bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linear stability analysis of a nuclear reactor using the lumped model
Authors: Kale Vivek , Kumar Rakesh , Obaidurrahman K. , Gaikwad Avinash
Published: November 2016

The stability analysis of a nuclear reactor is an important aspect in the
design and operation of the reactor. A stable neutronic response to
perturbations is essential from the safety point of view. In this paper, a
general methodology has been developed for the linear stability analysis of
nuclear reactors using the lumped reactor model. The reactor kinetics has
been modelled using the point kinetics equations and the reactivity feedbacks
from fuel, coolant and xenon have been modelled through the appropriate time
dependent equations. These governing equations are linearized considering
small perturbations in the reactor state around a steady operating point. The
characteristic equation of the system is used to establish the stability zone
of the reactor considering the reactivity coefficients as parameters. This
methodology has been used to identify the stability region of a typical
pressurized heavy water reactor. It is shown that the positive reactivity
feedback from xenon narrows down the stability region. Further, it is
observed that the neutron kinetics parameters (such as the number of delayed
neutron precursor groups considered, the neutron generation time, the delayed
neutron fractions, etc.) do not have a significant influence on the location
of the stability boundary. The stability boundary is largely influenced by
the parameters governing the evolution of the fuel and coolant temperature
and xenon concentration.
Reliability of computer memories in radiation environment
Authors: Fetahovic Irfan , Dolicanin Edin , Loncar Boris , Kartalovic Nenad
Published: November 2016

The aim of this paper is examining a radiation hardness of the magnetic
(Toshiba MK4007 GAL) and semiconductor (AT 27C010 EPROM and AT 28C010 EEPROM)
computer memories in the field of radiation. Magnetic memories have been
examined in the field of neutron radiation, and semiconductor memories in the
field of gamma radiation. The obtained results have shown a high radiation
hardness of magnetic memories. On the other side, it has been shown that
semiconductor memories are significantly more sensitive and a radiation can
lead to an important damage of their functionality.
Factors influencing U(VI) adsorption onto soil from a candidate very low level radioactive waste disposal site in China
Authors: Zuo Rui , Liu Li , Jiang Xiaoyan , Guan Xin , Teng Yanguo , Ding Fei , Yang Jie , Wang Jinsheng
Published: November 2016

The properties of soil at disposal sites are very important for geological
disposal of very low level radioactive waste in terms of U(VI). In this
study, soil from a candidate very low level radioactive waste disposal site
in China was evaluated for its capacity on uranium sorption. Specifically,
the equilibrium time, initial concentration, soil particle, pH, temperature,
and carbonate were evaluated. The results indicated that after 15-20 days of
sorption, the Kd value fluctuated and stabilized at 355-360 mL/g. The
adsorptive capacity of uranium was increased as the initial uranium
concentration increased, while it decreased as the soil particle size
increased. The pH value played an important role in the U(VI) sorption onto
soil, especially under alkaline conditions, and had a great effect on the
sorption capacity of soil for uranium. Moreover, the presence of carbonate
decreased the sorption of U(VI) onto soil because of the role of the strong
complexation of carbonate with U(VI) in the groundwater. Overall, this study
assessed the behavior of U(VI) sorption onto natural soil, which would be an
important factor in the geological barrier of the repository, has
contribution on mastering the characteristic of the adsorption of uranium in
the particular soil media for the process of very low level radioactive waste
disposal.
Measurment of radon, thoron and their progeny in indoor environment of Mohali, Punjab, Northern India, using pinhole dosimeters
Authors: Mehta Vimal , Shikha Deep , Singh Pal , Chauhan Pal , Mudahar Singh
Published: November 2016

The health hazards of radon and its decay products above certain levels are
well known. However, for any preventive measures to be taken, we have to be
aware of radon levels of that particular area. Measurement of radon and its
decay products in indoor environments is an important aspect of assessing
indoor air quality and health conditions associated with it. Keeping this in
mind, measurements of radon, thoron and their progeny concentrations were
carried out in Mohali, Northern India, using pinhole-based twin cup
dosimeters. Radon exhalation rates of soil samples in the dwellings/areas
were measured via an active technique of a continuous radon monitor. The
indoor radon concentration in Mohali varied from 15.03 ? 0.61 Bq/m3 to 39.21
? 1.46 Bq/m3 with an average of 26.95 Bq/m3 ,while thoron concentration in
the same dwellings varied from 9.62 ? 0.54 Bq/m3 to 52.84 ? 2.77 Bq/m3 with
an average of 31.09 Bq/m3. Radon progeny levels in dwellings under study
varied from 1.63 to 4.24 mWL, with an average of 2.94 mWL, while thoron
progeny levels varied from 0.26 to 1.43 mWL , with an average of 0.84 mWL.
The annual dose received by the inhabitants of dwellings under study varied
from 0.78 to 2.36 mSv, with an average of 1.61 mSv. The in situ gamma dose
rate varied from 0.12 to 0.32 mSv/h.
Uniform distribution modulo 1 and the universality of zeta-functions of certain cusp forms
Authors: Laurincikas Antanas
Published: November 2016

