bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Landscape‐level patterns in fawn survival across North America
Authors: Gingery Tess M. , Diefenbach Duane R. , Wallingford Bret D. , Rosenberry Christopher S. 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACTA landscape‐level meta‐analysis approach to examining early survival of ungulates may elucidate patterns in survival not evident from individual studies. Despite numerous efforts, the relationship between fawn survival and habitat characteristics remains unclear and there has been no attempt to examine trends in survival across landscape types with adequate replication. In 2015–2016, we radiomarked 98 white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) fawns in 2 study areas in Pennsylvania. By using a meta‐analysis approach, we compared fawn survival estimates from across North America using published data from 29 populations in 16 states to identify patterns in survival and cause‐specific mortality related to landscape characteristics, predator communities, and deer population density. We modeled fawn survival relative to percentage of agricultural land cover and deer density. Estimated average survival to 3–6 months of age was 0.414 ± 0.062 (SE) in contiguous forest landscapes (no agriculture) and for every 10% increase in land area in agriculture, fawn survival increased 0.049 ± 0.014. We classified cause‐specific mortality as human‐caused, natural (excluding predation), and predation according to agriculturally dominated, forested, and mixed (i.e., both agricultural and forest cover) landscapes. Predation was the greatest source of mortality in all landscapes. Landscapes with mixed forest and agricultural cover had greater proportions and rates of human‐caused mortalities, and lower proportions and rates of mortality due to predators, when compared to forested landscapes. Proportion and rate of natural deaths did not differ among landscapes. We failed to detect any relationship between fawn survival and deer density. The results highlight the need to consider multiple spatial scales when accounting for factors that influence fawn survival. Furthermore, variation in mortality sources and rates among landscapes indicate the potential for altered landscape mosaics to influence fawn survival rates. Wildlife managers can use the meta‐analysis to identify factors that will facilitate comparisons of results among studies and advance a better understanding of patterns in fawn survival. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
Response of moose to a high‐density road network
Authors: Wattles David W. , Zeller Katherine A. , DeStefano Stephen 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACTRoad networks and the disturbance associated with vehicle traffic alter animal behavior, movements, and habitat selection. The response of moose (Alces americanus) to roads has been documented in relatively rural areas, but less is known about moose response to roads in more highly roaded landscapes. We examined road‐crossing frequencies and habitat use of global positioning system (GPS)‐collared moose in Massachusetts, USA, where moose home ranges have road densities approximately twice that of previous studies. We compared seasonal road‐crossing frequencies of moose with a null movement model. We estimated moose travel speeds during road‐crossing events and compared them with speeds during other home range movements. To estimate the extent of the road effect zone and determine how roads influenced moose habitat use, we fit a third‐order resource selection function. With the exception of the lowest use road class (<10 vehicles/day), we found moose crossed roads less than expected based on the null movement model and frequency decreased with increasing road size and traffic. Moose crossed roads faster than they traveled during other times. This effect increased with increasing road use intensity. Overall, roads were a major factor determining what portions of Massachusetts moose used and how they moved among habitat patches. Our results suggest that moose in Massachusetts can adapt to a high‐density road network, but the road effect is still strongly negative and, in some cases, is more pronounced than in study areas with lower road densities. Future road construction and the expansion of road networks may have a large effect on moose and other wildlife. Published 2018. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Pulsed dye laser treatment of rosacea using a novel 15 mm diameter treatment beam
Authors: Bernstein Eric F. , Schomacker Kevin , Paranjape Amit , Jones Christopher J. 
Published: April 2018

