bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Primary-care management of patients with coarctation of the aorta
Authors: Boris Jeffrey R.
Published: February 2017

Coarctation of the aorta is a congenital cardiac defect that results in a variable degree of obstruction to the left side of the heart. It can present with either acute shock in the neonatal period as a critical lesion or it can appear more insidiously with hypertension or other findings later in life. This article summarises aspects of outpatient care of patients with this lesion, including clinical history and physical examination, ancillary testing, and issues associated with long-term follow-up and management. Increasing knowledge and experience with this group of patients have allowed for a higher level of evidence-based care over the long term.
Deep Drilling Reveals Puzzling History of Campi Flegrei Caldera
Authors: Branscombe Alexandra
Published: February 2017

Results show that caldera collapse attributed to a super eruption almost 40,000 years ago was smaller than what scientists expected. So what might have really happened?
BNIP3 upregulation via stimulation of ERK and JNK activity is required for the protection of keratinocytes from UVB-induced apoptosis
Authors: Moriyama Mariko , Moriyama Hiroyuki , Uda Junki , Kubo Hirokazu , Nakajima Yuka , Goto Arisa , Morita Takashi , Hayakawa Takao
Published: February 2017

The human skin has an important role in barrier function. Ultraviolet rays (UV) from sunlight exposure can cause cell apoptosis in the skin epidermis, resulting in the disruption of the barrier. Previously, we have demonstrated that BNIP3 stimulates autophagy in epidermal keratinocytes and has a protective effect in these cells upon UVB irradiation. In this study, we found that the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by UVB irradiation was sufficient to trigger the activation of JNK and ERK mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in human primary epidermal keratinocytes. In turn, activated JNK and ERK MAPK mediated the upregulation of BNIP3 expression. Treatment with an antioxidant reagent or a specific inhibitor of MAPK, U0126, and a JNK inhibitor significantly attenuated the expression of BNIP3 triggered by UVB, followed by the induction of cell death by apoptosis. Furthermore, UVB-induced apoptosis was significantly stimulated by chloroquine or bafilomycin A1, an inhibitor of autophagy. Moreover, BNIP3 was required for the degradation of dysfunctional mitochondria upon UVB irradiation. These data clearly indicated that BNIP3-induced autophagy, which occurs via UVB-generated ROS-mediated JNK and ERK MAPK activation, has a crucial role in the protection of the skin epidermis against UVB irradiation.
Alexithymia and personality traits of patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: La Barbera D. , Bonanno B. , Rumeo M. V. , Alabastro V. , Frenda M. , Massihnia E. , Morgante M. C. , Sideli L. , Craxì A. , Cappello M. , Tumminello M. , Miccichè S. , Nastri L.
Published: February 2017

Psychological factors, specific lifestyles and environmental stressors may influence etiopathogenesis and evolution of chronic diseases. We investigate the association between Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) and psychological dimensions such as personality traits, defence mechanisms, and Alexithymia, i.e. deficits of emotional awareness with inability to give a name to emotional states. We analyzed a survey of 100 patients with IBD and a control group of 66 healthy individuals. The survey involved filling out clinical and anamnestic forms and administering five psychological tests. These were then analyzed by using a network representation of the system by considering it as a bipartite network in which elements of one set are the 166 individuals, while the elements of the other set are the outcome of the survey. We then run an unsupervised community detection algorithm providing a partition of the 166 participants into clusters. That allowed us to determine a statistically significant association between psychological factors and IBD. We find clusters of patients characterized by high neuroticism, alexithymia, impulsivity and severe physical conditions and being of female gender. We therefore hypothesize that in a population of alexithymic patients, females are inclined to develop psychosomatic diseases like IBD while males might eventually develop behavioral disorders.
Antennal transcriptomes of three tortricid moths reveal putative conserved chemosensory receptors for social and habitat olfactory cues
Authors: Gonzalez Francisco , Witzgall Peter , Walker William B.
Published: February 2017

Insects use chemical signals to find mates, food and oviposition sites. The main chemoreceptor gene families comprise odorant receptors (ORs), ionotropic receptors (IRs) and gustatory receptors (GRs). Understanding the evolution of these receptors as well as their function will assist in advancing our knowledge of how chemical stimuli are perceived and may consequently lead to the development of new insect management strategies. Tortricid moths are important pests in horticulture, forestry and agriculture around the globe. Here, we characterize chemoreceptors from the three main gene families of three economically important tortricids, based on male antennal transcriptomes using an RNA-Seq approach. We identified 49 ORs, 11 GRs and 23 IRs in the green budworm moth, Hedya nubiferana; 49 ORs, 12 GRs and 19 IRs in the beech moth, Cydia fagiglandana; and 48 ORs, 11 GRs and 19 IRs in the pea moth, Cydia nigricana. Transcript abundance estimation, phylogenetic relationships and molecular evolution rate comparisons with deorphanized receptors of Cydia pomonella allow us to hypothesize conserved functions and therefore candidate receptors for pheromones and kairomones.
Slender barley, an extension growth mutant
Authors: Schünmann Petra H.D. , Harrison Judith , Ougham Helen J.
Published: February 2017

