bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ergonomic analysis of microlaryngoscopy
Authors: Statham Melissa McCarty , Sukits Alison L. , Redfern Mark S. , Smith Libby J. , Sok John C. , Rosen Clark A. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:To apply ergonomic principles in analysis of three different operative positions used in laryngeal microsurgery.Study Design:Prospective case‐control study.Methods:Laryngologists were studied in three different microlaryngeal operative positions: a supported position in a chair with articulated arm supports, a supported position with arms resting on a Mayo stand, and a position with arms unsupported. Operative positions were uniformly photographed in three dimensions. Full body postural data was collected and analyzed using the validated Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) tool to calculate a risk score indicative of potential musculoskeletal misuse in each position. Joint forces were calculated for the neck and shoulder, and compression forces were calculated for the L5/S1 disc space.Results:Higher‐risk postures were obtained with unfavorably adjusted eyepieces and lack of any arm support during microlaryngeal surgery. Support with a Mayo stand led to more neck flexion and strain. Using a chair with articulated arm supports leads to decreased neck strain, less shoulder torque, and decreased compressive forces on the L5/S1 disc space. Ideal postures during microlaryngoscopy place the surgeon with arms and feet supported, with shoulders in an unraised, neutral anatomic position, upper arms neutrally positioned 20° to 45° from torso, lower arms neutrally positioned 60° to 100° from torso, and wrists extended or flexed <15°.Conclusions:RULA and biomechanical analyses have identified lower‐risk surgeon positioning to be utilized during microlaryngeal surgery. Avoiding the identified high‐risk operative postures and repetitive stress injury may lead to reduced occupationally related musculoskeletal pain and may improve microsurgical motor control. Laryngoscope, 2010
Effect of cochleostomy size on perilymph fistula control
Authors: Robey Ashley B. , Craig Catherine A. , Lyden Elizabeth R. , Lusk Rodney P. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:Although the overall incidence of perilymphatic gushers is approximately 1%, patients with inner ear anomalies are at an increased risk for development of perilymphatic gushers. As cochlear implantation becomes more common in patients with inner ear anomalies (e.g., Mondini defect or common cavity defect), the ability to successfully seal such leaks becomes of paramount importance to reduce the risk of subsequent meningitis.Methods:A 1.0‐mm and a 1.5‐mm cochleostomy were placed superior to the round window in two respective temporal bones. Cochlear implant electrodes (Cochlear [Lane Cove NSW, Australia], Med‐El [Insbruck, Austria] and Advanced Bionics [Valencia, CA]) were placed in the cochleostomy and sealed with porcine periosteum. A fixed amount of pressure was applied to the inner ear, and the presence or absence of a leak was recorded for 10 different packings of each cochleostomy diameter at 0, 10, 15, 20, and 30 cm H2O.Results:For the Cochlear, Med‐El, and Advanced Bionics electrode, no statistically significant difference was noted between the 1.0‐mm and the 1.5‐mm cochleostomy at 0, 10, 15, and 20 cm H2O. At 30 cm H2O, no leaks were noted with the 1.5‐mm cochleostomy for any brand. For the 1.0‐mm cochleostomy at 30 cm H2O, 6/10 of the Cochlear trials leaked (P = .004), 2/10 of the Med‐El trials leaked (P = .24), and 5/10 of the Advanced Bionics trials leaked (P = .03).Conclusions:The 1.5‐mm cochleostomies are associated with a decreased risk of perilymphatic fistula as compared to 1.0‐mm cochleostomies at 30 cm H2O; this likely represents a phenomenon of packing adequacy. Laryngoscope, 2010
Targeted imaging modality selection for bacterial biofilms in chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Foreman Andrew , Singhal Deepti , Psaltis Alkis J. , Wormald Peter‐John 
Published: November 2009

