bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Introduction to the special issue on concurrent and parallel programming
Authors: Ben-Ari Mordechai , Garcia Dan , Murphy Tom
Published: February 2013

Much of computing education research is devoted to introductory computer science. The articles in this special issue look at the other end of the spectrum: learning advanced subjects, here, concurrent, parallel and distributed computation. The articles present four approaches for teaching these subjects using infra-structure that is feasible for educational institutions to acquire: MapReduce in a cloud, remote computing on a multicore system, a network of gaming consoles, and software modeling using formal specification.
Implementing an affordable high-performance computing for teaching-oriented computer science curriculum
Authors: Abuzaghleh Omar , Goldschmidt Kathleen , Elleithy Yasser , Lee Jeongkyu
Published: February 2013

With the advances in computing power, high-performance computing (HPC) platforms have had an impact on not only scientific research in advanced organizations but also computer science curriculum in the educational community. For example, multicore programming and parallel systems are highly desired courses in the computer science major. However, the high cost of HPC equipment and maintenance makes it hard to be adapted into a conventional computer science curriculum. Specifically, teaching-oriented institutions cannot afford an HPC system due to the high cost, lack of experience, and smaller research infrastructure. The main objective of this article is to present an affordable and easy-to-use high-performance cluster system for teaching-oriented computer science curriculums. In order to address this, we have designed and implemented an affordable high-performance cluster system based on the PlayStation 3 (PS3). For the performance evaluation of the PS3 cluster, we conducted a benchmarking test, that is, matrix multiplication, with different numbers of synergistic processing elements (SPEs) and nodes. As a result, it was concluded that the PS3Cluster provides enough computing power as an HPC for computer science courses, while the total cost is less than 10% of an existing cluster system on the market that has similar performance. In addition, the implemented PS3Cluster system has been used for computer science courses, such as Parallel and Distributed Databases and Parallel Programming.
X-Class
Authors: Costa Gianni , Ortale Riccardo , Ritacco Ettore
Published: February 2013

The supervised classification of XML documents by structure involves learning predictive models in which certain structural regularities discriminate the individual document classes. Hitherto, research has focused on the adoption of prespecified substructures. This is detrimental for classification effectiveness, since the a priori chosen substructures may not accord with the structural properties of the XML documents. Therein, an unexplored question is how to choose the type of structural regularity that best adapts to the structures of the available XML documents.

We tackle this problem through X-Class, an approach that handles all types of tree-like substructures and allows for choosing the most discriminatory one. Algorithms are designed to learn compact rule-based classifiers in which the chosen substructures discriminate the classes of XML documents.

X-Class is studied across various domains and types of substructures. Its classification performance is compared against several rule-based and SVM-based competitors. Empirical evidence reveals that the classifiers induced by X-Class are compact, scalable, and at least as effective as the established competitors. In particular, certain substructures allow the induction of very compact classifiers that generally outperform the rule-based competitors in terms of effectiveness over all chosen corpora of XML data. Furthermore, such classifiers are substantially as effective as the SVM-based competitor, with the additional advantage of a high-degree of interpretability.
Regularized Latent Semantic Indexing
Authors: Wang Quan , Xu Jun , Li Hang , Craswell Nick
Published: February 2013

Topic modeling provides a powerful way to analyze the content of a collection of documents. It has become a popular tool in many research areas, such as text mining, information retrieval, natural language processing, and other related fields. In real-world applications, however, the usefulness of topic modeling is limited due to scalability issues. Scaling to larger document collections via parallelization is an active area of research, but most solutions require drastic steps, such as vastly reducing input vocabulary. In this article we introduce Regularized Latent Semantic Indexing (RLSI)---including a batch version and an online version, referred to as batch RLSI and online RLSI, respectively---to scale up topic modeling. Batch RLSI and online RLSI are as effective as existing topic modeling techniques and can scale to larger datasets without reducing input vocabulary. Moreover, online RLSI can be applied to stream data and can capture the dynamic evolution of topics. Both versions of RLSI formalize topic modeling as a problem of minimizing a quadratic loss function regularized by ℓ1 and/or ℓ2 norm. This formulation allows the learning process to be decomposed into multiple suboptimization problems which can be optimized in parallel, for example, via MapReduce. We particularly propose adopting ℓ1 norm on topics and ℓ2 norm on document representations to create a model with compact and readable topics and which is useful for retrieval. In learning, batch RLSI processes all the documents in the collection as a whole, while online RLSI processes the documents in the collection one by one. We also prove the convergence of the learning of online RLSI. Relevance ranking experiments on three TREC datasets show that batch RLSI and online RLSI perform better than LSI, PLSI, LDA, and NMF, and the improvements are sometimes statistically significant. Experiments on a Web dataset containing about 1.6 million documents and 7 million terms, demonstrate a similar boost in performance.
Fairness and isolation in multi-tenant storage as optimization decomposition
Authors: Shue David , Freedman Michael J. , Shaikh Anees
Published: February 2013

Shared storage services enjoy wide adoption in commercial clouds. But most systems today provide weak performance isolation and fairness between tenants, if at all. Most approaches to multi-tenant resource allocation are based either on per-VM allocations or hard rate limits that assume uniform workloads to achieve high utilization. Instead, Pisces, our system for shared key-value storage, achieves datacenterwide
per-tenant
performance isolation and fairness.

