bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Application of Box–Cox Transformation to Determine the Standardised Precipitation Index (SPI), the Standardised Discharge Index (SDI) and to Identify Drought Events: Case Study in Eastern Kujawy (Central Poland)
Authors: Bartczak Arkadiusz , Glazik Ryszard , Tyszkowski Sebastian 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
The article presents the results of research into the transformation of series of hydro-meteorological data for determining dry periods with the Standardised Precipitation Index (SPI) and the Standardised Discharge Index (SDI). Time series from eight precipitation stations and five series of river discharge data in Eastern Kujawy (central Poland) were analysed for 1951–2010. The frequency distribution of the series for their convergence with the normal distribution was tested with the Shapiro–Wilk test and homogeneity with the Bartlett's test. The transformation of the series was done with the Box–Cox technique, which made it possible to homogenise the series in terms of variance. In Poland, the technique has never been used to determine the SPI. After the transformation the distributions of virtually all series complied with the normal distribution and were homogeneous. Moreover, a statistically significant correlation between the δ transformation parameter and the skewness of the series of monthly precipitation was observed. It was similar for the series of mean monthly discharges in the winter half-year and the hydrological year. The analysis indicates an alternate occurrence of dry and wet periods both in case of precipitation and run-offs. Drought periods coincided with low flow periods. Thus, the fluctuations tend to affect the development of agriculture more than long-term ones.
Analysis of Criteria for Delimiting Less Favoured Mountain Areas (LFA)
Authors: Kowalczyk Agnieszka , Kuźniar Antoni , Kostuch Marek 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
The objective of this work was to analyse and establish the criteria for the course of the elevation boundaries applied in delimiting of less favoured areas (LFA) under mountain and foothill conditions. This aim was achieved by verifying of the structural data on land use in relation to an altitude a.s.l. Based on the information collected on the areas in the particular land categories, and in order to assess land use, a database was created for 99 mountain communes (NUTS-5). The regulation by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (2009) distinguishes the areas of less favourable farming (LFA, mountain), where over 50% of the agricultural land (AL) is located above an altitude of 500 m a.s.l. Previous studies have shown that the adopted limit of the average elevation for mountain LFA is too restrictive for the Polish conditions and needs correction. This is particularly clear in the case of agricultural land elevated above sea level. Support for rural development is necessary because the economic importance of agriculture in the Polish mountain and foothill regions is decreasing, and these areas are characterized by a considerably limited land use, under conditions of higher production costs. This is to do with terrain elevation a.s.l. and with the presence of large areas of significant land slopes, making it too to use normal equipment.
Evaluation of Relationship Between Air Pollutant Concentration and Meteorological Elements in Winter Months
Authors: Żyromski Andrzej , Biniak-Pieróg Małgorzata , Burszta-Adamiak Ewa , Zamiar Zenon 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
The paper presents the evaluation of the relation between meteorological elements and air pollutants’ concentrations. The analysis includes daily concentrations of pollutants and variation of meteorological elements such as wind speed, air temperature and relative humidity, precipitation and total radiation at four monitoring stations located in the province of Lower Silesia in individual months of the winter half-year (November–April, according to hydrological year classification) of 2005–2009. Data on air quality and meteorological elements came from the results of research conducted in the automatic net of air pollution monitoring conducted in the range of the State Environment Monitoring. The effect of meteorological elements on analysed pollutant concentration was determined using the correlation and regression analysis at significance level α < 0.05. The occurrence of maximum concentration of NO, NO2, NOX, SO2 and PM10 occurred in the coldest months during winter season (January, February and December) confirmed the strong influence of “low emission” on air quality. Among the meteorological factors assessed wind speed was most often selected component in step wise regression procedure, then air temperature, less air relative humidity and solar radiation. In the case of a larger number of variables describing the pollution in the atmosphere, in all analyzed winter seasons the most common set of meteorological elements were wind speed and air temperature.
