bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utilização do cadastro territorial multifinalitário na gestão de riscos
Authors: Amorim Amilton , De Sousa Ana Maria Rodrigues Monteiro , Pereira de Sousa Eric Rafael
Published: March 2015

Num primeiro momento, este trabalho apresenta uma breve revisão bibliográfica sobre cadastro e gestão territorial. Em seguida, é apresentada a metodologia utilizada para a execução de mapas temáticos pela Internet, mostrando as características de edificações susceptíveis a alguns tipos de riscos. Finalmente, evidenciasse a potencialidade e a viabilidade da utilização das informações cadastrais nesta importante área de aplicação, com poucos recursos financeiros.
Elaboração de um banco de dados para eventos severos
Authors: Pellegrina Geórgia Jorge , Antunes de Oliveira Marcos Antonio , Palcheco Peixoto Anna Silvia
Published: March 2015

O acesso à informação sobre a ocorrência de desastres naturais é de vital importância para um conhecimento detalhado da extensão e do impacto dos mesmos para a sociedade. Objetivando facilitar o acesso a essas informações iniciou-se em 2007, uma pesquisa com vistas a organizá-las e estruturá-las em forma de banco de dados. Essas informações compiladas continuamente desde 1995, certamente contribuirão para a determinação de possíveis áreas de risco.
Determinação da fragilidade ambiental na bacia do rio Verde, região nordeste do estado de São Paulo, Brasil
Authors: Vitte Antonio Carlos , Pereira de Mello Juliano
Published: March 2015

Este trabalho apresenta um ensaio cartográfico para a determinação da fragilidade ambiental na Bacia Hidrográfica do Rio Verde (SP), localizada numa área de contato entre as rochas cristalinas da Serra da Mantiqueira e os terrenos sedimentares da Depressão Periférica Paulista.Analisamos as características histórico-social-econômicas da Bacia, a qual é marcada pelas práticas agropecuárias, principalmente, as ligadas aos plantios de cana-de-açúcar, batata e cebola, além da criação de gado bovino. Mapeamos e analisamos os dados sobre geologia, pedologia, drenagem, hipsometria, declividades e de uso e ocupação das terras, os quais, foram tratados em ambiente SIG e integrados por um algoritmo para chegarmos a um mapa síntese das classes de fragilidade ambiental na Bacia.Concluímos que a maior parte da área formada pela junção das classes de média a muito alta fragilidade estão na porção da bacia hidrográfica que corresponde aos domínios da Serra da Mantiqueira – maior intensidade dos processos de morfogênese.
Evaluation of desiccated and deformed diaspores from natural building materials
Authors: Henn Tamás , Pál Róbert W.
Published: March 2015

With the increasing sophistication of paleoethnobotanical methods, it is now possible to reconstruct new aspects of the day-to-day life of past peoples, and, ultimately, gain information about their cultivated plants, land-use practices, architecture, diet, and trade. Reliable identification of plant remains, however, remains essential to the study of paleoethnobotany, and there is still much to learn about precise identification. This paper describes and evaluates the most frequent types of deformed desiccated diaspores revealed from adobe bricks used in buildings in Southwestern Hungary that were built primarily between 1850 and 1950. A total of 24,634 diaspores were recovered from 333.05 kg adobe samples. These seeds and fruits belong to 303 taxa, and the majority were arable and ruderal weed species. A total of 98.97% of the diaspores were identified to species. In other cases, identification was possible only to genus or family (0.93% and 0.10% of diaspores, respectively). Difficulties in identification were caused mainly by morphological changes in the size, shape, color, and surface features of diaspores. Most diaspores were darker in color and significantly smaller than fresh or recently desiccated seeds and fruits. Surface features were often absent or fragmented. The most problematic seeds to identify were those of Centaurea cyanus, Consolida regalis, Scleranthus annuus and Daucus carota ssp. carota, which are discussed in detail. Our research aids archaeobotanists in the identification of desiccated and deformed diaspores.
Strong convergence for nonexpansive mappings by viscosity approximation methods in Hadamard manifolds
Authors: Kumari Mandeep , Chugh Renu
Published: March 2015

In 2010, Victoria Martin Marquez studied a nonexpansive mapping in Hadamard manifolds using Viscosity approximation method. Our goal in this paper is to study the strong convergence of the Viscosity approximation method in Hadamard manifolds. Our results improve and extend the recent research in the framework of Hadamard manifolds.
A new formula for estimation of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in an ethnic Chinese population
Authors: Hu Ching-Yun , Lee Chia-Lin , Sheu Wayne H.-H. , Wang Jun-Sing , Lee I-Te , Song Yuh-Min , Fu Chia-Po , Ling Jiin-Tsae , Li Yu-Fen , Lin Shih-Yi
Published: March 2015

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is an established risk factor for cardiovascular disease and is usually estimated by the Friedewald formula (FF) calculated from three parameters, namely, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). We aimed to develop a new and simple formula (NF) for LDL-C estimation.

This cross-sectional study enrolled two study populations (a testing group, n=16,749, and a validation group, n=4940). Linear regression analysis was used in the testing group to investigate the association between measured LDL-C (mLDL-C) and TC concentration, and was verified in the validation group.

The NF yielded an estimated LDL-C (eLDL-C) equal to 0.75×total cholesterol–0.6465 (mmol/L). For the subjects with TC between 2.58 and 7.74 mmol/L, the difference between mLDL-C and eLDL-C using the NF was less than that from the FF (testing group: –0.04 to –0.20 vs. –0.28 to –0.38 mmol/L; validation group: 0.01 to –0.12 vs. –0.23 to –0.30 mmol/L; p<0.001, respectively). The predictability of the NF was not inferior to that of the FF in subjects with different triglyceride and HDL-C concentrations, and was not affected by diabetes diagnosis and statin use. However, the NF performed similar to or worse than the FF at TC concentrations <2.58 mmol/L and >7.74 mmol/L, respectively.

In the Chinese population, the accuracy of eLDL-C measurement with the NF was better than that with the FF, especially in subjects with TC levels between 2.58 and 7.74 mmol/L. The NF is simple and may be used for screening as well as for follow-up of patients on lipid lowering agents.
Testing The Performance Of The Investment Portfolio Using Block Bootstrap Method
Authors: Radovanov Boris , Marcikić Aleksandra
Published: March 2015

The aim of this paper is to create a stable model of investment portfolio optimization through a high degree of diversification and reduction of sudden changes in the allocation with monitoring of the dynamics of the impact factor. In this sense, there is bootstrap application procedure, which, without an excessive number of constraints involved in the optimization process provides solutions based on uncertain information. Thus defined, the optimization method has been patented by Michaud (1999) entitled re-sampled efficiency. Accordingly, this paper offers a comparison of the performance block bootstrap optimization models and traditional Markowitz's model inside and outside of the sample by applying the most frequently traded stocks on the BSE. The results show a better performance out of the sample and the presence of a larger number of shares forming the portfolio through bootstrap methodology. However, only through the traditional optimization process could be attained optimum according to the required limits. Such effects can be observed by comparing the limits of efficiency obtained through these optimization models. However, optimization-based methods bootstrap finds its place in reducing errors of assessment resulting from the limited sample size.
The Enterprise Creditworthiness Evaluation – By Z” Score Model
Authors: Begović Sanja Vlaović , Momčilović Mirela , Tomašević Stevan
Published: March 2015

There are numerous models which are under contemporary business conditions used for assessment of creditworthiness and forecasting bankruptcy possibility of a enterprise. One of these models is Altman Z – score model. On the basis of adjustments of original model for possibility of bankruptcy forecasting, which is applicable just to enterprises with whose stocks are traded on organized market, a modified model was developed which is applicable only to enterprises with whose stocks are not traded on organized market. Altman made additional modification of model and formulated Z’’ score model that is applied on production and unproductive enterprises, as well as on enterprises that operate in developing countries. Stated models separate financially successful enterprises from those that are threatened by bankruptcy proceedings. On the basis of Z’’ score model Altman classified credit rating of enterprises and with it developed Z’’ score adjusted model. In this paper, we conducted the analyses of credit rating for 33 enterprises in restructuring and 90 enterprises that are not in restructuring, by using Z’’ score adjusted model, as well as determined possibility of occurrence of bankruptcy of enterprise on the basis of Z’ score model. Authors concluded that approximately 57% of analyzed enterprises in restructuring have the lowest credit rating, while possibility of occurrence of bankruptcy in the next two years for those enterprises is more than 90%. On the other hand, approximately 60% of enterprises which are not in restructuring have high credit rating and operate in safe zone, while approximately 6% of enterprises have the lowest credit rating with high possibility of occurrence of bankruptcy in the next two years.
Online privacy: Attacks and defenses
Authors: Herrmann Dominik
Published: March 2015

I approach privacy issues on the Internet from two ends. On the one hand, I design and evaluate defensive measures, so-called privacy enhancing technologies (PETs), which can be used by individuals to protect themselves against surveillance on the Internet. On the other hand, I study the efficacy of offensive techniques. I am especially interested in passive surveillance techniques that cannot be detected. For instance, I have shown how machine learning techniques can be used to infer the contents of encrypted traffic and how to track users solely based on characteristic behavioral patterns.
Crystal structure, magnetic, fluorescent, electrochemical properties and thermal stability of a new copper(II) coordination polymer [Cu2(C5H4NCOO)2(C7H5N4)2]
n
Authors: Li Wei , Li Chang-Hong , Yang Ying-Qun , Li Heng-Feng
Published: March 2015

A new copper(II) coordination polymer [Cu2(C5H4NCOO)2(C7H5N4)2]
n
(1) has been synthesized with 4-pyridinecarboxylate and 3-(pyridin-2-yl)-1,2,4-triazolyl ligands. The crystal structure shows that two neighboring copper(II) ions are coordinated with two deprotonated (anionic) 3-(pyridin-2-yl)-1,2,4-triazole ligands to form a binuclear structure. Adjacent binuclear units are linked by 4-pyridinecarboxylate anions to form a three-dimensional network structure. The magnetic, fluorescent, and electrochemical properties and thermal stability of 1 were studied. The results show that 1 exhibits antiferromagnetic interaction, and upon excitation at 318 nm, it has an intense fluorescent emission at approximately 430 nm. The electron transfer of 1 is irreversible in electrode reactions. The thermogravimetric analysis shows that 1 is stable below 240 °C.
Adaptive Multiresolution Computations Applied to Detonations
Authors: Roussel Olivier , Schneider Kai
Published: March 2015

