the analyzed systems for nucleic acids purification allowed ...
Seven years ago 164 governments, together with partner organizations from around the world, made a collective commitment to dramatically expand educational opportunities for children, youth, and adults by 2015. Participants at the World Education Forum in Dakar, Senegal, endorsed a comprehensive vision of education, anchored in human rights, affirming the importance of learning at all ages and emphasizing the need for special measures to reach the poorest, most vulnerable and most disadvantaged groups in society. This sixth edition of the "Education for All (EFA) Global Monitoring Report" assesses the extent to which these commitments are being met. There is clearly a "Dakar effect," evidence that rallying around common goals can mobilize countries to empower individual lives. Partly because of the abolition of tuition fees, more children are enrolled in school than in 2000, with the sharpest increases in the regions farthest from the goals set in Dakar. Many governments have ...
The invention concerns a container for the long term storage of irradiated nuclear reactor fuel elements, which consists mainly of a basic body, at least one lid and an outside ring shaped lid tightening device, which acts on the basic body and the lid and holds the contact surface of the lid tight against the contact surface of the basic body, where the basic body, lid and the lid tightening device consist of corrosion-proof materials. (orig./HP).
Better understanding and modelling of three-phase flow through porous media is of great interest, especially for improved oil recovery methods such as gas injection processes. Early theoretical and experimental studies have already demonstrated that the wettability characteristics of the solid surface and the spreading characteristics of the fluid system hold the key roles. This observation is confirmed by our theoretical results using DLP theory on the stability and the thickness of static oil films. In most of the works related to three-phase flow processes, homogeneous wettability is assumed. There exist only a few studies demonstrating the tremendous impact of the wettability heterogeneities on gas injection. The objective of the present work is twofold: to demonstrate the effect of small scale wettability heterogeneities on gas injection efficiency, and to develop a tool to predict this impact for various patterns and spatial distributions. To this end an experimental ...
Active galactic nuclei (AGNs) and quasars (QSOs) appear to emit roughly equal energy per decade from radio to gamma-ray energies (e.g. Ramaty and Ligenfelter 1982). This argues strongly for a nonthermal radiation mechanism (see Rees 1984). In addition, statistical studies have indicated that the spectra of these objects in the IR-UV and 2 to 50 keV x-ray band, can be fitted very well with power laws of specific indices. These spectral indices do not seem to depend on the luminosity or morphology of the objects (Rothschild et al. 1983; Malkan 1984), and any theory should account for them in a basic and model independent way. If shocks accelerate relativistic protons via the first-order Fermi mechanism (e.g. Axfor 1981), the radiating electrons can be produced as secondaries throughout the source by proton-proton (p-p) collisions and pion decay, thus eliminating Compton losses (Protheroe and Kazanas 1983). As shown by Kazanas ...
The general strategy for improving the safety of nuclear power plant and its economics is to accomplish power uprates while securing sufficient thermalhydraulic margin. In order to succeed this strategy, there have been a lot of efforts in increasing the margin through the enhancement of heat transfer capability in coolants. However, despite their efforts, only about 10 {approx} 15 % increase of the thermal margin is possible by using the best art known well up to now with installation of mechanical engineering devices such as mixing vane or button to generating the swirl flow and turbulent mixing. The limit of the capability of the best technique has made a lot of engineers to be frustrated to do the power uprates. Nevertheless, fortunately a new innovative idea is being proposed in heat transfer community as an engineering colloidal fluid to basically change the original properties of the coolant. The fluid began to be called by Choi as a ...
The bobbin probe technique is basically one of the important ECT methods for the steam generator tube integrity assessment that is practiced during each plant outage. The bobbin probe also is the essential component which consists of the whole ECT examination system, and provides a decisive data for the evaluation of tube integrity in compliance with acceptance criteria described in specific procedures. The selection of probe is especially important because the quality of acquired ECT data is determined by the probe design characteristics, such as geometry and operation frequency, and has an important effect on examination results. The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) has recently defined the procedures for the qualification of eddy current hardware and technique. These procedures provide two basic methods for qualification. Flawed tube removed from operation, or artificial flaw is required for the original qualification of technique ...
The bobbin probe technique is basically one of the important ECT methods for the steam generator tube integrity assessment that is practiced during each plant outage. The bobbin probe also is the essential component which consists of the whole ECT examination system, and provides a decisive data for the evaluation of tube integrity in compliance with acceptance criteria described in specific procedures. The selection of probe is especially important because the quality of acquired ECT data is determined by the probe design characteristics, such as geometry and operation frequency, and has an important effect on examination results. The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) has recently defined the procedures for the qualification of eddy current hardware and technique. These procedures provide two basic methods for qualification. Flawed tube removed from operation, or artificial flaw is required for the original qualification of technique ...
Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) exhibits specific binding to the extracellular matrix (ECM) produced by cultured endothelial cells. Binding was saturable as a function both of time and of concentration of {sup 125}I-bFGF. Scatchard analysis of FGF binding revealed the presence of about 1.5 x 10{sup 12} binding sites/mm{sup 2} ECM with an apparent k{sub D} of 610 nM. FGF binds to heparan sulfate (HS) in ECM as evidenced by (i) inhibition of binding in the presence of heparin or HS at 0.1-1 {mu}g/mL, but not by chondroitin sulfate, keratan sulfate, or hyaluronic acid at 10 {mu}g/mL, (ii) lack of binding to ECM pretreated with heparitinase, but not with chondroitinase ABC, and (iii) rapid release of up to 90% of ECM-bound FGF by exposure to heparin, HS, or heparitinase, but not to chondroitin sulfate, keratan sulfate, hyaluronic acid, or chondroitinase ABC. Oligosaccharides derived from depolymerized heparin, and as small as the tetrasaccharide, released the ...
We present evidence for the existence of two ~35 day clocks in the Her X-1/HZ Her binary system. ~35 day modulations are observed 1) in the Turn-On cycles with two on- and two off-states, and 2) in the changing shape of the pulse profiles which re-appears regularly. The two ways of counting the 35 day cycles are generally in synchronization. This synchronization did apparently break down temporarily during the long Anomalous Low (AL3) which Her X-1 experienced in 1999/2000, in the sense that there must have been one extra Turn-On cycle. Our working hypothesis is that there are two clocks in the system, both with a period of about ~35 days: precession of the accretion disk (the less stable "Turn-On clock") and free precession of the neutron star (the more stable "Pulse profile clock"). We suggest that free precession of the neutron star is the master clock, and that the precession of the accretion disk is basically synchronized to that of the neutron star through a ...
This document demonstrates the commercial status of the process units to be used in the Tri-State Synfuels Project at Henderson, Kentucky. The basic design philosophy as established in October, 1979, was to use the commercial SASOL II/III plants as a basis. This was changed in January 1982 to a plant configuration to produce gasoline via a methanol and methanol to gasoline process. To accomplish this change the Synthol, Oil workup and Chemical Workup Units were eliminated and replaced by Methanol Synthesis and Methanol to Gasoline Units. Certain other changes to optimize the Lurgi liquids processing eliminated the Tar Distillation and Naphtha Hydrotreater Units which were replaced by the Partial Oxidation Unit. The coals to be gasified are moderately caking which necessitates the installation of stirring mechanism in the Lurgi Dry Bottom gasifier. This work is in the demonstration phase. Process licenses either have been obtained or must be ...
This document demonstrates the commercial status of the process units to be used in the Tri-State Synfuels Project at Henderson, Kentucky. The basic design philosophy as established in October, 1979, was to use the commercial SASOL II/III plants as a basis. This was changed in January 1982 to a plant configuration to produce gasoline via a methanol and methanol to gasoline process. To accomplish this change the Synthol, Oil workup and Chemical Workup Units were eliminated and replaced by Methanol Synthesis and Methanol to Gasoline Units. Certain other changes to optimize the Lurgi liquids processing eliminated the Tar Distillation and Naphtha Hydrotreater Units which were replaced by the Partial Oxidation Unit. The coals to be gasified are moderately caking which necessitates the installation of stirring mechanism in the Lurgi Dry Bottom gasifier. This work is in the demonstration phase. Process licenses either have been obtained or must be ...
Tremendous progress in the science of extrasolar planets has been achieved since the discovery of a Jupiter orbiting the nearby Sun-like star 51 Pegasi in 1995. Theoretical models have now reached enough maturity to predict the characteristic properties of these new worlds, mass, radius, atmospheric signatures, and can be confronted with available observations. We review our current knowledge of the physical properties of exoplanets, internal structure and composition, atmospheric signatures, including expected biosignatures for exo-Earth planets, evolution, and the impact of tidal interaction and stellar irradiation on these properties for the short-period planets. We discuss the most recent theoretical achievements in the field and the still pending questions. We critically analyze the different solutions suggested to explain abnormally large radii of a significant fraction of transiting exoplanets. Special attention is devoted to the recently discovered transiting objects in the ...
I review the past and present of wound ballistics research in China and look toward the future of this subject. The main points area as follows: (1) Before the 1970s, China did not conduct any experimental study on wound ballistics. (2) After the 1970s, experts in ordnance and medicine closely cooperated to conduct a series of experiments or tests on wound ballistics, such as wounding effects and the mechanism of various high-speed projectiles, the treatment of the protection from firearm wounds, high quality of ammunition design, lethality criterion, blast injuries, etc. Between 1981 and 1993, four national symposia on wound ballistics were held in China. In 1988, China sponsored the Sixth International Symposium on wound Ballistics. China has made great contributions to this subject. (3) As for the future of Chinese research on wound ballistics, I suggest strengthening the following areas: the relationship with weapons traumatology; the basic ...
A shock wave appears when the release of accumulated energy is instantaneous. For instance, it accompanies gunpowder explosion, electric discharge, laser beam convergence, collision of high-speed objects, release of high-pressure gas, and supersonic flight. The shock wave research center of Institute of Fluid Science, Tohoku University, is engaged in researches to elucidate the basics of various shock wave phenomena and to apply the fruit to engineering, science, and medicine. In this report, some examples of recent application studies at the center are described, and the trend of shock wave researches in the future is introduced. The ultimate state of the stagnation point of a nozzle flow simulating a reentry into the atmosphere is produced by shock wave compression in a free piston shock tube which is a ground-borne experimental apparatus. Los Alamos National Laboratory, U.S., succeeded in generating metallic hydrogen of a crystalline structure by subjecting ...
In order to study the two-phase natural circulation and flow termination during a small break loss of coolant accident in LWR, simulation experiments have been performed. Based on the two-phase flow scaling criteria developed under this program, an adiabatic hot leg U-bend simulation loop using nitrogen gas and water and a Freon 113 boiling and condensation loop were built. The nitrogen-water system has been used to isolate key hydrodynamic phenomena from heat transfer problems, whereas the Freon loop has been used to study the effect of phase changes and fluid properties. Various tests were carried out to establish the basicmechanism of the flow termination and reestablishment as well as to obtain essential information on scale effects of parameters such as the loop frictional resistance, thermal center, U-bend curvature and inlet geometry. In addition to the above experimental study, a preliminary modeling study has been carried out for ...
In order to study the two-phase natural circulation and flow termination during a small break loss of coolant accident in LWR, simulation experiments have been performed. Based on the two-phase flow scaling criteria developed under this program, an adiabatic hot leg U-bend simulation loop using nitrogen gas and water and a Freon 113 boiling and condensation loop were built. The nitrogen-water system has been used to isolate key hydrodynamic phenomena from heat transfer problems, whereas the Freon loop has been used to study the effect of phase changes and fluid properties. Various tests were carried out to establish the basicmechanism of the flow termination and reestablishment as well as to obtain essential information on scale effects of parameters such as the loop frictional resistance, thermal center, U-bend curvature and inlet geometry. In addition to the above experimental study, a preliminary modeling study has been carried out for ...
Research performed at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory on the equilibrium and stability of a new class of ambient-temperature passive bearing systems is described. The basic concepts involved are: (1) Stability of the rotating system is only achieved in the rotating state. That is, disengaging mechanical systems are used to insure stable levitation at rest (when Earnshaw`s theorem applies). (2) Stable levitation by passive magnetic elements can be achieved if the vector sum of the force derivatives of the several elements of the system is net negative (i.e. restoring) for axial, transverse, and tilt-type perturbations from equilibrium. To satisfy the requirements of (2) using only permanent magnet elements we have employed periodic ``Halbach arrays.`` These interact with passive inductive loaded circuits and act as stabilizers, with the primary forces arising from axially symmetric permanent-magnet elements. Stabilizers and other ...
The hydro-generators suffer during its operative useful life a combination of stresses of nature thermal, electric, mechanics and environmental. With the time, they are going losing the capacity to support those stresses and the power plants suffer, more and more frequently, undesirable stops for repair services and maintenance. In function of the high costs incurred with these stopped, the operation of the power plant can be economically impracticable. That unavailability of the generation for the electric system, it results in reduction of the reliability, burdening the politics of load ruling. The re-potentiation is a proposal that seeks to extend the useful life of hydro-generators, at the same time that it try to rescue the reliability and the readiness of the plant, with larger power. The power increase is usually made possible, or for the surplus of the hydro resources in excess, or for the reduction of the losses of all the components of the energy flow. ...
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, basicmechanisms 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 ...
There is growing interest in the use of natural fibres as the reinforcements for polymer composites in the automotive industry and as matrix for composites in building products application to replace synthetic fibres. In this respect the aim of this study is to develop an environmental friendly composites for furniture industry based on EFB fibres and sago starch. In this preliminary study, a basic composition and processing of EFB fibres-sago starch composites were established and the properties of the composites were determined. EFB fibre content was varied between 50-80% by weight. The amount of sago starch in liquid form was also varied and final weight percentage of sago starch added into the EFB fibres was adjusted accordingly. The mixtures of EFB fibres and sago starch were blended using Haake Rheomixer. The preliminary results indicate that the impact and flexural strengths increased up to 33.58 J/m"2 and 18.92 Mpa, respectively at 70% fibres contents. ...
Within the framework of a study on the chemical wear behaviour of sialon ceramics a range of compositions were prepared in which the alumina content was varied from 6 to 77 weight percent. The materials were hot-pressed from alumina and silicon nitride powders to a density of at least 97%. The structure and compositions of the phases occurring in these samples i.e. the O' phase, #beta#'-sialon solid solution and especially the X-phase were thoroughly characterized with respect to structure and composition using electron microprobe and transmission electron microscopy techniques. These results will be discussed in the light of earlier phase diagram studies. Some basic properties such as E-modulus and toughness were measured and related to microstructural features. E-modulus as well as toughness are at a minimum for materials with a high content of the X-phase. Oxidation of the materials was studied at 1300 deg C and 1450 deg C using weight gain measurements and ...
The corrosion behavior of Alloy 800 and Type 316 stainless steel in molten NaNO/sub 3/-KNO/sub 3/ was studied at temperatures from 605/degree/C to 630/degree/C. Corrosion behavior was significantly different from that previously reported in nitrate melts at temperatures up to 600/degree/C and involved a combination of oxidation, internal nitridation and sodium metallate formation. Corrosion kinetics, determined metallographically, switched from a parabolic to a linear rate equation as temperature increased. Corrosion was uniform and resulted in metal losses on the order of 100 micronsyear at 630/degree/C. Among the alloying elements, chromium was depleted from the alloy as the result of a basic fluxing process. The kinetic equations describing chromium depletion also changed from parabolic to linear with increasing temperature. The effect of the equilibrium chemistry of the melt on the corrosion behavior of the alloys is analyzed and possible corrosion ...
Monitoring programs are difficult to design even when they focus on specific problems. Ecosystems are complex, and it is often impossible to predetermine what aspects of system structure or dynamics will respond to a specific insult. It is equally difficult to interpret whether a response is a stabilizing compensatory mechanism or a real loss of capacity to maintain the ecosystem. The problems are compounded in a broad monitoring program designed to assess ecosystem health'' at regional and continental scales. It is challenging in the extreme to monitor ecosystem response, at any scale, to past insults as well as an unknown future array of impacts. The present paper will examine some of the fundamental issues and challenges raised by large-scale monitoring efforts. The challenges will serve as a framework and as an excuse to discuss several important topics in more detail. Following the discussion of challenges, we suggest some ...
