bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Phase Transformation Mechanism of Bentonite‐Stabilized and Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide‐Stabilized Emulsions and Application in Reversible Emulsification Oil‐Based Drilling Fluids
Authors: Zhang Rui , Zhu Xuyang , Cai Youfeng 
Published: November 2018

AbstractWe obtained a reversible emulsion system induced by bentonite solid particles and surfactant Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB, whose critical micelle concentration (CMC) value is 9.21 × 10−4 mol L−1). In this study, the zeta potential and contact angle were used to characterize surface wettability of bentonite solid particles in the process of phase transmission behavior. The adsorption amount was calculated at different CTAB concentrations, and then the adsorption isotherm of surfactant CTAB at bentonite solid particles was also studied to confirm the adsorption behavior and adsorption layer structure. The electrical conductivity and microscopic analysis were employed to characterize the phase inversion behavior of emulsion. The results show that the wettability of bentonite particles can be reversed by changing the CTAB concentration, and then the two phase transition behavior of bentonite emulsion can be induced. Additionally, the surfactant CTAB can be used in oil‐based drilling fluid systems for the inversion of the emulsion type. The research on the performance of the reversible emulsion oil‐based drilling fluid system shows that it has a good thermal stability and a small amount of fluid loss, and successfully reduces the damage of the traditional oil‐based drilling fluids on oil well completion.
Kinetics of CO2 absorption by aqueous mixtures of N,N′‐diethylethanolamine and polyamines
Authors: Joseph Elizabeth B. , Vaidya Prakash D. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAqueous solutions of N,Nʹ‐diethylethanolamine (DEEA) are prospective high‐capacity CO2‐capturing solvents. Their reactivity can be enhanced by promotion with absorption activators. Two polyamines were chosen as activators in this work, viz. (methylamino)propylamine (MAPA) and diethylene triamine (DETA). In a stirred cell reactor, kinetics of CO2 absorption into aqueous DEEA/MAPA and DEEA/DETA mixtures was studied at 303 K. The molarity of DEEA was varied in the 2–2.5 M range, whereas the polyamine concentration was changed between 0.1 and 0.5 M. Pseudo–first‐order rate constants were reported. Second‐order rate constants for the CO2 reactions with MAPA and DETA were determined too. DETA reacts faster than MAPA.
When to replace legacy cochlear implants for technological upgrades: Indications and outcomes
Authors: Holcomb Meredith A. , Burton Jane A. , Dornhoffer James R. , Camposeo Elizabeth L. , Meyer Ted A. , McRackan Theodore R. 
Published: November 2018

ObjectiveTo determine indications, surgical efficacy, and audiologic outcomes of replacing Advanced Bionics Clarion C1.2 internal devices (Advanced Bionics, LLC, Valencia, CA) as a means of technology upgrade.Study DesignRetrospective review, case series.MethodsTen patients were initially implanted as a child (mean age = 3.87 years) and underwent cochlear implant reimplantation (CIR) with current Advanced Bionics internal device as a young adult (mean duration of implant use = 15.66 years). Demographic data and pre‐ and post‐CIR speech perception scores were collected.ResultsTechnology upgrade was the primary (9) or secondary (1) motivation for CIR. No surgical complications were noted, and full insertion was obtained in nine cases. Intraoperative impedance levels and neural response imaging measures were within normal limits for eight patients. At most recent post‐CIR follow‐up evaluation, all patients (100%) performed within or better than the 95% confidence interval of their pre‐CIR word and sentence recognition scores; and 55.6%, 50.0%, and 50.0% of patients performed above the 95% confidence interval of their pre‐CIR scores for the CNC words, sentences in quiet, and sentences in noise, respectively.ConclusionPost‐CIR audiological benefit was stable or improved compared to pre‐CIR results in all categories by 3 months after reactivation. Given these results, patients who are unable to use the most current external processors due to incompatibility with a legacy internal device could consider reimplanation to optimize their overall performance with a cochlear implant.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 129:748–753, 2019
Discrimination of “hot potato voice” caused by upper airway obstruction utilizing a support vector machine
Authors: Fujimura Shintaro , Kojima Tsuyoshi , Okanoue Yusuke , Shoji Kazuhiko , Inoue Masato , Hori Ryusuke 
Published: November 2018

