Incidence of cancer in the area around Amsterdam Airport Schiphol in 1988–2003: a population-based ecological study

BACKGROUND: Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is a major source of complaints about aircraft noise, safety risks and concerns about long term adverse health effects, including cancer. We investigated whether residents of the area around Schiphol are at higher risk of developing cancer than the general Dutch population. METHODS: In a population-based study using the regional cancer registry, we estimated the cancer incidence during 1988–2003 in residents of the area surrounding Schiphol. We defined a study area based on aircraft noise contours and 4-digit postal code areas, since historical data on ambient air pollution were not available and recent emission data did not differ from the background urban air quality. RESULTS: In residents of the study area 13 207 cancer cases were diagnosed, which was close to the expected number, using national incidence rates as a reference (standardized incidence ratio [SIR] 1.02). We found a statistically significantly increased incidence of hematological malignancies (SIR 1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05, 1.19), mainly due to high rates for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (SIR 1.22, 95% CI: 1.12, 1.33) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (SIR 1.34, 95% CI: 0.95, 1.83). The incidence of cancer of the respiratory system was statistically significantly decreased (SIR 0.94, 95% CI: 0.90, 0.99), due to the low rate in males (SIR 0.89). In the core zone of the study area, cancer incidence was slightly higher than in the remaining ring zone (rate ratio of the core zone compared to the ring zone 1.05, 95% CI 1.01, 1.10). This was caused by the higher incidence of cancer of the respiratory system, prostate and the female genital organs in the core zone in comparison to the ring zone. CONCLUSION: The overall cancer incidence in the Schiphol area was similar to the national incidence. The moderately increased risk of hematological malignancies could not be explained by higher levels of ambient air pollution in the Schiphol area. This observation warrants further research, for example in a study with focus on substances in urban ambient air pollution, as similar findings were observed in Greater Amsterdam

The Functional Interplay between Protein Kinase CK2 and CCA1 Transcriptional Activity Is Essential for Clock Temperature Compensation in Arabidopsis

Circadian rhythms are daily biological oscillations driven by an endogenous mechanism known as circadian clock. The protein kinase CK2 is one of the few clock components that is evolutionary conserved among different taxonomic groups. CK2 regulates the stability and nuclear localization of essential clock proteins in mammals, fungi, and insects. Two CK2 regulatory subunits, CKB3 and CKB4, have been also linked with the Arabidopsis thaliana circadian system. However, the biological relevance and the precise mechanisms of CK2 function within the plant clockwork are not known. By using ChIP and Double–ChIP experiments together with in vivo luminescence assays at different temperatures, we were able to identify a temperature-dependent function for CK2 modulating circadian period length. Our study uncovers a previously unpredicted mechanism for CK2 antagonizing the key clock regulator CIRCADIAN CLOCK-ASSOCIATED 1 (CCA1). CK2 activity does not alter protein accumulation or subcellular localization but interferes with CCA1 binding affinity to the promoters of the oscillator genes. High temperatures enhance the CCA1 binding activity, which is precisely counterbalanced by the CK2 opposing function. Altering this balance by over-expression, mutation, or pharmacological inhibition affects the temperature compensation profile, providing a mechanism by which plants regulate circadian period at changing temperatures. Therefore, our study establishes a new model demonstrating that two opposing and temperature-dependent activities (CCA1-CK2) are essential for clock temperature compensation in Arabidopsis

CSR and related terms in SME owner-managers' mental models in six European countries: national context matters

As a contribution to the emerging field of corporate social responsibility (CSR) cognition, this article reports on the findings of an exploratory study that compares SME owner–managers’ mental models with regard to CSR and related concepts across six European countries (Belgium, Italy, Norway, France, UK, Spain). Utilising Repertory Grid Technique, we found that the SME owner–managers’ mental models show a few commonalities as well as a number of differences across the different country samples. We interpret those differences by linking individual cognition to macro-environmental variables, such as language, national traditions and dissemination mechanisms. The results of our exploratory study show that nationality matters but that classifications of countries as found in the comparative capitalism literature do not exactly mirror national differences in CSR cognition and that these classifications need further differentiation. The findings from our study raise questions on the universality of cognition of academic management concepts and warn that promotion of responsible business practice should not rely on the use of unmediated US American management terminology

Prevention of acute kidney injury and protection of renal function in the intensive care unit

Acute renal failure on the intensive care unit is associated with significant mortality and morbidity. To determine recommendations for the prevention of acute kidney injury (AKI), focusing on the role of potential preventative maneuvers including volume expansion, diuretics, use of inotropes, vasopressors/vasodilators, hormonal interventions, nutrition, and extracorporeal techniques. A systematic search of the literature was performed for studies using these potential protective agents in adult patients at risk for acute renal failure/kidney injury between 1966 and 2009. The following clinical conditions were considered: major surgery, critical illness, sepsis, shock, and use of potentially nephrotoxic drugs and radiocontrast media. Where possible the following endpoints were extracted: creatinine clearance, glomerular filtration rate, increase in serum creatinine, urine output, and markers of tubular injury. Clinical endpoints included the need for renal replacement therapy, length of stay, and mortality. Studies are graded according to the international Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) group system Several measures are recommended, though none carries grade 1A. We recommend prompt resuscitation of the circulation with special attention to providing adequate hydration whilst avoiding high-molecular-weight hydroxy-ethyl starch (HES) preparations, maintaining adequate blood pressure using vasopressors in vasodilatory shock. We suggest using vasopressors in vasodilatory hypotension, specific vasodilators under strict hemodynamic control, sodium bicarbonate for emergency procedures administering contrast media, and periprocedural hemofiltration in severe chronic renal insufficiency undergoing coronary intervention

Circadian oscillator proteins across the kingdoms of life : Structural aspects 06 Biological Sciences 0601 Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Circadian oscillators are networks of biochemical feedback loops that generate 24-hour rhythms and control numerous biological processes in a range of organisms. These periodic rhythms are the result of a complex interplay of interactions among clock components. These components are specific to the organism but share molecular mechanisms that are similar across kingdoms. The elucidation of clock mechanisms in different kingdoms has recently started to attain the level of structural interpretation. A full understanding of these molecular processes requires detailed knowledge, not only of the biochemical and biophysical properties of clock proteins and their interactions, but also the three-dimensional structure of clockwork components. Posttranslational modifications (such as phosphorylation) and protein-protein interactions, have become a central focus of recent research, in particular the complex interactions mediated by the phosphorylation of clock proteins and the formation of multimeric protein complexes that regulate clock genes at transcriptional and translational levels. The three-dimensional structures for the cyanobacterial clock components are well understood, and progress is underway to comprehend the mechanistic details. However, structural recognition of the eukaryotic clock has just begun. This review serves as a primer as the clock communities move towards the exciting realm of structural biology

Soil as basis for a climate proof and healthy urban area

De klimaatverandering zal naar verwachting de komende decennia in Nederlandse steden meer perioden van hitte en droogte veroorzaken. Ook zullen intensievere regenbuien optreden die in het stedelijk gebied wateroverlast met zich meebrengen. De bijdrage van de bodem om steden klimaatbestendiger te maken, is in beleid echter vaak nog onderbelicht. De aanwezigheid van onbedekte bodem vergroot het waterbergend vermogen van het gebied en kan daarmee wateroverlast tegengaan. Daarnaast kan de aanleg van groen, openbaar of privé-eigendom, zorgen voor verkoeling tijdens hitteperioden. Ook buiten hitteperioden draagt groen eraan bij dat omwonenden positiever over hun gezondheid oordelen. Groen en onbedekte bodem per wijk op kaart: De baten van waterberging en groen zijn echter lastig in algemeen geldende kentallen uit te drukken, zo blijkt uit onderzoek van het RIVM. De baten zijn namelijk afhankelijk van veel factoren, zoals bodemeigenschappen, het type groen en de ruimtelijke inrichting. Om gemeenten toch een handvat te bieden, heeft het RIVM met behulp van kaarten inzichtelijk gemaakt hoe het percentage onbedekte bodem en de hoeveelheid groen per woning zich verhoudt tot bestaande richtlijnen die het klimaatbeleid ondersteunen. Op basis van deze kaarten kunnen beleidsafwegingen worden gemaakt, bijvoorbeeld op welke plek in een wijk de investering in parken en plantsoenen het meeste loont. Ook zijn kaarten gemaakt van de leeftijdsopbouw per wijk en de sociaal economische status (SES). Uit een kaart van een stad die voor dit onderzoek als voorbeeld dient, blijkt dat vooral in wijken met lage SES minder groen aanwezig is. Gemeenschappelijke belangen benutten: Om maatregelen voor meer openbaar groen en waterbergend vermogen eenvoudiger te kunnen realiseren, zouden gemeenten klimaatdoelen kunnen koppelen aan beleidsdoelen uit andere sectoren. Voorbeelden zijn infrastructuur, volksgezondheid, veiligheid en duurzaamheid. Samenwerking tussen verschillende sectoren wordt in de toekomst waarschijnlijk makkelijker als de nieuwe Omgevingswet van kracht is, waar het huidige kabinet momenteel aan werkt. Dit rapport geeft inzicht in de wijze waarop ambities op het gebied van klimaat, water, bodem en gezondheid aan elkaar gekoppeld kunnen worden.One of the effects of climate change expected to take place in urban areas in the Netherlands is an increase in periods of extreme heat and drought. Moreover, extreme rainfall events will probably occur, which may lead to an overburdening of public water systems in Dutch cities. How the soil can contribute to making cities more climate proof is often neglected. Research has shown that the presence of unsealed soil increases water storage capacity and can consequently prevent flooding. The planning of public or private green spaces, can also have a cooling effect during periods of extreme heat. In general, green spaces have a positive effect on how people living in the neighborhood perceive their health. Green areas and unsealed soil per neighborhood on the map: The benefits of water storage capacity and green spaces are difficult to express in averages. The benefits depend on many different factors such as soil properties, type of green spaces and spatial planning. To assist local authorities with policy, the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) has made maps that provide insight into the ratio of unsealed soil and the number of green spaces per household in relation to existing guidelines supporting climate policies. Based on these maps, policy assessments can be made, for example, in which site a neighborhood will most benefit from investment in parks and public gardens. Maps marking the age and socialeconomic status of the population have also been made. These maps show that in the model city that was studied for this research, the neighborhoods where people have a low social-economic status have fewer green spaces than others. Opportunities for common interests: To make it easier for achieving measures for more public green spaces and water storage capacity, local authorities should link goals for climate adaptation to goals in different policy fields. Examples of this are infrastructure, public health, safety and sustainability. The new legislation, which the current government is working on, aims at encouraging cooperation between different sectors. This research provides insight how goals for climate adaptation, soil, water and health can be linked.Ministerie van Infrastructuur en Milie

