bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mayfield estimates versus apparent nest success in colonial geese
Authors: Kellett Dana K. , Alisauskas Ray T. 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACTUnbiased estimates of nest survival are often required to make robust inference about population and habitat management. We studied nest survival of lesser snow (Anser caerulescens caerulescens) and Ross's (A. rossii) geese at Karrak Lake, Nunavut, in Canada's central Arctic, 1995–2012. We monitored nests throughout the nesting period, from early egg‐laying to late incubation, and revisited nests after predicted hatch dates to determine nest fate. Despite high nesting density and high nest visibility, detection of failed nests was lower than active nests; consequently, Mayfield nest success estimated with Program MARK was always lower than apparent nest success, the latter defined as the proportion of detected nests that produced ≥1 offspring. From data that included nests found after failure, however, annual nest survival estimated by Program MARK was related (r2 = 0.98 for both species) to apparent estimates, permitting accurate estimation of true nest success from apparent estimates. Nest survival probability (i.e., nest survival) in both species modeled with Program MARK varied annually (lesser snow geese = 0.234–0.795, Ross's geese = 0.273–0.901) and daily nest survival declined with nest age in most years. Within years, nests initiated later experienced lower survival for both lesser snow and Ross's geese (nest initiation date (NID), βNID = −0.068 [95% CI = −0.096, −0.041] and −0.082 [−0.119, −0.046], respectively). Nest survival was higher when days were relatively warm and dry for lesser snow geese (βdaily weather = 0.089 [0.054, 0.402]), but weather did not influence nest survival of Ross's geese. Disturbance by researchers had no influence on nest survival of either species. Sampling for contemporary estimators of nest survival that account for differential detection probabilities between active and inactive nests to produce unbiased estimates may not always be logistically feasible; thus, we urge researchers at least to derive predictive equations from a subset of nests specific to study sites and species to correct apparent estimates. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.
Aspiration in the otherwise healthy Infant—Is there a natural course for improvement?
Authors: Casazza Geoffrey C. , Graham M. Elise , Asfour Fadi , O'Gorman Molly , Skirko Jonathan , Meier Jeremy D. 
Published: March 2019

Objectives/HypothesisTiming and indication for surgical intervention is a major challenge in managing pediatric oropharyngeal dysphagia. No study has evaluated a natural course of swallowing dysfunction in otherwise healthy infants. Our objective was to review the outcomes and time to resolution of abnormal swallow in infants with aspiration.Study DesignRetrospective case series at a tertiary children's hospital.MethodsFifty patients under 1 year old with aspiration on a modified barium swallow study were included. Patients born <34 weeks, with medical or genetic comorbidities, or who underwent surgical intervention for aspiration were excluded. Patients were followed until aspiration resolved on a swallow study. Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis was performed.ResultsForty patients (25 patients [50%] by 6 months, 10 [20%] by 1 year, three [6%] by 2 years, and two [4%] at the end of the follow‐up interval) were recommended a normal diet, and 10 patients (20%) were still aspirating by the end of the follow‐up interval. Median time to resolution was 202 ± 7 days (range, 19–842 days), probability 48% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.34‐0.62). The probability of resolution at 6 months was 46% (95% CI: 0.4‐0.68), at 1 year was 64% (95% CI: 0.51‐0.77), at 2 years was 76% (95% CI: 0.64‐0.88), and at the end of the follow‐up interval 81.3% (95% CI: 0.7‐0.92).ConclusionsThe majority of infants with aspiration and without any other major comorbidities improved within 1 year. Future research should be directed toward better understanding swallowing dysfunction in neurologically normal infants.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 130:514–520, 2020
Topical anesthetic techniques in office‐based laryngeal surgery: A comparison of patient preferences
Authors: Naunheim Matthew R. , Woo Peak 
Published: March 2019

