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This study examined inter-observer agreement and diagnostic accuracy in classifying radiographs for pneumoconiosis among Asian physicians taking the AIR Pneumo examination. We compared agreement and diagnostic accuracy for parenchymal and pleural lesions across residing countries, specialty training, and work experience using data on 93 physicians. Physicians demonstrated fair to good agreement with kappa values 0.30 (95% CI: 0.20-0.40), 0.29 (95% CI: 0.23-0.36), 0.59 (95% CI: 0.52-0.67), and 0.65 (95% CI: 0.55-0.74) in classifying pleural plaques, small opacity shapes, small opacity profusion, and large opacities, respectively. Kappa values among Asian countries ranging from 0.25 to 0.55 (pleural plaques), 0.47 to 0.73 (small opacity profusion), and 0.55 to 0.69 (large opacity size). The median Youden's J index (interquartile range) for classifying pleural plaque, small opacity, and large opacity was 61.1 (25.5), 76.8 (29.3), and 88.9 (23.3), respectively. Radiologists and recent graduates showed superior performance than other groups regarding agreement and accuracy in classifying all types of lesions. In conclusion, Asian physicians taking the AIR Pneumo examination were better at classifying parenchymal lesions than pleural plaques using the ILO classification. The degree of agreement and accuracy was different among countries and was associated with background specialty training.

Low bioavailability of iron due to poor solubility of iron(hydr)oxides limits the growth of microorganisms and plants in soils and aquatic environments. Previous studies described accelerated dissolution of iron(hydr)oxides under continuous illumination, but did not distinguish between photoreductive dissolution and non-reductive processes in which photogenerated Fe(II) catalyzes ligand-controlled dissolution. Here we show that short illuminations (5–15 min) accelerate the dissolution of iron(hydr)oxides by ligands during subsequent dark periods under anoxic conditions. Suspensions of lepidocrocite (Lp) and goethite (Gt) (1.13 mM) with 50 μM EDTA or DFOB were illuminated with UV-A light of comparable intensity to sunlight (pH 7.0, bicarbonate-CO2 buffered solutions). During illumination, the rate of Fe(II) production was highest with Gt-EDTA; followed by Lp-EDTA > Lp-DFOB > Lp > Gt-DFOB > Gt. Under anoxic conditions, photochemically produced Fe(II) increased dissolution rates during subsequent dark periods by factors of 10–40 and dissolved Fe(III) reached 50 μM with DFOB and EDTA. Under oxic conditions, dissolution rates increased by factors of 3–5 only during illumination. With DFOB dissolved Fe(III) reached 35 μM after 10 h of illumination, while with EDTA it peaked at 15 μM and then decreased to below 2 μM. The observations are explained and discussed based on a kinetic model. The results suggest that in anoxic bottom water of ponds and lakes, or in microenvironments of algal blooms, short illuminations can dramatically increase the bioavailability of iron by Fe(II)-catalyzed ligand-controlled dissolution. In oxic environments, photostable ligands such as DFOB can maintain Fe(III) in solution during extended illumination., Chemosphere, 263, ISSN:0045-6535, ISSN:1879-1298

James (Jim) Morgan was a leading figure in the field of environmental science and engineering. He championed the application of chemistry in the study of the environment and the design and optimization of environmental treatment processes. Jim influenced the field through his classic text Aquatic Chemistry, coauthored with Werner Stumm, his role as founding editor of Environmental Science& Technology, his seminal contribution to computational methods for the calculation of chemical equilibria, and most especially, his mentorship of his extended academic family. Jim transmitted his enthusiasm for research, particularly on the chemistry of manganese and iron, so successfully to his doctoral students and postdoctoral advisees that many of them carried these topics forward in their own careers., Environmental Science & Technology, 55 (21), ISSN:0013-936X, ISSN:1520-5851

Dissolution of iron(oxyhydr)oxides is a key biogeochemical process that affects the cycling and bioavailability of iron (Fe). Recently, we demonstrated that submicromolar concentrations of Fe(II) accelerate dissolution of Fe(III)(hydr)oxides with the synthetic ligands ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) and hydroxybenzyl ethylenediaminediacetic acid (HBED) and also with the biogenic ligand desferrioxamine-B (DFOB) in anoxic conditions at circumneutral pH. The catalytic effect of Fe(II) was explained by electron transfer (ET) to surface Fe(III) and accelerated detachment of surface Fe(III)-ligand complexes. However, the extent of ET on the mineral surface before and during accelerated dissolution remained unclear. Here we describe the extent of ET by investigating dissolution and isotope exchange with lepidocrocite (Lp) and goethite (Gt) and varying concentrations of Fe(II), 57Fe(II), and DFOB. Most experiments were conducted under anoxic conditions at pH 7.0 in bicarbonate-CO2-buffered suspensions.Our results show that in anoxic carbonate-buffered suspensions, 1-5 µM Fe(II) increased the rates of Lp dissolution at pH 7.0 by up to 60-fold. The addition of 20 or 50 µM DFOB after 57Fe(II) led to accelerated detachment of 56Fe(III) from Lp and release of already adsorbed/exchanged 57Fe into the solution. A kinetic model considering exchange of charge on the surface between 57Fe(II) and 56Fe(III), before and during dissolution, was developed to explain the observed results. The rates for ET and isotope exchange before and during accelerated dissolution are very different for Lp and Gt, presumably reflecting the differences in structure and mineralogy.This study contributes to the quantification of ET from added Fe(II) to the surface of Fe(III)(hydr)oxides and of the acceleration of overall non-reductive dissolution by traces of Fe(II) in anoxic environments. In this presentation, the key findings of the isotope exchange and dissolution studies with Lp and Gt will be presented in order to highlight the importance of interfacial Fe(II)/Fe(III) ET processes occurring at (sub)oxic-anoxic interfaces of soils and sediments.

