bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental design optimization for electrochemical removal of gentamicin: toxicity evaluation and degradation pathway
Authors: Dhuria Radhey S. , Bhatti Rajbir , Bhatti Manpreet S. , Singh Palwinder , Whitcomb Patrick J. , Thukral Ashwani K.
Published: May 2013

Electrochemical degradation of gentamicin was achieved using a laboratory scale electrochemical reactor by optimizing pH, current density and treatment time. A two step statistical optimization was performed as per factorial design and center composite design (CCD). A Pareto chart was used for selecting statistically significant effects and an analysis of variance (ANOVA) table indicated significant curvature. Thus adding additional experimental runs improved the model fitting through a second order model. Maximum degradation was predicted at a pH of 6.7, 70 A m−2 and 45 min. The experimental data fitted well through a reduced quadratic model with R2 equal to 0.945. The toxicity of degradation products as determined by disc diffusion assay employing Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain was found to be reduced by 55%. The degradation pathway of gentamicin was studied using mass spectral (MS) analysis. Pure gentamicin showed a molecular ion peak at m/z 478 ([M + 1]+), and after addition of NaCl as electrolyte, the mass peak was observed at m/z 523. After 15 min of electrochemical treatment, a new peak appeared at m/z 316 due to the loss of one pyran moiety. After 45 min of electrochemical treatment, another peak appeared at m/z of 478 due to loss of two Na+ from gentamicin.
Limitation of hardness from thermal water by means of nanofiltration
Authors: Tonko Csilla Maria , Kiraly Andras , Mizsey Peter , Patzay Gyorgy , Csefalvay Edit
Published: May 2013

Geothermal conditions are extremely favourable in Hungary. Thermal water is accessible in 70% of the territory of the country, with a lowest temperature of 30°C. For energetic purposes, it can be utilized in two different ways: for supplying heat or generating electricity. In relation to utilization, one of the most serious problems derives from the chemical composition of thermal water. The present paper investigates the opportunities of preventing scaling by nanofiltration. Experiments were performed on a Thin Film NF DK membrane, thermostated at 50°C and at a pressure of 3.5 MPa with four different samples (from four Hungarian cities – Eger, Mezőkövesd, Bogács, Miskolc-Tapolca) using batch plant. Reproducibility of experiments was also investigated using water samples from Komárom at 50 and 60°C. The results showed that NF DK could achieve high retention of divalent ions. The results of the second phase of the experiments proved that water flux and rejections were very stable. After filtration, the scaling properties of thermal water were simulated with the help of chemical equilibrium modelling software, called Visual MINTEQ 3.0. The results of the permeate samples prove that nanofiltration is a successful process in preventing scaling of thermal water for further use.
Simulation of the spatial and temporal changes of complex non-point source loads in a lake watershed of central China
Authors: Yanhua Zhuang , Song Hong , Wenting Zhang , Hongyan Lin , Qinghui Zeng , Thuminh Nguyen , Beibei Niu , Wanyi Li
Published: May 2013

In this study, a coupling model of agricultural and urban non-point source (AUNPS) is established in order to estimate complex non-point source (NPS) pollutant loads in the urban–rural fringe. Furthermore, a spatial–temporal change model of non-point source (CA-AUNPS) is established by the coupling of AUNPS and cellular automata (CA) models. The total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) loads in Tangxun watershed were simulated during 1991–2020, and the results show that: (1) the CA-AUNPS model is an effective tool to simulate the spatial–temporal changes of NPS pollutant loads in urban–rural fringe; (2) in terms of the spatial changes, the TN and TP loads generally showed as rural/urban construction land > farmland > forest/green land, and the high-value areas of NPS pollutant loads expanded from north to south with the increase of construction land; with regard to temporal changes, the TN and TP loads generally displayed an increasing tendency during 1991–2020, and by 2020 the TN and TP loads will increase to 370.06 and 33.89 t yr−1, respectively; (3) the spatial–temporal changes of TN and TP loads in Tangxun watershed correlate strongly with the land-use, slope, and rainfall.
Growth and development of tomato plants Lycopersicon Esculentum Mill. under different saline conditions by fertirrigation with pretreated cheese whey wastewater
Authors: Prazeres Ana R. , Carvalho Fátima , Rivas Javier , Patanita Manuel , Dôres Jóse
Published: May 2013

Pretreated cheese whey wastewater (CWW) has been used at different salinity levels: 1.75, 2.22, 3.22, 5.02 and 10.02 dS m−1 and compared with fresh water (1.44 dS m−1). Two cultivars (cv.) of the tomato plant Lycopersicon Esculentum Mill. (Roma and Rio Grande) were exposed to saline conditions for 72 days. Salinity level (treatment) had no significant effects on the fresh weight and dry matter of the leaves, stems and roots. Similar results were found when specific leaf area, leaflet area, ramifications number of 1st order/plant, stem diameter and length, nodes number/stem and primary root length were considered. Conversely, the salinity level significantly influenced the Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) index and the distance between nodes in the plant stem. In the first case, an increase of 21% was obtained in the salinity levels of 5.02 and 10.02 dS m−1 for cv. Rio Grande, compared with the control run. The results showed that the pretreated CWW can be a source of nutrients for tomato plants, with reduced effects on growth and development.
Energy benchmarking of South Australian WWTPs
Authors: Krampe J.
Published: May 2013

