bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in children – Understanding the immune responses and controlling the pandemic
Authors: Lu Xiaoxia , Xiang Yun , Du Hui , Wing‐Kin Wong Gary
Published: April 2020

In December 2019, a cluster of patients with severe pneumonia caused by a novel coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2) emerged in the city of Wuhan, China. The disease is now termed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). In the early reports, the patients were mainly middle‐aged and elderly men, and children appeared to be less susceptible to this infection. With modern and efficient transportation, the disease quickly spread to almost all corners of the world and the mortality far exceeds that caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus or Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) coronavirus. As the number of children with COVID‐19 gradually increases, the disease has been documented in premature babies, infants, children, and adolescents. Severe and fatal cases in children are relatively rare. The burden of disease in children has been relatively low, but the high proportions of asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic infections in children deserve careful attention. A clear understanding of the immune responses to the virus in children and the transmission potential of asymptomatic children is of paramount importance for the development of specific treatments and vaccine in order to effectively control the ongoing pandemic.
The res (restored cell structure by salinity) tomato mutant reveals the role of the DEAD‐box RNA helicase SlDEAD39 in plant development and salt response
Authors: Capel Carmen , Albaladejo Irene , Egea Isabel , Massaretto Isabel L. , Yuste‐Lisbona Fernando J. , Pineda Benito , García‐Sogo Begoña , Angosto Trinidad , Flores Francisco B. , Moreno Vicente , Lozano Rafael , Bolarín María C. , Capel Juan
Published: April 2020

Increasing evidences highlight the importance of DEAD‐box RNA helicases in plant development and stress responses. In a previous study, we characterized the tomato res mutant (restored cell structure by salinity), showing chlorosis and development alterations that reverted under salt‐stress conditions. Map‐based cloning demonstrates that RES gene encodes SlDEAD39, a chloroplast‐targeted DEAD‐box RNA helicase. Constitutive expression of SlDEAD39 complements the res mutation, while the silencing lines had a similar phenotype than res mutant, which is also reverted under salinity. Functional analysis of res mutant proved SlDEAD39 is involved in the in vivo processing of the chloroplast, 23S rRNA, at the hidden break‐B site, a feature also supported by in vitro binding experiments of the protein. In addition, our results show that other genes coding for chloroplast‐targeted DEAD‐box proteins are induced by salt‐stress, which might explain the rescue of the res mutant phenotype. Interestingly, salinity restored the phenotype of res adult plants by increasing their sugar content and fruit yield. Together, these results propose an unprecedented role of a DEAD‐box RNA helicase in regulating plant development and stress response through the proper ribosome and chloroplast functioning, which, in turn, represents a potential target to improve salt tolerance in tomato crops.
Effect of prostheses on children with congenital upper limb deficiencies
Authors: Mano Hiroshi , Fujiwara Sayaka , Haga Nobuhiko
Published: April 2020

Background

Individual weaknesses in motor skills are a characteristic of children with congenital upper limb deficiencies. These weaknesses increase with age. In Japan, however, prosthetic prescription and subsequent rehabilitation approaches for children with upper limb deficiencies are insufficient and often delayed. This study aimed to elucidate whether rehabilitation approaches, including prostheses prescription and occupational therapy, improve these children’s adaptive behaviors, especially their motor skills.

Methods

The study included nine children, aged 0–6 years, with unilateral transradial or transcarpal upper limb deficiencies. We measured their adaptive behaviors and motor skills at the beginning of prosthetic therapy and after 1.5 years, using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales – Second Edition.

Results

The score for the motor skills domain was significantly lower than the median score of the domains at the beginning of prosthetic therapy. The motor skill weaknesses significantly improved after 1.5 years of prosthetic therapy.

Conclusions

Although children with congenital upper limb deficiencies have individual weaknesses in their motor skill behavior, it was shown that these weaknesses can be improved through rehabilitation approaches, including occupational and prosthetic therapies. Issuing the appropriate prostheses and implementing the appropriate training to use the prostheses for congenital upper limb deficiencies are reasonable and meaningful interventions to improve quality of life.
A Kantian Interpretation of Kelsen’s Basic Norm
Authors: García Berger Mario
Published: April 2020

This paper proposes a reading of Kelsen’s basic norm based on Kant’s regulative ideas. I begin by exposing Kant’s conception of the principles of reason. Then I criticize an interpretation of the basic norm along the same lines made by Stanley Paulson. Thirdly I analyze two theses from Hermann Cohen that influenced Kelsen greatly and reinforce my stance on the basic norm. Lastly, I explain how the Kelsenian tenet that the basic norm is the transcendental grounding of the normativity of law can be comprehended based on the role the ideas of reason play in the systematization of knowledge.
The Potential of Abductive Legal Reasoning
Authors: Askeland Bjarte
Published: April 2020

