COMPARING STRATIFICATION SCHEMES FOR AERIAL MOOSE SURVEYS

Stratification is generally used to improve the precision of aerial surveys. In Minnesota, moose (Alces alces) survey strata have been constructed using expert opinion informed by moose density from previous surveys (if available), recent disturbance, and cover-type information. Stratum-specific distributions of observed moose from plots surveyed during 2005-2010 overlapped, suggesting some improvement in precision might be accomplished by using a different stratification scheme. Therefore, we explored the feasibility of using remote-sensing data to define strata. Stratum boundaries were formed using a 2-step process: 1) we fit parametric and non-parametric regression models using land-cover data as predictors of observed moose numbers; 2) we formed strata by applying classical rules for determining stratum boundaries to the model-based predictions. Although land-cover data and moose numbers were correlated, we were unable to improve upon the current stratification scheme based on expert opinion

Comparison of Zotarolimus-Eluting and Sirolimus-Eluting Stents in Patients With Native Coronary Artery Disease A Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectivesThis trial examined the relative clinical efficacy, angiographic outcomes, and safety of zotarolimus-eluting coronary stents (ZES) with a phosphorylcholine polymer versus sirolimus-eluting stents (SES).BackgroundWhether a cobalt-based alloy stent coated with the novel antiproliferative agent, zotarolimus, and a phosphorylcholine polymer may provide similar angiographic and clinical benefit compared with SES is undetermined.MethodsA prospective, multicenter, 3:1 randomized trial was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ZES (n = 323) relative to SES (n = 113) in 436 patients undergoing elective percutaneous revascularization of de novo native coronary lesions with reference vessel diameters between 2.5 mm and 3.5 mm and lesion length ≥14 mm and ≤27 mm. The primary end point was 8-month angiographic in-segment late lumen loss.ResultsAngiographic in-segment late lumen loss was significantly higher among patients treated with ZES compared with SES (0.34 ± 0.44 mm vs. 0.13 ± 0.32 mm, respectively; p < 0.001). In-hospital major adverse cardiac events were significantly lower among patients treated with ZES (0.6% vs. 3.5%, p = 0.04). In-segment binary angiographic restenosis was also higher in the ZES cohort (11.7% vs. 4.3%, p = 0.04). Total (clinically and non-clinically driven) target lesion revascularization rates at 9 months were 9.8% and 3.5% for the ZES and SES groups, respectively (p = 0.04). However, neither clinically driven target lesion revascularization (6.3% zotarolimus vs. 3.5% sirolimus, p = 0.34) nor target vessel failure (12.0% zotarolimus vs. 11.5% sirolimus, p = 1.0) differed significantly.ConclusionsCompared with SES, treatment with a phosphorylcholine polymer-based ZES is associated with significantly higher late lumen loss and binary restenosis at 8-month angiographic follow-up.(The Endeavor III CR; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct/show/NCT00265668?order=1?

AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE PROCESS TO PLAN MOOSE MANAGEMENT IN MINNESOTA

Concern over the decline of moose in Minnesota led to a Legislative Session Law mandating that the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) develop a Moose Management and Research Plan (MMP).&nbsp; Prior to developing the MMP, the DNR was required to form a Moose Advisory Committee (MAC).&nbsp; The MAC met 8 times in August 2008-July 2009 and&nbsp; provided management and research recommendations to the DNR in a 45-page report available on the internet.&nbsp; This paper details the MAC process and serves as a reference for agencies that find themselves in a similar management circumstance.&nbsp; Procedural decisions, planning needs, and development of the final report are discussed herein

