bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of Borohydride Oxidation on Graphene Supported Gold-Copper Nanocomposites
Authors: Norkus Eugenijus , Baronaitė Asta , Stankevičienė Ina , Vaiciuniene Jurate , Kondrotas Rokas , Juskenas Remigijus , Tamasauskaite-Tamasiunaite Loreta
Published: October 2014

In this study the graphene supported Au-Cu catalysts (denoted as AuCu/GR) with different Au:Cu molar ratio were prepared by microwave heating of Au(III) and Cu(II) salts in ethylene glycol (EG) solutions at 150 oC for 30 min. It has been determined that the composition of AuCu/GR catalysts depends on pH of reaction mixture. When the reaction mixture pH was 7.0, 10.1 and 12.2, the AuCu/GR catalysts having the Au:Cu molar ratios equal to 37:1, 1:13 and 1:32, respectively, were synthesized. The structure and composition of the prepared catalysts were examined by X-ray diffraction and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. A shape and size of catalyst particles were determined by transmission electron microscopy. It has been found that the graphene supported AuCu catalysts having the Au:Cu molar ratios equal to 1:13 and 1:32 show an enhanced electrocatalytic activity towards the oxidation of BH4
– ions comparing with the graphene supported bare Au catalyst and graphene supported Cu catalyst.
Zinc-Cobalt Alloy Deposited on the Titanium Surface as Electrocatalysts for Borohydride Oxidation
Authors: Tamasauskaite-Tamasiunaite Loreta , Lichusina Svetlana , Balciunaite Aldona , Zabielaite Ausrine , Simkunaite Dijana , Vaiciuniene Jurate , Selskis Algirdas , Norkus Eugenijus
Published: October 2014

The present work is focused on the investigation of the electrochemical oxidation of BH4
– ions in an alkaline solution on a low-cost ZnCo alloy deposited on the titanium surface. The Co and ZnCo alloy coatings were deposited on the titanium surface via electrodeposition. The morphology, structure and composition of the prepared catalysts were examined by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy. The activity of the fabricated catalysts was investigated towards the oxidation of BH4
– ions by means of cyclic voltammetry. It has been determined that Co/Ti and ZnCo/Ti catalyze the oxidation of H2 generated by the catalytic hydrolysis of BH4
– and direct oxidation of BH4
– ions. The H2 oxidation current densities measured on both the catalysts are rather close and reach up to 60 mA cm–2, whereas, the borohydride oxidation current densities are ~3 times higher at -0.2 V on the ZnCo/Ti catalyst than those obtained on the Co/Ti catalyst.
Studies of Adiponitrile As a Solvent for Ketone Electrochemistry
Authors: Cheek Graham T.
Published: October 2014

The complexation of 9-fluorenone by aluminum(III) trifluoromethanesulfonate [Al(TfO)3] in adiponitrile / 1.0 M tetraethylammonium tetrafluoroborate has been studied by electrochemical methods. Addition of Al(TfO)3 to solutions of 9-fluorenone cause the first 9-fluorenone one-electron reduction process to broaden, signaling an increase to a two-electron process. The interaction of the aluminum cation with the 9-fluorenone radical anion is evidently responsible for this behavior. In addition, the appearance of an entirely different reduction process at a potential positive of the initial reduction process indicates that the 9-fluorenone : aluminum complex is also formed. 9-Fluorenone : aluminum cation interactions in the similar 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium trifluoromethanesulfonate (BMPY TfO) ionic liquid system are considerably less than in the ADN / 1.0 M TEA BF4 system, presumably due to the very high concentration of triflate in the ionic liquid system.
Highly Active and Stable Pt3Cr/C Alloy Catalyst for Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Sakthivel Mariappan , Radev Ivan , Peinecke Volker , Drillet Jean-Francois
Published: October 2014

In the present work, Pt3Cr/C alloy catalyst showed enhanced activity under half-cell and full-cell conditions as well as excellent corrosion stability compared to those of the 40 wt% Pt/CJM benchmark catalyst. At 2 mA cm-², Pt3Cr/C catalyst exhibited 10 mV less over-potential and twofold higher specific and mass activity for ORR than Pt/CJM. The average particle size grew from 4.5 nm up to “only” 6-8 nm during accelerated degradation tests under half-cell conditions. For comparison, average particle size of Pt/CJM increased from 4.5 up to 15-20 nm. In full-cell experiments, MEA with Pt3Cr/C as cathode catalyst exhibits an excellent maximal power density retention of about 76% after 1000 degradation cycles compared to 55% for the MEA with the commercial catalyst.
Facet-Controlled Metal Alloy Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction: Unconventional Post Treatment of Pt3Ni Octahedral Catalysts for Enhanced Activity
Authors: Wu Jianbo , Yang Shengchun , Yang Hong
Published: October 2014

The paper describes a ligand exchange approach to the post-synthesis treatment of solution phase produced Pt3Ni octahedral electrocatalysts for the reduction of oxygen. Ligand exchange using short-chain amine is shown to be critical for achieving high activity towards the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Unlike Pt or other ORR electrocatalysts without well-defined (111) surface, the maximum ORR activity for Pt3Ni octahedral catalysts was achieved at a low annealing temperature of 230℃. This study indicates a different thermal treatment strategy is required for Pt alloy electrocatalysts with well-defined (111) surface, such as octahedral, tetrahedral, and icosahedral nanoparticles.
Tunable Optical Properties of Carbon Nanotube Composite Thin Films
Authors: Dushatinski Thomas , Abdel-Fattah Tarek M
Published: October 2014