The article describes the potential of abductive legal reasoning as a means of systematically exploring the role of inferences within legal reasoning. Starting out from the structures of abduction as originally presented by Peirce in his four‐horsemen example, the author points to the fact that Peirce actually employed a hypothesis that targeted an institutional fact. Hence the abductive inference has a great potential for categorising new phenomena under norms, yet it is undertheorised within the field of law as compared to other fields of science. The article presents the idea of comparison in the frame of “double abduction” as an important feature of legal reasoning.
The localization and expression of epidermal growth factor and epidermal growth factor receptor in bovine ovary during oestrous cycle
Authors: Luo Yuru , Zhang Ruiqi , Gao Jing , Wang Yali , Zhang Weimin , Qing Suzhu
Published: April 2020

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is one of the important regulatory factors of EGF family. EGF has been indicated to effectively inhibit the apoptosis of follicular cells, to promote the proliferation of granulosa cells and the maturation of oocytes, and to induce ovulation process via binding to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). However, little is known about the distribution and expression of EGF and EGFR in cattle ovary especially during oestrous cycle. In this study, the localization and expression rule of EGF and EGFR in cattle ovaries of follicular phase and luteal phase at different time points in oestrous cycle were investigated by using IHC and real‐time qPCR. The results showed that EGF and EGFR in cattle ovary were mainly expressed in granulosa cells, cumulus cells, oocytes, zona pellucida, follicular fluid and theca folliculi externa of follicles. The protein and mRNA expression of EGF/EGFR in follicles changed regularly with the follicular growth wave both in follicular and in luteal phase ovaries. In follicular phase ovaries, the protein expression of EGF and EGFR was higher in antral follicles than that of those in other follicles during follicular growth stage, and the mRNA expression of EGFR was also increased in stage of dominant follicle selection. However, in luteal phase ovaries, the growth of follicles was impeded during corpus luteum development under the action of progesterone secreted by granular lutein cell. The mRNA and protein expressions of EGF and EGFR in ovarian follicles during oestrous cycle indicate that they play a role in promoting follicular development in follicular growth waves and mediating the selection process of dominant follicles.
Tree shelters facilitate brown oak seedling survival and establishment in a grazing‐dominant forest of Bhutan, Eastern Himalaya
Authors: Dorji Tshewang , Facelli José M. , Norbu Tshewang , Delean Steven , Brookes Justin D.
Published: April 2020

Brown oak (Quercus semecarpifolia) forest is essential for ecological and socioeconomic functions, mainly grazing in the Himalayas. The tree has failed to regenerate naturally and is a threatened species. Restoration of brown oaks is crucial to ensure sustainability while maintaining livestock grazing in these habitats. Achieving this requires cost‐effective restoration techniques that are practicable and sympathetic to the multiple uses of the forest. We assessed the combined effect of grazing (control) and three tree shelters (Protex tubes, mesh wires, and wooden frames) on the field performance of oak seedlings in a forest with heavy grazing pressure. Seedling survival and morphological indicators, including seedling height, collar diameter, sturdiness quotient (SQ), and leaf mass per area (LMA) indices, were measured. More than 90% of control seedlings without protective shelters suffered severe browsing and demonstrated significantly lower survival rates compared to tree shelter seedlings, indicating that grazing was the primary factor governing regeneration success. Seedling survival in tree shelters was three times higher, while the height increase was two times higher than the control. Additionally, locally made mesh wire and wooden tree shelters were more effective than Protex and control in producing quality seedlings reflected by the SQ and LMA values. We suggest that tree shelter is a promising option to restore brown oaks due to its efficacy to defend grazing and support the local community's rights to forest grazing. Our finding is expected to support Bhutan's forest policy of incorporating grazing and tree regeneration into forest management.
Seed enhancement: getting seeds restoration‐ready
Authors: Pedrini Simone , Balestrazzi Alma , Madsen Matthew D. , Bhalsing Khiraj , Hardegree Stuart P. , Dixon Kingsley W. , Kildisheva Olga A.
Published: April 2020

Seed enhancement technologies such as seed priming and seed coating, developed by the agricultural seed industry, are standard procedures for the majority of crop and horticultural seeds. However, such technologies are only just being evaluated for native plant seeds despite the potential benefits of such treatments for improving restoration effectiveness. Key approaches applicable to native seed include: (1) seed priming, where seeds are hydrated under controlled conditions, and (2) seed coating, in which external materials and compounds are applied onto seeds through a diversity of treatments. These technologies are commonly employed to accelerate and synchronize germination and to improve seed vigor, seedling emergence, establishment, and to facilitate mechanized seed delivery to site, through standardizing seed size and shape. Seed enhancement technologies have now been tested on native seeds to overcome logistical and ecological barriers in restoration. However, further research is needed to extend the application of seed enhancements to a broader array of species, ecosystems, and regions as well as to evaluate new and innovative approaches such as the incorporation of beneficial soil microorganisms and plant growth regulators in the coatings. As techniques in native seed enhancement develop, these approaches need to be capable of being scaled‐up to provide the tonnages of seed required for global restoration.
The process towards a Global Pact for the Environment at the United Nations: From legal ambition to political dilution
Authors: Juste Ruiz José
Published: April 2020

