bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Short‐run impact of the flight departure tax on air travel
Authors: Falk Martin , Hagsten Eva 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis study investigates the short‐run impact of the flight departure tax introduced in Germany and Austria in 2011 on the number of flight passengers. The analysis covers 310 airports in 30 European countries for the period 2008–2016. Dynamic panel difference‐in‐differences estimations show that the flight tax reduces the number of passengers by 9% in the year of introduction and 5% in the subsequent year. However, separate estimations for airports predominantly frequented by low‐cost airlines reveal that the reduction of the number of passengers is mainly driven by these airports, whereas the regular hubs are not affected.
A reaction kinetics study and model development to predict the formation and destruction of organosulfur species (carbonyl sulfide and mercaptans) in Claus furnace
Authors: Rahman Ramees K. , Raj Abhijeet 
Published: October 2018

AbstractCarbonyl sulfide (COS), carbon disulfide (CS2), and mercaptans (e.g., CH3SH) are unwanted sulfurous species that are produced in sulfur recovery units (SRUs). They can cause equipment corrosion, reduce catalyst activity, and are pollutants for the environment. This necessitates process optimization to minimize their formation in the SRUs using an accurate kinetic model. In this paper, new reactions of COS and mercaptans are studied using the CBS‐QB3 level of theory, and their kinetics are evaluated using transition state theory. Such reactions are added to a detailed SRU reaction mechanism, and the updated mechanism is validated using the data on COS and mercaptans from lab‐scale experimental setups and an industrial plant. Compared to the previous models, significant improvements in the predicted concentrations of the important species such as COS, carbon monoxide (CO), and sulfur oxides (SO and SO2) are observed due to the inclusion of the new reactions in the mechanism. The simulation studies in a homogeneous reactor within the temperature range of 800–2000 K revealed that furnace temperatures near 1300 K are required to minimize CO and COS formation, while ensuring the oxidation of methane (CH4), mercaptans, and aromatics. Mercaptan formation mainly took place at low temperatures near 900 K. Claus furnace simulations are conducted using industrial feed and operating conditions to show that the optimized inlet air temperature and fuel gas flow rate can assist in simultaneously reducing the emissions of CO and harmful sulfurous species such as COS, CH3SH, and CS2from the furnace.
Functional Electrical Stimulation Leads to Increased Volume of the Aged Thyroarytenoid Muscle
Authors: Gugatschka Markus , Jarvis Jonathan C. , Perkins Justin D. , Bubalo Vladimir , Wiederstein‐Grasser Iris , Lanmüller Hermann , Gerstenberger Claus , Karbiener Michael 
Published: October 2018

Objectives/HypothesisTo reverse sarcopenia and increase the volumes of atrophied laryngeal muscles by functional electrical stimulation (FES) using a minimal invasive surgical procedure in an aged ovine model.Study DesignProspective animal study.MethodsA stimulation electrode was placed unilaterally near the terminal adduction branch of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) adjacent to the right cricothyroid joint. The electrode was connected to an implant located subcutaneously at the neck region. Predesigned training patterns were automatically delivered by a bidirectional radio frequency link using a programming device and were repeated automatically by the implant every other day over 11 weeks in the awake animal. Outcome parameters comprised volumetric measurements based on three‐dimensional reconstructions of the entire thyroarytenoid muscle (TAM), as well as gene expression analyses.ResultsWe found significant increases of the volumes of the stimulated TAM of 11% and the TAM diameter at the midmembranous parts of the vocal folds of nearly 40%. Based on gene expression, we did not detect a shift of muscle fiber composition.ConclusionsFES of the terminal branches of the RLN is a secure and effective way to reverse the effects of age‐related TAM atrophy and to increase volumes of atrophied muscles.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 128:2852–2857, 2018
Clinical Implications of Intralesional Steroid Injections in the Management of Otohematoma
Authors: Lee Sang‐Yeon , Han Sun A , Park Min Hyun , Kim Young Ho 
Published: October 2018

Objectives/HypothesisTo evaluate the long‐term effects of intralesional steroid injections (ILSIs) in patients with otohematoma and to suggest the clinical implications, especially with regard to the duration of otohematoma.Study DesignRetrospective analysis.MethodsFifty‐six patients were enrolled and classified into short‐term otohematoma (n = 30) and long‐term otohematoma (n = 26) groups according to the period of time after auricular trauma. After the first ILSI, all patients underwent weekly examinations during the 21‐day observational period to determine the treatment outcomes and were then followed up for reevaluation for a maximum of 36 months. We considered ILSIs to be ineffective if the otohematoma persisted after the third ILSI, and we opted to perform surgical treatment in such cases. In addition, we evaluated early recurrence, late recurrence, and ILSI‐related complications.ResultsAfter up to three ILSIs, 29 out of 30 cases (96.7%) with short‐term otohematoma and 20 out of 26 cases (76.9%) with long‐standing otohematoma were treated without complications. Three patients with long‐term otohematoma, however, experienced late recurrences at 4, 15, and 18 months, respectively. Seven patients who showed no response after ILSIs underwent surgical treatment. The duration of otohematoma (P = .043) and a higher initial aspirated fluid volume (P = .014) were shown to significantly increase the risk of treatment failure after ILSIs.ConclusionsMultiple and immediate ILSIs in patients with otohematoma appear to be an effective treatment approach with no complications. Patients with short‐term otohematoma showed better outcomes following ILSIs. The treatment approach may be optimized based on the duration and degree of otohematoma.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 129:459–465, 2019
Clinical Trials in Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Recognizing Trends and Future Opportunities
Authors: Singh Sameer K. , Gu David , Capasso Robson , Liu Stanley , Gouveia Christopher J. 
Published: October 2018

Objectives/HypothesisExamine US and international clinical trials in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) to characterize researchers involved, interventions being studied, and opportunities for future investigation.Study DesignRetrospective database review.MethodsThe information from ClinicalTrials.gov was used to assess OSA clinical trials between 1999 and 2017. Information was gathered on principle investigator (PI) demographics, interventions studied, study funding source, and regional distribution of research institutions.ResultsThere were 813 clinical trials studied. The majority of trials examined continuous positive airway pressure interventions (43.7%), with pharmacotherapies being the second most commonly investigated treatment (19.2%). Surgical interventions made up 10.7% (n = 87) of clinical trials for OSA. Most studies were based internationally (59.9%). PIs were predominantly male (72.0%); 72.7% had an MD and 28.6% had a PhD. There were no significant differences in funding source (National Institutes of Health vs. industry, P = .14) or institutional geography (international vs. US, P = .73) between surgical and nonsurgical studies. Surgical trials were significantly more likely to have a male PI and involve pediatric patients compared to nonsurgical trials (P < .001). Otolaryngologists represented 9.2% of all PIs and had similar rates of NIH funding compared to other medical specialists (P = .22).ConclusionsThis study provides a broad overview of past, current, and future treatment paradigms for OSA. Sleep surgery, specifically otolaryngology, is a small voice in the overall landscape of clinical trials for OSA. This information can help guide future research efforts and direct our specialty when setting priorities regarding research funding while encouraging a broad and interdisciplinary pursuit.Level of EvidenceNALaryngoscope, 129:1940–1944, 2019
Impact of Head and Neck Cancer Treatment on Survivors' Mealtime Experience
Authors: Chan Karen M. K. , Chan Herman K. W. , Siu Jerry Y. L. , Pu Dai , Nund Rebecca L. , Ward Elizabeth C. 
