bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
P2Y
12
Promotes Migration of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Through Cofilin Dephosphorylation During Atherogenesis
Authors: Niu Xuan , Pi Shu-lan , Baral Suraj , Xia Yuan-peng , He Quan-wei , Li Ya-nan , Jin Hui-juan , Li Man , Wang Meng-die , Mao Ling , Hu Bo
Published: January 2017

Objective—

P2Y
12
is a well-recognized receptor expressed on platelets and the target of thienopyridine-type antiplatelet drugs. However, recent evidence suggests that P2Y
12
expressed in vessel wall plays a role in atherogenesis, but the mechanisms remain elusive. In this study, we examined the molecular mechanisms of how vessel wall P2Y
12
mediates vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) migration and promotes the progression of atherosclerosis.

Approach and Results—

Using a high-fat diet–fed apolipoprotein E–deficient mice model, we found that the expression of P2Y
12
in VSMCs increased in a time-dependent manner and had a linear relationship with the plaque area. Moreover, administration of P2Y
12
receptor antagonist for 12 weeks caused significant reduction in atheroma and decreased the abundance of VSMCs in plaque. In cultured VSMCs, we found that activation of P2Y
12
receptor inhibited cAMP/protein kinase A signaling pathway, which induced cofilin dephosphorylation and filamentous actin disassembly, thereby enhancing VSMCs motility and migration. In addition, the number of P2Y
12
-positive VSMCs was decreased in the carotid artery plaque from patients receiving clopidogrel.

Conclusions—

Vessel wall P2Y
12
receptor, which promotes VSMCs migration through cofilin dephosphorylation, plays a critical role in the development of atherosclerotic lesion and may be used as a therapeutic target for atherosclerosis.
Predicting Home and Community Walking Activity Poststroke
Authors: Fulk George D. , He Ying , Boyne Pierce , Dunning Kari
Published: January 2017

Background and Purpose—

Walking ability poststroke is commonly assessed using gait speed categories developed by Perry et al. The purpose of this study was to reexamine factors that predict home and community ambulators determined from real-world walking activity data using activity monitors.

Methods—

Secondary analyses of real-world walking activity from 2 stroke trials. Home (100–2499 steps/d), most limited community (2500–4499 steps/d), least limited community (5000–74 999), and full community (≥7500 steps/d) walking categories were developed based on normative data. Independent variables to predict walking categories were comfortable and fast gait speed, 6-minute walk test, Berg Balance Scale, Fugl Meyer, and Stroke Impact Scale. Data were analyzed using multivariate analyses to identify significant variables associated with walking categories, bootstrap method to select the most stable model and receiver-operating characteristic to identify cutoff values.

Results—

Data from 441 individuals poststroke were analyzed. The 6-minute walk test, Fugl Meyer, and Berg Balance Scale combined were the strongest predictors of home versus community and limited versus unlimited community ambulators. The 6-minute walk test was the strongest individual variable in predicting home versus community (receiver-operating characteristic area under curve=0.82) and limited versus full community ambulators (receiver-operating characteristic area under curve=0.76). A comfortable gait speed of 0.49 m/s discriminated between home and community and a comfortable gait speed of 0.93 m/s discriminated between limited community and full community ambulators.

Conclusions—

The 6-minute walk test was better able to discriminate among home, limited community, and full community ambulators than comfortable gait speed. Gait speed values commonly used to distinguish between home and community walkers may overestimate walking activity.
Complementary Quantitative Approach to Unsolved Issues in Art History: Similarity of Visual Features in the Paintings of Vermeer and His Probable Mentors
Authors: Kim Minseo , Kim Jeounghoon
Published: January 2017

Who is the most probable mentor to Johannes Vermeer? To provide complementary evidence for this question, the authors quantitatively analyzed and compared the visual features of the works of Vermeer with those of artists proposed as his possible mentors. The results showed that Vermeer and Gerard ter Borch have similar artistic styles in many respects.
Transdimensional Space: From Moholy-Nagy to Doctor Who
Authors: Miller Barbara L.
Published: January 2017

More than ever, Moholy-Nagy’s influence circulates within contemporary art and visual media. In this essay, the author reconsiders his extended influence in regard to the complex scientific theories of space-time and molecular forces he invokes in Light-Space Modulator. To do so effectively and provocatively, the author brings on board a fictive resource: “Doctor Who.” Like the TARDIS, Moholy’s kinetic sculpture is conceptually a transdimensional apparatus that figuratively bores through time and space to connect past, present and future and resonates with today’s perception of space-time-light entanglement.
Scanning Electron Microscope: Transmigration of Scientific Photography into the Domain of Art
Authors: Tyurina Anastasia
Published: January 2017

The author’s visual art project is concentrated in the specific area of scientific photography of the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), which has expanded the boundaries of observation and representation of the micro world since it was introduced to scientific research in the mid-1960s. Like a number of other artists who have preceded the author, she investigates how to interpret scientific images captured by the SEM as aesthetic forms. In particular, the author considers microscale drops of water from different aquatic systems after evaporation. She does so in an attempt to discover morphological features of the patterns related to water contamination and thus continue in the lineage of artists’ attempts to turn scientific photography into a creative art form.
Nonrandom network connectivity comes in pairs
Authors: Hoffmann Felix Z. , Triesch Jochen
Published: January 2017

