In order to study the intragenic profiles of active transcription, we determined the relative levels of active RNA polymerase II present at the 3′- and 5′-ends of 261 yeast genes by...Full Text Available
Investigations into sexual differentiation and pheromone response in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe are complicated by the need to first starve the cells of nitrogen. Most mating-related experiments are therefore performed on non-dividing cells. Here we overcome this problem by using two mutants that bypass the nutritional requirements and respond to the M-factor mating pheromone in rich medium. The first mutant lacks the cyr1 gene which encodes adenylate cyclase and these cells contain no measurable amounts of cAMP. When M-factor is added to a growing h+ cyr1- strain it causes a transient G1 arrest of cell division, transcription of mat1-Pm, and elongation of the cells to form shmoos. The second mutant contains the temperature-sensitive pat1-114 allele. At 30 degrees C this mutant was previously shown not only to bypass the nutritional signal but also to stop growing in a state derepressed ...
Replication of plus-strand RNA viruses depends on host factors that are recruited into viral replicase complexes. Previous studies showed that eukaryotic translation elongationfactor (eEF1A) is one...Full Text Available
Transcription activation of sulfur metabolism in yeast is dependent on two DNA binding factors, the centromere binding factor 1 (Cbf1) and Met4. While the role of Met4 was clearly established by showing...Full Text Available
SummaryThe general transcription factor TFIID is a large multi-subunit complex required for the transcription of most protein-encoding genes by RNA polymerase II. Taking advantage...Full Text Available
Although acetylated α-tubulin is known to be a marker of stable microtubules in neurons, precise factors that regulate α-tubulin acetylation are, to date, largely unknown. Therefore,...Full Text Available
Ca #alpha#-sialon is a high hardness material that exhibits in-situ growth of elongated grains during pressureless sintering. This potentially gives the material very good fracture toughness. This paper examined the effects of a number of variables on microstructural development during sintering. The effect of composition was investigated by studying seven different compositions. Densification was seen to be hindered in compositions that produced only small quantities of liquid phase during sintering. Elongated #alpha#-sialon was observed in all the compositions. It was in combination with equiaxed #alpha#--sialon in low liquid compositions, but only elongated #alpha#-sialon was present in the liquid rich compositions. The effects of using P-Si_3N_4 instead of #alpha#-Si_3N_4 starting powders were also examined. Compositions using only #alpha#-S_3N_4 and those that used a 50:50 #alpha#:#beta# mix displayed similar ...
AZ31 Mg alloy samples were extruded by an equal channel angular extrusion (ECAE) process and subsequently annealed to obtain fine-grained material with a low dislocation density. Tensile tests at room temperature exhibited an apparent steady-state deformation region and a large tensile elongation of 47%. The deformed microstructure at an elongation of 2% indicated a substantial cross-slip to nonbasal planes possibly induced by grain-boundary compatibility effects. The nonbasal segments of dislocations were found to consist of 40% of the total dislocation density at a yield anisotropy factor of only 1.1 instead of an expected value of 100 from single-crystal experiments. (orig.)
Although genetic engineering techniques for baker's yeast might improve the yeast's fermentation characteristics, the lack of scientific data on the survival of such strains in natural environments...Full Text Available
A mesophilic yeast, Candida utilis, and a psychrophilic yeast, Leucosporidium stokesii, were subjected to freeze-thaw cycling over the range 25 to -60 C. Viability...Full Text Available
We explored transcriptional responses of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe to various environmental stresses. DNA microarrays were used to characterize changes in expression...Full Text Available
Budding yeasts are highly suitable for aging studies, because the number of bud scars (stage) proportionally correlates with age. Its maximum stages are known ...Full Text Available
In this article, a method of producing elastic ferromagnetic composite containing particles of chemical pure iron with sizes of 0.10-0.15 mm was described. The particles were dispersed in an elastic matrix of an elastic silicone rubber. The filling factor of composite by ferromagnetic particles and porous factors were changed in the range from 0.15 to 0.45. The samples of the obtained composite were placed in the magnetic field with induction of 0-8 T, produced by the Bitter-type magnet. The longitudinal magnetostriction of samples was measured by using a coaxial capacitor with a movable plate. It was found that the maximal relative elongation of samples was 4.81% and hysteresis of magnetostriction and also remanent magnetostriction amounted to 1.08%. A slow decay of remanent magnetostriction up to 0.14% in 10{sup 5} s was also observed.
Statistically based experimental designs were applied to screen and optimize the bioleaching of spent hydrocracking catalyst by Penicillium simplicissimum. Eleven factors were examined for their significance on bioleaching using a Plackett-Burman factorial design. Four significant variables (pulp density, sucrose, NaNO"3, and yeast extract concentrations) were selected for the optimization studies. The combined effect of these variables on metal bioleaching was studied using a central composite design (CCD). Second-order polynomials were established to identify the relationship between the recovery percent of the metals and the four significant variables. The optimal values of the variables for maximum metals bioleaching were as follows: pulp density (4.0%, w/v), sucrose (90g/L), NaNO"3 (2...
AISI 316L stainless steel was welded by the electron beam (EB) and laser techniques. Microstructural characteristics, hardness profile, creep rupture properties and creep damage of the welds were investigated. Fully austenitic microstructure was obtained in the two welds. The solidification structure of the welds consisted of the cellular and equiaxed dendrites. The creep rupture lives of the two welds were almost the same, and they were reduced by a factor of about two compared to the base metal. Moreover, the rupture elongation of the welds was lower than that of the base metal. Creep damage was observed in the ``parting`` region of the welds and in the heat-affected zone (HAZ), respectively. Final creep fracture occurred in the ``parting`` region of the welds. (orig.).
AISI 316L stainless steel was welded by the electron beam (EB) and laser techniques. Microstructural characteristics, hardness profile, creep rupture properties and creep damage of the welds were investigated. Fully austenitic microstructure was obtained in the two welds. The solidification structure of the welds consisted of the cellular and equiaxed dendrites. The creep rupture lives of the two welds were almost the same, and they were reduced by a factor of about two compared to the base metal. Moreover, the rupture elongation of the welds was lower than that of the base metal. Creep damage was observed in the ''parting'' region of the welds and in the heat-affected zone (HAZ), respectively. Final creep fracture occurred in the ''parting'' region of the welds. (orig.).
High temperature deformation behaviour of an experimental Beta-titanium alloy Ti-10V has been studied in the temperature range 800 to 945 degree C by using the method of crosshead speed cycling. Although subgrain formation was observed but the alloy did not exhibit superplastic behaviour in the entire temperature range studied. A very large initial grain size and elongation of grains during the deformation are considered the main factors responsible for absence of superplastic behaviour. The activation energy values for regions II and III of the ln sigma vs. ln small epsilon plots are close to the lower of the two activation energy values proposed together to describe self diffusion in beta-phase suggesting that the rate controlling mechanism is that for lattice diffusion rather then grain boundary diffusion. (author)
Eukaryotic genomes encode a zinc finger protein (ZPR1) with tandem ZPR1 domains. In response to growth stimuli, ZPR1 assembles into complexes with eukaryotic translation elongationfactor 1A (eEF1A) and the survival motor neurons protein. To gain insight into the structural mechanisms underlying the essential function of ZPR1 in diverse organisms, we determined the crystal structure of a ZPR1 domain tandem and characterized the interaction with eEF1A. The ZPR1 domain consists of an elongation initiation factor 2-like zinc finger and a double-stranded {beta} helix with a helical hairpin insertion. ZPR1 binds preferentially to GDP-bound eEF1A but does not directly influence the kinetics of nucleotide exchange or GTP hydrolysis. However, ZPR1 efficiently displaces the exchange factor eEF1B from preformed nucleotide-free complexes, suggesting that it may function as a negative regulator ...
Textured silicon nitride (Si_3N_4) has been intensively studied over the past 15 years because of its use for achieving its superthermal and mechanical properties. In this review we present the fundamental aspects of the processing and anisotropic properties of textured Si_3N_4, with emphasis on the anisotropic and abnormal grain growth of #beta#-Si_3N_4, texture structure and texture analysis, processing methods and anisotropic properties. On the basis of the texturing mechanisms, the processing methods described in this article have been classified into two types: hot-working (HW) and templated grain growth (TGG). The HW method includes the hot-pressing, hot-forging and sinter-forging techniques, and the TGG method includes the cold-pressing, extrusion, tape-casting and strong magnetic field alignment techniques for #beta#-Si_3N_4 seed crystals. Each processing technique is thoroughly discussed in terms of theoretical models and experimental data, including the texturing mechanisms ...
In this study, we investigated on a systems level how complex protein interactions underlying cell polarity in yeast determine the dynamic association of proteins with the polar cortical domain (PCD)...Full Text Available
de Vito, Peter C. (Princeton University, Princeton, N.J.), and Jacques Dreyfuss. Metabolic regulation of adenosine triphosphate sulfurylase in yeast. J. Bacteriol. 88:1341–1348....Full Text Available
To define the import pathway for apoiso-1-cytochrome c in vivo, the coding region for bacterial chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) or yeast copper metallothionein (CuMT) was fused to the carboxy...Full Text Available
The electrokinetic patterns of four bacterial species (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus megaterium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Agrobacterium radiobacter), two yeasts (Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida...Full Text Available
We have identified five acyl coenzyme A (CoA) oxidase isozymes (Aox1 through Aox5) in the n-alkane-assimilating yeast Yarrowia lipolytica, encoded by the POX1...Full Text Available
BackgroundHistone post-translational modifications are critical for gene expression and cell viability. A broad spectrum of histone lysine residues have been identified in yeast...Full Text Available
Recent studies have indicated that the DNA replication machinery is coupled to silencing of mating-type loci in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and a similar silencing mechanism...Full Text Available
Spontaneous and ultraviolet-induced changeabilities of wine yeasts from the killer state to sensitive one have been studied. Observed often spontaneous changes of killer and neutral phenotypes under laboratory store conditions as well as high mutation frequency of genetic elements responsible for the killer indication on ultraviolet irradiation testify that often encounterability in nature and in the production of sensitive yeasts is attributed to high frequency of mutation changes of the killer and neutral phenotypes to the sensitive state.
Radiowave scintillation in the presence of ionospheric disturbances has the potential to disrupt numerous transionospheric radio and radar systems. This report describes development of a model characterizing the plasma density irregularities that produce scintillation in the naturally disturbed mid-latitude F layer. The model will be incorporated into Program WBMOD, which includes subroutines for computing both link geometry and scintillation indices, the latter by means of phase screen diffraction theory. Earlier versions of WBMOD, were based on extensive analysis of scintillation data collected in the auroral and equatorial zones in Wideband Satellite Mission. The model described herein is based on similarly extensive analysis of Wideband data from one mid latitude station and of data collected from HiLat satellite at another mid latitude station. The model describes irregularities at an effective height of 350 km that are isotropic across the geomagnetic field and ...
The GTPases comprise a protein superfamily of highly conserved molecular switches adapted to many diverse functions. These proteins are found in all domains of life and often perform essential roles in fundamental cellular processes. Analysis of data from genome sequencing projects demonstrates that bacteria possess a core of 11 universally conserved GTPases (elongationfactor G and Tu, initiation factor 2, LepA, Era, Obg, ThdF/TrmE, Ffh, FtsY, EngA and YchF). Investigations aimed at understanding the function of GTPases indicate that a second conserved feature of these proteins is that they elicit their function through interaction with RNA and/or ribosomes. An emerging concept suggests that the 11 universal GTPases are either necessary for ribosome function or transmitting information from the ribosome to downstream targets for the purpose of generating specific cellular responses. Furthermore, it is suggested that ...
A rapid loss of far red light (FR) reversibility of red-light (R) stimulated elongation of maize coleoptile sections was observed. Reversal was not possible when the interval between R and FR treatment...Full Text Available
The inhibitory effects of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) on elongation growth of pea (Pisum sativum L.) seedling roots were investigated...Full Text Available
A new 3D model is developed to simulate the self-oscillation of the elongated vocal folds. This model allows for large deformation and longitudinal displacement. The displacement boundary condition...Full Text Available
Transcriptional regulation of the galactose-metabolizing genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae depends on three core proteins: Gal4p, the transcriptional activator that binds to upstream activating DNA sequences (UASGAL); Gal80p, a repressor that binds to the carboxyl terminus of Gal4p and inhibits transcription; and Gal3p, a cytoplasmic transducer that, upon binding galactose and adenosine 5'-triphosphate, relieves Gal80p repression. The current model of induction relies on Gal3p sequestering Gal80p in the cytoplasm. However, the rapid induction of this system implies that there is a missing factor. Our structure of Gal80p in complex with a peptide from the carboxyl-terminal activation domain of Gal4p reveals the existence of a dinucleotide that mediates the interaction between the two. Biochemical and in vivo experiments suggests that nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP) plays a key role in the initial induction event.
Molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) grown Ge nanodots are found to come in a clear trimodal island distribution of huts, pyramids, and domes when grown on (001)Si at 550 deg. C. The island types appear in this order as Ge coverage increases and for a certain coverage all three types are found to coexist at this growth temperature. Previously Ge nanodots have mostly been divided into huts and domes at growth temperatures below 600 deg. C, or pyramids and domes above 600 deg. C. The (105) faceted pyramidal and elongated huts and the multifaceted domes are well known, but a distinction has not previously been seen between huts and a separate size distribution of similarly (105)-faceted pyramidal nanodots twice the size of huts, at temperatures below 600 deg. C. The 20-25 nm wide huts also appear to be the smallest obtainable self-assembled Ge dots on (001)Si, in accordance with predictions based on Si_1_-_xGe_x nanodots on (001)Si. They are about a ...
Architecture of hydrocarbon-bearing sandstone reservoirs of the Paleocene Fort Union Formation in the Wind River basin, Wyoming, was studied using lithofacies, grain size, bounding surfaces, sedimentary structures, internal organization, and geometry. Two principal groups of reservoirs, both erosionally based and fining upward, consist of either conglomeratic sandstone or sandstone lithofacies. Two types of architecture were recognized in conglomeratic sandstone reservoirs: (1) heterogeneous, multistacked, lenticular and (2) homogeneous, multiscoured, wedge-sheet bodies. Three types of architecture were recognized in sandstone reservoirs: (3) heterogeneous, multistacked, elongate; (4) homogeneous, multilateral, lenticular; and (5) homogeneous, ribbon-lensoid bodies. Conglomeratic sandstone reservoirs in the southern and southwestern parts of the basin suggest deposition in gravel-bedload fluvial systems influenced by provenance uplift of the Granite and southern ...
A number of preparations of residual non-living brewery yeast were examined for their ability to remove lead from solution. Those preparations included washed and un-washed intact yeast and washed and un-washed homogenates of the yeast cells. Using biosorption isotherm analysis it was found that the washed and un-washed preparations of intact, non-living yeast exhibited maximum biosorption capacities for lead of 127 and 99 mg/g dry weight biomass, respectively. The washed and un-washed cell homogenates exhibited maximum biosorption capacities of 38 and 139 mg lead/g dry weight biomass, respectively. Since it had previously been shown that these preparations of biomass were capable of removing uranium from solution by combined biosorption and precipitation processes, it was decided to examine removal of lead from solution using a form of equilibrium dialysis in which the biomass was retained within a ...
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 ...
The Sirtuins are a family of orthologues of yeast Sir2 found in a wide range of organisms from bacteria to man. They display a high degree of conservation between species, in both sequence and function,...Full Text Available
1. A high degree of homology in the positions of tyrosine residues in glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase from lobster and pig muscle, and from yeast, prompted an examination of the reactivity...Full Text Available
During spermiogenesis, Drosophila melanogaster spermatids coordinate their elongation in interconnected cysts that become highly polarized,...Full Text Available
The production method of the elastic composite containing ferrous particles and titanium barium particles dispersed in the porous silicone matrix is described in this article. Since it contains ferrous and titanium barium particles, this composite shows magnetorheological and also electrorheological properties. The electrostriction of composite samples in the electric field with maximal intensity 1.5x10{sup 6} V/m was investigated. The magnetostriction in the magnetic field with maximal induction 1 T was also investigated. It was found that samples elongate with increased electric field intensity, and the magnetic field induction was detected. By increasing the samples' elongation with increase of ferrous particles, titanium barium particles and pores number were also detected. In the investigated division of the electric and magnetic field the elongation changed in a linear way. The maximal ...
The mechanism of hyaluronan biosynthesis in vertebrates had been proposed to occur at the reducing end of growing chains. This mechanism was questioned because a recombinant synthase appeared to add...Full Text Available
We report that the fission yeast nucleoporin Nup124p is required for the nuclear import of both, retrotransposon Tf1-Gag as well as the retroviral HIV-1 Vpr. Failure to import Tf1-Gag into the nucleus...Full Text Available
We study the growth of colonies of the yeast Pichia membranaefaciens on agarose film. The growth conditions are controlled in a setup where nutrients are supplied through an agarose film suspended over a solution of nutrients. As the thickness of the agarose film is varied, the morphology of the front of the colony changes. The growth of the front is modeled by coupling it to a diffusive field of inhibitory metabolites. Qualitative agreement with experiments suggests that such a coupling is responsible for the observed instability of the front.
The yeast phosphatidylinositol transfer protein (Sec14p) is required for biogenesis of Golgi-derived transport vesicles and cell viability, and this essential Sec14p requirement is abrogated by inactivation...Full Text Available
Toxin-secreting “killer” yeasts were initially identified >40 years ago in Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains infected with a double-stranded RNA “killer”...Full Text Available
Fission yeast S. pombe is assumed to be a good model for cloning of human DNA repair genes, because human gene is normally expressed in S. pombe and has a very similar protein sequence to yeast protein. We have tried to elucidate the DNA repair mechanisms of S. pombe as a model system for those of mammals. (J.P.N.)
Yeast arginyl-tRNA synthetase recognizes the non-modified wild-type transcripts derived from both yeast tRNA(Arg) and tRNA(Asp) with equal efficiency. It discriminates its cognate natural substrate,...Full Text Available
Histone-beta-galactosidase protein fusions were used to identify the domain of yeast histone 2B, which targets this protein to the nucleus. Amino acids 28 to 33 in H2B were required for nuclear localization...Full Text Available
Suicide substrate β, γ-bidentate Rh(III)ATP (RhATP) was used to map the metal ion-binding site in yeast phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK). Cleavage of the RhATP-inactivated enzyme with...Full Text Available
Radiowave scintillation in the presence of natural and/or high-altitude nuclear disturbances has the potential to disrupt numerous transionospheric radio and radar systems. This report develops a model characterizing the plasma-density irregularities that produce scintillation in the naturally disturbed equatorial F layer. The model is incorporated into Program WBMOD along with subroutines for computing both link geometry and scintillation indices, the latter by means of phase screen diffraction theory. The model is based on similarly extensive analysis of wideband data from two equatorial stations. It describes irregularities at an effective height of 350 km that are isotropic across the geomagnetic field and elongated by a factor of 50 along the field and whose one-dimensional spatial power spectrum obeys a single-regime power law with a (negative) spectral index of 1.5. The height-integrated spectral strength of the irregularities is modeled ...
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...
Eight culture-collection yeast strains of various species and five newly isolated stains were tested for both growth in olive oil extraction effluents and fermentation of the sugars in the same media. The culture-collection yeast strains did not grow in an effluent containing 2.86% sugar (w/v), 8 g/litre phenolic substances, 4.58 g/litre titratable acidity and pH 4.96, whereas the newly isolated strains of Torulopsis sp. MK-1, Saccharomyces norbensis MC-1, S. oleaceus MC-2 and S. oleaginosus grew well and fermented the sugars. In the medium mentioned above, they produced alcohol in amounts of 1.63 to 1.38%, respectively. None of the yeasts grew in an olive oil extraction effluent vacuum-concentrated to over 13-14% of dry matter. The strain of T. sp. MK-1 showed a higher stability.
We apply our previously developed first-principles nonlocal pseudopotentials (obtained for all atoms of rows 1--5 in the Periodic Table) to study self-consistently the electronic structure of Si and Ge and the transition metals Mo and W. For Si and Ge we find that the first-principles pseudopotentials yield valence-band states in good agreement with the empirically adjusted pseudopotential and photoemission data, whereas the low conduction-band states appear to be consistently lower in energy due apparently to incomplete cancellation of the self-interaction effects. The calculated x-ray scattering factors (obtained by core orthogonalization of the pseudo-wave-functions) are in excellent agreement with experiment. The self-consistent valence charge density shows a distinct elongation of the covalent bond along the internuclear axis, in good agreement with the experimentally synthesized density. The systematic deviations of the empirical ...
The purpose of the present work is to investigate the effects of matrix resin and fiber content on the behavior of fatigue crack propagation in continuous-glass-fiber-mat reinforced CP-resin composites. For this purpose, ductile matrix resin and brittle one are used. These two kinds of resins have the characteristic that the elastic modulus and tensile strength are nearly the same with each other while the elongation is different. The composite specimens are made of these resins and continuous grass fiber mat of 20 wt.% and 60 wt% fiber contents. The fatigue crack propagation test was conducted by using the tapered DCB specimens to control the stress intensity factor range, {delta}K, during the test. The results obtained are as follows; (1) The relation between the crack propagation rate, da/dN, and {delta}K for all the present materials is shown by a straight line in logarithmic representation. (2) For the composites of 20 wt.% fiber content, ...
A single amino acid substitution (Asp #-># Asn) at position 138 of E. coli EF-Tu was induced in the tufA gene by an M13 phage oligonucleotide site-directed mutagenesis protocol. The mutated tufA gene was then subcloned in a plasmid vector and expressed in maxicells. The properties of ["3"5S]methionine labelled mutant and wild type EF-Tu's were compared by in vitro assays. Mutant and wild-type EF-Tu's bound EF-Ts with approximately equal affinities. The 138-Asn mutation greatly reduced the protein's affinity for GDP; however, this mutation dramatically increased the proteins affinity for XDP. The mutant protein forms a stable complex with phe-tRNA and XTP, which binds to ribosomes; whereas, it does not form a complex with phe-tRNA and GTP. These results suggest that in EF-Tu x NDP complexes amino acid residue 138 must interact with the substituent on C-2 of the purine ring. Thus in wild-type EF-Tu Asp-138 would H-bond to 2-NH_2 of GDP, and in the mutant EF-Tu ASN-138 would form an ...
The Ty transposable elements of Saccharomyces cerevisiae form a heterogeneous family within which two broad structural classes (I and II) exist. The two classes differ by two large substitutions and...Full Text Available
The mini-chromosome maintenance proteins Mcm2–7 are essential for DNA replication. They are loaded onto replication origins during G1 phase of the cell cycle to form a pre-replication complex...Full Text Available
Tropomyosin (Tm) is a conserved dimeric coiled-coil protein, which forms polymers that curl around actin filaments in order to regulate actomyosin function. Acetylation of the Tm N-terminal...Full Text Available
DNA methylation of cytosine residues is a widespread phenomenon and has been implicated in a number of biological processes in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. This methylation occurs at the 5-position...Full Text Available
The exocyst is an evolutionarily conserved octameric complex involved in polarized exocytosis from yeast to humans. The Sec3 subunit of the exocyst acts as a spatial landmark for exocytosis through...Full Text Available
This annual review focuses on invertebrate model organisms, which continue to yield fundamental new insights into mechanisms of aging. This year, the budding yeast has been used to understand how asymmetrical...Full Text Available
Yeast Sir2 deacetylase is a component of the silent information regulator (SIR) complex encompassing Sir2/Sir3/Sir4. Sir2 is recruited to telomeres through Rap1, and this complex spreads into subtelomeric...Full Text Available
Eukaryotic cells can massively transport their own cytoplasmic contents into a lytic compartment, the vacuole/lysosome, for recycling through a conserved system called autophagy. The key process in...Full Text Available
BackgroundThe expression of human virus surface proteins, as well as other mammalian glycoproteins, is much more efficient in cells of higher eukaryotes rather than yeasts. The limitations...Full Text Available
Mutant strains of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae which lack functional Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD-1) do not grow aerobically unless supplemented with methionine. The molecular basis of this...Full Text Available
The number of nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) in individual nuclei of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae was determined by computer-aided reconstruction of entire nuclei from electron...Full Text Available
To gain insight into the process of mitochondrial transmission in yeast, we directly labeled mitochondrial proteins and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and observed their fate after the fusion of two cells....Full Text Available
Sirtuins are highly conserved NAD+-dependent protein deacetylases and/or ADP-ribosyltransferases that can extend the lifespan of several lower model organisms including yeast, worms and flies....Full Text Available
Three Legionella-like organisms were isolated from water from the cooling towers of two Australian institutions. The strains grew on buffered charcoal-yeast extract (BCYE) agar but not on BCYE agar...Full Text Available
Cdc13 is a single stranded telomere binding protein that specifically localizes to the telomere ends of budding yeasts and is essential for cell viability. It caps the ends of chromosomes thus preventing...Full Text Available
Baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) has been genetically engineered to ferment the pentose sugar xylose present in lignocellulose biomass. One of the reactions controlling the...Full Text Available
The beneficial effect of improving yeast redox response by increasing thioredoxin levels has been shown. Decreased lipid and protein oxidation is reflected in an increased biomass yield. In addition,...Full Text Available
Calorie restriction (CR) induces a metabolic shift towards mitochondrial respiration; however, molecular mechanisms underlying CR remain unclear. Recent studies suggest that CR-induced mitochondrial...Full Text Available
Cryptococcus neoformans is a pathogenic yeast that often causes devastating meningoencephalitis in immunocompromised individuals. We have previously identified the C. neoformans...Full Text Available
A fuzzy-decision-making procedure is applied to find the optimal feed policy of a fed-batch fermentation process for fuel ethanol production using a genetically engineered Saccharomyces yeast 1400 (pLNH33). The policy consisted of feed flow rate, feed concentration, and fermentation time. The recombinant yeast 1400 (pLNH33) can utilize glucose and xylose simultaneously to produce ethanol. However, the parent yeast utilizes glucose only. A partially selective model is used to describe the kinetic behavior of the process. In this study, this partially selective fermentation process is formulated as a general multiple-objective optimal control problem. By using an assigned membership function for each of the objectives, the general multiple-objective optimization problem can be converted into a maximizing decision problem. In order to obtain a global solution, a hybrid method of differential evolution is introduced to solve ...