A space-time adaptive method is presented for the reactive Euler equations describing chemically reacting gas flow where a two species model is used for the chemistry.
The governing equations are discretized with a finite volume method and dynamic space adaptivity is introduced
using multiresolution analysis.
A time splitting method of Strang is applied to be able to consider stiff problems while keeping
the method explicit.
For time adaptivity an improved Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg scheme is used.
Applications deal with detonation problems in one and two space dimensions.
A comparison of the adaptive scheme with reference computations on a regular grid allows to assess
the accuracy and the computational efficiency, in terms of CPU time and
memory requirements.
Book Reviews
Authors: Žagar Mateo , Stipčević Aleksandar , Kovač Miha
Published: March 2015

Mateo Žagar, Grafolingvistika srednjovjekovnih tekstova. Zagreb: Matica hrvatska, 2007.Aleksandar Stipčević, Socijalna povijest knjige u Hrvata. Knjiga III. Od početaka hrvatskoga narodnog preporoda (1835.) do danas.Zagreb: Školska knjiga, 2008.Miha Kovač, Never Mind the Web, Here Comes the Book. Oxford: Chandos Publishing, 2008.Miha Kovač - Nives Tomašević, Knjiga, tranzicija, iluzija. Zagreb: Naklada Ljevak, 2009.
Writers and their readers
Authors: Lakuš Jelena
Published: March 2015

In the late 18th century and early 19th century, during a period of extensive changes in the writing and reading culture, there was an increase not only in the number of readers but also in the importance that was being attributed to them. This importance manifested itself primarily in an increasingly widespread collective patronage but also a rising number of inscriptions to the collective reader that flourished at about the same time as the collective patronage phenomenon. Although books continued to be dedicated to various dignitaries throughout this period, most frequently as a token of gratitude for financial support but also inspired by friendship and family, the writers, who still rarely lived off the fruits of their labour, started to adopt a different attitude towards the reader. Using examples drawn from analysis of the entire book production in Dalmatian printing and publishing centres Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik in the period between 1815-1850, this paper intends to show to what extent inscriptions to the collective reader, generally identifiable by the fact that they address an unspecified reader or an entire community of readers, can reflect a growing significance that started to be attributed to the reader as early as the end of the 18th century and particularly in the first half of the 19th century. The analysis focused on the number and context in which inscriptions of that type are found, their variants, meaning, as well as reasons for their introduction into practice. Research has shown that inscriptions to the general readership became a common and regular form of communication with an entire community of readers as far back as the ‘20s. Although they were still not the most common type of inscriptions and failed to reach the number of inscriptions to prelates, their continuity was maintained during the next two centuries, which was particularly noticeable in the ‘40s. Moreover, the general readership was mainly dedicated literary works - poetry collections printed on the occasion of emperor’s birthday, works of Dubrovnik literature, plays and biographies. A smaller number of books were of religious origin or those in the field of history, geography, social anthropology, linguistics and even architecture. Inscriptions were used in an effort not only to make books and reading popular but also to reinforce readers’ love for their national tongue, i.e., national consciousness in general, just the same as it was endeavoured to be done through subscription system. Moral-didactic and religious works were intended to strengthen readers’ spirit and morality. It has been concluded that continued increase in the number of inscriptions to the general readership as well as the fact that they flourished precisely during the period of significant changes in the field of reading culture witness of an increasing importance of readers that marked the first half of the 19th century.
Prikazi
Authors: Gavranović Drahomira , Radičević Vesna
Published: March 2015

Mirna Willer - Marijana Tomić, ur. Summer school in the study of old books: proceedings. Zadar: Sveučilište u Zadru, 2010.
Aleksandra Horvat - Daniela Živković, Knjižnice i autorsko pravo. Zagreb: Hrvatska sveučilišna naklada, 2009.
Descriptive markup languages and the development of digital humanities
Authors: Bosančić Boris
Published: March 2015

The paper discusses the role of descriptive markup languages in the development of digital humanities, a new research discipline that is part of social sciences and humanities, which focuses on the use of computers in research. A chronological review of the development of digital humanities, and then descriptive markup languages is exposed, through several developmental stages. It is shown that the development of digital humanities since the mid-1980s and the appearance of SGML, markup language that was the foundation of TEI, a key standard for the encoding and exchange of humanities texts in the digital environment, is inseparable from the development of markup languages. Special attention is dedicated to the presentation of the Text Encoding Initiative – TEI development, a key organization that developed the titled standard, both from organizational and markup perspectives. By this time, TEI standard is published in five versions, and during 2000s SGML is replaced by XML markup language.
Book history as a research topic in Croatian journals from 2001 to 2010
Authors: Tingle Jasna
Published: March 2015

