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Abstract The giant squid (Dosidicus gigas) might be used as a raw material for a protein concentrate. However, it has been observed that colloidal systems formed from squid proteins have limited functionality. Therefore, several investigations have been done to improve the functional properties of squid proteins. Recently ultrasound has been considered a technology for improving the functional properties of proteins. For this reason and considering that jumbo squid is an important fishery in northwest Mexico, the purpose of this research was to determine the effect of sonication time on the main functional properties of proteins. Sonication at 20 kHz and 20% amplitude were used during 0, 30, 60, and 90 s for foam and emulsion evaluations, and for 0, 1, and 3 min to evaluate gelling capacity. The emulsifying activity index was the highest at 60 s, while the emulsion stability index was the best at 90 s. Foaming capacity was significantly higher at 60 and 90 s, while the foam stability was 100% for all treatments. Finally, the water holding capacity and the texture profile analysis of gels showed an improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transportation sector is one of the largest sources of EU’s greenhouse gas emissions. In 2011, transportation represented approximately 25 percent of total EU’s greenhouse gas emissions. Urban mobility accounts for 40% of all CO 2 emissions of road transport and up to 70% of other pollutants from transport. As, transportation and mobility play a crucial part both in urban economics and the quality of life, it is of great significance to ensure a low carbon transportation sector, so as to deal with the threat that climate change poses to urban areas. This study examines the factors that affect the production of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) as well as of air pollutants, in 9 major European cities, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of the actual knowledge on the atmospheric pollution from public transportation systems. CO 2 emissions as well as air pollutants, such as CO, HC, PM, NOx are calculated for the diesel and CNG bus fleets of the European cities under study. Finally the environmental benefits, in terms of CO 2 and CO, HC, PM, NOx emissions reductions, from the penetration of different biodiesel blends (from B10 to B100) to the bus fleets are estimated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: After the termination of phosphogypsum discharges to the Huelva estuary (SW Spain), a unique opportunity was presented to study the response of a contaminated environmental compartment after the cessation of its main source of pollution. The evolution over time of uranium concentrations in the estuary is presented to supply new insights into the decontamination of a scenario affected by Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) discharges. The cleaning of uranium isotopes from the area has not taken place as rapidly as expected due to leaching from phosphogypsum stacks. An in-depth study using various techniques of analysis, including 234U/238U and 230Th/232Th ratios and the decreasing rates of the uranium concentration, enabled a second source of uranium contamination to be discovered. Increased uranium levels due to acid mine drainage from pyrite mines located in the Iberian Pyrite Belt (SW Spain) prevent complete uranium decontamination and, therefore, result in levels nearly twice those of natural background levels. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Porcine plasma was used as ingredient in the production of frankfurters without added phosphates, at laboratory scale. Composition, water holding capacity, texture, and microstructure of these frankfurters were compared to a standard product in which polyphosphate and caseinate were used as functional ingredients. No differences were found in moisture and WHC; and proximate analysis did not show significant differences, except in protein content, slightly higher in plasma sausages. TPA indicated that the tested product was significantly (P<0.05) harder and chewier than control. In spite of that the proposed formula was considered acceptable. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In-situ gamma-ray spectrometry is widely used for monitoring of natural as well as man-made radionuclides and corresponding gamma fields in the environment or working places. It finds effective application in the operational and accidental monitoring of nuclear facilities and their vicinity, waste depositories, radioactive contamination measurements and environmental mapping or geological prospecting. In order to determine accurate radionuclide concentrations in these research fields, Monte Carlo codes have recently been used to obtain the efficiency calibration of in-situ gamma-ray detectors. This work presents an inter-comparison between two Monte Carlo codes applied to in-situ gamma-ray spectrometry. On the commercial market, Canberra has its LABSOCS/ISOCS software which is relatively inexpensive. The ISOCS mathematical efficiency calibration software