[Carbon monoxide tests in a steady state. Uptake and transfer capacity, normal values and lower limits].

PubMed

Ramonatxo, M; Préfaut, C; Guerrero, H; Moutou, H; Bansard, X; Chardon, G

1982-01-01

The aim of this study was to establish data which would best demonstrate the variations of different tests using Carbon Monoxide as a tracer gas (total and partial functional uptake coefficient and transfer capacity) to establish mean values and lower limits of normal of these tests. Multivariate statistical analysis was used; in the first stage a connection was sought between the fractional uptake coefficient (partial and total) to other parameters, comparing subjects and data. In the second stage the comparison was refined by eliminating the least useful data, trying, despite a small loss of material, to reveal the most important connections, linear or otherwise. The fractional uptake coefficients varied according to sex, also the variation of the partial alveolar-expired fractional uptake equivalent (DuACO) was largely a function of respiratory rate and tidal volume. The alveolar-arterial partial fractional uptake equivalent (DuaCO) depended more on respiratory frequency and age. Finally the total fractional uptake coefficient (DuCO) and the transfer capacity corrected per liter of ventilation (TLCO/V) were functions of these parameters. The last stage of this work, after taking account of the statistical observations consistent with the facts of these physiological hypotheses led to a search for a better way of approaching the laws linking the collected data to the fractional uptake coefficient. The lower limits of normal were arbitrarily defined, separating those 5% of subjects deviating most strongly from the mean. As a result, the relationship between the lower limit of normal and the theoretical mean value was 90% for the partial and total fractional uptake coefficient and 70% for the transfer capacity corrected per liter of ventilation.

Dermal uptake of phthalates from clothing: Comparison of model to human participant results.

PubMed

Morrison, G C; Weschler, C J; Bekö, G

2017-05-01

In this research, we extend a model of transdermal uptake of phthalates to include a layer of clothing. When compared with experimental results, this model better estimates dermal uptake of diethylphthalate and di-n-butylphthalate (DnBP) than a previous model. The model predictions are consistent with the observation that previously exposed clothing can increase dermal uptake over that observed in bare-skin participants for the same exposure air concentrations. The model predicts that dermal uptake from clothing of DnBP is a substantial fraction of total uptake from all sources of exposure. For compounds that have high dermal permeability coefficients, dermal uptake is increased for (i) thinner clothing, (ii) a narrower gap between clothing and skin, and (iii) longer time intervals between laundering and wearing. Enhanced dermal uptake is most pronounced for compounds with clothing-air partition coefficients between 10 4 and 10 7 . In the absence of direct measurements of cotton cloth-air partition coefficients, dermal exposure may be predicted using equilibrium data for compounds in equilibrium with cellulose and water, in combination with computational methods of predicting partition coefficients. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Comparison of W-VC-C composites against Co-60, Se-75 and Sb-125 for gamma radioisotope sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Demir, Ertugrul; Tugrul, A. Beril; Buyuk, Bulent; Yilmaz, Ozan; Ovecoglu, Lutfi

2018-02-01

Tungsten based materials are considered to be the promising materials for nuclear applications due to the good properties. The tungsten composite materials have so many advantages in nuclear technological applications especially fusion reactor systems. In this paper, Tungsten-Vanadium carbide-Graphite (W-VC-C) which include 93% tungsten (W), 6% vanadium carbide (VC) and 1% graphite (C) also which has three different alloying time (6-12-24 hours) were produced by mechanical alloying method. Co-60, Se-75 and Sb-125 gamma radioisotopeswere used as a gamma sources in order to determine behavior of gamma attenuation properties of the composite materials. The experimental results were compared with each other to clarify effects of varying gamma energies on the tungsten based composite materials. The mass attenuation coefficients of the samples were obtained by using XCOM computer code and compared with experimental data. The gamma linear attenuation, the mass attenuation coefficients and half value thickness (HVL) of the samples were evaluated and compared with Co-60, Se-75 and Sb-125 for gamma radioisotopes. Results showed that gamma attenuation coefficients of the samples depend on gamma energies and mechanical alloying time has negatively effect on the gamma shielding properties for the all studied W-VC-C.

gamma-Glutamyl amino acids. Transport and conversion to 5-oxoproline in the kidney

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

Bridges, R.J.; Meister, A.

1985-06-25

Transport of gamma-glutamyl amino acids, a step in the proposed glutathione-gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase-mediated amino acid transport pathway, was examined in mouse kidney. The transport of gamma-glutamyl amino acids was demonstrated in vitro in studies on kidney slices. Transport was followed by measuring uptake of /sup 35/S after incubation of the slices in media containing gamma-glutamyl methionine (/sup 35/S)sulfone. The experimental complication associated with extracellular conversion of the gamma-glutamyl amino acid to amino acid and uptake of the latter by slices was overcome by using 5-oxoproline formation (catalyzed by intracellular gamma-glutamyl-cyclotransferase) as an indicator of gamma-glutamyl amino acid transport. This method wasmore » also successfully applied to studies on transport of gamma-glutamyl amino acids in vivo. Transport of gamma-glutamyl amino acids in vitro and in vivo is inhibited by several inhibitors of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and also by high extracellular levels of glutathione. This seems to explain urinary excretion of gamma-glutamylcystine by humans with gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase deficiency and by mice treated with inhibitors of this enzyme. Mice depleted of glutathione by treatment with buthionine sulfoximine (which inhibits glutathione synthesis) or by treatment with 2,6-dimethyl-2,5-heptadiene-4-one (which effectively interacts with tissue glutathione) exhibited significantly less transport of gamma-glutamyl amino acids than did untreated controls. The findings suggest that intracellular glutathione functions in transport of gamma-glutamyl amino acids. Evidence was also obtained for transport of gamma-glutamyl gamma-glutamylphenylalanine into kidney slices.« less

Gamma-rays attenuation of zircons from Cambodia and South Africa at different energies: A new technique for identifying the origin of gemstone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Limkitjaroenporn, P.; Kaewkhao, J.

2014-10-01

In this work, the gamma-rays interaction properties of zircons from Cambodia and South Africa have been studied. The densities of Cambodian and South African's zircons are 4.6716±0.0040 g/cm3 and 4.5505±0.0018 g/cm3, respectively. The mass attenuation coefficient and the effective atomic number of gemstones were measured with the gamma-ray in energies range 223-662 keV using the Compton scattering technique. The mass attenuation coefficients of both zircons decreased with the increasing of gamma-rays energies. The different mass attenuation coefficients between the two zircons observed at gamma-ray energies below 400 keV are attributed to the differences in the photoelectric interaction. The effective atomic number of zircons was decreased with the increasing of gamma-ray energies and showed totally different values between the Cambodia and South Africa sources. The origins of the two zircons could be successfully identified by the method based on gamma-rays interaction with matter with advantage of being a non-destructive testing.

Measuring Uptake Coefficients and Henry's Law Constants of Gas-Phase Species with Models for Secondary Organic Aerosol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fairhurst, M. C.; Waring-Kidd, C.; Ezell, M. J.; Finlayson-Pitts, B. J.

2014-12-01

Volatile organic compounds (VOC) are oxidized in the atmosphere and their products contribute to secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation. These particles have been shown to have effects on visibility, climate, and human health. Current models typically under-predict SOA concentrations from field measurements. Underestimation of these concentrations could be a result of how models treat particle growth. It is often assumed that particles grow via instantaneous thermal equilibrium partitioning between liquid particles and gas-phase species. Recent work has shown that growth may be better represented by irreversible, kinetically limited uptake of gas-phase species onto more viscous, tar-like SOA. However, uptake coefficients for these processes are not known. The goal of this project is to measure uptake coefficients and solubilities for different gases onto models serving as proxies for SOA and determine how they vary based on the chemical composition of the gas and the condensed phase. Experiments were conducted using two approaches: attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy and a flow system coupled to a mass spectrometer. The ATR crystal was coated with the SOA proxy and the gas-phase species introduced via a custom flow system. Uptake of the gas-phase species was characterized by measuring the intensity of characteristic IR bands as a function of time, from which a Henry's law constant and initial estimate of uptake coefficients could be obtained. Uptake coefficients were also measured in a flow system where the walls of the flow tube were coated with the SOA proxy and gas-phase species introduced via a moveable inlet. Uptake coefficients were derived from the decay in gas-phase species measured by mass spectrometry. The results of this work will establish a structure-interaction relationship for uptake of gases into SOA that can be implemented into regional and global models.

Effective atomic numbers of blue topaz at different gamma-rays energies obtained from Compton scattering technique

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

Tuschareon, S., E-mail: tuscharoen@hotmail.com; Limkitjaroenporn, P., E-mail: tuscharoen@hotmail.com; Kaewkhao, J., E-mail: tuscharoen@hotmail.com

2014-03-24

Topaz occurs in a wide range of colors, including yellow, orange, brown, pink-to-violet and blue. All of these color differences are due to color centers. In order to improve the color of natural colorless topaz, the most commonly used is irradiated with x- or gamma-rays, indicated that attenuation parameters is important to enhancements by irradiation. In this work, the mass attenuation coefficients of blue topaz were measured at the different energy of γ-rays using the Compton scattering technique. The results show that, the experimental values of mass attenuation coefficient are in good agreement with the theoretical values. The mass attenuationmore » coefficients increase with the decrease in gamma rays energies. This may be attributed to the higher photon interaction probability of blue topaz at lower energy. This result is a first report of mass attenuation coefficient of blue topaz at different gamma rays energies.« less

Investigation of photon attenuation coefficient of some building materials used in Turkey

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

Dogan, B.; Altinsoy, N.

In this study, some building materials regularly used in Turkey, such as concrete, gas concrete, pumice and brick have been investigated in terms of mass attenuation coefficient at different gamma-ray energies. Measurements were carried out by gamma spectrometry containing NaI(Tl) detector. Narrow beam gamma-ray transmission geometry was used for the attenuation measurements. The results are in good agreement with the theoretical calculation of XCOM code.

Seven years of aerosol scattering hygroscopic growth measurements from SGP: Factors influencing water uptake: Aerosol Scattering Hygroscopic Growth

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

Jefferson, A.; Hageman, D.; Morrow, H.

Long-term measurements of changes in the aerosol scattering coefficient hygroscopic growth at the U.S. Department of Energy Southern Great Plains site provide information on the seasonal as well as size and chemical dependence of aerosol hygroscopic growth. Annual average sub 10 um fRH values (the ratio of aerosol scattering at 85%/40% RH) were 1.75 and 1.87 for the gamma and kappa fit algorithms, respectively. The study found higher growth rates in the winter and spring seasons that correlated with high aerosol nitrate mass fraction. FRH, exhibited strong, but differing correlations with the scattering Ångström exponent and backscatter fraction, two opticalmore » size-dependent parameters. The aerosol organic fraction had a strong influence, with fRH decreasing with increases in the organic mass fraction and absorption Ångström exponent and increasing with the aerosol single scatter albedo. Uncertainty analysis if the fit algorithms revealed high uncertainty at low scattering coefficients and slight increases in uncertainty at high RH and fit parameters values.« less

The kinetics of H2O vapor condensation and evaporation on different types of ice in the range 130-210 K.

PubMed

Pratte, Pascal; van den Bergh, Hubert; Rossi, Michel J

2006-03-09

The kinetics of condensation (kc) and the evaporation flux (J(ev)) of H2O on ice were studied in the range 130-210 K using pulsed-valve and steady-state techniques in a low-pressure flow reactor. The uptake coefficient gamma was measured for different types of ice, namely, condensed (C), bulk (B), single crystal (SC), snow (S), and cubic ice (K). The negative temperature dependence of gamma for C, B, SC, and S ice reveals a precursor-mediated adsorption/desorption process in agreement with the proposal of Davy and Somorjai.(1) The non-Arrhenius behavior of the rate of condensation, kc, manifests itself in a discontinuity in the range 170-190 K depending on the type of ice and is consistent with the precursor model. The average of the energy of sublimation DeltaH(S) degrees is (12.0 +/- 1.4) kcal/mol for C, B, S, and SC ice and is identical within experimental uncertainty between 136 and 210 K. The same is true for the entropy of sublimation DeltaS(S). In contrast, both gamma and the evaporative flux J(ev) are significantly different for different ices. In the range 130-210 K, J(ev) of H2O ice was significantly smaller than the maximum theoretically allowed value. This corroborates gamma values significantly smaller than unity in that T range. On the basis of the present kinetic parameters, the time to complete evaporation of a small ice particle of radius 1 mum is approximately a factor of 5 larger than that previously thought.

Neutronic reactor

DOEpatents

Wende, Charles W. J.

1976-08-17

A safety rod for a nuclear reactor has an inner end portion having a gamma absorption coefficient and neutron capture cross section approximately equal to those of the adjacent shield, a central portion containing materials of high neutron capture cross section and an outer end portion having a gamma absorption coefficient at least equal to that of the adjacent shield.

Glutamine, glutamate, and other possible regulators of alpha-ketoglutarate and malate uptake by synaptic terminals.

PubMed

Shank, R P; Campbell, G L

1984-04-01

The uptake of alpha-ketoglutarate and malate by rat brain synaptosomal preparations was found to be affected by a variety of substances at physiologically relevant concentrations. Glutamine altered the uptake of alpha-ketoglutarate by causing an apparent reduction in the substrate-carrier affinity and an increase in Vmax. In contrast, glutamine did not appear to affect the Vmax of malate uptake, but it did increase markedly the uptake velocity at low concentrations of malate. L-Glutamate and L-aspartate were comparatively strong inhibitors of alpha-ketoglutarate and malate uptake. N-Acetylaspartate was a weak inhibitor of alpha-ketoglutarate uptake, a finding that contrasts with our previous observation that this compound potently inhibited alpha-ketoglutarate uptake by synaptosomes obtained from the cerebellum of 8- to 14-day-old mice. Ca2+ exhibited a variable effect but usually enhanced the uptake of alpha-ketoglutarate. The addition of small amounts of postmicrosomal supernatant to the incubation medium enhanced the uptake of alpha-ketoglutarate by low-density synaptosomes. By comparison, the uptake of glutamate, glutamine, gamma-aminobutyric acid, and several other amino acids was not affected. The enhancement of alpha-ketoglutarate uptake by the supernatant was due to a heat labile substance that was retained by dialysis tubing (MW cutoff = 8,000) and Amicon filter cones (CF 25), and was precipitated by ammonium sulfate at 60% saturation. In experiments in which the metabolic conversion of [U-14C] alpha-ketoglutarate to glutamate, aspartate, glutamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid was determined, the presence of glutamine and glutamate in the incubation medium did not affect the pattern of labelling appreciably.

Glycine facilitates gamma-glutamylcysteinylethyl ester-mediated increase in liver glutathione level.

PubMed

Nishida, K; Ohta, Y; Ishiguro, I

1997-08-27

gamma-Glutamylcysteinylethyl ester (gamma-GCE) increases reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in GSH-depleted rat hepatocytes. Because glycine, a constituent of GSH, exists at 0.3 to 0.4 mM in rat plasma, we examined the influence of glycine added to the medium on the action of gamma-GCE to increase GSH levels in the rat hepatocytes. Glycine (0.2-0.8 mM) dose-dependently enhanced gamma-GCE-mediated increase in intracellular GSH levels with an increase in intracellular gamma-GCE levels. These results indicate that exogenous glycine facilitates gamma-GCE-mediated increase in intracellular GSH levels in rat hepatocytes possibly by enhancing the uptake of gamma-GCE into the cells.

Improving gross count gamma-ray logging in uranium mining with the NGRS probe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carasco, C.; Pérot, B.; Ma, J.-L.; Toubon, H.; Dubille-Auchère, A.

2018-01-01

AREVA Mines and the Nuclear Measurement Laboratory of CEA Cadarache are collaborating to improve the sensitivity and precision of uranium concentration measurement by means of gamma ray logging. The determination of uranium concentration in boreholes is performed with the Natural Gamma Ray Sonde (NGRS) based on a NaI(Tl) scintillation detector. The total gamma count rate is converted into uranium concentration using a calibration coefficient measured in concrete blocks with known uranium concentration in the AREVA Mines calibration facility located in Bessines, France. Until now, to take into account gamma attenuation in a variety of boreholes diameters, tubing materials, diameters and thicknesses, filling fluid densities and compositions, a semi-empirical formula was used to correct the calibration coefficient measured in Bessines facility. In this work, we propose to use Monte Carlo simulations to improve gamma attenuation corrections. To this purpose, the NGRS probe and the calibration measurements in the standard concrete blocks have been modeled with MCNP computer code. The calibration coefficient determined by simulation, 5.3 s-1.ppmU-1 ± 10%, is in good agreement with the one measured in Bessines, 5.2 s-1.ppmU-1. Based on the validated MCNP model, several parametric studies have been performed. For instance, the rock density and chemical composition proved to have a limited impact on the calibration coefficient. However, gamma self-absorption in uranium leads to a nonlinear relationship between count rate and uranium concentration beyond approximately 1% of uranium weight fraction, the underestimation of the uranium content reaching more than a factor 2.5 for a 50 % uranium weight fraction. Next steps will concern parametric studies with different tubing materials, diameters and thicknesses, as well as different borehole filling fluids representative of real measurement conditions.

Determination of 210Pb concentration in NORM waste - An application of the transmission method for self-attenuation corrections for gamma-ray spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bonczyk, Michal

2018-07-01

This article deals with the problem of the self-attenuation of low-energy gamma-rays from the isotope of lead 210Pb (46.5 keV) in industrial waste. The 167 samples of industrial waste, belonging to nine categories, were tested by means of gamma spectrometry in order to determine 210Pb activity concentration. The experimental method for self-attenuation corrections for gamma rays emitted by lead isotope was applied. Mass attenuation coefficients were determined for energy of 46.5 keV. Correction factors were calculated based on mass attenuation coefficients, sample density and thickness. A mathematical formula for correction calculation was evaluated. The 210Pb activity concentration obtained varied in the range from several Bq·kg-1 up to 19,810 Bq kg-1. The mass attenuation coefficients varied across the range of 0.19-4.42 cm2·g-1. However, the variation of mass attenuation coefficient within some categories of waste was relatively small. The calculated corrections for self-attenuation were 0.98 - 6.97. The high value of correction factors must not be neglect in radiation risk assessment.

Accumulation and dissipation of positive charges induced on a PMMA build-up cap of an ionisation chamber by (60)Co gamma-ray irradiation.

PubMed

Morishita, Y; Takata, N

2013-07-01

The signal current from an ionisation chamber with a PMMA build-up cap decreases with irradiation time due to electric fields produced by positive charges induced on the cap. In the present study, it was confirmed that the signal current decreases faster for irradiation using narrower (60)Co gamma-ray beams. This is because the number of secondary electrons that are emitted from surrounding materials and penetrate the build-up cap is smaller in a narrower gamma-ray beam, so that fewer positive charges are neutralised. The ionisation chamber was first subjected to continuous gamma-ray irradiation for 24 h, following which it was irradiated with shorter periodic gamma-ray bursts while measuring the current signal. This allowed the coefficients of positive charge accumulation and dissipation to be determined. It was found that the dissipation coefficient has a large constant value during gamma-ray irradiation and decreases asymptotically to a small value after irradiation is stopped. From the coefficients, the minimum signal current was calculated, which is the value when accumulation and dissipation balance each other under continuous irradiation. The time required for the signal current to recover following irradiation was also calculated.

Heterogeneous Uptake of HO2 Radicals onto Submicron Atmospheric Aerosols

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matthews, P. S.; George, I. J.; Brooks, B.; Whalley, L. K.; Baeza-Romero, M. T.; Heard, D. E.

2012-12-01

OH and HO2 (HOx) radicals are closely coupled and OH is responsible for the majority of the oxidation in the troposphere and controls the concentrations of many trace species. Therefore, it is important to be able to accurately predict HOx concentrations. However, some field measurement studies have reported significantly lower HO2 radical concentrations than calculated by constrained box models using detailed chemical mechanisms. Although the inclusion of halogen chemistry into the mechanisms can explain much of the differences in the marine boundary layer (MBL) (1,2), HO2 uptake by aerosols has been suggested as a possible sink in the MBL (2), the Arctic troposphere (3) and the upper troposphere (4). There have been very few laboratory studies (5,6) on HO2 uptake by aerosols and the rates and mechanism is still uncertain. The HO2 uptake coefficients were measured for a variety of atmospherically relevant inorganic and organic aerosols. The measurements were performed using an aerosol flow tube combined with a Fluorescence Assay by Gas Expansion (FAGE) detector. The sensitive FAGE cell allowed low HO2 concentrations (108-109 molecule cm-3) to be injected into the flow tube using a moveable injector. By moving the injector along the flow tube, position dependent HO2 decays were able to be recorded which when plotted against the total aerosol surface area allowed an uptake coefficient to be obtained. The aerosols were generated using an atomiser or by homogeneous nucleation and the total aerosol surface area was measured using a Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer. The HO2 uptake coefficient (γ) was measured at room temperature for dry inorganic salts and dry organics (γ< 0.004), wet inorganic salts and wet organics (γ= 0.002-0.005), wet copper doped ammonium sulfate aerosols (γ= 0.28± 0.05) and ammonium sulfate aerosols doped with different molar amounts of iron (γ= 0.003-0.06). The pH dependence of the HO2 uptake coefficient was investigated, however no dependence was observed. A time dependence has been observed, with higher HO2 uptake coefficients measured at short reaction times with the uptake coefficient decreasing at longer times. A HO2 concentration dependence has also been observed whereby a higher uptake coefficient is measured at lower HO2 concentrations. The time dependence and HO2 concentration dependence may suggest an aerosol saturation mechanism. The HO2 uptake temperature dependence is currently being investigated, as well as uptake on to a wider range of inorganic and organic aerosols. This work was supported by the National Environment Research Council under grant number NE/F020651/1. PSJM is grateful to NERC for a research studentship. References (1) Sommariva, R. et al. Atmos. Chem. Phys.2006, 6, 1135-1153. (2) Whalley, L.K. et al. Atmos. Chem. Phys. 2010, 10, 1555-1576. (3) Mao, J. et al. Atmos. Chem. Phys. 2010, 10, 5823-5838. (4) Jaegle, L. et al. J. Geophys. Atm. 2000, 105, 3877-3892. (5) Taketani, F. et al. J. Phys. Chem. 2008, 112, 2370-2377. (6) Thornton, J. et al. J. Geophys. Atm. 2005, 110, D08309.

Permeability of boric acid across lipid bilayers and factors affecting it.

PubMed

Dordas, C; Brown, P H

2000-05-15

Boron enters plant roots as undissociated boric acid (H(3)BO(3)). Significant differences in B uptake are frequently observed even when plants are grown under identical conditions. It has been theorized that these differences reflect species differences in permeability coefficient of H(3)BO(3) across plasma membrane. The permeability coefficient of boric acid however, has not been experimentally determined across any artificial or plant membrane. In the experiments described here the permeability coefficient of boric acid in liposomes made of phosphatidylcholine was 4.9x10(-6) cm sec(-1), which is in good agreement with the theoretical value. The permeability coefficient varied from 7x10(-6) to 9.5x10(-9) cm sec(-1) with changes in sterols (cholesterol), the type of phospholipid head group, the length of the fatty acyl chain, and the pH of the medium. In this study we also used Arabidopsis thaliana mutants which differ in lipid composition to study the effect of lipid composition on B uptake. The chs1-1 mutant which has lower proportion of sterols shows 30% higher B uptake compared with the wild type, while the act1-1 mutant which has an increased percentage of longer fatty acids, exhibited 35% lower uptake than the wild type. Lipid composition changes in each of the remaining mutants influenced B uptake to various extents. These data suggest that lipid composition of the plasma membrane can affect total B uptake.

Effect of antimony-oxide on the shielding properties of some sodium-boro-silicate glasses.

PubMed

Zoulfakar, A M; Abdel-Ghany, A M; Abou-Elnasr, T Z; Mostafa, A G; Salem, S M; El-Bahnaswy, H H

2017-09-01

Some sodium-silicate-boro-antimonate glasses having the molecular composition [(20) Na 2 O - (20) SiO 2 - (60-x) B 2 O 3 - (x) Sb 2 O 3 (where x takes the values 0, 5 … or 20)] have been prepared by the melt quenching method. The melting and annealing temperatures were 1500 and 650K respectively. The amorphous nature of the prepared samples was confirmed by using X-ray diffraction analysis. Both the experimental and empirical density and molar volume values showed gradual increase with increasing Sb 2 O 3 content. The empirical densities showed higher values than those obtained experimentally, while the empirical molar volume values appeared lower than those obtained experimentally, which confirm the amorphous nature and randomness character of the studied samples. The experimentally obtained shielding parameters were approximately coincident with those obtained theoretically by applying WinXCom program. At low gamma-ray energies (0.356 and 0.662MeV) Sb 2 O 3 has approximately no effect on the total Mass Attenuation Coefficient, while at high energies it acts to increase the total Mass Attenuation Coefficient gradually. The obtained Half Value Layer and Mean Free Path values showed gradual decrease as Sb 2 O 3 was gradually increased. Also, the Total Mass Attenuation Coefficient values obtained between about 0.8 and 3.0MeV gamma-ray energy showed a slight decrease, as gamma-ray photon energy increased. This may be due to the differences between the Attenuation Coefficients of both antimony and boron oxides at various gamma-ray photon energies. However, it can be stated that the addition of Sb 2 O 3 into sodium-boro-silicate glasses increases the gamma-ray Attenuation Coefficient and the best sample is that contains 20 mol% of Sb 2 O 3 , which is operating well at 0.356 and 0.662MeV gamma-ray. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Characterizing the Solid-Solution Coefficient and Plant Uptake Factor of As, Cd and Pb in California Croplands

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

In risk assessment models, the solid-solution partition coefficient (Kd), and plant uptake factor (PUF), are often employed to model the fate and transport of trace elements in soils. The trustworthiness of risk assessments depends on the reliability of the parameters used. In this study, we exami...

Comparison of the effect of plasma treatment and gamma ray irradiation on PS-Cu nanocomposite films surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farag, O. F.

2018-06-01

Polystyrene-copper (PS-Cu) nanocomposite films were treated with DC N2 plasma and gamma rays irradiations. The plasma treatment of PS-Cu film surface was carried out at different treatment times, gas pressure 0.4 Torr and the applied power 3.5 W. On the other hand, the treatment with gamma rays irradiation were carried out at irradiation doses 10, 30 and 50 kGy. The induced changes in surface properties of PS-Cu films were investigated with UV-viss spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and FTIR spectroscopy techniques. In addition, the wettability property, surface free energy, spreading coefficient and surface roughness of the treated samples were studied by measuring the contact angle. The UV-viss spectroscopy analysis revealed that the optical band gap decreases with increasing the treatment time and the irradiation dose for plasma and gamma treatments, respectively. SEM observations showed that the particle size of copper particles was increased with increasing the treatment time and the irradiation dose, but gamma treatment changes the copper particles size from nano scale to micro scale. The contact angle measurements showing that the wettability property, surface free energy, spreading coefficient and surface roughness of the treated PS-Cu samples were increased remarkably with increasing the treatment time and the irradiation dose for plasma and gamma treatments, respectively. The contact angle, surface free energy, spreading coefficient and surface roughness of the treated PS-Cu samples are more influenced by plasma treatment than gamma treatment.

Standardization and determination of the total internal conversion coefficient of In-111.

PubMed

Matos, Izabela T; Koskinas, Marina F; Nascimento, Tatiane S; Yamazaki, Ione M; Dias, Mauro S

2014-05-01

The standardization of (111)In by means of a 4πβ-γ coincidence system, composed of a proportional counter in 4π geometry, coupled to a 20% relative efficiency HPGe crystal, for measuring gamma-rays is presented. The data acquisition was performed by means of the software coincidence system (SCS) and the activity was determined by the extrapolation technique. Two gamma-ray windows were selected: at 171 keV and 245 keV total absorption peaks, allowing the determination of the total internal conversion coefficient for these two gamma transitions. The results were compared with those available in the literature. © 2013 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

The combined effect of uranium and gamma radiation on biological responses and oxidative stress induced in Arabidopsis thaliana.

PubMed

Vanhoudt, Nathalie; Vandenhove, Hildegarde; Horemans, Nele; Wannijn, Jean; Van Hees, May; Vangronsveld, Jaco; Cuypers, Ann

2010-11-01

Uranium never occurs as a single pollutant in the environment, but always in combination with other stressors such as ionizing radiation. As effects induced by multiple contaminants can differ markedly from the effects induced by the individual stressors, this multiple pollution context should not be neglected. In this study, effects on growth, nutrient uptake and oxidative stress induced by the single stressors uranium and gamma radiation are compared with the effects induced by the combination of both stressors. By doing this, we aim to better understand the effects induced by the combined stressors but also to get more insight in stressor-specific response mechanisms. Eighteen-day-old Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings were exposed for 3 days to 10 muM uranium and 3.5 Gy gamma radiation. Gamma radiation interfered with uranium uptake, resulting in decreased uranium concentrations in the roots, but with higher transport to the leaves. This resulted in a better root growth but increased leaf lipid peroxidation. For the other endpoints studied, effects under combined exposure were mostly determined by uranium presence and only limited influenced by gamma presence. Furthermore, an important role is suggested for CAT1/2/3 gene expression under uranium and mixed stressor conditions in the leaves.

The background model in the energy range from 0.1 MeV up to several MeV for low altitude and high inclination satellites.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arkhangelskaja, I. V.; Arkhangelskiy, A. I.

2016-02-01

The gamma-ray background physical origin for low altitude orbits defined by: diffuse cosmic gamma-emission, atmospheric gamma-rays, gamma-emission formed in interactions of charged particles (both prompt and activation) and transient events such as electrons precipitations and solar flares. The background conditions in the energy range from 0.1 MeV up to several MeV for low altitude orbits differ due to frequency of Earth Radiation Belts - ERBs (included South Atlantic Anomaly - SAA) passes and cosmic rays rigidity. The detectors and satellite constructive elements are activated by trapped in ERBs and moving along magnetic lines charged particles. In this case we propose simplified polynomial model separately for polar and equatorial orbits parts: background count rate temporal profile approximation by 4-5 order polynomials in equatorial regions, and linear approximations, parabolas or constants in polar caps. The polynomials’ coefficients supposed to be similar for identical spectral channels for each analyzed equatorial part taken into account normalization coefficients defined due to Kp-indexes study within period corresponding to calibration coefficients being approximately constants. The described model was successfully applied for the solar flares hard X-ray and gamma-ray emission characteristic studies by AVS-F apparatus data onboard CORONAS-F satellite.

Comparison Between the NIST and the KEBS for the Determination of Air Kerma Calibration Coefficients for Narrow X-Ray Spectra and 137Cs Gamma-Ray Beams

PubMed Central

O’Brien, Michelle; Minniti, Ronaldo; Masinza, Stanslaus Alwyn

2010-01-01

Air kerma calibration coefficients for a reference class ionization chamber from narrow x-ray spectra and cesium 137 gamma-ray beams were compared between the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS). A NIST reference-class transfer ionization chamber was calibrated by each laboratory in terms of the quantity air kerma in four x-ray reference radiation beams of energies between 80 kV and 150 kV and in a cesium 137 gamma-ray beam. The reference radiation qualities used for this comparison are described in detail in the ISO 4037 publication.[1] The comparison began in September 2008 and was completed in March 2009. The results reveal the degree to which the participating calibration facility can demonstrate proficiency in transferring air kerma calibrations under the conditions of the said facility at the time of the measurements. The comparison of the calibration coefficients is based on the average ratios of calibration coefficients. PMID:27134777

Comparison Between the NIST and the KEBS for the Determination of Air Kerma Calibration Coefficients for Narrow X-Ray Spectra and (137)Cs Gamma-Ray Beams.

PubMed

O'Brien, Michelle; Minniti, Ronaldo; Masinza, Stanslaus Alwyn

2010-01-01

Air kerma calibration coefficients for a reference class ionization chamber from narrow x-ray spectra and cesium 137 gamma-ray beams were compared between the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS). A NIST reference-class transfer ionization chamber was calibrated by each laboratory in terms of the quantity air kerma in four x-ray reference radiation beams of energies between 80 kV and 150 kV and in a cesium 137 gamma-ray beam. The reference radiation qualities used for this comparison are described in detail in the ISO 4037 publication.[1] The comparison began in September 2008 and was completed in March 2009. The results reveal the degree to which the participating calibration facility can demonstrate proficiency in transferring air kerma calibrations under the conditions of the said facility at the time of the measurements. The comparison of the calibration coefficients is based on the average ratios of calibration coefficients.

From air to clothing: characterizing the accumulation of semi-volatile organic compounds to fabrics in indoor environments.

PubMed

Saini, A; Okeme, J O; Mark Parnis, J; McQueen, R H; Diamond, M L

2017-05-01

Uptake kinetics of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) present indoors, namely phthalates and halogenated flame retardants (HFRs), were characterized for cellulose-based cotton and rayon fabrics. Cotton and rayon showed similar accumulation of gas- and particle-phase SVOCs, when normalized to planar surface area. Accumulation was 3-10 times greater by rayon than cotton, when normalized to Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) specific surface area which suggests that cotton could have a longer linear uptake phase than rayon. Linear uptake rates of eight consistently detected HFRs over 56 days of 0.35-0.92 m 3 /day.dm 2 planar surface area and mass transfer coefficients of 1.5-3.8 m/h were statistically similar for cotton and rayon and similar to those for uptake to passive air sampling media. These results suggest air-side controlled uptake and that, on average, 2 m 2 of clothing typically worn by a person would sequester the equivalent of the chemical content in 100 m 3 of air per day. Distribution coefficients between fabric and air (K') ranged from 6.5 to 7.7 (log K') and were within the range of partition coefficients measured for selected phthalates as reported in the literature. The distribution coefficients were similar for low molecular weight HFRs, and up to two orders of magnitude lower than the equilibrium partition coefficients estimated using the COSMO-RS model. Based on the COSMO-RS model, time to reach 95% of equilibrium for PBDEs between fabric and gas-phase compounds ranged from 0.1 to >10 years for low to high molecular weight HFRs. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Robust determination of mass attenuation coefficients of materials with unknown thickness and density

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kurudirek, M.; Medhat, M. E.

2014-07-01

An alternative approach is used to measure normalized mass attenuation coefficients (μ/ρ) of materials with unknown thickness and density. The adopted procedure is based on the use of simultaneous emission of Kα and Kβ X-ray lines as well as gamma peaks from radioactive sources in transmission geometry. 109Cd and 60Co radioactive sources were used for the purpose of the investigation. It has been observed that using the simultaneous X- and/or gamma rays of different energy allows accurate determination of relative mass attenuation coefficients by eliminating the dependence of μ/ρ on thickness and density of the material.

cAMP and forskolin decrease gamma-aminobutyric acid-gated chloride flux in rat brain synaptoneurosomes.

PubMed Central

Heuschneider, G; Schwartz, R D

1989-01-01

The effects of the cyclic nucleotide cAMP on gamma-aminobutyric acid-gated chloride channel function were investigated. The membrane-permeant cAMP analog N6,O2'-dibutyryladenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate inhibited muscimol-induced 36Cl- uptake into rat cerebral cortical synaptoneurosomes in a concentration-dependent manner (IC50 = 1.3 mM). The inhibition was due to a decrease in the maximal effect of muscimol, with no change in potency. Similar effects were observed with 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate, 8-bromoadenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate, and the phosphodiesterase inhibitor isobutylmethylxanthine. The effect of endogenous cAMP accumulation on the gamma-aminobutyric acid-gated Cl- channel was studied with forskolin, an activator of adenylate cyclase. Under identical conditions, in the intact synaptoneurosomes, forskolin inhibited muscimol-induced 36Cl- uptake and generated cAMP with similar potencies (IC50 = 14.3 microM; EC50 = 6.2 microM, respectively). Surprisingly, 1,9-dideoxyforskolin, which does not activate adenylate cyclase, also inhibited the muscimol response, suggesting that forskolin and its lipophilic derivatives may interact with the Cl- channel directly. Indeed, forskolin inhibition of muscimol-induced 36Cl- uptake was extremely rapid (within 5 sec), preceding the accumulation of sufficient levels of cAMP. After 5 min, a slower phase of inhibition was seen, similar to the time course for cAMP accumulation. The data suggest that gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABAA) receptor function in brain can be regulated by cAMP-dependent phosphorylation. PMID:2468163

Photoactive roadways: Determination of CO, NO and VOC uptake coefficients and photolabile side product yields on TiO2 treated asphalt and concrete

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Toro, C.; Jobson, B. T.; Haselbach, L.; Shen, S.; Chung, S. H.

2016-08-01

This work reports uptake coefficients and by-product yields of ozone precursors onto two photocatalytic paving materials (asphalt and concrete) treated with a commercial TiO2 surface application product. The experimental approach used a continuously stirred tank reactor (CSTR) and allowed for testing large samples with the same surface morphology encountered with real urban surfaces. The measured uptake coefficient (γgeo) and surface resistances are useful for parametrizing dry deposition velocities in air quality model evaluation of the impact of photoactive surfaces on urban air chemistry. At 46% relative humidity, the surface resistance to NO uptake was ∼1 s cm-1 for concrete and ∼2 s cm-1 for a freshly coated older roadway asphalt sample. HONO and NO2 were detected as side products from NO uptake to asphalt, with NO2 molar yields on the order of 20% and HONO molar yields ranging between 14 and 33%. For concrete samples, the NO2 molar yields increased with the increase of water vapor, ranging from 1% to 35% and HONO was not detected as a by-product. Uptake of monoaromatic VOCs to the asphalt sample set displayed a dependence on the compound vapor pressure, and was influenced by competitive adsorption from less volatile VOCs. Formaldehyde and acetaldehyde were detected as byproducts, with molar yields ranging from 5 to 32%.

Lithium-doped hydroxyapatite nano-composites: Synthesis, characterization, gamma attenuation coefficient and dielectric properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Badran, H.; Yahia, I. S.; Hamdy, Mohamed S.; Awwad, N. S.

2017-01-01

Lithium-hydroxyapatite (0, 1, 5, 10, 20, 30 and 40 wt% Li-HAp) nano-composites were synthesized by sol-gel technique followed by microwave-hydrothermal treatment. The composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman techniques. Gamma attenuation coefficient and the dielectric properties for all composites were investigated. The crystallinity degree of Li-doped HAp was higher than that of un-doped HAp. Gamma attenuation coefficient values increased from 0.562 cm-1 for 0 wt% Li-HAp to 2.190 cm-1 for 40 wt% Li-HAp. The alternating current conductivity increased with increasing frequency. The concentration of Li affect the values of dielectric constant where Li doped HAp of low dielectric constant can have an advantage for healing in bone fractures. The calcium to phosphorus ratio decreased from 1.43 to 1.37 with the addition of lithium indicating the Ca deficiency in the studied composites. Our findings lead to the conclusion that Li-HAp is a new nano-composite useful for medical applications and could be doped with gamma shield materials.

Methanolic leaf extract of Gymnema sylvestre augments glucose uptake and ameliorates insulin resistance by upregulating glucose transporter-4, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma, adiponectin, and leptin levels in vitro.

PubMed

Kumar, Puttanarasaiah Mahesh; Venkataranganna, Marikunte V; Manjunath, Kirangadur; Viswanatha, Gollapalle L; Ashok, Godavarthi

2016-01-01

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of methanolic leaf extract of Gymnema sylvestre (MLGS) on glucose transport (GLUT) and insulin resistance in vitro. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-γ) and GLUT-4 expression were assessed in L6 myotubes for concluding the GLUT activity, and adiponectin and leptin expression was studied in 3T3 L1 murine adipocyte cell line to determine the effect of MLGS (250-750 μg/ml) on insulin resistance. The findings of the experiments have demonstrated a significant and dose-dependent increase in glucose uptake in all the tested concentrations of MLGS, further the glucose uptake activity of MLGS (750 μg/ml) was at par with rosiglitazone (50 μg/ml). Concomitantly, MLGS has shown enhanced GLUT-4 and PPAR-γ gene expressions in L6 myotubes. Furthermore, cycloheximide (CHX) had completely abolished the glucose uptake activity of MLGS when co-incubated, which further confirmed that glucose uptake activity of MLGS was linked to enhanced expression of GLUT-4 and PPAR-γ. In addition, in another experimental set, MLGS showed enhanced expression of adiponectin and leptin, thus confirms the ameliorative effect of MLGS on insulin resistance. These findings suggest that MLGS has an enhanced glucose uptake activity in L6 myotubes, and ameliorate the insulin resistance in 3T3 L1 murine adipocyte cell line in vitro.

Investigation of attenuation coefficients of some stainless steel and aluminum alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Caner, Zafer; Tufan, Mustafa ćaǧatay

2018-02-01

In this study, attenuation coefficients of two different stainless steel alloys (AISI 304 and AISI 310), which have a wide range of applications from home appliances to the automotive sector, and two different aluminum alloys (6013 and 5083), which have a high mechanical strength and a light weight structure and are used in many fields from aviation to military vehicles, has been determined. For this purpose, we used gamma spectrometer system with NaI(Tl) detector. In our measurements, we used Eu-152, Ra-226 and Co-60 as gamma ray sources. To narrow the beam of gamma rays, we designed the new steel based collimator. We also investigated the effect of using collimator. Obtained results were compared with the NIST XCOM values.

Effect of an external magnetic field on the mass attenuation coefficients of p-Si and n-Si

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yılmaz, D.; Önder, P.

2018-05-01

In this study, the mass attenuation coefficients of p-Si and n-Si semiconductor samples have been determined in an external magnetic field. The semiconductor samples were located to the external magnetic field of intensities 0.2 T, 0.4 T, 0.6 T and 0.8 T. The samples were bombarded by 59.5 keV, 80.1 keV, 121.8 keV and 244.7 keV gamma-rays emitted from Am241, Ba133 and Eu152 radioactive sources. The transmitted photons were detected by a CdTe detector. It was observed that the mass attenuation coefficients of p-Si and n-Si semiconductor samples decrease with increasing gamma-ray energy. Also, the mass attenuation coefficients of the samples increase with applying magnetic field intensity.

Fucoxanthin exerts differing effects on 3T3-L1 cells according to differentiation stage and inhibits glucose uptake in mature adipocytes

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

Kang, Seong-Il; Ko, Hee-Chul; Shin, Hye-Sun

2011-06-17

Highlights: {yields} Fucoxanthin enhances 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation at an early stage. {yields} Fucoxanthin inhibits 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation at intermediate and late stages. {yields} Fucoxanthin attenuates glucose uptake by inhibiting the phosphorylation of IRS in mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes. {yields} Fucoxanthin exerts its anti-obesity effect by inhibiting the differentiation of adipocytes at both intermediate and late stages, as well as glucose uptake in mature adipocytes. -- Abstract: Progression of 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation is divided into early (days 0-2, D0-D2), intermediate (days 2-4, D2-D4), and late stages (day 4 onwards, D4-). In this study, we investigated the effects of fucoxanthin, isolated from themore » edible brown seaweed Petalonia binghamiae, on adipogenesis during the three differentiation stages of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. When fucoxanthin was applied during the early stage of differentiation (D0-D2), it promoted 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation, as evidenced by increased triglyceride accumulation. At the molecular level, fucoxanthin increased protein expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor {gamma} (PPAR{gamma}), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein {alpha} (C/EBP{alpha}), sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP1c), and aP2, and adiponectin mRNA expression, in a dose-dependent manner. However, it reduced the expression of PPAR{gamma}, C/EBP{alpha}, and SREBP1c during the intermediate (D2-D4) and late stages (D4-D7) of differentiation. It also inhibited the uptake of glucose in mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes by reducing the phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1). These results suggest that fucoxanthin exerts differing effects on 3T3-L1 cells of different differentiation stages and inhibits glucose uptake in mature adipocytes.« less

Occult Breast Cancer: Scintimammography with High-Resolution Breast-specific Gamma Camera in Women at High Risk for Breast Cancer

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

Rachel F. Brem; Jocelyn A. Rapelyea; , Gilat Zisman

2005-08-01

To prospectively evaluate a high-resolution breast-specific gamma camera for depicting occult breast cancer in women at high risk for breast cancer but with normal mammographic and physical examination findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Institutional Review Board approval and informed consent were obtained. The study was HIPAA compliant. Ninety-four high-risk women (age range, 36-78 years; mean, 55 years) with normal mammographic (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System [BI-RADS] 1 or 2) and physical examination findings were evaluated with scintimammography. After injection with 25-30 mCi (925-1110 MBq) of technetium 99m sestamibi, patients were imaged with a high-resolution small-field-of-view breast-specific gamma camera in craniocaudalmore » and mediolateral oblique projections. Scintimammograms were prospectively classified according to focal radiotracer uptake as normal (score of 1), with no focal or diffuse uptake; benign (score of 2), with minimal patchy uptake; probably benign (score of 3), with scattered patchy uptake; probably abnormal (score of 4), with mild focal radiotracer uptake; and abnormal (score of 5), with marked focal radiotracer uptake. Mammographic breast density was categorized according to BI-RADS criteria. Patients with normal scintimammograms (scores of 1, 2, or 3) were followed up for 1 year with an annual mammogram, physical examination, and repeat scintimammography. Patients with abnormal scintimammograms (scores of 4 or 5) underwent ultrasonography (US), and those with focal hypoechoic lesions underwent biopsy. If no lesion was found during US, patients were followed up with scintimammography. Specific pathologic findings were compared with scintimammographic findings. RESULTS: Of 94 women, 78 (83%) had normal scintimammograms (score of 1, 2, or 3) at initial examination and 16 (17%) had abnormal scintimammograms (score of 4 or 5). Fourteen (88%) of the 16 patients had either benign findings at biopsy or no focal abnormality at US; in two (12%) patients, invasive carcinoma was diagnosed at US-guided biopsy (9 mm each at pathologic examination). CONCLUSION: High-resolution breast-specific scintimammography can depict small (<1-cm), mammographically occult, nonpalpable lesions in women at increased risk for breast cancer not otherwise identified at mammography or physical examination.« less

In-vitro analysis of the dissolution kinetics and systemic availability of plutonium ingested in the form of 'hot' particles from the Semipalatinsk NTS.

PubMed

Conway, M; León Vintró, L; Mitchell, P I; García-Tenorio, R; Jimenez-Ramos, M C; Burkitbayev, M; Priest, N D

2009-05-01

In-vitro leaching of radioactive 'hot' particles isolated from soils sampled at the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site has been carried out in order to evaluate the fraction of plutonium activity released into simulated human stomach and small intestine fluids during digestion. Characterisation of the particles (10-100 Bq(239,240)Pu) and investigation of their dissolution kinetics in simulated fluids has been accomplished using a combination of high-resolution alpha-spectrometry, gamma-spectrometry and liquid scintillation counting. The results of these analyses indicate that plutonium transfer across the human gut following the ingestion of 'hot' particles can be up to two orders of magnitude lower than that expected for plutonium in a more soluble form, and show that for areas affected by local fallout, use of published ingestion dose coefficients, together with bulk radionuclide concentrations in soil, may lead to a considerable overestimation of systemic uptake via the ingestion pathway.

Influence of food, aquatic humus, and alkalinity on methylmercury uptake by Daphnia magna

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

Monson, B.A.; Brezonik, P.L.

Six-day-old Daphnia magna were exposed to low concentrations of methylmercury (MeHg) in synthetic freshwater and synthetic food. Uptake kinetics were determined in 24- to 72-h experiments, measuring both the loss of Hg from water and accumulation in D. magna. Dose-uptake response was linear for MeHg concentrations up to 4.0 ng/L; an initial concentration of 2.0 ng/L was used when other factors were varied. Concentrations of total Hg and MeHg in water and D. magna were measured in treatments with varied hardness and alkalinity, aquatic humus (AH), and food spiked with MeHg versus water spiked with MeHg. Uptake rate coefficients weremore » derived from two versions of a first-order, two-compartment model. The first version assumed constant MeHg concentration; the second accounted for changing MeHg concentration in water over time. Both models accounted for a nonzero starting concentration of MeHg in plankton. Fitted rate coefficients were higher for the second model than the first: the uptake coefficient (k{sub u}) was nine times higher; the depuration coefficient (k{sub d}) was twice as high. Assuming a constant MeHg concentration for a one-time spike thus underestimated the rate coefficient. The source of MeHg was compared by exposing D. magna for 48 h to MeHg at 2 ng/L in food or water. Daphnia magna accumulated significantly more inorganic Hg (i.e., Hg{sup 2+}) from spiked food than from spiked water, but accumulation of MeHg was the same from both sources. A similar response was found when D. magna were exposed to a lake water extraction of AH at concentrations of C at 3 and 10 mg/L. At the higher AH concentration, total Hg in daphnids was higher, but MeHg was lower, suggesting that AH was a source of inorganic Hg but reduced the bioavailability of MeHg. Exposure of D. magna to MeHg at 2 ng/L in hard or soft water adjusted to pH 6.7 showed no significant difference in MeHg uptake, supporting an argument that hardness and alkalinity per se do not affect MeHg uptake by daphnids.« less

Swelling mechanism of urea cross-linked starch-lignin films in water.

PubMed

Sarwono, Ariyanti; Man, Zakaria; Bustam, M Azmi; Subbarao, Duvvuri; Idris, Alamin; Muhammad, Nawshad; Khan, Amir Sada; Ullah, Zahoor

2018-06-01

Coating fertilizer particles with thin films is a possibility to control fertilizer release rates. It is observed that novel urea cross-linked starch-lignin composite thin films, prepared by solution casting, swell on coming into contact with water due to the increase in volume by water uptake by diffusion. The effect of lignin content, varied from 0% to 20% in steps of 5% at three different temperatures (25°C, 35°C and 45°C), on swelling of the film was investigated. By gravimetric analysis, the equilibrium water uptake and diffusion coefficient decrease with lignin content, indicating that the addition of lignin increases the hydrophobicity of the films. When temperature increases, the diffusion coefficient and the amount of water absorbed tend to increase. Assuming that swelling of the thin film is by water uptake by diffusion, the diffusion coefficient is estimated. The estimated diffusion coefficient decreases from 4.3 to 2.1 × 10 -7  cm 2 /s at 25°C, from 5.3 to 2.9 × 10 -7  cm 2 /s at 35°C and from 6.2 to 3.8 × 10 -7  cm 2 /s at 45°C depending on the lignin content. Activation energy for the increase in diffusion coefficient with temperature is observed to be 16.55 kJ/mol. An empirical model of water uptake as a function of percentage of lignin and temperature was also developed based on Fick's law.

Performance of two-layer thermal barrier systems on directionally solidified Ni-Al-Mo and comparative effects of alloy thermal expansion on system life

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stecura, S.

1980-01-01

A promising two-layer thermal barrier coating system (TBS), Ni-16.4Cr-5.1A1-0.15Y/ZrO2-6.1Y2O3 (all in weight percent), was identified for directionally solidified Ni-Al-Mo (gamma/gamma' alpha). In cyclic furnace tests at 1095 C this system on gamma/gamma' alpha was better than Ni-16. 4Cr-5.1Al-0.15Y/ZrO2-7.8Y2O3 by about 50 percent. In natural gas - oxygen torch rig tests at 1250 C the ZrO2-6.1Y2O3 coating was better than the ZrO2-7.8Y2O3 coating by 95 percent, on MAR-M509 substrates and by 60 percent on gamma/gamma' alpha substrates. Decreasing the coefficient of thermal expansion of the substrate material from 17-18x10 to the -6 power/C (MAR-M200 + Hf and MAR-M509) to 11x10 to the -6 power/C (gamma/gamma' alpha) also resulted in improved TBS life. For example, in natural gas - oxygen torch rig tests at 1250 C, the life of Ni-16.4Cr-5.1Al-0.15Y/ZrO26.1Y2O3 was about 30 percent better on gamma/gamma' alpha than on MAR-M509 substrates. Thus compositional changes in the bond and thermal barrier coatings were shown to have a greater effect on TBS life than does the coefficient of thermal expansion.

Pixelized Measurement of (99m)Tc-HDP Micro Particles Formed in Gamma Correction Phantom Pinhole Scan: a Reference Study.

PubMed

Jung, Joo-Young; Cheon, Gi Jeong; Lee, Yun-Sang; Ha, Seunggyun; Chae, Mi-Hye; Chung, Yong-An; Yoon, Do Kyun; Bahk, Yong-Whee

2016-09-01

Currently, traumatic bone diseases are diagnosed by assessing the micro (99m)Tc-hydroxymethylene diphosphonate (HDP) uptake in injured trabeculae with ongoing osteoneogenesis demonstrated by gamma correction pinhole scan (GCPS). However, the mathematic size quantification of micro-uptake is not yet available. We designed and performed this phantom-based study to set up an in-vitro model of the mathematical calculation of micro-uptake by the pixelized measurement. The micro (99m)Tc-HDP deposits used in this study were spontaneously formed both in a large standard flood and small house-made dish phantoms. The processing was as follows: first, phantoms were flooded with distilled water and (99m)Tc-HDP was therein injected to induce micro (99m)Tc-HDP deposition; second, the deposits were scanned using parallel-hole and pinhole collimator to generally survey (99m)Tc-HDP deposition pattern; and third, the scans underwent gamma correction (GC) to discern individual deposits for size measurement. In original naïve scans, tracer distribution was simply nebulous in appearance and, hence, could not be measured. Impressively, however, GCPS could discern individual micro deposits so that they were calculated by pixelized measurement. Phantoms naturally formed micro (99m)Tc-HDP deposits that are analogous to (99m)Tc-HDP uptake on in-vivo bone scan. The smallest one we measured was 0.414 mm. Flooded phantoms and therein injected (99m)Tc-HDP form nebulous micro (99m)Tc-HDP deposits that are rendered discernible by GCPB and precisely calculable using pixelized measurement. This method can be used for precise quantitative and qualitative diagnosis of bone and joint diseases at the trabecular level.

A Comparative Study of the Hypoxia PET Tracers [{sup 18}F]HX4, [{sup 18}F]FAZA, and [{sup 18}F]FMISO in a Preclinical Tumor Model

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

Peeters, Sarah G.J.A., E-mail: sarah.peeters@maastrichtuniversity.nl; Zegers, Catharina M.L.; Lieuwes, Natasja G.

Purpose: Several individual clinical and preclinical studies have shown the possibility of evaluating tumor hypoxia by using noninvasive positron emission tomography (PET). The current study compared 3 hypoxia PET tracers frequently used in the clinic, [{sup 18}F]FMISO, [{sup 18}F]FAZA, and [{sup 18}F]HX4, in a preclinical tumor model. Tracer uptake was evaluated for the optimal time point for imaging, tumor-to-blood ratios (TBR), spatial reproducibility, and sensitivity to oxygen modification. Methods and Materials: PET/computed tomography (CT) images of rhabdomyosarcoma R1-bearing WAG/Rij rats were acquired at multiple time points post injection (p.i.) with one of the hypoxia tracers. TBR values were calculated, andmore » reproducibility was investigated by voxel-to-voxel analysis, represented as correlation coefficients (R) or Dice similarity coefficient of the high-uptake volume. Tumor oxygen modifications were induced by exposure to either carbogen/nicotinamide treatment or 7% oxygen breathing. Results: TBR was stabilized and maximal at 2 hours p.i. for [{sup 18}F]FAZA (4.0 ± 0.5) and at 3 hours p.i. for [{sup 18}F]HX4 (7.2 ± 0.7), whereas [{sup 18}F]FMISO showed a constant increasing TBR (9.0 ± 0.8 at 6 hours p.i.). High spatial reproducibility was observed by voxel-to-voxel comparisons and Dice similarity coefficient calculations on the 30% highest uptake volume for both [{sup 18}F]FMISO (R = 0.86; Dice coefficient = 0.76) and [{sup 18}F]HX4 (R = 0.76; Dice coefficient = 0.70), whereas [{sup 18}F]FAZA was less reproducible (R = 0.52; Dice coefficient = 0.49). Modifying the hypoxic fraction resulted in enhanced mean standardized uptake values for both [{sup 18}F]HX4 and [{sup 18}F]FAZA upon 7% oxygen breathing. Only [{sup 18}F]FMISO uptake was found to be reversible upon exposure to nicotinamide and carbogen. Conclusions: This study indicates that each tracer has its own strengths and, depending on the question to be answered, a different tracer can be put forward.« less

Optimum filter-based discrimination of neutrons and gamma rays

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

Amiri, Moslem; Prenosil, Vaclav; Cvachovec, Frantisek

2015-07-01

An optimum filter-based method for discrimination of neutrons and gamma-rays in a mixed radiation field is presented. The existing filter-based implementations of discriminators require sample pulse responses in advance of the experiment run to build the filter coefficients, which makes them less practical. Our novel technique creates the coefficients during the experiment and improves their quality gradually. Applied to several sets of mixed neutron and photon signals obtained through different digitizers using stilbene scintillator, this approach is analyzed and its discrimination quality is measured. (authors)

cAMP and forskolin decrease. gamma. -aminobutyric acid-gated chloride flux in rat brain synaptoneurosomes

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

Heuschneider, G.; Schwartz, R.D.

1989-04-01

The effects of the cyclic nucleotide cAMP on {gamma}-aminobutyric acid-gated chloride channel function were investigated. The membrane-permeant cAMP analog N{sup 6}, O{sup 2{prime}}-dibutyryladenosine 3{prime},5{prime}-cyclic monophosphate inhibited muscimol-induced {sup 36}Cl{sup {minus}} uptake into rat cerebral cortical synaptoneurosomes in a concentration-dependent manner. The inhibition was due to a decrease in the maximal effect of muscimol, with no change in potency. Similar effects were observed with 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)adenosine 3{prime},5{prime}-cyclic monophosphate, 8-bromoadenosine 3{prime},5{prime}-cyclic monophosphate, and the phosphodiesterase inhibitor isobutylmethylxanthine. The effect of endogenous cAMP accumulation on the {gamma}-aminobutyric acid-gated Cl{sup {minus}} channel was studied with forskolin, an activator of adenylate cyclase. Under identical conditions, inmore » the intact synaptoneurosomes, forskolin inhibited muscimol-induced {sup 36}Cl{sup {minus}} uptake and generated cAMP with similar potencies. Surprisingly, 1,9-dideoxyforskolin, which does not activate adenylate cyclase, also inhibited the muscimol response, suggesting that forskolin and its lipophilic derivatives may interact with the Cl{sup {minus}} channel directly. The data suggest that {gamma}-aminobutyric acid (GABA{sub A}) receptor function in brain can be regulated by cAMP-dependent phosphorylation.« less

Studies on mass energy-absorption coefficients and effective atomic energy-absorption cross sections for carbohydrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ladhaf, Bibifatima M.; Pawar, Pravina P.

2015-04-01

We measured here the mass attenuation coefficients (μ/ρ) of carbohydrates, Esculine (C15H16O9), Sucrose (C12H22O11), Sorbitol (C6H14O6), D-Galactose (C6H12O6), Inositol (C6H12O6), D-Xylose (C5H10O5) covering the energy range from 122 keV up to 1330 keV photon energies by using gamma ray transmission method in a narrow beam good geometry set-up. The gamma-rays were detected using NaI(Tl) scintillation detection system with a resolution of 8.2% at 662 keV. The attenuation coefficient data were then used to obtain the total attenuation cross-section (σtot), molar extinction coefficients (ε), mass-energy absorption coefficients (μen/ρ) and effective (average) atomic energy-absorption cross section (σa,en) of the compounds. These values are found to be in good agreement with the theoretical values calculated based on XCOM data.

Atomic oxygen recombination on quartz at high temperature: experiments and molecular dynamics simulation.

PubMed

Bedra, L; Rutigliano, M; Balat-Pichelin, M; Cacciatore, M

2006-08-15

A joint experimental and theoretical approach has been developed to study oxygen atom recombination on a beta-quartz surface. The experimental MESOX setup has been applied for the direct measurement of the atomic oxygen recombination coefficient gamma at T(S) = 1000 K. The time evolution of the relative atomic oxygen concentration in the cell is described by the diffusion equation because the mean free path of the atoms is less than the characteristic dimension of the reactor. The recombination coefficient gamma is then calculated from the concentration profile obtained by visible spectroscopy. We get an experimental value of gamma = 0.008, which is a factor of about 3 less than the gamma value reported for O recombination over beta-cristobalite. The experimental results are discussed and compared with the semiclassical collision dynamics calculations performed on the same catalytic system aimed at determining the basic features of the surface catalytic activity. Agreement, both qualitative and quantitative, between the experimental and the theoretical recombination coefficients has been found that supports the Eley-Rideal recombination mechanism and gives more evidence of the impact that surface crystallographic variation has on catalytic activity. Also, several interesting aspects concerning the energetics and the mechanism of the surface processes involving the oxygen atoms are pointed out and discussed.

Methanolic leaf extract of Gymnema sylvestre augments glucose uptake and ameliorates insulin resistance by upregulating glucose transporter-4, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma, adiponectin, and leptin levels in vitro

PubMed Central

Kumar, Puttanarasaiah Mahesh; Venkataranganna, Marikunte V.; Manjunath, Kirangadur; Viswanatha, Gollapalle L.; Ashok, Godavarthi

2016-01-01

Aims: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of methanolic leaf extract of Gymnema sylvestre (MLGS) on glucose transport (GLUT) and insulin resistance in vitro. Materials and Methods: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-γ) and GLUT-4 expression were assessed in L6 myotubes for concluding the GLUT activity, and adiponectin and leptin expression was studied in 3T3 L1 murine adipocyte cell line to determine the effect of MLGS (250-750 μg/ml) on insulin resistance. Results: The findings of the experiments have demonstrated a significant and dose-dependent increase in glucose uptake in all the tested concentrations of MLGS, further the glucose uptake activity of MLGS (750 μg/ml) was at par with rosiglitazone (50 μg/ml). Concomitantly, MLGS has shown enhanced GLUT-4 and PPAR-γ gene expressions in L6 myotubes. Furthermore, cycloheximide (CHX) had completely abolished the glucose uptake activity of MLGS when co-incubated, which further confirmed that glucose uptake activity of MLGS was linked to enhanced expression of GLUT-4 and PPAR-γ. In addition, in another experimental set, MLGS showed enhanced expression of adiponectin and leptin, thus confirms the ameliorative effect of MLGS on insulin resistance. Conclusion: These findings suggest that MLGS has an enhanced glucose uptake activity in L6 myotubes, and ameliorate the insulin resistance in 3T3 L1 murine adipocyte cell line in vitro. PMID:27104035

Dermal uptake directly from air under transient conditions: advances in modeling and comparisons with experimental results for human subjects.

PubMed

Morrison, G C; Weschler, C J; Bekö, G

2016-12-01

To better understand the dermal exposure pathway, we enhance an existing mechanistic model of transdermal uptake by including skin surface lipids (SSL) and consider the impact of clothing. Addition of SSL increases the overall resistance to uptake of SVOCs from air but also allows for rapid transfer of SVOCs to sinks like clothing or clean air. We test the model by simulating di-ethyl phthalate (DEP) and di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP) exposures of six bare-skinned (Weschler et al. 2015, Environ. Health Perspect., 123, 928) and one clothed participant (Morrison et al. 2016, J. Expo. Sci. Environ. Epidemiol., 26, 113). The model predicts total uptake values that are consistent with the measured values. For bare-skinned participants, the model predicts a normalized mass uptake of DEP of 3.1 (μg/m 2 )/(μg/m 3 ), whereas the experimental results range from 1.0 to 4.3 (μg/m 2 )/(μg/m 3 ); uptake of DnBP is somewhat overpredicted: 4.6 (μg/m 2 )/(μg/m 3 ) vs. the experimental range of 0.5-3.2 (μg/m 2 )/(μg/m 3 ). For the clothed participant, the model predicts higher than observed uptake for both species. Uncertainty in model inputs, including convective mass transfer coefficients, partition coefficients, and diffusion coefficients, could account for overpredictions. Simulations that include transfer of skin oil to clothing improve model predictions. A dynamic model that includes SSL is more sensitive to changes that impact external mass transfer such as putting on and removing clothes and bathing. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Geologic and climatic controls on the radon emanation coefficient

USGS Publications Warehouse

Schumann, R.R.; Gundersen, L.C.S.; ,

1997-01-01

Geologic, pedologic, and climatic factors, including radium content, grain size, siting of radon parents within soil grains or on grain coatings, and soil moisture conditions, determine a soil's emanating power and radon transport characteristics. Data from field studies indicate that soils derived from similar parent rocks in different regions have significantly different emanation coefficients due to the effects of climate on these soil characteristics. An important tool for measuring radon source strength (i.e., radium content) is ground-based and aerial gamma radioactivity measurements. Regional correlations between soil radium content, determined by gamma spectrometry, and soil-gas or indoor radon concentrations can be traced to the influence of climatic and geologic factors on intrinsic permeability and radon emanation coefficients. Data on soil radium content, permeability, and moisture content, when combined with data on emanation coefficients, can form a framework for development of quantitative predictive models for radon generation in rocks and soils.

Immunoglobulin Fc gamma receptor promotes immunoglobulin uptake, immunoglobulin-mediated calcium increase, and neurotransmitter release in motor neurons

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mohamed, Habib A.; Mosier, Dennis R.; Zou, Ling L.; Siklos, Laszlo; Alexianu, Maria E.; Engelhardt, Jozsef I.; Beers, David R.; Le, Wei-dong; Appel, Stanley H.

2002-01-01

Receptors for the Fc portion of immunoglobulin G (IgG; FcgammaRs) facilitate IgG uptake by effector cells as well as cellular responses initiated by IgG binding. In earlier studies, we demonstrated that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patient IgG can be taken up by motor neuron terminals and transported retrogradely to the cell body and can alter the function of neuromuscular synapses, such as increasing intracellular calcium and spontaneous transmitter release from motor axon terminals after passive transfer. In the present study, we examined whether FcgammaR-mediated processes can contribute to these effects of ALS patient immunoglobulins. F(ab')(2) fragments (which lack the Fc portion) of ALS patient IgG were not taken up by motor axon terminals and were not retrogradely transported. Furthermore, in a genetically modified mouse lacking the gamma subunit of the FcR, the uptake of whole ALS IgG and its ability to enhance intracellular calcium and acetylcholine release were markedly attenuated. These data suggest that FcgammaRs appear to participate in IgG uptake into motor neurons as well as IgG-mediated increases in intracellular calcium and acetylcholine release from motor axon terminals. Copyright 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

The Influence of Particle Charge on Heterogeneous Reaction Rate Coefficients

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Aikin, A. C.; Pesnell, W. D.

2000-01-01

The effects of particle charge on heterogeneous reaction rates are presented. Many atmospheric particles, whether liquid or solid are charged. This surface charge causes a redistribution of charge within a liquid particle and as a consequence a perturbation in the gaseous uptake coefficient. The amount of perturbation is proportional to the external potential and the square of the ratio of debye length in the liquid to the particle radius. Previous modeling has shown how surface charge affects the uptake coefficient of charged aerosols. This effect is now included in the heterogeneous reaction rate of an aerosol ensemble. Extension of this analysis to ice particles will be discussed and examples presented.

Diffusion coefficient of hydrogen in a cast gamma titanium aluminide

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

Sundaram, P.A.; Wessel, E.; Ennis, P.J.

1999-06-04

Gamma titanium aluminides have the potential for high temperature applications because of their high specific strength and specific modulus. Their oxidation resistance is good, especially at intermediate temperatures and with suitable alloying additions, good oxidation resistance can be obtained up to 800 C. One critical area of application is in combustion engines in aero-space vehicles such as hypersonic airplanes and high speed civil transport airplanes. This entails the use of hydrogen as a fuel component and hence the effect of hydrogen on the mechanical properties of gamma titanium aluminides is of significant scientific and technological utility. The purpose of thismore » short investigation is to use an electrochemical method under galvanostatic conditions to determine the diffusion coefficient of hydrogen in a cast gamma titanium aluminide, a typical technical alloy with potential application in gas turbines under creep conditions. This result will be then compared with that obtained by microhardness profiling of electrolytically hydrogen precharged material.« less

Unilateral physiological FDG uptake in teres minor muscle seems well associated with IV tracer injection procedures.

PubMed

Nakatani, Koya; Nakamoto, Yuji; Togashi, Kaori

2015-01-01

FDG uptake in teres minor (TM) muscle is often physiologically observed. Here we reviewed data of 578 consecutive patients; TM uptake was observed in 138 patients-in 2 of 68 patients who were administered with FDG via a preexisting line and in 136 of 510 after on-site puncture. In 126 patients with TM uptake without unsuccessful on-site puncture, 78% of TM uptake sites were on the ipsilateral side of injection, 8% on the contralateral side, and 14% on both sides; Cohen κ coefficient was 0.815 when confined to unilateral uptake. Therefore, TM uptake seems well associated with tracer injection procedures.

Method for non-intrusively identifying a contained material utilizing uncollided nuclear transmission measurements

DOEpatents

Morrison, John L.; Stephens, Alan G.; Grover, S. Blaine

2001-11-20

An improved nuclear diagnostic method identifies a contained target material by measuring on-axis, mono-energetic uncollided particle radiation transmitted through a target material for two penetrating radiation beam energies, and applying specially developed algorithms to estimate a ratio of macroscopic neutron cross-sections for the uncollided particle radiation at the two energies, where the penetrating radiation is a neutron beam, or a ratio of linear attenuation coefficients for the uncollided particle radiation at the two energies, where the penetrating radiation is a gamma-ray beam. Alternatively, the measurements are used to derive a minimization formula based on the macroscopic neutron cross-sections for the uncollided particle radiation at the two neutron beam energies, or the linear attenuation coefficients for the uncollided particle radiation at the two gamma-ray beam energies. A candidate target material database, including known macroscopic neutron cross-sections or linear attenuation coefficients for target materials at the selected neutron or gamma-ray beam energies, is used to approximate the estimated ratio or to solve the minimization formula, such that the identity of the contained target material is discovered.

Heterogeneous reaction of peroxyacetic acid and hydrogen peroxide on ambient aerosol particles under dry and humid conditions: kinetics, mechanism and implications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Q. Q.; Huang, L. B.; Liang, H.; Zhao, Y.; Huang, D.; Chen, Z. M.

2015-06-01

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and organic peroxides play important roles in the cycle of oxidants and the formation of secondary aerosols in the atmosphere. Recent field observations have suggested that the budget of peroxyacetic acid (PAA, CH3C(O)OOH) is potentially related to the aerosol phase processes, especially to secondary aerosol formation. Here, we present the first laboratory measurements of the uptake coefficient of gaseous PAA and H2O2 onto ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) as a function of relative humidity (RH) at 298 K. The results show that the PM2.5, which was collected in an urban area, can take up PAA and H2O2 at the uptake coefficient (γ) of 10-4, and both γPAA and γH2O2 increase with increasing RH. The value of γPAA at 90 % RH is 5.4 ± 1.9 times that at 3 % RH, whereas γH2O2 at 90 % RH is 2.4 ± 0.5 times that at 3 % RH, which suggests that PAA is more sensitive to the RH variation than H2O2 is. Considering the larger Henry's law constant of H2O2 than that of PAA, the smaller RH sensitivity of the H2O2 uptake coefficient suggests that the enhanced uptake of peroxide compounds on PM2.5 under humid conditions is dominated by chemical processes rather than dissolution. Considering that mineral dust is one of the main components of PM2.5 in Beijing, we also determined the uptake coefficients of gaseous PAA and H2O2 on authentic Asian Dust storm (ADS) and Arizona Test Dust (ATD) particles. Compared to ambient PM2.5, ADS shows a similar γ value and RH dependence in its uptake coefficient for PAA and H2O2, while ATD gives a negative dependence on RH. The present study indicates that, in addition to the mineral dust in PM2.5, other components (e.g., soluble inorganic salts) are also important to the uptake of peroxide compounds. When the heterogeneous reaction of PAA on PM2.5 is considered, its atmospheric lifetime is estimated to be 3.0 h on haze days and 7.1 h on non-haze days, values that are in good agreement with the field observations.

Comparison of Measures of Predictive Power.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tarling, Roger

1982-01-01

The Mean Cost Rating, P(A) from Signal Detection Theory, Kendall's rank correlation coefficient tau, and Goodman and Kruskal's gamma measures of predictive power are compared and shown to be different transformations of the statistic S. Gamma is generally preferred for hypothesis testing. Measures of association for ordered contingency tables are…

Spatiotemporal Stability of Cu-ATSM and FLT Positron Emission Tomography Distributions During Radiation Therapy

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

Bradshaw, Tyler J.; Yip, Stephen; Jallow, Ngoneh

2014-06-01

Purpose: In dose painting, in which functional imaging is used to define biological targets for radiation therapy dose escalation, changes in spatial distributions of biological properties during treatment can compromise the quality of therapy. The goal of this study was to assess the spatiotemporal stability of 2 potential dose painting targets—hypoxia and proliferation—in canine tumors during radiation therapy. Methods and Materials: Twenty-two canine patients with sinonasal tumors (14 carcinoma and 8 sarcoma) were imaged before hypofractionated radiation therapy with copper(II)-diacetyl-bis(N4-methylthiosemicarbazone) (Cu-ATSM) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) for hypoxia and 3′-deoxy-3′-{sup 18}F-fluorothymidine (FLT) PET/CT for proliferation. The FLT scans were repeatedmore » after 2 fractions and the Cu-ATSM scans after 3 fractions. Midtreatment PET/CT images were deformably registered to pretreatment PET/CT images. Voxel-based Spearman correlation coefficients quantified the spatial stability of Cu-ATSM and FLT uptake distributions between pretreatment and midtreatment scans. Paired t tests determined significant differences between the patients' respective Cu-ATSM and FLT correlations coefficients. Standardized uptake value measures were also compared between pretreatment and midtreatment scans by use of paired t tests. Results: Spatial distributions of Cu-ATSM and FLT uptake were stable through midtreatment for both sarcomas and carcinomas: the population mean ± standard deviation in Spearman correlation coefficient was 0.88 ± 0.07 for Cu-ATSM and 0.79 ± 0.13 for FLT. The patients' Cu-ATSM correlation coefficients were significantly higher than their respective FLT correlation coefficients (P=.001). Changes in Cu-ATSM SUV measures from pretreatment to midtreatment were histology dependent: carcinomas experienced significant decreases in Cu-ATSM uptake (P<.05), whereas sarcomas did not (P>.20). Both histologies experienced significant decreases in FLT uptake (P<.05). Conclusions: Spatial distributions of Cu-ATSM were very stable after a few fractions of radiation therapy. FLT spatial distributions were generally stable early in therapy, although they were significantly less stable than Cu-ATSM distributions. Canine tumors had significantly lower proliferative activity at midtreatment than at pretreatment, and they experienced histology-dependent changes in Cu-ATSM uptake.« less

A small field of view camera for hybrid gamma and optical imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lees, J. E.; Bugby, S. L.; Bhatia, B. S.; Jambi, L. K.; Alqahtani, M. S.; McKnight, W. R.; Ng, A. H.; Perkins, A. C.

2014-12-01

The development of compact low profile gamma-ray detectors has allowed the production of small field of view, hand held imaging devices for use at the patient bedside and in operating theatres. The combination of an optical and a gamma camera, in a co-aligned configuration, offers high spatial resolution multi-modal imaging giving a superimposed scintigraphic and optical image. This innovative introduction of hybrid imaging offers new possibilities for assisting surgeons in localising the site of uptake in procedures such as sentinel node detection. Recent improvements to the camera system along with results of phantom and clinical imaging are reported.

Numerical results on the transcendence of constants involving pi, e, and Euler's constant

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bailey, David H.

1988-01-01

The existence of simple polynomial equations (integer relations) for the constants e/pi, e + pi, log pi, gamma (Euler's constant), e exp gamma, gamma/e, gamma/pi, and log gamma is investigated by means of numerical computations. The recursive form of the Ferguson-Fourcade algorithm (Ferguson and Fourcade, 1979; Ferguson, 1986 and 1987) is implemented on the Cray-2 supercomputer at NASA Ames, applying multiprecision techniques similar to those described by Bailey (1988) except that FFTs are used instead of dual-prime-modulus transforms for multiplication. It is shown that none of the constants has an integer relation of degree eight or less with coefficients of Euclidean norm 10 to the 9th or less.

The frequency and spectrum of thymus 2-[fluorine-18] fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose uptake patterns in hyperthyroidism patients.

PubMed

Chen, Yen-Kung; Yeh, Chia-Lu; Chen, Yen-Ling; Wang, Su-Chen; Cheng, Ru-Hwa; Kao, Pan-Fu

2011-10-01

Thymic hyperplasia is associated with hyperthyroidism. Increased thymus 2-[fluorine-18]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) uptake in hyperthyroidism patients has been reported. The aim of this study was to analyze the FDG positron emission tomography (PET) thymus uptake spectrum in patients with active hyperthyroidism with correlation with serum hormones. The prospective study included FDG PET scans from 65 hyperthyroidism patients and 30 subjects with euthyroid status as control group. The intensity of FDG uptake in thyroid and thymus regions was graded subjectively on a five-point scale and semi-quantitatively by measuring standard uptake value (SUV). Correlation coefficient between thymus SUV and serum thyroxine, triiodothyronine, thyrotropin, thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO Ab), thyrotropin receptor autoantibody (TR Ab), and thymulin were analyzed. Among 65 hyperthyroidism patients, 30 (46.2%) and 39 (60%) patients showed thyroid and thymus FDG uptake, respectively. The frequency of thymus uptake FDG was high in patients younger than age 40 (28/31, 90.3%). The patterns of the thymic FDG uptake include inverted V or triangular, separated triangular, united nontriangular, unilateral right or left extension, and focal midline. Focal midline FDG uptake was the most common pattern (15/39, 38.5%). None of the control group showed thymus FDG uptake. The correlation coefficient between the FDG uptake SUV levels in thymus and serum hormones, thyrotropin, TPO Ab, TR Ab, and thymulin levels were all low (P > .05). In FDG PET scan, thymus activity was common in hyperthyroidism patients; this should not be misdiagnosed as a malignancy in patients exhibiting weight loss. Copyright © 2011 AUR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Modeling reactive ammonia uptake by secondary organic aerosol in CMAQ: application to the continental US

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Shupeng; Horne, Jeremy R.; Montoya-Aguilera, Julia; Hinks, Mallory L.; Nizkorodov, Sergey A.; Dabdub, Donald

2018-03-01

Ammonium salts such as ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulfate constitute an important fraction of the total fine particulate matter (PM2.5) mass. While the conversion of inorganic gases into particulate-phase sulfate, nitrate, and ammonium is now well understood, there is considerable uncertainty over interactions between gas-phase ammonia and secondary organic aerosols (SOAs). Observations have confirmed that ammonia can react with carbonyl compounds in SOA, forming nitrogen-containing organic compounds (NOCs). This chemistry consumes gas-phase NH3 and may therefore affect the amount of ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulfate in particulate matter (PM) as well as particle acidity. In order to investigate the importance of such reactions, a first-order loss rate for ammonia onto SOA was implemented into the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model based on the ammonia uptake coefficients reported in the literature. Simulations over the continental US were performed for the winter and summer of 2011 with a range of uptake coefficients (10-3-10-5). Simulation results indicate that a significant reduction in gas-phase ammonia may be possible due to its uptake onto SOA; domain-averaged ammonia concentrations decrease by 31.3 % in the winter and 67.0 % in the summer with the highest uptake coefficient (10-3). As a result, the concentration of particulate matter is also significantly affected, with a distinct spatial pattern over different seasons. PM concentrations decreased during the winter, largely due to the reduction in ammonium nitrate concentrations. On the other hand, PM concentrations increased during the summer due to increased biogenic SOA (BIOSOA) production resulting from enhanced acid-catalyzed uptake of isoprene-derived epoxides. Since ammonia emissions are expected to increase in the future, it is important to include NH3 + SOA chemistry in air quality models.

Fluid-Phase Pinocytosis of Native Low Density Lipoprotein Promotes Murine M-CSF Differentiated Macrophage Foam Cell Formation

PubMed Central

Xu, Qing; Bohnacker, Thomas; Wymann, Matthias P.; Kruth, Howard S.

2013-01-01

During atherosclerosis, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-derived cholesterol accumulates in macrophages to form foam cells. Macrophage uptake of LDL promotes foam cell formation but the mechanism mediating this process is not clear. The present study investigates the mechanism of LDL uptake for macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF)-differentiated murine bone marrow-derived macrophages. LDL receptor-null (LDLR−/−) macrophages incubated with LDL showed non-saturable accumulation of cholesterol that did not down-regulate for the 24 h examined. Incubation of LDLR−/− macrophages with increasing concentrations of 125I-LDL showed non-saturable macrophage LDL uptake. A 20-fold excess of unlabeled LDL had no effect on 125I-LDL uptake by wild-type macrophages and genetic deletion of the macrophage scavenger receptors CD36 and SRA did not affect 125I-LDL uptake, showing that LDL uptake occurred by fluid-phase pinocytosis independently of receptors. Cholesterol accumulation was inhibited approximately 50% in wild-type and LDLR−/− mice treated with LY294002 or wortmannin, inhibitors of all classes of phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K). Time-lapse, phase-contrast microscopy showed that macropinocytosis, an important fluid-phase uptake pathway in macrophages, was blocked almost completely by PI3K inhibition with wortmannin. Pharmacological inhibition of the class I PI3K isoforms alpha, beta, gamma or delta did not affect macrophage LDL-derived cholesterol accumulation or macropinocytosis. Furthermore, macrophages from mice expressing kinase-dead class I PI3K beta, gamma or delta isoforms showed no decrease in cholesterol accumulation or macropinocytosis when compared with wild-type macrophages. Thus, non-class I PI3K isoforms mediated macropinocytosis in these macrophages. Further characterization of the components necessary for LDL uptake, cholesterol accumulation, and macropinocytosis identified dynamin, microtubules, actin, and vacuolar type H(+)-ATPase as contributing to uptake. However, Pak1, Rac1, and Src-family kinases, which mediate fluid-phase pinocytosis in certain other cell types, were unnecessary. In conclusion, our findings provide evidence that targeting those components mediating macrophage macropinocytosis with inhibitors may be an effective strategy to limit macrophage accumulation of LDL-derived cholesterol in arteries. PMID:23536783

Electro-Osmosis and Water Uptake in Polymer Electrolytes in Equilibrium with Water Vapor at Low Temperatures

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

Gallagher, K. G.; Pivovar, B. S.; Fuller, T. F.

