bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preparing for the CU-TEP Examination: Methods Used by Thai Students
Authors: Scrymgeour Jane M 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
This paper discusses how a group of students from Chulalongkorn University prepared for the CU-Tep examination. In order to gather the information, a questionnaire was given to 16 students from the Education Department of Chulalongkorn University. The findings indicated three things. First, was the general lack of preparation by approximately half of the candidates. Second, was that all of the students found the examination difficult, even those who said they did some preparation. Third, was the relatively poor scores received by Thai students as noted in the research cited. Some recommendations for the students: listen to and follow the advice of those who have previously taken the exam, do lots of preparation by taking practice tests and seek help from others.
Using Google Sites to Communicate with Parents: A Case Study
Authors: Liou Yeu-Han H 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
The paper summarizes a case study that took place in a Thai private alternative school - the Darunsikkhalai School for Innovative Learning (DSIL). More specifically, this paper focuses on the usefulness of a class website created by Google Sites in one of the mathematics classes in the school. Questionnaires are distributed to students, parents, and teachers in DSIL to discuss their attitudes, opinions, and experiences towards using class web pages as a medium of communication.
Application of Structural Equation Modeling in Assessing the Relationship Between Stuttering Students' Cognitive and Metacognitive Strategies and Their Reading Comprehension Performance
Authors: Ghaemi Hamed , Ghaemi Hamide 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Language testing is not limited to assessing the performance of ordinary learners. It is also needed in other field such as assessing the ability of children with disabilities, those who have language disorders. Although a great deal of research has been carried out in the realm of stuttering, researchers still do not know why some children stutter, or why most children become fluent speakers while others become adult stutterers. Studies show that Stuttering students have many difficulties in Reading Comprehension (Roberts & Erdos, 1993). It is stated in the Reading Comprehension literature that cognitive and metacognitive strategies have a crucial role in reading comprehension performance. The present study aims at investigating the relationship between cognitive and metacognitive strategies of stuttering students through using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The findings of the study show that there is a meaningful relationship between Cognitive and Metacognitive strategies of stuttering students. However, there is no statistically significant relationship between the Cognitive strategies and Reading Comprehension of Stuttering Students.
An Evaluative Commentary of the Grade 1 EIKEN Test
Authors: Piggin Gabrielle 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
This paper aims to analyse the fit between the "use" and "usefulness" of the EIKEN Grade 1 test as a valid and reliable instrument to measure second language proficiency. The recent re-positioning of the EIKEN Grade 1 test as an internationally recognised higher stakes test of English proficiency, which allows successful test taker's access to higher education in international academic contexts, is discussed. The evaluation was based upon Bachman and Palmer's (1996) model of test usefulness in order to critically ascertain whether such test use is one that could be justified. This empirical investigation explicitly purports the need for further quantitative and qualitative analysis to justify EIKEN Grade 1's test usefulness.
Impact of interleukin-10, soluble CD25 and interferon-γ on the prognosis and early diagnosis of bacteremic systemic inflammatory response syndrome: a prospective observational study
Authors: Matera Giovanni , Puccio Rossana , Giancotti Aida , Quirino Angela , Pulicari Maria Concetta , Zicca Emilia , Caroleo Santo , Renzulli Attilio , Liberto Maria Carla , Focà Alfredo 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Introduction
The pathophysiology of sepsis consists of two phases. A first phase characterized by a substantial increase of pro-inflammatory mediators including cytokines and systemic inflammatory markers, and a second phase (immunoparalysis, immunodysregulation) associated with the rise of anti-inflammatory mediators. In this study we prospectively analyzed 52 consecutive patients with diagnosis of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) at hospital admission to evaluate prognostic and early diagnostic performance of interleukin-10 (IL-10), soluble CD25 (sCD25) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and to confirm the prognostic accuracy of the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score.

