bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Classification of Information Assets and Risk Assessment
Authors: Chen Patrick S. , Yen David C. , Lin Shu-Chiung
Published: November 2015

Many information systems' incidents result from inadequate protection of information assets. Assets classification and risks assessment procedures will no doubt help to identify the associated risks related to information systems for a better security control. In the banking industry, prior research and studies are rather lacking due to the nature of maintaining confidentiality. The purpose of this study is to develop an approach to classify information assets of financial institutions and also assess their corresponding risks. Delphi method was adopted and questionnaires based on the guidelines of the well-recognized standard of ISO/IEC 27001 were developed subsequently. A total of 99 information assets subject to security breaches are chosen for risks assessment and a panel of seven experts is invited to complete questionnaires. Consequently, a model for calculating the risk index is proposed according to an exponential scale ranging over 9 grades. The results reveal that three types of information assets exposed to a high level of risk warrant special protection. The experts also make some security enhancement suggestions for the assets with a risk grade ? 6. Aiming to enrich research literature on the risks assessment of information assets in the banking industry, the results of this study can provide a valuable reference for both academia and security practitioners.
Current issues in the transport and supply-chain environment in South Africa
Authors: Kruger Stephen , Luke Rose
Published: November 2015

The Department of Transport and Supply Chain Management at the University of Johannesburg proudly presents to you Volume 9, 2015, of the Journal of Transport and Supply Chain Management (JTSCM), an accredited publication unique to South Africa.
Understanding the organisational culture of district health services: Mahalapye and Ngamiland health districts of Botswana
Authors: Nkomazana Oathokwa , Mash Robert , Phaladze Nthabiseng
Published: November 2015

Background: Botswana has a shortage of health care workers, especially in primary healthcare. Retention and high performance of employees are closely linked to job satisfaction and motivation, which are both highest where employees’ personal values and goals are realised.Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate employees’ personal values, and the current and desired organisational culture of the district health services as experienced by the primary health care workers.Setting: The study was conducted in the Ngamiland and Mahalapye health districts.Method: This was a cross sectional survey. The participants were asked to select 10 values that best described their personal, current organisational and desired organisational values from a predetermined list.Results: Sixty and 67 health care workers completed the survey in Mahalapye and Ngamiland districts, respectively. The top 10 prevalent organisational values experienced in both districts were: teamwork, patient satisfaction, blame, confusion, job insecurity, not sharing information and manipulation. When all the current values were assessed, 32% (Mahalapye) and 36% (Ngamiland) selected by health care workers were potentially limiting organisational effectiveness. The organisational values desired by health care workers in both districts were: transparency, professional growth, staff recognition, shared decision-making, accountability, productivity, leadership development and teamwork.Conclusions: The experience of the primary health care workers in the two health districts were overwhelmingly negative, which is likely to contribute to low levels of motivation, job satisfaction, productivity and high attrition rates. There is therefore urgent need for organisational transformation with a focus on staff experience and leadership development.
Resurrection imageries: A study of the motives for extravagant burial rituals in ancient Egypt
Authors: Agai Jock M.
Published: November 2015

Unlike in the New Testament whereby faith in Christ can resurrect the dead, the ancient Egyptians believed that the bereaved created the resurrection of their deceased through burial rituals and by encouraging the living to serve their kings. They thought that faith alone in god or the gods was not enough to resurrect the dead, thus they seemingly superimposed resurrection alongside burials. Using the various forms of Egyptian burial rituals and evaluated from the perspective of the Christian concept of resurrection, this researcher attempts to search for the motives behind specific Egyptian burial rituals. The researcher proposes that the activities of the bereaved or of the living over the dead were paramount in resurrecting the dead in ancient Egypt. The purpose of this research is, firstly, to explain how the Egyptian burial rituals influenced their thoughts on resurrection and, secondly, to show that the Egyptian god(s) might have depended on the living to raise the dead.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: The ancient Egyptians lived their lives mainly to satisfy the interests of the dead, hence their extensive burial rituals. Whilst they believed in the power of the gods to raise the dead, there seemed to be another motive behind their burial practices which suggested that the living may have had more power to raise the dead. The power was realised in the activities of the living in the form of burials, tomb designs, mummification, food offering, and in remembering the dead. This research explains that these burial activities were relevant in resurrecting the dead without which the gods alone were not able to do that.
Collagenous spherulosis: An interesting cytological finding in breast lesion
Authors: Puri Shailja , Mohindroo Shobha , Gulati Anchana
Published: November 2015

Collagenous spherulosis (CS) is a rare and interesting entity associated with benign breast lesions. CS is an incidental finding picked up only on 0.2% of cytology specimen. Typically cytologically of CS of breast consists of central spherical hyaline spherule surrounded by myoepithelial cells. The central hyaline spherule has been found to be basement membrane material histochemically and immunohistochemically. The importance of recognizing CS of breast lies in the fact that similar hyaline globules can occur in adenoid cystic carcinoma of the breast (ACCB). The two lesions need to be differentiated on cytology failing which inappropriate treatment can be given for either of the two lesions. We present here a case of CS associated with benign breast lesion and a case of ACCB to describe their cytological features and key points to differentiate them cytologically.
Gastroesophageal Variceal Filling and Drainage Pathways: An Angiographic Description of Afferent and Efferent Venous Anatomic Patterns
Authors: Gaba Ron C , Couture Patrick M , Lakhoo Janesh
Published: November 2015

