bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Emerging therapies for the treatment of hepatitis C
Authors: Lange Christian M , Jacobson Ira M , Rice Charles M , Zeuzem Stefan 
Published: October 2013

AbstractOpportunities to treat infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) are evolving rapidly. From the introduction of interferon‐α monotherapy in 1992 to the approval of telaprevir‐ and boceprevir‐based triple therapies with pegylated interferon‐α and ribavirin in 2011, the chances of curing patients infected with HCV genotype 1 have improved from <10% to approximately 70%. Significant further improvements are on the horizon, which may well cure virtually all hepatitis C patients with an all‐oral, interferon‐free regimen in the very near future. These exciting developments are reviewed in the present article.
Toxicity of pesticides associated with potato production, including soil fumigants, to snapping turtle eggs (C
helydra Serpentina)
Authors: de Solla Shane Raymond , Palonen Kimberley Elizabeth , Martin Pamela Anne 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Turtles frequently oviposit in soils associated with agriculture and, thus, may be exposed to pesticides or fertilizers. The toxicity of a pesticide regime that is used for potato production in Ontario on the survivorship of snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) eggs was evaluated. The following treatments were applied to clean soil: 1) a mixture of the pesticides chlorothalonil, S-metolachlor, metribuzin, and chlorpyrifos, and 2) the soil fumigant metam sodium. Turtle eggs were incubated in soil in outdoor plots in which these mixtures were applied at typical and higher field application rates, where the eggs were subject to ambient temperature and weather conditions. The pesticide mixture consisting of chlorothalonil, S-metolachlor, metribuzin, and chlorpyrifos did not affect survivorship, deformities, or body size at applications up to 10 times the typical field application rates. Hatching success ranged between 87% and 100% for these treatments. Metam sodium was applied at 0.1¯ times, 0.3¯ times, 1 times, and 3 times field application rates. Eggs exposed to any application of metam sodium had 100% mortality. At typical field application rates, the chemical regime associated with potato production does not appear to have any detrimental impacts on turtle egg development, except for the use of the soil fumigant metam sodium, which is highly toxic to turtle eggs at the lowest recommended application rate. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:102–106. © 2013 SETAC
Designing high‐yielding wheat ideotypes for a changing climate
Authors: Semenov Mikhail A. , Stratonovitch Pierre 
Published: October 2013

AbstractGlobal warming is characterized by shifts in weather patterns and increases in climatic variability and extreme events. New wheat cultivars will be required for a rapidly changing environment, putting severe pressure on breeders who must select for climate conditions which can only be predicted with a great degree of uncertainty. To assist breeders to identify key wheat traits for improvements under climate change, wheat ideotypes can be designed and tested in silico using a wheat simulation model for a wide range of future climate scenarios predicted by global climate models. A wheat ideotype is represented by a set of cultivar parameters in a model, which could be optimized for best wheat performance under projected climate change. As an example, high‐yielding wheat ideotypes were designed at two contrasting European sites for the 2050 (A1B) climate scenario. Simulations showed that wheat yield potential can be substantially increased for new ideotypes compared with current wheat varieties under climate change. The main factors contributing to yield increase were improvement in light conversion efficiency, extended duration of grain filling resulting in a higher harvest index, and optimal phenology.
Development of a Self‐Adaptive Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Fed with 20 M Methanol
Authors: Guo J. , Zhang H. , Jiang J. , Huang Q. , Yuan T. , Yang H. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractA passive and self‐adaptive direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) directly fed with 20 M of methanol is developed for a high energy density of the cell. By using a polypropylene based pervaporation film, methanol is supplied into the DMFC's anode in vapor form. The mass transport of methanol from the cartridge to the anodic catalyst layer can be controlled by varying the open ratio of the anodic bipolar plate and by tuning the hydrophobicity of anodic diffusion layer. An effective back diffusion of water from the cathode to the anode through Nafion film is carried out by using an additive microporous layer in the cathode that consists of 50 wt.% Teflon and KB‐600 carbon. Accordingly, the water back diffusion not only ensures the water requirement for the methanol oxidation reaction but also reduces water accumulation in the cathode and then avoids serious water flooding, thus improving the adaptability of the passive DMFC. Based on the optimized DMFC structure, a passive DMFC fed with 20 M methanol exhibits a peak power density of 42 mW cm–2 at 25 °C, and no obvious performance degradation after over 90 h continuous operation at a constant current density of 40 mA cm–2.
