bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Toward Endografting of the Ascending Aorta: Insight into Dynamics Using Dynamic Cine-CTA
Authors: van Prehn Joffrey , Vincken Koen L. , Muhs Bart E. , Barwegen Gijsbrecht K. W. , Bartels Lambertus W. , Prokop Mathias , Moll Frans L. , Verhagen Hence J. M. 
Published: March 2015

Purpose: To evaluate pulsatility and movement along the ascending thoracic aorta using dynamic electrocardiographically-gated 64-slice cine computed tomographic angiography (CTA). Methods: Diameter and area change and center of mass (COM) movement of the ascending thoracic aorta was determined per cardiac cycle in 15 patients at surgically relevant anatomical levels: (A) 5 mm distal to the coronary arteries, (B) 5 mm proximal to the innominate artery, and (C) halfway up the ascending aorta. Additionally, COM movement was determined 1 cm (level P) and 2 cm (level Q) distal from the origins of the innominate, left carotid, and left subclavian arteries. Eight gated datasets covering the cardiac cycle were used to reconstruct images at each level perpendicular to the aortic lumen. The distance between important anatomical landmarks was determined. Results: All levels showed significant cardiac cycle—induced diameter and area changes (p<0.001), with the largest pulsatility 5 mm distal to the coronary arteries. Mean maximum diameter changes were (A) 17.4%±4.8% (range 7.5%–27.5%), (B) 13.9%±3.5% (range 10.6%–25.0%), and (C) 12.9%±3.4% (8.3%–19.6%). Mean area changes were (A) 12.7%±5.5% (range 4.3%–21.8%), (B) 7.5%±2.0% (range 4.1%–11.0%), and (C) 5.6%±2.2% (range 1.9%–11.4%). Mean maximum COM movements were (A) 6.1±2.0 mm (range 2.7–9.0), (B) 2.3±1.1 mm (range 1.1–5.6), and (C) 3.6±1.5 mm (range 1.4–6.5). Mean COM movements of the innominate, left carotid, and left subclavian arteries, respectively, were (P) 1.960.7 mm (range 0.9–3.7), 2.4±0.6 mm (range 1.4–3.3), and 1.9±0.6 mm (range 0.8–2.8), and (Q) 1.8±0.7 mm (range 0.8–3.5), 1.8±0.6 mm (range 0.8–2.7), 1.9±0.6 mm (range 1.1–3.4). Conclusion: The dynamics of the ascending thoracic aorta and the arch vessels are impressive, showing a wide range of 3-dimensional motions. Future ascending arch branched and fenestrated thoracic endograft designs must consider this active local environment, as it may have implications for durability, sealing, and ultimate clinical success.
An IVUS-Based Approach to Traumatic Aortic Rupture, with a Look at the Lesion from inside
Authors: Marty Bettina , Tozzi Piergiorgio , Ruchat Patrick , Huber Christoph , Doenz Francesco , von Segesser Ludwig Karl 
Published: March 2015