Varices commonly occur in liver cirrhosis patients and are classified as esophageal (EV), gastroesophageal (GEV), or isolated gastric (IGV) varices. These vessels may be supplied and drained by several different afferent and efferent pathways. A working knowledge of variceal anatomy is imperative for Interventional Radiologists performing transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt and embolization/obliteration procedures. This pictorial essay characterizes the angiographic anatomy of varices in terms of type and frequency of venous filling and drainage, showing that different varices have distinct vascular anatomy. EVs typically show left gastric vein filling and “uphill” drainage, and GEVs and IGVs exhibit additional posterior/short gastric vein contribution and “downhill” outflow. An understanding of these variceal filling and drainage pathways can facilitate successful portal decompression and embolization/obliteration procedures.
High Expression of Three-Gene Signature Improves Prediction of Relapse-Free Survival in Estrogen Receptor-Positive and Node-Positive Breast Tumors
Authors: Thakkar Arvind , Raj Hemanth , Ravishankar  , Muthuvelan Bhaskaran , Balakrishnan Arun , Padigaru Muralidhara
Published: November 2015

The objective of the present study was to validate prognostic gene signature for estrogen receptor alpha-positive (ERα+) and lymph node (+) breast cancer for improved selection of patients for adjuvant therapy In our previous study, we identified a group of seven genes ( GATA3, NTN4, SLC7A8, ENPP1, MLPH, LAMB2, and PLAT) that show elevated messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels in ERα (+) breast cancer patient samples. The prognostic values of these genes were evaluated using gene expression data from three public data sets of breast cancer patients ( n = 395). Analysis of ERα (+) breast cancer cohort ( n = 195) showed high expression of GATA3, NTN4, and MLPH genes significantly associated with longer relapse-free survival (RFS). Next cohort of ERα (+) and node (+) samples ( n = 109) revealed high mRNA expression of GATA3, SLC7A8, and MLPH significantly associated with longer RFS. Multivariate analysis of combined three-gene signature for ERα (+) cohort, and ERα (+) and node (+) cohorts showed better hazard ratio than individual genes. The validated three-gene signature sets for ERα (+) cohort, and ERα (+) and node (+) cohort may have potential clinical utility since they demonstrated predictive and prognostic ability in three independent public data sets.
Extramedullary Conus Ependymoma Involving a Lumbar Nerve Root with Filum Terminale Attachment
Authors: Moriwaki Takashi , Iwatsuki Koichi , Ohnishi Yu-ichiro , Ninomiya Koshi , Yoshimine Toshiki
Published: November 2015

Purpose

In the current report, we describe a case of an extramedullary ependymoma involving a lumbar nerve root near conus medullaris. Spinal ependymomas commonly present as intramedullary tumors in the cervical or thoracic cord or as tumors arising from the conus medullaris or the filum terminale. In this case, we showed an extramedullary conus ependymoma involving a lumbar nerve root with filum terminale attachment.

Case Presentation

A 69-year-old woman presented with lower back pain, but without sensory disturbance or motor weakness in her lower extremities.

Clinical Assessment

Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an intradural mass at T12–L1 at the conus medullaris, which was totally resected. Histopathology revealed a non-myxopapillary ependymoma (WHO grade 2). Postoperatively, the patient did well and displayed no neurological deficits. Moreover, no radiotherapy was required.

Conclusions

This report documented a rare case of intradural extramedullary ependymoma located at the conus medullaris, involving the lumbar nerve root, and attached to the filum terminale. Although extramedullary ependymomas at this region are more frequently classified as myxopapillary, histopathological examination revealed this tumor as a non-myxopapillary ependymoma.
The Norwegian Offender Mental Health and Addiction Study – Design and Implementation of a National Survey and Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Bukten Anne , Lund Ingunn Olea , Rognli Eline Borger , Stavseth Marianne Riksheim , Lobmaier Philipp , Skurtveit Svetlana , Clausen Thomas , Kunøe Nikolaj
Published: November 2015

The Norwegian prison inmates are burdened by problems before they enter prison. Few studies have managed to assess this burden and relate it to what occurs for the inmates once they leave the prison. The Norwegian Offender Mental Health and Addiction (NorMA) study is a large-scale longitudinal cohort study that combines national survey and registry data in order to understand mental health, substance use, and criminal activity before, during, and after custody among prisoners in Norway. The main goal of the study is to describe the criminal and health-related trajectories based on both survey and registry linkage information. Data were collected from 1,499 inmates in Norwegian prison facilities during 2013–2014. Of these, 741 inmates provided a valid personal identification number and constitute a cohort that will be examined retrospectively and prospectively, along with data from nationwide Norwegian registries. This study describes the design, procedures, and implementation of the ongoing NorMA study and provides an outline of the initial data.
Hysterectomy of a 15 Years Old Girl: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Pati Tapasi , Nayak Sibananda , Mohapatra Sanjukata , Chandra Sahu Mahesh , Nath Padhy Rabindra
Published: November 2015

A 12 years old girl reported with a history of unsuccessful attempt at vaginoplasty. During admission, she was found to be in septic shock and detected to have pyoperitoneum as well as, involuntary leakage of urine. Exploratory laparotomy was carried out as the life saving measure. After 1 year, she was taken up for the repair of vesicovaginal fistula (VVF). She presented again with complaints of mass in lower abdomen after 8 months. When evaluated the mass was diagnosed as hematometra and blood was drained out, by syringing the uterus in a surgical procedure. Further she developed severe pain along with recurrence of the mass, which was progressively increasing in size. The repeat vaginoplasty was attempted but found unsuccessful, resulting in hysterectomy at 15 years.