Slender barley arises from a mutation in a single nuclear-gene and has pleiotropic effects on growth and development. Plants homozygous for the mutant allele have a greatly increased leaf extension rate, resulting in long and attenuated leaves. The difference in growth rate is accentuated at low temperature. Individual epidermal cells are both longer and narrower in slender, so the whole-plant phenotype is mirrored at the cell level. Whilst the slender phenotype can be mimicked in normal plants by the application of gibberellin, endogenous levels are low. In addition, unlike the normal plants, embryo-less half-seeds of slender show GA-independent secretion of α-amylase. Unlike mature leaf tissue of normal and slender plants which have similar cell wall rheology, young slender leaves are much more plastic than the corresponding normal. Differential screening of cDNA libraries has led to the identification of at least five genes with altered patterns of expression in slender. Described in detail are expression patterns for two of these; pcD1311 encoding a shoot peroxidase, and WPRP1 encoding a prolinerich protein thought to have a structural role in the cell wall. Gene expression at low temperatures suggests that slender is abnormally insensitive to temperature reduction at the molecular level. This is consistent with leaf extension continuing at lower than normal temperatures in slender compared with normal.
Optical counterparts of two ULXs in NGC 5474 and NGC 3627 (M 66)
Authors: Avdan S. , Vinokurov A. , Fabrika S. , Atapin K. , Avdan H. , Akyuz A. , Sholukhova O. , Aksaker N. , Valeev A.
Published: February 2017

We identified two optical counterparts of brightest ultraluminous X-ray sources (ULXs) in galaxies NGC 5474 and NGC 3627 (M66). The counterparts in Hubble Space Telescope images are very faint, their V magnitudes are 24.7 (MV ≈ −4.5) and 25.9 (MV ≈ −4.2), respectively. NGC 5474 X-1 changes the X-ray flux more than two orders of magnitude, in its bright state it has LX ≈ 1.6 × 1040 erg s−1, the spectrum is best fitted by an absorbed power law model with a photon index Γ ≈ 0.94. M66 X-1 varies in X-rays with a factor of ∼2.5, its maximal luminosity being 2.0 × 1040 erg s−1 with Γ ≈ 1.7. Optical spectroscopy of the NGC 5474 X-1 has shown a blue spectrum, which however was contaminated by a nearby star of 23 mag, but the counterpart has a redder spectrum. Among other objects captured by the slit are a background emission-line galaxy (z = 0.359) and a new young cluster of NGC 5474. We find that these two ULXs have largest X-ray-to-optical ratios of LX/Lopt ∼ 7000 for NGC 5474 X-1 (in its bright state) and 8000 for M66 X-1 both with the faintest optical counterparts ever measured. Probably their optical emission originates from the donor star. If they have super-Eddington accretion discs with stellar-mass black holes, they may also have the lowest mass accretion rates among ULXs such as in M81 X-6 and NGC 1313 X-1.
The Response of Thermoluminescence Dosemeters to Beta Radiation in Different Radiation Fields
Authors: Heinzelmann M. , Kratz H.
Published: February 2017

The response to beta radiation was measured for thermoluminescence detectors of various types as a function of the irradiation geometry and for the beta radiation from various nuclides. The measurements were carried out with 90Sr-90Y, 204Tl and 147Pm point and area sources. In some cases, additional absorbers were attached in front of the sources. The response depends on the irradiation geometry, especially for thicker thermoluminescence detectors. In some cases, the response to 90Sr-90Y beta radiation was smaller by a factor of 2 than the response measured at the PTB secondary standard. For 204Tl and 147Pm beta radiation, the dependence of the response on the irradiation geometry seems to be lower than for high energy beta radiation.
Application of TSEE Characteristics to High Energy Radiation Dosimetry Around an Electron Linear Accelerator
Authors: Yamamoto T. , Nakasaku S. , Kawanishi M. , Oda K.
Published: February 2017

The response of the exoelectron dosemeter to the absorbed dose has been investigated with the LiF sample irradiated with high energy electrons from a linear accelerator and ? rays from a 60Co source. The energy absorbed in the thin surface layer, which can be related to the origins of exoelectron emission, is, in general, smaller than the energy liberated there by primary radiation. In this paper the surface dose is calculated by the Monte Carlo Code EGS4. It is pointed out that the air layer in front of the sample also plays an important role by supplying secondary electrons to the surface region of the sample. The emission density of exoelectrons from a LiF single crystal for unit absorbed dose is found to be 5 x 104 electrons.cm-2.Gy-1, and nearly constant independent of the low LET radiation type.
A Few Remarks on Dose Equivalent and Quality Factor
Authors: Sabol J.
Published: February 2017

The concept of the most important radiation protection quantity, dose equivalent, together with its unit is discussed. It has been concluded that this quantity cannot be considered to be a pure physical quantity, but rather a biophysical quantity. The idea is supported by an analogy between radiation protection and photometry where there exist physical quantities alongside photometry quantities based on the response of the eye to light. In order to avoid the persistent confusion regarding the unit of the dose equivalent, it is suggested that dimensions be assigned to the quality factor. As long as the quality factor is assumed to be a conversion factor between the physical and the radiation protection quantity, its dimension must be equal to the quotient of the units of the dose equivalent and the absorbed dose; i.e. the quality factor should be given in Sv.Gy-1.
Lyoluminescence in Neutron Therapy
Authors: Haverkamp U. , Wiezorek C. , Pötter R.
Published: February 2017

