bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Coupling the ARI3SG Filter Model With the MELCOR Code: A Re-Assessment of a SGTR Meltdown Sequence
Authors: Herranz Luis E. , López Claudia 
Published: November 2014

The risk relevance of meltdown SGTR scenarios lies in the potential direct release of fission products to the environment from a degrading core without passing through containment (i.e., containment bypass). Given the lack of knowledge a decade ago, no credit has been traditionally given to any retention at the secondary side of the steam generator. Nonetheless, more than 10 years of research, through projects like EU-SGTR, ARTIST and ARTIST-II, have demonstrated that retention would occur even in the worst case, when water level is below the tube breach and no fission product can be scrubbed by water.
The ARI3SG model was developed to estimate the aerosol retention around the breach nearby (i.e., break stage). Based on a semi-empirical filter approach, ARI3SG was validated against an ad-hoc database and a theoretical correlation depending on particle Reynolds and Stokes non-dimensional numbers, was derived. By implementing such a correlation through the filter model in MELCOR 2.1 and by using a control function to describe the particle retention efficiency in the break stage, an analysis of a meltdown SGTR sequence has been conducted and the results compared to those obtained for the same postulated scenario when ARI3SG contribution is not considered.
This paper presents the results of such analysis in terms of the mass fraction released to the environment and discusses difficulties found when using the MELCOR filter component to introduce the ARI3SG correlation. All in all, the outcome from this study is the confirmation that a substantial retention might be achieved at the break stage (up to around 70% of incoming mass), whenever particle aggregates entering the secondary side of the steam generator have densities around or higher than 2000 kg/m3 and their cohesive forces among primary particles prevent their massive fragmentation when colliding with tubes and/or undergo shear stress.
This work is framed in the collaboration agreement with CSN for investigation on severe accidents (CSNAS).
Comparison of Oxidation Kinetics of Nitrite-Oxidizing Bacteria: Nitrite Availability as a Key Factor in Niche Differentiation
Authors: Nowka Boris , Daims Holger , Spieck Eva 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACT

Nitrification has an immense impact on nitrogen cycling in natural ecosystems and in wastewater treatment plants. Mathematical models function as tools to capture the complexity of these biological systems, but kinetic parameters especially of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) are lacking because of a limited number of pure cultures until recently. In this study, we compared the nitrite oxidation kinetics of six pure cultures and one enrichment culture representing three genera of NOB (
Nitrobacter
,
Nitrospira
,
Nitrotoga
). With half-saturation constants (

K
m

) between 9 and 27 μM nitrite,
Nitrospira
bacteria are adapted to live under significant substrate limitation.
Nitrobacter
showed a wide range of lower substrate affinities, with

K
m

values between 49 and 544 μM nitrite. However, the advantage of
Nitrobacter
emerged under excess nitrite supply, sustaining high maximum specific activities (
V
max
) of 64 to 164 μmol nitrite/mg protein/h, contrary to the lower activities of
Nitrospira
of 18 to 48 μmol nitrite/mg protein/h. The
V
max
(26 μmol nitrite/mg protein/h) and

K
m

(58 μM nitrite) of “
Candidatus
Nitrotoga arctica” measured at a low temperature of 17°C suggest that
Nitrotoga
can advantageously compete with other NOB, especially in cold habitats. The kinetic parameters determined represent improved basis values for nitrifying models and will support predictions of community structure and nitrification rates in natural and engineered ecosystems.
Occurrence of Antimicrobial-Resistant Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica in the Beef Cattle Production and Processing Continuum
Authors: Schmidt John W. , Agga Getahun E. , Bosilevac Joseph M. , Brichta-Harhay Dayna M. , Shackelford Steven D. , Wang Rong , Wheeler Tommy L. , Arthur Terrance M. 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACT

Specific concerns have been raised that third-generation cephalosporin-resistant (3GC
r
)
Escherichia coli
, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole-resistant (COT
r
)
E. coli
, 3GC
r
Salmonella enterica
, and nalidixic acid-resistant (NAL
r
)
S. enterica
may be present in cattle production environments, persist through beef processing, and contaminate final products. The prevalences and concentrations of these organisms were determined in feces and hides (at feedlot and processing plant), pre-evisceration carcasses, and final carcasses from three lots of fed cattle (
n
= 184). The prevalences and concentrations were further determined for strip loins from 103 of the carcasses. 3GC
r
Salmonella
was detected on 7.6% of hides during processing and was not detected on the final carcasses or strip loins. NAL
r
S. enterica
was detected on only one hide. 3GC
r
E. coli
and COT
r
E. coli
were detected on 100.0% of hides during processing. Concentrations of 3GC
r
E. coli
and COT
r
E. coli
on hides were correlated with pre-evisceration carcass contamination. 3GC
r
E. coli
and COT
r
E. coli
were each detected on only 0.5% of final carcasses and were not detected on strip loins. Five hundred and 42 isolates were screened for extraintestinal pathogenic
E. coli
(ExPEC) virulence-associated markers. Only two COT
r
E. coli
isolates from hides were ExPEC, indicating that fed cattle products are not a significant source of ExPEC causing human urinary tract infections. The very low prevalences of these organisms on final carcasses and their absence on strip loins demonstrate that current sanitary dressing procedures and processing interventions are effective against antimicrobial-resistant bacteria.
High Levels of Antimicrobial Resistance among Escherichia coli Isolates from Livestock Farms and Synanthropic Rats and Shrews in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam
Authors: Nhung N. T. , Cuong N. V. , Campbell J. , Hoa N. T. , Bryant J. E. , Truc V. N. T. , Kiet B. T. , Jombart T. , Trung N. V. , Hien V. B. , Thwaites G. , Baker S. , Carrique-Mas J. 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACTIn Mekong Delta farms (Vietnam), antimicrobials are extensively used, but limited data are available on levels of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) amongEscherichia coliisolates. We performed a structured survey of AMR inE. coliisolates (n= 434) from 90 pig, chicken, and duck farms. The results were compared with AMR amongE. coliisolates (n= 234) from 66 small wild animals (rats and shrews) trapped on farms and in forests and rice fields. The isolates were susceptibility tested against eight antimicrobials.E. coliisolates from farmed animals were resistant to a median of 4 (interquartile range [IQR], 3 to 6) antimicrobials versus 1 (IQR, 1 to 2) among wild mammal isolates (P< 0.001). The prevalences of AMR among farmed species isolates (versus wild animals) were as follows: tetracycline, 84.7% (versus 25.6%); ampicillin, 78.9% (versus 85.9%); trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, 52.1% (versus 18.8%); chloramphenicol, 39.9% (versus 22.5%); amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, 36.6% (versus 34.5%); and ciprofloxacin, 24.9% (versus 7.3%). The prevalence of multidrug resistance (MDR) (resistance against three or more antimicrobial classes) among pig isolates was 86.7% compared to 66.9 to 72.7% among poultry isolates. After adjusting for host species, MDR was ∼8 times greater among isolates from wild mammals trapped on farms than among those trapped in forests/rice fields (P< 0.001). Isolates were assigned to unique profiles representing their combinations of susceptibility results. Multivariable analysis of variance indicated that AMR profiles from wild mammals trapped on farms and those from domestic animals were more alike (R2range, 0.14 to 0.30) thanE. coliisolates from domestic animals and mammals trapped in the wild (R2range, 0.25 to 0.45). The results strongly suggest that AMR on farms is a key driver of environmental AMR in the Mekong Delta.
Exposure to sodium channel-inhibiting drugs and cancer survival: protocol for a cohort study using the QResearch primary care database
Authors: Fairhurst Caroline , Watt Ian , Martin Fabiola , Bland Martin , Brackenbury William J 
Published: November 2014

IntroductionMetastasis from solid tumours is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) are drug targets for the treatment of epilepsy. VGSCs are also present in cancer cells, where they regulate metastatic cell behaviours, including cellular movement and invasion. Treating cancer cells with the VGSC-inhibiting anticonvulsant phenytoin reduces cellular invasion and migration. Together, these suggest that VGSCs may be useful targets for inhibiting metastasis. The purpose of this study is to test the hypothesis that use of VGSC-inhibiting drugs will reduce metastasis, and therefore increase survival time in patients with cancer.Methods and analysisA cohort study based on primary care data from the QResearch database will include patients with one of the three common tumours: breast, bowel and prostate. The primary outcome will be overall survival from the date of cancer diagnosis. Cox proportional hazards regression will be used to compare the survival of patients with cancer taking VGSC-inhibiting drugs (including anticonvulsants and class I antiarrhythmic agents) with patients with cancer not exposed to these drugs, adjusting for age and sex. Exposure to VGSC-inhibiting drugs will be defined as having at least one prescription for these drugs prior to cancer diagnosis. High and low exposure groups will be identified based on the length of use. A number of sensitivity and secondary analyses will be conducted.Ethics and disseminationThe protocol has been independently peer-reviewed and approved by the QResearch Scientific Board. The project has also been approved by the University of York Ethical Review Process. The results will be presented at international conferences and published in an open access peer-reviewed journal, in accordance with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) criteria.
Development and testing of an objective structured clinical exam (OSCE) to assess socio-cultural dimensions of patient safety competency
Authors: Ginsburg Liane R , Tregunno Deborah , Norton Peter G , Smee Sydney , de Vries Ingrid , Sebok Stefanie S , VanDenKerkhof Elizabeth G , Luctkar-Flude Marian , Medves Jennifer 
Published: November 2014

BackgroundPatient safety (PS) receives limited attention in health professional curricula. We developed and pilot tested four Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) stations intended to reflect socio-cultural dimensions in the Canadian Patient Safety Institute's Safety Competency Framework.Setting and participants18 third year undergraduate medical and nursing students at a Canadian University.MethodsOSCE cases were developed by faculty with clinical and PS expertise with assistance from expert facilitators from the Medical Council of Canada. Stations reflect domains in the Safety Competency Framework (ie, managing safety risks, culture of safety, communication). Stations were assessed by two clinical faculty members. Inter-rater reliability was examined using weighted κ values. Additional aspects of reliability and OSCE performance are reported.ResultsAssessors exhibited excellent agreement (weighted κ scores ranged from 0.74 to 0.82 for the four OSCE stations). Learners’ scores varied across the four stations. Nursing students scored significantly lower (p<0.05) than medical students on three stations (nursing student mean scores=1.9, 1.9 and 2.7; medical student mean scores=2.8, 2.9 and 3.5 for stations 1, 2 and 3, respectively where 1=borderline unsatisfactory, 2=borderline satisfactory and 3=competence demonstrated). 7/18 students (39%) scored below ‘borderline satisfactory’ on one or more stations.ConclusionsResults show (1) four OSCE stations evaluating socio-cultural dimensions of PS achieved variation in scores and (2) performance on this OSCE can be evaluated with high reliability, suggesting a single assessor per station would be sufficient. Differences between nursing and medical student performance are interesting; however, it is unclear what factors explain these differences.
Does henna impact pulse oximetry results?
Authors: Zolfaghari Mitra , Moradi Majd Parisa , Behesht Aeen Fatemeh , Mohseni Ali Reza , Azimi Ahangari Khadijeh , Haghani Hamid 
Published: November 2014

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of henna on the results of pulse oximetry in healthy women.Methods100 young women (20–60 years of age) were recruited. The Iranian original red henna was used to colour the index finger of THE non-dominant hand; the middle finger of the same hand was the control. Blood oxygen saturation was simultaneously measured by two calibrated pulse oximeters.ResultHenna did not affect pulse oximetry measurement of oxygen saturation. There was no statistically significant difference between the control and the henna dyed fingers.ConclusionsHenna is not likely to change the accuracy of oxygen saturation measured by pulse oximeter.Clinical trial registration20120906159N20.
Three-dimensional numerical simulation by upscaling of gas migration through engineered and geological barriers for a deep repository for radioactive waste
Authors: Ahusborde E. , Amaziane B. , Jurak M. 
Published: November 2014

