bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How does aging affect recognition of spectrally degraded speech?
Authors: Moberly Aaron C. , Vasil Kara J. , Wucinich Taylor L. , Safdar Natalie , Boyce Lauren , Roup Christina , Holt Rachael Frush , Adunka Oliver F. , Castellanos Irina , Shafiro Valeriy , Houston Derek M. , Pisoni David B. 
Published: October 2018

Objectives/HypothesisCochlear implants (CIs) restore auditory sensation to patients with moderate‐to‐profound sensorineural hearing loss. However, the benefits to speech recognition vary considerably among patients. Advancing age contributes to this variability in postlingual adult CI users. Similarly, older individuals with normal hearing (NH) perform more poorly on tasks of recognition of spectrally degraded speech. The overarching hypothesis of this study was that the detrimental effects of advancing age on speech recognition can be attributed both to declines in auditory spectral resolution as well as declines in cognitive functions.Study DesignCase‐control study.MethodsSpeech recognition was assessed in CI users (in the clear) and NH controls (spectrally degraded using noise‐vocoding), along with auditory spectral resolution using the Spectral–Temporally Modulated Ripple Test. Cognitive skills were assessed using nonauditory visual measures of working memory, inhibitory control, speed of lexical/phonological access, nonverbal reasoning, and perceptual closure. Linear regression models were tested for mediation to explain aging effects on speech recognition performance.ResultsFor both groups, older age predicted poorer sentence and word recognition. The detrimental effects of advancing age on speech recognition were partially mediated by declines in spectral resolution and in some measures of cognitive function.ConclusionsAdvancing age contributes to poorer recognition of degraded speech for CI users and NH controls through declines in both auditory spectral resolution and cognitive functions. Findings suggest that improvements in spectral resolution as well as cognitive improvements may serve as therapeutic targets to optimize CI speech recognition outcomes.Level of Evidence3b Laryngoscope, 2018
Predictors of Short‐term Morbidity and Mortality in Open Anterior Skull Base Surgery
Authors: Kuan Edward C. , Badran Karam W. , Yoo Frederick , Bhandarkar Naveen D. , Haidar Yarah M. , Tjoa Tjoson , Armstrong William B. , Palmer James N. , Adappa Nithin D. , Wang Marilene B. , John Maie A. St. 
Published: October 2018

Objectives/HypothesisTo describe rates of complications and mortality within 30 days of open anterior skull base surgery using a large, multi‐institutional outcomes database.Study DesignRetrospective cohort study.MethodsThe study included patients who underwent open anterior skull base surgery as listed in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project database from 2007 through 2014.ResultsA total of 336 open anterior skull base surgeries were identified. One hundred nine (32.4%) patients experienced a complication, reoperation, or mortality. The most common events were postoperative transfusion (15.8%), reoperation (10.1%), and readmission (8.0%). Significant independent predictors of any adverse event included higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score and increased total operative time (both P < .05). The only predictor of mortality was higher ASA score (P = .02). Predictors of increased hospital stay included impaired sensorium (P = .04), coma >24 hours (P < .001), lower preoperative hematocrit (P = .02), higher ASA score (P = .04), and increased total operative time (P < .001).ConclusionsOpen anterior skull base surgery is understandably complex, and is thus associated with a relatively high adverse event rate. Knowledge of factors associated with adverse events has the potential to improve preoperative optimization of controllable variables and translate into improved surgical outcomes for patients.Level of EvidenceNALaryngoscope, 129:1407–1412, 2019
Junior otolaryngology resident in‐service exams predict written board exam passage
Authors: Puscas Liana 
Published: October 2018

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to assess the association between the Otolaryngology Training Examination (OTE) taken during residency and the passage rate of first‐time examinees on the American Board of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery Written Qualifying Examination (WQE).MethodsRetrospective cohort study using a de‐identified database containing information on examinees who took the WQE in 2007 through 2014, and examinees who took the OTE exam 2005 through 2014. A total of 2,214 otolaryngology residents took the WQE for the first time in 2007 through 2014 after taking the OTE during residency training. Data were analyzed using one‐way frequencies and table analyses. Logistic regression was used to model the relationship between the pass/fail WQE result and the OTE stanine. Data transformations were used to analyze WQE passage as a function of OTE scores.ResultsThere is a significant relationship between OTE score and passage of the WQE on the first attempt, evident even for junior residents. The probability of passing the WQE on the first attempt is 97% if the resident scores in the top six stanines of the OTE during residency training compared to 71% to 79% if the examinee scores in the bottom three stanines.ConclusionThere is a significant relationship between performance on the OTE and passing the WQE on the first attempt. Because this relationship is evident even in the first years of residency, it allows early identification of those with a higher chance of failing the WQE so that extra efforts can be undertaken to prepare for the WQE.Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 129:124–128, 2019
Phosphorylation of the glucocorticoid receptor alters SMAD signaling in vocal fold fibroblasts
Authors: Mukudai Shigeyuki , Hiwatashi Nao , Bing Renjie , Garabedian Michael , Branski Ryan C. 
