bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Autofluorescence Imaging as an Adjunctive Technique for Examination and Detection of Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders: A Systematic Review
Authors: Awan Kamran Habib
Published: November 2015

Background

Oral cancer is a serious global issue and early diagnosis of oral cancer is the key in reducing the high mortality rate. Autofluorescence properties of oral mucosa have been gaining interest in the field of early diagnosis of oral premalignant lesions.

Objective

The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical usefulness of an autofluorescence based imaging system to detect oral premalignant and malignant lesions.

Materials and methods

A systematic review of the Englishlanguage literature to evaluate the effectiveness of visually enhanced lesion scope (VELscope) published between 1966 and March, 2014 was undertaken. Data relating to study design, sampling and characteristics of the study group, interventions, and reported outcomes and diagnostic value of VELscope were abstracted from articles meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results

Eleven articles that met the inclusion criteria were included. In nine studies, all the lesions underwent histological assessment, whereas the remaining four studies only performed histological assessment on suspicious lesions. Visually enhanced lesion scope showed high sensitivity values in detecting oral premalignant and malignant lesions. However, most of the studies reported it inability in discriminating dysplasia cases from nondysplasia cases.

Conclusion

There is insufficient evidence to support the use of VELscope in primary care setting, however, they may be useful in hands of a specialist.

How to cite this article

Awan KH, Patil S. Efficacy of Autofluorescence Imaging as an Adjunctive Technique for Examination and Detection of Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders: A Systematic Review. J Contemp Dent Pract 2015;16(9):744-749.
Alveolar Ridge Augmentation using the Allograft Bone Shell Technique
Authors: Peck Mogammad Thabit
Published: November 2015

Background

The loss of teeth, whether it is from trauma or pathology, is accompanied by a concomitant loss of the surrounding alveolar bone. Khoury introduced a new method for grafting ridge defects in 2007. This technique involved using thin cortical plates harvested from the ramus, and in a ‘sandwich’ type manner, interposed these bone plates with cancellous bone harvested from the same site. Although this has shown success, the technique suffers from similar disadvantages of most harvesting techniques, i.e. a need for a second surgical site, and donor site morbidity. In this case presentation, we report the use of an allograft bone plate in a similar manner as was previously described by Khoury, to reconstruction lost alveolar bone in order to facilitate the correct three dimensional (3D) placement of dental implants.

Case description

A 53-year-old female presented for the restoration of her missing dentition in her upper jaw. The cone bean computed tomography (CBCT) revealed a large horizontal bony defect in the region of the upper anterior teeth, with minimal remaining bone. Using bone fixation screws, the bone plates were fixed to the buccal defect and the space between the plate and the existing palatal bone wall was then filled using a combination of autograft bone scrapings and xenograft bone particles. Six months after the initial surgery, the grafted sites were surgically re-entered and showed a marked increase in ridge width.

Conclusion

Evidence exists for the use of bone allografts for a variety of alveolar bone augmentation procedures. The case presented outlines another use for this versatile biomaterial.

Clinical significance

Bone harvesting for large alveolar defects is invariably associated with increased morbidity and an increased risk of postoperative complications. The above technique described by the author, may be used as a suitable alternative to reconstruct these defects, without harvesting bone from a second surgical site.

How to cite this article

Peck MT. Alveolar Ridge Augmentation using the Allograft Bone Shell Technique. J Contemp Dent Pract 2015;16(9):768-773.
The Simultaneous Effect of Extended Etching Time and Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous Calcium Phosphate containing Paste Application on Shear Bond Strength of Etch-and-rinse Adhesive to Caries-affected Dentin
Authors: Doozandeh Maryam , Mirmohammadi Milad
Published: November 2015

Aim

This study evaluated the simultaneous effect of extended etching time and casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) containing paste application on shear bond strength (SBS) of etch-and-rinse adhesive to cariesaffected- dentin (CAD).

Materials and methods

Fifty human third molars were used; 10 normal in group 1 and 40 caries-affected teeth in groups 2 to 5. In the CAD groups, teeth were randomly assigned into four groups (n = 10). In groups 2 and 4, phosphoric acid etching for 15 and 45 seconds was used and in groups 3 and 5, after 15 or 45 seconds etching respectively, CPP-ACP containing paste (MI paste) was applied for 3 minutes. After rinsing, single bond adhesive system and Z250 composite were used for resin composite build-up in all groups. After storage, SBS test was measured at cross head speed of 0.5 mm/min. Data were analyzed using one/two-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD test (α = 0.05).

Results

Normal dentin groups showed the highest SBS among different groups. There was a statistically significant difference between different etching times in CAD groups (p < 0.05), but there were no significant differences between SBS of SB adhesive to CAD with or without CPP-ACP pretreated in both etching times. Most of the failure modes were adhesive except in groups 1 and 5 which cohesive failure in composite was also observed.

Conclusion

The results of our study indicated that extended etching time up to 45 seconds could enhance the SBS of CAD and approach nearly to SBS of normal dentin. Moreover, MI paste pretreatment had not significant effect on SBS of etchand- rinse adhesive in CAD.

Clinical significance

Simultaneous application of extended etching time and CPP-ACP containing paste may be a suggested method in increasing the SBS of adhesive to CAD.