An universality theorem on the approximation of analytic functions by shifts
?(s+i?,F) of zeta-functions of normalized Hecke-eigen forms F, where ?
takes values from the set {k?h:k=0,1,2,...} with fixed 0 < ? < 1
and h > 0, is obtained.
The stability of a generalized affine functional equation in fuzzy normed spaces
Authors: Mursaleen M. , Ansari Khursheed
Published: November 2016

We obtain the general solution of the following functional equation
f(kx1+x2+???+xk)+f(x1+kx2+???+xk)+???+f(x1+x2+???+kxk)+f(x1)+ f(x2)+???+
f(xk)= 2kf(x1+ x2+???+xk), k ? 2. We establish the Hyers-Ulam-Rassias
stability of the above functional equation in the fuzzy normed spaces. More
precisely, we show under suitable conditions that a fuzzy q-almost affine
mapping can be approximated by an affine mapping. Further, we determine the
stability of same functional equation by using fixed point alternative method
in fuzzy normed spaces.
Weighted boundedness for commutators of parameterized Littlewood-Paley operators and area integrals
Authors: Lin Yan , Xuan Xiao
Published: November 2016

We establish the boundedness for commutators of parameterized
Littlewood-Paley operators and area integrals on weighted Lebesgue spaces
Lp(?) when 1 < p < ?, where the kernel satisfies certain logarithmic type
Lipschitz condition. Moreover, the weighted endpoint estimates when p = 1 are
also obtained.
Polynomial inequalities in Lavrentiev regions with interior and exterior zero angles in the weighted Lebesgue space
Authors: Abdullayev F.G. , Özkartepe N.P.
Published: November 2016

We study estimation of the modulus of algebraic polynomials in the bounded
and unbounded regions with piecewise-quasismooth boundary, having interior
and exterior zero angles, in the weighted Lebesgue space.
Pellans sequence and its diophantine triples
Authors: Irmak Nurettin , Alp Murat
Published: November 2016

We introduce a novel fourth order linear recurrence sequence {Sn} using the
two periodic binary recurrence. We call it ?pellans sequence? and then we
solve the system ab+1=Sx, ac+1=Sy bc+1=Sz where a < b < c are
positive integers. Therefore, we extend the order of recurrence sequence for
this variant diophantine equations by means of pellans sequence.
About a conjecture on difference equations in quasianalytic Carleman classes
Authors: Zoubeir Hicham
Published: November 2016

We consider the difference equation ?q j=1 aj (x)?(x+?j) = ?(x) where ?1 <
??? < ?q (q ? 3) are given real constants, aj(j=1,...,q) are given
holomorphic functions on a strip R? (? > 0) such that a1 and aq vanish
nowhere on it, and ? is a function belonging to a quasianalytic Carleman
class CM{R}. We prove, under a growth condition on the functions aj, that
the difference equation above is solvable in CM{R}.
Couvrez ce genre que le droit ne saurait voir : la difficile circulation du concept féministe de genre dans la langue juridique
Authors: Langevin Louise
Published: November 2016

Élément fondamental des théories féministes, la notion de genre a beaucoup évolué depuis les années 1970. Elle a permis de penser les rapports sociaux hiérarchisés entre la classe « homme » et la classe « femme » et de dénaturaliser ces deux classes, mais aussi de démontrer le caractère construit du sexe biologique. Ainsi, le genre précède le sexe. Si le genre a été une catégorie d'analyse « utile » pour penser l'histoire des femmes, pour reprendre l'affirmation de Joan W. Scott, l'a-t-il été pour les droits des femmes ? L'étude analyse l'inclusion du concept féministe de genre dans le vocabulaire onusien et dans les législations canadienne et québécoise. La notion de genre s'est progressivement imposée dans le langage international des droits fondamentaux, non sans avoir perdu son sens féministe subversif. Du côté canadien, le concept féministe de genre a peu percolé dans les lois fédérales et provinciales. Il s'est perdu dans les méandres du transfert des écrits féministes vers le vocabulaire législatif. Même si le concept de genre est absent du langage législatif canadien, on ne peut cependant pas conclure que ce concept n'a pas été « utile » pour une meilleure reconnaissance des droits des femmes.
Pretreatment growth rate as a predictor of tumor control following Gamma Knife radiosurgery for sporadic vestibular schwannoma
Authors: Marston Alexander P. , Jacob Jeffrey T. , Carlson Matthew L. , Pollock Bruce E. , Driscoll Colin L. W. , Link Michael J.
Published: November 2016

OBJECTIVE

Over the last 30 years, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has become an established noninvasive treatment alternative for small- to medium-sized vestibular schwannoma (VS). This study aims to further define long-term SRS tumor control in patients with documented pretreatment tumor growth for whom conservative observation failed.

METHODS

A prospective clinical database was queried, and patients with sporadic VS who elected initial observation and subsequently underwent SRS after documented tumor growth between 2004 and 2014 were identified. Posttreatment tumor growth or shrinkage was determined by a ≥ 2-mm increase or decrease in maximum linear dimension, respectively.

