bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Environmental Damage Liability Regimes Concerning Oil Spills - A Global Review and Comparison
Authors: Goldsmith Barbara J. , Waikem Tara K. , Franey Tara
Published: August 2014

Recently, there have been a number of key developments related to oil spill-related liability worldwide. These developments include: the recent expansion of damages under the European Union Environmental Liability Directive to all marine water; proposed changes to the Canadian offshore oil legislation that would allow for the specific recovery of environmental damages; implementation of US legislation which directs recovered funds from an oil spill to be used in the affected area; and more. This paper will identify and describe the various environmental liability regimes in different regions of the world which contain requirements for the restoration of natural resources affected by these incidents. The paper also will highlight similarities and differences among these regimes, as well as some of the synergies in actual practice. In addition, and to the extent possible, the paper will provide some of the lessons learned and best practices relative to the determining environmental damage liability under the different regimes.
Optimizing the value of near misses in wildlife response preparedness: The Kulluk Incident
Authors: Clumpner Curt , Callahan Barbara
Published: August 2014

Mitigating the impact of an oil spill on wildlife is one of the stated priorities in nearly every oil spill. Wildlife in some way is regularly included in drills and exercises in many places around the world. While planning, training, and exercising are critical to wildlife preparedness, responders know that nothing compares to real world experience. In many spills and near miss situations, the Wildlife Branch is not activated until after there are documented wildlife impacts. Most incident management teams will only bring in professional oiled wildlife responders when oiling of wildlife has occurred or is imminent. During the December 2013 response to the Kulluk Tow Incident, a small Wildlife Branch was activated as an integral part of the Incident Command structure put in place. The Wildlife Branch proceeded to provide a detailed plan for an active response, if one was needed. Over the next week, while the rig grounded, refloated and finally towed to a place of refuge, the Wildlife Branch, working with the Environmental Unit, developed a wildlife plan that identified the resources at risk, the wildlife response options and the personnel, equipment and facilities that would be needed if oil were to be released. The Alaska Wildlife Response Center was prepared for activation, wildlife responder's availability, and travel time was documented and incident specific equipment gaps were identified and sourced. Additionally, specific incident plans were developed for hazing (bird deterrence), solid waste and wastewater that stood ready for implementation. While Alaska has a robust preparedness and exercise program, the quick decision by Shell and the Unified Command to ensure wildlife response was in place, if needed, provided a real test of the oiled wildlife response system with all the problems, challenges and changing parameters of a real event. It added real value by showing the public and trustees the importance that was placed on wildlife protection as well as by increasing integration, confidence and teamwork in the Alaskan response community.
A Collaborative Effort to Define the Application, Approval, and Monitoring Process for Subsea Dispersant Use
Authors: Coelho Gina , Drieu Michael , Staves James , Twomey Patrick , Walker Samuel
Published: August 2014

Since the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) well control incident in 2010, oil and gas operators have worked diligently with Federal and State government officials and source control management organizations to develop equipment, operating procedures, monitoring plans and new technologies to support subsea dispersant operations. Many drilling permits in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico include a subsea dispersant injection capability in their oil spill response contingency plans. These contingency plans are frequently tested during command post or functional exercises to demonstrate preparedness.

A critical step in this type of well control event is requesting governmental approval for subsea dispersant use. Although several years have elapsed since the DWH incident, the use of subsea dispersants has not been formally approved during an exercise despite industry demonstrating the capability of implementing subsea dispersant operations. The API D3 Joint Industry Task Force (JITF) Subsea Dispersant project has worked with Clean Gulf Associates, Marine Well Containment Company (MWCC), Helix Well Control Group (HWCG) and both Gulf Regional Response Teams to develop and improve the API recommended model subsea dispersant monitoring plan, and standardized documents that can be used for requesting RRT concurrence for subsea dispersant use. As these documents have evolved in response to lessons learned from industry led exercises over the last three years, the API D3 JITF has also worked to identify and test emerging monitoring technologies available to support subsea dispersant use. Recent advancements include the new LISST-DEEP instrument for in situ droplet size analysis at depth and pressure, and improvements to optical dissolved oxygen probe technology.

The Region VI Regional Response Team (RRT) has also begun a process to improve clarity on approval request procedures, and has tasked its Industry Work Group (IWG) with developing standardized forms and documents that could be used to request RRT concurrence with subsea dispersant use decisions. The IWG will coordinate with the API D3 JITF in developing those products. This paper will discuss the results of those efforts and present a recommended RRT concurrence request submittal package, which will include the API recommended model subsea dispersant monitoring plan, monitoring equipment recommendations, and operational plans with injection equipment recommendations.
A Field Evaluation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems for Oil Spill Response
Authors: Parscal Brian , Ziska Matt , Williams Jeff
Published: August 2014

A key component of any oil spill response operation is the ability to identify and describe the characteristics of the spill and ultimately direct the resources necessary for clean up. Currently, this task is primarily performed by trained personnel in manned aircraft. With the recent advances in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) it may be possible to obtain the same high quality field reports and provide detailed guidance for surface assets without the high cost and risk associated with manned flight.