Objectives/Hypothesis“Hot potato voice” (HPV) is a thick, muffled voice caused by pharyngeal or laryngeal diseases characterized by severe upper airway obstruction, including acute epiglottitis and peritonsillitis. To develop a method for determining upper‐airway emergency based on this important vocal feature, we investigated the acoustic characteristics of HPV using a physical, articulatory speech synthesis model. The results of the simulation were then applied to design a computerized recognition framework using a mel‐frequency cepstral coefficient domain support vector machine (SVM).Study DesignQuasi‐experimental research design.MethodsChanges in the voice spectral envelope caused by upper airway obstructions were analyzed using a hybrid time‐frequency model of articulatory speech synthesis. We evaluated variations in the formant structure and thresholds of critical vocal tract area functions that triggered HPV. The SVMs were trained using a dataset of 2,200 synthetic voice samples generated by an articulatory synthesizer. Voice classification experiments on test datasets of real patient voices were then performed.ResultsOn phonation of the Japanese vowel /e/, the frequency of the second formant fell and coalesced with that of the first formant as the area function of the oropharynx decreased. Changes in higher‐order formants varied according to constriction location. The highest accuracy afforded by the SVM classifier trained with synthetic data was 88.3%.ConclusionsHPV caused by upper airway obstruction has a highly characteristic spectral envelope. Based on this distinctive voice feature, our SVM classifier, who was trained using synthetic data, was able to diagnose upper‐airway obstructions with a high degree of accuracy.Level of Evidence2cLaryngoscope, 129:1301–1307, 2019
Cartilage tympanoplasty combined with eustachian tube balloon dilatation in the treatment of adhesive otitis media
Authors: Si Yu , Chen Yubin , Xu Guo , Chen Ximing , He Wuhui , Zhang Zhigang 
Published: November 2018

Objectives/HypothesisTo investigate the simultaneous application of cartilage tympanoplasty combined with eustachian tube (ET) balloon dilatation in the treatment of adhesive otitis media (AdOM).Study DesignMulticenter, prospective, double‐blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial.MethodsPatients with AdOM were randomly divided into four groups: control group (conservative treatment), ET balloon dilatation (ETBD) group, cartilage tympanoplasty (CT) group, and cartilage tympanoplasty combined with ET balloon dilatation (ETBD+CT) group. Patients were followed up at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after treatment, receiving otoendoscopy and pure‐tone audiometry, and were evaluated using the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), visual analogue scale (VAS) for the symptom of ear stuffiness, Chronic Otitis Media Outcome Test (COMOT‐15), and eustachian tube scores (ETS).ResultsThere was no improvement in tympanic membrane (TM) morphology and mean pure‐tone air‐bone gap (ABG) after treatment in the control and ETBD groups. The postoperative TM morphology was improved in the CT group and ETBD+CT group, although retraction pockets reoccurred in two cases of CT group. Reduced ABG and improvements in ETS, THI, VAS, and COMOT‐15 were all achieved in these two groups, but the difference was not statistically significant.ConclusionsCartilage tympanoplasty combined with ET balloon dilatation could be used as an appropriate surgical technique for AdOM, which could relieve the symptoms of tinnitus and ear stuffiness, and improve postoperative TM morphology, hearing level, ET functions, and quality of life, with low incidence of complications.Level of Evidence2Laryngoscope, 129:1462–1467, 2019
Routine bilateral neck exploration and four‐gland dissection remains unnecessary in modern parathyroid surgery
Authors: Walsh Nathaniel J. , Sullivan Brian T. , Duke William S. , Terris David J. 
Published: November 2018

