A hybrid multi-particle approach to range assessment-based treatment verification in particle therapy.

Particle therapy (PT) used for cancer treatment can spare healthy tissue and reduce treatment toxicity. However, full exploitation of the dosimetric advantages of PT is not yet possible due to range uncertainties, warranting development of range-monitoring techniques. This study proposes a novel range-monitoring technique introducing the yet unexplored concept of simultaneous detection and imaging of fast neutrons and prompt-gamma rays produced in beam-tissue interactions. A quasi-monolithic organic detector array is proposed, and its feasibility for detecting range shifts in the context of proton therapy is explored through Monte Carlo simulations of realistic patient models and detector resolution effects. The results indicate that range shifts of [Formula: see text] can be detected at relatively low proton intensities ([Formula: see text] protons/spot) when spatial information obtained through imaging of both particle species are used simultaneously. This study lays the foundation for multi-particle detection and imaging systems in the context of range verification in PT.

Influence of the Processing Parameters on the Aroma Profile and Chemical Composition of Conventional and Ecological Cabernet Sauvignon Red Wines during Concentration by Reverse Osmosis.

Wine aroma represents one of the most important quality parameters and it is influenced by various factors, such as climate conditions, viticulture and vinification techniques, storage conditions, etc. Wines produced from conventionally and ecologically grown grapes of the same variety have different chemical compositions and aroma profiles. The composition of wine can also be influenced by the additional treatment of wine, such as the concentration of wine by reverse osmosis (RO). The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of four different pressures (2.5, 3.5, 4.5 and 5.5 MPa) and two temperature regimes (with and without cooling) on the aroma profile and chemical composition of conventional and ecological Cabernet Sauvignon red wine during concentration by reverse osmosis. The results showed that different processing parameters influenced the permeate flux, the retentate temperature and the compounds retention. Higher working pressures (4.5 and 5.5 MPa) and the regime, with cooling, resulted in a higher retention of the total aroma compounds than the opposite processing parameters. The retention of individual compounds depended also on their chemical properties and their interactions with the membrane surface. The reverse osmosis membranes proved to be permeable for ethanol, acetic acid or undesirable 4-ethylphenol and 4-ethylguaiacol that made them applicable for their correction or removal.

Concentration with Nanofiltration of Red Wine Cabernet Sauvignon Produced from Conventionally and Ecologically Grown Grapes: Effect on Volatile Compounds and Chemical Composition.

Ecological viticulture represent an upward trend in many countries. Unlike conventional viticulture, it avoids the use of chemical fertilizers and other additives, minimizing the impact of chemicals on the environment and human health. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of nanofiltration (NF) process on volatiles and chemical composition of conventional and ecological Cabernet Sauvignon red wine. The NF process was conducted on laboratory Alfa Laval LabUnit M20 (De Danske Sukkerfabrikker, Nakskov, Denmark) equipped with six NF M20 membranes in a plate module, at two temperature regimes, with and without cooling and four pressures (2.5, 3.5, 4.5 and 5.5 MPa). Different processing parameters significantly influenced the permeate flux which increased when higher pressure was applied. In initial wines and obtained retentates, volatile compounds, chemical composition and elements concentration were determined. The results showed that the higher pressure and retentate cooling was more favourable for total volatiles retention than lower pressure and higher temperature. Individual compound retention depended on its chemical properties, applied processing parameters and wine composition. Nanofiltration process resulted in lower concentrations of ethanol, acetic acid (>50%), 4-ethylphenol and 4-ethylguaiacol (>90%). Different composition of initial feed (conventional and ecological wine) had an important impact on retention of elements.

Effects of microscale particles in red mud amended artificial soils on bioaccumulation of elements in E. fetida.