RESULTS

Sixty-eight patients met study inclusion criteria. The median pre- and posttreatment observation periods were 16 and 43.5 months, respectively. The median dose to the tumor margin was 13 Gy (range 12–14 Gy), and the median maximum dose was 26 Gy (range 24–28 Gy). At the time of treatment, 59 tumors exhibited extracanalicular (EC) extension, and 9 were intracanalicular (IC). Of the 59 EC VSs, 50 (85%) remained stable or decreased in size following treatment, and 9 (15%) enlarged by > 2 mm. Among EC tumors, the median pretreatment tumor growth rate was 2.08 mm/year for tumors that decreased or were stable, compared with 3.26 mm/year for tumors that grew following SRS (p = 0.009). Patients who demonstrated a pretreatment growth rate of < 2.5 mm/year exhibited a 97% tumor control rate, compared with 69% for those demonstrating ≥ 2.5 mm/year of growth prior to SRS (p = 0.007). No other analyzed variables were found to predict tumor growth following SRS.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, SRS administered using a marginal dose between 12–14 Gy is highly effective in treating VSs in which initial observation fails. Tumor control is achieved in 97% of VSs that exhibit slow (< 2.5 mm/year) pretreatment growth; however, SRS is less successful in treating tumors exhibiting rapid growth (≥ 2.5 mm/year).
QuickBrain MRI for the detection of acute pediatric traumatic brain injury
Authors: Sheridan David C. , Newgard Craig D. , Selden Nathan R. , Jafri Mubeen A. , Hansen Matthew L.
Published: November 2016

OBJECTIVE

The current gold-standard imaging modality for pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) is CT, but it confers risks associated with ionizing radiation. QuickBrain MRI (qbMRI) is a rapid brain MRI protocol that has been studied in the setting of hydrocephalus, but its ability to detect traumatic injuries is unknown.

METHODS

The authors performed a retrospective cohort study of pediatric patients with TBI who were undergoing evaluation at a single Level I trauma center between February 2010 and December 2013. Patients who underwent CT imaging of the head and qbMRI during their acute hospitalization were included. Images were reviewed independently by 2 neuroradiology fellows blinded to patient identifiers. Image review consisted of identifying traumatic mass lesions and their intracranial compartment and the presence or absence of midline shift. CT imaging was used as the reference against which qbMRI was measured.

RESULTS

A total of 54 patients met the inclusion criteria; the median patient age was 3.24 years, 65% were male, and 74% were noted to have a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 14 or greater. The sensitivity and specificity of qbMRI to detect any lesion were 85% (95% CI 73%–93%) and 100% (95% CI 61%–100%), respectively; the sensitivity increased to 100% (95% CI 89%–100%) for clinically important TBIs as previously defined. The mean interval between CT and qbMRI was 27.5 hours, and approximately half of the images were obtained within 12 hours.

CONCLUSIONS

In this retrospective pilot study, qbMRI demonstrated reasonable sensitivity and specificity for detecting a lesion or injury seen with neuroimaging (radiographic TBI) and clinically important acute pediatric TBI.
Epilepsy surgery in patients with autism
Authors: Kokoszka Malgosia A. , McGoldrick Patricia E. , La Vega-Talbott Maite , Raynes Hillary , Palmese Christina A. , Wolf Steven M. , Harden Cynthia L. , Ghatan Saadi
Published: November 2016

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to report outcomes of epilepsy surgery in 56 consecutive patients with autism spectrum disorder.

METHODS

Medical records of 56 consecutive patients with autism who underwent epilepsy surgery were reviewed with regard to clinical characteristics, surgical management, postoperative seizure control, and behavioral changes.

RESULTS

Of the 56 patients with autism, 39 were male, 45 were severely autistic, 27 had a history of clinically significant levels of aggression and other disruptive behaviors, and 30 were considered nonverbal at baseline. Etiology of the epilepsy was known in 32 cases, and included structural lesions, medical history, and developmental and genetic factors. Twenty-nine patients underwent resective treatments (in 8 cases combined with palliative procedures), 24 patients had only palliative treatments, and 3 patients had only subdural electroencephalography. Eighteen of the 56 patients had more than one operation. The mean age at surgery was 11 ± 6.5 years (range 1.5–35 years). At a mean follow-up of 47 ± 30 months (range 2–117 months), seizure outcomes included 20 Engel Class I, 12 Engel Class II, 18 Engel Class III, and 3 Engel Class IV cases. The age and follow-up times are stated as the mean ± SD. Three patients were able to discontinue all antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Aggression and other aberrant behaviors observed in the clinical setting improved in 24 patients. According to caregivers, most patients also experienced some degree of improvement in daily social and cognitive function. Three patients had no functional or behavioral changes associated with seizure reduction, and 2 patients experienced worsening of seizures and behavioral symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Epilepsy surgery in patients with autism is feasible, with no indication that the comorbidity of autism should preclude a good outcome. Resective and palliative treatments brought seizure freedom or seizure reduction to the majority of patients, although one-third of the patients in this study required more than one procedure to achieve worthwhile improvement in the long term, and few patients were able to discontinue all AEDs. The number of palliative procedures performed, the need for multiple interventions, and continued use of AEDs highlight the complex etiology of epilepsy in patients with autism spectrum disorder. These considerations underscore the need for continued analysis, review, and reporting of surgical outcomes in patients with autism, which may aid in better identification and management of surgical candidates. The reduction in aberrant behaviors observed in this series suggests that some behaviors previously attributed to autism may be associated with intractable epilepsy, and further highlights the need for systematic evaluation of the relationship between the symptoms of autism and refractory seizures.
Novel biomarker identification using metabolomic profiling to differentiate radiation necrosis and recurrent tumor following Gamma Knife radiosurgery
Authors: Lu Alex Y. , Turban Jack L. , Damisah Eyiyemisi C. , Li Jie , Alomari Ahmed K. , Eid Tore , Vortmeyer Alexander O. , Chiang Veronica L.
Published: November 2016

