bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduction in microparticle adsorption using a lateral interconnection method in a PDMS‐based microfluidic device
Authors: Lee Do‐Hyun , Park Je‐Kyun
Published: October 2013

Microparticle adsorption on microchannel walls occurs frequently due to nonspecific interactions, decreasing operational performance in pressure‐driven microfluidic systems. However, it is essential for delicate manipulation of microparticles or cells to maintain smooth fluid traffic. Here, we report a novel microparticle injection technique, which prevents particle loss, assisted by sample injection along the direction of fluid flow. Sample fluids, including microparticles, mammalian (U937), and green algae (Chlorella vulgaris) cells, were injected directly via a through hole drilled in the lateral direction, resulting in a significant reduction in microparticle attachment. For digital microfluidic application, the proposed regime achieved a twofold enhancement of single‐cell encapsulation compared to the conventional encapsulation rate, based on a Poisson distribution, by reducing the number of empty droplets. This novel interconnection method can be straightforwardly integrated as a microparticle or cell injection component in integrated microfluidic systems.
Optimized genetic transformation of Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides by Agrobacterium rhizogenes and the production of chelerythrine and skimmiamine in hairy root cultures
Authors: Etsè Kodjo Djidjolé , Aïdam Atsou V. , Melin Céline , Blanc Nathalie , Oudin Audrey , Courdavault Vincent , Creche Joël , Lanoue Arnaud
Published: October 2013

Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides is an endangered African tree producing numerous bioactive substances including antileukemic and antisickling agents. Here, the potential of Z. zanthoxyloides hairy root cultures was tested for the production of bioactive substances with limited natural resources. The efficiency of Agrobacterium rhizogenes LBA9402‐mediated transformation of leaf material was evaluated using different techniques. An optimal transformation frequency of 77% was obtained after 11 days by inoculating A. rhizogenes directly onto the central vein of 14‐week‐old leaves followed by a co‐cultivation period of 3 days. Different treatments in immersion mode (manual wounding, acetosyringone, CaCl2, ultrasonication) never exceeded these results. A maximum growth rate of 0.37 cm/day was determined during the exponential phase. Liquid chromatography‐diode array detection analysis showed the presence of skimmiamine, sesamine, chelerythrine, and chelerythrine derivatives in Z. zanthoxyloides hairy root lines. The maximum production of skimmiamine and chelerythrine in 28‐day‐old hairy root cultures was 45 ± 2 and 107 ± 4 mg/100 g dry weight, respectively. The present results highlight the potential of Z. zanthoxyloides hairy root cultures for the sustainable production of skimmiamine and chelerythrine.
Hydrothermal upgrading of algae paste: Application of 31P‐NMR
Authors: Patel Bhavish , Hellgardt Klaus
Published: October 2013

Although already proposed in the 1940s, hydrothermal upgrading of biomass, and specifically algae, to produce biocrude has only recently become a much researched topic. Algae are of special interest as they are capable of much higher biomass accumulation rates than terrestrial plants. To understand the transformation of algal biomass into biocrude, this process needs to be scrutinized in as much detail as possible to identify the most appropriate reaction conditions. It is usually not possible to identify individual transformation steps; however, in this article we demonstrate the use of 31P‐NMR to follow the fate of derivatized (2‐chloro‐4,4,5,5‐tetramethyl‐1,3,2‐dioxaphospholane) hydroxyl groups to start understand, which chemical species are involved in the initial degradation steps.

Our data show the occurrence of a very fast degradation of acidic OH groups (derived from the hydrolysis of lipids) and aliphatic OH groups (derived from the fast hydrolysis of carbohydrates). The degradation of proteins leads to polyphenols, which appear to be rather stable even over prolonged treatment periods. Small quantities of aromatic compounds are also formed as secondary degradation products through sugar dehydration and cyclization as well as peptide transformation. It appears that additional deoxygenation routes exist as the deoxygenation rate using 31P‐NMR and that determined by elemental analysis differ. The formed oil (biocrude) is compared with typical North Sea oils using simulated distillation and was found to contain a significant high boiling faction, which would require further treatment (e.g., hydrocracking) to shift the boiling range to a more valuable oil composition. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 32: 1002–1012, 2013
Thin‐film‐transistor liquid‐crystal display waste glass and nano‐SiO2 as substitute sources for metakaolin‐based geopolymer
Authors: Gao Kang , Lin Kae‐Long , Wang DeYing , Shiu Hau‐Shing , Hwang Chao‐Lung , Tuan Bui Le Anh , Cheng Ta‐Wui
Published: October 2013

Thin‐film‐transistor liquid‐crystal display (TFT‐LCD) waste glass can be used as a raw material in the production of geopolymer because of its amorphous and also contains relatively large amounts of silicon and aluminum. The effects of nano‐SiO2 (NS) addition levels (0%–3%) with 1% increments and the geopolymer replacement levels of TFT‐LCD waste glass (0%–40%) with 10% increments were analyzed quantitatively. The optimal geopolymer proportion was identified based on its mechanical characteristics and flexural strength. The geopolymer samples were also analyzed for changes in weight, and a thermogravimetric analyzer and 29Si magic‐angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance to measure the short‐range network ordering. The results of this study indicated that the TFT‐LCD waste glass metakaolin (TWGM) geopolymer sample with 10% TFT‐LCD waste glass and 1% NS exhibited greater strength and lower porosity than other samples. Understanding these characteristics is necessary to identify the mechanical strength, thermal stability, and the fundamental structure of a geopolymer system. Applying NS to a geopolymer enhances its compactness, improves its uniformity, and increases its strength. These results show that 10% TFT‐LCD waste glass and 1% NS can be used as a partial substitute for metakaolin (MK) in geopolymer materials. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 33: 947–955, 2014
Model‐based multi‐metric control of uniaxial shake tables
Authors: Phillips Brian M. , Wierschem Nicholas E. , Spencer B. F.
Published: October 2013

Shake tables provide a direct means by which to evaluate structural performance under earthquake excitation. Because the entire structure is mounted on the base plate and subjected to the ground motion in real time, dynamic effects and rate‐dependent behavior can be accurately represented. Shake table control is not straightforward as the desired signal is an acceleration record, while most actuators operate in displacement feedback for stability. At the same time, the payload is typically large relative to the capacity of the actuator, leading to pronounced control‐structure interaction. Through this interaction, the dynamics of the specimen influence the dynamics of the shake table, which can be problematic when specimens change behavior because of damage or other nonlinearities. Moreover, shake tables are themselves inherently nonlinear, making it difficult to accurately recreate a desired acceleration record over a broad range of amplitudes and frequencies. A model‐based multi‐metric shake table control strategy is proposed to improve tracking of the desired acceleration of a uniaxial shake table, remaining robust to nonlinearities including changes in specimen condition. The proposed strategy is verified for the shake table testing of both linear and nonlinear structures. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Wind erosion on the north‐eastern Tibetan Plateau: constraints from OSL and U‐Th dating of playa salt crust in the Qaidam Basin
Authors: Han Wenxia , Ma Zhibang , Lai Zhongping , Appel Erwin , Fang Xiaomin , Yu Lupeng
Published: October 2013

The arid Qaidam Basin is the largest (~3.88 × 104 km2) basin on the north‐eastern Tibetan Plateau. Wind erosion in the area has been regarded as an important trigger for intra‐basin tectonic balance upheaval, geomorphologic development and as a major supplier of dust to the Chinese Loess Plateau downwind. An initial estimate of the rate of wind erosion (Kapp et al., 2011) based on geological cross‐sections has suggested up to 3.2 × 104 km3 of sediments has been deflated over the past 2.8 Ma, lowering the landscape by an average of 0.29 mm/yr. In this paper we re‐evaluate this estimate by dating surface crusts present on three playas within the basin. Understanding the development of these playas is crucial to assessing the overall role of the wind in shaping the regional landscape because they are typically capped with a thick salt crust which effectively protects them from wind erosion. Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and U‐series dating from a pit section and from the top of a deep drill core, together with results from magnetostratigraphy and a climate proxy record correlated to the marine oxygen isotope record, are used here to determine the age of the playa plains and suggest that the salt crusts have an age of c. 0.1 Ma. This young age and the wide distribution of resistant thick salt crusts of the playa plains indicate a much lower degree of wind erosion than previously suggested. The crusts protect the surface from significant surface erosion (including sediment exhumation and unloading) and whilst some wind erosion does occur, it is unlikely to be sufficient to trigger tectonic uplift of the basin or to be a major dust source for the Loess Plateau as previously suggested. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of the toxicity of fluoridation compounds in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Rice Julie R. , Boyd Windy A. , Chandra Dave , Smith Marjolein V. , Besten Pamela K. Den , Freedman Jonathan H.
Published: October 2013

Fluorides are commonly added to drinking water in the United States to decrease the incidence of dental caries. Silicofluorides, such as sodium hexafluorosilicate (Na2SiF6) and fluorosilicic acid (H2SiF6), are mainly used for fluoridation, although fluoride salts such as sodium fluoride (NaF) are also used. Interestingly, only the toxicity of NaF has been examined and not that of the more often used silicofluorides. In the present study, the toxicities of NaF, Na2SiF6, and H2SiF6 were compared. The toxicity of these fluorides on the growth, feeding, and reproduction in the alternative toxicological testing organism Caenorhabditis elegans was examined. Exposure to these compounds produced classic concentration–response toxicity profiles. Although the effects of the fluoride compounds varied among the 3 biological endpoints, no differences were found between the 3 compounds, relative to the fluoride ion concentration, in any of the assays. This suggests that silicofluorides have similar toxicity to NaF. Environ Toxicol Chem 2013;33:82–88. © 2013 SETAC
CAD‐based shape optimisation with CFD using a discrete adjoint
Authors: Xu Shenren , Jahn Wolfram , Müller Jens‐Dominik
Published: October 2013

One of the major challenges of shape optimisation in practical industrial cases is to generically parametrise the wide range of complex shapes. A novel approach is presented, which takes CAD descriptions as input and produces the optimal shape in CAD form using the control points of the Non‐Uniform Rational B‐Splines (NURBS) boundary representation as design variables. An implementation of the NURBS equations in source allows to include the CAD‐based shape deformation inside the design loop and evaluate its sensitivities efficiently and robustly. In order to maintain or establish the required level of geometric continuity across patch interfaces, geometric constraints are imposed on the control point displacements. The paper discusses the discrete adjoint flow solver used and the computation of the complete sensitivities of the design loop by differentiating all components using automatic differentiation tools. The resulting rich but smooth deformation space is demonstrated on the optimisation of a vehicle climate duct. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A PFSA Composite Membrane with Sulfonic Acid Functionalized TiO2 Nanotubes for Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells and Water Electrolysers
Authors: Wu X. , Scott K.
Published: October 2013

