bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Palliative social media
Authors: Taubert Mark , Watts Gareth , Boland Jason , Radbruch Lukas
Published: February 2014

The uses of social media have become ubiquitous in contemporary society at an astonishingly fast-paced rate. The internet and in particular platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube are now part of most people's vocabulary and are starting to replace many face-to-face interactions. The online world, in particular, is alive with discussions, comments and anecdotes about the topics of illness, disease, hospitals, death and dying. The topic of death and dying had in the not too distant past been seen as taboo, but willingness and need to talk openly about it appears to be on the increase. In parallel to this, many public awareness campaigns are highlighting society's need to be more prepared for dying and death. This will have a significant impact on the way terminally ill patients and their families approach the last years, months and weeks of their lives and how they might expect palliative health and social care professionals working with them through these difficult periods to interact with them. We pay particular attention to the areas of digital posterity creation and memorialisation within the wider holistic context of end-of-life care.
ELECTRONIC COMPUTER SEARCHES IN PRIMARY CARE CAN LEAD TO GREATER IDENTIFICATION OF NON-MALIGNANT PATIENTS FOR PALLIATIVE CARE
Authors: Mason BL , Boyd K , Murray SA , Steyn J , Cormie P , Kendall M , Munday D , Weller D , Fife S , Murchie P , Campbell C
Published: February 2014

Introduction

Most patients receive palliative care only in the last two months of life. The use of information technology currently in place in general practices provides an opportunity to identify people for supportive and palliative care at an earlier stage.

Aim(s) and method(s)

To assess the impact and acceptability of a primary care electronic record search to identify patients with unmet palliative care needs. Methods: A computer record search was developed and tested in fifteen general practices in two Scottish health boards. A sub-set of patients identified by the search were selected for further review and care planning by GPs. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected to assess the impact of the search results on practice behaviour and attitudes towards the search among professionals and patients.

Results

The electronic record search successfully identified candidate patients for palliative care, some of whom the practice reviewed and identified for palliative care. Starting an Anticipatory Care Plan or electronic record sharing with Out of Hours services were the most common actions GPs took with patients who were reviewed after identification by the search.

Conclusion(s)

Electronic searching of primary care records can identify a shortlist of patients to assess for palliative care needs. Regularly producing such lists at team meetings should increase the number of non-malignant patients on palliative care registers. However GP and patient attitudes towards the taboo words “palliative care” mean that this will only lead to action if “supportive” care options that do not require the label “palliative care” are made available.
DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF A CROSS-CULTURAL EORTC MEASURE OF SPIRITUAL WELLBEING (SWB) FOR PALLIATIVE CARE PATIENTS WITH CANCER
Authors: Vivat B , Young T , Winstanley J , Arraras JI , Bennett MI , Brédart A , Costantini A , Fisher SE , Greimel E , Guo J , Irarrazaval ME , Kobayashi K , Kruizinga R , Navarro M , Omidvari S , Rohde GE , Serpentini S , van Laarhoven HWM , Yang G
Published: February 2014

Introduction

Spiritual care and spiritual wellbeing (SWB) are central to palliative care, but no measures of SWB have yet been developed cross-culturally.

Aim(s) and method(s)

In 2002 the EORTC Quality of Life (QL) Group began international development of an SWB measure for palliative patients. Three domains of SWB were initially hypothesised, and items developed accordingly. Data for Phase IV field-testing and validation of the measure were collected from January 2012 to July 2013. Participants completed the 36-item provisional SWB measure and a structured debriefing interview. EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL, socio-demographic and clinical data were also collected, and a sub-set of test-retest data. The scale structure was assessed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Rasch analysis and further validity explored using known group comparisons.

Results

458 patients from 14 countries took part; 188 Christian, 50 Muslim, 23 Buddhist, and 158 with no religion. All items showed good score distribution. 275 patients (60%) found no items problematic, but small percentages indicated difficulties with 6 items. Combining patient feedback with PCA and Rasch analysis led to deletion of a few items. Four distinct domains explain 53% of the variance. No remarkable differential item functioning (DIF) was found for age, sex, geographical region or belief in God. Goodness of fit measures were within guidelines. Global SWB correlated weakly with global QL.

Conclusion(s)

This EORTC measure of SWB is available for use in palliative care research and practice, and has both measurement and intervention characteristics. Future studies will specifically recruit people in minority religious and/or ethnic communities under-represented in this already diverse sample.
RECRUITING PARENTS TO PAEDIATRIC PALLIATIVE CARE RESEARCH: IMPACT OF LOW INVITATION RATES ON SAMPLE BIAS
Authors: Crocker JC , Beecham EC , Kelly P , Dinsdale AD , Hemsley J , Jones L , Bluebond-Langner M
Published: February 2014

Introduction

Recruitment in paediatric palliative care is widely reported as challenging, with low rates of invitation by clinicians. The impact of this on sample bias is unknown.

Aim(s) and method(s)

We studied recruitment to a qualitative interview study about parental decision making for children cared for by a specialist palliative care (PC) team. PC clinicians were encouraged to introduce the study to parents over 12 months. With ethical approval, we used information from the PC team database and feedback from clinicians to explore the impact of low invitation rates on sample bias.

