bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deep Ocean Temperature Measurement with an Uncertainty of 0.7 mK
Authors: Uchida Hiroshi , Nakano Toshiya , Tamba Jun , Widiatmo Januarius V. , Yamazawa Kazuaki , Ozawa Satoshi , Kawano Takeshi 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe uncertainty of deep ocean temperature (~1°C) measurement was evaluated. The time drifts of six deep ocean standards thermometers were examined based on laboratory calibrations as performed by the manufacturer in triple point of water (TPW) cells and gallium-melting-point (GaMP) cells. The time drifts ranged from −0.11 to 0.14 mK yr−1. Three of the six thermometers were evaluated at the National Metrology Institute of Japan in five TPW cells and a GaMP cell, and the temperature readings agreed with the realized temperature of the national standard cells of Japan within ±0.14 and ±0.41 mK for TPW and GaMP, respectively. The pressure sensitivities of the deep ocean standards thermometers were estimated by comparison with conductivity–temperature–depth (CTD) thermometers in the deep ocean, and no notable difference was detected. Pressure sensitivities of the two CTD thermometers were examined by laboratory tests, and the results suggest that the deep ocean standards thermometers have no pressure sensitivity, at least up to 65 MPa. The position and attitude motion of the CTD system can affect temperature and salinity data quality. The overall expanded uncertainty of the deep ocean temperature measurement (up to 65 MPa) by the CTD thermometer calibrated in reference to the deep ocean standards thermometer is estimated to be 0.7 mK.
Acoustic Correlate of Vocal Effort in Spasmodic Dysphonia
Authors: Eadie Tanya L. , Stepp Cara E. 
Published: August 2015

Objectives: This study characterized the relationship between relative fundamental frequency (RFF) and listeners' perceptions of vocal effort and overall spasmodic dysphonia severity in the voices of 19 individuals with adductor spasmodic dysphonia. Methods: Twenty inexperienced listeners evaluated the vocal effort and overall severity of voices using visual analog scales. The squared correlation coefficients (R2) between average vocal effort and overall severity and RFF measures were calculated as a function of the number of acoustic instances used for the RFF estimate (from 1 to 9, of a total of 9 voiced-voiceless-voiced instances). Results: Increases in the number of acoustic instances used for the RFF average led to increases in the variance predicted by the RFF at the first cycle of voicing onset (onset RFF) in the perceptual measures; the use of 6 or more instances resulted in a stable estimate. The variance predicted by the onset RFF for vocal effort (R2 range, 0.06 to 0.43) was higher than that for overall severity (R2 range, 0.06 to 0.35). The offset RFF was not related to the perceptual measures, irrespective of the sample size. Conclusions: This study indicates that onset RFF measures are related to perceived vocal effort in patients with adductor spasmodic dysphonia. These results have implications for measuring outcomes in this population.
Is There an Age Limit for Cochlear Implantation?
Authors: Sanchez-Cuadrado Isabel , Lassaletta Luis , Perez-Mora Rosa Maria , Zernotti Mario , Di Gregorio Maria Fernanda , Boccio Carlos , Gavilán Javier 
Published: August 2015

Objectives: We evaluated the quality of life following cochlear implantation in elderly postlingually deaf adults. Methods: Data were studied concerning demographics and audiometric evaluation in postlingually deaf adults at least 60 years of age who underwent cochlear implantation in 3 institutions. The Glasgow Benefit Inventory was used to quantify the quality of life. The patients were divided into 2 groups (those less than 70 years of age and those at least 70 years of age), and the results were also compared to those of younger adult cochlear implant recipients (less than 60 years of age). Results: Eighty-one patients were included in this study. The mean age at implantation was 68 years (range, 60 to 82 years). Cochlear implantation significantly improved the patients' audiometric outcomes (pure tone average and speech perception; p < 0.05). The Glasgow Benefit Inventory showed a benefit overall (+36) and on the individual subscales (+49, +20, and +1). The difference in quality of life was not significant between those less than 70 and those at least 70 years of age (p = 0.90). The results were similar to those of younger postlingually deaf implant recipients. Conclusions: Elderly cochlear implant users experience an improvement in their quality of life, with outcomes similar to those achieved in younger adults. Particular attention must be paid to the possibility of age-related conditions in the elderly that may increase the risks of surgery.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Perilymph Fistulas without Hearing Loss
Authors: Singleton George T. 
Published: August 2015