In early March 2013 a group of interested parties convened in Astoria, Oregon to evaluate the feasibility of using a UAS as an observation, documentation, and control platform in an oil spill response environment. The test was conducted over three days and included participants from Chevron Shipping, AeroVironment, University of Alaska, and a wide variety of Oil Spill Response organizations. Operations were based out of the Clatsop Community College MERTS campus near Astoria, Oregon with flight operations conducted from a 34 ft vessel near Rice Island and Grassy Island on the lower Columbia River.

The investigative team included a trained oil spill Aerial Observer, a UAS Technical Team, and an Oil Industry Environmental Compliance Manager. The primary goal of the test was to evaluate the feasibility of UAS technology as an oil spill response tool. The exercise not only provided an opportunity for the Oil Spill Response community to evaluate first-hand the technical and operational capabilities of the Unmanned Aircraft System, but it also helped introduce the UAS industry to the requirements and expectations of the Oil Spill Response community.
Studies in support of the regulation of dispersant use in the Kazakhstan Sector of the Caspian Sea (KSCS)
Authors: Kulekeyev Zh. A. , Nurtayeva G.Kh. , Mustafin E.S. , Pudov A. M. , Zharikessov Gani , Taylor Peter , Taylor Peter Mark , Lewis Alun
Published: August 2014

The use of oil spill dispersants is often regulated by national authorities to ensure that products approved for use as dispersants on spilled oil in national waters are of reasonable effectiveness and of low inherent toxicity. KING (Kazakh Institute of Oil & Gas) undertook a study to assess the use of oil spill dispersants on spilled oils in the Kazakhstan sector of the Caspian Sea (KSCS) to support decision-making for such regulations in the RoK (Republic of Kazakhstan).

The KSCS has some characteristics that are unlike open ocean conditions in other parts of the world; the salinity is much lower than in the open sea. The shallow waters of the northern Caspian Sea have very low salinity (9 psu (practical salinity units) or less) due to the inflow of freshwater from the River Volga, and are frozen in winter. The deeper water in the southern part of the KSCS has a salinity of up to 14 psu. The effectiveness of oil spill dispersants is known to be affected by water salinity.

Different countries around the world have developed different test methods to assess dispersant effectiveness. The project examined the options and decided to modify the WSL (Warren Spring Laboratory) LR 448 dispersant effectiveness test method, as used in the UK. The method was adapted by KING and testing was conducted by Karaganda State University (KSU) to test a variety of dispersants under Caspian Sea conditions. Dispersant effectiveness testing should be conducted with a test oil that is representative of oils that might be spilled in the area being considered. Kashagan crude oil was distilled to 200°C to simulate the evaporative loss that would occur shortly after the oil was spilled at sea and the residue used as the test oil in the dispersant effectiveness testing.

Several commercially-available dispersants were tested using the modified LR 448 method with the 200°C+ Kashagan test oil under a variety of conditions with salinities ranging from 0 psu to 35 psu and at temperatures of 5°C and 25°C. The results indicate that some internationally recognized dispersants could be suitable for use in the KSCS.
Long-Term Fate and Persistence of Oil from the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill: Lessons Learned or History Repeated?
Authors: Boehm Paul D. , Page David S. , Brown John S. , Neff Jerry M. , Gundlach Erich
Published: August 2014

For over 20 years, scientists have studied the shorelines of Prince William Sound (PWS) to understand the distribution, fate, persistence, and bioavailability of Exxon Valdez oil residues that stranded on the shore in 1989. Shoreline surveys in 1989 found that approximately 783 km (16%) of the 4,800 km of the shoreline in PWS, Alaska, and another 1,300 km (13%) of the roughly 10,000 km of shoreline in the western Gulf of Alaska were oiled to varying degrees. The remaining buried subsurface oil (SSO) has been observed on the shorelines in the middle and upper tide zones of a small fraction of the shores where it was originally documented in 1991. Few locations remain with any significant SSO, but the presence of these SSO residues (SSORs) continues to support the hypothesis of continuing harm to wildlife. Our most recent surveys, from 2007–2009, found SSOR in only isolated patches on a very small percentage of shoreline. They were sequestered and largely isolated from the natural weathering processes that would result in their complete and rapid removal. The SSORs are highly weathered and are not accessible or bioavailable to wildlife that forage on the shore. These findings confirm the lessons learned from all previous crude oil spills: 1) weathered SSOR can be sequestered for decades in intertidal sediments at locations where the subsurface water flow required for erosion, dissolution, and biodegradation of the oil is low 2) sequestration limits the exposure of biota to the potentially harmful fractions of the SSO.
Twenty-Four Years of Social Science Research on the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill: Sociocultural and Psychosocial Impacts in a Commercial Fishing Community
Authors: Gill Duane A. , Picou J. Steven , Ritchie Liesel A.
Published: August 2014

