A new formulae study for the (n,2p) reaction cross-section systematics at 14-15 MeV

The cross-section calculation systematics for nuclear reactions have great importance in describing the particle-induced excitation of nuclei. In this study, for 14-15 MeV of incident neutron energy, it has been suggested new empirical formulae to describe the (n, 2p) reactions cross sections. The new empirical formulae have been obtained for 29≤A≤159, 29≤A≤103 and 133≤A≤159 mass ranges which are dependent on s=(N-Z)/A asymmetry parameter. The asymmetry parameters have been obtained by modifying the original Levkovski formula. Then, EXFOR data has been studied by applying the least square fitting method and (n, 2p) reactions systematics has been revealed. The statistical dependence (R²) of these data was examined in the 29≤A≤159 total mass range. The calculated results from the obtained formulae have been compared with the literature data. The predictions of our formulae are in good agreement with the EXFOR data for 29≤A≤159 and 29≤A≤103 mass range.

Modelling study on production cross sections of 111In radioisotopes used in nuclear medicine

Radiopharmaceuticals are radioactive drugs used for diagnosis or treatment in a tracer quantity with no pharmacological action. The production of radiopharmaceuticals is carried out in the special research centers generally using by the cyclotron systems. Indium-111 is one of the most useful radioisotopes used in nuclear medicine. In this paper, we calculated the production cross sections of 111In radioisotope via 111–114Cd(p,xn) nuclear reactions up to 60 MeV energy. In the model calculations, ALICE/ASH, TALYS 1.6 and EMPIRE 3.2 Malta nuclear reaction code systems were used. The model calculation results were compared to the experimental literature data and TENDL-2014 (TALYS-based) data.

Production cross–section calculations of medical 32P, 117Sn, 153Sm and 186,188Re radionuclides used in bone pain palliation treatment

In this study, production cross–section calculations of 32P, 117Sn, 153Sm and 186,188Re radionuclides used in bone pain palliation treatment produced by 30Si(d,γ)32P, 118Sn(γ,n)117Sn, 116Sn(n,γ)117Sn, 150Nd(α,n)153Sm, 154Sm(n,2n)153Sm, 152Sm(n,γ)153Sm, 186W(d,2n)186Re, 187Re(γ,n)186Re, 185Re(n,γ)186Re and 187Re(n,γ)188Re reactions have been investigated in the different incident energy range of 0.003–34 MeV. Two-component exciton and generalised superfluid models of the TALYS 1.6 and exciton and generalised superfluid models of the EMPIRE 3.1 computer codes have been used to pre-equilibrium (PEQ) reaction calculations. The calculated production cross–section results have been compared with available experimental results existing in the experimental nuclear reaction database (EXFOR). Except the 118Sn(γ,n)117Sn, 150Nd(α,n)153Sm and 185Re(n,γ)186Re reactions, the two-component exciton model calculations of TALYS 1.6 code exhibit generally good agreement with the experimental measurements for all reactions used in this present study.

A study on empirical systematic for the (d,n) reaction cross sections at 8.6 MeV

Recently, many formalizations have been developed to explain some reaction mechanisms such as neutron or proton induced reactions. In this study, (d, n) reaction mechanism was investigated developing the cross-section systematic formula. The (d, n) cross sections at 8.6 MeV deuteron energy have been calculated using these formula for some target nuclei (A = 10∼123). The cross sections calculated are important for the development of fusion reactor technology. Obtained calculation results from the formula have been also compared and discussed with results calculated by the codes ALICE/ASH (equilibrium and pre-equilibrium theories) and TENDL-2012 (Talys-based), and with results of available experimental values. It is shown, that the suggested empirical equation at the 8.6 MeV deuteron energy works very well for a quick estimation of (d, n) nuclear cross sections.

Theoretical study of deuteron induced reactions on 6,7Li, 9Be and 19F targets

The nuclear reactions of the deuteron particles with light nuclei have been extensively investigated in the history of nuclear physics. In this work, the cross-sections of deuteron reactions 6Li(d,n)7Be, 6Li(d,t)5Li, 7Li(d,2n)7Be, 7Li(d,p)8Li, 7Li(d,t)6Li, 9Be(d,p)10Be, 9Be(d,t)8Be, 19F(d,n)20Ne and 19F(d,p)20F were studied for the investigation of structural fusion materials. Excitation functions of these reactions were determined by using ALICE-ASH code considering equilibrium (EQ) and pre-equilibrium (PEQ) effects. The calculated cross-sections, experimental results and TENDL-2011 library data are presented in graphical form.

