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In this work, a measurement setup to study the Seebeck and Nernst effect at high temperatures and high magnetic fields is introduced and discussed. The measurement system allows for simultaneous measurements of both thermoelectric effects up to 700 K and magnetic fields up to 12 T. Based on theoretical concepts, measurement equations are derived that counteract constant spurious offset voltages and, therefore, inhibit systematic errors in the measurement setup. The functionality is demonstrated on polycrystalline samples of elemental bismuth as well as various full-Heusler materials, exhibiting an anomalous Nernst effect. In all samples, the measured Seebeck and Nernst coefficients align excellently with the reported values. This allows future research to substantially extend the measured temperature and field intervals, commonly limited to temperatures below room temperature. For the first time, the thermoelectric and thermomagnetic properties of these materials are reported up to temperatures of 560 K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We investigated the effect of different dietary substances on deciduous and permanent enamel. Materials and methods: Enamel specimens were prepared from human teeth ( n = 108 deciduous molars and n = 108 permanent premolars). We measured the chemical parameters (pH, titratable acidity, viscosity, calcium, phosphate, fluoride concentration and degree of saturation) of nine dietary substances. The teeth were immersed in the respective substance (2 × 2 min; 30 °C; shaking), and we measured the baseline surface hardness (SH) in Vickers hardness numbers (VHN), and the changes in SH after 2 min (ΔSH) and the 4 min (ΔSH) immersion. We analysed the differences between deciduous and permanent teeth using the Wilcoxon test and correlated ΔSH to the different chemical parameters. Results: Deciduous teeth were significantly softer (549.53 ± 59.41 VHN) than permanent teeth (590.15 ± 55.31 VHN; p < 0.001) at baseline, but they were not more vulnerable to erosive demineralization. Only orange juice, which presented milder erosive potential, caused significantly more demineralisation in deciduous teeth at ΔSH. Practically all chemical parameters significantly correlated with ΔSH ( p < 0.05). Substances with lower pH, higher titratable acidity, lower Ca, higher P and lower F concentrations, higher viscosity and more undersaturated solutions presented more erosive demineralisation. Conclusion: Different parameters in dietary substances affect erosive demineralisation in deciduous and permanent teeth, but we generally observed no differences in susceptibility to erosion between both types of teeth; only orange juice (less severe acid conditions) caused perceptible differences. Clinical relevance: We observe that permanent teeth are harder than deciduous teeth, but most substances cause no perceptible difference in erosive demineralisation in both types of teeth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on efficacy assessment of three inactivated koi herpes virus (KHV) antigen preparations against experimental challenge virus infection in common carp. Topics discussed include KHV is the cause of infection disease in common carp, KHV is most likely distributed via trade of healthy but latently infected carp; and Vaccination is a potential means to prevent disease.

We report on a patient with an adenocarcinoma of the lung harbouring a BRAF V600E mutation who benefited from combination therapy with dabrafenib-trametinib after developing resistance to vemurafenib. To our knowledge, our report shows, for the first time, that combination therapy with dabrafenib-trametinib can overcome vemurafenib resistance in a BRAF V600E-mutated adenocarcinoma of the lung. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work is the application ofex situlysimeter experiments containing undisturbed soil monoliths to determine the behaviour of mercury within the soil plant system. These experiments under close-to-real conditions were instrumented with a set of electrodes and sensors to monitor physical and chemical parameters of soil and were sown with typical crop cultivations of the study area where total mercury concentration was measured along different growth stages. Low total mercury concentration levels in the cultivations coincide with the maturity stage and with the maximum biomass yield. Mercury accumulation in vegetative organs represents a higher potential risk for animal consumption of all the crops tested, while seeds and fruits can be used, both for human and animal consumption, according to international legislation. These experiments are an important step for the implementation of future recuperation strategies within a contaminated site. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study shows that enhanced radiobiological effectiveness (RBE) values can be generated focusing low linear energy transfer (LET) radiation and thus changing the microdose distribution. 20 MeV protons (LET = 2.65 keV &mi;m-1) are focused to submicrometer diameter at the ion microprobe superconducting nanoprobe for applied nuclear (Kern) physics experiments of the Munich tandem accelerator. The RBE values, as determined by measuring micronuclei (RBEMN = 1.48±0.07) and dicentrics (RBED = 1.92±0.15), in humanhamster hybrid (AL) cells are significantly higher when 117 protons were focused to a submicrometer irradiation field within a 5.4×5.4 &mi;m2 matrix compared to quasi homogeneous in a 1×1 &mi;m2 matrix applied protons (RBEMN = 1.28±0.07; RBED = 1.41±0.14) at the same average dose of 1.7 Gy. The RBE values are normalized to standard 70 kV (dicentrics) or 200 kV (micronuclei) x-ray irradiation. The 117 protons applied per point deposit the same amount of energy like a 12C ion with 55 MeV total energy (4.48 MeV u-1). The enhancements are about half of that obtained for 12C ions (RBEMN = 2.20±0.06 and RBED = 3.21±0.10) and they are attributed to intertrack interactions of the induced damages. The measured RBE values show differences from predictions of the local effect model (LEM III) that is used to calculate RBE values for irradiation plans to treat tumors with high LET particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyphenol-enriched fractions from natural sources have been proposed to interfere with angiogenesis in pathological conditions. We recently reported that red propolis polyphenols (RPP) exert antiangiogenic activity. However, molecular mechanisms of this activity remain unclear. Here, we aimed at characterizing molecular mechanisms to explain the impact of RPP on endothelial cells' (EC) physiology. We used in vitro and ex and in vivo models to test the hypothesis that RPP inhibit angiogenesis by affecting hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF1α) stabilization in EC. RPP (10 mg/L) affected angiogenesis by reducing migration and sprouting of EC, attenuated the formation of new blood vessels, and decreased the differentiation of embryonic stem cells into CD31-positive cells. Moreover, RPP (10 mg/L) inhibited hypoxia- or dimethyloxallylglycine-induced mRNA and protein expression of the crucial angiogenesis promoter vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in a time-dependent manner. Under hypoxic conditions, RPP at 10 mg/L, supplied for 1-4 h, decreased HIF1α protein accumulation, which in turn attenuated VEGF gene expression. In addition, RPP reduced the HIF1α protein half-life from ~58 min to 38 min under hypoxic conditions. The reduced HIF1α protein half-life was associated with an increase in the von Hippel-Lindau (pVHL)-dependent proteasomal degradation of HIF1α. RPP (10 mg/L, 4 h) downregulated Cdc42 protein expression. This caused a corresponding increase in pVHL protein levels and a subsequent degradation of HIF1α. In summary, we have elucidated the underlying mechanism for the antiangiogenic action of RPP, which attenuates HIF1α protein accumulation and signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: When a liquid starts to solidify only when cooled well below its melting temperature, this is called subcooling. From nucleation theory, subcooling is expected to increase for small volumes due to statistics and seed isolation effects. PCM emulsions are superior in their heat transfer rates compared to larger PCM modules. In principle, the smaller the droplets, the larger is the risk for significant subcooling. Due to the limitations of theoretic models, it is necessary to use experimental investigations to predict from what droplet size on subcooling becomes problematic in a PCM. In this paper, we present an experimental study on subcooling in hexadecane emulsions. Different hexadecane–water–surfactant systems with droplet size in the range of about 0.1–20μm were prepared and analyzed. We have observed an increased subcooling of at least 10K for small droplets. The surfactants also have an impact on the melting and solidification temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of iodine contrast agents during angiography can put patients at risk. The replacement of angiography through duplex ultrasound methods would, therefore, be of great interest. Even when duplex sonography is used however, an x-ray angiography is often performed afterwards to verify the diagnosis. This causes complications in an unacceptable number of patients. The safety of duplex ultrasound sonography diagnosis can be improved by using low-risk Doppler contrast agents. Slow blood flow through vessels with a high degree stenosis and intracerebral flow can be more easily and accurately detected using these agents. However, amplification of the