bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sharing of data archive of radiation exposure animal experiments in QST/NIRS and IES
Authors: Ishikawa Atsuko , Kin Yoshika , Yamada Yutaka , Morioka Takamitsu , Nishimura Mayumi , Imaoka Tatsuhiko , Kakinuma Shizuko , Tanaka Satoshi , Nakahira Rei , Kobayashi Etsuko , Fujikawa Katsuyoshi , Komura Jun-ichiro , Kobayashi Toshiyuki , Shimada Yoshiya 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Institute for Radiological Science (NIRS), National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST), and Institute for Environmental Sciences (IES) have conducted large-scale animal experiments for radiation risk analyses in terms of life shortening and cancer prevalence. It is important to store data and biological samples from these large-scale experiments for sharing and future use since the economic and practical limitations, as well as the ethical considerations, make it difficult. QST/NIRS established an archive called the Japan Storehouse of Animal Radiobiology Experiments (J-SHARE) for the purpose of storing and sharing these historic collections. We plan to integrate the data and tissue specimen images obtained at the IES into J-SHARE by standardizing the archive format, with the aim of maximizing the results of radiation biology research. This integration is expected to contribute to the generation of new knowledge for radiation risk assessment and the provision of scientifically based information on radiation protection.
Impacts of the large fusion test facility on tritium in environmental water and natural radiation levels
Authors: Tanaka Masahiro , Kurita Saori , Akata Naofumi 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
In the progress of nuclear fusion development, environmental radiation monitoring in the vicinity of the facility would be an important issue. At the National Institute of Fusion Science (NIFS), the deuterium plasma experiment, which produces tritium and neutrons using d-d fusion reactions, was conducted from 2017 to 2022. Environmental radiation and tritium in environmental water were monitored before and during the deuterium plasma experiment for public acceptance. As a result, there was no significant change in the observed dose rate and tritium concentration in the rainwater, and no statistically significant difference was identified in the statistical analysis of the data observed before and during the deuterium plasma experiment. Therefore, the environmental impact of the deuterium plasma experiments at NIFS is considered to be negligible.
Efficacy of trauma-focused therapies for post-traumatic stress disorder in disaster-affected regions: insights from Minamisoma, Japan
Authors: Hori Arinobu , Tsubokura Masaharu 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
This study investigated the implementation and efficacy of trauma-focused psychotherapies at a psychiatric clinic in Minamisoma City, Fukushima, after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and nuclear disaster. Analyzing medical records from April 2016 to March 2021, the authors identified a significant dropout rate of 43.2% among post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) patients within the first 5 years. These findings highlight the challenges and effectiveness of trauma-focused treatments like prolonged exposure therapy in disaster-stricken areas, where PTSD incidence is notably high. This study emphasizes the necessity to establish robust therapeutic frameworks capable of addressing PTSD in such contexts, considering the limited coverage of comprehensive psychotherapies by Japan’s healthcare system.
Assessment of air dose distribution in the vertical plane for better occupational exposure management
Authors: Noro Tomuhiro , Osanai Minoru , Hosokawa Shota , Kitajima Maiko , Tsushima Megumi , Kudo Kohsei 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
The International Commission on Radiological Protection recommended a significant reduction of the equivalent dose limit for the eye lens. Reportedly, medical staff in charge of diagnostic imaging procedures may exceed the new dose limits for the eye lens. The use of dosimeters dedicated to the eye lens remains low, and dosimeters for the neck region were often used to assess eye lens doses. However, measurements by neck badges may overestimate or underestimate the recommended eye lens doses because the height of the neck differs from that of the eye. This study aimed to evaluate the air dose distribution in the vertical plane to understand the difference between neck and eye doses. H*(10) in the height of the eye position was 52.8% lower than that in the height of the neck position in the under-table position. Thus, the equivalent eye lens dose evaluated using a neck badge dosimeter may be overestimated.