In 1978, I reported on the diagnostic criteria and therapy based on the treatment of 34 cases of perilymph fistula. Of that group, 20 patients had no hearing loss associated with the fistula. Since that time, an additional 30 cases of fistula—15 without hearing loss—have been seen and treated operatively. The 30 significant variables of history and physical findings identified in the first study were statistically reviewed, along with a new finding that seems highly significant. Twenty‐three of the 26 new cases so evaluated had a positive “eyes‐closed turning test” (staggering when turning to the side of the lesion after walking with eyes closed). A further finding has been the presence of an abnormally placed round window membrane, in most cases involving the round window. The total operative population of fistulas, both those with and without hearing loss, is reviewed to identify the operative technique best suited for each window and the graft material most likely to succeed. Perichondrium is the choice tissue for graft material, except for very small fistulas at the annular ligament. The graft must be held firmly in place, with either a prosthesis or appropriate packing, carefully avoiding adhesions between the round window and the tympanic membrane.
Steroid Hormone Receptors in Laryngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Virolainen Erkki , Tuohimaa Pekka , Aitasalo Kalle , Kyttä Jyrki , Vanharanta‐Hiltunen Riitta 
Published: August 2015

The larynx has long been shown to be a target organ for androgenic steroids in both women and men, and specific androgen receptors have been determined in normal laryngeal mucosa and in laryngeal carcinoma tissue. In this study, samples from 21 primary laryngeal carcinomas, from 4 recurrent laryngeal carcinomas and from 1 cervical metastasis of laryngeal carcinoma were obtained at the time of surgery to assay specific androgen, estrogen, and progesterone receptors. Specific androgen receptors were found in 8 samples (31%). The level of receptors varied from 1.7 femtomoles (fmol) per milligram to 7.3 fmol/mg cytosol protein. Detectable levels of specific estrogen receptors were found in 18 samples (69%) and progesterone receptors in 8 of the 15 samples studied (53%). There was no apparent correspondence with donors’ sex, since samples from both females and males contained all kinds of receptors. We know that antiestrogen inhibits the growth of squamous carcinoma cells lines positive for estrogen receptors in vitro and that this effect is reversible with the appropriate hormone. Thus, the relatively high percentage of estrogen and progesterone receptors found in laryngeal carcinoma tissue may open new aspects in the treatment of laryngeal carcinoma with antihormones.
Repair of Motor Nerve Defects: Comparison of Suture and Fibrin Adhesive Techniques
Authors: Nishihira Shigeki , McCaffrey Thomas V. 
Published: August 2015

Two groups of rats were used to evaluate the results of nerve repair using fibrin tissue adhesive. In one group of 10 rats, a simple neurotomy of the sciatic nerve was performed. In the second group of 10 rats, a 1‐cm segment of sciatic nerve was excised bilaterally and used as an autogenous nerve graft. The neurotomy and the nerve graft were repaired on one side by microsurgical suture technique using 10‐0 nylon suture. The opposite side was repaired using fibrin adhesive. The results of the repair were assessed at 12 weeks. Functional assessment of nerve regeneration was performed in those rats with intact repair sites. Nerve‐muscle twitch strengths were not significantly different (p > 0.05) between nerves repaired using suture and fibrin adhesive; however, compound active potential parameters were significantly better in nerve grafts repaired using suture technique (p < 0.05).
Results of Surgical Treatment for Menière's Disease
Authors: Jennings Richard P. , Reams Carl L. , Jacobson John , Cole James M. 
Published: August 2015

