bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation and Electroactivity of Pt Catalysts on Unzipped Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube and Graphene Oxide
Authors: Lee JinWon , Chung Sungwook , Kim Seok
Published: March 2020

We synthesize the Pt-carbon composite which is composed of unzipped multi-walled carbon nanotube (UMWCNT) and graphene oxide (GO). Graphite and multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) are oxidized by same method that modified Hummer’s method for making GO and UMWCNT. 3D structure
could be prepared by polyol process which contains simultaneously reduction GO and UMWCNT. The electrochemical and morphological property of Pt-carbon composites was investigated by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), and Cyclic
Voltammetry (CV). These results show that Pt-rGO/UMWCNT (8:2) hybrids exhibited high catalytic activity due to the enhanced surface area of carbon supports.
Electrical Characteristics of Molecular Junctions Fabricated by Inverted Self-Assembled Monolayer Method
Authors: Hwang Wang-Taek , Jang Yeonsik , Song Minwoo , Lee Takhee
Published: March 2020

In this study, we demonstrated the molecular ensemble junctions fabricated by the inverted selfassembled monolayer (iSAM) method in which the molecular layer was deposited on the top electrode surface. The alkyl thiolate molecules were used to benchmark this method and we found that
the electrical characteristics of these molecular junctions were comparable to the results reported previously by performing statistical analysis. We expect this iSAM method to enable the molecular junctions with bottom electrode of various materials.
Effect of Nanotalc on the Shear Strength of Disintegrated Carbonaceous Mudstone
Authors: Fu Hongyuan , Chen Caiying
Published: March 2020

This work was aimed to improve the shear strength of disintegrated carbonaceous mudstone (DCM) with nanotalc (NT). A series of direct shear tests were carried out on the NT-modified DCM specimens to determine their shear strengths at various NT concentrations. Subsequently, X-ray diffraction
(XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were performed to reveal the underlying mechanism which the results showed that shear strength was first increased and then decreased with increasing certain NT concentration. Moreover, the increase in NT concentration also resulted in rise in cohesion
and reduction in angle of internal friction. The optimum NT concentration for shear strength improvement of DCM is 4%. This improvement of shear strength is achieved because NT can fill the pores in DCM and its products can bind with particles. This results in formation of large aggregates
owing to the small size, strong adsorption capacity and cation-exchange capacity.
Synthesis of Hydroxy Aminimide from Unsymmetric Dimethyl Hydrazine Through One Pot Reaction: A New Nanoscale Access for the Reutilization of Unsymmetrical Dimethyl Hydrazine
Authors: Cui Hu , Zhang Youzhi , Wang Xuanjun , Yang Liu
Published: March 2020

In this paper, two new kinds of hydroxy aminimide were nanoscale synthesized utilizing Unsymmetrical dimethyl hydrazine (UDMH) and economical carboxylic acid methyl ester was analyzed through one pot reaction. The reaction conditions were examined and the best reaction temperature was
20 °C with the reaction time of 60 h, achieving a highest yield of 83.21% for the two aminimides. Structures of the final products are characterized by GC-MS, FT-IR and NMR. Then the thermal stability of the aminimide is tested and it is found that the decomposition temperature of one
aminimide is 65.20 °C, which is better than any other aminimides used for the latent curing agent of epoxide resin.
Effect of Two Dental Restorative Materials on Adhesion and Molecular Structure of Oral Bacteria
Authors: Xu Shuai , Guo Junfeng , Huang Junjie , Zhang Gang , Tan Yinghui
Published: March 2020

Dental restorative materials are widely used to repair teeth and dentition defects. However, the dental restorative materials tend to react with oral bacteria when they are exposed to oral conditions, which leads to a change in the oral microecology. Herein, we have employed molecular
dynamics simulations to investigate the interaction between different dental restorative materials and oral bacteria. It was found that the staphylococcal protein A (SPA) is more likely to attach on the surface of silicon carbide (SiC) substrate than hematite (Fe2O3)
substrate surface. Furthermore, the tightly adhesion and accumulation of SPA on SiC surface changes the molecular structure of SPA, which will induce a change in the oral microecology. This study has demonstrated that the adhesion and molecular structure of oral bacteria is strongly dependent
on dental restorative materials by molecular dynamics simulations, and Fe2O3 is more suitable to be a dental restorative material. It is therefore believed that molecular dynamics simulations can be used to further screen suitable materials for oral rehabilitation.
Nanostructured NiMoS2/Carbon Catalysts for Syngas Conversion to Higher Alcohols
Authors: Aslam Waqas , Ma Qing , Tang Fengqui , Chen Jiuling , Beltramini Jorge , Rudolph Victor , Wang Geoff , Konarova Muxina
Published: March 2020

