Time-integrated Concentrations Research Articles

Development of diffusive gradients in thin-films technique for monitoring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in coastal waters

Addressing the challenge of accurately monitoring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in aquatic systems, this study employed diffusive gradients in thin-films (DGT) technique to achieve methods detection limits as low as 0.02 ng L−1 to 0.05 ng L−1 through in situ preconcentration and determination of time-integrated concentrations. The efficacy of the developed DGT samplers was validated under diverse environmental conditions, demonstrating independence from factors such as pH (5.03–9.01), dissolved organic matter (0–20 mg L−1), and ionic strength (0.0001–0.6 M). Notably, the introduction of a novel theoretical approach to calculate diffusion coefficients based on solvent-accessible volume tailored for PAHs significantly enhanced the method’s applicability, particularly for organic pollutants with low solubility. Field deployments in coastal zones validated the DGT method against traditional grab sampling, with findings advocating a 4 to 7-day optimal deployment duration for balancing sensitivity and mitigating lag time effects. These results provide a sophisticated, efficient solution to the persistent challenge of monitoring hydrophobic organic pollutants in aquatic environments, broadening the scope and applicability of DGT in environmental science and providing a robust tool for researchers.

Atmospheric emissions estimation of polycyclic aromatic compounds from an oil sands tailings pond using passive air samplers

A mapping study targeting emissions of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) from an oil sands tailings pond was undertaken in the Athabasca Oil sands Region (AOSR). Ten passive air samplers comprising polyurethane foam (PUF) disks were deployed around the perimeter of Suncor Tailings Pond 2/3 for a five-week period to generate time-integrated concentrations in air for PACs, which included ∑unsubstituted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), ∑alkylated PAHs (alk-PAHs), and ∑dibenzothiophenes (DBTs) (both unsubstituted and alkylated). Concentrations in air ranged from 13 to 70, 220–970, and 30–210 ng/m3, respectively, and were elevated in samplers downwind of the tailings pond. PAC emissions to air from the pond were estimated using only the air-side concentration information by applying a simplified Gaussian dispersion model and found to be 896 μg/m2/day. ∑alk-PAHs and ∑DBTs had the highest contribution to the total PAC fluxes (79% and 16%, respectively). This flux estimate for PACs is equivalent to 460 kg on an annual basis and 35 000 kg/year when scaled to represent all tailings ponds in the region. The results generally agree with fluxes estimated from coupled high volume air sampling data and tailings pond water concentrations from the same field study but which are complicated due to uncertainties associated with the use of pure water Henry's Law values for tailings pond water as well as the potential for surface oily films on the tailings ponds to impact water-air exchange of PACs. Overall, these findings support the use of relatively simple and electricity-free PUF disk samplers for mapping and estimating emissions from area sources such as tailings ponds, using only air-side concentration information.

Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulations to Assess Spatial Variability and Optimal Ventilation Scenarios for Biological Laboratory Exposures

Introduction: A significant amount of uncertainty exists regarding potential human exposure to laboratory biomaterials and organisms in Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) research laboratories. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling is proposed as a way to better understand potential impacts of different combinations of biomaterials, laboratory manipulations, and exposure routes on risks to laboratory workers. Methods: In this study, we use CFD models to simulate airborne concentrations of contaminants in an actual BSL-2 laboratory under different configurations. Results: Results show that ventilation configuration, sampling location, and contaminant source location can significantly impact airborne concentrations and exposures. Depending on the source location and airflow patterns, the transient and time-integrated concentrations varied by several orders of magnitude. Contaminant plumes from sources located near a return vent (or exhaust like a fume hood or ventilated biosafety cabinet) are likely to be more contained than sources that are further from the exhaust. Having a direct flow between the source and the exhaust (through-flow condition) may reduce potential exposures to individuals outside the air flow path. Conclusion: Designing a BSL-2 room with ventilation and airflow patterns that maximize through-flow conditions to the return/exhaust vents and minimize dispersion and mixing throughout the room is, therefore, recommended. CFD simulations can also be used to assist in characterizing the impacts of supply and return vent locations, room layout, and source locations on spatial and temporal contaminant concentrations. In addition, proper placement of particle sensors can also be informed by CFD simulations to provide additional characterization and monitoring of potential exposures in BSL-2 facilities.