How to cite this article

Pati T, Nayak S, Mohapatra S, Sahu MC, Padhy RN. Hysterectomy of a 15 Years Old Girl: A Rare Case Report. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2015;9(3):331-334.
Successful Management of Lip and Oral Venous Varices by Photocoagulation with Nd:YAG Laser
Authors: Migliari Dante , Vieira Rodrigo R , Nakajima Edgar K , Azevedo Luciane H
Published: November 2015

Aim

This study assessed the effectiveness of photocoagulation with Nd:YAG laser in the treatment of lip and oral venous varices.

Materials and methods

Sixteen consecutive patients (eight men and eight women, mean age 56 years) diagnosed as having either lip or oral venous varices, were examined and treated with a noncontact Nd:YAG laser. As lesions were small (less than 1 cm), round or oval in shape, flat, dark to blue in color and symptomless, patients sought for treatment either for esthetic reason, bleeding or cancerophobia-related concern.

Results

All but one lesion were successfully treated with only one irradiation exposure. Healing was completed in about 2 to 4 weeks; none of the patients experienced complications or recurrence. Pain was out of any major concern during immediate follow-up.

Conclusion

Although photocoagulation with Nd:YAG laser did not outperform the effectiveness observed with diode laser (data shown in a previous study),17 it proved to be safe and effective for the treatment of lip and oral varices, with consistent results.

Clinical significance

Most of patients with oral and lip varices only need some clinical advice regarding the their nature of their lesions. Yet, for those who seek treatment for this conditions, the use Nd:YAG laser is an option as it yields satisfactory outcomes.

How to cite this article

Migliari D, Vieira RR, Nakajima EK, Azevedo LH. Successful Management of Lip and Oral Venous Varices by Photocoagulation with Nd:YAG Laser. J Contemp Dent Pract 2015;16(9):723-726.
Evaluation of the Bond Strength and Fracture Resistance of Different Post Systems
Authors: Türker Sevinç Aktemur , Özçelik Bahar , Yilmaz Zeliha
Published: November 2015

Aim

To compare the bond strength and the fracture resistance of different post systems.

Materials and methods

Endodontically treated 60 mandibular incisor and 60 mandibular premolar teeth were used for the bond strength and fracture resistance test respectively. For each test, three groups (n = 20) were formed according to the posts used zirconia posts (ZR post), individually formed glass fiber reinforced composite posts with an (Interpenetrating Polymer Network—IPN post) and cast metal posts. Then groups were randomly assigned into two subgroups according to the post design: 1-parallel sided and 2-tapered (n = 10/group). All posts were luted with a self-adhesive luting agent. For push-out test two 1 mm thick horizontal root sections were obtained and subjected to push-out test. For fracture resistance test, the specimens were loaded vertically at 1 mm/min crosshead speed. The push out test data were analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's test. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey significant difference tests were used to compare the fracture resistance.

Results

Cast metal posts showed the highest retention (p < 0.05); however, IPN and zirconia posts showed similar results. No significant difference was found between parallel sided or tapered designs of post groups in terms of bond strength (p > 0.05). In terms of fracture resistance, IPN post groups showed lowest fracture resistance (p < 0.05). No significant difference was found between parallel sided or tapered posts in terms of fracture resistance, except zirconia post (p > 0.05). There was no relationship between the bond strength and fracture resistance of the post systems (r = – 0.015, p > 0.700).

Conclusion

Post type had effect both on the fracture resistance and retention of the posts used. However, post design had effect only on the fracture resistance of the post systems.

Clinical significance

Superficial treatment of the post used can improve the retention of post systems.

How to cite this article

Türker SA, Özçelik B, Yilmaz Z. Evaluation of the Bond Strength and Fracture Resistance of Different Post Systems. J Contemp Dent Pract 2015;16(10): 788-793.
Utilization of Dental Services in Public Health Center: Dental Attendance, Awareness and Felt Needs
Authors: Pewa Preksha , Dagli Rushabh , Solanki Jitendra , Garla Bharath K , Bhateja Geetika Arora
Published: November 2015

Background

In rural India, dental diseases occur due to many factors, which includes inadequate or improper use of fluoride and a lack of knowledge regarding oral health and oral hygiene, which prevent proper screening and dental care of oral diseases. The objective of the study was to evaluate the dental attendance, awareness and utilization of dental services in public health center.