Optimising the energy consumption and energy generation of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) is a topic with increasing importance for water utilities in times of rising energy costs and pressures to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Assessing the energy efficiency and energy optimisation of a WWTP are difficult tasks as most plants vary greatly in size, process layout and other influencing factors. To overcome these limits it is necessary to compare energy efficiency with a statistically relevant base to identify shortfalls and optimisation potential. Such energy benchmarks have been successfully developed and used in central Europe over the last two decades. This paper demonstrates how the latest available energy benchmarks from Germany have been applied to 24 WWTPs in South Australia. It shows how energy benchmarking can be used to identify shortfalls in current performance, prioritise detailed energy assessments and help inform decisions on capital investment.
Decentralised systems – definition and drivers in the current context
Authors: Sharma Ashok K. , Tjandraatmadja Grace , Cook Stephen , Gardner Ted
Published: May 2013

This paper explores the current context for decentralised approaches in the provision of urban water services. It examines the recent history of decentralised systems' implementation in Australia and identifies its drivers. The drivers included addressing capacity constraints of centralised systems, mitigating the environmental impact of urban development, and increasing the resilience of urban water systems to episodic droughts and the projected impacts of climate change. The concepts of integrated urban water management and water sensitive urban design were prevalent in many of the innovative approaches used for the provision of decentralised urban water services. However, there remains a degree of confusion among water professionals in the terminology adopted for on-site and decentralised systems. Based on a literature review, consultation with water industry professionals and examination of decentralised urban developments in Australia, this paper has developed a generalised definition of decentralised systems for adoption across the water sector. The definition encompasses the various development scales in which decentralised systems are implemented, and reflects the new functions and characteristics inherent to those systems.
Cycle-time determination and process control of sequencing batch membrane bioreactors
Authors: Krampe J.
Published: May 2013

In this paper a method to determine the cycle time for sequencing batch membrane bioreactors (SBMBRs) is introduced. One of the advantages of SBMBRs is the simplicity of adapting them to varying wastewater composition. The benefit of this flexibility can only be fully utilised if the cycle times are optimised for the specific inlet load conditions. This requires either proactive and ongoing operator adjustment or active predictive instrument-based control. Determination of the cycle times for conventional sequencing batch reactor (SBR) plants is usually based on experience. Due to the higher mixed liquor suspended solids concentrations in SBMBRs and the limited experience with their application, a new approach to calculate the cycle time had to be developed. Based on results from a semi-technical pilot plant, the paper presents an approach for calculating the cycle time in relation to the influent concentration according to the Activated Sludge Model No. 1 and the German HSG (Hochschulgruppe) Approach. The approach presented in this paper considers the increased solid contents in the reactor and the resultant shortened reaction times. This allows for an exact calculation of the nitrification and denitrification cycles with a tolerance of only a few minutes. Ultimately the same approach can be used for a predictive control strategy and for conventional SBR plants.
Recalcitrant organic matter removal from textile wastewater by an aerobic cell-immobilized pellet column
Authors: Kim Moonil , Han Dukkyu , Cui Fenghao , Bae Wookeun
Published: May 2013

The treatment of textile wastewater is difficult because of its recalcitrant organic content. The biological removal of recalcitrant organics requires a long retention time for microbial growth. Activated sludge was immobilized in a polyethylene glycol pellet to allow for sufficient sludge retention time. The pellets were filled in an aerobic cell-immobilized pellet column (CIPC) reactor in order to investigate the removal of recalcitrant organics from textile wastewater. A textile wastewater effluent treated by a conventional activated sludge reactor was used as a target wastewater. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency of the aerobic CIPC reactor at various empty bed contact times was in the range of 42.2–60.5%. Half of the input COD was removed in the lower part (bottom 25% of the reactor volume) of the reactor when the organic loading rate was less than 1.5 kg COD/(m3•d). About 15–30% of the input COD was removed in the remaining part of the column reactor. The COD removed in this region was limitedly biodegradable. The biodegradation of recalcitrant organics could be carried out by the interactional functions of the various bacteria consortia by using a cell-immobilization process. The CIPC process could effectively treat textile wastewater using a short retention time because the microorganisms that degrade limitedly biodegradable organics were dominant in the reactor.
Expressional Analysis of GFP-Tagged Cells in an In Vivo Mouse Model of Giant Cell Tumor of Bone
Authors: Singh S , Singh M , Mak I , Ghert M
Published: May 2013

Giant cell tumor of bone in a neoplastic stromal cell which survives for multiple passages in primary cell culture with a stable phenotype. In the pathological environment of GCT, the neoplastic nature of the mesenchymal stromal component drives local hematopoietic precursors to undergo fusion and form multinucleated osteoclast like giant cells. There is currently very limited knowledge about the pathogenesis of GCT due to the lack of suitable in vivo models for this tumor. Here we report stable gene transfer of Green fluorescence protein (GFP) in GCT stromal cells. In the present study, we have used GCT stromal cells that stably express enhanced green fluorescence protein (GFP) that are used in a new in vivo culture model. Our results show the utility of the GFP tagged cell lines that stably express GFP signals up to 52 weeks of continuous growth. The in vivo model described herein can serve as an excellent system for in vivo therapeutic and mechanistic evaluation of existing and novel targets for GCT.
Characteristics Associated With Maintenance of Mean A1C <6.5% in People With Dysglycemia in the ORIGIN Trial
Authors:   The ORIGIN Trial Investigators
Published: May 2013