Our paper provides a comprehensive overview of research findings from a unique series of studies examining human impacts of the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill (EVOS). Our focused on Cordova, Alaska—considered ‘ground zero’ for sociocultural and psychosocial impacts from this disaster. During the past 24 years, we used and developed a variety of theoretical and conceptual approaches to frame evolving issues and employed both quantitative and qualitative methodological designs. We used ecological-symbolic theory and the renewable resource community (RRC) concept to frame community, group, and individual responses to this environmental disaster. We also employed social capital theory, the Conservation of Resources (COR) stress model, and key concepts such as recreancy, collective stress, and secondary trauma to explain observed chronic impacts. Findings reveal sociocultural disruption and psychosocial stress and the critical role protracted litigation and prolonged ecological damage had for maintaining community and mental health problems for over two decades. Quantitative data are supported by rich, descriptive qualitative data to deepen the understanding of human impacts. Our discussion summarizes major findings on psychosocial stress and sociocultural disruptions. We note how disruption and stress changed over time, reaching their lowest levels five years after the resolution of litigation, but nonetheless still evident due to a lack of recovery of key ecological resources. Finally, we discuss how these findings can be applied to better understand and mitigate social impacts of future oil spill disasters.
Lessons learned from Offloading Oil from Potentially Polluting Ship Wrecks from World War II in Norwegian Waters.
Authors: Bergstrøm Rune
Published: August 2014

Norway has more than 2100 ship wrecks within its territorial waters. They have been classified according to their pollution potential, both from cargo and bunker oils. Most concern has been paid to World War II wrecks with large amounts of bunker oil or oil tankers. 30 high risk wrecks have been monitored since 1993, with concern about corrosion and oil leakage. New knowledge on corrosion status and toxicity of different oil types has radically changed the priority list for which ships will be handled first. The Norwegian Coastal Administration, has conducted oil recovery from eight of these ships (30 – 150 meters depth). The amount of oil had been estimated on all ships based mainly on ships' papers, eyewitnesses to the incident and known damage to ships (hits by bombs, torpedoes, etc).

We have tested different oils for their environmental effects to marine organisms. We have also tested for operational purposes in case we have to handle large amounts of oil after a sudden collapse of one or more tanks. The very high toxicity effects on marine environments from some German oils (coal based) compared to British oils (mineral oils) is important new information that will alter the priority list for oil recovery from World War II ships. The methods for hot tapping have also been developed and refined during the different operations. This brings the time and cost of each operation down significantly. The use of highly experienced personnel and standardized equipment from the off-shore oil industry contributes to the same.
Modeling Subsurface Dispersant Applications for Response Planning and Preparation
Authors: Crowley Deborah , Mendelsohn Daniel , Mulanaphy Nicole Whittier , Li Zhengkai , Spaulding Malcolm
Published: August 2014

The increase in oil and gas development activity at increasing water depths has highlighted the need for modeling tools to evaluate the unique aspects of accidental deepwater releases, one aspect being the need to assess the impact of subsurface dispersant application to a deepwater blowout. In response to this need, the effect of subsurface dispersant application has been implemented within RPS ASA's blowout model OILMAPDeep. OILMAPDeep was developed to simulate deepwater blowout releases; it predicts the evolution and characteristics of the subsurface plume and estimates the oil droplet size distribution associated with the release. The droplet size distribution dictates the vertical transport of oil within the water column, and impacts the relative volume anticipated to either surface or remain trapped in the water column. Droplet sizes are primarily a function of the energy of the release and the oil-water interfacial tension. The energy of the release is characterized by a reference velocity, typically the exit velocity, and the oil-water interfacial tension as a function of the oil properties. Dispersants mixed with oil reduce the oil-water interfacial tension, which in turn reduces the droplet sizes associated with treated releases serving to delay or eliminate surfacing oil. The present model implementation takes advantage of recent studies that have quantitatively assessed the relationship between the dispersant to oil ratio and surface tension.

Here we present a background of the OILMAPDeep module, the governing physical processes of droplet formation, and the relationship between dispersant-to-oil ratio (DOR) and droplet size formation as characterized in the model. A description of the model implementation including model inputs and outputs are provided. Furthermore a set of scenarios are presented that demonstrate the model's capabilities for planning and preparing response activities in the event of a potential oil well blowout. This paper shows how the implementation of subsurface dispersant application within OILMAPDeep provides an effective means of evaluating potential response activities associated with subsurface dispersant application to a deepwater blowout. This includes evaluating the effect of subsurface dispersant application on droplet size distribution, and the ultimate impact on the timing, location and the relative volume of surfacing oil.
Modification of NOAA's National Guidelines for Oiled Marine Mammal Response as a Consequence of the Macondo/Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill
Authors: Ziccardi Michael , Wilkin Sarah , Rowles Teresa
Published: August 2014

