bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The efficacy of 2D, non-linear noise reduction filtering in cardiac imaging: a pilot study
Authors: De Geer Jakob , Sandborg Michael , Smedby Örjan , Persson Anders 
Published: August 2011

Background Computed tomography (CT) is becoming increasingly popular as a non-invasive method for visualizing the coronary arteries but patient radiation doses are still an issue. Postprocessing filters such as 2D adaptive non-linear filters might help to reduce the dose without loss of image quality. Purpose To investigate whether the use of a 2D, non-linear adaptive noise reduction filter can improve image quality in cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA). Material and Methods CCTA examinations were performed in 36 clinical patients on a dual source CT using two patient dose levels: maximum dose during diastole and reduced dose (20% of maximum dose) during systole. One full-dose and one reduced-dose image were selected from each of the examinations. The reduced-dose image was duplicated and one copy postprocessed using a 2D non-linear adaptive noise reduction filter, resulting in three images per patient. Image quality was assessed using visual grading with three criteria from the European guidelines for assessment of image quality and two additional criteria regarding the left main artery and the overall image quality. Also, the HU value and its standard deviation were measured in the ascending and descending aorta. Data were analyzed using Visual Grading Regression and paired t-test. Result For all five criteria, there was a significant ( P < 0.01 or better) improvement in perceived image quality when comparing postprocessed low-dose images with low-dose images without noise reduction. Comparing full dose images with postprocessed low-dose images resulted in a considerably larger, significant ( P < 0.001) difference. Also, there was a significant reduction of the standard deviation of the HU values in the ascending and descending aorta when comparing postprocessed low-dose images with low-dose images without postprocessing. Conclusion Even with an 80% dose reduction, there was a significant improvement in the perceived image quality when using a 2D noise-reduction filter, though not approaching the quality of full-dose images. This indicates that cardiac CT examinations could benefit from noise-reducing postprocessing with 2D non-linear adaptive filters.
The Nicastrin ectodomain adopts a highly thermostable structure
Authors: Fluhrer Regina , Kamp Frits , Grammer Gudula , Nuscher Brigitte , Steiner Harald , Beyer Klaus , Haass Christian 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
Nicastrin is a type I transmembrane glycoprotein, which is part of the high molecular weight γ-secretase complex. γ-Secretase is one of the key players associated with the generation of Alzheimer's disease pathology, since it liberates the neurotoxic amyloid β-peptide. Four proteins Nicastrin, anterior pharynx-defective-1 (Aph-1), presenilin enhancer-2 (Pen-2) and Presenilin are essential to form the active γ-secretase complex. Recently it has been shown, that Nicastrin has a key function in stabilizing the mature γ-secretase complex and may also be involved in substrate recognition. So far no structural data for the Nicastrin ectodomain or any other γ-secretase component are available. We therefore used Circular Dichroism (CD) spectroscopy to demonstrate that Nicastrin, similar to its homologues, the Streptomyces griseus aminopeptidase (SGAP) and the transferrin receptor (TfR), adopts a thermostable secondary structure. Furthermore, the Nicastrin ectodomain has an exceptionally high propensity to refold after thermal denaturation. These findings provide evidence to further support the hypothesis that Nicastrin may share evolutionary conserved properties with the aminopeptidase and the transferrin receptor family.
Promising approaches in using magnetic nanoparticles in oncology
Authors: Mikhaylov Georgy , Vasiljeva Olga 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
The development of new and effective drug delivery systems for cancer treatment represents one of the significant challenges facing biomedical technology in the last decade. Among the different methods of drug delivery, magnetic drug targeting, by enabling specific delivery of chemotherapeutic agents through the use of magnetic nanoparticles and magnetic field gradient, could be a promising approach. Recently, magnetic nanoparticles have attracted additional attention because of their potential as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging and heat mediators for cancer therapy. This review summarizes these approaches in the use of magnetic nanoparticles in biomedical applications and novel methods for their optimization.
Ion transport and osmotic adjustment in plants and bacteria
Authors: Shabala Sergey , Shabala Lana 
Published: August 2011

