bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of dispersal limitation in the face of intense selection via dietary intervention on the faecal microbiota of rats
Authors: Barron Pastor Heli J. , Gordon David M. 
Published: December 2015

SummaryFour ecological processes mediate microbial diversity: selection, whereby host factors favour the persistence of particular microbial taxa; historical contingency, where differences in the timing and order of microbial acquisition results in different communities; stochastic factors that impact community assemblages; and dispersal limitation, where the presence of particular taxa is restricted by host population structure and local environmental factors. However, few studies have explored the impact of selection through diet modification on the differences in microbial community composition arising from dispersal limitation.At weaning, the faecal microbiota of 45 rats originating from six litters, as assessed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, was strongly correlated with an animal's litter membership. Following 14 weeks on one of three the experimental diets, the faecal microbiota of the rats were again characterized. Clear effects of diet on microbial community composition were observed. However, after 14 weeks of dietary intervention, the effect of litter membership on microbial community composition was still significant.Our results demonstrate that intense selection (diet manipulation) cannot completely eliminate differences in microbial communities that occurred as a consequence of dispersal limitation (litter membership) prior to selection. These results have clear implications for efforts that attempt to achieve positive health outcomes through diet manipulation.
The firm size, farm size, and transaction costs: the case of hazelnut farms in Turkey
Authors: Demir Ibrahim 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThis study analyzes the effects of transaction costs on the size of hazelnut farms in Turkey. The study finds that higher land slope and higher variance of rain, as transaction‐cost‐increasing natural effects, lead to smaller hazelnut land holdings. High slope and weather variation can increase the costs of monitoring the laborers, make moving inputs or output up and down harder, limit the use of machinery, and reduce contractual performance of labor contracts. For farm production functions, land is a complex input with measurable interactions with nature. Contrary to common production theory approaches that take natural properties of land as given, the study develops a production function that incorporates natural properties, such as, slope and rain variance. The study utilizes two separate data sets for the estimations. The first data set explores the characteristics of hazelnut farmers, while the second one analyzes the regional characteristics of hazelnut farms.
Incidence of obstetric fistula in Norway: a population‐based prospective cohort study
Authors: Trovik Jone , Thornhill Heidi F. , Kiserud Torvid 
Published: December 2015

AbstractIntroductionObstetric fistula is a serious complication of childbirth prevalent in developing societies. Less is known about its occurrence in industrialized countries. We aimed to determine incidence and outcome of obstetric fistulas in Norway.Material and methodsThis was a population‐based prospective cohort study. Patient characteristics were registered for all treated at the National Treatment Center for Gynecologic Fistulas, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen. Women with obstetric fistula after delivering in Hordaland County were included when calculating the incidence based on number of deliveries in that county during 1995–2014.ResultsOf 280 fistulas, 40 were related to obstetrics (four urogenital and 36 enterogenital), 19 women were from Hordaland County. During this period, 116 389 deliveries were registered, giving an incidence of obstetric fistula of 16.3/100 000 deliveries (95% confidence interval 10.2–25.7/100 000). The urinary fistulas were due to cesarean section, cerclage, and uterine rupture, and all were repaired surgically. The 36 enteral fistulas were all related to vaginal deliveries; nine (25%) were instrumental and 19 (53%) had experienced a perineal tear of grade 3–4. These fistulas were small, with a median diameter of 2 mm. Four healed spontaneously or after enterostomy, and 30 were repaired transvaginally. In all, 37 of 40 obstetric fistulas were confirmed healed at follow up. Two women refrained from surgery, and one was lost to follow up.ConclusionObstetric fistula does occur in industrialized societies but with a low incidence; fistulas are due to obstetric trauma or surgery rather than prolonged obstructed labor. The outcome of treatment is excellent when women are treated at a competent center.
Investigation of the Durability of a Diaphragm for a Total Artificial Heart
Authors: Gräf Felix , Rossbroich Ralf , Finocchiaro Thomas , Steinseifer Ulrich 
Published: December 2015