The Macondo/Deepwater Horizon response was the United States' first Spill of National Significance and, as such, had significant challenges over a “normal” oil spill response effort. One complex issue in this response was the potential for a large numbers of cetaceans (dolphins and whales), manatees, and sea turtles to be impacted by the oil, as these animals were abundant in the area of oil and at great risk because of their life history, including large amounts of time spent at the surface. To address this risk and provide for response for these species, the Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle (MMST) Group within the Wildlife Branch officially became operational on April 30, 2010, enhancing the operations of the pre-existing marine mammal and sea turtle stranding response network in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Throughout the response, the Group used previously-developed National Guidelines for Oiled Marine Mammal Response, drafted in 2005, to help focus animal collection and care activities in the field as well as within established facilities and to direct collection of samples and data for assessment of the impacts of the spill, with potential use by resource trustees in criminal and civil litigation. While having pre-existing, reviewed and approved protocols to refer to greatly improved response efficiency, significant gaps became apparent in this protocol document due to the challenges associated with coordination across such a complex response and the lack of previous knowledge on how oil can affect the species impacted. Since the conclusion of the MMST effort, NOAA and associated experts have revised and updated this document to institute a more robust command-and-control system within the Wildlife Branch, to better delineate roles and responsibilities for personnel involved in future oiled marine mammal responses, and to provide more detailed information to allow local regions to better prepare for recovering and caring for pinnipeds and cetaceans should they be affected. This paper will detail these changes to this aspect of the Wildlife Branch, and provide attendees a better appreciation for what readiness and training marine mammal responders will be striving towards for future responses.
The impact of inflammatory lipid mediators on colon cancer‐initiating cells
Authors: Bellamkonda Kishan , Sime Wondossen , Sjölander Anita
Published: August 2014

The role of inflammatory lipid‐mediators in tumor progression is well recognized in colorectal cancer; however, if this includes promotion of cancer‐initiating cells remains unclear. We show that the inflammatory lipid‐mediators leukotriene D4 and prostaglandin E2 increased the Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH+) population, the colony formation capacity, and tumor growth in a xenograft model of colon cancer. The ALDH+ cells showed significant resistance to irradiation and 5‐fluorouracil treatment that could be further augmented by these lipid‐mediators, occurring in parallel with increased target gene expression. Our data emphasize a role for tumor microenvironment derived inflammatory lipid‐mediators to favor cancer stem cells‐like characteristics and thus promote tumor progression. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The history of calculus mendax and the following surgery on the prostate
Authors: Szarszewski Adam , Gulczyński Jacek
Published: August 2014

In this paper we would like to present probably the first surgery performed on the prostate gland followed by microscopic analysis of the obtained tumor tissue sample. We based on the existing correspondence between Ludwig von Hammen and Johann N. Pechlin, and their successors in this field as well. Von Hammen seems to be a pioneer in the area of not only urological surgery but in directing this part of medical practice from “lithotomists” to physicians, much better educated than barbers in physiology but first of all in anatomy. This 17th century physician from Gdansk tried to set new standards both for surgical medical practice but histopathological examination of the excised material as well. Due to the change of the operational skills and procedures von Hammen's work got almost forgotten, but remains remembered due to the work of historians of the medicine from following centuries. Prostate 74:1465–1470, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Serenoa repens, lycopene and selenium versus tamsulosin for the treatment of LUTS/BPH. An Italian multicenter double‐blinded randomized study between single or combination therapy (PROCOMB trial)
Authors: Morgia Giuseppe , Russo Giorgio I. , Voce Salvatore , Palmieri Fabiano , Gentile Marcello , Giannantoni Antonella , Blefari Franco , Carini Marco , Minervini Andrea , Ginepri Andrea , Salvia Giuseppe , Vespasiani Giuseppe , Santelli Giorgio , Cimino Sebastiano , Allegro Rosalinda , Collura Zaira , Fragalà Eugenia , Arnone Salvatore , Pareo Rosaria M.
Published: August 2014

BACKGROUND

Phytotherapy has been used to treat patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). We evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of combination therapy between Serenoa Repens (SeR), Lycopene (Ly), and Selenium (Se) + tamsulosin versus single therapies.

METHODS

PROCOMB trial (ISRCTN78639965) was a randomized double‐blinded, double‐dummy multicenter study of 225 patients between 55 and 80 years old, PSA ≤ 4 ng/ml, IPSS ≥12, prostate volume ≤60 cc, Qmax ≤15 ml/sec, postvoid residual urine (PVR) <150 ml. Participants were randomized group A (SeR‐Se‐Ly), group B (tamsulosin 0.4 mg), group C (SeR‐Se‐Ly + tamsulosin 0.4 mg). The primary endpoints of the study were the reduction of IPSS, PVR, and increase of Qmax in group C versus monotherapy groups.

RESULTS

The decrease for combination therapy was significantly greater versus group A (P < 0.05) and group B (P < 0.01) for IPSS and versus group A (P < 0.01) for PVR from baseline to 6 months. A greater decrease in IPSS was observed for Group C versus group A (P < 0.01) and increase in Qmax versus group B (P < 0.01), from 6 months to 12 months. At one year, the changes of IPSS and Qmax were greater for Group C versus monotherapies (each comparison <0.05). The proportions of men with a decrease of at least three points (each comparison P < 0.05) and decrease of 25% for IPSS (each comparison P < 0.01) were greater for Group C.