AbstractPlants and bacteria respond to hyperosmotic stress by an increase in intracellular osmolality, adjusting their cell turgor to altered growth conditions. This can be achieved either by increased uptake orde novosynthesis of a variety of organic osmolytes (so-called ‘compatible solutes’), or by controlling fluxes of ions across cellular membranes. The relative contributions of each of these mechanisms have been debated in literature for many years and remain unresolved. This paper summarises all the arguments and reopens a discussion on the efficiency and strategies of osmotic adjustment in plants and bacteria. We show that the bulk of osmotic adjustment in both plants and bacteria is achieved by increased accumulation of inorganic osmolytes such as K+, Na+and Cl-. This is applicable to both halophyte and glycophyte species. At the same time,de novosynthesis of compatible solutes is an energetically expensive and slow option and can be used only for the fine adjustment of the cell osmotic potential. The most likely role the organic osmolytes play in osmotic adjustment is in osmoprotection of key membrane transport proteins and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging. The specific mechanisms by which compatible solutes regulate activity of ion transporters remain elusive and require more thorough investigation. It is concluded that creating transgenic species with increased levels of organic osmolytes by itself is counterproductive due to high yield penalties; all these attempts should be complemented by a concurrent increase in the accumulation of inorganic ions directly used for osmotic adjustment.
Hat die gesprochene Sprache eine eigene Grammatik? Grundsätzliche Überlegungen zum Status gesprochensprachlicher Konstruktionen und zur Kategorie ‚gesprochenes Standarddeutsch‘
Authors: Schneider Jan Georg 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
Although most linguists agree that spoken language differs in relevant aspects from written language, it is still controversial whether they have different grammatical systems. In this article, I raise the general question of whether it is possible to speak of a specific grammar of spoken language. For this purpose the problem of spoken versus written modality is discussed together with the problem of rules and regularity (chapter 2); furthermore, the role of the concept “standard language” in this research context is discussed (chapter 3). Using different examples, I analyze syntactic phenomena of contemporary spoken German (chapter 4). On this empirical basis, the central theoretical question is developed and answered: Are there grammatical constructions in spoken Standard German which can be explained by the special modality – e.g. the fluidity and irreversibility – of the oral medium (chapter 5)?
The Effect of Minimum Academic Requirements to Participate in Sports on High School Graduation
Authors: Vidal-Fernández Marian 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
During the 1970s, state interscholastic associations imposed rules requiring student athletes to pass a certain number of subjects in order to be allowed to participate in school sports. Using the NLSY together with a newly collected dataset on the stringency of the rules, I exploit variation in the rules across states to estimate their effects on high school graduation. I find that requiring students to pass one additional course is associated with a two-percentage-point increase in the likelihood of graduation. This result survives a number of robustness checks, including finding no effect for female students who at the time had limited access to interscholastic competitions.
Precision in Central Venous Catheter Tip Placement: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Hostetter Russell , Nakasawa Nadine , Tompkins Kim , Hill Bradley 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
Background: Long term venous catheters have been used to deliver specialized therapies since 1968. The ideal tip position of a central venous catheter provides reliable venous access with optimal therapeutic delivery, while minimizing short-and long-term complications. Ideal position limits have evolved and narrowed over time, making successful placement difficult and unreliable when depending exclusively on the landmark technique.
Objective: To review and analyze contemporary literature and calculate an overall accuracy rate for first attempt placement of a PICC catheter in the ideal tip position.
Methods: Key PICC placement terms were used to search the database PubMED-indexed for MEDLINE in June and October, 2009. The selection of studies required: a patient cohort without tip placement guidance technology; a documented landmark technique to place catheter tips; data documenting initial catheter placement and, that the lower third of the SVC and the cavo-atrial junction (CAJ) were included in the placement criteria. With few exceptions, articles written between 1993 and 2009 met the stated selection criteria. A composite of outcomes associated with tip placement was analyzed, and an overall percent proficiency of accurate catheter tip placement calculated.
Results: Nine studies in eight articles met the selection criteria and were included for analysis. Rates of first placement success per study ranged from 39% to 75%, with the majority (7/9) being single center studies. The combined overall proficiency of these studies calculated as a weighted average was 45.87%.
Alcohol and Substance Use by Patients with Psychosis Presenting to an Emergency Department: Changing Patterns
Authors: Latt Noeline , Jurd Stephen , Tennant Christopher , Lewis John , Macken Lewis , Joseph Anthony , Grochulski Alan , Long Lidia 
Published: August 2011