ObjectiveRecent advances in preoperative imaging techniques and intraoperative parathyroid hormone (ioPTH) assays have made single‐gland, minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) the preferred treatment option for most patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT). Despite this evolution, a recommendation for bilateral neck exploration (BNE) with four‐gland dissection in all patients has recently been advocated by a parathyroid surgical group. The current study compares the long‐term outcomes of MIP with those of conventional BNE with four‐gland dissection in patients with pHPT.MethodsIn order to objectively assess a recommendation in the literature that universal BNE with four‐gland dissection is advisable, all patients undergoing an initial MIP with ioPTH assessment for pHPT in a tertiary endocrine practice during a 10‐year period were reviewed. The cure rates from this procedure were compared with published results of conventional BNE with four‐gland dissection.ResultsOf the 561 patients undergoing parathyroidectomy during the study period, 337 had initial surgery for pHPT; 282 of these patients met inclusion criteria and 212 had sufficient follow‐up data available. A single adenoma was identified in 87.3% of cases. Preoperative imaging studies were co‐localizing in 148 (69.8%), and 127 (85.8%) of these patients with co‐localizing imaging required only single‐gland surgery. Imaging studies did not co‐localize in 49 patients, yet 32 (65.3%) of these patients were still cured with unilateral surgery. The cure rate for patients undergoing MIP was 98.6%, with a long‐term recurrence rate of <2%.ConclusionWhen coupled with the ioPTH assay, patients with at least one preoperative localizing study can undergo MIP and anticipate a cure rate of 99%, which is as good as or better than the published rates for conventional BNE with four‐gland dissection. With unilateral surgery, the risks of permanent hypoparathyroidism and airway obstruction from bilateral vocal fold paralysis are completely eliminated. Therefore, despite recommendations to the contrary, most patients with pHPT should not have a planned four‐gland exploration.Level of EvidenceIII or IV
Neurotrophic factor BDNF is upregulated in soft palate muscles of snorers and sleep apnea patients
Authors: Shah Farhan , Forsgren Sture , Holmlund Thorbjörn , Levring Jäghagen Eva , Berggren Diana , Franklin Karl A. , Stål Per 
Published: November 2018

ObjectivesNeuromuscular injuries are suggested to contribute to upper airway collapse and swallowing dysfunction in patients with sleep apnea. Neurotrophins, a family of proteins involved in survival, development, and function of neurons, are reported to be upregulated in limb muscle fibers in response to overload and nerve damage. We aimed to investigate the expression of two important neurotrophins, brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF), in muscle fibers of uvula from snorers and sleep apnea patients and to compare these findings with pharyngeal function.MethodsUvula muscle biopsies from 22 patients and 10 controls were analyzed for BDNF, NGF, and cytoskeletal protein desmin using immunohistochemistry. Pharyngeal swallowing function was assessed using videoradiography.ResultsBDNF, but not NGF, was significantly upregulated in a subpopulation of muscle fibers in snoring and sleep apnea patients. Two major immunoreaction patterns for BDNF were observed; a fine grainy point like BDNF staining was displayed in muscle fibers of both patients and controls (41 ± 23 vs. 25 ± 17%, respectively, P = .06), while an abnormal upregulated intense‐dotted or disorganized reaction was mainly observed in patients (8 ± 8 vs. 2 ± 2%, P = .02). The latter fibers, which often displayed an abnormal immunoreaction for desmin, were more frequent in patients with than without swallowing dysfunction (10 ± 8 vs. 3 ± 3%, P = .05).ConclusionBDNF is upregulated in the upper airway muscles of snorers and sleep apnea patients, and especially in patients with swallowing dysfunction. Upregulation of BDNF is suggested to be a response to denervation, reinnervation, and repair of injured muscle fibers. Our findings propose that damaged upper airway muscles might heal following treatment for snoring and sleep apnea.Level of EvidenceNA
Fine scale depth regulation of invertebrate larvae around coastal fronts
Authors: Weidberg Nicolas , Goschen Wayne , Jackson Jennifer M. , Pattrick Paula , McQuaid Christopher D. , Porri Francesca 
Published: November 2018

