1
|
Lépy MC, Thiam C, Anagnostakis M, Cosar C, de Blas A, Dikmen H, Duch MA, Galea R, Ganea ML, Hurtado S, Karfopoulos K, Luca A, Lutter G, Mitsios I, Persson H, Potiriadis C, Röttger S, Salpadimos N, Savva MI, Sima O, Thanh TT, Townson RW, Vargas A, Vasilopoulou T, Verheyen L, Vidmar T. A benchmark for Monte Carlo simulations in gamma-ray spectrometry Part II: True coincidence summing correction factors. Appl Radiat Isot 2024; 204:111109. [PMID: 38029636 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2023.111109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M-C Lépy
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, List, Laboratoire National Henri Becquerel (LNE-LNHB), F-91120, Palaiseau, France.
| | - C Thiam
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, List, Laboratoire National Henri Becquerel (LNE-LNHB), F-91120, Palaiseau, France
| | - M Anagnostakis
- Nuclear Engineering Department, School of Mechanical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Iroon Polytechniou 9, 15780, Zografou, Athens, Greece
| | - C Cosar
- Horia Hulubei National Institute for R&D in Physics and Nuclear Engineering (IFIN-HH), 30 Reactorului Street, PO Box MG-6, Magurele, Ilfov County, RO-077125, Romania; Physics Department, University of Bucharest, 405 Atomistilor Str., Magurele, Ilfov County, RO-077125, Romania
| | - A de Blas
- Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), Avda. Diagonal, 647, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - H Dikmen
- TENMAK-NUKEN, Nuclear Energy Research Institute, Saray Mahallesi Atom Caddesi No:27, 06980 Kahramankazan, Ankara, Turkey
| | - M A Duch
- Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), Avda. Diagonal, 647, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - R Galea
- National Research Council of Canada, 1200 Montreal Road, Ottawa, ON, K1A0R6, Canada
| | - M L Ganea
- Horia Hulubei National Institute for R&D in Physics and Nuclear Engineering (IFIN-HH), 30 Reactorului Street, PO Box MG-6, Magurele, Ilfov County, RO-077125, Romania
| | - S Hurtado
- Dpto. Física Aplicada II, ETSA, Universidad de Sevilla, Avda. Reina Mercedes 2, 41012, Seville, Spain
| | - K Karfopoulos
- Greek Atomic Energy Commission (EEAE), Environmental Radioactivity Monitoring Unit, P.O. Box 60092, 153 10, Agia Paraskevi, Athens, Greece
| | - A Luca
- Horia Hulubei National Institute for R&D in Physics and Nuclear Engineering (IFIN-HH), 30 Reactorului Street, PO Box MG-6, Magurele, Ilfov County, RO-077125, Romania
| | - G Lutter
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Retieseweg 111, 2440, Geel, Belgium; Belgium and Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, DTU, Risø Campus, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - I Mitsios
- Nuclear Engineering Department, School of Mechanical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Iroon Polytechniou 9, 15780, Zografou, Athens, Greece
| | - H Persson
- Mirion Technologies, Inc, 800 Research Parkway, Meriden, CT, 06450, USA
| | - C Potiriadis
- Greek Atomic Energy Commission (EEAE), Environmental Radioactivity Monitoring Unit, P.O. Box 60092, 153 10, Agia Paraskevi, Athens, Greece
| | - S Röttger
- Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Bundesallee 100, 38116, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - N Salpadimos
- Greek Atomic Energy Commission (EEAE), Environmental Radioactivity Monitoring Unit, P.O. Box 60092, 153 10, Agia Paraskevi, Athens, Greece
| | - M I Savva
- INRASTES, NCSR "Demokritos", P.O. Box 60037, 15310 Agia Paraskevi, Greece
| | - O Sima
- Horia Hulubei National Institute for R&D in Physics and Nuclear Engineering (IFIN-HH), 30 Reactorului Street, PO Box MG-6, Magurele, Ilfov County, RO-077125, Romania; Physics Department, University of Bucharest, 405 Atomistilor Str., Magurele, Ilfov County, RO-077125, Romania
| | - T T Thanh
- VNUHCM-University of Science, 227, Nguyen Van Cu Street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - R W Townson
- National Research Council of Canada, 1200 Montreal Road, Ottawa, ON, K1A0R6, Canada
| | - A Vargas
- Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), Avda. Diagonal, 647, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - T Vasilopoulou
- INRASTES, NCSR "Demokritos", P.O. Box 60037, 15310 Agia Paraskevi, Greece
| | - L Verheyen
- SCK-CEN, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - T Vidmar
- SCK-CEN, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Braysher E, Russell B, Collins SM, van Es EM, Shearman R, Molin FD, Read D, Anagnostakis M, Arndt R, Bednár A, Bituh T, Bolivar JP, Cobb J, Dehbi N, Di Pasquale S, Gascó C, Gilligan C, Jovanovič P, Lawton A, Lees AMJ, Lencsés A, Mitchell L, Mitsios I, Petrinec B, Rawcliffe J, Shyti M, Suárez-Navarro JA, Suursoo S, Tóth-Bodrogi E, Vaasma T, Verheyen L, Westmoreland J, de With G. Development of a reference material for analysing naturally occurring radioactive material from the steel industry. Anal Chim Acta 2020; 1141:221-229. [PMID: 33248656 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2020.10.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Accurate measurement of naturally occurring radionuclides in blast furnace slag, a by-product of the steel industry, is required for compliance with building regulations where it is often used as an ingredient in cement. A matrix reference blast furnace slag material has been developed to support traceability in these measurements. Raw material provided by a commercial producer underwent stability and homogeneity testing, as well as characterisation of matrix constituents, to provide a final candidate reference material. The radionuclide content was then determined during a comparison exercise that included 23 laboratories from 14 countries. Participants determined the activity per unit mass for 226Ra, 232Th and 40K using a range of techniques. The consensus values obtained from the power-moderated mean of the reported participant results were used as indicative activity per unit mass values for the three radionuclides: A0(226Ra) = 106.3 (34) Bq·kg-1, A0(232Th) = 130.0 (48) Bq·kg-1 and A0(40K) = 161 (11) Bq·kg-1 (where the number in parentheses is the numerical value of the combined standard uncertainty referred to the corresponding last digits of the quoted result). This exercise helps to address the current shortage of NORM industry reference materials, putting in place infrastructure for production of further reference materials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Braysher
- National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington, Middlesex, TW11 0LW, UK; University of Surrey, Stag Hill, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7XH, UK.