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of alcohol and other substance use in patients presenting to an emergency department with acute psychiatric illnesses and to clarify the role of urine drug screens. Method: This was an unblinded prospective (observational) cohort study incorporating retrospective review of patient medical records, history of alcohol and substance use, results of urine drug screens and blood alcohol concentrations. Results: Of 196 acute psychotic patients, 104 were diagnosed with schizophrenia and 92 with “other psychosis”. Results of urine drug screens were consistent with self-reported use of substances and only identified an additional 5% of substance users. Cannabis was the commonest illicit substance used by both groups of patients, followed by psychostimulants, mainly amphetamines. Younger males were more likely to use psychostimulants and to present with violence. Conclusions: Patients with co-existing mental health problems and substance use present a major problem for our emergency departments. Cannabis was the most common substance used. Youth, male gender and psychostimulant use are associated with violent presentations. A comprehensive history of alcohol and substance use is important to implement appropriate dual diagnosis treatment. Urine drug screening is recommended for patients who do not admit to substance use.
Curriculum et besoins langagiers en zone d'éducation linguistique plurielle
Authors: Tirvassen Rada 
Published: August 2011

Résumé Si l'on peut raisonnablement postuler que la recherche a un rôle majeur à jouer dans la conception et l'élaboration du curriculum, elle a alors le devoir d'interroger les données qu'elle fournit au corps social. Cet article réexamine certains travaux conduits dans la zone du sud-ouest de l'Océan Indien et montre que, si la recherche veut répondre aux besoins des apprenants et des enseignants, elle doit commencer par modéliser les pratiques langagières réelles.
Les divergences curriculum - évaluation certificative dans les écoles primaires bilingues de pays du sud: Conséquences du point de vue de l'acquisition du bilinguisme
Authors: Noyau Colette 
Published: August 2011

Résumé Cette étude analyse les dispositifs d'évaluation certificative de fin de primaire dans trois pays du sud de la francophonie : Mali, Mauritanie, Seychelles. Elle examine les liens et les divergences entre choix curriculaires et procédures de certification, notamment les modes d'évaluation requis par l'approche par compétences (APC), la réalité des dispositifs (conception, application, correction des épreuves), et leurs mérites et limites du point de vue de l'éducation bilingue.
Qu'est-ce que le sport ? Cultures sportives et géographie
Authors: Augustin Jean-Pierre 
Published: August 2011

Le terme « sport » est polysémique et la diversification des pratiques à caractère sportif rend plus complexe encore l’appréhension de la réalité qu’il recouvre. Le mot utilisé sans distinction par le sens commun, ne peut se réduire aux pratiquants, au spectacle, aux équipements, ou au marché sportif. Il est, comme le tourisme, un ensemble mis en système. Ce système complexe rassemble ces divers éléments en se prêtant au jeu des institutions sociales, mais si, dans le tourisme, ce sont les déplacements hors quotidiens qui font liens, dans le sport ce sont les pratiques organisées à partir de situations motrices par des sujets agissants dans des lieux spécifiques qui lui confèrent sa spécificité. Ce texte vise d’abord à préciser l’utilisation du concept en marquant la différence radicale qu’il convient d’instaurer entre les sports de compétition et les pratiques ludo-sportives. Ces deux pratiques peuvent être regroupées dans l’expression « cultures sportives » parce qu’elles mettent en œuvre, selon des modalités diverses, des situations motrices. Il montre ensuite que la géographie, science de l’espace des sociétés, permet d’appréhender ces cultures sportives en utilisant les méthodes renouvelées de la discipline, notamment celles relevant de l’observation, de la cognition et de l’action.
Espaces publics et pratiques ludo-sportives : l'expression d'une urbanité sportive
Authors: Escaffre Fabrice 
Published: August 2011

