bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Akzeptanz bei Tinnitus: Validierung des „Akzeptanzfragebogen bei chronischem Tinnitus“ (AFCT)
Authors: Riedl D. , Rumpold G. , Schmidt A. , Bliem H. , Moschen R. 
Published: August 2014

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund: Tinnitus ist ein weit verbreitetes Symptom, welches von etwa 10% der Bevölkerung chronisch wahrgenommen wird. Während sich die große Mehrheit durch die Ohrgeräusche langfristig nicht beeinträchtigt fühlt, erleben zwischen 5 und 30% der TinnituspatientInnen einen starken bis extremen psychischen Leidensdruck. Die Schwere der Belastung kann nicht durch die Beschaffenheit des Ohrgeräusches (Lautstärke oder Dauer) erklärt werden, weshalb die Unterschiede der Belastung durch Tinnitus in neueren Forschungen z. T. durch das Konstrukt der Akzeptanz erklärt werden. Ziel der vorliegenden Studie ist es, die psychometrische Qualität einer deutschen Version des „Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire“ (CPAQ), dem „Akzeptanzfragebogen bei chronischem Tinnitus“ (AFCT) zu überprüfen, welcher für Tinnitus adaptiert wurde.
Material und Methoden: 97 PatientInnen mit chronischem Tinnitus wurden zu Beginn einer ambulanten Tinnitusbewältigungsgruppe untersucht. Es wurden der „Akzeptanzfragebogen bei chronischem Tinnitus“ (AFCT) und der „Tinnitusfragebogen“ (TF) eingesetzt. Die Struktur des AFCT wurde anhand einer Faktorenanalyse ermittelt, zur Ermittlung der Reliabilität des Fragebogens wurde die innere Konsistenz (Cronbach Alpha) überprüft.
Ergebnisse: Aufgrund psychometrischer Schwächen sowie unklarer faktorieller Zuordenbarkeit wurden 8 Items des AFCT eliminiert und aus den verbleibenden Items der AFCT-12 gebildet. Der AFCT-12 verfügt über eine gute 2-Faktoren-Lösung, die 54,9% der Varianz aufklären. Sowohl der AFCT als auch der AFCT-12 verfügen über eine gute Reliabilität und gute Validität.
Schlussfolgerungen: Der AFCT-12 hat sich als re­liables und valides Instrument zur Erfassung der Akzeptanz bei Menschen mit chronischem Tinnitus erwiesen.
Diskectomy during Pregnancy: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Kanas Michel , Kunzle Hugo , Martins Delio E. , Kirsch Luiz A. , Puertas Eduardo B. , Wajchenberg Marcelo 
Published: August 2014

Study Design Case report. Objective The purpose of this report is to discuss the management of a disk herniation during pregnancy and the indication and particularities of surgery in this situation. Methods We describe a case of diskectomy performed in a 35-year-old woman at 18 weeks of gestation. After 4 weeks of trying to manage the disk herniation with rest and medications without success, the muscle strength of the L5 right root decreased to grade 4, and the patient was not responding to intravenous analgesia. After discussion with the patient and family, a decision was made to perform the diskectomy. Results After surgery, the patient's pain lessened, and the Lasegue test became negative. Two weeks after the procedure, the patient's muscle strength was normal. In the 40th week of pregnancy, the patient gave birth without any complications. Conclusion When necessary, diskectomy can be indicated and performed during pregnancy. However, appropriate precautions must be taken. Awareness of these precautions is important for the success of the procedure and for the well-being of the mother and the newborn.
A robust nanoscale experimental quantification of fracture energy in a bilayer material system
Authors: Lau Denvid , Broderick Kurt , Buehler Markus J. , Büyüköztürk Oral 
Published: August 2014

Significance
Accurate measurement of interfacial properties is critical any time two materials are bonded—in composites, tooth crowns, or when biomaterials are attached to the human body. Yet, in spite of this importance, reliable methods to measure interfacial properties between dissimilar materials remain elusive. Here we present an experimental method for robust characterization of organic–inorganic interfaces. Combining theory, experiment, and molecular simulation, we show that debonding between layers of materials can be controlled through residual stresses in a deposited metallic layer. We validate the method and show that moisture degrades the bonding between epoxy and silica, a technologically important interface. This may enable us to design more durable concrete composites that could be used to innovate our nation's aging infrastructure.
Predicting the outcomes of treatment to eradicate the latent reservoir for HIV-1
Authors: Hill Alison L. , Rosenbloom Daniel I. S. , Fu Feng , Nowak Martin A. , Siliciano Robert F. 
Published: August 2014

Significance
HIV infection cannot be cured by current antiretroviral drugs, due to the presence of long-lived latently infected cells. New antilatency drugs are being tested in clinical trials, but major unknowns remain. It is unclear how much latent virus must be eliminated for a cure, which remains difficult to answer empirically due to few case studies and limited sensitivity of viral reservoir assays. In this paper, we introduce a mathematical model of HIV dynamics to calculate the likelihood and timing of viral rebound following antilatency treatment. We derive predictions for the required efficacy of antilatency drugs, and demonstrate that rebound times may be highly variable and occur after years of remission. These results will aid in designing and interpreting HIV cure studies.
Antioxidant Capacity of Water‐Extractable Arabinoxylan from Commercial Barley, Wheat, and Wheat Fractions
Authors: Malunga Lovemore Nkhata , Beta Trust 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTThe objective of this research was to analyze the antioxidant capacity directly of water‐extractable nonstarch polysaccharides (NSP) and feruloylated arabinoxylans (WEAX) following their characterization. NSP were isolated from barley, wheat, and wheat fractions (germ, bran, and aleurone). WEAX were extracted only from wheat fractions. Antioxidant capacity of NSP measured with the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid (ABTS), and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assays was 24.0–99.0, 40.0–122.0, and 140.0–286.0μM Trolox equivalents (TE)/g, respectively. The antioxidant capacity of WEAX was 75.7–84.0, 58.0–105.0, and 110.0–235.0μM TE/g for those three assays. DPPH and ABTS were highly correlated to xylose content (R2 = 0.85), degree of substitution (R2 = −0.99), total phenolic acids (R2 = >0.73), total phenolic content (TPC) (R2 = >0.78), and ferulic acid content (R2 = >0.86). ORAC was only influenced by TPC (R2 = 0.63). By taking yield and antioxidant capacity into account, NSP would provide about 0.4–4.2, 0.6–5.1, and 2.8–12.0μM TE/g of flour of radical scavenging activity as measured by DPPH, ABTS, and ORAC, respectively, compared with WEAX (0.4–1.0, 0.3–1.3, and 0.6–2.8μM TE/g). Our results suggest that NSP or WEAX may play a role in protection against free radicals in a food matrix and likely in the gastrointestinal tract.
The Analgesic Effects of Proximal, Distal, or No Sciatic Nerve Block on Posterior Knee Pain after Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Abdallah Faraj W. , Chan Vincent W. S. , Gandhi Rajiv , Koshkin Arkadiy , Abbas Sherif , Brull Richard 
Published: August 2014

Abstract

Background:
The analgesic efficacy of sciatic nerve block (SNB) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is unclear. Proximal and distal SNB are each reported to provide posterior knee analgesia, whereas others suggest that posterior knee pain is not important after TKA. This prospective, randomized, double-blind, parallel-arm, placebo-controlled trial examined whether proximal or distal SNB provides superior analgesia in the posterior knee compared with no SNB after TKA.

Methods:
Sixty patients undergoing TKA were randomized to single-shot SNB using either the infragluteal (Proximal group) or popliteal (Distal group) technique, or no SNB (Placebo group). All patients received spinal anesthesia and continuous-femoral nerve blockade. A blinded observer assessed posterior and anterior knee pain at 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24 h postoperatively. The primary outcome was moderate-to-severe posterior knee pain at 4 h postoperatively; secondary outcomes included SNB procedural time, needle passes, and discomfort.

Results:
Fifty-three patients were analyzed. The proportion of patients (Proximal:Distal:Placebo) who experienced moderate-to-severe posterior knee pain was 18%:22%:89% (P < 0.00001) at 2 h, 24%:28%:72% (P < 0.01) at 4 h, and 12%:17%:78% (P = 0.00003) at 6 h postoperatively. For the anterior knee, the proportion of patients reporting moderate-to-severe pain was 6%:11%:44% (P = 0.02) at 2 h, 6%:6%:39% (P = 0.012) at 4 h, and 12%:6%:44% (P = 0.017) at 6 h postoperatively. Moderate-to-severe pain did not differ between groups beyond 6 h. Both proximal and distal SNB reduced rest pain in the posterior and anterior knee up to 8 h postoperatively compared with no SNB. The popliteal technique required shorter procedural time, fewer needle passes, and produced less discomfort.