The aim of the paper is to determine the scope and content of Croatian research output in the field of book history, determine which Croatian journals publish papers on book history, the topics covered and the number of scholars who do research in this field. The research was conducted on the corpus of 177 papers published in 17 Croatian journals from 2001 to 2010.The data collected indicates that few journals regularly publish papers on book history, and only one journal explicitly states book history as its major area of interest. Furthermore, it is evident that very few scholars regularly or occasionally do research on book history. The topics covered in selected papers bear witness to a wide range of interests, but only few papers follow recent trends in world book history research.This paper, however, does not cover scholarly or trade monographs and conference proceedings published during the time under investigation, which is one of the limitations of the current research. Still, the output in scholarly and trade journals, which are the main channels of scholarly communication, provides a relevant sample for determining the incidence of book history as a research topic in Croatian science. These findings are the main research contribution of this paper.
Učinkovitost PR-komuniciranja u povezivanju arhiva i studenata
Authors: Pavelin Goran
Published: March 2015

Cilj je rada ukazati na promijenjenu ulogu arhiva i na konkretnom primjeru ukazati na nedostatnu komunikaciju sa studentima uslijed pomanjkanja oglašavanja, ali i na težu pristupačnost digitalnom arhivskom gradivu potrebnom za istraživanje i pisanje studentskih radova. PR-komuniciranjem arhivi kontinuirano razvijaju senzibilitet javnosti za gradivo putem javnih programa i izložbi te njegovanjem odnosa s medijima. Arhivi pritom ulažu napore u izgrađivanju dobrih odnosa s odabranim ciljnim skupinama, a u slučaju ovog istraživanja sa studentima kao potencijalnim korisnicima, te za polazište uzimaju njihove interese i potrebe za gradivom. Istraživačke spoznaje o studentskim potrebama za arhivskim informacijama vrlo su rijetke čak i u recentnoj američkoj praksi. Stoga je u ovom radu provedeno istraživanje putem anketnog upitnika među studentima četiriju odjela zadarskoga sveučilišta (Geografije, Povijesti, Povijesti umjetnosti te Turizma i komunikacijskih znanosti), posjetiteljima Državnog arhiva u Zadru. Provedeno je istraživanje rezultiralo spoznajama o tome koriste li se ispitanici arhivskim gradivom i, ukoliko da, s kojom namjenom, a navode se i izvori povjerenja prije posjeta arhivu. Također su dobivene spoznaje o poznavanju online arhivskog gradiva i uporabi mrežnih stranica na kojima se nalaze arhivski izvori. Opći je zaključak da su zadarski studenti loše upoznati s elektroničkim gradivom i da se njime rijetko koriste u sklopu svojih istraživanja. Stanje se može poboljšati tako da Državni arhiv u Zadru započne s istraživanjem identiteta i korisničkih navika studenata, sagleda njihove poteškoće u pronalaženju informacija i omogući im fleksibilniji pristup arhivskom gradivu. Pored postojećeg povezivanja sa studentima Odjela za informacijske znanosti, Arhiv treba uključivati i studente ostalih odsjeka te ih tijekom vremena nastojati uključivati pri planiranju i provedbi vlastitih programa.
Kajkavski katekizam s početnicom
Authors: Velagić Zoran
Published: March 2015

U Nacionalnoj knjižnici Széchényi (Országos Széchényi Könyvtár) u Budimpešti pod signaturom 301 879 sačuvan je mali kajkavski katekizam s početnicom. Otisnut je na 8 stranica, visina hrpta je 15 centimetara. Nema podataka o vremenu i mjestu tiskanja.
Do sada nije bibliografski, stručno ili znanstveno prikazan ili obrađen, te je stoga u hrvatskoj znanosti posve nepoznat, što je i bio povod objavljivanju njegova pretiska u ovom broju „Libellariuma“. (Zoran Velagić)
An overview of the digital publishing market in Baltic countries (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania)
Authors: Gudinavičius Arūnas
Published: March 2015

The aim of this paper is to analyze several aspects of digital publishing markets in Baltic countries. Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have their own languages, so there are three different publishing markets. Results show that there are significant differences in the number of available titles, despite the fact that the Baltic e-book market is relatively new. The research on e-book sales identified the main e-book retailers and publishers in Baltic countries. E-books in Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian available on sale were counted and the differences between e-book formats and the pricing in each country were established. The results showed that the smallest Baltic country, Estonia, has more e-books on sale than both Latvia and Lithuania. It is difficult to say if Latvia even has an e-book market at all. Lithuania is somewhere in the middle. Finally, an overview of the largest retailers and publishers is provided and overall publishing dynamics within the past 20 years is described.
Design of e-books
Authors: Selthofer Josipa
Published: March 2015

The aim of the paper is to compare graphic elements used for the design of printed and electronic books. The paper focuses on four main graphic elements: book cover, typography, colour and image. Ten books published in printed and electronic form in Croatia between 2010 and 2012 were used as a research sample. The research methods used are visual content analysis and interviews. The research results indicate that e-books imitate the graphic design of a printed book in many aspects. The graphic elements of an e-book highly depend on the features of e-formats and on e-readers. The main advantages of an e-book are that they are searchable, adaptable, easily linked to other digital documents, transportable, easily accessible and durable. Still, in the second phase of the research, the majority of the interviewed participants stated that reading of an e-book was something new to them. They prefer the interaction with a printed book and its visual appearance.
Information literacy in Web 2.0 environments
Authors: Špiranec Sonja
Published: March 2015