PRECISION AND BIAS OF AERIAL MOOSE SURVEYS IN NORTHEASTERN MINNESOTA

The Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources (MDNR) has conducted aerial surveys to estimate moose (Alces acles) numbers each year since 1960. A modified version of the survey protocol was developed in Alaska to estimate moose numbers was adopted in 1982. Most numbers and age/sex ratios were estimated from transects flown within a random sample of stratified survey plots. Portions of some survey plots were resurveyed more intensively to determine whether moose were missed in the initial survey. Data from the intensive survey were used to calculate a sightability correction factor (SCF). While more robust than earlier protocols used in Minnesota, this methodology had several shortcomings. Precision of the population estimates (90% C.I.) ranged from ±21 to ±125% and annual changes in moose numbers and bull:cow ratios were not statistically significant. Annual changes in the calf:cow ratios were significant, however. Imprecision of survey estimates was usually the result of incorrect stratification. A single mis-stratified plot dramatically reduced precision on several occasions. Regression analysis indicated that starting date and survey length explained a significant proportion of the variation in population estimates. Moose in the boreal forest shift into conifer cover in mid-winter and become more difficult to observe. The regression results reflected the bias caused by this shift and underscore the importance of starting the survey early and completing the survey in a short time interval

NORTHEASTERN MINNESOTA MOOSE MANAGEMENT - A CASE STUDY IN COOPERATION

This paper provides an overview of moose management in northeastern Minnesota with an emphasis on relationships between the State and Tribal entities that share management responsibility. Specific topics discussed include settlement of treaty rights issues, harvest allocation and strategies, and the evolving State-Tribal partnerships that have been created during the past 15 years. Brief updates on the status of moose in Minnesota, population monitoring efforts, population goals, and the future direction of management are provided

COMPOSITIONAL ANALYSIS OF MOOSE HABIAT IN NORTHEASTERN MINNESOTA

ABSTRACT: It is well accepted that moose often use early successional habitats in the boreal forest.&nbsp; It is not clear, however, whether use of disturbed habitats represents a preference or simply that moose are more detectable. Previous research based on visual observations assumed that moose were equally detectable in all cover types. &nbsp;We evaluated habitat selection of moose in northeastern Minnesota using telemetry locations and LULC cover type information. We calculated second- and third-order habitat selection using composition analysis. The analyses indicated that while the Cutover cover type ranked highest in summer and winter in both second- and third-order selection, its rank was not significantly different from most other cover types during the winter. Third-order analysis indicated that the rank of Cutover was significantly higher than other cover types during the summer.&nbsp; Selection for aquatic habitats during the summer was not evident in our analysis.&nbsp; Cover types that could provide lower operative temperatures from shade ranked higher than aquatic cover types. Inferences from these analyses should be treated with caution because of inherent weaknesses of use-availability analyses

Consensus statement: Long-term results of ABI in children with complex inner ear malformations and decision making between CI and ABI

7th IEEE Asia-Pacific Conference on Applied Electromagnetics, APACE 2016 -- 11 December 2016 through 13 December 2016 -- 127632‘Second Consensus Meeting on Management of Complex Inner Ear Malformations: Long Term Results of ABI in Children and Decision Making Between CI and ABI’ took place on 5–6 April 2013 in Kyrenia, Northern Cyprus with the participation of 20 centers from 11 countries. These centers presented their auditory brainstem implantation (ABI) experience in children and infants and also provided the selection criteria and cochlear implant (CI) results in patients with an abnormal cochlea and nerve. In addition, Cochlear and Med El companies provided presentations regarding solutions to problems during revision surgery and future projections of device technology. According to the results from different centers, it was evident that an ABI is capable of providing hearing sensation in prelingually deafened children with complex inner ear malformations and diseases. It is possible to obtain a pure tone average with an ABI between 30 and 60 dB HL in most of these patients. It has been observed that the majority of children obtain Categories of Auditory Performance (CAP) scores around 5, but occasionally certain ABI users obtained scores of up to CAP 8-II, NEAP-Nottingham Early Assessment Package. The Ear Foundation 2009). CAP scores tend to increase with earlier implantation, i.e. under 2 years of age. However, after 3 years of use, it usually reaches a plateau. Children with additional disorders cannot reach CAP scores of children without disorders. However, they obtain an improvement of cognitive functions but duration of ABI use and increasing chronological age also play a role in this improvement