bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Radiographers' experiences on learning arenas, learning needs and lifelong learning in the radiography profession
Authors: Thingnes E Rødahl , Lewis SJ 
Published: October 2013

AbstractPurpose: This study aims to qualitatively explore radiographers' learning needs and to better understand important learning arenas for radiographers in order to promote lifelong learning (LLL). Lifelong learning and continuing professional development (CPD) are both activities and catalysts for exploring the learning needs of radiographers. Investigating radiographers' learning needs and the location for best learning is important in order to effectively utilise current and future CPD programmes and directives. Methods: Six radiographers working in a public Norwegian medical imaging department (MID) took part in the study. A combination of individual interviews and a focus group were used. Grounded Theory (GT) was used to qualitatively explore the learning needs and learning arenas important to these radiographers. Results: The radiographers defined their work place as the best learning arena. On‐the‐job training, knowledge sharing through peer practice and interdisciplinary collaboration were important in the learning process. The radiographers placed a strong importance on technical sub‐specialising in modalities as well as reflecting on the completeness in the radiographic role. The need for a better merge between theoretical education and applied radiographic practice was identified. Conclusion: Experiential learning was found to be central to the radiographers' learning. The learning needs of the radiographers embraced specialisation as well as the theoretical domain and there was evidence that the rapid technological pace impacted upon the radiographers' sense of achievement, motivation and adequacy. The participating radiographers acknowledged the necessity of lifelong learning, but also called to attention the importance of collegial guidance, interprofessional collaboration and feedback in creating a reflective practitioner.
Implementing results of a change process at the Andrew Love Cancer Centre — The axillary technique
Authors: Sale C , Batson A 
Published: October 2013

AbstractPurpose: Change is ever present in radiation therapy departments and it can impact on the quality of work, staffing and job satisfaction. Understanding stages of change for individuals can assist management in successfully developing the service of their department. At the Andrew Love Cancer Centre (ALCC) there have been many developments in recent years. This paper aims to describe a successful change in practice at the ALCC, focusing on the quality assurance improvements made with the introduction of a new radiotherapy treatment technique used for melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma and Merkel cell carcinoma with axillary node involvement. Methods: A four‐stage model of change was used to guide the introduction of the new axillary technique. The accuracy of the new technique was evaluated in comparison with the historical technique, using pre‐treatment images. Results: A total of 219 pre‐treatment images were analysed in this study, 141 with the historical technique and 78 with the new. Seven out of eight reference points indicated reductions in translational correction in field placement with the new technique compared to the historical. Conclusion: Improvements in set‐up accuracy were found when utilising the new set‐up technique compared with the historical technique. The four‐stage model of change assisted in the smooth implementation of this new treatment technique. At the ALCC innovation and development are encouraged, along with management having a sound understanding of organisational change enabling the radiation therapy department to develop successfully and cope with rapid change.
The Australian BreastScreen workforce: a snapshot
Authors: Moran S , Warren‐Forward H 
Published: October 2013

AbstractPurpose: BreastScreen Australia programmes employ qualified, skilled radiographers who provide radiologists with high quality mammographic images for interpretation. Workforce issues are a key factor in productivity and capacity, particularly in light of the aging of the population and the possible expansion of the target age group. The purpose of this paper is to provide a snapshot of the demographics and current working practices of radiographers currently employed by BreastScreen Australia. Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to radiographers employed in BreastScreen Australia Services. This paper reports on responses to questions relating to demographics and current working practices. Results: Two hundred and fifty three questionnaires were returned. Of radiographers within Australian BreastScreen programmes 53% are over 50 years old, 69% were trained in Australia and have been undertaking mammography for 10 years or more. Radiographers under 35 years old make up 12% of the current workforce. Of the BreastScreen workforce, 63% are employed part time. Conclusion: An estimated 78% response rate implies that the data obtained from Australian radiographers currently working in BreastScreen is representative. Within the next five to ten years it is estimated that 30% of BreastScreen radiographers may retire. Strategies are needed to increase workforce numbers, in order to cope with increased participation rates due to population growth and an increased target age range.
Evaluation of a reflective learning programme for radiation therapy graduates
Authors: Abrahams K 
Published: October 2013