Overrepresentation of bidirectional connections in local cortical networks has been repeatedly reported and is a focus of the ongoing discussion of nonrandom connectivity. Here we show in a brief mathematical analysis that in a network in which connection probabilities are symmetric in pairs, Pij= Pji, the occurrences of bidirectional connections and nonrandom structures are inherently linked; an overabundance of reciprocally connected pairs emerges necessarily when some pairs of neurons are more likely to be connected than others. Our numerical results imply that such overrepresentation can also be sustained when connection probabilities are only approximately symmetric.
The future of network neuroscience
Authors: Sporns Olaf
Published: January 2017

Understanding the brain represents one of the most profound and pressing scientific challenges of the 21st century. As brain data have increased in volume and complexity, the tools and methods of network science have become indispensable for mapping and modeling brain structure and function, for bridging scales of organization, and for integrating across empirical and computational methodologies. The creation of a new journal, Network Neuroscience, will contribute to guiding this emerging and interdisciplinary field in new directions.
Parallel Universes of Investment Protection? A Divergent Finding on the Definition of Investment in the icsid Arbitration on Greek Sovereign Debts
Authors: Nakajima Kei
Published: January 2017

As exemplified by the three icsid cases brought by Italian bondholders against Argentina, arbitral tribunals have tended to interpret broadly the term ‘investment’ in applicable bits. However, the tribunal in Poštová banka v. Greece came to the opposite conclusion: the series of Greek sovereign bonds in question did not constitute a protected ‘investment’. Although the tribunal carefully scrutinized the specificity in phrasing in the applicable bits so as to justify its divergent conclusion, some commentators still find inconsistencies with previous jurisprudence. This article examines the interpretative approach taken by the Poštová tribunal and compares it to previous jurisprudence involving disputes over Argentine sovereign bonds, by employing the concept of a two-level judicial dialogue: dialogue on treaty languages and dialogue on an interpretative assumption. It will explain both the apparent consistency between the two lines of jurisprudence as well as the divergence in their interpretative approaches.
That’s what missionary work is all about, loving people”: A Conversation with James Martin, S.J.
Authors: Martin James
Published: January 2017

In his nearly thirty-year preparation for the film Silence, Martin Scorsese called on a number of consultants, including James Martin, S.J., who worked with Mr. Scorsese and the American actors for two years. Here, Father Martin, editor-at-large of America and author of many books including Jesus: A Pilgrimage and the Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything (New York, ny : HarperOne, 2014) discusses his participation in what many are calling Scorsese’s masterpiece with Robert A. Maryks, associate professor of history at Boston College, where he teaches a course on representations of Jesuits in film.
Lectotypification and synonymization of some Aspicilia species (Megasporaceae, Ascomycota) described by A. Hue from Korea and Japan
Authors: PAUKOV ALEXANDER G. , NORDIN ANDERS , ROUX CLAUDE , MOON KWANG HEE , DAVYDOV EVGENY
Published: January 2017

In his pioneering work on the genus Aspicilia, Hue (1910) described among others 23 species on a basis of specimens collected by Urbain Jean (Abbé) Faurie in Korea and Japan in 1899–1906. Hue provided his descriptions with carefully made characteristics of thalli as well as measurements of spores and conidia. However Hue’s systematic arrangement of species, which used only anatomical characteristics such as branching of cortical hyphae, form of cells in paraphyses and presence or absence of lateral cortex, gained criticism from Magnusson (1939) for neglecting morphology. Nevertheless, both Hue and Magnusson used very narrow species concept in Aspicilia s.l. (Nordin 2015). Moreover, some species were described on a basis of a single collection and are only known from the type locality. Therefore, critical assessment of Aspicilia species described that time is necessary.
A new genus and species within the tribe Earomyiini (Diptera, Lonchaeidae)
Authors: MACGOWAN IAIN
Published: January 2017

Fulgenta gen. nov. is erected to include a group of Afrotropical species within the tribe Earomyiini on the basis of their distinctive male genitalia. Twelve new species are described within this new genus namely, Fulgenta apicalis MacGowan sp. nov., F. bilobata MacGowan sp. nov., F. complexa MacGowan sp. nov., F. excisa MacGowan sp. nov., F. freidbergi MacGowan sp. nov., F. geneti MacGowan sp. nov., F. longiphallus MacGowan sp. nov., F. plumosa MacGowan sp. nov., F. pretoria MacGowan sp. nov., F. saegeri MacGowan sp. nov., F. sangmelima MacGowan sp. nov. and F. setiphallus MacGowan sp. nov. Three previously described species, Lamprolonchaea lindneri Morge 1980, L. longicerca MacGowan, 2005 and L. ponti Morge, 1980 are re-assigned to Fulgenta. A revised key to the genera within the Earomyiini and a key to males of Fulgenta is provided.
The true identity of Dixa modesta Johannsen (Diptera: Dixidae) resolved:
synonymy of Dixa similis Johannsen, designation of the Dixa ubiquita species group, and description of three new eastern Nearctic species
Authors: MOULTON JOHN K.
Published: January 2017