Syngas conversion to higher alcohols remains a very attractive alternative due to the abundance of syngas feedstock, such as renewable carbon and waste-carbon resources. Catalysts suitable for syngas conversion still show low selectivity to alcohols. In this article, we present nanostructured
NiMoS2 and CoMoS2 catalysts supported on activated carbon pellets and design strategies to improve its selectivity towards higher alcohols. Activated carbon pellets were treated with concentrated HNO3 to enlarge porous channels and enable better dispersion
of NiMoS2 and CoMoS2. These treatment steps lead to a formation of nanostructured NiMoS2 and CoMoS2 catalysts and promoted higher selectivity to ethanol, propanol and butanol. BET surface area of 532 m2 g−1 was obtained
for NiMoS2/Carbon catalysts from the nitrogen physisorption analysis. In catalytic tests, the highest CO conversion (39.1%) was achieved by the NiMoS2/Carbon, whereas the CoMoS2/Carbon showed the highest alcohol selectivity (74.4%). CoMoS2 catalysts
supported on activated carbon pellets proved to be highly active towards undesired by-product “filamentous carbon.”
Why Can Water Droplets Move Smoothly Even on Statically Hydrophilic Surfaces?
Authors: Nakamura Satoshi , Becher-Nienhaus Brandon , Miyamae Takayuki , Hozumi Atsushi
Published: March 2020

Studies on hydrophilic surfaces showing excellent water sliding properties are very rare, despite the numerous practical advantages they offer. One of the authors has recently developed a smooth, transparent and sufficiently-thick hydrophilic film with low contact angle hysteresis (5°)
and small water tilt angles (6 ± 2°) through a simple sol–gel reaction of 2-[methoxy (ethyleneoxy)10propyl]trimethoxysilane (PEG-M) and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS). However, the origins of these unusual water sliding properties have not been clearly identified. As such, the impact
of the addition of TEOS acting as a “nanospacer” or the identity of PEG terminal functional groups on the final static/dynamic wetting properties needs to be explored. In this study, we investigated the orientational/conformational states of PEG chains in PEG-M/TEOS and [hydroxy(ethyleneoxy)8–12propyl]triethoxysilane
(PEG-OH)/TEOS hybrid films under wet and dry conditions using sum-frequency generation (SFG) spectroscopy. We found that PEG-M/TEOS hybrid film surfaces had no marked differences in the conformational states of PEG chains under wet or dry conditions, resulting in excellent water sliding properties
as there was no energy barrier for water droplet motion. In contrast, PEG chains were completely disordered after contact with water in the PEG-OH/TEOS hybrid films due to hydration effects. This large conformational change between the liquid/solid and gas/solid interface at the three-phase
contact line resulted in an unfavorable energetic barrier for water droplet motion, leading to the poor water sliding properties. TEOS did not physically work as a “nanospacer,” but chemically worked as a binder to endow practically useful properties, such as good adhesion and
versatility in substrates used, to our hybrid films.
Development of an Organic–Inorganic Nanostructured Hybrid Dental Biocomposite
Authors: Ali Azam , Gould Maree , Lyons Karl
Published: March 2020

Dental pathologies such as caries is one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide. Dental pulp contains stem cells capable of regenerating the dentine in the tooth, consequently, healthy dental pulp is essential for long term tooth survival. The aim of this study was to incorporate
a variety of polymers that provide strength, an antibacterial substance and a protein-based polymer to provide cell support. These components were combined into a triphasic hybrid dental biocomposite (3HB), that together could provide regenerative properties for the pulp tissue. The 3HB biocomposite
was incorporated into Organic–inorganic nanostructured materials such as Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) as a base to assemble a hybrid dental biocomposite. The effects of the 3HB on cytotoxicity was examined in mouse dental pulp cells, MDPC-23. In vitro studies showed that 3HB
supported the proliferative growth of the cells significantly more than the no treatment control. 3HB also caused little stress to the cells and supported cell viability. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra confirmed the presence of polymer functional groups within the 3HB biocomposite.
Therefore, 3HB compound has the potential to be applied as a pulp wound dressing providing superior cytocompatibility than the present options but also may be indispensable for the regeneration of dental pulp.
Development of Euphorbia Latex and Bamboo Fiber Based Green Composite
Authors: Kumari Sanju , Kumar Ritesh , Rai Bhuvneshwar , Kumar Gulshan
Published: March 2020

Novel composites with improved mechanical strength, thermally stability and better biodegradability were fabricated using polyester resin (PR) and euphorbia coagulum (EC) with natural bamboo fiber (BF) by a compression molding technique. The addition of EC makes the composite more pronounced
for alkali-treated BF. The composites were characterized in terms of water absorption, mechanical, thermal and biodegradability. Composites showed considerable improvement in thermal stability, mechanical properties (flexural strength and impact strength) and biodegradability. EC modified
composite shows maximum improvement in physico-mechanical properties compared to other composites. The inoculation of EC modified and unmodified composite with fungi resulted in higher growth on modified composite compared to unmodified composite. These novel composites could be labeled as
sustainable material because they were prepared from low-cost BF and EC through a green approach. The composite material developed can be used in building constructions as wood substitution, automotive parts, sports goods, etc.
A Flood Potential Index for Effective Communication of Streamflow Forecasts at Ungauged Communities
Authors: Quintero Felipe , Krajewski Witold F. , Rojas Marcela
Published: March 2020