Two hundred and thirty-three individuals read chest x-ray images (CXR) in the Asian Intensive Reader of Pneumoconiosis (AIR Pneumo) workshop. Their proficiency in reading CXR for pneumoconiosis was calculated using eight indices (X1–X8), as follows: sensitivity (X1) and specificity (X2) for pneumoconiosis; sensitivity (X3) and specificity (X4) for large opacities; sensitivity (X5) and specificity (X6) for pleural plaques; profusion increment consistency (X7); and consistency for shape differentiation (X8). For these eight indices, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Scheffe’s multiple comparison were conducted on six groups, based on the participants’ specialty: radiology, respiratory medicine, industrial medicine, public health, general internal medicine, and miscellaneous physicians. Our analysis revealed that radiologists had a significant difference in the mean scores of X3, X5, and X8, compared with those of all groups, excluding radiologists. In the factor analysis, X1, X3, X5, X7, and X8 constituted Factor 1, and X2, X4, and X6 constituted Factor 2. With regard to the factor scores of the six participant groups, the mean scores of Factor 1 of the radiologists were significantly higher than those of all groups, excluding radiologists. The two factors and the eight indices may be used to appropriately assess specialists’ proficiency in reading CXR.

Iron(III)-precipitates formed by Fe(II) oxidation in aqueous solutions affect the cycling and impact of Fe and other co-precipitated elements in environmental systems. Fresh Fe(III)-precipitates are metastable and their transformation into more stable phases during aging may result in the release of initially co-precipitated ions. Phosphate, silicate, Mg and Ca play key roles in determining the structure and composition of fresh Fe(III)-precipitates. Here we examine how these ions affect the structure and phosphate retention of Fe(III)-precipitates formed by oxidation of 0.5 mM dissolved Fe(II) at pH 7.0 after aging for 30 days at 40 °C. Iron K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) shows that aged precipitates consist of the same structural units as fresh precipitates: Amorphous Fe(III)- or Ca-Fe(III)-phosphate, ferrihydrite, and poorly crystalline lepidocrocite. Mg, Ca, and dissolved phosphate stabilize (Ca-)Fe(III)-phosphate against transformation into ferrihydrite. Silicate further attenuates (Ca-)Fe(III)-phosphate transformation. The crystallinity of lepidocrocite formed in phosphate- and silicate-free solutions slightly increases during aging. The transformation of Fe(III)- and Ca-Fe(III)-phosphate into ferrihydrite and ongoing ferrihydrite crystallization during aging result in the release of co-precipitated phosphate. Dissolved Ca on the other hand limits phosphate concentrations to values consistent with solubility control by octacalciumphosphate. Owing to the combined effects of Ca and silicate, phosphate is most effectively retained by Fe(III)-precipitates formed and aged in Ca- and silicate-containing solutions. The results from this study contribute to an improved understanding of the formation and transformation of Fe(III)-precipitates and emphasize that the complexity of Fe(III)-precipitate dynamics in the presence of multiple interfering solutes must be considered when addressing their impact on major and trace elements in environmental systems.

What challenges do researchers face when leading transdisciplinary integration? We address this question by analyzing transdisciplinary integration within four thematic synthesis processes of the Swiss National Research Programme (NRP 61) on Sustainable Water Management. We adapt an existing analytical framework to compare transdisciplinary integration across the four synthesis processes regarding different types of generated knowledge (systems, target and transformation knowledge), different types of involved actors (core team, steering committee, advisory board, scientific experts and practice experts) and different levels of actor involvement (information, consultation and collaboration) at different stages of the processes. Based on a structured ex-post self-evaluation of the four synthesis processes, we present core challenges of transdisciplinary integration as perceived by core team members of the four synthesis processes and formulate empirically derived recommendations for designing and implementing future processes. We suggest that future synthesis processes should be conceptualized and initiated concurrently with all other individual research projects, involving a phasing-in stage where leaders conceptualize transdisciplinary integration, an intermediate stage of intense knowledge integration involving all relevant actor groups in a functional and dynamic way, and a final phasing out stage, where synthesis results are consolidated within the research program, validated by different actor groups and diffused to the target audiences. We argue that transdisciplinary integration requires professional competences, management skills and enough time. Finally, we suggest fostering communities of practice (CoP) to link committed leaders and enable mutual learning processes beyond the boundaries of individual synthesis projects or research programs.

Differential triangular flow, v 3 ( p T ) , of negative pions is measured at s NN = 17.3 GeV around midrapidity by the CERES/NA45 experiment at CERN in central PbAu collisions in the range 0–30% with a mean centrality of 5.5%. This is the first measurement as a function of transverse momentum of the triangular flow at SPS energies. The p T range extends from about 0.05 GeV/ c to more than 2 GeV/ c . The triangular flow magnitude, corrected for the HBT effects, is smaller by a factor of about 2 than the one measured by the PHENIX experiment at RHIC and the ALICE experiment at the LHC. Within the analyzed range of central collisions no significant centrality dependence is observed. The data are found to be well described by a viscous hydrodynamic calculation combined with an UrQMD cascade model for the late stages.

