Undifferentiated Group Research Articles

Work and personal role involvement of part‐time employees: Implications for attitudes and turnover intentions

AbstractResearchers have started to argue that part‐time (PT) employees should not be viewed as one undifferentiated group, leading Martin and Sinclair to develop a PT typology based on employee demographics and personal attachments. Attitudinal and behavioral differences have been found among their groups. This prior research has been limited by classifying work role involvement through descriptions of roles outside of work, rather than assessing it empirically. We use more precise, direct measures of involvement, including time spent on, flexibility of, and psychological involvement in, roles outside work to predict differences in work role involvement, attitudes, and turnover intentions. Moreover, we test the PT typology on a geographically and occupationally diverse sample, overcoming previous generalizability concerns. We found that part‐timers with more psychological involvement in roles and those with roles outside work that are less flexible and more time intensive have less work role involvement, higher turnover intentions, and generally less positive attitudes. In addition, the results provide evidence that the more direct measures better predict work role involvement and turnover intent than the indirect PT typology measure. Implications for management and research are discussed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A NEW STROMATOLITE OCCURRENCE IN THE NSUZE GROUP, PONGOLA SUPERGROUP OF NORTHERN KWAZULU-NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA

A new site containing stromatolite-bearing silicified carbonates horizons is described in the Nsuze Group within the Nkandla Basin of the Pongola Supergroup. The stromatolite-bearing carbonate units are interbedded with calcareous arenite and represent stratiform biostromes exhibiting both smooth and wrinkled laminations. Microbially-accentuated current ripples are regularly preserved upon stratiform stromatolitic substrates. The recognition of these stromatolite-bearing units in a previously undifferentiated Nsuze Group succession not only increases the area in which these accretionary, organo-sedimentary structures have been identified, but more importantly can provide the basis for regional lithostratigraphic correlation between the relatively well-defined stratigraphy of the main Pongola Basin and the more deformed and much less well-defined sequences in the structurally complex Nkandla Basin. The improved understanding of the regional stratigraphy generated by the recognition of this stromatolite-bearing marker horizon will provide a fundamental factor in deciphering the relationships of Pongola Supergroup inliers and the tectonic development of the region during the Mesoarchaean.

Expression and clinical significance of CD8 + T cells in gastric carcinoma tissues

Objective To study the expression and clinical significance of infiltrating lymphocytes CD8 + T in gastric carcinoma tissues.Methods The expression of infiltrating lymphocytes CD8 + T in 102surgically resected specimens of gastric cancer tissues was detected by using immunohistochemistry.Results CD8+ T cells were expressed both in gastric carcinoma,gastritis and gastric polyp tissues,but the number of CD8 + T cells in gastric carcinoma tissues [(29.53 ± 14.71 )/high powered field (HPF)]wassignificantly greater than in gastritis tissues [( 19.54 ±8.10)/HPF]and polyp tissues [( 14.26 ±6.83)/HPF](P ＜0.05).No correlation was found between CD8 + T lymphocyte count and gender,age,tumor location,tumor size,lymph node metastasis,tumor relapse,pathological grade or TNM stage ( P ＞ 0.05 ).However,there was a statistically significant correlation between the number of CD8 + T cells and the histological type,invasive depth.The CD8 + T cell count was obviously higher in the differentiated group [(33.9 ± 18.4)/HPF]than in the undifferentiated group [(27.6 ± 12.0)/HPF]( t = 2.04,P＜0.05 ).And the number of CD8 + T cells was greater in the non-invasive group [(38.8 ± 13.8)/HPF]than in the invasive group [(27.7 ± 14.1 )/HPF]( t = 2.45,P＜0.05 ).The median survival time of gastric cancer patients with high expression of CD8 + T cells was 5 months longer than in those with low expression,but there was no significant difference.Multi-factor COX model analysis demonstrated that the risk of death in gastric cancer patients was lower in the CD8 + T cells high expression group than in the low expression group ( RR = 0.82,95%,CI = 0.41-1.65 ).Conclusion Detection of infiltrating lymphocytes CD8 + T expression in gastric carcinoma tissues will be beneficial to the judgment of the prognosis. Key words: Gastric carconoma; Infiltrate; Lymphocytes; CD8

