bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Significance of Subtype Classification in Metastatic Lymph Nodes of Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy
Authors: Nemoto Noriko , Shibahara Yukiko , Tada Hiroshi , Uchida Keiko , McNamara Keely M. , Chan Monica S.M. , Watanabe Mika , Tamaki Kentaro , Miyashita Minoru , Miki Yasuhiro , Gonda Kohsuke , Ishida Takanori , Ohuchi Noriaki , Sasano Hironobu
Published: January 2015

Background

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy has been increasingly utilized in the treatment of breast cancer patients. However, there are no established surrogate markers predicting the response to subsequent adjuvant therapy and clinical outcome of patients. In particular, whether primary or lymph nodes metastasis should be evaluated for these analyses has remained unknown. Therefore, in this study, we first evaluated the differences in biomarkers between primary and metastatic cancer tissues in the patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy. We then correlated the findings with the clinical outcomes of these patients.

Methods

We examined 49 patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy and subsequent surgery with lymph node metastasis. Estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PgR), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and Ki-67 were all immunohistochemically evaluated in core needle biopsy samples from primary and metastatic tumors following chemotherapy.

Results

No statistically significant differences in these markers were detected between the primary tumor and metastatic lymph nodes following therapy, but the Ki-67 labeling index was significantly higher in metastatic lymph nodes than in primary tumor (p = 0.017). The patients associated with luminal A type carcinoma in their lymph nodes following chemotherapy demonstrated significantly better clinical outcomes (disease-free survival: p = 0.0045, overall survival: p = 0.0006) than those who were not.

Conclusion

These data indicate that subtype classification following chemotherapy, in the metastatic lymph nodes rather than primary tumor could predict long-term outcomes of patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Measurement of a Urinary Marker (8-hydroxydeoxy­Guanosine, 8-OHdG) of DNA Oxidative Stress in Epidemiological Surveys: A Pilot Study
Authors: Zanolin M. Elisabetta , Girardi Paolo , Degan Paolo , Rava Marta , Olivieri Mario , Di Gennaro Gianfranco , Nicolis Morena , De Marco Roberto
Published: January 2015

Background

8-Hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) is a commonly used marker of DNA oxidative stress in epidemiological studies. The aim of this study was to establish whether the urinary concentration of 8-OHdG varies during the first part of the day, when clinical tests are usually performed, and whether it can therefore be measured without bias in spot urine samples.

Material and methods

Spot urine samples were collected using a convenience sample. A linear mixed-effects model for repeated measurements was used to analyze 8-OHdG levels.

Results

A significant increasing trend in time in the 8-OHdG concentration was found among smokers, but not in the case of nonsmokers.

Conclusions

In epidemiological studies on oxidative stress, all participants should collect their early morning urine specimens – before their first cigarette if they are smokers – to gather information on individual background oxidation levels.
Female incontinence surgery: state of the art
Authors: Marson Francesco , Ammirati Enrico , Gurioli Alberto , Destefanis Paolo , Gontero Paolo , Frea Bruno
Published: January 2015

Female urinary incontinence represents a medical and social problem with huge impact regarding both patent's quality of life and social costs. The diagnosis is important for therapeutic choice and should consider some factors: the degree of urethral mobility, urodynamics parameters, patent's will and expectations, information about surgical complications and risks. Nowadays suburethral sling evolution and bulking therapy for selected cases consent to perform miniinvasive surgery; the most relevant problem concerns the management of postoperative complications: in this sense autologous slings are used after urethrolisis. In most difficult cases, it is possible to consider artificial sphincter as the best option.
Robotic-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy: Experience on 60 Cases
Authors: Zeccolini Guglielmo , de Concilio Bernardino , del Biondo Dario , Gallo Gaetano , Silvestre Pasquale , Celia Antonio
Published: January 2015

Introduction

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is still one of the more challenging procedures in urology. Minimizing warm ischemia time (WIT) and bleeding requires efficient intracorporeal suturing. In addition, achieving negative surgical margins requires complete excision of the tumor. Robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy (RALPN) adds the advantages offered by the “Da Vinci system” to laparoscopy, such as the 3-D vision, and the better degree of freedom of surgical instruments.

Objective

The objective of this study is to report our experience with RALPN.

Methods

From August 2009 to October 2012, 60 patients underwent RALPN for kidney cancer. The average age of the patients (35 female, 25 male) was 63 (range 48–80) years. Average BMI was 25 (range 21.8–29.7) kg/m2. Average tumor size was 3.2 cm (range 2-6.7 cm). All the procedures were performed by a transperitoneal approach, liar clamping was used in all cases: in 47 patients by one intracorporeal tourniquet for the artery and one for the vein; in three cases, ilar clamping was “en block” by Satinsky.

Results

Mean operative time was 167.2 min (140–250) with a WIT of 23.8 min (15–28). The mean estimated blood loss was 260 mL (50–300). In one case, nephrectomy was necessary because the tumor involved the renal pedicle. One patient had pulmonary embolism and one urinary leakage conservatively managed. Pathologic examination revealed clear cell renal cell carcinoma in 58 patients, oncocytoma in one patient, and angiomyolipoma in one patient. All resection margins were free from tumor.

