bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leptin Induces Oncostatin M Production in Osteoblasts by Downregulating miR-93 through the Akt Signaling Pathway
Authors: Yang Wei-Hung , Tsai Chun-Hao , Fong Yi-Chin , Huang Yuan-Li , Wang Shoou-Jyi , Chang Yung-Sen , Tang Chih-Hsin
Published: September 2014

Inflammatory response and articular destruction are common symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Leptin, an adipocyte-secreted hormone that centrally regulates weight control, may exert proinflammatory effects in the joint, depending on the immune response. Yet, the mechanism of leptin interacting with the arthritic inflammatory response is unclear. This study finds that leptin increased expression of oncostatin M (OSM) in human osteoblasts in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. In addition, OBRl, but not OBRs receptor antisense oligonucleotide, abolished the leptin-mediated increase of OSM expression. On the other hand, leptin inhibited miR-93 expression; an miR-93 mimic reversed leptin-increased OSM expression. Stimulation of osteoblasts with leptin promoted Akt phosphorylation, while pretreatment of cells with Akt inhibitor or siRNA reversed leptin-inhibited miR-93 expression. Our results showed that leptin heightened OSM expression by downregulating miR-93 through the Akt signaling pathway in osteoblasts, suggesting leptin as a novel target in arthritis treatment.
Knowledge Leakages and Ways to Reduce Them in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs)
Authors: Durst Susanne , Ferenhof Helio
Published: September 2014

In this paper, we look into knowledge leakages and ways to address them. It is conducted from the point of view of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as their specific attributes create unique challenges. Based on a discussion of the relevant fields, ways are presented in order to reduce the danger of knowledge leakages. In view of practitioners, the paper’s findings may enable an increased awareness towards the areas where existing knowledge is at the mercy of “leakage”. This can assist managers of SMEs to better cope with risks related to knowledge leakage and, therefore, better exploit the (limited) knowledge base available.
Design, Synthesis and the Biological Evaluation of New 1,3-Thiazolidine-4-ones Based on the 4-Amino-2,3-dimethyl-1-phenyl-3-pyrazolin-5-one Scaffold
Authors: Apotrosoaei Maria , Vasincu Ioana , Dragan Maria , Buron Frédéric , Routier Sylvain , Profire Lenuta
Published: September 2014

New thiazolidine-4-one derivatives based on the 4-aminophenazone (4-amino-2,3-dimethyl-1-phenyl-3-pyrazolin-5-one) scaffold have been synthesized as potential anti-inflammatory drugs. The pyrazoline derivatives are known especially for their antipyretic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, but recently there were synthesized new compounds with important antioxidant, antiproliferative, anticancer and antidiabetic activities. The beneficial effects of these compounds are explained by nonselective inhibition of cyclooxygenase izoenzymes, but also by their potential scavenging ability for reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. The structure of the new compounds was proved using spectroscopic methods (FR-IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, MS). The in vitro antioxidant potential of the synthesized compounds was evaluated according to the ferric reducing antioxidant power, phosphomolydenum reducing antioxidant power, DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays. The chemical modulation of 4-aminophenazone (6) through linkage to thiazolidine-propanoic acid derivatives 5a–l led to improved antioxidant potential, all derivatives 7a–l being more active than phenazone. The most active compounds are the derivatives 7e, and 7k, which showed the higher antioxidant effect depending on the antioxidant assay considered.
Development of a Calcium Phosphate Nanocomposite for Fast Fluorogenic Detection of Bacteria
Authors: Martínez Claudio , Rodríguez Tamara , Zhurbenko Raisa , Valdés Ivonne , Gontijo Sávio , Gomes Alinne , Suarez Diego , Sinisterra Rubén , Cortés Maria
Published: September 2014

Current procedures for the detection and identification of bacterial infections are laborious, time-consuming, and require a high workload and well-equipped laboratories. Therefore the work presented herein developed a simple, fast, and low cost method for bacterial detection based on hydroxyapatite nanoparticles with a nutritive mixture and the fluorogenic substrate. Calcium phosphate ceramic nanoparticles were characterized and integrated with a nutritive mixture for the early detection of bacteria by visual as well as fluorescence spectroscopy techniques. The composite was obtained by combining calcium phosphate nanoparticles (Ca:P ratio, 1.33:1) with a nutritive mixture of protein hydrolysates and carbon sources, which promote fast bacterial multiplication, and the fluorogenic substrate 4-methylumbellipheryl-β-d-glucuronide (MUG). The composite had an average particle size of 173.2 nm and did not show antibacterial activity against Gram-negative or Gram-positive bacteria. After an Escherichia coli suspension was in contact with the composite for 60–90 min, fluorescence detected under UV light or by fluorescence spectrophotometer indicated the presence of bacteria. Intense fluorescence was observed after incubation for a maximum of 90 min. Thus, this calcium phosphate nanocomposite system may be useful as a model for the development of other nanoparticle composites for detection of early bacterial adhesion.
A Galactose-Binding Lectin Isolated from Aplysia kurodai (Sea Hare) Eggs Inhibits Streptolysin-Induced Hemolysis
Authors: Hasan Imtiaj , Watanabe Miharu , Ishizaki Naoto , Sugita-Konishi Yoshiko , Kawakami Yasushi , Suzuki Jun , Dogasaki Chikaku , Rajia Sultana , Kawsar Sarkar , Koide Yasuhiro , Kanaly Robert , Sugawara Shigeki , Hosono Masahiro , Ogawa Yukiko , Fujii Yuki , Iriko Hideyuki , Hamako Jiharu , Matsui Taei , Ozeki Yasuhiro
Published: September 2014