OBJECTIVE

Following an initial response of brain metastases to Gamma Knife radiosurgery, regrowth of the enhancing lesion as detected on MRI may represent either radiation necrosis (a treatment-related inflammatory change) or recurrent tumor. Differentiation of radiation necrosis from tumor is vital for management decision making but remains difficult by imaging alone. In this study, gas chromatography with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOF) was used to identify differential metabolite profiles of the 2 tissue types obtained by surgical biopsy to find potential targets for noninvasive imaging.

METHODS

Specimens of pure radiation necrosis and pure tumor obtained from patient brain biopsies were flash-frozen and validated histologically. These formalin-free tissue samples were then analyzed using GC-TOF. The metabolite profiles of radiation necrosis and tumor samples were compared using multivariate and univariate statistical analysis. Statistical significance was defined as p ≤ 0.05.

RESULTS

For the metabolic profiling, GC-TOF was performed on 7 samples of radiation necrosis and 7 samples of tumor. Of the 141 metabolites identified, 17 (12.1%) were found to be statistically significantly different between comparison groups. Of these metabolites, 6 were increased in tumor, and 11 were increased in radiation necrosis. An unsupervised hierarchical clustering analysis found that tumor had elevated levels of metabolites associated with energy metabolism, whereas radiation necrosis had elevated levels of metabolites that were fatty acids and antioxidants/cofactors.

CONCLUSIONS

To the authors' knowledge, this is the first tissue-based metabolomics study of radiation necrosis and tumor. Radiation necrosis and recurrent tumor following Gamma Knife radiosurgery for brain metastases have unique metabolite profiles that may be targeted in the future to develop noninvasive metabolic imaging techniques.
Solitary tentorial sarcoid granuloma associated with Propionibacterium acnes infection: case report
Authors: Akimoto Jiro , Nagai Kenta , Ogasawara Daisuke , Tanaka Yujiro , Izawa Hitoshi , Kohno Michihiro , Uchida Keisuke , Eishi Yoshinobu
Published: November 2016

Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease with unknown cause, which very rarely occurs exclusively in the central nervous system. The authors performed biopsy sampling of a mass that developed in the left tentorium cerebelli that appeared to be a malignant tumor. The mass was diagnosed as a sarcoid granuloma, which was confirmed with the onset of antibody reaction product against Propionibacterium acnes. Findings suggesting sarcoidosis to be an immune response to P. acnes infection have recently been reported, and they give insight for diagnosis and treatment of this disease. The authors report the possible first case that was confirmed with P. acnes infection in a meningeal lesion in solitary neurosarcoidosis.
Randomized controlled trials in neurosurgery: an observational analysis of trial discontinuation and publication outcome
Authors: Jamjoom Aimun A. B. , Gane Angus B. , Demetriades Andreas K.
Published: November 2016

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the trial discontinuation and publication rate of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in neurosurgery.

METHODS

Trials registered from 2000 to 2012 were identified on the website clinicaltrials.gov using a range of key words related to neurosurgery. Any trials that were actively recruiting or had unknown status were excluded. Included trials were assessed for whether they were discontinued early on the clinicaltrials.gov database; this included trials identified as withdrawn, suspended, or terminated in the database. For included trials, a range of parameters was identified including the subspecialty, primary country, study start date, type of intervention, number of centers, and funding status. Subsequently, a systematic search for published peer-reviewed articles was undertaken. For trials that were discontinued early or were found to be unpublished, principal investigators were sent a querying email.

RESULTS

Sixty-four neurosurgical trials fulfilled our inclusion criteria. Of these 64, 26.6% were discontinued early, with slow or insufficient recruitment cited as the major reason (57%). Of the 47 completed trials, 14 (30%) remained unpublished. Discontinued trials showed a statistically significant higher chance of remaining unpublished (88%) compared with completed trials (p = 0.0002). Industry-funded trials had a higher discontinuation rate (31%) compared with non–industry-funded trials (23%), but this result did not reach significance (p = 0.57). Reporting of primary outcome measures was complete in 20 (61%) of 33 trials. For secondary outcome measures, complete reporting occurred in only 11 (33.3%) of 33.

CONCLUSIONS

More than a fifth (26.6%) of neurosurgical RCTs are discontinued early and almost a third of those that are completed remain unpublished. This result highlights significant waste of financial resources and clinical data.
Enlarged subarachnoid spaces and intracranial hemorrhage in children with accidental head trauma
Authors: Fingarson Amanda K. , Ryan Maura E. , McLone Suzanne G. , Bregman Corey , Flaherty Emalee G.
Published: November 2016

OBJECTIVE

Benign external hydrocephalus (BEH) is an enlargement of the subarachnoid spaces (SASs) that can be seen in young children. It is controversial whether children with BEH are predisposed to developing subdural hemorrhage (SDH) with or without trauma. This issue is clinically relevant as a finding of unexplained SDH raises concerns about child abuse and often prompts child protection and law enforcement investigations.