ObjectivesMultiple topical anesthesia techniques exist for office‐based laryngeal surgery. Our objective was to assess patient and surgeon satisfaction for three different techniques.Study DesignCohort study.MethodsAll consecutive patients presenting to an outpatient laryngology office for awake surgical procedures were enrolled. Patients were anesthetized with local anesthesia (2 cubic centimeters of 4% lidocaine) in one of three ways: 1) nebulizer, 2) flexible cannula through a channeled laryngoscope, or 3) transtracheal instillation. Demographics, procedure times, and surgeon satisfaction were recorded. A validated 11‐item patient satisfaction questionnaire (Iowa Satisfaction with Anesthesia Survey) was administered after the procedure to calculate an overall satisfaction score (−3[worst] to 3[best]). Descriptive and correlative statistics were performed.ResultsOne hundred consecutive patients were included (37 females, 73 males), with relatively equal numbers between groups (32 nebulizer, 35 cannula, 33 transtracheal). Seven procedures were aborted (4 nebulizer, 2 cannula, 1 transtracheal) due to movement, anxiety, or technical issues. Three patients did not adequately complete the survey. Of the 90 remaining patients, patient satisfaction was highest with the transtracheal technique (2.04) versus cannula (1.46) or nebulizer (1.45), and this was statistically significant (P = 0.0167). This difference was driven by decreased pain and nausea scores in the transtracheal group. Surgeon satisfaction was lower with nebulizer and higher with transtracheal injection (P = 0.0081). There was a correlation between surgeon satisfaction and patient satisfaction (P < 0.0001).ConclusionTranstracheal instillation was favored by both patients and the surgeon. Choice of local anesthetic techniques may impact patient preferences and surgical success. This may serve as a basis for optimizing anesthetic care in office‐based laryngeal surgery.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 130:166–170, 2020
Initial clinical application of tissue pH neutralization after esophageal button battery removal in children
Authors: Jatana Kris R. , Barron Christine L. , Jacobs Ian N. 
Published: March 2019

Objectives/HypothesisPediatric esophageal button battery (BB) injuries can progress even after removal and continue to be a significant source of morbidity and mortality. The objective in this case series is to present initial safety data for the human application of intraoperative tissue pH neutralization using 0.25% acetic acid irrigation after BB removal.Study DesignRetrospective case series.MethodsPediatric patients who underwent rigid esophagoscopy for BB removal between October 2016 and December 2017 and who had the injury site irrigated with 120 to 150 mL sterile 0.25% acetic acid (pH = 3) were included in the study. Outcome measures included visual tissue appearance after irrigation, immediate or delayed esophageal perforation, and evidence of eventual esophageal stricture formation.ResultsSix pediatric patients (aged 19 months–10 years) had a 3 V lithium BB lodged in the esophagus for 2 to 18 hours and had irrigation of the esophageal injury site with sterile 0.25% acetic acid in the operating room after BB removal. None of the patients showed any evidence of thermal tissue injury. By surgeon assessment, all cases had improved visual esophageal tissue appearance. Neither immediate post‐operative or delayed onset esophageal perforation nor eventual stricture development were seen.ConclusionsEsophageal irrigation in the operating room with sterile 0.25% acetic acid after BB removal, to neutralize the highly alkaline tissue microenvironment (pH 10–13) was safe and resulted in improved visual mucosal appearance. This immediate tissue pH neutralization may help halt the progression of liquefactive necrosis by immediately bringing tissue pH to physiologic range. This post‐removal irrigation technique is recommended by current National Capital Poison Center BB guidelines.Level of Evidence4Laryngoscope, 129:1772–1776, 2019
The association between the Nutrition‐Related index and morbidity following head and neck microsurgery
Authors: Parhar Harman S. , Durham J. Scott , Anderson Donald W. , Rush Barret , Prisman Eitan 
Published: March 2019