uses a combination of Monte Carlo calculations and discrete ordinate attenuation computations. Efficiencies can be generated in a few minutes in the field and can be modified easily if needed. However, it has been reported in the literature that ISOCS computation method is accurate on average only within 5%, and additionally in order to use LABSOCS/ISOCS it is necessary a previous characterization of the detector by Canberra, which is an expensive process. On the other hand, the multipurpose and open source GEANT4 takes significant computer time and presents a non-friendly but powerful toolkit, independent of the manufacturer of the detector. Different experimental measurements of calibrated sources were performed with a Canberra portable HPGe detector and compared to the results obtained using both Monte Carlo codes. Furthermore, a variety of efficiency calibrations for different radioactive source distributions were calculated and tested, like plane shapes or containers filled with different materials such as soil, water, etc. LabSOCS simulated efficiencies for medium and high energies were given within an accuracy of below 5% for point sources and 10% maximum accuracy for more complicated geometries. Accuracy for LabSOCS decreased for low energy emissions. Finally an analysis and discussion of the results and the main differences found between LabSOCS and GEANT4 were performed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This work presents an intercomparison between commercial software for alpha-particle spectrometry, Genie 2000, and the new free available software, Winalpha, developed by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). In order to compare both codes, different environmental spectra containing plutonium, uranium, thorium and polonium have been analyzed, together with IAEA test alpha spectra. A statistical study was performed in order to evaluate the precision and accuracy in the analyses, and to enhance the confidence in using the software on alpha spectrometric studies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An experimental procedure has been developed for a rapid and accurate determination of the activity concentration of 210Pb in sediments by liquid scintillation counting (LSC). Additionally, an alternative technique using -spectrometry and Monte Carlo simulation has been developed. A radiochemical procedure, based on radium and barium sulphates co-precipitation have been applied to isolate the Pb-isotopes. 210Pb activity measurements were done in a low background scintillation spectrometer Quantulus 1220. A calibration of the liquid scintillation spectrometer, including its / discrimination system, has been made, in order to minimize background and, additionally, some improvements are suggested for the calculation of the 210Pb activity concentration, taking into account that 210Pb counting efficiency cannot be accurately determined. Therefore, the use of an effective radiochemical yield, which can be empirically evaluated, is proposed. 210Pb activity concentration in riverbed sediments from an area affected by NORM wastes has been determined using both the proposed method. Results using -spectrometry and LSC are compared to the results obtained following indirect -spectrometry (210Po) method. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The background of a coaxial Ge detector placed at a surface laboratory has been reduced by means of a background reduction setup consisting of a passive shield of low-activity lead, a simple radon suppression system and an active shield with a plastic scintillation plate. In particular, we have devoted our efforts to in-depth optimization of each parameter associated with different anticoincidence setups and to their subsequent intercomparison. The overall performance of the active shield was improved by using the optimum time parameters for each setup. The final objective is to decrease the cosmic-ray background and, by this way, to reduce the detection limits of gamma-ray spectrometers at conventional laboratories, and consequently make them competitive for different measurements like 210Pb dating. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: For a series of 3-substituted-thietane-1-oxide (3-R-TOX) derivatives (R=chloro, methyl, ethyl, acetate, t-buthyl, phenyl and p-chlorophenyl), the cis⇔trans isomerization reactions have been theoretically studied in the frame of molecular orbital theory. Optimized geometries have been obtained at HF/6-31G** level, whereas the energetics and thermodynamics were calculated with basis sets that include polarization, diffuse functions and electron correlation at the second-order Møller–Plesset perturbation theory. The size and nature of the substituent seems to exert no influence on the structure of the thietane-1-oxide ring. Gas phase thermodynamics predict the cis isomers to be the preferred structure in these compounds as a result of the H10⋯O9 non-bonded interaction. The exception to this trend are the chloro and acetate derivatives where a 14 and 46% of the trans isomer, respectively, is predicted. In CCl4 solution, the isomerization