BackgroundThe pulsed‐dye laser has been used to treat facial redness and rosacea for decades. Recent advances in dye laser technology enable 50% higher output energies supporting 50% larger treatment areas, and beam‐diameters up to 15 mm with clinically‐relevant fluences. In this study, we investigate this novel pulsed‐dye laser using a 15 mm diameter beam for treatment of rosacea.MethodsTwenty subjects with erythemato‐telangiectatic rosacea were enrolled in the study. A total of 4 monthly treatments were administered, first treating linear vessels with a 3 × 10 mm elliptical beam, then diffuse redness with a 15‐mm diameter circular beam. Blinded assessment of digital, cross‐polarized photographs taken 2 months following the last treatment was performed using an 11‐point clearance scale.ResultsNineteen subjects completed the study. Blinded reviewers correctly identified baseline photos in 55 out of the total of 57 images (96.5%). The blinded reviewers scored 17 of the 19 subjects with an improvement greater than 40%, and 11 of the 19 subjects greater than 50%. The average improvement was 53.9%. Side effects were limited to mild edema, mild to moderate erythema, and mild to moderate bruising.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that a newly designed pulsed‐dye laser having a novel 15‐mm diameter treatment beam improves the appearance of rosacea with a favorable safety profile. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:808–812, 2018. © 2018 The Authors. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Complex Coacervate Core Micelles Containing Poly(vinyl alcohol) Inhibit Ice Recrystallization
Authors: Sproncken Christian C. M. , Surís‐Valls Romà , Cingil Hande E. , Detrembleur Christophe , Voets Ilja K. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractComplex coacervate core micelles (C3Ms) form upon complexation of oppositely charged copolymers. These co‐assembled structures are widely investigated as promising building blocks for encapsulation, nanoparticle synthesis, multimodal imaging, and coating technology. Here, the impact on ice growth is investigated of C3Ms containing poly(vinyl alcohol), PVA, which is well known for its high ice recrystallization inhibition (IRI) activity. The PVA‐based C3Ms are prepared upon co‐assembly of poly(4‐vinyl‐N‐methyl‐pyridinium iodide) and poly(vinyl alcohol)‐block‐poly(acrylic acid). Their formation conditions, size, and performance as ice recrystallization inhibitors are studied. It is found that the C3Ms exhibit IRI activity at PVA monomer concentrations as low as 1 × 10−3m. The IRI efficacy of PVA‐C3Ms is similar to that of linear PVA and PVA graft polymers, underlining the influence of vinyl alcohol monomer concentration rather than polymer architecture.
Subtle Esophageal Motility Alterations in Parkinsonian Syndromes: Synucleinopathies vs. Tauopathies
Authors: Claus Inga , Suttrup Judith , Muhle Paul , Suntrup‐Krueger Sonja , Siemer Marie‐Luise , Lenze Frank , Dziewas Rainer , Warnecke Tobias 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackgroundEsophageal dysfunction is a frequent phenomenon in Parkinson's disease during all disease stages, but data about esophageal involvement in atypical parkinsonian syndromes as well as possible differences between alpha‐synucleinopathies and tauopathies, including causative links to the origin of the dysfunction, are lacking so far.ObjectiveTo describe esophageal alternation patterns in different parkinsonian syndromes and to look for differences supporting the hypothesis of alpha‐synuclein aggregation being linked to gastrointestinal impairment in parkinsonian syndromes.MethodsWe performed an analysis and comparison of esophageal high‐resolution manometry examination parameters in n = 10 patients with Parkinson's disease, n = 10 patients with multiple system atrophy (both alpha‐synucleinopathies), n = 10 patients with progressive supranuclear palsy (tauopathy), and n = 10 age‐matched controls. Additionally, pharyngeal dysphagia was evaluated by an endoscopic examination of swallowing in all three patient groups.ResultsStatistically significant lower values for esophageal peristalsis and distal contractile integral were found for both groups of alpha‐synucleinopathies (Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy) in comparison to the patients with tauopathy (progressive supranuclear palsy group), as well as the age‐matched controls, where pathological pharyngeal findings were similar in all patient groups.ConclusionsSubtle esophageal motility alterations in parkinsonian syndromes seem to be limited to alpha‐synucleinopathies, but are not measurable in tauopathies, indicating a causative connection between pathological alpha‐synuclein aggregation in gastrointestinal tissues and esophageal involvement.
Broadband circularly polarized dipole look‐like F‐shaped antenna with symmetrically inverted F‐shaped modified ground plane
Authors: Kumar Yatendra , Gangwar Ravi Kumar , Kanaujia Binod Kumar 
Published: April 2018