Conclusions

Partial nephrectomy, facilitated by robotic technology, is more and more frequently performed as a safe and effective minimally invasive procedure.
Endourethral Migration of a Hem-o-Lok Clip after Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Bientinesi Riccardo , Di Gianfrancesco Luca , Pugliese Dario , D'Agostino Daniele , Racioppi Marco , Bassi Pier Francesco , Sacco Emilio
Published: January 2015

Hem-o-Lok clips (Weck Surgical Instruments, Teleflex Medical, Durham, North Carolina, USA) are widely used in robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy because of their easy application and secure clamping. To date, there have been some reports of their migration into the urinary tract, causing urethral erosion, bladder neck contractures orcalculus formation. We report a case of endourethral migration of a hem-o-lok after robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy. The hem-o-lok was almost completely endoluminal and attached to one end at the vesico-urethral anastomosis. The hem-o-lok was easily removed cystoscopically by using an endoscopic forceps.
Efficient Image Steganogrphic Algorithms Utilizing Transforms: Wavelet and Contourlet with Blowfish Encryption
Authors:   Department of Computer Engineering, College of Electrical & Mechanical Engineering, National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan, Rubab Saddaf , Javed Younus
Published: January 2015

Steganography is a means to hide the existence of information exchange. Using this technique the sender embeds the secret information in some other media. This is done by replacing useless data in ordinary computer files with some other secret information. The secret information could be simple text, encoded text or images. The media used as the embedding plane could be an image, audio, video or text files. Using steganography ensures that no one apart from the sender and the receiver knows about the existence of the message. In this paper, a steganography method based on transforms used i.e. Wavelet and Contourlet. Devised algorithm was used against each transform. Blowfish Encryption method is also embedded to double the security impact. The major advantage of applying transforms is that the image quality is not degraded even if the number of embedded characters is increased. The proposed system operates well in most of the test cases. The average payload capacity is also considerably high.
PNFEA: A Proposal Approach for Proactive Network Forensics Evidence Analysis to Resolve Cyber Crimes
Authors:   Zarqa University/Department of Computer Science, Zarqa, 13132, Jordan, Rasmi Mohammad , Al-Qerem Ahmad
Published: January 2015

Nowadays, cyber crimes are increasing and have affected large organizations with highly sensitive information. Consequently, the affected organizations spent more resources analyzing the cyber crimes rather than detecting and preventing these crimes. Network forensics plays an important role in investigating cyber crimes; it helps organizations resolve cyber crimes as soon as possible without incurring a significant loss. This paper proposes a new approach to analyze cyber crime evidence. The proposed approach aims to use cyber crime evidence to reconstruct useful attack evidence. Moreover, it helps investigators to resolve cyber crime efficiently. The results of the comparison of the proposed approach prove that it is more efficient in terms of time and cost compared with the generic and the modern process approach for network forensics.
Extending the WSN lifetime by Dividingthe Network Area into a Specific Zones
Authors:   Department of Computer Science, Education College for Pure Sciences, Thi-Qar University, Postal address: 2936, Basrah, Iraq, Awaad Mishall H. , Jebbar Wid A.
Published: January 2015

LEACH protocol is considered the best in the WSN protocols in extending the network lifetime and reduces energy loss, but LEACH suffers from the problem of the correct distribution of the nodes correlation with CHs. In this paper, we propose an improved protocol called LEACH-Z(LEACH zones), this protocol improves the distribution of clusters by making the clusters near the base station(BS) large(greater number of nodes) and the clusters are far from BS small(lesser number of nodes), where divides the network area to parts(zones), be part of a larger when close to the BS in addition to preventing the election of CHs in the region far from the BS and thus conserve energy this means that the nodes will remain alive as long as possible, this makes nodes gather more information. The results proved that the LEACH-Z is better than the original LEACH and more optimizations to reduce energy consumption.
Augmented Reality Mobile Application of Balinese Hindu Temples: DewataAR
Authors:   Department of Information Technology, Faculty of Engineering, Udayana University, Bali, Indonesia, Waruwu Adi Ferliyanto , Bayupati I Putu Agung , Putra I Ketut Gede Darma
Published: January 2015

Augmented reality is a visual technology which combines virtual objects into the real environment in real time. E-tourism in Bali needs to be optimized, so that information technology can help tourists and provide new experiences when traveling. Generally, tourists wish for gaining information in an attractive way about visiting tourism objects. Nowadays, mobile-based application programs that provide information about tourism objects in Bali are rarely found. Therefore, it is important to develop an application which provides information system about tourism objects, especially about the Tanah Lot temple. By implementing augmented reality technology, which grows rapidly all over the world, the application of DewataAR can show 3 dimensional objects, video, and audio information of the temples. The application works by scanning brochure of tourism object by using an Android smartphone or tablet, then it can display 3 dimensional objects, video, and audio information about those tourism objects. Hence, augmented reality can be alternative media for promoting tourism object attractively for tourists and also be able to develop tourism in Bali.
KCl Mediates K+ Channel-Activated Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases Signaling in Wound Healing
Authors: Shim Jung Hee , Lim Jong Woo , Kim Byeong Kyu , Park Soo Jin , Kim Suk Wha , Choi Tae Hyun
Published: January 2015

Background Wound healing is an interaction of a complex signaling cascade of cellular events, including inflammation, proliferation, and maturation. K+ channels modulate the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Here, we investigated whether K+ channel-activated MAPK signaling directs collagen synthesis and angiogenesis in wound healing.