Titanate nanotubes (TiO2‐NT) were functionalized with sulfonic acid functional groups and characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Results confirmed that sulfonic acid groups were grafted onto TiO2‐NT with a uniform distribution. When the functionalized titanate nanotube (F‐TiO2‐NT) was incorporated in perfluorosulfonic acid membranes, the membrane conductivity and water uptake were improved. Polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells using 5 wt.% F‐TiO2‐NT incorporated composite membrane exhibited a peak power density of 429 mW cm–2 with non‐humidified O2 at 90 °C, which is about four times higher than that with Nafion 117 membrane at identical conditions. PEMWE with 5 wt.% F‐TiO2‐NT incorporated composite membrane achieved 1,000 mA cm–2 current density at voltages below 1.6 V at 90 °C without back pressurizing.
On the variation of regional CO2 exchange over temperate and boreal North America
Authors: Zhang Xia , Gurney Kevin R. , Peylin Philippe , Chevallier Frédéric , Law Rachel M. , Patra Prabir K. , Rayner Peter J. , Röedenbeck Christian , Krol Maarten
Published: October 2013

Inverse‐estimated net carbon exchange time series spanning two decades for six North American regions are analyzed to examine long‐term trends and relationships to temperature and precipitation variations. Results reveal intensification of carbon uptake in eastern boreal North America (0.1 PgC/decade) and the Midwest United States (0.08 PgC/decade). Seasonal cross‐correlation analysis shows a significant relationship between net carbon exchange and temperature/precipitation anomalies during the western United States growing season with warmer, dryer conditions leading reduced carbon uptake. This relationship is consistent with “global change‐type drought” dynamics which drive increased vegetation mortality, increases in dry woody material, and increased wildfire occurrence. This finding supports the contention that future climate change may increase carbon loss in this region. Similarly, higher temperatures and reduced precipitation are accompanied by decreased net carbon uptake in the Midwestern United States toward the end of the growing season. Additionally, intensified net carbon uptake during the eastern boreal North America growing season is led by increased precipitation anomalies in the previous year, suggesting the influence of “climate memory” carried by regional snowmelt water. The two regions of boreal North America exhibit opposing seasonal carbon‐temperature relationships with the eastern half experiencing a net carbon loss with near coincident increases in temperature and the western half showing increased net carbon uptake. The carbon response in the boreal west region lags the temperature anomalies by roughly 6 months. This opposing carbon‐temperature relationship in boreal North America may be a combination of different dominant vegetation types, the amount and timing of snowfall, and temperature anomaly differences across boreal North America.
Cross passages in soil – ground freezing, segment application, excavation and displacement monitoring for segmental lining / Querschlagherstellung im Lockermaterial – Vereisung, Tübbingsicherung, Vortrieb und Deformationsauswertung für die Tübbingschale
Authors: Strauss Armin , Papakonstantinou Spyridon
Published: October 2013

After more than 30 years of planning, construction of the Biel East city bypass started on 3 December 2007. The biggest challenge of this project was tunnel excavation in a zone of soil‐like material with a length of 2 × 1,000 m, with extremely heterogeneous and variable geological conditions. The main tunnels were excavated by an earth pressure balance machine (diameter 12.56 m), and the cross passages (every 300 m) were constructed by conventional tunnelling methods with shotcrete support. In zones where fully saturated sands prevail (“Alte Schwemmsande”), brine ground freezing techniques were used. In order to prevent overloading of the main tunnels due to freezing pressures, these were supported by a combination of steel frames and dowel pins. Back analyses based on measured displacements of the segmental lining led to the conclusion that freezing pressures did not develop to the extent anticipated under the given ground conditions.

Nach über 30‐jähriger Planungsgeschichte erfolgte am 3. Dezember 2007 der Spatenstich zur Umfahrung Biel Ostast. Die größten Herausforderungen stellten die Vortriebsarbeiten im Bereich des Lockermaterials dar. Über eine Strecke von fast 2 × 1.000 m zeigten sich die geologischen Verhältnisse äußerst heterogen und stark wechselhaft. Bei der Herstellung der Haupttunnelröhren kam eine Erddruckschildmaschine (–12,56 m) zum Einsatz. Die in einem Abstand von 300 m angeordneten Querschläge wurden in konventioneller Bauweise mit einer Teilschnittmaschine und Spritzbetonsicherung aufgefahren. In den Bereichen der wassergesättigten Schwemmsande bediente man sich der Bodengefriertechnik, wobei das Solegefrierverfahren zur Anwendung kam. Um die bestehenden Haupttunnelröhren vor einer aus dem Eisdruck entstehenden Überbeanspruchung zu schützen, sah man als Sicherungskonzept eine Kombination aus Schubdübel und Stahlrahmen vor. Rückrechnungen im Hinblick auf die wahrgenommenen Verformungen an der Tübbingschale brachten die Erkenntnis, dass die befürchteten Eisdrücke in der vorherrschenden Geologie nur zu einem geringen Maß auftreten.
Metro Line U5 in Berlin – design challenges due to complex geotechnical conditions / U‐Bahnlinie U5 in Berlin – besondere Herausforderungen für die Planung aufgrund der komplexen geotechnischen Gegebenheiten
Authors: Seegers Jörg , Schmeiser Josef , Erdmann Paul
Published: October 2013