METHODS

This retrospective study included children (1–24 months of age) who underwent head CT scanning after an accidental fall of less than 6 feet. Head CT scans were reviewed, cranial findings were documented, and the SAS was measured and qualitatively evaluated. Enlarged SAS was defined as an extraaxial space (EAS) greater than 4 mm on CT scans. Clinical measurements of head circumference (HC) were noted, and the head circumference percentile was calculated. The relationship between enlarged SAS and HC percentile, and enlarged SAS and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), were investigated using bivariate analysis.

RESULTS

Of the 110 children included in this sample, 23 had EASs greater than 4 mm. The mean patient age was 6.8 months (median 6.0 months). Thirty-four patients (30.9%) had ICHs, including subarachnoid/subpial (6.2%), subdural (6.2%), epidural (5.0%), and unspecified extraaxial hemorrhage (16.5%). Enlarged SAS was positively associated with subarachnoid/subpial hemorrhage; there was no association between enlarged SASs and either SDH or epidural hemorrhage. A larger SAS was positively associated with larger HC percentile; however, HC percentile was not independently associated with ICH.

CONCLUSIONS

Enlarged SAS was not associated with SDH, but was associated with other ICHs. The authors' findings do not support the theory that BEH predisposes children to SDH with minor accidental trauma.
Bone marrow stromal cell sheets may promote axonal regeneration and functional recovery with suppression of glial scar formation after spinal cord transection injury in rats
Authors: Okuda Akinori , Horii-Hayashi Noriko , Sasagawa Takayo , Shimizu Takamasa , Shigematsu Hideki , Iwata Eiichiro , Morimoto Yasuhiko , Masuda Keisuke , Koizumi Munehisa , Akahane Manabu , Nishi Mayumi , Tanaka Yasuhito
Published: November 2016

OBJECTIVE

Transplantation of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) is a theoretical potential as a therapeutic strategy in the treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI). Although a scaffold is sometimes used for retaining transplanted cells in damaged tissue, it is also known to induce redundant immunoreactions during the degradation processes. In this study, the authors prepared cell sheets made of BMSCs, which are transplantable without a scaffold, and investigated their effects on axonal regeneration, glial scar formation, and functional recovery in a completely transected SCI model in rats.

METHODS

BMSC sheets were prepared from the bone marrow of female Fischer 344 rats using ascorbic acid and were cryopreserved until the day of transplantation. A gelatin sponge (GS), as a control, or BMSC sheet was transplanted into a 2-mm-sized defect of the spinal cord at the T-8 level. Axonal regeneration and glial scar formation were assessed 2 and 8 weeks after transplantation by immunohistochemical analyses using anti-Tuj1 and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) antibodies, respectively. Locomotor function was evaluated using the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan scale.

RESULTS

The BMSC sheets promoted axonal regeneration at 2 weeks after transplantation, but there was no significant difference in the number of Tuj1-positive axons between the sheet- and GS-transplanted groups. At 8 weeks after transplantation, Tuj1-positive axons elongated across the sheet, and their numbers were significantly greater in the sheet group than in the GS group. The areas of GFAP-positive glial scars in the sheet group were significantly reduced compared with those of the GS group at both time points. Finally, hindlimb locomotor function was ameliorated in the sheet group at 4 and 8 weeks after transplantation.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present study indicate that an ascorbic acid–induced BMSC sheet is effective in the treatment of SCI and enables autologous transplantation without requiring a scaffold.
High-dose tranexamic acid reduces intraoperative and postoperative blood loss in posterior lumbar interbody fusion
Authors: Kushioka Junichi , Yamashita Tomoya , Okuda Shinya , Maeno Takafumi , Matsumoto Tomiya , Yamasaki Ryoji , Iwasaki Motoki
Published: November 2016

OBJECTIVE

Tranexamic acid (TXA), a synthetic antifibrinolytic drug, has been reported to reduce blood loss in orthopedic surgery, but there have been few reports of its use in spine surgery. Previous studies included limitations in terms of different TXA dose regimens, different levels and numbers of fused segments, and different surgical techniques. Therefore, the authors decided to strictly limit TXA dose regimens, surgical techniques, and fused segments in this study. There have been no reports of using TXA for prevention of intraoperative and postoperative blood loss in posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF). The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of high-dose TXA in reducing blood loss and its safety during single-level PLIF.

METHODS

The study was a nonrandomized, case-controlled trial. Sixty consecutive patients underwent single-level PLIF at a single institution. The first 30 patients did not receive TXA. The next 30 patients received 2000 mg of intravenous TXA 15 minutes before the skin incision was performed and received the same dose again 16 hours after the surgery. Intra- and postoperative blood loss was compared between the groups.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences in preoperative parameters of age, sex, body mass index, preoperative diagnosis, or operating time. The TXA group experienced significantly less intraoperative blood loss (mean 253 ml) compared with the control group (mean 415 ml; p < 0.01). The TXA group also had significantly less postoperative blood loss over 40 hours (mean 321 ml) compared with the control group (mean 668 ml; p < 0.01). Total blood loss in the TXA group (mean 574 ml) was significantly lower than in the control group (mean 1080 ml; p < 0.01). From 2 hours to 40 hours, postoperative blood loss in the TXA group was consistently significantly lower. There were no perioperative complications, including thromboembolic events.