Examination of the lectotype male of Dixa modesta Johannsen revealed this species has a confused taxonomic history. It was discovered that Dixa modesta and Dixa similis Johannsen are based on the same nominal species, the former having priority. As a result, Dixa similis falls into synonymy with Dixa modesta (syn. nov.). The species long considered to correspond to the latter (since 1966 if not earlier), i.e., Dixa modesta sensu Peters, comprises three distinct sibling species based on a combination of morphological and molecular evidence. Adults of each sibling are described herein (D. elkmontensis sp. nov., D. ubiquita sp. nov., D. vockerothi sp. nov.), and the D. ubiquita species group is proposed to include them. Morphological diagnoses and a dichotomous key are provided to separate adult males of the D. ubiquita group from those of all other Nearctic species and each other, respectively. Molecular diagnoses are provided to allow identification of any life stage of these three siblings. Updated life history and distributional data are also reported for each sibling.
A new brachypterous species of Phoberus MacLeay (Coleoptera: Trogidae)
and status changes of species in the East African P. nigrociliatus group
Authors: STRÜMPHER WERNER P. , SCHOLTZ CLARKE H.
Published: January 2017

A new brachypterous species, Phoberus nyikanus Strümpher (Coleoptera: Trogidae), is described from Malawi. In addition, three status changes are proposed: Phoberus nigrociliatus (Kolbe) from the Ethiopian highlands, P. nyansanus (Haaf) from central East Africa, and P. nyassicus (Haaf) from southern Tanzanian mountains are elevated to species level. A key is provided to aid in the identification of members of the P. nigrociliatus group, and the species in the group are illustrated by photographs. This brings the total number of species in the genus to 44.
Simulated and Observed Surface Energy Fluxes and Resulting Playa Breezes during the MATERHORN Field Campaigns
Authors: Massey Jeffrey D. , Steenburgh W. James , Hoch Sebastian W. , Jensen Derek D.
Published: January 2017

Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model simulations of the autumn 2012 and spring 2013 Mountain Terrain Atmospheric Modeling and Observations Program (MATERHORN) field campaigns are validated against observations of components of the surface energy balance (SEB) collected over contrasting desert-shrub and playa land surfaces of the Great Salt Lake Desert in northwestern Utah. Over the desert shrub, a large underprediction of sensible heat flux and an overprediction of ground heat flux occurred during the autumn campaign when the model-analyzed soil moisture was considerably higher than the measured soil moisture. Simulations that incorporate in situ measurements of soil moisture into the land surface analyses and use a modified parameterization for soil thermal conductivity greatly reduce these errors over the desert shrub but exacerbate the overprediction of latent heat flux over the playa. The Noah land surface model coupled to WRF does not capture the many unusual playa land surface processes, and simulations that incorporate satellite-derived albedo and reduce the saturation vapor pressure over the playa only marginally improve the forecasts of the SEB components. Nevertheless, the forecast of the 2-m temperature difference between the playa and desert shrub improves, which increases the strength of the daytime off-playa breeze. The stronger off-playa breeze, however, does not substantially reduce the mean absolute errors in overall 10-m wind speed and direction. This work highlights some deficiencies of the Noah land surface model over two common arid land surfaces and demonstrates the importance of accurate land surface analyses over a dryland region.
Attributing the Changes in Reference Evapotranspiration in Southwestern China Using a New Separation Method
Authors: Sun Shanlei , Chen Haishan , Sun Ge , Ju Weimin , Wang Guojie , Li Xing , Yan Guixia , Gao Chujie , Huang Jin , Zhang Fangmin , Zhu Siguang , Hua Wenjian
Published: January 2017

This study investigated monthly and annual reference evapotranspiration changes over southwestern China (SWC) from 1960 to 2012, using the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations’ report 56 (FAO-56) Penman–Monteith equation and routine meteorological observations at 269 weather sites. During 1960–2012, the monthly and annual decreased at most sites. Moreover, the SWC regional average trend in annual was significantly negative (p < 0.05); this trend was the same in most months. A new separation method using several numerical experiments was proposed to quantify each driving factor’s contribution to changes and exhibited higher accuracy based on several validation criteria, after which an attribution analysis was performed. Across SWC, the declining annual was mainly due to decreased net radiation (RN). Spatially, the annual changes at most sites in eastern SWC (excluding southeastern West Guangxi) were generally due to RN, whereas wind speed (WND) or vapor pressure deficit (VPD) was the determinant at other sites. Nevertheless, the determinants differed among 12 months. For the whole SWC, increased VPD in February and decreased WND in April, May, and October were the determinant of decreased ; however, decreased RN was the determinant in other months. Overall, the determinant of the monthly changes exhibited a complex spatial pattern. A complete analysis of changes and the related physical mechanisms in SWC is necessary to better understand hydroclimatological extremes (e.g., droughts) and to develop appropriate strategies to sustain regional development (e.g., water resources and agriculture). Importantly, this separation method provides new perspective for quantitative attribution analyses and thus may be implemented in various scientific fields (e.g., climatology and hydrology).
Climatological Analysis of Tropical Cyclone Intensity Changes under Moderate Vertical Wind Shear
Authors: Rios-Berrios Rosimar , Torn Ryan D.
Published: January 2017