Results

The families of 519 living and 73 deceased patients were retrospectively identified as potentially eligible for recruitment. Clinicians invited parents of 28 (5.4%) living patients compared to 21 (28.8%) deceased patients (p=0.0001). On multivariable analyses, there was no association between patient demographics and invitation, but for living patients, total and out-of-hours contact time between family and PC team while eligible were independently associated with invitation (p<0.05). The most common reasons clinicians gave for not inviting parents of living and deceased patients were little or no contact with them and perceived burden.

Conclusion(s)

Invitation rates were especially low among parents of living patients. There was no evidence that this led to major demographic bias. However, the strong influence of family contact may have introduced bias potentially relevant to the project (e.g. patient stability and parent-clinician relationships) that we were unable to measure. We recommend that researchers consider levels of patient contact when planning studies requiring recruitment via clinicians.
CARING FROM HOME TO HOSPICE
Authors: Dunsmore-Dawson A , King N , Rodriguez A
Published: February 2014

Introduction

Caring in the community for a person with a life limiting condition has consequences for the essential structure of the carer's life. Changes arising from this experience are processed by carers in idiosyncratic ways. Despite being accepted as care recipients in their own right, carers' experiences are often conceptualised as occurring alongside the illness experience of the patient. This study challenges the notion that the carer's experience mirrors the patients.

Aim(s) and method(s)

To explore the lived experiences of informal carers of patients .at home and in the transition to hospice. Method: Semi-structured interviews with seven bereaved informal carers. All had provided care in the home prior to hospice admission. An interpretive phenomenological approach was used, focusing on the uniqueness of each carer's account.

Results

Carers actively maintained a sense of ‘at homeness’; taking ownership of their environment by setting and maintaining personal boundaries. Working with professionals in their home had the effect of de-medicalizing the illness setting. Nevertheless, interaction between carers and professionals was shaped by the carer's own level of awareness or avoidance of illness or death related topics.

Conclusion(s)

In orienting themselves between the position of care provider and care user, carers described a sliding reality with an ever present awareness of living near to death. Vacillating between holding on to the familiar whilst accepting the uncertainty of the unknown, participants adjusted to entering into the carer role at home. This challenges current assumptions that the carers experience mirrors that of the patients.
CREATING GUIDANCE FOR THE USE OF PATIENT REPORTED OUTCOME MEASURES (PROMS) IN CLINICAL PALLIATIVE CARE
Authors: van Vliet LM , Harding R , Bausewein C , Payne S , Higginson IJ ,   on behalf of EUROIMPACT
Published: February 2014

Introduction

Routine use of Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) in clinical practice can influence care but is not always achieved. One reason for this seems to be a lack of guidance on how to use PROMs in palliative care practice. This project aimed to provide such guidance.

Aim(s) and method(s)

The 8-steps of implementing PROMs in clinical practice proposed by the International Society for Quality of Life Research were used as a framework. Recommendations within each step were created based on several sources including the booklet ‘Outcome Measures in Palliative Care: The Essentials’ and the EAPC White paper Outcome Measures.

Results

For the following steps, recommendations (including the provided examples) were created: i) identify the goals for collecting PROMs (e.g. screening versus monitoring of changes); ii) select patients, setting and timing of assessment (e.g. assess families' own needs); iii) determine which questionnaire to use (e.g. choose questionnaire based on evidence); iv) choose a mode for administering/scoring the questionnaire (e.g. self-administration versus computer-administration); v) design processes for reporting results (e.g. share results with patient/practitioners); vi) identify aids to facilitate score interpretation (e.g. determine the minimum clinically important difference); vii) develop strategies for responding to identified issues (e.g. integrate PROM data with other clinical data); viii) evaluate the impact of measuring PROMs on practice (e.g. conduct benchmarking).

Conclusion(s)

As PROMs are increasingly used in palliative care, the proposed guidance is essential and timely. Future work will integrate this guidance with more questionnaire-specific guidance to optimise its usability and impact in clinical care.
CONFIDENT CARING: AN INNOVATIVE APPROACH TO EDUCATING AND SUPPORTING LAY CARERS OF PATIENTS WITH PALLIATIVE ILLNESS
Authors: Swan S , Shaw K
Published: February 2014

Introduction

The National Health Service in Glasgow depends on 56,400 unpaid carers to support and provide care for unwell friends or family. Presently, the majority of deaths are in those aged over 65 and are often following a prolonged period of illness and frailty. This has huge implications on care resources and places increasing responsibility on lay carers.

Aim(s) and method(s)

The pilot project ‘Confident Caring’ was developed in an effort to address some of the consequences of this. Two Community Clinical Nurse Specialists researched, designed and delivered a supportive educational programme within the community. Relevant topics were identified through lay and professional consultation and included defining palliative care, caring for the carer, symptom management and end of life care. These were delivered over eight weekly sessions at which an average of eight carers attended.