Expression of matrix metalloproteinase 2, matrix metalloproteinase 9 and vascular endothdial growth factor in retinoblastoma

Objective To observe the expression of matrix metalloproteinase(MMP-2, MMP-9 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in retinoblastoma (RB) and its relationship with the differentiation and optic nerve infiltration of RB. Methods Forty paraffin specimens of pathological confirmed RB were studied. They were divided into differentiated group (15 cases) and undifferentiated group (25 cases) , optic nerve infiltration group( 13 cases) and without optic nerve infiltration group(27cases). The expression of MMP-2, MMP-9 and VEGF were detected by immunohistochemistry, their relationships with the differentiation and optic nerve infiltration were also analyzed. Results The positive rate of MMP-2, MMP-9 and VEGF expression in 40 RB cases were 52.5%, 57.5% and 72.5%respectively. The expression of MMP-2, MMP-9 and VEGF in the undifferentiated group were significantly higher than those in the differentiated group (χ2= 9. 037, 9. 253, 8. 095;P＜0. 05). The expression ofMMP-2, MMP-9 and VEGF in RB with optic nerve infiltration group were significantly higher than those in RB without optic nerve infiltration group (χ2=11.045,10. 243, 8. 956;P＜0. 05). The expression of MMP-2,MMP-9 had a positive correlation with the expression of VEGF in RB (r= 0. 126, 0. 314;P ＜ 0. 05).Conclusions MMP-2, MMP-9 and VEGF expressed in RB tumor tissues. The expression of MMP-2,MMP-9 has a positive correlation with the expression of VEGF. The levels of MMP-2, MMP-9 and VEGF expression are related to optic nerve infiltration of RB cells. Key words: Retinoblastoma/pathophysiology; Matrix metalloproteinases; Vascular endothelial growth factors

Expression of BMP-7 in human gastric cancer and its clinical significance

Background:Bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7) is a signalling molecule belonging to the transforming growth factor--superfamily. Recent studies have demonstrated the clinical impact of BMP-7 expression in various human cancers. However, there have been few reports detailing this in gastric cancer.Methods:We immunohistochemically investigated the expression of BMP-7 in 233 gastric cancer patients to disclose the clinicopathological features of BMP-7-positive gastric cancer.Results:Immunohistochemically, in human gastric cancer, BMP-7 expression was identified in cellular membranes but also in the cytoplasm of cancer cells. Bone morphogenetic protein-7-positive expression was found in 129 of 233 patients (55%). Bone morphogenetic protein-7 expression was correlated with tumour size, nodal involvement, lymphatic invasion, venous invasion and histology (P<0.05). Bone morphogenetic protein-7 expression was significantly correlated with patient postoperative outcome, especially in the undifferentiated group. Multivariate analysis revealed BMP-7 expression as one of the independent prognostic factors next to the depth of invasion and nodal involvement (P<0.01).Conclusions:From the data collected, it would be appropriate to conclude on the possible regulation of gastric cancer progression by autocrine or paracrine BMP-7 loops. We can use BMP-7 expression as one of the strong predictors of risk of tumour recurrence in gastric cancer.

Status and Cooperation Shape Lesbian Stereotypes

Research on perceptions of homosexuals implicitly assumes that individuals think about lesbians as an undifferentiated group. By contrast, this paper investigated the stereotypes of the overall category as well as of different subgroups of lesbians within the frame of the stereotype content model (SCM). Participants (N = 70) rated the overall category and four subgroups on perceived warmth, competence, status, and interdependence (cooperative vs. competitive). Results showed that the overall category landed in the middle of the competence-warmth space, while the subgroups spread across the SCM dimensions. Moreover, perceived status and cooperation predicted competence and warmth stereotypes, respectively. Perceived competition failed to predict warmth stereotypes. The importance of these findings for lesbian stereotyping and for the SCM is discussed.