A multimethodological evaluation of arsenic in the Zenne River, Belgium: Sources, distribution, geochemistry, and bioavailability

The distribution and geochemistry of arsenic (As) in water and sediments of the Zenne River, a small urban river flowing through Brussels (Belgium), were assessed based on the results of 18 sampling campaigns performed between 2010 and 2021. In general, concentrations of As sharply increase between Vilvoorde and Eppegem and are up to 6–8 times higher in the section downstream of Eppegem in comparison to the upstream part of the Zenne. The monitoring surveys in which the grab water samples were taken at a 1-hour sampling frequency revealed that the large temporal variability in As concentrations found in the downstream part of the river is driven by the tidal cycle. The diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) technique was used to assess the DGT labile As species in surface water and sediment porewater. Three DGT sorbents (Metsorb, Lewatit FO 36, and ZrO2) for the determination of total As were applied to compare their performance, and the 3-mercaptopropyl-functionalized silica (3-MFS) was used for the speciation of As(III) in porewater. Arsenic species are fully labile in surface waters as the DGT time-integrated concentrations of As were in good agreement with the average concentrations calculated from the grab samplings. In sediment porewaters, As is predominantly present as non-DGT labile species (66–93 %), and the DGT labile As fraction is dominated by As(III). Flux calculations evaluating the relative importance of different As sources to the Zenne River revealed the presence of a point source on the tributary Tangebeek, which contributes to 87 % of the As load carried by the Zenne River.

WaterQuality Guidelines for Metal Contaminants in Stormwater Runoff: Insights and Considerations.

WaterQuality Guidelines for Metal Contaminants in Stormwater Runoff: Insights and Considerations.

Comparison of improvements of aqueous dissolution of structurally analogous hydrophobic drugs by amorphous solid dispersion

Amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) technique is promising to increase the dissolution of hydrophobic drug in aqueous solution systems, including in vivo. However, there is a serious lack of understanding of the impact of the molecular characteristics of a hydrophobic drug on the aqueous dissolution behavior of the drug from the ASD. This is because there are many structural differences between different types of drugs, which crucially complicates our understanding of the impact of each structural difference on the drug dissolution behavior. Hence, in this study, systematically different molecular structures of model drugs (ibuprofen, IBP, and its congeners) were employed to be solid-dispersed and their aqueous dissolution profiles were compared. Amorphous solid dispersions of the model drugs were prepared by a sole-amorphous sugar-based solid dispersion, SAS-SD, in which drug carrier is comprised solely of sugar. Aqueous dissolution profiles of the drugs were characterized using the maximum concentration (Cmax) and the time-integrated concentration of the dissolved drug (AUC60min). Comparisons of the dissolution profiles and thermal characteristics of the IBP congeners revealed that the IBP congener with a lower melting point (Tm) exhibited a greater improvement in the Cmax and AUC60min by the SAS-SD. Heat treatment of SAS-SD samples at 120° C for 60 min were conducted to further improve the drug dissolution. The results indicated an enhanced increase in the dissolution of two IBP congeners whose Tm = 97°C and 117° C but no significant effect for higher Tm congeners. Based on these findings, the issue of how the drug Tm affects the improvement in the drug dissolution by the SAS-SD and heat treatment is discussed.

Method of Source Identification Following an Accidental Release at an Unknown Location Using a Lagrangian Atmospheric Dispersion Model

A computationally efficient source inversion algorithm was developed and applied with the Lagrangian atmospheric dispersion model DIPCOT. In the process of source location estimation by minimizing a correlation-based cost function, the algorithm uses only the values of the time-integrated concentrations at the monitoring stations instead of all of the individual measurements in the full concentration-time series, resulting in a significant reduction in the number of integrations of the backward transport equations. Following the source location estimation the release start time, duration and emission rate are assessed. The developed algorithm was verified for the conditions of the ETEX-I (European Tracer Experiment—1st release). Using time-integrated measurements from all available stations, the distance between the estimated and true source location was 108 km. The estimated start time of the release was only about 1 h different from the true value, within the possible accuracy of estimate of this parameter. The estimated release duration was 21 h (the true value was 12 h). The estimated release rate was 4.28 g/s (the true value was 7.95 g/s). The estimated released mass almost perfectly fitted the true released mass (323.6 vs. 343.4 kg). It thus could be concluded that the developed algorithm is suitable for further integration in real-time decision support systems.

Transport-driven engineering of liposomes for delivery of α-particle radiotherapy to solid tumors: effect on inhibition of tumor progression and onset delay of spontaneous metastases.