Methods
Patients were divided in two groups (group 1, n = 28 patients with bacteremic SIRS and group 2, n = 24 patients with non-bacteremic SIRS) and then stratified into survivors (n = 39) and nonsurvivors (n = 13). Serum markers were evaluated on the day of hospital admission (D-1) and on the 7th day of hospital stay (D-7). Concentration of sCD25 was evaluated by a sandwich ELISA kit. Levels of IL-10 and IFN-γ were quantified by a cytokine biochip array by the evidence investigator analyzer. Differences between groups were established by the Mann-Whitney test. Accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic markers were evaluated by the receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis. Multivariate analysis was carried out to evaluate whether studied biomarkers are independent predictors of poor outcome in prognosis, and of bacteremic SIRS in diagnosis.

Results
IL-10, sCD25 and SOFA scores of survivors and nonsurvivors were significantly different both at D-1 (P = 0.0014; P = 0.014 and P = 0.0311 respectively) and at D-7 (P = 0.0002, P = 0.014 and P = 0.0012 respectively). Between the above groups IFN-γ level was significantly different only at D-7 (P = 0.0013). Moreover IL-10 and sCD25 were significantly higher in bacteremic versus non-bacteremic SIRS patients at D-1 and at D-7 (P < 0.05). IFN-γ values showed a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in patients of group 1 only at D-7. The diagnostic accuracy of IL-10 and sCD25 was confirmed by the analysis of the AUROCC at D-1 and D-7 respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that sCD25 and IL-10 are independent predictors of a poor outcome for our patients during the first day of hospital admission.

Conclusions
IL-10 and sCD25 gave a significant contribution to prognostic evaluation and early diagnosis of bacteremic SIRS. SOFA score appeared to be a reliable prognostic tool in this subset of patients.
Tumor-associated copy number changes in the circulation of patients with prostate cancer identified through whole-genome sequencing
Authors: Heitzer Ellen , Ulz Peter , Belic Jelena , Gutschi Stefan , Quehenberger Franz , Fischereder Katja , Benezeder Theresa , Auer Martina , Pischler Carina , Mannweiler Sebastian , Pichler Martin , Eisner Florian , Haeusler Martin , Riethdorf Sabine , Pantel Klaus , Samonigg Hellmut , Hoefler Gerald , Augustin Herbert , Geigl Jochen B , Speicher Michael R 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Background
Patients with prostate cancer may present with metastatic or recurrent disease despite initial curative treatment. The propensity of metastatic prostate cancer to spread to the bone has limited repeated sampling of tumor deposits. Hence, considerably less is understood about this lethal metastatic disease, as it is not commonly studied. Here we explored whole-genome sequencing of plasma DNA to scan the tumor genomes of these patients non-invasively.

Methods
We wanted to make whole-genome analysis from plasma DNA amenable to clinical routine applications and developed an approach based on a benchtop high-throughput platform, that is, Illuminas MiSeq instrument. We performed whole-genome sequencing from plasma at a shallow sequencing depth to establish a genome-wide copy number profile of the tumor at low costs within 2 days. In parallel, we sequenced a panel of 55 high-interest genes and 38 introns with frequent fusion breakpoints such as the TMPRSS2-ERG fusion with high coverage. After intensive testing of our approach with samples from 25 individuals without cancer we analyzed 13 plasma samples derived from five patients with castration resistant (CRPC) and four patients with castration sensitive prostate cancer (CSPC).

Results
The genome-wide profiling in the plasma of our patients revealed multiple copy number aberrations including those previously reported in prostate tumors, such as losses in 8p and gains in 8q. High-level copy number gains in the AR locus were observed in patients with CRPC but not with CSPC disease. We identified the TMPRSS2-ERG rearrangement associated 3-Mbp deletion on chromosome 21 and found corresponding fusion plasma fragments in these cases. In an index case multiregional sequencing of the primary tumor identified different copy number changes in each sector, suggesting multifocal disease. Our plasma analyses of this index case, performed 13 years after resection of the primary tumor, revealed novel chromosomal rearrangements, which were stable in serial plasma analyses over a 9-month period, which is consistent with the presence of one metastatic clone.