Novel transparent composite thin film electrodes with embedded multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were fabricated in this study. Their optical properties were explored for applications as cathodes in optoelectronic devices, such as solar cells. The optical properties of the MWCNTs composite thin film were measured in the UV-Vis and IR regions. The films fabricated had tunable transparency from 85% to 80% at 550nm. In the IR region the absorption maxima were at 1151nm, 1203nm, 1223nm, and 1630nm. The band-gap of the films was 3.82 and complementary to the band-gaps of common conjugated polymers for organic solar cells.
Performance Characteristics of CZT Detectors for PET Imaging Applications
Authors: Zheng Xiaoqing , Deen M. Jamal , Peng Hao
Published: October 2014

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a non-invasive, in-vivo imaging technology that plays a critical role in cancer detection, as well as in molecular and cellular imaging. For PET imaging, Cadmium Zinc Telluride (CZT) detector emerges as a promising alternative to a scintillator and photomultiplier (PMT) detector assembly. In this work, we developed an analytical model to study electron transport, charge collection, signal formation and temporal behavior within a CZT detector. The study is designed to help us optimize a number of detector design parameters including anode/cathode electrode pitch, steering electrode pitch and voltage bias. The performances of a 20×20×5 mm3 pixelated CZT detector were evaluated to demonstrate good energy resolution of ~2.98 ± 0.26% at 511 keV without significant charge sharing effect.
NF3/NH3 Dry Cleaning Mechanism Inspired by Chemical and Physical Surface Modification of Si, SiO2, and Si3N4
Authors: Oh Hoon Jung , Lee Joo Hee , Lee Min Seon , Shin Woo Gon , Kang Sung Yong , Kim Gyu Dong , Ko Dae Hong
Published: October 2014

To understand the NF3/NH3 dry cleaning mechanism, we have investigated the dry cleaning process with different Si-based materials, Si, SiO2, and Si3N4 using atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) in terms of surface modification. In this paper, we report that the NF3/NH3 dry cleaning process using down-flow plasma technique can cause significant surface modification on SiO2 depending on the NF3:NH3 ratio and plasma power of the plasma reaction before (NH4)2SiF6 by-product sublimation step. These results might provide empirical evidence that there are competing reaction pathways producing different intermediate species on SiO2 surface to form (NH4)2SiF6 by-product depending on the process conditions. A possible mechanism is presented.
Graphene /TiO2 Composite Electrode: Synthesis and Application towards the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Al-Kandari Halema Ali , Abdullah Aboubakr Moustafa , Mohamed Ahmed meslam , Al-Kandari Shikah Ali
Published: October 2014

A graphene oxide (GO) was prepared from a commercial graphite nano-crystals using Hummers’ method. Later, GO powder was reduced either by placing it under a H2 gas flow in a controlled gas reactor at 450 oC or using a hydrazine hydrate solution (HH) in a 1000-Watt microwave oven. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray diffraction patterns (XRD) confirmed that both of the oxidation and reduction processes of graphite and GO powders, respectively, were incomplete. Also, the surface area of the H2 gas - reduced GO powder was found to be higher than the case where HH was used to reduce the same powder. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and XPS have revealed that GO surface consists mainly of hydroxyl, epoxy, carbonyl and carboxylic groups. The electrocatalytic properties of (i) glassy carbon (GC), (ii) commercial TiO2 (P25-TiO2/GC), (iii) TiO2-supported GO (GO/TiO2/GC), (iv) TiO2 – supported HH – reduced GO (HHRGO/TiO2/GC) and (v) TiO2 – supported H2 gas – reduced GO (H2RGO/TiO2/GC) electrodes towards the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in acidic solution in presence and absence of UV radiation were examined. The results have shown that the H2RGO/TiO2/GC electrode has the best electrocatalytic activity in terms of current at a certain potential but glassy carbon electrode (GC) was found to be the best in terms of the onset potential of the ORR.
Long Noncoding RNA GAPLINC Regulates CD44-Dependent Cell Invasiveness and Associates with Poor Prognosis of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Hu Ye , Wang Jilin , Qian Jin , Kong Xuan , Tang Jieting , Wang Yingchao , Chen Haoyan , Hong Jie , Zou Weiping , Chen Yingxuan , Xu Jie , Fang Jing-Yuan
Published: October 2014

It is increasingly evident that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) have causative roles in carcinogenesis. In this study, we report findings implicating a novel lncRNA in gastric cancer, termed GAPLINC (gastric adenocarcinoma predictive long intergenic noncoding RNA), based on the use of global microarray and in situ hybridization (ISH) analyses to identify aberrantly expressed lncRNA in human gastric cancer specimens. GAPLINC is a 924-bp-long lncRNA that is highly expressed in gastric cancer tissues. GAPLINC suppression and with gene expression profiling in gastric cancer cells revealed alterations in cell migration pathways, with CD44 expression the most highly correlated. Manipulating GAPLINC expression altered CD44 mRNA abundance and the effects of GAPLINC on cell migration and proliferation were neutralized by suppressing CD44 expression. Mechanistic investigations revealed that GAPLINC regulates CD44 as a molecular decoy for miR211-3p, a microRNA that targets both CD44 and GAPLINC. Tissue ISH analysis suggested that GAPLINC overexpression defines a subgroup of patients with gastric cancer with very poor survival. Taken together, our results identify a noncoding regulatory pathway for the CD44 oncogene, shedding new light on the basis for gastric cancer cell invasiveness. Cancer Res; 74(23); 6890–902. ©2014 AACR.
Attitudes towards Alcohol Dependence and Affected Individuals: Persistence of Negative Stereotypes and Illness Beliefs between 1990 and 2011
Authors: Schomerus Georg , Matschinger Herbert , Angermeyer Matthias C.
Published: October 2014