How to cite this article

Doozandeh M, Firouzmandi M, Mirmohammadi M. The Simultaneous Effect of Extended Etching Time and Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous Calcium Phosphate containing Paste Application on Shear Bond Strength of Etch-and-rinse Adhesive to Caries-affected Dentin. J Contemp Dent Pract 2015;16(10):794-799.
Fibrinogen Demonstration in Oral Lichen Planus: An Immunofluorescence Study on Archival Tissues
Authors: Kale Alka , Shirol Pallavi D , Naik Veena
Published: November 2015

Background

Lichen planus is a premalignant condition with minimal diagnostic aids. This study is an attempt to use paraffin embedded sections of lichen planus with immunofluorescein stain and to evaluate the immunofluorescent sections to establish pattern of fibrinogen deposition.

Materials and methods

Thirty-five paraffin embedded sections of old and new cases of oral lichen planus (study group) and five normal oral mucosa (control group) were chosen. Two sections of each (H & E) case were taken, one was stained with hematoxylin and eosin and another with fluorescein isothiocynate conjugate (FITC) polyclonal rabbit antibody against fibrinogen. Fluorescent findings were examined with a fluorescent microscope.

Results

A high statistical significant correlation was found in respect to fluorescence positivity, intensity of fluorescence and distribution of fluorescence each with p < 0.0001 and fluorescence at blood vessel walls (p = 0.0003).

Conclusion

This study suggested that paraffin embedded sections can be successfully used in direct immunofluorescence staining in routine set up where only formalin fixed tissues are received.

Clinical significance

Paraffin embedded sections can be successfully used in direct immunofluorescence staining when only formalin fixed tissues are received.

How to cite this article

Shirol PD, Naik V, Kale A. Fibrinogen Demonstration in Oral Lichen Planus: An Immunofluorescence Study on Archival Tissues. J Contemp Dent Pract 2015;16(10): 824-828.
Digital Media Use: Differences and Inequalities in Relation to Class and Age
Authors: Yates Simeon , Kirby John , Lockley Eleanor
Published: November 2015

This paper takes a national perspective on issues of digital media use. The paper draws upon the OfCom Media Literacy 2013 survey to explore how digital media use varies in regard to two major social variables – class and age. Both class and age feature predominantly in UK policy on digital access and use. Class and age are invoked as either things that create barriers to access or as issues to be addressed and managed through using digital media. Despite the large body of work on the ‘digital divide’ there is a more limited literature that explicitly addresses class. The paper seeks to act as an empirical reference point for the development of further debate around the links between class and digital media use. The paper presents a factor analysis of the OfCom data that identifies five main areas of digital media use. These five factors are then subjected to a multiple analysis of variance to explore the effects across, between and within age and class categories. A cluster analysis based on the factors identifies seven main ‘User Types’ that are again compared across class and age. The paper finds that class and age act relatively independently as predicators of digital media use and neither compound nor mitigate each other's effects. Importantly the paper notes that the greatest levels and breadth of Internet use can be found in NRS social class groups AB and to an extent C1. In contrast the greatest levels of non-use and limited use can be found in NRS social class groups DE. In conclusion the paper notes that age still acts as the major explanatory variable for overall use and some specific types of use, but that class also independently acts to explain patterns of digital media use. As a result any simplistic policy expectations that digital access and use issues will become less relevant as age demographics change have to be questioned.
‘Safe Spaces’: Experiences of Feminist Women-Only Space
Authors: Lewis Ruth , Sharp Elizabeth , Remnant Jenni , Redpath Rhiannon
Published: November 2015

The gendered nature of safety has been explored empirically and theoretically as awareness has grown of the pervasive challenges to women's safety. Notions of ‘safe space’ are frequently invoked in wider feminist environments (particularly, recently, in relation to debates about trans people's access to women's spaces), but are relatively neglected in academia. Indeed, despite a body of scholarship which looks at questions of gender, safety and space, relatively little attention has been paid to exploring the meaning of ‘safety’ for women and, particularly, the meaning and experience of spaces they consider to be ‘safe.’ Drawing on focus group data with 30 women who attended a two-day, women-only feminist gathering in the UK, this paper analyses experiences of what they describe as ‘safe space’ to explore the significance and meaning of ‘safety’ in their lives. Using their accounts, we distinguish between safe from and safe to, demonstrating that once women are safe from harassment, abuse and misogyny, they feel safe to be cognitively, intellectually and emotionally expressive. We argue that this sense of being ‘safe to’ denotes fundamental aspects of civic engagement, personhood and freedom.
The Persistence of Class Inequality: The Portuguese Labour Force at the Turn of the Millennium
Authors: Carmo Renato Miguel , Carvalho Margarida , Cantante Frederico
Published: November 2015