CONCLUSIONS

High-dose TXA significantly reduced both intra- and postoperative blood loss without causing any complications during or after single-level PLIF.
The Value of Tropical Biodiversity in Rural Melanesia
Authors: Foale Simon , Dyer Michelle , Kinch Jeff
Published: November 2016

In this paper we discuss differences in the ways transnational conservationists and Melanesian farmers, hunters and fishers value ‘biodiversity’. The money for conservation projects in developing countries originates from people who are embedded in a capitalist system, which allows engagement with nature as an abstract entity. Their western education has given them a scientific/ evolutionary-based worldview, which attributes intrinsic value to all species (and particular arrangements of species, e.g. rainforests and coral reefs), irrespective of economic value or ecosystem function. Because this value system is mostly not shared by the custodians of the biodiversity that conservationists want to save, alternative tactics and arguments are utilised. These inevitably take the form of so-called ‘win-win’ economic rationales for preserving biodiversity, most of which do not work well (e.g. bioprospecting, ecotourism, non-timber forest products, environmental certification schemes, payments for ecosystem services, etc.), for reasons which we detail. Agriculture- and aquaculture-based livelihoods appear to enjoy more success than the ‘win-win’ options but do not necessarily obviate or deter further biodiversity loss. Artisanal use of species-poor but productive and resilient pelagic fisheries is increasing. These ecological and economic realities bring into sharp focus the importance of understanding differences in value systems for successful biodiversity conservation in the tropics.
Investigating the Reliability and Validity of the Leadership Practices Inventory®
Authors: Posner Barry
Published: November 2016

This review explains the origins of the Leadership Practices Inventory (LPI) as an empirical instrument to measure The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership framework, a major transformational leadership model. The essential psychometric properties of the LPI are investigated using both the LPI normative database, with nearly 2.8 million respondents, as well as reviewing pertinent findings of several hundred studies conducted worldwide by scholars utilizing the LPI in their research. Issues of both reliability and validity are considered, with the conclusion that the LPI is quite robust and applicable across a variety of settings and populations.
Considerations for Managing Agricultural Co-Existence between Transgenic and Non-Transgenic Cultivars of Outcrossing Perennial Forage Plants in Dairy Pastures
Authors: Smith Kevin , Spangenberg German
Published: November 2016

Many of the major forage species used in agriculture are outcrossing and rely on the exchange of pollen between individuals for reproduction; this includes the major species used for dairy production in grazing systems: perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and white clover (Trifolium repens L.). Cultivars of these species have been co-existing since contrasting cultivars were developed using plant breeding, but the consequences and need for strategies to manage co-existence have been made more prominent with the advent of genetic modification. Recent technological developments have seen the experimental evaluation of genetically modified (GM) white clover and perennial ryegrass, although there is no current commercial growing of GM cultivars of these species. Co-existence frameworks already exist for two major cross-pollinated grain crops (canola and maize) in Europe, and for alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) in the US, so many of the principles that the industry has developed for co-existence in these crops such as detection techniques, segregation, and agronomic management provide lessons and guidelines for outcrossing forage species, that are discussed in this paper.
Folate Functionalized PLGA Nanoparticles Loaded with Plasmid pVAX1-NH36: Mathematical Analysis of Release
Authors: Gutiérrez-Valenzuela Cindy , Guerrero-Germán Patricia , Tejeda-Mansir Armando , Esquivel Reynaldo , Guzmán-Z Roberto , Lucero-Acuña Armando
Published: November 2016

Plasmid DNA (pVAX1-NH36) was encapsulated in nanoparticles of poly-dl-lactic-co-glycolic (PLGA) functionalized with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and folic acid (PLGA-PEG-FA) without losing integrity. PLGA-PEG-FA nanoparticles loaded with pVAX1-NH36 (pDNA-NPs) were prepared by using a double emulsification-solvent evaporation technique. PLGA-PEG-FA synthesis was verified by FT-IR and spectrophotometry methods. pVAX1-NH36 was replicated in Escherichia coli (E. coli) cell cultures. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis confirmed pDNA-NPs size with an average diameter of 177–229 nm, depending on pVAX1-NH36 loading and zeta potentials were below −24 mV for all preparations. In vitro release studies confirmed a multiphase release profile for the duration of more than 30-days. Plasmid release kinetics were analyzed with a release model that considered simultaneous contributions of initial burst and degradation-relaxation of nanoparticles. Fitting of release model against experimental data presented excellent correlation. This mathematical analysis presents a novel approach to describe and predict the release of plasmid DNA from biodegradable nanoparticles.
Thermal Resilience of Feeding Kinematics May Contribute to the Spread of Invasive Fishes in Light of Climate Change
Authors: Turingan Ralph , Sloan Tyler
Published: November 2016

As a consequence of global warming, tropical invasive species are expected to expand their range pole-ward, extending their negative impacts to previously undisturbed, high-latitude ecosystems. Investigating the physiological responses of invasive species to environmental temperature is important because the coupled effects of climate change and species invasion on ecosystems could be more alarming than the effects of each phenomenon independently. Especially in poikilotherms, the rate of motion in muscle-driven biomechanical systems is expected to double for every 10 °C increase in temperature. In this study, we address the question, “How does temperature affect the speed of jaw-movement during prey-capture in invasive fishes?” Kinematic analysis of invasive-fish prey-capture behavior revealed that (1) movement velocities of key components of the feeding mechanism did not double as water temperature increased from 20 °C to 30 °C; and (2) thermal sensitivity (Q10 values) for gape, hyoid, lower-jaw rotation, and cranial rotation velocities at 20 °C and 30 °C ranged from 0.56 to 1.44 in all three species. With the exception of lower-jaw rotation, Q10 values were significantly less than the expected Q10 = 2.0, indicating that feeding kinematics remains consistent despite the change in environmental temperature. It is conceivable that the ability to maintain peak performance at different temperatures helps facilitate the spread of invasive fishes globally.
A Privacy-Preserving, Mutual PUF-Based Authentication Protocol
Authors: Che Wenjie , Martin Mitchell , Pocklassery Goutham , Kajuluri Venkata , Saqib Fareena , Plusquellic Jim
Published: November 2016

This paper describes an authentication protocol using a Hardware-Embedded Delay PUF called HELP. HELP derives randomness from within-die path delay variations that occur along the paths within a hardware implementation of a cryptographic primitive, such as AES or SHA-3. The digitized timing values which represent the path delays are stored in a database on a secure server (verifier) as an alternative to storing PUF response bitstrings. This enables the development of an efficient authentication protocol that provides both privacy and mutual authentication. The security properties of the protocol are analyzed using data collected from a set of Xilinx Zynq FPGAs.
Consensus of Second Order Multi-Agent Systems with Exogenous Disturbance Generated by Unknown Exosystems
Authors: Zhang Xuxi , Zhu Qidan , Liu Xianping
Published: November 2016

This paper is concerned with consensus problem of a class of second-order multi-agent systems subjecting to external disturbance generated from some unknown exosystems. In comparison with the case where the disturbance is generated from some known exosystems, we need to combine adaptive control and internal model design to deal with the external disturbance generated from the unknown exosystems. With the help of the internal model, an adaptive protocol is proposed for the consensus problem of the multi-agent systems. Finally, one numerical example is provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the control design.
Spark Ignition Engine Combustion, Performance and Emission Products from Hydrous Ethanol and Its Blends with Gasoline
Authors: El-Faroug Musaab , Yan Fuwu , Luo Maji , Fiifi Turkson Richard
Published: November 2016

This paper reviews the serviceability of hydrous ethanol as a clean, cheap and green renewable substitute fuel for spark ignition engines and discusses the comparative chemical and physical properties of hydrous ethanol and gasoline fuels. The significant differences in the properties of hydrous ethanol and gasoline fuels are sufficient to create a significant change during the combustion phase of engine operation and consequently affect the performance of spark-ignition (SI) engines. The stability of ethanol-gasoline-water blends is also discussed. Furthermore, the effects of hydrous ethanol, and its blends with gasoline fuel on SI engine combustion characteristics, cycle-to-cycle variations, engine performance parameters, and emission characteristics have been highlighted. Higher water solubility in ethanol‑gasoline blends may be obviously useful and suitable; nevertheless, the continuous ability of water to remain soluble in the blend is significantly affected by temperature. Nearly all published engine experimental results showed a significant improvement in combustion characteristics and enhanced engine performance for the use of hydrous ethanol as fuel. Moreover, carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen emissions were also significantly decreased. It is also worth pointing out that unburned hydrocarbon and carbon dioxide emissions were also reduced for the use of hydrous ethanol. However, unregulated emissions such as acetaldehyde and formaldehyde were significantly increased.
Smart Charging of EVs in Residential Distribution Systems Using the Extended Iterative Method
Authors: Zhang Jian , Cui Mingjian , Fang Hualiang , He Yigang
Published: November 2016

Smart charging of electrical vehicles (EVs) is critical to provide the secure and cost-effective operation for distribution systems. Three model objective functions which are minimization of total supplied power, energy costs and maximization of profits are formulated. The conventional household load is modeled as a ZIP load that consists of constant power, constant current and constant impedance components. The imbalance of distribution system, constraints on nodal voltages and thermal loadings of lines and transformers are all taken into account. Utilizing the radial operation structure of distribution system, an extended iterative method is proposed to greatly reduce the dimensions of optimization variables and thus improve calculation speed. Impacts of the conventional household load model on the simulation results are also investigated. Case studies on three distribution systems with 2, 14, and 141 buses are performed and analyzed. It is found that the linear constrained convex quadratic programming model is applicable at each iteration, when the conventional household load is composed of constant power and constant impedance load. However, it is not applicable when the conventional household load consists of constant current load. The accuracy and computational efficiency of the proposed method are also validated.
A Novel Hybrid Short Term Load Forecasting Model Considering the Error of Numerical Weather Prediction
Authors: Cai Guowei , Wang Wenjin , Lu Junhai
Published: November 2016