This study proposes a flood potential index suitable for use in streamflow forecasting at any location in a drainage network. We obtained the index by comparing the discharge magnitude derived from a hydrologic model and the expected mean annual peak flow at the spatial scale of the basin. We use the term “flood potential” to indicate that uncertainty is associated with this information. The index helps communicate flood potential alerts to communities near rivers where there are no quantitative records of historical floods to provide a reference. This method establishes a reference that we can compare to forecasted hydrographs and that facilitates communication of their relative importance. As a proof of concept, the authors present an assessment of the index as applied to the peak flows that caused severe floods in Iowa in June 2008. The Iowa Flood Center uses the proposed approach operationally as part of its real-time hydrologic forecasting system.
IHB Adds Volunteer Visitor Service
Authors: O'Neil Kitty
Published: March 2020

The idea of providing a volunteer visitor service at The Industrial Home for the Blind is the direct result of a suggestion made years ago by the late beloved Walter G. Holmes.

Mr. Holmes suggested setting up what he called “A Friendly Visitor Service” to do just the kind of thing that is so well expressed by Miss Kitty O'Neil in the accompanying article. We felt at the time that we were not equipped to carry out this idea and waited until Miss O'Neil was available in order to inaugurate it. It is a double pleasure therefore to be able to say now that the volunteer visitor service is actually under way and that we shall endeavor to carry it out in the warm, human, friendly spirit which we are sure was one of Mr. Holmes’ fondest desires. We feel that this will be one additional way to continue the memory of one of the great pioneers in work for the blind in the United States.

Peter J. Salmon, Executive Director.
American Diversity versus British Compactness
Authors: Myers S. O.
Published: March 2020

[Mr. S. O. Myers, Principal of Condover Hall School for the Blind in England, visited schools for the blind in America last year, and subsequently wrote reports of his observations in The New Beacon. We have received generous permission to reprint that part of his observations in which he compares American and British methods of educating blind children. This is from the January 25, 1954, issue of The New Beacon.

Mr. Myers notes that what he has to say is quite personal and that another visitor here “might reach far different conclusions.” He deals with differences in set-up in the two countries and also with similarities.—Editor]
I Went to Public School
Authors: Taylor William
Published: March 2020

[In April 1954 we reprinted from The Seer a paper by Rev. Ralph T. Wolfgang entitled “I Would Choose the Residential School.” Later we had an opportunity to publish the manuscript from William Taylor, Jr., which appears here, but which at that time, for good editorial reasons, (not on the grounds of the particular position expressed in the article) we did not publish. We take this occasion to say as we have said before: We welcome varying or opposing views on moot questions; we do not discriminate among manuscripts on the grounds of the views expressed on a debatable question, provided the views do in our opinion contribute to the intelligent thinking on a subject and are expressed for no other purpose than for the information and enlightenment of the reader. However, we were unaware until more recently that Mr. Taylor's article was in fact the other of two opposite views presented as a pair on one and the same occasion—a meeting of an Inter-Branch Conference of the Pennsylvania Association for the Blind. Had we understood that fact we would have presented both views together or in successive issues. In the circumstances we are pleased to do the next best thing at this late date by presenting the other half of the discussion, supporting public school education for blind children.— Editor.]
Meeting Individual Needs Through Literature
Authors: Coon Nelson
Published: March 2020

[This brief statement is presented as a part of the thinking of Group H (librarians, publishers and others interested in publishing for the blind) of the American Association of Workers for the Blind—Editor.]
The Partially Seeing are Not Blind
Authors: Froistad Wilmer M.
Published: March 2020

Blind—a. Lacking the sense of sight by natural defect or by deprivation;— Webster's Third New International Dictionary.
Prevention of Vocational Disabilities through Comprehensive Planning
Authors: Pumo Benjamin J.
Published: March 2020

□ Rather than being prevented from becoming involved in so-called normal work activities, blind persons should be encouraged to explore, evaluate, and expose themselves to a much broader variety of work experiences. In this way, the blind person will be much better equipped to select a vocational goal more easily as well as more realistically. Early concentration on the development of personal skills and occupational knowledge should be initiated and supported by the vocational consultant. The responsibility then is to work toward altering the emphasis in work for the blind from one of inability to perform competitively to one of almost limitless potential. Only such positive concepts can help to turn the tide for the blind worker and result in the prevention of vocational disabilities.
The Blindness System
Authors: Schon Donald A.
Published: March 2020