In the frame of the European Technology R and D programme for International thermonuclear experimental reactor (ITER) and in the area of high heat flux plasma facing components (HHFC), representative small-scale mock-ups were manufactured and tested to compare different concepts and joining technologies (i.e. active brazing, hot isostatic pressing (HIPping), diffusion bonding, etc.). On the basis of the results obtained by thermal fatigue tests, the monoblock concept resulted to be the most robust one, particularly when the HIPping manufacturing technology is used. Within this programme, ENEA developed an alternative technique for manufacturing plasma-facing components with a monoblock geometry of the ITER machine. The basic idea of this technique, named hot radial pressing (HRP), is to perform a radial diffusion bonding between the cooling tube and the armour tile by pressurising the internal tube only and by keeping the process parameters within the range in ...
Nickel cadmium batteries differ greatly in their mechanical design and construction of the electrodes. Using available electrode constructions, batteries are designed which meet the requirements of specific applications and offer optimum performance. Pocket- and tubular cells are basically developed with the technology of the year 1895. Since then some improvements with todays technology have been made. The sintered cells use the technology of the 1930's and they are still limited to high power application. With this knowledge and the technology of today the fiber-structured nickel electrode (FNC) was developed at DAUG laboratory, a subsidiary company of Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen. After ten years of experience in light weight prototype batteries for electric vehicles (1-2), the system was brought into production by a new company, DAUG-HOPPECKE. Characteristics of fiber electrodes: thickness and size can be easily changed; pure active ...
We present an experimental study of vesicle fusion using light and neutron scattering to monitor fusion events. Vesicles are reproducibly formed with an extrusion procedure using an single amphiphile triethylene glycol mono-n-decyl ether in water. They show long-term stability for temperatures around 20 C, but at temperatures above 26 C we observe an increase in the scattered intensity due to fusion. The system is unusually well suited for the study of basicmechanisms of vesicle fusion. The vesicles are flexible with a bending rigidity of only a few k(H)T. The monolayer spontaneous curvature, Ho, depends strongly on temperature in a known way and is thus tunable. For temperatures where H-0 > 0 vesicles tyre long-term stable, while in the range H-0 < 0 the fusion rate increases the more negative the Spontaneous curvature Through a quantitative;analysis of the fusion rate we arrive tit a barrier to fusion changing from 15 k(B)T at T = 26 ...
Epidemiologic studies suggest a weak link between occupational or residential exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields and cancer, especially tumors of the central nervous and hematopoietic systems. This report discusses these studies with reference to basic research on ELF EMF bioeffects relevant to cancer-promoting mechanisms. Many of the studies suggest a possible interaction of ELF EMF with the immune system, endocrine system, or growth-regulatory signals and morphogenic movements that involve calcium flux through cell membranes. Many bioeffects have been reported only with certain specific combinations of frequency, amplitude, and orientation of the EMF signal with respect to the geomagnetic field. The possibility of signal-specific effects raises a complication in dosimetry for both epidemiologic and experimental studies since ELF EMF effects may not be directly related to field strength. The report concludes with a ...
In this study, the adoptable essential technologies and reference design concept of the advanced reactor were developed and related basic experiments were performed. (1) Once-through Helical Steam Generator: a performance analysis computer code for heli-coiled steam generator was developed for thermal sizing of steam generator and determination of thermal-hydraulic parameters. (2) Self-pressurizing pressurizer : a performance analysis computer code for cold pressurizer was developed. (3) Control rod drive mechanism for fine control : type and function were surveyed. (4) CHF in passive PWR condition : development of the prediction model bundle CHF by introducing the correction factor from the data base. (5) Passive cooling concepts for concrete containment systems: development of the PCCS heat transfer coefficient. (6) Steam injector concepts: analysis and experiment were conducted. (7) Fluidic diode concepts : analysis and experiment were ...
A carbon-bonded carbon fiber (CBCF) insulation developed for a radioisotope heat source is made from chopped rayon fiber about 10..mu..m long, which is carbonized and bonded with phenolic resin particles. The CBCF is an excellent lightweight insulating material with a nominal density of 0.2 Mg/m/sup 3/ and a thermal conductivity of 0.24 W/(m-K) in vacuum at 2000/sup 0/C. (Several attributes that make CBCF particularly suitable for the heat source application have been identified.) These include light weight, low thermal conductivity, chemical compatibility, and hightemperature capabilities. The mechanical strength of CBCF insulation is satisfactory for the application. The basic fabrication technique was refined to eliminate undesirable large pores and cracks often present in materials fabricated by earlier techniques. Also, processing was scaled up to increase the fabrication rate by a factor of 10. The specific properties of the CBCF were ...
A carbon-bonded carbon fiber (CBCF) insulation developed for a radioisotope heat source is made from chopped rayon fiber about 10 ..mu..m in diameter and 250 ..mu..m long, which is carbonized and bonded with phenolic resin particles. The CBCF is an excellent lightweight insulating material with a nominal density of 0.2 Mg/m/sup 3/ and a thermal conductivity of 0.24 W/(m-K) in vacuum at 2000/sup 0/C. Several attributes that make CBCF particularly suitable for the heat source application have been identified. These include light weight, low thermal conductivity, chemical compatibility, and high-temperature capabilities. The mechanical strength of CBCF insulation is satisfactory for the application. The basic fabrication technique was refined to eliminate undesirable large pores and cracks often present in materials fabricated by earlier techniques. Also, processing was scaled up to increase the fabrication rate by a factor of 10. The specific ...
Wind power is an increasingly significant renewable energy resource, producing no environmentally damaging C0{sub 2} emissions. The efficient production of electricity by wind turbines relies on aerodynamics: aerodynamics of wind turbines provides the fundamental solutions to efficient wind turbine design. Following a historical introduction, Part 1 of Aerodynamics of Wind Turbines is concerned with basic rotor aerodynamics, while Part 2 deals with structural aspects of the wind turbine and calculation of the loads on it. Topics covered include increasing mass flow through the turbine, performance at low and high wind speeds, assessment of the extreme conditions under which the turbine will perform and the theory for calculating the lifetime of the turbine. The classical Blade Element Momentum method is also covered, as are eigenmodes and the dynamic behaviour of a turbine. Aerodynamics of Wind Turbines is an essential reference for both engineering students and ...
Wind power is an increasingly significant renewable energy resource, producing no environmentally damaging CO2 emissions. The efficient production of electricity by wind turbines relies on aerodynamics. Aerodynamics of Wind Turbines provides the fundamental solutions to efficient wind turbine design. Following a historical introduction, Part 1 of Aerodynamics of Wind Turbines is concerned with basic rotor aerodynamics, while Part 2 deals with structural aspects of the wind turbine and calculation of the loads on it. Topics covered include increasing mass flow through the turbine, performance at low and high wind speeds, assessment of the extreme conditions under which the turbine will perform and the theory for calculating the lifetime of the turbine. The classical Blade Element Momentum method is also covered, as are eigenmodes and the dynamic behaviour of a turbine. Aerodynamics of Wind Turbines is an essential reference for both engineering students and others ...
The aim of this set of lectures is to review different avenues of electroweak symmetry breaking explored over the years. This constitutes a timely exercise as the world's largest and the highest energy particle accelerator, namely, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN near Geneva, is all set to start running whose primary mission is to unravel the mysteries of electroweak phase transition. In the beginning, we discuss the Standard Model Higgs mechanism. After that we review the Higgs sector of the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model. Then we take up three relatively recent ideas: Little Higgs, Gauge-Higgs Unification, and Higgsless scenarios. For the latter three cases, we present the basic ideas and restrict our illustrations to some instructive toy models, as our intention is rather to provide an intuitive feel of the underlying dynamics than to get into an in-depth analysis of realistic scenarios. Wherever possible, we provide enough ...
Up to now the long range filaments have been considered as a balance between Kerr focusing and defocusing by plasma generation in the nonlinear focus. However, it is difficult to apply the above explanation of filamentation in far-field zone. There are basically two main characteristics which remain the same at these distances - the super broad spectrum and the width of the core, while the power in a stable filament drops to the critical value for self-focusing. At such power the plasma and higher-order Kerr terms are too small to prevent self-focusing. We suggest here a new mechanism for stable soliton pulse propagation in far-away zone, where the power of the laser pulse is slightly above the critical one, and the pulse comprises super-broad spectra. For such pulses the diffraction is not paraxial and an initially symmetric Gaussian pulse takes parabolic form at several diffraction lengths . The stable soliton propagation appears as a balance ...
The Universal Basic education (UBE) Programme could not have been introduced at a better time than now that the nation is in dire need of all round national Development. The major objective of the UBE programme is to provide free, universal and compulsory basic education for every Nigerian child aged 6-15 years. However, for the Universal Basic Education programme to be truly free and universal, efforts must be made to check those factors that are known to have hindered the success of such programmes in the past. This paper specifically considered the implementation of Universal Basic Education (UBE) so far--its success and problems. Relevant recommendations are therefore proffered. (Contains 1 table.)
...BUBL LINK: Computer programming - visual basic BUBL LINK Catalogue of Internet Resources Home | Search | Subject Menus | Countries ...O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z Computer programming - visual basic Titles ... Author: Microsoft Subjects: computer programming - visual basic DeweyClass: 005.133 Resource type: software SearchVB....com Subjects: computer programming - visual basic DeweyClass: 005.133 Resource type: index VB Helper Tutorials ...
Human antibodies targeting prostate cancer cell surface epitopes may be useful for imaging and therapy. The objective of this study was to evaluate the tumor targeting of an internalizing human...Full Text Available
Computational prediction of microRNA targets remains a challenging problem. The existing rule-based, data-driven and expression profiling approaches to target prediction are mostly approached from the...Full Text Available
In order to identify novel high value antibacterial targets it is desirable to delineate whether the inactivation of the target enzyme will lead to bacterial death or stasis. This knowledge is particularly...Full Text Available
Computational fluid dynamics(CFD) code FLUENT was used to simulate the thermal hydraulic processes occurring in conceptual design of the accelerator-driven subcritical reactor(ADSR) liquid lead target. The purpose of the analysis is to investigate the thermal hydraulic characteristics of liquid lead as ADSR target material with various target geometries and injection locations of proton beam. In the calculation analysis, the local temperature of the liquid lead target rises to the boiling temperature very rapidly. When the proton beam is injected from the bottom of the target system, the duration time to reach the boiling temperature is longer and the temperature distribution is flatter than other cases.
In an effort to develop octahedral metal complexes as chemotherapeutic and diagnostic agents targeted to DNA, it is critical to optimize the properties of their cellular uptake. Appending d-octaarginine...Full Text Available
The design of the absorber blocks for internal and external dumping of the SPS proton beam is discussed. In addition, the external target stations for slow and fast extracted proton beams are described.
... L. Sutton. 2000. Is the aquatic weed hygrophila, Hygrophila polysperma (Polemoniales: Acanthaceae), a suitable target for classical biological ... ...
Nato SCI-12 on Camouflage Evaluation Workshop on Search and Target Acquisition The Netherlands, June 1999. Image Discrimination Models for Object Detection ...
By W. Wayne Scott. Langley Research Center. SUMMARY. Thin- and thick-target bremsstrahlung spectra are presented for electron energies up to 7.0 MeV. ...
The growing concern of the population with regards to the problem of atmospheric pollution has induced a change in the role of air quality monitoring networks, especially those monitoring air pollution in large cities which suffer from summer smog. The population is no longer satisfied with real-time measurements but wants to be warmed of high pollutants concentrations in advance. Some countries have been forecasting air pollution, and especially ozone, for a large number of years. Although most of them use statistical models based on the analyses of past conditions which induced high pollution episodes, some predict ozone levels using only their knowledge of the meteorological situation. Nowadays two trends appear regarding ozone forecasting: either very basic statistical methods, such as regression, or more sophisticated ones, such as neural networks. The paper then reviews several behaviours common to most forecasting models: the uncertainly due to the great ...
Nuclear power in Romania was initiated on the basis of CANDU reactor type technology, an option found to fulfill the requirements for a sustainable economic development, to support the electric energy demand of the country and to ensure the population and environment protection. The construction of the Cernavoda NPP was heavily based on the Romanian industry participation and basic and applied nuclear research national resources. The experience acquired from Cernavoda NPP Unit 1 will be fructified in the construction of Units 2-5 to be built. The Romanian Ministry of Education and Research implemented a nuclear national program for research and development taking into account the European Union requirements and recommendations, the cooperation with the IAEA - Vienna and the Romanian government policy on short and medium terms in the nuclear field. The research-development program targeted: the reactor physics and nuclear fuel management; the ...
Besides differentiation and apoptosis, cell migration is a basic process in brain development in which neural cells migrate several centimeters within the developing brain before reaching their proper positions and forming the right connections. For identifying signaling events that control neural migration and are therefore potential targets of chemicals to disturb normal brain development, we developed a human neurosphere-based migration assay based on normal human neural progenitor (NHNP) cells, in which the distance is measured that cells wander over time. Applying this assay, we investigated the role of the extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) in the regulation of NHNP cell migration. Exposure to model substances like ethanol or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) revealed a correlation between ERK1/2 activation and cell migration. The participation of phospho-(P-) ERK1/2 was confirmed by exposure of the cells to the ...
The scope of the project includes four activities such as construction of DB, development of data base management tool, development of severe accident analysis code system and FP studies. In the construction of DB, level-1,2 PSA results and plant damage states event trees were mainly used to select the following target initiators based on frequencies: LLOCA, MLOCA, SLOCA, station black out, LOOP, LOFW and SGTR. These scenarios occupy more than 95% of the total frequencies of the core damage sequences at KSNP. In the development of data base management tool, SARD 2.0 was developed under the PC microsoft windows environment using the visual basic 6.0 language. In the development of severe accident analysis code system, MIDAS 1.0 was developed with new features of FORTRAN-90 which makes it possible to allocate the storage dynamically and to use the user-defined data type, leading to an efficient memory treatment and an easy understanding. Also for ...
Energetic ions interact with materials by collisions with the nuclei and electrons of the atoms that make up the material. In these collisions energy and momentum is transferred from the projectile particle which is a moving atom or ion, to the target particles (atomic nucleus or electron). Each collision leads to a slowing down of the moving projectile and also a deflection of the trajectory which gives rise to the term scattering which is often used synonymously to describe the energy transfer process. In this chapter, we introduce from an experimental viewpoint the underlying theory for interaction of ions for analysis and modification of nanometer scale materials. A more detailed theoretical overview of the topic can be found in the recent monographs by Sigmund. Detailed derivations of the formulae introduced will not be given here but can be found in standard texts that are indicated by references. The treatment here starts by considering an individual ...
In order to serve for efficient energy utilization and environmental improvement in the Republic of Vietnam, a 'Model project to reduce electric power consumption at cement burning plant' has been implemented. This paper summarizes the achievements. This project is intended to add an advanced, matured and reliable electric power generation facility using cement waste heat to the existing cement plant in Vietnam to produce steam and generate power by utilizing the waste heat generated from the preheating process in the burning plant. The present project has performed the detailed designing on the piping, electric facilities and instrumentation based on the basic agreement on the project. Fabrication of the piping has been executed by the Vietnam side. Valves and electric devices were procured and transported, including those fabricated in the previous fiscal year. Technology guiding personnel were sent for unpacking inspection, installation ...
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 ...
The results of the thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) study of the FEBEX bentonite performed during FEBEX II are presented. The laboratory test program continued in part with the works carried out during FEBEX I, particularly in activities related to tests aimed to the calibration of the models, the acquisition of parameters by back-analysis and the improvement of the knowledge on the behaviour of expansive clays. But the program has also included tests on new areas: investigations about the influence of the microstructure changes in bentonite, of temperature and of the solute concentration on the behaviour of clay. Besides, several tests were proposed in order to understand the unexpected behaviour observed in the mock-up test, towards the end of year 2. Temperature effects on water retention curves in confined and unconfined conditions were determined, and swelling pressure, hydraulic conductivity and swelling and consolidation strains as a function of temperature ...
'The objective of this project is to provide a means to optimize ligand architecture for f-block metal recognition. The authors strategy builds on an innovative and successful molecular modeling approach in developing polyether ligand design criteria for the alkali and alkaline earth cations. The hypothesis underlying this proposal is that differences in metal ion binding with multidentate ligands bearing the same number and type of donor groups are primarily attributable to intramolecular steric factors. They propose quantifying these steric factors through the application of molecular mechanics models. The research involves close integration of theoretical and experimental chemistry. The experimental work entails synthesizing novel ligands and experimentally determining structures and binding constants for metal ion complexation by series of ligands in which architecture is systematically varied. The theoretical work entails using electronic structure ...
