bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comparison of Locacorten‐Vioform and clotrimazole in otomycosis: A systematic review and one‐way meta‐analysis
Authors: Herasym Khrystyna , Bonaparte James P. , Kilty Shaun 
Published: November 2015

Objectives/HypothesisThe goal of this systematic review was to compare the efficacy and ototoxicity of Locacorten‐Vioform (Paladin Labs Inc., Montreal, Quebec, Canada) and clotrimazole in the treatment of patients with otomycosis.Data SourcesEmbase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, MEDLINE, World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, European Union Clinical Trials Register, Cochrane Library databases of clinical trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov.MethodsWe included any randomized controlled trials or nonrandomized studies (case‐control, cohort, and case series) assessing the topical use of Locacorten‐Vioform (Paladin Labs Inc.) and/or clotrimazole in adult and/or pediatric immunocompetent patient population with otomycosis. DerSimonian and Laird's random effects approach was used for meta‐analysis, followed by an assessment of heterogeneity and subgroup analysis.ResultsOf 226 reviewed articles, 14 were retained. Clotrimazole efficacy rate was 85% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 79.7–89.0%), whereas Locacorten‐Vioform (Paladin Labs Inc.) was 73% (95% CI: 56.0–84.5%). Overall, study quality was low. There was high heterogeneity in both groups (I2 of 47 and 49). There were only three studies assessing Locacorten‐Vioform (Paladin Labs Inc.); therefore, comparative assessment was not possible. A one‐way meta‐analysis involving 13 clotrimazole studies was performed. Heterogeneity across studies was high; however, studies using objective analysis assessing treatment efficacy, randomized controlled trials, studies using drops, studies performed in Asia, and studies where Candida was the major fungus at diagnosis demonstrated low heterogeneity.ConclusionAlthough both are safe and effective, there is insufficient evidence supporting increased efficacy of either clotrimazole or Locacorten‐Vioform (Paladin Labs Inc.) for the treatment of otomycosis. High‐quality comparative studies are required.Level of EvidenceN/A. Laryngoscope, 126:1411–1419, 2016
Variation in costs among surgeons and hospitals in Pediatric tympanostomy tube placement
Authors: Sjogren Phayvanh P. , Gale Craig , Henrichsen Jacob , Olsen Griffin , Ott Mark J. , Peters Matthew , Srivastava Rajendu , Meier Jeremy D. 
Published: November 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis1) Identify the major expenses for outpatient pediatric tympanostomy tube placement in a multihospital network. 2) Compare differences for variations in costs among hospitals and surgeons.MethodsAn observational cohort study in a multihospital network using a standardized activity‐based accounting system to determine hospital costs for tympanostomy tube placement from February 2011 to January 2015. Children aged 6 months to less than 3 years old who underwent same‐day surgery (SDS) for tympanostomy tubes at 15 hospital facilities were included. Subjects with additional procedures were excluded. Hospital costs were subdivided into categories including operating room (OR), SDS preoperative, SDS postoperative, postanesthesia care unit, anesthesia, pharmacy, and OR supplies.ResultsThe study cohort included 5,623 patients undergoing tympanostomy tube placement by 67 surgeons. Mean cost per surgery was $769 ± $3. Significant variations (P < 0.001) in mean cost per procedure were identified by hospital (range $1212 ± $38 to $509 ± $11) and by surgeon (range $1330 ± $75 to $660 ± $11). Operating room and SDS preoperative were the greatest expenditures; each category accounted for over 30% of overall costs. Pharmacy costs and OR costs were some of the major drivers of cost variation among surgeons.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that OR and SDS preoperative costs accounted for the greatest expenditure in tympanostomy tube placement, and significant variation exists among surgeons and hospitals within a multihospital network. Further research is needed to elucidate factors accounting for such variation in cost and the overall impact on patient outcomes.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 126:1935–1939, 2016
Imaging of the internal nasal valve using long‐range Fourier domain optical coherence tomography
Authors: Englhard Anna S. , Wiedmann Maximilian , Ledderose Georg J. , Lemieux Bryan , Badran Alan , Chen Zhongping , Betz Christian S. , Wong Brian J. 
Published: November 2015