Background: Alcohol dependence is among the most severely stigmatized mental disorders. We examine whether negative stereotypes and illness beliefs related to alcohol dependence have changed between 1990 and 2011. Methods: We used data from two population surveys with identical methodology that were conducted among German citizens aged ≥18 years, living in the ‘old' German states. They were conducted in 1990 and 2011, respectively. In random subsamples (1990: n = 1,022, and 2011: n = 1,167), identical questions elicited agreement with statements regarding alcohol dependence, particularly with regard to the illness definition of alcohol dependence and blame. Results: Overall, agreement with negative stereotypes did not change in the course of 2 decades. About 55% of the respondents agreed that alcohol dependence is an illness like any other, >40% stated that it was a weakness of character and 30% endorsed that those affected are themselves to blame for their problems. Conclusions: It is apparent that promoting an illness concept of alcohol dependence has not been an easy solution to the problem of stigma. We discuss how the normative functions of alcohol dependence stigma might have prevented a reduction of negative stereotypes.
Activation of Liver-X-Receptor α But Not Liver-X-Receptor β Protects Against Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury
Authors: He Qing , Pu Jun , Yuan Ancai , Lau Wayne Bond , Gao Erhe , Koch Walter J. , Ma Xin-Liang , He Ben
Published: October 2014

Background—

Liver-X-receptors, LXRα (NR1H3) and LXRβ (NR1H2), encode 2 different but highly homologous isoforms of transcription factors belonging to the nuclear receptor superfamily. Whether LXRα and LXRβ subtypes have discrete roles in the regulation of cardiac physiology/pathology is unknown. We determine the role of each LXR subtype in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/R) injury.

Methods and Results—

Mice (wild type; those genetically depleted of LXRα, LXRβ, or both; and those overexpressing LXRα or LXRβ by in vivo intramyocardial adenoviral vector) were subjected to MI/R injury. Both LXRα and LXRβ were detected in wild-type mouse heart. LXRα, but not LXRβ, was significantly upregulated after MI/R. Dual activation of LXRα and LXRβ by natural and synthetic agonists reduced myocardial infarction and improved contractile function after MI/R. Mechanistically, LXR activation inhibited MI/R-induced oxidative stress and nitrative stress, attenuated endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, and reduced cardiomyocyte apoptosis in ischemic/reperfused myocardium. The aforementioned cardioprotective effects of LXR agonists were impaired in the setting of cardiac-specific gene silencing of LXRα, but not LXRβ subtype. Moreover, LXRα/β double-knockout and LXRα-knockout mice, but not LXRβ-knockout mice, increased MI/R injury, exacerbated MI/R-induced oxidative/nitrative stress, and aggravated endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Furthermore, cardiac LXRα, not LXRβ, overexpression via adenoviral transfection suppressed MI/R injury.

Conclusions—

Our study provides the first direct evidence that the LXRα, but not LXRβ, subtype is a novel endogenous cardiac protective receptor against MI/R injury. Drug development strategies specifically targeting LXRα may be beneficial in treating ischemic heart disease.
Age-Related Normative Changes in Phasic Orthostatic Blood Pressure in a Large Population Study
Authors: Finucane Ciarán , O’Connell Matthew D.L. , Fan Chie Wei , Savva George M. , Soraghan Christopher J. , Nolan Hugh , Cronin Hilary , Kenny Rose Anne
Published: October 2014

Background—

In this report, we provide the first normative reference data and prevalence estimates of impaired orthostatic blood pressure (BP) stabilization, initial orthostatic hypotension, and orthostatic hypotension based on beat-to-beat blood pressure methods in a population-representative sample.

Methods and Results—

Participants were recruited from a nationally representative cohort study (≥50 years). Beat-to-beat systolic BP, diastolic BP, and heart rate records were analyzed among those who underwent an active stand test (n=4475). Normograms were estimated by use of generalized additive models for location, shape, and scale with Box-Cox power exponential distribution. Prevalence estimates of impaired BP stabilization, initial orthostatic hypotension, and orthostatic hypotension are reported. Orthostatic BP responses in adults aged 50 to 59 years stabilized within 30 seconds of standing, with older groups taking 30 seconds or longer. The total prevalence of impaired BP stabilization was 15.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 14.1%–17.1%), increasing with age to 41.2% (95% CI, 30.0%–52.4%) in people ≥80 years old. Initial orthostatic hypotension occurred in 32.9% (95% CI, 31.2%–34.6%) of the population aged ≥50 years, with no age gradient evident. The prevalence of orthostatic hypotension was 6.9% (95% CI, 5.9%–7.8%) in the total population, increasing to 18.5% (95% CI, 9.0%–28.0%) in those aged ≥80 years old.