Objectives/HypothesisDespite consensus that preoperative nutritional assessment is of importance in the head and neck surgical oncology population, it remains unclear how exactly malnutrition is associated with perioperative morbidity especially among those undergoing microvascular surgery. We aimed to study this association to help inform preoperative risk stratification, guide the use of nutritional interventions, and ultimately help prevent malnutrition related morbidity.Study DesignDatabase analysis.MethodsRetrospective, linked analysis of the 2011 to 2016 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. After identifying eligible patients and stratifying according to the Nutrition‐Related Index, a univariate screen of preoperative demographic and clinical covariates was performed. Subsequently, propensity score matching was utilized to control for differences in baseline covariates. Perioperative complications and mortality were then analyzed using the propensity score–matched cohorts.ResultsAmong 977 identified patients, 276 (28.2%) were malnourished. Malnourished patients had higher rates of comorbidity, were more likely to actively smoke, and were more likely to have primaries in the oropharynx or hypopharynx/larynx. After propensity score matching to control for confounders, malnourished patients had higher rates of pulmonary complications (21.5% vs. 11.6%, P < .01), higher rates of bleeding or need for transfusion (56.6% vs. 43.0%, P < .01), higher rates of venous thromboembolism (3.7% vs. 0.8%, P = .03), and a higher 30‐day mortality rates (3.7% vs. 0.0%, P < .01).ConclusionsThis nationwide analysis finds that 28.2% of patients undergoing surgery for head and neck cancers with free flap reconstruction are malnourished. Malnourishment was found to be independently associated with postoperative pulmonary complications, bleeding or need for transfusion, and 30‐day mortality.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 130:375–380, 2020
Seasonal dynamics of internal waves governed by stratification stability and wind: Analysis of high‐resolution observations from the Dead Sea
Authors: Arnon Ali , Brenner Steve , Selker John S. , Gertman Isaac , Lensky Nadav G. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractInternal waves in stratified lakes are affected by the seasonally varying stratification and the wind forcing. We studied the seasonal dynamics of internal waves by means of high‐resolution observations and model simulations for the Dead Sea. A two‐layer hydrostatic model provided high correlations between measured thermocline depth and the lake level oscillations. Seasonally, the amplitude of the thermocline fluctuations were anticorrelated with the density difference between the water layers; the largest fluctuations were observed when stratification was weak in spring/fall and moderate to weak fluctuations in mid‐summer when stratification was fully developed. The surface and the internal waves propagated counterclockwise along the coasts at a speed of ~0.5 m s−1. Power spectra of the observed wind as well as the measured and simulated lake level and thermocline depth show a pronounced diurnal period during summer, suggesting forcing by the diurnally varying wind. During spring and fall, when the water column stability diminishes, a hint of longer wind periods appear in addition to the diurnal mode. Accordingly, the lake level and thermocline depth fluctuations respond at lower frequencies. In the fall, the longer wind periods are close to the lake's first vertical normal mode, suggesting that resonant amplification of the internal waves may explain the observed lower frequency response of the level and thermocline oscillations. Reduction of the stratification stability originating from anthropogenic water diversion over the past four decades, associated with lake level decline and salinity increase, have led to increases of internal waves amplitude and periods.
High‐Temperature Spray‐Dried Polymer/Bacteria Microparticles for Electrospinning of Composite Nonwovens
Authors: Reich Steffen , Kaiser Patrick , Mafi Mahsa , Schmalz Holger , Rhinow Daniel , Freitag Ruth , Greiner Andreas 
Published: March 2019

AbstractLiving Micrococcus luteus (M. luteus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) are encapsulated in poly(vinyl alcohol), poly(vinylpyrrolidone), hydroxypropyl cellulose, and gelatin by high‐temperature spray drying. The challenge is the survival of the bacteria during the standard spray‐drying process at temperatures of 150 °C (M. luteus) and 120 °C (E. coli). Raman imaging and transmission electron microscopy indicate encapsulated bacteria in hollow composite microparticles. The versatility of the spray‐dried polymer bacteria microparticles is successfully proved by standard polymer solution–processing techniques such as electrospinning, even with harmful solvents, to water‐insoluble polyacrylonitrile, polystyrene, poly(methyl methacrylate), and poly(vinyl butyrate) nanofiber nonwovens, which opens numerous new opportunities for novel applications.
A Bi‐Layer PVA/CMC/PEG Hydrogel with Gradually Changing Pore Sizes for Wound Dressing
Authors: Li Yang , Zhu Chenhui , Fan Daidi , Fu Rongzhan , Ma Pei , Duan Zhiguang , Li Xian , Lei Huan , Chi Lei 
Published: March 2019