Doppler echo alters the measurements during both high and low flow, so that the flow rate cannot be recorded very precisely. Our goal was to study the effect of a contrast agent on velocity measurements with color-coded Doppler ultrasonography and on pulsed, one-goal measurements. We used a laser-Doppler-anemometer (LDA) with high temporal and spatial resolution as a reference method to compare the measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Semi-arid wetland areas in Central Spain are especially sensitive ecosystems and are considered to be one of the most important areas for the migration and wintering of waterfowl in Europe. Many of these wetland areas are saline or sub saline and are subjected to natural (seasonal) as well as human induced changes. Factors causing changes that significantly alter or modify the ecological function of these wetlands are considered to be degradation processes. The use of hyperspectral and multispectral data together with ground spectra and field studies has a great potential for monitoring wetland conditions. In this work spectral and analytical information concerning soil, vegetation and land use, contained in a site specific spectral library, is linked with the spectral characteristics of components from an anthropogenic influenced wetland area in La Mancha Alta. This information forms the basis for determining and selecting end members from hyperspectral data (DAIS 7915), which are then extrapolated to lower spatial and spectral resolution multispectral Landsat ETMz and TM data. A spectral unmixing is carried out to obtain a multitemporal analysis for evaluating wetland degradation. Results show that the approach is successful in determining rapid surface change due to anthropogenic influences. Spectral unmixing results present an increase of salt-affected soil and a redistribution of saline pasture. This is further supported with a post classification change detection assessment and ground data confirm that principal causes are changes in wetland use together with water regulation of the Cigüela river. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the early days of the occupational therapy profession, creativity has been intrinsic to the beliefs and practice of occupational therapists. However, notions of creativity have been rarely explicated in occupational therapy research. The aim of this exploratory research was to study the phenomenon of creativity through the subjective perceptions of three occupational therapy clinicians. This qualitative research used a methodology in the spirit of phenomenology and took a descriptive, critical approach. Five themes of meaning were derived from the data: creativity is part of everyday practice; the use of creativity as a conscious approach; creativity involves risk-taking; creativity needs a supportive environment; and creativity is the use of expressive arts in therapy. This study illustrated that creativity, as a phenomenon, has a multifaceted structure and appears to manifest in practice in a much richer way than is being revealed by occupational therapy literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The undesired growth of biofilms on solid surfaces is often termed biofouling. Biofilms consist mainly of water and microbial cells which are embedded in a biopolymer matrix. Biofouling lowers the water quality and increases the frictional resistance in tubes. Further, biofilms increase the pressure differences in membrane processes and can clog filtration membranes, valves, and nozzles. For investigation and improvement of biocide efficacy and anti-fouling strategies, on-line and in situ monitoring of the biofilm is necessary. In this study, photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) was employed for biofilm monitoring. PAS allows the depth-resolved investigation of growth and detachment processes of biofilms. Strategies based on the oxidant hydrogen peroxide were compared to popular isothiazolinone biocides. Hydrogen peroxide allowed a very fast and efficient removal of attached biofilms, whereas no effect on the biofilm matrix was observed in most cases when isothiazolinone biocides were used. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives: We present an evaluation of the Community Capacity Building and Empowerment initiative, undertaken by the Community-Based Reproductive Health Project (CBRHP), designed to address high maternal morbidity and mortality.Methods: Qualitative data from group interviews and program data from CBRHP were used to assess progress in development and use of community level transport systems and support for the village health workers (VHWs).Results: Project activities increased community participation in maternal health. An increase was seen in knowledge of danger signs, birth planning, timely referrals, and transport of pregnant women to hospitals, as well as in support and retention of VHWs. More women with obstetrical problems are using the community-based transport system to get to hospitals.Conclusions: Community participation and support for VHW activities and the transport systems have led to better care for pregnant women and sustained links between the communities and health facilities, which may reduce maternal and infant morbidity and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The possibility that oligozoospermic men may have elevated levels of genetic damage in their sperm is of particular concern as they could transmit defects to their offspring.Methods: Sperm samples were obtained from 12 infertile, oligozoospermic patients and 12 healthy normozoospermic volunteers. Fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) was used to determine aneuploidy rates in sperm and inverse restriction site mutation (iRSM) assay to determine gene mutations; defective chromatin packaging was quantified by sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) and DNA strand breaks by the Comet assay.Results: FISH analysis showed a significant increase in gonosomal X,Y,18 (P < 0.01) disomy and diploid sperm with X,Y,18,18 (P < 0.05) in the infertility patients compared with the controls. A significant increase (P < 0.01) in disturbed sperm chromatin was found in the infertility patients compared with the control group using the SCSA assay. In the Comet assay, a significant increase (P < 0.01) in the tail moment was found in the infertility patients compared with the control group, indicating significantly high levels of DNA strand breaks. There was no significant increase in point mutations detected by iRSM assay.Conclusions: The data indicate that infertile oligozoospermic men have an elevated level of XY aneuploidy and XY diploidy in the germ-line, as well as elevated levels of sperm chromatin disturbances and sperm DNA strand breaks. These data demonstrate that oligozoospermic infertility patients show several different types of genetic damage in their sperm. Thus, such men appear to have defects at a variety of levels of spermatogenesis and their infertility may not just be a result of the oligozoospermia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new photoacoustic sensor system for on-line monitoring of highly concentrated and optical opaque liquid samples is presented. The dyeing of textiles is performed with highly concentrated dye solutions with concentrations ranging from 50 mg L-1 up to 40 g L-1. For process optimization and control of the wastewater, an on-line monitoring of the dye concentration is needed. Optical transmission measurements allow the determination of the dye concentration in a relatively small range. Samples with concentrations in the upper mg L-1 and g L-1 range have to be diluted before the measurement due to their optical opacity. Additionally, light-scattering particles have a strong effect on the transmitted light intensity. By photoacoustic spectroscopy, concentrations in condensed matter can be determined over several orders of magnitude. Furthermore, scattering particles do not generate any photoacoustic signal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biofilms are aggregates of microorganisms and biopolymers which occur at aqueous interfaces. Biofilms play an important role in the degradation of pollutants in natural water systems as well as in wastewater treatment plants. In this communication, the use of photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) as a new biofilm monitoring technique is presented. PAS combines features of optical spectroscopy and ultrasonic tomography and allows a depth-resolved analysis of optically and acoustically inhomogeneous media. For the first time, both biofilm and bulk liquid were monitored by photoacoustic sensor heads. In this way, sorption of suspended iron(III) oxide particles on the outer and inner surfaces of the biofilm could be observed on-line and in situ. Colloids can act as carriers of pollutants and influence stability and degradation efficiency of biofilms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents the use of photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) as a new biofilm monitoring technique. Details of study involving biofilms monitored by photoacoustic measurements; How the experimental approach allows the investigation of the influence of various process parameters on growth and detachment of biofilms; Data indicating the distribution of the attached biomass can be monitored by depth-resolved photoacoustic measurements.

Focuses on the use of photoacoustic technique for depth-resolved in situ monitoring of biofilms. Increase of the frictional resistance in tubes; Removal of organic and inorganic pollutants; Optimization of the degradation processes.

