bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The preliminary exploration of 64-slice volume computed tomography in the accurate measurement of pleural effusion
Authors: Guo Zhi-Jun , Lin Qiang , Liu Hai-Tao , Lu Jun-Ying , Zeng Yan-Hong , Meng Fan-Jie , Cao Bin , Zi Xue-Rong , Han Shu-Ming , Zhang Yu-Huan 
Published: April 2013

Background Using computed tomography (CT) to rapidly and accurately quantify pleural effusion volume benefits medical and scientific research. However, the precise volume of pleural effusions still involves many challenges and currently does not have a recognized accurate measuring. Purpose To explore the feasibility of using 64-slice CT volume-rendering technology to accurately measure pleural fluid volume and to then analyze the correlation between the volume of the free pleural effusion and the different diameters of the pleural effusion. Material and Methods The 64-slice CT volume-rendering technique was used to measure and analyze three parts. First, the fluid volume of a self-made thoracic model was measured and compared with the actual injected volume. Second, the pleural effusion volume was measured before and after pleural fluid drainage in 25 patients, and the volume reduction was compared with the actual volume of the liquid extract. Finally, the free pleural effusion volume was measured in 26 patients to analyze the correlation between it and the diameter of the effusion, which was then used to calculate the regression equation. Results After using the 64-slice CT volume-rendering technique to measure the fluid volume of the self-made thoracic model, the results were compared with the actual injection volume. No significant differences were found, P = 0.836. For the 25 patients with drained pleural effusions, the comparison of the reduction volume with the actual volume of the liquid extract revealed no significant differences, P = 0.989. The following linear regression equation was used to compare the pleural effusion volume (V) (measured by the CT volume-rendering technique) with the pleural effusion greatest depth (d): V = 158.16 × d − 116.01 (r = 0.91, P = 0.000). The following linear regression was used to compare the volume with the product of the pleural effusion diameters (l × h × d): V = 0.56 × (l × h × d) + 39.44 (r = 0.92, P = 0.000). Conclusion The 64-slice CT volume-rendering technique can accurately measure the volume in pleural effusion patients, and a linear regression equation can be used to estimate the volume of the free pleural effusion.
Association study of OPRM1 polymorphisms with Schizophrenia in Han Chinese population
Authors: Ding Saidan , Chen Bicheng , Zheng Yong , Lu Qin , Liu Leping , Zhuge Qǐ-Chuan 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe expression of μ-opioid receptor has important role in cognitive dysfunction in Schizophrenia (SZ). The results of studies about the association of polymorphisms of μ-opioid receptor gene (OPRM1) with SZ were inconsistent.MethodsWe conducted a case–control study to investigate the genetic association between OPRM1 polymorphisms and SZ among the Han chinese population. 264 SZ patients and 264 age-matched control subjects were recruited. Four SNPs of OPRM1 were successfully genotyped by using PCR-RFLP.ResultsOf four polymorphisms, rs1799971 and rs2075572 were shown to associate with SZ. Compared with the A allele of rs1799971 and C allele of rs2075572, the G allele of rs1799971 and rs2075572 was associated with an almost 0.46-fold risk (OR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.357-0.59, P < 0.01) and 0.7-fold risk (OR = 0.707, 95% CI: 0.534-0.937, P = 0.015) of the occurrence of SZ,. When subjects were divided by gender, rs1799971 remained significant difference only in males (OR = 0.309, 95% CI: 0.218-0.439 for G allele, P < 0.01), and rs2075572 only in females (OR = 0.399, 95% CI: 0.246-0.648 for G allele, P < 0.01). In secondary analysis with subsets of patients, the G allele of rs1799971 (compared to the A allele) was associated with a decreased risk of all patients and male patients with apathy symptoms (OR = 0.086, 95% CI: 0.048-0.151, P = 0.01; OR = 0.083, 95% CI: 0.045-0.153, P < 0.01), and the G allele of rs2075572 (compared to the C allele) was associated with a decreased risk of all patients and female patients with positive family history (OR = 0.468, 95% CI: 0.309-0.71, P < 0.01; OR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.195-0.593, P < 0.01). In addition, haplotype analysis revealed that two SNP haplotypes (A-C-C-G and G-C-C-A) were associated with decreased risks of SZ (P < 0.01). The other two (G-C-C-G and G-G-C-G) with increased risks of SZ (P < 0.01).ConclusionsThe present study demonstrated for the first time that the OPRM1 polymorphism may be a risk factor for schizophrenia in the Han Chinese. Further studies are needed to give a global view of this polymorphism in pathogenesis of schizophrenia in a large-scale sample, family-based association design or well-defined subgroups of schizophrenia.
Application of Structural Equation Modeling in EFL Testing: A Report of Two Iranian Studies
Authors: Alavi Mohammad , Ghaemi Hamed 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Structural equation modeling (SEM) is a statistical method used for testing and estimating causal relations using a combination of statistical data and qualitative causal assumptions. This paper reports two studies done by the researchers through the application of SEM. In the first study the relationship between EFL learners' affective constructs and their English achievement was assessed using SEM. Since both Structural coefficient and Goodness of fit are high, we conclude that not only is the model accepted but also the relationship between EFL learners' affective constructs and their English achievement is statistically significant. The second study investigated the relationship between Affective constructs and Study Process of EFL learners through the application of SEM. In this study the Goodness of Fit Index (GFI) turned out to be 0.99. Again like the previous study, since the Goodness of Fit Index (GFI) and structural coefficient are high, we conclude that there is a statistically strong relationship between affective constructs and study process of EFL learners.
Rpp25 is a major target of autoantibodies to the Th/To complex as measured by a novel chemiluminescent assay
Authors: Mahler Michael , Gascon Cristina , Patel Sima , Ceribelli Angela , Fritzler Marvin J , Swart Andreas , Chan Edward KL , Satoh Minoru 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Autoantibodies to the Th/To antigen have been described in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and several proteins of the macromolecular Th/To complex have been reported to react with anti-Th/To antibodies. However, anti-Th/To has not been clinically utilized due to unavailability of commercial tests. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the newly developed ELISA and chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) to measure autoantibodies to Rpp25 (a component of the Th/To complex) using immunoprecipitation (IP) as the reference method.