OBJECTIVE

To assess the success and baseline predictors of maintaining glycemic control for up to 5 years of therapy using basal insulin glargine or standard glycemic care in people with dysglycemia treated with zero or one oral glucose-lowering agents.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Data from 12,537 participants in the Outcome Reduction with Initial Glargine Intervention (ORIGIN) trial were examined by baseline glycemic status (with or without type 2 diabetes) and by therapeutic approach (titrated insulin glargine or standard therapy) using an intention-to-treat analysis. Median values for fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and A1C and percentages with A1C <6.5% (48 mmol/mol) during randomized treatment were calculated. Factors independently associated with maintaining updated mean A1C <6.5% were analyzed with linear regression models.

RESULTS

Median A1C in the whole population was 6.4% at baseline; at 5 years, it was 6.2% with glargine treatment and 6.5% with standard care. Of those with diabetes at baseline, 60% using glargine and 45% using standard care had A1C <6.5% at 5 years. Lack of diabetes and lower baseline A1C were independently associated with 5-year mean A1C <6.5%. Maintaining mean A1C <6.5% was more likely with glargine (odds ratio [OR] 2.98 [95% CI 2.67–3.32], P < 0.001) than standard care after adjustment for other independent predictors.

CONCLUSIONS

Systematic intervention with basal insulin glargine or standard care early in the natural history of dysglycemia can maintain glycemic control near baseline levels for at least 5 years, whether diabetes is present at baseline or not. Keeping mean A1C <6.5% is more likely in people with lower baseline A1C and with the glargine-based regimen.
Glucose Metabolism After Renal Transplantation
Authors: Hecking Manfred , Kainz Alexander , Werzowa Johannes , Haidinger Michael , Döller Dominik , Tura Andrea , Karaboyas Angelo , Hörl Walter H. , Wolzt Michael , Sharif Adnan , Roden Michael , Moro Ermanno , Pacini Giovanni , Port Friedrich K. , Säemann Marcus D.
Published: May 2013

OBJECTIVE

We determined prevalence, risk factors, phenotype, and pathophysiological mechanism of new-onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT) to generate strategies for optimal pharmacological management of hyperglycemia in NODAT patients.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Retrospective cohort study comparing demographics, laboratory data, and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)-derived metabolic parameters from kidney transplant recipients versus subjects not receiving transplants.

RESULTS

Among 1,064 stable kidney transplant recipients (≥6 months posttransplantation), 113 (11%) had a history of NODAT and 132 (12%) had pretransplant diabetes. In the remaining patients, randomly assigned OGTTs showed a high prevalence of abnormal glucose metabolism (11% diabetes; 32% impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, or both), predominantly in older patients who received tacrolimus as the primary immunosuppressant. Compared with 1,357 nontransplant subjects, stable kidney transplant recipients had lower basal glucose, higher glycated hemoglobin, lower insulin secretion, and greater insulin sensitivity in each of the three subgroups, defined by OGTT 2-h glucose (<140, 140–199, ≥200 mg/dL). These findings were reinforced in linear spline interpolation models of insulin secretion and sensitivity (all P < 0.001) and in another regression model in which the estimated oral glucose insulin sensitivity index was substantially higher (by 79–112 mL/min m2) for transplant versus nontransplant subjects despite adjustments for age, sex, and BMI (all P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Glucose metabolism differs substantially between kidney transplant recipients and nontransplant controls. Because impaired insulin secretion appears to be the predominant pathophysiological feature after renal transplantation, early therapeutic interventions that preserve, maintain, or improve β-cell function are potentially beneficial in this population.
Grounding-line migration in plan-view marine ice-sheet models: results of the ice2sea MISMIP3d intercomparison
Authors: Pattyn Frank , Perichon Laura , Durand Gaël , Favier Lionel , Gagliardini Olivier , Hindmarsh Richard C.A. , Zwinger Thomas , Albrecht Torsten , Cornford Stephen , Docquier David , Fürst Johannes J. , Goldberg Daniel , Gudmundsson G. Hilmar , Humbert Angelika , Hütten Moritz , Huybrechts Philippe , Jouvet Guillaume , Kleiner Thomas , Larour Eric , Martin Daniel , Morlighem Mathieu , Payne Anthony J. , Pollard David , Rückamp Martin , Rybak Oleg , Seroussi Hélène , Thoma Malte , Wilkens Nina
Published: May 2013

Predictions of marine ice-sheet behaviour require models able to simulate grounding-line migration. We present results of an intercomparison experiment for plan-view marine ice-sheet models. Verification is effected by comparison with approximate analytical solutions for flux across the grounding line using simplified geometrical configurations (no lateral variations, no buttressing effects from lateral drag). Perturbation experiments specifying spatial variation in basal sliding parameters permitted the evolution of curved grounding lines, generating buttressing effects. The experiments showed regions of compression and extensional flow across the grounding line, thereby invalidating the boundary layer theory. Steady-state grounding-line positions were found to be dependent on the level of physical model approximation. Resolving grounding lines requires inclusion of membrane stresses, a sufficiently small grid size (<500 m), or subgrid interpolation of the grounding line. The latter still requires nominal grid sizes of <5 km. For larger grid spacings, appropriate parameterizations for ice flux may be imposed at the grounding line, but the short-time transient behaviour is then incorrect and different from models that do not incorporate grounding-line parameterizations. The numerical error associated with predicting grounding-line motion can be reduced significantly below the errors associated with parameter ignorance and uncertainties in future scenarios.
Computing the volume response of the Antarctic Peninsula ice sheet to warming scenarios to 2200
Authors: Barrand Nicholas E. , Hindmarsh Richard C.A. , Arthern Robert J. , Rosie Williams C. , Mouginot Jérémie , Scheuchl Bernd , Rignot Eric , Ligtenberg Stefan R.M. , Van Den Broeke Michiel R. , Edwards Tamsin L. , Cook Alison J. , Simonsen Sebastian B.
Published: May 2013