CONCLUSION

SeR‐Se‐Ly + tamsulosin therapy is more effective than single therapies in improving IPSS and increasing Qmax in patients with LUTS. Prostate 74:1471–1480, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Abrogation of radioresistance in glioblastoma stem‐like cells by inhibition of ATM kinase
Authors: Carruthers Ross , Ahmed Shafiq U. , Strathdee Karen , Gomez-Roman Natividad , Amoah-Buahin Evelyn , Watts Colin , Chalmers Anthony J.
Published: August 2014

Resistance to radiotherapy in glioblastoma (GBM) is an important clinical problem and several authors have attributed this to a subpopulation of GBM cancer stem cells (CSCs) which may be responsible for tumour recurrence following treatment. It is hypothesised that GBM CSCs exhibit upregulated DNA damage responses and are resistant to radiation but the current literature is conflicting. We investigated radioresistance of primary GBM cells grown in stem cell conditions (CSC) compared to paired differentiated tumour cell populations and explored the radiosensitising effects of the ATM inhibitor KU‐55933.

We report that GBM CSCs are radioresistant compared to paired differentiated tumour cells as measured by clonogenic assay. GBM CSC's display upregulated phosphorylated DNA damage response proteins and enhanced activation of the G2/M checkpoint following irradiation and repair DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) more efficiently than their differentiated tumour cell counterparts following radiation.

Inhibition of ATM kinase by KU‐55933 produced potent radiosensitisation of GBM CSCs (sensitiser enhancement ratios 2.6–3.5) and effectively abrogated the enhanced DSB repair proficiency observed in GBM CSCs at 24 h post irradiation. G2/M checkpoint activation was reduced but not abolished by KU‐55933 in GBM CSCs.

ATM kinase inhibition overcomes radioresistance of GBM CSCs and, in combination with conventional therapy, has potential to improve outcomes for patients with GBM.
2-Cyanobenzoic Acids: Tautomeric Equilibria Study
Authors: Iglesias Dacio Adhemar , Ruiz Danila Luján , Allegretti Patricia Ercilia
Published: August 2014

Evidence of ring–chain tautomerism in the gas phase from mass spectrometry and in solution determined by means of 1H NMR and 13C NMR is reported for 2-cyanobenzoic acids. The analysis of the corresponding spectra has allowed specific assignment of fragment ions to tautomers. The predictive value of this methodology is supported by the influence of the substitution pattern of these compounds on this equilibrium.
Comparative analysis of operation strategies in schedule design for a fixed bus route
Authors: Wu Yinghui , Tang Jiafu , Luo Xinggang
Published: August 2014

This paper proposes a general model for the bus route schedule design (BRSD) problem considering the uncertainty in the bus travel times to minimize the expected total schedule deviation from a reliability standpoint. The preferences of bus operators are considered in the objective function. Based on the general model, four stochastic linear programming models are subsequently developed by successively incorporating different operation strategies; they include (1) no control strategy (NCS), (2) bus drivers’ schedule recovery (DSR), (3) holding control strategy (HCS), and (4) both DSR and HCS (BRHS). Then, a Monte Carlo simulation based solution method is designed to solve these four models, respectively. Finally, numerical tests based on a real bus route are used for a comparative analysis of different operation strategies used in the BRSD. The results show that HCS and BRHS outperform other operation strategies in terms of the schedule deviation of the buses. Interestingly, HCS performs slightly better than BRHS when bus operators assume that later arrival at scheduled point is more harmful than earlier arrival. Compared to NCS, HCS can save objective function approximately 67.9% in all cases. In addition, operation strategies that could better fit a particular scenario are suggested.
Multiattribute decision making based on intuitionistic fuzzy interaction average operators: a comparison
Authors: Yu Dejian
Published: August 2014

This paper proposes a new family of intuitionistic fuzzy information aggregation operators for multiattribute decision making. Such aggregate operators provide an excellent complement to the existing ones. In this study, comparison with existing intuitionistic fuzzy aggregation operators is presented in detail. Properties and special cases of the proposed operators are investigated. Finally, we introduce an approach to intuitionistic fuzzy multiattribute decision making. An example of the recruitment of intern candidates is illustrated to show the feasibility and superiority of the proposed method.
A two dimensional silicon detectors array for quality assurance in stereotactic radiotherapy: MagicPlate‐512
Authors: Aldosari A. H. , Petasecca M. , Espinoza A. , Newall M. , Fuduli I. , Porumb C. , Alshaikh S. , Alrowaili Z. A. , Weaver M. , Metcalfe P. , Carolan M. , Lerch M. L. F. , Perevertaylo V. , Rosenfeld A. B.
Published: August 2014

Purpose:

Silicon diode arrays are commonly implemented in radiation therapy quality assurance applications as they have a number of advantages including: real time operation (compared to the film) and high spatial resolution, large dynamic range and small size (compared to ionizing chambers). Most diode arrays have detector pitch that is too coarse for routine use in small field applications. The goal of this work is to characterize the two‐dimensional monolithic silicon diode array named “MagicPlate‐512” (MP512) designed for QA in stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and stereotactic radio surgery (SRS).

Methods:

MP512 is a silicon monolithic detector manufactured on ap‐type substrate. An array contains of 512 pixels with size 0.5 × 0.5 mm2 and pitch 2 mm with an overall dimension of 52 × 52 mm2. The MP512 monolithic detector is wire bonded on a printed circuit board 0.5 mm thick and covered by a thin layer of raisin to preserve the silicon detector from moisture and chemical contamination and to protect the bonding wires. Characterization of the silicon monolithic diode array response was performed, and included pixels response uniformity, dose linearity, percent depth dose, output factor, and beam profiling for beam sizes relevant to SBRT and SRS and depth dose response in comparison with ionization chamber.