In the Ti-Si-C and Ti-Si-C-N systems, metastable layers were precipitated by means of non-reactive magnetron sputtering of hot-pressed two-phase TiC/SiC and TiN/SiC targets with 20 mole% and 50 mole% SiC. The preparation parameters were varied as follows: ion bombardment during precipitation (bias sputtering), substrate temperature, and annealing times when annealing amorphous 50%:50% TiC/SiC and 50%:50% TiN/SiC layers. Sputtering of targets containing 20% SiC was found to result in monophase fcc layers (NaCl structure). This was documented on the basis of X-ray and electron diffraction patterns. Direct precipitation of targets with 50 mole% SiC resulted in amorphous layers. Increasing the ion bombardment during accretion, raising the substrate temperature, and annealing amorphous 50%:50% TiC/SiC and 50%:50% TiN/SiC (layers precipitated directly) resulted in the crystallization of TiC and TiN nanocrystallites, respectively, ...
The National Ignition Facility (NIF) is a proposed Department of Energy facility which will contribute to the resolution of important Defense Program and inertial fusion energy issues for energy production in the future. The NIF will consist of a laser system with 192 independent beamlets transported to a target chamber. The target chamber is a multi-purpose structure that provides the interface between the target and the laser optics. The chamber must be capable of achieving moderate vacuum levels in reasonable times; it must remain dimensionally stable within micron tolerances, provide support for the optics, diagnostics, and target positioner; it must minimize the debris from the x-ray and laser light environments; and it must be capable of supporting external neutron shielding. The chamber must also be fabricated from a low neutron activation material. The fusion reaction in the ...
PVD-coatings based on TiB{sub 2} are expected to show high wear resistance and low tendency of adhesion on metal forming tools. Coating adhesion and morphology can be modified over a wide range by varying the content of nitrogen (N{sub 2}) and the deposition parameters power and bias voltage. All coatings were deposited using commercial unbalanced magnetron equipment, the deposition was homogeneous in a volume of 400 x 400 x 400 mm{sup 3}. Hipped and hot pressed TiB{sub 2}-targets were used, nitrogen (N{sub 2}) was added as gas, Ti and Al by a solid Ti-Al-target. The tribological behaviour was tested by a pin-on-disc wear test. The coatings investigated were TiB{sub 2}, TiAlB(N), TiAl(N) and TiB{sub 2}/TiAl(N). As counterpart in the pin-on-disc wear test, 6 mm diameter spheres of steel (100Cr6), aluminium, brass and bronze were used. The experiments showed a non-uniform wear behaviour. For the combinations TiAlB(N) and TiB{sub 2} versus ...
The Fredericksberg of South Florida may have a great oil potential that has been overlooked as a primary target in past decades. Previous exploration in the area has targeted the Lower Cretaceous oil-producing Sunniland Formation lower in the stratigraphic section. The Fredericksberg Dollar Bay Formation has hydrocarbon shows in many wells occurring in limestone biohermal deposits as well as in an upper dolomitic section. The Dollar Bay Formation is part of the Big Cypress Group of the Comanchean Series of the Lower Cretaceous. The Lower Cretaceous lithology is composed of evaporitic-carbonate cycles consisting of anhydrites, dolomites, and limestones. There are also present some calcareous shales, mudstones, salt, lignitic material, and carbonaceous material, especially in the anhydrite and limestone intervals. The limestones are usually micritic, chalky, calcarenitic, sometimes argillaceous, containing skeletal particles of gastropods, ...
This paper introduces the JNM Special Issue on the development of a first wall for the reaction chamber in a laser fusion power plant. In this approach to fusion energy a spherical target is injected into a large chamber and heated to fusion burn by an array of lasers. The target emissions are absorbed by the wall and encapsulating blanket, and the resulting heat converted into electricity. The bulk of the energy deposited in the first wall is in the form of X-rays (1.0-100 keV) and ions (0.1-4 MeV). In order to have a practical power plant, the first wall must be resistant to these emissions and suffer virtually no erosion on each shot. A wall candidate based on tungsten armor bonded to a low activation ferritic steel substrate has been chosen as the initial system to be studied. The choice was based on the vast experience with these materials in a nuclear environment and the ability to address most of the key remaining issues with existing ...
ObjectivesThe overall aim of the project is to understand whether natural Mn oxides can be used to remediate land contaminated with both metals and POPs. The major objectives are:~%~~%~1.Establishment of whether and how metals, POPs and SOM compete for reactive Mn oxide surface.~%~~%~2.Delineate the mechanisms of contaminant immobilisation and degradation.~%~~%~3.Identify the fate of the contaminants in Mn oxide treated soils.~%~~%~4.Measure positive and/or negative effects in the soil system of addition [continued...]DescriptionLand is a valuable but finite resource. The Environment Agency estimates that there are approximately 300,000 hectares of land in the UK affected to some extent by contamination left by industrial activity and worldwide, the extent of the problem is much greater as contaminated land is inextricably linked to poverty. In the UK, the increasing demand for new housing ...
We are building the Schenberg gravitational wave detector at the Physics Institute of University of Sao Paulo as programmed by the Brazilian Graviton Project. The antenna and its vibration isolation system are already built, and we have made a first cryogenic run for an overall test, in which we measured the antenna mechanical Q (figure of merit). We also have built a 10.21 GHz oscillator with phase noise performance better than -120 dBc at 3.2 kHz to pump an initial CuAl6% two-mode transducer. We plan to prepare this spherical antenna for a first operational run at 4.2 K with a single transducer and an initial target sensitivity of h #approx# 2 x 10"-"2"1 Hz"-"1"/"2 in a 50 Hz bandwidth around 3.2 kHz soon. Here we present details of this plan and some recent results of the development of this project.
Understanding risks from exposures to carcinogens and other chemicals depends upon measurement of their dose to target tissues and their reactivity with critical macromolecules. The authors have used AMS detection of radio-isotopes to assess doses and reactivities at low, environmentally relevant doses. Several biomedical investigations show the effectiveness of quantification of biologically important events at extremely high sensitivity with AMS. Specifically, they have measured the addition of environmental carcinogens such as 2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]-quinoaxaline (MelQx), a chemical found in cooked food, to DNA at concentrations relevant to human exposure. Other low level detection problems in biology, such as immunoassay assessment of small environmental chemicals, is being developed with attomole sensitivity. AMS also aids the assessment of genotoxic risks from chemicals by quantifying the binding of labeled chemicals to DNA. The very toxic and ...
The existence, in real-time, of transmission constraints, demand forecasting errors, generator failures, and other factors impose additional costs through the need to run more expensive generation. These costs can appear as a significant component of the wholesale price to demand served by electricity markets operated over transmission networks. In the England & Wales Pool these costs are passed through directly to supply companies. The Transmission System Operator ({open_quotes}TSO{close_quotes}) can exert significant influence on these costs through improved availability of transmission circuits and through appropriate investment, but has no incentive to do so. Since the inception of the Pool, these costs have increased in level and volatility, and have proved difficult to hedge. In response, St Clements Services were instrumental in assisting Pool members to develop an {open_quotes}Uplift Incentive Management Scheme{close_quotes} which has seen controllable ...
The goal of this project is to improve energy efficiency of industrial crushing and grinding operations (comminution). Mathematical models of the comminution process are being used to study methods for optimizing the product size distribution, so that the amount of excessively fine material produced can be minimized. The goal is to save energy by reducing the amount of material that is ground below the target size, while simultaneously reducing the quantity of materials wasted as ''slimes'' that are too fine to be useful. This is being accomplished by mathematical modeling of the grinding circuits to determine how to correct this problem. The approaches taken included (1) Modeling of the circuit to determine process bottlenecks that restrict flowrates in one area while forcing other parts of the circuit to overgrind the material; (2) Modeling of hydrocyclones to determine the mechanisms responsible for ...
The uncoupling protein (UCP) is a proton/anion transporter found in the inner mitochondrial membrane of brown adipocyte. Although UCP has nor been detected in mitochondria from any other tissue, it shares structural and catalytic properties with several other mitochondrial carrier proteins. Although UCP was discovered only recently it is one of the most extensively studied mitochondrial carrier proteins.More recently, the mouse, rat, and human genes encoding for UCP have been isolated and sequenced. The availability of these various tools has led to several significant observations. UCP gene expression is strongly controlled at the level of transcription by signals that are activated after the stimulation of brown adipocytes by norepinephrine. The comparison of UCP gene with the genes encoding the adenine nucleotide translocator revealed the existence of structural and evolutionary homologies. Moreover, in humans the UCP gene and one form of adenine nucleotide translocator gene are ...
We investigate some aspects of the radiation damage mechanisms in biomolecules, focusing on the modelling of resonant fragmentation caused by the attachment of low-energy electrons (LEEs) initially ejected by biological tissues when exposed to ionizing radiation. Scattering equations are formulated within a symmetry-adapted, single-center expansion of both continuum and bound electrons, and the interaction forces are obtained from a combination of ab initio calculations and a nonempirical model of exchange and correlation effects developed in our group. We present total elastic scattering cross-sections and resonance features obtained for the equilibrium geometries of glycine, alanine, proline and valine. Our results at those geometries of the target molecules are briefly shown to qualitatively explain some of the fragmentation patterns obtained in experiments. We further carry out a one-dimensional (1D) modeling for the dynamics of ...
Excitation functions (EFs) for the reaction "1"4"1Pr(#alpha#, n)"1"4"4Pm and "1"4"1Pr(#alpha#, 2n)"1"4"3Pm have been measured using "1"4"1Pr as a target up to 50 MeV #alpha#-particle energy. Stacked foil activation technique and #gamma#-ray spectroscopy using 100 cm"3 Ge (Li) detector, has been used. Excitation functions are also calculated theoretically using Blann's geometry dependent hybrid (GDH) model code ALICE-91, with and without inclusion of pre-equilibrium particle emission. It has been observed that high-energy tails of the EFs are dominated by pre-equilibrium reaction mechanism. With the accepted set of input parameter, initial exciton number n_0=4 (2p + 2n + 0h), a good qualitative agreement is found. However, quantitative agreement for this magic nucleus"1"4"1Pr is also good when theoretical calculations are normalized by a multiple factor of 0.5. (author)
Therapeutic hypothermia is a promising method for controlling intracranial pressure (ICP) in severely brain-injured patients. However, clinical data regarding the effect of brain hypothermia on overall outcome of these patients is limited. This may be because there are specific pitfalls associated with the clinical management of induced hypothermia in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). These pitfalls may be avoided by preventing specific risk factors when cooling is induced and with rewarming. However, these risk factors have not been well systematically discussed in the literature. In this paper, three categories of clinical issues regarding the management of brain hypothermia are discussed: (1) stress-induced secondary brain injury mechanisms; (2) technical aspects of intensive care unit (ICU) cooling management; and (3) rewarming rates and methods. For patients with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of less than 8, management of stress-induced ...
An attempt was made to minimize the channeling tail by implantation along a random equivalent direction following a careful alignment of the target. In order to analytically determine the random equivalent directions, critical angles for channeling were mapped on a stereogram. Boron ions with energies of 17 and 45 keV are implanted along specified directions determined from the map. The depth distribution of the dopant is profiled by SIMS and the effects of water orientation upon the channeling tail are noted. Industrial common use of a 7/sup 0/ tilt is not optimum. However, implantation with the wafer tilted at 5.5 +/- 0.5/sup 0/ from the surface normal and rotated at 7.0 +/- 0.5/sup 0/ from a (100) plane shows the least channel-tail compared to implantation along other directions. Rapid thermal annealing (RTA) is a promising annealing method for shallow junction formation. Transient enhanced diffusion of implanted boron is observed. Two different ...
An attempt was made to minimize the channeling tail by implantation along a random equivalent direction following a careful alignment of the target. In order to analytically determine the random equivalent directions, critical angles for channeling were mapped on a stereogram. Boron ions with energies of 17 and 45 keV are implanted along specified directions determined from the map. The depth distribution of the dopant is profiled by SIMS and the effects of water orientation upon the channeling tail are noted. Industrial common use of a 7"0 tilt is not optimum. However, implantation with the wafer tilted at 5.5 +/- 0.5"0 from the surface normal and rotated at 7.0 +/- 0.5"0 from a (100) plane shows the least channel-tail compared to implantation along other directions. Rapid thermal annealing (RTA) is a promising annealing method for shallow junction formation. Transient enhanced diffusion of implanted boron is observed. Two different mechanisms ...
The role of intermediate products of dioxygen reduction in cytotoxic effects ascribed to oxygen molecules was studied in vivo using various yeast mutants with changed response to oxygen stress. It has been documented that superoxide radical exerts its deleterious effects on yeast cells directly and the role of other oxygen species derived from it is hardly detectable. Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, however, cannot be considered as a typical eukaryotic organism due to its inability of synthesizing polyunsaturated fatty acids (pufa). These fatty acids are known as main target molecules during oxidative stress and their peroxidation leads to cytotoxic effects. As fatty acid content could be easily manipulated in yeast, this organism was used to evaluate the contribution of pufa peroxidation process to the cytotoxic effects of oxygen. Results obtained show, that yeast cells containing linolenic acid as the main constituent of phospholipids are hypersensitive to oxygen ...
This paper describes a new method, HGV2C, for pattern analysis. The HGV2C method involves the construction of a computer ego (CE) based on an individual object that can be either a part of the system under analysis or a newly created object based on a certain hypothesis. The CE provides a capability to analyze data from a specific standpoint, e.g. from a viewpoint of a certain object. The CE is constructed from two identical copies of a query object, and its functioning mechanism involves: a hypothesis-parameter (HP) and infothyristor (IT). HP is a parameter that is introduced into an existing set of parameters. The HP value for one of the clones of a query object is set to equal 1, whereas for another clone it is greater than 1. The IT is based on the previously described algorithm of iterative averaging and performs three functions: 1) computation of a similarity matrix for the group of three objects including two clones of a query object and a ...
Graphite fluoride (CF{sub x}) is investigated as an additive for WS{sub 2} thin films to reduce its sensitivity to moisture. The films are grown onto hardened 440C stainless steel disks by pulsed laser deposition using the 248 nm line from an excimer laser. Substrate temperature and additive concentration are varied to control film chemistry and crystal structure. The effect of relative humidity (i.e., < 1 to 85% RH) on friction is evaluated. Coatings grown at RT from targets with a low concentration of CF{sub x} exhibit ultra-low friction (ULF) behavior in dry air (i.e., {mu} {<=} 0.01), but friction increases with RH. Mechanisms for the ULF behavior are proposed which suggest that further reductions in friction are possible. Films grown at 300 C or with higher concentrations of CF{sub x} are relatively insensitive to humidity, but have more typical friction coefficients ({mu} {<=} 0.04) in dry air. (orig.)
This paper describes the challenges involved in the construction of a mid-rise housing development in Boston, Massachusetts, during which the development team elected to upgrade the initial design criteria from Minimum Building Code to Energy Star and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. The various constraints imposed on the development were discussed, including constraints imposed by the involvement of substantial public funds as well as the constraints imposed by various funding sources that were approached to leverage energy efficiency and green building investment via competitive grant solicitations. Building owner and utility cost management priorities were outlined along with details of central mechanical system selection. Issues concerning isolation and compartmentalization were examined along with indoor pollution source control. A building load analysis was presented as well as details of daily heating and cooling ...
Modified gravity theories may provide an alternative to dark energy to explain cosmic acceleration. We argue that the observational program developed to test dark energy needs to be augmented to capture new tests of gravity on astrophysical scales. Several distinct signatures of gravity theories exist outside the linear regime, especially owing to the screening mechanism that operates inside halos like the Milky Way to ensure that gravity tests in the solar system are satisfied. This opens up several decades in length scale and new classes of galaxies at low-redshift that can be exploited by surveys. While theoretical work on models of gravity is in the early stages, we can already identify new regimes which cosmological surveys could target to test gravity. These include: 1. A small scale component that focuses on the interior and vicinity of galaxy and cluster halos. 2. Spectroscopy of low redshift galaxies, especially galaxies smaller than ...
Swift heavy ion-solid interaction leads in volume to track creation and on the surface to the ejection of particles into the vacuum. To learn more about initial mechanisms of track formation, we are focused on the sputtering of uranium dioxide by fast heavy ions. This present study is exclusively devoted to the influence of the electronic stopping power on the emission of neutral particles and especially on their angular distribution. These measurements are completed by those of the ions emitted from UO{sub 2} targets bombarded with swift heavy ions. The whole experimental results give access to: i) the nature of the sputtered particles; ii) the charge state of the emitted particles; iii) the direction of ejection of the sputtered particles ; iv) the sputtering yields deduced from the angular distributions. These results are compared to the prediction of the sputtering models proposed in the literature and it seems that the supersonic gas flow ...