| | - B Russell
- National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington, Middlesex, TW11 0LW, UK
| | - S M Collins
- National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington, Middlesex, TW11 0LW, UK; University of Surrey, Stag Hill, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7XH, UK
| | - E M van Es
- National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington, Middlesex, TW11 0LW, UK
| | - R Shearman
- National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington, Middlesex, TW11 0LW, UK
| | - F Dal Molin
- CEFAS, Lowestoft, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR33 0HT, UK
| | - D Read
- National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington, Middlesex, TW11 0LW, UK; University of Surrey, Stag Hill, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7XH, UK
| | - M Anagnostakis
- Nuclear Engineering Department, National Technical University of Athens, 15780, Athens, Greece
| | - R Arndt
- IAF-Radioökologie GmbH, Wilhelm-Rönsch-Straße 9, 01454, Radeberg, Germany
| | - A Bednár
- RadiÖko Ltd., H-8200, Veszprém, Wartha Vince Str. 1/2, Hungary
| | - T Bituh
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska Cesta 2, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - J P Bolivar
- University of Huelva, Department of Integrated Sciences, Natural Resources, Health and Environment (RENSMA), Campus El Carmen, 21007, Huelva, Spain
| | - J Cobb
- Jacobs, Renaissance Centre, 601 Faraday Street, Birchwood Park, Warrington, WA3 6GN, UK
| | - N Dehbi
- ASTERALIS (VEOLIA NUCLEAR SOLUTIONS), 556 Chemin de L'Islon, 38670, Chasse sur Rhone, France
| | - S Di Pasquale
- Institute for Radioelements (IRE) - Radioactivity Measurement Laboratory, Avenue de L'Espérance,1, 6220, Fleurus, Belgium
| | - C Gascó
- CIEMAT, Avda de La Complutense 40, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - P Jovanovič
- ZVD D.o.o., Chengdujska Street 25, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - A Lawton
- UK National Nuclear Laboratory, NNL Preston, Springfields, Salwick, Lancashire, PR4 0XJ, UK
| | - A M J Lees
- Cavendish Nuclear Ltd, Greeson Court, Westlakes Science & Technology Park, Moor Row, Cumbria, CA24 3HZ, UK
| | - A Lencsés
- Nuclear Power Plant Paks, Environmental Monitoring Laboratory, 7030, Paks, Kurcsatov Str. 1/D, Hungary
| | - L Mitchell
- Public Health England, Centre Chemical Radiation and Environmental Hazards, Didcot, Oxon, OX11 0RQ, UK
| | - I Mitsios
- Nuclear Engineering Department, National Technical University of Athens, 15780, Athens, Greece
| | - B Petrinec
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska Cesta 2, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - J Rawcliffe
- UK National Nuclear Laboratory, NNL Preston, Springfields, Salwick, Lancashire, PR4 0XJ, UK
| | - M Shyti
- Institute of Applied Nuclear Physics, University of Tirana, Th. Filipeu, Qesarake, Tirana, Albania
| | | | - S Suursoo
- University of Tartu, Institute of Physics, W.Ostwaldi 1, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - E Tóth-Bodrogi
- Department of Radiochemistry and Radioecology, Bio- Environmental- and Chemical-engineering Research and Development Center, Faculty of Engineering, University of Pannonia, H-8200 Veszprém, Egyetem Str. 10., H-8210, Veszprém, POB 1158, Hungary
| | - T Vaasma
- University of Tartu, Institute of Physics, W.Ostwaldi 1, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - L Verheyen
- SCK CEN, Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | | | - G de With
- Nuclear Research and Consultancy Group, Utrechtseweg 310 - B50-West, 6812, AR ARNHEM, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ali Santoro MC, Anagnostakis MJ, Boshkova T, Camacho A, Iljadica MCF, Collins SM, Perez RD, Delgado JU, Đurašavić M, Duch MA, Elvira VH, Gomes RS, Gudelis A, Gurau D, Hurtado Bermudez S, Idoeta R, Jevremović A, Kandić A, Korun M, Karfopolous K, Laubenstein M, Long S, Margineanu RM, Mitsios I, Mulas D, Nikolić JK, Pantelica A, Medina VP, Pibida L, Potiriadis C, Silva RL, Siri S, Šešlak B, Verheyen L, Vodenik B, Vukanac I, Wiedner H, Zorko B. Determining the probability of locating peaks using computerized peak-location methods in gamma-ray spectra as a function of the relative peak-area uncertainty. Appl Radiat Isot 2019; 155:108920. [PMID: 31622844 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2019.108920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The probabilities of locating peaks with a high relative peak-area uncertainty were determined empirically with nine types of peak-location software used in laboratories engaged in gamma-ray spectrometry measurements. It was found that it is not possible to locate peaks with a probability of 0.95, when they have a relative peak-area uncertainty in excess of 50%. Locating peaks at these relatively high peak-area uncertainties with a probability greater than 0.95 is only possible in the library-driven mode, where the peak positions are supposed a-priori. The deficiencies of the library-driven mode and the possibilities to improve the probabilities of locating peaks are briefly discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M C Ali Santoro
- División Radioquimica Básica y Datos Nucleares, Departamento Quimica Nuclear, Comisión Nacional de Energia Atómica, Argentina
| | - M J Anagnostakis
- Nuclear Engineering Department, National Technical University of Athens, 15780, Athens, Greece
| | - T Boshkova
- Faculty of Physics, St. Kliment Ohridsky University of Sofia, 5 James Bourchier Blvd., 1164 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - A Camacho
- Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), Institut de Tecniques Energetiques, Diagonal 647, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M C Fornaciari Iljadica
- División Radioquimica Básica y Datos Nucleares, Departamento Quimica Nuclear, Comisión Nacional de Energia Atómica, Argentina
| | - S M Collins
- National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, Middlesex, TW11 0LW, UK
| | - R Diaz Perez
- CITIUS, Universidad de Sevilla, Avda. Reina Mercedes 4B, 41012, Sevilla, Spain
| | - J U Delgado
