bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Leading Cities in Central Europe: Control of Regional Economy
Authors: Csomós György 
Published: September 2011

Analysis of Leading Cities in Central Europe: Control of Regional EconomyNowadays, one of the characteristic orientations in social science studies focusing on cities is the ranking of cities, as well as the definition of the world's leading cities (world cities, global cities) on the basis of various criteria. Central European countries are given just a minor role in these researches, particularly in comparison with German cities with their considerable economic performance. This analysis compares the large cities of Austria, Germany and the countries of the Visegrád Group in terms of their role in economic leadership. To this end, the characteristic parameters have been examined: the GDP in purchasing power standards and nominal GDP of the cities, the revenues of large companies found in these cities, as well as the domestic market capitalization of the stock exchanges.
Demographic Situation and the Level of Human Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan: Regional Aspects
Authors: Nyussupova Gulnara , Rodionova Irina 
Published: September 2011

Demographic Situation and the Level of Human Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan: Regional Aspects
The objects of research are indicators of human development in Kazakhstan from the moment of independence acquisition by the republic until today. The subject of scientific research is spatial-existential patterns of socio-demographic processes as a key factor of human potential development in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The importance of scientific work is that the results permit to estimate the level of human development of the Republic of Kazakhstan on the basis of socio-demographic processes. For the first time the basic indicators defining human potential in Kazakhstan have been studied in detail and systematized. The aim of the work is to define the laws of the spatial organization of human potential and its basic spatial analyses of human development of Kazakhstan. The database, created with the help of ArcGIS, allows to monitor the changes of human development level, to analyze, estimate and manage human potential of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Changes in Population and Economy in Śląskie Voivodship in the Context of the Suburbanization Process
Authors: Runge Jerzy , Kłosowski Franciszek 
Published: September 2011

Changes in Population and Economy in Śląskie Voivodship in the Context of the Suburbanization Process
This paper attempts to determine and describe suburbanization stages (especially in the context of political-economic transformations and population changes) and also, to verify classical models of urbanization stages as a system of concentric zones, basing on historical process of development of complex settlement systems of Katowice voivodship (according to the former administrative division), i.e., Katowice conurbation, Rybnik agglomeration, Bielsko-Biała agglomeration, and Częstochowa agglomeration. The analysis includes the population number and the balance of migration between 1975 and 2008, as well as the number of entities of national economy between 1995 and 2008. Every settlement system was divided into its core, such as the main city or a group of cities, and its surrounding area, comprising urban and rural municipalities directly neighbouring the core. The calculations included absolute single-base increments and chain increments.The analysis showed that the historical processes of urbanization of the Śląskie voivodship reveal significant variations in the way they were shaped in comparison with model-based approaches included in the literature of the subject matter. The agglomeration of Częstochowa is the closest to the concentric model, consisting of urbanization, suburbanization and deurbanization, whereas the remaining settlement systems reveal bigger or smaller differences. Variations between analyzed settlement systems reveal themselves also in contemporary times. The rate of population growth and migration balances divide the systems into different stages of maturity of suburbanization. The earliest were discovered in the Katowice conurbation. As much as the rate of population changes and migration balances significantly differentiated the core areas in comparison with their surroundings, the differences were less obvious in the aspect of business growth rate. This results from the fact that the core areas still retain the majority of workplaces. An increase of business activity around the surrounding areas remains selective, both as to the kind and space, revealing somehow higher rate as far as the agglomeration of Bielsko-Biała is concerned.
Population of American Cities: 1950-2009
Authors: Wilczyński Witold , Wilczyński Piotr 
Published: September 2011