Pisces achieves per-tenant weighted fair sharing of system resources across the entire shared service, even when partitions belonging to different tenants are co-located and when demand for different partitions is skewed or timevarying. The focus of this paper is to highlight the optimization model that motivates the decomposition of Pisces's fair sharing problem into four complementary mechanisms--- partition placement, weight allocation, replica selection, and weighted fair queuing---that operate on different time-scales to provide system-wide max-min fairness. An evaluation of our Pisces storage prototype achieves nearly ideal (0.98 Min- Max Ratio) fair sharing, strong performance isolation, and robustness to skew and shifts in tenant demand.
A framework to compute statistics of system parameters from very large trace files
Authors: Ezzati-Jivan Naser , Dagenais Michel R.
Published: February 2013

In this paper, we present a framework to compute, store and retrieve statistics of various system metrics from large traces in an efficient way. The proposed framework allows for rapid interactive queries about system metrics values for any given time interval. In the proposed framework, efficient data structures and algorithms are designed to achieve a reasonable query time while utilizing less disk space. A parameter termed granularity degree (GD) is defined to determine the threshold of how often it is required to store the precomputed statistics on disk. The solution supports the hierarchy of system resources and also different granularities of time ranges. We explain the architecture of the framework and show how it can be used to efficiently compute and extract the CPU usage and other system metrics. The importance of the framework and its different applications are shown and evaluated in this paper.
A New Class of Analytic Functions Defined by Using Salagean Operator
Authors: El-Ashwah R. M. , Aouf M. K. , Hassan A. A. M. , Hassan A. H.
Published: February 2013

We derive some results for a new class of analytic functions defined by using Salagean operator. We give some properties of functions in this class and obtain numerous sharp results including for example, coefficient estimates, distortion theorem, radii of star-likeness, convexity, close-to-convexity, extreme points, integral means inequalities, and partial sums of functions belonging to this class. Finally, we give an application involving certain fractional calculus operators that are also considered.
Subjectively Evaluated Effects of Domestic Violence on Well-Being in Clinical Populations
Authors: Poutiainen Marika , Holma Juha
Published: February 2013

Effects of domestic violence are reflected in victims' physical, psychological, and sexual health as well as in victims' subjective evaluations of health or subjective well-being. The principal aim of this study was to study the extent to which the consequences of domestic violence are reflected in patients' subjectively evaluated well-being, life management, and sense of security in an emergency department, a maternity department, and a reception unit of a psychiatric hospital. A questionnaire on the effects of domestic violence was administered to 530 patients. 61 patients reported either current or previous domestic violence that affected their current well-being and life management. Domestic violence was reported to have an effect on subjective well-being and sense of security: the more recent or frequent the experience of violence was, the greater was considered its impact on well-being and sense of security. Routine inquiry can uncover hidden cases of abuse and hence would be of great benefit in the healthcare context. Early identification of abuse victims can prevent further harm caused by violence.
Epithelial Cell Culture from Human Adenoids: A Functional Study Model for Ciliated and Secretory Cells
Authors: González Claudia , Espinosa Marisol , Sánchez María Trinidad , Droguett Karla , Ríos Mariana , Fonseca Ximena , Villalón Manuel
Published: February 2013

Background. Mucociliary transport (MCT) is a defense mechanism of the airway. To study the underlying mechanisms of MCT, we have both developed an experimental model of cultures, from human adenoid tissue of ciliated and secretory cells, and characterized the response to local chemical signals that control ciliary activity and the secretion of respiratory mucinsin vitro.Materials and Methods. In ciliated cell cultures, ciliary beat frequency (CBF) and intracellular Ca2+levels were measured in response to ATP, UTP, and adenosine. In secretory cultures, mucin synthesis and secretion were identified by using immunodetection. Mucin content was taken from conditioned medium and analyzed in the presence or absence of UTP.Results. Enriched ciliated cell monolayers and secretory cells were obtained. Ciliated cells showed a basal CBF of 10.7 Hz that increased significantly after exposure to ATP, UTP, or adenosine. Mature secretory cells showed active secretion of granules containing different glycoproteins, including MUC5AC.Conclusion. Culture of ciliated and secretory cells grown from adenoid epithelium is a reproducible and feasible experimental model, in which it is possible to observe ciliary and secretory activities, with a potential use as a model to understand mucociliary transport control mechanisms.
NETosis
Authors: Mesa Miguel Antonio , Vasquez Gloria
Published: February 2013

