bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical predictors of descending necrotizing mediastinitis after deep neck infections
Authors: Kimura Akari , Miyamoto Shunsuke , Yamashita Taku 
Published: November 2019

Objectives/HypothesisTo identify the clinical predictors of descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM) secondary to deep neck infections (DNIs) before treatment.Study DesignRetrospective case series.MethodsWe reviewed 73 patients with DNIs who had been treated with external drainage at our institute between April 2009 and March 2019. We divided these patients into either a DNI group without mediastinitis (n = 55) or a DNM group secondary to DNI (n = 18). We collected clinical data and compared them between the groups, conducting univariate and multiple logistic regression analysis to identify the predictors of DNM.ResultsWe identified age, C‐reactive protein (CRP), neutrophil percentage, lymphocyte percentage, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), presence of comorbidities, presence of gas, and abscess extension below the hyoid bone as statistically significant by univariate analysis. Moreover, multiple logistic regression analysis showed that age ≥55 years, NLR ≥13, and CRP ≥30 mg/dL were statistically significant.ConclusionsWe identified age ≥55, NLR ≥13, and CRP ≥30 before DNI treatment as clinical predictors of a DNM complication.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 130:E567–E572, 2020
Tracheostomy in bilateral neck dissection: Comparison of three tracheostomy scoring systems
Authors: Janik Stefan , Brkic Faris F. , Grasl Stefan , Königswieser Meinhard , Franz Peter , Erovic Boban M. 
Published: November 2019

ObjectivesTo evaluate whether elective tracheostomy is justified after tumor resection and bilateral neck dissection (ND) and whether application of tracheostomy scoring systems is reliable for planning of postoperative airway management.Study DesignRetrospective cohort study.MethodsWe retrospectively assessed airway management in 160 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Additionally, we applied and analyzed the 1) Cameron, 2) TRACHY, and 3) CASST tracheostomy scoring systems on the tracheostomy recommendations.ResultsElective tracheostomies were performed in 51.3% of our patients, particularly in T3 to T4 tumors, cases with free flap reconstruction, and concurrent procedures. Among patients undergoing concurrent procedures, those who received tracheostomy showed significantly longer inpatient stays (27.8 ± 30.0 days vs. 13.3 ± 6.6 days; P < 0.001). Tracheostomy recommendation coincides with the performance of bilateral ND in 28.6% (CASST), 60.0% (Cameron), and 75.0% (TRACHY) of the cases, respectively. By applying corresponding criteria, tracheostomy would be recommended in 2.5% (CASST), 76.9% (Cameron), and 84.4% (TRACHY) of our cases. Bleeding episodes were the most common complication occurring in 10 patients (6.3%), but tracheostomy scores did not significantly differ between bleeders and nonbleeders.ConclusionBilateral ND on its own is not a reliable predictor for elective tracheostomy. Furthermore, given the significant heterogeneity of currently available scoring systems, they prove inadequate for decision making and predictive modeling of tracheostomy placement.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 130:E580–E586, 2020
Borealization of Arctic zooplankton—smaller and less fat zooplankton species in Disko Bay, Western Greenland
Authors: Møller Eva Friis , Nielsen Torkel Gissel 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIn a warmer Arctic with less sea ice and stronger stratification, the environmental changes are expected to impact the pelagic food web, but few biological studies supporting this exist compared with the well‐documented physical changes. Here, we analyze a subset of 13 yr of data from Disko Bay, Western Greenland, from the period 1992 to 2018 for trends in the key zooplankton genus Calanus during May and June in relation to physical conditions. In the 1990s, the small North Atlantic species Calanus finmarchicus and the two larger Arctic species Calanus hyperboreus and Calanus glacialis contributed equally to the copepod biomass. With the reduction in sea ice cover, however, the Arctic species have declined, and currently C. finmarchicus dominates the biomass. Because of the species shift, the Calanus community is now dominated by smaller individuals and the lipid content of Calanus females during spring and summer has decreased by 34%. Moreover, during the last decade the annual variation in population size has been prominent, Calanus virtually being absent in some years. Because of the central role of Calanus in the Arctic food web, the changes will likely impact higher trophic levels, including fish, sea birds, and marine mammals.