Conclusions
The genomic landscape of prostate cancer can be established by non-invasive means from plasma DNA. Our approach provides specific genomic signatures within 2 days which may therefore serve as 'liquid biopsy'.
Using isostatic gravity anomalies from spherical harmonic models and elastic plate compensation to interpret the lithosphere of the Bolivian Andes
Authors: Jekeli Christopher , Yang Hyo Jin , Ahlgren Kevin 
Published: April 2013

We have determined for the Bolivian Andes that the new global gravity models derived from the Gravity field and steady-state Ocean Circulation Explorer (GOCE) satellite mission may be used directly to study lithospheric structure. Toward this end, we have formulated Bouguer and isostatic gravity anomalies in spherical approximation, rather than in the usual planar approach, using spherical harmonic series consistent with the satellite-derived gravitational models. From the approximate equivalency of topographic masses and surface density layers using the Helmert condensation method we further derived and used isotropic transfer relations between the spherical spectra of topographic loads and elastic spherical shell deflections, where the Airy isostatic compensation is the special case of no flexural rigidity. A numerical comparison of these spherical harmonic models to conventional three-dimensional modeling based on topographic data and newly acquired surface gravity data in Bolivia confirmed their suitability for lithospheric interpretation. Specifically, the relatively high and uniform resolution of the satellite gravitational model (better than 83 km) produces detailed maps of the isostatic anomaly that clearly delineate the flexure of the Brazilian shield that is thrust under the Sub-Andes. Inferred values of the thickness of Airy-type roots and the flexural rigidity of the elastic lithosphere agree reasonably with published results based on seismic and surface gravity data. In addition, a local minimum in the flexural rigidity is evident at the sharp bend of the eastern margins of the Sub-Andes in Bolivia. This feature is consistent with earlier theories for counter rotations about a vertical axis at this minimum, associated with the confluence of the subducted Nazca plate and the Brazilian craton. The GOCE model thus generates high-resolution isostatic anomaly maps that offer additional structural detail not seen as clearly from previous seismic and gravity investigations in this region.
Cytosolic caspases mediate mislocalised SOD2 depletion in an in vitro model of chronic prion infection
Authors: Sinclair Layla , Lewis Victoria , Collins Steven J. , Haigh Cathryn L. 
Published: April 2013

Summary
Oxidative stress as a contributor to neuronal death during prion infection is supported by the fact that various oxidative damage markers accumulate in the brain during the course of this disease. The normal cellular substrate of the causative agent, the prion protein, is also linked with protective functions against oxidative stress. Our previous work has found that, in chronic prion infection, an apoptotic subpopulation of cells exhibit oxidative stress and the accumulation of oxidised lipid and protein aggregates with caspase recruitment. Given the likely failure of antioxidant defence mechanisms within apoptotic prion-infected cells, we aimed to investigate the role of the crucial antioxidant pathway components, superoxide dismutases (SOD) 1 and 2, in an in vitro model of chronic prion infection. Increased total SOD activity, attributable to SOD1, was found in the overall population coincident with a decrease in SOD2 protein levels. When apoptotic cells were separated from the total population, the induction of SOD activity in the infected apoptotic cells was lost, with activity reduced back to levels seen in mock-infected control cells. In addition, mitochondrial superoxide production was increased and mitochondrial numbers decreased in the infected apoptotic subpopulation. Furthermore, a pan-caspase probe colocalised with SOD2 outside of mitochondria within cytosolic aggregates in infected cells and inhibition of caspase activity was able to restore cellular levels of SOD2 in the whole unseparated infected population to those of mock-infected control cells. Our results suggest that prion propagation exacerbates an apoptotic pathway whereby mitochondrial dysfunction follows mislocalisation of SOD2 to cytosolic caspases, permitting its degradation. Eventually, cellular capacity to maintain oxidative homeostasis is overwhelmed, thus resulting in cell death.
DNA-Conjugated Polymers for Reliable SNP Genotyping Based on Affinity Capillary Electrophoresis
Authors: Takarada Tohru , Maeda Mizuo 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
To quantitatively detect single-base mutations in genetic samples, free-solution affinity capillary electrophoresis was developed using a diblock copolymer probe composed of allele-specific oligodeoxyribonucleotide (ODN) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). When the probe is designed to be complementary to a wild-type single-stranded DNA sample (WT), WT migrates more slowly than its single-base mutant (MT). This is because WT forms a reversible complex with the probe via hybridization during the electrophoresis, resulting in a large amount of hydrodynamic friction. In contrast, a negligibly weak interaction takes place between MT and the probe due to a single-base mismatch. Accordingly, the MT peak appears earlier than the WT peak on the electropherogram. The difference of the migration time between WT and MT depends on the thermodynamic stability of the complex and also on the amount of hydrodynamic friction that the complex encounters. Therefore, the peak resolution is rationally controlled by the base-number of the ODN segment and by the molecular weight of the PEG segment. Importantly, the peak area ratio provides the occurrence ratio of the single-base mutant within the given population. This facile and accurate method to estimate SNP allele frequency should find applications in various research fields.
Ad Revenue and Content Commercialization: Evidence from Blogs
Authors: Sun Monic , Zhu Feng 
Published: April 2013