Results

The course was evaluated by written weekly questionnaires and an independently led audio recorded focus group. A validated Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool was administered pre and post course. This global evaluation demonstrated that overall confidence and awareness of the carers was heightened, whilst sharing their experiences with people in a similar situation was beneficial and helped reduce feelings of isolation. Tangible outcomes were identified through the completion of ‘Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation’ forms for two carers and the prescribing of appropriate medications for one carer.

Conclusion(s)

Providing carer support for the palliative population in this way has shown significant benefits and positive outcomes and further work is planned to validate these encouraging findings.
TRANSFERRING CRITICALLY ILL PATIENTS HOME TO DIE: DEVELOPMENT OF A GUIDELINE FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE
Authors: Darlington ASE , Long-Sutehall T , Richardson A , Coombs M
Published: February 2014

Introduction

Transfer home to die from critical care is rare despite health policy supporting patient choice concerning preferred place of care at end of life. A clinical guideline to inform decision making about the rapid transfer of critically ill patients home was developed based on data from a two year mixed methods study.

Aim(s) and method(s)

In a multi-phased study, data was sequentially gathered from a) focus groups with health professionals and service users b) national survey of critical care doctors and nurses, c) interviews with critical care staff, d) audit of patients who had died on critical care units and e) a national stakeholder event. Data was then used to inform development of a clinical guideline, which then underwent initial review and refinement.

Results

The aim of the guideline was to aid health professionals in making decisions about the rapid transfer of patients from critical care home to die. The guideline was structured to incorporate four discrete phases: 1) potential for transfer focussing on patient characteristics and patient/ relatives' preference, 2) pre-transfer arrangements focussing on equipment, documentation, and communication with other agencies 3) peri-transfer and 4) post-transfer focussing on follow-up contact with relatives and community health professionals, and staff debriefing.

Conclusion(s)

The clinical guideline was developed based on robust evidence collected through this comprehensive study. The guideline requires further testing in clinical practice but initial feedback from experienced clinicians has indicated that it may be helpful in terms decision-making, organisation and discussions with patients and families.
UNDERSTANDING PALLIATIVE AND END OF LIFE CARE THROUGH STAKEHOLDER AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Authors: Layden J , Connelly M , Sandeman K , Hekerem D , Alexander H , McLoughlin P , Tyrrell P
Published: February 2014

Introduction

The pressures on palliative and end-of-life care, including the increasing elderly population; changes in illness and mortality trends; and public finances, have been well documented. Three Marie Curie palliative care service redesign initiatives in Argyll and Bute, Lanarkshire and Lothian are using a range of methods to effect improvements, including stakeholder and community engagement. Health promoting palliative care is an important concept within this changing environment.

Aim(s) and method(s)

Stakeholder workshops were held to identify innovative options for raising public awareness of, and promoting community involvement in death, dying and bereavement.

Results

A total of 155 people attended the workshops with over 125 ideas generated. These ideas were themed and 25 are being further developed into possible service initiatives.

Conclusion(s)

By creating opportunities discuss to discuss death, dying and bereavement, local stakeholders were able to engage with each other to develop innovative ideas to raise public awareness of, and promote community involvement in death, dying and bereavement.
A COMPARISON OF IMPROVING CONFIDENCE IN ADVANCE CARE PLANNING FOR SENIOR HOSPITAL AND COMMUNITY CLINICIANS
Authors: Rayment C , Holmes S , Daley A
Published: February 2014

Introduction

Various national strategies and standards in end of life care emphasise that generalists should identify those in the last year of life, and be able to have advance care planning (ACP) discussions with these patients. We identified that local clinician's lack confidence in doing this.

Aim(s) and method(s)

Our aim was to increase confidence in discussing advance care planning (ACP). We delivered 3 hour long education sessions to senior doctors and nurses in the hospital and community using role play with actors. The hospital videoed the role play in a dedicated simulation suite. Pre and post course questionnaires on confidence in communication were completed.

Results

There were 3 hospital sessions to 9 senior doctors and 8 senior nurses, and 5 community sessions to 31 senior nurses and 11 GPs. Confidence across all domains improved post course. On average those community clinicians who rated their confidence as good or very good rose from 25.5% to 50.7% and the hospital clinicians from 37.4% to 76.7%. The hospital clinicians rated themselves as more confident than community clinicians in 3 questions before the course and in all domains after the course.

Conclusion(s)

All clinicians improve their confidence in discussing ACP after the course. On average hospital clinicians were more confident both before and after the course. Different teaching environments may account for some of this but conclusions are limited by the different numbers in each group. Those delivering ACP communication sessions should consider potential differences in confidence between the 2 groups and adapt sessions accordingly.
SUPPORTING GENERAL PRACTITIONERS TO PROVIDE OUT-OF-HOURS PALLIATIVE CARE
Authors: Magee C , Koffman J
Published: February 2014

Introduction

Offering choice about place of care to patients is fundamentally influenced by out-of-hours service provision. Concerns have been raised about continuity, availability of information and access to support services. General practitioners (GPs) provide most care out-of-hours, but see few palliative patients. Keeping knowledge up-to-date is challenging.

Aim(s) and method(s)

To explore the views, confidence and educational preferences of out-of-hours GPs in order to inform recommendations for future education. Structured postal survey sent to 1005 GPs across England employed by an independent provider of out-of-hours services.

Results

203 GPs completed the questionnaire (response rate 20.3%). Organisational factors were felt to have significantly greater impact on care delivery than clinical factors (p<0.0005): lack of familiarity, time pressures and lack of information from in-hours services were ranked highest. Confidence in assessing palliative care emergencies (42.8%, n=87: ‘not so confident’ or ‘not at all confident’), managing symptoms in non-cancer patients (39.4%, n=80) and prescribing a new syringe driver (39.0%, n=79) was lowest. Low confidence was associated with infrequent exposure (p<0.05) and lack of training (p<0.05). Educational preferences were strongly associated with confidence (p<0.0005); the above topics were most requested. E-learning was the preferred method (67.5%, n=137). 82.1% (n=165) felt training focused on out-of-hours work would be beneficial.

Conclusion(s)

Organisational factors continue to hinder care delivery, but confidence in key palliative care competences is lacking. Educational strategies must be targeted at GPs needs, both in terms of content and delivery. Specialist palliative care services should engage with out-of-hours providers to support education.
DEVELOPING TRAINING FOR SUPPORTERS OF LAY-CARERS INVOLVED WITH HOME BASED END OF LIFE CARE: A PARTICIPATORY APPROACH
Authors: Hardy B , Caswell G , Ewing G , Grande G , Kennedy S , Tabreham J , Seymour J
Published: February 2014

Introduction

Current policy aims to enable more people to die in the place of their choice, and increase the number of people who die at home. Essential to this aspiration is the involvement of lay-carers, usually family or friends of the ill person. The importance of this role is acknowledged at a national level, however carers continue to report many unmet emotional and practical support needs. Innovative approaches are required if we are to improve the experiences of lay-carers in end of life situations. In this poster, we report on the progress of an innovative participatory research project, which is developing training for people who support carers. We hope to engage delegates in discussion about the utility of the training for their own organisations and communities.

Aim(s) and method(s)

The project aims to develop and pilot an introductory training programme for supporters of carers in end of life situations, such as support workers and volunteer mentors. Participatory action research methods have been used to engage with stakeholders including carers and carer support organisations. The programme is being piloted from January 2014.

Results

Current evaluation activities show the developing programme to be acceptable to a range of stakeholders. Ongoing piloting and evaluation will further test the utility of the programme.

Conclusion(s)

The training programme will be publically available at the end of the project, and free to use. Participatory research methods are a useful way to engage with a range of stakeholders and to raise awareness of end of life care issues.
SATISFACTION OF CARERS OF PEOPLE WITH ADVANCED DEMENTIA: THEIR EXPERIENCES AT THE OF END OF LIFE
Authors: Vickerstaff V , Sampson EL , Scott S , Davis S , Lord K , Harrington J , Elliott M , Kupeli N , Jones L
Published: February 2014

Introduction

Carers of people with advanced dementia (AdvD) have high burden and poor mental and physical health. The CoMPASs:IOn programme has developed and is piloting a complex intervention to improve end-of-life care for people with AdvD including support for families.

Aim(s) and method(s)

Pilot longitudinal cohort study of carers (target N=40) of people with AdvD (Functional Assessment Staging Scale 7a and above), assessed at study entry then monthly for 9 months or until patient death using the HADS, SF-12 and Satisfaction with Care at the End of Life in Dementia Scale (SWCEOLD).

Results

25 carers currently recruited (mean age 62, range 43–91; 68% female; 76% child of the person with dementia, 48% in paid employment). 92% of those they care for reside in care homes. Initial SWC-EOLD scores were 29.7 (range 13–40), consistent even in 7 carers whose relative died (mean score 30.3 (range 13–40) a month before death, 32.1 (range 13–40) after bereavement). On HADS (cut off ≥8), at initial assessment 40% had anxiety, 28% depression. Anxiety decreased over time; 20% have recorded anxiety 9 months later (7 carers). Two months post-bereavement, 14% of carers had anxiety or depression. At first assessment, SF-12 physical scores were 50 (range 33–58) remaining constant, mental health 48 (range 19–64) declining to 44 post death.

Conclusion(s)

It is feasible to recruit carers of people with AdvD and retain them into bereavement. Carers were satisfied with on-going care and around the time of death for the person with AdvD. Accrual continues for a further 4 months.
Pathology of serrated colorectal lesions
Authors: Bateman Adrian C
Published: February 2014

The concept of serrated colorectal neoplasia has become recognised as a key process in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC) and an important alternative pathway to malignancy compared with the long-established ‘adenoma-carcinoma’ sequence. Increasing recognition of the morphological spectrum of serrated lesions has occurred in parallel with elucidation of the distinct molecular genetic characteristics of progression from normal mucosa, via the ‘serrated pathway’, to CRC. Some of these lesions can be difficult to identify at colonoscopy. Challenges for pathologists include the requirement for accurate recognition of the forms of serrated lesions that are associated with a significant risk of malignant progression and therefore the need for widely disseminated reproducible criteria for their diagnosis. Alongside this process, pathologists and endoscopists need to formulate clear guidelines for the management of patients with these lesions, particularly with respect to the optimal follow-up intervals. This review provides practical guidance for the recognition of these lesions by pathologists, a discussion of ‘serrated adenocarcinoma’ and an insight into the distinct molecular genetic alterations that are seen in this spectrum of lesions in comparison to those that characterise the classic ‘adenoma-carcinoma’ sequence.
Modulation of GLUT4 expression by oral administration of Mg2+ to control sugar levels in STZ-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Solaimani Haniah , Soltani Nepton , MaleKzadeh Kianoosh , Sohrabipour Shahla , Zhang Nina , Nasri Sema , Wang Qinghua
Published: February 2014