In order to reduce the effect of numerical weather prediction (NWP) error on short term load forecasting (STLF) and improve the forecasting accuracy, a new hybrid model based on support vector regression (SVR) optimized by an artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm (ABC-SVR) and seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) model is proposed. According to the different day types and effect of the NWP error on forecasting prediction, working days and weekends load forecasting models are selected and constructed, respectively. The ABC-SVR method is used to forecast weekends load with large fluctuation, in which the best parameters of SVR are determined by the ABC algorithm. The working days load forecasting model is constructed based on SARIMA modified by ABC-SVR (AS-SARIMA). In the AS-SARIMA model, the ability of SARIMA to respond to exogenous variables is improved and the effect of NWP error on prediction accuracy is reduced more than with ABC-SVR. Contrast experiments are constructed based on International Organization for Standardization (ISO) New England load data. The experimental results show that prediction accuracy of the proposed method is less affected by NWP error and has higher forecasting accuracy than contrasting approaches.
Studying the Effect of Shock Obliquity on the γ-ray and Diffuse Radio Emission in Galaxy Clusters
Authors: Wittor Denis , Vazza Franco , Brüggen Marcus
Published: November 2016

Observations of diffuse radio emission in galaxy clusters indicate that cosmic-ray electrons are accelerated on ∼ Mpc scales. However, protons appear to be accelerated less efficiently since their associated hadronic γ-ray emission has not yet been detected. Inspired by recent particle-in-cell simulations, we study the cosmic-ray production and its signatures under the hypothesis that the efficiency of shock acceleration depends on the Mach number and on the shock obliquity. For this purpose, we combine ENZO cosmological magneto-hydrodynamical simulations with a Lagrangian tracer code to follow the properties of the cosmic rays. Our simulations suggest that the distribution of obliquities in galaxy clusters is random to first order. Quasi-perpendicular shocks are able to accelerate cosmic-ray electrons to the energies needed to produce observable radio emission. However, the γ-ray emission is lowered by a factor of a few, ∼3 , if cosmic-ray protons are only accelerated by quasi-parallel shocks, reducing (yet not entirely solving) the tension with the non-detection of hadronic γ-ray emission by the Fermi-satellite.
Assessment of Macro-Level Socioeconomic Factors That Impact Waterborne Diseases: The Case of Jordan
Authors: Polimeni John , Almalki Ahmad , Iorgulescu Raluca , Albu Lucian-Liviu , Parker Wendy , Chandrasekara Ray
Published: November 2016

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is an example of a country that suffers from high water scarcity. Additionally, due to the economic drivers in the country, such as phosphate and potash extraction and pharmaceutical production, the little fresh water that remains is generally polluted. The infrastructure, often antiquated in urban areas and non-existent in rural areas, also contributes to poor water conditions and to the spread of waterborne diseases. This paper examines the socioeconomic factors that contribute to diarrhea and hepatitis A on a macro level in Jordan and discusses the public-policies that government officials could use to abate those problems. Ordinary least squares time series models are used to understand the macro-level variables that impact the incidence of these diseases in Jordan. Public health expenditure has a significant impact on reducing their incidence. Furthermore, investment in sanitation facilities in rural regions is likely to reduce the number of cases of hepatitis A. Perhaps the most surprising outcome is that importation of goods and services likely results in a decrease in cases of hepatitis A. However, income has little impact on the incidence of diarrhea and hepatitis A.
Enhanced and Extended Anti-Hypertensive Effect of VP5 Nanoparticles
Authors: Yu Ting , Zhao Shengnan , Li Ziqiang , Wang Yi , Xu Bei , Fang Dailong , Wang Fazhan , Zhang Zhi , He Lili , Song Xiangrong , Yang Jian
Published: November 2016

Hypertension has become a significant global public health concern and is also one of the most common risk factors of cardiovascular disease. Recent studies have shown the promising result of peptides inhibiting angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) in lowering the blood pressure in both animal models and humans. However, the oral bioavailability and continuous antihypertensive effectiveness require further optimization. Novel nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems are helpful to overcome these barriers. Therefore, a poly-(lactic-co-glycolic) acid nanoparticle (PLGANPs) oral delivery system, of the antihypertensive small peptides Val-Leu-Pro-Val-Pro (VLPVP, VP5) model, was developed in this study and its antihypertensive effect was investigated in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) for the first time. The obtained VP5 nanoparticles (VP5-NPs) showed a small particle size of 223.7 ± 2.3 nm and high entrapment efficiency (EE%) of 87.37% ± 0.92%. Transmission electronic microscopy (TEM) analysis showed that the nanoparticles were spherical and homogeneous. The optimal preparation of VP5-NPs exhibited sustained release of VP5 in vitro and a 96 h long-term antihypertensive effect with enhanced efficacy in vivo. This study illustrated that PLGANPs might be an optimal formulation for oral delivery of antihypertensive small peptides and VP5-NPs might be worthy of further development and use as a potential therapeutic strategy for hypertension in the future.