Published: October 2018

Objectives/HypothesisThe objectives of the study were to develop a mealtime experience self‐assessment questionnaire that was head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors–driven and based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework, and to identify common mealtime issues reported by HNC survivors.Study DesignOutcomes research.MethodsMealtime issues reported by HNC survivors in prior research was synthesized and classified using the ICF framework to develop the content and structure of the Head and Neck Cancer Survivors' Assessment of Mealtimes (HNSAM). A total of 122 HNC survivors completed both HNSAM and M.D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) to assess for concurrent validity, whereas 51% of participants completed a second HNSAM for test–retest reliability.ResultsThe HNSAM scores were significantly correlated with the MDADI scores. Dysphagic participants (n = 45) had significantly higher HNSAM scores than the nondysphagic participants (n = 77). Principal component analysis revealed three factors that matched with the HNSAM subscales. Good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.72–0.96) and test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation = 0.76–0.91) were found. Both dysphagic and nondysphagic participants reported difficulties with saliva‐related issues and were not able to enjoy food/drinks that they previously enjoyed.ConclusionsHNC survivors experience mealtime changes after cancer treatment. These initial validity data support the potential for the HNSAM to help HNC survivors' identify changes to the mealtime experience. Validation of the English version of the tool is now required.Level of Evidence: 2cLaryngoscope, 129:1572–1578, 2019
Transoral Thyroidectomy Using A Flexible Robotic System: A Preclinical Cadaver Feasibility Study
Authors: Cottrill Elizabeth E. , Funk Emily K. , Goldenberg David , Goyal Neerav 
Published: October 2018

Objectives/HypothesisTraditionally, most thyroid surgery utilizes a curvilinear cervical incision with a resulting permanent scar. Minimally invasive and remote access thyroid surgery techniques continue to evolve. Transoral approaches through a vestibular incision have been developed at several centers throughout the world, obviating the need for a cutaneous incision and optimizing aesthetics. To date this technique has been performed using rigid endoscopes or a linear robotic platform. The goal of this study was to test the feasibility of a novel flexible robotic system to perform a transvestibular thyroidectomy in a preclinical cadaver model.Study DesignPreclinical feasibility study.MethodsRight and left thyroid lobectomies were successfully performed via a transvestibular approach in four cadavers.ResultsA single vestibular incision between bilateral mental nerves allowed entrance of the flexible robot in a subplatysmal plane in both male and female cadavers. The recurrent laryngeal nerves and parathyroids were identified and preserved. The flexible three‐dimensional camera allowed excellent visualization and could be easily repositioned for optimal visualization of right and left structures. The flexible and wristed instruments enabled an atraumatic approach and allowed for precise surgical technique.ConclusionsThe transoral vestibular approach to the central neck is a promising technique for thyroidectomy with optimal cosmesis and can be successfully accomplished using this novel flexible robotic system. Improvements in visualization and access offered by this system may improve application of this technique.Level of EvidenceNALaryngoscope, 129:1482–1487, 2019
A pilot study assessing clinic value in pediatric pharyngeal dysphagia: The OPPS/cost method
Authors: Coppess Steven , Soares Jennifer , Frogner Bianca K. , DeMarre Kimberley , Faherty Amy , Hoang Jennifer , Shah Mahek , MacKinnon Matthew , Johnson Kaalan 
Published: October 2018

Objectives/HypothesisGiven the costs of healthcare, capitation, and desires for quality improvement (QI), there is a need to better assess healthcare value. Time‐driven activity‐based costing and the Quadruple Aim have evaluated value by assessing health outcomes and provider experiences relative to costs. The proposed OPPS/Cost method expands on this to examine value for aerodigestive clinic treatment of pediatric persistent pharyngeal dysphagia: O + P1 + P2 + S/Cost (O = objective health [video‐fluoroscopic swallow study results], P1 = patient/family experience [Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems], P2 = provider experience [Copenhagen Burnout Inventory {CBI}], S = subjective health [Feeding/Swallowing‐Impact Survey], C = cost [time‐driven activity‐based costing]).Study DesignUse of QI time data, surveys, and retrospective chart review for 56 patient encounters.MethodsStaff interviews were used to develop process maps, and monetary values were assigned to activities. OPPS/Cost outcomes were normalized amongst variables, and composite values were calculated. Comparisons were made using a Student t test for pre‐ and postclinic relocation over a 14‐month period.ResultsTime reductions were check‐in (13 minutes/patient), rooming (21 minutes/patient), and providers (4 minutes/patient). Patient in‐room wait time increased (4 minutes/patient). The CBI identified burnout as an area for improvement. OPPS/Cost composite values increased by 14%, with a 1.7% cost reduction, improvement in objective and subjective health outcomes of 47.4% (P < .05) and 7.3%, respectively, and stable patient/family experience.ConclusionsOPPS/Cost is feasible in an interdisciplinary clinic and helped evaluate value during a clinic relocation. The QI opportunities identified are indicative of the potential of OPPS/Cost.Level of EvidenceNALaryngoscope, 129:1527–1532, 2019