Clinical Outcomes of Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Undifferentiated or Submucosal Invasive Early Gastric Cancer

Background/AimsEarly gastric cancer (EGC) that is undifferentiated or shows submucosal invasion has not been generally accepted as an indication for endoscopic treatment. But recently, experiences with endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for undifferentiated EGC or submucosal invasive (SM) EGC have increased. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes of ESD for EGC with undifferentiation or submucosal invasion.MethodsBetween August 2005 and August 2009, among 210 EGCs treated using ESD at our hospital, 18 lesions were diagnosed as undifferentiated gastric cancer and 41 as SM gastric cancer. A retrospective analysis was done on the medical records of these patients.ResultsMean follow-up periods were 19.39±11.2 months. During the follow-up period, local recurrence was noted in 4 lesions. Local recurrence rates of the EGC groups (group 1, mucosal cancer with undifferentiation; group 2, SM cancer with differentiation; group 3, SM cancer with undifferentiation) were 10%, 4.5%, and 50%, respectively. Groups 1 and 2 were not significantly different in local recurrence rates compared to the mucosal cancer with differentiation group (p=0.061, p=0.125, respectively). The undifferentiated EGC group was significantly lower in curability using ESD than the differentiated EGC group (55.6% vs. 89.6%, p=0.000). The curability of the SM EGC group was lower than the mucosal EGC group (36.6% vs. 98.9%).ConclusionsComplete resection using ESD is difficult in undifferentiated and SM gastric cancers. SM cancer with undifferentiation should be treated immediately by salvage operation. For mucosal cancer with undifferentiation or SM cancer with differentiation, one should consider careful short-term follow-up.

THE SOCIAL SIGNIFICANCE OF BOOKER T. WASHINGTON

The late Booker T. Washington may be considered in four aspects. First there can be no doubt that his chief significance lies in the fact that he cannot be considered simply as an individual but that he is so inextricably woven into the national and even world movements of his day that his death becomes historic. Again, most Colored men in America are simply “Colored.” They are submerged in a great undifferentiated group; they are not considered as individuals but are lumped together as a “race.” Mr. Washington was more than “Colored.” He was an American, and the comments upon his career tend continually to emphasize the fact that such a struggle upward against terrific odds, such indomitable persistence and versatility of expedient was peculiarly American. After Frederick Douglass, Mr. Washington was the next great exemplification and revelation of problems of race and labor in America, so significant as to go to the very core of our democracy; and finally, there is to consider Mr. Washington's own personality: the silent, watchful, cautious man, rugged, nervous, popular but unsocial, slow but tireless.

Human umbilical cord Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into a Schwann-cell phenotype and promote neurite outgrowth in vitro

Cell-based therapy has achieved promising functional recovery for peripheral nerve repair. Although Schwann cells (SCs) and bone marrow derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs) are the main cell source for nerve tissue engineering, the clinical application is limited because of donor site morbidity, the invasive procedure, and the decreased number of SCs and BM-MSCs. Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJMSCs) could be a promising cell source for nerve tissue engineering because they are easily accessible and their use has no ethical issues. We investigated the phenotypic, molecular and functional characteristics of WJMSCs differentiated along a Schwann-cell lineage. Cultured WJMSCs were isolated from human umbilical cord, and the undifferentiated WJMSCs were confirmed by the detection of MSC-specific cell-surface markers. WJMSCs treated with a mixture of glial growth factors (basic fibroblast growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor and forskolin) adopted a spindle-like morphology similar to SCs. Immunocytochemical staining, RT-PCR analysis, and Western blot analysis revealed that the treated cells expressed the glial markers glial fibrillary acidic protein, p75, S100 and P0 and indicative of differentiation. On co-culture with dorsal root ganglia neurons, the differentiated WJMSCs enhanced the number of sprouting neurites and neurite length in dorsal root ganglia neurons. Furthermore, using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and RT-PCR methodology, we found differentiated WJMSCs secrete and express neurotrophic factors, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3). Quantification of neurite outgrowth from PC12 cells grown in differentiated WJMSCs-conditioned media demonstrates that the neurite length is significantly more than control medium and undifferentiated WJMSCs group. WJMSCs can be differentiated into cells that are Schwann-like in terms of morphologic features, phenotype, and function and could be suitable Schwann-cell substitutes for nerve repair in clinical applications.