Long-term effects of continuous low dose-rate gamma-ray irradiation on mouse hematopoietic cells
Authors: Yanai Takanori , Kanaiwa-Kudo Syouko , Abe Akiko , Saitou Mikio , Nakamura Shingo , Tanaka Satoshi , Komura Jun-Ichiro , Kobayashi Toshiyuki 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
The present work investigates the long-term effects of continuous low dose-rate (20 mGy/day to total doses of 1–8 Gy) gamma-ray exposure on the hematopoietic cells of specific pathogen-free C3H/HeN mice. Peripheral white blood cell (WBC) counts decreased on days 206, 471, and 486, with no significant changes in red blood cell (RBC) and platelet (PLT) counts. The number of colony forming units (CFU-S and CFU-GM) in the bone marrow and spleen from irradiated mice decreased with increasing total dose on day-12 and day-7. The decrease in bone marrow CFU-S persisted throughout the 400-day irradiation period and did not show any recovery up to 210 days postirradiation. These findings suggest that the effects of low-dose-rate (LDR) radiation on the hematopoietic system remain long after the 400-day irradiation was completed. Further investigation showed no significant difference in life spans of non-irradiated W/Wv (c-kit-deficient) mice inoculated with hematopoietic stem cells from irradiated (20 mGy/day for 400 days) or nonirradiated wild-type mice. These results suggest that the effects of continuous low-dose-rate irradiation are more pronounced in hematopoietic stromal cells than in HSCs themselves.
Optimization of pretreatment protocol for strontium-90 analysis in marine fish bone samples
Authors: Tazoe Hirofumi , Amano Yosuke , Ishida Yasuo , Yamada Masatoshi , Akata Naofumi 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
For systematic monitoring of radioactive nuclides in marine products, this study aimed at streamlining and simplifying the analysis method for the prominent radioisotope, strontium-90 (90Sr). The DGA chelate solid-phase extraction technique was employed for enhanced efficiency. The study focused on optimizing the necessary pretreatment procedures while minimizing the steps involving HNO3 leaching. This protocol enabled the quantitative recovery of strontium, and it facilitated a rapid analysis without the need for a time-consuming evaporation step and without waiting for secular equilibrium between 90Sr and its progeny to be reached. The method incorporating the optimized pretreatment protocol was applied to three diverse marine fish species and the accurate quantification of 90Sr at background levels in surface seawater was achieved. The method obtained concentrations in bone samples from these species that ranged from 0.036 to 0.120 mBq per kg-dry, and chemical yield values were notably high, ranging from 87.7% to 92.5%.
Atmospheric concentrations of 7Be and 210Pb in weekly aerosols at Hirosaki, a heavy snowfall area in Japan
Authors: Kheamsiri Khemruthai , Modibo Oumar Bobbo , Hadi Bagus Sidik Waskito , Kuwata Haruka , Yamada Ryohei , Kranrod Chutima , Akata Naofumi 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
To understand the regional properties of atmospheric 7Be and 210Pb concentrations at Hirosaki, aerosol samples were collected weekly for the investigation. Total suspended particles (TSP) concentration ranged from 0.14 to 1.19 mg m−3 with a mean value of 0.29 ± 0.08 mg m−3. The activity concentrations during the observation period have shown a similar trend between 7Be and 210Pb, comparable to reported studies. The activity concentrations of 7Be and 210Pb ranged from 0.46 to 4.94 mBq m−3 with an average of 2.22 mBq m−3 and from 0.26 to 1.29 mBq m−3 with an average of 0.64 mBq m−3, respectively. The relation between precipitation and radionuclide concentrations indicated that precipitation is an essential factor in the radionuclide removal process. The rainfall/snowfall had a significant impact on the deposition, and the process was greatly affected by the changes in the features of raindrops and snowflakes, such as intensity, shape, surface area, and falling speed.