Purpose: To review a single-institution experience with endovascular repair of acute traumatic aortic rupture (ATAR) performed on an emergency basis using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) exclusively as the navigation tool for stent-graft implantation (no arteriography). Methods: Between September 1998 and November 2006, 26 consecutive patients (19 men; mean age 38619 years, range 15 to 83) underwent endovascular repair of ATAR performed by a surgical team using IVUS and fluoroscopy for lesion characterization and stent-graft deployment guidance. Transesophageal echocardiography was routinely used in all patients to visualize the aortic lesion and rule out residual flow after device deployment. Sealing of the aortic tear was evaluated by postoperative contrast-enhanced computed tomography. Results: IVUS revealed an extensive disruption of the tunica intima and media (>180°) in 46% (12/26) of patients; the disruption was circumferential in 3 cases, with pseudocoarctation. The aortic diameter at the site of rupture measured 24±4 mm. Primary technical success was 92% (24/26); 1 persistent but small proximal endoleak and an intraoperative death (4% in-hospital mortality) from abdominal bleeding in an octogenarian accounted for the failures. Procedure-related complications (2, 8%) included the aforementioned endoleak and a minor stroke secondary to cerebral embolization. There was no paraplegia associated with the repairs. Conclusion: Endovascular repair of acute traumatic aortic disruption yields promising results, with high technical success and minimal procedure-related morbidity. IVUS as the primary navigation tool for device implantation allows prompt endovascular setup, instant aortic measurements, and precise visualization of the aortic disruption.
A Biodegradable Stent Based on Poly(L-Lactide) and Poly(4-Hydroxybutyrate) for Peripheral Vascular Application: Preliminary Experience in the Pig
Authors: Bünger Carsten Michael , Grabow Niels , Sternberg Katrin , Goosmann Martin , Schmitz Klaus-Peter , Kreutzer Hans J. , Ince Hüseyin , Kische Stefan , Nienaber Christoph A. , Martin David P. , Williams Simon F. , Klar Ernst , Schareck Wolfgang 
Published: March 2015

Purpose: To assess the technical feasibility and biocompatibility of a novel stent based on poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) and poly(4-hydroxybutyrate) (P4HB) for peripheral vascular applications. Methods: A polytetrafluoroethylene aortobi-iliac graft was implanted in 5 pigs through a midline abdominal incision. After transverse graft limb incision, 5 PLLA/P4HB stents and 5 metal stents (316L stainless steel) were randomly deployed at both iliac anastomotic sites with 6-mm balloon catheters. Angiography was performed to determine patency prior to sacrifice at 6 weeks. Stented segments were surgically explanted and processed for quantitative histomorphometry. Vascular injury and inflammation scores were assigned to the stented iliac segments. Results: No animals were lost during follow-up. All PLLA/P4HB stents were deployed within 2 minutes by balloon inflation to 8 bars without rupture of the stent struts or anastomotic suture. All stents were patent on postprocedural angiography. Histological analysis showed no signs of excessive recoiling or collapse. PLLA/P4HB stents demonstrated decreased residual lumen area and increased neointimal area after 6 weeks (12.27±0.62 and 8.40±1.03 mm2, respectively) compared to 316L stents (13.54±0.84 and 6.90±1.11 mm2, respectively) as the result of differences in stent areas (PLLA/P4HB: 4.31±0.15 mm2; 316L: 2.73±0.29 mm2). Vascular injury scores showed only mild vascular trauma for all stents (PLLA/P4HB: 0.41±0.59; 316L: 0.32±0.47). Inflammatory reaction was slightly higher around PLLA/P4HB stent struts (1.39±0.52) compared to 316L (1.09±0.50). Conclusion: Rapid balloon expansion of PLLA/P4HB stents is feasible without risk of strut rupture. PLLA/P4HB stents provide adequate mechanical stability after iliac anastomotic stenting in pigs. Smaller residual luminal areas in the PLLA/P4HB stents might have been caused by tissue ingrowth into the larger strut interspaces due to higher strut thickness (stent area) in this group. This limitation needs to be addressed in future work on the stent design.
Drug-Eluting Stent for Recurrent Mesenteric Artery In-Stent Restenosis
Authors: Cardaioli Paolo , Rigatelli Gianluca , Zattoni Luca , Giordan Massimo 
Published: March 2015