This article examines how instrumental the ongoing process towards a Global Pact for the Environment – launched by the United Nations General Assembly on 10 May 2018 – may be in strengthening the normative and governance system for meeting the challenges represented by environmental degradation in the context of sustainable development. It reviews the origins, evolution and current status of the process towards achieving a Global Pact for the Environment until the setback experienced in Nairobi in May 2019. Arguments stressing the value of a normative approach to the governance of the Earth system are weighed against the manifest preference of States for political action to ensure the better implementation of existing norms. The article ends by making a case for an integrative policy‐and‐law approach with a view to adopting a robust declaration that expresses the firm commitment of States to protect and restore the integrity of the Earth system.
Distortions to agricultural incentives: Evidence from Nigerian value chains
Authors: Tokgoz Simla , Allen Summer , Majeed Fahd , Paris Bas , Adeola Olajide , Osabuohien Evans
Published: April 2020

Understanding how policies affect price transmission and incentives for producers and consumers along the complete value chain is a relevant research question due to the more globalized structure of agricultural value chains. In particular, Nigerian agricultural value chains have been targeted by a number of policy decisions. We analyze the import‐oriented palm oil value chain and the export‐oriented cacao value chain, estimating the price distortions from policies and their implications for production incentives at the regional level. For palm oil, due to protective trade policies and domestic initiatives, the nominal rate of protection (NRP) at the farmgate for palm oil producers shows that producers have been protected. NRPs at the border for cacao beans and cocoa products are negative, which may be due to a quality gap, the export market structure, and the concentration of buyers in global markets. Negative NRPs at the farmgate are seen for all regions, showing disincentives in the cacao beans export market reverberate through the domestic market despite domestic support policies. In both value chains, NRPs at farmgate vary across regions partially due to regional policy frameworks and partially due to local conditions impacting price transmission.
Macroeconomic spillover effects of the Chinese economy
Authors: Sznajderska Anna , Kapuściński Mariusz
Published: April 2020

The slowdown of economy and widening of domestic imbalances in China bothers economists and politicians across the globe. We estimate the influence of a negative output shock in China on a number of different economies. We concentrate on China's neighboring countries. We compare the results from the Global VAR model and from the Bayesian VAR models. Also using Bayesian model averaging we search for determinants of Chinese spillovers for the global economy. We find that spillovers are stronger to economies with less flexible exchange rates, a higher share of manufacturing in gross value added and to economies which are larger.
The risk for scurvy in children with neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Kothari Priya , Tate Anupama , Adewumi Abimbola , Kinlin Laura M. , Ritwik Priyanshi
Published: April 2020

Background

Scurvy, the disease resulting from vitamin C deficiency, is perceived as being rare and occurring predominantly in the past. However, scurvy continues to exist and may be encountered in children with medical/developmental conditions and/or restricted diet. Diagnosis can be challenging given the perceived rarity of the condition and nonspecific symptoms, including gingival disease.

Methods

We present a series of two cases of scurvy in which the affected children presented to medical attention with dental complaints. Additional cases of scurvy are described, based on the literature review of case reports/series published in the last 10 years.

Results

Literature review yielded 77 relevant case reports published in the English language since 2009. Most affected children had a previous diagnosis of a medical or developmental condition (especially autism spectrum disorder). Intraoral features (gingival swelling, pain, and bleeding) were noted in most of the identified cases of scurvy. Improvement in the oral features of scurvy occurred within days of vitamin C therapy initiation.

Conclusions

Recognizing classic signs and symptoms of scurvy enables prompt diagnosis and avoids invasive investigations. Dentists may be in a unique position to facilitate prompt and accurate diagnosis of a condition that is relatively easy and safe to treat once identified.
A ‘near‐life experience’: lived experiences of spirituality from the perspective of people who have been subject to inpatient psychiatric care
Authors: Koslander Tiburtius , Rönning Sonia , Magnusson Sofia , Wiklund Gustin Lena
Published: April 2020

Aims

To describe lived experiences of spirituality from the perspective of people who have been subject to inpatient psychiatric care and to interpret these experiences from an understanding of health as dialectical.

Methods

After approval from a regional ethical board, eleven participants were recruited from two organisations for people with mental health problems. Participants were asked to narrate about spiritual experiences and occasions where such experiences had come close. The transcribed interviews were analysed by means of a phenomenological hermeneutical approach.

Findings

A structural analysis of the text resulted in three themes; perceiving the presence of something extra mundane, making sense of reality and struggling for acceptance. The comprehensive understanding highlights spiritual experiences as going beyond religion, even though religious experiences appear as part of it. These experiences can indeed be a resource contributing to experiences of hope, connectedness, meaning and coherence in life. However, they can also give rise to doubt, anxiety and feelings of loneliness and hopelessness. Rather than understanding spiritual experiences as being either ‘good’ or ‘bad’, we could approach spirituality as something that is always present in alternate and inter‐related forms. Metaphorically, this could be understood as a ‘near‐life experience’, summarising participants’ experiences related to their struggle with issues related to suffering and health which are simultaneously present.