Among others, one of the main activities in the Nuclear Engineering and Fluid Mechanics Department of the Engineering School in Bilbao, is the study of liquid metals behavior. And for this purpose the CFD code FLUENT is being used. Currently, the code is being applied to the use of Lead-Bismuth eutectic (LBE) as the coolant of an accelerator driven system (ADS) and also as the target for a neutron source. In this paper, ANSALDO's Energy Amplifier Demonstration Facility is simulated, paying attention only on the coolant. As it will be later explained, natural convection is a very important issue, because the philosophy for safety systems in nuclear devices tends to consider passive technologies. The purpose is to avoid electrical machines like pumps, so the core should remain coolable, even if there is a blackout. To get this natural circulation, heat transfer plays a main role, and as turbulence enhances the heat transfer, it is important to ...
The deexcitation of quasi-projectiles (QP) released in binary Au on Au collisions as been studied from 60 to 100 MeV/u. Bimodality between two different decay patterns has been observed for intermediate violence collisions. The main experimental result is that the system jumps from one mode to the other on a narrow range of energy deposit and/or impact parameter. The sorting of the events (according to the violence of the collision) has been provided by the perpendicular energy of the light charged particles emitted on the quasi-target side. Such a sorting prevents spurious autocorrelation effects between the sorting variable and the observed mechanism. The two modes of the QP decay correspond on the one side to residue or fission fragments production, and on the other side to the multifragmentation channel. A detailed study has been performed in order to try to establish the origin of the observed bimodality in disentangling dynamical or ...
A combined PVD/PECVD process for the vacuum deposition of titanium containing amorphous hydrogenated carbon films is described. Elemental compositions of the deposited films have been determined by in situ core level photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The long-term stability of the plasma process has been demonstrated. Target poisoning has not been observed. We have fabricated optical selective surfaces by the deposition of a-C:H/Ti multilayers onto aluminum substrates. Even though we have not optimized layer thicknesses and stoichiometries so far, the experimental results are promising: solar absorptance {alpha}{sub S} of 0.876 and thermal emittance {epsilon}{sub 100C} of 0.061 have been achieved yielding an optical selectivity sis defined as{alpha}{sub S}/{epsilon}{sub 100C} of 14.4. Accelerated aging tests of these coatings have demonstrated their aging stability: the service lifetime is predicted to amount to more than 25 years. Raman spectroscopy has been used ...
The cross sections for /sup 250/Fm, /sup 244-246/Cf, /sup 242-244/Cm, and /sup 242/Am/sup g-italic/ produced by the /sup 12/C+ /sup 242/Pu and the /sup 16/O+ /sup 238/U reactions leading to the same compound nucleus of /sup 254/Fm have been measured by using radiochemical methods. The excitation functions show that the difference between the /sup 12/C+ /sup 242/Pu and the /sup 16/O+ /sup 238/U reactions can be attributed mainly to the Coulomb barriers. Our results were compared with others reported previously for /sup 22/Ne+ /sup 232/Th, /sup 12/C+ /sup 238/U, /sup 12/C+ /sup 240,241/Pu, /sup 13/C+ /sup 241/Pu, /sup 16/O+ /sup 233/U, and /sup 16/O+ /sup 242/Pu reaction systems, and support a mechanism involving transfer of ..cap alpha..-particle clusters (C,Be,He) from projectile to target for the production of Cf and Cm isotopes.
The cross sections for /sup 250/Fm, /sup 244-246/Cf, /sup 242-244/Cm, and /sup 242/Am/sup g/ produced by the /sup 12/C+ /sup 242/Pu and the /sup 16/O+ /sup 238/U reactions leading to the same compound nucleus of /sup 254/Fm have been measured by using radiochemical methods. The excitation functions show that the difference between the /sup 12/C+ /sup 242/Pu and the /sup 16/O+ /sup 238/U reactions can be attributed mainly to the Coulomb barriers. Our results were compared with others reported previously for /sup 22/Ne+ /sup 232/Th, /sup 12/C+ /sup 238/U, /sup 12/C+ /sup 240,241/Pu, /sup 13/C+ /sup 241/Pu, /sup 16/O+ /sup 233/U, and /sup 16/O+ /sup 242/Pu reaction systems, and support a mechanism involving transfer of #alpha#-particle clusters (C,Be,He) from projectile to target for the production of Cf and Cm isotopes.
Chromium containing amorphous hydrogenated carbon films (a-C : H/Cr) have been prepared by simultaneous rf plasma activated chemical vapour deposition of methane and magnetron sputtering of a chromium target. During deposition the substrates were heated (up to 300C) and DC biased (-200 and -600 V) in order to obtain films with high chemical stability. Constant temperature tests were performed at 250C in air with coatings deposited on silicon substrates. The degradation of the coatings was monitored by Raman spectroscopy and reflectance and transmission measurements. The main degradation mechanisms are discussed and the relevant parameters which improve the durability of the coatings are presented. Furthermore, the durability of solar selective, multilayered coatings which were deposited on copper sheets was investigated. Based on accelerated aging tests at different temperature loads in air (at 220C, 250C and 300C) and in a humid environment ...
As part of efforts to develop improved methods for NMR protein sample preparation and structure determination, the Northeast Structural Genomics Consortium (NESG) has implemented an NMR screening pipeline for protein target selection, construct optimization, and buffer optimization, incorporating efficient microscale NMR screening of proteins using a micro-cryoprobe. The process is feasible because the newest generation probe requires only small amounts of protein, typically 30-200 ?g in 8-35 ?l volume. Extensive automation has been made possible by the combination of database tools, mechanization of key process steps, and the use of a micro-cryoprobe that gives excellent data while requiring little optimization and manual setup. In this perspective, we describe the overall process used by the NESG for screening NMR samples as part of a sample optimization process, assessing optimal construct design and solution conditions, as well as for ...
The nozzle-group regulation of steam turbines plays furtheron an important role in the operation of power stations owing to modern, adaptable control-technical valve timing possibilities. New procedures for a choice-connection of different nozzle areas via the control valves as well as the use of valve laps require, however, a differentiated consideration of the loss mechanism in the inlet area of the turbine, in order to be able to assess and minimize its specific heat consumption also at the operational points outside the layout- and calculation-technically fixed guarantee or valve points, respectively. The basic technical-physical stages to this are explained. (orig.) [Deutsch] Die Duesengruppenregelung von Dampfturbinen nimmt nicht zuletzt dank moderner, anpassungsfaehiger leittechnischer Ventilansteuerungsmoeglichkeiten weiterhin eine bedeutende Stellung beim Betrieb von Kraftwerken ein. Neue Verfahren zur wahlweisen Zuschaltung ...
Basic research of the structure and electronic properties of a-Si:H is reported with particular emphasis on the role of defects. The main findings are as follows: (1) low defect density material can be deposited at a high rate using SiH/sub 4/ diluted in He or Ne. Using Ar or Kr results in a high defect density and columnar material; (2) an electrical bias during deposition modifies the band gap, hydrogen concentration and structure; (3) the clustering of hydrogen in the regions between the columns is confirmed; (4) hydrogen diffusion is observed by NMR; (5) the oxidation of an a-Si:H surface results in approx. 3 x 10/sup 11/ cm/sup -2/ dangling bonds at the interface; (6) auger recombination of photoexcited carriers is a significant non-radiative mechanism at low temperatures; (7) non-radiative recombination by diffusion and capture at dangling bonds is observed at temperatures above 50 to 100/sup 0/K; (8) the defect density in doped and ...
This lectures aim at giving graduate students an introduction to a working knowledge of path integral methods in a wide variety of fields in physics. Consequently, the the lecture notes are organized in three main parts dealing with non-relativistic quantum mechanics, many-body physics and field theory. In the first part the basic concepts of path integrals are developed in the usual heuristic, non-mathematical way followed by the standard examples of quadratic Lagrangians for which the path integrals can be solved exactly. Applications include semi-classical expansions, scattering problems and the representation of Green functions as path integrals. In the last chapter of this part it is shown how (euclidean) path integrals can be treated numerically by Monte-Carlo methods with a program for the anharmonic oscillator as an explicit example. The second part deals with the application of path integrals in statistical ...
We proposed a solid and a mercury target concepts through the preliminary conceptual design. To feasible these concepts, analysis and experimental works are being carried out. This paper introduces an outline of present status of target R and D such as heat transfer augmentation experiments for the solid target, mercury flow tests with a loop of maximum flow rate of 15L/min, flow pattern measurements for a cold source moderator etc. as well as preliminary conceptual design works. (author)
In the CERN approach to the design of a neutrino factory, the repetition frequency of the proton beam is high enough to consider stationary solid targets as a viable solution for multi-MW beams. The target consists of high density tantalum spheres of 2 mm diameter which can efficiently be cooled by passing a high mass flow He-gas stream through the voids between the Ta-granules. Very small thermal shocks and stresses will arise in this fine grained structure due to the relatively long burst of 3.3 ms from the SPL-proton linac. In a quadruple target system where each target receives only one quarter of the total beam power of 4 MW, conservative temperature levels and adequate lifetimes of the target are estimated in its very high radiation environment. A conceptual design of the integration of the target into the magnetic horn-pion-collector is presented.
OBJECTIVE: We studied 22 dogs to examine the effect of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) alone, in comparison with omental or muscular wrapping on airway healing in a tracheal autotransplantation...Full Text Available
Sera from multiple sclerosis patients with relapsing-remitting disease and normal subjects were tested for antibody to myelin basic protein by a sensitive radioimmunoassay. The results showed a marginally...Full Text Available
This paper aims to highlight ways in which basic research findings in the field of childhood and adolescent depression can help to inform and refine preventive intervention efforts. We selectively review...Full Text Available
The extracellular domain of human fibroblast growth factor receptor (XC-FGF-R) was expressed in Escherichia coli. The protein was purified to homogeneity and the interaction with basic fibroblast growth...Full Text Available
Abstract This paper focuses on the basic principles of information technology (IT) organization within health sciences centers. The paper considers the placement of the leader of the...Full Text Available
... military medical education, environmental security activities, and provides e-mail capabilities and other basic information management capabilities. ...
... Problems investigated in various basic hollowness ratios include ultimate compressive strength, fatigue properties, buckling characteristics, and ...
... Such disorders include depression , anxiety disorders , bipolar disorder , attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) , and many others. Some people who develop ...
The Kyoto Protocol attempts through political negotiations to guide participating industrialized countries' greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from a positive growing trend, to reach a peak point (or turning point), and then be reduced to a negative growth. That means the relationship between decreasing GHG emissions and economic growth may be described by an inverted-U curve (or called a bell-shaped curve), which is consistent with the concept of the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis. This research observed that the economic development and GHG emissions in Economies in Transition (EITs) exhibit a hockey-stick curve trend (or called quasi-L-shape curve), that also generates a lot of 'hot air' which is significant to the implementation of the Kyoto Protocol. In addition, through the analysis of single-country time series data and GDP data, this research demonstrated that statistical data for most of the Annex II countries do not possess evidence that ...
The Kyoto Protocol attempts through political negotiations to guide participating industrialized countries' greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from a positive growing trend, to reach a peak point (or turning point), and then be reduced to a negative growth. That means the relationship between decreasing GHG emissions and economic growth may be described by an inverted-U curve (or called a bell-shaped curve), which is consistent with the concept of the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis. This research observed that the economic development and GHG emissions in Economies in Transition (EITs) exhibit a hockey-stick curve trend (or called quasi-L-shape curve), that also generates a lot of 'hot air' which is significant to the implementation of the Kyoto Protocol. In addition, through the analysis of single-country time series data and GDP data, this research demonstrated that statistical data for most of the Annex II countries do not possess evidence that ...
Low resolution and un-sharp facial images are always captured from surveillance videos because of long human-camera distance and human movements. Previous works addressed this problem by using an active camera to capture close-up facial images without considering human movements and mechanical delays of the active camera. In this paper, we proposed a unified framework to capture facial images in video surveillance systems by using one static and active camera in a cooperative manner. Human faces are first located by a skin-color based real-time face detection algorithm. A stereo camera model is also employed to approximate human face location and his/her velocity with respect to the active camera. Given the mechanical delays of the active camera, the position of a target face with a given delay can be estimated using a Human-Camera Synchronization Model. By controlling the active camera with corresponding amount of pan, ...
Penetrating liver wounds are related to many causes and rank second after blunt abdominal and liver trauma. In this report are examined the clinical and radiological findings of personal series of patients with penetrating trauma, especially by firearms and stab and cut wounds. It will also tried to define the diagnostic workup of these traumas, which is especially based on CT signs of liver damage and associated changes and which is of basic importance for following treatment, both surgical or conservative. In the last seven years it was retrospectively reviewed 31 cases of penetrating liver trauma. The patients were 19 men and 12 women, ranging in age 18 to 73 (mean 42), with penetrating liver injuries from firearms (16 patients) and stab (9 cases) wounds; 6 patients had injuries from different cases. Abdominal CT was carried out in emergency with the CT Angiography (CTA) technique in all patients. In the patients with suspected chest and abdomen involvement CT ...
IntroductionBreast cancer is the most diagnosed and second leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. female population. An estimated 5 to 10 percent of all breast cancers are inherited, caused by mutations in the breast cancer susceptibility genes (BRCA1/2). As many as 90% of all mutations are nonsense mutations, causing a truncated polypeptide product. A popular and low cost method of mutation detection has been the protein truncation test (PTT), where target regions of BRCA1/2 are PCR amplified, transcribed/translated in a cell-free protein synthesis system and analyzed for truncated polypeptides by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and autoradiography. We previously reported a novel High Throughput Solid-Phase PTT (HTS-PTT) based on an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) format that eliminates the need for radioactivity, SDS-PAGE and subjective interpretation of the results. Here, we report the next generation HTS-PTT ...
The maintenance of a balance between cell gain and cell loss is essential for proper liver function. The exact role of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in regulating cell proliferation and apoptosis of liver cells remains unclear, since ligand-dependent activation of AhR has been shown to induce cell cycle arrest, proliferation, differentiation or apoptosis, depending on the cellular model used. AhR can directly interact with retinoblastoma protein in hepatic cells, forming protein complexes that can efficiently block cell cycle progression by inducing G1 arrest, or to induce the expression of inhibitors of cyclin-dependent kinases, such as p271. On the other hand, it has been suggested that AhR could play a stimulatory role in cell proliferation, either directly or by mediating a release from contact inhibition. It is now generally accepted that progenitor cells exist in the liver, are activated in various liver diseases and can form a potential target cell ...
PurposeWe conducted a comparative study of Clinical Target Volume (CTV) definition of pelvic lymph nodes by multiple GU radiation oncologists looking at the levels...Full Text Available
To capitalize on the response of tumor cells to ionizing radiation, we developed a controlled-release nanoparticle drug delivery system using a targeting peptide that recognizes a radiation-induced...Full Text Available
The technology of gene targeting through homologous recombination has been extremely useful for elucidating gene functions in mice. The application of this technology was thought impossible in the large...Full Text Available
The goal of ultrasonic molecular imaging is the detection of targeted contrast agents bound to receptors on endothelial cells. We propose imaging methods that can distinguish adherent microbubbles...Full Text Available
... detected (and reported) as a by-product of MRM screening (MS/MS) targeted by Law or Rule ... detected (and reported) as a by-product of MRM screening (MS/MS) targeted by Law or Rule ...
The phenomenon of antibiotic resistance has created a need for the development of novel antibiotic classes with non-classical cellular targets. Unfortunately, target-based drug discovery against...Full Text Available
Many genetic processes depend on proteins interacting with specific sequences on DNA. Despite the large excess of nonspecific DNA in the cell, proteins can locate their targets rapidly. After initial...Full Text Available
Peroxisomes, glyoxysomes, glycosomes, and hydrogenosomes have each been classified as microbodies, i.e., subcellular organelles with an electron-dense matrix that is bound by a single membrane. We investigated...Full Text Available
Considering accessibility of the 3′UTR is believed to increase the precision of microRNA target predictions. We show that, contrary to common belief, ranking by the hybridization energy or by...Full Text Available
Histone Arg methylation and Lys acetylation have been found to cooperatively regulate the expression of p53 target genes. Peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PAD4) is an enzyme that citrullinates...Full Text Available
Operant conditioning techniques were applied to the study of how target fixations are controlled by the probability of signal occurrence. In a standard vigilance setting, gaze at three illuminable...Full Text Available
Cytokinesis in animal and fungal cells utilizes a contractile actomyosin ring (AMR). However, how myosin II is targeted to the division site and promotes AMR assembly, and how the AMR coordinates with...Full Text Available
Purposes1. To determine the optimal pelvic nodal clinical target volume for post-operative treatment of endometrial cancer. 2. To compare the DVH of different treatment planning...Full Text Available
To ensure safe and reliable power production nuclear power plants must be operated at high level. Non destructive in-service inspections are inseparable part of the effort. Non destructive in-service inspections are essential on the ground of degradation mechanisms existence in nuclear power components. Degradation processes are constituent of operation of each industrial installation including nuclear power plants. Mission of non-destructive testing is degradation detection, closer characterization of its parameters (dimensions) and to supply as much information as possible to nuclear power plant operator. Eddy current testing method can be assigned to surface - volumetric methods. Method enables inspection of electrically conductive materials. It is particularly suitable for inspection of non-ferromagnetic materials like austenitic stainless steel and brass. The method is used for detection of stress corrosion cracking, pitting corrosion or surface corrosion. The ...
This report documents the technical development for a patent disclosure of a double-clad process for the continuous casting of thin-strip carbon steel. The fundamental idea of the disclosure is to form a product strip by depositing molten steel between two, cooled, clad strips of the same material. The claimed benefits include: (a) the conservation of energy in steel making through the elimination of soaking pits and reheat cycles, and (b) an improved surface on both sides of the as-cast product such that it will be suitable for direct feed to a cold-reduction mill. However, the process as conceived is not necessarily limited to the casting of carbon steel, but may be also applied to other metals and alloys. The work is described under three headings as follows. Preliminary Considerations and Scoping Analysis presents the basic idea of the double-clad, thin-strip casting process; the energy conservation potential; scoping heat transfer calculations for the casting ...
In support of the efforts to apply ceramics in advanced heat engines, a study was made of the sliding performance of ceramics at the ring/cylinder interface of low heat rejection engines. The objective was to understand the basicmechanisms controlling the wear of candidate ceramics and thereby identify means for applying these ceramics effectively. Attempts to operate three different zirconias, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, and several plasma-sprayed ceramic coatings without lubrication were unsuccessful because of high friction and high wear rates. Experiments using a polyalphaolefin lubricant at temperatures to 260 C identified several combinations having wear rates in the general range likely to be acceptable for engines. Plasma-sprayed coatings of chromium oxide and hypersonic powder flame sprayed coatings of cobalt-bonded tungsten carbide performed particularly well as ring coatings. Similar performance was obtained with these ring ...
For understanding on basic radiation mechanism of the high-gain FEL based on SASE, the author presents electron-crystal interpretation of FEL radiation. In the electron-crystal, electrons are localized at regularly spaced multi-layers, which represents micro-bunching, whose spacing is equal to the radiation wavelength, and the multi-layers are perpendicular to beam axis, thus, diffracted wave creates Bragg's spots in forward and backward directions. Due to the Doppler's effect, frequency of the back-scattered wave is up-converted, generates forwardly focused X-ray. The Bragg's effect contributes focusing the X-ray beam into a spot, thus peak power becomes extremely higher by factor of typically 107. This is the FEL radiation. As well known, the total numbers of scattered photons in Bragg's spots is equal to the total elastic scattering photons from the atoms contained in the crystal. Therefore, total power in ...
Reactor pressure vessel (RPV) steels are subjected to neutron irradiation at a temperature of about 290 deg C. This radiation exposure alters the mechanical properties, leading to a shift of the brittle-to-ductile transition temperature toward higher temperatures and to a diminution of the rupture energy as determined by Charpy V-notch tests. This radiation embrittlement is one of the important aging factors of nuclear power plants. U.S. NRC recommended the basic requirements for the determination of the pressure vessel fluence by regulatory guide DG-1025 in order to reduce the uncertainty in the determination of neutron fluence calculation and measurements. The determination of the pressure vessel fluence is based on both calculations and measurements. The fluence prediction is made with a calculation and the measurements are used to qualify the calculational methodology. Because of the importance and the difficulty of these calculations, the ...
As part of the studies on coal utilization basics, considerations were given on quantification of sulfur forms of coal and the pyrolysis behavior of sulfur compounds. With the temperature raising oxidation method, a thermo-balance was connected directly to a mass analyzer, and the coal temperature was raised at a rate of 5{degree}C per minute and gasified. Peak division was performed on SO2 and COS production to derive sulfur forms of coal. Using the slow-speed pyrolysis method, production rates of H2S, COS, SO2 and mercaptans were measured at a temperature raising rate of 20{degree}C per minute. Sulfur content in char was also measured. With the quick pyrolysis method, a Curie point pyrolyzer was connected directly to a gas chromatograph, by which secondary reaction is suppressed, and initial pyrolytic behavior can be tracked. All kinds of coals produce a considerable amount of SO2 in the slow-speed pyrolysis, but very little in the quick pyrolysis. Instead, H2S ...
Background. Through PSA screening the rate of prostate cancers detected at an early stage has increased significantly; thus a decrease in mortality can be expected in the near future. Despite all scientific efforts, however, the molecular mechanisms underlying the development and progression of prostate cancer remain poorly understood. Prostate cancer is a disease of aging men and epidemiological evidence supports a major contribution to its development through diet, lifestyle and environmental factors. Genetic instability is the basic phenomenon of tissue cell cancerisation. This instability can be hereditary or due to mutations and other chromosomal aberrations acquired during life. In recent years a large number of interesting data have been collected which show the relationships between focal atrophy and genetic instability of the prostate epithelia. Atrophy can be the result of prostatitis, ischemia as well as of oxidative stress (diet). ...
Alloy 600 is used as a material for steam generator tubing in pressurized water reactors(PWR) due to its high corrosion resistance under PWR environment. In spite of its corrosion resistance, stress corrosion cracking(SCC) has occurred on the primary side as well as the secondary side of the tubing. Oxide on steel surfaces in aqueous solution above 100 .deg. C is composed of duplex film structure. Inner layer of the oxide is dense and less porous, which is formed by growth of oxide layer on metal surface. Outer layer of the oxide is loose adhesive, which is formed by dissolution precipitation mechanism. Growth processes occur at the metal/oxide and oxide/electrolyte interfaces and are controlled by transport of the layer forming species through the layer, i.e. by the inward diffusion of oxygen including electrolyte species and the outward diffusion of metal cations. Understanding of basic electrochemical behaviors about anodic dissolution and ...
Alloy 600 is commonly used in the primary systems of PWR plants because of its excellent resistance to a stress corrosion cracking and pitting. But a stress corrosion cracking and pitting corrosion are occasionally observed under PWR conditions, which may be correlated with the passive film on the Alloy 600 surface. There is little information on the composition of films growing on the surface of Alloy 600 at high temperature. Therefore, an understanding of the basic electrochemical behaviors about an anodic dissolution and the passivation of the bare surface of metals and alloys provides important information about localized corrosions like a SCC and pitting. Oxide on the steel surfaces in an aqueous solution above 100 .deg. C is composed of a duplex film structure. The inner layer of the oxide is dense and less porous, which is formed by a growth of the oxide layer on the metal surface. Outer layer of the oxide is less adhesive, which is formed by a dissolution ...
Alloy 600 is commonly used in the primary systems of PWR plants because of its excellent resistance to a stress corrosion cracking and pitting. But a stress corrosion cracking and pitting corrosion are occasionally observed under PWR conditions, which may be correlated with the passive film on the Alloy 600 surface. There is little information on the composition of films growing on the surface of Alloy 600 at high temperature. Therefore, an understanding of the basic electrochemical behaviors about an anodic dissolution and the passivation of the bare surface of metals and alloys provides important information about localized corrosions like a SCC and pitting. Oxide on the steel surfaces in an aqueous solution above 100 .deg. C is composed of a duplex film structure. The inner layer of the oxide is dense and less porous, which is formed by a growth of the oxide layer on the metal surface. Outer layer of the oxide is less adhesive, which is formed by a dissolution ...
In order to achieve micro-wound, intelligence and high efficiency for fracture setting, intelligent setting system for fracture is proposed in accordance with biomechanics and fracture therapy theory. In the comprehensive medical system based on C-shape-arm X-machine, image processing and analysis is the core, programmable logical controller and stepping motor are important driving parts controlling mechanical parts. Six degree of freedom dynamics sensor ensures to control accurately force and moment. On the foundation of analyzing X-ray image peculiarities, method of processing and analysis is put forward, combining time domain with frequency domain. After mining domain knowledge in depth, setting actions is quantized into three non-continuous steps and is parameterized into two angles and one distance aiming at femoral-neck fracture. Objective features are extracted by virtue of three power polymerization curved surface fitting. Master-slave reference frame is ...
The General-Purpose Heat Source (GPHS), an improved radioisotope heat source, employs a unique thermal insulation material, carbon-bonded carbon fiber (CBCF), to protect the fuel capsule and to help achieve the highest possible specific power. The CBCF insulation is made from chopped rayon fiber about 10 ..mu..m in diameter and 250 ..mu..m long, which is carbonized and bonded with phenolic resin particles. The CBCF shapes, both tubes and plates, are formed in a multiple molding facility by vacuum molding a water slurry of the carbonized chopped-rayon fiber (54 wt %) and phenolic resin (46 wt %). The molded shapes are subsequently dried and cured. Final carbonization of the resin is at 1600/sup 0/C. Machining to close tolerances (+-0.08 mm) is accomplished by conventional tooling and fixturing. The resulting material is an excellent lightweight insulation with a nominal density of 0.2 Mg/m/sup 3/ and a thermal conductivity of 0.24 W(m.K) in vacuum at 2000/sup 0/C. Several attributes ...
Processes for the hydrogenation of carbon monoxide have had commercial importance since about 1920, when the commercial production of methanol and higher alcohols on oxide catalysts began. Soon thereafter Fischer and Tropsch discovered that liquid hydrocarbons could be synthesized from carbon monoxide and hydrogen over Group VIII metal catalysts. Following extensive catalyst and process development efforts, this technology provided Germany with a source of liquid fuels during World War II. The period following the war saw an acceleration in research and development on the Fischer-Tropsch process, but the only commercial application that was to emerge was the SASOL process in the Union of South Africa. The oil crises of the 1970s have rekindled worldwide interest in indirect liquefaction technologies for the production of clean, high-quality motor fuels from coal. The development of more efficient coal gasification processes and the advent of molecular sieve catalysts that allow ...
The subject of quantum optics has undergone considerable development in the last twenty-five years. Spurred by the invention of the laser, the theoretical understanding of the coherence and statistical properties of optical beams has now attained a stage of maturity where it is possible to treat different kinds of light sources. Over approximately the latter half of this period of development in quantum optics, the free-electron laser (FEL) has been developed to the point where it is now regarded as a tunable light source of considerable versatility, with prospects of producing radiation over a wide range of wavelengths at large levels of power. Since the basicmechanism for radiation gain in an FEL can be understood in classical terms, much of the literature on the subject does not need to venture outside the domain of classical physics. However, it is natural that the coherence and statistical properties of photon beams produced by FEL's ...
AREVA is the world leader in the design and construction of nuclear power plants, the manufacture of heavy components, and the supply of nuclear fuel and nuclear services such as maintenance and inspection. The Equipment Division provides the widest range of nuclear components and equipment, manufactured at its two facilities in Jeumont, northern France, and St. Marcel, in Burgundy. The St. Marcel plant, set on 35 ha (87.5 acres) near Chalon-sur-Saone, was established in 1973 in a region with a long history of specialized metalworking and mechanical activities to meet the demand for non-military nuclear requirements in France. The site offers two advantages: - excellent facilities for loading and transporting heavy components on the Saone river, - it's proximity to other group sites. Since its completion in 1975, the Chalon/St. Marcel facility has manufactured all the heavy components for French pressurized water reactors (PWRs) ranging from 900 MW to 1500 ...
The vast majority of fundamental studies of metal oxide selective oxidation catalysts have been performed with single phase systems. These investigations established the basic tenents of the redox mechanism of selective oxidation and ammoxidation catalysis. By comparison, structural and kinetic investigations of multiphase oxide catalysts are less numerous because of the inherent difficulties in understanding the relative contributions of separate phases to the catalytic behavior of the composite catalyst. Some attempts have been made in the past to understand the complex chemistry of multiphase catalysts and additional important insights have been realized more recently. However, a clear understanding of the most significant catalytic interactions between individual phases of a multiphase multicomponent redox catalyst is still lacking. In an effort to provide an understanding and a physical basis for the observed synergism in multiphase oxide ...
... they assisted in the 2000 attack on the USS Cole? ... List the types of targets that ETA has attacked. ... was at least partially responsible for the attack. ...
... Tanzania, and the attack on the USS COLE. ... vis another has no bearing on the legality of the attack. If the person attacked is a combatant, the use of ...
The production of polarized negative ion beams by collisional pumping is described. Collisional pumping utilizes repeated charge changing collisions in a thick electron-spin-polarized gas or vapor target to form a polarized fast atom beam. The polarized fast atom beam is then partially converted into a polarized negative ion beam in a vapor target. Analysis is presented for a hydrogen beam passing through either a thick polarized H atom target or a thick polarized alkali target. Large polarizations and large currents may be possible.
The production of polarized negative ion beams by ''collisional pumping'' is described. Collisional pumping utilizes repeated charge changing collisions in a thick electron-spin-polarized gas or vapor target to form a polarized fast atom beam. The polarized fast atom beam is then partially converted into a polarized negative ion beam in a vapor target. Analysis is presented for a hydrogen beam passing through either a thick polarized H atom target or a thick polarized alkali target. Large polarizations and large currents may be possible.
While there is growing interest in Real Time Pricing as a competitive tool, its adoption to date has been constrained by wariness on the part of many utilities and many of their customers. That wariness is not misplaced, for Real Time Pricing is not for everyone. In order for both utilities and their customers to benefit, the pricing system must be properly tailored for, and offered to, the appropriate audience. This paper discusses needs for identifying targets, implications of targeting of Real Time Pricing to various types of customers, and implications for design and marketing of such pricing systems. Examples from utility experiences are provided, and recommendations are offered for development of improved targeting of Real Time Pricing.
This paper present the results of a series of calculations made to determine the "2"3"8Pu production potential of several advanced target assembly designs in the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF). These calculations show that by using advanced target designs the intimately mix the "2"3"7Np target material with an yttrium hydride moderator, the FFTF has the potential of producing up to 30 kg of high-quality "2"3"8Pu per year.
We apply the framework developed in Target space duality I: general theory. We show that both nonabelian duality and Poisson-Lie duality are examples of the general theory. We propose how the formalism leads to a systematic study of duality by studying few scenarios that lead to open questions in the theory of Lie algebras. We present evidence that there are probably new examples of irreducible target space duality.
The gastrin releasing peptide (GRP) receptor is becoming an increasingly attractive target for development of new radiolabeled peptides with diagnostic and therapeutic potential. The attractiveness of the GRP receptor as a target is based upon the functional expression of GRP receptors in several tumors of neuroendocrine origin including prostate, breast, and small cell lung cancer. This concise review outlines some of the efforts currently underway to develop new GRP receptor specific radiopharmaceuticals by employing a variety of radiometal chelation systems.
This paper illustrates how the techniques developed by the authors for capital cost targeting of mass exchange networks can be applied to determination of capital investment targets for reduction in effluent for existing systems involving mass exchange. The results is an impact diagram which shows the relationship between effluent reduction and capital investment, indicating a region of limiting return on investment as well as the maximum possible reduction in effluent. (au)
In order to facilitate observations of low energy nuclear reactions, a new type recoil mass-separator together with a new gas-jet target system is being developed at the tandem accelerator facility in Kyushu University. The expected mass-resolving power of the separator is 220 for a solid angle of 10 msr and the practical thickness of the gas-jet target will exceed 0.1 atm#centre dot#cm for the light elements of H and He. (author).
A portable fiber optic detector that senses the presence of specific target chemicals by electrostatically attracting the target chemical to an aromatic compound coating on an optical fiber. Attaching the target chemical to the coated fiber reduces the fluorescence so that a photon sensing detector records the reduced light level and activates an appropriate alarm or indicator.
...2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Energy Policy Act target group certification...Acquisition Regulations System DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY CLAUSES AND FORMS SOLICITATION...Provisions and Clauses 952.226-73 Energy Policy Act target group...
This paper examines the availability and adequacy of schools' infrastructural facilities for implementation of the Universal Basic Education program in Nigeria. Adopting the "ex post facto" design, the researchers used existing school data on physical facilities, including a survey of key stakeholders in the education sector. Data analysed revealed inadequacy of physical facilities for effective implementation of the UBE program. It was accordingly recommended that government at the national, state and local levels show better commitment to the implementation of the Universal Basic Education program. (Contains 3 figures and 4 tables.)
