bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Continuing professional development: Western Australian radiographers' opinions and attitudes
Authors: Sholer H , Tonkin S , Lau K F , Law C , Rahman R , Halkett GKB 
Published: October 2013

AbstractPurpose: The Australian radiography profession is currently moving towards compulsory continuing professional development (CPD) participation. An understanding of radiographer's attitudes and opinions towards CPD will assist in providing a CPD programme that meets the needs of radiographers. The aim of this study was to determine Western Australian radiographers' attitudes and opinions towards CPD and the programme that is currently being run by the Australian Institute of Radiography. Methods: Two‐hundred and seventy‐seven questionnaires about CPD were distributed to metropolitan clinical centres across Perth and 15 rural centres in Western Australia. Results: A total of 192 questionnaires were returned. A response rate of 64% was achieved for the metropolitan area (178/277). Among all respondents, 88% were currently engaged in CPD and the group of age 50+ had the highest percentage (78.1%) of respondents who believed CPD to be very important. Updating professional knowledge (79%) and maintaining professional competence (75%) were the most popular reasons for participating in CPD. Participants reported that time constraints and workload are barriers to CPD participation. Employer initiated CPD was most favoured; with in‐house education and workplace seminars as suggested methods to increase CPD participation. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that decreased participation rates in CPD were mainly due to time constraints and workloads. Participation in CPD programmes is likely to be increased with more in‐house education and workplace seminars. Changes need to be made to the current CPD programme to improve its accessibility and usability
The use and perceptions of simulation in medical radiation science education
Authors: Thoirs K , Giles E , Barber W 
Published: October 2013

AbstractPurpose: To investigate whether simulated learning programs can be expanded to include aspects of clinical education in medical radiation science (MRS) curricula. Methods: Information about the use and perceptions of simulation in MRS education was collected from academic, clinical and accrediting stakeholders using semi‐structured telephone interviews, an online survey, invited comment and face to face consultative meetings. Participants represented the MRS sub‐disciplines: Diagnostic Radiography, Radiation Therapy, Nuclear Medicine and Medical Sonography. The following themes were explored with regard to simulation programs: existing, potential expansion of, effectiveness of and implementation. Results: Currently, simulation is widely implemented across Australia to deliver MRS curricula. Areas for potential expansion include: authentic replication of the clinical environment with facilities for video recording, flexible multipurpose space, video demonstrations, online computer assisted tutorials, interactive programs, authentic scenarios using role play or live actors, virtual reality environments and comprehensive digital imaging libraries. The literature revealed no firm evidence that simulation training was more effective than clinical training. Participants in our project viewed simulation as complementary to clinical placement, but not as a replacement for the complexity of situations that clinical placement presents.Stakeholders cautioned for careful curriculum planning and evaluation when implementing simulation in MRS education. Conclusion: This consultative process provided a comprehensive summary of the current use of simulation in MRS and the potential for expansion with examples from the sub‐disciplines. There is a need for further research to investigate the effectiveness of simulation in clinical skills development.
Differences between Saudi Arabian and Australian radiographers' knowledge and attitudes about paediatric CT doses
Authors: Al Mohiy H , Sim J , Seeram E , Davidson R 
Published: October 2013

AbstractPurpose: Computed tomography (CT) is used extensively in diagnostic radiology for examination of human soft tissues and is widely used in the paediatric population. Researchers and government regulators have expressed concerns about the cancer risk of CT radiation on children. The authors surveyed Saudi Arabian and Australian radiographers to enable comparison of their attitudes and knowledge towards paediatric CT radiation dose. Methods: Radiographers from all exclusively paediatric public hospitals in Australia and Saudi Arabia were sent a structured, purpose‐designed questionnaire. Data were analysed using univariate statistics. Results: 56 of 71 eligible Saudi Arabian radiographers (79%) and 50 of 83 Australian radiographers (60%) participated. Australian participants were more highly educated and had longer work experience than their Saudi counterparts, and undertook most forms of ongoing training and education significantly more frequently. Australians' mean ratings of radiation risk for head and chest CT scans were similar to those given by Saudi respondents, but Australians' mean ratings for abdomen/pelvis CT scans were significantly lower. More Australians reported intervening to reduce paediatric dose (95.7% vs 72.7%, P < 0.005), and 88.0% believed that over 60% of CT scans are justified compared with 8.9% of Saudi participants. Conclusion: Australian and Saudi Arabian radiographers working in paediatric hospitals differ in their knowledge bases. Knowledge can be improved through enhancement of hospital protocols and continuing education and training, and will lead to reduced radiation exposure among paediatric patients.
Gold seed fiducial markers for prostate radiation therapy: Describing prostate motion
Authors: Brown A , Gebski V , Beldham‐Collins R , Hardcastle‐Fowler T , Do V , Turner S 
Published: October 2013