Results:

MP512 shows a good dose linearity (R2 = 0.998) and repeatability within 0.2%. The measured depth dose response for field size of 10 × 10 cm2 agreed to within 1.3%, when compared to a CC13 ionization chamber for depths in PMMA up to 30 cm. The output factor of a 6 MV Varian 2100EX medical linac beam measured by MP512 at the isocenter agrees to within 2% when compared to PTW diamond, Scanditronix point EDD‐2 diode and MOSkin detectors for field sizes down to 1 × 1 cm2. An over response of 4% was observed for square beam size smaller than 1 cm when compared to EBT3 films, while the beam profiles (FWHM) of MP512 match to within 2% the data measured by radiochromic film.

Conclusions:

The response of the 2D detector array, MP512, has been evaluated. The properties of the array demonstrated suitability for use as in phantom dosimeter for QA in SRS and SBRT. Although MP512 matches film measurements down to 1 × 1 cm2 well, it showed a discrepancy of 4% in the determination of output factors of beams smaller than 0.5 × 0.5 cm2 due to the field perturbation generated by the large amount of silicon surrounding the central diode. MP512 is highly capable of measuring beam size (FWHM) and has a discrepancy of less than 1.3% when compared to EBT3 film. A reduction in the detector pitch to less than 2 mm would improve the penumbra reconstruction accuracy at the cost readout electronics complexity.
Closed Shortest Path in the Original Coordinates with an Application to Breast Cancer
Authors: Cardoso Jaime S. , Domingues Inês , Oliveira Hélder P.
Published: August 2014

Breast cancer is one of the most mediated malignant diseases, because of its high incidence and prevalence, but principally due to its physical and psychological invasiveness. The study of this disease using computer science tools resorts often to the image segmentation operation. Image segmentation, although having been extensively studied, is still an open problem. Shortest path algorithms are extensively used to tackle this problem. There are, however, applications where the starting and ending positions of the shortest path need to be constrained, defining a closed contour enclosing a previously detected seed. Mass and calcification segmentation in mammograms and areola segmentation in digital images are two particular examples of interest within the field of breast cancer research. Usually the closed contour computation is addressed by transforming the image into polar coordinates, where the closed contour is transformed into an open contour between two opposite margins. In this work, after illustrating some of the limitations of this approach, we show how to compute the closed contour in the original coordinate space. After defining a directed acyclic graph appropriate for this task, we address the main difficulty in operating in the original coordinate space. Since small paths collapsing in the seed point are naturally favored, we modulate the cost of the edges to counterbalance this bias. A thorough evaluation is conducted with datasets from the breast cancer field. The algorithm is shown to be fast and reliable and suffers no loss in resolution.
Preparation and catalytic application of Mn(III)-porphyrin based micro sized porous coordination polymers
Authors: Kim Sundol , Lee Kyung Yeon , Lee Young Sun , Jang Ho Gyeom , Lee Jung Kyoo , Lee Suk Joong
Published: August 2014

We developed a series of micro-sized porous coordination polymers from Mn ( III )-porphyrin biscarboxylate and In ( III ) whose morphologies were systematically modulated by the addition of adequate amount of water. Regardless of a wide range of morphology distribution, they are isostructural, confirmed by the identical PXRD patterns. Furthermore, their use as heterogeneous catalysts for the olefin oxidations has been successfully demonstrated. Specially, their catalyst stability, lifetime and re-usability were dramatically improved, suggesting that the incorporation of active catalyst into coordination polymer supports inhibited successfully the degradation of catalysts.
Macrophage P2X7 Receptor Function Is Reduced during Schistosomiasis: Putative Role of TGF-β1
Authors: Oliveira Suellen D’arc Santos , Nanini Hayandra Ferreira , Savio Luiz Eduardo Baggio , Waghabi Mariana Caldas , Silva Claudia Lucia Martins , Coutinho-Silva Robson
Published: August 2014

Schistosomiasis is a chronic inflammatory disease whose macrophages are involved in immunopathology modulation. Although P2X7 receptor signaling plays an important role in inflammatory responses mediated by macrophages, no reports have examined the role of P2X7 receptors in macrophage function during schistosomiasis. Thus, we evaluated P2X7 receptor function in peritoneal macrophages during schistosomiasis using an ATP-induced permeabilization assay and measurements of the intracellular Ca2+concentration. ATP treatment induced significantly less permeabilization in macrophages fromS. mansoni-infected mice than in control cells from uninfected animals. Furthermore, P2X7-mediated increases in intracellular Ca2+levels were also reduced in macrophages from infected mice. TGF-β1 levels were increased in the peritoneal cavity of infected animals, and pretreatment of control macrophages with TGF-β1 reduced ATP-induced permeabilization, mimicking the effect ofS. mansoniinfection. Western blot and qRT-PCR data showed no difference in P2X7 protein and mRNA between uninfected, infected, and TGF-β1-treated groups. However, immunofluorescence analysis revealed reduced cell surface localization of P2X7 receptors in macrophages from infected and TGF-β1-treated mice compared to controls. Therefore, our data suggest that schistosomiasis reduces peritoneal macrophage P2X7 receptor signaling. This effect is likely due to the fact that infected mice have increased levels of TGF-β1, which reduces P2X7 receptor cell surface expression.
An Improved Matlab-Simulink Model of PV Module considering Ambient Conditions
Authors: Ayaz R. , Nakir I. , Tanrioven M.
Published: August 2014