A lack of knowledge persists concerning the combination of kinetics on protein and mRNA levels of the most commonly used biomarker for estrogenic influences—vitellogenin (VTG). Consequently, male fathead minnows were exposed to 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) for 35 days, followed by an equally long depuration period in a flow-through system. VTG mRNA levels reached a plateau after 3 days of exposure, which remained stable until 3 days after EE2 removal. Control levels were re-attained within 7 days of the depuration phase. VTG protein accumulated in the plasma following a two-phased model. The first phase depicting an exponential increase lasted 15 days and was followed by a saturation phase approaching a plateau of approximately 47 mg VTG/ml plasma. Clearance kinetics could be described by a two-compartment open model, with half-lives of 2.17 and 21.32 days for the α- and β-phases, respectively. In addition, a high VTG protein synthesis rate seemed to adversely affect fitness and mortality of the fish. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract Septoria nodorum leaf and glume blotch is an important disease of triticale (× Triticosecale Wittm.) and can cause severe losses of grain yield in some regions. Quantitative genetic parameters for resistance were estimated for 2 years in two locations in triticale genotypes artificially inoculated with S. nodorum. The effect of infection was assessed by a visual symptom rating of flag leaves and spikes and by grain yield traits relative to an uninoculated control. The mean ratings of flag leaves and spikes, calculated from two to four ratings, were 2.6 and 3.9, respectively, with a range of six ratings for spikes and over five for flag leaves. Infection caused an 11.5% mean reduction in kernel weight per spike, which was the result of 13.2% lower 1000-kernel weight. The number of kernels per spike and 50-ml weight were little affected. For all relative grain yield traits, genotypic variation was small with high genotype × environment interaction effects and thus moderate to low heritabilities. In contrast, for visual ratings genotypic variation was high, with low interaction effects leading to high heritabilities. Phenotypic correlation between flag leaf and spike ratings was low, indicating independent disease resistance mechanisms. The best association, although still moderate, was obtained between flag leaf rating and relative 1000-kernel weight. Therefore, visual disease ratings do not satisfactorily assess the effect of Septoria infection on grain yield traits. The reduction in 1000-kernel and possibly 50-ml weight are good indicators, provided that multi-environment tests are conducted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purine analogue 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine (2-CDA) has been shown to possess synergistic immunosuppressive properties when given together with cyclosporin (CSA) in a rat small bowel transplant model. The present study investigated the immunosuppressive potency of 2-CDA alone and in combination after liver or heart transplantation in a fully allogeneic rat model with 5 animals in each group. Immunosuppression was provided with CSA 10 mg/kg body weight (BW)/day orally or 2-CDA 0.1 mg/kg/BW day intravenously or both compounds together in the dosages mentioned. Animals were sacrificed on day 10 following transplantation, and graft histology was assessed. In addition, cardiac graft function was evaluated by palpation immediately prior to sacrificing the animal. CSA given alone was able to mitigate but not prevent rejection. 2-CDA alone did not exhibit any detectable immunosuppressive effect. When CSA was combined with 2-CDA, no rejection was seen in 80% of the liver allografts and in 60% of heart allografts, and only mild rejection was observed in the remaining animals. All hearts of the combined treatment group, however, beat strongly. From these findings it is concluded that 2-CDA alone has no, but together with CSA a strong immunosuppressive effect in preventing solid organ allograft rejection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microorganisms play a key role in the carbon (C) cycle through soil organic matter (SOM). The rate of SOM mineralization, the influence of abiotic factors on this rate and the potential behaviour of SOM are of particular interest in the northern Antarctic Peninsula and offshore islands. This is one of the most rapidly warming regions on Earth with numerous ice-free areas, some with abundant wildlife and with the greatest known soil organic carbon (SOC) storage in Antarctica. The latter implies extended Antarctic summer conditions promote increased terrestrial plant growth and soil microbial activity (SMA). SMA, determined by respirometry, is a measure of ecosystem function, and depends on microclimatic conditions and soil environmental properties. SMA and the effect of abiotic variables have been analysed in locations with different soil types, on Cierva Point (Antarctic Peninsula), Deception Island and Fildes Peninsula (King George Island). Soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC) ranged from 5.66 to 196.6 mg SMBC kg−1and basal respiration (BR) from 2.86 to 160.67 mg CO 2 kg−1 d−1. SMBC and BR values were higher in Cierva Point, followed by Fildes Peninsula and Deception Island, showing the same trend of SOM abundance. Except for Cierva Point, low nitrogen, phosphorus and C concentrations were observed. SMBC/total organic carbon (TOC) levels indicated that SOC was recalcitrant and SOM content was closely related to the extent of vegetation cover observed in situ. High metabolic quotient values obtained at Cierva Point and Deception Island (median values 7.27 and 6.53 mg C-CO 2 g SMBC−1 h−1) and low SMBC/TOC in Cierva Point suggest a poor efficiency of the microbial populations in the consumption of the SOC. High SMBC/TOC values obtained in Deception Island indicates that SMBC may influence SOM stabilization. Mineralization rates were very low (negligible values to 1.44%) and sites with the lowest values had the highest SOM. Unlabelled Image • Antarctic Peninsula (AP) region is one of the most rapidly warming regions on Earth • Soil organic carbon in Maritime Antarctic ice-free areas is scarce or recalcitrant. • Soil microbial biomass carbon and basal respirometry values are low. • Due to nutrient scarcity and carbon source recalcitrance q CO2 values are high. • Greatest soil organic carbon storage in Antarctica is within the AP region [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor regarding hypoxia as a protector of cells from death is presented.

