bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hormone replacement therapy and the risk of subarachnoid hemorrhage in postmenopausal women
Authors: Qureshi Adnan I. , Malik Ahmed A. , Saeed Omar , Defillo Archie , Sherr Gregory T. , Suri M. Fareed K. 
Published: July 2015

OBJECT
The incidence of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) increases after menopause. Anecdotal data suggest that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may reduce the rate of SAH and aneurysm formation in women. The goal of this study was to determine the effect of HRT on occurrence of SAH in a large prospective cohort of postmenopausal women.

METHODS
The data were analyzed for 93, 676 women 50–79 years of age who were enrolled in the observational arm of the Women’s Health Initiative Study. The effect of HRT on risk of SAH was determined over a period of 12 ± 1 years (mean ± SD) using Cox proportional hazards analysis after adjusting for potential confounders. Additional analysis was performed to identify the risk associated with “estrogen only” and “estrogen and progesterone” HRT among women.

RESULTS
Of the 93, 676 participants, 114 (0.1%) developed SAH during the follow-up period. The rate of SAH was higher among women on active HRT compared with those without HRT used (0.14% vs 0.11%, absolute difference 0.03%, p < 0.0001). In unadjusted analysis, participants who reported active use of HRT were 60% more likely to suffer an SAH (RR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1–2.3). Compared with women without HRT use, the risk of SAH continued to be higher among women reporting active use of HRT (RR 1.5, 95% CI 1.0–2.2) after adjusting for age, systolic blood pressure, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, body mass index, race/ethnicity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The risk of SAH was nonsignificantly higher among women on “estrogen only” HRT (RR 1.4, 95% CI 0.91–2.0) than “estrogen and progesterone” HRT(RR 1.2, 95% CI 0.8–2.1) after adjusting for the above-mentioned confounders.

CONCLUSIONS
Postmenopausal women, particularly those at risk for SAH due to presence of unruptured aneurysms, family history, or cardiovascular risk factors, should be counseled against use of HRT.
Biomechanical evaluation of the fixation strength of lumbar pedicle screws using cortical bone trajectory: a finite element study
Authors: Matsukawa Keitaro , Yato Yoshiyuki , Imabayashi Hideaki , Hosogane Naobumi , Asazuma Takashi , Nemoto Koichi 
Published: July 2015

OBJECT
Cortical bone trajectory (CBT) maximizes thread contact with the cortical bone surface and provides increased fixation strength. Even though the superior stability of axial screw fixation has been demonstrated, little is known about the biomechanical stiffness against multidirectional loading or its characteristics within a unit construct. The purpose of the present study was to quantitatively evaluate the anchorage performance of CBT by the finite element (FE) method.

METHODS
Thirty FE models of L-4 vertebrae from human spines (mean age [± SD] 60.9 ± 18.7 years, 14 men and 16 women) were computationally created and pedicle screws were placed using the traditional trajectory (TT) and CBT. The TT screw was 6.5 mm in diameter and 40 mm in length, and the CBT screw was 5.5 mm in diameter and 35 mm in length. To make a valid comparison, the same shape of screw was inserted into the same pedicle in each subject. First, the fixation strength of a single pedicle screw was compared by axial pullout and multidirectional loading tests. Next, vertebral fixation strength within a construct was examined by simulating the motions of flexion, extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation.

RESULTS
CBT demonstrated a 26.4% greater mean pullout strength (POS; p = 0.003) than TT, and also showed a mean 27.8% stronger stiffness (p < 0.05) during cephalocaudal loading and 140.2% stronger stiffness (p < 0.001) during mediolateral loading. The CBT construct had superior resistance to flexion and extension loading and inferior resistance to lateral bending and axial rotation. The vertebral fixation strength of the construct was significantly correlated with bone mineral density of the femoral neck and the POS of a single screw.