A photovoltaic (PV) model is proposed on Matlab/Simulink environment considering the real atmospheric conditions and this PV model is tested with different PV panels technologies (monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon, and thin film). The meteorological data of Istanbul—the location of the study—such as irradiance, cell temperature, and wind speed are taken into account in the proposed model for each technology. Eventually, the power outputs of the PV module under real atmospheric conditions are measured for resistive loading and these powers are compared with the results of proposed PV model. As a result of the comparison, it is shown that the proposed model is more compatible for monocrystal silicon and thin-film modules; however, it does not show a good correlation with polycrystalline silicon PV module.
Weighted Cache Location Problem with Identical Servers
Authors: Wang Hongfa , Ding Wei
Published: August 2014

This paper extends the well-knownp-CLP with one server top-CLP withm≥2identical servers, denoted by(p,m)-CLP. We propose the closest server orienting protocol (CSOP), under which every client connects to the closest server to itself via a shortest route on given network. We abbreviate(p,m)-CLP under CSOP to(p,m)-CSOP CLP and investigate that(p,m)-CSOP CLP on a general network is equivalent to that on a forest and further to multiple CLPs on trees. The case ofm=2is the focus of this paper. We first devise an improvedO(ph2+n)-time parallel exact algorithm forp-CLP on a tree and then present a parallel exact algorithm with at mostO((4/9)p2n2)time in the worst case for(p,2)-CSOP CLP on a general network. Furthermore, we extend the idea of parallel algorithm to the cases ofm>2to obtain a worst-caseO((4/9)(n-m)2((m+p)p/p-1!))-time exact algorithm. At the end of the paper, we first give an example to illustrate our algorithms and then make a series of numerical experiments to compare the running times of our algorithms.
Synthesis and Biological Activities of Some Novel (E)-Alpha-(methoxyimino)benzeneacetate Derivatives with Modified 1,2,4-Triazole Moiety
Authors: Wang Xianyou , Wang Hua , Chen Peiyun , Pang Yanping , Zhao Zhilei , Wu Guangchen
Published: August 2014

To find new strobilurin analogues with high activity against resistant pathogens, a series of (E)-α-(methoxyimino)benzeneacetate derivatives containing 1,2,4-triazole Schiff base side chain were designed and synthesized. Their structures were confirmed by IR,1H NMR, and13C NMR, ESI-HRMS, or elemental analyses. Bioassays indicated that most of the target compounds showed moderate to good fungicidal activities againstRhizoctonia solani,Botrytis cinerea Pers.,Fusarium graminearum,Cotton rhizoctoniosis, andBlumeria graminis. For example, compounds6gand6jexhibited promising antifungal activity againstRhizoctonia solani,Botrytis cinerea Pers.,andFusarium graminearum. Compounds6c,6l, and6mhad higher fungicidal activities againstBlumeria graminisat the concentration of 50 µg/mL; inhibitory rate is 91.41%, 92.13%, and 91.77%, respectively.
Reactive Power Control of Single-Stage Three-Phase Photovoltaic System during Grid Faults Using Recurrent Fuzzy Cerebellar Model Articulation Neural Network
Authors: Lin Faa-Jeng , Lu Kuang-Chin , Lee Hsuan-Yu
Published: August 2014

This study presents a new active and reactive power control scheme for a single-stage three-phase grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) system during grid faults. The presented PV system utilizes a single-stage three-phase current-controlled voltage-source inverter to achieve the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control of the PV panel with the function of low voltage ride through (LVRT). Moreover, a formula based on positive sequence voltage for evaluating the percentage of voltage sag is derived to determine the ratio of the injected reactive current to satisfy the LVRT regulations. To reduce the risk of overcurrent during LVRT operation, a current limit is predefined for the injection of reactive current. Furthermore, the control of active and reactive power is designed using a two-dimensional recurrent fuzzy cerebellar model articulation neural network (2D-RFCMANN). In addition, the online learning laws of 2D-RFCMANN are derived according to gradient descent method with varied learning-rate coefficients for network parameters to assure the convergence of the tracking error. Finally, some experimental tests are realized to validate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
Joint Pricing and Purchasing Decisions for the Dual-Channel Newsvendor Model with Partial Information
Authors: Zhou Jixiang , Wang Yong , Yan Xiaoming
Published: August 2014