Materials and methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 251 study subjects who were visiting dental outpatient department (OPD) of public health centre (PHC), Guda Bishnoi, and Jodhpur using a pretested proforma from month of July 2014 to October 2014. A pretested questionnaire was used to collect the data regarding socioeconomic status and demographic factors affecting the utilization of dental services. Pearson's Chi-square test and step-wise logistic regression were applied for the analysis.

Results

Statistically significant results were found in relation to age, educational status, socioeconomic status and gender with dental attendance, dental awareness and felt needs. p-value <0.05 was kept as statistically significant.

Conclusion

The services provided in public health center should be based on the felt need of the population to increase attendance as well as utilization of dental services, thereby increasing the oral health status of the population.

How to cite this article

Pewa P, Garla BK, Dagli R, Bhateja GA, Solanki J. Utilization of Dental Services in Public Health Center: Dental Attendance, Awareness and Felt Needs. J Contemp Dent Pract 2015;16(10):829-833.
Negotiating Intimate and (A)sexual Stories
Authors: Woodiwiss Jo
Published: November 2015

Drawing on a research project looking at women's engagement with therapeutic/self-help literature this paper uses the concept of narrative frameworks to explore women's negotiation of currently circulating stories of healthy womanhood, intimacy and sexuality. In a (western) world increasingly informed by therapeutic discourses, adult women are told they are entitled to happiness and success and failure to do so is seen to result from past (often traumatic) experiences which might or might not be remembered. Central to this construction of womanhood is what (drawing on Rich 1980) I have called ‘compulsory sexuality’ whereby the healthy adult woman is constructed as sexually knowledgeable, active and desirous. This not only puts pressure on all women to construct a (particular) active sexual self but helps to construct those who do not as problematic and directs them to seek both cause and solution in their damaged psychologies. One such cause is said to be childhood sexual abuse and the self-help literature aimed at survivors of such abuse encourages readers to use the idea(l) of an active sexual self as a measure of health, well-being and ultimately womanhood. In this paper I argue that contemporary narrative frameworks of healthy womanhood not only allows for women who are not, or do not wish to be, sexually active to be identified as problematic, but directs them to see themselves as damaged. In critiquing the sexual abuse recovery literature I also show how this can be used to create different a/sexual selves, albeit ones currently perceived to be ‘damaged’.
The Work of Seduction: Intimacy and Subjectivity in the London ‘Seduction Community’
Authors: O'Neill Rachel
Published: November 2015

This paper explores negotiations of intimate and sexual subjectivity among men involved in the London ‘seduction community’, a central locus within what is more properly regarded as a community-industry. Herein, heterosexual men undertake various forms of skills training and personal development in order to gain greater choice and control in their relationships with women. As an entry point to this discussion I consider the international media event that enveloped American ‘pickup artist’ Julien Blanc in November 2014. Shifting focus away from the cultural figure of the ‘pickup artist’ and onto socially located men, I attempt to complicate a dominant narrative that characterises men who participate in this community-industry as pathetic, pathological or perverse. This analysis makes use of extensive ethnographic research undertaken within the London seduction community, and examines how men who participate in this setting engage a mode of intimate and sexual subjectivity ordered by themes of management and enterprise. Ultimately I argue that the central logics of the seduction community are not dissonant from but are in fact consistent with broader reconfigurations of intimacy and sexuality taking place in the contemporary UK context.
Sub-ionospheric VLF signal anomaly due to geomagnetic storms: a statistical study
Authors: Tatsuta K. , Hobara Y. , Pal S. , Balikhin M.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. We investigate quantitatively the effect of geomagnetic storms on the sub-ionospheric VLF/LF (Very Low Frequency/Low Frequency) propagations for different latitudes based on 2-year nighttime data from Japanese VLF/LF observation network. Three statistical parameters such as average signal amplitude, variability of the signal amplitude, and nighttime fluctuation were calculated daily for 2 years for 16–21 independent VLF/LF transmitter–receiver propagation paths consisting of three transmitters and seven receiving stations. These propagation paths are suitable to simultaneously study high-latitude, low-mid-latitude and mid-latitude D/E-region ionospheric properties. We found that these three statistical parameters indicate significant anomalies exceeding at least 2 times of their standard deviation from the mean value during the geomagnetic storm time period in the high-latitude paths with an occurrence rate of anomaly between 40 and 50 % presumably due to the auroral energetic electron precipitation. The mid-latitude and low-mid-latitude paths have a smaller influence from the geomagnetic activity because of a lower occurrence rate of anomalies even during the geomagnetically active time period (from 20 to 30 %). The anomalies except geomagnetic storm periods may be caused by atmospheric and/or lithospheric origins. The statistical occurrence rates of ionospheric anomalies for different latitudinal paths during geomagnetic storm and non-storm time periods are basic and important information not only to identify the space weather effects toward the lower ionosphere depending on the latitudes but also to separate various external physical causes of lower ionospheric disturbances.
Gestión de documentos técnicos: una proyección en la Universidad del Zulia
Authors: Paredes Chacin Ana Judith , Paredes Chacín Neyda
Published: November 2015

