bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pre-service ultrasonic and manual evaluation of the reproductive organs of dairy cows presumed to be in estrus
Authors: Hansar Endris , Lemma Alemayehu , Yilma Tefera 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Manual and ultrasonic evaluation of the the reproductive organs of 62 dairy cows and heifers belonging to smallholder farms was conducted. The objective was to assess the efficiency of visual estrus detection method in the dairy animals that were presented for artificial insemination. Data were collected on reproductive status, body condition, estrus signs, and findings of rectal examination. Thirty-three animals were inseminated after ultrasonic evaluation while 29 animals were inseminated after manual evaluation through rectal palpation. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed using ultrasound 30 days post insemination. The most frequently observed estrus signs by the dairy owners were mucus discharge (83.9%) and mounting (67.7%) while the most frequently confirmed physical signs of estrus by rectal examination were cervical opening (88.7%), and uterine turgidity (82.3%). The overall mean (±SD) diameter of the largest follicle was 12.9 ± 3.4 mm with an average number of 3.5 follicles per ovary. The overall pregnancy rate was 29%. Evaluation of post-insemination records showed a significant difference (P < 0.05) in the diameter of largest follicle between the pregnant (14.7 mm) and non-pregnant (12.1 mm) animals. The mean (±SD) time interval between the first observed estrus sign to service were 10.5 ± 7.0 hrs and 14.5 ± 10.0 hrs for pregnant and non-pregnant, respectively. The low pregnancy rate, delayed time of insemination, and the difference in the size of dominant follicle indicate the incompatibility between visual estrus detection and optimal time of insemination. This confirms the significance of improving estrus detection and the need for combining estrus signs with pre-service evaluation of the reproductive organs either manually or using ultrasound.
Affirmative action and university fit: evidence from Proposition 209
Authors: Arcidiacono Peter , Aucejo Esteban , Coate Patrick , Hotz V Joseph 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Proposition 209 banned the use of racial preferences in admissions at public colleges in California. We analyze unique data for all applicants and enrollees within the University of California (UC) system before and after Prop 209. After Prop 209, minority graduation rates increased by 4.35 percentage points. We present evidence that certain institutions are better at graduating more-prepared students while other institutions are better at graduating less-prepared students and that these matching effects are particularly important for the bottom tail of the qualification distribution. We find that Prop 209 led to a more efficient sorting of minority students, explaining 18% of the graduation rate increase in our preferred specification. Further, there appears to have been behavioral responses to Prop 209, by universities and/or students, that explain between 23% and 64% of the graduation rate increase.

JEL codes

I28; J15
The role of mitochondrial function in gold nanoparticle mediated radiosensitisation
Authors: Taggart Laura E , McMahon Stephen J , Currell Fred J , Prise Kevin M , Butterworth Karl T 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Gold nanoparticles (GNPs), have been demonstrated as effective preclinical radiosensitising agents in a range of cell models and radiation sources. These studies have also highlighted difficulty in predicted cellular radiobiological responses mediated by GNPs, based on physical assumptions alone, and therefore suggest a significant underlying biological component of response. This study aimed to determine the role of mitochondrial function in GNP radiosensitisation. Using assays of DNA damage and mitochondrial function through levels of oxidation and loss of membrane potential, we demonstrate a potential role of mitochondria as a central biological mechanism of GNP mediated radiosensitisation.
Circulating tumor cells as early predictors of metastatic spread in breast cancer patients with limited metastatic dissemination
Authors: Giuliano Mario , Giordano Antonio , Jackson Summer , De Giorgi Ugo , Mego Michal , Cohen Evan N , Gao Hui , Anfossi Simone , Handy Beverly C , Ueno Naoto T , Alvarez Ricardo H , De Placido Sabino , Valero Vicente , Hortobagyi Gabriel N , Reuben James M , Cristofanilli Massimo 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Traditional factors currently used for prognostic stratification do not always adequately predict treatment response and disease evolution in advanced breast cancer patients. Therefore, the use of blood-based markers, such as circulating tumor cells (CTCs), represents a promising complementary strategy for disease monitoring. In this retrospective study, we explored the role of CTC counts as predictors of disease evolution in breast cancer patients with limited metastatic dissemination.

Methods
A total of 492 advanced breast cancer patients who had a CTC count assessed by CellSearch prior to starting a new line of systemic therapy were eligible for this analysis. Using the threshold of 5 CTCs/7.5 ml of blood, pretreatment CTC counts were correlated in the overall population with metastatic site distribution, evaluated at baseline and at the time of treatment failure, using Fisher’s exact test. Time to visceral progression and time to the development of new metastatic lesions and sites were estimated in patients with nonvisceral metastases and with single-site metastatic disease, respectively, by the Kaplan-Meier method. Survival times were compared between groups according to pretreatment CTC count by logrank test.

Results
In the overall population, a pretreatment level ≥5 CTCs/7.5 ml was associated with an increased baseline number of metastatic sites compared with <5 CTCs/7.5 ml (P = 0.0077). At the time of treatment failure, patients with ≥5 CTCs/7.5 ml more frequently developed new metastatic lesions and sites compared with those with <5 CTCs/7.5 ml (development of new lesions: P = 0.0002; development of new sites: P = 0.0031). Among patients with disease originally confined to nonvisceral sites, ≥5 CTCs/7.5 ml was associated with remarkably shorter time to visceral metastases (P = 0.0021) and overall survival (P = 0.0006) compared with <5 CTCs/7.5 ml. In patients with single-site metastatic disease, ≥5 CTCs/7.5 ml was associated with a significant reduction of the time to development of new metastatic sites (P = 0.0051) and new lesions (P = 0.0002) and with worse overall survival (P = 0.0101).

Conclusion
Our results suggest that baseline CTC counts can be used as an early predictor of metastatic potential in breast cancer patients with limited metastatic dissemination.
The Angelina Jolie effect: how high celebrity profile can have a major impact on provision of cancer related services
Authors: Evans D Gareth R , Barwell Julian , Eccles Diana M , Collins Amanda , Izatt Louise , Jacobs Chris , Donaldson Alan , Brady Angela F , Cuthbert Andrew , Harrison Rachel , Thomas Sue , Howell Anthony ,   The FH02 Study Group,   RGC teams, Miedzybrodzka Zosia , Murray Alex 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Introduction
It is frequent for news items to lead to a short lived temporary increase in interest in a particular health related service, however it is rare for this to have a long lasting effect. In 2013, in the UK in particular, there has been unprecedented publicity in hereditary breast cancer, with Angelina Jolie’s decision to have genetic testing for the BRCA1 gene and subsequently undergo risk reducing mastectomy (RRM), and a pre-release of the NICE guidelines on familial breast cancer in January and their final release on 26th June. The release of NICE guidelines created a lot of publicity over the potential for use of chemoprevention using tamoxifen or raloxifene. However, the longest lasting news story was the release of details of film actress Angelina Jolie’s genetic test and surgery.

Methods
To assess the potential effects of the ‘Angelina Jolie’ effect, referral data specific to breast cancer family history was obtained from around the UK for the years 2012 and 2013. A consortium of over 30 breast cancer family history clinics that have contributed to two research studies on early breast surveillance were asked to participate as well as 10 genetics centres. Monthly referrals to each service were collated and increases from 2012 to 2013 assessed.

Results
Data from 12 family history clinics and 9 regional genetics services showed a rise in referrals from May 2013 onwards. Referrals were nearly 2.5 fold in June and July 2013 from 1,981 (2012) to 4,847 (2013) and remained at around two-fold to October 2013. Demand for BRCA1/2 testing almost doubled and there were also many more enquiries for risk reducing mastectomy. Internal review shows that there was no increase in inappropriate referrals.

Conclusions
The Angelina Jolie effect has been long lasting and global, and appears to have increased referrals to centres appropriately.
A systematic review of cognitive decline in dementia with Lewy bodies versus Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Breitve Monica H , Chwiszczuk Luiza J , Hynninen Minna J , Rongve Arvid , Brønnick Kolbjørn , Janvin Carmen , Aarsland Dag 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Introduction
The aim of this review was to investigate whether there is a faster cognitive decline in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) than in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) over time.

Methods
PsycINFO and Medline were searched from 1946 to February 2013. A quality rating from 1 to 15 (best) was applied to the included studies. A quantitative meta-analysis was done on studies with mini mental state examination (MMSE) as the outcome measure.

Results
A total of 18 studies were included. Of these, six (36%) reported significant differences in the rate of cognitive decline. Three studies reported a faster cognitive decline on MMSE in patients with mixed DLB and AD compared to pure forms, whereas two studies reported a faster decline on delayed recall and recognition in AD and one in DLB on verbal fluency. Mean quality scores for studies that did or did not differ were not significantly different. Six studies reported MMSE scores and were included in the meta-analysis, which showed no significant difference in annual decline on MMSE between DLB (mean 3.4) and AD (mean 3.3).

Conclusions
Our findings do not support the hypothesis of a faster rate of cognitive decline in DLB compared to AD. Future studies should apply recent diagnostic criteria, as well as extensive diagnostic evaluation and ideally autopsy diagnosis. Studies with large enough samples, detailed cognitive tests, at least two years follow up and multivariate statistical analysis are also needed.
Maximizing time from the constraining European Working Time Directive (EWTD): The Heidelberg New Working Time Model
Authors: Schimmack Simon , Hinz Ulf , Wagner Andreas , Schmidt Thomas , Strothmann Hendrik , Büchler Markus W , Schmitz-Winnenthal Hubertus 
Published: September 2014

Abstract

Background
The introduction of the European Working Time Directive (EWTD) has greatly reduced training hours of surgical residents, which translates into 30% less surgical and clinical experience. Such a dramatic drop in attendance has serious implications such compromised quality of medical care. As the surgical department of the University of Heidelberg, our goal was to establish a model that was compliant with the EWTD while avoiding reduction in quality of patient care and surgical training.

Methods
We first performed workload analyses and performance statistics for all working areas of our department (operation theater, emergency room, specialized consultations, surgical wards and on-call duties) using personal interviews, time cards, medical documentation software as well as data of the financial- and personnel-controlling sector of our administration. Using that information, we specifically designed an EWTD-compatible work model and implemented it.

Results
Surgical wards and operating rooms (ORs) were not compliant with the EWTD. Between 5 pm and 8 pm, three ORs were still operating two-thirds of the time. By creating an extended work shift (7:30 am-7:30 pm), we effectively reduced the workload to less than 49% from 4 pm and 8 am, allowing the combination of an eight-hour working day with a 16-hour on call duty; thus, maximizing surgical resident training and ensuring patient continuity of care while maintaining EDTW guidelines.

Conclusion
A precise workload analysis is the key to success. The Heidelberg New Working Time Model provides a legal model, which, by avoiding rotating work shifts, assures quality of patient care and surgical training.
Enhanced oxygen transfer rate and bioprocess yield by using magnetite nanoparticles in fermentation media of erythromycin
Authors: Labbeiki Ghazal , Attar Hossein , Heydarinasab Amir , Sorkhabadi Sayed , Rashidi Alimorad 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackgroundMagnetite nanoparticles have widespread biomedical applications. In the aerobic bioprocesses, oxygen is a limiting factor for the microbial metabolic rate; hence a high availability of oxygen in the medium is crucial for high fermentation productivity. This study aimed to examine the effect of using magnetite nanoparticles on oxygen transfer rate in erythromycin fermentation culture.MethodsMagnetite nanoparticles were synthetized through co-precipitation method. After observing the enhanced oxygen transfer rate in deionized water enriched with magnetite nanoparticles, these nanoparticles were used in the media of bySaccharopolyspora erythraeagrowth to explore their impact on erythromycin fermentation titer. Treatments comprised different concentrations of magnetite nanoparticles, (0, 0.005, 0.02 v/v).ResultsIn the medium containing 0.02 v/v magnetite nanoparticles, KLa was determined to be 1.89 time higher than that in magnetite nanoparticle-free broth. An improved 2.25 time higher erythromycin titer was obtained in presence of 0.02 v/v nanoparticles.ConclusionsOur results, demonstrate the potential of magnetite nanoparticles for enhancing the productivity of aerobic pharmaceutical bioprocesses.
Characterizing plasma albumin concentration changes in TB/HIV patients on anti retroviral and anti –tuberculosis therapy
Authors: Bisaso Kuteesa R , Owen Joel S , Ojara Francis W , Namuwenge Proscovia M , Mugisha Apollo , Mbuagbaw Lawrence , Luboobi Livingstone S , Mukonzo Jackson K 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Purpose
Plasma albumin, a biomarker for hepatic function, is reported to correspondingly decrease in concentration as disease severity increases in chronic infections including HIV and TB. Our objective was to develop a semi-mechanistic disease progression model to quantify plasma albumin concentration changes during TB and HIV therapy and identify the associated covariate factors.

Methods
Plasma albumin concentration data was collected at specified times for 3 months from 262 HIV participants receiving efavirenz based anti retroviral therapy. Of these, 158 were TB co-infected and on Rifampicin based anti –tuberculosis co-treatment. An indirect response model with zero order albumin production and first order elimination was developed in NONMEM version 7.2 to describe our data. Genotype (CYP2B6*6 and 11, CYP3A5, ABCB1c.3435C>T and ABCB1rs), TB disease status, baseline age, body weight, plasma creatinine, alanine transaminase enzyme and CD4+ count were the potential model covariates tested.

Results
The proposed model successfully described plasma albumin concentration changes in the study population. There was a 10.9% and 48.6% increase in albumin production rates in HIV only and TB co-infected participants respectively. Participants co-infected with TB showed a 44.2% lower baseline albumin secretion rate than those without TB while ABCB1c.3435C>T mutation was associated with a 16% higher steady state albumin secretion rate following treatment.

Conclusion
A semi-mechanistic model describes plasma albumin concentration changes in HIV patients on ART. Further work is required to establish the utility of the model in monitoring disease progression and predicting prognosis in HIV and TB co-infected patients in absence of or during treatment.
Conjoint propagation and differentiation of human embryonic stem cells to cardiomyocytes in a defined microcarrier spinner culture
Authors: Lam Alan Tin-Lun , Chen Allen Kuan-Liang , Li Jian , Birch William R , Reuveny Shaul , Oh Steve Kah-Weng 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Myocardial infarction is accompanied by a significant loss of cardiomyocytes (CMs). Functional CMs, differentiated from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), offer a potentially unlimited cell source for cardiac disease therapies and regenerative cardiovascular medicine. However, conventional production methods on monolayer culture surfaces cannot adequately supply the large numbers of cells required for such treatments. To this end, an integrated microcarrier (MC) bioprocessing system for hESC propagation and subsequent CM differentiation was developed.

Methods
Production of hESC-derived CMs was initially established in monolayer cultures. This control condition was compared against hESC expansion on laminin-coated MC with cationic surface charge, in a stirred serum-free defined culture. Following expansion, the hESC/MC aggregates were placed in a CM differentiation medium, using Wnt signalling modulators in four different culture conditions. This process eliminated the need for manual colony cutting. The final optimized protocol was tested in stirred spinner flasks, combining expansion and differentiation on the same MC, with only media changes during the culture process.

Results
In the propagation phase, a 15-fold expansion of viable pluripotent HES-3 was achieved, with homogeneous sized aggregates of 316 ± 11 μm. Of the four differentiation conditions, stirred spinner flask cultures (MC-Sp) provided the best controlled aggregate sizes and yielded 1.9 × 106 CM/ml, as compared to 0.5 × 106 CM/ml using the monolayer cultures method: a four-fold increase in CM/ml. Similar results (1.3 × 106 CM/ml) were obtained with an alternative hESC H7 line. The hESC/MC-derived CM expressed cardiac-specific transcription factors, structural, ion channel genes, and exhibited cross-striations of sarcomeric proteins, thus confirming their cardiac ontogeny. Moreover, E-4031 (0.3 μM) prolonged the QT-interval duration by 40% and verapamil (3 μM) reduced it by 45%, illustrating the suitability of these CM for pharmacological assays.

Conclusions
We have demonstrated a robust and scalable microcarrier system for generating hESC-derived CM. This platform is enabled by defined microcarrier matrices and it integrates cell propagation and differentiation within a continuous process, in serum-free culture media. It can generate significant numbers of CM, which are potentially suitable for future clinical therapies.
Heritage entropy and tourist pilgrimage in Brave’s Scotland
Authors: Tzanelli Rodanthi 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
The article explores the production of a cinematic tourist industry connected to Scottish landscapes and heritage with the release of Disney-Pixar’s animated fairy tale Brave (Andrews and Chapman, 2012). It contends that the first ever planned synergy between a creative industry and the country whose traditions and landscapes allegedly inspired the former’s film-making resulted in what is termed ‘heritage entropy’. This state-backed nationalist reinstatement of Scottish identity as a naturalized ‘being in time’, ready to be marketed to global tourists, both drew upon and was inspired by broadcast professional pilgrimages of the Scottish Brave artists and the marketing of Brave holidays to Scotland as a family experience. To illustrate the digital and imagological–auditory nature of heritage entropy, which both naturalizes communities and technologizes their merit so as to present them as ‘civilized’, examples are presented from the websites of Adventures Disney Tours, the industry’s marketing tourist body, and VisitScotland, the country’s tourist organization.
Die Bundesrepublik - in bester Verfassung?
Authors: Simon Helmut 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
The author believes it tobe one ofthe duties Christians have to accept the state ofthe basic Iaw as a matter of their own concern. This acceptance has a character of critical solidarity with an order needy and capable of improvement. It includes the willingness to cooperate in three tasks: the rejection of falsifications and erosions of essential structural elements in constitutional law, the bridging of the gap between constitutional standard and constitutional reality and the further development ofthe constitutional order in a future-oriented way. The fundamental structural principles of the constitution - the principle of democracy, the concept of a state based on the rule oflaw (Rechtsstaat), and the concept of a social welfare state - are used to illustrate these tasks more thoroughly.
K. E. Løgstrup. Dänischer Theologe und Ethiker
Authors: Mortensen Viggo 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
In an introduction to tbe tbeology and moral pbilosopby of tbe Danisb tbinker, K. E. Legstrup (1905-1981), tbe starting point ist taken in bis on pbenomenological basis developed pbilosopby of creation. Tbe vibrant discussion in Denmark in tbe fifties between K. E. Legstrup an N. H. See conceming a specific cbristian etbics is evaluated and it is sbown bow Legstcups etbical tbinking developed in two directions. On tbe one band be expands bis pbilosopby of creation into metapbysical reflections in order to substantiate bis solution to tbe problern of tbe foundations of etbics. On tbe otber band be anticipates a development towards applied etbics.
Ansätze einer Orientierungsethik
Authors: Logsirup Rosemarie 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
(verlaßt von Viggo Mortensen) Although the different ethical phenomena stick together it is vital to evaluate them separately. The paper deals with the following phenomena and aspects of moral philosophy:
(1) The zone of sacrosantity and its place in the emotionallife of huma beings.
(2) The difference between morality and moralisin.
(3) As the sovereign life-manifestiones are spontanous can we contribute to their development?
(4) What are the ideal conditions for the development of specific character traits?
(5) The ethical contrast between good and evil and the contrast between life and death. How are they related to each other in the Christian Gospel?
Zur Problematik des Verantwortungsbegriffes bei Hans Jonas
Authors: Müller Wolfgang Erich 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
In his restitution of metaphysical founded ethics Hans Jonas replied to the challenges of modern technology. His reperception of the immanent teleology of nature tries to prevent the technological overkill. This article shows in opposition to Jonas the impossibility to deduct a moral obligation (>>Prinzip Verantwortung«) from the teleology of nature. Moreover in theological thoughts it is illegitime to talk obout a good nature in which men ought to incorporate themselves.
Die neue Welle Wirtschaftsethik – aus der Sicht der Evangelischen Akademien
Authors: May Hans 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
The Evangelical Academies are a forum to open debate on any matters relating to a furtherance of a responsible approach to future directions in society. The contribution discusses in the author's view in which way, for which reasons and on which sociallevels questions of ethics in economy have occured in the Academie's work. The author proposes to establish interdisciplinary teams developing norms to connect ethics and economy, and points out a nurober of tasks for the future work.