Although infrequent, tropical cyclones (TCs) can intensify under moderate vertical wind shear (VWS). A potential hypothesis is that other factors—associated with both the TC and its environment—can help offset the effects of VWS and aid intensification. This hypothesis was tested with a large dataset of 6-hourly best tracks and environmental diagnostics for global TCs between 1982 and 2014. Moderate VWS was objectively defined as 4.5–11.0 m s−1, which represents the 25th–75th percentiles of the global distribution of 200–850-hPa VWS magnitude around TCs. Intensifying events (i.e., unique 6-hourly data points) were compared against steady-state events to determine which TC and environmental characteristics favored intensification under moderate VWS. This comparison showed that intensifying events were significantly stronger, closer to the equator, larger, and moving with a more westward motion than steady-state events. Furthermore, intensifying events moved within environments characterized by warmer sea surface temperatures, greater midtropospheric water vapor, and more easterly VWS than steady-state events. Storm-relative, shear-relative composites suggested that the coupling between water vapor, surface latent heat fluxes, and storm-relative flow asymmetries was conducive for less dry air intrusions and more symmetric rainfall in intensifying events. Last, the comparison showed no systematic differences between environmental wind profiles possibly due to the large temporal variability of VWS.
Calibrated Probabilistic Hub-Height Wind Forecasts in Complex Terrain
Authors: Siuta David , West Gregory , Stull Roland , Nipen Thomas
Published: January 2017

This work evaluates the use of a WRF ensemble for short-term, probabilistic, hub-height wind speed forecasts in complex terrain. Testing for probabilistic-forecast improvements is conducted by increasing the number of planetary boundary layer schemes used in the ensemble. Additionally, several prescribed uncertainty models used to derive forecast probabilities based on knowledge of the error within a past training period are evaluated. A Gaussian uncertainty model provided calibrated wind speed forecasts at all wind farms tested. Attempts to scale the Gaussian distribution based on the ensemble mean or variance values did not result in further improvement of the probabilistic forecast performance. When using the Gaussian uncertainty model, a small-sized six-member ensemble showed equal skill to that of the full 48-member ensemble. A new uncertainty model called the pq distribution that better fits the ensemble wind forecast error distribution is introduced. Results indicate that the gross attributes (central tendency, spread, and symmetry) of the prescribed uncertainty model are more important than its exact shape.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Authors: Fowkes F.G.R. , Evans C.J. , Lee A.J.
Published: January 2017

Venous disease in the legs occurs very commonly in the general population in Western countries. Around one third of women have trunk varices. A lower prevalence has been observed in men but some recent surveys have suggested that the occurrence in men may be comparable to that in women. The prevalence increases with age but the incidence of new cases appears to be constant throughout adult life. Open venous ulcers occur in about 0.3% of the adult population and a history of open or healed ulceration occurs in around 1%. The etiology of chronic venous disease in the legs is unknown. A genetic predisposition may be present but evidence for this and for a mode of inheritance is lacking. There is some suggestion that prolonged standing may be a risk factor but studies are open to considerable bias. In women, obesity and previous pregnancy has been associated with the presence of varicose veins but the evidence is inconsistent. There have been few well-conducted studies examining diet and bowel habit as a risk factor. The risk of ulceration is related to the severity of varicosities and venous insufficiency, and is increased following deep vein thrombosis. Much further research is required to investigate the cause of this common condition in the general population.
New Advances in the Understanding of the Pathophysiology of Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Authors: Schmid-Schönbein Geert W. , Takase Shinya , Bergan John J.
Published: January 2017

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is inseparably linked to elevated venous pressure and is accompanied by vascular, dermal, and subcutaneous tissue damage and restructuring. Abundant evidence exists both in humans and in experimental models to suggest that the tissue damage may be initiated by generation of an inflammatory reaction. inflammatory indi cators include elevation of endothelial permeability; attachment of circulating leukocytes to the endothelium; infiltration of monocytes, lymphocytes, and mast cells into the connective tissue; and development of fibrotic tissue infiltrates and several molecular markers, such as growth factor or membrane adhesion molecule generation. Indicators of an inflammatory reaction are already detectable at early stages of CVI and may be involved in the development of primary venous valve dysfunction. One of the important questions is to identify trigger mechanisms for the inflammatory reaction in CVI. Current evidence suggests that, among several possible mechanisms (hypoxia, humoral stimulation), a shift in fluid shear stress from normal physio logical levels and endothelial distension under the influence of elevated venous pressure may serve as trigger mechanisms for inflammation.
Microangiopathy and Venous Ulceration: Topical Treatment with Essaven Gel
Authors: Incandela L. , Belcaro G. , Cesarone M.R. , De Sanctis M.T. , Griffin M.
Published: January 2017

