bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Analytical Pressure and Leakage Model for Leaf Seals
Authors: Nicht Gregor , Willinger Reinhard 
Published: September 2018

Leafs seals are an advanced sealing technology to separate high and low pressure parts in turbomachinery. They consist of small metal sheet elements arranged in a housing around the shaft. During operation the seal should be non-contacting to minimize wear and friction. The static pressure on the surface of a single leaf appears to be the main parameter. The higher axial stiffness in comparison to brush seals allows greater differences in pressure and a hang-up effect can be averted. Assessing the discharge behaviour of the sealing is important, because leakage is resulting in less efficient turbomachinery.
In this paper a new approach for an analytical calculation of the pressure distribution inside the seal is presented. It is based on a leakage flow model inside the side plate gaps. Furthermore the flow is assumed to be laminar and incompressible using simple pipe flow correlations with specified hydraulic diameters. The complete seal geometry is parameterized. The results in pressure distribution, leakage flow and static pressure on a single leaf (lift-up, blow down) are compared with the data of Nakane et al. (2004). The choice for their design is based upon their publication of the complete geometric data of the seal. Also the works of Ortner (2009) and Bischelmaier (2011), who made further investigations of this seal design, are taken into account. A good qualitative match was found, so in a second step, variations of the seal design were calculated. The influence of upstream and downstream side plate gaps ratios, heights of rotor side plate gap, numbers of leaves for constant rotor diameter and interleaf gap-gradients are investigated. For validation of the model, the results are compared as far as possible to published data. Also calculations are made for patented designs using leaves with non-rectangular cross-section to estimate, if further and more detailed research is reasonable.
The leakage flow model provides a simple approach for the investigation of leaf seals regarding pressure distribution and seal-leakage with qualitative good results. Due to this, it is a good tool for fast and easy design variations compared to 2D or 3D CFD simulations.
How common is truly benign MS in a UK population?
Authors: Tallantyre Emma Clare , Major Paula C , Atherton Michael J , Davies W Adam , Joseph Fady , Tomassini Valentina , Pickersgill Trevor P , Harding Katharine Elizabeth , Willis Mark Douglas , Winter Mia , Robertson Neil P 
Published: September 2018

ObjectivesThe prevalence and definition of benign multiple sclerosis (BMS) remain controversial. Most definitions are based on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), not encompassing the wider impact of disease. The explanation for favourable outcomes remains unclear. We aim to provide a detailed characterisation of patients with low EDSS scores at long disease durations.MethodsWe screened a population-based registry containing 3062 people with MS to identify individuals with unlimited walking ability at disease durations >15 years. A representative cohort underwent detailed clinical assessment and classified as having BMS according to EDSS score <3, no significant fatigue, mood disturbance, cognitive impairment or disrupted employment, and had not received a disease-modifying therapy. We determined patient-reported perceptions of MS status and made comparisons with EDSS-based definitions.ResultsOf 1049 patients with disease duration of >15 years, 200 (19.1%) had most recent EDSS score <4.0. Detailed contemporary clinical assessment of a representative sample of 60 of these patients revealed 48 (80%) had an EDSS score of <4.0, 35 (58%) <3.0 and 16 (27%) <2.0. Only nine (15%) fulfilled our criteria for BMS; impaired cognition (57%) and effects on employment (52%) the most common causes for exclusion. Meanwhile, 33/60 (69%) patients considered their disease benign. Population frequency for BMS was estimated at 2.9% (95% CI 2.0 to 4.1).ConclusionsComprehensive assessment reveals a small minority of people with MS who appear genuinely benign after 15 years. Study of such individuals may uncover insights about disease pathogenesis. However, discrepancy between patient perception and clinician perception of BMS undermines use of the term ‘benign’ in clinical settings.
On Populism and Democracy
Authors: Finchelstein Federico , Urbinati Nadia 
Published: September 2018