The contribution to sea level to 2200 from the grounded, mainland Antarctic Peninsula ice sheet (APIS) was calculated using an ice-sheet model initialized with a new technique computing ice fluxes based on observed surface velocities, altimetry and surface mass balance, and computing volume response using a linearized method. Volume change estimates of the APIS resulting from surface mass-balance anomalies calculated by the regional model RACMO2, forced by A1B and E1 scenarios of the global models ECHAM5 and HadCM3, predicted net negative sea-level contributions between −0.5 and −12 mm sea-level equivalent (SLE) by 2200. Increased glacier flow due to ice thickening returned ∼15% of the increased accumulation to the sea by 2100 and ∼30% by 2200. The likely change in volume of the APIS by 2200 in response to imposed 10 and 20 km retreats of the grounding line at individual large outlet glaciers in Palmer Land, southern Antarctic Peninsula, ranged between 0.5 and 3.5 mm SLE per drainage basin. Ensemble calculations of APIS volume change resulting from imposed grounding-line retreat due to ice-shelf break-up scenarios applied to all 20 of the largest drainage basins in Palmer Land (covering ∼40% of the total area of APIS) resulted in net sea-level contributions of 7–16 mm SLE by 2100, and 10–25 mm SLE by 2200. Inclusion of basins in the northern peninsula and realistic simulation of grounding-line movement for AP outlet glaciers will improve future projections.
Influence of weak-layer heterogeneity on snow slab avalanche release: application to the evaluation of avalanche release depths
Authors: Gaume Johan , Chambon Guillaume , Eckert Nicolas , Naaim Mohamed
Published: May 2013

The evaluation of avalanche release depths constitutes a great challenge for risk assessment in mountainous areas. This study focuses on slab avalanches, which generally result from the rupture of a weak layer underlying a cohesive slab. We use the finite-element code Cast3M to build a mechanical model of the slab/weak-layer system, taking into account two key ingredients for the description of avalanche release: weak-layer heterogeneity and stress redistribution via slab elasticity. The system is loaded by increasing the slope angle until rupture. We first examine the cases of one single and two interacting weak spots in the weak layer, in order to validate the model. We then study the case of heterogeneous weak layers represented through Gaussian distributions of the cohesion with a spherical spatial covariance. Several simulations for different realizations of weak-layer heterogeneity are carried out and the influence of slab depth and heterogeneity correlation length on avalanche release angle distributions is analyzed. We show, in particular, a heterogeneity smoothing effect caused by slab elasticity. Finally, this mechanically based probabilistic model is coupled with extreme snowfall distributions. A sensitivity analysis of the predicted distributions enables us to determine the values of mechanical parameters that provide the best fit to field data.
Is Myelodysplastic Syndrome a Rarity in Childhood? Or are We Failing to Diagnose?
Authors: Jamal Chowdhury Yakub
Published: May 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjch.v36i3.14273 BANGLADESH J CHILD HEALTH 2012; VOL 36 (3) : 111-114
Magnitude of Problems of Prematurity - National and Global Perspective: A Review
Authors: Dey Arjun Chandra , Mannan Md Abdul , Saha Laxmi , Hossain Md Ismail , Shahidullah Mohammod
Published: May 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjch.v36i3.14288 BANGLADESH J CHILD HEALTH 2012; VOL 36 (3) : 146-152
Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE) Associated with Basal Ganglia Involvement - Two Case Reports
Authors: Kundu GK , Mahmud MM , Rahman MM
Published: May 2013

Magneting resonance imaging in subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) usually demonstrates changes in periventicular and subcortical white matter. Basal ganglia, Cerebellum, Spinal cord are less commonly involved. In this article, we report two cases of SSPE associated with basal ganglia involvement. The 1st case a 11 years old boy had the severe symptoms of SSPE with bilateral basal ganglia involvement. The 2nd case a 8 years old girl had right sided hemiplegia. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjch.v36i3.14289 BANGLADESH J CHILD HEALTH 2012; VOL 36 (3) : 153-155
A Giant Solitary Exostosis of the Lower Ulna in a Child
Authors: Haque Md Anwarul , Haque Md Emdadul , Islam Md Saiful , Chowdhury Mamunur Rashid
Published: May 2013