Purpose: To report the use of a drug-eluting stent (DES) for treatment of symptomatic in-stent restenosis (ISR) in the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). Case Report: A 79-year-old woman suffering from chronic renal failure and needing dialysis was admitted for vomiting, postprandial abdominal pain, and weight loss for 3 months. Computed tomographic angiography (CTA) documented massive calcification of the vascular bed, mainly in the aorta, and a very tight ostial stenosis of the SMA. A 4.5-x20-mm Genesis stent was deployed at the ostium, with good angiographic result and immediate symptomatic benefit. After 3 months, symptoms recurred; angiography demonstrated ISR. Percutaneous angioplasty with a 4-x15-mm cutting balloon was performed. The patient remained asymptomatic for only 2 months; recurrent ISR at this time was treated with a 3.5-x24-mm coronary TAXUS Express paclitaxel-eluting coronary stent deployed inside the previously implanted stent. Under prolonged double antiplatelet regimen, the patient was asymptomatic at the 8-month follow-up; CTA demonstrated patency of the SMA. Conclusion: Considering the high rate of restenosis and the periprocedural complications described with endovascular treatment of SMA stenosis, a drug-eluting stent may be a good option not only for the treatment of restenosis but also in de novo lesions, at least when the vessel diameter is <4.5 mm.
Comparison of antiresorptive effect of hormone therapy and ibandronate in postmenopausal osteoporotic women by assessing type I collagen C-telopeptide levels
Authors: Srividhya NB , Singh Nilanchali , Goel Neerja , Gambhir JK , Rathi Vinita , Rajaram Shalini 
Published: March 2015

Objectives The aim of this study is to compare the antiresorptive effect of hormone therapy and oral ibandronate in postmenopausal osteoporotic women by measuring bone mineral density (BMD) and degradation products of C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) using serum crosslaps ELISA. Study design The study is a randomized comparative trial. Methods About 60 women with age > 40 years, having either surgical or medical menopause with T- or Z-score below -2.5 SD were included in the study. They were randomized into two groups of 30 each; one group received conventional hormone therapy (group I) and the other group received ibandronate monthly (group II). The treatment was given for 6 months. Results The BMD increased from 0.894 g/cm2 to 0.933 g/cm2 ( p < 0.01) in group I and from 0.865 g/cm2 to 0.934 g/cm2 ( p < 0.01) in group II. The increase in BMD in group I (4.3%) was less than group II (7.9%) which was significant ( p < 0.01). The serum CTX levels also showed significant reduction in both groups after 6 months of therapy; more reduction was seen in group II as compared to group I (41.5% vs. 4.6%, p < 0.01). Conclusion Ibandronate can be used as a substitute to hormone therapy in women presenting with osteoporosis. Long-term studies are needed to authenticate the observation.
Impact of infant 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine on serotypes in adult pneumonia
Authors: Rodrigo Chamira , Bewick Thomas , Sheppard Carmen , Greenwood Sonia , Mckeever Tricia M. , Trotter Caroline L. , Slack Mary , George Robert , Lim Wei Shen 
Published: March 2015

Infant 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccination (PCV13) was introduced to the UK in 2010. Its impact on serotypes implicated in adult non-bacteraemic pneumococcal pneumonia is not known.Beginning in 2008, a 5-year prospective cohort study of adults admitted to hospital with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) was conducted. Pneumococcal serotype was established using a validated multiplex immunoassay (Bio-Plex; Bio-Rad, Hercules, CA, USA).The overall incidence for hospitalised CAP and pneumococcal CAP was 79.9 (95% CI 76.6–83.3) and 23.4 (95% CI 21.6–25.3) per 100 000 population, respectively. A decline in CAP (incidence rate ratio (IRR) per year 0.96, 95% CI 0.94–0.99; p=0.016) and pneumococcal CAP (IRR per year 0.84, 95% CI 0.80–0.89; p<0.001) was observed over the 5-year period of the study. Between the pre- and post-PCV13 periods of the study, the incidence of CAP due to serotypes included in the PCV7 declined by 88% (IRR 0.12, 95% CI 0.08–0.20; p<0.001), and CAP due to the additional 6 serotypes in PCV13 declined by 30% (IRR 0.70, 95% CI 0.51–0.96; p=0.024).Incidence of adult pneumococcal pneumonia declined over the last 5 years, with serotypes included in PCV13 declining post-PCV13 introduction, indicating early herd protection effects from PCV13 infant vaccination on adult non-bacteraemic disease. These effects may accrue over the coming years with implications for national pneumococcal vaccination policies in adults.
Myeloid-related protein-14 deficiency promotes inflammation in staphylococcal pneumonia
Authors: Achouiti Ahmed , Vogl Thomas , Van der Meer Anne J. , Stroo Ingrid , Florquin Sandrine , de Boer Onno J. , Roth Johannes , Zeerleder Sacha , van ’t Veer Cornelis , de Vos Alex F. , van der Poll Tom 
Published: March 2015

Staphylococcus aureushas evolved as an important cause of pneumonia in both hospital and community settings. Staphylococcal lung infection can lead to overwhelming pulmonary inflammation. During infection, neutrophils release complexes of myeloid-related protein (MRP)8 and MRP14 (MRP8/14). MRP8/14 has been shown to exert pro-inflammatory and chemotactic activity, and to assist in the killing ofS. aureus. In the current study we sought to determine the role of MRP8/14 in the host response duringS. aureuspneumonia.Pneumonia was induced in wildtype and MRP14-deficient mice (mice unable to form MRP8/14) by intranasal inoculation of 1×107 CFU ofS. aureusUSA300. Mice were sacrificed at 6, 24, 48 or 72 h after infection for analyses.S. aureuspneumonia was associated with a strong rise in MRP8/14 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung tissue. Surprisingly, MRP14 deficiency had a limited effect on bacterial clearance and was associated with increased cytokine levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and aggravated lung histopathology.MRP14 deficiency in addition was associated with a diminished transmigration of neutrophils into bronchoalveolar lavage fluid at late time-points after infection together with reduced release of nucleosomes.MRP8/14 serves in an unexpected protective role for the lung in staphylococcal pneumonia.
A facile hydrothermal approach to the synthesis of nanoscale rare earth hydroxides
Authors: Li Chengyin , Liu Hui , Yang Jun 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Nanosized rare earth (RE) hydroxides including La(OH)3, Nd(OH)3, Pr(OH)3, Sm(OH)3, Gd(OH)3, and Er(OH)3 with rod-like morphology are fabricated via a convenient hydrothermal approach. This strategy calls for the first preparation of metal complexes between RE precursors and dodecylamine (DDA) in water/ethanol mixture at room temperature and subsequent thermal decomposition at elevated temperature. The influence of reaction time and water/ethanol volume ratios on the morphology and size of as-prepared RE hydroxides are investigated. CeO2 nanoparticles with spherical shape could be directly obtained by hydrothermal treatment of complexes formed between Ce precursors and DDA. In addition, by further calcinating the RE hydroxides at high temperature in air, RE oxide nanorods could be readily produced.
Taxation and female labor supply in Italy
Authors: Colonna Fabrizio , Marcassa Stefania 
Published: March 2015

AbstractItaly has the lowest labor supply of married women among EU countries. Moreover, the participation rate of married women is positively correlated with their husbands’ income. We show that these two features can be partly explained by the tax system: a high tax rate together with tax credits and transfers raise the burden of two-earner households, generating disincentives to work. We estimate two structural models of labor supply: one where the husband’s labor supply is inelastic and one with joint couple decisions. Then we use the estimated parameters to simulate the effects of alternative revenue-neutral tax systems on labor supply. We find that working tax credit and gender-based taxation boost it, with the effects of the former being concentrated on low educated women. Conversely, joint taxation implies a drop in the participation rate.JEL codes:J21, J22, H31
Nb2O5 Blocking Layer for High Open-circuit Voltage Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Kogo Atsushi , Numata Youhei , Ikegami Masashi , Miyasaka Tsutomu 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
A solution-processed Nb2O5 film was employed as a thin blocking layer (BL) in CH3NH3PbI3−xClx-based solar cells for the first time. A cell with Nb2O5 BL exhibited larger open-circuit photovoltage than a cell with conventional TiO2 BL. Dark current behavior suggests that recombination from F-doped tin oxide electrode to perovskite layer was efficiently blocked by the Nb2O5 BL.
The Effectiveness of Field Price Discretion: Empirical Evidence from Auto Lending
Authors: Phillips Robert , Şimşek A. Serdar , van Ryzin Garrett 
Published: March 2015