Population of American Cities: 1950-2009Contrary to the industrial epoch, cities have been interpreted in the last fifty years as the places facing the greatest economic and social problems. A contrasting view has emerged only recently that takes cities as sites of economic dynamism and social vitality. The paper offers evidence on population change for 118 greatest cities of the United States of America to assess how their fortunes have changed from the 1950s to 2009. Considerable diversity of experience was revealed and seven categories of cities have been distinguished as far as their population change patterns are concerned. These categories range from the continuous growth from 1950 until today to continuous decline. The most dynamic cities are located in the Sun Belt and they are relatively small and new.On the opposite, the biggest and old industrial centres of the Rust Belt have been losing inhabitants. In general, the pattern of population change shows close relationship with the economic situation and in particular, is connected with the structural changes in society and economy, namely the structural shifts toward more services-oriented economy, and smaller households.Essentially the paper offers the historical outline of the population changes in the biggest American urban centres. It should be seen as an introduction necessary for the more advanced studies concerning the issues of employment, incomes, ethnic composition, and various social problems which could explain the changing fortunes of particular cities.
Coccidian parasites (Apicomplexa) of penguins (Pygoscelis ssp.) from Livingston Island and King George Island, the Antarctic
Authors: Golemansky Vassil 
Published: September 2011

Coccidian parasites (Apicomplexa) of penguins (Pygoscelis ssp.) from Livingston Island and King George Island, the Antarctic
The results of investigations on the coccidian parasites of three species of penguins (Pygoscelis antarctica, P. papua and P. adeliae), nesting at Livingston and King George Island (South Shetland Islands, the Antarctic) are presented. Three coccidian parasites: Eimeria pygosceli Golemansky, 2003, Eimeria sp. and Isospora sp. were identified in faecal samples from 360 examined birds. The total prevalence of coccidian parasites was high: about 35% in all of examined penguins. No host specificity was observed. It is attributed due to the close phylogenetic relations, common habitats and nesting territories, similar feeding and reproductive biology of the three penguin species. In more than 20 specimens of investigated penguins a high intensity of oocysts in their guano was observed (80-220 oocysts in one microscopic field at magnification of 150x) an indirect indication of the negative role of the coccidian infections on penguin populations.
The earliest fossil record of a medium-sized penguin
Authors: Jadwiszczak Piotr , Chapman Sandra 
Published: September 2011

The earliest fossil record of a medium-sized penguinThe fossil record of Antarctic Sphenisciformes dates as early as the late Palaeocene Cross Valley Formation, Seymour Island, Antarctic Peninsula. However, the best known Antarctic locality for early penguin remains (mainly isolated bones) is the Eocene La Meseta Formation that outcrops in the northeast of Seymour Island. The analysis of an unstudied set of specimens collected there by members of the British Antarctic Survey in 1989 has resulted in identification of a distal humerus from the unit Telm3 (early Eocene) of the formation that is the oldest known bone attributable to a medium-sized (in the context of the entire Cainozoic era) penguin. This find suggests that the origin of these birds, in conjunction with an increase in taxonomic diversity of the Eocene Sphenisciformes, was related to the Early Eocene Climatic Optimum (EECO) or, more probably, the early phase of subsequent cooling.
Quick Personality Assessment Schedule (PAS-Q): Validation of a Brief Screening Test for Personality Disorders in a Population of Psychiatric Outpatients
Authors: Germans Sara , Van Heck Guus L. , Hodiamont Paul P.G. 
Published: September 2011

Objective: The internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and validity of the Quick Personality Assessment Schedule (PAS-Q), as a screening instrument for personality disorders were studied in a random sample of 195 Dutch psychiatric outpatients, using the SCID-II as a gold standard. Method: All patients were interviewed with the PAS-Q. With an interval of 1 to 2 weeks, they were interviewed with the SCID-II. Three weeks later the PAS-Q was re-administered. Results: According to the SCID-II, 97 patients (50%) were suffering from a personality disorder. The PAS-Q correctly classified 81% of all participants. Sensitivity and specificity were 0.80 and 0.82, respectively. Conclusion: The results provide evidence for the usefulness of the PAS-Q as a screening instrument for personality disorders in clinical populations.
Clozapine Use in Schizophrenia: Findings of the Research on Asia Psychotropic Prescription (REAP) Studies from 2001 to 2009
Authors: Xiang Yu-Tao , Wang Chuan-Yue , Si Tian-Mei , Lee Edwin H.M. , He Yan-Ling , Ungvari Gabor S. , Chiu Helen F.K. , Shinfuku Naotaka , Yang Shu-Yu , Chong Mian-Yoon , Kua Ee-Heok , Fujii Senta , Sim Kang , Yong Michael K.H. , Trivedi Jitendra K. , Chung Eun-Kee , Udomratn Pichet , Chee Kok-Yoon , Sartorius Norman , Dixon Lisa B. , Kreyenbuhl Julie A. , Tan Chay-Hoon 
Published: September 2011