AbstractPurpose: Gold seed fiducial markers can be used to accurately define daily treatment field placement for prostate cancer patients. In 2007, a small study was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of using gold seed fiducial markers. Methods: Eleven patients who attended for treatment had three gold fiducial markers inserted into their prostate. Daily megavoltage (MV) and kilovoltage (kV) orthogonal images were taken throughout treatment. Online correction was applied for the kV images matched to the fiducial markers daily, and the MV images were matched offline using pelvic bone anatomy. Results: 850 sets of orthogonal images were reviewed from the 11 patients. When comparing the bony anatomy imaging with the fiducial marker imaging, all patients would have had at least five treatments where the displacement exceeded 0.5 cm if treatment verification was undertaken using MV bony anatomy match. There was no trend in prostate movement throughout the patients treatment schedule (0.7 cm early and middle of treatment and 0.8 cm at the end of treatment.) Conclusion: The results have demonstrated that daily matching to fiducial markers improves treatment field placement compared with MV bony anatomy matching for patients with prostate cancer.
Automated megavoltage imager positioning model
Authors: Do A , Fenton P 
Published: October 2013

AbstractPurpose: Electronic portal imaging is widely employed to confirm positioning of a patient receiving radiation therapy. In most cases an orthogonal pair of images is sufficient to provide millimetre accuracy to most treatment sites in three dimensions when coupled with an online correction protocol. Accurate positioning of the imaging panel is crucial in sparing radiosensitive electronics surrounding the amorphous silicon (ASi) detector plate, and avoiding collisions between the equipment with the treatment couch. This paper presents a model that can be used to accurately calculate ideal imager panel positions for Varian® imaging panels without the need for time‐consuming and potentially inaccurate judgment. Methods: The position of the imaging panel is expressed using a coordinate system in three dimensions: longitudinal, lateral, and vertical. Calculation of ideal coordinates requires the input of radiation field dimensions, collimator rotation, and treatment couch parameters. A program using Microsoft® Excel (Microsoft, Seattle, WA, USA) was created to obtain the proper EPID position during the imaging process. Results: The model was designed using Microsoft® Excel and provides suggested offsets once field and patient set‐up parameters have been entered. Instantaneous assessment of any offset is provided and prompts are provided if the panel is irradiated beyond the ASi plate or if collision is likely. After testing for accuracy in predicting the imager position, the algorithm has been used clinically in over 700 patients with no reports of errors. Accurate positioning of the panel has been found to reduce time spent on the positioning of the panel to ensure it is accurately positioned. Conclusion: Through the use of the model, a single imager position can be calculated for multiple fields and positioned pressing a single button in the treatment room. Irradiation of electronics and collisions are no longer subject to human judgment, the model thereby delivering on its goals.
Measured bladder volume for radiotherapy of the prostate using the hand‐held BladderScan® BVI 3000
Authors: Gawthrop J , Oates R 
Published: October 2013

