Nonarytenoid Laryngeal Granulomas

Contact and postintubation granulomas rarely are located on the middle third or anterior portion of the vocal folds, with few reported in the literature

Ceramic–Metal (Cermet) Composites: A Review of Key Properties and Synthesis Methods Focused on Nuclear Waste Immobilization

This paper reviews key properties, applications, and examples of ceramic–metal composites (cermets) and metal matrix composites (MMCs) with emphasis on their applicability as waste forms for immobilizing nuclear waste. While the literature is mature for vitrified and cementitious radioactive waste forms, cermet materials have not received adequate attention as potential candidates for immobilizing nuclear waste. To promulgate this effort, this review connects cermet and MMC design, such as hardened tools, with the chemistry of radioactive waste streams. This paper includes a discussion on certification and qualification standards for cermet waste forms, literature gaps, and “how-to” sections on cermet processing techniques. Key parameters discussed include thermal conductivity, chemical durability, and waste loading, as well as examples for metal-containing waste forms. As cermet waste forms gain momentum within the community, this review paper aims to ensure the end-of-life nuclear fuel cycle is addressed from a materials and waste disposition perspective

International Perspectives on Glass Waste Form Development for Low-Level and Intermediate-Level Radioactive Waste

The global energy transition to low-carbon energy sources will require a significant contribution of nuclear energy to achieve emission goals. Low-level radioactive wastes (LLW) and intermediate-level radioactive wastes (ILW) are created in various phases in the nuclear fuel cycle for power generation, as well as from nuclear accidents, legacy weapons production, contaminated site decommissioning, and other nuclear fuel cycle activities such as radiopharmaceutical production. In this review, we will summarize recent developments, state-of-the-art glass formulations, and thermal treatment process developments for vitrification of nuclear LLW and ILW from programs in Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America. Throughout, we will discuss the selection of glass over other possible waste forms and any special processing considerations due to the nature of the waste. The characteristics of the wastes, such as mixed technological waste, waste coming from dismantling of reprocessing facilities, site decommissioning, accident site decontamination, are important considerations. This is balanced with the suite of technologies available to vitrify these wastes, such as variations of incineration, in-can melting, and plasma treatment. Glass properties and microstructural aspects – such as inclusion of crystals or metallic phases – are compared to give an overview of the versatility of packaging matrices, such as homogeneous glasses, composites, and crystalline matrices. The volume and heterogeneity of the waste, as well as radionuclide, chemical and low silicate solubility components, factor into the selection of a given waste form, processing route, and technology. Case studies include examples from the United States, United Kingdom, Russia, France, Australia, Japan, Korea, and China

International perspectives on glass waste form development for low-level and intermediate-level radioactive waste

International audienceThe global energy transition to low-carbon energy sources will require a significant contribution of nuclearenergy to achieve emission goals. Low-level radioactive wastes (LLW) and intermediate-level radioactivewastes (ILW) are created in various phases in the nuclear fuel cycle for power generation, as well as fromnuclear accidents, legacy weapons production, contaminated site decommissioning, and other nuclear fuelcycle activities such as radiopharmaceutical production. In this review, we will summarize recentdevelopments, state-of-the-art glass formulations, and thermal treatment process developments forvitrification of nuclear LLW and ILW from programs in Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America.Throughout, we will discuss the selection of glass over other possible waste forms and any specialprocessing considerations due to the nature of the waste. The characteristics of the wastes, such as mixedtechnological waste, waste coming from dismantling of reprocessing facilities, site decommissioning,accident site decontamination, are important considerations. This is balanced with the suite of technologiesavailable to vitrify these wastes, such as variations of incineration, in-can melting, and plasma treatment.Glass properties and microstructural aspects – such as inclusion of crystals or metallic phases – arecompared to give an overview of the versatility of packaging matrices, such as homogeneous glasses,composites, and crystalline matrices. The volume and heterogeneity of the waste, as well as radionuclide,chemical and low silicate solubility components, factor into the selection of a given waste form, processingroute, and technology. Case studies include examples from the United States, United Kingdom, Russia,France, Australia, Japan, Korea, and China

Bilateral impairments in task-dependent modulation of the long-latency stretch reflex following stroke

Objective: Modulation of the long-latency reflex (LLR) is important for sensorimotor control during interaction with different mechanical loads. Transcortical pathways usually contribute to LLR modulation, but the integrity of pathways projecting to the paretic and non-paretic arms of stroke survivors is compromised. We hypothesize that disruption of transcortical reflex pathways reduces the capacity for stroke survivors to appropriately regulate the LLR bilaterally. Methods: Elbow perturbations were applied to the paretic and non-paretic arms of persons with stroke, and the dominant arm of age-matched controls as subjects interacted with Stiff or Compliant environments rendered by a linear actuator. Reflexes were quantified using surface electromyograms, recorded from biceps. Results: LLR amplitude was significantly larger during interaction with the Compliant load compared to the Stiff load in controls. However, there was no significant change in LLR amplitude for the paretic or non-paretic arm of stroke survivors. Conclusion: Modulation of the LLR is altered in the paretic and non-paretic arms after stroke. Significance: Our results are indicative of bilateral sensorimotor impairments following stroke. The inability to regulate the LLR may contribute to bilateral deficits in tasks that require precise control of limb mechanics and stability