Why Are the DUF6 Conversion Facility EISs Needed?

Science.gov Websites

Depleted UF6 Conversion EISs are needed to assess the potential environmental impacts of constructing the potential environmental impacts of constructing, operating, maintaining, and decontaminating and ; alternative. The EISs will aid decision making on DUF6 conversion by evaluating the environmental impacts of

Optimization of air plasma reconversion of UF6 to UO2 based on thermodynamic calculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tundeshev, Nikolay; Karengin, Alexander; Shamanin, Igor

2018-03-01

The possibility of plasma-chemical conversion of depleted uranium-235 hexafluoride (DUHF) in air plasma in the form of gas-air mixtures with hydrogen is considered in the paper. Calculation of burning parameters of gas-air mixtures is carried out and the compositions of mixtures obtained via energy-efficient conversion of DUHF in air plasma are determined. With the help of plasma-chemical conversion, thermodynamic modeling optimal composition of UF6-H2-Air mixtures and its burning parameters, the modes for production of uranium dioxide in the condensed phase are determined. The results of the conducted researches can be used for creation of technology for plasma-chemical conversion of DUHF in the form of air-gas mixtures with hydrogen.

DUF6 Conversion Facility EIS Alternatives

Science.gov Websites

in the Depleted UF6 Conversion Facility EISs. Proposed Action The proposed action evaluated in each Action Alternative No Action Alternative. Under the "no action" alternative, cylinder

UF6 breeder reactor power plants for electric power generation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rust, J. H.; Clement, J. D.; Hohl, F.

1976-01-01

The reactor concept analyzed is a U-233F6 core surrounded by a molten salt (Li(7)F, BeF2, ThF4) blanket. Nuclear survey calculations were carried out for both spherical and cylindrical geometries. Thermodynamic cycle calculations were performed for a variety of Rankine cycles. A conceptual design is presented along with a system layout for a 1000 MW stationary power plant. Advantages of the gas core breeder reactor (GCBR) are as follows: (1) high efficiency; (2) simplified on-line reprocessing; (3) inherent safety considerations; (4) high breeding ratio; (5) possibility of burning all or most of the long-lived nuclear waste actinides; and (6) possibility of extrapolating the technology to higher temperatures and MHD direct conversion.

Effect of Functionalised and Non-Functionalised Carbon Nanotubes-Urea Fertilizer on the Growth of Paddy.

PubMed

Yatim, Norazlina Mohamad; Shaaban, Azizah; Dimin, Mohd Fairuz; Yusof, Faridah; Razak, Jeefferie Abd

2018-03-01

The roles of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) and functionalised multiwalled carbon nanotubes (fMWNTs) in enhancing the efficacy of urea fertilizer (UF) as plant nutrition for local MR219 paddy variety was investigated. The MWNTs and fMWNTs were grafted onto UF to produce UF-MWNTs fertilizer with three different conditions, coded as FMU1 (0.6 wt. % fMWNTs), FMU2 (0.1 wt. % fMWNTs) and MU (0.6 wt. % MWNTs. The batches of MR219 paddy were systematically grown in accordance to the general practice performed by the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI). The procedure was conducted using a pot under exposure to natural light at three different fertilization times; after a certain number of days of sowing (DAS) at 14, 35 and 55 days. Interestingly, it was found that the crop growth of plants treated with FMU1 and FMU2 significantly increased by 22.6% and 38.5% compared to plants with MU addition. Also, paddy treated with FMU1 produced 21.4% higher number of panicles and 35% more grain yield than MU while paddy treated with FMU2 gave 28.6% more number of panicles and 36% higher grain yield than MU, which implies the advantage of fMWNTs over MWNTs to be combined with UF as plant nutrition. The chemical composition and morphology of UF-MWNTs fertilizers which is further characterised by FTiR and FESEM confirmed the successful and homogeneous grafting of UF onto the fMWNTs.

Effect of Functionalised and Non-Functionalised Carbon Nanotubes-Urea Fertilizer on the Growth of Paddy

PubMed Central

Yatim, Norazlina Mohamad; Shaaban, Azizah; Dimin, Mohd Fairuz; Yusof, Faridah; Razak, Jeefferie Abd

2018-01-01

The roles of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) and functionalised multiwalled carbon nanotubes (fMWNTs) in enhancing the efficacy of urea fertilizer (UF) as plant nutrition for local MR219 paddy variety was investigated. The MWNTs and fMWNTs were grafted onto UF to produce UF-MWNTs fertilizer with three different conditions, coded as FMU1 (0.6 wt. % fMWNTs), FMU2 (0.1 wt. % fMWNTs) and MU (0.6 wt. % MWNTs. The batches of MR219 paddy were systematically grown in accordance to the general practice performed by the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI). The procedure was conducted using a pot under exposure to natural light at three different fertilization times; after a certain number of days of sowing (DAS) at 14, 35 and 55 days. Interestingly, it was found that the crop growth of plants treated with FMU1 and FMU2 significantly increased by 22.6% and 38.5% compared to plants with MU addition. Also, paddy treated with FMU1 produced 21.4% higher number of panicles and 35% more grain yield than MU while paddy treated with FMU2 gave 28.6% more number of panicles and 36% higher grain yield than MU, which implies the advantage of fMWNTs over MWNTs to be combined with UF as plant nutrition. The chemical composition and morphology of UF-MWNTs fertilizers which is further characterised by FTiR and FESEM confirmed the successful and homogeneous grafting of UF onto the fMWNTs. PMID:29644013

Fuel Fabrication and Nuclear Reactors

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Karpius, Peter Joseph

2017-02-02

The uranium from the enrichment plant is still in the form of UF 6. UF 6 is not suitable for use in a reactor due to its highly corrosive chemistry as well as its phase diagram. UF 6 is converted into UO 2 fuel pellets, which are in turn placed in fuel rods and assemblies. Reactor designs are variable in moderators, coolants, fuel, performance etc.The dream of energy ‘too-cheap to meter’ is no more, and now the nuclear power industry is pushing ahead with advanced reactor designs.

10 CFR Appendix D to Part 110 - Illustrative List of Aerodynamic Enrichment Plant Equipment and Components Under NRC Export...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... compressor or gas blower which is filled with a UF6/carrier gas mixture. (5) Heat exchangers for gas cooling.... (11) UF6 mass spectrometers/ion sources. Especially designed or prepared magnetic or quadrupole mass...

UF6 Density and Mass Flow Measurements for Enrichment Plants using Acoustic Techniques

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Good, Morris S.; Smith, Leon E.; Warren, Glen A.

A key enabling capability for enrichment plant safeguards being considered by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is high-accuracy, noninvasive, unattended measurement of UF6 gas density and mass flow rate. Acoustic techniques are currently used to noninvasively monitor gas flow in industrial applications; however, the operating pressures at gaseous centrifuge enrichment plants (GCEPs) are roughly two orders magnitude below the capabilities of commercial instrumentation. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is refining acoustic techniques for estimating density and mass flow rate of UF6 gas in scenarios typical of GCEPs, with the goal of achieving 1% measurement accuracy. Proof-of-concept laboratory measurements using amore » surrogate gas for UF6 have demonstrated signatures sensitive to gas density at low operating pressures such as 10–50 Torr, which were observed over the background acoustic interference. Current efforts involve developing a test bed for conducting acoustic measurements on flowing SF6 gas at representative flow rates and pressures to ascertain the viability of conducting gas flow measurements under these conditions. Density and flow measurements will be conducted to support the evaluation. If successful, the approach could enable an unattended, noninvasive approach to measure mass flow in unit header pipes of GCEPs.« less

Scoping study to expedite development of a field deployable and portable instrument for UF6 enrichment assay

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chan, George; Valentine, John D.; Russo, Richard E.

The primary objective of the present study is to identity the most promising, viable technologies that are likely to culminate in an expedited development of the next-generation, field-deployable instrument for providing rapid, accurate, and precise enrichment assay of uranium hexafluoride (UF6). UF6 is typically involved, and is arguably the most important uranium compound, in uranium enrichment processes. As the first line of defense against proliferation, accurate analytical techniques to determine the uranium isotopic distribution in UF6 are critical for materials verification, accounting, and safeguards at enrichment plants. As nuclear fuel cycle technology becomes more prevalent around the world, international nuclearmore » safeguards and interest in UF6 enrichment assay has been growing. At present, laboratory-based mass spectrometry (MS), which offers the highest attainable analytical accuracy and precision, is the technique of choice for the analysis of stable and long-lived isotopes. Currently, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) monitors the production of enriched UF6 at declared facilities by collecting a small amount (between 1 to 10 g) of gaseous UF6 into a sample bottle, which is then shipped under chain of custody to a central laboratory (IAEA’s Nuclear Materials Analysis Laboratory) for high-precision isotopic assay by MS. The logistics are cumbersome and new shipping regulations are making it more difficult to transport UF6. Furthermore, the analysis is costly, and results are not available for some time after sample collection. Hence, the IAEA is challenged to develop effective safeguards approaches at enrichment plants. In-field isotopic analysis of UF6 has the potential to substantially reduce the time, logistics and expense of sample handling. However, current laboratory-based MS techniques require too much infrastructure and operator expertise for field deployment and operation. As outlined in the IAEA Department of Safeguards Long-Term R&D Plan, 2012–2023, one of the IAEA long-term R&D needs is to “develop tools and techniques to enable timely, potentially real-time, detection of HEU (Highly Enriched Uranium) production in LEU (Lowly Enriched Uranium) enrichment facilities” (Milestone 5.2). Because it is common that the next generation of analytical instruments is driven by technologies that are either currently available or just now emerging, one reasonable and practical approach to project the next generation of chemical instrumentation is to track the recent trends and to extrapolate them. This study adopted a similar approach, and an extensive literature review on existing and emerging technologies for UF6 enrichment assay was performed. The competitive advantages and current limitations of different analytical techniques for in-field UF6 enrichment assay were then compared, and the main gaps between needs and capabilities for their field use were examined. Subsequently, based on these results, technologies for the next-generation field-deployable instrument for UF6 enrichment assay were recommended. The study was organized in a way that a suite of assessment metric was first identified. Criteria used in this evaluation are presented in Section 1 of this report, and the most important ones are described briefly in the next few paragraphs. Because one driving force for in-field UF6 enrichment assay is related to the demanding transportation regulation for gaseous UF6, Section 2 contains a review of solid sorbents that convert and immobilized gaseous UF6 to a solid state, which is regarded as more transportation friendly and is less regulated. Furthermore, candidate solid sorbents, which show promise in mating with existing and emerging assay technologies, also factor into technology recommendations. Extensive literature reviews on existing and emerging technologies for UF6 enrichment assay, covering their scientific principles, instrument options, and current limitations are detailed in Sections 3 and 4, respectively. In Section 5, the technological gaps as well as start-of-the-art and commercial off-the-shelf components that can be adopted to expedite the development of a fieldable or portable UF6 enrichment-assay instrument are identified and discussed. Finally, based on the results of the review, requirements and recommendations for developing the next-generation field-deployable instrument for UF6 enrichment assay are presented in Section 6.« less

10 CFR Appendix D to Part 110 - Illustrative List of Aerodynamic Enrichment Plant Equipment and Components Under NRC Export...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... equipment, pipeline and instrumentation surfaces (that come in contact with the gas) must be made of materials that remain stable in contact with UF6. All surfaces which come into contact with the process gas... compressors or gas blowers made of or protected by materials resistant to UF6 corrosion and with a suction...

10 CFR Appendix F to Part 110 - Illustrative List of Laser-Based Enrichment Plant Equipment and Components Under NRC Export...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... come into direct contact with uranium metal vapor or liquid or with process gas consisting of UF6 or a mixture of UF6 and other gases: (1) Uranium vaporization systems (AVLIS). Especially designed or prepared... laser-based enrichment items, the materials resistant to corrosion by the vapor or liquid of uranium...

10 CFR Appendix F to Part 110 - Illustrative List of Laser-Based Enrichment Plant Equipment and Components Under NRC Export...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... come into direct contact with uranium metal vapor or liquid or with process gas consisting of UF6 or a mixture of UF6 and other gases: (1) Uranium vaporization systems (AVLIS). Especially designed or prepared... laser-based enrichment items, the materials resistant to corrosion by the vapor or liquid of uranium...

10 CFR Appendix F to Part 110 - Illustrative List of Laser-Based Enrichment Plant Equipment and Components Under NRC Export...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... come into direct contact with uranium metal vapor or liquid or with process gas consisting of UF6 or a mixture of UF6 and other gases: (1) Uranium vaporization systems (AVLIS). Especially designed or prepared... laser-based enrichment items, the materials resistant to corrosion by the vapor or liquid of uranium...

10 CFR Appendix F to Part 110 - Illustrative List of Laser-Based Enrichment Plant Equipment and Components Under NRC Export...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... come into direct contact with uranium metal vapor or liquid or with process gas consisting of UF6 or a mixture of UF6 and other gases: (1) Uranium vaporization systems (AVLIS). Especially designed or prepared... laser-based enrichment items, the materials resistant to corrosion by the vapor or liquid of uranium...

10 CFR Appendix F to Part 110 - Illustrative List of Laser-Based Enrichment Plant Equipment and Components Under NRC Export...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... come into direct contact with uranium metal vapor or liquid or with process gas consisting of UF6 or a mixture of UF6 and other gases: (1) Uranium vaporization systems (AVLIS). Especially designed or prepared... laser-based enrichment items, the materials resistant to corrosion by the vapor or liquid of uranium...

PROCESS FOR PRODUCING URANIUM HALIDES

DOEpatents

Murphree, E.V.

1957-10-29

A process amd associated apparatus for producing UF/sub 4/ from U/sub 3/ O/sub 8/ by a fluidized'' technique are reported. The U/sub 3/O/sub 8/ is first reduced to UO/sub 2/ by reaction with hydrogen, and the lower oxide of uranium is then reacted with gaseous HF to produce UF/sub 4/. In each case the reactant gas is used, alone or in combination with inert gases, to fluidize'' the finely divided reactant solid. The complete setup of the plant equipment including bins, reactor and the associated piping and valving, is described. An auxiliary fluorination reactor allows for the direct production of UF/sub 6/ from UF/sub 4/ and fluorine gas, or if desired, UF/sub 4/ may be collected as the product.

Comparison of two treatments for the removal of selected organic micropollutants and bulk organic matter: conventional activated sludge followed by ultrafiltration versus membrane bioreactor.

PubMed

Sahar, E; Ernst, M; Godehardt, M; Hein, A; Herr, J; Kazner, C; Melin, T; Cikurel, H; Aharoni, A; Messalem, R; Brenner, A; Jekel, M

2011-01-01

The potential of membrane bioreactor (MBR) systems to remove organic micropollutants was investigated at different scales, operational conditions, and locations. The effluent quality of the MBR system was compared with that of a plant combining conventional activated sludge (CAS) followed by ultrafiltration (UF). The MBR and CAS-UF systems were operated and tested in parallel. An MBR pilot plant in Israel was operated for over a year at a mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) range of 2.8-10.6 g/L. The MBR achieved removal rates comparable to those of a CAS-UF plant at the Tel-Aviv wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) for macrolide antibiotics such as roxythromycin, clarithromycin, and erythromycin and slightly higher removal rates than the CAS-UF for sulfonamides. A laboratory scale MBR unit in Berlin - at an MLSS of 6-9 g/L - showed better removal rates for macrolide antibiotics, trimethoprim, and 5-tolyltriazole compared to the CAS process of the Ruhleben sewage treatment plant (STP) in Berlin when both were fed with identical quality raw wastewater. The Berlin CAS exhibited significantly better benzotriazole removal and slightly better sulfamethoxazole and 4-tolyltriazole removal than its MBR counterpart. Pilot MBR tests (MLSS of 12 g/L) in Aachen, Germany, showed that operating flux significantly affected the resulting membrane fouling rate, but the removal rates of dissolved organic matter and of bisphenol A were not affected.

Uranium Conversion & Enrichment

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Karpius, Peter Joseph

2017-02-06

The isotopes of uranium that are found in nature, and hence in ‘fresh’ Yellowcake’, are not in relative proportions that are suitable for power or weapons applications. The goal of conversion then is to transform the U 3O 8 yellowcake into UF 6. Conversion and enrichment of uranium is usually required to obtain material with enough 235U to be usable as fuel in a reactor or weapon. The cost, size, and complexity of practical conversion and enrichment facilities aid in nonproliferation by design.

Onsite Gaseous Centrifuge Enrichment Plant UF6 Cylinder Destructive Analysis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Anheier, Norman C.; Cannon, Bret D.; Qiao, Hong

2012-07-17

The IAEA safeguards approach for gaseous centrifuge enrichment plants (GCEPs) includes measurements of gross, partial, and bias defects in a statistical sampling plan. These safeguard methods consist principally of mass and enrichment nondestructive assay (NDA) verification. Destructive assay (DA) samples are collected from a limited number of cylinders for high precision offsite mass spectrometer analysis. DA is typically used to quantify bias defects in the GCEP material balance. Under current safeguards measures, the operator collects a DA sample from a sample tap following homogenization. The sample is collected in a small UF6 sample bottle, then sealed and shipped under IAEAmore » chain of custody to an offsite analytical laboratory. Current practice is expensive and resource intensive. We propose a new and novel approach for performing onsite gaseous UF6 DA analysis that provides rapid and accurate assessment of enrichment bias defects. DA samples are collected using a custom sampling device attached to a conventional sample tap. A few micrograms of gaseous UF6 is chemically adsorbed onto a sampling coupon in a matter of minutes. The collected DA sample is then analyzed onsite using Laser Ablation Absorption Ratio Spectrometry-Destructive Assay (LAARS-DA). DA results are determined in a matter of minutes at sufficient accuracy to support reliable bias defect conclusions, while greatly reducing DA sample volume, analysis time, and cost.« less

PRODUCTION OF URANIUM HEXAFLUORIDE

DOEpatents

Fowler, R.D.

1957-08-27

A process for the production of uranium hexafluoride from the oxides of uranium is reported. In accordance with the method, the higher oxides of uranium may be reduced to uranium dioxide (UO/sub 2/), the latter converted into uranium tetrafluoride by reaction with hydrogen fluoride, and the UF/sub 4/ converted to UF/sub 6/ by reaction with a fluorinating agent, such as CoF/sub 3/. The UO/sub 3/ or U/sub 3/O/sub 8/ is placed in a reac tion chamber in a copper boat or tray enclosed in a copper oven, and heated to 500 to 650 deg C while hydrogen gas is passed through the oven. After nitrogen gas is used to sweep out the hydrogen and the water vapor formed, and while continuing to inaintain the temperature between 400 deg C and 600 deg C, anhydrous hydrogen fluoride is passed through. After completion of the conversion of UO/sub 2/ to UF/sub 4/ the temperature of the reaction chamber is lowered to about 400 deg C or less, the UF/sub 4/ is mixed with the requisite quantity of CoF/sub 3/, and after evacuating the chamber, the mixture is heated to 300 to 400 deg C, and the resulting UF/sub 6/ is led off and delivered to a condenser.

A Mock UF6 Feed and Withdrawal System for Testing Safeguards Monitoring Systems and Strategies Intended for Nuclear Fuel Enrichment and Processing Plants

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Krichinsky, Alan M; Bates, Bruce E; Chesser, Joel B

2009-12-01

This report describes an engineering-scale, mock UF6 feed and withdrawal (F&W) system, its operation, and its intended uses. This system has been assembled to provide a test bed for evaluating and demonstrating new methodologies that can be used in remote, unattended, continuous monitoring of nuclear material process operations. These measures are being investigated to provide independent inspectors improved assurance that operations are being conducted within declared parameters, and to increase the overall effectiveness of safeguarding nuclear material. Testing applicable technologies on a mock F&W system, which uses water as a surrogate for UF6, enables thorough and cost-effective investigation of hardware,more » software, and operational strategies before their direct installation in an industrial nuclear material processing environment. Electronic scales used for continuous load-cell monitoring also are described as part of the basic mock F&W system description. Continuous monitoring components on the mock F&W system are linked to a data aggregation computer by a local network, which also is depicted. Data collection and storage systems are described only briefly in this report. The mock UF{sub 6} F&W system is economical to operate. It uses a simple process involving only a surge tank between feed tanks and product and withdrawal (or waste) tanks. The system uses water as the transfer fluid, thereby avoiding the use of hazardous UF{sub 6}. The system is not tethered to an operating industrial process involving nuclear materials, thereby allowing scenarios (e.g., material diversion) that cannot be conducted otherwise. These features facilitate conducting experiments that yield meaningful results with a minimum of expenditure and quick turnaround time. Technologies demonstrated on the engineering-scale system lead to field trials (described briefly in this report) for determining implementation issues and performance of the monitoring technologies under plant operating conditions. The ultimate use of technologies tested on the engineering-scale test bed is to work with safeguards agencies to install them in operating plants (e.g., enrichment and fuel processing plants), thereby promoting new safeguards measures with minimal impact to operating plants. In addition, this system is useful in identifying features for new plants that can be incorporated as part of 'safeguards by design,' in which load cells and other monitoring technologies are specified to provide outputs for automated monitoring and inspector evaluation.« less

SINGLE-STEP CONVERSION OF UO$sub 3$ TO UF$sub 4$

DOEpatents

Moore, J.E.

1960-07-12

A description is given of the preparation of uranium tetrafluoride by reacting a hexavalent uranium compound with a pclysaccharide and gaseous hydrogen fluoride at an elevated temperature. Uranium trioxide and starch are combined with water to form a doughy mixture. which is extruded into pellets and dried. The pellets are then contacted with HF at a temperature from 500 to 700 deg C in a moving bed reactor to prcduce UF/sub 4/. Reduction of the hexavalent uranium to UO/sub 2/ and conversion of the UO/sub 2/ to UF/sub 4/ are accomplished simultaneously in this process.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schmoyer, RLS

The United States Department of Energy (DOE) currently manages the UF{sub 6} Cylinder Project. The project was formed to maintain and safely manage the depleted uranium hexafluoride (UF{sub 6}) stored in approximately 50,000 carbon steel cylinders. The cylinders are located at three DOE sites: the ETTP site (K-25) at Oak Ridge, Tennessee; the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant (PGDP) in Paducah, Kentucky, and the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant (PORTS) in Portsmouth, Ohio. The System Requirements Document (SRD) (LMES 1997a) delineates the requirements of the project. The appropriate actions needed to fulfill these requirements are then specified within the System Engineering Managementmore » Plan (SEMP) (LMES 1997b). This report documents activities that in whole or in part satisfy specific requirements and actions stated in the UF{sub 6} Cylinder Project SRD and SEMP with respect to forecasting cylinder conditions. The results presented here supercede those presented previously (Lyon 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000). Many of the wall thickness projections made in this report are conservative, because they are based on the assumption that corrosion trends will continue, despite activities such as improved monitoring, relocations to better storage, and painting.« less

Exergy analysis of an industrial-scale ultrafiltrated (UF) cheese production plant: a detailed survey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nasiri, Farshid; Aghbashlo, Mortaza; Rafiee, Shahin

2017-02-01

In this study, a detailed exergy analysis of an industrial-scale ultrafiltrated (UF) cheese production plant was conducted based on actual operational data in order to provide more comprehensive insights into the performance of the whole plant and its main subcomponents. The plant included four main subsystems, i.e., steam generator (I), above-zero refrigeration system (II), Bactocatch-assisted pasteurization line (III), and UF cheese production line (IV). In addition, this analysis was aimed at quantifying the exergy destroyed in processing a known quantity of the UF cheese using the mass allocation method. The specific exergy destruction of the UF cheese production was determined at 2330.42 kJ/kg. The contributions of the subsystems I, II, III, and IV to the specific exergy destruction of the UF cheese production were computed as 1337.67, 386.18, 283.05, and 323.51 kJ/kg, respectively. Additionally, it was observed through the analysis that the steam generation system had the largest contribution to the thermodynamic inefficiency of the UF cheese production, accounting for 57.40 % of the specific exergy destruction. Generally, the outcomes of this survey further manifested the benefits of applying exergy analysis for design, analysis, and optimization of industrial-scale dairy processing plants to achieve the most cost-effective and environmentally-benign production strategies.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Barrett, Christopher A.; Martinez, Alonzo; McNamara, Bruce K.

International Atom Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguard verification measures in gaseous centrifuge enrichment plants (GCEPs) rely on environmental sampling, non-destructive assay (NDA), and destructive assay (DA) sampling and analysis to determine uranium enrichment. UF6 bias defect measurements are made by DA sampling and analysis to assure that enrichment is consistent with declarations. DA samples are collected from a limited number of cylinders for high precision, offsite mass spectrometer analysis. Samples are typically drawn from a sampling tap into a UF6 sample bottle, then packaged, sealed, and shipped under IAEA chain of custody to an offsite analytical laboratory. Future DA safeguard measuresmore » may require improvements in efficiency and effectiveness as GCEP capacities increase and UF6 shipping regulations become increasingly more restrictive. The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) DA sampler concept and Laser Ablation Absorption Ratio Spectrometry (LAARS) assay method are under development to potentially provide DA safeguard tools that increase inspection effectiveness and reduce sample shipping constraints. The PNNL DA sampler concept uses a handheld sampler to collect DA samples for either onsite LAARS assay or offsite laboratory analysis. The DA sampler design will use a small sampling planchet that is coated with an adsorptive film to collect controlled quantities of UF6 gas directly from a cylinder or process sampling tap. Development efforts are currently underway at PNNL to enhance LAARS assay performance to allow high-precision onsite bias defect measurements. In this paper, we report on the experimental investigation to develop adsorptive films for the PNNL DA sampler concept. These films are intended to efficiently capture UF6 and then stabilize the collected DA sample prior to onsite LAARS or offsite laboratory analysis. Several porous material composite films were investigated, including a film designed to maximize the chemical adsorption and binding of gaseous UF6 onto the sampling planchet.« less

Status Report on the Passive Neutron Enrichment Meter (PNEM) for UF6 Cylinder Assay

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Miller, Karen A.; Swinhoe, Martyn T.; Menlove, Howard O.

2012-05-02

The Passive Neutron Enrichment Meter (PNEM) is a nondestructive assay (NDA) system being developed at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). It was designed to determine {sup 235}U mass and enrichment of uranium hexafluoride (UF{sub 6}) in product, feed, and tails cylinders (i.e., 30B and 48Y cylinders). These cylinders are found in the nuclear fuel cycle at uranium conversion, enrichment, and fuel fabrication facilities. The PNEM is a {sup 3}He-based neutron detection system that consists of two briefcase-sized detector pods. A photograph of the system during characterization at LANL is shown in Fig. 1. Several signatures are currently being studied tomore » determine the most effective measurement and data reduction technique for unfolding {sup 235}U mass and enrichment. The system collects total neutron and coincidence data for both bare and cadmium-covered detector pods. The measurement concept grew out of the success of the Uranium Cylinder Assay System (UCAS), which is an operator system at Rokkasho Enrichment Plant (REP) that uses total neutron counting to determine {sup 235}U mass in UF{sub 6} cylinders. The PNEM system was designed with higher efficiency than the UCAS in order to add coincidence counting functionality for the enrichment determination. A photograph of the UCAS with a 48Y cylinder at REP is shown in Fig. 2, and the calibration measurement data for 30B product and 48Y feed and tails cylinders is shown in Fig. 3. The data was collected in a low-background environment, meaning there is very little scatter in the data. The PNEM measurement concept was first presented at the 2010 Institute of Nuclear Materials Management (INMM) Annual Meeting. The physics design and uncertainty analysis were presented at the 2010 International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Safeguards Symposium, and the mechanical and electrical designs and characterization measurements were published in the ESARDA Bulletin in 2011.« less

Current advances in screening for bioactive components from medicinal plants by affinity ultrafiltration mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Chen, Guilin; Huang, Bill X; Guo, Mingquan

2018-05-21

Medicinal plants have played an important role in maintaining human health for thousands of years. However, the interactions between the active components in medicinal plants and some certain biological targets during a disease are still unclear in most cases. To conduct the high-throughput screening for small active molecules that can interact with biological targets, which is of great theoretical significance and practical value. The ultrafiltration mass spectrometry (UF-LC/MS) is a powerful bio-analytical method by combining affinity ultrafiltration and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS), which could rapidly screen and identify small active molecules that bind to biological targets of interest at the same time. Compared with other analytical methods, affinity UF-LC/MS has the characteristics of fast, sensitive and high throughput, and is especially suitable for the complicated extracts of medicinal plants. In this review, the basic principle, characteristics and some most recent challenges in UF-LC/MS have been demonstrated. Meanwhile, the progress and applications of affinity UF-LC/MS in the discovery of the active components from natural medicinal plants and the interactions between small molecules and biological target proteins are also briefly summarised. In addition, the future directions for UF-LC/MS are also prospected. Affinity UF-LC/MS is a powerful tool in studies on the interactions between small active molecules and biological protein targets, especially in the high-throughput screening of active components from the natural medicinal plants. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Process gas solidification system

DOEpatents

Fort, William G. S.; Lee, Jr., William W.

1978-01-01

It has been the practice to (a) withdraw hot, liquid UF.sub.6 from various systems, (b) direct the UF.sub.6 into storage cylinders, and (c) transport the filled cylinders to another area where the UF.sub.6 is permitted to solidify by natural cooling. However, some hazard attends the movement of cylinders containing liquid UF.sub.6, which is dense, toxic, and corrosive. As illustrated in terms of one of its applications, the invention is directed to withdrawing hot liquid UF.sub.6 from a system including (a) a compressor for increasing the pressure and temperature of a stream of gaseous UF.sub.6 to above its triple point and (b) a condenser for liquefying the compressed gas. A network containing block valves and at least first and second portable storage cylinders is connected between the outlet of the condenser and the suction inlet of the compressor. After an increment of liquid UF.sub.6 from the condenser has been admitted to the first cylinder, the cylinder is connected to the suction of the compressor to flash off UF.sub.6 from the cylinder, thus gradually solidifying UF.sub.6 therein. While the first cylinder is being cooled in this manner, an increment of liquid UF.sub.6 from the condenser is transferred into the second cylinder. UF.sub.6 then is flashed from the second cylinder while another increment of liquid UF.sub.6 is being fed to the first. The operations are repeated until both cylinders are filled with solid UF.sub.6, after which they can be moved safely. As compared with the previous technique, this procedure is safer, faster, and more economical. The method also provides the additional advantage of removing volatile impurities from the UF.sub.6 while it is being cooled.

Authors@UF Campus Conversation Series: A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Silver, Isabel

2014-01-01

The Authors@UF program series emerged to showcase the scholarship and creativity of faculty, creating an intellectual forum within the academic library, and providing informal, extra-curriculum, academic engagement between students and faculty outside the classroom. This article identifies steps to launch an author program, and considerations in…

Hybrid coagulation-UF processes for spent filter backwash water treatment: a comparison studies for PAFCl and FeCl3 as a pre-treatment.

PubMed

Ebrahimi, Afshin; Amin, Mohammad Mehdi; Pourzamani, Hamidreza; Hajizadeh, Yaghoub; Mahvi, Amir Hossein; Mahdavi, Mokhtar; Rad, Mohammad Hassan Rabie

2017-08-01

In this study, the reclamation of clean water from spent filter backwash water (SFBW) was investigated through pilot-scale experiments. The pilot plant consisted of pre-sedimentation, coagulation, flocculation, clarification, and ultrafiltration (UF). Two coagulants of PAFCl and FeCl 3 were investigated with respect to their performance on treated SFBW quality and UF membrane fouling. At the optimum dose of PAFCl and FeCl 3 turbidity removal of 99.6 and 99.4% was attained, respectively. PAFCl resulted in an optimum UV 254 , TOC, and DOC removal of 80, 83.6, and 72.7%, respectively, and FeCl 3 caused the removal of those parameters by 76.7, 80.9, and 65.9%, respectively. PAFCl removed hydrophilic and transphilic constituent better than FeCl 3 , but FeCl 3 had, to some extent, higher affinities to a hydrophobic fraction. It was concluded that PAFCl showed a better coagulation performance in most cases and caused a lower membrane fouling rate compared to FeCl 3 . Finally, the treated SFBW with both coagulant-UF systems met the drinking water standards.

Safety Evaluation Report for the Claiborne Enrichment Center, Homer, Louisiana (Docket No. 70-3070)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

1994-01-01

This report documents the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff review and safety evaluation of the Louisiana Energy Services, L.P. (LES, the applicant) application for a license to possess and use byproduct, source, and special nuclear material and to enrich natural uranium to a maximum of 5 percent U-235 by the gas centrifuge process. The plant, to be known as the Claiborne Enrichment Center (CEC), would be constructed near the town of Homer in Claiborne Parish, Louisiana. At full production in a given year, the plant will receive approximately 4,700 tonnes of feed UF{sub 6} and produce 870 tonnes ofmore » low-enriched UF{sub 6}, and 3,830 tonnes of depleted UF{sub 6} tails. Facility construction, operation, and decommissioning are expected to last 5, 30, and 7 years, respectively. The objective of the review is to evaluate the potential adverse impacts of operation of the facility on worker and public health and safety under both normal operating and accident conditions. The review also considers the management organization, administrative programs, and financial qualifications provided to assure safe design and operation of the facility. The NRC staff concludes that the applicant`s descriptions, specifications, and analyses provide an adequate basis for safety review of facility operations and that construction and operation of the facility does not pose an undue risk to public health and safety.« less

UF.sub.6 -Recovery process utilizing desublimation

DOEpatents

Eby, Robert S.; Stephenson, Michael J.; Andrews, Deborah H.; Hamilton, Thomas H.

1985-01-01

The invention is a UF.sub.6 -recovery process of the kind in which a stream of substantially pure gaseous UF.sub.6 is directed through an externally chilled desublimer to convert the UF.sub.6 directly to an annular solid ring adhering to the interior wall of the desublimer. After accumulation of a desired amount of solid UF.sub.6, the desublimer is heated to liquefy the solid. Subsequently, the liquid is recovered from the desublimer. It has been found that during the heating operation the desublimer is subjected to excessive mechanical stresses. In addition, it has been found that the incorporation of a very small percentage of relatively noncondensable, nonreactive gas (e.g., nitrogen) in the UF.sub.6 input to the desublimer effects significant decreases in the stresses generated during the subsequent melting operation. This modification to the process provides valuable advantages in terms of reduced hazard, lower operating costs for the desublimer, and increased service life for the desublimer and its auxiliaries. The new process is especially suitable for the recovery of enriched UF.sub.6 from high-speed UF.sub.6 gas-centrifuge cascades.

UF/sub 6/-recovery process utilizing desublimation

DOEpatents

Eby, R.S.; Stephenson, M.J.; Andrews, D.H.; Hamilton, T.H.

1983-12-21

The invention is a UF/sub 6/-recovery process of the kind in which a stream of substantially pure gaseous UF/sub 6/ is directed through an externally chilled desublimer to convert the UF/sub 6/ directly to an annular solid ring adhering to the interior wall of the desublimer. After accumulation of a desired amount of solid UF/sub 6/, the desublimer is heated to liquefy the solid. Subsequently, the liquid is recovered from the desublimer. It has been found that during the heating operation the desublimer is subjected to excessive mechanical stresses. In addition, it has been found that the incorporation of a very small percentage of relatively noncondensable, nonreactive gas (e.g., nitrogen) in the UF/sub 6/ input to the desublimer effects significant decreases in the stresses generated during the subsequent melting operation. This modification to the process provides valuable advantages in terms of reduced hazard, lower operating costs for the desublimer, and increased service life for the desublimer and its auxiliaries. The new process is especially suitable for the recovery of enriched UF/sub 6/ from high-speed UF/sub 6/ gas-centrifuge cascades.

Circulation system for flowing uranium hexafluoride cavity reactor experiments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jaminet, J. F.; Kendall, J. S.

1976-01-01

Research related to determining the feasibility of producing continuous power from fissile fuel in the gaseous state is presented. The development of three laboratory-scale flow systems for handling gaseous UF6 at temperatures up to 500 K, pressure up to approximately 40 atm, and continuous flow rates up to approximately 50g/s is presented. A UF6 handling system fabricated for static critical tests currently being conducted is described. The system was designed to supply UF6 to a double-walled aluminum core canister assembly at temperatures between 300 K and 400 K and pressure up to 4 atm. A second UF6 handling system designed to provide a circulating flow of up to 50g/s of gaseous UF6 in a closed-loop through a double-walled aluminum core canister with controlled temperature and pressure is described. Data from flow tests using UF6 and UF6/He mixtures with this system at flow rates up to approximately 12g/s and pressure up to 4 atm are presented. A third UF6 handling system fabricated to provide a continuous flow of UF6 at flow rates up to 5g/s and at pressures up to 40 atm for use in rf-heated, uranium plasma confinement experiments is described.

Penetration of Ufenamate into Intact, Stripped, or Delipidized Skin Using Different Vehicles.

PubMed

Iino, Hayato; Fujii, Makiko; Fujino, Manami; Koizumi, Naoya; Watanabe, Yoshiteru

2015-01-01

The purpose of this study was to clarify the effect of skin condition on skin penetration of the very high lipophilic drug, ufenamate (UF). UF was applied to stripped or delipidized skin using liquid paraffin (LP) or purified water containing polysorbate 80 at a dose of 2 µL/cm(2). We found that UF penetration into intact and stripped skin using a water vehicle was respectively 5 and 10 times higher than that using LP. UF is freely soluble in oil and insoluble in water; thus, activity in water is higher than that in LP. Therefore, it is useful to use a water-based vehicle for both intact sites and those with defective stratum corneum (SC). Conversely, we found that delipidization of SC decreased the penetration of UF significantly with both LP and water, and the amount measured in the epidermis was 1 µg/cm(2) with both vehicles. This indicates that UF is not suitable for so-called "dry skin." This study revealed clinically relevant differences in the penetration of UF into intact, stripped, or delipidized skin conditions.

Investigation of UF/sub 6/ behavior in a fire

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Williams, W.R.

Reactions between UF/sub 6/ and combustible gases and the potential for UF/sub 6/-filled cylinders to rupture when exposed to fire are addressed. Although the absence of kinetic data prevents specific identification and quantification of the chemical species formed, potential reaction products resulting from the release of UF/sub 6/ into a fire include UF/sub 4/, UO/sub 2/F/sub 2/, HF, C, CF/sub 4/,COF/sub 2/, and short chain, fluorinated or partially fluorinated hydrocarbons. Such a release adds energy to a fire relative to normal combustion reactions. Time intervals to an assumed point of rupture for UF/sub 6/-filled cylinders exposed to fire are estimatedmore » conservatively. Several related studies are also summarized, including a test series in which small UF/sub 6/-filled cylinders were immersed in fire resulting in valve failures and explosive ruptures. It is concluded that all sizes of UF/sub 6/ cylinders currently in use may rupture within 30 minutes when totally immersed in a fire. For cylinders adjacent to fires, rupture of the larger cylinders appears much less likely.« less

Performance of electrodialysis reversal and reverse osmosis for reclaiming wastewater from high-tech industrial parks in Taiwan: A pilot-scale study.

PubMed

Yen, Feng-Chi; You, Sheng-Jie; Chang, Tien-Chin

2017-02-01

Wastewater reclamation is considered an absolute necessity in Taiwan, as numerous industrial parks experience water shortage. However, the water quality of secondary treated effluents from sewage treatment plants generally does not meet the requirements of industrial water use because of the high inorganic constituents. This paper reports experimental data from a pilot-plant study of two treatment processes-(i) fiber filtration (FF)-ultrafiltration (UF)-reverse osmosis (RO) and (ii) sand filtration (SF)-electrodialysis reversal (EDR)-for treating industrial high conductivity effluents from the Xianxi wastewater treatment plant in Taiwan. The results demonstrated that FF-UF was excellent for turbidity removal and it was a suitable pretreatment process for RO. The influence of two membrane materials on the operating characteristics and process stability of the UF process was determined. The treatment performance of FF-UF-RO was higher than that of SF-EDR with an average desalination rate of 97%, a permeate conductivity of 272.7 ± 32.0, turbidity of 0.183 ± 0.02 NTU and a chemical oxigen demand of <4.5 mg/L. The cost analysis for both processes in a water reclamation plant of 4000 m 3 /d capacity revealed that using FF-UF-RO had a lower treatment cost than using SF-EDR, which required activated carbon filtration as a post treatment process. On the basis of the results in this study, the FF-UF-RO system is recommended as a potential process for additional applications. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Estimated critical conditions for UF{sub 4}-oil systems in fully oil-reflected spherical geometry

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Plaster, M.J.

Paraffinic oil has been exposed to UF{sub 6} gas in seal exhaust pumps and cascade equipment at the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant. The resulting mixture is more nuclearly reactive than mixtures of UO{sub 2}F{sub 2} and H{sub 2}O and is not bounded by the subcritical mass limits presented in several nuclear criticality safety guides. The purpose of this analysis is to determine several critical parameters; specifically, (1) k{sub {infinity}} and the critical mass for several enrichments and moderation levels and (2) the mass limits for these mixtures. The estimated critical masses for the UF{sub 4}-oil systems are smaller than formore » the UO{sub 2}F{sub 2}-H{sub 2}O systems. The suggested mass limits for the UF{sub 4}-oil systems are 0.240, 0.280, 0.350, 0.430, and 0.670, and 1.170 kg {sup 235}U for enrichments of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, and 3 wt.% {sup 235}U respectively.« less

Method and apparatus for measuring enrichment of UF6

DOEpatents

Hill, Thomas Roy [Santa Fe, NM; Ianakiev, Kiril Dimitrov [Los Alamos, NM

2011-06-07

A system and method are disclosed for determining the enrichment of .sup.235U in Uranium Hexafluoride (UF6) utilizing synthesized X-rays which are directed at a container test zone containing a sample of UF6. A detector placed behind the container test zone then detects and counts the X-rays which pass through the container and the UF6. In order to determine the portion of the attenuation due to the UF6 gas alone, this count rate may then be compared to a calibration count rate of X-rays passing through a calibration test zone which contains a vacuum, the test zone having experienced substantially similar environmental conditions as the actual test zone. Alternatively, X-rays of two differing energy levels may be alternately directed at the container, where either the container or the UF6 has a high sensitivity to the difference in the energy levels, and the other having a low sensitivity.

On Line Enrichment Monitor (OLEM) UF 6 Tests for 1.5" Sch40 SS Pipe, Revision 1

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

March-Leuba, José A.; Garner, Jim; Younkin, Jim

As global uranium enrichment capacity under international safeguards expands, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is challenged to develop effective safeguards approaches at gaseous centrifuge enrichment plants while working within budgetary constraints. The “Model Safeguards Approach for Gas Centrifuge Enrichment Plants” (GCEPs) developed by the IAEA Division of Concepts and Planning in June 2006, defines the three primary Safeguards objectives to be the timely detection of: 1) diversion of significant quantities of natural (NU), depleted (DU) or low-enriched uranium (LEU) from declared plant flow, 2) facility misuse to produce undeclared LEU product from undeclared feed, and 3) facility misuse tomore » produce enrichments higher than the declared maximum, in particular, highly enriched uranium (HEU). The ability to continuously and independently (i.e. with a minimum of information from the facility operator) monitor not only the uranium mass balance but also the 235U mass balance in the facility could help support all three verification objectives described above. Two key capabilities required to achieve an independent and accurate material balance are 1) continuous, unattended monitoring of in-process UF 6 and 2) monitoring of cylinders entering and leaving the facility. The continuous monitoring of in-process UF 6 would rely on a combination of load-cell monitoring of the cylinders at the feed and withdrawal stations, online monitoring of gas enrichment, and a high-accuracy net weight measurement of the cylinder contents. The Online Enrichment Monitor (OLEM) is the instrument that would continuously measure the time-dependent relative uranium enrichment, E(t), in weight percent 235U, of the gas filling or being withdrawn from the cylinders. The OLEM design concept combines gamma-ray spectrometry using a collimated NaI(Tl) detector with gas pressure and temperature data to calculate the enrichment of the UF 6 gas within the unit header pipe as a function of time. The OLEM components have been tested on ORNL UF 6 flow loop. Data were collected at five different enrichment levels (0.71%, 2.97%, 4.62%, 6.0%, and 93.7%) at several pressure conditions. The test data were collected in the standard OLEM N.4242 file format for each of the conditions with a 10-minute sampling period and then averaged over the span of constant pressures. Analysis of the collected data has provided enrichment constants that can be used for 1.5” stainless steel schedule 40 pipe measurement sites. The enrichment constant is consistent among all the wide range of enrichment levels and pressures used.« less

Method for selectively removing fluorine and fluorine-containing contaminants from gaseous UF.sub.6

DOEpatents

Jones, Robert L.; Otey, Milton G.; Perkins, Roy W.

1982-01-01

This invention is a method for effecting preferential removal and immobilization of certain gaseous contaminants from gaseous UF.sub.6. The contaminants include fluorine and fluorides which are more reactive with CaCO.sub.3 than is UF.sub.6. The method comprises contacting the contaminant-carrying UF.sub.6 with particulate CaCO.sub.3 at a temperature effecting reaction of the contaminant and the CaCO.sub.3.

NMR shielding calculations across the periodic table: diamagnetic uranium compounds. 2. Ligand and metal NMR.

PubMed

Schreckenbach, Georg

2002-12-16

In this and a previous article (J. Phys. Chem. A 2000, 104, 8244), the range of application for relativistic density functional theory (DFT) is extended to the calculation of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) shieldings and chemical shifts in diamagnetic actinide compounds. Two relativistic DFT methods are used, ZORA ("zeroth-order regular approximation") and the quasirelativistic (QR) method. In the given second paper, NMR shieldings and chemical shifts are calculated and discussed for a wide range of compounds. The molecules studied comprise uranyl complexes, [UO(2)L(n)](+/-)(q); UF(6); inorganic UF(6) derivatives, UF(6-n)Cl(n), n = 0-6; and organometallic UF(6) derivatives, UF(6-n)(OCH(3))(n), n = 0-5. Uranyl complexes include [UO(2)F(4)](2-), [UO(2)Cl(4)](2-), [UO(2)(OH)(4)](2-), [UO(2)(CO(3))(3)](4-), and [UO(2)(H(2)O)(5)](2+). For the ligand NMR, moderate (e.g., (19)F NMR chemical shifts in UF(6-n)Cl(n)) to excellent agreement [e.g., (19)F chemical shift tensor in UF(6) or (1)H NMR in UF(6-n)(OCH(3))(n)] has been found between theory and experiment. The methods have been used to calculate the experimentally unknown (235)U NMR chemical shifts. A large chemical shift range of at least 21,000 ppm has been predicted for the (235)U nucleus. ZORA spin-orbit appears to be the most accurate method for predicting actinide metal chemical shifts. Trends in the (235)U NMR chemical shifts of UF(6-n)L(n) molecules are analyzed and explained in terms of the calculated electronic structure. It is argued that the energy separation and interaction between occupied and virtual orbitals with f-character are the determining factors.

Natural phenomena evaluations of the K-25 site UF{sub 6} cylinder storage yards

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fricke, K.E.

1996-09-15

The K-25 Site UF{sub 6} cylinder storage yards are used for the temporary storage of UF{sub 6} normal assay cylinders and long-term storage of other UF{sub 6} cylinders. The K-25 Site UF{sub 6} cylinder storage yards consist of six on-site areas: K-1066-B, K-1066-E, K-1066-F, K-1066-J, K-1066-K and K-1066-L. There are no permanent structures erected on the cylinder yards, except for five portable buildings. The operating contractor for the K-25 Site is preparing a Safety Analysis Report (SAR) to examine the safety related aspects of the K-25 Site UF{sub 6} cylinder storage yards. The SAR preparation encompasses many tasks terminating inmore » consequence analysis for the release of gaseous and liquid UF{sub 6}, one of which is the evaluation of natural phenomena threats, such as earthquakes, floods, and winds. In support of the SAR, the six active cylinder storage yards were evaluated for vulnerabilities to natural phenomena, earthquakes, high winds and tornados, tornado-generated missiles, floods (local and regional), and lightning. This report summarizes those studies. 30 refs.« less

Argon/UF6 plasma exhaust gas reconstitution experiments using preheated fluorine and on-line diagnostics. [fissioning uranium plasma core reactor design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roman, W. C.

1979-01-01

The feasibility of employing a flowing, high-temperature, pure fluorine/UF6 regeneration system to efficiently convert a large fraction of the effluent plasma exhaust back to pure UF6 was demonstrated. The custom built T.O.F. mass spectrometer sampling system permitted on-line measurements of the UF6 concentration at different locations in the exhaust system. Negligible amounts ( 100 ppm) of UF6 were detected in the axial bypass exhaust duct and the exhaust ducts downstream of the cryogenic trap system used to collect the UF6, thus verifying the overall system efficiency over a range of operating conditions. Use of a porous Monel duct as part of the exhaust duct system, including provision for injection of pure fluorine, provided a viable technique to eliminate uranium compound residue on the inside surface of the exhaust ducts. Typical uranium compound mass deposition per unit area of duct was 2 micron g/sq cm. This porous duct technique is directly applicable to future uranium compound transfer exhaust systems. Throughout these experiments, additional basic data on the corrosion aspects of hot, pressurized UF6/fluorine were also accumulated.

Method for selectively removing fluorine and fluorine-containing contaminants from gaseous UF/sub 6/. [ClF/sub 3/

DOEpatents

Jones, R.L.; Otey, M.G.; Perkins, R.W.

1980-11-24

This invention is a method for effecting preferential removal and immobilization of certain gaseous contaminants from gaseous UF/sub 6/. The contaminants include fluorine and fluorides which are more reactive with CaCO/sub 3/ than is UF/sub 6/. The method comprises contacting the contaminant-carrying UF/sub 6/ with particulate CaCO/sub 3/ at a temperature effecting reaction of the contaminant and the CaCO/sub 3/.

Conversion of depleted uranium hexafluoride to a solid uranium compound

DOEpatents

Rothman, Alan B.; Graczyk, Donald G.; Essling, Alice M.; Horwitz, E. Philip

2001-01-01

A process for converting UF.sub.6 to a solid uranium compound such as UO.sub.2 and CaF. The UF.sub.6 vapor form is contacted with an aqueous solution of NH.sub.4 OH at a pH greater than 7 to precipitate at least some solid uranium values as a solid leaving an aqueous solution containing NH.sub.4 OH and NH.sub.4 F and remaining uranium values. The solid uranium values are separated from the aqueous solution of NH.sub.4 OH and NH.sub.4 F and remaining uranium values which is then diluted with additional water precipitating more uranium values as a solid leaving trace quantities of uranium in a dilute aqueous solution. The dilute aqueous solution is contacted with an ion-exchange resin to remove substantially all the uranium values from the dilute aqueous solution. The dilute solution being contacted with Ca(OH).sub.2 to precipitate CaF.sub.2 leaving dilute NH.sub.4 OH.

Polyethersulfone-based ultrafiltration hollow fibre membrane for drinking water treatment systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chew, Chun Ming; Ng, K. M. David; Ooi, H. H. Richard

2017-12-01

Conventional media/sand filtration has been the mainstream water treatment process for most municipal water treatment plants in Malaysia. Filtrate qualities of conventional media/sand filtration are very much dependent on the coagulation-flocculation process prior to filtration and might be as high as 5 NTU. However, the demands for better quality of drinking water through public piped-water supply systems are growing. Polymeric ultrafiltration (UF) hollow fibre membrane made from modified polyethersulfone (PES) material is highly hydrophilic with high tensile strength and produces excellent quality filtrate of below 0.3 NTU in turbidity. This advanced membrane filtration material is also chemical resistance which allows a typical lifespan of 5 years. Comparisons between the conventional media/sand filtration and PES-based UF systems are carried out in this paper. UF has been considered as the emerging technology in municipal drinking water treatment plants due to its consistency in producing high quality filtrates even without the coagulation-flocculation process. The decreasing cost of PES-based membrane due to mass production and competitive pricing by manufacturers has made the UF technology affordable for industrial-scale water treatment plants.

Removal of fluoride impurities from UF/sub 6/ gas

DOEpatents

Beitz, J.V.

1984-01-06

A method of purifying a UF/sub 6/ gas stream containing one or more metal fluoride impurities composed of a transuranic metal, transition metal or mixtures thereof, is carried out by contacting the gas stream with a bed of UF/sub 5/ in a reaction vessel under conditions where at least one impurity reacts with the UF/sub 5/ to form a nongaseous product and a treated gas stream, and removing the treated gas stream from contact with the bed. The nongaseous products are subsequently removed in a reaction with an active fluorine affording agent to form a gaseous impurity which is removed from the reaction vessel. The bed of UF/sub 5/ is formed by the reduction of UF/sub 6/ in the presence of uv light. One embodiment of the reaction vessel includes a plurality of uv light sources as tubes on which UF/sub 5/ is formed. 2 figures.

Removal of fluoride impurities from UF.sub.6 gas

DOEpatents

Beitz, James V.

1985-01-01

A method of purifying a UF.sub.6 gas stream containing one or more metal fluoride impurities composed of a transuranic metal, transition metal or mixtures thereof, is carried out by contacting the gas stream with a bed of UF.sub.5 in a reaction vessel under conditions where at least one impurity reacts with the UF.sub.5 to form a nongaseous product and a treated gas stream, and removing the treated gas stream from contact with the bed. The nongaseous products are subsequently removed in a reaction with an active fluorine affording agent to form a gaseous impurity which is removed from the reaction vessel. The bed of UF.sub.5 is formed by the reduction of UF.sub.6 in the presence of UV light. One embodiment of the reaction vessel includes a plurality of UV light sources as tubes on which UF.sub.5 is formed.

31 CFR 540.318 - Uranium Hexafluoride (UF6).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 31 Money and Finance:Treasury 3 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Uranium Hexafluoride (UF6). 540.318... OF FOREIGN ASSETS CONTROL, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY HIGHLY ENRICHED URANIUM (HEU) AGREEMENT ASSETS CONTROL REGULATIONS General Definitions § 540.318 Uranium Hexafluoride (UF6). The term uranium...

31 CFR 540.318 - Uranium Hexafluoride (UF6).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 31 Money and Finance:Treasury 3 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Uranium Hexafluoride (UF6). 540.318... OF FOREIGN ASSETS CONTROL, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY HIGHLY ENRICHED URANIUM (HEU) AGREEMENT ASSETS CONTROL REGULATIONS General Definitions § 540.318 Uranium Hexafluoride (UF6). The term uranium...

31 CFR 540.318 - Uranium Hexafluoride (UF6).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 31 Money and Finance:Treasury 3 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Uranium Hexafluoride (UF6). 540.318... OF FOREIGN ASSETS CONTROL, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY HIGHLY ENRICHED URANIUM (HEU) AGREEMENT ASSETS CONTROL REGULATIONS General Definitions § 540.318 Uranium Hexafluoride (UF6). The term uranium...

31 CFR 540.318 - Uranium Hexafluoride (UF6).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 31 Money and Finance:Treasury 3 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Uranium Hexafluoride (UF6). 540.318... OF FOREIGN ASSETS CONTROL, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY HIGHLY ENRICHED URANIUM (HEU) AGREEMENT ASSETS CONTROL REGULATIONS General Definitions § 540.318 Uranium Hexafluoride (UF6). The term uranium...

31 CFR 540.318 - Uranium Hexafluoride (UF6).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 31 Money and Finance: Treasury 3 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Uranium Hexafluoride (UF6). 540.318... OF FOREIGN ASSETS CONTROL, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY HIGHLY ENRICHED URANIUM (HEU) AGREEMENT ASSETS CONTROL REGULATIONS General Definitions § 540.318 Uranium Hexafluoride (UF6). The term uranium...

SEPARATION OF URANIUM HEXAFLUORIDE FROM ORGANIC FLUORO COMPOUNDS

DOEpatents

Libby, W.F.

1958-10-01

A method is presented for removing perfiuoroorganic compounds such as C/ sub 7/F/sub 16/ from UF/sub 6/. The physical and chemical properties of the perfluoro compounds are such as to render their removal from UF/sub 6/ difficulty by conventional techniques. The mixture containing UF/sub 6/ and the perfluoro compounds is pyrolyzed in an inert container at high temperature and pressure. The properties of the products obtained by pyrolysis differ from the properties of UF/sub 6/ to a sufficient degree to render their separation possible by ordinary methods.

Performance of a commercial industrial-scale UF-based process for treatment of oily wastewaters.

PubMed

Karhu, M; Kuokkanen, T; Rämö, J; Mikola, M; Tanskanen, J

2013-10-15

An evaluation was made of the performance of a commercial industrial-scale ultrafiltration (UF)-based process for treatment of highly concentrated oily wastewaters. Wastewater samples were gathered from two plants treating industrial wastewaters in 2008, and in 2011 (only from one of the plants), from three points of a UF-based treatment train. The wastewater samples were analyzed by measuring the BOD7, COD, TOC and total surface charge (TSC). The inorganic content and zeta potentials of the samples were analyzed and GC-FID/MS analyses were performed. The removal performances of BOD7, COD, TOC and TSC in 2008 and 2011 for both plants were very high. Initial concentrations of contaminants in 2011 were lower than in 2008, therefore the COD and TSC reductions were also lower in 2011 than three years before. Regardless of the high performance of UF-based processes in both plants, at times the residual concentrations were considerable. This could be explained by the high initial concentrations and also by the presence of the dissolved compounds that were characterized. Linear correlation was observed between COD and TOC, and between COD and TSC. The correlation between COD and TSC could be utilized for process control purposes. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lyon, B.F.

The United States Department of Energy (DOE) currently manages the UF, Cylinder Project. The project was formed to maintain and safely manage depleted uranium hexafluoride (UF{sub 6}) stored in approximately 50,000 carbon steel cylinders. The cylinders located at three DOE sites: the K-25 site at Oak Ridge, Tennessee (K-25); the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant in Paducah, Kentucky (PGDP), and the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant (PORTS) in Portsmouth, Ohio. The System Requirements Document (SRD) (LMES 1997a) delineates the requirements of the project. The appropriate actions needed to fulfill these requirements are then specified within the System Engineering Management Plan (SEMP) (LMESmore » 1997b). The report presented herein documents activities that in whole or in part satisfy specific requirements and actions stated in the UF{sub 6} Cylinder Project SRD and SEMP with respect to forecasting cylinder conditions. The wall thickness projections made in this report are based on the assumption that the corrosion trends noted will continue. Some activities planned may substantially reduce the rate of corrosion, in which case the results presented here are conservative. The results presented here are intended to supercede and enlarge the scope of those presented previously (Lyon 1995,1996, 1997). In particular, projections are made for thin-walled cylinders (nominal initial thickness 312.5 mils) and thick-walled cylinders (nominal initial thickness 625 mils). In addition, a preliminary analysis is conducted for the minimum thickness at the head/skirt interface for skirted cylinders.« less

Argon/UF6 plasma experiments: UF6 regeneration and product analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roman, W. C.

1980-01-01

An experimental and analytical investigation was conducted to aid in developing some of the technology necessary for designing a self-critical fissioning uranium plasma core reactors (PCR). This technology is applicable to gaseous uranium hexafluoride nuclear-pumped laser systems. The principal equipment used included 1.2 MW RF induction heater, a d.c. plasma torch, a uranium tetrafluoride feeder system, and batch-type fluorine/UF6 regeneration systems. Overall objectives were to continue to develop and test materials and handling techniques suitable for use with high-temperature, high-pressure, gaseous UF6; and to continue development of complementary diagnostic instrumentation and measurement techniques to characterize the effluent exhaust gases and residue deposited on the test chamber and exhaust system components. Specific objectives include: a development of a batch-type UF6 regeneration system employing pure high-temperature fluorine; development of a ruggedized time-of-flight mass spectrometer and associated data acquisition system capable of making on-line concentration measurements of the volatile effluent exhaust gas species in a high RF environment and corrosive environment of UF6 and related halide compounds.

Committee Report: Metrics & Methods for MF/UF System Optimization

EPA Science Inventory

After a membrane filtration (i.e., microfiltration (MF) and ultrafiltration (UF)) system is designed, installed, and commissioned, it is essential that the plant is well-maintained in order to proactively identify potential design or equipment problems and ensure its proper opera...

Parametric analyses of planned flowing uranium hexafluoride critical experiments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rodgers, R. J.; Latham, T. S.

1976-01-01

Analytical investigations were conducted to determine preliminary design and operating characteristics of flowing uranium hexafluoride (UF6) gaseous nuclear reactor experiments in which a hybrid core configuration comprised of UF6 gas and a region of solid fuel will be employed. The investigations are part of a planned program to perform a series of experiments of increasing performance, culminating in an approximately 5 MW fissioning uranium plasma experiment. A preliminary design is described for an argon buffer gas confined, UF6 flow loop system for future use in flowing critical experiments. Initial calculations to estimate the operating characteristics of the gaseous fissioning UF6 in a confined flow test at a pressure of 4 atm, indicate temperature increases of approximately 100 and 1000 K in the UF6 may be obtained for total test power levels of 100 kW and 1 MW for test times of 320 and 32 sec, respectively.

Refurbishment of uranium hexafluoride cylinder storage yards C-745-K, L, M, N, and P and construction of a new uranium hexafluoride cylinder storage yard (C-745-T) at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant, Paducah, Kentucky

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

NONE

1996-07-01

The Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant (PGDP) is a uranium enrichment facility owned by the US Department of Energy (DOE). A residual of the uranium enrichment process is depleted uranium hexafluoride (UF6). Depleted UF6, a solid at ambient temperature, is stored in 32,200 steel cylinders that hold a maximum of 14 tons each. Storage conditions are suboptimal and have resulted in accelerated corrosion of cylinders, increasing the potential for a release of hazardous substances. Consequently, the DOE is proposing refurbishment of certain existing yards and construction of a new storage yard. This environmental assessment (EA) evaluates the impacts of the proposedmore » action and no action and considers alternate sites for the proposed new storage yard. The proposed action includes (1) renovating five existing cylinder yards; (2) constructing a new UF6 storage yard; handling and onsite transport of cylinders among existing yards to accommodate construction; and (4) after refurbishment and construction, restacking of cylinders to meet spacing and inspection requirements. Based on the results of the analysis reported in the EA, DOE has determined that the proposed action is not a major Federal action that would significantly affect the quality of the human environment within the context of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Therefore, DOE is issuing a Finding of No Significant Impact. Additionally, it is reported in this EA that the loss of less than one acre of wetlands at the proposed project site would not be a significant adverse impact.« less

Ultrasonic application to boost hydroxyl radical formation during Fenton oxidation and release organic matter from sludge

PubMed Central

Gong, Changxiu; Jiang, Jianguo; Li, De’an; Tian, Sicong

2015-01-01

We examined the effects of ultrasound and Fenton reagent on ultrasonic coupling Fenton oxidation (U+F) pre-treatment processes for the disintegration of wastewater treatment plant sludge. The results demonstrated that U+F treatment could significantly increase soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD), total organic carbon (TOC), and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) concentrations in sludge supernatant. This method was more effective than ultrasonic (U) or Fenton oxidation (F) treatment alone. U+F treatment increased the release of SCOD by 2.1- and 1.4-fold compared with U and F alone, respectively. U+F treatment increased the release of EPS by 1.2-fold compared with U alone. After U+F treatment, sludge showed a considerably finer particle size and looser microstructure based on fluorescence microscopy, and the concentration of hydroxyl radicals (OH•) increased from 0.26 mM by F treatment to 0.43 mM by U+F treatment based on fluorescence spectrophotometer. This demonstrated that U+F treatment improves the release of organic matter from sludge. PMID:26066562

Uniform deposition of uranium hexafluoride (UF6): Standardized mass deposits and controlled isotopic ratios using a thermal fluorination method

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

McNamara, Bruce K.; O’Hara, Matthew J.; Casella, Andrew M.

2016-07-01

Abstract: We report a convenient method for the generation of volatile uranium hexafluoride (UF6) from solid uranium oxides and other uranium compounds, followed by uniform deposition of low levels of UF6 onto sampling coupons. Under laminar flow conditions, UF6 is shown to interact with surfaces within the chamber to a highly predictable degree. We demonstrate the preparation of uranium deposits that range between ~0.01 and 470±34 ng∙cm-2. The data suggest the method can be extended to creating depositions at the sub-picogram∙cm-2 level. Additionally, the isotopic composition of the deposits can be customized by selection of the uranium source materials. Wemore » demonstrate a layering technique whereby two uranium solids, each with a different isotopic composition, are employed to form successive layers of UF6 on a surface. The result is an ultra-thin deposit of UF6 that bears an isotopic signature that is a composite of the two uranium sources. The reported deposition method has direct application to the development of unique analytical standards for nuclear safeguards and forensics.« less

Neutron spectrometry for UF 6 enrichment verification in storage cylinders

DOE PAGES

Mengesha, Wondwosen; Kiff, Scott D.

2015-01-29

Verification of declared UF 6 enrichment and mass in storage cylinders is of great interest in nuclear material nonproliferation. Nondestructive assay (NDA) techniques are commonly used for safeguards inspections to ensure accountancy of declared nuclear materials. Common NDA techniques used include gamma-ray spectrometry and both passive and active neutron measurements. In the present study, neutron spectrometry was investigated for verification of UF 6 enrichment in 30B storage cylinders based on an unattended and passive measurement approach. MCNP5 and Geant4 simulated neutron spectra, for selected UF 6 enrichments and filling profiles, were used in the investigation. The simulated neutron spectra weremore » analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA). The PCA technique is a well-established technique and has a wide area of application including feature analysis, outlier detection, and gamma-ray spectral analysis. Results obtained demonstrate that neutron spectrometry supported by spectral feature analysis has potential for assaying UF 6 enrichment in storage cylinders. Thus the results from the present study also showed that difficulties associated with the UF 6 filling profile and observed in other unattended passive neutron measurements can possibly be overcome using the approach presented.« less

Dose conversion coefficients for neutron exposure to the lens of the human eye.

PubMed

Manger, R P; Bellamy, M B; Eckerman, K F

2012-03-01

Dose conversion coefficients for the lens of the human eye have been calculated for neutron exposure at energies from 1 × 10(-9) to 20 MeV and several standard orientations: anterior-to-posterior, rotational and right lateral. MCNPX version 2.6.0, a Monte Carlo-based particle transport package, was used to determine the energy deposited in the lens of the eye. The human eyeball model was updated by partitioning the lens into sensitive and insensitive volumes as the anterior portion (sensitive volume) of the lens being more radiosensitive and prone to cataract formation. The updated eye model was used with the adult UF-ORNL mathematical phantom in the MCNPX transport calculations.

Trimolecular reactions of uranium hexafluoride with water.

PubMed

Lind, Maria C; Garrison, Stephen L; Becnel, James M

2010-04-08

The hydrolysis reaction of uranium hexafluoride (UF(6)) is a key step in the synthesis of uranium dioxide (UO(2)) powder for nuclear fuels. Mechanisms for the hydrolysis reactions are studied here with density functional theory and the Stuttgart small-core scalar relativistic pseudopotential and associated basis set for uranium. The reaction of a single UF(6) molecule with a water molecule in the gas phase has been previously predicted to proceed over a relatively sizable barrier of 78.2 kJ x mol(-1), indicating this reaction is only feasible at elevated temperatures. Given the observed formation of a second morphology for the UO(2) product coupled with the observations of rapid, spontaneous hydrolysis at ambient conditions, an alternate reaction pathway must exist. In the present work, two trimolecular hydrolysis mechanisms are studied with density functional theory: (1) the reaction between two UF(6) molecules and one water molecule, and (2) the reaction of two water molecules with a single UF(6) molecule. The predicted reaction of two UF(6) molecules with one water molecule displays an interesting "fluorine-shuttle" mechanism, a significant energy barrier of 69.0 kJ x mol(-1) to the formation of UF(5)OH, and an enthalpy of reaction (DeltaH(298)) of +17.9 kJ x mol(-1). The reaction of a single UF(6) molecule with two water molecules displays a "proton-shuttle" mechanism, and is more favorable, having a slightly lower computed energy barrier of 58.9 kJ x mol(-1) and an exothermic enthalpy of reaction (DeltaH(298)) of -13.9 kJ x mol(-1). The exothermic nature of the overall UF(6) + 2H(2)O trimolecular reaction and the lowering of the barrier height with respect to the bimolecular reaction are encouraging.

Ultrahigh temperature vapor core reactor-MHD system for space nuclear electric power

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Maya, Isaac; Anghaie, Samim; Diaz, Nils J.; Dugan, Edward T.

1991-01-01

The conceptual design of a nuclear space power system based on the ultrahigh temperature vapor core reactor with MHD energy conversion is presented. This UF4 fueled gas core cavity reactor operates at 4000 K maximum core temperature and 40 atm. Materials experiments, conducted with UF4 up to 2200 K, demonstrate acceptable compatibility with tungsten-molybdenum-, and carbon-based materials. The supporting nuclear, heat transfer, fluid flow and MHD analysis, and fissioning plasma physics experiments are also discussed.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rothman, A.; Graczyk, D.; Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division

In the ammonium diuranate (ADU) process, UF{sub 6} is reacted with water, and the acidic solution of uranyl fluoride is treated with aqueous ammonia to precipitate ammonium polyuranate for subsequent reduction to UO{sub 2} and production of fuel pellets for commercial nuclear reactors. Our experiments simulated adding aqueous ammonia to the reaction products of UF{sub 6} and water in typical ADU processes. Chemical and X-ray diffraction analysis of products from the experiments are consistent with postulated chemical equilibria in which solids with structures close to that of ammonium polyuranate are formed from co-precipitation of the NH{sub 4}{sup +}(aq) cation withmore » (previously unreported) anions of the form UO{sub 2}F{sub 3-x}(OH){sub x}{sup -}(aq). More efficient separations of solid products were obtained at NH{sub 4}OH:UF{sub 6} ratios of 19 or greater, with x closer to the value of 3 for the hypothetical formation of pure ammonium polyuranate. Supplementary experiments in the current study and a previous study in our laboratory indicated that nominal uranium concentrations of 90 mg/l in the filtrate resulting from such separations could be reduced to microgram per liter levels by batch mixing a 1-to-2.5 aqueous diluate of the filtrate with the Diphonix{reg_sign} ion exchange resin. Our study further demonstrated that reaction of the purified NH{sub 4}OH-NH{sub 4}F diluate with aqueous Ca(OH){sub 2} at 80 to 90 C could produce essentially uranium-free CaF{sub 2} and an ammonia distillate, as useful waste-conversion end products from a modified ADU process.« less

The spectral properties of uranium hexafluoride and its thermal decomposition products

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Krascella, N. L.

1976-01-01

This investigation was initiated to provide basic spectral data for gases of interest to the plasma core reactor concept. The attenuation of vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) radiation by helium at pressures up to 20 atm over path lengths of about 61 cm and in the approximate wavelength range between 80 and 300 nm was studied. Measurements were also conducted to provide basic VUV data with respect to UF6 and UF6/argon mixtures in the wavelength range between 80 and 120 nm. Finally, an investigation was initiated to provide basic spectral emission and absorption data for UF6 and possible thermal decomposition products of UF6 at elevated temperatures.

An Operator Perspective from a Facility Evaluation of an RFID-Based UF6 Cylinder Accounting and Tracking System

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Martyn, Rose; Fitzgerald, Peter; Stehle, Nicholas D

An operational field test of a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) system for tracking and accounting UF6 cylinders was conducted at the Global Nuclear Fuel Americas (GNF) fuel fabrication plant in 2009. The Cylinder Accountability and Tracking System (CATS) was designed and deployed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and evaluated in cooperation with GNF. The system required that passive RFID be attached to several UF6 30B cylinders as they were received at the site; then the cylinders were tracked as they proceeded to interim storage, to processing in an autoclave, and eventually to disposition from the site. This CATS deployment alsomore » provided a direct integration of scale data from the site accountability scales. The integration of this information into the tracking data provided an attribute for additional safeguards for evaluation. The field test provided insight into the advantages and challenges of using RFID at an operating nuclear facility. The RFID system allowed operators to interact with the technology and demonstrated the survivability of the tags and reader equipment in the process environment. This paper will provide the operator perspective on utilizing RFID technology for locating cylinders within the facility, thereby tracking the cylinders for process and for Material Control & Accounting functions. The paper also will present the operator viewpoint on RFID implemented as an independent safeguards system.« less

10 CFR Appendix C to Part 110 - Illustrative List of Gaseous Diffusion Enrichment Plant Assemblies and Components Under NRC...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... and instrumentation surfaces (that come in contact with the gas) must be made of materials that remain... into contact with the process gas are wholly made of, or lined with, UF6-resistant materials. For the... REGULATORY COMMISSION (CONTINUED) EXPORT AND IMPORT OF NUCLEAR EQUIPMENT AND MATERIAL Pt. 110, App. C...

Ultrafiltration characteristics of glucose polymers with low polydispersity.