The involvement of the microcirculation in chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) due to venous hypertension causes venous hypertensive microangiopathy (VHM) and venous ulceration. VHM is characterized by the presence of enlarged convoluted capillaries; microvascular thrombosis with obliteration of some capillaries; increase in flux, permeability, and edema; and altered function of microlymphatics. PO2 is decreased and CO2 increased. Capillary exchanges are altered, and nutritional alterations eventually lead to venous ulcers. Edema is associated with increased capillary pressure, reduced clearance, and an increased exchange surface of capillaries, which become tortuous and glomerular-like. The aim of this randomized, placebo-controlled study was to evaluate the effect of local treatment with Essaven gel (EG) in 28 subjects with venous microangiopathy due to severe CVI and ulcers treated with a single acute application. Measurements of laser Doppler flux, PO2 and PCO2 in standardized conditions of application showed positive microcirculatory changes (significant decrease of the abnormally increased flux and CO2 while PO 2 increased) in the EG treatment group. Changes in the placebo and control group were more limited (changes in the placebo group were mainly associated with skin manipulation when placebo-EG was applied). ln conclusion, Essaven gel, in comparison with placebo, acutely improves the microcirculation in VHM even with a single application.
Role of Esophageal pH Recording in Management of Chronic Laryngitis: An Overview
Authors: Hanson David G. , Jiang Jack , Conley David , Kahrilas Peter
Published: January 2017

Chronic laryngitis typically produces symptoms of frequent throat-clearing, soreness, decreased voice quality with use, nonproductive cough, globus sensation, and odynophagia. The endoscopic laryngeal examination usually demonstrates posterior glottic edema, erythema, and increased vascularity and nodularity. There is increasing support for the hypothesis that reflux of acidic gastric contents is often responsible for the symptoms and findings of chronic laryngitis. Prospective trials of acid suppression therapy demonstrate not only efficacy in symptom reduction, but also objective improvement in measurements of voice quality and mucosal erythema. Although traditionally considered the “gold standard” for diagnosis of reflux causing laryngitis, routine esophageal pH recording may result in false negatives in up to 50% of patients. This may confound the diagnosis of chronic laryngitis and delay treatment. Conversely, a positive study during comprehensive therapy may help identify patients who need additional treatment. A single distal probe is probably insufficient for evaluation of a supraesophageal disorder. Current recommendations for double-probe pH study in the evaluation of chronic laryngitis fall into 2 categories: 1) a double-probe pH study is indicated if there is ongoing moderate-to-severe laryngitis despite antireflux precautions and proton pump inhibitor treatment for at least 6 to 12 weeks; and 2) a double-probe pH study is indicated as a baseline measurement before Nissen or Toupet fundoplication. The pH study would also be indicated in patients who have symptoms after fundoplication. There is clearly much more work to be done on the technical issues of obtaining accurate objective data related to laryngeal acidification. In addition, although acid reflux appears to be causative in many cases of chronic laryngitis, further work is indicated to identify reliable testing methods that will predict treatment success.
Early Experience with the Cochlear Esprit Ear-Level Speech Processor in Children
Authors: Totten Catherine , Cope Yvonne , McCormick Barry
Published: January 2017

The ESPrit ear-level speech processor has recently become available in the United Kingdom for use with the Nucleus ci24m multichannel cochlear implant. We report on the use of this ear-level processor with 6 children, ages 8 to 15 years. In this study, all patients were initially fitted with the SPrint body-worn processor, this being a prerequisite for programming the ESPrit. Five of the children were fitted successfully with the ESPrit and are using their devices consistently. The results show that patient experience with the ESPrit has been favorable, although there have been some device and programming difficulties. Aided threshold measures show that the ESPrit processor performs at least as well as the SPrint processor, with a trend toward improved aided thresholds for the ESPrit processor compared with the SPrint processor. Further study of the functional benefit of both of these devices may confirm these potential gains. The ESPrit device currently has a disadvantage for children in that it does not support FM radio hearing aid use. Finally, caution is advised in the fitting of the ESPrit in very young children or inexperienced listeners, because of difficulties in monitoring device function.
Pediatric Performance with the Med-EL Combi 40+ Cochlear Implant System
Authors: Franz Darla C.
Published: January 2017

Presented here are the results of speech perception measures and subjective scales from 68 children with 6 months of device experience and from 49 children with 12 months of experience in using the Med-El Combi 40+ cochlear implant system. All children demonstrated bilateral profound hearing loss before operation, and 90% experienced onset before 3 years of age, but their hearing losses had a broad range of causes. A battery of age-appropriate objective speech perception measures was administered, in addition to a battery of subjective auditory skill assessments. The group data indicate that the children showed a statistically significant improvement in a wide array of speech perception skills and auditory behaviors with this device. In addition, subjective therapist survey data indicated changes in primary receptive and expressive communication method with Combi 40+ device use. Individually, all children showed significant improvement on at least 1 of the speech perception measures used in the test battery. This evidence suggests that the Med-El Combi 40+ system can provide meaningful auditory information for profoundly deaf children, which in turn supports meaningful functional improvement in speech perception and communicative skill development.
Talker Discrimination by Prelingually Deaf Children with Cochlear Implants: Preliminary Results
Authors: Cleary Miranda , Pisoni David B.
Published: January 2017