Methods
The first cohort consisted of 123 SSc patients including 7 anti-Th/To positive samples confirmed by IP. Additional seven anti-Th/To positive samples from non-SSc patients were also tested. For evaluation of the QUANTA Flash Rpp25 CLIA (research use only), 8 anti-Th/To IP positives, a cohort of 70 unselected SSc patients and sera from various disease controls (n = 357) and random healthy individuals (n = 10) were studied.

Results
Anti-Rpp25 antibodies determined by ELISA were found in 11/14 anti-Th/To IP positive but only in 1/156 (0.6%) negative samples resulting in a positive percent agreement of 78.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 49.2, 95.3%) and a negative percent agreement of 99.4% (95% CI 96.4, 100.0%). To verify the results using a second method, 53 samples were tested by ELISA and CLIA for anti-Rpp25 reactivity and the results were highly correlated (rho = 0.71, 95% CI 0.56, 0.81; P < 0.0001). To define the cutoff of the CLIA, anti-Th/To IP positive and negative sera were tested using the anti-Rpp25 CLIA. At the cutoff selected by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis 8/8 (100.0%) of the anti-Th/To positive sera but only 2/367 (0.5%) of the controls were positive for anti-Rpp25 antibodies. The positive and negative percent agreements were 100.0% (95% CI 63.1, 100.0%) and 99.5% (95% CI 98.0, 99.9%), respectively. In the disease cohorts 2/70 (2.9%) of the SSc patients were positive for anti-Rpp25 antibodies compared to 2/367 (0.5%) of the controls (P = 0.032). ROC analysis showed discrimination between SSc patients and controls with an area under the curve value of 0.732 (95% CI 0.655, 0.809).