This article is based on a year-long study of services to the blind in the United States which was undertaken by the Organization for Social and Technical Innovation under the sponsorship of the National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Blindness. The NINDB is not responsible for the findings and interpretations here. It is reprinted here by permission of the author and The Public Interest ( where it appeared in the Number 18, Winter 1970 issue). Copyright 1970, National Affairs.
The Sonic Glasses Evaluated
Authors: Kay Leslie
Published: March 2020

A précis of the findings from two questionnaires 169 items for the 94 users of the aid, 88 for the 21 trainers) to evaluate the ultrasonic binaural sensory aid for the blind, a mobility and orientation device invented by the author. The results, summarized in three lengthy tables, indicate that 88 percent of the users found the device useful and that only 20 percent of the trainers thought that their own training was inadequate.
Voluntary Agencies: A New Look
Authors: Wolf Benjamin
Published: March 2020

Voluntary agencies in the future will face new responsibilities. Two fundamental changes that have already begun to occur are the reordering of priorities in the federal program of income maintenance for handicapped persons and the availability of a more accurate picture of the actual composition of the blind population of the United States. The changing role of the federal government, and state governments too, means that the services of private agencies must be re-examined and updated to insure that all necessary services continue to be provided. The recognition that the majority of blind persons are in the older age category and that there are very great numbers of persons with very limited, but still useful, vision means, in the first case, that independent living is not the only goal that clients need help in achieving and, in the second, that new approaches to helping partially sighted persons need to be developed and implemented. Finally, as an outcome of these and other changes, agencies for the blind must expand the ways in which they can work cooperatively with private and governmental agencies and the ways in which volunteers can be utilized most efficiently.
Toward Involving the Total Community in Career Education
Authors: Weishan Robert J.
Published: March 2020

Because of the importance of career education to the future of today's children, parents, businessmen, and others who are sensitive to the needs of the community should be involved in comprehensive career education programs. Such interest in changing the thrust of our educational system can be achieved through public relations campaigns. In addition to explaining the program, however, it is necessary to help each segment of the community to identify the roles it can play in the program, including planning, decision-making, and helping to teach about jobs, life styles, and adult roles. To achieve this goal, a department of community relations should be established; this component of the school staff spearheads the effort, but all other staff must also be involved.
A Retrospective Study of Retrolental Fibroplasia
Authors: Chase Joan B.
Published: March 2020

The relationship between retrolental fibroplasia (RLF) and severe affect disturbances (often simulating autism) was investigated through the collection and analysis of data concerning 263 subjects born between 1939 and 1959 and blinded by RLF. The variables examined included prematurity (birth weight and length of gestation), duration and intensity of oxygenation, environmental conditions (sensory and maternal deprivation), the administration of medical agents, and characteristics of the parents (socio-economic status, intellectual level, emotional reactivity, and religious/ethnic lineage). Autistic symptomatology was found to be correlated with high birth weight (rather than low, as expected), long gestation (but also extreme prematurity), and parental intellectuality, but not with the other variables. Supplementary findings revealed that the extent of autistic symptomatology was correlated with the results of neurological examinations and the date of birth. These results are discussed and a multifactor theory of etiology is suggested.
Recorded and Braille Textbooks: Everything the Blind Student Needs to Know
Authors: Field Gilbert
Published: March 2020

Recording for the Blind, Inc., provides tape recorded textbooks to blind high school and college students and others by either making a copy of one of the 23,000 titles already recorded and located in its Master Tape Library or by having it recorded at one of its 23 recording units. Textbooks in braille are prepared by certified volunteer transcribers all over the country. Master copies of over 1,100 textbooks, from which thermoform duplicates can be made, are located in the Braille Book Bank of the National Braille Association. Nearly 200 scientific and mathematical tables in braille are available through the Association's Braille Technical Tables Bank. The Instructional Materials Reference Center maintains a Central Catalog of braille books and their location in various other depositories. Full instructions for the use of these various services are included in this two-part article.
The Disability Seriousness Scale: Rating the Effects of Blindness
Authors: Walls Richard T. , MacDonald A. P. , Gulkus Steven P.
Published: March 2020

The test instrument developed for this study seeks to measure the extent to which the subject perceives his own or a named disability as debilitating in nine life areas or skills. It was administered to 46 visually handicapped persons and to 50 sighted college students. The results indicate that there is substantial agreement between the two groups regarding the seriousness of blindness in life activities. A number of correlations between the Scale items and demographic characteristics or life function tasks are presented; for example, the less others allow the blind person to perform his own tasks, the more serious is his problem with discouragement.
Defining and Measuring Agency Services to Improve Their Effectiveness
Authors: Brown Charles E.
Published: March 2020

Social welfare agencies are increasingly being held accountable not only for their fiscal policies but also for the effectiveness of their services. To measure the effectiveness of an agency's program, its goals must be clearly identified. Measurable units of service delivery can then be established and a reporting system instituted. The Services Identification System of the United Way of America is shown to be an effective tool in developing a meaningful system of program definition and measurement.
Rhymes, Songs, Records, and Stories: Language Learning Experiences for Preschool Blind Children
Authors: Blos Joan W.
Published: March 2020