- Laboratório Nacional de Metrologia das Radiações Ionizantes - LNMRI, Instituto de Radioproteção e Dosimetria - IRD / CNEN, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - M Đurašavić
- Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, Laboratory for Nuclear and Plasma Physics, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - M A Duch
- Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), Institut de Tecniques Energetiques, Diagonal 647, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - V H Elvira
- Laboratorio de Metrologia de Radiaciones Ionizantes, Avda. Complutense 40, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - R S Gomes
- Laboratório Nacional de Metrologia das Radiações Ionizantes - LNMRI, Instituto de Radioproteção e Dosimetria - IRD / CNEN, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - A Gudelis
- Center for Physical Sciences End Technology, Savanoriu Ave. 231, Vilnus, Lithuania
| | - D Gurau
- Horia Hulubei National Institute for Research and Development in Physics and Nuclear Engineering (IFIN_HH), 30 Reactorului St., POB MG-6, RO-0077125, Bucharest-Magurele, Romania
| | - S Hurtado Bermudez
- CITIUS, Universidad de Sevilla, Avda. Reina Mercedes 4B, 41012, Sevilla, Spain
| | - R Idoeta
- Esquela de Ingenieria de Bilbao, Universidad del Pais Vasco UPV/EHU, Plaza Ingeniero Torres Quevedo 1, 48013, Bilbao, Spain
| | - A Jevremović
- Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, Laboratory for Nuclear and Plasma Physics, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - A Kandić
- Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, Laboratory for Nuclear and Plasma Physics, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - M Korun
- "Jožef Stefan" Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - K Karfopolous
- Greek Atomic Energy Commission, Agia Paraskevi, Athens, Greece
| | - M Laubenstein
- Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso, Instituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Via G. Acitelli 22, I-67100, Assergi (AQ), Italy
| | - S Long
- Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, 619 Lower Plenty Road, Yallambie, 3085, Australia
| | - R M Margineanu
- Horia Hulubei National Institute for Research and Development in Physics and Nuclear Engineering (IFIN_HH), 30 Reactorului St., POB MG-6, RO-0077125, Bucharest-Magurele, Romania
| | - I Mitsios
- Nuclear Engineering Department, National Technical University of Athens, 15780, Athens, Greece
| | - D Mulas
- Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), Institut de Tecniques Energetiques, Diagonal 647, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J K Nikolić
- Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, Laboratory for Radiation and Environmental Protection, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - A Pantelica
- Horia Hulubei National Institute for Research and Development in Physics and Nuclear Engineering (IFIN_HH), 30 Reactorului St., POB MG-6, RO-0077125, Bucharest-Magurele, Romania
| | - V Peyres Medina
- Laboratorio de Metrologia de Radiaciones Ionizantes, Avda. Complutense 40, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - L Pibida
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau DR, MS8462, Gaithersburg, MD, 20899-8462, USA
| | - C Potiriadis
- Greek Atomic Energy Commission, Agia Paraskevi, Athens, Greece
| | - R L Silva
- Laboratório Nacional de Metrologia das Radiações Ionizantes - LNMRI, Instituto de Radioproteção e Dosimetria - IRD / CNEN, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - S Siri
- División Radioquimica Básica y Datos Nucleares, Departamento Quimica Nuclear, Comisión Nacional de Energia Atómica, Argentina
| | - B Šešlak
- Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, Laboratory for Nuclear and Plasma Physics, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - L Verheyen
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, Boeretang 200, BE-2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - B Vodenik
- "Jožef Stefan" Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - I Vukanac
- Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, Laboratory for Radiation and Environmental Protection, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - H Wiedner
- BEV - Bundesamt für Eich- und Vermessungswesen, Physikalisch-technischer Prüfdienst, Arltgasse 35, 1160, Wien, Austria
| | - B Zorko
- "Jožef Stefan" Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Pommé S, Stroh H, Altzitzoglou T, Paepen J, Van Ammel R, Kossert K, Nähle O, Keightley JD, Ferreira KM, Verheyen L, Bruggeman M. Is decay constant? Appl Radiat Isot 2017; 134:6-12. [PMID: 28947247 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2017.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Revised: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Some authors have raised doubt about the invariability of decay constants, which would invalidate the exponential-decay law and the foundation on which the common measurement system for radioactivity is based. Claims were made about a new interaction - the fifth force - by which neutrinos could affect decay constants, thus predicting changes in decay rates in correlation with the variations of the solar neutrino flux. Their argument is based on the observation of permille-sized annual modulations in particular decay rate measurements, as well as transient oscillations at frequencies near 11 year-1 and 12.7 year-1 which they speculatively associate with dynamics of the solar interior. In this work, 12 data sets of precise long-term decay rate measurements have been investigated for the presence of systematic modulations at frequencies between 0.08 and 20 year-1. Besides small annual effects, no common oscillations could be observed among α, β-, β+ or EC decaying nuclides. The amplitudes of fitted oscillations to residuals from exponential decay do not exceed 3 times their standard uncertainty, which varies from 0.00023 % to 0.023 %. This contradicts the assertion that 'neutrino-induced' beta decay provides information about the deep solar interior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Pommé
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Directorate for Nuclear Safety and Security, Retieseweg 111, B-2440 Geel, Belgium.