It has been previously shown that oral magnesium administration decreases the levels of glucose in the plasma. However, the mechanisms are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to determine the potential role of GLUT4 on plasma glucose levels by orally administering magnesium sulfate to diabetic rats. Animals were distributed among 4 groups (n = 10 rats per group): one group served as the non-diabetic control, while the other groups had diabetes induced by streptozotocin (intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection). The diabetic rats were either given insulin by i.p. injection (2.5 U·(kg body mass)–1·day–1), or magnesium sulfate in their drinking water (10 g·L–1). After 8 weeks of treatment, we conducted an i.p. glucose tolerance test (IPGTT), measured blood glucose and plasma magnesium levels, and performed in-vitro and in-vivo insulin level measurements by radioimmunoassay. Gastrocnemius (leg) muscles were isolated for the measurement of GLU4 mRNA expression using real-time PCR. Administration of magnesium sulfate improved IPGTT and lowered blood glucose levels almost to the normal range. However, the insulin levels were not changed in either of the in-vitro or in-vivo studies. The expression of GLU4 mRNA increased 23% and 10% in diabetic magnesium-treated and insulin-treated groups, respectively. Our findings suggest that magnesium lowers blood glucose levels via increased GLU4 mRNA expression, independent to insulin secretion.
A hierarchy of the quark masses in a top condensate model with multiple Higgses
Authors: Fariborz Amir H. , Jora Renata , Nasri Salah , Schechter Joseph
Published: February 2014

We discuss the quark masses in a top condensate model where not only two quark but also four quark composite states may exist. We show that the presence of the top color group SU (3)1× SU (3)2 with the correct quark representations can justify even in the absence of the additional technicolor interactions a hierarchy of the quark masses where the light quarks masses have the same size, the charm and bottom masses are higher and similar and the top is the heaviest.
Quantum-theoretical origin of the Lorentz invariance of the elementary-particle theory
Authors: Nakanishi Noboru
Published: February 2014

The reason why the elementary-particle theory must be Lorentz invariant is investigated under the principle of quantum priority, which implies that the existence of any space–time manifold such as the Minkowski space should not be assumed logically prior to the formulation of quantum-theoretical framework. The consideration is based on the canonical operator formalism of quantum Einstein gravity, which is formulated without introducing any classical background space–time nor any particular metric signature. The Lorentz invariance of the elementary-particle theory is derived as a consequence of the spontaneous breakdown of general linear invariance on the basis of quantum Einstein gravity. The pseudo-Riemannian space–time can appear not as a consequence of the presence of gravitation, but as that of the spontaneous breakdown of translational invariance.
κ state solutions for the fermionic massive spin-½ particles interacting with double ring-shaped Kratzer and oscillator potentials
Authors: Oyewumi K. J. , Falaye B. J. , Onate C. A. , Oluwadare O. J. , Yahya W. A.
Published: February 2014

In recent years, an extensive survey on various wave equations of relativistic quantum mechanics with different types of potential interactions has been a line of great interest. In this regime, special attention has been given to the Dirac equation because the spin-½ fermions represent the most frequent building blocks of the molecules and atoms. Motivated by the considerable interest in this equation and its relativistic symmetries (spin and pseudospin), in the presence of solvable potential model, we attempt to obtain the relativistic bound states solution of the Dirac equation with double ring-shaped Kratzer and oscillator potentials under the condition of spin and pseudospin symmetries. The solutions are reported for arbitrary quantum number in a compact form. The analytic bound state energy eigenvalues and the associated upper- and lower-spinor components of two Dirac particles have been found. Several typical numerical results of the relativistic eigenenergies have also been presented. We found that the existence or absence of the ring shaped potential has strong effects on the eigenstates of the Kratzer and oscillator particles, with a wide band spectrum except for the pseudospin-oscillator particles, where there exist a narrow band gap.
Quasi-Maxwell equation for spin-1 particles
Authors: Moradzadeh A. , Hassanabadi H.
Published: February 2014

In this study, we consider Duffin–Kemmer–Petiau (DKP) equation in three-dimensional, hence we review resemble Maxwell equations where we can derive from DKP equation. An exact solution of the three-dimensional DKP equation is presented in the presence of the pseudo-Coulomb potential-plus-ring-shaped potential. As we derive the energy eigenvalues and corresponding eigenfunctions, we explain about DKP equation under different forms of interactions.
A PORTABLE PULSED NEUTRON GENERATOR
Authors: SKOULAKIS A. , ANDROULAKIS G. C. , CLARK E. L. , HASSAN S. M. , LEE P. , CHATZAKIS J. , BAKAREZOS M. , DIMITRIOU V. , PETRIDIS C. , PAPADOGIANNIS N. A. , TATARAKIS M.
Published: February 2014