An approx. 2.2 km long section of the U5 in the city centre of Berlin is currently under construction to close the gap between the existing underground structures at the Berliner Rotes Rathaus and Brandenburger Tor stations. Construction started early 2012 and the connection between Alexanderplatz and Brandenburger Tor is planned to open in 2019. The alignment starts from the newly built Rotes Rathaus Metro station, passing under the River Spree, the planned new Berliner Schloss and the Spree channel, and then follows the street Unter den Linden before arriving at the Brandenburger Tor. Three new stations have to be constructed at Rotes Rathaus, Museumsinsel and Unter den Linden, with the centrepiece being the Museumsinsel station where ground freezing techniques are being used.

Geplant und derzeit im Bau ist die Herstellung eines ca. 2,2 km langen Lückenschlusses der Trasse zwischen den bestehenden Tunnelanlagen am Berliner Roten Rathaus und der Station Brandenburger Tor. Baubeginn war im Frühjahr 2012. 2019 soll die Verbindung zwischen Alexanderplatz und Brandenburger Tor eröffnet werden. Die Linienführung der Trasse verläuft innerstädtisch von der neu zu errichtenden U‐Bahn Station Rotes Rathaus unter der Spree, unterhalb des zukünftigen Neuen Berliner Schlosses und dem Spreekanal entlang der Straße Unter den Linden zum Brandenburger Tor. Die Trasse beinhaltet drei neue Stationen (Rotes Rathaus, Museumsinsel und Unter den Linden). Herzstück ist die Station Museumsinsel, die im Schutz einer Vereisung hergestellt wird.
Rapid shaft sinking / Mechanisiertes Abteufen von Schächten
Authors: Neye Esther , Burger Werner , Rennkamp Patrick
Published: October 2013

In 2011 Herrenknecht designed a shaft sinking machine suitable for applications in frozen ground or soft to medium hard rock up to 120 Mpa, with variable shaft diameters as well as geometries. The target was to develop a machine that will provide safe working conditions for the personnel and exceed the shaft sinking rates of conventional systems.

Two prototypes were manufactured and assembled at the Herrenknecht works in Schwanau during winter/spring 2012. In early summer of 2012, cutting trials were performed with the aim of achieving the maximal possible cutting rate performance. After successful completion of the cutting trials, the machines where shipped to Canada and assembled at the site. In November 2012, the first machine was lowered into the shaft and first cutting cycles where performed before Christmas 2012. Assembly and commissioning of the second machine follows in early 2013.

Die Herrenknecht AG hat im Jahr 2011 eine Maschine für das maschinelle Abteufen von Schächten in gefrorenem Boden oder weichem bis mittelhartem Gestein mit einer Druckfestigkeit von bis zu 120 MPa entwickelt. Ein großes Ziel dieser Entwicklung war, die Arbeitsbedingungen für das Personal im Schacht sicherer zu gestalten sowie die Schachtabteufgeschwindigkeit konventioneller Anlagen zu übertreffen.

Zwei Prototypen wurden hergestellt und im Zeitraum Winter 2011 bis Frühjahr 2012 auf dem Werksgelände der Herrenknecht AG in Schwanau montiert. Schneidversuche fanden im Frühjahr 2012 mit dem Ziel statt, die maximal mögliche Schneidleistung zu ermitteln. Nach erfolgreichem Abschluss der Schneidversuche wurden die Maschinen nach Kanada ausgeliefert und am Standort aufgebaut. Im November 2012 wurde die erste Maschine in den Vorschacht abgesenkt und die ersten Schneidzyklen noch vor Weihnachten 2012 durchgeführt. Aufbau und Inbetriebnahme der zweiten Maschine erfolgte im Sommer 2013.
Apathy is an independent risk factor for incident cardiovascular disease in the older individual: a population‐based cohort study
Authors: Eurelings Lisa S. M. , Ligthart Suzanne A. , van Dalen Jan Willem , Moll van Charante Eric P. , van Gool Willem A. , Richard Edo
Published: October 2013

Objective

Although depression is considered to be associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD), specifically symptoms of apathy have been strongly associated with a history of CVD in recent studies. In this study, we prospectively assess whether symptoms of apathy and depression are independent risk factors for incident CVD and stroke.

Methods

We carried out a prospective cohort study of 1810 community‐dwelling older individuals (70–78 years) without a history of CVD or stroke. Symptoms of apathy and depression were assessed with the 15‐item Geriatric Depression Scale. Incident CVD and stroke were assessed after 2 years follow‐up. The associations of symptoms of apathy and depression with incident CVD and stroke were analyzed separately using logistic regression analysis.