We report the first case of robot-assisted thoracoscopic resection of a mediastinal parathyroid adenoma in the aorto-pulmonary window. Intervention planning was based on preoperative CT-MIBI image fusion, a new imaging modality that enabled reliable and precise localization of the parathyroid. The technique consists of taking MIBI-SPECT and CT separately, using a fixation unit that provides reproducible positioning of the patients head and neck. The data sets are then superimposed upon each other using special software. After the localization process, a minimally invasive operation was performed using the DaVinci operating robot. The procedure proved not only to be feasible but also safe and not time-consuming. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged 4 days postoperatively. Compared to conventional thoracoscopic surgery, the robotic operating system provides better visualization of the operating field and facilitates the movement of the instruments. Precise preoperative imaging enables the careful planning of robot-assisted surgery for ectopic parathyroids located at relatively inaccessible regions such as the anterior mediastinum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biofilms are aggregates of microorganisms which occur at the interfaces of natural and engineered aqueous systems. In this article, the use of photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) as a new technique for online and in situ monitoring of biofilms is demonstrated. Former studies revealed that PAS allows the monitoring of growth, detachment, and thickness of biofilms. Here, first photoacoustic absorption spectra of biofilms in the visible and near infrared range and corresponding depth-resolved measurements are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a novel experimental method to extend the investigation of ion-atom collisions from the so far studied cold, essentially classical regime to the ultracold, quantum regime. The key aspect of this method is the use of Rydberg molecules to initialize the ultracold ion-atom scattering event. We exemplify the proposed method with the lithium ion-atom system, for which we present simulations of how the initial Rydberg molecule wave function, freed by photoionization, evolves in the presence of the ion-atom scattering potential. We predict bounds for the ion-atom scattering length from ab initio calculations of the interaction potential. We demonstrate that, in the predicted bounds, the scattering length can be experimentally determined from the velocity of the scattered wave packet in the case of 6Li+-6Li and from the molecular ion fraction in the case of 7Li+-7Li. The proposed method to utilize Rydberg molecules for ultracold ion-atom scattering, here particularized for the lithium ion-atom system, is readily applicable to other ion-atom systems as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For evaluation of explosion scenarios in closed systems involving the mildly flammable refrigerants R1234yf, R1234ze and R32 dependent on the ignition energy, ignitions were carried out in a closed autoclave. A newly developed ignition system was used, which allows generating electric arcs with defined energies in a range between 3 J and 1000 J. The lower explosion limit of R32 decreases with increasing ignition energy. R32-explosions can be more severe than explosions involving highly flammable substances. However, in case of R1234yf and R1234ze, the ignition energy had to be increased to more than 100 J and more than 500 J to detect explosions in the closed system at all, although flame propagation phenomena can already be observed if these substances are ignited with much weaker ignition sources in open glass tubes. The explosions were very mild with these substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Proton radiotherapy is a form of charged particle therapy that is preferentially applied for the treatment of tumors positioned near to critical structures due to their physical characteristics, showing an inverted depth-dose profile. The sparing of normal tissue has additional advantages in the treatment of pediatric patients, in whom the risk of secondary cancers and late morbidity is significantly higher. Up to date, a fixed relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of 1.1 is commonly implemented in treatment planning systems with protons in order to correct the physical dose. This value of 1.1 comes from averaging the results of numerous in vitro experiments, mostly conducted in the middle of the spread-out Bragg peak, where RBE is relatively constant. However, the