Objetivo. Analiza de forma integral y sistemática los principios de organización y procedimiento técnico, que respaldan la gestión de documentos basada en el uso de las tecnologías de información. Método. Se desarrolló un estudio de campo basado en el método descriptivo-documental, en el contexto de la Gerencia de Proyectos de la Dirección de Infraestructura (Dinfra) de la Universidad del Zulia. Resultados. En los resultados obtenidos es evidente la eficiencia de los procesos que respaldan la gestión de documentos técnicos: planos, cálculos métricos y memorias descriptivas generados en la Dinfra. Conclusión. Los fundamentos conceptuales, de organización y técnica archivística, contribuyen con la sistematización, el reguardo y la preservación documental, además de garantizar la recuperación oportuna de la información técnica para la gestión de la Universidad del Zulia.
Alfabetización informacional en instituciones de educación superior: Diseño de un instrumento
Authors: Toledo Sánchez María del Carmen , Maldonado-Radillo Sonia Elizabeth
Published: November 2015

Objetivo. Exponer los resultados de una fase investigativa psicométrica para demostrar la validez de un instrumento diseñado para medir la Alfabetización Informacional en las Instituciones de Educación Superior de México. Método. El diseño del cuestionario de 50 ítems se fundamenta en los estándares UNESCO de competencias en tecnologías de información y comunicación (TIC) para docentes y en las normas sobre las aptitudes para el acceso y uso de la información en la enseñanza superior. La estrategia metodológica contempló los análisis de validez de contenido a través del Modelo de Lawshe, de correlación ítem-ítem y de constructo mediante el análisis factorial en una muestra fue de 73 docentes y bibliotecarios que laboran en instituciones educativas del noroeste de México. Resultados. Los resultados revelan que el instrumento se redujo a 44 ítems y demostró que éstos evalúan el mismo constructo en una estructura interna que sugiere cinco dimensiones para la variable competencias informacionales y cuatro para competencias en TIC. Conclusiones. Se concluye que los ítems tienen buena claridad en relación al concepto específico, no obstante, se precisó la eliminación de 6 ítems resultando válido y confiable como instrumento para medir la alfabetización informacional en el contexto estudiado.
Penetration of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles through Slightly Damaged Skin in Vitro and in vivo
Authors: Xie Guangping , Lu Weixin , Lu Dongmin
Published: November 2015

Purpose

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) have been widely developed for versatile use, but the potential risk form their skin exposure is still unclear. To evaluate this risk, the skin penetration of TiO2-NPs is necessary to be understood first. The aims of this study are to investigated the penetration of TiO2-NPs through slightly damaged skin and intact skin in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

TiO2-NPs with a diameter of 20 nm was labeled with 125I. The skin of rat was treated with 2% SLS solution and obtained as slightly damaged skin. The 125I labeled TiO2-NPs (125I-TiO2-NPs)solution and 0.9% PS solution were added into the donor chamber and receptor chamber of static diffusion cells which clamped the skin at the middle of two half-cells, respectively. During 24 hours, samples were extracted from the receptor chamber and counted for 1 min using γ-counter to detect the radioactivity. The skin penetration of TiO2-NPs in vitro was expressed as the percentage of radioactivity of receptor chamber solution compared with total radioactivity in the donor chamber. Thereafter, the 125I-TiO2-NPs was exposed to the rats. After 1 day and 3 days, the blood and tissues of rats were harvested, weighed and counted for 1 min using γ-counter to detect the tissue radioactivity. The skin penetration of TiO2-NPs in vivo was expressed as the percentage dose per gram tissue (% dose/g).

Results

In the skin penetration experiment in vitro, the radioactivity of receptor chamber solution through damaged skin was higher than that of through intact skin and was about 2% radioactivity of donor chamber on 24 h. In the skin penetration experiment in vivo, the radioactivity of blood and tissues of rats after exposing to 125I-TiO2-NPs solution though damaged skin or intact skin were less than 0.05% dose/g on 1 d and quickly declined on 3 d. The skin penetration rates of TiO2-NPs through slightly damaged skin and intact skin in vitro and vivo were lower than the rate of free 125I in the TiO2-NPs solution.

Conclusions

The TiO2-NPs could not penetrate through the damaged skin or intact skin both in vitro and in vivo. It suggested that the TiO2-NPs should be safe when it was applied and contacted with skin.
Impact of c-erbB-2 Protein on 5-year Survival Rate of Gastric Cancer Patients after Surgery: A Cohort Study and Meta-analysis
Authors: Wu Hao , Cai Zhenzhai , Lu Guangrong , Cao Shuguang , Huang He , Jiang Yi , Sun Weijian
Published: November 2015

Objective

To explore the association of c-erbB-2 protein expression with clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of gastric cancer (GC) after surgery.

Methods

A total of 133 patients undergoing surgical resection for GC between March 2006 and January 2009 in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University were included in this study. c-erbB-2 protein expression was determined by immunohistochemistry. Afterwards, a meta-analysis was performed to further confirm the association between c-erbB-2 protein expression and GC by employing stringent inclusion and exclusion criteria. All data analyses were conducted with STATA 12.0 and SPSS 19.0.