Objective: Optimizing treatment and outcomes for people with schizophrenia requires understanding of how evidence-based treatments are utilized. Clozapine is the most effective antipsychotic drug for treatment-refractory schizophrenia, but few studies have investigated trends and patterns of its use over time internationally. This study examined the prescription patterns of clozapine and its demographic and clinical correlates in Asia from 2001 to 2009. Method: Clozapine prescriptions were collected in a sample of 6761 hospitalized schizophrenia patients in nine Asian countries and regions using a standardized protocol and data collection procedure. Results: Overall, the proportion of patients receiving clozapine prescriptions was stable across the three surveys from 2001 to 2009, ranging from 14.5% to 15.9%. However, the rates and patterns observed within different regions and countries at each survey differed considerably. Clozapine use decreased significantly over time in China, while it increased in Korea and Singapore. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that patients taking clozapine were significantly younger, had a higher dose of antipsychotic drugs in chlorpromazine equivalents, were more likely to be female, had fewer extrapyramidal symptoms, and had more negative symptoms, admissions and weight gain in the past month than those not receiving clozapine. Conclusion: The variability in overall rates and changes in prescription rates over time in these samples suggest that factors other than psychopharmacological principles play an important role in determining the use of clozapine in schizophrenia in Asia.
Sur l'expérience de la Résistance : cadre d'étude, outils et méthodes
Authors: Vast Cécile 
Published: September 2011

Les grilles de lecture politiques, militaires ou institutionnelles suffisent-elles à appréhender la nature de l’événement que fut la Résistance ? L’expérience de la Résistance modèle en effet une identité singulière. L’étude s’attache à en reconstituer les moments, les lieux, les acteurs et les composantes. Elle s’adosse au cadre formé par l’ensemble des mouvements non communistes de la Zone sud, regrou-pés début 1943 dans les Mouvements unis de résistance.
Macrophages at the Fetal–Maternal Interface Express Markers of Alternative Activation and Are Induced by M-CSF and IL-10
Authors: Svensson Judit , Jenmalm Maria C. , Matussek Andreas , Geffers Robert , Berg Göran , Ernerudh Jan 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
During pregnancy, the maternal immune system is challenged by the presence of the fetus, which must be tolerated despite being semiallogeneic. Uterine mucosal (or decidual) macrophages (Mϕ), one of the major leukocyte populations at the fetal–maternal interface, have been implicated in fetal tolerance, but information regarding their regulation is scarce. In this study, we investigated the role of several factors potentially involved in the differentiation and polarization of decidual Mϕ with an in vitro Mϕ differentiation model. By using flow cytometry, we showed that M-CSF and IL-10 were potent inducers of M2 (immunoregulatory) Mϕ markers expressed on human decidual Mϕ (CD14, CD163, CD206, CD209). In contrast, proinflammatory stimuli, and unexpectedly also the Th2-associated IL-4 and IL-13, induced different patterns of expression, indicating that a Th2-dominated environment is not required for decidual Mϕ polarization. M-CSF/IL-10–stimulated and decidual Mϕ also showed similar cytokine secretion patterns, with production of IL-10 as well as IL-6, TNF, and CCL4. Conversely, the proinflammatory, LPS/IFN-γ–stimulated Mϕ produced significantly higher levels of TNF and no IL-10. We also used a gene array with 420 Mϕ-related genes, of which 100 were previously reported to be regulated in a global gene expression profiling of decidual Mϕ, confirming that M-CSF/IL-10–induced Mϕ are closely related to decidual Mϕ. Taken together, our results consistently point to a central role for M-CSF and in particular IL-10 in the shaping of decidual Mϕ with regulatory properties. These cytokines may therefore play an important role in supporting the homeostatic and tolerant immune milieu required for a successful pregnancy.
Selenite Induces Posttranscriptional Blockade of HLA-E Expression and Sensitizes Tumor Cells to CD94/NKG2A-Positive NK Cells
Authors: Enqvist Monika , Nilsonne Gustav , Hammarfjord Oscar , Wallin Robert P. A. , Björkström Niklas K. , Björnstedt Mikael , Hjerpe Anders , Ljunggren Hans-Gustaf , Dobra Katalin , Malmberg Karl-Johan , Carlsten Mattias 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
CD94/NKG2A is an inhibitory receptor that controls the activity of a large proportion of human NK cells following interactions with the nonclassical HLA class Ib molecule HLA-E expressed on target cells. In this study, we show that selenite (SeO32−), an inorganic selenium compound, induces an almost complete loss of cell surface expression of HLA-E on tumor cells of various origins. Selenite abrogated the HLA-E expression at a posttranscriptional level, since selenite exposure led to a dose-dependent decrease in cellular HLA-E protein expression whereas the mRNA levels remained intact. The loss of HLA-E expression following selenite treatment was associated with decreased levels of intracellular free thiols in the tumor cells, suggesting that the reduced HLA-E protein synthesis was caused by oxidative stress. Indeed, HLA-E expression and the level of free thiols remained intact following treatment with selenomethionine, a selenium compound that does not generate oxidative stress. Loss of HLA-E expression, but not of total HLA class I expression, on tumor cells resulted in increased susceptibility to CD94/NK group 2A-positive NK cells. Our results suggest that selenite may be used to potentiate the anti-tumor cytotoxicity in settings of NK cell-based immunotherapies.
Functional CD8 T Cell Memory Responding to Persistent Latent Infection Is Maintained for Life
Authors: Lang Anna , Nikolich-Žugich Janko 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
Aging is associated with depressed naive T cell responses, but it is less clear whether T cell memory established early in life also becomes impaired with age. This is particularly important for T cells responding to latent persistent infection, which need to remain functional and capable of controlling the infection over the lifetime; however, repeated stimulation over the lifetime may dysregulate their maintenance or function, potentially contributing to impaired immunity in the elderly. Systemic infection with HSV-1, a persistent latent virus, is associated with memory inflation of virus-specific CD8 T cells. We tested how these inflated memory cells are maintained from adulthood into old age. We found no significant differences in the numbers (i.e., blood, spleen), ex vivo Ag-specific IFN-γ production, and in vivo recall response to HSV-1 (i.e., proliferation, IFN-γ production, cytolysis) between adult and old memory T cells. There was a discrete shift from dominantly effector memory phenotype in the adults to a central memory-like phenotype in the old mice, with fewer old cells expressing the killer cell lectin-like receptor G1 (KLRG1). Adult and old KLRG1+ memory CD8 T cells were functionally identical: both produced IFN-γ but could minimally proliferate in response to viral challenge. Interestingly, regardless of age, KLRG1+ cells retained the ability to proliferate and survive in response to homeostatic signals, both in vitro (culture with IL-7 and IL-15) and in vivo (expansion following transfer into lymphopenic recipients). This finding demonstrates that functional effector memory T cells, including those expressing KLRG-1, are maintained and are functional for life, despite the presence of persistent viral infection.
Experimental Arthritis Triggers Periodontal Disease in Mice: Involvement of TNF-α and the Oral Microbiota
Authors: Queiroz-Junior Celso Martins , Madeira Mila Fernandes Moreira , Coelho Fernanda Matos , Costa Vivian Vasconcelos , Bessoni Rafaela Leal Costa , Sousa Larissa Fonseca da Cunha , Garlet Gustavo Pompermaier , Souza Danielle da Glória de , Teixeira Mauro Martins , Silva Tarcília Aparecida da 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and periodontal disease (PD) are prevalent chronic inflammatory disorders that affect bone structures. Individuals with RA are more likely to experience PD, but how disease in joints could induce PD remains unknown. This study aimed to experimentally mimic clinical parameters of RA-induced PD and to provide mechanistic findings to explain this association. Chronic Ag-induced arthritis (AIA) was triggered by injection of methylated BSA in the knee joint of immunized mice. Anti–TNF-α was used to assess the role of this cytokine. Intra-articular challenge induced infiltration of cells, synovial hyperplasia, bone resorption, proteoglycan loss, and increased expression of cytokines exclusively in challenged joints. Simultaneously, AIA resulted in severe alveolar bone loss, migration of osteoclasts, and release of proinflammatory cytokines in maxillae. Anti–TNF-α therapy prevented the development of both AIA and PD. AIA did not modify bacterial counts in the oral cavity. PD, but not AIA, induced by injection of Ag in immunized mice was decreased by local treatment with antiseptic, which decreased the oral microbiota. AIA was associated with an increase in serum C-reactive protein levels and the expression of the transcription factors RORγ and Foxp3 in cervical lymph nodes. There were higher titers of anti-collagen I IgG, and splenocytes were more responsive to collagen I in AIA mice. In conclusion, AIA-induced PD was dependent on TNF-α and the oral microbiota. Moreover, PD was associated with changes in expression of lymphocyte transcription factors, presence of anti-collagen Abs, and increased reactivity to autoantigens.
Combinatorial One‐Pot Synthesis of Poly‐N‐acetyllactosamine Oligosaccharides with Leloir‐Glycosyltransferases
Authors: Rech Claudia , Rosencrantz Ruben R. , Křenek Karel , Pelantová Helena , Bojarová Pavla , Römer Christiane E. , Hanisch Franz‐Georg , Křen Vladimír , Elling Lothar 
Published: September 2011