Neutrophils are the first line of defense of the immune system against infection. Among their weaponry, they have the ability to mix and extrude their DNA and bactericidal molecules creating NET-like structures in a unique type of cell death called NETosis. This process is important in order to control extracellular infections limiting collateral damage. Its aberrant function has been implicated in several human diseases including sepsis and autoimmune disease. The purpose of the present paper is to give a general introduction to this concept.
Consultations between Immigrant Patients, Their Interpreters, and Their General Practitioners: Are They Real Meetings or Just Encounters? A Qualitative Study in Primary Health Care
Authors: Wiking Eivor , Sundquist Jan , Saleh-Stattin Nouha
Published: February 2013

Objective. In Sweden, about 19% of residents have a foreign background. Previous studies reported immigrant patients experience communication difficulties despite the presence of interpreters during consultations. The objective of this study was to gain insights into the participants’ perceptions and reflections of the triangular meeting by means of in-depth interviews with immigrant patients, interpreters, and general practitioners (GPs). Method. A total of 29 participants—10 patients, 9 interpreters, and 10 GPs—participated in face-to-face interviews. Content analysis was used to process the interview material. Results. Six themes were generated and arranged under two subject areas: the interpretation process (the means of interpreting and means of informing) and the meeting itself (individual tailored approaches, consultation time, the patient’s feelings, and the role of family members). Conclusion. This paper highlights feelings including frustration and insecurity when interpretation and relationships are suboptimal. Strategies for immigrant patients, interpreters, and GPs for getting a successful consultation may be needed. To transform the triangular meeting from an encounter to a real meeting, our results indicate a need for professional interpreters, for GPs to use a patient-tailored approach, and sufficient consultation time. Practice Implications. Use of professional interpreters is recommended, as is developing cultural competence.
Nonsyndromic Bilateral Multiple Impacted Supernumerary Mandibular Third Molars: A Rare and Unusual Case Report
Authors: Reddy G. Siva Prasad , Reddy G. V. , Krishna I. Venkata , Regonda Shravan Kumar
Published: February 2013

A supernumerary tooth is that which is present additionally to the normal series and can be found in any region of the dental arch. An impacted tooth is defined as the one which is embedded in the alveolus, so that its eruption is prevented, or the tooth is locked in position by bone or the adjacent teeth. The occurrence of multiple supernumerary teeth in only one patient in the absence of an associated systemic condition or syndrome is considered as a rare phenomenon. The occurrence of supernumerary teeth in the lower molar region is rare. A prevalence of less than 2% of cases occurring in this region has been estimated. Their occurrence presents a clinical problem for orthodontists and oral surgeons. The cause, frequency, complications, and surgical operation of impacted teeth are always interesting subjects for study and research. An impacted tooth can result in caries, pulp disease, periapical and periodontal disease, temporomandibular joint disorder, infection of the fascial space, root resorption of the adjacent tooth, and even oral and maxillofacial tumours. The management of impacted wisdom teeth has changed over the past 20 years from removal of nonsymptomatic third molars to simple observation. The aim of this paper is to present a rare case of bilateral multiple impacted supernumerary mandibular third molars.
Malaria Transmission Pattern in an Area Selected for Clinical Trials in the Sudanian Area of Senegal (West Africa)
Authors: Niang El Hadji Amadou , Touré Aissatou , Ngom El Hadji Malick , Konaté Lassana , Faye Ousmane , Diallo Mawlouth , Dia Ibrahima
Published: February 2013

Malaria transmission pattern was studied in 3 villages (Toubanding, Daga Ndoup, and Keur Samba Guèye) situated within an area selected for clinical trials. The study was conducted in the rainy season from July to December 2011. The main objective of this work was to gather baseline data on malaria transmission intensity and other entomological parameters before the advent of clinical trials. Mosquitoes were collected by Human-Landing Collections (HLCs) and by pyrethrum spray catches (PSCs). Five anopheline species were collected, namely,An. arabiensis,An. gambiae,An. funestus,An. pharoensis, andAn. rufipes, giving a heterogeneous distribution within the study area. The populations dynamics of the vectors varied temporarily in each village depending on the pattern of the rainy season. Transmission intensity estimated by the entomological inoculation rate (EIR) was measured in each of the three villages with the variations linked to the microecological differences between the villages. Measurements were calculated for August, September, and October and were found to vary between 4 and 30 infected bites per person over the study period with a peak intensity observed in September. These results indicate that epidemiological field trials on malaria could be conducted in this area on the basis of the differences observed with transmission intensity, micro-ecological variations, and the objectives of the trials.
Effect of Physical Exercise on the Level of DNA Damage in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients
Authors: da Silva Andréa Lúcia G. , da Rosa Helen T. , Bender Eduarda , da Rosa Paulo Ricardo , Salvador Mirian , Charlier Clara F. , Moura Dinara Jaqueline , Valim Andréia R. de Moura , Guecheva Temenouga N. , Henriques João Antônio Pegas
Published: February 2013