Conclusions

If psychiatric nurses could approach this complexity and, without being judgemental, explore seemingly positive and negative experiences of spirituality as dialectically related to each other, rather than viewing them as either resources or problems, this could contribute to insiderness care and hopefully also support people who struggle with these experiences to seek help when needed.
On the identification of individual level pleiotropic, pure direct, and principal stratum direct effects without cross world assumptions
Authors: Zaidi Jaffer M. , VanderWeele Tyler J.
Published: April 2020

The analysis of natural direct and principal stratum direct effects has a controversial history in statistics and causal inference as these effects are commonly identified with either untestable cross world independence or graphical assumptions. This article demonstrates that the presence of individual level natural direct and principal stratum direct effects can be identified without cross world independence assumptions. We also define a new type of causal effect, called pleiotropy, that is of interest in genomics, and provide empirical conditions to detect such an effect as well. Our results are applicable for all types of distributions concerning the mediator and outcome.
The (non) gradual association of popularity with peer‐nominated and observed behavior in a cooperative and competitive context
Authors: Lansu Tessa A. M. , Rovers Anne C. , te Dorsthorst Anniek M.
Published: April 2020

Popularity among peers might be related to behavior in gradual or non‐gradual ways. In this research, a popularity subgroups approach was used to examine whether some behaviors were associated with only specific levels of popularity. Moreover, observational data in popularity research is valuable yet scarce. This research, therefore, also examined the association between popularity and observed behavior in a cooperative and competitive setting. In total, 182 early adolescents (58.2% girls, Mage = 10.7 years) completed peer nominations and were observed during a cooperative and a competitive task in groups of four. Results show that affective ties increased gradually with increasing popularity, but that relational aggression, bullying and attention‐attracting qualities distinguished popular adolescents from other early adolescents, and victimization distinguished unpopular adolescents from the other early adolescents. Observations showed that high popularity was defined by high levels of negative behavior, prosocial resource control, skillful leadership, and influence, with the effect of popularity on influence being stronger in the cooperative than the competitive setting. Using multiple methods, and taking context into account, a more complete behavioral profile of different levels of popularity is provided.
Microbial fabrics of geyserites around hot spring pools in Daggyai, Tibet, China
Authors: Li Rong , Wu Geng , Jones Brian , Shi Taiheng
Published: April 2020

The Daggyai geyserites serve as hosts for cesium deposits; however, their origin, whether by chemical deposition or biological formation, is a topic of debate. To decipher the origin of geyserites, the petrographic features of the geyserite samples were examined. The geyserites exhibited columnar laminated, planar laminated and spicular morphologies. Furthermore, they contained morphological and confocal microscopic evidence of the coccoid, bacilliform and filamentous microbes that formed them. Minor calcite and quartz crystals were found locally in the columnar laminated and spicular geyserites. Cyanobacteria tentatively assigned to the genus Calothrix dominated in the planar and columnar laminated geyserites, but were rare in the spicular geyserites. The results demonstrated that the microbes contributed to the Daggyai geyserite formation.
Impact of sickle cell disease on presentation and progression of paediatric HIV: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ssenyondwa Joseph , George Paul E. , Carlos Bazo‐Alvarez Juan , Mercedes Rebecca , Kanywa Jacqueline B. , Naturinda Ernest , Wasswa Peter L. M. , Lubega Joseph
Published: April 2020

Objectives

HIV and sickle cell disease (SCD) are significant causes of morbidity and mortality in sub‐Saharan Africa. Given their separate roles in immune dysregulation, our objective was to characterise the impact that SCD has on the presentation and progression of paediatric HIV.

Methods

The study was a retrospective cohort study (study period 2004–2018). Cases of HIV + and SCD‐afflicted patients (HIV+/SCD+) were obtained via electronic chart review from a paediatric HIV clinic in Kampala, Uganda and matched 1:3 with HIV + controls without SCD (HIV+/SCD‐).

Results

Thirty‐five HIV+/SCD + subjects and 95 HIV+/SCD‐ controls were analysed (39% female (51/130), age 3.6 years (SD3.9)). At baseline, WHO clinical stage (64% total cohort Stage III/IV) and nutritional status (9.4% severe acute malnutrition) were similar for both groups, whereas HIV+/SCD + had higher though non‐significant baseline CD4 count (1036 (SD713) vs 849 (SD638) cells/microlitre, P = 0.20, two‐tailed t‐test). There were 19 deaths, 6 (17%) HIV+/SCD + and 13 (14%) HIV+/SCD‐, with unadjusted/adjusted models showing no significant difference. Nutritional progression and clinical stage progression showed no significant differences between groups. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed a slower rate of treatment failures in the HIV+/SCD + cohort (P = 0.11, log‐rank survival test). Trajectory analysis showed that in the time period analysed, the HIV+/SCD + cohort showed a more rapid rise and higher total CD4 count (P = 0.012, regression analysis).