Lyoluminescence (LL) is based upon light emission during dissolution of previously irradiated inorganic or organic materials. For the dosimetry of fast neutrons in particular the advantage of lyoluminescence for radiological purposes lies in the use of certain organic materials whose hydrogen content is similar to that of tissue. Mannitol, trehalose, glucose and leucine were used as dosimetric materials and were irradiated with fast neutrons (d,T 14 MeV) over a therapeutic dose range (0.5-7.0 Gy). The integral light output is a measure of the absorbed dose. The materials, irradiated with 5 Gy, show differences in the absolute light output and the light output relative to 60Co gamma rays. In order to apply lyoluminescence dosimetry in the clinical context in neutron therapy, a suitable method for basic and in vivo dosimetry was developed and verified comparing the results with TE ionisation chamber dosimetry.
Radon Classification of Building Ground
Authors: Slunga E.
Published: February 2017

The Laboratories of Building Technology and Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering at the Helsinki University of Technology in cooperation with The Ministry of the Environment have proposed a radon classification for building ground. The proposed classification is based on the radon concentration in soil pores and on the permeability of the foundation soil. The classification includes four radon classes: negligible, normal, high and very high. Depending on the radon class the radon-technical solution for structures is chosen. It is proposed that the classification be done in general terms in connection with the site investigations for the planning of land use and in more detail in connection with the site investigations for an individual house.
226Ra and 228Ac in a Freshwater Ecosystem
Authors: Carreiro M.C.V. , Sequeira M.M.A.
Published: February 2017

Uranium, thorium, and their decay products, being primordial radionuclides, are of interest in the nuclear fuel cycle. They have therefore been systematically considered in the radiological survey of the Portuguese rivers Douro and Tejo. We summarise survey data on 226Ra and 228Ac concentrations, in water, sediments, fish and acquatic macrophytes, determined by gamma spectrometry, and covering the period from 1976 to 1981 for the River Douro and 1976 to 1986 for the River Tejo. Field concentration factors (CF) and distribution coefficients (Kd) determined for these rivers have values within the following ranges: CF values in fish muscle, 49 to 52 for 226Ra and 41 to 49 for 228Ra; in aquatic macrophytes (1 to 1.5) x 103 for 226Ra and (0.75 to 1.1) x 103 for 228Ra; values of Kd in sediments (2.5 x 3.3) x 103 for 226Ra and (2.9 to 3.2) x 103 for 228Ra. These values are discussed. 228Ac/226Ra ratios for both rivers are compared and interpreted.
Natural Radioactivity in Portuguese Mineral Waters
Authors: de Bettencourt A.O. , Teixeira M.M.G.R. , Faisca M.C. , Vieira I.A. , Ferrador G.C.
Published: February 2017

Concentration levels of 226Ra, 210Pb and 222Rn have been analysed in most of the bottled waters commercially available in Portugal, as well as in some spring waters. Concentrations up to abut 2 Bq.l-1, with a geometric mean of 27 mBq.l-1 were observed for 226Ra. For 210Pb a geometric mean of 18 mBq.l-1 with values ranging from 2 to 392 mBq.l-1 and for 222Rn a geometric mean of 17 Bq.l-1 with values ranging from <1 to 814 Bq.l-1 were measured. These values are compared with concentrations reported for other countries. Doses resulting from the consumption of these waters were calculated. The effective dose equivalents due to the intake of 226Ra and 210Pb present in these waters are expected to range from about 5 x 10-3 to 0.2 mSv.y-1. Dose equivalents to the stomach due to 222Rn intake through water consumption are estimated to reach values around 20 mSv.y-1.
Laser-Induced Damage of DNA
Authors: Schulte-Frohlinde D.
Published: February 2017

Laser excitation of DNA in aqueous solution leads to biphotonic formation of base radical cations and solvated electrons in addition to monophotonic products. The chemical pathways from the radical cations to strand breakage for several polynucleotides and single-stranded DNA are reviewed. An important feature of the mechanism is that the base radical cations are converted into neutral radicals prior to H abstraction from the sugar at pH 7. The neutral base radicals lead to single-strand break formation with the same yield as that obtained from the radical generated from the bases by reaction with OH. From this it can be inferred that, as far as ionisation by high energy irradiation is concerned, similar radicals are produced in DNA by direct ionisation as by reaction with OH radicals.
Variance-Covariance Measurements of yD for 15 MeV Neutrons in a Wide Range of Site Sizes
Authors: Goldhagen P. , Randers-Pehrson G. , Marino S.A. , Kliauga P.
Published: February 2017

