bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Model of the final borehole geometry for helical laser drilling
Authors: Kroschel Alexander , Michalowski Andreas , Graf Thomas 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
A model for predicting the borehole geometry for laser drilling is presented based on the calculation of a surface of constant absorbed fluence. It is applicable to helical drilling of through-holes with ultrashort laser pulses. The threshold fluence describing the borehole surface is fitted for best agreement with experimental data in the form of cross-sections of through-holes of different shapes and sizes in stainless steel samples. The fitted value is similar to ablation threshold fluence values reported for laser ablation models.
Ablation dynamics – from absorption to heat accumulation/ultra-fast laser matter interaction
Authors: Kramer Thorsten , Remund Stefan , Jäggi Beat , Schmid Marc , Neuenschwander Beat 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Ultra-short laser radiation is used in manifold industrial applications today. Although state-of-the-art laser sources are providing an average power of 10–100 W with repetition rates of up to several megahertz, most applications do not benefit from it. On the one hand, the processing speed is limited to some hundred millimeters per second by the dynamics of mechanical axes or galvanometric scanners. On the other hand, high repetition rates require consideration of new physical effects such as heat accumulation and shielding that might reduce the process efficiency. For ablation processes, process efficiency can be expressed by the specific removal rate, ablated volume per time, and average power. The analysis of the specific removal rate for different laser parameters, like average power, repetition rate or pulse duration, and process parameters, like scanning speed or material, can be used to find the best operation point for microprocessing applications. Analytical models and molecular dynamics simulations based on the so-called two-temperature model reveal the causes for the appearance of limiting physical effects. The findings of models and simulations can be used to take advantage and optimize processing strategies.
Endogenous Mergers in Markets with Vertically Differentiated Products
Authors: Gabszewicz Jean J. , Marini Marco A. , Tarola Ornella 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThis paper studies the incentives of firms selling vertically differentiated products to merge. To this aim, we introduce a three-stage game in which, at the first stage, three independent firms can decide to merge with their competitors via a sequential game of coalition formation and, at the second and third stage, they can optimally revise their qualities and prices, respectively. We study whether such binding agreements (i.e. full or partial mergers) can be sustained as subgame perfect equilibria of the coalition formation game, and analyze their effects on equilibrium qualities, prices and profits. We find that, although profitable, the merger-to-monopoly of all firms is not an outcome of the finite-horizon negotiation, where only partial mergers arise. Moreover, we show that all stable mergers always include the firm initially producing the bottom quality good and reduce the number of variants on sale.
mTOR modulates CD8+ T cell differentiation in mice with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis
Authors: Wang Hao , Xiao Yu , Su Longxiang , Cui Na , Liu Dawei 
Published: May 2018

AbstractCD8+ T cells are a vital component of the adaptive immune system and important for eliminating intracellular pathogens. Notably, mTOR activity is associated with CD8+ T effector memory (Tem) cell differentiation in fungal infections. This study investigates the molecular mechanisms of CD8+ Tem cell proliferation and differentiation mediated by the mTOR pathway in immunosuppressed mice with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA). We first established the immunosuppressed IPA mouse model, then mice were subjected to rapamycin treatment daily or interleukin (IL)-12 treatment every other day. Lung tissues and blood samples were obtained seven days later. Aspergillus fumigatus was cultured from the lung tissue of mice inoculated with A. fumigatus spores. After IL-12 treatment, the expression of mTOR and its downstream signaling molecule S6 kinase, number of CD8+ Tem cells and interferon-γ expression were significantly increased, while they were significantly decreased after treatment with rapamycin. Additionally, IL-12 treatment induced T-bet but inhibited Eomesodermin expression, while the opposite was seen when the mTOR pathway was blocked by rapamycin. In conclusion, we found that the mTOR pathway induced CD8+ T cell proliferation and differentiation by regulating T-bet and Eomesodermin expression, which significantly influenced immune regulation during IPA and enhanced the immune response against fungal infection.
Quantification of human complement C2 protein using an automated turbidimetric immunoassay
Authors: Tange Clare Elizabeth , Johnson-Brett Bridget , Cook Alex , Stordeur Patrick , Brohet Fabian , Jolles Stephen , Steven Rachel , Ponsford Mark , Roberts Andrew , El-Shanawany Tariq , Harding Stephen , Wallis Gregg , Parker Antony Richard 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackground:The measurement of complement components is clinically useful where a deficiency is suspected, or where excessive activation and consumption are present in disease. C2 deficiency carries an increased risk of developing systemic lupus erythematosus, recurrent infections and atherosclerosis. In this study, we have evaluated The Binding Site’s Human Complement C2 SPAPLUS®assay.Methods:Linearity was tested using 13 sample dilutions covering the standard measuring range. Within- and between-assay variabilities were calculated using five samples with different C2 concentrations. The correlation between C2 concentrations in EDTA-plasma and serum was assessed, as was the correlation between C2 measurements by the automated assay and radial immunodiffusion. C2 concentrations were compared with CH50 activity, and quantified in individuals with homozygous or heterozygous C2 deficiency, acquired angioedema and patients with chronic inflammatory conditions.Results:The assay was linear across the measuring range (3.8–42.3 mg/L). Intra- and interassay variability were 2.3%–3.8% and 0%–3.3%, respectively. Comparison between C2 measurements in EDTA-plasma and serum provided a strong correlation (p<0.0001, R2=0.82, slope 0.92), as did the correlation between the automated and radial immunodiffusion methods (p<0.0001, R2=0.89, slope 1.07). A positive correlation between C2 concentration and CH50 activity was demonstrated (p<0.0001, R2=0.48). Significant differences were observed between the median C2 concentrations obtained in healthy controls and the patient clinical samples, with homozygous C2-deficient patients giving below detectable results.Conclusions:This C2 SPAPLUS®assay allows the automated, rapid and precice quantification of complement C2 protein and could therefore be considered as a replacement for older, more time-consuming methods.
Toward harmonization of clinical molecular diagnostic reports: findings of an international survey
Authors: Payne Deborah A. , Baluchova Katarina , Russomando Graciela , Ahmad-Nejad Parviz , Mamotte Cyril , Rousseau Francois , van Schaik Ron H.N. , Marriott Kristin , Maekawa Masato , Chan K.C. Allen 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackground:The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 15189 standard provides recommendations for the postexamination reporting phase to enhance quality in clinical laboratories. The purpose of this study was to encourage a broad discussion on current reporting practices for molecular diagnostic tests by conducting a global survey of such practices.Methods:The International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine’s Committee for Molecular Diagnostics (IFCC C-MD) surveyed laboratories on selected ISO 15189 recommendations and topics. The survey addressed the following aspects: (1) laboratory demographics, (2) report format, (3) result reporting/layout, (4) comments in report and (5) interpretation and clinical decision-making information. Additionally, participants indicated categories needing standardization.Results:Sixteen responses from laboratories located in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North America and South America were received. Several categories yielded 100% agreement between laboratories, whereas other categories had less than or equal to 50% concordance. Participants scored “nomenclature” and “description of methodologies” as the two most frequently cited aspects needing standardization.Conclusions:The postexamination phase requires extensive and consistent communication between the laboratory, the healthcare provider and the end user. Surveyed laboratories were most likely to follow explicit ISO 15189 recommendations vs. recommendations when the term(s) “where appropriate or where applicable” was used. Interpretation and reporting of critical values varied among participants. Although the outcome of this study may not fully represent the practices of all molecular testing laboratories in countries around the world, the survey identified and specified several recommendations that are requirements for harmonized reporting in molecular diagnostics.
Harmonization in autoimmune thyroid disease diagnostics
Authors: Tozzoli Renato , Bizzaro Nicola 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
In this review we analyze all aspects of total testing process regarding the measurement of antithyroid peroxidase, antithyroglobulin and antithyrotropin receptor autoantibodies. The main critical points related to the preanalytical, analytical and postanalytical steps of autoimmune thyroid disease diagnostics are considered, focusing on harmonization of autoimmune thyroid tests request, retesting intervals, terminology of thyroid autoantibodies, measurement units and definition of reference limits. Harmonization in thyroid autoantibody testing is a relevant example of feasible harmonization in autoimmunology.
Verification of reference intervals in routine clinical laboratories: practical challenges and recommendations
Authors: Ozarda Yesim , Higgins Victoria , Adeli Khosrow 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Reference intervals (RIs) are fundamental tools used by healthcare and laboratory professionals to interpret patient laboratory test results, ideally enabling differentiation of healthy and unhealthy individuals. Under optimal conditions, a laboratory should perform its own RI study to establish RIs specific for its method and local population. However, the process of developing RIs is often beyond the capabilities of an individual laboratory due to the complex, expensive and time-consuming process to develop them. Therefore, a laboratory can alternatively verify RIs established by an external source. Common RIs can be established by large, multicenter studies and can subsequently be received by local laboratories using various verification procedures. The standard approach to verify RIs recommended by the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) EP28-A3c guideline for routine clinical laboratories is to collect and analyze a minimum of 20 samples from healthy subjects from the local population. Alternatively, “data mining” techniques using large amounts of patient test results can be used to verify RIs, considering both the laboratory method and local population. Although procedures for verifying RIs in the literature and guidelines are clear in theory, gaps remain for the implementation of these procedures in routine clinical laboratories. Pediatric and geriatric age-groups also continue to pose additional challenges in respect of acquiring and verifying RIs. In this article, we review the current guidelines/approaches and challenges to RI verification and provide a practical guide for routine implementation in clinical laboratories.