Efficient Polymer Solar Cells Based on New Random Copolymers with Porphyrin‐Incorporated Side Chains
Authors: Liu Zhixin , Huang Zhuohao , Chen Yuzhuo , Xu Tao , Yu Hao , Guo Xia , Yan Lei , Zhang Maojie , Wong Wai‐Yeung , Wang Xingzhu 
Published: November 2019

AbstractTwo new wide bandgap block copolymers (PL1 and PL2) with porphyrin‐incorporated side chains are designed and used as electron donors for solution‐processed bulk heterojunction polymer solar cells. The photophysical, electrochemical, and photovoltaic properties, charge transport mobility and film morphology of these two block copolymers are investigated. Detailed investigations reveal that the different alkyl groups and electron‐withdrawing substituents on the porphyrin pendant units have significant influence on the polymer solubility, absorption energy level, band gap, and charge separation in the bulk‐heterojunction thin films, and thus the overall photovoltaic performances. Organic photovoltaic devices derived from these copolymers and ([6,6]‐phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester) (PC71BM) acceptor show the best power conversion efficiencies of 5.83% and 7.14%, respectively. These results show that the inclusion of a certain proportion of side chain porphyrin group as a pendant in the traditional donor‐acceptor (D‐A) type polymer can broaden the molecular absorption range and become a full‐color absorbing molecule. The size of the porphyrin pendant also has an obvious effect on the properties of the molecule.
Synthesis of Novel Sulfobetaine Polymers with Differing Dipole Orientations in Their Side Chains, and Their Effects on the Antifouling Properties
Authors: Schönemann Eric , Koc Julian , Aldred Nick , Clare Anthony S. , Laschewsky André , Rosenhahn Axel , Wischerhoff Erik 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe impact of the orientation of zwitterionic groups, with respect to the polymer backbone, on the antifouling performance of thin hydrogel films made of polyzwitterions is explored. In an extension of the recent discussion about differences in the behavior of polymeric phosphatidylcholines and choline phosphates, a quasi‐isomeric set of three poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate)s is designed for this purpose. The design is based on the established monomer 3‐[N‐2‐(methacryloyloxy)ethyl‐N,N‐dimethyl]ammonio‐propane‐1‐sulfonate and two novel sulfobetaine methacrylates, in which the positions of the cationic and the ionic groups relative to the polymerizable group, and thus also to the polymer backbone, are altered. The effect of the varied segmental dipole orientation on their water solubility, wetting behavior by water, and fouling resistance is compared. As model systems, the adsorption of the model proteins bovine serum albumin (BSA), fibrinogen, and lysozyme onto films of the various polyzwitterion surfaces is studied, as well as the settlement of a diatom (Navicula perminuta) and barnacle cyprids (Balanus improvisus) as representatives of typical marine fouling communities. The results demonstrate the important role of the zwitterionic group's orientation on the polymer behavior and fouling resistance.
Demolishing the great wall of biofilms in Gram‐negative bacteria: To disrupt or disperse?
Authors: Yu Miao , Chua Song Lin 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBacterial infections lead to high morbidity and mortality globally. While current therapies against bacteria often employ antibiotics, most bacterial pathogens can form biofilms and prevent effective treatment of infections. Biofilm cells can aggregate and encased themselves in a self‐secreted protective exopolymeric matrix, to reduce the penetration by antibiotics. Biofilm formation is mediated by c‐di‐GMP signaling, the ubiquitous secondary messenger in bacteria. Synthesis of c‐di‐GMP by diguanylate cyclases leads to biofilm formation via the loss of motility, increased surface attachment, and production of biofilm matrix, whereas c‐di‐GMP degradation by phosphodiesterases causes biofilm dispersal to new sites via increased bacterial motility and matrix breakdown. The highly variable nature of biofilm development and antimicrobial tolerance imposes tremendous challenges in conventional antimicrobial therapies, indicating an imperative need to develop anti‐biofilm drugs against biofilm infections. In this review, we focus on two main emergent approaches—active dispersal and disruption. While both approaches aim to demolish biofilms, we will discuss their fundamental differences and associated methods. Active dispersal of biofilms involves signaling the bacterial cells to leave the biofilm, where resident cells ditch their sessile lifestyle, gain motility and self‐degrade their matrix. Biofilm disruption leads to direct matrix degradation that forcibly releases embedded biofilm cells. Without the protection of biofilm matrix, released bacterial cells are highly exposed to antimicrobials, leading to their eradication in biofilm infections. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of both approaches will allow optimized utility with antimicrobials in clinical settings.