It was found that neither the enzymes of the grapes nor those of wine yeast Saccharomyces ellipsoideus strain 223 attacked the higher polysaccharides present in corn syrups. The alcohol...Full Text Available
Spinocerebellar ataxia 10 (SCA10) is an autosomal dominant disease caused by large-scale expansions of the (ATTCT)n repeat within an intron of the human ATXN10 gene. In contrast...Full Text Available
The delivery of proteins and organelles to the vacuole by autophagy involves membrane rearrangements that result in the formation of large vesicles called autophagosomes. The mechanism underlying autophagosome...Full Text Available
The programming of cellular networks to achieve new biological functions depends on the development of genetic tools that link the presence of a molecular signal to gene-regulatory activity. Recently,...Full Text Available
The opportunistic pathogenic yeast Candida albicans exhibits growth phase-dependent changes in cell surface hydrophobicity, which has been correlated with adhesion to host tissues....Full Text Available
A high-throughput assay for enzyme activity has been developed that is reaction independent. In this assay, a small-molecule yeast three-hybrid system is used to link enzyme catalysis to transcription...Full Text Available
Several independent studies of bacterial degradation of nitrate ester explosives have demonstrated the involvement of flavin-dependent oxidoreductases related to the old yellow enzyme (OYE) of yeast....Full Text Available
DNA replication programs have been studied extensively in yeast and animal systems, where they have been shown to correlate with gene expression and certain epigenetic modifications. Despite the conservation...Full Text Available
BackgroundThe production of high yields of recombinant proteins is an enduring bottleneck in the post-genomic sciences that has yet to be addressed in a truly rational manner. Typically...Full Text Available
Botulism is caused by the botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs), the most poisonous substance known. Because of the high potency of BoNT, development of diagnostic and therapeutic antibodies for botulism requires...Full Text Available
In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a and α mating-type information is stored in transcriptionally silenced cassettes called HML and HMR....Full Text Available
Hyperphosphorylated and aggregated human protein tau constitutes a hallmark of a multitude of neurodegenerative diseases called tauopathies, exemplified by Alzheimer's disease. In spite of an enormous amount of research performed on tau biology, several crucial questions concerning the mechanisms of tau toxicity remain unanswered. In this paper we will highlight some of the processes involved in tau biology and pathology, focusing on tau phosphorylation and the interplay with oxidative stress. In addition, we will introduce the development of a human tau-expressing yeast model, and discuss some crucial results obtained in this model, highlighting its potential in the elucidation of cellular processes leading to tau toxicity.
Cultured fish and human cells have been used as bioassay systems for the evaluation of the toxicity of aquatic pollutants. Numerous assays using bacteria and yeast have also been used for such purposes. The authors report the toxicity of aquatic pollutants (Cd, Hg, and Ni), using cell culture systems and the yeast Saccharomyces cervisiae test. Cd, Hg, and Ni were chosen as model compounds of pollutants because the related toxicity is now fairly well established.
The principle aim of the program was to produce a novel, non-leaching antimicrobial surface for commercial development and future use in the liquid food packaging industry. Antimicrobial surfaces which exist presently have been produced to combat the growth of prokaryotic organisms and usually function as slow release systems. A system which could inhibit eukaryotic growth without contaminating the surrounding 'environment' with the inhibitor was considered of great commercial importance. The remit of this study was concerned with creating a surface which could control the growth of eukaryotic organisms found in fruit juice with particular interest in the yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Putative antimicrobial surfaces were created by the chemical modification of the test substrate polymers; nylon and ethylvinyl alcohol (EVOH). Surfaces were chemically modified by the covalent coupling of antimicrobial agents known to be active against the ...
Cellular polarity is a fundamental property of every cell. Due to their extremely fast growth rate (≥1 μm/s) and their highly elongated form, filamentous fungi represent a prime example...Full Text Available
Terminal differentiation of many vascular cells involves cell wall changes. Cells first elongate their primary wall, then lay down a lignified secondary wall, which is often followed by digestion of...Full Text Available
A roller bearing hot box sensor utilizing a metallic temperature sensitive elongated wire element. The wire element contacts at temperatures in the range of about 125 F to about 225 F so that when the contraction movement of the wire is attached to a conn...
A structurally conserved element, the trigger loop, has been suggested to play a key role in substrate selection and catalysis of RNA polymerase II (pol II) transcription elongation. Recently resolved...Full Text Available
Auxin-induced pea (Pisum sativum) stem section elongation is enhanced at levels of 3 to 40 micromolar by six new classes of alkane derivatives additional to those described earlier,...Full Text Available
Background and AimsPlant species from various taxa ‘escape’ from low oxygen conditions associated with submergence by a suite of traits collectively called the low...Full Text Available
The structural features required for xyloglucan oligosaccharides to inhibit 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid-stimulated elongation of pea stem segments have been investigated. A nonasaccharide (XG9)...Full Text Available
A press formability of magnesium alloy sheet cannot be evaluated by only general characteristics in tensile test; tensile strength, elongation n-value and r-value. For example, AZ31-alloy elongates about 20% in room temperature but breaks easily at shallow stage in deep drawing, which is caused by little local elongation (local necking). Crystallographic restriction of slip deformation in this alloy produces high strength, which almost equal to macroscopic fracture strength. In press forming, the bending under high tension requires a large deformability. A great difference in the deformability between AZ31 magnesium alloy and a strain hardened A1100 Aluminum (only 5% in elongation) is shown by static bending test with V-notch. In a rolled plate of AZ31, a crack is produced by stress concentration and propagates with reduced load at all testing temperature up to 453 K. In contrast, the point of notch in ...
Epicuticular wax production was evaluated along the length of expanding leek (Allium porrum L.) leaves to gain insight into the regulation of wax production. Leaf segments from the...Full Text Available
Many auxin responses are dependent on redistribution and/or polar transport of indoleacetic acid. Polar transport of auxin can be inhibited through the application of phytotropins such as 1-naphthylphthalamic...Full Text Available
Yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) libraries have been difficult to construct with average insert sizes >400 kilobase pairs when DNA is size-fractionated in low-melting-point agarose. By using yeast chromosomes in mock cloning experiments, the authors found that polyamines should be present whenever agarose containing high molecular weight DNA is melted to protect DNA from degradation. By incorporating polyamines during the cloning procedure, they constructed YAC libraries from mouse and human DNA with average insert sizes of 700 and 620 kilobase pairs, respectively. Several genome equivalents of these YAC libraries were replicated onto the surface of many duplicate agar plates using a 40,000 multipin transfer device. High-density filter replicas were screened by hybridization, and 70 mouse YAC clones from 31 loci and 132 human YAC clones from 49 loci were isolated.
Homology analyses of the protein sequences of chicken liver and rat mammary gland fatty acid synthases were carried out. The amino acid sequences of the chicken and rat enzymes are 67% identical. If conservative substitutions are allowed, 78% of the amino acids are matched. A region of low homologies exists between the functional domains, in particular around amino acid residues 1059-1264 of the chicken enzyme. Homologies between the active sites of chicken and rat and of chicken and yeast enzymes have been analyzed by an alignment method. A high degree of homology exists between the active sites of the chicken and rat enzymes. However, the chicken and yeast enzymes show a lower degree of homology. The DADPH-binding dinucleotide folds of the {beta}-ketoacyl reductase and the enoyl reductase sites were identified by comparison with a known consensus sequence for the DADP- and FAD-binding dinucleotide folds. The active sites of all of the enzymes ...
In response to a heat shock, the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae undergoes a large increase in its resistance to heat and, by the induction of its recombinational DNA repair capacity, a corresponding increase in resistance to radiation. Yeast which lack mitochondrial DNA, mitochondria-controlled protein synthetic apparatus, aerobic respiration, and electron transport (rho/sup 0/ strain) were used to assess the role of O/sub 2/, mitochondria, and oxidative processes controlled by mitochondria in the induction of these resistances. We have found that rho/sup 0/ yeast grown and heat shocked in either the presence or absence of O/sub 2/ are capable of developing both radiation and heat resistance. We conclude that neither the stress signal nor its cellular consequences of induced heat and radiation resistance are directly dependent on O/sub 2/, mitochondrial DNA, or mitochondria-controlled protein synthetic or oxidative ...
Whilst unwashed preparations of biomass from a local brewery had an apparent maximum biosorption capacity for uranium of 360 mg/g (dry weight biomass) washing reduced this maximum to 150 mg/g. Homogenization of both biomass preparations and recovery of cellular debris had no significant effect on the maximum biosorption capacities although at lower equilibrium concentrations of uranium differences in the biosorption capacities were detected. When unwashed biomass was retained by a semi-permeable membrane 40% of uranium used in the experiments precipitated outside that membrane. Therefore a significant proportion of the uranium removed from solution, and previously attributed to biosorption by the yeast biomass, resulted from precipitation brought about by interaction with low molecular weight components loosely associated with the biomass. (Author).
Pectin rich cold stored spoiled fruits, vegetables and cold soils were screened and different pectinolytic isolates were obtained by enrichment culturing and ruthenium red plate assay. Among the primary isolates 10-15% were yeast isolates. Six isolates with higher zones of pectin hydrolysis were selected and tested for polygalacturonase (PGU) production at room temperature (25 degrees C) and at 5 degrees C. One isolate identified as Saccharomyces sp. with highest polygalacturonase activity at 5 degrees C was used for enzyme production using raw fruit pectins as substrates. The isolate was identified by preliminary cultural, morphological and sugar fermentation tests. PGU production was high in raw pectin substrates like orange peel (21 U/ml), apple peel (20 U/ml ), mango peel (19 U/ml), ...
Abstract Microbiological quality and biophenol content evolution was studied in minimally processed Thassos cv table olives by hot air dehydration under mild conditions (40C, 24-h, aw-=-0.893) and storage under characteristic packaging conditions (vacuum, 100% N2 and air) at 4 and 20C over a period of 180 days. No salt was used in the production line or packaging. The undesirable microorganisms (Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus, Clostridium) were undetectable until the end of the storage period. Also, modified atmospheres prevented fungal growth at both temperatures apart from the samples stored in air, in which Penicillium and Aspergillus spp. were identified. At 20C, a coexistence of mesophilic bacteria and yeasts occurred. At 4C, yeasts were the predominant microflora...
A 65-yr-old female developed cough, fever and dyspnoea following repeated exposure to a home ultrasonic humidifier. High-resolution computed tomography showed ground-glass opacity in both lung fields. Arterial blood gas analysis gave an oxygen tension of 8.38 kPa (63 Torr). Pulmonary function testing revealed restrictive ventilatory impairment with a reduction in the diffusing capacity. The diagnosis of extrinsic allergic alveolitis (EAA) was confirmed by radiographic findings, pathological evidence of alveolitis and reproductive development by a provocation test to the humidifier water. The yeast Debaryomyces Hansenii was the only microorganism cultured from the water of the humidifier. The double diffusion precipitating test and lymphocyte proliferative response was positive for an extract of D. Hansenii, providing evidence to incriminate this fungus. This is the first described case of EAA caused by D. Hansenii. PMID:12449192
The effects of dietary plant and yeast cerebroside (glucosylceramide), a major sphingolipid in plants and yeast, on atopic dermatitis (AD) like symptoms were investigated in a mouse model. After 7 wk of feeding with a diet containing maize glucosylceramide, plasma IgE levels became significantly lower and in contrast, the levels of interleukin (IL)-12, which induces cellular immunity, became significantly higher in the AD mice than in the controls. However, the sphingolipid constituents of the skin fraction in the maize glucosylceramide fed group did not contain sphingoid bases of plant origin, such as 8-unsaturated sphingoid bases. The results of the present study indicated that dietary plant glucosylceramide prevented AD-like symptoms in AD model mice via regulation of Th1/Th2 balance. P...
Rare earth stabilised #alpha#-SiAlONs are commonly observed with an equiaxed grain morphology. Elongated #alpha#-SiAlON has been observed in some of these systems, however it usually results from special techniques such as pressure sintering. The formation of elongated #alpha#-SiAlON grains during pressureless sintering has been shown to commonly occur in the Ca #alpha#-SiAlON system. Examination of phase and microstructural development in three Ca #alpha#-SiAlON compositions in the temperature range 1400 deg to 1800 deg C showed that phase development and grain growth occurred at different temperatures. It was found that chemical reactions were completed by 1550 deg C, however significant grain growth did not occur at this temperature. Grain growth progressed from 1600 deg C and continued up to 1800 deg C, the maximum temperature investigated. At 1800 deg C, #alpha#-SiAlON was found to be compatible with Aluminium Nitrides and related phases. ...
Dysprosium #alpha#-sialon ceramic has been fabricated from #alpha#-Si_3N_4, AlN, Al_2O_3 and Dy_2O_3 starting powders, using gas pressure sintering at 1800 deg C or higher temperatures under a relatively low gas pressure of 0.9MPa N_2. The resultant #alpha#-sialon grains showed significantly different features, such as equiaxed, elongated, and even a few extraordinarily large with high aspect ratio grains in the fine matrix, which has rarely been observed in #alpha#' ceramics. It is suggested that the temperature strongly influences the grain morphologies of #alpha#-sialon, playing an important role particularly in the latter stage of the 'nucleation-growth' process. Such a microstructural morphology of mixed with equiaxed and elongated grains toughens the #alpha#-sialon ceramics and leaves them still hard. Overly high temperature treatment leads to the preferential growth of a few #alpha#' grains which become excessively large and long, but ...
Effect of radiation dose and carbon nanotubes (CNT) on the mechanical properties of standard Malaysian rubber (SMR) was investigated in this study. SMR nanocomposites containing 1-7 phr CNT were prepared using the solvent casting method and the nanocomposites were radiated at doses of 50-200 kGy. The change in mechanical properties, especially, tensile strength (Ts), elongation at break (Eb), hardness and tensile modulus at 100% elongation (M{sub 100}) were studied as a function of radiation dose. The structure and morphology of reinforced natural rubber was investigated by FESEM, TEM and AFM in order to gain further evidence on the radiation-induced crosslinking. It was found that the Ts, M{sub 100} and the hardness of the SMR/CNT nanocomposites significantly increased with radiation dose; the elongation at break exhibited an increase up to 100 kGy, and a downward trend thereafter. Results on gel fraction further confirmed ...
The development of tough #alpha#-SiAlON with elongated grains in the last five years is summarized. This progress has been guided by the improved understanding of phase relations and nucleation/growth kinetics in SiAlON ceramics. Although most #alpha#-SiAlON compositions can be processed to contain some elongated grains, their microstructure, fracture toughness and R-curve behavior vary greatly. Such variability is due to the different phase stability of #alpha#-SiAlONs and the varying physical chemistry of the competing phases, including the transient/residual liquid. For this reason, microstructure control of #alpha#-SiAlON must pay close attention to the composition, starting powder and heating schedule. Seeding with single crystals of an appropriate #alpha#-SiAlON composition provides an attractive alternative that simplifies the task of microstructure control, since such seeds are thermodynamically stable and they completely dominate the ...
In this thesis, increased hemicellulose retention during kraft pulping has been studied. The work has been divided into three parts: i) Development of an accessible and reliable method for determination of carbohydrate composition of kraft pulps ii) Investigation of the composition and molecular mass distributions of the carbohydrates in kraft pulps with increased hemicellulose content iii) Investigation of the effect of increased hemicellulose content on the sheet properties of kraft pulps with increased hemicellulose content. A method for carbohydrate determination was developed. In this method, enzymes are used to hydrolyse the pulp into monosaccharides. A relatively mild acid hydrolysis is performed prior to detection on an HPLC with an RI-detector. The pulp is not derivatized and no pre-treatment (mechanical or chemical) is needed to determine the carbohydrate composition using the method developed here. Peak deconvolution software is used to improve the accuracy. Polysulphide and ...
An experimental study on superplastic forming behaviors and microstructure characters of commercial magnesium alloy sheet AZ31B is presented in this paper. The main experimental results show that the commercial magnesium alloy AZ31B sheet has superplastic capability. For the received sheet without any pre-processing, the maximum elongation is 295%. The dynamic recrystallization and grain refinement can be found, In the case of temperature =# 350 deg. C. The superplastic behaviors can be improved by controlling the dynamic recrystallization and grain refinement. Some experimental results of free superplastic bulging are presented in this paper. The results show that influence of temperature on forming capability is much less than the influences of temperature on elongation. In addition, the maximum principle strain.
Porous ?-SiAlON ceramics are synthesized by reaction bonded method using hollow alumina spheres (HASs) as both sintering aids and pore-forming agents. Both micropores and macropores, which are constructured by SiAlON grains with different morphologies, are formed in the final SiAlON samples. The micropores are three-dimentional, and are built by equiaxial grains. While the hollow macropores, which have the similar morphology to hollow alumina sphere, are packed by elongated grains. In the sintering process, the solid dissolution process takes place, giving rise to the different alumina concentration of liquid phase, and thus resulting in the formation of two kinds of grains, the equiaxial grain and the elongated grain.
To eliminate their classical brittleness and flexibility problems zein films were plasticized by incorporation of different phenolic acids (gallic acid (GA), p-hydroxy benzoic acid (HBA) or ferulic acids (FA)) or flavonoids (catechin (CAT), flavone (FLA) or quercetin (QU)). The use of GA, CAT, FA and HBA at 3 mg/cm2 eliminated the brittleness of films and gave highly flexible films showing elongations between 135% and 189%, while FLA and QU caused no considerable effect on film elongation. The films containing FA and HBA showed extreme swelling and lost their structural integrity when hydrated in distilled water. In contrast, CAT and GA containing films maintained their integrity following hydration. Most of the GA (up to 93%) and a considerable portion of CAT (up to 60%) in the films exis...
Mung bean seedlings inoculated with Enterobacter asburiae PSI3, a gluconic acid-producing rhizosphere isolate, enhanced plant growth in the presence of phytotoxic levels of Cd2+ in gnotobiotic pot experiments as compared to the uninoculated Cd-treated plants. Addition of organic acids to Cd-stressed seedlings promoted root elongation. Hematoxylin competition assays showed that organic acids could displace Cd2+ from the Cd2+: hematoxylin complex in the same order of effectiveness as was found for restoration of root net elongation viz. oxalate?>?malate?>?succinate while gluconate was effective at higher concentrations. Root associated Cd2+, assessed by hematoxylin staining of roots was found to be reduced when roots were treated with organic acid. Cd stress increased antioxidant enzymes suc...
Ribosomal protein L1 from Saccharomyces cerevisiae binds 5S rRNA and can be released from intact 60S ribosomal subunits as an L1-5S ribonucleoprotein (RNP) particle. To understand the nature of the...Full Text Available
Because of variations in tRNA sequences in evolution, tRNA synthetases either do not acylate their cognate tRNAs from other organisms or execute misacylations which can be deleterious in vivo. We report...Full Text Available
Lethal alleles of the Drosophila k43 gene result in small or missing imaginal discs, greatly reduced mitotic index, and fragmented and abnormally condensed chromosomes. A female-sterile...Full Text Available
The Sin3-histone deacetylase (HDAC) corepressor complex is conserved from yeast to humans. Mammals possess two highly related Sin3 proteins, mSin3A and mSin3B, which serve as scaffolds tethering HDAC...Full Text Available
The histone chaperone Asf1 and the chromatin remodeler SWI/SNF have been separately implicated in derepression of the DNA damage response (DDR) genes in yeast cells treated with genotoxins that cause...Full Text Available
A refined map for the linear arrangement of histones along DNA in nucleosomal core particles has been determined by DNA-protein crosslinking. On one strand of 145-bp core DNA, histones are aligned in...Full Text Available
BackgroundThe large sensitivity, high reproducibility and essentially unlimited dynamic range of real-time PCR to measure gene expression in complex samples provides the opportunity...Full Text Available
Chapter 5, describes some of the most important molecular methods used in the study of chromosome structure and function. The methods discussed include fragmentation of DNA, cloning, flow cytometry and chromosome sorting, is situ hybridization, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs). 18 refs., 3 figs., 1 tab.
DescriptionThis project is part of the BBSRCs special initiative on plant and microbial metabolomics. The project will primarily focus on the trichothecene mycotoxin producing Ascomycete fungus Fusarium graminearum (Fg) which causes ear blight disease of small grain cereals. The project aims to explore the metabolome of various wild-type and single gene deletion Fg strains and to compare some of these with the identical gene mutation in the budding yeast, S. cerevisiae (Sc) and the saprophytic filamentous [continued...
Procedures are described for the use of synthetic oligonucleotides for Southern blot experiments and gene bank screening, and the effect of various mismatches on the efficiency of hybridization is demonstrated. The following topics are discussed: sensitivity vs. specificity, hybridization of a 12-mer to the lambda endolysin gene; hybridization of oligonucleotide probes to the E. coli lac operator; hybridization of synthetic probes to the CYC1 gene of yeast; and cloning eucaryotic genes. (HLW)
The N1-methyl-Adenosine (m1A58) modification at the conserved nucleotide 58 in the TΨC loop is present in most eukaryotic tRNAs. In yeast, m1A58 modification...Full Text Available
Acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.20) is a membrane protein present mainly in the endoplasmic reticulum. It catalyzes the final and committed step in the biosynthesis of triacylglycerol,...Full Text Available
Compared to yeast esterase, fungal cutinase degraded butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) far more efficiently; i.e., almost 60% of the BBP disappeared within 7.5 h. Also, the final chemical composition significantly...Full Text Available
Current investigations into the biological solubilization of coal with microorganisms focus on the production of solubilizing activity in fungi. Test organisms for this work include a species of the yeast Candida previously isolated from a lignite outcrop, and P. chrysosporium, a filamentous higher fungus which has played a major role in lignin biodegradation research. The studies described are primarily exploratory in nature, and are fundamental to the design of more sophisticated inquiries into the physiology of fungal coal solubilization.
Temperature-sensitive mutants defective in 60S ribosomal subunit protein L16 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae were isolated through hydroxylamine mutagenesis of the RPL16B gene and plasmid shuffling. Two...Full Text Available
The variation of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) transport along Lupinus albus L. hypocotyls was studied using decapitated seedlings and excised sections. To confirm that the mobile species...Full Text Available
This patent describes a system for controlling erosion of the slope between the waterline of a shoreline. The system comprises an elongated conduit; means to pivotably secure the conduit to the shoreline approximately at the waterline; a plurality of individual armor bags attached to the conduit; and means for filling all of the individual armor bags with a grout material whereby the armor bags when filled with the grout material will be positioned as a unit onto the slope below the waterline.
Stereoscopic Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) measurements are made in horizontal planes in a simplified scale model of a spray dryer using water as fluid. The sample rate was sufficient to resolve phenomena at lower frequencies. Data reveal asymmetric velocity fields in both mean fields and dynamics. Data were analysed using Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD). An important periodic event is an elongation of the jet core cross section that results in a downstream displacement of the jet towards the chamber wall.
In order to better understand the molecular mechanisms of human hair growth control and to test hair growth-modulatory drugs, appropriate in vitro models are required. Here, we report the long-term...Full Text Available
BackgroundCotton fiber development undergoes rapid and dynamic changes in a single cell type, from fiber initiation, elongation, primary and secondary wall biosynthesis, to fiber...Full Text Available
Radiation degradation of polycarbonate (PC) and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) used as cable connector was evaluated using DSC, TGA, and mechanical properties. Glass transition temperature, melting temperature, 5% weight loss temperature, elongation at break, and tensile strength measurements were carried out for each of {gamma}-ray irradiated samples. In the results of those analyses, PC has radiation resistance better than PBT as a cable connector material.
Cordycepin has been shown to interfere with a myriad of molecular processes from RNA elongation to kinase activity, and prevents numerous inflammatory processes in animal models. Here we show in a mouse...Full Text Available
Testing of barrier properties of insulating materials against radon is usually based on the measurement of the radon diffusion coefficient. Presented report summarizes results of radon diffusion coefficients measurements in more than 120 insulating materials obtained throughout Europe. All measurements were performed by the Czech Technical University, Faculty of Civil Engineering in cooperation with the Radiation Protection Institute. We have found out that great differences exist in diffusion properties, because the diffusion coefficients vary within eight orders from 10"-"1"5 m"2/s to 10"-"8 m"2/s. For each material category of different chemical composition statistical evaluation of results is presented. Possibilities of usage of the radon diffusion coefficient for the design of radon resisting membranes are discussed. Based on the experience from the Czech Republic the paper is trying to show that controlling applicability of membranes by setting of the upper limit for the radon ...
The aim of this work was the examination of the coarse grain recrystallisation of the {gamma}-free ODS nickel-based alloy PM 1000 depending on the various parameters due to the processing during heat treatment. After isotropic hot compacting (HIP) of the mechanically alloyed powder, one observes a homogeneous sub-microscopic fine grain structure which can coarsen during high temperature heat treatment, due to sufficiently high driving force from the grain boundary energy via abnormal grain growth to 600 times its size. The setting of the elongated high temperature resistant recrystallisation structure is, however, not connected with this. The dependence of the sucess of re-crystallisation on the re-forming parameters (re-forming temperature and degree of re-forming) was shown by a socalled re-forming card. In order to achieve re-crystallisation to a coarse and aligned grain structure, apart from a certain absolute minimum degree of re-forming, the re-forming must ...
Ethidium bromide (EB) and ultraviolet light (UV) in combination are known to produce a synergistic induction of 'petite' mutants in yeast. Two other agents were combined with EB, 3-Carbethoxypsoralene (3 CPs) activated by 365 nm light or #gamma# rays. EB in combination with 3 CPs also resulted in an enhanced production of 'petite' mutants. After the photoaddition of 3 CPs in exponential phase cells, recovery of the 'petite' mutation during dark liquid holding was inhibited by the presence of EB producing an enhanced number of 'petite' mutants. The behavior of mitochondrial antibiotic resistance markers after individual and combined treatments with EB and 3 CPs indicates a random loss of markers after EB and a preferential loss of a certain region for the 3 CPs photoaddition. The combination of the two agents leads to an additivity of total drug marker losses rather than a synergistic loss. The combination of EB with #gamma# rays produced no enhancement in 'petite' ...