| | - H Stroh
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Directorate for Nuclear Safety and Security, Retieseweg 111, B-2440 Geel, Belgium
| | - T Altzitzoglou
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Directorate for Nuclear Safety and Security, Retieseweg 111, B-2440 Geel, Belgium
| | - J Paepen
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Directorate for Nuclear Safety and Security, Retieseweg 111, B-2440 Geel, Belgium
| | - R Van Ammel
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Directorate for Nuclear Safety and Security, Retieseweg 111, B-2440 Geel, Belgium
| | - K Kossert
- Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Bundesallee 100, 38116 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - O Nähle
- Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Bundesallee 100, 38116 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - J D Keightley
- National Physical Laboratory (NPL), Hampton Road, Teddington, Middlesex TW11 OLW, UK
| | - K M Ferreira
- National Physical Laboratory (NPL), Hampton Road, Teddington, Middlesex TW11 OLW, UK
| | - L Verheyen
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK•CEN), Boeretang 200, B-2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - M Bruggeman
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK•CEN), Boeretang 200, B-2400 Mol, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bruggeman M, Collins SM, Done L, Đurašević M, Duch MA, Gudelis A, Hyža M, Jevremović A, Kandić A, Korun M, Ilie S, Lee JM, Lee KB, Luca A, Margineanu RM, Pantelica A, Serrano I, Šešlak B, Tugulan LC, Verheyen L, Vodenik B, Vukanac I, Zeng Z, Zorko B. Systematic influences on the areas of peaks in gamma-ray spectra that have a large statistical uncertainty. Appl Radiat Isot 2017; 134:51-55. [PMID: 28673731 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2017.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Revised: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 06/13/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
A method is presented for calculating the expected number of counts in peaks that have a large relative peak-area uncertainty and appear in measured gamma-ray spectra. The method was applied to calculations of the correction factors for peaks occurring in the spectra of radon daughters. It was shown that the factors used for correcting the calculated peak areas to their expected values decrease with an increasing relative peak-area uncertainty. The accuracy of taking the systematic influence inducing the correction factors into account is given by the dispersion of the correction factors corresponding to specific peaks. It was shown that the highest accuracy is obtained in the peak analyses with the GammaVision and Gamma-W software.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Bruggeman
- Studiecentrum voor Kernenergie, Kernenergie, Boeretang 200, B-2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - S M Collins
- National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, Middlesex TW11 0LW, UK
| | - L Done
- Horia Hulubei National Institute for Research and Development in Physics and Nuclear Engineering (IFIN_HH), 30 Reactorului Street, POB MG-6, RO-077125 Bucharest-Magurele, Romania
| | - M Đurašević
- Institute of Nuclear Sciences "Vinča", Laboratory for Nuclear and Plasma Physics, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - M A Duch
- Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), Institut de Tècniques Energetiques, Diagonal 647, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Gudelis
- Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, Savanoriu Ave. 231, Vilnus, Lithuania
| | - M Hyža
- National Radiation Protection Institute, Bartoškova 1450/28, 140 00 Praha 4, Czech Republic
| | - A Jevremović
- Institute of Nuclear Sciences "Vinča", Laboratory for Nuclear and Plasma Physics, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - A Kandić
- Institute of Nuclear Sciences "Vinča", Laboratory for Nuclear and Plasma Physics, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - M Korun
- "Jožef Stefan" Institute, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - S Ilie
- Horia Hulubei National Institute for Research and Development in Physics and Nuclear Engineering (IFIN_HH), 30 Reactorului Street, POB MG-6, RO-077125 Bucharest-Magurele, Romania
| | - J M Lee
- Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science, Daejeon 305-340, Republic of Korea
| | - K B Lee
- Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science, Daejeon 305-340, Republic of Korea
| | - A Luca
- Horia Hulubei National Institute for Research and Development in Physics and Nuclear Engineering (IFIN_HH), 30 Reactorului Street, POB MG-6, RO-077125 Bucharest-Magurele, Romania
| | - R M Margineanu
- Horia Hulubei National Institute for Research and Development in Physics and Nuclear Engineering (IFIN_HH), 30 Reactorului Street, POB MG-6, RO-077125 Bucharest-Magurele, Romania
| | - A Pantelica
- Horia Hulubei National Institute for Research and Development in Physics and Nuclear Engineering (IFIN_HH), 30 Reactorului Street, POB MG-6, RO-077125 Bucharest-Magurele, Romania
| | - I Serrano
- Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), Institut de Tècniques Energetiques, Diagonal 647, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - B Šešlak
- Institute of Nuclear Sciences "Vinča", Laboratory for Nuclear and Plasma Physics, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - L C Tugulan