This study assessed the chronic effects of physical exercise on the level of DNA damage and the susceptibility to exogenous mutagens in peripheral blood cells of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. The case-control study enrolled COPD patients separated into two groups (group of physical exercise (PE-COPD; n=15); group of nonphysical exercise (COPD; n=36)) and 51 controls. Peripheral blood was used to evaluate DNA damage by comet assay and lipid peroxidation by measurement of thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS). The cytogenetic damage was evaluated by the buccal micronucleus cytome assay. The results showed that the TBARS values were significantly lower in PE-COPD than in COPD group. The residual DNA damage (induced by methyl methanesulphonate alkylating agent) in PE-COPD was similar to the controls group, in contrast to COPD group where it was significantly elevated. COPD group showed elevated frequency of nuclear buds (BUD) and condensed chromatin (CC) in relation to PE-COPD and control groups, which could indicate a deficiency in DNA repair and early apoptosis of the damaged cells. We concluded that the physical exercise for COPD patients leads to significant decrease of lipid peroxidation in blood plasma, decrease of susceptibility to exogenous mutagenic, and better efficiency in DNA repair.
Targeting of 111In-Labeled Dendritic Cell Human Vaccines Improved by Reducing Number of Cells
Authors: Aarntzen Erik H.J.G. , Srinivas Mangala , Bonetto Fernando , Cruz Luis J. , Verdijk Pauline , Schreibelt Gerty , van de Rakt Mandy , Lesterhuis W. Joost , van Riel Maichel , Punt Cornelius J.A. , Adema Gosse J. , Heerschap Arend , Figdor Carl G. , Oyen Wim J. , de Vries I. Jolanda M.
Published: February 2013

Purpose: Anticancer dendritic cell (DC) vaccines require the DCs to relocate to lymph nodes (LN) to trigger immune responses. However, these migration rates are typically very poor. Improving the targeting of ex vivo generated DCs to LNs might increase vaccine efficacy and reduce costs. We investigated DC migration in vivo in humans under different conditions.

Experimental Design: HLA-A*02:01 patients with melanoma were vaccinated with mature DCs loaded with tyrosinase and gp100 peptides together with keyhole limpet hemocyanin (NCT00243594). For this study, patients received an additional intradermal vaccination with 111In-labeled mature DCs. The injection site was pretreated with nonloaded, activated DCs, TNFα, or Imiquimod; granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor was coinjected or smaller numbers of DCs were injected. Migration was measured by scintigraphy and compared with an intrapatient control vaccination. In an ex vivo tissue model, we measured CCL21-directed migration of 19F-labeled DCs over a period of up to 12 hours using 19F MRI to supplement our patient data.

Results: Pretreatment of the injection site induced local inflammatory reactions but did not improve migration rates. Both in vitro and in vivo, reduction of cell numbers to 5 × 106 or less cells per injection improved migration. Furthermore, scintigraphy is insufficient to study migration of such small numbers of 111In-labeled DCs in vivo.

Conclusion: Reduction of cell density, not pretreatment of the injection site, is crucial for improved migration of DCs to LNs in vivo. Clin Cancer Res; 19(6); 1525–33. ©2013 AACR.
Incidence of Upgrading and Upstaging in Patients with Low-Volume Gleason Score 3+4 Prostate Cancers at Biopsy: Finding a New Group Eligible for Active Surveillance
Authors: Park Hee Jung , Ha Yun-Sok , Park Sung Yul , Kim Yong Tae , Lee Tchun Yong , Kim Jeong Hyun , Lee Dong-Hyeon , Kim Wun-Jae , Kim Isaac Yi
Published: February 2013

Introduction: The aim of this study was to identify patients with low-volume Gleason score 3+4 (GS3+4) prostate cancer (PCa) who may be candidates for active surveillance (AS) by analyzing the incidence of upgrading and upstaging following radical prostatectomy (RP). Patients and Methods: Of 907 patients who underwent RP at our institute over the last 5 years, 66 men diagnosed with low-volume GS3+4 PCa at needle biopsy were identified. The incidence of upstaging and upgrading was assessed. Results: The overall rate of upgrading and upstaging was 31.8 and 25.6%, respectively. Preoperative PSA levels were significantly higher in patients who were upgraded (p = 0.015). The optimal preoperative PSA cutoff level for the prediction of upgrading was 4.73 ng/ml (sensitivity 85.7%, specificity 57.8%). Patients with <15% of maximum cores positive had significantly lower upstaging rate than those with >15% of maximum cores positive (p = 0.035). Clinical stage and number of positive cores had marginal association with upgrading and upstaging statistically (p = 0.061 and 0.081, respectively). Conclusions: In patients with low-volume GS3+4 PCa at biopsy, underestimation may be effectively avoided when we select patients with PSA <4.73 and % maximum cancer involvement on positive cores <15%.
Systematic Assessment of Complications and Outcome of Radical Cystectomy Undertaken with Curative Intent in Patients with Comorbidity and over 75 Years of Age
Authors: Novotny Vladimir , Hakenberg Oliver W. , Froehner Michael , Zastrow Stefan , Leike Steffen , Koch Rainer , Wirth Manfred P.
Published: February 2013