The design and construction of a pulsed plasma focus device to be used as a portable neutron source for material analysis such as explosive detection using gamma spectroscopy is presented. The device is capable of operating at a repetitive rate of a few Hz. When deuterium gas is used, up to 105 neutrons per shot are expected to be produced with a temporal pulse width of a few tens of nanoseconds. The pulsed operation of the device and its portable size are its main advantage in comparison with the existing continuous neutron sources. Parts of the device include the electrical charging unit, the capacitor bank, the spark switch (spark gap), the trigger unit and the vacuum–fuel chamber / anode–cathode. Numerical simulations are used for the simulation of the electrical characteristics of the device including the scaling of the capacitor bank energies with total current, the pinch current, and the scaling of neutron yields with energies and currents. The MCNPX code is used to simulate the moderation of the produced neutrons in a simplified geometry and subsequently, the interaction of thermal neutrons with a test target and the corresponding prompt γ-ray generation.
ULTIMATE LEVELS OF EXPLOSIVES DETECTION VIA TAGGED NEUTRONS
Authors: BATYAEV V. F. , BELICHENKO S. G. , BESTAEV R. R. , GAVRYUCHENKOV A. V.
Published: February 2014

Capabilities of the Tagged Neutron (TN) method for detection and identification of explosives materials (EM) are explored using an idealized geometrical model that includes a 14 MeV neutron generator with an integrated alpha detector, a gamma-ray detector based on BGO/LYSO crystals, and irradiated samples in the form of simulated EM (TNT, tetryl, RDX, etc.) or benign material (BM) such as cotton, paper, etc. Research was carried out under the framework of computational simulations of neutron physics processes by Monte Carlo methods as well as experimental measurements using an ING-27 neutron generator produced by VNIIA. The work resulted in a comparison between measured and simulated ROC (receiver operating characteristics) curves obtained via integration of analytically expressed functions of irradiation time, mass, and type of EM and BM. Experimental results indicate that 0.3 kg of tetryl simulant located 45 cm from the neutron generator is detected in 97% of cases after a one minute measurement, with the false-alarm rate being highly dependent on the type of BM present: from ∼0% in the case of water to ∼5% in the case of silk. Comparison of simulated and experimental data for these results shows they are in agreement in cases where the simulations account for neutron scattering from the object and background effects.
BENEFITS OF TIME CORRELATION MEASUREMENTS FOR PASSIVE SCREENING
Authors: MURER DAVID , BLACKIE DOUGLAS , PEERANI PAOLO
Published: February 2014

The “FLASH Portals Project” is a collaboration between Arktis Radiation Detectors Ltd (CH), the Atomic Weapons Establishment (UK), and the Joint Research Centre (European Commission), supported by the Technical Support Working Group (TSWG). The program's goal was to develop and demonstrate a technology to detect shielded special nuclear materials (SNM) more efficiently and less ambiguously by exploiting time correlation. This study presents experimental results of a two-sided portal monitor equipped with in total 16 4 He fast neutron detectors as well as four polyvinyltoluene (PVT) plastic scintillators. All detectors have been synchronized to nanosecond precision, thereby allowing the resolution of time correlations from timescales of tens of microseconds (such as (n, γ) reactions) down to prompt fission correlations directly. Our results demonstrate that such correlations can be detected in a typical radiation portal monitor (RPM) geometry and within operationally acceptable time scales, and that exploiting these signatures significantly improves the performance of the RPM compared to neutron counting. Furthermore, the results show that some time structure remains even in the presence of heavy shielding, thus significantly improving the sensitivity of the detection system to shielded SNM.
THE USE OF FAST NEUTRON DETECTION FOR MATERIALS ACCOUNTABILITY
Authors: NAKAE L. F. , CHAPLINE G. F. , GLENN A. M. , KERR P. L. , KIM K. S. , OUEDRAOGO S. A. , PRASAD M. K. , SHEETS S. A. , SNYDERMAN N. J. , VERBEKE J. M. , WURTZ R. E.
Published: February 2014

For many years at LLNL, we have been developing time-correlated neutron detection techniques and algorithms for applications such as Arms Control, Threat Detection and Nuclear Material Assay. Many of our techniques have been developed specifically for the relatively low efficiency (a few percent) inherent in man-portable systems. Historically, thermal neutron detectors (mainly 3 He ) were used, taking advantage of the high thermal neutron interaction cross-sections, but more recently we have been investigating the use of fast neutron detection with liquid scintillators, inorganic crystals, and in the near future, pulse-shape discriminating plastics that respond over 1000 times faster (nanoseconds versus tens of microseconds) than thermal neutron detectors. Fast neutron detection offers considerable advantages, since the inherent nanosecond production timescales of fission and neutron-induced fission are preserved and measured instead of being lost in the thermalization of thermal neutron detectors. We are now applying fast neutron technology to the safeguards regime in the form of high efficiency counters. Faster detector response times and sensitivity to neutron momentum show promise in measuring, differentiating, and assaying samples that have modest to very high count rates, as well as mixed neutron sources (e.g., Pu oxide or Mixed Cm and Pu ). Here we report on measured results with our existing liquid scintillator array and promote the design of a nuclear material assay system that incorporates fast neutron detection, including the surprising result that fast liquid scintillator becomes competitive and even surpasses the precision of 3 He counters measuring correlated pairs in modest (kg) samples of plutonium.
APPLICATION OF A ONE-DIMENSIONAL POSITION SENSITIVE CHAMBER ON SYNCHROTRON RADIATION
Authors: QI HUIRONG , LIU MEI
Published: February 2014