In 1985 the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Committee on Hearing and Equilibrium established revised guidelines for reporting treatment results for Menière's disease. Since then little Information regarding the newly adapted criteria and their effects on the evaluation process has appeared. Thus we compared the results of different surgical procedures for Menière's disease using both the 1985 and 1972 guidelines. One hundred nine surgical procedures from 1969 to 1985 were reviewed. Six different surgical procedures were evaluated: The Cody‐Tack, cochleosacculotomy, endolymphatic mastoid shunt, endolymphatic subarachnoid shunt, translabyrinthine vestibular nerve section, and transcanal labyrinthectomy. Results show that 68% of patients who had a Cody‐Tack procedure continued to have vertiginous episodes in the same freguency postoperatively. Hearing was worse in 17 of these 25 patients. Of the patients who had a eochleosacculotomy, most had significant control of their vertiginous symptoms, but 10 patients had greater than 10 dB hearing loss postoperatively. Patients who had an endolymphatic mastoid shunt performed had better results when the 1972 guldllnes were applied. In this group, the 1985 guidelines indicate that only 35% of the patients had significant relief of their vertiginous symptoms and 47% had hearing loss greater than 10 dB postoperatively. Six of the seven patients who underwent an endolymphatic subarachnoid shunt obtained significant relief of their vertiginous episodes, but hearing loss was more than 10 dB In four patients. Those patients who had either a labyrinthectomy or a translabyrinthine vestibular nerve section had relief of their vertiginous episodes. We conclude that the new guidelines appear to be superior to the 1972 guidelines for reporting results for the treatment of Menière's disease.
Accuracy and Cost‐Effectiveness of Preoperative Isotope and Ultrasound Imaging in Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Summers Gordon W. , Dodge David L. , Kammer Huldrick 
Published: August 2015

A total of 54 patients underwent surgical exploration for primary hyperparathyroidism from 1980 to 1988. Beginning in November 1984 nearly all patients were evaluated with preoperative radionuclide and ultrasound imaging studies. Ultrasound correctly localized 76% of the adenomas removed at surgery, whereas the success rate with radionuclide imaging was 74%. Localization of hyperplastic glands was less successful with the use of either technique. Correct preoperative localization studies in cases of single adenoma reduced the operative time an average of 32 minutes when compared with those cases with no localization studies. Cost‐effectiveness was studied based on current charges for operating room time, anesthesia, and the preoperative localization studies. An average cost savings of $124 per case was achieved when results of both localization studies were correct. These localization studies are quick, noninvasive, relatively inexpensive, and associated with no morbidity. Because it is possible to reduce operative time and overall costs, we recommend that radionuclide and ultrasound studies be routinely used in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.
Repair of Nasal Septal Perforations with Tragal Cartilage and Perichondrium Grafts
Authors: Eviatar Abraham , Myssiorek David 
Published: August 2015

Indications for repair of nasal septum perforations include excessive crusting, recurrent bleeding, whistling, and pain. Large subtotal perforations usually are less symptomatic, but smaller defects (less than 1 cm) may need repair. Tragal cartilage with perichondrium autograft was used to repair these perforations. After the septal defect was debrided, this free graft was harvested and used to fill the defect. This technique was attempted in ten patients with septal perforations, none secondary to systemic Illnesses. Nine of these patients had successful closure of their perforations.
Elicited imitation as a measure of second language proficiency: A narrative review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yan Xun , Maeda Yukiko , Lv Jing , Ginther April 
Published: August 2015