Conclusions—

Significant age-related differences exist in the time course of postural BP responses, with abnormal responses taking longer than 30 seconds to stabilize. Impaired BP stabilization is more common as we age, affecting more than two-fifths of the population aged ≥80 years, and may play a future role in the management of falls and syncope.
A Mechanism for Land–Atmosphere Feedback Involving Planetary Wave Structures
Authors: Koster Randal D. , Chang Yehui , Schubert Siegfried D.
Published: October 2014

While the ability of land surface conditions to influence the atmosphere has been demonstrated in various modeling and observational studies, the precise mechanisms by which land–atmosphere feedback occurs are still largely unknown: particularly the mechanisms that allow land moisture state in one region to affect atmospheric conditions in another. Such remote impacts are examined here in the context of atmospheric general circulation model (AGCM) simulations, leading to the identification of one potential mechanism: the phase locking and amplification of a planetary wave through the imposition of a spatial pattern of soil moisture at the land surface. This mechanism, shown here to be relevant in the AGCM, apparently also operates in nature, as suggested by supporting evidence found in reanalysis data.
Mourning the Body as Bedrock
Authors: Saketopoulou Avgi
Published: October 2014

This paper introduces the concept of massive gender trauma, a clinical syndrome arising at the onerous intersection of the misgendering of transgender patients and the subjective, anguished experience of the natal body. Analysts have become increasingly aware in recent years of the complex interactions between psyche, soma, and culture. Consequently, the field is increasingly hospitable to considering the psychic risks inherent in misgendering. However, patients’ body dysphoria is often left unaddressed even by analysts who seek to work within their analysands’ gendered experience. Through a detailed, in-depth account of work with a five-year-old trans girl (female-identified, male-bodied), the developmental implications of the natal body’s not becoming sufficiently mentalized in the course of treatment are tracked and explored. Attention to unconscious fantasy and its transformations shows the importance of helping transgender patients whose bodies are a source of suffering to be able to psychically represent their pain as a critical step in the process of a psychologically healthy transition.
Results of Tympanoplasty in Children after 15 to 27 Years
Authors: Tos Mirko , Ørntoft Steffen , Stangerup Sven-Eric
Published: October 2014

Results of tympanoplasty in children with noncholesteatomatous chronic otitis media are presented in a 16- to 27-year follow-up. During the 13-year period from 1968 to 1980, 116 children (124 ears) were operated on, and they were submitted to several follow-ups with audiometry and otomicroscopy. The attendance at the last follow-up was 70%, and the minimum time since surgery for these patients was 15 years. All dry ears were operated on transcanally with a fixed ear speculum, without any lateral incision of the ear canal skin. Cumulatively, in total, 14 ears (11%) had reperforation: 7 ears early and 7 ears late. At 6 months, there were 6% early reperforations; some were surgically closed and some reappeared later, even after several years, as late perforations. At 2 to 15 years of follow-up, there were 4% reperforations, and at 16 to 27 years, 6%. Hearing was good and stable. The results were the same in ears operated on at the ages of 2.5 to 7 years and 8 to 14 years, as well as with preoperatively positive and negative Valsalva maneuvers. In total, 14% of ears were revised during the entire observation period. It is concluded that transcanal tympanoplasty, even in young children, has good long-term stability and can definitively and permanently solve the problem of noncholesteatomatous chronic otitis in children.
Reversible Sensorineural Hearing Loss following Administration of Muromonab-CD3 (OKT3) for Cadaveric Renal Transplant Immunosuppression
Authors: Hartnick Christopher J. , Smith Richard V. , Greenstein Stuart , Tellis Vivian , Ruben Robert J.
Published: October 2014

This prospective study is a follow-up to a case report noting reversible sensorineural hearing loss after administration of OKT3 for immunosuppression in a steroid-resistant renal cadaveric transplant patient who was rejecting his transplant. The objective is to determine the interval estimate for incidence of sensorineural hearing loss following treatment with OKT3. Seven patients were admitted to the Renal Transplant Service at Montefiore Medical Center from July 1996 to July 1997 with steroid-resistant rejection of renal cadaveric transplants and received OKT3 as an immunosuppressant. All 7 patients received 3 audiograms: the first, prior to the administration of the first dose of OKT3, the second, 48 to 72 hours after administration of OKT3, and the third, approximately 2 weeks after administration of OKT3. Five of the 7 patients (71%) demonstrated a sensorineural hearing loss of 15 dB or greater at frequencies of 8 to 12 kHz. Four of the 5 patients with audiographic changes had near-complete to complete recovery of their high-frequency thresholds after discontinuation of the drug regimen. In conclusion, OKT3 can cause sensorineural hearing loss. This side effect is mainly reversible after 2 weeks following discontinuation of the drug. Patients receiving OKT3 should be forewarned of this possible side effect prior to the administration of OKT3.
Spontaneous Respiration Anesthesia for Respiratory Papillomatosis
Authors: Stern Yoram , McCall John E. , Mueller Kelly L. , Willging J. Paul , Cotton Robin T.
Published: October 2014

Several anesthetic techniques for microlaryngeal laser surgery in children have been advocated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the operative conditions and safety of the spontaneous respiration anesthesia technique for carbon dioxide laser surgery in children with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP). The anesthetic and operative records of 60 pediatric patients with RRP who underwent microlaryngeal laser surgeries between 1991 and 1997 were reviewed. Papilloma location, severity of involvement, oxygen saturation, airway stability, need for intubation, duration of procedure, and complications were recorded. The patients underwent 744 surgical procedures. Two hundred two procedures were randomly studied (statistical power ≥ 80%). The supraglottis and glottis were most commonly involved. Most of the papillomas were graded as moderate or severe disease. Complications occurred in 11 procedures. The surgical procedure was completed in all cases. No variable had predictive value regarding the outcome. Spontaneous respiration anesthesia is an efficient and relatively safe technique for microlaryngeal laser surgery in children with RRP.
Biomechanical and Histologic Observations of Vocal Fold Fibrous Proteins
Authors: Gray Steven D. , Alipour Fariborz , Titze Ingo R. , Hammond Thomas Hale
Published: October 2014