AbstractPurpose: Radiation therapy graduates from three‐year university undergraduate programmes in Australia must successfully complete a clinical year to become eligible to attain full accreditation from radiation therapy regulatory bodies. A reflective practice tutorial programme was integrated into this year‐long supervised practice programme to introduce reflective practices and promote the lifelong use of reflection as a strategy to improve practice. The purpose of this research was to establish graduate's perception of the tutorial programme and provide data to inform changes necessary to meet the objectives of the programme. Methods: A questionnaire was used to collect feedback about the tutorial programme from the five radiation therapy graduates who participated in the programme. This consisted of both quantitative and qualitative questions. All five of the graduates responded to the questionnaire. Results: Analysis of the feedback revealed the reflective programme was perceived to be useful to the new graduates during their supervised practice year. However, two of the five graduates indicated they would not actively pursue reflective practice activities in the future. Conclusion: Although the size of the group questioned was small, the survey provided an indication of the value of the reflective tutorial programme. There may be value in continuing to pursue this topic further with a larger cohort of graduates as well as to assess whether those who have undertaken the programme continue to be reflective in their practice as they increase in experience. It would also be interesting to investigate the reasons that reflective activities would not be pursued in the future.
Radiation dose and time after exposure mediate two types of bystander expression in a single cell line
Authors: Taychasiraprapakul A , Suchowerska N , Rizvi S , Atyeo JW , McKenzie DR 
Published: October 2013

AbstractPurpose: Cells receiving ionising radiation influence the survival of non‐irradiated neighbouring cells through cellular communication (Bystander effects). The aim of this study is to identify conditions for bystander expressions at different doses and times after exposure to ionising radiation of therapeutic energies, using a medium transfer technique. Methods: Donor flasks plated with non‐small lung cancer cells, NCI‐H460, were exposed to 0 (control), 1, 4, 8 Gy using a 6 MV photon beam. Donor flasks were incubated for designated time periods, then the irradiated conditioned culture medium (ICM) was transferred to non‐irradiated receiver cells. Receiver cells were incubated for 5–7 days to form colonies, which were then counted. The data were reported in the form of survival fraction (SF). Results: Proliferative bystander effects, corresponding to bystander effect Type II, were observed at 1 Gy and 8 Gy. At 8 Gy and 1 hour following irradiation a 21% increase in survival fraction was observed. At 4 Gy the ICM has a cytotoxic effect on the receiver cells, corresponding to bystander effect Type I, exhibiting a maximum response at 15 minutes after irradiation. Conclusion: Two types of bystander expression were established in a single cell line. The results provide in vitro evidence to suggest that when lethal doses of radiation are administered to a tumour volume, peripheral non‐irradiated regions that contain subclinical disease may show a proliferative response.
Pathway Modulations and Epigenetic Alterations in Ovarian Tumorbiogenesis
Authors: Saldanha Sabita N. , Tollefsbol Trygve O. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractCellular pathways are numerous and are highly integrated in function in the control of cellular systems. They collectively regulate cell division, proliferation, survival and apoptosis of cells and mutagenesis of key genes that control these pathways can initiate neoplastic transformations. Understanding these pathways is crucial to future therapeutic and preventive strategies of the disease. Ovarian cancers are of three major types; epithelial, germ‐cell, and stromal. However, ovarian cancers of epithelial origin, arising from the mesothelium, are the predominant form. Of the subtypes of ovarian cancer, the high‐grade serous tumors are fatal, with low survival rate due to late detection and poor response to treatments. Close examination of preserved ovarian tissues and in vitro studies have provided insights into the mechanistic changes occurring in cells mediated by a few key genes. This review will focus on pathways and key genes of the pathways that are mutated or have aberrant functions in the pathology of ovarian cancer. Non‐genetic mechanisms that are gaining prominence in the pathology of ovarian cancer, miRNAs and epigenetics, will also be discussed in the review. J. Cell. Physiol. 229: 393–406, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Electrolysis‐enhanced co‐digestion of switchgrass and cow manure
Authors: Tartakovsky Boris , Mehta Punita , Santoyo Guido , Roy Caroline , Frigon Jean‐Claude , Guiot Serge R. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBACKGROUNDAnaerobic digestion of agricultural wastes is a cost effective way for combining resource recovery and methane production. This paper evaluates the co‐digestion of cow manure and switchgrass in a completely stirred tank reactor (CSTR) by the electrolysis‐enhanced anaerobic digestion (eAD) process.RESULTSThe electrodes for water electrolysis were installed directly in an anaerobic digester and were used to create micro‐aerobic conditions. Significant gains in process performance and biogas quality were obtained at current densities of 20–25 mA (per digester volume) with a corresponding volumetric energy consumption of 0.07–0.08 Wh . In particular, the COD removal rate was increased from 0.6 to 0.9 g COD d‐1, methane production increased by 26%, and H2S content in the biogas declined from 2500–3000 ppm to less than 10 ppm.CONCLUSIONSThe improved performance was achieved due to methane production from hydrolytic H2 and possibly due to the enhanced hydrolysis of organic matter. © 2013 Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Sequence and domain conservation of the coelacanth Hsp40 and Hsp90 chaperones suggests conservation of function
Authors: Tastan Bishop Özlem , Edkins Adrienne Lesley , Blatch Gregory Lloyd 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTMolecular chaperones and their associated co‐chaperones play an important role in preserving and regulating the active conformational state of cellular proteins. The chaperone complement of the Indonesian Coelacanth, Latimeria menadoensis, was elucidated using transcriptomic sequences. Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) and heat shock protein 40 (Hsp40) chaperones, and associated co‐chaperones were focused on, and homologous human sequences were used to search the sequence databases. Coelacanth homologs of the cytosolic, mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homologs of human Hsp90 were identified, as well as all of the major co‐chaperones of the cytosolic isoform. Most of the human Hsp40s were found to have coelacanth homologs, and the data suggested that all of the chaperone machinery for protein folding at the ribosome, protein translocation to cellular compartments such as the ER and protein degradation were conserved. Some interesting similarities and differences were identified when interrogating human, mouse, and zebrafish homologs. For example, DnaJB13 is predicted to be a non‐functional Hsp40 in humans, mouse, and zebrafish due to a corrupted histidine‐proline‐aspartic acid (HPD) motif, while the coelacanth homolog has an intact HPD. These and other comparisons enabled important functional and evolutionary questions to be posed for future experimental studies. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 322B: 359–378, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of molecular weight profile of sorghum proanthocyanidins on resistant starch formation
Authors: Barros Frederico , Awika Joseph , Rooney Lloyd W 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBACKGROUNDThere is a growing interest to increase resistant starch (RS) in foods through natural modification of starch. Sorghum tannins (proanthocyanidins, PAs) were recently reported to interact with starch, increasing RS. However, there is no information about how the molecular weight profile of PAs affects RS formation. This study investigated how different‐molecular‐weight PAs from sorghum affected RS formation in different starch models.RESULTSThe levels of RS were higher (331–437 mg g−1) when high‐amylose starch was cooked with phenolic extracts containing mostly high‐molecular‐weight PAs compared with extracts containing lower‐molecular‐weight PAs or monomeric catechin (249–285 mg g−1). In general, binding capacity of PAs with amylose increased proportionally with molecular weight. For example, the percentage of PAs bound to amylose increased from 45% (PAs with degree of polymerization (DP) = 6) to 94% (polymeric PAs, DP > 10). The results demonstrate that molecular weight of the PAs directly affects their interaction with starch: the higher the molecular weight, the stronger the binding to amylose and the higher the RS formation.CONCLUSIONPolymeric PAs from sorghum can naturally modify starch by interacting strongly with amylose and are thus most suitable to produce foods with higher RS. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Genus‐specific PCR assay for screening Arcobacter spp. in chicken meat
Authors: González Isabel , Fernández‐Tomé Samuel , García Teresa , Martín Rosario 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe number of emerging pathogenic species described within the genus Arcobacter has increased rapidly during the last few years. In this work a genus‐specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was developed for detection of the species of Arcobacter most commonly associated with foods. The assay uses primers designed to amplify an 85 bp DNA fragment on the 16S rRNA gene and was applied to the detection of Arcobacter spp. in retail chicken meat.RESULTSPrimer specificity was tested against a panel of Arcobacter spp., related Campylobacter and Helicobacter spp. and other food bacteria. Arcobacter primers consistently and selectively amplified the expected DNA fragment in all tested Arcobacter spp. Bacterial control primers confirmed the presence of amplifiable DNA in the samples. The applicability of the PCR assay to food was validated through screening of fresh retail chicken samples for the presence of Arcobacter spp., with a result of 45% (23 out of 51) positive samples.CONCLUSIONThe genus‐specific PCR assay developed has the potential to be used as a quick and sensitive alternative method for the survey of Arcobacter contamination in meats. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Subgroups of enlarged vestibular aqueduct in relation to SLC26A4 mutations and hearing loss
Authors: Okamoto Yasuhide , Mutai Hideki , Nakano Atsuko , Arimoto Yukiko , Sugiuchi Tomoko , Masuda Sawako , Morimoto Noriko , Sakamoto Hirokazu , Ogahara Noboru , Takagi Akira , Taiji Hidenobu , Kaga Kimitaka , Ogawa Kaoru , Matsunaga Tatsuo 
Published: October 2013

Objectives/HypothesisTo investigate possible association of hearing loss and SLC26A4 mutations with the subgroups of enlarged vestibular aqueduct (EVA) morphology in Japanese subjects with hearing loss.Study DesignRetrospective multicenter study.MethodsForty‐seven subjects who had vestibular aqueduct with midpoint diameter >1 mm by computed tomography of the temporal bone were enrolled at multiple sites across Japan, and DNA samples and clinical data were collected. EVA morphology was classified into four subgroups by the pattern of enlargement: aperture, aperture and midpoint, midpoint, and borderline enlargement. Venous blood DNA samples were subjected to polymerase chain reaction–based direct sequencing of all exons and exon–intron boundaries of the SLC26A4.ResultsFour novel SLC26A4 mutations were identified in the present study. SLC26A4 mutations were detected in almost all subjects with aperture, aperture and midpoint, and midpoint enlargement. In contrast, 71% of subjects with borderline enlargement had no SLC26A4 mutation. No significant difference was found in the distribution of truncating and nontruncating SLC26A4 mutations between the EVA subgroups. In addition, no significant correlation was observed between the EVA subgroups and hearing levels, incidence of hearing fluctuation, or progression of hearing loss.ConclusionsSubgroups of EVA morphology were significantly correlated with the presence or absence of SLC26A4 mutation. In a subgroup analysis of subjects with SLC26A4 mutations, however, differences in the EVA subgroups were not correlated with SLC26A4 genotypes or characteristics of hearing loss.Level of EvidenceNA. Laryngoscope, 124:E134–E140, 2014
Surgery for pediatric invasive fungal sinonasal disease
Authors: Ardeshirpour Farhad , Bohm Lauren A. , Belani Kiran K. , Sencer Susan F. , Lander Timothy A. , Sidman James D. 
Published: October 2013

Objectives/HypothesisTo evaluate the management and outcomes of children with invasive fungal sinonasal disease treated with radical surgery.Study DesignRetrospective case series.MethodsFrom 1994 to 2007, 11 pediatric patients were identified with invasive fungal sinonasal disease treated surgically by the same pediatric otolaryngologist. Collected data included demographics, oncologic diagnoses, absolute neutrophil counts, symptoms, computed tomography scan findings, biopsy and culture results, surgical procedures, concurrent medical therapies, complications, and survival.ResultsThe studied patient population consisted of four males and seven females with an average age of 10 years (range, 2–14 years). Six patients were diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and five with acute myeloid leukemia, which included 10 cases of relapsed disease. The average number of severely neutropenic days prior to diagnosis of an invasive fungal infection was 18 (range, 8–41 days). Culture results demonstrated Alternaria in seven patients and Aspergillus in four. Nine patients underwent an external medial maxillectomy, five of which were bilateral, and six underwent septectomy. All 11 patients (100%) were cured of their invasive fungal sinonasal disease without relapse. Three patients eventually died from unrelated causes.ConclusionsInvasive fungal sinonasal disease is a life‐threatening problem in immunocompromised children, especially with relapsed leukemia. Successful treatment depends on timely and aggressive surgical, antifungal, and supportive therapies. To our knowledge, this study represents the largest series of pediatric patients with invasive fungal sinonasal disease managed via an aggressive surgical approach with the best outcomes to date.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 124:1008–1012, 2014
Control of surface charge for high‐fidelity nanostructuring of materials
Authors: Gervinskas Gediminas , Seniutinas Gediminas , Juodkazis Saulius 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe universal problem of surface charging during focused ion milling has been fully resolved using a flood‐gun approach based on simultaneous co‐illumination with a UV light‐emitting diode (LED). Non‐distorted as‐designed nano‐patterns were milled using Ga+ ions on dielectric materials which charge up strongly. Deep‐UV (250–280 nm) LED co‐illumination during the ion beam milling fully discharges optically the surface under standard Ga+ ion‐milling conditions. Photo‐ionization of electrons trapped at the sub‐surface defects to the free vacuum state is a key to the phenomenon ( nm corresponds to a photon energy eV). The method is applicable as a solution to other charging problems where electrons (primary or secondary) and their spatial redistribution affect nanofabrication or imaging.
Synthesis and Charge–Discharge Studies of Poly(ethynylphenyl)galvinoxyles and Their Use in Organic Radical Batteries with Aqueous Electrolytes
Authors: Jähnert Thomas , Häupler Bernhard , Janoschka Tobias , Hager Martin D. , Schubert Ulrich S. 
Published: October 2013

The synthesis and electrochemical characterization of polymers that bear galvinoxyles in the side chains is described. The monomers are synthesized employing C–C coupling reactions, polymerized with Rh(nbd)BPh4 as a catalyst, and subsequently oxidized. These galvinoxyl‐containing polymers represent interesting anode materials for organic radical batteries and employ stable organic radicals, which are bound to polymers; hereby, metals and metal oxides, as active compounds, can be replaced. With the use of ethynylphenyl‐galvinoxyles as anode‐active material and poly(2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine‐N‐oxyl)methacrylate (PTMA) as cathode‐active material, metal‐free batteries with an aqueous and environment‐friendly electrolyte are built. These cells are tested for their charge and discharge capacities.
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Light Polarization‐Controlled Shape‐Memory Polymer/Gold Nanorod Composite
Authors: Zhang Hongji , Zhang Jianming , Tong Xia , Ma Dongling , Zhao Yue 
Published: October 2013

It is demonstrated that light polarization can be used to control photothermal effect‐based shape‐memory polymers (SMPs). Gold nanorods (AuNRs) are embedded in poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and aligned by stretching the composite film. By changing the polarization direction of the incident laser at 785 nm with respect to the film stretching direction, the magnitude of the longitudinal surface plasmon resonance of AuNRs can be varied continuously, which determines the amount of heat generated upon laser exposure and thus the local temperature rise in the composite relative to the glass transition of the PVA matrix. Consequently, the temporary‐to‐permanent shape recovery process of the composite can be made to occur to different extents by tuning the polarization of laser while keeping all other conditions unchanged. This finding enhances the toolbox for controlling light‐triggered SMPs.
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