Calculation of excitation functions for the production of Cu and Co medical isotopes

Copper and cobalt radioisotopes have been used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in the field of nuclear medicine. There is considerable interest in 60 ,61,64,67Cu and 55,57Co radioisotopes for some applications like PET, SPECT imaging and targeted radiotherapy of tumors. In present study, the production of 60,61,64,67Cu and 55,57Co via 64Zn(p,α)61Cu, 67Zn(p,α)64Cu, 70Zn(p,α)67Cu, 58Ni(p,α)55Co, 60Ni(p,α)57Co, 64Zn(p,nα)6°Cu and 68Zn(p,nα)64Cu reactions have been investigated in the range of 5–40 MeV proton incident energy. The new version of the code ALICE-2011 is used to determine the excitation functions of these nuclear reactions. The calculated excitation functions were compared with experimental results and semi-empirical cross section values of a previously developed model.

A survey of distribution of terrestrial radionuclides in surface soil samples in and around the Osmaniyeprovince, Turkey

The purpose of this survey was to determine the distribution of terrestrial radionuclides ((238)U, (232)Th and (40)K) in surface soil samples collected from different locations in and around Osmaniye and assess the radiological implications of outdoor external exposure. The activity concentrations of (238)U, (232)Th and (40)K in soil samples ranged from 2.6 to 38.1 Bq kg(-1) with a mean of 10.4±0.7 Bq kg(-1), 3.7-40.5 Bq kg(-1) with a mean of 12.2±0.7 Bq kg(-1) and 30.0-639.7 Bq kg(-1) with a mean of 243.4±12.8 Bq kg(-1), respectively. The concentrations of these radionuclides, presented in this article, were compared with those obtained from similar studies related to Turkey reported in the literature as well as earth's crust average values. The results of the activity concentrations were used to assess the external absorbed gamma dose rate (GDR) in outdoor air and the annual effective dose (AED). The outdoor absorbed GDRs fluctuate from 5.2 to 53.6 nGy h(-1) with a mean of 22.4±9.5. The corresponding mean AED is found to be 0.03 mSv.

Production cross sections of medical 110,111In radionuclides

In this study, production routes of medical 110,111In radionuclides produced by 110Cd(p, n)110In, 111Cd(p, 2n)110In, 112Cd(p, 3n)110In, 107Ag(α, n)110In, 109Ag(α, 3n)110In, 111Cd(p, n)111In, 112Cd(p, 2n)111In, 113Cd(p, 3n)111In, 114Cd(p, 4n)111In, 109Ag(α, 2n)111In, 107Ag(α, γ)111In and 113In(n, 3n)111In reactions have been investigated up to 70 MeV incident particle energy. In these calculations, the pre-equilibrium and equilibrium effects have been investigated. The pre-equilibrium calculations involve the geometry dependent hybrid model and the cascade exciton model. The full exciton model has also been used to investigate the pre-equilibrium direct effects. Equilibrium effects are calculated according to the Weisskopf–Ewing model. The calculated results are compared with the experimental data taken from the literature.

New calculations of excitation functions of some positron emitting and single photon emitting radioisotopes

In this study, new calculations of the excitation functions of 56Fe(p,2n)55Co,58Fe(p,2n)57Co,60Ni(p,n)60Cu,62Ni(p,2n)61Cu, 68Zn(p,2n)67Ga, 72Ge(p,n)72As,82Kr(p,2n)81Rb, 124Xe(p,2n)123Cs, 112Cd(p,2n)111In and 203Tl(p,3n)201Pb reactions have been carried for incident proton energies up to 50 MeV. In these calculations, the pre-equilibrium and equilibrium effects have been investigated. The pre-equilibrium calculations involve the newly evaluated geometry-dependent hybrid model, hybrid model and the cascade exciton model. Equilibrium effects are calculated according to the Weisskopf–Ewing model. The calculated results are compared with the experimental data taken from the literature.

Investigation of cross sections of reactions used in neutron activation analysis

In this study, neutron incident reaction cross sections for some target nuclei such as 24Mg, 27Al, 28Si, 56Fe, and 63Cu used in neutron activation analysis have been investigated. The new calculations on the excitation functions of 24Mg(n, p)24Na, 27Al(n, p)27Mg, 27Al(n, α)24Na, 28Si(n, p)28Al, 56Fe(n, p)56Mn, and 63Cu(n, 2n)62Cu reactions have been carried out for incident neutron energies up to 20 MeV. In these calculations, the pre-equilibrium and equilibrium effects have been investigated. The pre-equilibrium calculations involve the new geometry dependent hybrid model and the full exciton model. Equilibrium effects are calculated according to the Weisskopf–Ewing model. In the present work, reaction cross-sections have been calculated by using empirical formulas developed for energies of 14–15 MeV. The calculated results are discussed and compared with the experimental data taken from the EXFOR database.

Assessment of cerebral blood flow velocities in pre and post angiographic states with transcranial doppler

The frequency of complications resulting from angiograms reported in the literature vary between 0.2-5 percent. This study was planned to determine the changes in cerebral blood flow velocity before and after angiography, using transcranial doppler in patients of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) undergoing angiographies. Thirty patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage underwent transcranial doppler ultrasonography immediately before and after angiography. Nonionic water-soluble agents were used during the angiograms. The mean flow velocity (MFV) and pulsatility index (PI) at the M1 segment of both middle cerebral arteries was simultaneously measured. When the patients (11 male, 19 female, mean age+SD; 52.45+12.06) were compared according to changes in MFV and PI, pre and post-angiography, there was no statistical difference in MFV (p=0.51 and p=0.99, left and right side respectively), and in PI (p=0.48 and p=0.66) pre and post angiography. Although angiogram can be used to detect vasospasm in SAH, it can also be cause of vasospasm, partially due to the effect of the contrast agent on the cerebral arteries. This study proposes that the angiographic method is still safe and TCD can be used to follow up any possible changes in diameter of cerebral arteries before and after angiography.

Cerebellar metastasis from clear cell sarcoma of the kidney. A case report with immunohistochemistry

The aim of this study was to describe a child with a right cerebellar hemisphere metastasis from primary clear cell sarcoma of the kidney without evidence of bone metastases, and to investigate the immunohistochemical features of primary and metastatic tumors. A 12-month old boy was admitted our hospital due to an abdominal mass. Abdominal computed tomography revealed a large right renal tumor. Tumor was removed with nephrectomy. Histopathologic examination of tumor revealed clear cell sarcoma of the kidney. The patient received radiotherapy and chemotherapy in postoperative period. He suffered from gait disturbance and confusion 8 months later. A computed tomography scan revealed a tumor that was enhanced with contrast medium at right cerebellar hemisphere concomitant with ventricular enlargement. After ventriculo-peritoneal shunting procedure, tumor was excised totally and histopathologic diagnosis showed metastasis of clear cell sarcoma of the kidney. Immunohistochemically vimentin, actin, desmin, neuron specific enolase, cytokeratin, P 53, Ki-67 and P-170 were performed using formalin fixed, paraffin embedded sections. Both of the tumors were positive for vimentin and negative for desmin, actin, neuron specific enolase, cytokeratin and P 53. Scattered nuclei were stained by Ki-67 in primary and metastatic cerebellar tumor. Both primary and metastatic tumors were negative for p53 and P-170. The treatment consisted of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The patient is alive and well without evidence of recurrence 16 months after second surgery. Clear cell sarcoma of the kidney is most commonly associated with bone metastasis. Cerebellar metastasis of clear cell sarcoma of the kidney is very unusual. To the best of our knowledge, this patient is second case in the English literature. With review of the literature, our immunohistochemical findings support the theory that relapse and metastasis of primary clear cell sarcoma of the kidney are not related with increase of aggressiveness.

Instrumentation for posterior stabilisation of cervical traumatic and degenerative disorders: bullet-shaped implant and titanium cable

BACKGROUND

Numerous implants for posterior stabilisation of cervical spine have been described so far. The aims of all these implants and techniques are rigid spinal stabilisation without neurologic damage, restoration of neuroanatomy and excellent radiological studies in postoperative period. The objective of this study was to determine the effectively and clinical safety of this system.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients treated with posterior stabilisation system for the stabilisation of traumatic and osteodegerative disorders of lower cervical spine in our department. This posterior cervical stabilisation system consist of titanium bullet-shaped implant (Ti-Frame) and titanium cables (sof' wire).

RESULTS

All patients underwent only posterior fixation except 2 (anterior decompression and posterior stabilisation in 2 stages) and postoperative early immobilisation was allowed with Philadelphia collar in all patients. At the follow-up period 15.2 months (9-25 months), none of the patients had superficial or deep infection, implant resection or failure.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, this system (Ti-frame and titanium cables) is a simple, safe and effective system for posterior cervical stabilisation in patients with traumatic and osteodegenerative disorders due to provide rigid fixation and allow CT and MR imaging without the significant artifact.

Spinal toxoplasmic arachnoiditis associated with osteoid formation: a rare presentation of toxoplasmosis

STUDY DESIGN

An extremely rare presentation of an isolated spinal toxoplasmic arachnoiditis is described.

OBJECTIVE

To draw attention to the fact that spinal arachnoid membranes may be a potential reservoir for Toxoplasma gondii.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Central nervous system toxoplasmosis is a common manifestation in patients who are immunodeficient. Reports on the spinal toxoplasmosis are rare and focused on spinal cord involvement.