This article discusses the molecular composition of the vocal fold and the relationship of fibrous molecules to the biomechanical and physiological performance of the tissue. The components of the extracellular matrix may be divided into fibrous proteins and interstitial proteins. The fibrous proteins, consisting of collagens and elastins, are the focus of this report. Elastin concentration varies by tissue depth in the vocal folds. Variation of elastin by age is reported, but some controversy exists. The biomechanical terms of stress and strain (and stress-strain curves of human vocal folds) are related to the fibrous proteins of the vocal folds. The fibrous proteins, their role in stress, and their effect on the dynamic range of vocal pitch are presented.
Paraneoplastic Syndromes in Patients with Laryngeal and Hypopharyngeal Cancers
Authors: Ferlito Alfio , Rinaldo Alessandra
Published: October 2014

Paraneoplastic syndromes are systemic, nonmetastatic manifestations associated with a variety of malignant neoplasms and occurring in a minority of cancer patients. Paraneoplastic syndromes in association with cancers of the larynx and hypopharynx are considered rare. The world literature is reviewed, dividing paraneoplastic syndromes into 4 main groups, ie, cutaneous (acanthosis nigricans, Bazex's syndrome, Bowen's disease, bullous pemphigoid, dermatomyositis, pruritus, Sweet's syndrome, yellow nail syndrome, and tylosis), endocrine (carcinoid syndrome, adrenocorticotropic hormone syndrome, Schwartz-Bartter syndrome, hypercalcemia), hematologic (Trousseau's syndrome), and neurologic (cerebellar degeneration, Eaton-Lambert myasthenic syndrome). A paraneoplastic syndrome may precede the clinical manifestations of a persistent or recurrent tumor or of asymptomatic metastases, and its onset may even, in a minority of cases, be the presenting sign of a malignancy. Otolaryngologists and head and neck surgeons should have a knowledge of the paraneoplastic syndromes in order to facilitate their detection of malignancies or recurrences.
Craniofacial Ballpoint Pen Injury: Endoscopic Management
Authors: LaFrentz John R. , Mair Eric A. , Casler John D.
Published: October 2014

Penetrating facial injuries are not infrequent. There have been isolated case reports of unusual penetrating craniofacial trauma. We describe an unusual case of a 22-month-old child who suffered an external orbital injury from a ballpoint pen that penetrated the orbit, lamina papyracea, posterior ethmoid sinuses, and sphenoid sinus. Endoscopic sinus surgery was performed to extract the ballpoint pen nib after localization with computed tomography. Careful pediatric endoscopic sinus surgery techniques permitted safe foreign body extraction with minimal morbidity.
Quantitative Endoscopy: Initial Accuracy Measurements
Authors: Truitt Theodore O. , Adelman Roger A. , Kelly Dan H. , Willging J. Paul
Published: October 2014

The geometric optics of an endoscope can be used to determine the absolute size of an object in an endoscopic field without knowing the actual distance from the object. This study explores the accuracy of a technique that estimates absolute object size from endoscopic images. Quantitative endoscopy involves calibrating a rigid endoscope to produce size estimates from 2 images taken with a known traveled distance between the images. The heights of 12 samples, ranging in size from 0.78 to 11.80 mm, were estimated with this calibrated endoscope. Backup distances of 5 mm and 10 mm were used for comparison. The mean percent error for all estimated measurements when compared with the actual object sizes was 1.12%. The mean errors for 5-mm and 10-mm backup distances were 0.76% and 1.65%, respectively. The mean errors for objects <2 mm and ≥2 mm were 0.94% and 1.18%, respectively. Quantitative endoscopy estimates endoscopic image size to within 5% of the actual object size. This method remains promising for quantitatively evaluating object size from endoscopic images. It does not require knowledge of the absolute distance of the endoscope from the object, rather, only the distance traveled by the endoscope between images.
Involvement of Carbon Monoxide in the Innervation of the Canine Cervical Esophagus and Trachea
Authors: Hisa Yasuo , Shogaki Kazuhiro , Koike Shinobu , Tadaki Nobuhisa , Bamba Hitoshi , Uno Toshiyuki
Published: October 2014

We investigated the involvement of carbon monoxide (CO) in the innervation of the canine cervical esophagus and trachea by means of immunohistochemistry using an antiserum against heme oxygenase–2 (HO-2). We detected HO-2–immunoreactive nerve fibers around the blood vessels and submucosal glands of the esophagus and trachea. We found HO-2–immunoreactive neurons in ganglia in the trachea and in the myenteric plexus of the esophagus. These results suggest that CO is involved as a neurotransmitter in the innervation of the canine esophagus and trachea.
Microsurgery of Sulcus Vergeture with Carbon Dioxide Laser and Injectable Collagen
Authors: Remacle Marc , Lawson Georges , Degols Jean-Christophe , Evrard Isabelle , Jamart Jacques
Published: October 2014

Between January 1989 and June 1998, we operated on 45 patients for sulcus vergeture. The studied population encompassed 38 women (84%) and 7 men (16%). The median age was 36 (range 12 to 71 years). The surgical technique is based on a concept of Cornut and Bouchayer according to which the dissection of the epithelium adherent to the deep subepithelial plane improves the vocal fold vibration. Dissection is performed with a single-pulsed carbon dioxide laser at 2 to 3 W with a pulse duration of 0.1 second. We use the Super-pulse microwave. The Acuspot micromanipulator provides a spot size of 250 μm at 350-mm focal length. When the vocal fold is atrophic, surgery is completed with a bovine or autologous collagen injection; the median injected quantity is 0.3 mL (range 0.1 to 0.4 mL). The epithelial microflap is redraped with fibrin glue. Voice therapy is indispensable for correcting the associated hyperkinetic dysphonia. The median postoperative follow-up period is 5 months (range 1 to 18 months). In terms of median values, the maximum phonation time improved from 9 to 13 seconds, the phonation quotient improved from 296.5 to 228.5 mL/s, and the spectral analysis distribution improved by 1 class. Stroboscopic examination reveals an improvement of the vibratory symmetry, amplitude, and wave. Subjectively, the patients describe an improved ability for vocal effort and the regression or disappearance of vocal fatigue. Although the timbre is improved, the voice often remains breathy and hoarse.
Curative Radiotherapy for Anterior Commissure Laryngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Persky Mark S. , Lagmay Victor M. , Constantinides Minas , Cooper Jay , O'Leary Robert
Published: October 2014

There is continuing controversy surrounding the most effective treatment of glottic carcinoma involving the anterior commissure (AC). Surgery has been the preferred method of treatment, since studies previously indicated early tumor invasion of the thyroid cartilage at the AC, thereby assuming less curability by radiotherapy (RT). Subsequent laryngeal anatomic studies and refinement of RT techniques have brought into question the ineffectiveness of curative irradiation. A retrospective review of 174 patients with early-stage glottic carcinoma treated with standard fractionation curative RT revealed 34 patients with T1 and T2 lesions involving the AC. Allowing for a follow-up of at least 3 years, we observed only a 12% (4 of 34 patients) local recurrence rate after RT alone, with excellent voice quality and no major complications related to the irradiation. The 4 local recurrences were controlled by total laryngectomy, although 2 patients developed distant metastatic disease. Radiotherapy represents an effective method of treating T1 squamous cell carcinoma of the glottis with AC involvement. The small number of T2 glottic carcinomas in this study prevents a meaningful conclusion concerning treatment of these lesions.
Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Temporomandibular Joint with Herniation into the External Auditory Canal
Authors: Ali Tahir S. , Rubinstein Jay T.
Published: October 2014

Previous authors have shown that soft tissue can present in the external auditory canal via a patent foramen of Huschke. One case represented a patient with psoriatic arthritis and a polyp in the external auditory canal. Typically, neoplastic, inflammatory, or degenerative lesions of the temporomandibular joint do not present in the external auditory canal. We present a patient with rheumatoid arthritis of the temporomandibular joint and soft tissue herniation into the external auditory canal. The case, and a discussion of possible causes, are presented.
Immunohistochemical Localization of Collagen Types I, III, and IV, Laminin, Fibronectin, and Keratin in the Endolymphatic Sac
Authors: Harada Teruhiko , Kim Youngki , Juhn Steven K. , Sakakura Yasuo
Published: October 2014

We have employed immunohistochemistry to obtain baseline information on the molecular constituents of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the endolymphatic duct (ED) and endolymphatic sac (ES) of the chinchilla. The results demonstrated that collagen types I and III were distributed in the subepithelial layer in the ED and ES, type IV collagen and laminin in the basement membranes, and fibronectin in the subepithelial layer and partly in the conglomerated cells in the ES. Collagen type III was diffusely distributed in the whole subepithelial layer of the ES, whereas collagen type I was concentrated densely in the deep layer of the interstitium, although gradually, the cuboidal epithelium in the ES was transformed into a flatter type in the ED. The epithelial cells of the ED and ES were clearly positive for keratin. This study deals, in particular, with the normal distribution of ECM components of the ED and ES of the chinchilla.
Vertigo: Analysis by Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Angiography
Authors: Welsh Louis W. , Welsh John J. , Lewin Bernard
Published: October 2014

The relationship of vascular disease of the vertebrobasilar artery system to isolated vertigo was examined by magnetic resonance imaging and angiography. Eighty-nine individuals complaining of vertigo were evaluated by standard otoneurologic investigations, and the data were correlated with the vascular patterns of the cervical region and posterior fossa. The age distribution extended from the fourth decade to the ninth decade; the peak occurrence was observed in the eighth. Approximately 85% of the group experienced numerous episodes of vestibular dysfunction from months to years before examination; the remaining segment was examined following the first episode due to severity or persistence of symptoms. The criteria for vascular abnormality proposed by the authors are based upon comparison with previous normal findings. Approximately 52% of the cohort demonstrated abnormal configurations or evidence of diminished flow within the vertebrobasilar artery system. Of this segment, a vertebral artery was most frequently abnormal, in 76%; the basilar artery was judged pathological in 32%, and combined disease of several arteries was evident in 20%.
Microsurgical Anatomy of the Perigeniculate Ganglion Area as Seen from a Translabyrinthine Approach
Authors: Lee Ho-Ki , Lee Won-Sang , Lee Ek-Ho , Kim Won Sok
Published: October 2014