Using the variance-covariance method and a pair of wall-less spherical ionisation chambers, we have measured the dose mean lineal energy, yD, for 15 MeV neutrons in nine site diameters ranging from 4.7 µm down to 19 nm (mean chord lengths from 3.15 µm to 13 nm). The neutrons were produced at the RARAF Van de Graaff accelerator using the T(d,n)4He reaction. Several practical improvements in the variance-covariance technique were developed, including subtraction of the variance of the noise current from the total variance and elimination from the data of electronic pulses produced when neutrons interacted directly in the integrated circuit chips of electrometers. At site diameters of 0.3 µm and above, conventional pulse height microdosimetry was also performed, using the same detectors operated as proportional counters. Values of yD measured by the two different methods are in excellent agreement.
Microdosimetric Measurements on the Clatterbridge Neutron Cancer Therapy Cyclotron
Authors: Taylor G.C. , Scott M.C. , Fletcher J.G.
Published: February 2017

Microdosimetric spectra have been measured both in air and in phantom for the Clatterbridge p(62)Be neutron cancer therapy cyclotron, Merseyside, UK. The measurements were carried out using a half-inch single-wire counter from Far West Technology, USA, for a simulated diameter of 2 µm. Because the measurements were made over several visits a rigorous calibration regime was used to ensure good agreement between spectra measured at different times. This was achieved by using the a particle edge on the y.D(y) spectra, the lineal energy of which was assumed to be 372 keV.µm-1. Measurements made at fixed positions in phantom show an increase in the height of the proton edge with increasing field sizes. Measurements made with fixed field sizes show a shifting of the proton peak to lower lineal energies with increasing depth into the water phantom, indicating a hardening of the neutron spectrum. This is consistent with spectrometric measurements made at Clatterbridge and reported elsewhere.
A Microdosimetric Comparison of High Energy Neutron Therapy Facilities: Clatterbridge and M.D. Anderson
Authors: Kliauga P. , Bonnett D. , Waker A.
Published: February 2017

Radiation quality of fast neutron beams used for radiation therapy can change with depth, the primary effect being a 'hardening' of the neutron beam produced by the scattering of slow neutron components. We report measurements of microdosimetric spectra in phantom, with and without hardening filter, for the 62 MeV p®Be [p(62)+Be] machine at the MRC Cyclotron Unit at Clatterbridge Hospital. Comparison is made with similar measurements on the 42 MeV beam [p(42)+Be] at M.D. Anderson Hospital. An interesting observation is the comparison of results obtained with differing counters and phantoms, which demonstrate that these parameters can have a non-negligible effect on intercomparisons between machines.
Kinetic Analysis of Natural and Beta-Induced TL in Albite
Authors: Kirsh Y. , Kristianpoller N. , Shoval S.
Published: February 2017

Kinetic parameters are evaluated for the thermoluminescence (TL) of geological samples of the feldspar albite (NaAlSi3O8). Both natural and laboratory -induced TL curves are studied between RT and 500 oC. The natural TL shows an intense peak at about 340 oC while the lab-induced glow curve consists of a peak near 200 oC, with a long high temperature tail. The kinetic analysis of the two glow curves shows that both can be described in terms of the same series of discrete traps, with the activation energies: 0.64, 0.71, 0.93, 1.08, 1.25, 1.64 and 1.85 eV. The intensities of the low temperature peaks in the natural TL were found to be rather high in view of the half-lives of the relevant traps. This might be due to tunnelling of charge carriers from deeper traps. This should be taken into consideration when samples of albite are used for geological and archaeological dating or in accident dosimetry.
Luminescence and Dosimetric Performances of KMgF3 Crystals Doped with Metal Impurity Ions
Authors: Furetta C. , Bacci C. , Rispoli B. , Sanipoli C. , Scacco A.
Published: February 2017

Thermoluminescence spectra have been recorded for crystals of pure KMgF3, KMgF3:Pb2+ and KMgF3:Eu3+, with the aim of identifying new phosphors for radiation dosimetry. Glow peaks, due to thermal activation of colour centres formed by ß or ? irradiation, were measured in both pure and doped materials. Typical thermoluminescence signals due to Pb2+ or Eu3+ impurities have been obtained, besides those of the host KMgF3. The intensity of the thermoluminescence peaks is not very high in Pb2+-doped samples, while Eu3+ ions are found to be excellent activators, as usual for rare earth impurities. In KMgF3:Eu3+ a new prominent peak has been found very efficient for monitoring radiation doses, because of its high sensitivity, good stability over time and elevated activation energy.
Characterisation of N-Acetyl-D-Glucosamine (NAG) as a Lyoluminescent Dosemeter
Authors: Azorin J. , Gutiérrez A.
Published: February 2017

Lyoluminescent properties of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (NAG) were investigated for their suitability as a dosemeter in a lyoluminescent system using sensitised solutions as solvents. Temperature and pH of the solvents were also varied. The detection limit for the system NAG-luminol at 20 oC using a solvent pH value of 10.6 was of the order of 3 mGy. The reproducibility was within ± 5% for doses of the order of 1 Gy. Measurements with isoluminol showed slightly higher amplification of the LL signal than that obtained with luminol.
A New TL Detector Developed for Multiple Applications
Authors: Wang S. , Wang Y. , Cai G. , Wang S. , Zha Z.
Published: February 2017