AbstractPoly‐N‐acetyllactosamine (Poly‐LacNAc, [3Galβ1,4GlcNAcβ1]n) glycans play an essential role in carbohydrate‐protein interactions. The synthesis of poly‐LacNAc, both chemical and enzymatic, is typically characterized by high losses of product during sequential synthesis, due to deprotection and/or purification steps. In this work we present a one‐pot synthesis of poly‐LacNAc oligosaccharides by combining recombinant glycosyltransferases. By fractionation of the poly‐LacNAc glycan mixture we were able to isolate glycans with up to six N‐acetyllactosamine (LacNAc) units. Activity measurements of the involved recombinant β1,4‐galactosyltransferase‐1 (β4GalT‐1) and β1,3‐N‐acetylglucosaminyltransferase (β3GlcNAcT) with isolated glycan substrates of up to eight sugar units revealed a preference of β3GlcNAcT for the tetrasaccharide and no preference of β4GalT‐1 for a specific glycan length. These findings led us to the optimization of combinatorial one‐pot synthesis by variation of substrate and enzyme ratios, as well as starting the synthesis with various poly‐LacNAc chain lengths. Consequently, we present here an optimized poly‐LacNAc synthesis by the combination of two glycosyltransferases and a uridine‐diphospho‐glucose/N‐acetylglucosamine 4′‐epimerase as one‐pot strategy resulting in long poly‐LacNAc glycans with up to six LacNAc units in high yields while minimizing reaction time and product loss. The obtained products are important ligands for the biofunctionalization of biomaterial surfaces and the construction of an artificial extracellular matrix for tissue engineering.
Effects of the glass bead content and the surface treatment on the mechanical properties of polypropylene composites
Authors: Liang J. Z. , Wu C. B. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractPolypropylene composites filled with glass beads (GBs) were prepared by means of a twin‐screw extruder. The tensile properties and impact‐fracture strength of the composites were measured at room temperature to identify the effects of the GB content and surface treatment on the mechanical properties. The results show that the relative elastic modulus increased nonlinearly, whereas the tensile strength decreased with increasing GB volume fraction (ϕf). The notched impact strength increased with increasing ϕf when ϕf was less than 11%, and then, it decreased; this might have been related to the GB aggregation in the case of higher concentration. The mechanical properties of the composite systems in which the GB surface was treated with silane coupling agent were better than those of the composite systems filled with the untreated GBs under the same conditions. Furthermore, the impact‐fractured surfaces were observed with a scanning electron microscope to understand the interfacial morphology between the inclusion and the matrix and to examine the toughening mechanisms. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012