Conclusion

The study suggests that SCD does not adversely affect the progression of HIV in patients on ART. Further, HIV+/SCD + achieved higher CD4 counts and fewer HIV treatment failures, suggesting physiological effects due to SCD might mitigate HIV progression.
Comparison of high‐field MRI and multidetector CT for grading Chiari‐like malformation and syringomyelia in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Authors: Weber Sarah M , Hostnik Eric T , Drost Wm Tod , Hamlin Alessandra N , Ledesma Marc A , Timperman Lauren , Hechler Ashley C. , Cole Lynette K
Published: April 2020

Chiari‐like malformation (CM) and syringomyelia (SM) are common illnesses that can cause debilitating neuropathic pain in Cavalier King Charles spaniels (CKCS). The current imaging modality to screen CKCS for CM/SM is MRI of the brain and cervical spine. Magnetic resonance imaging provides good soft tissue detail and contrast of the cerebellum and cervical spinal cord. Computed tomography (CT) is another cross‐sectional imaging technique that facilitates brain and neck evaluation; however, soft tissue resolution does not match that of MRI. Computed tomography benefits include identification of concurrent craniocervical junction anomalies (atlantooccipital overlap) and shorter imaging/anesthesia times with the ability to use only sedation. The aim of this retrospective, method comparison study is to assess the utility of multidetector CT for screening CM and SM in CKCS as compared to high‐field MRI. Three groups of observers with different levels of experience graded CM and SM based on the British Veterinary Association/Kennel Club CM/SM classification criteria. Thirty CKCS underwent multidetector CT and 3 Tesla MRI studies. Computed tomography and MRI studies were reviewed at different timepoints to minimize bias. Computed tomography has lower Cohen's Kappa agreement for each observer group compared to MRI. The intraclass correlation coefficient averaging CM and SM for all groups was excellent using MRI, while CT was poor for SM and moderate for cerebellar herniation. Greater observer experience resulted in a higher agreement for CT and MRI. Magnetic resonance imaging should remain the standard for screening of CM and SM as CT can result in misclassification and greater disagreement.
Randomized controlled trial of pregabalin for analgesia after surgical treatment of intervertebral disc disease in dogs
Authors: Schmierer Philipp A. , Tünsmeyer Julia , Tipold Andrea , Hartnack‐Wilhelm Sonja , Lesczuk Piotr , Kästner Sabine B. R.
Published: April 2020

Objective

To assess the effect of perioperative pregabalin on pain behavior in dogs after intervertebral disc surgery.

Study design

Prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial with a blinded observer.

Animals

Forty‐six client‐owned dogs undergoing intervertebral disc surgery.

Methods

Dogs were randomly assigned to two groups, with the placebo group receiving opioids alone and the pregabalin group receiving opioids plus pregabalin. Opioid analgesia consisted of 0.6 mg/kg l‐methadone given intravenously at anesthetic induction, followed by 0.2 mg/kg given at 8, 16, and 24 hours after extubation and fentanyl patches applied at the end of surgery. Pregabalin was given orally (4 mg/kg) 1 hour before anesthesia, followed by postoperative treatment three times per day (4 mg/kg) for 5 days. The outcome measures were the treatment‐group differences in peri‐incisional mechanical sensitivity and Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale (CMPS‐SF) assessed during the first 5 postoperative days. Pregabalin serum concentrations were measured after 24, 72, and 120 hours.

Results

Pregabalin reduced pain levels in the treatment group by a mean of 2.5 CMPS‐SF units (95% confidence interval [CI] = −3.19 to −1.83,P < .001) compared with the control group during the study period. Pregabalin increased the mechanical nociceptive threshold by a mean of 6.89 N per day (95% CI = 1.87‐11.92,P < .001) and of 7.52 N per day (95% CI = 2.29‐12.77,P < .001) during the study period, depending on location. Mean levels of serum pregabalin were 5.1, 4.71, and 3.68 μg/mL at 24, 72, and 120 hours postoperatively, respectively.

Conclusion

Postoperative signs of pain after surgical treatment of intervertebral disc herniation (IVDH) were reduced when dogs received perioperative pregabalin rather than opioids alone.

Clinical significance

Perioperative pregabalin reduces postoperative pain after surgical treatment of IVDH.
On models and modelling
Authors: Hundt Marianne
Published: April 2020

World Englishes (WE) research has been invested in getting to grips with the diversity of different Englishes and in making sense of their structural properties. The first research strand led to a proliferation of theoretical models, the second to comparative research relying increasingly on sophisticated statistical modelling. The connection between these research strands is not always as clear as we might wish, and occasionally even rather tenuous. This paper revisits existing models of WEs with a view to their predictive power and reviews recent corpus‐based studies with respect to the ways that these have tried to operationalise predictions of theoretical models. It uses a mental model to understand exactly why it is apparently so difficult to bring intricate, quantitative modelling of usage data to bear on theoretical modelling.
The progressive in 19th and 20th century settler and indigenous Indian English
Authors: Fuchs Robert
Published: April 2020