Results

Symptoms of apathy and depression were present in 281 (15.5%) and 266 (14.7%) participants, respectively. Incident CVD occurred in 62 (3.5%) participants and stroke in 55 (3.1%) participants. Apathy was associated with incident CVD after adjustment for demographics and cardiovascular risk factors (odds ratio (OR) = 2.60, 95% CI = 1.46–4.65). Exclusion of subjects with depressive symptoms yielded a similar OR (2.94, 95% CI = 1.45–5.96, n = 1544). No association was found between depressive symptoms and incident CVD. Neither apathy symptoms nor depressive symptoms were associated with incident stroke.

Conclusions

Apathy, but not depression, is a strong, independent risk factor for incident CVD. It may be a marker of underlying vascular disease. By its nature, apathy may cause non‐adherence to a healthy lifestyle, diminished activities, and possibly even withdrawal from clinical care aimed at improving vascular risk profiles. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Different patterns and development characteristics of processing written logographic characters and alphabetic words: An ALE meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhu Linlin , Nie Yaoxin , Chang Chunqi , Gao Jia‐Hong , Niu Zhendong
Published: October 2013

The neural systems for phonological processing of written language have been well identified now, while models based on these neural systems are different for different language systems or age groups. Although each of such models is mostly concordant across different experiments, the results are sensitive to the experiment design and intersubject variability. Activation likelihood estimation (ALE) meta‐analysis can quantitatively synthesize the data from multiple studies and minimize the interstudy or intersubject differences. In this study, we performed two ALE meta‐analysis experiments: one was to examine the neural activation patterns of the phonological processing of two different types of written languages and the other was to examine the development characteristics of such neural activation patterns based on both alphabetic language and logographic language data. The results of our first meta‐analysis experiment were consistent with the meta‐analysis which was based on the studies published before 2005. And there were new findings in our second meta‐analysis experiment, where both adults and children groups showed great activation in the left frontal lobe, the left superior/middle temporal gyrus, and the bilateral middle/superior occipital gyrus. However, the activation of the left middle/inferior frontal gyrus was found increase with the development, and the activation was found decrease in the following areas: the right claustrum and inferior frontal gyrus, the left inferior/medial frontal gyrus, the left middle/superior temporal gyrus, the right cerebellum, and the bilateral fusiform gyrus. It seems that adults involve more phonological areas, whereas children involve more orthographic areas and semantic areas. Hum Brain Mapp 35:2607–2618, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Selenoacetalyzation of 4‐Formylpyrazoles in the Presence of Trimethylchlorosilane
Authors: Papernaya Lyubov K. , Shatrova Alexandra A. , Levanova Ekaterina P. , Albanov Alexandr I. , Klyba Lyudmila V. , Rudyakova Elena V. , Levkovskaya Galina G.
Published: October 2013

The reaction of 3,5‐dimethyl‐4‐formylpyrazoles, bearing various substituents at N‐1 atom, with propane‐1,3‐diselenol and 2‐hydroxypropane‐1,3‐diselenol in the presence of ТМSCl proceeds without heating to chemoselectively give hitherto unknown 2‐(pyrazol‐4‐yl)‐1,3‐diselenane hydrochlorides in high yields. The latter are easily transformed to the corresponding free bases—2‐(pyrazol‐4‐yl)‐1,3‐diselenanes. The 15N chemical shifts of the pyrazole ring in 2‐(pyrazol‐4‐yl)‐1,3‐diselenanes obtained by 2D HMBC‐gp (15N‐1H) technique are indicative of the N‐2 atom protonation in hydrochlorides.
Regional‐scale mapping of groundwater discharge zones using thermal satellite imagery
Authors: Sass G. Z. , Creed I. F. , Riddell J. , Bayley S. E.
Published: October 2013

Mapping groundwater discharge zones at broad spatial scales remains a challenge, particularly in data sparse regions. We applied a regional scale mapping approach based on thermal remote sensing to map discharge zones in a complex watershed with a broad diversity of geological materials, land cover and topographic variation situated within the Prairie Parkland of northern Alberta, Canada. We acquired winter thermal imagery from the USGS Landsat archive to demonstrate the utility of this data source for applications that can complement both scientific and management programs. We showed that the thermally determined potential discharge areas were corroborated with hydrological (spring locations) and chemical (conservative tracers of groundwater) data. This study demonstrates how thermal remote sensing can form part of a comprehensive mapping framework to investigate groundwater resources over broad spatial scales. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MicroRNA‐146a targets PRKCE to modulate papillary thyroid tumor development
Authors: Zhang Xiaoping , Li Dan , Li Maoquan , Ye Meng , Ding Lanbao , Cai Haidong , Fu Da , Lv Zhongwei
Published: October 2013