CT prostate segmentation based on synthetic MRI‐aided deep attention fully convolution network
Authors: Lei Yang , Dong Xue , Tian Zhen , Liu Yingzi , Tian Sibo , Wang Tonghe , Jiang Xiaojun , Patel Pretesh , Jani Ashesh B. , Mao Hui , Curran Walter J. , Liu Tian , Yang Xiaofeng 
Published: November 2019

PurposeAccurate segmentation of the prostate on computed tomography (CT) for treatment planning is challenging due to CT's poor soft tissue contrast. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been used to aid prostate delineation, but its final accuracy is limited by MRI‐CT registration errors. We developed a deep attention‐based segmentation strategy on CT‐based synthetic MRI (sMRI) to deal with the CT prostate delineation challenge without MRI acquisition.Methods and materialsWe developed a prostate segmentation strategy which employs an sMRI‐aided deep attention network to accurately segment the prostate on CT. Our method consists of three major steps. First, a cycle generative adversarial network was used to estimate an sMRI from CT images. Second, a deep attention fully convolution network was trained based on sMRI and the prostate contours deformed from MRIs. Attention models were introduced to pay more attention to prostate boundary. The prostate contour for a query patient was obtained by feeding the patient's CT images into the trained sMRI generation model and segmentation model.ResultsThe segmentation technique was validated with a clinical study of 49 patients by leave‐one‐out experiments and validated with an additional 50 patients by hold‐out test. The Dice similarity coefficient, Hausdorff distance, and mean surface distance indices between our segmented and deformed MRI‐defined prostate manual contours were 0.92 ± 0.09, 4.38 ± 4.66, and 0.62 ± 0.89 mm, respectively, with leave‐one‐out experiments, and were 0.91 ± 0.07, 4.57 ± 3.03, and 0.62 ± 0.65 mm, respectively, with hold‐out test.ConclusionsWe have proposed a novel CT‐only prostate segmentation strategy using CT‐based sMRI, and validated its accuracy against the prostate contours that were manually drawn on MRI images and deformed to CT images. This technique could provide accurate prostate volume for treatment planning without requiring MRI acquisition, greatly facilitating the routine clinical workflow.
Simultaneous multislice imaging of the heart using multiband balanced SSFP with blipped‐CAIPI
Authors: Price Anthony N. , Cordero‐Grande Lucilio , Malik Shaihan J. , Hajnal Joseph V. 
Published: November 2019

PurposeIn this work, we explore the use of multiband (MB) balanced steady‐state free precession (bSSFP) with blipped‐controlled aliasing in parallel imaging (CAIPI), which avoids the issues of altered frequency response associated with RF phase cycling, and show its application to accelerating cardiac cine imaging.MethodsBlipped and RF‐cycled CAIPI were implemented into a retrospective‐gated segmented cine multiband bSSFP sequence. The 2 methods were compared at 3T using MB2 to demonstrate the effect on frequency response. Further data (4 subjects) were acquired at both 1.5T and 3T collecting 12‐slice short axis stacks using blipped‐CAIPI with MB acceleration factors of 1–4. The impact on SNR and contrast was evaluated along with g‐factors at different accelerations.ResultsData acquired with blipped‐CAIPI multiband bSSFP up to factor 4 yielded functional cine data with good SNR and contrast, while reliably keeping dark‐band artefacts clear of the heart at 1.5T. SAR limits the maximum MB acceleration, particularly at 3T, where minimum TR increase is problematic and leakage artefacts are more prevalent. Mean g‐factors across the heart were measured at 1.00, 1.06, and 1.12 for MB2–MB4, whereas blood‐pool SNR measures (end‐diastole) decreased by 11.8, 21.5, and 36.9%; ultimately LV‐myocardium CNR remained sufficient at 1.5T with values ranging: 15.6, 13.4, 11.9, and 9.6 (MB1–MB4).ConclusionBlipped‐CAIPI multiband bSSFP can be used in cardiovascular applications without affecting the frequency response because of controlled aliasing and can be readily incorporated into segmented cine acquisitions without adding any additional constraints because of phase cycling requirements. The method was used to collect full ventricular coverage within a single breath‐hold.