Based on a diachronic newspaper corpus, this study analyses change in the use of the progressive in the Indian English (IndE) settler strand and indigenous strand varieties from 1900 to 2000, comparing it to developments in British English (BrE). Results indicate that these three varieties showed distinct patterns of usage. The IndE indigenous strand reveals evidence of substrate transfer in the use of perfect progressives and unbounded/undelimited habitual progressives. Some of the resulting usage patterns appear to have been carried over to the IndE settler strand. Diachronically, similar developmental trends can be observed in IndE and BrE, although IndE was slower to adopt these trends (‘colonial lag’). By contrast, linguistic features caused by substrate transfer decreased in frequency over time. Overall, diachronic developments do not indicate divergence between IndE and BrE, supporting the analysis of Indian English being in a ‘steady state’ instead of advancing to full endonormativity.
Mizunami Underground Research Laboratory in Japan: Pre-Excavation Site Characterization and Influence on Design Concepts
Authors: McCrank Glen F. , Amano Kenji , Koide Kaoru , Matsui Hiroya , Mikake Shinichiro , Nakano Katsushi , Ota Kunio , Saegusa Hiromitsu , Sugihara Kozo , Takeda Seietsu , Takeuchi Shinji
Published: April 2020

The Mizunami Underground Research Laboratory (MIU) will be constructed by the Japan Nuclear Cycle Development Institute (JNC) in central Japan. The project is planned in three overlapping phases consisting of I) Surface-based Investigation II) Construction and III) Operations Phases. This paper addresses the methods used to investigate the geological environment, the integration of the site knowledge into conceptual models and the application of the knowledge in designing the facility; some aspects of the future experimental programme are discussed.
Radwaste Processing and Volume Reduction in America: A Commercial Providers Prospective
Authors: Greenman William , Rae Glen
Published: April 2020

In the early 1980’s, the United States realized the need for developing and implementing volume reduction programs as a result of rapidly increasing disposal prices. To better serve the nation, in 1984 Duratek established a fixed base volume reduction facility near Oak Ridge, TN to provide radwaste volume reduction and enhanced waste forms. Over the years, this facility has been expanded to provide many different treatment schemes with technologies that include two of the nations only radwaste incinerators, the largest ultra compactor and the largest metal melter. The original Oak Ridge site has also geographically expanded to three other volume reduction sites (two in Tennessee and one in South Carolina). These technologies provide extreme VR’s for DAW and other solid waste as well as a beneficial and controlled recycling outlet for metals resulting in essentially “0” waste for disposal. In addition, technologies such as waste segmentation and sorting, material decontamination, liquid waste processing (with benefits of 80–90% reduction in radwaste generation compared to media based systems), survey for release, and other beneficial metal recycling completed the primary technologies and reduced waste volumes further.

This paper will provide information on the techniques developed and utilized over the years to reach ultimate volume reduction and assist in reducing the nations radwaste disposal volume by well over 50%.
Application of Polyhexamethyleneguanidine Type Biocides at Cementing the Radioactive Waste
Authors: Varlakov Andrey P. , Gorbunova Olga A. , Barinov Aleksandr S. , Iljin Vadim A. , Efimov Konstantin M. , Gembitsky Petr A.
Published: April 2020

In order to prevent biological corrosion of cement compound containing radioactive waste, it is proposed to use biocidal additives of polyhexamethyleneguanidines (PHMG), which have a wide range of biocidal activity.

It has been shown that inclusion of biocidal additives of polyhexamethyleneguanidines in quantities 0,25–2% wt. into the grout used for the solidification of radioactive waste (RW) or for recovering the integrity of old RW repositories provides the necessary bacteriostatic and biocidal protection of cement compound and improves all the regulated properties — compression strength, Cs-137 leaching rate, frost-resistance, radiation resistance and long term water resistance.
Comparative Assessment of Low-Level Radioactive Waste Life-Cycle Disposal Costs of U.S. Commercial Facilities
Authors: Bentz E. J. , Bentz C. B. , O’Hora T. D.
Published: April 2020

This paper provides a comparative assessment of low-level radioactive waste (LLW) life-cycle costs for U.S. commercial disposal facilities. This assessment includes both currently operational facilities and planned commercial facilities.

After identifying the individual facility’s operational period, current or planned capacity, and historical disposal volumes (where applicable), the paper describes the respective facilities’ waste acceptance criteria, anticipated waste characteristics, and disposal technologies employed.

A brief identification of key components of cost categories that constitute life-cycle cost for the disposal facilities is provided, as well as an identification of factors that affect life-cycle cost. A more specific comparison of certain life-cycle cost components for the disposal facilities is provided, with regard to U.S. LLW disposal volumes and characteristics. Similarities and differences in total life-cycle cost and life-cycle category-specific costs among the U.S. facilities are presented and discussed. The data presented reveals that:

• No new LLW commercial disposal facilities have been sited in the U.S. since 1988, and that siting of LLW disposal facilities in the U.S. has become increasingly difficult and contentious, necessitating long lead times and significant up-front costs — without any certainty of success.

• Overall, life-cycle costs for LLW disposal at U.S. commercial facilities have increased significantly over time, reflecting increased regulatory compliance requirements, state-imposed access fees and taxes, local community hosting incentive costs, and cost escalation inherent in delays in establishing facilities or modifying existing licensed facilities.

• Life-cycle costs are also significantly affected by the nature of the engineered isolation technology employed, reflecting the geologic characteristics of the siting location and the activity levels of the wastes accepted.