Results

There was no significant difference in c-erbB-2 expression among patients with various parameters including age, gender and histological types (all p>0.05). Among 133 GC patients, 32 patients presented c-erbB-2-positive expression and 101 presented c-erbB-2-negative expression (24.1% vs. 75.9%). The c-erbB-2-positive expression rate was significantly higher in GC tissues of patients with lymph node metastasis than those without. Similarly, a significant increase in c-erbB-2 expression was observed in well/moderately differentiated GC tissues compared with poorly differentiated GC. Patients with negative c-erbB-2 expression had a higher 5-year survival rate than those with positive c-erbB-2 expression, which was consistent with the results of the meta-analysis (OR = 0.54, 95% CI 0.37-0.80, p = 0.002).

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that high expression of c-erbB-2 protein was strongly associated with lymph node metastasis, histological differentiation and 5-year survival rate in GC patients after surgery.
The Elegiac Tradition and the Imagined Geography of the Sea and the Shore
Authors: Mills Rebecca
Published: November 2015

This article investigates the prevalence of the sea and the seashore in the elegiac tradition from a geocritical perspective, including poems by John Milton, Alfred, Lord Tennyson, Matthew Arnold, Robert Lowell, Carolyn Kizer, Sylvia Plath, and Elizabeth Bishop. I draw attention to the prevalence and recurrence of oceanic and littoral topographies in elegies from both Britain and America, and from different periods, in order to demonstrate a geography-based continuity within the tradition and genre, thereby challenging and developing popular critical narratives of shift and rupture in the heritage of elegy. By extension, I illustrate the relevance of geocriticism to poetry, specifically in the investigation of elegiac strategies connected to the drawing of cartographies of imagination, emotion and memory. Focusing on the elegiac seashore—in particular Plath's “Berck-Plage” and Bishop's “North Haven,” in addition to the cultural imaginary of the ocean that they draw upon—enables the connection of specific perspectives on death and loss to specific kinds of spatial imaginations.
Mariu F. Lacayo, arte multidimensional
Authors: Valdeavellano Marcela
Published: November 2015

Mariu F. Lacayo es una artista visual nicaragüense, que desde siempre se ha fascinado por los tejidos, pero no cualquier tejido, sino los textiles originarios, los lampazos mexicanos, las urdimbres de algodón antiguas o populares, pero no para tejerlas ella, sino para reproducirlas a través de la pintura, en la que realizaba acercamientos para representar las costuras, los pompones, los movimientos de la tela.
Organisational barriers to effective pain management amongst oncology nurses in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alqahtani Mohammed , Katherine Jones Linda , Holroyd Eleanor
Published: November 2015

Cancer pain is a multi-dimensional syndrome with a combination of acute and chronic pain that causes physical, psycho-social, behavioural, emotional and spiritual problems resulting in adverse effects on patients’ quality of life. Nurses need to be well prepared with knowledge on pain assessment and management techniques in oncology units, due to their vital role in the decision-making process regarding pain management. However, limited research has been conducted regarding nurses’ barriers regarding pain management in oncology units, especially in Saudi Arabia. The overall aim of this study was to explore the nurses’ perceived barriers that hinder the delivery of effective pain management to cancer patients. Five focus group discussions were conducted using a purposive sampling of six to eight nurses in each group, with a total of 35 oncology nurses. The results of focus group analysis revealed two main thematic categories with associated sub themes, being nurses’ workloads, and the absence of health team collaboration. This study provides an increased awareness of the barriers that may hinder the efficacy of pain management provided to cancer patients in Saudi Arabia context. Significant implications will benefit nursing practice, administration and education, in addition to identifying potential future research.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for English Language Teaching, Vol. 8, No. 12
Authors: Yu Gavin
Published: November 2015

Reviewer acknowledgements for English Language Teaching, Vol. 8, No. 12, 2015
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Journal of Mathematics Research, Vol. 7, No. 4
Authors: Wang Sophia
Published: November 2015

Journal of Mathematics Research wishes to acknowledge the following individuals for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Their help and contributions in maintaining the quality of the journal is greatly appreciated.

Many authors, regardless of whether Journal of Mathematics Research publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers.

Reviewers for Volume 7, Number 4

 

Abdelaziz Mennouni

Alberto Simoes

Antonio Boccuto

Arman Aghili

Cecília Rosa

David Bartl

Dimple Chalishajar

Hari M. Srivastava

Kuldeep Narain Mathur

Lana Yeganova

Li Wang

Marek Brabec

Maria Alessandra Ragusa

Michael Wohlgenannt

Mohammad Sajid

Ömür DEVECİ

Peng Zhang

Petr Bujok

Philip Philipoff

R. Roopkumar

Roberto S. Costas-Santos

Rovshan Bandaliyev

Saima Anis

Sanjib Kumar Datta

Selcuk Koyuncu

Sergiy Koshkin

Xinyun Zhu

Youssef El-Khatib

Zoubir DAHMANI

 

Sophia Wang

On behalf of,

The Editorial Board of Journal of Mathematics Research

Canadian Center of Science and Education
On the Improvement of China’s Legal System of Foreign Direct Investment
Authors: Jia Shu-Xue
Published: November 2015