PubMed

Leypoldt, John K; Hoff, Catherine M; Piscopo, Dean; Carr, Seraya N; Svatek, Jessica M; Holmes, Clifford J

2013-01-01

Icodextrin, a glucose polymer with a polydispersity [ratio of weight-average molecular weight (Mw) to number-average molecular weight] of approximately 2.6, has been shown, compared with glucose, to provide superior ultrafiltration (UF) efficiency [ratio of UF to carbohydrate (CHO) absorbed] when used as an osmotic agent during a long-dwell peritoneal dialysis exchange. In an experimental rabbit model, we evaluated the effect of Mw on the UF and UF efficiency of glucose polymers with low polydispersity. A crossover trial in female New Zealand White rabbits (2.20 - 2.65 kg) with surgically implanted peritoneal catheters evaluated two glucose polymers at nominal concentrations of 7.5 g/dL: a 6K polymer (Mw: 6.4 kDa; polydispersity: 2.3) and a 19K polymer (Mw: 18.8 kDa; polydispersity: 2.0). Rabbits were randomized to receive either the 6K (n = 11) or the 19K (n = 12) solution during the first exchange (40 mL/kg body weight). The alternative solution was evaluated in a second exchange 3 days later. During each 4-hour dwell, the UF and total glucose polymer CHO absorbed were determined. The UF was higher for the 6K (p < 0.0001) than for the 19K polymer (mean ± standard deviation: 73.6 ± 30.8 mL vs. 43.0 ± 20.2 mL), as was the amount of CHO absorbed (42.5% ± 9.8% vs. 35.7% ± 11.0%, p = 0.021). In spite of higher CHO absorption, an approximately 50% higher (p = 0.029) UF efficiency was achieved with the 6K polymer (28.3 ± 18.8 mL/g) than with the 19K polymer (19.0 ± 11.3 mL/g). The results were independent of the order of the experimental exchanges. Glucose polymers with low polydispersity are effective osmotic agents in a rabbit model. The low-Mw polymer was more effective at generating UF and had a higher UF efficiency, but those results came at the expense of the polymer being more readily absorbed from the peritoneal cavity.

NUCLEAR FISSION CHAIN REACTING SYSTEM

DOEpatents

Anderson, H.L.; Brown, H.S.

1961-06-27

The patent describes a reactor consisting of a plurality of tubes passing through a body of heavy water or graphite, a heat exchanger, means for flowing UF/sub 6/ through the tubes and the heat exchangar, and means for bleeding off some of the UF/sub 6/ and separating plutonium therefrom. A specific suggestion contained is that the amount of the UF/sub 6/ outside the reaction unit be a multiple of that within it.

An experimental investigation of (UF-235)6 fission nuclear-pumped lasers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miley, G. H.

1979-01-01

A UF6 handling system was designed for use in conjunction with the existing nuclear-pumped laser vacuum system at a nuclear reactor laboratory to perform the experiments described above. A modification to separate the gas fill system from the vacuum system and thus greatly reduce its volume is described as well as operating procedures for the first controlled nuclear pumping experiments with UF6 vapor contained in the laser cell.

Dose conversion coefficients for neutron exposure to the lens of the human eye

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Manger, Ryan P; Bellamy, Michael B; Eckerman, Keith F

Dose conversion coefficients for the lens of the human eye have been calculated for neutron exposure at energies from 1 x 10{sup -9} to 20 MeV and several standard orientations: anterior-to-posterior, rotational and right lateral. MCNPX version 2.6.0, a Monte Carlo-based particle transport package, was used to determine the energy deposited in the lens of the eye. The human eyeball model was updated by partitioning the lens into sensitive and insensitive volumes as the anterior portion (sensitive volume) of the lens being more radiosensitive and prone to cataract formation. The updated eye model was used with the adult UF-ORNL mathematicalmore » phantom in the MCNPX transport calculations.« less

Evaluation of commercial ultrafiltration systems for treating automotive oily wastewater

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kim, B.R.; Kalis, E.M.; Florkey, D.L.

1998-11-01

Currently at Ford Motor Company, oily wastewater is batch treated by chemical demulsification whose performance depends on determining optimum chemical dosages and is occasionally inconsistent because of influent fluctuations. Therefore, a pilot study was conducted at the Ford Romeo Engine Plant, Romeo, Michigan, to study treatment of raw oily wastewater and skim oil (from chemical deemulsification) using commercially available ultrafiltration (UF) systems as an alternative to chemical deemulsification. The study found that most UF membranes performed consistently and reliably, producing average permeate oil and grease (O and G) concentrations of less than 100 mg/L, a typical discharge limit for anmore » automotive plant. In addition, tubular membranes typically outperformed spiral-wound membranes in permeate flux and washing frequency. While all UF systems performed consistently well for removing O and G, the treated effluent still had a chemical oxygen demand (COD) of 100 to 2,000 mg/L, which is comparable to that found in typical chemically treated wastewater. This indicates that many dissolved organics are not removed by either chemical or UF treatment. Metals (such as copper and zinc) were found to be effectively removed by UF when the pH was greater than 8. Most membranes used as a second stage produced retentate with O and G of more than 40%. All attempts at UF skim oil treatment were unsuccessful because of high oil viscosity, which made pumping it through a membrane system almost impossible. Chemical reactions during the chemical deemulsification process might have been responsible for the high viscosity.« less

Research on the experiment of reservoir water treatment applying ultrafiltration membrane technology of different processes.

PubMed

Zhang, Liyong; Zhang, Penghui; Wang, Meng; Yang, Kai; Liu, Junliang

2016-09-01

The processes and effects of coagulation-ultrafiltration (C-UF) and coagulation sedimentation-ultrafiltration (CS-UF) process used in the treatment of Dalangdian Reservoir water were compared. The experiment data indicated that 99% of turbidity removal and basically 100% of microorganism and algae removal were achieved in both C-UF and CS-UF process. The organic removal effect of CS-UF? process was slightly better than C-UF process. However, the organic removal effect under different processes was not obvious due to limitation of ultrafiltration membrane aperture. Polyaluminium chloride was taken as a coagulant in water plant. The aluminum ion removal result revealed that coagulant dosage was effectively saved by using membrane technology during megathermal high algae laden period. Within the range of certain reagent concentration and soaking time, air-water backwashing of every filtration cycle of membrane was conducted to effectively reduce membrane pollution. Besides, maintenance cleaning was conducted every 60 min. whether or not restorative cleaning was conducted depends on the pollution extent. After cleaning, recovery of membrane filtration effect was obvious.

Safety Criticality Standards Using the French CRISTAL Code Package: Application to the AREVA NP UO{sub 2} Fuel Fabrication Plant

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Doucet, M.; Durant Terrasson, L.; Mouton, J.

2006-07-01

Criticality safety evaluations implement requirements to proof of sufficient sub critical margins outside of the reactor environment for example in fuel fabrication plants. Basic criticality data (i.e., criticality standards) are used in the determination of sub critical margins for all processes involving plutonium or enriched uranium. There are several criticality international standards, e.g., ARH-600, which is one the US nuclear industry relies on. The French Nuclear Safety Authority (DGSNR and its advising body IRSN) has requested AREVA NP to review the criticality standards used for the evaluation of its Low Enriched Uranium fuel fabrication plants with CRISTAL V0, the recentlymore » updated French criticality evaluation package. Criticality safety is a concern for every phase of the fabrication process including UF{sub 6} cylinder storage, UF{sub 6}-UO{sub 2} conversion, powder storage, pelletizing, rod loading, assembly fabrication, and assembly transportation. Until 2003, the accepted criticality standards were based on the French CEA work performed in the late seventies with the APOLLO1 cell/assembly computer code. APOLLO1 is a spectral code, used for evaluating the basic characteristics of fuel assemblies for reactor physics applications, which has been enhanced to perform criticality safety calculations. Throughout the years, CRISTAL, starting with APOLLO1 and MORET 3 (a 3D Monte Carlo code), has been improved to account for the growth of its qualification database and for increasing user requirements. Today, CRISTAL V0 is an up-to-date computational tool incorporating a modern basic microscopic cross section set based on JEF2.2 and the comprehensive APOLLO2 and MORET 4 codes. APOLLO2 is well suited for criticality standards calculations as it includes a sophisticated self shielding approach, a P{sub ij} flux determination, and a 1D transport (S{sub n}) process. CRISTAL V0 is the result of more than five years of development work focusing on theoretical approaches and the implementation of user-friendly graphical interfaces. Due to its comprehensive physical simulation and thanks to its broad qualification database with more than a thousand benchmark/calculation comparisons, CRISTAL V0 provides outstanding and reliable accuracy for criticality evaluations for configurations covering the entire fuel cycle (i.e. from enrichment, pellet/assembly fabrication, transportation, to fuel reprocessing). After a brief description of the calculation scheme and the physics algorithms used in this code package, results for the various fissile media encountered in a UO{sub 2} fuel fabrication plant will be detailed and discussed. (authors)« less

Spectral properties of gaseous uranium hexafluoride at high temperature

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Krascella, N. L.

1980-01-01

A study to determine relative spectral emission and spectral absorption data for UF6-argon mixtures at elevated temperatures is discussed. These spectral data are required to assist in the theoretical analysis of radiation transport in the nuclear fuel-buffer gas region of a plasma core reactor. Relative emission measurements were made for UF6-argon mixtures over a range of temperatures from 650 to 1900 K and in the wavelength range from 600 to 5000 nanometers. All emission results were determined for a total pressure of 1.0 atm. Uranium hexafluoride partial pressures varied from about 3.5 to 12.7 mm Hg. Absorption measurements were attempted at 600, 625, 650 and 675 nanometers for a temperature of 1000 K. The uranium partial pressure for these determinations was 25 mm Hg. The results exhibit appreciable emission for hot UF6-argon mixtures at wavelengths between 600 and 1800 nanometers and no measurable absorption. The equipment used to evaluate the spectral properties of the UF6-argon mixtures included a plasma torch-optical plenum assembly, the monochromator, and the UF6 transfer system. Each is described.

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING DIVISION SUMMARY REPORT, OCTOBER, NOVEMBER, DECEMBER 1960

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

None

1961-03-01

Chemical-metallurgical processing studies were made of pyrometallurgical development snd research, and fuel processing facilities for EBR-II. Fuel-cycle applications of fluidization and volatility techniques included laboratory investigations of fluoride volatility processes, engineeringscale development, and conversion of UF/sub 6/ to UO/sub 2/. Reactor safety studies consisted of metal oxidation and ignition kinetics, and metal-water reactions. Reactor chemistry investigations were conducted to determine nuclear constants and suitable reactor decontamination methods. Routine operations are summarized for the high-level gammairradiation facillty and waste processing. (B.O.G.)

Direct fissile assay of enriched uranium using random self-interrogation and neutron coincidence response

DOEpatents

Menlove, Howard O.; Stewart, James E.

1986-01-01

Apparatus and method for the direct, nondestructive evaluation of the .sup.235 U nuclide content of samples containing UF.sub.6, UF.sub.4, or UO.sub.2 utilizing the passive neutron self-interrogation of the sample resulting from the intrinsic production of neutrons therein. The ratio of the emitted neutron coincidence count rate to the total emitted neutron count rate is determined and yields a measure of the bulk fissile mass. The accuracy of the method is 6.8% (1.sigma.) for cylinders containing UF.sub.6 with enrichments ranging from 6% to 98% with measurement times varying from 3-6 min. The samples contained from below 1 kg to greater than 16 kg. Since the subject invention relies on fast neutron self-interrogation, complete sampling of the UF.sub.6 takes place, reducing difficulties arising from inhomogeneity of the sample which adversely affects other assay procedures.

Direct fissile assay of enriched uranium using random self-interrogation and neutron coincidence response

DOEpatents

Menlove, H.O.; Stewart, J.E.

1985-02-04

Apparatus and method for the direct, nondestructive evaluation of the /sup 235/U nuclide content of samples containing UF/sub 6/, UF/sub 4/, or UO/sub 2/ utilizing the passive neutron self-interrogation of the sample resulting from the intrinsic production of neutrons therein. The ratio of the emitted neutron coincidence count rate to the total emitted neutron count rate is determined and yields a measure of the bulk fissile mass. The accuracy of the method is 6.8% (1sigma) for cylinders containing UF/sub 6/ with enrichments ranging from 6% to 98% with measurement times varying from 3-6 min. The samples contained from below 1 kg to greater than 16 kg. Since the subject invention relies on fast neutron self-interrogation, complete sampling of the UF/sub 6/ takes place, reducing difficulties arising from inhomogeneity of the sample which adversely affects other assay procedures. 4 figs., 1 tab.

CONTINUOUS PROCESS FOR PREPARING URANIUM HEXAFLUORIDE FROM URANIUM TETRAFLUORIDE AND OXYGEN

DOEpatents

Adams, J.B.; Bresee, J.C.; Ferris, L.M.

1961-11-21

A process for preparing UF/sub 6/ by reacting UF/sub 4/ and oxygen is described. The UF/sub 4/ and oxygen are continuously introduced into a fluidized bed of UO/sub 2/F/sub 2/ at a temperature of 600 to 900 deg C. The concentration of UF/sub 4/ in the bed is maintained below 25 weight per cent in order to avoid sintering and intermediate compound formation. By-product U0/sub 2/F/sub 2/ is continuously removed from the top of the bed recycled. In an alternative embodiment heat is supplied to the reaction bed by burning carbon monoxide in the bed. The product UF/sub 6/ is filtered to remove entrained particles and is recovered in cold traps and chemical traps. (AEC)

ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY VERIFICATION REPORT - PHYSICAL REMOVAL OF PARTICULATE CONTAMINANTS IN DRINKING WATER: POLYMEM UF 120 S2 ULTRAFILTRATION MEMBRANE MODULE, LUXENBURG, WISCONSIN

EPA Science Inventory

Verification testing of the Polymem UF120 S2 Ultrafiltration Membrane Module was conducted over a 46-day period at the Green Bay Water Utility Filtration Plant, Luxemburg, Wisconsin. The ETV testing described herein was funded in conjunction with a 12-month membrane pilot study f...

Ultrafine particles of Ulmus davidiana var. japonica induce apoptosis of gastric cancer cells via activation of caspase and endoplasmic reticulum stress.

PubMed

Ahn, Joungjwa; Lee, Jong Suk; Yang, Kyung Mi

2014-06-01

Small-sized particles are more suitable for targeted delivery and are therapeutically more effective than large-sized particles. In this study, we investigated the anticancer effects of ultrafine particles of Ulmus davidiana var. japonica (ufUJ) on human gastric cancer cell lines SNU-1, SNU-216, and SNU-484. ufUJ induced apoptosis by the proteolytic activation of caspase-9, caspase-6, and caspase-3 and cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase. The expression levels of the endoplasmic reticulum stress-related protein BiP markedly increased after ufUJ treatment. BiP knockdown decreased ufUJ-induced cell death. ufUJ-induced apoptosis was inhibited by the caspase-3 inhibitor z-DEVD-fmk, caspase-6 inhibitor z-VEID-fmk, and caspase-9 inhibitor z-LEHD-fmk, and by siRNAs against caspases 3, 6, and 9. Gastric cancer cells did not show anchorage-independent growth in the presence of ufUJ. However, cells treated with caspase inhibitors showed an enhanced colony-forming ability. These findings may be helpful in the prevention of gastric cancer and in the development of functional foods.

Removal of antibiotic resistant E. coli in two Norwegian wastewater treatment plants and by nano- and ultra-filtration processes.

PubMed

Schwermer, Carsten Ulrich; Krzeminski, Pawel; Wennberg, Aina Charlotte; Vogelsang, Christian; Uhl, Wolfgang

2018-02-01

The effectivity of different treatment stages at two large wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) located in Oslo, Norway, to remove antibiotic resistant Escherichia coli from municipal wastewater was investigated. The WWTPs were effective in reducing the total cultivable E. coli. The E. coli in WWTP samples were mainly resistant to ampicillin (6-27%) and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (5-24%), and, to a lesser extent, tetracycline (3-14%) and ciprofloxacin (0-7%). In the first WWTP, a clear decrease in the percentage of E. coli resistant to these antibiotics was found, with the main removal occurring during physical/chemical treatment. In the second WWTP, the percentage of cultivable resistant E. coli did not display a considerable change. During laboratory-scale membrane filtration of WWTP effluents using ultrafiltration (UF) and nanofiltration (NF) membranes, all E. coli, including those resistant to antibiotics, were removed completely. The results imply that UF and NF processes are potent measures to remove antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) during post-treatment of WWTP effluents, thus reducing the potential spread of antibiotic resistance in the receiving aquatic environment.

The effect of ultrafiltration with cardiopulmonary bypass on the removal of dabigatran from the circulation of adult pigs.

PubMed

DeNino, Walter F; Carter, Christopher B; Sievert, Alicia; Goss, Ashley; Toole, John M; Mukherjee, Rupak; Uber, Walter E

2016-07-01

Dabigatran etexilate is a direct thrombin inhibitor approved for use in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. There is no currently available pharmacological therapy to reverse this renally cleared anticoagulant. Dabigatran has a low level of plasma protein binding and has been considered dialyzable. We used a pig model with renal artery ligation to exclude intrinsic drug excretion to examine the efficacy of ultrafiltration (UF) during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) for dabigatran removal. Dabigatran was intravenously infused (20 mg) in Yorkshire pigs (male, n=7, 70±1 kg) following renal artery ligation. CPB with UF was initiated after heparinization and continued until a total volume of 6 liters of UF effluent was removed. Serial labs, including dabigatran concentration, activated coagulation times (ACT), hematocrit and creatinine were drawn at intervals before the start of CPB and then incrementally during UF (0, 2, 4 and 6 L removed). Hemodialysis (HD) was performed on one animal following UF. Dabigatran concentration (ng/mL) rose from undetectable levels at baseline to 296±70 (p<0.05) at the conclusion of infusion, but dropped significantly upon administration of heparin (178±40, p<0.05). A further decrement in dabigatran concentration was observed from the administration of heparin to the start of CPB (to 135±28, p<0.05). Once on CPB, dabigatran remained stable, with the end UF (eUF) dabigatran concentration being 133±34. Dabigatran concentration in the UF effluent was measured in one animal and was 98.8, with 6 L of effluent having been removed. The total recovery of dabigatran was calculated to be less than 5%. Dabigatran concentrations also did not decrease appreciably with HD on CPB following UF. UF in conjunction with CPB was ineffective at removing dabigatran. Heparin demonstrated a dabigatran-lowering effect, suggesting a possible drug interaction or assay impairment. Based on these findings, emergent cardiac surgery with UF on cardiopulmonary bypass to remove dabigatran is not advisable. Alternative forms of drug removal or reversal must be identified. © The Author(s) 2015.

An experimental investigation of 235 sub UF sub 6 fission produced plasmas. [gas handling system for use with nuclear pumped laser experiments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miley, G. H.

1981-01-01

A gas handling system capable of use with uranium fluoride was designed and constructed for use with nuclear pumped laser experiments using the TRIGA research reactor. By employing careful design and temperature controls, the UF6 can be first transported into the irradiation chamber, and then, at the conclusion of the experiment, returned to gas cylinders. The design of the system is described. Operating procedures for the UF6 and gas handling systems are included.

Integrated membrane and microbial fuel cell technologies for enabling energy-efficient effluent Re-use in power plants.

PubMed

Shrestha, Namita; Chilkoor, Govinda; Xia, Lichao; Alvarado, Catalina; Kilduff, James E; Keating, John J; Belfort, Georges; Gadhamshetty, Venkataramana

2017-06-15

Municipal wastewater is an attractive alternative to freshwater sources to meet the cooling water needs of thermal power plants. Here we offer an energy-efficient integrated microbial fuel cell (MFC)/ultrafiltration (UF) process to purify primary clarifier effluent from a municipal wastewater treatment plant for use as cooling water. The microbial fuel cell was shown to significantly reduce chemical oxygen demand (COD) in the primary settled wastewater effluent upstream of the UF module, while eliminating the energy demand required to deliver dissolved oxygen in conventional aerobic treatment. We investigated surface modification of the UF membranes to control fouling. Two promising hydrophilic monomers were identified in a high-throughput search: zwitterion (2-(Methacryloyloxy)-ethyl-dimethyl-(3-sulfopropyl ammoniumhydroxide, abbreviated BET SO 3 - ), and amine (2-(Methacryloyloxy) ethyl trimethylammonium chloride, abbreviated N(CH 3 ) 3 + ). Monomers were grafted using UV-induced polymerization on commercial poly (ether sulfone) membranes. Filtration of MFC effluent by membranes modified with BET SO 3 - and N(CH 3 ) 3 + exhibited a lower rate of resistance increase and lower energy consumption than the commercially available membrane. The MFC/UF process produced high quality cooling water that meets the Electrical Power Research Institute (EPRI) recommendations for COD, a suite of metals (Fe, Al, Cu, Zn, Si, Mn, S, Ca and Mg), and offered extremely low corrosion rates (<0.05 mm/yr). A series of AC and DC diagnostic tests were used to evaluate the MFC performance. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Initial conceptual design study of self-critical nuclear pumped laser systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rodgers, R. J.

1979-01-01

An analytical study of self-critical nuclear pumped laser system concepts was performed. Primary emphasis was placed on reactor concepts employing gaseous uranium hexafluoride (UF6) as the fissionable material. Relationships were developed between the key reactor design parameters including reactor power level, critical mass, neutron flux level, reactor size, operating pressure, and UF6 optical properties. The results were used to select a reference conceptual laser system configuration. In the reference configuration, the 3.2 m cubed lasing volume is surrounded by a graphite internal moderator and a region of heavy water. Results of neutronics calculations yield a critical mass of 4.9 U(235) in the form (235)UF6. The configuration appears capable of operating in a continuous steady-state mode. The average gas temperature in the core is 600 K and the UF6 partial pressure within the lasing volume is 0.34 atm.

Analysis of solid uranium samples using a small mass spectrometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kahr, Michael S.; Abney, Kent D.; Olivares, José A.

2001-07-01

A mass spectrometer for isotopic analysis of solid uranium samples has been constructed and evaluated. This system employs the fluorinating agent chlorine trifluoride (ClF 3) to convert solid uranium samples into their volatile uranium hexafluorides (UF 6). The majority of unwanted gaseous byproducts and remaining ClF 3 are removed from the sample vessel by condensing the UF 6 and then pumping away the unwanted gases. The UF 6 gas is then introduced into a quadrupole mass spectrometer and ionized by electron impact ionization. The doubly charged bare metal uranium ion (U 2+) is used to determine the U 235/U 238 isotopic ratio. Precision and accuracy for several isotopic standards were found to be better than 12%, without further calibration of the system. The analysis can be completed in 25 min from sample loading, to UF 6 reaction, to mass spectral analysis. The method is amenable to uranium solid matrices, and other actinides.

Reduction of uranium hexafluoride to tetrafluoride by using the hydrogen atoms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aleksandrov, B. P.; Gordon, E. B.; Ivanov, A. V.; Kotov, A. A.; Smirnov, V. E.

2016-09-01

We consider the reduction of UF6 to UF4 by chemical reaction with hydrogen atoms originated in the powerful chemical generator. The principal design of such a chemical convertor is described. The results of the mathematical modeling of the thermodynamics and kinetics of the UF6 to UF4 reduction process are analyzed. The few options for the hydrogen atom generator design are proposed. A layout of the experimental setup with the chemical reactor is presented. The high efficiency together with the ability of the process scaling without loss of its efficiency makes this approach to the uranium hexafluoride depletion into tetrafluoride promising for its application in the industry.

Process for producing enriched uranium having a .sup.235 U content of at least 4 wt. % via combination of a gaseous diffusion process and an atomic vapor laser isotope separation process to eliminate uranium hexafluoride tails storage

DOEpatents

Horton, James A.; Hayden, Jr., Howard W.

1995-01-01

An uranium enrichment process capable of producing an enriched uranium, having a .sup.235 U content greater than about 4 wt. %, is disclosed which will consume less energy and produce metallic uranium tails having a lower .sup.235 U content than the tails normally produced in a gaseous diffusion separation process and, therefore, eliminate UF.sub.6 tails storage and sharply reduce fluorine use. The uranium enrichment process comprises feeding metallic uranium into an atomic vapor laser isotope separation process to produce an enriched metallic uranium isotopic mixture having a .sup.235 U content of at least about 2 wt. % and a metallic uranium residue containing from about 0.1 wt. % to about 0.2 wt. % .sup.235 U; fluorinating this enriched metallic uranium isotopic mixture to form UF.sub.6 ; processing the resultant isotopic mixture of UF.sub.6 in a gaseous diffusion process to produce a final enriched uranium product having a .sup.235 U content of at least 4 wt. %, and up to 93.5 wt. % or higher, of the total uranium content of the product, and a low .sup.235 U content UF.sub.6 having a .sup.235 U content of about 0.71 wt. % of the total uranium content of the low .sup.235 U content UF.sub.6 ; and converting this low .sup.235 U content UF.sub.6 to metallic uranium for recycle to the atomic vapor laser isotope separation process.

Process for producing enriched uranium having a {sup 235}U content of at least 4 wt. % via combination of a gaseous diffusion process and an atomic vapor laser isotope separation process to eliminate uranium hexafluoride tails storage

DOEpatents

Horton, J.A.; Hayden, H.W. Jr.

1995-05-30

An uranium enrichment process capable of producing an enriched uranium, having a {sup 235}U content greater than about 4 wt. %, is disclosed which will consume less energy and produce metallic uranium tails having a lower {sup 235}U content than the tails normally produced in a gaseous diffusion separation process and, therefore, eliminate UF{sub 6} tails storage and sharply reduce fluorine use. The uranium enrichment process comprises feeding metallic uranium into an atomic vapor laser isotope separation process to produce an enriched metallic uranium isotopic mixture having a {sup 235} U content of at least about 2 wt. % and a metallic uranium residue containing from about 0.1 wt. % to about 0.2 wt. % {sup 235} U; fluorinating this enriched metallic uranium isotopic mixture to form UF{sub 6}; processing the resultant isotopic mixture of UF{sub 6} in a gaseous diffusion process to produce a final enriched uranium product having a {sup 235}U content of at least 4 wt. %, and up to 93.5 wt. % or higher, of the total uranium content of the product, and a low {sup 235}U content UF{sub 6} having a {sup 235}U content of about 0.71 wt. % of the total uranium content of the low {sup 235}U content UF{sub 6}; and converting this low {sup 235}U content UF{sub 6} to metallic uranium for recycle to the atomic vapor laser isotope separation process. 4 figs.

Arsenic removal from water by coupling photocatalysis and complexation-ultrafiltration processes: A preliminary study.

PubMed

Molinari, R; Argurio, P

2017-02-01

Inorganic As removal from contaminated water has been studied by off-line coupling of photocatalysis and complexation-ultrafiltration (CP-UF), showing that this combination permits to obtain a quite complete arsenic removal from the treated water. Two commercial polymers, poly(dimethylamine-coepichlorohydrin-coethylenediamine) (PDEHED) and poly(diallyl dimethyl amnmonium chloride) (PolyDADMAC) have been tested in the CP-UF process. The operating conditions (pH and polymer/As weight ratio) for As(V) complexation were determined finding values of 7.5/20 and 9.2/30 for PDEHED and polyDADMAC, respectively. The UF tests were performed by continuous diafiltration and diafiltration with volume reduction modes. The latter method permits to save the volume of washing solution during polymer regeneration. As(III) was not complexed, operating under the As(V) complexation conditions, thus a pre-oxidation step by using the photocatalytic approach was carried out to remove As(III) species. As(III) conversion to As(V) was evaluated by As speciation by using the CP-UF process for analytical purposes. Photocatalytic oxidation was successfully performed under UV radiation by using TiO 2 (0.05 mg L -1 ), O 2 and pH = 9. The oxidation was very fast during the first 10 min following a zero order kinetics (k = 0.83 mg L -1  min -1 ) and reaching 90% As(III) oxidation. A conceptual scheme coupling photocatalysis and CP-UF and some criteria to operate the CP-UF process, useful to address it towards application, are reported. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

An Optically Stimulated Luminescence Uranium Enrichment Monitor

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Miller, Steven D.; Tanner, Jennifer E.; Simmons, Kevin L.

The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) has pioneered the use of Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) technology for use in personnel dosimetry and high dose radiation processing dosimetry. PNNL has developed and patented an alumina-based OSL dosimeter that is being used by the majority of medical X-ray and imaging technicians worldwide. PNNL has conceived of using OSL technology to passively measure the level of UF6 enrichment by attaching the prototype OSL monitor to pipes containing UF6 gas within an enrichment facility. The prototype OSL UF6 monitor utilizes a two-element approach with the first element open and unfiltered to measure both themore » low energy and high energy gammas from the UF6, while the second element utilizes a 3-mm thick tungsten filter to eliminate the low energy gammas and pass only the high energy gammas from the UF6. By placing a control monitor in the room away from the UF6 pipes and other ionizing radiation sources, the control readings can be subtracted from the UF6 pipe monitor measurements. The ratio of the shielded to the unshielded net measurements provides a means to estimate the level of uranium enrichment. PNNL has replaced the commercially available MicroStar alumina-based dosimeter elements with a composite of polyethylene plastic, high-Z glass powder, and BaFBr:Eu OSL phosphor powder at various concentrations. The high-Z glass was added in an attempt to raise the average “Z” of the composite dosimeter and increase the response. Additionally, since BaFBr:Eu OSL phosphor is optimally excited and emits light at different wavelengths compared to alumina, the commercially available MicroStar reader was modified for reading BaFBr:Eu in a parallel effort to increase reader sensitivity. PNNL will present the design and performance of our novel OSL uranium enrichment monitor based on a combination of laboratory and UF6 test loop measurements. PNNL will also report on the optimization effort to achieve the highest possible performance from both the OSL enrichment monitor and the new custom OSL reader modified for this application. This project has been supported by the US Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration’s Office of Dismantlement and Transparency (DOE/NNSA/NA-241).« less

Flowsheets and source terms for radioactive waste projections

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Forsberg, C.W.

1985-03-01

Flowsheets and source terms used to generate radioactive waste projections in the Integrated Data Base (IDB) Program are given. Volumes of each waste type generated per unit product throughput have been determined for the following facilities: uranium mining, UF/sub 6/ conversion, uranium enrichment, fuel fabrication, boiling-water reactors (BWRs), pressurized-water reactors (PWRs), and fuel reprocessing. Source terms for DOE/defense wastes have been developed. Expected wastes from typical decommissioning operations for each facility type have been determined. All wastes are also characterized by isotopic composition at time of generation and by general chemical composition. 70 references, 21 figures, 53 tables.

Development and technical implementation of the separation nozzle process for enrichment of uranium-235

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Becker, E.W.; Bier, W.; Bley, P.

In the separation nozzle process, enrichment is achieved by extremely high centrifugal forces in a curved flow of UF/sub 6/ diluted by a light gas. The first commercial application is in Brasil, where a so-called First Cascade consisting of 24 separation nozzle stages is under construction. In two steps, this installation will be expanded into a 300,000 SWU/a demonstration plant. The development of components for commercial plants is well under way. The paper describes developments and technical implementation of the separation nozzle process. Remarkable progress has been made in the process economy.

Uniform deposition of uranium hexafluoride (UF6): Standardized mass deposits and controlled isotopic ratios using a thermal fluorination method.

PubMed

McNamara, Bruce K; O'Hara, Matthew J; Casella, Andrew M; Carter, Jennifer C; Addleman, R Shane; MacFarlan, Paul J

2016-07-01

We report a convenient method for the generation of volatile uranium hexafluoride (UF6) from solid uranium oxides and other U compounds, followed by uniform deposition of low levels of UF6 onto sampling coupons. Under laminar flow conditions, UF6 is shown to interact with surfaces within a fixed reactor geometry to a highly predictable degree. We demonstrate the preparation of U deposits that range between approximately 0.01 and 500ngcm(-2). The data suggest the method can be extended to creating depositions at the sub-picogramcm(-2) level. The isotopic composition of the deposits can be customized by selection of the U source materials and we demonstrate a layering technique whereby two U solids, each with a different isotopic composition, are employed to form successive layers of UF6 on a surface. The result is an ultra-thin deposit that bears an isotopic signature that is a composite of the two U sources. The reported deposition method has direct application to the development of unique analytical standards for nuclear safeguards and forensics. Further, the method allows access to very low atomic or molecular coverages of surfaces. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Review of corrosion in 10- and 14-ton mild steel depleted UF{sub 6} storage cylinders

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lykins, M.L.

1995-08-01

A literature review was conducted to determine the type, extent and severity of corrosion found in the 10- and 14-ton mild steel depleted UF{sub 6} storage cylinders. Also discussed in this review is corrosion found in the valves and plugs used in the cylinders. Corrosion of the cylinders is a gradual process which occurs slowly over time. Understanding corrosion of the cylinders is an important concern for long term storage of the UF{sub 6} in the cylinder yards, as well as the final disposition of the depleted UF{sub 6} tails inventory in the future. The following conclusions are made frommore » the literature review: (1) The general external corrosion rate of the cylinders is about 1 to 2 mils per year (1 mil = 0.001{double_prime}). The highest general external corrosion rate was over 5 mpy on the 48G type cylinders. (2) General internal corrosion from the depleted UF{sub 6} is negligible under normal storage conditions. Crevice corrosion can occur at the cylinder/saddle interface from the retention of water in this area. Crevice corrosion can occur at the cylinder/skirt interface on the older skirted cylinders due to the lack of water drainage in this area. Crevice corrosion can occur on cylinders that have been in ground contact. Crevice corrosion and galvanic corrosion can occur where the stainless steel I.D. nameplates are attached to the cylinder. The packing nuts on the bronze one-inch valves used in the cylinders are susceptible to stress corrosion cracking (SCC). Mechanical damage from routine handling can lead to a breach in a cylinder with subsequent accelerated corrosion of the mild steel due to attack from HF and other UF{sub 6} hydrolysis by-products.« less

METHOD FOR THE RECOVERY AND PURIFICATION OF GASEOUS UF$sub 6$ FROM GASEOUS MIXTURES AND UF$sub 7$NO AND UF$sub 7$NO$sub 2$ PRODUCTS PRODUCED THEREBY

DOEpatents

Ogle, P.R. Jr.

1962-06-16

A method is given for recovering uranium hexafluoride from a gaseous mixture containing said uranium hexafluoride and extraneous gaseous impurities. The method comprises reacting said mixture with a nitrogen oxyfluoride at a temperature in the range - 100 to 50 deg C to thereby form a solid compound having the empirical formula UF/sub 7/N(O)/sub x/ where x is a number from 1 to 2. (AEC)

Depleted UF6 Management Information Network - A resource for the public,

Science.gov Websites

Depleted UF6 Management Information Network Web Site is an online repository of information about the U.S ) and DUF6, research and development efforts for beneficial uses of DU, DOE's program for management of line DUF6 Guide DUF6 Guide line Introductory information about depleted uranium: how it is created

Dataset on the spent filter backwash water treatment by sedimentation, coagulation and ultra filtration.

PubMed

Mahdavi, Mokhtar; Ebrahimi, Afshin; Azarpira, Hossein; Tashauoei, Hamid Reza; Mahvi, Amir Hossein

2017-12-01

During operation of most water treatment plants, spent filter backwash water (SFBW) is generated, which accounts about 2-10% of the total plant production. By increasing world population and water shortage in many countries, SFBW can be used as a permanent water source until the water treatment plant is working. This data article reports the practical method being used for water reuse from SFBW through different method including pre-sedimentation, coagulation and flocculation, second clarification, ultra filtration (UF) and returned settled SFBW to the beginning of water treatment plant (WTP). Also, two coagulants of polyaluminum ferric chloride (PAFCl) and ferric chloride (FeCl 3 ) were investigated with respect to their performance on treated SFBW quality. Samples were collected from Isfahan's WTP in Iran during spring and summer season. The acquired data indicated that drinkable water can be produced form SFBW by applying hybrid coagulation-UF process (especially when PAFCl used as coagulant).

Evaluation of biochar-ultrafiltration membrane processes for humic acid removal under various hydrodynamic, pH, ionic strength, and pressure conditions.

PubMed

Shankar, Vaibhavi; Heo, Jiyong; Al-Hamadani, Yasir A J; Park, Chang Min; Chu, Kyoung Hoon; Yoon, Yeomin

2017-07-15

The performance of an ultrafiltration (UF)-biochar process was evaluated in comparison with a UF membrane process for the removal of humic acid (HA). Bench-scale UF experiments were conducted to study the rejection and flux trends under various hydrodynamic, pH, ionic strength, and pressure conditions. The resistance-in-series model was used to evaluate the processes and it showed that unlike stirred conditions, where low fouling resistance was observed (28.7 × 10 12  m -1 to 32.5 × 10 12  m -1 ), higher values and comparable trends were obtained for UF-biochar and UF alone for unstirred conditions (28.7 × 10 12  m -1 to 32.5 × 10 12  m -1 ). Thus, the processes were further evaluated under unstirred conditions. Additionally, total fouling resistance was decreased in the presence of biochar by 6%, indicating that HA adsorption by biochar could diminish adsorption fouling on the UF membrane and thus improve the efficiency of the UF-biochar process. The rejection trends of UF-biochar and UF alone were similar in most cases, whereas UF-biochar showed a noticeable increase in flux of around 18-25% under various experimental conditions due to reduced membrane fouling. Three-cycle filtration tests further demonstrated that UF-biochar showed better membrane recovery and antifouling capability by showing more HA rejection (3-5%) than UF membrane alone with each subsequent cycle of filtration. As a result of these findings, the UF-biochar process may potentially prove be a viable treatment option for the removal of HA from water. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Hollow-fiber ultrafiltration for simultaneous recovery of viruses, bacteria and parasites from reclaimed water.

PubMed

Liu, Pengbo; Hill, Vincent R; Hahn, Donghyun; Johnson, Trisha B; Pan, Yi; Jothikumar, Narayanan; Moe, Christine L

2012-01-01

Hollow-fiber ultrafiltration (UF) is a technique that has been reported to be effective for recovering a diverse array of microbes from water, and may also be potentially useful for microbial monitoring of effluent from water reclamation facilities. However, few data are available to indicate the potential limitations and efficacy of the UF technique for treated wastewater. In this study, recovery efficiencies were determined for various options available for performing the tangential-flow UF technique, including hollow-fiber ultrafilter (i.e., dialyzer) type, ultrafilter pre-treatment (i.e., blocking), and elution. MS2 and ΦX174 bacteriophages, Clostridium perfringens spores, Escherichia coli, and Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts were seeded into 10-L reclaimed water samples to evaluate UF options. Then a single UF protocol was established and studied using seeded and non-seeded 100-L samples from two water reclamation facilities in Georgia, USA. Baxter Exeltra Plus 210 and Fresenius F200NR dialyzers were found to provide significantly higher microbial recovery than Minntech HPH 1400 hemoconcentrators. The selected final UF method incorporated use of a non-blocked ultrafilter for UF followed by elution using a surfactant-based solution. For 10-L samples, this method achieved recovery efficiencies of greater than 50% recovery of seeded viruses, bacteria, and parasites. There was no significant difference in overall microbial recovery efficiency when the method was applied to 10- and 100-L samples. In addition, detection levels for pathogens in seeded 100-L reclaimed water samples were 1000 PFU HAV, 10,000 GI norovirus particles, <500 Salmonella and <200 Cryptosporidium oocysts. These data demonstrate that UF can be an effective technique for recovering diverse microbes in reclaimed water to monitor and improve effluent water quality in wastewater treatment plants. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Thermal reactions of uranium metal, UO 2, U 3O 8, UF 4, and UO 2F 2 with NF 3 to produce UF 6

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McNamara, Bruce; Scheele, Randall; Kozelisky, Anne; Edwards, Matthew

2009-11-01

This paper demonstrates that NF 3 fluorinates uranium metal, UO 2, UF 4, UO 3, U 3O 8, and UO 2F 2·2H 2O to produce the volatile UF 6 at temperatures between 100 and 550 °C. Thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis reaction profiles are described that reflect changes in the uranium fluorination/oxidation state, physiochemical effects, and instances of discrete chemical speciation. Large differences in the onset temperatures for each system investigated implicate changes in mode of the NF 3 gas-solid surface interaction. These studies also demonstrate that NF 3 is a potential replacement fluorinating agent in the existing nuclear fuel cycle and in actinide volatility reprocessing.

Theoretical spectroscopy study of the low-lying electronic states of UX and UX{sup +}, X = F and Cl

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bross, David H.; Peterson, Kirk A., E-mail: kipeters@wsu.edu

Spectroscopic constants (T{sub e}, r{sub e}, B{sub 0}, ω{sub e}, and ω{sub e}x{sub e}) have been calculated for the low-lying electronic states of UF, UF{sup +}, UCl, and UCl{sup +} using complete active space 2nd-order perturbation theory (CASPT2), with a series of correlation consistent basis sets. The latter included those based on both pseudopotential (PP) and all-electron Douglas-Kroll-Hess Hamiltonians for the U atom. Spin orbit (SO) effects were included a posteriori using the state interacting method using both PP and Breit Pauli (BP) operators, as well as from exact two-component methods for U{sup +} and UF{sup +}. Complete basis setmore » (CBS) limits were obtained by extrapolation where possible and the PP and BP calculations were compared at their respective CBS limits. The PP-based method was shown to be reliable in calculating spectroscopic constants, in particular when using the state interacting method with CASPT2 energies (SO-CASPT2). The two component calculations were limited by computational resources and could not include electron correlation from the nominally closed shell 6s and 6p orbitals of U. UF and UCl were both calculated to have Ω = 9/2 ground states. The first excited state of UCl was calculated to be an Ω = 7/2 state at 78 cm{sup −1} as opposed to the same state at 435 cm{sup −1} in UF, and the other low-lying states of UCl showed a similar compression relative to UF. Likewise, UF{sup +} and UCl{sup +} both have Ω = 4 ground states and the manifold of low-lying excited Ω = 3, 2, 1, 0 states was energetically closer together in UCl{sup +} than in UF{sup +}, ranging up to 776 cm{sup −1} in UF{sup +} and only 438 cm{sup −1} in UCl{sup +}. As in previous studies, the final PP-based SO-CASPT2 results for UF{sup +} and UF agree well with experiment and are expected to be predictive for UCl and UCl{sup +}, which are reported here for the first time.« less

Theoretical spectroscopy study of the low-lying electronic states of UX and UX +, X = F and Cl

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bross, David H.; Peterson, Kirk A.

Spectroscopic constants (T e, r e, B 0, ω e, ω ex e) have been calculated for the low-lying electronic states of UF, UF +, UCl, and UCl + using complete active space 2nd-order perturbation theory (CASPT2), with a series of correlation consistent basis sets. The latter included those based on both pseudopotential (PP) and all-electron Douglas-Kroll-Hess (DK) Hamiltonians for the U atom. Spin orbit effects were included a posteri using the state interacting method using both PP and Breit Pauli (BP) operators, as well as from exact two-component (X2C) methods for U + and UF +. Complete basis setmore » (CBS) limits were obtained by extrapolation where possible and the PP and BP calculations were compared at their respective CBS limits. The PP-based method was shown to be reliable in calculating spectroscopic constants, in particular when using the state interacting method with CASPT2 energies (SO-CASPT2). The two component calculations were limited by computational resources and could not include electron correlation from the nominally closed shell 6s and 6p orbitals of U. UF and UCl were both calculated to have Ω=9/2 ground states. The first excited state of UCl was calculated to be an Ω=7/2 state at 78 cm -1 as opposed to the same state at 435 cm-1 in UF, and the other low-lying states of UCl showed a similar compression relative to UF. Likewise UF+ and UCl+ both have Ω=4 ground states and the manifold of low-lying excited Ω = 3, 2, 1, 0 states were energetically closer together in UCl + than in UF +, ranging up to 776 cm -1 in UF + and only 438 cm -1 in UCl +. As in previous research, the final PP-based SO-CASPT2 results for UF + and UF agree well with experiment, and are expected to be predictive for UCl and UCl +, which are reported here for the first time.« less

Theoretical spectroscopy study of the low-lying electronic states of UX and UX +, X = F and Cl

DOE PAGES

Bross, David H.; Peterson, Kirk A.

2015-11-13

Spectroscopic constants (T e, r e, B 0, ω e, ω ex e) have been calculated for the low-lying electronic states of UF, UF +, UCl, and UCl + using complete active space 2nd-order perturbation theory (CASPT2), with a series of correlation consistent basis sets. The latter included those based on both pseudopotential (PP) and all-electron Douglas-Kroll-Hess (DK) Hamiltonians for the U atom. Spin orbit effects were included a posteri using the state interacting method using both PP and Breit Pauli (BP) operators, as well as from exact two-component (X2C) methods for U + and UF +. Complete basis setmore » (CBS) limits were obtained by extrapolation where possible and the PP and BP calculations were compared at their respective CBS limits. The PP-based method was shown to be reliable in calculating spectroscopic constants, in particular when using the state interacting method with CASPT2 energies (SO-CASPT2). The two component calculations were limited by computational resources and could not include electron correlation from the nominally closed shell 6s and 6p orbitals of U. UF and UCl were both calculated to have Ω=9/2 ground states. The first excited state of UCl was calculated to be an Ω=7/2 state at 78 cm -1 as opposed to the same state at 435 cm-1 in UF, and the other low-lying states of UCl showed a similar compression relative to UF. Likewise UF+ and UCl+ both have Ω=4 ground states and the manifold of low-lying excited Ω = 3, 2, 1, 0 states were energetically closer together in UCl + than in UF +, ranging up to 776 cm -1 in UF + and only 438 cm -1 in UCl +. As in previous research, the final PP-based SO-CASPT2 results for UF + and UF agree well with experiment, and are expected to be predictive for UCl and UCl +, which are reported here for the first time.« less

77 FR 52680 - Foreign-Trade Zone 242-Boundary County, ID, Notification of Proposed Production Activity, AREVA...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-08-30

... County, ID, Notification of Proposed Production Activity, AREVA Enrichment Services, LLC, (Gas Centrifuge... being requested for the storage, manipulation, assembly and installation of gas centrifuge production... pipework, centrifuge floor-mounting elements, UF6 pipework/fittings, parts of cascades, vacuum pumps, UF6...

Thermodynamic properties of a high pressure subcritical UF6/He gas volume (irradiated by an external source)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sterritt, D. E.; Lalos, G. T.; Schneider, R. T.

1976-01-01

A computer simulation study concerning a compressed fissioning UF6 gas is presented. The compression is to be achieved by a ballistic piston compressor. Data on UF6 obtained with this compressor were incorporated in the simulation study. As a neutron source to create the fission events in the compressed gas, a fast burst reactor was considered. The conclusion is that it takes a neutron flux in excess of 10 to the 15th power n/sec sq cm to produce measurable increases in pressure and temperature, while a flux in excess of 10 to 19th power n/sq cm sec would probably damage the compressor.

Thermodynamic properties of a high pressure subcritical UF/sub 6/He gas volume (irradiated by an external source)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sterritt, D.E.; Lalos, G.T.; Schneider, R.T.

1976-12-01

A computer simulation study concerning a compressed fissioning UF/sub 6/ gas is presented. The compression is to be achieved by a ballistic piston compressor. Data on UF/sub 6/ obtained with this compressor were incorporated in the simulation study. As a neutron source to create the fission events in the compressed gas, a fast burst reactor was considered. The conclusion is that it takes a neutron flux in excess of 10/sup 15/ n/cm/sup 2/-s to produce measurable increases in pressure and temperature, while a flux in excess of 10/sup 19/ n/cm/sup 2/-s would probably damage the compressor.

Preliminary Studies on Membrane Filtration for the Production of Potable Water: A Case of Tshaanda Rural Village in South Africa

PubMed Central

Molelekwa, Gomotsegang F.; Mukhola, Murembiwa S.; Van der Bruggen, Bart; Luis, Patricia

2014-01-01

Ultrafiltration (UF) systems have been used globally for treating water from resources including rivers, reservoirs, and lakes for the production of potable water in the past decade. UF membranes with a pore size of between 0.1 and 0.01 micrometres provide an effective barrier for bacteria, viruses, suspended particles, and colloids. The use of UF membrane technology in treating groundwater for the supply of potable water in the impoverished and rural village, Tshaanda (i.e., the study area) is demonstrated. The technical and administrative processes that are critical for the successful installation of the pilot plant were developed. Given the rural nature of Tshaanda, the cultural and traditional protocols were observed. Preliminary results of the water quality of untreated water and the permeate are presented. Escherichia coli in the untreated water during the dry season (i.e., June and July) was 2 cfu/100 ml and was <1 cfu/100 ml (undetected) following UF, which complied with the WHO and South African National Standards and Guidelines of <1 cfu/100 ml. During the wet/rainy season (February) total coliform was unacceptably high (>2419.2 cfu/100 ml) before UF. Following UF, it dramatically reduced to acceptable level (7 cfu/100 ml) which is within the WHO recommended level of <10 cfu/100 ml. Additionally, during the wet/rainy season E. coli and enterococci were unacceptably high (40.4 cfu/100 ml and 73.3 cfu/100 ml, respectively) before UF but were completely removed following UF, which are within the WHO and SANS recommended limit. The values for electrical conductivity (EC) and turbidity were constantly within the WHO recommended limits of 300 µS/cm corrected at 25°C and <5 NTU, respectively, before and after UF, during dry season and wet season. This suggests that there is no need for pre-treatment of the water for suspended particles and colloids. Considering these data, it can be concluded that the water is suitable for human consumption, following UF. PMID:25144640

Preliminary studies on membrane filtration for the production of potable water: a case of Tshaanda rural village in South Africa.

PubMed

Molelekwa, Gomotsegang F; Mukhola, Murembiwa S; Van der Bruggen, Bart; Luis, Patricia

2014-01-01

Ultrafiltration (UF) systems have been used globally for treating water from resources including rivers, reservoirs, and lakes for the production of potable water in the past decade. UF membranes with a pore size of between 0.1 and 0.01 micrometres provide an effective barrier for bacteria, viruses, suspended particles, and colloids. The use of UF membrane technology in treating groundwater for the supply of potable water in the impoverished and rural village, Tshaanda (i.e., the study area) is demonstrated. The technical and administrative processes that are critical for the successful installation of the pilot plant were developed. Given the rural nature of Tshaanda, the cultural and traditional protocols were observed. Preliminary results of the water quality of untreated water and the permeate are presented. Escherichia coli in the untreated water during the dry season (i.e., June and July) was 2 cfu/100 ml and was <1 cfu/100 ml (undetected) following UF, which complied with the WHO and South African National Standards and Guidelines of <1 cfu/100 ml. During the wet/rainy season (February) total coliform was unacceptably high (>2419.2 cfu/100 ml) before UF. Following UF, it dramatically reduced to acceptable level (7 cfu/100 ml) which is within the WHO recommended level of <10 cfu/100 ml. Additionally, during the wet/rainy season E. coli and enterococci were unacceptably high (40.4 cfu/100 ml and 73.3 cfu/100 ml, respectively) before UF but were completely removed following UF, which are within the WHO and SANS recommended limit. The values for electrical conductivity (EC) and turbidity were constantly within the WHO recommended limits of 300 µS/cm corrected at 25°C and <5 NTU, respectively, before and after UF, during dry season and wet season. This suggests that there is no need for pre-treatment of the water for suspended particles and colloids. Considering these data, it can be concluded that the water is suitable for human consumption, following UF.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nekoogar, F; Dowla, F

An IAEA Technical Meeting on Techniques for IAEA Verification of Enrichment Activities identified 'smart tags' as a technology that should be assessed for tracking and locating UF6 cylinders. Although there is vast commercial industry working on RFID systems, the vulnerabilities of commercial products are only beginning to emerge. Most of the commercially off-the-shelf (COTS) RFID systems operate in very narrow frequency bands, making them vulnerable to detection, jamming and tampering and also presenting difficulties when used around metals (i.e. UF6 cylinders). Commercial passive RFID tags have short range, while active RFID tags that provide long ranges have limited lifetimes. Theremore » are also some concerns with the introduction of strong (narrowband) radio frequency signals around radioactive and nuclear materials. Considering the shortcomings of commercial RFID systems, in their current form, they do not offer a promising solution for continuous monitoring and tracking of UF6 cylinders. In this paper, we identify the key challenges faced by commercial RFID systems for monitoring UF6 cylinders, and introduce an ultra-wideband approach for tag/reader communications that addresses most of the identified challenges for IAEA safeguards applications.« less

Vapor core propulsion reactors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Diaz, Nils J.

1991-01-01

Many research issues were addressed. For example, it became obvious that uranium tetrafluoride (UF4) is a most preferred fuel over uranium hexafluoride (UF6). UF4 has a very attractive vaporization point (1 atm at 1800 K). Materials compatible with UF4 were looked at, like tungsten, molybdenum, rhenium, carbon. It was found that in the molten state, UF4 and uranium attacked most everything, but in the vapor state they are not that bad. Compatible materials were identified for both the liquid and vapor states. A series of analyses were established to determine how the cavity should be designed. A series of experiments were performed to determine the properties of the fluid, including enhancement of the electrical conductivity of the system. CFD's and experimental programs are available that deal with most of the major issues.

Under-flap stromal bed CXL for early post-LASIK ectasia: a novel treatment technique

PubMed Central

Wallerstein, Avi; Adiguzel, Eser; Gauvin, Mathieu; Mohammad-Shahi, Nima; Cohen, Mark

2017-01-01

Purpose Collagen cross-linking (CXL) for post-laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) ectasia (PLE) is traditionally performed either epi-on or epi-off on the corneal surface. This study describes a novel technique in treating early PLE with under-flap CXL (ufCXL) to the stromal bed and reports on 6-month outcomes. Patients and methods Case series of seven patients (eight eyes) with topography-diagnosed early PLE treated with ufCXL. Inclusion criteria were early, mild PLE defined as new-onset postoperative manifest refraction cylinder ≤1.50 D, with new topographic inferior steepening consistent with ectasia, uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) of 20/40 or better, and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) of 20/25 or better. Existing LASIK flap was lifted, riboflavin was applied directly to the stromal bed, flap was repositioned, and 18 mW/cm2 ultraviolet light was applied for 3 minutes to the corneal surface. Post-ufCXL manifest refraction, UDVA and CDVA, corneal cylinder, Kmax, and corneal irregularity index were compared with pre-ufCXL measurements. Results Patients had a pre-ufCXL sphere of 0.09±0.48 D and cylinder of −0.78±0.49 D. At 6 months, post-ufCXL sphere (0.06±0.8 D; P=0.89) and cylinder (−1.09±0.76 D, P=0.26) were unchanged. Cumulative post-ufCXL UDVA was unchanged, achieving 20/20, 20/30, and 20/40 in 25%, 88%, and 88%, respectively, compared with 13%, 63%, and 88% pre-ufCXL (P=0.68). Post-ufCXL CDVA was unchanged (P=0.93) with a gain of one line in two eyes, a loss of one line in one eye, and five eyes unchanged. The efficacy index (P=0.76), safety index (P=0.89), Kmax (P=0.94), and corneal irregularity index (P=0.73) were also unchanged. Conclusion Preliminary results with ufCXL for early PLE are promising, demonstrating maintenance of visual accuracy, efficacy, safety, Kmax, and cylinder, with much quicker recovery times than surface CXL. PMID:28031696

Under-flap stromal bed CXL for early post-LASIK ectasia: a novel treatment technique.

PubMed

Wallerstein, Avi; Adiguzel, Eser; Gauvin, Mathieu; Mohammad-Shahi, Nima; Cohen, Mark

2017-01-01

Collagen cross-linking (CXL) for post-laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) ectasia (PLE) is traditionally performed either epi-on or epi-off on the corneal surface. This study describes a novel technique in treating early PLE with under-flap CXL (ufCXL) to the stromal bed and reports on 6-month outcomes. Case series of seven patients (eight eyes) with topography-diagnosed early PLE treated with ufCXL. Inclusion criteria were early, mild PLE defined as new-onset postoperative manifest refraction cylinder ≤1.50 D, with new topographic inferior steepening consistent with ectasia, uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) of 20/40 or better, and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) of 20/25 or better. Existing LASIK flap was lifted, riboflavin was applied directly to the stromal bed, flap was repositioned, and 18 mW/cm 2 ultraviolet light was applied for 3 minutes to the corneal surface. Post-ufCXL manifest refraction, UDVA and CDVA, corneal cylinder, K max , and corneal irregularity index were compared with pre-ufCXL measurements. Patients had a pre-ufCXL sphere of 0.09±0.48 D and cylinder of -0.78±0.49 D. At 6 months, post-ufCXL sphere (0.06±0.8 D; P =0.89) and cylinder (-1.09±0.76 D, P =0.26) were unchanged. Cumulative post-ufCXL UDVA was unchanged, achieving 20/20, 20/30, and 20/40 in 25%, 88%, and 88%, respectively, compared with 13%, 63%, and 88% pre-ufCXL ( P =0.68). Post-ufCXL CDVA was unchanged ( P =0.93) with a gain of one line in two eyes, a loss of one line in one eye, and five eyes unchanged. The efficacy index ( P =0.76), safety index ( P =0.89), K max ( P =0.94), and corneal irregularity index ( P =0.73) were also unchanged. Preliminary results with ufCXL for early PLE are promising, demonstrating maintenance of visual accuracy, efficacy, safety, K max , and cylinder, with much quicker recovery times than surface CXL.

RESULTS FROM A DEMONSTRATION OF RF-BASED UF6 CYLINDER ACCOUNTING AND TRACKING SYSTEM INSTALLED AT A USEC FACILITY

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pickett, Chris A; Kovacic, Donald N; Morgan, Jim

Approved industry-standard cylinders are used globally for storing and transporting uranium hexafluoride (UF{sub 6}) at uranium enrichment plants and processing facilities. To verify that no diversion or undeclared production of nuclear material involving UF{sub 6} cylinders at the facility has occurred, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) conducts periodic, labor-intensive physical inspections to validate facility records, cylinder identities, and cylinder weights. A reliable cylinder monitoring system that would improve overall inspector effectiveness would be a significant improvement to the current international safeguards inspection regime. Such a system could include real-time unattended monitoring of cylinder movements, situation-specific rules-based event detection algorithms,more » and the capability to integrate with other types of safeguards technologies. This type of system could provide timely detection of abnormal operational activities that may be used to ensure more appropriate and efficient responses by the IAEA. A system of this type can reduce the reliance on paper records and have the additional benefit of facilitating domestic safeguards at the facilities at which it is installed. A radio-frequency (RF)-based system designed to track uranium hexafluoride (UF{sub 6}) cylinders during processing operations was designed, assembled, and tested at the United States Enrichment Corporation (USEC) facility in Portsmouth, Ohio, to determine the operational feasibility and durability of RF technology. The overall objective of the effort was to validate the robustness of RF technology for potential use as a future international safeguards tool for tracking UF6 cylinders at uranium-processing facilities. The results to date indicate that RF tags represent a feasible technique for tracking UF{sub 6} cylinders in operating facilities. Additional work will be needed to improve the operational robustness of the tags for repeated autoclave processing and to add tamper-indicating and data authentication features to some of the pertinent system components. Future efforts will focus on these needs along with implementing protocols relevant to IAEA safeguards. The work detailed in this report demonstrates the feasibility of constructing RF devices that can survive the operational rigors associated with the transportation, storage, and processing of UF6 cylinders. The system software specially designed for this project is called Cylinder Accounting and Tracking System (CATS). This report details the elements of the CATS rules-based architecture and its use in safeguards-monitoring and asset-tracking applications. Information is also provided on improvements needed to make the technology ready, as well as options for improving the safeguards aspects of the technology. The report also includes feedback from personnel involved in the testing, as well as individuals who could utilize an RF-based system in supporting the performance of their work. The system software was set up to support a Mailbox declaration, where a declaration can be made either before or after cylinder movements take place. When the declaration is made before cylinders move, the operators must enter this information into CATS. If the IAEA then shows up unexpectedly at the facility, they can see how closely the operational condition matches the declaration. If the declaration is made after the cylinders move, this provides greater operational flexibility when schedules are interrupted or are changed, by allowing operators to declare what moves have been completed. The IAEA can then compare where cylinders are with where CATS or the system says they are located. The ability of CATS to automatically generate Mailbox declarations is seen by the authors as a desirable feature. The Mailbox approach is accepted by the IAEA but has not been widely implemented (and never in enrichment facilities). During the course of this project, we have incorporated alternative methods for implementation.« less

Dataset on the cost estimation for spent filter backwash water (SFBW) treatment.

PubMed

Ebrahimi, Afshin; Mahdavi, Mokhtar; Pirsaheb, Meghdad; Alimohammadi, Fariborz; Mahvi, Amir Hossein

2017-12-01

The dataset presented in this article are related to the research article entitled "Hybrid coagulation-UF processes for spent filter backwash water treatment: a comparison studies for PAFCl and FeCl 3 as a pre-treatment" (Ebrahimi et al., 2017) [1]. This article reports the cost estimation for treating produced spent filter backwash water (SFBW) during water treatment in Isfahan- Iran by various methods including primary sedimentation, coagulation & flocculation, second clarification, ultra filtration (UF) and recirculation of settled SFBW to water treatment plant (WTP) entrance. Coagulation conducted by PAFCl and FeCl 3 as pre polymerized and traditional coagulants. Cost estimation showed that contrary to expectations, the recirculation of settled SFBW to WTP entrance is more expensive than other method and it costs about $ 37,814,817.6. Versus the cheapest option related to separate primary sedimentation, coagulation & flocculation in WTP. This option cost about $ 4,757,200 and $ 950,213 when FeCl3 and PAFCl used as coagulant, respectively.

Separation of uranium isotopes by chemical exchange

DOEpatents

Ogle, P.R. Jr.

1974-02-26

A chemical exchange method is provided for separating /sup 235/U from / sup 238/U comprising contacting a first phase containing UF/sub 6/ with a second phase containing a compound selected from the group consisting of NOUF/sub 6/, NOUF/sub 7/, and NO/sub 2/UF/sub 7/ until the U Fsub 6/ in the first phase becomes enriched in the /sup 235/U isotope. (Official Gazette)

Strain selection, biomass to biofuel conversion, and resource colocation have strong impacts on the economic performance of algae cultivation sites

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Venteris, Erik R.; Wigmosta, Mark S.; Coleman, Andre M.

Decisions involving strain selection, biomass to biofuel technology, and the location of cultivation facilities can strongly influence the economic viability of an algae-based biofuel enterprise. In this contribution we summarize our past results in a new analysis to explore the relative economic impact of these design choices. We present strain-specific growth model results from two saline strains (Nannocloropsis salina, Arthrospira sp.), a fresh to brackish strain (Chlorella sp., DOE strain 1412), and a freshwater strain of the order Sphaeropleales. Biomass to biofuel conversion is compared between lipid extraction (LE) and hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) technologies. National-scale models of water, CO2 (asmore » flue gas), land acquisition, site leveling, construction of connecting roads, and transport of HTL oil to existing refineries are used in conjunction with estimates of fuel value (from HTL) to prioritize and select from 88,692 unit farms (UF, 405 ha in pond area), a number sufficient to produce 136E+9 L yr-1 of renewable diesel (36 billion gallons yr-1, BGY). Strain selection and choice of conversion technology have large economic impacts, with differences between combinations of strains and biomass to biofuel technologies being up to $10 million dollars yr-1 UF-1. Results based on the most productive species, HTL-based fuel conversion, and resource costs show that the economic potential between geographic locations within the selection can differ by up to $4 million yr-1 UF-1, with 2.0 BGY of production possible from the most cost-effective sites. The local spatial variability in site rank is extreme, with very high and low rank sites within 10s of km of each other. Colocation with flue gas sources has a strong influence on site rank, but the most costly resource component varies from site to site. The highest rank sites are located predominantly in Florida and Texas, but most states south of 37°N latitude contain promising locations. Keywords: algae, biofuels, resource assessment, geographic information systems, techno-economics« less

Four-Channel Threshold Detector With Optical Isolation

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-02-01

1uF tantalum 35 V Capacitor 6 75ohm 1l4 W Carbon or Metal Film Resistor I .1 uF tantalum 35V Capacitor 37 HCC / HCF 40688 CMOS 8 input NAND / AND 1...100uF aluminum 35 V Capacitor 3 1M340T15 1 5 V, 1 A TO –220 Regulator 1 MC7915ACT neg15 V, 1 A TO –220 Regulator 1 35952503 50 Kohm, 10-turn

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of umbelliferone in chronic alcohol-fed rats

PubMed Central

Sim, Mi-Ok; Lee, Hae-In; Ham, Ju Ri; Seo, Kwon-Il; Kim, Myung-Joo

2015-01-01

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Inflammation is associated with various types of acute and chronic alcohol liver diseases. In this study, we examined whether umbelliferone (7-hydroxycoumarin, UF) ameliorates chronic alcohol-induced liver damage by modulating inflammatory response and the antioxidant system. METHODS Rats were fed a Liber-Decarli liquid diet containing 5% alcohol with or without UF (0.05 g/L) for 8 weeks, while normal rats received an isocaloric carbohydrate liquid diet. RESULTS Chronic alcohol intake significantly increased serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 levels and decreased interleukin 10 level; however, UF supplementation reversed the cytokines related to liver damage. UF significantly suppressed hepatic lipopolysaccharide binding protein, toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor kappa B, and TNF-α gene expression increases in response to chronic alcohol intake. Masson's trichrome staining revealed that UF improved mild hepatic fibrosis caused by alcohol, and UF also significantly increased the mRNA expressions and activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase in liver, and thus, decreased lipid peroxide and mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide levels. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study indicate that UF protects against alcohol-induced liver damage by inhibiting the TLR4 signaling pathway and activating the antioxidant system. PMID:26244074

Feasibility of a Fieldable Mass Spectrometer FY 2015 Year-end Report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Barinaga, Charles J.; Hager, George J.; Hoegg, Edward D.

Currently, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) monitors the production of enriched uranium hexafluoride (UF 6) at declared facilities by collecting a few grams of product in sample tubes that are then sent to central laboratories for processing and isotope ratio analysis by thermal ionization mass spectrometry. Analysis of results may not be available for some time after collection. In addition, new shipping regulations will make it more difficult to transport this amount of UF 6 to a laboratory. The IAEA is interested in an isotope ratio technique for uranium in UF 6 that can be moved to and operatedmore » at the enrichment facility itself. This report covers the tasks and activities of the Feasibility of a Fieldable Mass Spectrometer Project for FY 2015, which investigates the feasibility of an in-field isotope ratio technique— the forward deployment of a technique to the non-laboratory situation of a protected room with power and heat at the facility of interest. A variety of nontraditional elemental ionization techniques were considered. It was determined that only two of these should be moved forward for testing with the candidate in-field mass spectrometer and with the adsorbed UF 6 sample types.« less

Effects of Conversion to a Bicarbonate/Lactate-Buffered, Neutral-pH, Low-GDP PD Regimen in Prevalent PD: A 2-Year Randomized Clinical Trial.

PubMed

Farhat, Karima; Douma, Caroline E; Ferrantelli, E; Ter Wee, Pieter M; Beelen, Robert H J; van Ittersum, Frans J

2017-01-01

♦ BACKGROUND: The use of pH-neutral peritoneal dialysis (PD) fluids low in glucose degradation products (GDP) may better preserve the peritoneal membrane and have fewer systemic effects. The effects of conversion from conventional to neutral-pH, low-GDP PD fluids in prevalent patients are unclear. Few studies on the role of neutral-pH, low-GDP PD have studied residual renal function, ultrafiltration, peritonitis incidence and technique failure, transport characteristics, and local and systemic markers of inflammation in prevalent PD patients. ♦ METHODS: In a multi-center open-label randomized clinical trial (RCT), we randomly assigned 40 of 78 stable continuous ambulatory PD (CAPD) and automated PD (APD) patients to treatment with bicarbonate/lactate, neutral-pH, low-GDP PD fluid (Physioneal; Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Deerfield, IL, USA) and compared them with 38 patients continuing their current standard lactate-buffered PD fluid (PDF) (Dianeal; Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Deerfield, IL, USA) during 2 years. Primary outcome was residual renal function (RRF) and ultrafiltration (UF) during peritoneal equilibration test (PET); peritonitis incidence was a secondary outcome. Furthermore, clinical parameters as well as several biomarkers in effluents and serum were measured. ♦ RESULTS: During follow-up, RRF did not differ between the groups. In the Physioneal group ultrafiltration (UF) during PET remained more or less stable (-20 mL [confidence interval (CI): -163.5 - 123.5 mL]; p = 0.7 over 24 months), whereas it declined in the Dianeal group (-243 mL [CI: -376.6 to -109.4 mL]; p < 0.0001 over 24 months), resulting in a difference of 233.7 mL [95% CI 41.0 - 425.5 mL]; p = 0.017 between the groups at 24 months. The peritonitis rate was lower in the Physioneal group: adjusted odds ratio (OR) 0.38 (0.15 - 0.97) p = 0.043. No differences were observed between the 2 groups in peritoneal adequacy or transport characteristics nor effluent markers of local inflammation (cancer antigen [CA]125, hyaluronan [HA], vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF], macrophage chemo-attractant protein [MCP]-1, HA and transforming growth factor [TGF]β-1). ♦ CONCLUSION: In prevalent PD patients, our study did not find a difference in RRF after conversion from conventional to neutral-pH, low-GDP PD fluids, although there is a possibility that the study was underpowered to detect a difference. Decline in UF during standardized PET was lower after 2 years in the Physioneal group. Copyright © 2017 International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis.

From the Lab to the real world : sources of error in UF {sub 6} gas enrichment monitoring

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lombardi, Marcie L.

2012-03-01

Safeguarding uranium enrichment facilities is a serious concern for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Safeguards methods have changed over the years, most recently switching to an improved safeguards model that calls for new technologies to help keep up with the increasing size and complexity of today’s gas centrifuge enrichment plants (GCEPs). One of the primary goals of the IAEA is to detect the production of uranium at levels greater than those an enrichment facility may have declared. In order to accomplish this goal, new enrichment monitors need to be as accurate as possible. This dissertation will look at themore » Advanced Enrichment Monitor (AEM), a new enrichment monitor designed at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Specifically explored are various factors that could potentially contribute to errors in a final enrichment determination delivered by the AEM. There are many factors that can cause errors in the determination of uranium hexafluoride (UF{sub 6}) gas enrichment, especially during the period when the enrichment is being measured in an operating GCEP. To measure enrichment using the AEM, a passive 186-keV (kiloelectronvolt) measurement is used to determine the {sup 235}U content in the gas, and a transmission measurement or a gas pressure reading is used to determine the total uranium content. A transmission spectrum is generated using an x-ray tube and a “notch” filter. In this dissertation, changes that could occur in the detection efficiency and the transmission errors that could result from variations in pipe-wall thickness will be explored. Additional factors that could contribute to errors in enrichment measurement will also be examined, including changes in the gas pressure, ambient and UF{sub 6} temperature, instrumental errors, and the effects of uranium deposits on the inside of the pipe walls will be considered. The sensitivity of the enrichment calculation to these various parameters will then be evaluated. Previously, UF{sub 6} gas enrichment monitors have required empty pipe measurements to accurately determine the pipe attenuation (the pipe attenuation is typically much larger than the attenuation in the gas). This dissertation reports on a method for determining the thickness of a pipe in a GCEP when obtaining an empty pipe measurement may not be feasible. This dissertation studies each of the components that may add to the final error in the enrichment measurement, and the factors that were taken into account to mitigate these issues are also detailed and tested. The use of an x-ray generator as a transmission source and the attending stability issues are addressed. Both analytical calculations and experimental measurements have been used. For completeness, some real-world analysis results from the URENCO Capenhurst enrichment plant have been included, where the final enrichment error has remained well below 1% for approximately two months.« less

In Situ NDA Conformation Measurements Performed at Auxiliary Charcoal Bed and Other Main Charcoal Beds After Uranium Removal from Molten Salt Reactor Experiment ACB at Oak Ridge National Laboratory

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Haghighi, M. H.; Kring, C. T.; McGehee, J. T.

2002-02-26

The Molten Salt Reactor Experiment (MSRE) site is located in Tennessee, on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Oak Ridge Reservation (ORR). The MSRE was run by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to demonstrate the desirable features of the molten-salt concept in a practical reactor that could be operated safely and reliably. It introduced the idea of a homogeneous reactor using fuel salt media and graphite moderation for power and breeder reactors. The MSRE reactor and associated components are located in cells beneath the floor in the high-bay area of Building 7503. The reactor was operated from June 1965 tomore » December 1969. When the reactor was shut down, fuel salt was drained from the reactor circuit to two drain tanks. A ''clean'' salt was then circulated through the reactor as a decontamination measure and drained to a third drain tank. When operations ceased, the fuel and flush salts were allowed to cool and solidify in the drain tanks. At shutdown, the MSRE facility complex was placed in a surveillance and maintenance program. Beginning in 1987, it was discovered that gaseous uranium (U-233/U-232) hexafluoride (UF6) had moved throughout the MSRE process systems. The UF6 had been generated when radiolysis in the fluorine salts caused the individual constituents to dissociate to their component atoms, including free fluorine. Some of the free fluorine combined with uranium fluorides (UF4) in the salt to produce UF6. UF6 is gaseous at slightly above ambient temperatures; thus, periodic heating of the fuel salts (which was intended to remedy the radiolysis problems) and simple diffusion had allowed the UF6 to move out of the salt and into the process systems of MSRE. One of the systems that UF6 migrated into due to this process was the offgas system which is vented to the MSRE main charcoal beds and MSRE auxiliary charcoal bed (ACB). Recently, the majority of the uranium laden-charcoal material residing within the ACB was safely and successfully removed using the uranium deposit removal system and equipment. After removal a series of NDA measurements was performed to determine the amount of uranium material remaining in the ACB, the amount of uranium material removed from the ACB, and the amount of uranium material remaining in the uranium removal equipment due to removal activities.« less

[Formation and Variation of Brominated Disinfection By-products in A Combined Ultrafiltration and Reverse Osmosis Process for Seawater Desalination].

PubMed

Yang, Zhe; Sun, Ying-xue; Shi, Na; Hu, Hong-ying

2015-10-01

The characteristics of dissolved organic matter (DOM) and brominated disinfection by-products ( Br-DBPs ) during a seawater desalination ultrafiltration (UF) combined reverse osmosis (RO) process were studied. The seawater contained high level of bromide ion (45.6-50.9 mg x L(-1)) and aromatic compounds with specific ultraviolet absorbance ( SUVA) of 3.6-6.0 L x (mg x m)(-1). The tryptophan-like aromatic protein, fulvic acid-like and soluble microbial by-product-like were the main fluorescent DOM in the seawater. After pre-chlorination of the seawater, the concentrations of DBPs was significantly increased in the influent of UF, which was dominantly the Br-DBPs. Bromoform (CHBr3) accounted for 70.48% - 91.50% of total trihalomethanes (THMs), dibromoacetic acid (Br2CHCO2H) occupied 81.14% - 100% of total haloacetic acids (HAAs) and dibromoacetonitrile (C2HBr2N) occupied 83.77% - 87.45% of total haloacetonitriles ( HANs). The removal efficiency of THMs, HAAs and HANs by the UF membrane was 36.63% - 40.39%, 73.83% - 95.38% and 100%, respectively. The RO membrane could completely remove the HAAs, while a little of the THMs was penetrated. The antiestrogenic activity in the seawater was 0.35 - 0.44 mg x L(-1), which was increased 32% - 69% after the pre-chlorination. The DBPs and other bio-toxic organics which formed during the UF-RO process were finally concentrated in the UF concentrate and RO concentrate.

ULTRAFINE CARBON PARTICLE (UFCP) INHALATION AFFECTS CARDIOVASCULAR PERFORMANCE IN HYPERTENSIVE RATS (SHR)

EPA Science Inventory

Inhaled UfCP affect cardiovascular performance in healthy rats (Harder et al. Inhal Toxicol 2005; 17:29-42) without apparent pulmonary damage. To assess whether geriatric cardiovascular compromised rats are more susceptible to UfCP effects, male adult (6months) and geriatric (13m...

Functional analysis of unfermented and fermented citrus peels and physical properties of citrus peel-added doughs for bread making.

PubMed

Shyu, Yung-Shin; Lu, Tzu-Chi; Lin, Chuan-Chuan

2014-12-01

Several studies have indicated citrus peels (CP) contain specific methoxy flavones, e.g. nobiletin and tangeretin, which have been shown to prevent numerous diseases. However, research reports regarding their application as food additive in healthy baked products is scarce. In our study, both unfermented (UF) and fermented (F) citrus peels were processed under different dry hot-air temperatures to make four citrus peel powders , UF-100 °C,UF-150 °C, F-100 °C, F-150 °C, respectively. The analysis of the basic components and nutraceuticals as well as antioxidant activity were conducted. Various percentages of CP were added to dough and toast bread for physical property and sensory evaluations. The results indicated the contents of crude proteins (3.3-4.3 mg/g) and fibers (10.9-14.9 %) among the four samples were similar. The UF extracts showed better antioxidant activities than F extracts. HPLC analysis indicated the contents of hesperidine, nobiletin and tangeretin in CP extracts were UF-150 °C > UF-100 °C. Farinograph analysis indicated a linear relation between CP powder content and the parameters of the physical properties of dough. A high percentage of fibrous CP powder in dough increases the water adsorption capacity of the dough, resulting in a decrease in its stability The sensory evaluation results indicated a greater acceptability of UF-added toast bread relative to the F-added one. Among these, according to the statistical anaylsis, the UF-150 °C 4 % and UF-100 °C 6 % groups were the best and F-150 °C 2 % group was the poorest in overall acceptability.

The Mailbox Computer System for the IAEA verification experiment on HEU downlending at the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Aronson, A.L.; Gordon, D.M.

IN APRIL 1996, THE UNITED STATES (US) ADDED THE PORTSMOUTH GASEOUS DIFFUSION PLANT TO THE LIST OF FACILITIES ELIGIBLE FOR THE APPLICATION OF INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY (IAEA) SAFEGUARDS. AT THAT TIME, THE US PROPOSED THAT THE IAEA CARRY OUT A ''VERIFICATION EXPERIMENT'' AT THE PLANT WITH RESPECT TO DOOWNBLENDING OF ABOUT 13 METRIC TONS OF HIGHLY ENRICHED URANIUM (HEU) IN THE FORM OF URANIUM HEXAFLUROIDE (UF6). DURING THE PERIOD DECEMBER 1997 THROUGH JULY 1998, THE IAEA CARRIED OUT THE REQUESTED VERIFICATION EXPERIMENT. THE VERIFICATION APPROACH USED FOR THIS EXPERIMENT INCLUDED, AMONG OTHER MEASURES, THE ENTRY OF PROCESS-OPERATIONAL DATA BYmore » THE FACILITY OPERATOR ON A NEAR-REAL-TIME BASIS INTO A ''MAILBOX'' COMPUTER LOCATED WITHIN A TAMPER-INDICATING ENCLOSURE SEALED BY THE IAEA.« less

Minor isotope safeguards techniques (MIST): Analysis and visualization of gas centrifuge enrichment plant process data using the MSTAR model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shephard, Adam M.; Thomas, Benjamin R.; Coble, Jamie B.; Wood, Houston G.

2018-05-01

This paper presents a development related to the use of minor isotope safeguards techniques (MIST) and the MSTAR cascade model as it relates to the application of international nuclear safeguards at gas centrifuge enrichment plants (GCEPs). The product of this paper is a derivation of the universal and dimensionless MSTAR cascade model. The new model can be used to calculate the minor uranium isotope concentrations in GCEP product and tails streams or to analyze, visualize, and interpret GCEP process data as part of MIST. Applications of the new model include the detection of undeclared feed and withdrawal streams at GCEPs when used in conjunction with UF6 sampling and/or other isotopic measurement techniques.

Fate of antibiotics in activated sludge followed by ultrafiltration (CAS-UF) and in a membrane bioreactor (MBR).

PubMed

Sahar, Eyal; Messalem, Rami; Cikurel, Haim; Aharoni, Avi; Brenner, Asher; Godehardt, Manuel; Jekel, Martin; Ernst, Mathias

2011-10-15

The fates of several macrolide, sulphonamide, and trimethoprim antibiotics contained in the raw sewage of the Tel-Aviv wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) were investigated after the sewage was treated using either a full-scale conventional activated sludge (CAS) system coupled with a subsequent ultrafiltration (UF) step or a pilot membrane bioreactor (MBR) system. Antibiotics removal in the MBR system, once it achieved stable operation, was 15-42% higher than that of the CAS system. This advantage was reduced to a maximum of 20% when a UF was added to the CAS. It was hypothesized that the contribution of membrane separation (in both systems) to antibiotics removal was due either to sorption to biomass (rather than improvement in biodegradation) or to enmeshment in the membrane biofilm (since UF membrane pores are significantly larger than the contaminant molecules). Batch experiments with MBR biomass showed a markedly high potential for sorption of the tested antibiotics onto the biomass. Moreover, methanol extraction of MBR biomass released significant amounts of sorbed antibiotics. This finding implies that more attention must be devoted to the management of excess sludge. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Research on fission fragment excitation of gases and nuclear pumping of lasers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schneider, R. T.; Davie, R. N.; Davis, J. F.; Fuller, J. L.; Paternoster, R. R.; Shipman, G. R.; Sterritt, D. E.; Helmick, H. H.

1974-01-01

Experimental investigations of fission fragment excited gases are reported along with a theoretical analysis of population inversions in fission fragment excited helium. Other studies reported include: nuclear augmentation of gas lasers, direct nuclear pumping of a helium-xenon laser, measurements of a repetitively pulsed high-power CO2 laser, thermodynamic properties of UF6 and UF6/He mixtures, and nuclear waste disposal utilizing a gaseous core reactor.

Depleted uranium hexafluoride: The source material for advanced shielding systems

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Quapp, W.J.; Lessing, P.A.; Cooley, C.R.

1997-02-01

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has a management challenge and financial liability problem in the form of 50,000 cylinders containing 555,000 metric tons of depleted uranium hexafluoride (UF{sub 6}) that are stored at the gaseous diffusion plants. DOE is evaluating several options for the disposition of this UF{sub 6}, including continued storage, disposal, and recycle into a product. Based on studies conducted to date, the most feasible recycle option for the depleted uranium is shielding in low-level waste, spent nuclear fuel, or vitrified high-level waste containers. Estimates for the cost of disposal, using existing technologies, range between $3.8 andmore » $11.3 billion depending on factors such as the disposal site and the applicability of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Advanced technologies can reduce these costs, but UF{sub 6} disposal still represents large future costs. This paper describes an application for depleted uranium in which depleted uranium hexafluoride is converted into an oxide and then into a heavy aggregate. The heavy uranium aggregate is combined with conventional concrete materials to form an ultra high density concrete, DUCRETE, weighing more than 400 lb/ft{sup 3}. DUCRETE can be used as shielding in spent nuclear fuel/high-level waste casks at a cost comparable to the lower of the disposal cost estimates. Consequently, the case can be made that DUCRETE shielded casks are an alternative to disposal. In this case, a beneficial long term solution is attained for much less than the combined cost of independently providing shielded casks and disposing of the depleted uranium. Furthermore, if disposal is avoided, the political problems associated with selection of a disposal location are also avoided. Other studies have also shown cost benefits for low level waste shielded disposal containers.« less

Determining the impacts of hospital cost-sharing on the uninsured near-poor households in Vietnam

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Objectives The study objective was to identify the size of different hospital financing sources for different hospital services and their impact on the uninsured. Methods A panel dataset of 84 public general hospitals (2005–2008) with cross-section data on hospital activity and hospital revenue was created and used to calculate unit costs of different hospital services by applying multiple regression models. The resulting risk of catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) was estimated based on official income statistics. Results Average user fees (UF) for outpatient visits and inpatient bed days were US$4.13 and US$20.27, while actual full costs (AFC) were US$8.41 and US$36.66, respectively. These unit costs were 2.5 times higher in hospitals at the central versus the provincial level. UF for surgical inpatient bed days were 3.6 times that of non-surgical treatments (US$47.50 vs. 12.87) and AFC 5.0 times (US$101.72 vs. 20.08). UF accounted for 44.6%-77.9% of the AFC, the rest (22.1%-55.4%) was provided by direct government support (DGS). One surgical inpatient treatment at either central or provincial hospital level and one non-surgical inpatient treatment at central hospital level, immediately pushed uninsured near-poor households at risk of CHE. Conclusions Around 45% of hospital AFC was paid by DGS, the larger rest by UF. UF have become a great financial burden on the uninsured near-poor households, who have to pay for these out-of-pocket and therefore may not utilize even necessary services. If the rate of DGS were reduced, this would have the effect of increasing UF, but the savings to Government could be spent on subsidizing insurance to ensure that a larger part of the population can cover UF through insurance, especially the near-poor households. PMID:24885268

Predictors of emotional problems and physical aggression among children of Hong Kong Chinese, Mainland Chinese and Filipino immigrants to Canada.

PubMed

Beiser, Morton; Hamilton, Hayley; Rummens, Joanna Anneke; Oxman-Martinez, Jacqueline; Ogilvie, Linda; Humphrey, Chuck; Armstrong, Robert

2010-10-01

Data from the New Canadian Children and Youth Study (NCCYS), a national study of immigrant children and youth in Canada, are used to examine the mental health salience of putatively universal determinants, as well as of immigration-specific factors. Universal factors (UF) include age, gender, family and neighbourhood characteristics. Migration-specific (MS) factors include ethnic background, acculturative stress, prejudice, and the impact of region of resettlement within Canada. In a sample of children from Hong Kong, the Philippines and Mainland China, the study examined the determinants of emotional problems (EP), and physical aggression (PA). A two-step regression analysis entered UF on step 1, and MS variables on step 2. Universal factors accounted for 12.1% of EP variance. Addition of MS variables increased explained variance to 15.6%. Significant UF predictors: parental depression, family dysfunction, and parent's education. Significant MS variables: country of origin, region of resettlement, resettlement stress, prejudice, and limited linguistic fluency. UF accounted for 6.3% of variance in PA scores. Adding migration-specific variables increased variance explained to 9.1%. UF: age, gender, parent's depression, family dysfunction. MS: country of origin, region of resettlement, resettlement stress, and parent's perception of prejudice. Net of the effect of factors affecting the mental health of most, if not all children, migration-specific variables contribute to understanding immigrant children's mental health.

FY16 Safeguards Technology Cart-Portable Mass Spectrometer Project Final Report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Thompson, Cyril V.; Whitten, William B.

The Oak Ridge National Laboratory project for the Next Generation Safeguards Initiative Safeguards Technology Development Subprogram has been involved in the development of a cart portable mass spectrometer based on a Thermo ITQ ion trap mass spectrometer (referred to simply as the ITQ) for the field analysis of 235U/238U ratios in UF6. A recent discovery of the project was that combining CO2 with UF6 and introducing the mixture to the mass spectrometer (MS) appeared to increase the ionization efficiency and, thus, reduce the amount of UF6 needed for an analysis while also reducing the corrosive effects of the sample. However,more » initial experimentation indicated that mixing parameters should be closely controlled to ensure reproducible results. To this end, a sample manifold (SM) that would ensure the precise mixing of UF6 and CO2 was designed and constructed. A number of experiments were outlined and conducted to determine optimum MS and SM conditions which would provide the most stable isotope ratio analysis. The principal objective of the project was to provide a retrofit ITQ mass spectrometer operating with a SM capable of achieving a variation in precision of less than 1% over 1 hour of sampling. This goal was achieved by project end with a variation in precision of 0.5 to 0.8% over 1 hour of sampling.« less

White matter properties differ in 6-year old Readers and Pre-Readers

PubMed Central

Kovachy, Vanessa N; Ben-Shachar, Michal; Feldman, Heidi M

2016-01-01

Reading, an essential life skill in modern society, is typically learned during childhood. Adults who can read show white matter differences compared to adults who never learned to read. Studies have not established whether children who can read show similar white matter differences compared to children who cannot read. We compared 6-year old children who could decode written English words and pseudowords (n=31; Readers) and 6-year old children who could not decode pseudowords and had a standard score < 100 on a task for reading single words (n=11; Pre-Readers). We employed diffusion MRI and tractography to extract fractional anisotropy (FA) along the trajectory of 6 bilateral intra-hemispheric tracts and 2 posterior subdivisions of the corpus callosum. Readers demonstrated significantly increased FA within the left anterior segment of the superior longitudinal fasciculus (aSLF-L) and the right uncinate fasciculus (UF-R) compared to Pre-Readers. FA in the aSLF-L was significantly correlated with phonological awareness; FA in the UF-R was significantly correlated with language. Correlations in the UF-R but not the aSLF-L remained significant after controlling for reading ability, revealing that UF-R group differences were related to both children's language and reading abilities. Taken together, these findings demonstrate new evidence showing that individual differences in white matter structure relate to whether children have begun to read. PMID:27631434

Worsening renal function in patients with acute decompensated heart failure treated with ultrafiltration: predictors and outcomes.

PubMed

Raichlin, Eugenia; Haglund, Nicholas A; Dumitru, Ioana; Lyden, Elizabeth R; Johnston, Michael D; Mack, Joan M; Windle, John R; Lowes, Brian D

2014-05-01

Ultrafiltration (UF) is used to treat patients with diuretic-resistant acute decompensated heart failure. The aim of this study was to identify predictors and the effect of worsening renal failure(WRF) on mortality in patients treated with UF. Based on changes in serum creatinine, 99 patients treated with UF were divided into WRF and control groups. Overall creatinine increased from 1.9 ± 0.7 to 1.2 ± 1.0 mg/dL (P!.001),and WRF developed in 41% of the subjects. The peak UF rate was higher in the WRF group in univariate analysis (174 ± 75 vs 144 ± 52 mL/h; P = .03). Based on multivariate analysis, aldosterone antagonist treatment (odds ratio [OR] 3.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.17-13.46, P = .04), heart rate ≤65 beats/min (OR 6.03, 95% CI 1.48-48.42; P = .03), and E/E0 ≥ 15 (OR 3.78, 95% CI 1.26-17.55; P 5 .04) at hospital admission were associated with WRF. Patients with baseline glomerular filtration rate (GFR) ≤60mg/dL who developed WRF during UF had a 75% 1-year mortality rate. WRF occurred frequently during UF. Increased LV filling pressures, lower heart rate, and treatment with aldosterone antagonist at hospital admission can identify patients at increased risk for WRF. Patients with baseline GFR ≤60 mg/dL and WRF during UF have an extremely high 1-year mortality rate.

Association of neighbourhood food availability with the consumption of processed and ultra-processed food products by children in a city of Brazil: a multilevel analysis.

PubMed

Leite, Fernanda Helena Marrocos; de Carvalho Cremm, Elena; de Abreu, Débora Silva Costa; Oliveira, Maria Aparecida de; Budd, Nadine; Martins, Paula Andrea

2018-01-01

To investigate the association between neighbourhood food availability and the consumption of ready-to-consume products (RCP), either processed or ultra-processed, and unprocessed/minimally processed foods (UF-MPF) by children. Cross-sectional. 24 h Dietary recalls were collected from children from January 2010 to June 2011. Neighbourhood food availability data were collected from 672 food stores located within 500 m of participants' homes, using an adapted and validated instrument. Neighbourhood-level socio-economic status (SES) was obtained by calculating the mean years of household head's education level in each census tract covered by 500 m buffers. Foods that were consumed by children and/or available in the food stores were classified based on their degree of industrial processing. Multilevel random-effect models examined the association between neighbourhood food availability and children's diets. Santos, Brazil. Children (n 513) under 10 years old (292 aged <6 years, 221 aged ≥6 years). The availability of RCP in food stores was associated with increased RCP consumption (P<0·001) and decreased UF-MPF consumption (P<0·001). The consumption of UF-MPF was positively associated with neighbourhood-level SES (P<0·01), but not with the availability of UF-MPF in the neighbourhood. Results suggest that food policies and interventions that aim to reduce RCP consumption in Santos and similar settings should focus on reducing the availability in food stores. The results also suggest that interventions should not only increase the availability of UF-MPF in lower-SES neighbourhoods, but should strive to make UF-MPF accessible within these environments.

Effects of weight-based ultrafiltration rate limits on intradialytic hypotension in hemodialysis.

PubMed

Pirkle, James L; Comeau, Mary E; Langefeld, Carl D; Russell, Gregory B; Balderston, Somer S; Freedman, Barry I; Burkart, John M

2018-04-01

High ultrafiltration (UF) rates can result in intradialytic hypotension and are associated with increased mortality. The effects of a weight-based UF rate limit on intradialytic hypotension and the potential for unwanted fluid weight gain and hospitalizations for volume overload are unknown. This retrospective cohort study examined 123 in-center hemodialysis patients at one facility who transitioned to 13 mL/kg/h maximum UF rates. Patients were studied for an 8 week UF rate limit exposure period and compared to the 8-week period immediately prior, during which the cohort served as its own historical control. The primary outcomes were frequency of intradialytic hypotension events and percentage of treatments with a hypotension event. The delivered UF rate was lower during the exposure compared to the baseline period (mean UF rate 7.90 ± 4.45 mL/kg/h vs. 8.92 ± 5.64 mL/kg/h; P = 0.0005). The risk of intradialytic hypotension was decreased during the exposure compared to baseline period (event rate per treatment 0.0569 vs. 0.0719, OR 0.78 [95% CI 0.62-1.00]; P = 0.0474), as was the risk of having a treatment with a hypotension event (percentage of treatments with event 5.2% vs. 6.8%, OR 0.75 [95% CI 0.58-0.96]; P = 0.0217). Subgroup analyses demonstrated that these findings were attributable to patients with high baseline UF rates. Statistically significant differences in all-cause or volume overload-related hospitalization were not observed during the exposure period. A weight-based UF rate limit of 13 mL/kg/h was associated with a decrease in the rate of intradialytic hypotension events among in-center hemodialysis patients. © 2017 International Society for Hemodialysis.

Benchmark Gamma Spectroscopy Measurements of Uranium Hexafluoride in Aluminmum Pipe with a Sodium Iodide Detector

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

March-Leuba, Jose A; Uckan, Taner; Gunning, John E

2010-01-01

The expected increased demand in fuel for nuclear power plants, combined with the fact that a significant portion of the current supply from the blend down of weapons-source material will soon be coming to an end, has led to the need for new sources of enriched uranium for nuclear fuel. As a result, a number of countries have announced plans, or are currently building, gaseous centrifuge enrichment plants (GCEPs) to supply this material. GCEPs have the potential to produce uranium at enrichments above the level necessary for nuclear fuel purposes-enrichments that make the uranium potentially usable for nuclear weapons. Asmore » a result, there is a critical need to monitor these facilities to ensure that nuclear material is not inappropriately enriched or diverted for unintended use. Significant advances have been made in instrument capability since the current International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) monitoring methods were developed. In numerous cases, advances have been made in other fields that have the potential, with modest development, to be applied in safeguards applications at enrichment facilities. A particular example of one of these advances is the flow and enrichment monitor (FEMO). (See Gunning, J. E. et al., 'FEMO: A Flow and Enrichment Monitor for Verifying Compliance with International Safeguards Requirements at a Gas Centrifuge Enrichment Facility,' Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Facility Operations - Safeguards Interface. Portland, Oregon, March 30-April 4th, 2008.) The FEMO is a conceptual instrument capable of continuously measuring, unattended, the enrichment and mass flow of {sup 235}U in pipes at a GCEP, and consequently increase the probability that the potential production of HEU and/or diversion of fissile material will be detected. The FEMO requires no piping penetrations and can be installed on pipes containing the flow of uranium hexafluoride (UF{sub 6}) at a GCEP. This FEMO consists of separate parts, a flow monitor (FM) and an enrichment monitor (EM). Development of the FM is primarily the responsibility of Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and development of the EM is primarily the responsibility of Los Alamos National Laboratory. The FM will measure {sup 235}U mass flow rate by combining information from measuring the UF{sub 6} volumetric flow rate and the {sup 235}U density. The UF{sub 6} flow rate will be measured using characteristics of the process pumps used in product and tail UF{sub 6} header process lines of many GCEPs, and the {sup 235}U density will be measured using commercially available sodium iodide (NaI) gamma ray scintillation detectors. This report describes the calibration of the portion of the FM that measures the {sup 235}U density. Research has been performed to define a methodology and collect data necessary to perform this calibration without the need for plant declarations. The {sup 235}U density detector is a commercially available system (GammaRad made by Amptek, www.amptek.com) that contains the NaI crystal, photomultiplier tube, signal conditioning electronics, and a multichannel analyzer (MCA). Measurements were made with the detector system installed near four {sup 235}U sources. Two of the sources were made of solid uranium, and the other two were in the form of UF{sub 6} gas in aluminum piping. One of the UF{sub 6} gas sources was located at ORNL and the other at LANL. The ORNL source consisted of two pipe sections (schedule 40 aluminum pipe of 4-inch and 8-inch outside diameter) with 5.36% {sup 235}U enrichment, and the LANL source was a 4-inch schedule 40 aluminum pipe with 3.3% {sup 235}U enrichment. The configurations of the detector on these test sources, as well as on long straight pipe configurations expected to exist at GCEPs, were modeled using the computer code MCNP. The results of the MCNP calculations were used to define geometric correction factors between the test source and the GCEP application. Using these geometric correction factors, the experimental 186 keV counts in the test geometry were extrapolated to the expected GCEP geometry, and calibration curves were developed. A unique method to analyze the measurement was also developed that separated the detector spectrum into the five detectable decay gamma rays emitted by {sup 235}U in the 120 to 200 keV energy range. This analysis facilitated the assignment of a consistent value for the detector counts originating from {sup 235}U decays at 186 keV. This value is also more accurate because it includes the counts from gamma energies other than 186 keV, which results in increased counting statistics for the same measurement time. The 186 keV counts expected as a function of pressure and enrichment are presented in the body of this report. The main result of this research is a calibration factor for 4-inch and 8-inch schedule 40 aluminum pipes. For 4-inch pipes, the {sup 235}U density is 0.62 {sup 235}U g/m{sup 3} per each measured 186 keV count.« less

Association of haemodynamic changes measured by serial central venous saturation during ultrafiltration for acutely decompensated heart failure with diuretic resistance and change in renal function.

PubMed

Vazir, Ali; Simpkin, Victoria L; Marino, Philip; Ludman, Andrew; Banya, Winston; Tavazzi, Guido; Bastin, Anthony J; Trenfield, Sarah; Ghori, Arshad; Alexander, Peter D; Griffiths, Mark; Price, Susanna; Sharma, Rakesh; Cowie, Martin R

2016-10-01

Patients with acute decompensated heart failure with diuretic resistance (ADHF-DR) have a poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to assess in patients with ADHF-DR, whether haemodynamic changes during ultrafiltration (UF) are associated with changes in renal function (Δcreatinine) and whether Δcreatinine post UF is associated with mortality. Seventeen patients with ADHF-DR underwent 20 treatments with UF. Serial bloods (4-6 hourly) from the onset of UF treatment were measured for renal function, electrolytes and central venous saturation (CVO2). Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to assess the relationship between changes in markers of haemodynamics [heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), packed cell volume (PCV) and CVO2] and Δcreatinine. Patients were followed up and mortality recorded. Cox-regression survival analysis was performed to determine covariates associated with mortality. Renal function worsened after UF in 17 of the 20 UF treatments (baseline vs. post UF creatinine: 164±58 vs. 185±69μmol/l, P<0.01). ΔCVO2 was significantly associated with Δcreatinine [β-coefficient of -1.3 95%CI (-1.8 to -0.7), P<0.001] and remained significantly associated with Δcreatinine after considering changes in SBP, HR and PCV [P<0.001]. Ten (59%) patients died at 1-year and 15(88%) by 2-years. Δcreatinine was independently associated with mortality (adjusted-hazard ratio 1.03 (1.01 to 1.07) per 1μmol/l increase in creatinine; P=0.02). Haemodynamic changes during UF as measured by the surrogate of cardiac output was associated with Δcreatinine. Worsening renal function at end of UF treatment occurred in the majority of patients and was associated with mortality. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

Recent measurements concerning uranium hexafluoride-electron collision processes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Trajmar, S.; Chutjian, A.; Srivastava, S.; Williams, W.; Cartwright, D. C.

1976-01-01

Scattering of electrons by UF6 molecules was studied at impact energies ranging from 5 to 100 eV and momentum transfer, elastic and inelastic scattering cross sections were determined. The measurements also yielded spectroscopic information which made possible to extend the optical absorption cross sections from 2000 angstroms to 435 angstroms. It was found that UF6 is a very strong absorber in the vacuum UV region. No transitions were found to lie below the onset of the optically detected 3.0 eV feature.

Problem Definition Study of Requirements for Vapor Retarders in the Building Envelope.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-11-01

be used, and that cellular glass should be used rather than fibrous glass, mineral wool , and organic fiber insulation materials. -48- 6 Comment: (This...Oregon area. 71 were insulated with UF-foam, cellulose, and mineral wool ; 25 were uninsulated. q b. All insulated homes had been retrofitted for 3 to...ACHR was 18.7, for mineral wool insulated homes 16.4, for cellulose insulated homes 13.6, and for UF-foam insulated homes 15.2. f. No tracer-gas air

Radiation-Triggered Surveillance for UF6 Monitoring

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Curtis, Michael M.

2015-12-01

This paper recommends the use of radiation detectors, singly or in sets, to trigger surveillance cameras. Ideally, the cameras will monitor cylinders transiting the process area as well as the process area itself. The general process area will be surveyed to record how many cylinders have been attached and detached to the process between inspections. Rad-triggered cameras can dramatically reduce the quantity of recorded images, because the movement of personnel and equipment not involving UF6 cylinders will not generate a surveillance review file.

Application of ultrafiltration in the pulp and paper industry: metals removal and whitewater reuse.

PubMed

Oliveira, C R; Silva, C M; Milanez, A F

2007-01-01

In the pulp and paper industry, the water use minimization is a constant target. One way to reduce water use is to recycle the effluent in a closed-cycle concept. In paper mills, the main source of liquid effluent is the so-called whitewater, which is the excess water, originated from pulp stock dewatering and other fibre contaminated water. This research studied the reuse of paper mill whitewater after membrane ultrafiltration (UF) in the paper machine and in the pulp bleach plant of an integrated mill. Contaminant removal and flux behaviour of the UF system were evaluated. The treatment by ultrafiltration was technically feasible and the treated whitewater had good potential to be reused in some processes in the paper machine. The reuse of ultrafiltered whitewater in the bleaching plant was not recommended because of the high level of soluble calcium present in this stream. Therefore, a combined treatment of the whitewater using the principle of precipitation and ultrafiltration was proposed showing good results and enabling the use of the treated whitewater in the bleach plant.

High temperature UF6 RF plasma experiments applicable to uranium plasma core reactors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roman, W. C.

1979-01-01

An investigation was conducted using a 1.2 MW RF induction heater facility to aid in developing the technology necessary for designing a self critical fissioning uranium plasma core reactor. Pure, high temperature uranium hexafluoride (UF6) was injected into an argon fluid mechanically confined, steady state, RF heated plasma while employing different exhaust systems and diagnostic techniques to simulate and investigate some potential characteristics of uranium plasma core nuclear reactors. The development of techniques and equipment for fluid mechanical confinement of RF heated uranium plasmas with a high density of uranium vapor within the plasma, while simultaneously minimizing deposition of uranium and uranium compounds on the test chamber peripheral wall, endwall surfaces, and primary exhaust ducts, is discussed. The material tests and handling techniques suitable for use with high temperature, high pressure, gaseous UF6 are described and the development of complementary diagnostic instrumentation and measurement techniques to characterize the uranium plasma, effluent exhaust gases, and residue deposited on the test chamber and exhaust system components is reported.

Treatment of poultry slaughterhouse wastewater using a static granular bed reactor (SGBR) coupled with ultrafiltration (UF) membrane system.

PubMed

Basitere, M; Rinquest, Z; Njoya, M; Sheldon, M S; Ntwampe, S K O

2017-07-01

The South African poultry industry has grown exponentially in recent years due to an increased demand for their products. As a result, poultry plants consume large volumes of high quality water to ensure that hygienically safe poultry products are produced. Furthermore, poultry industries generate high strength wastewater, which can be treated successfully at low cost using anaerobic digesters. In this study, the performance of a bench-scale mesophilic static granular bed reactor (SGBR) containing fully anaerobic granules coupled with an ultrafiltration (UF) membrane system, as a post-treatment system, was investigated. The poultry slaughterhouse wastewater was characterized by a chemical oxygen demand (COD) range between 1,223 and 9,695mg/L, average biological oxygen demand of 2,375mg/L and average fats, oil and grease (FOG) of 554mg/L. The SGBR anaerobic reactor was operated for 9 weeks at different hydraulic retention times (HRTs), i.e. 55 and 40 h, with an average organic loading rate (OLR) of 1.01 and 3.14g COD/L.day. The SGBR results showed an average COD, total suspended solids (TSS) and FOG removal of 93%, 95% and 90% respectively, for both OLR. The UF post-treatment results showed an average of COD, TSS and FOG removal of 64%, 88% and 48%, respectively. The overall COD, TSS and FOG removal of the system (SGBR and UF membrane) was 98%, 99.8%, and 92.4%, respectively. The results of the combined SGBR reactor coupled with the UF membrane showed a potential to ensure environmentally friendly treatment of poultry slaughterhouse wastewater.

Containment and storage of uranium hexafluoride at US Department of Energy uranium enrichment plants

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Barlow, C.R.; Alderson, J.H.; Blue, S.C.

Isotopically depleted UF{sub 6} (uranium hexafluoride) accumulates at a rate five to ten times greater than the enriched product and is stored in steel vessels at the enrichment plant sites. There are approximately 55,000 large cylinders now in storage at Paducah, Kentucky; Portsmouth, Ohio; and Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Most of them contain a nominal 14 tons of depleted UF{sub 6}. Some of these cylinders have been in the unprotected outdoor storage environment for periods approaching 40 years. Storage experience, supplemented by limited corrosion data, suggests a service life of about 70 years under optimum conditions for the 48-in. diameter, 5/16-in.-wallmore » pressure vessels (100 psi working pressure), using a conservative industry-established 1/4-in.-wall thickness as the service limit. In the past few years, however, factors other than atmospheric corrosion have become apparent that adversely affect the serviceability of small numbers of the storage containers and that indicate the need for a managed program to ensure maintenance ofcontainment integrity for all the cylinders in storage. The program includes periodic visual inspections of cylinders and storage yards with documentation for comparison with other inspections, a group of corrosion test programs to permit cylinder life forecasts, and identification of (and scheduling for remedial action) situations in which defects, due to handling damage or accelerated corrosion, can seriously shorten the storage life or compromise the containment integrity of individual cylinders. The program also includes rupture testing to assess the effects of certain classes of damage on overall cylinder strength, aswell as ongoing reviews of specifications, procedures, practices, and inspection results to effect improvements in handling safety, containment integrity, and storage life.« less

Worsening renal function in patients with acute decompensated heart failure treated with ultrafiltration: predictors and outcomes.

PubMed

Raichlin, Eugenia; Haglund, Nicholas A; Dumitru, Ioana; Lyden, Elizabeth R; Johnston, Michael D; Mack, Joan M; Windle, John R; Lowes, Brian D

2013-12-01

Ultrafiltration (UF) is used to treat patients with diuretic-resistant acute decompensated heart failure. The aim of this study was to identify predictors and the effect of worsening renal failure (WRF) on mortality in patients treated with UF. Based on changes in serum creatinine, 99 patients treated with UF were divided into WRF and control groups. Overall creatinine increased from 1.9 ± 9.7 to 2.2 ± 2.0 mg/dL (P < .001), and WRF developed in 41% of the subjects. The peak UF rate was higher in the WRF group in univariate analysis (174 ± 45 vs 144 ± 42 mL/h; P = .03). Based on multivariate analysis, aldosterone antagonist treatment (odds ratio [OR] 3.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.17-13.46, P = .04), heart rate ≤65 beats/min (OR 6.03, 95% CI 1.48-48.42; P = .03), and E/E' ≥15 (OR 3.78, 95% CI 1.26-17.55; P = .04) at hospital admission were associated with WRF. Patients with baseline glomerular filtration rate (GFR) ≤60 mg/dL who developed WRF during UF had a 75% 1-year mortality rate. WRF occurred frequently during UF. Increased LV filling pressures, lower heart rate, and treatment with aldosterone antagonist at hospital admission can identify patients at increased risk for WRF. Patients with baseline GFR ≤60 mg/dL and WRF during UF have an extremely high 1-year mortality rate. Published by Elsevier Inc.

The impact of dialysis solution biocompatibility on ultrafiltration and on free water transport in rats.

PubMed

Aubertin, Gaëlle; Choquet, Philippe; Dheu, Céline; Constantinesco, André; Ratomponirina, Charline; Zaloszyc, Ariane; Passlick-Deetjen, Jutta; Fischbach, Michel

2012-01-01

This study compares different peritoneal dialysis fluids (PDF) in rats over a short contact time. For greater accuracy, net ultrafiltration (UF) and peritoneal transport indices, mass transfer area coefficient (MTAC) were scaled for the in vivo peritoneal surface area recruited (ivPSA) measured by microcomputerized tomography. Wistar rats underwent nephrectomy (5/6ths), were randomized into two groups and given 1.5% glucose PDF, either conventional acidic lactate (n = 14) or pH neutral bicarbonate (BicaVera) (n = 13); MTAC and UF were measured using a 90-min peritoneal equilibrium test (PET), fill volume (IPV) of 10 ml/100 g; small pore fluid transport was determined from sodium balance and used to calculate free water transport (FWT). Each ivPSA value was significantly correlated with the actual IPV, which varied from one rat to another. At 90 min of contact, there was no difference in recruited ivPSA in relation to PDFs. There was a difference (p < 0.01) in net UF/ivPSA 0.45 vs. 1.41 cm(2)/ml for bicarbonate versus lactate, as there was in the proportion of FWT with bicarbonate (42 ± 5% of net UF) compared to lactate (29 ± 4% of net UF). Net UF for individual values of ivPSA differs between conventional PDF and more biocompatible solutions, such as bicarbonate PDF. This observed change in UF cannot be fully explained by differences in glucose transport. The changes in FWT may be explained by the impact of the PDF biocompatibility on aquaporin function.

Energy Conversion Alternatives Study (ECAS), Westinghouse phase 1. Volume 5: Combined gas-steam turbine cycles. [energy conversion efficiency in electric power plants

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Amos, D. J.; Foster-Pegg, R. W.; Lee, R. M.

1976-01-01

The energy conversion efficiency of gas-steam turbine cycles was investigated for selected combined cycle power plants. Results indicate that it is possible for combined cycle gas-steam turbine power plants to have efficiencies several point higher than conventional steam plants. Induction of low pressure steam into the steam turbine is shown to improve the plant efficiency. Post firing of the boiler of a high temperature combined cycle plant is found to increase net power but to worsen efficiency. A gas turbine pressure ratio of 12 to 1 was found to be close to optimum at all gas turbine inlet temperatures that were studied. The coal using combined cycle plant with an integrated low-Btu gasifier was calculated to have a plant efficiency of 43.6%, a capitalization of $497/kW, and a cost of electricity of 6.75 mills/MJ (24.3 mills/kwh). This combined cycle plant should be considered for base load power generation.

URANIUM RECOVERY FROM COMPOSITE UF$sub 4$ REDUCTION BOMB WASTES

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Johnson, E R; Doyle, R L; Coleman, J R

1954-01-28

A number of techniques have been investigated on a laboratory-scale for separating uranium from fluorides during the recovery of uranium from UF4 reduction bomb wastes (C-oxide) by an HCl leach - NH4OH precipitation process. Among these are included adsorption of fluorides from filtered leach liquors, fractional precipitation of fluorides and uranium, complexing of fluorides into forms soluble in slightly acid solutions, and fluoride volatilization from the uranium concentrate. Solubility studies of CaF2 and MgF2 in aqueous hydrochloric acid at various acidities and temperatures were also conducted. A description of the production-scale processing of C-oxide in the FMPC scrap plant hasmore » been included.« less

Uranium Enrichment Safeguards

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Demuth, Scott F.; Trahan, Alexis Chanel

2017-06-26

DIV of facility layout, material flows, and other information provided in the DIQ. Material accountancy through an annual PIV and a number of interim inventory verifications, including UF6 cylinder identification and counting, NDA of cylinders, and DA on a sample collection of UF6. Application of C/S technologies utilizing seals and tamper-indicating devices (TIDs) on cylinders, containers, storage rooms, and IAEA instrumentation to provide continuity of knowledge between inspection. Verification of the absence of undeclared material and operations, especially HEU production, through SNRIs, LFUA of cascade halls, and environmental swipe sampling

PROCESS FOR TREATING VOLATILE METAL FLUORIDES

DOEpatents

Rudge, A.J.; Lowe, A.J.

1957-10-01

This patent relates to the purification of uranium hexafluoride, made by reacting the metal or its tetrafluoride with fluorine, from the frequently contained traces of hydrofluoric acid. According to the present process, UF/sub 6/ containing as an impurity a small amount of hydrofluoric acid, is treated to remove such impurity by contact with an anhydrous alkali metal fluoride such as sodium fluoride. In this way a non-volatile complex containing hydrofluoric acid and the alkali metal fluoride is formed, and the volatile UF /sub 6/ may then be removed by distillation.

PREPARATION OF HIGH DENSITY UO$sub 2$

DOEpatents

Googin, J.M.

1959-09-29

A method is presented for the preparation of highdensity UO/sub 2/ from UF/sub 6/. In accordance with the invention, UF/sub 6/ is reacted with water and concentrated ammonium hydroxide is added to the resulting aqueous solution of UO/ sub 2/F/sub 2/. The resulting precipitate is calcined to U/sub 3/O/sub 8/ an d the U/sub 3/O/sub 8/ is reduced to UO/sub 2/ with a gaseous mixture comprised of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide at a temperature of from 1600 to 1900 deg C.

Relativistic scattered wave calculations on UF6

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Case, D. A.; Yang, C. Y.

1980-01-01

Self-consistent Dirac-Slater multiple scattering calculations are presented for UF6. The results are compared critically to other relativistic calculations, showing that the results of all molecular orbital calculations are in qualitative agreement, as measured by energy levels, population analyses, and spin-orbit splittings. A detailed comparison is made to the relativistic X alpha(RX alpha) method of Wood and Boring, which also uses multiple scattering theory, but incorporates relativistic effects in a more approximate fashion. For the most part, the RX alpha results are in agreement with the present results.

Life cycle assessment study on polishing units for use of treated wastewater in agricultural reuse.

PubMed

Büyükkamacı, Nurdan; Karaca, Gökçe

2017-12-01

A life cycle assessment (LCA) approach was used in the assessment of environmental impacts of some polishing units for reuse of wastewater treatment plant effluents in agricultural irrigation. These alternative polishing units were assessed: (1) microfiltration and ultraviolet (UV) disinfection, (2) cartridge filter and ultrafiltration (UF), and (3) just UV disinfection. Two different energy sources, electric grid mix and natural gas, were considered to assess the environmental impacts of them. Afterwards, the effluent of each case was evaluated against the criteria required for irrigation of sensitive crops corresponding to Turkey regulations. Evaluation of environmental impacts was carried out with GaBi 6.1 LCA software. The overall conclusion of this study is that higher electricity consumption causes higher environmental effects. The results of the study revealed that cartridge filter and UF in combination with electric grid mix has the largest impact on the environment for almost all impact categories. In general, the most environmentally friendly solution is UV disinfection. The study revealed environmental impacts for three alternatives drawing attention to the importance of the choice of the most appropriate polishing processes and energy sources for reuse applications.

Urinary and sexual outcomes in long-term (5+ years) prostate cancer disease free survivors after radical prostatectomy

PubMed Central

2009-01-01

Background After long term disease free follow up (FUp) patients reconsider quality of life (QOL) outcomes. Aim of this study is assess QoL in prostate cancer patients who are disease-free at least 5 years after radical prostatectomy (RP). Methods 367 patients treated with RP for clinically localized pCa, without biochemical failure (PSA ≤ 0.2 ng/mL) at the follow up ≥ 5 years were recruited. Urinary (UF) and Sexual Function (SF), Urinary (UB) and Sexual Bother (SB) were assessed by using UCLA-PCI questionnaire. UF, UB, SF and SB were analyzed according to: treatment timing (age at time of RP, FUp duration, age at time of FUp), tumor characteristics (preoperative PSA, TNM stage, pathological Gleason score), nerve sparing (NS) procedure, and hormonal treatment (HT). We calculated the differences between 93 NS-RP without HT (group A) and 274 non-NS-RP or NS-RP with HT (group B). We evaluated the correlation between function and bother in group A according to follow-up duration. Results Time since prostatectomy had a negative effect on SF and a positive effect SB (both p < 0.001). Elderly men at follow up experienced worse UF and SF (p = 0.02 and p < 0.001) and better SB (p < 0.001). Higher stage PCa negatively affected UB, SF, and SB (all: p ≤ 0.05). NS was associated with better UB, SF and SB (all: p ≤ 0.05); conversely, HT was associated with worse UF, SF and SB (all: p ≤ 0.05). More than 8 years after prostatectomy SF of group A and B were similar. Group A subjects (NS-RP without HT) demonstrated worsening SF, but improved SB, suggesting dissociation of the correlation between SF and SB over time. Conclusion Older age at follow up and higher pathological stage were associated with worse QoL outcomes after RP. The direct correlation between UF and age at follow up, with no correlation between UF and age at time of RP suggests that other issues (i.e: vascular or neurogenic disorders), subsequent to RP, are determinant on urinary incontinence. After NS-RP without HT the correlation between SF and SB is maintained for 7 years, after which function and bother appear to have divergent trajectories. PMID:19912640

Life sciences flight hardware development for the International Space Station

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kern, V. D.; Bhattacharya, S.; Bowman, R. N.; Donovan, F. M.; Elland, C.; Fahlen, T. F.; Girten, B.; Kirven-Brooks, M.; Lagel, K.; Meeker, G. B.; Santos, O.

During the construction phase of the International Space Station (ISS), early flight opportunities have been identified (including designated Utilization Flights, UF) on which early science experiments may be performed. The focus of NASA's and other agencies' biological studies on the early flight opportunities is cell and molecular biology; with UF-1 scheduled to fly in fall 2001, followed by flights 8A and UF-3. Specific hardware is being developed to verify design concepts, e.g., the Avian Development Facility for incubation of small eggs and the Biomass Production System for plant cultivation. Other hardware concepts will utilize those early research opportunities onboard the ISS, e.g., an Incubator for sample cultivation, the European Modular Cultivation System for research with small plant systems, an Insect Habitat for support of insect species. Following the first Utilization Flights, additional equipment will be transported to the ISS to expand research opportunities and capabilities, e.g., a Cell Culture Unit, the Advanced Animal Habitat for rodents, an Aquatic Facility to support small fish and aquatic specimens, a Plant Research Unit for plant cultivation, and a specialized Egg Incubator for developmental biology studies. Host systems (Figure 1A, B), e.g., a 2.5 m Centrifuge Rotor (g-levels from 0.01-g to 2-g) for direct comparisons between μg and selectable g levels, the Life Sciences Glove☐ for contained manipulations, and Habitat Holding Racks (Figure 1B) will provide electrical power, communication links, and cooling to the habitats. Habitats will provide food, water, light, air and waste management as well as humidity and temperature control for a variety of research organisms. Operators on Earth and the crew on the ISS will be able to send commands to the laboratory equipment to monitor and control the environmental and experimental parameters inside specific habitats. Common laboratory equipment such as microscopes, cryo freezers, radiation dosimeters, and mass measurement devices are also currently in design stages by NASA and the ISS international partners.

Applying polarity rapid assessment method and ultrafiltration to characterize NDMA precursors in wastewater effluents.

PubMed

Chen, Chao; Leavey, Shannon; Krasner, Stuart W; Mel Suffet, I H

2014-06-15

Certain nitrosamines in water are disinfection byproducts that are probable human carcinogens. Nitrosamines have diverse and complex precursors that include effluent organic matter, some anthropogenic chemicals, and natural (likely non-humic) substances. An easy and selective tool was first developed to characterize nitrosamine precursors in treated wastewaters, including different process effluents. This tool takes advantages of the polarity rapid assessment method (PRAM) and ultrafiltration (UF) (molecular weight distribution) to locate the fractions with the strongest contributions to the nitrosamine precursor pool in the effluent organic matter. Strong cation exchange (SCX) and C18 solid-phase extraction cartridges were used for their high selectivity for nitrosamine precursors. The details of PRAM operation, such as cartridge clean-up, capacity, pH influence, and quality control were included in this paper, as well as the main parameters of UF operation. Preliminary testing of the PRAM/UF method with effluents from one wastewater treatment plant gave very informative results. SCX retained 45-90% of the N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) formation potential (FP)-a measure of the precursors-in secondary and tertiary wastewater effluents. These results are consistent with NDMA precursors likely having a positively charged amine group. C18 adsorbed 30-45% of the NDMAFP, which indicates that a substantial portion of these precursors were non-polar. The small molecular weight (MW) (<1 kDa) and large MW (>10 kDa) fractions obtained from UF were the primary contributors to NDMAFP. The combination of PRAM and UF brings important information on the characteristics of nitrosamine precursors in water with easy operation. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Dialysis Sodium Gradient: A Modifiable Risk Factor for Fluid Overload.

PubMed

Trinh, Emilie; Weber, Catherine

2017-01-01

Fluid overload in patients on conventional hemodialysis is a frequent complication, associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The dialysate sodium prescription is a potential modifiable risk factor. Our primary objective was to describe associations between dialysate-to-serum sodium gradient and parameters of fluid status. A secondary objective was to evaluate the 6-month risk of hospitalization and mortality in relation to sodium gradient. We performed a cross-sectional study of 110 prevalent conventional hemodialysis patients at a single center. The associations of sodium gradient with interdialytic weight gain index (IDWG%), ultrafiltration (UF) rate, and blood pressure (BP) were analyzed. The mean serum sodium gradient was 4.6 ± 3.6 mEq/L. There was a direct correlation between sodium gradient and IDWG% ( r = 0.48, p < 0.01) as well as UF rate ( r = 0.44, p < 0.01). In a logistic regression model, a 1 mEq/L higher sodium gradient was associated with increased risk of IDWG% >3% (OR 1.33, p < 0.01) and increased risk of UF rate >10 mL/kg/h (OR 1.16, p = 0.03), but there were no associations with intradialytic hypotension, intradialytic hypertension or BP. No significant differences were found with 6-month hospitalization or mortality risk in relation to sodium gradient. A higher sodium gradient was associated with significant increases in IDWG and UF rates, known to be associated with poor outcomes, but was not associated with intradialytic hypotension. Individualizing the dialysate sodium prescription to minimize sodium gap may lead to less fluid overload in conventional hemodialysis patients.

A comparison of additional treatment processes to limit particle accumulation and microbial growth during drinking water distribution.

PubMed

Liu, G; Lut, M C; Verberk, J Q J C; Van Dijk, J C

2013-05-15

Water quality changes, particle accumulation and microbial growth occurring in pilot-scale water distribution systems fed with normally treated and additional treated groundwater were monitored over a period of almost one year. The treatment processes were ranked in the following order: nanofiltration (NF) > (better than) ultrafiltration (UF) > ion exchange (IEX) for limiting particle accumulation. A different order was found for limiting overall microbial growth: NF > IEX > UF. There were strong correlations between particle load and particle accumulation, and between nutrient load and microbial growth. It was concluded that particle accumulation can be controlled by reducing the particle load in water treatment plants; and the microbial growth can be better controlled by limiting organic nutrients rather than removing biomass in water treatment plants. The major focus of this study was on microbial growth. The results demonstrated that growth occurred in all types of treated water, including the phases of bulk water, biofilm and loose deposits. Considering the growth in different phases, similar growth in bulk water was observed for all treatments; NF strongly reduced growth both in loose deposits and in biofilm; UF promoted growth in biofilm, while strongly limiting growth in loose deposits. IEX had good efficiency in between UF and NF, limiting both growths in loose deposits and in biofilm. Significant growth was found in loose deposits, suggesting that loose deposit biomass should be taken into account for growth evaluation and/or prediction. Strong correlations were found between microbial growth and pressure drop in a membrane fouling simulator which proved that a membrane fouling simulator can be a fast growth predictor (within a week). Different results obtained by adenosine triphosphate and flow cytometry cell counts revealed that ATP can accurately describe both suspended and particle-associated biomass, and flow cytometry files of TCC measurements needs to be further processed for particle loaded samples and/or a pretreatment protocol should be developed. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Behavior of pharmaceuticals and drugs of abuse in a drinking water treatment plant (DWTP) using combined conventional and ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis (UF/RO) treatments.

PubMed

Boleda, M A Rosa; Galceran, M A Teresa; Ventura, Francesc

2011-06-01

The behavior along the potabilization process of 29 pharmaceuticals and 12 drugs of abuse identified from a total of 81 compounds at the intake of a drinking water treatment plant (DWTP) has been studied. The DWTP has a common treatment consisting of dioxychlorination, coagulation/flocculation and sand filtration and then water is splitted in two parallel treatment lines: conventional (ozonation and carbon filtration) and advanced (ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis) to be further blended, chlorinated and distributed. Full removals were reached for most of the compounds. Iopromide (up to 17.2 ng/L), nicotine (13.7 ng/L), benzoylecgonine (1.9 ng/L), cotinine (3.6 ng/L), acetaminophen (15.6 ng/L), erythromycin (2.0 ng/L) and caffeine (6.0 ng/L) with elimination efficiencies ≥ 94%, were the sole compounds found in the treated water. The advanced treatment process showed a slightly better efficiency than the conventional treatment to eliminate pharmaceuticals and drugs of abuse. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Development of Innovative Accident Tolerant High Thermal Conductivity UO 2-Diamond Composite Fuel Pellets

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tulenko, James; Subhash, Ghatu

2016-01-01

The University of Florida (UF) evaluated a composite fuel consisting of UO 2 powder mixed with diamond micro particles as a candidate as an accident-tolerant fuel (ATF). The research group had previous extensive experience researching with diamond micro particles as an addition to reactor coolant for improved plant thermal performance. The purpose of this research work was to utilize diamond micro particles to develop UO 2-Diamond composite fuel pellets with significantly enhanced thermal properties, beyond that already being measured in the previous UF research projects of UO 2 – SiC and UO 2 – Carbon Nanotube fuel pins. UF ismore » proving with the current research results that the addition of diamond micro particles to UO 2 may greatly enhanced the thermal conductivity of the UO 2 pellets producing an accident-tolerant fuel. The Beginning of life benefits have been proven and fuel samples are being irradiated in the ATR reactor to confirm that the thermal conductivity improvements are still present under irradiation.« less

Associations of symptoms related to isocyanate, ureaformol, and formophenolic exposures with respiratory symptoms and lung function in coal miners

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bertrand, J.P.; Simon, V.; Chau, N.

The respiratory effects of diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI)-based resins and ureaformol- and formophenolic-based resins, used in coal mining, are unknown. This cross-sectional study of 354 miners evaluated respiratory health in miners with MDI-related symptoms (IS) and ureaformol/formophenolic-related symptoms (UFS). The protocol included clinical examination, chest radiograph, questionnaire on respiratory symptoms, smoking habit, job history, resin handling, and spirometry. Resin handling concerned 27.7% of the miners. IS affected 5.6%, and 1.4% also after work. UFS affected 22.6%, and 2.3% also after work. Wheezing affected 35.6%; chronic cough, expectoration, or bronchitis about 10%; dyspnea 5.4%; and asthma 2.8%. The miners with UFS hadmore » significantly more frequent chronic cough, expectoration, chronic bronchitis, dyspnea, and wheezing, whereas those with IS at and after work had markedly lower FVC, FEV1, MMEF, FEF50% and FEF25%. These findings raise the possibility of deleterious effects of exposures to MDI and ureaformol/ ormophenolic resins on respiratory health and lung function in coal miners during their working life.« less

Impact of uterine fibroid symptoms on health-related quality of life of US women: evidence from a cross-sectional survey.

PubMed

Soliman, Ahmed M; Margolis, Mary Kay; Castelli-Haley, Jane; Fuldeore, Mahesh J; Owens, Charlotte D; Coyne, Karin S

2017-11-01

Uterine fibroids (UF) are associated with significant health-related quality of life (HRQL) impact. This study examined the impact of UF symptoms on HRQL. An online cross-sectional survey of 18 to 49 year old US women was conducted and collected demographics, UF prevalence, symptoms, and HRQL using the UFS-QOL. Descriptive statistics were used to examine the impact of symptom presence, severity, bothersomeness, and number of UF symptoms on HRQL. Analyses were weighted to match the US female population distribution. Multivariate regressions were performed with each subscale as a dependent variable to examine the impact of individual UF symptoms on HRQL. A total of 59,411 (15.5%) panel members completed the prevalence screener; 4848 met inclusion criteria; 955 had UF and no hysterectomy. Mean age was 40.3; 58% were white; 63% were married/civil union. Common UF symptoms were: lower back pain (65%), fatigue/weariness (63%), bloating (61%), pelvic pain/cramping during menses (63%), and heavy bleeding during menses (54%). Mean UFS-QoL subscale scores were significantly (p < .05) worse among women with a UF symptom versus women without the symptom. Women who rated their UF symptoms as severe had significantly (p < .001) worse UFS-QoL scores than women with mild or moderate symptoms. UFS-QoL subscale scores worsened as the number of symptoms increased. In the regressions, the presence of bleeding and non-bleeding symptoms were related to worse UFS-QoL subscale scores. HRQL among women with UF was significantly impacted by UF-related symptoms. Greater impact was observed as the number and severity of symptoms increased.

Developments of solid materials for UF 6 sampling

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Smith, Nicholas; Hebden, Andrew; Savina, Joseph

2017-11-15

This project demonstrated that a device using majority Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) components could be used to collect uranium hexafluoride samples safely from gaseous or solid sources. The device was based on the successful Cristallini method developed by ABACC over the past 10 years. The system was designed to capture and store the UF 6 as an inert fluoride salt to ease transportation regulations. In addition, the method was considerably faster than traditional cryogenic methods, collected enough material to perform analyses without undue waste, and could be used either inside a facility or in the storage yard.

Thermodynamic properties of UF sub 6 measured with a ballistic piston compressor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sterritt, D. E.; Lalos, G. T.; Schneider, R. T.

1973-01-01

From experiments performed with a ballistic piston compressor, certain thermodynamic properties of uranium hexafluoride were investigated. Difficulties presented by the nonideal processes encountered in ballistic compressors are discussed and a computer code BCCC (Ballistic Compressor Computer Code) is developed to analyze the experimental data. The BCCC unfolds the thermodynamic properties of uranium hexafluoride from the helium-uranium hexafluoride mixture used as the test gas in the ballistic compressor. The thermodynamic properties deduced include the specific heat at constant volume, the ratio of specific heats for UF6, and the viscous coupling constant of helium-uranium hexafluoride mixtures.

Whole-body voxel phantoms of paediatric patients—UF Series B

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Choonik; Lee, Choonsik; Williams, Jonathan L.; Bolch, Wesley E.

2006-09-01

Following the previous development of the head and torso voxel phantoms of paediatric patients for use in medical radiation protection (UF Series A), a set of whole-body voxel phantoms of paediatric patients (9-month male, 4-year female, 8-year female, 11-year male and 14-year male) has been developed through the attachment of arms and legs from segmented CT images of a healthy Korean adult (UF Series B). Even though partial-body phantoms (head-torso) may be used in a variety of medical dose reconstruction studies where the extremities are out-of-field or receive only very low levels of scatter radiation, whole-body phantoms play important roles in general radiation protection and in nuclear medicine dosimetry. Inclusion of the arms and legs is critical for dosimetry studies of paediatric patients due to the presence of active bone marrow within the extremities of children. While the UF Series A phantoms preserved the body dimensions and organ masses as seen in the original patients who were scanned, comprehensive adjustments were made for the Series B phantoms to better match International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) age-interpolated reference body masses, body heights, sitting heights and internal organ masses. The CT images of arms and legs of a Korean adult were digitally rescaled and attached to each phantom of the UF series. After completion, the resolutions of the phantoms for the 9-month, 4-year, 8-year, 11-year and 14-year were set at 0.86 mm × 0.86 mm × 3.0 mm, 0.90 mm × 0.90 mm × 5.0 mm, 1.16 mm × 1.16 mm × 6.0 mm, 0.94 mm × 0.94 mm × 6.00 mm and 1.18 mm × 1.18 mm × 6.72 mm, respectively.

Evaluation of the Sysmex UF1000i flow cytometer for ruling out bacterial urinary tract infection.

PubMed

De Rosa, Rita; Grosso, Shamanta; Bruschetta, Graziano; Avolio, Manuela; Stano, Paola; Modolo, Maria Luisa; Camporese, Alessandro

2010-08-05

Urine culture is one of the most frequently requested tests in microbiology, and it represents the gold standard for the diagnosis of UTIs. Considering the high prevalence of negative results and the long TAT of the culture test, the use of a rapid and reliable screening method is becoming more and more important, as it reduces the workload, the TAT of negative results, and above all, unnecessary antibiotic prescription. The Sysmex UF1000i is a new urine flow cytometry analyzer capable of quantifying urinary particles, including BACT, WBCs, and YLCs. To evaluate the analytical performance of the UF1000i as a method for ruling out UTIs, we examined 1349 urine samples and compared the UF1000i results with standard urine culture results. With instrument cut-off values of 170BACTx10(6)/L and 150WBCsx10(6)/L, we obtained a sensitivity of 98.8%, a specificity of 76.5%, a NPV of 99.5%, and four false negative results (1.2%), avoiding the culture of 57.1% of samples. The Sysmex UF1000i was capable of improving the efficiency of a routine microbiology laboratory by processing 100samples/h and providing negative results in a few minutes, thus reducing unnecessary testing with an acceptable number of false negative results. In addition, the preliminary evaluation of B_FSC and B_FLH parameters from bacteria histograms seems to be useful for the distinction of bacterial strains detected (Gram-negatives versus Gram-positives). In fact when B_FSC was less than 30 ch, it allowed the distinction of Gram-negative bacteria in 97% of the samples. Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

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Gender's equality in evaluation of urine particles: Results of a multicenter study of the Italian Urinalysis Group.

PubMed

Manoni, Fabio; Gessoni, Gianluca; Alessio, Maria Grazia; Caleffi, Alberta; Saccani, Graziella; Epifani, Maria Grazia; Tinello, Agostino; Zorzan, Tatiana; Valverde, Sara; Caputo, Marco; Lippi, Giuseppe

2014-01-01

We performed a multicenter study to calculate the upper reference limits (URL) for urine particle quantification in mid-stream samples by using automated urine analyzers. Two laboratories tested 283 subjects using a Sysmex UF-100, two other laboratories tested 313 subjects using Sysmex UF-1000i, whereas two other laboratories tested 267 subjects using Iris IQ®200. The URLs of UF-100 in females and males were 7.8/μL and 6.7/μL for epithelial cells (EC), 11.1/μL and 9.9/μL for red blood cells (RBC), 10.2/μL and 9.7/μL for white blood cells (WBC), and 0.85/μL and 0.87/μL for cylinders (CAST). The URLs of UF-1000i in females and males were 7.6/μL and 7.1/μL for EC, 12.2/μL and 11.1/μL for RBC, 11.9/μL and 11.7/μL for WBC, and 0.88/μL and 0.86/μL for CAST. The URLs of Iris IQ®200 in females and males were 7.8/μL and 6.6/μL for EC, 12.4/μL and 10.1/μL for RBC, 10.9/μL and 9.9/μL for WBC, and 1.1/μL and 1.0/μL for CAST. The URLs obtained in this study were comparable to the lowest values previously reported in the literature. Moreover, no gender-related difference was observed, and analyzer-specific upper reference limits were very similar. © 2013.

Uncertainty factors in screening ecological risk assessments

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Duke, L.D.; Taggart, M.

2000-06-01

The hazard quotient (HQ) method is commonly used in screening ecological risk assessments (ERAs) to estimate risk to wildlife at contaminated sites. Many ERAs use uncertainty factors (UFs) in the HQ calculation to incorporate uncertainty associated with predicting wildlife responses to contaminant exposure using laboratory toxicity data. The overall objective was to evaluate the current UF methodology as applied to screening ERAs in California, USA. Specific objectives included characterizing current UF methodology, evaluating the degree of conservatism in UFs as applied, and identifying limitations to the current approach. Twenty-four of 29 evaluated ERAs used the HQ approach: 23 of thesemore » used UFs in the HQ calculation. All 24 made interspecies extrapolations, and 21 compensated for its uncertainty, most using allometric adjustments and some using RFs. Most also incorporated uncertainty for same-species extrapolations. Twenty-one ERAs used UFs extrapolating from lowest observed adverse effect level (LOAEL) to no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL), and 18 used UFs extrapolating from subchronic to chronic exposure. Values and application of all UF types were inconsistent. Maximum cumulative UFs ranged from 10 to 3,000. Results suggest UF methodology is widely used but inconsistently applied and is not uniformly conservative relative to UFs recommended in regulatory guidelines and academic literature. The method is limited by lack of consensus among scientists, regulators, and practitioners about magnitudes, types, and conceptual underpinnings of the UF methodology.« less

A Radiation-Triggered Surveillance System for UF6 Cylinder Monitoring

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Curtis, Michael M.; Myjak, Mitchell J.

This report provides background information and representative scenarios for testing a prototype radiation-triggered surveillance system at an operating facility that handles uranium hexafluoride (UF 6) cylinders. The safeguards objective is to trigger cameras using radiation, or radiation and motion, rather than motion alone, to reduce significantly the number of image files generated by a motion-triggered system. The authors recommend the use of radiation-triggered surveillance at all facilities where cylinder paths are heavily traversed by personnel. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has begun using surveillance cameras in the feed and withdrawal areas of gas centrifuge enrichment plants (GCEPs). The camerasmore » generate imagery using elapsed time or motion, but this creates problems in areas occupied 24/7 by personnel. Either motion-or-interval-based triggering generates thousands of review files over the course of a month. Since inspectors must review the files to verify operator material-flow-declarations, a plethora of files significantly extends the review process. The primary advantage of radiation-triggered surveillance is the opportunity to obtain full-time cylinder throughput verification versus what presently amounts to part-time verification. Cost savings should be substantial, as the IAEA presently uses frequent unannounced inspections to verify cylinder-throughput declarations. The use of radiation-triggered surveillance allows the IAEA to implement less frequent unannounced inspections for the purpose of flow verification, but its principal advantage is significantly shorter and more effective inspector video reviews.« less

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Anheier, Norman C.; Cannon, Bret D.; Martinez, Alonzo

The International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA’s) long-term research and development plan calls for more cost-effective and efficient safeguard methods to detect and deter misuse of gaseous centrifuge enrichment plants (GCEPs). The IAEA’s current safeguards approaches at GCEPs are based on a combination of routine and random inspections that include environmental sampling and destructive assay (DA) sample collection from UF6 in-process material and selected cylinders. Samples are then shipped offsite for subsequent laboratory analysis. In this paper, a new DA sample collection and onsite analysis approach that could help to meet challenges in transportation and chain of custody for UF6 DAmore » samples is introduced. This approach uses a handheld sampler concept and a Laser Ablation, Laser Absorbance Spectrometry (LAARS) analysis instrument, both currently under development at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. A LAARS analysis instrument could be temporarily or permanently deployed in the IAEA control room of the facility, in the IAEA data acquisition cabinet, for example. The handheld PNNL DA sampler design collects and stabilizes a much smaller DA sample mass compared to current sampling methods. The significantly lower uranium mass reduces the sample radioactivity and the stabilization approach diminishes the risk of uranium and hydrogen fluoride release. These attributes enable safe sample handling needed during onsite LAARS assay and may help ease shipping challenges for samples to be processed at the IAEA’s offsite laboratory. The LAARS and DA sampler implementation concepts will be described and preliminary technical viability results presented.« less

Removal of MS2, Qβ and GA bacteriophages during drinking water treatment at pilot scale.

PubMed

Boudaud, Nicolas; Machinal, Claire; David, Fabienne; Fréval-Le Bourdonnec, Armelle; Jossent, Jérôme; Bakanga, Fanny; Arnal, Charlotte; Jaffrezic, Marie Pierre; Oberti, Sandrine; Gantzer, Christophe

2012-05-15

The removal of MS2, Qβ and GA, F-specific RNA bacteriophages, potential surrogates for pathogenic waterborne viruses, was investigated during a conventional drinking water treatment at pilot scale by using river water, artificially and independently spiked with these bacteriophages. The objective of this work is to develop a standard system for assessing the effectiveness of drinking water plants with respect to the removal of MS2, Qβ and GA bacteriophages by a conventional pre-treatment process (coagulation-flocculation-settling-sand filtration) followed or not by an ultrafiltration (UF) membrane (complete treatment process). The specific performances of three UF membranes alone were assessed by using (i) pre-treated water and (ii) 0.1 mM sterile phosphate buffer solution (PBS), spiked with bacteriophages. These UF membranes tested in this work were designed for drinking water treatment market and were also selected for research purpose. The hypothesis serving as base for this study was that the interfacial properties for these three bacteriophages, in terms of electrostatic charge and the degree of hydrophobicity, could induce variations in the removal performances achieved by drinking water treatments. The comparison of the results showed a similar behaviour for both MS2 and Qβ surrogates whereas it was particularly atypical for the GA surrogate. The infectious character of MS2 and Qβ bacteriophages was mostly removed after clarification followed by sand filtration processes (more than a 4.8-log reduction) while genomic copies were removed at more than a 4.0-log after the complete treatment process. On the contrary, GA bacteriophage was only slightly removed by clarification followed by sand filtration, with less than 1.7-log and 1.2-log reduction, respectively. After the complete treatment process achieved, GA bacteriophage was removed with less than 2.2-log and 1.6-log reduction, respectively. The effectiveness of the three UF membranes tested in terms of bacteriophages removal showed significant differences, especially for GA bacteriophage. These results could provide recommendations for drinking water suppliers in terms of selection criteria for membranes. MS2 bacteriophage is widely used as a surrogate for pathogenic waterborne viruses in Europe and the United States. In this study, the choice of MS2 bacteriophage as the best surrogate to be used for assessment of the effectiveness of drinking water treatment in removal of pathogenic waterborne viruses in worst conditions is clearly challenged. It was shown that GA bacteriophage is potentially a better surrogate as a worst case than MS2. Considering GA bacteriophage as the best surrogate in this study, a chlorine disinfection step could guaranteed a complete removal of this model and ensure the safety character of drinking water plants. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Properties of radio-frequency heated argon confined uranium plasmas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1976-01-01

Pure uranium hexafluoride (UF6) was injected into an argon confined, steady state, rf-heated plasma within a fused silica peripheral wall test chamber. Exploratory tests conducted using an 80 kW rf facility and different test chamber flow configurations permitted selection of the configuration demonstrating the best confinement characteristics and minimum uranium compound wall coating. The overall test results demonstrated applicable flow schemes and associated diagnostic techniques were developed for the fluid mechanical confinement and characterization of uranium within an rf plasma discharge when pure UF6 is injected for long test times into an argon-confined, high-temperature, high-pressure, rf-heated plasma.

Ballistic piston fissioning plasma experiment.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, B. E.; Schneider, R. T.; Thom, K.; Lalos, G. T.

1971-01-01

The production of fissioning uranium plasma samples such that the fission fragment stopping distance is less than the dimensions of the plasma is approached by using a ballistic piston device for the compression of uranium hexafluoride. The experimental apparatus is described. At room temperature the gun can be loaded up to 100 torr UF6 partial pressure, but at compression a thousand fold increase of pressure can be obtained at a particle density on the order of 10 to the 19th power per cu cm. Limited spectral studies of UF6 were performed while obtaining the pressure-volume data. The results obtained and their implications are discussed.

cDNA cloning and characterization of UDP-glucose: anthocyanidin 3-O-glucosyltransferase in Freesia hybrida.

PubMed

Sui, Xin; Gao, Xiang; Ao, Man; Wang, Qinmei; Yang, Dan; Wang, Meng; Fu, Yang; Wang, Li

2011-07-01

The enzyme that catalyzes the formation of the first stable anthocyanin in the biosynthesis of natural compounds is UDP-glucose: anthocyanidin 3-O-glucosyltransferase (UF3GT). A cDNA clone (Fh3GT1) encoding UF3GT was isolated from Freesia hybrida. Phylogenetic tree analysis indicated that Fh3GT1 was a novel member of glycosyltransferase, which was classified into monocot subgroups. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis detected transcripts of Fh3GT1 in different organs of F. hybrida and in petals of Freesia cultivars of different colors, and the expression level reached the maximum at the fully opened stage of petals. Characterization of the enzymatic assays indicated that Fh3GT1 had a role in anthocyanin glycoside biosyntheses in vitro. To elucidate the function of Fh3GT1, RNA interference vector (pART-Fh3GT1i) was constructed, and introduced into Petunia grandiflora by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Integration of the Fh3GT1 in petunia genome was confirmed by PCR and Southern blotting. SqRT-PCR revealed that the endogenous Ph3GT1 mRNA expression levels decreased in transgenic lines compared with the wild-type. The content of total anthocyanin pigments also decreased with the reduction of mRNA transcript levels, and the transgenic petunia plants had significant changes on their flower colors. In summary, this work identified a UF3GT gene from Freesia hybrida and demonstrated a method to modify plant flower color by redirecting the anthocyanin biosynthesis.

Spent nuclear fuel recycling with plasma reduction and etching

DOEpatents

Kim, Yong Ho

2012-06-05

A method of extracting uranium from spent nuclear fuel (SNF) particles is disclosed. Spent nuclear fuel (SNF) (containing oxides of uranium, oxides of fission products (FP) and oxides of transuranic (TRU) elements (including plutonium)) are subjected to a hydrogen plasma and a fluorine plasma. The hydrogen plasma reduces the uranium and plutonium oxides from their oxide state. The fluorine plasma etches the SNF metals to form UF₆ and PuF₄. During subjection of the SNF particles to the fluorine plasma, the temperature is maintained in the range of 1200-2000 deg K to: a) allow any PuF₆ (gas) that is formed to decompose back to PuF₄ (solid), and b) to maintain stability of the UF₆. Uranium (in the form of gaseous UF₆) is easily extracted and separated from the plutonium (in the form of solid PuF₄). The use of plasmas instead of high temperature reactors or flames mitigates the high temperature corrosive atmosphere and the production of PuF₆ (as a final product). Use of plasmas provide faster reaction rates, greater control over the individual electron and ion temperatures, and allow the use of CF₄ or NF₃ as the fluorine sources instead of F₂ or HF.

Tight ceramic UF membrane as RO pre-treatment: the role of electrostatic interactions on phosphate rejection.

PubMed

Shang, Ran; Verliefde, Arne R D; Hu, Jingyi; Zeng, Zheyi; Lu, Jie; Kemperman, Antoine J B; Deng, Huiping; Nijmeijer, Kitty; Heijman, Sebastiaan G J; Rietveld, Luuk C

2014-01-01

Phosphate limitation has been reported as an effective approach to inhibit biofouling in reverse osmosis (RO) systems for water purification. The rejection of dissolved phosphate by negatively charged TiO2 tight ultrafiltration (UF) membranes (1 kDa and 3 kDa) was observed. These membranes can potentially be adopted as an effective process for RO pre-treatment in order to constrain biofouling by phosphate limitation. This paper focuses on electrostatic interactions during tight UF filtration. Despite the larger pore size, the 3 kDa ceramic membrane exhibited greater phosphate rejection than the 1 kDa membrane, because the 3 kDa membrane has a greater negative surface charge and thus greater electrostatic repulsion against phosphate. The increase of pH from 6 to 8.5 led to a substantial increase in phosphate rejection by both membranes due to increased electrostatic repulsion. At pH 8.5, the maximum phosphate rejections achieved by the 1 kDa and 3 kDa membrane were 75% and 86%, respectively. A Debye ratio (ratio of the Debye length to the pore radius) is introduced in order to evaluate double layer overlapping in tight UF membranes. Threshold Debye ratios were determined as 2 and 1 for the 1 kDa and 3 kDa membranes, respectively. A Debye ratio below the threshold Debye ratio leads to dramatically decreased phosphate rejection by tight UF membranes. The phosphate rejection by the tight UF, in combination with chemical phosphate removal by coagulation, might accomplish phosphate-limited conditions for biological growth and thus prevent biofouling in the RO systems. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Energy Conversion Alternatives Study (ECAS), Westinghouse phase 1. Volume 6: Closed-cycle gas turbine systems. [energy conversion efficiency in electric power plants

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Amos, D. J.; Fentress, W. K.; Stahl, W. F.

1976-01-01

Both recuperated and bottomed closed cycle gas turbine systems in electric power plants were studied. All systems used a pressurizing gas turbine coupled with a pressurized furnace to heat the helium for the closed cycle gas turbine. Steam and organic vapors are used as Rankine bottoming fluids. Although plant efficiencies of over 40% are calculated for some plants, the resultant cost of electricity was found to be 8.75 mills/MJ (31.5 mills/kWh). These plants do not appear practical for coal or oil fired plants.

Isotope separation by photoselective dissociative electron capture

DOEpatents

Stevens, C.G.

1978-08-29

Disclosed is a method of separating isotopes based on photoselective electron capture dissociation of molecules having an electron capture cross section dependence on the vibrational state of the molecule. A molecular isotope source material is irradiated to selectively excite those molecules containing a desired isotope to a predetermined vibrational state having associated therewith an electron capture energy region substantially non-overlapping with the electron capture energy ranges associated with the lowest vibration states of the molecules. The isotope source is also subjected to electrons having an energy corresponding to the non-overlapping electron capture region whereby the selectively excited molecules preferentially capture electrons and dissociate into negative ions and neutrals. The desired isotope may be in the negative ion product or in the neutral product depending upon the mechanism of dissociation of the particular isotope source used. The dissociation product enriched in the desired isotope is then separated from the reaction system by conventional means. Specifically, [sup 235]UF[sub 6] is separated from a UF[sub 6] mixture by selective excitation followed by dissociative electron capture into [sup 235]UF[sub 5]- and F. 2 figs.

Isotope separation by photoselective dissociative electron capture

DOEpatents

Stevens, Charles G. [Pleasanton, CA

1978-08-29

A method of separating isotopes based on photoselective electron capture dissociation of molecules having an electron capture cross section dependence on the vibrational state of the molecule. A molecular isotope source material is irradiated to selectively excite those molecules containing a desired isotope to a predetermined vibrational state having associated therewith an electron capture energy region substantially non-overlapping with the electron capture energy ranges associated with the lowest vibration states of the molecules. The isotope source is also subjected to electrons having an energy corresponding to the non-overlapping electron capture region whereby the selectively excited molecules preferentially capture electrons and dissociate into negative ions and neutrals. The desired isotope may be in the negative ion product or in the neutral product depending upon the mechanism of dissociation of the particular isotope source used. The dissociation product enriched in the desired isotope is then separated from the reaction system by conventional means. Specifically, .sup.235 UF.sub.6 is separated from a UF.sub.6 mixture by selective excitation followed by dissociative electron capture into .sup.235 UF.sub.5 - and F.

DUF6 Guide

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and the environment. The Guide provides basic information about the properties of uranium compounds understand the unique challenges involved in managing DOE's inventory of depleted UF6 in a safe and efficient

Method for converting UF5 to UF4 in a molten fluoride salt

DOEpatents

Bennett, Melvin R.; Bamberger, Carlos E.; Kelmers, A. Donald

1977-01-01

The reduction of UF.sub.5 to UF.sub.4 in a molten fluoride salt by sparging with hydrogen is catalyzed by metallic platinum. The reaction is also catalyzed by platinum alloyed with gold reaction equipment.

Behavioral Effects of a Locomotor-Based Physical Activity Intervention in Preschoolers.

PubMed

Burkart, Sarah; Roberts, Jasmin; Davidson, Matthew C; Alhassan, Sofiya

2018-01-01

Poor adaptive learning behaviors (ie, distractibility, inattention, and disruption) are associated with behavior problems and underachievement in school, as well as indicating potential attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Strategies are needed to limit these behaviors. Physical activity (PA) has been suggested to improve behavior in school-aged children, but little is known about this relationship in preschoolers. This study examined the effects of a PA intervention on classroom behaviors in preschool-aged children. Eight preschool classrooms (n = 71 children; age = 3.8 ± 0.7 y) with children from low socioeconomic environments were randomized to a locomotor-based PA (LB-PA) or unstructured free playtime (UF-PA) group. Both interventions were implemented by classroom teachers and delivered for 30 minutes per day, 5 days per week for 6 months. Classroom behavior was measured in both groups at 3 time points, whereas PA was assessed at 2 time points over a 6-month period and analyzed with hierarchical linear modeling. Linear growth models showed significant decreases in hyperactivity (LB-PA: -2.58 points, P = .001; UF-PA: 2.33 points, P = .03), aggression (LB-PA: -2.87 points, P = .01; UF-PA: 0.97 points, P = .38) and inattention (LB-PA: 1.59 points, P < .001; UF-PA: 3.91 points, P < .001). This research provides promising evidence for the efficacy of LB-PA as a strategy to improve classroom behavior in preschoolers.

A kinematically complete, interdisciplinary, and co-institutional measurement of the 19F(α,n) cross section for nuclear safeguards science

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Peters, W. A.; Smith, M. S.; Pittman, S.

2016-05-01

Alpha particles emitted from the decay of uranium in a UF 6 matrix can interact with fluorine and generate neutrons via the 19F(α,n) 22Na reaction. These neutrons can be used to determine the uranium content in a UF 6 storage cylinder. The accuracy of this self-interrogating, non-destructive assay (NDA) technique is, however, limited by the uncertainty of the 19F(α,n) 22Na cross section. We have performed complementary measurements of the 19F(α,n) 22Na reaction with both 4He and 19F beams to improve the precision of the 19F(α,n) 22Na cross section over the alpha energy range that encompasses common actinide alpha decay neededmore » for NDA studies. We have determined an absolute cross section for the 19F(α,n) 22Na reaction to an average precision of 7.6% over the alpha energy range of 3.9 – 6.7 MeV. We utilized this cross section in a simulation of a 100 g spherical UF 6 assembly and obtained a change in neutron emission rate values of approximately 10-12%, and a significant (factor of 3.6) decrease in the neutron emission rate uncertainty (from 50-51% to 13-14%), compared to simulations using the old cross section. Our new absolute cross section enables improved interpretations of NDAs of containers of arbitrary size and configuration.« less

Bearing assembly and the like for use in corrosive and non-corrosive atmospheres

DOEpatents

Mashburn, Douglas N.; Woodall, Harold C.; Wright, Ralph R.

1979-01-01

This invention relates to a novel machine element characterized by mutually rubbing surfaces which are composed of dissimilar materials having high hardness, a low coefficient of friction, and resistance to corrosion by halogen-containing atmospheres. As exemplified by the preferred embodiment for use in gaseous UF.sub.6, the rubbing surfaces are chemically deposited nickel and anodized aluminum. These surfaces permit jam-free operation despite long-term exposure to UF.sub.6. Preferably, both surfaces have a hardness of at least about 500 HV.sub.100 on the Vickers hardness scale, and preferably the anodized-aluminum surface is of a type having comparatively little tendency to sorb uranium hexafluoride.

Use of Ceramic Membranes in a Membrane Filtration Supported by Coagulation for the Treatment of Dairy Wastewater.

PubMed

Zielińska, Magdalena; Galik, Maciej

2017-01-01

A membrane filtration system was used to remove organic compounds, suspended solids, colour and turbidity from anaerobically treated dairy wastewater. Direct microfiltration (MF), ultrafiltration (UF), MF-UF and a combination of UF with coagulation using two conventional coagulants were investigated. The installation with ceramic membranes was operated at a pressure of 0.15 MPa (MF) and 0.3 MPa (UF). COD removal was 89 ± 2% in MF, 95 ± 1% in UF and 99% in MF-UF. Apart from size exclusion, removal was also the result of adsorption of organics on the membrane; 3-18% of COD removal was attributed to adsorption. In all these membrane systems, colour removal was 96-98%. Coagulation removed 63-72% of COD at all coagulant doses. In combination with UF, 96-97% of COD was removed. The use of coagulants was ineffective for colour removal; further treatment by UF resulted in above 98% removal. Because of complete rejection of suspended solids, turbidity removal exceeded 99% under all conditions. The use of increased coagulant doses did not have an effect on total efficiency of pollutant removal and on the permeate flux. Coagulation pre-treatment enhanced the performance of filtration only by lengthening the filtration cycle by about 12% as compared to direct UF. Not only was pollutant removal highest in MF-UF, but also the average permeate flux was about 80% higher in this two-stage system than in direct UF. This study shows that the most effective strategy to mitigate membrane fouling is the use of MF as a pre-treatment preceding UF.

Comparison of MFI-UF constant pressure, MFI-UF constant flux and Crossflow Sampler-Modified Fouling Index Ultrafiltration (CFS-MFI UF).

PubMed

Sim, Lee Nuang; Ye, Yun; Chen, Vicki; Fane, Anthony G

2011-02-01

Understanding the foulant deposition mechanism during crossflow filtration is critical in developing indices to predict fouling propensity of feed water for reverse osmosis (RO). Factors affecting the performance on different fouling indices such as MFI-UF constant pressure, MFI-UF constant flux and newly proposed fouling index, CFS-MFI(UF) were investigated. Crossflow Sampler-Modified Fouling Index Ultrafiltration (CFS-MFI(UF)) utilises a typical crossflow unit to simulate the hydrodynamic conditions in the actual RO units followed by a dead-end unit to measure the fouling propensity of foulants. CFS-MFI(UF) was found sensitive to crossflow velocity. The crossflow velocity in the crossflow sampler unit influences the particle concentration and the particle size distribution in its permeate. CFS-MFI(UF) was also found sensitive to the permeate flux of both CFS and the dead-end cell. To closely simulate the hydrodynamic conditions of a crossflow RO unit, the flux used for CFS-MFI(UF) measurement was critical. The best option is to operate both the CFS and dead-end permeate flux at flux which is normally operated at industry RO units (∼20 L/m(2)h), but this would prolong the test duration excessively. In this study, the dead-end flux was accelerated by reducing the dead-end membrane area while maintaining the CFS permeate flux at 20 L/m(2)h. By doing so, a flux correction factor was investigated and applied to correlate the CFS-MFI(UF) measured at dead-end flux of 120 L/m(2)h to CFS-MFI(UF) measured at dead-end flux of 20 L/m(2)h for RO fouling rate prediction. Using this flux correction factor, the test duration of CFS-MFI(UF) can be shortened from 15 h to 2h. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Failure Wave in DEDF and Soda-Lime Glass During Rod Impact

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Orphal, Dennis; Behner, Thilo; Anderson, Charles; Templeton, Douglas

2005-07-01

Investigations of glass by planar, and classical and symmetric Taylor impact experiments reveal that failure wave velocity U/F depends on impact velocity, geometry, and the type of glass. U/F typically increases with impact velocity to between ˜ 1.4 C/S and C/L (shear and longitudinal wave velocities, respectively). This paper reports the results of direct high-speed photographic measurements of the failure wave for gold rod impact from 1.2 and 2.0 km/s on DEDF glass (C/S = 2.0, C/L =3.5 km/s). The average rod penetration velocity, u, was measured using flash X-rays. Gold rods eliminated penetrator strength effects. U/F for gold rod impact on DEDF is ˜ 1.0-1.2 km/s, which is considerably less than C/S. The increase of u with impact velocity is greater than that of U/F. These results are confirmed by soda-lime glass impact on a gold rod at an impact velocity of 1300 m/s. Similar results are found in``edge-on-impact'' tests; U/F values of 1.4 km/s and 2.4-2.6 km/s in soda-lime glass are reported for W-alloy rod impact, considerably less than C/S (3.2 km/s) [1,2]. [1] Bless, et. al.(1990) AIP Proc. Shock Comp. Cond. Matter---1989, pp. 939-942 (1990) [2] E. L. Zilberbrand, et. al. (1999) Int. J. Impact Engng., 23, 995-1001 (1999).

The efficient workflow to decrease the manual microscopic examination of urine sediment using on-screen review of images.

PubMed

Cho, Eun-Jung; Ko, Dae-Hyun; Lee, Woochang; Chun, Sail; Lee, Hae Kyung; Min, Won-Ki

2018-06-01

The manual microscopic examination (MME) of urine sediment is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and imprecise. Therefore, automated urinalysis systems based on flow cytometry or digital imaging techniques could replace MME. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the rate of MME using two automated urine sediment analyzers, alone and in combination. This study was conducted using the freshly collected urine specimens of 1055 in-patients and 1119 out-patients. All samples were analyzed using UF-1000i (Sysmex Corporation) and Cobas 6500 instrument (Roche Diagnostics International). The rate of MME was evaluated using two analyzers, both individually and in combination. Using the UF-1000i alone, 34.2% and 16.8%, respectively, of in- and out-patient samples were analyzed by MME, compared to 15.6% and 3.7%, respectively, using the Cobas 6500. In combined assay using the UF-1000i followed by the Cobas 6500, 27.9% and 11.3% in-patient samples required on-screen review and MME, respectively. And the respective rates were 10.3% and 2.7% of out-patient. Samples using the Cobas 6500 followed by the UF-1000i, 42.3% and 11.3% in-patient needed on-screen review and MME, respectively. And the respective rates were 18.9% and 2.7% of out-patient samples. Use of the Cobas 6500 compared to the UF-1000i resulted in decreases in the rate of MME from 34.2% to 15.6% for in-patient samples, and from 16.8% to 3.7% for out-patient samples. Use of the Cobas 6500 reduced the rate of MME, and compared to use of only the Cobas 6500, the combined use resulted in a reduction in the rate of on-screen review. Copyright © 2018 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Ultrafast 3D balanced steady-state free precession MRI of the lung: Assessment of anatomic details in comparison to low-dose CT.

PubMed

Heye, Tobias; Sommer, Gregor; Miedinger, David; Bremerich, Jens; Bieri, Oliver

2015-09-01

To evaluate the anatomical details offered by a new single breath-hold ultrafast 3D balanced steady-state free precession (uf-bSSFP) sequence in comparison to low-dose chest computed tomography (CT). This was an Institutional Review Board (IRB)-approved, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)-compliant prospective study. A total of 20 consecutive patients enrolled in a lung cancer screening trial underwent same-day low-dose chest CT and 1.5T MRI. The presence of pulmonary nodules and anatomical details on 1.9 mm isotropic uf-bSSFP images was compared to 2 mm lung window reconstructions by two readers. The number of branching points on six predefined pulmonary arteries and the distance between the most peripheral visible vessel segment to the pleural surface on thin slices and 50 mm maximum intensity projections (MIP) were assessed. Image quality and sharpness of the pulmonary vasculature were rated on a 5-point scale. The uf-bSSFP detection rate of pulmonary nodules (32 nodules visible on CT and MRI, median diameter 3.9 mm) was 45.5% with 21 false-positive findings (pooled data of both readers). Uf-bSSFP detected 71.2% of branching points visible on CT data. The mean distance between peripheral vasculature and pleural surface was 13.0 ± 4.2 mm (MRI) versus 8.5 ± 3.3 mm (CT) on thin slices and 8.6 ± 3.9 mm (MRI) versus 4.6 ± 2.5 mm (CT) on MIPs. Median image quality and sharpness were rated 4 each. Although CT is superior to MRI, uf-bSSFP imaging provides good anatomical details with sufficient image quality and sharpness obtainable in a single breath-hold covering the entire chest. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A Monte Carlo Analysis of Weight Data from UF 6 Cylinder Feed and Withdrawal Stations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Garner, James R; Whitaker, J Michael

2015-01-01

As the number of nuclear facilities handling uranium hexafluoride (UF 6) cylinders (e.g., UF 6 production, enrichment, and fuel fabrication) increase in number and throughput, more automated safeguards measures will likely be needed to enable the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to achieve its safeguards objectives in a fiscally constrained environment. Monitoring the process data from the load cells built into the cylinder feed and withdrawal (F/W) stations (i.e., cylinder weight data) can significantly increase the IAEA’s ability to efficiently achieve the fundamental safeguards task of confirming operations as declared (i.e., no undeclared activities). Researchers at the Oak Ridge Nationalmore » Laboratory, Los Alamos National Laboratory, the Joint Research Center (in Ispra, Italy), and University of Glasgow are investigating how this weight data can be used for IAEA safeguards purposes while fully protecting the operator’s proprietary and sensitive information related to operations. A key question that must be resolved is, what is the necessary frequency of recording data from the process F/W stations to achieve safeguards objectives? This paper summarizes Monte Carlo simulations of typical feed, product, and tails withdrawal cycles and evaluates longer sampling frequencies to determine the expected errors caused by low-frequency sampling and its impact on material balance calculations.« less

The Comparing Options for Management: Patient-centered Results for Uterine Fibroids (COMPARE-UF) Registry: Rationale and Design.

PubMed

Stewart, Elizabeth A; Lytle, Barbara L; Thomas, Laine; Wegienka, Ganesa R; Jacoby, Vanessa; Diamond, Michael P; Nicholson, Wanda K; Anchan, Raymond M; Venable, Sateria; Wallace, Kedra; Marsh, Erica E; Maxwell, George L; Borah, Bijan J; Catherino, William H; Myers, Evan R

2018-05-08

To design and establish a uterine fibroid (UF) registry based in the United States (US) to provide comparative effectiveness data regarding UF treatment. We report here the design and initial recruitment for the Comparing Options for Management: Patient-centered Results for Uterine Fibroids (COMPARE-UF) registry (Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02260752), funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) in collaboration with the-Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). COMPARE-UF is designed to help answer critical questions about treatment options for women with symptomatic UF. Women undergoing a procedure for UF (hysterectomy, myomectomy [abdominal, hysteroscopic, vaginal and laparoscopic/robotic], endometrial ablation, radiofrequency fibroid ablation, uterine artery embolization, magnetic resonance guided focused ultrasound or progestin-releasing intrauterine device insertion) at one of the COMPARE-UF sites are invited to participate in a prospective registry with three years follow-up for post-procedural outcomes. Enrolled participants provide annual follow-up through an online portal or through traditional phone contact. A central data abstraction center provides information obtained from imaging, operative or procedural notes and pathology reports. Women with uterine fibroids and other stakeholders are a key part of the COMPARE-UF registry and participate at all points from study design to dissemination of results. We built a network of nine clinical sites across the US with expertise in the care of women with UF to capture geographic, racial, ethnic and procedural diversity. Of the initial 2031 women enrolled in COMPARE-UF, 42% are self-identified as Black or African-American and 40% are age 40 years or younger with 16% of participants under age 35. Women undergoing myomectomy comprise the largest treatment group at 46% of all procedures with laparoscopic or robotic myomectomy comprising the largest subset of myomectomies at 19% of all procedures. Hysterectomy is the second most common treatment within the registry at 38%. In response to priorities identified by our patient stakeholders, the initial aims within COMPARE-UF will address how different procedures used to treat UF compare in terms of long-lasting symptom relief, potential for recurrence, medical complications, improvement in quality of life and sexual function, age at menopause, and fertility and pregnancy outcomes. COMPARE-UF will generate evidence on the comparative effectiveness of different procedural options for UF, in order to help patients and their caregivers make informed decisions that best meet an individual patient's short- and long-term preferences. Building upon this infrastructure, the COMPARE-UF team of investigators and stakeholders, including patients, collaborate to identify future priorities for expanding the registry, such assessing the efficacy of medical therapies for UF. COMPARE-UF results will be disseminated directly to patients, providers, and other stakeholders using traditional academic pathways, as well as innovative methods, including a variety of social media platforms. Given demographic differences among women undergoing different UF treatments, assessing comparative effectiveness for this disease through clinical trials will remain difficult. Therefore, this registry provides optimized evidence to help patients and their providers better understand the pros and cons of different treatment options so that they can make more informed decisions. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Preliminary Study on LiF4-ThF4-PuF4 Utilization as Fuel Salt of miniFUJI Molten Salt Reactor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Waris, Abdul; Aji, Indarta K.; Pramuditya, Syeilendra; Widayani; Irwanto, Dwi

2016-08-01

miniFUJI reactor is molten salt reactor (MSR) which is one type of the Generation IV nuclear energy systems. The original miniFUJI reactor design uses LiF-BeF2-ThF4-233UF4 as a fuel salt. In the present study, the use of LiF4-ThF4-PuF4 as fuel salt instead of LiF-BeF2-ThF4-UF4 will be discussed. The neutronics cell calculation has been performed by using PIJ (collision probability method code) routine of SRAC 2006 code, with the nuclear data library is JENDL-4.0. The results reveal that the reactor can attain the criticality condition with the plutonium concentration in the fuel salt is equal to 9.16% or more. The conversion ratio diminishes with the enlarging of plutonium concentration in the fuel. The neutron spectrum of miniFUJI MSR with plutonium fuel becomes harder compared to that of the 233U fuel.

Energy Conversion Alternatives Study (ECAS), Westinghouse phase 1. Volume 4: Open recuperated and bottomed gas turbine cycles. [performance prediction and energy conversion efficiency of gas turbines in electric power plants (thermodynamic cycles)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Amos, D. J.; Grube, J. E.

1976-01-01

Open-cycle recuperated gas turbine plant with inlet temperatures of 1255 to 1644 K (1800 to 2500 F) and recuperators with effectiveness values of 0, 70, 80 and 90% are considered. A 1644 K (2500 F) gas turbine would have a 33.5% plant efficiency in a simple cycle, 37.6% in a recuperated cycle and 47.6% when combined with a sulfur dioxide bottomer. The distillate burning recuperated plant was calculated to produce electricity at a cost of 8.19 mills/MJ (29.5 mills/kWh). Due to their low capital cost $170 to 200 $/kW, the open cycle gas turbine plant should see duty for peaking and intermediate load duty.

Modeling the improvement of ultrafiltration membrane mass transfer when using biofiltration pretreatment in surface water applications.

PubMed

Netcher, Andrea C; Duranceau, Steven J

2016-03-01

In surface water treatment, ultrafiltration (UF) membranes are widely used because of their ability to supply safe drinking water. Although UF membranes produce high-quality water, their efficiency is limited by fouling. Improving UF filtrate productivity is economically desirable and has been attempted by incorporating sustainable biofiltration processes as pretreatment to UF with varying success. The availability of models that can be applied to describe the effectiveness of biofiltration on membrane mass transfer are lacking. In this work, UF water productivity was empirically modeled as a function of biofilter feed water quality using either a quadratic or Gaussian relationship. UF membrane mass transfer variability was found to be governed by the dimensionless mass ratio between the alkalinity (ALK) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC). UF membrane productivity was optimized when the biofilter feed water ALK to DOC ratio fell between 10 and 14. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Nerve-sparing technique and urinary control after robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy.

PubMed

Choi, Wesley W; Freire, Marcos P; Soukup, Jane R; Yin, Lei; Lipsitz, Stuart R; Carvas, Fernando; Williams, Stephen B; Hu, Jim C

2011-02-01

To characterize determinants of 4-, 12-, and 24-month urinary control after robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP). Adjusted comparative study using prospectively collected, patient self-reported urinary control for 602 consecutive RALPs. Urinary control defined as: (1) EPIC urinary function (UF) scored from 0 to 100 and (2) continence (zero pads per day). Both UF (62.8 vs. 42.4, P<0.001) and continence rates (47.2 vs. 26.7%, P=0.043) were better for bilateral nerve-sparing (BNS) vs. non-nerve-sparing (NNS) at 4 months, but only UF scores were significantly better at 12- (80.9 vs. 70.7, P=0.014) and 24-month (89.2 vs. 77.4, P=0.024) post-RALP. No difference in positive margin rates was observed. In multivariate analysis, older age (parameter estimate -0.42, 95% CI -0.80 to -0.04) and increasing gland volume (-0.13, CI -0.26 to -0.01) resulted in lower UF scores at 4 months, while higher pre-operative UF (0.25, CI 0.05-0.46), bladder neck-sparing technique (10.1, CI 3.79-16.35), BNS (19.1, CI 9.37-28.82), and unilateral nerve-sparing (19.00, CI 7.88-30.11) resulted in higher UF scores at 4 months. At 12 months, higher pre-operative UF (0.24, CI 0.083-0.40) and BNS (9.54, CI 1.92-17.16) resulted in higher UF scores. At 24 months, higher pre-operative UF (0.20, CI 0.06-0.33), bladder neck-sparing technique (7.80, CI 3.48-12.10), and BNS (7.86, CI 1.04-14.68) resulted in higher UF scores. BNS, bladder neck-sparing technique, and higher pre-operative UF score result in improved 24-month urinary control after RALP.

Direct ultrafiltration performance and membrane integrity monitoring by microbiological analysis.

PubMed

Ferrer, O; Casas, S; Galvañ, C; Lucena, F; Bosch, A; Galofré, B; Mesa, J; Jofre, J; Bernat, X

2015-10-15

The feasibility of substituting a conventional pre-treatment, consisting of dioxi-chlorination, coagulation/flocculation, settling and sand filtration, of a drinking water treatment plant (DWTP) by direct ultrafiltration (UF) has been assessed from a microbiological standpoint. Bacterial indicators, viral indicators and human viruses have been monitored in raw river, ultrafiltered and conventionally pre-treated water samples during two years. Direct UF has proven to remove bacterial indicators quite efficiently and to a greater extent than the conventional process does. Nevertheless, the removal of small viruses such as some small bacteriophages and human viruses (e.g. enteroviruses and noroviruses) is lower than the current conventional pre-treatment. Membrane integrity has been assessed during two years by means of tailored tests based on bacteriophages with different properties (MS-2, GA and PDR-1) and bacterial spores (Bacillus spores). Membrane integrity has not been compromised despite the challenging conditions faced by directly treating raw river water. Bacteriophage PDR-1 appears as a suitable microbe to test membrane integrity, as its size is slightly larger than the considered membrane pore size. However, its implementation at full scale plant is still challenging due to difficulties in obtaining enough phages for its seeding. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Production of demineralized water for use in thermal power stations by advanced treatment of secondary wastewater effluent.

PubMed

Katsoyiannis, Ioannis A; Gkotsis, Petros; Castellana, Massimo; Cartechini, Fabricio; Zouboulis, Anastasios I

2017-04-01

The operation and efficiency of a modern, high-tech industrial full-scale water treatment plant was investigated in the present study. The treated water was used for the supply of the boilers, producing steam to feed the steam turbine of the power station. The inlet water was the effluent of municipal wastewater treatment plant of the city of Bari (Italy). The treatment stages comprised (1) coagulation, using ferric chloride, (2) lime softening, (3) powdered activated carbon, all dosed in a sedimentation tank. The treated water was thereafter subjected to dual-media filtration, followed by ultra-filtration (UF). The outlet of UF was subsequently treated by reverse osmosis (RO) and finally by ion exchange (IX). The inlet water had total organic carbon (TOC) concentration 10-12 mg/L, turbidity 10-15 NTU and conductivity 3500-4500 μS/cm. The final demineralized water had TOC less than 0.2 mg/L, turbidity less than 0.1 NTU and conductivity 0.055-0.070 μS/cm. Organic matter fractionation showed that most of the final DOC concentration consisted of low molecular weight neutral compounds, while other compounds such as humic acids or building blocks were completely removed. It is notable that this plant was operating under "Zero Liquid Discharge" conditions, implementing treatment of any generated liquid waste. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Performance of an ultrafiltration membrane bioreactor (UF-MBR) as a processing strategy for the synthesis of galacto-oligosaccharides at high substrate concentrations.

PubMed

Córdova, Andrés; Astudillo, Carolina; Vera, Carlos; Guerrero, Cecilia; Illanes, Andrés

2016-04-10

The performance of an ultrafiltration membrane bioreactor for galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) synthesis using high lactose concentrations (470 g/L) and β-galactosidase from Aspergillus oryzae was assessed. Tested processing variables were: transmembrane-pressure (PT), crossflow-velocity (CFV) and temperature. Results showed that processing variables had significant effect on the yield, the enzyme productivity and the flux but did not on GOS concentration and reaction conversion obtained. As expected, the use of high turbulences improved mass transfer and reduced the membrane fouling, but the use of very high crossflow-velocities caused operational instability due to vortex formation and lactose precipitation. The use of a desirability function allowed determining optimal conditions which were: PT (4.38 bar), CFV (7.35 m/s) and temperature (53.1 °C), optimizing simultaneously flux and specific enzyme productivity Under these optimal processing conditions, shear-stress and temperature did not affect the enzyme but long-term operation was limited by flux decay. In comparison to a conventional batch system, at 12.5h of processing time, the continuous GOS synthesis in the UF-MBR increased significantly the amount of processed substrate and a 2.44-fold increase in the amount of GOS produced per unit mass of catalyst was obtained with respect to a conventional batch system. Furthermore, these results can be improved by far by tuning the membranearea/reactionvolume ratio, showing that the use of an UF-MBR is an attractive alternative for the GOS synthesis at very high lactose concentrations. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Long-term afterslip of the M6.0, 2004 Parkfield, California, earthquake—Implications for forecasting amount and duration of afterslip on other major creeping faults

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lienkaemper, James J.; McFarland, Forrest S.

2017-01-01

We present the longest record of surface afterslip on a continental strike‐slip fault for the 2004 M 6.0 Parkfield, California, earthquake, from which we can derive critical information about the duration and predictability of afterslip relevant to urban displacement hazard applications. Surface slip associated with this event occurred entirely postseismically along the interseismically creeping (0.6–1.5  cm/yr) main trace of the San Andreas fault. Using the first year of afterslip data, the program AFTER correctly predicted the cumulative surface afterslip (maximum ∼35  cm) eventually attained. By 1 yr postearthquake, observed afterslip had accumulated to only ∼74% of its modeled final value uf in units of length. The 6‐yr data suggested final slip would be reached everywhere by ∼6–12  yrs.Parkfield’s afterslip lasted much longer (∼6–12  yrs) than afterslip following a 2014 M 6.0 event in Napa, California, where no interseismic creep was known, and its afterslip neared completion (∼97% of uf) by 1 yr. The uncertainty in uf for the Napa event fell to ≤2  cm in only three months, versus in 2 yrs for the Parkfield event, mostly because duration of the power‐law stage of afterslip at Parkfield is much longer, ∼1000 (493–1666) days versus ∼100 (35–421) days for Napa. Because the urban Hayward fault near San Francisco, California, like the Parkfield section, exhibits interseismic creep in a similar geological regime, significant afterslip might last for up to a decade following an anticipated M≥6.7 earthquake, potentially delaying postearthquake recovery.

Inequality in the distribution of rheumatologists in Brazil: correlation with local of medical residency, Gross Domestic Product and Human Development Index.

PubMed

de Albuquerque, Cleandro Pires

2014-01-01

To assess the distribution of rheumatologists in Brazil and their correlation with Medical Residency specialization offer, Gross Domestic Product (Gdp) And Municipal Human Development Index (HDI-M) of units of the federation (UFs). Query to various official databases, data summarization by techniques for descriptive statistics and cross-referenced information. For correlation analysis, we used the Spearman correlation coefficient (r). There were 1229 rheumatologists regularly registered in the country. The Northern region had only 3.6% of the total (n = 44), while the Southeast had 42.2% (n = 519). The State capitals, added to the five largest municipalities in each UF, concentrated 75.8% of these specialists (n = 931). In total, 49.9% of rheumatologists offered treatment at SUS. A general ratio of 157,809 inhabitants per rheumatologist in Brazil was determined, but with wide variation among UFs with respect to this ratio. In the years 2000-2012, there were 593 Rheumatology Residency graduated physicians in Brazil. We observed a positive correlation among number of rheumatologists compared with GDP (r = 0.94), HDI-M of the State capitals (r = 0.77) and number of Rheumatology Residency graduated physicians (r = 0.79) in UFs. We noted a strong concentration of rheumatologists in State capitals and larger municipalities, with noticeable inequalities also between UFs and country regions. The distribution of these professionals accompanied GDP, HDI-M of the State capital and number of Rheumatology Residency graduated physicians, suggesting that factors related to income opportunities and human development and the place of speciality training may influence the geographical fixation of rheumatologists.

PDB-UF: database of predicted enzymatic functions for unannotated protein structures from structural genomics.

PubMed

von Grotthuss, Marcin; Plewczynski, Dariusz; Ginalski, Krzysztof; Rychlewski, Leszek; Shakhnovich, Eugene I

2006-02-06

The number of protein structures from structural genomics centers dramatically increases in the Protein Data Bank (PDB). Many of these structures are functionally unannotated because they have no sequence similarity to proteins of known function. However, it is possible to successfully infer function using only structural similarity. Here we present the PDB-UF database, a web-accessible collection of predictions of enzymatic properties using structure-function relationship. The assignments were conducted for three-dimensional protein structures of unknown function that come from structural genomics initiatives. We show that 4 hypothetical proteins (with PDB accession codes: 1VH0, 1NS5, 1O6D, and 1TO0), for which standard BLAST tools such as PSI-BLAST or RPS-BLAST failed to assign any function, are probably methyltransferase enzymes. We suggest that the structure-based prediction of an EC number should be conducted having the different similarity score cutoff for different protein folds. Moreover, performing the annotation using two different algorithms can reduce the rate of false positive assignments. We believe, that the presented web-based repository will help to decrease the number of protein structures that have functions marked as "unknown" in the PDB file. http://paradox.harvard.edu/PDB-UF and http://bioinfo.pl/PDB-UF.

Styrene process condensate treatment with a combination process of UF and NF for reuse.

PubMed

Wang, Aijun; Liu, Guangmin; Huang, Jin; Wang, Lijuan; Li, Guangbin; Su, Xudong; Qi, Hong

2013-01-15

Aiming at reusing the SPC to save water resource and heat energy, a combination treatment process of UF/NF was applied to remove inorganic irons, suspended particles and little amount of organic contaminants in this article. To achieve the indexes of CODM≤5.00 mg L(-1), oil≤2.00 mg L(-1), conductivity≤10.00 μs cm(-1), pH of 6.0-8.0, the NF membrane process was adopted. It was necessary to employ a pretreatment process to reduce NF membrane fouling. Hence UF membrane as an efficient pretreatment unit was proposed to remove the inorganic particles, such as iron oxide catalyst, to meet the influent demands of NF. The effluent of UF, which was less than 0.02 mg L(-1) of total iron, went into a security filter and then was pumped into the NF process unit. High removal efficiencies of CODM, oil and conductivity were achieved by using NF process. The ABS grafting copolymerization experiment showed that the effluent of the combination process met the criteria of ABS production process, meanwhile the process could alleviate the environment pollution. It was shown that this combination process concept was feasible and successful in treating the SPC. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Development of the uncinate fasciculus: Implications for theory and developmental disorders.

PubMed

Olson, Ingrid R; Von Der Heide, Rebecca J; Alm, Kylie H; Vyas, Govinda

2015-08-01

The uncinate fasciculus (UF) is a long-range white matter tract that connects limbic regions in the temporal lobe to the frontal lobe. The UF is one of the latest developing tracts, and continues maturing into the third decade of life. As such, individual differences in the maturational profile of the UF may serve to explain differences in behavior. Indeed, atypical macrostructure and microstructure of the UF have been reported in numerous studies of individuals with developmental and psychiatric disorders such as social deprivation and maltreatment, autism spectrum disorders, conduct disorder, risk taking, and substance abuse. The present review evaluates what we currently know about the UF's developmental trajectory and reviews the literature relating UF abnormalities to specific disorders. Additionally, we take a dimensional approach and critically examine symptoms and behavioral impairments that have been demonstrated to cluster with UF aberrations, in an effort to relate these impairments to our speculations regarding the functionality of the UF. We suggest that developmental disorders with core problems relating to memory retrieval, reward and valuation computation, and impulsive decision making may be linked to aberrations in uncinate microstructure. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Removal of Trace Pharmaceuticals from Water using coagulation and powdered activated carbon as pretreatment to ultrafiltration membrane system.

PubMed

Sheng, Chenguang; Nnanna, A G Agwu; Liu, Yanghe; Vargo, John D

2016-04-15

In this study, the efficacy of water treatment technologies: ultra-filtration (UF), powdered activated carbon (PAC), coagulation (COA) and a combination of these technologies (PAC/UF and COA/UF) to remove target pharmaceuticals (Acetaminophen, Bezafibrate, Caffeine, Carbamazepine, Cotinine, Diclofenac, Gemfibrozil, Ibuprofen, Metoprolol, Naproxen, Sulfadimethoxine, Sulfamethazine, Sulfamethoxazole, Sulfathiazole, Triclosan and Trimethoprim) was investigated. Samples of wastewater from municipal WWTPs were analyzed using direct aqueous injection High Performance Liquid Chromatography with Tandem Quadrupole Mass Spectrometric (LC/MS/MS) detection. On concentration basis, results showed an average removal efficiency of 29%, 50%, and 7%, respectively, for the UF, PAC dosage of 50ppm, and COA dosage of 10ppm. When PAC dosage of 100ppm was used as pretreatment to the combined PAC and UF in-line membrane system, a 90.3% removal efficiency was achieved. The removal efficiency of UF in tandem with COA was 33%, an increase of 4% compared with the single UF treatment. The adsorption effect of PAC combined with the physical separation process of UF revealed the best treatment strategy for removing pharmaceutical contaminant from water. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Characterization of uranium tetrafluoride (UF 4) with Raman spectroscopy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Villa-Aleman, Eliel; Wellons, Matthew S.

The Raman spectrum of uranium tetrafluoride (UF 4) is unambiguously characterized with multiple Raman excitation laser sources for the first time. Across different laser excitation wavelengths, UF 4 demonstrates 16 distinct Raman bands within the 50-400 cm -1 region. The observed Raman bands are representative of various F-F vibrational modes. UF 4 also shows intense fluorescent bands in the 325 – 750 nm spectral region. Comparison of the UF 4 spectrum with the ZrF 4 spectrum, its crystalline analog, demonstrates a similar Raman band structure consistent with group theory predictions for expected Raman bands. Additionally, a demonstration of combined scanningmore » electron microscopy (SEM) and in situ Raman spectroscopy microanalytical measurements of UF 4 particulates shows that despite the inherent weak intensity of Raman bands, identification and characterization are possible for micron-sized particulates with modern instrumentation. The published well characterized UF 4 spectrum is extremely relevant to nuclear materials and nuclear safeguard applications.« less

Characterization of uranium tetrafluoride (UF 4) with Raman spectroscopy

DOE PAGES

Villa-Aleman, Eliel; Wellons, Matthew S.

2016-03-22

The Raman spectrum of uranium tetrafluoride (UF 4) is unambiguously characterized with multiple Raman excitation laser sources for the first time. Across different laser excitation wavelengths, UF 4 demonstrates 16 distinct Raman bands within the 50-400 cm -1 region. The observed Raman bands are representative of various F-F vibrational modes. UF 4 also shows intense fluorescent bands in the 325 – 750 nm spectral region. Comparison of the UF 4 spectrum with the ZrF 4 spectrum, its crystalline analog, demonstrates a similar Raman band structure consistent with group theory predictions for expected Raman bands. Additionally, a demonstration of combined scanningmore » electron microscopy (SEM) and in situ Raman spectroscopy microanalytical measurements of UF 4 particulates shows that despite the inherent weak intensity of Raman bands, identification and characterization are possible for micron-sized particulates with modern instrumentation. The published well characterized UF 4 spectrum is extremely relevant to nuclear materials and nuclear safeguard applications.« less

Experimental Investigations of Direct and Converse Flexoelectric Effect in Bilayer Lipid Membranes.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Todorov, Angelio Todorov

Flexoelectric coefficients (direct and converse), electric properties (capacitance and resistivity) and mechanical properties (thickness and elastic coefficients) have been determined for bilayer lipid membranes (BLMs) prepared from egg yolk lecithin (EYL), glycerol monoleate (GMO), phosphatidyl choline (PC) and phosphatidyl serine (PS) as a function of frequency, pH and surface charge modifiers. Direct flexoelectric effect manifested itself in the development of microvolt range a.c. potential (U_{f}) upon subjecting one side of a BLM to an oscillating hydrostatic pressure, in the 100-1000 Hz range. Operationally, the flexoelectric coefficient (f) is expressed by the ratio between U_{f} and the change of curvature (c) which accompanied the flexing of the membrane. Membrane curvature was determined by means of either the electric method (capacitance microphone effect) or by the newly developed method of stroboscopic interferometry. Real-time stroboscopic interferometry coupled with simultaneous electric measurements, provided a direct method for the determination of f. Two different frequency regimes of f were recognized. At low frequencies (<300 Hz), associated with free mobility of the surfactant, f-values of 24.1 times 10^{-19} and 0.87 times 10^ {-19} Coulombs were obtained for PC and GMO BLMs. At high frequencies (>300 Hz), associated with blocked mobility of the surfactant, f-values of 16.5 times 10^ {-19} and 0.30 times 10^{-19} Coulombs were obtained for PC and GMO BLMs. The theoretically calculated value for the GMO BLM oscillating at high frequency (0.12 times 10^{-19 } Coulombs) agreed well with that determined experimentally (0.3 times 10 ^{-19} Coulombs). For charged bovine brain PS BLM the observed flexocoefficient was f = 4.0 times 10^{ -18} Coulombs. Converse flexoelectric effect manifested itself in voltage-induced BLM curvature. Observations were carried out on uranyl acetate (UA) stabilized PS BLM under a.c. excitation. Frequency dependence of f was revealed by means of real-time stroboscopic interferometry. Satisfactory agreement was observed between the direct and converse f-values, measured. Thus, both manifestations of flexoelectricity in BLMs have now received experimental confirmation. Theories developed in this dissertation (as well as those described previously) have been compared with and contrasted to the experimentally determined direct and converse flexoelectric coefficients.

KSC-02pd0610

NASA Image and Video Library

2002-04-29

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mike Martin, University of Florida vice president for agriculture and natural resources, speaks during the opening ceremony to launch a new program called SABRE, Space Agricultural Biotechnology Research and Education, that involves UF and NASA. Officials from UF and NASA attended the event. SABRE will focus on the discovery, development and application of the biological aspects of advanced life support strategies. The program will include faculty from UF's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, who will be located at both KSC - in the state-owned Space Experiment Research and Processing Laboratory (SERPL) being built there - and UF in Gainesville. SABRE will be directed by Robert Ferl, professor in the horticultural sciences department and assistant director of UF's Biotechnology Program. He will be responsible for coordinating the research and education efforts of UF and NASA

Manufacture of modified milk protein concentrate utilizing injection of carbon dioxide.

PubMed

Marella, Chenchaiah; Salunke, P; Biswas, A C; Kommineni, A; Metzger, L E

2015-06-01

Dried milk protein concentrate is produced from skim milk using a combination of processes such as ultrafiltration (UF), evaporation or nanofiltration, and spray drying. It is well established that dried milk protein concentrate (MPC) that contains 80% (MPC80) and greater protein content (relative to dry matter) can lose solubility during storage as a result of protein-protein interactions and formation of insoluble complexes. Previous studies have shown that partial replacement of calcium with sodium improves MPC80 functionality and prevents the loss in solubility during storage. Those studies have used pH adjustment with the addition of acids, addition of monovalent salts, or ion exchange treatment of UF retentate. The objective of this study was to use carbon dioxide to produce MPC80 with improved functionality. In this study, reduced-calcium MPC80 (RCMPC) was produced from skim milk that was subjected to injection of 2,200 ppm of CO2 before UF, along with additional CO2 injection at a flow rate of 1.5 to 2 L/min during UF. A control MPC80 (CtrlMPC) was also produced from the same lot of skim milk without injection of CO2. The above processes were replicated 3 times, using different lots of skim milk for each replication. All the UF retentates were spray dried using a pilot-scale dryer. Skim milk and UF retentates were tested for ζ-potential (net negative charge), particle size, and viscosity. All the MPC were stored at room (22±1°C) and elevated (40°C) temperatures for 6 mo. Solubility was measured by dissolving the dried MPC in water at 22°C and at 10°C (cold solubility). Injection of CO2 and the resultant solubilization of calcium phosphate had a significant effect on UF performance, resulting in 10 and 20% loss in initial and average flux, respectively. Processing of skim milk with injection of CO2 also resulted in higher irreversible fouling resistances. Compared with control, the reduced-calcium MPC had 28 and 34% less ash and calcium, respectively. Injection of CO2 resulted in a significant decrease in ζ-potential and a significant increase in the size of the casein micelle. Moreover, RCMPC had a significantly higher solubility after storage at room temperature and at elevated temperature. This study demonstrates that MPC80 with a reduced calcium and mineral content can be produced with injection of CO2 before and during UF of skim milk. Copyright © 2015 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

On-Line Enrichment Monitor (OLEM) Phase II Final Report Techniques and Equipment for Safeguards at Gas Centrifuge Enrichment Plants

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Younkin, James R.; Garner, James R.

2017-04-01

Over the last five years, OLEM has been a collaborative development effort involving the IAEA, LANL, ORNL, URENCO, and the NNSA. The collective team has completed the following: design and modelling, software development, hardware integration, testing with the ORNL UF6 Flow Loop, a field trial at the Urenco facility in Almelo, the Netherlands, and a Demonstration at the Urenco USA facility in Eunice, New Mexico. This combined effort culminated in the deployment of several OLEM collection nodes in Iran. These OLEM units are one unattended monitoring system component of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action allowing the International Atomic Energymore » Agency to verify Iran’s compliance with the enrichment production aspects of the agreement.« less

METHOD OF DEHYDRATING URANIUM TETRAFLUORIDE

DOEpatents

Davis, J.O.; Fogel, C.C.; Palmer, W.E.

1962-12-18

Drying and dehydration of aqueous-precipitated uranium tetrafluoride are described. The UF/sub 4/ which normally contains 3 to 4% water, is dispersed into the reaction zone of an operating reactor wherein uranium hexafluoride is being reduced to UF/sub 4/ with hydrogen. The water-containing UF/sub 4/ is dried and blended with the UF/sub 4/ produced in the reactor without interfering with the reduction reaction. (AEC)

SUMMARY TECHNICAL REPORT ON FEED MATERIALS FOR THE PERIOD APRIL 1, 1959 TO JUNE 30, 1959

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Simmons, J.W. ed.

1959-07-20

Anaconda Acld, Kermac, Moab, Rifle, and Texas Zinc uranium concentrates were evaluated (the laboratory portlon of feed material evaluation). Laboratory equilibrium tests and Pilot Plant 2-inch-column extraction tests demonstrated effective distribution of uranium into a TBPkerosene solvent from aqueous phases containing as little as 0.5N HNO/sub 3/ and varying amounts of added metal nitrates (NaNO/sub 3/). The concentration of assoclated nitric acid in dilute aqueous nitric acld solutions was determined after values were obtained for the equillbrium constant for the reaction of tri-n-butyl phosphate with associated nitric acid and for the equilibrium distribution constant for the partition of associated nitricmore » acld into tri-n-butyl phosphate. Optimum partition of uranium into tri-n-butyl phosphate was realized in the laboratory by using an aqueous uranyl nitrate solution containing sufficient hydrogen ions to promote extraction and a low concentration of associated nitric acid. An Ohmart system for controlling the uranium profile in the A'' extractlon column was installed on Refinery pulse columns. Use of this system improved control but did not stop all column upsets. The effect of 13 to l89 ppm sodium contaminatlon upon hydrofluorination conversion of teraperature at the site of the reaction. Uranyl sulfate was shown to undergo an enantiotroplc transitlon at 755 deg C and to decompose to U/sub 3/O/sub 8/ in an atmosphere of oxygen sulfur dioxide, which gases are evolved during decoraposition. Decontamination of sodium, calcium, nickel, magnesium, gadolinium, and dysprosium was achieved in a laboratory investigatlon of the ADU process. UO/sub 2/ produced by reductions programmed from 700 to ll00 deg F was hydrofluorinated at programmed temperatures of 550 to 1100 deg F and isothermally at ll00 deg F. Good conversion was obtained for material whose source was ADU calcined at 1200 deg F. Uranium derbles were classified by the present method of derby grading and were then examined for slag coverage, slag volume, and slag weight. There was a high degree of overlap of these parameters for adjacent grades. A hydraulic separator for separatlng uranlum from magnesium and magnesium fluorlde was fabrlcated. Excellent separatlon was obtained for +l6 mesh material. A hydrochloric acid dissolution- UF/sub 4/ precipitation process for routing scrap materials to the reductlon-to- metal step was examined. The purification obtained was noted, and process conditions were varied to determine their effect upon UF/sub 4/ density, UF/sub 4/ purity and precipitation time. Three types of uranium scrap were subjected to the HCl dissolution-aqueous precipitation Winlo process to determine the purification achieved. Green salt made from dolomitlc bomb liner residues was found to be grossly contaminated. Acceptable green salt was raade from pickle liquor treated with formaldehyde and from pickle liquor plus black oxide. Nominal 80% yields were obtained in the recovery of magnesium metal by reaction of calcium carblde with magnesium fluoride slag and in the recovery of HF by the reactlon of sulfuric acid wlth magnesium fluoride slag. A sample holder for use in quantitative preferred orientation studies was fabricated. The holder, designed to fit a North American Philips Gonionweter, will accommodate specimens up to l 13/16 inches in diameter and incorporates a precision ball bearing. A satisfactory technique was developed for the analysis of uranium metal for traces of fluoride. A direct flame photometric method is glven for the determination of magnesium in uranium ore concentrates. No chemical separation step is required, except for high-iron-content ores. (auth)« less

Overhydroxylation of Lysine of Collagen Increases Uterine Fibroids Proliferation: Roles of Lysyl Hydroxylases, Lysyl Oxidases, and Matrix Metalloproteinases.

PubMed

Kamel, Marwa; Wagih, Mohamed; Kilic, Gokhan S; Diaz-Arrastia, Concepcion R; Baraka, Mohamed A; Salama, Salama A

2017-01-01

The role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in uterine fibroids (UF) has recently been appreciated. Overhydroxylation of lysine residues and the subsequent formation of hydroxylysylpyridinoline (HP) and lysylpyridinoline (LP) cross-links underlie the ECM stiffness and profoundly affect tumor progression. The aim of the current study was to investigate the relationship between ECM of UF, collagen and collagen cross-linking enzymes [lysyl hydroxylases (LH) and lysyl oxidases (LOX)], and the development and progression of UF. Our results indicated that hydroxyl lysine (Hyl) and HP cross-links are significantly higher in UF compared to the normal myometrial tissues accompanied by increased expression of LH (LH2b) and LOX. Also, increased resistance to matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) proteolytic degradation activity was observed. Furthermore, the extent of collagen cross-links was positively correlated with the expression of myofibroblast marker ( α -SMA), growth-promoting markers (PCNA; pERK1/2; FAK pY397 ; Ki-67; and Cyclin D1), and the size of UF. In conclusion, our study defines the role of overhydroxylation of collagen and collagen cross-linking enzymes in modulating UF cell proliferation, differentiation, and resistance to MMP. These effects can establish microenvironment conducive for UF progression and thus represent potential target treatment options of UF.

How do consent forms for diagnostic high-throughput sequencing address unsolicited and secondary findings? A content analysis.

PubMed

Vears, D F; Niemiec, E; Howard, H C; Borry, P

2018-06-10

Whole exome and whole genome sequencing are increasingly being offered to patients in the clinical setting. Yet, the question of whether, and to what extent, unsolicited findings (UF) and/or secondary findings (SF) should be returned to patients remains open and little is known about how diagnostic consent forms address this issue. We systematically identified consent forms for diagnostic genomic sequencing online and used inductive content analysis to determine if and how they discuss reporting of UF and SF, and whether patients are given options regarding the return of these results. Fifty-four forms representing 38 laboratories/clinics were analyzed. A quarter of the forms did not mention UF or SF. Forms used a variety of terms to discuss UF and SF, sometimes using these interchangeably or incorrectly. Reporting policies for UF varied: five forms stated that UF will not be returned, 15 indicated UF may be returned, and 28 did not specify their policy. One-third indicated their laboratory returns SF. Addressing inconsistent terminology and providing sufficient information about UF/SF in consent forms will increase patient understanding and help ensure adequate informed consent. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Contributions of Local Farming to Urban Sustainability in the Northeast United States.

PubMed

Goldstein, Benjamin P; Hauschild, Michael Z; Fernández, John E; Birkved, Morten

2017-07-05

Food consumption is an important contributor to a city's environmental impacts (carbon emissions, land occupation, water use, etc.) Urban farming (UF) has been advocated as a means to increase urban sustainability by reducing food-related transport and tapping into local resources. Taking Boston as an illustrative Northeast U.S. city, we developed a novel method to estimate sub-urban, food-borne carbon and land footprints using multiregion-input-output modeling and nutritional surveys. Computer simulations utilizing primary data explored UF's ability to reduce these footprints using select farming technologies, building on previous city-scale UF assessments which have hitherto been dependent on proxy data for UF. We found that UF generated meagre food-related carbon footprint reductions (1.1-2.9% of baseline 2211 kg CO 2 equivalents/capita/annum) and land occupation increases (<1% of baseline 9000 m 2 land occupation/capita/annum) under optimal production scenarios, informing future evidence-based urban design and policy crafting in the region. Notwithstanding UF's marginal environmental gains, UF could help Boston meet national nutritional guidelines for vegetable intake, generate an estimated $160 million U.S. in revenue to growers and act as a pedagogical and community building tool, though these benefits would hinge on large-scale UF proliferation, likely undergirded by environmental remediation of marginal lands in the city.

Overhydroxylation of Lysine of Collagen Increases Uterine Fibroids Proliferation: Roles of Lysyl Hydroxylases, Lysyl Oxidases, and Matrix Metalloproteinases

PubMed Central

Kamel, Marwa; Wagih, Mohamed; Diaz-Arrastia, Concepcion R.; Baraka, Mohamed A.

2017-01-01

The role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in uterine fibroids (UF) has recently been appreciated. Overhydroxylation of lysine residues and the subsequent formation of hydroxylysylpyridinoline (HP) and lysylpyridinoline (LP) cross-links underlie the ECM stiffness and profoundly affect tumor progression. The aim of the current study was to investigate the relationship between ECM of UF, collagen and collagen cross-linking enzymes [lysyl hydroxylases (LH) and lysyl oxidases (LOX)], and the development and progression of UF. Our results indicated that hydroxyl lysine (Hyl) and HP cross-links are significantly higher in UF compared to the normal myometrial tissues accompanied by increased expression of LH (LH2b) and LOX. Also, increased resistance to matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) proteolytic degradation activity was observed. Furthermore, the extent of collagen cross-links was positively correlated with the expression of myofibroblast marker (α-SMA), growth-promoting markers (PCNA; pERK1/2; FAKpY397; Ki-67; and Cyclin D1), and the size of UF. In conclusion, our study defines the role of overhydroxylation of collagen and collagen cross-linking enzymes in modulating UF cell proliferation, differentiation, and resistance to MMP. These effects can establish microenvironment conducive for UF progression and thus represent potential target treatment options of UF. PMID:29082249

Dietary gamma oryzanol plays a significant role in the anti-inflammatory activity of rice bran oil by decreasing pro-inflammatory mediators secreted by peritoneal macrophages of rats.

PubMed

Rao, Y Poorna Chandra; Sugasini, D; Lokesh, B R

2016-10-28

Ricebran oil (RBO) is promoted as heart friendly oil because of its ability to maintain serum lipids at desirable levels. Inflammation also plays an important role on cardiovascular health. The role of minor constituents present in unsaponifiable fraction (UF) of RBO on inflammatory markers is not well understood. To evaluate this, we have taken RBO with UF (RBO-N), RBO stripped of UF (RBO-MCR) and RBO-MCR supplemented with UF from RBO (UFRBO) or Gamma-Oryzanol (γ-ORY) were added in AIN-93 diets which was then fed to Wistar rats for a period of 60 days. Groundnut oil with UF (GNO-N), UF removed GNO (GNO-MCR) and GNO-MCR supplemented with UF from RBO or γ-ORY was also used for comparison. The peritoneal macrophages from the rats were activated and pro-inflammatory mediators such as Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), eicosanoids, cytokines, hydrolytic enzymes of lysosomal origin were monitored. The results indicated that UF of RBO and γ-ORY supplemented in the dietary oils play a significant role in reducing the secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators by macrophages. Hence γ-ORY in RBO significantly contributed to the anti-inflammatory properties of RBO. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Purification of oily wastewater by hybrid UF/MD.

PubMed

Gryta, M; Karakulski, K; Morawski, A W

2001-10-01

Investigations on the treatment of oily wastewater by a combination of ultrafiltration (UF) and membrane distillation (MD) as a final purification method have been performed. A tubular UF module equipped with polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes and a capillary MD module with polypropylene membranes were tested using a typical bilge water collected from a harbour without pretreatment. The permeate obtained from the UF process generally contains less than 5 ppm of oil. A further purification of the UF permeate by membrane distillation results in a complete removal of oil from wastewater and a very high reduction of the total organic carbon (99.5%) and total dissolved solids (99.9%).

Comparison of enrofloxacin and ceftiofur sodium for the treatment of relapse of undifferentiated fever/bovine respiratory disease in feedlot cattle.

PubMed

Abutarbush, Sameeh M; Schunicht, Oliver C; Wildman, Brian K; Hannon, Sherry J; Jim, G Kee; Ward, Tracy I; Booker, Calvin W

2012-01-01

This commercial field trial compared the efficacy of enrofloxacin and ceftiofur sodium in beef cattle at high risk of developing undifferentiated fever (UF), also known as bovine respiratory disease (BRD) that received tilmicosin at feedlot arrival, were diagnosed and initially treated for UF with tilmicosin, and subsequently required a second UF treatment (first relapse). Feedlot cattle (n = 463) were randomly assigned to 2 experimental groups: ENRO or CEF. Second UF relapse, 3rd UF relapse, overall case fatality and BRD case fatality rates were lower in the ENRO group than in the CEF group (P < 0.05). There were no differences in average daily gain (allocation to re-implant date), chronicity, histophilosis case fatality or miscellaneous case fatality rates between the groups (P ≥ 0.05). A per-animal economic advantage of Can$57.08 was calculated for the ENRO group versus the CEF group. In feedlot cattle in western Canada at high risk of developing UF, it was more cost effective to administer enrofloxacin than ceftiofur sodium for treatment of UF relapse.

Comparison of enrofloxacin and ceftiofur sodium for the treatment of relapse of undifferentiated fever/bovine respiratory disease in feedlot cattle

PubMed Central

Abutarbush, Sameeh M.; Schunicht, Oliver C.; Wildman, Brian K.; Hannon, Sherry J.; Jim, G. Kee; Ward, Tracy I.; Booker, Calvin W.

2012-01-01

This commercial field trial compared the efficacy of enrofloxacin and ceftiofur sodium in beef cattle at high risk of developing undifferentiated fever (UF), also known as bovine respiratory disease (BRD) that received tilmicosin at feedlot arrival, were diagnosed and initially treated for UF with tilmicosin, and subsequently required a second UF treatment (first relapse). Feedlot cattle (n = 463) were randomly assigned to 2 experimental groups: ENRO or CEF. Second UF relapse, 3rd UF relapse, overall case fatality and BRD case fatality rates were lower in the ENRO group than in the CEF group (P < 0.05). There were no differences in average daily gain (allocation to re-implant date), chronicity, histophilosis case fatality or miscellaneous case fatality rates between the groups (P ≥ 0.05). A per-animal economic advantage of Can$57.08 was calculated for the ENRO group versus the CEF group. In feedlot cattle in western Canada at high risk of developing UF, it was more cost effective to administer enrofloxacin than ceftiofur sodium for treatment of UF relapse. PMID:22753964

KSC-02pd0609

NASA Image and Video Library

2002-04-29

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mike Martin, University of Florida vice president for agriculture and natural resources, speaks during the opening ceremony to launch a new program called SABRE, Space Agricultural Biotechnology Research and Education, that involves UF and NASA. Officials from UF and NASA attended the event. In the foreground are Center Director Roy D. Bridges Jr. (left) and U.S. Rep. Dave Weldon (right). SABRE will focus on the discovery, development and application of the biological aspects of advanced life support strategies. The program will include faculty from UF's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, who will be located at both KSC - in the state-owned Space Experiment Research and Processing Laboratory (SERPL) being built there - and UF in Gainesville. SABRE will be directed by Robert Ferl, professor in the horticultural sciences department and assistant director of UF's Biotechnology Program. He will be responsible for coordinating the research and education efforts of UF and NASA

Study of Chemical Changes in Uranium Oxyfluoride Particles Progress Report March - October 2009

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kips, R; Kristo, M; Hutcheon, I

2009-11-22

Nuclear forensics relies on the analysis of certain sample characteristics to determine the origin and history of a nuclear material. In the specific case of uranium enrichment facilities, it is the release of trace amounts of uranium hexafluoride (UF{sub 6}) gas - used for the enrichment of uranium - that leaves a process-characteristic fingerprint. When UF{sub 6} gas interacts with atmospheric moisture, uranium oxyfluoride particles or particle agglomerates are formed with sizes ranging from several microns down to a few tens of nanometers. These particles are routinely collected by safeguards organizations, such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), allowingmore » them to verify whether a facility is compliant with its declarations. Spectrometric analysis of uranium particles from UF{sub 6} hydrolysis has revealed the presence of both particles that contain fluorine, and particles that do not. It is therefore assumed that uranium oxyfluoride is unstable, and decomposes to form uranium oxide. Understanding the rate of fluorine loss in uranium oxyfluoride particles, and the parameters that control it, may therefore contribute to placing boundaries on the particle's exposure time in the environment. Expressly for the purpose of this study, we prepared a set of uranium oxyfluoride particles at the Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements (EU-JRC-IRMM) from a static release of UF{sub 6} in a humid atmosphere. The majority of the samples was stored in controlled temperature, humidity and lighting conditions. Single particles were characterized by a suite of micro-analytical techniques, including NanoSIMS, micro-Raman spectrometry (MRS), scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX) and focused ion beam (FIB). The small particle size was found to be the main analytical challenge. The relative amount of fluorine, as well as the particle chemical composition and morphology were determined at different stages in the ageing process, and immediately after preparation. This report summarizes our most recent findings for each of the analytical techniques listed above, and provides an outlook on what remains to be resolved. Additional spectroscopic and mass spectrometric measurements were carried out at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, but are not included in this summary.« less

Individual differences in white matter microstructure predict semantic control.

PubMed

Nugiel, Tehila; Alm, Kylie H; Olson, Ingrid R

2016-12-01

In everyday conversation, we make many rapid choices between competing concepts and words in order to convey our intent. This process is termed semantic control, and it is thought to rely on information transmission between a distributed semantic store in the temporal lobes and a more discrete region, optimized for retrieval and selection, in the left inferior frontal gyrus. Here, we used diffusion tensor imaging in a group of neurologically normal young adults to investigate the relationship between semantic control and white matter tracts that have been implicated in semantic memory retrieval. Participants completed a verb generation task that taps semantic control (Snyder & Munakata, 2008; Snyder et al., 2010) and underwent a diffusion imaging scan. Deterministic tractography was performed to compute indices representing the microstructural properties of the inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus (IFOF), the uncinate fasciculus (UF), and the inferior longitudinal fasciculus (ILF). Microstructural measures of the UF failed to predict semantic control performance. However, there was a significant relationship between microstructure of the left IFOF and ILF and individual differences in semantic control. Our findings support the view put forth by Duffau (2013) that the IFOF is a key structural pathway in semantic retrieval.

Reclamation of the wastewater from an industrial park using hollow-fibre and spiral-wound membranes: 50 m3 d(-1) pilot testing and cost evaluation.

PubMed

Chu, C P; Jiaoa, S R; Hung, J M; Lu, C J; Chung, Y J

2009-08-01

The feasibility of reclaiming effluent from industrial park wastewater treatment plants through a membrane process was evaluated in three phases. In phase 1 we selected nine wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), each with a design capacity exceeding 10,000 m3 d(-1), and analyzed the corresponding effluent composition. 'Potential recycling percentage', R, ranged from 50% to 80% for the industrial park WWTPs, indicating a high feasibility for the reuse of effluent. In phase 2, a 50 m3 d(-1) pilot plant was installed in one of the selected WWTPs and underwent testing for one year. The quality of the reclaimed water was suitable for general-purpose industrial use. In the two ultrafiltration (UF) modules tested, the hydrophilic polyethersulfone hollow-fibre module was more tolerant to variable properties, and had higher recycling percentages than those of backwashable hydrophobic polyvinylidene difluoride spiral-wound module. Using the spiral-wound UF module helped reduce the cost for producing 1 m3 of reclaimed water (US$0.80) compared with a hollow-fibre module (US$0.88). In phase 3, we evaluated the negative effects of refluxing the reverse osmosis retentate, containing high total dissolved solids and non-biodegradable organics, with the biological treatment unit of the upstream WWTP. Biological compactibility tests showed that the refluxed retentate ratio should be reduced to maintain the conductivity of mixed liquor in the aeration tank at less than 110% of the original value.

Nutrient recovery from the dry grind process using sequential micro and ultrafiltration of thin stillage.

PubMed

Arora, Amit; Dien, Bruce S; Belyea, Ronald L; Singh, Vijay; Tumbleson, M E; Rausch, Kent D

2010-06-01

The effectiveness of microfiltration (MF) and ultrafiltration (UF) for nutrient recovery from a thin stillage stream was determined. When a stainless steel MF membrane (0.1microm pore size) was used, the content of solids increased from 7.0% to 22.8% with a mean permeate flux rate of 45L/m(2)/h (LMH), fat increased and ash content decreased. UF experiments were conducted in batch mode under constant temperature and flow rate conditions. Permeate flux profiles were evaluated for regenerated cellulose membranes (YM1, YM10 and YM100) with molecular weight cut offs of 1, 10 and 100kDa. UF increased total solids, protein and fat and decreased ash in retentate stream. When permeate streams from MF were subjected to UF, retentate total solids concentrations similar to those of commercial syrup (23-28.8%) were obtained. YM100 had the highest percent permeate flux decline (70% of initial flux) followed by YM10 and YM1 membranes. Sequential filtration improved permeate flux rates of the YM100 membrane (32.6-73.4LMH) but the percent decline was also highest in a sequential MF+YM100 system. Protein recovery was the highest in YM1 retentate. Removal of solids, protein and fat from thin stillage may generate a permeate stream that may improve water removal efficiency and increase water recycling. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Retrospective genomic analysis of sorghum adaptation to temperate-zone grain production.

PubMed

Thurber, Carrie S; Ma, Justin M; Higgins, Race H; Brown, Patrick J

2013-06-26

Sorghum is a tropical C4 cereal that recently adapted to temperate latitudes and mechanized grain harvest through selection for dwarfism and photoperiod-insensitivity. Quantitative trait loci for these traits have been introgressed from a dwarf temperate donor into hundreds of diverse sorghum landraces to yield the Sorghum Conversion lines. Here, we report the first comprehensive genomic analysis of the molecular changes underlying this adaptation. We apply genotyping-by-sequencing to 1,160 Sorghum Conversion lines and their exotic progenitors, and map donor introgressions in each Sorghum Conversion line. Many Sorghum Conversion lines carry unexpected haplotypes not found in either presumed parent. Genome-wide mapping of introgression frequencies reveals three genomic regions necessary for temperate adaptation across all Sorghum Conversion lines, containing the Dw1, Dw2, and Dw3 loci on chromosomes 9, 6, and 7 respectively. Association mapping of plant height and flowering time in Sorghum Conversion lines detects significant associations in the Dw1 but not the Dw2 or Dw3 regions. Subpopulation-specific introgression mapping suggests that chromosome 6 contains at least four loci required for temperate adaptation in different sorghum genetic backgrounds. The Dw1 region fractionates into separate quantitative trait loci for plant height and flowering time. Generating Sorghum Conversion lines has been accompanied by substantial unintended gene flow. Sorghum adaptation to temperate-zone grain production involves a small number of genomic regions, each containing multiple linked loci for plant height and flowering time. Further characterization of these loci will accelerate the adaptation of sorghum and related grasses to new production systems for food and fuel.

Genetic diversity analysis of Varronia curassavica Jacq. accessions using ISSR markers.

PubMed

Brito, F A; Nizio, D A C; Silva, A V C; Diniz, L E C; Rabbani, A R C; Arrigoni-Blank, M F; Alvares-Carvalho, S V; Figueira, G M; Montanari Júnior, I; Blank, A F

2016-09-02

Varronia curassavica Jacq. is a medicinal and aromatic plant from Brazil with significant economic importance. Studies on genetic diversity in active germplasm banks (AGB) are essential for conservation and breeding programs. The aim of this study was to analyze the genetic diversity of V. curassavica accessions of the AGB of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants of the Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), using inter-simple sequence repeat molecular markers. Twenty-four primers were tested, and 14 were polymorphic and informative, resulting in 149 bands with 97.98% polymorphism. The UPGMA dendrogram divided the accessions into Clusters I and II. Jaccard similarity coefficients for pair-wise comparisons of accessions ranged between 0.24 and 0.78. The pairs of accessions VCUR-001/VCUR-503, VCUR-001/VCUR-504, and VCUR-104/VCUR-501 showed relatively low similarity (0.24), and the pair of accessions VCUR-402/VCUR- 403 showed medium similarity (0.78). Twenty-eight accessions were divided into three distinct clusters, according to the STRUCTURE analysis. The genetic diversity of V. curassavica in the AGB of UFS is low to medium, and it requires expansion. Accession VCUR-802 is the most suitable for selection in breeding program of this species, since it clearly represents all of the diversity present in the AGB.

Effects of sensitivity to life stress on uncinate fasciculus segments in early adolescence

PubMed Central

King, Lucy S.; Leong, Josiah K.; Colich, Natalie L.; Humphreys, Kathryn L.; Ordaz, Sarah J.; Gotlib, Ian H.

2017-01-01

Abstract Previous research suggests that exposure to early life stress (ELS) affects the structural integrity of the uncinate fasciculus (UF), a frontolimbic white matter tract that undergoes protracted development throughout adolescence. Adolescence is an important transitional period characterized by the emergence of internalizing psychopathology such as anxiety, particularly in individuals with high levels of stress sensitivity. We examined the relations among sensitivity to ELS, structural integrity of the UF, and anxiety symptoms in 104 early adolescents. We conducted structured interviews to assess exposure to ELS and obtained subjective and objective ratings of stress severity, from which we derived an index of ELS sensitivity. We also acquired diffusion MRI and conducted deterministic tractography to visualize UF trajectories and to compute measures of structural integrity from three distinct segments of the UF: frontal, insular, temporal. We found that higher sensitivity to ELS predicted both reduced fractional anisotropy in right frontal UF and higher levels of anxiety symptoms. These findings suggest that fibers in frontal UF, which are still developing throughout adolescence, are most vulnerable to the effects of heightened sensitivity to ELS, and that reduced structural integrity of frontal UF may underlie the relation between early stress and subsequent internalizing psychopathology. PMID:28460088

Nanobiotechnologies in the System of Farm Animals' Gene Pool Preservation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kovtun, S. I.; Galagan, N. P.; Shcherbak, O. V.; Klymenko, N. Y.; Osypchuk, O. S.

It has been determined that sperm viability and mobility upon long storage in liquid nitrogen is being reduced. This issue is relevant for gene pool objects' preservation and for reproductive medicine. The use of nanomaterials (NM) in reproductive biotechnology can expand to the methodology of the rational gene pool preservation technology, especially of valuable biomaterial. Use of nanoparticles, based on ultrafine silica (UFS) with different agents located on its surface gives a positive effect on the thawed sperm mobility, increasing its activity and survival rate and leading to increased fertilization ability. After thawing, the sperm of bulls had an average activity level of 47 %. This activity index of gametes in control was being maintained for 30 min. In the experimental groups after 30 min, the most active gametes were those with UFS + sucrose (52 %). A lower activity compared with the control and UFS + sucrose had gametes with UFS + D-galactosamine. Sperm activity with UFS + D-galactosamine decreased by 14 % compared with the control and by 19 % compared to the UFS + sucrose. So, the feasibility of adding NM with UFS + sucrose at a concentration of 0.001 % to thawed bull sperm that has been cryopreserved for a long time was proved.

Nontoxic fluorescent carbon nanodot serving as a light conversion material in plant for UV light utilization.

PubMed

Sai, Liman; Liu, Siqi; Qian, Xuexue; Yu, Yahui; Xu, Xiaofeng

2018-05-21

In this study, water-soluble fluorescent carbon nanodots (CNDs) were directly injected into the leaf of nicotiana tabacum. With the help of UV-to-blue light conversion nanomaterial, the photosynthetic rate of the leaf was improved 18% upon additional 6 W UV irradiation. The photostability and toxicity of different kinds of CNDs were discussed. The results showed that CNDs functionalized with NH 2 -groups on their surfaces could maintain good fluorescence in plant leaf, and CNDs with complex surface groups tended to have high toxicity to the plant. The NH 2 -functionalized CNDs with non-toxicity and good photostability were used as in vivo light conversion material for direct utilization of UV light in the solar energy. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Standardization of milk using cold ultrafiltration retentates for the manufacture of Swiss cheese: effect of altering coagulation conditions on yield and cheese quality.