Conclusion:
Proximal and distal SNB each reduce posterior and anterior knee pain after TKA compared with no SNB.
Factors Affecting the Nonlinear Force Versus Distraction Height Curves in an In Vitro C5–C6 Anterior Cervical Distraction Model
Authors: Wen Junxiang , Xu Jianwei , Li Lijun , Yang Mingjie , Pan Jie , Chen Deyu , Jia Lianshun , Tan Jun 
Published: August 2014

Study Design:
In vitro biomechanical study of cervical intervertebral distraction.

Objective:
To investigate the forces required for distraction to different heights in an in vitro C5–C6 anterior cervical distraction model, focusing on the influence of the intervertebral disk, posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL), and ligamentum flavum (LF).

Summary of Background Data:
No previous studies have reported on the forces required for distraction to various heights or the factors resisting distraction in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion.

Materials and Methods:
Anterior cervical distraction at C5–C6 was performed in 6 cadaveric specimens using a biomechanical testing machine, under 4 conditions: A, before disk removal; B, after disk removal; C, after disk and PLL removal; and D, after disk and PLL removal and cutting of the LF. Distraction was performed from 0 to 10 mm at a constant velocity (5 mm/min). Force and distraction height were recorded automatically.

Results:
The force required increased with distraction height under all 4 conditions. There was a sudden increase in force required at 6–7 mm under conditions B and C, but not D. Under condition A, distraction to 5 mm required a force of 268.3±38.87 N. Under conditions B and C, distraction to 6 mm required <15 N, and further distraction required dramatically increased force, with distraction to 10 mm requiring 115.4±10.67 and 68.4±9.67 N, respectively. Under condition D, no marked increase in force was recorded.

Conclusions:
Distraction of the intervertebral space was much easier after disk removal. An intact LF caused a sudden marked increase in the force required for distraction, possibly indicating the point at which the LF was fully stretched. This increase in resistance may help to determine the optimal distraction height to avoid stress to the endplate spacer.
In Silico Design of Self-Optimizing Integrated Metabolic and Gene Regulatory Networks
Authors: Maarleveld Timo R. , Ng Bennett K. , Sauro Herbert M. , Kim Kyung Hyuk 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBiological organisms acclimatize to varying environmental conditions via active self-regulation of internal gene regulatory networks, metabolic networks, and protein signaling networks. While much work has been done to elucidate the topologies of individual networks in isolation, understanding of inter-network regulatory mechanisms remains limited. This shortcoming is of particular relevance to synthetic biology. Synthetic biological circuits tend to lose their engineered functionality over generational time, primarily due to the deleterious stress that they exert on their host organisms. To reduce this stress (and thus minimize loss of functionality) synthetic circuits must be sensitive to the health of the host organism. Development of integrated regulatory systems is therefore essential to robust synthetic biological systems. The aim of this study was to develop integrated gene-regulatory and metabolic networks which self-optimize in response to varying environmental conditions. We performedin silicoevolution to develop such networks using a two-step approach: (1) We optimized metabolic networks given a constrained amount of available enzyme. Here, we found that a proportional relationship between flux control coefficients and enzyme mass holds in all linear sub-networks of branched networks, except those sub-networks which contain allosteric regulators. Network optimization was performed by iteratively redistributing enzyme until flux through the network was maximized. Optimization was performed for a range of boundary metabolite conditions to develop a profile of optimal enzyme distributions as a function of environmental conditions. (2) We generated and evolved randomized gene regulatory networks to modulate the enzymes of a target metabolic pathway. The objective of the gene regulatory networks was to produce the optimal distribution of metabolic network enzymes given specific boundary metabolite conditions of the target network. Competitive evolutionary algorithms were applied to optimize the specific structures and kinetic parameters of the gene regulatory networks. With this method, we demonstrate the possibility of algorithmic development of integrated adaptive gene and metabolic regulatory networks which dynamically self-optimize in response to changing environmental conditions.
Leaf Vein Length per Unit Area Is Not Intrinsically Dependent on Image Magnification: Avoiding Measurement Artifacts for Accuracy and Precision
Authors: Sack Lawren , Caringella Marissa , Scoffoni Christine , Mason Chase , Rawls Michael , Markesteijn Lars , Poorter Lourens 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Leaf vein length per unit leaf area (VLA; also known as vein density) is an important determinant of water and sugar transport, photosynthetic function, and biomechanical support. A range of software methods are in use to visualize and measure vein systems in cleared leaf images; typically, users locate veins by digital tracing, but recent articles introduced software by which users can locate veins using thresholding (i.e. based on the contrasting of veins in the image). Based on the use of this method, a recent study argued against the existence of a fixed VLA value for a given leaf, proposing instead that VLA increases with the magnification of the image due to intrinsic properties of the vein system, and recommended that future measurements use a common, low image magnification for measurements. We tested these claims with new measurements using the software LEAFGUI in comparison with digital tracing using ImageJ software. We found that the apparent increase of VLA with magnification was an artifact of (1) using low-quality and low-magnification images and (2) errors in the algorithms of LEAFGUI. Given the use of images of sufficient magnification and quality, and analysis with error-free software, the VLA can be measured precisely and accurately. These findings point to important principles for improving the quantity and quality of important information gathered from leaf vein systems.
A prominent stepwise advance of the tree line in north‐east Finland
Authors: Aakala Tuomas , Hari Pertti , Dengel Sigrid , Newberry Sarah L. , Mizunuma Toshie , Grace John 
Published: August 2014

