bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimal pricing contracts and level of information asymmetry in a supply chain
Authors: Wang Jian‐Cai , Yang Liu , Wang Yao‐Yu , Wang Zhaohua 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThis study considers a stylized supply chain model consisting of a dominant supplier and a buyer, in which the latter possesses superior knowledge of his private cost information. The supplier's imperfect knowledge about the buyer's cost is denoted by a subjective distribution. By assuming that the distribution is uniform, we first derive the explicit expressions of the optimal equilibrium outcomes of two contract formats offered by the supplier, the simple price‐only contract and sophisticated menu of contracts, respectively. Based on the optimal results, we continue to investigate how the supplier's expected profit varies with the level of information asymmetry, which is measured by the variance of the supplier's subjective distribution. Our findings indicate that the supplier's expected profits initially decrease and then increase as the supplier's knowledge of the buyer's cost becomes increasingly uncertain. That is, if the supplier could choose the level of information asymmetry, she would prefer a symmetric case (with the variance being zero) or a totally asymmetric case (with the variance being as high as possible). Numerical experiments demonstrate that our result still holds when we take into account such distributions as a truncated gamma and normal, and a fixed support of the distribution function instead of a moving support.
Circuit Impedance Could Be a Crucial Factor Influencing Radiofrequency Ablation Efficacy and Safety: A Myocardial Phantom Study of the Problem and Its Correction
Authors: BHASKARAN ABHISHEK , BARRY M.A. , POULIOPOULOS JIM , NALLIAH CHRISHAN , QIAN PIERRE , CHIK WILLIAM , THAVAPALACHANDRAN SUJITHA , DAVIS LLOYD , MCEWAN ALISTAIR , THOMAS STUART , KOVOOR PRAMESH , THIAGALINGAM ARAVINDA 
Published: December 2015

RF Lesion Size and Overheating Are Dependent on Circuit ImpedanceBackgroundCircuit impedance could affect the safety and efficacy of radiofrequency (RF) ablation.AimTo perform irrigated RF ablations with graded impedance to compare (1) lesion dimensions and overheated dimensions in fixed power ablations (2) and in power corrected ablations.MethodsAblations were performed with irrigated Navistar Thermocool catheter and Stockert EP shuttle generator at settings of 40 W power for 60 seconds, in a previously validated myocardial phantom. The impedance of the circuit was set at 60 Ω, 80 Ω, 100 Ω, 120 Ω, 140 Ω, and 160 Ω. The lesion and overheated dimensions were measured at 53 °C and 80 °C isotherms, respectively. In the second set of ablations, power was corrected according to circuit impedance.ResultsIn total, 70 ablations were performed. The lesion volume was 72.0 ± 4.8% and 44.7 ± 4.6% higher at 80 Ω and 100 Ω, respectively, compared to that at 120 Ω and it was 15.4 ± 1.2%, 28.1 ± 2.0%, and 38.0 ± 1.8% lower at 140 Ω, 160 Ω, and 180 Ω, respectively. The overheated volume was four times larger when impedance was reduced to 80 Ω from 100 Ω. It was absent at 120 Ω and above. In the power corrected ablations, the lesion volumes were similar to that of 40 W/120 Ω ablations and there was no evidence of overheating.ConclusionThe lesion and overheated dimensions were significantly larger with lower circuit impedance during irrigated RF ablation and the lesion size was smaller in high impedance ablations. Power delivery adjusted to impedance using a simple equation improved the consistency of lesion formation and prevented overheating.
Is ischemia modified albumin a disease activity marker for inflammatory bowel diseases?