A specific galactose-binding lectin was shown to inhibit the hemolytic effect of streptolysin O (SLO), an exotoxin produced by Streptococcus pyogenes. Commercially available lectins that recognize N-acetyllactosamine (ECA), T-antigen (PNA), and Tn-antigen (ABA) agglutinated rabbit erythrocytes, but had no effect on SLO-induced hemolysis. In contrast, SLO-induced hemolysis was inhibited by AKL, a lectin purified from sea hare (Aplysia kurodai) eggs that recognizes α-galactoside oligosaccharides. This inhibitory effect was blocked by the co-presence of d-galactose, which binds to AKL. A possible explanation for these findings is that cholesterol-enriched microdomains containing glycosphingolipids in the erythrocyte membrane become occupied by tightly stacked lectin molecules, blocking the interaction between cholesterol and SLO that would otherwise result in penetration of the membrane. Growth of S. pyogenes was inhibited by lectins from a marine invertebrate (AKL) and a mushroom (ABA), but was promoted by a plant lectin (ECA). Both these inhibitory and promoting effects were blocked by co-presence of galactose in the culture medium. Our findings demonstrate the importance of glycans and lectins in regulating mechanisms of toxicity, creation of pores in the target cell membrane, and bacterial growth.
Design, Synthesis and Fungicidal Activities of Some Novel Pyrazole Derivatives
Authors: Liu Xue-Ru , Wu Hua , He Ze-Yu , Ma Zhi-Qing , Feng Jun-Tao , Zhang Xing
Published: September 2014

In order to discover new compounds with good fungicidal activities, 32 pyrazole derivatives were designed and synthesized. The structures of the target compounds were confirmed by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS), and their fungicidal activities against Botrytis cinerea, Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn, Valsa mali Miyabe et Yamada, Thanatephorus cucumeris (Frank) Donk, Fusarium oxysporum (S-chl) f.sp. cucumerinum Owen, and Fusarium graminearum Schw were tested. The bioassay results indicated that most of the derivatives exhibited considerable antifungal activities, especially compound 26 containing a p-trifluoromethyl- phenyl moiety showed the highest activity, with EC50 values of 2.432, 2.182, 1.787, 1.638, 6.986, and 6.043 μg/mL against B. cinerea, R. solani, V. mali, T. cucumeris, F. oxysporum, and F. graminearum, respectively. Moreover, the activities of compounds such as compounds 27–32 were enhanced by introducing isothiocyanate and carboxamide moieties to the 5-position of the pyrazole ring.
Mediterranean Diet and Cardiodiabesity: A Review
Authors: García-Fernández Elena , Rico-Cabanas Laura , Rosgaard Nanna , Estruch Ramón , Bach-Faig Anna
Published: September 2014

Cardiodiabesity has been used to define and describe the well-known relationship between type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), obesity, the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The objective of this study was to perform a scientific literature review with a systematic search to examine all the cardiovascular risk factors combined and their relationship with adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) pattern as primary prevention against cardiodiabesity in a holistic approach. Research was conducted using the PubMed database including clinical trials, cross-sectional and prospective cohort studies. Thirty-seven studies were reviewed: fourteen related to obesity, ten to CVD, nine to MetS, and four to T2DM. Indeed 33 provided strong evidence on the association between adherence to a MedDiet and a reduced incidence of collective cardiodiabesity risk in epidemiological studies. This scientific evidence makes the MedDiet pattern very useful for preventive strategies directed at the general population and also highlights the need to consider all these diet-related risk factors and health outcomes together in daily primary care.
Automatic Vehicle Extraction from Airborne LiDAR Data Using an Object-Based Point Cloud Analysis Method
Authors: Zhang Jixian , Duan Minyan , Yan Qin , Lin Xiangguo
Published: September 2014

Automatic vehicle extraction from an airborne laser scanning (ALS) point cloud is very useful for many applications, such as digital elevation model generation and 3D building reconstruction. In this article, an object-based point cloud analysis (OBPCA) method is proposed for vehicle extraction from an ALS point cloud. First, a segmentation-based progressive TIN (triangular irregular network) densification is employed to detect the ground points, and the potential vehicle points are detected based on the normalized heights of the non-ground points. Second, 3D connected component analysis is performed to group the potential vehicle points into segments. At last, vehicle segments are detected based on three features, including area, rectangularity and elongatedness. Experiments suggest that the proposed method is capable of achieving higher accuracy than the exiting mean-shift-based method for vehicle extraction from an ALS point cloud. Moreover, the larger the point density is, the higher the achieved accuracy is.
Leadership in Sustainability: Creating an Interface between Creativity and Leadership Theory in Dealing with “Wicked Problems”
Authors: Newman-Storen Renee
Published: September 2014