AbstractA microstrip antenna consists of F‐shaped radiating structure with symmetrical F‐shaped modified or defected ground plane look‐like dipole antenna featured for broad axial ratio bandwidth (ARBW) is presented. Modified/defected ground plane comprises of an optimized rectangular ground plane united with symmetrically inverted F‐shaped structure printed at the bottom side of substrate. Furthermore, a narrow rectangular slit was imprinted from the modified ground plane to obtain broad ARBW. Proposed antenna optimized, fabricated, and experimentally examined. Measured results confirm that it can yield an fractional impedance bandwidth of approximately ≈37.5% and a 3‐dB ARBW of ≈31.7%. The measured gain range from 2 dB to 4 dB within the 3‐dB ARBW with maximum gain of 4 dBic. The cross polar rejection was observed better than 15 dB alongwith wide −3 dB beamwidth of 85°.
Performance enhancement of a microstrip patch antenna using substrate integrated waveguide frequency selective surface for ISM band applications
Authors: Güneş Filiz , Belen Mehmet A. , Mahouti Peyman 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIn this work, performance enhancement of a microstrip patch antenna working at ISM band (2.4 GHz) is presented using modified cross shaped Frequency Selective Surface (FSS) constructed on Substrate Integrated Waveguide (SIW). Design optimizations and simulations of both the antennas and FSS are carried out on low‐cost FR4 substrate (with ɛr = 4.4, h = 1.58 mm, and tan δ = 0.0035) in the 3D CST MSW environment. In addition, to exhibit merit of using SIW structure, the traditional FSS in the same configuration is also applied and performances of the antennas used FSSs with and without SIW are also simulated and compared in the 3D CST MSW environment. Finally, the proposed model is confirmed by measurements agreed with the theoretical results to have enhanced gain and beam width at the 2.4 GHz bandwidth alongside improvement in the return loss.
Flexible thin antenna solution for wearable ankle bracelet applications with GNSS and BLE connectivity
Authors: Flores‐Cuadras Javier R. , Medina‐Monroy Jose L. , Chavez‐Perez Ricardo A. , Lobato‐Morales Humberto 
Published: April 2018

AbstractA thin antenna structure to operate in GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) and BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication standards is proposed. The antenna was built on a flexible and thin Kapton material inserted between 2 layers of bovine leather, suitable for limited weight and slim ankle bracelet designs. Proposed antenna structure consist of 2 opposed planar inverted F antennas modified using matching stubs, sharing the same substrate and ground plane, with total size of 96.8 × 35 × 4.14 mm. The ground plane area of the antenna can be used for electronic circuit and battery placement. The antenna structure operates in the following specific 4 bands: BeiDou (1561 MHz), GPS (1575 MHz), GLONASS (1602 MHz), and BLE (2400 MHz). The antenna exhibited great agreement between electromagnetic simulations in ADS Momentum and measurements performed into 3D anechoic chamber with anthropomorphic leg‐foot model from Speag. The antenna peak gain is approximately −1.8 dBi for GNSS bands and −2.0 dBi for BLE.
A third‐order bandpass iris filter with reconfigurable dielectric irises
Authors: Gong Liang , Chan King Yuk , Ramer Rodica 
Published: April 2018

AbstractA novel concept of reconfiguring high Q‐factor iris filters, to operate in different frequency bands, is presented. Compared to traditional iris filters, the air‐filled irises are here replaced with dielectric substrate, similarly as the concept of substrate integrated waveguide. By controlling RF MEMS switches placed on the dielectric substrate, the equivalent iris width and thickness, and the resonant cavity length can be reconfigured simultaneously. As a demonstration of the concept, this article has proposed a third‐order bandpass filter consisting of 3 waveguide sections made of brass and 4 inverters fabricated on Rogers RT/duroid 5880 substrate. Constant absolute bandwidths between different states and theoretical unloaded Q‐factor of 1800 are achievable in our approach.
Design and characterization of tissue‐mimicking gel phantoms for diffusion kurtosis imaging
Authors: Portakal Ziyafer Gizem , Shermer Sophie , Jenkins Christopher , Spezi Emiliano , Perrett Teresa , Tuncel Nina , Phillips Jonathan 
Published: April 2018