Building protection for the inner city tunnel excavation for the Metro in Rome / Bauwerksschutz für den innerstädtischen Tunnelbau am Beispiel der Metro in Rom
Authors: Kummerer Clemens 
Published: October 2013

AbstractFor the construction of the Metro B1 line in Rome, special settlement reduction measures were implemented for settlement‐sensitive structures beside deep excavations with depths of up to 45 m. These measures were necessary due to the excavation of tunnels with 6.8 and 9.8 m diameter under challenging soil and groundwater conditions. The originally designed jet grouting bodies were replaced by compensation grouting. This enabled all works to be performed from eight shafts (maximum 24 m depth), limiting the public space requirement. The efficiency of compensation grouting was demonstrated in two full‐scale field trials and the advantages of active settlement compensation were proved during tunnel excavation.Für den Bau der Metro B1 in Rom wurden neben bis zu 45 m tiefen Baugruben auch Sondermaßnahmen zur Setzungsreduktion für verformungsempfindliche Bauwerke realisiert. Diese Maßnahmen waren aufgrund des Vortriebs von Tunneln mit einem Durchmesser von 6,8 bzw. 9,8 m unter anspruchsvollen Boden‐ und Grundwasserverhältnissen erforderlich. Die im Amtsentwurf geplanten DSV‐Arbeiten wurden durch Kompensationsinjektionen ersetzt. Dadurch konnten die Arbeiten aus acht Schächten (max. 24 m Tiefe) ausgeführt werden, wodurch sich ein geringer Bedarf an öffentlichen Flächen ergab. Die Effizienz der Injektionen konnte anhand von zwei großmaßstäblichen Feldversuchen gezeigt und die Vorteile eines aktiven Setzungsausgleichs während der eigentlichen Tunneldurchfahrt bestätigt werden.
Overcoming congestion below ground with a D‐shaped pile / Beherrschung von begrenzten Platzverhältnissen durch Ausführung eines D‐förmigen Pfahls
Authors: Nikolic Alex , Cook Jim 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe paper describes some of the challenging geotechnical issues related to the redevelopment of a central London site in Tottenham Court Road. The London Underground station is being upgraded, and proposed tunnels of the Crossrail project and the Denmark Place project also have to be accommodated, which led to significant difficulties due to spatial restraints underground. Innovative solutions have been adopted for the design and installation of some of the piles together with an unprecedented low clearance between piles and a running tunnel of the Northern Line and the proposed Crossrail tunnel respectively. For one pile, a D‐shaped section had to be chosen due to space limitations in the ground.Dieser Beitrag beschreibt einige der geotechnischen Herausforderungen bei der Neugestaltung eines zentralen Stadtteils von London, der Tottenham Court Road. Aufgrund der Tatsache, dass neben dem Ausbau der bestehenden U‐Bahnstation ein geplanter Crossrail‐Tunnel sowie das Projekt Denmark Place in diesem Areal errichtet werden, entstehen erhebliche Schwierigkeiten durch die sehr beengten Platzverhältnissen im Untergrund. Innovative Lösungen in Planung und Herstellung der Pfähle waren erforderlich, wobei ein noch nie dagewesener geringer Abstand zwischen Pfahl und Northern Line Tunnel bzw. dem geplanten Crossrail Tunnel genehmigt wurde. Für einen Pfahl musste aus Platzgründen ein D‐förmiger Querschnitt gewählt werden.