Red mud (RM) contains large quantities of microscale particles < 1 µm and high concentrations of potentially toxic elements. In this research, we have used two types of RM of similar chemical properties but containing different quantities of micro-particles, to test whether their size plays a role in the uptake of chemical elements by earthworm Eisenia fetida. Earthworms were exposed for seven days to artificial soils (prepared in the laboratory following a protocol) amended with increasing quantities of RM. Mortality of 86 % occurred when earthworms were exposed to amended soil containing 46 % of particles below 1 µm. Surprisingly, tissue analyses have shown decreased concentrations of metals instead of the expected toxic effect. SEM analysis revealed that micro-particles strongly adhere to the earthworm epidermis putting them under the large stress. Micro-particles in RM clog their minute dermal pores of 90 nm-735 nm in diameter, which size depends on whether the earthworm's body is contracted or stretched. Strong adhesion of micro-particles to earthworms' epidermis and blockage of their microsize pores prevented normal dermal respiration and absorption of chemical elements through their epithelium resulting in a decrease of most measured metals, especially essential elements potassium, calcium and iron, followed by the lethal outcomes.

The Growth and Sporulation of Bacillus subtilis in Nanotesla Magnetic Fields.

The order of magnitude of increased growth, multiplication rate, and decreased sporulation of Bacillus subtilis after exposure to nanotesla magnetic fields (MFs) relative to control samples were observed experimentally. Earth's total magnetic field intensity was reduced from 47.9 ± 0.4 µT to cover the range from 97.5 ± 1.7 nT to 1115 ± 158 nT in eight subsequent experiments by using three pairs of Helmholtz coils combined with Mu-metal shielding. The growth, multiplication rate, sporulation, and potassium content were measured in the probe and control containing B. subtilis cultures after 24 h of exposure to nanotesla and Earth's magnetic fields, respectively. The observed effect is discussed with regard to its possible repercussions on Earth's living species during geomagnetic reversals that occurred when the magnetic field was much weaker than the field that exists today. In addition, effects on future manned voyages into deep space, an environment with reduced magnetic field intensity, are considered.

The Effect of Aging on Composition and Surface of Translucent Zirconia Ceramic.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the effect of two aging protocols on the chemical and phase composition as well as the surface state of monolithic translucent zirconia ceramics. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Translucent zirconia ceramics KATANA-Zirconia STML with different surface treatments (no treatment, K1, K2; glazed, G1-G8; polished, P1-P8) underwent testing in order to examine how the two aging protocols (three-hour hydrothermal degradation in an autoclave at 134 °C and 2 bars: G1-G4, P1-P4, and sixteen-hour chemical degradation in four-percent acetic acid at 80 °C (ISO 6872): G5-G8, P5-P8) affect chemical composition, particularly the share of stabilizing yttrium oxide (Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence - EDXRF), phase composition (X-ray diffraction - XRD) and surface state in terms of roughness and gloss. RESULTS: Aging protocols did not affect the tested chemical composition stability of specimens and a high share of stabilizing yttrium-oxide (≥10% of total content), which correlates with the absence of monoclinic phase. A decrease in gloss on all specimens is statistically significant. Chemical degradation substantially increased the surface roughness of tested specimens. CONCLUSIONS: Translucent monolithic zirconia demonstrated a stable chemical composition and resistance to tetragonal-to-monoclinic transformation. Surface gloss was significantly reduced, especially in polished specimens. Contrary to glazed specimens, the tested polished specimens manifested an increase in surface roughness. Glazing the surface of translucent monolithic zirconia produces better esthetic, tribological and hygienic effects than polishing.

In-situ measurements of rare earth elements in deep sea sediments using nuclear methods.