Cohesion and Coherency in Group Analysis

Before Pines, group analytic practitioners had emphasized the concept of cohesion as the main force in keeping the group together and, as such, a crucial therapeutic factor. Pines examined the concept of coherency in psychoanalysis as a key element in healthy human development. He innovatively applied to group analysis this concept of coherency as an organizing principle that enables higher levels of functioning, in contrast to the more primitive and undifferentiated group formations that are based on cohesion. The article uses clinical material from the author’s work to illustrate Pines’ ideas. The author made a clinical mistake, but he was able to reflect on and learn from his mistake. In turn, this therapeutic process enabled him to influence the group’s complex modus operandi: from one of cohesion to one of coherency.

Exploring and comparing innovation patterns across different knowledge intensive business services

Using data from a survey of 769 firms, this paper provides empirical evidence of the nature of innovation and its determinants within knowledge intensive business services (KIBS). The aim of the paper is to analyse how KIBS innovate and whether they innovate differently in three Canadian knowledge intensive business industries: Computer System Designs and Related Services; Management, Scientific and Technical Consulting Services; and, Architectural, Engineering and Related Services. There are clear differences in the innovation profiles of the three sectors, which suggest that KIBS cannot be analysed as an undifferentiated group of establishments. However, there are also important within-sector differences that call for further investigation.

Barriers to Healthcare Among Asian Americans

The myth of the well-adjusted Asian American resulted from sample-biased research studies that concluded that Asian Americans are physically healthier and financially better off than Caucasians. The myth has been perpetuated by researchers who have often categorized Asian Americans as a single, undifferentiated group rather than as distinct ethnic groups. Consequently, data analysis techniques do not reveal distinctions that may exist had the researchers controlled for ethnic group variation. The authors discussed four major barriers—language and culture, health literacy, health insurance, and immigrant status—to healthcare that may influence within-group disparities among Asian Americans that may go unreported. The authors argue that healthcare policy makers and researchers should consider Asian Americans as members of discrete ethnic groups with unique healthcare needs. Recommendations for health policies and future research are provided.

A Study on Gender-role Identity and Cyber Delinquency in High School Students.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore gender-role identity and cyber delinquency in high school students. METHODS: Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires and analyzed by descriptive statistics, t-test, and ANOVA. The data survey was conducted with 1,208 conveniently selected high school students in Seoul, Gyung-gi and Chung-chung province. RESULTS: The cyber delinquency score was 38.94 and androgyny gender role identity was most common (34.0%). There were significant differences in cyber delinquency by academic year, gender, school record, economic status, educational background of parents, experiences of smoking, drinking, runaway, and gender-role identity. According to gender-role identity, the masculinity group showed highest cyber delinquency and the undifferentiated, androgyny, and femininity groups followed respectively. CONCLUSION: These findings are expected to make a contribution to creation of ideal interventions and to help discover early stage cyber delinquency in high school students as approached by gender role identity.

Family expectations and transition experiences for young adults with severe disabilities: does syndrome matter?

The differential impact of young adult diagnosis on families during the period of transition from school to adult life was examined. Participants were parents of 246 young adults with severe learning disability aged 18‐26. Young adults were classified into four diagnostic groups: autism (N = 30), Down's syndrome (N = 68), cerebral palsy (N = 95) and an undifferentiated learning disability group (N = 53). Research questions pertained to parent expectations about their young adults' transition to living and working environments post high school. Parental satisfaction and worries were also assessed. The results indicated more community expectations of work for young adults with Down's syndrome, and more restrictive expectations for young adults with autism, including more expectations that young adults with autism would move out of the family home into a residential environment. Parents of young adults with autism also worried significantly more about various aspects of transition than other parent groups.