This paper presents a summary of the first phase of the EPA project, which encompasses surveys of residues from industrial sources in Alexandria. Studies to date indicate that wastes from various industries can be recovered economically. Wastes such as tin cans, glass, wastepaper, and food residues from processing of fruits, starch, and beer are examples of reusable industrial wastes in Egypt. The results of experimental studies for reuse of residues from oil refining, starch and yeast processing, and steel pickling are presented. Spent clay from edible oil refining is currently discarded, causing both handling and disposal problems. This clay contains as much as 40% oil; 90% can be recovered by extraction. The recovered oil can be successfully used in soap production, and the spent clay can be reused in oil bleaching. Other examples include starch and yeast wastes, which can be used for animal feed, and spent pickling liquor, which can be used ...
Papers in this book illustrate the utility of mineral biotechnology with respect to biobeneficiation, bioleaching, bioremediation and biomineralization. Papers of particular interest to the coal industry include: depression of pyrite flotation by yeast and bacteris (S.K. Kawatra and T.C. Eisele); desulfurization of coal by microbial flotation in a semicontinuous system (T. Nagaoka and others); biochemical removal of HAP precursors from coal - INEEL slurry column testing (K.S. Noah and G.J. Olson); microorganisms, biotechnology and acid rock drainage - emphasis on passive-biological control and treatment methods (N. Kuyucak); and utility of bioreagents in mineral processing (P. Somasundaran and others).
The biodegradation of ring-/sup 14/C- and methyl-/sup 14/C-labeled paraquat by the soil yeast Lipomyces starkeyi was studied in vitro. It was found that the degradation of paraquat (acting as a sole source of culture nitrogen) resulted in the accumulation in the extracellular medium of radiolabeled acetic acid. The culture also evolved radiolabeled CO/sub 2/. The results suggest that the degradation of paraquat by L. starkeyi is associated with the integrity of the cell wall and that disruption or removal of the wall results in a complete loss of degradative capability. A mechanism for the degradation of paraquat by this organism is postulated.
The biodegradation of ring-"1"4C- and methyl-"1"4C-labeled paraquat by the soil yeast Lipomyces starkeyi was studied in vitro. It was found that the degradation of paraquat (acting as a sole source of culture nitrogen) resulted in the accumulation in the extracellular medium of radiolabeled acetic acid. The culture also evolved radiolabeled CO_2. The results suggest that the degradation of paraquat by L. starkeyi is associated with the integrity of the cell wall and that disruption or removal of the wall results in a complete loss of degradative capability. A mechanism for the degradation of paraquat by this organism is postulated.
Scientists of the Institute of Wood Chemistry of the Latvian Academy of Sciences have developed two highly efficient processes for producing furfural, a feedstock for varnishes, synthetic resins and plastics. It is made of production wastes, including branches and small-dimension timber. By one process, the raw material is chipped, treated first with diluted sulphuric acid and then with steam heated to 250 degrees C. The other uses concentrated sulphuric acid as a catalyst. Besides furfural, this process also yields sugar solutions used in alcohol and nutrient yeast production.
Glabridin, an active constituent of Glycyrrhiza glabra roots, was found to be active against both yeast and filamentous fungi. Glabridin also showed resistance modifying activity against drug resistant mutants of Candida albicans at a minimum inhibitory concentration of 31.25-250 g/mL. Although the compound was reported earlier to be active against Candida albicans, but this is the first report of its activity against drug resistant mutants. Copyright Copyright 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Piper regnellii (Miq.) C. DC. var. pallescens (C. DC.) Yunck (Piperaceae) is a medicinal plant traditionally used in Brazil to treat infectious diseases. The extracts obtained from the leaves of P. regnellii were investigated for their antifungal activities against the yeasts Candida albicans, C. krusei, C. parapsilosis, and C. tropicalis. The EtOAc extract presented gnificant activity against Candida albicans with MIC at 125 {mu}g mL{sup -1}, and a moderate activity against both C. krusei and C. parapsilosis with MIC at 500 {mu}g mL{sup -1}. Candida tropicalis was not inhibited by this extract at concentrations as high as 1000 {mu}g mL{sup -1}. Based on these findings, the EtOAc extract was fractionated by silica gel column chromatography into nine fractions. The hexane and CHCl{sub 3} fractions showed varied levels of antifungal activity against all test yeasts. Further column chromatography separation of the hexane fraction afforded the pure ...
The Green River Basin is a northwest-southeast elongate structural feature located in southwestern Wyoming. Bounded by three basement uplifts, this complex mountain front basin possesses tremendous gas reserves. Production has been limited to a few structures, such as the Pinedale Anticline, because of the great depth of the basin. The Pinedale Anticline is an elongate structure that parallels the front of the Wind River Thrust. Earlier research has suggested that the anticline is not related to basement, but rather is associated with a foreland detachment structure. A new, high-resolution aeromagnetic survey has been modelled in detail and the results indicate that the Pinedale Anticline may actually be a basement related structure. Profile modelling normal to the anticline from the LaBarge Platform to the Wind River Mountains suggests that not only is Pinedale Field situated on a possible basement structure, but also that additional, ...
The microstructures and mechanical properties of the AZ31 Mg tubes fabricated by one-pass forward piercing tube extrusion operated at 250-400 C and 10{sup -2}-10{sup 0} s{sup -1} are examined. The grain size is refined from the initial {proportional_to}75 {mu}m grain size down to {proportional_to}1.5 {mu}m. The room temperature tensile elongation along the extrusion direction also increases from {proportional_to}13% for the as-received billet up to 51%. The highest superplastic elongation of 610% was obtained as tensile loaded at 300 C and 2 x 10{sup -4} s{sup -1}, and high strain rate superplasticity of 406% and 502% was achieved at 300 C and 400 C with a high strain rate of 1 x 10{sup -2} s{sup -1}. Preliminary hydroforming or tube bulging at room temperature has demonstrated the feasibility. Hydroforming at elevated temperature of 200 C or above should exhibit much more promising results, utilizing the capability of LTSP and HSRSP of the ...
The effect of irradiation on the tensile properties of oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) fiber reinforced poly(vinyl chloride)/epoxidized natural rubber (PVC/ENR) blends were studied. The composites were prepared by mixing the fiber and the PVC/ENR blend using HAAKE Rheomixer at 150 deg. C. The composites were then irradiated by using a 3.0 MeV electron beam machine at doses ranging from 0 to 100 kGy in air and room temperature. The tensile strength, Young's modulus, elongation at break and gel fraction of the composites were measured. Comparative studies were also made by using poly(methyl acrylate) grafted OPEFB fiber in the similar blend system. An increase in tensile strength, Young's modulus and gel fraction, with a concurrent reduction in the elongation at break (Eb) of the PVC/ENR/OPEFB composites were observed upon electron beam irradiation. Studies revealed that grafting of the OPEFB fiber with methyl acrylate did ...
Radiation-and-thermal-combined degradation of ethylene-propylene rubber (EP rubber) and chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM) as cable insulating and jacketing materials were evaluated by accelerated aging tests and a method to assess the lifetime of these materials under practical application was studied. EP rubber and CSM of experimental formulation were degraded at accelerated rates, that are 50 [approx] 1000 times the degradation rate under a standard condition (1Gy/h, 50degC). The degradation was investigated by measuring the tensile properties. In the accelerated aging tests, rates of elongation decrease owing to degradation for both EP rubber and CSM were in proportion to increase in accelerated rate. Behaviors of elongation changes showed little difference with accelerated rate. EP rubber lifetime estimated from sequential aging test had a tendency to extend beyond that from simultaneous aging test, while CSM lifetime estimated from both ...
Radiation-and-thermal-combined degradation of ethylene-propylene rubber (EP rubber) and chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM) as cable insulating and jacketing materials were evaluated by accelerated aging tests and a method to assess the lifetime of these materials under practical application was studied. EP rubber and CSM of experimental formulation were degraded at accelerated rates, that are 50 #approx# 1000 times the degradation rate under a standard condition (1Gy/h, 50degC). The degradation was investigated by measuring the tensile properties. In the accelerated aging tests, rates of elongation decrease owing to degradation for both EP rubber and CSM were in proportion to increase in accelerated rate. Behaviors of elongation changes showed little difference with accelerated rate. EP rubber lifetime estimated from sequential aging test had a tendency to extend beyond that from simultaneous aging test, while CSM lifetime estimated from both ...
The purpose of this work was to investigate the role of chromium on hydrogen embrittlement of Ni-Cr-Fe alloys and thus to develop a better understanding of the low-temperature stress corrosion cracking (SCC) phenomenon. The effect of chromium on hydrogen embrittlement was examined using tensile tests followed by material evaluation via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and light optical microscopy. Four alloys were prepared with chromium contents ranging from 6 to 35 wt pct. In the uncharged condition, ductility, as measured by the percent elongation or reduction in area, increased as the alloy chromium content increased. Hydrogen appeared to have only minor effects on the mechanical properties of the low-chromium alloys. The addition of hydrogen had a marked effect on the ductility of the higher-chromium alloys. In the 26 pct chromium alloy, the elongation to failure was reduced from 53 to 14 pct, with a change in fracture mode from mixed ...
The effects of gate and drain bias stresses on thin film transistors fabricated in polysilicon films crystallized using the advanced sequential lateral solidification excimer laser annealing (SLS ELA) process, which yields very elongated polysilicon grains and allows the fabrication of TFTs without grain boundary barriers to current flow, are investigated as a function of the active layer thickness and of the TFT orientation relative to the grains. The application of hot carrier stress, with a condition of V{sub GS} = V{sub DS}/2, was determined to induce threshold voltage, subthreshold swing and transconductance degradation for TFTs in thicker polysilicon films and the associated stress-induced increase in the active layer trap density was evaluated. However, this device degradation was drastically reduced for TFTs fabricated in ultra-thin films. Furthermore, the application of the same stress condition to TFTs oriented vertically to the ...
The effects of gate and drain bias stresses on thin film transistors fabricated in polysilicon films crystallized using the advanced sequential lateral solidification excimer laser annealing (SLS ELA) process, which yields very elongated polysilicon grains and allows the fabrication of TFTs without grain boundary barriers to current flow, are investigated as a function of the active layer thickness and of the TFT orientation relative to the grains. The application of hot carrier stress, with a condition of V_G_S = V_D_S/2, was determined to induce threshold voltage, subthreshold swing and transconductance degradation for TFTs in thicker polysilicon films and the associated stress-induced increase in the active layer trap density was evaluated. However, this device degradation was drastically reduced for TFTs fabricated in ultra-thin films. Furthermore, the application of the same stress condition to TFTs oriented vertically to the elongated ...
The depositional environments of the Mesaverde Group of the Piceance Creek basin in northwestern Colorado have determined the basic morphology and characteristics of the tight gas sands reservoirs in the three Multi-Well Experiment wells. The three morphologies, in ascending stratigraphic order, are a blanket type of reservoir (marine to shoreline environment), a lenticular type of reservoir (the paludal and coastal zones of the lower and upper delta plain), and an irregular tabular/elongate reservoir produced by meandering fluvial systems. Internal reservoir discontinuities vary among these types of reservoirs, but consist primarily of permeability barriers and conduits caused by shale breaks and fractures. 10 references, 5 figures.
In an electromagnetic pump of the present invention for use in circulation of coolants in an LMFBR type reactor, the outer circumference of coil conductors is covered by an insulator retaining cover, and powdery or granular insulator is filled between the coil conductors and the insulator retaining cover. Upon reaching high temperature, elongation of the coil conductors by heat expansion is absorbed by movement of the particles of the powdery insulator thereby preventing excess stresses from exerting on the coil insulator constituted with the insulator retaining cover and the powdery or granular insulator and preventing generation of crackings on the coil insulator. Thus, plant stability is improved. (N.H.).
The radiation degradation behavior of three commercial polyvinyl chloride (PVC) materials has been investigated. All three exhibit an interesting reversal in the trend of the tensile strength part way through the aging experiment: the tensile strength first drops, then rises. The early drop is associated with oxidative scission; the rise is associated with crosslinking and is preceded by the material reaching the gel point. It was also found that the tensile elongation tended to level out in advanced stages of aging with the levelling-out values dependent on the dose rate. These phenomena pose complications for the design of accelerated aging tests. (author).
The radiation degradation behavior of three commercial polyvinyl chloride (PVC) materials has been investigated. All three exhibit an interesting reversal in the trend of the tensile strength part way through the aging experiment: the tensile strength first drops, then rises. The early drop is associated with oxidative scission; the rise is associated with crosslinking and is preceded by the material reaching the gel point. It was also found that the tensile elongation tended to level out in advanced stages of aging with the leveling-out values dependent on the dose rate. These phenomena pose complications for the design of accelerated aging tests.
Density oscillations induced by MHD activities were observed in NBI heated plasmas on CHS by using an HCN laser interferometer. The accompanied changes of the density profiles were also observed. The oscillations are composition of m=0 sawteeth like crash and m=2 sinusoidal oscillations as a post courser of the crash. Possible models of the oscillation structure are examined in order to explain experimental data of the interferometer. Rotating plasma core, which is hollow profile and keeps constant elongation of the flux surface can explain amplitude and phase distribution of the sinusoidal oscillation. (author)
A brief review is presented of transport in the boundary region of magnetized plasmas by blob-like filaments. Such structures have enhanced levels of particles and heat, are elongated along the magnetic field lines and are localized in the drift plane across the field. The motion of an isolated blob structure is described in some detail and the contribution of such filaments to turbulence-driven transport are discussed. Results are presented from numerical simulations and probe measurements in tokamak plasmas. An interpretation is given of the measured dependence of particle density and transport on experimental control parameters in the scrape-off layer. (author)
Both microstructural graded and homogenous single-phase #alpha#-Sialon is obtained from Si_3N_4 powder for a broad range of compositions of practical interest. Elongated grains of #alpha#-Sialon could be developed in the monophase material by controlled mechanism of nucleation and growth. Tailoring of microstructure was realized through slow transformation reaction from Si_3N_4 to #alpha#-Sialon at lower temperature than sintering temperature when the composition is near the #alpha#-Sialon phase boundary. The mechanical properties are strongly correlated with the microstructure and are enhanced greatly in the optimized Sialon composition. (author)
A summary of the effects presented here is given in the table. The designation "factor present" implies that there is knowledge (from human or animal studies, or both) of a specific factor(s) present...Full Text Available
...The+Wiley+Encyclopedia+of+Packaging+Technology%2C+3rd+Edition FO21+Food+Packaging Wiley::The Wiley Encyclopedia of Packaging Technology, 3rd Edition WILEY ...US | HELP Home / Chemistry / Food Science & Technology / Food Processing, Production & Manufacture / Food Packaging / The Wiley Encyclopedia of Packaging Technology, 3rd Edition ...Manufacture Sensory Science Food Biotechnology Food Chemistry Food Engineering Related Titles Food Packaging Brewing Yeast and Fermentation by Chris Boulton, David Quain Food ...Editor) Journal of Food Process Engineering Journal of Food Processing and Preservation Packaging Research in Food Product Design and Development by Howard R. ...
Wound dressings impregnated with silver have a role to play in aiding to reduce both the dressing and wound microbial bioburden. It is therefore imperative that antimicrobial wound dressings have efficacy on a broad range of clinical significant microorganisms. Accordingly, this study aimed to determine the antimicrobial efficacy of a silver alginate dressing against 115 wound isolates that had been isolated routinely from patients at West Virginia University Hospital. Standardised corrected zones of inhibition (CZOIs) were performed on all clinical isolates. It was found that the silver alginate dressing was able to inhibit the growth of all microorganisms tested. In particular, the silver alginate dressing inhibited the growth of Candida albicans and yeasts with CZOI of 3-115 mm. All met...
DFNA5 was first identified as a gene causing autosomal dominant hearing loss (HL). Different mutations have been found, all exerting a highly specific gain-of-function effect, in which skipping of exon 8 causes the HL. Later reports revealed the involvement of the gene in different types of cancer. Epigenetic silencing of DFNA5 in a large percentage of gastric, colorectal and breast tumors and p53-dependent transcriptional activity have been reported, concluding that DFNA5 acts as a tumor suppressor gene in different frequent types of cancer. Despite these data, the molecular function of DFNA5 has not been investigated properly. Previous transfection studies with mutant DFNA5 in yeast and in mammalian cells showed a toxic effect of the mutant protein, which was not seen after transfection ...
Mono- and disubstituted novel derivatives of the heptaene nystatin analog 28,29-didehydronystatin A1 (S44HP, 1) were obtained by chemical modification of the exocyclic C-16 carboxyl and/or an amino group of mycosamine moiety. The strategy of preparation of mono- and double-modified polyene macrolides was based on the use of intermediate hydrophobic N-Fmoc (9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl) derivatives that facilitated the procedures of isolation and purification of new compounds. The antifungal activity of the new derivatives was first tested in vitro against yeasts and filamentous fungi, allowing the selection of the most active compounds that were subsequently tested for acute toxicity in mice. 2-(N,N-dimethylamino)ethylamide of 1 (2) and 2-(N,N-dimethylamino)ethylamide of N-fructopyranosyl-28...
Abstract Microbial cells are routinely dried and ground before they are used in metal biosorption studies. In this work, a metal biosorbent was prepared by drying biomass of the yeast Rhodotorula glutinis in an oven at 70C for 24-h followed by grinding. Two forms of the prepared biosorbent particles, washed and unwashed, were examined for their ability to remove lead from solution. It was found that the unwashed biosorbent exhibited higher lead uptake than the washed biosorbent. Analysis of the supernatant of washed cells incubated in water and that of unwashed cells incubated in lead solution revealed the presence of protein, carbohydrates, organic acids and inorganic phosphate. Overall, the washed and unwashed cells leached, respectively, 14.5 and 13.4% of their initial dry weight (100-m...
Background: The environment preferred by Acanthamoeba trophozoites and the mechanism by which the amebae enters the cornea are not yet fully understood. A better understanding of the pathogenesis of this disease may help with prevention and treatment. Purpose: To define the preferred environments for Acanthamoeba survival and proliferation in vitro by examining the effect of tonicity, nutrient concentration, and free chlorine content on Acanthamoeba. Materials and methods: Human corneal isolates of Acanthamoeba castellanii and Acanthamoeba polyphaga trophozoites were cultured at 22^oC (room temperature) in PYG (peptone-yeast extract-glucose) medium. The effect of tonicity on amebae was determined by incubating trophozoites in sodium chloride solutions in concentrations ranging from 0% to 1...
The gene encoding the human type I pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide receptor (ADCYAP1R1) was mapped to chromosome 7 by PCR analysis of genomic DNA from a human/rodent somatic cell hybrid mapping panel. This assignment was confirmed and the gene localized to chromosome band 7p14 by fluorescence in situ hybridization. A yeast artificial chromosome containing ADCYAP1R1 was identified in the CEPH {open_quotes}B{close_quotes} Mega-YAC library. This YAC includes two highly polymorphic dinucleotide repeat sequences that will facilitate genetic studies of the contribution of ADCYAP1R1 in disease states of the central nervous and neuroendocrine systems. 13 refs., 1 fig.
Curcumin, the yellow pigment from the rhizoma of Curcuma longa, is a widely studied phytochemical with a variety of biological activities. The ongoing research and clinical trials have proved that this natural phenolic compound has great and diverse pharmacological potencies. Beside its effective antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and antimicrobial/antiviral properties, curcumin is also considered as a cancer chemopreventive agent. While the antioxidant activity of curcumin is well documented, its interaction with DNA and RNA is not fully investigated. This study was designed to examine the interactions of curcumin with calf thymus DNA and yeast RNA in aqueous solution at physiological conditions, using constant DNA and RNA concentration (6.25?mM) and various curcumin/polynucleotide (phosphate...
Direct plating, selective enrichment, and cold enrichment followed by secondary selective enrichment procedures were compared for detecting and enumerating Listeria monocytogenes in chopped cabbage stored at 5 degrees C for up to 64 days. Addition of Fe3+ to solid media enhanced detection of the organism. Cold enrichment (5 degrees C) in nutrient broth and brain heart infusion broth followed by secondary enrichment (48 h, 30 degrees C) in Trypticase soy-yeast extract-antibiotic broth and thiocyanate-nalidixic acid broth and plating on selective agar media (Doyle and Schoeni selective enrichment agar [minus acriflavin hydrochloride, supplemented with 5 micrograms of Fe3+/ml] and McBride Listeria agar) resulted in the detection of highest populations. PMID:3111369
We determined the chromosomal localization and structure of the gene encoding human type II inosine 5{prime}-monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH, EC 1.1.1.205), an enzyme associated with cellular proliferation, malignant transformation, and differentiation. Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers specific for type II IMPDH, we screened a panel of human-Chinese hamster cell somatic hybrids and a separate deletion panel of chromosome 3 hybrids and localized the gene to 3p21.1{yields}p24.2. Two overlapping yeast artificial chromosome clones containing the full gene for type II IMPDH were isolated and a physical map of 117 kb of human genomic DNA in this region of chromosome 3 was constructed. The gene for type II IMPDH was localized and oriented on this map and found to span no more than 12.5 kb.
The potential of the yeast Candida tropicalis and Candida guillermondii was evaluated and an isolated partnership of microorganisms of waters of the Medellin River, conformed by two bacteria and one leavening, to degrade the content of organic matter present in wine produced by the factory of Licores and Alcoholes de Antioquia (FLA) in aerobic process with biomass production. For each one of the microorganisms in study this capacity of removal in units of chemical demand of oxygen was quantified (CDO); in addition, parameters were analyzed such as yield of the biomass in relation to the removed CDO and to total reducing sugars (TRS) consumed, time of fermentation and speed of growth different dilutions from wine. Also the possible inhibition was analyzed that the present phenolic compounds in this wine can cause in the biological process of degradation.
Cellulose sausage cellulose casings are used extensively in the manufacture of sausages in meat packaging. After stripping the meat, spent casings mainly contain cellulose and residual meat juice with salt, nitrate and nitrite. Disposal of spent sausage casings has serious economic and environmental concerns for the sausage industry. This work describes bioconversion of spent cellulose casings (SCC) into enzymes, lactic acid and ethanol by using cellulolytic fungi, lactobacillus and yeasts. The solid substrate cultivation (SSC) of Trichoderma reesei RUT C-30 on SCC and blends gave a maximum of 152 filter paper cellulase (FPase) activity and about 100 carboxymethylcellulase activity (CMCase)/g dry weight substrate. The SSC produced enzyme-rich casing with 50 FPase when directly mixed as suc...
In this work, silver-montmorillonite (Ag-MMT) antimicrobial nanoparticles have been obtained by allowing silver ions from nitrate solutions to replace the Na^+ of natural montmorillonite and then to be reduced by a thermal treatment. Ag-MMT were used as active antimicrobial compounds to improve the shelf life of fresh fruit salad. In order to assess their influence on product shelf life, sensorial and microbiological quality has been monitored during the storage. The microbiological quality was determined by monitoring the principal spoilage microorganisms (mesophilic and psychrotrophic bacteria, coliforms, lactic acid bacteria, yeasts and molds). Additionally, the evolution of sensorial quality was assessed by monitoring color, odor, firmness and product overall quality. The Ag-MMT nanopa...
Amphiphysin is a protein concentrated in neuronal synapses and peripherally associated with neurotransmitter vesicles. It is expressed in many neurons of the central and peripheral nervous systems, in the adrenal medulla, in the anterior and posterior pituitary, in cell lines of the endocrine pancreas, and in spermatocytes. Its subcellular localization and tissue distribution indicate a potential involvement in mechanisms of regulated exocytosis. A role in the dynamic organization of the membrane-associated cytoskeleton is suggested by structural homology to the products of two yeast genes, RVS161 and RVS167, whose mutation results in an abnormal actin distribution, disturbs budding morphology, and impairs cell entry into stationary phase. Limited stretches of sequence similarity, including an SH3 domain, are also shared with other actin-binding proteins. Amphiphysin is the dominant autoantigen in paraneoplastic Stiff-Man syndrome, a neurological autoimmune ...
A number of aerobic species capable of decolorizing some of the dyes in a textile mill effluent were isolated. One of the isolates was able to decolorize Terasil black dye under aerobic conditions in the presence of an exogenous carbon source after 5 days. Glucose or starch (%1 ea) are essential for decolorization but the process proceeds faster in the presence of 0.5% yeast extract. Results of the BOD5 show that the untreated effluent samples have a low BOD value, whereas treated samples show an initial increase in BOD up to 15 days followed by a decrease after 20 days. FT-IR and GC-MS data also reveal that the initial components in the untreated effluent disappear after 20 days of treatment, confirming biodegradation of the dye. Phytotoxicity tests on the untreated effluent samples using...
Beside yeasts, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are the most abundant microbes in must during vinification. Whereas Oenococcos oeni is commercially used as a starter culture for the biological acid reduction in wines, other species are responsible for different types of wine spoilage. Members of the genera Pediococcus, Weissella, Leuconostoc, and Lactobacillus are producers of exopolysaccharide slimes, biogenic amines, acetic acid, and other off-flavors. In order to control microbial growth, different procedures such as heating of must and addition of sulfite or lysozyme from egg white are generally applied. Yet, because of health risks, the application of sulfite should be reduced and lysozyme is not effective against all LAB. In this study, we describe exoenzymes from a Streptomyces sp. strain...
Dysregulation of the alternative pathway of complement activation, caused by mutations or polymorphisms in the genes encoding factor H, membrane co-factor protein, factor I or factor B, is associated...Full Text Available
In the CNS, there are widespread and diverse interactions between growth factors and estrogen. Here we examine the interactions of estrogen and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), two...Full Text Available
Human Factor VIII/von Willebrand factor, purified by calcium citrate-cellulose chromatography and 4% agarose gel filtration was subjected to sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis on gels containing...Full Text Available
For almost 150 years, the two monotypic genera Trochodendron and Tetracentron (Trochodendraceae) have been considered to share an unusual and primitive feature in angiosperms - the lack of vessels in their wood. Therefore, they have been classified in a basal position in the angiosperms. Our observations by light microscopy, low-vacuum environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) and high-vacuum scanning electron microscopy (SEM) both in fresh and FAA-fixed materials consistently showed the presence of tracheary elements differentiated into two types in both genera. In Trochodendron, the tracheary elements can be divided into perforate vessel elements and imperforate fiber-tracheids and tracheids. The vessel elements show end and lateral walls. The pits on the end walls are elongate- ...