Les pratiques ludo-sportives constituent un ensemble d’usages des espaces publics urbains qui se sont fortement développés ces vingt dernières années. Les skaters, les rollers, les joggeurs ou les pratiquants des sports de rue sont ainsi devenus des figures incontournables du quotidien des villes et de leurs périphéries. Cet article s’attache à analyser les relations que ces sportifs urbains entretiennent avec leurs lieux de pratique, entre eux ainsi qu’avec les autres usagers de la ville. Se faisant, il propose une réflexion sur le rôle des espaces publics dans les espaces urbains contemporains. Entre impression de convivialité et conflits, que nous apprennent ces usages ludo-sportifs de la ville des relations sociales en ville ? Atténuent-ils ou participent-ils des tendances à la fragmentation qui parcourent les villes ? En apportant des éléments de réponses à ces questions, le présent article développe la thèse de l’existence d’une urbanité sportive porteuse de formes de réinvestissement des espaces publics urbains.
Entre Moscou et Prague : les premières réceptions des formalistes russes par les intellectuels communistes français (1967-1971)
Authors: Matonti Frédérique 
Published: August 2011

L’article analyse la réception des formalistes russes par les revues communistes (La Nouvelle Critique, Les Lettres Françaises) et d’avant-garde (Tel Quel, Change) , elles-mêmes liées au PCF. Lorsque paraît, en 1966, Théorie de la littérature , les formalistes sont présentés comme les précurseurs de la linguistique structurale. Or, pour un intellectuel communiste, traiter du structuralisme ne va de pas soi puisque ce dernier est vu par son parti comme en contradiction avec la dialectique marxiste. De plus, parler du formalisme, c’est aussi s’aventurer sur le terrain de la répression soviétique des avant-gardes dès les années 30. Trois ans plus tard, Change publie de nombreux textes formalistes. Leur interprétation s’accorde mieux avec les réquisits du PCF, parce qu’elle se base sur l’analyse de Chomsky, plus historiciste. Enfin, ces réceptions des formalistes ne sont compréhensibles qu’au regard de la concurrence entre deux clans de l’avant-garde ( Tel Quel contre Change ) et deux fractions des intellectuels communistes ( La Nouvelle Critique contre les Aragoniens). Or, en s’intéressant au rôle d’Aragon dans cette réception l’article fait également apparaître le rôle très important des intellectuels soviétiques favorables au Dégel dans le transfert vers l’Occident des formalistes et, plus généralement, de la linguistique.
Les métaphores politico-juridiques dans l'histoire de la linguistique prescriptive du français au XVIIe s.
Authors: Kibbee Douglas A. 
Published: August 2011

Les liens étroits entre la politique et la linguistique se révèlent dans l’emploi des métaphores dans les deux domaines. Les métaphores du pouvoir politique et légal sont dominantes pendant la période où le français classique se dessine. Les théoriciens de l’état, les fondateurs des sciences politiques modernes, disputent la meilleure forme de l’état idéal, principalement entre une monarchie absolue et une monarchie contrainte par des institutions de l’état, telles la magistrature, les états généraux et le censeur. Les notions de souveraineté, de tyrannie et de liberté établies dans ce domaine s’appliquent, par la suite, dans les débats grammaticaux entre ceux qui veulent imposer des limites à la créativité et à la variation, et ceux qui voient dans ces contraintes la tyrannie de l’absolutisme linguistique. Qui a le droit de prescrire et de proscrire en matière de langues ? D’un côté se rangent Malherbe, Vaugelas, Chapelain et, de l’autre, Mlle de Gournay, Camus, La Mothe Le Vayer et Dupleix. Sous Louis XIII et Louis XIV c’est l’absolutisme qui va l’emporter, en grammaire comme en politique.
Comment la troisième équipe de la DGSE a-t-elle pu faire couler... autant d'encre?
Authors: Vadillo Floran 
Published: August 2011

Résumé Plus qu’un scandale politique lié à une opération menée par un service de renseignement, l’épisode du Rainbow Warrior incarne avant tout une affaire médiatique qui se développe au cours de l’été 1985. Grâce à cet évènement, le journalisme dit « d’investigation » a connu, en France, un essor considérable et a gagné une légitimité qui fonde encore aujourd’hui son existence. Toutefois, il convient de s’intéresser aux conditions d’émergence de la vérité, essence même de l’investigation, qui, en définitive, jettent le trouble sur cette pratique journalistique. En matière de renseignement, comme en d’autres domaines, la primeur (le « scoop ») n’existe pas mais correspond plutôt à une invention, une mise en scène d’une réalité beaucoup plus prosaïque et, parfois, à l’opposé des légendes dorées.
Personal Consumption and Single Persons
Authors: Krueger Kurt V. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractAfter examining the competing perspectives regarding single person consumption, this paper makes an effort to improve the quantification of economic losses in cases involving the wrongful death of single persons. I show a new disaggregation of the Consumer Expenditure Survey microdata source which is then used to calculate various economic loss measures warranted by legal jurisdiction and economic thought. Traditional personal consumption methodology computes economic losses as the decedent's earnings multiplied by one minus a personal consumption rate. This paper adds a new method of computing economic losses as the decedent's earnings multiplied by the percent of survivors' or estate's benefit from those earnings. Significant differences result between the methods and in the personal consumption amounts between males and females and wage-earners and non-wage earners of retirement age. It was also discovered that some single-person maintenance consumption results may be applicable to married persons.
The Markov Process Model of Labor Force Activity: Extended Tables of Central Tendency, Shape, Percentile Points, and Bootstrap Standard Errors
Authors: Skoog Gary R. , Ciecka James E. , Krueger Kurt V. 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
This paper updates the Skoog-Ciecka (2001) worklife tables, which used 1997–1998 data, and the Krueger (2005) worklife tables, which used 1998–2004 data. The present paper uses data generated by the methodology Krueger devised in his 2003 PhD dissertation. We have pooled the data beginning January 2005 and continuing through December 2009, a period of five years, using observations matched a year apart. Thus, we have roughly four times the data in the first of the previous studies, and about that of the second. We chose this period for a variety of reasons, including recency, business cycle and trend considerations. The result is the most current and disaggregated set of worklife tables, along with extended probability calculations and statistical measures available to forensic economists.
Magnetic Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Nanocomposites via Surface‐Initiated RAFT Polymerization
Authors: Gonzato Carlo , Courty Matthieu , Pasetto Pamela , Haupt Karsten 
Published: August 2011

AbstractA general protocol to synthesize superparamagnetic molecularly imprinted polymer particles, using a RAFT‐mediated approach, is described. S‐ propranolol‐imprinted composites were obtained by functionalizing commercially available amino‐modified Fe3O4 nanoparticles with a trithiocarbonate agent and subsequently by polymerizing thin molecularly imprinted layers. Different parameters were optimized and their effect on both nanomorphology and imprinting behaviour was studied. Optimum conditions allowed the synthesis of 40 nm composite particles with a 7 nm MIP shell, exhibiting superparamagnetic properties and specific molecular recognition of S‐ propranolol. The possibility of fine‐tuning the surface properties of the particles is demonstrated by using the “living” nature of active RAFT fragments present on the surface of the composites to further functionalize the particles with ethylene glycol methacrylate phosphate polymer brushes.
Non‐Fullerene Acceptor‐Based Bulk Heterojunction Polymer Solar Cells: Engineering the Nanomorphology via Processing Additives
Authors: Ren Guoqiang , Ahmed Eilaf , Jenekhe Samson A. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractThe performance of bulk heterojunction solar cells made from blends of a non‐fullerene acceptor, N,N′‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)‐2,6‐bis(5″‐hexyl‐[2,2′;5′,2″]terthiophen‐5yl)‐1,4,5,8‐naphthalene diimide (NDI‐3TH), and poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) donor is enhanced 10‐fold by using a processing additive in conjunction with an electron‐blocking and a hole‐blocking buffer layers. The power conversion efficiency of P3HT:NDI‐3TH solar cells improves from 0.14% to 1.5% by using a processing additive (1,8‐diiodooctane) at an optimum concentration of 0.2 vol%, which is far below the 2‐3 vol% optimum concentrations found in polymer/fullerene systems. TEM and AFM imaging show that the size and connectivity of the NDI‐3TH domains in the phase‐separated P3HT:NDI‐3TH blends vary strongly with the concentration of the processing additive. These results demonstrate, for the first time, that processing additives can be effective in the optimization of the morphology and performance of bulk heterojunction polymer solar cells based on non‐fullerene acceptors.