Conclusion
Rpp25 is a major target of autoantibodies to the Th/To autoantigen complex. Further studies are needed to evaluate the clinical utility of the new assays.
G-CSF activation of AKT is not sufficient to prolong neutrophil survival
Authors: Souza Liliana R , Silva Erica , Calloway Elissa , Cabrera Carlos , McLemore Morgan L 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
The G-CSF signaling through the AKT/mTor pathway, although important in myeloid differentiation, proliferation, and survival of early hematopoietic progenitors, is secondary in modulating neutrophil apoptosis.
Neutrophils play an important role in the innate immune response against bacterial and fungal infections. They have a short lifespan in circulation, and their survival can be modulated by several cytokines, including G-CSF. Previous studies have implicated AKT as a critical signaling intermediary in the regulation of neutrophil survival. Our results demonstrate that G-CSF activation of AKT is not sufficient to prolong neutrophil survival. Neutrophils treated with G-CSF undergo apoptosis, even in the presence of high levels of p-AKT. In addition, inhibitors of AKT and downstream targets failed to alter neutrophil survival. In contrast, neutrophil precursors appear to be dependent on AKT signaling pathways for survival, whereas high levels of p-AKT inhibit proliferation. Our data suggest that the AKT/mTOR pathway, although important in G-CSF-driven myeloid differentiation, proliferation, and survival of early hematopoietic progenitors, is less essential in G-CSF suppression of neutrophil apoptosis. Whereas basal AKT levels may be required for the brief life of neutrophils, further p-AKT expression is not able to extend the neutrophil lifespan in the presence of G-CSF.
Magnesium-Doped Manganese Oxide with Lithium Ion-Sieve Property: Lithium Adsorption from Salt Lake Brine
Authors: Chitrakar Ramesh , Makita Yoji , Ooi Kenta , Sonoda Akinari 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Magnesium-doped lithium manganese oxides LimMgxMnIIIyMnIVzO4 (0 &lt; x ≤ 0.5) with cubic spinel structure were synthesized by a coprecipitation method followed by calcination at 450 °C in air. Protonated samples were obtained after treatment with HCl solution. Chemical stability is very important for lithium uptake in industry. We used 0.5 M HCl for desorption of lithium, then dissolution of Mn decreased from 5.8 wt % for a sample without Mg to 1.0 wt % for a Mg-doped sample (Mg/Mn = 0.33). Raw brine was collected from the Salars de Uyuni, Bolivia. The effects of magnesium-doping on lithium adsorptive properties of the protonated samples in NaHCO3 containing brine were studied by a batch method. The results showed that lithium adsorptive capacity and chemical stability of the protonated samples increased with increase in Mg/Mn ratio. The regeneration of the sample with Mg/Mn = 0.33 up to 10 cycles showed good performance with lithium adsorptive capacity of 23–25 mg g−1 at pH 6.6, and the dissolution of manganese ca. 0.25 wt % Mn.
Crystal structure of ethyl 5-chloro-2-indolecarboxylate, C11H10ClNO2
Authors: Wu Jun , Liu Ya-Ling , Wu Hao , Wang Hong-Yong , Zou Pei 
Published: April 2013