Fundamental to Leadership in Sustainability, a course in the Masters in Sustainability and Climate Policy (coursework) offered through Curtin University Sustainability Policy (CUSP) Institute, is that the complexity, flexibility and vitality of sustainability are precisely why sustainability practitioners commit themselves to finding new and innovative solutions to complex problems. The course asks the student to “think differently” and to engage in debate that inspires and encourages creative thinking strategies for the planning and development of our cities and communities. This paper details what the course is about, how it is structured and what the connections are between creativity, sustainability and theories of leadership, arguing that strong and resilient leadership requires thinking differently in order to deal with “wicked problems” associated with sustainability.
Carbon Emissions in China: A Spatial Econometric Analysis at the Regional Level
Authors: Liu Yu , Xiao Hongwei , Zikhali Precious , Lv Yingkang
Published: September 2014

An extended Stochastic Impacts by Regression on Population, Affluence and Technology (STIRPAT) model, incorporating factors that drive carbon emissions, is built from the regional perspective. A spatial Durbin model is applied to investigate the factors, including population, urbanization level, economic development, energy intensity, industrial structure, energy consumption structure, energy price, and openness, that impact both the scale and intensity of carbon emissions. After performing the model, we find that the revealed negative and significant impact of spatial-lagged variables suggests that the carbon emissions among regions are highly correlated. Therefore, the empirical results suggest that the provinces are doing an exemplary job of lowering carbon emissions. The driving factors, with the exception of energy prices, significantly impact carbon emissions both directly and indirectly. We, thus, argue that spatial correlation, endogeneity and externality should be taken into account in formulating polices that seek to reduce carbon emissions in China. Carbon emissions will not be met by controlling economic development, but by energy consumption and low-carbon path.
Can Environmental Laws Fulfill Their Promise? Stories from Canada
Authors: Bankes Nigel , Mascher Sharon , Olszynski Martin
Published: September 2014

Canadian environmental law has changed dramatically over the last 50 years, responding to some of the flaws and weaknesses identified by commentators seeking to explain the continuing trend in environmental degradation. The aim of this article is to tell the story of three pieces of Canadian environmental legislation, the Alberta Land Stewardship Act, the federal Species at Risk Act, and Alberta’s Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act, with a view to exploring whether the environmental ambition underlying these pieces of legislation is being realized. Our overall conclusion is that there is a significant gap between the ambition of these three pieces of environmental legislation and their actual implementation but this gap arises from design choices made by the legislature and the executive, rather than something inherent in the law itself.
Enseigner dans un dispositif auxiliaire : le cas du regroupement d'adaptation et de sa relation avec la classe d'origine de l'élève
Authors: Tambone Jeannette
Published: September 2014

Concernant le traitement de la difficulté scolaire, le système scolaire français a choisi de créer un corps d’enseignants relevant de l’enseignement spécialisé. Les regroupements d’adaptation et les maîtres exerçant en regroupement d’adaptation font partie de ce corps constitué que représente actuellement l’ASH. Dans une perspective systémique, nous décrivons à partir de la notion de valeur sociale, les relations qui lient le regroupement d’adaptation, en tant que système auxiliaire, à la classe d’origine des élèves, qui en est le système principal. Le cadre conceptuel de la recherche s’appuie sur la théorie des systèmes et les théories institutionnelles de la didactique des mathématiques.
Les pratiques d'accompagnement individualisé des jeunes au sein des Missions de Lutte contre le Décrochage Scolaire
Authors: Landès Laurence , Lefeuvre Gwenaël
Published: September 2014

Le phénomène du décrochage scolaire s’est imposé récemment dans les préoccupations politiques et scientifiques. Les missions de Lutte contre le Décrochage Scolaire (MLDS) ont pour fonction d’accompagner des jeunes de 16 ans et plus à un retour à l’emploi ou à l’accès à un diplôme. Actuellement, nous ne disposons pas (ou trop peu) de connaissances sur les pratiques des professionnels de la MLDS. Leur activité est souvent méconnue et par conséquent peu valorisée au sein même de l’éducation nationale. Dans cet article, nous analyserons, à partir d’une étude de cas, les pratiques d’accompagnement individualisé d’un jeune en situation de décrochage scolaire à partir de la théorie de la conceptualisation dans l’action développée par Pastré (2011) et Vergnaud (1996). Les résultats mettent en évidence des dilemmes dans les différents buts visés par le professionnel en situation d’accompagnement du jeune ainsi que les concepts pragmatiques sur lesquels ce dernier s’appuie pour orienter et guider ses actions.
Successful Implementation and Use of a Learning Management System
Authors: Davis Renee , Surajballi Vaneeta
Published: September 2014

The evolving world of technology has impacted nursing education in various ways. Implementing a learning management system provides a dynamic approach to traditional teaching methods. The key to successful implementation is communication. This article expands on the implementation process of a learning management system and the processes that were significantly improved due to this technology.