use of a constant RBE value disregards the experimental evidence which clearly demonstrates complex RBE dependency on dose, cell- or tissue type, linear energy transfer and biological endpoints. In recent years, several in vitro studies indicate variations in RBE of protons which translate to an uncertainty in the biological effective dose delivery to the patient. Particularly for regions surrounding the Bragg peak, the more localized pattern of energy deposition leads to more complex DNA lesions. These RBE variations of protons bring the validity of using a constant RBE into question.Main Body: This review analyzes how RBE depends on the dose, different biological endpoints and physical properties. Further, this review gives an overview of the new insights based on findings made during the last years investigating the variation of RBE with depth in the spread out Bragg peak and the underlying differences in radiation response on the molecular and cellular levels between proton and photon irradiation. Research groups such as the Klinische Forschergruppe Schwerionentherapie funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG, KFO 214) have included work on this topic and the present manuscript highlights parts of the preclinical work and summarizes the research activities in this context.Short Conclusion: In summary, there is an urgent need for more coordinated in vitro and in vivo experiments that concentrate on a realistic dose range of in clinically relevant tissues like lung or spinal cord. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a concept for the realization of an internal standard for tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy and shows a proof-of-principle of this idea. The local enhancement is monitored by the Raman signal of a reference compound chemisorbed on the tip. In this way, we are able to bring a constant amount of the reference material to all measuring points without contamination of the system of interest, and always keep it positioned in the same enhanced field that acts on the analyte on the sample surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 3.5-year-old healthy boy with 4 days of fever was referred to the emergency department for respiratory distress. The physical examination was remarkable for stupor, tachycardia, tachypnea, and dyspnea. Initial blood tests showed pancytopenia. He rapidly developed torticollis. Computerized tomography of the neck revealed a thrombus in the internal jugular vein. A presumptive diagnosis of Lemierre's syndrome was made and he was started on antibiotics and anticoagulation. He subsequently developed adult respiratory distress syndrome and required high frequency oscillatory ventilation for 9 days. Blood cultures were positive for Fusobacterium necrophorum. Screening for hypercoagulability revealed 2 known risk factors: a mutation in the prothrombin gene and elevated lipoprotein a. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previously conducted studies showed that UD regenerated cellulose fibre-reinforced thermoset composites can obtain specific Charpy impact strength values in the range of glass fibre reinforced composites. Composites of two different viscose fibre types, each with and without an oily avivage, were investigated. Despite similar mechanical properties of the fibres the impact strength of the CR fibre composites was about twice as high as that of the standard fibre composites. To reveal a possible explanation for this effect the fibre surface properties were investigated more closely. AFM measurements showed no differences in fibre surface topologies. However the physico–chemical properties of the fibre types differ. IGC measurements showed that the standard Cordenka fibre without avivage (“ std wo a. ”) possesses a slightly higher specific surface energy and base number (K b ) than the CR fibres without avivage (“ CR wo a. ”) resulting in a better adhesion to the highly polar epoxy. This is also shown by the pair specific interaction parameters (I sp ) and the work of adhesion. Both are clearly higher for the epoxy – “std wo a.” pair. Accordingly the measured fibre pull-out lengths of the CR fibres are one order of magnitude higher than of the std suggesting a weaker interfacial shear strength between the CR fibres and epoxy. Within the same fibre type the samples without avivage show longer pull-out lengths. As a weaker fibre-matrix adhesion causes stronger crack deflection and energy dissipation these results correspond well with the previously measured Charpy impact strengths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this