Authors: Kaplan Mustafa , Yuksel Mahmut , Ates Ihsan , Kilic Zeki Mesut Yalın , Kilic Hasan , Kuzu Ufuk Barıs , Kayacetin Ertugrul 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBackground and Aim:We aimed to identify ischemia‐modified albumin (IMA) levels in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and IBD subgroups, and to examine its relation with disease activity index.Methods:Sixty‐eight patients with IBD (35 ulcerative colitis [UC] and 33 crohn disease [CD]) and 65 healthy volunteers were included in the study. Rachmilewitz scoring system (endoscopic activity index [EAI]) was used to determine UC activity, and as for CD activity, CD activity index (CDAI) scoring was used. IMA measurement was performed with ELISA kit.Results:Ischemia‐modified albumin levels in IBD, UC, and CD groups were comparably higher than the control group (37.7 ng/mLvs42.4 ng/mLvs36.4 ng/mLvs21.8 ng/mL, respectively;P < 0.05). In IBD group, a positive correlation was identified between IMA level and CRP (r = 0.325,P = 0.011), EAI(r = 0.302,P = 0.020), and CDAI (r = 0.311,P = 0.013). In stepwise regression model; it was identified that IMA(OR = 1.496;P = 0.016) and CRP(OR = 3.457;P = 0.015) are predictors of IBD in comparison with the control group. In linear regression model, it was identified that risk factors such as log(IMA) and log(CRP) were independent predictors of log(CDAI) and log(EAI) levels.Conclusion:This is the first study showing that IMA levels in IBD were determined higher in comparison with the control group. Moreover, IMA being a predictor for IBD and being positively correlated with disease activity indexes were determined for the first time in the study. In accordance with these results, it is possible to say that IMA in IBD might be related with the pathogenesis of disease and correlated with the severity of the disease.
CT differentiation of diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma and peritoneal carcinomatosis
Authors: Liang Yu‐Fei , Zheng Guo‐Qi , Chen Yue‐Feng , Song Hui , Yin Wen‐Jie , Zhang Li 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBackground and Aim:Diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (DMPM) and peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) have similar imaging in computer tomography (CT). We aimed to distinguish them.Methods:Computer tomography findings were evaluated in 48 DMPM and 47 PC for the peritoneal, mesenteric, omentum, lymph nodes, viscera infiltration, ascites and pleural plaques.Results:Two groups had no difference in terms of thickness, clinical manifestation, diameter of lymph nodes, ascites, and viscera infiltration. But they showed differences in the following: Ratio of asbestos exposure in DMPM group was higher. Smooth and irregular peritoneal thickening were more seen in DMPM group; peritoneal nodules were more commonly detected in PC group. Forty‐eight cases of peritoneum in DMPM showed mild enhanced, while 14 patients in PC showed severe enhanced. Nodular type of omentum was more common in PC group than in DMPM group; omental cake was more commonly detected in DMPM group. Mesentery involvement was more commonly seen in DMPM group. Location of enlarged lymph nodes in cardiophrenic region was more frequently identified in DMPM, whereas location of enlarged lymph nodes in retroperitoneal region was more frequently identified in PC. Lymph nodes fusion was more frequently visualized in PC. Fixation of the intestinal wall was more common in DMPM. Pleural plaque was more common in DMPM. PC had distant metastasis except primary foci and peritoneum. In PC, tumor origins were ovary in 10, digestive system in 21, breast in one.Conclusion:Using a combination of CT findings may increase our ability to distinguish PC from DMPM.
Contribution of synovial lining cells to synovial vascularization of the rat temporomandibular joint
Authors: Nozawa‐Inoue Kayoko , Harada Fumiko , Magara Jin , Ohazama Atsushi , Maeda Takeyasu 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe lining layer of the synovial membrane in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) contains two types of lining cells: macrophage‐like type A and fibroblast‐like type B cells. The type B cells are particularly heterogeneous in their morphology and immunoreactivity, so that details of their functions remain unclear. Some of the type B cells exhibit certain resemblances in their ultrastructure to those of an activated capillary pericyte at the initial stage of the angiogenesis. The articular surface, composed of cartilage and the disc in the TMJ, has few vasculatures, whereas the synovial lining layer is richly equipped with blood capillaries to produce the constituent of synovial fluid. The present study investigated at both the light and electron microscopic levels the immunocytochemical characteristics of the synovial lining cells in the adult rat TMJ, focusing on their contribution to the synovial vascularization. It also employed an intravascular perfusion with Lycopersicon esculentum (tomato) lectin to identify functional vessels in vivo. Results showed that several type B cells expressed desmin, a muscle‐specific intermediate filament which is known as the earliest protein to appear during myogenesis as well as being a marker for the immature capillary pericyte. These desmin‐positive type B cells showed immunoreactions for vimentin and pericyte markers (neuron‐glial 2; NG2 and PDGFRβ) but not for the other markers of myogenic cells (MyoD and myogenin) or a contractile apparatus (αSMA and caldesmon). Immunoreactivity for RECA‐1, an endothelial marker, was observed in the macrophage‐like type A cells. The arterioles and venules inside the synovial folds extended numerous capillaries with RECA‐1‐positive endothelial cells and desmin‐positive pericytes to distribute densely in the lining layer. The distal portion of these capillaries showing RECA‐1‐immunoreactivity lacked lectin‐staining, indicating a loss of blood‐circulation due to sprouting or termination in the lining layer. The desmin‐positive type B and RECA‐1‐positive type A cells attached to this portion of the capillaries. Some capillaries in the lining layer also expressed ninein, a marker for sprouting endothelial cells, called tip cells. Since an activated pericyte, macrophage and tip cell are known to act together at the forefront of the vessel sprout during angiogenesis, the desmin‐positive type B cell and RECA‐1‐positive type A cell might serve as these angiogenic cells in the synovial lining layer. Tomato lectin perfusion following decalcification would be a highly useful tool for research on the vasculature of the mineralized tissue. Use of this technique combined with immunohistochemistry should permit future extensive investigations on the presence of the physiological angiogenesis and on the function of the lining cells in the synovial membrane.
