PURPOSE Clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of bladder-preserving chemoradiation therapy (BPT) in muscle-invasive bladder cancer but have differed in the radiation therapy dose/fractionations, radiation therapy targets, and concurrent chemotherapy regimens used. No data exist on the technical and practical approaches actually used in clinical practice throughout the United States whe...

The purpose of the survey was to evaluate physician's and authorities policies and clinical practices when using occupational X-ray during ablation procedures and device implantation. This survey shows infrequent use of lead gloves, radiation absorbing pads, and lead glass cabins, but increasing use of three-dimensional mapping systems to decrease X-ray radiation hazards. Digital fluoroscopy wi...

Electromagnetic radiation from microwave ovens in Saudi Arabia was investigated by means of a field measurement survey. The survey was carried out for 106 ovens used in households and restaurants in Riyadh city. Ovens were between 1 month and 14 years old with operating power ranging from 0.5 to 4.4 kW. One oven was found to leak more than the 5 mW cm(-2) limit specified in the standard. Fiftee...

INTRODUCTION A new initiative has been implemented at the Sunshine Hospital Radiation Therapy Centre, to provide a calming and comforting environment for patients attending radiation therapy treatment. As part of this initiative, the department's computed tomography (CT) room and radiation therapy bunkers were designed to incorporate ceiling art that replicates a number of different visual scen...

A comparison of two types of dose equivalent meters, a recombination chamber REM-2 and a tissue-equivalent proportional counter HANDI, were carried out at the CERN-EC high energy reference field facility, CERF, in October 2001. Here, the mixed high-energy radiation field in commercial flight altitudes can be simulated with dose equivalent rates up to 2 orders of magnitude higher. The total abso...

In studies with a long-term follow-up, peak expiratory flow (PEF) meters are often used to assess bronchial obstruction. The question arises whether data obtained with these frequently used meters are still reliable after several years of use, and whether the old meters should be renewed after a certain period. In the present study, we tested the reliability of PEF values measured with mini-Wri...

The calibration of pH meters including the pH glass electrode, ISE electrodes, buffers, and the general background for calibration are reviewed. Understanding of basic concepts of pH, pOH, and electrode mechanism is emphasized. New concepts of pH, pOH, as well as critical examination of activity, and activity coefficients are given. The emergence of new solid state pH electrodes and replacement...

Smart meters are assumed to contribute to energy conservation by providing updated consumption data to energy utilities, but, given their pervasive presence in consumers’ homes, they could also provide timely feedback to energy consumers/users. A precondition, however, is that smart meters are really usable to lay consumers. In the present study 40 participants were videorecorded while performi...