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This research explores influential factors of using narratives of Chernobyl in media reporting about the Fukushima nuclear accident: radiological consequences, geographical distance from the accident, status of a nuclear energy production, public opinion about nuclear energy and the level of a nuclear accident (INES scale). This study applies a large-scale media content analysis of newspapers articles (N = 1340) published in the first two months of the accident in twelve press opinion leaders in Belgium, Italy, Norway, Russia, Slovenia and Spain. The results show that the memory on the Chernobyl nuclear accident appeared in more than in every third article reporting of the present Fukushima nuclear accident despite the fact that Fukushima carried no direct radiological hazard for the newspaper's audience and, a frequent use of narratives is related to negative attitudes towards nuclear energy, a higher risk perception of nuclear power plants and to an active nuclear energy industry in the newspaper's country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the testing of a high-density magnetite concrete [commercially available under the name Hormirad™, developed by the Spanish company Construcciones Tecnicas de Radioterapia, S.L. (CT-RAD)] as neutron shielding material. The purpose of this work was to characterize the material behavior against neutrons, as well as to test different mixings including boron compounds in an effort to improve neutron shielding efficiency. Hormirad™ slabs of different thicknesses were exposed to a 241Am-Be neutron source under controlled conditions. The original mix, which includes a high fraction of magnetite, was then modified by adding different proportions of anhydrous borax (Na2B4O7). Looking for a comparison, the same experiment was repeated with slabs of ordinary concrete (HA-25) used to shield medical accelerator facilities. In parallel to the experiments, Monte Carlo calculations were performed with MCNP5, with some differences found with regard to the experiments, attributable to uncertainties in the elemental composition of the samples tested. Tenth-value layers have been determined for the different types of concrete tested for the 241Am-Be neutron source. The results show an advantageous behavior of the Hormirad™ when comparing it with ordinary concrete. Although borated concretes show a small improvement in neutron attenuation when they are compared with Hormirad™ alone, the resulting reduction in density and structural properties makes them less practical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using Monte Carlo methods the response matrix of a Bonner sphere spectrometer with a 6LiI scintillator has been calculated. The response functions were calculated for the bare detector and for polyethylene spheres 5.08, 7. 62, 12.7, 20.32, 25.4, and 30.48 cm in diameter. Twenty-three beams of monoenergetic neutrons were used as sources in the energy interval from 0.025 eV to 100 MeV. The response functions were interpolated to energy points of those calculated in earlier literature works and compared with two response functions reported in the literature; good agreement was found from this comparison. The main differences were found for neutrons with energies higher than 20 MeV and, to a minor extent, for low-energy neutrons as well. These differences are mainly attributed to the cross-section libraries utilized in the different studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Erythropoietin (EPO) deficiency is the main cause of renal anaemia. However, inhibition of erythropoiesis by cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a) may play an important role. The aim of this work was to study the effects of pentoxifylline, an agent with anti-TNF-a properties, on the haematologic status in anaemic patients with advanced renal failure. Material and Methods: In a prospective study, 7 anaemic patients with advanced renal disease (creatinine clearance < 30 ml/min) were treated with pentoxifylline (400 mg orally daily) for 6 months. The evolution of haemoglobin, haematocrit, creatinine clearance and serum EPO and TNF-a a concentrations were compared with those obtained from an untreated control group. Results: Haemoglobin and haematocrit significantly increased in the pentoxifylline-treated patients (9.9 ± 0.5 g/dl and 27.9 ± 1.6% at baseline; 10.6 ± 0.6 g/dl and 31.3 ± 1.9% at the 6th month, respectively, p < 0.01), whereas no variation was seen in the control group. Serum EPO levels remained stable in all patients. However, the serum TNF-a concentration decreased significantly in patients receiving pentoxifylline (basal 623 ± 366 pg/ml; 6th month 562 ± 358 pg/ml, p < 0.01), but not in the control group. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the inhibition of erythropoiesis by cytokines may play a significant role in renal anaemia. The administration of agents with anti-cytokine properties, such as pentoxifylline, can improve the haematologic status in anaemic patients with advanced renal failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is characterized by both renal and non-renal disorders. Extrarenal involvement includes noncystic manifestations such as cardiovascular abnormalities, colonic diverticula and intracranial aneurysms. Familial sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) has been included in the definition of Alport's syndrome. However, other types of nephropathy have been occasionally associated with hereditary deafness. The association of ADPKD with hereditary SNHL has not been previously documented. We report a family with ADPKD associated with bilateral sensorineural deafness in a pedigree of four affected members in four generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]