Microstructures of magnetron sputtered Fe–Au thin films
Authors: Zamponi Christiane , Schürmann Ulrich , Jurgeleit Till , Kienle Lorenz , Quandt Eckhard 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Freestanding films of highly pure iron and gold multilayers were fabricated and characterized for their intended use as biodegradable implant materials. These samples were deposited using magnetron sputtering on unheated substrates. This technology allows the combination of various non-compounding materials. After annealing for 2 h at 685 °C and 850 °C, respectively to homogenize the multilayer, the microstructures were investigated using X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy. Due to the annealing, the multilayered microstructure converts into a new multiphase system consisting of an iron matrix and two different kinds of gold morphologies: segregations along grain boundaries and nanosized core–shell like precipitates.
Structural, optical and magnetic properties of nanocrystalline zinc ferrite particles from glycine assisted combustion: Effect of Sr2+ dopant
Authors: Tholkappiyan R. , Vishista K. 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Spinel type pure and Sr2+ doped zinc ferrite nanoparticles were prepared by glycine assisted combustion. The resultant nanoparticles were found to be highly crystalline with cubic crystal structure. The structure and the corresponding changes in the tetrahedral and octahedral bond stretching were investigated. The chemical elements and oxidation states of these nanoparticles were determined and the elemental compositions of synthesized nanoparticles established. It was observed that the optical band gap values increased from 2.43 eV to 2.49 eV as Sr2+ concentration increased. The morphology, chemical elements and composition of the prepared ferrites were examined. The magnetic behavior of these nanoferrites was studied and corresponding changes in the saturation magnetization, coercivity and remanent magnetization were analyzed.
Wear behaviour of Al/(Al2O3 + ZrB2 + TiB2) hybrid composites fabricated by hot pressing
Authors: Farhadinia Faranak , Sedghi Arman 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
The dry sliding wear behaviour of Al/(Al2O3 + ZrB2 + TiB2) hybrid composite was tested by using a pin-on-disc testing machine at room temperature and 300 °C. Hybrid reinforcement was fabricated by mechanically activated combustion synthesis, and the composites were prepared by hot pressing of aluminium powder and hybrid reinforcement. The effect of sliding distance, hybrid reinforcement content and temperature on the wear properties of the composites has been investigated. For comparison, the same tests were conducted on Al/Al2O3 composite and pure aluminium. Hybrid composites have higher wear resistance than pure aluminium and Al/Al2O3 composites at room temperature and 300 °C. A study of wear surfaces showed that plastic deformation induced wear and adhesive wear are the dominant mechanisms at room and high temperature, respectively.
Chemokine-Mediated B Cell Trafficking during Early Rabbit GALT Development
Authors: Zhai Shi-Kang , Volgina Veronica V. , Sethupathi Periannan , Knight Katherine L. , Lanning Dennis K. 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Microbial and host cell interactions stimulate rabbit B cells to diversify the primary Ab repertoire in GALT. B cells at the base of appendix follicles begin proliferating and diversifying their V-(D)-J genes around 1 wk of age, ∼5 d after B cells first begin entering appendix follicles. To gain insight into the microbial and host cell interactions that stimulate B cells to diversify the primary Ab repertoire, we analyzed B cell trafficking within follicles during the first week of life. We visualized B cells, as well as chemokines that mediate B cell homing in lymphoid tissues, by in situ hybridization, and we examined B cell chemokine receptor expression by flow cytometry. We found that B cells were activated and began downregulating their BCRs well before a detectable B cell proliferative region appeared at the follicle base. The proliferative region was similar to germinal center dark zones, in that it exhibited elevated CXCL12 mRNA expression, and B cells that upregulated CXCR4 mRNA in response to signals acquired from selected intestinal commensals localized in this region. Our results suggest that after entering appendix follicles, B cells home sequentially to the follicle-associated epithelium, the follicular dendritic cell network, the B cell/T cell boundary, and, ultimately, the base of the follicle, where they enter a proliferative program and diversify the primary Ab repertoire.