Objectives/HypothesisTo evaluate for the first time the feasibility and methodology of long‐range Fourier domain optical coherence tomography (LR‐OCT) imaging of the internal nasal valve (INV) area in healthy individuals.Study DesignProspective individual cohort study.MethodsFor 16 individuals, OCT was performed in each nare. The angle and the cross‐sectional area of the INV were measured. OCT images were compared to corresponding digital pictures recorded with a flexible endoscope.ResultsINV angle measured by OCT was found to be 18.3° ± 3.1° (mean ± standard deviation). The cross‐sectional area was 0.65 ± 0.23 cm2. The INV angle measured by endoscopy was 18.8° ± 6.9°. There was no statistically significant difference between endoscopy and OCT concerning the mean INV angle (P = .778), but there was a significant difference in test precision (coefficient of variance 50% vs. 15%; P < .001).ConclusionsLR‐OCT proved to be a fast and easily performed method. OCT could accurately quantify the INV area. The values of the angle and the cross‐sectional area of the INV were reproducible and correlated well with the data seen with other methods. Changes in size could be reliably delineated. Endoscopy showed similar values but was significantly less precise.Level of Evidence2b. Laryngoscope, 126:E97–E102, 2016
Computational analysis of swallowing mechanics underlying impaired epiglottic inversion
Authors: Pearson William G. , Taylor Brandon K. , Blair Julie , Martin‐Harris Bonnie 
Published: November 2015

Objectives/HypothesisDetermine swallowing mechanics associated with the first and second epiglottic movements, that is, movement to horizontal and full inversion, respectively, to provide a clinical interpretation of impaired epiglottic function.Study DesignRetrospective cohort study.MethodsA heterogeneous cohort of patients with swallowing difficulties was identified (n = 92). Two speech‐language pathologists reviewed 5‐mL thin and 5‐mL pudding videofluoroscopic swallow studies per subject, and assigned epiglottic component scores of 0 = complete inversion, 1 = partial inversion, and 2 = no inversion, forming three groups of videos for comparison. Coordinates mapping minimum and maximum excursion of the hyoid, pharynx, larynx, and tongue base during pharyngeal swallowing were recorded using ImageJ software. A canonical variate analysis with post hoc discriminant function analysis of coordinates was performed using MorphoJ software to evaluate mechanical differences between groups. Eigenvectors characterizing swallowing mechanics underlying impaired epiglottic movements were visualized.ResultsNineteen of 184 video swallows were rejected for poor quality (n = 165). A Goodman‐Kruskal index of predictive association showed no correlation between epiglottic component scores and etiologies of dysphagia (λ = .04). A two‐way analysis of variance by epiglottic component scores showed no significant interaction effects between sex and age (f = 1.4, P = .25). Discriminant function analysis demonstrated statistically significant mechanical differences between epiglottic component scores: 1 and 2, representing the first epiglottic movement (Mahalanobis distance = 1.13, P = .0007); and 0 and 1, representing the second epiglottic movement (Mahalanobis distance = 0.83, P = .003). Eigenvectors indicate that laryngeal elevation and tongue base retraction underlie both epiglottic movements.ConclusionsResults suggest that reduced tongue base retraction and laryngeal elevation underlie impaired first and second epiglottic movements. The styloglossus, hyoglossus, and long pharyngeal muscles are implicated as targets for rehabilitation in dysphagic patients with impaired epiglottic inversion.Level of Evidence2b Laryngoscope, 126:1854–1858, 2016
Microcavity‐Stabilized Quantum Cascade Laser
Authors: Siciliani de Cumis Mario , Borri Simone , Insero Giacomo , Galli Iacopo , Savchenkov Anatoliy , Eliyahu Danny , Ilchenko Vladimir , Akikusa Naota , Matsko Andrey , Maleki Lute , De Natale Paolo 
Published: November 2015