Monitoring of tritium concentrations in tap water and rainwater collected in Thailand
Authors: Pitakchaianan Chonlada , Kosinarkaranun Kanyanan , Kumsut Pantiwa , Hamasaki Tatsuhide , Hazama Ryuta , Rittirong Anawat , Sakakibara Koichi , Hirano Yoshiyuki , Kashiwaya Koki , Ogata Yoshimune , Sudprasert Wanwisa , Saenboonruang Kiadtisak , Chantarot Chittranuch , Khamanek Kakonwan , Khuntong Soontree , Toyen Donruedee , Phattanasub Archara , Yongprawat Monthon , Saengkorakot Chakrit , Krisanangkura Piyawan , Kato Yuka 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
This study aimed to measure tritium (3H) concentrations in Thailand. Nationwide tap water samples were collected in July 2021. Rainwater samples were collected monthly during May–October 2020, April–October 2021, and February–March 2022 in Chonburi province and in Chiang Mai province during July–November 2021, January 2022, and March–June 2022. The measurements of 3H activity concentrations were conducted by Osaka Sangyo University (OSU) and were compared with measurements by the Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (TINT). The results from OSU and TINT showed that 3H concentrations in tap water were matched in the ranged from 0.08 ± 0.03 to 0.28 ± 0.04 Bq L−1, while those in rainwater samples collected from Chonburi province and Chiang Mai province are also matched in the ranged from 0.11 ± 0.02 to 0.21 ± 0.03 Bq L−1 and 0.19 ± 0.02 to 0.57 ± 0.04 Bq L−1, respectively. Our measured result suggests that 3H concentration in tap water and rainwater shows a similar relation depending on latitude.
ICP-MS determination of background I-129 in seaweed samples around Fukushima Daiichi NPS
Authors: Kim Minseok , Shibata Toshihiro , Sasaki Takayuki , Suzuki Junichi 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
TEPCO planned the release of Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS)-treated water, which is decontaminated stagnated water by ALPS, to the Pacific Ocean in 2023 after diluting it more than a hundred times in accordance with the policy of the Japan government. Since the low level of I-129 can remain in ALPS-treated water, the background I-129 concentration in seaweed samples around 1F NPS before the release of ALPS-treated water was recorded in this study. The iodine in seaweed samples was extracted via TMAH alkali-dissolution, and the I-129 concentration was measured by 8900 Triple Quadrupole ICP-MS. The resulting I-129 concentration was &lt;5.4 × 10−2 Bq/kg-wet (sargassum) and &lt;2.7 × 10−2 Bq/kg-wet (laminaria), respectively.
Tritium determination in natural water samples in Fukushima from 2022 to 2023 using an ultra-low-level tritium counting system
Authors: Hegedűs Miklós , Kuwata Haruka , Kheamsiri Khemruthai , Novák Maté , Yamada Ryohei , Akata Naofumi , Kovács Tibor 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
The Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) accident created large stockpiles of tritium containing cooling water, which is to be gradually released into the Pacific Ocean, gaining attention from surrounding countries, environmental groups, and local residents concerned with the possibility of increasing tritium concentrations in the water and food cycle. Establishing baseline concentration levels and monitoring tritium immission values are important for assuring public safety, providing data for scientific research and risk communication. Tritium concentrations in the environment are very low; therefore, tritium measurements require enrichment in order to estimate the radiation exposure from drinking water intake and provide information on the water cycle. Natural water samples were collected at Tomioka Town located south of the FDNPP. Samples were distilled, enriched by electrolysis, and re-distilled using an improved SPE method to preconcentrate tritium to measureable levels. Tritium concentrations were determined by a low-background liquid scintillation counter. The observed tritium concentrations were relatively low, rainwater had a mean and SD value of 0.40 ± 0.13 Bq/L, and freshwater samples showed similar concentrations, while brackish coastal water samples were below 0.13 ± 0.02 Bq/L. The observed tritium concentrations in this study are considered safe as effective doses based on annual drinking water intake; however, continous monitoring is necessary to assure public safety.
Chemical form dependent iodine transfer from seawater into seaweed and abalone
Authors: Shibata Toshihiro , Ishikawa Yoshio 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Nuclear fuel reprocessing plant releases several kinds of radioactive nuclides, mainly 3H and 129I, into the oceans. Radio iodine causes thyroid dose. Iodine accumulates in several marine species such as wakame and abalone, which are food materials. Therefore, an analysis of iodine behavior in the marine environment is important to assess the impact of 129I. Iodine in seawater exists mainly in two chemical forms: iodide (I−) and iodate (IO3−). Their environmental behaviors are different. Thus, understanding these behaviors is important to assess the environmental behavior of total iodine. In this study, iodate and iodide transfer between seawater and abalone (Haliotis discus hannai) with 125I tracer was observed.