AbstractPurpose: It is known that the volume of the bladder can influence the position of the prostate or prostatic bed and the amount of small bowel in external beam radiotherapy treatment for prostate cancer. Therefore reducing the variation of the bladder volume between planning and treatment, should improve the accuracy of treatment. Patients at our radiotherapy centre are instructed to have a comfortably full bladder for treatment. A hand‐held BladderScan® (Diagnostic Ultrasound Europe B.V, IJsselstein, Netherlands) three‐dimensional (3D) ultrasound device was tested for correlation between volumes measured using the BladderScan® and volumes contoured using computed tomography (CT) data. The device was used to assess if patients can judge the comfortably full state of their bladder. In addition it was investigated whether the residual volume of the bladder changed over the course of radiotherapy. Methods: For 11 radical prostate patients measurements of bladder volume using the BladderScan® were taken at CT planning and at each treatment of the full bladder volume prior to the procedure and then with an empty bladder post procedure. Results: We found that there is a good correlation (r = 0.85) between the measured bladder volume and a contoured volume, validating the use of the BladderScan®. Patients could judge the comfortably full state of their bladder at 76.5% of fractions. Over the course of radiotherapy there was equal distribution of positive and negative trends of residual bladder volumes. Conclusion: We conclude that the BladderScan® is a reliable device for assessing bladder volume, and patients can correctly judge their comfortably full bladder in most cases.
A brief review on the biological effects of radiation on cells
Authors: Hau E , Graham PH 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe main purpose of this paper is to provide a brief overview of the response of cells to ionising radiation. The molecular and cellular response of normal and neoplastic cells to radiation has important clinical implications and is also an active area of research. Accumulating detailed knowledge of cellular biology may also allow more effective ways of delivering radiation therapy or combining it with systemic therapies in ways which may improve the therapeutic index.
Treatment options for Classic Kaposi's
Authors: Narayan J 
Published: October 2013

AbstractIntroduction: Kaposi's Sarcoma (KS) is an angioproliferative disease, which affects the skin and mucous membranes and KS tumours usually follow an indolent course of progression and patients present with asymptomatic papules or nodules that are commonly found in the lower limbs. Radiation therapy is the most common form of treatment due to the disease response rates. Case presentation: In November 2008, a 58‐year‐old male patient presented to the Nepean Cancer Care Centre (NCCC) clinic with small nodules on the right second and left fifth toes. The patient was presented with clinical care options of observation, radiation therapy to the individual lesions, surgery or chemotherapy. The patient chose to have the nodules treated, due to the slow growing nature of the disease and proceeded to a superficial radiation therapy dose of 27 Gy in 15 fractions. In January 2009, the patient returned with a nodule on the right third toe. As the patient was moving interstate, 20 Gy in 10 fractions was delivered to both feet. Conclusion: The patient discussed in this case report tolerated all treatment procedures with minimal side effects. The majority of lesions remain inactive with no long term side effects. This case required an innovative approach to patient set‐up to this unusual treatment area to allow precise treatment delivery.
An Efficient Catalyst System at Mild Reaction Conditions Containing Rare Earth Metal Complexes
Authors: Wang Wen‐Zhen , Wu Yang , Duan Yan‐Shan , Zhang Jun‐Tao , Yang Peng‐Hui , Ni Bing‐Hu , Wu Ya 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAn efficient rare earth metal complex‐catalyzed cycloaddition reaction of CO2 with propylene oxide using Hdpza (di(2‐pyrazyl)amine) as a N‐donor ligand has been accomplished in good to excellent yields with high selectivity. The effects of different rare earth metal salts, ligands and reaction conditions were examined. Catalytic reaction tests demonstrated that the incorporation of ErCl3 and Hdpza can significantly enhance the catalytic reactivity of the TBAB (nBu4NBr, tetra‐n‐butyl ammonium bromide) towards cycloaddition reaction of CO2 and propylene oxide that produce cyclic carbonates under mild conditions without any co‐solvent.
SrTiO3/TiO2 Hybridstructure as Photoanode in Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cell
Authors: Wang Yu‐Shiuan , Chen Ting‐Ting_ , Huang Yi‐Jen , Huang Tzu‐Ping , Lee Yin‐Yu , Chiu Hsin‐Tien , Lee Chi‐Young 
Published: October 2013