AbstractPopulism became the name of a form of government after the demise of Fascism. As a political form located between constitutional government and dictatorship, it displays family resemblances with opposite political systems, like liberal democracy and fascism. Today, populism grows within both democratizing and fully democratic societies although it takes its most mature riling profile in representative democracies, which are its real target. Historically, it used representation to construct a holistic image of the people that a leader promised to bring into power at the cost of downplaying pluralism and humiliating political and cultural minorities, thus twisting democratic procedures and institutions in ways that stretched it to democracy’s extreme borders. One of the core arguments of this article is that populism is a transfiguration of representative democracy that attempts once in government to reshape the democratic fundamentals, from the people and the majority principles to elections.
Ultra-wide field imaging of pigmented para-venous retino-choroidal atrophy
Authors: Kumar Vinod , Kumawat Devesh , Tewari Ruchir , Venkatesh Pradeep 
Published: September 2018

Objective: To describe the ultra-wide field imaging features of pigmented para-venous retino-choroidal atrophy. Design: Retrospective review at a tertiary care centre. Participants: Eight eyes of five patients with pigmented para-venous retino-choroidal atrophy who presented to our retina clinic over last 2 years. Methods: Retrospective review of ultra-wide field pseudo-colour and short wave autofluorescence imaging was performed. In vivo histology of the macula and areas of retino-choroidal atrophy was studied with swept source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT). Results: The median age was 40 years (range: 22–67 years). Best corrected visual acuity ranged from perception of light to 20/20. The para-venous retino-choroidal atrophy and pigment clumping not only involved the major arcade vessels but also extended into the peripapillary area and retinal periphery. The affected areas demonstrated hypoautofluorescence with sharp hyperautofluorescent borders. Macular atrophy, epiretinal membrane and optic disc pallor were noted in two eyes each. In all cases, the affected pigmentary area had disorganization of inner retinal layers, disruption of outer retinal layers and retinal pigment epithelium and markedly thinned out choroid on swept source optical coherence tomography. Concurrent involvement with retinitis pigmentosa in the fellow eye was noted in two patients. Conclusion: Ultra-wide field imaging of pigmented para-venous retino-choroidal atrophy sheds light onto the widespread retino-choroidal abnormalities. Concurrent disc and macular involvement may jeopardize the visual function. Pigmented para-venous retino-choroidal atrophy may be considered as a self-limited form of retinitis pigmentosa.
Cytokine expression in tears of patients with glaucoma or dry eye disease: A prospective, observational cohort study
Authors: Benitez-del-Castillo Javier , Cantu-Dibildox Jorge , Sanz-González Silvia M , Zanón-Moreno Vicente , Pinazo-Duran Maria Dolores 
Published: September 2018

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the expression of cytokines/chemokines in tears from patients with non-advanced primary open-angle glaucoma and patients with non-severe dry eye disease versus healthy controls. Methods: This prospective, observational cohort study enrolled patients with confirmed or suspected non-advanced primary open-angle glaucoma who received any prostaglandin analogue monotherapy for longer than 6 months, patients with non-severe dry eye disease, and healthy controls. Expression of interleukin-1β, interleukin-2, interleukin-4, interleukin-5, interleukin-6, interleukin-8, interleukin-10, and interleukin-12; tumor necrosis factor α; vascular endothelial growth factor; granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor; and interferon γ was assessed. Results: 107 participants were enrolled (primary open-angle glaucoma, n = 41; dry eye disease, n = 30; and healthy controls, n = 36). Compared with healthy controls, interleukin-6 was significantly higher ( p = 0.0001) in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma and interleukin-1β ( p = 0.0144), interleukin-6 ( p < 0.0001), and interleukin-10 ( p = 0.0392) were higher in patients with dry eye disease. Compared with patients with dry eye disease, patients with primary open-angle glaucoma had significantly lower levels of interleukin-4 (21.79 vs 20.18 pg/mL; p = 0.0012) and significantly higher levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (367.75 vs 609.28 pg/mL; p = 0.0058), tumor necrosis factor α (14.27 vs 17.93 pg/mL; p = 0.0048), and interleukin-6 (17.95 vs 27.48 pg/mL; p = 0.0145). In patients with primary open-angle glaucoma, interleukin-1β expression ( p = 0.0011) was lower than in those who received intraocular pressure–lowering eye drops without preservatives compared with those who received eye drops with preservatives. Conclusion: Different cytokine/chemokine expression profiles in tears of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma and dry eye disease strongly suggest the involvement of a variety of signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of these ophthalmic processes.
Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty versus penetrating keratoplasty in corneas showing a high or low graft rejection risk
Authors: Infantes Molina Edgar Javier , Celis Sánchez Javier , Tenias Burilllo José Maria , Diaz Valle David , Benítez-Del-Castillo José Manuel , Mesa Varona Diana , Avendaño-Cantos Eva 
Published: September 2018