Although the conceptual core of information literacy (IL), with its emphasis on acquiring abilities that enable one to ethically seek, use and create information, has remained quite stable since the term was first introduced, recent transformations in experiences of information and information use are subverting the current discourse of IL. Information literacy, in its central features, has always been influenced and determined by information environments. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that in parallel with the advent of Web 2.0, which had transformed information environments into complex and unstructured places, central conceptions of IL are being re-examined and reshaped respectively. IL today, more than ever, should deal less with finding information and focus on evaluating and using or communicating information. In the paper, the author will re-examine the IL concept with regard to developments triggered by the Web 2.0 environment, share her thoughts on the concept “Information Literacy 2.0” and define research challenges and directions initiated by shifts in the IL domain.
Cheetah interspecific SCNT followed by embryo aggregation improves in vitro development but not pluripotent gene expression
Authors: Moro L N , Hiriart M I , Buemo C , Jarazo J , Sestelo A , Veraguas D , Rodriguez-Alvarez L , Salamone D F
Published: March 2015

The aim of this study was to evaluate the capacity of domestic cat (Dc,Felis silvestris) oocytes to reprogram the nucleus of cheetah (Ch,Acinonyx jubatus) cells by interspecies SCNT (iSCNT), by using embryo aggregation. Dc oocytes werein vitromatured and subjected to zona pellucida free (ZP-free) SCNT or iSCNT, depending on whether the nucleus donor cell was of Dc or Ch respectively. ZP-free reconstructed embryos were then cultured in microwells individually (Dc1X and Ch1X groups) or in couples (Dc2X and Ch2X groups). Embryo aggregation improvedin vitrodevelopment obtaining 27.4, 47.7, 16.7 and 28.3% of blastocyst rates in the Dc1X, Dc2X, Ch1X and Ch2X groups, respectively (P<0.05). Moreover, aggregation improved the morphological quality of blastocysts from the Dc2X over the Dc1X group. Gene expression analysis revealed that Ch1X and Ch2X blastocysts had significantly lower relative expression of OCT4, CDX2 and NANOG than the Dc1X, Dc2X and IVF control groups. The OCT4, NANOG, SOX2 and CDX2 genes were overexpressed in Dc1X blastocysts, but the relative expression of these four genes decreased in the Dc2X, reaching similar relative levels to those of Dc IVF blastocysts. In conclusion, Ch blastocysts were produced using Dc oocytes, but with lower relative expression of pluripotent and trophoblastic genes, indicating that nuclear reprogramming could be still incomplete. Despite this, embryo aggregation improved the development of Ch and Dc embryos, and normalized Dc gene expression, which suggests that this strategy could improve full-term developmental efficiency of cat and feline iSCNT embryos.
Biventricular Pacing for Congestive Heart Failure: Early Experience in Surgical Epicardial versus Coronary Sinus Lead Placement
Authors: Izutani Hironori , Quan Kara J. , Biblo Lee A. , Gill Inderjit S.
Published: March 2015

Objective: Biventricular pacing (BVP) has recently been introduced for the treatment of refractory congestive heart failure. Coronary sinus lead placement for left ventricular pacing is technically difficult, has a risk of lead dislodgement, and has long procedure times. Surgical epicardial lead placement has the potential advantage of the visual selection of an optimal pacing site, does not need exposure to ionic radiation, and allows lead multiplicity, but it does require a thoracotomy and general anesthesia. We report our early experience of BVP with both modalities. Methods: BVP was performed in 12 patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) class IV congestive heart failure (10 men, 2 women). Mean patient age was 68.7 years (range, 41-83 years). Surgical epicardial leads were placed through a 2- to 3-inch incision via a left fourth or fifth intercostal thoracotomy in 4 patients with single lung ventilation under general anesthesia. The other 8 patients underwent transvenous coronary sinus lead placement under conscious sedation. Results: Postoperative NYHA class status improved from class IV to class II in 8 patients and to class III in 3 patients. In 5 of the 8 patients who had undergone follow-up echocardiography with mitral regurgitation, the severity of the mitral regurgitation improved. The mean left ventricular ejection fractions before and after BVP were 18.3% � 8.3% and 20.5% � 8.0%, respectively (P = .16). Mean fluoroscopy and total procedure times for transvenous lead placement were 77 � 19 minutes and 266 � 117 minutes, respectively. The mean surgery time for epicardial lead placement was 122 � 13 minutes. There were no differences between the 2 methods in pacing threshold or in lead dislodgement. There were no complications related to the surgery or the laboratory procedure. Conclusion: In patients with NYHA class IV congestive heart failure, epicardial lead placement through a minithoracotomy for BVP was performed safely with benefits equivalent to those of coronary sinus lead placement and with a shorter procedure time.
Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis Five Months following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation and Review of Literature
Authors: Neragi-Miandoab Siyamek , Westbrook Benjamin , Flynn James , Blakely Jeffrey , Baribeau Yvon
Published: March 2015

There are only a few cases of prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) reported in the literature. Though not very frequent, this is a serious concern because patients are high risk for surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) by definition, and explanting the endocarditic prosthetic valve followed by SAVR increases risk even higher.
Insertion of the Avalon Cannula for Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in a Patient with an Implanted ASD Occlusion Device
Authors: Gordon Christopher , Koerner Michael M. , Ali Aman , Zeriouh Mohamad , Liszka Edward , El-Banayosy Aly , Brehm Christoph , Ghodsizad Ali
Published: March 2015