Forearm deformity secondary to giant solitary ulnar exostosis is rare. Here we described a rare presentation of symptomatic solitary giant exostosis involving the distal ulna resulting in ulnar bowing of the forearm in a five-years old girl. The tumour was completely resected and the defect was reconstructed with non vascularised fibular autograft. A wedge osteotomy was performed on the radius to correct the deformity. Nine months after surgery, the fibular autograft has fully incorporated and the deformity remains corrected with normal bone length and excellent hand function. There is no evidence of local recurrence. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cbmj.v1i1.13851 Community Based Medical Journal Vol.1(1) 2012 30-32
Calcified abdominal pregnancy with eight years of evolution
Authors: Rahman Md Masudur , Quddush ASM Ruhul , Islam Mahzabeen , Sen Shila , Jahan Akhter , Begum Ferdusi , Bousrleea Reeva Aireen , Rayen Junnu
Published: May 2013

The lithopedion (Calcified abdominal pregnancy) is a rare phenomenon and there are less than 300 cases reported in the medical literature.In this case, a 35 year-old patient had her third pregnancy 8 years earlier without medical assistance since then she came to our hospital with low back pain. Complementary examinations (Abdominal X-ray, Ultrasonography and Color Doppler Ultrasonography) demonstrated an extra uterine abdominal about 25 - week pregnancy with calcified areas. Exploratory Laparatomy was performed, with extirpation of a well - conserved fetus with non calcified ovular membrane. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cbmj.v1i1.13852 Community Based Medical Journal Vol.1(1) 2012 33-34
A Brazilian Experience in Assisted Automated Peritoneal Dialysis: A Reliable and Effective Home Care Approach
Authors: Franco Marcia Regina Gianotti , Fernandes Natália , Ribeiro Claúdia Azevedo , Qureshi Abdul Rashid , Divino–Filho Jose Carolino , da Glória Lima Maria
Published: May 2013

Introduction

Automated assisted peritoneal dialysis (AAPD) has been shown to be successful as renal replacement therapy for elderly and physically incapable end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. In early 2003, a pioneer AAPD program was initiated at GAMEN Renal Clinic in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Objective

We evaluated the results of an AAPD program offered as an option to elderly ESRD patients with physical or cognitive debilities or as last resort to patients with vascular access failure or hemodynamic instability during hemodialysis.

Methods

A cohort of 30 consecutive patients started AAPD from January 2003 to March 2008 and was followed to July 2009. Demographics, clinical and laboratory parameters, causes of death, and patient and technique survival were analyzed.

Results

Median age of the patients was 72 years (range: 47 – 93 years), with 60% being older than 65. The Davies score was greater than 2 in 73% of patients, and the Karnofsky index was less than 70 in 40%. The overall peritonitis rate was 1 episode in 37 patient–months. The total duration of AAPD ranged from 3 to 72 months. Patient survival was 80% at 12 months, 60% at 24 months, and 23.3% at 48 months. The most common cause of death was cardiovascular problems (70%).

Conclusions

In this clinical observational study, AAPD fulfilled its expected role, offering an opportune, reliable, and effective homecare alternative for ESRD patients with no other renal replacement therapy options.
A New Slant on Toric Intraocular Lens Power Calculation
Authors: Savini Giacomo , Hoffer Kenneth J. , Ducoli Pietro
Published: May 2013

PURPOSE:

The AcrySof Toric intraocular lens (IOL) (Alcon Laboratories, Inc., Fort Worth, TX) is designed to correct corneal astigmatism ranging from 0.67 to 4.11 diopters (D). The authors reviewed the clinical outcomes of this IOL and investigated possible improvements of the online calculator provided by the manufacturer.

METHODS:

Review of published studies.

RESULTS:

The AcrySof Toric IOL can provide good results, although a mean overcorrection or undercorrection relative to the intended correction has been found by some authors. Stability over time has been reported to be excellent. Rotation occurs mainly in the first postoperative month and is greater in eyes with a longer axial length due to the larger capsule size. The online calculator of this IOL may be improved by considering the posterior corneal astigmatism and better calculating the conversion of the IOL cylinder from the IOL plane to the corneal plane, which may be inaccurate for two reasons. First, given the variable distance between the IOL and the cornea in short and long eyes, the fixed ratio (1.46) provided by the manufacturer cannot be used to calculate this conversion. Second, the online calculator does not take into account the effect of varying IOL sphere power.

CONCLUSION:

The AcrySof Toric IOL is a reliable choice to correct corneal astigmatism at the time of cataract surgery. Results will be improved once the online calculator by the manufacturer considers the posterior corneal astigmatism and the variable ratio between the toricity at the IOL and corneal plane.

[
J Refract Surg.
2013;29(5):348–354.]
CXCR3 Deficiency Prolongs Th1-Type Contact Hypersensitivity
Authors: Suga Hiraku , Sugaya Makoto , Miyagaki Tomomitsu , Ohmatsu Hanako , Okochi Hitoshi , Sato Shinichi
Published: May 2013