Design and construction of the Second Avenue subway project in New York / Entwurf und Bau der Second Avenue Subway in New York
Authors: Nasri Verya 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe Second Avenue Subway Project is a major capital expansion project of the New York City subway that will provide a dedicated line for the east side of Manhattan. The project is approximately 13.7 km long including 16 stations, and its estimated cost is about 17 billion US‐$. Under the current design of the whole subway route, ten stations will be cut‐and‐cover and six mined caverns. The excavated diameter of the bored tunnels is 6.6 m and the caverns span ranges from 12 to 21 m. As the geology of Manhattan varies along its length, the subway will pass through both hard rock and soft ground and there will be multiple rock/soil interfaces along the alignment. This paper presents details of planning, design and construction of the first phase of Second Avenue Subway in the very dense urban environment of Manhattan.Der Bau der Second Avenue Subway ist ein wichtiges Erweiterungsprojekt der New York City Subway und wird eine Linie für die östliche Seite Manhattans bereitstellen. Das Projekt ist ungefähr 13,7 km lang und beinhaltet 16 Haltestellen. Die geschätzten Kosten liegen bei etwa 17 Mrd. US‐$. Nach aktuellem Entwurf der Gesamtstrecke der Erweiterung sind zehn Haltestellen in offener Bauweise und sechs bergmännisch ausgebrochene Kavernen herzustellen. Der Ausbruchdurchmesser der maschinell aufgefahrenen Tunnel beträgt 6,6 m und die Spannweiten der Kavernen zwischen 12 m und 21 m. Da die Geologie Manhattans sich entlang der Trasse ändert, durchquert die Subway sowohl Hartgestein als auch weichen Untergrund. Außerdem gibt es zahlreiche Fels/Boden‐Übergangsstellen entlang der Trassierung. Dieser Beitrag stellt Einzelheiten der Planung, des Entwurfs und des Baus der ersten Phase der Second Avenue Subway in der sehr dichten städtischen Umgebung Manhattans dar.
Land use change and nitrogen feedbacks constrain the trajectory of the land carbon sink
Authors: Gerber Stefan , Hedin Lars O. , Keel Sonja G. , Pacala Stephen W. , Shevliakova Elena 
Published: October 2013

AbstractOur understanding of Earth's carbon climate system depends critically upon interactions between rising atmospheric CO2, changing land use, and nitrogen limitation on vegetation growth. Using a global land model, we show how these factors interact locally to generate the global land carbon sink over the past 200 years. Nitrogen constraints were alleviated by N2 fixation in the tropics and by atmospheric nitrogen deposition in extratropical regions. Nonlinear interactions between land use change and land carbon and nitrogen cycling originated from three major mechanisms: (i) a sink foregone that would have occurred without land use conversion; (ii) an accelerated response of secondary vegetation to CO2 and nitrogen, and (iii) a compounded clearance loss from deforestation. Over time, these nonlinear effects have become increasingly important and reduce the present‐day net carbon sink by ~40% or 0.4 PgC yr−1.
A new wave scheme for trajectory simulations of stratospheric water vapor
Authors: Kim Ji‐Eun , Joan Alexander M. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractWe have developed a new wave scheme particularly aiming to provide better temperature fields with realistic variability for trajectory modeling of dehydration processes in the tropical tropopause layer (TTL). The new scheme includes amplitude‐phase interpolation and amplification of waves in reanalysis data. Amplification factors are based on statistical variability differences between reanalysis data and radiosonde observations at 24 tropical locations during 1997–2013 boreal winters. We show that conventional linear interpolation of temperatures in the vertical coordinate degrades wave amplitudes and variability. Amplitude‐phase interpolation in Fourier space greatly mitigates the problem found in linear interpolation. Furthermore, amplitudes of existing waves in reanalyses were amplified to generate realistic variability. In addition to improvements in variability, the scheme lowers cold point temperatures and raises cold point tropopause heights. Having realistic variability with the new approach will reduce uncertainties in simulations of TTL cirrus clouds and stratospheric water vapor.