Published: October 2018

Objectives/HypothesisDirect glucocorticoid (GC) injection for vocal fold (VF) scarring has evolved as a therapeutic strategy, but the mechanisms underlying the antifibrotic effects remain unclear. GCs act via the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), which is phosphorylated at multiple serine residues in a hormone‐dependent manner to affect bioactivity. We hypothesize that GCs regulate SMAD signaling via GR phosphorylation in vocal fold fibroblasts (VFFs).Study DesignIn vitro.MethodsHuman VFFs were treated with dexamethasone (DM; 10−5–10−7M) ± transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 (10 ng/mL). RU486 (10−6M) was employed to isolate the regulatory effects of GR. Total GR, Ser211, and Ser203 phosphorylation was examined via sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunocytochemistry. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was employed to determine GR‐mediated effects of DM on genes related to fibrosis.ResultsTotal GR and Ser211 phosphorylation was observed predominantly in the nucleus 1 hour after DM administration. DM decreased total GR expression, but Ser203 and Ser211 phosphorylation increased. RU486 limited the effects of DM. SMAD3 and SMAD7 mRNA expression significantly decreased 4 hours after DM administration (P < 0.05); this response was negated by RU486. COL1A1 remained unchanged, and ACTA2 significantly increased following 24 hours of DM treatment (P < 0.05).ConclusionDM regulated TGF‐β1 signaling via altered SMAD3 and SMAD7 expression. This response was associated with altered GR phosphorylation. These findings provide insight into the mechanisms of steroidal effects on vocal fold repair; ultimately, we seek to enhance therapeutic strategies for these challenging patients.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 129:E187–E193, 2019
Advantages of mixed tree stands in restoration of upper soil layers on postmining sites: A five‐year leaf litter decomposition experiment
Authors: Horodecki Paweł , Nowiński Mirosław , Jagodziński Andrzej M. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractNo in‐depth studies covering litter decomposition were previously conducted on afforested postmining sites despite the importance of litter decomposition on soil formation, especially in degraded areas. We aimed to compare leaf litter decomposition rates of 14 tree species growing in mixed stands on a postmining spoil heap, and to compare their decay rates with those obtained in pure stands of tree species that are very often planted in postmining areas. The study was conducted on the Bełchatów Lignite Mine spoil heap, central Poland. We studied litter decomposition rates over 5 years using the litterbag method. Leaf litter decomposition rates (k constants; yr−1) after 5 years of the experiment were arranged from highest to lowest as follows: Prunus serotina (1.04), Alnus glutinosa (0.86), Fraxinus excelsior (0.81), Ulmus laevis (0.73), Acer pseudoplatanus (0.68), Populus tremula (0.63), Populus × canadensis (0.59), Betula pendula (0.54), Populus nigra ‘Italica’ (0.38), Quercus rubra (0.36), Pinus sylvestris (0.34), Robinia pseudoacacia (0.34), Fagus sylvatica (0.25), and Quercus robur (0.22). Decomposition rates increased with Mg, Ca, and summed Mg + Ca + P + K contents in freshly fallen leaves (%). All species‐specific decomposition rates were higher in mixed than in Scots pine stands. Half of them were also higher than in pure stands of other tree species. Our results indicate that tree species composition could significantly affect the physiochemical properties of upper soil horizons on reclaimed areas. Based on these findings, we recommend planting high share of not only A. pseudoplatanus, A. glutinosa, and U. laevis but also F. sylvatica and Q. robur in stands on postmining spoil heaps, because mixed stands can accelerate soil development more than pure stands.