Development of α-ray visualization survey meter in high gamma and neutron background environment
Authors: Tsubota Youichi , Kobayashi Kenji , Ishii Tatsuya , Hirato Misaki , Shioya Satoshi , Nakagawa Takahiro 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
A survey meter was developed to reliably detect and visualize surface contamination of suits and objects by α-nuclides in high γ/n-rays background radiation environment. The survey meter features a semi-opaque ZnS:Ag scintillator mounted directly onto a multi-anode photomultiplier tube (MA-PMT) and amplification circuits, ensuring output gain equalization for all channels. α-ray events induce localized light emission in thin-film scintillators. By directly mounting the scintillator, diffusion of light before reaching the MA-PMT is suppressed, concentrating it in just a few channels, thereby facilitating discrimination from background radiation. This design also enables clear visualization of the shape of surface contamination. The prototyped survey meter is capable of responding up to 2.1 × 107 cpm, with no γ-ray response even in high-radiation environments exceeding 1 Sv/h. In actual environments with high background radiation, contamination of ~1/100th of the surface contamination density limit of 4 Bq/cm2 could be reliably detected.
Effect of sampling face velocity on the ultrafine particle surface collection efficiency of a cellulose membrane filter and a cellulose-glass fiber filter for environmental airborne radioactivity monitoring
Authors: Kiso Mizuki , Taoka Manaya , Sampei Aoi , Hashimoto Hiroki , Abe Yuki , Oda Yuki , Omori Yasutaka , Yamada Ryohei , Hosoda Masahiro , Kranrod Chutima , Ishikawa Tetsuo , Tokonami Shinji 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Surface collection efficiency (SCE) of a cellulose membrane filter (CMF) and a cellulose-glass fiber filter used in environmental monitoring for alpha-emitting radionuclides from nuclear facilities and natural radioactivity sources was evaluated for particles in the size range of 0.03–0.1 μm at different levels of face velocity. The SCE of the CMF was higher than that of the cellulose-glass fiber filter, and only the membrane filter showed the dependence of SCE on the particle size at higher face velocity. The use of the CMF at higher face velocity in environmental radioactivity monitoring leads to measurements of the background alpha spectrum with more degradation under the changing particle size condition in the atmosphere. Consequently, that fact needs to be taken into account, along with the expected particle size distribution and concentration of the airborne radioactivity being sampled, when selecting a face velocity to achieve the best possible detection limit.
Relative treatment of aliens: how level is the playing field for foreign firms in developing countries?
Authors: Aisbett Emma , McAusland Carol , Poulsen Lauge 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
This article provides the first systematic analysis of whether developing country governments treat foreign firms better, worse or the same as domestic firms. We use a novel econometric estimator to analyze the World Bank’s Enterprise Surveys. In contrast to the intuition in much of the literature on the political economy of foreign investment, we show that foreign firms are not treated worse by host state governments on average. Also, whereas governments in low-income countries treat all firms poorly, they treat foreign firms relatively better than comparable domestic firms. This contrasting pattern means that the findings of the large and growing literature on the cross-country causes and consequences of the absolute treatment of foreign firms cannot be transferred to the question of relative treatment. It also has important policy implications—for instance in the context of investment treaties, which grant extensive property right protections to foreign but not domestic investors.