Many scholars argue that when incentivized by ad revenue, content providers are more likely to tailor their content to attract “eyeballs,” and as a result, popular content may be excessively supplied. We empirically test this prediction by taking advantage of the launch of an ad-revenue-sharing program initiated by a major Chinese portal site in September 2007. Participating bloggers allow the site to run ads on their blogs and receive 50% of the revenue generated by these ads. After analyzing 4.4 million blog posts, we find that, relative to nonparticipants, popular content increases by about 13 percentage points on participants' blogs after the program takes effect. About 50% of this increase can be attributed to topics shifting toward three domains: the stock market, salacious content, and celebrities. Meanwhile, relative to nonparticipants, participants' content quality increases after the program takes effect. We also find that the program effects are more pronounced for participants with moderately popular blogs, and seem to persist after participants enroll in the program.This paper was accepted by Pradeep Chintagunta, marketing.
Legal Aspects of Demand Side Management in Germany / Rechtliche Aspekte des Demand Side Management in Deutschland
Authors: Raabe Oliver , Ullmer Jan 
Published: April 2013

Summary
Information and communication technologies (ICT) will play a key role in electricity distribution grids, especially with regard to grid monitoring and system services conducted through measures of demand side management (DSM). This paper outlines legal aspects to be taken into consideration when designing an ICT infrastructure to establish a market for demand side management and aims at pointing out the need for further legal research and for adaption of the existing legal and regulatory framework.
The Skeletal Consequences of Growth Hormone Therapy in Dialyzed Children
Authors: Bacchetta Justine , Wesseling-Perry Katherine , Kuizon Beatriz , Pereira Renata C. , Gales Barbara , Wang He-jing , Elashoff Robert , Salusky Isidro B. 
Published: April 2013

Summary

Background and objective
The effects of recombinant human growth hormone on renal osteodystrophy are unknown; thus, the effects of growth hormone (GH) on bone histomorphometry were assessed in pediatric patients with ESRD.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
Thirty-three patients who underwent bone biopsy between July 1994 and May 1999 were randomly assigned to therapy with or without GH. Patients were stratified by bone formation rate; all patients with high bone turnover received intraperitoneal calcitriol. Serum biochemical values were obtained monthly, and bone biopsy was repeated after 8 months.

Results
Median patient age was 11.7 years (interquartile range [IQR], 7.6, 14.1 years); 45% of patients were male, and 52% were prepubertal. Median dialysis duration was 0.4 (IQR, 0.3, 0.8) year. Bone formation rate per bone surface increased from 15.0 (9.6, 21.8) to 154.6 (23.7, 174.3) μm2/μm3 per year (P=0.05) in patients with low bone turnover treated with GH, decreased from 103.3 (57.0, 173.4) to 60.3 (20.3, 13.7) μm2/μm3 per year in patients with high bone turnover receiving standard therapy (P=0.03), and was unchanged in the other two groups. Bone formation rates were higher with GH, irrespective of underlying bone histologic features (P=0.05). Parathyroid hormone did not differ between groups. GH therapy resulted in greater increases in height SD scores (estimated mean difference in change ± SD, 0.324±0.076; P<0.001), irrespective of underlying bone histologic features.