Forty-four school-age children who had used a multichannel cochlear implant (CI) for at least 4 years were tested to assess their ability to discriminate differences between recorded pairs of female voices uttering sentences. Children were asked to respond “same voice” or “different voice” on each trial. Two conditions were examined. In one condition, the linguistic content of the sentence was always held constant and only the talker's voice varied from trial to trial. In another condition, the linguistic content of the utterance also varied so that to correctly respond “same voice,” the child needed to recognize that Two different sentences were spoken by the same talker. Data from normal-hearing children were used to establish that these tasks were well within the capabilities of children without hearing impairment. For the children with CIs, in the “fixed sentence condition” the mean proportion correct was 68%, which, although significantly different from the 50% score expected by chance, suggests that the children with CIs found this discrimination task rather difficult. In the “varied sentence condition,” however, the mean proportion correct was only 57%, indicating that the children were essentially unable to recognize an unfamiliar talker's voice when the linguistic content of the paired sentences differed. Correlations with other speech and language outcome measures are also reported.
Role of Endoscopy in the Management of Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Kuhn Frederick A.
Published: January 2017

Endoscopy has multiple uses in both the medical and surgical management of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). This article reviews applications of endoscopy in preoperative evaluation and postoperative management of CRS. Before operation, nasal endoscopy is the standard for tissue sampling, evaluation of the mucosa, identifying structural alterations, and staging of allergic fungal sinusitis. As part of the surgical procedure, endoscopy may be used to minimize the time needed for postoperative debridement. Applications of endoscopy in in-office medical management of CRS include culturing the sinuses for fungus or bacteria, inserting a cannula for the delivery of drug therapy, and various minor manipulations following a surgical procedure. Perhaps the most important role for endoscopy in patients with CRS is in medical management, particularly in cases involving eosinophilic inflammation. Angled telescopes are important for visualizing areas often overlooked in sinuses that may otherwise appear to be normal, ie, the depths of the maxillary, frontal, or sphenoid sinus. Further use and research are likely to elicit more uses for this important technology.
Surfactant and its Role in Chronic Sinusitis
Authors: Schlosser Rodney J.
Published: January 2017

Although numerous studies have focused on the nature and defensive role of surfactant in the lower airways, relatively little is known about its role in the upper airways. Decreased levels of the main component of surfactant — phospholipids — have been implicated in atrophic rhinitis. The lamellar body arrangement of phospholipids has now been demonstrated in both normal and diseased sinus tissue, resulting in the implication that these structures may play a crucial role in mucociliary clearance against inhaled pathogens, as well as in the regulation of mucous viscosity. Furthermore, they may be secreted from sinonasal ciliated epithelium. Surfactant proteins (SPs) make up a relatively smaller proportion of surfactant, but appear to have an important role in innate immunity. Altered levels of SPs have been observed in a number of respiratory tract diseases. These SPs may prove to play a significant role in chronic sinusitis. Demonstrated expression of SP-A and SP-D in diseased and normal sinus tissue may mean that these SPs are excreted into the airway-lining fluid of the sinuses. Additionally, initial contact and interaction between pathogens and SP-A and SP-D may occur relatively early after inhalation and deposition into the mucus of the respiratory tract. These findings may lead to potential therapeutic options for difficult-to-treat sinus disease in the future.
Fibrosarcoma of the Head and Neck: A Clinical Analysis of Forty Cases
Authors: Swain Ronnie E. , Sessions Donald G. , Ogura Joseph H.
Published: January 2017

This paper is a clinical analysis of 40 patients with fibrosarcoma of the head and neck treated at the Washington University Medical School, St. Louis, Missouri. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 25 years in 31 patients. Treatment consisted of widefield surgical excision, surgery and irradiation, narrowfield surgery, and irradiation alone. Histological classification of the tumors correlates well with the prognosis. In the well differentiated tumor group 12 out of 16 patients treated for a cure were free of tumor. In the poorly differentiated group only one out of five treated for a cure was free of tumor. Widefield surgical excision is the treatment of choice. Prophylactic radical neck dissection is not indicated. Narrowfield surgical excision resulted in a high recurrence rate although the salvage rate was excellent with subsequent widefield resection. Irradiation therapy produced good palliative results in those patients treated by irradiation alone and has a definite role in the management of this disease.
Secretory Immunoglobulin a in Oral and Respiratory Passages in Man
Authors: Mogi Goro
Published: January 2017