Objective: To evaluate the complications, survival and oncological outcome of patients ≥75 years of age after radical cystectomy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Patients and Methods: Between April 1993 and August 2010, 765 patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer underwent radical cystectomy at one high-volume center. Of these, 70 patients were ≥75 years of age. All 70 patients had at least one severe systemic comorbidity with an American Society of Anesthesiologists score of 3. Primary endpoints of this retrospective study were overall and recurrence-free survival with a mean follow-up of 22 months (1-159). Perioperative parameters such as need for blood transfusions, hospital stay, mortality, short- and long-term complications were also assessed. Complications were graded according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Results: Perioperative complications occurred in 23/70 patients (33%) with a 30-day mortality rate of 1.4%. 16/70 patients (23%) developed late complications requiring hospitalization. Within 30 days of surgery, according to the Clavien-Dindo grading, 27% had no complications, 3% grade 1, 49% grade 2, 14% grade 3, 6% grade 4 and 1.4% grade 5 complications. Within 31-90 days after surgery, 76% had grade 1 complications, 3% grade 2, 6% grade 3, 9% grade 4 and 6% grade 4 complications. The calculated 5- and 8-year overall survival rates were 30 and 25%, respectively, with a recurrence-free survival rate of 52% at 5 and 42% at 8 years. Conclusions: Radical cystectomy is an appropriate and effective treatment for comorbid elderly patients. The oncological long-term outcome is the same as in younger patients while overall survival is comparatively lower. Mortality and complication-related morbidity are comparable to those in younger patients with modern perioperative management.
Glasgow Prognostic Score as a Prognostic Factor in Patients Undergoing Curative Surgery for Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Sugimoto Kiichi , Komiyama Hiromitsu , Kojima Yutaka , Goto Michitoshi , Tomiki Yuichi , Sakamoto Kazuhiro
Published: February 2013

Background/Aims: Systemic inflammatory responses have been reported to be independent predictors of cancer-specific survival in colorectal cancer. The Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS), which is an inflammation-based prognostic factor, is defined by the presence of elevated C-reactive protein and hypoalbuminemia. The purpose of this study was to estimate whether GPS can be a prognostic factor in patients undergoing curative surgery for colorectal cancers. Methods: We studied 166 patients with stage II (TNM classification) and 200 patients with stage III who had undergone curative surgery for colorectal cancer between 1999 and 2004. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the relationship between clinicopathological factors and prognosis. Results: Among patients with stage II, location and GPS were independent factors on multivariate analysis. In particular, GPS was revealed to be the strongest factor in cancer-specific survival (HR: 7.43, 95% confidence interval, CI: 2.86–19.30, p < 0.0001). On the other hand, among patients with stage III, the number of metastatic lymph nodes was the only independent factor on multivariate analysis (HR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.07–1.20, p < 0.0001). GPS was not a prognostic factor in cancer-specific survival in stage III. Conclusion: Among patients with stage II, GPS was predictive of cancer-specific survival.
Pulmonary Surfactant Protein D in First-Line Innate Defence against Influenza A Virus Infections
Authors: Hillaire Marine L.B. , Haagsman Henk P. , Osterhaus Albert D.M.E. , Rimmelzwaan Guus F. , van Eijk Martin
Published: February 2013

Influenza A viruses (IAV) cause respiratory tract infections annually associated with excess mortality and morbidity. Nonspecific, innate immune mechanisms play a key role in protection against viral invasion at early stages of infection. A soluble protein present in mucosal secretions of the lung, surfactant protein D (SP-D), is an important component of this initial barrier that helps to prevent and limit IAV infections of the respiratory epithelium. This collagenous C-type lectin binds IAVs and thereby inhibits attachment and entry of the virus but also contributes to enhanced clearance of SP-D-opsonized virus via interactions with phagocytic cells. In addition, SP-D modulates the inflammatory response and helps to maintain a balance between effective neutralization/killing of IAV, and protection against alveolar damage resulting from IAV-induced excessive inflammatory responses. The mechanisms of interaction between SP-D and IAV not only depend on the structure and binding properties of SP-D but also on strain-specific features of IAV, and both issues will be discussed. SP-D from pigs exhibits distinct anti-IAV properties and is discussed in more detail. Finally, the potential of SP-D as a prophylactic and/or therapeutic antiviral agent to protect humans against infections by IAV is discussed.
Outcomes of Different Surgical Procedures in the Treatment of Spinal Tuberculosis in Adults
Authors: Cui Xu , Ma Yuan Zheng , Chen Xing , Cai Xiao Jun , Li Hong Wei , Bai Yi Bing
Published: February 2013