AbstractVertical migrations of zooplankters have been widely described, but their active movements through shallow, highly dynamic water columns within the inner shelf may be more complex and difficult to characterize. In this study, invertebrate larvae, currents, and hydrographic variables were sampled at different depths during and after the presence of fronts on three different cruises off the southern coast of South Africa. Internal wave dynamics were observed in the hydrographic data set but also through satellite imagery, although strong surface convergent currents were absent and thermal stratification was weak. During the first two cruises, fronts were more conspicuous and they preceded strong onshore currents at depth which developed with the rising tide. Vertical distributions of larvae changed accordingly, with higher abundances at these deep layers once the front disappeared. The third cruise was carried out during slack tides, the front was not conspicuous, deep strong onshore currents did not occur afterward and larval distributions did not change consistently through time. Overall, the vertical distributions of many larval taxa matched the vertical profiles of shoreward currents and multivariate analyses revealed that these flows structured the larval community, which was neither influenced by temperature nor chlorophyll. Thus, the ability to regulate active vertical positioning may enhance shoreward advection and determine nearshore larval distributions.
Understanding the role of genetic variability in LRRK2 in Indian population
Authors: Kishore Asha , Ashok Kumar Sreelatha Ashwin , Sturm Marc , von‐Zweydorf Felix , Pihlstrøm Lasse , Raimondi Francesco , Russell Rob , Lichtner Peter , Banerjee Moinak , Krishnan Syam , Rajan Roopa , Puthenveedu Divya Kalikavil , Chung Sun Ju ,   International Parkinson's Disease Genomics Consortium (IPDGC),   Comprehensive Unbiased Risk Factor Assessment for Genetics and Environment in Parkinson's Disease (COURAGE‐PD), Bauer Peter , Riess Olaf , Gloeckner Christian Johannes , Kruger Rejko , Gasser Thomas , Sharma Manu 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACTBackgroundGenetic variability in LRRK2 has been unequivocally established as a major risk factor for familial and sporadic forms of PD in ethnically diverse populations.ObjectivesTo resolve the role of LRRK2 in the Indian population.MethodsWe performed targeted resequencing of the LRRK2 locus in 288 cases and 298 controls and resolved the haplotypic structure of LRRK2 in a combined cohort of 800 cases and 402 controls in the Indian population. We assessed the frequency of novel missense variants in the white and East Asian population by leveraging exome sequencing and densely genotype data, respectively. We did computational modeling and biochemical approach to infer the potential role of novel variants impacting the LRRK2 protein function. Finally, we assessed the phosphorylation activity of identified novel coding variants in the LRRK2 gene.ResultsWe identified four novel missense variants with frequency ranging from 0.0008% to 0.002% specific for the Indian population, encompassing armadillo and kinase domains of the LRRK2 protein. A common genetic variability within LRRK2 may contribute to increased risk, but it was nonsignificant after correcting for multiple testing, because of small cohort size. The computational modeling showed destabilizing effect on the LRRK2 function. In comparison to the wild‐type, the kinase domain variant showed 4‐fold increase in the kinase activity.ConclusionsOur study, for the first time, identified novel missense variants for LRRK2, specific for the Indian population, and showed that a novel missense variant in the kinase domain modifies kinase activity in vitro. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Normal and pathological neuronal distribution of the human mesencephalic locomotor region
Authors: Sébille Sophie B. , Rolland Anne‐Sophie , Faillot Matthieu , Perez‐Garcia Fernando , Colomb‐Clerc Antoine , Lau Brian , Dumas Sylvie , Vidal Sara Fernandez , Welter Marie‐Laure , Francois Chantal , Bardinet Eric , Karachi Carine 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACTBackgroundDeep brain stimulation of the pedunculopontine nucleus has been performed to treat dopamine‐resistant gait and balance disorders in patients with degenerative diseases. The outcomes, however, are variable, which may be the result of the lack of a well‐defined anatomical target.ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to identify the main neuronal populations of the pedunculopontine and the cuneiform nuclei that compose the human mesencephalic locomotor region and to compare their 3‐dimensional distribution with those found in patients with Parkinson's disease and progressive supranuclear palsy.MethodsWe used high‐field MRI, immunohistochemistry, and in situ hybridization to characterize the distribution of the different cell types, and we developed software to merge all data within a common 3‐dimensional space.ResultsWe found that cholinergic, GABAergic, and glutamatergic neurons comprised the main cell types of the mesencephalic locomotor region, with the peak densities of cholinergic and GABAergic neurons similarly located within the rostral pedunculopontine nucleus. Cholinergic and noncholinergic neuronal losses were homogeneous in the mesencephalic locomotor region of patients, with the peak density of remaining neurons at the same location as in controls. The degree of denervation of the pedunculopontine nucleus was highest in patients with progressive supranuclear palsy, followed by Parkinson's disease patients with falls.ConclusionsThe peak density of cholinergic and GABAergic neurons was located similarly within the rostral pedunculopontine nucleus not only in controls but also in pathological cases. The neuronal loss was homogeneously distributed and highest in the pedunculopontine nucleus of patients with falls, which suggests a potential pathophysiological link. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Instantaneous brain stroke classification and localization from real scattering data
Authors: Salucci Marco , Gelmini Angelo , Vrba Jan , Merunka Ilja , Oliveri Giacomo , Rocca Paolo 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThis work presents a 2‐step Learning‐by‐Examples approach for the real‐time classification of hemorrhagic/ischemic brain strokes and their successive localization from microwave scattering data collected around the human head. An experimental assessment against laboratory‐controlled data is performed to assess the potentialities of the proposed approach towards a reliable monitoring and instantaneous diagnosis clinic protocol.
Spiral resonator loaded S‐shaped folded dipole dual band UHF RFID tag antenna
Authors: Barman Bidisha , Bhaskar Sudhir , Singh Amit Kumar 
Published: November 2018