Interictal networks in Magnetoencephalography
Authors: Malinowska Urszula , Badier Jean‐Michel , Gavaret Martine , Bartolomei Fabrice , Chauvel Patrick , Bénar Christian‐George 
Published: October 2013

AbstractEpileptic networks involve complex relationships across several brain areas. Such networks have been shown on intracerebral EEG (stereotaxic EEG, SEEG), an invasive technique. Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is a noninvasive tool, which was recently proven to be efficient for localizing the generators of epileptiform discharges. However, despite the importance of characterizing non‐invasively network aspects in partial epilepsies, only few studies have attempted to retrieve fine spatiotemporal dynamics of interictal discharges with MEG. Our goal was to assess the relevance of magnetoencephalography for detecting and characterizing the brain networks involved in interictal epileptic discharges. We propose here a semi‐automatic method based on independent component analysis (ICA) and on co‐occurrence of events across components. The method was evaluated in a series of seven patients by comparing its results with networks identified in SEEG. On both MEG and SEEG, we found that interictal discharges can involve remote regions which are acting in synchrony. More regions were identified in SEEG (38 in total) than in MEG (20). All MEG regions were confirmed by SEEG when an electrode was present in the vicinity. In all patients, at least one region could be identified as leading according to our criteria. A majority (71%) of MEG leaders were confirmed by SEEG. We have therefore shown that MEG measurements can extract a significant proportion of the networks visible in SEEG. This suggests that MEG can be a useful tool for defining noninvasively interictal epileptic networks, in terms of regions and patterns of connectivity, in search for a “primary irritative zone.” Hum Brain Mapp 35:2789–2805, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Redevelopment of the New South Wales Remote X‐ray Operators Licensing Course
Authors: Smith Tony , McKiernan Sharmaine 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTThe NSW Remote X‐ray Operators Licensing Course is for rural and remote general practitioners (GPs) and registered nurses (RNs) to obtain a limited x‐ray licence to operate diagnostic x‐ray equipment in communities where there is no radiographer available. Between 1994 and 2001 it was a five‐day, intensive, face‐to‐face, non‐award short‐course conducted by the Discipline of Medical Radiation Science (MRS) from the university of Newcastle. The participants were taught basic radiographic technique and radiation protection through a logical sequence of lectures, tutorials and practical sessions. It included basic radiation physics and radiographic instrumentation, basic radiobiology and radiation protection, and routine radiographic positioning for some anatomical regions.Problems with access and with the intensity of the educational experience for participants encouraged the MRS staff to secure funding from RHSET and NSW Health to redevelop the course into a more flexible mixed mode of delivery. The course content has not been changed appreciably. However, the new course structure integrates a six‐week distance learning component with practical exercises and a two‐day workshop, followed by completion of a short answer question final assignment. Participants are required to establish a working relationship with a nominated local radiographer and senior rural radiographers run the workshop, thus encouraging the development of a rural radiography support network. The course has been piloted successfully with participants performing at least as well as those in the old course. The course evaluation was very positive and it will continue to be offered in the new format.
Root Cause Analysis — A Mock Case Study
Authors: Miller Julie 
Published: October 2013

AbstractA percentage of Radiation Therapy treatments will result in an error, be it a treatment or planning error. These errors, or incidents, will range from the very insignificant to the very significant. Although some incidents may be able to be corrected in future treatments, in general it is not possible to completely correct an incorrect treatment. The one positive that can be taken from every incident is to learn from it, identifying the processes which failed and replacing these with more robust processes.A root cause analysis (RCA) is a tool which focuses investigation of an incident onto processes and away from people. Incident analysis will only ever be successful if personal blame is removed.This paper uses a mock case study to take the reader through the process of an RCA with the purpose of raising the appreciation of the value and benefits of such an analysis.