J Contin Educ Nurs.
2014;45(9):379–381.
Moving Down the Funnel: Progression Through the Doctor of Nursing Practice Capstone Project
Authors: Webb Judith
Published: September 2014

Students in a doctoral program often get stalled in their movement toward the final capstone project. This article describes a funnel model to help students visualize their progression toward the goal and stay focused on their topic.

J Contin Educ Nurs.
2014;45(9):384–385.
The Dementia Friendly Hospital Initiative Education Program for Acute Care Nurses and Staff
Authors: Palmer Janice L. , Lach Helen W. , McGillick Janis , Murphy-White Maggie , Carroll Maria B. , Armstrong Johanna L.
Published: September 2014

Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias have 3.2 million hospital stays annually, which is significantly more than older individuals without dementia. Hospitalized patients with dementia are at greater risk of delirium, falls, overwhelming functional decline that may extend the hospital stay, and prolonged or complicated rehabilitation. These risks highlight the need for staff education on the special care needs of this vulnerable population. This article describes a one-day education program, the Dementia Friendly Hospital Initiative, designed to teach staff how to provide the specialized care required by patients with dementia. Participants (
N
= 355) from five different hospitals, including 221 nurses, completed a pretest-posttest evaluation for the program. Changes in participants’ attitudes and practices, confidence, and knowledge were evaluated. Scores indicated significant improvement on the posttest. The evaluation provides further evidence for recommending dissemination of the Dementia Friendly Hospital Initiative.

J Contin Educ Nurs.
2014;45(9):416–424.
Differentiating Subtypes of Apathy to Improve Person-Centered Care in Frontotemporal Degeneration
Authors: Massimo Lauren , Evans Lois K. , Grossman Murray
Published: September 2014

Apathy, a reduction in goal-directed behavior (GDB), affects 90% of individuals with behavioral variant frontotemporal degeneration, which is a common cause of early onset neurodegenerative disease. The cognitive and neural impairments associated with apathy make it difficult to initiate, plan, and self-motivate activities toward a specific goal, such as dressing or bathing. These impairments are associated with significant decline in functional ability, caregiver burden, and increased cost of care due to early institutionalization. The current article reviews the evidence suggesting that apathy arises from the interruption of one or any combination of three GDB processes: initiation, planning, and motivation. From this perspective, three subtypes of apathy related to dysfunction at the level of GDB and the corresponding neuroanatomy are explored. Further research is required to confirm and measure these subtypes of apathy for use in clinical and research settings. A more precise classification of apathy by subtype will allow implementation of the most appropriate person-centered, individualized therapy. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 40(10), 58–65.]

Dr. Massimo is Postdoctoral Fellow, and Dr. Grossman is Professor and Director, Frontotemporal Degeneration Center, Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine; and Dr. Evans is Professor Emerita, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Massimo is also Postdoctoral Fellow, College of Nursing, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania.

The authors have disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise.

Address correspondence to Lauren Massimo, PhD, APRN, Postdoctoral Fellow, Frontotemporal Degeneration Center, Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 3400 Spruce Street, 3 West Gates, Philadelphia, PA 19104; e-mail:
lauren.massimo@uphs.upenn.edu.

 Received: May 01, 2014

 Accepted: August 05, 2014

Posted Online: September 8, 2014
Percutaneous Manipulation of Intra-articular Debris After Fracture-dislocation of the Femoral Head or Acetabulum
Authors: Marecek Geoffrey S. , “Chip” Routt M. L.
Published: September 2014

Traumatic fracture-dislocation of the hip usually warrants prompt management by closed manipulative reduction. In some patients, debris malpositioned between the femoral head and the acetabular dome obstructs a completely concentric reduction of the injured hip. To avoid damage to the articular surfaces, the debris between them should be removed in a timely fashion. Techniques for removal include open approaches with or without fracture fixation or hip arthroscopy. Fracture fixation and hip arthroscopy have associated risks and potential complications, may require special equipment, and may not be familiar to all surgeons. The authors present a simple fluoroscopically guided technique for the percutaneous removal of intra-articular debris between the femoral head and the acetabular dome after traumatic femoral head or acetabular fracture-dislocation. [
Orthopedics
. 2014; 37(9):603–606.]
Comparison of Two-transsacral-screw Fixation Versus Triangular Osteosynthesis for Transforaminal Sacral Fractures
Authors: Min Kyong S. , Zamorano David P. , Wahba George M. , Garcia Ivan , Bhatia Nitin , Lee Thay Q.
Published: September 2014