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:Biofilms are increasingly recognized as having an etiological role in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Research into biofilms in CRS currently relies on microscopic imaging techniques, none of which are universally accepted. This study compares LIVE/DEAD BacLight (Invitrogen Corp., Carlsbad, CA) staining and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), both utilizing the confocal scanning laser microscope (CSLM) for biofilm determination and characterization in CRS patients.Study Design:Prospective study.Methods:Twenty CRS patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery were recruited for the study. Sinus mucosal tissue harvested at the time of surgery underwent both the BacLight/CSLM and FISH/CSLM protocols for biofilm determination and characterization.Results:Combining the results of both protocols, 18/20 (90%) patients had bacterial biofilms demonstrable on at least one modality. The high biofilm detection rate combining the two techniques suggests the prevalence of biofilms in CRS may be greater than previously reported. The protocols had equivalent results in 15/20 patients. Using the differences observed in the remaining five patients, we can highlight the most appropriate use for each technique.Conclusions:BacLight/CSLM and FISH/CSLM are complementary techniques for biofilm determination and characterization. Both protocols are suited to different research areas and the selection of technique used should be based on the specific objectives of the research protocol. In this way we can utilize the advantages of each technique to facilitate effective research. Laryngoscope, 2010
Language performance in children with cochlear implants and additional disabilities
Authors: Meinzen‐Derr Jareen , Wiley Susan , Grether Sandra , Choo Daniel I. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:Quantify post‐cochlear implant (CI) language among children with disabilities and determine the role of nonverbal cognitive quotients (NVCQ) in predicting language.Study Design:Small cohort study in pediatric tertiary care center.Methods:Children (n = 20) with CIs and developmental disabilities were enrolled. Receptive and expressive language was reported as language quotients (LQs). Pre‐ and post‐CI LQs were compared using the signed‐rank test. Multiple regression models analyzed language while controlling for possible confounders.Results:Five subjects had symptomatic cytomegalovirus, and four subjects had CHARGE syndrome with hearing loss etiology. Seventy‐five percent had cognitive deficits, and 55% had motor delays. Median age of CI was 24 months; median CI duration was 27.7 months. The range of NVCQs for the study cohort was 27 to 115. Fifteen subjects had NVCQs <80. Age at implantation, income, and number of siblings were not correlated with language. Although children had significant increases in language age pre‐ to post‐CI, median LQs did not significantly change after implantation. NVCQ, age at hearing loss diagnosis, implant duration, and number of different therapies attended were significant in models. NVCQ contributed the most unique variance (67%; P = .0003). Pre‐CI language performance did not predict post‐CI performance.Conclusions:This study is the first step in addressing the effects of CIs on language among children with disabilities. Progress in language skills occurred for all participants, although rates of progress were slow and highly variable. NVCQ was the strongest predictor of language, although cognition is not always sufficient for good language development. Adapting therapeutic strategies may be essential to impact greater language progress in these complex children. Laryngoscope, 2010
Characterization of binding affinities in a chromatographic system by suspended state HR/MAS NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Friebolin Volker , Marten Silvia , Albert Klaus 
Published: November 2009

AbstractIn the current work a racemate of (R)‐ and (S)‐benzylmandelate was separated with a stereoselective polysaccharide‐based chiral stationary phase by HPLC. To elucidate the occurring chiral molecular recognition processes in the heterogeneous system used, NMR spectroscopy was chosen under high resolution/magic angle spinning (HR/MAS) NMR conditions in the suspended state. Therefore, and as a proof of concept, a combination of several NMR methods such as spin–lattice relaxation time (T1) measurements (T1), the saturation transfer difference, and the 2D experiment of the transferred nuclear overhauser enhancement spectroscopy technique were applied. With HR/MAS NMR it is feasible to combine NMR and chromatography to achieve further insights into the separation process. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Real‐time MR thermometry for monitoring HIFU ablations of the liver
Authors: Holbrook Andrew B. , Santos Juan M. , Kaye Elena , Rieke Viola , Pauly Kim Butts 
Published: November 2009

AbstractA high‐resolution and high‐speed pulse sequence is presented for monitoring high‐intensity focused ultrasound ablations in the liver in the presence of motion. The sequence utilizes polynomial‐order phase saturation bands to perform outer volume suppression, followed by spatial‐spectral excitation and three readout segmented echo‐planar imaging interleaves. Images are processed with referenceless thermometry to create temperature‐rise images every frame. The sequence and reconstruction were implemented in RTHawk and used to image stationary and moving sonications in a polyacrylamide gel phantom (62.4 acoustic W, 50 sec, 550 kHz). Temperature‐rise images were compared between moving and stationary experiments. Heating spots and corresponding temperature‐rise plots matched very well. The stationary sonication had a temperature standard deviation of 0.15° C compared to values of 0.28° C and 0.43° C measured for two manually moved sonications at different velocities. Moving the phantom (while not heating) with respect to the transducer did not cause false temperature rises, despite susceptibility changes. The system was tested on nonheated livers of five normal volunteers. The mean temperature rise was − 0.05° C, with a standard deviation of 1.48° C. This standard deviation is acceptable for monitoring high‐intensity focused ultrasound ablations, suggesting real‐time imaging of moving high‐intensity focused ultrasound sonications can be clinically possible. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Longitudinal MRI and MRSI characterization of the quinolinic acid rat model for excitotoxicity: peculiar apparent diffusion coefficients and recovery of N‐acetyl aspartate levels
Authors: Shemesh Noam , Sadan Ofer , Melamed Eldad , Offen Daniel , Cohen Yoram 
Published: November 2009