The aim of this article is to analyse the structural changes and continuities in Portuguese society over the two decades from 1988-2008. Although modernisation processes have intensified, the country still has a highly polarised social structure. This study included a multiple correspondence analysis and a cluster analysis, using sociological variables collected in a national database that covers all Portuguese companies. Developing this approach made it possible to not only produce different sociological profiles of social and class inequality, but also compare the structural changes in the labour force in these two decades (private sector). The study shows that although the space of social positions was mainly formed by three large socio-professional groups in both 1988 and 2008, their size and social composition changed, reflecting the social and economic trends experienced by Portuguese society in this period.
A critical note on the IAGA-endorsed Polar Cap index procedure: effects of solar wind sector structure and reverse polar convection
Authors: Stauning P.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. The International Association of Geomagnetism and Aeronomy (IAGA) has recently endorsed a new Polar Cap (PC) index version to supersede the previous seven different versions of the PCN (North) index and the five different PCS (South) index versions. However, the new PC index has some adverse features which should be known and taken into account by users of the index. It uses in its derivation procedure an "effective" quiet day level (QDC) composed of a "basic" QDC and an added solar wind sector term related to the azimuthal component (By) of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF). The added IMF By-related terms may introduce unjustified contributions to the PC index of more than 2 index units (mV m−1). Furthermore, cases of reverse convection during strong northward IMF Bz (NBZ) conditions included in the database for calculation of index coefficients can cause unjustified index enhancements of 0.5–1 mV m−1 during calm conditions, reduction of index values by more than 20 % during disturbed conditions, and inconsistencies between index coefficients and index values for the northern and southern polar caps. The aim here is to specify these adverse features and quantify their effects, and to suggest alternative steps for future modifications of the index procedure.
Soil carbon management in large-scale Earth system modelling: implications for crop yields and nitrogen leaching
Authors: Olin S. , Lindeskog M. , Pugh T. A. M. , Schurgers G. , Wårlind D. , Mishurov M. , Zaehle S. , Stocker B. D. , Smith B. , Arneth A.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. Croplands are vital ecosystems for human well-being and provide important ecosystem services such as crop yields, retention of nitrogen and carbon storage. On large (regional to global)-scale levels, assessment of how these different services will vary in space and time, especially in response to cropland management, are scarce. We explore cropland management alternatives and the effect these can have on future C and N pools and fluxes using the land-use-enabled dynamic vegetation model LPJ-GUESS (Lund–Potsdam–Jena General Ecosystem Simulator). Simulated crop production, cropland carbon storage, carbon sequestration and nitrogen leaching from croplands are evaluated and discussed. Compared to the version of LPJ-GUESS that does not include land-use dynamics, estimates of soil carbon stocks and nitrogen leaching from terrestrial to aquatic ecosystems were improved. Our model experiments allow us to investigate trade-offs between these ecosystem services that can be provided from agricultural fields. These trade-offs are evaluated for current land use and climate and further explored for future conditions within the two future climate change scenarios, RCP (Representative Concentration Pathway) 2.6 and 8.5. Our results show that the potential for carbon sequestration due to typical cropland management practices such as no-till management and cover crops proposed in previous studies is not realised, globally or over larger climatic regions. Our results highlight important considerations to be made when modelling C–N interactions in agricultural ecosystems under future environmental change and the effects these have on terrestrial biogeochemical cycles.
Universal multifractal Martian topography
Authors: Landais F. , Schmidt F. , Lovejoy S.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. In the present study, we investigate the scaling properties of the topography of Mars. Planetary topographic fields are well known to roughly exhibit (mono)fractal behavior. Indeed, the fractal formalism reproduces much of the variability observed in topography. Still, a single fractal dimension is not enough to explain the huge variability and intermittency. Previous studies have claimed that fractal dimensions might be different from one region to another, excluding a general description at the planetary scale. In this article, we analyze the Martian topographic data with a multifractal formalism to study the scaling intermittency. In the multifractal paradigm, the apparent local variation of the fractal dimension is interpreted as a statistical property of multifractal fields. We analyze the topography measured with the Mars Orbiter Laser altimeter (MOLA) at 300 m horizontal resolution, 1 m vertical resolution. We adapted the Haar fluctuation method to the irregularly sampled signal. The results suggest a multifractal behavior from the planetary scale down to 10 km. From 10 to 300 m, the topography seems to be simple monofractal. This transition indicates a significant change in the geological processes governing the Red Planet's surface.
Uso de tecnologia da informação na agricultura familiar: Planilha para gestão de insumos
Authors: Affonso Elaine Parra , Hashimoto Cristina Toyoko , Sant'Ana Ricardo César Gonçalves
Published: November 2015

Objetivo. Demonstrar como a Tecnologia da Informação, por meio de planilhas eletrônicas, podem otimizar a gestão de propriedades rurais, especificamente no setor da agricultura familiar. Método. Foi realizada uma revisão de literatura sobre o possível uso das Tecnologias da Informação no contexto da agricultura familiar e, análise, por meio de referencial teórico proposto pela Informática Comunitária, de ações oferecidas e efetuadas pelo projeto Competências Digitais para Agricultura Familiar - CoDAF, em especial a planilha “Controle de Estoque de Insumos”, que foi estruturada com base nas informações obtidas a partir da interação com produtores rurais, assim, pontuando as necessidades destes em relação a gestão da propriedade rural. Resultados. Como resultado destas ações, é apresentada a descrição da planilha de “Controle de Estoques de Insumos” e explicitado como a Tecnologia da Informação pode contribuir para minimizar desperdícios no contexto do controle de estoque, proporcionando, assim, a minimização dos custos e aumento na eficiência no processo. Conclusões. Embora o produtor rural encontre barreiras no acesso às tecnologias mais avançadas e softwares específicos, o uso de planilhas apresenta-se como uma opção viável, pois, principalmente por meio de versões open source tornou-se acessível e pode contribuir para o aprimoramento das atividades rurais, principalmente para o agricultor familiar, contribuindo para redução da assimetria informacional.
Aplicación del factor TF-IDF en el análisis semántico de una colección documental
Authors: Vuotto Andrés , Bogetti Celeste , Fernández Gladys
Published: November 2015