Secretory IgA (SIgA) is the predominant immunoglobulin in certain external secretions and may have an important role in immunological mucosal resistance. SIgA differs in chemical and immunological properties from serum IgA. The present study was undertaken to investigate the antigenic relationship between SIgA, free secretory component (FSC) and serum IgA and the localization of SIgA as well as other immunological classes in tissues of oral and respiratory passages by use of immunofluorescence technique. SIgA and FSC were highly purified from human colostrum and rabbit anti-SIgA and anti-SC antisera were prepared. On the basis of antigenic relationships between SIgA, FSC and serum IgA, it was emphasized that individual specific antisera for SC and IgA and/or SIgA should be used in immunochemical or immunohistological investigations for SIgA. The present study failed to detect SC determinants in palatine and lingual tonsils. However, it was evident that cells present in the pharyngeal tonsillar epithelium contain SC determinants. SC molecules may be synthesized in certain secretory cells of mucous membrane and glandular epithelium and the combining of SC with IgA could occur in the cytoplasm of epithelial cells, the intercellular spaces and/or in the lumens of glandular acini and ductules.
Autonomic Nervous System of the Cat Middle Ear Mucosa
Authors: Ishii Tetsuo , Kaga Kimitaka
Published: January 2017

The autonomic nerves of the cat middle ear mucosa were studied by the methods of surface preparation, histochemistry and electron microscopy. The tympanic nerve was found to contain large myelinated fibers probably of a sensory nature. Other sympathetic bundles consisted primarily of unmyelinated fibers with a sparse distribution of myelinated fibers. The inferior tympanic artery was accompanied by many vasomotor nerves and its branches were also innervated predominantly by adrenergic fibers. A dense neural network which showed acetylcholinesterase activity was found in the mucosa around the Eustachian tube orifice. These nerves consisted of several unmyelinated fibers encapsulated by a single Schwann cell just below the epithelium. The fine structure of the small ganglions of the tympanic plexus revealed that the cholinergic nerve endings synapse with the cell body of the ganglion. This finding suggests that these ganglions are autonomic.
Middle Ear Effusion in Experimental Hypersensitivity
Authors: Miglets A. W. , Spiegel J. , Bronstein H. A.
Published: January 2017

Monkeys which were transfused with human serum containing a specific antibody developed a clear, middle ear effusion when the appropriate antigen (ragweed) was insufflated into their middle ear space via the Eustachian tube. The typical histological changes expected to occur in an immediate type 1 immune response were present. Intracellular edema, capillary dilation, and an initial exudative reaction were all seen. Serum IgE levels were found to be significantly raised in the animal following passive sensitization. IgE was also present in the effusion, and IgE specific fluorescent mast and plasma cells were noted in the middle ear mucosa of the sensitized animals.
Middle Ear Ventilation in Secretory Otitis Media
Authors: Holmquist Jörgen , Renvall Ulf
Published: January 2017

The Eustachian tube function was determined repeatedly in 42 patients during as well as after the course of secretory otitis media. Air pressure equalization technique and impedance audiometry were used. Also the size of the mastoid air cell system was determined. It was found that poor tubal function and a small mastoid air cell system are significant findings in these ears.
Primate Model for Studies of Clinical Problems of Middle Ear Functions
Authors: Miller J. , Donaldson J.
Published: January 2017

Eustachian tube and middle ear function has been studied in the acute and chronically prepared Rhesus monkey preparation. Measures have included observations of tympanometry and input impedance of the middle ear, of transmission of energy through the middle ear, of static middle ear pressure and of threshold and suprathreshold hearing. Positive and negative long and short-term static middle ear pressures, the effects of middle ear fluids, and various aspects of Eustachian tube function in both normal and pathologic preparations have been studied. In general our observations indicate that the Old World monkey may provide a model permitting acquisition of quantitative data of a variety of middle ear functions under carefully controlled laboratory conditions, including those requiring measures simply not possible in man.
Membrane Ventilating Tube for the Middle Ear
Authors: Cantektn Erdem I. , Bluestone Charles D.
Published: January 2017

A pilot study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of a membrane ventilating tube as a Eustachian tube prosthesis in 20 patients with otitis media. The design was based partly on assumptions since many of the physiological parameters required to calculate the gas transport processes have not been previously reported. An elementary gas transport model with assumed partial pressures of gases was developed. A semipermeable membrane covering a tympanostomy tube was fashioned and used to ventilate the middle ear cavity. From this preliminary investigation, the device successfully maintained atmospheric pressures in the tympanum, compensated for Eustachian tube malfunction, prevented otorrhea and recurrence of middle ear effusions.
Fine Structures of the Normal Mucosa in Developing Rat Middle Ear
Authors: Maeda Shoichi , Mogi Goro , Oh Motow
Published: January 2017

Forty-two fetal and 90 developing young rats were studied electron microscopically to obtain a normal cellular distribution pattern of middle ear mucosa. The results showed that while ciliated columnar or cuboidal cells interspersed with secretory cells were predominantly distributed around the tympanic orifice and transitional zone, cuboidal or squamous nonciliated cells without secretory granules were numerous in the remaining part of the bulla. Development of ciliated cells started at the 17th or 18th fetal day, paralleling that of secretory cells. The number of ciliated and secretory cells increased rapidly after birth. Glands were not found in the osseous tube, tympanic orifice, or other portions of the middle ear cavity in fetal, newborn, or suckling rats, while they are abundant in the cartilaginous portion of the tube. The findings of this study indicate that both secretory and ciliated cells are normal components of middle ear mucosa although these cells are restricted to the tympanic orifice and transitional zone, and that the mucociliary defense system starts to develop during the fetal stage.
2. Ultrastructural Development of the Early Rat Otocyst
Authors: Marovitz William F. , Khan Khalid M. , Schulte Trina
Published: January 2017