Chloroquine Promotes IL-17 Production by CD4+ T Cells via p38-Dependent IL-23 Release by Monocyte-Derived Langerhans-like Cells
Authors: Said André , Bock Stephanie , Lajqi Trim , Müller Gerrit , Weindl Günther 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Recent studies suggest a role for autophagy in the secretion of IL-1 cytokines regulating the development of inflammatory diseases. The antimalarial drug and autophagy/lysosome inhibitor chloroquine (CHQ) is considered as potential trigger of drug-induced or drug-aggravated psoriasis, in which Th17 cells sustain a persistent inflammation. In this study, we investigated the effect of CHQ on human monocyte-derived Langerhans-like cells (MoLC) and dendritic cells (MoDC) in response to IL-1β. The presence of CHQ reduced IL-12p70 release in both subsets, but surprisingly increased IL-6 production in MoDC and IL-23 in MoLC. Importantly, CHQ-treated MoLC promoted IL-17A secretion by CD4+ T cells and elevated RORC mRNA levels, whereas IFN-γ release was reduced. The dysregulation of IL-12 family cytokines in MoLC and MoDC occurred at the transcriptional level. Similar effects were obtained with other late autophagy inhibitors, whereas PI3K inhibitor 3-methyladenine failed to increase IL-23 secretion. The modulated cytokine release was dependent on IL-1 cytokine activation and abrogated by a specific IL-1R antagonist. CHQ elevated expression of TNFR-associated factor 6, a common intermediate in IL-1R and TLR-dependent signaling. Accordingly, treatment with Pam3CSK4 and CHQ enhanced IL-23 release in MoLC and MoDC. CHQ inhibited autophagic flux, confirmed by increased LC3-II and p62 expression, and activated ERK, p38, and JNK MAPK, but only inhibition of p38 abrogated IL-23 release by MoLC. Thus, our findings indicate that CHQ modulates cytokine release in a p38-dependent manner, suggesting an essential role of Langerhans cells and dendritic cells in CHQ-provoked psoriasis, possibly by promoting Th17 immunity.
IgG4 and IgE Transcripts in Childhood Allergic Asthma Reflect Divergent Antigen-Driven Selection
Authors: Rogosch Tobias , Kerzel Sebastian , Dey Friederike , Wagner Johanna-Josophina , Zhang Zhixin , Maier Rolf F. , Zemlin Michael 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe physiologic function of the “odd” Ab IgG4 remains enigmatic. IgG4 mediates immunotolerance, as, for example, during specific immunotherapy of allergies, but it mediates tissue damage in autoimmune pemphigus vulgaris and “IgG4-related disease.” Approximately half of the circulating IgG4 molecules are bispecific owing to their unique ability to exchange half-molecules. Better understanding of the interrelation between IgG4 and IgE repertoires may yield insight into the pathogenesis of allergies and into potential novel therapies that modulate IgG4 responses. We aimed to compare the selective forces that forge the IgG4 and IgE repertoires in allergic asthma. Using an IgG4-specific RT-PCR, we amplified, cloned, and sequenced IgG4 H chain transcripts of PBMCs from 10 children with allergic asthma. We obtained 558 functional IgG4 sequences, of which 286 were unique. Compared with previously published unique IgE transcripts from the same blood samples, the somatic mutation rate was significantly enhanced in IgG4 transcripts (62 versus 83%; p &lt; 0.001), whereas fewer IgG4 sequences displayed statistical evidence of Ag-driven selection (p &lt; 0.001). On average, the hypervariable CDRH3 region was four nucleotides shorter in IgG4 than in IgE transcripts (p &lt; 0.001). IgG4 transcripts in the circulation of children with allergic asthma reflect some characteristics of classical Ag-driven B2 immune responses but display less indication of Ag selection than do IgE transcripts. Although allergen-specific IgG4 can block IgE-mediated allergen presentation and degranulation of mast cells, key factors that influence the Ag-binding properties of the Ab differ between the overall repertoires of circulating IgG4- and IgE-expressing cells.
