bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Balloon Dilation and Laser Eustachian Tuboplasty in Patients with Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: A Meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Tang‐Chuan , Lin Chia‐Der , Shih Tzu‐Ching , Chung Hsiung‐Kwang , Wang Ching‐Yuang , Tsou Yung‐An , Huang Ching‐Hsuan , Tsai Ming‐Hsui 
Published: March 2018

ObjectiveWe aimed to perform a meta‐analysis examining balloon dilatation and laser tuboplasty for the treatment of eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD).Data SourcesPubMed, Cochrane, and Embase search up to April 18, 2016, with the following keywords: eustachian, middle‐ear, eustachian tuboplasty, balloon tuboplasty, laser tuboplasty, laser dilatation, and balloon dilatation.Review MethodsRandomized controlled trials and prospective, retrospective, and 1‐arm studies of patients with ETD treated with balloon dilatation or laser tuboplasty were included. Outcome measures were improvement of eustachian tube score (ETS) and tympanometry and Valsalva maneuver results.ResultsTwo retrospective and 11 prospective studies were included (1063 patients; 942 treated with balloon and 121 with laser tuboplasty). Balloon tuboplasty resulted in a significant improvement of ETS (pooled standardized mean difference [SMD], 0.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.23‐1.66; P =. 009) and, compared with laser tuboplasty, a greater tympanometry improvement rate (pooled event rate = 73% vs 13%; P =. 001). Valsalva maneuver improvement rate was not different between the group results (pooled event rate = 67% vs 50%; P =. 472). The maximum number of studies that provided outcome data for any one measure was only 4, and sensitivity analysis indicated ETS results may have been overly influenced by 2 studies. No balloon tuboplasty studies reported ETS data, preventing comparison between the 2 procedures.ConclusionBoth procedures can improve symptoms of ETD; however, because of the limited numbers of studies reporting data of the outcomes of interest, it remains unclear if one procedure provides greater benefits.
Improved Comorbidity Capture Using a Standardized 1‐Step Quality Improvement Documentation Tool
Authors: Morrison Robert J. , Malloy Kelly M. , Bakshi Rishi R. 
Published: March 2018

ObjectiveTo assess the impact of implementation of a “1‐step” documentation query system on comorbidity capture and quality outcomes within the Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery.MethodsImplementation of the 1‐step documentation query system was instituted for all otolaryngology–head and neck surgery faculty at a single institution. Individual query responses and impact metrics were analyzed. Departmental case‐mix index (CMI), risk of mortality (ROM), and severity of illness (SOI) were collated over a 14‐month implementation period and compared to a 12‐month preimplementation period.ResultsA total of 226 documentation queries occurred during the program pilot period, with an 86.7% response rate. Of queries with a response, 91.0% resulted in a significant impact for the hospitalization diagnoses‐related group, ROM, or SOI. Departmental CMI increased from 2.73 to 2.91 over the implementation period, and observed/expected mortality ratio decreased from 0.50 to 0.42 pre‐ to postimplementation.DiscussionWith increasing emphasis on quality metrics outcomes within the United States health care system, there is a need for institutions to accurately capture the complexity and acuity of the patients they care for. There was a positive change in quality outcomes metrics, including ROM, SOI, and CMI over the first year of deployment of the 1‐step documentation query process.Implications for PracticeClinical severity metrics are becoming increasingly important to otolaryngologists, as insurers move to severity‐adjusted profiles. The 1‐step documentation query process provides a reproducible and effective way for clinical documentation specialists and physicians to collaborate on improving departmental clinical severity metrics.
Sensitivity and specificity of the Akena Visual Depression Inventory (AViDI-18) in Kampala (Uganda) and Cape Town (South Africa)
Authors: Akena Dickens , Joska John , Stein Dan J. 
Published: March 2018

BackgroundVisual scales may be particularly useful in screening for depression in patients with low literacy. However, few have been validated and none are in common use.AimModification and validation of a visual scale to screen for depression in low literacy settings.MethodWe assessed the validity, reliability and factor loading of a 28-item visual depression inventory using pictorial items depicting depression signs and symptoms. We validated a revised scale comprised of 18 items known as the Akena Visual Depression Inventory (AViDI-18) against a structured diagnostic interview (Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Inventory) in 343 patients in Kampala (Uganda) and Cape Town (South Africa).ResultsThe 18 pictorial items had acceptable validity and reliability. The area under the curve (AUC) score of the AViDI-18 was 0.9. AUC scores were not significantly associated with sociodemographic variables.ConclusionThe AViDI-18 is a valid screen for depression in patients with low literacy.Declaration of interestNone.
Functional Anaerobic and Strength Training in Young Adults with Cerebral Palsy
Authors: GILLETT JARRED G. , LICHTWARK GLEN A. , BOYD ROSLYN N. , BARBER LEE A. 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACT

Purpose
This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a 12-wk combined functional anaerobic and strength training program on neuromuscular properties and functional capacity in young adults with spastic-type cerebral palsy.