PurposeThe aim of this work was to create tissue‐mimicking gel phantoms appropriate for diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) for quality assurance, protocol optimization, and sequence development.MethodsA range of agar, agarose, and polyvinyl alcohol phantoms with concentrations ranging from 1.0% to 3.5%, 0.5% to 3.0%, and 10% to 20%, respectively, and up to 3 g of glass microspheres per 100 ml were created. Diffusion coefficients, excess kurtosis values, and relaxation rates were experimentally determined.ResultsThe kurtosis values for the plain gels ranged from 0.05 with 95% confidence interval (CI) of (0.029,0.071) to 0.216(0.185,0.246), well below the kurtosis values reported in the literature for various tissues. The addition of glass microspheres increased the kurtosis of the gels with values up to 0.523(0.465,0.581) observed for gels with the highest concentration of microspheres. Repeat scans of some of the gels after more than 6 months of storage at room temperature indicate changes in the diffusion parameters of less than 10%. The addition of the glass microspheres reduces the apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) and increases the longitudinal and transverse relaxation rates, but the values remain comparable to those for plain gels and tissue, with ADCs observed ranging from 818(585,1053) × 10−6 mm2/s to 2257(2118,2296) × 10−6 mm2/s, R1 values ranging from 0.34(0.32,0.35) 1/s to 0.51(0.50,0.52) 1/s, and R2 values ranging from 9.69(9.34,10.04) 1/s to 33.07(27.10, 39.04) 1/s.ConclusionsGlass microspheres can be used to effectively modify diffusion properties of gel phantoms and achieve a range of kurtosis values comparable to those reported for a variety of tissues.
Effects of Aquaculture on Lakes in the Central Yangtze River Basin, China, I. Water Quality
Authors: Wang Rui , Zhang Yingxue , Xia Wentong , Qu Xiao , Xin Wei , Guo Chuanbo , Bowker Jim , Chen Yushun 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Lake aquaculture in China has become more common, but there has been only limited research on its effects on the quality of lake water. We measured selected water quality parameters from July to September 2015 in 23 lakes in the middle reach of the Yangtze River basin to investigate the effects of different types of lake aquaculture on water quality. The lakes were classified as “low,” “medium,” “high,” or “fallow” based on their stocking rate. The results showed that turbidity, total suspended solids, chemical oxygen demand, conductivity, chloride, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, orthophosphate, and chlorophyll a were lowest in the low lakes and highest in the high or medium lakes (and on occasion in the fallow lakes). These results confirm a close relationship between the level of fish stocking and many of the water quality parameters measured and that the effects of banning aquaculture in the fallow lakes has likely not yet been fully realized.
What are the additional signs and symptoms in patients with detrusor underactivity and coexisting detrusor overactivity?
Authors: Gammie Andrew , Kaper Mathilde , Steup Achim , Yoshida Satoshi , Dorrepaal Caroline , Kos Ton , Abrams Paul 
Published: April 2018

AimsThis study aimed to determine what difference the inclusion of patients with coexisting detrusor overactivity (DO) makes to the signs and symptoms of patients with detrusor underactivity (DU).MethodsA total of 250 male and 435 female urodynamic tests were analyzed retrospectively. Signs and symptoms which showed a statistically significant difference between DU without DO and DU with DO were identified.ResultsMales with DO in addition to DU had higher age and number of daily micturitions, and were more likely to report urgency with or without urgency incontinence than males with DU without DO. They also had lower volumes for first desire to void, volume voided, and post void residual urine, lower abdominal pressure at Qmax and were less likely to report a history of retention or reduced bladder filling sensation than males with DU without DO. Females with DO in addition to DU had higher age and BMI, and were more likely to report urgency incontinence, higher day and night pad usage, constipation and have reduced anal tone than females with DU without DO. They also had lower volumes for first desire to void, volume voided, and post void residual urine, and lower abdominal pressure at Qmax than females who had DU without DO.ConclusionsThere are differences in signs and symptoms between patients who have DU without DO, compared to patients having DU with DO. This understanding will help future studies investigating treatment options for DU patients.
An automated intravaginal dynamometer: Reliability metrics and the impact of testing protocol on active and passive forces measured from the pelvic floor muscles
Authors: Bérubé Marie‐Ève , Czyrnyj Catriona S. , McLean Linda 
Published: April 2018