CONCLUSIONS
CBT demonstrated superior fixation strength for each individual screw and sufficient stiffness in flexion and extension within a construct. The TT construct was superior to the CBT construct during lateral bending and axial rotation.
Aseptic intrafascial and extrafascial abscesses 10 years after a 2-level DIAM insertion procedure
Authors: Stefanovic Ivan , Radisavljevic Misa , Stojanov Dragan 
Published: July 2015

With the aim to prevent the so-called adjacent-segment disease in spinal fusion surgery and to serve as the primary surgical procedure for the management of low-back pain syndrome or neurogenic claudication in spinal stenosis, the so-called dynamic spine stabilization is applied using specifically designed implants: interspinous spacers, such as DIAM (Device for Intervertebral Assisted Motion), Coflex, and X-stop. It is commonly accepted that interspinous spacers are made from material that is well tolerated by the body, that their placement is simple, that complications are rare, and that they can greatly benefit the patients. So far, there have not been published studies reporting infective or other complications 10 or more years after the placement of DIAM spacers. The aim of this paper was to present a case of an extremely late complication (after 10 years) in the form of intra- and extrafascial dumbbell abscesses, concomitantly appearing at both levels treated with the DIAM spacer. The paper presents the existence of a significant correlation between CT and MRI findings as well as the deterioration in Oswestry Disability Index and visual analog scale scores.
Over time, dynamic spine stabilization might possibly impact reactive accumulation of sterile fluid in the vicinity of an implant and could therefore be related to delayed complications even 10 years after surgery. The finding of a growing layer composed of thick aseptic fluid around the DIAM implant, with a simultaneous occurrence of spinous process osteolysis and formation of a mineralized pseudocyst, bears a considerable risk of delayed inflammatory complications, including abscess, and therefore requires the explantation of the DIAM implant.
Nouvelles sépultures sur le territoire de la «nécropole royale» de Gonur Dépé
Authors: Sarianidi Viktor Ivanovič , Dubova Nadezhda A. 
Published: July 2015

Cet article présente la découverte récente (2009) d’une sépulture non pillée sur le site de Gonur Dépé au Turkménistan (tombe no 3900). Datée 2400-2200 avant J.-C., cette tombe se rattache à la période ancienne de la « Nécropole royale » du site. Les parois de la chambre funéraire sont ornées de mosaïques décoratives. Le mobilier mis au jour comporte des récipients en céramique et en bronze, parmi lesquels un grand chaudron, ainsi que des objets en pierre et, notamment, un grand bâton. La découverte la plus remarquable est un char en bois à quatre roues tiré par deux chameaux, dont les roues sont assorties de jantes en cuivre ou en bronze. Sept squelettes humains et les restes de deux gros chiens ont été découverts. Les auteurs commentent le rituel funéraire et symbolique en relation avec le zoroastrisme. Une autre tombe riche voisine (no 3880) appartient également à la catégorie des « tombes royales ». Des squelettes de chiens et de chameaux étaient associés aux inhumations et divers objets funéraires et éléments de décor architectural ont été mis au jour. Les relations « internationales » dont témoigne le mobilier de ces tombes avec les civilisations indienne et mésopotamienne sont commentées sur la base des formes de bronze et de l’iconographie (symbole de la montagne) ; l’image d’un combat entre dragons et serpents fait l’objet d’un commentaire particulier.
Contemporary Muslim–Christian Encounters:
Authors: Hedges Paul 
Published: July 2015

Contemporary Muslim-Christian Encounters: Developments, Diversity and Dialogues addresses the key issues in the present day global encounter between Christians and Muslims. Divided into two parts, the first examines theoretical issues and concerns which affect dialogue between the two traditions. The second part highlights case studies from around the world. Chapters come from established scholars including Reuven Firestone, Douglas Pratt and Clinton Bennett, emerging scholars, as well as practitioner perspectives.
Highlighting the diversity within the field of “Christian-Muslim” encounter, case studies cover examples from the US and globally, and include dialogue in the US post 9/11, Nigerian Muslims and Christians, and Christian responses to Islamophobia in the UK.
Covering unique areas and those not explored in detail elsewhere, Contemporary Muslim-Christian Encounters: Developments, Diversity and Dialogues will be of interest to advanced students, researchers, and interfaith professionals.
A review of the remote sensing of lower tropospheric thermodynamic profiles and its indispensable role for the understanding and the simulation of water and energy cycles
Authors: Wulfmeyer Volker , Hardesty R. Michael , Turner David D. , Behrendt Andreas , Cadeddu Maria P. , Di Girolamo Paolo , Schlüssel Peter , Van Baelen Joël , Zus Florian 
Published: July 2015