Time-resolved characterizations of electron beams using optical transition radiation (OTR) as a prompt conversion mechanism have recently been extended on the Los Alamos Free-electron Laser (FEL) facility 40-MeV linac. Two key timescales for rf-linac driven FELs are the micropulse (10 ps) and the macropulse (5 {mu}s to 1 ms). In the past we have used gated, intensified cameras to select a single or few micropulses (25 to 400 ns gate width) out of the pulse train to evaluate submacropulse effects. Recently, we have obtained some of the first measurements of micropulse bunch length (7 to 10 ps) and submacropulse spatial position and profile using OTR and a Hamamatsu streak camera. Additionally, micropulse elongation effects and head-to-tail transverse kicks are reported as a function of charge.
Time-resolved characterizations of electron beams using optical transition radiation (OTR) as a prompt conversion mechanism have recently been extended on the Los Alamos Free-electron Laser (FEL) facility 40-MeV linac. Two key timescales for rf-linac driven FELs are the micropulse (10 ps) and the macropulse (5 {mu}s to 1 ms). In the past we have used gated, intensified cameras to select a single or few micropulses (25 to 400 ns gate width) out of the pulse train to evaluate submacropulse effects. Recently, we have obtained some of the first measurements of micropulse bunch length (7 to 10 ps) and submacropulse spatial position and profile using OTR and a Hamamatsu streak camera. Additionally, micropulse elongation effects and head-to-tail transverse kicks are reported as a function of charge.
The influence of electron-beam irradiation on mechanical properties of commercial multilayer flexible packaging materials based on coextruded and laminated polypropylene (PP), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), irradiated with doses up to 120 kGy, was studied. The tensile strength and elongation at break of the irradiated PET/PP film increase, while the penetration and sealing resistance decreased. In addition, the irradiated PET/LDPE/EVOH/LDPE film presented increase in the tensile strength on some radiation doses and decrease of the penetration and sealing resistance, except for sealing resistance at radiation dose of 15 kGy that resulted in a slight increase of ca 4%.
By means of the light microscopy and by the measurement of the mechanical properties one investigated into the phase composition and the properties of Al-Mg-Ce and Al-Mg-Y system alloys. One plotted the isothermal cross sections of the mentioned systems under 430 and 275 deg C temperatures at up to 16% magnesium concentration and up to 0.7% yttrium concentration. One determined the yield limit and strength, the relative elongation of Al-Mg base hardened and deformed alloys containing 7.0-9.9% Mg and Ce, Y, Mn, Zr dopes upon ageing under 175, 200, 250 and 300 deg C temperatures within the ageing time ensuring the hardening maximum effect
Monolithic SiAlON ceramics are hard and brittle with little possibility for property design, but multi-phase SiAlON ceramics offer great scope for controlling microstructural development and desired properties. The ceramics can also be reinforced by separate additions of other hard, refractory compounds. The toughness in all these SiAlON composites can be increased by several mechanisms, and the best effect is reached if they are combined. When glassy phase is present, crack paths are affected by the strains caused by different thermal expansion of the glassy phase and the crystals and also by the interface properties. The crystal shape influence toughness, especially pronounced is the effect of the elongated #beta#- grains. Different toughening mechanisms are achieved by separately added reinforcement phases. The hardness is raised by the presence of #alpha# SiAlON and other hard constituents, such as SiC. (orig.).
A separation phenomenon occurring during the Charpy impact test of API X80 pipeline steels was investigated in the present study. A detailed microstructural analysis of fractured impact specimens showed that the band structure of bainite elongated along the rolling direction worked as prior initiation sites for separations, and that the number and length of the separations increased with the increasing volume fraction of bainite. In the steels having high work hardenability, tearing-shaped separations were found because the hammer-impacted region was seriously hardened during the impact test, which led to the reduction in the impact toughness. As the test temperature decreased, the tendency toward separations increased, but separations were not found when the cleavage fracture prevailed at very low temperatures. These findings suggested that the formation of bainite and secondary phases should be minimized for preventing or minimizing separations, because ...
Previous studies from this laboratory have shown that certain N-substituted phthalimides (NSPs) exhibit GA-like activity in a range of specific bioassays and that bioactive NSPs compete with ({sup 3}H)-GA{sub 4} for soluble binding sites in cucumber homogenates. As such, these compounds may prove useful in the purification and characterization of GA receptor proteins. To this end, five azido-NSPs have been synthesized and are currently being screened for biological activity and photochemical stability. Three azido-NSPs elicit {alpha}-amylase production in barley half-seeds and stimulate tissue elongation in d{sub 5} maize, lettuce, sunflower, and soybean. Further evaluations are in progress and these data as well as the utility of these compounds as photo-affinity ligands will be discussed.
Magnesium alloys are ideal candidates to benefit from equal channel angular extrusion (ECAE) because of their poor forming characteristics due to a hcp structure. In this study, ECAE processing was applied to ZK31 and AZ31 magnesium alloys under various conditions. The grain size of as-ECAE specimens decreases with decreasing the processing temperature, however, the grain size decreases slightly with increasing number of repetitive processing. Both the tensile strength and 0.2% proof stress of as-ECAE specimens are high when processed at low temperature, but the elongation is high when processed at high temperature. Crystal orientation is different in the two alloys and it also varies according to the processing temperature for the two alloys. The difference of the crystal orientation influences the tensile properties, especially 0.2% proof stress. (orig.)
The PERMCAT is a membrane reactor proposed for processing fusion reactor plasma exhaust gas: tritium removal is obtained by isotopic swamping operating in counter-current mode. In this work, a membrane reactor using a permeator tube of length about 500 mm produced via diffusion welding of Pd-Ag thin foils is described. An appropriate mechanical design of the membrane module has been developed in order to avoid any significant compressive and bending stresses on the very long and thin wall permeator tube: two expanded bellows have been applied to the Pd-Ag tube, so that it has been pre-tensioned before operating. The elongation of the metal permeator under hydrogenation has been theoretically estimated and experimentally verified for properly designing the membrane reactor.
Time-resolved characterizations of electron beams using optical transition radiation (OTR) as a prompt conversion mechanism have recently been extended on the Los Alamos Free-electron Laser (FEL) facility 40-MeV linac. Two key timescales for rf-linac driven FELs are the micropulse (10 ps) and the macropulse (5 [mu]s to 1 ms). In the past we have used gated, intensified cameras to select a single or few micropulses (25 to 400 ns gate width) out of the pulse train to evaluate submacropulse effects. Recently, we have obtained some of the first measurements of micropulse bunch length (7 to 10 ps) and submacropulse spatialposition and profile using OTR and a Hamamatsu streak camera. Additionally, micropulse elongation effects and head-to-tail transverse kick effects are reported as a function of charge.
Time-resolved characterizations of electron beams using optical transition radiation (OTR) as a prompt conversion mechanism have recently been extended on the Los Alamos Free-electron Laser (FEL) facility 40-MeV linac. Two key timescales for rf-linac driven FELs are the micropulse (10 ps) and the macropulse (5 {mu}s to 1 ms). In the past we have used gated, intensified cameras to select a single or few micropulses (25 to 400 ns gate width) out of the pulse train to evaluate submacropulse effects. Recently, we have obtained some of the first measurements of micropulse bunch length (7 to 10 ps) and submacropulse spatialposition and profile using OTR and a Hamamatsu streak camera. Additionally, micropulse elongation effects and head-to-tail transverse kick effects are reported as a function of charge.
Effect of oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) fiber and poly(methyl acrylate) grafted OPEFB on several mechanical properties of poly(vinyl chloride)/epoxidized natural rubber (PVC/ENR) blends were studied. The composites were prepared by mixing the fiber and the PVC/ENR blends using HAKEE Rheomixer at the rotor speed of 50 rpm, mixing temperature 150degreeC, and mixing period of 20 min. The fiber loadings were varied from 0 to 30% and the effect of fiber content in the composites on their ultimate tensile strength (UTS), Youngs modulus, elongation at break, flexural modulus, hardness, and impact strength were determined. An increasing trend was observed in the Youngs modulus, flexural modulus, and hardness with the addition of grafted and ungrafted fiber to the PVC/ENR blends. However the i...
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 basic mechanical 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)
A fully lamellar ferrite/cementite nanostructure was designed in a low C steel by using a specific thermal treatment. The strengthening of such microstructure has been investigated as a function of prestrain by rolling up to a deformation of 300%. As in usual pearlitic structure, its work-hardening shows no saturation and its elongation to fracture remains rather constant instead of decreasing drastically as conventional steels. The hardening by a similitude effect is thus not the privilege of pearlitic steels. Nevertheless, its lower initial work-hardening rate at low strain compared to an equivalent pearlitic steel and a lower hardening potential at high strain let us suspect major differences in the nature and the behaviour of ferrite channels in relation to the morphogenesis of the mic...
The physical and antioxidant properties of alginate biodegradable film incorporating white, red and extruded white ginseng extracts were investigated. No differences in moisture contents of all alginate film samples were noticeable (p>0.05) except those film samples incorporated without ginseng extract, which had the highest moisture content. The addition of ginseng extract to alginate film decreased tensile strength and elastic modulus (p<0.05) but increased the percent elongation at break. The presence of extracts did not significantly affect the water vapor permeability of the film samples. Alginate film containing extruded white ginseng extract at a barrel temperature of 130degreeC presented the highest (61.12%) free-radical scavenging activity against the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl ...
Using the peptide hormone glucagon and Ab(1-40) as model systems, we have sought to elucidate the mechanisms by which fibrils grow and multiply. We here present real-time observations of growing fibrils at a single-fibril level. Growing from preformed seeds, glucagon fibrils were able to generate new fibril ends by continuously branching into new fibrils. To our knowledge, this is the first time amyloid fibril branching has been observed in real-time. Glucagon fibrils formed by branching always grew in the forward direction of the parent fibril with a preferred angle of 35-40degree. Furthermore, branching never occurred at the tip of the parent fibril. In contrast, in a previous study by some of us, Ab(1-40) fibrils grew exclusively by elongation of preformed seeds. Fibrillation kinetics i...
We study the phonon fluxes emitted when the condensate velocity crosses the speed of sound, i.e., in backgrounds which are analogue to that of a black hole. We focus on elongated one dimensional condensates, and on stationary flows. Our theoretical analysis and numerical results are based on the Bogoliubov-de-Gennes equation without any further approximation. The spectral properties of the fluxes and of the long distance density-density correlations are obtained, with and without an initial temperature. In realistic conditions, we show that the condensate temperature dominates the fluxes, and thus hides the presence of the spontaneous emission (the Hawking effect). We also explain why the temperature amplifies the long distance correlations which are intrinsic to this effect. This confirms that the correlations pattern offers a neat signature of the Hawking effect. Optimal conditions to observe the pattern are discussed.
Proteinaceous aggregation occurs through self-assembly-- a process not entirely understood. In a recent article [1], an analytical theory for amyloid fibril growth via secondary rather than primary nucleation was presented. Remarkably, with only a single kinetic parameter, the authors were able to unify growth characteristics for a variety of experimental data. In essence, they seem to have uncovered the underlying allometric laws governing the evolution of filament elongation simply from two coupled non-linear ordinary differential equations (ODEs) stemming from a master equation. While this work adds significantly to our understanding of filament self-assembly, it required an approximate analytical solution representation. Here, we show that the same results are found by purely numerical means once a straightforward and reliable numerical solution to the set of ODEs has been established.
Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) is widely distributed in the acid soil region of Southern China, where great potential of aluminum (Al) toxicity exists. To evaluate the Al tolerance of Moso bamboo, seed germination and root elongation were compared with two rice cultivars, and physical and physiological damages were examined under various levels of Al stress. Results showed that Moso bamboo seed germination was inhibited when Al concentration increased to 500 ?M, and the median lethal concentration was 2,000??M. Comparatively, the rice seed germination was not inhibited even at a concentration of 2,000??M Al. Aluminum accumulated mainly in the cell wall of root apices, and entered into protoplasts as treating time prolonged and/or Al concentration increased, which resulted in apoptos...
Wood-Polymer Composites (WPC) was prepared from recycled films of agricultural use and wood wastes, and LLDPE and neat PE resin mixture were also utilized in order to compare the properties. Maleic anhydride (MA) and dicumyl peroxide were used as an adhesion promoter and an initiator, respectively. Tensile properties of WPC were measured via tensile test as a function of wood filler and MA content, and fracture surface was also investigated with SEM. As the content of wood filler increased, elongation decreased but modulus increased. However, tensile strength of WPC increased only when MA was used, and 1 wt.% of MA may be high enough to increase the tensile properties. The tensile properties of WPC prepared from recycled PE films were almost same as those of neat PE resin mixture. (author). 18 refs., 5 figs.
A ferritic steel with finely dispersed precipitates was investigated to reveal the fundamental strengthening mechanisms. The steel has a yield strength of 760MPa, approximately three times higher than that of conventional Ti-bearing high strength hot-rolled sheet steels, and its ultimate tensile strength reaches 850MPa with an elongation-to-failure value of 18%. Using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS) and transmission electron microscope (TEM), fine carbides TiC with an average diameter of 10nm were observed in the ferrite matrix of the 0.08%Ti steel, and some cubic M23C6 precipitates were also observed at the grain boundaries and the interior of the grains. The finely dispersed TiC precipitates in the matrix provide matrix strengthening. The estimated magnitude of precipitation ...
Most antibodies to factor VIII have recently been shown to react with discrete regions of the factor VIII light chain (within the C2 domain) and/or the factor VIII heavy chain (within the amino-terminal...Full Text Available
We report an analysis of four strains of baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) using biocavity laser spectroscopy. The four strains are grouped in two pairs (wild type and altered), in which one strain differs genetically at a single locus, affecting mitochondrial function. In one pair, the wild-type rho+ and a rho0 strain differ by complete removal of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). In the second pair, the wild-type rho+ and a rho- strain differ by knock-out of the nuclear gene encoding Cox4, an essential subunit of cytochrome c oxidase. The biocavity laser is used to measure the biophysical optic parameter Deltalambda, a laser wavelength shift relating to the optical density of cell or mitochondria that uniquely reflects its size and biomolecular composition. As such, Deltalambda is a powerful parameter that rapidly interrogates the biomolecular state of single cells and mitochondria. Wild-type cells and mitochondria produce Gaussian-like distributions ...
Ethanol has excellent fuel properties, such as high octane, high heat of vaporization and low photochemical reactivity in the atmosphere. It is less volatile than gasoline and there is lower smog formation from evaporative emissions of pure ethanol compared to gasoline. As such, ethanol has emerged as an important alternative energy source that is sustainable, efficient, cost effective, convenient and safe. In 2006, global production of ethanol reached 13.5 billion gallons, up from 12.1 billion gallons in 2005. However, in light of the current debate of food versus fuel, the industry must shift to non-food feedstocks. This paper described an emerging technology to cost-effectively produce ethanol from sweet sorghum stalks, the most promising alternative feedstock to corn, via solid state fermentation (SSF). Experiments of advanced solid state fermentation (ASSF) for ethanol production from sweet sorghum by Saccharomyces cerevisiae were conducted in laboratory and pilot scales studies. ...
The goal of the present work was to determine the impact of N3-methyladenine (3-mA), an important lesion generated by many environmental agents and anticancer drugs, on in vivo DNA replication and in vitro RNA transcription. Due to 3-mA chemical instability, the stable isostere 3-methyl-3-deazaadenine (3-m-c(3)A) was site specifically positioned into an oligodeoxynucleotide. The oligomer was, then incorporated into a vector system that is rapidly converted to ssDNA inside yeast cells and requires DNA replication opposite the lesion for plasmid clonal selection. For control purposes, an adenine or a stable apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP)-lesion was placed at the same site. The presence of each lesion in the oligonucleotide was confirmed by MALDI-TOF analysis. Plasmids were then transfected into yeast cells. While the AP-site dramatically reduced plasmid replication in all strains, the 3-m-c(3)A had a slight effect in the rad30 background which ...
Biodegradable and green plastics are the new tendency in the world. The effect of the electron beam irradiation in aromatic aliphatic copolyester and the blend with corn starch films (Ecoflex{sup R} and Ecobras{sup R}) were studied by tensile strength at break, elongation at break, Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), crosslinking degree and biodegradability. The measurements in both, the machine direction and the transverse direction were made for mechanical tests. It was found that, the electron irradiation caused an increase in the strength at break of the blend with corn starch film, when doses of up to 10 kGy were applied. A significant decrease of the elongation at break of the blend with corn starch was observed at doses of 10 kGy and 40 kGy. It was not found important change in tensile properties for aromatic aliphatic copolyester. Structural ...
Biodegradable and green plastics are the new tendency in the world. The effect of the electron beam irradiation in aromatic aliphatic copolyester and the blend with corn starch films (Ecoflex"R and Ecobras"R) were studied by tensile strength at break, elongation at break, Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), crosslinking degree and biodegradability. The measurements in both, the machine direction and the transverse direction were made for mechanical tests. It was found that, the electron irradiation caused an increase in the strength at break of the blend with corn starch film, when doses of up to 10 kGy were applied. A significant decrease of the elongation at break of the blend with corn starch was observed at doses of 10 kGy and 40 kGy. It was not found important change in tensile properties for aromatic aliphatic copolyester. Structural changes of the ...
In order to investigate interactions of (Ti,W)(C,N) and (Ti,Mo)(C,N) with binder metals solid/solid diffusion couples were annealed. These two-dimensional arrangements provide good access to phase reactions occurring upon sintering already in the solid state. It was found in (Ti,W)(C,N)/Co- and (Ti,W)(C,N)/Ni-based couples that the reaction zone is thinner in contact with Co than with Ni. It was also observed that the reaction rate with both Co and Ni is lower if nitrogen is added to the hard phases. Beside a thickness variation of the diffusion zones a change in the microstructure was found. At the interface of nitrogen-free hard phases in contact with Co elongated microstructural constituents are formed with the main axis perpendicular to the interface, while at the interface of nitrogen-containing hard phases these elongated microstructural constituents were found in contact with Ni. Also phase reactions and the diffusion behavior between ...
We discuss the consequence of local duality for elastic scattering, and derive a model-independent equation between structure functions at x ? 1 and elastic electromagnetic form factors. Then the electromagnetic form factors of proton are discussed using the quark-hadron duality theory. We also debate the form factor of proton in a bound state. It may be an effective approach to study the form factor of proton in media.
Background:Tobacco smoking is the most important risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) development. Inhaled cigarette smoke can induce tumor necrosis factor-α...Full Text Available
The experiments at the incinerator for low-level wastes processing, (containing transuranium radionuclides) are described. Air decontamination factors and detector readings correction factors for efficiency and absorption are indicated.
The experiments at the incinerator for low-level wastes processing, (containing transuranium radionuclides) are described. Air decontamination factors and detector readings correction factors for efficiency and absorption are indicated.
A fluid-phase immunoradiometric assay has been developed which identifies an antigen on the Factor VIII (antihemophilic factor) procoagulant protein. This sensitive and quantitative assay is not influenced...Full Text Available
The ternary complex factor (TCF) Elk-1 is a transcription factor that regulates immediate early gene (IEG) expression via the serum response element (SRE) DNA consensus site. Elk-1 is associated with...Full Text Available
Caries is a multifactorial disease, and studies aiming to unravel the factors modulating its etiology must consider all known predisposing factors. One major factor is bacterial colonization,...Full Text Available
Background and objectives: Higher urinary calcium is a risk factor for nephrolithiasis. This study delineated associations between demographic, dietary, and urinary factors and 24-h urinary calcium.Design,...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
Because of the instability of Factor VIII (antihaemophilic factor) in plasma in vitro, and since evidence has accumulated that the level of activity varies significantly between samples...Full Text Available
The ability of residual biomass from the thermotolerant ethanol-producing yeast strain Kluyveromyces marxianus IMB3 to function as a biosorbent for uranium has been examined. It was found that the biomass had an observed maximum biosorption capacity of 120 mg U/g dry weight of biomass. The calculated value for the biosorption maximum, obtained by fitting the data to the Langmuir model was found to be 130 mg U/g dry weight biomass. Maximum biosorption capacities were examined at a number of temperatures and both the observed and calculated values obtained for those capacities increased with increasing temperature. Decreasing the pH of the biosorbate solution resulted in a decrease in uptake capacity. When biosorption reactions were carried out using sea-water as the diluent it was found that the maximum biosorption capacity of the biomass increased significantly. Using transmission electron microscopy, uranium crystals were shown to be concentrated on the outer ...
A series of 2-alkylthiopyrine-4-carbothioamides were synthesized, and their anti-fungal potency was tested. The chemical structures were proved by infrared spectroscopy (IR) and {sup 1}H nuclear magnetic resonance ({sup 1}H-NMR) data and by elemental analysis. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal fungicidal concentration (MFC) assessment were used for the estimation of potential activity in vitro. The study comprising 21 clinical isolates of fungi showed that two compounds exhibited fair inhibitory activity against some yeasts and dermatophytes. Selective fungistatic activity against non-dermatophytes (MIC = 3.12-25.0 {mu}g/mL) was found also in another compound. None of the above compounds showed inhibitory activity against non-dermatophyte filamentous fungi. Microbiological activity of 2-alkylthiopyridine-4-carbothioamides appears to be mainly related to hydrophobicity of alkyl in position 2. (authors). 10 refs., 8 tabs.
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 ...
All organisms, from bacteria and yeast to humans, respond to physical and chemical stressors by increasing the synthesis of a small group of cellular stress proteins.'' The authors have developed a simple in vitro system for quickly screening environmentally relevant stressors to detect stress-induced proteins that are good candidates for biomarkers. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was used to detect stressor-induced, concentration-dependent changes in cellular stress protein levels in two fish cell culture systems, whereas simultaneous in vitro neutral red uptake cytotoxicity assays measured the stressors effect on cellular physiology. There was a direct concentration-dependent relationship between sublethal cytotoxic effects and the increases in stress protein levels. Increases of 50 to 200% were detected in stress proteins from desert topminnow, Poeciliopsis lucida, hepatoma-derived cell cultures exposed to cadmium or copper. Three proteins ...
Escherichia coli B and K-12 are equally susceptible to the bacteriostatic effects of aerobic paraquat, but they differed strikingly when the lethality of paraquat was evaluated. E. coli B suffered an apparent loss of viability when briefly exposed to paraquat, whereas E. coli K-12 did not. This difference depended on the ability of the B-strain, but not the K-12 strain, to retain internalized paraquat; the B strain was killed on aerobic tryptic soy-yeast extract plates during the incubation which preceded the counting of colonies. This difference in retention of paraquat between strains was demonstrated by delayed loss of viability, by growth inhibition, and by cyanide-resistant respiration after brief exposure to paraquat, washing, and testing in fresh medium. This difference was also shown by using ({sup 14}C)paraquat. This previously unrecognized difference between E. coli B and K-12 has been the cause of apparently contradictory reports and should lead to some ...
The authors describe a cloning strategy for the construction of a human genomic library in yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs) based on complete digestion of high-molecular-weight DNA with the infrequently cutting restriction enzyme MluI. Cloning of MluI fragments in the vector pYAC-RC and one subsequent size fractionation by preparative pulsed-field gel electrophoresis yielded a library with average insert sizes of 600 kb. Ninety-seven percent of the colonies were recombinant. An additional size fractionation of MluI fragments prior to ligation had no significant influence on the size of the YACs. The library currently consists of 5000 clones, which is the equivalent of one human genome. Nineteen percent of the YACs were larger than 1.2 Mb. Since smaller MluI fragments are lost during sizing, they also performed cloning without size fractionation. Only 20% of the colonies were recombinant, probably due to unligated vector fragments that were present during the ...
Two overlapping cDNA clones encoding human DNA topoisomerase II were identified by two independent methods. In one, a human cDNA library in phage {lambda} was screened by hybridization with a mixed oligonucleotide probe encoding a stretch of seven amino acids found in yeast and Drosophila DNA topoisomerase II; in the other, a different human cDNA library in a {lambda}gt11 expression vector was screened for the expression of antigenic determinants that are recognized by rabbit antibodies specific to human DNA topoisomerase II. The entire coding sequences of the human DNA topoisomerase II gene were determined from these and several additional clones, identified through the use of the cloned human TOP2 gene sequences as probes. Hybridization between the cloned sequences and mRNA and genomic DNA indicates that the human enzyme is encoded by a single-copy gene. The location of the gene was mapped to chromosome 17q21-22 by in situ hybridization of a cloned fragment to ...
The potential of the dried yeast, wild-type Schizosaccharomyces pombe, to remove Ni(II) ion was investigated in batch mode under varying experimental conditions including pH, temperature, initial metal ion concentration and biosorbent dose. Optimum pH for biosorption was determined as 5.0. The highest equilibrium uptake of Ni(II) on S. pombe, q e, was obtained at 25??C as 33.8?mg?g?1. It decreased with increasing temperature within a range of 25?50??C denoting an exothermic behaviour. Increasing initial Ni(II) concentration up to 400?mg?L?1 also elevated equilibrium uptake. No more adsorption took place beyond 400?mg?L?1. Equilibrium data fitted better to Langmuir model rather than Freundlich model. Sips, Redlich?Peterson, and Kahn isotherm equations modelled the investigated system with a...
This presentation describes a method for separating {sup 14}C-hexose from {sup 14}C-sucrose in extracts of plant tissue. Portions of ethanol extracts are treated with activated charcoal in microcentrifuge tubes. Aliquots are removed, ethanol evaporated and replaced with reaction mixture that phosphorylates hexose (HEPPS, K{sub 2}HPO{sub 4}, Mg(C{sub 2}H{sub 3}O{sub 2}){sub 2}, ovalbumen, Na{sub 2}ATP, yeast hexokinase). After a time course, the hexokinase reaction is stopped (slowed considerably) to minimize effects of contamination enzyme activities. The stopping agent used is lyxose, a nonphosphorylable analogue of glucose. The strong anionic charge of phosphate introduced through the hexokinase action results in binding (> 95%) of hexose-phosphate to anion-exchange resin. Sucrose remains unbound (> 95%) in solution. This batch ion-exchange is performed in microcentrifuge tubes to allow many samples to be processed simultaneously. Recovery of radiolabel in ...