Nutrient limitation driven dynamics of amino acids and fatty acids in coastal phytoplankton
Authors: Grosse J. , Brussaard C. P. D. , Boschker H. T. S. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractCoastal seas like the North Sea have been subject to major changes in nutrient inputs over the last decades, resulting in shifts of limiting nutrients for phytoplankton communities. Here, we investigated the seasonal and spatial distribution and synthesis patterns of individual amino acids and distinct fatty acid groups and show how these were affected by different nutrient limitations in natural coastal phytoplankton communities. Nitrogen limited communities exhibited substantially slower synthesis of essential amino acids compared to synthesis of nonessential amino acids. In short‐term nutrient addition experiments, this trend was reversed immediately after N addition to levels found under not limiting conditions. On the contrary, phosphorus limited communities showed no such shift in amino acids. Both N and P limitation induced a shift from structural to storage fatty acids with a concurrent decrease in the synthesis of poly‐unsaturated fatty acids. Reversed effects in fatty acid synthesis after N or P addition were only apparent after 72 h, when they could be found in both fatty acid biosynthesis and concentrations. The different strategies of qualitative and quantitative regulation of different biomolecule synthesis under nutrient scarcity may have far‐reaching consequences for the phytoplankton's nutritional value. Higher trophic levels may have to cope with the loss of essential amino acids and poly‐unsaturated fatty acids in nutrient limited phytoplankton, which could induce changes in the structure of food webs.
Transparent Electric Heaters Based on Photoresist‐Derived Carbon Micropatterns on Quartz Plates
Authors: Lee Byoung‐Min , Nam Hui‐Gyun , Choi Hyeong Yeol , Hong Sung‐Kwon , Jeong Young Gyu , Choi Jae‐Hak 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIn this study, transparent electric heaters (TEHs) are developed based on photoresist‐derived carbon micropatterns (CMs). Well‐defined SU‐8 micropatterns formed by deep UV lithography are carbonized in a tube furnace under an inert atmosphere. The resulting CMs are found to have pseudo‐graphitic structures containing both graphitic and disordered structures. The optical transmittance and electrical conductivity of the CMs increase as their thickness increases. The 102 nm thick CMs exhibit a good transmittance of 78% at 550 nm and a high electrical conductivity of 2.51 × 102 S cm−1. As TEHs, the 102 nm thick CMs demonstrate a maximum temperature of 116 °C with a maximum heating rate of 8.78 °C s−1 at an applied voltage of 60 V and a low electricity consumption of 1.02 W cm−2, which are comparable to the electric heating performance of TEHs prepared with carbon nanomaterials. Therefore, the CMs fabricated in this study can be utilized as electrodes for TEHs in various medical, industrial, consumer, and automobile applications.
Poly(ionic liquid)‐Derived N‐Doped Carbons with Hierarchical Porosity for Lithium‐ and Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Alkarmo Walid , Ouhib Farid , Aqil Abdelhafid , Thomassin Jean‐Michel , Yuan Jiayin , Gong Jiang , Vertruyen Bénédicte , Detrembleur Christophe , Jérôme Christine 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe performance of lithium‐ and sodium‐ion batteries relies notably on the accessibility to carbon electrodes of controllable porous structure and chemical composition. This work reports a facile synthesis of well‐defined N‐doped porous carbons (NPCs) using a poly(ionic liquid) (PIL) as precursor, and graphene oxide (GO)‐stabilized poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanoparticles as sacrificial template. The GO‐stabilized PMMA nanoparticles are first prepared and then decorated by a thin PIL coating before carbonization. The resulting NPCs reach a satisfactory specific surface area of up to 561 m2 g−1 and a hierarchically meso‐ and macroporous structure while keeping a nitrogen content of 2.6 wt%. Such NPCs deliver a high reversible charge/discharge capacity of 1013 mA h g−1 over 200 cycles at 0.4 A g−1 for lithium‐ion batteries, and show a good capacity of 204 mA h g−1 over 100 cycles at 0.1 A g−1 for sodium‐ion batteries.