AbstractA review of remote sensing technology for lower tropospheric thermodynamic (TD) profiling is presented with focus on high accuracy and high temporal‐vertical resolution. The contributions of these instruments to the understanding of the Earth system are assessed with respect to radiative transfer, land surface‐atmosphere feedback, convection initiation, and data assimilation. We demonstrate that for progress in weather and climate research, TD profilers are essential. These observational systems must resolve gradients of humidity and temperature in the stable or unstable atmospheric surface layer close to the ground, in the mixed layer, in the interfacial layer—usually characterized by an inversion—and the lower troposphere. A thorough analysis of the current observing systems is performed revealing significant gaps that must be addressed to fulfill existing needs. We analyze whether current and future passive and active remote sensing systems can close these gaps. A methodological analysis and demonstration of measurement capabilities with respect to bias and precision is executed both for passive and active remote sensing including passive infrared and microwave spectroscopy, the global navigation satellite system, as well as water vapor and temperature Raman lidar and water vapor differential absorption lidar. Whereas passive remote sensing systems are already mature with respect to operational applications, active remote sensing systems require further engineering to become operational in networks. However, active remote sensing systems provide a smaller bias as well as higher temporal and vertical resolutions. For a suitable mesoscale network design, TD profiler system developments should be intensified and dedicated observing system simulation experiments should be performed.
Safety and efficacy of concentrated topical epinephrine use in endoscopic endonasal surgery
Authors: Korkmaz Hakan , Yao William C. , Korkmaz Mukadder , Bleier Benjamin S. 
Published: July 2015

BackgroundEffective topical decongestion is critical for the safe performance of endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES). Despite the vasoconstriction offered by topical concentrated (1:1000) epinephrine (CE), its use has not gained widespread acceptance because of concerns over systemic absorption and its effect on blood pressure and postoperative rebound epistaxis. The purpose of this study was to examine the physiological changes in blood pressure and rate of epistaxis with use of topical CE in a variety of endoscopic nasal procedures.MethodsEES procedures using inhalational anesthesia and topical CE performed on 1140 consecutive patients (14 patients under 18 years) between 2011 and 2014 were evaluated retrospectively. Demographic data, intraoperative hemodynamic parameters, and postoperative epistaxis rates were recorded.ResultsThe mean patient age was 45.8 years (range, 5‐97 years). No intraoperative cardiovascular complications related to CE use were found. Four patients (0.35%) developed postoperative epistaxis requiring intervention. The mean estimated blood loss among patients undergoing bilateral sinus surgery, skull‐base surgery, and orbital decompression was (mean ± SD) 61.7 ± 51.6 mL, 60.1 ± 115 mL, and 67.9 ± 42.2 mL, respectively. The maximum mean systolic blood pressure among these groups was 108.3 ± 28.3 mmHg, 111.9 ± 27.6 mmHg, and 95.1 ± 31.7 mmHg, respectively.ConclusionThe use of topical CE is safe when performing endoscopic endonasal procedures. CE was not associated with any intraoperative complications. The profound intraoperative vasoconstriction does not confer a higher rate of postoperative rebound epistaxis.
Microcellular foaming of poly(phenylene sulfide)/poly(ether sulfones) blends using supercritical carbon dioxide
Authors: Ma Zhonglei , Zhang Guangcheng , Shi Xuetao , Yang Quan , Li Jiantong , Liu Yang , Fan Xiaolong 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTMicrocellular foaming of poly(phenylene sulfide)/poly(ether sulfones) (PPS/PES) blends presents a promising approach to produce high‐performance cellular materials with tailored microstructures and enhanced properties. This study investigated the effects of multiphase blend composition and process conditions on the foaming behaviors and final cellular morphology, as well as the dynamic mechanical properties of the solid and microcellular foamed PPS/PES blends. The microcellular materials were prepared via a batch‐foam processing, using the environment‐friendly supercritical CO2 (scCO2) as a blowing agent. The saturation and desorption behaviors of CO2 in PPS/PES blends for various blend ratios (10 : 0, 8 : 2, 6 : 4, 5 : 5, 4 : 6, 2 : 8, and 0 : 10) were also elaborately discussed. The experimental results indicated that the foaming behaviors of PPS/PES blends are closely related to the blend morphology, crystallinity, and the mass‐transfer rate of the CO2 in each polymer phase. The mechanisms for the foaming behaviors of PPS/PES blends have been illustrated by establishing theoretical models. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42634.
Enhanced dielectric properties of polyamide 11/multi‐walled carbon nanotubes composites
Authors: Huang Yongzhong , Tan Lirong , Zheng Shaodi , Liu Zhengying , Feng Jianming , Yang Ming‐Bo 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTComposites with multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) involved in polyamide 11 (PA11) were prepared via a conventional melt blending method. The structure, morphology, crystallization behavior, electrical, and dielectric properties of composites were investigated. The results demonstrated that the dispersed uniformly MWNTs favored the formation of α crystal of PA11 when the composites were quenched from melt. The dielectric constant of composites was dependent on the electric field frequency and MWNTs content, and the highest value of dielectric constant was as high as 350 for the composite with 1.21 vol % MWNTs at 103 Hz, accompanied by a low dielectric loss. The enhanced dielectric properties could be interpreted by the formation of abundant nanocapacitors within the composites and the interfacial polarization effect resulting from accumulation of charge carriers at the internal interfaces between MWNTs and PA11. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42642.
The effect of TiO2 nanoparticles on the properties of sulfonated block copolymers
Authors: Ortiz‐Negrón Ariangelís , Suleiman David 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTBlock copolymers composed of styrene and different elastomeric blocks were sulfonated to high ion exchange capacities (IECs). Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles were added to these polymers to improve their mechanical and thermal stabilities, while influencing their transport properties for direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) applications. Materials properties as proton exchange membranes (PEMs) were analyzed using: FT‐IR, water absorption, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), IEC, methanol permeability, and proton conductivity studies. Although there was no effect of TiO2 nanoparticles on the thermal stability of the membranes, significant changes were observed in the mechanical properties of both sulfonated block copolymers studied. Water absorption increased at low TiO2 content, but was then reduced with the incorporation of more nanoparticles. To enhance the interaction between the inorganic fillers and the polymers, sulfonic and amino groups were attached to the surface of the titania nanoparticles. The effect of sulfonated nanoparticles on the properties of the materials was more significant than the effect of the amino functionalized nanoparticles on all the properties evaluated, suggesting enhanced chemical interactions with the ionic domains of the polymer membranes. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42651.
Medium‐term CT evaluation of stent geometry, integrity, and valve function of the Edwards SAPIEN transcatheter heart valve in the pulmonary position
Authors: Muller Brieann , Ghawi Hani , Heitschmidt Mary G. , Fogg Louis , Hibbeln John , Hijazi Ziyad M. , Kenny Damien 
Published: July 2015