Transforaminal pelvic fractures are high-energy injuries that are translationally and rotationally unstable. This study compared the biomechanical stability of triangular osteosynthesis vs 2-transsacral-screw fixation in the repair of a transforaminal pelvic fracture model. A transforaminal fracture model was created in 10 cadaveric lumbopelvic specimens. Five of the specimens were stabilized with triangular osteosynthesis, which consisted of unilateral L5-to-ilium lumbopelvic fixation and ipsilateral iliosacral screw fixation. The remaining 5 were stabilized with a 2-transsacral-screw fixation technique that consisted of 2 transsacral screws inserted across S1. All specimens were loaded cyclically and then loaded to failure. Translation and rotation were measured using the MicroScribe 3D digitizing system (Revware Inc, Raleigh, North Carolina). The 2-transsacral-screw group showed significantly greater stiffness than the triangular osteosynthesis group (2-transsacral-screw group, 248.7 N/mm [standard deviation, 73.9]; triangular osteosynthesis group, 125.0 N/mm [standard deviation, 66.9];
P
=.02); however, ultimate load and rotational stiffness were not statistically significant. Compared with triangular osteosynthesis fixation, the use of 2 transsacral screws provides a comparable biomechanical stability profile in both translation and rotation. This newly revised 2-transsacral-screw construct offers the traumatologist an alternative method of repair for vertical shear fractures that provides biplanar stability. It also offers the advantage of percutaneous placement in either the prone or supine position.
Total Femoral Replacement for Salvage of Periprosthetic Fractures
Authors: Clement Nicholas D. , MacDonald Deborah , Ahmed Issaq , Patton James T. , Howie Colin R.
Published: September 2014

Patients with complex periprosthetic fracture patterns of the femur may ultimately require amputation. Some authors have described the use of mega-endoprostheses as a salvage procedure. This study reports functional outcome, complications, and implant and patient survival after total femoral replacement (TFR) for salvage of periprosthetic fracture of the femur. A prospective database of 20 consecutive patients who underwent TFR for salvage of a periprosthetic fracture was compiled. Patient demographics, mobility information, and preoperative and postoperative Short Form 12-item Survey (SF-12) and 1-year Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS) data were recorded. Postoperative complications were obtained from the hospital database and patient medical notes. One patient was lost to follow-up and was excluded from analysis. The study included 8 men and 11 women, with a mean age of 68.4 years. No significant difference was noted in the prefracture physical (4.4;
P
=.13) or mental (0.3;
P
=.78) component scores of the SF-12 compared with 1-year scores. The TESS at 1 year was 69%. However, patients were more likely to require a walking aid postoperatively (
P
<.0001). One-fourth of the patients had a postoperative medical complication. In addition, 1 patient had a dislocation and 2 patients had a periprosthetic infection. The implant survival rate was 86% at 10 years; however, the 10-year mortality rate was 58%. Although TFR for salvage of a periprosthetic fracture of the femur offers good functional outcome and implant survival, it is at the expense of postoperative complications, and TFR is associated with a high long-term mortality rate.
Surgical Excision of a Symptomatic Congenital Coracoclavicular Joint
Authors: Gibbs Stephen , Merriman Jarrad A. , Sorenson Eric , Rick Hatch George F.
Published: September 2014

The coracoclavicular joint is a rare anatomic variant that consists of an articulation between the conoid tubercle of the clavicle and the superior surface of the coracoid process of the scapula. The coracoclavicular joint is most often asymptomatic and is found incidentally. A symptomatic coracoclavicular joint is exceedingly rare, with only 17 cases reported from 1915 to 2009. Symptoms may include limited range of motion, paresthesia, and brachialgia with radiation to the ipsilateral extremity. In the case of symptomatic coracoclavicular joints for which treatment data are reported, the response to conservative management with rest, analgesics, and physical therapy has been poor. Operative management resulted in complete resolution of symptoms in most patients and symptomatic improvement in the rest. This article reports the case of a 63-year-old man who presented with chronic left anterior shoulder pain exacerbated by forward flexion and overhead activities. Radiographs and computed tomography scan of the affected shoulder showed a bony articulation between the clavicle and the coracoid process of the scapula. The patient did not achieve long-term relief through conservative measures and corticosteroid injections, so the joint was surgically excised by an open procedure. Intraoperative findings were significant for a fully formed synovial joint with a capsule articulating between the clavicle and the coracoid process. After resection, the patient had minimal residual pain, improved range of motion, and symptomatic improvement with activity. The current case provides further data that the coracoclavicular joint can be the cause of significant shoulder pain and can be treated successfully with total resection of the joint if symptoms do not improve with conservative non-operative measures.
Bilateral Deltoid Myositis Ossificans in a Weightlifter Using Anabolic Steroids
Authors: Schultzel Mark M. , Johnson Michael H. , Rosenthal Howard G.
Published: September 2014