This report discusses the current state and the future of the Dutch basic metal industry. The steel industry and the aluminium industry are discussed in detail. First their current energy use, the technology and their product markets are analysed. The competitiveness of Dutch and Western European producers is discussed. Main technological developments and other key issues (especially future CO2 policies) are analysed. Based on this analysis, scenarios are developed for the energy use in the basic metal industry for the period 2000-2020. 88 tabs., 55 figs., 143 refs.
... Each beam finite element was derived using Hamilton's principle and the following basic assumptions: the beam has an arbitrary amount of pretwist ...
Mar 8, 2006 ... Some examples of leave options are annual leave, sick leave, .... (FERS). This three-tier system combines social security, a basic annuity ...
A review is made of some recent developments in the application of the Bohr Hamiltonian to transitional nulcei. The primary concern is to understand the advantages and limitations inherent to the basic model and its many variants. (author).
BackgroundCharacterization of the innate immune repertoire of extant cnidarians is of both fundamental and applied interest - it not only provides insights into the basic immunological...Full Text Available
Information about the greenhouse effect, the role of greenhouse gases in global climate change, levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, and references....
The publication gives the basic information needed by growers of syrup sugarcane. It includes descriptions of the sugarcane plant characteristics needed in syrup varieties, the best varieties, cultural requirements and practices, and the diseases and inse...
The Nobel lecture of Chandrasekhar is printed in which he describes the basic processes that determine the life history of a star with particular emphasis on the roles of stellar mass and radiation pressure. (AIP)
The operating principle is examined for an optical sensor for the angle of rotation of the drag ODUP-1 developed and manufactured by the VNII-1. Basic technical data are presented for the experimental model.
Typing Workshop": [Introductions] [Intro, DNA Basics, and Historical Perspective] [DNA Extraction] [Validation and QA/QC] [DNA Quantitation] [PCR Amplification] [STR Loci and Kits]...
Provisions (a) NPDES field personnel shall be currently trained and certified in CPR and basic first-aid procedures. (b) NPDES field personnel shall be aware of the...
Quantum computing is a quickly growing research field. This article introduces the basic concepts of quantum computing, recent developments in quantum searching, and decoherence in a possible quantum...Full Text Available
This laboratory exercise demonstrates some basic principles in parasitology by using experimental studies of the relationship of Hymenolepis diminuta with its rodent host.
... information about, utilized, or discussed these subjects: basic topics: overview materials and material types: ti-6al-4v, ti1100, ti17 , ti6242, imi 550 ...
Eukaryotic genomes are packaged in two basic forms, euchromatin and heterochromatin. We have examined the composition and organization of Drosophila melanogaster heterochromatin in...Full Text Available
A method for calculating flow through an airfoil cascade drawn on a surface of revolution is discussed. The three-dimensional flow was assumed to be represented by part-channels of varying width. The basic equations are the equation of continuity and the ...
BackgroundMucinous cystic neoplasm (MCN) of the pancreas is basically cystic epithelial neoplasm, unilocular or multilocular, occurring almost exclusively in women.Case...Full Text Available
... to de-scope the weapon system. ... AIAA American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronomy ... Nations BASIC Broad Area Space-Based Imagery Collector ...
The possibility of gamma-absorption identification of the analyzed substance is considered. the basic provisions of the proposed method are concentrated on the example of carbohydrates and hydrocarbons. The above method is tested experimentally on polyethylenes and polystyrene
The purpose of this publication is to provide a better understanding of flue gas desulfurization. It provides brief answers to questions concerning its applicability, cost, effectiveness, and operation.
"Physics in the United States is in a crisis that the country may lose the leadership in basic particle research in coming years, a report of the National Research Council warned." (1 page)
Design of the software architecture for a knowledge driven HIS is presented. In our design the frame has been used as the basic unit of knowledge representation. The structure of the frame is being...Full Text Available
This paper presents some basic elements regarding the domain of the collaborative systems, a domain of maximum actuality and also the multiagent systems, developed as a result of a sound study on the one-agent systems.
... increasing its economic results, tapping mew financial sources and augmenting its income, but also a basic task in financial and tax management. ...
...Basic Information | Fuel Cells & Vehicles | US EPA This web page provides basic information on EPA's Fuel Cells & Vehicles web site ...including the chemical composition of fuel cell technology, how it works, descriptions of the various types of fuel cells , their availability and ... background,electrochemical,hydrogen,fuel cell,fuel cell vehicle,fuel reformer,performace,improved fuel economy,increased engine efficiency,lower emissions,zero emissions,availablity,fuel cell types,diagram,Proton ...Exchange Membrane,PEM Basic Information | Fuel Cells & Vehicles | US EPA background,electrochemical,hydrogen,fuel cell,fuel cell vehicle,fuel reformer,performace,improved fuel economy,...
... the program manager plans to spend $23.2 million to procure 107 Hornets in excess of the 270 required by the 82nd Airborne Division for its basic ...
Target materials for inertial fusion energy (IFE) power plant designs might be selected for a wide variety of reasons including wall absorption of driver energy, material opacity, cost and ease of fabrication. While each of these issues are of great importance, target materials should also be selected based upon their safety and environmental (S and E) characteristics. The present work focuses on the recycling, waste management and accident dose characteristics of potential target materials. If target materials are recycled so that the quantity is small, isotopic separation may be economically viable. Therefore, calculations have been completed for all stable isotopes for all elements from lithium to polonium. The results of these calculations are used to identify specific isotopes and elements that are most likely to be offensive as well as those most likely to be acceptable in terms of their S and E ...
A simple electromagnetic transport system was constructed to identify very rare positrons produced in a powerful laser beam interaction with a target. Testing experiments were carried out with CO[sub 2]-laser (10[sup 12] W/cm[sup 2]) beam pulses ([tau] = 50 ns, f = 0.01 Hz) focused on the copper target, as well as with a 96 MeV alpha-particle beam irradiated carbon target. The results showed that the developed system could be effectively used for positron identification and evaluation of their energy by means of a time-of-flight method. The computerized system to deal with this problem, together with others related to the power laser beam interaction with targets, has been constructed. (orig.).
The modeling methods used to compute the neutron-induced activation of target and near-target materials in the NIF facility are presented. A detailed space and energy description of the neutron environment in the different materials is provided. A new capability has been developed to treat in a general way the activation of debris produced in an operational regime of yield and no-yield experiments. First calculations are addressed to analyze the activity of the debris into the target chamber. The contribution of the different components to activity, interior dose rates, and waste disposal rating (WDR) is determined. The importance of the activation coming from primary irradiation in the target, and from secondary irradiation in debris deposited onto the first wall is assessed. Finally, waste hazards of the activated debris when removed out of the chamber and stored are analyzed. (authors)
Recently, the public has become aware of keywords like ''Quantum computer'' or ''Quantum cryptography''. Regarding their potential application in solid state based quantum information processing and their overall benefit in fundamental research quantum dots have gained more and more public interest. In this context, quantum dots are often referred to as ''artificial atoms'', a term subsuming their physical properties quite nicely and emphasizing the huge potential for further investigations. The basicmechanism to be considered is the theoretical model of a two-level system. A quantum dot itself represents this kind of system quite nicely, provided that only the presence or absence of a single exciton in the ground state of that structure is regarded. This concept can also be expanded to the presence of two excitons (bi-exciton). ...
The development and improvement of materials plays a key role in energy technology, particularly in power plant technology, because materials are crucial to plant performance and power availability. This becomes particularly clear when one considers that modern power plants generate temperatures of up to 600 C and pressures of up to 230 bar in order to increase process efficiency, conserve resources and reduce CO{sub 2} emissions. Modern heat-resistant materials for power plant technology are customised materials which have been developed to meet the specific requirements of special applications. After the requirement profile has been determined the material is developed or optimised on the basis of previous experiences gained with materials in power plant technology. Basic heat-resistant materials are ferritic materials containing 9 to 12% Cr as well as additions of Mo, V, Nb and W, amongst other elements. Together with the thermomechanical processing, the ...
The quasi-static normal indentation of sandwich panels with quasi-isotropic laminated composite skins and honeycomb or foam cores, by spherical indentors, has been investigated using experiments and finite element analysis. The experimental program emphasized the effects of indentor size on the resulting load indentation responses, failure mechanisms in the skin and the core, and the measurement of contact areas between indentor and the target. The sandwich panels were indented up to the initiation of skin fracture and the resulting contact data was used to characterize contact power laws. A non-linear finite element model was developed based on the experimental observations to systematically explore the indentation behavior of diverse sandwich configurations and to investigate the contact pressure distributions. The finite element model was used as an experimental tool in the development of a simple non-dimensional semi-empirical model that ...
Breast cancer progression is characterized by inappropriate cell growth. Normal cells cease growth after a limited number of cell divisions--a process called cellular senescence-while tumor cells may acquire the ability to proliferate indefinitely (immortality). Inappropriate expression of specific oncogenes in a key cellular signaling pathway (Ras, Raf) can promote tumorigenicity in immortal cells, while causing finite lifespan cells to undergo a rapid senescence-like arrest. We have studied when in the course of transformation of cultured human mammary epithelial cells (HMEC), the response to overexpressed oncogenic Raf changes from being tumor-suppressive to tumor enhancing, and what are the molecular underpinnings of this response. Our data indicate: (1) HMEC acquire the ability to maintain growth in the presence of oncogenic Raf not simply as a consequence of overcoming senescence, but as a result of a newly discovered step in the process of immortal transformation uncovered by ...
Using static Michelson interferometer to get the spectrum information of measurement targets for spectrum identification, under the condition that the interference length is constant, the system can be optimized by BP neural network algorithm for the mixed spectral separation process. Thereby it can realize improving the recognition probability of camouflage target. Collecting the spectrum information in field of view (FOV) by the interferometer and linear array CCD detector, composing the set of mixed spectrum data, with known absorption spectrum of the material as a hidden layer of rules, it used BP neural network to separate the mixed spectrum data. Experiment with different distances, different combinations of mixed background spectrum as the initial data, using steel target (size: 1.5 m x 1.5 m) made of four kinds, the recognition probability of non-camouflage target is about 90% by BP neural ...
In the Fourth Dutch National Environmental Outlook (NMP, abbreviated in Dutch) of the National Institute of Public Health and the Environment (VROM), published in July 1997, possible future developments in the traffic and transport sector in the Netherlands are described for the period 1995-2020 and also evaluates present Dutch policies. NMP-4 also offers possible solutions for expected environmental problems. This report serves as a background document for the traffic and transport sector. With a view to present Dutch policies, the main conclusions drawn from the Outlook are that: (1) the policy targets for car and lorry use for 2010 will not be met, (2) the target for CO2 emissions from road transport for 2010 will not be met, (3) the NOx emission target for 2010 will be met for cars, but not for trucks, (4) the VOC emission target for 2010 will be met for cars, but not for trucks, and (5) the noise ...
Based on the practical condition of the plant and in reference to advanced management experiences worldwide, Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant has established its own peculiar management system for radiation protection management and ALARA implementation. The characteristics of the system are: radiation protection training to all workers, active involvement of all managers and staffs, and whole process safety control to maintenance activities. The management philosophy of 'workers are responsible for their own radiation safety' is adopted in the plant. A strict, formalized and systematic whole staff radiation protection training, evaluation, authorization and periodically refreshing mechanism had been established and executed in the plant. In the organizational point of view, the responsibilities of line managers were specified in plant procedures, ALARA coordination organization on plant level and for specific activities were established. Meanwhile, the plant ...
Microwave assisted extraction (MAE) is a combination of a microwave technique and conventional solvent extraction used in the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine. The effective component of medicinal herbs is mostly cellular material which can be released via solvent extraction. The material is diffused to solvents via the porous membrane wall. The structure of herb morphology and characteristics of the solute's molecular weight play an important role in the extraction process of target compounds. Astragalus pieces were chosen for this study in which an ultra-filtration membrane method was used to determine the molecular weight distribution characteristics of Astragalus water extraction liquid in the process of MAE. The fine structure of matrix materials was also characterized by scanning election microscopy (SEM). The phenomenon of mass flow and mass transfer in the plant porous media was discussed along with the enhancement ...
There are a number of factors favoring synfuel production in South Africa; (1) there are suitable coal fields in the immediate vicinity of our main industrial area.; (2) nature has given us relatively favorable geological conditions permitting highly mechanized extraction techniques so that coal can be delivered to the synfuel plants at Secunda at a cost - including return on capital - of less than $10.00 per ton, based on 1980 price levels; and (3) because the industry and its natural market are remote from the coast, it enjoys some transport protection against products refined from imported crude oil. Even more important we realized a long time ago that in trying to close the gap between the cost of synfuels and international oil prices, one is confronted with a moving target which can more effectively be attacked sooner rather than later. With such highly capital intensive projects, cash operating costs are relatively low. Product price ...
The generation of industrial solid wastes containing leachable species of environmental concern is a problem for developing and developed nations alike. These materials arise from direct processing of mineral ores, from production of metals and minerals, from manufacturing operations, and from air and water pollution treatment processes. The general characteristics that make these wastes intractable is that their content of hazardous species is not easily liberated from the waste yet is not bound so tightly that they are safe for landfill disposal or industrial use. The approach taken in this work is a thermal treatment that separates the inorganic contaminants from the wastes. The objective is to provide recovery and reuse of both the residual solids and liberated contaminants. The results from operating this technique using two very different types of waste are described. The reasons that the process will work for a wide variety of wastes are explored. By using the knowledge of the ...
This paper builds upon previous work [Sprigg and Ehlen, 2004] by introducing a bond market into a model of production and employment. The previous paper described an economy in which households choose whether to enter the labor and product markets based on wages and prices. Firms experiment with prices and employment levels to maximize their profits. We developed agent-based simulations using Aspen, a powerful economic modeling tool developed at Sandia, to demonstrate that multiple-firm economies converge toward the competitive equilibria typified by lower prices and higher output and employment, but also suffer from market noise stemming from consumer churn. In this paper we introduce a bond market as a mechanism for household savings. We simulate an economy of continuous overlapping generations in which each household grows older in the course of the simulation and continually revises its target level of savings according to a life-cycle ...
Intermetallic compounds based on the Al-Co system were synthesized by solid state method - mechanical alloying and their properties were investigated using XRD, SEM, and DSC. The powder was used to make new targets of irradiation for gamma sources in order to enhance the specific activity and to reduce the consumption of material. The intermetallic compound AlCo was formed in the first 4 hours of milling. After 8 hours of milling the medium size of crystallites were of 5.58 nm. This value decreases with the increase of milling time up to 3 nm, corresponding to the 28 hours of grinding. There was calculated and plotted the Gibbs function, #DELTA#_f"0, for the reaction of formation AlCo and Al_3Co from the Al-Co system. It had negative values over the entire range of temperatures for both investigated compounds. After 28 hours milling a phase composition was obtained as follows: 0.2% Al; 21%Co ; 55.5%AlCo; 23.3% Al_1_3Co_4. AlCo 98% has been ...
Inhibition of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is an appealing method for decreasing the immunoresistance and augmenting T cell-mediated immunotherapy. A major impediment to this strategy is the impact of conventional PI3K/mTOR pathway inhibitors on T cell function. In particular, rapamycin, is a well-known immunosuppressant that can decrease the activity of the PI3K/mTOR pathway in tumor cells, but also has a profound inhibitory effect on T cells. Here we show that Honokiol, a natural dietary product isolated from an extract of seed cones from Magnolia grandiflora, can decrease PI3K/mTOR pathway-mediated immunoresistance of glioma, breast and prostate cancer cell lines, without affecting critical proinflammatory T cell functions. Specifically, we show that at doses sufficient to down-regulate levels of phospho-S6 and the negative immune regulator B7-H1 in tumor cells, Honokiol does not significantly impair T cell ...
One of the challenges facing Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects today is their limited ability to secure financing for the underlying greenhouse gas emission reduction activities, particularly in the least developed countries. Among the key reasons for this is the fact that most financial intermediaries in the CDM host countries have limited or no knowledge of the CDM Modalities and Procedures. Moreover, approaches, tools and skills for CDM project appraisal are lacking or are asymmetrical to the skills in comparable institutions in developed countries. Consequently, developing country financial institutions are unable to properly evaluate the risks and rewards associated with investing or lending to developers undertaking CDM projects, and therefore have, by-and-large, refrained from financing these projects. In addition, some potential project proponents lack experience in structuring arrangements for financing a project. This Guidebook - commissioned by ...