ObjectiveDistortion of transcatheter heart valve (THV) stent shape and morphology has been shown to impact on THV function. This study sought to evaluate the relationship between geometrical CT follow‐up data and consequent valve function in patients undergoing transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement with the Edwards SAPIEN THV.MethodsAll patients were enrolled in the COMPASSION trial. Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) was performed as part of the study protocol at 6 months and yearly thereafter following valve implantation. Prosthesis eccentricity indices, circularity ratios, and expansion ratios (ER) were calculated. Valve function and reintervention rates were correlated with MDCT findings.ResultsTwenty consecutive patients undergoing 58 CT scans were included. Maximum Doppler gradients across the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) were significantly reduced following valve implantation (P < 0.001). Geometrical indices and maximum RVOT gradients were compared between the reintervention group (n = 4) and the nonreintervention group (n = 16). Although there was no difference in eccentricity index between the groups, ER [6 months: 90 +/− 12% vs. 69 ± 9%; P = 0.014; at 12 months: 89 ± 14 vs. 69 ± 10%; P = 0.018; at 24 months: 87 ± 14% vs. 70 ± 11%; P = 0.056] and valve area [6 months: 3.98 ± 0.54 vs. 2.86 ± 0.38 P = 0.005; at 12 months: 3.93 ± 0.56 vs. 2.86 ± 0.39 P = 0.006; 24 months: 3.78 ± 0.50 vs. 2.90 ± 0.45 P = 0.019] were lower in the reintervention group compared with the nonreintervention group at all time periods.ConclusionGeometrical THV measurements as assessed by CT may predict the need for reintervention in patients undergoing transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement with the SAPIEN valve. Valve symmetry is maintained, however under‐expansion and smaller valve area are strongly associated with the need for reintervention. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Optimization of stent implantation using a high pressure inflation protocol
Authors: Vallurupalli Srikanth , Bahia Amit , Ruiz‐Rodriguez Ernesto , Ahmed Zubair , Hakeem Abdul , Uretsky Barry F. 
Published: July 2015