reaction would take place in large extent. The calculated 1H-NMR chemical shifts correlate well with the experimental data and demonstrate that the β-protons (H10) are magnetically sensible enough to allow the cis and trans isomeric forms to be distinguished. The β-protons chemical shifts calculated in CCl4 do not differ appreciably from the gas phase values. The 17O-NMR signals have also been derived and the potentiality of this nucleus to be used to assign the preferred geometry as well as to follow the isomerization reaction, in this kind of compounds is pointed out. The present work also indicates that the Sing mode can be used to assign either a cis or trans conformation in these species, though this vibrational mode is strongly coupled with some ring and H–C–H angle deformation modes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this paper, we will expose the work performed for the adaptation and refinement of the GEANT4 simulation toolkit (originally designed for Monte Carlo simulations in High-Energy Physics) in order to simulate Ge detectors in low-level gamma spectrometry. Special emphasis will be given to show and validate our own algorithms implemented in GEANT4 code for variance reduction and data analysis, that have been used for a quicker and precise efficiency calibration at different source-detector configurations of one of the low-level germanium gamma systems available in our laboratory. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

: BackgroundHypertension (HT), a prevalent complication in renal transplant patient (RT), must be accurately treated because cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death and of chronic graft dysfunction. Sympathetic activity may contribute to HT in RT, yielding the rationale to suspect that doxazosin, an α1-adrenergic receptor inhibitor, may lower blood pressure (BP). The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of doxazosin GITS (4 and 8 mg) in RT.: MethodsTwenty-three hypertensive RT received doxazosin 4 mg once daily for 4 weeks (W4) followed by a 4-week washout (W0) and 17/23 treated with doxazosin 8 mg for 4 more weeks (W8) due to persistent HT. All patients underwent 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) after W0, W4, and W8. Laboratory tests were performed, adverse events recorded, and prostatic symptomatology examined. Statistical analysis included Saphiro-Wilks, Student t, ANOVA, Wilcoxon, or Friedman tests.: ResultsThe systolic, diastolic, and mean BP were significantly lowered at W4 in awake (P < .001) and 24 hour period (P < .005) but not sleep recordings. Doxazosin 8 mg had no significant additional effect to lower BP at any period. Normotension was reached in 13% and 21.7% of patients at W4 and W8, respectively. Palpitations were the only reported adverse event after treatment (incidence similar to placebo). There was no significant change in the laboratory values.: ConclusionsDoxazosin (−4 mg) effectively decreased BP in awake and 24-hour periods without a significant improvement during sleep. A double dose of the drug added little benefit. Optimal BP was reached by an insufficient number of patients. Doxazosin proved to have a good tolerance and safe profile. This results suggest that doxazosin should be considered a good add-on treatment to other antihypertensive drugs in RT. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

210Pb radioimpurities in different lead pieces used for shielding low-level gamma-ray spectrometers have been determined through the application of two independent radiometric techniques: alpha-particle spectrometry (210Po) and Cherenkov counting (210Bi). Associated to each technique, simple radiochemical procedures have been developed for the isolation of the radionuclides of interest and/or their adaption to the measurement conditions. These determinations are very useful in designing low-level gamma-spectrometric systems as well as in the interpretation, evaluation and even simulation of their background spectra. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Evaluate influence of uterine fibroid (UF) size/location on the efficacy of elagolix with add-back therapy in women with heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) associated with UF. Data was pooled from two 6-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 studies, Elaris UF-1 and UF-2. Outpatient in clinic/office Premenopausal women (18-51 years) with HMB [>80mL menstrual blood loss (MBL)/cycle; alkaline hematin methodology] and ultrasound-confirmed UF diagnosis. Women were randomized 1:1:2 to placebo, elagolix 300mg twice daily (BID), or elagolix 300mg BID with 1 mg estradiol/0.5mg norethindrone acetate (E2/NETA) once daily. This subgroup analysis evaluated the influence of UF location and size on the efficacy of elagolix+E2/NETA. Uterine volume, and size and location of UF were assessed by ultrasound. Subgroups were defined by baseline (BL) FIGO categories which were grouped FIGO 0-3, FIGO 4, or FIGO 5-8, median BL primary fibroid volume and median BL uterine volume. The primary endpoint was the proportion of women with <80mL MBL during the