Use of the Avalon Elite bicaval dual lumen catheter (Maquet Cardiopulmonary AG, Rastatt, Germany) can be effective in patients requiring venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) for adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Proper placement of the cannula is important in providing adequate therapy and avoiding life-threatening complications.  We report a case of successful cannulation in a patient with an implanted atrial septal defect (ASD) occlusion device who developed severe
refractory ARDS.
Can Infectious Endocarditis during Pregnancy Be Cured with Only Drug Treatment?
Authors: Caliskan Serhat , Besli Feyzullah , Sag Saim , Gungoren Fatih , Baran Ibrahim
Published: March 2015

During pregnancy, infective endocarditis (IE) is quite rare but has a high mortality rate in terms of the mother and the fetus. In this article, a 24-year-old patient with a history of mitral valve prolapse (MVP) who was hospitalized due to IE and treated successfully is presented. On echocardiography, severe mitral valve prolapse, severe mitral regurgitation, and vegetation on the posterior leaflet of mitral valve were observed. Streptococcus mitis was subsequently isolated from four sets of blood cultures. The patient was diagnosed with IE. After 6 weeks of antibiotic therapy, the patient was cured completely without surgical treatment. At 40-weeks of pregnancy, the patient gave birth via a normal vaginal delivery. There were no problems with the 3,800-gram baby born. In current guidelines, there is very limited advice on treatment options for patients who develop IE during pregnancy. Therefore, evaluation of patient-based treatment options would be appropriate. In addition, IE prophylaxis for MVP is not recommended in current guidelines. However, in MVP patients with mitral regurgitation, prior to procedures associated with a high risk of infective endocarditis, IE prophylaxis may be rational.
A Case of Biventricular Failure after Pericardial Window for Large Pericardial Effusion
Authors: Koerner Michael M. , Alam Mahboob , El-Banayosy Aly , Misra Arunima , Wall, Jr Matthew J. , Zeriouh Mohamed , Lakkis Nasser M. , Ghodsizad Ali
Published: March 2015

Pericardial tamponade resulting in hemodynamic compromise requiring either pericardiocentesis [Vandyke 1983] or subxiphoid pericardial window has been reported in literature [Armstrong 1984]. There are no large case series, only scattered case reports. Cardiac tamponade is known to affect the diastolic function of the heart but rare reports have documented systolic impairment of the left and right ventricle in the setting of tamponade [Vandyke 1983; Armstrong 1984]. We report a case of a transient biventricular systolic dysfunction in a patient with early cardiac tamponade after surgical drainage of pericardia1 effusion.
Increased Incidence of Proximal Aortic Atherosclerotic Disease in Patients with Internal Carotid Occlusion
Authors: Charlesworth David C. , Maloney Christopher T.
Published: March 2015

Background: Atherosclerotic involvement of the proximal aorta is a major cause of embolic operative stroke in cardiac surgery. Its incidence is less well known in patients with severe carotid disease. Methods: We reviewed the incidence of proximal atherosclerotic aortic disease in patients with internal carotid occlusion (group 1) and then compared it to a group of patients with normal carotids undergoing cardiac surgery (group 2). Both groups had preoperative carotid Doppler and epiaortic ultrasound analysis at the time of surgery. Results: Epiaortic ultrasound results showed that the degree of atherosclerosis in group 1 was normal in 9 patients (10.2%), mild in 34 (38.6%), moderate in 29 (33%), and severe in 16 (18.2%). In group 2, the degree of atherosclerosis was normal in 70 patients (9.3%), mild in 466 (61.8%), moderate in 150 (19.9%), and severe in 68 (9.0%). Stroke rate was higher in group 1 at 4.5% versus 1.1% for group 2 (P = .029). No difference in surgical mortality was found. Conclusions: Patients with internal carotid occlusions undergoing heart surgery have a higher incidence of proximal aortic atherosclerotic disease. Epiaortic ultrasound examination is strongly recommended.
An Easy and Safe Way of Left Ventriculotomy Closure in Patients with Left Ventricle Thrombi during the Subacute Phase of Anterior Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Celik Sekip K. , Sen Mucettin , Buket Suat , Yuksel Munevver
Published: March 2015

Left ventricle thrombi occurring following myocardial infarction are usually left to spontaneous resolution to avoid a left ventriculotomy in the early phase of myocardial healing. We describe a simple and safe method of ventricular closure in patients with left ventricular thrombi embolizing to the lower extremities following acute anterior myocardial infarction. Ventricles were closed by epicardially running 5/0 polypropylene sutures in continous fashion to avoid the myocardial tearing of heavier suture materials and the late adverse effects of Teflon use. In follow-up of the patients, no early and late complications were found with this method.
Early and Midterm Results after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting with and without Cardiopulmonary Bypass: Which Patient Population Benefits the Most?
Authors: Deuse Tobias , Detter Christian , Samuel Vicky , Boehm Dieter H. , Reichenspurner Hermann , Reichart Bruno
Published: March 2015