MicroRNAs are single‐stranded noncoding RNAs composed of approximately 22 nucleotides that suppress gene expression by selectively binding via base‐pairing to the complementary 3′‐untranslated region (3′‐UTR) of messenger RNA transcripts. Protein kinase C epsilon (PKCε) is an important modulating member of the transducing Ras/Raf‐1 signal pathway; a computational search revealed miR‐146a putatively binds to the 3'‐UTR of the PRKCE gene, and thus decreasing PKCε expression. Moreover, PKCε inhibits mitochondrial apoptosis and is associated with the Bcl family. However, it has been previously reported that miR‐146a expression in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is slightly elevated. Thus, we hypothesized that because miR‐146a expression depends on nuclear factor kappaB (NF‐κB) activation and NF‐κB expression is elevated in PTC, miR‐146a is potentially upregulated in PTC via negative feedback of NF‐κB, and thus suppressing PKCε expression. In our study, we investigated whether overexpression of miR‐146a, a tumor‐suppressing‐miR, in PTC cells decreases cell survival and induces apoptosis. Luciferase reporter assay analysis confirmed the direct binding of miR‐146a and PRKCE 3′‐UTR. Specific overexpression of exogenous miR‐146a significantly decreased PKCε levels in PTC cell line NPA‐187 and increased apoptosis. Additionally, using stably expressing miR‐146a thyroid carcinoma cells to establish subcutaneous tumors, the tumor growth exhibited significant inhibition. Our study confirmed the tumor‐suppressing role of miR‐146a in thyroid carcinoma cells and contributes to the knowledge regarding modulation of Ras/Raf‐1 signal transduction and apoptosis via PKCε targeted by miR‐146a in PTC; moreover, our findings confirmed that miR‐146a is involved in the feedback system of the classical NF‐κB signal pathway in PTC.
Common community‐acquired infections and subsequent risk of multiple myeloma: A population‐based study
Authors: McShane Charlene M. , Murray Liam J. , Engels Eric A. , Landgren Ola , Anderson Lesley A.
Published: October 2013

The role of bacteria and viruses as aetiological agents in the pathogenesis of cancer has been well established for several sites, including a number of haematological malignancies. Less clear is the impact of such exposures on the subsequent development of multiple myeloma (MM). Using the population‐based U.S. Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results‐Medicare dataset, 15,318 elderly MM and 200,000 controls were identified to investigate the impact of 14 common community‐acquired infections and risk of MM. Odds ratios (ORs) and associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were adjusted for sex, age and calendar year of selection. The 13‐month period prior to diagnosis/selection was excluded. Risk of MM was increased by 5–39% following Medicare claims for eight of the investigated infections. Positive associations were observed for several infections including bronchitis (adjusted OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.09–1.18), sinusitis (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.10–1.20) pneumonia (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.21–1.33), herpes zoster (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.29–1.49) and cystitis (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.05–1.14). Each of these infections remained significantly elevated following the exclusion of more than 6 years of claims data. Exposure to infectious antigens may therefore play a role in the development of MM. Alternatively, the observed associations may be a manifestation of an underlying immune disturbance present several years prior to MM diagnosis and thereby part of the natural history of disease progression.
Expression of DIAPH1 is up‐regulated in colorectal cancer and its down‐regulation strongly reduces the metastatic capacity of colon carcinoma cells
Authors: Lin Yuan‐Na , Izbicki Jakob R. , König Alexandra , Habermann Jens K. , Blechner Christine , Lange Tobias , Schumacher Udo , Windhorst Sabine
Published: October 2013

In most cases, metastatic colorectal cancer is not curable, thus new approaches are necessary to identify novel targets for colorectal cancer therapy. Actin‐binding‐proteins (ABPs) directly regulate motility of metastasising tumor cells, and for cortactin an association with colon cancer metastasis has been already shown. However, as its depletion only incompletely inhibits metastasis, additional, more suitable cellular targets have to be identified. Here we analyzed expression of the ABPs, DIAPH1, VASP, N‐WASP, and fascin in comparison with cortactin and found that, besides cortactin, DIAPH1 was expressed with the highest frequency (63%) in colorectal cancer. As well as cortactin, DIAPH1 was not detectable in normal colon tissue and expression of both proteins was positively correlated with metastasis of colorectal cancer. To analyse the mechanistic role of DIAPH1 for metastasis of colon carcinoma cells in comparison with cortactin, expression of the proteins was stably down‐regulated in the human colon carcinoma cell lines HT‐29, HROC‐24 and HCT‐116. Analysis of metastasis of colon carcinoma cells in SCID mice revealed that depletion of DIAPH1 reduced metastasis 60‐fold and depletion of cortactin 16‐fold as compared with control cells. Most likely the stronger effect of DIAPH1 depletion on colon cancer metastasis is due to the fact that in vitro knock down of DIAPH1 impaired all steps of metastasis; adhesion, invasion and migration while down‐regulation of cortactin only reduced adhesion and invasion. This very strong reducing effect of DIAPH1 depletion on colon carcinoma cell metastasis makes the protein a promising therapeutic target for individualized colorectal cancer therapy.
Epigenetic reprogramming reverses the malignant epigenotype of the MMP/TIMP axis genes in tumor cells
Authors: Zhang Shenghong , Zhong Bihui , Chen Minhu , Yang Li , Yang Guang , Li Yuan , Wang Hong , Wang Guanjun , Li Wei , Cui Jiuwei , Hoffman Andrew R. , Hu Jifan
Published: October 2013