Objective: To investigate surgical methods and outcomes in the treatment of spinal tuberculosis (TB) in adults. Subjects and Methods: One hundred and eighty-one patients (average age 39 years) without multiple-level noncontiguous spinal TB were followed up for 22-72 months. The patients were divided into four groups according to surgical procedure on the basis of the position and extension of the foci: group A (74 cases): anterior radical debridement and strut grafting with instrumentation; group B (83 cases): posterior instrumentation and bone grafting with anterior radical debridement and strut grafting in a single- or two-stage procedure; group C (10 cases): extrapleural anterolateral decompression and strut grafting with posterior instrumentation in thoracic or thoracolumbar spine, and group D (27 cases): single-stage transforaminal decompression and posterior instrumentation and fusion. Results: There was a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in mean preoperative (81%) Oswestry's Disability Index. Except for 24 patients with lumbosacral TB who were only instrumented posteriorly, kyphosis degrees were corrected by a mean of 11.5° in the anterior instrumentation group and 12.6° in the posterior instrumentation group (p < 0.01). The correction loss was 6.8° in the anterior instrumentation group and 6.1° in the posterior instrumentation group at the last follow-up (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The four surgical procedures obtained good results for correction and maintenance of the correction, clearance of the foci, decompression of the spinal cord and pain relief in the treatment of spinal TB in adults, providing that the operative indication is accurately identified. However, the posterior approach was superior to anterior instrumentation for correcting deformity and maintaining the correction.
Coping and Depression in Old Age: A Literature Review
Authors: Bjørkløf Guro Hanevold , Engedal Knut , Selbæk Geir , Kouwenhoven Siren Eriksen , Helvik Anne-Sofie
Published: February 2013

Background/Aims: The interest in the relation between coping and depression in older persons is growing, but research on the concepts and instruments of coping in relation to depression among older persons is scarce and systematic reviews are lacking. With this background, we wanted to gain a systematic overview of this field by performing a systematic literature search. Methods: A computer-aided search in MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Embase, PubMed and www.salutogenesis.fi was conducted. We systematically searched for studies including coping and depression among persons 60 years of age and above. The included studies were evaluated according to predefined quality criteria. Results: Seventy-five studies, 38 clinical and 37 community settings, were included. Of these, 44 were evaluated to be of higher quality. Studies recruiting samples of older persons with a major depressive disorder, moderate or severe cognitive impairment or those who were dependent on care were scarce, thus the research is not representative of such samples. We found a huge variety of instruments assessing resources and strategies of coping (55 inventories). Although we found the relation between resources and strategies of coping and depression to be strong in the majority of studies, i.e. a higher sense of control and internal locus of control, more active strategies and positive religious coping were significantly associated with fewer symptoms of depression both in longitudinal and cross-sectional studies in clinical and community settings. Conclusion: Resources and strategies of coping are significantly associated with depressive symptoms in late life, but more research to systematize the field of coping and to validate the instruments of resources and strategies of coping in older populations is required, especially among older persons suffering from major depression and cognitive decline.
Trabecular Bone Mineral Density and Bone Geometry of the Distal Radius at Completion of Pubertal Growth in Childhood Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Roggen Inge , Gies Inge , Vanbesien Jesse , Louis Olivia , De Schepper Jean
Published: February 2013

Aim: To identify disease-related risk factors for an altered bone mineral density (BMD) and geometry at young adulthood in patients with diabetes mellitus type 1 (DM1). Methods: Fifty-six DM1 patients (23 females, 33 males) with prepubertal onset of diabetes were studied after completion of skeletal growth. Bone parameters at the distal radius were investigated by peripheral quantitative computed tomography. Disease-related parameters, in particular average HbA1c during the 2 years around peak height velocity, were analyzed. Forty-seven healthy controls (32 females, 15 males) were studied. Results: Trabecular BMD was similar between DM1 patients and controls. The mean (±SD) cross-sectional bone area (CSA) was smaller in DM1 patients compared to controls (282.5 ± 45.4 vs. 326.7 ± 52.2 mm2, p = 0.002 and males 391.0 ± 61.3 vs. 423.4 ± 81.9 mm2, p = 0.1). In female DM1 patients, the CSA z-score correlated negatively with the body mass index z-score (r = -0.52, p = 0.01) and positively with the height z-score (r = 0.49, p = 0.02). Conclusions: DM1 patients are at risk for smaller bone sizes at the distal radius at the end of pubertal growth, especially females with increased adiposity. Diabetes-specific parameters seem to have a low impact on forearm volumetric apparent mineral density.
All you need is … resources: The effects of justice and support on burnout and turnover
Authors: Campbell Nathanael S , Perry Sara Jansen , Maertz Carl P , Allen David G , Griffeth Rodger W
Published: February 2013

We propose and test a comprehensive model of burnout, as influenced by justice and support, and as it impacts the turnover process. Deriving our conceptual model from conservation of resources theory, augmented by several domain-specific theories, we investigate three forms of justice (distributive, procedural, and interactional justice) and two sources of support (from organizations and supervisors) as they influence the development of three dimensions of burnout (emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and diminished accomplishment) and subsequent forms of attitudinal withdrawal (organizational commitment and turnover intentions) and behavioral withdrawal (turnover). In a study of 343 social workers, our theoretical path model was well-supported, providing increased understanding of the distinct roles of each form of justice and support in the development of burnout and the subsequent turnover process. Theoretical contributions and implications in the areas of justice, burnout, and turnover are discussed.
It’s all in the mix: Determinants and consequences of workforce blending in call centres
Authors: Kwon Hyunji , van Jaarsveld Danielle
Published: February 2013