Narrow‐linewidth lasers are key elements in optical metrology and spectroscopy. Spectral purity of these lasers determines accuracy of the measurements and quality of collected data. Solid state and fiber lasers are stabilized to relatively large and complex external optical cavities or narrow atomic and molecular transitions to improve their spectral purity. While this stabilization technique is rather generic, its complexity increases tremendously moving to longer wavelenghts, to the infrared (IR) range. Inherent increase of losses of optical materials at longer wavelengths hinders realization of compact, room temperature, high finesse IR cavities suitable for laser stabilization. In this paper, we report on demonstration of quantum cascade lasers stabilized to high‐Q crystalline mid‐IR microcavities. The lasers operating at room temperature in the 4.3‐4.6 μm region have a linewidth approaching 10 kHz and are promising for on‐chip mid‐IR and IR spectrometers.
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Effect of Ti:Sapphire‐femtosecond laser on the surface roughness of ceramics
Authors: Erdur Emire Aybuke , Basciftci Faruk Ayhan 
Published: November 2015

Background and ObjectivesSome of these adult patients have ceramic crowns, to which orthodontists have concerns about bonding brackets. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a Ti:Sapphire femtosecond (fs) laser (Integra‐C‐3.5, Quantronix, NY) on the surface roughness of two ceramic surfaces (feldspathic and IPS Empress e‐Max) and to compare results with those of two other lasers (Er:YAG and Nd:YAG) and conventional techniques, i.e., sandblasting (50 µm) and hydrofluoric (HF) acid.Materials and MethodsCeramic discs were fabricated (n = 150) and divided into two groups, each of which was then divided into five subgroups prepared with Ti:Sapphire fs, Nd:YAG, or Er:YAG lasers, sandblasting, or HF acid (n = 15). The surface roughness of the ceramic discs was evaluated using a profilometer (Mitotoyo Surf Test SJ 201 P/M; Mitutoyo Corp, Japan) before and after each surface treatment. Three traces were recorded for each specimen at three different locations in each direction, providing nine measurements per sample, which were then averaged to obtain the surface roughness value. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test (P < <0.05), two‐way ANOVA, and Tukey's HSD test (P < 0.05). Additional samples were prepared for each group and evaluated using atomic force microscopy (AFM; NTEGRA Solaris, NTMDT, Russia).ResultsNo significant difference was found between the feldspathic and IPS Empress e‐Max ceramics. The Ti:Sapphire fs laser was associated with the highest mean roughness value. AFM images of the ceramic surfaces treated confirmed that the fs‐laser‐treated surfaces had the highest degree of irregularity.ConclusionWithin the limitations of this in vitro study, the Ti:Sapphire fs laser yielded the highest surface roughness and could be an alternative ceramic surface treatment to increase bond strength. Lasers Surg. Med. 47:833–838, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Determination of Homopolymerization Kinetics of 10‐(N‐Methylacrylamido)‐decylphosphonic acid, Its Diethyl ester, and 10‐(Methacryloyloxy)‐decylphosphonic acid, and Their Copolymerization with Methyl methacrylate
Authors: Chmela Štefan , Pavlinec Juraj , Fiedlerová Agnesa , Catel Yohann , Moszner Norbert 
Published: November 2015

Two polymerizable phosphonic acids destined to be constituents of self‐etch adhesives as well as a diethyl phosphonate bearing an N‐methylacrylamide group are examined for their polymerization and copolymerization activity in methanol between 45 and 65 °C. Polymerization proceeds readily through a thermal free radical initiator. The intensity exponents for the monomer and initiator are only slightly over 1 and ≈0.5, respectively, in accordance with the results typically observed for an ideal free radical polymerization with bimolecular termination. The specific feature of this process is the absence of auto‐acceleration during the phosphonic acid monomer polymerization and polymer network formation in case of the phosphonate monomer. The kinetics of copolymerization with methyl methacrylate (MMA) are monitored by online 1H NMR spectroscopy. Two copolymerization reactions for each pair of comonomers are sufficient to evaluate the kinetic data using the Jaacks method, the Fineman–Ross method, and the nonlinear least squares method. All three methods give similar results for particular monomer/MMA couples.
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Machine Learning Estimation of Atom Condensed Fukui Functions
Authors: Zhang Qingyou , Zheng Fangfang , Zhao Tanfeng , Qu Xiaohui , Aires‐de‐Sousa João 
Published: November 2015