• Since many of the newly-planned facilities anticipate receiving lower total volumes with an increasingly greater percentage of higher activity wastes (than historical volumes disposed) and are to be sited in more ecologically sensitive geologic regions, they will require more comprehensive — and hence more expensive — engineered isolation technologies.

As a result, currently planned facilities are anticipated to experience significantly higher total life-cycle costs than existing operational facilities.
Experimental Study on Radioactive Contamination of Spent Reactor Graphite From the SGCE (Tomsk-7) Plutonium-Production Reactors
Authors: Bushuev Anatoly , Verzilov Yury , Zubarev Victor , Aleeva Tatiana , Petrova Ekaterina , Proshin Igor , Kachanovsky Alexander , Silin Boris , Dmitriev Alexander , Zakharova Elena , Ushakov Sergey , Nikolaev Andrey , Baranov Igor , Kabanov Yury , Kolobova Ella
Published: April 2020

The paper is devoted to investigations of spent reactor graphite contamination. The study was based on the sampling from the graphite stacks and sleeves of three shut down plutonium-production reactors in Siberian Group of Chemical Enterprises (SGCE), Seversk (Tomsk-7). Several hundreds graphite samples were analysed by means of α-, β-, γ- and X-ray spectrometry. Contents of 3H, 14C, fission products, actinides, products of impurities neutron activation were determined. The inventories of above mentioned radionuclides were estimated. Correlation between content of various groups of radionuclides was studied. Graphite sleeves contamination was studied depending on the period of their irradiation.

Comparison of obtained experimental data for the three SGCE reactors with calculated predictions showed substantial difference. The conclusion was made on applicability of the data obtained for estimations of spent graphite contamination in other reactor types including RBMK reactors.

The main part of the studies was performed in the frame of the ISTC Projects No. 561 and No. 1409 fulfilment.
Gamma Spectrometry Measurement for the Soil in Contaminated Fields
Authors: Cheng Zhiwei
Published: April 2020

This paper introduces a method of HPGe gamma spectrometry measurement for the soil samples collected from contaminated fields. HPGe gamma spectrometry system is equipped in a transportable laboratory, and the samples can be processed and analyzed on-site.
New Treatment Facility for Optimized Conditioning of Activated Core Components
Authors: Gestermann G. , Finkbeiner R.
Published: April 2020

In the course of decommissioning of one German BWR power station, a number of activated core components have to be prepared for interim storage in a shielded building at the NPP site. For optimum use of the storage capacity, a maximum volume reduction is to be achieved.

The components to be treated are 774 water channels and 130 control elements. The resulting material has to be accommodated in special design stainless steel drums which initially will be positioned in the fuel pool awaiting subsequent treatment. For accommodation of the material in the drums, the core components have to be cut by an underwater shear, and in order to achieve a maximum loading of the drum, after cutting the material is compacted by an underwater in-drum compactor. An integrated facility consisting basically of the underwater shear and the in-drum compactor has especially been designed and built for that given task. The paper will describe that equipment and the work to be performed.
Treatment and Conditioning of Low- and Intermediate Level Radioactive Waste at the Austrian Research Centers Seibersdorf (ARCS)
Authors: Neubauer Josef
Published: April 2020

The Austrian Research Centers Seibersdorf (ARCS) serve as the country’s centralised facilitiy for the treatment, conditioning and interim storage of low- and intermediate level radioactive waste (Radwaste). All Radwaste originating in Austria is transferred to ARCS and comes from one or several sources: The former operation of a research reactor, the application of radioactive materials in medicine, R&D, industry, IAEA Laboratories at Seibersdorf, and technically enhanced natural radioactive materials, such as by-product at industrial metallurgical processes and other processes, is transferred to ARCS for treatment, conditioning and interim storage.

Dependent on the waste category, the relevant treatment technology is applied.

In total more then 6900 m3 of low and intermediate level radioactive solid wastes originating from Austria were treated in the period 1976 to 2000.

The aim of treatment and conditioning is the safe enclosure of the Radwaste by the use of barriers to surround and isolate the waste and transform it to an insoluble form. At the same time it is important to reduce the volume of the raw waste by applying appropriate treatment technologies, in order to save space in the storage facilities and thereby achieving a cost savings.
Systematical Approach to the Radioactive Waste Management in Slovak Republic
Authors: Breza Milan
Published: April 2020

The aim of this paper is to inform of the world’s specialists about the systematical approach to the radioactive waste management in Slovak Republic (Slovakia).

In Slovakia are in operation six preassurized light water reactors at NPPs V-1, V-2 in Jaslovske Bohunice and reactors 2×440 MWe in NPP Mochovce at present. The installed elektro-capacity produced from these reactors is 2640 MWe total.

The first experimental NPP in the former Czechoslovakia was NPP A-1. It had used natural uranium as a fuel and heavy water as a moderator and CO2 as a cooling medium. The installed preformance of this NPP A-1 was 150 MWe and was in operation since 1972 to 1977. After two technological incidents former Czechoslovak government have decided to take out of this NPP A-1 from operation.