Detailed anatomic knowledge of the microsurgical anatomy of the perigeniculate ganglion area is essential to probing adjacent to the facial nerve by a translabyrinthine approach. This study was designed to investigate the surgical anatomy of the perigeniculate ganglion area of the facial nerve from a translabyrinthine point of view. We dissected 15 human temporal bones under a microscope, measured the lengths of the tympanic segment and the labyrinthine segment by a middle cranial fossa approach, and measured the angle between the tympanic and labyrinthine segments by a translabyrinthine approach. The distance of the facial nerve from the cochleariform process to the geniculate ganglion was 3.8 ± 0.7 mm. The length of the labyrinthine segment of the facial nerve was 4 ± 0.8 mm. The angle between the tympanic and labyrinthine segments from a translabyrinthine point of view was 26° ± 5°. Precise knowledge about the microsurgical anatomy of the perigeniculate ganglion area of the facial nerve from a translabyrinthine viewpoint is imperative for facial nerve decompression by a translabyrinthine approach.
Secretory Cell Differentiation and Mucus Secretion in Cultures of Human Nasal Epithelial Cells: Use of a Monoclonal Antibody to Study Human Nasal Mucin
Authors: Usui Satoko , Shimizu Takeshi , Fujita Kenichiro , Kishioka Chikako , Sakakura Yasuo
Published: October 2014

We have developed an air-liquid interface culture system for human nasal epithelial cells that differentiate into mucociliary phenotypes in a defined serum-free medium. Dissociated cells obtained from nasal polyps were cultured on a collagen gel substrate. At confluence, the cells lost characteristics of differentiated cells, and secretory cell and ciliated cell differentiation appeared after 7 days in an air-liquid interface. After 21 days, about half of the epithelial cells were stained with Alcian blue—periodic acid—Schiff stain or monoclonal antibody HCS18, which was directed against human nasal mucin specific for epithelial secretory (goblet) cells. The quantitative examination using the antibody HCS 18 revealed that the antibody-reactive nasal mucin was secreted only on the apical side of the cultures, and interleukin-1 β and tumor necrosis factor α stimulated these mucus secretions. The culture system with an antimucin monoclonal antibody developed in this study should be useful for studying polarized mucus secretion from human nasal epithelial cells.
Laryngeal Blastomycosis: A Commonly Missed Diagnosis Report of Two Cases and Review of the Literature
Authors: Hanson Jason M. , Spector Gershon , El-Mofty Samir K.
Published: October 2014

Blastomycosis is a relatively uncommon fungal disease that most commonly affects the lungs. Other organs may be involved, usually secondary to dissemination of the organism. Laryngeal blastomycosis may occur in isolation from active pulmonary disease. The signs, symptoms, clinical features, and pathological findings of laryngeal blastomycosis mimic those of squamous cell carcinoma. Misdiagnosis may result in inappropriate treatment with potential morbidity. Proper understanding of the clinical presentation and familiarity with the histopathologic features of this disease are therefore imperative. In this paper, we report 2 cases of laryngeal blastomycosis, 1 of which was misdiagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma, clinically and microscopically, with consequent radiotherapy and laryngectomy. In the other case, a clinical diagnosis of glottic squamous cell carcinoma was rendered. However, blastomycosis was identified in a biopsy specimen. We also review cases of isolated laryngeal blastomycosis that have been reported in the English-language literature during the last 80 years. a number of those cases were misdiagnosed clinically and microscopically as squamous cell carcinoma.
Doxorubicin Chemomyectomy: Effects on Evoked Vocal Fold Tension and Mucosal Wave
Authors: Goding George S. , Pernell Kerri J.
Published: October 2014

Chemomyectomy of the thyroarytenoid muscle is a potential alternative approach to the management of spasmodic dysphonia (laryngeal dystonia) that could provide a prolonged response. To be useful, chemomyectomy should produce weakening of vocal fold closure without disruption of the mucosal wave. Sixteen dogs were studied. In 8 animals, doxorubicin hydrochloride (3 mg) and verapamil hydrochloride (0.5 mg) were injected unilaterally into the thyroarytenoid muscle 2 months before evaluation. The remaining animals served as noninjected controls. Injection of doxorubicin and verapamil decreased the average evoked tension of the vocal fold by 74.7%, compared to an average side-to-side difference of 12.7% in the control group (p = .001). A mucosal wave was recognized bilaterally with videostroboscopy in all dogs. Doxorubicin did not significantly change the vocal fold appearance or mucosal wave amplitude. These results support further laboratory study of chemomyectomy as a potential alternative treatment for laryngeal dystonia.
Trigeminal Trophic Syndrome Mimicking Wegener's Granulomatosis
Authors: Datta Rajiv V. , Zeitouni Nathalie C. , Loree Thom R. , Zollo Joseph D. , Hicks Wesley L.
Published: October 2014

Trigeminal neuropathy with nasal ulceration, called trigeminal trophic syndrome, is an unusual complication of anesthesia in the trigeminal area. We present a case to illustrate the diagnostic and management problems that this syndrome presents.
Transverse Lag Screw Fixation in Midline Mandibulotomy
Authors: Serletti Joseph M. , Coniglio John U. , Pacella Salvatore J. , Norante John D.
Published: October 2014