A new TL detector was prepared by doping PbO as the fourth dopant into LiF(Mg,Cu,P). The 'anomalous photon energy response' of the detector was eliminated; this detector can meet the various energy response requirements of measuring the individual and ambient dose equivalent (Hp(10) and H*(10)) and others. The range of perfect linearity is at least 200 nGy - 12 Gy without supralinearity. The detection threshold is 107 Gy with flowing N2 gas, and it has an ideal glow curve shape with the dominant peak at 210 oC. Both the photosensitivity and thermal fading effects are the same as that of LiF(Mg,Cu,P) which is insensitive to many chemical solutions. Being of small size, it can be used to measure the radiation dose in vitro or in vivo, where this is possible.
ESR Dosimetry with Magnesium Sulphate
Authors: Morton J.R. , Ahlers F.J. , Schneider C.C.J.
Published: February 2017

The aim of the investigation is to enhance the ESR dosemeter sensitivity in the therapy dose range below 10 Gy, where the ESR spectrum of the a-alanine radical becomes increasingly difficult to evaluate for dosimetry. Anhydrous magnesium sulphate, MgSO4, appears to be an excellent candidate from the spectrometric point of view. On irradiation with 60Co ? rays the stable radical SO3 is produced whose ESR signal amplitude increases linearly with dose up to about 105 Gy. Ignoring the abundant isotopes 17O (0.04%) and 33S (0.74%), the spectrum of SO3 is a single line at g = 2.0036 of width 0.5 mT which is stable at temperatures up to at least 120 oC. Using the conventional peak-to-peak method of dosemeter readout, the MgSO4 dosemeter is somewhat more sensitive than the traditional alanine dosemeter of the same mass. Its main advantage over the alanine dosemeter is, however, the ease of computer enhancement and the possibility of integration which the single-line spectrum offers.
First Experience with Pattern Approvals of Dosimetry Systems in Germany
Authors: Ambrosi P. , Neuhaus R. , Piesch E.
Published: February 2017

In the Federal Republic of Germany type tests (pattern approvals) of dosimetry systems for individual monitoring are mandatory. For dosimetry systems with TL or PL detectors the relevant requirements are stated in PTB-A 23.2. These requirements are explained and the experience obtained in the course of the type test of a Toshiba Glass dosimetry system, together with some of the results of the pattern approval, are given.
An Intercomparison of Glow Curve Analysis Computer Programs: I. Synthetic Glow Curves
Authors: Bos A.J.J. , Piters T.M. , Gómez-Ros J.M. , Delgado A.
Published: February 2017

Thirteen different computer programs for glow curve analysis are compared. Eleven programmes used a shape of the glow peak based on the Randall-Wilkins model, but a variety of different approximations for evaluating the peak shape was noticed. Twelve programmes were able to reproduce the peak areas and activation energies of a synthetic glow curve according to the Randall-Wilkins model simulating a four peaks TLD-100 glow curve within 6.3%. Four programmes of those twelve were able to reproduce the input values within 0.4%. Clear differences in performance between the programmes are due to differences in approximations used in calculating the glow peak shape.
Variance-Covariance Measurements in Therapeutic and Diagnostic Radiation Beams
Authors: Honoré H.B. , Jensen L.C. , Jessen K.A. , Nielsen H.H.
Published: February 2017

Cylindrical tissue-equivalent twin ionisation chambers have been developed based on experience with proportional counters for application in microdosimetric variance-covariance measurements of the dose mean lineal energy, yD, in therapeutic and diagnostic radiation beam qualities. It is concluded that the method is applicable but the size of the detector signals has to be optimised very carefully in respect to noise reduction and the total relative variance. It is proposed that results from the proportional mode and the ionisation mode are compared to obtain variance. It is proposed that results from the proportional mode and the ionisation mode are compared to obtain reliable values for the microdosimetric beam quality characterisation necessary to assess clinically relevant differences.
The Efficacy and Durability of Radon Remedial Measures
Authors: Cliff K.D. , Naismith S.P. , Scivyer C. , Stephen R.
Published: February 2017

In the UK, over 16,000 homes, from an estimated 100,000, with annual average radon concentrations exceeding the UK Action Level of 200 Bq.m-3 have been discovered. Some 600 householders who have taken action have sought confirmatory measurements from NRPB. Results for 345 such homes are discussed. A number of remedied homes are being remeasured annually to determine the durability of the remedies: results for the first year follow-up measurements are given. In a separate exercise, homes having the highest radon levels known in the UK have been enrolled in a research programme of the Building Research Establishment. The results for 53 homes in which BREW surveyed, designed and supervised remedial work are presented.
Cocarcinogenic Effect of Cytochrome P-450 1A1 Inducers for Epidermoid Lung Tumour Induction in Rats Previously Exposed to Radon
Authors: Douriez E. , Kermanac'h P. , Fritsch P. , Bisson M. , Morlier J.P. , Monchaux G. , Morin M. , Laurent P.
Published: February 2017