Relationship of Nocturnal Sleep Dysfunction and Pain Subtypes in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Martinez‐Martin Pablo , Rizos Alexandra M. , Wetmore John B. , Antonini Angelo , Odin Per , Pal Suvankar , Sophia Rani , Carroll Camille , Martino Davide , Falup‐Pecurariu Cristian , Kessel Belinda , Andrews Thomasin , Paviour Dominic , Trenkwalder Claudia , Chaudhuri Kallol Ray ,   on behalf of EUROPAR & MDS Non‐Motor PD Study Group
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundLittle research has been conducted regarding the relationship between sleep disorders and different pain types in Parkinson's disease (PD).ObjectiveTo explore the influence of the various pain subtypes experienced by PD patients on sleep.MethodsThree hundred consecutive PD patients were assessed with the PD Sleep Scale‐Version 2 (PDSS‐2), King's PD Pain Scale (KPPS), King's PD Pain Questionnaire (KPPQ), Visual Analog Scales for Pain (VAS‐Pain), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.ResultsAccording to the PDSS‐2, 99.3% of our sample suffered from at least one sleep issue. Those who reported experiencing any modality of pain suffered significantly more from sleep disorders than those who did not (all, P < 0.003). The PDSS‐2 showed moderate‐to‐high correlations with the KPPS (rS = 0.57), KPPQ (0.57), and VAS‐Pain (0.35). When PDSS‐2 items 10 to 12 (pain‐related) were excluded, the correlation values decreased to 0.50, 0.51, and 0.28, respectively, while these items showed moderate‐to‐high correlations with KPPS (0.56), KPPQ (0.54), and VAS‐Pain (0.42). Among the variables analyzed, multiple linear regression models suggested that KPPS and KPPQ were the most relevant predictors of sleep disorders (as per the PDSS‐2), although following exclusion of PDSS‐2 pain items, depression was the relevant predictor. Depression and anxiety were the most relevant predictors in the analysis involving the VAS‐Pain. Regression analysis, considering only the KPPS domains, showed that nocturnal and musculoskeletal pains were the best predictors of overall nocturnal sleep disorder.ConclusionsPain showed a moderate association with nocturnal sleep dysfunction in PD. Some pain subtypes had a greater effect on sleep than others.
Setting matters: Associations of nurses’ attitudes towards people with dementia
Authors: Blaser Regula , Berset Jeanne 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAimIdentify associations between attitudes of nurses towards people with dementia and their socio‐demographic (age and gender) and work‐related characteristics (employment, work experience, nursing degree, care setting).DesignThe study was designed in a cross‐sectional way, collecting self‐reported questionnaire data.MethodsNurses (N = 417) completed the 20‐item Dementia Attitude Scale questionnaire, including socio‐demographic and work characteristics. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, group mean comparison, correlation and regression analysis.ResultsThe attitudes of nurses towards people with dementia were only related to the care setting. Attitudes of nurses working in dementia‐specialized long‐term care institutions were significantly more positive compared with those working in mixed long‐term care institutions and in the homecare setting. The other variables, such as age, gender, employment, nursing degree and work experience, were not associated with the attitudes.