A 40-year-old male weightlifter presented with a 6-month history of a painless mass in the right deltoid. He had no history of trauma to the shoulder other than an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair a few weeks earlier. Physical examination showed a firm, nontender mass located longitudinally and coinciding with the deltoid, measuring 12×14×4 cm. There was no limitation in range of motion or functioning. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans suggested a lobulated, heterogeneous mass with multiple areas of calcification that raised suspicion for soft tissue sarcoma vs myositis ossificans. Marginal resection of the soft tissue mass was performed, and pathologic studies confirmed the diagnosis of xanthogranulomatous myositis ossificans with dystrophic calcifications and central cystic degeneration. At 2-week follow-up, the patient had improved range of motion and pain, but he noted a second soft tissue mass in the left deltoid. The MRI and CT scans showed a 10.5×16×3.4-cm linear, lobulated lesion with multiple calcifications, similar in appearance to the contralateral deltoid. The patient admitted to frequently injecting anabolic steroids into his deltoids. Because the patient was asymptomatic on the left side and the MRI appearance of the left deltoid mass was similar to that of the myositis ossificans seen on the right side, the patient opted for nonsurgical treatment. This is a rare case of myositis ossificans occurring bilaterally in the deltoids after repeated injections of anabolic steroids. There is currently no known association between anabolic steroids and myositis ossificans. This condition often mimics malignant neoplasms, illustrating the necessity of resection for diagnostic confirmation.
Setting a Benchmark for the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) V: Striving for First-Semester Success in Nursing School
Authors: Bremner Marie N. , Blake Barbara J. , Long Janice M. , Yanosky Daniel J.
Published: September 2014

Every nursing school strives to admit students who will be successful in completing their program and passing the NCLEX
®
. Many schools use standardized testing, such as the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) V, as part of their admission criteria. This study was conducted to set an institutional benchmark of the TEAS V composite score, as recommended by the test developers. Having a benchmark would help the authors’ school of nursing to identify students who were more likely to be successful during the first semester of their nursing studies. Using past students’ composite TEAS V scores and ATI RN Fundamentals of Nursing 2010 Assessment results, a benchmark was identified. [
J Nurs Educ.
2014;53(9):537–540.]
Q-Factor Emotional Intelligence Profiles as an Area for Development in Graduate Nurse Anesthesia Students
Authors: Collins Shawn Bryant , Covrig Duane , Newman Isadore
Published: September 2014

Some fear that the added demands of the Affordable Care Act may worsen already high attrition rates among nurses. One potential solution is that graduate nursing programs must do a better job of selecting and retaining those who can persist in training to gain the clinical and leadership skills necessary to fill these new roles. Some believe emotional intelligence (EI) may help with the selection and retention of graduate nursing students. This study examined EI in 216 nurse anesthesia (NA) students. Q-factor analysis was used to create EI profiles of first-semester, 1-year, and last-semester NA students. It showed one EI type was consistent at each point in the program: High Facial Reader/Low EI Manager. [
J Nurs Educ.
2014;53(9):501–510.]
Learning to Think Like a Nurse: The Development of Clinical Judgment in Nursing Students
Authors: Ashley Jane , Stamp Kelly
Published: September 2014

The purpose of this project was to examine the clinical judgment and reasoning skills of nursing students in high-fidelity simulation. Two levels of students (N= 104), novices and those who are slightly more advanced, participated in individual videotaped simulations. Afterward, interviews were conducted to explore what the student was thinking and feeling during simulation. Five themes emerged from the interviews: thinking like a nurse, assessment, looking for answers, communication, and magical or reflective thinking. There was a clear distinction in the reasoning skills of the novice students compared with students with more clinical experience. Tanner’s model of clinical judgment in nursing is used to understand the findings of the study. [J Nurs Educ.2014;53(9):519–525.]
Atypical Antipsychotics Are Not All Alike: Side Effects and Risk Assessment
Authors: Howland Robert H.
Published: September 2014

Atypical antipsychotic drugs are not all alike with respect to their pharmacologies, therapeutic uses, and side effects, although many clinicians lump them together and do not distinguish among them. Risk assessment for the potential use of a drug, such as aripiprazole (Abilify
®
), should not focus on any particular adverse effect, but rather should consider risk assessment in a broader context. Specifically, what are the alternatives, and what are their inherent risk profiles? What is the risk of no treatment? Side effects commonly associated with a particular drug or class of drugs can also occur with other drugs. For any drug prescribed for any reason, prescribers should document discussion about common and potentially serious adverse effects, as well as document clinical monitoring. Alternative treatments and their inherent risks, along with the risks of not taking medication for a particular condition, should also be discussed with patients and documented. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 52
(9), 13–15.]
Factors Associated with Work-Related Fatigue and Recovery in Hospital Nurses Working 12-Hour Shifts
Authors: Han Kihye , Trinkoff Alison M. , Geiger-Brown Jeanne
Published: September 2014