Traditional nursery literature can play a significant role in developing the language skills of preschool blind children. Also the concept of order, an important element in these tales, is presented to them. Both the child and the adult respond to these stories and they may be shared by the child and his sighted siblings and friends. Sources of tales and songs are suggested, as are hints for presenting them and adapting them to real-life situations. The use of recorded materials, both tales and songs, is explored.
Manpower Needs in Orientation and Mobility
Authors: Welsh Richard L. , Blasch Bruce B.
Published: March 2020

This survey of the current status of the specialized field of orientation and mobility instruction—based on 317 questionnaires returned by the administrators of agencies and schools serving blind persons, day-school programs, hospitals, and residential schools for other handicapped persons—collected data on the number of specialists employed, the present and future need for specialists, desired level of training, starting salaries, and other duties. The authors conclude that because of the current and expected levels of employment in this field and the recruitment preferences of administrators, university-level training of orientation and mobility specialists should be expanded.
Education and Rehabilitation of the Visually Impaired in Latin America
Authors: Crespo Susana E.
Published: March 2020

The author discusses education and rehabilitation of the blind in Latin America today, with reference to how visually impaired persons were educated in the past, and what must be done to meet their needs in the future. She believes that the first objective is that of obtaining good statistics on the number of blind persons in a given area so that programs can be planned with an awareness of the needs of the visually impaired population. Other objectives include teacher training, providing schools with the necessary books and other equipment, and extending services for the blind to include special programs for the multiply handicapped.
Hearing: Its Evolution and Ways of Compensating for its Loss
Authors: De L'aune William R.
Published: March 2020

Speculates that the sense of hearing evolved to help an organism localize its position in space and perform aural analyses of that space. Describes two major kinds of hearing loss—conductive and sensori-neural—and shows how hearing aids may help reduce the effects of such losses, at least for hearing speech. Hearing aids may, however, reduce a visually impaired person's ability to use sound cues for orientation.
Improving the Health of Professional Staff Members: Implications for Employee Productivity and Client Health
Authors: Fetherolf Jeni , Vincent Murray L.
Published: March 2020

In a pilot project, professional employees working with visually handicapped persons benefitted through participation in a worksite fitness program while serving as role models for clients. The lunch hour program used the worksite's facilities, providing exercise and advice on nutrition. Possible effects on client perception, employee productivity and health improvement are discussed.
Professional Training for Visually Handicapped Students: Implications for Rehabilitation Counselors and Faculty
Authors: Sperr Inez L. , Zischka Pauline C. , Paul Linda , Warnke James W.
Published: March 2020

Students with physical disabilities in professional schools face both practical and attitudinal problems, and these problems continue when they seek employment after graduation. Two recent graduates — one partially sighted, the other totally blind — describe their experiences and make recommendations.
Visually Impaired Women and the World of Work: Theme and Variations
Authors: Koestler Frances A.
Published: March 2020

This summary of the proceedings at the conference on “Education and Employment Opportunities for Blind and Visually Impaired Women” lists the major factors identified as roadblocks to satisfactory career development and points to a variety of coping strategies that can help overcome the dual handicap of gender and disability.
A Comparative Analysis of Blind and Sighted Children's Communication Skills
Authors: Matsuda Maryon M.
Published: March 2020

This study compared the development of communication skills in blind and sighted children. The specific skills investigated were the abilities to detect the communication-relevant characteristics of listeners and to construct messages adapted to those characteristics. The participants were 33 blind and 33 sighted children who ranged in age from 5 to 12 ½ and were matched for age, sex, and IQ. No significant differences were found between the two groups on development of these communication skills. However, the author discusses two important factors that should be investigated in future studies.
The Profession of Rehabilitation Counseling and AER: A Call for Articulation
Authors: Szymanski E.M.
Published: March 2020

This paper contrasts the history of AER with professional organizations in rehabilitation counseling. Issues in rehabilitation counseling which concern a variety of areas and work settings are highlighted. Professional literature in rehabilitation counseling as well as professional nondisability-specific organizations are discussed in relation to AER. A case is made for interorganizational articulation agreements which incorporate regular reciprocal literature reviews.
A Procedure to Evaluate the Relative Effectiveness of Reading in Large and Regular Print
Authors: Koenig A.J. , Ross D.B.
Published: March 2020

A procedure for gathering objective data on specific reading behaviors that would assist multidisciplinary teams to determine the relative effectiveness of reading in large print and in regular print for a student with low vision was developed and evaluated, and a case-study approach was used to examine the reading behaviors of six elementary-aged students with low vision, all readers of large-print materials. Individual profiles, developed to compare reading behaviors observed in each print size, were analyzed qualitatively. The procedure was effective in providing information for deciding on the size of print for individual students.
A Rural Program to Train Teachers of Visually Impaired Children
Authors: Garcia M. , Harley R.K.
Published: March 2020