Optimised Accelerated Solvent Extraction of Hexahydro‐1,3,5‐Trinitro‐1,3,5‐Triazine (RDX) from Polymer Bonded Explosives
Authors: Temple Tracey , Goodwin Catherine , Ladyman Melissa K. , Mai Nathalie , Coulon Frederic 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAn Accelerated Solvent Extraction (ASE) method was developed and optimised to extract hexahydro‐1,3,5‐trinitro‐1,3,5‐triazine (RDX) from a polyurethane matrix. The ASE method development was benchmarked against Soxhlet extraction with a view to improving extraction efficiency in terms of time and solvent volume. Key parameters for the ASE method development involved selecting the most appropriate solvent, optimising static time, ensuring a safe oven temperature for explosives, determination of a sufficient number of rinse cycles and effective sample preparation. To achieve optimal extraction, cutting the PBX samples to maximise solvent exposure was essential. The use of acetone with a static time of 10 minutes at 100 °C with three rinse cycles achieved 97 %±10 % extraction of RDX from PBX in 40 minutes using 72 mL solvent. Extraction time was reduced from 48 hours and solvent use by half compared to the standard Soxhlet extraction. To validate the developed ASE method, two other PBX samples containing different quantities of explosive were also fully extracted using the same parameters. Overall, ASE efficiency was comparable to Soxhlet, which places the ASE as a good alternative and shows potential for implementation as a standard method for other polymer based explosives.
The influence of timing the application of nitrogen fertilizer on early blight (Alternaria solani)
Authors: Abuley Isaac K , Nielsen Bent J , Hansen Hans H 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDField experiments were carried out in 2016 and 2017 to study the influence of timing the application of nitrogen fertilizer (N‐fertilizer) on the susceptibility of potatoes to early blight. We hypothesized that potatoes that receive N‐fertilizer as split applications or a one‐time application at emergence will have a higher N content and be less susceptible to early blight than those that receive N‐fertilizer as a one‐time application before planting. N‐fertilizer was applied either as a one‐time application before planting or at emergence and as split applications.RESULTSPotatoes that did not receive N‐fertilizer were more susceptible to early blight [high area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC)] than those that did receive N‐fertilizer (low AUDPC). The timing of N‐fertilizer application had a significant effect on the susceptibility of potatoes to early blight. Potatoes that received the entire quantity of N‐fertilizer at emergence or as split applications had higher N contents and were less susceptible to early blight than those that received the entire quantity of N‐fertilizer before planting. Potatoes that did not receive N‐fertilizer had a markedly lower starch yield than potatoes that received N‐fertilizer. Potatoes that received the entire quantity of N‐fertilizer before planting had a lower starch yield than potatoes that received the entire quantity of N‐fertilizer at emergence or as split applications.CONCLUSIONN‐fertilizer applied as a one‐time application at emergence or as a split application was the best treatment to ensure both high N content and lower attack of early blight, which confirms our hypothesis. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Alternative splicing and expression analysis ofHSF1in diapause pupal brains in the cotton bollworm,Helicoverpa armigera
Authors: Chen Wei , Geng Shao‐Lei , Song Zhe , Li Yu‐Juan , Wang Hui , Cao Jian‐Yun 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDDiapause is the arrest of the development of insects and can be used for the development of effective agricultural pest management strategies. Heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) is reported to be up‐regulated during diapause to maintain survival in some insect species. However, its regulatory mechanism is unknown.RESULTSExpression ofhsp70inHelicoverpa armigerawas found to be up‐regulated in diapause pupal brains. To elucidate the molecular regulatory mechanisms ofhsp70, we focused our attention on its transcription factor, heat shock factor 1 (HSF1). Four alternative splicing variants ofHSF1from pupal brains ofH. armigerawere identified, and subcellular localization analysis indicated that these variants were exclusively expressed in the nucleus. Real‐time PCR analysis showed that all of these variants were up‐regulated in diapause pupal brains, and their expression patterns were consistent with that ofhsp70. Finally, promoter activity assay and Western blotting detection demonstrated thathsp70was activated and up‐regulated by these variants.CONCLUSIONExpression ofhsp70inH. armigeraduring diapause is regulated by multiple alternatively spliced isoforms of HSF1. The results of this study may provide important information for understanding the regulatory mechanisms ofhspsduring insect diapause. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Ameliorative effects of Saussurea lappa root aqueous extract against Ethephon‐induced reproductive toxicity in male rats
Authors: Abd Eldaim Mabrouk Attia , Tousson Ehab , El Sayed Ibrahim El Tantawy , Awd Walaa Mohamed 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis study was designed to evaluate protective effect of Saussurea lappa root aqueous extract against Ethephon (2‐chloroethylphosphonic acid)‐induced reproductive toxicity in rats. Control group received distilled water. Second group was given S. lappa extract at a dose 50 mg/kg bw. Third group was given Ethephon at a dose 200 mg/kg bw. Fourth, fifth, and sixth groups were given S. lappa extract before, with or after Ethephon administration, respectively. Ethephon intoxication significantly decreased serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, and prolactin. Also, it significantly decreased sperms count, vitality, morphology index, total motility, progressive motility, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen protein expressions in spermatogonia. However, it significantly increased sperms abnormalities, testicular tissue and DNA damages, P53 protein expressions, noprogressive motility, and immotile sperms. In contrast, S. lappa extract ameliorated these alterations. These results indicated that S. lappa had potential preventive and curative effects against Ethephon‐induced reproductive toxicity in rats.