AbstractOne of the most critical components regarding the durability of the ReinHeart total artificial heart (TAH) is its biocompatible diaphragm, which separates the drive unit from the ventricles. Hence, a durability tester was designed to investigate its required 5‐year lifetime. The aim of this study was to prove the validity of accelerated testing of the polyurethane diaphragm. The durability tester allows simultaneous testing of 12 diaphragms and mimics physiological conditions. To accelerate the time of testing, it operates with an increased speed at a frequency of 8 Hz. To prove the correctness of this acceleration, a servo‐hydraulic testing machine was used to study the effect of different frequencies and their corresponding loads. Thereby the viscoelastic behavior of the polyurethane was investigated. Additionally, high‐speed video measurements were performed. The force against frequency and the high‐speed video measurements showed constant behavior. In the range of 1–10 Hz, the maximum resulting forces varied by 3%, and the diaphragm movement was identical. Frequencies below 10 Hz allow a valid statement of the diaphragm's mechanical durability. Viscoelasticity of the polyurethane in the considered frequency‐range is negligible. The accelerated durability test is applicable to polyurethane diaphragms, and the results are applicable to TAH use. The reliability of the diaphragm for a lifetime of 5 years was found to be 80% with a confidence of 62%.
Optimal Vagus Nerve Stimulation Frequency for Suppression of Spike‐and‐Wave Seizures in Rats
Authors: Jiao Jianhang , Harreby Kristian R. , Sevcencu Cristian , Jensen Winnie 
Published: December 2015

AbstractVagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is used as an adjunctive therapy for drug‐resistant epilepsy and results in a 50% seizure reduction in up to 50% of treated patients. The VNS frequency used in the clinic today is in the range of 10–30 Hz. The evidence for choosing the stimulation frequency is limited, and little knowledge is available on the effect of other VNS frequencies. Deep brain, trigeminal nerve, or spinal cord stimulation studies have suggested the use of stimulation frequencies above 80 Hz for seizure control. Therefore, our objective for the present study was to investigate if VNS using frequencies higher than those currently used in the clinic could be more effective in attenuating seizures. Spike‐and‐wave (SW) discharges were induced in 11 rats, which then were subjected to VNS sessions applied at the frequencies of 10, 30, 80, 130, and 180 Hz combined with control intervals without stimulation. The anticonvulsive effect of VNS was evaluated by comparing the normalized mean power (nMP) and frequency (nMSF) of the SW discharges derived from intracortical recordings collected during the stimulation and control intervals. Compared with the control intervals, all the tested VNS frequencies significantly reduced the nMP (in the range of 9–21%). However, we found that 130 and 180 Hz VNS induced a 50% larger attenuation of seizures than that achieved by 30 Hz VNS. In addition, we found that 80, 130, and 180 Hz VNS induced a significant reduction of the nMSF, that is by 5, 7, and 8%, respectively. These results suggest that a VNS stimulation frequency in the range of 130–180 Hz may be more effective in inhibiting seizures than the 30 Hz VNS applied in the clinic today.
Towards a trans‐disciplinary methodology for a game‐based intervention development process
Authors: Arnab Sylvester , Clarke Samantha 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe application of game‐based learning adds play into educational and instructional contexts. Even though there is a lack of standard methodologies or formulaic frameworks to better inform game‐based intervention development, there exist scientific and empirical studies that can serve as benchmarks for establishing scientific validity in terms of the efficacy of using games to achieve serious outcomes. The development of these games does not normally follow a specific set of guidelines, which limits replication. There is a need to reflect on such a multidisciplinary process and infuse knowledge from relevant disciplines towards developing a unity of considerations and approaches beyond the disciplinary perspectives. An infused and trans‐disciplinary methodological framework could serve as a guideline to inform the development process of a game‐based approach. With these perspectives, this paper aims to provide an example of how relevant theories and frameworks can be adopted collectively in order to inform a development process. Based on a digital game intervention aiming to support the delivery of Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) in the UK, this paper reflects on trans‐disciplinary considerations, informed by frameworks such as the Four‐Dimensional Framework (4DF), the Intervention Mapping (IM) approach, Mechanics Dynamics Aesthetics model (MDA) and Learning Mechanics‐Game Mechanics (LM‐GM) mapping. IM, when infused with the game design considerations of 4DF, provides a more procedural perspective to game‐based intervention development, collectively reflecting a participatory development approach. This subsequently provides the basis upon which other theoretical and methodological frameworks such as the MDA and the LM‐GM models can be embedded in order to marry the pedagogical aspects with the entertainment attributes of gameplay. These components, when integrated, may formulate a trans‐disciplinary model that can be adopted and adapted by other researchers, designers and developers.
Immunotherapy of melanoma: efficacy and mode of action
Authors: Wieder Thomas , Brenner Ellen , Braumüller Heidi , Röcken Martin 
Published: December 2015