BackgroundHigh‐pressure inflation is the universal standard for stent deployment but a specific protocol for its use is lacking. We developed a standardized “pressure optimization protocol” (POP) using time to inflation pressure stability as an endpoint for determining the required duration of stent inflation. Objectives: The primary study purpose was to determine the stent inflation time (IT) in a large patient cohort using the standardized inflation protocol, to correlate various patient and lesion characteristics with IT, and ascertain in an in vitro study the time for pressure accommodation within an inflation system.MethodsSix hundred fifteen stent implants in 435 patients were studied. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine predictors of longer ITs. In an in vitro study, various stents and balloons were inflated in air to determine the pressure accommodation time of the inflation system.ResultsThe mean stent IT was 104 ± 41 sec (range 30–380 sec). Stent length was the only predictor of prolonged stent inflation. The “accommodation time” in vitro of the stent inflation system itself was 33 ± 24 sec. The protocol was safe requiring premature inflation termination in <3% of stent implants. No serious adverse events occurred.ConclusionsAchieving stable inflation pressure requires on average over 100 sec and may require several minutes in individual cases. Stent length increases IT. These results suggest that the widespread practice of rapid inflation/deflation may not be sufficient to fully expand the stent and that the use of a pressure stability protocol will allow for safe, predictable, and more complete stent deployment. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Direct physician reporting is associated with reductions in radiation exposure in pediatric cardiac catheterizations
Authors: Nicholson George T. , Gao Kevin , In Kim Sung , Kim Dennis W. , Vincent Robert N. , Balfour Virginia , Petit Christopher J. 
Published: July 2015

ObjectiveThe objective is to quantify radiation dose in children undergoing cardiac catheterization and determine the impact of increased reporting transparency on total radiation exposure. Background: Cardiac catheterization (cath) can result in significant radiation exposure in children. There has been growing interest in quantifying and reducing radiation exposure in pediatric cath procedures. Our center underwent a slight change in practice recently that resulted in direct physician reporting of radiation dose following every case.MethodsWe reviewed cath procedures across three different eras in four cath categories: post‐heart transplant annual cath, unilateral pulmonary artery (PA) stent placement, pre‐Fontan cath, and pre‐Glenn cath. The eras were defined as: Era 1, 1/2009 – 1/2011; Era 2, 1/2011 – 9/2013; and Era 3, 9/2013 – 5/2014. In Era 3, the physician performing the cath was responsible for reporting the radiation data.ResultsAcross the three eras, there were significant decreases in cumulative air KERMA (mGy) among all four cath categories. From Era 2 to Era 3, the greatest decreases in radiation were noted, particularly in dose area product (cGy·cm2) in the transplant annual evaluation and pre‐Glenn cases. In Era 1, 2 cases (1.2%) had a frame rate reduction, while in Era 2, 22 cases (12.0%), and in Era 3, 83 cases (21.6%) had frame rate changes (P < 0.01).ConclusionsIncreased physician awareness of radiation exposure is associated with a significant reduction in radiation dose across a variety of cath procedures. This is seen not only by the overall reduction in radiation across case types, but also as the frame rate was more frequently changed during individual cases, indicating an important change in physician behavior and practice. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A self‐calibrated delay‐locked loop with low static phase error
Authors: Kao Shao‐Ku , Cheng Hsiang‐Chi , Lin Jian‐Da 
Published: July 2015

SummaryIn conventional delay‐locked loop circuits, the charge and discharge of the charge pump result in mismatched current reflecting the size of the static phase error. The static phase error between feedback clock and reference clock is likely to be within tens or hundreds of picoseconds (ps). We thus propose an approach using digital calibration methods to reduce the charge pump current mismatch by means of the setup time of the D‐type flip flop. The setup time of D‐type flip flop is determined and duplicated to detect the phase error between the reference clock and feedback clock. It results in a very small static phase error between the reference clock and feedback clock. This paper used a 0.18 µm CMOS process design, with a reference frequency of 700 ~ 900 MHz. The active area is 0.031 mm2, and the phase error after correction is less than 5 ps. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.