Diamond-like carbon thin films for tribological applications were deposited by d.c.-magnetron sputtering of a graphite target in a pure argon atmosphere or in a reactive hydrogen or methane atmosphere at pressures between 0.1 and 1 Pa in a graded constitution to improve adhesion and reduce residual stress. The temperature of the metallic, carbon- and ceramic-like substrates was below 100 C. The mechanical, thermal, electronic and optical properties of the carbon thin films show a significant dependence on the ion energy. Below 220 eV, strongly adherent black conductive films with hardness values up to 2000 HV0.05 were obtained. Hard and superhard diamond-like carbon thin films were deposited in an energy range between 220 and 370 eV with hardness values up to 4000 HV0.05. They are insulating, optically transparent and show a high degree of hardness combined with high compressive stress in the order of 4 GPa as well as a low adhesion, which ...
Receptor interacting protein 140 (RIP140) is a coregulator for numerous nuclear receptors and transcription factors and primarily exerts gene-repressive activities on various target genes. We previously identified a spectrum of posttranslational modifications on RIP140 that augment its property and biological activity. In T(3)-triggered biphasic regulation of cellular retinoic acid binding protein 1 (Crabp1) gene along the course of fibroblast-adipocyte differentiation, we found TRAP220(MED1) critical for T(3)-activated chromatin remodeling whereas RIP140 essential for T(3)-repressive chromatin remodeling of this gene promoter. In this current study, we aim to examine whether and how RIP140 replaces TRAP220(MED1) on the CrabpI promoter in differentiating adipocyte cultures. We find increasing recruitment of RIP140 to this promoter, with corresponding reduction in TRAP220(MED1) recruitment during the T(3)-repressive phase. We also uncover direct interaction of ...
Geologic sequestration represents a promising strategy for isolating CO{sub 2} waste streams from the atmosphere. Successful implementation of this approach hinges on our ability to predict the relative effectiveness of subsurface CO{sub 2} migration and sequestration as a function of key target-formation and cap-rock properties, which will enable us to identify optimal sites and evaluate their long-term isolation performance. Quantifying this functional relationship requires a modeling capability that explicitly couples multiphase flow and kinetically controlled geochemical processes. We have developed a unique computational package that meets these criteria, and used it to model CO{sub 2} injection at Statoil's North-Sea Sleipner facility, the world's first saline-aquifer storage site. The package integrates a state-of-the-art reactive transport simulator (NUFT) with supporting geochemical software and databases (SUPCRT92). In our Sleipner ...
Design improvements are being incorporated into the heavy water management systems at Wolsong 2,3 and 4 to reduce the load on the vapour recovery driers and upgraders and the heavy water losses via the stack. There will also be improvements to monitor heavy water and tritium releases. This paper describes the improvements, gives background on heavy water balance mechanism, the historical trends for heavy water recovery/losses and estimated dose to the member of the public critical group resulting from the airborne and waterborne releases. The measured tritium activity levels in the heat transport system (HTS) and moderator system at Wolsong 1 are given. Using these activity levels and heavy water loss data, tritium losses from the dried and ventilated areas are estimated. A qualitative assessment of expected heavy water and tritium releases has been performed for Wolsong 2, 3 and 4. CANDU 6 plants continue to perform well in that heavy water losses are small and ...
The insulin signaling pathway, involving protein kinase B (PKB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), mediates the biological response to insulin and several growth factors and cytokines. To investigate the correlation between glucose transporter (Glut) biosynthesis and the insulin signaling pathway activated by novel compounds of Liriope platyphylla (LP9M80-H), alterations in Glut and key protein expression in the insulin signaling pathway were analyzed in the liver and brain of ICR mice treated with LP9M80-H. An in vitro assay showed that the highest level of insulin concentration was observed in the LP9M80-H-treated group, followed by the LP-H, LP-M, LP-E, and LP9M80-C-treated groups. Therefore, LP9M80-H was selected for use in studying the detailed mechanism of the insulin signaling pathway in animal systems. In an in vivo experiment, LP9M80-H induced a significant increase in glucose levels and a decrease of insulin concentration in the blood of mice, ...
To evaluate the role of phytochelatins and metallothioneins in heavy metal tolerance of black mangrove Avicennia germinans, 3-month-old seedlings were exposed to cadmium or copper for 30 h, under hydroponic conditions. Degenerate Mt2 and PCS primers were synthesized based on amino acid and nucleotide alignment sequences reported for Mt2 and PCS in other plant species found in GenBank. Total RNA was isolated from A. germinans leaves and two partial fragments of metallothionein and phytochelatin synthase genes were isolated. Gene expression was evaluated with reverse transcripatase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) amplification technique. Temporal analysis showed that low Cd{sup 2+} and Cu{sup 2+} concentrations caused a slight (but not significant) increase in AvMt2 expression after a 16 h exposure time, while AvPCS expression showed a significant increase under the same conditions but only after 4 h. Results strongly suggest that the rapid increase in AvPCS expression may contribute ...
To evaluate the role of phytochelatins and metallothioneins in heavy metal tolerance of black mangrove Avicennia germinans, 3-month-old seedlings were exposed to cadmium or copper for 30 h, under hydroponic conditions. Degenerate Mt2 and PCS primers were synthesized based on amino acid and nucleotide alignment sequences reported for Mt2 and PCS in other plant species found in GenBank. Total RNA was isolated from A. germinans leaves and two partial fragments of metallothionein and phytochelatin synthase genes were isolated. Gene expression was evaluated with reverse transcripatase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) amplification technique. Temporal analysis showed that low Cd"2"+ and Cu"2"+ concentrations caused a slight (but not significant) increase in AvMt2 expression after a 16 h exposure time, while AvPCS expression showed a significant increase under the same conditions but only after 4 h. Results strongly suggest that the rapid increase in AvPCS expression may contribute to ...
Nuclear power plants of 20 units of in Korea are generating about 700 MTU of spent fuels annually. The inventory of spent fuels in Korea were estimated about 10,087.07 MTU at end of 2008, and the storage space of spent fuels won't be available any more at 2016 due to the saturation of the spent fuel pools in the plants. In addition, in order to reduce carbon emission and correspond to the enormous electricity demand in Korea, 8 units of nuclear power plants are under construction and several more plants are under planning. The 100,000 MTU of spent fuel inventory are expected by the year of 2095 in Korea. Therefore, short term and long term of spent fuel management plans are under discussion and implementation in Korea. As a short term of spent fuel management strategy for the target year of 2016, central or local spent fuel dry interim storage options are mostly under discussion. As a long term of management plan, fast reactor and advanced fuel cycle R and D plan ...
In 1998, EU legislation initiated a liberalisation process among European energy markets. The process of market opening has significantly changed the functioning of the markets and the competition conditions of the energy sector. At the same time, the industry witnessed a surge of mergers and far-reaching changes in the structure of German electricity and natural gas markets occurred. Against this background, the doctoral thesis at hand surveys the merger activities in the energy sector as well as the merger control policy of the German Federal Cartel Office during the first years of liberalisation. The study starts with a portrayal of the institutional framework of the German merger control regime and a survey of the relevant economic literature on horizontal and vertical mergers. Subsequent to the legal and theoretical considerations, the merger activities and the merger control policy of the German Federal Cartel Office are investigated empirically. The data set is based on ...
This quality assurance plan (QAP) is designed ensure that the methodologies and the data used for environmental cleanup and treatment studies at the Nevada Test Site are both usable and defensible. The QAP serves two purposes in this regard: (1) to guide the preparation of procedures for carrying out the tasks of the Basic Environmental compliance and Monitoring program (BECAMP); and (2) to help management track the progress of those tasks.
Examines the potential of the World Bank scheme, outlined in its 1980 Education Sector Policy Paper, for helping Bangladesh achieve universal basic education. Considers such issues as formal vs. nonformal schooling, costs, and teacher training. Part of a theme issue on the World Bank Paper and Third World educational development. (SJL)
A research report presents the basic data required when designing a building with minimal environmental impacts. Topics covered include the energy consumption of building elements during their lifetime, the environmental implications linked to the extraction and processing of building material and the energy consumed in buildings by the occupants. (UK)
Dimensional metrology and positioning operations are used in many fields of particle accelerator projects. This lecture gives the basic tools to designers in the field of measure by analysing the spatial layout of measurement systems since it is central to dimensional metrology as well as positioning operations. In a second part, a case study dedicated to a synchrotron storage ring is proposed from the detection of the magnetic centre of quadrupoles to the orbit definition of the ring.
In this study we show the effect of anti-sulfatide (RmAb) antibodies and inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α and IFN-γ in inducing myelin basic protein (MBP) degradation in myelin...Full Text Available
Under coaxial flash lamp pumping the laser efficiency of coumarin-4 in slightly basic ethyl alcohol solution as an active medium has reached a value of 0.14%. That is three times higher than that in the basic aqueous solution. Its tunable wavelength range of laser output has extended from 440 to 510 nm with the maximum at 460 nm.
In this small review, the following general properties of the Compton scattering as the basic process for creating {gamma}{gamma} colliders in the scheme suggested in Ginzburg et al. (Inst. Nucl. Phys. 34 (1981) 514; Nucl. Instr. and Meth. 205 (1983) 47) are considered: kinematics, photon spectrum, angular distribution, polarization of the final photons and electrons as well as some related problems.
We propose a basic strategy to obtain a consistent on-shell effective action of open-string tachyons, on the background where closed-string tachyons are already condensed. We use sigma-model approach, basically. We regard D-instanton-like objects with appropriate weight as closed-string tachyon tadpoles, and we insert them into worldsheets to analyze the effect of closed-string tachyons.
The overall objective of this project is to produce antibodies to unique modified DNA bases and develop immunochemical assays to quantitate these lesions in damaged DNA. During this past year we have developed an antibody and chemical test to quantitate a basic sites in DNA and produced antibodies to the 8-oxopurines. This report discusses the detection of a basic sites in DNA and the preparation of antibodies to 8-hydroxyadenine and 8-hydroxyguanine.
42 Public Health 3 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Health benefits plan: Basic health services. 417.101 Section 417.101 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND...
Purpose: Various published reports involving intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) plans developed using automated optimization (inverse planning) have demonstrated highly conformal plans. These reported conformal IMRT plans involve significant target dose inhomogeneity, including both overdosage and underdosage within the target volume. In this study, we demonstrate the development of optimized beamlet IMRT plans that satisfy rigorous dose homogeneity requirements for all target volumes (e.g., #+-#5%), while also sparing the parotids and other normal structures. Methods and Materials: The treatment plans of 15 patients with oropharyngeal cancer who were previously treated with forward-planned multisegmental IMRT were planned again using an automated optimization system developed in-house. The optimization system allows for variable sized beamlets computed using a three-dimensional convolution/superposition dose ...
The objective of this project is to increase oil recovery from fractured reservoirs through improved fundamental understanding of the process of spontaneous imbibition by which oil is displaced from the rock matrix into the fractures. Spontaneous imbibition is fundamentally dependent on the reservoir surface free energy but this has never been investigated for rocks. In this project, the surface free energy of rocks will be determined by using liquids that can be solidified within the rock pore space at selected saturations. Thin sections of the rock then provide a two-dimensional view of the rock minerals and the occupant phases. Saturations and oil/rock, water/rock, and oil/water surface areas will be determined by advanced petrographic analysis and the surface free energy which drives spontaneous imbibition will be determined as a function of increase in wetting phase saturation. The inherent loss in surface free energy resulting from capillary instabilities at the microscopic (pore ...
Reserve appreciation, also called reserve growth, is the increase in the estimated ultimate recovery (the sum of year end reserves and cumulative production) from fields subsequent to discovery from extensions, infield drilling, improved recovery of in-place resources, new pools, and intrapool completions. In recent years, reserve appreciation has become a major component of total U.S. annual natural gas reserve additions. Over the past 15 years, reserve appreciation has accounted for more than 80 percent of all annual natural gas reserve additions in the U.S. lower 48 states (Figure 1). The rise of natural gas reserve appreciation basically came with the judgment that reservoirs were much more geologically complex than generally thought, and they hold substantial quantities of natural gas in conventionally movable states that are not recovered by typical well spacing and vertical completion practices. Considerable evidence indicates that many reservoirs show ...
The production methods for seven radioisotopes, Ga-67, Sr-85, Pd-103, In-111, Tu-167, Hg-197 and Pb-203, by using a classical 1.5m cyclotron in the Institute of Physics and Power Engineering, Obninsk, USSR, are described. At present, more than 50 cyclotrons in different countries are used for the production of radioisotopes applied to medicine. Radioisotopes are produced with the cyclotron in the I.Ph.P.E. in the form of irradiated targets, which are delivered to Moscow radiopharmaceutical factory, where radiopharmaceuticals are produced on the base of these targets. The cyclotron is operated in two regimes providing the acceleration of protons, deuterons and alpha -particles. Two types of target assemblies are used for irradiation, the one is intended for the internal beam, and the other is for the external beam. The reactions used for the production of seven radioisotopes described above, the types of ...
The production methods for seven radioisotopes, Ga-67, Sr-85, Pd-103, In-111, Tm-167, Hg-197 and Pb-203, by using a classical 1.5m cyclotron in the Institute of Physics and Power Engineering, Obninsk, USSR, are described. At present, more than 50 cyclotrons in different countries are used for the production of radioisotopes applied to medicine. Radioisotopes are produced with the cyclotron in the I.Ph.P.E. in the form of irradiated targets, which are delivered to Moscow radiopharmaceutical factory, where radiopharmaceuticals are produced on the base of these targets. The cyclotron is operated in two regimes providing the acceleration of protons, deuterons and alpha -particles. Two types of target assemblies are used for irradiation, the one is intended for the internal beam, and the other is for the external beam. The reactions used for the production of seven radioisotopes described above, the types of ...
This paper proposes a new pattern recognition system employing optical joint transform correlation (JTC) technique which offers a great number of advantages over similar digital techniques, including very fast operation, simple architecture and capability of updating the reference image in real time. The proposed JTC technique incorporates a synthetic discriminant function (SDF) of the target image estimated from different training images to make the pattern recognition performance invariant to noise and distortion. It then involves four different phase-shifted versions of the same target SDF reference image, which are individually joint transform correlated with the given input scene. When the correlation signals are combined, it produces a single cross-correlation peak corresponding to each potential target present in the given input scene. The proposed technique also includes a fringe-adjusted filter to generate a ...
Laser optical pumping can be used to produce polarized alkali atom beams or polarized alkali vapor targets. Polarized alkali atom beams can be converted into polarized alkali ion beams, and polarized alkali vapor targets can be used to produce polarized H/sup -/ or /sup 3/He/sup -/ ion beams. In this paper the authors discuss how the polarized alkali atom beams and polarized alkali vapor targets are used to produce polarized ion beams with emphasis on the production of polarized negative ion beams.
The HARP experiment at CERN is performing extensive measurements of hadron production cross sections and secondary particle yields, in the momentum range 1.5-15 GeV/c, over the full solid angle and using a large set of cryogenic and solid targets. First measurements of hadron production cross-sections in the forward region are reported using an aluminium target 5% of an interaction length thick and a proton beam of 12.9 GeV/c. A preliminary analysis in the large angle region of elastic scattering events produced with the cryogenic hydrogen target at 3 GeV/c beam momentum is also presented.
Carrier-free radionuclides of tungsten and tantalum, "1"7"6","1"7"7W and "1"7"6","1"7"7Ta have been produced by heavy ion activation of holmium target with 97 MeV "1"6O"5"+ beam. Radiochemical separation scheme has been developed to isolate tungsten and tantalum radionuclides from the holmium target matrix. (author)
Carrier-free radioisotopes of tungsten, "1"7"6","1"7"7W, and their corresponding daughter radionuclides "1"7"6","1"7"7Ta, have been produced in holmium target by heavy ion activation with "1"6O"5"+ beam. An attempt has been made to separate these carrier-free radionuclides from bulk holmium target through LLX using cation exchanger HDEHP. (author)
A simple highly efficient procedure has been developed for recovery of thallium radioisotopes from lead and bismuth targets irradiated by 1-GeV protons. The procedure is based on the use of extraction chromatography. The cross-sections have been determined for formation of {sup 200}Pb, {sup 201}Pb, {sup 202m}Pb, and {sup 203}Pb radioisotopes in targets from lead with natural isotopic composition, irradiated by 1-GeV protons.
A simple highly efficient procedure has been developed for recovery of thallium radioisotopes from lead and bismuth targets irradiated by 1-GeV protons. The procedure is based on the use of extraction chromatography. The cross-sections have been determined for formation of "2"0"0Pb, "2"0"1Pb, "2"0"2"mPb, and "2"0"3Pb radioisotopes in targets from lead with natural isotopic composition, irradiated by 1-GeV protons.