Vincristine, Actinomycin, and Cyclophosphamide Compared With Vincristine, Actinomycin, and Cyclophosphamide Alternating With Vincristine, Topotecan, and Cyclophosphamide for Intermediate-Risk Rhabdomyosarcoma: Children's Oncology Group Study D9803

The purpose of this study was to compare the outcome of patients with intermediate-risk rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) treated with standard VAC (vincristine, dactinomycin, and cyclophosphamide) chemotherapy to that of patients treated with VAC alternating with vincristine, topotecan, and cyclophosphamide (VAC/VTC). Patients were randomly assigned to 39 weeks of VAC versus VAC/VTC; local therapy began after week 12. Patients with parameningeal RMS with intracranial extension (PME) were treated with VAC and immediate x-ray therapy. The primary study end point was failure-free survival (FFS). The study was designed with 80% power (5% two-sided alpha level) to detect an increase in 5-year FFS from 64% to 75% with VAC/VTC. A total of 617 eligible patients were entered onto the study: 264 were randomly assigned to VAC and 252 to VAC/VTC; 101 PME patients were nonrandomly treated with VAC. Treatment strata were embryonal RMS, stage 2/3, group III (33%); embryonal RMS, group IV, less than age 10 years (7%); alveolar RMS or undifferentiated sarcoma (UDS), stage 1 or group I (17%); alveolar RMS/UDS (27%); and PME (16%). At a median follow-up of 4.3 years, 4-year FFS was 73% with VAC and 68% with VAC/VTC (P = .3). There was no difference in effect of VAC versus VAC/VTC across risk groups. The frequency of second malignancies was similar between the two treatment groups. For intermediate-risk RMS, VAC/VTC does not significantly improve FFS compared with VAC.

Pilot study of double contrast ultrasonography for pathological typing of advanced gastric cancer

Objective To explore the value of double contrast-enhanced ultrasonography(DCUS) in the evaluation of pathological typing of advanced gastric cancer. Methods Sixty one patients who had been diagnosed as gastric cancer by gastroscope and confirmed by pathology after operation were examined using DCUS. According to pathological typing, all cases were divided into mucoid gastric cancer (26 cases) and non-mucoid gastric cancer (35 cases). A comparison with final pathologic results was made after surgery. The correlation of initial enhanced features of the lesions was compared with pathological typing of gastric cancer. Results Among 26 cases of mucoid gastric cancer,21 cases of initial enhanced region were mainly focused on serosa surface or mucosa surface, which were disconnected as line-typed, and followed by lamellar signs (at least 3 seconds duration). As for 35 cases of non-mucoid gastric cancer,30 cases were presented as diffused distribution at initial enhanced region,and were enhanced thoroughly after 3 seconds. The sensitivity and specificity of initial enhanced features in diagnosing mucoid gastric cancer was 80.8% and 88.6% respectively,and the Youden's index was 0.69. In thirty five cases of non-mucoid gastric cancer, the peak intensity(PI) and enhanced intensity(EI) in poorly differentiated and undifferentiated group was higher than that in well and moderatel differentiated group significantly(P 0.05). The PI and EI in mucoid gastric cancer was lower than that in poorly differentiated and undifferentiated group of non-mucoid gastric cancer (P<0.05). Conclusions DCUS could initial estimate the pathological typing of advanced gastric caner before operation. Key words: Ultrasonography; Microbubbles; Stomach neoplasms

Gender Role Identity and Quality of Life of Hysterectomy Women Receiving Hormone Replacement Therapy

【Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the degree of the gender role identity and quality of life of women applying hormone replacement therapy with hysterectomy and to identify the relation among these variables. Methods: The subjects were 121 outpatients applying hormone replacement therapy with hysterectomy at a university hospital in Busan province. The data were collected using self-reported questionnaire and medical record, from September to October 2008. Results: There were statistically significant differences in the degree of quality of life according to the age, educational level, occupation, family economic status, Body Mass Index (BMI), menopause state, duration to restarting intercourse from hysterectomy, discomfort from intercourse, satisfaction from intercourse and duration, sources, and formulation of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The femininity identity group occupied the largest proportion (31.4%), and then the masculinity identity group (28.1%), the undifferentiated identity group (26.4%), and finally the androgyny identity group (14.1%). There was a positive correlation between femininity and quality of life (r=.276, p=.002). Conclusion: These results indicate that HRT helps the women's sense of loss caused by hysterectomy to be reduced, the postmenopausal symptom after hysterectomy to be relieved and the quality of life to be improved.】

Variability in the characteristics of fresh meat and thighs in relationship to genetic type of the heavy pig

The variability in the characteristics of fresh meat and thighs in relationship with genetic type was studied on 22 lots of heavy pigs, comprising 615 female and castrated males, randomly chosen during slaughtering in groups of 20 to 30 animals per lot. Four different genetic types reared for the production of the San Daniele dry-cured ham PDO were considered: two traditionals (Large White or Duroc x (Landrace x Large White) and two industrial hybrids (GOLAND and DANBRED). Fresh meat samples from longissimus dorsi muscle were collected to perform chemical and physical analysis. The right trimmed thighs were used to evaluate some morphological parameters along with weight losses during seasoning. The genetic type confirmed its important influence on pig carcass, meat and ham quality. The two industrial types, DANBRED in particular, tended to present a lower back fat values and a leaner carcass than the two Italian genetic types. Within the most important characteristics for the production of dry cured hams (subcutaneous fat thickness and seasoning losses) the highest differences were found among the industrials genetic types, which cannot be simply considered as an undifferentiated homogenous group.

The Expression of NMDA Receptor 1 Correlates with Clinicopathological Parameters in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Ionotropic glutamate receptors of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) type are expressed on keratinocytes and play a role in the proliferation, differentiation, and cornification of keratinocytes. However, the expression profile of NMDAR and its role in cutaneous malignancy is unclear. We analyzed the expression of NMDAR-1 in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and investigated the relationship between NMDAR-1 expression and clinicopathological parameters. Thirty-two patients with biopsy-proven cutaneous SCC were enrolled in this study. Each patient was analyzed for tumor diameter, location, local recurrence, and metastasis by conducting a chart review. The SCC specimens were histologically divided into differentiated and undifferentiated groups based on Broders' system. NMDAR-1 expression was examined by performing immunohistochemistry, and the relative staining intensity in the SCCs was graded into 5 levels. According to the staining intensity of NMDAR-1, the specimens were categorized into two groups: the higher group and the lower group. Fifteen (88%) of 17 tumors in the higher group were differentiated SCC, whereas 14 (93%) of 15 tumors in the lower group were undifferentiated SCC. In addition, NMDAR-1 expression was inversely correlated with metastasis (p=0.049). Local recurrence was associated with a lower staining intensity, but the results were not statistically significant. Our results demonstrate that NMDAR-1 expression in cutaneous SCC is significantly correlated with its differentiation and metastasis. Therefore, it may be a prognostic indicator for cutaneous SCC.

White collar crime, consumers and victimization

Consumers have long been recognized as one of the major groups of victims of white collar and corporate crime, although many of the activities which harm them are not widely regarded as ‘crime’. They tend to attract less publicity, and have been subject to less academic research, particularly in comparison with major financial frauds or cases involving mass harms. Moreover, there has been a tendency to view consumers as a relatively undifferentiated group, all of whom are likely to be victimized. This article identifies a wide range of crimes which affect consumers and explores some of the characteristics of victims and offenders, arguing that while all consumers are at risk, the impact of consumer crime, like other forms of crime, reflects wider patterns of structural inequality and falls most severely on the most disadvantaged.