In the last few years, wire chambers have been frequently used for X-ray detection because of their low cost, large area and reliability. X-ray diffraction is an irreplaceable method for powder crystal lattice measurements. A one-dimensional single-wire chamber has been developed in our lab to provide high position resolution for powder diffraction experiments using synchrotron radiation. There are 200 readout strips of 0.5 mm width with a pitch of 1.0 mm in the X direction, and the working gas is a mixture of Ar and CO2 (90/10). The one-dimensional position of the original ionization point is determined by the adjacent strip's distribution information using the center of gravity method. Recently, a study of the detector's performance and diffraction image was completed at the 1W1B laboratory of the Beijing Synchrotron Radiation Facility (BSRF) using a sample of SiO2. Most of the relative errors between the measured values of diffraction angles and existing data were less than 1%. The best position resolution achieved for the detector in the test was 71 μm (σ value) with a 20 μm slit collimator. Finally, by changing the detector height in incremental distances from the center of the sample, the one-dimensional detector achieved a two-dimensional diffraction imaging function, and the results are in good agreement with standard data.
APPLICATION OF THE S3M AND MCNPX CODES IN PARTICLE DETECTOR DEVELOPMENT
Authors: PAVLOVIČ MÁRIUS , SEDLAČKOVÁ KATARÍNA , ŠAGÁTOVÁ ANDREA , STRAŠÍK IVAN
Published: February 2014

Semiconductor detectors can be used to detect neutrons if they are covered by a conversion layer. Some neutrons transfer their kinetic energy to hydrogen via elastic nuclear scattering in the conversion layer, and protons are produced as recoils. These protons enter the sensitive volume of the detector and are detected. In the process of detector development, Monte Carlo computer codes are necessary to simulate the detection process. This paper presents the main features of the S3M code (SRIM Supporting Software Modules) and shows its application potential. Examples are given for the neutron detectors with a conversion layer and for CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) diamond detectors for beam-condition monitors at the LHC (Large Hadron Collider). Special attention is paid to the S3M statistical modules that can be of interest also for other application areas like beam transport, accelerators, ion therapy, etc. The results are generated by MCNPX (Monte Carlo N-Particle eXtended) simulations used to optimize the thickness of the HDPE (high density polyethylene) conversion layer.
PULSE HEIGHT TALLY RESPONSE EXPANSION METHOD FOR APPLICATION IN DETECTOR PROBLEMS
Authors: ZIPPERER TRAVIS , RAHNEMA FARZAD , ZHANG DINGKANG
Published: February 2014

A new incident flux response expansion method (IFLEX) is developed to perform on-the-fly detector pulse height spectra calculations with Monte Carlo accuracy. Given the flux incident on the detector window, the method uses pre-computed continuous energy Monte Carlo based response functions to generate the pulse height tallies. B-spline functions are selected for the expansion of the incident flux in the energy phase space. Response functions are generated for a CsI(Na) crystal using an energy dependent B-spline form of the IFLEX method. The method is verified for two incident flux spectra on the crystal. Results of the energy dependent B-spline form of the method are compared to the solutions generated using the direct Monte Carlo code MCNP5. The method is shown to be several orders faster than MCNP5 while maintaining paralleled accuracy.
IAEA ACTIVITIES SUPPORTING THE APPLICATIONS OF RESEARCH REACTORS IN 2013
Authors: PELD NATHAN D. , RIDIKAS DANAS
Published: February 2014

As the underutilization of research reactors around the world persists as a primary topic of concern among facility owners and operators, the IAEA responded in 2013 with a broad range of activities to address the planning, execution and improvement of many experimental techniques. The revision of two critical documents for planning and diversifying a facility's portfolio of applications, TECDOC 1234 “The Applications of Research Reactors” and TECDOC 1212 “Strategic Planning for Research Reactors”, is in progress in order to keep this information relevant, corresponding to the dynamism of experimental techniques and research capabilities. Related to the latter TECDOC, the IAEA convened a meeting in 2013 for the expert review of a number of strategic plans submitted by research reactor operators in developing countries. A number of activities focusing on specific applications are either continuing or beginning as well. In neutron activation analysis, a joint round of inter-comparison proficiency testing sponsored by the IAEA Technical Cooperation Department will be completed, and facility progress in measurement accuracy is described. Also, a training workshop in neutron imaging and Coordinated Research Projects in reactor benchmarks, automation of neutron activation analysis and neutron beam techniques for material testing intend to advance these activities as more beneficial services to researchers and other users.
A fresh approach to ditch cutting analysis as an aid to exploration in areas affected by large igneous province (LIP) volcanism
Authors: Millett J. M. , Hole M. J. , Jolley D. W.
Published: February 2014