The aim of this work was to characterise the cocarcinogenic effect of CYP1A1 inducers in male Sprague-Dawley rats previously exposed to 1000 WLM radon. Three inducers were used: methylcholanthrene (MC), metabolised by CYP1A1 into strong mutagenic compounds; 5,6-benzoflavone (ßNF) metabolised into non-mutagenic compounds; and 2,3,7,8 tetrachlorobenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) regarded as non-mutagenic and non-metabolised. These inducers were administered by six repeated intramuscular injections of 25, 25 and 0.0013 mg per kg respectively at 2-week intervals. Rats were studied 1 or 4 months after the end of the treatments. A cocarcinogenic effect was observed for each compound corresponding to specific occurrences of squamous cell carcinoma. Latency periods for about 100% tumour induction were about 100 days for MC and ßNF but increased to 200 days for TCDD. Biochemical studies have shown a similar global CYP1A1 induction for each treatment corresponding to about 40 times the control value. Immunohistolocalisation of CYP1A1 was confined to some bronchial cells in controls whereas it was clearly demonstrated after each chemical treatment in hyperplastic epithelial foci.
Stabilisation Characteristics of Ventilation in Buildings
Authors: Peter J.E. , Haider B. , Ferron G.A.
Published: February 2017

Indoor radon concentrations depend strongly on ventilation between the rooms and the atmosphere. Here a set of linear differential equations is used to describe this transport. The solution for a multi-room building is calculated numerically. A house with three storeys and three by three rooms on each storey was chosen to achieve some generality. The air in each room is open to exchange with the air in adjacent rooms. All rooms except the middle rooms ventilate with the atmosphere. The middle rooms represent a staircase and ventilate with all adjacent rooms. The calculations were made for radon sources in one, some and all rooms, and different winds. Special emphasis was laid on the description of stabilisation times. Each room in between the source and the room under consideration in the multi-room model reduces the maximum concentration by a factor of about 2.6 and delays the stabilisation by factor of about 1.7.
False Positive and False Negative Radon Measurement Results Due to Uncertainties in Seasonal Correction Factors
Authors: Cliff K.D. , Miles J.C.H. , Naismith S.P.
Published: February 2017

Data from the UK national survey of radon in 2300 homes has been re-analysed to determine the uncertainty in seasonal correction factors applied to measurements of less than l year. The required correction factor for each six-month result was calculated from the known annual average for the appropriate home. The seasonal correction factors derived for each month were found to be approximately log-normally distributed, with an average geometric standard deviation of 1.36. Following this initial survey, radon measurements have been made in more than 80,000 homes in southwest England to determine whether they are above the UK radon Action level of 200 Bq.m-3. The measurements were carried out over three months in each case using etched track detectors in two locations in each home, and the results were corrected for the average seasonal variation found in the original UK study of radon in homes. Because of the uncertainty in the seasonal correction factors, households with between 130 and 300 Bq.m-3 were advised to have a second three-month measurement in a different season before deciding whether or not to take remedial action. More than 7000 homes were remonitored for this purpose. The results are analysed to show the number of false positive and false negative results that would have been reported if advice had been based solely on the initial measurement. It is shown that the present scheme results in extremely small numbers of false positive and false negative results.
Microcomputer Controlled Reader Systems for Archaeological and Geological TL Dating
Authors: Bøtter-Jensen L. , Medjahl V.
Published: February 2017

Two fully automated TL reader systems for TL dating and a manually operated reader for research purposes were put into operation during 1982-83. All systems are controlled by HP-85 or HP-86 microcomputers; thus flexibility in selection of measurement parameters, calculation of TL signals and display and printout of glow curves is achieved. The basic design of the automated reader system incorporated a 24-position microprocessor-controlled sample changer and a beta irradiator. The system automatically provides the data for constructing the primary and secondary response curves required for determining the archaeological and geological ages. The principle of the measurement procedures are described, and dating results are presented to illustrate the performance of the systems.
New Experimental Data on the Sensitivity to Fast Neutrons of a Number of Sintered Commercial TL Phosphors
Authors: Scarpa G.
Published: February 2017

The paper reports the results of an experimental investigation carried out during the last 3 years, on the neutron sensitivity of TL phosphors. 13 different types of solid TL detectors (chips, ribbons and discs) of commercial grade were included in the experiment. The irradiations were performed using narrow spectra of fast neutrons in the range 0.6-15 MeV, and wide spectra from a thick beryllium target (mean energy 7.5 MeV) and from a 252Cf source, with accurately known neutron and gamma components. The results in free air are in fairly good agreement with the data available in the literature. The sensitivity coefficient, kU, of 6LiF and of boron based dosemeters at the surface and inside a water phantom are much higher than in free air, as expected from thermalising properties of water. A further increase was obtained when the detectors were exposed in a tissue-equivalent container. The results indicate that the neutron-gamma discrimination by the classical twin-detectors technique could be based upon the use of 6LiF, lithium borate or, perhaps, magnesium tetraborate, as neutron-sensitive phosphors, and of 7LiF or calcium based TLDs as neutron insensitive dosemeters.
Etched Track Techniques in Radiation Dosimetry
Authors: Tommasino (INVITED) L.
Published: February 2017