SummaryForty years of research have brought about the development of antibodies that induce effective antitumor immune responses through sustained activation of the immune system. These “immune checkpoint inhibitors” are directed against immune inhibitory molecules, such as cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA‐4), programmed death 1 (PD‐1) or programmed death ligand 1 (PD‐L1). Disruption of the PD‐1/PD‐L1 interaction improves the intermediate‐term prognosis even in patients with advanced stage IV melanoma. One and a halfyears after treatment initiation, 30–60 % of these patients are still alive. While cancer immunotherapies usually do not eradicate metastases completely, they do cause a regression by 20–80 %. It is well established that the immune system is able to kill tumor cells, and this has also been demonstrated for immunotherapies. Preclinical data, however, has shown that anti‐cancer immunity is not limited to killing cancer cells. Thus, through interferon gamma and tumor necrosis factor, the immune system is able to induce stable tumor growth arrest, referred to as senescence. Ensuring patient survival by long‐term stabilization of metastatic growth will therefore become a central goal of antitumor immunotherapies. This therapeutic approach is effective in melanoma and non‐small‐cell lung cancer. Once immunotherapies also have an indication for common cancer types, drug prices will have to drop considerably in order to be able to keep them available to those dependent on such therapies.
Hand dermatitis – differential diagnoses, diagnostics, and treatment options
Authors: Mahler Vera 
Published: December 2015

SummaryThe pathogenesis of hand dermatitis is multifactorial, and includes factors such as genetic predisposition and exposure. A high incidence rate is associated with female gender, contact allergy, atopic dermatitis, and wet work. The most important risk factors for the persistence of hand dermatitis include its extent, contact allergic or atopic etiology, childhood dermatitis, and early onset (before the age of 20). The cost of illness of hand dermatitis corresponds to this seen in moderate to severe psoriasis.The diagnostic workup of hand dermatitis and its differential diagnoses requires a detailed assessment of occupational and recreational exposure. In case of possible work‐related triggers, early notification of the accident insurer should be sought (via the dermatologist's report). Exposure to a contact allergen is a contributing factor in one‐half of all cases of hand dermatitis. It is therefore imperative that all patients with hand dermatitis persisting for more than three months undergo patch testing.Successful and sustainable treatment of hand dermatitis starts with the proper identification and elimination of individual triggers, including the substitution of identified contact allergens and irritants, as well as optimizing preventive measures. Graded therapy taking the clinical severity into account is essential. Validated instruments may be used to monitor therapeutic efficacy.
Retrospektive Datenerhebung der Psoriasis‐Behandlung mit Fumarsäureestern bei Kindern und Jugendlichen in Deutschland (KIDS FUTURE‐Studie)
Authors: Reich Kristian , Hartl Christoph , Gambichler Thilo , Zschocke Ina 
Published: December 2015