METHODS

An adult patient presented with symptoms of spastic paraparesis that had begun 13 years before admission. Thoracic spinal magnetic resonance imaging showed small lesions in posterior subarachnoid space at Th7-Th8. A Th7-Th8 laminectomy was performed. Intradural-extramedullary lesions were excised.

RESULTS

Clinical, immunologic, and pathologic examinations showed adhesive spinal arachnoiditis associated with osteoid formation caused by past toxoplasmic infection. There was no impairment of the immunologic defense system.

CONCLUSION

Where no causative factor is found in serious spinal adhesive arachnoiditis, the possibility of spinal toxoplasmosis should also be investigated.

Multiple nocardial abscesses of cerebrum, cerebellum and spinal cord, causing quadriplegia

In this paper we present a case of a diabetic patient with nocardial abscesses of cerebrum, cerebellum and the spinal cord. The present case is the first case in the literature of solitary intramedullary abscess in cervical spinal cord, causing tetraplegia. Nocardia asteroides grew in a culture of the abscess pus. After either surgical excision or drainage of lesions, a triple combination regimen of chemotherapy (amikacin, ceftriaxone and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole) was given, but the patient was lost in the postoperative period. This case gives suggestive evidence of an association between cervical spinal cord involvement and poor prognosis in CNS nocardiosis.

Injury caused by deeply penetrating knife blade lodged in infratemporal fossa

Knife-inflicted, deeply penetrating head and neck trauma is an uncommon life-threatening injury and a challenging problem. An examination of the neurovascular and systemic physical status is a first requirement and the decision as to which approach to adopt for the removal of the blade is of critical importance. Here we report a rare case of a pre-auricular stab wound with the knife blade deeply lodged in the extracranial infratemporal fossa. Radiological investigations showed that the knife blade had entered from the temporomandibular joint and become lodged through the anterior margin of foremen magnum below the petrosal bone. Minimal left vocal cord paresis, left palatal weakness and a slight deviation of the tongue towards the left side were observed. The other neurological and systemic physical evaluations were normal. Simple withdrawal of the blade in the operating room did not cause serious neurovascular injury. Here we discuss and compare the expanded exposure of anatomical structures for blade removal and simple withdrawal in similar injuries.

Indications of Philadelphia collar in the treatment of upper cervical injuries

The principles of the management of upper cervical injuries remain controversial. The specific anatomical conditions render upper cervical injuries more problematic than lower cervical injuries. Here we present and discuss our experiences with upper cervical injury, comparing them with other treatment modalities. The 24 patients admitted to our department with upper cervical injury were treated surgically or conservatively according to their neurological and radiological status. Five patients were treated surgically due to neurological abnormality associated with compression to neural structures observed in computerized tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (CT/MRI). Patients with no neural compression were managed conservatively, with the Philadelphia collar. All patients showed stable fracture healing and experienced no additional clinical disability on follow-up after a minimum of 3 months, except one who died due to cardiac and respiratory failure. Regardless of the type of injury, indication for surgery in many cases of upper cervical injury is neurological abnormality associated with radiologically observed neural compression. It is our belief that, in the absence of both neurological abnormality and compression to neural structures observed in CT/MRI, treatment with the Philadelphia collar alone is safe, cost-effective and easily applicable for many cases of upper cervical injury.

Cerebral blood flow alterations in progressive communicating hydrocephalus: transcranial Doppler ultrasonography assessment in an experimental model

OBJECT

In many cases communicating hydrocephalus is the result of impairments in cerebrospinal fluid absorption in the arachnoid villi at the cranial convexity. Reported methods of creating experimental hydrocephalus have not sought to produce an arachnoidal adhesion in the cranial convexity. In this study the authors investigate alterations in cerebral blood flow (CBF) in experimental communicating hydrocephalus induced by the injection of kaolin into the subarachnoid space at the convexity in neonatal rats.

METHODS

In neonatal rats, kaolin was injected into the subarachnoid space at the cranial convexity. Assessment of CBF alterations was performed using transcranial Doppler ultrasonography preinjection and at 10 days, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks postinjection. Light microscopy examination was also performed at 4 weeks and 8 weeks postinjection. Conspicuous lateral ventricle enlargements of different dimensions were observed in kaolin-injected rats at 4 to 8 weeks postinjection. The third and fourth ventricles were dilated to a lesser extent. Resistance to CBF and increased mean CBF velocity were apparent 8 weeks after kaolin injection. Further, destruction and even loss of ependymal layers were more prominent at the chronic stage.

CONCLUSIONS

The present model may be considered a progressive communicating hydrocephalus because of marked changes in blood flow dynamics and destruction of the ependymal layer at the chronic stage.