Scattering of the plane acoustic wave from a finite hollow rigid cone at oblique incidence
Authors: Kuryliak Dozyslav , Lysechko Victor 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe paper deals with solving of the diffraction plane wave problem from a finite rigid hollow cone at oblique incidence. The diffraction problem is treated in terms of the scattering velocity potential by means of the mode matching technique and the analytical regularization procedure. The unknown expansion coefficients are found from an infinite system of linear algebraic equations of the second kind which allows us to obtain a solution with a desired accuracy. The influence of the cone parameters and angles of plane wave incidence on scattering characteristics of the cone is discussed. The obtained numerical results are verified by testing the satisfaction of the mode matching conditions and by comparing our calculations with those known for the rigid disc.
Has Income Segregation Really Increased? Bias and Bias Correction in Sample-Based Segregation Estimates
Authors: Reardon Sean F. , Bischoff Kendra , Owens Ann , Townsend Joseph B. 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Several recent studies have concluded that residential segregation by income in the United States has increased in the decades since 1970, including a significant increase after 2000. Income segregation measures, however, are biased upward when based on sample data. This is a potential concern because the sampling rate of the American Community Survey (ACS)—from which post-2000 income segregation estimates are constructed—was lower than that of the earlier decennial censuses. Thus, the apparent increase in income segregation post-2000 may simply reflect larger upward bias in the estimates from the ACS, and the estimated trend may therefore be inaccurate. In this study, we first derive formulas describing the approximate sampling bias in two measures of segregation. Next, using Monte Carlo simulations, we show that the bias-corrected estimators eliminate virtually all of the bias in segregation estimates in most cases of practical interest, although the correction fails to eliminate bias in some cases when the population is unevenly distributed among geographic units and the average within-unit samples are very small. We then use the bias-corrected estimators to produce unbiased estimates of the trends in income segregation over the last four decades in large U.S. metropolitan areas. Using these corrected estimates, we replicate the central analyses in four prior studies on income segregation. We find that the primary conclusions from these studies remain unchanged, although the true increase in income segregation among families after 2000 was only half as large as that reported in earlier work. Despite this revision, our replications confirm that income segregation has increased sharply in recent decades among families with children and that income inequality is a strong and consistent predictor of income segregation.
Social anxiety and self‐compassion in adolescents
Authors: Gill Ciara , Watson Lindsey , Williams Charlotte , Chan Stella W.Y. 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTIntroductionSocial anxiety disorder is a prevalent mental illness with a young onset age. Preliminary evidence suggested that low self‐compassion may contribute to adult social anxiety, but research with youth has lagged far behind. This study investigated the relationship between selfcompassion and social anxiety in adolescents. It also examined the mediating role of three cognitive mechanisms: fear of negative evaluation, self‐focused attention, and cognitive avoidance.MethodsA total of 316 adolescents (age 14‐18, 54% male) recruited in Scotland, UK, completed 7 questionnaires.ResultsSelf‐compassion was inversely correlated with social anxiety with a large effect size (r = ‐.551). This was partially mediated by fear of negative evaluation and cognitive avoidance, but not self‐focused attention. Selfcompassion also predicted social anxiety above depression and anxiety symptoms.ConclusionsOur findings suggested that self‐compassion could be an important factor in the development of social anxiety, and hence therapeutic techniques targeting self‐compassion could potentially be beneficial in preventing or treating adolescent social anxiety.