Cancer progression is characterized by extensive tumor invasion into the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM) and migration to metastatic sites. The increased proteolytic degradation of the ECM during tumor invasion is directly dependent on the activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), counter‐balanced by tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs). In this study, we found that unbalanced expression of MMP/TIMP axis genes in tumors was correlated with aberrant epigenotypes in the various gene promoters. The malignant epigenotypes could be therapeutically corrected by a simple defined factor‐mediated reprogramming approach. Correction of the abnormal epigenotypes by nuclear remodeling leads to a rebalance in the gene expression profile, an alteration in tumor cell morphology, attenuation of tumor cell migration and invasion in vitro, and reduced tumorigenicity in nude mice. We further identified the downregulation of the MKK‐p38 MAPK signal pathway as an important underlying mechanism for reduced tumorigenicity in this epigenetic reprogramming model. These data demonstrate that the malignant phenotypes seen in cancer can be corrected by a nuclear remodeling mechanism, thus highlighting a novel non‐chemotherapeutic, non‐radiotherapeutic approach for the treatment of cancer.
Combination of sunitinib with anti‐tumor vaccination inhibits T cell priming and requires careful scheduling to achieve productive immunotherapy
Authors: Jaini Ritika , Rayman Patricia , Cohen Peter A. , Finke James H. , Tuohy Vincent K.
Published: October 2013

Sunitinib, a protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor is the frontline therapy for renal and gastrointestinal cancers. We hypothesized that by virtue of its well documented tumor apoptosis and immune adjuvant properties, combination of Sunitinib with anti‐tumor immunotherapeutics will provide synergistic inhibition of tumor growth. Our study was designed to evaluate the impact of Sunitinib on immunotherapy mediated anti‐tumor immune responses and evaluate its efficacy as a combinatorial therapy with tumor targeted immunotherapeutic vaccination. Mice immunized with recombinant α‐lactalbumin, a lactation protein expressed on majority of breast tumors were treated with 1 mg of Sunitinib for seven consecutive days beginning (1) concurrently, on the day of α‐lactalbumin immunization or (2) sequentially, on day 9 after immunization. Ten‐day lymph nodes or 21 day spleens were tested by ELISPOT assays and flow cytometry to evaluate responsiveness to α‐lactalbumin immunization in presence of Sunitinib and distribution of cells involved in T cell antigen priming and proliferation in different lymphoid compartments. In addition, therapeutic efficacy of the α‐lactalbumin/ Sunitinib combination was evaluated by monitoring tumor growth in the 4T1 transplanted tumor model. Our studies reveal that concurrent administration of Sunitinib with active vaccination against a targeted tumor antigen inhibits priming to the immunogen due to a drastic decrease in CD11b+CD11c+ antigen presenting cells, leading to failure of vaccination. However, sequential delivery of Sunitinib timed to avoid the priming phase of vaccination results in the desired vaccination mediated boost in immune responses.
IDENTIFYING THE POTENTIAL CAUSES OF WATERLOGGING IN IRRIGATED AGRICULTURE: THE CASE OF THE WONJI‐SHOA SUGAR CANE PLANTATION (ETHIOPIA)
Authors: Dinka Megersa Olumana , Ndambuki Julius Mosyoka
Published: October 2013

The Wonji‐Shoa Sugar Estate (WSSE) has been producing sugar for about 60 years and is currently affected by a chronic waterlogging problem (about 90% of the plantation area is affected by critical waterlogging). Hence, the current study investigated the potential causes of the rise of groundwater table depth (GWTD) at the WSSE in an integrated and comprehensive manner. The study revealed that the shallow water table at the WSSE is due to one and/or a combination of the different factors responsible for the rise of GWTD: rainfall, surface runoff, irrigation, drainage, soil condition (clay), topography, flooding, seepage losses, land use/cover change, and a subsurface contribution from the Awash River. However, direct rainfall, incoming surface runoff, flat topography, soil property (clay), poor drainage (natural and artificial) facilities and uncontrolled irrigation water management are mostly responsible for the rise and fluctuation of GWTD in the area. Finally, the finding emphasized the need to develop corrective measures urgently. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Changes in CT radiation doses in Australia from 1994 to 2002
Authors: Wise K. N. , Thomson J. E. M.
Published: October 2013

The growth in the usage of CT scanners in Australia between 1994 and 2002 is reviewed. The parallel growth in the per caput dose from CT procedures is derived by first estimating the mean dose for broad categories of Medicare Benefits Schedule procedures and then applying these estimates to counts of the number of procedures in each category. It is estimated that the annual dose per capita from CT procedures has increased from about 0.37 mSv in 1994 to about 0.9 mSv in 2002. From 1994–2002 the growth in CT usage has been mainly amongst adults over 35 years of age while usage amongst infants in the 0–4 year age group has remained within 10% of that in 1994.
A Standardised Approach to Optimisation
Authors: Warren‐Forward Helen M. , Beckhaus Ronald
Published: October 2013

Purpose

Optimisation of radiographic images is said to have been obtained if the patient has achieved an acceptable level of dose and the image is of diagnostic value. In the near future, it will probably be recommended that radiographers measure patient doses and compare them to reference levels. The aim of this paper is to describe a standardised approach to optimisation of radiographic examinations in a diagnostic imaging department.

Method

A three‐step approach is outlined with specific examples for some common examinations (chest, abdomen, pelvis and lumbar spine series). Step One: Patient doses are calculated. Step Two: Doses are compared to existing reference levels and the technique used compared to image quality criteria. Step Three: Appropriate action is taken if doses are above the reference level.