Objetivo. Describe la aplicación de una herramienta para el análisis semántico de una colección documental, basada en el uso de la frecuencia de término – frecuencia inversa de documento (TF-IDF). Metodología. Se desarrolla un sistema, basado en lenguaje PHP y bases de datos MySQL, para la gestión de un tesauro, del cálculo TF-IDF (como indicador de peso semántico) y para el desarrollo de un árbol de relevancia (conformado por aquellos conceptos más relevantes del tema analizado). Se evaluó la herramienta en el análisis semántico de una colección documental de Psicología Resultados. El sistema logró identificar el nivel de presencia del tema: deontología profesional, en una colección los documentos del programa de Psicología. Conclusiones. La experiencia descrita confirma la viabilidad de la herramienta para el análisis semántico de una colección documental. Destaca la pertinencia y las capacidades de los profesionales de la información para el desarrollo de herramientas para el tratamiento de información. Los autores sugieren un especial abordaje técnico a partir del uso de scripts y de flujos de la información.
Choroidal Effusion and Suprachoroidal Hemorrhage during Phacoemulsification: Intraoperative Management to Prevent Expulsive Hemorrhage
Authors: Savastano Alfonso , Rizzo Stanislao , Savastano Maria Cristina , Piccirillo Valerio , Forte Renato , Sbordone Sandro , Diurno Francesco , Savastano Silvio
Published: November 2015

Purpose

To describe the intraoperative management of choroidal effusion (CE) or suprachoroidal hemorrhage (SCH) during cataract surgery with the phacoemulsification technique.

Methods

The study is a retrospective interventional study through which we describe the intraoperative management adopted in 6 cases of CE or SCH during cataract surgery. The study involved 6,400 eyes (phacoemulsification) in 6 years observational time (incidence rate 0.094%). The surgical time at which these complications happened differed: nucleolus phacoemulsification in 2 eyes, cortex removal by bimanual irrigation-aspiration in 3 eyes, and intraocular lens implant for 1 eye. Once the complication was recognized, each patient was quickly moved to an extreme reverse Trendelenburg position and pharmacologically treated to manage high blood pressure, pain, and anxiety (150 mL of an 18% mannitol solution delivered in rapid infusion intravenously; 1-3 mg intravenous midazolam; 5 nifedipine sublingual drops).

Results

In all the cases reported, the surgery was completed after resolution of the acute choroidal exudation or SCH. In the follow-up evaluation, the intraocular pressure was normal at each examination. The visual acuity of the patients was between 6/7.5 and 5/6 Snellen after 4 weeks. We observed a statistically significant reduction in endothelial cells in the 2 eyes in which the CE or SCH happened during the phacoemulsification compared with the other cases; this finding likely results from mechanical damage (p = 0.04 [95% confidence interval]).

Conclusions

Choroidal effusion or SCH can be intraoperatively managed to avoid expulsive hemorrhage and maintain the possibility of completing the surgery.
Development of a Microscale Red Blood Cell-Shaped Pectin-Oligochitosan Hydrogel System Using an Electrospray-Vibration Method: Preparation and Characterization
Authors: Crouse James Z. , Mahuta Kirsten M. , Mikulski Brandon A. , Harvestine Jenna N. , Guo Xiaoru , Lee Jung C. , Kaltchev Matey G. , Midelfort Katarina S. , Tritt Charles S. , Chen Junhong , Zhang Wujie
Published: November 2015

Purpose

To develop and characterize a microscale pectin-oligochitosan hydrogel microcapsule system that could be applied in such biological fields as drug delivery, cell immobilization/encapsulation, and tissue engineering.

Methods

Microscale pectin-oligochitosan hydrogel microcapsules were prepared by using the vibration/electrostatic spray method. The morphology and chemistry of the hydrogel microcapsules were characterized by using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), respectively. The designed hydrogel microcapsule system was then used to study the responsiveness of the microcapsules to different simulated human body fluids as well as cell encapsulation.

Results

The designed hydrogel microcapsule system exhibited a large surface area-to-volume ratio (red blood cell-shaped) and great pH/enzymatic responsiveness. In addition, this system showed the potential for controlled drug delivery and three-dimensional cell culture.

Conclusion

This system showed a significant potential not only for bioactive-agent delivery, especially to the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract, but also as a three-dimensional niche for cell culture. In particular, the hydrogel microcapsule system could be used to create artificial red-blood-cells as well as blood substitutes.
SYNJ2 Variant Rs9365723 is Associated with Colorectal Cancer Risk in Chinese Han Population
Authors: Du Qingguo , Guo Xueyan , Zhang Xiyang , Zhou Wenjing , Liu Zhuo , Wang Jianhua , Zhang Tao , Mao Zhijun , Luo Jun , Jin Tianbo , Liu Chang
Published: November 2015

Purpose

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and fourth leading cause of cancer mortality, and twin studies have shown that approximately 35% of the variation in susceptibility to CRC involves inherited genetic differences. We sought to investigate potential genetic associations between some single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the risk of CRC in the Chinese Han population.