Methods The human skin fibroblast HS27 cell line was used to examine cell viability and collagen synthesis after potassium chloride (KCl) treatment by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and western blotting. To investigate whether K+ ion channels function upstream of MAPK signaling, thus affecting collagen synthesis and angiogenesis, we examined alteration of MAPK expression after treatment with KCl (channel inhibitor), NS1619 (channel activator), or kinase inhibitors. To research the effect of KCl on angiogenesis, angiogenesis-related proteins such as thrombospondin 1 (TSP1), anti-angiogenic factor, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), pro-angiogenic factor were assayed by western blot.

Results The viability of HS27 cells was not affected by 25 mM KCl. Collagen synthesis increased dependent on time and concentration of KCl exposure. The phosphorylations of MAPK proteins such as extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 increased about 2.5-3 fold in the KCl treatment cells and were inhibited by treatment of NS1619. TSP1 expression increased by 100%, bFGF expression decreased by 40%, and there is no significant differences in the VEGF level by KCl treatment, TSP1 was inhibited by NS1619 or kinase inhibitors.

Conclusions Our results suggest that KCl may function as a therapeutic agent for wound healing in the skin through MAPK signaling mediated by the K+ ion channel.
Regulation of Transforming Growth Factor β1, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor, and Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor by Silicone Gel Sheeting in Early-Stage Scarring
Authors: Choi Jaehoon , Lee Eun Hee , Park Sang Woo , Chang Hak
Published: January 2015

Background Hypertrophic scars and keloids are associated with abnormal levels of growth factors. Silicone gel sheets are effective in treating and preventing hypertrophic scars and keloids. There has been no report on the change in growth factors in the scar tissue following the use of silicone gel sheeting for scar prevention. A prospective controlled trial was performed to evaluate whether growth factors are altered by the application of a silicone gel sheet on a fresh surgical scar.

Methods Four of seven enrolled patients completed the study. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) were investigated immunohistochemically in biopsies taken from five scars at 4 months following surgery.

Results In both the epidermis and the dermis, the expression of TGF-β1 (P=0.042 and P=0.042) and PDGF (P=0.043 and P=0.042) was significantly lower in the case of silicone gel sheet-treated scars than in the case of untreated scars. The expression of bFGF in the dermis was significantly higher in the case of silicone gel sheet-treated scars than in the case of untreated scars (P=0.042), but in the epidermis, the expression of bFGF showed no significant difference between the groups (P=0.655).

Conclusions The levels of TGF-β1, PDGF, and bFGF are altered by the silicone gel sheet treatment, which might be one of the mechanisms of action in scar prevention.
Analysis of Patients with Facial Lacerations Repaired in the Emergency Room of a Provincial Hospital
Authors: Lee Joon Ho , Jeon Myeong Su , Lee Dong Lark , Shin Hea Kyeong , Seul Jung Hyun
Published: January 2015

Background Facial laceration is the most common injury encountered in the emergency room in the plastic surgery field, and optimal treatment is important. However, few authors have investigated this injury in all age groups or performed follow-up visit after repair. In the present study, the medical records of patients with lacerations in the facial area and underwent primary repair in an emergency room over a 2-year period were reviewed and analyzed.

Methods Medical records of 3,234 patients with lacerations in facial area and underwent primary repair in an emergency room between March 2011 and February 2013 were reviewed and identified.

Results All the 3,234 patients were evaluated, whose ratio of men to women was 2.65 to 1. The forehead was the most common region affected and a slip down was the most common mechanism of injury. In terms of monthly distribution, May had the highest percentage. 1,566 patients received follow-up managements, and 58 patients experienced complications. The average days of follow-up were 9.8.

Conclusions Proportion of male adolescents was significantly higher than in the other groups. Facial lacerations exhibit a 'T-shaped' facial distribution centered about the forehead. Careful management is necessary if a laceration involves or is located in the oral cavity. We were unable to long term follow-up most patients. Thus, it is necessary to encourage patients and give them proper education for follow-up in enough period.
The Clinical Implications of Poly Implant Prothèse Breast Implants: An Overview
Authors: Wazir Umar , Kasem Abdul , Mokbel Kefah
Published: January 2015