This article describes a model for training teachers of visually impaired children in rural areas at George Peabody College for Teachers and the innovative strategies used in the training program. The shortage of teachers of the visually impaired necessitates the development of training programs that are flexible and accessible to individuals who are employed in rural areas that need properly trained professionals.
Defiers of Negative Prediction: A 14-Year Follow-up Study of Legally Blind Children
Authors: Freeman R.D. , Goetz E. , Richards D.P. , Groenveld M.
Published: March 2020

This article reports the results of a 1987–88 follow-up study of 69 out of 92 legally blind persons who were children in the original 1973–74 study. Semistructured psychiatric cointerviews were conducted to determine how well the participants had fared compared to the prognoses in the first study. Overall, it was found that they were functioning as well as or better than expected.
The Functional Implications of Glare and Its Remediation for Persons with Low Vision
Authors: Waiss B. , Cohen J.M.
Published: March 2020

By classifying the type of glare problem and understanding the treatment modes available, professionals can minimize its effect and enrich the quality of life of persons with low vision.
Preferential Looking: Reliable Acuity Assessment for Children with Low Vision
Authors: Schanel-Klitsch E.
Published: March 2020

The visual acuity of eight children, aged 2-7, with low vision and multiple handicaps was tested using the Teller Acuity Cards and a preferential-looking procedure with operant modification.
The Effectiveness of Aerobic Exercise Instruction for Totally Blind Women
Authors: Ponchillia S.V. , Powell L.L. , Felski K.A. , Nicklawski M.T.
Published: March 2020

This article reports on a study of the effectiveness of a multifaceted method of teaching aerobic exercises to three congenitally blind women. The results indicate that visually impaired persons can benefit physically from aerobic exercises, despite their inability to monitor body movements visually. All three women demonstrated positive gains in their performance, physical fitness, and attitudes toward participating in future mainstream aerobic exercise classes.
Information Accessibility in Alternative Formats in Postsecondary Education
Authors: Senge J.C. , Dote-Kwan J.
Published: March 2020

This article reports on a survey of directors of disabled student services in the California State University system to determine what accommodations are being provided to print-disabled students and whether the accommodations are in compliance with the law. The results indicate that colleges and universities should reevaluate their policies and procedures to ensure that recent interpretations of the law are being followed.
Quality and Costs in a Residential Education Facility for People with Dual Sensory Impairments
Authors: Emerson E. , Cooper J. , Hatton C.
Published: March 2020

The study evaluated the quality and costs of services for 16 young adults with dual sensory impairments and mental retardation before and during their placement at a specialist community-based residential further education facility. The results indicated that, overall, both the quality and costs of services were higher than in previous placements. However, there were wide variations among clients on all the dimensions studied, and there was no overall relationship between the costs and quality of services.
Self-esteem and Independent Living Skills of Adults with Visual Impairments
Authors: Beach J.D. , Robinet J.M. , Hakim-Larson J.
Published: March 2020

This report of a study of 36 adults with visual impairments found that self-esteem was related to three self-report measures of skills: dependence on others, difficulty, and motivation to learn. Relationships were found between educational level and self-esteem, educational level and the three measures of skills, and employment status and motivation to learn.
Association Between Body Mass Index and Complications in Acoustic Neuroma Surgery
Authors: Luryi Alexander L. , Babu Seilesh , Michaelides Elias M. , Kveton John F. , Bojrab Dennis I. , Schutt Christopher A.
Published: March 2020

Objectives

Elevated body mass index (BMI) is a risk factor for surgical complications, but data in acoustic neuroma surgery are conflicting and limited to small single‐institution studies. This work evaluates associations between BMI and complications in surgery for acoustic neuroma (AN).

Study Design

Retrospective review.

Setting:

Two tertiary otology referral institutions.

Subjects and Methods

Patients undergoing surgery for AN. Univariate and multivariate analysis of association between BMI and complications was performed using two‐tailed t tests and binary logistic regression.

Results

BMI ranged from 18.0 kg/m2 to 63.9 kg/m2 with mean of 29.2 kg/m2 among 362 included patients. High BMI was associated with increased risk of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak (p = 0.003) and need for revision surgery within 6 months (p = 0.03). CSF leak occurred in 11.6% of obese patients (BMI ≥ 30.0) and 5.1% of patients with BMI < 30.0. There was no association between BMI and post‐operative intracranial hemorrhage, wound infection, or incomplete resection (p > 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed BMI was associated with CSF leak (odds ratio 1.11 per BMI point, p = 0.002) and need for revision surgery (odds ratio 1.07 per BMI point, p = 0.02) independent of age, gender, tumor size, or surgical approach.