Where hydrocarbon exploration targets occur within basins affected by large igneous province (LIP) sequences, an understanding of the volcanic stratigraphy is essential in compiling accurate basin models at all scales. Ditch cutting samples are one of the most commonly available sources of data yielding information in the context of LIP stratigraphy such as phenocryst load, degree of secondary precipitation and lava composition, largely unattainable by remote sensing. Where core data is limited or absent, cuttings provide the only means of accessing such data along with valuable inference of volcanic facies development and down-hole conditions. Interpretations based on cuttings data are widely used in industry and, as such, a repeatable and well-defined methodology for the analysis and designation of volcanic facies from cuttings is an important requirement for regional and individual play modelling. Such an approach has not been common practice to date. We propose a system of basic percentage-based cuttings analysis and ternary classification specifically tailored to LIP sequences, and argue for the benefits of a coherent and transparent basin-wide approach. The classification system is further developed into a log-style output for easy integration and comparison with other down-hole geophysical and biostratigraphic data.
Cardiac electrophysiology and the susceptibility to sustained ventricular tachycardia in intact, conscious mice
Authors: Lujan Heidi L. , DiCarlo Stephen E.
Published: February 2014

Cardiac electrophysiological dysfunction is a major cause of death in humans. Accordingly, electrophysiological testing is routinely performed in intact, conscious, humans to evaluate arrhythmias and disorders of cardiac conduction. However, to date, in vivo electrophysiological studies in mice are limited to anesthetized open-chest or closed-chest preparations. However, cardiac electrophysiology in anesthetized mice or mice with surgical trauma may not adequately represent what occurs in conscious mice. Accordingly, an intact, conscious murine model of cardiac electrophysiology has the potential to be of major importance for advancing the concepts and methods that drive cardiovascular therapies. Therefore, we describe, for the first time, the use of an intact, conscious, murine model of cardiac electrophysiology. The conscious mouse model permits measurements of atrioventricular interval, sinus cycle length, sinus node recovery time (SNRT), SNRT corrected for spontaneous sinus cycle, Wenckebach cycle length, the ventricular effective refractory period (VERP) and the electrical stimulation threshold to induce sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmias in an intact, complex model free of the confounding influences of anesthetics and surgical trauma. This is an important consideration because anesthesia and surgical trauma markedly reduced cardiac output and heart rate as well as altered cardiac electrophysiology parameters. Most importantly, anesthesia and surgical trauma significantly increased the VERP and virtually eliminated the ability to induce sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Accordingly, the methodology allows for the accurate documentation of cardiac electrophysiology in complex, conscious mice and may be adopted for advancing the concepts and ideas that drive cardiovascular research.
Exercise performance and peripheral vascular insufficiency improve with AMPK activation in high-fat diet-fed mice
Authors: Baltgalvis Kristen A. , White Kathy , Li Wei , Claypool Mark D. , Lang Wayne , Alcantara Raniel , Singh Baljit K. , Friera Annabelle M. , McLaughlin John , Hansen Derek , McCaughey Kelly , Nguyen Henry , Smith Ira J. , Godinez Guillermo , Shaw Simon J. , Goff Dane , Singh Rajinder , Markovtsov Vadim , Sun Tian-Qiang , Jenkins Yonchu , Uy Gerald , Li Yingwu , Pan Alison , Gururaja Tarikere , Lau David , Park Gary , Hitoshi Yasumichi , Payan Donald G. , Kinsella Todd M.
Published: February 2014

Intermittent claudication is a form of exercise intolerance characterized by muscle pain during walking in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). Endothelial cell and muscle dysfunction are thought to be important contributors to the etiology of this disease, but a lack of preclinical models that incorporate these elements and measure exercise performance as a primary end point has slowed progress in finding new treatment options for these patients. We sought to develop an animal model of peripheral vascular insufficiency in which microvascular dysfunction and exercise intolerance were defining features. We further set out to determine if pharmacological activation of 5′-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) might counteract any of these functional deficits. Mice aged on a high-fat diet demonstrate many functional and molecular characteristics of PAD, including the sequential development of peripheral vascular insufficiency, increased muscle fatigability, and progressive exercise intolerance. These changes occur gradually and are associated with alterations in nitric oxide bioavailability. Treatment of animals with an AMPK activator, R118, increased voluntary wheel running activity, decreased muscle fatigability, and prevented the progressive decrease in treadmill exercise capacity. These functional performance benefits were accompanied by improved mitochondrial function, the normalization of perfusion in exercising muscle, increased nitric oxide bioavailability, and decreased circulating levels of the endogenous endothelial nitric oxide synthase inhibitor asymmetric dimethylarginine. These data suggest that aged, obese mice represent a novel model for studying exercise intolerance associated with peripheral vascular insufficiency, and pharmacological activation of AMPK may be a suitable treatment for intermittent claudication associated with PAD.