Abstract C11H10ClNO2, monoclinic, P21/n (no. 14), a = 10.570(3) Å, b = 5.617(2) Å, c = 18.091(5) Å, β = 105.681(4)°, V = 1034.0 Å3, Z = 4, Rgt(F) = 0.0397, wRref(F2) = 0.1072, T = 153 K.
Recycled HDPE-tetrapack composites. Isothermal crystallization, light scattering and mechanical properties
Authors: Parada-Soria A , Yao HF , Alvarado-Tenorio B , Sanchez-Cadena L , Romo-Uribe A 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTIn this research the thermal and mechanical properties of composites based on recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and recycled Tetrapak have been investigated. The matrix and filler are recovered from landfills. Multicolor HDPE mixtures, with varying concentration of tetrapack flakes, are hot pressed, as well as single color HDPE flakes. Previous studies determine that the nature of the pigment (organics vs. inorganics) strongly influence the mechanical behavior of multicolor HDPE-tetrapack composites. Thus, this research focuses on single color HDPE hot pressed plaques. The kinetics of crystallization under isothermal conditions is determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results show that the crystallization kinetics obeys the Avrami theory, and that the Avrami exponent is 1, irrespective of the pigment in use. Small-angle light scattering is applied to investigate the internal structure of the pigmented HDPE. SALS patterns show that the samples exhibited oriented morphologies. However, after melting and slow cooling under pressure the samples exhibit an isotropic morphology. This is confirmed by polarized optical microscopy. Mechanical properties such as Young’s modulus, yield stress and ultimate tensile stress are obtained under uniaxial tensile deformation at room temperature. For the single color HDPE plaques the Young’s modulus is reduced (after melting), suggesting that the anisotropic molecular chains contribute to the higher value of Young’s modulus.
Looking for the Hurricane in Reservoir Simulation Uncertainty Modelling
Authors: Kathrada Muhammad , Alhutheli Ahmed H. 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Reservoir simulation uncertainty modelling is the cornerstone of field development decision making in the industry. It is however implemented differently across oil companies, service companies and software platforms. This paper goes through the evolution in history matching and uncertainty modelling within the industry and seeks to delineate assessment of the results of uncertainty modelling within a field development decision making and reservoir surveillance framework. The use of uncertainty modelling within other sectors such as weather forecasting are examined to shed more light on how we can better understand and utilise this framework within the oil industry.
Concepts that will be discussed are the diagnostic plots of the history matches, importance of the selection of history matches for prediction, decision making criteria under uncertainty such as stochastic dominance, and the effect of the central limit theorem. A case study of a giant Saudi Arabian field is then used to illustrate the difference in results between deterministic and stochastic decision making. It is against this backdrop that this paper tries to reposition the usage of stochastic reservoir simulation uncertainty modelling.
Incitations et contraintes à la gestion du résultat
Authors: Jeanjean Thomas 
Published: April 2013

Cet article est une revue de la littérature sur la gestion du résultat. Deux constats apparaissent : l’absence de monotonie stricte des incitations contrairement à la formulation naïve des prédictions de Watts et Zimmerman (1986) et la nécessité de prendre en compte des contraintes pour comprendre les politiques comptables.
Les déterminants de la comptabilité créative : étude empirique dans le contexte des entreprises tunisiennes
Authors: Shabou Ridha , Boulila Taktak Neila 
Published: April 2013

L’objectif de cette recherche est de tester les hypothèses de la théorie positive sur le choix de quatre techniques de la comptabilité créative dont deux ont une action sur le résultat – la méthode de valorisation des stocks et la méthode de comptabilisation des charges financières – et les deux autres ont une action sur le bilan : la réévaluation du bilan et l’escompte commercial. Les tests ont été conduits pour chaque technique prise isolément et sur des portefeuilles de techniques en utilisant la méthode de régression logistique binomiale. Les résultats trouvés apparaissent conformes avec les hypothèses posées en ce qui concerne la nature des actionnaires ; mitigés pour les clauses restrictives des contrats d’emprunt et, enfin, contraires aux prédictions pour ce qui est de l’hypothèse de la rémunération. La non-validité de cette hypothèse met en évidence les spécificités de la structure de l’actionnariat des entreprises tunisiennes et des relations d’agence entre les différents partenaires.
Responsable mais pas comptable : analyse de la normalisation des rapports environnementaux et sociaux
Authors: Quairel Françoise 
Published: April 2013

La double lecture théorique de la publication d’informations comptables – approche politico-contractuelle et approche néo-institutionnelle de la légitimité – sert de cadre à l’analyse des pratiques et de la principale démarche de normalisation internationale des rapports environnementaux et sociaux : la Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). La mobilisation des outils comptables pour analyser le processus de normalisation et ses acteurs, les enjeux et les limites du cadre conceptuel et du contenu proposé permet de mettre en évidence les ambiguïtés de la nature de ces rapports et de leurs destinataires. D’un point de vue technique, cette analyse montre que le référentiel GRI doit être considérablement amélioré pour être considéré comme un standard comptable « généralement accepté » ; politiquement GRI se présente comme une institution privée de normalisation pour la publication volontaire d’informations sociétales face à des risques de régulations plus contraignantes.
L'harmonisation comptable internationale : d'un vagabondage comptable à l'autre
Authors: Barbu Elena 
Published: April 2013