Conclusions
GH therapy improves height in pediatric dialysis patients, irrespective of underlying bone histologic features. Bone formation rates are higher in GH recipients, and GH therapy alters the relationship between circulating parathyroid hormone values and bone turnover.
Comparison of Health-Related Quality of Life, Work Status, and Health Care Utilization and Costs According to Hip and Knee Joint Disease Severity: A National Australian Study
Authors: Ackerman Ilana N. , Ademi Zanfina , Osborne Richard H. , Liew Danny 
Published: April 2013

Background
No population-based studies have investigated how the impact of hip and knee joint disease may vary with increasing severity.

Objective
The purpose of this study was to evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL), work status, and health service utilization and costs according to severity of hip and knee joint disease.

Design
A national cross-sectional survey was conducted.

Methods
Five thousand individuals were randomly selected from the Australian electoral roll and invited to complete a questionnaire to screen for doctor-diagnosed hip arthritis, hip osteoarthritis (OA), knee arthritis, and knee OA. Severity was classified by means of Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores (range=0–100): &lt;7=asymptomatic, 7–38=mild-moderate, and ≥39=severe. Health-related quality of life was evaluated by means of the Assessment of Quality of Life (AQoL) instrument (range=−0.04 to 1.00; scored worst-best). Self-reported data on work status and health service utilization were collected, with health care costs estimated with the use of government data.

Results
Data were available for 1,157 participants, with 237 (20%) reporting hip or knee joint disease. Of these, 16% (n=37) were classified as asymptomatic, 51% (n=120) as mild-moderate, and 27% (n=64) as severe. The severe group reported very low HRQoL (adjusted mean AQoL=0.43, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]=0.38–0.47) compared with the mild-moderate group (adjusted mean AQoL=0.72, 95% CI=0.69–0.75) and the asymptomatic group (adjusted mean AQoL=0.80, 95% CI=0.74–0.86). Compared with the asymptomatic group, the severe group was &gt;3 times less likely to undertake paid work (adjusted odds ratio=0.28, 95% CI=0.09–0.88) and &gt;4 times less likely to undertake unpaid work (adjusted odds ratio=0.24, 95% CI=0.10–0.62). Although physical therapy services were used infrequently, primary and specialist care utilization and costs were highest for the severe group.

Limitations
Other costs (including physical therapy consultations) were unavailable.

Conclusions
A clear pattern of worsening HRQoL, reduced work participation, and higher medical care utilization was seen with increasing severity of joint disease.
L'adoption des principes comptables généralement reconnus aux États-Unis par Saint-Gobain-Pont-à-Mousson : du conflit d'agence à la légitimité institutionnelle
Authors: Touron Philippe 
Published: April 2013

Cet article a deux objectifs : 1) fournir un cadre théorique complémentaire aux explications économiques traditionnellement avancées pour expliquer les choix comptables ; 2) comprendre pourquoi Saint-Gobain-Pont-à-Mousson a adopté les principes comptables généralement reconnus (PCGR) aux États-Unis dès 1970. Une étude de cas approfondie indique que les deux théories nous aident à comprendre le phénomène étudié. Nous en concluons que les aspects sociologiques ne doivent pas être négligés dans les recherches comptables.
The effect of tillage systems on soil seedbank
Authors: Wrzesińska Eleonora , Pużyński Stanisław , Komorowska Anna 
Published: April 2013

The research was carried out in 2006–2008 in a static field experiment started in 1993 in the Research Field Station at Lipnik near Stargard Szczeciński, on Eutric Cambisol soil. In soil samples taken from following layers: 0–10, 10–20, 20–30 cm of soil under ploughing, ploughless or direct drilling tillage systems, species composition and number of weed diaspores were evaluated. In the samples, in total there were diaspores of 17 weed species. <em>Chenopodium album </em>was the dominant weed species in all soil layers and tillage systems. The number of diaspores was significantly dependent on tillage system and soil layer. Irrespective of soil depth, the highest total number of diaspores (12251 pcs × m<sup>-2</sup>) was in the treatment with the ploughing tillage system, while for the other treatments this number was significantly lower: by 14% for ploughless tillage and by 51% for the direct drilling treatment. Regardless of soil tillage system, the highest total number of diaspores (19936 pcs × m<sup>-2</sup>) was in the top layer, while in the next layers this number was significantly lower (by 62 and 87%, respectively). The largest number of weed diaspores was in the top layer of soil after long application of the ploughless tillage system.