PubMed

Govindasamy-Lucey, S; Jaeggi, J J; Martinelli, C; Johnson, M E; Lucey, J A

2011-06-01

Fortification of cheesemilk with membrane retentates is often practiced by cheesemakers to increase yield. However, the higher casein (CN) content can alter coagulation characteristics, which may affect cheese yield and quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of using ultrafiltration (UF) retentates that were processed at low temperatures on the properties of Swiss cheese. Because of the faster clotting observed with fortified milks, we also investigated the effects of altering the coagulation conditions by reducing the renneting temperature (from 32.2 to 28.3°C) and allowing a longer renneting time before cutting (i.e., giving an extra 5min). Milks with elevated total solids (TS; ∼13.4%) were made by blending whole milk retentates (26.5% TS, 7.7% CN, 11.5% fat) obtained by cold (<7°C) UF with part skim milk (11.4% TS, 2.5% CN, 2.6% fat) to obtain milk with CN:fat ratio of approximately 0.87. Control cheeses were made from part-skim milk (11.5% TS, 2.5% CN, 2.8% fat). Three types of UF fortified cheeses were manufactured by altering the renneting temperature and renneting time: high renneting temperature=32.2°C (UFHT), low renneting temperature=28.3°C (UFLT), and a low renneting temperature (28.3°C) plus longer cutting time (+5min compared to UFLT; UFLTL). Cutting times, as selected by a Wisconsin licensed cheesemaker, were approximately 21, 31, 35, and 32min for UFHT, UFLT, UFLTL, and control milks, respectively. Storage moduli of gels at cutting were lower for the UFHT and UFLT samples compared with UFLTL or control. Yield stress values of gels from the UF-fortified milks were higher than those of control milks, and decreasing the renneting temperature reduced the yield stress values. Increasing the cutting time for the gels made from the UF-fortified milks resulted in an increase in yield stress values. Yield strain values were significantly lower in gels made from control or UFLTL milks compared with gels made from UFHT or UFLT milks. Cheese composition did not differ except for fat content, which was lower in the control compared with the UF-fortified cheeses. No residual lactose or galactose remained in the cheeses after 2 mo of ripening. Fat recoveries were similar in control, UFHT, and UFLTL but lower in UFLT cheeses. Significantly higher N recoveries were obtained in the UF-fortified cheeses compared with control cheese. Because of higher fat and CN contents, cheese yield was significantly higher in UF-fortified cheeses (∼11.0 to 11.2%) compared with control cheese (∼8.5%). A significant reduction was observed in volume of whey produced from cheese made from UF-fortified milk and in these wheys, the protein was a higher proportion of the solids. During ripening, the pH values and 12% trichloroacetic acid-soluble N levels were similar for all cheeses. No differences were observed in the sensory properties of the cheeses. The use of UF retentates improved cheese yield with no significant effect on ripening or sensory quality. The faster coagulation and gel firming can be decreased by altering the renneting conditions. Copyright © 2011 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Studies on jicama juice processing.

PubMed

Juarez, M S; Paredes-Lopez, O

1994-09-01

Juice was extracted from jicama (Pachyrrizus erosus Urban) and clarified using a 10,000 daltons molecular weight cut-off membrane to improve its stability. Ultrafiltered juice was tested for general composition and Hunter color. Ultrafiltration (UF) retentate and UF permeate showed some changes, compared to fresh juice, in total and soluble solids, total sugars, and nitrogen, whereas ash and pH remained constant. Hunter color of juice samples exhibited some variation by UF. Results suggest that UF has potential to produce jicama juice with desirable and stable aroma and flavor.

MRI Assessment of Uterine Artery Patency and Fibroid Infarction Rates 6 Months after Uterine Artery Embolization with Nonspherical Polyvinyl Alcohol

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Das, Raj, E-mail: rajdas@nhs.net; Gonsalves, Michael; Vlahos, Ioannis

Purpose: We have observed significant rates of uterine artery patency after uterine artery embolization (UAE) with nonspherical polyvinyl alcohol (nsPVA) on 6 month follow-up MR scanning. The study aim was to quantitatively assess uterine artery patency after UAE with nsPVA and to assess the effect of continued uterine artery patency on outcomes. Methods: A single centre, retrospective study of 50 patients undergoing bilateral UAE for uterine leiomyomata was undertaken. Pelvic MRI was performed before and 6 months after UAE. All embolizations were performed with nsPVA. Outcome measures included uterine artery patency, uterine and dominant fibroid volume, dominant fibroid percentage infarction,more » presence of ovarian arterial collaterals, and symptom scores assessed by the Uterine Fibroid Symptom and Quality of Life questionnaire (UFS-QOL). Results: Magnetic resonance angiographic evidence of uterine artery recanalization was demonstrated in 90 % of the patients (64 % bilateral, 26 % unilateral) at 6 months. Eighty percent of all dominant fibroids demonstrated >90 % infarction. The mean percentage reduction in dominant fibroid volume was 35 %. No significant difference was identified between nonpatent, unilateral, and bilateral recanalization of the uterine arteries with regard to percentage dominant fibroid infarction or dominant fibroid volume reduction. The presence of bilaterally or unilaterally patent uterine arteries was not associated with inferior clinical outcomes (symptom score or UFS-QOL scores) at 6 months. Conclusion: The high rates of uterine artery patency challenge the current paradigm that nsPVA is a permanent embolic agent and that permanent uterine artery occlusion is necessary to optimally treat uterine fibroids. Despite high rates of uterine artery recanalization in this cohort, satisfactory fibroid infarction rates and UFS-QOL scores were achieved.« less

Feasibility survey of thermoelectric conversion technology using semiconductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

1993-03-01

The paper takes notice to thermoelectric conversion technology using semiconductors and investigates it in a wide range from high temperature to low temperature to study its feasibility. It is found that in Bi-Te alloy elements applicable to a temperature range of around 200(degree)C, some are over 3.5(times)10(sup -3)K(sup -1) in performance index, and performance of the element can be practically improved in the near future. The thermoelectric power generation system using waste heat from the fuel cell power plant, which is 5-6% in conversion efficiency, can generate output more than 100kW and is expected to improve by approximately 1% in plant overall efficiency. The construction cost, however, is around 1.6-1.9 million yen/kW. The thermoelectric power generation plant which is modeled on No.2 generator of Hatchobaru geothermal power plant can generate electric output of 10-12.5MW, which is smaller than that of the conventional geothermal power generation. The construction cost is around 3.2-4.1 million yen/kW. Even if advantage of the system in running cost is considered, attractive systematization seems to be difficult.

Investigation of uranium plasma emission from 1050 to 6000 A

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mack, J.M. Jr.

1977-12-01

Absolute emission coefficient measurements on arc-generated uranium plasmas in local thermodynamic equilibrium are described for a wavelength bandwidth of 1050 to 6000A. Low- and high-pressure arcs were investigated for their emission properties, characteristic temperatures and uranium partial pressures. Temperatures from 5500 to 8000 K and uranium partial pressures from 0.001 to 0.01 atm were found at the arc centerline. The new emission data are compared with other similar experimental results and to existing theoretical calculations. The effects of cold-layer UF/sub 6/ photoabsorption on uranium plasma emission characteristics are established for UF/sub 6/ molecular densities ranging from 1.0 x 10/sup 16/more » to 1.0 x 10/sup 17/ cm/sup -3/ and layer thickness from 1.0 to 5.0 cm.« less

Cogeneration technology alternatives study. Volume 6: Computer data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1980-01-01

The potential technical capabilities of energy conversion systems in the 1985 - 2000 time period were defined with emphasis on systems using coal, coal-derived fuels or alternate fuels. Industrial process data developed for the large energy consuming industries serve as a framework for the cogeneration applications. Ground rules for the study were established and other necessary equipment (balance-of-plant) was defined. This combination of technical information, energy conversion system data ground rules, industrial process information and balance-of-plant characteristics was analyzed to evaluate energy consumption, capital and operating costs and emissions. Data in the form of computer printouts developed for 3000 energy conversion system-industrial process combinations are presented.

UF insulation ban overturned by federal appeals court: but safety still in doubt

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Betts, M.

1983-05-02

Unless the federal appeals court honors a US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) request to reconsider, the ban on sales of urea-formaldehyde (UF) foam for insulation will be lifted for want of evidence that it constitutes a health threat. The CPSC defends its analysis of flu-like symptoms and a form of cancer in laboratory animals which led to the ban on sales for school and home use, a ban which effectively eliminated all UF markets. Some buildings have replaced the foam with fiber and cellulose products at considerable expense. In overturning the ban, the court agreed with the UF foammore » industry challenge of CPSC evidence, but made no claim about UF safety. (DCK)« less

Breathe Plant Breathe: A Study of CO2 conversion in plants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weiss, M.

2016-12-01

Some of the research that I have found is that plants with green oxygen produce the most oxygen.Green oxygen is the Some examples of plants like this are spouts (such as the sweet pea, buckwheat, and sunflower.) Some of the other plants are the snake plant and the areca plant. These three plants are most commonly used in households to produce more oxygen when needed. Looking at a few more websites I saw that the plants do not produce oxygen at night because they have no light to transfer within photosynthesis. Some other information that I got was that plants with thick leaves or have a lot of leaves on them produce more oxygen. Some examples of this are the peace lily and the bamboo palm. Since these plants have thick and big leaves they have more photosynthesis cells and can produce more oxygen. In conclusion, my hypothesis was supported. The plant that converted the most CO2 was the pothos. I learned that if you need house plants to help create oxygen, one of the best ones would be a pothos because of its fast conversion rate. As a result the plant that converted the most carbon dioxide into oxygen was the pothos. With an average start of 5259.6, and average finish of 1463, and an average change of 3796.6 The Fern had an: average change of: 5205, average start of: 6564.6, and an average finish of: 1500 The Aloe had an: average change of: 4409.2, average start of: 7707.6, and an average finish of: 3298.4 And the Panda had an: average change of: 4821.8 average start of: 6971.2, and an average finish of:2149

Thermodynamic assessment of the LiF-ThF4-PuF3-UF4 system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Capelli, E.; Beneš, O.; Konings, R. J. M.

2015-07-01

The LiF-ThF4-PuF3-UF4 system is the reference salt mixture considered for the Molten Salt Fast Reactor (MSFR) concept started with PuF3. In order to obtain the complete thermodynamic description of this quaternary system, two binary systems (ThF4-PuF3 and UF4-PuF3) and two ternary systems (LiF-ThF4-PuF3 and LiF-UF4-PuF3) have been assessed for the first time. The similarities between CeF3/PuF3 and ThF4/UF4 compounds have been taken into account for the presented optimization as well as in the experimental measurements performed, which have confirmed the temperatures predicted by the model. Moreover, the experimental results and the thermodynamic database developed have been used to identify potential compositions for the MSFR fuel and to evaluate the influence of partial substitution of ThF4 by UF4 in the salt.

Urinary tract effects of HPSE2 mutations.

PubMed

Stuart, Helen M; Roberts, Neil A; Hilton, Emma N; McKenzie, Edward A; Daly, Sarah B; Hadfield, Kristen D; Rahal, Jeffery S; Gardiner, Natalie J; Tanley, Simon W; Lewis, Malcolm A; Sites, Emily; Angle, Brad; Alves, Cláudia; Lourenço, Teresa; Rodrigues, Márcia; Calado, Angelina; Amado, Marta; Guerreiro, Nancy; Serras, Inês; Beetz, Christian; Varga, Rita-Eva; Silay, Mesrur Selcuk; Darlow, John M; Dobson, Mark G; Barton, David E; Hunziker, Manuela; Puri, Prem; Feather, Sally A; Goodship, Judith A; Goodship, Timothy H J; Lambert, Heather J; Cordell, Heather J; Saggar, Anand; Kinali, Maria; Lorenz, Christian; Moeller, Kristina; Schaefer, Franz; Bayazit, Aysun K; Weber, Stefanie; Newman, William G; Woolf, Adrian S

2015-04-01

Urofacial syndrome (UFS) is an autosomal recessive congenital disease featuring grimacing and incomplete bladder emptying. Mutations of HPSE2, encoding heparanase 2, a heparanase 1 inhibitor, occur in UFS, but knowledge about the HPSE2 mutation spectrum is limited. Here, seven UFS kindreds with HPSE2 mutations are presented, including one with deleted asparagine 254, suggesting a role for this amino acid, which is conserved in vertebrate orthologs. HPSE2 mutations were absent in 23 non-neurogenic neurogenic bladder probands and, of 439 families with nonsyndromic vesicoureteric reflux, only one carried a putative pathogenic HPSE2 variant. Homozygous Hpse2 mutant mouse bladders contained urine more often than did wild-type organs, phenocopying human UFS. Pelvic ganglia neural cell bodies contained heparanase 1, heparanase 2, and leucine-rich repeats and immunoglobulin-like domains-2 (LRIG2), which is mutated in certain UFS families. In conclusion, heparanase 2 is an autonomic neural protein implicated in bladder emptying, but HPSE2 variants are uncommon in urinary diseases resembling UFS. Copyright © 2015 by the American Society of Nephrology.

European and German food legislation facing uncommon foodstuffs.

PubMed

Grabowski, Nils Th; Klein, Günter; López, Antonio Martínez

2013-01-01

In Europe, uncommon foodstuff (UFS, i.e., traditional foods from specific European regions and uncommon ethnic foods from non-EU countries) have been contributing to a diversification of the food supply. E-commerce and specialized retail shops are the main sources for UFS. This article discusses the legal bases for UFS introduction and evaluation. By means of 35 representative UFS, this article analyses the possibilities of trade and veterinary inspection of these products in Germany, comparing European Union and national food legislation with the many idiosyncrasies the UFS presents. Conservatory legislation bans the trade with endangered species (primates, cetaceans, songbirds), but for many other species, this is a complex matter that may ban only subpopulations from trade. Although introduction of legal UFS is regulated (yet complicated), the lack of appropriate definitions, intra-European trade harmonization, and of sufficient scientific knowledge hampers a satisfactory evaluation of many UFSs, for example, reptile meat or terrestrial insects. In these cases, official inspection would only be very basic.

The UO2 ex-ADU powder preparation and pellet sintering for optimum efficiency: experimental and modeling studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hung, Nguyen Trong; Thuan, Le Ba; Van Tung, Nguyen; Thuy, Nguyen Thanh; Lee, Jin-Young; Jyothi, Rajesh Kumar

2017-12-01

The UO2 nuclear fuel pellet process for light water reactors (LWR) includes the conversion of uranium hexafluoride (UF6) into UO2 powder and the fabrication of UO2 pellets from such UO2 powder. In the paper, studies on UO2 pellet process from ammonium diuranate-derived uranium dioxide powder (UO2 ex-ADU powder) were reported. The UO2 ex-ADU powders were converted from ADU at various temperatures of 973 K, 1023 K and 1073 K and then UO2 pellets prepared from the powders were sintered at temperatures of 1923 K, 1973 K and 2023 K for times of 4 h, 6 h and 8 h. Response surface methodology (RSM) based on quadratic central composite design (CCD) type of face centered (CCF) improved by Box and Hunter was used to model the UO2 pellet process, using MODDE 5.0 software as an assessing tool. On the base of the proposed model, the relationship between the technological parameters and density of the UO2 pellet product was suggested to control the UO2 ex-ADU pellet process as desired levels.

METHOD OF PREPARING UF$sub 6$

DOEpatents

Davidson, R.; Fried, S.

1959-10-27

A method is described of preparing uraniurn hexafluoride without the use of fluorine gas by reacting uraniurn tetrafluoride with oxygen gas under rigorously anhydrous conditions at 600 to 1300 deg K within a pre-fluorinated nickel vessel.

KSC-02pd0611

NASA Image and Video Library

2002-04-29

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Center Director Roy D. Bridges Jr. speaks at the opening ceremony to launch a new program called SABRE, Space Agricultural Biotechnology Research and Education, involving the University of Florida and NASA. Officials from UF and NASA attended the event. SABRE will focus on the discovery, development and application of the biological aspects of advanced life support strategies. The program will include faculty from UF's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, who will be located at both KSC - in the state-owned Space Experiment Research and Processing Laboratory (SERPL) being built there - and UF in Gainesville. SABRE will be directed by Robert Ferl, professor in the horticultural sciences department and assistant director of UF's Biotechnology Program. He will be responsible for coordinating the research and education efforts of UF and NASA

Preparation and Characterization of Fine-Particle NTO and Its Formulation with Al Nanopowders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, K.-Y.; Kennedy, J. E.; Asay, B. W.; Son, S. F.; Martin, E. S.

2004-07-01

We have initiated study of the effect of nano-aluminum on the detonation performance of NTO. A novel method for the preparation of both fine-particle NTO (UF-NTO) and its formulation with Al nanopowder has been developed. Results from small-scale sensitivity tests on both the UF-NTO and aluminized NTO composite indicated that they are insensitive to impact, friction and HESD. The performance of both UF-NTO and NTO/Al mix was evaluated by detonation-spreading floret tests. At the same pressed density, it was found that, when initiated by a 3-mm-diameter flyer plate, the aluminized NTO composite produced a shallower dent on a copper witness plate than neat UF-NTO and thus was inferior to UF-NTO in detonation spreading.

[Pilot study on the treatment of ultrafiltration for laundry wastewater recycling and reuse].

PubMed

Wang, Jin; Jiang, Jin-Hui

2007-02-01

A pilot study of the treatment for laundry wastewater recycling and reuse on the spot was carried out by ultrafiltration (UF) with different membrane material of PAN, PS and PP. According to the analysis of membrane fouling combined with UF effluent quality, PAN membrane was superior to the others. It removed the turbidity, suspended solid, fat oil and grease effectively, but kept anionic surfactant (LAS) to a certain degree in the UF effluent which is beneficial to recycling and reuse. By correlation analysis, it was found the high COD concentration of effluent was caused by LAS remained. The whiteness and softness of cotton cloth washed by UF effluent for a long-term was not different with that washed by tap water. The removal of bacteria and E. coli by UF membrane was not very high, and so UF effluent was disinfected by ultraviolet (UV) further. As the dosage of UV was not less than 3 750 J/m2, the microbial level reached the China national standard of drinking water. The optimal UF operation condition is to backwash two minutes every thirty minutes' filtration. Adopted alkali liquor of pH 11 to 13 to carry out chemical cleaning, the membrane flux was recovered completely.

Experimental investigation of oily wastewater treatment using combined membrane systems.

PubMed

Salahi, A; Mohammadi, T

2010-01-01

Investigations were carried out for purification of oily wastewater by a combined of ultrafiltration/reverse osmosis (UF/RO) processes. Laboratory-scale UF using polysulfone (PS) and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) membranes were employed with typical oily wastewater collected from API unit of Tehran refinery. The PAN membrane showed higher rejection, more permeation flux and less fouling resistance than the PS membrane. Both membranes produced permeate with oil and grease contents generally less than 5 ppm. Rejection of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biological oxygen demand (BOD5) were found to be 65% for UF treatment. In this work, Hermia's models were used to investigate the fouling mechanism involved in UF of the oily wastewater. The results showed that the best fit to experimental data corresponds to the cake layer formation model followed by the intermediate blocking model for both the UF membranes. For further treatment of the UF permeates, RO was applied using a thin film composite polyamide membrane. The rejection of COD, BOD5 and total dissolved solid (TDS) after UF/RO treatment increased up to 98%, 98% and 95%, respectively. The results showed that the final permeate has very high quality and even better than that is currently introduced to the cooling towers in Tehran refinery.

Cell Penetration Properties of a Highly Efficient Mini Maurocalcine Peptide

PubMed Central

Tisseyre, Céline; Bahembera, Eloi; Dardevet, Lucie; Sabatier, Jean-Marc; Ronjat, Michel; De Waard, Michel

2013-01-01

Maurocalcine is a highly potent cell-penetrating peptide isolated from the Tunisian scorpion Maurus palmatus. Many cell-penetrating peptide analogues have been derived from the full-length maurocalcine by internal cysteine substitutions and sequence truncation. Herein we have further characterized the cell-penetrating properties of one such peptide, MCaUF1-9, whose sequence matches that of the hydrophobic face of maurocalcine. This peptide shows very favorable cell-penetration efficacy compared to Tat, penetratin or polyarginine. The peptide appears so specialized in cell penetration that it seems hard to improve by site directed mutagenesis. A comparative analysis of the efficacies of similar peptides isolated from other toxin members of the same family leads to the identification of hadrucalcin’s hydrophobic face as an even better CPP. Protonation of the histidine residue at position 6 renders the cell penetration of MCaUF1-9 pH-sensitive. Greater cell penetration at acidic pH suggests that MCaUF1-9 can be used to specifically target cancer cells in vivo where tumor masses grow in more acidic environments. PMID:24276021

The Effect of Nanocopper Additions in a Urea-Formaldehyde Adhesive on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Particleboard Manufactured from Date Palm Waste

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rangavar, H.; Hoseiny fard, M. S.

2015-03-01

The effect of addition of copper nanoparticles to a urea-formaldehyde (UF) adhesive on the physical and mechanical properties of particleboards manufactured from date palm waste (DPW) was investigated. The variable factors in the study included copper nanoparticles in amounts of 6 and 8 wt.% of the dry mass of wood, pressing durations of 5 and 6 min, and pressing temperatures of 150 and 160°C. The physical and mechanical properties of manufactured boards were measured according to EN standards. The results showed that the addition of copper nanoparticles to the UF adhesive considerably improved the physical and mechanical properties of the boards and shortened the pressing duration. The boards manufactured with 6 wt.% copper nanoparticles in a dry mass of wood mixed with the adhesive and pressed at a temperature of 160°C for 5 min had mechanical properties exceeding the EN312-2 standard levels.

Effect of skim milk treated with high hydrostatic pressure on permeate flux and fouling during ultrafiltration.

PubMed

Leu, Mathilde; Marciniak, Alice; Chamberland, Julien; Pouliot, Yves; Bazinet, Laurent; Doyen, Alain

2017-09-01

Ultrafiltration (UF) is largely used in the dairy industry to generate milk and whey protein concentrate for standardization of milk or production of dairy ingredients. Recently, it was demonstrated that high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) extended the shelf life of milk and improved rennet coagulation and cheese yield. Pressurization also modified casein micelle size distribution and promoted aggregation of whey proteins. These changes are likely to affect UF performance. Consequently, this study determined the effect of skim milk pressurization (300 and 600 MPa, 5 min) on UF performance in terms of permeate flux decline and fouling. The effect of HHP on milk proteins was first studied and UF was performed in total recycle mode at different transmembrane pressures to determine optimal UF operational parameters and to evaluate the effect of pressurization on critical and limiting fluxes. Ultrafiltration was also performed in concentration mode at a transmembrane pressure of 345 kPa for 130 or 140 min to evaluate the decline of permeate flux and to determine fouling resistances. It was observed that average casein micelle size decreased by 32 and 38%, whereas β-lactoglobulin denaturation reached 30 and 70% at 300 and 600 MPa, respectively. These results were directly related to UF performance because initial permeate fluxes in total recycle mode decreased by 25% at 300 and 600 MPa compared with nonpressurized milk, critical flux, and limiting flux, which were lower during UF of milk treated with HHP. During UF in concentration mode, initial permeate fluxes were 30% lower at 300 and 600 MPa compared with the control, but the total flux decline was higher for nonpressurized milk (62%) compared with pressure-treated milk (30%). Fouling resistances were similar, whatever the treatment, except at 600 MPa where irreversible fouling was higher. Characterization of the fouling layer showed that caseins and β-lactoglobulin were mainly involved in membrane fouling after UF of pressure-treated milk. Our results demonstrate that HHP treatment of skim milk drastically decreased UF performance. Copyright © 2017 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Membrane treatment of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) wastes for recovery of its active ingredients. Final report, Mar 79-Sep 80

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chian, E.S.K.; Wu, T.P.; Rowland, R.W.

1980-10-01

Ultrafiltration (UF) and Reverse Osmosis (RO) treatment of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) solutions was investigated to determine the feasibility of employing membrane processes to separate and recover AFFF active ingredients for reuse. Studies were performed on both 6% AFFF in tap-water solutions and on actual wastewaters spiked with 3% or 6% AFFF. The AFFF materials used in this study consisted of Ansul, 3M FC-206, and 3M FC-780. Membrane employed for these studies included Abcor HFD, HFF, HFJ, and HFK tubular ultrafiltration (UF) membranes and a DuPont B-10 reverse osmosis (RO) module. Parameters monitored to represent AFFF ingredients were TOC,more » dissolved solids, surfactants, and % glycol. An attempt was also made to determine fluorocarbons as fluoride. Membrane fluxes were also determined. Results of this study demonstrate the feasibility of employing UF-RO processes to separate and recover the AFFF active ingredients for reuse. Approximately 75% recovery of the AFFF active ingredients as represented by the foam test was attained. An economic analysis of the membrane treatment processes indicates that it is extremely favorable in recovering the AFFF wastewater for reuse. Pilot-scale studies are, however, necessary to fully establish the process feasibilities and economics of the AFFF recovery system.« less

Materials Data on Rb2UF6 (SG:63) by Materials Project

DOE Data Explorer

Kristin Persson

2015-02-18

Computed materials data using density functional theory calculations. These calculations determine the electronic structure of bulk materials by solving approximations to the Schrodinger equation. For more information, see https://materialsproject.org/docs/calculations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fincke, J.R.; Swank, W.D.; Haggard, D.C.

This paper describes the experimental demonstration of a process for the direct plasma reduction of depleted uranium hexafluoride to uranium metal. The process exploits the large departures from equilibrium that can be achieved in the rapid supersonic expansion of a totally dissociated and partially ionized mixture of UF{sub 6}, Ar, He, and H{sub 2}. The process is based on the rapid condensation of subcooled uranium vapor and the relatively slow rate of back reaction between metallic uranium and HF to F{sub 2} to reform stable fluorides. The high translational velocities and rapid cooling result in an overpopulation of atomic hydrogenmore » which persists throughout the expansion process. Atomic hydrogen shifts the equilibrium composition by inhibiting the reformation of uranium-fluorine compounds. This process has the potential to reduce the cost of reducing UF{sub 6} to uranium metal with the added benefit of being a virtually waste free process. The dry HF produced is a commodity which has industrial value.« less

A Method of Target Data Pick-Off And Display

DTIC Science & Technology

1952-04-03

r . .- .s %LL w5h * . . S..’"~ -L. A.. A . SEC7.- NAVAL REUIEARCH LABORATORY 13 THORDARSON TYPE...17R30SYELL.1"’ - SYELL.I -"" 2 THORDARSON TYPE T20056 #6 -6- +350 15K 6.2 K54suf sUf 2W 2 w ,:-’’ R D 6 TT.-. -- + 240. ..BLACK GREEN 108I3 Uov J REEN

The direct and indirect cost burden of clinically significant and symptomatic uterine fibroids.

PubMed

Lee, David W; Ozminkowski, Ronald J; Carls, Ginger Smith; Wang, Shaohung; Gibson, Teresa B; Stewart, Elizabeth A

2007-05-01

To estimate direct medical costs and indirect (productivity related) for women age 25 to 54 who had clinically significant and symptomatic uterine fibroids (UF). We compared direct medical expenditures among 30,659 women who had clinically significant and symptomatic UF to expenditures among an equal number of matched controls who did not. We also compared indirect costs for a sub-sample of 910 employed women in each group. Regression analyses controlled for demographic and casemix factors. Mean 12-month direct medical costs for women with UF were $11,720 versus $3257 for controls, and mean 12-month indirect costs for women with UF were $11,752 versus $8083 for controls. Differences were statistically significant (P<0.0001). UF is a costly disorder and merits thought as interventions are considered to improve women's health and productivity.

The effect of low glucose degradation product, neutral pH versus standard peritoneal dialysis solutions on peritoneal membrane function: the balANZ trial

PubMed Central

Johnson, David W.; Brown, Fiona G.; Clarke, Margaret; Boudville, Neil; Elias, Tony J.; Foo, Marjorie W.Y.; Jones, Bernard; Kulkarni, Hemant; Langham, Robyn; Ranganathan, Dwarakanathan; Schollum, John; Suranyi, Michael G.; Tan, Seng H.; Voss, David

2012-01-01

Background The balANZ trial recently reported that neutral pH, low glucose degradation product (biocompatible) peritoneal dialysis (PD) solutions significantly delayed anuria and reduced peritonitis rates compared with conventional solutions. This article reports a secondary outcome analysis of the balANZ trial with respect to peritoneal membrane function. Methods Adult, incident PD patients with residual renal function were randomized to receive either biocompatible or conventional (control) PD solutions for 2 years. Peritoneal equilibration tests were performed at 1, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. Peritoneal small solute clearances and ultra-filtration (UF) were measured at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 months. Results Of the 185 patients recruited into the trial, 85 patients in the Balance group and 82 patients in the control group had peritoneal membrane function evaluated. Mean 4-h dialysate:plasma creatinine ratios (D:P Cr 4h) at 1 month were significantly higher in the Balance group compared with controls (0.67 ± 0.10 versus 0.62 ± 0.10, P = 0.002). Over the 2-year study period, mean D:P Cr 4 h measurements remained stable in the Balance group but increased significantly in controls [difference −0.004 per month, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) −0.005 to −0.002, P < 0.001]. Similar results were obtained for dialysate glucose ratios (D/D0 glucose). Peritoneal UF was significantly lower in the Balance group than in controls at 3 and 6 months. Over the 2-year study period, peritoneal UF increased significantly in the Balance group but remained stable in controls (difference 24 mL/day/month, 95% CI 9–39, P = 0.002). No differences in peritoneal small solute clearances, prescribed dialysate fill volumes or peritoneal glucose exposure were observed between the two groups. Conclusions Biocompatible and conventional PD solutions exert differential effects on peritoneal small solute transport rate and UF over time. Adequately powered trials assessing the impact of these differential membrane effects on PD technique and patient survival rates are warranted. PMID:22859794

Identification of novel uncertainty factors and thresholds of toxicological concern for health hazard and risk assessment: Application to cleaning product ingredients.

PubMed

Wang, Zhen; Scott, W Casan; Williams, E Spencer; Ciarlo, Michael; DeLeo, Paul C; Brooks, Bryan W

2018-04-01

Uncertainty factors (UFs) are commonly used during hazard and risk assessments to address uncertainties, including extrapolations among mammals and experimental durations. In risk assessment, default values are routinely used for interspecies extrapolation and interindividual variability. Whether default UFs are sufficient for various chemical uses or specific chemical classes remains understudied, particularly for ingredients in cleaning products. Therefore, we examined publicly available acute median lethal dose (LD50), and reproductive and developmental no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) and lowest-observed-adverse-effect level (LOAEL) values for the rat model (oral). We employed probabilistic chemical toxicity distributions to identify likelihoods of encountering acute, subacute, subchronic and chronic toxicity thresholds for specific chemical categories and ingredients in cleaning products. We subsequently identified thresholds of toxicological concern (TTC) and then various UFs for: 1) acute (LD50s)-to-chronic (reproductive/developmental NOAELs) ratios (ACRs), 2) exposure duration extrapolations (e.g., subchronic-to-chronic; reproductive/developmental), and 3) LOAEL-to-NOAEL ratios considering subacute/acute developmental responses. These ratios (95% CIs) were calculated from pairwise threshold levels using Monte Carlo simulations to identify UFs for all ingredients in cleaning products. Based on data availability, chemical category-specific UFs were also identified for aliphatic acids and salts, aliphatic alcohols, inorganic acids and salts, and alkyl sulfates. In a number of cases, derived UFs were smaller than default values (e.g., 10) employed by regulatory agencies; however, larger UFs were occasionally identified. Such UFs could be used by assessors instead of relying on default values. These approaches for identifying mammalian TTCs and diverse UFs represent robust alternatives to application of default values for ingredients in cleaning products and other chemical classes. Findings can also support chemical substitutions during alternatives assessment, and data dossier development (e.g., read across), identification of TTCs, and screening-level hazard and risk assessment when toxicity data is unavailable for specific chemicals. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Impact of ultrafiltration and nanofiltration of an industrial fish protein hydrolysate on its bioactive properties.

PubMed

Picot, Laurent; Ravallec, Rozenn; Fouchereau-Péron, Martine; Vandanjon, Laurent; Jaouen, Pascal; Chaplain-Derouiniot, Maryse; Guérard, Fabienne; Chabeaud, Aurélie; Legal, Yves; Alvarez, Oscar Martinez; Bergé, Jean-Pascal; Piot, Jean-Marie; Batista, Irineu; Pires, Carla; Thorkelsson, Gudjon; Delannoy, Charles; Jakobsen, Greta; Johansson, Inez; Bourseau, Patrick

2010-08-30

Numerous studies have demonstrated that in vitro controlled enzymatic hydrolysis of fish and shellfish proteins leads to bioactive peptides. Ultrafiltration (UF) and/or nanofiltration (NF) can be used to refine hydrolysates and also to fractionate them in order to obtain a peptide population enriched in selected sizes. This study was designed to highlight the impact of controlled UF and NF on the stability of biological activities of an industrial fish protein hydrolysate (FPH) and to understand whether fractionation could improve its content in bioactive peptides. The starting fish protein hydrolysate exhibited a balanced amino acid composition, a reproducible molecular weight (MW) profile, and a low sodium chloride content, allowing the study of its biological activity. Successive fractionation on UF and NF membranes allowed concentration of peptides of selected sizes, without, however, carrying out sharp separations, some MW classes being found in several fractions. Peptides containing Pro, Hyp, Asp and Glu were concentrated in the UF and NF retentates compared to the unfractionated hydrolysate and UF permeate, respectively. Gastrin/cholecystokinin-like peptides were present in the starting FPH, UF and NF fractions, but fractionation did not increase their concentration. In contrast, quantification of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-like peptides demonstrated an increase in CGRP-like activities in the UF permeate, relative to the starting FPH. The starting hydrolysate also showed a potent antioxidant and radical scavenging activity, and a moderate angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-1 inhibitory activity, which were not increased by UF and NF fractionation. Fractionation of an FPH using membrane separation, with a molecular weight cut-off adapted to the peptide composition, may provide an effective means to concentrate CGRP-like peptides and peptides enriched in selected amino acids. The peptide size distribution observed after UF and NF fractionation demonstrates that it is misleading to characterize the fractions obtained by membrane filtration according to the MW cut-off of the membrane only, as is currently done in the literature. Copyright (c) 2010 Society of Chemical Industry.

Oncogenic exon 2 mutations in Mediator subunit MED12 disrupt allosteric activation of cyclin C-CDK8/19.

PubMed

Park, Min Ju; Shen, Hailian; Spaeth, Jason M; Tolvanen, Jaana H; Failor, Courtney; Knudtson, Jennifer F; McLaughlin, Jessica; Halder, Sunil K; Yang, Qiwei; Bulun, Serdar E; Al-Hendy, Ayman; Schenken, Robert S; Aaltonen, Lauri A; Boyer, Thomas G

2018-03-30

Somatic mutations in exon 2 of the RNA polymerase II transcriptional Mediator subunit MED12 occur at high frequency in uterine fibroids (UFs) and breast fibroepithelial tumors as well as recurrently, albeit less frequently, in malignant uterine leimyosarcomas, chronic lymphocytic leukemias, and colorectal cancers. Previously, we reported that UF-linked mutations in MED12 disrupt its ability to activate cyclin C (CycC)-dependent kinase 8 (CDK8) in Mediator, implicating impaired Mediator-associated CDK8 activity in the molecular pathogenesis of these clinically significant lesions. Notably, the CDK8 paralog CDK19 is also expressed in myometrium, and both CDK8 and CDK19 assemble into Mediator in a mutually exclusive manner, suggesting that CDK19 activity may also be germane to the pathogenesis of MED12 mutation-induced UFs. However, whether and how UF-linked mutations in MED12 affect CDK19 activation is unknown. Herein, we show that MED12 allosterically activates CDK19 and that UF-linked exon 2 mutations in MED12 disrupt its CDK19 stimulatory activity. Furthermore, we find that within the Mediator kinase module, MED13 directly binds to the MED12 C terminus, thereby suppressing an apparent UF mutation-induced conformational change in MED12 that otherwise disrupts its association with CycC-CDK8/19. Thus, in the presence of MED13, mutant MED12 can bind, but cannot activate, CycC-CDK8/19. These findings indicate that MED12 binding is necessary but not sufficient for CycC-CDK8/19 activation and reveal an additional step in the MED12-dependent activation process, one critically dependent on MED12 residues altered by UF-linked exon 2 mutations. These findings confirm that UF-linked mutations in MED12 disrupt composite Mediator-associated kinase activity and identify CDK8/19 as prospective therapeutic targets in UFs. © 2018 Park et al.

Ultrafine particles affect the balance of endogenous pro- and anti-inflammatory lipid mediators in the lung: in-vitro and in-vivo studies

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Exposure to ultrafine particles exerts diverse harmful effects including aggravation of pulmonary diseases like asthma. Recently we demonstrated in a mouse model for allergic airway inflammation that particle-derived oxidative stress plays a crucial role during augmentation of allergen-induced lung inflammation by ultrafine carbon particle (UfCP) inhalation. The mechanisms how particle inhalation might change the inflammatory balance in the lungs, leading to accelerated inflammatory reactions, remain unclear. Lipid mediators, known to be immediately generated in response to tissue injury, might be strong candidates for priming this particle-triggered change of the inflammatory balance. Methods We hypothesize that inhalation of UfCP may disturb the balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory lipid mediators in: i) a model for acute allergic pulmonary inflammation, exposing mice for 24 h before allergen challenge to UfCP inhalation (51.7 nm, 507 μg/m3), and ii) an in-vitro model with primary rat alveolar macrophages (AM) incubated with UfCP (10 μg/1 x 106 cells/ml) for 1 h. Lungs and AM were analysed for pro- and anti-inflammatory lipid mediators, namely leukotriene B4 (LTB4), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), 15(S)-hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acid (15(S)-HETE), lipoxin A4 (LXA4) and oxidative stress marker 8-isoprostane by enzyme immunoassays and immunohistochemistry. Results In non-sensitized mice UfCP exposure induced a light non-significant increase of all lipid mediators. Similarly but significantly in rat AM all lipid mediators were induced already within 1 h of UfCP stimulation. Also sensitized and challenge mice exposed to filtered air showed a partially significant increase in all lipid mediators. In sensitized and challenged mice UfCP exposure induced highest significant levels of all lipid mediators in the lungs together with the peak of allergic airway inflammation on day 7 after UfCP inhalation. The levels of LTB4, 8-isoprostane and PGE2 were significantly increased also one day after UfCP exposure. Immunohistochemistry localized highest concentrations of PGE2 especially in AM one day after UfCP exposure. Conclusion Our results suggest that UfCP exposure affects the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory lipid mediators. In allergic mice, where the endogenous balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators is already altered, UfCP exposure aggravates the inflammation and the increase in anti-inflammatory, pro-resolving lipid mediators is insufficient to counterbalance the extensive inflammatory response. This may be a contributing mechanism that explains the increased susceptibility of asthmatic patients towards particle exposure. PMID:22809365

Analysis of Plug-In hybrid Electric Vehicles' utility factors using GPS-based longitudinal travel data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aviquzzaman, Md

The benefit of using a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) comes from its ability of substituting gasoline with electricity in operation. Defined as the share of distance traveled in the electric mode, the utility factor (UF) depends mostly on the battery capacity but also on many other factors, such as travel pattern and recharging pattern. Conventionally, the UFs are calculated from the daily vehicle miles traveled (DVMT) of vehicles by assuming motorists leaving home in the morning with full battery and return home in the evening. Such assumption, however, ignores the impact of the heterogeneity in both travel and charging behavior. The main objective of the thesis is to compare the UF by using multiday GPS-based travel data in regards to the charging decision. This thesis employs the global positioning system (GPS) based longitudinal travel data (covering 3-18 months) collected from 403 vehicles in the Seattle metropolitan area to investigate the impacts of such travel and charging behavior on UFs by analyzing the DVMT and home and work related tours. The UFs based on the DVMT are found close to those based on home-to-home tours. On the other hand, it is seen that the workplace charge opportunities largely improve UFs if the battery capacity is no more than 50 miles. It is also found that the gasoline price does not have significant impact on the UFs.

235U enrichment determination on UF6 cylinders with CZT detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berndt, Reinhard; Mortreau, Patricia

2018-04-01

Measurements of uranium enrichment in UF6 transit cylinders are an important nuclear safeguards verification task, which is performed using a non-destructive assay method, the traditional enrichment meter, which involves measuring the count rate of the 186 keV gamma ray. This provides a direct measure of the 235U enrichment. Measurements are typically performed using either high-resolution detectors (Germanium) with e-cooling and battery operation, or portable devices equipped with low resolution detectors (NaI). Despite good results being achieved when measuring Low Enriched Uranium in 30B type cylinders and natural uranium in 48Y type containers using both detector systems, there are situations, which preclude the use of one or both of these systems. The focus of this work is to address some of the recognized limitations in relation to the current use of the above detector systems by considering the feasibility of an inspection instrument for 235U enrichment measurements on UF6 cylinders using the compact and light Cadmium Zinc Telluride (CZT) detectors. In the present work, test measurements were carried out, under field conditions and on full-size objects, with different CZT detectors, in particular for situations where existing systems cannot be used e.g. for stacks of 48Y type containers with depleted uranium. The main result of this study shows that the CZT detectors, actually a cluster of four μCZT1500 micro spectrometers provide as good results as the germanium detector in the ORTEC Micro-trans SPEC HPGe Portable spectrometer, and most importantly in particular for natural and depleted uranium in 48Y cylinders.

Dental fluorosis and urinary fluoride concentration as a reflection of fluoride exposure and its impact on IQ level and BMI of children of Laxmisagar, Simlapal Block of Bankura District, W.B., India.

PubMed

Das, Kousik; Mondal, Naba Kumar

2016-04-01

There has been growing public concern about intellectual performance of children at high levels of fluoride exposure. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Simlapal Block of Bankura District, West Bengal, to find out the relationship between fluoride (F) exposure as exposure dose (ED) with dental fluorosis (DF), urinary fluoride concentration (UF), intelligence quotient (IQ) and body mass index (BMI). Fifty groundwater samples were collected from the target area. One hundred forty-nine children belonging to age group 6 to 18 years were considered for this study. Experimental results reveal that mean F(-) concentration of that area is 2.11 mg/L (±SD 1.64). On the basis of F concentration in groundwater and water consumption pattern, ED was calculated to explore the impact of F(-) on DF, UF, IQ, and BMI. Paired t test results suggest that exposure rate of F does not show any significant differences (<0.05) among the children of 12 different places. As a result of F exposure, DF cases are mostly found in the order of moderate > severe > mild > very mild > questionable > normal conditions. The highest UF concentration was recorded as 17 mg/L, but the status of DF in the affected children was recorded as moderate. The results also reveal that ED has a positive correlation with DF (r = 0.299, P < 0.01) and UF (r = 0.513, P < 0.01) and a negative correlation with IQ (r = -0.343, P < 0.01) along with BMI (r = 0.083, non-significant). Therefore, from this study, it may be concluded that UF and DF concentration could act as a biomarker of fluoride toxicity.

Evapotranspiration of tropical peat swamp forests.

PubMed

Hirano, Takashi; Kusin, Kitso; Limin, Suwido; Osaki, Mitsuru

2015-05-01

In Southeast Asia, peatland is widely distributed and has accumulated a massive amount of soil carbon, coexisting with peat swamp forest (PSF). The peatland, however, has been rapidly degraded by deforestation, fires, and drainage for the last two decades. Such disturbances change hydrological conditions, typically groundwater level (GWL), and accelerate oxidative peat decomposition. Evapotranspiration (ET) is a major determinant of GWL, whereas information on the ET of PSF is limited. Therefore, we measured ET using the eddy covariance technique for 4-6 years between 2002 and 2009, including El Niño and La Niña events, at three sites in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. The sites were different in disturbance degree: a PSF with little drainage (UF), a heavily drained PSF (DF), and a drained burnt ex-PSF (DB); GWL was significantly lowered at DF, especially in the dry season. The ET showed a clear seasonal variation with a peak in the mid-dry season and a large decrease in the late dry season, mainly following seasonal variation in net radiation (Rn ). The Rn drastically decreased with dense smoke from peat fires in the late dry season. Annual ET forced to close energy balance for 4 years was 1636 ± 53, 1553 ± 117, and 1374 ± 75 mm yr(-1) (mean ± 1 standard deviation), respectively, at UF, DF, and DB. The undrained PSF (UF) had high and rather stable annual ET, independently of El Niño and La Niña events, in comparison with other tropical rainforests. The minimum monthly-mean GWL explained 80% of interannual variation in ET for the forest sites (UF and DF); the positive relationship between ET and GWL indicates that drainage by a canal decreased ET at DF through lowering GWL. In addition, ET was decreased by 16% at DB in comparison with UF chiefly because of vegetation loss through fires. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Morphological study of boar sperm during their passage through the female genital tract

PubMed Central

GARCÍA-VÁZQUEZ, Francisco Alberto; HERNÁNDEZ-CARAVACA, Iván; MATÁS, Carmen; SORIANO-ÚBEDA, Cristina; ABRIL-SÁNCHEZ, Silvia; IZQUIERDO-RICO, María José

2015-01-01

Once deposited in the female tract, sperm face a series of challenges that must be overcome to ensure the presence of an adequate normal sperm population close to the site of fertilization. Our aim was to evaluate the influence of the uterine milieu on boar sperm morphology. In experiment 1, sperm morphology was evaluated in the backflow (60 min after insemination) and within the uterotubal junction (UTJ) (collected ~24 h after insemination) following intrauterine sperm deposition (n = 6) and compared with the morphology of the sperm in the insemination dose. In experiment 2, the influence of the uterine fluid (UF) on sperm morphological modifications was evaluated. For this purpose, ejaculated (n = 4) and epididymal (n = 4) sperm were in vitro incubated with or without UF for 2 and 24 h. In both experiments, sperm were classified as normal, having a cytoplasmic droplet (proximal or distal) or having tail defects. The results of experiment 1 pointed to an increase in morphologically abnormal sperm collected in the backflow (27.70%) and a reduction of the same in the UTJ (2.12%) compared with the insemination dose (17.75%) (P < 0.05). In experiment 2, incubation of ejaculated sperm with UF did not provoke any morphological modifications; however, when epididymal sperm were incubated with UF, a pronounced increase in the percentage of normal sperm was evident after 24 h compared with the initial dose (from 25.77% to 53.58%, P < 0.05), mainly due to distal cytoplasmatic droplet shedding (53.22 vs. 20.20%). In conclusion, almost all the sperm that colonize the UTJ had a normal morphology, with part of the abnormal sperm having been discarded in the backflow and part selected/modified on their way to the oviduct. UF seems to influence cytoplasmic distal droplet removal, as demonstrated previously in seminal plasma. PMID:26119829

Complete Genome Sequence of the Thermophilic Bacterium Geobacillus thermoleovorans CCB_US3_UF5

PubMed Central

Abdul Rahman, Ahmad Yamin; Saito, Jennifer A.; Hou, Shaobin

2012-01-01

Geobacillus thermoleovorans CCB_US3_UF5 is a thermophilic bacterium isolated from a hot spring in Malaysia. Here, we report the complete genome of G. thermoleovorans CCB_US3_UF5, which shows high similarity to the genome of Geobacillus kaustophilus HTA 426 in terms of synteny and orthologous genes. PMID:22328744

News Media Exits for Depleted Uranium and Depleted UF6 Articles

Science.gov Websites

hexafluoride, uranium privatization, Paducah, and Portsmouth. The New York Times The Washington Post The Chicago Tribune The Kentucky Post Dayton Daily News USA Today The Courier Journal The Wall Street Journal

The Plants of Kaho’olawe

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-05-01

agriculture, and severe overgrazing, leaving the island almost barren of vegeta- tion. With the entry of the United States into World War II...Army Construction Engi- neering Research Laboratories (USACERL) worked with the U.S. Navy to develop a cost- effective land rehabilita- tion...O7O4-O1U)f Wa i wk DC 20005. 1. AGENCY USE ONLY ( Leave BeIN) 2. REPORT DATE 3. REPORT TYPE AND DATES COVERED May 1994 Final 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE 5

Cost comparison between uterine-sparing fibroid treatments one year following treatment

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background To compare one-year all-cause and uterine fibroid (UF)-related direct costs in patients treated with one of the following three uterine-sparing procedures: magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS), uterine artery embolization (UAE) and myomectomy. Methods This retrospective observational cohort study used healthcare claims for several million individuals with healthcare coverage from employers in the MarketScan Database for the period 2003–2010. UF patients aged 25–54 on their first UF procedure (index) date with 366-day baseline experience, 366-day follow-up period, continuous health plan enrollment during baseline and follow-up, and absence of any baseline UF procedures were included in the final sample. Cost outcomes were measured by allowed charges (sum of insurer-paid and patient-paid amounts). UF-related cost was defined as difference in mean cost between study cohorts and propensity-score-matched control cohorts without UF. Multivariate adjustment of cost outcomes was conducted using generalized linear models. Results The study sample comprised 14,426 patients (MRgFUS = 14; UAE = 4,092; myomectomy = 10,320) with a higher percent of older patients in MRgFUS cohort (71% vs. 50% vs. 12% in age-group 45–54, P < 0.001). Adjusted all-cause mean cost was lowest for MRgFUS ($19,763; 95% CI: $10,425-$38,694) followed by myomectomy ($20,407; 95% CI: $19,483-$21,381) and UAE ($25,019; 95% CI: $23,738-$26,376) but without statistical significance. Adjusted UF-related costs were also not significantly different between the three procedures. Conclusions Adjusted all-cause and UF-related costs at one year were not significantly different between patients undergoing MRgFUS, myomectomy and UAE. PMID:25512868

The Accuracy of the Sysmex UF-1000i in Urine Bacterial Detection Compared With the Standard Urine Analysis and Culture.

PubMed

Erdman, Patrick; Anderson, Brian; Zacko, J Christopher; Taylor, Kirk; Donaldson, Keri

2017-11-01

- Urinary tract infections are characterized by the presence of microbial pathogens within the urinary tract. They represent one of the most common infections in hospitalized and clinic patients. - To model the parameters of the Sysmex UF-1000i to the gold standard, urine culture, and to compare the detection of dipstick leukocyte esterase and nitrates to urine cultures and UF-1000i results. - Data were compared from urine samples collected in sterile containers for bacterial culture and microscopic analysis. One sample was used to inoculate a 5% sheep blood agar and MacConkey agar plate using a 0.001-mL calibrated loop. The second sample was analyzed by urinalysis-associated microscopy. The media plates were investigated for growth after 18 to 24 hours of aerobic incubation at 37°C. The second sample was analyzed for bacteria and leukocytes with the Sysmex UF-1000i according to the manufacturer's guidelines. Three definitions for culture results, sensitivity, and specificity at different cutoff values were calculated for the UF-1000i. - The negative predictive value for any positive culture in the adult population included in the study was 95.5%, and the negative predictive value for positive cultures containing growth of 100 000 or more colony-forming units was 99.3% using the Sysmex UF-1000i. - Sysmex UF-1000i showed 98% sensitivity and 93.7% specificity with a 95.5% negative predictive value. Thus, a negative screen with the UF-1000i using defined thresholds for white blood cell counts and bacteria was likely to be a true negative, decreasing the need for presumptive antibiotics.

Revisiting the human uncinate fasciculus, its subcomponents and asymmetries with stem-based tractography and microdissection validation.

PubMed

Hau, Janice; Sarubbo, Silvio; Houde, Jean Christophe; Corsini, Francesco; Girard, Gabriel; Deledalle, Charles; Crivello, Fabrice; Zago, Laure; Mellet, Emmanuel; Jobard, Gaël; Joliot, Marc; Mazoyer, Bernard; Tzourio-Mazoyer, Nathalie; Descoteaux, Maxime; Petit, Laurent

2017-05-01

Despite its significant functional and clinical interest, the anatomy of the uncinate fasciculus (UF) has received little attention. It is known as a 'hook-shaped' fascicle connecting the frontal and anterior temporal lobes and is believed to consist of multiple subcomponents. However, the knowledge of its precise connectional anatomy in humans is lacking, and its subcomponent divisions are unclear. In the present study, we evaluate the anatomy of the UF and provide its detailed normative description in 30 healthy subjects with advanced particle-filtering tractography with anatomical priors and robustness to crossing fibers with constrained spherical deconvolution. We extracted the UF by defining its stem encompassing all streamlines that converge into a compact bundle, which consisted not only of the classic hook-shaped fibers, but also of straight horizontally oriented. We applied an automatic-clustering method to subdivide the UF bundle and revealed five subcomponents in each hemisphere with distinct connectivity profiles, including different asymmetries. A layer-by-layer microdissection of the ventral part of the external and extreme capsules using Klingler's preparation also demonstrated five types of uncinate fibers that, according to their pattern, depth, and cortical terminations, were consistent with the diffusion-based UF subcomponents. The present results shed new light on the UF cortical terminations and its multicomponent internal organization with extended cortical connections within the frontal and temporal cortices. The different lateralization patterns we report within the UF subcomponents reconcile the conflicting asymmetry findings of the literature. Such results clarifying the UF structural anatomy lay the groundwork for more targeted investigations of its functional role, especially in semantic language processing.

Air pollution upregulates endothelial cell procoagulant activity via ultrafine particle-induced oxidant signaling and tissue factor expression.

PubMed

Snow, S J; Cheng, W; Wolberg, A S; Carraway, M S

2014-07-01

Air pollution exposure is associated with cardiovascular events triggered by clot formation. Endothelial activation and initiation of coagulation are pathophysiological mechanisms that could link inhaled air pollutants to vascular events. Here we investigated the underlying mechanisms of increased endothelial cell procoagulant activity following exposure to soluble components of ultrafine particles (soluble UF). Human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC) were exposed to soluble UF and assessed for their ability to trigger procoagulant activity in platelet-free plasma. Exposed HCAEC triggered earlier thrombin generation and faster fibrin clot formation, which was abolished by an anti-tissue factor (TF) antibody, indicating TF-dependent effects. Soluble UF exposure increased TF mRNA expression without compensatory increases in key anticoagulant proteins. To identify early events that regulate TF expression, we measured endothelial H2O2 production following soluble UF exposure and identified the enzymatic source. Soluble UF exposure increased endothelial H2O2 production, and antioxidants attenuated UF-induced upregulation of TF, linking the procoagulant responses to reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation. Chemical inhibitors and RNA silencing showed that NOX-4, an important endothelial source of H2O2, was involved in UF-induced upregulation of TF mRNA. These data indicate that soluble UF exposure induces endothelial cell procoagulant activity, which involves de novo TF synthesis, ROS production, and the NOX-4 enzyme. These findings provide mechanistic insight into the adverse cardiovascular effects associated with air pollution exposure. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Toxicological Sciences 2014. This work is written by (a) US Government employee(s) and is in the public domain in the US.

KNT-artificial neural network model for flux prediction of ultrafiltration membrane producing drinking water.

PubMed

Oh, H K; Yu, M J; Gwon, E M; Koo, J Y; Kim, S G; Koizumi, A

2004-01-01

This paper describes the prediction of flux behavior in an ultrafiltration (UF) membrane system using a Kalman neuro training (KNT) network model. The experimental data was obtained from operating a pilot plant of hollow fiber UF membrane with groundwater for 7 months. The network was trained using operating conditions such as inlet pressure, filtration duration, and feed water quality parameters including turbidity, temperature and UV254. Pre-processing of raw data allowed the normalized input data to be used in sigmoid activation functions. A neural network architecture was structured by modifying the number of hidden layers, neurons and learning iterations. The structure of KNT-neural network with 3 layers and 5 neurons allowed a good prediction of permeate flux by 0.997 of correlation coefficient during the learning phase. Also the validity of the designed model was evaluated with other experimental data not used during the training phase and nonlinear flux behavior was accurately estimated with 0.999 of correlation coefficient and a lower error of prediction in the testing phase. This good flux prediction can provide preliminary criteria in membrane design and set up the proper cleaning cycle in membrane operation. The KNT-artificial neural network is also expected to predict the variation of transmembrane pressure during filtration cycles and can be applied to automation and control of full scale treatment plants.

KSC-02pd0616

NASA Image and Video Library

2002-04-29

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Honorable Diana Morgan speaks to attendees at the opening ceremony kicking off a new program known as SABRE, Space Agricultural Biotechnology Research and Education. In the foreground are Center Director Roy D. Bridges Jr. (left) and U.S. Representative Dave Weldon (right). The SABRE program is a combined effort of the University of Florida and NASA. Morgan is vice chair on the UF Board of Trustees. SABRE will focus on the discovery, development and application of the biological aspects of advanced life support strategies. The program will include faculty from UF's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, who will be located at both KSC - in the state-owned Space Experiment Research and Processing Laboratory (SERPL) being built there - and UF in Gainesville. SABRE will be directed by Robert Ferl, professor in the horticultural sciences department and assistant director of UF's Biotechnology Program. He will be responsible for coordinating the research and education efforts of UF and NASA

From lab to full-scale ultrafiltration in microalgae harvesting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wenten, I. G.; Steven, S.; Dwiputra, A.; Khoiruddin; Hakim, A. N.

2017-07-01

Ponding system is generally used for microalgae cultivation. However, selection of appropriate technology for the harvesting process is challenging due to the low cell density of cultivated microalgae from the ponding system and the large volume of water to be handled. One of the promising technologies for microalgae harvesting is ultrafiltration (UF). In this study, the performance of UF during harvesting of microalgae in a lab- and a full-scale test is investigated. The performances of both scales are compared and analyzed to provide an understanding of several aspects which affect the yield produced from lab and actual conditions. Furthermore, a unique self-standing non-modular UF is introduced in the full-scale test. The non-modular UF exhibits several advantages, such as simple piping and connection, single pump for filtration and backwashing, and smaller footprint. With those advantages, the non-modular UF could be a promising technology for microalgae harvesting in industrial-scale.

Enhanced antifouling and antibacterial properties of poly (ether sulfone) membrane modified through blending with sulfonated poly (aryl ether sulfone) and copper nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Jingjing; Xu, Ya'nan; Chen, Shouwen; Li, Jiansheng; Han, Weiqing; Sun, Xiuyun; Wu, Dihua; Hu, Zhaoxia; Wang, Lianjun

2018-03-01

A series of novel blend ultrafiltration (UF) membranes have been successfully prepared from commercial poly (ether sulfone), lab-synthesized sulfonated poly (aryl ether sulfone) (SPAES, 1 wt%) and copper nanoparticles (0 ∼ 0.4 wt%) via immersion precipitation phase conversion. The micro-structure and separation performance of the membranes were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and cross-flow filtration experiments, respectively. Sodium alginate, bovine serum albumin and humic acid were chosen as model organic foulants to investigate the antifouling properties, while E. coil was used to evaluate the antibacterial property of the fabricated membranes. By the incorporation with SPAES and copper nanoparticles, the hydrophilicity, antifouling and antibacterial properties of the modified UF membranes have been profoundly improved. At a copper nanoparticles content of 0.4 wt%, the PES/SPAES/nCu(0.4) membrane exhibited a high pure water flux of 193.0 kg/m2 h, reaching the smallest contact angle of 52°, highest flux recovery ratio of 79% and largest antibacterial rate of 78.9%. Furthermore, the stability of copper nanoparticles inside the membrane matrix was also considerably enhanced, the copper nanoparticles were less than 0.08 mg/L in the effluent during the whole operation.

Molecular and biochemical characterization in Rauvolfia tetraphylla plantlets grown from synthetic seeds following in vitro cold storage.

PubMed

Faisal, Mohammad; Alatar, Abdularhaman A; Hegazy, Ahmad K

2013-01-01

Synseed technology is one of the most important applications of plant biotechnology for in vitro conservation and regeneration of medicinal and aromatic plants. In the present investigation, synseeds of Rauvolfia tetraphylla were produced using in vitro-proliferated shoots upon complexation of 3 % sodium alginate and 100 mM CaCl(2). The encapsulated buds were stored at 4, 8, 12, and 16 °C and high conversion was observed in synseeds stored at 4 °C for 4 weeks. The effect of different medium strength on in vitro conversion response of synseed was evaluated and the maximum conversion (80.6 %) into plantlets was recorded on half-strength woody plant medium supplemented with 7.5 μM 6-benzyladenine and 2.5 μM α-naphthalene acetic acid after 8 weeks of culture. Plantlets with well-developed shoot and roots were hardened and successfully transplanted in field condition. After 4 weeks of transfer to ex vitro conditions, the performance of synseed-derived plantlets was evaluated on the basis of some physiological and biochemical parameters and compared with the in vivo-grown plants. Short-term storage of synthetic seeds at low temperature had no negative impact on physiological and biochemical profile of the plants that survived the storage process. Furthermore, clonal fidelity of synseed-derived plantlets was also assessed and compared with mother plant using rapid amplified polymorphic DNA and inter-simple sequence repeats analysis. No changes in molecular profiles were found among the regenerated plantlets and comparable to mother plant, which confirm the genetic stability among clones. This synseed protocol could be useful for in vitro clonal multiplication, conservation, and short-term storage and exchange of germplasm of this antihypertensive drug-producing plant.

Synthesis of phenol-urea-formaldehyde cocondensed resins from UF-concentrate and phenol

Treesearch

Bunchiro Tomita; Mashiko Ohyama; Chung-Yun Hse

1994-01-01

A new synthetic method to obtain phenol-urea-formaldehyde cocondensed resins was developed by reacting phenol with "UF-concentrate", which is a kind of urea-formaldehyde (UF) resin prepared with a high molar ratio of formaldehyde to urea (F/U) such as above 2.5. The products were analyzed with 13C-NMR spectroscopy and gel permeation...

Characterisation of soils under long-term crop cultivation without fertilisers: a case study in Japan.

PubMed

Nakatsuka, Hiroko; Tamura, Kenji

2016-01-01

Certain farms in Japan, namely unfertilised farms (UFs), have been able to maintain high productivity for over 40 years without applying fertilisers or composts. This study aimed to characterise the physicochemical, biological and micromorphological properties of soil in UFs compared with control farms in Eniwa and Nariita and to identify characteristics that are associated with crop productivity. In UFs, no plough pan was observed. The thickness of the effective soil depth (ESD) of UFs was greater than that of CFs. The concentrations of soil organic carbon, total nitrogen and nitrate-nitrogen in ESD of UFs were higher than those in ESD of CFs. Soil microstructure observations indicated the strong development of a granular microstructure with large amounts of void space and a high fractal dimension in both surface and subsoil horizons of UFs. Dry yield had a strong correlation with ESD thickness and fractal dimension of voids. Thus, the management of unfertilised cultivation promoted the development of soil aggregation in both A and B horizons. The increase in ESD, soil pore spaces and complexity with the development of subsoil structure improved the productivity of unfertilised cultivation.

Reduction of disinfection by-product precursors in reservoir water by coagulation and ultrafiltration.

PubMed

Wang, Feng; Gao, Baoyu; Ma, Defang; Yue, Qinyan; Li, Ruihua; Wang, Qianwen

2016-11-01

In this study, reservoir water intended for drinking water supply was treated by (i) ultrafiltration (UF) (ii) coagulation (CW) (iii) coagulation combined with ultrafiltration (CW-UF). To probe the influences of three treatment processes on disinfection byproduct (DBP) precursors in source water, the changes of dissolved organic matter (DOM) amounts and physicochemical properties, and disinfection byproduct (DBP) formation characteristics during chlorine disinfection were investigated. Both carbonaceous DBP (C-DBP) and nitrogenous DBP (N-DBP) formation and speciation were analyzed. The influence of chlorine dose, contact time on DBP formation and speciation were also studied to optimize the disinfection conditions to minimize the DBP formation. Compared with UF and CW alone, CW-UF improved the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) removal from about 20 % to 59 %. The three-dimensional excitation and emission matrix (3DEEM) fluorescence spectroscopy analysis showed that CW-UF had high removal efficiency in microbial products (Region IV), fulvic acid-like (Region III) and humic acid-like (Region V). The total C-DBP was determined by the formation of trihalomethanes and trichloromethane was the most abundant species (40 %). The most abundant N-DBP species was dichloroacetonitrile (32.5 %), followed by trichloroactetonitrile. CW-UF effectively reduced the risk of DBPs in drinking water supply by reducing 30.8 % and 16.9 % DBPs formation potential compared with UF and CW alone. Increasing contact time improved the yields of both C-DBPs and N-DBPs. Chlorine dosage had slight influence on DBP yield in this study.

Angiotensin I-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitory Activity, Antioxidant Properties, Phenolic Content and Amino Acid Profiles of Fucus spiralis L. Protein Hydrolysate Fractions

PubMed Central

Paiva, Lisete; Neto, Ana Isabel; Baptista, José

2017-01-01

Food protein-derived hydrolysates with multi-bioactivities such as antihypertensive and antioxidant properties have recently received special attention since both activities can play significant roles in preventing cardiovascular diseases. This study reports, for the first time, the angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibition and antioxidant properties of ultrafiltrate fractions (UF) with different molecular weight ranges (<1, 1–3 and ≥3 kDa) obtained from Fucus spiralis protein hydrolysate (FSPH) digested with cellulase–bromelain. The amino acids profile, recovery yield, protein, peptide and total phenolic contents of these FSPH-UF, and the in vitro digestibility of F. spiralis crude protein were also investigated. FSPH-UF ≥3 kDa presented remarkably higher ACE-inhibition, yield, peptide and polyphenolic (phlorotannins) contents. Antioxidant analysis showed that FSPH-UF <1 kDa and ≥3 kDa exhibited significantly higher scavenging of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical and ferrous ion-chelating (FIC) activity. FSPH-UF ≥3 kDa had also notably higher ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Strong correlations were observed between ACE-inhibition and antioxidant activities (FIC and FRAP). The results suggest that ACE-inhibition and antioxidant properties of FSPH-UF may be due to the bioactive peptides and polyphenols released during the enzymatic hydrolysis. In conclusion, this study shows the potential use of defined size FSPH-UF for the prevention/treatment of hypertension and/or oxidative stress-related diseases. PMID:29027934

Selective progesterone receptor modulators for fertility preservation in women with symptomatic uterine fibroids†

PubMed Central

Ali, Mohamed

2017-01-01

Abstract Uterine fibroids (UFs, AKA leiomyoma) are the most important benign neoplastic threat to women's health, with costs up to hundreds of billions of health care dollars worldwide. Uterine fibroids caused morbidities exert a tremendous health toll, impacting the quality of life of women of all ethnicities, especially women of color. Clinical presentations include heavy vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, bulk symptoms, subfertility, and obstetric complications. Current management strategies heavily lean toward surgical procedures; nonetheless, the choice of treatment is generally subject to patient's age and her desire to preserve future fertility. Women with UF who desire to maintain future fertility potential face a dilemma because of the limited treatment choices that are currently available to help them achieve that goal. Recently, ulipristal acetate the first of the promising family of oral selective progesterone receptor modulators has been approved for UF treatment in Europe, Canada, and several other countries and is under review for possible approval in the USA. In this review article, we discuss recent advances in the management options against UF with a bend toward oral effective long-term treatment alternatives who are particularly suited for those seeking to preserve their future fertility potential. We also explore the transformative concept of primary and secondary UF prevention using these new anti-UF agents. We envision a remarkable shift in the management of UF in future years from surgical/invasive treatment to orally administrated options; clearly, this potential shift will require additional intense clinical research. PMID:29025038

Automated urinalysis: first experiences and a comparison between the Iris iQ200 urine microscopy system, the Sysmex UF-100 flow cytometer and manual microscopic particle counting.

PubMed

Shayanfar, Noushin; Tobler, Ulrich; von Eckardstein, Arnold; Bestmann, Lukas

2007-01-01

Automated analysis of insoluble urine components can reduce the workload of conventional microscopic examination of urine sediment and is possibly helpful for standardization. We compared the diagnostic performance of two automated urine sediment analyzers and combined dipstick/automated urine analysis with that of the traditional dipstick/microscopy algorithm. A total of 332 specimens were collected and analyzed for insoluble urine components by microscopy and automated analyzers, namely the Iris iQ200 (Iris Diagnostics) and the UF-100 flow cytometer (Sysmex). The coefficients of variation for day-to-day quality control of the iQ200 and UF-100 analyzers were 6.5% and 5.5%, respectively, for red blood cells. We reached accuracy ranging from 68% (bacteria) to 97% (yeast) for the iQ200 and from 42% (bacteria) to 93% (yeast) for the UF-100. The combination of dipstick and automated urine sediment analysis increased the sensitivity of screening to approximately 98%. We conclude that automated urine sediment analysis is sufficiently precise and improves the workflow in a routine laboratory. In addition, it allows sediment analysis of all urine samples and thereby helps to detect pathological samples that would have been missed in the conventional two-step procedure according to the European guidelines. Although it is not a substitute for microscopic sediment examination, it can, when combined with dipstick testing, reduce the number of specimens submitted to microscopy. Visual microscopy is still required for some samples, namely, dysmorphic erythrocytes, yeasts, Trichomonas, oval fat bodies, differentiation of casts and certain crystals.

Review of the TREAT Conversion Conceptual Design and Fuel Qualification Plan

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Diamond, David

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is preparing to re establish the capability to conduct transient testing of nuclear fuels at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Transient Reactor Test (TREAT) facility. The original TREAT core went critical in February 1959 and operated for more than 6,000 reactor startups before plant operations were suspended in 1994. DOE is now planning to restart the reactor using the plant's original high-enriched uranium (HEU) fuel. At the same time, the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Office of Material Management and Minimization Reactor Conversion Program is supporting analyses and fuel fabrication studies that will allowmore » for reactor conversion to low-enriched uranium (LEU) fuel (i.e., fuel with less than 20% by weight 235U content) after plant restart. The TREAT Conversion Program's objectives are to perform the design work necessary to generate an LEU replacement core, to restore the capability to fabricate TREAT fuel element assemblies, and to implement the physical and operational changes required to convert the TREAT facility to use LEU fuel.« less

Removal of low-molecular weight DBPs and inorganic ions for characterization of high-molecular weight DBPs in drinking water.

PubMed

Zhang, Xiangru; Minear, Roger A

2006-03-01

High-molecular weight (MW) halogenated disinfection byproducts (DBPs) may cause adverse health effects. In this work several issues related to the better separation and characterization of the high MW halogenated DBPs (MW>500Da) were studied. Ultra-filtration (UF) coupled with a nominal 500-Da membrane was employed to flush out low MW DBPs and inorganic ions. Two procedures, intermittent UF and continuous UF, were used and compared. The results demonstrate that haloacetic acids, chloride and sodium ions could be effectively flushed out, and most of phosphate ions could be flushed out for a given dilution number or sufficient Milli-Q water. The size exclusion chromatograms indicate that haloacetic acids and trihalomethanes were not bound to Suwannee River fulvic acid (SRFA); 2,4,6-trichlorophenol might form some binding with SRFA, but it appeared to be very weak and readily broken up when passing along the size exclusion column. The octanol-water partition coefficients of low MW DBPs and the properties of humic substances seem to play key roles in determining the formation of possible bindings between low MW DBPs and humic substances.

Structural study of the ammonium octafluoroneptunate, [NH 4] 4NpF 8

DOE PAGES

Poineau, Frederic; Silva, Chinthaka M.; Yeamans, Charles B.; ...

2016-04-21

The [NH 4] 4NpF 8 salt was prepared from the solid-state reaction of NpO 2 with NH 4HF 2 and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction and X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy. The diffraction results confirm the compound to be isostructural to [NH 4] 4UF 8 with the following lattice parameter (a = 13.054(4) Å, b = 6.681(2) Å, c = 13.676(5) Å, ß = 121.14 Å). For the first time, a Neptunium fluoride complex has been characterized by XAFS spectroscopy. The energy position of the white line and inflection of the XANES spectra of [NH 4] 4NpF 8 are consistentmore » with the presence of Np(IV). Adjustment of the EXAFS spectra indicates that the coordination number (7.4±1.5) and the average Np-F distance (2.26(1) Å) are consistent with the presence of the NpF8 dodecahedron. The average Np-F distance is ~0.02 Å shorter than the U-F distance in [NH 4] 4UF 8 and is a result of the actinide contraction.« less

Urea-formaldehyde resins: production, application, and testing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nuryawan, A.; Risnasari, I.; Sucipto, T.; Heri Iswanto, A.; Rosmala Dewi, R.

2017-07-01

Urea-formaldehyde (UF) resin, one of the most important formaldehyde resin adhesives, is a polymeric condensation product of formaldehyde with urea, and being widely used for the manufacture of wood-based composite panels, such as plywood, particleboard, and fiberboard. In spite of its benefits such as fast curing, good performance in the panels (colorless), and lower cost; formaldehyde emission (FE) originated from either UF resin itself or composite products bonded by UF resins is considered a critical drawback as it affects human health particularly in indoor environment. In order to reduce the FE, lowering formaldehyde/urea (F/U) mole ratio in the synthesis of the UF resin was done. In this study, synthesis of UF resins was carried out following the conventional alkaline-acid two-step reaction with a second addition of urea, resulting in F/U mole ratio around 1.0, namely 0.95; 1.05, and 1.15. The UF resins produced were used as binder for particleboard making. The board was manufactured in the laboratory using shaving type particle of Gmelina wood, 8% UF resin based on oven dry particle, and 1% NH4Cl (20%wt) as hardener for the resin. The target of the thickness was 10 mm and the dimension was 25 cm x 25 cm. The resulted particleboard then was evaluated the physical and the mechanical properties by Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) A 5908 (2003). Further, the resulted particleboard also was used for the mice cage’s wall in order to mimic the real living environment. After four weeks exposure in the cages, the mice then were evaluated their mucous organs as well as their blood. The experiment results were as follows: 1) It was possible to synthesis UF resins with low F/U mole ratio; 2) However, the particleboard bonded UF resins with low F/U mole ratio showed poor properties, particularly on the thickness swelling and modulus of elasticity; 3) There was no significant differences among the mucous organs of the mice after a month exposure FE originated from cages wall using histopathology assessment.

Viability Study for an Unattended UF 6 Cylinder Verification Station: Phase I Final Report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Smith, Leon E.; Miller, Karen A.; Garner, James R.

In recent years, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has pursued innovative techniques and an integrated suite of safeguards measures to address the verification challenges posed by the front end of the nuclear fuel cycle. Among the unattended instruments currently being explored by the IAEA is an Unattended Cylinder Verification Station (UCVS) that could provide automated, independent verification of the declared relative enrichment, 235U mass, total uranium mass and identification for all declared UF 6 cylinders in a facility (e.g., uranium enrichment plants and fuel fabrication plants). Under the auspices of the United States and European Commission Support Programs tomore » the IAEA, a project was undertaken to assess the technical and practical viability of the UCVS concept. The US Support Program team consisted of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL, lead), Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and Savanah River National Laboratory (SRNL). At the core of the viability study is a long-term field trial of a prototype UCVS system at a Westinghouse fuel fabrication facility. A key outcome of the study is a quantitative performance evaluation of two nondestructive assay (NDA) methods being considered for inclusion in a UCVS: Hybrid Enrichment Verification Array (HEVA), and Passive Neutron Enrichment Meter (PNEM). This report provides context for the UCVS concept and the field trial: potential UCVS implementation concepts at an enrichment facility; an overview of UCVS prototype design; field trial objectives and activities. Field trial results and interpretation are presented, with a focus on the performance of PNEM and HEVA for the assay of over 200 “typical” Type 30B cylinders, and the viability of an “NDA Fingerprint” concept as a high-fidelity means to periodically verify that the contents of a given cylinder are consistent with previous scans. A modeling study, combined with field-measured instrument uncertainties, provides an assessment of the partial-defect sensitivity of HEVA and PNEM for both one-time assay and (repeated) NDA Fingerprint verification scenarios. The findings presented in this report represent a significant step forward in the community’s understanding of the strengths and limitations of the PNEM and HEVA NDA methods, and the viability of the UCVS concept in front-end fuel cycle facilities. This experience will inform Phase II of the UCVS viability study, should the IAEA pursue it.« less

Two Photon Spectroscopy of UF6 in the Near Ultraviolet

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-03-10

Chemistry Department Department of Chemistry University of Illinois Howard University Urbana, Illinois 61801 Washington, DC 20059 Dr. A. Adamson Dr. George...E. Walraffer Department of Chemistry Department of Chemistry University of Southern Howard University California Washington, DC 20059 Los Angeles

KSC-02pd0618

NASA Image and Video Library

2002-04-29

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Robert Ferl, professor in the horticultural sciences department and assistant director of the University of Florida Biotechnology Program, speaks during the opening ceremony to launch a new program called SABRE, Space Agricultural Biotechnology Research and Education, that involves UF and NASA. SABRE will focus on the discovery, development and application of the biological aspects of advanced life support strategies. The program will include faculty from UF's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, who will be located at both KSC - in the state-owned Space Experiment Research and Processing Laboratory (SERPL) being built there - and UF in Gainesville. Ferl will direct and be responsible for coordinating the research and education efforts of UF and NASA.

Unidentified emission features in the R Coronae Borealis star V854 Centauri

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oostrum, L. C.; Ochsendorf, B. B.; Kaper, L.; Tielens, A. G. G. M.

2018-02-01

During its 2012 decline, the R Coronae Borealis star (RCB) V854 Cen was spectroscopically monitored with X-shooter on the ESO Very Large Telescope. The obscured optical and near-infrared spectrum exhibits many narrow and several broad emission features, as previously observed. The envelope is spatially resolved along the slit and allows for a detailed study of the circumstellar material. In this Letter, we report on the properties of a number of unidentified visual emission features (UFs), including the detection of a new feature at 8692 Å. These UFs have been observed in the Red Rectangle (RR), but their chemical and physical nature is still a mystery. The previously known UFs behave similarly in the RR and in V854 Cen, but are not detected in six other observed RCBs. Some hydrogen might be required for the formation of their carrier(s). The λ8692 UF is present in all RCBs. Its carrier is likely of a carbonaceous molecular nature, presumably different from that of the other UFs.

Foreskin reconstruction vs circumcision in distal hypospadias.

PubMed

Rampersad, Rajay; Nyo, Yoke Lin; Hutson, John; O'Brien, Mike; Heloury, Yves

2017-10-01

The purpose of the study was to determine if there were differences in the complication rates between foreskin reconstruction (FR) and circumcision (CIRC) in distal hypospadias repairs. The primary outcomes were urethrocutaneous fistula (UF) and dehiscence. The data of distal hypospadias operated between 2005 and 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. The inclusion criteria were any distal hypospadias repair that required an urethroplasty. The exclusion criteria were follow-up <1 year, redo procedures, chordee greater than 20°, and incomplete data. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed on the results. 213 patients were included (95 FR and 118 CIRC). The 2 groups were comparable for age at surgery 19.32 months in FR and 14.25 months in CIRC. Mathieu repair was more common in FR (47/95-49.47%) than in CIRC (45/118-38.14%). The total subsequent procedures required were 23 in FR and 57 in CIRC. The incidence of UF was 6.3% (6/95) in FR and 27.1% (32/118) in CIRC (p < 0.001, OR 5.52, 95% CI 2.2-13.9). Complete dehiscence rates were 3.16% (3/95) FR vs 11.02% (13/118) for CIRC (p = 0.037, OR 3.8, 95% CI 1.05-13.74). The incidence of patients requiring reoperation was 18.9% (18/95) in FR versus 45.8% (54/118) in CIRC (p < 0.001, OR 3.61, 95% CI 1.93-6.76). Foreskin Reconstruction conferred a significantly lower rate of complications, particularly the UF rate, dehiscence rate, and number of patients that required reoperation. Our rate of complications in the CIRC group is much higher than other published data.

Development of melamine modified urea formaldehyde resins based o nstrong acidic pH catalyzed urea formaldehyde polymer

Treesearch

Chung-Yun Hse

2009-01-01

To upgrade the performance of urea-formaldehyde (UF) resin bonded particleboards, melamine modified urea-formaldehyde (MUF) resins based on strong acidic pH catalyzed UF polymers were investigated. The study was conducted in a series of two experiments: 1) formulation of MUF resins based on a UF polymer catalyzed with strong acidic pH and 2) determination of the...

Frontotemporal correlates of impulsivity and machine learning in retired professional athletes with a history of multiple concussions.

PubMed

Goswami, R; Dufort, P; Tartaglia, M C; Green, R E; Crawley, A; Tator, C H; Wennberg, R; Mikulis, D J; Keightley, M; Davis, Karen D

2016-05-01

The frontotemporal cortical network is associated with behaviours such as impulsivity and aggression. The health of the uncinate fasciculus (UF) that connects the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) with the anterior temporal lobe (ATL) may be a crucial determinant of behavioural regulation. Behavioural changes can emerge after repeated concussion and thus we used MRI to examine the UF and connected gray matter as it relates to impulsivity and aggression in retired professional football players who had sustained multiple concussions. Behaviourally, athletes had faster reaction times and an increased error rate on a go/no-go task, and increased aggression and mania compared to controls. MRI revealed that the athletes had (1) cortical thinning of the ATL, (2) negative correlations of OFC thickness with aggression and task errors, indicative of impulsivity, (3) negative correlations of UF axial diffusivity with error rates and aggression, and (4) elevated resting-state functional connectivity between the ATL and OFC. Using machine learning, we found that UF diffusion imaging differentiates athletes from healthy controls with significant classifiers based on UF mean and radial diffusivity showing 79-84 % sensitivity and specificity, and 0.8 areas under the ROC curves. The spatial pattern of classifier weights revealed hot spots at the orbitofrontal and temporal ends of the UF. These data implicate the UF system in the pathological outcomes of repeated concussion as they relate to impulsive behaviour. Furthermore, a support vector machine has potential utility in the general assessment and diagnosis of brain abnormalities following concussion.

Bayesian methods for uncertainty factor application for derivation of reference values.

PubMed

Simon, Ted W; Zhu, Yiliang; Dourson, Michael L; Beck, Nancy B

2016-10-01

In 2014, the National Research Council (NRC) published Review of EPA's Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) Process that considers methods EPA uses for developing toxicity criteria for non-carcinogens. These criteria are the Reference Dose (RfD) for oral exposure and Reference Concentration (RfC) for inhalation exposure. The NRC Review suggested using Bayesian methods for application of uncertainty factors (UFs) to adjust the point of departure dose or concentration to a level considered to be without adverse effects for the human population. The NRC foresaw Bayesian methods would be potentially useful for combining toxicity data from disparate sources-high throughput assays, animal testing, and observational epidemiology. UFs represent five distinct areas for which both adjustment and consideration of uncertainty may be needed. NRC suggested UFs could be represented as Bayesian prior distributions, illustrated the use of a log-normal distribution to represent the composite UF, and combined this distribution with a log-normal distribution representing uncertainty in the point of departure (POD) to reflect the overall uncertainty. Here, we explore these suggestions and present a refinement of the methodology suggested by NRC that considers each individual UF as a distribution. From an examination of 24 evaluations from EPA's IRIS program, when individual UFs were represented using this approach, the geometric mean fold change in the value of the RfD or RfC increased from 3 to over 30, depending on the number of individual UFs used and the sophistication of the assessment. We present example calculations and recommendations for implementing the refined NRC methodology. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Ultrafine carbon particles promote rotenone-induced dopamine neuronal loss through activating microglial NADPH oxidase

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, Yinxi; Liu, Dan; Zhang, Huifeng

Background: Atmospheric ultrafine particles (UFPs) and pesticide rotenone were considered as potential environmental risk factors for Parkinson's disease (PD). However, whether and how UFPs alone and in combination with rotenone affect the pathogenesis of PD remains largely unknown. Methods: Ultrafine carbon black (ufCB, a surrogate of UFPs) and rotenone were used individually or in combination to determine their roles in chronic dopaminergic (DA) loss in neuron-glia, and neuron-enriched, mix-glia cultures. Immunochemistry using antibody against tyrosine hydroxylase was performed to detect DA neuronal loss. Measurement of extracellular superoxide and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were performed to examine activation of NADPHmore » oxidase. Genetic deletion and pharmacological inhibition of NADPH oxidase and MAC-1 receptor in microglia were employed to examine their role in DA neuronal loss triggered by ufCB and rotenone. Results: In rodent midbrain neuron-glia cultures, ufCB and rotenone alone caused neuronal death in a dose-dependent manner. In particularly, ufCB at doses of 50 and 100 μg/cm{sup 2} induced significant loss of DA neurons. More importantly, nontoxic doses of ufCB (10 μg/cm{sup 2}) and rotenone (2 nM) induced synergistic toxicity to DA neurons. Microglial activation was essential in this process. Furthermore, superoxide production from microglial NADPH oxidase was critical in ufCB/rotenone-induced neurotoxicity. Studies in mix-glia cultures showed that ufCB treatment activated microglial NADPH oxidase to induce superoxide production. Firstly, ufCB enhanced the expression of NADPH oxidase subunits (gp91{sup phox}, p47{sup phox} and p40{sup phox}); secondly, ufCB was recognized by microglial surface MAC-1 receptor and consequently promoted rotenone-induced p47{sup phox} and p67{sup phox} translocation assembling active NADPH oxidase. Conclusion: ufCB and rotenone worked in synergy to activate NADPH oxidase in microglia, leading to oxidative damage to DA neurons. Our findings delineated the potential role of ultrafine particles alone and in combination with pesticide rotenone in the pathogenesis of PD. - Graphical abstract: Ultrafine particles and rotenone synergistically induce the assembly of active form NADPH oxidase complex in microglia inducing oxidative damage to dopamine neurons. - Highlights: • Ultrafine carbon black promotes dopaminergic neuronal loss induced by rotenone. • The role and underlying mechanism of ultrafine particles in the pathogenesis of PD • NADPH oxidase is a potential therapeutic target of Parkinson's disease.« less

Measured 19F(α,n) with VANDLE for Nuclear Safeguards

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peters, William; Clement, R. C. C.; Smith, M. S.; Pain, S.; Febbraro, M.; Pittman, S.; Thomspon, S.; Grinder, M.; Cizewski, J. A.; Reingold, C.; Manning, B.; Burcher, S.; Bardayan, D. W.; Tan, W.-P.; Stech, E.; Smith, M. K.; Avetisyan, R.; Gyurjinyan, A.; Lowe, M.; Ilyushkin, S.; Grzywacz, R.; Madurga, M.; Paulauskas, S. V.; Taylor, S. Z.; Smith, K.

2015-10-01

One of the most promising non-destructive assay (NDA) methods to monitor UF6 canisters consists of measuring gross neutron rates induced by uranium-decay alpha particles reacting with the fluorine and emitting a neutron. This method currently lacks reliable nuclear data on the 19F(α,n) reaction cross section to determine an accurate neutron yield rate for a given sample of UF6. We have measured the cross section and coincident neutron spectrum for the alpha-decay energy range using the VANDLE system. This experiment had two parts: first at Notre Dame with a LaF3 target and and a pulsed alpha-particle beam, and second at ORNL with a windowless He-gas target and a 19F beam. The motivation for this measurement and cross section results will be presented. This work is funded in part by the DOE Office of Science, the National Nuclear Security Administration SSAA and the Office of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation R&D, and the NSF.

Laboratory-scale uranium RF plasma confinement experiments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roman, W. C.

1976-01-01

An experimental investigation was conducted using 80 kW and 1.2 MW RF induction heater facilities to aid in developing the technology necessary for designing a self-critical fissioning uranium plasma core reactor. Pure uranium hexafluoride (UF6) was injected into argon-confined, steady-state, RF-heated plasmas in different uranium plasma confinement tests to investigate the characteristics of plamas core nuclear reactors. The objectives were: (1) to confine as high a density of uranium vapor as possible within the plasma while simultaneously minimizing the uranium compound wall deposition; (2) to develop and test materials and handling techniques suitable for use with high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous UF6; and (3) to develop complementary diagnostic instrumentation and measurement techniques to characterize the uranium plasma and residue deposited on the test chamber components. In all tests, the plasma was a fluid-mechanically-confined vortex-type contained within a fused-silica cylindrical test chamber. The test chamber peripheral wall was 5.7 cm ID by 10 cm long.

Evaluation of the UF/NCI hybrid computational phantoms for use in organ dosimetry of pediatric patients undergoing fluoroscopically guided cardiac procedures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marshall, Emily L.; Borrego, David; Tran, Trung; Fudge, James C.; Bolch, Wesley E.

2018-03-01

Epidemiologic data demonstrate that pediatric patients face a higher relative risk of radiation induced cancers than their adult counterparts at equivalent exposures. Infants and children with congenital heart defects are a critical patient population exposed to ionizing radiation during life-saving procedures. These patients will likely incur numerous procedures throughout their lifespan, each time increasing their cumulative radiation absorbed dose. As continued improvements in long-term prognosis of congenital heart defect patients is achieved, a better understanding of organ radiation dose following treatment becomes increasingly vital. Dosimetry of these patients can be accomplished using Monte Carlo radiation transport simulations, coupled with modern anatomical patient models. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of the University of Florida/National Cancer Institute (UF/NCI) pediatric hybrid computational phantom library for organ dose assessment of patients that have undergone fluoroscopically guided cardiac catheterizations. In this study, two types of simulations were modeled. A dose assessment was performed on 29 patient-specific voxel phantoms (taken as representing the patient’s true anatomy), height/weight-matched hybrid library phantoms, and age-matched reference phantoms. Two exposure studies were conducted for each phantom type. First, a parametric study was constructed by the attending pediatric interventional cardiologist at the University of Florida to model the range of parameters seen clinically. Second, four clinical cardiac procedures were simulated based upon internal logfiles captured by a Toshiba Infinix-i Cardiac Bi-Plane fluoroscopic unit. Performance of the phantom library was quantified by computing both the percent difference in individual organ doses, as well as the organ dose root mean square values for overall phantom assessment between the matched phantoms (UF/NCI library or reference) and the patient-specific phantoms. The UF/NCI hybrid phantoms performed at percent differences of between 15% and 30% for the parametric set of irradiation events. Among internal logfile reconstructed procedures, the UF/NCI hybrid phantoms performed with RMS organ dose values between 7% and 29%. Percent improvement in organ dosimetry via the use of hybrid library phantoms over the reference phantoms ranged from 6.6% to 93%. The use of a hybrid phantom library, Monte Carlo radiation transport methods, and clinical information on irradiation events provide a means for tracking organ dose in these radiosensitive patients undergoing fluoroscopically guided cardiac procedures. This work was supported by Advanced Laboratory for Radiation Dosimetry Studies, University of Florida, American Association of University Women, National Cancer Institute Grant 1F31 CA159464.

8. VIEW OF GLOVE BOXES USED IN THE ANION EXCHANGE ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

8. VIEW OF GLOVE BOXES USED IN THE ANION EXCHANGE PROCESS. THE ANION EXCHANGE PROCESS PURIFIED AND CONCENTRATED PLUTONIUM-BEARING NITRIC ACID SOLUTIONS TO MAKE THEM ACCEPTABLE AS FEED FOR CONVERSION TO METAL. (6/20/60) - Rocky Flats Plant, Plutonium Recovery & Fabrication Facility, North-central section of plant, Golden, Jefferson County, CO

Zero Discharge Performance of an Industrial Pilot-Scale Plant Treating Palm Oil Mill Effluent

PubMed Central

Mahmood, Qaisar; Qiu, Jiang-Ping; Li, Yin-Sheng; Chang, Yoon-Seong; Chi, Li-Na; Li, Xu-Dong

2015-01-01

Palm oil is one of the most important agroindustries in Malaysia. Huge quantities of palm oil mill effluent (POME) pose a great threat to aqueous environment due to its very high COD. To make full use of discharged wastes, the integrated “zero discharge” pilot-scale industrial plant comprising “pretreatment-anaerobic and aerobic process-membrane separation” was continuously operated for 1 year. After pretreatment in the oil separator tank, 55.6% of waste oil in raw POME could be recovered and sold and anaerobically digested through 2 AnaEG reactors followed by a dissolved air flotation (DAF); average COD reduced to about 3587 mg/L, and biogas production was 27.65 times POME injection which was used to generate electricity. The aerobic effluent was settled for 3 h or/and treated in MBR which could remove BOD3 (30°C) to less than 20 mg/L as required by Department of Environment of Malaysia. After filtration by UF and RO membrane, all organic compounds and most of the salts were removed; RO permeate could be reused as the boiler feed water. RO concentrate combined with anaerobic surplus sludge could be used as biofertilizer. PMID:25685798

Enrichment Assay Methods Development for the Integrated Cylinder Verification System

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Smith, Leon E.; Misner, Alex C.; Hatchell, Brian K.

2009-10-22

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors currently perform periodic inspections at uranium enrichment plants to verify UF6 cylinder enrichment declarations. Measurements are typically performed with handheld high-resolution sensors on a sampling of cylinders taken to be representative of the facility's entire product-cylinder inventory. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is developing a concept to automate the verification of enrichment plant cylinders to enable 100 percent product-cylinder verification and potentially, mass-balance calculations on the facility as a whole (by also measuring feed and tails cylinders). The Integrated Cylinder Verification System (ICVS) could be located at key measurement points to positively identify eachmore » cylinder, measure its mass and enrichment, store the collected data in a secure database, and maintain continuity of knowledge on measured cylinders until IAEA inspector arrival. The three main objectives of this FY09 project are summarized here and described in more detail in the report: (1) Develop a preliminary design for a prototype NDA system, (2) Refine PNNL's MCNP models of the NDA system, and (3) Procure and test key pulse-processing components. Progress against these tasks to date, and next steps, are discussed.« less

Zero discharge performance of an industrial pilot-scale plant treating palm oil mill effluent.

PubMed

Wang, Jin; Mahmood, Qaisar; Qiu, Jiang-Ping; Li, Yin-Sheng; Chang, Yoon-Seong; Chi, Li-Na; Li, Xu-Dong

2015-01-01

Palm oil is one of the most important agroindustries in Malaysia. Huge quantities of palm oil mill effluent (POME) pose a great threat to aqueous environment due to its very high COD. To make full use of discharged wastes, the integrated "zero discharge" pilot-scale industrial plant comprising "pretreatment-anaerobic and aerobic process-membrane separation" was continuously operated for 1 year. After pretreatment in the oil separator tank, 55.6% of waste oil in raw POME could be recovered and sold and anaerobically digested through 2 AnaEG reactors followed by a dissolved air flotation (DAF); average COD reduced to about 3587 mg/L, and biogas production was 27.65 times POME injection which was used to generate electricity. The aerobic effluent was settled for 3 h or/and treated in MBR which could remove BOD3 (30°C) to less than 20 mg/L as required by Department of Environment of Malaysia. After filtration by UF and RO membrane, all organic compounds and most of the salts were removed; RO permeate could be reused as the boiler feed water. RO concentrate combined with anaerobic surplus sludge could be used as biofertilizer.

KSC-02pd0614

NASA Image and Video Library

2002-04-29

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- U.S. Representative Dave Weldon addresses a large group attending the opening of a new program known as SABRE, Space Agricultural Biotechnology Research and Education, that involves the University of Florida and NASA. SABRE will focus on the discovery, development and application of the biological aspects of advanced life support strategies. The program will include faculty from UF's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, who will be located at both KSC - in the state-owned Space Experiment Research and Processing Laboratory (SERPL) being built there - and UF in Gainesville. SABRE will be directed by Robert Ferl, professor in the horticultural sciences department and assistant director of UF's Biotechnology Program. He will be responsible for coordinating the research and education efforts of UF and NASA

KSC-02pd0613

NASA Image and Video Library

2002-04-29

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Center Director Roy D. Bridges Jr. speaks to a large group attending the opening of a new program known as SABRE, Space Agricultural Biotechnology Research and Education, that involves the University of Florida and NASA. SABRE will focus on the discovery, development and application of the biological aspects of advanced life support strategies. The program will include faculty from UF's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, who will be located at both KSC - in the state-owned Space Experiment Research and Processing Laboratory (SERPL) being built there - and UF in Gainesville. SABRE will be directed by Robert Ferl, professor in the horticultural sciences department and assistant director of UF's Biotechnology Program. He will be responsible for coordinating the research and education efforts of UF and NASA

Advanced biological activated carbon filter for removing pharmaceutically active compounds from treated wastewater.

PubMed

Sbardella, Luca; Comas, Joaquim; Fenu, Alessio; Rodriguez-Roda, Ignasi; Weemaes, Marjoleine

2018-04-28

Through their release of effluents, conventional wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) represent a major pollution point sources for pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs) in water bodies. The combination of a biological activated carbon (BAC) filter coupled with an ultrafiltration (UF) unit was evaluated as an advanced treatment for PhACs removal at pilot scale. The BAC-UF pilot plant was monitored for one year. The biological activity of the biofilm that developed on the granular activated carbon (GAC) particles and the contribution of this biofilm to the overall removal of PhACs were evaluated. Two different phases were observed during the long-term monitoring of PhACs removal. During the first 9200 bed volumes (BV; i.e., before GAC saturation), 89, 78, 83 and 79% of beta-blockers, psychiatric drugs, antibiotics and a mix of other therapeutic groups were removed, respectively. The second phase was characterized by deterioration of the overall performances during the period between 9200 and 13,800 BV. To quantify the respective contribution of adsorption and biodegradation, a lab-scale setup was operated for four months and highlighted the essential role played by GAC in biofiltration units. Physical adsorption was indeed the main removal mechanism. Nevertheless, a significant contribution due to biological activity was detected for some PhACs. The biofilm contributed to the removal of 22, 25, 30, 32 and 35% of ciprofloxacin, bezafibrate, ofloxacin, azithromycin and sulfamethoxazole, respectively. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Increase in the activity of fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase in cytosol affects sugar partitioning and increases the lateral shoots in tobacco plants at elevated CO2 levels.

PubMed

Tamoi, Masahiro; Hiramatsu, Yoshie; Nedachi, Shigeki; Otori, Kumi; Tanabe, Noriaki; Maruta, Takanori; Shigeoka, Shigeru

2011-05-01

We generated transgenic tobacco plants with high levels of fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase expressing cyanobacterialfructose-1,6-/sedoheptulose-1,7-bisphosphatase in the cytosol. At ambient CO(2) levels (360 ppm), growth, photosynthetic activity, and fresh weight were unchanged but the sucrose/hexose/starch ratio was slightly altered in the transgenic plants compared with wild-type plants. At elevated CO(2) levels (1200 ppm), lateral shoot, leaf number, and fresh weight were significantly increased in the transgenic plants. Photosynthetic activity was also increased. Hexose accumulated in the upper leaves in the wild-type plants, while sucrose and starch accumulated in the lower leaves and lateral shoots in the transgenic plants. These findings suggest that cytosolic fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase contributes to the efficient conversion of hexose into sucrose, and that the change in carbon partitioning affects photosynthetic capacity and morphogenesis at elevated CO(2) levels.

Use of Cultivation Data from the Algae Testbed Public Private Partnership as Utilized in NREL's Algae State of Technology Assessments

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Knoshaug, Eric; Laurens, Lieve; Kinchin, Christopher

The Algae Testbed Public Private Partnership (ATP3) conducted algal growth experiments over the course of 16 months termed the Unified Field Studies (UFS). These experiments were conducted at 5 different geographic locations in Arizona (ASU), California (CP), Florida (FA), Georgia (GT), and Hawaii (CELL). The UFS sought to evaluate different algal biomass harvesting strategies using identical ponds, media, and operational conditions through all four seasons across different geographic regions to isolate the effects on productivity attributed to locational climate and seasonal variability, overlaid by the differing harvest strategies. Set up as the baseline against which other experiments would build upon,more » it must be emphasized that as per the stated, approved experimental goals of the ATP3 UFS, no attempts at growth or lipid accumulation optimization were made; rather, the primary focus of the UFS work was to cultivate algal biomass under deliberate, consistent conditions, time periods, and harvesting protocols, to provide public data on year-round outdoor biomass production that could be directly compared between one site and another (with accompanying climate data for each site). Thus the resulting productivity numbers in effect represent a conservative baseline of non-optimized algal growth one may expect at these sites. Also clearly weather can vary dramatically from season to season and from year to year, and even within a given 'season' where an individual season's data was typically based on 4-6 week operating windows. Thus these numbers also only reflect a short snapshot in time, and must be interpreted carefully in projecting what may be expected over many years or decades (for example, a 30-year facility lifetime as evaluated in techno-economic models).« less

Evaluation of taurine as an osmotic agent for peritoneal dialysis solution.

PubMed

Nishimura, Hideki; Ikehara, Osamu; Naito, Takashi; Higuchi, Chieko; Sanaka, Tsutomu

2009-01-01

The development of a glucose-free peritoneal dialysis (PD) solution is important because glucose has been associated with functional and morphological damage to the peritoneal membrane. The ultrafiltration (UF) and biocompatibility of new PD solutions containing taurine (PD-taurine) instead of glucose as an osmolite were tested in a rat PD model. To determine the solution's UF ability, different concentrations of taurine in PD solutions were compared to glucose-based PD solutions (PD-glucose) by giving single intraperitoneal injections for 2, 4, and 6 hours. To examine the biocompatibility of PD-taurine, the rats were divided into 3 groups: a 3.86% PD-glucose group, a 3.5% PD-taurine group and a not dialyzed group. The rats were given 10-mL injections of PD fluids intraperitoneally 3 times daily for 7 days. A peritoneal equilibration test (PET) was performed using a 1.9% xylitol solution at the time the rats were sacrificed. Mesothelial cell monolayers were obtained from the animals and studied based on a population analysis. The net UF of PD-taurine increased in a dose-dependent manner; the 3.5% PD-taurine solution was equivalent to the 3.86% PD-glucose solution after 4 hours. The PET showed that the drainage volume and the D(4)/D(0) ratio for xylitol after 4 hours with PD-taurine solution were significantly greater than with the PD-glucose solution (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001 respectively). Mesothelial and fibroblast-like cell proliferation was significantly less with PD-taurine than with PD-glucose (p < 0.01). These results indicate that PD-taurine resulted in net UF equivalent to that of PD-glucose and was more biocompatible than PD-glucose with respect to the peritoneal membrane.

Study on the removal efficiency of UF membranes using bacteriophages in bench-scale and semi-technical scale.

PubMed

Kreissel, K; Bösl, M; Lipp, P; Franzreb, M; Hambsch, B

2012-01-01

To determine the removal efficiency of ultrafiltration (UF) membranes for nano-particles in the size range of viruses the state of the art uses challenge tests with virus-spiked water. This work focuses on bench-scale and semi-technical scale experiments. Different experimental parameters influencing the removal efficiency of the tested UF membrane modules were analyzed and evaluated for bench- and semi-technical scale experiments. Organic matter in the water matrix highly influenced the removal of the tested bacteriophages MS2 and phiX174. Less membrane fouling (low ΔTMP) led to a reduced phage reduction. Increased flux positively affected phage removal in natural waters. The tested bacteriophages MS2 and phiX174 revealed different removal properties. MS2, which is widely used as a model organism to determine virus removal efficiencies of membranes, mostly showed a better removal than phiX174 for the natural water qualities tested. It seems that MS2 is possibly a less conservative surrogate for human enteric virus removal than phiX174. In bench-scale experiments log removal values (LRV) for MS2 of 2.5-6.0 and of 2.5-4.5 for phiX174 were obtained for the examined range of parameters. Phage removal obtained with differently fabricated semi-technical modules was quite variable for comparable parameter settings, indicating that module fabrication can lead to differing results. Potting temperature and module size were identified as influencing factors. In conclusion, careful attention has to be paid to the choice of experimental settings and module potting when using bench-scale or semi-technical scale experiments for UF membrane challenge tests.

Method of absorbing UF.sub.6 from gaseous mixtures in alkamine absorbents

DOEpatents

Lafferty, Robert H.; Smiley, Seymour H.; Radimer, Kenneth J.

1976-04-06

A method of recovering uranium hexafluoride from gaseous mixtures employing as an absorbent a liquid composition at least one of the components of which is chosen from the group consisting of ethanolamine, diethanolamine, and 3-methyl-3-amino-propane-diol-1,2.

Engineering properties of concrete with partial utilization of used foundry sand.

PubMed

Manoharan, Thiruvenkitam; Laksmanan, Dhamothiran; Mylsamy, Kaliyannan; Sivakumar, Pandian; Sircar, Anirbid

2018-01-01

Solid wastes generated from manufacturing industries are increasing at an alarming rate and it is consistently increasing. One such industrial solid waste is Used Foundry Sand (UFS). On the other hand, fine aggregates involved in the concrete are generally river sand, which is scarce, high cost and excavation of the river sand that promote environmental degradation. So, there is an urge to find some alternative solution to dispose UFS and to limit the use of river sand. In this research work, river sand was partially replaced by UFS. The percentage replacements were 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 wt% respectively. Experimental investigations were carried out to evaluate the mechanical, durability and micro-structural properties of M20 concrete at the age of 7, 28 and 91 day. XRD (X-ray Diffraction), EDX (Energy Dispersive X-ray) and optical-microscopic imaging analysis were performed to identify the presence of various compounds and micro cracks in the concrete with UFS. Comparative studies on control mix against trial mix were carried out. It was found that compression strength, flexural strength and modulus of elasticity were approximately constant up to 20 wt% UFS and decreased with further addition. Whereas, split tensile strength was increased after 20 wt% addition but it affects the other properties of concrete. The durability test results showed that the resistance of concrete against abrasion and rapid chloride permeability of the concrete mixture containing UFS up to 20 wt% were almost similar to the values of control mix. The findings suggest that UFS can effectively replace river sand. However, it is recommended that the replacement should not exceed 20 wt%. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Beneficial Effect of Bidens pilosa on Body Weight Gain, Food Conversion Ratio, Gut Bacteria and Coccidiosis in Chickens

PubMed Central

Chang, Cicero L. T.; Chung, Chih-Yao; Kuo, Chih-Horng; Kuo, Tien-Fen; Yang, Chu-Wen; Yang, Wen-Chin

2016-01-01

In the interests of food safety and public health, plants and their compounds are now re-emerging as an alternative approach to treat gastrointestinal diseases in chickens. Here, we studied the impact of the edible medicinal plant, B. pilosa, on growth performance, gut bacteria and coccidiosis in chickens. First, we found that B. pilosa significantly elevated body weight gain and lowered feed conversion ratio in chickens. Next, we showed that B. pilosa reduced cecal damage as evidenced by increased hemorrhage, villus destruction and decreased villus-to-crypt ratio in chicken ceca. We also performed pyrosequencing of the PCR ampilcons based on the 16S rRNA genes of gut bacteria in chickens. Metagenomic analysis indicated that the chicken gut bacteria belonged to 6 phyla, 6 classes, 6 orders, 9 families, and 8 genera. More importantly, we found that B. pilosa affected the composition of bacteria. This change in bacteria composition was correlated with body weight gain, feed conversion ratio and gut pathology in chickens. Collectively, this work suggests that B. pilosa has beneficial effects on growth performance and protozoan infection in chickens probably via modulation of gut bacteria. PMID:26765226

Effects of timber harvest on water quantity and quality in small watersheds in the Piedmont of North Carolina

Treesearch

Johnny Boggs; Ge Sun; Steven McNulty

2015-01-01

This paired watershed study tested the effects of timber harvest on water quantity and quality in the North Carolina Piedmont physiographic region. Four headwater watersheds at Hill Demonstration Forest (HF1, HF2, HFW1, and HFW2) and two at Umstead Research Farm (UF1 and UF2) were continuously monitored for discharge and water quality from 2007 to 2013. The HF1 and UF1...

Alternative Oral Agents in Prophylaxis and Therapy of Uterine Fibroids-An Up-to-Date Review.

PubMed

Ciebiera, Michał; Łukaszuk, Krzysztof; Męczekalski, Błażej; Ciebiera, Magdalena; Wojtyła, Cezary; Słabuszewska-Jóźwiak, Aneta; Jakiel, Grzegorz

2017-12-01

Uterine fibroids (UFs) are the most common tumors of the female genital tract. The effect of UFs on the quality of life and the overall cost of treatment are significant issues worldwide. Tumor size and location are the two specific factors which influence the occurrence of symptoms, the need for, and method of, treatment (some tumors require surgery while some can be treated with selected drugs). Primary prevention and treatment of early UF disease are worthy goals that might have a great impact on health care systems. Several treatments and prophylactic methods can be used in this endeavor. This publication presents current data about lesser-known substances which may have a beneficial effect on the treatment or prophylaxis of UFs and can be administered orally, serving as an alternative to (or complement of) surgery or selective progesterone receptor modulators (SPRMs). Early prevention and treatment of UFs in women from high-risk groups should be our priority. Innovative forms of UF management are under intensive investigation and may be promising options in the near future. Many of them evaluated vitamin D, paricalcitol, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), elagolix, aromatase inhibitors (AIs), and cabergoline and deemed them to be safe and effective. The next step in such projects should be properly constructed randomized control trials (RCTs), carried out by successive phases.

Alternative Oral Agents in Prophylaxis and Therapy of Uterine Fibroids—An Up-to-Date Review

PubMed Central

Łukaszuk, Krzysztof; Męczekalski, Błażej; Ciebiera, Magdalena; Wojtyła, Cezary; Słabuszewska-Jóźwiak, Aneta; Jakiel, Grzegorz

2017-01-01

Uterine fibroids (UFs) are the most common tumors of the female genital tract. The effect of UFs on the quality of life and the overall cost of treatment are significant issues worldwide. Tumor size and location are the two specific factors which influence the occurrence of symptoms, the need for, and method of, treatment (some tumors require surgery while some can be treated with selected drugs). Primary prevention and treatment of early UF disease are worthy goals that might have a great impact on health care systems. Several treatments and prophylactic methods can be used in this endeavor. This publication presents current data about lesser-known substances which may have a beneficial effect on the treatment or prophylaxis of UFs and can be administered orally, serving as an alternative to (or complement of) surgery or selective progesterone receptor modulators (SPRMs). Early prevention and treatment of UFs in women from high-risk groups should be our priority. Innovative forms of UF management are under intensive investigation and may be promising options in the near future. Many of them evaluated vitamin D, paricalcitol, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), elagolix, aromatase inhibitors (AIs), and cabergoline and deemed them to be safe and effective. The next step in such projects should be properly constructed randomized control trials (RCTs), carried out by successive phases. PMID:29194370

Never forget a name: white matter connectivity predicts person memory

PubMed Central

Metoki, Athanasia; Alm, Kylie H.; Wang, Yin; Ngo, Chi T.; Olson, Ingrid R.

2018-01-01

Through learning and practice, we can acquire numerous skills, ranging from the simple (whistling) to the complex (memorizing operettas in a foreign language). It has been proposed that complex learning requires a network of brain regions that interact with one another via white matter pathways. One candidate white matter pathway, the uncinate fasciculus (UF), has exhibited mixed results for this hypothesis: some studies have shown UF involvement across a range of memory tasks, while other studies report null results. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the UF supports associative memory processes and that this tract can be parcellated into subtracts that support specific types of memory. Healthy young adults performed behavioral tasks (two face-name learning tasks, one word pair memory task) and underwent a diffusion-weighted imaging scan. Our results revealed that variation in UF microstructure was significantly associated with individual differences in performance on both face-name tasks, as well as the word association memory task. A UF sub-tract, functionally defined by its connectivity between face-selective regions in the anterior temporal lobe and orbitofrontal cortex, selectively predicted face-name learning. In contrast, connectivity between the fusiform face patch and both anterior face patches had no predictive validity. These findings suggest that there is a robust and replicable relationship between the UF and associative learning and memory. Moreover, this large white matter pathway can be subdivided to reveal discrete functional profiles. PMID:28646241

Multistate Evaluation of an Ultrafiltration-Based Procedure for Simultaneous Recovery of Enteric Microbes in 100-Liter Tap Water Samples▿

PubMed Central

Hill, Vincent R.; Kahler, Amy M.; Jothikumar, Narayanan; Johnson, Trisha B.; Hahn, Donghyun; Cromeans, Theresa L.

2007-01-01

Ultrafiltration (UF) is increasingly being recognized as a potentially effective procedure for concentrating and recovering microbes from large volumes of water and treated wastewater. Because of their very small pore sizes, UF membranes are capable of simultaneously concentrating viruses, bacteria, and parasites based on size exclusion. In this study, a UF-based water sampling procedure was used to simultaneously recover representatives of these three microbial classes seeded into 100-liter samples of tap water collected from eight cities covering six hydrologic areas of the United States. The UF-based procedure included hollow-fiber UF as the primary step for concentrating microbes and then used membrane filtration for bacterial culture assays, immunomagnetic separation for parasite recovery and quantification, and centrifugal UF for secondary concentration of viruses. Water samples were tested for nine water quality parameters to investigate whether water quality data correlated with measured recovery efficiencies and molecular detection levels. Average total method recovery efficiencies were 71, 97, 120, 110, and 91% for φX174 bacteriophage, MS2 bacteriophage, Enterococcus faecalis, Clostridium perfringens spores, and Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts, respectively. Real-time PCR and reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) for seeded microbes and controls indicated that tap water quality could affect the analytical performance of molecular amplification assays, although no specific water quality parameter was found to correlate with reduced PCR or RT-PCR performance. PMID:17483281

Once-daily milking during a feed deficit decreases milk production but improves energy status in early lactating grazing dairy cows.

PubMed

Kay, J K; Phyn, C V C; Rius, A G; Morgan, S R; Grala, T M; Roche, J R

2013-10-01

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of milking frequency (MF) at 2 feeding levels (FL) on milk production, body condition score, and metabolic indicators of energy status in grazing dairy cows during early lactation. Multiparous Holstein-Friesian and Holstein-Friesian × Jersey cows (n=120) grazed pasture and were milked twice daily (2×) from calving until 34 ± 6 d in milk (mean ± standard deviation). Cows were then allocated to 1 of 4 treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Treatments consisted of 2 FL: adequately fed [AF; 14.3 kg dry matter intake (DMI)/cow per d] or underfed (UF; 8.3 kg of DMI/cow per d) and 2 MF: 2× or once daily (1×). Treatments were imposed for 3 wk. After the treatment period, all cows were offered a generous pasture allowance (grazing residuals >1,600 kg of dry matter/ha) and milked 2×. During the 3-wk treatment period, we observed an interaction between FL and MF for energy-corrected milk (ECM), such that the decrease due to 1× milking was greater in AF than in UF cows (20 and 14% decrease, respectively). No interactions were found posttreatment. Cows previously UF produced 7% less ECM than AF cows during wk 4 to 12; however, no subsequent effect was observed of the previous underfeeding. Cows previously milked 1× produced 5% less ECM during wk 4 to 12, and differences remained during wk 13 to 23. During the 3-wk treatment period, UF cows lost 0.2 body condition score units (1-10 scale) and this was not affected by 1× milking. During the treatment period, UF cows had lower plasma glucose, insulin, and insulin-like growth factor I, and greater nonesterified fatty acids and β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations than AF cows. Cows milked 1× had greater plasma glucose, insulin, and insulin-like growth factor I, and lower nonesterified fatty acids and β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations compared with cows milked 2×. In conclusion, energy status was improved by 1× milking; however, when UF cows were milked 1×, milk production was reduced by more than underfeeding alone. The immediate and residual responses to 1× milking need to be considered when using this management strategy during a feed deficit. Copyright © 2013 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Uhlenbeck-Ford model: Exact virial coefficients and application as a reference system in fluid-phase free-energy calculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paula Leite, Rodolfo; Freitas, Rodrigo; Azevedo, Rodolfo; de Koning, Maurice

2016-11-01

The Uhlenbeck-Ford (UF) model was originally proposed for the theoretical study of imperfect gases, given that all its virial coefficients can be evaluated exactly, in principle. Here, in addition to computing the previously unknown coefficients B11 through B13, we assess its applicability as a reference system in fluid-phase free-energy calculations using molecular simulation techniques. Our results demonstrate that, although the UF model itself is too soft, appropriately scaled Uhlenbeck-Ford (sUF) models provide robust reference systems that allow accurate fluid-phase free-energy calculations without the need for an intermediate reference model. Indeed, in addition to the accuracy with which their free energies are known and their convenient scaling properties, the fluid is the only thermodynamically stable phase for a wide range of sUF models. This set of favorable properties may potentially put the sUF fluid-phase reference systems on par with the standard role that harmonic and Einstein solids play as reference systems for solid-phase free-energy calculations.

Microencapsulation of pulp and ultrafiltered cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) extracts and betanin stability during storage.

PubMed

Vergara, Cristina; Saavedra, Jorge; Sáenz, Carmen; García, Paula; Robert, Paz

2014-08-15

Pulp (CP) and ultrafiltered (UF) cactus pear extracts were encapsulated with Capsul (C) by applying a central composite design (CP-C and UF-C systems) by spray-drying. To evaluate the effect of the extract, microparticles obtained under optimal conditions were characterised and stored at 60 °C. Betacyanin and betaxanthin encapsulation efficiency reached values above 98% for both systems studied. This efficiency was attributed to strong interactions between betalains and the polymer. Betalain degradation in CP-C and UF-C microparticles followed pseudo-first order kinetics. The betacyanin degradation rate constant was significantly higher for CP-C than for UF-C. These results suggested that the mucilage or higher sugar content of CP increased the hygroscopicity of the CP-C microparticles, leading to the degradation of betalain. The hydrolysis pathway was the main mechanism of betanin degradation during microparticle storage. These results demonstrate the potential utility of both CP-C and UF-C microparticles as natural colourants for healthy foods. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A novel membrane-based process to isolate peroxidase from horseradish roots: optimization of operating parameters.

PubMed

Liu, Jianguo; Yang, Bo; Chen, Changzhen

2013-02-01

The optimization of operating parameters for the isolation of peroxidase from horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) roots with ultrafiltration (UF) technology was systemically studied. The effects of UF operating conditions on the transmission of proteins were quantified using the parameter scanning UF. These conditions included solution pH, ionic strength, stirring speed and permeate flux. Under optimized conditions, the purity of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) obtained was greater than 84 % after a two-stage UF process and the recovery of HRP from the feedstock was close to 90 %. The resulting peroxidase product was then analysed by isoelectric focusing, SDS-PAGE and circular dichroism, to confirm its isoelectric point, molecular weight and molecular secondary structure. The effects of calcium ion on HRP specific activities were also experimentally determined.

KSC-02pd0617

NASA Image and Video Library

2002-04-29

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Florida Representative Bob Allen speaks to attendees at the opening ceremony kicking off a new program known as SABRE, Space Agricultural Biotechnology Research and Education. The program is a combined effort of the University of Florida and NASA. SABRE will focus on the discovery, development and application of the biological aspects of advanced life support strategies. The program will include faculty from UF's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, who will be located at both KSC - in the state-owned Space Experiment Research and Processing Laboratory (SERPL) being built there - and UF in Gainesville. SABRE will be directed by Robert Ferl, professor in the horticultural sciences department and assistant director of UF's Biotechnology Program. He will be responsible for coordinating the research and education efforts of UF and NASA

Determinants of unlawful file sharing: a scoping review.

PubMed

Watson, Steven James; Zizzo, Daniel John; Fleming, Piers

2015-01-01

We employ a scoping review methodology to consider and assess the existing evidence on the determinants of unlawful file sharing (UFS) transparently and systematically. Based on the evidence, we build a simple conceptual framework to model the psychological decision to engage in UFS, purchase legally or do nothing. We identify social, moral, experiential, technical, legal and financial utility sources of the decision to purchase or to file share. They interact in complex ways. We consider the strength of evidence within these areas and note patterns of results. There is good evidence for influences on UFS within each of the identified determinants, particularly for self-reported measures, with more behavioral research needed. There are also indications that the reasons for UFS differ across media; more studies exploring media other than music are required.

Determinants of Unlawful File Sharing: A Scoping Review

PubMed Central

Watson, Steven James; Zizzo, Daniel John; Fleming, Piers

2015-01-01

We employ a scoping review methodology to consider and assess the existing evidence on the determinants of unlawful file sharing (UFS) transparently and systematically. Based on the evidence, we build a simple conceptual framework to model the psychological decision to engage in UFS, purchase legally or do nothing. We identify social, moral, experiential, technical, legal and financial utility sources of the decision to purchase or to file share. They interact in complex ways. We consider the strength of evidence within these areas and note patterns of results. There is good evidence for influences on UFS within each of the identified determinants, particularly for self-reported measures, with more behavioral research needed. There are also indications that the reasons for UFS differ across media; more studies exploring media other than music are required. PMID:26030384

ETV STATEMENT - PHYSICAL REMOVAL OF CRYPTOSPORIDIUM OOCYSTS AND GIARDIA CYSTS IN DRINKING WATER - ZENON ZEEWEED ZW500 ULTRAFILTRATION MEMBRANE SYSTEM AT PITTSBURGH, PA

EPA Science Inventory

Verification testing of the ZENON Environmental Inc. ZeeWeed ZW500 UF Drinking Water System was conducted from 2/6-3/7/99. The treatment system underwent Giardia and Cryptosporidium removal challenge testing on 3/2/99 and demonstrated a 5.3 log10 removal of Giardia cysts and a 6...

Performance evaluation of the new fully automated urine particle analyser UF-5000 compared to the reference method of the Fuchs-Rosenthal chamber.

PubMed

Previtali, Giulia; Ravasio, Rudi; Seghezzi, Michela; Buoro, Sabrina; Alessio, Maria Grazia

2017-09-01

UF-5000 is the new fully automated urine particle analyser. We validated its performance. 736 urines were analysed and results were compared by two pathologists on uncentrifuged samples, using Fuchs-Rosenthal chamber. AUC of ROC curve ranged between 0.86 and 0.99. Sensitivity was >0.90 for all the elements and similar for RBC and yeasts. Specificity ranged between 0.74 and 0.89 for total cast, epithelial/non-squamous/renal-tubular cells and RBC. For all the other parameters specificity was >0.90. Comparison with Fuchs-Rosenthal chamber was very good for all the parameters; r ranged between 0.52 and 0.99 except for pathological cast because of the lack of the pathological samples in medium and higher ranges. Linearity performance (R 2 ) was 1.00, 1.00 and 0.99 respectively for RBC, WBC and epithelial cells (EC). No carry-over was observed. The within-run imprecision was 25.42%,13.81%,1.36% for RBC; 37.50%,10.16%,1.41% for WBC and 35.25%, 17.85%,6.30% for EC at low, near the cut off level and high concentrations, respectively. The between-run imprecision was 6.90%,1.60% for RBC, 4.10%,1.90% for WBC and 7.60%,7.30% for EC, using low and high positive quality controls, respectively. UF-5000 is an analyser of great interest to detect urine particle related to pathological process of kidney and urinary tract. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Unsaponifiable fraction isolated from grape (Vitis vinifera L.) seed oil attenuates oxidative and inflammatory responses in human primary monocytes.

PubMed

Millan-Linares, Maria C; Bermudez, Beatriz; Martin, Maria E; Muñoz, Ernesto; Abia, Rocio; Millan, Francisco; Muriana, Francisco J G; Montserrat-de la Paz, Sergio

2018-04-25

Grape (Vitis vinifera L.) seed has well-known potential for production of oil as a byproduct of winemaking and is a rich source of bioactive compounds. Herein, we report that the unsaponifiable fraction (UF) isolated from grape seed oil (GSO) possesses anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties towards human primary monocytes. The UF isolated from GSO was phytochemically characterized by GC-MS and HPLC. Freshly obtained human monocytes were used to analyse the effects of GSOUF (10-100 μg mL-1) on oxidative and inflammatory responses using FACS analysis, RT-qPCR, and ELISA procedures. GSOUF skewed the monocyte plasticity towards the anti-inflammatory non-classical CD14+CD16++ monocytes and reduced the inflammatory competence of LPS-treated human primary monocytes diminishing TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 gene expression and secretion. In addition, GSOUF showed a strong reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging activity, reducing significantly nitrite levels with a significant decrease in Nos2 gene expression. Our results suggest that the UF isolated from GSO has significant potential for the management of inflammatory and oxidative conditions and offer novel benefits derived from the consumption of GSO in the prevention of inflammation-related diseases.

Risk assessment and monitoring of dinotefuran and its metabolites for Chinese consumption of apples.

PubMed

Yu, Weiwei; Huang, Min; Chen, Jiaojiao; Wu, Sizhuo; Zheng, Kunming; Zeng, Song; Zhang, Kankan; Hu, Deyu

2017-09-26

Residues of dinotefuran and its metabolites, 1-methyl-3-(tetrahydro-3-furylmethyl)urea (UF) and 1-methyl-3-(tetrahydro-3-furylmethyl)guanidine (DN), in apple were investigated using a "QuEChERS" (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, safe) pretreatment and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Limits of detection (LODs) and quantification (LOQs) of dinotefuran, UF, and DN in apples were 0.011-0.960 and 0.037-3.200 μg/kg, respectively. The average recoveries of dinotefuran, UF, and DN in apple ranged from 70.0 to 83.6% with relative standard deviations less than 13%. A formulation of 20% water-dispersible dinotefuran granules was sprayed at 1-1.5-fold the recommended dose 3-4 times on apple trees. Total terminal residues of dinotefuran in apple were less than 2 mg/kg, which is the maximum residue limit (MRL) set by Japan. When following the recommended application guidelines, dinotefuran is unlikely to present significant health concerns to the Chinese population because the risk quotient (RQ) is less than 100%. This work could provide guidance for the safe use of dinotefuran and serve as a reference for the establishment of a maximum residue limit of dinotefuran in apple in China.

An in vitro AChE inhibition assay combined with UF-HPLC-ESI-Q-TOF/MS approach for screening and characterizing of AChE inhibitors from roots of Coptis chinensis Franch.

PubMed

Zhao, Hengqiang; Zhou, Siduo; Zhang, Minmin; Feng, Jinhong; Wang, Shanshan; Wang, Daijie; Geng, Yanling; Wang, Xiao

2016-02-20

In this study, an in vitro acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition assay based on microplate reader combined with ultrafiltration high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray quadrupole time of flight mass (UF-HPLC-ESI-Q-TOF/MS) was developed for the rapid screening and identification of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEI) from roots of Coptis chinensis Franch. Incubation conditions such as enzyme concentration, incubation time, incubation temperature and co-solvent was optimized so as to get better screening results. Five alkaloids including columbamine, jatrorrhizine, coptisine, palmatine and berberine were found with AChE inhibition activity in the 80% ethanol extract of C. chinensis Franch. The screened compounds were identified by HPLC-DAD-ESI-Q-TOF/MS compared with the reference stands and literatures. The screened results were verified by in vitro AChE inhibition assays, palmatine showed the best AChE inhibitory activities with IC50 values of 36.6μM among the five compounds. Results of the present study indicated that the combinative method using in vitro AChE inhibition assay and UF-HPLC-ESI-Q-TOF/MS could be widely applied for rapid screening and identification of AChEI from complex TCM extract. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Spectroscopic properties of K 5Li 2UF 10

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karbowiak, M.; Gajek, Z.; Drożdżyński, J.

2005-04-01

A new uranium (III) fluoro-complex of the formula K 5Li 2UF 10 has been synthesised and characterised by X-ray powder diffraction and electronic absorption spectra measurements. The compound crystallises in the orthorhombic system, space group Pnma, with a = 20.723, b = 7.809, c = 6.932 Å, V = 1121.89 Å 3, Z = 4 and is isostructural with its K 5Li 2NdF 10 and K 5Li 2LaF 10 analogous. The absorption spectrum of a polycrystalline sample of K 5Li 2UF 10 was recorded at 4.2 K in the 3500-45,000 cm -1 range and is discussed. The observed crystal-field levels were assigned and fitted to parameters of the simplified angular overlap model (AOM) and next to those of a semi-empirical Hamiltonian, which was representing the combined atomic and one-electron crystal-field interactions. The starting values of the AOM parameters were obtained from ab initio calculations. The analysis of the spectra enabled the assignment of 71 crystal-field levels of U 3+ with a relatively small r.m.s. deviation of 37 cm -1. The total splitting of 714 cm -1 was calculated for the 4I 9/2 ground multiplet.

49 CFR 173.417 - Authorized fissile materials packages.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... for export and import shipments. (2) A residual “heel” of enriched solid uranium hexafluoride may be... “Heel” in a Specification 7A Cylinder) Maximum cylinder diameter Centimeters Inches Cylinder volume Liters Cubic feet Maximum Uranium 235-enrichment (weight)percent Maximum “Heel” weight per cylinder UF6...

49 CFR 173.417 - Authorized fissile materials packages.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... for export and import shipments. (2) A residual “heel” of enriched solid uranium hexafluoride may be... “Heel” in a Specification 7A Cylinder) Maximum cylinder diameter Centimeters Inches Cylinder volume Liters Cubic feet Maximum Uranium 235-enrichment (weight)percent Maximum “Heel” weight per cylinder UF6...

Proceedings: 1990 fossil plant cycling conference

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

1991-12-01

Fossil plant cycling continues to be a key issue for many electric utilities. EPRI's previous cycling workshops, held in 1983, 1985, and 1987, allowed utilities to benefit from collective industry experience in the conversion of baseload fossil units to cyclic operation. Continued improvements in equipment, retrofits, diagnostics, and controls were highlighted at the 1990 conference. The objective is to provide a forum for utility discussions of the cycling operation of fossil fuel power plants. Potomac Electric Power Company (PEPCO) hosted the 1990 EPRI Fossil Fuel Cycling Conference in Washington, DC, on December 4--6, 1990. More than 130 representatives from utilities,more » vendors, government agencies, universities, and industry associations attended the conference. Following the general session, technical sessions covered such topics as plant modifications, utility retrofit experience, cycling economics, life assessment, controls, environmental controls, and energy storage. Attendees also toured PEPCO's Potomac River generating station, the site of an earlier EPRI cycling conversion study.« less

Treatment of cosmetic effluent in different configurations of ceramic UF membrane based bioreactor: Toxicity evaluation of the untreated and treated wastewater using catfish (Heteropneustes fossilis).

PubMed

Banerjee, Priya; Dey, Tanmoy Kumar; Sarkar, Sandeep; Swarnakar, Snehasikta; Mukhopadhyay, Aniruddha; Ghosh, Sourja

2016-03-01

Extensive usage of pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) and their discharge through domestic sewage have been recently recognized as a new generation environmental concern which deserves more scientific attention over the classical environmental pollutants. The major issues of this type of effluent addressed in this study were its colour, triclosan and anionic surfactant (SDS) content. Samples of cosmetic effluent were collected from different beauty treatment salons and spas in and around Kolkata, India and treated in bioreactors containing a bacterial consortium isolated from activated sludge samples collected from a common effluent treatment plant. Members of the consortium were isolated and identified as Klebsiella sp., Pseudomonas sp., Salmonella sp. and Comamonas sp. The biotreated effluent was subjected to ultrafiltration (UF) involving indigenously prepared ceramic membranes in both side-stream and submerged mode. Analysis of the MBR treated effluent revealed 99.22%, 98.56% and 99.74% removal of colour, triclosan and surfactant respectively. Investigation of probable acute and chronic cyto-genotoxic potential of the untreated and treated effluents along with their possible participation in triggering oxidative stress was carried out with Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch). Comet formation recorded in both liver and gill cells and micronucleus count in peripheral erythrocytes of individuals exposed to untreated effluent increased with duration of exposure and was significantly higher than those treated with UF permeates which in turn neared control levels. Results of this study revealed successful application of the isolated bacterial consortium in MBR process for efficient detoxification of cosmetic effluent thereby conferring the same suitable for discharge and/or reuse. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Energy Conversion Alternatives Study (ECAS), Westinghouse phase 1. Volume 1: Introduction and summary and general assumptions. [energy conversion systems for electric power plants using coal - feasibility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beecher, D. T.

1976-01-01

Nine advanced energy conversion concepts using coal or coal-derived fuels are summarized. They are; (1) open-cycle gas turbines, (2) combined gas-steam turbine cycles, (3) closed-cycle gas turbines, (4) metal vapor Rankine topping, (5) open-cycle MHD; (6) closed-cycle MHD; (7) liquid-metal MHD; (8) advanced steam; and (9) fuel cell systems. The economics, natural resource requirements, and performance criteria for the nine concepts are discussed.

Evaluation of human enteric viruses in surface water and drinking water resources in southern Ghana.

PubMed

Gibson, Kristen E; Opryszko, Melissa C; Schissler, James T; Guo, Yayi; Schwab, Kellogg J

2011-01-01

An estimated 884 million people worldwide do not have access to an improved drinking water source, and the microbial quality of these sources is often unknown. In this study, a combined tangential flow, hollow fiber ultrafiltration (UF), and real-time PCR method was applied to large volume (100 L) groundwater (N = 4), surface water (N = 9), and finished (i.e., receiving treatment) drinking water (N = 6) samples for the evaluation of human enteric viruses and bacterial indicators. Human enteric viruses including norovirus GI and GII, adenovirus, and polyomavirus were detected in five different samples including one groundwater, three surface water, and one drinking water sample. Total coliforms and Escherichia coli assessed for each sample before and after UF revealed a lack of correlation between bacterial indicators and the presence of human enteric viruses.

Evaluation of Human Enteric Viruses in Surface Water and Drinking Water Resources in Southern Ghana

PubMed Central

Gibson, Kristen E.; Opryszko, Melissa C.; Schissler, James T.; Guo, Yayi; Schwab, Kellogg J.

2011-01-01

An estimated 884 million people worldwide do not have access to an improved drinking water source, and the microbial quality of these sources is often unknown. In this study, a combined tangential flow, hollow fiber ultrafiltration (UF), and real-time PCR method was applied to large volume (100 L) groundwater (N = 4), surface water (N = 9), and finished (i.e., receiving treatment) drinking water (N = 6) samples for the evaluation of human enteric viruses and bacterial indicators. Human enteric viruses including norovirus GI and GII, adenovirus, and polyomavirus were detected in five different samples including one groundwater, three surface water, and one drinking water sample. Total coliforms and Escherichia coli assessed for each sample before and after UF revealed a lack of correlation between bacterial indicators and the presence of human enteric viruses. PMID:21212196

Facts about Vitamin D

MedlinePlus

... county’s UF/IFAS Extension office. U.S. Department of Agriculture, UF/IFAS Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, ... of Health and Human Services & US Department of Agriculture, 2015). Food Vitamin D Vitamin D in IU ...

Impaired work performance among women with symptomatic uterine fibroids.

PubMed

Lerner, Debra; Mirza, Fadi G; Mirza, Fadi; Chang, Hong; Renzulli, Karen; Perch, Katherine; Chelmow, David

2008-10-01

To assess the work impact of symptomatic uterine fibroids (UFs). A cohort study compared 58 employed women with symptomatic UFs to 56 healthy controls. Data sources included a self-administered mail questionnaire and medical charts. At-work performance limitations and productivity loss were measured with the Work Limitations Questionnaire. Univariate and multivariate case-control group differences were tested. Based on adjusted mean scores, the UF group had significantly more at-work limitations and productivity loss than controls, while absence rates were similar. The UF group's performance was impaired 18% of the time on average versus 8% for controls (P-values, 0.005-0.040). At-work limitations were explained by depression symptoms, Non-White race/ethnicity, and poorer health-related quality of life. Fibroids and related symptoms impose a burden on the working lives' of women, their employers, and the economy.

Gaseous-fuel nuclear reactor research for multimegawatt power in space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thom, K.; Schneider, R. T.; Helmick, H. H.

1977-01-01

In the gaseous-fuel reactor concept, the fissile material is contained in a moderator-reflector cavity and exists in the form of a flowing gas or plasma separated from the cavity walls by means of fluid mechanical forces. Temperatures in excess of structural limitations are possible for low-specific-mass power and high-specific-impulse propulsion in space. Experiments have been conducted with a canister filled with enriched UF6 inserted into a beryllium-reflected cavity. A theoretically predicted critical mass of 6 kg was measured. The UF6 was also circulated through this cavity, demonstrating stable reactor operation with the fuel in motion. Because the flowing gaseous fuel can be continuously processed, the radioactive waste in this type of reactor can be kept small. Another potential of fissioning gases is the possibility of converting the kinetic energy of fission fragments directly into coherent electromagnetic radiation, the nuclear pumping of lasers. Numerous nuclear laser experiments indicate the possibility of transmitting power in space directly from fission energy. The estimated specific mass of a multimegawatt gaseous-fuel reactor power system is from 1 to 5 kg/kW while the companion laser-power receiver station would be much lower in specific mass.

Plasma spectroscopy of uranium and tungsten, part 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilkerson, T. D.

1973-01-01

Results of research on uranium and tungsten spectra are summarized. Measurements of visible line spectra and opacities were carried out on shock tube plasmas which, prior to shock compression, were mixtures of rare gases and UF6 or WF6. Opacities were compared to theoretical predictions. Feasibility of light source methods other than the shock tube was explored for future applications in the spectroscopy of heavy metals and ions.

Wireless Network Security Using Randomness

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-06-19

370/412 6/2007 Soliman .......................... 380/44 9/2004 Miyake et al ................. 7041201 6/2006 Mauro...8,204,224 B2 Jun .19,2012 (45) Date of Patent: UfHER PUBLICATIONS Shannon, C.E., "Communication Theory of Secrecy Systems," Bell System Technical...MA, Jun . 27, 2001, 14 pages. "Hamming code," Wikipedia page, available at http://en.wikipedia. org!wiki!Hamming_code, printed Sep. 21,2010,7 pages

Remedial Investigation Badger Army Ammunition Plant, Baraboo, Wisconsin. Volume 6. Appendix L

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-01-01

N - - aM o o 00 aW~ w .oori -5 o-itw ,121LZ stst s a 1" 0 4 4, d 1!i 1 it& a o vvi P.w .d = 9- o ww II 4c - AL A- 4v r, 17 . f Q 4c 4A 0L C...Ud4 &fXXXl:C1 >4v 0 41 0 1 Pý0 1 1ma 0 07 P1 Pl ŕ 01 P34P.P3 .4.4.4.40.at4t.04aW4A.b4.9 00 -.4M 0100 toI 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000 0 000 0000 0000...r~’n’oaom1010o0810010881wo wo w ~f41 ,c000001 010100 000 01 s00.01 8810101c WI W w Wl c 40 04 in x n ODI0a 00Xrac0(l1r a GOV MV 0 MOOO 04Uf MMAor=AQM

Assessing the role of feed water constituents in irreversible membrane fouling of pilot-scale ultrafiltration drinking water treatment systems.

PubMed

Peiris, R H; Jaklewicz, M; Budman, H; Legge, R L; Moresoli, C

2013-06-15

Fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (EEM) approach together with principal component analysis (PCA) was used for assessing hydraulically irreversible fouling of three pilot-scale ultrafiltration (UF) systems containing full-scale and bench-scale hollow fiber membrane modules in drinking water treatment. These systems were operated for at least three months with extensive cycles of permeation, combination of back-pulsing and scouring and chemical cleaning. The principal component (PC) scores generated from the PCA of the fluorescence EEMs were found to be related to humic substances (HS), protein-like and colloidal/particulate matter content. PC scores of HS- and protein-like matter of the UF feed water, when considered separately, showed reasonably good correlations with the rate of hydraulically irreversible fouling for long-term UF operations. In contrast, comparatively weaker correlations for PC scores of colloidal/particulate matter and the rate of hydraulically irreversible fouling were obtained for all UF systems. Since, individual correlations could not fully explain the evolution of the rate of irreversible fouling, multi-linear regression models were developed to relate the combined effect of HS-like, protein-like and colloidal/particulate matter PC scores to the rate of hydraulically irreversible fouling for each specific UF system. These multi-linear regression models revealed significant individual and combined contribution of HS- and protein-like matter to the rate of hydraulically irreversible fouling, with protein-like matter generally showing the greatest contribution. The contribution of colloidal/particulate matter to the rate of hydraulically irreversible fouling was not as significant. The addition of polyaluminum chloride, as coagulant, to UF feed appeared to have a positive impact in reducing hydraulically irreversible fouling by these constituents. The proposed approach has applications in quantifying the individual and synergistic contribution of major natural water constituents to the rate of hydraulically irreversible membrane fouling and shows potential for controlling UF irreversible fouling in the production of drinking water. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Verbal Memory Performance and Reduced Cortical Thickness of Brain Regions Along the Uncinate Fasciculus in Young Adult Cannabis Users

PubMed Central

Levar, Nina; Francis, Alan N.; Smith, Matthew J.; Ho, Wilson C.; Gilman, Jodi M.

2018-01-01

Abstract Introduction: Memory impairment is one of the most commonly reported effects of cannabis use, especially among those who initiate use earlier, perhaps due to the effects of delta-9- tetrahydrocannabinol on cannabinoid (CB1) receptors in the brain. Studies have increasingly investigated whether cannabis use is associated with impairments in verbal memory, and with alterations in brain structures underlying verbal memory. The uncinate fasciculus (UF), a long-range white matter tract, connects regions with densely localized CB1 receptors that are important in verbal memory. This study investigated the impact of cannabis use on UF structures and its association with memory performance in young adult cannabis users (CU) and non-using controls (CON). Materials and Methods: Nineteen CU and 22 CON completed a verbal memory task and a neuroimaging protocol, in which diffusion tensor imaging and structural scans were collected. We compared memory performance, diffusion and tractography measures of the UF, and cortical thickness of regions connected by the UF, between CU and CON. In regions showing a significant group effect, we also examined associations between verbal memory performance, cortical thickness, and age of onset of cannabis use. Results: Compared to non-users, CU had worse memory performance, decreased fiber bundle length in the UF, and decreased cortical thickness of brain regions along the UF such as the entorhinal cortex and fusiform gyrus. Verbal memory performance was significantly associated with age of onset of cannabis use, indicating that those who initiated cannabis use at an earlier age performed worse. Cortical thickness of the entorhinal cortex was significantly correlated with age of first use and memory performance. Conclusion: This study provides evidence that cannabis use, especially when initiated at a young age, may be associated with worse verbal memory and altered neural development along the UF. Reductions in cortical thickness in regions implicated in memory processes may underlie weaknesses in verbal memory performance. PMID:29607411

76 FR 28336 - Domestic Licensing of Source Material-Amendments/Integrated Safety Analysis

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-05-17

... considered. The HF gas (and uranyl fluoride) is quickly produced from the chemical reaction that occurs when... worker's death was the inhalation of HF gas, which was produced from the chemical reaction of UF6 and..., would address both the radiological and chemical hazards from licensed material and hazardous chemicals...

31 CFR 540.317 - Uranium feed; natural uranium feed.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 31 Money and Finance:Treasury 3 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Uranium feed; natural uranium feed...) AGREEMENT ASSETS CONTROL REGULATIONS General Definitions § 540.317 Uranium feed; natural uranium feed. The term uranium feed or natural uranium feed means natural uranium in the form of UF6 suitable for uranium...

31 CFR 540.317 - Uranium feed; natural uranium feed.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 31 Money and Finance: Treasury 3 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Uranium feed; natural uranium feed...) AGREEMENT ASSETS CONTROL REGULATIONS General Definitions § 540.317 Uranium feed; natural uranium feed. The term uranium feed or natural uranium feed means natural uranium in the form of UF6 suitable for uranium...

U.S. EPA, Pesticide Product Label, PARATHION EHTYL-METHYL 6-3, 04/21/1972

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

2011-04-21

... ', .. , nIl I' ~~nh~Ii". " .. 1'1. II'" 'flO: T,,, .. fiji[ 10':;\\1';' ""t' I I rAe 1/"'.I ~t~'. ~ ,Nl .. l' .. : Uf.p ... t •• , • 1"" .1('" I.·, l""'iM".'" "r,_ I., .,"II,d, .11'1'1, I,,,.! ...

Measurement of the 19F(α,n)22Na Cross Section for Nuclear Safeguards Science

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lowe, Marcus; Smith, M. S.; Pain, S.; Febbraro, M.; Pittman, S.; Chipps, K. A.; Thompson, S. J.; Grinder, M.; Grzywacz, R.; Smith, K.; Thornsberry, C.; Thompson, P.; Peters, W. A.; Waddell, D.; Blanchard, R.; Carls, A.; Shadrick, S.; Engelhardt, A.; Hertz-Kintish, D.; Allen, N.; Sims, H.

2015-10-01

Enriched uranium is commonly stored in fluoride matrices such as UF6. Alpha decays of uranium in UF6 will create neutrons via the 19F(α,n)22Na reaction. An improved cross section for this reaction will enable improved nondestructive assays of uranium content in storage cylinders at material enrichment facilities. To determine this reaction cross section, we have performed experiments using both forward and inverse kinematic techniques at the University of Notre Dame (forward) and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (inverse). Both experiments utilized the Versatile Array of Neutron Detectors at Low Energy (VANDLE) for neutron detection. The ORNL experiment also used a new ionization chamber for 22Na particle identification. Gating on the 22Na nuclei detected drastically reduced the background counts in the neutron time-of-flight spectra. The latest analysis and results will be presented for 19F beam energies ranging from 20-37 MeV. This work is funded in part by the DOE Office of Nuclear Physics, the National Nuclear Security Administration's Office of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation R&D, and the NSF.

University of Florida Advanced Technologies Campus Testbed

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2017-09-21

The University of Florida (UF) and its Transportation Institute (UFTI), the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and the City of Gainesville (CoG) are cooperating to develop a smart transportation testbed on the University of Florida (UF) main...

Thermodynamic assessment of the LiF-NaF-BeF2-ThF4-UF4 system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Capelli, E.; Beneš, O.; Konings, R. J. M.

2014-06-01

The present study describes the full thermodynamic assessment of the LiF-NaF-BeF2-ThF4-UF4 system which is one of the key systems considered for a molten salt reactor fuel. The work is an extension of the previously assessed LiF-NaF-ThF4-UF4 system with addition of BeF2 which is characterized by very low neutron capture cross section and a relatively low melting point. To extend the database the binary BeF2-ThF4 and BeF2-UF4 systems were optimized and the novel data were used for the thermodynamic assessment of BeF2 containing ternary systems for which experimental data exist in the literature. The obtained database is used to optimize the molten salt reactor fuel composition and to assess its properties with the emphasis on the melting behaviour.

A two-stage ultrafiltration and nanofiltration process for recycling dairy wastewater.

PubMed

Luo, Jianquan; Ding, Luhui; Qi, Benkun; Jaffrin, Michel Y; Wan, Yinhua

2011-08-01

A two-stage ultrafiltration and nanofiltration (UF/NF) process for the treatment of model dairy wastewater was investigated to recycle nutrients and water from the wastewater. Ultracel PLGC and NF270 membranes were found to be the most suitable for this purpose. In the first stage, protein and lipid were concentrated by the Ultracel PLGC UF membrane and could be used for algae cultivation to produce biodiesel and biofuel, and the permeate from UF was concentrated by the NF270 membrane in the second stage to obtain lactose in retentate and reusable water in permeate, while the NF retentate could be recycled for anaerobic digestion to produce biogas. With this approach, most of dairy wastewater could be recycled to produce reusable water and substrates for bioenergy production. Compared with the single NF process, this two-stage UF/NF process had a higher efficiency and less membrane fouling. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Solid-State Thermionic Nuclear Power for Megawatt Propulsion, Planetary Surface and Commercial Power Project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

George, Jeffrey

2014-01-01

Thermionic (TI) power conversion is a promising technology first investigated for power conversion in the 1960's, and of renewed interest due to modern advances in nanotechnology, MEMS, materials and manufacturing. Benefits include high conversion efficiency (20%), static operation with no moving parts and potential for high reliability, greatly reduced plant complexity, and the potential for reduced development costs. Thermionic emission, credited to Edison in 1880, forms the basis of vacuum tubes and much of 20th century electronics. Heat can be converted into electricity when electrons emitted from a hot surface are collected across a small gap. For example, two "small" (6 kWe) Thermionic Space Reactors were flown by the USSR in 1987-88 for ocean radar reconnaissance. Higher powered Nuclear-Thermionic power systems driving Electric Propulsion (Q-thruster, VASIMR, etc.) may offer the breakthrough necessary for human Mars missions of < 1 yr round trip. Power generation on Earth could benefit from simpler, moe economical nuclear plants, and "topping" of more fuel and emission efficient fossil-fuel plants.