In many markets, it is common for headquarters to create a price list but grant local salespeople discretion to negotiate prices for individual transactions. How much (if any) pricing discretion headquarters should grant is a topic of debate within many firms. We investigate this issue using a unique data set from an indirect lender with local pricing discretion. We estimate that the local sales force adjusted prices in a way that improved profits by approximately 11% on average. A counterfactual analysis shows that using a centralized, data-driven pricing optimization system could improve profits even further, up to 20% over those actually realized. This suggests that centralized pricing—if appropriately optimized—can be more effective than field price discretion. We discuss the implications of these findings for auto lending and other industries with similar pricing processes. This paper was accepted by Serguei Netessine, operations management.
Somatic education and embodied discourses: Using the Feldenkrais Method to challenge dominant discourses in the sexually abused body context
Authors: Beaudry Lucie 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
In an autoethnographical study for a master’s degree in dance, the author shares how somatic education enabled her to challenge the dominant discourses that were integrated following the incest she experienced in her childhood. Considering that our identities are a function of the constraints that act on us and influence our subjectivity, the author explains how these discourses have influenced her relationship to her body and how the Feldenkrais Method made a new perception of self and of the world possible. She describes her experience of the self-educating process, a process that revealed the plasticity of a self capable of adapting to the whole of her life experiences. From the development of somatic authority to creative self-fashioning, the author draws from a variety of inspirations to nurture her thinking about, and show the role played by, somatic education.
Moving in, out, through, and beyond the tensions between experience and social construction in somatic theory
Authors: Green Jill 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
This article is a reflexive analysis of the author’s movement through the positions of different somatic theories. While some somatic theorists and practitioners focus on ideas of self and experiential knowledge, others are moving into a more postmodern realm by looking at bodies and somatic experience as social constructions. The author traces her movement through these theories and towards a non-binary postmodern view of somatics that does not dismiss the role of experience. Two narratives serve as a vehicle whereby the author wrestles with the issues.
Logic in the Service of Ancient Eastern Christianity: An Exploration of Motives
Authors: King Daniel 
Published: March 2015

Abstract:The present article explores the motives behind the so-called ‘appropriation’ of Aristotelian logic by the Syriac-speaking community in the Near East from the sixth to the ninth centuries. While it is often assumed that the Syrians adopted Greek logic for religious, and polemical, ends, we aim to show rather that the underlying reasons given for the study of logic and its propagation through educational institutions were much the same among Syriac as they were for Greek practitioners of philosophy in Late Antiquity. There was a marked continuity between the late ancient Greek centres of learning and the Syriac monasteries. Syriac theologians rarely, if ever, sought to use Aristotle as a crutch in sectarian religious debates. There are implications for our understanding of how and why the Arabic renaissance in logic came about.
Die Bedeutung von Marketing und Nutzungsmonitoring für Öffentliche Bibliotheken
Authors: Borchardt Peter 
Published: March 2015

Zusammenfassung:
Der kurze Beitrag soll in geraffter Form die Entwicklung in Erinnerung rufen, die es im deutschen Bibliothekswesen von der Benutzerforschung der 1970er-Jahre bis zum heutigen Nutzungsmonitoring gegeben hat, und darauf hinweisen, dass eine Angebotsgestaltung ohne entsprechende Datengrundlage sinnvoll eigentlich nicht möglich ist.
Bibliotheken in Berlin: unverzichtbare Orte einer interkulturellen Stadt
Authors: Schank Kristy , Nestlinger Jann 
Published: March 2015