Conclusions

The largest series to date investigating BMI in acoustic surgery is presented. Elevated BMI is strongly associated with CSF leak and need for revision surgery but not with other complications. Obese or overweight patients undergoing acoustic neuroma resection should be counseled of their increased risk of CSF leak.
Cochlear Implant Performance in Adult Patients with Absent Intraoperative Electrically Evoked Compound Action Potentials
Authors: Cooper Timothy , Melder Katie L. , Hyre Rick , Hobson Candace E. , McCall Andrew A. , Hirsch Barry E.
Published: March 2020

Objective

To describe cochlear implant performance outcomes in adult patients in whom no intraoperative electrically evoked compound action potential (ECAP) responses were able to be obtained despite intracochlear electrode placement.

Study Design

Retrospective case review.

Setting

Academic tertiary center.

Subjects and Methods

Patients 18 years of age and older undergoing cochlear implantation between May 2010 and September 2018 with absent ECAP measurements intraoperatively with intracochlear electrode positioning were identified. Patient performance on sentence recognition testing using the Hearing in Noise Test (HINT) and AzBio at 6 to 12 months postoperatively was compared to preimplantation scores. Additional collected data included patient demographics, etiology of hearing loss, and preoperative pure‐tone average (PTA) and word recognition scores (WRSs).

Results

Intraoperative ECAP measurements were unable to be obtained in 15 cochlear implants performed on 14 patients out of 383 cochlear implant cases. Of the patients with absent ECAP measures, the mean ± SD age was 61.7 ± 15.7 years. Causes of hearing loss included congenital hearing loss, meningitis, autoimmune inner ear disease, otosclerosis, presbycusis, and Ménière’s disease. The average preoperative PTA was 103.5 ± 17.0 dB. Twelve implanted ears had a WRS of 0% and 9 had a HINT score of 0% prior to surgery. The mean HINT score at 6 to 12 months postimplantation was 57.8% ± 37.8% and had improved by 42.6% ± 35.6% compared to the mean preimplantation HINT score (95% confidence interval, 22.0%‐63.1%, P =. 001, paired Student t test).

Conclusion

There is a wide range of cochlear implant performance in patients with absent intraoperative ECAP measures ranging from sound awareness to HINT scores of 100%.
Variation in the Geographic Distribution of the Otolaryngology Workforce: A National Geospatial Analysis
Authors: Gadkaree Shekhar K. , McCarty Justin C. , Siu Jennifer , Shaye David A. , Deschler Daniel G. , Varvares Mark A. , Jarman Molly , Bergmark Regan
Published: March 2020

Objective

To examine the current geographic distribution of otolaryngologists in the United States and the disparities in socioeconomic demographics at the county and hospital referral region (HRR) level.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

National cohort analysis including all otolaryngologists in the United States.

Subjects and Methods

All otolaryngologists board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery in the United States in 2018 were compared with overlaid demographic data from the 2010 United States Census Bureau by county and HRR. Associations between the density of otolaryngologists per population and socioeconomic characteristics were assessed and stratified by region.

Results

The average number of otolaryngologists was 3.6 (SD 9.6) per 100,000. On multivariable regression analysis, the density of otolaryngologists was positively associated with counties with the highest quartile of college education (1.8 providers per 100,000 [95% confidence interval [CI] 0.89, 2.90], P <. 001) and income (2.1 providers per 100,000 [95% CI 1.03, 3.07], P =. 01). Significant regional variation existed in access to otolaryngology care.

Conclusion

There are significant areas with disparate densities of otolaryngologists in the United States. Lower socioeconomic status, more severe poverty, and a lower number of college graduates in a county correlated with reduced density of otolaryngologists.
Appraising Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Clinical Practice Guidelines for Effective Dissemination and Implementation Design
Authors: Flynn John P. , Villwock Jennifer A. , Chiu Alexander G. , Sykes Kevin J.
Published: March 2020

Objectives

Dissemination and implementation (D&I) science analyzes interventional strategies that aid in spreading scientific knowledge, adopting evidence into practice, and identifying barriers to maximize successful integration of science into practice. This study set out to critically appraise the published D&I strategies of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO‐HNSF) Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) and to introduce the theories of D&I science.

Methods

The 15 AAO‐HNSF CPGs underwent appraisal by 2 independent reviewers using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation II (AGREE II) instrument. CPGs were rated over 23 key items in 6 domains. Each item was rated on a 7‐point scale from 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree). CPGs were rated and quality assessments were performed. Intrarater reliability was assessed.

Results

The overall mean score of the CPGs was 85.2% (95% confidence interval, 83.4%‐86.9%). Individual CPG mean scores ranged from 80.4% to 90.9%. Mean interrater reliability was strong. All domains of the AGREE II instrument, except the Applicability domain, scored a mean of 90.7% or better. D&I strategies within the CPGs, as calculated by the Applicability domain score, ranged from 22.9% to 77.1%.

Discussion

There is a paucity of published D&I strategies within the AAO‐HNSF CPGs. Nesting a D&I framework, such as the Quality Improvement Framework, within CPGs would allow for identification of barriers to CPG adoption and evaluation of CPG‐directed interventions.