Methods
A total of 17 young adults (21 ± 4 yr, 9 males, Gross Motor Function Classification System I = 11 and II = 6) were randomized to 12 wk, 3 sessions per week, of high-intensity functional anaerobic and progressive resistance training of the lower limbs (n = 8), or a waitlist control group (n = 9). Pre- and posttraining plantarflexor and tibialis anterior muscle volumes and composition, passive and active plantarflexor muscle properties, and functional capacity outcomes were assessed.

Results
The training group had higher values compared with the control group (adjusted mean difference) at 12 wk for the following: more- and less-impaired total plantarflexor and tibialis anterior muscle volumes, maximum isometric plantarflexion strength, muscle power sprint test peak power, agility shuttle time, composite functional strength score, and 6-min walk test distance. The change in total plantarflexor muscle volume was associated with the change in plantarflexor muscle strength. There were relationships between the change in plantarflexor muscle strength and the change in functional capacity outcomes (functional strength; 6-min walk test).

Conclusions
Combined functional anaerobic and strength training increased muscle size, strength, and functional capacity in young adults with cerebral palsy. The addition of anaerobic training to progressive resistance training programs assists in the transfer to improved functional capacity.
Identification of early biomarkers in proteomic profiles of the phaeophyteSaccharina japonicaproximal to and beneath the front of bryozoan colonies
Authors: Getachew Paulos , Nam Bo-Hye , Hong Yong-Ki 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe sessile bryozoanMembranipora membranaceafrequently colonizes the phaeophyteSaccharina japonica.Identifying early colonization markers using proteomics could assist in the early detection of epiphytic contamination. Different sections of thallus tissue proximal to the bryozoan (i.e. the 1-cm zone beyond the boundary of the colony) and tissue from the colony-front (i.e. the narrow zone under the newly formed front of the colony after removing the bryozoans) were separated. From the proteomic profiles ofS. japonica, we detected 151 protein spots (99 up-, 50 down-, and 2 similarly regulated) from proximal tissues and 151 spots (69 up-, 75 down-, and 7 same-regulated) from colony-front tissues. Hundred and ten spots were detected from distal healthy thallus tissue, used as a control. The protein SSP15 was specifically up-regulated in the proximal tissues by ca. 1395-fold, while it exhibited little expression at the colony-front and in distal healthy tissues. ATPases were markedly up-regulated in both the proximal and colony-front tissues by 3198- and 2475-fold, respectively. Rpl1P and SRSF proteins were specifically up-regulated only in colony-front tissues by 5724- and 273-fold, respectively. Therefore, these proteins may be used as specific biomarkers for the early detection of bryozoan colonization on each tissue type of the seaweed.
New Nordic Environments in Eyvind Johnson’s Factual and Fictional Prose, 1928–1932
Authors: Thomsen B. Thorup 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
The main aim of the article is to offer a closer examination of interfaces between Johnson’s factual and fictional modes of writing around 1930, with a particular emphasis on analysing accounts and appreciations of modern environments, infrastructures and mentalities in “peripheral” as well as “central” Swedish locations. To frame theoretically this examination, the article opens by considering some aspects of the current scholarly discourses on the hybrid genre of travel writing, to which the nonfictional texts in question broadly belong, and on the interrelationship between factual and fictional modes of representation. The article goes on to consider three of Johnson’s newspaper reportage pieces that may be located in the subgenre of domestic travel writing, popular in the interwar period, while they also, as “foreign” correspondence of sorts, contribute to confounding the very concept of home nation as well as challenging the distinction between “off-centre” and “centre” in the nation space. In its third phase, the article discusses two novels that illustrate, respectively, the “marginal” and the metropolitan variant of domestic modernism in Johnson’s fictional work, thus complementing the reportage pieces. The article concludes by situating the discussion of Johnson’s narratives in the context of new approaches to Scandinavian literary modernism.
Orte und Nicht-Orte im Werk Klaus Rifbjergs
Authors: Schlosser Jan T. 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
For the first time Klaus Rifbjerg’s diary Berlinerdage (1995) and other of his most important prose and lyric texts from different periods of his authorship are examined in the context of Marc Augé’s theory of places and non-places in this paper. The analysis of Rifbjerg’s texts focuses on the implicit presence of places and non-places. Reading Rifbjerg in context of Augé and Walter Benjamin’s Berliner Kindheit um neunzehnhundert (final version 1938) opens up for a new research position; it proves Rifbjerg’s considerable interest in German culture, and elucidates his opposition to ‘supermodernity’. Places and non-places are palimpsests in Rifbjerg’s texts about Berlin’s and Copenhagen’s urbanity. His texts focus on cultural continuity and historical foundation of modern life.
Efficient Redundancy Techniques in Cloud and Desktop Grid Systems using MAP/G/c-type Queues
Authors: Chakravarthy Srinivas R. , Rumyantsev Alexander 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Cloud computing is continuing to prove its flexibility and versatility in helping industries and businesses as well as academia as a way of providing needed computing capacity. As an important alternative to cloud computing, desktop grids allow to utilize the idle computer resources of an enterprise/community by means of distributed computing system, providing a more secure and controllable environment with lower operational expenses. Further, both cloud computing and desktop grids are meant to optimize limited resources and at the same time to decrease the expected latency for users. The crucial parameter for optimization both in cloud computing and in desktop grids is the level of redundancy (replication) for service requests/workunits. In this paper we study the optimal replication policies by considering three variations of Fork-Join systems in the context of a multi-server queueing system with a versatile point process for the arrivals. For services we consider phase type distributions as well as shifted exponential and Weibull. We use both analytical and simulation approach in our analysis and report some interesting qualitative results.
Critical Assessment of Activities of Structural Units in Fe–Al Binary Melts Based on the Atom and Molecule Coexistence Theory
Authors: Yang Xue-min , Li Jin-yan , Yan Fang-jia , Duan Dong-ping , Zhang Jian 
Published: March 2018