The ultrastructural development and differentiation of cells forming the rat otocyst were studied from the 9th to the 13th postcoital day (PCD). The earliest stage investigated was a simple ovoid structure with a connecting stalk to the surface ectoderm. A process of programmed cellular death involving surface ectoderm, connecting stalk, and lateral otocyst wall rapidly detached the otocyst. The cells forming the otocyst were roughly columnar, the organelles were polarized; mitochondria occurred in greatest number basally and in the supranuclear area; Golgi membranes when present were supranuclear. Luminal cells had many microvilli and cilia of various lengths were detected. The shorter, incompletely formed cilia terminated in small knob-like blebs. With each day the otocysts became more complicated and the endolymphatic duct made its appearance as an evagination of the otocyst. Many more cells were seen to have cilia in various stages of development, and by the 12th PCD possibly each cell of the main otocystic cavity had a kinocilium. Growth of the otocyst due to mitosis occurred to a great extent from a single ventromedial center. Cells in mitosis, although seen at other sites, were in greatest abundance in this area; cellular involution apparently was a related function. Together the process of over-production and programmed cellular involution of supranumerary cells not lost to other causes ( e.g., environmental) may represent an evolutionary advantage.
Present Audiologic Status of Subjects Implanted with Auditory Prostheses
Authors: Hopkinson N. T. , Bilger R. C. , Black F. O.
Published: January 2017

Audiological testing indicated that all of the subjects had profound sensorineural hearing losses. In 12 of the 13 subjects, this profound hearing loss was bilateral. The 13th subject, however, had useable hearing in his unimplanted ear. Tympanometric testing gave no evidence that implant surgery had disrupted middle ear function.
Experimental Stapedectomy
Authors: Thomas Gary K.
Published: January 2017

This animal experimental study (144 cats) was designed to allow observation of the healing processes at the oval window following stapedectomy during the first two postoperative weeks. The first 61 animals (Series I) had no oval window cover except for a blood clot which might form spontaneously. The second 64 animals (Series II) had Gelfoam® as a cover to the oval window following stapedectomy. A third series of 19 animals had temporalis fascia used as the oval window cover, and these ears were studied histologically for up to nine weeks. The unoperated ear acted as a control for the operated ear in all animals and after the animals were killed, both temporal bones were decalcified, imbedded in celloidin, serially sectioned at 20μ, and every tenth section stained and mounted for histologic study. It was observed that oval window closure was effected by endosteal, periosteal, and fibrous tissue proliferation from the traumatized tissues about the oval window fenestra, and that this process was facilitated by the presence of some type of scaffolding material such as a blood clot or Gelfoam®. Temporalis fascia placed in the oval window was observed to be rapidly incorporated into a much thicker oval window neomembrane and to seal the fenestra promptly. Partial removal of the footplate also facilitated more rapid closure of the smaller oval window fenestra, but fibrous tissue and new bone formation was noted to form about bony fragments still attached at the oval window level. Free bony fragments within the vestibule were not observed to stimulate new bone formation. Suppuration was observed most frequently in Series I (no oval window cover), with 67.8% of these animals having some degree of otitis media. In Series II (Gelfoam® cover) 20.6% had otitis media, and in Series III (temporalis fascia) 21% had middle ear infection. Suppuration markedly impaired but did not completely prevent the oval window reparative processes. Animals having some type of oval window cover were noted to have a lesser incidence of suppurative labyrinthine involvement when otitis media was present. Other labyrinthine complications were observed, including endolymphatic hydrops, Wittmaack's hypotonic atrophy, as well as RBC, fibrin, and albuminous precipitates in the labyrinth. Hypotonic atrophy was observed in a high incidence of animals having rupture of one or more endolymphatic structures, suggesting a mechanical mechanism as one possible explanation for this condition. Hypotonic atrophy may represent the end-stage (collapse) in the fluctuant endolymphatic ballooning of hydrops which is seen when saccular or Reissner's membrane ruptures have occurred.
Diffuse Otitis Externa: Clinical and Microbiologic Findings in the Course of a Multicenter Study on a New Otic Solution
Authors: Cassisi Nicholas , Cohn Arnold , Davidson Terence , Witten Bruce R.
Published: January 2017

This report reviews the literature on the epidemiology, pathogenesis and bacteriology of diffuse otitis externa. Four departments of otolaryngology undertook identical studies of these factors, as well as the efficacy and safety of two similar antibiotic-corticosteroid formulations; one a suspension and the other a clear solution. A total of 239 patients, or 283 ears, were studied, utilizing objective clinical as well as correlative bacteriologic criteria. A high degree of clinical and bacteriologic efficacy was demonstrated by the medications irrespective of the formulation, infecting organism, patient's age, length of disease history, severity, or geographic location. There was no statistical difference between either formulation, both achieving a clinical efficacy rate of 97% and a bacteriologic efficacy rate of 83%. Drug related side effects occurred in 1.9% of the patients given the solution and in 1.1% of those given the suspension.