TRAM Is Required for TLR2 Endosomal Signaling to Type I IFN Induction
Authors: Stack Julianne , Doyle Sarah L. , Connolly Dympna J. , Reinert Line S. , O’Keeffe Kate M. , McLoughlin Rachel M. , Paludan Søren R. , Bowie Andrew G. 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Detection of microbes by TLRs on the plasma membrane leads to the induction of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, via activation of NF-κB. Alternatively, activation of endosomal TLRs leads to the induction of type I IFNs via IFN regulatory factors (IRFs). TLR4 signaling from the plasma membrane to NF-κB via the Toll/IL-1R (TIR) adaptor protein MyD88 requires the TIR sorting adaptor Mal, whereas endosomal TLR4 signaling to IRF3 via the TIR domain–containing adaptor-inducing IFN-β (TRIF) requires the TRIF-related adaptor molecule (TRAM). Similar to TLR4 homodimers, TLR2 heterodimers can also induce both proinflammatory cytokines and type I IFNs. TLR2 plasma membrane signaling to NF-κB is known to require MyD88 and Mal, whereas endosomal IRF activation by TLR2 requires MyD88. However, it was unclear whether TLR2 requires a sorting adaptor for endosomal signaling, like TLR4 does. In this study, we show that TLR2-dependent IRF7 activation at the endosome is both Mal- and TRAM-dependent, and that TRAM is required for the TLR2-dependent movement of MyD88 to endosomes following ligand engagement. TRAM interacted with both TLR2 and MyD88, suggesting that TRAM can act as a bridging adapter between these two molecules. Furthermore, infection of macrophages lacking TRAM with herpes viruses or the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus led to impaired induction of type I IFN, indicating a role for TRAM in TLR2-dependent responses to human pathogens. Our work reveals that TRAM acts as a sorting adaptor not only for TLR4, but also for TLR2, to facilitate signaling to IRF7 at the endosome, which explains how TLR2 is capable of causing type I IFN induction.
The diagnostic evaluation of 640 slice computed tomography angiography in the diagnosis of coronary artery stenosis
Authors: Lei Ziqiao , Fu Qing , Shi Heshui , Xu Haibo , Han Ping , Yu Jianming 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACT

Objective:
The aim was to evaluate diagnostic accuracy of 640 slice computed tomography angiography (640-CTCA) in diagnosis of coronary artery stenosis.

Materials and Methods:
Selective coronary angiography (SCA) and 640 slice CTCA were performed in 120 patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) (78 male, 42 female, aged from 36 to 79 years old, with an average of 58.23 years). Various post-processing reconstructions of coronary arteries and branches, such as volumetric imaging, multi-planar reconstruction, curved planar reconstruction, maximum intensity projection were used. The coronary segments, with statistical evaluations combined with its diameter ≥1.5 mm were collected to analyze the diagnosis accuracy of 640-CTCA on coronary artery stenosis, with SCA as the reference standard.

Results:
About 96.91% (1535/1584) of coronary artery segments were evaluable arteries, and the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of 640-CTCA for detecting coronary artery stenosis were 93.44%, 99.59%, 95.00% and 99.45% respectively. 3.09% (49/1584) of coronary artery segments could not be evaluated due to motion artifact in 21 segments, calcification in 18 segments and poor display of lumen in 10 segments. There were no significant differences in the diagnostic accuracy of coronary artery stenosis between 640-CTCA and SCA.

Conclusion:
640-CTCA has a higher accuracy and specificity, which is a reliable tool in the screening of CAD, coronary surgery, preoperative evaluation and the postoperative follow-up.
Tail Dependence of Financial Stocks and CDS Markets – Evidence Using Copula Methods and Simulation-Based Inference
Authors: da Silva Paulo Pereira , Rebelo Paulo Tomaz , Afonso Cristina 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Using copula methods and simulation-based inference, the authors investigate the association between the performance of a stock index formed by European financial institutions and a basket of CDS contracts of the same sector. Their analysis focuses on (i) assessing the dependence structure of the markets when extreme events occur, and (ii) checking the validity of the conclusion by Merton (On the Pricing of Corporate Debt: The Risk Structure of Interest Rates, 1974) and other similar structural models that there is an intensification of the relationship between stock prices and credit spreads after large negative shocks in the value of firms’ assets. The authors show that there is a large tail dependence between the two portfolios. However, the dependence structure seems to be similar with respect to positive and negative innovations in the indexes. Their findings suggest that credit models’ implications do not apply to financial firms, likely because the implicit subsidies from governments to financial institutions are distorting the dependency structure.
Conjunctival Epithelial Cells Cultivated Ex Vivo from Patients with Total Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency
Authors: Silber Paulo C. , Ricardo José R.S. , Cristovam Priscila C. , Hazarbassanov Rossen M. , Dreyfuss Juliana L. , Gomes José A.P. 