Sensitization and challenge using dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) induce contact hypersensitivity (CHS) with Th1 cell infiltration, whereas those using FITC generate CHS with Th2 cell infiltration. In this study, we attempted to determine the role of CXCR3, a chemokine receptor, in Th1- and Th2-type CHS induced by DNFB or FITC using CXCR3-deficient (CXCR3−/−) mice. Ear swelling was prolonged after DNFB challenge in CXCR3−/− mice, which was accompanied by increased Th1 cytokines and decreased TGF-β and IL-10 expression at a late time point of CHS, whereas there was no significant difference between wild-type and CXCR3−/− mice in FITC-induced CHS. In Th1-type CHS, the number of regulatory T cells (Tregs) was decreased in the challenged ear of CXCR3−/− mice compared with that of wild-type mice, suggesting that CXCR3 would be important in migration of Tregs into the site of inflammation. Moreover, we examined the characteristics of CXCR3+ Tregs both in vitro and in vivo, revealing that CXCR3+ Tregs expressed high levels of TGF-β and IL-10 as well as IFN-γ compared with CXCR3− Tregs. When CXCR3−/− mice were injected with CXCR3+ Tregs, the prolonged ear swelling induced by DNFB was normalized. Taken together, our results suggest that CXCR3+ Tregs play a key role for quenching Th1-type CHS.
Proteolytic Activation Transforms Heparin Cofactor II into a Host Defense Molecule
Authors: Kalle Martina , Papareddy Praveen , Kasetty Gopinath , Tollefsen Douglas M. , Malmsten Martin , Mörgelin Matthias , Schmidtchen Artur
Published: May 2013

The abundant serine proteinase inhibitor heparin cofactor II (HCII) has been proposed to inhibit extravascular thrombin. However, the exact physiological role of this plasma protein remains enigmatic. In this study, we demonstrate a previously unknown role for HCII in host defense. Proteolytic cleavage of the molecule induced a conformational change, thereby inducing endotoxin-binding and antimicrobial properties. Analyses employing representative peptide epitopes mapped these effects to helices A and D. Mice deficient in HCII showed increased susceptibility to invasive infection by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, along with a significantly increased cytokine response. Correspondingly, decreased levels of HCII were observed in wild-type animals challenged with bacteria or endotoxin. In humans, proteolytically cleaved HCII forms were detected during wounding and in association with bacteria. Thus, the protease-induced uncovering of cryptic epitopes in HCII, which transforms the molecule into a host defense factor, represents a previously unknown regulatory mechanism in HCII biology and innate immunity.
Review: Research progress in amur grape, Vitis amurensis Rupr.
Authors: Liu Liyuan , Li Hua
Published: May 2013

Liu, L. Y. and Li, H. 2013. Review: Research progress in amur grape, Vitis amurensis Rupr. Can. J. Plant Sci. 93: 565–575. Vitis amurensis Rupr., which originates in China and has several important traits, such as cold- and disease-resistance, is now commercially cultivated in China. Vitis amurensis has a strong root system and high growth vigor allowing it to survive temperatures as low as −40°C without the need to bury its vines, saving inputs in vineyard management. During growth, V. amurensis vines have high resistance to many diseases, such as grape white rot and grape anthracnose, and are thus often used as a disease-resistant stock as well as the most powerful cold-resistant rootstock to breed materials for novel cultivars. As a wine grape, the fruit fragrance and distinctive taste are unique for making high quality red and sweet wines, which have a brilliant ruby red color, fine fragrance, and a full-bodied and distinctive taste. Vitis amurensis grapes and the wines made from them contain abundant bioactive natural substances, which have important effects on lowering human blood pressure, antioxidation, anti-aging, cardiovascular disease prevention, etc. The present article addresses research progress and the utilization of V. amurensis achieved in the past decades. Further studies are proposed.
Weed management in white beans with postemergence herbicide tankmixes
Authors: Soltani Nader , Nurse Robert E. , Sikkema Peter H.
Published: May 2013

Soltani, N., Nurse, R. E. and Sikkema, P. H. 2013. Weed management in white beans with postemergence herbicide tankmixes. Can. J. Plant Sci. 93: 669–674. Weed control efficacy of cloransulam-methyl, halosulfuron, bentazon, fomesafen and their tankmixes applied post-emergence (POST) for weed management in white bean was evaluated in field studies conducted in four Ontario locations during 2008–2011. Cloransulam-methyl, halosulfuron, bentazon, fomesafen, bentazon plus fomesafen, cloransulam-methyl plus bentazon, cloransulam-methyl plus fomesafen, cloransulam-methyl plus bentazon plus fomesafen, halosulfuron plus bentazon, halosulfuron plus fomesafen, and halosulfuron plus bentazon plus fomesafen caused white bean injury ranging from 1 to 18%. Control for AMARE, AMBEL and CHEAL ranged from 47 to 92%, 66 to 98% and 36 to 91%, respectively, among herbicide treatments. Similar results were observed for weed density and biomass of AMARE, AMBEL, and CHEAL. Cloransulam-methyl, halosulfuron, and cloransulam-methyl plus fomesafen reduced the yield of white bean by 34, 21, and 17%, respectively, compared with the weed-free control. However, bentazon, fomesafen, bentazon plus fomesafen, cloransulam-methyl plus bentazon, cloransulam-methyl plus bentazon plus fomesafen, halosulfuron plus bentazon, halosulfuron plus fomesafen, and halosulfuron plus bentazon plus fomesafen had no adverse effect on yield of white bean. Based on these results, tankmixes of cloransulam-methyl and halosulfuron with bentazon and fomesafen can reduce crop injury and provide control of broadleaf weeds in white bean.
Management strategies to reduce losses caused by fusarium seedling blight of field pea
Authors: Chang K. F. , Hwang S. F. , Ahmed H. U. , Gossen B. D. , Turnbull G. D. , Strelkov S. E.
Published: May 2013