Analysis of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles' utility factors using GPS-based longitudinal travel data

DOE PAGES

Wu, Xing; Aviquzzaman, Md.; Lin, Zhenhong

2015-05-29

The benefit of using a PHEV comes from its ability to substitute gasoline with electricity in operation. Defined as the proportion of distance traveled in the electric mode, the utility factor (UF) depends mostly on the battery capacity, but also on many other factors, such as travel pattern and recharging pattern. Conventionally, the UFs are calculated based on the daily vehicle miles traveled (DVMT) by assuming motorists leave home in the morning with a full battery, and no charge occurs before returning home in the evening. Such an assumption, however, ignores the impact of the heterogeneity in both travel andmore » charging behavior, such as going back home more than once in a day, the impact of available charging time, and the price of gasoline. In addition, the conventional UFs are based on the National Household Travel Survey (NHTS) data, which are one-day travel data of each sample vehicle. A motorist's daily distance variation is ignored. This paper employs the GPS-based longitudinal travel data (covering 3-18 months) collected from 403 vehicles in the Seattle metropolitan area to investigate how such travel and charging behavior affects UFs. To do this, for each vehicle, we organized trips to a series of home and work related tours. The UFs based on the DVMT are found close to those based on home-to-home tours. However, it is seen that the workplace charge opportunities significantly increase UFs if the CD range is no more than 40 miles.« less

Analysis of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles' utility factors using GPS-based longitudinal travel data

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wu, Xing; Aviquzzaman, Md.; Lin, Zhenhong

The benefit of using a PHEV comes from its ability to substitute gasoline with electricity in operation. Defined as the proportion of distance traveled in the electric mode, the utility factor (UF) depends mostly on the battery capacity, but also on many other factors, such as travel pattern and recharging pattern. Conventionally, the UFs are calculated based on the daily vehicle miles traveled (DVMT) by assuming motorists leave home in the morning with a full battery, and no charge occurs before returning home in the evening. Such an assumption, however, ignores the impact of the heterogeneity in both travel andmore » charging behavior, such as going back home more than once in a day, the impact of available charging time, and the price of gasoline. In addition, the conventional UFs are based on the National Household Travel Survey (NHTS) data, which are one-day travel data of each sample vehicle. A motorist's daily distance variation is ignored. This paper employs the GPS-based longitudinal travel data (covering 3-18 months) collected from 403 vehicles in the Seattle metropolitan area to investigate how such travel and charging behavior affects UFs. To do this, for each vehicle, we organized trips to a series of home and work related tours. The UFs based on the DVMT are found close to those based on home-to-home tours. However, it is seen that the workplace charge opportunities significantly increase UFs if the CD range is no more than 40 miles.« less

Electromigration Critical Product to Measure Effect of Underfill Material in Suppressing Bi Segregation in Sn-58Bi Solder

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Xu; Takaya, Satoshi; Muraoka, Mikio

2017-08-01

Recently, we detected length-dependent electromigration (EM) behavior in Sn-58Bi (SB) solder and revealed the existence of Bi back-flow, which retards EM-induced Bi segregation and is dependent on solder length. The cause of the back-flow is attributed to an oxide layer formed on the SB solder. At present, underfill (UF) material is commonly used in flip-chip packaging as filler between chip and substrate to surround solder bumps. In this study, we quantitatively investigated the effect of UF material as a passivation layer on EM in SB solder strips. EM tests on SB solder strips with length of 50 μm, 100 μm, and 150 μm were conducted simultaneously. Some samples were coated with commercial thermosetting epoxy UF material, which acted as a passivation layer on the Cu-SB-Cu interconnections. The value of the critical product for SB solder was estimated to be 38 A/cm to 43 A/cm at 353 K to 373 K without UF coating and 59 A/cm at 373 K with UF coating. The UF material acting as a passivation layer suppressed EM-induced Bi segregation and increased the threshold current density by 37% to 55%. However, at very high current density, this effect became very slight. In addition, Bi atoms can diffuse to the anode side through the Sn phase, hence addition of microelements to the Sn phase to form obstacles, such as intermetallic compounds, may retard Bi segregation in SB solder.

Randomized Controlled Trial of Icodextrin versus Glucose Containing Peritoneal Dialysis Fluid

PubMed Central

Lin, Aiwu; Li, Xiaomei; Yu, Xueqing; Liu, Wenhu; Sun, Yang; Chen, Nan; Mei, Changlin

2009-01-01

Background and objectives: While peritoneal dialysis with icodextrin is commonly used in patients with poor peritoneal membrane characteristics, the data on the usefulness of this solution in patients with lower transport characteristics are limited. The study was designed to compare icodextrin to glucose in Chinese prevalent peritoneal dialysis patients of different peritoneal transport characteristics (PET) categories. Design, setting, participants, & measurements: This was a randomized, double-blind, perspective control study. Stable prevalent continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients were randomized to either 7.5% icodextrin (ICO) or 2.5% glucose (GLU) solution for 4 wk. Peritoneal membrane function was measured to define PET category in baseline. Creatinine clearance (Ccr), urea nitrogen clearance (CBUN), ultrafiltration (UF) during the long night dwell, dialysate, and metabolic biomarkers were measured at baseline, 2, and 4 wk. UF, Ccr, and CBUN were compared among different PET categories. Results: A total of 201 CAPD patients were enrolled in the study. There were no baseline differences between the groups. Following 2 and 4 wk of therapy, Ccr, CBUN, and UF were all significantly higher in the ICO versus the GLU group. Additionally, switching to ICO resulted in a significant increase in UF in high, high-average, and low-average transporters as compared with baseline. The extent of increased UF was more obvious in higher transporters. Blood cholesterol level in the ICO group decreased significantly than that in the GLU group. Conclusion: Compared with glucose-based solution, 7.5% icodextrin significantly improved UF and small solute clearance, even in patients with low-average peritoneal transport. PMID:19808224

White matter tract integrity and intelligence in patients with mental retardation and healthy adults.

PubMed

Yu, Chunshui; Li, Jun; Liu, Yong; Qin, Wen; Li, Yonghui; Shu, Ni; Jiang, Tianzi; Li, Kuncheng

2008-05-01

It is well known that brain structures correlate with intelligence but the association between the integrity of brain white matter tracts and intelligence in patients with mental retardation (MR) and healthy adults remains unknown. The aims of this study are to investigate whether the integrity of corpus callosum (CC), cingulum, uncinate fasciculus (UF), optic radiation (OR) and corticospinal tract (CST) are damaged in patients with MR, and to determine the correlations between the integrity of these tracts and full scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ) in both patients and controls. Fifteen MR patients and 79 healthy controls underwent intelligence tests and diffusion tensor imaging examinations. According to the FSIQ, all healthy controls were divided into general intelligence (GI: FSIQ<120; n=42) and high intelligence (HI: FSIQ> or =120; n=37) groups. Intelligence was assessed by Chinese Revised Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, and white matter tract integrity was assessed by fractional anisotropy (FA). MR patients showed significantly lower FA than healthy controls in the CC, UF, OR and CST. However, GI subjects only demonstrated lower FA than HI subjects in the right UF. Partial correlation analysis controlling for age and sex showed that FSIQ scores were significantly correlated with the FA of the bilateral UF, genu and truncus of CC, bilateral OR and left CST. While FSIQ scores were only significantly correlated with the FA of the right UF when further controlling for group. This study indicate that MR patients show extensive damage in the integrity of the brain white matter tracts, and the right UF is an important neural basis of human intelligence.

Rapid differentiation of cocci/mixed bacteria from rods in voided urine culture of women with uncomplicated urinary tract infections.

PubMed

Yang, Chun-Chun; Yang, Stephen Shei-Dei; Hung, Hui-Ching; Chiang, I-Ni; Peng, Chiung-Hui; Chang, Shang-Jen

2017-09-01

To evaluate the ability of laser flow cytometry to predict cocci/mixed growth in the pre-analytical phase of urine specimens. We retrospectively reviewed urine samples from women with uncomplicated urinary tract infections from urologic clinics for study. Urine analyses were performed with laser flow cytometry (UF1000i, Sysmex, Kobe, Japan) and then diagrams were generated (forward scatter vs. fluorescent light scatter). Each specimen (bacteria count >357 BACT/μL) was classified as either cocci bacteria or rods/mixed growth according to the diagrams. Standard urine cultures were performed, and the agreement between cultures and the UF1000i interpretations was analyzed with kappa statistics. Finally, 491 specimens met the criteria for analysis. Among the 376 specimens with single bacteria growth, there were 26 gram-positive cocci (13 Streptococci spp., 7 Staphylococci spp., 6 Enterococci spp.), 1 gram-positive rods (Corynebacterium spp.), and 349 gram-negative rods (273 Escherichia coli, 33 Klebsiella spp., 29 Proteus spp., 6 Citrobacter spp., 4 Enterobacter spp., 3 Pseudomonas spp., and 1 Providencia spp.). There were 115 specimens with two bacteria species or more that were regarded as mixed growth. Agreement of rods or cocci/mixed growth between the laser flow cytometry and urine cultures yielded a kappa value of 0.58. The positive and negative predictive rate of the UF1000i for cocci/mixed growth in voided urine culture was 81.8% and 84.7%, respectively. Through laser flow cytometry, we can predict growth of cocci/mixed growth in the pre-analytical phase of urine culture, thus avoiding unnecessary urine culture and waiting time. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Consequences of increasing convection onto patient care and protein removal in hemodialysis

PubMed Central

Duranton, Flore; Guzman, Caroline; Szwarc, Ilan; Vetromile, Fernando; Cazevieille, Chantal; Brunet, Philippe; Servel, Marie-Françoise; Le Quintrec, Moglie

2017-01-01

Introduction Recent randomised controlled trials suggest that on-line hemodiafiltration (OL-HDF) improves survival, provided that it reaches high convective volumes. However, there is scant information on the feasibility and the consequences of modifying convection volumes in clinics. Methods Twelve stable dialysis patients were treated with high-flux 1.8 m2 polysulphone dialyzers and 4 levels of convection flows (QUF) based on GKD-UF monitoring of the system, for 1 week each. The consequences on dialysis delivery (transmembrane pressure (TMP), number of alarms, % of achieved prescribed convection) and efficacy (mass removal of low and high molecular weight compounds) were analysed. Results TMP increased exponentially with QUF (p<0.001 for N >56,000 monitoring values). Beyond 21 L/session, this resulted into frequent TMP alarms requiring nursing staff interventions (mean ± SEM: 10.3 ± 2.2 alarms per session, p<0.001 compared to lower convection volumes). Optimal convection volumes as assessed by GKD-UF-max were 20.6 ± 0.4 L/session, whilst 4 supplementary litres were obtained in the maximum situation (24.5 ± 0.6 L/session) but the proportion of sessions achieving the prescribed convection volume decreased from 94% to only 33% (p<0.001). Convection increased high molecular weight compound removal and shifted the membrane cut-off towards the higher molecular weight range. Conclusions Reaching high convection volumes as recommended by the recent RCTs (> 20L) is feasible by setting an HDF system at its optimal conditions based upon the GKD-UF monitoring. Prescribing higher convection volumes resulted in instability of the system, provoked alarms, was bothersome for the nursing staff and the patients, rarely achieved the prescribed convection volumes and increased removal of high molecular weight compounds, notably albumin. PMID:28166268

Consequences of increasing convection onto patient care and protein removal in hemodialysis.

PubMed

Gayrard, Nathalie; Ficheux, Alain; Duranton, Flore; Guzman, Caroline; Szwarc, Ilan; Vetromile, Fernando; Cazevieille, Chantal; Brunet, Philippe; Servel, Marie-Françoise; Argilés, Àngel; Le Quintrec, Moglie

2017-01-01

Recent randomised controlled trials suggest that on-line hemodiafiltration (OL-HDF) improves survival, provided that it reaches high convective volumes. However, there is scant information on the feasibility and the consequences of modifying convection volumes in clinics. Twelve stable dialysis patients were treated with high-flux 1.8 m2 polysulphone dialyzers and 4 levels of convection flows (QUF) based on GKD-UF monitoring of the system, for 1 week each. The consequences on dialysis delivery (transmembrane pressure (TMP), number of alarms, % of achieved prescribed convection) and efficacy (mass removal of low and high molecular weight compounds) were analysed. TMP increased exponentially with QUF (p<0.001 for N >56,000 monitoring values). Beyond 21 L/session, this resulted into frequent TMP alarms requiring nursing staff interventions (mean ± SEM: 10.3 ± 2.2 alarms per session, p<0.001 compared to lower convection volumes). Optimal convection volumes as assessed by GKD-UF-max were 20.6 ± 0.4 L/session, whilst 4 supplementary litres were obtained in the maximum situation (24.5 ± 0.6 L/session) but the proportion of sessions achieving the prescribed convection volume decreased from 94% to only 33% (p<0.001). Convection increased high molecular weight compound removal and shifted the membrane cut-off towards the higher molecular weight range. Reaching high convection volumes as recommended by the recent RCTs (> 20L) is feasible by setting an HDF system at its optimal conditions based upon the GKD-UF monitoring. Prescribing higher convection volumes resulted in instability of the system, provoked alarms, was bothersome for the nursing staff and the patients, rarely achieved the prescribed convection volumes and increased removal of high molecular weight compounds, notably albumin.

The effect of low-GDP solution on ultrafiltration and solute transport in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients.

PubMed

Cho, Kyu-Hyang; Do, Jun-Young; Park, Jong-Won; Yoon, Kyung-Woo; Kim, Yong-Lim

2013-01-01

Several studies have reported benefits for human peritoneal mesothelial cell function of a neutral-pH dialysate low in glucose degradation products (GDPs). However, the effects of low-GDP solution on ultrafiltration (UF), transport of solutes, and control of body water remain elusive. We therefore investigated the effect of low-GDP solution on UF, solute transport, and control of body water. Among 79 new continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients, 60 completed a 12-month protocol (28 in a lactate-based high-GDP solution group, 32 in a lactate-based low-GDP solution group). Clinical indices--including 24-hour UF volume (UFV), 24-hour urine volume (UV), residual renal function, and dialysis adequacy--were measured at months 1, 6, and 12. At months 1, 6, and 12, UFV, glucose absorption, 4-hour dialysate-to-plasma (D/P) creatinine, and 1-hour D/P Na(+) were assessed during a modified 4.25% peritoneal equilibration test (PET). Body composition by bioelectric impedance analysis was measured at months 1 and 12 in 26 CAPD patients. Daily UFV was lower in the low-GDP group. Despite similar solute transport and aquaporin function, the low-GDP group also showed lower UFV and higher glucose absorption during the PET. Factors associated with UFV during the PET were lactate-based high-GDP solution and 1-hour D/P Na(+). No differences in volume status and obesity at month 12 were observed, and improvements in hypervolemia were equal in both groups. Compared with the high-GDP group, the low-GDP group had a lower UFV during a PET and a lower daily UFV during the first year after peritoneal dialysis initiation. Although the low-GDP group had a lower daily UFV, no difficulties in controlling edema were encountered.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Agrawal, P.D.; Butt, N.M.; Sarma, K.R.

This report covers a preliminary conceptual design and economic evaluation of a commercial scale plant capable of converting high-sulfur bituminous caking coal to a high-Btu pipeline quality SNG. The plant, which has a rated capacity of 250 Billion Btu per day SNG, is based on Cities Service/Rockwell hydrogasification technology. Two cases of plant design were examined to produce cost estimates accurate to +-25% in 1979 dollars. The base case, designed for moderate production of liquids (5.8% conversion of carbon to liquid product), has a cost of SNG of $4.43/MMBtu using the utility financing method (UFM) and $6.42/MMBtu using the discountedmore » cash flow method (DCFM) of financing. The alternate case, zero liquids production, has gas costs of $5.00 (UFM) and $6.96 (DCFM). Further tests by Rockwell have indicated that 11.4% carbon conversion to liquid products (99% benzene) is possible. If the plant is scaled up to produce the same amoung of SNG with this increased yield of liquid, and if the value of the benzene produced is estimated to be $0.90 per gallon, the costs of gas for this case are $4.38/MMBtu (UFM) and $6,48/MMBtu (DCFM). If the value of benzene is taken as $2.00 per gallon, these costs become $3.14/MMBtu (UFM) and $5.23/MMBtu (DCFM). The economic assumptions involved in these calculations are detailed.« less

UF/RO applications at the Browns Ferry Nuclear Power Station

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Palino, G.F.; Sailor, W.C.; Sawochka, S.G.

1981-04-01

In June 1979, NWT was contracted by TVA to review the applicability of reverse osmosis (RO) and ultrafiltration (UF) membrane treatment technology at the Browns Ferry Nuclear Power Station. Specific program tasks are described and results presented.

Target weight achievement and ultrafiltration rate thresholds: potential patient implications.

PubMed

Flythe, Jennifer E; Assimon, Magdalene M; Overman, Robert A

2017-06-02

Higher ultrafiltration (UF) rates and extracellular hypo- and hypervolemia are associated with adverse outcomes among maintenance hemodialysis patients. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently considered UF rate and target weight achievement measures for ESRD Quality Incentive Program inclusion. The dual measures were intended to promote balance between too aggressive and too conservative fluid removal. The National Quality Forum endorsed the UF rate measure but not the target weight measure. We examined the proposed target weight measure and quantified weight gains if UF rate thresholds were applied without treatment time (TT) extension or interdialytic weight gain (IDWG) reduction. Data were taken from the 2012 database of a large dialysis organization. Analyses considered 152,196 United States hemodialysis patients. We described monthly patient and dialysis facility target weight achievement patterns and examined differences in patient characteristics across target weight achievement status and differences in facilities across target weight measure scores. We computed the cumulative, theoretical 1-month fluid-related weight gain that would occur if UF rates were capped at 13 mL/h/kg without concurrent TT extension or IDWG reduction. Target weight achievement patterns were stable over the year. Patients who did not achieve target weight (post-dialysis weight ≥ 1 kg above or below target weight) tended to be younger, black and dialyze via catheter, and had shorter dialysis vintage, greater body weight, higher UF rate and more missed treatments compared with patients who achieved target weight. Facilities had, on average, 27.1 ± 9.7% of patients with average post-dialysis weight ≥ 1 kg above or below the prescribed target weight. In adjusted analyses, facilities located in the midwest and south and facilities with higher proportions of black and Hispanic patients and higher proportions of patients with shorter TTs were more likely to have unfavorable facility target weight measure scores. Without TT extension or IDWG reduction, UF rate threshold (13 mL/h/kg) implementation led to an average theoretical 1-month, fluid-related weight gain of 1.4 ± 3.0 kg. Target weight achievement patterns vary across clinical subgroups. Implementation of a maximum UF rate threshold without adequate attention to extracellular volume status may lead to fluid-related weight gain.

Large format silicon immersion gratings for high resolution infrared spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ge, Jian; McDavitt, Dan; Zhao, Bo; Miller, Shane

2006-06-01

We report progress on development of large format silicon immersion gratings (SIG) at UF. Currently SIGs on 4 inch diameter thick silicon disks can be routinely produced with groove periods from 7 microns to 250 microns and blaze angles from 20 degrees to 76 degrees. A new capability of making SIGs from 6 inch diameter silicon disks has also been demonstrated. A new Space Astronomy Instrumentation Lab (SAIL) facility is being established at UF to have a capability of fabricating SIGs on 8 inch diameter silicon disks with up to 4 inch thickness. Our prototype SIG with an 85x50 mm2 etched grating area and a 54.7 deg blaze angle has produced a nearly diffraction-limited wavefront, less than 1% integrated scattered light and ghost intensity, a 74% peak blaze efficiency and a R = 55,000 resolving power at 1.55 μm.

Genome Enabled Discovery of Carbon Sequestration Genes in Poplar

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Filichkin, Sergei; Etherington, Elizabeth; Ma, Caiping

2007-02-22

The goals of the S.H. Strauss laboratory portion of 'Genome-enabled discovery of carbon sequestration genes in poplar' are (1) to explore the functions of candidate genes using Populus transformation by inserting genes provided by Oakridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and the University of Florida (UF) into poplar; (2) to expand the poplar transformation toolkit by developing transformation methods for important genotypes; and (3) to allow induced expression, and efficient gene suppression, in roots and other tissues. As part of the transformation improvement effort, OSU developed transformation protocols for Populus trichocarpa 'Nisqually-1' clone and an early flowering P. alba clone, 6K10. Completemore » descriptions of the transformation systems were published (Ma et. al. 2004, Meilan et. al 2004). Twenty-one 'Nisqually-1' and 622 6K10 transgenic plants were generated. To identify root predominant promoters, a set of three promoters were tested for their tissue-specific expression patterns in poplar and in Arabidopsis as a model system. A novel gene, ET304, was identified by analyzing a collection of poplar enhancer trap lines generated at OSU (Filichkin et. al 2006a, 2006b). Other promoters include the pGgMT1 root-predominant promoter from Casuarina glauca and the pAtPIN2 promoter from Arabidopsis root specific PIN2 gene. OSU tested two induction systems, alcohol- and estrogen-inducible, in multiple poplar transgenics. Ethanol proved to be the more efficient when tested in tissue culture and greenhouse conditions. Two estrogen-inducible systems were evaluated in transgenic Populus, neither of which functioned reliably in tissue culture conditions. GATEWAY-compatible plant binary vectors were designed to compare the silencing efficiency of homologous (direct) RNAi vs. heterologous (transitive) RNAi inverted repeats. A set of genes was targeted for post transcriptional silencing in the model Arabidopsis system; these include the floral meristem identity gene (APETALA1 or AP1), auxin response factor gene (ETTIN), the gene encoding transcriptional factor of WD40 family (TRANSPARENTTESTAGLABRA1 or TTG1), and the auxin efflux carrier (PIN-FORMED2 or PIN2) gene. More than 220 transgenic lines of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd generations were analyzed for RNAi suppression phenotypes (Filichkin et. al., manuscript submitted). A total of 108 constructs were supplied by ORNL, UF and OSU and used to generate over 1,881 PCR verified transgenic Populus and over 300 PCR verified transgenic Arabidopsis events. The Populus transgenics alone required Agrobacterium co-cultivations of 124.406 explants.« less

Solar thermal electricity generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gasemagha, Khairy Ramadan

1993-01-01

This report presents the results of modeling the thermal performance and economic feasibility of large (utility scale) and small solar thermal power plants for electricity generation. A number of solar concepts for power systems applications have been investigated. Each concept has been analyzed over a range of plant power ratings from 1 MW(sub e) to 300 MW(sub e) and over a range of capacity factors from a no-storage case (capacity factor of about 0.25 to 0.30) up to intermediate load capacity factors in the range of 0.46 to 0.60. The solar plant's economic viability is investigated by examining the effect of various parameters on the plant costs (both capital and O & M) and the levelized energy costs (LEC). The cost components are reported in six categories: collectors, energy transport, energy storage, energy conversion, balance of plant, and indirect/contingency costs. Concentrator and receiver costs are included in the collector category. Thermal and electric energy transport costs are included in the energy transport category. Costs for the thermal or electric storage are included in the energy storage category; energy conversion costs are included in the energy conversion category. The balance of plant cost category comprises the structures, land, service facilities, power conditioning, instrumentation and controls, and spare part costs. The indirect/contingency category consists of the indirect construction and the contingency costs. The concepts included in the study are (1) molten salt cavity central receiver with salt storage (PFCR/R-C-Salt); (2) molten salt external central receiver with salt storage (PFCR/R-E-Salt); (3) sodium external central receiver with sodium storage (PFCR/RE-Na); (4) sodium external central receiver with salt storage (PFCR/R-E-Na/Salt); (5) water/steam external central receiver with oil/rock storage (PFCR/R-E-W/S); (6) parabolic dish with stirling engine conversion and lead acid battery storage (PFDR/SLAB); (7) parabolic dish with stirling engine conversion and redox advanced battery storage (PFDR/S-RAB); and (8) parabolic trough with oil/rock storage (LFDR/R-HT-45). Key annual efficiency and economic results of the study are highlighted in tabular format for plant sizes and capacity factor that resulted in the lowest LEC over the analysis range.

Properties of Wheat-Straw Boards with Frw Based on Interface Treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, X. D.; Wang, F. H.; Liu, Y.

This paper explored the effect of MDI, UF and FRW content on the mechanical and fire retardant property of straw based panels with surface alkali liquor processing. In order to manufacture the straw based panel with high quality, low toxic and fire retardant, the interface of wheat-straw was treated with alkaline liquid, and the orthogonal test was carried out to optimize the technical parameters. The conductivity and diffusion coefficient K of the straw material after alkaline liquid treatment increased obviously. This indicated that alkaline liquid treatment improved the surface wet ability of straw, which is helpful for the infiltration of resin. The results of orthogonal test showed that the optimized treating condition was alkaline liquid concentration as 0.4-0.8%, alkaline dosage as 1:2.5-1:4.5, alkalinetreated time as 12h-48 h.The physical and mechanical properties of wheat-straw boards after treated increased remarkably and it could satisfy the national standard. The improvement of the straw surface wet ability is helpful to the forming of chemical bond. Whereas the variance analysis of the fire retardant property of straw based panel showed that TTI, pkHRR and peak value appearance time were not affected by the MDI, UF and FRW content significantly. The results of orthogonal test showed that the optimized processing condition was MDI content as 3%, UF resin content as 6% and the FRW content as 10%.

Comparison of the Automated cobas u 701 Urine Microscopy and UF-1000i Flow Cytometry Systems and Manual Microscopy in the Examination of Urine Sediments.

PubMed

Lee, Wonmok; Ha, Jung-Sook; Ryoo, Nam-Hee

2016-09-01

The cobas u 701, a new automated image-based urine sediment analyzer, was introduced recently. In this study, we compared its performance with that of UF-1000i flow cytometry and manual microscopy in the examination of urine sediments. Precision, linearity, and carry-over were determined for the two urine sediment analyzers. For a comparison of the method, 300 urine samples were examined by the automated analyzers and by manual microscopy using a KOVA chamber. Within-run coefficients of variation (CVs) for the control materials were 7.0-8.8% and 1.7-5.7% for the cobas u 701 and UF-1000i systems, respectively. Between-run CVs were 8.5-9.8% and 2.7-5.4%, respectively. Both instruments showed good linearity and negligible carry-over. For red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), and epithelial cells (EPI), the overall concordance rates within one grade of difference among the three methods were good (78.6-86.0%, 88.7-93.8%, and 81.3-90.7%, respectively). The concordance rate for casts was poor (66.5-68.9%). Compared with manual microscopy, the two automated sediment analyzers tested in this study showed satisfactory analytical performances for RBC, WBC, and EPI. However, for other urine sediment particles confirmation by visual microscopy is still required. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The study on the entrapment efficiency and in vitro release of puerarin submicron emulsion.

PubMed

Yue, Peng-Fei; Lu, Xiu-Yun; Zhang, Zeng-Zhu; Yuan, Hai-Long; Zhu, Wei-Feng; Zheng, Qin; Yang, Ming

2009-01-01

The entrapment efficiency (EE) and release in vitro are very important physicochemical characteristics of puerarin submicron emulsion (SME). In this paper, the performance of ultrafiltration (UF), ultracentrifugation (UC), and microdialysis (MD) for determining the EE of SME were evaluated, respectively. The release study in vitro of puerarin from SME was studied by using MD and pressure UF technology. The EE of SME was 86.5%, 72.8%, and 55.8% as determined by MD, UF, and UC, respectively. MD was not suitable for EE measurements of puerarin submicron oil droplet, which could only determine the total EE of submicron oil droplet and liposomes micelles, but it could be applied to determine the amount of free drug in SMEs. Although UC was the fastest and simplest to use, its results were the least reliable. UF was still the relatively accurate method for EE determination of puerarin SME. The release of puerarin SME could be evaluated by using MD and pressure UF, but MD seemed to be more suitable for the release study of puerarin emulsion. The drug release from puerarin SME at three drug concentrations was initially rapid, but reached a plateau value within 30 min. Drug release of puerarin from the SME occurred via burst release.

Long-term trends of surface-water mercury and methylmercury concentrations downstream of historic mining within the Carson River watershed

USGS Publications Warehouse

Morway, Eric D.; Thodal, Carl E.; Marvin-DiPasquale, Mark C.

2017-01-01

The Carson River is a vital water resource for local municipalities and migratory birds travelling the Pacific Flyway. Historic mining practices that used mercury (Hg) to extract gold from Comstock Lode ore has left much of the river system heavily contaminated with Hg, a practice that continues in many parts of the world today. Between 1998 and 2013, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) collected and analyzed Carson River water for Hg and methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations resulting in a sixteen year record of unfiltered total mercury (uf.THg), filtered (dissolved) Hg (f.THg), total methylmercury (uf.MeHg), filtered MeHg (f.MeHg), and particulate-bound THg (p.THg) and MeHg (p.MeHg) concentrations. This represents one of the longest continuous records of Hg speciation data for any riverine system, thereby providing a unique opportunity to evaluate long-term trends in concentrations and annual loads. During the period of analysis, uf.THg concentration and load trended downward at rates of −0.85% and −1.8% per year, respectively. Conversely, the f.THg concentration increased at a rate of 1.7% per year between 1998 and 2005, and 4.9% per year between 2005 and 2013. Trends in flow-normalized partition coefficients for both Hg and MeHg suggest a statistically significant shift from the particulate to the filtered phase. The upwardly accelerating f.THg concentration and observed shift from the solid phase to the aqueous phase among the pools of Hg and MeHg within the river water column signals an increased risk of deteriorating ecological conditions in the lower basin with respect to Hg contamination. More broadly, the 16-year trend analysis, completed 140 years after the commencement of major Hg releases to the Carson River, provides a poignant example of the ongoing legacy left behind by gold and silver mining techniques that relied on Hg amalgamation, and a cautionary tale for regions still pursuing the practice in other countries.

Alternate alloys for UF/sub 6/ cylinder valve packing nuts

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Blue, S.C.

One-inch cylinder valve packing nuts made from aluminum bronze alloy C63600 are susceptible to stress corrosion cracking. The use of alloys which are more resistant to cracking should eliminate the occasional nut failures. It is proposed that packing nuts be produced from either aluminum bronze C61300 or Monel (NO4400). 2 refs., 4 tabs.

40 CFR Table 1 to Subpart Hhhh of... - Minimum Requirements for Monitoring and Recordkeeping

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

...-hour block averages. 2. Other process or control device parameters specified in your OMM b plan. As... value for each product manufactured during the operating day. 6. UF-to-latex ratio in the binder c For... Required if a thermal oxidizer is used to control formaldehyde emissions. b Required if process...

Depleted UF6 Internet Resources

Science.gov Websites

been used to color glass for almost 2 millennia. A uranium-colored glass object was found near Naples , Italy, and dated to about 79 A.D. Uranium oxide added to glass produces a yellow to greenish hue. more Board Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (DNFSB) The Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board

An economic evaluation of biological conversion of wheat straw to butanol: A biofuel

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

A cost estimation study was performed for a biological butanol production plant with a capacity of 150 x 10**6 kg butanol/year. Wheat straw was used as a feedstock. In addition to butanol, acetone (78.05 x 10**6 kg/year) and ethanol (28.54 x 10**6 kg/year) would also be produced. The total capital c...

Voiding patterns of adult patients who underwent hypospadias repair in childhood.

PubMed

Jaber, Jawdat; Kocherov, Stanislav; Chertin, Leonid; Farkas, Amicur; Chertin, Boris

2017-02-01

This study aimed at evaluating the voiding patterns of adult patients who underwent hypospadias repair in childhood. Following IRB approval 103 (22.7%) of 449 adult patients who underwent hypospadias repair between 1978 and 1993 responded to the following questionnaires: International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS) and Short Form 12 questionnaire (SF-12). Uroflowmetry (UF) was performed for all patients. The patients were divided into three groups according to the primary meatus localization. Group I had 63 patients (61.5%) treated for glanular hypospadias, group II had 19 patients (18.4%) treated for distal hypospadias, and group III comprised the remaining 21 patients (20.4%) treated for proximal hypospadias. The mean ± SD I-PSS score for all patients who responded to the questionnaire was 2.3 ± 2.4, and UF was 21.1 ± 4.3 mL/s. The patients from groups I and III had fewer urinary symptoms compared with those of the group II: 1.3 ± 1.5, 5.5 ± 2.4, and 1.6 ± 1.4, respectively (p < 0.0001). With regards to UF, the patients from the groups I and III did better compared with those from the group II: 22.1 ± 4.1 mL/s, 18.91 ± 4.2 mL/s, and 20.11 ± 3.42 mL/s, respectively (p = 0.021) (Figure). The UF was better in patients with normal vs. abnormal IPSS (p = 0.0064). The physical component summary was 49.8 ± 10.3, 51.1 ± 3.6, and 46.4 ± 0.3 in groups I, II, and III, respectively. The mental summary component was 42.64 ± 4.1, 42.2 ± 2.4, and 39.89 ± 2.9 in groups I, II, and III, respectively. Most of the adult patients who underwent hypospadias repair in childhood had normal or mild voiding disturbance, with no effects on their physical or mental status. Copyright © 2016 Journal of Pediatric Urology Company. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A Preliminary Study: Human Fibroid Stro-1+/CD44+ Stem Cells Isolated From Uterine Fibroids Demonstrate Decreased DNA Repair and Genomic Integrity Compared to Adjacent Myometrial Stro-1+/CD44+ Cells.

PubMed

Prusinski Fernung, Lauren E; Al-Hendy, Ayman; Yang, Qiwei

2018-01-01

Although uterine fibroids (UFs) continue to place a major burden on female reproductive health, the mechanisms behind their origin remain undetermined. Normal myometrial stem cells may be transformed into tumor-initiating stem cells, causing UFs, due to unknown causes of somatic mutations in MED12, found in up to 85% of sporadically formed UFs. It is well established in other tumor types that defective DNA repair increases the risk of such tumorigenic somatic mutations, mechanisms not yet studied in UFs. To examine the putative cause(s) of this stem cell transformation, we analyzed DNA repair within stem cells from human UFs compared to those from adjacent myometrium to determine whether DNA repair in fibroid stem cells is compromised. Human fibroid (F) and adjacent myometrial (Myo) stem cells were isolated from fresh tissues, and gene expression relating to DNA repair was analyzed. Fibroid stem cells differentially expressed DNA repair genes related to DNA double- (DSBs) and single-strand breaks. DNA damage was measured using alkaline comet assay. Additionally, DNA DSBs were induced in these stem cells and DNA DSB repair evaluated (1) by determining changes in phosphorylation of DNA DSB-related proteins and (2) by determining differences in γ-H2AX foci formation and relative DNA repair protein RAD50 expression. Overall, F stem cells demonstrated increased DNA damage and altered DNA repair gene expression and signaling, suggesting that human F stem cells demonstrate impaired DNA repair. Compromised F stem cell DNA repair may contribute to further mutagenesis and, consequently, further growth and propagation of UF tumors.

Integrated aquitard-aquifer flow with a mixed-type well-face boundary and skin effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Qinggao; Zhan, Hongbin

2016-03-01

A general analytical model describing groundwater flow to a partially penetrating well pumped at a constant rate in a leaky confined aquifer is developed. The model incorporates the effects of aquitard storage, aquifer anisotropy, wellbore storage and a finite well skin by treating the aquitard leakage as an aquitard-aquifer interface flow problem, and considers the well-face as a mixed-type or non-uniform flux (NUF) rather than a uniform flux (UF) boundary condition, which is novel. The solution is obtained using the Laplace transform coupled with separation of variables and discretization methods, followed by the numerical inverse Laplace transform. Moreover, the solution unifies some cases for flow to a partially penetrating well in a leaky confined aquifer including Perina and Lee (2006), Feng and Zhan (2015) and Hunt (2005) or confined aquifer including Chiu et al. (2007), Yang et al. (2006) and Hantush (1964). The newly developed NUF solution is compared with the UF solution. The NUF drawdown is larger than the UF drawdown at early time, while the NUF drawdown is smaller than the UF drawdown at intermediate and late times. The non-uniform flux along the well-face has significant impact on drawdown in the skin zone, while the UF solution can completely replace the NUF solution at a radial distance from the pumped well equaling to or greater than the aquifer thickness. The NUF and UF drawdowns for no skin case are remarkably smaller than that for the positive skin case and larger than that for the negative skin case. A thicker well skin results in a smaller drawdown in the skin zone.

Rationale and design of ASTEROID 2, a randomized, placebo- and active comparator-controlled study to assess the efficacy and safety of vilaprisan in patients with uterine fibroids.

PubMed

Seitz, Christian; Bumbuliene, Žana; Costa, Ana Rosa; Heikinheimo, Oskari; Heweker, Andrea; Hudeček, Robert; Jacquemyn, Yves; Melis, Gian Benedetto; Parashar, Pooja; Rechberger, Tomasz; Sánchez, Antonio Cano; van Aken, Bart; Zatik, János; Gemzell-Danielsson, Kristina

2017-04-01

Uterine fibroids (UFs) may be treated with progesterone receptor modulators (PRMs), which have been shown to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding and the size of UFs. To date, one PRM (ulipristal acetate) has received regulatory approval for the treatment of UFs; therapy comprises intermittent treatment courses of up to 3months each, followed by a break to allow two menstruations to occur. We report the design of ASTEROID (Assess Safety and efficacy of vilaprisan in patients with uTERine fibrOIDs) 2, a phase 2 study examining the efficacy and safety of a novel PRM, vilaprisan, in women with UFs. In this randomized multi-arm study, vilaprisan (2mg daily) will be administered in different regimens: continuous treatment for 12 or 24weeks, or two 12-week treatment periods separated by a break to allow one menstruation to occur. Efficacy and safety will be compared with that of ulipristal acetate (5mg daily) and placebo. Patients randomized to receive placebo for 12weeks will also be given active treatment for 12weeks. The primary measure of efficacy will be amenorrhoea rate; secondary measures include time to normalized menstrual bleeding and percentage change in UF volume. Endometrial changes will be monitored throughout the study. The placebo- and active comparator-controlled trial ASTEROID 2 is the first study to evaluate systematically the efficacy and safety of different treatment regimens of PRMs in women with UFs. The findings of this study will direct the planning of future clinical trials of vilaprisan. Copyright © 2017 Bayer AG. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Comparison of Uniform Flux and Uniform Head Wellbore Boundary for the Multilevel Slug Test

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, C.

2012-12-01

The multilevel slug test (MLST) is useful in characterizing the vertical distribution of hydraulic conductivity K(z) around a well. Most MLST models assume a uniform flux (UF) distribution along the screen length ls during the test. This assumption leads to a nonuniform head distribution along ls, which is of question under the field conditions. To this end, the head distribution along ls is assumed to be uniform (UH). The MLST model associated with the UH assumption is mathematically more complicated and thus is less used. The difference of using UF and UH in modeling the MLST is investigated here for confined aquifers. For the low-K conditions of monotonic recovery of well water level, it is found that the well water level recovery predicted by the UH model is faster than that predicted by the UF model, and the discrepancy is more pronounced for a larger aspect ratio of rw/ls with rw being the well radius, a smaller partial penetration ratio of ls/b with b being aquifer thickness, and/or a smaller anisotropy ratio of Kz/Kr. For the high-K condition where oscillatory well water level recovery is oscillatory about its initial position, it is found that amplitude of the oscillatory recovery predicted by the UH model is larger than that by the UF model, and the discrepancy gets larger for a larger aspect ratio, a smaller partial penetration ratio, or a smaller anisotropy ratio. For the fully penetrating condition, both the UH and UF models give the same results, regardless of low- or high-K conditions. For the same set of data, the K value estimated by the UH model will be greater than that by the UF model.

Repetitive behavior profiles: Consistency across autism spectrum disorder cohorts and divergence from Prader-Willi syndrome.

PubMed

Flores, Cindi G; Valcante, Gregory; Guter, Steve; Zaytoun, Annette; Wray, Emily; Bell, Lindsay; Jacob, Suma; Lewis, Mark H; Driscoll, Daniel J; Cook, Edwin H; Kim, Soo-Jeong

2011-12-01

Restricted and repetitive behavior (RRB) is a group of heterogeneous maladaptive behaviors. RRB is one of the key diagnostic features of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and also commonly observed in Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). In this study, we assessed RRB using the Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised (RBS-R) in two ASD samples (University of Illinois at Chicago [UIC] and University of Florida [UF]) and one PWS sample. We compared the RBS-R item endorsements across three ASD cohorts (UIC, UF and an ASD sample from Lam, The Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised: independent validation and the effect of subject variables, PhD thesis, 2004), and a PWS sample. We also compared the mean RBS-R subscale/sum scores across the UIC, UF and PWS samples; across the combined ASD (UIC + UF), PWS-deletion and PWS-disomy groups; and across the combined ASD sample, PWS subgroup with a Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) score ≥15, and PWS subgroup with a SCQ score <15. Despite the highly heterogeneous nature, the three ASD samples (UIC, UF and Lam's) showed a similar pattern of the RBS-R endorsements, and the mean RBS-R scores were not different between the UIC and UF samples. However, higher RRB was noted in the ASD sample compared with the PWS sample, as well as in the PWS subgroup with a SCQ score ≥15 compared with the PWS subgroup with a SCQ score <15. Study limitations include a small sample size, a wide age range of our participants, and not controlling for potential covariates. A future replication study using a larger sample and further investigation into the genetic bases of overlapping ASD and RRB phenomenology are needed, given the higher RRB in the PWS subgroup with a SCQ score ≥15.

Correlation consistent basis sets for actinides. I. The Th and U atoms

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Peterson, Kirk A., E-mail: kipeters@wsu.edu

New correlation consistent basis sets based on both pseudopotential (PP) and all-electron Douglas-Kroll-Hess (DKH) Hamiltonians have been developed from double- to quadruple-zeta quality for the actinide atoms thorium and uranium. Sets for valence electron correlation (5f6s6p6d), cc − pV nZ − PP and cc − pV nZ − DK3, as well as outer-core correlation (valence + 5s5p5d), cc − pwCV nZ − PP and cc − pwCV nZ − DK3, are reported (n = D, T, Q). The -PP sets are constructed in conjunction with small-core, 60-electron PPs, while the -DK3 sets utilized the 3rd-order Douglas-Kroll-Hess scalar relativistic Hamiltonian. Bothmore » series of basis sets show systematic convergence towards the complete basis set limit, both at the Hartree-Fock and correlated levels of theory, making them amenable to standard basis set extrapolation techniques. To assess the utility of the new basis sets, extensive coupled cluster composite thermochemistry calculations of ThF{sub n} (n = 2 − 4), ThO{sub 2}, and UF{sub n} (n = 4 − 6) have been carried out. After accurately accounting for valence and outer-core correlation, spin-orbit coupling, and even Lamb shift effects, the final 298 K atomization enthalpies of ThF{sub 4}, ThF{sub 3}, ThF{sub 2}, and ThO{sub 2} are all within their experimental uncertainties. Bond dissociation energies of ThF{sub 4} and ThF{sub 3}, as well as UF{sub 6} and UF{sub 5}, were similarly accurate. The derived enthalpies of formation for these species also showed a very satisfactory agreement with experiment, demonstrating that the new basis sets allow for the use of accurate composite schemes just as in molecular systems composed only of lighter atoms. The differences between the PP and DK3 approaches were found to increase with the change in formal oxidation state on the actinide atom, approaching 5-6 kcal/mol for the atomization enthalpies of ThF{sub 4} and ThO{sub 2}. The DKH3 atomization energy of ThO{sub 2} was calculated to be smaller than the DKH2 value by ∼1 kcal/mol.« less

University of Florida Annual Accountability Report, 2013-14

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Board of Governors, State University System of Florida, 2014

2014-01-01

This statistical report provides data tables on the University of Florida (UF's) financial resources, personnel, enrollment, undergraduate education, graduate education, and research & economic development. Highlights of UF's achievements in the 2013-2014 academic year include: (1) Upon being named the state's highest-achieving preeminent…

Regional fibrocartilage variations in human anterior cruciate ligament tibial insertion: a histological three-dimensional reconstruction.

PubMed

Dai, Can; Guo, Lin; Yang, Liu; Wu, Yi; Gou, Jingyue; Li, Bangchun

2015-02-01

We studied anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tibial insertion architecture in humans and investigated regional differences that could suggest unequal force transmission from ligament to bone. ACL tibial insertions were processed histologically. With Photoshop software, digital images taken from the histological slides were collaged, contour lines were drawn, and different gray values were filled based on the structure. The data were exported to Amira software for three-dimensional reconstruction. The uncalcified fibrocartilage (UF) layer was divided into three regions: lateral, medial and posterior according to the architecture. The UF zone was significantly thicker laterally than medially or posteriorly (p < 0.05). Similarly, the calcified fibrocartilage (CF) thickness was significantly greater in the lateral part of the enthesis compared to the medial and posterior parts (p < 0.05). The UF quantity (more UF laterally) corresponding to the CF quantity (more CF laterally) at the ACL tibial insertion provides further evidence suggesting that the load transferred from the ACL to the tibia was greater laterally than medially and posteriorly.

More Efficient Sodium Removal by Ultrafiltration Compared to Diuretics in Acute Heart Failure; Underexplored and Overstated.

PubMed

Kazory, Amir

2016-01-01

Enhanced removal of sodium has often been cited as an advantage of ultrafiltration (UF) therapy over diuretic-based medical treatment in the management of acute decompensated heart failure. However, so far clinical studies have rarely evaluated the precise magnitude of sodium removal, and this assumption is largely based on the physiologic mechanisms and anecdotal observations that predate the contemporary management of heart failure. Recent data suggest that patients treated with UF experience substantial reduction in urinary sodium excretion possibly due to prolonged intravascular volume contraction. Consequently, the efficient sodium extraction through production of isotonic ultrafiltrate can be offset by urine hypotonicity. Based on the limited currently available data, it seems unlikely that the persistent benefits of UF could be solely explained by its greater efficiency in sodium removal. The design of the future studies should include frequent measurements of urine sodium to precisely compare the impact of UF and diuretics on sodium balance. © 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Treatment of a waste oil-in-water emulsion from a copper-rolling process by ultrafiltration and vacuum evaporation.

PubMed

Gutiérrez, Gemma; Lobo, Alberto; Benito, José M; Coca, José; Pazos, Carmen

2011-01-30

A process is proposed for the treatment of a waste oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion generated in an industrial copper-rolling operation. The use of demulsifier agents improves the subsequent treatment by techniques such as ultrafiltration (UF) or evaporation. The effluent COD is reduced up to 50% when the O/W emulsion is treated by UF using a flat 30 nm TiO(2) ceramic membrane (ΔP = 0.1 MPa) and up to 70% when it is treated by vacuum evaporation, after an emulsion destabilization pretreatment in both cases. Increases in the UF permeate flux and in the evaporation rate are observed when a chemical demulsifier is used in the pretreatment step. A combined process consisting of destabilization/settling, UF, and vacuum evaporation can yield a very high-quality aqueous effluent that could be used for process cooling or emulsion reformulation. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Characterization of the Environmentally Induced Chemical Transformations of Uranium Tetrafluoride

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wellons, M.

A key challenge with nuclear safeguards environmental sampling is identification of the materials post release due to subsequent chemical reactions with ambient water and oxygen. Uranium Tetrafluoride (UF4) is of interest as an intermediate in both the upstream and downstream portions of uranium feedstock and metal production processes used in nuclear fuel production; however minimal published research exists relating to UF4 hydrolysis. FY16 efforts were dedicated to in-situ Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction characterization of UF4 during exposure to various relative humidity conditions. This effort mapped several hydrolysis reaction pathways and identified both intermediate, and terminal progeny species.

PULMONARY AND CARDIAC GENE EXPRESSION FOLLOWING ACUTE ULTRAFINE CARBON PARTICLE INHALATION IN HYPERTENSIVE RATS

EPA Science Inventory

Inhalation of ultrafine carbon particles (ufCP) causes cardiac physiological changes without marked pulmonary injury or inflammation. We hypothesized that acute ufCP exposure of 13 months old Spontaneously Hypertensive (SH) rats will cause differential effects on the lung and hea...

Unhealthy diet and ultrafine carbon black particles induce senescence and disease associated phenotypic changes.

PubMed

Büchner, Nicole; Ale-Agha, Niloofar; Jakob, Sascha; Sydlik, Ulrich; Kunze, Kerstin; Unfried, Klaus; Altschmied, Joachim; Haendeler, Judith

2013-01-01

Diet and pollution are environmental factors known to compromise "healthy aging" of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. The molecular consequences of this permanent burden in these cells are still unknown. Therefore, this study investigates the impact of unhealthy diet on aging-related signaling pathways of human, primary cardiovascular cells and of airborne particles on lung epithelial and human endothelial cells. Nutrition health reports have shown that the diet in industrialized countries contains more than 100mg/dl low density lipoprotein (LDL) and a high fraction of added sugars, especially fructose. Several studies demonstrated that ultrafine particles can enter the circulation and thus may interact with endothelial cells directly. Both, dietary compounds and pollution derived particles, have been shown to increase the risk for cardiovascular diseases. To simulate an unhealthy diet, we supplemented cell culture media of human primary endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells and cardiomyocytes with LDL and replaced 1/3 of glucose with fructose. We observed hypertrophy in cardiomyocytes, enhanced proliferation in smooth muscle cells and increased senescence, loss of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and increased nuclear FoxO3A in endothelial cells. With respect to pollution we have used ultrafine carbon black particles (ufCB), one of the major constituents of industrial and exhaust emissions, in concentrations our lungs and vessels are constantly exposed to. These concentrations of ufCB increased reactive oxygen species in lung epithelial and vascular endothelial cells and reduced the S-NO content, a marker for NO-bioavailability, in endothelial cells. NO increases activation of Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase (TERT), an enzyme essential for telomere maintenance. TERT is required for proper endothelial cell function and is inactivated by Src kinase under conditions of oxidative stress. ufCB significantly increased Src kinase activation and reduced Telomerase activity in endothelial and lung epithelial cells. As a consequence, ufCB increased senescence of endothelial cells. To investigate whether ufCB show also effects in vivo, we instilled ufCB in concentrations not inducing inflammation into mice. Indeed, eNOS expression was reduced in the abdominal aorta of animals treated with ufCB. Thus, a combination of fructose and LDL in the diet and ufCB, as a major constituent of air pollution, seem to accelerate respiratory and cardiovascular cellular changes, which may compromise "healthy aging" and can lead to cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Copolymerization of UF Resins with Dimethylurea for Improving Storage Stability without Impairing Adhesive Performance.

PubMed

Pereira, Pedro; Pereira, João; Paiva, Nádia T; Ferra, João M; Martins, Jorge M; Carvalho, Luísa H; Magalhães, Fernão D

2018-06-19

Urea-formaldehyde (UF) resins are the most used resins in the wood industry due to high reactivity and low price. However, their reduced stability during storage is a drawback, imposing strict limits in terms of allowable shipping distances and storage times. This instability, manifested by viscosity increase that renders the resin unusable, occurs due to the progress of condensation reactions between the polymeric species present in the liquid medium. In order to achieve a stable resin formulation, dimethylurea (DMeU) was selected for being less reactive than urea. Dimethylurea is shown to co-polymerize with the UF polymer during the acidic synthesis condensation step. However, during storage it behaves like an end group blocker, due to its lower reactivity at basic pH. By adding 1.25% DMeU, it was possible to obtain a formulation that remained with stable viscosity during two-month storage at 40 °C. The reference UF resin remained stable only for eight days in these conditions. Wood particleboards produced with modified resins showed internal bond strengths of about 0.5 N·mm −2 , similar to the fresh reference UF resin, even when the resins were used after the two-month storage period. Formaldehyde content values were below the limit for E1 class, ≤8 mg/100 g oven dry board (EN 13986).

Comparison of traditional and molecular analytical methods for detecting biological agents in raw and drinking water following ultrafiltration

USGS Publications Warehouse

Francy, D.S.; Bushon, R.N.; Brady, A.M.G.; Bertke, E.E.; Kephart, C.M.; Likirdopulos, C.A.; Mailot, B.E.; Schaefer, F. W.; Lindquist, H.D. Alan

2009-01-01

Aims: To compare the performance of traditional methods to quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for detecting five biological agents in large-volume drinking-water samples concentrated by ultrafiltration (UF). Methods and Results: Drinking-water samples (100 l) were seeded with Bacillus anthracis, Cryptospordium parvum, Francisella tularensis, Salmonella Typhi, and Vibrio cholerae and concentrated by UF. Recoveries by traditional methods were variable between samples and between some replicates; recoveries were not determined by qPCR. Francisella tularensis and V. cholerae were detected in all 14 samples after UF, B. anthracis was detected in 13, and C. parvum was detected in 9 out of 14 samples. Numbers found by qPCR after UF were significantly or nearly related to those found by traditional methods for all organisms except for C. parvum. A qPCR assay for S. Typhi was not available. Conclusions: qPCR can be used to rapidly detect biological agents after UF as well as traditional methods, but additional work is needed to improve qPCR assays for several biological agents, determine recoveries by qPCR, and expand the study to other areas. Significance and Impact of the Study: To our knowledge, this is the first study to compare the use of traditional and qPCR methods to detect biological agents in large-volume drinking-water samples. ?? 2009 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

Development and aging of the healthy human brain uncinate fasciculus across the lifespan using diffusion tensor tractography.

PubMed

Hasan, Khader M; Iftikhar, Amal; Kamali, Arash; Kramer, Larry A; Ashtari, Manzar; Cirino, Paul T; Papanicolaou, Andrew C; Fletcher, Jack M; Ewing-Cobbs, Linda

2009-06-18

The human brain uncinate fasciculus (UF) is an important cortico-cortical white matter pathway that directly connects the frontal and temporal lobes, although there is a lack of conclusive support for its exact functional role. Using diffusion tensor tractography, we extracted the UF, calculated its volume and normalized it with respect to each subject's intracranial volume (ICV) and analyzed its corresponding DTI metrics bilaterally on a cohort of 108 right-handed children and adults aged 7-68 years. Results showed inverted U-shaped curves for fractional anisotropy (FA) with advancing age and U-shaped curves for radial and axial diffusivities reflecting white matter progressive and regressive myelination and coherence dynamics that continue into young adulthood. The mean FA values of the UF were significantly larger on the left side in children (p=0.05), adults (p=0.0012) and the entire sample (p=0.0002). The FA leftward asymmetry (Left>Right) is shown to be due to increased leftward asymmetry in the axial diffusivity (p<0.0001) and a lack of asymmetry (p>0.23) for the radial diffusivity. This is the first study to provide baseline normative macro and microstructural age trajectories of the human UF across the lifespan. Results of this study may lend themselves to better understanding of UF role in future behavioral and clinical studies.

Virus removal retention challenge tests performed at lab scale and pilot scale during operation of membrane units.

PubMed

Humbert, H; Machinal, C; Labaye, Ivan; Schrotter, J C

2011-01-01

The determination of the virus retention capabilities of UF units during operation is essential for the operators of drinking water treatment facilities in order to guarantee an efficient and stable removal of viruses through time. In previous studies, an effective method (MS2-phage challenge tests) was developed by the Water Research Center of Veolia Environnement for the measurement of the virus retention rates (Log Removal Rate, LRV) of commercially available hollow fiber membranes at lab scale. In the present work, the protocol for monitoring membrane performance was transferred from lab scale to pilot scale. Membrane performances were evaluated during pilot trial and compared to the results obtained at lab scale with fibers taken from the pilot plant modules. PFU culture method was compared to RT-PCR method for the calculation of LRV in both cases. Preliminary tests at lab scale showed that both methods can be used interchangeably. For tests conducted on virgin membrane, a good consistency was observed between lab and pilot scale results with the two analytical methods used. This work intends to show that a reliable determination of the membranes performances based on RT-PCR analytical method can be achieved during the operation of the UF units.

Hydrologic Performance and Infiltration Dynamics of Bioinfiltration Systems

EPA Science Inventory

This presentation is being given to the Urban Field Station in NYC. The UFS invited us to give the presentation as a "brown bag" seminar fo the staff. UFS is a joint venture between the US Forest Service Northern Research Station and the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation.

A single gene controls leaf background color in caladium (Araceae) and is tightly linked to genes for leaf main vein color, spotting and rugosity.

PubMed

Cao, Zhe; Sui, Shunzhao; Yang, Qian; Deng, Zhanao

2017-01-01

Modern cultivated caladiums ( Caladium × hortulanum ) are grown for their long-lasting and colorful leaves. Understanding the mode of inheritance for caladium leaf characteristics is critical for plant breeders to select appropriate parents, predict progeny performance, estimate breeding population sizes needed, and increase breeding efficiencies. This study was conducted to determine the mode of inheritance of two leaf background colors (lemon and green) in caladium and to understand their relationships with four other important leaf characteristics including leaf shape, main vein color, spotting, and rugosity. Seven caladium cultivars and three breeding lines were used as parents in 19 crosses, and their progeny were phenotyped for segregation of leaf traits. Results showed that the two leaf background colors are controlled by a single nuclear locus, with two alleles, LEM and lem , which control the dominant lemon and the recessive green leaf background color, respectively. The lemon-colored cultivar 'Miss Muffet' and breeding lines UF-52 and UF-53 have a heterozygous genotype LEMlem . Chi-square tests showed that the leaf background color locus LEM is independent from the leaf shape locus F , but is tightly linked to three loci ( S , V and RLF ) controlling leaf spotting, main vein color, and rugosity in caladium. A linkage map that consists of four loci controlling major caladium leaf characteristics and extends ~15 cM was developed based on the observed recombination frequencies. This is the first report on the mode of inheritance of leaf background colors in caladium and in the Araceae family. The information gained in this study will be very useful for caladium breeding and study of the inheritance of leaf colors in other ornamental aroids, an important group of ornamental plants in the world.

A single gene controls leaf background color in caladium (Araceae) and is tightly linked to genes for leaf main vein color, spotting and rugosity

PubMed Central

Cao, Zhe; Sui, Shunzhao; Yang, Qian; Deng, Zhanao

2017-01-01

Modern cultivated caladiums (Caladium×hortulanum) are grown for their long-lasting and colorful leaves. Understanding the mode of inheritance for caladium leaf characteristics is critical for plant breeders to select appropriate parents, predict progeny performance, estimate breeding population sizes needed, and increase breeding efficiencies. This study was conducted to determine the mode of inheritance of two leaf background colors (lemon and green) in caladium and to understand their relationships with four other important leaf characteristics including leaf shape, main vein color, spotting, and rugosity. Seven caladium cultivars and three breeding lines were used as parents in 19 crosses, and their progeny were phenotyped for segregation of leaf traits. Results showed that the two leaf background colors are controlled by a single nuclear locus, with two alleles, LEM and lem, which control the dominant lemon and the recessive green leaf background color, respectively. The lemon-colored cultivar ‘Miss Muffet’ and breeding lines UF-52 and UF-53 have a heterozygous genotype LEMlem. Chi-square tests showed that the leaf background color locus LEM is independent from the leaf shape locus F, but is tightly linked to three loci (S, V and RLF) controlling leaf spotting, main vein color, and rugosity in caladium. A linkage map that consists of four loci controlling major caladium leaf characteristics and extends ~15 cM was developed based on the observed recombination frequencies. This is the first report on the mode of inheritance of leaf background colors in caladium and in the Araceae family. The information gained in this study will be very useful for caladium breeding and study of the inheritance of leaf colors in other ornamental aroids, an important group of ornamental plants in the world. PMID:28101369

19 F(α,n) thick target yield from 3.5 to 10.0 MeV

DOE PAGES

Norman, E.B.; Chupp, T.E.; Lesko, K.T.; ...

2015-09-01

Using a target of PbF2, the thick-target yield from the 19F(α,n) reaction was measured from Eα=3.5–10 MeV. From these results, we infer the thick-target neutron yields from targets of F2 and UF6 over this same alpha-particle energy range.

Analysis of curing process and thermal properties of phenol-urea-formaldehyde cocondensed resins

Treesearch

Bunchiro Tomita; Masahiko Ohyama; Atsushi Itoh; Kiyoto Doi; Chung-Yun Hse

1994-01-01

The curing processes of resols, urea-formaldehyde (UF) resins, their mechanical blends, and phenol-urea cocondensed resins, as well as the reaction of 2,4,6-trimethylolphenol with urea were investiiated with the torsional braid analysis method. The thermal stabilities of these resins after curing also were compared. The results were as follows: (1) In the curing...

CO2 sequestration by carbonation of steelmaking slags in an autoclave reactor.

PubMed

Chang, E-E; Pan, Shu-Yuan; Chen, Yi-Hung; Chu, Hsiao-Wen; Wang, Chu-Fang; Chiang, Pen-Chi

2011-11-15

Carbon dioxide (CO(2)) sequestration experiments using the accelerated carbonation of three types of steelmaking slags, i.e., ultra-fine (UF) slag, fly-ash (FA) slag, and blended hydraulic slag cement (BHC), were performed in an autoclave reactor. The effects of reaction time, liquid-to-solid ratio (L/S), temperature, CO(2) pressure, and initial pH on CO(2) sequestration were evaluated. Two different CO(2) pressures were chosen: the normal condition (700 psig) and the supercritical condition (1300 psig). The carbonation conversion was determined quantitatively by using thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA). The major factors that affected the conversion were reaction time (5 min to 12h) and temperature (40-160°C). The BHC was found to have the highest carbonation conversion of approximately 68%, corresponding to a capacity of 0.283 kg CO(2)/kg BHC, in 12h at 700 psig and 160°C. In addition, the carbonation products were confirmed to be mainly in CaCO(3), which was determined by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) to analyze samples before and after carbonation. Furthermore, reaction kinetics were expressed with a surface coverage model, and the carbon footprint of the developed technology in this investigation was calculated by a life cycle assessment (LCA). Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Effects of land-use conversion from double rice cropping to vegetables on CO2 and CH4 fluxes in southern China].

PubMed

Yuan, Ye; Liu, Chang-hong; Dai, Xiao-qin; Wang, Hui-min

2015-01-01

In this study, the CO2 and CH4 fluxes in the first year after land use conversion from paddy rice to vegetables were measured by static opaque chamber and gas-chromatograph (GC) method to investigate the land conversion effects on soil CO2 and CH4 emissions. Our results showed that the differences in CO2 fluxes depended on the vegetable types, growing status and seasons. The CO2 flux from the vegetable field was greater than that from the paddy rice field when cowpea was planted, but was lower when pepper was planted. The CH4 flux significantly decreased from 6.96 mg C . m-2 . h-1 to -0.004 mg C . m-2 . h-1 with the land use conversion from rice to vegetables.The net carbon absorption ( CO2 + CH4) of the vegetable fields was 543 kg C . hm-2, significantly lower than that (3641 kg C . hm-2) of the rice paddies. However, no significant difference was found in their global warming impact. In addition, soil carbon content increased in vegetable fields compared to the paddy rice fields after a year of conversion, especially in the 10-20 cm soil layer.

Treatment of micropollutants in municipal wastewater: ozone or powdered activated carbon?

PubMed

Margot, Jonas; Kienle, Cornelia; Magnet, Anoÿs; Weil, Mirco; Rossi, Luca; de Alencastro, Luiz Felippe; Abegglen, Christian; Thonney, Denis; Chèvre, Nathalie; Schärer, Michael; Barry, D A

2013-09-01

Many organic micropollutants present in wastewater, such as pharmaceuticals and pesticides, are poorly removed in conventional wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). To reduce the release of these substances into the aquatic environment, advanced wastewater treatments are necessary. In this context, two large-scale pilot advanced treatments were tested in parallel over more than one year at the municipal WWTP of Lausanne, Switzerland. The treatments were: i) oxidation by ozone followed by sand filtration (SF) and ii) powdered activated carbon (PAC) adsorption followed by either ultrafiltration (UF) or sand filtration. More than 70 potentially problematic substances (pharmaceuticals, pesticides, endocrine disruptors, drug metabolites and other common chemicals) were regularly measured at different stages of treatment. Additionally, several ecotoxicological tests such as the Yeast Estrogen Screen, a combined algae bioassay and a fish early life stage test were performed to evaluate effluent toxicity. Both treatments significantly improved the effluent quality. Micropollutants were removed on average over 80% compared with raw wastewater, with an average ozone dose of 5.7 mg O3 l(-1) or a PAC dose between 10 and 20 mg l(-1). Depending on the chemical properties of the substances (presence of electron-rich moieties, charge and hydrophobicity), either ozone or PAC performed better. Both advanced treatments led to a clear reduction in toxicity of the effluents, with PAC-UF performing slightly better overall. As both treatments had, on average, relatively similar efficiency, further criteria relevant to their implementation were considered, including local constraints (e.g., safety, sludge disposal, disinfection), operational feasibility and cost. For sensitive receiving waters (drinking water resources or recreational waters), the PAC-UF treatment, despite its current higher cost, was considered to be the most suitable option, enabling good removal of most micropollutants and macropollutants without forming problematic by-products, the strongest decrease in toxicity and a total disinfection of the effluent. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Anaerobic digestion of cattail by rumen cultures.

PubMed

Hu, Zhen-Hu; Yu, Han-Qing

2006-01-01

The anaerobic digestion of aquatic plants could serve the dual roles for producing renewable energy and reducing waste. In this study, the anaerobic digestion of cattail (Typha latifolia linn), a lignocellulosic aquatic plant, by rumen microorganisms in batch cultures was investigated. At a substrate level of 12.4 g/l volatile solids (VS) and pH 6.7, maximum VS conversion of 66% was achieved within an incubation time of 125 h. However, a decrease in pH from 6.7 to 5.8 resulted in a marked reduction in VS conversion. The total volatile fatty acids (VFAs) yield was about 0.56 g/g VS digested. Acetate and propionate were the major aqueous fermentation products, while butyrate, i-butyrate and valerate were also formed in smaller quantities. Biogas that was produced was composed of carbon dioxide, methane and hydrogen. A modified Gompertz equation was developed to describe substrate consumption and product formation. The hydrolysis of insoluble components was the rate-limiting step in the anaerobic digestion of cattail.

ELECTROLYTIC PREPARATION OF UF$sub 4$

DOEpatents

Allen, A.L.; Anderson, R.W.; Powell, E.W.

1958-11-01

A method is presented for converting hexavalent aranium to uranium tetrafluoride. The method consists of electrolyzing a solution of uranyl fluoride in hydrofluoric acld at about 90 icient laborato C. The uranyl ions are reduced at the cathode and a hydrated uranium tetrafluoride precipitates. The precipitate is separated and subsequently dehydrated to UF/sub 4/.

Failure mechanisms in wood joints bonded with urea-formaldehyde adhesives

Treesearch

B.H. River; R.O. Ebewele; G.E. Myers

1994-01-01

Wood joints bonded with urea-formaldehyde (UF) are weakened by cyclic swelling and shrinking. To study the failure mechanisms in UF-bonded joints, specimens were bonded with unmodified, modified (amine), or phenol formaldehyde adhesive and subjected to accelerated aging. Modification of the adhesive properties increased the cleavage fracture toughness and shear...

Aged spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) are predisposed to ultrafine carbon particle (UfCP) mediated cardiovascular impairment.

EPA Science Inventory

Background: Elderly individuals are considered to be more susceptible to particulate matter (PM) related cardiovascular (CV) health effects. In this study we investigated UfCP mediated CV effects on aged SHRs and compared the findings to that of adult SHRs to identify age related...

Recovery of process water from spent emulsions generated in copper cable factory.

PubMed

Karakulski, K; Morawski, A W

2011-02-28

Treatment of waste emulsions generated in the cable factory from copper wire drawing was investigated using the integrated membrane processes: ultrafiltration (UF) and nanofiltration (NF). The application of UF tubular membranes (MWCO 100 kDa) resulted in 98% retention of oil and lubricants, whereas the degree of passage of copper ions (the major component of effluents from cable factory) was 99%. The average permeate flux amounted to 45 l/m(2) h for the transmembrane pressure of 3.5 bar during the UF pretreatment of waste emulsions. The Silt Density Index (SDI) values of UF permeates were appropriate for the application of spiral wound membranes in the NF process. The complete removal of oil and lubricants was achieved in NF process and the content of TOC was reduced by more than 90%. The rejection of copper ions in the NF process was 90% and 98% for NF270 and NF90 membranes (FILMTEC), respectively. The quality of NF permeates allows a direct reuse of treated water for the preparation of fresh emulsion. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

High Concentration Protein Ultrafiltration: a Comparative Fouling Assessment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lim, Y. P.; Mohammad, A. W.

2018-05-01

In this paper, the predominant fouling mechanism via pH manipulation in gelatin ultrafiltration (UF) at constant operating pressure was studied. Two 30 kDa molecular weight cut off (MWCO) UF membranes with different hydrophilic/hydrophobic properties were tested at solution pH near gelatin isoelectric point (IEP), pH below and above gelatin’s IEP. The resistance-in-series model was used to determine quantitatively the contribution of each filtration resistance occurred during gelatin UF. The governing fouling mechanisms were investigated using classical blocking laws. The results demonstrated that concentration polarization remain as dominant fouling resistance in gelatin UF, but exceptional case was observed at pH away from gelatin’s IEP, showing that combined reversible and irreversible fouling resistances contributed around 57% and 37%, respectively to the overall fouling resistances. Under all experimental condition tested, permeate flux decline was accurately predicted by all the models studied. Fouling profile was fitted well with “Standard Blocking”, “Intermediate Blocking” and “Cake Filtration” model for regenerated cellulose acetate (RCA) membrane and “Cake Filtration” model for polyethersulphone (PES) membrane.

Preparation and characterization of novel zwitterionic poly(arylene ether sulfone) ultrafiltration membrane with good thermostability and excellent antifouling properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rong, Guolong; Zhou, Di; Han, Xiaocui; Pang, Jinhui

2018-01-01

Zwitterionic poly(arylene ether sulfone) (PAES-NS) was synthesized via copolymerization by using a bisphenol monomer with a pyridine group. The chemical structures of the copolymers were confirmed by using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy; the copolymers showed good thermal stability. A series of polyphenysulfone (PPSU)/PAES-NS blend ultrafiltration (UF) membranes was prepared via conventional immersion precipitation phase inversion methods The morphologies of the modified membranes were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The surface hydrophilicity of the UF membranes was studied by water contact angle measurement, indicating that the zwitterionic group increased the membrane hydrophilicity. UF of solvated model pollutants using the membranes showed a significant reduction of the irreversible adsorption of the foulants, illustrating the excellent anti-fouling properties of the membrane. The water flux of the PAES-NS membrane was significantly enhanced, being almost three times higher than that of the pristine PPSU membrane, with retention of a high rejection level. After three UF cycles, the water flux recovery of the PAES-NS membrane was as high as 96%.

Effect of Ultrafiltration on Pulmonary Function and Interleukins in Patients Undergoing Cardiopulmonary Bypass.

PubMed

Kosour, Carolina; Dragosavac, Desanka; Antunes, Nilson; Almeida de Oliveira, Rosmari Aparecida Rosa; Martins Oliveira, Pedro Paulo; Wilson Vieira, Reinaldo

2016-08-01

To evaluate the effect of ultrafiltration on interleukins, TNF-α levels, and pulmonary function in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Prospective, randomized, controlled trial. University hospital. Forty patients undergoing CABG were randomized into a group assigned to receive ultrafiltration (UF) during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) or into another group (control) that underwent the same procedure but without ultrafiltration. Interleukins and TNF-α levels, pulmonary gas exchange, and ventilatory mechanics were measured in the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative periods. Interleukins and TNF-α also were analyzed in the perfusate of the test group. There were increases in IL-6 and IL-8 at 30 minutes after CPB and 6, 12, 24, and 36 hours after surgery, along with an increase in TNF-α at 30 minutes after CPB and 24, 36, and 48 hours after surgery in both groups. IL-1 increased at 30 minutes after CPB and 12 hours after surgery, while IL-6 increased 24 and 36 hours after surgery in the UF group. The analysis of the ultrafiltrate showed the presence of TNF-α and traces of IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8. There were alterations in the oxygen index, alveolar-arterial oxygen difference, deadspace, pulmonary static compliance and airway resistance after anesthesia and sternotomy, as well as in airway resistance at 6 hours after surgery in both groups, with no difference between them. Ultrafiltration increased the serum level of IL-1 and IL-6, while it did not interfere with gas exchange and pulmonary mechanics in CABG. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Evidence that interferon-tau secreted from Day-7 embryo in vivo generates anti-inflammatory immune response in the bovine uterus.

PubMed

Rashid, Mohammad B; Talukder, Anup K; Kusama, Kazuya; Haneda, Shingo; Takedomi, Toshiro; Yoshino, Hitomi; Moriyasu, Satoru; Matsui, Motozumi; Shimada, Masayuki; Imakawa, Kazuhiko; Miyamoto, Akio

2018-06-12

Recent studies suggest that Day-7 bovine embryo starts to communicate with the uterine epithelium through interferon-tau (IFNT) signaling. However, immune modulatory role of IFNT in the uterus just after the embryo moves from the oviduct is unclear. We aimed to examine the hypothesis that Day-7 bovine embryo secretes IFNT in the uterus, which induces anti-inflammatory response in immune cells. The uterine flush (UF) with multiple embryos was collected from Day-7 donor pregnant cows and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were then cultured in UF. Transcripts detected in PBMCs revealed that UF from pregnant cows down-regulated pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNFA, IL1B) and up-regulated anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL10) expression, with activation of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs; ISG15, OAS1) as compared with UF from non-pregnant cows. An addition of specific anti-IFNT antibody to the UF inhibited the effect on PBMCs, indicating that IFNT is a major factor for such immune modulation. The observation that conditioned media from bovine uterine epithelial cells both stimulated with IFNT in vitro and supplemented with fresh IFNT induced similar PBMCs gene expression, confirming that IFNT directly acts on this immune crosstalk. This study shows that IFNT secreted from Day-7 embryo in vivo generates anti-inflammatory response in immune cells, which may provide immunological tolerance to accept the embryo. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Direct identification of bacteria causing urinary tract infections by combining matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry with UF-1000i urine flow cytometry.