Elicited imitation (EI) has been widely used to examine second language (L2) proficiency and development and was an especially popular method in the 1970s and early 1980s. However, as the field embraced more communicative approaches to both instruction and assessment, the use of EI diminished, and the construct-related validity of EI scores as a representation of language proficiency was called into question. Current uses of EI, while not discounting the importance of communicative activities and assessments, tend to focus on the importance of processing and automaticity. This study presents a systematic review of EI in an effort to clarify the construct and usefulness of EI tasks in L2 research. The review underwent two phases: a narrative review and a meta-analysis. We surveyed 76 theoretical and empirical studies from 1970 to 2014, to investigate the use of EI in particular with respect to the research/assessment context and task features. The results of the narrative review provided a theoretical basis for the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis utilized 24 independent effect sizes based on 1089 participants obtained from 21 studies. To investigate evidence of construct-related validity for EI, we examined the following: (1) the ability of EI scores to distinguish speakers across proficiency levels; (2) correlations between scores on EI and other measures of language proficiency; and (3) key task features that moderate the sensitivity of EI. Results of the review demonstrate that EI tasks vary greatly in terms of task features; however, EI tasks in general have a strong ability to discriminate between speakers across proficiency levels (Hedges’ g = 1.34). Additionally, construct, sentence length, and scoring method were identified as moderators for the sensitivity of EI. Findings of this study provide supportive construct-related validity evidence for EI as a measure of L2 proficiency and inform appropriate EI task development and administration in L2 research and assessment.
Foot loading is different in people with and without pincer nails: a case control study
Authors: Sano Hitomi , Shionoya Kaori , Ogawa Rei 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackgroundRecent studies suggest that pincer nails are caused by lack of upward mechanical forces on the toe pad. However, clinically significant pincer nails are also often observed among healthy walkers. It was hypothesized that in these cases, the affected toes do not receive adequate physical stimulation from walking and loading. To test this, the gait characteristics of pincer nail cases were assessed by measuring plantar pressure during walking.MethodsIn total, 12 bilateral pincer nail cases (24 affected feet) and 12 age‐ and sex‐controlled healthy control subjects (24 ft) were enrolled in this prospective case–control study. Plantar pressure during free ambulation in both the barefoot and shod state was assessed using a digital pressure‐plate system named S‐Plate platform (Medicapteurs Co. France). First toe pressure and the frequencies of peak pressure in the first toe, metatarsal head, or other foot areas were calculated.ResultsIn both the barefoot and shod state, the pincer nail group had significantly lower pressure on the first toe than the control group. In both the barefoot and shod state, the peak pressure area was mostly the metatarsal head area in the pincer nail group, whereas it was mostly the first toe area in the control group. Binomial logistic regression analysis revealed that peak pressure area was a significant risk factor for pincer nail development.ConclusionWalking behavior appears to contribute to pincer nail development. Pincer nails of walkers could be treated by correcting the walking behaviour so that more pressure is placed on the toe pad.
Loop diuretics in acute heart failure: beyond the decongestive relief for the kidney
Authors: Palazzuoli Alberto , Ruocco Gaetano , Ronco Claudio , McCullough Peter A. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractCurrent goals in the acute treatment of heart failure are focused on pulmonary and systemic decongestion with loop diuretics as the cornerstone of therapy. Despite rapid relief of symptoms in patients with acute decompensated heart failure, after intravenous use of loop diuretics, the use of these agents has been consistently associated with adverse events, including hypokalemia, azotemia, hypotension, and increased mortality. Two recent randomized trials have shown that continuous infusions of loop diuretics did not offer benefit but were associated with adverse events, including hyponatremia, prolonged hospital stay, and increased rate of readmissions. This is probably due to the limitations of congestion evaluation as well as to the deleterious effects linked to drug administration, particularly at higher dosage. The impaired renal function often associated with this treatment is not extensively explored and could deserve more specific studies. Several questions remain to be answered about the best diuretic modality administration, global clinical impact during acute and post-discharge period, and the role of renal function deterioration during treatment. Thus, if loop diuretics are a necessary part of the treatment for acute heart failure, then there must be an approach that allows personalization of therapy for optimal benefit and avoidance of adverse events.
Clinical study replicability and the pursuit of excellence
Authors: Lanspa Michael J. , Hirshberg Eliotte L. , Miller Russell R. , Morris Alan H. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractComparisons of processes of care are common in critical care research. Often, these processes are neither explicit nor replicable and this can result in seemingly irreconcilable results. Here, we briefly review the article by Taniguchi and colleagues, who studied liberation from mechanical ventilation by using either a computerized weaning protocol or one driven by respiratory therapists. We discuss the implications of explicit protocols increasing replicability in clinical research.
Semilinear evolution equations with distributed measures
Authors: Petruşel Adrian , Satco Bianca 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe aim of the paper is to provide, by an approach based on the Mönch fixed point theorem, existence results for the semilinear evolution problem with distributed measures $$ \textstyle\begin{cases} dx=(-Ax+f(t,x))\,dt+dg, \quad t\in[0,1],\\ x(0)=x_{0}, \end{cases} $$
{