AbstractA thermodynamic model for calculating the mass action concentrations{N_i}of structural units in Fe–Al binary melts based on the atom–molecule coexistence theory,i. e., AMCT–{N_i}model, has been developed and verified to be valid by comparing with reported activities{a_{{\rm{R, }}i}}of both Al and Fe relative to pure liquid as standard state in Fe–Al binary melts over a temperature range from 1823 to 1973 K (1550  to 1700 °C). Furthermore, Raoultian activity coefficients\gamma _i^0of both Al and Fe in the Fe-rich corner or Al-rich corner of Fe–Al binary melts as well as the standard molar Gibbs-free energy changes{\Delta _{{\rm{sol}}}}G_{{\rm{m, }}i{\rm{(l)}} \to {{{\rm{[}}i{\rm{]}}}_{{\rm{ [ \% }}i]{\rm{ = 1}}{\rm{. 0}}}}}^{\Theta {\rm{, \% }}}of dissolved Al or Fe for forming [% Al] or [% Fe] as 1.0 in Fe–Al binary melts have also been determined by the developed AMCT–{N_i}model and verified to be accurate.The reported activities{a_{{\rm{R, }}i}}of both Al and Fe from the literature can be well reproduced by calculated mass action concentrations{N_i}of free Al and free Fe in Fe–Al binary melts. A small effect of changing temperature from 1823 to 1973 K (1550  to 1700 °C) on reaction abilities of both Al and Fe from the available literature is also confirmed by calculated mass action concentrations{N_i}of free Al and free Fe in Fe–Al binary melts. The obtained activity coefficients{\gamma _i}of both Al and Fe in Fe–Al binary melts can be described by a quadratic polynomial function and a cubic polynomial function, respectively. Furthermore, accurate expressions of Raoultian activity coefficients\gamma _i^0of both Al and Fe in Fe-rich corner or Al-rich corner of Fe–Al binary melts are also obtained as\ln \gamma _{{\rm{Al}}}^0 = - {\rm{9, 646}}{\rm{. 5}}/T{\rm{ + 2}}{\rm{. 196}}and\ln \gamma _{{\rm{Fe}}}^0 = - {\rm{6, 799}}{\rm{. 1}}/T - {\rm{0}}{\rm{. 01367}}, respectively. In addition, expressions of the first-order activity interaction coefficients\varepsilon _i^iore_i^iorh_i^iof both Al and Fe coupled with three activity coefficients\gamma _i^{}orf_{ \% {\rm{, }}i}^{}orf_{{\rm{H, }}i}^{}relative to three standard states are also obtained from the developed AMCT–{N_i}model for Fe–Al binary melts.
Filmhefte für den DaF-Unterricht: Qualitätsstandards
Authors: Hahn Natalia 
Published: March 2018

