bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Presentation and Diagnosis of Small Acoustic Tumors
Authors: Dornhoffer John L. , Helms Jan , Hoehmann Dirk H. 
Published: November 2015

With the recent advent of magnetic resonance imaging and auditory brain stem response, it is now possible to diagnose acoustic tumors while they are still quite small. As a result, it is becoming obvious that the clinical presentation of these smaller lesions can be somewhat variant to what is considered typical for an acoustic neuroma. Likewise, although the sensitivity of auditory brain stem response for larger tumors is believed to be quite good, the sensitivity for smaller tumors has recently been questioned, particularly when the patient is first seen early in the course of the disease with only mild otologic complications. To assess auditory brain stem response results as well as clinical and audiologic presentations, we conducted a retrospective study of patients treated for small acoustic tumors (less than 1 cm). Of the 70 patients included in the study, auditory brain stem response was abnormal in 65 (93%), on the basis of wave V latency prolongation and interaural latency differences. This would indicate that auditory brain stem response is a valid screening test for acoustic tumors, even in early stages of development. The clinical presentation of patients with small acoustic tumors was similar to that reported for acoustic tumors in general, but with vertigo occurring more frequently in patients with smaller tumors. Several atypical patterns of hearing loss were also noted.
Hearing Results in Surgery for Primary Petrous Apex Lesions
Authors: Gianoli Gerard J. , Amedee Ronald G. 
Published: November 2015

Hearing preservation is a frequently mentioned phrase in the growing field of skull base surgery. Many authors have attempted to identify prognostic factors for successful hearing preservation, and many have suggested alternative procedures for preserving serviceable hearing. Few have mentioned hearing improvement with skull base surgical procedures. In this article we present the hearing results of 25 surgical procedures for primary petrous apex lesions. These Include 13 cholesterol granulomas, 5 cholesteatomas, 4 mucoceles, and 3 eosinophilic granulomas. Surgical approaches included 14 transmastoid/infralabyrinthine, 6 transphenoid, 3 suboccipital, and 2 transmastoid/translabyrinthine. Hearing was maintained In 14 patients (56%), Improved in 9 patients (36%), and worse in 1 patient with nonserviceable hearing before surgery (4%); 1 patient had profound hearing loss before surgery (4%). Results of this review should have significant implications on the choice of surgical approach for petrous apex lesions. Additionally, the standard method of determining salvageable hearing for most skull base procedures may not apply for this specific group of lesions. Implications for future treatment plans will be discussed in detail.
Man, Institutions and Bioeconomics
Authors: Gil Javier Alfonso 
Published: November 2015

Because bioeconomics is born of the interaction between the biological activity system and its socio-economic activity system, a holistic methodological approach is essential to study the relations between them. However, it must search for increasing levels of reductionism within each discipline to delve into the ultimate nature of each one of the intervening forces, whether economic or biological. This paper explores the economic forces. Through the biological capacity to comprehend, man and by extension, society, accumulates knowledge, the fulcrum from which he is able to dominate over his natural habitat. From this ‘point d’appui’, man builds two basic tools to assist him in achieving the goal of bettering his social condition. On the one hand, he creates institutions that allow him to “live with others” and, on the other, he develops technology that helps him to “live better with others”. Institutions, also referred to as ‘social technology’, tend toward stability over time while technology or ‘material technology’, tends toward instability, which would suggest that, normally, the mechanics of change will originate in material technology and, from there, progress to social technology by way of the political market. The level of progress and development attained depends on the quantity and rate of growth of knowledge applied by a society. In the process, man and his collectivity are forced to adopt new views of their environment through new shared mental models. The concurrence of equipment and political market will ultimately become the prime mover of institutional and economic change as well as change in mentality. Both technologies must keep on an adaptive course of stable evolution since discrepancies arising between them can cause tension between the various social groups. Adequate management of technological shock is essential to avoid extreme situations of social conflict. Herein lie the most important political decisions that a government must confront over the long term.
Crime and Disorder: Perceptions of Business People in Cornwall, England
Authors: Mawby R.I. 
Published: November 2015

While there has, recently, been a spate of research on the victimisation of businesses, rather less research has focused on the perceptions of the business community, and — in contrast to studies of the general public — little emphasis has been placed on explaining variations in concern over crime and disorder. This article uses data from the 2001 Cornwall Business Crime Survey to explore the extent to which business people in a rural county of England perceive crime and disorder to be a problem locally and are concerned at its impact on their businesses. The findings suggest that crime and disorder were not considered the most serious problems facing local businesses, but nevertheless evoked some concern, particularly among a significant minority of respondents. The article then focuses on explaining variations in perceptions and concludes that these can be understood in terms of the nature of the businesses, their location, and the extent to which businesses had experienced crime. These findings largely parallel Hough's (1995) earlier work explaining anxiety among the general public.
Psychosocial Effects of Cardiac Transplantation
Authors: Dressler Diane K. 
Published: November 2015