Methods

We conducted a case-control study including 269 cases and 309 controls. Sixteen SNPs associated with CRC risk were selected from previous genome-wide association studies and genotyped using Sequenom MassARRAY technology. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by unconditional logistic regression adjusting for age and gender.

Results

Using the chi-squared test we found that rs9365723 was associated with CRC risk (p = 0.012). With genetic model analysis, the genotype A/G-G/G (OR = 1.50; 95% CI 1.02-2.21; p = 0.038) of rs9365723 showed an increased risk of CRC in the dominant model. Furthermore, we found that rs9365723 was associated with an increased risk only for colon cancer but not rectal cancer (p = 0.009 and p = 0.414, respectively).

Conclusions

Our results, combined with previous studies, suggest that rs9365723, located on SYNJ2, is associated with the risk of CRC in a Chinese population. Thus, SYNJ2 may play a role in the development of CRC, especially colon cancer.
Feasibility and Safety of Laparoscopic Nephrectomy in Uremic Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Dell'Atti Lucio
Published: November 2015

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to analyse the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN) vs. open radical nephrectomy (ORN), in terms of perioperative and postoperative outcomes, in uremic patients.

Methods

Between September 2007 and December 2013, 19 patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), who underwent LRN or ORN for chronic pyelonephritis, renal calculi, hydronephrosis, renal tumors, complicated cyst, or associated polycystic kidney, were retrospectively analysed. All patients with complete preoperative clinical and intraoperative parameters, including age at surgery, gender, body mass index (BMI), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, surgical technique, operation time, complications, were available for further analyses. The 30-day complication rate in both groups was retrospectively review and graded according to the modified Clavien System in five grades.

Results

Overall, nine (47.3%) vs. 10 (52.7%) patients underwent LRN vs. ORN, respectively. The mean ASA score (2.7 ± 0.8 vs. 2.9 ± 0.7) did not show statistically significant differences in both groups (p = 0.632). None of the patients in G1 was converted to open surgery for intraoperative complications or CO2 retention. The estimated blood loss was 223 ± 155 mL in G1 and 455 ± 134 mL in G2 (p<0.005). Both groups were comparable with regard to mean operation time. The mean hospital stay was 5.95 ± 1.85 days in G1 and 8.10 ± 1.67 days in G2 (p<0.001).

Conclusions

The present study revealed that laparoscopic surgery in uremic patients might be performed safely under the expertise of an experienced laparoscopic team. This surgical technique is a minimally invasive treatment, reduces blood loss, shortens postoperative hospital stay, minimizes wound pain, and encourages an earlier return to normal activity.
Changed by Literature? A Critical Review of Psychological Research on the Effects of Reading Fiction
Authors: Caracciolo Marco , Van Duuren Thom
Published: November 2015

Our article reviews empirical work that claims to provide evidence for the psychological benefits and effects of engaging with literature. Psychological research has considerable potential for addressing the limitations of traditional reader-response theories, especially if such research is conducted in an interdisciplinary context where literary scholars can actively shape the experimental setup. In the first part of the article we consider the work carried out in this connection by psychologist Keith Oatley and literary scholar Frank Hakemulder, calling attention to a number of important issues that, in our view, haven't been adequately addressed in their empirical studies. In the second part we turn to our more positive arguments, suggesting that the investigation of the psychological effects of reading cannot abstract from phenomenological data based on readers’ own self-reports. Building on philosophical and psychological views of the self as a narrative construction, we argue that the analysis of readers' life stories may offer important insights into how literary reading can have an impact on readers. The descriptive, qualitative, phenomenological route is less fraught with presuppositions and normative assumptions than Oatley's and Hakemulder's approaches, and deserves being taken into serious consideration.
Home-Space in Marilynne Robinson's Housekeeping
Authors: Bessedik Fatima Zahra
Published: November 2015

This article analyzes home-space in Marilynne Robinson's Housekeeping (1981). In this novel, Ruth shows that the house, which was earlier peaceful and harmonious during the life of her grandmother, becomes ineffective with the coming of her aunt Sylvie. In discussing how Robinson epitomizes the meaning of dwelling as well as homelessness, I show how the characters relate to their domestic place, both physically and psychologically. I illustrate the powerful relation between the individual dweller and the space he/she inhabits. In so doing, I use the theory of genius loci or The Spirit of Place that the Norwegian architect Christian Norberg-Schulz conceptualizes in relation to the existence of place as a being. By using this theory as a way to provide a fresh look at Robinson's novel, I discuss Housekeeping as a narrative about spatial crisis. I show how the domestic place metamorphoses from meaningfulness to meaninglessness.
“Wonderful Nonsense”: Confucianism in the British Romantic Period
Authors: Murray Chris
Published: November 2015