Summary

The elevational limit of trees (henceforth, the ‘tree line’) is widely considered to be a sensitive indicator of environmental change. Here, we document the 20th century tree line advance and increase in the tree population at the tree line ecotone, along a Pinus sylvestris‐dominated slope in north‐eastern Finland, in conditions where growth and recruitment have generally been linked to temperature variation.

Using tree recruitment ages (growth to 1.3 m height) along an elevational transect, we compared recruitment to variation in environmental conditions associated with tree line dynamics, seed and cone crops, and reindeer densities. We further investigated the relationships among temperature and tree‐level growth variables.

Results show the existence of a former tree line at approximately 400 m a.s.l. and an advance of trees that began in the 1920s and reached the top of the fell (at 470 m a.s.l.) in the 1980s. During this time, the population density of P. sylvestris increased from 4 to 468 trees within the 5.6 ha study plot. Needle and shoot lengths were positively related to air temperature but recruitment was not.

Average rate of P. sylvestris advance over the 20th century was consistent with earlier studies, but the temporal patterns of both upslope advance and population density increase were unexpected: both were characterized by a strongly stepwise pattern, culminating in a rapid advance and density increase in the 1970–1980s, and returning to low levels in the 1990s.

Despite a positive relationship between growth and temperature variables at the tree level, climatic variables, or seed and cone crops were inconsistent with recruitment patterns. For most part of the 20th century, the increase corresponded to the gradual atmospheric CO2 increase, but of the variables screened only the changes in reindeer densities coincided with the stepwise pattern.

Synthesis. Our results confirmed the connection between tree‐level processes and temperature variability as expected from earlier studies. However, recruitment was not correlated with any of the environmental variables. Our findings point towards complex tree line dynamics, in which biotic agents may play a major role in mediating tree line response to environmental change.
Management of children with possible appendicitis: A survey of emergency physicians in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Mc Cabe Kieran , Babl Franz E , Dalton Sarah ,   Paediatric Research in Emergency Departments International Collaborative (PREDICT)
Published: August 2014

AbstractObjectivesTo describe current practice in managing children with possible acute appendicitis in EDs in Australia and New Zealand as the basis for a clinical practice guideline (CPG).MethodsAn anonymous survey was distributed to consultant emergency physicians working at PREDICT (Paediatric Research in Emergency Departments International Collaborative) sites in Australia and New Zealand in April 2013. A second, site‐based survey was distributed to the PREDICT representatives at each of the 13 sites.ResultsThe response rate was 100% (13/13) for the site‐based survey and 82% (145/176) for the physician survey. Most respondents agreed that right lower quadrant (RLQ) tenderness (94%), anorexia (92%), migration of abdominal pain to the RLQ (86%), rebound tenderness in the RLQ (60%) and RLQ tenderness produced on coughing, hopping or percussion (63%) were valuable symptoms and signs in diagnosing appendicitis. The responses regarding nausea and vomiting and fever were less consistent. Less than 50% regarded blood tests (C‐reactive protein, white cell count) as relevant for the diagnosis of appendicitis. Most physicians (61%) agreed there was a role for a validated CPG for possible appendicitis in children, although only 3/13 sites reported use of such a CPG.ConclusionsThis survey of senior emergency physicians across Australia and New Zealand demonstrated congruence in several clinical markers and disagreements in others in the approach to diagnosing children with possible appendicitis. Whereas emergency physicians would like a validated CPG, this survey has highlighted some critical issues. Particularly, the low regard for blood tests, integral to published diagnostic scoring systems, will be a challenge for the development and introduction of such a CPG in Australia and New Zealand.
Connecting scales: Achieving in‐field pest control from areawide and landscape ecology studies
Authors: Schellhorn Nancy A. , Parry Hazel R. , Macfadyen Sarina , Wang Yongmo , Zalucki Myron P. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractAreawide management has a long history of achieving solutions that target pests, however, there has been little focus on the areawide management of arthropod natural enemies. Landscape ecology studies that show a positive relationship between natural enemy abundance and habitat diversity demonstrate landscape‐dependent pest suppression, but have not yet clearly linked their findings to pest management or to the suite of pests associated with crops that require control. Instead the focus has often been on model systems of single pest species and their natural enemies. We suggest that management actions to capture pest control from natural enemies may be forth coming if: (i) the suite of response and predictor variables focus on pest complexes and specific management actions; (ii) the contribution of “the landscape” is identified by assessing the timing and numbers of natural enemies immigrating and emigrating to and from the target crop, as well as pests; and (iii) pest control thresholds aligned with crop development stages are the benchmark to measure impact of natural enemies on pests, in turn allowing for comparison between study regions, and generalizations. To achieve pest control we will need to incorporate what has been learned from an ecological understanding of model pest and natural enemy systems and integrate areawide landscape management with in‐field pest management.
Survey of insect visitation of ornamental flowers in Southover Grange garden, Lewes, UK
Authors: Garbuzov Mihail , Samuelson Elizabeth E. W. , Ratnieks Francis L. W. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractOrnamental flowers commonly grown in urban gardens and parks can be of value to flower‐visiting insects. However, there is huge variation in the number of insects attracted among plant varieties. In this study, we quantified the insect attractiveness of 79 varieties in full bloom being grown in a public urban garden that is popular due to its beautiful flowers and other attractions. The results showed very clearly that most varieties (77%, n = 61) were either poorly attractive or completely unattractive to insect flower visitors. Several varieties (19%, n = 15) were moderately attractive, but very few (4%, n = 3) were highly attractive. Closer examination of Dahlia varieties showed that “open” flowered forms were approximately 20 times more attractive than “closed” flowered forms. These results strongly suggest that there is a great potential for making urban parks and gardens considerably more bee‐ and insect‐friendly by selecting appropriate varieties.
Family history of psychosis and social, occupational and global outcome in schizophrenia: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Käkelä J. , Panula J. , Oinas E. , Hirvonen N. , Jääskeläinen E. , Miettunen J. 
Published: August 2014

ObjectiveWe aimed to investigate associations between family history of psychosis and long‐term occupational, social and global (i.e. combined occupational, social and clinical) outcome in schizophrenia.MethodA systematic search to identify potentially relevant studies was conducted using seven electronic databases and a manual search of literature. Only observational studies with a follow‐up period of at least 2 years were included.ResultsThe search identified 4081 unique potentially relevant articles, of which 14 met our inclusion criteria. The presence of family history of psychosis was associated with poor occupational and global outcome (n = 3; r = 0.17; P = 0.008, n = 11; r = 0.13; P = 0.002, respectively).ConclusionThis was the first systematic review on the effects of family history of psychosis on occupational and social outcome in schizophrenia. Based on the review, the presence of family history of psychosis has a relatively small but statistically significant association with long‐term occupational and global outcome in patients with schizophrenia.