ZusammenfassungHintergrundMit dieser nicht‐interventionellen, multizentrischen, retrospektiven Studie sollten Wirksamkeits‐ und Sicherheitsdaten zu Fumarsäureestern (FSE) in der systemischen Langzeittherapie der Psoriasis vulgaris bei Kindern und Jugendlichen erhoben werden, da es in dieser Patientengruppe bisher keine systemische Standardtherapie gibt.Patienten und MethodikWirksamkeits‐ und Sicherheitsdaten von Patienten < 18 Jahre bei Therapiebeginn mit FSE wurden mindestens 36 Monate retrospektiv erhoben.ErgebnisseVon 127 Patienten (Alter 6–17 Jahre) wurden Daten von bis zu 60 Monaten Behandlungsdauer erfasst. Physician's Global Assessment, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index und Body Surface Area haben sich in den ersten 6 Monaten deutlich verbessert. Nach 36 Monaten zeigten sich Verbesserungen dieser Parameter um durchschnittlich bis zu zwei Drittel des Ausgangswertes. Bei 37 Patienten wurde mindestens ein unerwünschtes Ereignis (UE) berichtet, bei 36 Patienten im Zusammenhang mit FSE‐Therapie. Drei UEs (Proteinurie, zweimal Flush) waren im Beobachtungszeitraum unter Therapie anhaltend. Fünfzehn UEs führten zum Behandlungsabbruch; in fast allen Fällen waren dies gastrointestinale Beschwerden.SchlussfolgerungenDie KIDS FUTURE‐Studie erfasst erstmals eine größere Population Kinder und Jugendlicher mit Psoriasis, die mit FSE therapiert wurden. Diese Daten legen nahe, dass eine Langzeittherapie mit FSE bei der Behandlung dieser Patientengruppe wirksam und sicher sein kann. In einer derzeit laufenden klinischen Prüfung werden diese Erkenntnisse validiert.
Eine Untersuchung von Faktoren, die mit der gesundheitsbezogenen Lebensqualität und der psychologischen Belastung bei Vitiligo verbunden sind
Authors: Bonotis Konstantinos , Pantelis Konstantinos , Karaoulanis Sokratis , Katsimaglis Chrysanthos , Papaliaga Maria , Zafiriou Efterpi , Tsogas Panagiotis 
Published: December 2015

ZusammenfassungHintergrund und ZieleHautkrankheiten stören das Körperbild und können negative Auswirkungen auf die Lebensqualität und die psychosoziale Gesundheit von Patienten haben. Vitiligo beeinflusst zwar nicht das physische Wohlbefinden, kann aber psychologisch belastend sein. Die vorliegende Untersuchung basiert auf der Hypothese, dass bestimmte Faktoren kritisch für die Anpassung an die Krankheit sein könnten.Patienten und MethodenWir untersuchten bei 216 Patienten die Vitiligo‐bedingt veränderte Lebensqualität und psychische Belastung im Verhältnis zu demographischen Faktoren, Krankheitskomponenten und Persönlichkeitsmerkmalen. Zu diesem Zweck wendeten wir die vom Patienten selbst auszufüllenden Fragebogen Dermatological Quality of Life Index, General Health Questionnaire, Eysenck Personality Inventory und Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale an.ErgebnisseDie statistische Analyse ergab eine positive Korrelation zwischen der Belastung der Patienten und der gesundheitsbezogenen Lebensqualität. Darüber hinaus bestand eine signifikante Assoziation zwischen dem Einfluss der Vitiligo auf die Lebensqualität und Krankheitsvariablen sowie Persönlichkeitsmerkmalen und dem Geschlecht. Andererseits war die psychologische Belastung signifikant mit Persönlichkeitsmerkmalen und dem Geschlecht assoziiert, nicht aber mit Krankheitskomponenten.SchlussfolgerungenUnsere Ergebnisse weisen darauf hin, dass die psychosoziale Anpassung an die Krankheit vor allem durch subjektive Faktoren beeinflusst wird. Dies könnte bedeuten, dass bei der Behandlung der Vitiligo gezielte unterstützende Interventionen erforderlich sind.
Proximal suspensory desmopathy in hindlimbs: A correlative clinical, ultrasonographic, grosspost mortemand histological study
Authors: Dyson S. , Murray R. , Pinilla M.‐J. 
Published: December 2015

SummaryReasons for performing studyIt has been suggested that ultrasonography is unreliable for the detection of hindlimb proximal suspensory desmopathy (PSD) based on comparisons between ultrasonographic and magnetic resonance images.ObjectivesTo compare ultrasonography with gross and histopathologicalpost mortemexamination in horses withPSDdiagnosed based on ultrasonography and control horses.Study designRetrospective descriptive study.MethodsPart 1: 19 horses with hindlimbPSDand 10 control horses were humanely destroyed. Twenty control limbs and 37 lame limbs were examined grossly and 40 suspensory ligaments (SLs) were examined histologically and graded blindly. Part 2: 3 horses with recurrent lameness after surgical management ofPSDand 4 withPSDwere assessed ultrasonographically and by grosspost mortemexamination.ResultsPart 1: ultrasonographic lesions were graded moderate in 31/38 (81.6%) and severe in 7/38 (18.4%) lame limbs; in 4/37 (10.8%) limbs adhesion formation between the proximal aspect of theSLand the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon was predicted. Grosspost mortemand histological examinations of control limbs revealed no abnormalities. Grosspost mortemexamination revealed substantial adhesions between the proximal aspect of theSLand adjacent soft tissues in 10/37 (27.0%) lame limbs; in 10/37 (27.0%) limbs there were adhesions between the body of theSLand the mid plantar aspect of the third metatarsal bone, extending distally in 6 (16.2%) limbs. Histology revealed abnormalities (grades 1–3) of the collagenous tissue in 25/36 (69.4%) limbs; muscle was abnormal (grades 1–3) in 35/36 (97.2%) limbs and adipose tissue (grades 1–3) in 16/36 (44.4%) limbs. Part 2: adhesions between theSLand adjacent soft tissues were predicted ultrasonographically and confirmedpost mortem.ConclusionsUltrasonography was reliable for the detection ofSLpathology based on histology as the gold standard. Adhesions may be a reason for recurrent lameness after surgery.
Interpreting Variations in Groundwater Flows from Repeated Distributed Thermal Perturbation Tests
Authors: Hausner Mark B. , Kryder Levi , Klenke John , Reinke Richard , Tyler Scott W. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractTo better understand the groundwater resources of southern Nye County, Nevada, a multipart distributed thermal perturbation sensing (DTPS) test was performed on a complex of three wells. These wells penetrate an alluvial aquifer that drains the Nevada National Security Site, and characterizing the hydraulic properties and flow paths of the regional groundwater flow system has proven very difficult. The well complex comprised one pumping well and two observation wells, both located 18 m from the pumping well. Using fiber‐optic cables and line heaters, DTPS tests were performed under both stressed and unstressed conditions. Each test injects heat into the water column over a period of one to two days, and observes the rising temperature during heat injection and falling temperatures after heating ceases. Aquifer thermal properties are inferred from temperature patterns in the cased section of the wells, and fluxes through the 30‐m screened section are estimated based on a model that incorporates conductive and advective heat fluxes. Vertical variations in flux are examined on a scale of tens of cm. The actively flowing zones of the aquifer change between the stressed and unstressed test, and anisotropy in the aquifer permeability is apparent from the changing fluxes between tests. The fluxes inferred from the DTPS tests are compared to solute tracer tests previously performed on the same site. The DTPS‐based fluxes are consistent with the fastest solute transport observed in the tracer test, but appear to overestimate the mean flux through the system.
A Survey of the Influencing Factors for International Academic Mobility of Chinese University Students
Authors: Cao Chun , Zhu Chang , Meng Qian 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThis research aims to understand the factors influencing international academic mobility within the Chinese higher education context. The inventory of University Students’ Perceptions of Influencing Factors for International Academic Mobility was developed and tested to enquire about Chinese university students’ perceptions of factors influencing their decisions on international academic mobility. The findings reveal that ‘mobility cost’, ‘quality of host institutions’, ‘future career prospects’, ‘financial aid and employment rate and income in host country’ play leading roles in international academic mobility. Important differences were identified in ‘gender’, ‘major‐ and family‐education background’. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was conducted to predict the interest in mobility from the external factors. The results indicated that ‘future career prospects’, ‘quality of host institutions’, ‘mobility cost’ and ‘climate environment in host country’ emerged as significant favourable pull factors for Chinese university students' interest in mobility. ‘Geographical distance’ emerged as a significant unfavourable pull factor. ‘Impact from parents’ and ‘language and intercultural training of home institutions’ emerged as favourable push factors. ‘Economic situation of home country’ emerged as an unfavorable push factor.