Radium is known to be taken up by aquatic animals, and tends to accumulate in bone, shell and exoskeleton. The most common approach to estimating the uptake of a radionuclide by aquatic animals for use in health and environmental risk assessments is the concentration factor method. The concentration factor method relates the concentration of a contaminant in an organism to the concentration in the surrounding water. Site specific data are not usually available, and generic, default values are often used in risk assessment studies. This paper describes the concentration factor method, summarizes some of the variables which may influence the concentration factor for radium, reviews reported concentration factors measured in marine environments and presents concentration factors derived from data collected in a study in coastal Louisiana. The use of generic default ...
Radium is known to be taken up by aquatic animals, and tends to accumulate in bone, shell and exoskeleton. The most common approach to estimating the uptake of a radionuclide by aquatic animals for use in health and environmental risk assessments is the concentration factor method. The concentration factor method relates the concentration of a contaminant in an organism to the concentration in the surrounding water. Site specific data are not usually available, and generic, default values are often used in risk assessment studies. This paper describes the concentration factor method, summarizes some of the variables which may influence the concentration factor for radium, reviews reported concentration factors measured in marine environments and presents concentration factors derived from data collected in a study in coastal Louisiana. The use of generic default ...
The purpose of this article is to critically review the available evidence pertaining to occupational, environmental, and individual factors that can affect the development of occupational asthma (OA)....Full Text Available
The data base for the form factors of the nucleon obtained from elastic ep scattering is discussed, as well as some recent developments in their calculation.
Although the initiating factor(s) is unknown, it is now accepted that pulmonary sarcoidosis develops as a result of an over-stimulated local cellular immune response. Starting as a lymphocytic alveolitis,...Full Text Available
This is a presentation on Human Factors in reactor operations. It discusses issues that deal with power plant operations, training and design, operational effectiveness and safety, supporting people to achieve effective and error free performance.
The stock market has been known to form homogeneous stock groups with a higher correlation among different stocks according to common economic factors that influence individual stocks. We investigate the role of common economic factors in the market in the formation of stock networks, using the arbitrage pricing model reflecting essential properties of common economic factors. We find that the degree of consistency between real and model stock networks increases as additional common economic factors are incorporated into our model. Furthermore, we find that individual stocks with a large number of links to other stocks in a network are more highly correlated with common economic factors than those with a small number of links. This suggests that common economic factors in the stock market can be understood in terms of deterministic factors.
In general, the etiologic factors of chronic paranasal sinusitis are systemic conditions such as nutrition, predisposition, allergy, and local factors such as nasal anatomic conditions. Among these...Full Text Available
The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Savannah River Site (SRS) is decommissioning many of its excess facilities through removal of the facility structures leaving only the concrete-slab foundations in place. Site-specific, risk-based derived concentration guideline levels (DCGLs) for radionuclides have been determined for a future industrial worker potentially exposed to residual contamination on these concrete slabs as described in Jannik. These risk-based DCGLs were estimated for an exposure area of 100 m2. During deactivation and decommissioning (D and D) operations at SRS, the need for area factors for larger and smaller contaminated areas arose. This paper compares the area factors determined for an industrial worker exposed to a concrete slab end-state for several radionuclides of concern at SRS with 1) the illustrative area factors provided in MARSSIM, 2) the area correction factors provided in ...
Chitosan-filled rubber compounds were prepared using a laboratory sized two-roll mill. The effect of chitosan loading on three different types of rubber (STR 5L, ENR-25 and SBR) was investigated. The results indicate that, overall, the scorch time (t"S"2), cure time (t"9"0), tensile strength and elongation at break (Eb) decrease with chitosan loading, whereas an increment was observed in the maximum torque (MH) and the tensile modulus (M100 and M300) of all three types of rubber. At a similar chitosan loading, the cure characteristics of SBR were found to be longer (for t"S"2 and t"9"0) and higher (for MH) than those of STR 5L and ENR-25. The tensile properties of SBR were found to be the lowest of the three rubbers at a similar chitosan loading. The rubber-filler interaction for all three...
Nitrogen-rich Ca-#alpha#-sialon ceramics, prepared with CaH_2 as one of the starting powders, were compressively deformed in spark plasma sintering equipment. Compared with the oxygen-rich Ca-#alpha#-sialons, increasing onset deformation temperatures (about 150 K higher) were observed for nitrogen-rich Ca-#alpha#-sialons deformed at a rate of 2 x 10"-"3 s"-"1. High hardness (H_V_1_0 = 18-20 GPa) and toughness (K_I_C = 4-7 MPa m"1"/"2) were maintained after the deformation. Anisotropic grain growth was found to take place during deformation, resulting in anisotropic microstructures, containing coarse and elongated grains. The observed differences in deformation behaviour and properties between nitrogen-rich and oxygen-rich Ca-#alpha#-sialons are, as indicated by transmission electron microscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy analysis, attributed to the presence of reduced amounts of a nitrogen-rich grain-boundary glass phase.
Non-destructive methods of diagnosis for detecting cable degradation by aging are being studied recently for improvement of electric wires and cables. This study examines degradation behaviors of cable sheath and insulation by combined accelerated aging tests applying thermal and radiation stresses simultaneously using a typical low voltage cable. According to experiments, elongation of cross-linked polyethylene insulation deteriorated at a faster rate than PVC sheath did under low doses below 50 Gy/h. Therefore, measurements using a time domain dielectric spectrometer (TDS) were carried out for the purpose of developing a method of degradation diagnosis of insulation. It was found that values of tan#delta# measured at very low frequencies below 0.1 Hz increase in pace with degradation of insulation reflecting the level of degradation more effectively than those measured at frequencies around the commercial frequency. In order to consider causes of the increases of ...
Type 304 stainless steels (solution annealed material, cold worked material and fine grain material) were neutron irradiated to 3 x 10"2"5n/m"2 at 290degC and at 50degC. Each specimen was examined by SSRT test in high temperature water with 8 ppm dissolved oxygen and Ar gas environments. Results were as follows: (1) IASCC susceptibility of each material can be classified by 0.2% proof stress (PS) obtained from SSRT test in Ar gas: No IASCC susceptibility was observed in the PS range 850 MPa. (2) The uniform elongation (UE) in Ar gas environment decreased with increasing PS up to 800 MPa, and became about 0% in the PS range >800 MPa. (3) It was suggested that IASCC did not occur even if material had IASCC susceptibility, when under a condition that brittle fracture mechanism controls a specimen failure. (author)
For optimizing the microstructure of the (#alpha# + #beta#)-titanium alloy TiAl5Fe2.5 the content of the two alloying elements aluminium and iron in the #alpha#- and #beta#-phase was determined by microprobe analysis. The alloys with the composition of the #alpha#- and of the #beta#-phase at 850 degC TiAl6Fe0.5 (#alpha#-phase) and TiAl3.5Fe6.5 (#beta#-phase) were prepared by arc melting and rolling at 850 degC. The mechanical properties of the '#alpha#'- and of the '#beta#'-phase-alloy are compared with the properties of the (#alpha# + #beta#)-alloy TiAl5Fe2.5 in the as rolled and swaged condition and after an additional aging at 550 degC. By this optimizing process it was possible to achieve a tensile strength of Rsub(m) = 1012 N/mm"2, an yield strength of Rsub(p0.2) 954 N/mm"2 and an elongation at fracture A = 14.5% in the TiAl5Fe2.5-alloy, although the degree of hot deformation was small. By a higher degree of deformation these properties can be improved. ...
Reflectance anisotropy spectroscopy (RAS) has been used, together with scanning tunnelling spectroscopy (STS), to investigate the optical and electronic properties of nanodots formed by depositing Ag on the Si(111)-3 x 1-Ag surface. One-dimensional (1D) arrays of nanodots were grown on a single-domain (3 x 1)-Ag surface and the anisotropic optical response in the 0.5-5 eV range measured by RAS. Aligned, elongated Ag islands were also grown on this surface to compare their properties with those of the nanodots. STS of the Ag islands showed distinct metallic behaviour, whereas the nanodots revealed a bandgap of #approx#0.6 eV, indicating that the surface of the dots has a non-metallic character, similar to that of the Si(111)-3 x 1-Ag surface. RAS also showed substantial differences between the structures, with a large infrared anisotropy for the metallic Ag islands consistent with anisotropic Drude-like intraband transitions, whereas the nanodots gave a negligible ...
Abstract Elongate plasmodia with myxosporean spores belonging to the genus Unicapsula, Davis, 1924 were found in the skeletal muscle of the striped seabream, Lithognathus mormyrus (L.), a candidate for the mediterranean aquaculture. The only species of Unicapsula described from the Mediterranean is Unicapsula pflugfelderi Schubert et al. 1975, which occurs in the picarel, Spicara smaris (L.). For morphological and molecular comparison of U. pflugfelderi from S. smaris with Unicapsula sp. from L. mormyrus measurements of plasmodia and spores, ultrastructural details and 18S and 28S rDNA sequences were analysed. Whereas plasmodia were 2-3 times larger in S. smaris than in L. mormyrus (length 2.47-0.81 mm; width 0.22-0.09 mm; P = 0.000), spore morphology showed minor differences and both 18S ...
Fine-grained AZ31 magnesium alloy sheets were prepared through hot rolling process. The superplastic properties of hot-rolled AZ31 Mg alloy was examined by uniaxial tensile tests at a temperature range 250{proportional_to}450 C and strain rate range 0.7 x 10{sup -3}{proportional_to}1.4 x 10{sup -1} s{sup -1}. Optical and scanning electronic microscope (SEM) were used to observe the microstructure evolution and fracture behavior in superplastic deformation of AZ31 Mg alloy and the values of deformation activation energy at various temperatures were calculated. It is demonstrated that, the hot-rolled AZ31 alloy begins to exhibit superplasticity from 300 C and a maximum elongation of 362.5% is obtained at 400 C and 0.7 x 10{sup -3} s{sup -1}. In the temperature range 300{proportional_to}400 C, the dominant superplastic deformation mechanism is grain boundary sliding (GBS) controlled by grain boundary diffusion and the influence of temperature on the fracture behavior ...
Dissimilar metal welds between ferritic low-alloy and austenitic stainless steels commonly occur in power plant application. In order to overcome some of the problems encountered here, a trimetallic configuration using an intermediate piece (such as Alloy 800) between the austenitic and ferritic steels has been suggested. This paper describes some features of the joints between modified 9Cr-1Mo steel and Alloy 800, produced with Inconel 82/182 filler material. The joints require heat-treatment after welding and the results have shown that a treatment at 760 C for 2 h would be optimal. Although most tensile failures occurred in the weld metal the welds were found to exhibit strength properties that are at least equal to those of Alloy 800, with a tensile elongation lying between those of the two base materials. Similarly, while the weld metals are slightly less tough than the two base materials, the weld metal toughness at 120 J is still quite adequate for the ...
Understanding the influence of interfacial structures on the nanoarchitecture mechanical properties is of particular importance for its mechanical applications. Due to a small size of constituting nanostructural units and a consequently high volume ratio of such interfacial regions, this question becomes crucial for the overall mechanical performance. Boron nitride bamboo-like nanotubes, called hereafter boron nitride nanobamboos (BNNBs), are composed of short BN nanotubular segments with specific interfaces at the bamboo-shaped joints. In this work, the mechanical properties of such structures are investigated by using direct in situ transmission electron microscopy tensile tests and molecular dynamics simulations. The mechanical properties and deformation behaviors are correlated with the interfacial structure under atomic resolution, and a geometry strengthening effect is clearly demonstrated. Due to the interlocked joint interfacial structures and compressive interfacial stresses, ...
Radiation-and-thermal-combined degradation of some kinds of cable insulating and jacketing materials was evaluated by accelerated aging tests. Plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC), silicone rubber, crosslinked and non-crosslinked halogen-free flame-retardant polyolefins (NH-XLPO and NH-PO) and ethylene-propylene rubber (EP rubber) of experimental formulation were degraded at accelerated rates, that are 50-1000 times the degradation rate under standard conditions (e.g.; 1Gy/h, 50degC), and a method to assess the lifetime of these materials under standard conditions was studied. The degradation was investigated by measuring tensile properties. In the accelerated aging tests, rates of elongation decrease owing to degradation for these materials were in proportion to the increase in accelerated rate. The PVC lifetime estimated from sequential aging tests had a tendency to extend beyond that from simultaneous aging tests, while the lifetime of other materials estimated ...
Irradiation response on the tensile properties of 9Cr-2W steels has been investigated following FFTF/MOTA irradiations at temperatures between 646 and 873 K up to doses between 10 and 59 dpa. The largest irradiation hardening accompanied by the largest decrease in the elongation is observed for the specimens irradiated at 646 K at doses between 10 and 15 dpa. The irradiation hardening appears to saturate at a dose of around 10 dpa at the irradiation temperature. No hardening but softening was observed in the specimens irradiated at above 703 K to doses of 40 and 59 dpa. Microstructural observation by transmission electron microscope (TEM) revealed that the dislocation loops with the a left angle 100 right angle type Burgers vector and small precipitates which were identified to be M_6C type carbides existed after the irradiation at below 703 K. As for the void formation, the average size of voids increased with increasing irradiation temperature from 646 to 703 K. ...
Ion implantation of Si (60 keV, 1{times}10{sup 14}/cm{sup 2}) has been used to introduce excess interstitials into silicon predoped with high background concentrations of B, which were varied between 1{times}10{sup 18} and 1{times}10{sup 19}/cm{sup 3}. Following post-implantation annealing at 740{degree}C for 15 min to allow agglomeration of the available interstitials into elongated {l_brace}311{r_brace} defects, the density of the agglomerated interstitials was determined by plan-view transmission electron microscopy observation of the defects. We report a significant reduction in the fraction of excess interstitials trapped in {l_brace}311{r_brace} defects as a function of boron concentration, up to nearly complete disappearance of the {l_brace}311{r_brace} defects at boron concentrations of 1{times}10{sup 19}/cm{sup 3}. The reduction of the excess interstitial concentration is interpreted in terms of boron-interstitial clustering, and implications for ...
Ion implantation of Si (60 keV, 1x10"1"4/cm"2) has been used to introduce excess interstitials into silicon predoped with high background concentrations of B, which were varied between 1x10"1"8 and 1x10"1"9/cm"3. Following post-implantation annealing at 740 degree C for 15 min to allow agglomeration of the available interstitials into elongated #left brace#311#right brace# defects, the density of the agglomerated interstitials was determined by plan-view transmission electron microscopy observation of the defects. We report a significant reduction in the fraction of excess interstitials trapped in #left brace#311#right brace# defects as a function of boron concentration, up to nearly complete disappearance of the #left brace#311#right brace# defects at boron concentrations of 1x10"1"9/cm"3. The reduction of the excess interstitial concentration is interpreted in terms of boron-interstitial clustering, and implications for transient-enhanced diffusion of B at high ...
Inner ring structures are observed in about one quarter of all lenticular or spiral galaxies. Statistics of the relative frequencies of the pure ring (r) and broken ring (rs) varieties in the Second Reference Catalogue (RC2) among the different families (A, AB, B) of lenticular (L) and spiral (S) galaxies at different stages (T) along the revised Hubble sequence are presented; selection effects dependent on classification weight, apparent diameter and axis ratio are discussed. Comparisons of ring diameters D/sub r/ listed in the (First) Reference Catalogue (RC1) with independent measurements of 43 barred systems by Kormendy show good systematic agreement with a standard deviation sigma_1_2(D/sub r/) = 0'.10 and individual relative mean errors sigma(D/sub r/)/ < D/sub r/ > approx. = 5%. Axis ratios are also in good agreement with sigma_1_2(b/a) = 0.06. Comparisons of axis ratios of rings and parent galaxies show systematic trends dependent on stage T; in general rings have greater ...
A large amount of industrial water is used for cooling the various process fluids in the petroleum purification factories as well as petroleum chemistry factories. Consequently, a lot of heat exchangers as the necessary constitutional instruments are made of carbon steel. Due to the most of the corrosions of the carbon steel occurring in such cooling water systems are pitting corrosions, the inhibition thereof is extremely important for the elongation of the life of the plants and the stable operation. In this paper, the influences of water quality fractions on pitting corrosion of carbon steel in cooling water circumstance are examined aiming at the fouling in the cooling water. The fouling in the cooling water does not only increase the amount of occurrence of pitting corrosion but also accelerates the progress of pitting corrosion enlarging the rust due to its deposition near the anode. Since only the inhibitor is not sufficient to inhibit the pitting corrosion ...
This report summarizes the results of an experimental program which developed a needed reliable data base on modern pipe-type cable construction from which designers can knowledgeably consider maximizing cable pulling lengths with resulting cost savings. The program comprised evaluations of available commercial constructions over the range of conductor sizes (both copper and aluminum) and insulation thicknesses in general utilization. The work focussed on determining the cable's performance under the three mechanical stress modes to which the cable is subjected during installation; (a) tension and elongation, (b) torsion and (c) sidewall (bearing) pressure in bends. Additionally, the program included experimentation to determine the effective coefficient of friction of the various combinations of modern skid wire materials and pipe filling oils used as lubricants with the cable in both triangular and cradled configuration. The cables tested were equipped ...
In order to enhance the mechanical properties of magnesium alloy (AZ31) sheet, an integrated sheet-making process including billet casting, extrusion and rolling was attempted. Microstructural analysis was carried out and the mechanical properties at each processing step were also investigated by tensile tests. By an extrusion process of ingot-processed billet, average grain size of billet was reduced from 91.2 to 28.2 {mu}m, and a further reduction in grain size to 16.9 {mu}m was obtained by subsequent rolling of extruded 5 mm thin slab. In the final step, a rolled sheet of 1 mm showed a remarkable refinement in grain size down to 8.8 {mu}m. Regarding mechanical properties, tensile strength and elongation for as-cast billet, as-extruded thin slab and as-rolled sheet increased from 189, 258 to 234 MPa, and from 13, 16.5 to 23%, respectively. (orig.)
Nano-wire arrays of Niobium were produced by small angle sputtering on facetted sapphire, using the self shadowing effect of the facets. A wire width of about 80 nm was adjusted, the mean (maximum) wire height was about 20 nm (30 nm), the length can be in the cm range. Meander-film morphologies of 20 nm mean (26 nm maximum) thickness were produced by conventional sputtering onto smooth sapphire substrates at elevated temperatures. The morphology of the wires was investigated with atomic force microscopy (AFM), using contact mode. Meander-films were studied by scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM). Hydrogen loading was performed by instantaneously increasing the hydrogen gas pressure above the solubility limit. Thus, an elongated hydride could be monitored in an about 30 nm thick wire. STM studies on meander-films show the presence of cylindrical hydrides. Local out-of-plane and in-plane expansion can be explained by the formation of hydrides, being coherent with the ...
MoSi_2-particulate-reinforced #alpha#-SiAlON ceramic composites 10, 20, 25, and 30 vol% were prepared by at 1,750--1,800C. The #alpha#-SiAlON matrix was of the composition (Y_0_._4_8Si_1_0_._0_0Al_2_._3_0O_1_._1_7N_1_5_._2_9). The hardness for the fully dense samples changed from HV10 = 22.5 to 15.3 GPa and the toughness from 3.2 to around 5.2 MPa#centre dot#m"1"/"2 when up to 30 vol% MoSi_2 was present. Two interesting microstructural features have been found. First, with an increasing amount of MoSi_2 a pronounced coalescence of MoSi_2 particles formed a ''dual phase'' material. The second effect was the growth of elongated #alpha#-SiAlON grains in the matrix with 10 vol% MoSi_2 added. The oxidation resistance has been determined, to be unaffected by the addition of 20 vol% MoSi_2 at 1,250 C in oxygen gas of 1 atm pressure.
The {beta}-Si{sub 3}N{sub 4}w/6061 Al composite was fabricated by the squeeze casting and extruded with the extrusion ratios of 44 and 100 at 773 K. Its tensile strength and superplastic characteristics were investigated and the following results were obtained: (1) the {beta}-Si{sub 3}N{sub 4}w/6061 Al composite exhibits the tensile strengths of about 400 MPa at room temperature and of about 250 MPa at 773 K; (2) the m value of the composite pulled at 818 K is 0.33 in the strain rate range from 0.02 up to 1.0 s{sup {minus}1}; (3) the total elongation of the composite becomes about 173 % at the strain rate of 0.02 s{sup {minus}1} even in the case of the high volume fraction of 0.25; (4) no reaction product on the surface of {beta}-Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} whisker after removing a matrix by etching was detected except AlN; (5) the fracture surface of the composite includes the melt matrix and small filaments, which shows that interfacial sliding should promote HSRS in ...
High temperature deformation behavior of AZ31 Mg alloy was investigated in this study on the basis of a processing map ({epsilon} {approx} 0.6). To construct a processing map, compression tests were carried out at various temperatures and strain rates. Two regions of high deformation efficiency ({eta}) were identified as: (1) a dynamic recrystallization (DRX) domain at 250 C and 1/s and (2) a superplasticity domain at 450 C and 10{sup -4}/s. The average grain size observed in the DRX region was considerably smaller (2.9{mu}m) than in any other region. In the superplastic condition, tensile elongation to failure approached to 1040%. At the high Z regions, flow softening occurred resulting from the dynamic recrystallization but below 10{sup 10} of Z value, flow hardening occurred due to the grain growth. Possible deformation mechanisms operating at high temperature were discussed in relation to the activation energy. A two-stage deformation method was found to be ...
The global production of steel is predicted to increase rapidly to meet future demands. In order to conserve the natural resources, certain measures must be taken. These include perfecting the recycling of steel, improving the performance to extend the life of the material, and reduce the need for massive production of steel by increasing the strength of the material. This paper presented a design concept for ultrafine complex microstructure steel. The National Research Institute for Metals in Japan has worked on a project which investigated 800 MPa ferrite steel for welded structures with a chemical composition similar to 400 MPa-class plain carbon steel. The doubled strength was attributed to grain refinement. Novel welding techniques were also used for joining the ultrafine microstructure. In this study, low carbon Si-Mn ferrite-pearlite steels were subjected to a thermo-mechanical treatment to produce a microstructure of 1 micron order ultrafine grain ferrite plus finely dispersed ...
We report coupling and guiding of pulses of peak power up to 0.3 TW in 1.5 cm long preformed plasma waveguides generated in a high repetition rate argon gas jet. Coupling of up to 52% was measured for 50 mJ, -110 fs pulses injected at times longer than 20 ns, giving guided intensities up to -5x1016 W/cm2. It was found that for short delays between waveguide generation and pulse injection, pulse shortening occurred, with this effect reduced as delay was increased. Injection into the waveguide of two consecutive pulses separated by a few nanoseconds resulted in the reduction of shortening of the second pulse at all delays. Femtosecond time-resolved shadowgrams of the coupling of injected pulses into the waveguide show that there is ?0.5 mm of neutral gas remaining at the waveguide entrance after waveguide generation.
For an assessment of the future US spallation neutron source (SNS) target performance, radiation induced hardening and microstructural evolution were investigated as a function of ion dose for EC316LN stainless steel. Irradiation was carried out using 3.5 MeV Fe{sup +}, 360 keV He{sup +}, and 180 keV H{sup +} simultaneous ion-beams at 200 deg. C to simulate the damage, He and H production in the SNS target vessel wall. At low dose (< 1 dpa), the predominant defects were black dots whose number density saturated rapidly within a few dpa. This was followed by the evolution of interstitial loops whose number density saturated below 15 dpa. Although He-bubbles were not visible, severely scalloped loops suggested that the implanted He/H atoms existed in the form of small clusters. Comparison with reported neutron irradiation data showed that hardening and ductility loss occurred mostly in the black dot regime (< 1 dpa), but that good ductility (>20% ...
For an assessment of the future US spallation neutron source (SNS) target performance, radiation induced hardening and microstructural evolution were investigated as a function of ion dose for EC316LN stainless steel. Irradiation was carried out using 3.5 MeV Fe"+, 360 keV He"+, and 180 keV H"+ simultaneous ion-beams at 200 deg. C to simulate the damage, He and H production in the SNS target vessel wall. At low dose (< 1 dpa), the predominant defects were black dots whose number density saturated rapidly within a few dpa. This was followed by the evolution of interstitial loops whose number density saturated below 15 dpa. Although He-bubbles were not visible, severely scalloped loops suggested that the implanted He/H atoms existed in the form of small clusters. Comparison with reported neutron irradiation data showed that hardening and ductility loss occurred mostly in the black dot regime (< 1 dpa), but that good ductility (>20% elongation) was maintained ...
A new type of particle simulation model based on the gyrophase-averaged Vlasov and Poisson equations is presented. The reduced system, in which particle gyrations are removed from the equations of motion while the finite Larmor radius effects are still preserved, is most suitable for studying low frequency microinstabilities in magnetized plasmas. It is feasible to simulate an elongated system (L/sub parallel/ >> L/sub perpendicular/) with a three-dimensional grid using the present model without resorting to the usual mode expansion technique, since there is essentially no restriction on the size of ..delta..x/sub parallel/ in a gyrokinetic plasma. The new approach also enables us to further separate the time and spatial scales of the simulation from those associated with global transport through the use of multiple spatial scale expansion. Thus, the model can be a very efficient tool for studying anomalous transport problems related to steady-state ...
We report the first direct detection of an exoplanet in polarized scattered light. The transiting planet HD189733b is one of the very hot Jupiters with shortest periods and, thus, smallest orbits, which makes them ideal candidates for polarimetric detections. We obtained polarimetric measurements of HD189733 in the $B$ band well distributed over the orbital period and detected two polarization maxima near planetary elongations with the peak amplitude of $\\sim2\\cdot10^{-4}$. Assuming Rayleigh scattering, we estimated the effective size of the scattering atmosphere (Lambert sphere) to be 1.5$\\pm$0.2 $R_{\\rm J}$, which is 30% larger than the radius of the opaque body previously inferred from transits. If the scattering matter fills the planetary Roche lobe, the lower limit of the geometrical albedo can be estimated as 0.14. The phase dependence of polarization indicates that the planetary orbit is oriented almost in the north-south direction with the longitude of ...