AbstractTo enable the fast estimation of atom condensed Fukui functions, machine learning algorithms were trained with databases of DFT pre‐calculated values for ca. 23,000 atoms in organic molecules. The problem was approached as the ranking of atom types with the Bradley‐Terry (BT) model, and as the regression of the Fukui function. Random Forests (RF) were trained to predict the condensed Fukui function, to rank atoms in a molecule, and to classify atoms as high/low Fukui function. Atomic descriptors were based on counts of atom types in spheres around the kernel atom. The BT coefficients assigned to atom types enabled the identification (93–94 % accuracy) of the atom with the highest Fukui function in pairs of atoms in the same molecule with differences ≥0.1. In whole molecules, the atom with the top Fukui function could be recognized in ca. 50 % of the cases and, on the average, about 3 of the top 4 atoms could be recognized in a shortlist of 4. Regression RF yielded predictions for test sets with R2=0.68–0.69, improving the ability of BT coefficients to rank atoms in a molecule. Atom classification (as high/low Fukui function) was obtained with RF with sensitivity of 55–61 % and specificity of 94–95 %.
Signal‐domain optimization metrics for MPRAGE RF pulse design in parallel transmission at 7 tesla
Authors: Gras V. , Vignaud A. , Mauconduit F. , Luong M. , Amadon A. , Le Bihan D. , Boulant N. 
Published: November 2015

PurposeStandard radiofrequency pulse design strategies focus on minimizing the deviation of the flip angle from a target value, which is sufficient but not necessary for signal homogeneity. An alternative approach, based directly on the signal, here is proposed for the MPRAGE sequence, and is developed in the parallel transmission framework with the use of the kT‐points parametrization.MethodsThe flip angle‐homogenizing and the proposed methods were investigated numerically under explicit power and specific absorption rate constraints and tested experimentally in vivo on a 7 T parallel transmission system enabling real time local specific absorption rate monitoring. Radiofrequency pulse performance was assessed by a careful analysis of the signal and contrast between white and gray matter.ResultsDespite a slight reduction of the flip angle uniformity, an improved signal and contrast homogeneity with a significant reduction of the specific absorption rate was achieved with the proposed metric in comparison with standard pulse designs.ConclusionThe proposed joint optimization of the inversion and excitation pulses enables significant reduction of the specific absorption rate in the MPRAGE sequence while preserving image quality. The work reported thus unveils a possible direction to increase the potential of ultra‐high field MRI and parallel transmission. Magn Reson Med 76:1431–1442, 2016. © 2015 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
1H‐13C independently tuned radiofrequency surface coil applied for in vivo hyperpolarized MRI
Authors: Cao Peng , Zhang Xiaoliang , Park Ilwoo , Najac Chloe , Nelson Sarah J. , Ronen Sabrina , Larson Peder E.Z. 
Published: November 2015

PurposeTo develop a lump‐element double‐tuned common‐mode‐differential‐mode (CMDM) radiofrequency (RF) surface coil with independent frequency tuning capacity for MRS and MRI applications.MethodsThe presented design has two modes that can operate with different current paths, allowing independent frequency adjustment. The coil prototype was tested on the bench and then examined in phantom and in vivo experiments.ResultsStandard deviations of frequency and impedance fluctuations measured in one resonator, while changing the tuning capacitor of another resonator, were less than 13 kHz and 0.55 Ω. The unloaded S21 was −36 dB and −41 dB, while the unloaded Q factor was 260 and 287, for 13C and 1H, respectively. In vivo hyperpolarized 13C MR spectroscopy data demonstrated the feasibility of using the CMDM coil to measure the dynamics of lactate, alanine, pyruvate and bicarbonate signal in a normal rat head along with acquiring 1H anatomical reference images.ConclusionIndependent frequency tuning capacity was demonstrated in the presented lump‐element double‐tuned CMDM coil. This CMDM coil maintained intrinsically decoupled magnetic fields, which provided sufficient isolation between the two resonators. The results from in vivo experiments demonstrated high sensitivity of both the 1H and 13C resonators. Magn Reson Med 76:1612–1620, 2016. © 2015 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
Reproducibility of fractional ventilation derived by Fourier decomposition after adjusting for tidal volume with and without an MRI compatible spirometer
Authors: Voskrebenzev Andreas , Gutberlet Marcel , Becker Lena , Wacker Frank , Vogel‐Claussen Jens 
Published: November 2015