China has not enacted unified foreign direct investment code, and the legal system of foreign direct investment is composed of separate laws and numerous regulations and rules at both national and local level. The establishment of all foreign investment enterprises in China is subject to examination and approval of relevant authorities, only after which enterprises can be registered. The operation duration of equity joint ventures, contractual joint ventures and solely foreign-founded enterprises shall comply with relevant provisions of Chinese laws. The operation duration and disillusion of foreign-invested stock joint limited companies are subject to Chinese Company Law. The 2-track legislation model, under which foreign investment enterprises and domestic enterprises are governed by different laws and regulations, caused conflicts among different laws and difficulties in application of laws. To overcome the defaults China must enact unified law on foreign direct investment.
Agroecological Niches as Ecosystem-Based Adaptive Option to Environmental Change in the Forest-Savanna Transition Zone of Ghana
Authors: Ofori Benjamin D. , Ayivor Jesse S. , Pabi Opoku , Gordon Christopher
Published: November 2015

Generally, local farmers are able to adapt to environmental change (and developments in socio-economic conditions) by engaging in a range of creative practices of on-farm management, use of improved crop varieties and adoption of new technologies. However in the past few decades, there has been growing interest in other adaptive options with the potential of addressing household food security and the multiple dimensions of sustainable agriculture. This study therefore examined the use of niche environments in the agricultural landscape as ecosystem-based adaptive strategy to environmental change among 102 farmers of 9 fringe communities of the Kogyae Strict Nature Reserve of the forest-savanna transition zone in Ghana. The study noted the increasing shift from maize cultivation to rice production using marshy areas and low-lying parts of farm fields and farms. The farmers mentioned climatic, ecological and other socio-economic reasons for this trend. They cited growing insecurity associated with maize production due to changing rainfall pattern and reduction in rainfall amounts, and changes in land cover and soil conditions. Additionally, they emphasized the relative ease with which they are able to store rice and the willingness of padi buyers to visit the villages in spite of the poor nature of the roads. The study advocated for greater institutional support to boost local rice production in order to reduce the country’s heavy dependence on imports.
On irreducible divisor graphs in commutative rings with zero-divisors
Authors: Mooney Christopher Park
Published: November 2015

In this paper, we continue the program initiated by I. Beck's now classical paper concerning zero-divisor graphs of commutative rings. After the success of much research regarding zero-divisor graphs, many authors have turned their attention to studying divisor graphs of non-zero elements in integral domains. This inspired the so called irreducible divisor graph of an integral domain studied by J. Coykendall and J. Maney. Factorization in rings with zero-divisors is considerably more complicated than integral domains and has been widely studied recently. We find that many of the same techniques can be extended to rings with zero-divisors. In this article, we construct several distinct irreducible divisor graphs of a commutative ring with zero-divisors. This allows us to use graph theoretic properties to help characterize finite factorization properties of commutative rings, and conversely.
Performance Characteristics of Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Salivary Glands in Fine-Needle Aspirates: Results From the College of American Pathologists Nongynecologic Cytology Program
Authors: Tabatabai Z. Laura , Auger Manon , Kurtycz Daniel F. I. , Laser Alice , Souers Rhona J. , Laucirica Rodolfo , Barkan Guliz A. , Crothers Barbara A. , Khalbuss Walid E.
Published: November 2015

Context

Although the cytomorphology of adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) has been well described, the accuracy of this diagnosis in fine-needle aspirates (FNAs) of the salivary glands has not been extensively evaluated.

Objective

To assess participants' responses in the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Nongynecologic Cytology (NGC) Program to determine the accuracy and false-negative rate of ACC cases in salivary gland FNAs.

Design

A retrospective review of the CAP NGC Program's cumulative data from 2000–2010 was performed for the general and the specific reference diagnosis categories for ACC in salivary gland FNAs according to preparation and participant types.

Results

Of 5156 responses, the overall concordance rates for both the general category of malignancy and the specific category of ACC were 63.6% (3279 of 5156) and 38.6% (1966 of 5088), respectively, with a false-negative rate of 36.4% (1877 of 5156). The most frequent false-negative responses were pleomorphic (1080) and monomorphic (526) adenoma (1614 of 5088, 31.5%), while lymphoma was the most frequent malignant misinterpretation. There was a significant statistical difference in concordance to the reference interpretation between the reader types: 39.9% (1006 of 2521) concordance rate for pathologists compared to 33.8% (503 of 1488) for cytotechnologists. However, there was no significant statistical difference for concordance to the general category or reference interpretation, based on preparation type (Papanicolaou versus modified Giemsa stained).

Conclusions

In this interlaboratory comparison educational program, accurate identification of ACC has shown to be problematic, with ACC representing an important cause of false-negative responses. The most common diagnostic pitfall is distinguishing this entity from pleomorphic and monomorphic adenoma in the benign category and from lymphoma and adenocarcinoma in the malignant one.
Value of Molecular Tests in Cytologically Indeterminate Lesions of Thyroid
Authors: Zhang Xinmin
Published: November 2015

Context

Fine-needle aspiration has been the initial step in the workup of thyroid nodular lesions and has successfully reduced the number of unnecessary surgeries and improved preoperative malignancy detection. However, up to one-third of cases fall in the diagnostically “indeterminate group,” which poses a patient-management challenge.