Purpose: To compare visual, topographic and topometric outcomes in patients subjected to deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty or penetrating keratoplasty showing a high or low risk of graft rejection. Setting: Complejo Hospitalario La Mancha Centro, Ciudad Real, Spain. Materials and methods: Data were reviewed for consecutive patients with a corneal stroma disease undergoing deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty or penetrating keratoplasty over the period 2009–2015 at our centre by the same surgeon. The outcome measures examined were 2-year follow-up best-corrected visual acuity, refractive error, topographic astigmatism, intraocular pressure, endothelial cell density and central corneal thickness. Results: Of 115 eyes enrolled, 46 underwent deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (15 low risk, 31 high risk) and 69 penetrating keratoplasty (23 low risk, 46 high risk). Mean postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (logMAR) in the low- and high-risk groups, respectively, were 0.31 and 0.26 for deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (p = 0.32) and 0.40 and 0.51 for penetrating keratoplasty (p = 0.28). The values for the high-risk deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty versus high-risk penetrating keratoplasty patients were 0.26 and 0.51, respectively (p = 0.004). Mean postoperative spherical equivalents were −2.60 D for low-risk deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty versus −2.29 D for high-risk deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (p = 0.19), and −0.41 D for low-risk penetrating keratoplasty versus −0.13 D for high-risk penetrating keratoplasty (p = 0.51). Conclusion: Final best-corrected visual acuity and visual acuity gains were better for deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty, mainly in corneas with a high rejection risk. Despite a better corneal thickness recorded in the deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty group, the other variables examined were comparable. Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty emerged as an effective alternative to penetrating keratoplasty for patients with a disease affecting the corneal stroma.
Growth differentiation factor-15 is a predictive biomarker in primary ventricular fibrillation: The RUTI-STEMI-PVF study
Authors: Garcia-Garcia C , Rueda F , Lupon J , Oliveras T , Labata C , Ferrer M , Cediel G , De Diego O , Rodriguez-Leor O , Carrillo X , Bayes-Genis A 
Published: September 2018

Background:
Primary ventricular fibrillation is an ominous complication of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, and proper biomarkers for risk prediction are lacking. Growth differentiation factor-15 is a marker of inflammation, oxidative stress and hypoxia with well-established prognostic value in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients. We explored the predictive value of growth differentiation factor-15 in a subgroup of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients with primary ventricular fibrillation.

Methods:
Prospective registry of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention from February 2011–August 2015. Growth differentiation factor-15 concentrations were measured on admission. Logistic regression and Cox proportional regression analyses were used.

Results:
A total of 1165 ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (men 78.5%, age 62.3±13.1 years) and 72 patients with primary ventricular fibrillation (6.2%) were included. Compared to patients without primary ventricular fibrillation, median growth differentiation factor-15 concentration was two-fold higher in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients with primary ventricular fibrillation (2655 vs 1367 pg/ml, p&lt;0.001). At 30 days, mortality was 13.9% and 3.6% in patients with and without primary ventricular fibrillation, respectively (p&lt;0.001), and median growth differentiation factor-15 concentration in patients with primary ventricular fibrillation was five-fold higher among those who died vs survivors (13,098 vs 2415 pg/ml, p&lt;0.001). In a comprehensive multivariable analysis including age, sex, clinical variables, reperfusion time, left ventricular ejection fraction, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide and high-sensitivity troponin T, growth differentiation factor-15 remained an independent predictor of 30-day mortality, with odds ratios of 3.92 (95% confidence interval 1.35–11.39) in patients with primary ventricular fibrillation (p=0.012) and 1.72 (95% confidence interval 1.23–2.40) in patients without primary ventricular fibrillation (p=0.001).