d
x
=
(
−
A
x
+
f
(
t
,
x
)
)

d
t
+
d
g
,

t
∈
[
0
,
1
]
,

x
(
0
)
=

x
0

,

where −A is the infinitesimal generator of a (uniformly or strongly) continuous semigroup $\{T(t),t\geq0\}$
{
T
(
t
)
,
t
≥
0
}
of bounded linear operators, f is not necessarily continuous and $g:[0,1]\to X$
g
:
[
0
,
1
]
→
X
is a regulated function.Working with Kurzweil-Stieltjes integrals and using a measure of non-compactness allows us to relax the assumptions on the semigroup, on f and g comparing to some already known results.
$C^{*}$-Valued contractive type mappings
Authors: Batul Samina , Kamran Tayyab 
Published: August 2015

AbstractIn this paper we generalize the notion of $C^{*}$

C
∗

-valued contraction mappings, recently introduced by Ma et al., by weakening the contractive condition introduced by them. Using the new notion of $C^{*}$

C
∗

-valued contractive type mappings, we establish a fixed point theorem for such mappings. Our result generalizes the result by Ma et al. and those contained therein except for the uniqueness.
Fixed point of multivalued integral type of contraction mappings
Authors: Stojaković Mila , Gajić Ljiljana , Došenović Tatjana , Carić Biljana 
Published: August 2015

AbstractIn this paper the fixed point of multivalued mapping is considered. A generalization of the well-known Nadler contraction principle, the Khan contraction theorem and the fixed point theorem in complete metric space with a convex structure is proved. The main result of the paper is formulated by three theorems where the mappings, defined over the complete metric space, are assumed to satisfy some integral type of contraction.
The complete genome sequence of the rumen methanogen Methanosarcina barkeri CM1
Authors: Lambie Suzanne C. , Kelly William J. , Leahy Sinead C. , Li Dong , Reilly Kerri , McAllister Tim A. , Valle Edith R. , Attwood Graeme T. , Altermann Eric 
Published: August 2015

AbstractMethanosarcina species are the most metabolically versatile of the methanogenic Archaea and can obtain energy for growth by producing methane via the hydrogenotrophic, acetoclastic or methylotrophic pathways. Methanosarcina barkeri CM1 was isolated from the rumen of a New Zealand Friesian cow grazing a ryegrass/clover pasture, and its genome has been sequenced to provide information on the phylogenetic diversity of rumen methanogens with a view to developing technologies for methane mitigation. The 4.5 Mb chromosome has an average G + C content of 39 %, and encodes 3523 protein-coding genes, but has no plasmid or prophage sequences. The gene content is very similar to that of M. barkeri Fusaro which was isolated from freshwater sediment. CM1 has a full complement of genes for all three methanogenesis pathways, but its genome shows many differences from those of other sequenced rumen methanogens. Consequently strategies to mitigate ruminant methane need to include information on the different methanogens that occur in the rumen.