Comparative study of polyvinylidene fluoride and polypropylene suburethral slings in the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Sabadell Jordi , Larrain Francisco , Gracia‐Perez‐Bonfils Ana , Montero‐Armengol Anabel , Salicrú Sabina , Gil‐Moreno Antonio , Poza Jose L. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAimsEvaluate the effectiveness and safety of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) transobturator suburethral slings/tapes (TOTs) in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence, and compare them to polypropylene (PP) slings.Material and MethodsA retrospective cohort study was performed on women treated with a TOT procedure at Vall d'Hebron Hospital between February 2010 and May 2013. A PVDF sling was used in surgeries on 23 women. A comparison group was randomly selected among all women treated with a PP sling in a 1:4 ratio (n = 92). Failure incidence was analyzed by Kaplan–Meier survival functions and a multivariate Cox regression model.ResultsBoth groups were similar in their initial characteristics. The median follow‐up was 24.6 months in the PP group and 21.3 months in the PVDF group. The survival functions showed a higher incidence of failures in the PP group, primarily because of obstructive symptoms. However, the differences were not statistically significant (hazard ratio of failure of PP vs PVDF 4.31; 95% confidence interval 0.56–33.05). Complication rates did not differ between the two groups. More cases of voiding dysfunction were observed in the PP group.ConclusionsPolyvinylidene fluoride suburethral tapes have been found to have an effectiveness and safety comparable to PP tapes.
Low On‐Treatment Platelet Reactivity Predicts Long‐Term Risk of Bleeding After Elective PCI
Authors: Čolić Mirko D. , Čalija Branko M. , Milosavljević Bratislav M. , Grdinić Aleksandra G. , Angelkov Lazar G. , Sagić Dragan Ž. , Kruzliak Peter , Marinković Jelena M. , Babić Rade M. , Mrdović Igor B. 
Published: December 2015

BackgroundBleeding after percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) is an important complication with impact on prognosis.AimTo evaluate the predictive value of enhanced platelet responsiveness to dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel, for bleeding, after elective PCI.Methods and ResultsWe performed multiple electrode aggregometry (MAE) platelet functional tests induced by arachidonic acid (ASPI) and adenosine‐diphosphate (ADP) before PCI, and 24 hours after PCI, in 481 elective PCI patients who were followed‐up for an average of 15.34 ± 7.19 months. Primary end point was the occurrence of any bleeding, while ischemic major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) was a secondary endpoint. The incidence of total, BARC ≤ 2, and BARC ≥ 3 bleeding, according to BARC classification, was 19, 18, and 1%, respectively. Groups with any, and BARC ≤ 2 bleeding, had a lower average value of MAE ADP test after 24 hours, compared to the group without bleeding: 45.30 ± 18.63 U versus 50.99 ± 19.01 U; P = 0.005; and 45.75 ± 18.96 U versus 50.99 ± 18.99 U; P = 0.01; respectively. Female gender (HR 2.11; CI 1.37–3.25; P = 0.001), previous myocardial infarction (HR 0.56; CI 0.37–0.85; P = 0.006), lower body mass (HR 0.78; CI 0.62–0.98; P = 0.03), and MAE ADP test after 24 hours (HR 0.75; CI 0.61–0.93; P = 0.009) were the independent predictors for any bleeding by Cox univariate analysis. After adjustment, MAE ADP test after 24 hours, was the only independent predictor for any (HR 0.7; CI 0.56–0.87; P = 0.002), and BARC ≤ 2 (HR 0.71; CI 0.56–0.89; P = 0.003) bleeding, by Cox multivariate analysis.ConclusionMAE ADP test before and after PCI, was associated with any, and BARC ≤ 2 bleeding after elective PCI.