Conclusions:
Growth differentiation factor-15 is a robust independent predictor of 30-day mortality in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients with primary ventricular fibrillation.
Peroneal muscle activity during different types of walking
Authors: Bavdek Rok , Zdolšek Anže , Strojnik Vojko , Dolenec Aleš 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundAs the most common form of movement, walking happens not only on flat but also on uneven surfaces, where constant loss and regaining of balance occur. The main balancing function of the ankle joint is performed by tibial muscles. When changing inclination in a frontal plane, an essential balancing function is performed by the peroneal muscles. One of the methods for improving the activity of peroneal muscles is walking with different foot placement. The objective of this study was to analyze the activity of the peroneal muscles when performing different types of walking.MethodsSixteen healthy participants took part in this study, walking on a flat surface (NORM), on a medial incline ramp with the plantar surface of the foot fully placed on the surface (FULL), and on a medial incline ramp with elevated lateral part of the foot (LAT). We monitored the changes of EMG signals in peroneus longus (PL), peroneus brevis (PB), tibialis anterior (TA), soleus (SOL), gastrocnemius medialis (GM) and gastrocnemius lateralis (GL) muscles. We monitored kinematic parameters (gait speed, stride length, contact time, foot position). The parametric ANOVA test and a non‐parametric Friedman test were used at an alpha level of 0.05.ResultsThis study shows that the EMG activities of peroneal muscles increases when walking on the medial incline ramp. Statistically significant EMG differences were observed in the peroneal muscles, TA and GL muscles. We observe a very high percentage of normalized EMG value of the PL muscle in LAT walking. Walking on a medial incline ramp impacts the foot position, contact time, and stride length but not the gait speed.ConclusionsWalking on a medial incline ramp could be an effective exercise to improve the neuro‐muscular function of the peroneal muscles and, therefore, might be a suitable exercise for people with weakened ankle evertors.
External validity of a prognostic nomogram for locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma based on the 8th edition of the AJCC/UICC staging system: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: OuYang Pu‐Yun , You Kai‐Yun , Zhang Lu‐Ning , Xiao Yao , Zhang Xiao‐Min , Xie Fang‐Yun 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe tumor–node–metastasis (TNM) staging system does not perform well for guiding individualized induction or adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). We attempted to externally validate the Pan's nomogram, developed based on the 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC)/Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) staging system, for patients with locoregionally advanced disease. In addition, we investigated the reliability of Pan's nomogram for selection of participants in future clinical trials.MethodsThis study included 535 patients with locoregionally advanced NPC who were treated between March 2007 and January 2012. The 5‐year overall survival (OS) rates were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method and compared with predicted outcomes. The calibration was tested using calibration plots and the Hosmer–Lemeshow test. Discrimination ability, which was assessed using the concordance index, as compared with other predictors.ResultsPan's nomogram was observed to underestimate the 5‐year OS of the entire cohort by 8.65% [95% confidence interval (CI) − 9.70 to − 7.60%, P < 0.001] and underestimated the 5‐year OS of each risk group. The differences between the predicted and observed 5‐year OS rates were smallest among low‐risk patients (< 135 points calculated using Pan's nomogram; which predicted minus observed OS, − 6.41%, 95% CI − 6.75 to − 6.07%, P < 0.001) and were largest among high‐risk patients (≥ 160 points) (− 13.56%, 95% CI − 15.48 to − 11.63%, P < 0.001). The Hosmer–Lemeshow test suggested that the predicted and observed 5‐year OS rates had no ideal relationship (P < 0.001). Pan's nomogram had better discriminatory ability compared with the levels of Epstein–Barr virus DNA acid (EBV DNA) and the 7th or 8th AJCC/UICC staging system, although not better compared with the combination of EBV DNA and the 8th staging system. Additionally, Pan's nomogram was marginally inferior to our predictive model, which included the 8th AJCC/UICC N‐classification, age, gross primary tumor volume, lactate dehydrogenase, and body mass index.ConclusionsPan's nomogram underestimated the 5‐year OS of patients with locoregionally advanced NPC at our cancer center, and may not be a precise tool for selecting participants for clinical trials.
Estimation of fracture weaknesses and integrated attenuation factors from azimuthal variations in seismic amplitudes
Authors: Chen Huaizhen , Innanen Kristopher A. 
Published: September 2018