This experiment was done to determine the effects of irradiation on the physical properties of three kinds of laminated packaging materials, i.e. polypropylene-polypropylene, polypropylene-polyethylene, polyester-polyethylene. Observations were made on pinhole production, leakage, oil resistance, resistance against insect penetration, colour, odour tensile strength, elongation at break, seal strength and tear resistance. The samples were irradiated with doses of 0, 5 and 10 kGy, then stored at room temperature and examined after 0, 3, 6 and 12 months of storage. The results showed that irradiation doses up to 10 kGy, as well as storage up to 12 months, did not create pinholes, or leakage in pouches prepared from laminated films. The resistance of the films to oil and insect penetration, the colour, and the odour were also unchanged. Both irradiation and storage treatments had a significant effect on physical properties of the laminated films. In general, the ...
The effect of warm rolling under various conditions on the microstructure and mechanical property was investigated using an AZ31 Mg alloy sheet. Several processing parameters such as initial thickness, thickness reduction by a single pass rolling, rolling temperature, roll speed, and roll temperature were varied to elicit an optimum condition for the warm rolling process of AZ31 Mg alloy. Microstructure and mechanical properties were measured for specimens subjected to rolling experiments of various conditions. Warm rolling of 30% thickness reduction per pass was possible without any side-crack at temperatures as low as 200 C under the roll speed of 30 m/min. The initial microstructure before rolling was the mixed one consisting of partially recrystallized and cast structures. Grain refinement was found to occur actively during the warm rolling, producing a very fine grain size of 7 {mu}m after 50% reduction in single pass rolling at 200 C. Yield strength of 204 MPa, tensile strength ...
The effects of various antioxidants and antioxidant concentrations on the radiation and thermal stability of EPDM and XLPE polymers used for insulation of electric cable in nuclear power plants were measured. The objective was to determine if particular antioxidants could be identified as being especially effective for stabilization against radiation aging and combined thermal and radiation aging. Elongation to rupture was used as the measure of stability. Materials were irradiated to doses up to 2 MGy (200 Mrad) at a dose rate of 200 to 300 Gy/h in the Cobalt-60 Gamma Irradiation Facility at the University of Virginia. All of the antioxidants tested, which were known to provide excellent thermal stability, also provided good stability for radiation aging and combined thermal/radiation aging, although small differences between antioxidants were noted. No antioxidant or antioxidant combination was identified as being especially outstanding. Stabilization against ...
Fe-Cr-Mn stainless steel is one of the candidate materials for the 1`st wall materials and structural applications of fusion reactor as regards reduced radioactivation properties than Fe-Cr-Ni austenitic stainless steels. This report deals with the effects of annealing and aging heat treatment on the microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of Fe-Cr-Mn alloys varying Mn and W contents, which were made using vacuum high frequency induction furnace. Increasing Mn contents, austenite phase was increased, and maximum .epsilon. martensite phase was formed at about 21% Mn. W-addition made small amount of ferrite phase in the matrix, and the ferrite contents were increased with raising annealing temperature. Increased Mn contents reduced tensile stress and yield stress but increased the elongation. W-addition raised the high temperature tensile properties. The variation of Mn contents had no influenced on corrosion resistance. However, W-addition ...
The major objective of this work is to seek for new solutions that can lead to significant lifetime improvement of submerse lines which experience severe wear processes on the polymeric layer coating used for protection of the touch down point (TDP) region. Four different materials were selected as possible candidates for the coating layer of this critical region. They are commercially available and posses well known processing technologies. The materials are two polymers: nylon 66 and polyacetal; and two composites: nylon 66 reinforced with 13 or 33% glass fiber. Stress-strain behavior was evaluated using two deformation rates in order to characterize the viscoelastic behavior proper of polymeric materials. It was observed that increasing the amount of glass fiber in the matrix leads to a stronger material and a consequent decrease of elongation to break. Additionally, abrasion tests were carried out using a Taber equipment in three distinct conditions. Results ...
The status of development and commercialization of a modified 9 Cr-1 Mo alloy is presented. The alloy is modified by the addition of 0.06 to 0.10% Nb and 0.18 to 0.25% V. The alloy is recommended for use in the normalized and tempered condition (1040"0C for 1 h, air cooled to room temperature; 760"0C for 1 h, air cooled to room temperature). Heat treatment, Charpy impact, tensile, and creep properties of the alloy are described in detail along with a brief description of other properties. The modified alloy has creep strength that exceeds that of standard 9 Cr-1 Mo and 2 1/4 Cr-1 Mo steels for the temperature range from 427 to 704"0C. The total-elongation and reduction-of-area values for all test temperatures and rupture times up to 22,500 h exceed 15 and 70%, respectively. The estimated design allowable stresses for this alloy are higher than those for standard 9 Cr-1 Mo and 2 1/4 Cr-1 Mo steel. At 550"0C and above, these values are twice those of the other ...
Delta Scorpii is a double giant Be star in the forefront of the Scorpio, well visible to the naked eye, being normally of magnitude 2.3. In the year 2000 its luminosity rose up suddenly to the magnitude 1.6, changing the usual aspect of the constellation of Scorpio. This phenomenon has been associated to the close periastron of the companion, orbiting on a elongate ellipse with a period of about 11 years. The periastron, on basis of high precision astrometry, is expected to occur in the first decade of July 2011, and the second star of the system is approaching the atmosphere of the primary, whose circumstellar disk has a H-alpha diameter of 5 milliarcsec, comparable with the periastron distance. The preliminary results of a photometric campaign, here presented in the very days of the periastron, show an irregular behavior of the star's luminosity, which can reflect some shocks between material around the two stars. The small luminosity increasement detected in the ...
Research is in progress to obtain a satisfactory creep ductility for alloy 800 when used as heat exchanger material in sodium-cooled fast reactors (LMFBR). The creep test characteristics at present available show that a pronounced tendency to reduced elongation by creep failure may arise after prolonged testing in the 500-700 deg C temperature range. This phenomenon is now agreed to be primarily inherent to the conditions for Ni_3(Ti,Al) precipitation in the material and hence to the Ti and Al concentrations. By structural studies and hardness measurements on material subjected to creep tests and taken from a large number of castings, the relationship was established between the (Ti+Al) content and the structural hardness effect of Ni_3(Ti,Al) at 600 deg C. Below a certain Ti+Al concentration, no precipitation occurs and hence the creep ductility to failure can be improved considerably by limiting the allowed Ti+Al content in the material, though at the price of ...
Summary Reactive extrusion was utilised for starch/poly(butylene adipate co-terephthalate) (PBAT) blown film production, using maleic anhydride (MA) and citric acid (CA), alone or combined, as compatibilisers. These compounds (2% w/w) were added to the starch/PBAT (55:45) mixture after dispersion on glycerol. More rigid films, with greater tensile strength (9.82--0.45-MPa), were produced when 2.0% CA was used. The opposite, little homogeneity and poor tensile strength (0.77--0.12-MPa) and elongation (2.67--0.67%) were found in films produced using 2.0% MA. Barrier properties to water vapour were improved by compatibilisers. FTIR analysis showed that CA and MA were able to promote esterification/transesterification reactions. Blends containing CA also showed better phase compatibilisation i...
Abstract Plant annexins represent a multigene family involved in cellular elongation and development. A cDNA encoding a novel annexin was isolated from a cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) fiber cDNA library and designated-GhAnx1. This gene encodes a 316 amino acid protein with a theoretical molecular mass of 36.06 kDa and a theoretical pI of 6.19. At the amino acid level, it shares high sequence similarity and has evolutionary relationships with annexins from higher plants. The purified recombinant protein expressed in-Escherichia coli-was used to investigate its physicochemical properties. Circular dichroism spectrum analyses showed a positive peak rising to the maximum at 196 nm and a broad negative band rounding 215 nm, suggesting that the GhAnx1 protein was prominently -helical. The fluoresc...
The mechanical behaviour of wrought magnesium alloy AZ31 has been characterised by tensile testing at room temperature. Tests were carried out at various strain rates between 0.00003 s{sup -1} and 0.01 s{sup -1} on material which had been extruded to a bar of approximately 6 mm thick, and 80 mm wide. Specimens were machined from three orientations relative to the extrusion direction: parallel, perpendicular, and 45 from the extrusion direction. Significant variations of the properties were observed depending on the extrusion orientation and strain rate. At all strain rates the yield stress declined as the test orientation was rotated away from the extrusion direction. Parallel to the extrusion direction, the yield stress was found to increases markedly with increasing strain rate, whereas at 45 and 90 a lesser influence of strain rate was observed. The work hardening exponent was also influenced by the test orientation. Metallographic studies revealed a microstructure which was ...
This paper investigated the effect of hydrogen (H{sub 2}) addition on the combustion process of a heavy-duty diesel engine. The addition of a small amount of H{sub 2} was shown to have a mild effect on the cylinder pressure and combustion process. When operated at high load, the addition of a relatively large amount of H{sub 2} substantially increased the peak cylinder pressure and the peak heat release rate. Compared to the two-stage combustion process of diesel engines, a featured three-stage combustion process of the H{sub 2}-diesel dual fuel engine was observed. The extremely high peak heat release rate represented a combination of diesel diffusion combustion and the premixed combustion of H{sub 2} consumed by multiple turbulent flames, which substantially enhanced the combustion process of H{sub 2}-diesel dual fuel engine. However, the addition of a relatively large amount of H{sub 2} at low load did not change the two-stage heat release process pattern. The premixed combustion ...
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurobehavioral disorder affecting 5% to 10% of children. Although considered to be a highly familial disorder, ADHD heritability estimates of 60% to 80% highlight the considerable role that environmental factors may still play in disorder susceptibility. Proposed ADHD environmental risk factors include prenatal substance exposures, heavy metal and chemical exposures, nutritional factors, and lifestyle/psychosocial factors. This paper reviews the literature published in 2010 investigating the association between environmental risk factors and ADHD or related symptomatology. Sources of risk factor exposure and the proposed mechanism by which each exposure is linked to ADHD-related neurobehavioral changes are also reported. Metho...
Collection, analysis and quantification of human factor data are important compositions of human reliability analysis (HRA) and probabilistic risk assessment (PRA). Various human factor databases have been set up, but there are comparatively little human factor data management systems which can be uses for collection, classification, analysis, calculation and predication of the human factor data. Therefore, the human factor data management system for Daya Bay NPP is developed, with the following three modules and four databases: original data module, computing module, introduced data module, and basic database, other data source of the plant, external database and introduced database. The foundational problems about human factor data and the systemic structure and function are described. The data structure in the database is also discussed, because it is of the ...
Looking at all the indeterminate factors as a whole and regarding activity durations as independent random variables, the traditional stochastic network planning models ignore the inevitable relationship and dependence among activity durations when more than one activity is possibly affected by the same indeterminate factors. On this basis of analysis of indeterminate effect factors of durations, the effect factors-based stochastic network planning (EFBSNP) model is proposed, which emphasizes on the effects of not only logistic and organizational relationships, but also the dependent relationships, due to indeterminate factors among activity durations on the project period. By virtue of indeterminate factor analysis the model extracts and describes the quantitatively indeterminate effect f...
Elastic electromagnetic form factors of nucleons are investigated for both the time-like and the space-like momenta by using the unsubtracted dispersion relation with QCD constraints. It is shown that the calculated form factors reproduce the experimental data reasonably well; they agree with recent experimental data for the neutron magnetic form factors for the space-like data obtained by the CLAS Collaboration and are compatible with the ratio of the electric and magnetic form factors for the time-like momentum obtained by the BABAR Collaboration.
Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune connective tissue disorder characterized by a widespread microangiopathy, autoimmunity and fibrosis of the skin and of various internal organs. Microangiopathy is characterized by a reduced capillary density and an irregular chaotic architecture that lead to chronic tissue hypoxia. Despite the hypoxic conditions, there is no evidence for a sufficient compensative angiogenesis in SSc. Furthermore, vasculogenesis is also impaired. An imbalance between angiogenic and angiostatic factors might explain the pathogenetic mechanisms of SSc vasculopathy. As far as angiogenic factors are concerned, within the most important are vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors, platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-?), fibroblast growth factor -2 (FGF-2), angiopoietin 1 (Ang-1), stromal ...
In many applications, the experimenter has limited options about what factor combinations can be chosen for a designed study. Consider a screening study for a production process involving five input factors whose levels have been previously established. The goal of the study is to understand the effect of each factor on the response, a variable that is expensive to measure and results in destruction of the part. From an inventory of available parts with known factor values, we wish to identify a best collection of factor combinations with which to estimate the factor effects. Though the observational nature of the study cannot establish a causal relationship involving the response and the factors, the study can increase understanding of the underlying process. The study can also help determine where investment should be made to control input ...
The activity assay of a radiopharmaceutical administration to a patient is normally achieved via the use of a radionuclide calibrator. Because of the different geometries and elemental compositions between plastic syringes and glass vials, the calibration factors for syringes may well be significantly different from those for the glass containers. The magnitude of these differences depends on the energies of the emitted photons. For some radionuclides variations have been observed of 70 %, it is therefore important to recalibrate for syringes or use syringe calibration factors. Calibration factors and volume correction factors have been derived for the NPL secondary standard radionuclide calibrator, for a variety of commonly used syringes and needles, for the most commonly used medical radionuclide.
Polarization measurements are allowing the electric to magnetic form factor ratio of the proton to be determined with unprecedented precision. Recent results indicate that there is a large deviation from unity in the proton form factor ratio around Q{sup 2}{approx_equal}0.35 GeV{sup 2}. Furthermore, the deviation from unity is attributed to a deviation of the electric form factor from standard fits and calculations. A new, partially completed, experiment will significantly improve the existing data and will determine the presence, if any, of a narrow structure in the form factor ratio. The new measurement, combined with the expected high precision cross section measurements, will allow the extraction of individual form factors with unprecedented accuracy at low Q{sup 2}.
The complete world set of parity-violating electron scattering data up to Q{sup 2}{approx}0.3 GeV{sup 2} is analyzed. We extract the current experimental determination of the strange electric and magnetic form factors of the proton, as well as the weak axial form factors of the proton and neutron, at Q{sup 2}=0.1 GeV{sup 2}. Within experimental uncertainties, we find that the strange form factors are consistent with zero, as are the anapole contributions to the axial form factors. Nevertheless, the correlation between the strange and anapole contributions suggest that there is only a small probability that these form factors all vanish simultaneously.
The aim of this study is to develop the methodology which enables to identify the mechanical properties of element such as stress intensity factor by using the AE parameters. Considering the multivariate and nonlinear properties of AE parameters such as ringdown count, rise time, energy, event duration and peak amplitude from fatigue cracks of machine element the principal component regression(PCR) and artificial neural network(ANN) models for the estimation of stress intensity factor were developed and validated. The AE parameters were found to be very significant to estimate the stress intensity factor. Since the statistical values including correlation coefficients, standard mr of calibration, standard error of prediction and bias were stable, the PCR and ANN models for stress intensity factor were very robust. The performance of ANN model for unknown data of stress intensity ...
This study determined the phylogenetic groups and virulence factors of 37 Escherichia coli isolates producing types of CTX-M compared with those of 19 isolates producing different types...Full Text Available
Vascular permeability factor (VPF) is an Mr 40-kD protein that has been purified from the conditioned medium of guinea pig line 10 tumor cells grown in vitro, and increases fluid permeability from blood...Full Text Available
AIM: To investigate the effects of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) on the differentiation of colonic lamina propria fibroblasts (CLPF) into myofibroblasts in vitro.METHODS:...Full Text Available
BackgroundPerichondrium is recognized as a tissue with chondrogenic potential yielding cells which can be used for osteochondral repair. Factors which influence the proliferative...Full Text Available
Opinions on factors affecting public power systems are presented. Social, economic, and political factors are discussed in terms of their impact on public power. Competition with investor-owned utilities is the primary focus of the paper. Privatization and regulations are other issues discussed.
Hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) promotes tumor cell adaptation to microenvironmental stress. HIF-1 is up-regulated in irradiated tumors and serves as a promising target for radiosensitization....Full Text Available
The covariant quark model is shown to allow a phenomenological description of the neutron electric form factor, G{sub E}{sup n}(Q{sup 2}), in the impulse approximation, provided that the wave function contains minor ({approx}3%) admixtures of the lowest energy sea-quark configurations. While that form factor is not very sensitive to whether the q{sup -} in the qqqqq{sup -} component is in the P-state or in the S-state, the calculated nucleon magnetic form factors are much closer to the empirical values in the case of the former configuration. In the case of the electric form factor of the proton, G{sub E}{sup p}(Q{sup 2}) a zero appears in the impulse approximation close to 10 GeV{sup 2}, when the q{sup -} is in the P-state. That configuration, which may be interpreted as a pion loop ('cloud') fluctuation, also leads to a clearly better description of the nucleon magnetic moments. When ...
The specific binding of transcription factors to cognate sequence elements is thought to be critical for the generation of specific gene expression programs. Members of the nuclear factor κB...Full Text Available
The growth regulating factor CTGF/CCN-2 is an integral factor in growth and development, connective tissue maintenance, wound repair and cell cycle regulation. It has recently been reported that CTGF/CCN-2...Full Text Available
BackgroundThe link between maternal factors and birth outcomes is well established. Substantial changes in society and medical care over time have influenced women's reproductive...Full Text Available
The stability of prothrombin and factor VII was studied using accelerated degradation tests in three preparations of freeze-dried pooled normal plasmas. In a previous report (Brozović, Gurd,...Full Text Available
Little is known about how sociodemographic factors relate to children’s chronic pain. This paper describes the pain, health, and sociodemographic characteristics of a cohort of children...Full Text Available
BackgroundCognitive impairment is an age-related condition as the rate of cognitive decline rapidly increases with aging. It is especially important to better understand factors...Full Text Available
The study of blocking factors requires in vitro assay of cell mediated immunity that parallels the in vivo response. By microcytotoxicity testing, progressor and immune peripheral blood lymphocytes...Full Text Available
Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is one of the most important prognostic and predictive factors for breast cancer patients. Recently, serum HER2...Full Text Available
Many growth factors and hormones modulate the reproductive status in mammals. Among these, insulin and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) regulate the development of gonadal tissues. SH2-B has been...Full Text Available
To evaluate the role of putative group A streptococcal virulence factors in the initiation of skin infections, we compared the adherence of a wild-type M49-protein skin-associated strain to that of...Full Text Available
BackgroundThe main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with mental illness in Oyo State at community level using the general health questionnaire...Full Text Available
Antimicrobial resistance is an emerging problem with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This study determined risk factors for the recovery of piperacillin-tazobactam-resistant P. aeruginosa...Full Text Available
Background:Parity has been linked to gallbladder cancer and gallstones, but the effects of other reproductive factors are less clear.Methods:We examined...Full Text Available
ABSTRACTPurpose: To describe previously reported locomotor muscle and whole-body composition factors related to mobility in older individuals.Methods:...Full Text Available
Variant alleles of the mannose binding lectin (MBL) gene are associated with increased susceptibility to infection and polymorphisms of tumour necrosis factor and lymphotoxin alpha genes (TNF, LTA)...Full Text Available
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) kinase domain mutations hyperactivate the kinase and confer kinase addiction of the non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumor...Full Text Available
Binding of epidermal growth factor (EGF) to the EGF receptor (EGFR) initiates signal transduction, ultimately leading to altered gene expression. Ligand-activated EGFR is also rapidly internalized...Full Text Available
We recently found that many RNA polymerase II transcription factors are modified with N-acetylglucosamine residues. These sugar moieties confer upon transcription factors an ability to bind the lectin wheat germ agglutinin. We have taken advantage of this interaction to devise a purification procedure for the "GC-box" binding transcription factor Sp1. Crude nuclear extracts are first subjected to wheat germ agglutinin affinity chromatography and then subjected to sequence-specific DNA affinity chromatography. The Sp1 protein purified by this procedure is at least 95% pure, and the overall recovery is greater than 80%. In addition to yielding larger quantities of Sp1 than conventional schemes, the new purification procedure is also simpler and more rapid. We show that wheat germ agglutinin affinity chromatography can also be used to purify the glycosylated forms of the CCAAT-binding transcription factor. ...
Haemophilia, the commonest hereditary bleeding disorder, arises because of the absence of, decrease in, or deficient functioning of plasma coagulation factor VIII or factor IX. With rare exceptions,...Full Text Available
The objective was to investigate the association of pregravid weight status, dietary restraint and psychosocial factors during pregnancy. We used data from the Pregnancy, Infection and Nutrition...Full Text Available
BackgroundHealthcare professionals can play a crucial role in optimizing the health status of patients with cardiovascular risk factors (abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, low...Full Text Available
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) related therapies – mainly tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) such as erlotinib and gefitinib, but also monoclonal antibodies targeting EGFR, for example,...Full Text Available
BackgroundPolymorphisms in Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) gene may influence EGFR production and/or activity, thereby modulating susceptibility to lung...Full Text Available
Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is a potent moderator of soft tissue repair through induction of the inflammatory phase of repair and subsequent enhanced collagen deposition. We examined the effect...Full Text Available
Increased oxidative stress is associated with perinatal asphyxia and respiratory distress in the newborn period. Induction of nuclear factor erythroid 2 p45-related factor (Nrf2) has been shown to decrease...Full Text Available
This paper proposes a novel method for computing linear basis images from tensor-valued image data. As a generalization of the nonnegative matrix factorization, the proposed method aims to approximate...Full Text Available
BackgroundThe aim of the present article was to evaluate whether angiogenic parameters as assessed by transvaginal color Doppler ultrasound (TVCD) may predict those prognostic factors...Full Text Available
For the risk estimate of fatal malignancies, an effective dose was proposed on the basis of the assumption that the risk should be equal whether the whole body irradiated uniformly or whether there is non-uniform irradiation. The effective dose was defined by the product of organ or tissue doses and a weighting factor representing the proportion of risk factor for a fatal malignancy resulting from organ or tissue irradiation to the total malignant factor. The risk of malignancies can be derived by multiplying the malignant significant factor by the product of the risk factor and the effective dose. For the genetic risk, a significant factor was a relative child expectancy and organ or tissue doses were gonad doses. And, for the leukemogenic risk, a significant factor was the leukemia significant factor and organ or ...
BackgroundThe complications of hypertension cause severe health problems in rural areas in China. We (i) screened the major factors inducing hypertensive complications and provided...Full Text Available
To investigate the fate of intrinsic factor and cobalamin during cobalamin absorption, we incubated enterocytes isolated from guinea pig ileum for periods of up to 30 min with 57Co-labeled...Full Text Available
The agglutination of human platelets by ristocetin and von Willebrand factor was inhibited by aggregated immunoglobulin (Ig)G and by Fc fragments of IgG, but not by Fab, F(ab′)2 or...Full Text Available
Chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by high-throughput sequencing (ChIP-seq) allows researchers to determine the genome-wide binding locations of individual transcription factors (TFs) at high resolution....Full Text Available
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
Cellular hypertrophy is regulated by coordinated pro- and antigrowth machineries. Foxo transcription factors initiate an atrophy-related gene program to counter hypertrophic growth. This study was designed...Full Text Available
The effect of growth phase on expression of virulence-associated factors was studied by Northern hybridization in an M1T1 clinical isolate of Streptococcus pyogenes. Expression of M...Full Text Available
PurposeThis study was undertaken to determine the neuroprotective effect of granulocyte stimulating factor (G-CSF) on neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury. Materials...Full Text Available
The ETS proteins are a family of transcription factors (TFs) that regulate a variety of biological processes. We made genome-wide analyses to explore the classification of the ETS gene family. We identified...Full Text Available
BackgroundThe mammalian FoxO transcription factors function to regulate diverse physiological processes. Emerging evidence that both BDNF and lithium suppress FoxO...Full Text Available
This study investigated potential risk factors for the presence of Salmonella on 89 Alberta swine-finishing farms with the use of a questionnaire. Salmonella status...Full Text Available
The C1 fixation test is widely used for the study of the interaction between immunoglobulins, their fragments and the complement system. Some factors influencing the apparent extent of the C1 fixation...Full Text Available
Various factors affecting the aggregation of Actinomyces naeslundii strain 12104 were studied. When the pH of glucose-supplemented growth medium fell below 5.5, the cells aggregated and formed microbial...Full Text Available
Knowledge of factors affecting variation in birth weight is especially important given the relationship of birth weight to neonatal and adult health. The present study utilises two large contemporary...Full Text Available
In this paper, we present experimentally determined reflection factors of mirrors based on the depleted uranium and dependence of reflection factor on time of presence of samples on air.
Antimicrobial resistance is an emerging problem among nosocomial bacteria. Risk factors for the recovery of ceftriaxone-resistant (CRCF) or -susceptible (CSCF) Citrobacter freundii...Full Text Available
The roles played by environmental factors in seasonal changes in microbial populations were investigated in the Tvärminne area, off the southern coast of Finland. Surface-layer samples were...Full Text Available
In response to oxidative stress, the transcription factor NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) controls the fate of cells through transcriptional upregulation of antioxidant response element (ARE)-bearing...Full Text Available
Haemophilus parasuis is an important opportunistic pathogen in swine of high health status, but to date no proven virulence factors have been described. As virulence factors are known...Full Text Available
The objectives of this study were to examine the association between dietary factors and underweight and overweight adult Vietnamese living in the rural areas of Vietnam. A cross-sectional study of...Full Text Available
BackgroundHepatitis B and C is common in Pakistan and various risk factors are attributable to its spread.One thousand and fifty consecutive male cases suffering from chronic...Full Text Available
Parallel imaging reconstructions result in spatially varying noise amplification characterized by the g-factor, precluding conventional measurements of noise from the final...Full Text Available
Present investigations suggest that approximately 30% of colorectal cancer (CRC) cases arise on the basis of inherited factors. We hypothesize that the majority of inherited factors are moderately...Full Text Available
Pigment-dispersing factor (PDF) is a neuropeptide that plays a prominent role in the circadian clock of several insects. The cockroach Leucophaea maderae...Full Text Available
BackgroundIn Germany, there is a shortage of young physicians in several specialties, the situation of general practitioners (GP) being especially precarious. The factors influencing...Full Text Available
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a critical role in normal development as well as retinal vasculature disease. During retinal vascularization, VEGF is most strongly expressed by not yet...Full Text Available
BackgroundAdipose tissue lipid storage and processing capacity can be a key factor for obesity-related metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance and diabetes. Lipid uptake is...Full Text Available
Platelet Factor VIII-related antigen (VIIIR:Ag) represents a significant proportion of the total circulating VIIIR:Ag pool. However, its participation in the events of primary hemostasis has not been...Full Text Available
OBJECTIVEPreimplantation factor (PIF) is a novel, 15 amino acid peptide, secreted by viable embryos. This study aims to elucidate PIF’s effects in human endometrial...Full Text Available
HIV infections show great variation in the rate of progression to disease, and the role of viral genetic factors in this variation had remained poorly characterized until recently. Now a series of four...Full Text Available
...discrimination against participants and beneficiaries based on a health factor. 146.121 Section 146.121 Public Welfare DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO HEALTH CARE ACCESS REQUIREMENTS FOR THE GROUP HEALTH...