AbstractQuinolinic acid (QA) induced striatal lesion is an important model for excitotoxicity that is also used for efficacy studies. To date, the morphological and spectroscopic indices of this model have not been studied longitudinally by MRI; therefore the objectives of this study were aimed at following the lesion progression and changes in N‐acetyl aspartate (NAA) as viewed by MRI and MRSI, respectively, in‐vivo over a period of 49 days. We found that the affected areas exhibited both high and low apparent diffusion coefficients (ADC) even 49 days post QA injection in three of the six tested animals. MRI‐guided histological analysis correlated areas characterized by high ADCs on day 49 with cellular loss, while areas characterized by lower ADCs were correlated with macrophage infiltration (CD68 positive stain). Our MRSI study revealed an initial reduction of NAA levels in the lesioned striatum, which significantly recovered with time, although not to control levels. Total‐striatum normalized NAA levels recovered from 0.67 ± 0.15 (of the contralateral row) on day 1 to 0.90 ± 0.12 on day 49. Our findings suggest that NAA should be considered as a marker for neuronal dysfunction, in addition to neuronal viability. Some behavioral indices could be correlated to permanent neuronal damage while others demonstrated a spontaneous recovery parallel to the NAA recovery. Our findings may have implications in efficacy‐oriented studies performed on the QA model. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Do some enterprise zones create jobs?
Authors: Kolko Jed , Neumark David 
Published: November 2009

AbstractWe study how the employment effects of enterprise zones vary with their location, implementation, and administration, based on evidence from California. We use new establishment‐level data and geographic mapping methods, coupled with a survey of enterprise zone administrators. Overall, the evidence indicates that enterprise zones do not increase employment. However, the evidence also suggests that the enterprise zone program has a more favorable effect on employment in zones that have a lower share of manufacturing and in zones where managers report doing more marketing and outreach activities. On the other hand, devoting more effort to helping firms get hiring tax credits reduces or eliminates any positive employment effects, which may be attributable to idiosyncrasies of California's enterprise zone program during the period we study. © 2010 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
Spillover effects of inclusion of classmates with emotional problems on test scores in early elementary school
Authors: Fletcher Jason 
Published: November 2009

AbstractOver the last decade, the federal government has directed schools to provide educational instruction for students with special needs in general education settings to the extent possible. While there is mixed evidence on the effects of these inclusion policies on the students with special needs, research examining potential spillovers of inclusion on non‐disabled classmates has been scarce. There is particularly little research on the effects of inclusion policies on classmates during early elementary grades. This paper begins to fill in this gap by using a nationally representative, longitudinal survey of kindergartners. Cross‐sectional results suggest that having a classmate with an emotional problem decreases reading and math scores at the end of kindergarten and first grade by over 10 percent of a standard deviation, which is one‐third to one‐half of the minority test score gap. To control for nonrandom sorting of students to schools, as well as students to classrooms, this paper uses school‐level and then student‐level fixed effects. Results from the preferred empirical models suggest a decrease of approximately 5 percent of a standard deviation in math and reading scores, though the reading results are less robust. The results also indicate moderate racial and gender differences in the effects. © 2010 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
The impact of the Texas top ten percent law on college enrollment: A regression discontinuity approach
Authors: Niu Sunny Xinchun , Tienda Marta 
Published: November 2009

AbstractWe use regression discontinuity methods on a representative survey of Texas high school seniors to discern the impact on flagship‐enrollment behavior of the Texas top 10 percent law, which guarantees admission to any Texas public university to students who graduate in the top decile of their class. By comparing students at and immediately below the cut‐point for automatic admission, we find that the top 10 percent law affects flagship enrollment of Hispanic students eligible for the admission guarantee, as well as rank‐eligible graduates from high schools where minority students predominate and from high schools with the state average share of economically disadvantaged students. Our findings are robust to various model specifications and different bandwidth choices using local linear estimation. © 2010 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
Does inconvenience explain low take‐up? Evidence from unemployment insurance
Authors: Ebenstein Avraham , Stange Kevin 
Published: November 2009