AbstractIn dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), the charge recombination at the TiO2/dye/electrolyte interface greatly influences the photoelectron conversion efficiency. Hybrid semiconductor materials with matched band potentials are designed to reduce the charge recombination. In this study, SrTiO3/TiO2 hybridstructure was synthesized by using TiO2 nanoparticles as template in a hydrothermal, showing a negative shift in the flat band potential. The DSSC with the SrTiO3/TiO2 anode exhibits an increased photovoltage and a reduced photocurrent. The suppression of charge recombination at the TiO2/dye/electrolyte interface was observed in the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, causing an improvement in the photovoltage. However, the SrTiO3/TiO2 system shows an obstructed electrons injection from the dye to SrTiO3/TiO2, limiting the photocurrent performance. The photoelectrochemical properties of the SrTiO3/TiO2 system are discussed in detail herein.
Analysis of Sulfonamides by Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry and Capillary Electrophoresis Combing with Voltage‐Assisted Liquid‐Phase Microextraction
Authors: Wang Mi‐Hung , Chang Heng‐Wei , Wang Shu‐Ping 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe method of liquid‐phase microextraction assisted with voltage was developed and applied on determination of sulfonamides in water samples. Four analytes, such as sulfamethazine, sulfathiazole, sulfadimethoxine, and sulfamethoxazole were extracted from a sample solution at pH 4.5 through a polypropylene membrane of immobilized with 2‐octanone, and then into 25 μL of the acceptor phase of 10 mM sodium hydroxide, and applied voltage of 100 V. Subsequently, the acceptor solution was directly subjected to analysis by LC‐MS or capillary zone electrophoresis. Linearity was obtained in the range of 1.0–25.0 ng mL−1 with R2 > 0.992 in LC‐MS, and 50–1000 ng mL−1 with R2 > 0.995 in capillary zone electrophoresis. The development of VA‐LPME was also applied in analysis of sulfonamides in water samples to evaluate its practical applicability.
Recent Developments and Applications of Nanodiamonds as Versatile Bioimaging Agents
Authors: Hui Yuen Yung , Chang Huan‐Cheng 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe first demonstration of nanodiamonds (NDs) for cellular fluorescence imaging was reported in 2005. It has since then aroused considerable interest among scientists working in the field of diamond and related materials. A large number of researches have been conducted, aimed to develop this novel nanomaterial as diagnostic, imaging, and therapeutic agents in biomedicine. There have been more than 20 review articles and book chapters published on this topic in the past 8 years. With the recent development of nanotechnologies and photonics, the ND‐based bioimaging has been taken to a new level. In this topic review, we will focus our attention on the recent advances in the development of NDs as versatile bioimaging agents for both in vitro and in vivo applications. Emerging new technologies including multiphoton excitation imaging, superresolution imaging, optically detected magnetic resonance imaging, cathodoluminescence imaging, and photoacoustic imaging are discussed.
Fundamental study on gas–liquid mass transfer in a biotrickling filter packed with polyurethane foam
Authors: Estrada José M. , Dudek Anna , Muñoz Raúl , Quijano Guillermo 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBACKGROUNDBiotrickling filtration is one of the most promising biotechnologies for off‐gas treatment. However, gas–liquid mass transfer limitations constitute the most important drawback of biotrickling filters (BTFs) when treating hydrophobic pollutants. Oxygen limitations might also arise when treating soluble pollutants at high loading rates. In the present study, an easy‐to‐implement method for mass transfer characterization in BTFs based on dissolved oxygen measurements was investigated.RESULTSkLa values for oxygen in the range 30–300 h−1 were obtained by fitting the experimental data to a mathematical model with high correlation coefficients (average r2 = 0.995). In addition, the kLa values for other gas pollutants of industrial and environmental interest (NH3, H2S, toluene and hexane) were estimated by means of an empirical correlation, which allowed calculation of their mass transfer rates in order to identify potential mass transfer limiting scenarios.CONCLUSIONSThe methodology proposed allowed for a rapid, easy and accurate determination of the kLa for oxygen under varied operational conditions, the mass transfer data obtained being in agreement with previous literature. The experimental kLa data obtained for oxygen and the methodology applied for the estimation of kLa for the target gaseous pollutants selected constitutes a valuable tool for the optimization, design and operation of BTFs. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Lower ionosphere monitoring by the South America VLF Network (SAVNET): C region occurrence and atmospheric temperature variability
Authors: Bertoni Fernando Celso Perin , Raulin Jean‐Pierre , Gavilán Hernán Rivero , Kaufmann Pierre , Rodriguez Rodolfo , Clilverd Mark , Cardenas Jorge Samanes , Fernandez Germán 
Published: October 2013