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a benchmark study that compares a number of numerical models applied to a specific problem in the context of hydrogen flow and transport in a nuclear waste repository. The processes modelled are two-phase (water and hydrogen) immiscible compressible two-component transient flow in a heterogeneous porous medium under isothermal conditions. The three-dimensional (3D) model represents a module of a repository for high-level waste in a clay host rock. An upscaling technique and a vertex-centred finite-volume method are employed to yield very accurate solutions. Since the full range of results required in the benchmark is too large to be displayed in this paper, we focus on the evolution of the pressures, the saturations, the fluxes and the comparison of the numerical results with the other participants. A homemade C++ upscaling code and the parallel multiphase flow simulator DuMu
X
have been adopted for this study.
Gas-pressure-induced integrity of salt formations
Authors: Popp Till , Minkley Wolfgang , Wiedemann Michael , Salzer Klaus 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Besides other host rocks, rock salt formations are considered for the long-term storage of radioactive waste to exclude any threat to the biosphere. This means that the host-rock's integrity has to be guaranteed during construction, operation and in the post-closure phase of a repository. Gas-transport properties are key issues in the long-term assessment of the storage of high-level radioactive or toxic waste in salt formations. In this context, the impacts of disturbance induced by the excavation of the underground facilities and long-term effects during recompaction of the excavation disturbed zone (EDZ) are important items but in the past significant progress has been made. However, significant gas quantities may be generated in the long term (e.g. due to anaerobic corrosion, if humidity is present), resulting in a time-dependent pressure build-up that may affect the barrier integrity if the acting minimal stress is exceeded. The objective of this paper is to review the current understanding of the gas-transport properties in a salt environment at increased gas pressures associated with a radioactive waste repository. This knowledge has mainly been developed by laboratory work and fieldwork over the last decade.
Preclinical Evidence for the Therapeutic Potential of CD38-Targeted Immuno-Chemotherapy in Multiple Myeloma Patients Refractory to Lenalidomide and Bortezomib
Authors: Nijhof Inger S. , Groen Richard W.J. , Noort Willy A. , van Kessel Berris , de Jong-Korlaar Regina , Bakker Joost , van Bueren Jeroen J.L. , Parren Paul W.H.I. , Lokhorst Henk M. , van de Donk Niels W.C.J. , Martens Anton C.M. , Mutis Tuna 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Purpose: Novel therapeutic agents have significantly improved the survival of patients with multiple myeloma. Nonetheless, the prognosis of patients with multiple myeloma who become refractory to the novel agents lenalidomide and bortezomib is very poor, indicating the urgent need for new therapeutic options for these patients. The human CD38 monoclonal antibody daratumumab is being evaluated as a novel therapy for multiple myeloma. Prompted with the encouraging results of ongoing clinical phase I/II trials, we now addressed the potential value of daratumumab alone or in combination with lenalidomide or bortezomib for the treatment of lenalidomide- and bortezomib-refractory patients.
Experimental Design: In ex vivo assays, mainly evaluating antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity, and in an in vivo xenograft mouse model, we evaluated daratumumab alone or in combination with lenalidomide or bortezomib as a potential therapy for lenalidomide- and bortezomib-refractory multiple myeloma patients.
Results: Daratumumab induced significant lysis of lenalidomide/bortezomib-resistant multiple myeloma cell lines and of primary multiple myeloma cells in the bone marrow mononuclear cells derived from lenalidomide- and/or bortezomib-refractory patients. In these assays, lenalidomide but not bortezomib, synergistically enhanced daratumumab-mediated multiple myeloma lysis through activation of natural killer cells. Finally, in an in vivo xenograft model, only the combination of daratumumab with lenalidomide effectively reduced the tumorigenic growth of primary multiple myeloma cells from a lenalidomide- and bortezomib-refractory patient.
Conclusions: Our results provide the first preclinical evidence for the benefit of daratumumab plus lenalidomide combination for lenalidomide- and bortezomib-refractory patients. Clin Cancer Res; 21(12); 2802–10. ©2014 AACR.
See related commentary by Laubach and Richardson, p. 2660
A First-in-Human Phase I Study of MORAb-004, a Monoclonal Antibody to Endosialin in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors
Authors: Diaz Luis A. , Coughlin Christina M. , Weil Susan C. , Fishel Jean , Gounder Mrinal M. , Lawrence Susan , Azad Nilofer , O'Shannessy Daniel J. , Grasso Luigi , Wustner Jason , Ebel Wolfgang , Carvajal Richard D. 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Purpose: Endosialin (TEM-1, CD248) is a protein expressed on the surface of activated mesenchymal cells, including certain subsets of tumors. Preclinical models suppressing endosialin function have shown antitumor activity. A humanized monoclonal antibody, MORAb-004, was engineered to target endosialin and is the first agent in clinical development for this mesenchymal cell target.