Recurrent and Residual Shunts After Patent Foramen Ovale Closure: Results From a Long‐Term Transcranial Doppler Study
Authors: Cheli Martino , Canepa Marco , Brunelli Claudio , Bezante Gian Paolo , Favorini Serena , Rollando Daniela , Sivori Giorgia , Viani Erica , Finocchi Cinzia , Balbi Manrico 
Published: December 2015

ObjectivesAssess the evolution of right‐to‐left shunt (RLS) after transcatheter patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure.BackgroundDespite the high number of interventional procedures performed worldwide, limited systematic data on the long‐term abolition of RLS after percutaneous closure are available.MethodsAll patients treated at our Institution between February 2001 and July 2009 were included in this single center, prospective study, and were asked to repeat late contrast transcranial Doppler (cTCD). Rate of complete closure, residual RLS (i.e., a shunt that persists after closure), and recurrent RLS (i.e., a shunt that reappears after a previous negative cTCD) was assessed.ResultsLong‐term follow‐up was completed in 120 patients (56% male). RLS was still detectable 4.9 ± 2.3 years (range 1.3–10.3) after the procedure in 55 patients; 20 (17%) had residual RLS and 35 (29%) had recurrent RLS. Multivariate analysis revealed that significant predictors of residual RLS included post‐procedural shunt at transesophageal echocardiography (OR 3.07, 95%CI 0.97–9.7), use of a bigger device (35 vs 25 mm, OR 3.85, 95%CI 1.22–12.2) and length of follow‐up (OR 0.75, 95%CI 0.57–0.98), while only length of follow‐up (OR 0.77, 95%CI 0.62–0.95) was associated with recurrent RLS. Neurological recurrences (1 stroke, 6 transient ischemic attacks) were equally distributed between the groups.ConclusionA significant number of recurrent and residual shunts may be observed by cTCD up to 5 years after PFO closure. Management of late RLSs includes periodic re‐evaluation, exclusion of device‐induced complications or secondary sources of RLS, and optimization of antithrombotic treatment with or without a second intervention. (J Interven Cardiol 2015;28:600–608)
The Role of School Design in Shaping Healthy Eating‐Related Attitudes, Practices, and Behaviors Among School Staff
Authors: Frerichs Leah , Brittin Jeri , Intolubbe‐Chmil Loren , Trowbridge Matthew , Sorensen Dina , Huang Terry T.‐K. 
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDSchools have increasing responsibility to address healthy eating, but physical barriers influence their ability to adopt and sustain recommended strategies. We took advantage of a natural experiment to investigate the role of the physical environment in shaping healthy eating attitudes and practices among school staff members.METHODSA school district consolidated its elementary schools and incorporated architectural features to support healthy eating into a building renovation. Surveys along with structured, in‐depth interviews were administered prior to and at 12 months postoccupancy. Paired t‐tests and McNemar's tests were used to analyze changes in survey indices and interview data were coded for themes.RESULTSThe school implemented new policies and programs, including staff wellness activities. There was a significant decrease in the percent of teachers with a high‐fat diet (from 73.68% to 57.14%, p < .05). Many physical barriers were removed but new challenges emerged, and staff varied in their awareness and comfort with using the new healthy eating features.CONCLUSIONSWe found promising evidence that school architecture can support a school to address healthy eating. To enhance influence of the physical environment, more research is merited to test complementary strategies such as improving ownership of space and increasing self‐efficacy to manage space.
Developing the School Physical Activity and Nutrition Environment Tool to Measure Qualities of the Obesogenic Context
Authors: John Deborah H. , Gunter Katherine , Jackson Jennifer A. , Manore Melinda 
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDPractical tools are needed that reliably measure the complex physical activity (PA) and nutrition environments of elementary schools that influence children's health and learning behaviors for obesity prevention. The School Physical Activity and Nutrition‐Environment Tool (SPAN‐ET) was developed and beta tested in 6 rural Oregon elementary schools.METHODSExtension educators were trained to assess elementary school PA and nutrition environments using the SPAN‐ET. Two auditors per school worked with school health stakeholders and collected data via document review, interviews, and direct observations. A reliability analysis using percent agreement and kappa statistics was performed to determine consistency between independent auditors. Content analyses of qualitative data were used to triangulate intercoder ratings, verify evidence, and improve reliability.RESULTSAcross the 6 schools, for all 182 measured criteria (PA = 103; nutrition = 79), the percent agreement ranged from 80.8% to 96.8% and kappa from 0.61% to 0.94.CONCLUSIONThe SPAN‐ET was a reliable instrument for assessing the quality of elementary school PA and nutrition environments, and a sensitive measure for objectively identifying specific attributes of SPAN‐ET areas of interest to target for school environmental and policy improvements aimed at supporting students' obesity preventing behaviors.