Conventional detectors used in radiation protection dosimetry (for a given amount of energy deposited in their macroscopic volumes) are most sensitive to sparse radiations (electrons, X or gamma) than to fast neutrons or high LET particles, i.e. those particles characterised by high biological effectiveness. By contrast, damage track detectors are completely insensitive to sparse radiations and can be very sensitive to high LET particles (typically alpha particles and neutron induced recoils). To facilitate the applications of these new detecting methods in radiation protection dosimetry, techniques have been developed which exploit the high energy deposition in the vicinity of the track to initiate amplification or avalanche type processes, which can be easily detected. The discovery that CR-39 plastic is sensitive to protons with a wide range of energy shows promise for the solution of the complex problem of personal neutron dosimetry.
Measurement by Room Temperature Phosphorescence of Polynuclear Aromatic Containing Hydrocarbon Fuels that Permeate Glove Materials
Authors: Gammage R.B. , Vo-Dinh T. , White D.A.
Published: February 2017

Permeations of commonly used glove materials by polynuclear aromatic (PNA) compounds in hydrocarbon fuels were measured with solid state dosemeters composed of filter paper. The permeated PNA were sorbed by the filter paper and analysed in situ using room temperature phosphorescence spectroscopy. This technique provided a simple, cost effective, and very sensitive means for measuring breakthrough times and permeation rates of the class of potentially carcinogenic PNA in liquid fuels derived from crude petroleum, oil shale, and coal.
Gold and Platinum Doped Radiation Resistant Silicon Diode Detectors
Authors: Dixon R.L. , Ekstrand K.E.
Published: February 2017

Silicon diode detectors are subject to radiation damage in high energy electron and photon beams, which reduces their sensitivity. This is due to the reduction in minority carrier lifetime and thence diffusion length by the introduction of recombination centres (primarily the divacancy centre in n-type silicon which introduces an acceptor level at Ec-0.41 eV). Gold or platinum doping has the effect of reducing minority carrier lifetime by introducing recombination centres, such that the additional reduction due to radiation-induced centres is small. Groups of undoped, Au-doped, and Pt-doped diodes made from n-base silicon were irradiated with 15 MeV electrons. After a dose of 2000 Gy, the undoped diodes exhibited a sensitivity equal to 60% of the original, whereas the Au and Pt doped diodes retained 92% of their original sensitivity. The Pt-doped diodes appear to be the most useful for dosimetry due to lower leakage current.
Synthesis and antimicrobial evaluation of some new hydrazo, dihydropyridazinyl and triazolyl derivatives containing indole nucleus
Authors: Fadda Ahmed , Kandeel Ezz Eldeen , El-Gendy Eman
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The aim of this paper is synthesis of some new hydrazo, dihydropyridazinyl and triazolyl derivatives containing indole nucleus and their antimicrobial evaluation.

Design/methodology/approach

Treatment of 3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-3-oxopropanenitrile (1) with different aryl diazonium salts 2a-j gave the corresponding arylazohydrazone derivatives 3a-j. The azo derivatives 3d and 3e were used as the key intermediate for the synthesis of some new diazines 5d, e and triazoles 7d, e. The newly synthesized compounds were characterized by electronic absorption properties – IR, 1HNMR and MS studies – and screened for their biological evaluation. Compounds 3a-j, 5d, e and 7d, e showed promising results as antimicrobial agents.

Findings

Compounds 3a-j, 5d, e and 7d, e showed promising results as antimicrobial agents.

Originality/value

No details regarding the synthesis of such dyes are reported before in the literature.
Hierarchical, Three‐Dimensional Measurement System for Crime Scene Scanning
Authors: Marcin Adamczyk , Maciej Sieniło , Robert Sitnik , Adam Woźniak
Published: February 2017

We present a new generation of three‐dimensional (3D) measuring systems, developed for the process of crime scene documentation. This measuring system facilitates the preparation of more insightful, complete, and objective documentation for crime scenes. Our system reflects the actual requirements for hierarchical documentation, and it consists of three independent 3D scanners: a laser scanner for overall measurements, a situational structured light scanner for more minute measurements, and a detailed structured light scanner for the most detailed parts of tscene. Each scanner has its own spatial resolution, of 2.0, 0.3, and 0.05 mm, respectively. The results of interviews we have conducted with technicians indicate that our developed 3D measuring system has significant potential to become a useful tool for forensic technicians. To ensure the maximum compatibility of our measuring system with the standards that regulate the documentation process, we have also performed a metrological validation and designated the maximum permissible length measurement error EMPE for each structured light scanner. In this study, we present additional results regarding documentation processes conducted during crime scene inspections and a training session.
Stock Versus CAD/CAM Customized Zirconia Implant Abutments – Clinical and Patient‐Based Outcomes in a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Schepke Ulf , Meijer Henny J.A. , Kerdijk Wouter , Raghoebar Gerry M. , Cune Marco
Published: February 2017

Background

Single‐tooth replacement often requires a prefabricated dental implant and a customized crown. The benefits of individualization of the abutment remain unclear.

Purpose

This randomized controlled clinical trial aims to study potential benefits of individualization of zirconia implant abutments with respect to preservation of marginal bone level and several clinical and patient‐based outcome measures.