Mammary implants marketed by Poly Implant Prothèse (PIP) were found to contain industrial grade silicone and this caused heightened anxiety and extensive publicity regarding their safety in humans. These implants were used in a large number of patients worldwide for augmentation or breast reconstruction. We reviewed articles identified by searches of Medline, PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar databases up to May 2014 using the terms: "PIP", "Poly Implant Prothèse", "breast implants" and "augmentation mammoplasty" "siloxanes" or "silicone". In addition the websites of regulating bodies in Europe, USA, and Australia were searched for reports related to PIP mammary implants. PIP mammary implants are more likely to rupture than other implants and can cause adverse effects in the short to the medium term related to the symptoms of rupture such as pain, lumps in the breast and axilla and anxiety. Based on peer-reviewed published studies we have calculated an overall rupture rate of 14.5% (383/2,635) for PIP implants. However, there is no evidence that PIP implant rupture causes long-term adverse health effects in humans so far. Silicone lymphadenopathy represents a foreign body reaction and should be treated conservatively. The long-term adverse effects usually arise from inappropriate extensive surgery, such as axillary lymph node dissection or extensive resection of breast tissue due to silicone leakage.
Cognitive Investigation Study of Patients Admitted for Cosmetic Surgery: Information, Expectations, and Consent for Treatment
Authors: Barone Mauro , Cogliandro Annalisa , La Monaca Giuseppe , Tambone Vittoradolfo , Persichetti Paolo
Published: January 2015

Background In all branches of medicine, it is the surgeon's responsibility to provide the patient with accurate information before surgery. This is especially important in cosmetic surgery because the surgeon must focus on the aesthetic results desired by the patient.

Methods An experimental protocol was developed based on an original questionnaire given to 72 patients. The nature of the responses, the patients' motivation and expectations, the degree of patient awareness regarding the planned operation, and the patients' perceptions of the purpose of the required consent for cosmetic surgery were all analyzed using Fisher's exact test.

Results Candidates for abdominal wall surgery had significantly more preoperative psychological problems than their counterparts did (P=0.035). A significantly different percentage of patients under 40 years of age compared to those over 40 years of age searched for additional sources of information prior to the operation (P=0.046). Only 30% of patients with a lower educational background stated that the preoperative information had been adequate, whereas 92% of subjects with secondary schooling or a postsecondary degree felt that the information was sufficient (P=0.001). A statistically significant difference was also present between patients according to their educational background regarding expected improvements in their quality of life postoperatively (P=0.008).

Conclusions This study suggests that patients require more attention in presurgical consultations and that clear communication should be prioritized to ensure that the surgeon understands the patient's expectations.
Negative Pressure Wound Therapy of Chronically Infected Wounds Using 1% Acetic Acid Irrigation
Authors: Jeong Hii Sun , Lee Byeong Ho , Lee Hye Kyung , Kim Hyoung Suk , Moon Min Seon , Suh In Suck
Published: January 2015

Background Negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) induces angiogenesis and collagen synthesis to promote tissue healing. Although acetic acid soaks normalize alkali wound conditions to raise tissue oxygen saturation and deconstruct the biofilms of chronic wounds, frequent dressing changes are required.

Methods Combined use of NPWT and acetic acid irrigation was assessed in the treatment of chronic wounds, instilling acetic acid solution (1%) beneath polyurethane membranes twice daily for three weeks under continuous pressure (125 mm Hg). Clinical photographs, pH levels, cultures, and debrided fragments of wounds were obtained pre- and posttreatment. Tissue immunostaining (CD31, Ki-67, and CD45) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF], vascular endothelial growth factor receptor [VEGFR]; procollagen; hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha [HIF-1-alpha]; matrix metalloproteinase [MMP]-1,-3,-9; and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase [TIMP]) were also performed.

Results Wound sizes tended to diminish with the combined therapy, accompanied by drops in wound pH (weakly acidic or neutral) and less evidence of infection. CD31 and Ki-67 immunostaining increased (P<0.05) post-treatment, as did the levels of VEGFR, procollagen, and MMP-1 (P<0.05), whereas the VEGF, HIF-1-alpha, and MMP-9/TIMP levels declined (P<0.05).

Conclusions By combining acetic acid irrigation with negative-pressure dressings, both the pH and the size of chronic wounds can be reduced and infections be controlled. This approach may enhance angiogenesis and collagen synthesis in wounds, restoring the extracellular matrix.
Preoperative Identification of a Perforator Using Computed Tomography Angiography and Metal Clip Marking in Perforator Flap Reconstruction
Authors: Lee Jung Woo , Kim Han Kyeol , Kim Sin Rak , Han Yea Sik , Park Jin Hyung
Published: January 2015

In perforator flap reconstruction, vascular mapping using preoperative computed tomography (CT) angiography is widely used to confirm the existence and location of an appropriate perforator. This study proposes a rapid, accurate, and convenient method for marking the perforator location on the skin surface. For 12 patients who underwent perforator flap reconstruction between November 2011 and November 2013, metal clips were fixed on the skin surface at the anticipated perforator locations, which were decided using a handheld Doppler. CT angiography was used to compare the location between the metal clip and the actual perforator. The metal clip was moved and repositioned, if needed, on the basis of the CT images. The locations of the appropriate perforator and the metal clip, which were observed during the surgery, were then compared. In CT angiography, the mean distance between the metal clip and the perforator was 3±3.9 mm, and the mean distance that was measured during surgery was 0.8±0.8 mm. In conclusion, we report a simple, rapid, and precise technique to indicate the accurate location of the appropriate perforator on the skin surface.
Les clusters régionaux comme forme de gouvernance territoriale : l’étude du « cercle vertueux » IDE – spillovers technologiques – pouvoirs publics en Pologne
Authors: Roth Fabrice , Avioutskii Viatcheslav
Published: January 2015

Ce papier analyse une forme de gouvernance territoriale liée aux clusters, fondée sur l’interaction entre les IDE, les spillovers technologiques et l’action des pouvoirs publics en Pologne. Nos résultats montrent que l’importance économique du territoire constitue un des facteurs majeurs qui déterminent les choix des investisseurs étrangers. Par ailleurs, les IDE sont sensibles à la présence d’entités scientifiques dans les clusters et aux efforts des autorités.
Le rôle du capital humain dans l’établissement de collaborations internationales des
PME1
Authors: St-Pierre Josée , Defays Lucile , Benezech Danièle , Garcia Chantal
Published: January 2015

Les collaborations internationales sont de plus en plus reconnues pour favoriser
l’intégration des PME à l’économie mondiale. Celles-ci leur permettent de combler leur
manque de ressources internes mais aussi de s’approprier des connaissances sur les marchés
étrangers. Il existe cependant des obstacles à leur élaboration, qui peuvent être surmontés
grâce à l’expérience internationale des entreprises. L’étude de PME québécoises montre que
les compétences en affaires internationales de même que l’orientation internationale des
employés, plutôt que les seules compétences du propriétaire-dirigeant, favorisent
l’établissement de telles collaborations. Ces résultats montrent l’importance de considérer
le capital humain du dirigeant ainsi que celui de son personnel, dans l’étude des
déterminants des stratégies d’internationalisation des PME.
Patterns of Specialization and (Un)conditional Convergence: The Cases of Brazil, China and India
Authors: Hadengue Marine , Warin1 Thierry
Published: January 2015

We propose to measure economic convergence for three emerging countries: Brazil/China/India. A first result is that the higher the level of productivity in an industry, the lower its growth rate, showing a convergence to the productivity frontier represented by the U.S. A first contribution is to propose a new definition of convergence, based on labor productivity vis-à-vis the technological frontier. A second contribution is that we use industry-level data to measure convergence. In doing so, we aim to reduce the biases of using trade data collected at the national level as in previous models.
Cultures régionales des filiales dans l’entreprise multinationale et capacités d’influence liées à la langue : une étude de cas
Authors: Davoine Eric , Schröter Oliver  Christian , Stern Julien
Published: January 2015

En utilisant le cadre théorique de construction négociée de la culture, nous présentons ici l’importance des cultures régionales des filiales suisses d’une multinationale française. L’étude de cas permet d’apporter un éclairage original sur différents enjeux liés à la langue, souvent perçue comme un facilitateur ou facteur de proximité culturelle, pour le transfert de pratiques de management dans l’entreprise multinationale. Dans le contexte franco-suisse, la langue apparaît comme la clé d’un ensemble de capacités d’influence (power capabilities) liées à des ressources, des processus et des significations.
La diversité culturelle dans les délocalisations : apports nuancés de deux littératures
Authors: Peeters Carine , Point Sébastien , Garcia-Prieto Patricia , Davila Andrès
Published: January 2015

La délocalisation d’activités à l’étranger est une pratique de plus en plus répandue dans les entreprises, avec pour conséquence d’accroître les différences culturelles auxquelles les entreprises sont confrontées. L’analyse qualitative de 76 articles sur la période 1996-2009 provenant de 26 revues internationales de gestion montre que la culture est uniquement présentée comme une menace pour les entreprises qui délocalisent, et ce, en dépit d’une littérature sur la diversité nettement plus positive sur le sujet. Cet article propose des pistes de réflexion développant une perspective plus nuancée des différences culturelles dans le contexte des délocalisations.
La compétence interculturelle est-elle acquise grâce à l’expérience internationale ?
Authors: Bartel-Radic Anne
Published: January 2015

Les compétences interculturelles sont difficiles à évaluer, et les facteurs permettant de les développer, mal connus. Cette étude opérationnalise une conceptualisation multidimensionnelle de la compétence interculturelle, incluant traits de personnalité et connaissances. Une enquête auprès de 443 personnes de 27 pays, et à l’expérience internationale très variable, montre que les personnes ayant le plus d’expériences internationales sont aussi celles dont les compétences interculturelles sont les plus élevées. Mais l’impact de l’expérience internationale sur la compétence interculturelle atteint seulement 5 %. L’expérience internationale ne peut donc pas être utilisée comme « proxy » pour la compétence interculturelle. Les résultats révèlent également l’existence d’effets de seuil liés aux voyages à l’étranger.
The topography of frequency and time representation in primate auditory cortices
Authors: Baumann Simon , Joly Olivier , Rees Adrian , Petkov Christopher I , Sun Li , Thiele Alexander , Griffiths Timothy D
Published: January 2015