final month and ≥50% MBL reduction from BL to the final month. Adverse events (AEs) were monitored. Overall 72.2% (95% CI, 67.65, 76.73) who received elagolix+E2/NETA were responders for the primary endpoint. Results were similar for all FIGO classified subgroups: FIGO 0-3, 77.7% (95% CI, 65.10, 90.22), FIGO 4, 68.1 % (95% CI, 60.98, 75.18), and FIGO 5-8, 74.0% (95% CI, 67.21, 80.85). Similar results were seen in women with a primary fibroid volume of either < or ≥36.2 cm3 (median) and uterine volume of either < or ≥356.5 cm3 (median). Overall AEs for elagolix+E2/NETA included hot flushes (20.0%), nausea (9.4%), headache (9.4%), night sweats (8.6%), and fatigue (6.1%). The effect of elagolix in reducing HMB associated with UF was not impacted by uterine volume, or UF location and size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to check for equivalence of computer codes that are capable of performing calculations of true coincidence summing (TCS) correction factors. All calculations were performed for a set of well-defined detector parameters, sample parameters and decay scheme data. The studied geometry was a point source of 133 Ba positioned directly on the detector window of a low-energy (n-type) detector. Good agreement was established between the TCS correction factors computed by the different codes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial activities involving Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM) are found among the most important industrial sectors worldwide as oil/gas facilities, metal production, phosphate Industry, zircon treatment, etc. being really significant the radioactive characterization of the materials involved in their production processes in order to assess the potential radiological risk for workers or natural environment. High resolution gamma spectrometry is a versatile non-destructive radiometric technique that makes simultaneous determination of several radionuclides possible with little sample preparation. However NORM samples cover a wide variety of densities and composition, as opposed to the standards used in gamma efficiency calibration, which are either water-based solutions or standard/reference sources of similar composition. For that reason self-absorption correction effects (especially in the low energy range) must be considered individually in every sample. In this work an experimental and a semi-empirical methodology of self-absorption correction were applied to NORM samples, and the obtained results compared critically, in order to establish the best practice in relation to the circumstances of an individual laboratory. This methodology was applied in samples coming from a TiO 2 factory (NORM industry) located in the south-west of Spain where activity concentration of several radionuclides from the Uranium and Thorium series through the production process was measured. These results will be shown in this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Huelva Estuary in Huelva, Spain, has been one of the most studied environmental compartments in the past years from the point of view of naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) releases. It has been historically affected by waste releases, enriched in radionuclides from the U-decay series, from factories located in the area devoted to the production of phosphoric acid and phosphate fertilizers. Nevertheless, changes in national regulations forced a new waste management practice in 1998, prohibiting releases of phosphogypsum into the rivers. The input of natural radionuclides from phosphate factories to rivers was drastically reduced. Because of this there was a unique opportunity for the study of the response of a contaminated environmental compartment, specifically an estuary affected by tidal influences, after the cessation of the contaminant releases to, in this case, the Huelva Estuary (henceforth referred to as the Estuary). To investigate the environmental response to this new discharge regime, the specific activities of radionuclides 226Ra and 210Pb in water and sediment samples collected in four campaigns (from 1999 to 2005) were determined and compared with pre-1998 values. From this study it is possible to infer the most effective mechanisms of decontamination for the Estuary. Decontamination rates of 210Pb and 226Ra in the sediments and water have been calculated using exponential fittings and corresponding half-lives have been deduced from them. The cleaning half-life in the whole area of the Estuary is about 6 and 3.5years for 226Ra and 210Pb respectively. The observed trend clearly shows that contamination of the Estuary by natural radionuclides is now decreasing and radioactive levels in waters and sediments are approaching the natural background references. This work attempts to evaluate whether it can be expected that the decontamination of the enhanced levels of natural radioactivity in the Estuary can be performed via natural processes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The goal of this study is to provide a benchmark for the use of Monte Carlo simulation when applied to coincidence summing