According to former Soviet projects concerning for costructions of the above mentioned NPP in Jaslovske Bohunice Slovakia, to these project didn’t belong the projects for constructions of the technological units for the radioactive waste treatment, expect of the evaporating plant for the contaminated water concetration and storage tanks for the evaporated concentrates storage and storage possibilities for the contaminated solid waste storage. A comparable complicated situation was at NPP A-1, because all type of the radioactive waste streams content gama, beta and alfa radioanuclides as well. The second technological incident at NPP A-1 (with the some portion of the cooling medium CO2 leaking form the reactor vessel out) caused contamination for the NPP A-1 operating spaces by alfa radionuclides and alfa radionuclides penetrated in all waste streams at storage tanks, pipelines, vessels, etc. as well.

During the beginning of the 80’s were realized some states R and D tasks that solved the systematical approach to the radioactive waste treatment in former Czechoslovakia. The main aim of the first etap was solved the all problems connected for the radioactive waste, treatment that are formed during NPPs of the VVER-440 type operation. It was necessary to secure the production of the electro energie. The most seriously priority had the tasks, that solved of the evaporator concentrates and solid waste treatment, especially burnable, pretratment. Simultaneuosly were solved the problems connected with the proposals, designings and realisations of the disposals for the long term storage of the treated RAW in the Czech and Slovak regions. In this presentation I have tried to deliver main information, that give of the survey for RAW treatment and their long term safety storage at disposal system in Mochovec - Slovakia.
Current Status of the New Spent Fuel Dry Storage Facility in Romania
Authors: Andrei Veronica , Glodeanu Florin , Rotaru Ioan , Daian Ioana
Published: April 2020

The Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant (NPP), in commercial operation since 1996, produces more than 10% of the electricity produced in Romania. Recently, the Romanian Government declared its commitment for completion of a second reactor of the CANDU design, under construction on the Cernavoda site.

The annual spent fuel arising from a CANDU reactor is about 100tU. The current policy for spent fuel management as practiced by the plant owner is to store it in the reactor bay for minimum six years and in a dry storage facility for a minimum of 50 years. For geological disposal of spent fuel, the “wait and see” strategy is considered the best approach, as Romania has a relative low scale nuclear program and wants to benefit by the international progress in this field.

The construction of a new spent fuel dry storage facility located in the vicinity of the nuclear power reactor site represents a main priority for the next three years. The site of this facility will accommodate two nuclear units’ inventories of spent fuel for the entire planned lifetime. An international public-limited tender was organized to select the supplier of the dry storage technology in early 2001. The tenderer was asked to propose a proven and licensed technology capable of storing CANDU spent fuel according to specified design parameters and safety and environmental requirements.

Design, construction, operation or licensing legal specific requirements for such a facility is generally not established and other already existing national requirements are applicable to a limited degree. Taking into account the different approaches and iterative processes required for Romanian authorities to regulate the nuclear activities for different fields, this paper considers the realistic path forward.

The current status and main aspects of the development and licensing of the new nuclear facility in Romania is presented in this paper.
Safe Management of Spent Fuel and Radioactive Waste in Bulgaria: Precondition for Future Development of Bulgarian Nuclear Program
Authors: Necheva Christina T. , Jordanova Olesja V.
Published: April 2020

Bulgaria has to solve complicated problems connected with the safe management of spent fuel and radioactive waste with regard to the future of its nuclear program. The efforts at national level are concentrated on the safe management of the low and intermediate level waste and on the safe temporary storage of spent fuel. For Bulgaria as a country - producer of nuclear energy on the basis of imported fresh fuel, an option of major interest is to deal with spent fuel final solution in co-operative way with the supplier of the fresh fuel.
Development of a New Method to Reduce the Measurement Uncertainties in Gamma-Ray Spectroscopy of Bituminized Radioactive Waste Drums
Authors: Perot Bertrand , Artaud Jean-Luc , Chabalier Bernard , Bonifay Pierre , Bernard Sébastien , Misraki Josette , Fulleringer Daniel , Chany Philippe , Dogny Stéphane
Published: April 2020

The determination by gamma spectroscopy of the activity of radionuclides emitting low energy radiation (less than 200 keV) in bituminized waste drums can be affected by significant uncertainty if the chemical composition of the matrix is not well-known. Indeed, some elements with high atomic numbers (Z) can significantly modify the absorption of these radiations. The CEA has therefore studied, using numerical simulation, the feasibility of a method which would take into account this effect, based on the analysis of the gamma spectra continuum due to Compton scattering (1). This article describes an experimental validation of the simulations and of the method.
Operational Results of Radionuclide Assay System at the Kori Nuclear Power Plant: Status and Results
Authors: Park Jin Beak , Lee Kun Jai , Kang Duck Won , Kim Dae Hwan
Published: April 2020

In 1996, the fully automated radionuclide assay system, which is used for the non-destructive analysis and for the evaluation of radioactive waste drums, was installed at Kori nuclear power plant site and started to operate. The system is composed of gamma scanning hardware facility, equipment for separation and detection of non-gamma radionuclide, scaling factor prediction program, and control facility for radionuclide assay system. In this study, the operational status and results of radionuclide assay system are investigated from the experience of several years of operation. The results of the radionuclide assay system are compared with the results of dose to curie conversion program (DOSE).