The first complete English versions of Confucian texts appeared between 1809 and 1814 in separate endeavors by Joshua Marshman and Robert Morrison. In 1814, the London Quarterly Review assessed Marshman's translations as “nonsense.” In 1816, the same journal declared that the achievements of the Anglophone missionaries who translated Chinese were “wonderful.” Modern and contemporary commentators have recognized that the translations were primitive. Nonetheless the works stimulated interest in Romantic Britain. This article argues that the missionary versions of Confucian philosophy are significant within several political contexts of British Romanticism. The translations arose amid the diplomatic complications of British Asia. Marshman and Morrison produced their Confucian texts in attempts to appease local administration that suspected their religious activities might cause unrest. Yet the translations also stimulated enough interest to secure funds for the missionaries’ religious efforts. In Britain, responses to Confucianism occurred in three prominent debates: the rivalry between Catholicism and Protestantism; China as an emerging site of Anglo-French rivalry; and liberal commentary on principles of leadership with allusion to Britain's ruler, the Prince Regent. The missionary translations have been neglected as poor Confucianism but are significant within the political contexts of the Romantic period and the problematic concept of Sinology.
Pantomimes of Death within Suburbia: Abject Boredom in Yates’Revolutionary Road, Lynch'sBlue Velvet, and Bowen's “Attractive Modern Homes”
Authors: Mayhew Jessica
Published: November 2015

This article will apply a psychoanalytical reading to suburbia, claiming that boredom is the trigger of abjection. The focus will be on the theories of Julia Kristeva, and the short story “Attractive Modern Homes,” by Elizabeth Bowen, the novel Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates, and Blue Velvet, directed by David Lynch. The first section will examine boredom as a modern phenomenon, developed from the ennui of the cities as a coping mechanism for suburbia. This article will suggest that boredom itself cannot be perceived as a state. Instead, it is only when an event penetrates boredom that this state can be recognized and radicalized. These events will be explored as examples of Kristeva's “primal repressions.” The second section will explore the abject and the emergence of the Real, focusing on moments of abjection in the sources. Within these, the abject is portrayed as a pantomime of death, bound to the confrontation with mortality. However, there can be no escape from the symbolic order, and the conventions of suburbia are maintained. The final section will study the fetishism of language, resulting in isolation from self.
Análisis contemporáneo de la filosofía económica en el contexto geopolítico latinoamericano
Authors: Arévalo Cuadra César Augusto , Rojas Meza Jairo
Published: November 2015

Latinoamérica sufrió un proceso de sincretismo trascendental en la cultura, la política, la economía, la institucionalidad y de manera relevante, en su ciencia y filosofía. Los americanos conviven con la reconstrucción de sus bases civilizatorias, como: el arte, la cultura e identidad. Pero, sobre todo con la necesidad de rescate de su filosofía y su ciencia. La geopolítica, ciencia encargada de la relación del estado y el espacio de interés político, on el objetivo de conseguir más influencia y mejor posicionamiento, direccionó acciones hacia Latinoamérica, queriendo instaurarse ideológicamente, valiéndose de las fracturas en el posicionamiento filosófico y científico regional para establecerse por medio de las ideas como un medio de dominación. Entre las corrientes prominentes de pensamiento contemporáneo que han ejercido influencia en la región, se encuentran: Propuesta de Desarrollo Capitalista, Propuesta de Desarrollo Socialista, Teología de la Liberación y se concluye con la Propuesta de Desarrollo Latinoamericano, seguidas de su contra argumento crítico. Sin embargo, la búsqueda del propio paradigma Latinoamérica sigue, y está determinado por la unión regional, la cual se vislumbra como el medio de cambio, integrador y a la vez, renovador del sistema social que permitirá un ejercicio geopolítico regional, identificado con la realidad y al servicio del desarrollo.Estos elementos siempre vivos en Latinoamérica, son importantes para mantener la senda de búsqueda de nuestra filosofía e identidad.
Materia Fina y Arenas de Lesbos
Authors: Silva Erwin
Published: November 2015

Materia Fina & Arenas de Lesbos. Silvio Ambrogi o la imagen como paraíso.
Prevalencia de Infección por Virus de Hepatitis B en pacientes pediátricos Hemato-oncológicos
Authors: Madrid Hernández Karen Anabel , Martínez Beckerat Roxana
Published: November 2015

Antecedentes y objetivos: El virus de la hepatitis B (VHB) se transmite por vía sexual y por vía sanguínea. En la mayoría de los brotes conocidos en hospitales el contagio se ha asociado a prácticas poco seguras de inyección, realización de procedimientos, y a la falta de adherencia a las precauciones universales para prevención de infecciones. Por lo cual se quiso determinar la prevalencia de infecciones por VHB, en pacientes Hemato-oncológico sometidos a tratamiento de quimio- terapia y/o transfusión de hemoderivados.Pacientes y Métodos: Este estudio descriptivo detalla la prevalencia y las características clínicas y epidemiológicas de los pacientes de la Sala de Hemato-oncología Pediátrica del Hospital Nacional Dr. Mario Catarino Rivas (HNMCR), a quienes se les diagnosticó infección VHB, entre 1999-2011.Resultados: La prevalencia de infección por VHB en pacientes hemato- oncológicos fue de un 1.86%, el 64% de estos pacientes contaban con un esquema de vacunación completo. En todos los pacientes se les diagnosticó primero una patología hemato-oncológica y fue hasta después de un año o más que se realizó el diagnóstico de infección por VHB.Conclusiones: las transfusiones son un factor de riesgo inminente en pacientes que las ameritan sobre todo en los pacientes con diagnósticos hemato-oncológicos.Acta Pediátrica Hondureña, Vol. 4, No. 2 / Octubre 2013 a Marzo 2014: 307-311
Association of Chlamydia pneumoniae Infection With Atherosclerotic Plaque Formation
Authors: Assar Omid , Nejatizadeh Azim , Dehghan Farzaneh , Kargar Mohammad , Zolghadri Nader
Published: November 2015