Using some modification of the standard fermion technique we derive factorized formula for spin operator matrix elements (form-factors) between general eigenstates of the Hamiltonian of quantum Ising chain in a transverse field of finite length. The derivation is based on the approach recently used to derive factorized formula for Z_N-spin operator matrix elements between ground eigenstates of the Hamiltonian of the Z_N-symmetric superintegrable chiral Potts quantum chain. The obtained factorized formulas for the matrix elements of Ising chain coincide with the corresponding expressions obtained by the Separation of Variables Method.
This paper deals with the indications for prostatectomy; the differential diagnosis of the symptomatology of bladder neck obstruction; and the factors influencing the choice of operation....Full Text Available
This paper represents a parametric study of the amplification factor to account for rebound effects in the Energy Balance Method. Of the 66 distinct cases we chose for our parametric study, the amplification factor of 1.1 seems sufficient except in four borderline cases where the carbon steel pipes are small or have very small gaps between the pipes and the pipe whip restraints. We conclude that the amplification factor generally decreases as the parameters gap size, hinge-to-break distance and overhang increase.
One case of esophagitis caused by oral medication of Tetracycline is reported. The cause and factors predisposing to this uncommon complication of oral medication are discussed.
This paper is aimed to present a fuzzy decision making approach to deal with the performance measurement in supply chain systems. In the manufacturing environment, performance measurement is based on different quantitative and qualitative factors. Some of these factors may have a larger effect on the performance measure than others. Units of measure of the quantitative factors are different such as time, money, percentage, ratio, and counts. Thus, this paper presents a performance measurement approach based on fuzzy set theory and the pair-wise comparison of Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), which ensures the consistency of the designer's assignments of importance of one factor over another to find the weight of each of the manufacturing activity in the departmental organization. In the ...
Program decisions by symphony orchestra management are influenced by various factors. To examine these factors, we create an objective index of the propensity of a symphony orchestra to perform the standard repertoire. We use regression analysis to examine factors that influence programming decisions of 64 US symphony orchestras in 2006?2007, including public and private sources of funding. We find that increased funding from ticket sales, endowments, and local government increases the likelihood that an orchestra will perform nonstandard repertoire. In addition, the results suggest that a symphony orchestra?s music director does not have a significant impact on the degree of program conventionality.
Energy productivity and energy intensity within the industrial sector of the economy are examined. Results suggest that relative prices and other economic factors can explain much of the variation in both energy productivity and energy intensity for manufacturing and mining and for the industrial sector as a whole. Cyclical factors, seasonal factors and trend variables are also useful in explaining variation in these data, both for annual and monthly time series. Of the variables examined, it appears that the relative price of energy is a highly significant factor in accounting for the difference between actual industrial energy intensity and that which might have been expected had pre-1973 trends continued.
A semi-mechanistic model for calculating solid radionuclide release rates from bubbling pools of sodium was developed. The influence of particle spacial and size distributions on the decontamination of the releases was analysed and found significant. Decontamination factors are shown as a function of pool depth, bubbling characteristics and particle size distribution. The calculation of a decontamination factor for estimating the source term of large scale hypothetical core disruptive accidents is presented. The decontamination factor for a large scale accident was found to be two orders of magnitude greater than results obtained from small scale experiments conducted with uniform particle distributions.
A semi-mechanistic model for calculating solid radionuclide release rates from bubbling pools of sodium was developed. The influence of particle spacial and size distributions on the decontamination of the releases was analysed and found significant. Decontamination factors are shown as a function of pool depth, bubbling characteristics and particle size distribution. The calculation of a decontamination factor for estimating the source term of large scale hypothetical core disruptive accidents is presented. The decontamination factor for a large scale accident was found to be two orders of magnitude greater than results obtained from small scale experiments conducted with uniform particle distributions. (orig.).
We calculate the electromagnetic form factors of a bound proton. The chiral quark-soliton model provides the quark and antiquark substructure of the proton, which is embedded in nuclear matter. This procedure yields significant modifications of the form factors in the nuclear environment. The sea quarks are almost completely unaffected, and serve to mitigate the valence quark effect. In particular, the ratio of the isoscalar electric to the isovector magnetic form factor decreases by 20% at Q{sup 2}=1 GeV{sup 2} at nuclear density, and we do not see a strong enhancement of the magnetic moment.
exposed to persistent saltwater intrusion, a major factor in the decline of marsh ecosystems. The resulting increase in salinity from persistent flooding due to ...
In this note, we derive from Anstee's fractional $(g,f)$-factor theorem a similar characterization for the property of all fractional $(g,f)$-factors. Let $afactors if the minimum degree is at least $\\delta(G)\\geq \\frac{1}{4a}((a+b-1)^2+4b)$ and every pair of non-adjacent vertices has cardinality of the neighborhood union at least $bn/(a + b)$. This lower bounds are sharp.
Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta isoforms (TGF-beta 1, -beta 2, and -beta 3) regulate cell growth and differentiation and have critical regulatory roles in the process of tissue repair and remodeling....Full Text Available
Technetium transfer from soil to edible parts of various agricultural plants is studied with application of the "9"5"mTc radioactive tracer. The samples of agricultural plants were grown on andesol typical for Japan soil. The technetium transfer factor to edible parts of cultivated lettuce was higher as compared to non foliate cultures. Relative low transfer factor were observed for fruit and pod like plants. the transfer factors for root crops were of intermediate value
While prior research has examined family, school, and peer factors as potential predictors of problem behavior, less attention has been given to studying when these factors are most predictive...Full Text Available
We prove the existence of defective secant varieties of three-factor and four-factor Segre-Veronese varieties embedded in certain multi-degree. These defective secant varieties were previously unknown and are of importance in the classification of defective secant varieties of Segre-Veronese varieties with three or more factors.
This is the June report by the Energy Information Administration. The contents of the report include an energy overview, energy consumption, petroleum, natural gas, oil and gas resource development, coal, electricity, nuclear energy, energy prices, and international energy. Included are appendices containing thermal conversion factors, metric and other physical conversion factors, and carbon dioxide emission factors for coal.
Hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF) 4α is a key transcription factor regulating endo/xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes and transporters. We investigated whether microRNAs are involved in the regulation...Full Text Available
We examine the electric and magnetic strange form factors of the nucleon in the pseudoscalar-vector SU(3) Skyrme model, with special emphasis on the effects of isospin symmetry breaking (ISB). It is found that ISB has a nontrivial effect on the strange vector form factors of the nucleon and its contribution to the nucleon strangeness is significantly larger than one might naively expect. Our calculations and discussions may be of some significance for the experimental extraction of the authentic strangeness.
We examine the electric and magnetic strange form factors of the nucleon in the pseudoscalar-vector SU(3) Skyrme model, with special emphasis on the effects of isospin symmetry breaking (ISB). It is found that ISB has a nontrivial effect on the strange vector form factors of the nucleon and its contribution to the nucleon strangeness is significantly larger than one might naively expect. Our calculations and discussions may be of some significance for the experimental extraction of the authentic strangeness.
Electron spin resonance (ESR) dosimetry of irradiated chicken legs is based on the additive dose or the calibration curve methods. In both cases the practical assumption is made that the behaviour of the chicken bone does not depend on factors such as temperature during irradiation, storage conditions and dose rate. So the aim of the present work was to investigate to what extent the above mentioned factors could influence the post-irradiation dose assessment using the ESR technique. (author).
Growth differentiation factor-9 (GDF-9), an oocyte-secreted member of the transforming growth factor β superfamily, progesterone receptor, cyclooxygenase 2 (Cox2; Ptgs2), and the EP2 prostaglandin...Full Text Available
Chorismate mutase, a branch-point enzyme in the aromatic amino acid pathway of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and also a mutant chorismate mutase with a single amino acid substitution in the C-terminal part of the protein have been purified approximately 20-fold and 64-fold from overproducing strains, respectively. The wild-type enzyme is activated by tryptophan and subject to feedback inhibition by tyrosine, whereas the mutant enzyme does not respond to activation by tryptophan nor inhibition by tyrosine. Both enzymes are dimers consisting of two identical subunits of M_r 30,000, each one capable of binding one substrate and one activator molecule. Each subunit of the wild-type enzyme also binds one inhibitor molecule, whereas the mutant enzyme lost this ability. The enzyme reaction was observed by "1H NMR and shows a direct and irreversible conversion of chorismate to prephenate without the accumulation of any enzyme-free intermediates. The kinetic data of the wild-type chorismate mutase ...
Biosorption of uranium by residual biomass from The Old Bushmill`s Distillery Co. Ltd., Bushmills, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland, following exposure to short and intense electric pulses has been examined. The biomass was prepared from the distillery spent wash and consisted of non-viable yeast and bacterial cells. As shown previously, untreated biomass had a maximum biosorption capacity of 170 mg uranium/g dry weight biomass. When biosorption reactions were placed between two electrodes and exposed to electric pulses with field strengths ranging from 1.25-3.25 kV/cm at a capacitance of 25 {mu}F, biosorption increased from 170 mg of uranium to 275 mg uranium/g dry weight biomass. The data were obtained from biosorption isotherm analyses and taken as the degree of biosorption at residual uranium concentrations of 3 mM. In addition, when the capacitance of the electric pulses increased from 0.25 {mu}F to 25 {mu}F at a fixed pulse field strength the degree of ...
The changes in quality of irradiated spices, i.e., nutmeg (Myristica fragrans), black pepper and white pepper (Piper nigrum) stored in different indigenous packaging materials were evaluated. Packaging materials used were tin cans; tin can lined with polypropylene film, tin can lined with wrapping paper, woven polypropylene bag and woven polypropylene bag lined with polypropylene film. Packaging in woven polypropylene bag could cause significant changes in a_w-values and moisture contents of the spices. In the tin can, no significant change was found during storage. By applying a polypropylene film liner inside the plastic bag, the changes could be retarded. The other parameters observed, i.e. total plate count, total mould and yeast count and organoleptic scores of the samples were not significantly affected by the packaging method. A dose of 5 kGy could reduce the microbial load of the spices by about 2-3 log cycles. A significant decrease in a_w-value and ...
A gene designated BRCA1, implicated in the susceptibility to early-onset familial breast cancer, has recently been localized to chromosome 17q12-q21. To date, the order of DNA markers mapped within this region has been based on genetic linkage analysis. The authors report the use of multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization to establish a physically based map of five polymorphic DNA markers and 10 cloned genes spanning this region. Three cosmid clones and Alu-PCR-Generated products derived from 12 yeast artificial chromosome clones representing each of these markers were used in two-color mapping experiments to determine an initial proximity of markers relative to each other on metaphase chromosomes. Interphase mapping was then employed to determine the order and orientation of closely spaced loci by direct visualization of fluorescent signals following hybridization of three probes, each detected in a different color. Statistical analysis of the combined data ...
Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) are tryptophan-degrading enzymes. Mammalian IDO expression is induced by cytokines and has antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effects. A major role of mammalian TDO is to supply nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD(+)). In fungi, the IDO homologue is thought to be expressed constitutively and supply NAD(+), as TDO is absent from their genomes. Here, we reveal the distribution of IDO genes among fungal species and characterize their enzymatic activity. The yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae has only one IDO gene, whereas the koji-mold, Aspergillus oryzae has two genes, IDO? and IDO?. The A. oryzae IDO? showed more similar enzymatic properties to those of S. cerevisiae IDO than IDO?, suggesting that the A. oryzae IDO? is a functional homologue of the S. cerevisiae IDO. From the IDO? gene, two isoforms, IDO? and IDO?(+) could be generated by alternative splicing. The latter contained a 17 amino ...
Cdc7 kinase plays an essential role in firing of replication origins by phosphorylating components of the replication complexes. Cdc7 kinase has also been implicated in S phase checkpoint signaling downstream of the ATR and Chk1 kinases. Inactivation of Cdc7 in yeast results in arrest of cell growth with 1C DNA content after completion of the ongoing DNA replication. In contrast, conditional inactivation of Cdc7 in undifferentiated mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells leads to growth arrest with rapid cessation of DNA synthesis, suggesting requirement of Cdc7 functions for continuation of ongoing DNA synthesis. Furthermore, loss of Cdc7 function induces recombinational repair (nuclear Rad51 foci) and G2/M checkpoint responses (inhibition of Cdc2 kinase). Eventually, p53 becomes highly activated and the cells undergo massive p53-dependent apoptosis. Thus, defective origin activation in mammalian cells can generate DNA replication checkpoint signals. Efficient removal of ...
A novel, obligately anaerobic, extremely thermophilic, cellulolytic bacterium, designated OB47T, was isolated from Obsidian Pool, Yellowstone National Park, WY, USA. The isolate was a non-motile, non-spore forming, Gram-positive rod approximately 2 m long by 0.2 m wide and grew at temperatures between 55-85oC with the optimum at 78oC. The pH range for growth was 6.0-8.0 with values of near 7.0 being optimal. Growth on cellobiose produced the fastest specific growth rates at 0.75 hr-1. The organism also displayed fermentative growth on glucose, maltose, arabinose, fructose, starch, lactose, mannose, sucrose, galactose, xylose, arabinogalactan, Avicel, xylan, filter paper, processed cardboard, pectin, dilute acid-pretreated switchgrass and Populus. OB47T was unable to grow on mannitol, fucose, lignin, Gelrite, acetate, glycerol, ribose, sorbital, carboxymethylcellulose and casein. Yeast extract stimulated growth and thiosulfate, sulfate, nitrate, and sulfur were not ...
Numerous studies have investigated degradation of individual endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) in lab or natural waters. However, natural variations in water matrices and mixtures of EDCs in the environment may confound analysis of the treatment efficiency. Because chemical based analytical methods cannot represent the combined or synergistic activities between water quality parameters and/or the EDC mixtures at environmentally relevant concentrations ({mu}g L{sup -1}-ng L{sup -1}), bioanalytical assessments of residual estrogenic activity in treated water were used to evaluate the performance of the UV based advanced oxidation process for estrogenic contaminants in water. Four EDCs including estradiol (E{sub 2}), ethinyl estradiol (EE{sub 2}), bisphenol-A (BPA) and nonylphenol (NP) were spiked individually or as a mixture at {mu}g L{sup -1}-ng L{sup -1} in laboratory or natural river water. The removal rates of estrogenic activity were quantitatively evaluated by in vitro ...
A measurement of the magnetic form factor of a ferromagnetic actinide compound of UTe with circularly polarized X-rays is reported. The present geometrical configuration of the measurement gives a form factor of L(k)+0.3S(k), where L(k) and S(k) are the form factors of the orbital and the spin magnetic moment, respectively. We have combined the X-ray magnetic form factor with the neutron one which gives L(k)+2S(k) (G. Busch et al.: J. Phys. C 12 (1979) 1391), and have deduced L(k) and S(k) separately. The obtained profiles of L(k) and S(k) show that the orbital and the spin magnetic moments are spatially spread out more than those calculated for a free uranium ion. (author).
A measurement of the magnetic form factor of a ferromagnetic actinide compound of UTe with circularly polarized X-rays is reported. The present geometrical configuration of the measurement gives a form factor of L(k)+0.3S(k), where L(k) and S(k) are the form factors of the orbital and the spin magnetic moment, respectively. We have combined the X-ray magnetic form factor with the neutron one which gives L(k)+2S(k) (G. Busch et al.: J. Phys. C 12 (1979) 1391), and have deduced L(k) and S(k) separately. The obtained profiles of L(k) and S(k) show that the orbital and the spin magnetic moments are spatially spread out more than those calculated for a free uranium ion. (author).
We investigate the effects of the velocity-dependent force on the magnetic form factors and magnetic moments of odd-Z nuclei. The form factors are calculated with the harmonic-oscillator wavefunctions. It is found that the contributions of the velocity-dependent force manifest themselves in the very large momentum transfer region (q?4 fm-1). In the low and medium q region the contributions of the velocity-dependent force are very small compared with those without this force. However, in the high-q region the contributions of the velocity-dependent force are larger than the normal form factors. The diffraction structures beyond the existing experimental data are found after the contributions of the velocity-dependent force are included. The formula of the correction to the single particle magnetic moment due to the velocity-dependent force is reproduced exactly in the long-wavelength limit (q=0) of the M1 form ...
The purpose of this research is to clarify how psychological factors' impact on public acceptance of nuclear energy varies with where they live and their degree of knowledge. For this purpose, we carried out questionnaire survey about nuclear energy at three urban areas and two nuclear power plant siting areas. After collecting data, we applied factor analysis to the data, and found four factors which construct cognitive structure of nuclear energy. Using multiple regression analysis, we evaluated the impact of the four factors on two issues: the decision for or against nuclear policy and the reaction to nuclear power plant siting, and compared changes of the impact by where respondents live and their degree of knowledge. Consequently, we found that the impact of all four factors on the two issues varies with where respondents live. We also found that the impact of respondents' ...
The purpose of this research is to clarify how psychological factor's impact on public acceptance of nuclear energy varies with people's degree of knowledge. For this purpose, we carried out questionnaire survey about nuclear energy at Suginami ward, Tokyo. After collecting data, we applied factor analysis to the data, and found 4 factors: Trust in the Authorities, Superiority of Nuclear Power Generation, Benefit for Nuclear Power Plants' Siting Areas, and Risk Perception about Nuclear Technology. In addition, using multiple regression analysis, we evaluated the impact of the 4 factors on 2 issues: the decision for or against nuclear policy and the reaction to nuclear power plant siting. Consequently, we found the change of impact of all 4 factors on the 2 issues. Especially, the impact of the 4 factors to the reaction to nuclear power ...
The purpose of this research is to clarify how psychological factor's impact on public acceptance of nuclear energy varies with people's degree of knowledge. For this purpose, we carried out questionnaire survey about nuclear energy at Suginami ward, Tokyo. After collecting data, we applied factor analysis to the data, and found 4 factors: Trust in the Authorities, Superiority of Nuclear Power Generation, Benefit for Nuclear Power Plants' Siting Areas, and Risk Perception about Nuclear Technology. In addition, using multiple regression analysis, we evaluated the impact of the 4 factors on 2 issues: the decision for or against nuclear policy and the reaction to nuclear power plant siting. Consequently, we found the change of impact of all 4 factors on the 2 issues. Especially, the impact of the 4 factors to the reaction to nuclear power plant siting was ...
Distinguishing between effects of natural and anthropogenic environmental factors on ecosystems is a fundamental problem in environmental science. In river systems the longitudinal gradient of environmental factors is one of the most relevant sources of dissimilarity between communities that could be confounded with anthropogenic disturbances. To test the hypothesis that in macroinvertebrate communities the distribution of species' sensitivity to organic toxicants is independent of natural longitudinal factors, but depends on contamination with organic toxicants, we analysed the relationship between community sensitivity SPEARorganic (average community sensitivity to organic toxicants) and natural and anthropogenic environmental factors in a large-scale river system, from alpine streams to a lowland river. The results show that SPEARorganic is largely independent of natural longitudinal ...
To assess the feasibility of transluminal radiofrequency thermal ablation using a stent-type electrode and to determine, by means of in-vivo and in-vivo animal studies, the appropriate parameters. In-vivo: the radiofrequency electrode used was a self-expandable nitinol stent with 1cm insulated ends. A stent was placed in the portal vein of bovine liver, and ablations at target temperatures of 70, 80, 90, and 100 .deg. C were performed. Ablated sizes were measured longitudinally. In vivo: four mongrel dogs were anesthetized, and a stent was inserted in the common bile duct under fluoroscopic guidance through an ultrasound-guided gall bladder puncture site. The ablation temperature was set at 80 .deg. C, and each dog underwent proximal and distal esophageal ablations lasting 12 minutes. They were sacrificed immediately. In-vivo: ablated sizes showed significant correlation with target temperatures (r>0.04; p<0.05). Although most lesions were fusiform, dumbbell-shaped ...
The Oligocene Kishenehn Formation of northwest Montana and southeast British Columbia consists of fluvial and lacustrine sediments (marlstones, lignites and oil shales) deposited in an elongate, intermontane half-graben. The petroleum source rock potential and steroidal hydrocarbon distribution of selected shales of the Kishenehn Formation were examined. Several steroidal hydrocarbon series were documented, including 4-desmethylsteranes, 4-methylsteranes, sterenes, diasterenes, spirosterenes, C-ring monoaromatic steroids and B-ring monoaromatic anthrasteroids. Non-steroid hydrocarbons present include hopenes, ..beta beta..-hopanes, moretanes, perylene, botryococcane, a series of alkylcyclohexanes, and a fused-ring aromatic tentatively identified as a tetrahydrochrysene. Source rock analysis indicates that the Kishenehn Formation possesses excellent petroleum source potential. Conventional thermal maturity parameters, as well as maturity parameters derived from ...
The microstructure of a pressureless sintered (1,605 C, 90 min) O' + #beta#' SiAlON ceramic with CeO_2 doping has been investigated. It is duplex in nature, consisting of very large, slablike elongated O' grains (20--30 #mu#m long), and a continuous matrix of small rodlike #beta#' grains (< 1.0 #mu#m in length). Many #alpha#-Si_3N_4 inclusions (0.1--0.5 #mu#m in size) were found in the large O' grains. CeO_2-doping and its high doping level as well as the high Al_2O_3 concentration were thought to be the main reasons for accelerating the reaction between the #alpha#-Si_3N_4 and the Si-Al-O-N liquid to precipitate O'-SiAlON. This caused the supergrowth of O' grains. The rapid growth of O' crystals isolated the remnant #alpha#-Si_3N_4 from the reacting liquid, resulting in a delay in the #alpha# #-># #beta#-Si_3N_4 transformation. The large O' grains and the #alpha#-Si_3N_4 inclusions have a pronounced effect on the strength degradation of O' + #beta#' ...
Since the first commercial operation in 1983, Wolsung unit 1 has experienced several aging phenomena, especially in pressure tubes and feeder pipes. In case of pressure tubes, in-service inspections (ISI) revealed that a major portion of inspected tubes was in contact with calandria tubes. The likelihood of blister formation was a safety concern because it is a potential threat to pressure tube integrity. Wolsung unit 1 was, therefore, subjected to the SLAR (Spacer Location And Reposition) work to separate the contacted pressure tubes from calandria tubes. In this paper, experience of in-service inspection to the pressure tubes will be discussed including the irradiation creep elongation and CIGAR (Channel Inspection and Gauging Apparatus for Reactors) examination of pressure tubes. On the other hand, the problem of wall thinning in the feeder pipes became of great concern since 1996. Inspections, in compliance with CSA N285.4, were conducted in the upper portions ...
Since the first commercial operation in 1983, Wolsung unit 1 has experienced several aging phenomena, especially in pressure tubes and feeder pipes. In case of pressure tubes, in-service inspections (ISI) revealed that a major portion of inspected tubes was in contact with calandria tubes. The likelihood of blister formation was a safety concern because it is a potential threat to pressure tube integrity. Wolsung unit 1 was, therefore, subjected to the SLAR (Spacer Location And Reposition) work to separate the contacted pressure tubes from calandria tubes. In this paper, experience of in-service inspection to the pressure tubes will be discussed including the irradiation creep elongation and CIGAR (Channel Inspection and Gauging Apparatus for Reactors) examination of pressure tubes. On the other hand, the problem of wall thinning in the feeder pipes became of great concern since 1996. Inspections, in compliance with CSA N285.4, were conducted in the upper portions ...
Poly(methyl methacrylate), PMMA, Acrigel, a Brazilian polymer, is used in the manufacture of medical supplies sterilisable by ionizing radiation. However, when PMMA is gamma-irradiated it undergoes main chain scissions, which promote molecular degradation causing reduction in its physical properties. Therefore, radiolytic stabilization of PMMA is important for to become it commercially radio sterilisable. In this work we investigated the radiolytic stabilization of PMMA by using HALS (Hindered Amine Light Stabilizer) additive, commercially used for photo and thermo oxidative stabilization of polymers. The investigation of the radiation-induced main chain scissions was carried out by viscometric method. The additive added to the polymer system at 0.3 % w/w promotes a molecular radioprotection of 61%. That means a reduction of G value (scissions/100 eV) from 2.6 to 1.0. In addition, the glassy transition temperature (Tg) of PMMA (no additive), significantly changed by radiation, does not ...
The processing characteristics, tensile properties, and oxidation response of two Nb-Ti-Al-Cr alloys were investigated. One creep test at 650 C and 172 MPa was conducted on the base alloy, which contained 40Nb-40Ti-10Al-10Cr. A second alloy was modified with 0.11 at.% C and 0.07 at.% Y. Alloys were arc melted in a chamber backfilled with argon, drop cast into a water-cooled copper mold, and cold rolled to obtain a 0.8-mm sheet. The sheet was annealed at 1,100 C for 0.5 h. Longitudinal tensile specimens and oxidation specimens were obtained for both the base alloy and the modified alloy. Tensile properties were obtained for the base alloy at room temperature, 400, 600, 700, 800, 900, and 1,000 C and for the modified alloy at room temperature, 400, 600, 700, and 800 C. Oxidation tests the base alloy and modified alloy, as measured by weight change, were carried out at 600, 700, 800, and 900 C. Both the base alloy and the modified alloy were extremely ductile and were cold rolled to the ...