Robust topology optimization for periodic structures by combining sensitivity averaging with a semianalytical method
Authors: Zheng Yongfeng , Xiao Mi , Gao Liang , Li Hao 
Published: October 2018

SummaryUncertainty factors play an important role in the design of periodic structures because structures with small periodic design spaces are extremely sensitive to loading uncertainty. Therefore, for the first time, this paper proposes a framework for robust topology optimization (RTO) of periodic structures assuming that load uncertainties follow a Gaussian distribution. In this framework, the expected value and variance of structural compliance can be easily computed using a semianalytical method combined with probability theory, which is important for RTO when uncertain variables follow probabilistic distributions. To obtain optimal topologies, the bidirectional evolutionary structural optimization method is used. Structural periodicity is calculated using a strategy of sensitivity averaging and consistency constraints. To eliminate the influence of numerical units when comparing the optimal results to deterministic and RTO solutions, a generic coefficient of variation is defined as the robust index, which contains both the expected value and variance. The proposed framework is verified through the optimization of both 2D and 3D structures with periodicity. Computational results demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed framework for designing robust periodic structures under loading uncertainties.
Psychometric testing of the short‐form Chinese version of the self‐management for adolescents with type 1 diabetes scale
Authors: Lee Shu‐Li , Chen Bai‐Hsiun , Wong Siew‐Lee , Chang Shu‐Chen , Tsai Meng‐Che , Wang Ruey‐Hsia 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTSelf‐management among adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) is poorer than in other age groups during childhood. A valid and reliable short‐form scale to measure self‐management in adolescents with T1D is prudent for enhancing their self‐management in clinical settings. We used a cross‐sectional design to develop a short‐form Chinese version of the Self‐Management of Type 1 Diabetes for Adolescents Scale (C‐SMOD‐A) and test its psychometric characteristics. Two hundred adolescents with T1D were recruited from four hospitals in Taiwan through convenience sampling. Content validity, exploratory factor analysis, and corrected item‐total correlations were used to shorten the 52‐item C‐SMOD‐A. Confirmatory factor analysis, criterion‐related validity, and reliability testing were used to examine the psychometric characteristics of the short‐form C‐SMOD‐A. Finally, the 23‐item C‐SMOD‐A (C‐SMOD‐A‐23) with five inter‐correlated factors was developed. Glycated hemoglobin levels were significantly associated with each subscale of the C‐SMOD‐A‐23 with correlation coefficients ranging from −0.18 to −0.31. The composite reliability and test–retest reliability of the five subscales ranged from 0.70 to 0.88 and from 0.78 to 0.93 respectively. Accordingly, the C‐SMOD‐A‐23 has acceptable validity and reliability to measure five specific domains of self‐management for adolescents with T1D. Health‐care providers could use the C‐SMOD‐A‐23 as a clinical reference to assess specific domains of self‐management and provide interventions to enhance self‐management for adolescents with T1D.
Optimal frequency of tooth brushing in mechanically ventilated adults: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Munro Cindy L , Liang Zhan , Cairns Paula , Hamilton Lucia , Chen Xusheng , Kip Kevin 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe optimal frequency of tooth brushing in the critically ill has not been experimentally determined. For mechanically ventilated patients, optimal frequency of tooth brushing is an important unresolved issue as there is little evidence to judge the benefits or associated risks of tooth brushing. Given this knowledge gap, the project's overall goal is to determine the optimal frequency of tooth brushing (once, twice, or three times daily) for mechanically ventilated adults. A prospective, randomized, experimental design is used. Specifically, 345 subjects, with 207 expected to complete the study, are randomly assigned within 36 hr of intubation to one of three groups (once, twice, or three times tooth brushing daily). Tooth brushing with a soft compact‐head toothbrush takes approximately 2 min. Dental plaque assessment, gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) determination for IL‐1β, and data regarding healthcare‐acquired infection (HAI) and clinical status are collected at baseline and daily in‐hospital. The clinical impact of daily frequency of tooth brushing in relation to extent of dental plaque and inflammation reflected by GCF analysis will be compared by the three treatment arms. In addition, evaluation of safety for HAIs will be compared based on calculation of the number needed to harm. The trial will empirically determine the optimal frequency of tooth brushing in mechanically ventilated adults, balancing benefits and risks. This contribution is significant because it will have immediate impact on bedside nursing practice, and is a final component necessary for specific evidence‐based guidelines for the common nursing intervention of oral care in mechanically ventilated adults.