Linking Rural and Urban Circular Economies through Reuse and Repair
Authors: Berry Brieanne , Isenhour Cindy 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIncreasing resource scarcity and what has been called “the end of cheap nature” are prompting policymakers and scholars to foster more circular economies to reduce waste and lengthen the lifespan of material goods. Our essay critically examines the political and economic relationships between urban and rural geographies in the context of secondhand economies. Practices of bartering, swapping, selling, and repairing used goods have long been important to rural people and places, but the increasing commodification of discards risks upending rural livelihoods and ways of being as goods move toward urban centers. We explore the relationship between rural and urban reuse economies and suggest how future scholars of rural North America might contribute to strengthening and supporting localized reuse practices.
#WeNeedANewCounty: Enduring Division and Conquest in the Indigenous Southwest
Authors: Montoya Teresa 
Published: November 2019

AbstractPernicious threats to tribal sovereignty and Indigenous empowerment at local scales of governance have often evaded the scrutiny applied to other formations of the settler state. To illustrate this point, I draw on recent attempts to divide and redistrict county jurisdictions that overlap with the Navajo Nation. I argue that such efforts become a pretext to treat Navajo citizens as an economic liability and to exclude them from upwardly mobile settler polities in historically racialized ways. As a result, rural politics becomes a crucial site for understanding the contemporary struggles of the 573 federally recognized tribal nations in the United States. I conclude that considerations of rurality must be attentive to how histories of dispossession continue to surface in and permeate the present political moment.
Someone Else's “Country”: American Roots Music and Rural Identity in Sardinia, Italy
Authors: Jacobsen Kristina M. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThis article examines rural North American expressive culture vis‐a‐vis country music and language reclamation within minoritarian language contexts. Drawing on my previous ethnographic fieldwork performing and learning Navajo on the Navajo Nation, I explore how rural identities circulate transnationally in and through spoken and sung performances of country “roots” music in my more recent field site of Sardinia, Italy. In both Sardinia and on the Navajo Nation, this musical genre acts as a medium for heritage language reclamation and consequently allows for reconnection to a rural sense of self.
Urodynamics in patients with multiple sclerosis: A consensus statement from a urodynamic experts working group
Authors: Averbeck M. A. , Iacovelli V. , Panicker J. , Schurch B. , Finazzi Agrò E. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAimsUrodynamics (UDS) is often indicated for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients either at presentation to specialized medical centers or after failure of conservative management of lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD). However, the ideal moment and context to indicate this exam in this group of patients remain controversial. We aimed to establish a consensus panel to address the role of UDS in MS patients.MethodsA panel representing urology, rehabilitation medicine, and neurology skilled in neuro‐urology participated in a consensus‐forming project using a Delphi method to reach consensus on the role of UDS in MS patients.ResultsIn total, five experts participated. All panelists participated in the four phases of the consensus process. Consensus was reached if ≥70% of the experts agreed on recommendations. To facilitate a common understanding among all experts, a face‐to‐face consensus meeting was held in Florence in September 2017 and then with a follow‐up teleconference in March 2018. By the end of the Delphi process, formal consensus was achieved for 100% of the items and an algorithm was then developed in a face‐to‐face meeting in Philadelphia in August 2018. The final expert opinion recommendations were approved by the unanimous consensus of the panel.ConclusionsUDS represents an important diagnostic tool for MS patients and is particularly useful to evaluate the pattern of LUT dysfunction in high‐risk patients. There is a lack of high‐evidence level studies to support an optimal urodynamic long‐term follow‐up protocol.