corrections. The examples are based on simple geometries: two types of germanium detectors and four kinds of sources, to mimic eight typical measurement conditions. The coincidence corrective factors are computed for four radionuclides. The exercise input files and calculation results with practical recommendations are made available for new users on a dedicated webpage. • Examples of the use of Monte Carlo simulation to calculate coincidence summing corrections. • Simple cases with two types of germanium detectors and four kinds of sources were investigated. • Calculation of coincidence summing correction factors for 60Co, 134Cs, 133Ba and 22Na is presented. • Input files, correction factors and recommendations are available on a dedicated webpage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hypertension (HT) accounts for nearly 60% to 80% of renal transplant patients (RT). It is one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and may cause chronic graft dysfunction. Therefore, it is important to accurately detect and treat HT. We aimed to evaluate the changes in ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) parameters among hypertensive RT after active treatment compared with baseline values.Methods: Thirty seven RT (25 men, 12 women, aged 49.4 ± 11.2 year) diagnosed with mild to moderate HT underwent 24-hour ABPM after a 4-week washout period (W0). For the 23 RT with confirmed HT of a second 24-hour ABPM was recorded after 4 weeks of treatment with doxazosin GITS (-4 mg once daily in the morning), a new formulation of an α1-receptor inhibitor (W4). Nondippers were considered when mean blood pressure (BP) showed a ≤10% reduction during sleep. Statistical analyses included Saphiro-Wilks test, Student t test, and ANOVA.Results: After active treatment systolic, diastolic, and mean BP (SBP, DBP, MBP) significantly decreased during diurnal and 24 hours but not the nocturnal period. No significant change was observed for heart rate nor for pulse pressure during any period. The prevalence dippers increased from 0% to 17% after treatment. After placebo administration 8 among 37 RT with HT diagnosed according to casual BP remained hypertensive at nighttime (but not at daytime) according to 24-hour ABPM.Conclusions: Diurnal and 24-hour periods of ABPM showed significant changes in SBP, DBP, and MBP after active treatment with doxazosin GITS. No significant BP changes were observed in the nocturnal period or in dipper status. Further studies using ABPM must be undertaken to determine the optimal dosage and time of administration of antihypertensive drugs in RT. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Cities are gaining prominence committing to respond to the threat of climate change, e.g., by developing local climate plans or strategies. However, little is known regarding the approaches and processes of plan development and implementation, or the success and effectiveness of proposed measures. Mainstreaming is regarded as one approach associated with (implementation) success, but the extent of integration of local climate policies and plans in ongoing sectoral and/or development planning is unclear. This paper analyses 885 cities across the 28 European countries to create a first reference baseline on the degree of climate mainstreaming in local climate plans. This will help to compare the benefits of mainstreaming versus dedicated climate plans, looking at policy effectiveness and ultimately delivery of much needed climate change efforts at the city level. All core cities of the European Urban Audit sample were analyzed, and their local climate plans classified as dedicated or mainstreamed in other local policy initiatives. It was found that the degree of mainstreaming is low for mitigation (9% of reviewed cities; 12% of the identified plans) and somewhat higher for adaptation (10% of cities; 29% of plans). In particular horizontal mainstreaming is a major effort for local authorities; an effort that does not necessarily pay off in terms of success of action implementation. This study concludes that climate change issues in local municipalities are best tackled by either, developing a dedicated local climate plan in parallel to a mainstreamed plan or by subsequently developing first the dedicated and later a mainstreaming plan (joint or subsequent "dual track approach"). Cities that currently provide dedicated local climate plans (66% of cities for mitigation; 26% of cities for adaptation) may follow-up with a mainstreaming approach. This promises effective implementation of tangible climate actions as well as subsequent diffusion of climate issues into other local sector policies. The development of only broad sustainability or resilience strategies is seen as critical. • Trends in mainstreaming climate change issues were analyzed for 885 cities EU-28. • EU cities provide numerous local mitigation (#664) and/or adaptation (#321) plans. • Mainstreaming was investigated as vertical and horizontal approach. • 9% of cities have mainstreamed mitigation LCP; 12% of mitigation LCPs mainstreamed. • 10% of cities have mainstreamed adaptation LCP; 29% of