- Horia Hulubei National Institute for Research and Development in Physics and Nuclear Engineering (IFIN_HH), 30 Reactorului Street, POB MG-6, RO-077125 Bucharest-Magurele, Romania
| | - L Verheyen
- Studiecentrum voor Kernenergie, Kernenergie, Boeretang 200, B-2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - B Vodenik
- "Jožef Stefan" Institute, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - I Vukanac
- Institute of Nuclear Sciences "Vinča", Laboratory for Nuclear and Plasma Physics, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Z Zeng
- Tsinghua University, Department of Engineering Physics, Beijing, PR China
| | - B Zorko
- "Jožef Stefan" Institute, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Verheyen L, Timmermans B, Koeckelberghs G. The influence of branching on the Kumada catalyst transfer condensative polymerization of 3-alkylthiophenes. Polym Chem 2017. [DOI: 10.1039/c7py00255f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The influence of branching of the substituent in polythiophenes on the rate and the livingness of the polymerization is discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L. Verheyen
- Laboratory for Polymer Synthesis
- B-3001 Heverlee
- Belgium
| | - B. Timmermans
- Laboratory for Polymer Synthesis
- B-3001 Heverlee
- Belgium
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Pommé S, Stroh H, Paepen J, Van Ammel R, Marouli M, Altzitzoglou T, Hult M, Kossert K, Nähle O, Schrader H, Juget F, Bailat C, Nedjadi Y, Bochud F, Buchillier T, Michotte C, Courte S, van Rooy M, van Staden M, Lubbe J, Simpson B, Fazio A, De Felice P, Jackson T, Van Wyngaardt W, Reinhard M, Golya J, Bourke S, Roy T, Galea R, Keightley J, Ferreira K, Collins S, Ceccatelli A, Unterweger M, Fitzgerald R, Bergeron D, Pibida L, Verheyen L, Bruggeman M, Vodenik B, Korun M, Chisté V, Amiot MN. Evidence against solar influence on nuclear decay constants. Phys Lett B 2016; 761:281-286. [PMID: 28057978 PMCID: PMC5207040 DOI: 10.1016/j.physletb.2016.08.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The hypothesis that proximity to the Sun causes variation of decay constants at permille level has been tested and disproved. Repeated activity measurements of mono-radionuclide sources were performed over periods from 200 days up to four decades at 14 laboratories across the globe. Residuals from the exponential nuclear decay curves were inspected for annual oscillations. Systematic deviations from a purely exponential decay curve differ from one data set to another and are attributable to instabilities in the instrumentation and measurement conditions. The most stable activity measurements of alpha, beta-minus, electron capture, and beta-plus decaying sources set an upper limit of 0.0006% to 0.008% to the amplitude of annual oscillations in the decay rate. Oscillations in phase with Earth's orbital distance to the Sun could not be observed within a 10-6 to 10-5 range of precision. There are also no apparent modulations over periods of weeks or months. Consequently, there is no indication of a natural impediment against sub-permille accuracy in half-life determinations, renormalisation of activity to a distant reference date, application of nuclear dating for archaeology, geo- and cosmochronology, nor in establishing the SI unit becquerel and seeking international equivalence of activity standards.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S. Pommé
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Retieseweg 111, B-2440Geel, Belgium
| | - H. Stroh
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Retieseweg 111, B-2440Geel, Belgium
| | - J. Paepen
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Retieseweg 111, B-2440Geel, Belgium
| | - R. Van Ammel
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Retieseweg 111, B-2440Geel, Belgium
| | - M. Marouli
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Retieseweg 111, B-2440Geel, Belgium
| | - T. Altzitzoglou
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Retieseweg 111, B-2440Geel, Belgium
| | - M. Hult
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Retieseweg 111, B-2440Geel, Belgium
| | - K. Kossert
- Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Bundesallee 100, 38116 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - O. Nähle
- Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Bundesallee 100, 38116 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - H. Schrader
- Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Bundesallee 100, 38116 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - F. Juget
- Institut de Radiophysique, Lausanne (IRA), Switzerland
| | - C. Bailat
- Institut de Radiophysique, Lausanne (IRA), Switzerland
| | - Y. Nedjadi
- Institut de Radiophysique, Lausanne (IRA), Switzerland
| | - F. Bochud
- Institut de Radiophysique, Lausanne (IRA), Switzerland
| | - T. Buchillier
- Institut de Radiophysique, Lausanne (IRA), Switzerland
| | - C. Michotte
- Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM), Pavillon de Breteuil, 92310 Sèvres, France
| | - S. Courte
- Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM), Pavillon de Breteuil, 92310 Sèvres, France
| | - M.W. van Rooy
- Radioactivity Standards Laboratory (NMISA), 15 Lower Hope Road, Rosebank 7700, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - M.J. van Staden
- Radioactivity Standards Laboratory (NMISA), 15 Lower Hope Road, Rosebank 7700, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - J. Lubbe