On peut observer, depuis le milieu des années 80, que les grands groupes internationaux de l’Union Européenne pratiquent le “vagabondage comptable” en choisissant le référentiel le mieux approprié à leurs besoins, selon le marché où ils veulent être cotés. Dans une première partie, nous tenterons de mesurer ce vagabondage comptable et son évolution en utilisant la méthode statistique des normes vectorielles. Dans une seconde partie, nous nous poserons la question : le vagabondage comptable se poursuit-il avec la même ampleur au sein d’un même référentiel (celui de l’IASB) en raison des différentes options laissées à la discrétion des entreprises ?
Construire l'homogénéité dans la Plaine de Versailles. Stratégies d'acteurs et morphologie sociospatiale des ensembles résidentiels périurbains
Authors: Dutel Floriane 
Published: April 2013

L’hypothèse selon laquelle le lotissement favorise la fragmentation sociospatiale de l’espace est souvent faite. Le lotissement privé produit-il une dynamique de différenciation sociale du fait de la discontinuité fonctionnelle qu’il crée ? À partir d’enquêtes réalisées en 2007 dans la Plaine de Versailles et des données fournies dans la base BIEN, on étudie le lien qui existe entre d’un côté la morphologie sociale et spatiale des lotissements périurbains et de l’autre les stratégies des acteurs à l’origine des projets immobiliers. Enfin, on démontre que le lotissement dans les communes riches de l’ouest de l’Île-de-France s’inscrit dans une dynamique de construction d’homogénéité sociospatiale à l’échelle communale.
Does Candida Albicans Play a Role in the Etiology of Endometriosis?
Authors: Gazvani Rafet , Fowler Paul A. , Coyne Lucy , Odds Frank C. , Gow Neil A.R. 
Published: April 2013

Purpose There is increasing evidence that immunologic mechanisms play a role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. A high incidence of infection with Candida albicans in women with endometriosis has been reported. There is evidence to suggest that C. albicans may contribute to the pathogenesis of endometriosis possibly by modulating cytokine production. Methods Endometrial tissue was obtained from eight women attending Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for laparoscopic sterilization or investigation of infertility (n=7 patients without endometriosis, n= 1 patient with endometriosis). Culture of endometrial cells with inactivated Candida/Candida product was performed. The endometrial tissue was processed using a number of different assays including Ki-67 cell proliferation assay, DELFIA Ki-67 assay, MTT cell viability assay, and BrdU incorporation proliferation assay. Results The results from seven women without endometriosis showed that Candida product significantly (P<0.01) reduced both cell viability and cell proliferation in the presence and absence of estradiol. The effects of Candida product on endometrial cells from the patient with endometriosis differed from the average effect on seven women without endometriosis: stimulation of cell viability in the presence of estradiol and suppression of cell proliferation only at the highest dose. In terms of the effects of inactivated Candida, there was a reduction in cell viability by up to 60% (unlike in the normal women), but an increase in cell proliferation of cells both in the presence and absence of estradiol. Conclusions Our preliminary observations suggest that C. albicans may stimulate cell proliferation of endometrial cells from women with endometriosis whilst it seems to have an opposite effect on cells from women with no endometriosis. Caution must be exercised in the interpretation of the latter data since only one woman with endometriosis was included, but the results suggest there may be differences in the way in which Candida product and inactivated Candida affect endometrial cell viability and proliferation between women with and without endometriosis.
Quantifying Cellular Dynamics by Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) Microscopy
Authors: Grecco Hernán E. , Bastiaens Philippe I. H. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe cell is a spatially organized system whose function emerges from the complex interaction of molecular components. Such local interaction of nanometer‐sized molecules generates patterns that span throughout the cell. Those patterns, in turn, regulate the molecular interactions. Understanding such simultaneous bidirectional causation requires quantifying the spatio‐temporal progression of biochemical reactions in the context of a living cell. Due to its ability to resolve micrometer‐sized structures, biological microscopy has been instrumental to the discovery and understanding of living systems. Functional fluorescence microscopy allows a cellular dynamic topographic map of proteins to be overlaid with topological information on the causality that determines protein state. Here we describe how Förster/fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) can be used to measure the phosphorylation state of proteins in the context of the cell. Curr. Protoc. Neurosci. 63:5.22.1‐5.22.14. © 2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.