Zusammenfassung
Das verstärkte Interesse der letzten Jahre am Film als Unterrichtsmedium hat die Produktion diverser methodisch-didaktischer Lehr-/Lernmaterialien zu Filmen bedingt, jedoch fehlten für Filmhefte, die im Unterricht Deutsch als Fremdsprache eingesetzt werden sollen, fehlen bis dato jegliche Qualitätsstandards. In den Jahren 2014/2015 führte die PH Freiburg in Kooperation mit der Zentralstelle für das Auslandsschulwesen (ZfA) ein Forschungsprojekt zur Entwicklung eines Filmkanons für den DaF-Unterricht im Auslandsschulwesen durch. Zwölf Spielfilme wurden ausgewählt, zu denen nun Filmmaterialien/Filmhefte entwickelt werden sollen. Im Beitrag wird ein Vorschlag zu Qualitätsstandards für die Filmhefte unterbreitet, für die ein dynamischer Kriterienkatalog für die Analyse der Filmhefte formuliert wurde. Mit der Entwicklung des Kriterienkatalogs und der Qualitätsstandards für DaF-Filmhefte werden zwei Ziele verfolgt: 1. Erstellung eines Instrumentariums, welches DaF-Lehrende bei der Beurteilung der Qualität und der Eignung der Filmhefte unterstützen kann; 2. Erstellung eines Instrumentariums, welches Lehrenden bzw. Expertenteams bei der Konzeption und Erstellung von Filmheften als Orientierung dienen kann.
Am I perfect enough to be a true bilingual? Monolingual bias in the lay perception and self-perception of bi- and multilinguals
Authors: Zubrzycki Kamil 
Published: March 2018

AbstractLittle is still known about the factors which make L2 speakers self-categorize as bilinguals and the ways in which bilinguals self-perceive and evaluate their language proficiency. This replicational study aims to contribute to a better understanding of this problem by analyzing linguistic and sociobiographical factors determining self-identification as a bilingual, as well as validating the findings of (Sia, Jennifer & Jean-Marc Dewaele. 2006. Are you bilingual?BISAL1. 1–19). While both studies show that self-assessed overall L2 proficiency and self-rated skill proficiencies (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) have an effect on self-classification as a bilingual, discrepancies were identified in sociobiographical variables, which means that further research is necessary in this area.The present study was also extended by obtaining qualitative data concerning participants’ definitions of bilingualism and reasons for self-categorizing as bilinguals or not. It was hypothesized that this type of information would shed new light on the results of the original study, which was confirmed by the analysis of the collected responses. The fractional view of bilingualism (Grosjean, François. 1985. The bilingual as a competent but specific speaker-hearer.Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development6. 467–477), stemming from the monolingual bias (Cook, Vivian. 1997. Monolingual bias in second language acquisition research.Revista Canaria de Estudios Ingleses34. 35–50), seems to be deeply ingrained in the lay perception of the phenomenon, making bilinguals underestimate and see their skills inaccurately. This indicates that the lay view, drawing extensively on the notion of ideal native speaker as the benchmark, and the current academic approach to bilingualism diverge considerably. It is argued that relevant steps ought to be taken to change the status quo.
Spielend heilen
Authors: Caliskan Yasemin , Entezari Rosa , Eßer Marc , Ezold Ulrike , Gelfart Dennis , Mariami Hafssa , Beutelspacher Lisa 
Published: March 2018

ZusammenfassungImmer häufiger sind Spielelemente Gegenstand verschiedener spielfremder Forschungsbereiche. Einzug haben diese gamifizierten Methoden mittlerweile auch im Gesundheitswesen gehalten. Dieses systematische Review untersucht den aktuellen Forschungsstand der Anwendung von Gamification in den Bereichen „Therapie“ und „Rehabilitation“ anhand von ausgewählten Studien. Ziel ist es, sowohl Forschern als auch Anwendern von gamifizierten Projekten einen Überblick über die eingesetzten Methoden und Anwendungsmöglichkeiten zu geben. Behandelt werden der Einsatz und der Erfolg von gamifizierten Systemen sowie deren Auswirkungen auf die Patienten. Es wird zudem auf Themen hingewiesen, die innerhalb der untersuchten Literatur kaum bzw. nicht behandelt wurden.
Printmedien versus elektronische Medien
Authors: Reichmann Gerhard 
Published: March 2018