AbstractDaily profiles of phase measurements as observed on fixed VLF paths generally show a transient phase advance, followed by a phase delay, for about 90 min after sunrise hours. This is indicative of a reflecting ionospheric C region developing along the terminator line at an altitude below the normal D region. The suggested occurrence of a C region is consistent with rocket measurements made in the 1960s, showing a maximum of the electron density between 64 and 68 km, and by radio sounding in the 1980s. In order to correctly describe the properties of the phase effect associated with the presence of a C region, it is important to understand the subionospheric propagation characteristics of the VLF paths. In this paper, we analyze the variations presented by the temporal properties of the VLF narrowband phase effect and determined a parameter associated with the appearance of the C region at sunrise hours observed by receivers from the South America VLF Network. Periodic patterns emerge from the parameter curves. Two distinct temporal behavior regimes can be identified: one exhibiting slow variations between March and October, and another one exhibiting faster variations between October and March. Solar illumination conditions and the geometrical configuration of the VLF paths relative to the sunrise terminator partly explain the slow variation regime. During periods of faster variations, we have observed good association with atmospheric temperature variability found in the measurements of the Thermosphere Ionosphere Mesosphere Energetics and Dynamics and Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry satellite instrument, which we assume to be related to the winter anomaly atmospheric phenomenon. However, when comparing the parameter time series with temperature curves, no direct one‐to‐one correspondence was found for transient events.
Analytic computations of nonideal corrections to blast wave overpressure predictions at high altitudes
Authors: Latunde‐Dada Seyi 
Published: October 2013

AbstractIn this paper, the effects of temperature, pressure, winds, moisture, and molecular content on the propagation of blast waves at high altitudes are investigated. These cause refractions and attenuations which modify the recorded ground overpressures from the ideal predictions. By coupling these effects together, the nonideal corrections to the overpressures are estimated by applying approximations which are dependent on the angle of propagation of the blast wave.
Cerebral blood flow quantification in swine using pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling
Authors: Johnston Megan E. , Zheng Zhenlin , Maldjian Joseph A. , Whitlow Christopher T. , Morykwas Michael J. , Jung Youngkyoo 
Published: October 2013

PurposeTo develop quantitative cerebral blood flow (CBF) imaging using pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling (PCASL) in swine, accounting for their cerebrovascular anatomy and physiology.Materials and MethodsFive domestic pigs (2.5–3 months, 25 kg) were used in these studies. The orientation of the labeled arteries, T1bl, M0bl, and T1gm were measured in swine. Labeling parameters were tuned with respect to blood velocity to optimize labeling efficiency based on the data collected from three subjects. Finally, CBF and arterial transit time (ATT) maps for two subjects were created from PCASL data to determine global averages.ResultsThe average labeling efficiency over measured velocities of 5–18 cm/s was 0.930. The average T1bl was 1546 ms, the average T1gm was 1224 ms, and the average blood‐to‐white matter ratio of M0 was 1.25, which was used to find M0bl. The global averages over the subjects were 54.05 mL/100 g tissue/min CBF and 1261 ms ATT.ConclusionThis study demonstrates the feasibility of PCASL for CBF quantification in swine. Quantification of CBF using PCASL in swine can be further developed as an accessible and cost‐effective model of human cerebral perfusion for investigating injuries that affect blood flow. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;38:1111–1118. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.