AbstractWound dressings are vital for cutaneous wound healing. In this study, a bi‐layer dressing composed of polyvinyl alcohol/carboxymethyl cellulose/polyethylene glycol (PVA/CMC/PEG) hydrogels is produced through a thawing–freezing method based on the study of the pore size of single‐layer hydrogels. Then the physical properties and healing of full‐thickness skin defects treated with hydrogels are inspected. The results show that the pore size of the single‐layer PVA/CMC/PEG hyrogel can be controlled. The obtained non‐adhesive bi‐layer hydrogels show gradually increasing pore sizes from the upper to the lower layer and two layers are well bonded. In addition, bi‐layer dressings with good mechanical properties can effectively prevent bacterial penetration and control the moisture loss of wounds to maintain a humid environment for wounds. A full‐thickness skin defect test shows that bi‐layer hydrogels can significantly accelerate wound closure. The experiment indicates that the bi‐layer PVA/CMC/PEG hydrogels can be used as potential wound dressings.
Functional and structural neural bases of task specificity in isolated focal dystonia
Authors: Bianchi Serena , Fuertinger Stefan , Huddleston Hailey , Frucht Steven J. , Simonyan Kristina 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundTask‐specific focal dystonias selectively affect movements during the production of highly learned and complex motor behaviors. Manifestation of some task‐specific focal dystonias, such as musician's dystonia, has been associated with excessive practice and overuse, whereas the etiology of others remains largely unknown.ObjectivesIn this study, we aimed to examine the neural correlates of task‐specific dystonias in order to determine their disorder‐specific pathophysiological traits.MethodsUsing multimodal neuroimaging analyses of resting‐state functional connectivity, voxel‐based morphometry and tract‐based spatial statistics, we examined functional and structural abnormalities that are both common to and distinct between four different forms of task‐specific focal dystonias.ResultsCompared to the normal state, all task‐specific focal dystonias were characterized by abnormal recruitment of parietal and premotor cortices that are necessary for both modality‐specific and heteromodal control of the sensorimotor network. Contrasting the laryngeal and hand forms of focal dystonia revealed distinct patterns of sensorimotor integration and planning, again involving parietal cortex in addition to inferior frontal gyrus and anterior insula. On the other hand, musician's dystonia compared to nonmusician's dystonia was shaped by alterations in primary and secondary sensorimotor cortices together with middle frontal gyrus, pointing to impairments of sensorimotor guidance and executive control.ConclusionCollectively, this study outlines a specialized footprint of functional and structural alterations in different forms of task‐specific focal dystonia, all of which also share a common pathophysiological framework involving premotor‐parietal aberrations. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Cohesive dry ECG sensor using silver nanowires and PDMS tuned for adhesion
Authors: Helgason Rick , Banavali Amey , Lai Yongjun 
Published: March 2019

AbstractA technique is exploited to develop a dry ECG sensor using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) with enhanced adhesion to skin. The sensor consists of silver nanowires (AgNWs) embedded in PDMS. The adhesive solution presented is a novel technique which combines using high‐ratio 25:1 PDMS selectively deposited in a thin layer on the surface of a sensor body that is made from 15:1 PDMS. With this adhesive mechanism, we demonstrate a cohesive ECG sensor which can adhere to a subject without the use of additional sticky adhesives and that is compatible with current ECG technology. PDMS is residue free and highly biocompatible meaning this is a solution suitable for long‐term wear. We demonstrate that our sensor can be filtered to similar quality of a traditional ECG sensor, and further show that our sensors stay in place for more than 24 hr and it can adhere to skin with an average maximum force of about 1.09 N.
Carbon multi‐electrode arrays as peripheral nerve interface for neural recording and nerve stimulation
Authors: Zhang Xinuo , Chen Chaoyang , Ni Guoxin , Hai Yong , Chen Biao , Zhou Yang , Zhang Boshen , Chen Gui , Cheng Mark Ming‐Cheng 
Published: March 2019