Zusammenfassung:
In Berlin leben derzeit knapp 28 % Menschen mit Migrationshintergrund. Viele von ihnen nutzen die öffentlichen Bibliotheken in der Stadt. Die Ergebnisse des Nutzungsmonitorings in Bibliotheken (NuMoB) zeigen, wer die Nutzerinnen und Nutzer mit Migrationshintergrund sind, wo und wie sie die Berliner Bibliotheken nutzen. Überdurchschnittlich vertreten sind junge Frauen, die aufgrund von Schule und Studium die Bibliotheken besuchen. Die Bibliotheken spielen zudem eine wichtige Rolle als sozialer Treffpunkt. In der Weiterentwicklung der Bibliotheksangebote ist die interkulturelle Öffnung von großer Bedeutung.
Fahrbibliotheken und Großstadt – Widerspruch oder ein Baustein im Bibliothekssystem?
Authors: Baschin Bärbel , Rost Stefan 
Published: March 2015

Zusammenfassung:
Im Jahr 2013 wurden in Berlin im Rahmen des EFRE-Projektes NuMoB der Berliner Öffentlichen Bibliotheken auch die Nutzer in den vorhandenen Fahrbibliotheken befragt. Die Ergebnisse unterscheiden sich in einigen Bereichen von denen der Gesamtbefragung. Hervorzuheben ist die hohe Zufriedenheit der Kunden insbesondere mit dem in den Fahrbibliotheken tätigen Personal. Dies ist nicht zuletzt ein Ergebnis der anderen Form der Kundenbindung, der persönlicheren Ansprache. Fahrbibliotheken bedienen Bedarfe punktuell und individuell und bilden damit einen Baustein im Bibliothekssystem – auch einer Großstadt.
Imageanalyse als Basis der Kundenrückgewinnung
Authors: Hummels Carolin 
Published: March 2015

Zusammenfassung:
Dieser Beitrag soll exemplarisch zeigen, inwiefern das Bibliotheksimage einen Einfluss auf Kundenabwanderungen haben kann. Am Beispiel der Stadtbücherei Pulheim und der Stadtbibliothek Bergheim wurden ehemalige Kunden im Zuge einer Telefonumfrage nach ihren Gründen der Abwanderung befragt. Durch die Erkenntnisse der Befragung und eine Imageanalyse sollte deutlich werden, welches Image ehemalige Kunden mit den Bibliotheken verbinden und ob das Image mit den Kundenverlusten in Verbindung gebracht werden kann. Die Imageanalyse kann somit als Basis für die Kundenrückgewinnung dienen.
RFID als Instrument des Kundenmonitoring
Authors: Zwiener-Busch Gisela 
Published: March 2015

Zusammenfassung:
RFID bietet für Bibliotheken die Möglichkeit der quantitativen Erfassung von Kundenverhalten. Die so gewonnen Daten erlauben eine kundenorientierte Neuausrichtung von Bibliotheksangeboten und zeigen eine wichtige Richtung der Weiterentwicklungsmöglichkeiten von Bibliotheken auf.
Encouraging Innovativeness of Small and Medium Enterprises in Serbia to Support Competitiveness Improvement in the Post-Crisis Period
Authors: Ivanović-Đukić Maja , Lazić Maja 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
The global economic crisis has taken a number of consequences. In order to overcome them, many of various measures on macroeconomic and microeconomic level should be implemented in the post-crisis period. A large number of developed and developing countries as a key lever in the post-crisis period would recognize the SME sector, so that the greatest number of macroeconomic policies aims at fostering its competitiveness. Previously, a competitive advantage of SMEs was generally founded on focusing on specific markets, competing in fragmented industry or on cost leadership. Nowdays, the ability to innovate is the most important source of their competitiveness. However, since the capacities of SMEs to introduce technological innovations are generally limited, strong macroeconomic support for increasing innovativeness of SMEs is necessary. This paper will explain measures which may increase innovativeness of SMEs and the impact of SMEs innovations on their competitiveness and the competitiveness of the economy in which they operate. A special emphasis will be on the analysis of innovativeness of the SMEs in Serbia.