Chang, K. F., Hwang, S. F., Ahmed, H. U., Gossen, B. D., Turnbull, G. D. and Strelkov, S. E. 2013. Management strategies to reduce losses caused by fusarium seedling blight of field pea. Can. J. Plant Sci. 93: 619–625. Fusarium seedling blight can cause substantial reductions in the stand density of field pea in western Canada. In greenhouse experiments, emergence decreased and root rot severity rose with increasing inoculum density. In field trials in 2007 and 2008 near Edmonton, AB, seeding at different depths and seeding dates did not consistently affect emergence or yield in Fusarium-infested soils. In field experiments, emergence declined significantly with each increase in inoculum level. Also, seed yield were reduced at high levels of disease pressure. Treatment of seed with Apron Maxx improved emergence, nodulation and yield of treatments challenged with inoculum of F. avenaceum in both greenhouse and field experiments. This research demonstrates the need to prevent seedling blight and root rot through proper seed treatment.
Laboratory efficacy and fungicide compatibility of Clonostachys rosea against Botrytis blight on lowbush blueberry
Authors: Reeh K. W. , Cutler G. C.
Published: May 2013

Reeh, K. W. and Cutler, G. C. 2013. Laboratory efficacy and fungicide compatibility of Clonostachys rosea against Botrytis blight on lowbush blueberry. Can. J. Plant Sci. 93: 639–642. Lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium) is an economically important crop. Clonostachys rosea is an endophytic fungus that can provide protection of plants from several pathogens, including Botrytis cinerea. It is unknown if C. rosea is able to colonize and protect V. angustifolium, and whether it is tolerant of fungicides commonly used for B. cinerea management in blueberry production. In a greenhouse experiment, pre-treatment of blueberry blossoms with C. rosea significantly reduced establishment of B. cinerea, but treatments after establishment of the pathogen were not effective. Clonostachys rosea demonstrated in vitro tolerance to the fungicide Switch®, but little or no tolerance to Pristine® and Maestro®. Our results are encouraging for additional field research examining the use of C. rosea as part of an integrated pest management program for B. cinerea control on lowbush blueberries.
Regularity of optimal transport maps on multiple products of spheres
Authors: Figalli Alessio , Kim Young-Heon , McCann Robert J.
Published: May 2013

This article addresses regularity of optimal transport maps for cost

=

“squared distance” on Riemannian manifolds that are products of arbitrarily many round spheres with arbitrary sizes and dimensions. Such manifolds are known to be non-negatively cross-curved. Under boundedness and non-vanishing assumptions on the transfered source and target densities we show that optimal maps stay away from the cut-locus (where the cost exhibits singularity), and obtain injectivity and continuity of optimal maps. This together with the result of Liu, Trudinger and Wang also implies higher regularity (

C^{1, \alpha}/C^\infty

) of optimal maps for smoother (

C^\alpha/C^\infty

) densities. These are the first global regularity results which we are aware of concerning optimal maps on Riemannian manifolds which possess some vanishing sectional curvatures, beside the totally flat case of

\mathbb R^n

and its quotients. Moreover, such product manifolds have potential relevance in statistics and in statistical mechanics (where the state of a system consisting of many spins is classically modeled by a point in the phase space obtained by taking many products of spheres). For the proof we apply and extend the method developed in [FKM1], where we showed injectivity and continuity of optimal maps on domains in

\mathbb R^n

for smooth non-negatively cross-curved cost. The major obstacle in the present paper is to deal with the non-trivial cut-locus and the presence of flat directions.
Resonant delocalization for random Schrödinger operators on tree graphs
Authors: Aizenman Michael , Warzel Simone
Published: May 2013

We analyse the spectral phase diagram of Schrödinger operators

T +\lambda V

on regular tree graphs, with

T

the graph adjacency operator and

V

a random potential given by
iid
random variables. The main result is a criterion for the emergence of absolutely continuous (
ac
) spectrum due to fluctuation-enabled resonances between distant sites. Using it we prove that for unbounded random potentials
ac
spectrum appears at arbitrarily weak disorder

(\lambda \ll 1)

in an energy regime which extends beyond the spectrum of

T

. Incorporating considerations of the Green function's large deviations we obtain an extension of the criterion which indicates that, under a yet unproven regularity condition of the large deviations' ‘free energy function’, the regime of pure
ac
spectrum is complementary to that of previously proven localization. For bounded potentials we disprove the existence at weak disorder of a mobility edge beyond which the spectrum is localized.
Navigating moduli space with complex twists
Authors: McMullen Curtis T.
Published: May 2013

We discuss a common framework for studying twists of Riemann surfaces coming from earthquakes, Teichmüller theory and Schiffer variations, and use it to analyze geodesics in the moduli space of isoperiodic 1-forms.
The Markovian hyperbolic triangulation
Authors: Curien Nicolas , Werner Wendelin
Published: May 2013

We construct and study the unique random tiling of the hyperbolic plane into ideal hyperbolic triangles (with the three corners located on the boundary) that is invariant (in law) with respect to Möbius transformations, and possesses a natural spatial Markov property that can be roughly described as the conditional independence of the two parts of the triangulation on the two sides of the edge of one of its triangles.
Ergodic properties of square-free numbers
Authors: Cellarosi Francesco , Sinai Yakov G.
Published: May 2013