Seismic wave propagation in fractured reservoirs exhibits anisotropy and attenuation, which are in turn related to fracture properties (e.g., fracture density) and fluid parameters (e.g., moduli and viscosity). Based on the linear slip theory, stiffness parameters can be determined for fractured and dissipative rocks, from which integrated attenuation factors involving host-rock intrinsic attenuation and fracture-induced attenuation emerge. Using a simplified mathematical form for these stiffness parameters, a linearized mathematical relationship directly relating the reflection coefficient to fracture weaknesses and integrated attenuation factors is available. A two-step inversion approach, involving (1) an iterative damped least-squares algorithm to predict P- and S-wave moduli using seismic angle gathers along the fracture orientation azimuth and (2) an iterative inversion method to estimate fracture weaknesses and integrated attenuation factors from azimuthal amplitude differences, is examined. The objective function for the second step is constructed based on a Bayesian framework. Synthetic testing confirms that fracture weaknesses and integrated attenuation factors are stably determined from seismic amplitudes exhibiting a moderate signal-to-noise ratio. The approach is applied to a field data set from a fractured carbonate reservoir. We observe that geologically reasonable results of fracture weaknesses and integrated attenuation factors are obtained. We conclude that this estimation procedure provides a reliable tool in fracture prediction and inverted attenuation factors appear as additional proofs to identify fluid type in fractured reservoirs.
The experiences in the family of origin and the early maladaptive schemas as predictors of marital violence in men and women
Authors: Paim Kelly Cardoso , Falcke Denise 
Published: September 2018

A violência conjugal é uma problemática mundial que abrange diferentes classes econômicas, raças e etnias. Partindo-se do pressuposto de que a dinâmica conjugal violenta é um fenômeno complexo e interacional, o presente estudo se propõe a identificar variáveis preditoras do fenômeno, utilizando a perspectiva da Teoria dos Esquemas de Jeffrey Young. Sendo assim, foi investigado o poder das experiências na família de origem e dos Esquemas Iniciais Desadaptativos como preditores da violência física cometida e sofrida na relação conjugal conforme o sexo. A amostra foi constituída por 181 homens e 181 mulheres e os instrumentos utilizados para a coleta de dados foram: Young Schema Questionnaire (YSQ-S3), e Revised Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS2). A análise dos resultados foi realizada através de análise de regressão múltipla com método stepwise. Os resultados indicaram que o esquema de defectividade/vergonha das mulheres e dos homens e o esquema de desconfiança/abuso dos homens são variáveis preditoras da violência física cometida contra o cônjuge. O maior ajustamento materno foi considerado a variável protetiva de comportamentos violentos cometidos pelas mulheres. Em relação à vitimização da violência, os esquemas de desconfiança/abuso das mulheres e dos homens, assim como o esquema de defectividade/vergonha dos homens foram identificados como preditores de violência física sofrida nos relacionamentos íntimos. A maior funcionalidade do estilo de decisão materno foi identificada como protetor de vitimização de violência para as mulheres. Os achados ampliam a discussão sobre as variáveis que podem explicar o fenômeno da violência conjugal, consolidando a importância da avaliação dos Esquemas Iniciais Desadaptativos em situação de violência conjugal.