The paper presents results of experimental research on the interaction of a pulsed plasma-ion stream with a tungsten (W) target. The pulsed hydrogen plasma was produced within the RPI-IBIS (Multi-Rod Plasma Injector) facility at IPJ in Swierk. Measurements were carried out by means of optical spectroscopy and corpuscular diagnostic techniques. For experiments with the W-target the operational conditions (so-called PID mode) were chosen when a clean hydrogen plasma stream was generated. Attention was paid to the identification of WI and WII spectral lines.
A modified variable structure interacting multiple model (M-VSIMM) estimator for complex hybrid maneuver target tracking is presented. The M-VSIMM could potentially be applied to fire control systems (FCS) used on warships. Target model groups were designed using 3D dimensional dynamic target models. Optimal model group selection logic was proposed, contrary to the activation and termination logic in the original VSIMM. The system will respond faster with optimal model group selection logic. After performing simulations, the tracking performances of the Kalman, ?-?(-?), VDIE, IMM and M-VSIMM filters were compared under various maneuvering conditions.
Preliminary experiments have been performed to investigate the effects of radiative cooling on plasma jets. Thin (3 um - 5 um) conical shells were irradiated with an intense laser, driving jets with velocities > 100 km/s. Through use of different target materials - aluminium, copper and gold - the degree of radiative losses was altered, and their importance for jet collimation investigated. A number of temporally resoved optical diagnostics was used, providing information about the jet evolution. Gold jets were seen to be narrower than those from copper targets, while aluminium targets produced the least collimated flows.
The velocity distribution of electrons ejected close to the forward direction by 0.8-2 MeV/A ions traversing various solid targets, including a Au monocrystal, is measured in coincidence with emerging charge-selected ions. The velocity spectrum is observed to be independent of outgoing projectile velocity and charge state for polycrystalline targets. Measurements on the Au crystal under channeling conditions show dependences on final charge state, and are tentatively explained by assuming that the main contribution to the production yield comes from the non-channeled fraction of the ions. A simple model for the creation of the forward-ejected electrons is proposed, which accounts for most of the experimental findings.
A computer-assisted rotation and stationary conformation radiotherapy system with overrunning multileaf collimators has been developed. This system can produce any shape of target volume, including a number of target areas outside the axis of the rotation, regardless of the location of the axis at 360"0 rotation irradiation. In addition, by changing the dose rate and deleting a partial region within a field, multiple stationary irradiation can produce more homogeneous target volumes - thus avoiding excessive irradiation to critical organs - than the rotation technique. (orig.).
The centroid and envelope dynamics of a high-intensity charged particle beam are investigated as a beam smoothing technique to achieve uniform illumination over a suitably chosen region of the target for applications to ion-beam-driven high energy density physics and heavy ion fusion. The motion of the beam centroid projected onto the target follows a smooth pattern to achieve the desired illumination, for improved stability properties during the beam-target interaction. The centroid dynamics is controlled by an oscillating "wobbler", a set of electrically-biased plates driven by RF voltage. __________________________________________________
Understanding the physical characteristics of the local microenvironment in which Mycobacterium tuberculosis resides is an important goal that may allow the targeting of metabolic processes...Full Text Available
Several different aspects of the influence of the target backing on in-beam electron spectra following compound nuclear reactions induced by accelerated ions at tandem energies irradiating backed targets are discussed in detail. This discussion is illustrated by a few typical examples, such as "1"2C"5"+ and "3"1P"1"0"+ beams at 4 MeV/u bombarding Sn(+Be), Sn(+Au), Pb(+C) backed targets. Moreover, the relative influence of electron backscattering, electron Doppler shift and Doppler broadening as well as #delta#-electron emission on the low energy electron spectra (E_e#<=#100 keV) obtained under such conditions are investigated in the frame of the available experimental data. (orig.).
Using the complex Kohn method, we have calculated variational values of phase shifts and the annihilation parameter, Z_{eff}, for the elastic scattering of positrons by molecular hydrogen. Our results are sensitive to small changes in the accuracy of the wave function representing the target hydrogen molecule. We have developed a systematic approach to demonstrate that, at low positron energies, there are particular forms of the Kohn trial wave function for which the results of variational calculations are not reliable, even when the target wave function accounts for as much as 96.8% of the correlation energy of H_{2}. We find that reliable results can be recovered if our calculations are extended to admit more sophisticated target wave functions accounting for 99.7% of the correlation energy. Remaining discrepancies between theory and experiment are briefly discussed.
Axon outgrowth and guidance to the proper target requires the coordination of filamentous (F)-actin and microtubules (MTs), the dynamic cytoskeletal polymers that promote shape change and locomotion....Full Text Available
We develop a systematic framework for studying target space duality at the classical level. We show that target space duality between manifolds M and M-tilde arises because of the existence of a very special symplectic manifold. This manifold locally looks like MxM-tilde and admits a double fibration. We analyze the local geometric requirements necessary for target space duality and prove that both manifolds must admit flat orthogonal connections. We show how abelian duality, nonabelian duality and Poisson-Lie duality are all special cases of a more general framework. As an example we exhibit new (nonlinear) dualities in the case M=M-tilde=R{sup n}.
This report discusses the experimental setup of experiment 814 at Brookhaven AGS. This experiment involves the collision of silicon ions with target nuclei. The detector systems are discussed primarily. (LSP)
The oviduct is an exquisitely designed organ that functions in picking-up ovulated oocytes, transporting gametes in opposite directions to the site of fertilization, providing a suitable environment...Full Text Available
Motivation: Automatic recognition of cell identities is critical for quantitative measurement, targeting and manipulation of cells of model animals at single-cell resolution. It has been...Full Text Available
The success of monoclonal antibodies in clinical practice is dependent on good design. Finding a suitable target is the most important part as other properties of the antibody can be altered by genetic...Full Text Available
Nov 21, 2003... for the European Space Agency's Automated Transport Vehicle, a new, uncrewed station cargo vehicle targeted for launch late next year. ...
Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. CHF is marked by atrial and ventricular enlargement and reduced cardiac contractility, as well as an association...Full Text Available
PurposeClinical trials have commenced to evaluate the feasibility of targeting malignant gliomas with genetically engineered cytolytic T-cells (CTLs) delivered directly...Full Text Available
Chaperones (stress proteins) are essential proteins to help the formation and maintenance of the proper conformation of other proteins and to promote cell survival after a large variety of environmental...Full Text Available
In animal models, single-gene mutations in genes involved in insulin/IGF and target of rapamycin signalling pathways extend lifespan to a considerable extent. The genetic, genomic and epigenetic influences...Full Text Available
The eye is an easily accessible, highly compartmentalised and immune-privileged organ that offers unique advantages as a gene therapy target. Significant advancements have been made in understanding...Full Text Available
An application that provides a flexible and easy to use interface to the GAMMA spectral simulation package is described that is targeted at investigations using in vivo MR spectroscopic methods....Full Text Available
The potential of radiolabelled phenylpiperazines as agents for the detection and therapy of tumours of neural crest origin was evaluated by in vitro pharmacological studies with human neuroblastoma...Full Text Available
This letter reports a study designed to measure the benefits of voicing in the recognition of concurrent syllables. The target and distracter syllables were either voiced or whispered, producing...Full Text Available
Dynamic clamp is a powerful method that allows the introduction of artificial electrical components into target cells to simulate ionic conductances and synaptic inputs. This method is based...Full Text Available
... defense's weapons are Space-based kinetic-kill vehicles ... I ti I obtained by dividing the weapons as ... of the optimal weapon-arge assigntments and ...
... In the Proceedings of INTC 2003, we studied charging effects on target coverage during electrospinning (16). ... of Fibers from Electrospinning of ...
The biosynthesis of insect juvenile hormone (JH) and its neuroendocrine control are attractive targets for chemical control of insect pests and vectors of disease. To facilitate the molecular...Full Text Available
BackgroundThe metagenomic analysis of microbial communities holds the potential to improve our understanding of the role of microbes in clinical conditions. Recent, dramatic improvements...Full Text Available
The immune system plays a crucial role in maintaining health; however, accumulating evidence indicates that this system can be the target for immunotoxic effects caused by a variety of chemicals including...Full Text Available
BackgroundAmino-terminal signal peptides (SPs) are short regions that guide the targeting of secretory proteins to the correct subcellular compartments in the cell. They are cleaved...Full Text Available
The purposes of this report are (1) to perform a Verification and Validation (V and V) test for the VIPEX(Vital-area Identification Package EXpert) software and (2) to improve a software quality through the V and V test. The VIPEX was developed in Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) for the Vital Area Identification (VAI) of nuclear power plants. The version of the VIPEX which was distributed is 3.2.0.0. The VIPEX was revised based on the first V and V test and the second V and V test was performed. We have performed the following tasks for the V and V test on Windows XP and VISTA operating systems: ? Testing basic functions including fault tree editing ? Testing all kind of functions ? Research for update from Visual BASIC 6.0 to Visual BASIC 2008
Lack of access to basic education leads to diminished individual and national capabilities, therewith furthering cycles of poverty. An equitable education system meeting basic learning needs represents not only a human right, but also a means for reducing poverty, promoting productivity, and sustaining development. The Government of China--the most populous developing nation, the majority of whose citizens live in rural areas--has been committed to universalizing nine-year compulsory education among school-aged children and eliminating illiteracy among youths and adults aged 15-45. This study examines lessons learned from China's efforts in these areas. It also reports on current challenges and trends in a new national initiative for achieving high-quality universal basic education by the year 2007.
This article explores the extent to which and how non-formal education (NFE) contributes to the development of a more diversified basic education system and thus to the achievement of EFA. It outlines the current nature of NFE, the frameworks provided by the EFA movement, and the evolution of reflection, policies and practices in NFE in relation to basic education as a whole. Based on significant developments in various countries across the South, the article also discusses some key challenges that ministries of education and their partners need to face in moving towards relevant and equitable diversity in education. The article posits that, despite the many problems faced by NFE, there is justification for building on its experiences and integrating these within a larger policy and system...
This paper is part of a study that assessed the level of commitment of primary schools of remote area dwellers (RADs) to basic education between October 2004 and April 2005. The research question focused on the level of commitment of schools to universal basic education, school-community partnership in school governance and parental involvement in the way the curriculum was delivered. Questionnaire and interviews were used. The results show a significant relationship between teachers' perceptions and variables such as district, qualifications, age, location, and experience. There is consistency between teachers' perceptions and children's academic performance. It has been found that learner achievement in RADs schools is low and that parents are not actively involved in their children's education due to the policy environment and school management practices.
In conjunction with the constellation of lawsuits within the administrative court system, and based on modern environmental protection laws, emission control laws, and foremost, the atomic energy laws, we are confronted with a variety of constitutional and administrative problems. However, the fundamental questions of individual rights within the potentially incriminating environmental utilization or exploitation by individuals could be relatively clearly answered by observing the basic principles of our legal order. It is to be expected that the administrative courts will arrive at acceptable decisions reflecting the full protection of the law and the basic constitutional principles, and that these - once made - may serve as orientation in superior court actions.
The pair $(G_H,\\cdot)$ is called a special loop if $(G,\\cdot)$ is a loop with an arbitrary subloop $(H,\\cdot)$. A special loop $(G_H,\\cdot)$ is called a second Smarandache Bol loop(S$_{2^{{\\tiny\\textrm{nd}}}}$BL) if and only if it obeys the second Smarandache Bol identity $(xs\\cdot z)s=x(sz\\cdot s)$ for all $x,z$ in $G$ and $s$ in $H$. The popularly known and well studied class of loops called Bol loops fall into this class and so S$_{2^{{\\tiny\\textrm{nd}}}}$BLs generalize Bol loops. The basic properties of S$_{2^{{\\tiny\\textrm{nd}}}}$BLs are studied. These properties are all Smarandache in nature. The results in this work generalize the basic properties of Bol loops, found in the Ph.D. thesis of D. A. Robinson. Some questions for further studies are raised.
How does one assure that both quality and creativity are obtained in basic research environments QA theoreticians have attempted to develop workable definitions of quality, but in more reflective moments, these definitions often fail to capture the deeper essence of the idea of quality.'' This paper asserts that creativity (as a product of the human mind) is a concrete interface between perfunctory definitions of quality (conformance to specifications) and more philosophical speculations about the nature of quality- related ultimates'' like elegance or beauty. In addition, we describe the distinction between creative ideas and creative acts and highlight one of the major inhibitors of creativity, fear. Finally we show that highly creative people often have an irreverent attitude toward boundaries and established authority, and discuss how one can allow for this when designing a QA program in a basic research ...
The Polarized Gamma-ray Observer (PoGOLite) is a balloon-borne instrument that will measure gamma-ray polarization in the energy range 25-80 keV from astronomical sources such as pulsars, accretion discs and jets from active galactic nuclei. The two additional parameters provided by such observations, polarization angle and degree, will allow these objects to be studied in a new way, providing information about their emission mechanisms and geometries. The instrument measures azimuthal scattering angles of photons within a close packed array of phoswich detector cells (PDCs) based on coincident detection of Compton scattering and photoelectric absorption. Each PDC comprises three different scintillating components and combines photon detection, active collimation and bottom anticoincidence into one single unit. The three parts are viewed by a photomultiplier tube (PMT) and pulse shape discrimination is used to identify signals from dierent parts. Surrounding the ...
NO{sub x} compounds, specifically NO and NO{sub 2}, are pollutants and potent greenhouse gases. Compact and inexpensive NO{sub x} sensors are necessary in the next generation of diesel (CIDI) automobiles to meet government emission requirements and enable the more rapid introduction of more efficient, higher fuel economy CIDI vehicles. Because the need for a NO{sub x} sensor is recent and the performance requirements are extremely challenging, most are still in the development phase. Currently, there is only one type of NO{sub x} sensor that is sold commercially, and it seems unlikely to meet more stringent future emission requirements. Automotive exhaust sensor development has focused on solid-state electrochemical technology, which has proven to be robust for in-situ operation in harsh, high-temperature environments (e.g., the oxygen stoichiometric sensor). Solid-state sensors typically rely on yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) as the oxygen-ion conducting electrolyte and then ...
The project is devoted to the development of novel insoluble anodes for copper electrowinning and electrolytic manganese dioxide (EMD) production. The anodes are made of titanium-lead composite material produced by techniques of powder metallurgy, compaction of titanium powder, sintering and subsequent lead infiltration. The titanium-lead anode combines beneficial electrochemical behavior of a lead anode with high mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of a titanium anode. In the titanium-lead anode, the titanium stabilizes the lead, preventing it from spalling, and the lead sheathes the titanium, protecting it from passivation. Interconnections between manufacturing process, structure, composition and properties of the titanium-lead composite material were investigated. The material containing 20-30 vol.% of lead had optimal combination of mechanical and electrochemical properties. Optimal process parameters to manufacture the anodes ...
We review the physics of structure functions at low Q{sup 2}, focusing on the phenomenon of quark-hadron duality and the resonance-scaling transition, both phenomenologically and in the context of quark models. We also present a new implementation of target mass corrections to nucleon structure functions which, unlike existing treatments, has the correct kinematic threshold behavior at finite Q{sup 2} in the x -> 1 limit.
Production of lead-203 by proton irradiation of bismuth metal has been investigated as a replacement method for commercially available lead-203. Targets of bismuth metal (0.1 cm thick) were irradiated for periods of 1-3 hours with 90 MeV protons. After processing of the target, the estimated yield of lead-2-3 was 30 millicuries/microamp.
We have developed a set of modeled nuclear reaction cross sections for use in radiochemical diagnostics. Systematics for the input parameters required by the Hauser-Feshbach statistical model were developed and used to calculate neutron induced nuclear reaction cross sections for targets ranging from osmium (Z = 76) to gold (Z = 79). Of particular interest are the cross sections on Ir and Au including reactions on isomeric targets.
Gene silencing is a useful technique for elucidating biological function of genes by knocking down their expression. A recently developed artificial microRNAs (amiRNAs) exploits an endogenous...Full Text Available
PNNL, with cofunding from the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) and Building Technologies Program, conducted a research and development activity targeted at addressing the energy efficiency goals targeted in the BPA roadmap. PNNL investigated an integrated heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system option referred to as the low-lift cooling system that potentially offers an increase in HVAC energy performance relative to ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2004.
A new proprietary de novo peptide design technique generated ten 15-residue peptides targeting and containing the leading nontransmembrane hydrophobic autocorrelation wavelengths, “modes”,...Full Text Available