AbstractMicroelectrodes are widely used as a peripheral nerve interface (PNI) to connect the peripheral nerve to a computer for restoration of sensorimotor function and bionic device motion control. Materials used for implantable microelectrode are still facing the challenges from biocompatibility and bio‐fidelity in neural signal recording and nerve stimulating. In this study, we report that carbon multi‐electrode arrays (cMEAs) can be fabricated using carbon ink, micro resin dimethylsiloxane and 3D printing technology and ink for PNI. In vitro cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) demonstrated that the cMEAs have higher charge storage capacity (CSC) and less impedance than conventional platinum (Pt) electrode. In vivo studies using an animal model demonstrated that cMEAs are more effective in stimulating the nerve to elicit muscle contraction and recording compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs) than the Pt electrode. The cMEAs has lower stimulating threshold to elicit muscle activity, higher signal‐to‐noise (SNR) in CMAP. Our studies demonstrate that cMEAs can be an advanced healthcare materials in nerve signal nerve stimulation for PNI and muscle bioelectrical signal recording for peripheral muscle interface (PMI).
Large field of view distortion assessment in a low‐field MR‐linac
Authors: Nejad‐Davarani Siamak P. , Kim Joshua P. , Du Dongsu , Glide‐Hurst Carri 
Published: March 2019

PurposeMR‐guided radiation therapy (RT) offers unparalleled soft tissue contrast for localization and target tracking. However, MRI distortions may be detrimental to high precision RT. This work characterizes the gradient nonlinearity (GNL) and total distortions over the first year of clinical operation of a 0.35T MR‐linac.MethodsFor GNL characterization, an in‐house large field of view (FOV) phantom (60 × 42.5 × 55 cm3, >6000 spherical landmarks) was configured and scanned at four timepoints with forward/reverse read polarities (Gradient Echo sequence, FA/TR/TE = 28°/30 ms/6 ms). GNL was measured in Anterior‐Posterior (AP), Left‐Right (LR), and Superior‐Inferior (SI) frequency‐encoding directions based on deviation of the auto‐segmented landmark centroids between rigidly registered MR and CT images and assessed based on radial distance from magnet isocenter. Total distortion was assessed using a 30 × 30 cm2 grid phantom oriented along the cardinal axes over >1 year of operation.ResultsThe scanner's spatial integrity within the first ~10 months was stable (maximum total distortion variation = 10/6/8%, maximum distortion = 1.41/0.99/1.56 mm in Axial/Coronal/Sagittal planes, respectively). GNL distortions measured during this time period <10 cm from isocenter were (−0.74, 0.45), (−0.67, 0.53), and (−0.86, 0.70) mm in AP/LR/SI directions. In the 10‐20 cm range, <1.5% of the distortions exceeded 2 mm in the AP and LR axes while <4% of the distortions exceeded 2 mm for SI. After major repairs and magnet re‐shim, detectable changes were observed in total and GNL distortions (20% reduction in AP and 36% increase in SI direction in the 20–25 cm range). Across all timepoints and axes, 38–53% of landmarks in the 20–25 cm range were displaced by >1 mm.ConclusionsGNL distortions were negligible within a 10 cm radius from isocenter. However, in the periphery, non‐negligible distortions of up to ~7 mm were observed, which may necessitate GNL corrections for MR‐IGRT for treatment sites distant from magnet isocenter.
Fluorescent Imaging for Cysteine Detection In Vivo with High Selectivity
Authors: Duan Zhuwen , Zhu Youming , Yang Yuyun , He Zixu , Liu Ju , Li Ping , Wang Hui , Tang Bo 
Published: March 2019

AbstractAs an essential amino acid, cysteine is involved in various biosynthetic and metabolic processes, such as protein synthesis, hormone synthesis, and redox homeostatic maintenance. Inordinate cysteine levels are often associated with serious diseases. Thus, designing and synthesizing a novel fluorescent probe for determining the concentration of cellular cysteine, which could indirectly monitor the prevalence of these diseases, is essential. We developed a florescence probe P−Cy with good sensitivity for cysteine detection in vivo. P−Cy only exhibited good response toward cysteine but did not show response toward other biothiols, such as homocysteine (Hcy) and glutathione (GSH). In this study, we used P−Cy by successfully imaging cellular endogenous and exogenous cysteine levels. Furthermore, P−Cy was also performed in mice to detect cysteine level, indicating that P−Cy is a powerful tool for cysteine detection in situ.