The processing characteristics, tensile properties, and oxidation response of two Nb-Ti-Al-Cr alloys were investigated. One creep tests at 650{degrees}C and 172 MPa was conducted on the base alloy which contained 40Nb-40-Ti-10Al-10Cr. A second alloy was modified with 0.11 at. % carbon and 0.07 at. % yttrium. Alloys were arc melted in a chamber backfilled with argon, drop cast into a water-cooled copper mold, and cold rolled to obtain a 0.8-mm sheet. The sheet was annealed at 1100{degrees}C for 0.5 h. Longitudinal tensile specimens and oxidation specimens were obtained for both the base alloy and the modified alloy. Tensile properties were obtained for the base alloy at room temperature, 400, 600, 700, 800, 900, and 1000{degrees}C, and for the modified alloy at room temperature, 400, 600, 700, and 800{degrees}C. Oxidation tests on the base alloy and modified alloy, as measured by weight change, were carried out at 600, 700, 800, and 900{degrees}C. Both the base alloy and the modified ...
The beta transformation characteristics and mechanical properties of the #beta# titanium alloy Ti_5_0Zr_3_0Nb_1_0Ta_1_0 in the temperature range between 200 and 900 deg. C have been studied by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), Vickers hardness (HV), and tensile test techniques. In the as-rolled state, only #beta#-phase was identified by XRD. Upon heat-treating at 250 deg. C for 4 h, the #alpha#-phase was precipitated from the #beta#-phase matrix, and leading to an increase of Vickers hardness. A maximum HV value was observed at 400 deg. C, and then HV value decreased with increasing heat-treating temperature. Above 650 deg. C, HV value remained almost constant. During heat-treating at 300-650 deg. C, the decomposition of the metastable #beta#-phase has been found to proceed through a phase separation reaction leading to the formation of #beta#-Ti and #beta#-Zr b.c.c. solid solution phases rather than the formation of solute rich and solute lean b.c.c. phases as has been previously ...
By catalyzing the rate-limiting step in adipose tissue lipolysis, hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) is an important regulator of energy homeostasis. The role and importance of HSL in tissues other than adipose are poorly understood. We report here the cloning and expression of a testicular isoform, designated HSL{sub tes}. Due to an addition of amino acids at the NH{sub 2}-termini, rat and human HSL{sub tes} consist of 1068 and 1076 amino acids, respectively, compared to the 768 and 775 amino acids, respectively, of the adipocyte isoform (HSL{sub adi}). A novel exon of 1.2 kb, encoding the human testis-specific amino acids, was isolated and mapped to the HSL gene, 16 kb upstream of the exons encoding HSL{sub adi}. The transcribed mRNA of 3.9 kb was specifically expressed in testis. No significant similarity with other known proteins was found for the testis-specific sequence. The amino acid composition differs from the HSL{sub adi} sequence, with a notable hydrophilic character and a high ...
Superplasticity in Ti alloys has been widely investigated in the past and superplastic forming of aerospace components has thus been developed over the last two decades. The Ti alloy most studied in this framework is undoubtedly the Ti-6Al-4V (wt %) alloy, for which maximum elongations are obtained in the temperature range [880-900C]. The development of the superplastic properties has been demonstrated to be in close relation with quite similar volume fractions of the #alpha# and #beta# phases, the #beta# transus temperature for this alloy ranging from 980-1000 C. Attempts have been carried out to reduce the temperature of superplastic forming of Ti-6Al-4V by the addition of elements like Fe, Co, or Ni. Such an introduction of alloying elements indeed results in a decrease of the optimum forming temperature to values as low as 820 C. This decrease is mainly attributed to a change in the phase volume fractions according to thermodynamic equilibrium, since these ...
The goal of the present work has been to clarify the influence of sulphate ions on the oxide films formed on stainless steel and Ni-based alloys in simulated crack chemistry conditions using different ex situ analytical techniques. The main observations of this work can be summarised as follows: The thickness of the films formed in simulated oxygen-free crack chemistry conditions during an exposure of circa 4 days varies roughly in the range 200..500 nm, which corresponds to observations reported in the literature [2]. The presence of 10000 ppb sulphate ions in simulated crack tip conditions seems to lead to a considerably lower thickness of the oxide films when compared to sulphate-free conditions. The presence of 10000 ppb sulphate ions leads also to considerable changes in the morphology of the oxide crystals on the material samples. In the absence of sulphate the outer oxide layer contains elongated round-edged crystals, while in the presence of sulphate ions ...
A nucleoside triphosphate binding site on calf thymus RNA polymerase II was identified by using photoaffinity analogues of adenosine 5'-triphosphate and guanosine 5'-triphosphate. Both radiolabeled 8-azidoadenosine 5'-triphosphate (8-N3ATP) and radiolabeled 8-azidoguanosine 5'-triphosphate (8-N3GTP) bound to a single polypeptide of this enzyme. This polypeptide has a molecular mass of 37 kilodaltons and an isoelectric point of 5.4. Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation was necessary for photolabeling to occur. In addition, no labeling occurred when the probe was prephotolyzed or when the enzyme was inactivated. Furthermore, photolabeling of the enzyme could be decreased by preincubation with natural substrates. To provide evidence that the radiolabeled polypeptide forms a part of the domain of the nucleoside triphosphate binding site, experiments were performed using unlabeled 8-N3ATP. Although this unlabeled analogue was not a substrate for RNA polymerase ...
Epitaxial CeO_2 buffer layers were fabricated by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) on r-cut sapphire substrates. An atomically flat CeO_2 surface with a high density of nanodots was formed by a self-assembly process. Scanning transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy investigation showed that the nanodots were CeO_2 other than impurities. YBa_2Cu_3O_7_-_#delta# (YBCO) thin films were then grown on the annealed and the as-grown CeO_2-buffered sapphires by PLD. The transport measurement results showed that the nanodots enhanced the effective pinning potential and significantly increased critical current density (J _c). Especially, YBCO films with an annealed CeO_2 buffer layer showed a high J _c peak when the applied field was directed along the c-axis of YBCO. Cross-section transmission electron microscopy investigation revealed that the J _c peaks in YBCO with annealed CeO_2 buffer layer is caused by c-axis correlated pinning sites, such as threading ...
The Savannah River Site (SRS) has a variety of waste units that may be temporarily or permanently stabilized by closure using an impermeable cover to prevent groundwater infiltration. The placement of an engineered kaolin clay layer over a waste unit is an accepted and economical technique for providing an impermeable cover but the long term stability and integrity of the clay in non-arid conditions is unknown. A simulated kaolin cap has been constructed at the SRA adjacent to the Burial Ground Complex. The cap is designed to evaluate the effects of desiccation on clay integrity, therefore half of the cap is covered with native soil to prevent drying, while the remainder of the cap is exposed. Measurements of the continuing impermeability of a clay cap are difficult because intrusive techniques may locally compromise the structure. Point measurements made to evaluate clay integrity, such as those from grid sampling or coring and made through a soil cover, may miss cracks, joints or ...
The process operation of the hot wall vapor deposition method, formation of dry organic thin film and the control of molecular arrangement were described. This equipment included a substrate on the upper end of the hot wall tube and the vapor source at the lower end. The remarkable features are the hot wall tube which plays the role to hold vaporizing molecules to the high temperature and to transport molecules, and the flip flop mechanism which gives some idle period for the molecular vaporization by shutter closing. Several experiments were carried out by using stearic acid and by changing the distance S from the upper end of hot wall quartz tube to the substrate, the furnace temperature T{sub f} and the substrate temperature T{sub s}. When T{sub f} is equal to or less than the melting point of stearic acid, molectles are preferentialy made to vertical arrangement. In the case of T{sub f} more than the melting point, the molecular rate of the horizontal arrangement increased along ...
Radiation sterilization has several merits that it is a positively effective sterilization method, it can be used to sterilize low heat-resistant containers and high gas barrier films, and there is no possibility of residual chemicals being left in the packages. It has been commercially used in 'Bag in a Box' and some food containers. The #gamma# ray and an electron beam are commonly used in radiation sterilization. The #gamma# ray can sterilize large size containers and containers with complex shapes or sealed containers due to its strong transmission capability. However, since the equipment tends to be large and expensive, it is generally used in off production lines. On the other hand, it is possible to install and electron beam system on food production lines since the food can be processed in a short time due to its high beam coefficient and its ease of maintenance, even though an electron beam has limited usage such as sterilizing relatively thin materials and surface ...
Firstly, pitting corrosion observed on hold frames in cargo holds of bulk carriers which exclusively carry coal and iron ore has been investigated in detail. It was shown that the shape of the corrosion pits observed on them is a circular cone and the ratio of the diameter to the depth is in the range between 8 to 1 and 10 to 1, which is different from the trend observed for the bottom shell of the oil tanker where the ratio is in the range between 4 to 1 and 6 to 1. Secondly, a series of tensile tests has been conducted to investigate the effect of pitting corrosion on tensile strength of members. It was pointed out that the tensile strength decreases gradually and the total elongation decreases drastically with the increase of the thickness loss due to pitting corrosion. The reduction of the tensile strength of the members with pitting corrosion is larger than that of members with uniform thickness loss in terms of average thickness loss. Thirdly, a series of ...
Counter-current two-phase flows of air-water in narrow rectangular channels with offset-strip fins have been experimentally investigated in a 760 mm long and 100 mm wide test section with 3.0 and 5.0 mm gap widths. The two-phase flow regime, channel-average void fractions and two-phase pressure gradients were studied. Flow regime transition occurred at lower superficial velocities of air than in the channels without fins. In the bubbly and slug flow regimes, elongated bubbles rose along the subchannel formed by fins without lateral movement. The critical void fraction for the bubbly-to-slug transition was about 0.14 for the 3 mm gap channel and 0.2 for the 5 mm gap channel, respectively. Channel-average void fractions in the channels with fins were almost the same as those in the channels without fins. Void fractions increased as the gap width increased, especially at high superficial velocity of air. The presence of fins enhanced the two-phase distribution ...
The cavum septum pellucidum is an anatomical variants of the septum pellucidum, and lying between two lateral ventricles and this is referred to as the fifth ventricle. Occasionally, posterior extension of the cavum septum pellucidum towards the splenium is seen and this is known as the cavum vergae, or sixth ventricle. The septum is double membrane and occasionally a narrow cavity containing CSF is present between these membrane. The roof of the cavum septum pellucidum is formed by the corpus callosum and its floor by the anterior pillars of the fornix. This cavum outlined with air is occasionally seen in the pneumoencephalography. Brain CT scans of 1000 patients were performed, and the diagnosis could be made on the basis of the characteristic shape, density and location. Other diagnostic procedure are not necessary in these cases. Patients were examined with CT scanner from June-80' to Dec-80', at department of radiology, Maryknoll Hospital, and 13 cases were ...
A solid-state precipitation process was used to prepare superconducting tapes containing an A15 phase, V/sub 3/Ga or Nb/sub 3/Al, in a ductile niobium or vanadium containing BCC matrix. Ingots weighing as large as 30 to 50 gms of V-(14 approx. 19 at. %) Ga and Nb-(13 approx. 22 at. %) Al were prepared by arc-melting, homogenized, quenched, warm-rolled over 99% into tape, and aged at temperatures in the range 600/sup 0/C to 1000/sup 0/C to precipitate the superconducting A15 phase. The features demonstrated by the process are very attractive for practical applications. In the V-Ga system, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies revealed the A15 precipitates in an elongated form. However, for the Nb-Al samples, deformed and aged at 750/sup 0/C, TEM studies revealed A15 precipitation in fine equi-axed particles which formed as a semi-continuous network over sub-grain boundaries formed by the recovery of deformation-induced dislocations. In the V-Ga system, the ...
A bistable, micromechanical switching device and its buckling stability, heat transfer, and dynamics analyses are summarized. A SEM picture of the device. The buckling element of the microactuator is a U-shaped cantilever ({open_quotes}buckled cantilever{close_quotes} in the picture) consisting of two 0.8 micron-thick polysilicon layers with 0.5 micron-thick oxide insulator sandwiched between them. The 82 micron-long cantilever is buckled by the {open_quotes}tension band{close_quotes} made of 0.5 micron-thick silicon nitride. The snapping action of the microactuator to the down-state (or up-state) is achieved by heating the upper (or lower) polysilicon layer of the buckling cantilever with electric current. Analysis of a snapping action between two buckled states is described. It provides a design framework as well as operation guidelines for the actuator. The buckling stability criterion and the deflection of the buckled cantilever are discussed by using a pinned-pinned, double-layer ...
The report addresses the application of reverse osmosis to the treatment of radioactive liquid waste, focusing on the effects of non-radioactive cations and anions, existing in radioactive waste, on the removal of radioactive nuclides. The bivalent cations are generally about ten times as high in decontamination factor as monovalent ones. In the case of anions, the factor of SO{sub 4}{sup 2-} is about ten times that of Cl{sup -} while that of NO{sub 3}{sup -} is somewhat smaller than that of Cl{sup -}. During permeation through membrane, anions tend to accompany cations, and the decontamination factor of accompanying ions is found to increase with that of the paring ions. These results indicate that if one can select components that will remain in the liquid waste, one should consider their effects on the efficiency of its treatment. Furthermore, the interaction between two anions or between two cations can be approximated ...
In the contribution under consideration, the author reports on the energy resources as a conflict factor and co-operation factor in East Asia on the basis of the Spratly islands. The main aspects of this contribution are: topography of the Spratly islands; history and actual claims; evaluation of the claims; strategic significance of the islands; resources of oil and natural gas as a conflict factor; resources of oil and natural gas as a co-operation factor. The resources of oil and natural gas have intensified the conflict around the Spratly islands in the last few decades. Due to the unsettled situation relating to international law six countries could claim the potentially energy-rich area having a geo-strategic instrument of power. Due to a treaty and due to the new common research studies of the neighbouring countries a phase of stability can be expected. The increasing involvement of China in the ...
Radon concentrations in homes have been shown to vary considerably with season. It is important to account for this by applying a correction factor to any home radon measurement of less than one year. To date, Irish radon measurement services have used correction factors based on data derived for the UK in the 1980s. In the absence of similar data for Ireland at the time, these were considered suitable for use due to the similarities between the climates, house types and lifestyles in the two countries. In order to better estimate the long-term radon concentration, measurements from 5640 Irish homes were used to derive a set of correction factors specifically for Ireland. These were generated by means of Fourier decomposition analysis and the new correction factors compared, using 95% confidence intervals, to those derived for the UK using the same analysis and to those currently in use for Ireland. In ...
Experience in the diagnosis and treatment of infertility has led to an increased understanding of the prominent role male factors play in many couples' inability to conceive. While many forms of male factor infertility are amenable to treatment, for some patients there is no corrective therapy available. For this reason, a great deal of attention has been focused on developing technologies for semen processing and sperm utilization in cases of decreased semen quality. One area of research is the development of more sophisticated methods of assessing sperm function, as well as methods of sperm preparation. Progress is also being made in the application of technologies such as intrauterine insemination and in vitro fertilization in the treatment of male factor infertility. Such developments have improved prospects for fertility among patients suffering from decreased semen quality, as well as those suffering from such ...
Organization factors have been known as an important contributor to plant safety. Previous studies associated with assessing organisation factors mainly deals with the aspect of safety of an organization. For an organization, however, efficiency or an aspect of economy related with work activities is also important. This paper introduces a conceptual model, SPOOM-EDM (Self Poly-Oriented Organizational Model - Evaluation Diamond Model), for evaluating an organization with respect to both safety and economy. It also shows how the proposed model can be applied for the evaluation of an organization through the analysis of real events. (author)
Reverse osmosis is a simple process and has relatively high decontamination factor compared to other processes used for the treatment of radioactive liquid waste. Furthermore the quantity of secondary waste of this process is small. In this study, test solution containing nine elements such as cesium, strontium, cobalt etc. in chloride forms are treated by reverse osmosis. Permeate rate decreases as the increase of osmotic pressure of feed solution and is expressed by linear equation. Decontamination factor of cations of univalency is more than ten, and about one tenth of that of bivalency. Decontamination factors of all the elements used in this experiment are approximately estimated using the solution-diffusion model.
Reverse osmosis is a simple process and has relatively high decontamination factor comparing to other processes used for the treatment of radioactive liquid waste. Furthermore the quantity of secondary waste of this process is small. In this study, test solution containing nine elements such as cesium, strontium, cobalt etc. in chloride forms are treated by reverse osmosis. Permeate rate decreases as the increase of osmotic pressure of feed solution and is expressed by linear equation. Decontamination factor of cations of univalency is more than ten, and about one tenth of that of bivalency. Decontamination factors of all the elements used in this experiment are approximately estimated using the solution-diffusion model. (author).
The form factor for excitation of the 1/sup +/ state at 3.48 MeV in /sup 88/Sr by inelastic electron scattering has been measured for momentum transfers q = 0.24-0.62 fm/sup -1/. Neither its magnitude nor shape can be described employing the best available nuclear wave functions. We demonstrate with a schematic model that the observed reduction of the form factor may be understood by taking into account a renormalization of the M1-operator due to virtual ..delta..-hole excitations.
The form factor for excitation of the 1"+ state at 3.48 MeV in "8"8Sr by inelastic electron scattering has been measured for momentum transfers q = 0.24-0.62 fm"-"1. Neither its magnitude nor shape can be described employing the best available nuclear wave functions. We demonstrate with a schematic model that the observed reduction of the form factor may be understood by taking into account a renormalization of the M1-operator due to virtual #DELTA#-hole excitations. (orig.).
The production of and emission factors for the air-polluting matters sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons (esp. benz(a)pyrene), aldehyde and soot with regard to natural gas, excluding process furnaces, are dealt with. The comparison with other fuels indicates that only as to nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide are emission factors equal in order of magnitude. As a summary measure of all air-polluting matters the emission index as proposed already in 1972 is applied. It shows emissions with single-room furnaces for heating oil EL to be six times as high as with natural gas; with black-coal briquettes the factor is at least 33, with wood chimneys about 200.
Visceral hypersensitivity is currently considered a key pathophysiological mechanism involved in pain perception in large subgroups of patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In IBS, visceral hypersensitivity has been described in 20%?90% of patients. The contribution of the central nervous system and psychological factors to visceral hypersensitivity in patients with IBS may be significant, although still debated. Peripheral factors have gained increasing attention following the recognition that infectious enteritis may trigger the development of persistent IBS symptoms, and the identification of mucosal immune, neural, endocrine, microbiological, and intestinal permeability abnormalities. Growing evidence suggests that these factors ...
We study the duality of N=1 gauge theories in the presence of a massless adjoint field. We calculate the superpotential using the factorization method and compare with the result obtained by applying Kutasov duality. The latter result is just the leading term of the former, indicating that Kutasov duality is exact only in the IR limit as claimed in the original literature. We also study various checks for the equivalence of the calculational methods developed recently: factorization methods, diagrammatic expansion, loop equations, integrating fluxes.
This paper presents case studies of economic feasibility of solar photovoltaic systems using the software AVES-F (Analysis of Economic Feasibility of Photovoltaic Systems), developed by the authors, considering cases of stand-alone and grid-connected systems. The software takes into account several factors that can influence the economic feasibility of these kind of systems, like load to be supplied, distance to the grid, the use regime of the system, applied subsidies and others. The main goal of this paper is to analyze some of these factors and to observe how they can affect the economics of PV systems for electricity generation. (authors)
During a high temperature treatment of the radioactive wastes that contain ruthenium, some ruthenium is volatilized and released to the off gas system. The volatilized ruthenium is removed with a scrubber and an adsorber. It was expected that the scrubber was one of the most effective equipments to remove ruthenium and the decontamination factor of the scrubber was studied. The experimental apparatus was simulated as part of an actual perforated plate column scrubber. The non-radioactive ruthenium which simulated the radioactive ruthenium was volatilized and fed into the scrubber. The decontamination factor of the scrubber was determined by the ratio of the ruthenium concentration at the inlet and outlet of the scrubber off gas stream. The results showed that the scrubber removed the volatile ruthenium effectively as expected.
Based on QCD conformal partial wave expansion to leading order conformal spin accuracy, we present the light-cone distribution amplitudes (DAs) of {sigma} and {lambda} baryons up to twist 6. It is concluded that fourteen independent DAs are needed to describe the valence three-quark states of the baryons at small transverse separations. The nonperturbative parameters relevant to the DAs are determined within the framework of QCD sum rule method. With the obtained DAs, a simple investigation on the electromagnetic form factors of these baryons are given. The magnetic moments of the baryons are estimated by fitting the magnetic form factor with the dipole formula.
In the well-known devices for increasing the decontamination factor in the treatment of radioactive waste water by evaporation, which consist of narrowing devices with evaporator sump and condenser, droplets of liquid and solid particles are carried over from the breeder space, which are radioactive and therefore make the decontamination factor worse. Better results are obtained if one places a fibre bed filter between the evaporator sump and the condenser, preferably in a horizontal connecting pipe between the evaporator sump and the condenser.
A process has been developed that exploits the characteristics of microwave heating for the vitrification of high-level radioactive liquid waste. This process, microwave vitrification, has been successfully operated at pilot plant scale in an active cell using simulated liquid waste containing several curies of radioactivity. Excellent decontamination factors have been achieved for both volatiles and nonvolatiles with an average ruthenium decontamination factor of 490 and a gross alpha emitter decontamination factor of 100,000. Almost all the radioactivity is incorporated in a glass block.
A process has been developed that exploits the characteristics of microwave heating for the vitrification of high-level radioactive liquid waste. This process, microwave vitrification, has been successfully operated at pilot plant scale in an active cell using simulated liquid waste containing several curies of radioactivity. Excellent decontamination factors have been achieved for both volatiles and nonvolatiles with an average ruthenium decontamination factor of 490 and a gross alpha emitter decontamination factor of 100,000. Almost all the radioactivity is incorporated in a glass block.
[music] Narrator: New treatments can limit the disability caused by a stroke, but you need to know the signs and act in time. Here are the signs to ...
Viral infections are frequently cited as a major environmental factor involved in subacute thyroiditis and autoimmune thyroid diseases This review examines the data related to the role of viruses in...Full Text Available
Based on the Weinberg-Salam theory, the competition of the Neutrino Energy Loss (NEL) rates due to the pair, photo- and plasma process are canvassed. The ratio factor C1, C2 and C3 which correspond the different contributions of the pair, photo- and plasma neutrino process to those of the total NEL rates are accurately taken into account. The ratio factors are very sensitive to the temperature and density. The ratio factor C2 always is lower than the ratio factor C1 and C3. The pair NEL process is the dominant contribution before the crossed point O(C1=C3=0.45) and the plasma NEL process will be the main dominant contribution after the crossed point O. With increasing temperature, the crossed point O will move to the direction of higher density. (authors)
Spatial epidemiology is the description and analysis of geographic variations in disease with respect to demographic, environmental, behavioral, socioeconomic, genetic, and infectious risk factors....Full Text Available
BackgroundBrucellosis is a zoonosis of veterinary, public health and economic significance in most developing countries. Human brucellosis is a severely debilitating disease that...Full Text Available
I present an overview of the measurement of the proton form factors in the time-like regiun. BABAR has recently measured with great accuracy the e{sup +} e{sup -} {yields} p p-bar reaction from productiun threshold up to an energy of {approx} 4.5 GeV; finding evidence for a ratio of the electric to magnetic form factur greater than unity, contrary to expectation. In agreement with previous measurements. BABAR confirmed the steep rise uf the magnetic form factor close to the p p-bar mass threshold, suggesting the possible presence of an under-threshuld N N-bar vector state. These and uther open questiuns related to the nucleon furm factors both in the time-like and space-like region, wait for more data with different experimental techniques to be possibly solved.
Conclusions. There are gender differences when it comes to the risk factors for sleep apnea. Large tonsils, a high tongue and a wide uvula are risk factors for sleep apnea in men, while large tonsils and a retrognathic mandible are risk factors in women. Upper airway abnormalities including mandibular retrognathia are, however, unable to predict sleep apnea among snorers being investigated for suspected sleep apnea. Objectives. To identify gender-specific risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea and the diagnostic performance from physical upper airway examinations among snoring men and women investigated because of suspected sleep apnea. Patients and methods. The dimensions of the uvula, tonsils, velopharynx and tongue, and nasal septal deviation, mandibular position, neck circumference, ...
... growth hormone-like factor from plerocercoids of the tapeworm Spirometra mansonoides is a multifunctional protein. In Parasites and pathogens: ... ...
Aging is the most significant risk factor for a range of degenerative disease such as cardiovascular, neurodegenerative and metabolic disorders. While the cause of aging and its associated diseases...Full Text Available
A group of patients is described who developed the clinical features of foveomacular retinitis. No causative factors were isolated, and all patients strongly denied any type of sun gazing. It is possible...Full Text Available
Abstract Background The increase in the incidence of atopic dermatitis (AD) in developed countries has been related to familiar and environmental factors. This survey was undertaken to investigate the family background, birthweight and the home environment of children suffering from AD in order to point out the possible factors that provoke the development of the disease. Methods The study uses data collected by means of self-administered questionnaires and discusses 461 cases of children (age 0-12) with active skin signs of AD. The control group comprised of 343 children (age 0-12) with no skin signs or positive lifetime history of AD. Associations between familiar and various home environmental factors and the risk of AD were calculated by means of odds ratios. Results There were statist...
... 2. Help women become accepted by providing job-related training, creating flexible work groups with good climates, and encourage supervisors to ...
Despite the proven utility of the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) to predict soil rainfall erosion, it has limited precision in predicting soil loss in some soil series. Also, runoff is a factor in rainfall erosion and some models, such as the modified USLE (USLE-M), include runoff in predicting soil erosion. The soil erodibility factor is an essential component in both models and this may be affected by application of soil conditioners, such as polyacrylamide (PAM). The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of different rates of PAM (0, 1, 2, 4, and 6kgha-1) applied with sprinkler irrigation water, followed by two sprinkler irrigations with no PAM, on the erodibility of a loam soil under a rainfall simulator in a laboratory. The range of erodibility factor Ku obtained...
The dynamic response characteristics of the VAWT rotor are important factors governing the safety and fatique life of VAWT systems. The principal problems are ...
BackgroundFunction exertion of specific proteins are key factors in disease progression, thus the systematical identification of those specific proteins is a prerequisite to understand...Full Text Available
The ability of a number of mycobacteria and some of their components to activate complement was examined. Mycobacterium bovis BCG (Glaxo strain), Mycobacterium leprae, Mycobacterium lepraemurium, and...Full Text Available