Supplementing the full-time permanent workforce with part-time staff is a widespread practice among firms. To better understand this dynamic, we evaluate how work organization choices influence the degree of part-time use by analysing North American survey data from call centre establishments. We also evaluate the effect of part-time use on the voluntary turnover behaviour of the full-time permanent workforce. For example, firms with greater reliance on a high involvement approach to work organization relied less on part-time use than those pursuing a low involvement approach. For firms that choose to rely heavily on part-time use, we find that this decision has consequences for their full-time permanent workforce, namely higher voluntary turnover among their full-time permanent staff. Interestingly, greater reliance on a high involvement approach appears to weaken the positive relationship between part-time use and voluntary turnover among the full-time employees.
Losing Our Humanity
Authors: Bastian Brock , Jetten Jolanda , Chen Hannah , Radke Helena R. M. , Harding Jessica F. , Fasoli Fabio
Published: February 2013

People not only dehumanize others, they also dehumanize the self in response to their own harmful behavior. We examine this self-dehumanization effect across four studies. Studies 1 and 2 show that when participants are perpetrators of social ostracism, they view themselves as less human compared with when they engage in nonaversive interpersonal interactions. Perceived immorality of their behavior mediated this effect. Studies 3 and 4 highlight the behavioral consequences of self-dehumanization. The extent to which participants saw themselves as less human after perpetrating social ostracism predicted subsequent prosocial behavior. Studies 2 to 4 also demonstrate that consequences of self-dehumanization occur independently of any effects of self-esteem or mood. The findings are discussed in relation to previous work on dehumanization and self-perception. We conclude that in the context of immoral actions (self) dehumanization may be functional.
Singled Out as the Effect to be Explained
Authors: Bruckmüller Susanne
Published: February 2013

The description and explanation of intergroup differences tend to be framed in terms of how nonnormative (untypical and/or stigmatized) groups differ from normative groups rather than vice versa. Three experiments examined how this affects group members’ collective self-esteem. Single participants felt worse about being single when they read (Study 1) or wrote (Study 2) about how singles differ from coupled people than when they read or wrote about how coupled people differ from singles—although they mentioned more positive aspects of being single under the former comparative framing. In Study 3, left-handed participants indicated lower private collective self-esteem after writing about how left-handers differ from right-handers than after writing about how right-handers differ from left-handers. Thus, regardless of the specific characteristics that the comparison focused on, being marked as different and having to explain one’s group identity negatively affected members of nonnormative, but not members of normative groups.
Dehumanization, Retributive and Restorative Justice, and Aggressive Versus Diplomatic Intergroup Conflict Resolution Strategies
Authors: Leidner Bernhard , Castano Emanuele , Ginges Jeremy
Published: February 2013

The desire for justice can escalate or facilitate resolution of intergroup conflicts. Two studies investigated retributive and restorative notions of justice as the mediating factor of the effect of perceived outgroup sentience—an aspect of (mechanistic) dehumanization referring to the emotional depth attributed to others—on intergroup conflict resolution. Study 1 showed that for Palestinians, who see themselves as victims, perceived sentience of Israelis decreased retributive but increased restorative notions of justice, which, ultimately, increased support for conflict resolution by negotiation rather than political violence. Study 2 partially replicated Study 1’s findings with Jewish Israelis. The role of perceived sentience and its relationship to retributive and restorative notions of justice in protracted and nonprotracted conflicts and their resolution is discussed.
Consider the Source
Authors: Smith Colin Tucker , De Houwer Jan , Nosek Brian A.
Published: February 2013

The long history of persuasion research shows how to change explicit, self-reported evaluations through direct appeals. At the same time, research on how to change implicit evaluations has focused almost entirely on techniques of retraining existing evaluations or manipulating contexts. In five studies, we examined whether direct appeals can change implicit evaluations in the same way as they do explicit evaluations. In five studies, both explicit and implicit evaluations showed greater evidence of persuasion following information presented by a highly credible source than a source low in credibility. Whereas cognitive load did not alter the effect of source credibility on explicit evaluations, source credibility had an effect on the persuasion of implicit evaluations only when participants were encouraged and able to consider information about the source. Our findings reveal the relevance of persuasion research for changing implicit evaluations and provide new ideas about the processes underlying both types of evaluation.
A right-to-left policy switch? An analysis of the Honduran case under Manuel Zelaya
Authors: Cunha Filho Clayton M. , Coelho André Luiz , Pérez Flores Fidel I.
Published: February 2013