prospective randomized multicenter trial was to evaluate the recurrence rates and complications of open versus laparoscopic repairs of inguinal hernias. Patients with primary unilateral inguinal hernias were randomized to Shouldice repair, Bassini operation, tension-free hernioplasty (Lichtenstein repair), laparoscopic transabdominal extraperitoneal hernioplasty (TEP), or laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal hernioplasty (TAPP). The primary outcome parameter was the rate of recurrence at 3 years. The secondary outcome was the rate of intraoperative, perioperative, and long-term complications. Follow-up comprised of clinical examination after 1, 2, and 3 years. Three hundred and sixty-five patients were randomly assigned to one of the five procedures. The intention-to-treat analysis showed that the cumulative 3-year recurrence rate was 3.4% in the Bassini group, 4.7% in the Shouldice group, 0% in the Lichtenstein group, 4.7% in the TAPP group, and 5.9% in the TEP group ( p = 0.48). Comparing open (Bassini, Shouldice, Lichtenstein) versus laparoscopic (TAPP, TEP) techniques ( p = 0.29) and comparing the use of mesh prostheses (Lichtenstein, TAPP, TEP) versus suturing techniques (Bassini, Shouldice) ( p = 0.74) showed no significance in the rate of recurrence. The rates of intraoperative ( p = 0.15), perioperative ( p = 0.09), and long-term complications ( p = 0.13) were without significance between the five groups. Comparing mesh techniques (Lichtenstein, TAPP, TEP) versus suturing techniques (Bassini, Shouldice) showed no significance in the rate of complications. The per-protocol analysis for the comparison of mesh (Lichtenstein, TAPP, TEP) versus suturing (Bassini, Shouldice) techniques revealed that recurrences ( p = 0.74), intraoperative ( p = 0.64), perioperative ( p = 0.27), and long-term complications ( p = 0.91) were evenly distributed. In this multicenter study, no significant difference in the recurrence rate and complications between laparoscopic and open methods of hernia repair was revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Almadén area is an exceptional case of mercury concentration in the world, where cinnabar is the predominant mineralised form. Mining activities have been carried out over the past two thousand years and once this activity is concluded, a restoration of the environment is necessary for the affected areas. That implies the selection, optimisation and application of the most appropriate techniques focused on the recovery of contaminated areas. Phytotechnology is one of the proposed techniques, which considers the use of plants due to the low environmental impact and their proved efficiency. In this framework, it is necessary to study the behaviour of mercury in the soil–plant system and to determine the mercury absorption capacity of the different Almadén plant species. Therefore, field and laboratory studies have been carried out to determine the easily available forms of mercury in ten test plots in the Almadén area and the resulting data is related to the mercury accumulation in different plant species of the studied territory. Special attention is given to the easily available forms of mercury in the analysed soils and used as the transfer factor for the Hg-availability index that relates the amount of mercury in a plant with the total amount of mercury in a soil and with the easily available forms. The result of this experimental work is selecting the plant species suitable to be used in a future implementation of phytotechnologies in this area. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A broadband calibration procedure for E-field probes that minimizes the overall uncertainties inherent in E-field measurements in lossy dielectric liquids has been developed. The analysis of the calibration requirements shows that probes that are symmetrical with respect to their axis greatly facilitate accurate calibration, since the calibration procedure can be divided into several discrete steps. Such a procedure is presented and analyzed with respect to its uncertainties. Absolute calibration is performed at three frequency bands utilized in Europe for mobile communications (450 MHz, 900 MHz, and 1.8 GHz) and in different tissue-simulating liquids. The parameters obtained are verified by numerical simulations of the probe in the surrounding media. Such simulations allow the assessment of some of the calibration parameters with sufficient accuracy in cases where the experimental determination would be too tedious and time consuming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]