Highly cytotoxic α-particle radiotherapy delivered by tumor-selective nanocarriers is evaluated on metastatic Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC). On vascularized tumors, the limited penetration of nanocarriers (<50-80μm) combined with the short range of α-particles (40-100μm) may, however, result in only partial tumor irradiation, compromising efficacy. Utilizing the α-particle emitter Actinium-225 (225Ac), we studied how the therapeutic potential of a general delivery strategy using nanometer-sized engineered liposomes was affected by two key transport-driven properties: (1) the release from liposomes, when in the tumor interstitium, of the highly diffusing 225Ac-DOTA that improves the uniformity of tumor irradiation by α-particles and (2) the adhesion of liposomes on the tumors' ECM that increases liposomes' time-integrated concentrations within tumors and, therefore, the tumor-delivered radioactivities. On an orthotopic MDA-MB-231 TNBC murine model forming spontaneous metastases, we evaluated the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), biodistributions, and control of tumor growth and/or spreading after administration of 225Ac-DOTA-encapsulating liposomes, with different combinations of the two transport-driven properties. At 83% of MTD, 225Ac-DOTA-encapsulating liposomes with both properties (1) eliminated formation of spontaneous metastases and (2) best inhibited the progression of orthotopic xenografts, compared to liposomes lacking one or both properties. These findings were primarily affected by the extent of uniformity of the intratumoral microdistributions of 225Ac followed by the overall tumor uptake of radioactivity. At the MTD, long-term toxicities were not detected 9.5months post administration. Our findings demonstrate the potential of a general, transport-driven strategy enabling more uniform and prolonged solid tumor irradiation by α-particles without cell-specific targeting.

Assessing variability in the ratio of metal concentrations measured by DGT-type passive samplers and spot sampling in European seawaters

The current study evaluates the effect of seawater physico-chemical characteristics on the relationship between the concentration of metals measured by Diffusive Gradients in Thin films (DGT) passive samplers (i.e., DGT-labile concentration) and the concentrations measured in discrete water samples. Accordingly, Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to measure the total dissolved metal concentrations in the discrete water samples and the labile metal concentrations obtained by DGT samplers; additionally, lead and cadmium conditional labile fractions were determined by Anodic Stripping Voltammetry (ASV) and total dissolved nickel was measured by Cathodic Stripping Voltammetry (CSV). It can be concluded that, in general, the median ratios of DGT/ICP and DGT/ASV(CSV) were lower than 1, except for Ni (median ratio close to 1) and Zn (higher than 1). This indicates the importance of speciation and time-integrated concentrations measured using passive sampling techniques, which is in line with the WFD suggestions for improving the chemical assessment of waterbodies. It is the variability in metal content in waters rather than environmental conditions to which the variability of the ratios can be attributed. The ratios were not significantly affected by the temperature, salinity, pH, oxygen, DOC or SPM, giving a great confidence for all the techniques used. Within a regulatory context such as the EU Water Framework Directive this is a great advantage, since the simplicity of not needing to use corrections to minimize the effects of environmental variables could help in implementing DGTs within monitoring networks.

Mobile-monitoring of Black Carbon and Ultrafine particles in Bangalore, India

INTRODUCTION--Mobile monitoring can effectively capture spatial patterns in on-road exposure. Here, we report measured on-road concentrations of black carbon and ultrafine particles in urban and peri-urban Bangalore, India.METHODS--Our mobile platform, a CNG car, was equipped with an aethalometer for black carbon (BC) and a condensation particle counter for ultrafine particles (UFP). We sampled on roadways in four parts of Bangalore: a central business district, a residential urban neighborhood, a peri-urban neighborhood, and along an urban-rural transect; in total, we collected ~400 h (~5000 km) of on-road data. Our study design involved oversampling each road segment (n=25 repeated samples per road). We then quantify, via subsequent subsampling, the data requirements for robustly estimating time-integrated concentrations. We computed average concentration for each 30m road segment and computed mean and median concentrations for each region.RESULTS--Mean on-road concentrations were highest in the central business district (BC: 50 µg/m3; UFP: 145,000 cm-3), intermediate in the urban residential neighborhood (32 µg/m3; 87,000 cm-3), and lowest in the peri-urban neighborhood (29 µg/m3; 30,000 cm-3). Median values are 2% - 38% less than mean. The urban-rural transect reveals analogous spatial patterns: average concentrations decline when going from downtown to the peri-urban area; spatial gradients are larger for UFP than BC. Subsampling analyses reveal how the robustness of estimated mean concentrations varies with number of observations and the timing of those observations, and how that relationship varies in space.CONCLUSION--Average on-road concentrations decline from downtown to the peri-urban area; spatial gradients are larger for UFP than BC. Our subsampling analyses inform how many visits are needed to obtain robust estimates of long-term average concentrations, as well as how that result varies in space and time.

Passive-Type Radon Monitor Constructed Using a Small Container for Personal Dosimetry.

The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) recently recommended a new dose conversion factor for radon based on the latest epidemiological studies and dosimetric model. It is important to evaluate an inhalation dose from radon and its progeny. In the present study, a passive radon personal monitor was designed using a small container for storing contact lenses and its performance was evaluated. The conversion factor for radon (222Rn), the effect of thoron (220Rn) concentration and the air exchange rate were evaluated using the calibration chamber at Hirosaki University. The minimum and maximum detectable radon concentrations were calculated. The conversion factor was evaluated as 2.0 ± 0.3 tracks cm−2 per kBq h m−3; statistical analyses of results showed no significant effect from thoron concentration. The minimum and maximum detectable radon concentrations were 92 Bq m−3 and 231 kBq m−3 for a measurement period of three months, respectively. The air exchange rate was estimated to be 0.26 ± 0.16 h−1, whose effect on the measured time-integrated radon concentration was small. These results indicate that the monitor could be used as a wearable monitor for radon measurements, especially in places where radon concentrations may be relatively high, such as mines and caves.

Are aircraft acceleration-induced body forces effective on contaminant dispersion in passenger aircraft cabins?

Numerical simulations for the effect of body forces due to aircraft acceleration on the airflow and contaminant dispersion in a model for a passenger aircraft cabin are performed in this study. Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) was used as the in-cabin contaminant and served as a surrogate for cough particles in the size from 1.6 to 3.0 µm. It was found that those body forces have a significant impact on the contaminant dispersion phenomena and concentrations, especially during the climb leg, where the time-integrated concentration was 2.4 to 2.8 times its counterpart during the steady level (cruise) flight case at the two monitoring locations for most of the simulation time. However, the exposure to the contaminant did not change appreciably during the descent leg. Air velocities, on the other hand, increased noticeably during the climb and descent legs, leading to evident changes in the airflow patterns, airflow circulation magnitude, and, at some locations, airflow circulation directions. The current study has limitations, requiring detailed calculations while considering parametric variations. The findings warrant a closer investigation into the effects of body forces due to aircraft acceleration on the airflow and contaminant dispersion in various passenger aircraft cabins.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE CONTRIBUTION OF SHORT-LIVED RADIOIODINES TO THE THYROID RADIATION DOSE FOR THE POPULATION AFTER THE CHERNOBYL AND FUKUSHIMA ACCIDENTS

Purpose. To present results of the comparative analysis of the contribution of short-lived radioiodines to the thyroid radiation dose (TRD) in the population after two severe radiation accidents at nuclear reactors: the Chernobyl accident (1986) and the Fukushima accident (2011). Material and methods. The contribution of short-lived radioiodines to the TRD is expressed in fractions of the TRD from 131I (the main dose forming radionuclide). This contribution takes into account the ratio between doses from inhalation and ingestion intake of 131I, the ratios between dose factors of the expected dose to the thyroid gland in the case of inhalation and ingestion intake of iodine and tellurium isotopes, the ratios between time-integrated concentration of iodine and tellurium isotopes at the ground-level air and in foodstuffs (milk). Results. The typical contribution of short-lived radioiodines to TRD for the population accounts of few percent of dose to the thyroid gland from 131I following the Chernobyl accident as on March 15, 2011, the day of the main fallout after the Fukushima accident - within 15%. For both accidents the leading role among the short-lived radioiodines in terms of dose to the thyroid for the public belongs to 133I and 132I (due to the intake of 132Te and its radioactive decay to 132I in the body). Conclusion. Significant differences in estimates of the typical contribution of short-lived radioiodines to TRD for the population after two considered accidents can be explained by differences in the dominant pathways of the intake of radioiodine by population. The dominant pathway for the vast majority of the population in the contaminated areas following the Chernobyl accident was ingestion intake with locally produced cow’s milk. Following the Fukushima accident the dominant pathway was inhalation intake, because the Japanese authorities were able to quickly prevent the intake of radioiodine with foodstuffs.

UDINEE: Evaluation of Multiple Models with Data from the JU2003 Puff Releases in Oklahoma City. Part I: Comparison of Observed and Predicted Concentrations

In a complex environment such as an urban area, accurate prediction of the atmospheric dispersion of airborne harmful materials such as radioactive substances is necessary for establishing response actions and assessing risk or damage. Given the variety of urban atmospheric dispersion models available, evaluation and inter-comparison exercises are vital for assessing quantitatively and qualitatively their capabilities and differences. To that end, the European Commission/Directorate General Joint Research Centre with support from the European Commission/Directorate General-Migration and Home Affairs, and with the contribution of the U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency, launched the Urban Dispersion INternational Evaluation Exercise (UDINEE) project. Within UDINEE, nine atmospheric dispersion models are evaluated and intercompared. Sulphur hexafluoride concentrations from puffs released near the ground during the Joint Urban 2003 (JU2003) field experiment are used in UDINEE to evaluate atmospheric dispersion models. The JU2003 experiment is chosen because UDINEE aims at the better understanding of modelling capabilities for radiological dispersal devices in urban areas, and the neutrally-buoyant puff releases performed in the JU2003 experiment are the closest scenario to this purpose. The present study evaluates the capability of models at simulating the presence and concentration levels of the tracer at sampling locations. The fraction of predicted concentrations and time-integrated concentrations within a factor-of-two of observations are less than 0.36 and 0.4 respectively. The analysis reveals an improvement in the performance of models by using time-varying inflow conditions. Since the simulation of the dispersion of puff release is particularly challenging, the results of UDINEE could constitute a benchmark for future model developments.

Analysis of the radioactive atmospheric dispersion induced by ship nuclear power plant severe accident

For the nuclear powered ship, the radionuclides will be released near the sea surface after a severe nuclear accident. The influence of sea surface on the atmospheric diffusion of radionuclides cannot be ignored. Based on the Lagrangian particle tracking model, the simulation model for atmospheric diffusion of radionuclides above the sea was established. The influences of sea absorption on atmospheric diffusion of radionuclides emitted at different heights were analyzed. It is shown that if emission height is low, the time-integrated concentration of radionuclides in the air will be reduced significantly by the sea absorption. The lower the discharged height is, the more rapidly the concentration of radionuclides in the air near the source decreases. If the emission height is high, the time-integrated concentration of radionuclides in the air will increase firstly and then decrease with the increase of distance. The higher the emission height is, the lower the time-integrated concentration of radionuclides in the air near the sea surface is, and the smaller the amount of radionuclides absorbed by the sea is.

Biomarkers of inflammation – LBP and TLR— predict progression of knee osteoarthritis in the DOXY clinical trial

To evaluate systemic inflammatory biomarkers in symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA) and their association with radiographic and biochemical OA progression. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) binding protein (LBP), soluble Toll-like receptor 4 (sTLR4) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) were measured in plasma of 431 knee OA patients from the doxycycline (DOXY) trial at baseline and 18 months. Plasma lipopolysaccharide and lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) were also measured at 12 months. As a biochemical indicator of disease activity and OA progression, urinary (u) C-telopeptide of Type II collagen (uCTX-II) was measured in samples collected at baseline and 18 months. Change over 16 months in radiographic tibiofemoral joint space width (JSW in mm) and joint space narrowing (JSN≥0.5mm) were used to indicate radiographic OA progression. Change over 18 months for uCTX-II was used as a secondary outcome. Both univariate and multivariable regression analyses were performed to test the association between Z-score transformed biomarkers and outcomes. Baseline LBP and time-integrated concentration (TIC) of LBP over 12 and 18 months were associated with worsening joint space width (JSW) (parameter estimates:-0.1 to-0.07) and JSN (OR: 1.32 to 1.42) adjusting for treatment group, age, body mass index (BMI) and corresponding baseline radiographic measures. Baseline sTLR4 and TIC over 18 months were associated with change in uCTX-II over 18 months (adjusted parameter estimates: 0.0017 to 0.0020). Results were not modified by treatment with doxycycline. Plasma LBP and sTLR4 were associated with knee OA progression over 16-18 months. These results lend further support for a role of systemic low-grade inflammation in the pathogenesis of knee OA progression.

In situ measurement of perfluoroalkyl substances in aquatic systems using diffusive gradients in thin-films technique

To better understand the environmental impact of ubiquitous perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in waters, reliable and robust measurement techniques are needed. As one of the most widely used passive sampling approaches, diffusive gradients in thin-films (DGT) is not only easy to handle but also provides time-weighted analyte concentrations. Based on DGT with XAD18 as a binding agent, we developed a new methodology to measure two frequently detected PFASs in surface waters and wastewaters, i.e. perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). Their diffusion coefficients in the diffusive gel, measured using an independent diffusion cell, were 4.37 × 10−6 and 5.08 × 10−6 cm2 s−1 at 25 °C, respectively. DGT had a high capacity for PFOA and PFOS at 196 and 246 μg per gel disk, suggesting the DGT sampler was suitable for deployment of several weeks. Time-integrated concentrations of PFOA and PFOS in a natural lake and river, and a municipal wastewater treatment plant effluent using DGT samplers deployed in situ for 12–33 d were comparable to those measured by a solid-phase extraction method coupled with high-frequency grab sampling. This study demonstrates that DGT is an effective tool for in situ monitoring of PFASs in natural waters and wastewaters.

Is synovitis detected on non-contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging associated with serum biomarkers and clinical signs of effusion? Data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative

Objectives: To determine the relationship between synovitis detected on non-contrast-enhanced (non-CE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), biochemical markers of inflammation, and clinical assessment of effusion in people with knee osteoarthritis (OA).Method: We examined data from the OA Biomarkers Consortium within the Osteoarthritis Initiative (n = 600). Non-CE MRIs were semi-quantitatively scored (grades 0–3) for severity of Hoffa synovitis and effusion synovitis. Serum (s) matrix metalloproteinase-3 (sMMP-3), hyaluronic acid (sHA), and nitrated epitope of the α-helical region of type II collagen (sColl2-1NO2) were quantified. The bulge and patellar tap clinical tests were performed at baseline and performance characteristics were assessed for the detection of effusion synovitis on MRI. Multinomial logistic regression adjusted for covariates was used to assess the association between biochemical and imaging markers at baseline and over 12 and 24 months.Results: At baseline, sHA and sMMP-3 were associated with moderate to large (score ≥ 2, n = 117) effusion synovitis, with odds ratio = 1.35 and 1.30 per 1 standard deviation in biochemical markers (95% confidence intervals 1.07, 1.71 and 1.00, 1.69), c-statistics 0.640 and 0.626, respectively. The c-statistics for the presence of Hoffa synovitis (score ≥ 2) were 0.693, 0.694, and 0.694 for sHA, sMMP-3, and sColl2-1NO2, respectively. There was no significant association between biochemical markers (baseline and 12 and 24 month time-integrated concentrations) and changes in MRI markers. The bulge and patellar tap signs were 22.0% and 4.3% sensitive and 88.8% and 94.8% specific, respectively, for detecting effusion synovitis (score ≥ 1) on MRI.Conclusions: sHA and sMMP-3 were modestly associated with effusion synovitis at baseline. Clinical signs of effusion are insensitive but highly specific for the presence of any effusion synovitis on non-CE MRI.

Implementation of meso-scale radioactive dispersion model for GPU

Abstract Lagrangian Particle Dispersion Method (LPDM) is applied to model atmospheric dispersion of radioactive material in a meso-scale of a few tens of kilometers for site study purpose. Empirical relationships are used to determine the dispersion coefficient for various atmospheric stabilities. Diagnostic 3-D wind-field is solved based on data from one meteorological station using mass-conservation principle. Particles representing radioactive pollutant are dispersed in the wind-field as a point source. Time-integrated air concentration is calculated using kernel density estimator (KDE) in the lowest layer of the atmosphere. Parallel code is developed for GTX-660Ti GPU with a total of 1 344 scalar processors using CUDA. A test of 1-hour release discovers that linear speedup is achieved starting at 28 800 particles-per-hour (pph) up to about 20 × at 14 4000 pph. Another test simulating 6-hour release with 36 000 pph resulted in a speedup of about 60 ×. Statistical analysis reveals that resulting grid do...

Characterization of the ambient air content of parent polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the Fort McKay region (Canada)

This study presents the characterization of the gas-particle partition and size distribution of seven parent polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in ambient air samples collected in the proximity of oil sands exploration and compares their time-integrated concentration levels with nineteen analogous oxidation products - quinones. Gas-phase (GP) and particle-phase (PM) ambient air aerosol samples that were collected separately in summer for either 24 h or 12 h (day and night) revealed a higher PAH partition in the GP than in the PM, with the distribution over tenfold higher for light over heavy PAHs. Diurnal/nocturnal samples demonstrated that night conditions lead to lower concentrations, linking some of the sources of these compounds with daytime activity emissions. PAHs were observed to transform more efficiently in the GP, and quinone levels increased in the PM with time. Correlation data indicated that parent PAHs originated from primary emission sources associated with oil sand activities and that quinone formation paralleled a reduction in PAH levels. The findings of this study shed new light on characterization of PAHs in the Athabasca oil sands region.