As more cardiac transplant procedures are performed, the psychosocial implications of the procedure can be identified and investigated. The process of cardiac transplant can be viewed as a series of stages and adaptive tasks which begin with the proposal of transplant and progress to successful postoperative adaptation. The suggestion of transplant may evoke feelings of anxiety and ambivalence as patients realize that transplant may be their only option for long-term survival. The evaluation process determines the need for transplant and whether there are circumstances that might limit post-transplant survival. Psychosocial evaluation is important as survival depends in part on the recipient's ability to cope with stressors and comply with a complex medical regimen. This evaluation is not standardized, and research continues to identify reliable predictors of postoperative behavioral and psychiatric complications. The wait for a donor may be the most stressful of all stages as candidates deal with increasing symptoms, increasingly intensive medical management and the fear of a donor will not be found in time. Following successful surgery, heart recipients and their families express feelings of joy and relief. During convalescence, adjustment difficulties may arise in the form of transient depression or body image concerns. After recipients are discharged from the hospital, they must comply with intensive medical follow-up to monitor their health. They continue to be vulnerable to physical, emotional and financial problems. They need to develop a realistic acceptance of life as a transplant recipient and to suppress feelings of vulnerability in order to view their future positively. Emotional support through counseling and support groups can be helpful. Increased functional capacity following cardiac transplantation is well documented, but studies pertaining to quality of life have varying results. Health professionals continue to work collaboratively to improve quality of life after cardiac transplantation.
Transforming Corporate Governance
Authors: Athreya Mrityunjay 
Published: November 2015

With the increasing liberalization and globalization of all economies, there is a worldwide recognition of higher freedom and role for corporations and managers, on the one hand, and consequently, the need for better governance, on the other. In this paper, we shall look at a three-step process for transforming corporate governance: 1. Laws for minimum good governance. 2. Competent entrepreneurs, professional managers and their dedicated leadership for better governance. 3. Business values and ethics for superior governance.
Identifying Emotional Intelligence Related Competencies among Highly Successful Managers for Corporate Success: An Empirical Study
Authors: Dwivedi R.S. 
Published: November 2015

The emerging literature reveals a close relationship between corporate success and the emotional intelligence of its leaders. While the theory of emotional intelligence is rooted in the initial phase of intelligence testing movement, the term 'emotional intelligence' was coined in 1990 by Salovey and Mayor who defined it as the "ability to monitor one's own and other's feelings and emotions, to discriminate among them and use this information to guide one's thinking and action". Despite numerous research studies conducted abroad, very; little empirical work has been conducted on emotional intelligence and related competencies in India. Because of this serious research gap, the present study has been undertaken to ascertain whether emotional intelligence and related competencies really characterise highly successful managers in profit making Indian organisations. A purposive sample (n=60) of highly successful managers from five profit making Indian organisations was administered 'EC Scale for Managers' to identify; their emotional intelligence related competencies. The mean scores of emotional intelligence and its five components were found to be above average among the managers. The scores of individual managers ranged from moderate to high on emotional intelligence and its components; of course, most of them were above average. Emotional intelligence and its components had no (or very; low insignificant) relationships (r ranged from -.21 to .16) with age and experience. However, education revealed low negative (but significant) relationships with emotional intelligence (r= -.31) and three of its components: social skill (r= -.33), empathy (r= -.29) and motivation (r=-.27). The 15 managerial competencies related to five interrelated dimensions (3 in each) of emotional intelligence identified by the study can he placed in an organised framework or grid for varied HR decisions concerning managers to accomplish corporate success in the Indian context. In descending order, these include: empathy (expertise in building and retaining talent, cross-cultural sensitivity, service to clients and customers), self-awareness (self-confidence, realistic self-assessment, self-depreciating sense of humour), motivation (strong drive to achieve, optimism, organisational commitment), self-regulation (trust-worthiness and integrity, comfort with ambiguity, openness to change) and social skill (effectiveness in leading change, persuasiveness, expertise in building and leading teams).
Managing Institutions of Higher Education: A Case for a Public Relations Programme
Authors: Gupta Mukul P. 
Published: November 2015