We investigate a joint pricing and purchasing problem for the dual-channel newsvendor model with the assumption that only the mean and variance of the demand are known. The newsvendor in our model simultaneously distributes a single product through traditional retail and Internet. A robust optimization approach that maximizes the worst-case profit is adapted under the aforementioned conditions to model demand uncertainty and linear clearing functions that characterize the relationship between demand and prices. We obtain a close-form expression for the robust optimal policy. Illustrative simulations and numerical experiments show the effects of several parameters on the optimal policy and on newsvendor performance. Finally, we determine that the gap between newsvendor performance under demand certainty and uncertainty is minimal, which shows that the robust approach can significantly improve performance.
Left-Sided Ablation of Ventricular Tachycardia in Adults With Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Kapel Gijsbert F.L. , Reichlin Tobias , Wijnmaalen Adrianus P. , Tedrow Usha B. , Piers Sebastiaan R.D. , Schalij Martin J. , Hazekamp Mark G. , Jongbloed Monique R.M. , Stevenson William G. , Zeppenfeld Katja
Published: August 2014

Background—

Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) of ventricular tachycardia (VT) in repaired Tetralogy of Fallot focuses on isthmuses in the right ventricle but may be hampered by hypertrophied myocardium or prosthetic material. These patients may benefit from ablation at the left side of the ventricular septum.

Methods and Results—

Records from 28 consecutive repaired Tetralogy of Fallot patients from 2 centers who underwent VT ablation were reviewed. Ablation targeted anatomic isthmuses containing VT re-entry circuits, which were identified by 3-dimensional substrate, pace, and entrainment mapping. A left-sided approach was considered beneficial if (1) right-sided RFCA failed, (2) part of the circuit was mapped to the left side, and (3) left-sided RFCA resulted in isthmus transection and prevention of VT induction. In 4 of 28 patients (52±13 years; 75% men), inducible for 1.5 (quartiles, 1.0 – 2.0) VTs (335±58 ms), left-sided RFCA was performed. In 3 patients, RFCA at aortic sites terminated VT related to a septal isthmus and prevented reinduction. In 1 patient, with prior biventricular implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, diastolic activity was recorded at the left side of the septum in proximity to the His-bundle. RFCA prevented VT reinduction with anticipated complete atrioventricular block. The left-sided approach resulted in complete procedural success (transection of anatomic isthmus and noninducibility) and freedom of VT recurrence during follow-up (20±15 months) in all patients. Right-sided RFCA failure was likely because of septal hypertrophy in 2, overlying pulmonary homograft in 1, and overlying ventricular septal defect patch in 1.

Conclusions—

Left-sided RFCA for VTs dependent on septal anatomic isthmuses improves ablation outcome in repaired Tetralogy of Fallot.
Frequency of Otitis Media Based on Otoendoscopic Evaluation in Preterm Infants
Authors: Coticchia James , Shah Priyanka , Sachdeva Livjot , Kwong Kelvin , Cortez Josef M. , Nation Javan , Rudd Tracy , Zidan Marwan , Cepeda Eugene , Gonik Bernard
Published: August 2014

Objective

This study was conducted to determine the frequency of otitis media in preterm neonates using otoendoscopy and tympanometry.

Study Design

Prospective study.

Setting

Wayne State University, Hutzel Women's Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Subjects and Methods

Eighty‐six preterm infants were included (gestational age <36 weeks). Otoendoscopy and tympanometry were performed to detect the presence of otitis media. Kappa statistic and logistic regression were used for statistical analysis.

Results

Otoendoscopy was performed in 85 patients. The frequency of otoendoscopy‐diagnosed otitis media was 72.9% (62/85). Tympanometry could be performed on 69.76% of the ears. There was 73.5% agreement between the findings of tympanometry and those of otoendoscopy. The association between the presence of otitis media and gestational age at birth was statistically significant. The lower the gestational age, the higher the frequency of otoendoscopy‐diagnosed otitis media (P =. 001).

Conclusion

Otoendoscopically diagnosed otitis media is frequent in preterm neonates. There was agreement between the results of tympanometry and those of otoendoscopy. The frequency of otitis media increased with lower gestational age.
Borrowing in Southern Great Lakes Algonquian and the History of Potawatomi
Authors: Costa David J.
Published: August 2014

This article analyzes patterns of lexical borrowing in the Algonquian languages of the Southern Great Lakes region (Miami-Illinois, Sauk-Fox-Kickapoo, Shawnee, and Potawatomi), which have been in contact for centuries. Such an investigation not only helps distinguish which features of the languages are inherited and which are diffused, but also provides considerable insight into cultural connections prevailing in the Great Lakes area in the precontact and early contact periods. Some languages have borrowed far more than others, and others far less. The most extensive borrowing among these languages is that by Potawatomi from Sauk-Fox-Kickapoo, which includes not just nouns, but also extends to verbs, numerals, adverbs, pronouns, and even morphological elements.
Psychoanalysis and the Gendering of Architecture in Robert Westall’s The Stones of Muncaster Cathedral
Authors: Ng Andrew Hock Soon
Published: August 2014

Reading Westall’s horror fantasy through Lacanian psychoanalysis, especially concepts like the Name and Law of the Father, and the gaze, to interrogate the narrative’s principle architecture – a cathedral tower – this essay argues that the gender references associated with this building are fundamentally ambiguous and unstable. As the tower’s signifier shifts from male to female over the course of the narrative as the result of becoming possessed by an evil entity, it gradually betrays the protagonist’s – a steeplejack – sense of masculine prerogative, which is dependent on the conquest of height and subjecting stones to his will.