Nurse fatigue threatens both nurse and patient safety; fatigue affects nurses' neurocognitive functioning and hinders their work performance. The authors assessed the association of work and non-work factors with acute and chronic fatigue and intershift recovery among hospital nurses working 12-hour shifts. This study used survey data from 80 nurses who provided full-time direct patient care on medical-surgical and critical care units in a large teaching hospital. Psychological job demands (e.g., work load and social support from supervisor or coworker) were significantly associated with acute and chronic fatigue and intershift recovery. Rotating shifts were significantly related to acute fatigue. Findings suggest the need for a comprehensive approach to fatigue management, including organizational support to provide healthful work schedules and favorable nursing work environments, fewer psychological and physical demands, and assistance to improve nurses' sleep quality and quantity.
The Impact of Patient Education on Anthropometric, Lipidemic, and Glycemic Parameters among Patients with Poorly Controlled Type II Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Cander Soner , Gul Ozen Oz , Gul Cuma B. , Keles Saadet B. , Yavas Sibel , Ersoy Canan
Published: September 2014

This study evaluated the impact of patient education on adherence to a diabetes care plan (e.g., anthropometric, lipidemic, and glycemic parameters) among adults with type II diabetes mellitus without adequate glycemic control. A total of 61 ambulatory adults with type II diabetes mellitus (mean age: 53.6 ± 8.2 years, 70.5% female) were evaluated for anthropometrics, duration of diabetes mellitus, type of anti-diabetic treatment, blood biochemistry, and glycemic parameters in this 3-month prospective observational single-center study. During the course of the study, participants demonstrated a significant decrease in body weight and fat percentage and HbA1c ( p < .001 for each). None of the factors evaluated was a significant determinant for glycemic parameters. These findings revealed that adults with type II diabetes mellitus who received education on adherence to routine self-monitoring of blood glucose, standard diabetic diet, and an exercise program delivered by certified diabetes educators had better glycemic control and significant decrease in body weight and fat percentage over a 3-month monitoring period.
Standing Your Ground
Authors: Irwin Barry V. W.
Published: September 2014

This chapter explores the challenges facing those involved in cyber defense at a national, organizational, and individual level. As the global economy grows more dependent on the Internet and connected infrastructure, the risk and impact of attack grows. A long-standing response to attacks of various kinds conducted on the Internet has been to filter traffic but not to respond. In some cases, reactive action is taken, but even where attribution is possible, prosecution is rare. In recent months, several countries have stated their policy of military response where they feel that their national infrastructure is threatened. The risk to organizations, civilian populations, and individuals is discussed in the case of such militant response or retaliation. The chapter further considers aspects such as reputation, neutrality, and the concept of Internet “kill switches.”
Similarity Measure for Obfuscated Malware Analysis
Authors: Vinod P. , Rakesh P. R. , Alphy G.
Published: September 2014

The threats imposed by metamorphic malware (capable of generating new variants) can easily bypass a detector that uses pattern-matching techniques. Hence, the necessity is to develop a sophisticated signature or non-signature-based scanners that not only detect zero day malware but also actively train themselves to adapt to new malware threats. The authors propose a statistical malware scanner that is effective in discriminating metamorphic malware samples from a large collection of benign executables. Previous research articles pertaining to metamorphic malware demonstrated that Next Generation Virus Kit (NGVCK) exhibited enough code distortion in every new generation to defeat signature-based scanners. It is reported that the NGVCK-generated samples are 10% similar in code structure. In the authors' proposed methodology, frequencies of opcodes of files are analyzed. The opcodes features are transformed to new feature spaces represented by similarity measures (37 similarity measure). Thus, the aim is also to develop a non-signature-based scanner trained with small feature length to classify unseen malware and benign executables.
On Complex Crimes and Digital Forensics
Authors: Olivier Martin S.
Published: September 2014

Science provides the basis for truth claims in forensics. Very little research has been done to explore the scientific basis of digital forensics. The work that has been done vary widely in what they propose; in most cases it is unclear how the philosophical remarks about such forensic science apply to digital forensics practice, or that the practical suggestions are a sufficient basis to claim that practice based on them is scientific. This chapter provides an initial exploration of the potential of decision problems from the field of algorithmics to form this scientific basis. There is no doubt that decision problems operate in the scientific domain and decision problems look similar to hypotheses to be of immediate practical use. The chapter suggests that, if decision problems are used in this manner, it is clear that current digital forensics have only scratched the surface of what is possible. Probabilistic complexity classes, for example, offer interesting possibilities for performing complex tests in relatively short times, with known error rates. Using decision problems as a demarcation criterion makes it possible to distinguish between digital forensic science (or simply digital forensics) and digital forensic craft, which should be called digital investigative technique or some other suitable term that does not imply that its use leads to scientific truths.
Higher Education in MENA through Global Lenses
Authors: Hijazi Shadi , Sowter Ben , Nag Hillol
Published: September 2014

The Higher Education sector has witnessed heightened interest in global rankings and rating systems, particularly since the 1990s, due to increased internationalisation. The purpose of this chapter is to introduce the main rankings systems of world universities, and to respectively analyse the performance of Arab universities in the MENA region. The region's performance in global rankings clearly highlights the need for increasing commitment to research by MENA universities and academic authorities. It also illustrates regional disparities among different countries and institutions, as a result of increasing investment and awareness of international competitiveness. Further development for the region's universities would benefit from understanding the overall scenario presented by global rankings and from using such rankings and other policy tools to drive institutional and national development.
The Role of Social Capital in Higher Education Institutions
Authors: Kasemsap Kijpokin
Published: September 2014