The times ahead are going to be difficult for most of the institutions of higher education for reasons like rising costs of running the institutions, limits on revenue from the fees, declining numbers of applicants, rising public expectations, rising faculty costs, non-availability of good faculty resources, curriculum and pedagogical-controversies. There are opportunities available too. Public faith in formal education is well established and growing. People are willing to pay for better education. Public acceptance for private institutions is increasing. The economy is on the upswing creating sufficient jobs for the kind of people which such institutions turn out. There will be four external areas to consider in the future for survival and growth of these institutions: Freedom, Funds, Federalism and Freshers. Key internal areas have to be identified for close monitoring, control and nurturing. Some of them are—Courses, Facilities and Faculty. Institutions would have to recognise, nurture, pamper and seek support from their public.
Information Technology (IT) Empowerment of Indian Banks
Authors: Majumdar S.K. 
Published: November 2015

Effective Information Support (IS) is very important for any bank. Nationalised banks have failed to automate their banking operations and are thus unable to support the banking needs of a new generation of customers, who want prompt and efficient service. Realising the need for IT empowerment, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued several directives (3, 4, 5 and 7) to use Information Technology for improving house keeping, customer services, control over branches’ operations and timely generation of policy oriented information for the decision makers at various levels of banking. Attempts were made to introduce distributed data processing and decision aiding approach, data management information systems, use of PC technology, modular aproach for designing the system, parallel flow of information and real time processing concept. Why has it taken so long for the IT empowerment of Indian banks?
Event-Related Potentials to Expectancy Violation in Musical Context
Authors: Tervaniemi M. , Huotllainen M. , Bratiico E. , Ilmoniemi R.J. , Reinlkainen K. , Alho K. 
Published: November 2015

The present study addressed neuronal processing of musical tones that violate expectancies primed by auditorily and visually presented musical material. Event-related brain potentials (ERPs) were recorded while the musically trained subjects were presented with short melodies composed for the experiment. The subject's expectations for the most likely ending were strengthened by displaying the melody score on a computer screen simultaneously with its auditory presentation. In about half of the melodies, the expected ending was randomly replaced by a tone violating the subjective expectancies in physical (frequency) and cognitive (harmonic) dimensions. The present ERP results indicate that the melodic expectations cover the tone pitch as well as its harmonic function. At least with highly repetitive melodies when the listener is provided with simultaneous visual information of the expected ending of the melody, the expectations are predominantly formed in the physical dimension: Significant effects of expectancy violation were found in N1, N2, P3, and N4 ERP deflections for physically most distant but harmonically best fitting ending tone. In addition to physical distance between the expected and unexpected ending tone, harmonic context of the given melody modulated N2 deflection already at 200 ms after the unexpected ending.
Discussing Serious News
Authors: Flint Hilary , Meyer Mark , Hossain Monir , Klein Melissa 
Published: November 2015

Aim: The ability to communicate serious news to patients and families in a caring and compassionate way is a critical skill for physicians. This study explores the impact of a novel communication skills workshop that included bereaved parents in role play on pediatric residents’ confidence to communicate serious news. Methods: Following the workshop, pediatric residents were surveyed to assess their perceived efficacy of the educational intervention. The survey included anchored response and open-ended questions to yield qualitative and quantitative results. Results: After completing the workshop, residents’ confidence in discussing goals, managing emotions, and expressing empathy all increased significantly. Residents reported that the inclusion of bereaved parents was beneficial since it made the experience more realistic. In addition, they believed their ability to communicate with patients and families had improved. Conclusions: Including bereaved parents in this communication skills workshop improved the residents’ confidence in discussing serious topics and enhanced the reality of the experience.
The Effects of Duration and Frequency of Achilles Tendon Stretching on Dorsiflexion and Outcome in Painful Heel Syndrome: A Randomized, Blinded, Control Study
Authors: Porter David , Barrill Erin , Oneacre Kathy , May Benjamin D. 
Published: November 2015

The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society recommends at least six months of nonsurgical treatment before considering surgical intervention for painful heel syndrome. Achilles tendon stretching exercises are consistently reported to be one of the more effective nonsurgical modalities for treatment of painful heel syndrome. However, the optimal duration and frequency of the exercises has not been reported. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of sustained and intermittent Achilles tendon stretching for the relief of pain associated with painful heel syndrome. This prospective, randomized, blinded study was performed from May 1997 to July 2000. A total of 94 people (122 affected feet) fit the inclusion criterion and agreed initially to participate in a treatment study group. To achieve our purpose, study participants were randomized into two stretching groups. One group performed sustained Achilles tendon stretches (three minutes, three times daily), the other performed intermittent stretches (five sets, 20 seconds each, two times daily). Participants were evaluated once a month for a period of four months subsequent to diagnosis. At each monthly visit, participants completed subjective questionnaires about their pain. Also, a physical therapist measured each participant's Achilles tendon flexibility. The study determined that both sustained and intermittent Achilles tendon stretching exercises increase Achilles tendon flexibility. This increase in flexibility correlated with a decrease in pain. There was no significant difference in outcome between the sustained and intermittent stretching groups. The data suggest that both sustained and intermittent Achilles tendon stretching exercises were effective nonsurgical treatments for painful heel syndrome.
Treatment of Talar Osteochondral Lesions Using Local Osteochondral Graft
Authors: Sammarco G. James , Makwana Nilesh K. 
Published: November 2015