AbstractApplication inconvenience is one popular explanation for why many individuals do not receive the social benefits for which they are eligible. Applications take time and some individuals may decide that the financial benefits do not outweigh these time costs. This paper investigates this explanation using cross‐state variation in administrative changes that made applying for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits substantially more convenient over the past decade. We find that the introduction of phone‐ and Internet‐based claiming did not have an appreciable impact on overall UI take‐up, nor did it lead to a shift toward recipients that are higher income or likely to be receiving the maximum benefit amount. These findings are inconsistent with a time‐ and transaction‐cost explanation for low take‐up, since remote UI claiming is less time intensive. This suggests that reducing application barriers alone may not be an effective tool for increasing program participation. © 2010 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
Information disclosure policy: Do state data processing efforts help more than the information disclosure itself?
Authors: Bae Hyunhoe , Wilcoxen Peter , Popp David 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) was expected to reduce health risks stemming from emissions of hazardous chemicals by increasing public pressure on polluters. However, raw TRI data fails to transmit accurate information fitted to the public's interest. TRI is a massive and complex data set that, in its raw form, provides information on the pounds of toxics released, rather than the risks these releases pose to human health, which is the true quantity of interest. Consequently, raw TRI data needs to be refined and interpreted in terms of health risks by its users, which requires analytical sophistication and substantial data processing. State governments have attempted to increase of the usefulness of the TRI to the general public via two types of policies: (1) selection and dissemination of raw TRI data for plants within the state, and (2) data processing activities producing more refined reports and further data analysis. This study assesses the effectiveness of those two policies, asking how much each contributes to the intended policy outcome of reducing health risks. Our results show that state‐level data dissemination efforts lowered the total number of pounds of chemicals released, but had little effect on health risks. State‐level data processing efforts, in contrast, did lead to significant reductions in health risks. We conclude that simple dissemination of the data was ineffective (and even counterproductive in some instances), and that the states' data processing efforts have played a critical role in achieving the TRI's intended policy goal by providing better information to end users. © 2010 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
Incentives and their dynamics in public sector performance management systems
Authors: Heinrich Carolyn J. , Marschke Gerald 
Published: November 2009

AbstractWe use the principal‐agent model as a focal theoretical frame for synthesizing what we know, both theoretically and empirically, about the design and dynamics of the implementation of performance management systems in the public sector. In this context, we review the growing body of evidence about how performance measurement and incentive systems function in practice and how individuals and organizations respond and adapt to them over time, drawing primarily on examples from performance measurement systems in public education and social welfare programs. We also describe a dynamic framework for performance measurement systems that takes into account strategic behavior of individuals over time, learning about production functions and individual responses, accountability pressures, and the use of information about the relationship of measured performance to value added. Implications are discussed and recommendations derived for improving public sector performance measurement systems. © 2010 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
A study on the micro‐injection molding of multi‐cavity ultra‐thin parts
Authors: Yang S.‐Y. , Nian S.‐C. , Huang S.‐T. , Weng Y.‐J. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractIn this study, we report the micro‐injection molding of ultra‐thin parts (100, 250, and 500 µm). The results show that the flow resistance increases as the cavity becomes thinner. The melt front is not symmetric when filling a four‐cavity ultra‐thin part and filling the eight‐cavity mold under a low temperature. If we increase the mold temperature or cavity thickness, the melt front becomes symmetric. Finally, we construct the operation windows of molding for three kinds of plastics (PS, PMMA, PC) and provide a molding range based on mold temperature and injections speed. Meanwhile, the relationship between the thickness and the operation windows are also investigated. The thinner the cavity is, the smaller the operation window is. We need to increase the injection speed significantly for molding the ultra‐thin parts with micro‐features on both surfaces which are 60 µm in thickness. Furthermore, we succeed in molding 30 µm ultra‐thin parts in this experiment. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The morphology and structure of PS‐b‐P4VP block copolymer films by solvent annealing: effect of the solvent parameter
Authors: O'Driscoll Sheena , Demirel G , Farrell Richard A. , Fitzgerald Thomas G. , O'Mahony Colm , Holmes Justin D. , Morris Michael A. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractLamellae (symmetric) forming polystyrene‐b‐poly(4‐vinylpyridine) (PS‐b‐P4VP) block copolymers (BCPs) were used to produce nanostructured thin films by solvent (toluene) casting (spin‐coating) onto silicon substrates. As expected, strong micellization of PS‐P4VP in toluene results in poorly ordered hexagonally structures films. Following deposition the films were solvent annealed in various solvents and mixtures thereof. A range of both morphologies including micelle and microphase separated structures were observed. It was found that nanostructures typical of films of regular thickness (across the substrate) and demonstrating microphase separation occurred only for relatively few solvents and mixtures. The data demonstrate that simple models of solvent annealing based on swelling of the polymer promoting higher polymer chain mobility are not appropriate and more careful rationalization is required to understand these data. Analysis suggests that regular phase separated films can only be achieved when the copolymer Hildebrand solubility parameter is very similar to the value of the solvent. It is suggested that the solvent anneal method used is best considered as a liquid phase technique rather than a vapor phase method. The results show that solvent annealing methods can be a very powerful means to control structure and in some circumstances dominate other factors such as surface chemistry and surface energies. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.