Aims(1) To determine the reliability of an automated dynamometer designed to assess pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength and resistance to passive elongation. (2) To evaluate the impact of PFM length and rate of tissue elongation on dynamometric outcomes.MethodsAt each of two sessions, twenty nulliparous women performed three maximum voluntary contractions (MVC) of their PFMs with the dynamometer set to two different anteroposterior (AP) diameters (25 mm, 35 mm). Next, with PFMs relaxed, the arms of the dynamometer opened three times to 40 mm at two speeds (25 mm/s, 50 mm/s). Outcomes included baseline force, peak force, relative peak force, rate of force development (RFD), stiffness and stress relaxation. Repeated‐measures ANOVAs were used to test trial, day, and task effects (α = 0.05), and intra‐class correlation coefficients (ICCs) were computed.ResultsForces measured on MVC were higher with the larger AP diameter, and passive resistance was higher for the faster rate of tissue elongation. The between‐trial reliability of all outcomes was excellent (0.82 < ICC < 0.98) for all measures except for peak force during the passive elongation task (0.56 < ICC < 0.93). Between‐day reliability was good to excellent for active and passive RFD (0.75 < ICC < 0.93), stiffness (ICC = 0.77) and relative peak force (0.71 < ICC < 0.87); absolute force (0.11 < ICC < 0.85) and stress relaxation responses (0.19 < ICC < 0.98) tended to be less reliable.ConclusionsThe reliability of the dynamometer is adequate for both clinical and research applications. Relative forces were more reliable than absolute forces. Dimensions and rate of tissue elongation should be controlled and reported with all pelvic floor muscle assessments as these parameters impact outcomes.
Bladder underactivity after prolonged stimulation of somatic afferent axons in the tibial nerve in cats
Authors: Li Shun , Theisen Katherine , Browning Jeffery , Shen Bing , Wang Jicheng , Roppolo James R. , de Groat William C. , Tai Changfeng 
Published: April 2018

AimsTo establish an animal model of bladder underactivity induced by prolonged and intense stimulation of somatic afferent axons in the tibial nerve.MethodsIn seven cats under α‐chloralose anesthesia, tibial nerve stimulation (TNS) of 30‐min duration was repeatedly (3‐8 times) applied at 4‐6 times threshold (T) intensity for inducing a toe twitch to produce bladder underactivity determined by cystometry. Naloxone (1 mg/kg, i.v.) was administered to examine the role of opioid receptors in TNS‐induced bladder underactivity.ResultsAfter prolonged (1.5‐4 h) and intense (4‐6T) TNS, a complete suppression of the micturition reflex occurred in six cats and an increase in bladder capacity to about 150% of control and a decrease in the micturition contraction amplitude to 50% of control occurred in one cat. The bladder underactivity was maintained for at least 1‐1.5 h. Naloxone reversed the bladder underactivity, but an additional 30‐min TNS removed the naloxone effect.ConclusionsThe results indicate that prolonged and intense activation of somatic afferent axons in the tibial nerve can suppress the central reflex mechanisms controlling micturition. This animal model may be useful for examining the pathophysiology of neurogenic bladder underactivity and for development of new treatments for underactive bladder symptoms.
Pattern of Daily Steps is Associated with Weight Loss: Secondary Analysis from the Step‐Up Randomized Trial
Authors: Creasy Seth A. , Lang Wei , Tate Deborah F. , Davis Kelliann K. , Jakicic John M. 
Published: April 2018

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine the association between the amount, intensity, and pattern of steps·day−1 with weight loss.MethodsParticipants (N = 260; age = 42.8 ± 8.9 y; BMI = 32.8 ± 3.5 kg/m2) completed an 18‐month weight‐loss intervention that included a calorie‐restricted diet and prescribed physical activity. Participants were categorized by 18‐month weight loss as weight gain (GAIN), weight loss of 0% to < 5% (WL < 5%), 5% to < 10% (WL < 10%), or ≥ 10% (WL ≥ 10%). Steps·day−1 were measured at 0, 6, 12, and 18 months and defined as total steps·day−1, total steps·day−1 of moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (≥3 metabolic equivalents) in bouts of ≥ 10 minutes (BOUT‐MVPA), MVPA in bouts of < 10 minutes (NON‐BOUT‐MVPA), or non‐MVPA steps·day−1 (NON‐MVPA).ResultsThere was a weight‐loss category by time interaction (P < 0.0001) for total and BOUT‐MVPA steps·day−1. The total steps·day−1 at 18 months were WL ≥ 10% = 9,822 (95% CI: 9,073‐10,571), WL < 10% = 8,612 (7,613‐9,610), WL < 5% = 7,802 (6,782‐8,822), and GAIN = 7,801 (6,549‐9,053). BOUT‐MVPA steps·day−1 at 18 months were WL ≥ 10% = 3,482 (2,982‐3,981), WL < 10% = 1,949 (1,269‐2,629), WL < 5% = 1,735 (1,045‐2,426), and GAIN = 1,075 (210‐1,941). Participants were also categorized based on achieving ≥ 10% weight loss at either 6 or 18 months, and a similar pattern was observed.ConclusionsThese findings show that 10,000 steps·day−1, with approximately 3,500 steps·day−1 performed as BOUT‐MVPA, are associated with enhanced weight loss in a behavioral intervention.