Objective

To review the characteristics of molecular tests useful for stratifying the malignancy risk of indeterminate thyroid lesions, including their advantages and limitations.

Data sources

PubMed.

Conclusions

Molecular tests are useful for triage of indeterminate thyroid nodules initially diagnosed by using fine-needle aspiration. Immunocytochemistry is readily available with the shortest turnaround time among the molecular tests but suffers from poor reproducibility and low interpretation concordance. Gene mutation analysis is superior in detecting malignancies as a rule-in test, despite low specificity. Next-generation sequencing seems promising but needs more validations before widespread use. Gene expression profiling is more suitable for detecting benign lesions as a rule-out test to avoid unnecessary surgeries but is not reliable in excluding malignancies. MicroRNA profiling has great potential for both risk stratification and predicting prognosis but is limited by significant variations in sensitivity and specificity. Although many questions still need to be answered, taken together, molecular tests are a promising option for classifying cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodular lesions.
Expression of Angiogenic Factors in Invasive Retinoblastoma Tumors Is Associated With Increase in Tumor Cells Expressing Stem Cell Marker Sox2
Authors: Garcia Jesús R. , Gombos Dan S. , Prospero Claudia M. , Ganapathy Aravindh , Penland Rebecca L. , Chévez-Barrios Patricia
Published: November 2015

Context

Progression of retinoblastoma is associated with increased tumor angiogenesis. However, a clear relationship between the expression of angiogenic markers in specific regions of the tumor and tumor progression has not been established. This study investigates the association between angiogenic factors in retinoblastomas with choroidal and/or optic nerve invasion (high-risk/invasive retinoblastoma) and expression of Sox2, a stem cell marker.

Objective

To investigate the association between the expression of angiogenic factors and markers of tumor invasiveness, such as the stem cell marker Sox2, in retinoblastoma tissues.

Design

Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate coexpression of the angiogenic growth factors vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR-2), and endoglin (CD105); markers of glial differentiation (vimentin and glial fibrillary acidic protein); and a neural stem cell marker (Sox2). Expression was assessed in nonneoplastic and neoplastic ocular tissues collected from enucleated eyes of patients with retinoblastoma. During qualitative data interpretation, evaluating pathologists were masked to patient grouping.

Results

Expression of VEGF-A and VEGFR-2 in noninvasive (non–high-risk feature) retinoblastoma tumors was lower than in the invasive, or high-risk feature tumors. Moreover, our data indicate that the tumor cells, and not the surrounding stroma, secrete VEGF-A and that angiogenesis is mostly localized to the iris. Finally, our data showed that the expression of the neural stem cell marker Sox2 is associated with eyes with increased VEGF-A expression and tumor invasiveness.

Conclusions

Increased expression of angiogenic factors, with a concomitant increase in expression of the stem cell marker Sox2 observed in retinoblastoma tissues, may partially explain the aggressiveness of these tumors. The complex interaction of angiogenic and stem cell–related pathways in these tumors, especially in high-risk feature retinoblastoma, suggests that targeting tumor cells capable of secreting vasculogenic factors, as well as proangiogenic genes and signaling pathways, may be necessary for development of effective antimetastatic retinoblastoma drugs.
Comparison of Oncotype DX Recurrence Score by Histologic Types of Breast Carcinoma
Authors: Bomeisl Philip E. , Thompson Cheryl L. , Harris Lyndsay N. , Gilmore Hannah L.
Published: November 2015

Context

Oncotype DX (ODX) is a widely used commercial assay that estimates the risk of distant recurrence and may predict the benefit of chemotherapy in a subset of breast cancers. Some studies have shown the ability to predict Oncotype DX recurrence score (ODXRS), based on routinely reported pathologic features; however, there are limited data correlating specific histologic type of breast cancer to ODXRS.

Objective

To compare ODXRS to specific histologic types of breast cancer.

Design

One hundred eighty-four cases were sent for ODXRS testing and the results were compared with histologic type and grade.

Results

The highest average ODXRS was seen in invasive ductal carcinoma with micropapillary features (29) followed by invasive ductal carcinoma not otherwise specified (mean = 19.4, SD = 11.6), invasive mucinous carcinoma (mean = 17.2, SD = 5.9), invasive lobular carcinoma (mean = 15.7, SD = 7.2), mixed ductal and lobular carcinoma (mean = 14.1, SD = 7.7), tubular carcinoma (10.0), and mixed ductal and mucinous carcinoma (mean = 8.0, SD = 4.2). Most tumors that had a high ODXRS were grade 3 invasive ductal carcinoma, representing 13 of a total of 20 cases (65%). Interestingly, 3 of the 4 cases of pure invasive mucinous carcinoma had an intermediate ODXRS.

Conclusions

Although the numbers are small, our findings raise further awareness of the significance between histologic type and grade, and RS in breast cancer. In some special histologic types of breast cancer, particularly those considered to follow either an excellent or poor clinical course by histology alone, it is unclear whether the ODXRS results are as meaningful as in carcinomas of no special type. Further investigation with higher numbers and outcome data is needed.