In den vergangenen 1,5 Jahren erfolgte die Aktualisierung der Silikose-Leitlinie durch eine interdisziplinar besetzte Arbeitsgruppe. Neue medizinisch-wissenschaftliche Erkenntnisse sowie die zwischenzeitlich in der Begutachtungspraxis gewonnenen Erfahrungen wurden berucksichtigt. Stand bei der Entwicklung der Erstfassung noch die Standardisierung der Diagnostik sowie die Uberarbeitung der nicht dem medizinisch-wissenschaftlichen Erkenntnisstand entsprechenden Masgaben der „Moerser Konvention“ im Vordergrund, ging es beim Update um Feinkorrekturen und Erganzungen, insbesondere der MdE-Kriterien (mit Angleichung an die MdE-Tabelle der Reichenhaller Empfehlung [DGUV 2012]). Die Diagnose Silikose basiert – neben einer eingehenden Arbeitsanamnese – auch weiterhin ganz uberwiegend auf dem typischen radiologischen Befund. Allerdings kommt bei der Erstdiagnose auch der standardisierten LD-HRCT-Aufnahme wegen der im Vergleich mit der konventionellen Rontgenaufnahme hohen Sensitivitat und Spezifitat eine zentrale Rolle zu. Ausnahmen stellen charakteristische, im Langsschnitt dokumentierte Befunde in der Rontgen-Thoraxaufnahme dar. Entsprechend heist es im Leitlinien-Update: „Fur die standardisierte Befundung der Low-Dose-Volumen-HRCT ist die Anwendung der CT-Klassifikation (ICOERD = International Classification of Occupational and Environmental Respiratory Diseases) zwingend erforderlich. Um die Diagnose einer Silikose in der CT-Untersuchung zu stellen, ist der Nachweis scharf berandeter Verdichtungen in beiden Oberlappen, die im Lungenkern und Lungenmantel lokalisiert sein konnen, erforderlich. Beim Vergleich mit dem Referenzfilm muss mindestens die Streuungskategorie 1 im rechten wie auch im linken Oberfeld erreicht sein (Gesamtstreuung mindestens 2).“ Neu sind die bislang kontrovers diskutierten Mindestanforderungen fur eine in tabula erstmals festgestellte Silikose. Hierzu wird in Anlehnung an Hnizdo et al. ausgefuhrt: „Als insignifikant sind Befunde anzusehen, wenn weniger als 5 Silikoseknotchen pro Lungenflugel palpatorisch erfasst und histologisch bestatigt werden konnen.“ Hierbei handelt es sich um eine Konvention und nicht um eine durch eingehende medizinisch-wissenschaftliche Untersuchungen und statistische Auswertungen belegte Grenzziehung; diese basiert allerdings auf den umfangreichen Erfahrungen, die im untertagigen sudafrikanischen Goldbergbau gewonnen werden konnten. In der aktualisierten Fassung wird auch auf den Befall der Hilus- und gelegentlich der Mediastinallymphknoten bei der Silikose eingegangen, wobei aus Sicht der LL keine enge Korrelation mit der Schwere des Lungenbefalls besteht. Ausgedehntere konglomerierende und indurierende Lymphknotenprozesse konnen zu Dislokationen der Hili mit Ruckwirkungen auf die grosen Bronchien und Gefasstamme fuhren. Vorwiegend randstandige schalenformige Verkalkungen stellen sich radiologisch als „Eierschalenhilus“ dar. Die Ausfuhrungen zur Belastungsuntersuchung wurden erganzt: Wenn weder Ergometrie noch Spiroergometrie durchfuhrbar sind, soll ein 6-Minuten-Gehtest mit Pulsoxymetrie erfolgen. Auserdem kann bei der Silikose-Begutachtung eine (nicht mitwirkungspflichtige) Rechtsherzkatheter-Untersuchung in Einzelfallen empfohlen werden, wenn die Echokardiografie Hinweise auf erhohte Druckwerte ergibt oder eine Differenzierung zwischen rechts- und linkskardialer Insuffizienz Schwierigkeiten bereitet. Eine pulmonale Hypertonie ist bei der Beurteilung der MdE zu berucksichtigen und auch prognostisch relevant. Bei der Spirometrie-Beurteilung sind die neuen GLI-Referenzwerte masgeblich. Bei der Graduierung der Einschrankungen folgt die Silikose-LL der Leitlinie Spirometrie der DGP. Nach dem aktuellen medizinisch-wissenschaftlichen Erkenntnisstand bleibt offen, ob bestimmte Krankheitsbilder des rheumatischen Formenkreises wie die Sklerodermie und das Caplan-Syndrom, die bei Silikose-Patienten in Einzelfallen gefunden werden, in toto als BK-Nr. 4101 (Silikose) anzusehen sind. Es braucht weiterer Studien, die die Rolle der beruflichen Quarz-Exposition im Kontext anderer Risikofaktoren untersuchen. Die Mitglieder der Leitliniengruppe hoffen, mit dem Update der Silikose-LL und diesem Beitrag weiterhin zur optimierten Diagnostik und Begutachtung der Silikose-Erkrankungsfalle beizutragen.

Radiative heat exchange between specularly reflecting surfaces with direction dependent properties

For the last 12 years, I have had the pleasure and privilege to serve as the Director of the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag) and as a professor at the Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology (ETH) Zurich and Lausanne (EPFL). My affiliations have afforded me a rare opportunity to observe the structure and governance of academic institutions and to reflect on my own experience in institutional leadership. I have attempted to place my experience in the context of the literature on leadership, particularly that relating to women and academia. On the basis of my experience and reading, I make some recommendations for women faculty, for women in positions of institutional leadership in academia, and for academic institutions. I am deeply convinced that greater participation by women (and members of other under-represented groups) in institutional leadership is needed if academia is to make a meaningful contribution to addressing the huge challenges that face humanity.

Dissolution of iron(III)phases is a key process in soils, surface waters, and the ocean. Previous studies found that traces of Fe(II) can greatly increase ligand controlled dissolution rates at acidic pH, but the extent that this also occurs at circumneutral pH and what mechanisms are involved are not known. We addressed these questions with infrared spectroscopy and 57Fe isotope exchange experiments with lepidocrocite (Lp) and 50 μM ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) at pH 6 and 7. Addition of 0.2–10 μM Fe(II) led to an acceleration of the dissolution rates by factors of 7–31. Similar effects were observed after irradiation with 365 nm UV light. The catalytic effect persisted under anoxic conditions, but decreased as soon as air or phenanthroline was introduced. Isotope exchange experiments showed that added 57Fe remained in solution, or quickly reappeared in solution when EDTA was added after 57Fe(II), suggesting that catalyzed dissolution occurred at or near the site of 57Fe incorporation at the mineral surface. Infrared spectra indicated no change in the bulk, but changes in the spectra of adsorbed EDTA after addition of Fe(II) were observed. A kinetic model shows that the catalytic effect can be explained by electron transfer to surface Fe(III) sites and rapid detachment of Fe(III)EDTA due to the weaker bonds to reduced sites. We conclude that the catalytic effect of Fe(II) on dissolution of Fe(III)(hydr)oxides is likely important under circumneutral anoxic conditions and in sunlit environments.