Measurement of Anatomy Contouring in EPI Review: A Practical Method for use in Radiation Therapy Departments
Authors: Rybovic Michala , Halkett Georgia K.B. , Williams Marie T. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTRadiation therapy treatment verification can be performed using hard copy portal films or digital Electronic Portal Images (EPI) of the treatment field, acquired at the time of treatment. This paper describes a practical method of assessing the accuracy of reference anatomy outlining, for treatment sites involving the pelvis, breast and lumbar spine. Seven original bone anatomy outlines contoured onto verification images of five patients, were printed on transparency sheets and reference points were marked at equal distances along the anatomy curves. Two sample anatomy contour sets were created by two independent radiation therapists who outlined visible bone anatomy on the same seven digitally reconstructed radiographs (DRR) and hard copy outlines were obtained. Three independent observers with differing levels of experience, assessed the discrepancies between the original anatomy contours and the sample sets on two occasions one week apart, by measuring the distances between the original and sample set contours (absolute values in mm). The degree of agreement between the same assessor on two occasions (intra‐rater reliability) and between assessors (inter‐rater reliability) was analysed using parametric analysis for levels of relationship and significant differences. This simple method of reference anatomy outline measurement was shown to be highly reliable within assessors and between assessors (r > 0.87 and r2 > 0.75 for both intra‐ and inter‐rater comparisons). This measurement process may be a suitable method, for undertaking quality assurance activities in image verification within radiation therapy departments.
Cranial Immobilisation — Is There A Better Way?
Authors: Chelvarajah Radhini , Leighton Brigid , Martin Linda , Smith Wayne , Beldham‐Collins Rachael 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTWestmead Radiation Oncology Department like many radiation therapy department's has high demands on staffing and equipment resources within the mould room, while continuing to combat a dramatically increasing waiting list. The radiation oncologist at Westmead specialising in cranial irradiation instigated the formation of a research group to explore the most resource effective and accurate way of stabilising cranial patients and to confirm whether the cranial immobilisation protocols already in practice within the department are suitable.Westmead Radiation Oncology employs four methods of cranial immobilisation; fixed and removable head frames that are used for stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and rigid plastic (uvex) and thermoplastic (orfit) casts. The latter two are used for brain lesions and head and neck treatments. With the advent of Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy — IMRT, and modern day treatment, the field parameters employed are becoming smaller and the shielding more complex as the avoidance of critical organs which may be in the beams pathways is crucial. The necessity for rigid immobilisation and reproducibility on a daily basis is apparent.
Spreadsheet Based Application of The ‘Standard Model’ In Variable Part Thickness Radiography
Authors: Garbett Ian Thomas 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTThe ‘standard model’ of radiographic exposure technique allows for generation of exposure technique variables in various forms. A Microsoft Excel spreadsheet application and additional dedicated ‘Add‐In’ functions are described that implement the standard model.The Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) coded application (named ‘StandardXp’) is a menu driven system and allows for traditional fixed kVp and variable kVp method solutions as well as the variable source to image distance (SID) method and also ‘combination method’ (simultaneous variation of tube voltage and tube charge) types of solution. The associated set of ‘Add‐In’ functions also enable the same solutions (using any of the methods just mentioned), to be obtained. Aspects of implementation of the standard model in the coded calculations are described, and some limitations of the StandardXp application and functions in generating usable exposure charts are also discussed. Such limitations are suggested to be mainly due to limitations of the standard model itself.
Student perceptions of a quality clinical experience: findings from the literature and their application to radiation therapy
Authors: Fenton Paul 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThis paper seeks to provide a review of research findings into the clinical experience from the perception of students, with the aim of improving the clinical placements of radiation therapy students. Drawing on evidence from other allied health professions, the attributes of the ideal supervisor perceived by students is presented. The effect of clinical environment, departmental culture and communication with universities on student perception is also discussed. The lack of literature on radiation therapy education in the clinical setting has been highlighted and may be remedied in the future with the appointment of research radiation therapists. There is an ongoing need for the universities to assist radiation therapists in maintaining their skills in the supervision of students, perhaps through the provision of workshops and seminars. The list of attributes of the ideal supervisor extracted from the literature is extensive. It is an unrealistic expectation for a person to possess all of the characteristics, however the challenge is for supervisors to develop and exhibit as many as possible.