Material and Methods

Fifty participants with a missing premolar were included and randomly assigned to standard (ZirDesign, DentsplySirona Implants, Mölndal, Sweden) or computer aided design/computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) customized (Atlantis, DentsplySirona Implants, Mölndal, Sweden) zirconia abutment therapy. Peri‐implant bone level (primary outcome), Plaque‐index, calculus formation, bleeding on probing, gingiva index, probing pocket depth, recession, appearance of soft tissues and patients' contentment were assessed shortly after placement and one year later.

Results

No implants were lost and no complications related to the abutments were observed. Statistically significant differences between stock and CAD/CAM customized zirconia abutments could not be demonstrated for any of the operationalized variables.

Conclusion

The use of a CAD/CAM customized zirconia abutment in single tooth replacement of a premolar is not associated with an improvement in clinical performance or patients' contentment when compared to the use of a stock zirconia abutment.
Persistent bill and corolla matching despite shifting temporal resources in tropical hummingbird‐plant interactions
Authors: Weinstein Ben G. , Graham Catherine H.
Published: February 2017

By specialising on specific resources, species evolve advantageous morphologies to increase the efficiency of nutrient acquisition. However, many specialists face variation in resource availability and composition. Whether specialists respond to these changes depends on the composition of the resource pulses, the cost of foraging on poorly matched resources, and the strength of interspecific competition. We studied hummingbird bill and plant corolla matching during seasonal variation in flower availability and morphology. Using a hierarchical Bayesian model, we accounted for the detectability and spatial overlap of hummingbird‐plant interactions. We found that despite seasonal pulses of flowers with short‐corollas, hummingbirds consistently foraged on well‐matched flowers, leading to low niche overlap. This behaviour suggests that the costs of searching for rare and more specialised resources are lower than the benefit of switching to super‐abundant resources. Our results highlight the trade‐off between foraging efficiency and interspecific competition, and underline niche partitioning in maintaining tropical diversity.
On the origin of the blue/green color of blast‐furnace slag‐based materials: Sulfur K‐edge XANES investigation
Authors: Chaouche Mohend , Gao Xiao Xiao , Cyr Martin , Cotte Marine , Frouin Laurent
Published: February 2017

Slag‐based materials including mortars, concretes, Ca‐geopolymers, etc., are known to display a fascinating blue/green color upon hydration. This specific color is of particular concern in applications where visual esthetics are important. Yet only limited studies have been devoted to this phenomenon so far and its origin remains unexplained. It has sometimes been attributed, without any experimental evidence, to the presence of polysulfur species in the slag. To address the origin of this coloration, sulfur K‐edge X‐ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy was used to investigate the evolution of the speciation of sulfur during slag hydration. Three methods of slag activation were considered: thermal, portland cement, and sodium silicate. The impact of the activation method on the sulfur K‐edge XANES spectrum was examined first. Then, a comparison was made between the XANES of blue and white samples or zones with or without the blue color within the same sample. Independently of the activation route, the blue color was found to be unambiguously related to the presence of a prepeak in the corresponding XANES spectrum. This feature was absent for white samples or white zones. The prepeak, which was located at lower energy than the peak corresponding to the most common reduced sulfur species, was attributed to the presence of the trisulfur radical anion S3−. This blue chromophore is known to be at the origin of the deep blue color of the stone lapis lazuli or the ultramarine pigment (derived from lazurite).
Acupressure, Sleep, and Quality of Life in Institutionalized Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Lai Fu‐Chih , Chen I‐Hui , Chen Pao‐Ju , Chen I‐Ju , Chien Hui‐Wen , Yuan Chih‐Fen
Published: February 2017

Objectives

Nursing home (NH) residents suffer from sleep disturbances which are associated with a low quality of life (QoL). The purpose of this study was to explore the effectiveness of comparing acupressure on specific acupoints with acupressure on non‐specific acupoints in older NH residents with sleep disturbances.

Design

A randomized control trial with a pre‐ and post‐test design.

Setting

One NH in Taiwan.

Participants

Sixty‐two older NH residents were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 31) and a sham‐controlled group (n = 31).

Intervention

The experimental group received acupressure on the Tian‐Zhu, Ju‐Que, Yong‐Quan, Bai‐Hui, and Nei‐Guan acupoints three times a week for 8 weeks, for 24 minutes each time, while the control group received a massage at locations with no acupoints, which were 10 mm from the true points, at the same frequency as the experimental group.

Measurements

The primary outcome was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the secondary outcome was measured using the Short‐form 36 (SF‐36). Data were collected at baseline, the end of treatment, and 4 weeks after completion of treatment.

Results

Compared to the control group, the experimental group had significantly better scores on the PSQI (t = −7.72, P < 0.001) and SF‐36 (t = 1.34, P < 0.001) during the intervention period. The improvements in the PSQI and SF‐36 scores were still significant (P < 0.001) after adjusting for confounding variables by generalized estimating equations.

Conclusions

Results suggest that acupressure on the Tian‐Zhu, Ju‐Que, Yong‐Quan, Bai‐Hui, and Nei‐Guan acupoints can improve the quality of sleep and life among NH residents. Acupressure is a promising intervention that may improve well‐being for NH residents with sleep disturbances.
The Future of Policing Reform: The Way Forward?
Authors: Robinson Laurie O. , Ramsey Charles H.
Published: February 2017

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