Background: We present our early and midterm results with off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) on the beating heart and with conventional coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and compare patient outcomes for both procedures. Methods: Between November 1997 and April 2001, OPCAB was performed in 330 patients. The results were compared with those of a matched population of 330 patients who had undergone CABG during the same period. Specific postoperative outcomes were evaluated for patient subgroups with multimorbidity, with impaired ventricular function, of an older age, and of a young age without comorbidities. Midterm results and quality-of-life (QOL) scores for patients were obtained by follow-up. Results: In the overall series, OPCAB resulted in significantly shorter surgery times (P = .008), ventilation times (P < .001), intensive care unit (ICU) stays (P < .001), and hospital stays (P = .006). OPCAB also resulted in less postoperative inotropic medication (P = .041), lower transfusion rates (P < .001), fewer postoperative myocardial infarctions (P = .038), and lower hospital mortality rates (P = .024). Among the patient subgroups, patients with multimorbidities were the only subgroup to show a significant reduction in hospital mortality after OPCAB surgery (P = .048). Times of postoperative ventilation, ICU stay, and hospitalization were significantly reduced for all patient subgroups (P < .05). After mean followup times of 43.8 months (OPCAB) and 44.8 months (CABG), QOL scores, midterm complication rates, and mortality rates were not significantly different among the groups. Conclusion: OPCAB surgery improved postoperative recovery for the entire patient population without compromising midterm outcome. Compared with conventional CABG, high-risk patients with multimorbidity particularly profit from avoiding cardiopulmonary bypass and show significantly lower hospital mortality.
NextStitch: Double-Stranded Suture Chain, a Tool to Optimize Approximation of Sutures in Valve Surgery with Echocardiographic Correlation
Authors: Wiechmann Robert J. , Hanna Richard D. , Stange Joseph A. , Johnson Gilbert H. , Fernandes Regis I. , Rozich John D.
Published: March 2015

Suture technique for valve replacement surgery has often focused on decreasing the soft tissue injury that leads to pseudoaneurysm formation and associated latent infection. There is universal recognition that precise suture placement is essential for avoiding adverse sequelae while allowing flexibility during the implantation of the prosthesis. The use of a continuous chain of linked horizontal mattress sutures (NextStitch) has allowed maximal precision in the approximation of sutures within the valve annulus. The product was used in a series of consecutive mitral and aortic valve replacements, and typical echocardiographic images from each type of implantation are presented. Postoperative echocardiography images revealed that no perivalvular leaks occurred and that NextStitch did not obscure detailed interrogation or assessment of the valve prosthesis.
Robotic-Assisted Endoscopic Thoracic Aortic Anastomosis in Juvenile Lambs
Authors: Malhotra Sunil P. , Le David , Thelitz Stephan , Hanley Frank L. , Riemer R. Kirk , Suleman Sam , Reddy V. Mohan
Published: March 2015

Background: Advances in robotic technology have enabled a wider range of applications for minimally invasive techniques in cardiac surgery, including mitral valve repair and coronary artery bypass grafting. With increased technical sophistication, robotic-assisted techniques can be developed for the endoscopic repair of certain congenital cardiac lesions. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of closed chest thoracic aortic anastomosis in a juvenile ovine model. Methods: Lambs, aged 45 to 55 days, underwent surgery that was performed using the da Vinci robotic surgical system. Using 3 ports, the surgeon dissected the descending thoracic aorta and mobilized it free from attachments, using single-lung ventilation and CO2 insufflation. Snares were introduced through 2 stab wounds for aortic occlusion proximally and distally. In 4 lambs, the aorta was completely transected and reanastomosed using interrupted nitinol sutures. One lamb underwent longitudinal aortotomy, and patch aortoplasty was performed with the placement of a Gore-Tex patch. Snares were released and the animals were recovered once hemodynamically stable. Animals were sacrificed at 6 to 12 hours after surgery and the descending aorta was harvested. Burst-pressure testing was performed on the anastomoses. Results: All 5 lambs survived the procedure with stabilization of hemodynamic parameters following surgery. The mean aortic clamp time was 47 � 17 minutes, and the anastomosis was completed in 26 � 5 minutes. The mean burst pressure was 163 � 9 mm Hg. Conclusions: Endoscopic thoracic aortic anastomosis can be performed safely and with adequate exposure in a juvenile large-animal model using computer-assisted surgical techniques. With further refinements, these approaches could be applied to the repair of congenital anomalies of the aorta, including interrupted aortic arch and aortic coarctation.
Extracellular Matrix for Myocardial Repair
Authors: Badylak Stephen , Geddes Leslie , Geddes Leslie , Obermiller Joe
Published: March 2015

Objective: To evaluate the remodeling characteristics of an extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffold when used as a template for myocardial repair. Background: Xenogeneic ECM has been shown to be an effective scaffold for the repair and reconstitution of several tissues, including lower urinary tract structures, dura mater, the esophagus, musculotendinous tissues, and blood vessels. These ECM scaffolds are completely degraded in vivo and induce a host cellular response that supports constructive remodeling rather than scar tissue formation. Methods: Full-thickness circular defects measuring approximately 2.5 cm in diameter were created in the right ventricular anterior walls of 6 adult Yucat�n pigs and 4 adult mongrel dogs. The defects were repaired with an ECM sheet 80 3m thick that was derived from either the porcine small intestinal submucosa or the porcine urinary bladder matrix. The animals lived for periods of 6 to 24 weeks before sacrifice. Results: There was a complete replacement of the acellular scaffolds by a mixture of tissue types, including well-vascularized fibrous connective tissue, cartilage, adipose connective tissue, and myocardial tissue. The remodeled scaffold tissue showed spontaneous contractility and peak contractile force equivalent to 70% of the contractile force of the adjacent native myocardium. Conclusions: We conclude that porcine ECM scaffolds alter the typical scar tissue healing response in myocardial tissue and instead support vascularization and the local development of multiple tissue types, including contractile myocardium.
Harvesting the Radial Artery: Does It Affect Early Postoperative Hand Function?
Authors: Sankey R. A. , Rumian A. P. , Jackson W. , Osborne M. , Stanbridge R. DeL.
Published: March 2015