- Radioactivity Standards Laboratory (NMISA), 15 Lower Hope Road, Rosebank 7700, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - B.R.S. Simpson
- Radioactivity Standards Laboratory (NMISA), 15 Lower Hope Road, Rosebank 7700, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - A. Fazio
- National Institute of Ionizing Radiation Metrology (ENEA), Casaccia Research Centre, Via Anguillarese, 301—S.M. Galeria I-00060 Roma, C.P. 2400, I-00100 Roma A.D., Italy
| | - P. De Felice
- National Institute of Ionizing Radiation Metrology (ENEA), Casaccia Research Centre, Via Anguillarese, 301—S.M. Galeria I-00060 Roma, C.P. 2400, I-00100 Roma A.D., Italy
| | - T.W. Jackson
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee, NSW 2232, Australia
| | - W.M. Van Wyngaardt
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee, NSW 2232, Australia
| | - M.I. Reinhard
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee, NSW 2232, Australia
| | - J. Golya
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee, NSW 2232, Australia
| | - S. Bourke
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee, NSW 2232, Australia
| | - T. Roy
- National Research Council of Canada (NRC), 1200 Montreal Road, Ottawa, ON, K1A0R6, Canada
| | - R. Galea
- National Research Council of Canada (NRC), 1200 Montreal Road, Ottawa, ON, K1A0R6, Canada
| | - J.D. Keightley
- National Physical Laboratory (NPL), Hampton Road, Teddington, Middlesex TW11 OLW, UK
| | - K.M. Ferreira
- National Physical Laboratory (NPL), Hampton Road, Teddington, Middlesex TW11 OLW, UK
| | - S.M. Collins
- National Physical Laboratory (NPL), Hampton Road, Teddington, Middlesex TW11 OLW, UK
| | - A. Ceccatelli
- Terrestrial Environment Laboratory, IAEA Environment Laboratories, Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Vienna International Centre, PO Box 100, 1400 Vienna, Austria
| | - M. Unterweger
- Physical Measurement Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), 100 Bureau Dr., Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8462, USA
| | - R. Fitzgerald
- Physical Measurement Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), 100 Bureau Dr., Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8462, USA
| | - D.E. Bergeron
- Physical Measurement Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), 100 Bureau Dr., Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8462, USA
| | - L. Pibida
- Physical Measurement Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), 100 Bureau Dr., Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8462, USA
| | - L. Verheyen
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK·CEN), Boeretang 200, B-2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - M. Bruggeman
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK·CEN), Boeretang 200, B-2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - B. Vodenik
- Jožef Stefan Institute (JSI), Jamova 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - M. Korun
- Jožef Stefan Institute (JSI), Jamova 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - V. Chisté
- CEA, LIST, Laboratoire National Henri Becquerel (LNHB), Bât. 602 PC 111, CEA-Saclay 91191 Gif-sur-Yvette cedex, France
| | - M.-N. Amiot
- CEA, LIST, Laboratoire National Henri Becquerel (LNHB), Bât. 602 PC 111, CEA-Saclay 91191 Gif-sur-Yvette cedex, France
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Bruggeman M, Verheyen L, Vidmar T, Liu B. Assessing sample attenuation parameters for use in low-energy efficiency transfer in gamma-ray spectrometry. Appl Radiat Isot 2015; 109:547-550. [PMID: 26688363 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2015.11.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2015] [Accepted: 11/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
We present a numerical fitting method for transmission data that outputs an equivalent sample composition. This output is used as input to a generalised efficiency transfer model based on the EFFTRAN software integrated in a LIMS. The procedural concept allows choosing between efficiency transfer with a predefined sample composition or with an experimentally determined composition based on a transmission measurement. The method can be used for simultaneous quantification of low-energy gamma emitters like (210)Pb, (241)Am, (234)Th in typical environmental samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Bruggeman
- Studiecentrum voor Kernenergie, Boeretang 200, B-2400 Mol, Belgium.
| | - L Verheyen
- Studiecentrum voor Kernenergie, Boeretang 200, B-2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - T Vidmar
- Studiecentrum voor Kernenergie, Boeretang 200, B-2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - B Liu
- Ecoles des mines de Nantes, Rue Alfred Kastler 4, Nantes 44300, France
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Abstract
We developed a Microsoft(®) Access-based LIMS (Laboratory Information and Management Systems), γ-LIMS, for the management of our gamma-spectrometry laboratory, in which thousands of routine, but high-quality analyses are performed each year. This paper explains the main features of the γ-LIMS and puts special attention on the interfacing methods and solutions for using the Genie™2000 spectrometry software in conjunction with the EFFTRAN package, which serves for efficiency transfer calculations, coincidence summing corrections and a procedure for uncertainty estimation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Bruggeman
- SCK·CEN, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, Boeretang 200, Mol 2400, Belgium.