PurposeTo reduce the influence of tidal volume on fractional ventilation (FV) derived by Fourier decomposition (FD).MethodsTwelve volunteers were examined on a 1.5 Tesla scanner. Spoiled gradient echo imaging of coronal and sagittal slices of the lung were performed. The tidal volume variations between different acquisitions were studied by reproducibility and repeatability measurements. To adjust the FV derived by FD for tidal volume differences between the measurements, during all acquisitions, the lung volume changes were measured by a spirometer and used to calculate a global FV parameter. As an alternative, using the FD data, the lung area changes were calculated and used for the adjustment.ResultsReproducibility analysis of unadjusted coronal FV showed a determination coefficient of
and an intraclass correlation coefficient of
. Differences in the measurements could be ascribed to different tidal volumes. Area adjusted values exhibited an increased
of 84% and a higher ICC of 97%. For the coronal middle slice/sagittal slices in free breathing, the inter‐volunteer coefficient of variation was reduced from 0.23/0.28 (unadjusted) to 0.16/0.20 (spirometer) or 0.12/0.13 (area).ConclusionThe calculation of lung area changes is sufficient to increase the reproducibility of FV in a volunteer cohort avoiding the need for an MRI compatible spirometer. Magn Reson Med 76:1542–1550, 2016. © 2015 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
Functional imaging of the nonhuman primate Placenta with endogenous blood oxygen level–dependent contrast
Authors: Schabel Matthias C. , Roberts Victoria H. J. , Lo Jamie O. , Platt Sarah , Grant Kathleen A. , Frias Antonio E. , Kroenke Christopher D. 
Published: November 2015

PurposeTo characterize spatial patterns of
in the placenta of the rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta), to correlate these patterns with placental perfusion determined using dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI (DCE‐MRI), and to evaluate the potential for using the blood oxygen level–dependent effect to quantify placental perfusion without the use of exogenous contrast reagent.MethodsMRI was performed on three pregnant rhesus macaques at gestational day 110. Multiecho spoiled gradient echo measurements were used to compute maps of
. Spatial maxima in these maps were compared with foci of early enhancement determined by DCE‐MRI.ResultsLocal maxima in
maps were strongly correlated with spiral arteries identified by DCE‐MRI, with mean spatial separations ranging from 2.34 to 6.11 mm in the three animals studied. Spatial patterns of
( = 1/
) within individual placental lobules can be quantitatively analyzed using a simple model to estimate fetal arterial oxyhemoglobin concentration
and a parameter
, reflecting oxygen transport to the fetus. Estimated mean values of
ranged from 4.25 mM to 4.46 mM, whereas
ranged from 2.80 × 105 cm−3 to 1.61 × 106 cm−3.ConclusionsMaternal spiral arteries show strong spatial correlation with foci of extended
observed in the primate placenta. A simple model of oxygen transport accurately describes the spatial dependence of
within placental lobules and enables assessment of placental function and oxygenation without requiring administration of an exogenous contrast reagent. Magn Reson Med 76:1551–1562, 2016. © 2015 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
Selective channel combination of MRI signal phase
Authors: Vegh Viktor , O'Brien Kieran , Barth Markus , Reutens David C. 
Published: November 2015

PurposeSignal magnitude can robustly be combined using the sum‐of‐squares approach. Methods have been developed to combine complex images. However, techniques based only on signal phase have not been developed and evaluated.Theory and MethodsWe performed simulations to demonstrate the effect of noise on coil combination. 32‐channel 7 Tesla human gradient echo MRI brain data were collected. We combined phase images based on phase noise leading to spatially selective and coil selective combination of phase images. We compared our selective combination approach to optimal noise distribution and adaptive combination methods.ResultsWe found that selective combination of signal phases leads to improved phase signal‐to‐noise ratio. Furthermore, a phase shift can be present in combined phase images introduced by the method used to combine multiple channel phases.ConclusionMapping of signal phase from ultra‐high field MRI data undoubtedly provides a wealth of information about the ageing brain and the effects of neurodegenerative disorders. Measurement of signal phase is essential in frequency shift mapping and in quantitative susceptibility mapping. The method used to combine signal phase should be informed by an understanding of the noise distribution in signal phase at the individual channel level. Magn Reson Med 76:1469–1477, 2016. © 2015 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine