bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
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

AbstractThe 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.
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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.
The Passions, Power, and Practical Philosophy: Spinoza and Nietzsche Contra the Stoics
Authors: Armstrong Aurelia 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT
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

ABSTRACT
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.
Nicotine from edible Solanaceae and risk of Parkinson disease
Authors: Nielsen Susan Searles , Franklin Gary M. , Longstreth W. T. , Swanson Phillip D. , Checkoway Harvey 
Published: May 2013

ObjectiveTo test whether risk of Parkinson disease (PD) is associated with consumption of nicotine‐containing edibles from the same botanical family as tobacco, Solanaceae, including peppers, tomatoes, and potatoes.MethodsIn a population‐based study with 490 newly diagnosed idiopathic PD cases diagnosed during 1992–2008 at the University of Washington Neurology Clinic or Group Health Cooperative in western Washington State and 644 unrelated, neurologically normal controls, we examined whether PD was associated with self‐reported typical frequency of consumption of peppers, tomatoes, tomato juice, and potatoes during adulthood, while adjusting for consumption of other vegetables, age, sex, race/ethnicity, tobacco use, and caffeine.ResultsPD was inversely associated with consumption of all edible Solanaceae combined (relative risk [RR] = 0.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.65–1.01 per time per day), but not consumption of all other vegetables combined (RR = 1.00, 95% CI = 0.92–1.10). The trend strengthened when we weighted edible Solanaceae by nicotine concentration (ptrend = 0.004). An inverse association was also evident for peppers specifically (ptrend = 0.005). The potentially protective effect of edible Solanaceae largely occurred in men and women who had never used tobacco or who had smoked cigarettes <10 years.InterpretationDietary nicotine or other constituents of tobacco and peppers may reduce PD risk. However, confirmation and extension of these findings are needed to strengthen causal inferences that could suggest possible dietary or pharmaceutical interventions for PD prevention. Ann Neurol 2013;74:472–477
Numerical and experimental study of steam‐water two‐phase flow through steam jet pump
Authors: Shah Ajmal , Khan Alamdar Hussain , Chughtai Imran Rafiq , Inayat Mansoor Hameed 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTThe Steam Jet Pump (SJP) is the most suitable pump for pumping radioactive and hazardous liquids because of its mechanical simplicity, no maintenance, low cost, easy construction, no leakage, simple control, and so on. The only problem with the SJP is the complexity in the transport phenomena involved in it. In this study, the void fraction in the mixing section has been measured experimentally through gamma‐ray densitometry technique, and the flow through the SJP was simulated numerically. The reported numerical study of the SJP is very limited because of the complexity of the problem. In this work, three‐dimensional steady state numerical simulations of the SJP were carried out using the Shah Direct‐Contact Condensation (DCC) model developed previously. The experimental and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) results of void fraction have been compared at different steam inlet pressure, and it was found that they match closely with each other. The transport phenomena in the SJP were explained using the CFD results of condensation heat transfer coefficient, steam plume shape, radial temperature distributions, and contours of static pressure and steam density. This study helps in validating the Shah direct‐contact condensation model and providing valuable information about the transport phenomena occurring within the mixing section of the SJP. © 2013 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Properties of Bloodmeal/Linear Low‐density Polyethylene Blends Compatibilized with Maleic Anhydride Grafted Polyethylene
Authors: Marsilla K. I. Ku , Verbeek C. J. R. 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTNovatein thermoplastics from bloodmeal (NTP) were blended with linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) using maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene (PE‐g‐MAH) as compatibilizer. The compatibilizing effect on mechanical, morphology, thermal properties, and water absorption were studied and compared with blends without compatibilizer. The amount of polyethylene added was varied between 20 and 70% in NTP with addition of 10% compatibilizer. An improvement in compatibility between NTP and LLDPE was observed across the entire composition range and the difference were more pronounced at higher NTP contents where the tensile strength of blends was maintained and never dropped below that of pure NTP. Theoretical models were compared to the results to describe mechanical properties. A finely dispersed small particles of NTP in compatibilized blends were observed using SEM. Improved compatibility has restricted chain movement resulting in slightly elevated Tg revealed by DMA. On the other hand, water absorption of the hydrophilic NTP has been decreased when blending with hydrophobic LLDPE. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 1890–1897, 2013
Acute Vibration Induces Transient Expression of Anabolic Genes in the Murine Intervertebral Disc
Authors: McCann Matthew R. , Patel Priya , Beaucage Kim L. , Xiao Yizhi , Bacher Corey , Siqueira Walter L. , Holdsworth David W. , Dixon S. Jeffrey , Séguin Cheryle A. 
Published: May 2013