Twelve patients with an osteochondral lesion of the talus were treated with excision of the lesions and local osteochondral autogenous grafting. The lesion was accessed through a replaceable bone block removed from the anterior tibial plafond. The graft was harvested from the medial or lateral talar articular facet on the same side of the lesion. The average age of the patients was 41 years and duration of symptoms was 90 months (ave.). There were six males and six females with the right talus involved in eight and the left in four patients. Graft sizes ranged from four to eight millimeters in diameter. There was a significant improvement in the AOFAS score from 64.4 (ave.) pre-operatively to 90.8 (ave.) postoperatively (p>0.0001), at a follow-up of 25.3 months (ave.). The AOFAS score was slightly higher in patients under 40 years of age and in those without pre-existing joint arthritis. All patients were very satisfied with the procedure. Arthroscopy performed in two patients at six and 12 months following surgery showed good graft incorporation. No complications occurred at the donor site or the site of bone block removal on the distal tibia. The results show that stage III and IV talar osteochondral lesions can be accessed successfully excising a tibial bone block and using local autogenous osteochondral graft harvested from the ipsilateral talar articular facet.
Biomechanical Evaluation of the Efficacy of External Stabilizers in the Conservative Treatment of Acquired Flatfoot Deformity
Authors: Imhauser Carl W. , Abidi Nicholas A. , Frankel David Z. , Gavin Kenneth , Siegler Sorin 
Published: November 2015

This study quantified and compared the efficacy of in-shoe orthoses and ankle braces in stabilizing the hindfoot and medial longitudinal arch in a cadaveric model of acquired flexible flatfoot deformity. This was addressed by combining measurement of hindfoot and arch kinematics with plantar pressure distribution, produced in response to axial loads simulating quiet standing. Experiments were conducted on six fresh-frozen cadaveric lower limbs. Three conditions were tested: intact-unbraced; flatfoot-unbraced; and flatfoot-braced. Flatfoot deformity was created by sectioning the main support structures of the medial longitudinal arch. Six different braces were tested including two in-shoe orthoses, three ankle braces and one molded ankle-foot orthosis. Our model of flexible flatfoot deformity caused the calcaneus to evert, the talus to plantarflex and the height of the talus and medial cuneiform to decrease. Flexible flatfoot deformity caused a pattern of medial shift in plantar pressure distribution, but minimal change in the location of the center of pressure. Furthermore, in-shoe orthoses stabilized both the hindfoot and the medial longitudinal arch, while ankle braces did not. Semi-rigid foot and ankle orthoses acted to stabilize the medial longitudinal arch. Based on these results, it was concluded that treatment of flatfoot deformity should at least include use of in-shoe orthoses to partially restore the arch and stabilize the hindfoot.
Computers Are An Integral Part of this Family's Life Style
Authors: Datnow Claire-Louise 
Published: November 2015

The appearance of the inexpensive personal computer is in many ways like the period after the printing press was invented. People recognized that printing technology would make record keeping for business and government easier and information more widely available. However, the main impact on daily life became evident decades later when the majority became literate enough to use reading and writing for personal satisfaction and gain. Today, although thousands of people are discovering the rewards of computer literacy, “in the public mind computer literacy still belongs to that small priesthood who painfully acquire their skills in the service of large cloistered machines, unapproachable by ordinary laymen,” say A. Luehrmann and H. Peckman in their book Apple Pascal. In fact, anyone can learn to use a computer. For many families the computer has become an integral part of their life styles.
For The G/C/T Classroom: Finding The Right Resources: Research Activities
Authors: Shade Richard 
Published: November 2015

Research has been and should continue to be an integral component of any gifted program. Of the three basic types of research (historical, descriptive, and experimental), the first two types are most often engaged by students in the elementary classroom. These two types of research usually involve an encyclopedia as a primary source of information. Unless students are given the opportunity to be exposed to the wide variety of resources at their disposal it is unlikely that they will discover them on their own. It is the purpose of this article to provide the teacher of elementary gifted students with five research activities that can help expose students to those different resources. The activities should take about one week to complete, except for the final one. The purpose of the activities should be explained to the students before beginning them.