Improving IBD diagnosis and monitoring by understanding preanalytical, analytical and biological fecal calprotectin variability
Authors: Padoan Andrea , D’Incà Renata , Scapellato Maria Luisa , De Bastiani Rudi , Caccaro Roberta , Mescoli Claudia , Moz Stefania , Bozzato Dania , Zambon Carlo-Federico , Lorenzon Greta , Rugge Massimo , Plebani Mario , Basso Daniela 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

Background:
The appropriate clinical use of fecal calprotectin (fCal) might be compromised by incomplete harmonization between assays and within- and between-subjects variability. Our aim was to investigate the analytical and biological variability of fCal in order to provide tools for interpreting fCal in the clinical setting.

Methods:
Experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of temperature and storage time on fCal. Thirty-nine controls were enrolled to verify biological variability, and a case-control study was conducted on 134 controls and 110 IBD patients to compare the clinical effectiveness of three different fCal assays: ELISA, CLIA and turbidimetry.

Results:
A 12% decline in fCal levels was observed within 24 h following stool collection irrespective of storage temperature. Samples were unstable following a longer storage time interval at room temperature. Within- and between-subjects fCal biological variability, at 31% and 72% respectively, resulted in a reference change value (RCV) in the region of 100%. fCal sensitivity in distinguishing between controls and IBD patients is satisfactory (68%), and the specificity high (93%) among young (<65 years), but not among older (≥65 years) subjects (ROC area: 0.584; 95% CI: 0.399–0.769). Among the young, assays have different optimal thresholds (120 μg/g for ELISA, 50 μg/g for CLIA and 100 μg/g for turbidimetry).

Conclusions:
We recommend a standardized preanalytical protocol for fCal, avoiding storage at room temperature for more than 24 h. Different cutoffs are recommended for different fCal assays. In monitoring, the difference between two consecutive measurements appears clinically significant when higher than 100%, the fCal biological variability-derived RCV.
Strategies of Dividend policy of the companies listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange
Authors: Jabłoński Bartłomiej , Kuczowic Jacek 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Research into the determinants of companies’ decisions about paying out dividends, which has been described in the Polish specialist literature, concentrates mainly on the dividends actually paid out. The research presented in the article refers to declarations of the companies included in their dividend policies. The aim of the article is to present an attitude to dividend policy exhibited by the companies listed on the Warsaw stock exchange. A particular attempt was made at identifying various formulas of constructing dividend policies by the companies and the declared conditions for dividend payments and their amounts. 118 dividend companies took part in the research and they were selected from among the companies listed on the Warsaw stock exchange in the years 2006-2012. The authors have analysed the dividend policy of the companies in terms of its components and the way it was formulated, as well as the determinants of decisions about dividend payments declared by the companies. The results of the analysis were referred to the types of strategies of the dividend policy presented in the specialist literature. The research results indicate that the boards of many companies do not consider formulating and publicising the principles of making dividend payments to be a relevant area of investor relations. The dividend policy of the companies is usually formulated too generally, with the use of general statements. Satisfying capital needs for the planned development processes appears to be a basic determinant of the distribution of profit, which is why residual dividend policy is prevalent in the analysed companies.
Geometric Method of Determining Hazard for the Continuous Survival Function
Authors: Bieszk-Stolorz Beata 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
A basic assumption in proportional intensity models is the proportionality, that each covariate has a multiplicative effect on the intensity. The proportionality assumption is a strong assumption which is not always necessarily reasonable and thus needs to be checked. The survival analysis often employs graphic methods to study hazard proportionality. In this paper a geometrical method for determining the value of the hazard function on the basis of the continuous survival function was proposed. This method can be used to compare the intensity of the event for objects belonging to two subgroups of the analysed population. If we have graphs of survival function, then an analysis of the tangents at a specific time and their roots enables us to find the intensity and to study the relationship between them for different subgroups. This method can also be useful when studying the proportionality of hazard. It is a condition for the use of the Cox proportional hazards model. The above method was used to evaluate the effect of unemployment benefit and gender on unemployment and on the intensity of finding a job.
The effect of selected gaseous air pollutants on woody plants
Authors: Baciak Michał , Warmiński Kazimierz , Bęś Agnieszka 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
The article discusses gaseous air pollutants that have the greatest impact on forest ecosystems. This group of pollutants ncludes sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitric oxides (NO and NO2) and ozone (O3).
In the 20th century, the major contributor to forest degradation was sulfur dioxide, a gaseous substance with direct and powerful phytotoxic and acidifying effects. Since then, sulfur dioxide emissions have been significantly reduced in Europe and North America, but they continue to grow in East Asia along with China’s economic boom. Nitric oxides affect woody plants directly by entering through the stomata and indirectly through soil acidification and environmental eutrophication. Ozone, in turn, is found in photochemical smog and is produced by conversion of its precursors (nitric oxides, organic compounds and carbon monoxide). It is a strong oxidizing agent which disrupts various physiological processes, mostly photosynthesis and water use in plants, but is also the air pollutant that exerts the most toxic effect on forest ecosystems.
Density of red squirrels and their use of non-native tree species in the Rogów Arboretum
Authors: Krauze-Gryz Dagny , Mazur Kinga , Gryz Jakub 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
The aim of the study was to compare the densities of red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) in the arboretum and a neighbouring forest and to investigate which tree species the squirrels used. The study was conducted in the area of the Rogów Arboretum (53.76 ha) and the so-called Zimna Woda and Wilczy Dół forest complexes (altogether 536 ha), all being part of an Experimental Forest Station in Rogów. The density of squirrels in the arboretum and the neighbouring forest was estimated and compared by means of snow tracks on transect routes. Changes in the abundance of squirrels throughout one year as well as their behaviour were determined on the basis of direct observations along transects running through the arboretum. More than half of the area of the arboretum was searched in order to record feeding signs of squirrels. Additionally, trees with bark stripping were recorded.
The density of snow tracks was higher in the arboretum (0.19 tracks/100 m/24 h) than in the neighbouring forest (0.09 tracks/100 m/24 h). The largest number of observations of red squirrels along transects was made between February and April, in July and August and in October and November. In about half of the cases, squirrels were feeding on one of six non-native tree species (most often on cones of Macedonian pine, Pinus peuce). Feeding signs were found on 39 plots (17%) and 16 different tree species. The most numerous feeding signs were found on plots with Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and also on plots with the western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla), Swiss pine (Pinus cembra), mountain silverbell (Halesia monticola) as well as shagbark (Carya ovata) and shellbark hickories (C. laciniosa). On eight plots, trees with signs of bark stripping were found, most commonly on Sawara cypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera). Its soft bark was probably used to build dreys. In the area of the arboretum, the natural food sources (seeds of native trees) are supplemented with numerous non-native tree species, which seeds are also consumed by squirrels. The highly abundant and diverse food sources promote a higher density of the red squirrel in the area of the arboretum. Additionally, when tree seeds are scarce in the neighbouring forest, squirrels migrate into the arboretum.
Children’s Liability in Negligence
Authors: Pantaleón Díaz Marta 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThis article enquires as to the principles that should govern children’s liability in the tort of negligence in England and Wales and its functional equivalents in other European legal systems. Infants are currently exempted from liability in negligence in virtually every European jurisdiction. In most of them, this result is achieved by making basic moral responsibility a requirement for liability under this tort, while in others it is brought about by tailoring to the defendant’s age the standard against which her conduct is measured. I argue that, whereas neither of these approaches is entirely consistent with the internal logic of the tort of negligence, their common practical outcome is grounded in the combined force of two main policy reasons: children’s general impecuniosity and their inherent inability rationally to manage their own affairs. It is my contention that these reasons can be honoured, while at the same time preserving doctrinal and theoretical integrity, by recognising a (defeasible) infancy defence to liability in negligence.
Extending the Frontiers of Tort Law: Liability for Ecological Harm in the French Civil Code
Authors: Taylor Simon 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIn August 2016 the French Parliament adopted legislation introducing civil liability for ecological harm into the civil code. Since tort law is traditionally concerned with the compensation of harm to individuals, the recognition of ecological harm as a basis of liability extends the boundaries of tort by requiring an alternative approach to what constitutes harm, who will have standing to bring claims and what remedies are appropriate. Through a discussion of the French reform, this article analyses the issues raised in adapting civil liability to deal with ecological harm and considers how French law seeks to overcome the challenges that these issues present. The article also reflects on whether the new civil code provisions are likely to provide an attractive model for reform in other legal systems by considering the extent to which they may represent an effective additional source of environmental protection in France and prove financially sustainable.