2009-01-01

Water uptake and electro-osmosis are investigated to improve the understanding and aid the modeling of water transport in proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) below 0 C. Measurements of water sorption isotherms show a significant reduction in the water capacity of polymer electrolytes below 0 C. This reduced water content is attributed to the lower vapor pressure of ice compared to supercooled liquid water. At -25 C, 1100 equivalent weight Nafion in equilibrium with vapor over ice has 8 moles of water per sulfonic acid group. Measurements of the electro-osmotic drag coefficient for Nafion and both random and multiblock copolymer sulfonatedmore » poly(arylene ether sulfone) (BPSH) chemistries are reported for vapor equilibrated samples below 0 C. The electro-osmotic drag coefficient of BPSH chemistries is found to be {approx}0.4, and that of Nafion is {approx}1. No significant temperature effect on the drag coefficient is found. The implication of an electro-osmotic drag coefficient less than unity is discussed in terms of proton conduction mechanisms. Simulations of the ohmically limited current below 0 C show that a reduced water uptake below 0 C results in a significant decrease in PEMFC performance.« less

Thermal resistance, tensile properties, and gamma radiation shielding performance of unsaturated polyester/nanoclay/PbO composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bagheri, Kobra; Razavi, Seyed Mohammad; Ahmadi, Seyed Javad; Kosari, Mohammadreza; Abolghasemi, Hossein

2018-05-01

Composites of unsaturated polyester containing 5 wt% nanoclay and different amounts of lead monoxide particles (0, 10, 20, and 30 wt%) were prepared. XRD patterns showed the exfoliation of nanoclay layers in the polymer. Morphological properties of the composites were studied using SEM micrographs. The prepared composites were investigated for their thermal resistance and mechanical properties using thermogravimetric analysis and tensile testing method, respectively. Addition of lead monoxide to the polymer worsened its thermal resistance and tensile properties, whereas the observed negative effects could be moderated by the clay nanoparticle. Gamma attenuation performance of the composites was evaluated by 192Ir, 137Cs, and 60Co gamma radiation sources. Linear attenuation coefficient and mass attenuation coefficient of the composites were found to be increased with the increase of PbO content. Shielding efficiency of the prepared composites was compared with some conventional shielding materials regarding their half value layer thickness. UP/nanoclay/PbO composites were found to be suitable materials for the low-energy gamma radiation shielding applications.

Reactive uptake of NO3 by liquid and frozen organics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moise, T.; Talukdar, R. K.; Frost, G. J.; Fox, R. W.; Rudich, Y.

2002-01-01

The reactive uptake of the NO3 radical by liquid and frozen organics was studied in a rotating wall flow tube coupled to a White cell. The organic liquids used included alkanes, alkenes, an alcohol, and carboxylic acids with conjugated and nonconjugated unsaturated bonds.. The reactive uptake coefficients, γ, of NO3 on n-hexadecane, 1-octadecene, 1-hexadecene, cis + trans 7-tetradecene, n-octanoic acid, 2,2,4,4,6,8,8 heptamethyl nonane, 1-octanol, cis, trans 9,11 and 10,12 octadecadienoic acid, cis-9, cis-12 octadecadienoic acid were determined. The reactive uptake coefficients measured with the organic liquids varied from 1.4 × 10-3 to 1.5 × 10-2. The uptake coefficients of NO3 by n-hexadecane and n-octanoic acid decreased by a factor of ~5 upon freezing. This behavior is explained by reaction occurring in the bulk of the organic liquid as well as on the surface. For the rest of the compounds the change in values of γ upon freezing of the liquids was within the experimental uncertainty. This is attributed to predominant uptake of NO3 by the top few molecular surface layers of the organic substrate and continuous replenishment of the surface layer by evaporation and/or mobility of the surface. These conclusions are corroborated by estimation of the diffuso-reactive length and solubility constant of NO3 in these liquids. The reactivity of NO3 with the organic surfaces is shown to correlate well with the known gas-phase chemistry of NO3. The effect on the atmospheric chemistry of the NO3 radical due to its interaction with organic aerosols is studied using an atmospheric box model applying realistic atmospheric scenarios. The inclusion of NO3 uptake on organic aerosol can decrease the NO3 lifetime by 10% or more.

Heterogeneous reaction of peroxyacetic acid and hydrogen peroxide on ambient aerosol particles under dry and humid conditions: kinetics, mechanism and implications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Q. Q.; Huang, L. B.; Liang, H.; Zhao, Y.; Huang, D.; Chen, Z. M.

2015-02-01

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and organic peroxides play important roles in the cycle of oxidants and the formation of secondary aerosols in the atmosphere. Recent field observations suggest that peroxyacetic acid (PAA, CH3C(O)OOH) is one of the most important organic peroxides in the atmosphere, whose budget is potentially related to the aerosols. Here we present the first laboratory measurements of the uptake coefficient of gaseous PAA and H2O2 onto the ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) as a function of relative humidity (RH) at 298 K. The results show that the PM2.5, which was collected in an urban area, can take up PAA and H2O2 at the uptake coefficient (γ) of 10-4, and both γPAA and γH2O2 increase with increasing RH. However, γPAA is more sensitive to the RH variation than is γH2O2, which indicates that the enhanced uptake of peroxide compounds on PM2.5 under humid conditions is dominated by chemical processes rather than dissolution. Considering that mineral dust is one of the main components of PM2.5, we also determined the uptake coefficients of gaseous PAA and H2O2 on authentic Asian Dust Storm (ADS) and Arizona Test Dust (ATD) particles. Compared to ambient PM2.5, ADS shows a similar γ value and RH dependence in its uptake coefficient for PAA and H2O2, while ATD gives a negative dependence on RH. The present study indicates that in addition to the mineral dust in PM2.5, other components (e.g., inorganic soluble salts) are also important to the uptake of peroxide compounds. When the heterogeneous reaction of PAA on PM2.5 is considered, its atmospheric lifetime is estimated to be 3.3 h on haze days and 7.6 h on non-haze days, values which agree well with the field observed result.

Peptide mediated intracellular delivery of semiconductor quantum dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kapur, Anshika; Safi, Malak; Domitrovic, Tatiana; Medina, Scott; Palui, Goutam; Johnson, John E.; Schneider, Joel; Mattoussi, Hedi

2017-02-01

As control over the growth, stabilization and functionalization of inorganic nanoparticles continue to advance, interest in integrating these materials with biological systems has steadily grown in the past decade. Much attention has been directed towards identifying effective approaches to promote cytosolic internalization of the nanoparticles while avoiding endocytosis. We describe the use of NωV virus derived gamma peptide and a chemically synthesized anticancer peptide, SVS-1 peptide, as vehicles to promote the non-endocytic uptake of luminescent quantum dots (QDs) inside live cells. The gamma peptide is expressed in E. coli as a fusion protein with poly-his tagged MBP (His-MBP-γ) to allow self-assembly onto QDs via metal-histidine conjugation. Conversely, the N-terminal cysteine residue of the SVS-1 peptide is attached to the functionalized QDs via covalent coupling chemistry. Epi-fluorescence microscopy images show that the QD-conjugate staining is distributed throughout the cytoplasm of cell cultures. Additionally, the QD staining does not show co-localization with transferrin-dye-labelled endosomes or DAPI stained nuclei. The QD uptake observed in the presence of physical and pharmacological endocytosis inhibitors further suggest that a physical translocation of QDs through the cell membrane is the driving mechanism for the uptake.

Relation of organic contaminant equilibrium sorption and kinetic uptake in plants

USGS Publications Warehouse

Li, H.; Sheng, G.; Chiou, C.T.; Xu, O.

2005-01-01

Plant uptake is one of the environmental processes that influence contaminant fate. Understanding the magnitude and rate of plant uptake is critical to assessing potential crop contamination and the development of phytoremediation technologies. We determined (1) the partition-dominated equilibrium sorption of lindane (LDN) and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) by roots and shoots of wheat seedlings, (2) the kinetic uptake of LDN and HCB by roots and shoots of wheat seedlings, (3) the kinetic uptake of HCB, tetrachloroethylene (PCE), and trichloroethylene (TCE) by roots and shoots of ryegrass seedlings, and (4) the lipid, carbohydrate, and water contents of the plants. Although the determined sorption and the plant composition together suggest the predominant role of plant lipids for the sorption of LDN and HCB, the predicted partition with lipids of LDN and HCB using the octanol-water partition coefficients is notably lower than the measured sorption, due presumably to underestimation of the plant lipid contents and to the fact that octanol is less effective as a partition medium than plant lipids. The equilibrium sorption or the estimated partition can be viewed as the kinetic uptake limits. The uptakes of LDN, PCE, and TCE from water at fixed concentrations increased with exposure time in approach to steady states. The uptake of HCB did not reach a plateau within the tested time because of its exceptionally high partition coefficient. In all of the cases, the observed uptakes were lower than their respective limits, due presumably to contaminant dissipation in and limited water transpiration by the plants. ?? 2005 American Chemical Society.

Renal uptake of radioactive mercury (/sup 197/HgCl/sub 2/): method for testing the functional value of each kidney. Technique--results--and clinical application in urology and nephrology

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

Raynaud, C.

The first three chapters consider measurement of mercury renal uptake by external counting, by quantitative scintigraphy, and by the gamma camera. Some topics discussed in the remaining 14 chapters are as follows: renal depth; phantoms; precautions regarding the liver, spleen, and intestine; stability of /sup 197/HgCl/sub 2/ solutions; use of mercury renal uptake in pediatric and adult urology; indications for mercury renal uptake in renal transplants; and appraisal of the radiological and chemical toxicity of /sup 197/HgCl/sub 2/. It was concluded that mercury renal uptake is an accurate and nontraumatizing method of measuring the functional value of each kidney. Itmore » makes it possible to determine whether a kidney is normal or pathological and to what extent its function is diminished or increased. (HLW)« less

Global and Regional Decreases in Tropospheric Oxidants from Photochemical Effects of Aerosols

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Martin, Randall V.; Jacob, Daniel J.; Yantosca, Robert M.; Chin, Mian; Ginoux, Paul

2003-01-01

We evaluate the sensitivity of tropospheric OH, O3, and O3 precursors to photochemical effects of aerosols not usually included in global models: (1) aerosol scattering and absorption of ultraviolet radiation and (2) reactive uptake of HO', NO2, and NO3. Our approach is to couple a global 3-D model of tropospheric chemistry (GEOS- CHEM) with aerosol fields from a global 3-D aerosol model (GOCART). Reactive uptake by aerosols is computed using reaction probabilities from a recent review (gamma(sub HO2) = 0.2, gamma(sub NO2) = 10(exp -4), gamma(sub NO3) = l0(exp -3). Aerosols decrease the O3 - O((sup 1)D) photolysis frequency by 5-20% at the surface throughout the Northern Hemisphere (largely due to mineral dust) and by a factor of 2 in biomass burning regions (largely due to black carbon). Aerosol uptake of HO2 accounts for 10-40% of total HOx radical ((triple bonds)OH + peroxy) loss in the boundary layer over polluted continental regions (largely due to sulfate and organic carbon) and for more than 70% over tropical biomass burning regions (largely due to organic carbon). Uptake of NO2 and NO3 accounts for 10-20% of total HNO3 production over biomass burning regions and less elsewhere. Annual mean OH concentrations decrease by 9% globally and by 5-35% in the boundary layer over the Northern Hemisphere. Simulated CO increases by 5- 15 ppbv in the remote Northern Hemisphere, improving agreement with observations. Simulated boundary layer O3 decreases by 15- 45 ppbv over India during the biomass burning season in March and by 5-9 ppbv over northern Europe in August, again improving comparison with observations. We find that particulate matter controls would increase surface O3 over Europe and other industrial regions.

Equilibrium water and solute uptake in silicone hydrogels.

PubMed

Liu, D E; Dursch, T J; Oh, Y; Bregante, D T; Chan, S Y; Radke, C J

2015-05-01

Equilibrium water content of and solute partitioning in silicone hydrogels (SiHys) are investigated using gravimetric analysis, fluorescence confocal laser-scanning microscopy (FCLSM), and back extraction with UV/Vis-absorption spectrophotometry. Synthesized silicone hydrogels consist of silicone monomer, hydrophilic monomer, cross-linking agent, and triblock-copolymer macromer used as an amphiphilic compatibilizer to prevent macrophase separation. In all cases, immiscibility of the silicone and hydrophilic polymers results in microphase-separated morphologies. To investigate solute uptake in each of the SiHy microphases, equilibrium partition coefficients are obtained for two hydrophilic solutes (i.e., theophylline and caffeine dissolved in aqueous phosphate-buffered saline) and two oleophilic solutes (i.e., Nile Red and Bodipy Green dissolved in silicone oil), respectively. Measured water contents and aqueous-solute partition coefficients increase linearly with increasing solvent-free hydrophilic-polymer volume fraction. Conversely, oleophilic-solute partition coefficients decrease linearly with rising solvent-free hydrophilic-polymer volume fraction (i.e., decreasing hydrophobic silicone-polymer fraction). We quantitatively predict equilibrium SiHy water and solute uptake assuming that water and aqueous solutes reside only in hydrophilic microdomains, whereas oleophilic solutes partition predominately into silicone microdomains. Predicted water contents and solute partition coefficients are in excellent agreement with experiment. Our new procedure permits a priori estimation of SiHy water contents and solute partition coefficients based solely on properties of silicone and hydrophilic homopolymer hydrogels, eliminating the need for further mixed-polymer-hydrogel experiments. Copyright © 2015 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Parapapillary Gamma Zone and Progression of Myopia in School Children: The Beijing Children Eye Study.

PubMed

Guo, Yin; Liu, Li Juan; Tang, Ping; Feng, Yi; Lv, Yan Yun; Wu, Min; Xu, Liang; Jonas, Jost B

2018-03-01

To assess the development and enlargement of the parapapillary gamma zone in school children. This school-based prospective longitudinal study included Chinese children attending grade 1 in 2011 and returning for yearly follow-up examinations until 2016. These examinations consisted of a comprehensive ocular examination with biometry and color fundus photographs. The parents underwent a standardized interview. The parapapillary gamma zone was defined as the area with visible sclera at the temporal optic disc margin, and the optic disc itself was measured on fundus photographs. The study included 294 children (mean age in 2016, 11.4 ± 0.5 years [range, 10-13 years]; mean axial length, 24.1 ± 1.1 mm [range, 21.13-27.29 mm]). In multivariate analysis, larger increases in the gamma zone area during the study period were correlated (coefficient of determination for bivariate analysis [r2], r2 = 0.69) with larger increases in the vertical-to-horizontal disc diameter ratios (P < 0.001; standardized regression coefficient beta [beta], 0.53; nonstandardized regression coefficient B [B], 4.05; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 3.37-4.73), larger axial elongation (P < 0.001; beta, 0.32; B, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.26-0.47), a larger vertical disc diameter at baseline (P < 0.001; beta, 0.22; B, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.62-1.33), a larger gamma zone area at baseline (P < 0.001; beta, 0.14; B, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.17-0.64), and more time spent indoors studying (P = 0.015; beta, 0.10; B, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.02-0.17). The development and enlargement of the gamma zone in the temporal parapapillary region were associated with an optic disc rotation around the vertical disc axis as indicated by an increasing vertical-to-horizontal disc diameter ratio. These morphologic findings fit with the notion of a backward pull of the temporal peripapillary sclera through the optic nerve dura mater in axially elongated eyes.

Water uptake coefficients and deliquescence of NaCl nanoparticles at atmospheric relative humidities from molecular dynamics simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bahadur, Ranjit; Russell, Lynn M.

2008-09-01

Deliquescence properties of sodium chloride are size dependent for particles smaller than 100 nm. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are used to determine deliquescence relative humidity (DRH) for particles in this size range by modeling idealized particles in contact with humid air. Constant humidity conditions are simulated by inclusion of a liquid reservoir of NaCl solution in contact with the vapor phase, which acts as a source of water molecules as uptake by the nanoparticle proceeds. DRH is bounded between the minimum humidity at which sustained water accumulation is observed at the particle surface and the maximum humidity at which water accumulation is not observed. Complete formation of a liquid layer is not observed due to computational limitations. The DRH determined increases with decreasing particle diameter, rising to between 91% and 93% for a 2.2 nm particle and between 81% and 85% for an 11 nm particle, higher than the 75% expected for particles larger than 100 nm. The simulated size dependence of DRH agrees well with predictions from bulk thermodynamic models and appears to converge with measurements for sizes larger than 10 nm. Complete deliquescence of nanoparticles in the 2-11 nm size range requires between 1 and 100 μs, exceeding the available computational resources for this study. Water uptake coefficients are near 0.1 with a negligible contribution from diffusion effects. Planar uptake coefficients decrease from 0.41 to 0.09 with increasing fractional water coverage from 0.002 to 1, showing a linear dependence on the logarithm of the coverage fraction with a slope of -0.08+/-0.01 (representing the effect of solvation). Particle uptake coefficients increase from 0.13 at 11 nm to 0.65 at 2.2 nm, showing a linear dependence on the logarithm of the edge fraction (which is a function of diameter) with a slope of 0.74+/-0.04 (representing larger edge effects in smaller particles).

Effects of gamma-ray irradiation on the optical properties of amorphous Se100-xHgx thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmad, Shabir; Islam, Shama; Nasir, Mohd.; Asokan, K.; Zulfequar, M.

2018-06-01

In this study, the thermal quenching technique was employed to prepare bulk samples of Se100-xHgx (x = 0, 5, 10, 15). Thin films with a thickness of ∼250 nm were deposited on glass substrates using the thermal evaporation technique. These films were irradiated with gamma rays at doses of 25-100 kGy. The elemental compositions of the as-deposited thin films were confirmed by energy dispersive X-ray analysis and Rutherford backscattering spectrometry. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the crystalline nature of these thin films upto the dose of 75 kGy. Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy showed that the concentration of defects decreased after gamma irradiation. Microstructural analysis by field emission scanning electron microscopy indicated that the grain size increases after irradiation. Optical study based on spectrophotometry showed that the optical band gap values of these films increase after the addition of Hg whereas they decrease after gamma irradiation. We found that the absorption coefficient increases with doses up to 75 kGy but decreases at higher doses. These remarkable shifts in the optical band gap and absorption coefficient values are interpreted in terms of the creation and annihilation of defects, which are the main effects produced by gamma irradiation.

In vivo prompt gamma neutron activation analysis for the screening of boron-10 distribution in a rabbit knee: a simulation study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, X.; Clackdoyle, R.; Shortkroff, S.; Yanch, J.

2008-05-01

Boron neutron capture synovectomy (BNCS) is under development as a potential treatment modality for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA is characterized by the inflammation of the synovium (the membrane lining articular joints), which leads to pain and a restricted range of motion. BNCS is a two-part procedure involving the injection of a boronated compound directly into the diseased joint followed by irradiation with a low-energy neutron beam. The neutron capture reactions taking place in the synovium deliver a local, high-linear energy transfer (LET) dose aimed at destroying the inflamed synovial membrane. For successful treatment via BNCS, a boron-labeled compound exhibiting both high synovial uptake and long retention time is necessary. Currently, the in vivo uptake behavior of potentially useful boronated compounds is evaluated in the knee joints of rabbits in which arthritis has been induced. This strategy involves the sacrifice and dissection of a large number of animals. An in vivo 10B screening approach is therefore under investigation with the goal of significantly reducing the number of animals needed for compound evaluation via dissection studies. The 'in vivo prompt gamma neutron activation analysis' (IVPGNAA) approach uses a narrow neutron beam to irradiate the knee from several angular positions following the intra-articular injection of a boronated compound whose uptake characteristics are unknown. A high-purity germanium detector collects the 478 keV gamma photons produced by the 10B capture reactions. The 10B distribution in the knee is then reconstructed by solving a system of simultaneous equations using a weighted least squares algorithm. To study the practical feasibility of IVPGNAA, simulation data were generated with the Monte Carlo N-particle transport code. The boron-containing region of a rabbit knee was partitioned into 8 compartments, and the 10B prompt gamma signals were tallied from 16 angular positions. Results demonstrate that for this level of spatial resolution, an estimate of 10B distribution inside the joint can be obtained to within 10% uncertainty, under ideal conditions. Variations of the anatomic dimensions among individual rabbit knees and potential knee positioning errors will result in an uncertainty of over 20%. IVPGNAA thus provides sufficient resolution and quantification regarding the in vivo uptake characteristics of boronated pharmaceuticals to serve as a useful means of screening new compounds of potential use in BNCS.

Mission Sizing and Trade Studies for Low Ballistic Coefficient Entry Systems to Venus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dutta, Soumyo; Smith, Brandon; Prabhu, Dinesh; Venkatapathy, Ethiraj

2012-01-01

The U.S and the U.S.S.R. have sent seventeen successful atmospheric entry missions to Venus. Past missions to Venus have utilized rigid aeroshell systems for entry. This rigid aeroshell paradigm sets performance limitations since the size of the entry vehicle is constrained by the fairing diameter of the launch vehicle. This has limited ballistic coefficients (beta) to well above 100 kg/m2 for the entry vehicles. In order to maximize the science payload and minimize the Thermal Protection System (TPS) mass, these missions have entered at very steep entry flight path angles (gamma). Due to Venus thick atmosphere and the steep-gamma, high- conditions, these entry vehicles have been exposed to very high heat flux, very high pressures and extreme decelerations (upwards of 100 g's). Deployable aeroshells avoid the launch vehicle fairing diameter constraint by expanding to a larger diameter after the launch. Due to the potentially larger wetted area, deployable aeroshells achieve lower ballistic coefficients (well below 100 kg/m2), and if they are flown at shallower flight path angles, the entry vehicle can access trajectories with far lower decelerations (50-60 g's), peak heat fluxes (400 W/cm2) and peak pressures. The structural and TPS mass of the shallow-gamma, low-beta deployables are lower than their steep-gamma, high-beta rigid aeroshell counterparts at larger diameters, contributing to lower areal densities and potentially higher payload mass fractions. For example, at large diameters, deployables may attain aeroshell areal densities of 10 kg/m2 as opposed to 50 kg/m2 for rigid aeroshells. However, the low-beta, shallow-gamma paradigm also raises issues, such as the possibility of skip-out during entry. The shallow-gamma could also increase the landing footprint of the vehicle. Furthermore, the deployable entry systems may be flexible, so there could be fluid-structure interaction, especially in the high altitude, low-density regimes. The need for precision in guidance, navigation and control during entry also has to be better understood. This paper investigates some of the challenges facing the design of a shallow-gamma, low-beta entry system.

Warm inflationary model in loop quantum cosmology

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

Herrera, Ramon

A warm inflationary universe model in loop quantum cosmology is studied. In general we discuss the condition of inflation in this framework. By using a chaotic potential, V({phi}){proportional_to}{phi}{sup 2}, we develop a model where the dissipation coefficient {Gamma}={Gamma}{sub 0}=constant. We use recent astronomical observations for constraining the parameters appearing in our model.

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

Šefl, Martin, E-mail: martin.sefl@gmail.com; Kyriakou, Ioanna; Emfietzoglou, Dimitris, E-mail: demfietz@cc.uoi.gr

Purpose: To study theoretically the impact on cell survival of the radionuclide uptake rate inside tumor cells for a single administration of a radiopharmaceutical. Methods: The instantaneous-uptake model of O’Donoghue [“The impact of tumor cell proliferation in radioimmunotherapy,” Cancer 73, 974–980 (1994)] for a proliferating cell population irradiated by an exponentially decreasing dose-rate is here extended to allow for the monoexponential uptake of the radiopharmaceutical by the targeted cells. The time derivative of the survival curve is studied in detail deducing an expression for the minimum of the surviving fraction and the biologically effective dose (BED). Results: Surviving fractions aremore » calculated over a parameter range that is clinically relevant and broad enough to establish general trends. Specifically, results are presented for the therapy radionuclides Y-90, I-131, and P-32, assuming uptake half-times 1–24 h, extrapolated initial dose-rates 0.5–1 Gy h{sup −1}, and a biological clearance half-life of seven days. Representative radiobiological parameters for radiosensitive and rapidly proliferating tumor cells are used, with cell doubling time equal to 2 days and α-coefficient equal to 0.3 and 0.5 Gy{sup −1}. It is shown that neglecting the uptake phase of the radiopharmaceutical (i.e., assuming instantaneous-uptake) results in a sizeable over-estimation of cell-kill (i.e., under-estimation of cell survival) even for uptake half-times of only a few hours. The differences between the exponential-uptake model and the instantaneous-uptake model become larger for high peak dose-rates, slow uptakes, and (slightly) for long-lived radionuclides. Moreover, the sensitivity of the survival curve on the uptake model was found to be higher for the tumor cells with the larger α-coefficient. Conclusions: The exponential-uptake rate of the radiopharmaceutical inside targeted cells appears to have a considerable effect on the survival of a proliferating cell population and might need to be considered in radiobiological models of tumor cell-kill in radionuclide therapy.« less

Channel correlation and BER performance analysis of coherent optical communication systems with receive diversity over moderate-to-strong non-Kolmogorov turbulence.

PubMed

Fu, Yulong; Ma, Jing; Tan, Liying; Yu, Siyuan; Lu, Gaoyuan

2018-04-10

In this paper, new expressions of the channel-correlation coefficient and its components (the large- and small-scale channel-correlation coefficients) for a plane wave are derived for a horizontal link in moderate-to-strong non-Kolmogorov turbulence using a generalized effective atmospheric spectrum which includes finite-turbulence inner and outer scales and high-wave-number "bump". The closed-form expression of the average bit error rate (BER) of the coherent free-space optical communication system is derived using the derived channel-correlation coefficients and an α-μ distribution to approximate the sum of the square root of arbitrarily correlated Gamma-Gamma random variables. Analytical results are provided to investigate the channel correlation and evaluate the average BER performance. The validity of the proposed approximation is illustrated by Monte Carlo simulations. This work will help with further investigation of the fading correlation in spatial diversity systems.

Development of a nuclear technique for monitoring water levels in pressurized vehicles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Singh, J. J.; Davis, W. T.; Mall, G. H.

1983-01-01

A new technique for monitoring water levels in pressurized stainless steel cylinders was developed. It is based on differences in attenuation coefficients of water and air for Cs137 (662 keV) gamma rays. Experimentally observed gamma ray counting rates with and without water in model reservoir cylinder were compared with corresponding calculated values for two different gamma ray detection theshold energies. Calculated values include the effects of multiple scattering and attendant gamma ray energy reductions. The agreement between the measured and calculated values is reasonably good. Computer programs for calculating angular and spectral distributions of scattered radition in various media are included.

A novel Tc-99m and fluorescence-labeled arginine-arginine-leucine-containing peptide as a multimodal tumor imaging agent in a murine tumor model.

PubMed

Kim, Myoung Hyoun; Kim, Seul-Gi; Kim, Dae-Weung

2018-06-15

We developed a Tc-99m and TAMRA-labeled peptide, Tc-99m arginine-arginine-leucine (RRL) peptide (TAMRA-GHEG-ECG-RRL), to target tumor cells and evaluated the diagnostic performance of Tc-99m TAMRA-GHEG-ECG-RRL as a dual-modality imaging agent for tumor in a murine model. TAMRA-GHEG-ECG-RRL was synthesized using Fmoc solid-phase peptide synthesis. Binding affinity and in vitro cellular uptake studies were performed. Gamma camera imaging, biodistribution, and ex vivo imaging studies were performed in murine models with PC-3 tumors. Tumor tissue slides were prepared and analyzed with immunohistochemistry using confocal microscopy. After radiolabeling procedures with Tc-99m, Tc-99m TAMRA-GHEG-ECG-RRL complexes were prepared in high yield (>96%). The K d of Tc-99m TAMRA-GHEG-ECG-RRL determined by saturation binding was 41.7 ± 7.8 nM. Confocal microscopy images of PC-3 cells incubated with TAMRA-GHEG-ECG-RRL showed strong fluorescence in the cytoplasm. Gamma camera imaging revealed substantial uptake of Tc-99m TAMRA-GHEG-ECG-RRL in tumors. Tumor uptake was effectively blocked by the coinjection of an excess concentration of RRL. Specific uptake of Tc-99m TAMRA-GHEG-ECG-RRL was confirmed by biodistribution, ex vivo imaging, and immunohistochemistry stain studies. In conclusion, in vivo and in vitro studies revealed substantial uptake of Tc-99m TAMRA-GHEG-ECG-RRL in tumors. Tc-99m TAMRA-GHEG-ECG-RRL has potential as a dual-modality tumor imaging agent. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Synthesis and evaluation of Tc-99m and fluorescence-labeled elastin-derived peptide, VAPG for multimodal tumor imaging in murine tumor model.

PubMed

Kim, Myoung Hyoun; Kim, Chang Guhn; Kim, Seul-Gi; Kim, Dae-Weung

2017-12-01

We developed a Tc-99m and fluorescence-labeled peptide, Tc-99m TAMRA-GHEG-ECG-VAPG to target tumor cells and evaluated the diagnostic performance as a dual-modality imaging agent for tumor in a murine model. TAMRA-GHEG-ECG-VAPG was synthesized by using Fmoc solid-phase peptide synthesis. Radiolabeling of TAMRA-GHEG-ECG-VAPG with Tc-99m was done by using ligand exchange via tartrate. Binding affinity and in vitro cellular uptake studies were performed. Gamma camera imaging, biodistribution, and ex vivo imaging studies were performed in murine models with SW620 tumors. Tumor tissue slides were prepared and analyzed with immunohistochemistry by using confocal microscopy. After radiolabeling procedures with Tc-99m, Tc-99m TAMRA-GHEG-ECG-VAPG complexes were prepared in high yield (>96%). The K d of Tc-99m TAMRA-GHEG-ECG-VAPG determined by saturation binding was 16.8 ± 3.6 nM. Confocal microscopy images of SW620 cells incubated with TAMRA-GHEG-ECG-VAPG showed strong fluorescence in the cytoplasm. Gamma camera imaging revealed substantial uptake of Tc-99m TAMRA-GHEG-ECG-VAPG in tumors. Tumor uptake was effectively blocked by the coinjection of an excess concentration of VAPG. Specific uptake of Tc-99m TAMRA-GHEG-ECG-VAPG was confirmed by biodistribution, ex vivo imaging, and immunohistochemistry stain studies. In vivo and in vitro studies revealed substantial uptake of Tc-99m TAMRA-GHEG-ECG-VAPG in tumor cells. Tc-99m TAMRA-GHEG-ECG-VAPG has potential as a dual-modality tumor imaging agent. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Synthesis and evaluation of Tc-99m-labeled RRL-containing peptide as a non-invasive tumor imaging agent in a mouse fibrosarcoma model.

PubMed

Kim, Dae-Weung; Kim, Woo Hyoung; Kim, Myoung Hyoun; Kim, Chang Guhn

2015-11-01

Arginine-arginine-leucine (RRL) is considered a tumor endothelial cell-specific binding sequence. RRL-containing peptide targeting tumor vessels is an excellent candidate for tumor imaging. In this study, we developed RRL-containing hexapeptides and evaluated their feasibility as a tumor imaging agent in a HT-1080 fibrosarcoma-bearing murine model. The hexapeptide, glutamic acid-cysteine-glycine (ECG)-RRL was synthesized using Fmoc solid-phase peptide synthesis. Radiolabeling efficiency was evaluated using instant thin-layer chromatography. Uptake of Tc-99m ECG-RRL within HT-1080 cells was evaluated in vitro by confocal microscopy and cellular binding affinity was calculated. Gamma images were acquired In HT-1080 fibrosarcoma tumor-bearing mice, and the tumor-to-muscle uptake ratio was calculated. The inflammatory-to-normal muscle uptake ratio was also calculated in an inflammation mouse model. A biodistribution study was performed to calculate %ID/g. A high yield of Tc-99m ECG-RRL complexes was prepared after Tc-99m radiolabeling. Binding of Tc-99m ECG-RRL to tumor cells had was confirmed by in vitro studies. Gamma camera imaging in the murine model showed that Tc-99m ECG-RRL accumulated substantially in the subcutaneously engrafted tumor and that tumoral uptake was blocked by co-injecting excess RRL. Moreover, Tc-99m ECG-RRL accumulated minimally in inflammatory lesions. We successfully developed Tc-99m ECG-RRL as a new tumor imaging candidate. Specific tumoral uptake of Tc-99m ECG-RRL was evaluated both in vitro and in vivo, and it was determined to be a good tumor imaging candidate. Additionally, Tc-99m ECG-RRL effectively distinguished between cancerous tissue and inflammatory lesions.

Commissioning of a new SeHCAT detector and comparison with an uncollimated gamma camera.

PubMed

Taylor, Jonathan C; Hillel, Philip G; Himsworth, John M

2014-10-01

Measurements of SeHCAT (tauroselcholic [75selenium] acid) retention have been used to diagnose bile acid malabsorption for a number of years. In current UK practice the vast majority of centres calculate uptake using an uncollimated gamma camera. Because of ever-increasing demands on gamma camera time, a new 'probe' detector was designed, assembled and commissioned. To validate the system, nine patients were scanned at day 0 and day 7 with both the new probe detector and an uncollimated gamma camera. Commissioning results were largely in line with expectations. Spatial resolution (full-width 95% of maximum) at 1 m was 36.6 cm, the background count rate was 24.7 cps and sensitivity at 1 m was 720.8 cps/MBq. The patient comparison study showed a mean absolute difference in retention measurements of 0.8% between the probe and uncollimated gamma camera, and SD of ± 1.8%. The study demonstrated that it is possible to create a simple, reproducible SeHCAT measurement system using a commercially available scintillation detector. Retention results from the probe closely agreed with those from the uncollimated gamma camera.

Monitoring the distribution of prompt gamma rays in boron neutron capture therapy using a multiple-scattering Compton camera: A Monte Carlo simulation study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Taewoong; Lee, Hyounggun; Lee, Wonho

2015-10-01

This study evaluated the use of Compton imaging technology to monitor prompt gamma rays emitted by 10B in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) applied to a computerized human phantom. The Monte Carlo method, including particle-tracking techniques, was used for simulation. The distribution of prompt gamma rays emitted by the phantom during irradiation with neutron beams is closely associated with the distribution of the boron in the phantom. Maximum likelihood expectation maximization (MLEM) method was applied to the information obtained from the detected prompt gamma rays to reconstruct the distribution of the tumor including the boron uptake regions (BURs). The reconstructed Compton images of the prompt gamma rays were combined with the cross-sectional images of the human phantom. Quantitative analysis of the intensity curves showed that all combined images matched the predetermined conditions of the simulation. The tumors including the BURs were distinguishable if they were more than 2 cm apart.

Dual mode stereotactic localization method and application

DOEpatents

Keppel, Cynthia E.; Barbosa, Fernando Jorge; Majewski, Stanislaw

2002-01-01

The invention described herein combines the structural digital X-ray image provided by conventional stereotactic core biopsy instruments with the additional functional metabolic gamma imaging obtained with a dedicated compact gamma imaging mini-camera. Before the procedure, the patient is injected with an appropriate radiopharmaceutical. The radiopharmaceutical uptake distribution within the breast under compression in a conventional examination table expressed by the intensity of gamma emissions is obtained for comparison (co-registration) with the digital mammography (X-ray) image. This dual modality mode of operation greatly increases the functionality of existing stereotactic biopsy devices by yielding a much smaller number of false positives than would be produced using X-ray images alone. The ability to obtain both the X-ray mammographic image and the nuclear-based medicine gamma image using a single device is made possible largely through the use of a novel, small and movable gamma imaging camera that permits its incorporation into the same table or system as that currently utilized to obtain X-ray based mammographic images for localization of lesions.

Proton-neutron multiplet states in {sup 112}Sb

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

Fayez-Hassan, M.; Gulyas, J.; Dombradi, Z.

1997-05-01

Excited states of {sup 112}Sb were investigated through the {sup 112}Sn(p,n{gamma}){sup 112}Sb reaction. {gamma}-ray, {gamma}{gamma}-coincidence, and internal conversion electron spectra were measured with Ge(HP) {gamma} and superconducting magnetic lens plus Si(Li) electron spectrometers at 8.5, 8.9, 9.1, and 9.3 MeV bombarding proton energies. A significantly extended level scheme was constructed. Spins and parities have been assigned to the levels from Hauser-Feshbach analysis of reaction cross sections, internal conversion coefficients, angular distribution of the {gamma} rays, and decay properties of the states. The low lying states were assigned to proton-neutron multiplets on the basis of their decay properties. The energy splittingmore » of these multiplets have been calculated using the parabolic rule. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}« less

Thyroid Scan and Uptake

MedlinePlus

... minutes prior to the test. When it is time for the imaging to begin, you will lie down on a moveable examination table with your head tipped backward and neck extended. The gamma camera will then take a series of images, capturing images of the thyroid gland ...

Experiment to Determine the Absorption Coefficient of Gamma Rays as a Function of Energy.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ouseph, P. J.; And Others

1982-01-01

Simpler than x-ray diffractometer experiments, the experiment described illustrates certain concepts regarding the interaction of electromagnetic rays with matter such as the exponential decrease in the intensity with absorber thickness, variation of the coefficient of absorption with energy, and the effect of the K-absorption edge on the…

Mass attenuation coefficient of tannin-added Rhizophora spp. particleboards at 16.59-25.56 keV photons, and 137Cs and 60Co gamma energies.

PubMed

Yusof, Mohd Fahmi Mohd; Hamid, Puteri Nor Khatijah Abd; Tajuddin, Abd Aziz; Hashim, Rokiah; Bauk, Sabar; Isa, Norriza Mohd; Isa, Muhammad Jamal Md

2017-09-01

The aim of this study was to determine the suitability of tannin-added Rhizophora spp. particleboards as phantom materials in the application of low- and high-energy photons. The tannin-added Rhizophora spp. particleboards and density plug phantoms were created with a target density of 1.0 g/cm 3 . The elemental composition and effective atomic number of the particleboards were measured using energy dispersive X-ray analysis. The mass attenuation coefficient of the particleboards for low-energy photons were measured using the attenuation of X-ray fluorescence. The mass attenuation coefficients of high-energy photons were measured using the attenuation of 137 Cs and 60 Co gamma energies. The results were compared to the calculated value of water using XCOM calculations. The results showed that the effective atomic number and mass attenuation coefficients of tannin-added Rhizophora spp. particleboards were similar to those of water, indicating the suitability of tannin-added Rhizophora spp. particleboards as phantom materials for low- and high-energy photons.

Use of radioguided surgery with [111In]-pentetreotide in the management of an ACTH-secreting bronchial carcinoid causing ectopic Cushing's syndrome.

PubMed

Grossrubatscher, E; Vignati, F; Dalino, P; Possa, M; Belloni, P A; Vanzulli, A; Bramerio, M; Marocchi, A; Rossetti, O; Zurleni, F; Loli, P

2005-01-01

Intraoperative [111In]-pentetreotide scintigraphy with a hand-held gamma detector probe has recently been proposed to increase the intraoperative detection rate of small neuroendocrine tumors and their metastases. We report a case of a 28-yr-old woman with ectopic Cushing's syndrome due to an ACTH-secreting bronchial carcinoid, in whom the use of radioguided surgery improved disease management. At presentation, radiolabeled pentetreotide scintigraphy was the only procedure able to detect the ectopic source of ACTH. After radiologic confirmation, the patient underwent removal of a bronchial carcinoid, with disease persistence. After surgery, pentetreotide scintigraphy showed pathologic uptake in the mediastinum not previously detected at surgery and only subsequently confirmed by radiologic studies. Despite a second thoracic exploration, hormonal, scintigraphic, and radiological evidence of residual disease persisted. Radioguided surgery was then performed using a hand-held gamma probe 48 h after iv administration of a tracer dose of radiolabeled [111In-DTPA-D-Phe1]-pentetreotide, which permitted detection and removal of multiple residual mediastinal lymph node metastases. Clinical and radiologic cure, with no evidence of tracer uptake at pentetreotide scintigraphy, was subsequently observed. The use of an intraoperative gamma counter appears a promising procedure in the management of metastatic ACTH-secreting bronchial carcinoids.

A comparison between the use of a shadow shield whole body counter and an uncollimated gamma camera ain the assessment of the seven-day retention of SeHCAT.

PubMed

Hames, T K; Condon, B R; Fleming, J S; Phillips, G; Holdstock, G; Smith, C L; Howlett, P J; Ackery, D

1984-07-01

We have compared the 7-day retention of the radioisotope bile salt analogue SeHCAT (75Se-23-selena-25-homotaurocholate), by whole body counting and by uncollimated gamma camera measurement, in phantoms and in 25 patients with inflammatory bowel disease. The results correlate with a linear correlation coefficient of 0.96. An uncollimated gamma camera can be used to assess bile acid malabsorption when a whole body radioactivity monitor is not available.

Accuracy of CT-based attenuation correction in PET/CT bone imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abella, Monica; Alessio, Adam M.; Mankoff, David A.; MacDonald, Lawrence R.; Vaquero, Juan Jose; Desco, Manuel; Kinahan, Paul E.

2012-05-01

We evaluate the accuracy of scaling CT images for attenuation correction of PET data measured for bone. While the standard tri-linear approach has been well tested for soft tissues, the impact of CT-based attenuation correction on the accuracy of tracer uptake in bone has not been reported in detail. We measured the accuracy of attenuation coefficients of bovine femur segments and patient data using a tri-linear method applied to CT images obtained at different kVp settings. Attenuation values at 511 keV obtained with a 68Ga/68Ge transmission scan were used as a reference standard. The impact of inaccurate attenuation images on PET standardized uptake values (SUVs) was then evaluated using simulated emission images and emission images from five patients with elevated levels of FDG uptake in bone at disease sites. The CT-based linear attenuation images of the bovine femur segments underestimated the true values by 2.9 ± 0.3% for cancellous bone regardless of kVp. For compact bone the underestimation ranged from 1.3% at 140 kVp to 14.1% at 80 kVp. In the patient scans at 140 kVp the underestimation was approximately 2% averaged over all bony regions. The sensitivity analysis indicated that errors in PET SUVs in bone are approximately proportional to errors in the estimated attenuation coefficients for the same regions. The variability in SUV bias also increased approximately linearly with the error in linear attenuation coefficients. These results suggest that bias in bone uptake SUVs of PET tracers ranges from 2.4% to 5.9% when using CT scans at 140 and 120 kVp for attenuation correction. Lower kVp scans have the potential for considerably more error in dense bone. This bias is present in any PET tracer with bone uptake but may be clinically insignificant for many imaging tasks. However, errors from CT-based attenuation correction methods should be carefully evaluated if quantitation of tracer uptake in bone is important.

Uptake of aromatic hydrocarbon vapors (benzene and phenanthrene) at the air-water interface of micron-size water droplets.

PubMed

Raja, Suresh; Valsaraj, Kalliat T

2004-12-01

Uptake of aromatic hydrocarbon vapors (benzene and phenanthrene) by typical micrometer-sized fog-water droplets was studied using a falling droplet reactor at temperatures between 296 and 316 K. Uptake of phenanthrene vapor greater than that predicted by bulk (air-water)-phase equilibrium was observed for diameters less than 200 microm, and this was attributed to surface adsorption. The experimental values of the droplet-vapor partition constant were used to obtain the overall mass transfer coefficient and the mass accommodation coefficient for both benzene and phenanthrene. Mass transfer of phenanthrene was dependent only on gas-phase diffusion and mass accommodation at the interface. However, for benzene, the mass transfer was limited by liquid-phase diffusion and mass accommodation. A large value of the mass accommodation coefficient, alpha = (1.4 +/- 0.4) x 10(-2) was observed for the highly surface-active (hydrophobic) phenanthrene, whereas a small alpha = (9.7 +/- 1.8) x 10(-5) was observed for the less hydrophobic benzene. Critical cluster numbers ranging from 2 for benzene to 5.7 for phenanthrene were deduced using the critical cluster nucleation theory for mass accommodation. The enthalpy of mass accommodation was more negative for phenanthrene than it was for benzene. Consequently, the temperature effect was more pronounced for phenanthrene. A linear correlation was observed for the enthalpy of accommodation with the excess enthalpy of solution. A natural organic carbon surrogate (Suwannee Fulvic acid) in the water droplet increased the uptake for phenanthrene and benzene, the effect being more marked for phenanthrene. A characteristic time constant analysis showed that uptake and droplet scavenging would compete for the fog deposition of phenanthrene, whereas deposition would be unimpeded by the uptake rate for benzene vapor. For both compounds, the characteristic atmospheric reaction times were much larger and would not impact fog deposition.

Heterogeneous Nitration of Tyrosine by NO­3 and N2O5: Rates, Mechanisms and Product Yields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Talukdar, R. K.; Witkowski, B.; Burkholder, J. B.; Roberts, J. M.

2015-12-01

Nitration of protein-bound tyrosine has been identified as a casual connection between air pollution and human health. Tyrosine is a common amino acid, 4-hydroxyphenylalanine, HO-C6H4-CH2-CH(NH2)-C(O)OH), and is present in many atmospheric bio-aerosols. Nitration of the aromatic units of protein molecules in polluted air enhances their allergenicity. The mechanism of heterogeneous nitration process of bio-aerosols by common nitrating agents in the atmosphere, O3/NO2, NO3, N2O5 is not well understood. This chemistry is thought to proceed via reactions with O3 and NO2 on particle surfaces, through mechanisms that are still uncertain. The possible role of higher nitrogen oxides also remains uncertain, partly due to a lack of measurements of fundamental chemical and physical parameters. In this work, we undertook measurements of reactive uptake of NO3, N2O5, as a function of relative humidity and temperature in a tyrosine coated flow tube reactor with chemical ionization mass spectrometric (CIMS) detection. Uptake coefficients on tyrosine coated flow tube were small under low relative humidity but were enhanced by an order of magnitude in the presence of high relative humidity, particularly for N2O5. The measured uptake coefficients were mostly due to reaction with water adsorbed on the surface of the flow tube. Only ~10% of the reactive uptake could be attributed to reaction with tyrosine. Following uptake, the contents of the flow tube were extracted, and analyzed using electrospray ionization - mass spectrometer (ESI-MS) to identify and quantify the products of the nitration reaction. The only organic reaction product detected was 3-nitro-tyrosine (3-NT). The measured uptake coefficients, mechanism of the title reactions and the possible atmospheric implications of these findings will be discussed.

Feasibility study of a low-energy gamma ray system for measuring quantity and flow rate of slush hydrogen

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Singh, Jag J.; Shen, Chih-Ping; Sprinkle, Danny R.

1992-01-01

As part of a study to demonstrate the suitability of an X-ray or gamma ray probe for monitoring the quality and flow rate of slush hydrogen, mass attenuation coefficients for Cd-109 X- and gamma radiation in five chemical compounds were measured. The Ag-109 K rays were used for water and acetic acid, whereas E3 transition from the first excited state at 87.7 keV in Ag-109 provided the probe radiation for bromobenzene, alpha (exp 2) chloroisodurene, and cetyl bromide. Measurements were made for a single phase (gas, liquid, solid) as well as mixed phases (liquid plus solid) in all cases. It was shown that the mass attenuation coefficient for the selected radiations is independent of the phase of the test fluids or phase ratios in the case of mixed phase fluids. Described here are the procedure and the results for the five fluid systems investigated.

Intracellular Protein Delivery for Treating Breast Cancer

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-08-01

Problems...….……………………………………………..……18 7. Products …………………………………….……….….………….……….18 8. Participants & Other Collaborating Organizations ...Radioactivity in each organ was measured using a gamma counter, and radioactivity uptake was expressed as percent injected dose per gram (%ID/g). Mean uptake...Cancer PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Pin Wang CONTRACTING ORGANIZATION : University of Southern California REPORT DATE: TYPE

Plutonium, curium, and other radionuclide uptake by the rice plant from a naturally weathered, contaminated soil

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

Adriano, D.C.; McLeod, K.W.; Ciravolo, T.G.

1981-07-01

A greenhouse study using three United States rice varieties (Belle Patna, Nato, and Starbonnet) varying in maturity period and a widely used Asian variety (IR-1561) indicates that, with the exception of /sup 137/Cs, no significant differences were obtained among varieties in the foliage uptake of selected gamma-emitters. On the average, /sup 137/Cs and /sup 40/K were translocated less to the grain than to the foliage. The concentration ratio (CR) values for the gamma-emitters, with the exception of /sup 40/K, were approximately one order of magnitude higher than those for subterranean crops grown in experimental plots adjacent to a chemical separationsmore » facility at the Savannah River Plant. The CR values for /sup 238/Pu and /sup 244/Cm are within the range of values published in the open literature. The CR values for /sup 239/ /sup 240/Pu, however, were higher than the normally reported values for plants grown in nonamended soils.« less

Use of Transportable Radiation Detection Instruments to Assess Internal Contamination from Intakes of Radionuclides Part II: Calibration Factors and ICAT Computer Program.

PubMed

Anigstein, Robert; Olsher, Richard H; Loomis, Donald A; Ansari, Armin

2016-12-01

The detonation of a radiological dispersion device or other radiological incidents could result in widespread releases of radioactive materials and intakes of radionuclides by affected individuals. Transportable radiation monitoring instruments could be used to measure radiation from gamma-emitting radionuclides in the body for triaging individuals and assigning priorities to their bioassay samples for in vitro assessments. The present study derived sets of calibration factors for four instruments: the Ludlum Model 44-2 gamma scintillator, a survey meter containing a 2.54 × 2.54-cm NaI(Tl) crystal; the Captus 3000 thyroid uptake probe, which contains a 5.08 × 5.08-cm NaI(Tl) crystal; the Transportable Portal Monitor Model TPM-903B, which contains two 3.81 × 7.62 × 182.9-cm polyvinyltoluene plastic scintillators; and a generic instrument, such as an ionization chamber, that measures exposure rates. The calibration factors enable these instruments to be used for assessing inhaled or ingested intakes of any of four radionuclides: Co, I, Cs, and Ir. The derivations used biokinetic models embodied in the DCAL computer software system developed by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Monte Carlo simulations using the MCNPX radiation transport code. The three physical instruments were represented by MCNP models that were developed previously. The affected individuals comprised children of five ages who were represented by the revised Oak Ridge National Laboratory pediatric phantoms, and adult men and adult women represented by the Adult Reference Computational Phantoms described in Publication 110 of the International Commission on Radiological Protection. These calibration factors can be used to calculate intakes; the intakes can be converted to committed doses by the use of tabulated dose coefficients. These calibration factors also constitute input data to the ICAT computer program, an interactive Microsoft Windows-based software package that estimates intakes of radionuclides and cumulative and committed effective doses, based on measurements made with these instruments. This program constitutes a convenient tool for assessing intakes and doses without consulting tabulated calibration factors and dose coefficients.

USE OF TRANSPORTABLE RADIATION DETECTION INSTRUMENTS TO ASSESS INTERNAL CONTAMINATION FROM INTAKES OF RADIONUCLIDES PART II: CALIBRATION FACTORS AND ICAT COMPUTER PROGRAM

PubMed Central

Anigstein, Robert; Olsher, Richard H.; Loomis, Donald A.; Ansari, Armin

2017-01-01

The detonation of a radiological dispersion device or other radiological incidents could result in widespread releases of radioactive materials and intakes of radionuclides by affected individuals. Transportable radiation monitoring instruments could be used to measure radiation from gamma-emitting radionuclides in the body for triaging individuals and assigning priorities to their bioassay samples for in vitro assessments. The present study derived sets of calibration factors for four instruments: the Ludlum Model 44-2 gamma scintillator, a survey meter containing a 2.54 × 2.54-cm NaI(Tl) crystal; the Captus 3000 thyroid uptake probe, which contains a 5.08 × 5.08-cm NaI(Tl) crystal; the Transportable Portal Monitor Model TPM-903B, which contains two 3.81 × 7.62 × 182.9-cm polyvinyltoluene plastic scintillators; and a generic instrument, such as an ionization chamber, that measures exposure rates. The calibration factors enable these instruments to be used for assessing inhaled or ingested intakes of any of four radionuclides: 60Co, 131I, 137Cs, and 192Ir. The derivations used biokinetic models embodied in the DCAL computer software system developed by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Monte Carlo simulations using the MCNPX radiation transport code. The three physical instruments were represented by MCNP models that were developed previously. The affected individuals comprised children of five ages who were represented by the revised Oak Ridge National Laboratory pediatric phantoms, and adult men and adult women represented by the Adult Reference Computational Phantoms described in Publication 110 of the International Commission on Radiological Protection. These calibration factors can be used to calculate intakes; the intakes can be converted to committed doses by the use of tabulated dose coefficients. These calibration factors also constitute input data to the ICAT computer program, an interactive Microsoft Windows-based software package that estimates intakes of radionuclides and cumulative and committed effective doses, based on measurements made with these instruments. This program constitutes a convenient tool for assessing intakes and doses without consulting tabulated calibration factors and dose coefficients. PMID:27798478

Effect of Coatings on the Uptake Rate and HONO Yield in Heterogeneous Reaction of Soot with NO2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cruz-Quiñones, M.; Khalizov, A. F.; Zhang, R.

2009-12-01

Heterogeneous reaction of nitrogen dioxide on carbon soot aerosols has been suggested as a possible source of nighttime nitrous acid (HONO) in atmosphere boundary layer. Available laboratory data show significant variability in the measured reaction probabilities and HONO yields, making it difficult to asses the atmospheric significance of this process. Moreover, little is known of how aging of soot aerosol through internal mixing with other atmospheric trace constituents will affect the heterogeneous reactivity and HONO production. In this work, the heterogeneous reaction of NO2 on fresh and aged soot films leading to HONO formation was studied through a series of kinetic uptake experiments and HONO yield measurements. Soot samples were prepared by incomplete combustion of propane and kerosene fuels under lean and rich flame conditions. Experiments were performed in a low-pressure, fast-flow reactor coupled to a chemical ionization mass spectrometer (CIMS), using atmospheric-level NO2 concentrations. Heterogeneous uptake coefficients, γ(geom) and γ(BET), were calculated using geometric and internal BET soot surface areas, respectively. The uptake coefficient and the HONO yield depend on the type of fuel and combustion regime and are the highest for soot samples prepared using rich kerosene flame. Although, the internal surface area of soot measured by BET method is a factor of 50 to 500 larger than the geometric surface area, only the top soot layers are involved in heterogeneous reaction with NO2 as follows from the observed weak dependence of γ(geom) and decrease in γ(BET) with increasing sample mass. Heating the soot samples before exposure to NO2 increases the BET surface area, the HONO yield, and the NO2 uptake coefficient due to the removal of the organic fraction from the soot backbone that unblocks active sites and makes them accessible for physical adsorption and chemical reactions. Our results support the oxidation-reduction mechanism involving adsorptive and reactive centers on soot surface where NO2 is converted into HONO and other products. Coating the soot surface by different materials to simulate atmospheric aging has a strong impact on the reactivity of soot toward NO2. Sulfuric acid coating reduces the uptake coefficient and HONO production by physically blocking the soot active sites and initiating decomposition of HONO in the aqueous acid layer. Furthermore, the HONO yield can be reduced to zero after exposure to elevated relative humidity or partially restored when sulfuric acid is removed by heating. Coatings made of glutaric and succinic acids increase HONO yields and NO2 uptake coefficients, similarly as in the case of pre-heated soot samples. We propose that the organic acids change the top layer morphology, opening up the pores and making the internal soot surface more accessible for heterogeneous interaction with NO2. The implications of our study regarding the contribution of freshly emitted and aged soot aerosols to nighttime HONO production will be discussed.

Viability after myocardial infarction: can it be assessed within five minutes by low-dose dynamic iodine-123-iodophenylpentadecanoic acid imaging with a multicrystal gamma camera?

PubMed

Murray, G L; Schad, N; Bush, A J

1997-04-01

Although positron emission tomography (PET) assesses myocardial viability (V) accurately, a rapid, inexpensive substitute is needed. Therefore, the authors developed a low-dose (1 mCi) Iodine-123-Iodophenylpentadecanoic Acid (IPPA) myocardial viability scan requiring analysis of only the first three minutes of data acquired at rest with a standard multicrystal gamma camera. Twenty-one patients > 2 weeks after myocardial infarction (MI) (24 MIs, 10 anterior, 14 inferoposterior, 21 akinetic or dyskinetic) had cardiac catheterization and resting IPPA imaging. V was determined by either transmural myocardial biopsy during coronary bypass surgery (12 patients, 14 MIs) or reinjection tomographic thallium scan (9 patients, 10 MIs), and 50% of MIs were viable. The IPPA variables analyzed were: time to initial left ventricular (LV) uptake in the region of interest (ROI), the ratio of three-minute uptake in the ROI to three-minute LV uptake, three-minute clearing (counts/pixel) in the ROI (decrease in IPPA after initial uptake), and three-minute accumulation (increase in IPPA after initial uptake) in the ROI. Rules for detecting V were generated and applied to 10 healthy volunteers to determine normalcy. While three-minute uptake in nonviable MIs was only 67% of volunteers (P < 0.0001) and 75% of viable MIs, uptake alone identified only 50% of viable MIs and 75% of nonviable MIs. IPPA clearing, however, was > or = 13.5 counts/pixel in 10/12 (83%) of viable MIs, and IPPA accumulation > or = 6.75 counts/pixel identified one more viable MI, for a sensitivity for V of 11/12 (92%), with a specificity of 11/12 (92%), and a 100% normalcy rate. The authors conclude low-dose IPPA (five-minute acquisition with analysis of the first three minutes of data) has potential for providing rapid, inexpensive V data after MI. Since newer multicrystal cameras are mobile, IPPA scans can be done in emergency rooms or coronary care units generating information that might be useful in decisions regarding thrombolysis, angioplasty, or bypass surgery.

Uptake of atmospheric carbon dioxide into silk fiber by silkworms.

PubMed

Magoshi, Jun; Tanaka, Toshihisa; Sasaki, Haruto; Kobayashi, Masatoshi; Magoshi, Yoshiko; Tsuda, Hidetoshi; Becker, Mary A; Inoue, Shun-ichi; Ishimaru, Ken

2003-01-01

The relation between the uptake of atmospheric CO(2) and insect's production of silk fiber has not yet been reported. Here, we provide the first quantitative demonstrations that four species of silkworms (Bombyx mori, Samia cynthia ricini, Antheraea pernyi, and Antheraea yamamai) and a silk-producing spider (Nephila clavata) incorporate atmospheric CO(2) into their silk fibers. The abundance of (13)C incorporated from the environment was determined by mass spectrometry and (13)C NMR measurements. Atmospheric CO(2) was incorporated into the silk fibers in the carbonyl groups of alanine, aspartic acid, serine, and glycine and the C(gamma) of aspartic acid. We show a simple model for the uptake of atmospheric CO(2) by silkworms. These results will demonstrate that silkworm has incorporated atmospheric CO(2) into silk fiber via the TCA cycle; however, the magnitude of uptake into the silk fibers is smaller than that consumed by the photosynthesis in trees and coral reefs.

Aspirin decreases platelet uptake on Dacron vascular grafts in baboons

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

Mackey, W.C.; Connolly, R.J.; Callow, A.D.

The influence of a single dose of aspirin (5.4-7.4 mg/kg) on platelet uptake on 4-mm Dacron interposition grafts was studied in a baboon model using gamma camera scanning for 111-Indium labeled platelets. In vitro assessment of platelet function after aspirin administration revealed that in the baboon, as in the human, aspirin abolished arachidonic acid-induced platelet aggregation, prolonged the lag time between exposure to collagen and aggregation, and decreased plasma thromboxane B2 levels. Aspirin also prolonged the template bleeding time. Scans for 111-Indium labeled platelets revealed that pretreatment with a single dose of aspirin decreased platelet uptake on 4-mm Dacron carotidmore » interposition grafts. This decrease in platelet uptake was associated with a significant improvement in 2-hour graft patency and with a trend toward improved 2-week patency.« less

Influence of Humidity on the Aerosol Scattering Coefficient and Its Effect on the Upwelling Radiance During ACE-2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gasso, B. S.; Hegg, D. A.; Covert, D. S.; Collins, D.; Noone, K.; Oestroem, E.; Schmid, B.; Russell, P. B.; Livingston, J. M.; Durkee, P. A.;

Systemic and lung protein changes in sarcoidosis. Lymphocyte counts, gallium uptake values, and serum angiotensin-converting enzyme levels may reflect different aspects of disease activity

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

Check, I.J.; Kidd, M.R.; Staton, G.W. Jr.

1986-01-01

BAL lymphocyte percentages, quantitated gallium-67 lung uptake, and SACE levels have all been proposed as measures of disease activity in sarcoidosis. We analyzed 32 paired sera and BAL fluids from sarcoidosis patients by high-resolution agarose electrophoresis to look for protein changes characteristic of systemic or local inflammation and compared the results with those from the above tests. Nine patients (group 1) had serum inflammatory protein changes and increased total protein, albumin, beta 1-globulin (transferrin), and gamma-globulin levels in fluid recovered by BAL. Thirteen patients (group 2) had normal protein levels in sera but abnormal protein levels in BAL specimens. Tenmore » patients (group 3) had normal protein levels in sera and in BAL specimens. Patients in groups 1 and 2 had a disproportionate increase in beta 1-globulin (transferrin) and gamma-globulin levels in their BAL specimens. The BAL lymphocyte percentage changes paralleled the BAL protein level changes, suggesting relationships among the immunoregulatory role of these cells, increased local immunoglobulin synthesis, and the pathogenesis of altered alveolar permeability. Gallium-67 uptake was highest in patients with serum inflammatory protein changes. Thus, systemic inflammation may facilitate pulmonary gallium-67 uptake, possibly by changes in BAL fluid or serum transferrin saturation and/or kinetics. SACE levels showed no relationship to changes in the levels of serum or BAL proteins. These data suggest that the various proposed measures of disease activity reflect different aspects of inflammation in sarcoidosis.« less

Isopycnal mixing by mesoscale eddies significantly impacts oceanic anthropogenic carbon uptake

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gnanadesikan, Anand; Pradal, Marie-Aude; Abernathey, Ryan

2015-06-01

Anthropogenic carbon dioxide uptake varies across Earth System Models for reasons that have remained obscure. When varied within a single model, the lateral eddy mixing coefficient ARedi produces a range of uptake similar to the modeled range. The highest uptake, resulting from a simulation with a constant ARedi of 2400 m2/s, simulates 15% more historical carbon uptake than a model with ARedi = 400 m2/s. A sudden doubling in carbon dioxide produces a 21% range in carbon uptake across the models. Two spatially dependent representations of ARedi produce uptake that lies in the middle of the range of constant values despite predicting very large values in the subtropical gyres. One-dimensional diffusive models of the type used for integrated assessments can be fit to the simulations, with ARedi accounting for a substantial fraction of the effective vertical diffusion. Such models, however, mask significant regional changes in stratification and biological carbon storage.

Nitrogen uptake by wheat seedlings, interactive effects of four nitrogen sources: NO3-, NO2-, NH4+, and urea

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Criddle, R. S.; Ward, M. R.; Huffaker, R. C.

1988-01-01

The net influx (uptake) rates of NO3-, NH4+, NO2-, and urea into roots of wheat (Triticum aestivum cv Yecora Rojo) seedlings from complete nutrient solutions containing all four compounds were monitored simultaneously. Although urea uptake was too slow to monitor, its presence had major inhibitory effects on the uptake of each of the other compounds. Rates of NO3-, NH4+, and NO2- uptake depended in a complex fashion on the concentration of all four N compounds. Equations were developed which describe the uptake rates of each of the compounds, and of total N, as functions of concentrations of all N sources. Contour plots of the results show the interactions over the range of concentrations employed. The coefficients of these equations provide quantitative values for evaluating primary and interactive effects of each compound on N uptake.

Characterization and Application of Passive Samplers for Monitoring of Pesticides in Water.

PubMed

Ahrens, Lutz; Daneshvar, Atlasi; Lau, Anna E; Kreuger, Jenny

2016-08-03

Five different water passive samplers were calibrated under laboratory conditions for measurement of 124 legacy and current used pesticides. This study provides a protocol for the passive sampler preparation, calibration, extraction method and instrumental analysis. Sampling rates (RS) and passive sampler-water partition coefficients (KPW) were calculated for silicone rubber, polar organic chemical integrative sampler POCIS-A, POCIS-B, SDB-RPS and C18 disk. The uptake of the selected compounds depended on their physicochemical properties, i.e., silicone rubber showed a better uptake for more hydrophobic compounds (log octanol-water partition coefficient (KOW) > 5.3), whereas POCIS-A, POCIS-B and SDB-RPS disk were more suitable for hydrophilic compounds (log KOW < 0.70).

Kinetics and equilibrium of solute diffusion into human hair.

PubMed

Wang, Liming; Chen, Longjian; Han, Lujia; Lian, Guoping

2012-12-01

The uptake kinetics of five molecules by hair has been measured and the effects of pH and physical chemical properties of molecules were investigated. A theoretical model is proposed to analyze the experimental data. The results indicate that the binding affinity of solute to hair, as characterized by hair-water partition coefficient, scales to the hydrophobicity of the solute and decreases dramatically as the pH increases to the dissociation constant. The effective diffusion coefficient of solute depended not only on the molecular size as most previous studies suggested, but also on the binding affinity as well as solute dissociation. It appears that the uptake of molecules by hair is due to both hydrophobic interaction and ionic charge interaction. Based on theoretical considerations of the cellular structure, composition and physical chemical properties of hair, quantitative-structure-property-relationships (QSPR) have been proposed to predict the hair-water partition coefficient (PC) and the effective diffusion coefficient (D (e)) of solute. The proposed QSPR models fit well with the experimental data. This paper could be taken as a reference for investigating the adsorption properties for polymeric materials, fibres, and biomaterials.

Influence of Permeant Lipophilicity on Permeation Across Human Sclera

PubMed Central

Wen, He; Li, S. Kevin

2010-01-01

Purpose The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of permeant lipophilicity on permeant uptake into and transport across human sclera for transscleral delivery. Methods Model permeants with a wide range of lipophilicities were selected and studied with human sclera. Uptake experiments were carried out to measure permeant partitioning into the sclera. Transport experiments were performed in side-by-side diffusion cells, and the permeability coefficients and transport lag times of the permeants across the sclera were evaluated. Results Permeants with higher lipophilicity showed higher partition coefficients to human sclera, and the apparent transport lag time also increased significantly as the permeant lipophilicity increased. No correlation between the permeability coefficients and lipophilicity of the model permeants was observed in this study with human sclera. A hypothesis on the different findings between the present and previous studies was proposed. Conclusions Permeants with higher lipophilicity exhibited stronger binding to human sclera and would therefore lead to larger permeant partitioning to the sclera and longer transport lag time. The steady-state permeability coefficients of the permeants were not significantly affected by permeant lipophilicity. PMID:20734114

Heavy-tailed fractional Pearson diffusions.

PubMed

Leonenko, N N; Papić, I; Sikorskii, A; Šuvak, N

2017-11-01

We define heavy-tailed fractional reciprocal gamma and Fisher-Snedecor diffusions by a non-Markovian time change in the corresponding Pearson diffusions. Pearson diffusions are governed by the backward Kolmogorov equations with space-varying polynomial coefficients and are widely used in applications. The corresponding fractional reciprocal gamma and Fisher-Snedecor diffusions are governed by the fractional backward Kolmogorov equations and have heavy-tailed marginal distributions in the steady state. We derive the explicit expressions for the transition densities of the fractional reciprocal gamma and Fisher-Snedecor diffusions and strong solutions of the associated Cauchy problems for the fractional backward Kolmogorov equation.

HCV core protein induces hepatic lipid accumulation by activating SREBP1 and PPAR{gamma}

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

Kim, Kook Hwan; Hong, Sung Pyo; Kim, KyeongJin

2007-04-20

Hepatic steatosis is a common feature in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. HCV core protein plays an important role in the development of hepatic steatosis in HCV infection. Because SREBP1 (sterol regulatory element binding protein 1) and PPAR{gamma} (peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor {gamma}) are involved in the regulation of lipid metabolism of hepatocyte, we sought to determine whether HCV core protein may impair the expression and activity of SREBP1 and PPAR{gamma}. In this study, it was demonstrated that HCV core protein increases the gene expression of SREBP1 not only in Chang liver, Huh7, and HepG2 cells transiently transfectedmore » with HCV core protein expression plasmid, but also in Chang liver-core stable cells. Furthermore, HCV core protein enhanced the transcriptional activity of SREBP1. In addition, HCV core protein elevated PPAR{gamma} transcriptional activity. However, HCV core protein had no effect on PPAR{gamma} gene expression. Finally, we showed that HCV core protein stimulates the genes expression of lipogenic enzyme and fatty acid uptake associated protein. Therefore, our finding provides a new insight into the mechanism of hepatic steatosis by HCV infection.« less

Proton and Gamma Radiation Effects in Undoped, Single-doped and co-doped YLiF4 and LuLiF4

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, Hyung; Bai, Yingxin; Yu, Kirong; Singh, U.

2009-01-01

Proton and gamma radiation effects in various YLiF4 and LuLiF4 crystals have been investigated. The radiation induced color centers compared with six different kinds of crystal samples in ranges up to 200 krads and 200 MeV. The radiation induced absorption coefficients are strongly dependent on polarization and concentration of rare-earth ions.

Attenuation of X and Gamma Rays in Personal Radiation Shielding Protective Clothing.

PubMed

Kozlovska, Michaela; Cerny, Radek; Otahal, Petr

2015-11-01

A collection of personal radiation shielding protective clothing, suitable for use in case of accidents in nuclear facilities or radiological emergency situations involving radioactive agents, was gathered and tested at the Nuclear Protection Department of the National Institute for Nuclear, Chemical and Biological Protection, Czech Republic. Attenuating qualities of shielding layers in individual protective clothing were tested via spectra measurement of x and gamma rays, penetrating them. The rays originated from different radionuclide point sources, the gamma ray energies of which cover a broad energy range. The spectra were measured by handheld spectrometers, both scintillation and High Purity Germanium. Different narrow beam geometries were adjusted using a special testing bench and a set of various collimators. The main experimentally determined quantity for individual samples of personal radiation shielding protective clothing was x and gamma rays attenuation for significant energies of the spectra. The attenuation was assessed comparing net peak areas (after background subtraction) in spectra, where a tested sample was placed between the source and the detector, and corresponding net peak areas in spectra, measured without the sample. Mass attenuation coefficients, which describe attenuating qualities of shielding layers materials in individual samples, together with corresponding lead equivalents, were determined as well. Experimentally assessed mass attenuation coefficients of the samples were compared to the referred ones for individual heavy metals.

Experimental setup for radon exposure and first diffusion studies using gamma spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maier, Andreas; van Beek, Patrick; Hellmund, Johannes; Durante, Marco; Schardt, Dieter; Kraft, Gerhard; Fournier, Claudia

2015-11-01

In order to measure the uptake and diffusion of 222Rn in biological material, an exposure chamber was constructed where cell cultures, biological tissues and mice can be exposed to 222Rn-activities similar to therapy conditions. After exposure, the material is transferred to a gamma spectrometer and the decay of 214Pb and 214Bi is analyzed. From the time kinetics of these decays the total amount of the initial 222Rn concentration can be calculated. In this paper the design and construction as well as first test measurements are reported.

Bone marrow uptake of 99mTc-MIBI in patients with multiple myeloma.

PubMed

Fonti, R; Del Vecchio, S; Zannetti, A; De Renzo, A; Di Gennaro, F; Catalano, L; Califano, C; Pace, L; Rotoli, B; Salvatore, M

2001-02-01

In a previous study, we showed the ability of technetium-99m methoxyisobutylisonitrile (99mTc-MIBI) scan to identify active disease in patients with multiple myeloma (Eur J Nucl Med 1998; 25: 714-720). In particular, a semiquantitative score of the extension and intensity of bone marrow uptake was derived and correlated with both the clinical status of the disease and plasma cell bone marrow infiltration. In order to estimate quantitatively 99mTc-MIBI bone marrow uptake and to verify the intracellular localization of the tracer, bone marrow samples obtained from 24 multiple myeloma patients, three patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and two healthy donors were studied for in vitro uptake. After centrifugation over Ficoll-Hypaque gradient, cell suspensions were incubated with 99mTc-MIBI and the uptake was expressed as the percentage of radioactivity specifically retained within the cells. The cellular localization of the tracer was assessed by micro-autoradiography. Twenty-two out of 27 patients underwent 99mTc-MIBI scan within a week of bone marrow sampling. Whole-body images were obtained 10 min after intravenous injection of 555 MBq of the tracer; the extension and intensity of 99mTc-MIBI uptake were graded using the semiquantitative score. A statistically significant correlation was found between in vitro uptake of 99mTc-MIBI and both plasma cell infiltration (Pearson's coefficient of correlation r=0.69, P<0.0001) and in vivo score (Spearman rank correlation coefficient r=0.60, P<0.01). No specific tracer uptake was found in bone marrow samples obtained from the two healthy donors. Micro-autoradiography showed localization of 99mTc-MIBI inside the plasma cells infiltrating the bone marrow. Therefore, our findings show that the degree of tracer uptake both in vitro and in vivo is related to the percentage of infiltrating plasma cells which accumulate the tracer in their inner compartments.

Zero Pearson coefficient for strongly correlated growing trees.

PubMed

Dorogovtsev, S N; Ferreira, A L; Goltsev, A V; Mendes, J F F

2010-03-01

We obtained Pearson's coefficient of strongly correlated recursive networks growing by preferential attachment of every new vertex by m edges. We found that the Pearson coefficient is exactly zero in the infinite network limit for the recursive trees (m=1). If the number of connections of new vertices exceeds one (m>1), then the Pearson coefficient in the infinite networks equals zero only when the degree distribution exponent gamma does not exceed 4. We calculated the Pearson coefficient for finite networks and observed a slow power-law-like approach to an infinite network limit. Our findings indicate that Pearson's coefficient strongly depends on size and details of networks, which makes this characteristic virtually useless for quantitative comparison of different networks.

Spatially resolved regression analysis of pre-treatment FDG, FLT and Cu-ATSM PET from post-treatment FDG PET: an exploratory study

PubMed Central

Bowen, Stephen R; Chappell, Richard J; Bentzen, Søren M; Deveau, Michael A; Forrest, Lisa J; Jeraj, Robert

2012-01-01

Purpose To quantify associations between pre-radiotherapy and post-radiotherapy PET parameters via spatially resolved regression. Materials and methods Ten canine sinonasal cancer patients underwent PET/CT scans of [18F]FDG (FDGpre), [18F]FLT (FLTpre), and [61Cu]Cu-ATSM (Cu-ATSMpre). Following radiotherapy regimens of 50 Gy in 10 fractions, veterinary patients underwent FDG PET/CT scans at three months (FDGpost). Regression of standardized uptake values in baseline FDGpre, FLTpre and Cu-ATSMpre tumour voxels to those in FDGpost images was performed for linear, log-linear, generalized-linear and mixed-fit linear models. Goodness-of-fit in regression coefficients was assessed by R2. Hypothesis testing of coefficients over the patient population was performed. Results Multivariate linear model fits of FDGpre to FDGpost were significantly positive over the population (FDGpost~0.17 FDGpre, p=0.03), and classified slopes of RECIST non-responders and responders to be different (0.37 vs. 0.07, p=0.01). Generalized-linear model fits related FDGpre to FDGpost by a linear power law (FDGpost~FDGpre0.93, p<0.001). Univariate mixture model fits of FDGpre improved R2 from 0.17 to 0.52. Neither baseline FLT PET nor Cu-ATSM PET uptake contributed statistically significant multivariate regression coefficients. Conclusions Spatially resolved regression analysis indicates that pre-treatment FDG PET uptake is most strongly associated with three-month post-treatment FDG PET uptake in this patient population, though associations are histopathology-dependent. PMID:22682748

gamma-Aminobutyric acid production in small and large intestine of normal and germ-free Wistar rats. Influence of food intake and intestinal flora.

PubMed

van Berlo, C L; de Jonge, H R; van den Bogaard, A E; van Eijk, H M; Janssen, M A; Soeters, P B

1987-09-01

In recent hypotheses concerning the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is claimed to be produced by the colonic flora, although enzymes necessary to generate GABA have been reported to be present in intestinal mucosa. In this study, using normal and germ-free Wistar rats, we determined GABA levels and amino-grams of arterial blood and of venous effluent from small and large bowel. The data indicate that large and small intestinal mucosa significantly contribute to GABA production. In the fasted state GABA concentrations are greater in the venous effluent of the small bowel than in the venous effluent of the large bowel. Feeding increases the arterioportal differences, and uptake in the small bowel is still significantly higher than in the large bowel. This process is not, or can only be to a minor degree, bacterially mediated, because GABA production in the gut both in the fed and fasted state is of similar magnitude in germ-free and normal animals. gamma-Aminobutyric acid release correlates significantly with glutamine uptake in the small bowel of fasted rats. Only a small fraction of the glutamine taken up is needed to account for GABA release, so that conclusions concerning which amino acids may serve as precursors of GABA cannot be drawn. Further studies are needed to delineate the metabolic pathways leading to GABA synthesis.

Uptake of PAHs into polyoxymethylene and application to oil-soot (lampblack)-impacted soil samples.

PubMed

Hong, Lei; Luthy, Richard G

2008-05-01

Polyoxymethylene (POM) is a polymeric material used increasingly in passive sampling of hydrophobic organic contaminants such as PAHs and PCBs in soils and sediments. In this study, we examined the sorption behavior of 12 PAH compounds to POM and observed linear isotherms spanning two orders of magnitude of aqueous concentrations. Uptake kinetic studies performed in batch systems for up to 54 d with two different volume ratios of POM-to-aqueous phase were evaluated with coupled diffusion and mass transfer models to simulate the movement of PAHs during the uptake process and to assess the physicochemical properties and experimental conditions that control uptake rates. Diffusion coefficients of PAHs in POM were estimated to be well correlated with diffusants' molecular weights as D(POM) proportional, variant(MW)(-3), descending from 2.3 x 10(-10) cm(2) s(-1) for naphthalene to 7.0 x 10(-11) cm(2) s(-1) for pyrene. The uptake rates for PAHs with log K(ow)<5.8 were controlled by the POM phase and the hydrophobicity of PAH compounds. For more hydrophobic PAH compounds, the aqueous boundary layer played an increasingly important role in determining the overall mass transfer rate. The POM partitioning technique was demonstrated to agree well with two other procedures for measuring PAH soil-water distribution coefficients in oil-soot (lampblack) containing soil samples.

Experimental study of the interaction of HO2 radicals with soot surface.

PubMed

Bedjanian, Yuri; Lelièvre, Stéphane; Le Bras, Georges

2005-01-21

The reaction of HO2 with toluene and kerosene flame soot was studied over the temperature range 240-350 K and at P = 0.5-5 Torr of helium using a discharge flow reactor coupled to a modulated molecular beam mass spectrometer. A flat-flame burner was used for the preparation and deposition of soot samples from premixed flames of liquid fuels under well controlled and adjustable combustion conditions. The independent of temperature in the range 240-350 K value of gamma = (7.5 +/- 1.5) x 10(-2) (calculated with geometric surface area) was found for the uptake coefficient of HO2 on kerosene and toluene soot. No significant deactivation of soot surface during its reaction with HO2 was observed. Experiments on soot ageing under ambient conditions showed that the reactivity of aged soot is similar to that of freshly prepared soot samples. The results show that the HO2 + soot reaction could be a significant loss process for HOx in the urban atmosphere with a potential impact on photochemical ozone formation. In contrast this process will be negligible in the upper troposphere even in flight corridors.

Influence of antigen on immune complex behavior in mice.

PubMed

Finbloom, D S; Magilavy, D B; Harford, J B; Rifai, A; Plotz, P H

1981-07-01

To explore the possibility that the behavior of immune complexes can, under some circumstances, be directed by the antigen, we have studied the behavior of complexes of identical size made with the glycoproteins, orosomucoid (OR), and ceruloplasmin: or with their desialylated derivatives, asialo-orosomucoid (ASOR) and asialo-ceruloplasmin. Such desialylated proteins are rapidly removed from the circulation by a hepatic cell receptor for galactose, the sugar exposed upon removal of sialic acid. Mixtures of 125I-goat anti-ASOR with either ASOR or OR and mixtures of 125I-rabbit anti-OR with either ASOR or OR form complexes identically. The complexes were separated by density gradient centrifugation and injected intravenously into C3H mice. Blood clearance and hepatic uptake of the OR complexes and ASOR complexes were markedly different. T 1/2 for the goat OR complexes exceeded 300 min, whereas that for the ASOR complexes was 15 min. More detailed studies using rabbit complexes of various sizes revealed that light rabbit complexes behaved similarly to the goat complexes. The light rabbit OR complexes were cleared slowly, with only 18% found in the liver at 60 min, whereas the light rabbit ASOR complexes were cleared much more rapidly, with 62% found within the liver by 30 min. This rapid clearance was completely suppressed by a prior injection of a blocking dose of ASOR, which implies uptake by a galactose-mediated mechanism on hepatocytes. As the size of the rabbit complexes increased, so did the rate of Fc receptor-mediated clearance. Heavy rabbit OR complexes were cleared more rapidly than light OR complexes but not so rapidly as heavy ASOR complexes. The clearance and hepatic uptake of the heavy OR complexes were markedly suppressed by a prior injection of heat-aggregated gamma globulin, a known Fc receptor-blocking agent (45% hepatic uptake without and 6% with aggregated gamma globulin). The heavy rabbit ASOR complexes exhibited inhibition of blood clearance and hepatic uptake by both galactose receptor-blocking and Fc receptor-blocking agents. A blocking dose of ASOR reduced the hepatic uptake at 30 min from 75 to 49%, and heat-aggregated gamma globulin reduced it from 75 to 39%, which suggests that these heavy complexes were removed from the circulation by receptors both for the immunoglobulin and for the antigen. Cell separation studies and autoradiographs confirmed that those complexes cleared primarily by galactose-mediated mechanism were within hepatocytes, and those cleared by Fc receptors were within the nonparenchymal cells of the liver. It seems probable, therefore, the some antigen-antibody complexes may be removed from the circulation via receptors not only for immunoglobulin but also for antigen.