ObjectiveLow‐amplitude whole‐body vibration has been adopted for the treatment of back pain and spinal disorders. However, there is limited knowledge of the impact of vibration on the intervertebral disc (IVD). This study was undertaken to examine the effects of acute vibration on anabolic and catabolic pathways in the IVD and to characterize the dependence of these changes on time and frequency.MethodsCustom‐designed platforms were developed to apply acute vibration to ex vivo and in vivo mouse models. Spinal segments (ex vivo) or mice (in vivo) were subjected to vibration (for 30 minutes at 15–90 Hz with peak acceleration at 0.3g), and IVDs were examined at specific time points after vibration. Gene expression was quantified using real‐time polymerase chain reaction, and protein levels were examined by quantitative mass spectrometry and immunofluorescence.ResultsIn the ex vivo model, acute vibration at 15 Hz induced expression of anabolic genes (aggrecan, biglycan, decorin, type I collagen, and Sox9) and suppressed expression of Mmp13, with the most pronounced changes detected 6 hours following vibration. These beneficial effects were frequency dependent and were no longer evident between 45 and 90 Hz. In vivo, the effects on anabolic gene expression were even more robust and were accompanied by decreased expression of Adamts4, Adamts5, and Mmp3. Moreover, significant increases in the protein levels of aggrecan, biglycan, decorin, and type I collagen were detected in vivo.ConclusionThese findings demonstrate dramatic anabolic effects of acute vibration on IVD tissue, responses that are dependent on frequency. The similarity of the in vivo and ex vivo responses indicates that at least some effects of vibration are tissue autonomous.
Brief Report: Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure Is Associated With Clinical and Autoantibody Phenotypes in Juvenile Myositis
Authors: Shah Mona , Targoff Ira N. , Rice Madeline M. , Miller Frederick W. , Rider Lisa G. ,   with the Childhood Myositis Heterogeneity Collaborative Study Group
Published: May 2013

ObjectiveGenetic and environmental factors may contribute to the etiology of the juvenile idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs), which are systemic autoimmune diseases that are characterized by muscle and skin inflammation. We undertook this study to investigate the association between ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure and the clinical and autoantibody expression of juvenile IIM.MethodsThe relationship between UVR exposure in the month before symptom onset and the prevalence of juvenile dermatomyositis (DM), compared to juvenile polymyositis (PM), was assessed in 298 juvenile IIM patients. Among the patients with juvenile DM, the association between UVR exposure and presence of myositis autoantibodies was assessed. Regression models were stratified by sex and race. The association between the regional UV index in US geoclimatic zones and the clinical and autoantibody subgroups was examined by weighted least squares regression analysis.ResultsAmong girls in this population, the odds of having juvenile DM, compared to juvenile PM, increased per unit increase in the patients' highest UV index in the month before symptom onset (odds ratio [OR] 1.18, 95% confidence interval 1.00–1.40). Moreover, both the mean and highest UV indices were associated with increasing odds of having anti‐p155/140 autoantibodies, with the strongest odds in white males (ORs of 1.30 and 1.23, respectively). No association was observed between the UV index and presence of anti‐MJ autoantibodies or lack of any myositis autoantibodies. Across all 9 US geoclimatic regions, the mean UV index was associated with increasing odds of having juvenile DM and anti‐p155/140 autoantibodies, but decreasing odds of having anti‐MJ autoantibodies.ConclusionShort‐term UVR exposure prior to illness onset may have a role in the clinical and serologic expression of juvenile myositis. Further research examining the mechanisms of action of UVR in the pathogenesis of juvenile IIM is suggested from these findings.
Synchronisation of systems with individual dynamics by static networked controllers
Authors: Lunze Jan 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe paper deals with the synchronisation of subsystems that have individual linear dynamics. To formulate the basic condition under which the subsystems can be synchronised, the notion of system intersection is introduced. Subsystems can be synchronised by an appropriate controller only if their dynamics have a non‐empty intersection, which acts as a virtual reference system. The paper describes an algorithm for determining the maximum intersection of linear systems and gives an explicit relation for the initial state in dependence upon the subsystem initial states, for which the virtual reference system generates the synchronous trajectory.
Adaptive Compensation of Contact‐Induced Vibration in High Density HDD Servo Systems Using Phase Lead Peak Filter Method
Authors: Xu Jian‐Xin , Huang Deqing , Venkataramanan Venkatakrishnan , Huynh The Cat Tuong 
Published: May 2013

AbstractIn this paper, a phase lead peak filter (PLPF) design method is adopted to adaptively compensate for high frequency contact‐induced vibration (CIV) in hard disk drive (HDD) servo systems. Based on the prior investigation of CIV, a baseline feedback controller is first employed to stabilize the servo loop, and then add‐on peak filters are connected in parallel with the baseline controller to further suppress the vibrations in the high frequency range. The proposed CIV compensation scheme has a simple control structure, is capable of dealing with multiple vibration modes that may not be within the bandwidth of open‐loop transfer function, and is robust to the change of CIV in frequency and magnitude. The performance of the proposed method in CIV compensation is validated by simulation and experiment.
Lipids from yeasts and fungi: Tomorrow's source of biodiesel?
Authors: Meeuwse Petra , Sanders Johan P.M. , Tramper Johannes , Rinzema Arjen 
Published: May 2013

AbstractIn the search for new transport fuels from renewable resources, biodiesel from microbial lipids comes into view. We have evaluated the lipid yield and energy use of a process for production of biodiesel from agricultural waste using lipid‐accumulating yeast and fungi. We included different bioreactors for submerged and solid‐state fermentation in our evaluation. Using existing kinetic models, we predict lipid yields on substrate between 5% and 19% (w/w), depending on the culture system. According to the same models, improvement of the yield to 25–30% (w/w) is possible, for example by genetic modification of the micro‐organisms. The net energy ratio of the non‐optimized systems varies between 0.8 and 2.5 MJ produced per MJ used; energy use for pre‐treatment and for oxygen transfer are most important. For the optimized systems, the net energy ratio increases to 2.9–5.5 MJ produced per MJ used, which can compete very well with other biofuels such as bioethanol or algal biodiesel. This shows that, although quite some work still has to be done, microbial lipids have the potential to be tomorrow's source of biodiesel. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd