bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transepithelial Iontophoresis Corneal Collagen Cross-linking for Progressive Keratoconus: Initial Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Vinciguerra Paolo , Randleman J. Bradley , Romano Vito , Legrottaglie Emanuela F. , Rosetta Pietro , Camesasca Fabrizio I. , Piscopo Raffaele , Azzolini Claudio , Vinciguerra Riccardo 
Published: November 2014

PURPOSE:
To report initial clinical results of transepithelial corneal collagen cross-linking with iontophoresis (I-CXL).

METHODS:
Twenty eyes of 20 patients diagnosed as having progressive keratoconus who underwent I-CXL were included in this prospective non-randomized clinical study. Corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), spherical equivalent and cylinder refraction, various corneal topography and Scheimpflug tomography parameters, aberrometry, anterior segment optical coherence tomography, and endothelial cell count were assessed at baseline and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.

RESULTS:

CDVA improved significantly at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively (logMAR difference of −0.07 ± 0.01, −0.09 ± 0.03, and −0.12 ± 0.06, respectively;
P
< .05). Aberrometry remained stable during follow-up and a trend toward improvement was noted. All topographic parameters (including maximum keratometry) were stable during the follow-up, but exhibited a positive non-significant trend toward improvement. Minimum corneal thickness values were stable for up to 12 months postoperatively. None of the patients showed a progression of keratoconus. Endothelial cell counts did not change significantly (
P
> .05).

CONCLUSIONS:
Preliminary results up to 1 year postoperatively indicate the efficacy of I-CXL in stabilizing the progression of this degenerative disease combined with significant improvement of CDVA. I-CXL, which spares the corneal epithelium, has the potential to become a valid alternative for halting the progression of keratoconus while reducing postoperative patient pain, risk of infection, and treatment time in select patients; however, the relative efficacy of this technique compared to standard epithelium-off techniques remains to be determined.

[
J Refract Surg
. 2014;30(11):746–753.]
CAVE INVERTEBRATES IN NORTHWESTERN MINAS GERAIS STATE, BRAZIL: ENDEMISM, THREATS AND CONSERVATION PRIORITIES
Authors: Simões Matheus Henrique , Souza-Silva Marconi , Ferreira Rodrigo Lopes 
Published: November 2014

Due to their high economic value, karstic areas and caves have been affected for decades in Brazil. Accordingly, such systems have been receiving the attention of managers, environmental agencies and researchers, especially in recent years. The present study collected information regarding the cave invertebrate fauna of the Northwest region of Minas Gerais, Brazil, such as species richness and endemisms, besides the impacts and threats occurring in these environments, identifying caves and more vulnerable areas and proposing conservation actions. Three caves were identified as a priority for conservation: Lagoa Rica cave in Paracatu, and Lapa Nova and Lapa da Delza caves in Vazante. Another three areas were considered in need of conservation actions: regions of Arinos, Paracatu and Cabeceira Grande/Unaí. The main threat found in the area was the conversion of forests into pastures for cattle breeding, registered in the surroundings of 85% of the caves. The main recommendations were the recuperation of the surroundings, awareness raising of the population and biospeleological inventories in other caves of the area. The studied caves were very heterogeneous, presenting unique characteristics. Thus, the study of the highest possible number of caves of the region of interest is always recommended, to aid in conservation and action plans for cave fauna.
Delta-like 1–Mediated Notch Signaling Enhances the In Vitro Conversion of Human Memory CD4 T Cells into FOXP3-Expressing Regulatory T Cells
Authors: Mota Catarina , Nunes-Silva Vânia , Pires Ana R. , Matoso Paula , Victorino Rui M. M. , Sousa Ana E. , Caramalho Iris 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
FOXP3-expressing regulatory T cells (Treg) are essential for the prevention of autoimmunity and were shown to be reduced and/or dysfunctional in several autoimmune diseases. Although Treg-based adoptive transfer represents a promising therapy, the large cell number required to achieve clinical efficacy constitutes an important limitation. Therefore, novel strategies to generate bona fide in vitro–induced Treg (iTreg) are critical. In this study, we report that human memory CD4 T cells can be efficiently converted into iTreg, and that Delta-like 1 (DL1)–mediated Notch signaling significantly enhances this process. The iTreg generated in the presence of DL1 featured higher levels of Treg function–associated molecules and were efficient suppressors. Importantly, these iTreg displayed a stable phenotype in long-term cultures, even in the presence of proinflammatory cytokines. Additionally, DL1 potentiated FOXP3 acquisition by memory CD4 cells through the modulation of the TGF-β signaling pathway and of Foxp3 transcription. Our data demonstrate that iTreg can be efficiently induced from memory CD4 cells, a subset enriched in relevant specificities for targeting in autoimmune diseases, and that DL1 enhances this process. DL1 also enhanced the proliferation and Treg function–associated marker expression of ex vivo–stimulated human circulating FOXP3+ cells. Manipulation of the Notch signaling pathway constitutes a promising approach to boost the in vitro generation of iTreg and ex vivo Treg expansion, thus facilitating the establishment of effective Treg-based adoptive therapy in autoimmune diseases.
Immature Recent Thymic Emigrants Are Eliminated by Complement
Authors: Hsu Fan-Chi , Shapiro Michael J. , Chen Meibo W. , McWilliams Douglas C. , Seaburg Lauren M. , Tangen Sarah N. , Shapiro Virginia Smith 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Recent thymic emigrants (RTEs) must undergo phenotypic and functional maturation to become long-lived mature naive T cells. In CD4-cre NKAP conditional knockout mice, NKAP-deficient RTEs fail to complete T cell maturation. In this study, we demonstrate that NKAP-deficient immature RTEs do not undergo apoptosis, but are eliminated by complement. C3, C4, and C1q are bound to NKAP-deficient peripheral T cells, demonstrating activation of the classical arm of the complement pathway. As thymocytes mature and exit to the periphery, they increase sialic acid incorporation into cell surface glycans. This is essential to peripheral lymphocyte survival, as stripping sialic acid with neuraminidase leads to the binding of natural IgM and complement fixation. NKAP-deficient T cells have a defect in sialylation on cell surface glycans, leading to IgM recruitment. We demonstrate that the defect in sialylation is due to aberrant α2,8-linked sialylation, and the expression of three genes (ST8sia1, ST8sia4, and ST8sia6) that mediate α2,8 sialylation are downregulated in NKAP-defcient RTEs. The maturation of peripheral NKAP-deficient T cells is partially rescued in a C3-deficient environment. Thus, sialylation during T cell maturation is critical to protect immature RTEs from complement in the periphery.
The Governor-General's Apology: Reflections on Anzac Day
Authors: Fischer Gerhard 
Published: November 2014

In September 1999, the then governor-general of Australia, Sir William Deane, gave a speech to the Australian Conference on Lutheran Education where he offered an apology to members of the German Australian community for the 'tragic, and often shameful, discrimination against Australians of German origin fostered during the world wars'. This article reflects on a number of issues raised by the Governor-General's statement, most importantly on our understanding of the Anzac historiography and its various narratives.
Emotions in the Classroom: The Role of Teachers’ Emotional Intelligence Ability in Predicting Students’ Achievement
Authors: Curci Antonietta , Lanciano Tiziana , Soleti Emanuela 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
School days can be a difficult time, especially when students are faced with subjects that require motivational investment along with cognitive effort, such as mathematics and sciences. In the present study, we investigated the effects of teachers’ emotional intelligence (EI) ability, self-efficacy, and emotional states and students’ self-esteem, perceptions of ability, and metacognitive beliefs in predicting school achievement. We hypothesized that the level of teacher EI ability would moderate the impact of students’ self-perceptions and beliefs about their achievements in mathematics and sciences. Students from Italian junior high schools (N = 338) and their math teachers (N = 12) were involved in the study, and a multilevel approach was used. Findings showed that teachers’ EI has a positive role in promoting students’ achievement, by enhancing the effects of students’ self-perceptions of ability and self-esteem. These results have implications for the implementation of intervention programs on the emotional, motivational, and metacognitive correlates of studying and learning behavior.
Mediation van belastinggeschillen in Nederland
Authors: Vos Roelof 
Published: November 2014

Mediation in tax disputes in the Netherlands
In this publication Roelof Vos gives a summary of the current mediation practice in tax disputes between tax payers and the tax authorities in the Netherlands. As of 2005 the mediation practice in tax matters has grown slowly and is there as alternative for litigation in court. Vos explains the position of so-called internal mediators of the tax authorities, confidentiality in case of criminal offenses and he gives a few practical examples of mediation in tax cases.
Fiscale bemiddeling in België: een curiosum?
Authors: Hensen Wendy 
Published: November 2014

Tax mediation in Belgium: a curiosity?
Wendy Hensen analyzes the current Belgian legislation on tax mediation from the perspective of the traditional mediation doctrine. This legislation is in no way connected to the general set of rules on mediation incorporated into the Judicial Code. The question arises whether an internal comparative study between the two separate schemes can shed more light on potential bottlenecks in the current regulation. A comparison reveals significant differences in regard to the importance attributed to certain key elements of mediation, namely the principles of voluntary participation, confidentiality, party self-determination as well as the involvement of an independent and impartial third party who uses mediation methods and techniques. The customary interpretation and understanding of the concept ‘mediation’ apparently doesn’t apply to tax mediation. A brief overview of the Dutch mediation practice in fiscal affairs shows that a more holistic approach, in respect of the aforementioned principles, is nonetheless possible.
Analytical Dependence of the Ignition Dynamics Parameters on the Low-Z Impurity Concentration
Authors: Mahdavi Mohammad , Abedi Sayed Ebrahim 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
In this paper, thermonuclear burning of the deuterium-tritium (D/T) plasma of an inertial confinement fusion (ICF) target is studied in the presence of low-Z impurities (lithium, beryllium, and carbon) with arbitrary concentrations. The effect of impurities produced due to the mixing of the thermonuclear fuel with the material of the structural elements of the target during its compression on the process of target burning is studied. Also, the effect of impurity concentration on the plasma ignition parameters such as ignition temperature, confinement parameter ρR, and ignition energy are discussed. The models are constructed for an isobaric and an isochoric plasma for the case in which the burning is initiated in the central heated region of the target and then propagated into the surrounding relatively cold fuel. In ICF spherical implosions of the D/T fuel, the ignition parameters as ignition temperature and parameter ρR in the hot spot are approximately 7 - 10 keV and 0.2 - 0.4 g cm-2 respectively, and these values are increased by the presence of impurities.
Effect of Copper Toxicity on Root Morphology, Ultrastructure, and Copper Accumulation in Moso Bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens)
Authors: Chen Junren , Peng Danli , Shafi Mohammad , Li Song , Wu Jiasen , Ye Zhengqian , Yan Wenbo , Lu Kouping , Liu Dan 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
A hydroponic culture experiment was conducted to study the effect of copper toxicity on root morphology, ultrastructure, and copper accumulation in Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens). Root ultrastructure of Moso bamboo was studied by transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Application of 200 μM Cu resulted in an accumulation of 810 mg kg-1 dry weight and 91 mg kg-1 dry weight Cu in roots and shoots, respectively. The majority of the plants did not survive the application of 400 μM Cu. Biomass production declined consistently with application of each additional increment of Cu. Root growth was more severely inhibited than shoot growth. Cu adversely affected the root morphology of the plants, however, root surface area and number of root tips increased slightly at low levels of Cu. Root cell ultrastructure and organelles changed significantly under Cu stress, in particular, cell walls, mitochondria, and xylem parenchyma were affected.
F3‐Isoprostanes as a Measure of in vivo Oxidative Damage in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Nguyen Thuy T. , Aschner Michael 
Published: November 2014

AbstractOxidative stress has been implicated in the development of a wide variety of disease processes, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as progressive and normal aging processes. Isoprostanes (IsoPs) are prostaglandin‐like compounds that are generated in vivo from lipid peroxidation of arachidonic acid (AA, C20:4, ω‐6) and other polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Since the discovery of IsoPs by Morrow and Roberts in 1990, quantification of IsoPs has been shown to be an excellent source of biomarkers of in vivo oxidative damage. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5, ω‐3) is the most abundant PUFA in Caenorhabditis elegans and gives rise to F3‐IsoPs upon nonenzymatic free‐radical‐catalyzed lipid peroxidation. The protocol presented is the current methodology that our laboratory uses to quantify F3‐IsoPs in C. elegans using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The methods described herein have been optimized and validated to provide the best sensitivity and selectivity for quantification of F3‐IsoPs from C. elegans lysates. © 2014 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
External total alkalinity loads versus internal generation: The influence of nonriverine alkalinity sources in the Baltic Sea
Authors: Gustafsson Erik , Wällstedt Teresia , Humborg Christoph , Mörth Carl‐Magnus , Gustafsson Bo G. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractIn this study we first present updated riverine total alkalinity (TA) loads to the various Baltic Sea sub‐basins, based on monthly measurements in 82 of the major rivers that represent 85% of the total runoff. Simulations in the coupled physical‐biogeochemical BALTSEM (BAltic sea Long‐Term large Scale Eutrophication Model) model show that these river loads together with North Sea water inflows are not sufficient to reproduce observed TA concentrations in the system, demonstrating the large influence from internal sources. Budget calculations indicate that the required internal TA generation must be similar to river loads in magnitude. The nonriverine source in the system amounts to about 2.4 mmol m−2 d−1 on average. We argue here that the majority of this source is related to denitrification together with unresolved sediment processes such as burial of reduced sulfur and/or silicate weathering. This hypothesis is supported by studies on sediment processes on a global scale and also by data from sediment cores in the Baltic Sea. In a model simulation with all internal TA sources and sinks switched on, the net absorption of atmospheric CO2 increased by 0.78 mol C m−2 yr−1 compared to a simulation where TA was treated as a passive tracer. Our results clearly illustrate how pelagic TA sources together with anaerobic mineralization in coastal sediments generate a significant carbon sink along the aquatic continuum, mitigating CO2 evasions from coastal and estuarine systems.
Rayleigh wave group velocity distributions for East Asia using ambient seismic noise
Authors: Witek Michael , van der Lee Suzan , Kang Tae‐Seob 
Published: November 2014

AbstractVertical component data from 206 broadband seismometer stations from Korean networks Korean Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources and Korea Meteorological Administration, the Japanese F‐net network, and the Chinese New China Digital Seismograph Network and Northeast China Extended Seismic Array network are collected for the year 2011, and the ambient seismic noise is analyzed. Rayleigh wave group velocity distribution maps are created in the period range 10 to 70 s. Our results are largely consistent with previous studies of the area but provide greater detail in the Korean peninsula and the Sea of Japan. Low group velocities are observed in the Ulleung basin, and the Chubu‐Kanto and Kyushu regions in Japan. At 10 s period, sediment basins in the Sea of Japan appear as low group velocity regions relative to higher group velocity continental regions. At periods longer than 40 s, a low group velocity region emerges in the Ulleung basin region, and is bounded by the Korean peninsula.
A new pair of indices to describe the relationship between ionospheric disturbances and geomagnetic activity
Authors: Chen Zhou , Wang Jing‐Song , Huang Chun‐Ming , Huang Lin‐Feng 
Published: November 2014

AbstractIn this paper, a new ionospheric index pair—the single‐station index (Js) and the planetary index (Jp), which describe ionospheric disturbances—is constructed using the spectral‐whitening method. Observations covering more than 30 years and obtained from 21 ionosonde stations widely distributed across middle‐ and low‐latitude areas are used in the study. Variations in the Js index at all stations generally follow the variation of the geomagnetic Dst index during periods of strong to moderate geomagnetic activity. Nevertheless, the inertial response of Js to weak geomagnetic activity results in a weak correlation between Js and Dst. The extrema of Js and Dst during the same geomagnetic activity period have a much higher correlation coefficient, since they avoid the delaying effect of the ionospheric response to geomagnetic activity. To smooth out local differences among ionospheric disturbances, the Jp index was defined as the means of all Js indices and so describes ionospheric disturbances at the planetary scale. The Jp index is significantly correlated to the Dst index, and the correlation coefficient between the extrema of Jp and Dst is up to −0.8. This correlation remains robust when the data set length varies, and data from approximately 10 stations are sufficient to derive a reasonable estimate of Jp. The quantitative relationship between Jp and Dst can be used to reproduce Jp by adopting Dst as the precursor, and this raises the possibility of predicting planetary ionospheric disturbances based on geomagnetic activity.
Laing distal myopathy pathologically resembling inclusion body myositis
Authors: Roda Ricardo H. , Schindler Alice B. , Blackstone Craig , Mammen Andrew L. , Corse Andrea M. , Lloyd Thomas E. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractMutations in MYH7 cause autosomal dominant Laing distal myopathy. We present a family with a previously reported deletion (c.5186_5188delAGA, p.K1729del). Muscle pathology in one family member was characterized by an inflammatory myopathy with rimmed vacuoles, increased MHC Class I expression, and perivascular and endomysial muscle inflammation comprising CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, and CD68+ inflammatory cells. Interestingly, this biopsy specimen contained TDP‐43, p62, and SMI‐31‐positive protein aggregates typical of inclusion body myositis. These findings should alert physicians to the possibility that patients with MYH7 mutations may have muscle biopsies showing pathologic findings similar to inclusion body myositis.
Synthesis and Evaluation of (S)‐Proline‐Containing α,β‐Dipeptides as Organocatalysts in Solvent‐Free Asymmetric Aldol Reactions Under Ball‐Milling Conditions
Authors: Machuca Elizabeth , Rojas Yenisey , Juaristi Eusebio 
Published: November 2014

AbstractWith the aim of developing sustainable enantioselective reactions, the organocatalytic activity of three proline‐based α,β‐dipeptides was evaluated in the asymmetric aldol reaction between cyclohexanone and 4‐nitrobenzaldehyde according to three contrasting experimental protocols: (1) solvent‐free, under high‐speed ball milling (HSBM) activation, (2) neat conditions with conventional stirring, and (3) in solution with conventional stirring. The HSBM technique, providing “green” solvent‐free reaction conditions, proved to be the synthetic strategy of choice, proceeding in shorter reaction times and affording the aldol products with higher stereoselectivity. The organocatalytic activity of two of the α,β‐dipeptides was then compared in the solvent‐free asymmetric aldol reaction under ball‐milling activation in order to establish the influence of a stereogenic center in the β‐amino acid residue on the stereoinducing ability of the organocatalyst. The organocatalyst with one stereogenic center and the organocatalyst with two stereogenic centers exhibit similar efficiency in the asymmetric aldol reaction between cyclohexanone and 4‐nitrobenzaldehyde, affording the aldol product in excellent yield, and with high anti diastereoselectivity and good enantioselectivity. Thus, the presence of a second stereogenic center in the α,β‐dipeptide organocatalysts does not result in a more stereoselective reaction relative to that induced by the α,β‐dipeptide organocatalyst with one stereogenic center.
Aerobic Palladium‐Catalyzed Dioxygenation of Alkenes Enabled by Catalytic Nitrite
Authors: Wickens Zachary K. , Guzmán Pablo E. , Grubbs Robert H. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractCatalytic nitrite was found to enable carbon–oxygen bond‐forming reductive elimination from unstable alkyl palladium intermediates, providing dioxygenated products from alkenes. A variety of functional groups were tolerated, and high yields (up to 94 %) were observed with many substrates, also for a multigram‐scale reaction. Nitrogen dioxide, which could form from nitrite under the reaction conditions, was demonstrated to be a potential intermediate in the catalytic cycle. Furthermore, the reductive elimination event was probed with 18O‐labeling experiments, which demonstrated that both oxygen atoms in the difunctionalized products were derived from one molecule of acetic acid.
Rapid and Efficient Copper‐Catalyzed Finkelstein Reaction of (Hetero)Aromatics under Continuous‐Flow Conditions
Authors: Chen Mao , Ichikawa Saki , Buchwald Stephen L. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractA general, rapid, and efficient method for the copper‐catalyzed Finkelstein reaction of (hetero)aromatics has been developed using continuous flow to generate a variety of aryl iodides. The described method can tolerate a broad spectrum of functional groups, including N‐H and O‐H groups. Additionally, in lieu of isolation, the aryl iodide solutions were used in two distinct multistep continuous‐flow processes (amidation and Mg–I exchange/nucleophilic addition) to demonstrate the flexibility of this method.