Left Ventricular Reverse Remodeling Elicited by a Quadripolar Lead: Results from the Multicenter Per4mer Study
Authors: ZIACCHI MATTEO , SAPORITO DAVIDE , ZARDINI MARCO , LUZI MARIO , QUARTIERI FABIO , MORGAGNI GIANLUIGI , DE MARIA ELIA , BERTINI MATTEO , CARINCI VALERIA , BORIANI GIUSEPPE , BIFFI MAURO 
Published: December 2015

BackgroundTo understand the impact of a quadripolar left ventricular (LV) lead on reverse remodeling and phrenic nerve stimulation (PNS) in congestive heart failure patients treated by cardiac resynchronization therapy at 8‐month follow‐up (FU).MethodsOne hundred and fifty‐eight patients received an LV Medtronic Performa lead (Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA) and were reevaluated at FU by echocardiography and measurement of electrical parameters.ResultsA targeted LV lead placement was achieved in 140 (89%) patients. Super responders and responders were 76 (50%) and 26 (18%), respectively, at FU; seven (4%) died and 13 (8%) were hospitalized for any cause. Nonischemic etiology was the only independent predictor of reverse remodeling. The configurations available only with the Performa leads reduced PNS occurrence at 8 V@0.4 ms from 43 (27%) to 14 (9%) of patients at implantation, and from 44 (28%) to 19 (12%) at last FU, compared to configurations available with bipolar leads. Patients with detectable PNS had >10/16 pacing configurations with a PNS safety margin >2 V both at implantation and at FU. During FU 16 (10%) patients had an adverse event possibly related to the lead or to modification of the underlying heart disease but 99% of these events were fixed by reprogramming of the pacing vector.ConclusionsPerforma Lead enables an increased capability to achieve a targeted lead positioning in the broad clinical scenario of large‐ and small‐volume implanting centers, with a relevant impact on the occurrence of reverse remodeling compared to literature data. The enhanced management of PNS resulted in a dislodgement rate of only 1%.
Assessment of Myocardial Contractility by SonR Sensor in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: SACCHI STEFANIA , PERINI ALESSANDRO PAOLETTI , ATTANÀ PAOLA , GRIFONI GINO , CHIOSTRI MARCO , RICCIARDI GIUSEPPE , PIERAGNOLI PAOLO , PADELETTI LUIGI 
Published: December 2015

BackgroundSonR sensor signal correlates well with myocardial contractility expressed in terms of left ventricular (LV) dP/dt max. The aim of our study was to evaluate the changes in myocardial contractility during isometric effort in heart failure patients undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) with right atrial SonR sensor.MethodsThirty‐one patients (19 men, 65 ± 7 years, LV ejection fraction [LVEF] 28% ± 5%, in sinus rhythm) were implanted with a CRT‐defibrillator (CRT‐D) device equipped with SonR sensor, which was programmed in VVI mode at 40 beats/min. Twenty‐four hours after implantation, each patient underwent a noninvasive hemodynamic evaluation at rest and during isometric effort, including: (1) measurement of beat‐to‐beat endocavitary SonR signal; (2) echocardiographic assessment; and (3) continuous measurement of blood pressure with Nexfin method (BMEYE, Amsterdam, the Netherlands). The following contractility parameters were considered: (1) mean value of beat‐to‐beat SonR signal; (2) mean value of LV dP/dt by Nexfin system; and (3) fractional shortening (FS) by echocardiography.ResultsAt the third minute of the isometric effort, mean value of SonR signal significantly increased from baseline (P < 0.001). Similarly, mean value of both LV dP/dt by Nexfin and FS significantly increased compared to the resting condition (P < 0.001; P < 0.001). While in 27 (88%) patients SonR signal increased at the third minute of the isometric effort, in four (12%) patients SonR signal decreased. In these patients, both LV dP/dt by Nexfin and FS consensually decreased.ConclusionsIn CRT patients, SonR sensor is able to detect changes in myocardial contractility in a consensual way like noninvasive methods such as Nexfin system and echocardiography.