This chapter introduces the role of social capital in higher education institutions, thus explaining the concept of social capital, the dimension of social capital in higher education institutions (i.e., structural social capital and communication, relational social capital and social integration, and cognitive social capital and coordination), and the application of social capital in higher education institutions in terms of social networks, social norms, social trust, and institutional trust. Social networks, high institutional trust, social trust, and a tendency to comply with regulations are the important social characteristics that facilitate the application of environmental initiatives in higher education institutions. The enforcement of social capital will be accompanied by successful higher education institution initiatives combined with significant change in the culture of higher education institutions, thus leading to the achievement of sustainability in higher education institutions. Understanding the role of social capital will significantly enhance the educational performance and achieve educational goals in higher education institutions.
M-Learning
Authors: Pelet Jean-Eric , Khan Jashim , Papadopoulou Panagiota , Bernardin Emmanuelle
Published: September 2014

From the perspective of improving e-learning, the free access and user friendliness of User Generated Content (UGC) tools, such as social media, embedded onto mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, make them attractive to be adopted by students and professors in many institutions around the world. This chapter presents the results of an exploratory study on the use of smart phones and social media, identifying differences among countries, focusing on the MENA region (Middle East and North Africa). The objective is to facilitate the understanding of the rapidly evolving and expanding technology of smart phones and social media and explore its potential for m-learning purposes. Results show that social media and mobile devices can be effectively combined in a promising way to enable m-learning.
Promotion of Research Culture in Sur University
Authors: Sakkthivel A. M. , Sharieh Ahmad
Published: September 2014

The chapter provides a concerted framework in which SUC has achieved its mission on promoting research culture among faculty members and students. The chapter provides the chronological portrayal of a SUC developed effective strategic plan with different components, how it has been successfully executed, and how it has achieved the defined results of promoting research culture. Notwithstanding the explanation about the promotion of research culture, the chapter portrays the development and execution of different research aspects through an Approach, Deployment, Results, and Improvement (ADRI) approach. The chapter also discusses the learning from the case for the readers to imbibe and implement.
Performance Evaluation in Higher Education by Return on Investments Approach
Authors: Thuse Aniruddha
Published: September 2014

The Middle East and North African or MENA countries are very keen about restructuring in the field of education. The countries otherwise are not known for the overall industrial development and growth. The huge populations of youth and high unemployment in the MENA countries have made it essential to go for overall industrial development. However, considering the fact that the industry and education of any economy should go hand in hand, it has become unavoidable to stress the higher educational development in the MENA countries. The educational institutions that provide business education (popularly known as B-Schools) in the country will have to work with high productivity, inputs wise. This will enable the economy to bridge the industry-academic gap. However, for this, the realistic approach should be the priority to evaluate the B-Schools' productivity. The investments made in B-Schools are always high (infrastructural and financial), so Return on Investments becomes significant, not only financially but also approach wise. The same approach is discussed in this chapter with proper analysis.
Wellness Programs in Higher Education
Authors: Zutshi Ambika , Pogrebnaya Marina , Fermelis Jan
Published: September 2014

Employee wellness has become a growing concern for many organisations, which are now allocating increased resources to provide Wellness Programs (WPs) with the intention of positive outcomes for both stakeholders. Nonetheless, not all employees actively participate in these programs. In order to develop greater qualitative insights into employees' awareness of WPs and their reasons for (non)participation, semi-structured interviews were conducted with managers and employees from two non-teaching divisions in a higher education institution. Interviews revealed that many employees were unaware of the programs available to them, and that awareness, participation, and the positive outcomes were confounded by a lack of effective communication between managers and employees. The findings of this study will assist managers to acknowledge the needs of their staff in constructing appropriate and effective WPs and in utilising the communication methods most likely to be effective in facilitating employee awareness and encouraging their participation in WPs.
Global Knowledge Networking (GKN) with Utilizing of Digital Libraries
Authors: Heidari Azadeh , Nemati-Anaraki Leila
Published: September 2014

In Digital Libraries (DLs) as an innovative community environment, knowledge is nutrition, and the environment for knowledge sharing is the essential condition. As the knowledge is the heart of digital libraries, it is imperative for them to promote the innovation activities embodied by teaching and scientific research through an efficient knowledge-sharing environment. In digital environment, the role of knowledge has become even more significant. Moreover, DLs perform many knowledge-based activities, and by nature, the knowledge-sharing process is embedded in DL systems. These modern knowledge management environments need modern technologies in order to perform properly for end users and online researchers. Therefore, the aim of this chapter is to provide a model for global knowledge networking with utilizing digital libraries and artificial intelligence. The specific objectives are to describe a framework of digital libraries and concepts of Knowledge Management (KM). The chapter finds some significant overlaps between DLs and KM and integrates the knowledge-sharing process with DLs and artificial intelligence. The integration of KM and knowledge sharing can add value to develop a global knowledge networking process model so users around the globe can make use of this knowledge transmission.