A member of the Honduran elite and elected president with a right-of-center platform in 2005, Manuel Zelaya soon came to be allied with Latin America’s bloc of radical left-wing governments – this being the first case of a post-democratization right-to-left policy switch in the region. The aim of this article is to assess the reasons that could have motivated Zelaya’s ideological turn. After a brief discussion of the Honduran political process, we review the literature about the issue of policy switching and proceed to an empirical analysis of the Honduran case. We find that the fragility of the country’s energy sector and the alliance with Venezuela in a context of international economic crisis and high oil prices could have triggered a causal mechanism in Honduras similar to the one caused by currency scarcity and international pressure pointed to by the literature as the leading cause for traditional left-to-right switches, which suggests that this case study could serve as a pattern-matching exercise to the general findings of currently accepted switch theory.
Facelift Approach for Parotidectomy: An Evolving Aesthetic Technique
Authors: Grover Nancy , D'Souza Alwyn
Published: February 2013

Objective

To systematically review the literature on the modified facelift incision for parotidectomy and to identify the scope and safety of this approach, along with cosmetic outcomes. Where available, a direct comparison was made with Blair's incision (BI).

Data Sources

Medline, PubMed, Cochrane, and CINHAL databases for English‐language studies published between 1960 and 2011 on the facelift approach for parotidectomy.

Review Methods

Exclusion criteria were studies reporting on concurrent facelift, studies that used synthetic material for reconstruction of the surgical bed, descriptive studies, and studies with duplicate patient data. Outcome measures were candidacy for surgery, variations in incision, cosmetic outcomes, surgical time, complication rates, and limitations.

Results

Of the initial 139 studies, 11 studies encompassing 628 patients were included. Male‐to‐female ratio was 0.49:1, and average age was 47.1 years. In total, 582 surgeries were performed for benign lesions. Only 10 studies specified the extent of surgery: 8 authors used it for performing superficial/partial parotidectomy, and 2 described 17 cases of total parotidectomy. Tumors up to 8 cm have been excised, with a median value of 4 cm. Operative time, formally analyzed in 3 studies, was not significantly different when compared with BI. Complication rates were not increased with this approach. Aesthetic outcomes pertaining to postoperative scar were good, as reported by the patients.

Conclusion

The facelift approach is a cosmetically superior approach to parotid tumors as proven by objective data. Most publications in the literature pertaining to the modified facelift incision for parotidectomy have been in the past decade, lending credence to its rising popularity.
An Algorithm Approach to Diagnosing Bilateral Parotid Enlargement
Authors: Chen Si , Paul Benjamin C. , Myssiorek David
Published: February 2013

Objective

This contemporary review aims to categorize the disease entities that cause bilateral parotid enlargement and to develop a question‐based algorithm to improve diagnosis of bilateral parotid masses.

Data Sources

A PubMed search for bilateral and parotid showed 818 results. Of these, 68 relevant studies were reviewed to compile a list of disease processes that can cause bilateral parotid enlargement.

Review Methods

A total of 22 diseases entities were reviewed. The disease processes were initially grouped into 6 categories based on etiology: sialadenosis, infection, neoplasm, autoimmune, iatrogenic, and miscellaneous. For each lesion, the incidence, history, and physical examination were compiled in a matrix.

Conclusion

After reviewing the matrix, it was clear that grouping diseases based on specific history and physical findings limits the differential diagnosis. The most important factors included disease incidence, timing of onset, nodular or diffuse, pain, and overlying skin changes. With this algorithm, the differential diagnosis can be limited from 28 to 7 or fewer likely diagnoses for a given presentation.

Implications for Practice

Bilateral parotid disease has a wide differential diagnosis with an expanding number of available tests. An algorithm, based solely on data obtained from the history and physical examination in the first patient encounter, may reduce the differential and aid the clinician in deciding on further workup and treatment. Following the algorithm presented here should allow the clinician to arrive at a diagnosis rapidly without ordering unnecessary tests and wasting resources.
Impact of the intensity of microemboli on neurocognitive outcome following cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Doganci S , Gunaydin S , Kocak O Murat , Yilmaz S , Demirkilic U
Published: February 2013

Background:

This study aimed to determine whether there was any association between the intensity of intraoperative gaseous microembolic signals (GME), neuropsychological testing and clinical outcome in high-risk patients undergoing coronary artery surgery (CABG).

Methods:

Over a 6-month period, GME activity was monitored in 102 Euroscore 6+ patients during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) with a conventional 32-micron arterial filter by non-invasive, real-time ultrasonic device. Cognitive tests; line bisection, the Stroop test, finger tapping, and the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test were performed at baseline, postoperative one week and postoperative one month.

Results:

The distribution of GME activity showed that there were three groups of patients: >500 total emboli (n = 38); 250 to 500 emboli (n = 30) and <250 emboli (n = 34) at a detection level of 2% of the circuit diameter on the arterial side. Line bisection, the Stroop test and finger tapping were impaired significantly in >500 emboli patients versus control (<250 emboli) in postoperative week one, but resolved in one month.

Conclusions:

Correlation between intraoperative GME intensity and neurocognitive tests suggests that the level of GME might have a role in determining the psychological outcome after CABG with CPB.