Atherosclerosis is a complex multifactorial disorder. Studies show that infectious microbial agents may play an important role in the development of atherosclerosis; however, these findings are conflicting. This study investigated the presence of Chlamydia pneumoniae DNA in atherosclerotic plaques of patients suffering from coronary artery disease. In a cross-sectional study, 85 patients (43 females and 42 males with mean age of 61±9.5, range 42-82 years) referred for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and thoracic biopsy as the control groups were enrolled for this study. Standard questionnaires, including demographic and clinical evaluation were administered. Obtained specimens were processed and then nested polymerase chain reaction with primers for Pst1 fragment was carried out to detect Chlamydia pneumoniae DNA. Statistical analysis was done using the SPSS software. Of note, in 25 out of the 85 patients (29.4%), C. pneumoniae was detected within atherosclerotic plaques, whereas, 5 out of the 85 thoracic biopsy (5.9%) were positive for the presence of the mentioned bacteria in internal thoracic artery. There was a statistically significant association between atherosclerotic plaque (study group) and thoracic biopsy (control group) in terms of C. pneumoniae positivity (P= 0.0001). The findings of this study support the hypothesis that C. pneumoniae is associated with atherosclerosis.
Concentration Trends in the Gulf of Mexico Oil and Gas Industry
Authors: Mason Charles F.
Published: November 2015

In this paper, I evaluate patterns of concentration in the Gulf of Mexico oil and gas industry, one of the most important sectors for US production over the past few decades. In the 1990s, production in the Gulf was quite concentrated, and was dominated by large oil companies. But over the past decade or so this concentration has eroded, with recent levels consistent with an unconcentrated industry. These patterns apply for drilling and leasing as well, and are relevant to both shallow and deep water. The overall picture is an industry with strong competition for leases, drilling and production.
Inverse scattering problem for Sturm-Liouville operator on non-compact A-graph. Uniqueness result.
Authors: Ignatyev Mikhail
Published: November 2015

We consider a connected metric graph with the following property: each two cycles can have at most one common point. Such graphs are called A-graphs. On noncompact A-graph we consider a scattering problem for Sturm--Liouville differential operator with standard matching conditions in the internal vertices. Transport, spectral and scattering problems for differential operators on graphs appear frequently in mathematics, natural sciences and engineering. In particular, direct and inverse problems for such operators are used to construct and study models in mechanics, nano-electronics, quantum computing and waveguides. The most complete results on (both direct and inverse) spectral problems were achieved in the case of Sturm--Liouville operators on compact graphs, in the noncompact case there are no similar general results. In this paper, we establish some properties of the spectral characteristics and investigate the inverse problem of recovering the operator from the scattering data. A uniqueness theorem for such inverse problem is proved.
Mammary Hibernoma: A Rare Entity
Authors: Riley Meghan P. , Karamchandani Dipti M.
Published: November 2015

Hibernoma arising in the breast is rare and may present as an asymptomatic mass or may be detected by screening mammography. Four histologic types have been identified: typical, myxoid variant, spindle cell variant, and the lipoma-like variant. The most common “typical variant” is composed of pale to eosinophilic multivacuolated cells with interspersed univacuolar cells. Hibernomas are universally benign and are not known to recur or have an aggressive behavior, even in incompletely excised lesions. Hence, their clinical importance lies in distinguishing them from other benign and malignant breast neoplasms as well as inflammatory conditions that come into the histologic or radiologic differential. This review discusses the clinical features, radiologic and histopathologic characteristics, ancillary studies, suggested pathogenesis, differential diagnosis, and treatment of and prognosis for these uncommon lesions.
A National Study of Primary Care Provided by Osteopathic Physicians
Authors: Licciardone John C.
Published: November 2015

Context: The establishment of a single accreditation system for graduate medical education in the United States suggests a convergence of osteopathic and allopathic medicine.

Objective: To compare the characteristics of medical care provided by osteopathic and allopathic physicians.

Methods: Five-year data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey were used to study patient visits for primary care, including those for low back pain, neck pain, upper respiratory infection, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. Patient status, primary reason for the visit, chronicity of the presenting problem, injury status, medication orders, physician referrals, source of payment, and time spent with the physician were used to compare osteopathic and allopathic patient visits.