The prospecting activities for finding new rare earth elements (REE) sources have increased greatly in recent years. One of the main discoveries was announced in 2011 by Japanese researchers who found large quantities of REE on the ocean seafloor at the sea depths greater than 4,000 m. The classic approach to investigate REE in deep sea sediments is to obtain sediment samples by drilling that is followed by laborious laboratory analysis. This is very expensive, time consuming and not appropriate for exploring vast areas. In order to efficiently explore the ocean floor for REE deposits, the further development of affordable sensors is needed. Here, we propose two nuclear techniques for exploring REE in surface deep sea sediments: i) Passive measurement of lutetium-176 radioactivity, appropriate if long-term in-situ measurements are possible, and ii) The use of the neutron sensor attached to a remotely operated vehicle for rapid in-situ measurement of gadolinium by thermal neutron-capture. Since concentrations of lutetium and gadolinium show strong linear correlation to the total REE concentrations in deep sea sediments, it is possible to deduce the total REE content by measuring Lu or Gd concentrations only.

Synergetic Effects of K, Ca, Cu and Zn in Human Semen in Relation to Parameters Indicative of Spontaneous Hyperactivation of Spermatozoa.

We have observed that sperm quality parameters indicative of spermatozoa hyperactivation such are lower "linearity" and "straightness", and as showed by this research "elongation", were more pronounced in patients with normal spermiogram compared to the group of men with reduced sperm motility who were undergoing routine in vitro fertilisation. The research encompassed 97 men diagnosed with normozoospermia (n = 20), asthenozoospermia (n = 54) and oligoasthenozoospermia (n = 23). The findings indicate that sperm quality of patients with normal spermiogram diagnosed according to WHO criteria, may be compromised by showing premature spontaneous hyperactivation which can decrease the chances of natural conception. We assessed synergistic effects of multiple chemical elements in ejaculated semen to find if premature spontaneous hyperactivation of spermatozoa can be a sign of imbalanced semen composition especially of elements K, Ca, Cu and Zn. Human semen samples showing low or high baseline status of chemical elements concentrations were found in samples from all three diagnostic groups. However, correlation of K/Ca and Cu/Zn ratios, taking into account samples from all three groups of men, were negative at statistical significance level p = 0.01. We tested if the negative correlation between K/Ca and Cu/Zn ratio works for greater number of semen samples. We found the negative correlation to be valid for 175 semen samples at statistical significance of p = 0.00002. The ratio of K/Ca and Cu/Zn, i.e. increased concentrations of K and Zn in comparison to concentrations of Ca and Cu, were associated with a decrease of "straightness" in the group of men with normal spermiogram and pronounced spontaneous hyperactivation of spermatozoa, implying that these elements act in synergy and that the balance of elements and not their absolute concentrations plays the major role in premature spermatozoa hyperactivation in ejaculated semen.

Barrel inspection utilizing a 14 MeV neutron beam and associate alpha particle method.

A multi-sensor system was evaluated for the determination of barrel content with regard to eventual pollution hazards. The proposed system is able to investigate (in situ) the interior of a barrel filled with various unknown substances ranging from chemical and radioactive waste, raw sewage sludge, municipal incinerator ashes to common household trash. The crucial part of the system is a neutron sensor, which enables the identification of substance content without actually opening the barrel at all. A comparative laboratory test with the 3″×3″ and 5″×5″×10″ NaI(Tl) gamma ray detectors was made after which 3″×3″ detector was selected and incorporated in the submarine called "Surveyor". A field test was made in the Croatian Adriatic coast on the island Losinj. Field tests show that the commercial system utilizing the described method could be constructed for barrel inspection regardless of the measurement environment (underwater, on land, dumping site, isolated location, etc.).

Indications for synergetic and antagonistic effects between trace elements in the environment to human health.

The objective of this work was to investigate the interactions between the level of concentrations of Ca, V Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As and Pb in potable water, soil, vegetation and school children hair and disease incidences of neoplasms, diseases of the blood and blood-forming organs and certain disorders involving the immune mechanism, endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases, mental and behavioral disorders and diseases of the circulatory system on the population groups which are homogeneously exposed to the environmental conditions. It was found that potable water among the other investigated aspects of the physical environment has the greatest impact on the public health. The environment-disease incidence interactions have been found for all investigated diseases groups. The results reported here emphasize the importance of the observation of the mutual effects of the environmental variables on the human health for the identification of their synergetic as well as antagonistic effects.