Background: The radial artery (RA) is increasingly being used as a conduit for coronary artery bypass grafting. Previous studies have demonstrated that there is no significant deterioration in hand function in the long term. The aim of this study was to assess whether removal of the RA caused any alteration in the function or power of the hand 5 days postoperatively that would affect the patient's ability for self care on returning home. Methods: A consecutive series of 37 patients undergoing RA harvesting was assessed over a period of 12 months from August 2000 to July 2001 as part of a prospective controlled trial. Grip power and fine motor skills in the operated hand were assessed preoperatively with an elasticated grip strength tester and an 18-hole peg board. This test was repeated 5 days postoperatively. The results were analyzed with a paired-sample t test to assess whether there was a significant difference between preoperative and postoperative hand function. Results: The analysis showed that there was no statistically significant difference in fine motor function or grip power following surgery to harvest the RA. Conclusion: This study provides evidence to suggest that the RA can be safely harvested for use as a conduit in coronary artery bypass grafting, with no significant short-term deterioration in hand function.
The recent sovereign debt crisis in the Euro zone: A matter of fundamentals?
Authors: Mota Paulo , Costa Fernandes Abel , Nicolescu Ana-Cristina
Published: March 2015

The idea that the Euro zone sovereign debt crisis was caused by structural weaknesses degenerating into fundamental macroeconomic imbalances in the peripheral countries prevails among international institutions such as the IMF, the ECB, and the European Commission. On the contrary, some economists believe that this crisis is the consequence of major deficiencies in the architecture of economic policy making in the Euro zone that did not allow a proper response to a global systemic crisis of the financial markets that started in the United States. The objective of this paper is to provide a better understanding of the public debt dynamics in the EU, differentiating the case of Euro zone peripheral countries. We used quarterly data from 2000 to 2011 to estimate a small-scale model that takes into account the interactions between key variables. Our results do not support entirely the official view. We conclude that the cause of the adverse debt dynamics unravelling after 2007 was a sharp GDP contraction, coupled with a substantial increase in the interest cost of debt finance due to higher self-fulfilling solvency risks perceived by creditors, interacting with a higher sensitiveness of Euro zone peripheral countries to fundamentals.
The determinants of non-life insurance consumption: A VECM analysis in Central and South-Eastern Europe
Authors: Kjosevski Jordan , Petkovski Mihail
Published: March 2015

This study examines the determinant of non-life insurance consumption in 14 countries of Central and South-Eastern Europe between 1995 and 2010 within a vector error correction model (VECM). We use non-life insurance penetration as a measure for non-life insurance consumption. Empirical results provide evidence that the number of dwellings and number of passenger cars positively and significantly influence non-life insurance consumption in the long run, while the existence of the rule of law and EU membership are significant in the short run.
Acmeological approach to physical education of students of secondary schools in the aspect of personality-oriented training
Authors: Vas'kov Y.V.
Published: March 2015

Purpose : to identify the main ways to use acmeological approach to physical education students of secondary schools. Material : government documents, questionnaire, research scientists, monitoring the activities of teachers-practitioners. Results : identified actual problems of physical education of students. Theoretical aspects and conditions of implementation in a real learning process acmeological approach. The problems of setting goals and objectives to students considering acmeological approach. The approach includes the selection of a modern sports education content. Also, forms, methods and teaching aids that optimize the learning activities of each student. Proposes a system of evaluation of students' achievements based on acmeological approach. Examines the role of physical education of teachers to introduce acmeological approach in the learning process. Conclusions : the main aspects of acmeological approach to the organization of educational process on physical training. It is proposed to develop the content of sports education based on general didactic approaches. Approach that includes four components of social experience. The components of the educational process technology for physical culture. It is proposed to modernize the methods, forms and means of improving the system of assessing students' achievements in an integrated manner.
Assessment of functional status and quality of life of students after acute respiratory viral diseases
Authors: Hnyp I.Ya.
Published: March 2015

Purpose : explore the functional status and quality of life of students after acute viral infectious diseases. Material : a total of 25 students aged 19-22 years after the acute respiratory viral infections and 20 healthy people. Results : It was found that the students observed a significant increase in heart rate at rest compared with healthy. Also deteriorates the functional state of the respiratory system. Overall performance of such students 60-80% lower than in healthy persons. Students after acute respiratory viral infections found increased tone autonomic nervous system. This impairs their function. Conclusions : after acute respiratory viral diseases in students the deterioration of the functional state. Significant deterioration in the quality of life of students is associated with reduced physical and social activity, peaking emotional problems.