We construct a natural invariant measure concentrated on the set of square-free numbers, and invariant under the shift. We prove that the corresponding dynamical system is isomorphic to a translation on a compact, Abelian group. This implies that this system is not weakly mixing and has zero measure-theoretical entropy.
The Effect of Consumer Incentives on Medicaid Beneficiaries' Compliance with Well-Child Visit Guidelines
Authors: Nyman John A. , Abraham Jean M. , Riley William
Published: May 2013

The Affordable Care Act of 2010 recommends that consumer incentives be employed to increase the use of preventive care by Medicaid beneficiaries, but few evaluative studies exist. This study evaluates a Target gift card incentive employed by a Minnesota health plan serving Medicaid beneficiaries over the period 2002–2003. Lacking a contemporaneous control group, the proximity between the child's residence and the nearest Target store was used as the intervention variable. Using alternative specifications for the intervention variable, results of the difference-in-differences equations suggest that the incentive program significantly increased the likelihood that a Medicaid beneficiary would have a well-child visit.
The Passions, Power, and Practical Philosophy: Spinoza and Nietzsche Contra the Stoics
Authors: Armstrong Aurelia
Published: May 2013

This article reviews the influence of Stoic thought on the development of Spinoza's and Nietzsche's ethics and suggests that although both philosophers follow the Stoics in conceiving of ethics as a therapeutic enterprise that aims at human freedom and flourishing, they part company with Stoicism in refusing to identify flourishing with freedom from the passions. In making this claim, I take issue with the standard view of Spinoza's ethics, according to which the passions figure exclusively as a source of unhappiness and bondage from which we must be liberated. I argue that, in fact, Spinoza anticipates Nietzsche and breaks with the Stoics in offering a more positive assessment of the role of passion in a flourishing life. The reading pursued here takes Spinoza's divergence from the Stoic account of the passions to be a consequence of his insistence on the immanence of human being in nature. I outline Spinoza's and Nietzsche's conception of immanence and suggest that it entails a common understanding of our nature as dynamic power or desire, which is simultaneously expressed as a capacity to act and be acted on, to affect and to be affected. The recognition of the complex relationship between passive and active power requires a revaluation of our vulnerability and openness to what can affect us and leads each philosopher to a consideration of the ways in which the passions might be made to support our striving to increase our power and to realize an essentially limited freedom and precarious flourishing.
“warum ich diesen mißrathenen Satz schuf”: Ways of Reading Nietzsche in the Light of KGW IX
Authors: Endres Martin , Pichler Axel
Published: May 2013

When examining Nietzsche's Nachlass from 1885–89, international Nietzsche scholarship still predominantly relies on the Colli/Montinari edition of these writings (the “Nachgelassene Fragmente”), even though a new historico-critical edition of the Nachlass that fulfills the standards of current textual criticism is being published since 2001: KGW IX. In this article we want to outline the philological considerations that led to this new critical edition with its “diplomatic transcription” of Nietzsche's late “manuscripts.” In a second step, we demonstrate the consequences of KGW IX for the interpretation of Nietzsche's Nachlass and his late published writings. It is our aim to show that the complexity of Nietzsche's writing in his sketches and drafts from 1885–89 makes any philosophical approach untenable that ignores this complexity—at least under a philological perspective.
Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone Distribution in the Anterior Hypothalamus of the Female Rats
Authors: Castañeyra-Ruiz Leandro , González-Marrero Ibrahim , Castañeyra-Ruiz Agustín , González-Toledo Juan M. , Castañeyra-Ruiz María , de Paz-Carmona Héctor , Castañeyra-Perdomo Agustín , Carmona-Calero Emilia M.
Published: May 2013

Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) neurons and fibers are located in the anteroventral hypothalamus, specifically in the preoptic medial area and the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis. Most luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone neurons project to the median eminence where they are secreted in the pituitary portal system in order to control the release of gonadotropin. The aim of this study is to provide, using immunohistochemistry and female brain rats, a new description of the luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone fibers and neuron localization in the anterior hypothalamus. The greatest amount of the LHRH immunoreactive material was found in the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis that is located around the anterior region of the third ventricle. The intensity of the reaction of LHRH immunoreactive material decreases from cephalic to caudal localization; therefore, the greatest immunoreaction is in the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis, followed by the dorsomedial preoptic area, the ventromedial preoptic area, and finally the ventrolateral medial preoptic area, and in fibers surrounding the suprachiasmatic nucleus and subependymal layer on the floor of the third ventricle where the least amount immunoreactive material is found.
Visualizing the Periods of Stock Prices Using Non-Harmonic Analysis of the NASDAQ Composite Index Since 1985
Authors: Matsui Shun , Hirobayashi Shigeki , Misawa Tadanobu , Furukawa Masaru
Published: May 2013

Abstract: The prediction of stock prices is studied extensively, because of the demand from private investors and financial institutions. However, long-term prediction is difficult due to the large number of factors that affect the real market. Previous research has focused on the fluctuation patterns and fluctuation periodicity of stock prices. We have likewise focused on the periodicity of stock prices. We have used a new high-resolution frequency analysis (non-harmonic analysis) method can solve the previous problem of the frequency resolution being low. As a consequence, we have succeeded in visualizing the various periodicities of stock prices. The periodicity fluctuates gently in many periods, but we have confirmed that it fluctuated violently in periods when a sudden event occurred. We expect that this experimental result in combination with previous research will help increase predictive accuracy and will aid long-term prediction.