| | - L Verheyen
- SCK·CEN, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, Boeretang 200, Mol 2400, Belgium
| | - T Vidmar
- SCK·CEN, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, Boeretang 200, Mol 2400, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
We present the case of a 17-year old male patient with a symptomatic congenital posterolateral diaphragmatic hernia with acute onset of symptoms. He was admitted to our emergency department a few days after the onset of symptoms. A large thoracic herniation on the left side was seen on chest X-ray. Further investigation by computed tomography showed the presence of stomach, spleen and colon in the herniation. Semi-urgent surgery was performed by a laparoscopic approach. The diaphragmatic defect was closed with interrupted sutures. The operation and postoperative recovery were uneventful.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N. Kurniawan
- Resident of General Surgery, University Hospital Gasthuisberg Leuven, Leuven
| | - L. Verheyen
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, St. Maarten hospital, Mechelen, Belgium
| | - J. Ceulemans
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, St. Maarten hospital, Mechelen, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Verheyen L, Merckx R, Smolders E. Labile synthetic cadmium complexes are not bioavailable to Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata in resin buffered solutions. Aquat Toxicol 2012; 124-125:66-71. [PMID: 22903064 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2012.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2012] [Revised: 07/10/2012] [Accepted: 07/24/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The Free Ion Activity Model (FIAM) predicts that cadmium (Cd) uptake by organisms is identical for solutions with the same free Cd(2+) concentration and inorganic composition. Clear exceptions to the FIAM have been shown for Cd uptake by plant roots, periphyton and human cells where labile Cd complexes increase bioavailability and which has been attributed to their role in enhancing Cd diffusion towards the uptake cells. Here, we assessed the role of labile Cd complexes on Cd uptake by algae, for which diffusion limitations should be less pronounced due to their smaller size. Long-term (3 days) Cd uptake by the green algae Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata was measured in resin buffered solutions with or without synthetic ligands and at three Cd(2+) ion activities (pCd 8.2-5.7). The free Cd(2+) activity was maintained during the test using a metal-selective resin located in the algal bottles. Total dissolved Cd increased up to 35-fold by adding the synthetic ligands at constant Cd(2+) activity. In contrast, Cd uptake by algae increased maximally 2.8 fold with increasing concentration of the synthetic ligands and the availability of the complexes were maximally 5.2% relative to Cd(2+) for NTA and CDTA complexes. It is concluded that labile Cd complexes do not greatly enhance Cd bioavailability to the unicellular algae and calculations suggest that Cd transport from solution to these small cells is not rate limiting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Verheyen
- Division of Soil and Water Management, KULeuven, Heverlee, Belgium.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Verheyen L, Merckx R, Smolders E. A resin-buffered nutrient solution for controlling metal speciation in the algal bottle assay. Aquat Toxicol 2012; 114-115:200-205. [PMID: 22447105 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2012.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2011] [Revised: 02/16/2012] [Accepted: 02/18/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Metal speciation in solution is uncontrolled during algal growth in the traditional algal bottle assay. A resin-buffered nutrient solution was developed to overcome this problem and this was applied to test the effect of chloride (Cl⁻) on cadmium (Cd) uptake. Standard nutrient solution was enriched with 40 mM of either NaNO₃ or NaCl, and was prepared to contain equal Cd²⁺ but varying dissolved Cd due to the presence of CdCl(n)(2-n) complexes. Both solutions were subsequently used in an algal assay in 100 mL beakers that contained only the solution (designated "-R") or contained the solution together with a cation exchange sulfonate resin (2 g L⁻¹, designated "+R") as a deposit on the bottom of the beaker. Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata was grown for 72 h (1.4 × 10⁵-1.4 × 10⁶ cells mL⁻¹) in stagnant solution and shaken three times a day. Growth was unaffected by the presence of the resin (p>0.05). The Cd concentrations in solution of the -R devices decreased with 50-58% of initial values due to Cd uptake. No such changes were found in the +R devices or in abiotic controls. Cd uptake was unaffected by either NaNO₃ or NaCl treatment in the +R device, confirming that Cd²⁺ is the preferred Cd species in line with the general concept of metal bioavailability. In contrast, Cd uptake in the -R devices was two-fold larger in the NaCl treatment than in the NaNO₃ treatment (p<0.001), suggesting that CdCl(n)(2-n) complexes are bioavailable in this traditional set-up. However this bioavailability is partially, but not completely, an apparent one, because of the considerable depletion of solution ¹⁰⁹Cd in this set-up. Resin-buffered solutions are advocated in the algal bottle assay to control trace metal supply and to better identify the role of metal complexes on bioavailability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Verheyen
- Division of Soil and Water Management, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, K.U.Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 20-Box 2459, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Verheyen L, Degryse F, Niewold T, Smolders E. Labile complexes facilitate cadmium uptake by Caco-2 cells. Sci Total Environ 2012; 426:90-99. [PMID: 22503671 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.03.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2011] [Revised: 03/15/2012] [Accepted: 03/16/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The Free Ion Activity Model (FIAM) predicts that metal uptake in biota is related to the free ion activity in the external solution and that metal complexes do not contribute. However, studies with plants have shown that labile metal complexes enhance metal bioavailability when the uptake is rate-limited by transport of the free ion in solution to the uptake site. Here, the role of labile complexes of Cd on metal bioavailability was assessed using Caco-2 cells, the cell model for intestinal absorption. At low Cd(2+) concentration (1 nM), the CdCl(n)(2-n) complexes contributed to the uptake almost to the same extent as the free ion. At large Cd(2+) concentration (10 μM), the contribution of the complexes was much smaller. At constant Cd(2+) concentration, Cd intake in the cells from solutions containing synthetic ligands such as EDTA increased as the dissociation rate of the cadmium complexes increased, and correlated well with the Cd diffusion flux in solution measured with the Diffusive Gradient in Thin Films technique (DGT). The Cd intake fluxes in the cells were well predicted assuming that the specific uptake is limited by diffusion of the free Cd(2+) ion to the cell surface. Our results underline that speciation of Cd has a major effect on its uptake by intestinal cells, but the availability is not simply related to the free ion concentration. Labile complexes of Cd enhance metal bioavailability in these cells, likely by alleviating diffusive limitations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Verheyen