ZusammenfassungIm Rahmen dieser Untersuchung wird ermittelt, wie intensiv derzeit Printmedien im Vergleich zu elektronischen Medien im universitären Bereich genutzt werden. Besonders wird dabei auf die Nutzung von Büchern, Zeitschriften und Zeitungen eingegangen und analysiert, ob es geschlechter-, alters-, universitäts- und gruppenspezifische Unterschiede im Nutzungsverhalten gibt. Die dafür benötigten Daten wurden mittels strukturierter Befragung von 554 Studierenden und 436 Universitätslehrenden erhoben. Anhand der Ergebnisse lässt sich erkennen, dass Printmedien im universitären Bereich nach wie vor von großer Bedeutung sind, wobei ältere Nutzer, Nutzer aus dem Geisteswissenschaftlichen Bereich sowie Nutzer aus der Gruppe der Universitätslehrenden sowohl für berufliche als auch für private Zwecke besonders stark auf Printmedien zurückgreifen.
Hematology and erythrocyte osmotic fragility of the Franquet’s fruit bat (Epomops franqueti)
Authors: Ekeolu Oyetunde Kazeem , Adebiyi Olamide Elizabeth 
Published: March 2018

Abstract

Background
Hematological parameters are vital diagnostic tools for understanding health dynamics of humans and animals. Franquet’s fruit bat (Epomops franqueti) is host to several parasites such as protozoa, bacteria, viruses and mites. Yet, studies exploring the values of its blood components with interest for research or food purposes are scarce. Thus, this study was carried out to investigate the hematological values of the adult E. franqueti.

Methods
Seventeen (nine female and eight male) apparently healthy adult E. franqueti were captured from their roosting colony. Blood samples were collected for determination of erythrocyte indices [red blood cell count (RBC), packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC)] and leukocyte indices [total white blood cell counts (WBC), lymphocytes, eosinophil, monocytes, neutrophil count and erythrocytes osmotic fragility].

Results
There were no significant (p≥0.05) sex-related differences in RBC, PCV, Hb concentration, MCV, MCH, MCHC and total and differential WBC of E. franqueti. Erythrocyte osmotic fragility was significantly higher in female than in male E. franqueti at 0.1% NaCl.

Conclusions
These considerations are critical in establishing reference ranges of blood parameters for E. franqueti and may provide insight to why they serve as reservoir hosts for several microorganisms.
Stem Cell Therapies in Peripheral Vascular Diseases — Current Status
Authors: Opincariu Diana , Mester András , Benedek Imre , Benedek István 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Peripheral artery diseases include all arterial diseases with the exception of coronary and aortic involvement, more specifically diseases of the extracranial carotids, upper limb arteries, mesenteric and renal vessels, and last but not least, lower limb arteries. Mononuclear stem cells, harvested from various sites (bone marrow, peripheral blood, mesenchymal cells, adipose-derived stem cells) have been studied as a treatment option for alleviating symptoms in peripheral artery disease, as potential stimulators for therapeutic angiogenesis, thus improving vascularization of the ischemic tissue. The aim of this manuscript was to review current medical literature on a novel treatment method — cell therapy, in patients with various peripheral vascular diseases, including carotid, renal, mesenteric artery disease, thromboangiitis obliterans, as well as upper and lower limb artery disease.
Stem Cell Therapy in Wound Healing
Authors: Mester András , Opincariu Diana , Benedek Imre , Benedek István 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Wound healing is a complex restorative process of the altered cutaneous tissue, which is impaired by numerous local and systemic factors, leading to chronic non-healing lesions with few efficient therapeutic options. Stem cells possess the capacity to differentiate into various types of cell lines. Furthermore, stem cells are able to secrete cytokines and growth factors, modulating inflammation and ultimately leading to angiogenesis, fibrogenesis, and epithelization. Because of their paracrine activity, these cells are able to attract other cell types to the base of the wound, improving the formation of new skin layers. Mesenchymal stem cells derived from the adipose tissue, bone marrow, and placenta, offer numerous ways of implementation. The process of harvesting, growing, and administrating stem cells depends on the site and type of the cells, but recent trial results showed improvement of wound healing independent of the administration site. Bioengineered skin substitutes are validated for treatment of chronic wounds with direct application on the skin surface. These offer physical scaffolding for the migrating cells and promote secretion of growth factors, thus facilitating rapid wound healing. Obtaining further clinical data is essential, but stem cell therapy may become a first-line therapeutic choice for the treatment of non-healing chronic wounds.