Natural sounds can be characterised by their spectral content and temporal modulation, but how the brain is organized to analyse these two critical sound dimensions remains uncertain. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we demonstrate a topographical representation of amplitude modulation rate in the auditory cortex of awake macaques. The representation of this temporal dimension is organized in approximately concentric bands of equal rates across the superior temporal plane in both hemispheres, progressing from high rates in the posterior core to low rates in the anterior core and lateral belt cortex. In A1 the resulting gradient of modulation rate runs approximately perpendicular to the axis of the tonotopic gradient, suggesting an orthogonal organisation of spectral and temporal sound dimensions. In auditory belt areas this relationship is more complex. The data suggest a continuous representation of modulation rate across several physiological areas, in contradistinction to a separate representation of frequency within each area.
Methylation at the C-2 position of hopanoids increases rigidity in native bacterial membranes
Authors: Wu Chia-Hung , Bialecka-Fornal Maja , Newman Dianne K
Published: January 2015

Sedimentary rocks host a vast reservoir of organic carbon, such as 2-methylhopane biomarkers, whose evolutionary significance we poorly understand. Our ability to interpret this molecular fossil record is constrained by ignorance of the function of their molecular antecedents. To gain insight into the meaning of 2-methylhopanes, we quantified the dominant (des)methylated hopanoid species in the membranes of the model hopanoid-producing bacterium Rhodopseudomonas palustris TIE-1. Fluorescence polarization studies of small unilamellar vesicles revealed that hopanoid 2-methylation specifically renders native bacterial membranes more rigid at concentrations that are relevant in vivo. That hopanoids differentially modify native membrane rigidity as a function of their methylation state indicates that methylation itself promotes fitness under stress. Moreover, knowing the in vivo (2Me)-hopanoid concentration range in different cell membranes, and appreciating that (2Me)-hopanoids' biophysical effects are tuned by the lipid environment, permits the design of more relevant in vitro experiments to study their physiological functions.
Det orientalske despotis afvikling i Montesquieus Lettres persanes
Authors: Eliassen Knut Ove , Fastrup Anne
Published: January 2015

Montesquieu’s Dismantlement of Oriental Despotism in Persian Letters.Montesquieu’s epistolary novel, Persian Letters, is often presented as a satire of the mores of the French under the reign of Louis XIV, and an early example of what became a well-established literary trope: the de-familiarizing perspective of the foreign visitor. Others have emphasized that the novel’s political horizon is best understood by taking into account Montesquieu’s later work, the Spirit of the Laws, and that the Persian letters anticipates insights that were to be more broadly developed in the author’s chef-d’oeuvre. While acknowledging the relevance and productivity of the latter perspective, the claim of the present work is that it is neither the particularities of France under the absolutist regime of Louis the XIV nor the despotism of the sultans and the shahs of the Orient that make up the novel’s central concern, but rather the demonstration of how despotism, by erasing the crucial political distinction between the domestic and public spaces, not only has nefarious consequences for the freedom and liberty of the citizens, but that it, in the final analysis, has a dramatic demographic impact that undermine the wealth and the power of the very nations in which it is the dominant political form.
Svensk sjöfart, neutralitet och det väpnade neutralitetsförbundet 1780–1783
Authors: Müller Leos
Published: January 2015

Swedish Shipping, Neutrality, and the First League of Armed Neutrality,1780–1783.The purpose of this article is to follow two contradictory perceptions of neutrality in the political discourses of the mid-eighteenth century. One perception drew on the philosophy of natural law and the beneficial view of trade and sociability; here neutrality was perceived as a good and moral basis for peaceful inter-state relations. The second perception derived from the mercantilist view of international trade as an alternative means of warfare; here neutrality was perceived as a shameless exploitation of warfare. It is argued that the concept of neutrality went through an important development in the period between the Seven Years’ War and the American War of Independence, and that the Danish writer Martin Hübner played an important role in this development. Hübner’s view of neutrality, drawing on both discourses, became embodied indirectly in the declaration of the First League of Armed Neutrality in 1780, composed during the American War of Independence. The League was the joint action of three neutral countries, Russia, Sweden, and Denmark, intended to stop the British harassment of neutral trade and shipping. When Sweden joined the League, it acknowledged this new concept of neutrality as part of its foreign policy.
Det svenska kolonialprojektets komplexa rum: om slaveri under svensk flagg i slutet av 1700-talets karibiska och atlantiska värld
Authors: Weiss Holger
Published: January 2015

The Complex Space of the Swedish Colonial Project: Slavery under the SwedishFlag in the Late Eighteenth-Century Caribbean and Atlantic WorldWhen Sweden took over Saint Barthélemy in the Caribbean in 1784, the island was inhabited by French colonists and their slaves. As the island was too small and barren for large-scale plantations, the Swedish authorities decided to declare it a free-port, outlined the site for a new town, and issued an invitation to traders and merchants of any nationality to settle on the island. Within the space of a few years, a Swedish cosmopolitan town, Gustavia, was in place beside La Campagne, the French-dominated countryside. This essay takes a critical look at the first twenty years of the Swedish era on the island. A special focus is placed on the question of slavery and the coloured division of space on the island. Similar to all other late eighteenth-century Caribbean slave societies, the Swedish island simultaneously contained a hegemonic white space and a dominated and controlled black space. It was a multiracial and multi-ethnic society inhabited by white naturalized citizens and burghers, visiting white foreign merchants and émigrées, second-class semi-citizens comprised of freed slaves and gens de couleur, and African and Creole slaves. While the first two groups enjoyed certain rights, the lives of the latter two groups were controlled and regulated by slave laws and other legal restrictions.
On-Farm Verification of Peanut Varieties in Rainfed and Lahar Laden Areas of Pampanga, Philippines
Authors: Gatan Mary Grace , Gonzales Virgilio
Published: January 2015

Lahar sediment areas represent drought-prone growing ecosystems due to their sandy texture and low organic matter. Peanut, a rainfed crop has been a common option in such areas, where yields are usually less than 1.0 t ha . Hence, on-farm trials were conducted in farmers’ field to introduce and evaluate the drought-resistant varieties in relation to yield performance, reaction to diseases, profitability, farmers’ acceptability and market preference. Introduced varieties were the pink-seeded NSIC Pn11 and red-seeded ICGV 99046 which were compared with red-seeded farmers’ variety in wet and dry seasons. Varieties were arranged in randomized complete block design of four replicate farms. Pod yield of introduced varieties ranged from 2.4 to 3.0 tons/ha, higher than the yield obtained in farmers’ variety (1.7-1.9 tons/ha) in both seasons. ICGV 99046 recorded the highest yield across two cropping seasons (2.9-3.0 tons/ha). High yield of introduced varieties was associated with greater pod number per plant, higher 100-seed weight, higher shelling percentage, longer number of days to maturity, and resistance to fungal diseases. Net farm income from adopting introduced peanut varieties was 123-230% higher than that obtained using farmers’ variety. The growing of conventional farmers’ variety resulted to low benefit cost ratio of less than 1.0 while the use of introduced varieties generated a benefit cost ratio of more than 1.0. Red-seeded varieties are predominantly preferred by farmers and market entities. The study demonstrated the advantage of adopting red-seeded ICGV 99046 for improving peanut yield, increasing farm income, and acceptability by farmers and market entities.
Plagiarism Checker as Best Free Online Plagiarism Detection Software
Authors: Gamba Michael , Ocbian Magdalena , Gamba Maryjean
Published: January 2015

The advancement of online information system allows every internet user to have ample amount of data that they can gather without acknowledging the authors. Thus, the awareness of anti-plagiarism tools whether it is free-online services or commercial software can help both students and faculty to properly acknowledge and identify the source of the data. This study intended to compare and contrast the efficiency and other cited criteria for the available free-online plagiarism detection system. The seven free-of-cost online services on plagiarism detection software that were identified during the time of testing were Plagiarism Checker, Plagiarism Detection, Check for Plagiarism, PlagTracker, PlagScan, DupliChecker and PaperRater. The seven tools had been tested with the textual data that had been derived from numerous websites which includes educational institutions and open access journals. The strong and weak points of each tool were validated by allowing the respondents to use each tool and rate it according to the cited criteria. Among the tools tested, the Plagiarism Checker turned out to be easiest tool to use with the highest rate of learnability due to simplicity of its user interface. The ability of its online services to cross-check other internet sites regardless of the file format where the tested textual data that had been copied gives a more reliable output than the others.
Students' Geopathic Stress: Its Influence on Their Work-Related Stress, Burnout and On-the-Job Training Performance
Authors: Convocar Jeremias L.
Published: January 2015

Geopathic stress is a natural phenomenon which affects certain places and can be damaging to human health. This study determined the extent of geopathic stress (GS) among 253 randomly selected fourth-year college students and its influence on their work-related stress, burnout, and on-thejob training (OJT) performance. Using descriptive-correlational method, the study utilized published on-line GS questionnaire, stress test, burnout inventory, and students’ final ratings in OJT. The extent of GS among graduating college students revealed that 13.83% had “few feelings” of GS, 32.81% had “some strong feelings” of GS, 39.13% had “substantial GS feelings”, and 14.23% were “experiencing” GS. They had “fair” work-related stress, “some strong” feelings of burnout and “outstanding” OJT performance. Significant differences were found in students’ burnout when grouped as to the level of GS. A positive and significant relationship was found between GS and burnout and among work-related stress and the OJT performance. However, a negative and significant relationship was found between burnout and OJT performance. Hence, GS is a major stressor that triggered burnout and eventually affects students’ OJT performance.
Science Teachers' Communication Behavior, Lesson Preparation, and Examination System
Authors: Galorport Mae
Published: January 2015

Science teachers are facilitators of students' learning. This study investigated the teaching behavior of science teachers in their science classroom as assessed by the college students taking Science subjects in Bukidnon State University, Philippines. Specifically, it sought to determine the science teachers' teaching behavior in the following aspects: 1) Communication Behavior; 2)Lesson Preparation; and 3) Examination System; and identify an action plan that could be suggested means to strengthen the professional development of biological and physical science teachers. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative methods of research. A questionnaire developed by the researcher and the adviser to survey the science teachers' teaching behavior and focus group discussion were used to affirm students' responses and assess other science teachers' teaching behaviors that were not mentioned in the questionnaire. Results showed that college students strongly agree that their science teachers practiced communication behavior at all times. Likewise, the students agreed that their science teachers' teaching behavior in lesson preparation and examination system were practiced most of the time.
Dry Matter Partitioning of Bunch and Runner Type Peanut in Relation to Levels and Methods of Paclobutrazol Application
Authors: Gatan Mary Grace , Gonzales Virgilio
Published: January 2015