- Division of Soil and Water Management, K.U.Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 20, Box 2459, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
De Brabandere K, Vanpaemel G, Verheyen L. Spontaneous abscesses of the abdominal wall, omentum and abdominal cavity caused by group G streptococci: a case report. Acta Chir Belg 2008; 108:765-7. [PMID: 19241937 DOI: 10.1080/00015458.2008.11680335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
We report the first case, to our knowledge, of spontaneous abscess of the abdominal wall, omentum and abdominal cavity caused by group G streptococci. A 52-year-old diabetic woman presented with abdominal tenderness and weight loss that had persisted for a few weeks. CT scan showed several abscesses of the abdominal wall, omentum and abdominal cavity. The abscesses were drained laparoscopically and antibiotics were given postoperatively. Biopsies and cultures showed group G streptococci. The patient recovered without any complication and left our hospital on the 17th postoperative day.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K. De Brabandere
- Department of Surgery, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels
| | - G. Vanpaemel
- General Practitioner, Mechelen ;, St. Maarten Hospital, Mechelen, Belgium
| | - L. Verheyen
- Department of General and Abdominal Surgery, St. Maarten Hospital, Mechelen, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Van Houdenhove B, Verheyen L, Pardaens K, Luyten P, Van Wambeke P. Rehabilitation of decreased motor performance in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome: should we treat low effort capacity or reduced effort tolerance? Clin Rehabil 2007; 21:1121-42. [DOI: 10.1177/0269215507080769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Aim: The aetiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic delineation and treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) remain a matter of debate. Here some aspects of the debate are elucidated, with a particular focus on the patients' decreased motor performance.Hypothesis: The pathophysiological basis of decreased motor performance in CFS may, theoretically, involve three components: (1) a peripheral energetic deficit (impaired oxidative metabolism and/or physical deconditioning); (2) a central perceptual disturbance (higher effort sense or increased `interoception'); and (3) a fundamental failure of the neurobiological stress system, leading to an abnormal `sickness response'. It is proposed that the first two components may lead to low effort capacity, while the third component may lead to reduced effort tolerance. Although there is evidence for low effort capacity influencing symptoms and functional limitations in CFS, it is assumed that reduced effort tolerance might be the primary disturbance in CFS.Diagnostic implications: Distinguishing low effort capacity and reduced effort tolerance may contribute to a refinement of current diagnostic criteria of CFS and the identification of subgroups.Therapeutic implications: The above-mentioned distinction may make it possible to formulate a rationale for an effective implementation and adequate outcome evaluation of rehabilitation strategies in CFS.Research implications: This new heuristic framework may inform future research aimed at disentangling the complex determination of impaired motor performance in CFS, as well as studies aimed at customizing treatment to different subtypes of patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - P. Luyten
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Vanderschot P, Vanderspeeten K, Verheyen L, Broos P. A review on 161 subtrochanteric fractures--risk factors influencing outcome: age, fracture pattern and fracture level. Unfallchirurg 1995; 98:265-71. [PMID: 7610387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The results obtained in 161 subtrochanteric fractures of the femur following treatment with a 95 degrees condylar blade plate or a dynamic condylar screw or a gamma nail were retrospectively analyzed. A 95 degrees angular blade plate was used in 107 cases, a dynamic condylar screw in 25, and a gamma nail in 29. There were 114 patients who were admitted after a simple fall and 47 who had sustained a high-energy trauma. In the type of trauma, associated lesions, ISS, pre-existing diseases and finally age we found statistically significant difference (P < 0.001) between patients admitted after a simple fall and patients admitted after a high-energy trauma. The mean operating times for the 95 degrees angled blade plate, the dynamic condylar screw and the gamma nail were 86, 85 and 74 min, respectively. Of the 161 patients, 18 required a revision operation. Of these 18 patients, 8 were initially treated using a 95 degrees condylar blade plate, 2 with a dynamic condylar screw and finally 8 with insertion of a gamma nail; 5 of these patients were less than 70 years old, while the other 13 were older than 70 years (P = 0.025; Fisher's exact test P = 0.042). The post-injury roentgenogram showed a fracture at the level of the lesser trochanter in 11 of the patients older than 50 years (P = 0.017; Fisher exact P = 0.053). Among the 18 patients who underwent revision operations, the post-injury roentgenograms showed 6 type IIIA fractures and 5 type V fractures.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Vanderschot
- Department of Traumatology and Emergency Surgery, Gasthuisberg Hospital, Catholic University of Louvain
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Lacroix H, Suy R, Nevelsteen A, Verheyen L, Stockx L, Wilms G, Verhaeghe R. Local thrombolysis for occluded arterial grafts: is the yield worth the effort? J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 1994; 35:187-91. [PMID: 8040165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
This study reports the results and complications of local thrombolytic therapy of 50 recently occluded grafts. These occurred in 41 patients with acute severe but still reversible ischemia. The majority were infra-inguinal synthetic grafts. Thrombolysis was induced with urokinase (n = 1), streptokinase (n = 11) or alteplase (n = 38) via an intra-arterial catheter. Complete angiographical lysis was obtained in 36 grafts (72%) and partial lysis in 6 (12%). The highest lysis rate was obtained with alteplase (32/36; 89%). Complementary endovascular and/or surgical intervention was needed in 17 patients to correct an underlying stenosis and/or to save the limb. Fifteen complications occurred (30%) of which distal embolization (n = 4) and bleeding (n = 8 of which 3 fatal) were the most frequent. Six of the bleeding episodes occurred in patients on chronic aspirin intake. The late results were poor. At six months, the primary patency of successfully lysed grafts dropped to 19% and the limb salvage rate to 64%. Thrombolytic therapy is far from the ideal management of thrombosed grafts: maintenance of restored patency is the challenge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H Lacroix
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Abstract
A 75-year-old man was admitted for acute ischaemia of his right leg for which he had undergone vascular prosthetic surgery at another hospital, ten and three years before. Cultures of the thrombosed graft and the clots removed on re-operation were positive for Listeria monocytogenes. After parenteral treatment with amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and gentamicin, the patient died from cardiorespiratory failure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Van Noyen
- Dept. of Bacteriology, Imeldaziekenhuis, Bonheiden, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|