Published: November 2014

Purpose Reconstruction of the ocular surface is challenging. As an alternative to mucosal and limbal epithelial, we study the feasibility of cultivated human conjunctival epithelial (HCjE) cells of patients with total limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD). Methods We studied superior forniceal conjunctival biopsies harvested from 9 living donors with total LSCD of several etiologies who underwent surgery for ocular surface reconstruction. The conjunctival explants were cultivated on serum and growth factor supplemented DMEM/F12 under submerged conditions on denuded human amniotic membrane and tissue culture dishes. The area of cell growth was assessed. Cell morphology was analyzed by light microscopy, impression cytology, and transmission electron microscopy. Cultures were evaluated for epithelial cytokeratins (CK3, CK19), proliferation marker (Ki-67), and putative stem cells markers (ABCG2 and p63). Confocal immunofluorescence was also performed to assess CK3, CK19, Ki-67, ABCG2, and p63. Results The HCjE cells cultivated ex vivo were successfully expanded on denuded amniotic membrane but with a slower growth than in the tissue culture dish. Transmission electron microscopy showed stratified epithelium with microvilli, desmosomes, and hemidesmosomes. Impression cytology showed PAS+ cells that resembled goblet cells. Immunocytochemical analysis showed positivity for CK3, CK19, Ki-67, ABCG2, and p63. Confocal immunofluorescence was positive for CK3, CK19, Ki-67, ABCG2, and p63. Conclusions Our results showed that it is possible to cultivate HCjE cells ex vivo of patients with ocular surface diseases. This method is important for ocular surface reconstruction in patients with bilateral total LSCD.
Outcomes of Adjuvant Endocrine Therapy and Hormone Receptor Status Change following Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Wu Jia Yi , Chen Wei Guo , Chen Xiao Song , Huang Ou , He Jian Rong , Zhu Li , Li Yafen , Shen Kun Wei , Chow Louis W.C. , Loo Wings T.Y. , Chow Christopher Y.C. , Tsang William 
Published: November 2014

Background This retrospective study investigated the therapeutic benefit of adjuvant endocrine therapy (ET) in breast cancer patients with hormone receptor (HR) status change from positive to negative after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). Methods From December 2000 to November 2010, 97 eligible patients with a positive-to-negative switch of HR status after NAC were identified. All patients were categorized into 2 groups on the basis of the administration of ET: 57 ET-administered patients and 40 ET-naïve patients. Survival analyses were performed to examine the prognostic value of ET administration as well as other clinical and pathologic variables. Results The administration of ET was significantly associated with improved disease-free survival (p=0.018) in patients with a positive-to-negative switch of HR status. The 5-year disease-free survival rates were 77.0% and 55.5%, respectively, in ET-administered patients and ET-naïve patients. The 5-year overall survival rate for ET-administered patients was also higher than that of ET-naïve patients (81.3% vs. 72.7%, p=0.053), albeit this was statistically insignificant. Conclusions This study revealed that patients with HR altered from positive to negative after NAC still benefit from ET. The HR status should be evaluated not only in specimens obtained during post-NAC surgery but also in specimens biopsied before NAC.
Private International Law: An Appropriate Means to Regulate Transnational Employment in the European Union?
Authors: van Hoek Aukje A.H. 
Published: November 2014

Private International Law: An Appropriate Means to Regulate Transnational Employment in the European Union?
The regulation of transnational employment in the European Union operates at the crossroads between private international law and internal market rules. The private international law rules are currently laid down in the Rome I Regulation. This regulation is complemented by the Posted Workers Directive, a directive based on the competences of the EU in the field of free movement of services. The current contribution first describes the rules which determine the law applicable to the employment contract under Article 8 Rome I Regulation and the way these rules are interpreted by the CJEU before critically analysing these rules and the reasoning that seems to lie behind the court’s interpretation (section 2). The law applying to the contract is, however, only of limited relevance for the protection of posted workers. This is due inter alia to the mandatory application of certain rules of the country to which the workers are posted, even if a different law governs their contract. This application of host state law is based on Article 9 Rome I Regulation in conjunction with the Posted Workers Directive. Section 3 describes the content of these rules and the – to some extent still undecided – interaction between the Rome I Regulation and the PWD. The conclusion will be that there is an uneasy match between the interests informing private international law and the interests of the internal market, which is not likely to be resolved in the near future.