Could anterior cervical fixation be an alternative method in the management of Hirayama disease?

The study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and feasibility of surgical treatment for Hirayama disease(HD) by anterior cervical fixation(ACF). From August 2008 to November 2015, 13 patients(12 males and 1 female, average age, 16.3 ± 1.1 years) with HD underwent ACF. Surgery-related indexes, clinical efficacy, and radiographic parameters were used to evaluate the clinical outcomes of surgery. The surgery duration time range from 67 to 128 min(average 89.2 ± 19.9 min)and the blood loss range from 40 to 120 ml(average 68.1 ± 26.3 ml). Four patients got resolved tremor, and the other patients stopped progressing. Grip strength significantly improved from preoperative 15.6 ± 1.7 kilogram to postoperative 18.6 ± 1.9 kilogram(P < 0.001). The cross-sectional areas of the spinal cord at C6 and C7 levels increased from 0.7 ± 0.1 cm2 to 0.8 ± 0.1 cm2(P = 0.018) and from 0.6 ± 0.2 cm2 to 0.7 ± 0.1 cm2(P = 0.049) respectively. The cervical lordosis increased from 2.4 ± 3.4° to 7.0 ± 3.5°(P = 0.001). The range of cervical flexion was significantly decreased from preoperative 31.3 ± 11.5° to postoperative 14.3 ± 7.5°(P < 0.001). No surgical related complications such as hoarseness, cerebral fluid leakage, and surgical site infection were observed after surgery. Two patients, felt abnormal sensation of throat occasionally, showed screw loosening and internal fixators were removed finally. Athough screw loosening was observed, ACF could serve as an effective treatment in the management of the HD.

Identifying Ways to Narrow Maize Yield Gaps Based on Plant Density Experiments

Exploring the maximum grain yields (GYs) and GY gaps in maize (Zea mays L.) can be beneficial for farmer to identify the GY-limiting factors and take adaptive management practices for a higher GY. The objective of this work was to identify the optimum maize plant density range and the ways to narrow maize GY gaps based on the variation of the GYs, dry matter (DM) accumulation and remobilization with changes in plant density. Field experiments were performed at the 71 Group and Qitai Farm in Xinjiang, China. Two modern cultivars, ZhengDan958 and ZhongDan909, were planted at 12 densities, ranging from 1.5 to 18 plants m−2. With increased plant density, single plant DM decreased exponentially, whereas population-level DM at the pre- (DMBS) and post- (DMAS) silking stages increased, and the amount of DM remobilization (ARDM) increased exponentially. Further analysis showed that plants were divided four density ranges: range I (<6.97 plants m−2), in which no DM remobilization occurred, DMBS and DMAS correlated significantly with GY; range II (6.97–9.54 plants m−2), in which the correlations of DMBS, DMAS, and ARDM with GY were significant; range III (9.54–10.67 plants m−2), in which GY and DMAS were not affected by density, DMBS increased significantly, and only the correlation of DMAS with GY was significant; and range IV (>10.67 plants m−2), in which the correlations of DMBS and ARDM with GY decreased significantly, while that of DMAS increased significantly. Therefore, ranges I and II were considered to be DM-dependent ranges, and a higher GY could be obtained by increasing the population-level DMAS, DMAS, and ARDM. Range III was considered the GY-stable range, increasing population-level DMBS, as well as preventing the loss of harvest index were the best way to enhance maize production. Range IV was interpreted as the GY-loss range, and a higher GY could be obtained by preventing the loss of HI and population-level DMAS.

A method to evaluate credit risk for banks under PPP project finance

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a method that can better evaluate the credit risk (CR) under PPP project finance. Design/methodology/approach The principle to evaluate the CR of PPP projects is to calculate three critical indicators: the default probability (DP), the recovery rate (RR) and the exposure at default (EAD). The RR is determined by qualitative analysis according to Standard & Poor’s Recovery Scale, and the EAD is estimated by NPV analysis. The estimation of the DP is the focus of CR assessment because the future cash flow is not certain, and there are no trading records and market data that can be used to evaluate the credit condition of PPP projects before financial close. The modified CreditMetrics model and Monte Carlo simulation are applied to evaluate the DP, and the application is illustrated by a PPP project finance case. Findings First, the proposed method can evaluate the influence of the project’s cash flow uncertainty on the potential loss of the bank. Second, instead of outputting a certain default loss value, the method can derive an interval of the potential loss for the bank. Third, the method can effectively analyze how different repayment schedules and risk preference of banks influence the evaluating result. Originality/value The proposed method offers an approach for the bank to value the CR under PPP project finance. The method took into consideration of the uncertainty and other characteristics of PPP project finance, adopted and improved the CreditMetrics model, and provided a possible loss range under different project cash flow volatilities through interval estimation under certain confident level. In addition, the bank’s risk preference is considered in the CR evaluating method proposed in this study where the bank’s risk preference is first investigated in the CR evaluating process of PPP project finance.