Vertical midline mandibulotomy has provided a relatively simple and efficient means of obtaining access to intraoral tumors that are too large or too posterior to be removed transorally. Midline mandibulotomy has had the advantage of nerve and muscle preservation and places the osteotomy outside the typical field of radiotherapy, in contrast to lateral and paramedian osteotomies. Plate and screw fixation has been the usual means of osteosynthesis for these mandibulotomies; however, plate contouring over the symphyseal surface has been a time-consuming process. Unless the plate was contoured exactly, mandibular malalignment and malocclusion in dentulous patients has occurred. Use of parallel transverse lag screws has become a popular method of osteosynthesis for parasymphyseal fractures, and we have extended their use for mandibulotomy fixation. This paper reports our clinical experience with transverse lag screw fixation of midline mandibulotomies in 9 patients from 1994 to 1997. There were 7 men and 2 women with a mean age of 56 (range 35 to 71 years). The pathological diagnosis in all patients was squamous cell carcinoma; 8 cases were primary, and 1 patient presented with recurrent tumor. No tumors involved the mandibular periosteum. One patient had had previous radiotherapy, and 3 patients underwent postoperative radiotherapy. The mean follow-up has been 17 months (range 9 to 27). There was 1 minor complication and 1 major complication related to our technique. The major complication was a delayed nonunion of the mandibulotomy. This occurred because the 2 parallel screws were placed too close to one another, and this placement resulted in a delayed sagittal fracture of the anterior cortex and subsequent nonunion. Transverse lag screw fixation has not affected occlusion in our dentulous patients. Speech and diet were normal in the majority of our patients. Transverse lag screw fixation of the midline mandibulotomy has been a relatively safe, rapid, and reliable method for tumor access and postextirpation mandibular stabilization and has significant advantages over other current methods of mandibulotomy and fixation.
Laryngeal Synkinesis Revisited
Authors: Crumley Roger L.
Published: October 2014

First described in 1982, laryngeal synkinesis continues to play an important diagnostic and therapeutic role following recurrent laryngeal nerve (rln) injury. Vocal fold motion impairment (formerly called “vocal cord paralysis”), hyperadducted and hyperabducted vocal folds, and certain laryngeal spasmodic and tremor disorders are often best explained by synkinesis. A closer look at these mechanisms confirms that following rln injury, immobile vocal folds may be nearly normally functional (favorable), or spastic, hyperadducted, or hyperabducted (unfavorable). This has resulted in a functional classification of laryngeal synkinesis as follows: type I laryngeal synkinesis, with satisfactory voice and airway (vocal fold poorly mobile, or immobile); type II synkinesis, with spasmodic vocal folds and an unsatisfactory voice and/or airway; type III synkinesis, with hyperadducted vocal folds and airway compromise; and type IV synkinesis, with hyperabducted vocal folds, poor voice, and possible aspiration. This classification facilitates the understanding of laryngeal pathophysiology following RLN injuries and promotes a more scientific basis for management.
Endolaryngeal Microsurgery at the Anterior Glottal Commissure: Controversies and Observations
Authors: Desloge Rosemary B. , Zeitels Steven M.
Published: October 2014

There are a number of tenets regarding endolaryngeal microsurgical management of disease that involves and/or encroaches upon the anterior glottal commissure (AGC). They include avoidance of 1) bilateral epithelial incisions near the AGC, 2) removal of papillomatosis in the AGC, and 3) resection of bilateral keratosis with atypia or carcinoma at the AGC. During the last 6 years, 115 patients underwent microsurgical management of disease at the AGC: carcinoma in 20 (T1 in 15 and T2 in 5), keratosis in 41, papillomatosis in 20, and polypoid corditis (Reinke's edema) in 34. No patients with polypoid corditis developed a synechia or web. All cancers were successfully resected en bloc; 1 of the 20 patients developed a microscopic local failure that was successfully reresected endoscopically. Eleven of the 20 cancers required excision of part of the supraglottis to establish adequate exposure for the glottic cancer resection. Eight of 15 patients with bilateral keratosis underwent staged resections. Fourteen of 15 patients with bilateral papillomatosis required staged resections. Twelve of the total 115 patients presented with a web secondary to prior microsurgery, and 3 developed a new, clinically insignificant web. The complications of management of disease in or near the AGC described by other authors were not noted in this series. This success was primarily the result of improved exposure in the AGC, which was achieved by use of larger and better-designed laryngoscopes and by resection of supraglottic tissue as necessary. Positioning these prototype laryngoscopes was facilitated by the use of elevated-vector suspension and external counterpressure.
Endoscopic Revision Surgery for Recurrent Epiphora Occurring after External Dacryocystorhinostomy
Authors: El-Guindy Ahmed , Dorgham Alaa , Ghoraba Mohamed
Published: October 2014

Recurrent epiphora after external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) can be a frustrating experience for both the patient and the physician. We present the results of a retrospective study of 18 patients with epiphora recurring after external DCR who were operated upon to recreate lacrimal drainage through an endoscopic endonasal approach. The procedure was successful in 83.3% of cases, with no major complications. The results are comparable to those of an external approach, but the cosmetic advantages are clear. It is a 1-stage procedure that permits correction of associated intranasal disease that may be a causative factor in the recurrence of lacrimal obstruction. The endoscopic endonasal approach is a relatively safe and reliable option in the management of recurrent epiphora.
Glottal Area Waveform Analysis of Benign Vocal Fold Lesions before and after Surgery
Authors: Noordzij J. Pieter , Woo Peak
Published: October 2014

Glottal area waveform (GAW) is the plot of relative glottal area versus time through 1 representative glottal cycle. It is derived from the quantitative analysis of the videostroboscopic image. A GAW analysis was performed on 24 patients before and after microlaryngeal phonosurgery. Patients with vocal fold polyps, polypoid degeneration, cysts, sulcus vocalis, and Reinke's edema were included. From each GAW, 5 parameters were determined and compared: maximum normalized glottal area, maximum opening rate, maximum closing rate, percent open time at 50% glottal opening, and glottal gap size. Statistically significant differences in postoperative states included an increased maximum glottal area, an increased maximum opening rate, and an increased maximum closing rate. Glottal opening and closing rate are objective measures of vocal fold pliability that have clinical relevance. The GAW may be used to quantitate vocal fold vibratory capability.