Statistical Analysis of Bending Rigidity Coefficient Determined Using Fluorescence-Based Flicker-Noise Spectroscopy.

PubMed

Doskocz, Joanna; Drabik, Dominik; Chodaczek, Grzegorz; Przybyło, Magdalena; Langner, Marek

2018-06-01

Bending rigidity coefficient describes propensity of a lipid bilayer to deform. In order to measure the parameter experimentally using flickering noise spectroscopy, the microscopic imaging is required, which necessitates the application of giant unilamellar vesicles (GUV) lipid bilayer model. The major difficulty associated with the application of the model is the statistical character of GUV population with respect to their size and the homogeneity of lipid bilayer composition, if a mixture of lipids is used. In the paper, the bending rigidity coefficient was measured using the fluorescence-enhanced flicker-noise spectroscopy. In the paper, the bending rigidity coefficient was determined for large populations of 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine and 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine vesicles. The quantity of obtained experimental data allows to perform statistical analysis aiming at the identification of the distribution, which is the most appropriate for the calculation of the value of the membrane bending rigidity coefficient. It has been demonstrated that the bending rigidity coefficient is characterized by an asymmetrical distribution, which is well approximated with the gamma distribution. Since there are no biophysical reasons for that we propose to use the difference between normal and gamma fits as a measure of the homogeneity of vesicle population. In addition, the effect of a fluorescent label and types of instrumental setups on determined values has been tested. Obtained results show that the value of the bending rigidity coefficient does not depend on the type of a fluorescent label nor on the type of microscope used.

A comparative study of gamma-ray interaction and absorption in some building materials using Zeff-toolkit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mann, Kulwinder Singh; Heer, Manmohan Singh; Rani, Asha

2016-07-01

The gamma-ray shielding behaviour of a material can be investigated by determining its various interaction and energy-absorption parameters (such as mass attenuation coefficients, mass energy absorption coefficients, and corresponding effective atomic numbers and electron densities). Literature review indicates that the effective atomic number (Zeff) has been used as extensive parameters for evaluating the effects and defect in the chosen materials caused by ionising radiations (X-rays and gamma-rays). A computer program (Zeff-toolkit) has been designed for obtaining the mean value of effective atomic number calculated by three different methods. A good agreement between the results obtained with Zeff-toolkit, Auto_Zeff software and experimentally measured values of Zeff has been observed. Although the Zeff-toolkit is capable of computing effective atomic numbers for both photon interaction (Zeff,PI) and energy absorption (Zeff,En) using three methods in each. No similar computer program is available in the literature which simultaneously computes these parameters simultaneously. The computed parameters have been compared and correlated in the wide energy range (0.001-20 MeV) for 10 commonly used building materials. The prominent variations in these parameters with gamma-ray photon energy have been observed due to the dominance of various absorption and scattering phenomena. The mean values of two effective atomic numbers (Zeff,PI and Zeff,En) are equivalent at energies below 0.002 MeV and above 0.3 MeV, indicating the dominance of gamma-ray absorption (photoelectric and pair production) over scattering (Compton) at these energies. Conversely in the energy range 0.002-0.3 MeV, the Compton scattering of gamma-rays dominates the absorption. From the 10 chosen samples of building materials, 2 soils showed better shielding behaviour than did other 8 materials.

Effect of alkyl glycerophosphate on the activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma and glucose uptake in C2C12 cells.

PubMed

Tsukahara, Tamotsu; Haniu, Hisao; Matsuda, Yoshikazu

2013-04-12

Studies on the effects of lipids on skeletal muscle cells rarely examine the effects of lysophospholipids. Through our recent studies, we identified select forms of phospholipids, such as alkyl-LPA, as ligands for the intracellular receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). PPARγ is a nuclear hormone receptor implicated in many human diseases, including diabetes and obesity. We previously showed that alkyl-LPA is a specific agonist of PPARγ. However, the mechanism by which the alkyl-LPA-PPARγ axis affects skeletal muscle cells is poorly defined. Our objective in the present study was to determine whether alkyl-LPA and PPARγ activation promotes glucose uptake in skeletal muscle cells. Our findings indicate that PPARγ1 mRNA is more abundant than PPARγ2 mRNA in C2C12 cells. We showed that alkyl-LPA (3 μM) significantly activated PPARγ and increased intracellular glucose levels in skeletal muscle cells. We also showed that incubation of C2C12 cells with alkyl-LPA led to lipid accumulation in the cells. These findings suggest that alkyl-LPA activates PPARγ and stimulates glucose uptake in the absence of insulin in C2C12 cells. This may contribute to the plasma glucose-lowering effect in the treatment of insulin resistance. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Tribological and microstructural characteristics of ion-nitrided steels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spalvins, T.

1983-01-01

Three steels AISI 4140, AISI 4340 and AISI 304 stainless steel were ion nitrided in a plasma consisting of a 75:25 mixture of H2:N2, sometimes with a trace of CH4. Their surface topography was characterized by SEM and two distinct compound phases were identified: the gamma and the epsilon. The core-case hardness profiles were also established. The low Cr alloy steels have an extended diffusion zone in contrast to the 304 stainless steels which have a sharp interface. The depth of ion-nitriding is increased as the Cr content is decreased. Friction tests reveal that the gamma surface phase has a lower coefficient of friction than the epsilon phase. The lowest coefficient of friction is achieved when both the rider and the specimen surface are ion nitrided.

Effect of gamma radiation on the physico-chemical properties of alginate-based films and beads

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huq, Tanzina; Khan, Avik; Dussault, Dominic; Salmieri, Stephane; Khan, Ruhul A.; Lacroix, Monique

2012-08-01

Alginate solution (3%, w/v) was prepared using deionized water from its powder. Then the solution was exposed to gamma radiation (0.1-25 kGy). The alginate films were prepared by solution casting. It was found that gamma radiation has strong effect on alginate solution. At low doses, mechanical strength of the alginate films improved but after 5 kGy dose, the strength started to decrease. The mechanism of alginate radiolysis in aqueous solution is discussed. Film formation was not possible from alginate solution at doses >5 kGy. The mechanical properties such as puncture strength (PS), puncture deformation (PD), viscoelasticity (Y) coefficient of the un-irradiated films were investigated. The values of PS, PD and Y coefficient of the films were 333 N/mm, 3.20 mm and 27%, respectively. Alginate beads were prepared from 3% alginate solution (w/v) by ionotropic gelation method in 5% CaCl2 solution. The rate of gel swelling improved in irradiated alginate-based beads at low doses (up to 0.5 kGy).

Gamma rays shielding parameters for white metal alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaur, Taranjot; Sharma, Jeewan; Singh, Tejbir

2018-05-01

In the present study, an attempt has been made to check the feasibility of white metal alloys as gamma rays shielding materials. Different combinations of cadmium, lead, tin and zinc were used to prepare quaternary alloys Pb60Sn20ZnxCd20-x (where x = 5, 10, 15) using melt quench technique. These alloys were also known as white metal alloys because of its shining appearance. The density of prepared alloys has been measured using Archimedes Principle. Gamma rays shielding parameters viz. mass attenuation coefficient (µm), effective atomic number (Zeff), electron density (Nel), Mean free path (mfp), Half value layer (HVL) and Tenth value layer (TVL) has been evaluated for these alloys in the wide energy range from 1 keV to 100 GeV. The WinXCom software has been used for obtaining mass attenuation coefficient values for the prepared alloys in the given energy range. The effective atomic number (Zeff) has been assigned to prepared alloys using atomic to electronic cross section ratio method. Further, the variation of various shielding parameters with photon energy has been investigated for the prepared white metal alloys.

Caffeine sensitization of cultured mammalian cells and human lymphocytes irradiated with gamma rays and fast neutrons: a study of relative biological effectiveness in relation to cellular repair

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

Hannan, M.A.; Gibson, D.P.

1985-10-01

The sensitizing effects of caffeine were studied in baby hamster kidney (BHK-21) cells and human lymphocytes following irradiation with gamma rays and fast neutrons. Caffeine sensitization occurred only when log-phase BHK cells and mitogen-stimulated lymphocytes were exposed to the two radiations. Noncycling (confluent) cells of BHK resulted in a shouldered survival curve following gamma irradiation while a biphasic curve was obtained with the log-phase cells. Survival in the case of lymphocytes was estimated by measurement of (TH)thymidine uptake. The relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of fast neutrons was found to be greater at survival levels corresponding to the resistant portions ofmore » the survival curves (shoulder or resistant tail). In both cell types, no reduction in RBE was observed when caffeine was present, because caffeine affected both gamma and neutron survival by the same proportion.« less

Repeatable noninvasive measurement of mouse myocardial glucose uptake with 18F-FDG: evaluation of tracer kinetics in a type 1 diabetes model.

PubMed

Thorn, Stephanie L; deKemp, Robert A; Dumouchel, Tyler; Klein, Ran; Renaud, Jennifer M; Wells, R Glenn; Gollob, Michael H; Beanlands, Rob S; DaSilva, Jean N

2013-09-01

A noninvasive and repeatable method for assessing mouse myocardial glucose uptake with (18)F-FDG PET and Patlak kinetic analysis was systematically assessed using the vena cava image-derived blood input function (IDIF). Contrast CT and computer modeling was used to determine the vena cava recovery coefficient. Vena cava IDIF (n = 7) was compared with the left ventricular cavity IDIF, with blood and liver activity measured ex vivo at 60 min. The test-retest repeatability (n = 9) of Patlak influx constant K(i) at 10-40 min was assessed quantitatively using Bland-Altman analysis. Myocardial glucose uptake rates (rMGU) using the vena cava IDIF were calculated at baseline (n = 8), after induction of type 1 diabetes (streptozotocin [50 mg/kg] intraperitoneally, 5 d), and after acute insulin stimulation (0.08 mU/kg of body weight intraperitoneally). These changes were analyzed with a standardized uptake value calculation at 20 and 40 min after injection to correlate to the Patlak time interval. The proximal mouse vena cava diameter was 2.54 ± 0.30 mm. The estimated recovery coefficient, calculated using nonlinear image reconstruction, decreased from 0.76 initially (time 0 to peak activity) to 0.61 for the duration of the scan. There was a 17% difference in the image-derived vena cava blood activity at 60 min, compared with the ex vivo blood activity measured in the γ-counter. The coefficient of variability for Patlak K(i) values between mice was found to be 23% with the proposed method, compared with 51% when using the left ventricular cavity IDIF (P < 0.05). No significant bias in K(i) was found between repeated scans with a coefficient of repeatability of 0.16 mL/min/g. Calculated rMGU values were reduced by 60% in type 1 diabetic mice from baseline scans (P < 0.03, ANOVA), with a subsequent increase of 40% to a level not significantly different from baseline after acute insulin treatment. These results were confirmed with a standardized uptake value measured at 20 and 40 min. The mouse vena cava IDIF provides repeatable assessment of the blood time-activity curve for Patlak kinetic modeling of rMGU. An expected significant reduction in myocardial glucose uptake was demonstrated in a type 1 diabetic mouse model, with significant recovery after acute insulin treatment, using a mouse vena cava IDIF approach.

Liquid scintillation counting for /sup 14/C uptake of single algal cells isolated from natural samples

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

Rivkin, R.B.; Seliger, H.H.

1981-07-01

Short term rates of /sup 14/C uptake for single cells and small numbers of isolated algal cells of five phytoplankton species from natural populations were measured by liquid scintillation counting. Regression analysis of uptake rates per cell for cells isolated from unialgal cultures of seven species of dinoflagellates, ranging in volume from ca. 10/sup 3/ to 10/sup 7/ ..mu..m/sup 3/, gave results identical to uptake rates per cell measured by conventional /sup 14/C techniques. Relative standard errors or regression coefficients ranged between 3 and 10%, indicating that for any species there was little variation in photosynthesis per cell.

Rhizosphere Microbial Community Composition Affects Cadmium and Zinc Uptake by the Metal-Hyperaccumulating Plant Arabidopsis halleri

PubMed Central

Muehe, E. Marie; Weigold, Pascal; Adaktylou, Irini J.; Planer-Friedrich, Britta; Kraemer, Ute; Kappler, Andreas

2015-01-01

The remediation of metal-contaminated soils by phytoextraction depends on plant growth and plant metal accessibility. Soil microorganisms can affect the accumulation of metals by plants either by directly or indirectly stimulating plant growth and activity or by (im)mobilizing and/or complexing metals. Understanding the intricate interplay of metal-accumulating plants with their rhizosphere microbiome is an important step toward the application and optimization of phytoremediation. We compared the effects of a “native” and a strongly disturbed (gamma-irradiated) soil microbial communities on cadmium and zinc accumulation by the plant Arabidopsis halleri in soil microcosm experiments. A. halleri accumulated 100% more cadmium and 15% more zinc when grown on the untreated than on the gamma-irradiated soil. Gamma irradiation affected neither plant growth nor the 1 M HCl-extractable metal content of the soil. However, it strongly altered the soil microbial community composition and overall cell numbers. Pyrosequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons of DNA extracted from rhizosphere samples of A. halleri identified microbial taxa (Lysobacter, Streptomyces, Agromyces, Nitrospira, “Candidatus Chloracidobacterium”) of higher relative sequence abundance in the rhizospheres of A. halleri plants grown on untreated than on gamma-irradiated soil, leading to hypotheses on their potential effect on plant metal uptake. However, further experimental evidence is required, and wherefore we discuss different mechanisms of interaction of A. halleri with its rhizosphere microbiome that might have directly or indirectly affected plant metal accumulation. Deciphering the complex interactions between A. halleri and individual microbial taxa will help to further develop soil metal phytoextraction as an efficient and sustainable remediation strategy. PMID:25595759

High Levels of Dietary Supplement Vitamins A, C and E are Absorbed in the Small Intestine and Protect Nutrient Transport Against Chronic Gamma Irradiation.

PubMed

Roche, Marjolaine; Neti, Prasad V S V; Kemp, Francis W; Azzam, Edouard I; Ferraris, Ronaldo P; Howell, Roger W

2015-11-01

We examined nutrient transport in the intestines of mice exposed to chronic low-LET 137Cs gamma rays. The mice were whole-body irradiated for 3 days at dose rates of 0, 0.13 and 0.20 Gy/h, for total dose delivery of 0, 9.6 or 14.4 Gy, respectively. The mice were fed either a control diet or a diet supplemented with high levels of vitamins A, C and E. Our results showed that nutrient transport was perturbed by the chronic irradiation conditions. However, no apparent alteration of the macroscopic intestinal structures of the small intestine were observed up to day 10 after initiating irradiation. Jejunal fructose uptake measured in vitro was strongly affected by the chronic irradiation, whereas uptake of proline, carnosine and the bile acid taurocholate in the ileum was less affected. D-glucose transport did not appear to be inhibited significantly by either 9.6 or 14.4 Gy exposure. In the 14.4 Gy irradiated groups, the diet supplemented with high levels of vitamins A, C and E increased intestinal transport of fructose compared to the control diet (day 10; t test, P = 0.032), which correlated with elevated levels of vitamins A, C and E in the plasma and jejunal enterocytes. Our earlier studies with mice exposed acutely to 137Cs gamma rays demonstrated significant protection for transport of fructose, glucose, proline and carnosine. Taken together, these results suggest that high levels of vitamins A, C and E dietary supplements help preserve intestinal nutrient transport when intestines are irradiated chronically or acutely with low-LET gamma rays.

High Levels of Dietary Supplement Vitamins A, C and E are Absorbed in the Small Intestine and Protect Nutrient Transport Against Chronic Gamma Irradiation

PubMed Central

Azzam, Edouard I.; Ferraris, Ronaldo P.; Howell, Roger W.

2015-01-01

We examined nutrient transport in the intestines of mice exposed to chronic low-LET 137Cs gamma rays. The mice were whole-body irradiated for 3 days at dose rates of 0, 0.13 and 0.20 Gy/h, for total dose delivery of 0, 9.6 or 14.4 Gy, respectively. The mice were fed either a control diet or a diet supplemented with high levels of vitamins A, C and E. Our results showed that nutrient transport was perturbed by the chronic irradiation conditions. However, no apparent alteration of the macroscopic intestinal structures of the small intestine were observed up to day 10 after initiating irradiation. Jejunal fructose uptake measured in vitro was strongly affected by the chronic irradiation, whereas uptake of proline, carnosine and the bile acid taurocholate in the ileum was less affected. D-glucose transport did not appear to be inhibited significantly by either 9.6 or 14.4 Gy exposure. In the 14.4 Gy irradiated groups, the diet supplemented with high levels of vitamins A, C and E increased intestinal transport of fructose compared to the control diet (day 10; t test, P = 0.032), which correlated with elevated levels of vitamins A, C and E in the plasma and jejunal enterocytes. Our earlier studies with mice exposed acutely to 137Cs gamma rays demonstrated significant protection for transport of fructose, glucose, proline and carnosine. Taken together, these results suggest that high levels of vitamins A, C and E dietary supplements help preserve intestinal nutrient transport when intestines are irradiated chronically or acutely with low-LET gamma rays. PMID:26484399

Evaluation of the gamma radiation shielding parameters of bismuth modified quaternary glass system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaur, Parminder; Singh, K. J.; Thakur, Sonika

2018-05-01

Glasses modified with heavy metal oxides (HMO) are an interesting area of research in the field of gamma-ray shielding. Bismuth modified lithium-zinc-borate glasses have been studied whereby bismuth oxide is added from 0 to 50 mol%. The gamma ray shielding properties of the glasses were evaluated at photon energy 662 keV with the help of XMuDat computer program by using the Hubbell and Seltzer database. Various gamma ray shielding parameters such as attenuation coefficient, shield thickness in terms of half and tenth value layer, effective atomic number have been studied in this work. A useful comparison of this glass system has been made with standard radiation shielding concretes viz. ordinary, barite and iron concrete. The glass samples containing 20 to 50 mol% bismuth oxide have shown better gamma ray shielding properties and hence have the potential to become good radiation absorbers.

Formation of model polar stratospheric cloud films

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Middlebrook, Ann M.; Koehler, Birgit G.; Mcneill, Laurie S.; Tolbert, Margaret A.

1992-01-01

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to examine the competitive growth of films representative of polar stratospheric clouds. These experiments show that either crystalline nitric acid trihydrate (beta-NAT) or amorphous films with H2O:HNO3 ratios close to 3:1 formed at temperatures 3-7 K warmer than the ice frost point under stratospheric pressure conditions. In addition, with higher HNO3 pressure, we observed nitric acid dihydrate (NAD) formation at temperatures warmer than ice formation. However, our experiments also show that NAD surfaces converted to beta-NAT upon exposure to stratospheric water pressures. Finally, we determined that the net uptake coefficient for HNO3 on beta-NAT is close to unity, whereas the net uptake coefficient for H2O is much less.

Structure of sup 118 Sb nucleus

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

Gulyas, J.; Fenyes, T.; Fayez, M.

1992-10-01

{gamma}, {gamma}{gamma}-coincidence, internal conversion electron, and {gamma}-ray angular distribution spectra of the {sup 118}Sn({ital p},{ital n}{gamma}){sup 118}Sb reaction were measured at different bombarding proton energies between 5.5 and 7.5 MeV. {gamma}, {gamma}{gamma}-coincidence, and internal conversion electron spectra of the {sup 115}In ({alpha},{ital n}{gamma}){sup 118}Sb reaction were also measured at {ital E}{sub {alpha}}=14.5 MeV. Ge(HP), Ge(Li), Ge(LEPS) {gamma}-ray detectors, as well as a superconducting magnetic lens electron spectrometer (with Si(Li) detectors), were used in the experiments. About 210 (including {similar to}130 new) {gamma} rays have been assigned to {sup 118}Sb. The deduced {sup 118}Sb level scheme contains more than 70 newmore » levels. On the basis of the internal conversion coefficients, Hauser-Feshbach analysis of ({ital p},{ital n}) reaction cross sections, {gamma}-ray angular distributions, and other arguments spin and parity values have been determined. The parabolic rule'' prediction of the energy splitting of different proton-neutron multiplets enabled the identification of many proton-neutron multiplet states. The energy spectrum and electromagnetic properties have been calculated in the framework of the interacting boson-fermion-fermion--odd-odd truncated quadrupole phonon model, and reasonably good agreement has been obtained between experimental and theoretical results.« less

Gamma camera dual imaging with a somatostatin receptor and thymidine kinase after gene transfer with a bicistronic adenovirus in mice.

PubMed

Zinn, Kurt R; Chaudhuri, Tandra R; Krasnykh, Victor N; Buchsbaum, Donald J; Belousova, Natalya; Grizzle, William E; Curiel, David T; Rogers, Buck E

2002-05-01

To compare two systems for assessing gene transfer to cancer cells and xenograft tumors with noninvasive gamma camera imaging. A replication-incompetent adenovirus encoding the human type 2 somatostatin receptor (hSSTr2) and the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (TK) enzyme (Ad-hSSTr2-TK) was constructed. A-427 human lung cancer cells were infected in vitro and mixed with uninfected cells at different ratios. A-427 tumors in nude mice (n = 23) were injected with 1 x 10(6) to 5 x 10(8) plaque-forming units (pfu) of Ad-hSSTr2-TK. The expressed hSSTr2 and TK proteins were imaged owing to internally bound, or trapped, technetium 99m ((99m)Tc)-labeled hSSTr2-binding peptide (P2045) and radioiodinated 2'-deoxy-2'-fluoro-beta-D-arabinofuranosyl-5-iodouracil (FIAU), respectively. Iodine 125 ((125)I)-labeled FIAU was used in vitro and iodine 131 ((131)I)-labeled FIAU, in vivo. The (99m)Tc-labeled P2045 and (125)I- or (131)I-labeled FIAU were imaged simultaneously with different window settings with an Anger gamma camera. Treatment effects were tested with analysis of variance. Infected cells in culture trapped (125)I-labeled FIAU and (99m)Tc-labeled P2045; uptake correlated with the percentage of Ad-hSSTr2-TK-positive cells. For 100% of infected cells, 24% +/- 0.4 (mean +/- SD) of the added (99m)Tc-labeled P2045 was trapped, which is significantly lower (P <.05) than the 40% +/- 2 of (125)I-labeled FIAU that was trapped. For the highest Ad-hSSTr2-TK tumor dose (5 x 10(8) pfu), the uptake of (99m)Tc-labeled P2045 was 11.1% +/- 2.9 of injected dose per gram of tumor (thereafter, dose per gram), significantly higher (P <.05) than the uptake of (131)I-labeled FIAU at 1.6% +/- 0.4 dose per gram. (99m)Tc-labeled P2045 imaging consistently depicted hSSTr2 gene transfer in tumors at all adenovirus doses. Tumor uptake of (99m)Tc-labeled P2045 positively correlated with Ad-hSSTr2-TK dose; (131)I-labeled FIAU tumor uptake did not correlate with vector dose. The hSSTr2 and TK proteins were simultaneously imaged following dual gene transfer with an adenovirus vector. Copyright RSNA, 2002

Constituents from Terminalia species increase PPAR-Alpha and PPAR-Gamma levels and stimulate glucose uptake without enhancing adipocyte differentiation

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The fruits of Terminalia bellerica Roxb.(Combretaceae) and T. chebula Retz. (Combretaceae) are important components of triphala, a popular Ayurvedic formulation, for treating diabetes in Indian traditional medicine. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the constituents of T. belleric...

Gamma guidance of trajectories for coplanar, aeroassisted orbital transfer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miele, A.; Wang, T.

1990-01-01

The optimization and guidance of trajectories for coplaner, aeroassisted orbital transfer (AOT) from high Earth orbit (HEO) to low Earth orbit (LEO) are examined. In particular, HEO can be a geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO). It is assumed that the initial and final orbits are circular, that the gravitational field is central and is governed by the inverse square law, and that at most three impulses are employed: one at HEO exit, one at atmospheric exit, and one at LEO entry. It is also assumed that, during the atmospheric pass, the trajectory is controlled via the lift coefficient. The presence of upper and lower bounds on the lift coefficient is considered. First, optimal trajectories are computed by minimizing the total velocity impulse (hence, the propellant consumption) required for AOT transfer. The sequential gradient-restoration algorithm (SGRA) is used for optimal control problems. The optimal trajectory is shown to include two branches: a relatively short descending flight branch (branch 1) and a long ascending flight branch (branch 2). Next, attention is focused on guidance trajectories capable of approximating the optimal trajectories in real time, while retaining the essential characteristics of simplicity, ease of implementation, and reliability. For the atmospheric pass, a feedback control scheme is employed and the lift coefficient is adjusted according to a two-stage gamma guidance law. Further improvements are possible via a modified gamma guidance which is more stable with respect to dispersion effects arising from navigation errors, variations of the atmospheric density, and uncertainties in the aerodynamic coefficients than gamma guidance trajectory. A byproduct of the studies on dispersion effects is the following design concept. For coplaner aeroassisted orbital transfer, the lift-range-to-weight ratio appears to play a more important role than the lift-to-drag ratio. This is because the lift-range-to-weight ratio controls mainly the minimum altitude (hence, the peak heating rate) of the guidance trajectory; on the other hand, the lift-to-drag ratio controls mainly the duration of the atmospheric pass of the guidance trajectory.

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

Akkurt, Iskender; Guenoglu, Kadir

The radiation is an essential phenomenon in daily life. There are various amounts of radioactivite substances in the underground and the earth was irradiated by this substances. Humans are exposed to various kind of radiation from these sources. The travertines are usually used as a coating material in buildings. In this study, the photon attenuation coefficients of some travertines have been measured using a gamma spectroscopy with NaI(Tl) detector. The measurements have been performed using {sup 60}Co source which gives 1173 and 1332 keV energies gamma rays and {sup 137}Cs source which gives 662 keV energy gamma rays and themore » results will be discussed.« less

Effect of alkyl glycerophosphate on the activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma and glucose uptake in C2C12 cells

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

Tsukahara, Tamotsu, E-mail: ttamotsu@shinshu-u.ac.jp; Haniu, Hisao; Matsuda, Yoshikazu

Highlights: •Alkyl-LPA specifically interacts with PPARγ. •Alkyl-LPA treatments induces lipid accumulation in C2C12 cells. •Alkyl-LPA enhanced glucose uptake in C2C12 cells. •Alkyl-LPA-treated C2C12 cells express increased amounts of GLUT4 mRNA. •Alkyl-LPA is a novel therapeutic agent that can be used for the treatment of obesity and diabetes. -- Abstract: Studies on the effects of lipids on skeletal muscle cells rarely examine the effects of lysophospholipids. Through our recent studies, we identified select forms of phospholipids, such as alkyl-LPA, as ligands for the intracellular receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). PPARγ is a nuclear hormone receptor implicated in many human diseases,more » including diabetes and obesity. We previously showed that alkyl-LPA is a specific agonist of PPARγ. However, the mechanism by which the alkyl-LPA–PPARγ axis affects skeletal muscle cells is poorly defined. Our objective in the present study was to determine whether alkyl-LPA and PPARγ activation promotes glucose uptake in skeletal muscle cells. Our findings indicate that PPARγ1 mRNA is more abundant than PPARγ2 mRNA in C2C12 cells. We showed that alkyl-LPA (3 μM) significantly activated PPARγ and increased intracellular glucose levels in skeletal muscle cells. We also showed that incubation of C2C12 cells with alkyl-LPA led to lipid accumulation in the cells. These findings suggest that alkyl-LPA activates PPARγ and stimulates glucose uptake in the absence of insulin in C2C12 cells. This may contribute to the plasma glucose-lowering effect in the treatment of insulin resistance.« less

Gamma ray shielding and structural properties of Bi2O3-PbO-B2O3-V2O5 glass system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaur, Kulwinder; Singh, K. J.; Anand, Vikas

2014-04-01

The present work has been undertaken to evaluate the applicability of Bi2O3-PbO-B2O3-V2O5 glass system as gamma ray shielding material. Gamma ray mass attenuation coefficient has been determined theoretically using WinXcom computer software developed by National Institute of Standards and Technology. A meaningful comparison of their radiation shielding properties has been made in terms of their half value layer parameter with standard radiation shielding concrete 'barite'. Structural properties of the prepared glass system have been investigated in terms of XRD and FTIR techniques in order to check the possibility of their commercial utility as alternate to conventional concrete for gamma ray shielding applications.

Influence of Humidity On the Aerosol Scattering Coefficient and Its Effect on the Upwelling Radiance During ACE-2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gasso, S.; Hegg, D. A.; Covert, D. S.; Collins, D.; Noone, K. J.; Oestroem, E.; Schmid, B.; Russell, P. B.; Livingston, J. M.; Durkee, P. A.

2000-01-01

Aerosol scattering coefficients (sigma(sub sp)) have been measured over the ocean at different relative humidities (RH) as a function of altitude in the region surrounding the Canary Islands during the Second Aerosol Characterization Experiment (ACE-2) in June and July 1997. The data were collected by the University of Washington passive humidigraph (UWPH) mounted on the Pelican research aircraft. Concurrently, particle size distributions, absorption coefficients and aerosol optical depth were measured throughout 17 flights. A parameterization of sigma(sub sp) as a function of RH was utilized to assess the impact of aerosol hydration on the upwelling radiance (normalized to the solar constant and cosine of zenith angle). The top of the atmosphere radiance signal was simulated at wavelengths corresponding to visible and near-infrared bands of the EOS (Earth Observing System) AM-1 (Terra) detectors, MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) and MISR (Multi-angle Imaging Spectroradiometer). The UWPH measured sigma(sub sp) at two RHs, one below and the other above ambient conditions. Ambient sigma(sub sp) was obtained by interpolation of these two measurements. The data were stratified in terms of three types of aerosols: Saharan dust, clean marine (marine boundary layer background) and polluted marine aerosols (i.e., two- or one-day old polluted aerosols advected from Europe). An empirical relation for the dependence of sigma(sub sp) on RH, defined by sigma(sub sp)(RH) = k.(1 - RH/100)(sup gamma), was used with the hygroscopic exponent gamma derived from the data. The following gamma values were obtained for the 3 aerosol types: gamma(dust) = 0.23 +/- 0.05, gamma(clean marine) = 0.69 +/- 0.06 and gamma(polluted marine) = 0.57 +/- 0.06. Based on the measured gammas, the above equation was utilized to derive aerosol models with different hygroscopicities. The satellite simulation signal code 6S was used to compute the upwelling radiance corresponding to each of those aerosol models at several ambient humidities. For the prelaunch estimated precision of the sensors and the assumed viewing geometry of the instrument, the simulations suggest that the spectral and angular dependence of the reflectance measured by MISR is not sufficient to distinguish aerosol models with various different combinations of values for dry composition, gamma and ambient RH. A similar behavior is observed for MODIS at visible wavelengths. However, the 2100 nm band of MODIS appears to be able to differentiate between at least same aerosol models with different aerosol hygroscopicity given the MODIS calibration error requirements. This result suggests the possibility of retrieval of aerosol hygroscopicity by MODIS.

Uptake of HNO3 on water-ice and coadsorption of HNO3 and HCl in the temperature range 210-235 K

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hynes, Robert G.; Fernandez, Miguel A.; Cox, R. Anthony

2002-12-01

The uptake of HNO3 on water-ice films was investigated in a coated wall flow reactor under tropospheric temperature conditions. Experiments were performed in the "ice" region of the HNO3-H2O phase diagram. With HNO3 partial pressures in the range of (0.3-2.0) × 10-6 Torr, continuous uptake was observed below 215 K; whereas above 215 K, the uptake was time dependent. Using the geometric surface area of the ice film, the surface coverage at 218 K was 3.0 × 1014 molecules/cm2, decreasing to 1.5 × 1014 molecules/cm2 at 233 K; the timescales for saturation were 700 and 800 s at 218 and 233 K, respectively. The surface coverage was found to change by a factor of 2 over a 10-fold change in HNO3 partial pressure. By assuming that the surface coverage can be represented by a Langmuir isotherm for dissociative adsorption, the enthalpy of adsorption of HNO3 onto ice was found to be -(54.0 ± 2.6) kJ/mol. At a constant HNO3 partial pressure, the maximum uptake coefficients, γ, were measured as a function of temperature, decreasing from 0.03 at 215 K down to 0.006 at 235 K. The uptake coefficients at 218 K were not significantly affected by changes in HNO3 partial pressure. The uptake of HCl at 218 K on ice surfaces previously dosed with HNO3 was found to be reversible, and the coadsorption of HNO3 with HCl indicates that HCl is displaced from surface sites by HNO3 molecules. Uptake of HNO3 on HCl-dosed surfaces showed that HNO3 molecules displace ˜1013 molecules/cm3 of HCl. The efficiency of cirrus clouds in scavenging HNO3 is discussed, as well as the implications for chlorine activation reactions under tropospheric temperature conditions.

Repeatability of Quantitative Whole-Body 18F-FDG PET/CT Uptake Measures as Function of Uptake Interval and Lesion Selection in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients.

PubMed

Kramer, Gerbrand Maria; Frings, Virginie; Hoetjes, Nikie; Hoekstra, Otto S; Smit, Egbert F; de Langen, Adrianus Johannes; Boellaard, Ronald

2016-09-01

Change in (18)F-FDG uptake may predict response to anticancer treatment. The PERCIST suggest a threshold of 30% change in SUV to define partial response and progressive disease. Evidence underlying these thresholds consists of mixed stand-alone PET and PET/CT data with variable uptake intervals and no consensus on the number of lesions to be assessed. Additionally, there is increasing interest in alternative (18)F-FDG uptake measures such as metabolically active tumor volume and total lesion glycolysis (TLG). The aim of this study was to comprehensively investigate the repeatability of various quantitative whole-body (18)F-FDG metrics in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients as a function of tracer uptake interval and lesion selection strategies. Eleven NSCLC patients, with at least 1 intrathoracic lesion 3 cm or greater, underwent double baseline whole-body (18)F-FDG PET/CT scans at 60 and 90 min after injection within 3 d. All (18)F-FDG-avid tumors were delineated with an 50% threshold of SUVpeak adapted for local background. SUVmax, SUVmean, SUVpeak, TLG, metabolically active tumor volume, and tumor-to-blood and -liver ratios were evaluated, as well as the influence of lesion selection and 2 methods for correction of uptake time differences. The best repeatability was found using the SUV metrics of the averaged PERCIST target lesions (repeatability coefficients < 10%). The correlation between test and retest scans was strong for all uptake measures at either uptake interval (intraclass correlation coefficient > 0.97 and R(2) > 0.98). There were no significant differences in repeatability between data obtained 60 and 90 min after injection. When only PERCIST-defined target lesions were included (n = 34), repeatability improved for all uptake values. Normalization to liver or blood uptake or glucose correction did not improve repeatability. However, after correction for uptake time the correlation of SUV measures and TLG between the 60- and 90-min data significantly improved without affecting test-retest performance. This study suggests that a 15% change of SUVmean/SUVpeak at 60 min after injection can be used to assess response in advanced NSCLC patients if up to 5 PERCIST target lesions are assessed. Lower thresholds could be used in averaged PERCIST target lesions (<10%). © 2016 by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Inc.

Development of a novel gamma probe for detecting radiation direction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pani, R.; Pellegrini, R.; Cinti, M. N.; Longo, M.; Donnarumma, R.; D'Alessio, A.; Borrazzo, C.; Pergola, A.; Ridolfi, S.; De Vincentis, G.

2016-01-01

Spatial localization of radioactive sources is currently a main issue interesting different fields, including nuclear industry, homeland security as well as medical imaging. It is currently achieved using different systems, but the development of technologies for detecting and characterizing radiation is becoming important especially in medical imaging. In this latter field, radiation detection probes have long been used to guide surgery, thanks to their ability to localize and quantify radiopharmaceutical uptake even deep in tissue. Radiolabelled colloid is injected into, or near to, the tumor and the surgeon uses a hand-held radiation detector, the gamma probe, to identify lymph nodes with radiopharmaceutical uptkake. The present work refers to a novel scintigraphic goniometric probe to identify gamma radiation and its direction. The probe incorporates several scintillation crystals joined together in a particular configuration to provide data related to the position of a gamma source. The main technical characteristics of the gamma locator prototype, i.e. sensitivity, spatial resolution and detection efficiency, are investigated. Moreover, the development of a specific procedure applied to the images permits to retrieve the source position with high precision with respect to the currently used gamma probes. The presented device shows a high sensitivity and efficiency to identify gamma radiation taking a short time (from 30 to 60 s). Even though it was designed for applications in radio-guided surgery, it could be used for other purposes, as for example homeland security.

Adhesion, friction, and wear behavior of clean metal-ceramic couples

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miyoshi, Kazuhisa

1995-01-01

When a clean metal is brought into contact with a clean, harder ceramic in ultrahigh vacuum, strong bonds form between the two materials. The interfacial bond strength between the metal and ceramic surfaces in sliding contact is generally greater than the cohesive bond strength in the metal. Thus, fracture of the cohesive bonds in the metal results when shearing occurs. These strong interfacial bonds and the shearing fracture in the metal are the main causes of the observed wear behavior and the transfer of the metal to the ceramic. In the literature, the surface energy (bond energy) per unit area of the metal is shown to be related to the degree of interfacial bond strength per unit area. Because the two materials of a metal-ceramic couple have markedly different ductilities, contact can cause considerable plastic deformation of the softer metal. It is the ductility of the metal, then, that determines the real area of contact. In general, the less ductile the metal, the smaller the real area of contact. The coefficient of friction for clean surfaces of metal-ceramic couples correlates with the metals total surface energy in the real area of contact gamma A (which is the product of the surface energy per unit area of the metal gamma and the real area of contact (A)). The coefficient of friction increases as gamma A increases. Furthermore, gamma A is associated with the wear and transfer of the metal at the metal-ceramic interface: the higher the value of gamma A, the greater the wear and transfer of the metal.

Structural and optical analysis of 60Co gamma-irradiated thin films of polycrystalline Ga10Se85Sn5

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmad, Shabir; Asokan, K.; Shahid Khan, Mohd.; Zulfequar, M.

2015-12-01

The present study focuses on the effects of gamma irradiation on structural and optical properties of polycrystalline Ga10Se85Sn5 thin films with a thickness of ∼300 nm deposited by the thermal evaporation technique on cleaned glass substrates. X-ray diffraction patterns of the investigated thin films show that crystallite growth occurs in the orthorhombic phase structure. The surface study carried out by using the scanning electron microscope (SEM) confirms that the grain size increases with gamma irradiation. The optical parameters were estimated from optical transmission spectra data measured from a UV-vis-spectrophotometer in the wavelength range of 200-1100 nm. The refractive index dispersion data of the investigated thin films follow the single oscillator model. The estimated values of static refractive index n0, oscillator strength Ed, zero frequency dielectric constant ε0, optical conductivity σoptical and the dissipation factor increases after irradiation, while the single oscillator energy Eo decreases after irradiation. It was found that the value of the optical band gap of the investigated thin films decreases and the corresponding absorption coefficient increases continuously with an increase in the dose of gamma irradiation. This post irradiation changes in the values of optical band gap and absorption coefficient were interpreted in terms of the bond distribution model.

The Effect of Gas Density on Gas Transport during High Frequency Oscillation

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-04-04

found that as alveolar ventilation increased the rate of uptake of halothane increased. Papper and Kitz (1963) used conventiot~al positive pressure...coefficient (halothane) = 2.3 ( Papper and Kitz, 1963; Wylie and Churchill-Davidson, 1972; Eger, 1976) [ 11] v2 =Volume (L), (310)(22.4)/ 273...there is an increase in alveolar concentration of halothane with conventional ventilation (Kety, 1951; Papper and Kitz, 1963). Our halothane uptake

Repeatability of quantitative FDG-PET/CT and contrast-enhanced CT in recurrent ovarian carcinoma: test-retest measurements for tumor FDG uptake, diameter, and volume.

PubMed

Rockall, Andrea G; Avril, Norbert; Lam, Raymond; Iannone, Robert; Mozley, P David; Parkinson, Christine; Bergstrom, Donald; Sala, Evis; Sarker, Shah-Jalal; McNeish, Iain A; Brenton, James D

2014-05-15

Repeatability of baseline FDG-PET/CT measurements has not been tested in ovarian cancer. This dual-center, prospective study assessed variation in tumor 2[18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) uptake, tumor diameter, and tumor volume from sequential FDG-PET/CT and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) in patients with recurrent platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer. Patients underwent two pretreatment baseline FDG-PET/CT (n = 21) and CECT (n = 20) at two clinical sites with different PET/CT instruments. Patients were included if they had at least one target lesion in the abdomen with a standardized uptake value (SUV) maximum (SUVmax) of ≥ 2.5 and a long axis diameter of ≥ 15 mm. Two independent reading methods were used to evaluate repeatability of tumor diameter and SUV uptake: on site and at an imaging clinical research organization (CRO). Tumor volume reads were only performed by CRO. In each reading set, target lesions were independently measured on sequential imaging. Median time between FDG-PET/CT was two days (range 1-7). For site reads, concordance correlation coefficients (CCC) for SUVmean, SUVmax, and tumor diameter were 0.95, 0.94, and 0.99, respectively. Repeatability coefficients were 16.3%, 17.3%, and 8.8% for SUVmean, SUVmax, and tumor diameter, respectively. Similar results were observed for CRO reads. Tumor volume CCC was 0.99 with a repeatability coefficient of 28.1%. There was excellent test-retest repeatability for FDG-PET/CT quantitative measurements across two sites and two independent reading methods. Cutoff values for determining change in SUVmean, SUVmax, and tumor volume establish limits to determine metabolic and/or volumetric response to treatment in platinum-sensitive relapsed ovarian cancer. ©2014 American Association for Cancer Research.

The effect of oil-water partition coefficient on the distribution and cellular uptake of liposome-encapsulated gold nanoparticles.

PubMed

Bao, Quan-Ying; Liu, Ai-Yun; Ma, Yu; Chen, Huan; Hong, Jin; Shen, Wen-Bin; Zhang, Can; Ding, Ya

2016-10-01

The shape, size, and surface features of nanoparticles greatly influence the structure and properties of resulting hybrid nanosystems. In this work, gold nanoparticles (GNPs) were modified via S-Au covalent bonding by glycol monomethyl ether thioctate with poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether of different molecular weights (i.e., 350, 550, and 750Da). These modified GNPs (i.e., GNP350, GNP550, and GNP750) showed different oil-water partition coefficients (Kp), as detected using inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy. The different Kp values of the gold conjugates (i.e., 13.98, 2.11, and 0.036 for GNP350, GNP550, and GNP750, respectively) resulted in different conjugate localization within liposomes, as observed by transmission electron microscopy. In addition, the cellular uptake of hybrid liposomes co-encapsulating gold conjugates and Nile red was evaluated using intracellular fluorescence intensity. The results indicated that precise GNP localization in the hydrophilic or hydrophobic liposome cavity could be achieved by regulating the GNP oil-water partition coefficient via surface modification; such localization could further affect the properties and functions of hybrid liposomes, including their cellular uptake profiles. This study furthers the understanding not only of the interaction between liposomes and inorganic nanoparticles but also of adjusting liposome-gold hybrid nanostructure properties via the surface chemistry of gold materials. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Tribological and microstructural characteristics of ion-nitrided steels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spalvins, T.

1983-01-01

Three steels AISI 4140, AISI 4340 and AISI 304 stainless steel were ion nitrided in a plasma consisting of a 75:25 mixture of H2:N2, sometimes with a trace of CH4. Their surface topography was characterized by SEM and two distinct compound phases were identified: the gamma and the epsilon. The core-case hardness profiles were also established. The low Cr alloy steels have an extended diffusion zone in contrast to the 3034 stainless steels which have a sharp interface. The depth of ion-nitriding is increased as the Cr content is decreased. Friction tests reveal that the gamma surface phase has a lower coefficient of friction than the epsilon phase. The lowest coefficient of friction is achieved when both the rider and the specimen surface are ion nitrided. Previously announced in STAR as N83-24635

Evaluation of gamma-ray attenuation properties of bismuth borate glass systems using Monte Carlo method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tarim, Urkiye Akar; Ozmutlu, Emin N.; Yalcin, Sezai; Gundogdu, Ozcan; Bradley, D. A.; Gurler, Orhan

2017-11-01

A Monte Carlo method was developed to investigate radiation shielding properties of bismuth borate glass. The mass attenuation coefficients and half-value layer parameters were determined for different fractional amounts of Bi2O3 in the glass samples for the 356, 662, 1173 and 1332 keV photon energies. A comparison of the theoretical and experimental attenuation coefficients is presented.

Literature Review and Assessment of Plant and Animal Transfer Factors Used in Performance Assessment Modeling

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

Robertson, David E.; Cataldo, Dominic A.; Napier, Bruce A.

2003-07-20

A literature review and assessment was conducted by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) to update information on plant and animal radionuclide transfer factors used in performance-assessment modeling. A group of 15 radionuclides was included in this review and assessment. The review is composed of four main sections, not including the Introduction. Section 2.0 provides a review of the critically important issue of physicochemical speciation and geochemistry of the radionuclides in natural soil-water systems as it relates to the bioavailability of the radionuclides. Section 3.0 provides an updated review of the parameters of importance in the uptake of radionuclides by plants,more » including root uptake via the soil-groundwater system and foliar uptake due to overhead irrigation. Section 3.0 also provides a compilation of concentration ratios (CRs) for soil-to-plant uptake for the 15 selected radionuclides. Section 4.0 provides an updated review on radionuclide uptake data for animal products related to absorption, homeostatic control, approach to equilibration, chemical and physical form, diet, and age. Compiled transfer coefficients are provided for cow’s milk, sheep’s milk, goat’s milk, beef, goat meat, pork, poultry, and eggs. Section 5.0 discusses the use of transfer coefficients in soil, plant, and animal modeling using regulatory models for evaluating radioactive waste disposal or decommissioned sites. Each section makes specific suggestions for future research in its area.« less

Potential mechanisms of cytosolic calcium modulation in interferon-gamma treated U937 cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Klein, Jon B.; Mcleish, Kenneth R.; Sonnenfeld, Gerald; Dean, William L.

1987-01-01

The ability of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) to alter cytoplasmic Ca(2+) content in the monocytelike cell line U937 was investigated, using a slow Ca-channel blocker, diltiazem. In addition, the Ca-ATPase and the Ca-uptake activities were measured in isolated U937 membranes, together with the effect of inositol trisphosphate (IP3) upon the Ca(2+) release from Ca-loaded membranes. The addition of 50 U/ml INF-gamma to U937 cultures was found to increase internal Ca(2+) by about 100 percent within 3 min. The increase was significantly reduced by incubation in Ca-free buffer or by the addition of diltiazem. A crude membrane preparation from U937 cells was found to contain significant amounts of Ca-ATPase activity and to sequester Ca(2+) to a level of 8 nmol/mg in 30 sec; the addition of IP3 induced release of a portion of the sequestered Ca(2+) which was then resequestered. The results suggest that IFN-gamma causes an increase of cytoplasmic Ca(2+), in part, by the IP3-induced release from the internal storage sites and, in part, from the entry of extracellular Ca through slow channels.

Uptake and distribution of the abused inhalant 1,1-difluoroethane in the rat.

PubMed

Avella, Joseph; Kunaparaju, Naveen; Kumar, Sunil; Lehrer, Michael; Zito, S William; Barletta, Michael

2010-09-01

1,1-Difluoroethane (DFE) is a halogenated hydrocarbon used as a propellant in products designed for dusting electronic equipment and air brush painting. When abused, inhaled DFE produces intoxication and loss of muscular coordination. To investigate DFE toxicokinetics, groups (n = 3) of Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to 30 s of 20 L/min DFE. The experimental model was designed to mimic exposure during abuse, a protocol which has not been conducted. Tissue collection (blood, brain, heart, liver, and kidney) occurred at 0, 10, 20, 30, 45, 60, 120, 240, 480, and 900 s. Average peak DFE levels were blood 352, brain 519, heart 338, liver 187, and kidney 364 mg/L or mg/kg. The total percent uptake of the administered dose was 4.0%. Uptake into individual compartments was 2.72, 0.38, 0.15, 0.41, and 0.32% for blood, brain, heart, liver, and kidney, respectively. All animals showed signs of intoxication within 20 s manifested as lethargy, prostration and loss of righting reflex. Marked intoxication continued for about 4 min when DFE averaged 21 mg/L in blood and 17 mg/kg in brain. Between 4 and 8 min, animals continued to show signs of sedation as evidenced by reduced aggression and excitement during handling. No discernable intoxication was evident after 8 min and blood and brain levels had fallen to 10 and 6 mg/L or kg, respectively. Plots of concentration (log) versus time were consistent with a two compartment model. Initial distribution was rapid with average half life (t((1/2))) during the alpha phase of 9 s for blood, 18 s for brain and 27 s in cardiac tissue. During beta slope elimination average t((1/2)) was 86 s in blood, 110 s in brain and 168 s in heart. Late elimination half lives were longer with blood gamma = 240 s, brain gamma = 340 s, and heart gamma = 231 s. Following acute exposure the Vd = 0.06 L, beta = 0.48 min(-1), AUC = 409.8 mg.min L(-1), and CL from blood was 0.03 L min(-1). The calculated toxicokinetic data may underestimate these parameters if DFE is abused chronically due to continued uptake into lowly perfused tissues with repeated dosing.

ON THE EFFECT OF ETHYLENEDIAMINETETRAACETATE (EDTA) ON THE ACCUMULATION COEFFICIENT OF DIFFERENT RADIOISOTOPES FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTION BY FRESH-WATER PLANTS (in Russian)

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

Timofeeva-Resovskaya, E.A.; Timofeev-Resovskii, N.V.

1960-01-01

The effects of ethylenediaminetetraacetate on the accumulation coefficients of Ce/sup 144/, Co/sup 60/, Cs/sup 137/, Fe/sup 59/, Nb /sup 95/, Ru/ sup 106/, S/sup 35/, Sr/sup 90/, Y/sup 91/, Zn/sup 65/, and Zr/sup 95/ from aqueous solutions were studied. Eight grams of elodea (Elodea canadinsis Rich,), aquatic plant (Ceratophyllum demersum L), duckweed (Lemna minor L.), and chara (Chara fragilis Desw.) were placed in three liters of water containirg 400 mg of EDTA per liter. Tabulated data show 4 groups of isotopic reactions to EDTA. The first group includes strontium and cesium (whose uptake increases in the presence of EDTA), themore » second is represented hy sulfur (which does not react to EDTA), the third group consists of zirconium, niobium, and ruthenium (whose uptake is reduced 2 to 3 fold in the presence of EDTA), and the fourth group contains iron, cobalt, zinc, yttrium, and cerium (whose uptake is reduced 10 to 100 fold). (R.V.J.)« less

Internal dosimetry of inhaled iodine-131.

PubMed

Kiani Nasab, Mitra; Rafat Motavalli, Laleh; Miri Hakimabad, Hashem

2018-01-01

In this paper, the dose assessment for the iodine inhalation exposure in 19 aerosol sizes and three gas/vapor forms at three levels of thyroid uptake, was performed. Two different modes of work (light vs. heavy) and breathing (nose vs. mouth) for aerosol inhalation were investigated. In order to calculate the cumulated activities per unit of inhaled activity, a combined model which included the latest models of both human respiratory and alimentary tract was developed. The S values for 131 I were computed based on the ICRP adult male and female reference voxel phantoms by the Monte Carlo method. Then, the committed equivalent and committed effective dose coefficients were obtained (The data are available at http://www.um.ac.ir/∼mirihakim). In general, for the nonzero thyroid uptakes, the maximum cumulated activity was found in the thyroid. When the thyroid is blocked, however, the maximum depends on the work and breathing mode and radioisotope form. Overall, the maximum CED coefficient was evaluated for the inhalation of elemental iodine at thyroid uptake of ∼27% (2.8 × 10 -8 Sv/Bq). As for the particle inhalation per se, mouth breathing of 0.6 nm and 0.2 μm AMTD particles showed to have the maximum (2.8 × 10 -8 Sv/Bq) and minimum (6.4 × 10 -9 Sv/Bq) CED coefficients, respectively. Compared to the reference CED coefficients, the authors found an increase of about 58% for inhalation of the aerosols with AMAD of 1 μm and 70% for 5 μm. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Gamma thermometer based reactor core liquid level detector

DOEpatents

Burns, Thomas J.

1983-01-01

A system is provided which employs a modified gamma thermometer for determining the liquid coolant level within a nuclear reactor core. The gamma thermometer which normally is employed to monitor local core heat generation rate (reactor power), is modified by thermocouple junctions and leads to obtain an unambiguous indication of the presence or absence of coolant liquid at the gamma thermometer location. A signal processor generates a signal based on the thermometer surface heat transfer coefficient by comparing the signals from the thermocouples at the thermometer location. The generated signal is a direct indication of loss of coolant due to the change in surface heat transfer when coolant liquid drops below the thermometer location. The loss of coolant indication is independent of reactor power at the thermometer location. Further, the same thermometer may still be used for the normal power monitoring function.

Dried gamma-irradiated sewage solids use on calcareous soils: crop yeilds and heavy metals uptake

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

McCaslin, B.D.; Sivinski, J.S.

1979-01-01

Experiments designed to examine gamma-radiation effects on extractable and plant-available sludge elements and to examine the response of crops to sludge applications on two typical, calcareous soils in New Mexico are summarized. Information has been given indicating that the radiation process of reducing pathogens in sewage products being developed by Sandia Laboratories, does not significantly increase the chemical extractability and plant uptake of a broad range of nutrients and heavy metals. However, radiation treatment greatly facilitates handling sewage for experimentation, because pathogen contamination precautions are eliminated and weed seeds killed. Studies on the effects of sludge irradiation on plant nutrientmore » uptake revealed no concentration increases, agreeing with results presented herein. Sewage products may have special potential for use on calcareous soils, such as in New Mexico. For instance, in New Mexico the lack of potassium in sewage products is not a problem and the naturally high pH of New Mexico soil greatly reduces plant availability of many problem heavy metals. Dramatic increases in yield are typified by the greenhouse and field results presented herein, especially for the known micronutrient deficient soils of New Mexico. Results indicate that sewage sludge is an excellent Zn and Fe fertilizer. More research needs to be done before the economics of sludge application can be calculated and more field information is needed before irradiated sewage products are used indiscriminately. (ERB)« less

The gamma-aminobutyric acid uptake inhibitor, tiagabine, is anticonvulsant in two animal models of reflex epilepsy.

PubMed

Smith, S E; Parvez, N S; Chapman, A G; Meldrum, B S

1995-02-06

The effects of i.p. administration of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) uptake inhibitors R(-)N-(4,4-di(3-methylthien-2-yl)-but-3-enyl) nipecotic acid hydrochloride (tiagabine; molecular weight 412.0), (1-(2-(((diphenylmethylene)-amino)oxy)ethyl)-1,2,5,6-tetrahydro-3- pyridinecarboxylic acid hydrochloride (NNC-711; molecular weight 386.9), and (+/-)-nipecotic acid (molecular weight 128.2) are compared with those of carbamazepine (molecular weight 236.3) on sound-induced seizures and locomotor performance in genetically epilepsy-prone (GEP) rats. The ED50 value against clonic seizures (in mumol kg-1 at the time of maximal anticonvulsant effect) for tiagabine was 23 (0.5 h), and for NNC-711 was 72 (1 h), and for carbamazepine was 98 (2 h). (+/-)-Nipecotic acid (0.4-15.6 mmol kg-1) was not anticonvulsant. High doses of NNC-711 (207-310 mumol kg-1) and of (+/-)-nipecotic acid (39-78 mmol kg-1) induced ataxia and myoclonic seizures 0.25-1 h. Tiagabine and carbamazepine did not induce myoclonic seizures and had similar therapeutic indices (locomotor deficit ED50/anticonvulsant ED50) ranging from 0.4 to 1.9. In Papio papio, we observed a reduction in photically induced myoclonic seizures with tiagabine (2.4 mumol kg-1 i.v.) accompanied with neurological impairment. Tiagabine has comparable anticonvulsant action to carbamazepine in rats and has anticonvulsant effects in non-human primates supporting the potential use of inhibitors of GABA uptake as therapy for epilepsy.

Estimation of variance in Cox's regression model with shared gamma frailties.

PubMed

Andersen, P K; Klein, J P; Knudsen, K M; Tabanera y Palacios, R

1997-12-01

The Cox regression model with a shared frailty factor allows for unobserved heterogeneity or for statistical dependence between the observed survival times. Estimation in this model when the frailties are assumed to follow a gamma distribution is reviewed, and we address the problem of obtaining variance estimates for regression coefficients, frailty parameter, and cumulative baseline hazards using the observed nonparametric information matrix. A number of examples are given comparing this approach with fully parametric inference in models with piecewise constant baseline hazards.

Volume effects in the decay of free radicals in organic crystals. [cobalt 60 gamma radiation

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

Markaryan, R.E.; Kovarskii, A.L.; Tshetinin, V.G.

The decay kinetics of the free radicals produced by {gamma}-irradiation of single crystals of organic dicarboxylic acids is studied at hydrostatic pressures up to 200 MPa. Correlation is established between the reaction's activation parameters (V{sup *} and E{sup *}) and the crystals macrocharacteristics - the compressibility and thermal expansion coefficients. A common equation is proposed to describe the variation of the radical decay rate constant with temperature and pressure in malonic, succinic, adipic, glutaric, suberic, and sebacic acids.

The effect of brominated flame retardants on neurotransmitter uptake into rat brain synaptosomes and vesicles.

PubMed

Mariussen, Espen; Fonnum, Frode

2003-01-01

The environmental levels of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are increasing, but little is known about their toxic effects. In this paper, we show that some of the most important BFRs in commercial use today, have a neurotoxicological potential. Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) and tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBPA) inhibit plasma membrane uptake of the neurotransmitters dopamine, glutamate and gamma-amino-n-butyric acid (GABA) at a concentration level similar to what previously found for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and even for ecstasy. The IC(50) value for HBCD on dopamine uptake was 4 microM, and the IC(50) values for TBBPA were 9, 6 and 16 microM for dopamine, glutamate and GABA, respectively. HBCD also inhibited glutamate uptake at low concentrations, but never achieved more than 50% inhibition. The inhibition was primarily due to their effect on the membrane potential, measured by the membrane potential marker tetraphenylphosphonium bromide (TPP(+)). Other brominated flame retardants such as octaBDE and decaBDE did not have any effects on uptake. TBBPA, HBCD and even the pentabrominated diphenylether mixture (pentaBDE, DE-71, Great Lakes) also inhibited the vesicular uptake of dopamine with an IC(50) value of 3, 3 and 8 microM, respectively. The neurotoxicological consequences of these findings for environmental contaminants such as BFRs and PCBs are discussed.

Methanolic extract of Momordica cymbalaria enhances glucose uptake in L6 myotubes in vitro by up-regulating PPAR-γ and GLUT-4.

PubMed

Kumar, Puttanarasaiah Mahesh; Venkataranganna, Marikunte V; Manjunath, Kirangadur; Viswanatha, Gollapalle L; Ashok, Godavarthi

2014-12-01

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the influence of the methanolic fruit extract of Momordica cymbalaria (MFMC) on PPARγ (Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor gamma) and GLUT-4 (Glucose transporter-4) with respect to glucose transport. Various concentrations of MFMC ranging from 62.5 to 500 μg·mL(-1) were evaluated for glucose uptake activity in vitro using L6 myotubes, rosiglitazone was used as a reference standard. The MFMC showed significant and dose-dependent increase in glucose uptake at the tested concentrations, further, the glucose uptake activity of MFMC (500 μg·mL(-1)) was comparable with rosigilitazone. Furthermore, MFMC has shown up-regulation of GLUT-4 and PPARγ gene expressions in L6 myotubes. In addition, the MFMC when incubated along with cycloheximide (CHX), which is a protein synthesis inhibitor, has shown complete blockade of glucose uptake. This indicates that new protein synthesis is required for increased GLUT-4 translocation. In conclusion, these findings suggest that MFMC is enhancing the glucose uptake significantly and dose dependently through the enhanced expression of PPARγ and GLUT-4 in vitro. Copyright © 2014 China Pharmaceutical University. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Gamma ray shielding and structural properties of PbO-P2O5-Na2WO4 glass system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dogra, Mridula; Singh, K. J.; Kaur, Kulwinder; Anand, Vikas; Kaur, Parminder

2017-05-01

The present work has been undertaken to study the gamma ray shielding properties of PbO-P2O5-Na2WO4 glass system. The values of mass attenuation coefficient and half value layer parameter at photon energies 511, 662 and 1173 KeV have been determined using XCOM computer software developed by National Institute of Standards and Technology. The density, molar volume, XRD, UV-VIS and Raman studies have been performed to study the structural properties of the prepared glass system to check the possibility of the use of prepared samples as an alternate to conventional concrete for gamma ray shielding applications.

The effect of thermal cycling to 1100 C on the alpha /Mo/ phase in directionally solidified gamma/gamma-prime-alpha alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harf, F. H.

1981-01-01

Specimens of gamma/gamma-prime-alpha (Mo) eutectic alloy were thermally cycled or isothermally exposed at temperatures of 1075 to 1100 C. Transmission electron microscopy examination of cycled specimens indicated that even an exposure of 10 minutes effected noticeable changes in the shape of the alpha phase, and that the changes were cumulative as more cycles were added. The cross sections of fine, smooth fibers changed from rectangles to octagons, while lamellae and irregular shapes spheroidized. These effects are attributed to the differences in thermal expansion coefficients between the alpha phase and the gamma/gamma-prime matrix, and to the higher diffusion rates prevailing at elevated temperatures. Where the configuration of the alpha phase is a simple shape, such as a fiber, increasing the temperature eventually brings about a stress free interface between the alpha phase and the matrix by differential thermal expansion. Where the shape of the alpha phase is more complex, a stressed interface persists to higher temperatures where diffusion produces the more drastic morphological changes.

Collider effects of unparticle interactions in multiphoton signals

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

Aliev, T. M.; Frank, Mariana; Turan, Ismail

2009-12-01

A new model of physics, with a hidden conformal sector which manifests itself as an unparticle coupling to standard model particles effectively through higher dimensional operators, predicts strong collider signals due to unparticle self-interactions. We perform a complete analysis of the most spectacular of these signals at the hadron collider, pp(p){yields}{gamma}{gamma}{gamma}{gamma} and {gamma}{gamma}gg. These processes can go through the three-point unparticle self-interactions as well as through some s and t channel diagrams with one and/or two unparticle exchanges. We study the contributions of individual diagrams classified with respect to the number of unparticle exchanges and discuss their effect on themore » cross sections at the Tevatron and the LHC. We also restrict the Tevatron bound on the unknown coefficient of the three-point unparticle correlator. With the availability of data from the Tevatron, and the advent of the data emerging from the LHC, these interactions can provide a clear and strong indication of unparticle physics and distinguish this model from other beyond the standard model scenarios.« less

X-Ray Attenuation and Absorption for Materials of Dosimetric Interest

National Institute of Standards and Technology Data Gateway

SRD 126 X-Ray Attenuation and Absorption for Materials of Dosimetric Interest (Web, free access)   Tables and graphs of the photon mass attenuation coefficient and the mass energy-absorption coefficient are presented for all of the elements Z = 1 to 92, and for 48 compounds and mixtures of radiological interest. The tables cover energies of the photon (x-ray, gamma ray, bremsstrahlung) from 1 keV to 20 MeV.

The uptake of 3H-vincristine by a mouse carcinoma during a course of fractionated radiotherapy.

PubMed

Zanelli, G D; Rota, L; Trovo, M; Grigoletto, E; Roncadin, M

1989-09-01

The variations in uptake of 3H-vincristine sulphate, given as a bolus i.v. injection, by a transplantable murine tumour during a realistic course of fractionated daily gamma-radiation of 25 x 2.0 Gy have been investigated. Maximum levels of 3H in the tumours are found when the tracer is injected 4h after irradiation and the tumours are dissected out 1 h after injection. During the course of daily irradiation the pattern of uptake varies considerably but reproducibly. There are peaks of uptake after 7, 13 and 22 fractions of 2.0 Gy when the amount of 3H in the tumours is as much as three times that found in non-irradiated tumours. After 17-18 fractions, however, the tumour content of 3H is lower than that of non-irradiated tumours. The wave-like pattern of uptake could be due either to capillary occlusion brought about by radiation induced cellular swelling and oedema followed by re-opening of the capillaries during periods of decreased cellularity, or to some mechanism of recovery from radiation damage during the week-end rest period.

The uptake of 3H-vincristine by a mouse carcinoma during a course of fractionated radiotherapy.

PubMed Central

Zanelli, G. D.; Rota, L.; Trovo, M.; Grigoletto, E.; Roncadin, M.

1989-01-01

The variations in uptake of 3H-vincristine sulphate, given as a bolus i.v. injection, by a transplantable murine tumour during a realistic course of fractionated daily gamma-radiation of 25 x 2.0 Gy have been investigated. Maximum levels of 3H in the tumours are found when the tracer is injected 4h after irradiation and the tumours are dissected out 1 h after injection. During the course of daily irradiation the pattern of uptake varies considerably but reproducibly. There are peaks of uptake after 7, 13 and 22 fractions of 2.0 Gy when the amount of 3H in the tumours is as much as three times that found in non-irradiated tumours. After 17-18 fractions, however, the tumour content of 3H is lower than that of non-irradiated tumours. The wave-like pattern of uptake could be due either to capillary occlusion brought about by radiation induced cellular swelling and oedema followed by re-opening of the capillaries during periods of decreased cellularity, or to some mechanism of recovery from radiation damage during the week-end rest period. PMID:2789937

Measuring and Modeling Xenon Uptake in Plastic Beta-Cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suarez, R.; Hayes, J. C.; Harper, W. W.; Humble, P.; Ripplinger, M. D.; Stephenson, D. E.; Williams, R. M.

2013-12-01

The precision of the stable xenon volume measurement in atmospheric monitoring radio-xenon systems is a critical parameter used to determine the activity concentration of a radio-xenon sample. Typically these types of systems use a plastic scintillating beta-cell as part of a beta-gamma detection scheme to measure the radioactivity present in the gas sample. Challenges arise when performing the stable xenon calculation during or after radioactive counting of the sample due to xenon uptake into the plastic beta-cells. Plastic beta cells can adsorb as much as 5% of the sample during counting. If quantification is performed after counting, the uptake of xenon into the plastic results in an underestimation of the xenon volume measurement. This behavior also causes what is typically known as 'memory effect' in the cell. Experiments were conducted using a small volume low pressure range thermal conductivity sensor to quantify the amount of xenon uptake into the cell over a given period of time. Understanding the xenon uptake in the cell provides a better estimate of the stable volume which improves the overall measurement capability of the system. The results from these experiments along with modeling will be presented.

High spin states in {sup 151,153}Pr, {sup 157}Sm, and {sup 93}Kr

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

Hwang, J. K.; Ramayya, A. V.; Hamilton, J. H.

2010-09-15

High spin states are observed for the first time in the neutron-rich nuclei {sup 151,153}Pr, {sup 157}Sm, and {sup 93}Kr from the spontaneous fission of {sup 252}Cf. Twenty new transitions in {sup 151}Pr, twelve in {sup 153}Pr, five in {sup 157}Sm, and four in {sup 93}Kr were identified by using x-ray(Pr/Sm)-{gamma}-{gamma} and {gamma}-{gamma}-{gamma} triple coincidences. From the measured total internal conversion coefficients {alpha}{sub T} of four low-energy transitions in {sup 151,153}Pr, we determine that two bands in each nucleus have opposite parity. The interlacing E1 transitions between the bands suggest a form of parity doubling in {sup 151,153}Pr. New bandsmore » in {sup 157}Sm and {sup 93}Kr are reported. The half-life of the 354.8 keV state in {sup 93}Kr is measured to be 10(2) ns.« less

The Impact of Condensed-Phase Viscosity on Multiphase Oxidation Kinetics Involving O3, NO3, and OH

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, J.; Forrester, S. M.; Knopf, D. A.

2017-12-01

Organic aerosol (OA) particles are ubiquitous in the atmosphere and have a significant influence on air quality, human health, cloud formation processes and global climate. By now it is well-recognized that organic particulate species can be amorphous in nature, existing in liquid, semi-solid and solid (glassy) phase states. The phase state is modulated by particle composition and environmental conditions such as relative humidity and temperature. These modifications can influence particle viscosity and molecular diffusion and, therefore, impact the reactive uptake of gas-phase oxidants and radicals by the organic substrate. In this study, we determined the reactive uptake coefficients (γ) of O3 by canola oil, NO3 by levoglucosan (LEV) and a LEV/xylitol mixture, and OH by glucose/sulfuric acid mixtures and glucose/1,2,6-hexanetriol mixtures under dry conditions and for temperatures ranging from 293 K to 213 K. Uptake coefficients have been measured employing a chemical ionization mass spectrometer coupled to a temperature-controlled rotating-wall flow reactor. Glass transition temperatures (Tg) of applied substrates were estimated by the Gordon-Taylor equation. Phase states were qualitatively probed via poking experiment using a temperature-controlled cooling stage. Shattering of the substrates indicated the formation of a glassy state. Results show a significant impact of condensed phase state on reactive uptake kinetics whereby γ changed most profoundly around estimated Tg. For example, γ decreases from 6.5×10-4 to 1.9 ×10-5 for O3 uptake by canola oil and from 8.3×10-4 to 3.1×10-4 for NO3 uptake by the LEV/xylitol mixture, respectively. The decrease in γ will be discussed with regard to phase state, desorption lifetime, and Arrhenius temperature dependence of reaction rates. First results of OH uptakes at low temperatures are presented, together with a discussion of the relevant atmospheric implications.

Ouabain-sensitive Rb+ uptake in mouse eggs and preimplantation conceptuses

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

Van Winkle, L.J.; Campione, A.L.

1991-07-01

The results of histochemical and immunocytochemical studies have been used elsewhere to support the hypothesis that Na+/K(+)-ATPase expression is initiated or increases dramatically in preimplantation mouse conceptuses just before they begin to cavitate. Moreover, localization of the enzyme in the inner membrane of the mural trophoblast is thought to be involved directly in formation and maintenance of the blastocyst cavity. Presumably, Na+/K(+)-ATPase extrudes the cation, Na+, and therefore water into the cavity. The cation transporting activity of the enzyme can be determined by measuring ouabain-sensitive Rb+ uptake by cells. Therefore, we measured Rb+ uptake in mouse eggs and preimplantation conceptusesmore » at various stages of development. 86Rb+ uptake by conceptuses increased linearly with time for at least 60 min in medium containing 0.7 mM total Rb+ plus K+ in the absence or presence of 1.0 mM ouabain, and ouabain inhibited more than 70% of 86Rb+ uptake. The ouabain concentration at 1/2 of maximum inhibition of the ouabain-sensitive component of 86Rb+ uptake was about 10-20 microM in eggs and conceptuses at all stages of preimplantation development. Moreover, ouabain-sensitive Rb+ uptake had a twofold higher Vmax value in blastocysts than in eggs or conceptuses at earlier stages of development (i.e., approximately 173 vs 70-100 fmole.conceptus-1.min-1), although the total cell surface area also was probably about two times greater in blastocysts than in eggs or other conceptuses. Ouabain-sensitive Rb+ transport in eggs and conceptuses may have occurred via a single ouabain-sensitive Rb+ transporter with a Hill coefficient of 1.5-1.8 (Hill plots). When it was assumed that the Hill coefficient had a value of 2.0, however, eggs and conceptuses appeared to contain at least two forms of Na+/K(+)-ATPase activity.« less

Prompt gamma ray imaging for verification of proton boron fusion therapy: A Monte Carlo study.

PubMed

Shin, Han-Back; Yoon, Do-Kun; Jung, Joo-Young; Kim, Moo-Sub; Suh, Tae Suk

2016-10-01

The purpose of this study was to verify acquisition feasibility of a single photon emission computed tomography image using prompt gamma rays for proton boron fusion therapy (PBFT) and to confirm an enhanced therapeutic effect of PBFT by comparison with conventional proton therapy without use of boron. Monte Carlo simulation was performed to acquire reconstructed image during PBFT. We acquired percentage depth dose (PDD) of the proton beams in a water phantom, energy spectrum of the prompt gamma rays, and tomographic images, including the boron uptake region (BUR; target). The prompt gamma ray image was reconstructed using maximum likelihood expectation maximisation (MLEM) with 64 projection raw data. To verify the reconstructed image, both an image profile and contrast analysis according to the iteration number were conducted. In addition, the physical distance between two BURs in the region of interest of each BUR was measured. The PDD of the proton beam from the water phantom including the BURs shows more efficient than that of conventional proton therapy on tumour region. A 719keV prompt gamma ray peak was clearly observed in the prompt gamma ray energy spectrum. The prompt gamma ray image was reconstructed successfully using 64 projections. Different image profiles including two BURs were acquired from the reconstructed image according to the iteration number. We confirmed successful acquisition of a prompt gamma ray image during PBFT. In addition, the quantitative image analysis results showed relatively good performance for further study. Copyright © 2016 Associazione Italiana di Fisica Medica. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Impact of the HITECH Act on physicians' adoption of electronic health records.

PubMed

Mennemeyer, Stephen T; Menachemi, Nir; Rahurkar, Saurabh; Ford, Eric W

2016-03-01

The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act has distributed billions of dollars to physicians as incentives for adopting certified electronic health records (EHRs) through the meaningful use (MU) program ultimately aimed at improving healthcare outcomes. The authors examine the extent to which the MU program impacted the EHR adoption curve that existed prior to the Act. Bass and Gamma Shifted Gompertz (G/SG) diffusion models of the adoption of "Any" and "Basic" EHR systems in physicians' offices using consistent data series covering 2001-2013 and 2006-2013, respectively, are estimated to determine if adoption was stimulated during either a PrePay (2009-2010) period of subsidy anticipation or a PostPay (2011-2013) period when payments were actually made. Adoption of Any EHR system may have increased by as much as 7 percentage points above the level predicted in the absence of the MU subsidies. This estimate, however, lacks statistical significance and becomes smaller or negative under alternative model specifications. No substantial effects are found for Basic systems. The models suggest that adoption was largely driven by "imitation" effects (q-coefficient) as physicians mimic their peers' technology use or respond to mandates. Small and often insignificant "innovation" effects (p-coefficient) are found suggesting little enthusiasm by physicians who are leaders in technology adoption. The authors find weak evidence of the impact of the MU program on EHR uptake. This is consistent with reports that many current EHR systems reduce physician productivity, lack data sharing capabilities, and need to incorporate other key interoperability features (e.g., application program interfaces). © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Medical Informatics Association. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Energy dependence of radiation interaction parameters of some organic compounds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Mohinder; Tondon, Akash; Sandhu, B. S.; Singh, Bhajan

2018-04-01

Gamma rays interact with a material through photoelectric absorption, Compton scattering, Rayleigh scattering and Pair production in the intermediate energy range. The probability of occurrence of a particular type of process depends on the energy of incident gamma rays, atomic number of the material, scattering angle and geometrical conditions. Various radiological parameters for organic compounds, namely ethylene glycol (C2H6O2), propylene glycol (C3H8O2), glycerin (C3H8O3), isoamyl alcohol (C5H12O), butanone (C4H8O), acetophenone (C8H8O2), cyclohexanone (C6H10O), furfural (C5H4O2), benzaldehyde (C7H6O), cinnamaldehyde (C9H8O), glutaraldehyde (C5H8O2), aniline (C6H7N), benzyl amine (C6H7N), nitrobenzene (C6H5NO2), ethyl benzene (C8H10), ethyl formate (C3H6O2) and water (H2O) are presented at 81, 122, 356 and 511 keV energies employing NaI(Tl) scintillation detector in narrow-beam transmission geometry. The radiation interaction parameters such as mass attenuation, molar extinction and mass energy absorption coefficients, half value layer, total atomic and effective electronic cross-sections and CT number have been evaluated for these organic compounds. The general trend of values of mass attenuation coefficients, half value layer, molar extinction coefficients, total atomic and effective electronic cross-sections and mass energy absorption coefficients shows a decrease with increase in incident gamma photon energy. The values of CT number are found to increases linearly with increase of effective atomic number (Zeff). The variation in CT number around Zeff ≈ 3.3 shows the peak like structure with respect to water and the correlation between CT number and linear attenuation coefficient is about 0.99. Appropriate equations are fitted to these experimentally determined parameters for the organic compounds at incident photon energy ranging from 81 keV to 511 keV used in the present study. Experimental values are compared with the theoretical data obtained using WinXcom software package, and are found in good agreement.

Bioconcentration of chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons in aquatic macrophytes

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

Gobas, F.A.P.C.; McNeil, E.J.; Lovett-Doust, L.

1991-05-01

This study reports the bioconcentration and the uptake and elimination kinetics of a series of nonreactive, hydrophobic organic substances in the submerged aquatic macrophyte Myriophyllum spicatum. The tested substances represent a wide range of aqueous solubilities and 1-octanol-water partition coefficients (K{sub OW}). The plant-water bioconcentration factor is shown to follow a linear relationship with the octanol-water partition coefficient for all chemicals, including the superhydrophobic chemicals with log K{sub OW} up to 8.3. The uptake and elimination rate constants tend to follow a biphasic relationship with K{sub OW}. A kinetic model is developed for organic chemical bioconcentration is submerged aquatic macrophytemore » species. This model is applied to the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair to illustrate the role of aquatic macrophytes in chemical dynamics in aquatic systems.« less

Worldwide data sets constrain the water vapor uptake coefficient in cloud formation

PubMed Central

Raatikainen, Tomi; Nenes, Athanasios; Seinfeld, John H.; Morales, Ricardo; Moore, Richard H.; Lathem, Terry L.; Lance, Sara; Padró, Luz T.; Lin, Jack J.; Cerully, Kate M.; Bougiatioti, Aikaterini; Cozic, Julie; Ruehl, Christopher R.; Chuang, Patrick Y.; Anderson, Bruce E.; Flagan, Richard C.; Jonsson, Haflidi; Mihalopoulos, Nikos; Smith, James N.

2013-01-01

Cloud droplet formation depends on the condensation of water vapor on ambient aerosols, the rate of which is strongly affected by the kinetics of water uptake as expressed by the condensation (or mass accommodation) coefficient, αc. Estimates of αc for droplet growth from activation of ambient particles vary considerably and represent a critical source of uncertainty in estimates of global cloud droplet distributions and the aerosol indirect forcing of climate. We present an analysis of 10 globally relevant data sets of cloud condensation nuclei to constrain the value of αc for ambient aerosol. We find that rapid activation kinetics (αc > 0.1) is uniformly prevalent. This finding resolves a long-standing issue in cloud physics, as the uncertainty in water vapor accommodation on droplets is considerably less than previously thought. PMID:23431189

Worldwide data sets constrain the water vapor uptake coefficient in cloud formation.

PubMed

Raatikainen, Tomi; Nenes, Athanasios; Seinfeld, John H; Morales, Ricardo; Moore, Richard H; Lathem, Terry L; Lance, Sara; Padró, Luz T; Lin, Jack J; Cerully, Kate M; Bougiatioti, Aikaterini; Cozic, Julie; Ruehl, Christopher R; Chuang, Patrick Y; Anderson, Bruce E; Flagan, Richard C; Jonsson, Haflidi; Mihalopoulos, Nikos; Smith, James N

2013-03-05

Cloud droplet formation depends on the condensation of water vapor on ambient aerosols, the rate of which is strongly affected by the kinetics of water uptake as expressed by the condensation (or mass accommodation) coefficient, αc. Estimates of αc for droplet growth from activation of ambient particles vary considerably and represent a critical source of uncertainty in estimates of global cloud droplet distributions and the aerosol indirect forcing of climate. We present an analysis of 10 globally relevant data sets of cloud condensation nuclei to constrain the value of αc for ambient aerosol. We find that rapid activation kinetics (αc > 0.1) is uniformly prevalent. This finding resolves a long-standing issue in cloud physics, as the uncertainty in water vapor accommodation on droplets is considerably less than previously thought.

Genetic and Environmental Influences on Regional Brain Uptake of 18F-FDG: A PET Study on Monozygotic and Dizygotic Twins.