The establishment of the field of implementation science was motivated by the understanding that medical and health research alone is insufficient to generate better health outcomes. With strong support from funding agencies for medical research, implementation science promotes the application of a structured framework or model in the implementation of research-based results, specifically evidence-based practices (EBPs). Furthermore, explicit consideration is given to the context of EBP implementation (i.e., socio-economic, political, cultural, and institutional factors that could affect the implementation process). Finally, implementation is monitored in a robust and rigorous way. Today, the field of implementation science supports conferences and professional societies as well as one dedicated journal and numerous others with related content. The goal of these various activities is to reduce the estimated, average "bench to bedside" time lag of 17 years for uptake of EBPs from health research into routine practice. Despite similar time lags and impediments to uptake in the environmental domain, a parallel field of implementation science for the environment has not (yet) emerged. Although some parallels in needs and opportunities can easily be drawn between the health and environmental domains, a detailed mapping exercise is needed to understand which aspects of implementation science could be applied in the environmental domain either directly or in a modified form. This would allow an accelerated development of implementation science for the environment.

Currently, there are about 60 to 70 000 individuals on the surveillance program per year out of >500 000 registered asbestos exposed persons, 240 000 of them get an offer for medical examination, lung function and a chest X-ray every 3 years. Ca. 90% of the data (results of examination, lung function and conventional ILO-coding sheet) are transferred online. Approximately 10% of the examined candidates gets a Low Dose Volume-HRCT. Lung cancer screening examinations in a high risk group have been started. Depending on the knowledge using the ILO International Classification of Radiographs of Pneumoconioses as universal standard for screening and health surveillance of individuals occupationally exposed to dusts, a standardised coding system has been demanded as obligatory not only for epidemiological purposes, but also as diagnostic criteria for occupational diseases. The ILO classification is a standard surveillance tool, in use for more than 50 years in Germany. In 2005, a monograph ‘International Classification of HRCT for Occupational and Environmental Respiratory Diseases – ICOERD’ has been published. The work represented a consensus of international experts from Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Japan and United States on a principal coding system along with reference films and imaging parameters. The reference films include examples with 5 and 1 mm slice thickness (incremental CT) for typical pleural and parenchymal findings. Experienced radiologists will make the classification, or a CD-ROM with subjects’ images will be sent to a B-Reader for classification. For coding purposes the reference-films are part of the classification. The reading results will be stored online at the Online-Portal-GVS-Server, which is provided by GVS – Health Prophylaxis – a joint facility of the German Statutory Accident Insurance. ILO-criteria for diagnosing asbestos related diseases are as follows: s, t, u irregular densities, more or equal 1/1 without and 1/0 with inspiratory crackles or impairment of vital capacity, pleural thickening (plaque also unilateral at least 3 mm thickness, length 2 cm, diffuse pleural thickening 2a both middle and lower field). ICOERD criteria for diagnosing asbestos related diseases are as follows: irregular and/or linear opacities in both lower and/or middle fields, sum profusion of at least 4, any visible pleural thickening, visceral or pleural at least 1a, with or without calcification, after exclusion of other causes. Similar criteria for silicosis will be presented. Conclusion Taking into account the German experience with the coding system as part of guidelines for coding asbestosis, asbestos–related pleural findings, silicosis and other occupational lung diseases, the HRCT–reference films are part of the standardised classification system (ICOERD). The documentation of reading and general surveillance data of dust exposed workers at a Online–Server meets the demand for displaying, reading and classifying subject data. Our German experiences with using the ILO and ICOERD–classification will be presented. HRCT–findings of occupational respiratory lung diseases should be classified using a standardised coding and scoring system. Reference films are provided to harmonise the description and documentation to achieve a reproducible score of the disease.

The urban population exceeded the rural population for the first time in 2007. This megatrend has put increasing stress on urban water supplies and urban water management (UWM). In response to challenges posed by shifting demographics and ageing infrastructure in industrialised countries and severe infrastructure deficits in rapidly-growing cities in low- and middle-income countries, sustainable UWM (SUWM) is being developed and implemented. SUWM encompasses a portfolio of approaches that includes: recovery of water, energy and nutrients from wastewater; expansion of potential sources (e.g. stormwater) for water supply; matching water quality (and hence treatment) to intended use, partial system decentralisation; and using both ‘grey’ (i.e. fully engineered) and ‘green’ partially engineered infrastructure. To benefit from the expanding experience with SUWM, effective channels are needed for information exchange, which could serve to promote the uptake of practices with demonstrated success. Knowledge platforms should take advantage of recent advances in information technology to combine increased access, reliability and ease of use with responsible curation to ensure the quality of information and avoid conflicts of interest.

The reclamation, treatment and reuse of municipal wastewater can provide important environmental benefits. In this paper, 25 studies on this topic were reviewed and it was found that there are many (>150) different drivers acting for and against wastewater recycling. To deal with the challenge of comparing studies which entailed different research designs, a framework was developed which allowed the literature to be organized into comparable study contexts. Studies were categorized according to the level of analysis (wastewater recycling scheme, city, water utility, state, country, global) and outcome investigated (development/investment in new schemes, program implementation, percentage of wastewater recycled, percentage of water demand covered by recycled water, multiple outcomes). Findings across comparable case studies were then grouped according to the type (for or against recycling) and category of driver (social, natural, technical, economic, policy or business). The utility of the framework is demonstrated by summarizing the findings from four Australian studies at the city level. The framework offers a unique approach for disentangling the broad range of potential drivers for and against water recycling and to focus on those that seem relevant in specific study contexts. It may offer a valuable starting point for building hypotheses in future work.