Results

Average entrance surface doses for two rooms were as follows AP Abdomen (6.3mGy and 3.4mGy); AP Lumbar Spine (6.4mGy and 4.1mGy) for AP Pelvis (4.8mGy and 2.6mGy) and PA chest (0.19mGy and 0.20mGy). Comparison with the Commission of the European Communities (CEC) recommended techniques identified large differences in the applied potential. The kVp values in this study were significantly lower (by up to 10kVp) than the CEC recommendations.

Discussion

The results of this study have indicated that there is a need to monitor radiation doses received by patients undergoing diagnostic radiography examinations. Not only has the assessment allowed valuable comparison with International Diagnostic Reference Levels and Radiography Good Practice but has demonstrated large variations in mean doses being delivered from different rooms of the same radiology department. Following the simple 3‐step approach advocated in this paper should either provide evidence that department are practising the ALARA principle or assist in making suitable changes to current practice.
An Insight into the Students' Perspective of a Nuclear Medicine Clinical Education Program
Authors: Adams Edwina J. , Adamson Barbara J. , Poulos Ann
Published: October 2013

Clinical education of Medical Radiation Science students is crucial to the quality of their learning and preparedness for entry to the workplace as a practitioner. The assessment process must direct the Students' learning and accurately evaluate their clinical performance and measure understanding. To ensure quality, a review of the assessment process must take place. Obtaining the Students' perspective provides useful data. A questionnaire was administered to final year Nuclear Medicine students. The questionnaire consisted of 11 items. Quantitative analysis was conducted on the close‐ended data and a thematic analysis was performed on open‐ended items. Students perceived a variation in the ability of the clinical assessment tools to accurately assess their performance. The Observed Skills Clinical Assessment (OSCA) was perceived to be the least indicative of their clinical ability and understanding. The perceived level of agreed accuracy by clinical and university supervisors was equal but the level of disagreement varied. No statistical difference was found. Students felt well prepared for entry to the workplace. A strength of clinical education was the clinical placement where students could apply theory to the real setting, a weakness was a lack of reliability of assessors. This study has provided some initial data to assist educators in improving the quality of their program. The limitations identified in the assessment tools in this study will provide a basis for informed decisions for change, to ensure that best practice is upheld.
Could a Journal Club be an Effective Educational Tool for Radiation Therapists?
Authors: Field N. , Agustin C.B. , Milinkovic D.
Published: October 2013

Radiation therapy, like many other health professions is one in which knowledge and technology is continually changing. It is the responsibility of all radiation therapists to be aware of current developments and to support the integration of research results into treatment and care of their patients. Radiation therapy research however is only useful to those who read and understand the published articles. This paper identifies journal clubs as a potential educational tool for the evaluation and utilisation of professional research. The history of journal clubs is reviewed and the various journal club formats presented. Both the common goals and outcomes of journal clubs are discussed. The literature reviewed in this paper is from across the health sciences professions due to the paucity of information about this issue in radiation therapy.
Sonographic Appearances of Common Gut Pathology in Paediatric Patients: Comparison with Plain Abdominal Radiography
Authors: Piotto Lino , Gent Roger
Published: October 2013

Even with the advent of more specialised imaging modalities such as fluoroscopic contrast examinations, CT and MRI, the plain abdominal radiograph remains the initial imaging modality in investigating the signs and symptoms of suspected gut pathology. However, ultrasound is playing an increasing part in the detection of gut pathology in paediatric patients.

At our hospital, when plain abdominal radiography does not provide a diagnosis, ultrasound is commonly requested to rule out conditions that require urgent attention, such as intussusception, appendicitis and midgut malrotation and volvulus. After these conditions have been excluded however, the ultrasound examination can frequently lead to the diagnosis of several other conditions, including gastroenteritis, Crohn's disease, mesenteric lymphadenopathy and less commonly, duplication cysts, bezoas, and haemolytic uraemic syndrome.

Although plain radiography of the abdomen may be suggestive of gut pathology, the additional information provided by sonography often provides a specific diagnosis, leading to better patient care.

This paper is a presentation of ten case studies demonstrating the use of ultrasound to augment plain X‐ray findings, in order to obtain a final diagnosis.
Lens sparing technique using multi‐leaf collimators in irradiation of the unilateral retro‐orbital space for benign disease
Authors: Middleton Mark Geoffrey , Medwel Stephen Paul , Bennie David Nicol , Fogarty Gerald Blaise
Published: October 2013

The authors present a case of a 30‐year old woman with pseudolymphoma of the left medial rectus muscle. A multi‐field technique was planned for irradiating the unilateral retro‐orbital space to 20 Gray (GY) in 15 fractions while keeping the average dose to the lens of 8 Gy and the peak dose to the lens of 11 Gy using multi‐leaf collimators is described.
The visual analogue scale as a tool for self‐reporting of subjective phenomena in the medical radiation sciences
Authors: Cox Jennifer M , Davison Alastair
Published: October 2013

Medical radiation science researchers, due to their close patient contact in daily practice, may wish to investigate subjective phenomena which cannot be measured physically. These phenomena are best interpreted by the subject, not the researcher. A useful tool for quantitative measurement of subjective phenomena is the visual analogue scale. The scale can be adapted to measure a range of phenomena, provided that it is suitably validated. Examples of the use and validation of the visual analogue scale are given. The visual analogue scale is a valuable instrument for the comparison of scores in different groups of subjects, for the comparison of treatments in individuals, and for the observation of scores over time for individual subjects.