PubMed

Watanabe, Shinichiro; Kato, Hiroki; Shimosegawa, Eku; Hatazawa, Jun

2016-03-01

Genetic or environmental influences on cerebral glucose metabolism are unknown. We attempted to reveal these influences in elderly twins by means of (18)F-FDG PET. (18)F-FDG uptake was studied in 40 monozygotic and 18 dizygotic volunteer twin pairs aged 30 y or over. We also created 18 control pairs by pairing age- and sex-matched genetically unrelated subjects from dizygotic and monozygotic pairs. SUV images of the brain were reconstructed and analyzed by voxel-based statistical analysis with automated region-of-interest setting. The (18)F-FDG uptake in each cerebral lobe was semiquantified by taking a ratio of SUVmean in each region of interest to whole-brain SUVaverage. We calculated an intraclass correlation coefficient of SUV ratio in each region of interest for monozygotic and dizygotic pairs. By comparing differences in coefficients between monozygotic and dizygotic pairs, genetic and environmental contributions were estimated. The intraclass correlation coefficient in monozygotic pairs was significantly higher than that in dizygotic pairs in the parietal lobes bilaterally (P < 0.001) and in the left temporal lobe (P < 0.05) but was not significantly different in other lobes. The present study indicated that in the right and left parietal lobes and left temporal lobe, cerebral glucose metabolism is influenced more by genetics than by environment, whereas in other brain regions the influence of environment is dominant. © 2016 by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Inc.

Role of PSMA in Aberrant Cell Cycle Progression in Prostate Cancer

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-12-01

playing a role in nutrient uptake, and a peptidase involved in signal transduction in prostate epithelial cells. Insights into possible functions of PSMA...should improve the diagnostic and therapeutic values of this clinically important molecule. prostate cancer; receptor; peptidase ; endocytosis 2 OVERVIEW... peptidase activities hydrolyze gamma-peptide bonds between N-acetylaspartate and glutamate in the abundant neuropeptide N-acetylaspartylglutamate

Effects of Opsonization and Gamma Interferon on Growth of Brucella Melitensis 16M in Mouse Peritoneal Macrophages In Vitro

DTIC Science & Technology

2000-01-01

bacterial CFU (Fig. 3). Macrophages cultured without brucel - lae or cultured with brucellae but without IFN-7 made ɘ.3 nmol of nitrite/200 JJLI well...receptors used for the uptake of nonopsonized brucel - lae are unknown. Synergy between the receptor for the Fc domain of immunoglobulin G (FcR) and

The effect of stress on hydrogen uptake and desorption by A-286

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Danford, Merlin D.

1991-01-01

The uptake and desorption of hydrogen by A-286 as a function of stress was studied using electrochemical methods. It was found that the apparent surface hydrogen concentration, the mean hydrogen concentration, and the hydrogen distribution uniformity all increased up to a stress level 50 percent of yield and decreased thereafter. The value of the hydrogen diffusion coefficient was relatively unaffected by stress while the percent of trapped hydrogen appeared to decrease with increasing stress.

Uptake mechanism for iodine species to black carbon.

PubMed

Choung, Sungwook; Um, Wooyong; Kim, Minkyung; Kim, Min-Gyu

2013-09-17

Natural organic matter (NOM) plays an important role in determining the fate and transport of iodine species such as iodide (I(-)) and iodate (IO3(-)) in groundwater system. Although NOM exists as diverse forms in environments, prior iodine studies have mainly focused on uptake processes of iodide and iodate to humic materials. This study was conducted to determine the iodide and iodate uptake potential for a particulate NOM (i.e., black carbon [BC]). A laboratory-produced BC and commercial humic acid were used for batch experiments to compare their iodine uptake properties. The BC exhibited >100 times greater uptake capability for iodide than iodate at low pH of ~3, while iodide uptake was negligible for the humic acid. The uptake properties of both solids strongly depend on the initial iodine aqueous concentrations. After uptake reaction of iodide to the BC, X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy results indicated that the iodide was converted to electrophilic species, and iodine was covalently bound to carbon atom in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons present in the BC. The computed distribution coefficients (i.e., Kd values) suggest that the BC materials retard significantly the transport of iodide at low pH in environmental systems containing even a small amount of BC.

SER Analysis of MPPM-Coded MIMO-FSO System over Uncorrelated and Correlated Gamma-Gamma Atmospheric Turbulence Channels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khallaf, Haitham S.; Garrido-Balsells, José M.; Shalaby, Hossam M. H.; Sampei, Seiichi

2015-12-01

The performance of multiple-input multiple-output free space optical (MIMO-FSO) communication systems, that adopt multipulse pulse position modulation (MPPM) techniques, is analyzed. Both exact and approximate symbol-error rates (SERs) are derived for both cases of uncorrelated and correlated channels. The effects of background noise, receiver shot-noise, and atmospheric turbulence are taken into consideration in our analysis. The random fluctuations of the received optical irradiance, produced by the atmospheric turbulence, is modeled by the widely used gamma-gamma statistical distribution. Uncorrelated MIMO channels are modeled by the α-μ distribution. A closed-form expression for the probability density function of the optical received irradiance is derived for the case of correlated MIMO channels. Using our analytical expressions, the degradation of the system performance with the increment of the correlation coefficients between MIMO channels is corroborated.

Observational Insights into N2O5 Heterogeneous Chemistry: Influencing Factors and Contribution to Wintertime Air Pollution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McDuffie, E. E.; Fibiger, D. L.; Womack, C.; Dube, W. P.; Lopez-Hilfiker, F.; Goldberger, L.; Thornton, J. A.; Shah, V.; Jaegle, L.; Guo, H.; Weber, R. J.; Schroder, J. C.; Campuzano Jost, P.; Jimenez, J. L.; Franchin, A.; Middlebrook, A. M.; Baasandorj, M.; Brown, S. S.

2017-12-01

Chemical mechanisms that underlie wintertime air pollution, including tropospheric ozone and aerosol nitrate, are poorly characterized. Due to colder temperatures and fewer hours of solar radiation, nocturnal heterogeneous uptake of N2O5 plays a relatively larger role during wintertime in controlling the oxidation of NOx (=NO+NO2) and its influence on ozone and soluble nitrate. After uptake to aerosol, N2O5 can act as both a nocturnal NOx reservoir and sink depending on the partitioning between its nitric acid and photo labile, ClNO2 reaction products. In addition, N2O5 itself can act as a NOx reservoir if the aerosol uptake coefficient is small. As a result, the nocturnal fate of N2O5 dictates the amount of NOx in an air parcel and the subsequent formation of aerosol nitrate and following-day ozone. Models of winter air pollution therefore require accurate parameterization of the N2O5 uptake coefficient, as well as factors that control its magnitude and N2O5 product partitioning. There are currently only a small number of ambient N2O5 and ClNO2 observations during the winter season concurrent with measurements of relevant variables such as aerosol size distributions and composition. The Wintertime INvestigation of Transport, Emissions, and Reactivity (WINTER) campaign conducted 10 nighttime research flights with the NCAR C-130 over the eastern U.S. during February and March, 2015. The more recent Utah Wintertime Fine Particulate Study (UWFPS) conducted over 20 research flights with the NOAA twin otter aircraft during January-February 2017 in three mountain basins near and including Salt Lake City, Utah. The two campaigns were similarly instrumented and have provided the first aircraft observations of N2O5, ClNO2, and aerosol composition in the wintertime boundary layer in these urban-influenced regions. Analysis of heterogeneous chemistry under a wide range of real environmental conditions provides insight into the factors controlling the N2O5 uptake coefficient, product partitioning, and contribution of N2O5 to wintertime pollution events in urban regions across the U.S.

In vitro glucose uptake activity of Aegles marmelos and Syzygium cumini by activation of Glut-4, PI3 kinase and PPARgamma in L6 myotubes.

PubMed

Anandharajan, R; Jaiganesh, S; Shankernarayanan, N P; Viswakarma, R A; Balakrishnan, A

2006-06-01

The purpose of the present study is to investigate the effect of methanolic extracts of Aegles marmelos and Syzygium cumini on a battery of targets glucose transporter (Glut-4), peroxisome proliferator activator receptor gamma (PPARgamma) and phosphatidylinositol 3' kinase (PI3 kinase) involved in glucose transport. A. marmelos and S. cumini are anti-diabetic medicinal plants being used in Indian traditional medicine. Different solvent extracts extracted sequentially were analysed for glucose uptake activity at each step and methanol extracts were found to be significantly active at 100ng/ml dose comparable with insulin and rosiglitazone. Elevation of Glut-4, PPARgamma and PI3 kinase by A. marmelos and S. cumini in association with glucose transport supported the up-regulation of glucose uptake. The inhibitory effect of cycloheximide on A. marmelos- and S. cumini-mediated glucose uptake suggested that new protein synthesis is required for the elevated glucose transport. Current observation concludes that methanolic extracts of A. marmelos and S. cumini activate glucose transport in a PI3 kinase-dependent fashion.

The Influence of Tungsten on the Chemical Composition of a Temporally Evolving Nanostructure of a Model Ni-Al-Cr Superalloy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sudbrack, Chantal K.; Isheim, Dieter; Noebe, Ronald D.; Jacobson, Nathan S.; Seidman, David N.

2004-01-01

The influence of W on the temporal evolution of gamma' precipitation toward equilibrium in a model Ni-Al-Cr alloy is investigated by three-dimensional atom-probe (3DAP) microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). We report on the alloys Ni-10 Al-8.5 Cr (at.%) and Ni-10 Al-8.5 Cr-2 W (at.%), which were aged isothermally in the gamma + gamma' two-phase field at 1073 K, for times ranging from 0.25 to 264 h. Spheroidal-shaped gamma' precipitates, 5-15 nm diameter, form during quenching from above the solvus temperature in both alloys at a high number density (approx. 10(exp 23/cu m). As gamma' precipitates grow with aging at 1073 K, a transition from spheriodal- to cuboidal-shaped precipitates is observed in both alloys. The elemental partitioning and spatially resolved concentration profiles across the gamma' precipitates are obtained as a function of aging time from three-dimensional atom-by-atom reconstructions. Proximity histogram concentration profiles of the quaternary alloy demonstrate that W concentration gradients exist in gamma' precipitates in the as-quenched and 0.25-h aging states, which disappear after 1 h of aging. The diffusion coefficient of W in gamma' is estimated to be 6.2 x 10(exp -20) sq m/s at 1073 K. The W addition decreases the coarsening rate constant, and leads to stronger partitioning of Al to gamma' and Cr to gamma.

Quantitative Evaluation of Segmentation- and Atlas-Based Attenuation Correction for PET/MR on Pediatric Patients.

PubMed

Bezrukov, Ilja; Schmidt, Holger; Gatidis, Sergios; Mantlik, Frédéric; Schäfer, Jürgen F; Schwenzer, Nina; Pichler, Bernd J

2015-07-01

Pediatric imaging is regarded as a key application for combined PET/MR imaging systems. Because existing MR-based attenuation-correction methods were not designed specifically for pediatric patients, we assessed the impact of 2 potentially influential factors: inter- and intrapatient variability of attenuation coefficients and anatomic variability. Furthermore, we evaluated the quantification accuracy of 3 methods for MR-based attenuation correction without (SEGbase) and with bone prediction using an adult and a pediatric atlas (SEGwBONEad and SEGwBONEpe, respectively) on PET data of pediatric patients. The variability of attenuation coefficients between and within pediatric (5-17 y, n = 17) and adult (27-66 y, n = 16) patient collectives was assessed on volumes of interest (VOIs) in CT datasets for different tissue types. Anatomic variability was assessed on SEGwBONEad/pe attenuation maps by computing mean differences to CT-based attenuation maps for regions of bone tissue, lungs, and soft tissue. PET quantification was evaluated on VOIs with physiologic uptake and on 80% isocontour VOIs with elevated uptake in the thorax and abdomen/pelvis. Inter- and intrapatient variability of the bias was assessed for each VOI group and method. Statistically significant differences in mean VOI Hounsfield unit values and linear attenuation coefficients between adult and pediatric collectives were found in the lungs and femur. The prediction of attenuation maps using the pediatric atlas showed a reduced error in bone tissue and better delineation of bone structure. Evaluation of PET quantification accuracy showed statistically significant mean errors in mean standardized uptake values of -14% ± 5% and -23% ± 6% in bone marrow and femur-adjacent VOIs with physiologic uptake for SEGbase, which could be reduced to 0% ± 4% and -1% ± 5% using SEGwBONEpe attenuation maps. Bias in soft-tissue VOIs was less than 5% for all methods. Lung VOIs showed high SDs in the range of 15% for all methods. For VOIs with elevated uptake, mean and SD were less than 5% except in the thorax. The use of a dedicated atlas for the pediatric patient collective resulted in improved attenuation map prediction in osseous regions and reduced interpatient bias variation in femur-adjacent VOIs. For the lungs, in which intrapatient variation was higher for the pediatric collective, a patient- or group-specific attenuation coefficient might improve attenuation map accuracy. Mean errors of -14% and -23% in bone marrow and femur-adjacent VOIs can affect PET quantification in these regions when bone tissue is ignored. © 2015 by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Inc.

South Polar Ar Enhancement as a Tracer for Southern Winter Horizontal Meridional Mixing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sprague, A. L.; Boynton, W. V.; Kim, K.; Reedy, R.; Kerry, K.; Janes, D.

2004-01-01

Measurements made by the Gamma Ray Spectrometer (GRS) on Mars Odyssey during 2002 and 2003 show an obvious increase in the gamma flux of 1294 keV gamma rays resulting from the decay of (41)Ar. (41)Ar is made by the capture of thermal neutrons by atmospheric (40)Ar. The increase measured above the southern polar region has permitted calculation of the increase in mixing ratio of Ar from L(sub s) 8 to 100 between latitudes 75 S and 90 S. The peak in Ar enhancement occurs about 200 Earth days after CO2 freeze-out has begun, indicating that up to this time equatorward meridional mixing is rapid enough to move enhanced Ar from the polar regions northward. Although the CO2 frost depth continues to increase from L(sub s) 110 deg to 190 deg, the Ar enhancement steadily decreases to its baseline value reached at about L(sub s) 200 deg. Our data permit an estimate of the horizontal eddy mixing coefficient useful for constraining equatorward meridional mixing during southern winter and a characteristic mixing time for the polar southern winter atmosphere. Also, using the drop in excess Ar measured by the GRS from L(sub s) 110 deg to 200 deg, we estimate an eddy coefficient appropriate for meridional mixing of the entire Ar excess back to the baseline value. The horizontal eddy mixing coefficients are derived using Ar as a tracer much as the vertical eddy mixing coefficient for the Earth's troposphere is derived using CH4 as a minor constituent tracer. The estimation of meridional mixing for high latitudes at Mars is important for constraining parameters used in atmospheric modeling and predicting seasonal and daily behavior. The calculations are order of magnitude estimates that should improve as the data set becomes more robust and improves our models.

Measurements of mass attenuation coefficient, effective atomic number and electron density of some amino acids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kore, Prashant S.; Pawar, Pravina P.

2014-05-01

The mass attenuation coefficients of some amino acids, such as DL-aspartic acid-LR(C4H7NO4), L-glutamine (C4H10N2O3), creatine monohydrate LR(C4H9N3O2H2O), creatinine hydrochloride (C4H7N3O·HCl) L-asparagine monohydrate(C4H9N3O2H2O), L-methionine LR(C5H11NO2S), were measured at 122, 356, 511, 662, 1170, 1275 and 1330 keV photon energies using a well-collimated narrow beam good geometry set-up. The gamma-rays were detected using NaI (Tl) scintillation detection system with a resolution of 0.101785 at 662 keV. The attenuation coefficient data were then used to obtain the effective atomic numbers (Zeff), and effective electron densities (Neff) of amino acids. It was observed that the effective atomic number (Zeff) and effective electron densities (Neff) initially decrease and tend to be almost constant as a function of gamma-ray energy. Zeff and Neff experimental values showed good agreement with the theoretical values with less than 1% error for amino acids.

Can DCE-MRI Explain the Heterogeneity in Radiopeptide Uptake Imaged by SPECT in a Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor Model?

PubMed Central

Groen, Harald C.; Niessen, Wiro J.; Bernsen, Monique R.; de Jong, Marion; Veenland, Jifke F.

2013-01-01

Although efficient delivery and distribution of treatment agents over the whole tumor is essential for successful tumor treatment, the distribution of most of these agents cannot be visualized. However, with single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), both delivery and uptake of radiolabeled peptides can be visualized in a neuroendocrine tumor model overexpressing somatostatin receptors. A heterogeneous peptide uptake is often observed in these tumors. We hypothesized that peptide distribution in the tumor is spatially related to tumor perfusion, vessel density and permeability, as imaged and quantified by DCE-MRI in a neuroendocrine tumor model. Four subcutaneous CA20948 tumor-bearing Lewis rats were injected with the somatostatin-analog 111In-DTPA-Octreotide (50 MBq). SPECT-CT and MRI scans were acquired and MRI was spatially registered to SPECT-CT. DCE-MRI was analyzed using semi-quantitative and quantitative methods. Correlation between SPECT and DCE-MRI was investigated with 1) Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient; 2) SPECT uptake values grouped into deciles with corresponding median DCE-MRI parametric values and vice versa; and 3) linear regression analysis for median parameter values in combined datasets. In all tumors, areas with low peptide uptake correlated with low perfusion/density/ /permeability for all DCE-MRI-derived parameters. Combining all datasets, highest linear regression was found between peptide uptake and semi-quantitative parameters (R2>0.7). The average correlation coefficient between SPECT and DCE-MRI-derived parameters ranged from 0.52-0.56 (p<0.05) for parameters primarily associated with exchange between blood and extracellular extravascular space. For these parameters a linear relation with peptide uptake was observed. In conclusion, the ‘exchange-related’ DCE-MRI-derived parameters seemed to predict peptide uptake better than the ‘contrast amount- related’ parameters. Consequently, fast and efficient diffusion through the vessel wall into tissue is an important factor for peptide delivery. DCE-MRI helps to elucidate the relation between vascular characteristics, peptide delivery and treatment efficacy, and may form a basis to predict targeting efficiency. PMID:24116203

Dependencies of lepton angular distribution coefficients on the transverse momentum and rapidity of Z bosons produced in p p collisions at the LHC

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

Chang, Wen -Chen; McClellan, Randall Evan; Peng, Jen -Chieh

Here, high precision data of lepton angular distributions formore » $$\\gamma^*/Z$$ production in $pp$ collisions at the LHC, covering broad ranges of dilepton transverse momenta ($$q_T$$) and rapidity ($y$), were recently reported. Strong $$q_T$$ dependencies were observed for several angular distribution coefficients, $$A_i$$, including $$A_0 - A_4$$. Significant $y$ dependencies were also found for the coefficients $$A_1$$, $$A_3$$ and $$A_4$$, while $$A_0$$ and $$A_2$$ exhibit very weak rapidity dependence. Using an intuitive geometric picture we show that the $$q_T$$ and $y$ dependencies of the angular distributions coefficients can be well described.« less

Mass energy-absorption coefficients and average atomic energy-absorption cross-sections for amino acids in the energy range 0.122-1.330 MeV

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

More, Chaitali V., E-mail: chaitalimore89@gmail.com; Lokhande, Rajkumar M.; Pawar, Pravina P., E-mail: pravinapawar4@gmail.com

Mass attenuation coefficients of amino acids such as n-acetyl-l-tryptophan, n-acetyl-l-tyrosine and d-tryptophan were measured in the energy range 0.122-1.330 MeV. NaI (Tl) scintillation detection system was used to detect gamma rays with a resolution of 8.2% at 0.662 MeV. The measured attenuation coefficient values were then used to determine the mass energy-absorption coefficients (σ{sub a,en}) and average atomic energy-absorption cross sections (μ{sub en}/ρ) of the amino acids. Theoretical values were calculated based on XCOM data. Theoretical and experimental values are found to be in good agreement.

Dependencies of lepton angular distribution coefficients on the transverse momentum and rapidity of Z bosons produced in p p collisions at the LHC

DOE PAGES

Chang, Wen -Chen; McClellan, Randall Evan; Peng, Jen -Chieh; ...

2017-09-21

Here, high precision data of lepton angular distributions formore » $$\\gamma^*/Z$$ production in $pp$ collisions at the LHC, covering broad ranges of dilepton transverse momenta ($$q_T$$) and rapidity ($y$), were recently reported. Strong $$q_T$$ dependencies were observed for several angular distribution coefficients, $$A_i$$, including $$A_0 - A_4$$. Significant $y$ dependencies were also found for the coefficients $$A_1$$, $$A_3$$ and $$A_4$$, while $$A_0$$ and $$A_2$$ exhibit very weak rapidity dependence. Using an intuitive geometric picture we show that the $$q_T$$ and $y$ dependencies of the angular distributions coefficients can be well described.« less

A novel Tc-99 m and fluorescence labeled peptide as a multimodal imaging agent for targeting angiogenesis in a murine tumor model.

PubMed

Kim, Myoung Hyoun; Kim, Chang Guhn; Kim, Seul-Gi; Kim, Dae-Weung

2016-11-01

The serine-aspartic acid-valine (SDV) peptide binds specifically to integrin α V β 3 . In the present study, we successfully developed a TAMRA-GHEG-ECG-SDV peptide labeled with both Tc-99 m and TAMRA to target the integrin α V β 3 of tumor cells; furthermore, we evaluated the diagnostic performance of Tc-99 m TAMRA-GHEG-ECG-SDV as a dual-modality imaging agent for tumor of the murine model. TAMRA-GHEG-ECG-SDV was synthesized using Fmoc solid-phase peptide synthesis. Radiolabeling of TAMRA-GHEG-ECG-SDV with Tc-99 m was done using ligand exchange methods. Labeling stability and cytotoxicity studies were performed. Gamma camera imaging, biodistribution and ex vivo imaging studies were performed in murine models with HT-1080 and HT-29 tumors. A tumor tissue slide was prepared and analyzed using confocal microscopy. After radiolabeling procedures with Tc-99 m, the Tc-99 m TAMRA-GHEG-ECG-SDV complexes were prepared in high yield (>99%). In the gamma camera imaging study, a substantial uptake of Tc-99 m TAMRA-GHEG-ECG-SDV into HT-1080 tumor (integrin α V β 3 positive) and low uptake of Tc-99 m TAMRA-GHEG-ECG-SDV into HT-29 tumor (integrin α V β 3 negative) were demonstrated. A competition study revealed that HT-1080 tumor uptake was effectively blocked by the co-injection of an excess concentration of SDV. Specific uptake of Tc-99 m TAMRA-GHEG-ECG-SDV was confirmed by biodistribution, ex vivo imaging and confocal microscopy studies. Our in vivo and in vitro studies revealed substantial uptake of Tc-99 m TAMRA-GHEG-ECG-SDV in the integrin α V β 3 -positive tumor. Tc-99 m TAMRA-GHEG-ECG-SDV could be a good candidate for a dual-modality imaging agent targeting tumor angiogenesis. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Measurement of natural radionuclides in phosphgypsum using an anti-cosmic gamma-ray spectrometer.

PubMed

Ferreux, Laurent; Moutard, Gérard; Branger, Thierry

2009-05-01

Gamma-ray spectrometry measurements have been carried out to determine the activity of natural radionuclides in a phosphogypsum sample included in a specific tight container. The gamma spectrometer includes an N-type coaxial high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector equipped with an anti-cosmic system. This measurement required the determination of linear attenuation coefficients of phosphogypsum to calculate self-absorption correction between efficiency calibration conditions and measurement ones. The results are given for the three natural chains and for (40)K, in term of specific activity/g of dry material, ranging from a few Bq kg(-1) to a few hundreds Bq kg(-1). The equilibrium within the different families and the (235)U/(238)U ratio are discussed.

About the Sterilization of Chitosan Hydrogel Nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Galante, Raquel; Rediguieri, Carolina F.; Kikuchi, Irene Satiko; Vasquez, Pablo A. S.; Colaço, Rogério; Pinto, Terezinha J. A.

2016-01-01

In the last years, nanostructured biomaterials have raised a great interest as platforms for delivery of drugs, genes, imaging agents and for tissue engineering applications. In particular, hydrogel nanoparticles (HNP) associate the distinctive features of hydrogels (high water uptake capacity, biocompatibility) with the advantages of being possible to tailor its physicochemical properties at nano-scale to increase solubility, immunocompatibility and cellular uptake. In order to be safe, HNP for biomedical applications, such as injectable or ophthalmic formulations, must be sterile. Literature is very scarce with respect to sterilization effects on nanostructured systems, and even more in what concerns HNP. This work aims to evaluate the effect and effectiveness of different sterilization methods on chitosan (CS) hydrogel nanoparticles. In addition to conventional methods (steam autoclave and gamma irradiation), a recent ozone-based method of sterilization was also tested. A model chitosan-tripolyphosphate (TPP) hydrogel nanoparticles (CS-HNP), with a broad spectrum of possible applications was produced and sterilized in the absence and in the presence of protective sugars (glucose and mannitol). Properties like size, zeta potential, absorbance, morphology, chemical structure and cytotoxicity were evaluated. It was found that the CS-HNP degrade by autoclaving and that sugars have no protective effect. Concerning gamma irradiation, the formation of agglomerates was observed, compromising the suspension stability. However, the nanoparticles resistance increases considerably in the presence of the sugars. Ozone sterilization did not lead to significant physical adverse effects, however, slight toxicity signs were observed, contrarily to gamma irradiation where no detectable changes on cells were found. Ozonation in the presence of sugars avoided cytotoxicity. Nevertheless, some chemical alterations were observed in the nanoparticles. PMID:28002493

Abnormal functional connectivity of EEG gamma band in patients with depression during emotional face processing.

PubMed

Li, Yingjie; Cao, Dan; Wei, Ling; Tang, Yingying; Wang, Jijun

2015-11-01

This paper evaluates the large-scale structure of functional brain networks using graph theoretical concepts and investigates the difference in brain functional networks between patients with depression and healthy controls while they were processing emotional stimuli. Electroencephalography (EEG) activities were recorded from 16 patients with depression and 14 healthy controls when they performed a spatial search task for facial expressions. Correlations between all possible pairs of 59 electrodes were determined by coherence, and the coherence matrices were calculated in delta, theta, alpha, beta, and gamma bands (low gamma: 30-50Hz and high gamma: 50-80Hz, respectively). Graph theoretical analysis was applied to these matrices by using two indexes: the clustering coefficient and the characteristic path length. The global EEG coherence of patients with depression was significantly higher than that of healthy controls in both gamma bands, especially in the high gamma band. The global coherence in both gamma bands from healthy controls appeared higher in negative conditions than in positive conditions. All the brain networks were found to hold a regular and ordered topology during emotion processing. However, the brain network of patients with depression appeared randomized compared with the normal one. The abnormal network topology of patients with depression was detected in both the prefrontal and occipital regions. The negative bias from healthy controls occurred in both gamma bands during emotion processing, while it disappeared in patients with depression. The proposed work studied abnormally increased connectivity of brain functional networks in patients with depression. By combing the clustering coefficient and the characteristic path length, we found that the brain networks of patients with depression and healthy controls had regular networks during emotion processing. Yet the brain networks of the depressed group presented randomization trends. Moreover, negative bias was detected in the healthy controls during emotion processing, while it was not detected in patients with depression, which might be related to the types of negative stimuli used in this study. The brain networks from both patients with depression and healthy controls were found to hold a regular and ordered topology. Yet the brain networks of patients with depression had randomization trends. Copyright © 2015 International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Expanding the menu for carnivorous plants: uptake of potassium, iron and manganese by carnivorous pitcher plants.

PubMed

Adlassnig, Wolfram; Steinhauser, Georg; Peroutka, Marianne; Musilek, Andreas; Sterba, Johannes H; Lichtscheidl, Irene K; Bichler, Max

2009-12-01

Carnivorous plants use animals as fertiliser substitutes which allow them to survive on nutrient deficient soils. Most research concentrated on the uptake of the prey's nitrogen and phosphorus; only little is known on the utilisation of other elements. We studied the uptake of three essential nutrients, potassium, iron and manganese, in three species of carnivorous pitcher plants (Cephalotus follicularis LaBilladiere, Sarracenia purpureaL., Heliamphora nutans Bentham). Using relatively short-lived and gamma-emitting radiotracers, we significantly improved the sensitivity compared to conventional protocols and gained the following results. We demonstrated the uptake of trace elements like iron and manganese. In addition, we found direct evidence for the uptake of potassium into the pitcher tissue. Potassium and manganese were absorbed to virtually 100% if offered in physiological concentrations or below in Cephalotus. Analysis of pitcher fluid collected in the natural habitat showed that uptake was performed here as efficiently as in the laboratory. The absorption of nutrients is an active process depending on living glandular cells in the pitcher epidermis and can be inhibited by azide. Unphysiologically high amounts of nutrients were taken up for a short time, but after a few hours the absorbing cells were damaged, and uptake stopped. Absorption rates of pitcher leaves from plants under controlled conditions varied highly, indicating that each trap is functionally independent. The comparison of minerals in typical prey with the plants' tissues showed that a complete coverage of the plants' needs by prey capture is improbable.

Taurine transport across hepatocyte plasma membranes: analysis in isolated rat liver sinusoidal plasma membrane vesicles.

PubMed

Inoue, M; Arias, I M

1988-07-01

To elucidate the mechanism of taurine transport across the hepatic plasma membranes, rat liver sinusoidal plasma membrane vesicles were isolated and the transport process was analyzed. In the presence of a sodium gradient across the membranes (vesicle inside less than vesicle outside), an overshooting uptake of taurine occurred. In the presence of other ion gradients (K+, Li+, and choline+), taurine uptake was very small and no such overshoot was observed. Sodium-dependent uptake of taurine occurred into an osmotically active intravesicular space. Taurine uptake was stimulated by preloading vesicles with unlabeled taurine (transstimulation) in the presence of NaCl, but not in the presence of KCl. Sodium-dependent transport followed saturation kinetics with respect to taurine concentration; double-reciprocal plots of uptake versus taurine concentration gave a straight line from which an apparent Km value of 0.38 mM and Vmax of 0.27 nmol/20 s x mg of protein were obtained. Valinomycin-induced K+-diffusion potential failed to enhance the rate of taurine uptake, suggesting that taurine transport does not depend on membrane potential. Taurine transport was inhibited by structurally related omega-amino acids, such as beta-alanine and gamma-aminobutyric acid, but not by glycine, epsilon-aminocaproic acid, or other alpha-amino acids, such as L-alanine. These results suggest that Na+-dependent uptake of taurine might occur across the hepatic sinusoidal plasma membranes via a transport system that is specific for omega-amino acids having 2-3 carbon chain length.

Thermodynamics of iron-aluminum alloys at 1573 K

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jacobson, Nathan S.; Mehrotra, Gopal M.

1993-01-01

The activities of iron and aluminum were measured in Fe-Al alloys at 1573 K, using the ion-current-ratio technique in a high-temperature Knudsen cell mass spectrometer. The Fe-Al solutions exhibited negative deviations from ideality over the entire composition range. The activity coefficients gamma(Fe), and gamma(Al) are given by six following equations as a function of mole fraction, X(Fe), X(Al). The results show good agreement with those obtained from previous investigations at other temperatures by extrapolation of the activity data to 1573 K.

Air kerma to Hp(3) conversion coefficients for a new cylinder phantom for photon reference radiation qualities.

PubMed

Behrens, R

2012-09-01

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has issued a standard series on photon reference radiation qualities (ISO 4037). In this series, no conversion coefficients are contained for the quantity personal dose equivalent at a 3 mm depth, H(p)(3). In the past, for this quantity, a slab phantom was recommended as a calibration phantom; however, a cylinder phantom much better approximates the shape of a human head than a slab phantom. Therefore, in this work, the conversion coefficients from air kerma to H(p)(3) for the cylinder phantom are supplied for X- and gamma radiation qualities defined in ISO 4037.

gamma-Aminobutyric acid-activated chloride channels: relationship to genetic differences in ethanol sensitivity.

PubMed

Allan, A M; Spuhler, K P; Harris, R A

1988-03-01

We demonstrated recently that low concentrations of ethanol enhanced the muscimol-stimulated chloride influx in cerebellar membranes from long sleep (LS-ethanol sensitive) mice, but had no effect on membranes from short sleep (SS-ethanol resistant) mice. The LS and SS were selected from a heterogeneous stock (HS) of mice for differential sensitivity to the hypnotic effects of ethanol as measured by the duration of the loss of the righting reflex (sleep time). In the present study, we tested 100 HS for ethanol sleep time. The mice with the shortest sleep time (HS-SS) and the mice with the longest sleep time (HS-LS) were selected and tested for the effect of ethanol and muscimol on chloride flux in cerebellum. The effects of ethanol and muscimol on both cerebellar and cortical chloride flux were also examined in rats from the 7th generation selected for differential sensitivity to the hypnotic effects of ethanol (high acute ethanol sensitive rats-HAS and low acute ethanol sensitive rats-LAS). Low concentrations of ethanol (10-30 mM) potentiated muscimol stimulation of 36Cl- uptake in both cortical and cerebellar membranes prepared from ethanol-sensitive animals (HS-LS and HAS). None of the ethanol concentrations tested altered stimulated chloride uptake in ethanol-resistant animals (HS-SS and LAS). No differences in muscimol stimulation of chloride uptake were observed between the pairs of selected lines. These findings strongly suggest that genetic differences in ethanol hypnosis are related to differences in the sensitivity of gamma-aminobutyric acid-operated chloride channels to ethanol.

Synthesis and evaluation of novel Tc-99m labeled NGR-containing hexapeptides as tumor imaging agents.

PubMed

Kim, Dae-Weung; Kim, Woo Hyoung; Kim, Myoung Hyoun; Kim, Chang Guhn

2015-02-01

Asparagine-glycine-arginine (NGR)-containing peptides targeting aminopeptidase N (APN)/CD13 can be an excellent candidate for targeting ligands in molecular tumor imaging. In this study, we developed two NGR-containing hexapeptides, and evaluated the diagnostic performance of Tc-99m labeled hexapeptides as molecular imaging agents in an HT-1080 fibrosarcoma-bearing murine model. Peptides were synthesized using Fmoc solid-phase peptide synthesis. Radiochemical purity of Tc-99m was evaluated using instant thin-layer chromatography. The uptake of two NGR-containing hexapeptides within HT-1080 cells was evaluated in vitro. In HT-1080 fibrosarcoma tumor-bearing mice, gamma images were acquired. A biodistribution study was performed to calculate percentage of the injected dose per gram of tissue (%ID/g). Two hexapeptides, glutamic acid-cysteine-glycine (ECG)-NGR and NGR-ECG were successfully synthesized. After radiolabeling procedures with Tc-99m, the complexes Tc-99m hexapeptides were prepared in high yield. The uptake of Tc-99m ECG-NGR within the tumor cells had been assured by in vitro studies. The gamma camera imaging in the murine model showed that Tc-99m ECG-NGR was accumulated substantially in the subcutaneously engrafted tumor. However, Tc-99m NGR-ECG was accumulated minimally in the tumor. Two NGR-containing hexapeptides, ECG-NGR and NGR-ECG were developed as molecular imaging agents to target APN/CD13 in HT-1080 fibrosarcoma. Tc-99m ECG-NGR showed a significant uptake in the tumor, and it is a good candidate for tumor imaging. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Tc-99m Glu-Cys-Gly-His-Gly-Lys (ECG-HGK), a novel Tc-99m labeled hexapeptide for molecular tumor imaging.

PubMed

Kim, Dae-Weung; Kim, Myoung Hyoun; Kim, Chang Guhn

2016-03-01

Domain 5 of kinin-free high molecular weight kininogen inhibits the adhesion of many tumor cell lines, and it has been reported that the histidine-glycine-lysine (HGK)-rich region might be responsible for inhibition of cell adhesion. The authors developed HGK-containing hexapeptide, glutamic acid-cysteine-glycine (ECG)-HGK, and evaluated the utility of Tc-99m ECG-HGK for tumor imaging. Hexapeptide, ECG-HGK was synthesized using Fmoc solid-phase peptide synthesis. Radiolabeling efficiency was evaluated. The uptake of Tc-99m ECG-HGK within HT-1080 cells was evaluated in vitro. In HT-1080 tumor-bearing mice, gamma imaging and biodistribution studies were performed. The complexes Tc-99m ECG-HGK was prepared in high yield. The uptake of Tc-99m ECG-HGK within the HT-1080 tumor cells had been demonstrated by in vitro studies. The gamma camera imaging in the murine model showed that Tc-99m ECG-HGK was accumulated substantially in the HT-1080 tumor (tumor-to-muscle ratio = 5.7 ± 1.4 at 4 h), and the tumoral uptake was blocked by the co-injection of excess HGK (tumor-to-muscle ratio = 2.8 ± 0.6 at 4 h). In the present study, Tc-99m ECG-HGK was developed as a new tumor imaging agents. Our in vitro and in vivo studies revealed specific function of Tc-99m ECG-HGK for tumor imaging. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Direct quantitation of thoracic gallium-67 uptake in sarcoidosis

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

Bourguet, P.; Delaval, P.; Herry, J.Y.

1986-10-01

A method of direct quantitation of /sup 67/Ga uptake in the lung is described. The attenuation coefficient requires calculation and is obtained simply for each patient by transmission using a planar radionuclide source. The validity of the method was tested with a phantom (error less than 10%). Forty-three patients with pulmonary and/or mediastinal sarcoidosis were classified. The different groups of patients as defined clinically and radiographically (controls, nonactive, and active sarcoidosis) were well-differentiated (p less than 0.001).

Reactive uptake of HOCl to laboratory generated sea salt particles and nascent sea-spray aerosol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Campbell, N. R.; Ryder, O. S.; Bertram, T. H.

2013-12-01

Field observations suggest that the reactive uptake of HOCl on marine aerosol particles is an important source of chlorine radicals, particularly under low NOx conditions. However to date, laboratory measurements disagree on the magnitude of the reactive uptake coefficient for HOCl by a factor of 5 (γ(HOCl) ranges between 0.0004 and 0.0018), and there are no measurements of γ(HOCl) on nascent sea-spray aerosol. Here, we present measurements of the reactive uptake of HOCl to laboratory generated sodium chloride and sea-spray aerosol particles generated in a novel Marine Aerosol Reference Tank (MART), coupled to an entrained aerosol flow reactor and Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometer (CIMS). Measurements of γ(HOCl) retrieved here are compared against those in the literature, and the role of organic coatings on nascent sea-spray aerosol is explored.

Theory and Performance of AIMS for Active Interrogation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Walters, William J.; Royston, Katherine E. K.; Haghighat, Alireza

2014-06-01

A hybrid Monte Carlo and deterministic methodology has been developed for application to active interrogation systems. The methodology consists of four steps: i) determination of neutron flux distribution due to neutron source transport and subcritical multiplication; ii) generation of gamma source distribution from (n, γ) interactions; iii) determination of gamma current at a detector window; iv) detection of gammas by the detector. This paper discusses the theory and results of the first three steps for the case of a cargo container with a sphere of HEU in third-density water. In the first step, a response-function formulation has been developed to calculate the subcritical multiplication and neutron flux distribution. Response coefficients are pre-calculated using the MCNP5 Monte Carlo code. The second step uses the calculated neutron flux distribution and Bugle-96 (n, γ) cross sections to find the resulting gamma source distribution. Finally, in the third step the gamma source distribution is coupled with a pre-calculated adjoint function to determine the gamma flux at a detector window. A code, AIMS (Active Interrogation for Monitoring Special-Nuclear-materials), has been written to output the gamma current for an source-detector assembly scanning across the cargo using the pre-calculated values and takes significantly less time than a reference MCNP5 calculation.

Mathematical Description of the Uptake of Hydrocarbons in Jet Fuel into the Stratum Corneum of Human Volunteers

PubMed Central

Kim, David; Farthing, Matthew W.; Miller, Cass T.; Nylander-French, Leena A.

2008-01-01

The objective of this research was to develop a mathematical description of uptake of aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons into the stratum corneum of human skin in vivo. A simple description based on Fick’s Laws of diffusion was used to predict the spatiotemporal variation of naphthalene, 1- and 2-methylnaphthalene, undecane, and dodecane in the stratum corneum of human volunteers. The estimated values of the diffusion coefficients for each chemical were comparable to values predicted using in vitro skin systems and biomonitoring studies. These results demonstrate the value of measuring dermal exposure using the tape-strip technique and the importance of quantifying of dermal uptake. PMID:18423910

Is non-attenuation-corrected PET inferior to body attenuation-corrected PET or PET/CT in lung cancer?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maintas, Dimitris; Houzard, Claire; Ksyar, Rachid; Mognetti, Thomas; Maintas, Catherine; Scheiber, Christian; Itti, Roland

2006-12-01

It is considered that one of the great strengths of PET imaging is the ability to correct for body attenuation. This enables better lesion uptake quantification and quality of PET images. The aim of this work is to compare the sensitivity of non-attenuation-corrected (NAC) PET images, the gamma photons (GPAC) and CT attenuation-corrected (CTAC) images in detecting and staging of lung cancer. We have studied 66 patients undergoing PET/CT examinations for detecting and staging NSC lung cancer. The patients were injected with 18-FDG; 5 MBq/kg under fasting conditions and examination was started 60 min later. Transmission data were acquired by a spiral CT X-ray tube and by gamma photons emitting Cs-137l source and were used for the patient body attenuation correction without correction for respiratory motion. In 55 of 66 patients we performed both attenuation correction procedures and in 11 patients only CT attenuation correction. In seven patients with solitary nodules PET was negative and in 59 patients with lung cancer PET/CT was positive for pulmonary or other localization. In the group of 55 patients we found 165 areas of focal increased 18-FDG uptake in NAC, 165 in CTAC and 164 in GPAC PET images.In the patients with only CTAC we found 58 areas of increased 18-FDG uptake on NAC and 58 areas lesions on CTAC. In the patients with positive PET we found 223 areas of focal increased uptake in NAC and 223 areas in CTAC images. The sensitivity of NAC was equal to the sensitivity of CTAC and GPAC images. The visualization of peripheral lesions was better in NAC images and the lesions were better localized in attenuation-corrected images. In three lesions of the thorax the localization was better in GPAC and fused images than in CTAC images.

Using support vector machine to predict beta- and gamma-turns in proteins.

PubMed

Hu, Xiuzhen; Li, Qianzhong

2008-09-01

By using the composite vector with increment of diversity, position conservation scoring function, and predictive secondary structures to express the information of sequence, a support vector machine (SVM) algorithm for predicting beta- and gamma-turns in the proteins is proposed. The 426 and 320 nonhomologous protein chains described by Guruprasad and Rajkumar (Guruprasad and Rajkumar J. Biosci 2000, 25,143) are used for training and testing the predictive model of the beta- and gamma-turns, respectively. The overall prediction accuracy and the Matthews correlation coefficient in 7-fold cross-validation are 79.8% and 0.47, respectively, for the beta-turns. The overall prediction accuracy in 5-fold cross-validation is 61.0% for the gamma-turns. These results are significantly higher than the other algorithms in the prediction of beta- and gamma-turns using the same datasets. In addition, the 547 and 823 nonhomologous protein chains described by Fuchs and Alix (Fuchs and Alix Proteins: Struct Funct Bioinform 2005, 59, 828) are used for training and testing the predictive model of the beta- and gamma-turns, and better results are obtained. This algorithm may be helpful to improve the performance of protein turns' prediction. To ensure the ability of the SVM method to correctly classify beta-turn and non-beta-turn (gamma-turn and non-gamma-turn), the receiver operating characteristic threshold independent measure curves are provided. (c) 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

X-Ray Spectra of Young Pulsars and Their Wind Nebulae: Dependence on Spin-Down Energy Loss Rate

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gotthelf, E. V.

2003-01-01

An observational model is presented for the spectra of young rotation-powered pulsars and their nebulae based on a study of nine bright Crab-like pulsar systems observed with the Chandra X-ray observatory. A significant correlation is discovered between the X-ray spectra of these pulsars and that of their associated pulsar wind nebulae, both of which are observed to be a function of the spin-down energy loss rate, E. The 2-10 keV spectra of these objects are well characterized by an absorbed power-law model with photon indices, Gamma, in the range of 0.6 < Gamma (sub PSR) < 2.1 and 1.3 < Gamma(sub PWN) < 2.3, for the pulsars and their nebulae, respectively. A linear regression fit relating these two sets of indexes yields Gamma(sub PWN) = 0.91 +/- 0.18 + (0.66 +/- 0.11) Gamma (sub PSR), with a correlation coefficient of r = 0.97. The spectra of these pulsars are found to steepen as Gamma = Gamma(sub max) + alpha E (exp -1/2), with Gamma(sub max) providing an observational limit on the spectral slopes of young rotation-powered pulsars. These results reveal basic properties of young pulsar systems, allow new observational constraints on models of pulsar wind emission, and provide a means of predicting the energetics of pulsars lacking detected pulsations.

A method for monitoring nuclear absorption coefficients of aviation fuels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sprinkle, Danny R.; Shen, Chih-Ping

1989-01-01

A technique for monitoring variability in the nuclear absorption characteristics of aviation fuels has been developed. It is based on a highly collimated low energy gamma radiation source and a sodium iodide counter. The source and the counter assembly are separated by a geometrically well-defined test fuel cell. A computer program for determining the mass attenuation coefficient of the test fuel sample, based on the data acquired for a preset counting period, has been developed and tested on several types of aviation fuel.

Further characterization of [3H]gamma-aminobutyric acid release from isolated neuronal growth cones: role of intracellular Ca2+ stores.

PubMed

Lockerbie, R O; Gordon-Weeks, P R

1986-04-01

We have recently shown that growth cones isolated from neonatal rat forebrain possess uptake and release mechanisms for the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid. About half of the K+-induced release of [3H]gamma-aminobutyric acid from isolated growth cones is dependent on extracellular Ca2+. The remaining component of the [3H]gamma-aminobutyric acid release is unaffected by removal of extracellular Ca2+ and is resistant to blockade by the voltage-sensitive Ca2+-channel blocker methoxyverapamil. In the present series of experiments we have used caffeine to assess the possible role of intracellular stores of Ca2+ in supporting that component of the K+-induced release of [3H]gamma-aminobutyric acid from isolated growth cones that is independent of extracellular Ca2+. We have chosen caffeine because of its well established effect of releasing Ca2+ from smooth endoplasmic reticulum in muscle. We found that caffeine can release [3H]gamma-aminobutyric acid from isolated growth cones. This effect persists in Ca2+-free medium, in the presence of methoxyverapamil and in the absence of Na+. Furthermore, isobutylmethylxanthine could not substitute for caffeine suggesting that the caffeine effect is not due to phosphodiesterase inhibition and the subsequent rise in intracellular cyclic nucleotides. A combination of the mitochondrial poisons, Antimycin A and sodium azide had no effect on the release of [3H]gamma-aminobutyric acid induced either by caffeine or by high K+. We conclude that caffeine causes the release of Ca2+ from a non-mitochondrial store within the growth cone and that this Ca2+ store supports that component of the K+-induced release of [3H]gamma-aminobutyric acid that is independent of extracellular Ca2+.

Low-energy gamma ray attenuation characteristics of aviation fuels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Singh, Jag J.; Shen, Chih-Ping; Sprinkle, Danny R.

1990-01-01

Am241 (59.5 keV) gamma ray attenuation characteristics were investigated in 270 aviation fuel (Jet A and Jet A-1) samples from 76 airports around the world as a part of world wide study to measure the variability of aviation fuel properties as a function of season and geographical origin. All measurements were made at room temperature which varied from 20 to 27 C. Fuel densities (rho) were measured concurrently with their linear attenuation coefficients (mu), thus providing a measure of mass attenuation coefficient (mu/rho) for the test samples. In 43 fuel samples, rho and mu values were measured at more than one room temperature, thus providing mu/rho values for them at several temperatures. The results were found to be independent of the temperature at which mu and rho values were measured. It is noted that whereas the individual mu and rho values vary considerably from airport to airport as well as season to season, the mu/rho values for all samples are constant at 0.1843 + or - 0.0013 cu cm/gm. This constancy of mu/rho value for aviation fuels is significant since a nuclear fuel quantity gauging system based on low energy gamma ray attenuation will be viable throughout the world.

Direct Determination of the Rate Coefficient for the Reaction of OH Radicals with Monoethanol Amine (MEA) from 296 to 510 K.

PubMed

Onel, L; Blitz, M A; Seakins, P W

2012-04-05

Monoethanol amine (H2NCH2CH2OH, MEA) has been proposed for large-scale use in carbon capture and storage. We present the first absolute, temperature-dependent determination of the rate coefficient for the reaction of OH with MEA using laser flash photolysis for OH generation, monitoring OH removal by laser-induced fluorescence. The room-temperature rate coefficient is determined to be (7.61 ± 0.76) × 10(-11) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1), and the rate coefficient decreases by about 40% by 510 K. The temperature dependence of the rate coefficient is given by k1= (7.73 ± 0.24) × 10(-11)(T/295)(-(0.79±0.11)) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1). The high rate coefficient shows that gas-phase processing in the atmosphere will be competitive with uptake onto aerosols.

Simultaneous Simulations of Uptake in Plants and Leaching to Groundwater of Cadmium and Lead for Arable Land Amended with Compost or Farmyard Manure

PubMed Central

Legind, Charlotte N.; Rein, Arno; Serre, Jeanne; Brochier, Violaine; Haudin, Claire-Sophie; Cambier, Philippe; Houot, Sabine; Trapp, Stefan

2012-01-01

The water budget of soil, the uptake in plants and the leaching to groundwater of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) were simulated simultaneously using a physiological plant uptake model and a tipping buckets water and solute transport model for soil. Simulations were compared to results from a ten-year experimental field study, where four organic amendments were applied every second year. Predicted concentrations slightly decreased (Cd) or stagnated (Pb) in control soils, but increased in amended soils by about 10% (Cd) and 6% to 18% (Pb). Estimated plant uptake was lower in amended plots, due to an increase of Kd (dry soil to water partition coefficient). Predicted concentrations in plants were close to measured levels in plant residues (straw), but higher than measured concentrations in grains. Initially, Pb was mainly predicted to deposit from air into plants (82% in 1998); the next years, uptake from soil became dominating (30% from air in 2006), because of decreasing levels in air. For Cd, predicted uptake from air into plants was negligible (1–5%). PMID:23056555

[Kinetics of uptake of phosphates and nitrates by marine multicellular algae Gelidium latifolium (Grev.) Born. et Thur].

PubMed

Silkin, V A; Chubchikova, I N

2007-01-01

We studied nonstationary kinetics of the uptake of phosphates and nitrates by the red marine algae Gelidium latifolium (Grev.) Born et Thur. and calculated constants of the Michaelis-Menten equation for these elements. In the area of 0-3 microM, the kinetics of phosphate consumption had the following coefficients: maximum rate of uptake 0.8 micromol/(g x h), constant of half-saturation 1.745 microM. For nitrate nitrogen at 0-30 microM, an adaptive strategy of uptake kinetics was noted with change of the equation parameters with time: after 1 h, the maximum rate of uptake was 5.1 micromol/(g x h) and constant of half-saturation 19 gM, while within 2 h, the maximum rate of uptake significantly increased. This could be related to the synthesis of nitrate reductase. Coupled with the uptake of nitrates, nonstationary kinetics of the release of nitrates in the surrounding medium had a one-peak pattern: the maximum concentration of nitrites in the medium and the time of its achievement increased with the initial concentration of nitrates. The maximum concentration of nitrites was 6 to 14% of the initial concentration in the medium.

Water Uptake Behavior and Young Modulus Prediction of Composites Based on Treated Sisal Fibers and Poly(Lactic Acid)

PubMed Central

Orue, Ander; Eceiza, Arantxa; Peña-Rodriguez, Cristina; Arbelaiz, Aitor

2016-01-01

The main aim of this work was to study the effect of sisal fiber surface treatments on water uptake behavior of composites based on untreated and treated fibers. For this purpose, sisal fibers were treated with different chemical treatments. All surface treatments delayed the water absorption of fibers only for a short time of period. No significant differences were observed in water uptake profiles of composites based on fibers with different surface treatments. After water uptake period, tensile strength and Young modulus values of sisal fiber/poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composites were decreased. On the other hand, composites based on NaOH + silane treated fibers showed the lowest diffusion coefficient values, suggesting that this treatment seemed to be the most effective treatment to reduce water diffusion rate into the composites. Finally, Young modulus values of composites, before water uptake period, were predicted using different micromechanical models and were compared with experimental data. PMID:28773524

UK audit of quantitative thyroid uptake imaging.

PubMed

Taylor, Jonathan C; Murray, Anthony W; Hall, David O; Barnfield, Mark C; O'Shaugnessy, Emma R; Carson, Kathryn J; Cullis, James; Towey, David J; Kenny, Bob

2017-07-01

A national audit of quantitative thyroid uptake imaging was conducted by the Nuclear Medicine Software Quality Group of the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine in 2014/2015. The aims of the audit were to measure and assess the variability in thyroid uptake results across the UK and to compare local protocols with British Nuclear Medicine Society (BNMS) guidelines. Participants were invited through a combination of emails on a public mailbase and targeted invitations from regional co-ordinators. All participants were given a set of images from which to calculate quantitative measures and a spreadsheet for capturing results. The image data consisted of two sets of 10 anterior thyroid images, half of which were acquired after administration of Tc-pertechnetate and the other half after administration of I-iodide. Images of the administration syringes or thyroid phantoms were also included. In total, 54 participants responded to the audit. The median number of scans conducted per year was 50. A majority of centres had at least one noncompliance in comparison with BNMS guidelines. Of most concern was the widespread lack of injection-site imaging. Quantitative results showed that both intersite and intrasite variability were low for the Tc dataset. The coefficient of quartile deviation was between 0.03 and 0.13 for measurements of overall percentage uptake. Although the number of returns for the I dataset was smaller, the level of variability between participants was greater (the coefficient of quartile deviation was between 0.17 and 0.25). A UK-wide audit showed that thyroid uptake imaging is still a common test in the UK. It was found that most centres do not adhere to all aspects of the BNMS practice guidelines but that quantitative results are reasonably consistent for Tc-based scans.

Ascofuranone stimulates expression of adiponectin and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor through the modulation of mitogen activated protein kinase family members in 3T3-L1, murine pre-adipocyte cell line

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

Chang, Young-Chae, E-mail: ycchang@cu.ac.kr; Cho, Hyun-Ji, E-mail: hjcho.dr@gmail.com

2012-06-08

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Ascofuranone increases expression of adiponectin and PPAR{gamma}. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Inhibitors for MEK and JNK increased the expression of adiponectin and PPAR{gamma}. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Ascofuranone significantly suppressed phosho-ERK, while increasing phospho-p38. -- Abstract: Ascofuranone, an isoprenoid antibiotic, was originally isolated as a hypolipidemic substance from a culture broth of the phytopathogenic fungus, Ascochyta visiae. Adiponectin is mainly synthesized by adipocytes. It relieves insulin resistance by decreasing the plasma triglycerides and improving glucose uptake, and has anti-atherogenic properties. Here, we found that ascofuranone increases expression of adiponectin and PPAR{gamma}, a major transcription factor for adiponectin, in 3T3-L1, murine pre-adipocytes cell line, withoutmore » promoting accumulation of lipid droplets. Ascofuranone induced expression of adiponectin, and increases the promoter activity of adiponectin and PPRE, PPAR response element, as comparably as a PPAR{gamma} agonist, rosiglitazone, that stimulates lipid accumulation in the preadipocyte cell line. Moreover, inhibitors for MEK and JNK, like ascofuranone, considerably increased the expression of adiponectin and PPAR{gamma}, while a p38 inhibitor significantly suppressed. Ascofuranone significantly suppressed ERK phosphorylation, while increasing p38 phosphorylation, during adipocyte differentiation program. These results suggest that ascofuranone regulates the expression of adiponectin and PPAR{gamma} through the modulation of MAP kinase family members.« less

Functional relationships of landfill and landraise capacity with design and operation parameters.

PubMed

Aivaliotis, Vassilis; Dokas, Ioannis; Hatzigiannakou, Maria; Panagiotakopoulos, Demetrios

2004-08-01

Solid waste management presses for effective landfill design and operation. While planning and operating a landfill (LF) or a landraise (LR), choices need to be made regarding: (1) LF-LR morphology (base shape, side slopes, final cover thickness, LR/LF height/depth); (2) cell geometry (height, length, slopes); and (3) operation parameters (waste density, working face length, cover thicknesses). These parameters affect LF/LR capacity, operation lifespan and construction/ operation costs. In this paper, relationships are generated between capacity (C, space available for waste) and the above parameters. Incorporating real data into simulation kgamma A1.38, runs, two types of functions are developed: first, C = where A is the LF/LR base area size and kgamma a base shape-dependent coefficient; and second, C = alpha(p,gamma,A) + delta(p,gamma,A)Xp for every parameter p, where Xp is the value of p and alpha(p,gamma,A) and delta(p,gamma,A) are parameter- and base (shape/size)-specific coefficients. Moreover, the relationship between LF depth and LR height that balances excavation volume with cover material, is identified. Another result is that, for a symmetrical combination of LF/LR, with base surface area shape between square and 1:2 orthogonal, and final density between 500 and 800 kg m(-3), waste quantity placed ranges from 1.76A1.38 to 2.55A1.38 tons. The significance of such functions is obvious, as they allow the analyst to investigate alternative LF/LR schemes and make trade-off analyses.

Gamma ray shielding characteristic of BiZnBo-SLS and PbZnBo-SLS glass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Syuhada Ahmad, Nor; Shahrim Mustafa, Iskandar; Mansor, Ishak; Malik, Muhammad Fadhirul Izwan bin Abdul; Ain Nabilah Razali, Nur; Nordin, Sufiniza

2018-05-01

The radiation shielding and optical properties of x [RmOn] (0.5‑x) [ZnO] 0.2 [B2O3] 0.3 [SLS], where RmOn are Bi2O3 and PbO with x = 0.05, 0.10, 0.20, 0.30, 0.40, and 0.45 have been prepared by using the melt-quenching method at 1200 °C and was investigated on their physical, structural and gamma ray shielding properties. Field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) data revealed that the particle morphologies is aggregated and irregular in shapes and size. Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) elemental mapping data confirmed that all mentioned element all present on the prepared glass. Soda Lime Silica (SLS) that is mainly composed of SiO2 has been utilized in this study as the source of SiO2 for fabrication of glass system. From the result, the density and molar volume of both glass samples increased as Bi2O3 and PbO content increased. The gamma ray shielding properties, such as linear attenuation and mass attenuation coefficient, were increased while half value layer (HVL) and mean free path (MFP) were decreased as the increased in Bi2O3 and PbO concentrations. It is recognized that the mass attenuation coefficient value of Bi2O3 and PbO glass are slightly different. From this study, it can be concluded that from the non-toxicity and shielding point of view, the bismuth glass is a good shield to gamma radiation as compared to lead glass.

Appraisal of marigold flower based lutein as natural colourant for textile dyeing under the influence of gamma radiations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adeel, Shahid; Gulzar, Tahsin; Azeem, Muhammad; Fazal-ur-Rehman; Saeed, Muhammad; Hanif, Iram; Iqbal, Naeem

2017-01-01

Maintaining colour strength and fastness of the fabrics dyed with natural colourants had been the major constraint of utilizing plant based dyes in modern textile practices. The present study was concerned with the extraction of lutein dye from marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) flowers and role of gamma radiation in improving colour strength and fastness characteristics of the extracted dye. The investigation of dyed fabric in spectraflash showed that gamma ray treatment of 30 kGy was the optimum absorbed dose for surface modification to improve its dye uptake ability. Good colour strength was obtained when irradiated cotton (RC, 30 kGy) was dyed with extract of radiated marigold flower powder (RP) at 70 °C for 85 min, keeping M:L of 1:50 using dye bath of pH 5.0. The results from mordanting experiments revealed that 7% of tannic acid as pre-mordant and 5% of Cu as post-mordant were the best treatments to improve colour strength. It was found that gamma ray induced extraction of lutein from marigold flowers had a potential to be utilized as natural dyes in textile sector to produce yellowish green shades.

Gamma irradiation and steam pretreatment of jute stick powder for the enhancement of dye adsorption efficiency

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parvin, Fahmida; Sultana, Nargis; Habib, S. M. Ahsan; Bhoumik, Nikhil Chandra

2017-11-01

The aim of this study is to find out the facile and effective pretreatment technique to enhance the capacity of jute stick powder (JSP) in adsorbing dye from raw textile effluent. Hence, different pretreatment techniques, i.e., radiation treatment, alkali treatment, ammonia treatment, steam treatment and CaCl2 treatment were applied to JSP and the adsorbing performance were examined for synthetic dye solutions (Blue FCL and Red RL dye). Different gamma radiation doses were applied on JSP and optimum dye removal efficiency was found at 500 krad in removing these two dyes (50 ppm) from solutions. Among the different pretreatment techniques, gamma irradiated JSP (500 Krad) exhibits highest dye uptake capacity for RED RL dye, whereas steam-treated JSP shows highest performance in adsorbing blue FCL dye. Subsequently, we applied the gamma irradiated and steam-treated JSP on real textile effluent (RTE) and these two techniques shows potentiality in adsorbing dye from raw textile effluent and in reducing BOD5, COD load and TOC to some extent as well. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis also proved that dye has been adsorbed on pretreated JSP.

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

Sigaud, Samuel; Goldsmith, Carroll-Ann W.; Zhou Hongwei

Epidemiological studies reveal increased incidence of lung infection when air pollution particle levels are increased. We postulate that one risk factor for bacterial pneumonia, prior viral infection, can prime the lung for greater deleterious effects of particles via the interferon-gamma (IFN-{gamma}) characteristic of successful host anti-viral responses. To test this postulate, we developed a mouse model in which mice were treated with {gamma}-interferon aerosol, followed by exposure to concentrated ambient particles (CAPs) collected from urban air. The mice were then infected with Streptococcus pneumoniae and the effect of these treatments on the lung's innate immune response was evaluated. The combinationmore » of IFN-{gamma} priming and CAPs exposure enhanced lung inflammation, manifest as increased polymorphonuclear granulocyte (PMN) recruitment to the lung, and elevated expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine mRNAs. Combined priming and CAPs exposure resulted in impaired pulmonary bacterial clearance, as well as increased oxidant production and diminished bacterial uptake by alveolar macrophages (AMs) and PMNs. The data suggest that priming and CAPs exposure lead to an inflamed alveolar milieu where oxidant stress causes loss of antibacterial functions in AMs and recruited PMNs. The model reported here will allow further analysis of priming and CAPs exposure on lung sensitivity to infection.« less

[Evaluation of crossing calibration of (123)I-MIBG H/M ration, with the IDW scatter correction method, on different gamma camera systems].

PubMed

Kittaka, Daisuke; Takase, Tadashi; Akiyama, Masayuki; Nakazawa, Yasuo; Shinozuka, Akira; Shirai, Muneaki

2011-01-01

(123)I-MIBG Heart-to-Mediastinum activity ratio (H/M) is commonly used as an indicator of relative myocardial (123)I-MIBG uptake. H/M ratios reflect myocardial sympathetic nerve function, therefore it is a useful parameter to assess regional myocardial sympathetic denervation in various cardiac diseases. However, H/M ratio values differ by site, gamma camera system, position and size of region of interest (ROI), and collimator. In addition to these factors, 529 keV scatter component may also affect (123)I-MIBG H/M ratio. In this study, we examined whether the H/M ratio shows correlation between two different gamma camera systems and that sought for H/M ratio calculation formula. Moreover, we assessed the feasibility of (123)I Dual Window (IDW) method, which is a scatter correction method, and compared H/M ratios with and without IDW method. H/M ratio displayed a good correlation between two gamma camera systems. Additionally, we were able to create a new H/M calculation formula. These results indicated that the IDW method is a useful scatter correction method for calculating (123)I-MIBG H/M ratios.

Reactive Uptake of Dimethylamine by Ammonium Sulfate and Ammonium Sulfate-Sucrose Mixed Particles.

PubMed

Chu, Yangxi; Chan, Chak K

2017-01-12

Short-chain alkyl amines can undergo gas-to-particle partitioning via reactive uptake by ammonium salts, whose phases have been thought to largely influence the extent of amine uptake. Previous studies mainly focused on particles of single ammonium salt at either dry or wet conditions without any addition of organic compounds. Here we report the uptake of dimethylamine (DMA) by ammonium sulfate (AS) and AS-sucrose mixed particles at different relative humidities (RHs) using an electrodynamic balance coupled with in situ Raman spectroscopy. DMA is selected as a representative of short-chain alkyl amines, and sucrose is used as a surrogate of viscous and hydrophilic organics. Effective DMA uptake was observed for most cases, except for the water-limiting scenario at <5% RH and the formation of an ultraviscous sucrose coating at 10% RH and below. DMA uptake coefficients (γ) were estimated using the particle mass measurements during DMA uptake. Addition of sucrose can increase γ by absorbing water or inhibiting AS crystallization and decrease γ by elevating the particle viscosity and forming a coating layer. DMA uptake can be facilitated for crystalline AS or retarded for aqueous AS with hydrophilic viscous organics (e.g., secondary organic material formed via the oxidation of biogenic volatile organic compounds) present in aerosol particles.

Meta-Analysis of the Correlation between Apparent Diffusion Coefficient and Standardized Uptake Value in Malignant Disease

PubMed Central

Deng, Shengming; Wu, Zhifang; Wu, Yiwei; Zhang, Wei; Li, Jihui; Dai, Na

2017-01-01

The objective of this meta-analysis is to explore the correlation between the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) on diffusion-weighted MR and the standard uptake value (SUV) of 18F-FDG on PET/CT in patients with cancer. Databases such as PubMed (MEDLINE included), EMBASE, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Review were searched for relevant original articles that explored the correlation between SUV and ADC in English. After applying Fisher's r-to-z transformation, correlation coefficient (r) values were extracted from each study and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses based on tumor type were performed to investigate the potential heterogeneity. Forty-nine studies were eligible for the meta-analysis, comprising 1927 patients. Pooled r for all studies was −0.35 (95% CI: −0.42–0.28) and exhibited a notable heterogeneity (I2 = 78.4%; P < 0.01). In terms of the cancer type subgroup analysis, combined correlation coefficients of ADC/SUV range from −0.12 (lymphoma, n = 5) to −0.59 (pancreatic cancer, n = 2). We concluded that there is an average negative correlation between ADC and SUV in patients with cancer. Higher correlations were found in the brain tumor, cervix carcinoma, and pancreas cancer. However, a larger, prospective study is warranted to validate these findings in different cancer types. PMID:29097924

Meta-Analysis of the Correlation between Apparent Diffusion Coefficient and Standardized Uptake Value in Malignant Disease.

PubMed

Deng, Shengming; Wu, Zhifang; Wu, Yiwei; Zhang, Wei; Li, Jihui; Dai, Na; Zhang, Bin; Yan, Jianhua

2017-01-01

The objective of this meta-analysis is to explore the correlation between the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) on diffusion-weighted MR and the standard uptake value (SUV) of 18 F-FDG on PET/CT in patients with cancer. Databases such as PubMed (MEDLINE included), EMBASE, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Review were searched for relevant original articles that explored the correlation between SUV and ADC in English. After applying Fisher's r -to- z transformation, correlation coefficient ( r ) values were extracted from each study and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses based on tumor type were performed to investigate the potential heterogeneity. Forty-nine studies were eligible for the meta-analysis, comprising 1927 patients. Pooled r for all studies was -0.35 (95% CI: -0.42-0.28) and exhibited a notable heterogeneity ( I 2 = 78.4%; P < 0.01). In terms of the cancer type subgroup analysis, combined correlation coefficients of ADC/SUV range from -0.12 (lymphoma, n = 5) to -0.59 (pancreatic cancer, n = 2). We concluded that there is an average negative correlation between ADC and SUV in patients with cancer. Higher correlations were found in the brain tumor, cervix carcinoma, and pancreas cancer. However, a larger, prospective study is warranted to validate these findings in different cancer types.

Fluorescent solute-partitioning characterization of layered soft contact lenses.

PubMed

Dursch, T J; Liu, D E; Oh, Y; Radke, C J

2015-03-01

Partitioning of aqueous packaging, wetting, and care-solution agents into and out of soft contact lenses (SCLs) is important for improving wear comfort and also for characterizing lens physico-chemical properties. We illustrate both features of partitioning by application of fluorescent-solute partitioning into DAILIES TOTAL1® (delefilcon A) water-gradient SCLs, which exhibit a layered structure of a silicone-hydrogel (SiHy) core sandwiched between thin surface-gel layers. Two-photon fluorescence confocal laser-scanning microscopy and attenuated total-reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) characterize the lens and assess uptake profiles of six prototypical fluorescent solutes. Comparison of solute uptake in a SiHy-core prototype lens (i.e., O2OPTIX(TM)) validates the core SiHy structure of DAILIESTOTAL1®. To establish surface-layer charge, partition coefficients and water contents are obtained for aqueous pH values of 4 and 7.4. Solute fluorescence-intensity profiles clearly confirm a layered structure for the DAILIES TOTAL1® lenses. In all cases, aqueous solute partition coefficients are greater in the surface layers than in the SiHy core, signifying higher water in the surface gels. ATR-FTIR confirms surface-layer mass water contents of 82±3%. Water uptake and hydrophilic-solute uptake at pH 4 compared with that at pH 7.4 reveal that the surface-gel layers are anionic at physiologic pH 7.4, whereas both the SiHy core and O2OPTIX™ (lotrafilcon B) are nonionic. We successfully confirm the layered structure of DAILIES TOTAL1®, consisting of an 80-μm-thick SiHy core surrounded by 10-μm-thick polyelectrolyte surface-gel layers of significantly greater water content and aqueous solute uptake compared with the core. Accordingly, fluorescent-solute partitioning in SCLs provides information on gel structure and composition, in addition to quantifying uptake and release amounts and rates. Copyright © 2014 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Kinetics of moisture loss and oil uptake during deep fat frying of Gethi (Dioscorea kamoonensis Kunth) strips.

PubMed

Manjunatha, S S; Ravi, N; Negi, P S; Raju, P S; Bawa, A S

2014-11-01

Investigation was carried out to study kinetics of moisture loss, oil uptake and tristimulus colour during deep fat frying of Gethi (Dioscorea kamoonensis kunth) strips. Deep fat frying of Gethi strips of size 6 × 6 × 40 mm was carried out in a laboratory scale fryer at different temperatures ranging from 120 to 180 °C. The investigation showed that the moisture loss and oil uptake followed the first order kinetics equation (r > 0.95, p < 0.05). The kinetic coefficients for moisture loss and oil uptake increased significantly (p < 0.05) with temperature from 0.166 to 0.889 min(-1) and 0.139 to 0.430 min(-1) respectively. The temperature dependency of rate constants for moisture loss and oil uptake values was described using Arrhenius equation (r > 0.99, p < 0.01). The activation energies for moisture loss and oil uptake were found to be 41.53 KJ/mol and 27.12 KJ/mol respectively. The hunter colour parameters were significantly affected by frying temperature and frying time. The hunter lightness (L) value increased with respect to frying time initially, followed by decline and same trend was observed at higher temperatures of frying with elevated rate, whereas hunter redness (a) value increased significantly (p < 0.01) with time as well as temperature of frying and obeyed zero order rate equation. The temperature dependency kinetic coefficients of Hunter (a) value were described by Arrhenius equation and the energy of activation for change in hunter redness was found to be 42.41 KJ/mol (r > 0.99, p < 0.01). The other hunter colour parameters such as chroma, hue angle and total colour difference were markedly affected by frying temperature as well as frying time.

Neutron starquakes and the nature of gamma-ray bursts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Madau, P.; Blaes, O.; Blandford, R. D.; Goldreich, P.

1989-01-01

The possibility that gamma-ray bursts originate from quakes deep in the solid crust of a neutron star is investigated. Seismic waves are radiated if shear stress is relieved by brittle fracture. However they cannot propagate directly to the surface but are temporarily trapped below a reflecting layer. The shaking of the stellar surface couples the seismic waves to Alfven waves which propagate out into the magnetosphere. The crust-magnetosphere transmission coefficient strongly increases with wave frequency and magnetic field strength. Alfven wave luminosities sufficient to power galactic gamma-ray bursts are possible if magnetic fields greater than 100 billion G cover at least part of the stellar surface. As the Alfven waves propagate out into the low density magnetosphere, they become increasingly charge starved, thereby accelerating particles to relativistic energies.

Reproducibility and repeatability of semi-quantitative 18F-fluorodihydrotestosterone (FDHT) uptake metrics in castration-resistant prostate cancer metastases: a prospective multi-center study.

PubMed

Vargas, Hebert Alberto; Kramer, Gem M; Scott, Andrew M; Weickhardt, Andrew; Meier, Andreas A; Parada, Nicole; Beattie, Bradley J; Humm, John L; Staton, Kevin D; Zanzonico, Pat B; Lyashchenko, Serge K; Lewis, Jason S; Yaqub, Maqsood; Sosa, Ramon E; van den Eertwegh, Alfons J; Davis, Ian D; Ackermann, Uwe; Pathmaraj, Kunthi; Schuit, Robert C; Windhorst, Albert D; Chua, Sue; Weber, Wolfgang A; Larson, Steven M; Scher, Howard I; Lammertsma, Adriaan A; Hoekstra, Otto; Morris, Michael J

2018-04-06

18 F-fluorodihydrotestosterone ( 18 F-FDHT) is a radiolabeled analogue of the androgen receptor's primary ligand that is currently being credentialed as a biomarker for prognosis, response, and pharmacodynamic effects of new therapeutics. As part of the biomarker qualification process, we prospectively assessed its reproducibility and repeatability in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Methods: We conducted a prospective multi-institutional study of mCRPC patients undergoing two (test/re-test) 18 F-FDHT PET/CT scans on two consecutive days. Two independent readers evaluated all examinations and recorded standardized uptake values (SUVs), androgen receptor-positive tumor volumes (ARTV), and total lesion uptake (TLU) for the most avid lesion detected in each of 32 pre-defined anatomical regions. The relative absolute difference and reproducibility coefficient (RC) of each metric were calculated between the test and re-test scans. Linear regression analyses, intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC), and Bland-Altman plots were used to evaluate repeatability of 18 F-FDHT metrics. The coefficient of variation (COV) and ICC were used to assess inter-observer reproducibility. Results: Twenty-seven patients with 140 18 F-FDHT-avid regions were included. The best repeatability among 18 F-FDHT uptake metrics was found for SUV metrics (SUV max , SUVmean, and SUVpeak), with no significant differences in repeatability found among them. Correlations between the test and re-test scans were strong for all SUV metrics (R2 ≥ 0.92; ICC ≥ 0.97). The RCs of the SUV metrics ranged from 21.3% for SUVpeak to 24.6% for SUV max The test and re-test ARTV and TLU, respectively, were highly correlated (R2 and ICC ≥ 0.97), although variability was significantly higher than that for SUV (RCs > 46.4%). The PSA levels, Gleason score, weight, and age did not affect repeatability, nor did total injected activity, uptake measurement time, or differences in uptake time between the two scans. Including the single most avid lesion per patient, the five most avid lesions per patient, only lesions ≥ 4.2 mL, only lesions with an SUV ≥ 4 g/mL, or normalizing of SUV to area under the parent plasma activity concentration-time curve did not significantly affect repeatability. All metrics showed high inter-observer reproducibility (ICC > 0.98; COV < 0.2-10.8%). Conclusion: 18 F-FDHT is a highly reproducible means of imaging mCRPC. Amongst 18 F-FDHT uptake metrics, SUV had the highest repeatability among the measures assessed. These performance characteristics lend themselves to further biomarker development and clinical qualification of the tracer. Copyright © 2018 by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Inc.

The use of ultrasonic properties of CR-39 track detectors in neutron dosimetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Afifi, H.; El-Sersy, A.; Khaled, N.

2004-01-01

The longitudinal and shear wave ultrasonic velocities have been measured before and after exposing 5-mm thick CR-39 solid state nuclear track detectors to both a mixed field of gamma-rays and fast neutrons from an Am-Be source in the ranges from 0 to 10 4 mSv. The change in the intermolecular structure as caused by the fast neutron exposure was studied by the ultrasonic pulse echo method at a frequency of 2 MHz and at room temperature. The elastic coefficients, Poisson's ratio, microhardness, ultrasonic absorption coefficient and internal friction have been determined. The study shows that the gamma-ray irradiation had no effect on the ultrasonic properties of CR-39 at least at the used doses. However, all the ultrasonic properties are influenced by the fast neutrons at doses up to 10 4 mSv. Our experimental results confirmed that the ultrasonic technique is useful for fast neutron detection, by exploiting the differences in mechanical properties of CR-39.

Implications of Gamma-Ray Transparency Constraints in Blazars: Minimum Distances and Gamma-Ray Collimation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Becker, Peter A.; Kafatos, Menas

1995-01-01

We develop a general expression for the gamma - gamma absorption coefficient, alpha(sub gamma(gamma)) for gamma-rays propagating in an arbitrary direction at an arbitrary point in space above an X-ray-emitting accretion disk. The X-ray intensity is assumed to vary as a power law in energy and radius between the outer disk radius, R(sub 0), and the inner radius, R(sub ms) which is the radius of marginal stability for a Schwarzschild black hole. We use our result for alpha(sub gamma(gamma)) to calculate the gamma - gamma optical depth, tau(sub gamma(gamma)) for gamma - rays created at height z and propagating at angle Phi relative to the disk axis, and we show that for Phi = 0 and z greater than or approx equal to R(sub 0), tau(sub gamma(gamma)) proportional to Epsilon(sup alpha)z(sup -2(alpha) - 3), where alpha is the X-ray spectral index and Epsilon is the gamma - ray energy. As an application, we use our formalism to compute the minimum distance between the central black hole and the site of production of the gamma-rays detected by EGRET during the 1991 June flare of 3C 279. In order to obtain an upper limit, we assume that all of the X-rays observed contemporaneously by Ginga were emitted by the disk. Our results suggest that the observed gamma - rays may have originated within less than or approx equal to 45 GM/sq c from a black hole of mass greater than or approx equal to 10(exp 9) solar mass, perhaps in active plasma located above the central funnel of the accretion disk. This raises the possibility of establishing a direct connection between the production of the observed gamma - rays and the accretion of material onto the black hole. We also consider the variation of the optical depth as a function of the angle of propagation Phi. Our results indicate that the "focusing" of the gamma - rays along the disk axis due to pair production is strong enough to explain the observed degree of alignment in blazar sources. If the gamma - rays are produced isotropically in gamma - ray blazars, then these objects should appear as bright MeV sources when viewed along off-axis lines of sight.

Einstein coefficients for rotational lines of the (0,0) band of the NO A2sigma(+)-X2Pi system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reisel, John R.; Carter, Campbell D.; Laurendeau, Normand M.

1992-01-01

A summary of the spectroscopic equations necessary for prediction of the molecular transition energies and the Einstein A and B coefficients for rovibronic lines of the gamma(0,0) band of nitric oxide (NO) is presented. The calculated molecular transition energies are all within 0.57/cm of published experimental values; in addition, over 95 percent of the calculated energies give agreement with measured results within 0.25/cm. Einstein coefficients are calculated from the band A00 value and the known Hoenl-London factors and are tabulated for individual rovibronic transitions in the NO A2sigma(+)-X2Pi(0,0) band.

Effect of Bacterial Microbiota on the Silica Uptake of the Marine Diatom, Odontella sp.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hughes, E. J.; Kempnich, M.; Sison-Mangus, M.

2016-12-01

Diatoms are the most prolific primary producers in the ocean and are known to dominate the phytoplankton community when nutrients become available. Diatoms require silica for growth in order to produce their silica wall frustules. Studies pertaining to silica uptake in diatoms have recently become possible with the use of PDMPO [2-(4-pyridyl)-5{[4-dimethylaminoethyl-aminocarbamoyl]-methoxy}phenyl]oxazole], a dye which selectively binds to free silica and can effectively be used to demonstrate silica uptake and deposition in diatoms. Many factors affect the growth of diatoms, including their bacterial associates or microbiome. Some members of their microbiota can increase diatom growth while others stunt their growth and eventually lyse them. Bacteria-free diatoms, on the other hand, have significantly lower growth than diatoms associating with bacteria. Here we ask if the silica uptake of Odontella sp. was influenced by co-culture with various types of bacteria. Silicification was measured using spectrophotometry to calculate PDMPO concentration as a proxy for silica uptake. We found that axenic cultures have the lowest silica uptake while non-axenic diatoms and diatoms co-cultured with the bacteria from Bacteroidetes (Cellulophaga), Firmicutes (Planococcus) and Gamma-proteobacteria (Vibrio) have varying effects on the silica uptake of the 3 diatoms. This study adds another piece of evidence that bacteria can play an important role on the growth and development of the diatoms. This work suggests that different types of bacteria can have a profound effect on the survival and ecological success of diatoms and bacterial associates should be considered when studying diatom's biology and ecology.

Assessment of Gamma-Ray-Spectra Analysis Method Utilizing the Fireworks Algorithm for Various Error Measures

DOE PAGES

Alamaniotis, Miltiadis; Tsoukalas, Lefteri H.

2018-01-01

The analysis of measured data plays a significant role in enhancing nuclear nonproliferation mainly by inferring the presence of patterns associated with special nuclear materials. Among various types of measurements, gamma-ray spectra is the widest utilized type of data in nonproliferation applications. In this paper, a method that employs the fireworks algorithm (FWA) for analyzing gamma-ray spectra aiming at detecting gamma signatures is presented. In particular, FWA is utilized to fit a set of known signatures to a measured spectrum by optimizing an objective function, where non-zero coefficients express the detected signatures. FWA is tested on a set of experimentallymore » obtained measurements optimizing various objective functions—MSE, RMSE, Theil-2, MAE, MAPE, MAP—with results exhibiting its potential in providing highly accurate and precise signature detection. Finally and furthermore, FWA is benchmarked against genetic algorithms and multiple linear regression, showing its superiority over those algorithms regarding precision with respect to MAE, MAPE, and MAP measures.« less

Tumor dosimetry for I-131 trastuzumab therapy in a Her2+ NCI N87 xenograft mouse model using the Siemens SYMBIA E gamma camera with a pinhole collimator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Young Sub; Kim, Jin Su; Deuk Cho, Kyung; Kang, Joo Hyun; Moo Lim, Sang

2015-07-01

We performed imaging and therapy using I-131 trastuzumab and a pinhole collimator attached to a conventional gamma camera for human use in a mouse model. The conventional clinical gamma camera with a 2-mm radius-sized pinhole collimator was used for monitoring the animal model after administration of I-131 trastuzumab The highest and lowest radiation-received organs were osteogenic cells (0.349 mSv/MBq) and skin (0.137 mSv/MBq), respectively. The mean coefficients of variation (%CV) of the effective dose equivalent and effective dose were 0.091 and 0.093 mSv/MBq respectively. We showed the feasibility of the pinholeattached conventional gamma camera for human use for the assessment of dosimetry. Mouse dosimetry and prediction of human dosimetry could be used to provide data for the safety and efficacy of newly developed therapeutic schemes.

The influence of gamma irradiation on natural dyeing properties of cotton and flax fabrics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chirila, Laura; Popescu, Alina; Cutrubinis, Mihalis; Stanculescu, Ioana; Moise, Valentin Ioan

2018-04-01

Fabrics made of 100% cotton and 100% flax respectively were exposed at ambient temperature to gamma radiation doses, from 5 to 40 kGy, using a Co-60 research irradiator. After the irradiation treatment the fabrics were subjected to dyeing process with Itodye Nat Pomegranate commercial natural dye. The influence of gamma irradiation treatment on the physical-mechanical properties, dyeing and surface morphology of natural fibres were investigated. Gamma ray treatment of 40 kGy was the most effective in the case of fabrics made from 100% cotton, enhancing the colour strength as evidenced by K/S value. The results obtained from the mechanical properties of fabrics made of 100% flax indicated that the dose of 40 kGy leads to a decrease of tensile strength up of to 41.5%. Infrared spectroscopy was used to monitor chemical and structural changes in cellulosic fibres induced during processing. Crystallinity indices calculated from various bands ratio showed insignificant variations for cotton and small variations in the case of flax. The surface morphology of irradiated cotton fabrics did not show significant changes even at the highest dose of 40 kGy, while the low doses applied on flax fabrics led to an appearance of small changes of surface morphology. The gamma irradiation increased the uptake of natural dyes on natural cellulosic fibres.

Magnetic Nanofluid Rare Earth Element Extraction Process Report, Techno Economic Analysis, and Results for Geothermal Fluids

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

Pete McGrail

This GDR submission is an interim technical report and raw data files from the first year of testing on functionalized nanoparticles for rare earth element extraction from geothermal fluids. The report contains Rare Earth Element uptake results (percent removal, mg Rare Earth Element/gram of sorbent, distribution coefficient) for the elements of Neodymium, Europium, Yttrium, Dysprosium, and Cesium. A detailed techno economic analysis is also presented in the report for a scaled up geothermal rare earth element extraction process. All rare earth element uptake testing was done on simulated geothermal brines with one rare earth element in each brine. The raremore » earth element uptake testing was conducted at room temperature.« less

Hybrid atomistic simulation of fluid uptake in a deformable solid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moghadam, Mahyar M.; Rickman, J. M.

2014-01-01

Fluid imbibition via diffusion in a deformable solid results in solid stresses that may, in turn, alter subsequent fluid uptake. To examine this interplay between diffusional and elastic fields, we employed a hybrid Monte Carlo-molecular dynamics scheme to model the coupling of a fluid reservoir to a deformable solid, and then simulated the resulting fluid permeation into the solid. By monitoring the instantaneous structure factor and solid dimensions, we were able to determine the compositional strain associated with imbibition, and the diffusion coefficient in the Fickian regime was obtained from the time dependence of the fluid uptake. Finally, for large, mobile fluid atoms, a non-Fickian regime was highlighted and possible mechanisms for this behavior were identified.

Effects of polymers on the rotational viscosities of nematic liquid crystals and dynamics of field alignment

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

Kim, D.

Many of the important physical phenomena exhibited by the nematic phase, such as its unusual flow properties and its responses to the electric and the magnetic fields, can be discussed regarding it as a continous medium. The Leslie-Erickson dynamic theory has the six dissipative coefficients from continuum model of liquid crystal. Parodi showed that only five of them are independent, when Onsagar`s reciprocal relations are used. One of these, which has no counterpart in the isotropic liquids, is the rotational viscosity co-efficient, {gamma}{sub 1}. The main objective of this project is to study the rotational viscosities of selected micellar nematicmore » systems and the effect of dissolved polymers in micellar and thermotropic liqud crystals. We used rotating magnetic field method which allows one to determine {gamma}{sub 1} and the anisotropic magnetic susceptibility, {chi}{sub a}. For the ionic surfactant liquid crystals of SDS and KL systems used in this study, the rotational viscosity exhibited an extraordinary drop after reaching the highest values {gamma}{sub 1} as the temperature was lowered. This behavior is not observed in normal liquid crystals. But this phenomena can be attributed to the existence of nematic biaxial phase below the rod-like nematic N{sub c} phase. The pretransitional increase in {gamma}{sub 1} near the disk-like nematic to smectic-A phase transition of the pure CsPFO/H{sub 2}O systems are better understood with the help of mean-field models of W.L. McMillan. He predicted a critical exponent {nu} = {1/2} for the divergence of {gamma}{sub 1}. The polymer (PEO, molecular weight = 10{sup 5}) dissolved in CsPFO/H{sub 2}O system (which has 0.6% critical polymer concentration), suppressed the nematic to lamellar smectic phase transition in concentrated polymer solutions (0.75% and higher). In dilute polymer solutions with lower than 0.3% polyethylene-oxide, a linear increase of {gamma}{sub 1} is observed, which agrees with Brochard theory.« less

Calcium-ion transport by intact Ehrlich ascites-tumour cells. Role of respiratory substrates, Pi and temperature.

PubMed

Charlton, R R; Wenner, C E

1978-03-15

1. The interaction of intact Ehrlich ascites-tumour cells with Ca2+ at 37 degrees C consists of Ca2+ uptake followed by efflux from the cells. Under optimum conditions, two or three cycles of uptake and efflux are observed in the first 15 min after Ca2+ addition. 2. The respiratory substrates malate, succinate and ascorbate plus p-phenylenediamine support Ca2+ uptake. Ca2+ uptake at 37 degrees C is sensitive to the respiratory inhibitors rotenone and antimycin A when appropriate substrates are present. Ca2+ uptake and retention are inhibited by the uncoupler S-13. 3. Increasing extracellular Pi (12 to 30 mM) stimulates uncoupler-sensitive Ca2+ uptake, which reaches a maximum extent of 15 nmol/mg of protein when supported by succinate respiration. Ca2+ efflux is partially inhibited at 30 mM-Pi. 4. Optimum Ca2+ uptake occurs in the presence of succinate and Pi, suggesting that availability of substrate and Pi are rate-limiting. K. Ca2+ uptake occurs at 4 degrees C and is sensitive to uncouplers and oligomycin. Ca2+ efflux at this temperature is minimal. These data are consistent with a model in which passive diffusion of Ca2+ through the plasma membrane is followed by active uptake by the mitochondria. Ca2+ uptake is supported by substrates entering respiration at all three energy-coupling sites. Ca2+ efflux appears to be an active process with a high temperature coefficient.

Gamma shielding properties of Tamoxifen drug

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kanberoglu, Gulsah Saydan; Oto, Berna; Gulebaglan, Sinem Erden

2017-02-01

Tamoxifen (MW=371 g/mol) is an endocrine therapeutic drug widely prescribed as chemopreventive in women to prevent and to treat all stages of breast cancer. It is also being studied for other types of cancer. In this study, we have calculated some gamma shielding parameters such as mass attenuation coefficient (μρ), effective atomic number (Zeff) and electron density (Nel) for Tamoxifen drug. The values of μρ were calculated using WinXCom computer program and then the values of Zeff and Nel were derived using μρ values in the wide energy range (1 keV - 100 GeV).

Estimating lifetime risk from spot biomarker data and intra‐class correlation coefficients (ICC)

EPA Science Inventory

Human biomarker measurements in tissues including blood, breath, and urine can serve as efficient surrogates for environmental monitoring because a single biological sample integrates personal exposure across all environmental media and uptake pathways. However, biomarkers repres...

Multiparametric voxel-based analyses of standardized uptake values and apparent diffusion coefficients of soft-tissue tumours with a positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance system: Preliminary results.

PubMed

Sagiyama, Koji; Watanabe, Yuji; Kamei, Ryotaro; Hong, Sungtak; Kawanami, Satoshi; Matsumoto, Yoshihiro; Honda, Hiroshi

2017-12-01

To investigate the usefulness of voxel-based analysis of standardized uptake values (SUVs) and apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) for evaluating soft-tissue tumour malignancy with a PET/MR system. Thirty-five subjects with either ten low/intermediate-grade tumours or 25 high-grade tumours were prospectively enrolled. Zoomed diffusion-weighted and fluorodeoxyglucose ( 18 FDG)-PET images were acquired along with fat-suppressed T2-weighted images (FST2WIs). Regions of interest (ROIs) were drawn on FST2WIs including the tumour in all slices. ROIs were pasted onto PET and ADC-maps to measure SUVs and ADCs within tumour ROIs. Tumour volume, SUVmax, ADCminimum, the heterogeneity and the correlation coefficients of SUV and ADC were recorded. The parameters of high- and low/intermediate-grade groups were compared, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was also performed. The mean correlation coefficient for SUV and ADC in high-grade sarcomas was lower than that of low/intermediate-grade tumours (-0.41 ± 0.25 vs. -0.08 ± 0.34, P < 0.01). Other parameters did not differ significantly. ROC analysis demonstrated that correlation coefficient showed the best diagnostic performance for differentiating the two groups (AUC 0.79, sensitivity 96.0%, specificity 60%, accuracy 85.7%). SUV and ADC determined via PET/MR may be useful for differentiating between high-grade and low/intermediate-grade soft tissue tumours. • PET/MR allows voxel-based comparison of SUVs and ADCs in soft-tissue tumours. • A comprehensive assessment of internal heterogeneity was performed with scatter plots. • SUVmax or ADCminimum could not differentiate high-grade sarcoma from low/intermediate-grade tumours. • Only the correlation coefficient between SUV and ADC differentiated the two groups. • The correlation coefficient showed the best diagnostic performance by ROC analysis.

Uptake and speciation of selenium in garlic cultivated in soil amended with symbiotic fungi (mycorrhiza) and selenate.

PubMed

Larsen, Erik H; Lobinski, Ryszard; Burger-Meÿer, Karin; Hansen, Marianne; Ruzik, Rafal; Mazurowska, Lena; Rasmussen, Peter Have; Sloth, Jens J; Scholten, Olga; Kik, Chris

2006-07-01

The scope of the work was to investigate the influence of selenate fertilisation and the addition of symbiotic fungi (mycorrhiza) to soil on selenium and selenium species concentrations in garlic. The selenium species were extracted from garlic cultivated in experimental plots by proteolytic enzymes, which ensured liberation of selenium species contained in peptides or proteins. Separate extractions using an aqueous solution of enzyme-deactivating hydroxylamine hydrochloride counteracted the possible degradation of labile selenium species by enzymes (such as alliinase) that occur naturally in garlic. The selenium content in garlic, which was analysed by ICP-MS, showed that addition of mycorrhiza to the natural soil increased the selenium uptake by garlic tenfold to 15 microg g(-1) (dry mass). Fertilisation with selenate and addition of mycorrhiza strongly increased the selenium content in garlic to around one part per thousand. The parallel analysis of the sample extracts by cation exchange and reversed-phase HPLC with ICP-MS detection showed that gamma-glutamyl-Se-methyl-selenocysteine amounted to 2/3, whereas methylselenocysteine, selenomethionine and selenate each amounted to a few percent of the total chromatographed selenium in all garlic samples. Se-allyl-selenocysteine and Se-propyl-selenocysteine, which are selenium analogues of biologically active sulfur-containing amino acids known to occur in garlic, were searched for but not detected in any of the extracts. The amendment of soil by mycorrhiza and/or by selenate increased the content of selenium but not the distribution of detected selenium species in garlic. Finally, the use of two-dimensional HPLC (size exclusion followed by reversed-phase) allowed the structural characterisation of gamma-glutamyl-Se-methyl-selenocysteine and gamma-glutamyl-Se-methyl-selenomethionine in isolated chromatographic fractions by quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

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

Shin, H; Yoon, D; Jung, J

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to suggest a tumor monitoring technique using prompt gamma rays emitted during the reaction between an antiproton and a boron particle, and to verify the increase of the therapeutic effectiveness of the antiproton boron fusion therapy using Monte Carlo simulation code. Methods: We acquired the percentage depth dose of the antiproton beam from a water phantom with and without three boron uptake regions (region A, B, and C) using F6 tally of MCNPX. The tomographic image was reconstructed using prompt gamma ray events from the reaction between the antiproton and boron during themore » treatment from 32 projections (reconstruction algorithm: MLEM). For the image reconstruction, we were performed using a 80 × 80 pixel matrix with a pixel size of 5 mm. The energy window was set as a 10 % energy window. Results: The prompt gamma ray peak for imaging was observed at 719 keV in the energy spectrum using the F8 tally fuction (energy deposition tally) of the MCNPX code. The tomographic image shows that the boron uptake regions were successfully identified from the simulation results. In terms of the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the area under the curve values were 0.647 (region A), 0.679 (region B), and 0.632 (region C). The SNR values increased as the tumor diameter increased. The CNR indicated the relative signal intensity within different regions. The CNR values also increased as the different of BURs diamter increased. Conclusion: We confirmed the feasibility of tumor monitoring during the antiproton therapy as well as the superior therapeutic effect of the antiproton boron fusion therapy. This result can be beneficial for the development of a more accurate particle therapy.« less

Development of an intraoperative gamma camera based on a 256-pixel mercuric iodide detector array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patt, B. E.; Tornai, M. P.; Iwanczyk, J. S.; Levin, C. S.; Hoffman, E. J.

1997-06-01

A 256-element mercuric iodide (HgI/sub 2/) detector array has been developed which is intended for use as an intraoperative gamma camera (IOGC). The camera is specifically designed for use in imaging gamma-emitting radiopharmaceuticals (such as 99m-Tc labeled Sestamibi) incorporated into brain tumors in the intraoperative surgical environment. The system is intended to improve the success of tumor removal surgeries by allowing more complete removal of subclinical tumor cells without removal of excessive normal tissue. The use of HgI/sub 2/ detector arrays in this application facilitates construction of an imaging head that is very compact and has a high SNR. The detector is configured as a cross-grid array. Pixel dimensions are 1.25 mm squares separated by 0.25 mm. The overall dimension of the detector is 23.75 mm on a side. The detector thickness is 1 mm which corresponds to over 60% stopping at 140 keV. The array has good uniformity with average energy resolution of 5.2/spl plusmn/2.9% FWHM at 140 keV (best resolution was 1.9% FWHM). Response uniformity (/spl plusmn//spl sigma/) was 7.9%. A study utilizing realistic tumor phantoms (uptake ratio varied from 2:1 to 100:1) in background (1 mCi/l) was conducted. SNRs for the reasonably achievable uptake ratio of 50:1 were 5.61 /spl sigma/ with 1 cm of background depth ("normal tissue") and 2.74 /spl sigma/ with 4 cm of background for a 6.3 /spl mu/l tumor phantom (/spl sim/270 nCi at the time of the measurement).

Development and application of a hybrid transport methodology for active interrogation systems

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

Royston, K.; Walters, W.; Haghighat, A.

A hybrid Monte Carlo and deterministic methodology has been developed for application to active interrogation systems. The methodology consists of four steps: i) neutron flux distribution due to neutron source transport and subcritical multiplication; ii) generation of gamma source distribution from (n, 7) interactions; iii) determination of gamma current at a detector window; iv) detection of gammas by the detector. This paper discusses the theory and results of the first three steps for the case of a cargo container with a sphere of HEU in third-density water cargo. To complete the first step, a response-function formulation has been developed tomore » calculate the subcritical multiplication and neutron flux distribution. Response coefficients are pre-calculated using the MCNP5 Monte Carlo code. The second step uses the calculated neutron flux distribution and Bugle-96 (n, 7) cross sections to find the resulting gamma source distribution. In the third step the gamma source distribution is coupled with a pre-calculated adjoint function to determine the gamma current at a detector window. The AIMS (Active Interrogation for Monitoring Special-Nuclear-Materials) software has been written to output the gamma current for a source-detector assembly scanning across a cargo container using the pre-calculated values and taking significantly less time than a reference MCNP5 calculation. (authors)« less

Contributions of Torpedo nicotinic acetylcholine receptor gamma Trp-55 and delta Trp-57 to agonist and competitive antagonist function.

PubMed

Xie, Y; Cohen, J B

2001-01-26

Results of affinity-labeling studies and mutational analyses provide evidence that the agonist binding sites of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) are located at the alpha-gamma and alpha-delta subunit interfaces. For Torpedo nAChR, photoaffinity-labeling studies with the competitive antagonist d-[(3)H]tubocurarine (dTC) identified two tryptophans, gammaTrp-55 and deltaTrp-57, as the primary sites of photolabeling in the non-alpha subunits. To characterize the importance of gammaTrp-55 and deltaTrp-57 to the interactions of agonists and antagonists, Torpedo nAChRs were expressed in Xenopus oocytes, and equilibrium binding assays and electrophysiological recordings were used to examine the functional consequences when either or both tryptophans were mutated to leucine. Neither substitution altered the equilibrium binding of dTC. However, the deltaW57L and gammaW55L mutations decreased acetylcholine (ACh) binding affinity by 20- and 7,000-fold respectively. For the wild-type, gammaW55L, and deltaW57L nAChRs, the concentration dependence of channel activation was characterized by Hill coefficients of 1.8, 1.1, and 1.7. For the gammaW55L mutant, dTC binding at the alpha-gamma site acts not as a competitive antagonist but as a coactivator or partial agonist. These results establish that interactions with gamma Trp-55 of the Torpedo nAChR play a crucial role in agonist binding and in the agonist-induced conformational changes that lead to channel opening.

IL-10 down-regulates T cell activation by antigen-presenting liver sinusoidal endothelial cells through decreased antigen uptake via the mannose receptor and lowered surface expression of accessory molecules.

PubMed

Knolle, P A; Uhrig, A; Hegenbarth, S; Löser, E; Schmitt, E; Gerken, G; Lohse, A W

1998-12-01

Our study demonstrates that antigen-presenting liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC) induce production of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) from cloned Th1 CD4+ T cells. We show that LSEC used the mannose receptor for antigen uptake, which further strengthened the role of LSEC as antigen-presenting cell (APC) population in the liver. The ability of LSEC to activate cloned CD4+ T cells antigen-specifically was down-regulated by exogenous prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and by IL-10. We identify two separate mechanisms by which IL-10 down-regulated T cell activation through LSEC. IL-10 decreased the constitutive surface expression of MHC class II as well as of the accessory molecules CD80 and CD86 on LSEC. Furthermore, IL-10 diminished mannose receptor activity in LSEC. Decreased antigen uptake via the mannose receptor and decreased expression of accessory molecules may explain the down-regulation of T cell activation through IL-10. Importantly, the expression of low numbers of antigen on MHC II in the absence of accessory signals on LSEC may lead to induction of anergy in T cells. Because PGE2 and IL-10 are released from LSEC or Kupffer cells (KC) in response to those concentrations of endotoxin found physiologically in portal venous blood, it is possible that the continuous presence of these mediators and their negative effect on the local APC may explain the inability of the liver to induce T cell activation and to clear chronic infections. Our results support the notion that antigen presentation by LSEC in the hepatic microenvironment contributes to the observed inability to mount an effective cell-mediated immune response in the liver.

Molecular Static Third-Order Polarizabilities of Carbon-Cage Fullerene and Their Correlation with Three Geometric Properties: Symmetry, Aromaticity, and Size

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moore, C. E.; Cardelino, B. H.; Frazier, D. O.; Niles, J.; Wang, X.-Q.

1998-01-01

The static third-order polarizabilities (gamma) of C60, C70, five isomers of C78 and two isomers of C84 were analyzed in terms of three properties, from a geometric point of view: symmetry, aromaticity and size. The polarizability values were based on the finite field approximation using a semiempirical Hamiltonian (AM1) and applied to molecular structures obtained from density functional theory calculations. Symmetry was characterized by the molecular group order. The selection of 6-member rings as aromatic was determined from an analysis of bond lengths. Maximum interatomic distance and surface area were the parameters considered with respect to size. Based on triple linear regression analysis, it was found that the static linear polarizability (alpha) and gamma in these molecules respond differently to geometrical properties: alpha depends almost exclusively on surface area while gamma is affected by a combination of number of aromatic rings, length and group order, in decreasing importance. In the case of alpha, valence electron contributions provide the same information as all-electron estimates. For gamma, the best correlation coefficients are obtained when all-electron estimates are used and when the dependent parameter is ln(gamma) instead of gamma.

Dispersion and Attenuation Due to Scattering from Heterogeneities of the Frame Bulk Modulus of a Poroelastic Medium

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-02-19

attenuation is a function of the Hurst exponent which characterizes the fractal het- erogeneity. Muller and Gurevich15,16 used statistical smoothing of...modified Bessel function of the third kind, Γ denotes the gamma function, and ν is the Hurst coefficient which is assumed to be 0 < ν ≤ 1. The three...The Hurst coefficient, ν, is ν = 0.1 (long-dashed line), ν = 0.5 (short-dashed line), and ν = 0.9 (long-short dashed line). In (a) the sound speed

Analysis of Breakthrough Profiles Based on Gamma Ray Emission Along Loaded Packed Bed Columns: Comparative Evaluation of Ionsiv IE-911 and Chabazite Zeolite for the Removal of Radiostrontium and Cesium from Groundwater

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

Bostick, D.T.; DePaoli, S.M.; Lucero, A.J.

1999-10-18

A gamma counting system has been assembled that can profile the breakthrough fronts of gamma-emitting radioisotopes longitudinally and axially along a loaded column. This profiling technique has been particularly useful in columns studies such as those performed with IONSP IE-911, a crystalline silicotitanate (CST) manufactured by UOP, in which unusually long operating times are required to observe cesium breakthrough in column effluent. The length of the mass transfer zone and extent of column saturation can be detected early in a column study by viewing the relative emission of gamma emitters along I the length of the column. In this study,more » gamma scans were used to analyze loaded CST and zeolite columns used in the treatment of process wastewater simulant and actual groundwater. Results indicate good run-to-run reproductibility in acquiring the scans. The longitudinal gamma scans for both {sup 90}Sr and {sup 137}Cs conformed with breakthrough results reported on the basis of column effluent activity. Although not obvious from data obtained by monitoring effluent activity, the gamma scans indicated that both cesium and strontium in the saturated zone of the CST column are slowly displaced by the higher levels of groundwater cations and are then resorbed further down the column. This displacement phenomenon identified by gamma scans was verified using data from a zeolite column, in which both the gamma scan and column effluent data exhibited radionuclide displacement by groundwater cations. The gamma emission intensities from the CST column runs are used to quantitate and compare the distribution coefficient and loading capacity of {sup 137}Cs on CST versus zeolite.« less

Role of ocean isopycnal mixing in setting the uptake of anthropogenic carbon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gnanadesikan, A.; Pradal, M. A. S.; Abernathey, R. P.

2014-12-01

The magnitude of the isopycnal stirring coefficient ARedi is poorly constrained from data and varies greatly across Earth System Models. This paper documents the impact of such uncertainty on the oceanic carbon cycle. We compare six spatial representations of ARedi. Four constant values (400, 800, 1200 and 2400 m2/s) are used to explore the difference between using the low values found in many models and the higher values seen in observational estimates. Models are also run with two spatially dependent values of ARedi based on altimetry, one which captures the fully two-dimensional structure of the mixing coefficient, the other of which looks at the zonally averaged structure alone. Under global warming significant changes are seen in the biological pump in convective regions, but these changes are largely locally compensated by changes in preformed DIC. Instead, differences in anthropogenic uptake of carbon are largely centered in the tropics, and can be well described in terms of a relatively simple diffusive approximation. Using ideal age as a tracer can give insight into the expected behavior of the models. The rate of oceanic mixing represents a quantitatively significant uncertainty in future projections of the global carbon cycle, amounting to about 20% of the oceanic uptake.

Potential immobilized Saccharomyces cerevisiae as heavy metal removal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raffar, Nur Izzati Abdul; Rahman, Nadhratul Nur Ain Abdul; Alrozi, Rasyidah; Senusi, Faraziehan; Chang, Siu Hua

2015-05-01

Biosorption of copper ion using treated and untreated immobilized Saccharomyces cerevisiae from aqueous solution was investigate in this study. S.cerevisiae has been choosing as biosorbent due to low cost, easy and continuously available from various industries. In this study, the ability of treated and untreated immobilized S.cerevisiae in removing copper ion influence by the effect of pH solution, and initial concentration of copper ion with contact time. Besides, adsorption isotherm and kinetic model also studied. The result indicated that the copper ion uptake on treated and untreated immobilized S.cerevisiae was increased with increasing of contact time and initial concentration of copper ion. The optimum pH for copper ion uptake on untreated and treated immobilized S.cerevisiae at 4 and 6. From the data obtained of copper ion uptake, the adsorption isotherm was fitted well by Freundlich model for treated immobilized S.cerevisiae and Langmuir model for untreated immobilized S.cerevisiae according to high correlation coefficient. Meanwhile, the pseudo second order was described as suitable model present according to high correlation coefficient. Since the application of biosorption process has been received more attention from numerous researchers as a potential process to be applied in the industry, future study will be conducted to investigate the potential of immobilized S.cerevisiae in continuous process.

Fate and Uptake of Pharmaceuticals in Soil–Earthworm Systems

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Pharmaceuticals present a potential threat to soil organisms, yet our understanding of their fate and uptake in soil systems is limited. This study therefore investigated the fate and uptake of 14C-labeled carbamazepine, diclofenac, fluoxetine, and orlistat in soil–earthworm systems. Sorption coefficients increased in the order of carbamazepine < diclofenac < fluoxetine < orlistat. Dissipation of 14C varied by compound, and for orlistat, there was evidence of formation of nonextractable residues. Uptake of 14C was seen for all compounds. Depuration studies showed complete elimination of 14C for carbamazepine and fluoxetine treatments and partial elimination for orlistat and diclofenac, with greater than 30% of the 14C remaining in the tissue at the end of the experiment. Pore-water-based bioconcentration factors (BCFs), based on uptake and elimination of 14C, increased in the order carbamazepine < diclofenac < fluoxetine and orlistat. Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography–Fourier transform mass spectrometry indicated that the observed uptake in the fluoxetine and carbamazepine treatments was due to the parent compounds but that diclofenac was degraded in the test system so uptake was due to unidentifiable transformation products. Comparison of our data with outputs of quantitative structure−activity relationships for estimating BCFs in worms showed that these models tend to overestimate pharmaceutical BCFs so new models are needed. PMID:24762061

Optically stimulated luminescence of natural NaCl mineral from Dead Sea exposed to gamma radiation.

PubMed

Roman-Lopez, J; Piña López, Y I; Cruz-Zaragoza, E; Marcazzó, J

2018-08-01

In this work, the continuous wave - optically stimulated luminescence (CW-OSL) emissions of natural salt minerals, collected from Dead Sea in summer of 2015, were studied. The CW-OSL dose response of natural salt showed a linear range between 0.5Gy and 10Gy of gamma radiation of 60 Co. Samples exposed at 3Gy exhibited good repeatability with a variation coefficient of 4.6%. The CW-OSL response as function of the preheating temperature (50-250°C) was analyzed. An increase of 15% of the CW-OSL response was observed in NaCl samples during storage period of 336h. The results showed that the natural Dead Sea salt minerals could be applied as natural dosimeter of gamma radiation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Use of borated polyethylene to improve low energy response of a prompt gamma based neutron dosimeter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Priyada, P.; Ashwini, U.; Sarkar, P. K.

2016-05-01

The feasibility of using a combined sample of borated polyethylene and normal polyethylene to estimate neutron ambient dose equivalent from measured prompt gamma emissions is investigated theoretically to demonstrate improvements in low energy neutron dose response compared to only polyethylene. Monte Carlo simulations have been carried out using the FLUKA code to calculate the response of boron, hydrogen and carbon prompt gamma emissions to mono energetic neutrons. The weighted least square method is employed to arrive at the best linear combination of these responses that approximates the ICRP fluence to dose conversion coefficients well in the energy range of 10-8 MeV to 14 MeV. The configuration of the combined system is optimized through FLUKA simulations. The proposed method is validated theoretically with five different workplace neutron spectra with satisfactory outcome.

Routes of uptake of diclofenac, fluoxetine, and triclosan into sediment-dwelling worms.

PubMed

Karlsson, Maja V; Marshall, Stuart; Gouin, Todd; Boxall, Alistair B A

2016-04-01

The present study investigated the route and degree of uptake of 2 ionizable pharmaceuticals (diclofenac and fluoxetine) and 1 ionizable compound used in personal care products (triclosan) into the sediment-dwelling worm Lumbriculus variegatus. Studies were done on complete worms ("feeding") and worms where the head was absent ("nonfeeding") using (14) C-labeled ingredients. Biota sediment accumulation factors (BSAF), based on uptake of (14) C, for feeding worms increased in the order fluoxetine (0.3) < diclofenac (0.5) < triclosan (9), which is correlated with a corresponding increase in log octanol-water partition coefficient. Biota sediment accumulation factor estimates are representative of maximum values because the degree of biotransformation in the worms was not quantified. Although no significant differences were seen between the uptake of diclofenac and that of fluoxetine in feeding and nonfeeding worms, uptake of the more hydrophobic antimicrobial, triclosan, into the feeding worms was significantly greater than that in the nonfeeding worms, with the 48-h BSAF for feeding worms being 36% higher than that for the nonfeeding worms. The results imply that dietary uptake contributes to the uptake of triclosan, which may be a result of the high hydrophobicity of the compound. Models that estimate exposure of ionizable substances may need to consider uptake from both the water column and food, particularly when assessing risks from dynamic exposures to organic contaminants. © 2015 SETAC.

ESR and mass-spectrometric uranium-series dating studies of a mammoth tooth from stanton harcourt, Oxfordshire, England

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, L. P.; McDermott, F.; Rhodes, E. J.; Marseglia, E. A.; Mellars, P. A.

The age of the Channel Deposits at Stanton Harcourt, Oxfordshire, England, has been a topic of debate with important implications for British Pleistocene stratigraphy. Recent excavations led by K. Scott reveal ample evidence for ancient environmental conditions characteristic of an interglacial. However, the question remains on the assignment of its age. At present it is thought to represent an interglacial corresponding to either marine OI Stage 7 or 5e. In an attempt to constrain the chronology of the site, and to assess the techniques' reliability, we have made electron spin resonance (ESR) measurements on enamel and mass-spectrometric U-series measurements on both enamel and dentine from a mammoth tooth buried in the Channel Deposits at Stanton Harcourt. Four dentine samples gave U-series dates between 65.4±0.4 and 146.5±1.0 ka and two enamel samples between these dentine layers were dated to 53.3±0.2 and 61.1±0.6 ka. The corresponding ESR age estimates for the enamel samples are 59±6 and 62±4 ka (early U-uptake, EU) and 95±11 and 98±7 ka (linear U-uptake, LU). The recent U-uptake (RU) dates are 245±38 and 238±31 ka, but in light of the U-series data we would not expect these to represent realistic age estimates. Similar ESR results were obtained from two other adjacent enamel samples. The effect of the large size of the mammoth tooth on the external gamma dose, and the internal gamma contribution from the high U content of the dentine, are considered. While the recent uptake ESR dates appear to coincide with OI Stage 7, all the early and linear uptake ESR and mass-spectrometric U-series dates are younger than the expected age estimation based on recent geological interpretation and amino acid racemisation measurements (>200 ka) and optical dating studies (200-450 ka). Possible causes of the unexpected dating results are discussed. We conclude that our mass-spectrometric U-series and EU and LU ESR measurements represent minimum age estimates for the tooth analysed. Our results seem to suggest that the tooth and hence the Channel Deposits are at least 147 ka in age. i.e. predating the last interglacial.

D- and L-[123I]-2-I-phenylalanine show a long tumour retention compared with D- and L-[123I]-2-I-tyrosine in R1M rhabdomyosarcoma tumour-bearing Wag/Rij rats.

PubMed

Bauwens, Matthias; Lahoutte, Tony; Kersemans, Ken; Caveliers, Vicky; Bossuyt, Axel; Mertens, John

2007-07-01

The aim of this study was the comparison of the tumour uptake and the long-term retention of [(123)I]-2-I-L-phenylalanine and [(123)I]-2-I-D-phenylalanine with those of [(123)I]-2-I-L-tyrosine and [(123)I]-2-I-D-tyrosine in R1M rhabdomyosarcoma tumour-bearing rats. The biodistribution of the radioactivity as a function of time in R1M tumour-bearing rats was measured by planar gamma camera imaging (dynamic and static). If dissection was applied, the activity in the tumours and tissues of interest was measured by gamma counting. [(123)I]-2-iodo-L-phenylalanine, [(123)I]-2-iodo-D-phenylalaine, [(123)I]-2-I-L-tyrosine showed a considerable tumour uptake reaching a maximum between 10 and 30 min. At 30 min p.i. the differential uptake ratio values of this uptake were, respectively, 2.1, 2.3, 2.5 and 1.7. The activity in the tumour was shown to be related to a tumour cell uptake and not to an increased blood pool activity. All the tracers showed a clearance from the blood to the bladder without renal retention. At longer times both L- and D- [(123)I]-2-I-tyrosine were cleared for a large part from the tumours and the body. [(123)I]-2-I-L-Phe and [(123)I]-2-I-D-Phe showed a considerable and equal retention in the tumours: as compared with 0.5 h, 91% at 24 h and 80% at 48 h. This was related to the longer retention of activity in the blood pool noticed for these compounds (81% at 24 h and 65% at 48 h). The tumour-to-background ratio increased with 25% at those longer times. At short times all the tracers were taken up to a considerable extent in the tumours. In the R1M-bearing Wag/Rij rat model only [(123)I]-2-I-L-phenylalanine and [(123)I]-2-I-D-phenylalanine showed an especially high retention at long times without any significant difference between the enantiomers. Copyright 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

An Improved Internal Consistency Reliability Estimate.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cliff, Norman

1984-01-01

The proposed coefficient is derived by assuming that the average Goodman-Kruskal gamma between items of identical difficulty would be the same for items of different difficulty. An estimate of covariance between items of identical difficulty leads to an estimate of the correlation between two tests with identical distributions of difficulty.…

A nonintrusive nuclear monitor for measuring liquid contents in sealed vessels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Singh, J. J.; Mall, G. H.

1984-01-01

A nonintrusive nuclear technique for monitoring fluid contents in sealed vessels, regardless of the fluid distribution inside the vessels is described. The technique is applicable to all-g environments. It is based on the differences in Cesium-137 gamma ray attenuation coefficients in air and the test liquids.

Impact of protein pre-coating on the protein corona composition and nanoparticle cellular uptake.

PubMed

Mirshafiee, Vahid; Kim, Raehyun; Park, Soyun; Mahmoudi, Morteza; Kraft, Mary L

2016-01-01

Nanoparticles (NPs) are functionalized with targeting ligands to enable selectively delivering drugs to desired locations in the body. When these functionalized NPs enter the blood stream, plasma proteins bind to their surfaces, forming a protein corona that affects NP uptake and targeting efficiency. To address this problem, new strategies for directing the formation of a protein corona that has targeting capabilities are emerging. Here, we have investigated the feasibility of directing corona composition to promote targeted NP uptake by specific types of cells. We used the well-characterized process of opsonin-induced phagocytosis by macrophages as a simplified model of corona-mediated NP uptake by a desired cell type. We demonstrate that pre-coating silica NPs with gamma-globulins (γ-globulins) produced a protein corona that was enriched with opsonins, such as immunoglobulins. Although immunoglobulins are ligands that bind to receptors on macrophages and elicit phagocytois, the opsonin-rich protein corona did not increase NP uptake by macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. Immunolabeling experiments indicated that the binding of opsonins to their target cell surface receptors was impeded by other proteins in the corona. Thus, corona-mediated NP targeting strategies must optimize both the recruitment of the desired plasma proteins as well as their accessibility and orientation in the corona layer. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A dual two dimensional electronic portal imaging device transit dosimetry model based on an empirical quadratic formalism

PubMed Central

Metwaly, M; Glegg, M; Baggarley, S P; Elliott, A

2015-01-01

Objective: This study describes a two dimensional electronic portal imaging device (EPID) transit dosimetry model that can predict either: (1) in-phantom exit dose, or (2) EPID transit dose, for treatment verification. Methods: The model was based on a quadratic equation that relates the reduction in intensity to the equivalent path length (EPL) of the attenuator. In this study, two sets of quadratic equation coefficients were derived from calibration dose planes measured with EPID and ionization chamber in water under reference conditions. With two sets of coefficients, EPL can be calculated from either EPID or treatment planning system (TPS) dose planes. Consequently, either the in-phantom exit dose or the EPID transit dose can be predicted from the EPL. The model was tested with two open, five wedge and seven sliding window prostate and head and neck intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) fields on phantoms. Results were analysed using absolute gamma analysis (3%/3 mm). Results: The open fields gamma pass rates were >96.8% for all comparisons. For wedge and IMRT fields, comparisons between predicted and TPS-computed in-phantom exit dose resulted in mean gamma pass rate of 97.4% (range, 92.3–100%). As for the comparisons between predicted and measured EPID transit dose, the mean gamma pass rate was 97.5% (range, 92.6–100%). Conclusion: An EPID transit dosimetry model that can predict in-phantom exit dose and EPID transit dose was described and proven to be valid. Advances in knowledge: The described model is practical, generic and flexible to encourage widespread implementation of EPID dosimetry for the improvement of patients' safety in radiotherapy. PMID:25969867

Evaluation of gamma dose effect on PIN photodiode using analytical model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jafari, H.; Feghhi, S. A. H.; Boorboor, S.

2018-03-01

The PIN silicon photodiodes are widely used in the applications which may be found in radiation environment such as space mission, medical imaging and non-destructive testing. Radiation-induced damage in these devices causes to degrade the photodiode parameters. In this work, we have used new approach to evaluate gamma dose effects on a commercial PIN photodiode (BPX65) based on an analytical model. In this approach, the NIEL parameter has been calculated for gamma rays from a 60Co source by GEANT4. The radiation damage mechanisms have been considered by solving numerically the Poisson and continuity equations with the appropriate boundary conditions, parameters and physical models. Defects caused by radiation in silicon have been formulated in terms of the damage coefficient for the minority carriers' lifetime. The gamma induced degradation parameters of the silicon PIN photodiode have been analyzed in detail and the results were compared with experimental measurements and as well as the results of ATLAS semiconductor simulator to verify and parameterize the analytical model calculations. The results showed reasonable agreement between them for BPX65 silicon photodiode irradiated by 60Co gamma source at total doses up to 5 kGy under different reverse voltages.

Heterogeneous Chemistry of HONO on Liquid Sulfuric Acid: A New Mechanism of Chlorine Activation on Stratospheric Sulfate Aerosols

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zhang, Renyi; Leu, Ming-Taun; Keyser, Leon F.

1996-01-01

Heterogeneous chemistry of nitrous acid (HONO) on liquid sulfuric acid (H2SO4) Was investigated at conditions that prevail in the stratosphere. The measured uptake coefficient (gamma) of HONO on H2SO4 increased with increasing acid content, ranging from 0.03 for 65 wt % to about 0.1 for 74 wt %. In the aqueous phase, HONO underwent irreversible reaction with H2SO4 to form nitrosylsulfuric acid (NO(+)HSO4(-). At temperatures below 230 K, NO(+)HSO4(-) was observed to be stable and accumulated in concentrated solutions (less than 70 wt % H2SO4) but was unstable and quickly regenerated HONO in dilute solutions (less than 70 wt %). HCl reacted with HONO dissolved in sulfuric acid, releasing gaseous nitrosyl chloride (ClNO). The reaction probability between HCl and HONO varied from 0.01 to 0.02 for 60-72 wt % H2SO4. In the stratosphere, ClNO photodissociates rapidly to yield atomic chlorine, which catalytically destroys ozone. Analysis of the laboratory data reveals that the reaction of HCl with HONO on sulfate aerosols can affect stratospheric ozone balance during elevated sulfuric acid loadings after volcanic eruptions or due to emissions from the projected high-speed civil transport (HSCT). The present results may have important implications on the assessment of environmental acceptability of HSCT.

Radiotherapy Improvements by Using Au Nanoparticles.

PubMed

Torrisi, Lorenzo

2015-01-01

Au nanoparticles can be prepared inside biological solutions and incorporated in special molecules for their transport through blood, drugs and proteins up to the tumour sites or directly injected in their volume when it is possible. The Au nanoparticles are biocompatible and can be accepted locally in the organism also at relatively high concentrations. The use of Au nanoparticles injected in the tumour site enhances significantly the effective atomic number of the medium, depending on the used concentration, and consequently the proton and electron energy loss and the X-ray absorption coefficient determining an increment of the local absorbed dose during radiotherapy. Traditional radiotherapy using electrons, X-rays and gamma rays, and innovative protontherapy can benefit the increment of the effective atomic number of the tissue in the presence of Au-nanoparticles embedded in the tumour volume with an adaptive up-take procedure. This method decreases the dose released to the healthy tissues permitting a better cantering of the irradiated targets and shielding the healthy tissue placed behind the tumour. The presented theoretical study approach permits to evaluate an enhancement of the radiotherapy dose of the order of 1 % using 60 MeV protons, of the order of 10% using 6 MeV electrons and of the order of 100 % using 100 keV X-ray photons. Here, we also disccused for patents relaed to the topic.

Pharmacology of radioiodinated hexadecenoic acid--a myocardial imaging agent.

PubMed

Sun, Q X; Zhang, J; Ji, Q M; Wang, Y C; Xie, D F; Hua, R L; He, W Y; Shi, X C; Li, Y J; Jiang, C J

1984-04-01

123I- and 131I-labeled hexadecenoic acid (IHDA, radiochemical purity over 92%, dissolved in 6% bovine serum albumin solution) was investigated in vivo. ICR mice were administered IHDA via the tail vein. Maximum myocardial uptake (27.3 +/- 5.1%) was reached about 0.5 min after the injection. The ratio of uptake in the heart to that in the lungs was 2.3, to that in liver 1.5 and to that in other organs 2.4 to 6.4. The dog myocardium was visualized distinctly within 3-5 min with a gamma camera after i.v. 131I-IHDA, and not interfered with by activities in the lungs, liver and other organs. The low blood levels at 20 min had little effect on the quality of the heart images.

Relationship between pretreatment FDG-PET and diffusion-weighted MRI biomarkers in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

PubMed Central

de Jong, Antoinette; Kwee, Thomas C; de Klerk, John MH; Adam, Judit A; de Keizer, Bart; Fijnheer, Rob; Kersten, Marie José; Ludwig, Inge; Jauw, Yvonne WS; Zijlstra, Josée M; den Bos, Indra C Pieters - Van; Stoker, Jaap; Hoekstra, Otto S; Nievelstein, Rutger AJ

2014-01-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between the 18F-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) standardized uptake value (SUV) and the diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in newly diagnosed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Pretreatment FDG-PET and diffusion-weighted MRI of 21 patients with histologically proven DLBCL were prospectively analyzed. In each patient, maximum, mean and peak standardized uptake value (SUV) was measured in the lesion with visually highest FDG uptake and in the largest lesion. Mean ADC (ADCmean, calculated with b-values of 0 and 1000 s/mm2) was measured in the same lesions. Correlations between FDG-PET metrics (SUVmax, SUVmean, SUVpeak) and ADCmean were assessed using Pearson’s correlation coefficients. In the lesions with visually highest FDG uptake, no significant correlations were found between the SUVmax, SUVmean, SUVpeak and the ADCmean (P=0.498, P=0.609 and P=0.595, respectively). In the largest lesions, there were no significant correlations either between the SUVmax, SUVmean, SUVpeak and the ADCmean (P=0.992, P=0.843 and P=0.894, respectively). The results of this study indicate that the glycolytic rate as measured by FDG-PET and changes in water compartmentalization and water diffusion as measured by the ADC are independent biological phenomena in newly diagnosed DLBCL. Further studies are warranted to assess the complementary roles of these different imaging biomarkers in the evaluation and follow-up of DLBCL. PMID:24795837

Including carrier-mediated transport in oral uptake prediction of nutrients and pharmaceuticals in humans.

PubMed

O'Connor, Isabel A; Veltman, Karin; Huijbregts, Mark A J; Ragas, Ad M J; Russel, Frans G M; Hendriks, A Jan

2014-11-01

Most toxicokinetic models consider passive diffusion as the only mechanism when modeling the oral uptake of chemicals. However, the overall uptake of nutrients and xenobiotics, such as pharmaceuticals and environmental pollutants, can be increased by influx transport proteins. We incorporated carrier-mediated transport into a one-compartment toxicokinetic model originally developed for passive diffusion only. The predictions were compared with measured oral uptake efficiencies of nutrients and pharmaceuticals, i.e. the fraction of the chemical reaching systemic circulation. Including carrier-mediated uptake improved model predictions for hydrophilic nutrients (RMSE=10% vs. 56%, Coefficient of Efficiency CoE=0.5 vs. -9.6) and for pharmaceuticals (RMSE=21% vs. 28% and CoE=-0.4 vs. -1.1). However, the negative CoE for pharmaceuticals indicates that further improvements are needed. Most important in this respect is a more accurate estimation of vMAX and KM as well as the determination of the amount of expressed and functional transport proteins both in vivo and in vitro. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of detector array technology for the verification of advanced intensity-modulated radiotherapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hussien, Mohammad

Purpose: Quality assurance (QA) for intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) has evolved substantially. In recent years, various ionization chamber or diode detector arrays have become commercially available, allowing pre-treatment absolute dose verification with near real-time results. This has led to a wide uptake of this technology to replace point dose and film dosimetry and to facilitate QA streamlining. However, arrays are limited by their spatial resolution giving rise to concerns about their response to clinically relevant deviations. The common factor in all commercial array systems is the reliance on the gamma index (γ) method to provide the quantitative evaluation of the measured dose distribution against the Treatment Planning System (TPS) calculated dose distribution. The mathematical definition of the gamma index presents computational challenges that can cause a variation in the calculation in different systems. The purpose of this thesis was to evaluate the suitability of detector array systems, combined with their implementation of the gamma index, in the verification and dosimetry audit of advanced IMRT. Method: The response of various commercial detector array systems (Delta4®, ArcCHECK®, and the PTW 2D-Array seven29™ and OCTAVIUS II™ phantom combination, Gafchromic® EBT2 and composite EPID measurements) to simulated deliberate changes in clinical IMRT and VMAT plans was evaluated. The variability of the gamma index calculation in the different systems was also evaluated by comparing against a bespoke Matlab-based gamma index analysis software. A novel methodology for using a commercial detector array in a dosimetry audit of rotational radiotherapy was then developed. Comparison was made between measurements using the detector array and those performed using ionization chambers, alanine and radiochromic film. The methodology was developed as part of the development of a national audit of rotational radiotherapy. Ten cancer centres were asked to create a rotational radiotherapy treatment plan for a three-dimensional treatment-planning-system (3DTPS) test and audited. Phantom measurements using a commercial 2D ionization chamber (IC) array were compared with measurements using 0.125cm3 ion chamber, Gafchromic film and alanine pellets in the same plane. Relative and absolute gamma index (γ) comparisons were made for Gafchromic film and 2D-Array planes respectively. A methodology for prospectively deriving appropriate gamma index acceptance criteria for detector array systems, via simulation of deliberate changes and receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis, has been developed. Results: In the event of clinically relevant delivery introduced changes, the detector array systems evaluated are able to detect some of these changes if suitable gamma index passing criteria, such as 2%/2mm, are used. Different computational approaches can produce variability in the calculation of the gamma index between different software implementations. For the same passing criteria, different devices and software combinations exhibit varying levels of agreement with the Matlab predicted gamma index analysis. This work has found that it is suitable to use a detector array in a dosimetry audit of rotational radiotherapy in place of standard systems of dosimetry such as ion chambers, alanine and film. Comparisons between individual detectors within the 2D-Array against the corresponding ion chamber and alanine measurement showed a statistically significant concordance correlation coefficient (ρc>0.998, p<0.001) with mean difference of -1.1%±1.1% and -0.8%±1.1%, respectively, in a high dose PTV. In the γ comparison between the 2D-Array and film it was found that the 2D-Array was more likely to fail in planes where there was a dose discrepancy due to the absolute analysis performed. A follow-up analysis of the library of measured data during the audit found that additional metrics such as the mean gamma index or dose differences over regions of interest can be gleaned from the measured dose distributions. Conclusions: It is important to understand the response and limitations of the gamma index analysis combined with the equipment and software in use. For the same pass-rate criteria, different devices and software combinations exhibit varying levels of agreement with the predicted γ analysis. It has been found that using a commercial detector array for a dosimetry audit of rotational radiotherapy is suitable in place of standard systems of dosimetry. A methodology for being able to prospectively ascertain appropriate gamma index acceptance criteria for the detector array system in use, via simulation of deliberate changes and ROC analysis, has been developed. It has been shown that setting appropriate tolerances can be achieved and should be performed as the methodology takes into account the configuration of the commercial system as well as the software implementation of the gamma index.

Effects of Tityus serrulatus scorpion venom and its toxin TsTX-V on neurotransmitter uptake in vitro

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

Cecchini, Alessandra L.; Vollum Institute, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, Oregon 9701; Vasconcelos, Flavio

2006-12-01

Scorpion neurotoxins targeting the Na{sub v} channel can be classified into two classes: {alpha}- and {beta}-neurotoxins and are reported as highly active in mammalian brain. In this work, we evaluate the effects of Tityus serrulatus venom (Ts venom) and its {alpha}-neurotoxin TsTX-V on {gamma}-aminobutyric acid (GABA), dopamine (DA) and glutamate (Glu) uptake in isolated rat brain synaptosomes. TsTX-V was isolated from Ts venom by ion exchange chromatography followed by reverse-phase (C18) high-performance liquid chromatography. Neither Ts venom nor TsTX-V was able to affect {sup 3}H-Glu uptake. On the other hand, Ts venom (0.13 {mu}g/mg) significantly inhibited both {sup 3}H-GABA andmore » {sup 3}H-DA uptake ({approx} 50%). TsTX-V showed IC{sub 5} values of 9.37 {mu}M and 22.2 {mu}M for the inhibition of {sup 3}H-GABA and {sup 3}H-DA uptake, respectively. These effects were abolished by pre-treatment with tetrodotoxin (TTX, 1 {mu}M), indicating the involvement of voltage-gated Na{sup +} channels in this process. In the absence of Ca{sup 2+}, and at low Ts venom concentrations, the reduction of {sup 3}H-GABA uptake was not as marked as in the presence of Ca{sup 2+}. TsTX-V did not reduce {sup 3}H-GABA uptake in COS-7 cells expressing the GABA transporters GAT-1 and GAT-3, suggesting that this toxin indirectly reduces the transport. The reduced {sup 3}H-GABA uptake by synaptosomes might be due to rapid cell depolarization as revealed by confocal microscopy of C6 glioma cells. Thus, TsTX-V causes a reduction of {sup 3}H-GABA and {sup 3}H-DA uptake in a Ca{sup 2+}-dependent manner, not directly affecting GABA transporters, but, in consequence of depolarization, involving voltage-gated Na{sup +} channels.« less

Microscopy mineral image enhancement based on improved adaptive threshold in nonsubsampled shearlet transform domain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Liangliang; Si, Yujuan; Jia, Zhenhong

2018-03-01

In this paper, a novel microscopy mineral image enhancement method based on adaptive threshold in non-subsampled shearlet transform (NSST) domain is proposed. First, the image is decomposed into one low-frequency sub-band and several high-frequency sub-bands. Second, the gamma correction is applied to process the low-frequency sub-band coefficients, and the improved adaptive threshold is adopted to suppress the noise of the high-frequency sub-bands coefficients. Third, the processed coefficients are reconstructed with the inverse NSST. Finally, the unsharp filter is used to enhance the details of the reconstructed image. Experimental results on various microscopy mineral images demonstrated that the proposed approach has a better enhancement effect in terms of objective metric and subjective metric.

Transepithelial transport of rosuvastatin and effect of ursolic acid on its transport in Caco-2 monolayers.

PubMed

Hua, Wen Jin; Fang, Hu Jin; Hua, Wei Xiao

2012-09-01

The aim of this study was to determine transepithelial transport characteristics of rosuvastatin and effect of ursolic acid (P-gp potential inhibitor) and ko143 (ABC transporters selective inhibitor) on its transport in Caco-2 monolayers. A reliable Caco-2 cell monolayers model was established. The TEER value was used to inspect integrity of cell model. Apparent permeability coefficients (Papp(BL-AP) and Papp(AP-BL)) were used to analyze transepithelial transport of rosuvastatin. Uptake of rosuvastatin was time- and concentration-dependent in Caco-2 cell. The ko143 but not ursolic acid had effect on the uptake of rosuvastatin in Caco-2 cell monolayer model and affected apparent permeability coefficient and apparent permeability of rosuvastatin. Active transport and passive diffusion absorption existed in transepithelial transport of rosuvastatin in Caco-2 cell model. Ursolic acid had no effect on transport of rosuvastatin in Caco-2 cell monolayer. The result indicated that ursolic acid may not cause effect on intestinal absorption of rosuvastatin.

Relevance of octanol-water distribution measurements to the potential ecological uptake of multi-walled carbon nanotubes.

PubMed

Petersen, Elijah J; Huang, Qingguo; Weber, Walter J

2010-05-01

Many potential applications of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) require various physicochemical modifications prior to use, suggesting that nanotubes having varied properties may pose risks in ecosystems. A means for estimating bioaccumulation potentials of variously modified CNTs for incorporation in predictive fate models would be highly valuable. An approach commonly used for sparingly soluble organic contaminants, and previously suggested for use as well with carbonaceous nanomaterials, involves measurement of their octanol-water partitioning coefficient (KOW) values. To test the applicability of this approach, a methodology was developed to measure apparent octanol-water distribution behaviors for purified multi-walled carbon nanotubes and those acid treated. Substantial differences in apparent distribution coefficients between the two types of CNTs were observed, but these differences did not influence accumulation by either earthworms (Eisenia foetida) or oligochaetes (Lumbriculus variegatus), both of which showed minimal nanotube uptake for both types of nanotubes. The results suggest that traditional distribution behavior-based KOW approaches are likely not appropriate for predicting CNT bioaccumulation. Copyright (c) 2010 SETAC.

GPU-based prompt gamma ray imaging from boron neutron capture therapy.

PubMed

Yoon, Do-Kun; Jung, Joo-Young; Jo Hong, Key; Sil Lee, Keum; Suk Suh, Tae

2015-01-01

The purpose of this research is to perform the fast reconstruction of a prompt gamma ray image using a graphics processing unit (GPU) computation from boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) simulations. To evaluate the accuracy of the reconstructed image, a phantom including four boron uptake regions (BURs) was used in the simulation. After the Monte Carlo simulation of the BNCT, the modified ordered subset expectation maximization reconstruction algorithm using the GPU computation was used to reconstruct the images with fewer projections. The computation times for image reconstruction were compared between the GPU and the central processing unit (CPU). Also, the accuracy of the reconstructed image was evaluated by a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The image reconstruction time using the GPU was 196 times faster than the conventional reconstruction time using the CPU. For the four BURs, the area under curve values from the ROC curve were 0.6726 (A-region), 0.6890 (B-region), 0.7384 (C-region), and 0.8009 (D-region). The tomographic image using the prompt gamma ray event from the BNCT simulation was acquired using the GPU computation in order to perform a fast reconstruction during treatment. The authors verified the feasibility of the prompt gamma ray image reconstruction using the GPU computation for BNCT simulations.

Characterization of lipid metabolism in insulin-sensitive adipocytes differentiated from immortalized human mesenchymal stem cells

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

Prawitt, Janne; Niemeier, Andreas; Kassem, Moustapha

2008-02-15

There is a great demand for cell models to study human adipocyte function. Here we describe the adipogenic differentiation of a telomerase-immortalized human mesenchymal stem cell line (hMSC-Tert) that maintains numerous features of terminally differentiated adipocytes even after prolonged withdrawal of the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor {gamma} (PPAR{gamma}) agonist rosiglitazone. Differentiated hMSC-Tert developed the characteristic monolocular phenotype of mature adipocytes. The expression of adipocyte specific markers was highly increased during differentiation. Most importantly, the presence of the PPAR{gamma} agonist rosiglitazone was not required for the stable expression of lipoprotein lipase, adipocyte fatty acid binding protein and perilipin on mRNA andmore » protein levels. Adiponectin expression was post-transcriptionally down-regulated in the absence of rosiglitazone. Insulin sensitivity as measured by insulin-induced phosphorylation of Akt and S6 ribosomal protein was also independent of rosiglitazone. In addition to commonly used adipogenic markers, we investigated further PPAR{gamma}-stimulated proteins with a role in lipid metabolism. We observed an increase of lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR, LRP1) and apolipoprotein E expression during differentiation. Despite this increased expression, the receptor-mediated endocytosis of lipoproteins was decreased in differentiated adipocytes, suggesting that these proteins may have an additional function in adipose tissue beyond lipoprotein uptake.« less

Distribution of 3H-GABA uptake sites in the nematode Ascaris

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

Guastella, J.; Stretton, A.O.

1991-05-22

The distribution of uptake sites for the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the nematode Ascaris suum was examined by autoradiography of 3H-GABA uptake. Single neural processes in both the ventral and dorsal nerve cords were labeled with 3H-GABA. Serial section analysis identified the cells of origin of these processes as the RMEV-like and RMED-like neurons. These cells belong to a set of four neurons in the nerve ring, all of which are labeled by 3H-GABA. 3H-GABA labeling of at least two other sets of cephalic neurons was seen. One of these pairs consists of medium-sized lateral ganglia neurons, locatedmore » at the level of the amphid commissure bundle. A second pair is located in the lateral ganglia at the level of the deirid commissure bundle. The position and size of these lateral ganglia cells suggest that they are the GABA-immunoreactive lateral ganglia cells frequently seen in whole-mount immunocytochemical preparations. Four neuronal cell bodies located in the retrovesicular ganglion were also labeled with 3H-GABA. These cells, which are probably cholinergic excitatory motor neurons, do not contain detectable GABA-like immunoreactivity. Heavy labeling of muscle cells was also observed. The ventral and dorsal nerve cord inhibitory motor neurons, which are known to contain GABA-like immunoreactivity, were not labeled above background with 3H-GABA. Together with the experiments reported previously, these results define three classes of GABA-associated neurons in Ascaris: (1) neurons that contain endogenous GABA and possess a GABA uptake system; (2) neurons that contain endogenous GABA, but that either lack a GABA uptake system or possess a GABA uptake system of low activity; (3) neurons that possess a GABA uptake system, but that lack endogenous GABA.« less

Analysis of simultaneous thermal/gamma radiation aging of cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) insulation—interim status report

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

Fifield, Leonard S.; Correa, Miguel

Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) is the most common cable insulation found in nuclear containment, and is therefore a priority material for investigation of long term aging effect from elevated temperature combined with gamma radiation exposure. Prior work has identified the possibility of anomalous aging behavior in XLPE such as the inverse temperature effect in which radiation exposure is more damaging at lower temperatures than at higher temperatures. We explored simultaneous aging of XLPE insulation from modern Firewall® III nuclear cables at 60, 90, and 115 °C, at gamma dose rates from 116 to 540 Gy/h, for exposure periods up to 25more » d. XLPE samples exposed in this way were characterized using the percent gel and uptake factor method. For the conditions and material examine, degradation behavior was seen to track proportionally with increasing temperature, rather than to exhibit greater degradation at lower temperatures. Ongoing work including similar aging at 25 °C and characterization of the XLPE samples using other methods will further elucidate these initial results« less

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

Sano, Yukio; Sano, Tomokazu

A quadratic equation for the temperature-independent Grueneisen coefficient {gamma} was derived by a method in which the Walsh-Christian and Mie-Grueneisen equations are combined. Some previously existing ab initio temperature Hugoniots for hexagonal close-packed solid Fe are inaccurate because the constant-volume specific heats on the Hugoniots CVH, which are related uniquely to the solutions of the quadratic equation, have values that are too small. A CVH distribution in the solid phase range was demonstrated to agree approximately with a previous ab initio distribution. In contrast, the corresponding {gamma} distribution was significantly different from the ab initio distribution in the lower pressuremore » region. The causes of these disagreements are clarified.« less

MODELING THE GAMMA-RAY EMISSION IN THE GALACTIC CENTER WITH A FADING COSMIC-RAY ACCELERATOR

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

Liu, Ruo-Yu; Wang, Xiang-Yu; Prosekin, Anton

2016-12-20

Recent HESS observations of the ∼200 pc scale diffuse gamma-ray emission from the central molecular zone (CMZ) suggest the presence of a PeV cosmic-ray accelerator (PeVatron) located in the inner 10 pc region of the Galactic center. Interestingly, the gamma-ray spectrum of the point-like source (HESS J1745-290) in the Galactic center shows a cutoff at ∼10 TeV, implying a cutoff around 100 TeV in the cosmic-ray proton spectrum. Here we propose that the gamma-ray emission from the inner and the outer regions may be explained self-consistently by run-away protons from a single yet fading accelerator. In this model, gamma-rays frommore » the CMZ region are produced by protons injected in the past, while gamma-rays from the inner region are produced by protons injected more recently. We suggest that the blast wave formed in a tidal disruption event (TDE) caused by the supermassive black hole (Sgr A*) could serve as such a fading accelerator. With typical parameters of the TDE blast wave, gamma-ray spectra of both the CMZ region and HESS J1745-290 can be reproduced simultaneously. Meanwhile, we find that the cosmic-ray energy density profile in the CMZ region may also be reproduced in the fading accelerator model when appropriate combinations of the particle injection history and the diffusion coefficient of cosmic rays are adopted.« less

Precise Determination of the Intensity of 226Ra Alpha Decay to the 186 keV Excited State

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

S.P. LaMont; R.J. Gehrke; S.E. Glover

There is a significant discrepancy in the reported values for the emission probability of the 186 keV gamma-ray resulting from the alpha decay of 226 Ra to 186 keV excited state of 222 Rn. Published values fall in the range of 3.28 to 3.59 gamma-rays per 100 alpha-decays. An interesting observation is that the lower value, 3.28, is based on measuring the 186 keV gamma-ray intensity relative to the 226 Ra alpha-branch to the 186 keV level. The higher values, which are close to 3.59, are based on measuring the gamma-ray intensity from mass standards of 226 Ra that aremore » traceable to the mass standards prepared by HÓNIGSCHMID in the early 1930''s. This discrepancy was resolved in this work by carefully measuring the 226 Ra alpha-branch intensities, then applying the theoretical E2 multipolarity internal conversion coefficient of 0.692±0.007 to calculate the 186 keV gamma-ray emission probability. The measured value for the alpha branch to the 186 keV excited state was (6.16±0.03)%, which gives a 186 keV gamma-ray emission probability of (3.64±0.04)%. This value is in excellent agreement with the most recently reported 186 keV gamma-ray emission probabilities determined using 226 Ra mass standards.« less

The calculation of mass attenuation coefficients of well-known thermoluminescent dosimetric compounds at wide energy range

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ermis, Elif Ebru

2017-02-01

The photon mass attenuation coefficients of LiF, BaSO4, CaCO3 and CaSO4 thermoluminescent dosimetric compounds at 100; 300; 500; 600; 800; 1,000; 1,500; 2,000; 3,000 and 5,000 keV gamma-ray energies were calculated. For this purpose, FLUKA Monte Carlo (MC) program which is one of the well-known MC codes was used in this study. Furthermore, obtained results were analyzed by means of ROOT program. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) values were also used to compare the obtained theoretical values because the mass attenuation values of the used compounds could not found in the literature. Calculated mass attenuation coefficients were highly in accordance with the NIST values. As a consequence, FLUKA was successful in calculating the mass attenuation coefficients of the most used thermoluminescent compound.

A synthesis of regional inputs and damage costs of reactive nitrogen in the United States

EPA Science Inventory

We estimated the fate of N in crops and in the environment (air, land, freshwater, groundwater, and coastal zones) with published coefficients describing nutrient uptake efficiency, gaseous emissions, and leaching losses. Benefits and damage costs of anthropogenic N inputs were ...

Reactive Uptake of Ammonia to Secondary Organic Aerosols: Kinetics of Organonitrogen Formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yongchun; Liggio, John; Staebler, Ralf; Li, Shao-Meng

2015-04-01

Organonitrogen compounds originating from the heterogeneous uptake of NH3 or amines by secondary organic aerosol (SOA) has received significant attention recently. This is primarily due to its potential contribution to brown carbon (BrC), which can absorb solar radiation and affect climate. In addition, particle phase Organonitrogen species may represent a means of altering regional nitrogen cycles and/or nitrogen deposition patterns though the sequestering of ambient ammonia which is ultimately deposited downwind. Several reduced nitrogen forming heterogeneous reactions have previously been proposed, including Schiff base and/or Mannich reactions between NH3, ammonium salts or amines and organic carbonyl functional groups in particles. In order to assess and model the possible impact of Schiff base, Mannich or other N-forming reactions (via NH3) on the radiative forcing ability of ambient SOA and/or its impact on N-deposition, the kinetics of such heterogeneous reactions are required, and yet remain largely unknown. In the current study, the uptake kinetics of NH3 to form organonitrogen compounds in SOA derived from the ozonolysis of α-pinene and the OH oxidation of m-xylene is reported for the first time from experiments performed in a 9 m3 smog chamber equipped with a High Resolution Time-of-Flight Aerosol Mass Spectrometer. The results demonstrate that particle bound organonitrogen compounds are mainly formed by NH3 uptake onto newly formed SOA (~1 hr), but relatively little onto more aged SOA. The uptake coefficients of NH3 to form organonitrogen compounds (between 0-150 min) are on the order of 10-4-10-3 and are prominently dependent upon particle acidity. Following 6 hours of reaction, the total organonitrogen mass contributed up to 10.0±1.5 wt% and 31.5±4.4 wt% to the total SOA mass from the ozonolysis of α-pinene and OH oxidation of m-xylene. The influence of VOC precursors, seed particle acidity and gaseous NH3 concentration on the obtained uptake coefficients is described. The implications of the kinetics on atmospheric BrC and N-deposition are also discussed.

Lateral distribution on charged particles in EAS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dedenko, L. G.; Kulikov, G. V.; Solovjeva, V. I.; Sulakov, V. F.

1985-01-01

Lateral distribution of charged particles which allow for the finiteness of energy gamma-quanta, the inhomogeneity of the atmosphere and the experimental selection of EAS are needed to interpret experimental data. The effects of finiteness of energy of gamma-quanta which produce the partial electron-photon cascades were considered by substituting K R sub m instead of R sub m in NKG approximation where K was found to be 0.56 from comparison with the experimental data. New results on the lateral distribution of electrons in the partial cascades from gamma-quanta were obtained. It is shown that the coefficient K can be regarded as a constant. The last approximation of K was found to be most adequate when compared with the experimental data. The inhomogeneity of the atmosphere, muons and experimental selection are considered. The calculation of Ne are extended from 100,000 to 10 million for sea level and for Akeno level.

The Association Between Self-Rated Fitness and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Adults.

PubMed

Jensen, Karina Gregersen; Rosthøj, Susanne; Linneberg, Allan; Aadahl, Mette

2018-06-01

To assess criterion validity of a single item question on self-rated physical fitness against objectively measured cardiorespiratory fitness. From the Health2008 study 749 men and women between 30 and 60 years of age rated their fitness as excellent, very good, good, fair or poor. Cardiorespiratory fitness was estimated with the watt-max test. Agreement between self-rated and objectively measured physical fitness was assessed by Cohen's weighted kappa coefficient. Correlation was determined by Goodman & Kruskal's gamma correlation coefficient. All analyses were stratified according to gender. Data from 323 men and 426 women were analysed. There was a slight agreement between self-rated and objectively measured fitness in men (weighted kappa: 0.18, [95%CI: 0.13;0.23]) and a fair agreement in women (weighted kappa: 0.27, [95%CI: 0.22;0.32]). In both genders, self-rated fitness was positively correlated with objectively measured fitness (moderate correlation; gamma correlation coefficient for men: 0.63 [95%CI: 0.54;0.72] and women: 0.67 [95%CI: 0.59;0.75]). There was a slight to fair agreement and moderate, positive correlations between self-rated physical fitness and watt-max estimated cardiorespiratory fitness. Hence, a single-item question on physical fitness may be a cost-effective method of assessing fitness in large population studies, but is not valid for individual assessments. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Octupole Correlations in THORIUM-225

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hughes, John Rhys

Available from UMI in association with The British Library. The nuclear structure of ^{225 }Th has been studied using the reaction ^{226}Ra(alpha,5n) ^{225}Th at a beam energy of 50 MeV. In-beam gamma-gamma , e^{-}-n, e ^{-}-e^{-} and e^{-}- gamma coincidences have been measured, using the TESSA3 array at the Daresbury NSF and the Double Orange spectrometer at the University of Bonn Cyclotron. gamma-ray and electron energies and intensities, gamma-ray angular distribution ratios and electron subshell ratios and conversion coefficients have been used to establish a decay scheme up to spin (39/2) hbar and excitation energy E _{z} ~ 2.5 MeV. The decay scheme is found to be characterised by two Delta J = 1 rotational bands, and these are classified in terms of the simplex quantum number, s, which is expected to be conserved for an octupole nucleus. No band crossings are observed up to a rotational frequency of hbaromega ~ 0.21 and 0.18 MeV in the s = -i and +i bands, respectively. Parity doublets have been observed, with enhanced E1 transitions linking states of opposite parity. gamma -branching ratios have been measured and an average value of | Q_1/Q_2| = (0.51 +/- 0.06) times 10^{-3} fm^{-1} has been deduced. The results are compared with various calculations incorporating odd multiple degrees of freedom in the description of the nuclear shape.

Mutagenic effects of gamma rays on soybean (Glycine max L.) germination and seedlings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kusmiyati, F.; Sutarno; Sas, M. G. A.; Herwibawa, B.

2018-01-01

Narrow genetic diversity is a main problem restricting the progress of soybean breeding. One way to improve genetic diversity of plant is through mutation. The purpose of this study was to investigate effect of different dose of gamma rays as induced mutagen on physiological, morphological, and anatomical markers during seed germination and seedling growth of soybean. Seeds of soybean cultivars Dering-1 were irradiated with 11 doses of gamma rays (0, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160, 320, 640, 1280, and 2560 Gy [Gray]. The research design was arranged in a completely randomized block design in three replicates. Results showed that soybean seed exposed at high doses (640, 1280, and 2560 Gy) did not survive more than 20 days, the doses were then removed from anatomical evaluation. Higher doses of gamma rays siginificantly reduced germination percentage at the first count and final count, coefficient of germination velocity, germination rate index, germination index, seedling height and seedling root length, and significantly increased mean germination time, first day of germination, last day of germination, and time spread of germination. However, the effects of gamma rays were varies for density, width, and length of stomata. The LD50 obtained based on survival percentage was 314.78 Gy. It can be concluded that very low and low doses of gamma rays (5-320 Gy) might be used to study the improvement of soybean diversity.

Sources of Bias in the Goodman-Kruskal Gamma Coefficient Measure of Association: Implications for Studies of Metacognitive Processes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Masson, Michael E. J.; Rotello, Caren M.

2009-01-01

In many cognitive, metacognitive, and perceptual tasks, measurement of performance or prediction accuracy may be influenced by response bias. Signal detection theory provides a means of assessing discrimination accuracy independent of such bias, but its application crucially depends on distributional assumptions. The Goodman-Kruskal gamma…

A Simulation Study of Rater Agreement Measures with 2x2 Contingency Tables

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ato, Manuel; Lopez, Juan Jose; Benavente, Ana

2011-01-01

A comparison between six rater agreement measures obtained using three different approaches was achieved by means of a simulation study. Rater coefficients suggested by Bennet's [sigma] (1954), Scott's [pi] (1955), Cohen's [kappa] (1960) and Gwet's [gamma] (2008) were selected to represent the classical, descriptive approach, [alpha] agreement…

Measurement of cyclic volatile methylsiloxanes in the aquatic environment using low-density polyethylene passive sampling devices using an in-field calibration study--challenges and guidance.

PubMed

Bruemmer, Janine; Falcon, Raquel; Greenwood, Richard; Mills, Graham A; Hastie, Colin; Sparham, Chris; van Egmond, Roger

2015-03-01

Cyclic volatile methylsiloxanes (cVMS) are used in personal care products and are hydrophobic, volatile and persistent. Their environmental water concentrations are low and are difficult to detect using conventional sampling methods. This study shows the potential of passive sampling for cVMS. We used low-density polyethylene (LDPE) samplers and in-field calibration methods for octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4) and decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5). (13)C-D4 and (13)C-D5, methyltris(trimethylsiloxy)silane (MT), tetrakis(trimethylsiloxy)silane (TK), and five deuterated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were used as performance reference compounds (PRCs). Samplers were calibrated (7-d) using effluent at a treatment plant, with uptake of cVMS and losses of the PRCs measured at 12 time-points. Concentrations of D4 (53ngL(-1)) and D5 (1838ngL(-1)) were stable in the effluent. Uptake of D4 and loss of (13)C-D4 were isotropic and equilibrium was approached by 7-d. Two estimates of sampler uptake rate (Rs) were 2.1Ld(-1) and 2.5Ld(-1). The estimated log LDPE/water partition coefficient was 4.4. The uptake of D5 was slower (Rs=0.32Ld(-1)) and equilibrium was not reached. Offloading of (13)C-D5, MT and TK were slow, and isotropic behaviour was not demonstrated for D5. Offloading of PAHs followed the predicted pattern for LDPE. Uptake of cVMS appeared to be under membrane control, due to low diffusion coefficients in LDPE. Samplers can monitor time-weighted average concentrations of D4 for less than a week, and D5 for longer periods. LDPE samplers allow cVMS to be determined at lower concentrations than by spot sampling methods. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Sorption, plant uptake and metabolism of benzodiazepines.

PubMed

Carter, Laura J; Williams, Mike; Martin, Sheridan; Kamaludeen, Sara P B; Kookana, Rai S

2018-07-01

Reuse of treated wastewater for irrigation of crops is growing in arid and semi-arid regions, whilst increasing amounts of biosolids are being applied to fields to improve agricultural outputs. Due to incomplete removal in the wastewater treatment processes, pharmaceuticals present in treated wastewater and biosolids can contaminate soil systems. Benzodiazepines are a widely used class of pharmaceuticals that are released following wastewater treatment. Benzodiazepines are represented by a class of compounds with a range of physicochemical properties and this study was therefore designed to evaluate the influence of soil properties on the sorption behaviour and subsequent uptake of seven benzodiazepines (chlordiazepoxide, clonazepam, diazepam, flurazepam, oxazepam, temazepam and triazolam) in two plant species. The sorption and desorption behaviour of benzodiazepines was strongly influenced by soil type and hydrophobicity of the chemical. The partitioning behaviour of these chemicals in soil was a key controller of the uptake and accumulation of benzodiazepines by radish (Raphanus sativus) and silverbeet (Beta vulgaris). Benzodiazepines such as oxazepam that were neutral, had low sorption coefficients (K d ) or had pH-adjusted log octanol-water partition coefficients (log D ow , pH6.3) values close to 2 had the greatest extent of uptake. Conversely, benzodiazepines such as flurazepam that had an ionised functional groups and greater K d values had comparatively limited accumulation in the selected plant species. Results also revealed active in-plant metabolism of benzodiazepines, potentially analogous to the known metabolic transformation pathway of benzodiazepines in humans. Along with this observed biological transformation of benzodiazepines in exposed plants, previously work has established the widespread presence of the plant signalling molecule γ-amino butyric acid (GABA), which is specifically modulated by benzodiazepines in humans. This highlights the need for further assessment of the potential for biological activity of benzodiazepines following their plant uptake. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Gamma-ray energy buildup factor calculations and shielding effects of some Jordanian building structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharaf, J. M.; Saleh, H.

2015-05-01

The shielding properties of three different construction styles, and building materials, commonly used in Jordan, were evaluated using parameters such as attenuation coefficients, equivalent atomic number, penetration depth and energy buildup factor. Geometric progression (GP) method was used to calculate gamma-ray energy buildup factors of limestone, concrete, bricks, cement plaster and air for the energy range 0.05-3 MeV, and penetration depths up to 40 mfp. It has been observed that among the examined building materials, limestone offers highest value for equivalent atomic number and linear attenuation coefficient and the lowest values for penetration depth and energy buildup factor. The obtained buildup factors were used as basic data to establish the total equivalent energy buildup factors for three different multilayer construction styles using an iterative method. The three styles were then compared in terms of fractional transmission of photons at different incident photon energies. It is concluded that, in case of any nuclear accident, large multistory buildings with five layers exterior walls, style A, could effectively attenuate radiation more than small dwellings of any construction style.

Convergence of Distributed Optimal Controls on the Internal Energy in Mixed Elliptic Problems when the Heat Transfer Coefficient Goes to Infinity

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

Gariboldi, C.; E-mail: cgariboldi@exa.unrc.edu.ar; Tarzia, D.

2003-05-21

We consider a steady-state heat conduction problem P{sub {alpha}} with mixed boundary conditions for the Poisson equation depending on a positive parameter {alpha} , which represents the heat transfer coefficient on a portion {gamma} {sub 1} of the boundary of a given bounded domain in R{sup n} . We formulate distributed optimal control problems over the internal energy g for each {alpha}. We prove that the optimal control g{sub o}p{sub {alpha}} and its corresponding system u{sub go}p{sub {alpha}}{sub {alpha}} and adjoint p{sub go}p{sub {alpha}}{sub {alpha}} states for each {alpha} are strongly convergent to g{sub op},u{sub gop} and p{sub gop} ,more » respectively, in adequate functional spaces. We also prove that these limit functions are respectively the optimal control, and the system and adjoint states corresponding to another distributed optimal control problem for the same Poisson equation with a different boundary condition on the portion {gamma}{sub 1} . We use the fixed point and elliptic variational inequality theories.« less

Effect of molybdenum on gamma ray shielding and structural properties of PbO-B2O3 glasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dogra, Mridula; Singh, K. J.; Kaur, Kulwinder

2018-04-01

The present study is aimed at developing new shielding materials for gamma ray shielding applications. Transparent glasses of the composition xMoO3-0.7PbO-(0.3-x)B2O3 where x= 0.03 to 0. 06 (mole fraction) have been prepared by using melt-quenchingtechnique. Gamma ray shielding properties have been evaluated in terms of mass attenuation coefficient and half value layer parameter at photon energies 662 and 1173 keV. These shielding parameters are also compared with standard shielding material`concretes'. It has been found that prepared glass system shows better shielding properties than barite and ordinary concretes proving the possibility of its usage as an alternate to conventional concrete for gamma ray shielding applications. The density, molar volume, X-Ray Diffraction, Fourier Transform InfraRed and Raman studies have been performed to study the structural properties of the glass system. It has been analyzed from FTIR and Raman studies that bridging oxygens increase with the decrease of MoO3 content in the glass composition.

Performance evaluation of receive-diversity free-space optical communications over correlated Gamma-Gamma fading channels.

PubMed

Yang, Guowei; Khalighi, Mohammad-Ali; Ghassemlooy, Zabih; Bourennane, Salah

2013-08-20

The efficacy of spatial diversity in practical free-space optical communication systems is impaired by the fading correlation among the underlying subchannels. We consider in this paper the generation of correlated Gamma-Gamma random variables in view of evaluating the system outage probability and bit-error-rate under the condition of correlated fading. Considering the case of receive-diversity systems with intensity modulation and direct detection, we propose a set of criteria for setting the correlation coefficients on the small- and large-scale fading components based on scintillation theory. We verify these criteria using wave-optics simulations and further show through Monte Carlo simulations that we can effectively neglect the correlation corresponding to the small-scale turbulence in most practical systems, irrespective of the specific turbulence conditions. This has not been clarified before, to the best of our knowledge. We then present some numerical results to illustrate the effect of fading correlation on the system performance. Our conclusions can be generalized to the cases of multiple-beam and multiple-beam multiple-aperture systems.

Topological and morphological analysis of gamma rays irradiated chitosan-poly (vinyl alcohol) blends using atomic force microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhatt, Rinkesh; Bisen, D. S.; Bajpai, R.; Bajpai, A. K.

2017-04-01

In the present communication, binary blends of poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and chitosan (CS) were prepared by solution cast method and the roughness parameters of PVA, native CS and CS-PVA blend films were determined using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Moreover, the changes in the morphology of the samples were also investigated after irradiation of gamma rays at absorbed dose of 1 Mrad and 10 Mrad for the scanning areas of 5×5 μm2, 10×10 μm2 and 20×20 μm2. Amplitude, statistical and spatial parameters, including line, 3D and 2D image profiles of the experimental surfaces were examined and compared to un-irradiated samples. For gamma irradiated CS-PVA blends the larger waviness over the surface was found as compared to un-irradiated CS-PVA blends but the values of average roughness for both the films were found almost same. The coefficient of skewness was positive for gamma irradiated CS-PVA blends which revealed the presence of more peaks than valleys on the blend surfaces.

Assessment of Gamma-Ray Spectra Analysis Method Utilizing the Fireworks Algorithm for various Error Measures

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

Alamaniotis, Miltiadis; Tsoukalas, Lefteri H.

2018-01-01

Significant role in enhancing nuclear nonproliferation plays the analysis of obtained data and the inference of the presence or not of special nuclear materials in them. Among various types of measurements, gamma-ray spectra is the widest used type of data utilized for analysis in nonproliferation. In this chapter, a method that employs the fireworks algorithm (FWA) for analyzing gamma-ray spectra aiming at detecting gamma signatures is presented. In particular FWA is utilized to fit a set of known signatures to a measured spectrum by optimizing an objective function, with non-zero coefficients expressing the detected signatures. FWA is tested on amore » set of experimentally obtained measurements and various objective functions -MSE, RMSE, Theil-2, MAE, MAPE, MAP- with results exhibiting its potential in providing high accuracy and high precision of detected signatures. Furthermore, FWA is benchmarked against genetic algorithms, and multiple linear regression with results exhibiting its superiority over the rest tested algorithms with respect to precision for MAE, MAPE and MAP measures.« less

HCl Vapour Pressures and Reaction Probabilities for ClONO2 + HCl on Liquid H2SO4-HNO3-HCl-H20 Solutions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Elrod, M. J.; Koch, R. E.; Kim, J. E.; Molina, M. J.

1995-01-01

Henry's Law solubility constants for HCl have been measured for liquid H2SO4-HNO3-HCl-H2O solutions; the results are in good agreement with predictions from published semiempirical models. The ClONO2 + HCl reaction on the surfaces of such solutions with compositions simulating those of stratospheric aerosols has been investigated; as the composition changes following the temperature drop characteristic of the high-latitude stratosphere the reaction probability gamma increases rapidly. Furthermore, the gamma values remain essentially unchanged when HN03 uptake is neglected; the controlling factor appears to be the solubility of HCl. These results corroborate our earlier suggestion that supercooled liquid sulfate aerosols promote chlorine activation at low temperatures as efficiently as solid polar stratospheric cloud particles.

Carbonation and CO{sub 2} uptake of concrete

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

Yang, Keun-Hyeok, E-mail: yangkh@kgu.ac.kr; Seo, Eun-A, E-mail: ssooaa@naver.com; Tae, Sung-Ho, E-mail: jnb55@hanyang.ac.kr

This study developed a reliable procedure to assess the carbon dioxide (CO{sub 2}) uptake of concrete by carbonation during the service life of a structure and by the recycling of concrete after demolition. To generalize the amount of absorbable CO{sub 2} per unit volume of concrete, the molar concentration of carbonatable constituents in hardened cement paste was simplified as a function of the unit content of cement, and the degree of hydration of the cement paste was formulated as a function of the water-to-cement ratio. The contribution of the relative humidity, type of finishing material for the concrete surface, andmore » the substitution level of supplementary cementitious materials to the CO{sub 2} diffusion coefficient in concrete was reflected using various correction factors. The following parameters varying with the recycling scenario were also considered: the carbonatable surface area of concrete crusher-runs and underground phenomena of the decreased CO{sub 2} diffusion coefficient and increased CO{sub 2} concentration. Based on the developed procedure, a case study was conducted for an apartment building with a principal wall system and an office building with a Rahmen system, with the aim of examining the CO{sub 2} uptake of each structural element under different exposure environments during the service life and recycling of the building. As input data necessary for the case study, data collected from actual surveys conducted in 2012 in South Korea were used, which included data on the surrounding environments, lifecycle inventory database, life expectancy of structures, and recycling activity scenario. Ultimately, the CO{sub 2} uptake of concrete during a 100-year lifecycle (life expectancy of 40 years and recycling span of 60 years) was estimated to be 15.5%–17% of the CO{sub 2} emissions from concrete production, which roughly corresponds to 18%–21% of the CO{sub 2} emissions from the production of ordinary Portland cement. - Highlights: • CO{sub 2} uptake assessment approach owing to the concrete carbonation is developed. • An equation to directly determine the absorbable CO{sub 2} amount in concrete is proposed. • The carbonatable surface area of concrete crusher-runs for CO{sub 2} uptake is ascertained. • This study provides typical data for uptake and emission of CO{sub 2} in concrete building.« less

Improvement of pesticide adsorption capacity of cellulose fibre by high-energy irradiation-initiated grafting of glycidyl methacrylate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takács, Erzsébet; Wojnárovits, László; Koczog Horváth, Éva; Fekete, Tamás; Borsa, Judit

2012-09-01

Cellulose as a renewable raw material was used for preparation of adsorbent of organic impurities in wastewater treatment. Hydrophobic surface of cellulose substrate was developed by grafting glycidyl methacrylate in simultaneous grafting using gamma irradiation initiation. Water uptake of cellulose significantly decreased while adsorption of phenol and a pesticide molecule (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid: 2,4-D) increased upon grafting. Adsorption equilibrium data fitted the Freundlich isotherm for both solutes.

Diphtheria toxoid loaded poly-(epsilon-caprolactone) nanoparticles as mucosal vaccine delivery systems.

PubMed

Singh, Jasvinder; Pandit, Sreenivas; Bramwell, Vincent W; Alpar, H Oya

2006-02-01

Poly-(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL), a poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA)-PCL blend and co-polymer nanoparticles encapsulating diphtheria toxoid (DT) were investigated for their potential as a mucosal vaccine delivery system. The nanoparticles, prepared using a water-in-oil-in-water (w/o/w) double emulsion solvent evaporation method, demonstrated release profiles which were dependent on the properties of the polymers. An in vitro experiment using Caco-2 cells showed significantly higher uptake of PCL nanoparticles in comparison to polymeric PLGA, the PLGA-PCL blend and co-polymer nanoparticles. The highest uptake mediated by the most hydrophobic nanoparticles using Caco-2 cells was mirrored in the in vivo studies following nasal administration. PCL nanoparticles induced DT serum specific IgG antibody responses significantly higher than PLGA. A significant positive correlation between hydrophobicity of the nanoparticles and the immune response was observed following intramuscular administration. The positive correlation between hydrophobicity of the nanoparticles and serum DT specific IgG antibody response was also observed after intranasal administration of the nanoparticles. The cytokine assays showed that the serum IgG antibody response induced is different according to the route of administration, indicated by the differential levels of IL-6 and IFN-gamma. The nanoparticles eliciting the highest IgG antibody response did not necessarily elicit the highest levels of the cytokines IL-6 and IFN-gamma.

The EDTA Amendment in Phytoextraction of (134)Cs From Soil by Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea).

PubMed

Tjahaja, Poppy Intan; Sukmabuana, Putu; Roosmini, Dwina

2015-01-01

Soil contamination with radiocaesium is a significant problem at any countries when a nuclear accident occurred. Recently, phytoextraction technique is developed to remediate the contaminated environment. However, the application is limited by the availability of the contaminant for root uptake. Therefore, a green house trial experiment of soil amendment with ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) has been conducted to examine (134)Cs availability for root uptake. Two groups of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) were cultivated in (134)Cs contaminated soil. The soil in the first group was treated with EDTA amendment, while the other was not. Plant growth was observed gravimetrically and the (134)Cs concentration in soil as well as plants were determined using gamma spectrometry. The plant uptake capacity was determined as transfer factor (Fv), and the Fv values of 0.22 ± 0.0786 and 0.12 ± 0.039 were obtained for the soil treated with and without EDTA amendment, respectively. The phytoextraction efficiency of the plant cultivated in (134)Cs contaminated soil both with and without EDTA amendment was low. The EDTA amendment to the soil seems to enhance the (134)Cs availability for root uptake of Indian mustard and can still be considered to assist the field phytoremediation of contaminated soil.

Kinetics and dosimetry of thallium-201 in human testes

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

Rao, D.V.; Shepstone, B.J.; Wilkins, H.B.

Thallous chloride ({sup 201}Tl) is a well-known imaging agent. It has been shown to accumulate in the testes. In view of this, the testicular kinetics of {sup 201}Tl is investigated in humans and the absorbed dose to the organ calculated. Thallous chloride {sup 201}Tl was injected intravenously into four patients for myocardial perfusion studies. After clinical evaluation, the testicular uptake and clearance of {sup 201}Tl were monitored for about 1 wk using a gamma camera. Testicular uptake of {sup 201}Tl was rapid with a mean biological uptake half-time of 0.67 hr and mean biological clearance half-time of 280 hr. Themore » mean maximum testicular uptake of {sup 201}Tl was about 0.4% of the injected activity. These data were utilized to calculate the average absorbed dose to the testes. The absorbed dose to the testes was calculated to be 3.5 x 10{sup {minus}4} Gy/MBq (1.3 rad/mCi) of injected activity. When the relative biological effectiveness of the Auger emitter {sup 201}Tl is taken into account, the equivalent dose to the testes is 9.5 x 10{sup {minus}4} Sv/MBq (3.5 rem/mCi). 14 refs., 1 fig., 2 tabs.« less

Mechanisms of vitamin K transport and metabolism in Swiss 3T3 mouse fibroblasts

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

Canfield, L.M.; Townsend, A.F.; Hibbs, D.B.

Transport of vitamin K into isolated fibroblasts was followed using /sup 3/H vitamin K/sub 1/. The initial rate is saturable by 5 min. at 25..mu..M vitamin K with a Km(app) of 10..mu..M and V/sub max/ of 50 pmols/min/10/sup 6/ cells. Kinetics of uptake are biphasic with a second slower rate ensuing after 10 minutes. Insensitivity of the initial rate of uptake to FCCP or ouabain indicates an ATP-independent transport mechanism. Specificity of transport is shown by competition of uptake of /sup 3/H vitamin K by unlabelled vitamin and strong (>90%) inhibition of the initial rate by equimolar concentrations of themore » vitamin K analog, Chloro-K. In addition, following uptake, both vitamins K/sub 1/ and K/sub 2/ are metabolized to their respective epoxides. Vitamin K/sub 1/ epoxide is also transported into fibroblasts and metabolized to the parent quinone in a Warfarin-sensitive reaction. Following alkaline hydrolysis of isolated intracellular protein, the vitamin K-dependent amino acid, gamma carboxyglutamic acid (gla) was detected. It is concluded that vitamin K is specifically transported into fibroblasts and metabolized via the classical pathway described in liver with the concomitant production of vitamin K-dependent proteins.« less

Photon Interaction Parameters for Some Borate Glasses

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

Mann, Nisha; Kaur, Updesh; Singh, Tejbir

2010-11-06

Some photon interaction parameters of dosimetric interest such as mass attenuation coefficients, effective atomic number, electron density and KERMA relative to air have been computed in the wide energy range from 1 keV to 100 GeV for some borate glasses viz. barium-lead borate, bismuth-borate, calcium-strontium borate, lead borate and zinc-borate glass. It has been observed that lead borate glass and barium-lead borate glass have maximum values of mass attenuation coefficient, effective atomic number and KERMA relative to air. Hence, these borate glasses are suitable as gamma ray shielding material, packing of radioactive sources etc.

Radiative accelerations in stellar envelopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seaton, M. J.

1997-08-01

In stars which are sufficiently quiescent, changes in the relative abundances of the chemical elements can result from gravitational settling and from levitation produced by radiation pressure forces, usually expressed as radiative accelerations g_rad. Those changes can affect the structure of such stars, due to modifications in opacities, and can lead to marked peculiarities in observed atmospheric abundances. It is necessary to consider diffusive movements both in the atmospheres and in much deeper layers of the stellar envelopes. For the envelopes the equation of radiative transfer can be solved in a diffusion approximation and, for an element k in ionization stage j, one obtains expressions for g_rad(j, k) proportional to the total radiative flux, to the Rosseland-mean opacity kappa_R (which may depend on the abundance of k), and to a dimensionless quantity gamma(j, k) which, due to saturation effects, can be sensitive to the abundance of k. The radiative accelerations are required for each ionization stage, because the diffusion coefficients depend on j. Using atomic data obtained in the course of the work of the Opacity Project (OP), we calculate kappa_R and gamma(j, k) for the chemical elements C, N, O, Ne, Na, Mg, Al, Si, S, Ar, Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe and Ni. We start from standard Solar system abundances, and then vary the abundance of one element at a time (element k) by a factor chi. The following results are obtained and are available at the Centre de Donnees astronomiques de Strasbourg (CDS). (1) Files stages.zz (where zz specifies the nuclear charge of the selected element k) containing values of kappa_R and gamma(j, k) on a mesh of values of (T, N_e, chi), where T is temperature, and N_e is electron density. We include derivatives of kappa_R and gamma(j, k) with respect to chi, which are used for making interpolations. (2) A code add.f which reads a file stages.zz and writes a file acc.zz containing values of gamma(k) obtained on summing the gamma(j, k), weighted by diffusion coefficients. The diffusion coefficients to be employed can be selected by the user. (3) A code acc.f which reads a file acc.zz and provides facilities for interpolations of kappa_R and g_rad(k) to values of (T, rho, chi) for a stellar model, where rho is mass density. The mesh to be used for log(chi) is specified by the user. (4) A code diff.f intended for use in diffusion calculations. It reads a file created by acc.f and provides function subroutines for the calculation of kappa_R and g_rad(k) for any specified depth-point and any value of chi. Results are compared with those from other recent work for C, N, O, Ca and Fe.

Thromboxane plays a role in postprandial jejunal oxygen uptake and capillary exchange.

PubMed

Alemayehu, A; Chou, C C

1990-09-01

The effects of a thromboxane A2 (TxA2)-endoperoxide receptor antagonist, SQ 29548, on jejunal blood flow, oxygen uptake, and capillary filtration coefficient (Kfc) were determined in anesthetized dogs under resting conditions and during the presence of predigested food in the jejunal lumen in three series of experiments. In series 1, 2.0 micrograms intra-arterial administration of SQ 29548 was found to abolish completely the vasoconstrictor action of graded doses (0.05-2.0 micrograms) of intra-arterial injection of a TxA2-endoperoxide analogue, U44069. SQ 29548 (2.0 micrograms ia) per se did not significantly alter resting jejunal blood flow, oxygen uptake, capillary pressure, or Kfc. Before SQ 29548, placement of food plus bile into the jejunal lumen increased blood flow +42 +/- 9%, oxygen uptake +28 +/- 7%, and Kfc +24 +/- 6%. After SQ 29548, the food placement increased blood flow +37 +/- 8%, oxygen uptake +52 +/- 11%, and Kfc +63 +/- 20%. The food-induced increases in oxygen uptake and Kfc after SQ 29548 were significantly greater than those induced before the blocking of TxA2-endoperoxide receptors by SQ 29548. Our study indicates that endogenous thromboxane does not play a role in regulating jejunal blood flow, capillary filtration, and oxygen uptake under resting conditions. However, it plays a role in limiting the food-induced increases in jejunal oxygen uptake and capillary exchange capacity without influencing the food-induced hyperemia.

Tracking of Nuclear Cable Insulation Polymer Structural Changes using the Gel Fraction and Uptake Factor Method

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

Correa, Miguel; Huang, Qian; Fifield, Leonard S.

Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) cable insulation samples were exposed to heat and gamma radiation at a series of temperatures, dose rates, and exposure times to evaluate the effects of these variables on material degradation. The samples were tested using the solvent incubation method to collect gel fraction and uptake factor data in order to assess the crosslinking and chain scission occurring in polymer samples with aging. Consistent with previous reports, gel fraction values were observed to increase and uptake factor values to decrease with radiation and thermal exposure. The trends seen were also more prominent as exposure time increased, suggesting thismore » to be a viable method of tracking structural changes in the XLPE-insulated cable material over extended periods. For the conditions explored, the cable insulation material evaluated did not indicate signs of anomalous aging such as inverse temperature effect in which radiation-induced aging is more severe at lower temperature. Ongoing aging under identical radiation conditions and at lower temperature will further inform conclusions regarding the importance of inverse temperature effects for this material under these conditions.« less

Thyroid Carcinoma

PubMed

Ahmed, Najeeb; Niyaz, Kashif; Borakati, Aditya; Marafi, Fahad; Birk, Rubinder; Usmani, Sharjeel

2018-02-26

Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) has a good prognosis overall; however, lifelong follow-up is required for many cases. Radioiodine planar imaging with iodine-123 (I-123) or radioiodine-131 (I-131) remains the standard in the follow-up after initial surgery and ablation of residual thyroid tissue using I-131 therapy. Radioiodine imaging is also used in risk-stratifying and for staging of thyroid cancer, and in long-term follow-up. Unfortunately, the lack of anatomical detail on planar gamma camera imaging and superimposition of areas presenting with increased radioiodine uptake can make accurate diagnosis and localization of radioiodine-avid metastatic disease challenging, leading to false positive results and potentially to over-treatment of patients. Hybrid SPECT/CT allows precise anatomical localization and superior characterization of foci of increased tracer uptake when compared to planar imaging. This, in turn, allows the differentiation of pathological and physiological uptake, increasing the accuracy of image interpretation and ultimately improving the accuracy of DTC staging and subsequent patient management. In this review, we look at the unique and emerging role that SPECT/CT plays in the management of DTC, illustrated by examples from our own clinical practice. Creative Commons Attribution License

Controlled field evaluation of water flow rate effects on sampling polar organic compounds using polar organic chemical integrative samplers.

PubMed

Li, Hongxia; Vermeirssen, Etiënne L M; Helm, Paul A; Metcalfe, Chris D

2010-11-01

The uptake of polar organic contaminants into polar organic chemical integrative samplers (POCIS) varies with environmental factors, such as water flow rate. To evaluate the influence of water flow rate on the uptake of contaminants into POCIS, flow-controlled field experiments were conducted with POCIS deployed in channel systems through which treated sewage effluent flowed at rates between 2.6 and 37 cm/s. Both pharmaceutical POCIS and pesticide POCIS were exposed to effluent for 21 d and evaluated for uptake of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) and endocrine disrupting substances (EDS). The pesticide POCIS had higher uptake rates for PPCPs and EDS than the pharmaceutical POCIS, but there are some practical advantages to using pharmaceutical POCIS. The uptake of contaminants into POCIS increased with flow rate, but these effects were relatively small (i.e., less than twofold) for most of the test compounds. There was no relationship observed between the hydrophobicity (log octanol/water partition coefficient, log K(OW)) of model compounds and the effects of flow rate on the uptake kinetics by POCIS. These data indicate that water flow rate has a relatively minor influence on the accumulation of PPCPs and EDS into POCIS. © 2010 SETAC.

Poisson denoising on the sphere: application to the Fermi gamma ray space telescope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmitt, J.; Starck, J. L.; Casandjian, J. M.; Fadili, J.; Grenier, I.

2010-07-01

The Large Area Telescope (LAT), the main instrument of the Fermi gamma-ray Space telescope, detects high energy gamma rays with energies from 20 MeV to more than 300 GeV. The two main scientific objectives, the study of the Milky Way diffuse background and the detection of point sources, are complicated by the lack of photons. That is why we need a powerful Poisson noise removal method on the sphere which is efficient on low count Poisson data. This paper presents a new multiscale decomposition on the sphere for data with Poisson noise, called multi-scale variance stabilizing transform on the sphere (MS-VSTS). This method is based on a variance stabilizing transform (VST), a transform which aims to stabilize a Poisson data set such that each stabilized sample has a quasi constant variance. In addition, for the VST used in the method, the transformed data are asymptotically Gaussian. MS-VSTS consists of decomposing the data into a sparse multi-scale dictionary like wavelets or curvelets, and then applying a VST on the coefficients in order to get almost Gaussian stabilized coefficients. In this work, we use the isotropic undecimated wavelet transform (IUWT) and the curvelet transform as spherical multi-scale transforms. Then, binary hypothesis testing is carried out to detect significant coefficients, and the denoised image is reconstructed with an iterative algorithm based on hybrid steepest descent (HSD). To detect point sources, we have to extract the Galactic diffuse background: an extension of the method to background separation is then proposed. In contrary, to study the Milky Way diffuse background, we remove point sources with a binary mask. The gaps have to be interpolated: an extension to inpainting is then proposed. The method, applied on simulated Fermi LAT data, proves to be adaptive, fast and easy to implement.

Adjustment of activity coefficients as a function of changes in temperature, using the specific interaction theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giffaut, Eric; Vitorge, Pierre; Capdevila, Helene

1994-10-01

The aim of this work is to propose and to check approximations to calculate from only a few experimental measurements, ionic strength I and temperature T, influences on Gibbs' energy G, formal redox potential E and standard equilibrium constant K. Series expansions vs. T are first used: S and C(sub p)/2T (sup o) are typically the first- and second-order terms in -G. In the same way, -Delta H and T(exp 2) Delta C(sub p)/2 are the first- and second-order terms ofR ln K expansions vs. 1/T. This type of approximation is discussed for E of the M(4+)/M(3+), MO2(2+)/MO2(+) and MO2(CO3)3(4+)/MO2(CO3)3(4-)/MO2(CO3)3(4-) couples (M equivalent to U or Pu) measured from 5 to 70 C, for the standard Delta G of some solid U compounds, calculated from 17 to 117 C, and for Delta C(sub p), Delta G and log K of the CO2(aq)/HCO3(-) equilibrium from 0 to 150 C. Excess functions X(sup ex) are then calculated from activity coefficients gamma: enthalpy H or heat capacity C(sub p) adjustment as a function of I changes is needed only when the gamma adjustment as a function of T changes is needed. The variations in the specific interaction theory coefficient epsilon with T are small and roughly linear for the above redox equilibria and for the mean gamma of chloride electrolytes: first-order expansion seems enough to deduce epsilon, and then the excess functions G(sup ex), S(sup ex) and H(sup ex), in this T range; but second-order expansion is more consistent for estimation of C(sub p)(sup ex).

Altered polymorphonuclear leukocyte Fc gamma R expression contributes to decreased candicidal activity during intraabdominal sepsis

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

Simms, H.H.; D'Amico, R.; Monfils, P.

We investigated the effects of untreated intraabdominal sepsis on polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) candicidal activity. Two groups of swine were studied. Group I (n=6) underwent sham laparotomy, group II (n=7) underwent cecal ligation and incision. Untreated intraabdominal sepsis resulted in a progressive decrease in PMN candicidal activity. Concomitant rosetting and phagocytosis assays demonstrated a decrease in both the attachment and phagocytosis of Candida albicans opsonized with both normal and septic swine serum by PMNs in group II. Iodine 125-labeled swine immunoglobulin G (IgG) and fluorescein isothioalanate (FITC)-labeled swine IgG were used to investigate Fc gamma receptor ligand interactions. Scatchard analyses demonstratedmore » a progressive decline in both the binding affinity constant and number of IgG molecules bound per PMN. Stimulation of the oxidative burst markedly reduced 125I-labeled IgG binding in both group I and group II, with a greater decrement being seen in animals with intraabdominal sepsis. Further, in group II, PMN recycling of the Fc gamma receptor to the cell surface after generation of the oxidative burst was reduced by postoperative day 4. Binding of monoclonal antibodies to Fc gamma receptor II, but not Fc gamma receptor I/III markedly reduced intracellular candicidal activity. Immunofluorescence studies revealed a homogeneous pattern of FITC-IgG uptake by nearly all group I PMNs, whereas by postoperative day 8 a substantial number of PMNs from group II failed to internalize the FITC-IgG. These studies suggest that untreated intraabdominal sepsis reduces PMN candicidal activity and that this is due, in part, to altered PMN Fc gamma receptor ligand interactions.« less

Investigation of Ion Transport Mechanisms in NAFION in the Presence of Water and Methanol

DTIC Science & Technology

1996-01-01

uptakes. Zawodzinski et al have determined that the electroosmotic drag coefficient (defined by Zawodzinski as the number of water molecules per H...from the pure water and methanol solutions for comparison to the mixed solutions. These graphs show that solutions with more methanol present have

TRAVIS AND ARMS REVISITED: A SECOND LOOK AT A WIDELY USED BIOCONCENTRATION ALGORITHM

EPA Science Inventory

In 1988, Travis and Arms reviewed the literature and collected data to develop a relationship between the octanolwater partition coefficient (Kow) and the uptake of organic compounds into milk and beef (Travis and Arms, 1988). These equations have been utilized for predicting bio...

Effects of anticonvulsants in vivo on high affinity choline uptake in vitro in mouse hippocampal synaptosomes.

PubMed Central

Miller, J. A.; Richter, J. A.

1985-01-01

The effects of several anticonvulsant drugs on sodium-dependent high affinity choline uptake (HACU) in mouse hippocampal synaptosomes was investigated. HACU was measured in vitro after in vivo administration of the drug to mice. HACU was inhibited by drugs which have in common the ability to facilitate gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transmission, pentobarbitone, phenobarbitone, barbitone, diazepam, chloridiazepoxide, and valproic acid. Dose-response relationships were determined for these drugs and the drugs' potencies at inhibiting HACU correlated well with their anticonvulsant potencies. Clonazepam, ethosuximide, carbamazepine, and barbituric acid had no effect on HACU in the doses used while phenytoin and trimethadione stimulated HACU. These results suggest that certain anticonvulsants may elicit a part of their anticonvulsant activity by modulating cholinergic neurones. This effect may be mediated through a GABA mechanism. PMID:3978310

Mutations in the GABA Transporter SLC6A1 Cause Epilepsy with Myoclonic-Atonic Seizures

PubMed Central

Carvill, Gemma L.; McMahon, Jacinta M.; Schneider, Amy; Zemel, Matthew; Myers, Candace T.; Saykally, Julia; Nguyen, John; Robbiano, Angela; Zara, Federico; Specchio, Nicola; Mecarelli, Oriano; Smith, Robert L.; Leventer, Richard J.; Møller, Rikke S.; Nikanorova, Marina; Dimova, Petia; Jordanova, Albena; Petrou, Steven; Helbig, Ingo; Striano, Pasquale; Weckhuysen, Sarah; Berkovic, Samuel F.; Scheffer, Ingrid E.; Mefford, Heather C.

2015-01-01

GAT-1, encoded by SLC6A1, is one of the major gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transporters in the brain and is responsible for re-uptake of GABA from the synapse. In this study, targeted resequencing of 644 individuals with epileptic encephalopathies led to the identification of six SLC6A1 mutations in seven individuals, all of whom have epilepsy with myoclonic-atonic seizures (MAE). We describe two truncations and four missense alterations, all of which most likely lead to loss of function of GAT-1 and thus reduced GABA re-uptake from the synapse. These individuals share many of the electrophysiological properties of Gat1-deficient mice, including spontaneous spike-wave discharges. Overall, pathogenic mutations occurred in 6/160 individuals with MAE, accounting for ∼4% of unsolved MAE cases. PMID:25865495

New astrophysical S factor for the {sup 15}N(p,{gamma}){sup 16}O reaction via the asymptotic normalization coefficient (ANC) method

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

Mukhamedzhanov, A. M.; Gagliardi, C. A.; Goldberg, V. Z.

2008-07-15

The {sup 15}N(p,{gamma}){sup 16}O reaction provides a path from the CN cycle to the CNO bi-cycle and CNO tri-cycle. The measured astrophysical factor for this reaction is dominated by resonant capture through two strong J{sup {pi}}=1{sup -} resonances at E{sub R}=312 and 962 keV and direct capture to the ground state. Asymptotic normalization coefficients (ANCs) for the ground and seven excited states in {sup 16}O were extracted from the comparison of experimental differential cross sections for the {sup 15}N({sup 3}He,d){sup 16}O reaction with distorted-wave Born approximation calculations. Using these ANCs and proton and {alpha} resonance widths determined from an R-matrixmore » fit to the data from the {sup 15}N(p,{alpha}){sup 12}C reaction, we carried out an R-matrix calculation to obtain the astrophysical factor for the {sup 15}N(p,{gamma}){sup 16}O reaction. The results indicate that the direct capture contribution was previously overestimated. We find the astrophysical factor to be S(0)=36.0{+-}6.0 keV b, which is about a factor of 2 lower than the presently accepted value. We conclude that for every 2200{+-}300 cycles of the main CN cycle one CN catalyst is lost due to this reaction.« less

The significance of alteration 2-[fluorine-18]fluoro-2-deoxy-(D)-glucose uptake in the liver and skeletal muscles of patients with hyperthyroidism.

PubMed

Chen, Yen-Kung; Chen, Yen-Ling; Tsui, Chih-Cheng; Wang, Su-Chen; Cheng, Ru-Hwa

2013-10-01

Hyperthyroidism leads to an enhanced demand for glucose. The hypothesis of the study is that 2-[fluorine-18]fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) can demonstrate the alteration of systemic glucose metabolism in hyperthyroidism patients by measuring the FDG standard uptake value (SUV) in liver and skeletal muscle. Forty-eight active hyperthyroidism patients and 30 control participants were recruited for the study. The intensity of FDG uptake in the liver and thigh muscles was graded subjectively, comprising three groups: group I, higher FDG uptake in the liver; group II, equal FDG uptake in the liver and muscles; and group III, higher FDG uptake in the muscles. Ten subjects with FDG PET scans at hyperthyroid and euthyroid status were analyzed. Serum levels of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) correlated to the SUVs of the liver and muscles. Forty-one patients (41/48, 85.4%) showed symmetrically increased FDG uptake in the muscles (22 in group I, 9 in group II, and 17 in group III). Group I patients were significantly older than group II (P = .02) and group III (P = .001) patients. The correlation coefficient between the serum T3, T4, and SUV levels in the muscles was significant (r = 0.47-0.77, P < .01), particularly in liver and muscle FDG uptake between hyperthyroid and euthyroid states. In the 30 control subjects, there was normal physiological FDG uptake in the liver and muscles. In PET scans showing a pattern of decreased liver and increased skeletal muscle FDG uptake in hyperthyroidism patients, this change of FDG distribution is correspondence to the severity of hyperthyroidism status. Crown Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Multiphase chemical kinetics of OH radical uptake by molecular organic markers of biomass burning aerosols: humidity and temperature dependence, surface reaction, and bulk diffusion.

PubMed

Arangio, Andrea M; Slade, Jonathan H; Berkemeier, Thomas; Pöschl, Ulrich; Knopf, Daniel A; Shiraiwa, Manabu

2015-05-14

Multiphase reactions of OH radicals are among the most important pathways of chemical aging of organic aerosols in the atmosphere. Reactive uptake of OH by organic compounds has been observed in a number of studies, but the kinetics of mass transport and chemical reaction are still not fully understood. Here we apply the kinetic multilayer model of gas-particle interactions (KM-GAP) to experimental data from OH exposure studies of levoglucosan and abietic acid, which serve as surrogates and molecular markers of biomass burning aerosol (BBA). The model accounts for gas-phase diffusion within a cylindrical coated-wall flow tube, reversible adsorption of OH, surface-bulk exchange, bulk diffusion, and chemical reactions at the surface and in the bulk of the condensed phase. The nonlinear dependence of OH uptake coefficients on reactant concentrations and time can be reproduced by KM-GAP. We find that the bulk diffusion coefficient of the organic molecules is approximately 10(-16) cm(2) s(-1), reflecting an amorphous semisolid state of the organic substrates. The OH uptake is governed by reaction at or near the surface and can be kinetically limited by surface-bulk exchange or bulk diffusion of the organic reactants. Estimates of the chemical half-life of levoglucosan in 200 nm particles in a biomass burning plume increase from 1 day at high relative humidity to 1 week under dry conditions. In BBA particles transported to the free troposphere, the chemical half-life of levoglucosan can exceed 1 month due to slow bulk diffusion in a glassy matrix at low temperature.

Investigation of Heterogeneous N2O5 Uptake and ClNO2 Yield at a Rural and a Mountain-top Site in Northern China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Z.; Tham, Y. J.; Wang, W.; LI, Q.; Yun, H.; Wang, X.; Xue, L.; Wang, T.

2017-12-01

Dinitrogen pentoxide (N2O5) is a reactive intermediate in the atmospheric oxidation of nitrogen oxides (NOx), and its heterogeneous reaction plays key roles in the chemical transformation and removal of NOx, as well as the production of nitrate and nitryl chloride (ClNO2) that affects the radical budget and photochemical ozone formation. Ambient measurements at a rural site and a mountain top site in northern China in the summer of 2014 revealed significant ClNO2 mixing ratios (up to 2.1 ppbv) produced by fast heterogeneous N2O5 uptake on atmospheric aerosols. Frequently intercepted ClNO2-laden plumes at the mountain site indicate significant ClNO2 production occurred in the nocturnal residual layer, and could help explain the sustained ClNO2 peaks after sunrise observed in the ground site in the region. The meteorological and chemical analysis suggested that elevated ClNO2 plumes were mostly associated with nocturnal buoyant emission from point combustion sources, such as power and industry plants. The uptake coefficients (γ) of N2O5 and yields (ϕ) of ClNO2 were then derived for different plumes observed at the ground and mountain sites, and the factors affecting the variability of γ and ϕ under different conditions were also investigated. The uptake coefficients and yields obtained in this study in northern China will be compared with other observations in the world, and also compared to the existing parameterizations based on aerosol compositions. The contribution of fast N2O5 heterogeneous reaction to the nocturnal NOx processing and nitrate aerosol formation will be further examined, to better understand the impacts of heterogeneous reactive nitrogen chemistry on air quality in northern China.

Mathematical relationships between metrics of chemical bioaccumulation in fish.

PubMed

Mackay, Don; Arnot, Jon A; Gobas, Frank A P C; Powell, David E

2013-07-01

Five widely used metrics of bioaccumulation in fish are defined and discussed, namely the octanol-water partition coefficient (KOW ), bioconcentration factor (BCF), bioaccumulation factor (BAF), biomagnification factor (BMF), and trophic magnification factor (TMF). Algebraic relationships between these metrics are developed and discussed using conventional expressions for chemical uptake from water and food and first-order losses by respiration, egestion, biotransformation, and growth dilution. Two BCFs may be defined, namely as an equilibrium partition coefficient KFW or as a nonequilibrium BCFK in which egestion losses are included. Bioaccumulation factors are shown to be the product of the BCFK and a novel equilibrium multiplier M containing 2 ratios, namely, the diet-to-water concentration ratio and the ratio of uptake rate constants for respiration and dietary uptake. Biomagnification factors are shown to be proportional to the lipid-normalized ratio of the predator/prey values of BCFK and the ratio of the equilibrium multipliers. Relationships with TMFs are also discussed. The effects of chemical hydrophobicity, biotransformation, and growth are evaluated by applying the relationships to a range of illustrative chemicals of varying KOW in a linear 4-trophic-level food web with typical values for uptake and loss rate constants. The roles of respiratory and dietary intakes are demonstrated, and even slow rates of biotransformation and growth can significantly affect bioaccumulation. The BCFK s and the values of M can be regarded as the fundamental determinants of bioaccumulation and biomagnification in aquatic food webs. Analyzing data from food webs can be enhanced by plotting logarithmic lipid-normalized concentrations or fugacities as a linear function of trophic level to deduce TMFs. Implications for determining bioaccumulation by laboratory tests for regulatory purposes are discussed. Copyright © 2013 SETAC.

Imaging, biodistribution and therapy potential of halogenated tamoxifen analogues.

PubMed

Yang, D J; Li, C; Kuang, L R; Price, J E; Buzdar, A U; Tansey, W; Cherif, A; Gretzer, M; Kim, E E; Wallace, S

1994-01-01

Tamoxifen binds to estrogen receptors (ERs) and prevents breast cancer cell proliferation. This study is aimed at developing a ligand for imaging ER (+) breast tumors by positron emission tomography (PET) or single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). [18F]-Labeled tamoxifen analogue ([18F]FTX) was prepared in 30-40% yield and [131I]-labeled tamoxifen analogue ([131I]ITX) was prepared in 20-25% yield. In mammary tumor-bearing rats, the biodistribution of [18F]FTX at 2 h showed a tumor uptake value (% injected dose/gram tissue) of 0.41 +/- 0.07; when rats were pretreated with diethylstilbestrol (DES), the value changed to 0.24 +/- 0.017. [131I]ITX at 6 h showed a tumor uptake value of 0.26 +/- 0.166; when rats were pretreated with DES, the value changed to 0.22 +/- 0.044. Priming tumor-bearing rats with estradiol, a tumor uptake value for [131I]ITX was increased to 0.48 +/- 0.107 at 6 h. In the [3H]estradiol receptor assay, tumors had a mean estrogen receptor density of 7.5 fmol/mg of protein. In gamma scintigraphic imaging studies with [131I]ITX, the rabbit uterus uptake can be blocked by pretreatment with DES. Both iodo-tamoxifen and tamoxifen reduced ER(+) breast tumor growth at the dose of 50 micrograms in tumor-bearing mice. The findings indicate that tamoxifen analogue uptake in tumors occurs via an ER-mediated process. Both analogues should have potential for diagnosing functioning ER(+) breast cancer.

A novel hNIS/tdTomato fusion reporter for visualizing the relationship between the cellular localization of sodium iodide symporter and its iodine uptake function under heat shock treatment.

PubMed

Yeom, Chan Joo; Chung, Taemoon; Youn, Hyewon; Kang, Keon Wook; Lee, Dong Soo; Chung, June-Key

2015-01-01

The function of membrane-localized sodium iodide symporter (NIS) determines the efficacy of radioiodine therapy in thyroid cancer. Here, we describe a dual mode reporter fused with human NIS (hNIS) and a red fluorescent protein named tandem dimeric Tomato (tdTomato) for the in vitro and in vivo imaging of hNIS protein expression, localization, and iodide uptake function. Human cervical epithelial adenocarcinoma cell line (HeLa)-hNIS/tdTomato cells were established by transducing a fusion gene expressing hNIS/tdTomato under the control of a cytomegalovirus promoter. Fluorescence imaging, confocal microscopy, and an 125I uptake assay were performed to validate the integrity of the fusion protein. Actinomycin D and cycloheximide were used to block newly synthesized hNIS proteins. In vivo images were acquired using a gamma camera and a Maestro fluorescence imaging device. The fluorescence intensity of membrane-localized hNIS and 125I uptake both were increased after heat shock. Scintigraphy and fluorescence imaging indicated specific accumulation of the hNIS/tdTomato fusion protein in xenografted tumors, supporting the utility of this system for in vivo monitoring of hNIS expression and activity. We developed a novel hNIS/tdTomato dual mode reporter that enables visualization of the expression, localization, and iodine uptake function of hNIS in vitro and in vivo.

Elastic Constants of Solids and Fluids with Initial Pressure via a Unified Approach Based on Equations-of-State

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cantrell, John H.

2014-01-01

The second and third-order Brugger elastic constants are obtained for liquids and ideal gases having an initial hydrostatic pressure p(sub 1). For liquids the second-order elastic constants are C(sub 11) = A + p(sub 1), C(sub 12) = A -- p(sub 1), and the third-order constants are C(sub 111) = --(B + 5A + 3p(sub 1)), C(sub 112) = --(B + A -- p(sub 1)), and C(sub 123) = A -- B -- p1, where A and B are the Beyer expansion coefficients in the liquid equation of state. For ideal gases the second order constants are C(sub 11) = p(sub 1)gamma + p9sub 1), C(sub 12) = p(sub 1)gamma -- p(sub 1), and the third-order constants are C(sub 111) = p(sub 1)(gamma(2) + 4gamma + 3), C(sub 112) = --p(sub 1)(gamma(2) -- 1), and C(sub 123) = --p(sub 1) (gamma(2) -- 2gamma + 1), where gamma is the ratio of specific heats. The inequality of C(sub 11) and C(sub 12) results in a nonzero shear constant C(sub 44) = (1/2)(C(sub 11) C(sub 12)) = p(sub 1) for both liquids and gases. For water at standard temperature and pressure the ratio of terms p1/A contributing to the second-order constants is approximately 4.3 x 10(-5). For atmospheric gases the ratio of corresponding terms is approximately 0.7. Analytical expressions that include initial stresses are derived for the material 'nonlinearity parameters' associated with harmonic generation and acoustoelasticity for fluids and solids of arbitrary crystal symmetry. The expressions are used to validate the relationships for the elastic constants of fluids.

Evaluating the Relationship between Equilibrium Passive ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This Critcal Review evaluates passive sampler uptake of hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOCs) in water column and interstitial water exposures as a surrogate for organism bioaccumulation. Fifty-seven studies were found where both passive sampler uptake and organism bioaccumulation were measured and 19 of these investigations provided direct comparisons relating passive sampler uptake and organism bioaccumulation. Polymers compared included low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polyoxymethylene (POM), and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), and organisms ranged from polychaetes and oligochaetes to bivalves, aquatic insects, and gastropods. Regression equations correlating bioaccumulation (CL) and passive sampler uptake (CPS) were used to assess the strength of observed relationships. Passive sampling based concentrations resulted in log–log predictive relationships, most of which were within one to 2 orders of magnitude of measured bioaccumulation. Mean coefficients of determination (r2) for LDPE, PDMS, and POM were 0.68, 0.76, and 0.58, respectively. For the available raw, untransformed data, the mean ratio of CL and CPS was 10.8 ± 18.4 (n = 609). Using passive sampling as a surrogate for organism bioaccumulation is viable when biomonitoring organisms are not available. Passive sampling based estimates of bioaccumulation provide useful information for making informed decisions about the bioavailability of HOCs. This review evaluates passive sampler uptake of hydrophobi

Beta decay of the fission product 125Sb and a new complete evaluation of absolute gamma ray transition intensities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rajput, M. U.; Ali, N.; Hussain, S.; Mujahid, S. A.; MacMahon, D.

2012-04-01

The radionuclide 125Sb is a long-lived fission product, which decays to 125Te by negative beta emission with a half-life of 1008 day. The beta decay is followed by the emission of several gamma radiations, ranging from low to medium energy, that can suitably be used for high-resolution detector calibrations, decay heat calculations and in many other applications. In this work, the beta decay of 125Sb has been studied in detail. The complete published experimental data of relative gamma ray intensities in the beta decay of the radionuclide 125Sb has been compiled. The consistency analysis was performed and discrepancies found at several gamma ray energies. Evaluation of the discrepant data was carried out using Normalized Residual and RAJEVAL methods. The decay scheme balance was carried out using beta branching ratios, internal conversion coefficients, populating and depopulating gamma transitions to 125Te levels. The work has resulted in the consistent conversion factor equal to 29.59(13) %, and determined a new evaluated set of the absolute gamma ray emission probabilities. The work has also shown 22.99% of the delayed intensity fraction as outgoing from the 58 d isomeric 144 keV energy level and 77.01% of the prompt intensity fraction reaching to the ground state from the other excited states. The results are discussed and compared with previous evaluations. The present work includes additional experimental data sets which were not included in the previous evaluations. A new set of recommended relative and absolute gamma ray emission probabilities is presented.

Transcriptional switches in the control of macronutrient metabolism.

PubMed

Wise, Alan

2008-06-01

This review shows how some transcription factors respond to alterations in macronutrients. Carbohydrates induce enzymes for their metabolism and fatty acid synthesis. Fatty acids reduce carbohydrate processing, induce enzymes for their metabolism, and increase both gluconeogenesis and storage of fat. Fat stores help control carbohydrate uptake by other cells. The following main transcription factors are discussed: carbohydrate response element-binding protein; sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c, cyclic AMP response element-binding protein, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma.

Herbivores, tidal elevation, and species richness simultaneously mediate nitrate uptake by seaweed assemblages.

PubMed

Bracken, Matthew E S; Jones, Emily; Williams, Susan L

2011-05-01

In order for research into the consequences of biodiversity changes to be more applicable to real-world ecosystems, experiments must be conducted in the field, where a variety of factors other than diversity can affect the rates of key biogeochemical and physiological processes. Here, we experimentally evaluate the effects of two factors known to affect the diversity and composition of intertidal seaweed assemblages--tidal elevation and herbivory--on nitrate uptake by those assemblages. Based on surveys of community composition at the end of a 1.5-year press experiment, we found that both tide height and herbivores affected seaweed community structure. Not surprisingly, seaweed species richness was greater at lower tidal elevations. Herbivores did not affect richness, but they altered the types of species that were present; seaweed species characterized by higher rates of nitrate uptake were more abundant in herbivore-removal plots. Both tide height and herbivores affected nitrate uptake by seaweed assemblages. Individual seaweed species, as well as entire seaweed assemblages, living higher on the shore had greater rates of biomass-specific nitrate uptake, particularly at high ambient nitrate concentrations. Grazed seaweed assemblages exhibited reduced nitrate uptake, but only at low nitrate concentrations. We evaluated the effect of seaweed richness on nitrate uptake, both alone and after accounting for effects of tidal elevation and herbivores. When only richness was considered, we found no effect on uptake. However, when simultaneous effects of richness, tide height, and herbivores on uptake were evaluated, we found that all three had relatively large and comparable effects on nitrate uptake coefficients and that there was a negative relationship between seaweed richness and nitrate uptake. Particularly because effects of richness on uptake were not apparent unless the effects of tide height and herbivory were also considered, these results highlight the importance of considering the effects of environmental context when evaluating the consequences of biodiversity change in more realistic systems.

Gossip in Random Networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malarz, K.; Szvetelszky, Z.; Szekf, B.; Kulakowski, K.

2006-11-01

We consider the average probability X of being informed on a gossip in a given social network. The network is modeled within the random graph theory of Erd{õ}s and Rényi. In this theory, a network is characterized by two parameters: the size N and the link probability p. Our experimental data suggest three levels of social inclusion of friendship. The critical value pc, for which half of agents are informed, scales with the system size as N-gamma with gamma approx 0.68. Computer simulations show that the probability X varies with p as a sigmoidal curve. Influence of the correlations between neighbors is also evaluated: with increasing clustering coefficient C, X decreases.

GPU-based prompt gamma ray imaging from boron neutron capture therapy

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

Yoon, Do-Kun; Jung, Joo-Young; Suk Suh, Tae, E-mail: suhsanta@catholic.ac.kr

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to perform the fast reconstruction of a prompt gamma ray image using a graphics processing unit (GPU) computation from boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) simulations. Methods: To evaluate the accuracy of the reconstructed image, a phantom including four boron uptake regions (BURs) was used in the simulation. After the Monte Carlo simulation of the BNCT, the modified ordered subset expectation maximization reconstruction algorithm using the GPU computation was used to reconstruct the images with fewer projections. The computation times for image reconstruction were compared between the GPU and the central processing unit (CPU).more » Also, the accuracy of the reconstructed image was evaluated by a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: The image reconstruction time using the GPU was 196 times faster than the conventional reconstruction time using the CPU. For the four BURs, the area under curve values from the ROC curve were 0.6726 (A-region), 0.6890 (B-region), 0.7384 (C-region), and 0.8009 (D-region). Conclusions: The tomographic image using the prompt gamma ray event from the BNCT simulation was acquired using the GPU computation in order to perform a fast reconstruction during treatment. The authors verified the feasibility of the prompt gamma ray image reconstruction using the GPU computation for BNCT simulations.« less

TU-FG-BRB-07: GPU-Based Prompt Gamma Ray Imaging From Boron Neutron Capture Therapy

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

Kim, S; Suh, T; Yoon, D

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to perform the fast reconstruction of a prompt gamma ray image using a graphics processing unit (GPU) computation from boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) simulations. Methods: To evaluate the accuracy of the reconstructed image, a phantom including four boron uptake regions (BURs) was used in the simulation. After the Monte Carlo simulation of the BNCT, the modified ordered subset expectation maximization reconstruction algorithm using the GPU computation was used to reconstruct the images with fewer projections. The computation times for image reconstruction were compared between the GPU and the central processing unit (CPU).more » Also, the accuracy of the reconstructed image was evaluated by a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: The image reconstruction time using the GPU was 196 times faster than the conventional reconstruction time using the CPU. For the four BURs, the area under curve values from the ROC curve were 0.6726 (A-region), 0.6890 (B-region), 0.7384 (C-region), and 0.8009 (D-region). Conclusion: The tomographic image using the prompt gamma ray event from the BNCT simulation was acquired using the GPU computation in order to perform a fast reconstruction during treatment. The authors verified the feasibility of the prompt gamma ray reconstruction using the GPU computation for BNCT simulations.« less

Heterogeneous processing of biomass burning aerosol proxies by OH radicals for a wide range of OH concentrations and detection of volatilization products

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Slade, J. H.; Knopf, D. A.

2012-12-01

Biomass burning aerosol (BBA) constitutes the majority of primary organic aerosol found in the atmosphere, with emission rates comparable to fossil-fuel burning. BBA affects earth's radiative budget directly through absorption and scattering of radiation or indirectly by modifying cloud radiative properties, and impacts air quality. Quantifying BBA source strength and thus its effects on air quality, human health, and climate can be difficult since these organic particles can chemically transform during atmospheric transport, a process also termed aging, due to heterogeneous reactions with oxidants and radicals such as OH. In this work we investigate the reactive uptake of OH radicals by typical BBA compounds that also serve as molecular markers for source apportionment studies. Organic substrates of cellulose pyrolysis products such as levoglucosan (1,6-anhydro-β-glucopyranose, C6H10O5), resin acids such as abietic acid (1-phenanthrenecarboxylic acid, C20H30O2), and lignin decomposition products such as 5-nitroguaiacol (2-methoxy-5-nitrophenol, C7H7NO4) have been exposed to a wide range of OH concentrations (~107-1011 cm-3), in presence of O2 in a rotating wall flow reactor operated at 2-6 mbar coupled to a custom built chemical ionization mass spectrometer (CIMS). OH radicals were generated through H2 dissociation in an Evenson microwave resonant cavity operated at 2.45 GHz followed by reaction with O2 or NO2. In addition, potential volatilization of organic material due to heterogeneous oxidation by OH has been determined in-situ by monitoring the volatile organic compounds using a high resolution-proton transfer reaction-time of flight-mass spectrometer (HR-PTR-ToF-MS). The volatilization studies are conducted at 1 atm and OH is generated by O3 photolysis in the presence of H2O vapor and quantified using a photochemical box model as well as through reaction with a known concentration of isoprene (2-methyl-1,3-butadiene, C5H8). Reactive uptake validation experiments show good agreement with previously derived uptake coefficients for similar OH concentrations including levoglucosan. However, changes in OH concentration by ~4 orders of magnitude results in OH uptake coefficient variations of ~2 orders of magnitude. Higher OH concentration yields lower OH uptake coefficients. Our experiments strongly suggest that the highly reactive OH uptake follows a Langmuir-Hinshelwood type uptake mechanism, i.e. adsorption of OH is followed by reaction with the organic substrate, instead of an Eley-Rideal mechanism in which gas-to-surface collision results in reaction. In other words, surface saturation may play a role at high OH concentrations. Oxidation lifetime estimates for each investigated organic substrate are ~4 days commensurate with wet deposition (~5-10 days). Initial volatilization results indicate the formation of short-chained hydrocarbon species such as acetaldehyde (C2H4O), formic acid (CH2O2), and acetic acid (C2H4O2).

Correlation between tissue metabolism and cellularity assessed by standardized uptake value and apparent diffusion coefficient in peritoneal metastasis.

PubMed

Yu, Xue; Lee, Elaine Yuen Phin; Lai, Vincent; Chan, Queenie

2014-07-01

To evaluate the correlation between standardized uptake value (SUV) (tissue metabolism) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) (water diffusivity) in peritoneal metastases. Patients with peritoneal dissemination detected on (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) were prospectively recruited for MRI examinations with informed consent and the study was approved by the local Institutional Review Board. FDG-PET/CT, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), MRI, and DWI/MRI images were independently reviewed by two radiologists based on visual analysis. SUVmax/SUVmean and ADCmin/ADCmean were obtained manually by drawing ROIs over the peritoneal metastases on FDG-PET/CT and DWI, respectively. Diagnostic characteristics of each technique were evaluated. Pearson's coefficient and McNemar and Kappa tests were used for statistical analysis. Eight patients were recruited for this prospective study and 34 peritoneal metastases were evaluated. ADCmean was significantly and negatively correlated with SUVmax (r = -0.528, P = 0.001) and SUVmean (r = -0.548, P = 0.001). ADCmin had similar correlation with SUVmax (r = -0.508, P = 0.002) and SUVmean (r = -0.513, P = 0.002). DWI/MRI had high diagnostic performance (accuracy = 98%) comparable to FDG-PET/CT, in peritoneal metastasis detection. Kappa values were excellent for all techniques. There was a significant inverse correlation between SUV and ADC. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Reducing renal uptake of 111In-DOTATOC: a comparison among various basic amino acids.

PubMed

Lin, Yung-Chang; Hung, Guang-Uei; Luo, Tsai-Yueh; Tsai, Shih-Chuan; Sun, Shung-Shung; Hsia, Chien-Chung; Chen, Shu-Ling; Lin, Wan-Yu

2007-01-01

Several studies have reported significant renal toxicity after the use of a high dose of 90Y-DOTATOC. Thus, renal protection is necessary in treatments with 90Y-DOTA Tyr3-octreotide (DOTATOC). The infusion of certain positively charged amino acids has been shown to effectively reduce renal uptake of DOTATOC. In this study, we compared the effectiveness of three kinds of amino acids, D-lysine (lysine), L-arginine (arginine) and histidine, on renal protection in healthy rats and tried to determine which one was the most effective. Twenty SD healthy male rats were divided into 4 groups: lysine, histidine, arginine, and control. The rats were injected with a dose of 400 mg/kg of amino acid or 2 ml of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) (as control) intraperitoneally. All rats were sacrificed at 4 hrs after the injection of 1 MBq 111In-DOTATOC. Samples of the kidney were taken and weighed carefully. The counts of radioactivity were measured by a gamma counter and renal concentrations were calculated and expressed as percent injected dose per gram (% ID/g). The renal uptake of 111In-DOTATOC was significantly lower for all three kinds of amino acids when compared to the control group. The renal uptake of 111In-DOTATOC in the lysine group was significantly lower than those in the histidine and arginine groups. The renal uptake of 111In-DOTATOC in the histidine group was lower than that in the arginine group, but no statistical difference was noted. Among these three amino acids, lysine had the best reduction rate of renal uptake of DOTATOC. Histidine was more effective than arginine but no statistical difference was noted.

First-principles investigation of thermodynamic and kinetic properties in titanium-hydrogen system and B2-nickel-alminum compound: Phase stability, point defect complexes and diffusion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Qingchuan

The purpose of this thesis is to show the technique of predicting thermodynamic and kinetic properties from first-principles using density functional theory (DFT) calculations, cluster expansion methods and Monte Carlo simulations instead of experiments. Two material systems are selected as examples: one is an interstitial system (Ti-H system) and another is a substitutional compound (B2-NiAl alloy). For Ti-H system, this thesis investigated hydride stability, exploring the role of configurational degrees of freedom, zero-point vibrational energy and coherency strains. The tetragonal gamma-TiH phase was predicted to be unstable relative to hcp alpha-Ti and fcc based delta-TiH2. Zero point vibrational energy makes the gamma phase even less stable. The coherency strains between hydride precipitates and alpha-Ti matrix stabilize gamma-TiH relative to alpha-Ti and delta-TiH2. We also found that hydrogen prefers octahedral sites at low hydrogen concentration and tetrahedral sites at high concentration. For B2-NiAl, this thesis investigated the point defects and various diffusion mechanisms. A low barrier collective hop was discovered that could mediate Al diffusion through the anti-structural-bridge (ASB) mechanism. We also found an alternative hop sequence for the migration of a triple defect and a six-jump-cycle than that proposed previously. Going beyond the mean field approximation, we found that the inclusion of interactions among point defects is crucial to predict the concentration of defect complexes. Accounting for interactions among defects and incorporating all diffusion mechanisms proposed for B2-NiAl in Monte Carlo simulation, we calculated tracer diffusion coefficients. For the first time, the relative importance of various diffusion mechanisms is revealed. The ASB hop is the dominant mechanism for Ni in Ni-rich alloy and for Al diffusion in Al-rich alloys. Other mechanisms also play a role to various extents. We also calculated the self and interdiffusion coefficients for B2-NiAl. We found in Al-rich alloys that the thermodynamic factor of Al is much greater than that of Ni while in Ni-rich alloys they are very similar. This difference in thermodynamic factors results in a much higher self-diffusion coefficient of Al compared to that of Ni in Al-rich alloys and also causes two different interdiffusion coefficients.

A method for screening of plant species for space use

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goeschl, J. D.; Sauer, R. L.; Scheld, H. W.

1986-01-01

A cost-effective methodology which monitors numerous dynamic aspects of carbon assimilation and allocation kinetics in live, intact plants is discussed. Analogous methods can apply to nitrogen uptake and allocation. This methodology capitalizes on the special properties of the short-lived, positron-gamma emitting isotope C-11 especially when applied as CO2-11 in a special extended square wave (ESW) pattern. The 20.4 minute half-life allows for repeated or continuous experiments on the same plant over periods of minutes, hours, days, or weeks. The steady-state isotope equilibrium approached during the ESW experiments, and the parameters which can be analyzed by this technique are also direct results of that short half-life. Additionally, the paired .511 MeV gamma rays penetrate any amount of tissue and their 180 deg opposite orientation provides good collimation and allows coincidence counting which nearly eliminates background.

Neurochemical correlates of. gamma. -aminobutyrate (GABA) inhibition in cat visual cortex

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

Balcar, V.J.; Dreher, B.

1990-01-01

High affinity binding of ({sup 3}H){gamma}-aminobutyric acid (GABA) to neuronal membranes from different parts of cat visual cortex was tested for sensitivity to GABA{sub A} agonists isoguvacine and THIP, GABA{sub A} antagonist SR95531 and GABA{sub B} agonist baclofen. Some of the GABA{sub A}-binding sites were found to have a very low affinity for THIP, suggesting the presence and, possibly, uneven distribution of non-synaptic GABA{sub A} receptors in cat visual cortex. There were no differences in K{sub m} and V{sub max} values of high affinity uptake of GABA and in the potency of K{sup +}-stimulated release of GABA, between primary andmore » association cortices. Consequently, the present results indicate that despite the anatomical and physiological differences between the primary and association feline visual cortices the neurochemical characteristics of GABAergic inhibition are very similar in the two regions.« less

40 CFR Appendix B to Part 132 - Great Lakes Water Quality Initiative

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... WATER QUALITY GUIDANCE FOR THE GREAT LAKES SYSTEM Pt. 132, App. B Appendix B to Part 132—Great Lakes Water Quality Initiative Methodology for Deriving Bioaccumulation Factors Great Lakes States and Tribes... system. For log KOW, the log of the octanol-water partition coefficient is a base 10 logarithm. Uptake...

40 CFR Appendix B to Part 132 - Great Lakes Water Quality Initiative

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... WATER QUALITY GUIDANCE FOR THE GREAT LAKES SYSTEM Pt. 132, App. B Appendix B to Part 132—Great Lakes Water Quality Initiative Methodology for Deriving Bioaccumulation Factors Great Lakes States and Tribes... system. For log KOW, the log of the octanol-water partition coefficient is a base 10 logarithm. Uptake...

Exposure to indoor background radiation and urinary concentrations of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine, a marker of oxidative DNA damage.

PubMed Central

Sperati, A; Abeni, D D; Tagesson, C; Forastiere, F; Miceli, M; Axelson, O

1999-01-01

We investigated whether exposure to indoor [gamma]-radiation and radon might be associated with enough free radical formation to increase urinary concentrations of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), a sensitive marker of DNA damage, due to a hydroxyl radical attack at the C8 of guanine. Indoor radon and [gamma]-radiation levels were measured in 32 dwellings for 6 months by solid-state nuclear track detectors and thermoluminescent dosimeters, respectively. Urine samples for 8-OHdG determinations were obtained from 63 healthy adult subjects living in the measured dwellings. An overall tendency toward increasing levels of 8-OHdG with increasing levels of radon and [gamma]-radiation was seen in the females, presumably due to their estimated longer occupancy in the dwellings measured. Different models were considered for females, with the steepest slopes obtained for [gamma]-radiation with a coefficient of 0.500 (log nmol/l of 8-OHdG for each unit increase of [gamma]-radiation on a log scale) (p<0.01), and increasing to 0.632 (p = 0.035), but with larger variance, when radon was included in the model. In conclusion, there seems to be an effect of indoor radioactivity on the urinary excretion of 8-OHdG for females, who are estimated to have a higher occupancy in the dwellings measured than for males, for whom occupational and other agents may also influence 8-OHdG excretion. ree radicals; [gamma]-radiation; radon. PMID:10064551

Activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-{alpha} enhances fatty acid oxidation in human adipocytes

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

Lee, Joo-Young; Hashizaki, Hikari; Goto, Tsuyoshi

2011-04-22

Highlights: {yields} PPAR{alpha} activation increased mRNA expression levels of adipocyte differentiation marker genes and GPDH activity in human adipocytes. {yields} PPAR{alpha} activation also increased insulin-dependent glucose uptake in human adipocytes. {yields} PPAR{alpha} activation did not affect lipid accumulation in human adipocytes. {yields} PPAR{alpha} activation increased fatty acid oxidation through induction of fatty acid oxidation-related genes in human adipocytes. -- Abstract: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-{alpha} (PPAR{alpha}) is a key regulator for maintaining whole-body energy balance. However, the physiological functions of PPAR{alpha} in adipocytes have been unclarified. We examined the functions of PPAR{alpha} using human multipotent adipose tissue-derived stem cells as a humanmore » adipocyte model. Activation of PPAR{alpha} by GW7647, a potent PPAR{alpha} agonist, increased the mRNA expression levels of adipocyte differentiation marker genes such as PPAR{gamma}, adipocyte-specific fatty acid-binding protein, and lipoprotein lipase and increased both GPDH activity and insulin-dependent glucose uptake level. The findings indicate that PPAR{alpha} activation stimulates adipocyte differentiation. However, lipid accumulation was not changed, which is usually observed when PPAR{gamma} is activated. On the other hand, PPAR{alpha} activation by GW7647 treatment induced the mRNA expression of fatty acid oxidation-related genes such as CPT-1B and AOX in a PPAR{alpha}-dependent manner. Moreover, PPAR{alpha} activation increased the production of CO{sub 2} and acid soluble metabolites, which are products of fatty acid oxidation, and increased oxygen consumption rate in human adipocytes. The data indicate that activation of PPAR{alpha} stimulates both adipocyte differentiation and fatty acid oxidation in human adipocytes, suggesting that PPAR{alpha} agonists could improve insulin resistance without lipid accumulation in adipocytes. The expected effects of PPAR{alpha} activation are very valuable for managing diabetic conditions accompanied by obesity, because PPAR{gamma} agonists, usually used as antidiabetic drugs, induce excessive lipid accumulation in adipocytes in addition to improvement of insulin resistance.« less

Some Sensitivity Studies of Chemical Transport Simulated in Models of the Soil-Plant-Litter System

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

Begovich, C.L.

2002-10-28

Fifteen parameters in a set of five coupled models describing carbon, water, and chemical dynamics in the soil-plant-litter system were varied in a sensitivity analysis of model response. Results are presented for chemical distribution in the components of soil, plants, and litter along with selected responses of biomass, internal chemical transport (xylem and phloem pathways), and chemical uptake. Response and sensitivity coefficients are presented for up to 102 model outputs in an appendix. Two soil properties (chemical distribution coefficient and chemical solubility) and three plant properties (leaf chemical permeability, cuticle thickness, and root chemical conductivity) had the greatest influence onmore » chemical transport in the soil-plant-litter system under the conditions examined. Pollutant gas uptake (SO{sub 2}) increased with change in plant properties that increased plant growth. Heavy metal dynamics in litter responded to plant properties (phloem resistance, respiration characteristics) which induced changes in the chemical cycling to the litter system. Some of the SO{sub 2} and heavy metal responses were not expected but became apparent through the modeling analysis.« less

Dynamic Measurement of Tumor Vascular Permeability and Perfusion using a Hybrid System for Simultaneous Magnetic Resonance and Fluorescence Imaging.

PubMed

Ren, Wuwei; Elmer, Andreas; Buehlmann, David; Augath, Mark-Aurel; Vats, Divya; Ripoll, Jorge; Rudin, Markus

2016-04-01

Assessing tumor vascular features including permeability and perfusion is essential for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. The aim of this study was to compare fluorescence and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based vascular readouts in subcutaneously implanted tumors in mice by simultaneous dynamic measurement of tracer uptake using a hybrid fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT)/MRI system. Vascular permeability was measured using a mixture of extravascular imaging agents, GdDOTA and the dye Cy5.5, and perfusion using a mixture of intravascular agents, Endorem and a fluorescent probe (Angiosense). Dynamic fluorescence reflectance imaging (dFRI) was integrated into the hybrid system for high temporal resolution. Excellent correspondence between uptake curves of Cy5.5/GdDOTA and Endorem/Angiosense has been found with correlation coefficients R > 0.98. The two modalities revealed good agreement regarding permeability coefficients and centers-of-gravity of the imaging agent distribution. The FMT/dFRI protocol presented is able to accurately map physiological processes and poses an attractive alternative to MRI for characterizing tumor neoangiogenesis.

Applying standardized uptake values in gallium-67-citrate single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography studies and their correlation with blood test results in representative organs.

PubMed

Toriihara, Akira; Daisaki, Hiromitsu; Yamaguchi, Akihiro; Yoshida, Katsuya; Isogai, Jun; Tateishi, Ukihide

2018-05-21

Recently, semiquantitative analysis using standardized uptake value (SUV) has been introduced in bone single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT). Our purposes were to apply SUV-based semiquantitative analytic method for gallium-67 (Ga)-citrate SPECT/CT and to evaluate correlation between SUV of physiological uptake and blood test results in representative organs. The accuracy of semiquantitative method was validated using an National Electrical Manufacturers Association body phantom study (radioactivity ratio of sphere : background=4 : 1). Thereafter, 59 patients (34 male and 25 female; mean age, 66.9 years) who had undergone Ga-citrate SPECT/CT were retrospectively enrolled in the study. A mean SUV of physiological uptake was calculated for the following organs: the lungs, right atrium, liver, kidneys, spleen, gluteal muscles, and bone marrow. The correlation between physiological uptakes and blood test results was evaluated using Pearson's correlation coefficient. The phantom study revealed only 1% error between theoretical and actual SUVs in the background, suggesting the sufficient accuracy of scatter and attenuation corrections. However, a partial volume effect could not be overlooked, particularly in small spheres with a diameter of less than 28 mm. The highest mean SUV was observed in the liver (range: 0.44-4.64), followed by bone marrow (range: 0.33-3.60), spleen (range: 0.52-2.12), and kidneys (range: 0.42-1.45). There was no significant correlation between hepatic uptake and liver function, renal uptake and renal function, or bone marrow uptake and blood cell count (P>0.05). The physiological uptake in Ga-citrate SPECT/CT can be represented as SUVs, which are not significantly correlated with corresponding blood test results.

[Myocardial uptake ratio of iodine-123 labeled beta-methyl iodophenylpentadecanoic acid (123I-BMIPP) in relation to the concentration of the substrates of energy].

PubMed

Tsuchimochi, S; Tamaki, N; Kawamoto, M; Tadamura, E; Fujita, T; Nohara, R; Matsumori, A; Sasayama, S; Yonekura, Y; Konishi, J

1995-06-01

Iodine-123 beta-methyl iodophenylpentadecanoic acid (BMIPP) has been used for evaluating myocardial fatty acid metabolism in vivo. The whole body BMIPP imaging was acquired in 26 patients (11 with HCM, 11 with CAD and 4 with DCM) to calculate % uptake in the myocardium and to correlate its uptake with biochemical data, including blood sugar (BS), nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) and insulin in the blood. BMIPP was administered at rest with overnight fasting state, and the anterior and posterior whole body imaging was performed one hour later. The background corrected whole myocardial counts were calculated to obtain %BMIPP uptake. In addition, the heart to mediastinum count ratio (H/M ratio) was calculated from the mean counts in the heart and the upper mediastinum in the anterior view. The %BMIPP uptake was 3.70 +/- 1.22% and H/M ratio was 2.30 +/- 0.23. The patients with DCM showed higher %BMIPP uptake values (DCM = 5.58 +/- 0.67% vs. CAD = 3.09 +/- 0.97% and HCM = 3.63 +/- 0.86%, both p < 0.01), but similar values of H/M ratio with other patients (DCM = 2.43 +/- 0.20, CAD = 2.22 +/- 0.25 and HCM = 2.32 +/- 0.20). Although the biochemical data varied at the time of the tracer administration, they were not significantly correlated with the %BMIPP uptake or H/M ratio. However, there was a significant correlation between %BMIPP uptake and H/M ratio with the correlation coefficient of 0.80 (p < 0.001). We conclude that the myocardial uptake of BMIPP is not influenced by the plasma substrate level under the fasting state.

Forms of selenium affect its transport, uptake and glutathione peroxidase activity in the Caco-2 cell model.

PubMed

Wang, Yanbo; Fu, Linglin

2012-10-01

The experiment was designed to investigate the effect of selenium (Se) chemical forms (sodium selenite, selenium nanoparticle [nano-Se] and selenomethionine) on the transport, uptake and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in the Caco-2 cell model. The transport and uptake of different forms of Se (0.1 μmol l(-1)) across the Caco-2 cell monolayer were carried out in two directions (apical [AP] to basolateral [BL] and BL to AP) for 2 h, respectively, and the apparent permeability coefficient (P(app)), transport efficiency and uptake efficiency were all calculated. In the present study, the transport and uptake of three forms of Se were time-dependent both in AP to BL and BL to AP directions. By the end of 2 h, the transport efficiencies of selenomethionine and nano-Se were higher than that of sodium selenite (P<0.05). The highest uptake efficiency (P<0.05) was observed in cells treated with nano-Se and significant difference (P<0.05) was also observed between the cells incubated with sodium selenite and selenomethionine. As for the P(app), sodium selenite (P<0.05) had the lowest values compared with that of selenomethionine and nano-Se, in both AP-BL and BL-AP. However, no significant differences were observed in GSH-Px activities. These results indicated that the efficiency of Se in the Caco-2 cells varied with its chemical forms, which might be associated with the differences in Se transport and uptake.

Imaging of glutathione localization in brain with technetium-99M meso-hexamethyl propyleneamine oxime

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

Sasaki, T.; Toyama, H.; Oda, K.

1995-05-01

Previous studies have shown decreasing [Tc-99m] meso-HM-PAO uptake in accordance with glutathione (GSH) content in diethyl, maleate (DEM) treated mice brain. In order to elucidate the retention mechanism of [Tc-99m] HM-PAO in brain and to visualize the regional localization of GSH in the brain with [Tc-99m] meso-HM-PAO, the relationship between the tissue GSH content and uptake of [Tc-99m] meso-HM-PAO was studied in rats and rabbits. Increasing pre-load of DEM (550 mg/kg body weight), an agent to reduce GSH content by glutathione transferase, led to a decrease in GSH (control 1.972{plus_minus}0.017 vs DEM 1.138{plus_minus}0.106 mM) and uptake of [Tc-99m] meso-HM-PAO tomore » half of the control in the rat brain (control 0.281{plus_minus}0.024 vs DEM 0.153 {plus_minus} 0.009 % dose/g). On the other hand, the DEM did not decrease GSH or the uptake of [Tc-99m] meso-HM-PAO in the rabbit brain, in which glutathione transferase activity is very low. These results were also demonstrated by images with pin-hole collimated gamma camera. The uptake of [Tc-99m] meso showed variations in the regional distribution, but the d,l-isomer was uniform. [Tc-99m] meso-HM-PAO uptake was well correlated with GSH content in mice brain regions (r=0.800, p<0.02), whereas [Tc-99m]d,l-HM-PAO was not (r=0.017, p>0.5). Both [Tc-99m] mesa HM-PAO uptake and GSH content were especially high at cerebellum (Uptake: 2.598{plus_minus}0.256 % dose/g. GSH: 2.372{plus_minus}0.107 mM) as compared to other areas (Uptake;cerebral cortex 1.797{plus_minus}0.100 brain stem 1.607 {plus_minus}0.112 % dose/g. GSH: cerebral cortex 1.635{plus_minus}0.142 brain stem 1.478{plus_minus}0.141 mM).« less

On a possibility of inelasticity partial coefficient K sub gamma determination in pi C and pi Pb interactions at 10 to the 14th power eV (experiment PAMIR 1)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Borisov, A. S.; Cherdyntseva, K. V.; Guseva, Z. M.; Denisova, V. G.; Dunaevsky, A. M.; Kanevskaya, E. A.; Maximenko, V. M.; Nam, R. A.; Pashkov, S. V.; Puchkov, V. S.

1985-01-01

The investigation of hadron-nuclear interactions in Pamir experiment is carried out by means of X-ray emulsion chambers of two types: carbon (C) and lead (Pb). While comparing the results from the chambers of both types it was found a discrepancy in n sub h and E sub h(1)R values. The observed discrepancy in C and Pb chambers is connected with the difference in values of effective coefficients of energy transfer to the soft component K sub eff for C and Pb chambers.

Study of mass attenuation coefficients and effective atomic numbers of bismuth-ground granulated blast furnace slag concretes

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

Kumar, Sandeep, E-mail: sandeep0078monu@gmail.com; Singh, Sukhpal, E-mail: sukhpal-78@rediffmail.com

2016-05-06

Five samples of Bismuth-Ground granulated blast furnace slag (Bi-GGBFS) concretes were prepared using composition (0.6 cement + x Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} + (0.4-x) GGBFS, x = 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20 and 0.25) by keeping constant water (W) cement (C) ratio. Mass attenuation coefficients (μ{sub m}) of these prepared samples were calculated using a computer program winXCOM at different gamma ray energies, whereas effective atomic numbers (Z{sub eff}) is calculated using mathematical formulas. The radiation shielding properties of Bi-GGBFS concrete has been compared with standard radiation shielding concretes.

Uptake and depuration of pharmaceuticals in aquatic invertebrates.

PubMed

Meredith-Williams, Melanie; Carter, Laura J; Fussell, Richard; Raffaelli, David; Ashauer, Roman; Boxall, Alistair B A

2012-06-01

The uptake and depuration of a range of pharmaceuticals in the freshwater shrimp (Gammarus pulex) and the water boatman (Notonecta glauca) was studied. For one compound, studies were also done using the freshwater snail Planobarius corneus. In G. pulex, bioconcentration factors (BCFs) ranged from 4.6 to 185,900 and increased in the order moclobemide < 5-fluoruracil < carbamazepine < diazepam < carvedilol < fluoxetine. In N. glauca BCFs ranged from 0.1 to 1.6 and increased in the order 5-fluorouracil < carbamazepine < moclobemide < diazepam < fluoxetine < carvedilol. For P. corneus, the BCF for carvedilol was 57.3. The differences in degree of uptake across the three organisms may be due to differences in mode of respiration, behaviour and the pH of the test system. BCFs of the pharmaceuticals for each organism were correlated to the pH-corrected liposome-water partition coefficient of the pharmaceuticals. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Bioconcentration of 5,5',6-trichlorobiphenyl and pentachlorophenol in the midge, Chironomus riparius, as measured by a pharmacokinetic model

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lydy, M.J.; Hayton, W.L.; Staubus, A.E.; Fisher, S.W.

1994-01-01

A two compartment pharmacokinetic model was developed which describes the uptake and elimination of 5,5',6-trichlorobiphenyl (TCB) and pentachlorophenol (PCP) in the midge, Chironomus riparius. C. riparius were exposed to nominal TCB (2 ??g L-1) and PCP (9 ??g L-1) concentrations during a 16 h static uptake phase. Depuration was determined over approximately 45 h using a flowthrough system without feeding. The uptake clearance (P) was 330 ?? 61 ml g-1 midge h-1 for TCB and 55 ?? 4 ml g-1 midge h-1 for PCP, while measured bioconcentration factors (BCF) were 35,900 and 458 for TCB and PCP, respectively. Overall, the clearance-volume- based pharmacokinetic model predicted BCF values that were consistent with published values as well as with BCF values obtained from the octanol-water partition coefficient (K(ow)).

Heterogeneous reaction kinetics and mechanism of the nitration of aerosolized protein by O3 and NO2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shiraiwa, Manabu; Sosedova, Yulia; Rouvière, Aurélie; Ammann, Markus; Pöschl, Ulrich

2010-05-01

The effects of air pollution on allergic diseases are not yet well-understood. Proteins contained in biogenic aerosol particles (pollen, spores, bacteria, etc.), which accounts for up to 5% of urban air particulate matter, are efficiently nitrated in polluted environments before inhalation and deposition in the human respiratory tract [1], which is likely to trigger immune reactions for allergies. Proteins undergo a nitration reaction that leads to the formation of 3-nitrotyrosine residues. The kinetics and reaction mechanism of protein nitration are still largely unknown. The kinetics of nitration of protein particles by O3 and NO2 was measured using the short-lived radioactive tracer 13N. The routine for the online production of 13N-labeled nitrogen dioxide and the main experimental setup were reported previously [2]. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was used as a model protein compound. Deliquesced NaCl particles were also used as a reference. Particles generated by an ultrasonic nebulizer were mixed with O3 (0 - 150 ppb) and NO2 (5 - 100 ppb) in a flow tube reactor under humid conditions (30 - 75 % RH), which lead to gel-like swelling of the protein [3, 4]. The reaction time was varied in the range of 4 -10 min by changing the position of the inlet of the reactor. The surface concentration of particles was monitored by a scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS). After passing through the flow tube reactor, the gas and aerosol flow entered a narrow parallel-plate diffusion denuder coated to selectively absorb gas phase NO2, followed by a particle filter collecting the particles. The γ detectors were attached to each denuders and the filter to count the amount of gamma quanta, which are emitted in the decay of 13N. From the count-rate, the concentration of the corresponding species was derived, which was used for the calculation of uptake coefficients of NO2 (γNO2). In absence of O3 in the flow tube reactor, NO2 uptake by both BSA and deliquesced NaCl were below the detection limit (γNO2 < ~10-6). The γNO2 by BSA is of the order of 10-5, strongly depending on gas phase ozone concentration, which indicates that O3 plays an important role in NO2 uptake. The γNO2 by deliquesced NaCl is one order of magnitude smaller, which is likely to be attributed to the formation of gas phase NO3 and N2O5, as neither O3 nor NO2 is expected to rapidly react with deliquesced NaCl. This amount of uptake is considered to be maximum contribution of gas phase NO3 radicals and N2O5 to uptake of 13N-labeled species by protein particles. The possible mechanisms of high NO2 uptake by protein particles are: 1) surface reaction between adsorbed O3 and NO2 forming NO3 radicals on the surface which react with protein [5], 2) O3 first reacts with protein forming intermediates, followed by reaction with NO2. Further experiments and modelling are under way. REFERENCES [1] Franze et al., Environ. Sci. Tech., 39, 1673 (2005). [2] Sosedova et al., J. Phys. Chem A., 113, 10979 (2009). [3] Mikhailov et al., Atmos. Chem. Phys., 4, 323 (2004). [4] Mikhailov et al., Atmos. Chem. Phys., 9, 9491 (2009). [5] Shiraiwa et al., Atmos. Chem. Phys., 9, 9571 (2009)

Attenuation coefficients and exposure buildup factor of some rocks for gamma ray shielding applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Obaid, Shamsan S.; Sayyed, M. I.; Gaikwad, D. K.; Pawar, Pravina. P.

2018-07-01

In the present work, the mass attenuation coefficient μ/ρ is investigated experimentally and theoretically for seven rocks (olivine basalt, green marble, jet black granite, telphone black granite, cuddapah limestone, white marble and pink marble). The rock samples were collected from different places of India. The mass attenuation coefficients of the samples were measured experimentally at photon energies of radioisotopes Co57 (122 keV), Ba133 (356 keV), 22Na (511 and 1275 keV), Cs137 (662 keV), Mn54 (840 keV), and Co60 (1330 keV). Theoretically, the simulation results of μ/ρ using both XCOM and MCNP5 codes were compared with experimental results and a satisfactory agreement was observed. Total atomic cross sections (σt,a) electronic cross sections (σt,e), effective atomic number (Zeff), electron density (Ne) and half value layer (HVL) were evaluated using the obtained μ/ρ values for investigated rocks. The HVL values for the selected rocks were compared with some common shielding concretes. Moreover, by Geometric Progression method (G-P) exposure buildup factor (EBF) and energy absorption buildup factor (EABF) values were calculated for incident photon energy 0.015-15 MeV up to penetration depths of 40 mean free paths. The results show that among the studied rocks pink marble possesses superior shielding properties for γ-ray. This work was carried out to explore the advantage of utilizing the selected rocks in engineering structures and building construction to shield gamma-rays.

Inference of the Distribution of Selection Coefficients for New Nonsynonymous Mutations Using Large Samples

PubMed Central

Kim, Bernard Y.; Huber, Christian D.; Lohmueller, Kirk E.

2017-01-01

The distribution of fitness effects (DFE) has considerable importance in population genetics. To date, estimates of the DFE come from studies using a small number of individuals. Thus, estimates of the proportion of moderately to strongly deleterious new mutations may be unreliable because such variants are unlikely to be segregating in the data. Additionally, the true functional form of the DFE is unknown, and estimates of the DFE differ significantly between studies. Here we present a flexible and computationally tractable method, called Fit∂a∂i, to estimate the DFE of new mutations using the site frequency spectrum from a large number of individuals. We apply our approach to the frequency spectrum of 1300 Europeans from the Exome Sequencing Project ESP6400 data set, 1298 Danes from the LuCamp data set, and 432 Europeans from the 1000 Genomes Project to estimate the DFE of deleterious nonsynonymous mutations. We infer significantly fewer (0.38–0.84 fold) strongly deleterious mutations with selection coefficient |s| > 0.01 and more (1.24–1.43 fold) weakly deleterious mutations with selection coefficient |s| < 0.001 compared to previous estimates. Furthermore, a DFE that is a mixture distribution of a point mass at neutrality plus a gamma distribution fits better than a gamma distribution in two of the three data sets. Our results suggest that nearly neutral forces play a larger role in human evolution than previously thought. PMID:28249985

Modulation of the release of norepinephrine by gamma-aminobutyric acid and morphine in the frontal cerebral cortex of the rat

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

Peoples, R.W.

1989-01-01

Agents that enhance gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA, neurotransmission modulate certain effects of opioids, such as analgesia. Opioid analgesia is mediated in part by norepinephrine in the forebrain. In this study, the interactions between morphine and GABAergic agents on release of ({sup 3}H) norepinephrine from rat frontal cerebral cortical slices were examined. GABA, 5 {times} 10{sup {minus}5}-10{sup {minus}3} M, enhanced potassium stimulated ({sup 3}H) norepinephrine release and reversed the inhibitory effect of morphine in a noncompetitive manner. GABA did not enhance release of ({sup 3}H) norepinephrine stimulated by the calcium ionophore A23187. The effect of GABA was reduced by the GABA{submore » A} receptor antagonists bicuculline methiodide or picrotoxin, and by the selective inhibitor of GABA uptake SKF 89976A, but was blocked completely only when bicuculline methiodide and SKF 89976A were used in combination. The GABA{sub A} agonist muscimol, 10{sup {minus}4} M, mimicked the effect of GABA, but the GABA{sub B} agonist ({plus minus})baclofen, 10{sup {minus}4} M, did not affect the release of ({sup 3}H) norepinephrine in the absence or the presence of morphine. Thus GABA appears to produce this effect by stimulating GABA uptake and GABA{sub A}, but not GABA{sub B}, receptors. In contrast to the results that would be predicted for an event involving GABA{sub A} receptors, however, the effect of GABA did not desensitize, and benzodiazepine agonists did not enhance the effect of GABA at any concentration tested between 10{sup {minus}8} and 10{sup {minus}4} M. Thus these receptors may constitute a subclass of GABA{sub A} receptors. These results support a role of GABA uptake and GABA{sub A} receptors in enhancing the release of norepinephrine and modulating its inhibition by opioids in the frontal cortex of the rat.« less

Quantitative Raman microspectroscopy for water permeability parameters at a droplet interface bilayer.

PubMed

Braziel, S; Sullivan, K; Lee, S

2018-01-29

Using confocal Raman microspectroscopy, we derive parameters for bilayer water transport across an isolated nanoliter aqueous droplet pair. For a bilayer formed with two osmotically imbalanced and adherent nanoliter aqueous droplets in a surrounding oil solvent, a droplet interface bilayer (DIB), the water permeability coefficient across the lipid bilayer was determined from monitoring the Raman scattering from the C[triple bond, length as m-dash]N stretching mode of K 3 Fe(CN) 6 as a measure of water uptake into the swelling droplet of a DIB pair. We also derive passive diffusional permeability coefficient for D 2 O transport across a droplet bilayer using O-D Raman signal. This method provides a significant methodological advance in determining water permeability coefficients in a convenient and reliable way.

Bayesian Poisson hierarchical models for crash data analysis: Investigating the impact of model choice on site-specific predictions.

PubMed

Khazraee, S Hadi; Johnson, Valen; Lord, Dominique

2018-08-01

The Poisson-gamma (PG) and Poisson-lognormal (PLN) regression models are among the most popular means for motor vehicle crash data analysis. Both models belong to the Poisson-hierarchical family of models. While numerous studies have compared the overall performance of alternative Bayesian Poisson-hierarchical models, little research has addressed the impact of model choice on the expected crash frequency prediction at individual sites. This paper sought to examine whether there are any trends among candidate models predictions e.g., that an alternative model's prediction for sites with certain conditions tends to be higher (or lower) than that from another model. In addition to the PG and PLN models, this research formulated a new member of the Poisson-hierarchical family of models: the Poisson-inverse gamma (PIGam). Three field datasets (from Texas, Michigan and Indiana) covering a wide range of over-dispersion characteristics were selected for analysis. This study demonstrated that the model choice can be critical when the calibrated models are used for prediction at new sites, especially when the data are highly over-dispersed. For all three datasets, the PIGam model would predict higher expected crash frequencies than would the PLN and PG models, in order, indicating a clear link between the models predictions and the shape of their mixing distributions (i.e., gamma, lognormal, and inverse gamma, respectively). The thicker tail of the PIGam and PLN models (in order) may provide an advantage when the data are highly over-dispersed. The analysis results also illustrated a major deficiency of the Deviance Information Criterion (DIC) in comparing the goodness-of-fit of hierarchical models; models with drastically different set of coefficients (and thus predictions for new sites) may yield similar DIC values, because the DIC only accounts for the parameters in the lowest (observation) level of the hierarchy and ignores the higher levels (regression coefficients). Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Reflection and refraction of hydromagnetic waves at the magnetopause

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Verzariu, P.

1973-01-01

Reflection and transmission coefficients of MHD waves are obtained at a stable, plane interface which separates two compressible, perfectly conducting media in relative motion to each other. The coefficients are evaluated for representative conditions of the quiet-time, near-earth magnetopause. The transmission coefficient averaged over a hemispherical distribution of incident waves is found to be 1-2%. Yet the magnitude of the energy flux deposited into the magnetosphere in a day averaged over a hemispherical distribution of waves having amplitudes of say 2-3 gamma, is estimated to be of the order 10 to the 22-nd power erg. Therefore the energy input of MHD waves must contribute significantly to the energy budget of the magnetosphere. The assumption that the boundary surface is a tangential discontinuity with no curvature limits the present theory to hydromagnetic frequencies higher than about .1 Hz.

Effect of radiation on metabolism of selected minerals in cattle

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

Sasser, L.B.; Wade, L. Jr.; Bell, M.C.

1974-01-01

Zinc, Cu, Ca, Mg, and Fe contents of plasma and/or erythrocytes of steers were studied following exposure of the steers to either whole-body gamma irradiation, BETA irradiation of the gastrointestinal tract, BETA irradiation of the skin, or all combinations of the above. Gastrointestinal (GI) irradiation reduced plasma Zn concentrations 1, 2, and 3 weeks after irradiation, but no detectable change occurred in the erythrocyte concentration of stable Zn. The uptake of /sup 65/Zn by erythrocytes from control steers averaged about 5%; whereas the uptakes of the GI- and skin-irradiated steers exceeded l0%. Hypoferremia and hypercupremia accompanied the injury and infectionmore » produced by GI and skin irradiation. The decline of plasma Ca and Mg levels following GI irradiation appeared to be the result of radiation-induced anorexia, as control animals with a restricted feed intake had a similar reduction in plasma Ca and Mg. (auth)« less

Size-related bioconcentration kinetics of hydrophobic chemicals in fish

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

Sijm, D.T.H.M.; Linde, A. van der

1994-12-31

Uptake and elimination of hydrophobic chemicals by fish can be regarded as passive diffusive transport processes. Diffusion coefficients, lipid/water partitioning, diffusion pathlenghts, concentration gradients and surface exchange areas are key parameters describing this bioconcentration distribution process. In the present study two of these parameters were studied: the influence of lipid/water partitioning was studied by using hydrophobic chemicals of different hydrophobicity, and the surface exchange area by using different sizes of fish. By using one species of fish it was assumed that all other parameters were kept constant. Seven age classes of fish were exposed to a series of hydrophobic, formore » five days, which was followed by a deputation phase lasting up to 6 months. Bioconcentration parameters, such as uptake and elimination rate constants, and bioconcentration factors were determined. Uptake of the hydrophobic compounds was compared to that of oxygen. Uptake and elimination rates were compared to weight and estimated (gill) exchange areas. The role of weight and its implications for extrapolations of bioconcentration parameters to other species and sizes will be discussed.« less

n-Hexane metabolism in occupationally exposed workers.

PubMed Central

Mutti, A; Falzoi, M; Lucertini, S; Arfini, G; Zignani, M; Lombardi, S; Franchini, I

1984-01-01

Lung uptake and excretion of n-hexane were studied in ten workers in a shoe factory. Simultaneous samples of inhaled and alveolar air were collected with the aid of a Rhan-Otis valve, personal samplers, and charcoal tubes. Alveolar excretion was monitored during a six hour postexposure period. Uptake was calculated from lung ventilation, the retention coefficient, and environmental concentrations. The amount of exhaled n-hexane was calculated from the decay curve. According to the experimental data, alveolar retention was about 25% of the inhaled n-hexane, corresponding to a lung uptake of about 17%. The postexposure alveolar excretion was about 10% of the total uptake. The main metabolites of n-hexane were identified and measured by capillary GC/MS in spot urine samples collected before, at the end, and 15 hours after the same working shift. Urinary concentrations were low, though related to n-hexane in the air. 2,5-Hexanedione in the end of shift samples gave the best estimate of overall exposure. About 3 mg/g creatinine of 2,5-hexanedione would correspond to about 50 ppm of n-hexane in the air (mean daily exposure). PMID:6498115

Hexose transport by brain slices: further studies on energy dependence

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

Kyle-Lillegard, J.; Gold, B.I.

1983-04-01

We studied the uptake of (/sup 3/H)2-deoxyglucose ((/sup 3/H)2DG) by slices of rat cerebral cortex in vitro as a model of glucose transport by brain. Slices were incubated with (/sup 3/H)2DG, or with L-(/sup 3/H)glucose as a marker for diffusion; the difference between (/sup 3/H)2DG uptake and L-(/sup 3/H)glucose uptake was defined as net (/sup 3/H)2DG transport. Net (/sup 3/H)2DG transport was a function of incubation temperature, with an estimated temperature coefficient of 1.87 from 15 degrees C to 25 degrees C. The net uptake of (/sup 3/H)2DG was not inhibited by phlorizin or phloretin in concentrations well above themore » reported Ki of these inhibitors for hexose uptake in other systems. To examine the hypothesis that (/sup 3/H)2DG transport by brain slices is dependent on mitochondrial energy, we studied net (/sup 3/H)2DG uptake by slices which had been preincubated in media designed to alter intracellular ATP stores. The transport process was very sensitive to inhibition by DNP, but the correlation between (/sup 3/H)2DG transport and ATP levels was unclear. In contrast to our published hypothesis that the transport process required mitochondrial energy, these data indicate that dependence on energy is not absolute.« less

Effect of gamma irradiation on the structural, mechanical and optical properties of polytetrafluoroethylene sheet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohammadian-Kohol, M.; Asgari, M.; Shakur, H. R.

2018-04-01

In this study, the effects of gamma radiation on the chemical structure, mechanical and optical properties of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) sheet were investigated with various doses up to 12 kGy. The chemical changes in the structure were studied by FTIR spectroscopy. Also, effects of radiation on the different mechanical parameters such as Young's modulus, toughness, strain, and stress were studied at the maximum tolerable force and the fracture points. Furthermore, changing the various optical parameters such as absorption coefficient, Urbach energy, optical band gaps, refractive index, optical dispersion parameters and plasma resonance frequency were studied by UV-visible spectroscopy. Formation of a band at 1594 cm-1, which was belonged to double carbon bonds, indicated that chain-scission was occurred at 12 kGy gamma irradiation dose. As well, the mechanical results showed an increase in the elastic behavior of PTFE sheets and a decrease in the plastic behavior of it with absorbed dose increasing. Moreover, the results showed that gamma irradiation can effectively change the various optical properties of PTFE sheets due to different phenomena such as degradation of the main chains, occurring chain-scission, formation of free radicals and cross-linking in the polymer structure.

Droplet Growth Kinetics in Various Environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raatikainen, T. E.; Lathem, T. L.; Moore, R.; Lin, J. J.; Cerully, K. M.; Padro, L.; Lance, S.; Cozic, J.; Anderson, B. E.; Nenes, A.

2012-12-01

The largest uncertainties in the effects of atmospherics aerosols on the global radiation budget are related to their indirect effects on cloud properties (IPCC, the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 2007). Cloud formation is a kinetic process where the resulting cloud properties depend on aerosol properties and meteorological parameters such as updraft velocity (e.g. McFiggans et al., Atmos. Chem. Phys., 6, 2593-2649, 2006). Droplet growth rates are limited by the water vapor diffusion, but additional kinetic limitations, e.g., due to organic surface films, slow solute dissociation or highly viscous or glassy aerosol states have been hypothesized. Significant additional kinetic limitations can lead to increased cloud droplet number concentration, thus the effect is similar to those of increased aerosol number concentration or changes in vertical velocity (e.g. Nenes et al., Geophys. Res. Lett., 29, 1848, 2002). There are a few studies where slow droplet growth has been observed (e.g. Ruehl et al., Geophys. Res. Lett., 36, L15814, 2009), however, little is currently known about their global occurrence and magnitude. Cloud micro-physics models often describe kinetic limitations by an effective water vapor uptake coefficient or similar parameter. Typically, determining aerosol water vapor uptake coefficients requires experimental observations of droplet growth which are interpreted by a numerical droplet growth model where the uptake coefficient is an adjustable parameter (e.g. Kolb et al., Atmos. Chem. Phys., 10, 10561-10605, 2010). Such methods have not been practical for high time-resolution or long term field measurements, until a model was recently developed for analyzing Droplet Measurement Technologies (DMT) cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) counter data (Raatikainen et al., Atmos. Chem. Phys., 12, 4227-4243, 2012). Model verification experiments showed that the calibration aerosol droplet size can be predicted accurately for various instrument settings and also in the case of high CCN concentrations when water vapor depletion decreases supersaturation and droplet size (Lathem and Nenes, Aerosol Sci. Tech., 45, 604-615, 2011). The model also accounts for aerosol hygroscopicity and size distribution variations, which can have significant effects on the droplet size. We have examined cloud droplet activation and growth kinetics by analyzing several DMT CCN counter data sets collected from various environments including boreal forests, arctic areas, fresh and aged biomass burning plumes, and polluted and biogenically influenced urban areas (Raatikainen et al., In preparation, 2012). Model simulations show that the variations in observed droplet size are caused by water vapor depletion effects, changes in dry particle size distributions and hygroscopicity, and changes in instrument supersaturation profiles. This means that fast droplet growth kinetics with water uptake coefficient close to 0.2 is prevalent at least for the studied environments.

Correlation of iodine uptake and perfusion parameters between dual-energy CT imaging and first-pass dual-input perfusion CT in lung cancer.

PubMed

Chen, Xiaoliang; Xu, Yanyan; Duan, Jianghui; Li, Chuandong; Sun, Hongliang; Wang, Wu

2017-07-01

To investigate the potential relationship between perfusion parameters from first-pass dual-input perfusion computed tomography (DI-PCT) and iodine uptake levels estimated from dual-energy CT (DE-CT).The pre-experimental part of this study included a dynamic DE-CT protocol in 15 patients to evaluate peak arterial enhancement of lung cancer based on time-attenuation curves, and the scan time of DE-CT was determined. In the prospective part of the study, 28 lung cancer patients underwent whole-volume perfusion CT and single-source DE-CT using 320-row CT. Pulmonary flow (PF, mL/min/100 mL), aortic flow (AF, mL/min/100 mL), and a perfusion index (PI = PF/[PF + AF]) were automatically generated by in-house commercial software using the dual-input maximum slope method for DI-PCT. For the dual-energy CT data, iodine uptake was estimated by the difference (λ) and the slope (λHU). λ was defined as the difference of CT values between 40 and 70 KeV monochromatic images in lung lesions. λHU was calculated by the following equation: λHU = |λ/(70 - 40)|. The DI-PCT and DE-CT parameters were analyzed by Pearson/Spearman correlation analysis, respectively.All subjects were pathologically proved as lung cancer patients (including 16 squamous cell carcinoma, 8 adenocarcinoma, and 4 small cell lung cancer) by surgery or CT-guided biopsy. Interobserver reproducibility in DI-PCT (PF, AF, PI) and DE-CT (λ, λHU) were relatively good to excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]Inter = 0.8726-0.9255, ICCInter = 0.8179-0.8842; ICCInter = 0.8881-0.9177, ICCInter = 0.9820-0.9970, ICCInter = 0.9780-0.9971, respectively). Correlation coefficient between λ and AF, and PF were as follows: 0.589 (P < .01) and 0.383 (P < .05). Correlation coefficient between λHU and AF, and PF were as follows: 0.564 (P < .01) and 0.388 (P < .05).Both the single-source DE-CT and dual-input CT perfusion analysis method can be applied to assess blood supply of lung cancer patients. Preliminary results demonstrated that the iodine uptake relevant parameters derived from DE-CT significantly correlated with perfusion parameters derived from DI-PCT.

Heterogeneous Reaction of SO2 on Manganese Oxides: the Effect of Crystal Structure and Relative Humidity.

PubMed

Yang, Weiwei; Zhang, Jianghao; Ma, Qingxin; Zhao, Yan; Liu, Yongchun; He, Hong

2017-07-03

Manganese oxides from anthropogenic sources can promote the formation of sulfate through catalytic oxidation of SO 2 . In this study, the kinetics of SO 2 reactions on MnO 2 with different morphologies (α, β, γ and δ) was investigated using flow tube reactor and in situ Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (DRIFTS). Under dry conditions, the reactivity towards SO 2 uptake was highest on δ-MnO 2 but lowest on β-MnO 2 , with a geometric uptake coefficient (γ obs ) of (2.42 ± 0.13) ×10 -2 and a corrected uptake coefficient (γ c ) of (1.48 ± 0.21) ×10 -6 for the former while γ obs of (3.35 ± 0.43) ×10 -3 and γ c of (7.46 ± 2.97) ×10 -7 for the latter. Under wet conditions, the presence of water altered the chemical form of sulfate and was in favor for the heterogeneous oxidation of SO 2 . The maximum sulfate formation rate was reached at 25% RH and 45% for δ-MnO 2 and γ-MnO 2 , respectively, possibly due to their different crystal structures. The results suggest that morphologies and RH are important factors influencing the heterogeneous reaction of SO 2 on mineral aerosols, and that aqueous oxidation process involving transition metals of Mn might be a potential important pathway for SO 2 oxidation in the atmosphere.

Uptake rate constants and partition coefficients for vapor phase organic chemicals using semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cranor, W.L.; Alvarez, D.A.; Huckins, J.N.; Petty, J.D.

2009-01-01

To fully utilize semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs) as passive samplers in air monitoring, data are required to accurately estimate airborne concentrations of environmental contaminants. Limited uptake rate constants (kua) and no SPMD air partitioning coefficient (Ksa) existed for vapor-phase contaminants. This research was conducted to expand the existing body of kinetic data for SPMD air sampling by determining kua and Ksa for a number of airborne contaminants including the chemical classes: polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, organochlorine pesticides, brominated diphenyl ethers, phthalate esters, synthetic pyrethroids, and organophosphate/organosulfur pesticides. The kuas were obtained for 48 of 50 chemicals investigated and ranged from 0.03 to 3.07??m3??g-1??d-1. In cases where uptake was approaching equilibrium, Ksas were approximated. Ksa values (no units) were determined or estimated for 48 of the chemicals investigated and ranging from 3.84E+5 to 7.34E+7. This research utilized a test system (United States Patent 6,877,724 B1) which afforded the capability to generate and maintain constant concentrations of vapor-phase chemical mixtures. The test system and experimental design employed gave reproducible results during experimental runs spanning more than two years. This reproducibility was shown by obtaining mean kua values (n??=??3) of anthracene and p,p???-DDE at 0.96 and 1.57??m3??g-1??d-1 with relative standard deviations of 8.4% and 8.6% respectively.

Type I Error Inflation in the Traditional By-Participant Analysis to Metamemory Accuracy: A Generalized Mixed-Effects Model Perspective

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Murayama, Kou; Sakaki, Michiko; Yan, Veronica X.; Smith, Garry M.

2014-01-01

In order to examine metacognitive accuracy (i.e., the relationship between metacognitive judgment and memory performance), researchers often rely on by-participant analysis, where metacognitive accuracy (e.g., resolution, as measured by the gamma coefficient or signal detection measures) is computed for each participant and the computed values are…

Neural network classification of questionable EGRET events

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meetre, C. A.; Norris, J. P.

1992-02-01

High energy gamma rays (greater than 20 MeV) pair producing in the spark chamber of the Energetic Gamma Ray Telescope Experiment (EGRET) give rise to a characteristic but highly variable 3-D locus of spark sites, which must be processed to decide whether the event is to be included in the database. A significant fraction (about 15 percent or 104 events/day) of the candidate events cannot be categorized (accept/reject) by an automated rule-based procedure; they are therefore tagged, and must be examined and classified manually by a team of expert analysts. We describe a feedforward, back-propagation neural network approach to the classification of the questionable events. The algorithm computes a set of coefficients using representative exemplars drawn from the preclassified set of questionable events. These coefficients map a given input event into a decision vector that, ideally, describes the correct disposition of the event. The net's accuracy is then tested using a different subset of preclassified events. Preliminary results demonstrate the net's ability to correctly classify a large proportion of the events for some categories of questionables. Current work includes the use of much larger training sets to improve the accuracy of the net.

Substitutional and Interstitial Diffusion in alpha2-Ti3Al(O)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Copland, Evan; Young, David J.; Gleeson, Brian; Jacobson, Nathan

2007-01-01

The reaction between Al2O3 and alpha2-Ti3Al was studied with a series of Al2O3/alpha2-Ti3Al multiphase diffusion couples annealed at 900, 1000 and 1100 C. The diffusion-paths were found to strongly depend on alpha2- Ti3Al(O) composition. For alloys with low oxygen concentrations the reaction involved the reduction of Al2O3, the formation of a gamma-TiAl reaction-layer and diffusion of Al and O into the alpha2-Ti3Al substrate. Measured concentration profiles across the interaction-zone showed "up-hill" diffusion of O in alpha2-Ti3Al(O) indicating a significant thermodynamic interaction between O and Al, Ti or both. Diffusion coefficients for the interstitial O in alpha2-Ti3Al(O) were determined independently from the interdiffusion of Ti and Al on the substitutional lattice. Diffusion coefficients are reported for alpha2-Ti3Al(O) as well as gamma-TiAl. Interpretation of the results were aided with the subsequent measurement of the activities of Al, Ti and O in alpha 2-Ti3Al(O) by Knudsen effusion-cell mass spectrometry.

Neural network classification of questionable EGRET events

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meetre, C. A.; Norris, J. P.

1992-01-01

High energy gamma rays (greater than 20 MeV) pair producing in the spark chamber of the Energetic Gamma Ray Telescope Experiment (EGRET) give rise to a characteristic but highly variable 3-D locus of spark sites, which must be processed to decide whether the event is to be included in the database. A significant fraction (about 15 percent or 10(exp 4) events/day) of the candidate events cannot be categorized (accept/reject) by an automated rule-based procedure; they are therefore tagged, and must be examined and classified manually by a team of expert analysts. We describe a feedforward, back-propagation neural network approach to the classification of the questionable events. The algorithm computes a set of coefficients using representative exemplars drawn from the preclassified set of questionable events. These coefficients map a given input event into a decision vector that, ideally, describes the correct disposition of the event. The net's accuracy is then tested using a different subset of preclassified events. Preliminary results demonstrate the net's ability to correctly classify a large proportion of the events for some categories of questionables. Current work includes the use of much larger training sets to improve the accuracy of the net.

Differential Lung Uptake of 99mTc-HMPAO and 99mTc-Duramycin in the Chronic Hyperoxia Rat Model

PubMed Central

Clough, Anne V.; Audi, Said H.; Haworth, Steven T.; Roerig, David L.

2015-01-01

Noninvasive radionuclide imaging has the potential to identify and assess mechanisms involved in particular stages of lung injury which occur with acute respiratory distress syndrome, for example. Lung uptake of 99mTc-hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime (HMPAO) is reported to be partially dependent on the redox status of the lung tissue while 99mTc-duramycin, a new marker of cell injury, senses cell death via apoptosis and/or necrosis. Thus, we investigated changes in lung uptake of these agents in rat exposed to hyperoxia for prolonged periods, a common model of acute lung injury. Methods Male Sprague-Dawley rats were pre-exposed to either normoxia (21% O2) or hyperoxia (85% O2) for up to 21 days. For imaging, the rats were anesthetized, injected i.v. with either 99mTc-HMPAO or 99mTc-duramycin (37-74 MBq) and planar images were acquired using a high sensitivity modular gamma camera. Subsequently, 99mTc-macroagreggated albumin (37 MBq, diam=10-40 μm) was injected i.v., imaged, and used to define a lung region-of-interest. The lung to background ratio was used as a measure of lung uptake. Results Hyperoxia exposure resulted in a 74% increase in 99mTc-HMPAO lung uptake, which peaked at 7 days and persisted for the 21 days of exposure. 99mTc-duramycin lung uptake was also maximal at 7 days of exposure but decreased to near control levels by 21 days. The sustained elevation of 99mTc-HMPAO uptake suggests ongoing changes in lung redox status whereas cell death appears to have subsided by 21 days. Conclusion These results suggest the potential use of 99mTc-HMPAO and 99mTc-duramycin as redox and cell-death imaging biomarkers, respectively, for in vivo identification and assessment of different stages of lung injury. PMID:23086010

Chemiluminescence of nitric oxide

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sharp, W. E.; Rusch, D. W.

1981-01-01

Measurements of the intensities of the delta and gamma bands of nitric oxide in the nighttime terrestrial thermosphere are presented and used to infer the rate coefficient for the transition from the C 2 Pi to the A 2 Sigma + states. The nightglow spectrum was observed between 1900 and 2300 A at a resolution of 15 A by a rocket-borne scanning 1/4-m spectrometer pointing north at an apogee of 150 km. Progressions of the delta, gamma and epsilon bands are identified on the spectra by the construction of synthetic spectra, and the contributions of resonance fluorescence to the total band intensities are calculated. Finally, the ratio of the sum of the gamma bands for v-prime = 0 to the sum of the delta bands for v-prime = 0 is used to derive a branching ratio of 0.21 + or - 0.04 to the A 2 Sigma + state, which yields a probability for the C-A transition of 5.6 + or - 1.5 x to the 6th/sec.

Gamma ray detection with long NaI/Tl/ scintillator bars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zych, A. D.; Tumer, O. T.; Dayton, B.

1983-01-01

Test measurements with a prototype NaI(Tl) scintillator for energy, position, and timing measurements in gamma ray astronomy are reported. The scintillator bar is 100 x 5 x 5 cu cm in size, and allows detection of the arrival times and pulse heights of signals from two photomultiplier tubes, one at each end of the bar. Data is gathered on the energy loss, linear position, and time-of-flight of gamma ray interactions within the bar over an energy range of 0.5-20 MeV. A mean attenuation coefficient of 0.015/cm has been determined, as have a FWHM resolution of 5 cm, 9.4%, and 10 nsec at an energy of 0.662 MeV. At 1.25 MeV the timing resolution was 6 nsec, and at 6.13 MeV the spatial resolution was 2.2 cm. The instrument is a prototype of a Compton scatter telescope being constructed for two balloon flights, one each in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, in 1984.

Extrapolation of astrophysical S factors for the reaction {sup 14}N((p, {gamma}) {sup 15}O to near-zero energies

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

Artemov, S. V.; Igamov, S. B., E-mail: igamov@inp.uz; Tursunmakhatov, Q. I.

2012-03-15

The astrophysical S factors for the radiative-capture reaction {sup 14}N(p, {gamma}){sup 15}O in the region of ultralow energies were calculated on the basis of the R-matrix approach. The values of the radiative and protonic widths were fitted to new experimental data. The contribution of direct radiative capture to bound states of the {sup 15}O nucleus was determined with the aid of asymptotic normalization coefficients, whose values were refined in the present study on the basis of the results obtained from an analysis of the reaction {sup 14}N({sup 3}He, d){sup 15}O at three different energies of incident helium ions. A valuemore » of S(0) = 1.79 {+-} 0.31 keV b was obtained for the total astrophysical S factor, and the reaction rate was determined for the process {sup 14}N(p, {gamma}){sup 15}O.« less

Spectral information enhancement using wavelet-based iterative filtering for in vivo gamma spectrometry.

PubMed

Paul, Sabyasachi; Sarkar, P K

2013-04-01

Use of wavelet transformation in stationary signal processing has been demonstrated for denoising the measured spectra and characterisation of radionuclides in the in vivo monitoring analysis, where difficulties arise due to very low activity level to be estimated in biological systems. The large statistical fluctuations often make the identification of characteristic gammas from radionuclides highly uncertain, particularly when interferences from progenies are also present. A new wavelet-based noise filtering methodology has been developed for better detection of gamma peaks in noisy data. This sequential, iterative filtering method uses the wavelet multi-resolution approach for noise rejection and an inverse transform after soft 'thresholding' over the generated coefficients. Analyses of in vivo monitoring data of (235)U and (238)U were carried out using this method without disturbing the peak position and amplitude while achieving a 3-fold improvement in the signal-to-noise ratio, compared with the original measured spectrum. When compared with other data-filtering techniques, the wavelet-based method shows the best results.

A simple expression for quantifying bacterial chemotaxis using capillary assay data: application to the analysis of enhanced chemotactic responses from growth-limited cultures.

PubMed

Ford, R M; Lauffenburger, D A

1992-05-01

An individual cell-based mathematical model of Rivero et al. provides a framework for determining values of the chemotactic sensitivity coefficient chi 0, an intrinsic cell population parameter that characterizes the chemotactic response of bacterial populations. This coefficient can theoretically relate the swimming behavior of individual cells to the resulting migration of a bacterial population. When this model is applied to the commonly used capillary assay, an approximate solution can be obtained for a particular range of chemotactic strengths yielding a very simple analytical expression for estimating the value of chi 0, [formula: see text] from measurements of cell accumulation in the capillary, N, when attractant uptake is negligible. A0 and A infinity are the dimensionless attractant concentrations initially present at the mouth of the capillary and far into the capillary, respectively, which are scaled by Kd, the effective dissociation constant for receptor-attractant binding. D is the attractant diffusivity, and mu is the cell random motility coefficient. NRM is the cell accumulation in the capillary in the absence of an attractant gradient, from which mu can be determined independently as mu = (pi/4t)(NRM/pi r2bc)2, with r the capillary tube radius and bc the bacterial density initially in the chamber. When attractant uptake is significant, a slightly more involved procedure requiring a simple numerical integration becomes necessary. As an example, we apply this approach to quantitatively characterize, in terms of the chemotactic sensitivity coefficient chi 0, data from Terracciano indicating enhanced chemotactic responses of Escherichia coli to galactose when cultured under growth-limiting galactose levels in a chemostat.

NASA Data Evaluation (2015): Chemical Kinetics and Photochemical Data for Use in Atmospheric Studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burkholder, J. B.; Sander, S. P.; Abbatt, J.; Barker, J. R.; Huie, R. E.; Kolb, C. E., Jr.; Kurylo, M. J., III; Orkin, V. L.; Wilmouth, D. M.; Wine, P. H.

2015-12-01

Atmospheric chemistry models must include a large number of processes to accurately describe the temporal and spatial behavior of atmospheric composition. They require a wide range of chemical and physical data (parameters) that describe elementary gas-phase and heterogeneous processes. The review and evaluation of chemical and physical data has, therefore, played an important role in the development of chemical models and in their use in environmental assessment activities. The NASA data panel evaluation has a broad atmospheric focus that includes Ox, O(1D), singlet O2, HOx, NOx, Organic, FOx, ClOx, BrOx, IOx, SOx, and Na reactions, three-body reactions, equilibrium constants, photochemistry, Henry's Law coefficients, aqueous chemistry, heterogeneous chemistry and processes, and thermodynamic parameters. The 2015 evaluation includes critical coverage of ~700 bimolecular reactions, 86 three-body reactions, 33 equilibrium constants, ~220 photochemical species, ~360 aqueous and heterogeneous processes, and thermodynamic parameters for ~800 species with over 5000 literature citations reviewed. Each evaluation includes (1) recommended values (e.g. rate coefficients, absorption cross sections, solubilities, and uptake coefficients) with estimated uncertainty factors and (2) a note describing the available experimental and theoretical data and an explanation for the recommendation. This presentation highlights some of the recent additions to the evaluation that include: (1) expansion of thermochemical parameters, including Hg species, (2) CH2OO (Criegee) chemistry, (3) Isoprene and its major degradation product chemistry, (4) halocarbon chemistry, (5) Henry's law solubility data, and (6) uptake coefficients. In addition, a listing of complete references with the evaluation notes has been implemented. Users of the data evaluation are encouraged to suggest potential improvements and ways that the evaluation can better serve the atmospheric chemistry community.

Repeatability of quantitative 18F-FLT uptake measurements in solid tumors: an individual patient data multi-center meta-analysis.

PubMed

Kramer, G M; Liu, Y; de Langen, A J; Jansma, E P; Trigonis, I; Asselin, M-C; Jackson, A; Kenny, L; Aboagye, E O; Hoekstra, O S; Boellaard, R

2018-06-01

3'-deoxy-3'-[ 18 F]fluorothymidine ( 18 F-FLT) positron emission tomography (PET) provides a non-invasive method to assess cellular proliferation and response to antitumor therapy. Quantitative 18 F-FLT uptake metrics are being used for evaluation of proliferative response in investigational setting, however multi-center repeatability needs to be established. The aim of this study was to determine the repeatability of 18 F-FLT tumor uptake metrics by re-analyzing individual patient data from previously published reports using the same tumor segmentation method and repeatability metrics across cohorts. A systematic search in PubMed, EMBASE.com and the Cochrane Library from inception-October 2016 yielded five 18 F-FLT repeatability cohorts in solid tumors. 18 F-FLT avid lesions were delineated using a 50% isocontour adapted for local background on test and retest scans. SUV max , SUV mean , SUV peak , proliferative volume and total lesion uptake (TLU) were calculated. Repeatability was assessed using the repeatability coefficient (RC = 1.96 × SD of test-retest differences), linear regression analysis, and the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). The impact of different lesion selection criteria was also evaluated. Images from four cohorts containing 30 patients with 52 lesions were obtained and analyzed (ten in breast cancer, nine in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, and 33 in non-small cell lung cancer patients). A good correlation was found between test-retest data for all 18 F-FLT uptake metrics (R 2  ≥ 0.93; ICC ≥ 0.96). Best repeatability was found for SUV peak (RC: 23.1%), without significant differences in RC between different SUV metrics. Repeatability of proliferative volume (RC: 36.0%) and TLU (RC: 36.4%) was worse than SUV. Lesion selection methods based on SUV max  ≥ 4.0 improved the repeatability of volumetric metrics (RC: 26-28%), but did not affect the repeatability of SUV metrics. In multi-center studies, differences ≥ 25% in 18 F-FLT SUV metrics likely represent a true change in tumor uptake. Larger differences are required for FLT metrics comprising volume estimates when no lesion selection criteria are applied.

Technical note: Influence of surface roughness and local turbulence on coated-wall flow tube experiments for gas uptake and kinetic studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Guo; Su, Hang; Kuhn, Uwe; Meusel, Hannah; Ammann, Markus; Shao, Min; Pöschl, Ulrich; Cheng, Yafang

2018-02-01

Coated-wall flow tube reactors are frequently used to investigate gas uptake and heterogeneous or multiphase reaction kinetics under laminar flow conditions. Coating surface roughness may potentially distort the laminar flow pattern, induce turbulence and introduce uncertainties in the calculated uptake coefficient based on molecular diffusion assumptions (e.g., Brown/Cooney-Kim-Davis (CKD)/Knopf-Pöschl-Shiraiwa (KPS) methods), which has not been fully resolved in earlier studies. Here, we investigate the influence of surface roughness and local turbulence on coated-wall flow tube experiments for gas uptake and kinetic studies. According to laminar boundary theory and considering the specific flow conditions in a coated-wall flow tube, we derive and propose a critical height δc to evaluate turbulence effects in the design and analysis of coated-wall flow tube experiments. If a geometric coating thickness δg is larger than δc, the roughness elements of the coating may cause local turbulence and result in overestimation of the real uptake coefficient (γ). We further develop modified CKD/KPS methods (i.e., CKD-LT/KPS-LT) to account for roughness-induced local turbulence effects. By combination of the original methods and their modified versions, the maximum error range of γCKD (derived with the CKD method) or γKPS (derived with the KPS method) can be quantified and finally γ can be constrained. When turbulence is generated, γCKD or γKPS can bear large difference compared to γ. Their difference becomes smaller for gas reactants with lower uptake (i.e., smaller γ) and/or for a smaller ratio of the geometric coating thickness to the flow tube radius (δg / R0). On the other hand, the critical height δc can also be adjusted by optimizing flow tube configurations and operating conditions (i.e., tube diameter, length, and flow velocity), to ensure not only unaffected laminar flow patterns but also other specific requirements for an individual flow tube experiment. We use coating thickness values from previous coated-wall flow tube studies to assess potential roughness effects using the δc criterion. In most studies, the coating thickness was sufficiently small to avoid complications, but some may have been influenced by surface roughness and local turbulence effects.

Improvement of the prompt-gamma neutron activation facility at Brookhaven National Laboratory.

PubMed

Dilmanian, F A; Lidofsky, L J; Stamatelatos, I; Kamen, Y; Yasumura, S; Vartsky, D; Pierson, R N; Weber, D A; Moore, R I; Ma, R

1998-02-01

The prompt-gamma neutron activation facility at Brookhaven National Laboratory was upgraded to improve both the precision and accuracy of its in vivo determinations of total body nitrogen. The upgrade, guided by Monte Carlo simulations, involved elongating and modifying the source collimator and its shielding, repositioning the system's two NaI(Tl) detectors, and improving the neutron and gamma shielding of these detectors. The new source collimator has a graphite reflector around the 238PuBe neutron source to enhance the low-energy region of the neutron spectrum incident on the patient. The gamma detectors have been relocated from positions close to the upward-emerging collimated neutron beam to positions close to and at the sides of the patient. These modifications substantially reduced spurious counts resulting from the capture of small-angle scattered neutrons in the NaI detectors. The pile-up background under the 10.8 MeV 14N(n, gamma)15N spectral peak has been reduced so that the nitrogen peak-to-background ratio has been increased by a factor of 2.8. The resulting reduction in the coefficient of variation of the total body nitrogen measurements from 3% to 2.2% has improved the statistical significance of the results possible for any given number of patient measurements. The new system also has a more uniform composite sensitivity.

Advanced ordered intermetallic alloy deployment

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

Liu, C.T.; Maziasz, P.J.; Easton, D.S.

1997-04-01

The need for high-strength, high-temperature, and light-weight materials for structural applications has generated a great deal of interest in ordered intermetallic alloys, particularly in {gamma}-based titanium aluminides {gamma}-based TiAl alloys offer an attractive mix of low density ({approximately}4g/cm{sup 3}), good creep resistance, and high-temperature strength and oxidation resistance. For rotating or high-speed components. TiAl also has a high damping coefficient which minimizes vibrations and noise. These alloys generally contain two phases. {alpha}{sub 2} (DO{sub 19} structure) and {gamma} (L 1{sub 0}), at temperatures below 1120{degrees}C, the euticoid temperature. The mechanical properties of TiAl-based alloys are sensitive to both alloy compositionsmore » and microstructure. Depending on heat-treatment and thermomechanical processing, microstructures with near equiaxed {gamma}, a duplex structure (a mix of the {gamma} and {alpha}{sub 2} phases) can be developed in TiAl alloys containing 45 to 50 at. % Al. The major concern for structural use of TiAl alloys is their low ductility and poor fracture resistance at ambient temperatures. The purpose of this project is to improve the fracture toughness of TiAl-based alloys by controlling alloy composition, microstructure and thermomechanical treatment. This work is expected to lead to the development of TiAl alloys with significantly improved fracture toughness and tensile ductility for structural use.« less

Schneiderian First Rank Symptoms and Gamma Oscillatory Activity in Neuroleptic Naïve First Episode Schizophrenia: A 192 Channel EEG Study

PubMed Central

Yadav, Shailly; Nizamie, Shamusul Haque; Das, Basudeb; Tikka, Deyashini Lahiri; Goyal, Nishant

2014-01-01

Objective Schneiderian first-rank symptoms (FRS) and abnormal EEG gamma activity in schizophrenia have been reported independently to have a neurodevelopmental basis. We aimed to investigate spontaneous gamma power in two groups of first episode schizophrenia patients (those who experience FRS and those who do not). Methods A comparative hospital based study having 37neuroleptic naïve male patients with schizophrenia divided into two groups-FRS(+) and FRS(-) groups based on the presence of FRS. Thirty age, sex, education and handedness matched individuals served as controls (N). All participants underwent a 192-channel resting Electroencephalography (EEG) recording. Gamma spectral power was calculated for low- (30-50 Hz) and high-gamma 1 & 2 (51-70 and 71-100 Hz) bands. Spectral power was compared between three groups using MANOVA and supplementary one-way ANOVA with Bonferroni test controlling for multiple comparisons. Linear regression was used to identifying predictor variables for FRS. Pearson correlation coefficient was computed between spectral power parameters and various clinical variables. Results Significantly higher high gamma band-1 power was observed over right frontal (p<0.05), parietal (p<0.05) and temporal (p<0.05) regions in FRS(+) than FRS(-) group and normal controls. Right parietal high gamma-1 power and paranoid cluster on PANSS significantly predicted number of FRS in total schizophrenia patients; paranoid cluster on PANSS showed significant correlation with number of FRS in FRS(+) group. Conclusion Findings of our study add to the evidence that areas contained within the hetero modal association cortex are associated with FRS. The study findings also strengthen the neurodevelopmental basis of FRS in schizophrenia. PMID:25395979

A method for estimating peak and time of peak streamflow from excess rainfall for 10- to 640-acre watersheds in the Houston, Texas, metropolitan area

USGS Publications Warehouse

Asquith, William H.; Cleveland, Theodore G.; Roussel, Meghan C.

2011-01-01

Estimates of peak and time of peak streamflow for small watersheds (less than about 640 acres) in a suburban to urban, low-slope setting are needed for drainage design that is cost-effective and risk-mitigated. During 2007-10, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the Harris County Flood Control District and the Texas Department of Transportation, developed a method to estimate peak and time of peak streamflow from excess rainfall for 10- to 640-acre watersheds in the Houston, Texas, metropolitan area. To develop the method, 24 watersheds in the study area with drainage areas less than about 3.5 square miles (2,240 acres) and with concomitant rainfall and runoff data were selected. The method is based on conjunctive analysis of rainfall and runoff data in the context of the unit hydrograph method and the rational method. For the unit hydrograph analysis, a gamma distribution model of unit hydrograph shape (a gamma unit hydrograph) was chosen and parameters estimated through matching of modeled peak and time of peak streamflow to observed values on a storm-by-storm basis. Watershed mean or watershed-specific values of peak and time to peak ("time to peak" is a parameter of the gamma unit hydrograph and is distinct from "time of peak") of the gamma unit hydrograph were computed. Two regression equations to estimate peak and time to peak of the gamma unit hydrograph that are based on watershed characteristics of drainage area and basin-development factor (BDF) were developed. For the rational method analysis, a lag time (time-R), volumetric runoff coefficient, and runoff coefficient were computed on a storm-by-storm basis. Watershed-specific values of these three metrics were computed. A regression equation to estimate time-R based on drainage area and BDF was developed. Overall arithmetic means of volumetric runoff coefficient (0.41 dimensionless) and runoff coefficient (0.25 dimensionless) for the 24 watersheds were used to express the rational method in terms of excess rainfall (the excess rational method). Both the unit hydrograph method and excess rational method are shown to provide similar estimates of peak and time of peak streamflow. The results from the two methods can be combined by using arithmetic means. A nomograph is provided that shows the respective relations between the arithmetic-mean peak and time of peak streamflow to drainage areas ranging from 10 to 640 acres. The nomograph also shows the respective relations for selected BDF ranging from undeveloped to fully developed conditions. The nomograph represents the peak streamflow for 1 inch of excess rainfall based on drainage area and BDF; the peak streamflow for design storms from the nomograph can be multiplied by the excess rainfall to estimate peak streamflow. Time of peak streamflow is readily obtained from the nomograph. Therefore, given excess rainfall values derived from watershed-loss models, which are beyond the scope of this report, the nomograph represents a method for estimating peak and time of peak streamflow for applicable watersheds in the Houston metropolitan area. Lastly, analysis of the relative influence of BDF on peak streamflow is provided, and the results indicate a 0:04log10 cubic feet per second change of peak streamflow per positive unit of change in BDF. This relative change can be used to adjust peak streamflow from the method or other hydrologic methods for a given BDF to other BDF values; example computations are provided.

Electron emission produced by photointeractions in a slab target

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thinger, B. E.; Dayton, J. A., Jr.

1973-01-01

The current density and energy spectrum of escaping electrons generated in a uniform plane slab target which is being irradiated by the gamma flux field of a nuclear reactor are calculated by using experimental gamma energy transfer coefficients, electron range and energy relations, and escape probability computations. The probability of escape and the average path length of escaping electrons are derived for an isotropic distribution of monoenergetic photons. The method of estimating the flux and energy distribution of electrons emerging from the surface is outlined, and a sample calculation is made for a 0.33-cm-thick tungsten target located next to the core of a nuclear reactor. The results are to be used as a guide in electron beam synthesis of reactor experiments.

Strong far-infrared intersubband absorption under normal incidence in heavily n-type doped nonalloy GaSb-AlSb superlattices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Samoska, L. A.; Brar, Berinder; Kroemer, H.

1993-01-01

We report on long-wavelength intersubband absorption under normal incidence in heavily doped binary-binary GaSb-AlSb superlattices. Due to a small energy difference between the ellipsoidal L valleys in GaSb and the low-density-of-states Gamma minimum, electrons spill over from the first Gamma subband into the higher-energy L subband in GaSb wells, where they are allowed to make an intersubband transition under normally incident radiation. A peak fractional absorption per quantum well of 6.8 x 10 exp 3 (absorption coefficient alpha of about 8500/cm) is observed at about 15 microns wavelength for a sheet concentration of 1.6 x 10 exp 12 sq cm/well.

The integral line-beam method for gamma skyshine analysis

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

Shultis, J.K.; Faw, R.E.; Bassett, M.S.

1991-03-01

This paper presents a refinement of a simplified method, based on line-beam response functions, for performing skyshine calculations for shielded and collimated gamma-ray sources. New coefficients for an empirical fit to the line-beam response function are provided and a prescription for making the response function continuous in energy and emission direction is introduced. For a shielded source, exponential attenuation and a buildup factor correction for scattered photons in the shield are used. Results of the new integral line-beam method of calculation are compared to a variety of benchmark experimental data and calculations and are found to give generally excellent agreementmore » at a small fraction of the computational expense required by other skyshine methods.« less

On the applicability of [18F]FBPA to predict L-BPA concentration after amino acid preloading in HuH-7 liver tumor model and the implication for liver boron neutron capture therapy.

PubMed

Grunewald, Catrin; Sauberer, Michael; Filip, Thomas; Wanek, Thomas; Stanek, Johann; Mairinger, Severin; Rollet, Sofia; Kudejova, Petra; Langer, Oliver; Schütz, Christian; Blaickner, Matthias; Kuntner, Claudia

2017-01-01

In recent years extra-corporal application of boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) was evaluated for liver primary tumors or liver metastases. A prerequisite for such a high-risk procedure is proof of preferential delivery and high uptake of a 10 B-pharmaceutical in liver malignancies. In this work we evaluated in a preclinical tumor model if [ 18 F]FBPA tissue distribution measured with PET is able to predict the tissue distribution of [ 10 B]L-BPA. Tumor bearing mice (hepatocellular carcinoma cell line, HuH-7) were either subject of a [ 18 F]FBPA-PET scan with subsequent measurement of radioactivity content in extracted organs using a gamma counter or injected with [ 10 B]L-BPA with tissue samples analyzed by prompt gamma activation analysis (PGAA) or quantitative neutron capture radiography (QNCR). The impact of L-tyrosine, L-DOPA and L-BPA preloading on the tissue distribution of [ 18 F]FBPA and [ 10 B]L-BPA was evaluated and the pharmacokinetics of [ 18 F]FBPA investigated by compartment modeling. We found a significant correlation between [ 18 F]FBPA and [ 10 B]L-BPA uptake in tumors and various organs as well as high accumulation levels in pancreas and kidneys as reported in previous studies. Tumor-to-liver ratios of [ 18 F]FBPA ranged from 1.2 to 1.5. Preloading did not increase the uptake of [ 18 F]FBPA or [ 10 B]L-BPA in any organ and compartment modeling showed no statistically significant differences in [ 18 F]FBPA tumor kinetics. [ 18 F]FBPA-PET predicts [ 10 B]L-BPA concentration after amino acid preloading in HuH-7 hepatocellular carcinoma models. Preloading had no effect on tumor uptake of [ 18 F]FBPA. Despite differences in chemical structure and administered dose [ 18 F]FBPA and [ 10 B]L-BPA demonstrate an equivalent biodistribution in a preclinical tumor model. IMPLICATIONS FOR PATIENT CARE: [ 18 F]FBPA-PET is suitable for treatment planning and dose calculations in BNCT applications for liver malignancies. However, alternative tracers with more favorable tumor-to-liver ratios should be investigated. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Evaluating the Relationship between Equilibrium Passive ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Objectives. This review evaluates passive sampler uptake of hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOCs) in water column and interstitial water exposures as a surrogate for organism bioaccumulation. Approach/Activities. Fifty-five studies were found where both passive sampler uptake and organism bioaccumulation were measured and 19 of these investigations provided direct comparisons relating passive sampler uptake and organism bioaccumulation. Polymers compared included low density polyethylene (LDPE), polyoxymethylene (POM), and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), and organisms ranged from polychaetes and oligochaetes to bivalves, aquatic insects, and gastropods. Regression equations correlating bioaccumulation (CL) and passive sampler uptake (CPS) were used to assess the strength of observed relationships. Results/Lessons Learned. Passive sampling based concentrations resulted in strong logarithmic regression relationships, most of which were within one to two orders of magnitude of measured bioaccumulation. Mean coefficients of determination (r2) for LDPE, PDMS and POM were 0.68, 0.76 and 0.58, respectively. For the available raw data, the mean ratio of CL and CPS was 10.8 ± 18.4 (n = 609). Passive sampler uptake and bioaccumulation were not found to be identical (i.e., CPS ≠ CL) but the logarithmic-based relationships between these values were consistently linear and predictive. This review concludes that in many applications passive sampling may serve as a

Uptake Index of 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine Myocardial Scintigraphy for Diagnosing Lewy Body Disease

PubMed Central

Kamiya, Yoshito; Ota, Satoru; Okumiya, Shintaro; Yamashita, Kosuke; Takaki, Akihiro; Ito, Shigeki

2017-01-01

Objective(s): Iodine-123 metaiodobenzylguanidine (123I-MIBG) myocardial scintigraphy has been used to evaluate cardiac sympathetic denervation in Lewy body disease (LBD), including Parkinson’s disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). The heart-to-mediastinum ratio (H/M) in PD and DLB is significantly lower than that in Parkinson’s plus syndromes and Alzheimer’s disease. Although this ratio is useful for distinguishing LBD from non-LBD, it fluctuates depending on the system performance of the gamma cameras. Therefore, a new, simple quantification method using 123I-MIBG uptake analysis is required for clinical study. The purpose of this study was to develop a new uptake index with a simple protocol to determine 123I-MIBG uptake on planar images. Methods: The 123I-MIBG input function was obtained from the input counts of the pulmonary artery (PA), which were assessed by analyzing the PA time-activity curves. The heart region of interest used for determining the H/M was used for calculating the uptake index, which was obtained by dividing the heart count by the input count. Results: Forty-eight patients underwent 123I-MIBG chest angiography and planar imaging, after clinical feature assessment and tracer injection. The H/M and 123I-MIBG uptake index were calculated and correlated with clinical features. Values for LBD were significantly lower than those for non-LBD in all analyses (P<0.001). The overlapping ranges between non-LBD and LBD were 2.15 to 2.49 in the H/M method, and 1.04 to 1.22% in the uptake index method. The diagnostic accuracy of the uptake index (area under the curve (AUC), 0.98; sensitivity, 96%; specificity, 91%; positive predictive value (PPV), 90%; negative predictive value (NPV), 93%; and accuracy, 92%) was approximately equal to that of the H/M (AUC, 0.95; sensitivity, 93%; specificity, 91%; PPV, 90%; NPV, 93%; and accuracy, 92%) for discriminating patients with LBD and non-LBD. Conclusion: A simple uptake index method was developed using 123I-MIBG planar imaging and the input counts determined by analyzing chest radioisotope angiography images of the PA. The diagnostic accuracy of the uptake index was approximately equal to that of the H/M for discriminating patients with LBD and non-LBD. PMID:28840137

Regulated partitioning of fixed carbon (14C), sodium (Na+), potassium (K+) and glycine betaine determined salinity stress tolerance of gamma irradiated pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp].

PubMed

Kumar, Pankaj; Sharma, Vasundhara; Atmaram, Chobhe Kapil; Singh, Bhupinder

2017-03-01

Soil salinity is a major constraint that limits legume productivity. Pigeonpea is a salt sensitive crop. Seed gamma irradiation at a very low dose (2.5 Gy) is known to enhance seedling establishment, plant growth and yield of cereals and other crops. The present study conducted using two genetically diverse varieties of pigeonpea viz., Pusa-991 and Pusa-992 aimed at establishing the role of pre-sowing seed gamma irradiation at 0, 0.0025, 0.005, 0.01, 0.02, 0.05 and 0.1 kGy on plant growth, seed yield and seed quality under salt stress at 0, 80 and 100 mM NaCl (soil solution EC equivalent 1.92, 5.86 and 8.02 dS/m, respectively) imposed right from the beginning of the experiment. Changes in carbon flow dynamics between shoot and root and concentration of osmolyte, glycine betaine, plant uptake and shoot and root partitioning of Na + and K + and activity of protein degrading enzyme protease were measured under the combined effect of gamma irradiation and salt stress. Positive affect of pre-sowing exposure of seed to low dose of gamma irradiation (<0.01 kGy) under salt stress was evident in pigeonpea. Pigeonpea variety, Pusa-992 showed a better salt tolerance response than Pusa-991 and that the radiated plants performed better than the unirradiated plants even at increasing salinity level. Seed yield and seed protein and iron content were also positively affected by the low dose gamma irradiation under NaCl stress. Multiple factors interacted to determine physiological salt tolerance response of pigeonpea varieties. Gamma irradiation caused a favourable alteration in the source-sink (shoot-root) partitioning of recently fixed carbon ( 14 C) under salt stress in pigeonpea. Gamma irradiation of seeds prior to sowing enhanced glycine betaine content and reduced protease activity at 60-day stage under various salt stress regimes. Lower partitioning of Na + and relatively higher accumulation of K + under irradiation treatment was the other important determinants that differentiated between salt-tolerant and salt-susceptible variety of pigeonpea. The study provides evidence and physiological basis for exploring exploitation of pre-sowing exposure of seeds with low-dose gamma ray for enhancing the salt tolerance response of crop plants.

Triple ionization chamber method for clinical dose monitoring with a Be-covered Li BNCT field.

PubMed

Nguyen, Thanh Tat; Kajimoto, Tsuyoshi; Tanaka, Kenichi; Nguyen, Chien Cong; Endo, Satoru

2016-11-01

Fast neutron, gamma-ray, and boron doses have different relative biological effectiveness (RBE). In boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), the clinical dose is the total of these dose components multiplied by their RBE. Clinical dose monitoring is necessary for quality assurance of the irradiation profile; therefore, the fast neutron, gamma-ray, and boron doses should be separately monitored. To estimate these doses separately, and to monitor the boron dose without monitoring the thermal neutron fluence, the authors propose a triple ionization chamber method using graphite-walled carbon dioxide gas (C-CO 2 ), tissue-equivalent plastic-walled tissue-equivalent gas (TE-TE), and boron-loaded tissue-equivalent plastic-walled tissue-equivalent gas [TE(B)-TE] chambers. To use this method for dose monitoring for a neutron and gamma-ray field moderated by D 2 O from a Be-covered Li target (Be-covered Li BNCT field), the relative sensitivities of these ionization chambers are required. The relative sensitivities of the TE-TE, C-CO 2 , and TE(B)-TE chambers to fast neutron, gamma-ray, and boron doses are calculated with the particle and heavy-ion transport code system (PHITS). The relative sensitivity of the TE(B)-TE chamber is calculated with the same method as for the TE-TE and C-CO 2 chambers in the paired chamber method. In the Be-covered Li BNCT field, the relative sensitivities of the ionization chambers to fast neutron, gamma-ray, and boron doses are calculated from the kerma ratios, mass attenuation coefficient tissue-to-wall ratios, and W-values. The Be-covered Li BNCT field consists of neutrons and gamma-rays which are emitted from a Be-covered Li target, and this resultant field is simulated by using PHITS with the cross section library of ENDF-VII. The kerma ratios and mass attenuation coefficient tissue-to-wall ratios are determined from the energy spectra of neutrons and gamma-rays in the Be-covered Li BNCT field. The W-value is calculated from recoil charged particle spectra by the collision of neutrons and gamma-rays with the wall and gas materials of the ionization chambers in the gas cavities of TE-TE, C-CO 2 , and TE(B)-TE chambers ( 10 B concentrations of 10, 50, and 100 ppm in the TE-wall). The calculated relative sensitivity of the C-CO 2 chamber to the fast neutron dose in the Be-covered Li BNCT field is 0.029, and those of the TE-TE and TE(B)-TE chambers are both equal to 0.965. The relative sensitivities of the C-CO 2 , TE-TE, and TE(B)-TE chambers to the gamma-ray dose in the Be-covered Li BNCT field are all 1 within the 1% calculation uncertainty. The relative sensitivities of TE(B)-TE to boron dose with concentrations of 10, 50, and 100 ppm 10 B are calculated to be 0.865 times the ratio of the in-tumor to in-chamber wall boron concentration. The fast neutron, gamma-ray, and boron doses of a tumor in-air can be separately monitored by the triple ionization chamber method in the Be-covered Li BNCT field. The results show that these doses can be easily converted to the clinical dose with the depth correction factor in the body and the RBE.

Effect of CO2 absorption on ion and water mobility in an anion exchange membrane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, Jing; Roy, Asa L.; Greenbaum, Steve G.; Zawodzinski, Thomas A.

2018-03-01

We report the measured water uptake, density, ionic conductivity and water transport properties in Tokuyama A201 membrane in OH-, HCO3- and Cl- forms. The water uptake of the AEM varies with anion type in the order λ(OH-) > λ(HCO3-) > λ(Cl-) for samples equilibrated with the same water vapor activity (aw). The conductivity of the AEM is reduced by absorption of CO2. Pulsed-field gradient nuclear magnetic resonance (PFG-NMR) measurements were utilized to characterize the diffusivity of water and HCO3- ion. The anion diffusion coefficient and membrane conductivity are used to probe the applicability of the Nernst-Einstein equation in these AEMs.

Water absorption behaviour of hybrid interwoven cellulosic fibre composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maslinda, A. B.; Majid, M. S. Abdul; Ridzuan, M. J. M.; Syayuthi, AR. A.

2017-10-01

The present paper investigated the water absorption behaviour of hybrid interwoven cellulosic fibre composites. Hybrid composites consisting of interwoven kenaf/jute and kenaf/hemp yarns were prepared by an infusion manufacturing technique that used epoxy as the polymer matrix. Water absorption test was conducted as elucidated in ASTM D570 standard by immersing the composite samples in tap water at room temperature until reaching their water content saturation point. For each composite type, average from five samples was recorded and the percentage of water uptake against the square root of time was plotted. As the effect of hybridization, the water uptake, diffusion and permeability coefficient of the hybrid composites were lesser than the individual woven composites.

Selenium uptake and assessment of the biochemical changes in Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis biomass during the synthesis of selenium nanoparticles.

PubMed

Zinicovscaia, I; Chiriac, T; Cepoi, L; Rudi, L; Culicov, O; Frontasyeva, M; Rudic, V

2017-01-01

The process of selenium uptake by biomass of the cyanobacterium Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis was investigated by neutron activation analysis at different selenium concentrations in solution and at different contact times. Experimental data showed good fit with the Freundlich adsorption isotherm model, with a regression coefficient value of 0.99. In terms of absorption dependence on time, the maximal selenium content was adsorbed in the first 5 min of interaction without significant further changes. It was also found that A. platensis biomass forms spherical selenium nanoparticles. Biochemical analysis was used to assess the changes in the main components of spirulina biomass (proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and phycobilin) during nanoparticle formation.

Intra-tumour 18F-FDG uptake heterogeneity decreases the reliability on target volume definition with positron emission tomography/computed tomography imaging.

PubMed

Dong, Xinzhe; Wu, Peipei; Sun, Xiaorong; Li, Wenwu; Wan, Honglin; Yu, Jinming; Xing, Ligang

2015-06-01

This study aims to explore whether the intra-tumour (18) F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake heterogeneity affects the reliability of target volume definition with FDG positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging for nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and squamous cell oesophageal cancer (SCEC). Patients with NSCLC (n = 50) or SCEC (n = 50) who received (18)F-FDG PET/CT scanning before treatments were included in this retrospective study. Intra-tumour FDG uptake heterogeneity was assessed by visual scoring, the coefficient of variation (COV) of the standardised uptake value (SUV) and the image texture feature (entropy). Tumour volumes (gross tumour volume (GTV)) were delineated on the CT images (GTV(CT)), the fused PET/CT images (GTV(PET-CT)) and the PET images, using a threshold at 40% SUV(max) (GTV(PET40%)) or the SUV cut-off value of 2.5 (GTV(PET2.5)). The correlation between the FDG uptake heterogeneity parameters and the differences in tumour volumes among GTV(CT), GTV(PET-CT), GTV(PET40%) and GTV(PET2.5) was analysed. For both NSCLC and SCEC, obvious correlations were found between uptake heterogeneity, SUV or tumour volumes. Three types of heterogeneity parameters were consistent and closely related to each other. Substantial differences between the four methods of GTV definition were found. The differences between the GTV correlated significantly with PET heterogeneity defined with the visual score, the COV or the textural feature-entropy for NSCLC and SCEC. In tumours with a high FDG uptake heterogeneity, a larger GTV delineation difference was found. Advance image segmentation algorithms dealing with tracer uptake heterogeneity should be incorporated into the treatment planning system. © 2015 The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists.

Diffusion and phase transformation behavior in poly-synthetically-twinned (PST) titanium-aluminum/titanium diffusion couple

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, Ling

Motivated by the great potential applications of gamma titanium aluminide based alloys and the important effect of diffusion on the properties of gamma-TiAl/alpha2-Ti3Al two-phase lamellar structure, we conduct this thesis research to explore the microstructural evolution and interdiffusion behavior, and their correlations in multi-phase solid state diffusion couples made up of pure titanium and polysynthetically-twinned (PST) Ti-49.3 at.% Al "single" crystal, in the temperature range of 973--1173 K. The diffusion couples are prepared by high vacuum hot-pressing, with the diffusion direction parallel to the lamellar planes. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) are employed to observe the microstructure at various interfaces/interphases. A reaction zone (RZ) of polycrystalline alpha 2-Ti3Al phase forms along the PST Ti-Al/Ti bonding interface having a wavy interface with the PST crystal and exhibits deeper penetration in alpha2 lamellae, consisting of many fine alpha2 and secondary gamma laths, than in primary gamma lamellae. Direct measurement of the RZ thickness on SEM back-scattered electron images reveals a parabolic growth of the RZ, indicating a macroscopically diffusion-controlled growth. Concentration profiles from Ti, through the RZ, into the alpha2 lamellae of the PST crystal are measured by quantitative energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) in a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM). A plateau of composition adjacent to the RZ/(mixed alpha2 lath in PST) interface forms in the deeply penetrated RZ grains, implying a diffusion barrier crossing the interface and some extent of interface control in the RZ grain growth. The interdiffusion coefficient is evaluated both independent of composition and as a function of composition. No significant concentration dependence of the interdiffusion coefficients is observed using Boltzmann-Matano analysis. The temperature dependence of the interdiffusion coefficients obeys the Arrhenius relationship with a pre-exponential factor of D 0 = (7.56 +/- 7.14) x 10-5 m2/s and an activation enthalpy of Q = 255.6+8.9-8.3 kJ/mol = (2.65 +/- 0.09) eV/atom. The initial nucleation stage of the RZ grains plays an important role in the later microstructural evolution as does the local mass balance. The interfacial energy and the strain energy in the deeply penetrated RZ grains are possible reasons for the plateau.

W-incorporated CoMo/{lambda}-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} hydrodesulfurization catalyst. I. Catalytic activities

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

Lee, D.K.; Lee, I.C.; Park, S.K.

1996-03-01

The promotional effect of tungsten in the CoMo/{gamma}-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} catalyst was studied for series of W-incorporated CoMo/{gamma}-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} catalysts with different content of tungsten. Two series of the catalysts were prepared by changing the impregnation order of cobalt and tungsten onto a base Mo/{gamma}-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} catalyst. Impregnation of tungsten was achieved under the condition that the pH of an aqueous impregnating solution of W anion was controlled to 9.5. The hydrodesulfurization (HDS) and hydrogenation (HYD) activities of the sulfided catalysts were evaluated by thiophene HDS and ethylene HYD reactions at atmospheric pressure, respectively. Low-temperature O{sub 2} chemisorptionmore » at 195 K was conducted for the sulfided catalysts in order to determine the W-incorporation effects on the surface concentration of coordinatively unsaturated sites related to the catalytic activities. The dependence of catalytic activities on tungsten content showed initially an increase and subsequent decrease with increasing tungsten content. The maximum promotion of HDS and HYD activities occurred at a low content of tungsten corresponding to 0.025 in W/(W + Mo) atomic ratio regardless of the impregnation order of tungsten and cobalt. Oxygen uptake correlated well with catalytic activities. In general, the catalysts prepared by impregnating tungsten onto the CoMo/{gamma}-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} showed higher activities than the catalysts prepared by impregnating tungsten onto Mo/{gamma}-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} prior to impregnation of cobalt. 37 refs., 7 figs., 2 tabs.« less

Molecular dynamics study of thermodynamic scaling of the glass-transition dynamics in ionic liquids over wide temperature and pressure ranges.

PubMed

Habasaki, J; Casalini, R; Ngai, K L

2010-03-25

Experimentally, superpositioning of dynamic properties such as viscosity, relaxation times, or diffusion coefficients under different conditions of temperature T, pressure P, and volume V by the scaling variable TV(gamma) (where gamma is a material constant) has been reported as a general feature of many kinds of glass-forming materials. In the present work, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have been performed to study the scaling of dynamics near the glass-transition regime of ionic liquids. Scaling in the simulated 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium nitrate (EMIM-NO(3)) system has been tested over wide ranges of temperatures and pressures. TV(gamma) scaling of the dynamics is well described by master curves with gamma = 4.0 +/- 0.2 and 3.8 +/- 0.2 for cation and anion, respectively. Structures and Coulombic terms of the corresponding states are found to be quite similar. The temperature and pressure dependence of the pair correlation function show similar trends and therefore can be superpositioned onto the master curve. Although the behaviors with gamma = 4 might be expected from the relation, gamma = n/3, for the dynamics with the soft-core-type potential U = epsilon(sigma/r)(n), with n = 12, pair potentials used in the MD simulation have a more complex form, and not all the repulsive terms can play their roles in the heterogeneous structures determined by ion-ion interactions. Scaling is related to the common part of effective potentials related to the pair correlation functions, including the many-body effect in real space.

The uptake of HNO3 on meteoric smoke analogues

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frankland, Victoria L.; James, Alexander D.; Feng, Wuhu; Plane, John M. C.

2015-05-01

The uptake of HNO3, H2O, NO2 and NO was studied on meteoric smoke particle analogues using a low-pressure Knudsen cell operating at 295 K. The analogues used were olivine (MgFeSiO4) and a haematite/goethite (Fe2O3/FeO(OH)) mixture synthesised by the sol-gel process. For uptake on MgFeSiO4, the following uptake coefficients were obtained: γ(HNO3)=(1.8±0.3)×10-3, γ(H2O)=(4.0±1.3)×10-3, γ(NO2)=(5.7±0.2)×10-4 and γ(NO)<3×10-4. γ(HNO3) did not show a dependence on the mass of MgFeSiO4 in the Knudsen cell (when varied by a factor of 6) implying that, because of relatively efficient uptake, HNO3 is removed only by near-surface particles. This was corroborated by application of a surface uptake model. Saturating the MgFeSiO4 particles with water vapour before exposing them to NO2 increased γ(NO2) to (2.1±0.7)×10-3, but had a very small effect on γ(HNO3). For uptake on Fe2O3/FeO(OH), γ(HNO3)=(1.5±0.2)×10-3. These results were then included in a whole atmosphere chemistry-climate model, which shows that the heterogeneous removal on meteoric smoke particles in the winter polar vortex between 30 and 60 km appears to provide an important sink for HNO3.

Assessment of interference in biosorption of a heavy metal

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

Figueira, M.M.; Volesky, B.; Ciminelli, V.S.T.

1997-05-20

Biosorption of heavy metals by various biological materials has been studied extensively in the last decade due to its potential particularly in wastewater treatment. The presence of a large number of metals in industrial metal-bearing solutions makes it necessary to investigate their effect on the final metal uptake by individual biosorbent materials. Nonliving biomass of Sargassum, a brown marine alga, is capable of binding more than 10% of its dry weight in toxic cadmium ions. Although ubiquitous iron interferes with Cd uptake, only approximately 4.5% of it is sequestered (biomass dry weight). Biosorption of both metals at pH 4.5 couldmore » be described by Langmuir-type isotherms with b, the affinity-related coefficient (Cd: b = 0.015; Fe: b = 0.027). The interference of Fe with Cd uptake, and vice versa, was assessed by deriving three-dimensional equilibrium two-metal sorption isotherm surfaces, smoothed and cut to reveal the inhibition effect of Fe on biosorption of Cd: at the equilibrium concentration Cf[Cd] = 1.5 mM, the presence of Fe at 1.5 mM equilibrium concentration suppressed the Cd uptake to only 76% of the original value. For 50% Cd uptake reduction, a very high equilibrium Fe presence of 4.5 mM was required. The Cd presence affected the uptake of Fe very strongly. To obtain equal values of uptake for each metal in the biosorbent, the ratio of equilibrium concentrations of 0.42 Cd to 1 Fe is necessary in the liquid phase.« less

Passive air sampling theory for semivolatile organic compounds.

PubMed

Bartkow, Michael E; Booij, Kees; Kennedy, Karen E; Müller, Jochen F; Hawker, Darryl W

2005-07-01

The mathematical modelling underlying passive air sampling theory can be based on mass transfer coefficients or rate constants. Generally, these models have not been inter-related. Starting with basic models, the exchange of chemicals between the gaseous phase and the sampler is developed using mass transfer coefficients and rate constants. Importantly, the inter-relationships between the approaches are demonstrated by relating uptake rate constants and loss rate constants to mass transfer coefficients when either sampler-side or air-side resistance is dominating chemical exchange. The influence of sampler area and sampler volume on chemical exchange is discussed in general terms and as they relate to frequently used parameters such as sampling rates and time to equilibrium. Where air-side or sampler-side resistance dominates, an increase in the surface area of the sampler will increase sampling rates. Sampling rates are not related to the sampler/air partition coefficient (K(SV)) when air-side resistance dominates and increase with K(SV) when sampler-side resistance dominates.

Characterization of metal adsorption kinetic properties in batch and fixed-bed reactors.

PubMed

Chen, J Paul; Wang, Lin

2004-01-01

Copper adsorption kinetic properties in batch and fixed-bed reactors were studied in this paper. The isothermal adsorption experiments showed that the copper adsorption capacity of a granular activated carbon (Filtrasorb 200) increased when ionic strength was higher. The presence of EDTA diminished the adsorption. An intraparticle diffusion model and a fixed-bed model were successfully used to describe the batch kinetic and fixed-bed operation behaviors. The kinetics became faster when the solution pH was not controlled, implying that the surface precipitation caused some metal uptake. The external mass transfer coefficient, the diffusivity and the dispersion coefficient were obtained from the modeling. It was found that both external mass transfer and dispersion coefficients increased when the flow rate was higher. Finally effects of kinetic parameters on simulation of fixed-bed operation were conducted.

Using Rising Limb Analysis to Estimate Uptake of Reactive Solutes in Advective and Transient Storage Sub-compartments of Stream Ecosystems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thomas, S. A.; Valett, H.; Webster, J. R.; Mulholland, P. J.; Dahm, C. N.

2001-12-01

Identifying the locations and controls governing solute uptake is a recent area of focus in studies of stream biogeochemistry. We introduce a technique, rising limb analysis (RLA), to estimate areal nitrate uptake in the advective and transient storage (TS) zones of streams. RLA is an inverse approach that combines nutrient spiraling and transient storage modeling to calculate total uptake of reactive solutes and the fraction of uptake occurring within the advective sub-compartment of streams. The contribution of the transient storage zones to solute loss is determined by difference. Twelve-hour coinjections of conservative (Cl-) and reactive (15NO3) tracers were conducted seasonally in several headwater streams among which AS/A ranged from 0.01 - 2.0. TS characteristics were determined using an advection-dispersion model modified to include hydrologic exchange with a transient storage compartment. Whole-system uptake was determined by fitting the longitudinal pattern of NO3 to first-order, exponential decay model. Uptake in the advective sub-compartment was determined by collecting a temporal sequence of samples from a single location beginning with the arrival of the solute front and concluding with the onset of plateau conditions (i.e. the rising limb). Across the rising limb, 15NO3:Cl was regressed against the percentage of water that had resided in the transient storage zone (calculated from the TS modeling). The y-intercept thus provides an estimate of the plateau 15NO3:Cl ratio in the absence of NO3 uptake within the transient storage zone. Algebraic expressions were used to calculate the percentage of NO3 uptake occurring in the advective and transient storage sub-compartments. Application of RLA successfully estimated uptake coefficients for NO3 in the subsurface when the physical dimensions of that habitat were substantial (AS/A > 0.2) and when plateau conditions at the sampling location consisted of waters in which at least 25% had resided in the transient storage zone. In those cases, the TS zone accounted for 8 - 47 % of overall NO3 uptake and uptake rates within the subsurface ranged from 0.7 - 14.3 mg N m-2 d-1.

Gamma ray interaction studies of organic nonlinear optical materials in the energy range 122 keV-1330 keV

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Awasarmol, V. V.; Gaikwad, D. K.; Raut, S. D.; Pawar, P. P.

The mass attenuation coefficients (μm) for organic nonlinear optical materials measured at 122-1330 keV photon energies were investigated on the basis of mixture rule and compared with obtained values of WinXCOM program. It is observed that there is a good agreement between theoretical and experimental values of the samples. All samples were irradiated with six radioactive sources such as 57Co, 133Ba, 22Na, 137Cs, 54Mn and 60Co using transmission arrangement. Effective atomic and electron numbers or electron densities (Zeff and Neff), molar extinction coefficient (ε), mass energy absorption coefficient (μen/ρ) and effective atomic energy absorption cross section (σa,en) were determined experimentally and theoretically using the obtained μm values for investigated samples and graphs have been plotted. The graph shows that the variation of all samples decreases with increasing photon energy.

Determination of the diffusion coefficient and solubility of radon in plastics.

PubMed

Pressyanov, D; Georgiev, S; Dimitrova, I; Mitev, K; Boshkova, T

2011-05-01

This paper describes a method for determination of the diffusion coefficient and the solubility of radon in plastics. The method is based on the absorption and desorption of radon in plastics. Firstly, plastic specimens are exposed for controlled time to referent (222)Rn concentrations. After exposure, the activity of the specimens is followed by HPGe gamma spectrometry. Using the mathematical algorithm described in this report and the decrease of activity as a function of time, the diffusion coefficient can be determined. In addition, if the referent (222)Rn concentration during the exposure is known, the solubility of radon can be determined. The algorithm has been experimentally applied for different plastics. The results show that this approach allows the specified quantities to be determined with a rather high accuracy-depending on the quality of the counting equipment, it can be better than 10 %.

Measurement of the mass attenuation coefficient from 81 keV to 1333 keV for elemental materials Al, Cu and Pb

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

Gjorgieva, Slavica, E-mail: slavicagjorgieva89@gmail.com; Institute of Physics, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Ss Cyril and Methodius University, POB 162, 1000 Skopje; Barandovski, Lambe, E-mail: lambe@pmf.ukim.mk

The mass attenuation coefficients (μ/ρ) for 3 high purity elemental materials Al, Cu and Pb were measured in the γ-ray energy range from 81 keV up to 1333 keV using {sup 22}Na, {sup 60}Co {sup 133}Ba and {sup 133}Cs as sources of gamma radiation. Well shielded detector (NaI (Tl) semiconductor detector) was used to measure the intensity of the transmitted beam. The measurements were made under condition of good geometry, assuring that any photon absorbed or deflected appreciably does not reach the detector. The measured values are compared with the theoretical ones obtained by Seltzer (1993).

Thermoelectric Properties of Lanthanum Sulfide

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wood, C.; Lockwood, R.; Parker, J. B.; Zoltan, A.; Zoltan, L. D.; Danielson, L.; Raag, V.

1987-01-01

Report describes measurement of Seebeck coefficient, electrical resistivity, thermal conductivity, and Hall effect in gamma-phase lanthanum sulfide with composition of La3-x S4. Results of study, part of search for high-temperature thermoelectric energy-conversion materials, indicate this sulfide behaves like extrinsic semiconductor over temperature range of 300 to 1,400 K, with degenerate carrier concentration controlled by stoichiometric ratio of La to S.

SU-E-T-418: Explore the Sensitive of the Planar Quality Assurance to the MLC Error with Different Beam Complexity in Intensity-Modulate Radiation Therapy

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

Wang, J; Peng, J; Xie, J

2015-06-15

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the sensitivity of the planar quality assurance to MLC errors with different beam complexities in intensity-modulate radiation therapy. Methods: sixteen patients’ planar quality assurance (QA) plans in our institution were enrolled in this study, including 10 dynamic MLC (DMLC) IMRT plans measured by Portal Dosimetry and 6 static MLC (SMLC) IMRT plans measured by Mapcheck. The gamma pass rate was calculated using vender’s software. The field numbers were 74 and 40 for DMLC and SMLC, respectively. A random error was generated and introduced to these fields. The modified gamma pass ratemore » was calculated by comparing the original measured fluence and modified fields’ fluence. A decreasing gamma pass rate was acquired using the original gamma pass rate minus the modified gamma pass rate. Eight complexity scores were calculated in MATLAB based on the fluence and MLC sequence of these fields. The complexity scores include fractal dimension, monitor unit of field, modulation index, fluence map complexity, weighted average of field area, weighted average of field perimeter, and small aperture ratio ( <5cm{sup 2} and <50cm{sup 2}). The Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was implemented to analyze the correlation between these scores and decreasing gamma rate. Results: The relation between the decreasing gamma pass rate and field complexity was insignificant for most complexity scores. The most significant complexity score was fluence map complexity for SMLC, which have ρ =0.4274 (p-value=0.0063). For DMLC, the most significant complex score was fractal dimension, which have ρ=−0.3068 (p-value=0.0081). Conclusions: According to the primarily Result of this study, the sensitivity gamma pass rate was not strongly relate to the field complexity.« less

Detection of Mycobacterium bovis infection in African buffaloes (Syncerus caffer) using QuantiFERON®-TB Gold (QFT) tubes and the Qiagen cattletype® IFN-gamma ELISA.

PubMed

Bernitz, Netanya; Clarke, Charlene; Roos, Eduard O; Goosen, Wynand J; Cooper, David; van Helden, Paul D; Parsons, Sven D C; Miller, Michele A

2018-02-01

African buffaloes (Syncerus caffer) are wildlife maintenance hosts of Mycobacterium bovis, the cause of bovine tuberculosis. Consequently, M. bovis infected buffaloes pose a transmission risk for cattle and other wildlife species. Previously, a modification to the Qiagen QuantiFERON ® -TB Gold (QFT) system, using QFT tubes and an in-house bovine interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) ELISA, was evaluated for the detection of M. bovis infection in buffaloes. Subsequently, Qiagen has developed a commercially available cattletype ® IFN-gamma ELISA for the detection of antigen-specific IFN-γ release in ruminants. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of QFT tubes and the cattletype ® IFN-gamma ELISA, in a cattletype IFN-γ release assay (IGRA), to detect M. bovis infection in African buffaloes. The test agreements between the cattletype IGRA, single comparative intradermal skin test (SCITT) and Bovigam ® 1G IGRA in two M. bovis-exposed buffalo populations (n = 134 and n = 92) were calculated and κ coefficients ranged from 0.65 (95% CI 0.48-0.82) to 0.86 (95% CI 0.72-0.99). Increasing the QFT incubation time in one M. bovis-exposed buffalo cohort (n = 92), from 20 to 40 h, had no effect on the cattletype IGRA test results. Inter-assay and intra-assay reproducibility determination for the cattletype IGRA produced coefficient of variations (CV) <9.1% and <1.7%, respectively. A total of 21/21 known M. bovis-unexposed buffaloes tested negative in the cattletype IGRA. Moreover, the cattletype IGRA test result values were significantly greater for 13 M. bovis culture-positive buffaloes compared with 14 M. bovis-exposed culture-negative (P < .01) and 21 M. bovis-unexposed (P < .001) buffaloes, respectively. These findings suggest that the combination of QFT tubes and the cattletype ® IFN-gamma ELISA is a promising new diagnostic assay for the detection of M. bovis infection in African buffaloes. However, further research is needed to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the assay in larger African buffalo populations. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Theoretical Study of the Transverse Dielectric Constant of Superlattices and Their Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kahen, Keith Brian

The optical properties of III-V binary and ternary compounds and GaAs-Al(,x)Ga(,1-x)As superlattices are determined by calculating the real and imaginary parts of the transverse dielectric constant, (epsilon)((omega)) = (epsilon)(,1)((omega)) + i(epsilon)(,2)((omega)). Emphasis is given to determining the influence of different material and superlattice (layer thickness and Al composi- tion) parameters on the values of the index of refraction. (eta)((omega)) and absorption coefficient, (alpha)((omega)). In order to calculate the optical properties of a material, it is necessary to compute its electronic band structure. We accomplish this by introducing a partition band structure approach based on a combination of the (')k(.)(')p and nonlocal pseudopotential techniques. In this approach the bulk Brillouin zone is partitioned into the (GAMMA), X, and L regions by performing (')k(.)(')p expansions about these three symmetry points. The results for (eta)((omega)) and (alpha)((omega)) of bulk III-V compounds com- pare well with other one-electron band structure models, and our calculations show that for small frequencies, the index of refraction is determined mainly by the contributions of the outer regions of the Brillouin zone. The effects of alloy scattering are incorporated into the model using a perturbative CPA approach which only includes the influence of compositional disorder. The results for the disorder-induced, (GAMMA) point, energy -gap bowings are shown to be nearly comparable to those calculated using more sophisticated CPA approaches. Further - more, the calculated absorption coefficient of Al(,x)Ga(,1 -x)As is found to be in good agreement with the experimental data. The model is extended to heterostructures by using the envelope-function approximation. Valence-band mixing and (GAMMA)-region exciton effects are also included in the model. Our results show that the anisotropy and structure dependence of the refractive index of superlattices result mainly from the contribution of the (GAMMA) region, while the contributions of the outer regions of the zone are rather insensitive to the superlattice structure. The superlattice index of refraction values is determined to attain maxima at the various (GAMMA)-region, quantized, transition energies, where for certain structures the difference between the refractive indices of the superlattice and its corresponding Al(,x)Ga(,1-x)As alloy can be as large as 2%. (Abstract shortened with permission of author.).