We studied the interdependent effects of phosphate, silicate and Ca on the formation of Fe(III)-precipitates by oxidation of 0.5 mM Fe(II) in near-neutral bicarbonate-buffered aqueous solutions at concentrations relevant for natural water resources. Complementary results obtained by a suite of analytical techniques including X-ray absorption spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy showed that the ratio of initially dissolved phosphate over Fe(II) ((P/Fe)(init)) had a major impact on precipitate formation. At (P/Fe)(init) above a critical ratio ((P/Fe)(crit)) of similar to 0.5 in 8 mM NaHCO3 and similar to 0.8 in 4 mM Ca(HCO3)(2) electrolyte, Fe(II) oxidation led to exclusive formation of amorphous basic Fe(III)-phosphate or Ca-Fe(III)-phosphate ((Ca-)Fe(III)-phosphate) with maximum precipitate P/Fe ratios ((P/Fe)(ppt)) of similar to 0.7 in Na and similar to 1.1 in Ca electrolyte. Enhanced phosphate uptake in the presence of Ca was due to phosphate-Ca interactions coupled to Fe precipitation, mainly formation of mitridatite-like Ca-Fe(III)-phosphate polymers and Ca-phosphate polymers. At (P/Fe)(init) < (P/Fe)(crit), in the absence of silicate, (Ca-)Fe(III)-phosphate precipitation was followed by the formation of poorly crystalline lepidocrocite and concomitant transformation of the (Ca-)Fe(III)-phosphate into a phosphate-rich ferrihydrite-type precipitate with a (P/Fe)(ppt) of similar to 0.25. In the presence of 0.5 mM silicate, initially formed (Ca-)Fe(III)-phosphate nanoparticles became coated with silicate-rich ferrihydrite during continuing Fe(II) oxidation and only limited transformation of the (Ca-)Fe(III)-phosphate occurred. The results from this study indicate the complexity of Fe(III)-precipitate formation in the presence of interfering solutes and its consequences for precipitate structure and phosphate sequestration. The findings provide a solid basis for further studies of the reactivity of different Fe(III)-precipitate types and for the systematic assessment of their impact on Fe, phosphate and trace elements dynamics in natural and engineered systems. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

To implement a novel voxel-based technique to identify statistically significant local cartilage deformation and analyze in-vivo topographic knee cartilage deformation patterns using a voxel-based thickness map approach for high-flexion postures. Sagittal 3T 3D-T1w-FLASH-WE-sequences of 10 healthy knees were acquired before and immediately after loading (kneeling/squatting/heel sitting/knee bends). After cartilage segmentation, 3D-reconstruction and 3D-registration, colour-coded deformation maps were generated by voxel-based subtraction of loaded from unloaded datasets to visualize cartilage thickness changes in all knee compartments. Compression areas were found bifocal at the peripheral medial/caudolateral patella, both posterior femoral condyles and both anterior/central tibiae. Local cartilage thickening were found adjacent to the compression areas. Significant local strain ranged from +13 to -15 %. Changes were most pronounced after squatting, least after knee bends. Shape and location of deformation areas varied slightly with the loading paradigm, but followed a similar pattern consistent between different individuals. Voxel-based deformation maps identify individual in-vivo load-specific and posture-associated strain distribution in the articular cartilage. The data facilitate understanding individual knee loading properties and contribute to improve biomechanical 3 models. They lay a base to investigate the relationship between cartilage degeneration patterns in common osteoarthritis and areas at risk of cartilage wear due to mechanical loading in work-related activities. • 3D MRI helps differentiate true knee-cartilage deformation from random measurement error • 3D MRI maps depict in vivo topographic distribution of cartilage deformation after loading • 3D MRI maps depict in vivo intensity of cartilage deformation after loading • Locating cartilage contact areas might aid differentiating common and work-related osteoarthritis

The International Classification of High-Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) for Occupational and Environmental Respiratory Diseases (ICOERD) is used to screen and diagnose respiratory illnesses. Using univariate and multivariate analysis, we investigated the relationship between subject characteristics and parenchymal abnormalities according to ICOERD, and the results of ventilatory function tests (VFT). Thirty-five patients with and 27 controls without mineral-dust exposure underwent VFT and HRCT. We recorded all subjects' occupational history for mineral dust exposure and smoking history. Experts independently assessed HRCT using the ICOERD parenchymal abnormalities (Items) grades for well-defined rounded opacities (RO), linear and/or irregular opacities (IR), and emphysema (EM). High-resolution computed tomography showed that 11 patients had RO; 15 patients, IR; and 19 patients, EM. According to the multiple regression model, age and height had significant associations with many indices ventilatory functions such as vital capacity, forced vital capacity, and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1). The EM summed grades on the upper, middle, and lower zones of the right and left lungs also had significant associations with FEV1 and the maximum mid-expiratory flow rate. The results suggest the ICOERD notation is adequate based on the good and significant multiple regression modeling of ventilatory function with the EM summed grades.

Treatment of drinking water for arsenic (As) removal has been implemented in centralized facilities worldwide, reflecting the increasingly stringent national and international drinking water standards for As, for which a standard of 10 μg/L has been widely adopted. It might therefore be expected that information on the performance of installed treatment processes could serve as basis for process optimization and more-informed decisions on process selection. A review of available information on installed treatment does provide some insight into the scale of implementation, factors driving process selection and difficulties that have arisen in practice (as a complement to more accessible information on bench-scale and pilot-scale studies). The availability of information on treatment performance at full-scale treatment is, however, severely limited. The rapid advances in information technology and consequent elimination of technical barriers to sharing information and knowledge should allow the development of an international, accessible database or even a metadata portal for installed technologies for As removal that would offer the potential to benefit from past and ongoing experience in practice., Journal of Environmental Engineering, 143 (5), ISSN:0733-9372, ISSN:1943-7870

What methods and procedures support transdisciplinary knowledge integration? We address this question by exploring knowledge integration within four thematic synthesis processes of the Swiss National Research Programme 61 Sustainable Water Management (NRP 61). Drawing on literature from inter- and transdisciplinary research, we developed an analytical framework to map different methods and procedures of knowledge integration. We use this framework to characterize the variety of methods and procedures that were combined in the four processes to produce thematic synthesis reports. We suggest that the variety of combinations observed reflects the different objectives and questions that guided the processes of knowledge integration as well as the different roles that leaders assumed in these processes. Although the framework was developed in the course of NRP 61, we consider it as a basis for designing ex ante new synthesis processes by defining and sequencing different synthesis stages and by identifying, for each stage, the contributions of specific scientific and societal actors, the purpose of their contributions, and the methods and procedures supporting their contributions. Used in a formative evaluation process, the framework supports reflection on and adaptation of synthesis processes and also facilitates the generation of new knowledge for designing future processes. ISSN:1708-3087

The heterogeneous precipitation of calcium phosphates on calcium hydroxyapariLe (Ca-10(PO4)(4)OH)(2) or HAP) in the presence arid absence of fluoride is important in the formation of bone and teeth, protection against tooth decay, dental and skeletal fluorosis and defluoridaLion of drinking wafer. Strontium hyclroxyapariLe (Sr-10(PO4)(6)(OH)(2) or SrHAP) and strontium carbonate (SrCO3) were used as calcium free seed templates in precipitation experiments conducted with varying initial calcium-Lophosphate (Ca/P) or calcium-Lo-phosphaLe-Lo-fluoride (Ca/P/F) ratios. Suspensions of SrHAP or SrCO3 seed templates (which were calcium limited for both templates and phosphate limited in the case of SECO3) were reacted at pH 7.3 (25 degrees C) over 3 days. The resulting solids were examined with Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (MR), and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure (XANES), and Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure spectroscopy (EXAFS). Calcium apatite was the predominant phase identified by all techniques independent of the added Ca/P ratios and of the presence of fluoride. It was not possible to make an unambiguous distinction between HAP and fluorapatite (Ca-10(PO4)(6)F-2, FAP). The apatite was calcium-deficient and probably contained some strontium. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

During the last 1.5 years an update of the guideline on silicosis was made by an interdisciplinary working group. New medical and scientific knowledge and the experience in expert opinion practice were taken into account.By preparing the initial guideline in 2010 standardization of diagnostics and adaption of the "Moers convention" which was not based on medical knowledge was in the focus, whereas the current update deals with fine emendation and extension, especially of the compensation rate (adaption with the Reichenhall recommendation).The diagnosis of silicosis (including mixed dust pneumoconiosis) is based on a detailed occupational history, and predominantly on the typical radiological findings. However, at initial diagnosis the standardized LD-HRCT takes an important role because of its high sensitivity and specificity. Exceptional cases are those with characteristic findings in chest X-ray follow-up. Correspondingly, it is mentioned in the guideline: "The standardized appraisal of the Low-Dose-Volume HRCT requires application of the CT classification (ICOERD, International Classification of Occupational and Environmental Respiratory diseases). In order to diagnose silicosis in CT scan opacities with sharp borders in both central upper lung fields and their circumferencies have to be documented. By comparing with ILO standard radiographs at least profusion category 1 in the right and left upper lung fields has to be reached (total profusion category 2)."The pathologic minimal requirement for the diagnosis of silicosis which has undergone controversial discussion has now also been defined. Corresponding to Hnizdo et al. 2000 it is now mentioned: "Finding of less than 5 silicotic granuloma per lung lobe by palpation is regarded as insignificant." This is a convention and not a threshold based on detailed medical scientific and statistical studies; it is based on extended experience in the South African gold mines.This guideline also deals with silicotic hilar (and sometimes mediastinial) lymph nodes; according to the guideline working group they do not closely correlate with the degree of pulmonary involvement. Extended conglomerating and enduring lymph-node processes may lead to dislocation of the hili with impairment of large bronchi and vessels. Shell-like calcifications dominating in the periphery of lymph nodes produce so-called egg-shell hili.The paragraph on exercise testing is now extended: if neither ergometry nor spiroergometry can be performed a 6 minute walking test by measuring oxygen saturation should be done.Furthermore, in individual expert opinion examinations right heart catheterization (the patient is not obliged to give informed consent) may be recommended, if echo cardiography gives evidence for pulmonary hypertension or if it is difficult to differentiate between right and left heart failure. The presence of pulmonary hypertension which is of prognostic relevance has to be considered when grading reduction in earning capacity.For interpretation of spirometry values the new GLI reference values has to be applied. Grading of impairment is due to the recommendation of the DGP.According to current medical scientific knowledge it is unclear, whether certain disorders of the rheumatic group such is scleroderma or Caplan syndrome which are sometimes associated with silicosis (or coal workers' pneumoconiosis) belong in toto to the occupational disease number 4101 (silicosis). Within this context, additional studies are needed to clarify the role of occupational quartz exposure and other risk factors.The guideline working group hopes that this update will help to optimize diagnostics and expert opinion of silicotic patients.

An artificial nanostructure inspired by the sea anemone can be used for efficient removal of a wide range of water contaminants.

Most peri-alpine shallow aquifers fed by rivers are oxic and the drinking water derived by riverbank filtration is generally of excellent quality. However, observations during past heat waves suggest that water quality may be affected by climate change due to effects on redox processes such as aerobic respiration, denitrification, reductive dissolution of manganese(III/IV)- and iron(III)(hydr)oxides that occur during river infiltration. To assess the dependence of these redox processes on the climate-related variables temperature and discharge, we performed periodic and targeted (summer and winter) field sampling campaigns at the Thur River, Switzerland, and laboratory column experiments simulating the field conditions. Typical summer and winter field conditions could be successfully simulated by the column experiments. Dissolved organic matter (DOM) was found not to be a major electron donor for aerobic respiration in summer and the DOM consumption did not reveal a significant correlation with temperature and discharge. It is hypothesized that under summer conditions, organic matter associated with the aquifer material (particulate organic matter, POM) is responsible for most of the consumption of dissolved oxygen (DO), which was the most important electron acceptor in both the field and the column system. For typical summer conditions at temperatures20 °C, complete depletion of DO was observed in the column system and in a piezometer located only a few metres from the river. Both in the field system and the column experiments, nitrate acted as a redox buffer preventing the release of manganese(II) and iron(II). For periodic field observations over five years, DO consumption showed a pronounced temperature dependence (correlation coefficient r = 0.74) and therefore a seasonal pattern, which seemed to be mostly explained by the temperature dependence of the calculated POM consumption (r = 0.7). The river discharge was found to be highly and positively correlated with DO consumption (r = 0.85), suggesting an enhanced POM input during flood events. This high correlation could only be observed for the low-temperature range (T15 °C). For temperatures15 °C, DO consumption was already high (almost complete) and the impact of discharge could not be resolved. Based on our results, we estimate the risk for similar river-infiltration systems to release manganese(II) and iron(II) to be low during future average summer conditions. However, long-lasting heat waves might lead to a consumption of the nitrate buffer, inducing a mobilization of manganese and iron.

Reference EPFL-ARTICLE-221810doi:10.1021/acs.est.6b02598View record in Web of Science Record created on 2016-10-18, modified on 2016-11-02

The 60-film set was developed by experts (Expert Group) for examining 8 indices: sensitivity (X(1)) and specificity (X(2)) for pneumoconiosis, sensitivity(X(3)) and specificity for (X(4)) large opacities, sensitivity (X(5)) and specificity (X(6)) for pleural plaque, profusion increment consistency for small opacities (X(7)), and shape differentiation for small opacities (X(8)) of physicians' reading skills on pneumoconiosis X-ray according to ILO 2000 Classification. The aim of this study was to assess the appropriateness of the exam film set for evaluating physicians' reading skills. 29 physicians (A1-Group) and 24 physicians (A2-Group) attended the 1st and 2nd "Asian Intensive Reader of Pneumoconioses" (AIR Pneumo) training course, respectively, and 22 physicians (B-Group) attended Brazilian training course. After training, they took examination of reading 60-film exam set. The examinees' reading results in terms of 8 indices were compared between the examinee groups and the Expert Group by parametric unpaired t-test. The Examinee Group consisting of A1-Group, A2-Group and B-Group was inferior to the Expert Group in all indices. There was no significant difference for X(7) of A1-Group, X(7) and X(8) of A2-Group (p0.05) compared with the Expert Group. There was a significant difference in X(8) at p0.05 between A1-Group and A2-Group, in X(3) at p0.05 between A1-Group and B-Group, in both X(1) and in X(3) at p0.05 between A2-Group and B-Group. Accordingly, the 60-film set providing 8 indices designed might be a good method for evaluation of the physicians' reading proficiency at different training settings.

The water level in Lake Powell, an important water-supply reservoir on the Colorado River, United States, decreased in most years from 1999 to 2010, exposing the sediment delta in the inflow region of this reservoir. This study assesses the potential for sediment-associated phosphorus (P) to enter the water column during sediment resuspension. We collected sediment samples from the reservoir inflow region and performed a sequential extraction and a sorption experiment that focused on P. We also collected water samples at locations upstream and downstream of the exposed sediment delta and measured soluble reactive P during base flow and during the yearly flood associated with spring runoff. Results indicate that extractable P is associated with various operationally defined fractions as follows: 50% with calcite and biogenic apatite, 29% with detrital apatite, 10% with Fe(III)-oxide minerals, 6% with organic matter and 4% with easily exchangeable solid-phase association sites. Sorption experiments indicate that the equilibrium P concentration is 0.19 ± 0.07 μM. Particle size is correlated with sediment P; coarse sediment contains and sorbs much less extractable P than fine sediment does. Measurements of water samples indicate that sediment resuspension probably releases P from sediment to overlying water during base flow, but the effect during floods is less clear. These results indicate that lowering reservoir levels introduces sediment-associated P to the reservoir when sediment resuspension occurs.

Safe drinking water and basic sanitation are key elements of the Millennium Development Goals, a United Nations initiative. The microbial quality of drinking water is inherently linked to sanitation practices because fecal pathogens are the most common source of drinking water contamination in developing countries. Filtration of water through soil and aquifer sediments can provide natural protection against pathogens, and this makes groundwater an attractive option for safe drinking water supply. Groundwater quality may, however, be compromised by the leaching of natural chemical constituents from geologic materials. Conversely, geochemical processes provide the basis both for the removal of such contaminants and for the recovery of nutrients from wastewater through physicochemical treatment.

Providing safe drinking water to the world's 6.9 billion and growing population is one of the greatest challenges of the century. Consideration of the global water cycle, however, shows that the available renewable freshwater resources exceed the current human demand by roughly a factor of 10. Scarcity results from the uneven spatial and temporal distribution of water. Over-withdrawal of surface water and groundwater has led to depletion of water resources and environmental damage in some regions. In many developing countries, inadequate sanitation is a major cause of disease. These problems can be solved through the improved management of water infrastructure and water resources, advances in technology, and a valuation of water that reflects its importance to society. The role of Earth scientists in addressing the global water crisis is crucial. Indeed, resource monitoring, development of novel waste-water treatment technologies, and determination of the quantities of water that can be withdrawn without causing adverse effects on the environment will be essential for the efficient management of global water resources in the future.

Introduction. Silicosis, the most prevalent of the pneumoconioses, is caused by inhalation of crystalline silica particles. Silica-exposed workers are at increased risk for tuberculosis and other mycobacterium-related diseases. The risk of a patient with silicosis developing tuberculosis is higher (2.8 to 39 fold higher, depending on the severity of silicosis) than that found in healthy controls. Outline of Cases. The first patient was a 52-year-old male who was admitted in 2002 for the second time with dyspnoea, wheezing and fatigue over the last 11 years. He had worked in an iron smelting factory and was exposed to silica dust for 20 years. First hospitalization chest radiography showed bilateral pleural adhesions, diffuse lung fibrosis with signs of a specific lung process. Second hospitalization chest radiography showed bilateral massive irregular, non-homogenous calcified changes in the upper and middle parts of lungs. The patient died due to respiratory failure and chronic pulmonary heart in 2007. The main causes of his death were silicotuberculosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The second patient was a 50-year-old male who was admitted in 2005 for the second time with chest tightness, dyspnoea, wheezing and fatigue over the last 10 years. He had worked in an iron smelting factory and was exposed to silica dust for 30 years. First hospitalization chest radiography showed diffuse lung fibrosis and small nodular opacities. The patient was diagnosed with silicosis, small opacities sized level p/q, and profusion level 2/3. Second hospitalization chest radiography and CT showed diffuse lung fibrosis and small nodular opacities predominantly in the upper lobes. The patient was recognized as having an occupational disease, and received early retirement due to disability. Conclusion. In low-income countries, new cases of silicosis and associated lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and tuberculosis are likely to be seen for decades because necessary reduction of silica use will take time to be achieved.

Reference EPFL-ARTICLE-204158doi:10.1021/es504225tView record in Web of Science Record created on 2014-12-30, modified on 2016-08-09

Pore water samplers with high vertical resolution were used to evaluate the response of sediment redox geochemistry during transient hydrologic conditions at Lake Powell, a large reservoir in Utah and Arizona, USA. Samplers were deployed at two different yet proximal shoreline locations, White and Farley Canyons, before and after exposure of sediment to air and subsequent resubmersion, which resulted from fluctuations in the water level of the reservoir. Before exposure to air, an observed increase in dissolved Mn concentrations and, at Farley Canyon, an observed decrease in dissolved U concentrations across and immediately below the sediment–water interface indicated reducing conditions in the sub-surface. After exposure and resubmersion of the sediment, pore water profiles at each site differed distinctly from those observed before the fluctuation in water level. At White Canyon, an increase in U concentrations and a decrease in Mn concentrations in pore water after exposure and subsequent resubmersion are suggestive of oxidative processes occurring during the period of sediment exposure. Data from Farley Canyon suggest that the same processes may be occurring, but to a lesser extent. Depth profiles of As and Pb were also examined, but were relatively featureless compared to those of Mn and U. At both sites, sediment evaluated for pore water chemistry in the second sampling was only fully resubmerged for 2–5 days prior to the second sampling event, yet reducing conditions were clearly evident in the Mn pore water profiles. This suggests that the dynamics of the biogeochemical processes occurring in surface sediment at Lake Powell are responsive on the timescale defined by the fluctuating water levels in the reservoir.

PURPOSE To analyze locoregional deformation patterns indicative of contact areas in patellar cartilage after different loading exercises. MATERIALS AND METHODS 7 healthy patellae were examined in-vivo before and immediately after standardized loading (kneeling, squatting or knee bends) and after 90 minutes of rest using a sagittal 3D-T1-w FLASH WE sequence (22 msec/ 9.8 msec/ 15°/ 0.3 × 0.3 × 1.5 mm³) at 3 T. After cartilage segmentation and 3D reconstruction, voxel-based and global precision errors (PR) were calculated. The former were used to determine significant differences in local cartilage thickness. Voxel-based 2σ-thickness difference maps were calculated to visualize locoregional deformation patterns. Global changes in volume (Vol), mean thickness (mTh) and cartilage-bone-interface area (CBIA) were calculated. RESULTS The voxel-based PR depended on cartilage thickness (D) ranging from 0.12 - 0.35 mm. For D ≥ 1 mm the RF was < 0.31 mm (< voxel size), and for D ≥ 2 mm, the RF was < 0.22 mm. The global PR was 83 mm³ (2.4 %) for Vol, 0.06 mm (2.0 %) for mTh and 16 mm² (1.4 %) for CBIA. The focal cartilage deformation equaled 14 % of the local thickness reduction. The deformation areas were oval and located in the peripheral medial (more vertically oriented, all exercises) and caudo-lateral (more horizontally oriented, kneeling and knee bends) aspects of the patella and were least pronounced in knee bends. Significant changes for Vol/mTh ranged from 2.1 to 3.7 %. CONCLUSION This MRI-based study is the first to identify in-vivo voxel-based patellar cartilage deformation patterns indicating contact and loading zones after kneeling and squatting. These zones are anatomically and functionally plausible and may represent areas where stress induced degeneration and subsequent OA can originate. The data may facilitate understanding of individual knee loading properties and help to improve and validate biomechanical models for the knee.

The behavior of As in the subsurface environment was examined along a transect of groundwater monitoring wells at a Superfund site, where enhanced reductive dechlorination (ERD) is being used for the remediation of groundwater contaminated with chlorinated solvents. The transect was installed parallel to the groundwater flow direction through the treatment area. The ERD technology involves the injection of organic C (OC) to stimulate in situ microbial dechlorination processes. A secondary effect of the ERD treatment at this site, however, is the mobilization of As, as well as Fe and Mn. The concentrations of these elements are low in groundwater collected upgradient of the ERD treatment area, indicating that, in the absence of the injected OC, the As that occurs naturally in the sediment is relatively immobile. Batch experiments conducted using sediments from the site inoculated with an Fe(III)- and As(V)-reducing bacterium and amended with lactate resulted in mobilization of As, Fe and Mn, suggesting that As mobilization in the field is due to microbial processes. In the areas of the transect downgradient of the ERD treatment area, however, the concentrations of OC, As, Fe and Mn in the groundwater are not elevated relative to background levels. The decrease in the dissolved concentration of OC can be attributed to mineralization by microorganisms. The losses of As, Fe and Mn from the dissolved phase must presumably be accompanied by their uptake onto aquifer solids, but chemical extractions provided evidence only for the enrichment of Fe(II). Nor could sorption of As(III) onto sediments be detected by X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) against the background of native As in the sediments, which was present as As(V). © 2009 Elsevier Ltd.

The increasing use of high-resolution computed tomography in formerly asbestos-exposed workers requires valid diagnostic criteria for the findings which have to be reported as suspicious for being asbestos-related in surveillance programmes and for the assessment of causal relationships between former asbestos exposure and findings in computed tomography. The present article gives examples for asbestos-related findings in HR-CT and discusses the specificity of parenchymal and pleural changes due to asbestos fibres.