Health‐related quality of life in patients with heart failure eligible for treatment with sacubitril–valsartan
Authors: Holmlund Lena , Brännström Margareta , Lindmark Krister , Sandberg Camilla , Hellström Ängerud Karin 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAimTo describe and compare self‐reported health‐related quality of life between younger and older patients with severe heart failure eligible for treatment with sacubitril–valsartan and to explore the association between health‐related quality of life and age, NYHA classification, systolic blood pressure and NT‐proBNP level.DesignCross‐sectional study.MethodsA total of 59 patients, eligible for treatment with sacubitril–valsartan were consecutively included and divided into a younger (≤75 years) and older group (>75 years). Health‐related quality of life was assessed using the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire and the EuroQol 5‐dimensions. Data were collected between June 2016 and January 2018. The STROBE checklist was used.ResultsThere were no differences in overall health‐related quality of life between the age groups. The older patients reported lower scores in two domains measured with the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire, namely self‐efficacy (67.0SD22.1 vs. 78.8SD19.7) and physical limitation (75.6SD19.0 vs. 86.3SD14.4). Higher NYHA class was independently associated with lower Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire Overall Summary Score.
The effect of dispersion quality of fillers on soundproofing properties of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene/dense filler composites: Barite vs Magnetite
Authors: Ersoy Orkun 
Published: November 2019

AbstractDense mineral fillers are used to provide sound insulation properties to polymer‐matrix composites. According to the mass law of sound insulation, the greater the mass, the harder it is for the material to vibrate, indicating the material will have better insulation. Thus, magnetite and barite minerals provide sound insulation by adding weight to composites. In this study, 25% (w) dense filler and 75% (w) acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) composites were prepared using a laboratory‐type twin‐screw extruder. Dense filler powders and ABS/dense filler composites were characterized using a particle size analyzer, a color spectrophotometer, a gas pycnometer, an X‐ray diffractometer, a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, an impedance tube, and techniques such as the Brunauer Emmett Teller method and high‐resolution microtomography (μ‐CT). The sound insulation of ABS blend with these two minerals as fillers was compared. Magnetite had better sound insulation performance although both fillers were incorporated into the polymers in equal amounts by weight. The better sound insulation performance of magnetite was attributed to its good dispersion in the polymer matrix. The dispersion of the filler particles within the composites was displayed in three dimensions utilizing X‐ray μ‐CT. Structural analysis was performed on the tomography images, and numerical values expressing the dispersion quality of the filler particles in the composites were obtained.
Improved mechanical properties and hydrophobicity on wood flour reinforced composites: Incorporation of silica/montmorillonite nanoparticles in polymers
Authors: Jiang Jun , Mei Changtong , Pan Mingzhu , Cao Jinzhen 
Published: November 2019

AbstractSilica/montmorillonite hybrid nanoparticles were prepared to modify high‐density polyethylene which was used to fabricate wood/polymer composites (WPC). Surface modification of hybrids with γ‐methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTS) increased water contact angles from 10.7°to 88.1°and decreased the content of hydroxyl groups (42% relative OH content), indicating the successful grafting of MPTS. Compared with silica, the layered structure of montmorillonite (MMT) provided a better barrier (tortuous paths) for water penetration, and the incorporation of silica in hybrids provided more sites for MPTS grafting. Both of them resulted in the improvement on hydrophobicity for hybrids and WPCs. In the WPC system, some silicas in modified hybrids were not only dispersed in the polymer matrix but also penetrated into the cell wall of wood flours (WF) owing to the extruded process. The MMT in hybrids could mainly cover the WF surface. This distribution of hybrids could improve the WF mechanical strength and interfacial compatibility between the WF and polymer with the help of MPTS, resulting in enhanced mechanical properties of the composites. Compared with control (without nanoparticles), the tensile strength, impact strength, modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity of the WPC with modified hybrids incorporation increased by 31%, 47%, 18%, and 28%, respectively.