Hydraulic and structural traits of trees across light gradients in the Amazon secondary forest
Authors: Coelho-Silva Debora , Guimarães Zilza T M , Podadera Diego S , Modolo Guilherme S , Rossi Sergio , Ferreira Marciel J , Marcati Carmen R 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Amazonian species are generally unable to adapt to long drought periods, indicating a low capacity to adjust their hydraulic traits. Secondary forests account for 20% of forest cover in the Amazon, making natural regeneration species crucial under climate change scenarios. In this study, we compared the hydraulic traits of five species, including non-pioneers (Bertholletia excelsa Bonpl., Carapa guianensis Aubl., Hymenaea courbaril L.) and pioneers [Cedrela fissilis Vell., Tabebuia rosea (Bertol.) Bertero ex A.DC.], across light conditions (understory, intermediate, gap) in a 22-year-old secondary forest in Central Amazon, Brazil. Twenty-five saplings were planted and monitored in 3 plots × 5 blocks. Five years after the plantation, we assessed growth, wood density, leaf water potential at predawn and midday, xylem embolism resistance (P50), and hydraulic safety margins (HSM). The leaf water potential ranged from −2.9 to 0 MPa. The non-pioneer species C. guianensis and H. courbaril exhibited the lowest P50 (−4.06 MPa), indicating higher embolism resistance, whereas the pioneer T. rosea had the highest P50 (−1.25 MPa), indicating lower resistance. The HSM varied from −1.60 to 3.26 MPa, with lower values in gap conditions during the dry period (−1.60 MPa), especially affecting pioneer species. Wood density was influenced by both light and species type, with non-pioneers showing a generally higher density, with H. courbaril reaching 0.75 g cm−3 in the understory while the pioneer T. rosea showed the lowest density (0.27 g cm−3). These results highlight that light conditions affect hydraulic traits differently across species strategies, especially during early growth. Non-pioneer, slow-growing native species appear more resilient to light variation, making them suitable for future plantations aimed at climate adaptation in secondary forests.
Emerging and re-emerging viral exanthems among children: what a physician should know
Authors: Bishnoi Anuradha , Sharma Apoorva , Mehta Hitaishi , Vinay Keshavamurthy 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Viral exanthems can present with diverse morphologies of rash, including macular, maculopapular, papular, urticarial and vesicular, or sometimes a combination of these. There has been an increasing trend towards emerging and re-emerging viral exanthems in recent years, the cause of which is multifactorial, including changing environmental conditions and altered host–vector–agent interaction. The significant temperature variations brought on by climate change and ever-increasing international travel has modified the host–agent interactions, and many re-emerging viral illnesses are now presenting with atypical presentations, including an increased frequency of affliction across broader age groups and heightened manifestations often posing as ‘great imitators’ mimicking a myriad of other dermatoses. Although final diagnosis often relies on serological and molecular tests, certain cutaneous clues can help arrive at a probable clinical diagnosis and help the clinicians order specific and relevant investigations, especially in resource-poor settings where access to laboratory diagnostic tests is likely to be limited.
In this review we explore the changing disease dynamics of common viral infections, especially in resource-poor settings, including coronavirus disease 2019, chikungunya, hand-foot-and-mouth disease and some newly emerging ones like mpox (previously referred to as monkeypox), and highlight recent developments in our understanding of the clinical variations seen in their presentations.
Subretinal tissue plasminogen activator without vitrectomy for submacular hemorrhage displacement using Nano-vitreoretinal gateway device: A pilot report
Authors: Hui Vivian W.K. , Tsang Chi Wai , Mohamed Shaheeda , Fong Angie H. C. , Lai Timothy Y Y , Brelen Marten , Szeto Simon K.H. 
Published: November 2024

Purpose:
To evaluate the surgical outcome of subretinal tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) delivered without vitrectomy for the displacement of submacular hemorrhage (SMH).

Method:
A retrospective interventional cases series of consecutive patients who underwent subretinal tPA and intravitreal expansile gas without vitrectomy for SMH displacement. Concomitant injection of subretinal air and intravitreal ranibizumab and expansile gas was performed per surgeon’s discretion.

Results:
Seven eyes from 7 patients were included. 6 eyes (85.7%) had polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) and 1 (14.3%) had wet age-related macular degeneration (wAMD). The median baseline visual acuity (VA) was 0.014 (range 0.005-50.1) ETDRS letters, which improved to 35 (range 26.3-65.1), 35 (range 31.0-73.9), 35 (range 35-77.3) and 35 (range 5-80.2) ETDRS letters at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months, respectively. Visual gain of ≥5 letters was achieved in majority of patients through 6 months. Successful displacement of blood away from fovea was achieved in 100% of eyes. The rate of postoperative vitreous hemorrhage, retinal pigment epithelium tear and macular hole were 14.3% (1 patient) each.

Conclusion:
This novel, minimally invasive surgical technique is effective in displacing SMH and preserving vision.