adaptation LCPs mainstreamed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: It has been analyzed samples of portland cement (PC) with and without admixtures, samples of calcium aluminate cement (CAC) with different content of Al2O3 and specimens of concrete made with PC and CAC using High Resolution Gamma Spectrometry. The activity concentration index (I) is much less than 0.5 mSv y−1 for all the concrete specimens according to the Radiation protection document 112 of the European Commission. The PC without admixtures (CEM I 52,5 R) and the PC with addition of limestone (CEM II/BL 32,5 N) also have an I value much lower than 0.5 and the PC with the addition of fly ash and blast furnace slag (CEM IV/B (V) 32,5 N and III/A 42.5 N/SR) have an I value close to 0.6. The I value of the CAC used in the manufacture of structural precast concrete is of the order of 1 mSv y−1. Some of the CAC used in refractory concrete reaches a value close to 2 mSv y−1. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The aim of the study was to check for equivalence of computer codes that can perform calculations of true coincidence summing correction factors. All calculations were performed for a set of well-defined detector and sample parameters, without any reference to empirical data. For a p-type detector model the application of different codes resulted in satisfactory agreement in the calculated correction factors. For high-efficiency geometries in combination with an n-type detector and a radionuclide emitting abundant X-rays the results were scattered. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The second part of an intercomparison of the coincidence summing correction methods is presented. This exercise concerned three volume sources, filled with liquid radioactive solution. The same experimental spectra, decay scheme and photon emission intensities were used by all the participants. The results were expressed as coincidence summing corrective factors for several energies of 152Eu and 134Cs, and different source-to-detector distances. They are presented and discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A comparison of the coincidence summing correction methods is presented. Since there are several ways for computing these corrections, each method has advantages and drawbacks that could be compared. This part of the comparison was restricted to point sources. The same experimental spectra, decay scheme and photon emission intensities were used by all the participants. The results were expressed as coincidence summing correction factors for several energies of 152Eu and 134Cs, and three source-to-detector distances. They are presented and discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In an intercomparison exercise, the Monte Carlo codes most commonly used in gamma-ray spectrometry today were compared with each other in order to gauge the differences between them in terms of typical applications. No reference was made to experimental data; instead, the aim was to confront the codes with each other, as they were applied to the calculation of full-energy-peak and total efficiencies. Surprising differences between the results of different codes were revealed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An internal consistency test of the calculation of coincidence-summing correction factors F C for volume sources is presented. The test is based on exact equations relating the values of F C calculated for three ideal measurement configurations. The test is applied to a number of 33 sets of F C values sent by 21 teams. Most sets passed the test, but not the results obtained using the quasi-point source approximation; in the latter case the test qualitatively indicated the magnitude of the bias of F C. • A self-consistency test of coincidence summing calculations is presented. • It is based on equations relating F C values for 3 ideal volume geometries. • Can be easily applied in any laboratory for checking the quality of F C software. • 33 sets of F C values (various computations) for 60Co, 133Ba, 134Cs, 152Eu evaluated. • Inconsistency and bias of F C based on quasi-point source approximation revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monte Carlo (MC) simulation is widely used in gamma-ray spectrometry, however, its implementation is not always easy and can provide erroneous results. The present action provides a benchmark for several MC software for selected cases. The examples are based on simple geometries, two types of germanium detectors and four kinds of sources, to mimic eight typical measurement conditions. The action outputs (input files and efficiency calculation results, including practical recommendations for new users) are made available on a dedicated webpage. • Examples of the use of Monte Carlo simulation using different software. • Simple cases with two types of germanium detectors and four kinds of sources. • Calculation of full-energy peak and total efficiencies for 5 energies. • Input files and efficiency calculation results available on a dedicated webpage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]