Characterization of grinding wheels: An annotated Bibliography. Final report

The characteristics of grinding wheels, after both fabrication and periods of operation, have a significant effect on the processed surface and the mechanical properties of advanced ceramics. An extensive literature survey and review has been conducted to determine and catalogue the various characterization methods that have been investigated and reported. Although many of the references have addressed the grinding of metals, the historical and technical merit justify their inclusion in this bibliography. For convenience, the references have been subdivided into nine subheadings: Nondestructive examination; elasticity and stiffness; wheel hardness; topography and profilometry; observation of texture of wheel surfaces wheel wear; in process monitoring of grinding, acoustic emission, other; characteristics of ground surfaces; and miscellaneous

FACTORS IN RADIOGRAPHY AT ENERGIES BELOW 400 kvp

From 1963 American Society of Metals/Metals and Materials Show, Cleveland, Oct. 1963. 23rd National Convention of the Society for Nondestructive Testing. The factors which affect the attainment of optimum results in radiography are radiation source, specimen, filmscreen combination, film processing, and their mutual relationships. A general review is presented of radiographic practice and the effects of variations in the factors, at energies below 400 kvp, on radiographic contrast and sensitivity. (D.L.C.

Studies in nondestructive testing with potential for in-service inspection of LMFBRs

A variety of nondestructive examination techniques have been and are being developed at ORNL with potential for ISI in LMFBRs. Among these are radiographic techniques for radiation environment and image enhancement, advanced eddy-current techniques and equipment for flaw detection and thickness measurement and ISI of steam generator tubing, and ultrasonic methods for quantitative flaw evaluation using frequency-analysis and bore-side ultrasonic techniques for steam generator tubing. Further developments should result in positive application to ISI

STUDIES IN CONTACT MICRORADIOGRAPHY

Recent developments in techniques for low-voltage radiography have found application for the examination and evaluation of minute details in small or thin specimens. Utilization of x-ray tubes and helium chambers with thin windows for maximum transmission of soft x rays and bare film with dark-room exposure techniques have allowed very high contrast radiographs to be produced on low-contrast materials. These conditions, coupled with very high resolution photographic emulsion detectors, have resulted in the observation of detail approximately 1 {micron} in size. Useful examination of the plates and subsequent reproductions have been made at magnifications as high as 500X. This contact system offers the advantage of evaluation of a relatively large area, as compared to the restricted field of observation of projection microradiography. Included among the subjects have been graphite-coated UC{sub 2} particles, graphite, beryllium, paper, and other organic specimens

Development of Nondestructive Tests for the Experimental Gas-Cooled Reactor Fuel Element

The Title I design fuel assembly and each of its components for the Experimental Gas-cooled Reactor are described. The development of the specific nondestructive testing techniques for the evaluation of the components and the fabricated fuel capsule is presented. These techniques include penetrants, pulse- echo and resonance ultrasonics, radiography, eddy-currents, helium leak testing, and others. Discussion is made on the capabilities and limitations of these techniques for the specific inspection problems and reasons presented for the selection of the inspection requirements. (auth

Vitamin D status in female military personnel during combat training

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for maintaining bone health. Recent data suggest that vitamin D and calcium supplementation might affect stress fracture incidence in military personnel. Although stress fracture is a health risk for military personnel during training, no study has investigated changes in vitamin D status in Soldiers during United States (US) Army basic combat training (BCT). This longitudinal study aimed to determine the effects of BCT on 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels in female Soldiers. Serum 25(OH)D and PTH were assessed in 74 fasted Soldier volunteers before and after an 8-week BCT course conducted between August and October in Columbia, South Carolina. In the total study population, 25(OH)D levels decreased (mean ± SD) from 72.9 ± 30.0 to 63.3 ± 19.8 nmol/L (P < 0.05) and PTH levels increased from 36.2 ± 15.8 to 47.5 ± 21.2 pg/mL (P < 0.05) during BCT. Ethnicity affected changes in vitamin D status (ethnicity-by-time interaction, P < 0.05); 25(OH)D decreased (P < 0.05) in both Hispanic and non-Hispanic whites, but did not change in non-Hispanic blacks. Ethnicity did not affect BCT-induced changes in PTH. These data indicate that vitamin D status in female Soldiers may decline during military training in the late summer and early autumn months in the Southeastern US. Future studies should strive to determine the impact of military clothing and seasonality on vitamin D status, as well as the functional impact of declining vitamin D status on bone health

Odanacatib for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis: Development history and design and participant characteristics of LoFT, the Long-term odanacatib Fracture Trial

Summary: Odanacatib is a cathepsin K inhibitor investigated for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Phase 2 data indicate that 50 mg once weekly inhibits bone resorption and increases bone mineral density, with only a transient decrease in bone formation. We describe the background, design and participant characteristics for the phase 3 registration trial. Introduction: Odanacatib (ODN) is a selective cathepsin K inhibitor being evaluated for the treatment of osteoporosis. In a phase 2 trial, ODN 50 mg once weekly reduced bone resorption while preserving bone formation and progressively increased BMD over 5 years. We describe the phase III Long-Term ODN Fracture Trial (LOFT), an event-driven, randomized, blinded placebo-controlled trial, with preplanned interim analyses to permit early termination if significant fracture risk reduction was demonstrated. An extension was planned, with participants remaining on their randomized treatment for up to 5 years, then transitioning to open-label ODN. Methods: The three primary outcomes were radiologically determined vertebral, hip, and clinical non-vertebral fractures. Secondary end points included clinical vertebral fractures, BMD, bone turnover markers, and safety and tolerability, including bone histology. Participants were women, 65 years or older, with a BMD T-score ≤−2.5 at the total hip (TH) or femoral neck (FN) or with a prior radiographic vertebral fracture and a T-score ≤−1.5 at the TH or FN. They were randomized to ODN or placebo tablets. All received weekly vitamin D3 (5600 international units (IU)) and daily calcium supplements as needed to ensure a daily intake of approximately 1200 mg. Results: Altogether, 16,713 participants were randomized at 387 centers. After a planned interim analysis, an independent data monitoring committee recommended that the study be stopped early due to robust efficacy and a favorable benefit/risk profile. Following the base study closeout, 8256 participants entered the study extension. Conclusions: This report details the background and study design of this fracture end point trial and describes the baseline characteristics of its participants