Results: A total of 134,369 patient visits were surveyed, representing a population (SE) of 4.57 billion (220.2 million) patient visits. Osteopathic physicians provided 335.6 (29.9) million patient visits (7.3%), including 217.1 (20.9) million visits for primary care (9.7%). The 5 sentinel symptoms and medical diagnoses accounted for 233.0 (12.4) million primary care visits (10.4%). The mean age of patients seen during primary care visits provided by osteopathic physicians was 46.0 years (95% CI, 44.1-47.9 years) vs 39.9 years (95% CI, 38.8-41.0 years) during visits provided by allopathic physicians (P<.001). Osteopathic patient visits were less likely to involve preventive care (OR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.44-0.68) and more likely to include care for injuries (OR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.43-1.78). Osteopathic physicians spent slightly less time with patients during visits (mean, 16.4 minutes; 95% CI, 15.7-17.2 minutes) than allopathic physicians (mean, 18.2 minutes; 95% CI, 17.2-19.3 minutes). The most distinctive aspect of osteopathic medical care involved management of low back pain. Therein, osteopathic physicians were less likely to order medication (OR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.15-0.75) or to refer patients to another physician (OR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.23-0.94), despite having more visits paid through Worker’s Compensation (OR, 3.63; 95% CI, 1.01-13.07). Osteopathic and allopathic medical care for upper respiratory infection, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus were comparable.

Conclusion: Practice patterns of osteopathic physicians generally mirror those of allopathic physicians except that osteopathic physicians deliver more medical care for older patients and at later stages of disease. Osteopathic medicine should be promoted more vigorously among younger and healthier persons. New opportunities may arise for osteopathic physicians to demonstrate a distinctive approach to low back pain as changes emerge in graduate medical education.
Quality Improvement Measures for Increasing the Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates at a Community Health Center
Authors: Hill Helen , Johnson Beth , Jader Lindsey , Bal Minder , Wang William , Bansal Shipra , Lewis Joy H.
Published: November 2015

Introduction: Direct recommendation from health care professionals has been shown to generally increase colorectal cancer screening rates in the United States. However, data for rural, underserved communities are limited.

Objective: To increase colorectal cancer screening rates at a rural community health center (CHC) by increasing health care professionals’ awareness of patients’ screening eligibility.

Methods: Participants were health care professionals at a CHC treating patients eligible for colorectal cancer screening (defined as patients aged 50-74 years who visited the CHC between February 24, 2014, and March 15, 2014, and whose electronic medical records [EMRs] had no recording of colorectal cancer screening). For a 3-week period, these participants added electronic reminders to eligible patients’ EMRs. Data reports for the screening rates of each participant, in addition to the overall CHC, were generated 4 weeks after the study period and compared with screening rates in 2013.

Results: Five health care professionals volunteered to participate. No statistically significant difference was found in screening rates of participants compared with overall clinic rates between the 2013 (P=.639) and 2014 (P=.583) sample dates. No statistically significant difference was found in the overall CHC screening rates (P=.052), which were 47.69% and 40.84% in 2013 and 2014, respectively. During the study period, 99 eligible patients were seen. An incidental finding revealed a substantial EMR flaw in uniform data system reporting measures: self-reported colorectal cancer screenings by patients, without official documentation provided, were documented in an EMR section that is not retrieved during uniform data system reporting.

Conclusion: No associated change in colorectal cancer screening rates was found at the CHC after increasing participants’ awareness of patients’ screening eligibility using electronic flagging. However, colorectal cancer screening results cannot be reported with certainty given that incidental documentation and data collection discrepancies were found.
Analysis of the substantial reduction of strain-induced mobility enhancement in (110)-oriented ultrathin double-gate MOSFETs
Authors: Choi Sujin , Sun Wookyung , Shin Hyungsoon
Published: November 2015

The stress effect in uniaxially strained (100)- and (110)-oriented double-gate silicon-on-insulator nMOSFETs is analyzed. A model of the silicon-thickness-dependent deformation potential (

) is used to accurately calculate the mobility by considering the quantum confinement effect. The mobility enhancements in the (100) and (110) orientations were found to exhibit considerably different silicon thickness dependencies. As the silicon thickness decreases, the mobility enhancement in the (100) case exhibits a second peak, whereas it diminishes in the (110) case. This phenomenon results from differences in the quantization mass that affect the energy differences between the first subbands of two- and four-fold degenerate valleys.
Comparative study on interface and bulk charges in AlGaN/GaN metal–insulator–semiconductor heterostructures with Al2O3, AlN, and Al2O3/AlN laminated dielectrics
Authors: Zhu Jie-Jie , Ma Xiao-Hua , Chen Wei-Wei , Hou Bin , Xie Yong , Hao Yue
Published: November 2015

In this paper, the interface and bulk charges in AlGaN/GaN metal–insulator–semiconductor (MIS) heterostructures with AlN, Al2O3, and Al2O3/AlN laminated dielectrics were studied. In situ plasma pretreatment resulted negligible interface trap states and voltage hysteresis. The fixed charge density at Al2O3/AlN (or Al2O3/barrier) interface was estimated to be 1.66 × 1013 cm−2 by using flat-band voltage shift, and the oxide bulk charge concentration was 2.86 × 1017 cm−3. The interface charge density at other interfaces were at the order of 1011 cm−2. Simulation results using the above charge density/concentration indicated that Al2O3/AlN interface fixed charges dominated the dielectric-related voltage shift in AlGaN/GaN MIS heterostructures, which caused a large voltage shift of −3 V with 10 nm Al2O3 thickness, while the flat-band voltage variety resulting from other types of charges was within 0.1 V.