Peanut (Arachis hypogea) is a protein-rich and oil-laden food legume. Farmers in the region commonly grow peanut at dry season because during the wet season, upper part of peanut is prioritized instead of pod formation resulting to low yield. One way of increasing yield is suppression of shoot growth through paclobutrazol application. The exrperiment was conducted in Pampanga, Philippines following three-factor factorial Randomized Complete Block Design to determine dry matter partitioning of different types of peanut relative to levels and methods of paclobutrazol application. Each treatment was replicated thrice. Data were analyzed under Analysis of Variance and Honest Significant Difference test was used to compare treatment means. Results reveal that paclobutrazol levels reduced stem length of runner and bunch by 36.37% and 65.64% one month after application. Likewise, paclobutrazol levels reduced leaf and stem dry mass of the runner by 20.94% and 19.87%, respectively. Runner with 75mg/L paclobutrazol obtained 58.09% increase in harvest index. The crop growth rate and distribution index of runner increased by 20.72% and 32.56% across levelsand methods of paclobutrazol application. Increasing level of paclobutrazol increased total pod dry mass of runner by 26.29%.
van Hiele Levels of Thinking Predict Students' Mathematics Grade
Authors: Yap Purisima
Published: January 2015

The van Hiele levels of thinking has five reasoning levels, namely, holistic, analytic, abstract, deductive, and rigorous. This study aimed to determine the effects of spatial activities to the students' van Hiele Levels of thinking. It evaluated the van Hiele levels of geometrical reasoning taking into account the van Hiele level they reflected and their mathematical accuracy after exposure to spatial activities. Pretest-posttest design was used in this study. Sixty third-year high school students from five sections were the subjects with 30 students each in the control and experimental groups. The results revealed that only Level 1 in the post-test was significant. As to the type of reply, the post-test results showed that the control group acquired low acquisition to high acquisition in each level while the experimental group had low acquisition to complete acquisition in each level. Only Level 2 in the control group and Levels 3 and 4 in the experimental group could predict Mathematics grade. The control group had weaker reasoning capabilities in answering geometry problems; while the experimental group increased their level of reasoning, and thus, were able to answer geometry problems. This study concludes that the exposure to spatial activities would enhance the levels of reasoning of the third-year students in the study of geometry.
Cooperative Learning Style Develops Social Skills in Mathematics of College Freshmen Students
Authors: Mayordomo Maria Emely Cristy
Published: January 2015

Most of the students isolate or compete themselves in learning mathematics, sitting alone and struggling in understanding the materials or solve the assigned problems (Davidson, 1990).  Cooperative learning in mathematics is an effective tool for meeting the individual needs of students. The relationship of students might have developed and shared common goals as they interact with each other. This study focuses on determining students' perception on the effects of cooperative learning style in enhancing the social skills of students. The researcher used descriptive-correlational design in gathering information and material evidence relating to cooperative learning and social skills of the students. Questionnaire was used and administered to 44 students of Tagum Doctors College, Inc. as the respondents of the study. The researcher uses the following statistical tools: mean, t-test, and Pearson Product - Moment Coefficient of Correlation. The result shows that cooperative learning enhances the social skills of the students. There was a high correlation between cooperative learning and social skills of the students. This study concludes that the more the students engaged in cooperative learning, the higher the level the students develop their social skills.
The Use of a Circular Side Stapling Technique in Laparoscopic Low Anterior Resection for Rectal Cancer: Experience of 30 Serial Cases
Authors: Oki Eiji , Ando Koji , Saeki Hiroshi , Nakashima Yuichiro , Kimura Yasue , Hiyoshi Yukiharu , Imamura Yu , Ohgaki Kippei , Ito Shuhei , Morita Masaru , Ikeda Tetsuo , Maehara Yoshihiko
Published: January 2015

The double-stapling technique using a circular stapler (CS) to create an end-to-end anastomosis is currently used widely in laparoscopic-assisted rectal surgery. However, a high rate of anastomotic failure has been reported. We report new side-to-side anastomosis creation using a CS, the so-called circular side stapling technique (CST). After excising the rectum at the oral and anal sides of the tumor with a linear stapler, a side-to-side colorectal anastomosis was made on the anterior wall of the rectosigmoid colon and the anterior or posterior wall of the rectum with a CS. Between 2012 and 2013, we recorded 30 serial cases of rectal-sigmoid or rectal cancer that were treated with laparoscopic-assisted surgeries using this method. In the 30 cases, the mean age was 68 ± 12 years, operating time was 288 ± 80 minutes, and blood loss was 66 ± 67 mL. None of the patients suffered from anastomosis leakage or postoperative anastomotic bleeding, and none complained of their stool habits. Three months after the last surgery in this cohort, no anastomosis strictures were reported. Based on these results, we propose an alternative method of side-to-side anastomosis for low anterior resection by using a CS to prevent staple overlap. Our experience indicates that the CST is easy and safe. Therefore, this method is a useful alternative to the current method used in laparoscopic surgery.