PubMed

Wang, X-H; Zhang, G; Fan, Y-Y; Yang, X; Sui, W-J; Lu, X-X

2013-03-01

Rapid identification of bacterial pathogens from clinical specimens is essential to establish an adequate empirical antibiotic therapy to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs). We used matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) combined with UF-1000i urine flow cytometry of urine specimens to quickly and accurately identify bacteria causing UTIs. We divided each urine sample into three aliquots for conventional identification, UF-1000i, and MALDI-TOF MS, respectively. We compared the results of the conventional method with those of MALDI-TOF MS combined with UF-1000i, and discrepancies were resolved by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We analyzed 1456 urine samples from patients with UTI symptoms, and 932 (64.0%) were negative using each of the three testing methods. The combined method used UF-1000i to eliminate negative specimens and then MALDI-TOF MS to identify the remaining positive samples. The combined method was consistent with the conventional method in 1373 of 1456 cases (94.3%), and gave the correct result in 1381 of 1456 cases (94.8%). Therefore, the combined method described here can directly provide a rapid, accurate, definitive bacterial identification for the vast majority of urine samples, though the MALDI-TOF MS software analysis capabilities should be improved, with regard to mixed bacterial infection. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Genotoxic effects of old landfill leachate on HepG2 cells after nitration/ultrafiltration/reverse osmosis membrane treatment process.

PubMed

Cheng, Rong; Zhao, Ling; Yin, Pinghe

2017-12-01

Toxicity assessment of nitration/ultrafiltration/reverse osmosis (nitration/UF/RO) project, which has recently been widely used as an efficient process with applications in practical leachate treatment, was very limited. In the present study, DNA damage of leachates was investigated before and after the nitration/UF/RO process by a battery of assays with human hepatoma cells. Methyletrazolium assay showed a high cytotoxicity of 97.1% after being exposed to the highest concentration of raw leachate for 24 h, and a cytotoxicity of 26% in effluent at a concentration of 30% (v/v). Both comet assay (24 h) and γH2AX flow cytometer assay (3 h) showed increased levels of DNA damage in cells exposed to raw leachate and after nitration/UF-treated leachate followed by a significant increase of 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase activity. However, the effluent after nitration/UF/RO treatment showed no significant difference compared to negative control for γH2AX flow cytometer assay but slight DNA damage at concentrations of 20% and 30% (v/v) as well as increase of 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase. Analysis showed that nitration/UF/RO process exhibited high removal of physicochemical indexes and significant reduction of toxic and genotoxic effects of leachate, but still demands an improvement to reduce all possible negative risks to the environment and humans. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A method of chemiluminescence coupled with ultrafiltration for investigating the interaction between ibuprofen and human serum albumin.

PubMed

Xiong, Xunyu; Zhang, Qunzheng; Nan, Yefei; Gu, Xuefan

2013-01-01

In acidic media, ibuprofen substantially enhanced the weak chemiluminescence (CL) produced by sodium sulfite and potassium permanganate. The increased signals were linearly correlated with ibuprofen concentrations ranging from 1.2 × 10(-3) to 4.8 μM, with a detection limit of 4.8 × 10(-4) μM. Two ultrafiltration (UF) membranes were used to construct a unit for trapping 0.15 and 0.75 μM human serum albumin (HSA) and coupled online with the CL system. At low HSA concentrations, the numbers of bound molecules per binding site were calculated to be 0.9 for Sudlow site I and 6.2 for Sudlow site II. The association constants on these binding sites were 5.9 × 10(5) and 3.4 × 10(4) M(-1), respectively. Our CL-UF protocol presents a rapid and sensitive method for studies on drug-protein interaction. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Examining the Relationship Between Symptomatic Burden and Self-reported Productivity Losses Among Patients With Uterine Fibroids in the United States.

PubMed

Soliman, Ahmed M; Anand, Savita Bakhshi; Coyne, Karin S; Castelli-Haley, Jane; Snabes, Michael; Owens, Charlotte D

2017-10-01

To evaluate the impact of uterine fibroid symptoms on employment and household productivity. An online survey of US women between 18 and 54 was conducted. Productivity was assessed using the health related productivity questionnaire (HRPQ). Descriptive statistics and logistic multivariable regressions examined the relationship between uterine fibroids (UF) symptom experience and employment and household productivity. Of 1365 eligible women, 873 (64.0%) were employed. Women lost an average of 0.8 hours to employment-related absenteeism and 4.4 hours due to employment-related presenteeism for 5.1 hours of employment productivity lost/week. Women lost an average of 1.4 hours due to household-related absenteeism and 1.6 hours due to household-related presenteeism for a total of 3.0 hours of household lost productivity. Productivity losses increased with increases in symptom burden. UF has a substantial impact on employment-related and household-related productivity.

Potential effects of tree-to-shrub type conversion on streamflow in California's Sierra Nevada

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baguskas, S. A.; Bart, R.; Molinari, N.; Tague, C.; Moritz, M.

2014-12-01

There is widespread concern that changes in climate and fire regime may lead to vegetation change across California, which in turn may influence watershed hydrology. Although plant cover is known to affect numerous hydrological processes, sensitivities to vegetation type and spatial arrangement of species within watersheds are not well understood. The primary objective of our research was to generate mechanistically-based projections of how potential type conversion from forested to shrub dominated systems may affect streamflow. During the 2014 growing season, we measured ecophysiological responses (plant water status and leaf gas exchange rates) of two dominant tree and shrub species to changes in seasonal water availability at two sites within the southern Sierra Nevada Critical Zone Observatory. Plant physiological observations were used to parameterize a process-based eco-hydrological model, RHESSys. This model was used to evaluate the impact of changes in seasonal water availability and vegetation type-conversion on streamflow. Based on our field observations, shrubs and trees had similar access to water through the early part of the growing season (April-early June); however, by late July, available water to shrubs was twice that of trees (shrubs, -0.55 ± 0.08 MPa; trees, -1.07 ± 0.08 MPa, p<0.05). Likewise, maximum transpiration (E) and carbon assimilation (A) rates per unit leaf area were twice as high for shrubs then trees in July (shrubs, A= 21 ± 2.3 μmol m-2 s-1, E=6.6 ± 1.8 mmol m-2 s-1; trees, A=8.2 ± 1.9 μmol m-2 s-1, E=2.4 ± 0.3 mmol m-2 s-1). Preliminary modeled changes in streamflow following simulated vegetation conversion were found to affect both the timing and amount of discharge. Controls on pre vs. post-conversion streamflow included changes in interception, rooting depth, energy balance, and plant response to changes in seasonal water availability. Our research demonstrates how linking strategic field data collection and mechanistic ecohydrologic models can be used as a robust tool for assessing the potential impact of vegetation change on the water balance of an ecosystem. This is an increasingly valuable approach to inform management decisions focused on adapting strategies based on projected changes in climate.

A study on characteristic of different sample pretreatment methods to evaluate the entrapment efficiency of liposomes.

PubMed

Ran, Congcong; Chen, Dan; Xu, Meng; Du, Chaohui; Li, Qinglian; Jiang, Ye

2016-08-15

To examine how methods affect the evaluation of entrapment efficiency (EE) of liposomes, four different sample pretreatment methods were adopted in the experiment. The four sample pretreatment methods were size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), solid-phase extraction (SPE), centrifugation ultrafiltration (CF-UF) and hollow fiber centrifugal ultrafiltration (HF-CF-UF). Amphotericin B (AmB), which could self-associate to form aggregates in water is adopted as the model drugs in this paper. In the present work, it was found that the characterization results of four methods were quite different. The EE of liposome by SEC was about 93%, only 5-13% using C18 or HLB columns, and approximately 100% by CF-UF. The EE of HF-CF-UF reached up to nearly 99.0%. Further, this paper revealed the reasons making the difference of EE among four methods. Conventional SEC may distort the authentic of EE of liposomes with mainly employing some small liposomes or excessive water as eluent. For SPE, cholesterol on liposome surface could interact with the stationary phase making it hard to elute with water, and increase the risk of liposome leakage. While for CF-UF, concentration polarization was a main limitation hindering unentrapped drug to pass through membrane, making unentrapped drug undetectable in liposome. HF-CF-UF could truly reflect EE of liposomes with the concentration of unentrapped AmB lower than 25.0μg/mL. However, when the concentration was higher than 25.0μg/mL, AmB aggregates could be entrapped by hollow fiber. From the above analysis, this paper came to the conclusion that each method had its own feature in characterization. This study provided a reasonable guideline for choosing methods to character the EE of liposome. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Propensity to obesity impacts the neuronal response to energy imbalance.

PubMed

Cornier, Marc-Andre; McFadden, Kristina L; Thomas, Elizabeth A; Bechtell, Jamie L; Bessesen, Daniel H; Tregellas, Jason R

2015-01-01

The mechanisms responsible for the propensity to gain weight or remain normal weight are poorly understood. The objective of this study was to study the neuronal response to visual food cues during short-term energy imbalance in healthy adults recruited as obesity-resistant (OR) or obesity-prone (OP) based on self-identification, body mass index, and personal/family weight history. Twenty-five OR and 28 OP subjects were studied in underfed (UF) and overfed (OF) as compared to eucaloric (EU) conditions in a randomized crossover design. Each study phase included a 3-day run-in diet, 1 day of controlled feeding (basal energy needs for EU, 40% above/below basal energy needs for OF/UF), and a test day. On the test day, fMRI was performed in the acute fed stated (30 min after a test meal) while subjects viewed images of foods of high hedonic value and neutral non-food objects. Measures of appetite and hormones were also performed before and every 30 min after the test meal. UF was associated with significantly increased activation of insula, somatosensory cortex, inferior and medial prefrontal cortex (PFC), parahippocampus, precuneus, cingulate, and visual cortex in OR. However, UF had no impact in OP. As a result, UF was associated with significantly greater activation, specifically in the insula, inferior PFC, and somatosensory cortex in OR as compared to OP. While OF was overall associated with reduced activation of inferior visual cortex, no group interaction was observed with OF. In summary, these findings suggest that individuals resistant to weight gain and obesity are more sensitive to short-term energy imbalance, particularly with UF, than those prone to weight gain. The inability to sense or adapt to changes in energy balance may represent an important mechanism contributing to excess energy intake and risk for obesity.

Dietary saturated fat/cholesterol, but not unsaturated fat or starch, induces C-reactive protein associated early atherosclerosis and ectopic fat deposition in diabetic pigs

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Diabetes is thought to accelerate cardiovascular disease depending on the type of diet. This study in diabetic subjects was performed to investigate the metabolic, inflammatory and cardiovascular effects of nutritional components typically present in a Western, Mediterranean or high glycaemic diet. Methods Streptozotocin-diabetic pigs (~45 kg) were fed for 10 weeks supplemental (40% of dietary energy) saturated fat/cholesterol (SFC), unsaturated fat (UF) or starch (S) in an eucaloric dietary intervention study. Results Fasting plasma total, LDL and HDL cholesterol concentrations were 3-5 fold higher (p < 0.01) in SFC compared to UF and S pigs. Fasting plasma NEFA concentrations (mmol/L) were highest (p < 0.05) in SFC (1.09 ± 0.17), intermediate in UF (0.80 ± 0.14) and lowest in S pigs (0.58 ± 0.14) whereas plasma glucose (~13 mmol/L), triglyceride (~0.5 mmol/L) and insulin (~24 pmol/L) concentrations were comparable among SFC, UF and S pigs. The postprandial response area under the curves (AUC, 0-4 h) for glucose but not for insulin and triglyceride responses were intermediate in SFC (617 ± 144) and lowest (p < 0.05) in UF (378 ± 157) compared to S pigs (925 ± 139). Fasting hepatic glucose production, hepatic and peripheral insulin sensitivity and blood pressure were not different among pigs. C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations (mg/L) were highest (p < 0.05) in SFC (25 ± 4), intermediate in S (21 ± 3) and lowest in UF pigs (14 ± 2). Liver weights, liver and muscle triglyceride concentrations, and the surface area of aorta fatty streaks were highest (p < 0.01) in SFC pigs. A positive correlation between postprandial plasma CRP and aorta fatty streaks was observed in SFC pigs (R2 = 0.95). Retroperitoneal fat depot weight (g) was intermediate in SFC (260 ± 72), lowest in S (135 ± 51) and highest (p < 0.05) in UF (571 ± 95) pigs. Conclusion Dietary saturated fat/cholesterol induces inflammation, atherosclerosis and ectopic fat deposition whereas an equally high dietary unsaturated fat load does not induce these abnormalities and shows beneficial effects on postprandial glycaemia in diabetic pigs. PMID:21756316

Dietary saturated fat/cholesterol, but not unsaturated fat or starch, induces C-reactive protein associated early atherosclerosis and ectopic fat deposition in diabetic pigs.

PubMed

Koopmans, Sietse J; Dekker, Ruud; Ackermans, Mariette T; Sauerwein, Hans P; Serlie, Mireille J; van Beusekom, Heleen M M; van den Heuvel, Mieke; van der Giessen, Wim J

2011-07-14

Diabetes is thought to accelerate cardiovascular disease depending on the type of diet. This study in diabetic subjects was performed to investigate the metabolic, inflammatory and cardiovascular effects of nutritional components typically present in a Western, Mediterranean or high glycaemic diet. Streptozotocin-diabetic pigs (~45 kg) were fed for 10 weeks supplemental (40% of dietary energy) saturated fat/cholesterol (SFC), unsaturated fat (UF) or starch (S) in an eucaloric dietary intervention study. Fasting plasma total, LDL and HDL cholesterol concentrations were 3-5 fold higher (p < 0.01) in SFC compared to UF and S pigs. Fasting plasma NEFA concentrations (mmol/L) were highest (p < 0.05) in SFC (1.09 ± 0.17), intermediate in UF (0.80 ± 0.14) and lowest in S pigs (0.58 ± 0.14) whereas plasma glucose (~13 mmol/L), triglyceride (~0.5 mmol/L) and insulin (~24 pmol/L) concentrations were comparable among SFC, UF and S pigs. The postprandial response area under the curves (AUC, 0-4 h) for glucose but not for insulin and triglyceride responses were intermediate in SFC (617 ± 144) and lowest (p < 0.05) in UF (378 ± 157) compared to S pigs (925 ± 139). Fasting hepatic glucose production, hepatic and peripheral insulin sensitivity and blood pressure were not different among pigs. C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations (mg/L) were highest (p < 0.05) in SFC (25 ± 4), intermediate in S (21 ± 3) and lowest in UF pigs (14 ± 2). Liver weights, liver and muscle triglyceride concentrations, and the surface area of aorta fatty streaks were highest (p < 0.01) in SFC pigs. A positive correlation between postprandial plasma CRP and aorta fatty streaks was observed in SFC pigs (R(2) = 0.95). Retroperitoneal fat depot weight (g) was intermediate in SFC (260 ± 72), lowest in S (135 ± 51) and highest (p < 0.05) in UF (571 ± 95) pigs. Dietary saturated fat/cholesterol induces inflammation, atherosclerosis and ectopic fat deposition whereas an equally high dietary unsaturated fat load does not induce these abnormalities and shows beneficial effects on postprandial glycaemia in diabetic pigs. © 2011 Koopmans et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Reduced integrity of the uncinate fasciculus and cingulum in depression: A stem-by-stem analysis.

PubMed

Bhatia, Kartik D; Henderson, Luke A; Hsu, Eugene; Yim, Mark

2018-08-01

The subgenual cingulate gyrus (Brodmann's Area 25: BA25) is hypermetabolic in depression and has been targeted successfully with deep brain stimulation. Two of the white matter tracts that play a role in treatment response are the uncinate fasciculus (UF) and the cingulum bundle. The UF has three prefrontal stems, the most medial of which extends from BA25 (which deals with mood regulation) and the most lateral of which extends from the dorso-lateral prefrontal cortex (concerned with executive function). The cingulum bundle has numerous fibers connecting the lobes of the cerebrum, with the longest fibers extending from BA25 to the amygdala. We hypothesize that there is reduced integrity in the UF, specific to the medial prefrontal stems, as well as in the subgenual and amygdaloid fibers of the cingulum bundle. Our secondary hypothesis is that these changes are present from the early stages of depression. Compare the white matter integrity of stems of the UF and components of the cingulum bundle in first-onset depressed, recurrent/chronic depressed, and non-depressed control subjects. Depressed patients (n = 103, first-onset = 57, chronic = 46) and non-depressed control subjects (n = 74) underwent MRI with 32-directional DTI sequences. The uncinate fasciculi and cingulum bundles were seeded, and the fractional anisotropy (FA) measured in each of the three prefrontal stems and the body of the UF, as well as the subgenual, body, and amygdaloid fiber components of the cingulum bundle. FA measurements were compared between groups using ANOVA testing with post-hoc Tukey analysis. There were significant reductions in FA in the subgenual and polar stems of the UF bilaterally, as well as the subgenual and amygdaloid fibers of the cingulum bundle, in depressed patients compared with controls (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference seen in the lateral UF stem or the main body of the cingulum. No significant difference was demonstrated in any of the tracts between first-onset and chronic depression patients. Depressed patients have reduced white matter integrity in the subgenual and polar stems of the uncinate fasciculi but not the lateral stems, as well as in the subgenual and amygdaloid cingulum fibers. These changes are present from the first-onset of the disease. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Energy Conversion Alternatives Study (ECAS), General Electric Phase 1. Volume 1: Executive summary. [using coal or coal derived fuels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Corman, J. C.

1976-01-01

A data base for the comparison of advanced energy conversion systems for utility applications using coal or coal-derived fuels was developed. Estimates of power plant performance (efficiency), capital cost, cost of electricity, natural resource requirements, and environmental intrusion characteristics were made for ten advanced conversion systems. Emphasis was on the energy conversion system in the context of a base loaded utility power plant. All power plant concepts were premised on meeting emission standard requirements. A steam power plant (3500 psig, 1000 F) with a conventional coal-burning furnace-boiler was analyzed as a basis for comparison. Combined cycle gas/steam turbine system results indicated competitive efficiency and a lower cost of electricity compared to the reference steam plant. The Open-Cycle MHD system results indicated the potential for significantly higher efficiency than the reference steam plant but with a higher cost of electricity.

Analysis of Efficiency of the Ship Propulsion System with Thermochemical Recuperation of Waste Heat

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cherednichenko, Oleksandr; Serbin, Serhiy

2018-03-01

One of the basic ways to reduce polluting emissions of ship power plants is application of innovative devices for on-board energy generation by means of secondary energy resources. The combined gas turbine and diesel engine plant with thermochemical recuperation of the heat of secondary energy resources has been considered. It is suggested to conduct the study with the help of mathematical modeling methods. The model takes into account basic physical correlations, material and thermal balances, phase equilibrium, and heat and mass transfer processes. The paper provides the results of mathematical modeling of the processes in a gas turbine and diesel engine power plant with thermochemical recuperation of the gas turbine exhaust gas heat by converting a hydrocarbon fuel. In such a plant, it is possible to reduce the specific fuel consumption of the diesel engine by 20%. The waste heat potential in a gas turbine can provide efficient hydrocarbon fuel conversion at the ratio of powers of the diesel and gas turbine engines being up to 6. When the diesel engine and gas turbine operate simultaneously with the use of the LNG vapor conversion products, the efficiency coefficient of the plant increases by 4-5%.

U.S. Navy Marine Climatic Atlas of the World. Volume 6. Arctic Ocean

DTIC Science & Technology

1963-02-01

commonly used trade ch or closely parallel coastlines. difTerences will be noted between isopleth values graphs in the same area. Most discrepancies...95% H»«fil range e 1,500 Uf. otd ihe M% 84% range e 1,000 ( etf ) Mean and langei a’ height are omrtled «hen data loi o level OfB mining at

Language and Social Justice in South Africa's Higher Education: Insights from a South African University

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mwaniki, Munene

2012-01-01

The paper interrogates the issue of language and social justice in South Africa's higher education using quantitative and qualitative data collected at the University of the Free State (UFS). Data were collected using questionnaires. Through purposive sampling based on South African and UFS demographics, 120 questionnaires were administered to UFS…

Removal of Inorganic, Microbial, and Particulate Contaminants from a Fresh Surface Water: Village Marine Tec. Expeditionary Unit Water Purifier, Generation 1

EPA Science Inventory

The Village Marine Tec. Generation 1 Expeditionary Unit Water Purifier (EUWP) is a mobile skid-mounted system employing ultrafiltration (UF) and reverse osmosis (RO) to produce drinking water from a variety of different water quality sources. The UF components were evaluated to t...

Hardness evaluation of cured urea-formaldehyde resins with different formaldehyde/urea mole ratios using nanoindentation method

Treesearch

Byung-Dae Park; Charles R. Frihart; Yan Yu; Adya P. Singh

2013-01-01

To understand the influence of formaldehyde/urea (F/U) mole ratio on the properties of urea–formaldehyde (UF) resins, this study investigated hardness of cured UF resins with different F/U mole ratios using a nanoindentation method. The traditional Brinell hardness (HB) method was also used...

Dengue Infection in Children in Ratchaburi, Thailand: A Cohort Study. I. Epidemiology of Symptomatic Acute Dengue Infection in Children, 2006–2009

PubMed Central

Sabchareon, Arunee; Sirivichayakul, Chukiat; Limkittikul, Kriengsak; Chanthavanich, Pornthep; Suvannadabba, Saravudh; Jiwariyavej, Vithaya; Dulyachai, Wut; Pengsaa, Krisana; Margolis, Harold S.; Letson, G. William

2012-01-01

Background There is an urgent need to field test dengue vaccines to determine their role in the control of the disease. Our aims were to study dengue epidemiology and prepare the site for a dengue vaccine efficacy trial. Methods and Findings We performed a prospective cohort study of children in primary schools in central Thailand from 2006 through 2009. We assessed the epidemiology of dengue by active fever surveillance for acute febrile illness as detected by school absenteeism and telephone contact of parents, and dengue diagnostic testing. Dengue accounted for 394 (6.74%) of the 5,842 febrile cases identified in 2882, 3104, 2717 and 2312 student person-years over the four years, respectively. Dengue incidence was 1.77% in 2006, 3.58% in 2007, 5.74% in 2008 and 3.29% in 2009. Mean dengue incidence over the 4 years was 3.6%. Dengue virus (DENV) types were determined in 333 (84.5%) of positive specimens; DENV serotype 1 (DENV-1) was the most common (43%), followed by DENV-2 (29%), DENV-3 (20%) and DENV-4 (8%). Disease severity ranged from dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) in 42 (10.5%) cases, dengue fever (DF) in 142 (35.5%) cases and undifferentiated fever (UF) in 210 (52.5%) cases. All four DENV serotypes were involved in all disease severity. A majority of cases had secondary DENV infection, 95% in DHF, 88.7% in DF and 81.9% in UF. Two DHF (0.5%) cases had primary DENV-3 infection. Conclusion The results illustrate the high incidence of dengue with all four DENV serotypes in primary school children, with approximately 50% of disease manifesting as mild clinical symptoms of UF, not meeting the 1997 WHO criteria for dengue. Severe disease (DHF) occurred in one tenth of cases. Data of this type are required for clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy of dengue vaccines in large scale clinical trials. PMID:22860141

The Effect of Low-GDP Solution on Ultrafiltration and Solute Transport in Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

PubMed Central

Cho, Kyu-Hyang; Do, Jun-Young; Park, Jong-Won; Yoon, Kyung-Woo; Kim, Yong-Lim

2013-01-01

♦ Background: Several studies have reported benefits for human peritoneal mesothelial cell function of a neutral-pH dialysate low in glucose degradation products (GDPs). However, the effects of low-GDP solution on ultrafiltration (UF), transport of solutes, and control of body water remain elusive. We therefore investigated the effect of low-GDP solution on UF, solute transport, and control of body water. ♦ Methods: Among 79 new continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients, 60 completed a 12-month protocol (28 in a lactate-based high-GDP solution group, 32 in a lactate-based low-GDP solution group). Clinical indices—including 24-hour UF volume (UFV), 24-hour urine volume (UV), residual renal function, and dialysis adequacy—were measured at months 1, 6, and 12. At months 1, 6, and 12, UFV, glucose absorption, 4-hour dialysate-to-plasma (D/P) creatinine, and 1-hour D/P Na+ were assessed during a modified 4.25% peritoneal equilibration test (PET). Body composition by bioelectric impedance analysis was measured at months 1 and 12 in 26 CAPD patients. ♦ Results: Daily UFV was lower in the low-GDP group. Despite similar solute transport and aquaporin function, the low-GDP group also showed lower UFV and higher glucose absorption during the PET. Factors associated with UFV during the PET were lactate-based high-GDP solution and 1-hour D/P Na+. No differences in volume status and obesity at month 12 were observed, and improvements in hypervolemia were equal in both groups. ♦ Conclusions: Compared with the high-GDP group, the low-GDP group had a lower UFV during a PET and a lower daily UFV during the first year after peritoneal dialysis initiation. Although the low-GDP group had a lower daily UFV, no difficulties in controlling edema were encountered. PMID:23284074

Performance of ultrafiltration membrane process combined with coagulation/sedimentation.

PubMed

Jang, N Y; Watanabe, Y; Minegishi, S

2005-01-01

Effects of coagulation/sedimentation as a pre-treatment on the dead-end ultrafiltration (UF) membrane process were studied in terms of membrane fouling and removal efficiency of natural dissolved organic matter, using Chitose River water. Two types of experiment were carried out. One was a bench scale membrane filtration with jar-test and the other was membrane filtration pilot plant combined with the Jet Mixed Separator (JMS) as a pre-coagulation/sedimentation unit. In the bench scale experiment, the effects of coagulant dosage, pH and membrane operating pressure on the membrane fouling and removal efficiency of natural dissolved organic matter were investigated. In the pilot plant experiment, we also investigated the effect of pre-coagulation/sedimentation on the membrane fouling and the removal efficiency of natural dissolved organic matter. Coagulation/sedimentation prior to membrane filtration process controlled the membrane fouling and increased the removal efficiency of natural dissolved organic matter.

Effect of type of concentrated sweet cream buttermilk on the manufacture, yield, and functionality of pizza cheese.

PubMed

Govindasamy-Lucey, S; Lin, T; Jaeggi, J J; Martinelli, C J; Johnson, M E; Lucey, J A

2007-06-01

Sweet cream buttermilk (SCB) is a rich source of phospholipids (PL). Most SCB is sold in a concentrated form. This study was conducted to determine if different concentration processes could affect the behavior of SCB as an ingredient in cheese. Sweet cream buttermilk was concentrated by 3 methods: cold ( < 7 degrees C) UF, cold reverse osmosis (RO), and evaporation (EVAP). A washed, stirred-curd pizza cheese was manufactured using the 3 different types of concentrated SCB as an ingredient in standardized milk. Cheesemilks of casein:fat ratio of 1.0 and final casein content approximately 2.7% were obtained by blending ultrafiltered (UF)-SCB retentate (19.9% solids), RO-SCB retentate (21.9% solids), or EVAP-SCB retentate (36.6% solids) with partially skimmed milk (11.2% solids) and cream (34.6% fat). Control milk (11.0% solids) was standardized by blending partially skimmed milk with cream. Cheese functionality was assessed using dynamic low-amplitude oscillatory rheology, UW Meltprofiler (degree of flow after heating to 60 degrees C), and performance of cheese on pizza. Initial trials with SCB-fortified cheeses resulted in approximately 4 to 5% higher moisture (51 to 52%) than control cheese (approximately 47%). In subsequent trials, procedures were altered to obtain similar moisture content in all cheeses. Fat recoveries were significantly lower in RO- and EVAP-SCB cheeses than in control or UF-SCB cheeses. Nitrogen recoveries were not significantly different but tended to be slightly lower in control cheeses than the various SCB cheeses. Total PL recovered in SCB cheeses ( approximately 32 to 36%) were lower than control ( approximately 41%), even though SCB is high in PL. From the rheology test, the loss tangent curves at temperatures > 40 degrees C increased as cheese aged up to a month and were significantly lower in SCB cheeses than the control, indicating lower meltability. Degree of flow in all the cheeses was similar regardless of the treatment used, and as cheese ripened, it increased for all cheeses. Trichloroacetic acid-soluble N levels were similar in the control and SCB-fortified cheese. On baked pizza, cheese made from milk fortified with UF-SCB tended to have the lowest amount of free oil, but flavor attributes of all cheeses were similar. Addition of concentrated SCB to standardize cheesemilk for pizza cheese did not adversely affect functional properties of cheese but increased cheese moisture without changes in manufacturing procedure.

Combined cycle comes to the Philippines

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

NONE

1995-03-01

The first combined cycle power station in the Philippines has gone into operation at National Power Corporation`s (NPC) Limay Bataan site, some 40 km west of Manila. The plant comprises two 300 MW blocks in 3+3+1 configuration, based on ABB Type GT11N gas turbines. It was built by a consortium of ABB, with their Japanese licensee Kawasaki Heavy Industries, and Marubeni Corporation. This paper discusses Philippine power production, design and operation of the Limay Bataan plant, and conversion of an existing turbine of the nuclear plant project that was abandoned earlier, into a combined cycle operation. 6 figs.

NCALM: NSF Supported Center for Airborne Laser Mapping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shrestha, R. L.; Carter, W. E.; Dietrich, W. E.

2003-12-01

The National Science Foundation (NSF) recently awarded a grant to create a research center to support the use of airborne laser mapping technology in the scientific community. The NSF supported Center for Airborne Laser Mapping (NCALM) will be operated jointly by the Department of Civil & Coastal Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Florida (UF) and the Department of Earth and Planetary Science, University of California-Berkeley (UCB). NCALM will use the Airborne Laser Swath Mapping (ALSM) system jointly owned by UF and Florida International University (FIU), based at the UF Geosensing Engineering and Mapping (GEM) Research Center. The state-of-the-art laser surveying instrumentation, GPS systems, which are installed in a Cessna 337 Skymaster aircraft, will collect research grade data in areas selected through the competitive NSF grant review process. The ALSM observations will be analyzed both at UF and UCB, and made available to the PI through an archiving and distribution center at UCB-building upon the Berkeley Seismological Laboratory (BSL) Northern California Earthquake Data Center system. The purpose of NCALM is to provide research grade data from ALSM technology to NSF supported research studies in geosciences. The Center will also contribute to software development that will increase the processing speed and data accuracy. This presentation will discuss NCALM operation and the process of submitting proposals to NSF. In addition, it will outline the process to request available NCALM seed project funds to help jump-start small scientific research studies. Funds are also available for travel by academic researchers and students for hands-on knowledge and experience in ALSM technology at UF and UCB.

Application of volume-retarded osmosis and low-pressure membrane hybrid process for water reclamation.

PubMed

Im, Sung-Ju; Choi, Jungwon; Lee, Jung-Gil; Jeong, Sanghyun; Jang, Am

2018-03-01

A new concept of volume-retarded osmosis and low-pressure membrane (VRO-LPM) hybrid process was developed and evaluated for the first time in this study. Commercially available forward osmosis (FO) and ultrafiltration (UF) membranes were employed in a VRO-LPM hybrid process to overcome energy limitations of draw solution (DS) regeneration and production of permeate in the FO process. To evaluate its feasibility as a water reclamation process, and to optimize the operational conditions, cross-flow FO and dead-end mode UF processes were individually evaluated. For the FO process, a DS concentration of 0.15 g mL -1 of polysulfonate styrene (PSS) was determined to be optimal, having a high flux with a low reverse salt flux. The UF membrane with a molecular weight cut-off of 1 kDa was chosen for its high PSS rejection in the LPM process. As a single process, UF (LPM) exhibited a higher flux than FO, but this could be controlled by adjusting the effective membrane area of the FO and UF membranes in the VRO-LPM system. The VRO-LPM hybrid process only required a circulation pump for the FO process. This led to a decrease in the specific energy consumption of the VRO-LPM process for potable water production, that was similar to the single FO process. Therefore, the newly developed VRO-LPM hybrid process, with an appropriate DS selection, can be used as an energy efficient water production method, and can outperform conventional water reclamation processes. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of switching unfractionated heparin to low-molecular-weight heparin on serum potassium in hemodialysis patients.

PubMed

Ezzatzadegan Jahromi, Shahrokh; Mahmoodi, Mohammad Saleh; Behroozi, Fatemeh; Roozbeh, Jamshid; Emamghoreishi, Fatemeh

2014-11-01

Unfractionated (UF) heparin is the most common anticoagulant used during hemodialysis. Failure of the kidneys to excrete potassium as well as heparin-induced reduction of aldosterone synthesis put hemodialysis patients at risk of hyperkalemia. It has not yet been clearly known whether hyperkalemia is also induced by low-molecular-weight (LMW) heparins. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of switching UF heparin to LMW heparin enoxaparin, as an anticoagulant during hemodialysis, on serum potassium level in patients on hemodialysis. In two hemodialysis units, 58 patients were randomly assigned into two groups, to receive two different anticoagulation protocols for 3 weeks; one group continued to receive their routine dose of UF heparin, 5000 units, and the other received enoxaparin, 0.5 mg/kg, at the beginning of each hemodialysis session. While there was no significant difference between baseline blood measurements of the two groups in terms of kidney function tests and electrolytes, following 3 weeks of the study, the mean serum potassium level decreased from 4.9 ± 0.8 mEq/L to 4.5 ± 0.5 mEq/L in the LMW heparin group (P = .001); however, there was no change in the mean serum potassium level in those who continued to receive their usual dose of UF heparin. In a subgroup analysis, diabetic patients in the enoxaparin group did not experience significant reduction in serum potassium levels. Our study revealed the role of LMW heparins as a potential alternative to UF heparins in the hemodialysis patients with hyperkalemia.

The sex-specific internal and external demands imposed on players during Ultimate Frisbee game-play.

PubMed

Madueno, Maria C; Kean, Crystal O; Scanlan, Aaron T

2017-11-01

Despite the growing popularity of Ultimate Frisbee (UF) across sexes, the game demands imposed on players have been predominately examined in males. This study aimed to compare the internal and external demands of UF game-play in males and females. Male (N.=10) and female (N.=10) recreational UF players competed in separate sex-specific, indoor UF games. Internal responses (blood lactate concentration [BLa-], rating of perceived exertion [RPE], and heart rate [HR]) and external responses (direction-specific and total relative PlayerLoad™ [PL], and estimated equivalent distance [EED]) were measured. Data were analyzed using mixed ANOVAs with Cohen's effect sizes (d). During male game-play, significantly (P<0.01) higher BLa- (d=1.30, large), HR (d=0.40, small), PL (d=0.80-1.24, moderate-large), and EED (d=0.93, moderate) were apparent during the first half compared to the second half in males. During female game-play, a significantly (P<0.001) larger RPE (d=0.93, moderate) was evident during the second compared to the first half. In addition, females exhibited significantly (P<0.05) lower BLa- (d=1.43, large) in the first half and higher medio-lateral PL (d=1.10, moderate) in the second half compared to males. While similar global responses were observed between sexes across UF game-play, males experienced greater declines in physiological intensity and multi-directional activity than females. These data indicate overlap in game demands and training recommendations across sexes, with activity maintenance a focus, particularly in males.

Altered connections on the road to psychopathy.

PubMed

Craig, M C; Catani, M; Deeley, Q; Latham, R; Daly, E; Kanaan, R; Picchioni, M; McGuire, P K; Fahy, T; Murphy, D G M

2009-10-01

Psychopathy is strongly associated with serious criminal behaviour (for example, rape and murder) and recidivism. However, the biological basis of psychopathy remains poorly understood. Earlier studies suggested that dysfunction of the amygdala and/or orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) may underpin psychopathy. Nobody, however, has ever studied the white matter connections (such as the uncinate fasciculus (UF)) linking these structures in psychopaths. Therefore, we used in vivo diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (DT-MRI) tractography to analyse the microstructural integrity of the UF in psychopaths (defined by a Psychopathy Checklist Revised (PCL-R) score of > or = 25) with convictions that included attempted murder, manslaughter, multiple rape with strangulation and false imprisonment. We report significantly reduced fractional anisotropy (FA) (P<0.003), an indirect measure of microstructural integrity, in the UF of psychopaths compared with age- and IQ-matched controls. We also found, within psychopaths, a correlation between measures of antisocial behaviour and anatomical differences in the UF. To confirm that these findings were specific to the limbic amygdala-OFC network, we also studied two 'non-limbic' control tracts connecting the posterior visual and auditory areas to the amygdala and the OFC, and found no significant between-group differences. Lastly, to determine that our findings in UF could not be totally explained by non-specific confounds, we carried out a post hoc comparison with a psychiatric control group with a past history of drug abuse and institutionalization. Our findings remained significant. Taken together, these results suggest that abnormalities in a specific amygdala-OFC limbic network underpin the neurobiological basis of psychopathy.

A Burst Mode, Ultrahigh Temperature UF4 Vapor Core Reactor Rankine Cycle Space Power System Concept

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dugan, E. T.; Kahook, S. D.; Diaz, N. J.

1996-01-01

Static and dynamic neutronic analyses have been performed on an innovative burst mode (100's of MW output for a few thousand seconds) Ulvahigh Temperature Vapor Core Reactor (UTVR) space nuclear power system. The NVTR employs multiple, neutronically-coupled fissioning cores and operates on a direct, closed Rankine cycle using a disk Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) generater for energy conversion. The UTVR includes two types of fissioning core regions: (1) the central Ultrahigh Temperature Vapor Core (UTVC) which contains a vapor mixture of highly enriched UF4 fuel and a metal fluoride working fluid and (2) the UF4 boiler column cores located in the BeO moderator/reflector region. The gaseous nature of the fuel the fact that the fuel is circulating, the multiple coupled fissioning cores, and the use of a two phase fissioning fuel lead to unique static and dynamic neutronic characteristics. Static neutronic analysis was conducted using two-dimensional S sub n, transport theory calculations and three-dimensional Monte Carlo transport theory calculations. Circulating-fuel, coupled-core point reactor kinetics equations were used for analyzing the dynamic behavior of the UTVR. In addition to including reactivity feedback phenomena associated with the individual fissioning cores, the effects of core-to-core neutronic and mass flow coupling between the UTVC and the surrounding boiler cores were also included in the dynamic model The dynamic analysis of the UTVR reveals the existence of some very effectlve inherent reactivity feedback effects that are capable of quickly stabilizing this system, within a few seconds, even when large positive reactivity insertions are imposed. If the UTVC vapor fuel density feedback is suppressed, the UTVR is still inherently stable because of the boiler core liquid-fuel volume feedback; in contrast, suppression of the vapor fuel density feedback in 'conventional" gas core cavity reactors causes them to become inherently unstable. Due to the strength of the negative reactivity feedback in the UTVR, it is found that external reactivity insertions alone are inadequate for bringing about significant power level changes during normal reactor operations. Additional methods of reactivity control such as variations in the gaseous fuel mass flow rate, are needed to achieve the desired power level oontrol.

Study on an integrated process combining ozonation with ceramic ultra-filtration for decentralized supply of drinking water.

PubMed

Zhu, Jia; Fan, Xiao J; Tao, Yi; Wei, De Q; Zhang, Xi H

2014-09-19

An integrated process was specifically developed for the decentralized supply of drinking water from micro-polluted surface water in the rural areas of China. The treatment process combined ozonation with ceramic ultra-filtration (UF), coagulation for pre-treatment and granular activated carbon filtration. A flat-sheet ceramic membrane was used with a cut-off of 60 nm and the measurement of 254 mm (length) × 240 mm (width) × 6 mm (thickness). Ozonation and ceramic UF was set up whthin one reactor. The experimental results showed that the removal efficiencies of the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and the formation potential of trihalomethanes (THMs), haloacetic acids (HAAs) and ammonia were 80%, 76%, 70% and 90%, respectively; that the turbidity of the product water was below 0.2 NTU and the particle count number (particles larger than 2 μm) was less than 50 counts per mL. The result also showed that all the pathogenic microorganisms were retained by the ceramic and that UF. Ozonation played a critical role in the control of membrane fouling and the removal of contaminants. Exactly, the membrane fouling can be controlled in situ with 3 mg L(-1) ozone at the permeate flux of 80 L m(-2) h(-1), yet the required dosage of ozone was dependent on the quality of the raw water. Therefore, this study is able to provide a highly compacted system for decentralized supply of high-quality drinking water in terms of both chemical and microbiological safety for the rural areas in China.

Formaldehyde emissions from ULEF- and NAF-bonded commercial hardwood plywood as influenced by temperature and relative humidity

Treesearch

Charles R. Frihart; James M. Wescott; Michael J. Birkeland; Kyle M. Gonner

2010-01-01

It is well documented in the literature that temperature and humidity can influence formaldehyde emissions from composite panels that are produced using urea-formaldehyde (UF) adhesives. This work investigates the effect of temperature and humidity on newer, ultra-low emitting formaldehyde urea formaldehyde (ULEF-UF) and no-added formaldehyde (NAF) adhesives. A...

Bio-composites made from pine straw

Treesearch

Cheng Piao; Todd F. Shupe; Chung Y. Hse; Jamie Tang

2004-01-01

Pine straw is renewable natural resource that is under-utilized. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physical and mechanical performances of pine straw composites. Three panel density levels (0.8, 0.9, 1.0 g/cm2) and two resin content levels (1% pMDI + 4% UF, 2% pMDI + 4% UF) were selected as treatments. For the pine-straw-bamboo-...

New curing system of urea-formaldehyde resind with polyhydrazides. I. Curing with dihydrazie compounds

Treesearch

Bunichiro Tomita; Hideaki Osawa; Chung-Yun Hse; George E. Myers

1989-01-01

A nonconventional curing system was developed using a simple mixing of urea-formaldehyde (UF) resins with polyfunctional hydrazide compounds under neutral contition. Several kinds of low molecular-weight dihydrazide compounds were investigated as hardners of the UF resins. Results were as follows: 1) As the minimum gelation times were observed in the range of molar...

Preformed amide-containing biopolymer for improving the environmental performance of synthesized urea–formaldehyde in agro-fiber composites

Treesearch

Altaf H. Basta; Houssni El-Saied; Jerrold E. Winandy; Ronald Sabo

2011-01-01

Investigations have continued for production high performance agro-based composites using environmentally acceptable approaches. This study examines the role of adding amide-containing biopolymers during synthesis of urea–formaldehyde (UF) on properties of adhesive produced, especially its adhesion potential. The environmental performance of UF-resin synthesized in the...

A multiphase approach to model ultrafiltration of deformable colloids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haribabu, Malavika; Dunstan, Dave; Davidson, Malcolm; Harvie, Dalton

2017-11-01

Ultrafiltration (UF) is widely used in the dairy industry to fractionate and concentrate proteins, during the manufacture of milk protein concentrate and cheese. The protein build-up, comprising casein micelles (CM) and whey proteins, at the membrane surface during UF increases the resistance of the membrane system, thereby decreasing the performance of the process unit. CM have a complex structure that hydrodynamically behaves as a hard-sphere when dilute, but deforms beyond the random packing limit, forming a shear-thinning gel. This study employs a mixture model, based on the mixture phase continuity, Navier-Stokes equations, and solids continuity equation, to predict the solid concentration and velocity distribution during UF of CM. Micelle deformation is modelled as a function of volume fraction and dependent on its elastic modulus and particle size. The effect of deformation on gel permeability is implemented via Happel's permeability for hard spheres. Under crossflow conditions, the gel thickness is observed to increase along the membrane length, followed by a decrease towards the end of the membrane, resulting in an increase in flux at the latter section of the membrane. This study demonstrates that the membrane end-effects are important in determining UF performance.

Actual and Idealized Crystal Field Parameterizations for the Uranium Ions in UF 4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gajek, Z.; Mulak, J.; Krupa, J. C.

1993-12-01

The crystal field parameters for the actual coordination symmetries of the uranium ions in UF 4, C2 and C1, and for their idealizations to D2, C2 v , D4, D4 d , and the Archimedean antiprism point symmetries are given. They have been calculated by means of both the perturbative ab initio model and the angular overlap model and are referenced to the recent results fitted by Carnall's group. The equivalency of some different sets of parameters has been verified with the standardization procedure. The adequacy of several idealized approaches has been tested by comparison of the corresponding splitting patterns of the 3H 4 ground state. Our results support the parameterization given by Carnall. Furthermore, the parameterization of the crystal field potential and the splitting diagram for the symmetryless uranium ion U( C1) are given. Having at our disposal the crystal field splittings for the two kinds of uranium ions in UF 4, U( C2) and U( C1), we calculate the model plots of the paramagnetic susceptibility χ( T) and the magnetic entropy associated with the Schottky anomaly Δ S( T) for UF 4.

A system coupling hybrid biological method with UV/O3 oxidation and membrane separation for treatment and reuse of industrial laundry wastewater.

PubMed

Mozia, Sylwia; Janus, Magdalena; Brożek, Piotr; Bering, Sławomira; Tarnowski, Krzysztof; Mazur, Jacek; Morawski, Antoni W

2016-10-01

The possibilities of application of a three-step system combining hybrid biological treatment followed by advanced UV/O3 oxidation with in situ generated O3 and membrane separation (ultrafiltration (UF) and nanofiltration (NF)) to treat and reuse the wastewater from an industrial laundry are presented. By the application of a hybrid moving bed biofilm reactor (HMBBR), the total organic carbon concentration was reduced for about 90 %. However, since the HMBBR effluent still contained organic contaminants as well as high concentrations of inorganic ions and exhibited significant turbidity (8.2 NTU), its further treatment before a possible reuse in the laundry was necessary. The UV/O3 pretreatment prior to UF was found to be an efficient method of the membrane fouling alleviation. During UF, the turbidity of wastewater was reduced below 0.3 NTU. To remove the inorganic salts, the UF permeate was further treated during NF. The NF permeate exhibited very low conductivity (27-75 μS/cm) and contained only small amounts of Ca(2+) and Mg(2+); thus ,it could be reused at any stage of the laundry process.

Evaluation of the automated urine particle analyzer UF-1000i screening for urinary tract infection in nonpregnant women.

PubMed

Dai, Qingkai; Jiang, Yongmei; Shi, Hua; Zhou, Wei; Zhou, Shengjie; Yang, Hui

2014-01-01

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a widespread disease in women. Urine culture is still the "gold standard" diagnostic test for UTI, but most of them are negative. To reduce unnecessary culture, we evaluated the automated urine particle analyzer UF-1000i screening for UTI in nonpregnant women. The urine specimens submitted to our laboratory were submitted for culture and tested by the Sysmex UF-1000i. Bacteria and white blood cell (WBC) counts were compared to standard urine culture results to assess the best cutoff values. In this study, 272 urine samples were included, of which 98 (36.0%) were culture positive with a bacterial cutoff value of 10 x 10(5) CFU/mL. A combination of bacterial (> 95/microL) and/or WBC count (> 24/microL) provided the best screening for UTI, with a sensitivity of 0.99 and a specificity of 0.82 compared with the urine culture. Sysmex UF-1000i could be used as a screening test for UTI in nonpregnant women. According to the distribution and range of the bacterial scattergram, we could primarily identify and differentiate between Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.

Performance and Mechanisms of Ultrafiltration Membrane Fouling Mitigation by Coupling Coagulation and Applied Electric Field in a Novel Electrocoagulation Membrane Reactor.

PubMed

Sun, Jingqiu; Hu, Chengzhi; Tong, Tiezheng; Zhao, Kai; Qu, Jiuhui; Liu, Huijuan; Elimelech, Menachem

2017-08-01

A novel electrocoagulation membrane reactor (ECMR) was developed, in which ultrafiltration (UF) membrane modules are placed between electrodes to improve effluent water quality and reduce membrane fouling. Experiments with feedwater containing clays (kaolinite) and natural organic matter (humic acid) revealed that the combined effect of coagulation and electric field mitigated membrane fouling in the ECMR, resulting in higher water flux than the conventional combination of electrocoagulation and UF in separate units (EC-UF). Higher current densities and weakly acidic pH in the EMCR favored faster generation of large flocs and effectively reduced membrane pore blocking. The hydraulic resistance of the formed cake layers on the membrane surface in ECMR was reduced due to an increase in cake layer porosity and polarity, induced by both coagulation and the applied electric field. The formation of a polarized cake layer was controlled by the applied current density and voltage, with cake layers formed under higher electric field strengths showing higher porosity and hydrophilicity. Compared to EC-UF, ECMR has a smaller footprint and could achieve significant energy savings due to improved fouling resistance and a more compact reactor design.

MIRADCOM/AFATL Hybrid Simulation Facility Compatibility Study. Volume 1

DTIC Science & Technology

1977-02-08

34» " GO TO HnNIltlR": (50 TO AtmiUF.R VIR MEM FILE": DUMP ALL PARTS TO MAG TAPE": DUMP All PARTS TO SOURCE FILE DN DISC 1": MAKE LISTING ÜF ALL...8600,9500^ DHHCF3 = 0 0MNCF6=ti "ÜMPi^ZTT^T?, OHP <,P2=1.0613 ,3,5 ŕ Z7T Fl(DUHN) 62577 = 1.00 ,i5,ZC,Zl,Zg,23,Z’>,^b,Z6,Zy.Z«,ü’J,^y.b,3l

Improved Bonner sphere neutron spectrometry measurements for the nuclear industry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roberts, N. J.; Thomas, D. J.; Visser, T. P. P.

2017-11-01

A novel, two-stage approach has been developed for producing the a priori spectrum for Bonner sphere unfolding in a case where neutrons are produced by spontaneous fission and (α,n) reactions, e.g. in UF6. The code SOURCES 4C is first used to obtain the energy spectrum of the neutrons inside the material, which is then fed into a MCNP model of the entire geometry to derive the neutron spectrum at the location of the Bonner sphere. Using this as the a priori spectrum produces a much more detailed unfolded Bonner sphere spectrum retaining fine structure from the calculation that would not be present if a simple estimated spectrum had been used as the a priori spectrum. This is illustrated using a Bonner sphere measurement of the neutron energy spectrum produced by a 48Y cylinder of UF6. From the unfolded spectrum an estimate has been made of the neutron ambient dose equivalent, i.e. the quantity which a neutron survey instrument should measure. The difference in the ambient dose equivalent of the unfolded spectrum is over 10% when using the novel approach instead of using a simpler estimate consisting of a single high energy peak, 1/E continuum, and thermal peak.

Preliminary study on weapon grade uranium utilization in molten salt reactor miniFUJI

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aji, Indarta Kuncoro; Waris, A.

2014-09-01

Preliminary study on weapon grade uranium utilization in 25MWth and 50MWth of miniFUJI MSR (molten salt reactor) has been carried out. In this study, a very high enriched uranium that we called weapon grade uranium has been employed in UF4 composition. The 235U enrichment is 90 - 95 %. The results show that the 25MWth miniFUJI MSR can get its criticality condition for 1.56 %, 1.76%, and 1.96% of UF4 with 235U enrichment of at least 93%, 90%, and 90%, respectively. In contrast, the 50 MWth miniFUJI reactor can be critical for 1.96% of UF4 with 235U enrichment of at smallest amount 95%. The neutron spectra are almost similar for each power output.

LRIG2 Mutations Cause Urofacial Syndrome

PubMed Central

Stuart, Helen M.; Roberts, Neil A.; Burgu, Berk; Daly, Sarah B.; Urquhart, Jill E.; Bhaskar, Sanjeev; Dickerson, Jonathan E.; Mermerkaya, Murat; Silay, Mesrur Selcuk; Lewis, Malcolm A.; Olondriz, M. Beatriz Orive; Gener, Blanca; Beetz, Christian; Varga, Rita E.; Gülpınar, Ömer; Süer, Evren; Soygür, Tarkan; Özçakar, Zeynep B.; Yalçınkaya, Fatoş; Kavaz, Aslı; Bulum, Burcu; Gücük, Adnan; Yue, Wyatt W.; Erdogan, Firat; Berry, Andrew; Hanley, Neil A.; McKenzie, Edward A.; Hilton, Emma N.; Woolf, Adrian S.; Newman, William G.

2013-01-01

Urofacial syndrome (UFS) (or Ochoa syndrome) is an autosomal-recessive disease characterized by congenital urinary bladder dysfunction, associated with a significant risk of kidney failure, and an abnormal facial expression upon smiling, laughing, and crying. We report that a subset of UFS-affected individuals have biallelic mutations in LRIG2, encoding leucine-rich repeats and immunoglobulin-like domains 2, a protein implicated in neural cell signaling and tumorigenesis. Importantly, we have demonstrated that rare variants in LRIG2 might be relevant to nonsyndromic bladder disease. We have previously shown that UFS is also caused by mutations in HPSE2, encoding heparanase-2. LRIG2 and heparanase-2 were immunodetected in nerve fascicles growing between muscle bundles within the human fetal bladder, directly implicating both molecules in neural development in the lower urinary tract. PMID:23313374

Neuropsychological Correlates of Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Schizophrenia

PubMed Central

Nestor, Paul G.; Kubicki, Marek; Gurrera, Ronald J.; Niznikiewicz, Margaret; Frumin, Melissa; McCarley, Robert W.; Shenton, Martha E.

2009-01-01

Patients with schizophrenia (n = 41) and healthy comparison participants (n = 46) completed neuropsychological measures of intelligence, memory, and executive function. A subset of each group also completed magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies (fractional anisotropy and cross-sectional area) of the uncinate fasciculus (UF) and cingulate bundle (CB). Patients with schizophrenia showed reduced levels of functioning across all neuropsychological measures. In addition, selective neuropsychological–DTI relationships emerged. Among patients but not controls, lower levels of declarative–episodic verbal memory correlated with reduced left UF, whereas executive function errors related to performance monitoring correlated with reduced left CB. The data suggested abnormal DTI patterns linking declarative–episodic verbal memory deficits to the left UF and executive function deficits to the left CB among patients with schizophrenia. PMID:15506830

Application of ceramic membranes with pre-ozonation for treatment of secondary wastewater effluent.

PubMed

Lehman, S Geno; Liu, Li

2009-04-01

Membrane fouling is an inevitable problem when microfiltration (MF) and ultrafiltraion (UF) are used to treat wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluent. While historically the use of MF/UF for water and wastewater treatment has been almost exclusively focused on polymeric membranes, new generation ceramic membranes were recently introduced in the market and they possess unique advantages over currently available polymeric membranes. Ceramic membranes are mechanically superior and are more resistant to severe chemical and thermal environments. Due to the robustness of ceramic membranes, strong oxidants such as ozone can be used as pretreatment to reduce the membrane fouling. This paper presents results of a pilot study designed to investigate the application of new generation ceramic membranes for WWTP effluent treatment. Ozonation and coagulation pretreatment were evaluated to optimize the membrane operation. The ceramic membrane demonstrated stable performance at a filtration flux of 100 gfd (170LMH) at 20 degrees C with pretreatment using PACl (1mg/L as Al) and ozone (4 mg/L). To understand the effects of ozone and coagulation pretreatment on organic foulants, natural organic matter (NOM) in four waters - raw, ozone treated, coagulation treated, and ozone followed by coagulation treated wastewaters - were characterized using high performance size exclusion chromatography (HPSEC). The HPSEC analysis demonstrated that ozone treatment is effective at degrading colloidal NOMs which are likely responsible for the majority of membrane fouling.

Solar Thermochemical Fuel Production via a Novel Low Pressure, Magnetically Stabilized, Non-volatile Iron Oxide Looping Process (University of Florida)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hahn, David W.

The UF Solar Fuels team has developed a modular reactor at the 10kW scale for the thermochemical conversion of H2O and CO2 to H2 and CO, respectively, using concentrated solar energy to drive high-temperature redox reactions. Various materials, including ferrites, doped and mixed metal ferrites, and ceria, were investigated and reported on. Ceria was chosen as the reactive material, with thermogravimetric and bench-scale analysis concurring with literature review and pointing towards reasonable kinetics and stability at temperatures on the order of 1500 °C. A combined radiation, conduction, and species reaction/mass transport model was developed, utilizing Monte Carlo ray tracing, Latticemore » Boltzmann, and random walk particle tracking for the respective components to direct development and optimization of the reactor. With experimental data used for reaction rates, the model showed a path to efficiencies >20%, which could be market competitive with current PV-hydrolysis hydrogen generation systems. Economic analysis of a larger-scale plant (100kW modular system with cost performed at 500 modules) has been performed, assuming 0.5% and 10% internal rate of return. Without compression costs, H2 production cost using this is technology at $12/kg H2 and $17/kg H2 for realized efficiencies of 20% and 15%, respectively. An interaction of ceria and alumina, with the formation of CeAlO3 occurring at ~1700 °C, had been reported in the literature, but the UF Solar Fuels team observed and reported on it at a large scale, confirming its presence as an engineering consideration when working ceria and alumina at extreme temperatures. CeAlO3 could be being produced at lower temperatures due to the oxidation and reducing environments or due to local hotspots in the reactor. A solar thermogravimeter was developed, to take advantage of the high heating rates available at the UF Solar Simulator Facility to allow investigation of species evolution and material stability in extreme heating rate scenarios. A novel flash-boiling centrifugal-separation steam generator was developed to provide inexpensive, identical steam flows to modular systems, using water-metering and generating the steam for each flow in separate chambers. Several novel methods of reactant material preparation were developed, including: • Sacrificial Pore Formation - Uses a component, such as graphite, designed to be carried away in gaseous form at some point in the preparation process to aid in the formation of pathways and porosity for the enhancement of fluid flow and radiative heat transport at elevated temperatures. • Particle stacking and sintering – Using material that has been pre-sintered (at the temperatures expected for reaction) and mechanically broken apart. The particles are then separated by size to allow the process to be repeated several times with a given particle size range. The resulting stacked and sintered structure maintains micro- to millimeter size pore structure for fluid transport at temperatures that previously demonstrated some contraction or collapse of the reactive material due to porosity reduction due to sintering. In addition, novel seals utilizing graphite and boron nitride particle filler as an internally compressed seal were developed. These seals allow sealing of a ceramic Efficiencies of >4% solar-to-fuel were demonstrated, which at the time of demonstration was the highest yet reported. Hydrogen and CO production rates targets that averaged ~3 cc/gram of reactive material were achieved.« less

Ash reduction strategies in corn stover facilitated by anatomical and size fractionation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lacey, Jeffrey A.; Emerson, Rachel M.; Thompson, David N.

There is growing interest internationally to produce fuels from renewable biomass resources. Inorganic components of biomass feedstocks, referred to collectively as ash, damage equipment and decrease yields in thermal conversion processes, and decrease feedstock value for biochemical conversion processes. Decreasing the ash content of feedstocks improves conversion efficiency and lowers process costs. Because physiological ash is unevenly distributed in the plant, mechanical processes can be used to separate fractions of the plant based on ash content. This study focuses on the ash separation that can be achieved by separating corn stover by particle size and anatomical fraction. Baled corn stovermore » was hand-separated into anatomical fractions, ground to <19.1 mm, and size separated using six sieves ranging from 9.5 to 0.150 mm. Size fractions were analyzed for total ash content and ash composition. Particle size distributions observed for the anatomical fractions varied considerably. Cob particles were primarily 2.0 mm or greater, while most of the sheath and husk particles were 2.0 mm and smaller. Particles of leaves greater than 0.6 mm contained the greatest amount of total ash, ranging from approximately 8 to 13% dry weight of the total original material, while the fractions with particles smaller than 0.6 mm contained less than 2% of the total ash of the original material. As a result, based on the overall ash content and the elemental ash, specific anatomical and size fractions can be separated to optimize the feedstocks being delivered to biofuels conversion processes and minimize the need for more expensive ash reduction treatments.« less

Ash reduction strategies in corn stover facilitated by anatomical and size fractionation

DOE PAGES

Lacey, Jeffrey A.; Emerson, Rachel M.; Thompson, David N.; ...

2016-04-22

There is growing interest internationally to produce fuels from renewable biomass resources. Inorganic components of biomass feedstocks, referred to collectively as ash, damage equipment and decrease yields in thermal conversion processes, and decrease feedstock value for biochemical conversion processes. Decreasing the ash content of feedstocks improves conversion efficiency and lowers process costs. Because physiological ash is unevenly distributed in the plant, mechanical processes can be used to separate fractions of the plant based on ash content. This study focuses on the ash separation that can be achieved by separating corn stover by particle size and anatomical fraction. Baled corn stovermore » was hand-separated into anatomical fractions, ground to <19.1 mm, and size separated using six sieves ranging from 9.5 to 0.150 mm. Size fractions were analyzed for total ash content and ash composition. Particle size distributions observed for the anatomical fractions varied considerably. Cob particles were primarily 2.0 mm or greater, while most of the sheath and husk particles were 2.0 mm and smaller. Particles of leaves greater than 0.6 mm contained the greatest amount of total ash, ranging from approximately 8 to 13% dry weight of the total original material, while the fractions with particles smaller than 0.6 mm contained less than 2% of the total ash of the original material. As a result, based on the overall ash content and the elemental ash, specific anatomical and size fractions can be separated to optimize the feedstocks being delivered to biofuels conversion processes and minimize the need for more expensive ash reduction treatments.« less

Coal conversion products Industrial applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Warren, D.; Dunkin, J.

1980-01-01

The synfuels economic evaluation model was utilized to analyze cost and product economics of the TVA coal conversion facilities. It is concluded that; (1) moderate yearly future escalations ( 6%) in current natural gas prices will result in medium-Btu gas becoming competitive with natural gas at the plant boundary; (2) utilizing DRI price projections, the alternate synfuel products, except for electricity, will be competitive with their counterparts; (3) central site fuel cell generation of electricity, utilizing MBG, is economically less attractive than the other synthetic fuels, given projected price rises in electricity produced by other means; and (4) because of estimated northern Alabama synfuels market demands, existing conventional fuels, infrastructure and industrial synfuels retrofit problems, a diversity of transportable synfuels products should be produced by the conversion facility.

Biomass production and nitrogen dynamics in an integrated aquaculture/agriculture system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Owens, L. P.; Hall, C. R.

1990-01-01

A combined aquaculture/agriculture system that brings together the three major components of a Controlled Ecological Life Support System (CELSS) - biomass production, biomass processing, and waste recycling - was developed to evaluate ecological processes and hardware requirements necessary to assess the feasibility of and define design criteria for integration into the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Breadboard Project. The system consists of a 1 square meter plant growth area, a 500 liter fish culture tank, and computerized monitoring and control hardware. Nutrients in the hydrophonic solution were derived from fish metabolites and fish food leachate. In five months of continuous operation, 27.0 kg of lettuce tops, 39.9 kg of roots and biofilm, and 6.6 kg of fish (wet weights) were produced with 12.7 kg of fish food input. Based on dry weights, a biomass conversion index of 0.52 was achieved. A nitrogen budget was derived to determine partitioning of nitrogen within various compartments of the system. Accumulating nitrogen in the hypoponic solution indicated a need to enlarge the plant growth area, potentially increasing the biomass production and improving the biomass conversion index.

Melamine-bridged alkyl resorcinol modified urea - formaldehyde resin for bonding hardwood plywood

Treesearch

Chung-Yun Hse; Mitsuo Higuchi

2010-01-01

A powdery product was obtained by the reaction of methylolated melamine with alkyl resorcinols to form melamine-bridged alkyl resorcinols (MARs). The effects of the addition of this powder on the bonding strength and formaldehyde emission of urea–formaldehyde (UF) resins were investigated. Three types of UF resins with a formaldehyde/urea molar ratio of 1.3 synthesized...

MATRIS Indexing and Retrieval Thesaurus (MIRT): Hierarchical List of Indexing Terms

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-08-01

Adaptability i Fiqcg Dissatisfaction Fiqci Personal goals / objectives Fiqck Health I Fiqcm Religious values Fiqco Socialization Fiqcq Self esteem Fiqcs...Military-civilian mix Bmi Officer-enlisted mix Bink Volunteer force Bmm Aging workforce I Bmo Grade distribution Bmq Occupational / career mix Bms...Ehd Peer instruction Ehe Tutoring Ehg Individualized instruction Ehga *UF Learner-centered instruction Ehga *UF Self -paced instruction Ehh Programmed

Status, Vision, and Challenges of an Intelligent Distributed Engine Control Architecture (Postprint)

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-09-18

TERMS turbine engine control, engine health management, FADEC , Universal FADEC , Distributed Controls, UF, UF Platform, common FADEC , Generic FADEC ...Modular FADEC , Adaptive Control 16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: 19a. NAME OF RESPONSIBLE PERSON (Monitor) a. REPORT Unclassified b. ABSTRACT...Eventually the Full Authority Digital Electronic Control ( FADEC ) became the norm. Presently, this control system architecture accounts for 15 to 20% of

Formaldehyde Emissions from Urea-Formaldehyde- and no-added-formaldehyde-Bonded particleboard as Influenced by Temperature and Relative Humidity

Treesearch

Charles R. Frihart; James M. Wescott; Timothy L. Chaffee; Kyle M. Gonner

2012-01-01

It is well documented that temperature and humidity can influence formaldehyde emissions from composite panels that are produced using urea-formaldehyde (UF)–type adhesives. This work investigates the effect of temperature and humidity on newer commercial California Air Resources Board (CARB) phase II–compliant particleboard produced with UF-type adhesives. These...

How mole ratio of UF resin affects formaldehyde emission and other properties : a literature critique

Treesearch

George E. Myers

1984-01-01

A critical review was made of the literature concerned with how the formaldehyde to urea mole ratio (F/U) affects formaldehyde emission from particleboard and plywood bonded with urea-formaldehyde (UF) adhesives, and how this ratio affects certain other adhesive and board properties. It is difficult to quantify the dependence of various properties on mole ratio or...

Power generation using different cation, anion, and ultrafiltration membranes in microbial fuel cells.

PubMed

Kim, Jung Rae; Cheng, Shaoan; Oh, Sang-Eun; Logan, Bruce E

2007-02-01

Proton exchange membranes (PEMs) are often used in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) to separate the liquid in the anode and cathode chambers while allowing protons to pass between the chambers. However, negatively or positively charged species present at high concentrations in the medium can also be used to maintain charge balance during power generation. An anion exchange membrane (AEM) produced the largest power density (up to 610 mW/m2) and Coulombic efficiency (72%) in MFCs relative to values achieved with a commonly used PEM (Nafion), a cation exchange membrane (CEM), or three different ultrafiltration (UF) membranes with molecular weight cut offs of 0.5K, 1K, and 3K Daltons in different types of MFCs. The increased performance of the AEM was due to proton charge-transfer facilitated by phosphate anions and low internal resistance. The type of membrane affected maximum power densities in two-chamber, air-cathode cube MFCs (C-MFCs) with low internal resistance (84-91 omega for all membranes except UF-0.5K) but not in two-chamber aqueous-cathode bottle MFCs (B-MFCs) due to their higher internal resistances (1230-1272 omega except UF-0.5K). The UF-0.5K membrane produced very high internal resistances (6009 omega, B-MFC; 1814omega, C-MFC) and was the least permeable to both oxygen (mass transfer coefficient of k(O) = 0.19 x 10(-4) cm/s) and acetate (k(A) = 0.89 x 10(-8) cm/s). Nafion was the most permeable membrane to oxygen (k(O) = 1.3 x 10(-4) cm/s), and the UF-3K membrane was the most permeable to acetate (k(A) = 7.2 x 10(-8) cm/s). Only a small percent of substrate was unaccounted for based on measured Coulombic efficiencies and estimates of biomass production and substrate losses using Nafion, CEM, and AEM membranes (4-8%), while a substantial portion of substrate was lost to unidentified processes for the UF membranes (40-89%). These results show that many types of membranes can be used in two-chambered MFCs, even membranes that transfer negatively charged species.

Temporal variation of nitrogen balance within constructed wetlands treating slightly polluted water using a stable nitrogen isotope experiment.

PubMed

Zhang, Wanguang; Lei, Qiongye; Li, Zhengkui; Han, Huayang

2016-02-01

Slightly polluted water has become one of the main sources of nitrogen contaminants in recent years, for which constructed wetlands (CW) is a typical and efficient treatment. However, the knowledge about contribution of individual nitrogen removal pathways and nitrogen balance in constructed wetlands is still limited. In this study, a stable-isotope-addition experiment was performed in laboratory-scale constructed wetlands treating slightly polluted water to determine quantitative contribution of different pathways and temporal variation of nitrogen balance using Na(15)NO3 as tracer. Microbial conversion and substrate retention were found to be the dominant pathways in nitrogen removal contributing 24.4-79.9 and 8.9-70.7 %, respectively, while plant contributed only 4.6-11.1 % through direct assimilation but promoted the efficiency of other pathways. In addition, microbial conversion became the major way to remove N whereas nitrogen retained in substrate at first was gradually released to be utilized by microbes and plants over time. The findings indicated that N2 emission representing microbial conversion was not only the major but also permanent nitrogen removal process, thus keeping a high efficiency of microbial conversion is important for stable and efficient nitrogen removal in constructed wetlands.

Consequences of buffelgrass pasture development for primary productivity, perennial plant richness, and vegetation structure in the drylands of Sonora, Mexico.

PubMed

Franklin, Kimberly; Molina-Freaner, Francisco

2010-12-01

In large parts of northern Mexico native plant communities are being converted to non-native buffelgrass (Pennisetum ciliare) pastures, and this conversion could fundamentally alter primary productivity and species richness. In Sonora, Mexico land conversion is occurring at a regional scale along a rainfall-driven gradient of primary productivity, across which native plant communities transition from desert scrub to thorn scrub. We used a paired sampling design to compare a satellite-derived index of primary productivity, richness of perennial plant species, and canopy-height profiles of native plant communities with buffelgrass pastures. We sampled species richness across a gradient of primary productivity in desert scrub and thorn scrub vegetation to examine the influence of site productivity on the outcomes of land conversion. We also examined the influence of pasture age on species richness of perennial plants. Index values of primary productivity were lower in buffelgrass pastures than in native vegetation, which suggests a reduction in primary productivity. Land conversion reduced species richness by approximately 50% at local and regional scales, reduced tree and shrub cover by 78%, and reduced canopy height. Land conversion disproportionately reduced shrub species richness, which reflects the common practice among Sonoran ranchers of conserving certain tree and cactus species. Site productivity did not affect the outcomes of land conversion. The age of a buffelgrass pasture was unrelated to species richness within the pasture, which suggests that passive recovery of species richness to preconversion levels is unlikely. Our findings demonstrate that land conversion can result in large losses of plant species richness at local and regional scales and in substantial changes to primary productivity and vegetation structure, which casts doubt on the feasibility of restoring native plant communities without active intervention on the part of land managers. © 2010 Society for Conservation Biology.

The impact of diet and arginine supplementation on pancreatic mass, digestive enzyme activity, and insulin-containing cell cluster morphology during the estrous cycle in sheep.

PubMed

Keomanivong, F E; Grazul-Bilska, A T; Redmer, D A; Bass, C S; Kaminski, S L; Borowicz, P P; Kirsch, J D; Swanson, K C

2017-04-01

To determine the effect of feed intake and arginine treatment during different stages of the estrous cycle on pancreatic mass, digestive enzyme activity, and histological measurements, ewes (n = 120) were randomly allocated to 1 of 3 dietary groups; control (CON; 2.14-Mcal metabolizable energy/kg), underfed (UF; 0.6 × CON), or overfed (OF; 2 × CON) over 2 yr. Estrus was synchronized using a controlled internal drug release device for 14 d. At controlled internal drug release withdrawal, ewes from each dietary group were assigned to 1 of 2 treatments; Arg (L-Arg HCl, 155-μmol/kg BW) or Sal (approximately 10-mL saline). Treatments were administered 3 times daily via jugular catheter and continued until slaughter on d (day) 5 and 10 of the second estrus cycle (early luteal phase, n = 41 and mid-luteal phase, n = 39; yr 1) and d 15 of the first estrus cycle (late luteal phase, n = 40; yr 2). A blood sample collected from jugular catheters for serum insulin analysis before slaughter. The pancreas was then removed, trimmed of mesentery and fat, weighed, and a sample snap-frozen until enzyme analysis. Additional pancreatic samples were fixed in 10% formalin solution for histological examination of size and distribution of insulin-containing cell clusters. Data were analyzed as a completely randomized design with a factorial arrangement of treatments. Diet, treatment, and diet × treatment were blocked by yr and included in the model with initial BW used as a covariate. Day of the estrous cycle was initially included in the model but later removed as no effects (P > 0.10) were observed for any pancreatic variables tested. Overfed ewes had the greatest (P < 0.001) change in BW, final BW, change in BCS, and final BCS. A diet × treatment interaction was observed for change in BW and final BW (P ≤ 0.004). Overfed and CON had increased (P < 0.001) pancreas weight (g) compared with UF ewes. Protein concentration (g/pancreas) was the lowest (P < 0.001) in UF ewes, whereas protein content (mg/kg BW) was greater (P = 0.03) in UF than OF ewes. Activity of α-amylase (U/g, kU/pancreas, U/kg of BW, and U/g protein) and trypsin (U/pancreas) was greater (P ≤ 0.003) in OF than UF ewes. Serum insulin was the greatest (P < 0.001) in OF ewes. No effects were observed for pancreatic insulin-containing cell clusters. This study demonstrated that plane of nutrition affected several measurements of pancreatic function; however, the dosage of Arg used did not influence pancreatic function. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.