Comparison of PAHs uptake by selected Monocotyledones and Dicotyledones from municipal and industrial sewage sludge.

PubMed

Gworek, Barbara; Klimczak, Katarzyna; Kijeńska, Marta; Gozdowski, Dariusz

2016-10-01

The study was focused on two goals: (i) the confirmation of the existence of a general relation between the content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sewage sludge and in plants growing in it, regardless of the type and content of sewage sludge, and (ii) if so, the answer to the question whether the uptake of PAHs by plants depends on their type. To realize the set aims, the contents of PAHs in four differentiated plant species were measured, two belonging to the Monocotyledones and two belonging to Dicotyledones group, growing in municipal and industrial sewage sludge in two locations. All the investigations were carried out during the period of 3 years. The results clearly demonstrated that the uptake of PAHs by a plant depended on polyaromatic hydrocarbon concentration in the sewage sludge. The relation between accumulation coefficient of PAHs in plant material vs. the content of PAH in sewage sludge was of exponential character. The results indicate that in case of four- and five-ring PAHs, the root uptake mechanism from soil solution occurs, regardless of the type and origin of sewage sludge and the type of plant. For three-ring PAHs, we can assume for Monocotyledones that the root uptake mechanism occurs because we observe a significant correlation between the content of fluorene, phenanthrene, and anthracene in plant material and in the sewage sludge. For Dicotyledones, the correlation is insignificant, and in this case probably two mechanisms occur-the uptake by roots and by leaves.

A hybrid PSO-SVM-based method for predicting the friction coefficient between aircraft tire and coating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhan, Liwei; Li, Chengwei

2017-02-01

A hybrid PSO-SVM-based model is proposed to predict the friction coefficient between aircraft tire and coating. The presented hybrid model combines a support vector machine (SVM) with particle swarm optimization (PSO) technique. SVM has been adopted to solve regression problems successfully. Its regression accuracy is greatly related to optimizing parameters such as the regularization constant C , the parameter gamma γ corresponding to RBF kernel and the epsilon parameter \\varepsilon in the SVM training procedure. However, the friction coefficient which is predicted based on SVM has yet to be explored between aircraft tire and coating. The experiment reveals that drop height and tire rotational speed are the factors affecting friction coefficient. Bearing in mind, the friction coefficient can been predicted using the hybrid PSO-SVM-based model by the measured friction coefficient between aircraft tire and coating. To compare regression accuracy, a grid search (GS) method and a genetic algorithm (GA) are used to optimize the relevant parameters (C , γ and \\varepsilon ), respectively. The regression accuracy could be reflected by the coefficient of determination ({{R}2} ). The result shows that the hybrid PSO-RBF-SVM-based model has better accuracy compared with the GS-RBF-SVM- and GA-RBF-SVM-based models. The agreement of this model (PSO-RBF-SVM) with experiment data confirms its good performance.

[ECOLOGICAL AND TOXICOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF DISPOSAL OF SEWAGE SLUDGE AS FERTILIZER].

PubMed

Vasbieva, M T

2015-01-01

In the article there is considered the question of the accumulation of heavy metals in soil and their uptake by plants as a result of prolonged use of sewage sludge as fertilizer. There have been calculated coefficients of concentrations of elements and the total pollution index. There was performed the comparison of the data obtained with accepted sanitary-hygienic standards.

Application of EARL (ResEARch 4 Life®) protocols for [18F]FDG-PET/CT clinical and research studies. A roadmap towards exact recovery coefficient

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balcerzyk, Marcin; Fernández-López, Rosa; Parrado-Gallego, Ángel; Pachón-Garrudo, Víctor Manuel; Chavero-Royan, José; Hevilla, Juan; Jiménez-Ortega, Elisa; Leal, Antonio

2017-11-01

Tumour uptake value is a critical result in [18F]FDG-PET/CT ([18F]fluorodeoxyglucose) quantitative scans such as the dose prescription for radiotherapy and oncology. The quantification is highly dependent on the protocol of acquisition and reconstruction of the image, especially in low activity tumours. During adjusting acquisition and reconstruction protocols available in our Siemens Biograph mCT scanner for EARL (ResEARch 4 Life®) [18F]FDG-PET/CT accreditation requirements, we developed reconstruction protocols which will be used in PET based radiotherapy planning able to reduce inter-/intra-institute variability in Standard Uptake Value (SUV) results, and to bring Recovery Coefficient to 1 as close as possible for Image Quality NEMA 2007 phantom. Primary and secondary tumours from two patients were assessed by four independent evaluators. The influence of reconstruction protocols on tumour clinical assessment was presented. We proposed the improvement route for EARL accredited protocols so that they may be developed in classes to take advantage of scanner possibilities. The application of optimized reconstruction protocol eliminates the need of partial volume corrections.

Correction of partial volume effect in (18)F-FDG PET brain studies using coregistered MR volumes: voxel based analysis of tracer uptake in the white matter.

PubMed

Coello, Christopher; Willoch, Frode; Selnes, Per; Gjerstad, Leif; Fladby, Tormod; Skretting, Arne

2013-05-15

A voxel-based algorithm to correct for partial volume effect in PET brain volumes is presented. This method (named LoReAn) is based on MRI based segmentation of anatomical regions and accurate measurements of the effective point spread function of the PET imaging process. The objective is to correct for the spill-out of activity from high-uptake anatomical structures (e.g. grey matter) into low-uptake anatomical structures (e.g. white matter) in order to quantify physiological uptake in the white matter. The new algorithm is presented and validated against the state of the art region-based geometric transfer matrix (GTM) method with synthetic and clinical data. Using synthetic data, both bias and coefficient of variation were improved in the white matter region using LoReAn compared to GTM. An increased number of anatomical regions doesn't affect the bias (<5%) and misregistration affects equally LoReAn and GTM algorithms. The LoReAn algorithm appears to be a simple and promising voxel-based algorithm for studying metabolism in white matter regions. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Uptake dynamics of inorganic mercury and methylmercury by the earthworm Pheretima guillemi.

PubMed

Dang, Fei; Zhao, Jie; Zhou, Dongmei

2016-02-01

Mercury uptake dynamics in the earthworm Pheretima guillemi, including the dissolved uptake rate constant (ku) from pore-water and assimilation efficiencies (AEs) from mercury-contaminated soil, was quantified in this study. Dissolved uptake rate constants were 0.087 and 0.553 L g(-1) d(-1) for inorganic mercury (IHg) and methylmercury (MeHg), respectively. Assimilation efficiency of IHg in field-contaminated soil was 7.2%, lower than 15.4% of spiked soil. In contrast, MeHg exhibited comparable AEs for both field-contaminated and spiked soil (82.4-87.2%). Within the framework of biodynamic model, we further modelled the exposure pathways (dissolved exposure vs soil ingestion) to source the accumulated mercury in Pheretima guillemi. The model showed that the relative importance of soil ingestion to mercury bioaccumulation depended largely on mercury partitioning coefficients (K(d)), and was also influenced by soil ingestion rate of earthworms. In the examined field-contaminated soil, almost (>99%) accumulated IHg and MeHg was predicted to derive from soil ingestion. Therefore, soil ingestion should be carefully considered when assessing mercury exposure risk to earthworms. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Plant-uptake of uranium: Hydroponic and soil system studies

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ramaswami, A.; Carr, P.; Burkhardt, M.

2001-01-01

Limited information is available on screening and selection of terrestrial plants for uptake and translocation of uranium from soil. This article evaluates the removal of uranium from water and soil by selected plants, comparing plant performance in hydroponic systems with that in two soil systems (a sandy-loam soil and an organic-rich soil). Plants selected for this study were Sunflower (Helianthus giganteus), Spring Vetch (Vicia sativa), Hairy Vetch (Vicia villosa), Juniper (Juniperus monosperma), Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea), and Bush Bean (Phaseolus nanus). Plant performance was evaluated both in terms of the percent uranium extracted from the three systems, as well as the biological absorption coefficient (BAC) that normalized uranium uptake to plant biomass. Study results indicate that uranium extraction efficiency decreased sharply across hydroponic, sandy and organic soil systems, indicating that soil organic matter sequestered uranium, rendering it largely unavailable for plant uptake. These results indicate that site-specific soils must be used to screen plants for uranium extraction capability; plant behavior in hydroponic systems does not correlate well with that in soil systems. One plant species, Juniper, exhibited consistent uranium extraction efficiencies and BACs in both sandy and organic soils, suggesting unique uranium extraction capabilities.

Evaluating the Relationship between Equilibrium Passive ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This review evaluates passive sampler uptake of hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOCs) in water column and interstitial water exposures as a surrogate for organism bioaccumulation. Fifty-four studies were found where both passive sampler uptake and organism bioaccumulation were measured and 19 of these investigations provided direct comparisons relating passive sampler uptake and organism bioaccumulation. Polymers compared included low density polyethylene (LDPE), polyoxymethylene (POM), and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), and organisms ranged from polychaetes and oligochaetes to bivalves, aquatic insects, and gastropods. Regression equations correlating bioaccumulation (CL) and passive sampler uptake (CPS) were used to assess the strength of observed relationships. Passive sampling based concentrations resulted in logarithmic predictive relationships, most of which were within one to two orders of magnitude of measured bioaccumulation. Mean coefficients of determination (r2) for LDPE, PDMS and POM were 0.68, 0.76 and 0.58, respectively. For the available raw data, the mean ratio of CL and CPS was 10.8 ± 18.4 (n = 609). This review concludes that in many applications passive sampling may serve as a reliable surrogate for biomonitoring organisms when biomonitoring organisms are not available. When applied properly, passive sampling based estimates of bioaccumulation provide useful information for making informed decisions about the bioavailability of HOCs

Aortitis in giant cell arteritis: diagnosis with FDG PET/CT and agreement with CT angiography.

PubMed

Hommada, Mona; Mekinian, Arsène; Brillet, Pierre-Yves; Abad, Sébastien; Larroche, Claire; Dhôte, Robin; Fain, Olivier; Soussan, Michael

2017-11-01

To assess the detection rate of aortitis in giant cell arteritis (GCA) with fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET) and to compare the findings with CT angiography (CTA). Fifty-two GCA patients and 27 controls were included. GCA patients had a PET scan at diagnosis (35/52) or during relapse (17/52). Concomitant CTA was performed in 35/52 patients. Aortitis was defined as FDG uptake higher than the liver for PET and wall thickness≥3mm for CTA. Agreement between PET and CTA was evaluated by the kappa coefficient and Spearman correlation coefficient. Aortitis was diagnosed using PET in 40% (14/35) of patients at diagnosis and in 0% of controls (0/27). Agreement was perfect between PET and CT at a patient-based level, and very good at a vascular segment-based level (kappa: 0.72 to 1). PET was positive in 35% (6/17) of patients scanned during GCA relapse, showing aortitis (n=4) and/or articular uptake (n=4). Discrepancies between PET and CT were observed only in relapsing GCA (n=3). Correlation between the maximum standardized uptake value and wall thickness was moderate at diagnosis (r: 0.57 to 0.7) and not statistically significant during relapse. The detection rate of aortitis in GCA patients using PET is 40%, approximately in the range of CTA rates, suggesting that the two techniques have similar sensitivity. PET seems valuable in relapsing GCA, allowing the detection of vascular and articular activities. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Sorption of radioactive contaminants by sediment from the Kara Sea

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

Fuhrmann, M.; Zhou, H.; Neiheisel, J.

1995-02-01

The purpose of this study is to quantify some of the parameters needed to perform near-field modeling of sites in the Kara Sea that were impacted by the disposal of radioactive waste. The parameters of interest are: the distribution coefficients (K{sub d}) for several important radionuclides, the mineralogy of the sediment, and the relationship of K{sub d} to liquid to solid ratio. Sediment from the Kara Sea (location: 73{degrees} 00` N, 58{degrees} 00` E) was sampled from a depth of 287 meters on August 23/24, 1992, during a joint Russian/Norwegian scientific cruise. Analysis of the material included mineralogy, grain sizemore » and total organic carbon. Uptake kinetics were determined for {sup 85}Sr, {sup 99}Tc, {sup 125}I, {sup 137}Cs, {sup 210}Pb, {sup 232}U, and {sup 241}Am and distribution coefficients (K{sub d}) were determined for these radionuclides using batch type experiments. Sorption isotherms were developed for {sup 85}Sr, {sup 99}Tc, and {sup 137}Cs to examine the effect that varying the concentration of a tracer has on the quantity of that tracer taken up by the solid. The effect of liquid to solid ratio on the uptake of contaminants was determined for {sup 99}Tc and {sup 137}Cs. In another set of experiments, the sediment was separated into four size fractions and uptake was determined for each fraction for {sup 85}Sr, {sup 99}Tc, and {sup 137}Cs. In addition, the sediment was analyzed to determine if it contains observable concentrations of anthropogenic radionuclides.« less

Optical tracer size differences allow quantitation of active pumping rate versus Stokes-Einstein diffusion in lymphatic transport

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

DSouza, Alisha V.; Marra, Kayla; Gunn, Jason R.; Samkoe, Kimberley S.; Pogue, Brian W.

2016-10-01

Lymphatic uptake of interstitially administered agents occurs by passive convective-diffusive inflow driven by interstitial concentration and pressure, while the downstream lymphatic transport is facilitated by active propulsive contractions of lymphatic vessel walls. Near-infrared fluorescence imaging in mice was used to measure these central components of lymphatic transport for the first time, using two different-sized molecules-methylene blue (MB) and fluorescence-labeled antibody immunoglobulin G (IgG)-IRDye 680RD. This work confirms the hypothesis that lymphatic passive inflow and active propulsion rates can be separated based upon the relative differences in Stokes-Einstein diffusion coefficient. This coefficient specifically affects the passive-diffusive uptake when the interstitial volume and pressure are constant. Parameters such as mean time-to-peak signal, overall fluorescence signal intensities, and number of active peristaltic pulses, were estimated from temporal imaging data. While the mean time to attain peak signal representative of diffusion-dominated flow in the lymph vessels was 0.6±0.2 min for MB and 8±6 min for IgG, showing a size dependence, the active propulsion rates were 3.4±0.8 pulses/min and 3.3±0.5 pulses/min, respectively, appearing size independent. The propulsion rates for both dyes decreased with clearance from the interstitial injection-site, indicating intrinsic control of the smooth muscles in response to interstitial pressure. This approach to size-comparative agent flow imaging of lymphatic function can enable noninvasive characterization of diseases related to uptake and flow in lymph networks.

Diffusion of D-glucose measured in the cytosol of a single astrocyte.

PubMed

Kreft, Marko; Lukšič, Miha; Zorec, Tomaž M; Prebil, Mateja; Zorec, Robert

2013-04-01

Astrocytes interact with neurons and endothelial cells and may mediate exchange of metabolites between capillaries and nerve terminals. In the present study, we investigated intracellular glucose diffusion in purified astrocytes after local glucose uptake. We used a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based nano sensor to monitor the time dependence of the intracellular glucose concentration at specific positions within the cell. We observed a delay in onset and kinetics in regions away from the glucose uptake compared with the region where we locally super-fused astrocytes with the D-glucose-rich solution. We propose a mathematical model of glucose diffusion in astrocytes. The analysis showed that after gradual uptake of glucose, the locally increased intracellular glucose concentration is rapidly spread throughout the cytosol with an apparent diffusion coefficient (D app) of (2.38 ± 0.41) × 10(-10) m(2) s(-1) (at 22-24 °C). Considering that the diffusion coefficient of D-glucose in water is D = 6.7 × 10(-10) m(2) s(-1) (at 24 °C), D app determined in astrocytes indicates that the cytosolic tortuosity, which hinders glucose molecules, is approximately three times higher than in aqueous solution. We conclude that the value of D app for glucose measured in purified rat astrocytes is consistent with the view that cytosolic diffusion may allow glucose and glucose metabolites to traverse from the endothelial cells at the blood-brain barrier to neurons and neighboring astrocytes.

Preparation and characterisation of Isophthalic-Bi2O3 polymer composite gamma radiation shields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ambika, M. R.; Nagaiah, N.; Harish, V.; Lokanath, N. K.; Sridhar, M. A.; Renukappa, N. M.; Suman, S. K.

2017-01-01

Bi2O3 filled Isophthalic resin based polymer composites of different weight % (0, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 & 60) were fabricated by open mould cast technique. Gamma attenuation study was carried out using NaI (Tl) gamma ray spectrometer for Cs-137. The shielding parameters such as attenuation coefficient, HVL & λ were investigated. The distribution of the filler within the matrix was studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy. X ray diffractometer and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy were employed to study the structural changes if any. The thermal stability and mechanical strength of the composites were investigated using TGA & UTM respectively. Dielectric properties and AC conductivity were also studied using LCR meter. The composites are found to be thermally stable upto 200 °C. There were no such structural changes observed and all the composites show very low conductivity. The mechanical strength of the composites was found to increase upon adding the bismuth oxide with a slight decrease when the concentration of the filler exceeds 40 wt%. Attenuation results reveal that, the shielding efficiency increases with the increase of the filler wt% and are comparable to those of the conventional shielding materials. Hence, Bi2O3 filled composites can be used for gamma shielding applications.

Biodistribution and predictive value of 18F-fluorocyclophosphamide in mice bearing human breast cancer xenografts.

PubMed

Kesner, Amanda L; Hsueh, Wei-Ann; Htet, Nwe Linn; Pio, Betty S; Czernin, Johannes; Pegram, Mark D; Phelps, Michael E; Silverman, Daniel H S

2007-12-01

In mice bearing human breast cancer xenografts, we examined the biodistribution of (18)F-fluorocyclophosphamide ((18)F-F-CP) to evaluate its potential as a noninvasive prognostic tool for predicting the resistance of tumors to cyclophosphamide therapy. (18)F-F-CP was synthesized as we recently described, and PET data were acquired after administration of (18)F-F-CP in mice bearing human breast cancer xenografts (MCF-7 cells). Tracer biodistribution in reconstructed images was quantified by region-of-interest analysis. Distribution was also assessed by harvesting dissected organs, tumors, and blood, determining (18)F content in each tissue with a gamma-well counter. The mice were subsequently treated with cyclophosphamide, and tumor size was monitored for at least 3 wk after chemotherapy administration. The distribution of harvested activity correlated strongly with distribution observed in PET images. Target organs were related to routes of metabolism and excretion. (18)F-F-CP uptake was highest in kidneys, lowest in brain, and intermediate in tumors, as determined by both image-based and tissue-based measurements. (18)F-F-CP uptake was not inhibited by coadministration of an approximately x700 concentration of unlabeled cyclophosphamide. PET measures of (18)F-F-CP uptake in tumor predicted the magnitude of the response to subsequent administration of cyclophosphamide. Noninvasive assessment of (18)F-F-CP uptake using PET may potentially be helpful for predicting the response of breast tumors to cyclophosphamide before therapy begins.

Detection and quantification of 223Ra uptake in bone metastases of patients with castration resistant prostate carcinoma, with the aim of determining the absorbed dose in the metastases.

PubMed

Mínguez, P; Gómez de Iturriaga, A; Fernández, I L; Rodeño, E

To obtain the necessary acquisition and calibration parameters in order to evaluate the possibility of detecting and quantifying 223 Ra uptake in bone metastases of patients treated for castration resistant prostate carcinoma. Furthermore, in the cases in which the activity can be quantified, to determine the absorbed dose. Acquisitions from a Petri dish filled with 223 Ra were performed in the gamma camera. Monte Carlo simulations were also performed to study the partial volume effect. Formulae to obtain the detection and quantification limits of 223 Ra uptake were applied to planar images of two patients 7 days post-administration of 55kBq/kg of 223 Ra. In order to locate the lesions in advance, whole-body scans and SPECT/CT images were acquired after injecting 99m Tc-HDP. The optimal energy window was found to be at 82keV with a medium-energy collimator MEGP. Of the lesions found in the patients, only those that had been detected in both the AP and PA projections could be quantified. These lesions were those which had shown a higher 99m Tc-HDP uptake. The estimated values of absorbed doses ranged between 0.7Gy and 7.8Gy. Of the lesions that can be detected, it is not possible to quantify the activity uptake in some of them, which means that the absorbed dose cannot be determined either. This does not mean that the absorbed dose in these lesions can be regarded as negligible. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier España, S.L.U. y SEMNIM. All rights reserved.

Three-dimensional noninvasive monitoring iodine-131 uptake in the thyroid using a modified Cerenkov luminescence tomography approach.

PubMed

Hu, Zhenhua; Ma, Xiaowei; Qu, Xiaochao; Yang, Weidong; Liang, Jimin; Wang, Jing; Tian, Jie

2012-01-01

Cerenkov luminescence tomography (CLT) provides the three-dimensional (3D) radiopharmaceutical biodistribution in small living animals, which is vital to biomedical imaging. However, existing single-spectral and multispectral methods are not very efficient and effective at reconstructing the distribution of the radionuclide tracer. In this paper, we present a semi-quantitative Cerenkov radiation spectral characteristic-based source reconstruction method named the hybrid spectral CLT, to efficiently reconstruct the radionuclide tracer with both encouraging reconstruction results and less acquisition and image reconstruction time. We constructed the implantation mouse model implanted with a 400 µCi Na(131)I radioactive source and the physiological mouse model received an intravenous tail injection of 400 µCi radiopharmaceutical Iodine-131 (I-131) to validate the performance of the hybrid spectral CLT and compared the reconstruction results, acquisition, and image reconstruction time with that of single-spectral and multispectral CLT. Furthermore, we performed 3D noninvasive monitoring of I-131 uptake in the thyroid and quantified I-131 uptake in vivo using hybrid spectral CLT. Results showed that the reconstruction based on the hybrid spectral CLT was more accurate in localization and quantification than using single-spectral CLT, and was more efficient in the in vivo experiment compared with multispectral CLT. Additionally, 3D visualization of longitudinal observations suggested that the reconstructed energy of I-131 uptake in the thyroid increased with acquisition time and there was a robust correlation between the reconstructed energy versus the gamma ray counts of I-131 (r(2) = 0.8240). The ex vivo biodistribution experiment further confirmed the I-131 uptake in the thyroid for hybrid spectral CLT. Results indicated that hybrid spectral CLT could be potentially used for thyroid imaging to evaluate its function and monitor its treatment for thyroid cancer.

Characterization of GABA/sub A/ receptor-mediated /sup 36/chloride uptake in rat brain synaptoneurosomes

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

Luu, M.D.; Morrow, A.L.; Paul, S.M.

1987-09-07

..gamma..-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor-mediated /sup 36/chloride (/sup 36/Cl/sup -/) uptake was measured in synaptoneurosomes from rat brain. GABA and GABA agonists stimulated /sup 36/Cl/sup -/ uptake in a concentration-dependent manner with the following order of potency: Muscimol>GABA>piperidine-4-sulfonic acid (P4S)>4,5,6,7-tetrahydroisoxazolo-(5,4-c)pyridin-3-ol (THIP)=3-aminopropanesulfonic acid (3APS)>>taurine. Both P4S and 3APS behaved as partial agonists, while the GABA/sub B/ agonist, baclofen, was ineffective. The response to muscimol was inhibited by bicuculline and picrotoxin in a mixed competitive/non-competitive manner. Other inhibitors of GABA receptor-opened channels or non-neuronal anion channels such as penicillin, picrate, furosemide and disulfonic acid stilbenes also inhibited the response to muscimol. A regionalmore » variation in muscimol-stimulated /sup 36/Cl/sup -/ uptake was observed; the largest responses were observed in the cerebral cortex, cerebellum and hippocampus, moderate responses were obtained in the striatum and hypothalamus and the smallest response was observed in the pons-medulla. GABA receptor-mediated /sup 36/Cl/sup -/ uptake was also dependent on the anion present in the media. The muscinol response varied in media containing the following anions: Br/sup -/>Cl/sup -/greater than or equal toNO/sub 3//sup -/>I/sup -/greater than or equal toSCN/sup -/>>C/sub 3/H/sub 5/OO/sup -/greater than or equal toClO/sub 4//sup -/>F/sup -/, consistent with the relative anion permeability through GABA receptor-gated anion channels and the enhancement of convulsant binding to the GABA receptor-gated Cl/sup -/ channel. 43 references, 4 figures, 3 tables.« less

Methyl mercury uptake by diverse marine phytoplankton and trophic transfer to zooplankton

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, C. S.; Fisher, N. S.

2014-12-01

While it is well known that methylmercury (MeHg) biomagnifies in aquatic food chains, few studies have quantified its bioaccumulation in marine phytoplankton from seawater, even though that is overwhelmingly the largest bioaccumulation step. Aquatic animals acquire MeHg mainly from dietary exposure and it is important to evaluate the bioaccumulation of this compound in planktonic organisms that form the base of marine food webs. We used a gamma-emitting radioisotope, 203Hg, to assess the rate and extent of MeHg uptake in marine diatoms, dinoflagellates, coccolithophores, cryptophytes chlorophytes, and cyanobacteria held in unialgal cultures under varying temperature and light conditions. For experimental conditions in which the dissolved MeHg was at 300 pM, the uptake rates in all species ranged from 0.004 to 0.75 amol Hg μm-3 cell volume d-1 and reached steady state within 2 d. Volume concentration factors (VCFs) ranged from 0.4 to 60 x 105 for the different species. Temperature and light conditions had no direct effect on cellular MeHg uptake but ultimately affected growth of the cells, resulting in greater suspended particulate matter and associated MeHg. VCFs strongly correlated with cell surface area to volume ratios in all species. Assimilation efficiencies of MeHg from phytoplankton food (Thalassiosira pseudonana, Dunaliella tertiolecta and Rhodomonas salina) in a marine copepod grazer (Acartia tonsa) ranged from 74 to 92%, directly proportional to the cytoplasmic partitioning of MeHg in the phytoplankton cells. MeHg uptake in copepods from the aqueous phase was low and modeling shows that nearly all the MeHg acquired by this zooplankter is from diet. Herbivorous zooplankton can be an important link from phytoplankton at the base of the food web to fish higher in the food chain.

Effect of disaccharide, gamma radiation and temperature on the physico-mechanical properties of jute fabrics reinforced unsaturated polyester resin-based composite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sahadat Hossain, Md.; Chowdhury, A. M. Sarwaruddin; Khan, Ruhul A.

2017-06-01

The jute fabrics reinforced unsaturated polyester resin (jute/UPR)-based composites were prepared successfully by the hand-lay-up technique. The percentage of jute fabrics was kept constant at 40% fiber (by weight). The disaccharide percentage was also kept constant at 2% (by weight), but at this percentage the mechanical properties were lower than the untreated composites. Gamma radiation dose was varied at 0, 2.5, 5 and 7.5 kGy for jute/UPR-based composites. At 5.0 kGy gamma dose highest TS, TM and Eb were obtained. The jute/UPR-based composites were treated under 30°C, 50°C and -18°C for the measurement of mechanical properties. At low temperature (-18°C), the highest mechanical properties were observed. The water uptake properties were measured for disaccharide-treated and disaccharide-untreated composites up to 10 days, but no water was absorbed by the composites. The soil degradation test was carried out under 12 inch soil containing at least 25% water, but no significant decrease was observed for untreated and sucrose-treated composites. For the functional group analysis, FT-IR was carried out. For the fiber matrix adhesion analysis, the scanning electron microscopic image was taken.

Fabrication and characterization of jute fabrics reinforced polypropylene-based composites: effects of ionizing radiation and disaccharide (sucrose)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sahadat Hossain, Md.; Uddin, Muhammad B.; Razzak, Md.; Sarwaruddin Chowdhury, A. M.; Khan, Ruhul A.

2017-12-01

Composites were prepared successfully by compression molding technique using jute fabrics (reinforcing agent) and polypropylene (matrix). Jute fabrics were treated with disaccharide (sucrose) solution and composites were fabricated with the treated fabric and polypropylene. The fiber content of the prepared composites was 40% by weight. It was found that the sucrose (2% solution) decreased the tensile strength (TS) and elongation at break about 6% and 37%, respectively, but tensile modulus and impact strength improved about 27% and 32%, respectively. When gamma radiation was applied through the untreated and treated composites the mechanical properties were improved much higher in non-treated Jute/PP-based composites than that of sucrose treated composites. For 5.0 kGy gamma dose the highest mechanical properties were observed for non-treated composites. At 5.0 kGy gamma dose the improvement of TS was 14% and 2% for non-treated and sucrose treated composites, respectively. The water uptake property of the sucrose treated composites was performed up to 10 days and composites absorbed 18% water. The functional groups of the both composites were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy machine. The scanning electron microscopic images of the both composites were taken for the surface and fiber adhesion analysis.

Comparative study of selenite adsorption on carbon based adsorbents and activated alumina.

PubMed

Jegadeesan, G; Mondal, K; Lalvani, S B

2003-08-01

The sorption characteristics of carbon-based adsorbents such as activated carbon and chitin for the removal of selenite, Se (IV), an anionic, hazardous contaminant, are compared with those of alpha and gamma alumina. Batch experiments were conducted to determine the influence of pH, concentration of adsorbate, adsorbent loading and temperature on the sorption characteristics of the adsorbents. Generally, low pH of the solution resulted in favorable selenium removal. With the exception of activated carbon, uptakes decreased with increase in temperature. In comparison, chitin was found to be far less effective for the removal of Se (IV) from aqueous solutions. The data also showed that gamma alumina provided higher selenium removal percentages (99%) compared to alpha alumina (94%), activated carbon (87%) and chitin (49%). The selenite removal was found to decrease with increasing initial Se (IV) concentration in the solution. Adsorption capacities of the adsorbents are reported in terms of their Langmuir adsorption isotherms. The adsorption capacity (on unit mass basis) of the adsorbents for selenite is in the order: chitin (specific area (sa) = 9.58 m2 g(-1)) < activated carbon (sa = 96.37 m2 g(-1)) < alpha alumina (sa = 6 m2 g(-1)) < gamma alumina (sa = 150 m2 g(-1)).

Spontaneous apoptosis, oxidative status and immunophenotype markers in blood lymphocytes of AIDS patients.

PubMed

Losa, G A; Graber, R

2000-01-01

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 251 HIV-positive drug abusers of known clinical stage and from 40 healthy donors were tested for conventional immunologic markers (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19, CD14, CD16/CD56, CD45 and HLA-DR). Additional cell parameters and the occurrence of spontaneous apoptosis (programmed cell death) were investigated on freshly isolated PBMC by flow cytometric measurement of either annexin-V bound to plasma membrane phosphatidylserine or propidium iodide uptake. The activity of gamma-glutamyltransferase (gamma-GT), an ectoenzyme contributing to the synthesis of the intracellular antioxidant glutathione (GSH) and involved in early apoptosis, was also determined in these cells. Immunocompetent T-cell counts were lower in HIV+ patients, with the exception of CD8+ and HLA-DR+ lymphocytes. The external binding of annexin-V was significantly higher in HIV+ PBMC and occurred in both CD8+ and CD4+ T-lymphocyte subsets. The activity of gamma-GT, was significantly lower in the PBMC from HIV+ patients, indicating that the redox status of PBMC may be affected in HIV+ individuals. Finally, the most dominant features characterising patients receiving antiretroviral therapy were greater long-term stability in the distribution of various cell parameters excepted the level of apoptosis.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal hyphae contribute to the uptake of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by plant roots.

PubMed

Gao, Yanzheng; Cheng, Zhaoxia; Ling, Wanting; Huang, Jing

2010-09-01

The arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) hyphae-mediated uptake of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by the roots of ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) was investigated using three-compartment systems. Glomus mosseae and Glomus etunicatum were chosen, and fluorene and phenanthrene were used as representative PAHs. When roots were grown in un-spiked soils, AM hyphae extended into PAH-spiked soil and clearly absorbed and transported PAHs to roots, resulting in high concentrations of fluorene and phenanthrene in roots. This was further confirmed by the batch equilibration experiment, which revealed that the partition coefficients (K(d)) of tested PAHs by mycorrhizal hyphae were 270-356% greater than those by roots, suggesting the great potential of hyphae to absorb PAHs. Because of fluorene's lower molecular weight and higher water solubility, its translocation by hyphae was greater than that of phenanthrene. These results provide new perspectives on the AM hyphae-mediated uptake by plants of organic contaminants from soil. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Conversion-electron spectroscopy and gamma-gamma angular correlation measurements in 116Sn

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cross, D. S.; Pore, J. L.; Andreoiu, C.; Ball, G. C.; Bender, P. C.; Chester, A. S.; Churchman, R.; Demand, G. A.; Diaz Varela, A.; Dunlop, R.; Garnsworthy, A. B.; Garrett, P. E.; Hackman, G.; Hadinia, B.; Jigmeddorj, B.; Laffoley, A. T.; Liblong, A.; Kanungo, R.; Miller, D. T.; Noakes, B.; Petrache, C. M.; Starosta, K.; Svensson, C. E.; Voss, P.; Wang, Z.-M.; Wilson, J. M.; Wood, J. L.; Yates, S. W.

2017-11-01

The 116Sn nucleus was studied via the β- decay of 116In utilizing the 8π spectrometer and its auxiliary detectors at TRIUMF-ISAC. The resulting K-shell conversion coefficients, K/L ratios, and multipole mixing ratios are presented. The 23+ → 21+ 931 keV and 22+ → 21+ 819 keV transition mixing ratios were re-measured and found to be δ = +1.8_{-0.5}^{+0.7} and -1.83(8), respectively. Newly measured mixing ratios for transitions among the low-lying I^{π} = 4+ states in 116Sn, when combined with γ-ray intensity data, suggest that the 2529 keV 42+ state possesses a neutron broken-pair admixture in addition to its dominant proton 2p-2h component.

Electrical Conductivity of HgTe at High Temperatures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Li, C.; Lehoczky, S. L.; Su, C.-H.; Scripa, R. N.

2004-01-01

The electrical conductivity of HgTe was measured using a rotating magnetic field method from 300 K to the melting point (943 K). A microscopic theory for electrical conduction was used to calculate the expected temperature dependence of the HgTe conductivity. A comparison between the measured and calculated conductivities was used to obtain the estimates of the temperature dependence of Gamma(sub 6)-Gamma(sub 8) energy gap from 300 K to 943 K. The estimated temperature coefficient for the energy gap was comparable to the previous results at lower temperatures (less than or equal to 300 K). A rapid increase in the conductivity just above 300 K and a subsequent decrease at 500 K is attributed to band crossover effects. This paper describes the experimental approach and some of the theoretical calculation details.

Homocysteine up-regulates vascular transmembrane chemokine CXCL16 and induces CXCR6+ lymphocyte recruitment in vitro and in vivo.

PubMed

Postea, O; Koenen, R R; Hristov, M; Weber, C; Ludwig, A

2008-01-01

Hyperhomocysteinemia induces endothelial dysfunction and promotes atherosclerotic vascular disease. Infiltrates of activated macrophages and lymphocytes are observed in human and experimental atherosclerotic lesions, their emigration being guided by endothelial-leukocyte adhesion molecules and chemoattractants. The CXC-chemokine CXCL16 functions as an adhesion molecule by interacting with its receptor (CXCR6) and also as a scavenger for oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL). We investigated the modulation of CXCL16 on cultured endothelial cells (EC) and the recruitment of CXCR6(+) lymphocytes in response to homocysteine (Hcy), in vitro and in vivo. Hcy-stimulated EC show a significant increase in CXCL16 mRNA and protein expression. Incubation of EC with d,l-Hcy and l-Hcy significantly increased CXCR6(+) lymphocyte adhesion to EC while l-Cysteine (l-Cys) had no effect. Furthermore, EC stimulation with Hcy increased uptake of DiI-oxLDL. An anti-CXCL16 monoclonal antibody, antioxidants (Tiron) and PPAR-gamma agonists (Pioglitazone) considerably reduced CXCR6(+) lymphocyte adhesion and uptake of DiI-oxLDL. Upon injection in the peritoneal cavities of mice, l-Hcy and not l-Cys, increased the number of CXCR6(+) lymphocytes, which was reduced by coinjection with Pioglitazone or anti-human CXCL16 antibody. Hyperhomocysteinemia up-regulates CXCL16 leading to increased recruitment of CXCR6(+) lymphocytes and scavenging of modified lipids via a potential involvement of a PPAR-gamma-dependent mechanism. CXCL16 may therefore contribute to the formation and progression of atherosclerotic lesions under conditions of hyperhomocysteinemia.

Radioprotective activity of curcumin-encapsulated liposomes against genotoxicity caused by Gamma Cobalt-60 irradiation in human blood cells.

PubMed

Nguyen, Minh-Hiep; Pham, Ngoc-Duy; Dong, Bingxue; Nguyen, Thi-Huynh-Nga; Bui, Chi-Bao; Hadinoto, Kunn

2017-11-01

While the radioprotective activity of curcumin against genotoxicity has been well established, its poor oral bioavailability has limited its successful clinical applications. Nanoscale formulations, including liposomes, have been demonstrated to improve curcumin bioavailability. The objective of the present work was (1) to prepare and characterize curcumin-encapsulated liposomes (i.e. size, colloidal stability, encapsulation efficiency, and payload), and (2) subsequently to evaluate their radioprotective activity against genotoxicity in human blood cells caused by Gamma Cobalt-60 irradiation. The curcumin-encapsulated liposomes were prepared by lipid-film hydration method using commercial phosphatidylcholine (i.e. Phospholipon ® 90G). The blood cells were obtained from healthy male donors (n = 3) under an approved ethics protocol. The cell uptake and the radioprotective activity of the curcumin-encapsulated liposomes were characterized by fluorescence microscopy and micronucleus assay, respectively. Nanoscale curcumin-encapsulated liposomes exhibiting good physical characteristics and successful uptake by the human blood cells were successfully prepared. The radioprotective activity of the curcumin-encapsulated liposomes was found to be dependent on the curcumin concentration, where an optimal concentration existed (i.e. 30 μg/mL) independent of the irradiation dose, above which the radioprotective activity had become stagnant (i.e. no more reduction in the micronuclei frequency). The present results established for the first time the radioprotective activity of curcumin-encapsulated liposomes in human blood cells, which coupled by its well-established bioavailability, boded well for its potential application as a nanoscale delivery system of other radioprotective phytochemicals.

INDUCED EEG GAMMA OSCILLATION ALIGNMENT IMPROVES DIFFERENTIATION BETWEEN AUTISM AND ADHD GROUP RESPONSES IN A FACIAL CATEGORIZATION TASK

PubMed Central

Gross, Eric; El-Baz, Ayman S.; Sokhadze, Guela E.; Sears, Lonnie; Casanova, Manuel F.; Sokhadze, Estate M.

2012-01-01

Introduction Children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often lack the ability to recognize and properly respond to emotional stimuli. Emotional deficits also characterize children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), in addition to exhibiting limited attention span. These abnormalities may effect a difference in the induced EEG gamma wave burst (35–45 Hz) peaked approximately 300–400 milliseconds following an emotional stimulus. Because induced gamma oscillations are not fixed at a definite point in time post-stimulus, analysis of averaged EEG data with traditional methods may result in an attenuated gamma burst power. Methods We used a data alignment technique to improve the averaged data, making it a better representation of the individual induced EEG gamma oscillations. A study was designed to test the response of a subject to emotional stimuli, presented in the form of emotional facial expression images. In a four part experiment, the subjects were instructed to identify gender in the first two blocks of the test, followed by differentiating between basic emotions in the final two blocks (i.e. anger vs. disgust). EEG data was collected from ASD (n=10), ADHD (n=9), and control (n=11) subjects via a 128 channel EGI system, and processed through a continuous wavelet transform and bandpass filter to isolate the gamma frequencies. A custom MATLAB code was used to align the data from individual trials between 200–600 ms post-stimulus, EEG site, and condition by maximizing the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient between trials. The gamma power for the 400 ms window of maximum induced gamma burst was then calculated and compared between subject groups. Results and Conclusion Condition (anger/disgust recognition, gender recognition) × Alignment × Group (ADHD, ASD, Controls) interaction was significant at most of parietal topographies (e.g., P3–P4, P7–P8). These interactions were better manifested in the aligned data set. Our results show that alignment of the induced gamma oscillations improves sensitivity of this measure in differentiation of EEG responses to emotional facial stimuli in ADHD and ASD. PMID:22754277

INDUCED EEG GAMMA OSCILLATION ALIGNMENT IMPROVES DIFFERENTIATION BETWEEN AUTISM AND ADHD GROUP RESPONSES IN A FACIAL CATEGORIZATION TASK.

PubMed

Gross, Eric; El-Baz, Ayman S; Sokhadze, Guela E; Sears, Lonnie; Casanova, Manuel F; Sokhadze, Estate M

2012-01-01

INTRODUCTION: Children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often lack the ability to recognize and properly respond to emotional stimuli. Emotional deficits also characterize children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), in addition to exhibiting limited attention span. These abnormalities may effect a difference in the induced EEG gamma wave burst (35-45 Hz) peaked approximately 300-400 milliseconds following an emotional stimulus. Because induced gamma oscillations are not fixed at a definite point in time post-stimulus, analysis of averaged EEG data with traditional methods may result in an attenuated gamma burst power. METHODS: We used a data alignment technique to improve the averaged data, making it a better representation of the individual induced EEG gamma oscillations. A study was designed to test the response of a subject to emotional stimuli, presented in the form of emotional facial expression images. In a four part experiment, the subjects were instructed to identify gender in the first two blocks of the test, followed by differentiating between basic emotions in the final two blocks (i.e. anger vs. disgust). EEG data was collected from ASD (n=10), ADHD (n=9), and control (n=11) subjects via a 128 channel EGI system, and processed through a continuous wavelet transform and bandpass filter to isolate the gamma frequencies. A custom MATLAB code was used to align the data from individual trials between 200-600 ms post-stimulus, EEG site, and condition by maximizing the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient between trials. The gamma power for the 400 ms window of maximum induced gamma burst was then calculated and compared between subject groups. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Condition (anger/disgust recognition, gender recognition) × Alignment × Group (ADHD, ASD, Controls) interaction was significant at most of parietal topographies (e.g., P3-P4, P7-P8). These interactions were better manifested in the aligned data set. Our results show that alignment of the induced gamma oscillations improves sensitivity of this measure in differentiation of EEG responses to emotional facial stimuli in ADHD and ASD.

Fermi Large Area Telescope Observations of the Supernova Remnant GS.7-0.1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ajello, M.; Allafort, A.; Baldini, L.; Ballet, J.; Barbiellini, G.; Bastieri, D.; Bechtol, K.; Bellazzini, R.; Berenji, B.; Blandford, R. D.;

Fermi Large Area Telescope Observations of the Supernova Remnant GS.7-0.1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ferrara, E. C.; Hays, E.; Troja, E.; Moiseev, A. A.

2012-01-01

We present a detailed analysis of the GeV gamma-ray emission toward the supernova remnant (SNR) G8.7-0.1 with the Large Area Telescope (LAT) onboard the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope. An investigation of the relationship among G8.7-0.1 and the TeV unidentified source HESS J1804-216 provides us with an important clue on diffusion process of cosmic rays if particle acceleration operates in the SNR. The GeV gamma-ray emission is extended with most of the emission in positional coincidence with the SNR G8.7-0.1 and a lesser part located outside the western boundary of G8.7-0.1. The region of the gamma-ray emission overlaps spatially-connected molecular clouds, implying a physical connection for the gamma-ray structure. The total gamma-ray spectrum measured with LAT from 200 MeV-100 GeV can be described by a broken power-law function with a break of 2.4 +/- 0.6 (stat) +/- 1.2 (sys) GeV, and photon indices of2.10 +/- 0.06 (stat) +/- 0.10 (sys) below the break and 2.70 +/- 0.12 (stat) +/- 0.14 (sys) above the break. Given the spatial association among the gamma rays, the radio emission ofG8.7-0.1, and the molecular clouds, the decay of pions produced by particles accelerated in the SNR and hitting the molecular clouds naturally explains the GeV gamma-ray spectrum. We also find that the GeV morphology is not well represented by the TeV emission from HESS Jl804-2l6 and that the spectrum in the Ge V band is not consistent with the extrapolation of the TeV gamma-ray spectrum. The spectral index of the TeV emission is consistent with the particle spectral index predicted by a theory that assumes energy-dependent diffusion of particles accelerated in an SNR. We discuss the possibility that the TeV-spectrum originates from the interaction of particles accelerated in G8.7-0.l with molecular clouds, and we constrain the diffusion coefficient of the particles.

Fermi Large Area Telescope Observations of the Supernova Remnant G8.7-0.1

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

Ajello, M.; Allafort, A.; /Stanford U., HEPL /KIPAC, Menlo Park /SLAC

We present a detailed analysis of the GeV gamma-ray emission toward the supernova remnant (SNR) G8.7-0.1 with the Large Area Telescope (LAT) on board the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope. An investigation of the relationship between G8.7-0.1 and the TeV unidentified source HESS J1804-216 provides us with an important clue on diffusion process of cosmic rays if particle acceleration operates in the SNR. The GeV gamma-ray emission is extended with most of the emission in positional coincidence with the SNR G8.7-0.1 and a lesser part located outside the western boundary of G8.7-0.1. The region of the gamma-ray emission overlaps spatially connectedmore » molecular clouds, implying a physical connection for the gamma-ray structure. The total gamma-ray spectrum measured with LAT from 200 MeV-100 GeV can be described by a broken power-law function with a break of 2.4 {+-} 0.6 (stat) {+-} 1.2 (sys) GeV, and photon indices of 2.10 {+-} 0.06 (stat) {+-} 0.10 (sys) below the break and 2.70 {+-} 0.12 (stat) {+-} 0.14 (sys) above the break. Given the spatial association among the gamma rays, the radio emission of G8.7-0.1, and the molecular clouds, the decay of p0s produced by particles accelerated in the SNR and hitting the molecular clouds naturally explains the GeV gamma-ray spectrum. We also find that the GeV morphology is not well represented by the TeV emission from HESS J1804-216 and that the spectrum in the GeV band is not consistent with the extrapolation of the TeV gamma-ray spectrum. The spectral index of the TeV emission is consistent with the particle spectral index predicted by a theory that assumes energy-dependent diffusion of particles accelerated in an SNR. We discuss the possibility that the TeV spectrum originates from the interaction of particles accelerated in G8.7-0.1 with molecular clouds, and we constrain the diffusion coefficient of the particles.« less

Metal adsorption of gamma-irradiated carboxymethyl cellulose/polyethylene oxide blend films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Naggar, Amal A.; Magida, M. M.; Ibrahim, Sayeda M.

2016-03-01

Blend films of different ratios of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)/polyethylene oxide (PEO) were prepared by the solution casting method. To investigate the effect of irradiation on all properties of prepared blend, it was exposed to different gamma irradiation doses (10, 20, and 30 kGy). Physical properties such as gel fraction (GF) (%) and swelling (SW) (%) were investigated. It was found that the GF (%) increases with increasing irradiation dose up to 20 kGy, while SW (%) decreases with an increase in the irradiation doses for all blend compositions. Moreover, the structural and mechanical properties of the prepared films were studied. The results of the mechanical properties obtained showed that there is an improvement in these properties with an increase in both CMC and irradiation dose up to 20 kGy. The efficiency of metal ions uptake was measured using a UV spectrophotometer. The prepared films showed good tendency to absorb and release metal ions from aqueous media. Thus, the CMC/PEO film can be used in agricultural domain.

Proximal Tubules Have the Capacity to Regulate Uptake of Albumin.

PubMed

Wagner, Mark C; Campos-Bilderback, Silvia B; Chowdhury, Mahboob; Flores, Brittany; Lai, Xianyin; Myslinski, Jered; Pandit, Sweekar; Sandoval, Ruben M; Wean, Sarah E; Wei, Yuan; Satlin, Lisa M; Wiggins, Roger C; Witzmann, Frank A; Molitoris, Bruce A

2016-02-01

Evidence from multiple studies supports the concept that both glomerular filtration and proximal tubule (PT) reclamation affect urinary albumin excretion rate. To better understand these roles of glomerular filtration and PT uptake, we investigated these processes in two distinct animal models. In a rat model of acute exogenous albumin overload, we quantified glomerular sieving coefficients (GSC) and PT uptake of Texas Red-labeled rat serum albumin using two-photon intravital microscopy. No change in GSC was observed, but a significant decrease in PT albumin uptake was quantified. In a second model, loss of endogenous albumin was induced in rats by podocyte-specific transgenic expression of diphtheria toxin receptor. In these albumin-deficient rats, exposure to diphtheria toxin induced an increase in albumin GSC and albumin filtration, resulting in increased exposure of the PTs to endogenous albumin. In this case, PT albumin reabsorption was markedly increased. Analysis of known albumin receptors and assessment of cortical protein expression in the albumin overload model, conducted to identify potential proteins and pathways affected by acute protein overload, revealed changes in the expression levels of calreticulin, disabled homolog 2, NRF2, angiopoietin-2, and proteins involved in ATP synthesis. Taken together, these results suggest that a regulated PT cell albumin uptake system can respond rapidly to different physiologic conditions to minimize alterations in serum albumin level. Copyright © 2016 by the American Society of Nephrology.

Proximal Tubules Have the Capacity to Regulate Uptake of Albumin

PubMed Central

Wagner, Mark C.; Campos-Bilderback, Silvia B.; Chowdhury, Mahboob; Flores, Brittany; Lai, Xianyin; Myslinski, Jered; Pandit, Sweekar; Sandoval, Ruben M.; Wean, Sarah E.; Wei, Yuan; Satlin, Lisa M.; Wiggins, Roger C.; Witzmann, Frank A.

2016-01-01

Evidence from multiple studies supports the concept that both glomerular filtration and proximal tubule (PT) reclamation affect urinary albumin excretion rate. To better understand these roles of glomerular filtration and PT uptake, we investigated these processes in two distinct animal models. In a rat model of acute exogenous albumin overload, we quantified glomerular sieving coefficients (GSC) and PT uptake of Texas Red-labeled rat serum albumin using two-photon intravital microscopy. No change in GSC was observed, but a significant decrease in PT albumin uptake was quantified. In a second model, loss of endogenous albumin was induced in rats by podocyte-specific transgenic expression of diphtheria toxin receptor. In these albumin-deficient rats, exposure to diphtheria toxin induced an increase in albumin GSC and albumin filtration, resulting in increased exposure of the PTs to endogenous albumin. In this case, PT albumin reabsorption was markedly increased. Analysis of known albumin receptors and assessment of cortical protein expression in the albumin overload model, conducted to identify potential proteins and pathways affected by acute protein overload, revealed changes in the expression levels of calreticulin, disabled homolog 2, NRF2, angiopoietin-2, and proteins involved in ATP synthesis. Taken together, these results suggest that a regulated PT cell albumin uptake system can respond rapidly to different physiologic conditions to minimize alterations in serum albumin level. PMID:26054544

Preparation and biodistribution of 99mTc-tricarbonyl complex with 4-[(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl]-dithioformate as a potential 5-HT1A receptor imaging agent.

PubMed

Zhang, Xianzhong; Zhou, Panwang; Liu, Jiaojiao; Huang, Yan; Lin, Yan; Chen, Yanling; Gu, Ting; Yang, Wenjiang; Wang, Xuebin

2007-03-01

The goal of this study is to develop a novel 5-HT(1A) receptor imaging agent. 4-[(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl]-dithioformate (MPPDTF) was labeled with (99m)Tc-tricarbonyl core via dithioformate moiety in high yield (>96% by HPLC). (99m)Tc(CO)(3)-MPPDTF is a neutral and lipophilic complex, which was confirmed by paper electrophoresis and octanol/water partition coefficient (P=27.0+/-1.4, n=3), respectively. In vivo biodistribution indicated that this complex had moderate brain uptake (0.53+/-0.10% ID/g at 5 min and 0.42+/-0.02% ID/g at 120 min) and good retention (about 80% of the activity was retained in the brain at 120 min post-injection). Regional brain distribution study showed that hippocampus, where the 5-HT(1A) receptor density is high, had the highest uptake (0.60+/-0.02% ID/g at 5 min p.i.) and the cerebellum, where the 5-HT(1A) receptor density is low, had the lowest uptake (0.10+/-0.02% ID/g at 5 min p.i.). After blocking with 8-OH-DPAT, the hippocampus uptake was decreased obviously while the cerebellum uptake was increased slightly. This result indicates that (99m)Tc(CO)(3)-MPPDTF complex has specific binding to 5-HT(1A) receptor.

Gas uptake and chemical aging of semisolid organic aerosol particles

PubMed Central

Shiraiwa, Manabu; Ammann, Markus; Koop, Thomas; Pöschl, Ulrich

2011-01-01

Organic substances can adopt an amorphous solid or semisolid state, influencing the rate of heterogeneous reactions and multiphase processes in atmospheric aerosols. Here we demonstrate how molecular diffusion in the condensed phase affects the gas uptake and chemical transformation of semisolid organic particles. Flow tube experiments show that the ozone uptake and oxidative aging of amorphous protein is kinetically limited by bulk diffusion. The reactive gas uptake exhibits a pronounced increase with relative humidity, which can be explained by a decrease of viscosity and increase of diffusivity due to hygroscopic water uptake transforming the amorphous organic matrix from a glassy to a semisolid state (moisture-induced phase transition). The reaction rate depends on the condensed phase diffusion coefficients of both the oxidant and the organic reactant molecules, which can be described by a kinetic multilayer flux model but not by the traditional resistor model approach of multiphase chemistry. The chemical lifetime of reactive compounds in atmospheric particles can increase from seconds to days as the rate of diffusion in semisolid phases can decrease by multiple orders of magnitude in response to low temperature or low relative humidity. The findings demonstrate that the occurrence and properties of amorphous semisolid phases challenge traditional views and require advanced formalisms for the description of organic particle formation and transformation in atmospheric models of aerosol effects on air quality, public health, and climate. PMID:21690350

Experimental study of some shielding parameters for composite shields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mkhaiber, Ahmed F.; Dheyaa, Abdulraheem

2018-05-01

In this study radiation protection shields have been prepared consist of composite materials have epoxy as a basis material and different reinforcing materials C Ni PbO and Bi with various reinforcing ratios 10 20 30 40 50 % and dimensions 1 × 10 × 10 cm. For examination the suitability of using this shields to protect from gamma ray some shielding parameters were calculated like: Linear attenuation coefficient μ, effective atomic number Zeffe, heaviness and half value thickness X1/2 for energy rang 1218 – 1480 KeV. These parameters have been measured by using sodium iodide system NaITI with deferent radiation sources 152Eu 60Co and 137Cs. The results show that these parameters are effected by the reinforcing ratio and gamma ray energy, it is found that the linear attenuation coefficient and atomic effective number increases with reinforcing ratio increases and decreased with energy increasing especially with high concentrations 40 50 % and at low energies Eγ < 0662 MeV with certain energy while the values of X1/2 decrease with reinforcing ratio increases. Heaviness was calculated too for all shields, with respect to lead from its values we found that this shields lighter than lead, which make it preferable to traditional material such as lead and concrete.

Artificial neural network modelling of uncertainty in gamma-ray spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dragović, S.; Onjia, A.; Stanković, S.; Aničin, I.; Bačić, G.

2005-03-01

An artificial neural network (ANN) model for the prediction of measuring uncertainties in gamma-ray spectrometry was developed and optimized. A three-layer feed-forward ANN with back-propagation learning algorithm was used to model uncertainties of measurement of activity levels of eight radionuclides ( 226Ra, 238U, 235U, 40K, 232Th, 134Cs, 137Cs and 7Be) in soil samples as a function of measurement time. It was shown that the neural network provides useful data even from small experimental databases. The performance of the optimized neural network was found to be very good, with correlation coefficients ( R2) between measured and predicted uncertainties ranging from 0.9050 to 0.9915. The correlation coefficients did not significantly deteriorate when the network was tested on samples with greatly different uranium-to-thorium ( 238U/ 232Th) ratios. The differences between measured and predicted uncertainties were not influenced by the absolute values of uncertainties of measured radionuclide activities. Once the ANN is trained, it could be employed in analyzing soil samples regardless of the 238U/ 232Th ratio. It was concluded that a considerable saving in time could be obtained using the trained neural network model for predicting the measurement times needed to attain the desired statistical accuracy.

First experience of simultaneous PET/MRI for the early detection of cardiac involvement in patients with Anderson-Fabry disease.

PubMed

Nappi, Carmela; Altiero, Michele; Imbriaco, Massimo; Nicolai, Emanuele; Giudice, Caterina Anna; Aiello, Marco; Diomiaiuti, Claudio Tommaso; Pisani, Antonio; Spinelli, Letizia; Cuocolo, Alberto

2015-06-01

Anderson-Fabry disease (AFD) is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder associated with severe multiorgan dysfunction and premature death. Early diagnosis and treatment strategies play a key role in patient outcome. We investigated the potential role of hybrid PET/MR imaging in the assessment of early cardiac involvement in AFD patients. Thirteen AFD patients without cardiac symptoms and with normal left ventricular function underwent simultaneous cardiac PET/MR imaging after administration of (18)F-FDG. Cardiac FDG uptake was quantified by measuring the standardized uptake value in 17 myocardial segments in each subject. The coefficient of variation (COV, i.e. the standard deviation divided by the average) of the uptake of the 17 segments was calculated as an index of heterogeneity in the heart. Six patients exhibited focal late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) indicating intramyocardial fibrosis, and four of these also had positive short inversion time inversion recovery (STIR) sequences. All patients with LGE and positive STIR MR images showed focal FDG uptake in the corresponding myocardial segments indicating inflammation. Of the seven patients with negative LGE and STIR images, five showed homogeneous FDG cardiac uptake and two showed heterogeneous FDG uptake. The COV was significantly greater in patients with focal FDG uptake (0.25 ± 0.02) than in those without (0.14 ± 0.07, p < 0.01). PET/MR imaging is clinically feasible for the early detection of cardiac involvement in patients with AFD. Further studies evaluating the role of hybrid PET/MR imaging in management of the disease in larger patient populations are warranted.

A correlation between hard gamma-ray sources and cosmic voids along the line of sight

DOE PAGES

Furniss, A.; Sutter, P. M.; Primack, J. R.; ...

2014-11-25

We estimate the galaxy density along lines of sight to hard extragalactic gamma-ray sources by correlating source positions on the sky with a void catalog based on the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). Extragalactic gamma-ray sources that are detected at very high energy (VHE; E > 100 GeV) or have been highlighted as VHE-emitting candidates in the Fermi Large Area Telescope hard source catalog (together referred to as “VHE-like” sources) are distributed along underdense lines of sight at the 2.4σ level. There is a less suggestive correlation for the Fermi hard source population (1.7σ). A correlation between 10-500 GeV fluxmore » and underdense fraction along the line of sight for VHE-like and Fermi hard sources is found at 2.4σ and 2.6σ, calculated from the Pearson correlation coefficients of r = 0.57 and 0.47, respectively. The preference for underdense sight lines is not displayed by gamma-ray emitting galaxies within the second Fermi catalog, containing sources detected above 100 MeV, or the SDSS DR7 quasar catalog. We investigate whether this marginal correlation might be a result of lower extragalactic background light (EBL) photon density within the underdense regions and find that, even in the most extreme case of a entirely underdense sight line, the EBL photon density is only 2% less than the nominal EBL density. Translating this into gamma-ray attenuation along the line of sight for a highly attenuated source with opacity τ(E, z) ~ 5, we estimate that the attentuation of gamma-rays decreases no more than 10%. This decrease, although non-neglible, is unable to account for the apparent hard source correlation with underdense lines of sight.« less

Gamma-index method sensitivity for gauging plan delivery accuracy of volumetric modulated arc therapy.

PubMed

Park, Jong In; Park, Jong Min; Kim, Jung-In; Park, So-Yeon; Ye, Sung-Joon

2015-12-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the sensitivity of the gamma-index method according to various gamma criteria for volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). Twenty head and neck (HN) and twenty prostate VMAT plans were retrospectively selected for this study. Both global and local 2D gamma evaluations were performed with criteria of 3%/3 mm, 2%/2 mm, 1%/2 mm and 2%/1 mm. In this study, the global and local gamma-index calculated the differences in doses relative to the maximum dose and the dose at the current measurement point, respectively. Using log files acquired during delivery, the differences in parameters at every control point between the VMAT plans and the log files were acquired. The differences in dose-volumetric parameters between reconstructed VMAT plans using the log files and the original VMAT plans were calculated. The Spearman's rank correlation coefficients (rs) were calculated between the passing rates and those differences. Considerable correlations with statistical significances were observed between global 1%/2 mm, local 1%/2 mm and local 2%/1 mm and the MLC position differences (rs = -0.712, -0.628 and -0.581). The numbers of rs values with statistical significance between the passing rates and the changes in dose-volumetric parameters were largest in global 2%/2 mm (n = 16), global 2%/1 mm (n = 15) and local 2%/1 mm (n = 13) criteria. Local gamma-index method with 2%/1 mm generally showed higher sensitivity to detect deviations between a VMAT plan and the delivery of the VMAT plan. Copyright © 2015 Associazione Italiana di Fisica Medica. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Partitioning of Alkali Metal Salts and Boric Acid from Aqueous Phase into the Polyamide Active Layers of Reverse Osmosis Membranes.

PubMed

Wang, Jingbo; Kingsbury, Ryan S; Perry, Lamar A; Coronell, Orlando

2017-02-21

The partition coefficient of solutes into the polyamide active layer of reverse osmosis (RO) membranes is one of the three membrane properties (together with solute diffusion coefficient and active layer thickness) that determine solute permeation. However, no well-established method exists to measure solute partition coefficients into polyamide active layers. Further, the few studies that measured partition coefficients for inorganic salts report values significantly higher than one (∼3-8), which is contrary to expectations from Donnan theory and the observed high rejection of salts. As such, we developed a benchtop method to determine solute partition coefficients into the polyamide active layers of RO membranes. The method uses a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) to measure the change in the mass of the active layer caused by the uptake of the partitioned solutes. The method was evaluated using several inorganic salts (alkali metal salts of chloride) and a weak acid of common concern in water desalination (boric acid). All partition coefficients were found to be lower than 1, in general agreement with expectations from Donnan theory. Results reported in this study advance the fundamental understanding of contaminant transport through RO membranes, and can be used in future studies to decouple the contributions of contaminant partitioning and diffusion to contaminant permeation.

Aerosol and gamma background measurements at Basic Environmental Observatory Moussala

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Angelov, Christo; Arsov, Todor; Penev, Ilia; Nikolova, Nina; Kalapov, Ivo; Georgiev, Stefan

2016-03-01

Trans boundary and local pollution, global climate changes and cosmic rays are the main areas of research performed at the regional Global Atmospheric Watch (GAW) station Moussala BEO (2925 m a.s.l., 42°10'45'' N, 23°35'07'' E). Real time measurements and observations are performed in the field of atmospheric chemistry and physics. Complex information about the aerosol is obtained by using a threewavelength integrating Nephelometer for measuring the scattering and backscattering coefficients, a continuous light absorption photometer and a scanning mobile particle sizer. The system for measuring radioactivity and heavy metals in aerosols allows us to monitor a large scale radioactive aerosol transport. The measurements of the gamma background and the gamma-rays spectrum in the air near Moussala peak are carried out in real time. The HYSPLIT back trajectory model is used to determine the origin of the data registered. DREAM code calculations [2] are used to forecast the air mass trajectory. The information obtained combined with a full set of corresponding meteorological parameters is transmitted via a high frequency radio telecommunication system to the Internet.

Luminescence properties of Al0.48In0.52As under hydrostatic pressure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Hai-Ping; Sotomayor-Torres, Cliva M.

1992-07-01

The low-temperature photoluminescence (PL) and photoluminescence excitation (PLE) spectra characteristics of Al0.48In0.52As have been studied under high pressure from 1 bar up to 92 kbar. We have obtained, for the first time, the (Gamma) -(Chi) crossover critical pressure Pc (approximately 52.5 +/- 0.5 kbar), the linear pressure coefficients (alpha) (Gamma ) and (alpha) (Chi ) (7.9 meV/kbar and -2.9 meV/kbar, respectively) at helium temperature. By measuring temperature and excitation intensity dependences of the PL spectra together with the PLE spectra, we have demonstrated that the low-temperature luminescence of the Al0.48In0.52As is not excitonic but due to (D degree(s), A degree(s))transitions with a relatively deep acceptor of 68 meV, which occurs in both the direct- and indirect-band gap. We suggest that the shallow donor ground state associated with the (Chi) - and (Gamma) -conduction bands seem to be tied quite rigidly to these conduction bands. Variations in the donor binding energies with the pressure and the direct-indirect crossover seem to be minor.

Characterization of α-spodumene to OSL dosimetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

d'Amorim, R. A. P. O.; de Vasconcelos, D. A. A.; de Barros, V. S. M.; Khoury, H. J.; Souza, S. O.

2014-02-01

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) response of spodumene (LiAlSi2O6) silicate and its potential use for gamma radiation dosimetry. A natural Brazilian crystal of α-spodumene was used in this study. After the crystal grinding, pellets with the diameter of 6.0 mm were prepared using a mixture of α-spodumene and polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon®) (1:2). To study the OSL response, the samples were irradiated with gamma radiation beam of Co-60 and the response was measured using an OSL Reader in two modes of operation: Continuous-wave and pulsed stimulation. The results of the integrated OSL curve of the pellets irradiated with the dose of 30 Gy showed that their response is reproducible within ±2%. The variation of the OSL response upon the dose exhibits a linear response in the range from 30 Gy to 10 kGy, with a correlation coefficient of 0.99. It is possible to conclude that the α-LiAlSi2O6/Teflon® has a great potential for OSL dosimetry of high gamma doses.

Heterogeneity in Intratumor Correlations of 18F-FDG, 18F-FLT, and 61Cu-ATSM PET in Canine Sinonasal Tumors

PubMed Central

Bradshaw, Tyler J.; Bowen, Stephen R.; Jallow, Ngoneh; Forrest, Lisa J.; Jeraj, Robert

2014-01-01

Intratumor heterogeneity in biologic properties and in relationships between various phenotypes may present a challenge for biologically targeted therapies. Understanding the relationships between different phenotypes in individual tumor types could help inform treatment selection. The goal of this study was to characterize spatial correlations of glucose metabolism, proliferation, and hypoxia in 2 histologic types of tumors. Methods Twenty canine veterinary patients with spontaneously occurring sinonasal tumors (13 carcinomas and 7 sarcomas) were imaged with 18F-FDG, 18F-labeled 39-deoxy-39-fluorothymidine (18F-FLT), and 61Cu-labeled diacetyl-bis(N4-methylthiosemicarbazone) (61Cu-ATSM) PET/CT on 3 consecutive days. Precise positioning and immobilization techniques coupled with anesthesia enabled motionless scans with repeatable positioning. Standardized uptake values (SUVs) of gross sarcoma and carcinoma volumes were compared by use of Mann– Whitney U tests. Patient images were rigidly registered together, and intratumor tracer uptake distributions were compared. Voxel-based Spearman correlation coefficients were used to quantify intertracer correlations, and the correlation coefficients of sarcomas and carcinomas were compared. The relative overlap of the highest uptake volumes of the 3 tracers was quantified, and the values were compared for sarcomas and carcinomas. Results Large degrees of heterogeneity in SUV measures and phenotype correlations were observed. Carcinoma and sarcoma tumors differed significantly in SUV measures, with carcinoma tumors having significantly higher 18F-FDG maximum SUVs than sarcoma tumors (11.1 vs. 5.0; P = 0.01) as well as higher 61Cu-ATSM mean SUVs (2.6 vs. 1.2; P = 0.02). Carcinomas had significantly higher population-averaged Spearman correlation coefficients than sarcomas in comparisons of 18F-FDG and 18F-FLT (0.80 vs. 0.61; P = 0.02), 18F-FLT and 61Cu-ATSM (0.83 vs. 0.38; P < 0.0001), and 18F-FDG and 61Cu-ATSM (0.82 vs. 0.69; P = 0.04). Additionally, the highest uptake volumes of the 3 tracers had significantly greater overlap in carcinomas than in sarcomas. Conclusion The relationships of glucose metabolism, proliferation, and hypoxia were heterogeneous across different tumors, with carcinomas tending to have high correlations and sarcomas having low correlations. Consequently, canine carcinoma tumors are robust targets for therapies that target a single biologic property, whereas sarcoma tumors may not be well suited for such therapies. Histology-specific PET correlations have far-reaching implications for the robustness of biologic target definition. PMID:24042031

Effects of age and cardiovascular risk factors on (18)F-FDG PET/CT quantification of atherosclerosis in the aorta and peripheral arteries.

PubMed

Pasha, Ahmed K; Moghbel, Mateen; Saboury, Babak; Gharavi, Mohammed H; Blomberg, Björn A; Torigian, Drew A; Kwee, Thomas C; Basu, Sandip; Mohler Iii, Emile R; Alavi, Abass

2015-01-01

To quantify fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose ((18)F-FDG) uptake in the aorta and peripheral arteries and assess the variation of (18)F-FDG uptake with age and cardiovascular risk factors. The subject population of this retrospective study comprises melanoma patients who underwent whole-body (18)F-FDG PET/CT scans. The patients' medical records were examined for cardiovascular risk factors and for a history of coronary artery disease or peripheral artery disease. Fluorine-18-FDG uptake in the peripheral arteries (iliac and femoral) and aorta was semi-quantified as a weighted-average mean standardized uptake value (wA-SUVmean), while background noise was accounted for by measuring mean venous blood pool SUV (V-SUVmean) in the superior vena cava. Atherosclerosis was semi-quantified by the tissue-to-background ratio (TBR) (wA-SUVmean divided by V-SUVmean). A regression model and t-test were used to evaluate the effect of age and location on the degree of atherosclerosis. To assess the effect of cardiovascular risk factors on atherosclerotic burden, the wA-SUVmean of patients with at least one of these risk factors was compared to that of patients without any risk factors. A total of 76 patients (46 men, 30 women; 22-91 years old) were included in this study. The average TBR of the aorta and peripheral arteries were 2.68 and 1.43, respectively, and increased with age in both locations. In regression analysis, the beta coefficients of age for TBR in the aorta and peripheral arteries were 0.55 (P<0.001) and 0.03 (P<0.001), respectively. In all age groups, the TBR of the aorta was significantly greater than that of the peripheral arteries. The Pearson correlation coefficients between the four age groups and the TBR of the aorta and peripheral arteries were 0.83 (P<0.001) and 0.75 (P<0.001), respectively. The wA-SUVmean of patients with cardiovascular risk factors was only significant (P<0.05) in the aorta. An increase in (18)F-FDG uptake was observed in the peripheral arteries and aorta with increasing age. Cardiovascular risk factors were significantly correlated with (18)F-FDG uptake in aorta. The early detection of atherosclerosis with (18)F-FDG PET may allow for the initiation of preventative interventions prior to the manifestation of significant structural abnormalities or symptoms of disease.

Chitosan/CNTs green nanocomposite membrane: synthesis, swelling and polyaromatic hydrocarbons removal.

PubMed

Bibi, Saira; Yasin, Tariq; Hassan, Safia; Riaz, Muhammad; Nawaz, Mohsan

2015-01-01

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were irradiated in air at 100 kGy under gamma radiations. The Raman spectroscopy of γ-treated CNTs showed distinctive changes in the absorption bands. The CNTs were mixed with blend of chitosan (Cs)/poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and crosslinked with silane. The chemical reactions between the components affected the position and intensities of the infrared bands. Scanning electron micrograph of Cs/CNTs nanocomposite membrane showed the homogeneous dispersion of CNTs in the polymer matrix. The addition of CNTs lowered its swelling in water. Naphthalene (NAPH) was selected as a model compound and its removal was studied using HPLC technique. This membrane showed fast uptake of NAPH and 87% was removed from water within 30 min. The NAPH loaded membrane showed strong chemical interactions and cannot be desorbed. The fast uptake of PAHs and the green nature of this membrane made them suitable candidates for clean-up purposes. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Differential effects of chronic lorazepam and alprazolam on benzodiazepine binding and GABAA-receptor function.

PubMed Central

Galpern, W. R.; Miller, L. G.; Greenblatt, D. J.; Shader, R. I.

1990-01-01

1. Chronic benzodiazepine administration has been associated with tolerance and with downregulation of gamma-aminobutyric acidA (GABAA)-receptor binding and function. However, effects of individual benzodiazepines on brain regions have varied. 2. To compare the effects of chronic lorazepam and alprazolam, we have administered these drugs to mice for 1 and 7 days (2 mg kg-1 day-1) and determined benzodiazepine receptor binding in vivo with and without administration of CL 218,872, 25 mg kg-1 i.p., and GABA-dependent chloride uptake in 3 brain regions at these time points. 3. Benzodiazepine binding was decreased in the cortex and hippocampus at day 7 compared to day 1 of lorazepam, with an increase in CL 218,872-resistant (Type 2) sites in both regions. Maximal GABA-dependent chloride uptake was also decreased in the cortex and hippocampus at day 7. 4. Binding was decreased only in the cortex after 7 days of alprazolam, with no significant change in Type 2 binding. Maximal GABA-dependent chloride uptake was also decreased only in the cortex. 5. These data suggest that the effects of chronic benzodiazepine administration on the GABAA-receptor may be both region-specific and receptor subtype-specific. PMID:1964820

Molecular Imaging of Matrix Metalloproteinase Activation to Predict Murine Aneurysm Expansion in vivo

PubMed Central

Razavian, Mahmoud; Zhang, Jiasheng; Nie, Lei; Tavakoli, Sina; Razavian, Niema; Dobrucki, Lawrence W.; Sinusas, Albert J.; Edwards, D. Scott; Azure, Michael; Sadeghi, Mehran M.

2010-01-01

Rupture and dissection are major causes of morbidity and mortality in arterial aneurysm and occur more frequently in rapidly expanding aneurysms. Current imaging modalities provide little information on aneurysm beyond size. MMP activation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of aneurysm. We investigated whether imaging matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activation in aneurysm helps predict its propensity to expansion. Methods and Results Using a model of carotid aneurysm in apolipoprotein E−/− mice we demonstrate that several MMPs are expressed with distinct temporal patterns in aneurysm. Radiotracers with specificity for activated MMPs were used to detect and quantify MMP activation by microSPECT/CT imaging in vivo. Significant focal uptake was observed in aneurysmal carotid arteries, peaking at 4 weeks after aneurysm induction. Tracer uptake was confirmed by autoradiography and gamma-well counting, and specificity was demonstrated using excess unlabeled precursor and a specific MMP inhibitor. In a group of animals imaged serially at 2 and 4 weeks after aneurysm induction, MMP tracer uptake at 2 weeks correlated well with the vessel area assessed by histology at 4 weeks. Conclusions Molecular imaging of MMP activation is a useful experimental, and potentially clinical, tool to non-invasively predict an aneurysm’s propensity to expansion in vivo. PMID:20554725

Gamma radiation induces hydrogen absorption by copper in water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lousada, Cláudio M.; Soroka, Inna L.; Yagodzinskyy, Yuriy; Tarakina, Nadezda V.; Todoshchenko, Olga; Hänninen, Hannu; Korzhavyi, Pavel A.; Jonsson, Mats

2016-04-01

One of the most intricate issues of nuclear power is the long-term safety of repositories for radioactive waste. These repositories can have an impact on future generations for a period of time orders of magnitude longer than any known civilization. Several countries have considered copper as an outer corrosion barrier for canisters containing spent nuclear fuel. Among the many processes that must be considered in the safety assessments, radiation induced processes constitute a key-component. Here we show that copper metal immersed in water uptakes considerable amounts of hydrogen when exposed to γ-radiation. Additionally we show that the amount of hydrogen absorbed by copper depends on the total dose of radiation. At a dose of 69 kGy the uptake of hydrogen by metallic copper is 7 orders of magnitude higher than when the absorption is driven by H2(g) at a pressure of 1 atm in a non-irradiated dry system. Moreover, irradiation of copper in water causes corrosion of the metal and the formation of a variety of surface cavities, nanoparticle deposits, and islands of needle-shaped crystals. Hence, radiation enhanced uptake of hydrogen by spent nuclear fuel encapsulating materials should be taken into account in the safety assessments of nuclear waste repositories.

Development of Tyrosine-Based Radiotracer 99mTc-N4-Tyrosine for Breast Cancer Imaging

PubMed Central

Kong, Fan-Lin; Ali, Mohammad S.; Rollo, Alex; Smith, Daniel L.; Zhang, Yinhan; Yu, Dong-Fang; Yang, David J.

2012-01-01

The purpose of this study was to develop an efficient way to synthesize 99mTc-O-[3-(1,4,8,11-tetraazabicyclohexadecane)-propyl]-tyrosine (99mTc-N4-Tyrosine), a novel amino acid-based radiotracer, and evaluate its potential in breast cancer gamma imaging. Precursor N4-Tyrosine was synthesized using a 5-step procedure, and its total synthesis yield was 38%. It was successfully labeled with 99mTc with high radiochemical purity (>95%). Cellular uptake of 99mTc-N4-Tyrosine was much higher than that of 99mTc-N4 and the clinical gold standard 18F-2-deoxy-2-fluoro-glucose (18F-FDG) in rat breast tumor cells in vitro. Tissue uptake and dosimetry estimation in normal rats revealed that 99mTc-N4-Tyrosine could be safely administered to humans. Evaluation in breast tumor-bearing rats showed that although 99mTc-N4-Tyrosine appeared to be inferior to 18F-FDG in distinguishing breast tumor tissue from chemical-induced inflammatory tissue, it had high tumor-to-muscle uptake ratios and could detect breast tumors clearly by planar scintigraphic imaging. 99mTc-N4-Tyrosine could thus be a useful radiotracer for use in breast tumor diagnostic imaging. PMID:22496612

Virasoro constraints and polynomial recursion for the linear Hodge integrals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Shuai; Wang, Gehao

2017-04-01

The Hodge tau-function is a generating function for the linear Hodge integrals. It is also a tau-function of the KP hierarchy. In this paper, we first present the Virasoro constraints for the Hodge tau-function in the explicit form of the Virasoro equations. The expression of our Virasoro constraints is simply a linear combination of the Virasoro operators, where the coefficients are restored from a power series for the Lambert W function. Then, using this result, we deduce a simple version of the Virasoro constraints for the linear Hodge partition function, where the coefficients are restored from the Gamma function. Finally, we establish the equivalence relation between the Virasoro constraints and polynomial recursion formula for the linear Hodge integrals.

Mathematical modeling of inhalation exposure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fiserova-Bergerova, V.

1976-01-01

The paper presents a mathematical model of inhalation exposure in which uptake, distribution and excretion are described by exponential functions, while rate constants are determined by tissue volumes, blood perfusion and by the solubility of vapors (partition coefficients). In the model, tissues are grouped into four pharmokinetic compartments. The model is used to study continuous and interrupted chronic exposures and is applied to the inhalation of Forane and methylene chloride.

Immunological studies on the structure and function of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in mammalian muscle

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

Gu, Y.

1989-01-01

The specificity of the antibodies in the serum of a patient with myasthenia gravis for a the {alpha}-bungarotoxin binding sites of the acetylcholine receptor (AChR) was examined using AChRs in the C2 mouse muscle cell line as a model. The antibodies were shown to be specific for one of the two toxin-binding sites. The effect of the antibodies in this myasthenic serum on the functional response of the receptor to cholinergic agonists was also examined using carbamylcholine-induced {sup 22}Na uptake into C2 myotubes as a measured of the receptor function. Antibodies specific for the {gamma}, {delta}, and {epsilon} subunit, respectively,more » of mammalian muscle AChRs were developed using subunit-specific synthetic peptides as antigens. Using these antibodies and monoclonal antibodies for other subunits as probes, I have identified four ({alpha}, {beta}, {gamma}, and {delta}) subunits of mammalian muscle AChRs on immunoblots. When AChRs from embryonic, neonatal, normal and denervated adult muscles were compared on immunoblots, the {alpha}, {beta}, and {delta} subunits were identical in all four receptor preparations, with or without endoglycosidase digestion. The spatial and temporal distribution of the {gamma}- and {epsilon}- AChRs in developing and in denervated muscles corresponds to the distribution of AChRs with slow and fast channels, respectively, and that the development changes in the channel properties of the receptor arise from a change in the subunit composition of the receptor, in which the {gamma} is replaced by {epsilon}.« less