Implications for Practice

A D&I framework within the AAO‐HNSF CPGs would allow for objective measurement of the overall impact of CPGs on otolaryngology practices.
Hypofractionated Robotic Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Vagal Paragangliomas: A Novel Treatment Strategy for Cranial Nerve Preservation
Authors: Maxwell Anne K. , Mehta Gautam U. , Muelleman Thomas , Barnard Zachary R. , Hartwick Thomas , Mak Albert , Brackmann Derald E. , Lekovic Gregory P.
Published: March 2020

Objective

To provide the first description of hypofractionated stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and evaluate tumor control and safety for vagal paragangliomas (VPs), which begin at the skull base but often have significant extracranial extension.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Setting

Tertiary‐referral neurotology and neurosurgery practice.

Subjects and Methods

Five VPs in 4 patients (all male, ages 15‐56 years) underwent SRS between 2010 and 2018. Outcome measures included tumor dimensions on serial imaging, cranial nerve function, and radiation side effects.

Results

CyberKnife hypofractionated SRS was performed. The prescription dose was 24 or 27 Gy (maximum dose 33.4 Gy; range, 29.3‐35.5 Gy) delivered in 3 equal fractions. The mean isodose line was 79% (range, 76%‐82%). Four VPs were treated primarily, and 1 tumor underwent SRS to treat regrowth 2 years after microsurgical subtotal resection via the modified infratemporal fossa approach. The treatment volume ranged from 8.81 to 86.3 cm3 (mean, 35.7 cm3). All demonstrated stable size (n = 3) or regression (n = 2) at last follow‐up, 63 to 85 months after SRS (mean, 76 months). One patient had stable premorbid vocal fold paralysis from a prior ipsilateral glomus jugulare tumor resection. All others demonstrated normal vagal function following SRS. Treatment‐related side effects, including dysgeusia (n = 1), mucositis (n = 1), and neck soft‐tissue edema (n = 2), were self‐limited.

Conclusions

Hypofractionated SRS appears to be both safe and effective for treating VPs, including large‐volume and predominantly extracranial tumors, while preserving vagal function. SRS should be considered as a cranial nerve preservation option, especially in settings of contralateral lower cranial nerve deficits or in those with multiple paragangliomas risking both vagal nerves.
Pediatric empyema thoracis: roles and outcomes of surgery in advanced disease
Authors: Ho Yan Le , Jamaluddin Mohd Fauzi , Krishinan Sotheenathan , Salleh Ahmadi , Khamis Abu Yamin , Abdul Kareem Basheer A
Published: March 2020

Aim

Empyema thoracis has become increasingly common in the pediatric population. Antibiotics and thoracostomy have been the cornerstones of management of stage 1 empyema, whereas management of stage 2 and 3 empyema remains controversial. Surgical intervention is perceived to be associated with high morbidity and protracted recovery. We aimed to review the role and outcome of surgical decortication, and provide data for comparison with other treatment modalities.

Methods

The medical records and clinical outcomes of 30 children (median age 5.2 years) with stage 2 or 3 empyema, who underwent surgical decortication from September 2017 to September 2019, were reviewed.

Results

Most children were referred for decortication by day 8.8 ± 4 of admission, and the median time from referral to surgery was 2.2 ± 2 days. All patients had tube thoracostomy, and 5 (17%) underwent fibrinolysis prior to surgery. Twenty-one (70%) patients required pediatric intensive care unit admission preoperatively. Postoperatively, most patients were extubated on day 2.5 (range 1–4 days), with chest tubes removed on day 3.8 (range 1–7 days). Most were discharge by day 6.2 (range 4–10 days). Postoperative air leak occurred in one (3%) patient. There was no mortality or reoperation.

Conclusion

Surgical decortication remains an excellent modality for managing stage 2 and 3 pediatric empyema. The procedure has a low morbidity and provides rapid resolution of symptoms with good clinical outcomes if performed promptly. Delayed referral may result in a more protracted clinical course.
To build a home: A phenomenological approach of reconstructing “feeling-at-home” among children living in households with parents exhibiting depressive symptoms
Authors: Yap Joseph Sebastian , Chua Marie Christine , Chan Tara Jessica , Canoy Nico
Published: March 2020

Living in a household with a parent exhibiting depressive symptoms causes major disruptions in family relations, particularly between parent and child, and radically changes family life spaces. In this study, we integrated a place-based approach to interpretative phenomenological analysis to examine the subjective experiences of “feeling-at-home” among children living in households with parents exhibiting depressive symptoms. Using accounts obtained from photo elicitation interviews with seven participants, four key findings show the experience of “feeling-at-home” as (1) navigating emotional turmoil evoked through black holes and comfort rooms, (2) managing “being together” evoked through walls and dining tables, (3) overcoming fear evoked through terraces and flowers, and (4) seeing hope in what is (left of) home (somewhere). Main discussion highlights the spatial constitution in phenomenological research, children’s agency within volatile and “immovable” households, and changing spaces of emotional scarring.