Experimental Design: This first-in-human, open-label, phase I study recruited patients with treatment-refractory solid tumors. MORAb-004 was administered intravenously once weekly in 4-week cycles. Objectives included determination of the safety of multiple infusions of MORAb-004, identification of the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), pharmacokinetic modeling, detection of any anti-human antibody response, and assessment of objective radiographic response to therapy.
Results: Thirty-six patients were treated at 10 dose levels of MORAb-004, ranging from 0.0625 to 16 mg/kg. Drug-related adverse events were primarily grade 1–2 infusion toxicities. Dose-limiting toxicity of grade 3 vomiting was observed at 16 mg/kg. Eighteen of 32 evaluable patients across all doses achieved disease stability, with minor radiographic responses observed in 4 patients (pancreatic neuroendocrine, hepatocellular, and sarcoma tumor types). Pharmacokinetics showed MORAb-004 accumulation beginning at 4 mg/kg and saturable elimination beginning at 0.25 mg/kg. Exposure increased in a greater-than-dose-proportional manner with terminal half-life increasing proportionally with dose. The MTD was identified as 12 mg/kg.
Conclusions: Preliminary antitumor activity was observed. Safety profile, pharmacokinetics, and early antitumor activity suggest that MORAb-004 is safe at doses up to 12 mg/kg and should be studied further for efficacy. Clin Cancer Res; 21(6); 1281–8. ©2014 AACR.
The Combination of Cannabidiol and Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Enhances the Anticancer Effects of Radiation in an Orthotopic Murine Glioma Model
Authors: Scott Katherine A. , Dalgleish Angus G. , Liu Wai M. 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
High-grade glioma is one of the most aggressive cancers in adult humans and long-term survival rates are very low as standard treatments for glioma remain largely unsuccessful. Cannabinoids have been shown to specifically inhibit glioma growth as well as neutralize oncogenic processes such as angiogenesis. In an attempt to improve treatment outcome, we have investigated the effect of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) both alone and in combination with radiotherapy in a number of glioma cell lines (T98G, U87MG, and GL261). Cannabinoids were used in two forms, pure (P) and as a botanical drug substance (BDS). Results demonstrated a duration- and dose-dependent reduction in cell viability with each cannabinoid and suggested that THC-BDS was more efficacious than THC-P, whereas, conversely, CBD-P was more efficacious than CBD-BDS. Median effect analysis revealed all combinations to be hyperadditive [T98G 48-hour combination index (CI) at FU50, 0.77–1.09]. Similarly, pretreating cells with THC-P and CBD-P together for 4 hours before irradiation increased their radiosensitivity when compared with pretreating with either of the cannabinoids individually. The increase in radiosensitivity was associated with an increase in markers of autophagy and apoptosis. These in vitro results were recapitulated in an orthotopic murine model for glioma, which showed dramatic reductions in tumor volumes when both cannabinoids were used with irradiation (day 21: 5.5 ± 2.2 mm3 vs. 48.7 ± 24.9 mm3 in the control group; P &lt; 0.01). Taken together, our data highlight the possibility that these cannabinoids can prime glioma cells to respond better to ionizing radiation, and suggest a potential clinical benefit for glioma patients by using these two treatment modalities. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(12); 2955–67. ©2014 AACR.
The Effect of Extended Sensory Range via the EyeCane Sensory Substitution Device on the Characteristics of Visionless Virtual Navigation
Authors: Maidenbaum Shachar , Levy-Tzedek Shelly , Chebat Daniel Robert , Namer-Furstenberg Rinat , Amedi Amir 
Published: November 2014

Mobility training programs for helping the blind navigate through unknown places with a White-Cane significantly improve their mobility. However, what is the effect of new assistive technologies, offering more information to the blind user, on the underlying premises of these programs such as navigation patterns?We developed the virtual-EyeCane, a minimalistic sensory substitution device translating single-point-distance into auditory cues identical to the EyeCane’s in the real world. We compared performance in virtual environments when using the virtual-EyeCane, a virtual-White-Cane, no device and visual navigation. We show that the characteristics of virtual-EyeCane navigation differ from navigation with a virtual-White-Cane or no device, and that virtual-EyeCane users complete more levels successfully, taking shorter paths and with less collisions than these groups, and we demonstrate the relative similarity of virtual-EyeCane and visual navigation patterns. This suggests that additional distance information indeed changes navigation patterns from virtual-White-Cane use, and brings them closer to visual navigation.