Design of 2.75-2.85 Ghz Frequency Microstrip Band Pass Filter with Square Open-Loop Resonator in Radar Method

Radar is an important component for people. A number of functions could be taken into account on a various aspect in term of quantifying the distance of a specific object, developing a map, and/ or forecasting climate. Generally, one of the main instruments within a radar is a filter. The aim of this study is to design a simple Band Pass Filter which able to be effectively worked on frequency 2.75–2.85 GHz. The filter is designed at the mid frequency of 2.8 GHz with ≤ -20 dB of Return Loss Range, ≥ -3 dB for Insertion Loss, and 100 MHz for Bandwidth, then it is manufactured into a Square Open-Loop Resonator microstrip. The filter uses Rogers R04035B for its substrate with 3.48 of Dielectric Constant Values and 1.524 mm of Substrate Thickness (h). The radar’s filter is simulated by a software of Computer System Technology (CST) suite 2015. The simulation results -31.608995 dB for Return Loss Range, -2.0529871 dB, and 100 MHz for Insertion Loss and Bandwidth respectively. By the end of this process, this instrument is applied and a Network Analyzer is then utilized to get a comparable output. It produces a quite different ranges of -23.519 dB for Return Loss, -2,183 dB for Insertion Loss and 90 MHz for Bandwidth. The study results a design of radar’s simple band pass filter which work effectively on frequency 2.75–2.85 GHz.

Quantifying Glenoid Bone Loss in Anterior Shoulder Instability

Background: Glenoid support is critical for stability of the glenohumeral joint. An accepted noninvasive method of quantifying glenoid bone loss does not exist. Purpose: To perform independent evaluations of the reliability and accuracy of standard 2-dimensional (2-D) and 3-dimensional (3-D) computed tomography (CT) measurements of glenoid bone deficiency. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Two sawbone models were used; one served as a model for 2 anterior glenoid defects and the other for 2 anteroinferior defects. For each scapular model, predefect and defect data were collected for a total of 6 data sets. Each sample underwent 3-D laser scanning followed by CT scanning. Six physicians measured linear indicators of bone loss (defect length and width-to-length ratio) on both 2-D and 3-D CT and quantified bone loss using the glenoid index method on 2-D CT and using the glenoid index, ratio, and Pico methods on 3-D CT. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to assess agreement, and percentage error was used to compare radiographic and true measurements. Results: With use of 2-D CT, the glenoid index and defect length measurements had the least percentage error (−4.13% and 7.68%, respectively); agreement was very good (ICC, .81) for defect length only. With use of 3-D CT, defect length (0.29%) and the Pico1 method (4.93%) had the least percentage error. Agreement was very good for all linear indicators of bone loss (range, .85-.90) and for the ratio linear and Pico surface area methods used to quantify bone loss (range, .84-.98). Overall, 3-D CT results demonstrated better agreement and accuracy compared to 2-D CT. Conclusion: None of the methods assessed in this study using 2-D CT was found to be valid, and therefore, 2-D CT is not recommended for these methods. However, the length of glenoid defects can be reliably and accurately measured on 3-D CT. The Pico and ratio techniques are most reliable; however, the Pico1 method accurately quantifies glenoid bone loss in both the anterior and anteroinferior locations. Future work is required to implement valid imaging techniques of glenoid bone loss into clinical practice. Clinical Relevance: This is one of the only studies to date that has investigated both the reliability and accuracy of multiple indicators and quantification methods that evaluate glenoid bone loss in anterior glenohumeral instability. These data are critical to ensure valid methods are used for preoperative assessment and to determine when a glenoid bone augmentation procedure is indicated.