AbstractA miniaturized UHF dual‐band passive RFID tag antenna operating in the 866‐869 and 950‐956 MHz bands is proposed. It consists of an S‐shaped Folded Dipole Antenna (FDA) resonating at 912 MHz, which is intermediary between the two required frequencies. To obtain dual‐band response perturbation method is employed. The electrical length of the FDA changes on loading a 2‐turn spiral resonator (2‐SR) to it. The 2‐SR splits the tag resonance at 912 MHz into two resonance frequencies (867 and 956 MHz). The proposed design is simulated using HFSS and then fabricated. Measured reflection coefficients at 867 and 956 MHz are −13.25 and −13.34 dB, respectively, exhibiting a 10 dB bandwidth of 11 MHz from 859 to 869 MHz and a 5 MHz 10 dB bandwidth from 953 to 957 MHz. Maximum read ranges of 5 m in 866‐869 MHz and 3.3 m in 950‐956 MHz band have been measured.
A two‐dimensional extended finite element method model of discrete fracture networks
Authors: Rivas Endrina , Parchei-Esfahani Matin , Gracie Robert 
Published: November 2018

SummaryThis article presents the first effort to develop a two‐dimensional model using the extended finite element method (XFEM) for the simulation of discrete fracture networks, in which the mesh does not conform to the natural fracture network. The model incorporates contact, cohesion, and friction between blocks of rock. Shear dilation is an important mechanism impacting the overall nonlinear response of naturally fractured rock masses and is also included in the model; physics previously not simulated within an XFEM context. Here, shear dilation is modeled by means of a linear dilation model, capped by a dilation limiting displacement. Highly nonlinear problems involving multiple joint sets are investigated within a quasi‐static context. An explicit scheme is used in conjunction with the dynamic relaxation technique to obtain equilibrium solutions in the face of the nonlinear constitutive models from contact, cohesion, friction, and dilation. The numerical implementation is verified and its convergence is illustrated using a shear test and a biaxial test. The model is then applied to the practical problem of the stability of a slope of fractured rock.