Bodem als draagvlak voor een klimaatbestendige en gezonde stad

De klimaatverandering zal naar verwachting de komende decennia in Nederlandse steden meer perioden van hitte en droogte veroorzaken. Ook zullen intensievere regenbuien optreden die in het stedelijk gebied wateroverlast met zich meebrengen. De bijdrage van de bodem om steden klimaatbestendiger te maken, is in beleid echter vaak nog onderbelicht. De aanwezigheid van onbedekte bodem vergroot het waterbergend vermogen van het gebied en kan daarmee wateroverlast tegengaan. Daarnaast kan de aanleg van groen, openbaar of privé-eigendom, zorgen voor verkoeling tijdens hitteperioden. Ook buiten hitteperioden draagt groen eraan bij dat omwonenden positiever over hun gezondheid oordelen. Groen en onbedekte bodem per wijk op kaart: De baten van waterberging en groen zijn echter lastig in algemeen geldende kentallen uit te drukken, zo blijkt uit onderzoek van het RIVM. De baten zijn namelijk afhankelijk van veel factoren, zoals bodemeigenschappen, het type groen en de ruimtelijke inrichting. Om gemeenten toch een handvat te bieden, heeft het RIVM met behulp van kaarten inzichtelijk gemaakt hoe het percentage onbedekte bodem en de hoeveelheid groen per woning zich verhoudt tot bestaande richtlijnen die het klimaatbeleid ondersteunen. Op basis van deze kaarten kunnen beleidsafwegingen worden gemaakt, bijvoorbeeld op welke plek in een wijk de investering in parken en plantsoenen het meeste loont. Ook zijn kaarten gemaakt van de leeftijdsopbouw per wijk en de sociaal economische status (SES). Uit een kaart van een stad die voor dit onderzoek als voorbeeld dient, blijkt dat vooral in wijken met lage SES minder groen aanwezig is. Gemeenschappelijke belangen benutten: Om maatregelen voor meer openbaar groen en waterbergend vermogen eenvoudiger te kunnen realiseren, zouden gemeenten klimaatdoelen kunnen koppelen aan beleidsdoelen uit andere sectoren. Voorbeelden zijn infrastructuur, volksgezondheid, veiligheid en duurzaamheid. Samenwerking tussen verschillende sectoren wordt in de toekomst waarschijnlijk makkelijker als de nieuwe Omgevingswet van kracht is, waar het huidige kabinet momenteel aan werkt. Dit rapport geeft inzicht in de wijze waarop ambities op het gebied van klimaat, water, bodem en gezondheid aan elkaar gekoppeld kunnen worden

ATLAS Muon Drift Tube Electronics

This paper describes the electronics used for the ATLAS monitored drift tube (MDT) chambers. These chambers are the main component of the precision tracking system in the ATLAS muon spectrometer. The MDT detector system consists of 1,150 chambers containing a total of 354,000 drift tubes. It is capable of measuring the sagitta of muon tracks to an accuracy of 60 m m, which corresponds to a momentum accuracy of about 10% at p(T) = 1 TeV. The design and performance of the MDT readout electronics as well as the electronics for controlling, monitoring and powering the detector will be discussed. These electronics have been extensively tested under simulated running conditions and have undergone radiation testing certifying them for more than 10 years of LHC operation. They are now installed on the ATLAS detector and are operating during cosmic ray commissioning runs